#the transition in july was a point of no return

[jincheeto]

Art Summary! Except with just the Mertens

TY FOR A WONDERFUL YEAR I MADE MANY FRIENDS AND I'M SENDING ALL OF THEM FOREHEAD KISSES

hope to post more Mertens next year >:3

[drunk-on-dk]

[Teaser] Over the Country Club | Yoon Jeonghan (M)

pairing: best friend!Jeonghan x afab!reader genre/tags: fluff, angst, smut (minors do not interact), friends to lovers, a bit of unrequited love, a slice of life au, college au, post-grad au rating: 18+ (minors do NOT interact) w/c: ~3k TEASER (estimated ~15-20k for full fic, currently this may be my longest fic yet and it feels so good to really be writing again) warnings: mentions of alcohol (underage is not condoned), future smut

Summary: Jeonghan and you have known each other for as long as you can both remember. From the years spent working at the country club, to your university days, there has always been this aching feeling that neither of you can quite understand. Someone falls first, but the other falls harder.

A/N: Please let me know your thoughts on this teaser! I've been working hard to get back into writing in the new year and wanted to get comfortable with diving more into the plot. Things may change when the full fic is posted, but not much of what's in the teaser! I hope you enjoy it, and of course please message me if you'd like to be on the tag list for this fic!

I. 4th of July, the Summer Before the First Year of University

Just like every other high school student in your town, Jeonghan and you found part-time jobs at the oh-so-prestigious country club located in the next town over. One could argue it was practically a full-time job since most part-timers worked upwards of 40 hours a week due to how busy the club got during the summers. 

Not that you would complain about the hours; to be fair, you had to save up a substantial amount of money for the upcoming transition to college. The realization hit soon after graduating high school, you only had enough pocket change to fund some expenses,  which was not nearly enough to get you comfortably through the upcoming semesters. You had worked at the club most summers, but this year you took all the hours they offered. 

Plus, you’d be crazy to admit that summers working at the Lakewood Country Club weren’t some sort of fun. Plenty of your peers worked there, including Jeonghan, your longest lasting friendship due to the proximity of living next door to one another and growing up attached at the hip. 

Jeonghan worked as a caddie on the golf course. He’s gentlemanly in appearance, has just enough knowledge about what type of club to use at each hole, and has a never-ending spunk that entertains whatever group of golfers he’s assisting for the day. Jeonghan made decent tips working as a caddie, earning a couple of hundred dollars from some of his return golfers who specifically requested his assistance for an 18-hole outing. One could assume that most members of the country club were very well-off, or at least living comfortably. 

Luckily, you were stationed at the halfway house most days this summer. It’s located in the heart of the golf course, and the club consistently blasted cool air conditioning in the exposed, open bar area that was meant for golfers to stop by. Jeonghan, as scheming as ever, would ensure that his golfers stopped by for a quick refreshment at some point, knowing that he’d get to spend some time with you and help you earn some extra cash in tips from his already rowdy crew. 

You’d mix up some Manhattans or Old-Fashioned’s for the golfers, knowing the usual orders for each club member as if they had been engrained on the back of your hand (in hindsight, a freshly graduated high schooler should not have been pouring alcoholic beverages, but the country club didn’t care - your labor was cheaper than hiring a professional tender and you learned just the basics just fine). Nonetheless, your cocktails were a treat for the golfers who had been drinking beers for most of the course, most of them lukewarm or gone by the time they made it to the halfway house. 

Today is the Fourth of July, marking the mid-way point of your last summer before college. You had made your fair share of tips this summer working at the halfway house, especially due to Jeonghan’s consistent sourcing of clientele at your bar. It was a particularly hot day, one of the hottest of the summer and plenty of customers had stopped by, leaving hefty tips, feeling generous either from the heat or the holiday. 

Jeonghan approached the bar area with a heavy sigh, parking his cart hastily, but still had his typical mischievous smile etched onto his features as a crowd of familiar golfers followed behind him. Your nose scrunched in feigned disgust, a teasing smile mirroring his upon noticing just how tired and sweaty the group was from the relentless summer heat. 

Part of you thought he looked angelic from the way his sun-kissed skin gleamed, but you’d never admit that, nor would you dare to speak those thoughts out loud, not even to your closest friends who weren’t Jeonghan. However, the other part of you remembered he was just your silly best friend who smelled slightly like fresh-cut grass, sunscreen, and a hint of whatever remained of his tropical cologne. 

“The usuals?” You beamed, flashing your best customer service smile at the group, already reaching for the bottle of top-shelf whiskey displayed behind you. You received hoots and hollers along the lines of “Yes, please” from the group. Jeonghan slips behind the bar as you expertly begin to prepare drinks for the parched golfers. Normally, this was frowned upon, but Jeonghan had most of the country club supervisors wrapped around his finger. 

Jeonghan’s quick to sort through the fridge right off to your side, squatting and contemplating his options, but you have to smack his hand away from the cooler once you notice his deft fingers are reaching for a plastic shooter of whiskey.

“Y/N,” Jeonghan practically cries out, whining similar to a little boy being scolded, but he’s just your immature best friend who has a knack for trouble and stealing. You can’t always let him get away with everything. 

“You kleptomaniac, don’t you dare,” you joke, routinely preparing the drinks, laughing at the puppy dog eyes that are flashed in your direction and then back to the cold fridge. You bend down next to him, whispering quietly so that no one but Jeonghan can hear. “Wait until later, today’s manager has been keeping inventory of the alcohol as if they personally own it all. I can sneak some after my shift when I cash out.” 

Jeonghan’s pout morphs into a smirk, a devious glint in his eyes as he holds out his pinky finger. You comply, wrapping your pinky with his to silently promise that you’ll follow through later. 

“Meet at hole 12? Right at the hill behind the trees? It’s still the best spot for fireworks.” Jeonghan speaks as if it’s a secret mission - as if it’s not the same spot you’ve met to watch fireworks for the last few years working at the country club. 

“Oh, I thought we’d check out the views at hole 17 this year,” you roll your eyes mockingly, Jeonghan knows you’re messing with him, but it’s your smile that betrays your teasing, “Duh, Jeonghan. I’ll catch you there later.” 

“You know hole 17 is where Mingyu and Arin lost their virginity to each other last year,” Jeonghan pokes, settling on bottled water from the fridge and standing back up, towering over your own figure. You feel your cheeks flush, a bit flustered he’d drop that information so casually, and sure as hell hoping he didn’t think that you were suggesting anything. 

You didn’t see Jeonghan in that way, he didn’t see you in that way. Plain and simple. You two were only best friends and that’s how it would always be. 

“That’s gross, Jeonghan,” you scowl, willing away the blush that is still burning your face as you finish garnishing the drinks. “Don’t air out people’s secrets like that. That’s personal. Plus, why would I know that?” 

Jeonghan chuckles, shrugging as he helps you carry the drinks over to the golfers who have made themselves comfortable among the shaded seating outside the bar area, an outdoor fan helping cool them down. They all clamor in delight as Jeonghan and you emerge from behind the bar with the chilled drinks, quick to "cheers" each other before savoring the first sip of their beverages. 

There are smacks and sighs of delight from the group, your pride growing as they approve of the drinks, and gather up some cash for a tip. Jeonghan nudges you, urging you to accept the bills from Mr. Choi, a polite older man who continues to take care of Jeonghan and you each summer. He’s never been creepy, and he tips very well. You still feel slightly guilty each time you accept cash from him. 

“Thank you, Mr. Choi,” you speak graciously, accepting the tip, quickly shoving it into your pocket without checking the amount, and earning an approving thumbs up from the man as he takes another sip of his cocktail. 

“Save it wisely, Y/N,” Mr. Choi chimes, humming in thought, and eyes flickering between where you and Jeonghan stand. “Jeonghan tells me you’re both attending the same university in a few months. Heard you’ve both received a pretty good scholarship, even one from the club?” 

“That is correct, sir,” you nod excitedly. Not only had you both received an academic scholarship from your university, but all your years working at the club have paid off in a way you wouldn’t have imagined, earning a scholarship from the Lakewood Country Club members' foundation. “I am grateful to have received such an award. Don’t worry, I’ll make good use of it. I know Jeonghan will too. You’d never guess, but he’s a straight A student,” you tease, hiding your mouth only for Mr. Choi to see as if Jeonghan can’t hear you, and elbowing your friend in the rib cage, earning a pained groan from him. 

Mr. Choi nods in approval, a smile creeping onto his face as he chuckles at the dynamic between you two. “Glad to know my money is going towards two bright futures.” Jeonghan is pushing your bony elbow away, annoyed at your enthusiasm and teasing, further amusing Mr. Choi. “Jeonghan, make sure you don’t lose sight of Y/N during University, all sorts of partners will be chasing her. She’s intelligent and beautiful. Don’t want her forgetting about you now, do you?”

Jeonghan would groan if it wasn’t for the fact that it was Mr. Choi speaking to him. He has to restrain himself from shoving you away as well, knowing that Mr. Choi has inflated your ego a bit too much with his praise. Nonetheless, Jeonghan plays into it. “Nope, she’s stuck with me, so don’t even worry about it.”

You almost laugh out loud, reminding yourself to remain professional on the course as you fire back. “As if, Jeonghan couldn’t get rid of me even if he wanted to.” 

“Valid point,” Jeonghan grumbles, teasingly pushing you back towards the bar as if reminding you of your duties, sick of hearing the constant praise that only you’re receiving, even though there have been no additional visitors since Jeonghan’s entourage of golfers arrived. He’s quick to enthusiastically round up the crew, realizing daylight will quickly dwindle by the last hole if they don’t start back up soon. “Welp, we better let Y/N continue to work. Ready for hole 10?” 

The men are quick to gather, knocking back the remainder of their drinks, and returning to their carts as Jeonghan helps you clean up the finished glasses, your shoulders bumping into each other as you two push your way back into the bar. Mr. Choi sends a knowing look Jeonghan’s way, neither of you catching it as he wishes you a nice Fourth of July. 

“Thank you, Mr. Choi!” You wave to the man, bidding the rest of the golfing crew a nice holiday as well before turning to Jeonghan who’s finished carrying over the rest of the empty glasses. “Catch you later, Hannie?”

“Of course,” Jeonghan’s eyes lit up yet again upon hearing his childhood nickname, and is reminded of the nearing shenanigans later this afternoon. Maybe he’ll steal some snacks from the members gifting table for tonight. “I’ll see you then stay cool, Y/N!”

“You as well! Make sure to reapply your sunscreen,” you shout back, watching as Jeonghan hops in the cart with Mr. Choi and rolls his eyes at your nagging. Mr. Choi gets one final laugh before Jeonghan drives off, the entourage of golfers following closely behind. 

You’re finishing cleaning up the bar, pulling the cash from your pocket earlier and gasping upon realizing just how much Mr. Choi had tipped you. A five-hundred dollar tip. It was surely the most you’ve ever made in one round of drinks, absolutely unwarranted, and it made you feel a bit teary-eyed. You knew you couldn’t dare to return it, as Mr. Choi would definitely be offended, but you felt extremely lucky to have such nice members visit you at the halfway house, you’d have to thank him eventually. 

The rest of the day went quickly, and, much to your delight, you had made enough tips to support a chunk of your tuition and expenses for the year. Also, your manager had swapped shifts with another supervisor mid-day, who was not as hawklike. 

Leading up to the completion of your shift, you had snuck a pair of alcoholic shooters into your uniform skirt. Even in your attempt to be rebellious, you couldn’t just steal the shooters, using some of your tip money to cover the cost of the alcohol and you felt less criminal. You knew Jeonghan would tease you relentlessly about this if he was here, each shooter was no more than $3 each, but you had a knack for doing the “right thing,” or else you feared karma would get you in the long run. 

Upon reaching the end of your shift, you stopped back at the employee locker room to safely store your tips in your purse. The day had been hot, but it was cooling down now that night was approaching. 

Ultimately, you opt to throw on a sweatshirt, one that Jeonghan had purchased when you two had toured your university, which was the same one that he’d worn so many times that it’s the most comfortable piece of clothing you own. One that he couldn’t deny you of when you begged to keep it, secretly thinking that you looked cute in it even though you were practically swimming in the fabric. Disgusted that he’d even thought that, he dismissed you quickly and said you could keep it. 

The sun was setting minute by minute, meaning that Jeonghan’s shift would be finishing very soon, and you packed away the remainder of your items in your employee locker, double-checking that your skirt still had the tiny plastic alcohol bottles hidden away. 

After confirming you had said shots, you headed out to hole 12 with a spring in your step. It was a meeting spot you and Jeonghan had found your summer after freshman year of high school. There was a hill behind a bunch of trees that overlooked the valley where the main portion of the country club was located. No one was allowed on the course during after-hours, but this spot was so dark and secluded that you two hadn’t been caught yet. It was also the prime viewing spot for the club’s fireworks show, and it was your little secret. 

You were first to make it to the spot, plopping down on the hill and huffing in relief. Your legs ached a little from standing all day. The grass beneath you was dewy from the cool nighttime air, the humid heat from the day settling on the greenery, and it was almost enough to make you feel itchy. However, you don’t mind it, not when you have the fireworks show to look forward to. You would never mind the damp grass, especially not when you had a favorite summer tradition to share with your favorite person, your best friend. 

Jeonghan’s shift ended a bit later than yours, but he didn’t arrive at the spot much later than you. He meant to grab a bag of popcorn or something, but he didn’t want to leave you hanging for too long. 

Jeonghan tried to sneak up on you, but you’re too smart, too knowing of his antics. So when you turn around knowingly, with two opened Whiskey shooters in hand, he chuckles almost maniacally at your annoyed expression that doesn’t fully translate into your impish eyes. You two were one and the same. 

“What are you waiting for, Hannie? These shots aren’t getting any colder. Not when they’ve been in my skirt for the past hour.”

“Eugh, now you’re the one oversharing,” Jeonghan groans in disapproval, sitting down next to you on the grass, and gratefully accepting the shot regardless of your TMI comment. Your knees knock each other as you turn to face him, but a friendly touch isn’t foreign to either of you. “You’re the gross one, Y/N.” 

“Oh, shut up,” you giggle, holding the shot out in front of him and teasingly shaking the plastic bottle. You sing song, “The night’s not getting any younger either.”  

Nodding in acknowledgment, Jeonghan smirks and shares a few words, “Cheers to our last summer before we’re miserable college students. Cheers to fewer hours spent in the heat at this country club. Cheers to our everlasting friendship.” 

With his final words, you’re both knocking back your shots, groaning in unison as the spicy drink burns and settles in your stomach, instantly warming your body at the sensation. Your face scrunches up at the taste and Jeonghan can’t help but laugh uncontrollably.

“Stop it,” you whine, your voice a bit hoarse from the alcohol but smiling nonetheless. “You aren’t any better than me. Anyways, that's enough for me tonight.”

“True,” Jeonghan contemplates, but he’s quick to poke you. “But I didn’t struggle as bad as you did.” 

“Touché,” you hum, nudging Jeonghan’s shoulder excitedly as a warning firework darts into the sky, indicating the show will be beginning shortly. “It’s starting!” 

“Alright, alright,” Jeonghan is groaning at your bony elbow yet again digging into him, but he’s delighted by your excitement regardless, shoving you back as you begin to readjust for the show. “Calm down, it’s nothing crazy.” 

“No, Jeonghan,” you grin, turning your head to fully make eye contact with his wide eyes, joy flickering in your own as you peer at your best friend. “It’s nothing crazy, but it’s absolutely so special because once again we get to enjoy it here together.” 

Your emphasis on the word together almost makes him shiver, a foreign feeling rushing through him as you continue to gaze at him with those wild eyes of yours, gulping as he hesitantly nods, even though he wholeheartedly agrees it is special, but he’s not exactly sure why. “Very true,” and as if on cue, the fireworks show begins, relief flooding through him as you redirect your gaze and squeal in excitement. 

Jeonghan doesn’t understand why, but his heart pounds in his chest throughout the entire show. He thinks maybe it’s the alcohol (you and he rarely have dared to sneak alcohol before), maybe it’s the overstimulation of the fireworks, maybe it’s the thrill of knowing the golf course guards could spot you any year and escort you away, or maybe it’s the way your knee keeps brushing his thigh reminding him of just how close you two are. How much you are together here alone, just like every other summer. 

It’s a feeling he decides to ignore for the rest of the fireworks, letting himself lay back on the damp grass with you and listening as you enthusiastically point out your favorite fireworks, bickering with you when he thinks a different type of firework is prettier. 

It’s a feeling he continues to ignore as the finale comes and goes, chest fluttering at the way your eyes sparkle with golden reflections of the fireworks in the sky, and once again quickly redirecting his gaze to anything but you. 

It’s a feeling he tries his damnedest to ignore as you both continue to lay in the grass post-fireworks. Neither one of you making the first move to go home. Maybe you thought this would be the final moment of normalcy between you and Jeonghan before starting university, knowing that all friendships are bound to change with such a new chapter. Maybe he thought he’d figure out whatever it was he was feeling if he just stayed here with you a moment longer. 

It’s a feeling he struggles to ignore as you both fall into deep conversation. The one shot of alcohol makes you both loose-lipped as you reminisce on embarrassing high school stories. Reminiscing on your shitty boyfriend who broke up with you before the summer. Reminiscing on your years of friendship. 

It’s a feeling he no longer can ignore when you roll over, lips pouting and eyes teary as you start to feel emotional about your recent breakup. Something in him feels like it shatters when you ask, “Have you ever been in love before, Hannie?” 

[arthropodboy]

Help save the adorable Miss Margles

A friend of mine from High School is trying to save his new senior kitties life, but he doesn't have the funds. I thought I'd try sharing this here because Tumblr is the only place I have even a little bit of reach.

Donations and/or reblogs would be greatly appreciated

"Hello! My name is Jay and I recently adopted Margles back in the beginning of July. This senior girlie was found wandering around downtown Tacoma in really horrible condition. When she was found, she was severely underweight, dehydrated, and seemed to be ill - it was very clear that someone had dumped her, or maybe everything went wrong and she ended up alone long enough to deteriorate on the street. My homie MJ fostered her for a while until I was able to adopt her!

Despite her condition, she is one of the most affectionate and trusting cats I've met in a long time, and after bringing her home she loved hopping into bed with me in the morning and licking my face to wake me up to feed her. She also absolutely loves getting brushed/groomed. She has quickly become good buddies with Tommy as well (our other senior kitty) who had been showing signs of wanting a companion before we got her.

This past month has been a lot of back and forth to the emergency vet clinic and our primary vet clinic as we've tried to figure out what's going on with her. She has been having bloody vaginal discharge, been unable to get comfortable, urinating inappropriately, vomiting daily, has had a steadily declining appetite, and could never seem to get enough water. We treated her for a UTI, however her symptoms returned as soon as her course of antibiotics finished.

However, we finally were able to figure out what's going on with her!! She has a severe urinary tract infection with two different types of bacteria that require a longer course of special antibiotics. Miss Margles was also diagnosed with kidney disease, pancreatitis, low potassium, and low phosphate. She is also severely underweight at 4.5lbs (but has been steadily gaining weight since coming to us). Thankfully, all of these conditions are easily manageable through treatment, medication, and supplements, and Meegles should be able to recover and live out her golden years in comfort with Tommy after we get her balanced out.

Although, as someone who is currently working paycheck to paycheck at minimum wage, the bills are quickly becoming more than I can handle.

With appointments averaging around $650, recurring medications about half of that, starting a specialized kidney diet, and the costs of supplements + daily fluid therapy (and of course urine + vomit cleaning spray...) I've reached a point where I've decided to seek out financial support in mutual aid. I am very hopeful that she will make a recovery from her current condition, but I fear that if these bills become too much I will have to try to find her a new home, which is already hard enough for senior kitties, let alone a high medical needs senior cat. I don't want to have to put her through a whole life transition again; especially since I have veterinary assistant experience and work in the animal care field, and am confident with giving her specialized care in my daily routine.

I am currently giving her 4 medications a day + 2 supplements, and subcutaneous fluid therapy once or twice daily. She is also getting monthly Solensia injections for her severe arthritis due to having very low muscle/fat content. Due to the sedative effects of some of these medications, Margles is experiencing extreme muscle weakness and needs assistance getting to the litterbox in time, grooming herself after eating or peeing/pooping, and will only eat via spoon feeding for now. Its quickly become a labor of love, and I know that Margles would be better off remaining in my care as she rides out her golden years.

Any financial support for her medical needs to ensure that she gets to remain in my care would be greatly appreciated! Even like $5 goes a long way. The goal amount is based on what I've spent so far and am estimated to be spending on the next follow up appointment. I will return to working at a vet clinic soon (I am currently working with zoo animals) and should hopefully get some discounts for her lifelong fluid therapy, arthritis injections, kidney disease management, and senior wellness exams in the future, so this is just to help us through the next few visits. Times are rough for us all right now, if you aren't able to donate please boost if you can!

Thanks for taking the time to read ‍⬛ I will post updates as they come

- Jay"

[animesavior]

“Kal-El of Krypton! I answered your call. The Beacon reached me across your Galaxy, the only other Kryptonian in existence. And I arrive, only to see you brought me to this...sickening display. [Superman: "You're Kara, you're my cousin?"] And you're a disappointment. I thought I would find a warrior. Instead, I find a joke, a lapdog, serving his entertainment to a weak and dissolute world. I'm not saying that there aren't temptations here. But a true Kryptonian pushes through. This planet it's made you soft. [Superman: "What are you saying?"] You have two choices, join me in conquering this planet, or kneel before your new Kryptonian Empire.” -          Kara Zor-El, My Adventures with Superman (Season 2, Ep. 05)

The Toonami Trending Rundown for June 15-16, 2024. We reach the halfway point of My Adventures with Superman season 2 as Clark reunites with his long-lost cousin Kara. And among other great moments, we’re coming down the stretch with three more episodes of Zom 100’s first season after this week, as Akira returns home to his family; while Usopp and the Dwarves attack Sugar to try and stop her control of the toys.

For this week’s trending on Saturday, #Toonami trended in the USA on Twitter alongside My Adventures with Superman and Zom 100. No trends for Toonami Rewind on Friday were spotted this week.

This week’s feature was a new bumper ID titled “Screen Updates.” You can check it out below:

While there have been rumors and inclinations from Adult Swim that they do plan on producing a second season of Ninja Kamui, there is no official word on whether a second season is presently in production at this time. In a since-deleted news release by Business Wire, the article included a passage signifying that a second season of Ninja Kamui was in the works, saying ““NINJA KAMUI” anime series has become the most viewed anime ever in the history of both Adult Swim & MAX,” said Joseph Chou, CEO of Sola Entertainment. “We hope this game will continue to entertain the fans around the world while we work on Season 2 of the anime.””

However, Jason DeMarco has denied such an announcement, saying that “A second season has not been announced.” Chou later clarified to Anime News Network on Wednesday: “that the game's PR staff inserted the quote about Sola Entertainment "working on" a second season. While he said that they are considering new ideas, "there is nothing official at all."”

Next month, the block will be in a bit of a transition period as both Zom 100 and My Adventures with Superman will be completing their respective seasons on July 6 and July 20th respectively. For the nights of July 13 and 20th, both One Piece and Demon Slayer will have doubleheaders on the lineup on 12:30-1:30 a.m. and 3-4 a.m. respectively. Furthermore, on July 27, which ironically enough is Comic-Con week this year, My Adventures with Superman will be getting a marathon of all 10 episodes of its second season, a week after its season finale.

Not much else to say other than we hope you had a great Father's Day and Juneteenth, congratulations to the Boston Celtics on winning their record 18th NBA Championship, and stay gold.

Legend: The shows listed are ordered based on their appearance on the schedule. Show trends are listed in bold. The number next to the listed trend represents the highest it trended on the list (not counting the promoted trend), judging only by the images placed in the rundown. For the Twitter tweet counts, the listed number of tweets are also sorely based on the highest number shown based on the images on the rundown.

Toonami Rewind Trends

Tweet Counts:

Adult Swim [9,260 tweets]

#SailorMoon [2,886 tweets]

Toonami Trends

United States Trends:

#Toonami [#17]

#MyAdventuresWithSuperman [#11]

#Zom100 [#9]

Tweet Counts:

#MyAdventuresWithSuperman [1,314 tweets]

If you wish to send me a tip for the work on the trending rundown, donations can be sent to PayPal.Me/DanielLimjoco.

Only Toonami on [adult swim] on Cartoon Network.

[mariacallous]

On Monday, the Venezuela Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant for Edmundo González Urrutia, the overwhelming victor of the country’s July 28 presidential election. It was the latest escalation in Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s campaign to shut down the country’s political opposition and assert victory in a contest he patently lost. But this latest move is poised to usher the ongoing political crisis into a more dangerous phase—possibly its endgame.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who was barred from running in the election, has skillfully held together a broad coalition of support for González both within the country and abroad. On Aug. 29, European Union foreign ministers made a point of speaking with González and reaffirmed that they would not recognize Maduro’s claims of victory. Support for the opposition from the Organization of American States and the European Council, as well as the diplomatic spotlight on Maduro’s increasingly violent tactics and lack of electoral transparency, has helped keep the country’s democratic space more open than it otherwise would have been. The United States also appears to have been in back-channel talks to bring about a transition. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s call and Vice President Kamala Harris’s personal letter to Machado and González were important high-level demonstrations of support. On Monday, the United States sent a more direct message and seized Maduro’s presidential airplane. Colombia and Brazil, seen as more sympathetic to Maduro, have called for the release of the electoral results and for dialogue with the opposition.

These efforts, however, have done little to persuade Maduro to change course and accept a democratic transition. As I have previously suggested, this struggle is in part because outsiders have consistently underestimated the resilience, ruthlessness, and adaptability of Maduro’s regime.

Given the other crises on the international stage, it may be tempting for international actors to regretfully move on from Venezuela and its problems. But that would be a mistake.

The situation in Venezuela remains extremely fluid. More than a month after González’s victory, thousands of Venezuelans continue to peacefully protest and defy their government—notwithstanding increasing repression by the security forces that has led to dozens of deaths, thousands of arrests, and driven opposition leaders into hiding. The Venezuelan people and opposition continue to deliver a consistent message to the world: This is the moment for change.

There is little appetite for returning to the Trump administration’s unsuccessful policy of so-called maximum pressure. Maduro not only withstood the pressure, but he also took it as a chance to further consolidate his power within the country. However, the calibrated approach to the current crisis taken by the international community also seems to have run its course. Last year’s Barbados Agreement, which was supposed to produce democratic elections in return for the lifting of sanctions, failed to stop Maduro from manipulating the electoral process and instead gave his regime a lifeline of renewed access to global oil markets.

Now, Maduro is playing the long game. Most foreign governments are unlikely to cut diplomatic ties with his regime, and he is narrowing the political space available for the opposition and using Venezuela’s institutions to legitimize his claims of victory. As the prospect of González being detained continues to grow, the question is what more the United States and others can do as Maduro pads his government with hard-line loyalists and prepares to inaugurate himself as president on Jan. 10.

The following are measures that may already be under consideration in Washington but should become reality as soon as possible if they are going to have any impact on a rapidly deteriorating situation:

First, Blinken and U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan should personally and unequivocally warn that there will be serious consequences should Machado or González be detained or harmed. That has not happened to date, although Blinken has called for “the safety and security of the democratic opposition leaders and members” to be protected, and one of his assistant secretaries condemned Monday’s arrest warrant. But more personalized statements, like the message sent by Harris, carry extra weight at a moment of grave threat.

Second, the United States, with the European Union and other Latin American governments, should call for a United Nations General Assembly session on Venezuela with the goal of producing a resolution in support of a democratic transition and highlighting Venezuela’s plight on the global stage.

Third, while the Department of Treasury will imminently announce new sanctions on senior officials in the Venezuelan electoral council, as well as intelligence and security services, the fact is that the United States could accelerate the pace of individualized sanctions on a broader array of people responsible for repression and electoral fraud. Doing so would maximize impact at a time of considerable uncertainty. History shows that sanctions are more likely to be effective at times of high tension and in the short term, becoming less impactful over time.

Fourth, if González is arrested, it may also be time to revoke U.S. licenses for multinational oil corporations doing business with Venezuela. Global oil markets have adjusted to the energy shock of 2022—prices are actually falling—making Venezuela less of a linchpin. For Venezuela, the easing of sanctions has been a boon, with production rising from about 735,000 barrels per day in September 2023 to 908,000 in June 2024. There is no reason for the United States to help Maduro cushion his economy at this moment, and there is little evidence that the lifting of sanctions appreciably lessened out-migration from Venezuela as intended by the Barbados Agreement.

Fifth, the U.S. Department of Justice appears to be currently withholding sensitive information from the public that led it in 2020 to issue a $15 million reward for the arrest of Maduro—information that could severely damage Maduro’s legitimacy domestically and internationally if it were to expose ties to issues such as drug trafficking, corruption, and terrorism. Already in January, U.S. senators called for the release of the evidence on Maduro’s alleged money launderer, Alex Saab, who was released in a December 2023 prisoner exchange.

Sixth, and most consequential, the United States, in unison with other governments, could immediately recognize González as the president-elect of Venezuela, not just as the person who won the election. On Aug. 1, Blinken acknowledged the latter, saying, “It is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo González Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela’s July 28 presidential election.” Washington appears hesitant to formally recognize González as president-elect: The State Department’s statement marking one month following the election, for instance, called more generally for electoral transparency and for the democratic will of the Venezuelan people to be respected. The European Union is also divided on how far to go. This shell game must end, especially if González is detained. The opposition has released copies of around 80 percent of the “actas” from more than 23,000 voting stations, and it’s abundantly clear that González won fair and square.

Some may argue that recognizing González would be a rerun of what happened in 2019 when Venezuela’s National Assembly supported Juan Guaidó as interim president in a short-lived challenge to Maduro’s unconstitutional election the previous year. The current juncture, however, is profoundly different. What happened in 2019 was about constitutional violations by the Maduro government; this time around, it’s about a blatant attempt to steal an election won by an opposition candidate.

Recognizing González as president-elect would radically shift the dynamic currently in play, energizing the opposition and Venezuelan public at a time when there is a danger that internal momentum may be lost because of increasing repression.

Beyond democratic aspirations, helping the opposition succeed is crucial for reasons that transcend Venezuela’s borders. Mass migration from Venezuela and its status as a hub of international criminality and terrorism have upset regional stability, and, with the largest oil reserves in the world, the country remains an important part of geoeconomic calculations on energy security for the United States—and for China, Russia, Cuba, and Iran.

We are at a unique juncture in modern Venezuelan history, with a democratic transition on the line that will affect us all if it fails. Venezuelans will need more, not less, support in the coming weeks if they are to have a chance of success.

[girllookingoutwindow]

So apparently according to Jess Brownell the showrunner, Julie Andrews would be back for season 4 to continue voicing LW. I thought Andrews was retiring which was why Penelope revealed her identity to the ton. But if Andrews is returning than what on earth was the point of Penelope revealing her identity? I thought the narration would transition to Nicola's voice and Nicola would voice LW from now? Jess is so annoying I swear. Pen could have only revealed herself to the Queen. Everyone already knows who she is. LW is no longer a mystery. I have no hopes for the future seasons 😞

Hi, anon.

Sorry I don't have any idea of this. I think maybe it's not a bad thing. I can't think how Julie Andrews can be a bad thing.

I'm sure LW is going to have a different approach the new season, and maybe her narration is going to change a little because Penelope revealed herself.

To me that isn't necessarily a bad thing, and I want to wait before to assume the worst.

Sorry that you don't have hopes. I do. Honestly I watch the show because of Pen, so if she's not there possibly I will stop. But for now, I will wait to next season. Maybe we can have an spin-off with LW.

[therighthandofvengeance]

Just Some of Ivanova & Sheridan’s Peak Sibling Moments in Point of No Return:

MATTERS OF HONOR [S03E01]:

“You know, I’m getting a little tired of these unannounced visits by VIPs who will not tell us why they’re coming or what they’re gonna do when they get here.” “Well, leave it you to try and take all the fun out of life. I mean, come on, where’s your sense of mystery, of adventure?” “Are you trying to cheer me up?” “No, sir. Wouldn’t dream of it.” “Good. I hate being cheered up. It’s depressing.” “Well, in that case, we’re all gonna die horrible, painful, lingering deaths.” “Thank you. I feel so much better now.”

[shared looks while Mr. Endowi interrogates Delenn]

“Captain, you wanted to see me?” “Yes, Commander, um…. It’s gonna be difficult. Um, I haven’t had a chance to fill you in on everything until now, and I apologize for that. But from what I’ve just heard, we don’t have a lot of time. This is Marcus. He’s a—” “A ranger. They’ve been trained to fight the Shadows and keep an eye on what’s happening outside Babylon 5. The rangers in this area are under the direct control of you, Ambassador Delenn, and Garibaldi is functioning as your liaison. Did I leave anything out?” “Ah, when did you, how did you—” “Captain, the day something happens around here and I don’t know about it, worry.”

A DAY IN THE STRIFE [S03E03]:

“With all due respect, that was Grade-A Stupid. I mean, what if the guy would’ve gone for it? What if he would just have blown your brains all over the place? I mean, what if he— what’s that?” “Energy cap. I palmed it when I shoved the gun in his pocket.” “You are going to give me an ulcer.” “Okay, okay, next time I’ll give him a live gun. You really do want that promotion.” “Next time you’re gonna—”

“Always finding the good in every situation, eh, Captain?” “Absolutely. If I didn’t, I might end up like you.”

“I swear, if we live through this, somebody’s gonna find their automatic shower preferences reprogrammed for ice water.”

“Captain, you alright?” “Aw, nuts.” “What’s wrong? I mean, we survived.” “Right. Which means now I have to go back to that stupid transport association meeting. Oh well.” “If I live through this job, without completely losing my mind— it will be a miracle of biblical proportions.”

VOICES OF AUTHORITY [S03E05]:

“Look, I can’t make my appointment on Epsilon III. You’ll have to go in my place. Get the information and get back as soon as you can.” “Not a problem. Anything else you need?” “A glass of whiskey, a gun, and two bullets.” “Understood. I’ll call you when I get back.”

[Ivanova rolling her eyes while Sheridan kisses Julie Musante & Sheridan rolling his eyes while kissing Julie Musante, because of course this is the time Ivanova appears]

“My usual timing, sorry.”

“I can’t leave without an explanation, she’ll be all over me.” “Looks to me like she’s already all over you.”

“Good luck, Captain. I think you’re about to go where everyone has gone before.” “You—”

SIC TRANSIT VIR [S03E12]:

“Interested in a little dime-store psychoanalysis?” “No, I’m just baring my soul as a preface to asking you to give me some silverware.”

[Ivanova’s Interruption of The Almost-Kiss™️]

“Now, get the hell out of my chair.” “Yes, sir! And may I say, sir, from the bottom of my heart that you make an absolutely charming Centauri.”

A LATE DELIVERY FROM AVALON [S03E13]:

“And you have an idea.” “Always, commander. Always.”

[imaginary-regret-608]

[Maryverse] - My Take on the Timeline, A 2-for-1 Universe and Magical Marys

Before I actually begin with what's been described in the title of the post, I wanted to give context for what I'm planning to do, as well as the project which I'm doing this for (as this is something that I've never done before, both and being Non-Undertale/Deltarune content).

Maryverse is a project that I'd recently talked about in my most recent Artfight-Based Post, where I'd given context for the currently-known plot 'where the three members of 'Catgirl at Heart' (Mary Rosemary, Sasha Tones and Skylar McMilliwood) have to compete against bands of different music genres to play at the Tower of Melodies in the middle of Kitty City!'

This theory originally began after I had made my Artfight attack for @marnielovesyouu on Artfight.

While working on the attack, I had found that the Main Character of the project, Mary Rosemary, was originally only described as an unnamed 'sona' with this image as the first example of what she looks like:

I suggested about how the Current Design of Marnie's sona was an AU Version of Mary, with the two versions being seen interacting with eachother in two separate times, and the unnamed Mary (who I've been referring to as 'Surrealist' because of how her Reference Sheet is presented, as well as something later explained) being the source of eventually having the two separate versions. 'Surrealist' does have her place within the timeline that I was able to make.

Because the title to this post is longer than most other, I would reccomend abbreviation to 'Choker Theory', as it was the differences in (including designs which had returned in the later stages of Mary's life) and using to make assumptions for when and what would be happening during those times.

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

The youngest we've seen of Mary is at 10 years old as one of ‘the wee ones’, where Mary and Skylar were confirmed to know eachother as childhood ‘best friends forever’. Mary at this age has been described as sounding similar to Sheldon Cooper, or Milhouse Van Houten as an alternative suggestion from an Anonymous Ask.

The usual purple accent in Mary's hair was red during this time (which caused the nickname of ‘Bloody Mary’ after a dyeing incident that was later solved by Skylar's Parents), as this was also the time when Mary had chosen to announce her transition to her parents, Laurel and Valentina. The change from her Currently-Unrevealed Deadname from to Mary could also potentially be symbolized by the accents changing from red to pink.

Mary's school life isn't very well-known, other than it's at a time when she still wore regular, red glasses and had a triangular hairpin. It's also where she begins dating Skylar and first meets Sasha in Highschool, as well as going to a Digigirl convention known as ‘PIXICON’ (who Marnie ‘replaced’ with Starlite meaning that it's now probably a Space Girls-Themed Convention instead).

I've recently been thinking of Mary's Highschool having ‘Hairball High’ as a Headcanon Name to fit in with the other cat-based areas seen in Kitty City, and that it's where she would often play Peggle on the school computers (referencing the ‘evil bjorn’ art posted to marnielovesyouu's Tumblr Account on July 2nd of 2024 with Mary riding on top of Bjorn as he shoots lasers from his eyes), although ‘KAT COLLEGE’ is already something that exists separately. This time could also be when Mary learns more about Creepypastas and discovering the alternative meaning to her younger self's ‘Bloody Mary’ nickname, but that is another Headcanon Suggestion that I'd made (although it is somewhat based on an older idea from marnielovesyouu before ‘the wee ones’ had been designed about Mary being a creepypasta kid).

Her time at KAT COLLEGE has mostly been focused on developing plot points, with Skylar meeting Brittany, Coral and Megan, who turned Skylar against Mary for her being uncomfortably ‘weird and quirky’ when compared to who Skylar could be spending her time with. This time in Mary's life is when I imagine Mary first heard about Kitty City's Gay Bar, which currently doesn't have a canon name, but I've thought of it either being known as ‘The Purrdy Lady’ or ‘Catfight Corner’. She wouldn't reintroduce herself to Sasha at this point as he wouldn't be seen there yet, but Mary is there to take her mind off of Skylar's new “friends” after everything said by them about Mary had pissed her off (which is also based on Mary's recently-decided rule of how ‘she gets one piss per episode’).

Mary begins her job at a Hot Topic-Inspired Shop (which currently doesn't have a final name decided for it by Marnie) soon after leaving KAT COLLEGE, putting her people-pleasing tendencies to the unfortunate retail test, and it's where the idea for Catgirl at Heart is first thought of as a one man band. This would be where the name of 'Surrealist' would first be considered, with it being planned as a stage name for Mary to use during solo acts.

Although she eventually prioritizes lyric writing and being the band's guitarist/singer in present day, she's also shown to have experience with a microphone from when Mary can be seen holding one in the ‘All sold out? I have an idea!’ post from January 2nd, 2024 as she was simultaneously taking her shirt off (which was suggested through an Anonymeous Ask based on the tags of an earlier post which said about how ‘Apparently she wears a shirt sometimes’ from December 29th of 2023 where ‘She should take it off’ and ’what who said that’), as well as playing the piano and keyboard as other instruments, from what is later revealed from a sketch of her room, which is also possibly the case that ‘Surrealist’ is carrying on the second piece of art of her from June 15th of 2021. Because it has the keyboard inside that has only ever been seen inside Mary's room with her current design, it's likely that the keyboard is the primary instrument used to make covers of Video Game SoundTracks.

However, after an overwhelming day of work and many crumpled pieces of paper later, Mary revisits the Gay Bar. And two seats along, likely two seats down and leaning on her elbow for the additional coolness factor, was Sasha Tones. Mary was quick to fall in multiple contexts, making an ass of herself as she clumsily lands on her face. It took multiple visits, minor accommodation and bite-sized interactions, but Sasha was eventually the one to make it official as Mary's BoyGirlfriend and behind-the-scenes guy for Catgirl at Heart (which Mary had forgotten to specify because of her moments of infodumping across various niche topics).

After Catgirl at Heart is formed as the one man band it was initially planned to be, Mary eventually receives her first fanart. It's a simple sketch of herself being seen leaving hearts around her, but with more emphasis on the ‘catgirl’ element of herself when performing. Likely because of the band's name, Mary had also been given a visible fang, as well as cat ears and a tail. But what really brought everything together in a bundle of emotion and felicity was the message attached, with ‘I 🤍 U’ written in the upper-left corner of the page. This is why she was making music. Not just for herself, but for others also.

After seeing this, Mary is quick to tell Sasha about it, which eventually has the idea of Sasha possibly joining Catgirl at Heart as more than just a behind-the-scenes guy. Although I'm not exactly sure how Mary and Sasha would be written because of the differences between my Writing Style and marnielovesyouu's, but I think that the idea of Sasha becoming the drummer would be described through how fitting it would be to what he has already presented herself doing as a biker and professionally chilled-out badass. But with a surprising opposite to how their dynamic was in the bar scene, it was Mary mentioning how good it would feel to see the two being drawn together that had settled it. After that conversation, flattery finds its drummer, if flattery's name was Catgirl at Heart.

Mary has been confirmed to keep every fanmade present that she's ever been given, which is why I think that she could also later embody these details from her first fanart, and will let her known silliness shine at times to make her guitar cable look like a cat's tail.

Finally, although they have the least information available for them, there have been two future versions of Mary, which are a 22-Year-Old Future AU Version and ‘grandma Mary’. The Future AU Mary may not be canon, as marnielovesyouu has said that she will likely remain 20 after Marnie herself turns 20 (which she already has, and the was very impressive Fanart seen as a result of it!) because she doesn't want ro be ‘drawing grandma Mary on my deathbed’, but the idea of her ageing further is still a possibility.

22-Year-Old/Future AU Mary is the only one of the two being mentioned in this segment to have a design, which uses the second choker design from when Mary was only known by ‘Surrealist’ (which would've been after thinking of Catgirl at Heart based on My Take of the Timeline), as well a Jacket Design similar to Mary's from when marnielovesyouu was ‘MarnieSurr’ on Tumblr and Artfight in 2021 but with additional hearts seen across its sleeves.

Although it isn't as timeline-focused as everything else described, ‘grandma Mary’ implies that Mary will eventually have children and grandchildren, meaning that Mary's body is still affected by traits of Alexandria's Genesis (‘Women also do not menstruate, but are fertile’) despite her purple eyes now being caused by contact lenses.

(Anything that hasn't been added to this description is either still quite unclear in regards to its canonicity, something that has definitely been retconned, or ideas likely to be expanded on in the potential Maryverse TV Series, such as how the Battle of the Bands will be presented.)

Everything under the 'Read More' is to marnielovesyouu's other project, Luluverse, which is another one of marnielovesyouu's projects based on Magical Girl animes such as Madoka Magica.

For a smaller, bonus theory, I also thought about the possibility of Luluverse and Maryverse being connected to eachother. Lulu has been shown to be a fan of Catgirl at Heart, saying that ‘their music has helped me a lot through some tough times’, even having a picture taken with all three band members. Mary and Lulu have also been seen together in two other posts, which include ‘OC universe…. CROSSOVER!!!’ and ’Lulu meets her favorite artist’, with Lulu even being seen wearing Catgirl at Heart merchandise.

Both also have forests that relate to the story of the Main Cast before a transformation (Mary and Skylar used to play in the forest when they were younger at a similar time to when Mary announced her transition, and Lulu finds Jam Packet at an abandoned house in The Dead Forest before her hair becomes ‘spikified’).

There isn't as much to this theory when compared to My Take on the Maryverse Timeline (as that was what the focus of this post was meant to be with other ideas coming from the Timeline Take when researching these projects), unless I planned to expand upon the suggestion of Mary potentially having one of the rarer ‘ancient familiars’ that appear as being closer to animals in nature, such as the white ‘Birdy Birdy’ that Mary is seen calling over to her through whistling. that the jacket often worn by Mary is her magical girl outfit (similarly to how Lulu is with Jam Packet), which is also why she leaves hearts wherever she goes.

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

I'm not sure whether Maryverse and Luluverse have hand anything similar to this made for them, and I've never done this type of content before, so I hope that you liked My Take on the events that have been publicly-revealed so far!

Even though it was nearly a week before everything to be final, I did enjoy getting to work on this and my previous Artfight attack and I hope that more people will be able to interact with you and your work, even if it was through a series of Anonymous Asks like I did!

Maryverse, Luluverse and all art by @marnielovesyouu

Choker Theory by @imaginary-regret-608

[its-short-for-jackalope]

Some Of My Favorite Cool Staging Choices in NPMD: a ramble, by me!

(is "staging" the right term? idk I wasn't a theater kid)

this will contain spoilers, which you can probably guess since it will be tagged as such.

When we see Richie getting attacked in the cold open, he's facing the audience; when it happens again (haha whoops) he's facing away from the audience & we get to see his attacker. idk man I just think the change in perspective is rad lol

Richie and Ruth taking the stage first for "High School Is Killing Me" because they're the ones who... y'know. (rip 💀)

when that first curtain thing lifts and reveals the rest of the stage 👌��

when Steph is trying to get Pete to help her cheat on the test the spotlight on them also lights up Grace before she butts in and gets them in trouble (foreLIGHTENing eh? eh?)

the rotating nerd huddle in "Literal Monster" brings me so much joy like Yes, put those nerds on a giant Lazy Susan and watch 'em go

the nerds sneaking along in the background when Max is singing

the bit with Miss Tessberger (sp?) leaving and returning to the stage from the opposite side

just everything about Pete & Steph's phone call. everything.

the stage going almost completely dark at the end of "Cool As I Think I Am" is fucking epic ok it's such a cool transition. also Max's "I bring light to darkness" and the lighting changes for that. they're both so cool

the bathtub prop. it just looks like it was fun to make. :)

when Steph is talking to Ruth & Richie and then she just turns and they're sneaking into the bathroom. it's like a movie transition in my brain. (also Mariah's little jump like she's trying to look into a stall is adorable)

NERDY PRUDES GOING TO THE WAYLON (sp?) PLACE MY BELOVED 💙 1. walking around the orchestra pit is cool & it's a fun, slightly-more-distanced throwback to when they walk thru the audience in TGWDLM & BF; 2. cool blue lighting + silhouettes, need I say more; 3. the tattered background descending as they walk is fucking magical

it's technically not part of the show at all but i have to give a shoutout to the person near the camera who goes "oh? oh?" when Pete & Steph exchange their cute lil looks in the Waylon House 😂

Richie moving behind the tattered curtains with the camera. also I know it isn't visible but the knowledge that the skele'on costume glows in the dark gives me life. (and Steph giving Ruth a thumbs-up when she's scaring Max??? adorable)

did they blur the npmd logo and put it over Max as he's dying? i fuckin love it no joke

that row of lights onstage just silently clicking off before Max shows up to get Richie 💀💀💀 and then they slowly come back RED

wHEN THE REST OF THE CAST LINES UP TO SILENTLY STAND WITNESS FOR RICHIE'S DEATH 💀💀💀💀💀

the pauses in Jeff's announcement to let everybody groan after their name is called (Joey's "ouhh noo" gets me every time)

I haven't really mentioned choreography because idk how to talk about dancing but... "Hatchet Town" my beloved <3 (all of the choreography in the show is so fun & cool)

BBQ monologues!! the stage is a stage! (whoa, is this tgwdlm???) Love the brief single spotlight on Ruth when she goes on, and bonus points for the red, white, & blue lighting bc barbecues are intrinsically linked to the 4th of July in my brain (🇺🇲🔥)

when Grace is talking to Detective Shapiro I love how gray the stage goes, especially after how colorful the BBQ monologue was, like ugh <3 it makes it feel more serious and important like shit's about to get real (it is)

Officer Bailey (I think that's his name? i do not trust my ears) just angrily moving the chairs after Grace steals his gun and escapes custody 😂

obligatory Beanies Paulkins & HCB scene 2.0 mention <3

Pete sweetie you were just at a football game how did you mix it up with baseball you fuckin nerd (affectionate)

The Chair Mishap™ (I'm not sure but I think all 3 of them broke there, to varying degrees)

Max chasing Solomon off the stage is fun, loved that. (oh shit if he gets you next make it thr... four. you'll be four. or five, technically...? are we still counting Max? this point got derailed.)

the squad car! the lights up top, the brake lights, and also I love when the car turns and everybody just leans to the side (SiS is my favorite for this). also Max just nyooming by as Shapiro takes off is hilarious.

HOLDING COURT WITH THE VOID!!! the increasing whispers, the lighting, the LORDS APPEARING, holy SHIT

the white lights & fog during the slow-mo bullet scene idk it just makes it for me

the homecoming disco ball and the different spotlights are great :D

the group pose at the end of "Best of Me"

the colored lights & Lords laughing at the beginning of "Dirty Dudes" 🤩

okay! that's everything that caught my eye on my fourth watch, lol. obviously there are many many many more awesome little details and funny bits but I wanted to focus more on the set & staging type stuff. it's really cool and interesting to me, especially after Black Friday's glorious secret Wiggly.

if you read all of this I hope you had fun!!

if you didn't have fun, feel free to keep that fact to yourself! 👉🏻👉🏻

[mybeingthere]

Anna-Eva Bergman (1909, Sweden - 1987 France)

Anna-Eva Bergman was born in Stockholm on May 29, 1909 to a Norwegian mother and a Swedish father. Her parents separated six months after she was born and her mother brought her to Norway where she later studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Oslo (1927) and at the School of Applied Arts in Vienna (1928).

Bergman's writings and drawings show her sense of humor and observation, and demonstrate a virtuosic talent for drawing. Later, she would prove herself as an illustrator and journalist.In April 1929 she moved to Paris and enrolled at the André Lhote Academy where she met Hans Hartung. They got married the same year in Dresden.

From 1933 to 1934, the couple lived on the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. The paintings and watercolors of this period show Bergman's interest in the golden ratio and architecture, and foreshadow the simple, constructed forms of her future work.After divorcing Hartung in 1938, Bergman returned to Norway where, up to 1945, she devoted herself mainly to illustration and writing. In 1946, she committed wholeheartedly to painting again and since then she began to paint with a non-figurative approach. Line and rhythm became fundamental. This period marks a major turning point in her artistic creation: she was inventing and building a singular universe little by little. She produced her first painting in gold leaf and definitively abandoned illustration.

During the summer of 1950, Bergman took a boat trip along the Norwegian coast, visiting the Lofoten Islands and Finnmark. This trip was decisive in the evolution of her painting. With the tempera technique, she rediscovered the transparency of the landscapes and the light of the midnight sun. In 1951, following several summers spent in Citadelløya (southern Norway), Bergman produced paintings and drawings depicting the structure of rocks worn by the sea. From this series, which she called Fragments of an Island in Norway, came her first motif: stone (1952). This is a major transition in her work. Her painting then evolved towards the search for a limited number of simple motifs.In 1952, Bergman moved to Paris and found Hans Hartung again.

They remarried in 1957.In 1958, in a series of works on paper of the same format, in tempera and metal leaf, Bergman used for the first time in painting the repertoire of forms that she had developed in her work since 1952: stone, moon, star, planet, mountain, stele, tree, tomb, valley, ship, prow and mirror. These archetypal forms inspired by Scandinavian nature and the powerful Nordic light would become the central elements of Bergman's work.In 1964, Bergman and Hartung traveled by boat along the Norwegian coast, past the North Cape. For several years, Bergman would use the sketches and photographs from this trip to in her work.The couple moved to Antibes in 1973 where together they designed their house and studios which later became the Hartung-Bergman Foundation.

Bergman's work evolved towards increasingly simpler forms and a restricted color palette. She abandoned the construction of her paintings based on the golden ratio and added two themes to her vocabulary of forms: waves and rain.Anna-Eva Bergman died on Friday, July 24, 1987 at the hospital in Grasse.

[saturniandevil]

2023 Important Dates

AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast’s 2023 Forecast_, hosted by Chris Brennan, Austin Coppock, Leisa Schaim and Diana Rose Parker. As a recap of previous events our hosts connect recent AI art controversies to Venus squaring Neptune (artists vs illusions), and predicts that the Pluto in Aquarius transit will intensify these debates. Saturn in late Aquarius has seen the first successful energy-emitting controlled nuclear fusion reaction, and Austin points out that new technologies often take around 30 years, or a complete Saturn cycle, to show up in everyday life.

Major Transits

Mars Retrograde -stations direct January 12th -egress to Taurus March 25th

Saturn from Aquarius -> Pisces -ingress March 7th -begins conjunction with Neptune In the writing previous runs of Saturn in Pisces have shown us influential fantasy worlds like those of Dune (without which there’d be no Star Wars) in the mid-1960s and A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) in the 1990s, as well as nonfiction like The Communist Manifesto in the 1840s. Saturn in Pisces has also shown up in drug news, such as the synthesis of LSD, which may connect to psychedelics starting to be legalized for therapeutic use today. If these significations seem Neptunian, that’s because Saturn is copresent with Neptune in this sign. They’ll be within orb in 2025 and '26, going exact in February of 2026. This sign will also be the Saturn return of Amazon and Fox News, and in biology that of the successful cloning of Dolly the sheep. In natal charts we have the examples of Robert Downey, Jr., whose Saturn return marked a turning point in his substance use issues and career, and Rachel Carson, a biologist whose book about the effects of pesticides in our world helped launch an environmentalist movement. In general we can expect “problems with chemicals.” Pisces wants us to all be one, but Saturn reminds us how one part is hurting people more than others.

How do you put boundaries on the boundless? You may feel like you’re floating, but even the ocean has a floor. Diana predicts we may see more collective grief over lost loved ones or what could have been during the height of the pandemic. It’s also worth noting that Saturn has been in his own domicile for the last few years. Now he’s ruled by Jupiter, who will be in a different sign every year, lending a different quality to Saturn’s transit.

Pluto in Aquarius (March 23rd - June 11th) A previous example of this transit is the Luddite movement against both the technology and labor conditions of the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century. Austin predicts this to weigh on the AI conversation and Diana brings up that the recent labor movement will also factor in. Chris reminds us that Pluto takes the tiniest things and blow them up to wide importance. Pluto in Aquarius coincided with the Hatian and French Revolutions as well.

Jupiter in Aries until May 16th -in Taurus for rest of the year -begins conjunction to Uranus Jupiter immediately squares Pluto (0♒) when he enters this sign. Jupiter-Pluto contacts have shown us billionaires further expanding their wealth and explosions of conspiracy theories in recent years. Revolutions and movements questioning the good of the people & basic needs will be especially relevant in Taurus. Jupiter predicts cultural waves in both art and politics, which will be especially relevant now that he’s ruled by Venus. Similarly, Diana hopes we see new food inventions such as advances with fake meats (M&M’s were invented during the last Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Taurus). Jupiter will come in and confirm things that Uranus has been working on, such as the rising labor movement (40 hour work week was standardized under one). In this case, the innovation is rest.

Venus Retrograde in Leo (July 22nd - September 3rd)

Venus transits are on cycles of about 8 years, so expect to revisit themes from around 2014. The US Supreme court legalizing same-sex marriage (conjunct Jupiter), and our podcast hosts started working together. Are any important relationships coming up on 8 years? (Austin, who met his wife and later got married on Venus in Leo, jokingly recommends waiting a full Venus cycle to commit). Shortly after entering Leo, Venus squares Jupiter and approaches Mars--but slows down and retrogrades before overcoming him (unlike in 2020). This retrograde is also tinged by a square to Uranus, though Jupiter’s copresence may stabilize things a bit. Sense of self will be a key theme here, especially in relationships. After the rx, when she enters Virgo early in October, where Saturn in Pisces will hit her like a cold bucket of water.

Eclipses shift from Taurus/Scorpio axis to Aries/Libra axis

Month-by-Month:

January

The Mars retrograde and direct station on the 12th hangs pretty heavily over this January. Mars is supercharged by the fact that royal star Aldebaran is nearby, which can bode better for personal charts than world news. However, keep in mind that the effects will move more slowly, and that a direct Mars is still a malefic--we march forward, but into battle just yet. Expect conclusions or major turning points in conflicts that began at the retrograde's start in early October. We'll still be seeing some cleanup as he enters the post shadow period (leaves degrees he retrograded over) on the 15th. Here's the graphic from Stella on Reddit:

Mar's ruler Mercury is also retrograde going into January, and stations on the 18th. It's almost like Mars won't be fully direct until Mercury is too. It might not be fun to cut things off, but it's better than flailing around wildly with the knife. Once both these planets are direct, Jupiter in Aries will pick up a lot of momentum. The Mercury retrogrades this year will mainly occur in earth signs, so prepare to reevaluate the material realms in your life.

It's also worth noting that the US Pluto return goes exact a few days before 2023 starts, and Pluto will return to these degrees when retrograding in September. With a conjunction to Mercury we can expect to see more disclosures around hidden information about those in power.

Speaking of outer planets, the Saturn (♒)-Uranus (♉) square that's been plaguing us for the past couple years will finally fade as we enter the year. The conflict of chaos & order over society and basic needs will finally fade. With Saturn in Pisces, no one's in control!

We've got an electional chart for January 25, 2023 at about 7:20AM local time. Adjust until the rising is at about 5 degrees of Aquarius, putting the Sun right on the Ascendant. This is one of the last charts for great Saturn elections for the next 30 years or so, as he's in domicile, in the first house and of the favored sect. Great for technology, rapid communications, and endeavors that will start out slow but last for a long time. Venus in the first house will help smooth over the aesthetics of this election as well. Here is the circle chart for Denver below:

February

Valentine's Day is a little weird with Moon opposite Mars, followed by a Venus-Neptune conjunction the next day and a Saturn-Sun conjunction even after, where emotional conflict runs into idealistic dreams, which is soon crushed by reality. The Full Moon on February 5th at 16 Leo close to Uranus at 15 Taurus activates the last of that waning Saturn-Uranus square, while the Saturn-Sun square on the 16th is the last Sun-Saturn conjunction in a Saturn-ruled sign for the next couple decades. We can clearly assess what's real and make a final inspection of the wreckage from Saturn-Uranus's stress-testing. Whatever made it through the Aquarius part of your chart has a lot of endurance.

March

March calendar. 3/2 Venus conjunct Jupiter, Mercury to Pisces. 3/5 Saturn to Pisces, Virgo full moon. 3/15 Sun conjunct Neptune, 3/16 Venus to Taurus, 3/17 Sun conjunct Mercury. 3/19 Mercury to Aries, 3/20 Sun to Aries, 3/21 Aries New Moon. 3/23 Pluto to Aquarius, 3/25 Mars to Cancer, 3/28 Mercury conjunct Jupiter, 3/30 Venus conjunct Uranus.

March is a big, dynamic month full of shifts. Mars (♊) leaves the mutable signs alone and tags in Saturn (♓) to do so instead. Medieval and Arabic astrologers often counted the Sun's ingress into Aries as the start of the New Year for the world, which fits with this month bringing so many new beginnings. We're going to get two New Moons during Aries season, one of which is an eclipse, so expect a lot of Aries energy. Around the Ides of March we've got Mercury conjoining Neptune at 25 Pisces, then the Sun, with Mars at 25 Pisces squaring them, al while Venus in late Aries square Pluto in late Capricorn. These transits also highlight the third Mars-Neptune square of the latter's trek through Gemini--it's our last chance to reveal what's been murky before Mars leaves his shadow period and the sign of Gemini overall. Mars-Gemini gives us fighting words and Mars-Neptune gives us deception, so be careful where you step in the fog of war.

Mercury is doing pretty badly at the beginning of the month, being combust, squared by Mars, and stuck around Neptune--our intelligence reports will not be accurate or timely. The next week Pluto moves into Aquarius. Chris wonders if this may result in a mass disappearing of certain kinds of technology. This area of Aquarius has seen a lot of activity from Saturn and Jupiter in recent years, and Pluto will deepen those issues for a couple months before retrograding in the fall. Venus will conjoin Uranus on the degree of November's eclipse in Taurus, which can make relationships more exciting. Mars moves into Cancer, trining Saturn on the 29th-30th. It's not a particularly glorious place for Mars, but we're finally getting back to Mars as usual (direct). We may be sullen, but at least we're not shooting ourselves in the foot anymore.

April

This month gives us eclipse season and the second Mercury retrograde of year. We also get a Jupiter-Sun cazimi in Aries, resetting the Jupiter cycle for the next year. The hybrid solar eclipse eclipse will be annular for some regions and total for others (visible over the South Pacific, mostly). Here are the eclipses for 2023:

Both eclipse seasons go back and forth between the Aries-Libra and Taurus-Scorpio axis as the nodes move. Additionally, the spring eclipses are in Mars-ruled signs with Mars in Cancer, while the fall eclipses are ruled by Venus in Virgo. Thus we're moving from one Mars-Venus axis to another, with the eclipse ruler in either fall or detriment. In personal charts, this will be highlighting two sets of houses for us all. Once April 19th or so comes around, we'll find ourselves between eclipses with Mercury retrograde and Jupiter joining the North Node--a bit of a hangover from the Uranus in Taurus issues we've been seeing. Definitely expect more shipping and supply chain issues. Mercury's retrograde cycle will continue through to the next month.

May

The first of the month gives us the Mercury cazimi, which is a halfway point & turning point for the retrograde. With Pluto's station, we've got a lot of changes occurring in May. The eclipse is at 14 Scorpio, echoing the previous Uranus eclipse in November in Taurus. However, this is the final eclipse in Scorpio (though there's one more in Taurus) for the next few years. We'd expect the pressure to ease from fixed signs now that heavy-hitters are moving into mutable and cardinal signs, but the fixed signs are still feeling some residual effects for the first half of the year. Jupiter ingress will attempt to stabilize some of the trouble as he enters Taurus. His squaring Pluto and later Mars in Leo will bring some tension as well, though. Diana thinks of forest fires with Mars in Leo, with Pluto in Aquarius serving as a sudden gust of wind. Jupiter is on the North Node as well, who'll cooperate with Jovian money endeavors but not his loftier pursuits. Pay attention to which house of your chart Jupiter enters, as he may provide some stability to the rockiness we've been seeing in Taurus since the lunar eclipse in fall of 2021.

When Jupiter conjoined Pluto in 2020 there was a massive expansion of wealth for the already wealthy, and now with a square between the planets we could see a more proletarian version of wealth expanding (or at least some kind of struggle around it). Pluto's station in Aquarius should also give us a picture of his trek through this sign over the next decade or so. Conversations around control and manipulation of information may arise, which Chris connects to social media as one of the richest men in the world just bought a widely used website. Diana brings up that these apps are often intentionally designed to encourage addictive behavior, so Pluto's compulsions and obsessions and tendency to expose the dark underbelly will manifest in the tech world. We may see a contraction in tech, as issues of power and control over social networks and other large scale communications arise. Is this paranoia or rational fear?

June

Venus now enters sign in which she will retrograde, hinting at the territory we'll visit multiple times. She's approaching Mars and opposite Pluto, intensifying relationship dynamics. However she's also applying to Jupiter in her sign of Taurus, stabilizing things a little. Venus and Mars will square Uranus together before she retrogrades. Meanwhile Neptune and Saturn slow down and station, bringing emotional drag as they square our chipper Gemini Sun. When Saturn enters Cancer, the sextile to Jupiter in Taurus may bring some fertile clay for creative, sensitive, or peaceful endeavors. The overall energy is pretty loud and extroverted: if people find something distasteful, they won't be quiet about it! However, we may not see the stormy emotional undercurrents underneath this acting out.

July

Venus will square Uranus at the beginning of this month, slowing down before going retrograde on the 22nd. Mercury enters Virgo, heightening the tension between Saturn (♓) and Mars (♊). Mars-Saturn squares in the fixed signs gave us new editions of a problem we already knew about (notably changes in lockdowns and restrictions during peaks of the pandemic in the US), but in mutable signs we may get introduced to new problems nearby. Either way, Saturn stonewalls Mars's impulses. Saturn and Mars get frustrated because one's hitting the gas while the other hits the brakes, but Venus stops the car entirely and starts driving in reverse towards unfinished business earlier in the trip. Pluto will also square the Nodes in Aries/Libra after regressing into Pluto. Chris points out that gay marriage was legalized in the US under Venus in Leo, so this retrograde may see challenges to Congress's recent Defense of Marriage Act. She's also stationing right next to Lilith and considering Pluto's activity, so Austin predicts abortion will come up again, as Lilith was right over the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

August

Venus retrograde hangs over this month, although her cazimi on the 13th marks its halfway point. Inanna confronts her sister in the underworld and begins to get carried out. Venus emerges from under the beams right as she squares supportive Jupiter. Mercury begins to slow down and stations retrograde with Mars as a neighbor. Constructively, we can edit and cut things down, but interpersonally we may share harsh words. The Full Moon in Pisces will be tinged by Saturn's copresence, especially because it occurs on the degree on which Saturn stationed in June. We get a taste of what Pisces is going to feel like for the next few years, though Jupiter's sextile immediately after provides some support. It's soggy and wet, but we can grow things.

September

Mercury is the only planet in domicile for the whole month: retrograde the first half and direct for the second. With exaltation in Virgo as well, he's at his loudest! Mars is also in Libra as we enter the month, approaching a square to Pluto and a conjunction to the South Node (Tail of the Dragon) towards the end of the month, as well as a sextile to Venus. The Aries Full Moon will be eventful as a result of all this Mars activity.

October

We've got two eclipses this month as we revisit Pluto in Capricorn themes (including the founding of the US--think bones of the institutions that built the nation). Mars conjoins the South Node in the days preceding the eclipse, and squares Pluto days before he stations direct. Venus in Virgo makes us eager to critique, which is especially relevant to the US's upcoming elections season. The eclipses in Libra and Taurus will also bring major beginnings and endings to these areas of our charts. The solar eclipse at 21 Libra is a South node eclipse, which usually brings up things we've already dealt with--think "the unquiet dead." The Taurus eclipse right before Halloween has Mercury conjunct Mars opposite Jupiter. Mercury-Mars can be combative with piercing words. They will spitefully challenge the peace, stability, and excessive comfort Jupiter in Taurus has been trying to bring. However, this is the last of the fixed sign eclipses that started in 2021, bringing a major ending to that chapter of our lives. There's one more wild card with Jupiter approaching Uranus, but it's a more constructive energy, like finally being able to implement the changes we want.

November

This new Moon is the first one for awhile that's not an eclipse, and Saturn's significations in Pisces should intensify as he stations direct. Venus in Libra sextile Mercury in Sagittarius will bring us some pleasant communications and decorum. "I didn't mean what I said when Mercury was conjunct Mars!" Mars's cazimi with the Sun acts like a coal nearby that's glowing with the potential for a fire that isn't burning right now--at least until he opposes Uranus, when the tension that's been building up may find an outlet. The Mars cazimi is also trine Neptune, which may add some ease.

December

Mercury will station direct a few days after Jupiter--things will move forward at the end of the year. Venus in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Taurus will be in mutual reception with each other, bringing the two goods to us after some brooding in Scorpio. During Venus in Scorpio we might get the kinds of fights started by someone misunderstanding what your words--you can't take back what you didn't say! The tight opposition to Jupiter at the beginning of Venus in Scorpio can be fun, if not particularly useful. A trine from Saturn can make Scorpio Venus's obsessions more productive.

And that's a wrap for 2023! Thanks for reading all of this (:

[warwickroyals]

beginning - previous - next

Mrs. Jennifer Ware is the communications secretary to Nicholas and his mother. David Schuyler, who's appeared before and has been mentioned several times, is private secretary to Nicholas/Tatiana and is one of Alex's Godparents. "The people upstairs" refers to the only people "above" Nicholas's office: Louis's household and staff.

[DOCTOR] Your Royal Highness, this is Grace. She and her mother have been staying at Amanda’s House for three months.

[ALEX] It’s very nice to meet you, Grace. You’ve got my daughter’s name. Well, half her name.

[GRACE] You have a daughter?

[ALEX] Yeah, she’s around your age, too.

[GRACE] Is she a princess?

[ALEX] No, she’s an ordinary girl.

[GRACE] Does she go to school?

[SCHUYLER] I don’t understand why he chose to bring her up like that.

[JENNIFER WARE] That isn’t even the worst part.

[ALEX] Maybe when you’re feeling better you can return to school.

[SCHUYLER] Jesus Christ, why would he . . . ? I’ve seen enough; turn it off.

[JENNIFER WARE] You know what I’m about to say, don’t you? I was just telling Julianne the other day, like, what is it? “Julie, Am I a fucking mute or something?”  I’ve said this so many times: Prince Alexander is not his brother—

[SCHUYLER] I know, I know—

[JENNIFR WARE] You cannot just throw him into the wild unprepared.

[JENNIFER WARE] He needs notes, Sky! In bullet points and bold or else he won’t fucking read them! He’ll just skim them on his way there and the next thing you know, we have a member of the royal family telling a little girl in palliative care that she’ll get better one day.

[SCHUYLER] Jen, it was an honest mistake.

[JENNIFER WARE] Maybe so, but The Charlatan purchased the rights to that clip yesterday afternoon. This morning they uploaded it to Facebook. Our little mistake sits at over seven-hundred-fifty-thousand views. Over fifty-kay comments, the vast majority of them derisive in nature.

[JENNIFER WARE] The reputation of our second-in-line is holding on by a thread. It’s just been free-falling ever since he left the Prime Minister’s daughter. Even in the press briefings I’ve noticed a change in . . . temperature. That’s why I’ve waylaid you before the meeting. This is too intimate to bring up in front of the others.

[JENNIFER WARE] Listen, I feel for you. You and him were friends. The rest of us were just his employees.

[SCHUYLER] I’ve been here since 6 a.m., whatever emotional pandering you’re about to do, please make it quick.

[JENNIFER WARE] Fine, I’ll summarize. You know those boys, you’ve known them since they were babies. Most people stay with the palace, what, five, six years? You’ve been here for fifteen.

[SCHULERY] There aren’t many opportunities outside the palace. The job market isn’t the best.

[JENNIFER WARE] Don’t bullshit me. You’d began the process of transitioning out back in 2017. Everyone knows what happened.

[SCHUYLER] The late Prince of Danforth’s death was an unprecedented crisis. The family needed me.

[JENNIFER WARE] Right. And they still need you. We’re representing the future King of Sunderland, we can’t have stories of dysfunction and incompetence going to print every Sunday.

[JENNIFER WARE] Talk to those boys. Not as a private secretary, but as a surrogate father.

[SCHUYLER] I doubt they consider me as such. Well, you’re all they have.

[JENNIFER WARE] God knows you give them more attention than your own child.

[SCHUYLER]  Yes, for all the good it does. Neither are keen on listening to my advice.

[JENNIFER WARE] That’s not what the people upstairs think. They think you were the one who pressured Prince Nicholas into seeing a therapist. Oh, and one last thing: they were also saw the little clip I just showed you. The meeting you set up between Prince Alexander and The King has been canceled. Like I said: these mistakes have consequences. Talk to those boys.

[SCHUYLER] Bastards.

[ramblings-from-the-ether]

MaP I1: Week 1: Dusk before Daybreak

Night. 13th of July, 2024. Office of the Transitionary Council (temporary), Mexico City.

The situation was hilarious if you weren't yourself tasked with cleaning it up. Molly Blyndeff, the little girl whose story of childhood struggled had inspired widespread admiration, social movements and adoration; has been elected as the president of Mexico. The subsequent recount and political maneuvering before that had confirmed this beyond reasonable doubt.

You are one of the unlucky (or perhaps lucky from a certain point of view) officials assigned into the Transitional Council to oversee the transition of powers, if it does happen. To note, the Council's roster is incredibly diverse for the wrong reasons: everyone else who would have traditionally taken the job has either fled, been found dead, or resigned from their previous posts. You're even pretty sure some of your new co-workers are not Mexican, or never held government positions before this.

The previous president has resigned, citing his inability to control the violence by resurgent cartels that have pushed Mexico into a state of crisis. Nearly half of the presidential candidates were gunned down on the campaign trial, leaving a popular yet ceremonial candidate as the surviving winning candidate (on virtue of not being in the country). Unfortunately, the task of running the country now falls onto the Transitionary Council barely a week old.

Meanwhile the Supreme Court is (obviously) unhappy with the violation of constitutional requirements of candidacy, but with cartels openly supporting Molly, their hands are tied, not to mention the constant assassination attempts.

Taiga, the extra-dimensional, portal-using nation, and the girl's country of origin, has yet to make an official announcement regarding the situation. Yet their nationals in Mexico seem calm, it seems the leadership of Naven Nuknuk's joint investment programs in Mexico either gives them faith in their own safety or provided benefits to good to lose. At least there seems to be one business group not openly intending to flee.

Regardless, amongst the filled tables of the office. The Council has to decide on its first course of action as government.

3 options exist to temporarily address the crisis:

Cook up a purge of suspected affiliates of criminal organisations and declare martial law. The terroristic cartels must be struck as hard as possible before they can do more damage!

Integrate elements of the previous administration to ensure continuity of government. Focus on restoring some semblance of stability without expending too many resources.

Contact and calm powerful interests in the country from parties to business groups (including STEM), and if possible, convince them into a grand national plan to return the country to normalcy (concessions will be made though). Legitimacy of a government comes from its ability to care for its citizen's wellbeing after-all.

[wyrdwitchingways]

Hekatean Magic - Invocations, a Warding Rite, and Prayers

Here are various bits that I've written for the Goddess Hekate over the years.

Hekate Invocation (written November 2010)

Hear us Most High Hekate, Night Queen, Great Titan,

Born of Perses, the Destroyer, and Asteria, the Starry One,

Honored in Argos, Lagina, Samothrace,

Bright coiffed Goddess whose praises are sung in the three blessed realms,

We invoke thee!

You who are greatly honored by Zeus himself,

Gentle Comfort to Demeter, Wise Attendant to Persephone,

We praise you in your many forms.

May you be with us as we give due sacrifice,

And look kindly upon our offerings.

Hymn to Hekate (written December 2010)

I begin to sing of Bright-Coiffed Hekate,

Only-Begotten Maiden of Perses, the Destroyer and Asteria, the Starry One. 

Hekate, who owns many gentle and dread forms,

Of You, I sing.

Of Brimo, the Terrible One who evokes profound fear that rattles the bones,

Of Nyktipolos, the Night Wanderer who is menace and magic of the yawning dark,

Of Trioditis, the One at the Crossroads, queen of wailing wraiths and baying black bitches.

Hail Hekate, Goddess of Liminality!

Of Propylaia, the One Before the Gates of what was, what is, and what shall be,

Of Kleidouchos, Key Keeper who grants or denies access to wonders as she wishes,

Of Propolos, Attendant and Leader of those who traverse the narrow space between.

Hail Hekate, Goddess of Transition!

Of Apotropaia, Averter of Evil, guardian of those who go boldly on their path,

Of Kourotrophos, Nurse of the Young, protectress on the journey to becoming,

Of Chthonia, Lady of the Earth, who presides over the mysteries of life, death, and rebirth.

Hail Hekate, Goddess of Transformation!

Mighty Triformed Hekate, Most Manifest Goddess,

The Worker from Afar whose influence is felt over land, sea, and sky,

Mistress of Magic, Lady of Wonders, and Queen of the Mysteries,

Hear my song!

Prayer for Social Justice (written November 2015)

Mighty Hekate, Queen of Land, Sky, and Sea,

In all realms where you reign, grant us favor.

Hekate Soteira, Saving Goddess,

Strengthen us as we fight for justice.

Hekate Apotropaia, Averter of Evil,

Ward us against those who would inflict harm.

Hekate Trioditis, Goddess of the Crossroads,

We have traveled far through the yawning dark;

May you bless what remains of this long journey.

Hounds of Hekate Ward (written October 2016)

Purify and consecrate the space. Once that task is complete, take in hand a bronze sword from the central altar and speak the following lines (or something similar) with a resounding voice:

I call the Hounds of Hekate to avert any evil that may threaten our Work.

Then go to the north and with sword held point up, say:

 By the Hounds’ firm footfall in the North,

Proceed slowly to the East:

 By the Hounds’ keen senses in the East,

Walk to the South:

 By the Hounds’ dreaded bark in the South,

And to the West:

 By the Hounds’ deadly bite in the West,

Return to the North and then walk back to the center altar and say:

The ward is set.

Raise the point of the sword to the sky and then bring the point (gently) down to the ground. Return the sword to its proper place on or near the altar.

Prayer to Hekate (written July 2019)

Hekate, Titan and Queen, Goddess of the moon’s ancient magic,

Keeper of the haunted celestial palace of daemons shaping the destinies of mortals,

Bearer of the holy lantern shining pale light into the yawning dark,

Guide and guardian of black night’s liminal rites and chthonic secrets,

To you, I give due honor and reverence.

[bouquetface]

Hello there!! I wanted to participate in your solar return chart game. First of all, I really love how you explained your terms and rules and you seem like a sweet person😭

Umm yeah so I read it carefully so my birthday is 15.6.2005 and my birth time is 7:39 A.M. I was born in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma) and I currently live in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma). My current favorite song is Girls just wanna have fun by Cyndi Lauper.

Thank you so much for hosting this game and I hope you would choose me because I’ve been having a really hard time since saturn retrograde - dreaming about exes and being not productive and I really wanna know what my solar return would tell me😩 Anyways, have a nice day and blessings to you❤️

Hello 👋

Getting a higher education may be important in your chosen career. You may decide to go for grad school or a phD. You may live abroad eventually. Maybe even for schooling.

In your career, you would receive a lot of attention. You could later become an entrepreneur. A career in Law may appeal to you. However, movement is important in your career. This could indicate a physical career for example physiotherapy. Or playing on a sports team in uni. It could also indicate moving location for career. You may consider modelling as well. You have similar placements to fitness influencers.

Physically, you may appear youthful. You could have physical hobbies such as playing sports, hiking, swimming, gymnastics.

In relationships (friendship, business and romantic) watch out for controlling partners. You may encounter people who want to dim your shine. Maybe out of their jealously or insecurity. You could have relationships where they are manipulative. They want you to “save them”. They want all your attention and love but do not do the same for you.

Your future spouse is going to be very caring. They are a charming person. Polite, well groomed/handsome and very funny. They are very caring as well. They may at some point end up working from home. Or work on homes in some way. Ex: Real estate.

In your solar return, you have pluto retrograde conjunct chiron in 7th H. Your 7th ruler, saturn is in retrograde too. All this is making 2024, a year to reflect on past relationships.

This month, around July 15th, mars will conjunct uranus in 10th H. Mars traditionally rules your 9th & 4th. This indicates personal life may be made into public life. For example, people could be talking about you a lot around this time. If you feel you have kinda bad gossipy friends, try to avoid telling them any personal information. You may receive surprise news about higher education as well. Maybe an application update. 9th H is travel as well. You may have to cancel a trip or plan a trip. Uranus is surprise so it’s hard to predict what it will be. It may go unnoticed too. Maybe you are being discussed by other people. Nothing too bad so don’t worry it’ll all pass by soon enough.

Your natal first house planets, Venus & Mercury, are transitting your first house. This is positive energy. You may be receiving new status this year. Possibly getting a job, changing a job or promotion. Maybe you are graduating from something too. A celebration regarding you is likely this year. You may feel more sociable this year. You could start to friendships. Find a new community.

I hope you liked the reading 🫶 Please leave feedback.

[forensicated]

A Stiffy (*snigger*) recap for the sextet of Conviction episodes. Sadly no longer Smiffina related as Rachel (boo!) is Inspector for now but still useful for fic background further down the line as they really are quite Callum/Smithy heavy and it feeds a lot of their story.

Conviction aired between the 1st to the 16th July 2009. Gina left October 2nd 2008 so we are 9 months on from An Honour To Serve Part 2. A quick scan back through the wiki episode guides tells us that in the last few months, Smithy mentored Mel a little bit during her first NYE attached to the MET that had her brother down from 'Oop North' to get caught up in a crime, Smithy and Leanne Samuels (Witness 1-8 and others before that) got back in touch during a case that involved a single mother and her sister who happened to attend a community hub that Leanne runs. He learnt Brooke is thriving and that Leanne had met someone and was getting married. Callum got close to another victim of domestic abuse who trusted him enough to tell him about criminal matters her husband was involved with (A cash in transit job). The case was further complicated when Max trampled over it. During Nate's Extra Special School Season, Smithy was stabbed by a school boy during an arrest and his lung collapsed but luckily all was OK in the end. Diane returned for one night before she transferred to another station as a Sgt. She and Smithy ended up undercover in a club with uniform to catch the dealer of mis-identified drugs and Arun, Beth, and Sam all left.

Conviction - Part 1 - Cover Up (1/6)

Ben and Sally find a burglar still on the premises, unfortunately he runs into the allotments behind the houses and Sally loses him. Callum and Roger arrive to give support.

Smithy is called to a disturbance outside the E1 club/pub. He breaks up a fight and threatens a bloke peeing in public with arrest, only to find an assault victim next to him. He asks the rather unhelpful group watching who heard or saw anything - noone helps out!

Sally speaks to their informant, she's in her 70's and can't see very well so can't give a description other than 'male'. The owner returns rather worse the wear and doesn't seem too surprised to see the police. He claims nothing appears to be missing other than an expensive watch. Callum points out the man has a rip in his trousers and some cuts and bruises on his hand. He asks if it was a good night, and the man says he fell over after one too many. Callum just nods and tells him CID will be in touch with a crime reference number in the morning when asked about making an insurance claim.

The assault victim, Andrew Brennan, has 100 pounds and his own bank cards. It doesn't seem like a mugging. Stevie tactfully explains what happened to the mans wife when she calls. Evie rushes to the hospital and explains that her husband told her he was going to speak to someone 'about work' - he's an odd job man/painter decorator. She doesn't know who he met or who might want to hurt him. Roger finds an expensive watch engraved with OR - Oliver Robinson - the owner of the burgled home that Callum was dealing with - at the scene. Brennan could be the burglar.

In the morning, Callum and Ben head to the Brewery where Robinson works to ask if he knows Brennan. Robinson asks if he's the person who took it and Callum explains the man is still unconscious. Robinson claims not to recognise him and says he's had no work done on the house recently. He seems evasive and excuses himself for a meeting, telling them he doesn't want to take it further as he's gotten the watch back - even if the police are holding into it for the time being as evidence. Ben and Callum are in agreement - he's lying. He definitely recognised Brennan from the picture.

Smithy and Stevie return to the E1 bar where Brennan had been drinking the night before. Pete, the head barman gets them a copy of the CCTV whilst Smithy asks a woman at a table if she'd been in the night before. She says she doesn't work there and is just waiting for her boyfriend. As they leave, Jason Devlin, the manager appears and introduces himself and says he recognises Brennan and that he was with another man who was wearing a suit and they appeared to be having a 'heavy discussion'. Watching the CCTV back, Roger recognises Oliver Robinson as the man meeting Brennan.

Callum wonders if the watch was even stolen in the first place, it's possible that the 'heated discussion' turned violent outside and that the watch fell off in the fight. He wonders if Robinson faked the burglary given that - despite his inebriated condition - one of his first questions was about insurance. Noone has come forward to admit to seeing Brennan in the alley, however one witness did describe a man in a suit getting into the back of a gold coloured car at approx 9.20pm. There's no CCTV on the required street so Rachel tasks Sally and Roger with trawling through the CCTV of the surrounding area.

Rachel tasks Smithy and Stevie with returning to the hospital to speak to Brennan's wife to see if she knows if he'd worked on Robinson's house or to at least give them access to his paperwork for them to check. Things get a whole lot murkier when Evie tells them that Robinson is Andy's real surname. Brennan is his mum's maiden name that he took after he was released from a young offenders institute because he was finding it hard to get work. Stevie asks if Oliver Robinson could be a family member and his wife shakes her head. "I doubt it. His family are dead."

Smithy looks him up and finds that Brennan has convictions dated in the 1980's for drugs, theft and arson. Oliver Robinson is listed as his brother. Difficult to explain why he lied to Callum about not knowing or recognising the picture of his brother! He tells Callum that he didn't want to get him in trouble for taking his watch. Callum tells him that it's bigger than the supposed theft of his watch and that they're suspicious he infact attacked Brennan himself. Robinson insists he didn't and says that Brennan has gotten himself caught up in something that he wants nothing to do with. He's apparently hassling Robinson for money but won't tell him what it's for.

Brennan insists he doesn't know who hurt him, he was out for a few drinks after work, left the bar approximately 10 past 9 and was attacked and left laying down so didn't see who did it. Smithy asks if he left the bar with his brother. Evie is confused and asks if it's a joke and Stevie clarifies that it's the man who they spoke about earlier. She is horrified Brennan never told her about him, even if he hadn't seen him in years. She refuses to leave the room and wants to know what's going on. Smithy tells them that Robinson is being questioned and that he's told them Brennan wanted to borrow money. Brennan insists that it's money owed to him and that his brother owes him and gave him the watch. "You think it's my brother who beat me up?"

Robinson tells Callum he hadn't seen his brother since the late 80's and they were never close but he gave him 'some money' because he's his brother. Callum says that doesn't make sense. Robinson says he only met him the night before to tell him he'd give him no more before they went their separate ways. He says he left E1 before his brother and stopped for a kebab before he walked home. Callum asks what Brennan did. "Obviously he went round to my house and stole the watch, didn't he!?" "I don't know. I'm asking you."

Brennan tells Evie he's always been straight with her but doesn't say why his brother owes him several thousands of pounds. Evie storms out, followed by Stevie. Evie tells Stevie that her husband is a good man, there'll be a reason why he's lied and that they're trying for a baby but the 'trying' is proving difficult as nothing seems to be happening and they've just finished a second round of IVF.

Rachel asks Callum if it's feasible for Brennan to have gotten to his brothers and back in the time suggested. It's possible but doesn't make sense as he lives the other side of Canley so why return to the club? Robinson's kebab stop is confirmed by the CCTV from the shop and there's no way he could have returned in time to assault Brennan. Rachel suggests that if his brother didn't assault him then he definitely knows something given the fact he's lied so consistently. FIU look into Brennan's accounts and find he's paid a private fertility clinic for tests. Stevie and Smithy return to the hospital to talk to him about it but he's done an illadvised runner after getting dressed.

Evie is as confused as the officers for why her husband has left and tells them she has his keys so he can't have gone home. They ask if she has any idea where he might have gone, especially as he still thinks his brother was the one who attacked him and that he's in the frame for stealing the watch. Smithy and Stevie arrive to double check on Robinson and they find Brennan collapsing at the brewery.

Sally spots a gold Volvo on CCTV and they go to speak to the owner. He's cagey as he has been mini-cabbing without a licence but Callum just says they'll 'assume for now he's in the process of getting one'. He admits being in the area and that he picked up a man in a suit the night before. His voice sounded familiar to the driver who thinks he's spoken to him previously but can't say where or how. Callum suggests to Ben that he's a 'regular' of the drivers which could potentially lead to him being a member of staff. They take him in and run him through an ID parade of staff members from the CCTV and he identifies the owner, Devlin.

Rachel suggests that they concentrate their efforts on Devlin as the man who attacked Brennan. She shows them CCTV of Brennan and Devlin talking over the bar which seemed innocent. She suggests they have history but Devlin said he'd never met Brennan before in his life - though he would if he'd gone on to attack him. Smithy and Callum can't agree who should go speak to Devlin so Rachel says they can both go and sends Ben with them to 'keep them in line'.

At the E1 the Sgt's meet Matthew Devlin, Jason's father who asks if it's something serious. Devlin appears down the stairs with his girlfriend. He insists he was at the club all night doing the books in the back - as he'd said earlier - and that he didn't leave at 9.20pm. His father says he can vouch for him and Devlin adds that the barman, Pete and his girlfriend can too. Devlin Senior suggests they have the wrong man. "Who did you say the cab driver was?" Devlin asks. "... I didn't." Callum replies. The suit he wore is at the dry cleaners and his girlfriend covers that she spilt a drink over him approx 9pm in the smoking area - an area covered by CCTV. Callum asks for a copy and they spot Brennan talking to Devlin's girlfriend but no Devlin until they hug and the girl kisses Brennan's cheek - and Devlin appears from a doorway at 8.40pm.

Stevie tells them that she has done some digging on the earlier convictions of Brennan. Two separate witnesses spotted two boys at the scene of the arson. The officers investigating thought that it might be Oliver but their parents gave him an alibi. Oliver was older so perhaps the parents thought he'd get a rougher deal being 18 with two drug possession charges so Andrew took the rap alone and that perhaps that is why Oliver has been giving his brother money. Callum wants to nail Oliver on top of the assault but faking the burglary would only get a caution. All three say they should speak to Brennan and offer to listen should he want to clear the air.

Brennan says that he talked to the girl, Abbie, for the first time that night and that she was really nice and sweet and that the hug and kiss on the cheek meant nothing and that 'even the tall guy behind the bar was joking about it.' He says that he warned him off and to keep his hands to himself and that Brennan laughed and said she was out of his league. Stevie asks why she hugged him. Brennan explains he'd told Abbie he was about to be a dad - she asks if that was because his brother was going to pay for him to get private treatment. "You know about that?" he asks and Stevie nods and says she reckons she knows why. Brennan clams up and tells Stevie she doesn't know what she's talking about and that he served the time and will stick to his original statement if she starts digging.

Smithy suggests that Devlin is really dangerous if he can kick a man half to death for a friendly hug and kiss on the cheek. The level of violence he used is far too much for a first offence and so Devlin should be someone they know about. Rachel gives permission to bring him in for an interview.

Devlin claims he doesn't remember the conversation with Brennan and that Abbie is a very pretty girl so he's used to people hitting on her but he trusts her implicitly so has no worries. He claims the angry expression on his face is 'his thinking face' and laughs off any inference that he was the one who attacked Brennan. He claims he doesn't know which dry cleaners his suit is at because Abbie deals with it all and she has lost the ticket and mocks them for having only the word of an illegal cabby for evidence. The Sgt's are aware Abbie won't inform on her boyfriend and Smithy suggests getting forensics to go over the taxi and see if they can get some DNA. Unfortunately before they can get to the car, Sally is called to an arson attack on the cab drivers car and everyone claims they saw nothing. "If someone's trying to intimidate you-" Callum starts saying to the driver who responds. "It's worked." and he withdraws his statement. Callum tells him that with his help Devlin will go down for a long time. "Where is he now?" he asks with Callum telling him he's at the station. "Exactly..." he says, gesturing to his burning car. Callum threatens to nick him for illegal minicabbing and he tells him to arrest him and that he'd rather be sent down than have his family at risk.

Abbie can't help with the dry cleaners name and so Smithy and Callum turn to go with a warning they're going to search Devlin's house for 'the ticket' but there might be a clean up job required after. Abbie suggests there is a place on Gasson Street that they might have used. Pete is clearly listening in and then asks the men if he has been charged when Abbie goes to answer a call. He tells them that Devlin has a temper but is very wary of the CCTV camera watching them and insists he can't help them any further.

Smithy hits a dead end with the Gasson St Dry Cleaners and is not happy to have to bail Devlin because of the lack of evidence. Callum is pissed off at having to give Robinson his watch back whilst he only gets a slap on the wrist for faking a burglary. Neither are very happy boys!

Stevie and Callum tell Robinson they know exactly what happened. Robinson reluctantly hands the watch back and tells them to give it to Brennan. At the hospital Evie tells them they don't want the watch and that all she wants is their life back. She thinks that the watch would be blood money and taint whatever it bought. Brennan gives them the watch back.

Ben spots at fire engine approaching them and tells Roger that he used to beg his dad to follow them so he could see them in action. Roger chuckles and humours him and turns the car to follow the engine. "Don't say I don't treat you nice!" In the meantime Smithy is tracked down by Callum who tells him the E1 bar is on fire and both men hurry to the scene. Callum suggests Devlin has upset someone further up the food chain. "Nothing like a bit of poetic justice, hey?"