#there’s just an authenticity there that you can’t get anywhere else

[astrotruther]

Astro placements that remind me of the 'archetypes' in Robert Greene's Art of Seduction

🍉[Consider donating to 🇵🇸 listed at the end of the post]🍉

The gist of the book is that the author claims there are 9 types of people who attract our fancy, and if you look back upon your past relationships in which you had the hardest time getting over people, you'll find at least one of these archetypes had you in a chokehold. I've noticed certain placements embody these archetypes quite well. So let's get into it!

🧜‍♀️The Siren

Intense, all-consuming, irresistible. This is the kind of person who pulls you in just by existing. Their energy is sensual, they play with desire, and there's no hiding the fire behind their gaze.

Venus in Scorpio or Mars in Scorpio: These folks ooze mystery and magnetism. Venus or Mars here practically commands intense eye contact, a stare that feels like it's looking straight into your soul (and maybe reading all your secrets 👀).

Pluto in the 1st House: They have that come hither aura without even trying. Their presence is just heavy, dark, and intriguing.

Lilith aspects to Venus or Mars: Lilith knows how to channel that raw, primal energy that people can’t look away from.

🕶️The Rake

A flirt and unapologetically so. The Rake is playful, passionate, and knows how to make someone feel like they're the only person in the room. They thrive on thrilling their “prey.”

Mars in Aries: Direct, passionate, no games. Mars in Aries dives right in and doesn’t hold back, which makes people feel desired AF.

Venus in Gemini: Flirty, playful, always has the right words at the right time. They’ve got charm in every text, every look, every smirk.

Eros in the 3rd House: Eros here gets off on mental stimulation, knowing that once they can engage your mind, they can get you anywhere else too.😏

💐The Ideal Lover

Romantic, tender, understanding. They know just what you want and give it to you. There’s an aura of "I was made for you" about them that feels very movie-like.

Venus in Libra: Literally the ultimate lover. They’re charming, attentive, and all about creating harmony in love.

Neptune in the 7th House: They radiate dreamy, fairy-tale love vibes. It's a magnetic quality, and people project all kinds of fantasies onto them.

Psyche in the 1st House or conjunct Venus: Psyche brings an intuitive understanding of what people need emotionally, making them feel deeply seen.

🎭The Dandy

Unpredictable, a little bit of both masculine and feminine energy, and oh-so-daring. The Dandy doesn’t fit into any one box and totally thrives on that.

Uranus in the 1st House: Think uniqueness and uncontainable vibes. They attract attention without even trying and aren’t afraid to stand out.

Venus in Aquarius: Experimental in love, unconventional, and so full of quirks. They might dress edgy, embrace their quirks, and draw people in through pure originality.

Mars in Libra: Balances both masculine and feminine energy perfectly. Their way of pursuing people is soft yet firm, and they’re never boring.

🌱The Natural

Effortlessly cute, innocent, and unassuming. They have this way of making everyone around them feel at ease and seen. They’re playful without trying too hard, which gives a refreshing sense of authenticity.

Moon in Cancer or Venus in Cancer: They radiate warmth and gentleness. People feel safe around them and are easily drawn to their nurturing vibe.

Venus in the 5th House: This Venus placement is playful and creative, attracting people through sheer joyfulness and a love for fun.

Ceres in the 1st or 7th House: Ceres has that caring, supportive energy that makes people feel genuinely seen and loved.

🕸️The Coquette

They play hard to get, with a bit of push-pull energy. They leave people wanting more and keep others on their toes. Coquettes are experts in creating mystery.

Venus in Virgo: They might come off reserved at first, but their attention to detail and small gestures make people feel special.

Moon in Scorpio: They keep their emotions under wraps, drawing others in by only showing glimpses of their deeper self.

Juno in the 12th House: They’re commitment-focused but mysterious about it, leaving people to wonder if they’ll ever fully understand them.

💃The Charmer

Smooth, sociable, a lover of people. Charmers win over others with their adaptability and attentiveness, making everyone feel like they’re the most fascinating person in the room.

Sun in Libra: Naturally sociable and harmonious, they know just how to appeal to people’s desires and make everyone feel at ease.

Mercury in the 7th House: Skilled at reading people and adapting to them. They know how to say the right thing at the right time.

Aphrodite in the 1st or 10th House: Aphrodite brings allure and grace to their public presence. When they walk into a room, people notice; they just want to look, like they’re drawn to a work of art.

🌟The Charismatic and The Star

Radiates confidence and star quality. They draw people in with the sheer force of their presence and charisma. This type doesn't even need to try—they just shine.

Sun in Leo: Confident, warm, and charismatic. Leo Suns love to be adored and know just how to work a crowd.

Jupiter in the 1st House: Jupiter expands their presence, making them seem larger-than-life and totally magnetic.

Pallas in the 5th House: With Pallas here, they’re strategic about how they present themselves, drawing people in with skillful, playful interactions.

✰ That's it folks! I hope you all can find your placements somewhere in there and feel empowered and confident in your charisma.

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[literaryvein-reblogs]

A List of "Beautiful" Untranslatable Words

Acasă - [Romanian] Where you feel at home, safe, loved. It's the place where you feel like you belong and that you miss when you're away.

Boketto - [Japanese] gazing vacantly into the distance without thinking of anything specific; daydreaming

Ciğerpare - [Turkish] has Persian origins and literally means ‘liver part’. It refers to someone that you love as much as your own body.

Clagarnach - [Irish] the sound of heavy rain on a rooftop

Commuovere - [Italian] often taken to mean “heartwarming,” but directly refers to a story that moved you to tears

Dauwtrappen - [Dutch] to walk barefoot through morning grass

Dustsceawung - [Old English] the thought that dust used to be other things, and realisation that everything will ultimately end up as dust

Elvágyódás - [Hungarian] Some compare it to wanderlust, but it’s a much broader concept. The word doesn’t just refer to the desire to travel or go to another country, but also to another time in our life, or even a different era. It expresses wanting to escape reality and looking for something undefined.

Encebre - [Galician] something authentic, characteristic, rooted into the culture and specific for a certain region, impossible to find anywhere else

Fernweh - [German] “far sickness”; the feeling of longing for a place you’ve never been to

Fika - [Swedish] enjoying a nice chat over a cup of coffee or tea.

Flâner - [French] aimlessly wandering without any destination, just to enjoy the views

Gluggaveður - [Icelandic] weather that looks beautiful but is unpleasant to be in

Gökotta - [Swedish] waking up early to hear the first birds sing

Heimat - [German] the roots that shape who you are as a person

Hiányérzet - [Hungarian] the feeling that something is missing, but we just can’t put a finger on it

Iktsuarpok - [Inuit] the feeling of anticipation that leads you to keep looking outside to see if anyone is coming

Kairós - [Greek] the perfect, most opportune time for something to happen

Komorebi - [Japanese] sunlight that filters between the leaves on a tree

L’appel du vide - [French] “the call of the void” or the sudden desire to jump when you’re standing high up

Luftmensch - [Yiddish] someone who is a bit of a dreamer

Luscofusco - [Galician] the moment when day fades into the night and all light disappears, leaving everything looking like shadows

Mångata - [Swedish] the trail created by the moon’s reflection on water

Mangomoment - [Dutch] small acts of affection occurring during regular everyday activities. They can be almost unnoticeable, like someone asking how you’re feeling or offering to share their snack with you.

Merak - [Serbian] the feeling you get from simple pleasures that adds up to a sense of happiness and fulfillment

Peiskos - [Norwegian] the experience of sitting in front of a crackling fireplace enjoying the warmth

Querencia - [Spanish] somewhere you feel the most at home

Retrouvailles - [French] a reunion with a loved one after a long time of not seeing each other

Saudade - [Portuguese] the longing for something beautiful that’s now gone

Symatisk - [Danish] to have a good feeling about someone we don’t know very well

Torschlusspanik - [German] The realisation that you need to do something with your life because the time is running and you’re not getting any younger. It can hit you at any age, so one could call it a universal equivalent to the mid-life crisis.

Toska - [Russian] a mixture of pining, restlessness, yearning, nostalgia, melancholy, and depression; a concept embracing the feelings of nostalgia, missing, being sad, even the beginnings of depression

Tsundoku - [Japanese] buying a book and leaving it unread, usually surrounded by a lot of other unread books

Uitwaaien - [Dutch] to go out in windy weather, particularly into nature or a park, in order to refresh and clear one’s mind

Utepils - [Norwegian] sitting outside on a sunny day and enjoying a beer

Vedriti - [Slovenian] to shelter from the rain, either literally or metaphorically, such as when you’re in a bad mood and you’re waiting for the negative emotions to pass

Waldeinsamkeit - [German] the feeling of solitude, being alone in the woods, and a connectedness to nature

Weltschmerz – [German] satirist, Jean Paul, originally known as Johann Paul Friedrich Richter, came up with this word that literally means “world pain.” When you feel that the world is in a deplorable state, Weltschmerz can describe your anguish.

Won - [Korean] reluctance to let go of an illusion

Żal - [Polish] grief, sadness, regret - can be related to both our actions and the actions of others, as well as losing something or missing someone

Sources: 1 2 3 4 5 6 ⚜ More: Lists of Beautiful Words ⚜ Word Lists

[ethicaltreatmentofcowplants]

ARAMINTA: So here we are!

LILAC: Wait - is that thing getting closer? Will I have to ride it?

ARAMINTA: No, you won’t have to ride her. Duchess is only here because she hasn’t quite maxed out TEMPERAMENT, and Dodo’s getting tense moodlets from his lack of skill building. They’re working together.

LILAC: He’s still a Slob?

ARAMINTA: Anyways. 

LILAC: So he’s still a Slob.

ARAMINTA: Welcome back to the third in our series of gardenside chats, where we will be discussing what’s different about Round One-

LILAC: And whether my sanity will survive the journey.

ARAMINTA: Now this will be the first time when eliminations occur. Once all the households are played, a final points table will be tallied, and we will unfortunately have to bid a sad farewell to three contestants.

LILAC: Oh, I can think of one or two who you wouldn’t be sad about.

ARAMINTA: It’s about who you take to, Lilac, not me. This will also be the first round where a skill building system comes into play. Basically at the end of your household’s rotation, your total sum of skills will be added up, and they will count towards your points along with friendship and romance.

LILAC: And while I obviously can’t be eliminated - although it would make quite a plot twist if I was - my skills have been cheated back down to zero too. Apart from PAINTING and KNITTING since those are tied to already completed aspirations, and WELLNESS since I have a glitch where I won’t run anywhere.

ARAMINTA: Also since this is the first time contestants will be playable for the Watcher, we will learn what they think of you in terms of attraction level.

LILAC: Oh, I have a pretty good indication already. (winks)

ARAMINTA: Attraction level as well as compatibility and sentiments will also remain. As the Watcher is using the time decayed version of First Impressions, those sentiments will eventually fade - with hopefully new ones to replace them.

LILAC: So in sum, a contestant’s score will come from friendship, romance, skill, attraction, compatibility and any positive sentiments?

ARAMINTA: Exactly. Moving on - we have some viewer submitted questions. This one is for Lilac - alright, don’t be concerned with what my feelings may be. 

LILAC: You are a precious blonde pony and we should always be concerned with your feelings.

ARAMINTA: Thank you, but please don’t worry. On Mad About Dodo, did you want me to win?

LILAC: Initially, no. It’s not that I didn’t want you to win, but that I took time to warm to you.

ARAMINTA: (wryly) That I hear a lot.

LILAC: What won me over was the second day, when Dodo made a joke that was uncomfortable for Lyric and you called him out. I thought ‘okay, this girl is genuine. She has principles - she’s not just telling Dodo what he wants to hear. She’s not afraid to risk her place in the competition to do what she thinks is right.’ And maybe he thought as much too.

ARAMINTA: He wouldn’t have meant to make them uncomfortable. But I wanted him to apologise, or at least to not make jokes like that to them ever again.

LILAC: And you weren’t even that close to Lyric, were you?

ARAMINTA: I liked them, and have a lot of admiration and respect for them. However I didn’t bond with them as much as I did some others. Perhaps if we had spent more time together.

LILAC: We’ve seen how saying anything other than someone being your best friend forever can get twisted, but nothing wrong with that. If anything it’s more admirable that you stepped up for someone else when you had a much stronger bond with Dodo at the time.

ARAMINTA: Awww, thank you so much, Lilac! Next question: which contestants are you looking forward to spending more time with the most?

LILAC: Basically anyone who I felt like I still didn’t have a sense of after the introductions, though I get that three hours in front of live cameras isn’t exactly the most natural and authentic setting in the world. Piper - I’ll be looking to see if there’s a spark. We vibed but we had no romance at the end of our time, although it’s very early in the competition still.

ARAMINTA: Exactly. I had no romance with Dodo at the end of his introductory round, as did a lot of other castmates who eventually fared well.

LILAC: Well you had Leo to contend with. If ‘buzzkill’ were a pixel…

ARAMINTA: (laughs) He’s not so bad.

LILAC: Neither is bacteria in small quantities. Another is Sage. I feel like she was a bit… intimidated, maybe? Hopefully she’ll be more at home once we’re together in a household. Okay, question for you now. What advice will you give to the contestants?

ARAMINTA: Make friends. Not out of some kind of strategy - this isn’t Simsvivor - but because this is such an unique experience, and you’ll want to have people through the other side who get it. Also life will just be easier for you and you’ll have less regrets if you do. 

LILAC: Right. Plus I’m only one Sim so you’re gonna need to fill your social meter in other ways. Also being LOYAL traited, I’m looking not just at how someone gets along with me - but how they treat everyone else around them.

ARAMINTA: (silence)

LILAC: I am, Minta - I swear! (laughs) Trust me, I know the difference between what I’m looking for in a partner and someone who may or may not be a good-

ARAMINTA: And sometimes a pixel simply needs a change of scenery to make life changes. One of the most important things I learned from Mad About Dodo is that not everyone comes into their save file with the ideal set of circumstances for them to thrive.

LILAC: Oh, thriving at villainy is still thriving. And another for you: why did you take this gig?

ARAMINTA: While I don’t think it was down to any malice, I felt like the contestants on Mad About Dodo could have - and should have - been better protected.

LILAC: Yeah, you were in the hands of a megalomaniac who viewed you all as dolls from his toy box and had fun with you accordingly.

ARAMINTA: Leo is… impulsive. Not uncaring, but impulsive. And he tends to be more of a ‘big picture’ thinker and not so considerate of the finer details. Anyway, once I learned that a bachelorette would be held in my home world, I wanted to do what I could to ensure that the cast would have a safer experience. With it being in Henford, I felt some kind of… ownership and responsibility, I suppose you could say.

LILAC: Two very foreign concepts to some others.

ARAMINTA: Not being the producer or the director, I won’t have as much pull. As the host, however, I hope that I can be an advocate for the needs of the contestants. Along that note: any concerns so far?

LILAC: The competition has attracted a lot of outdoorsy, country types. Which I get, given- (waves hand at the lot). And they should do well. I’m not concerned about that. But I’m a city girl through and through. There’s something about a place with some… bustle, that makes me come alive in my bones.

ARAMINTA: Normally I’m the anxious one. I think that’s more of a question for the fourth round.

LILAC: I think so too.

ARAMINTA: And if it comes down to that? Well, there’s one residential lot in San Myshuno that isn’t an apartment. Finally: can we deduce anything at all from the introductory round?

LILAC: That you’re a much better host than Leo?

ARAMINTA: (laughs) Oh, too rude!

LILAC: But true! You didn’t completely centre yourself, and you knew when to fade into the background and when to come forward and keep the conversation going. And you didn’t wow-wow with any-

ARAMINTA: And that is all for now! Best of luck to you, Lilac. Just continue to be genuine - and try to have a good time with it. What wasn’t shown so much on screen was that hardships aside, we did also have some fun on the island. This is an adventure and the opportunity of a lifetime, after all.

LILAC: An adventure I can undertake without even leaving my home lot? Perfect for a LAZY sim.

household one: day one should go up at 10 pm* my time

*GMT 10 am |  EST 5 am |  PST 2 am

lyric by @micrathene-w, dodo by @akitasimblr

[azrielgreen]

I feel like no matter how hard I try I can’t get over jealousy and insecurity and constantly comparing myself to other writers in the fandom. It’s either I don’t write enough, or I don’t write fast enough, I don’t write interesting or unique enough. If I get kudos, someone gets more, if I get comments, someone gets more thoughtful comments. It’s like a dark spiral in my brain. Do you have any tips on pushing through despite all the inner turmoil and noise? I’d be very grateful for your help!! 🖤

Hello, love, I'm sorry for the delay in answering. I wanted to give your Ask the proper attention in answering it.

Comparison is the death of joy.

I think jealousy and comparison in fandom is rife and no matter how much positivity and success someone projects, they too have had their dark moments comparing hit counters and kudos. In a fandom of THIS size it's deeply unhealthy, I personally believe, for us all to be so interconnected and visible.

I also believe that writers should write for themselves and the joy of creating something and crafting it, never expressly FOR the outcome of comments/attention but of course, that's becoming the norm now. People write to be popular. I see so many people at this point in the fandom not getting anywhere near the same amount of interactions they were a year ago, so comparisons and jealousy unfortunately become widespread, and equally, cliques begin to form to police the remaining attention as it slowly simmers down.

My tips for pushing through this would be first and foremost, write for yourself. Keep your true passion alive by writing what you fucking LOVE! Writing for other people will only ever go so far because attention wanders, interest fades and hyperfixations dissolve. If you write for yourself first, and share second, then you'll always be true to your inner creator and you'll always have ideas, passions and authentic stories coming alive inside you.

Secondly, and I know how hard this is for people, but stop comparing as much as you can. There will always be someone who has more than you and there are people who have less than you. Writing is art, art is to make people feel things they would not otherwise feel. To provoke humanity and lead us towards self exploration. To give comfort, empathy, guidance, joy, cathartic heartbreak and much more! I think so much of the true meaning of writing has been lost by the imposing domination of social media in fandom. I always recommend people trying to find that spark again, that little flash of magic that reminds you why you started.

And thirdly, this is hardest to hear, I know, but when you feel like this, it's usually a good indication to take a break. When you feel anxious, unhappy or low, you're going the wrong way. Move away from what is causing this, especially if it's anything on the internet - a dangerous and often toxic microcosm with an echo chamber effect.

Writing in real life is a beautiful thing, too.

Write something just for you, don't tell anyone, then orphan it, never read the comments, and move on. Rekindle your passion however you can, romanticise your methods, find new sources of inspiration and above all, please, have fun! and if you're not having fun in fandom - a place intended for fun and fuck all else - then please, take a break, love. Nothing is more important than your mental health.

P.S - also take into a account how MASSIVELY skewed A03 stats are due to longevity/legacy fics. There is ✨NO WAY ON EARTH✨ if I posted YD today it would make it into the top 1000 fics out of 24k and that would be wonderful still, that has always been my experience in the past. No comparison is ever justified or solid and it is truly the death of joy. Write for you, for your friends, and the people who will read it in 10 years time who NEED it. Nothing else matters.

💜💜💜

[ae-neon]

The House of Mirrors

Chapter 12

Rhys watched his mother clear dried leaves and dust off the inscribed slab of his sister’s grave. It was flat, plain, marked with only her name - Antonia Demitza-Velarius - and a single, eight-pointed star, for the name she'd been known by: Seren.

There was not much to be done with graves in Illyrian culture, if one had one at all, except to keep it clean. Their love and grief was kept at home, their departed honoured with shrines of oil and incense. But their father had wanted his own ways to be honoured too, and so a simple grave had been prepared for Seren on the Velarius family plot in Miryam Memorial Park.

Their mother had never attended to it in the years after Seren had passed but since their father’s death, she had taken on his tradition of visiting it at least once a month.

Rhysand knew it was more for his father than for herself. He had never seen her talking to the grave, weep before it, or hum a lullaby the way he had seen her do at home – sat in front of the shrine where his sister’s smiling portrait was surrounded by flowers, her favourite bracelet and a small bowl of dried apricots.

His phone buzzed and he fished it from the pocket of his coat, just enough to glance down at the text. When he glanced back up, his mother was walking away from the grave and Rhys straightened off his car's hood to open the door for her.

His mother was a slim woman with kind eyes and a sharp face, short-haired and often plainly dressed. Growing up, he’d thought of her as ill-matched for his father, found proof in the failure of their marriage, as many others did. But with age, he now understood it was not that his mother had found herself lost among the stars, but that his father had been drawn in and centred by her gravity. It was so easy to find oneself pulled along by the ebb and flow of business and blood, power and prominence. Easier still to find oneself lost in it.

“Sure you don’t want to sleep off your jetlag?” he asked.

His mother splayed her fingers in front of the air vents, warming them, “If I don’t go, you and Cassie will finish the cinnamon custard.”

Rhys scoffed, “And you should let us. Uncle Dev almost never cooks and you just got back from all the jam and custard and chooka you could want.”

She smiled, “It’s not the same, I was never a good cook, but your uncle makes his custard just the way our Yaya did. I can’t get that anywhere else, not even Illyria.”

They were due for dinner at Uncle Devlon’s and prepared for the traffic they’d have to sit through to get to South Hill, the quiet corner of Velaris that had once been called Little Illyria.

Rhys had always liked visiting – his uncle could be a hard ass, sure, and when they were younger, he and Cassian were just as likely to end up bruised as they were to get along. But South Hill felt the most like home Rhysand had ever experienced. The borough was centred around a temple of Ramiel, red bricked and sat on a hill – it spiraled out into Illyrian style homes, horse meat deli’s, traditional healers, fortune tellers, gaudy jewelers and weavers who charged a fortune for the most ‘authentic’ cliché.

His mother did not care for it – disliked how ‘stuck’ it seemed. But how else could such a microcosm thrive, let alone survive, in a hostile, foreign environment except to lean into itself and resist change?

The Illyrian Rhys, Seren and Cassian had learned in South Hill had been the Illyrian of their grandmothers – proper and poetic, frozen in time by migrant scholars who had brought it while fleeing a fascist uprising. Only muddied when he and Cas had turned eighteen and ‘returned’ to serve three years in the new state’ military – fighting off remnants of the overthrown nationalist regime. There, their 'proper' Illyrian had been adored by the elders of the mountain villages but they’d picked up accents and slang from the soldier boys and city girls.

Next time they came for dinner in South Hill, Rhys decided, he would invite Azriel. Had no doubt his Uncle would take one look at the man’s prison tattoos and draw some personal line. But his mother, Rhys knew, was not nearly as conservative. It was the only reason why he’d even considered moving ahead with the Archeron engagement during her absence.

But she was here now and the sooner he introduced his mother to Feyre and her parents the better. She would not approve of how he had handled things with Nesta, he knew, but the dust had already settled and with it, the widow had all but vanished once again. Whatever trouble she might have been was no longer a threat to him.

•

The wind howled as it swept through the now mostly bare branches of the trees that dotted Miryam Memorial Park, rattling those stubborn few leaves that refused to fall. Nesta pulled her black coat tighter and scowled. Her first day free of mourning garments and she’d had no other colour coat to shield her from the wind.

She took comfort in the reminder that the coat she’d ordered had already arrived in the city and would be available for pick up in a day or two. And that now, if she wanted to, she could simply march down to any retailer and pick the loudest, tackiest clothes they had. Unbound by expectation; not just because her mourning was over but because, after Rhysand’s undermining and her unexplained disappearance from the gala, she had not heard from her mother in days. Not even in the form of a second hand warning passed through Elain. She suspected that whatever had held them together was now – well and truly – broken.

The sound of her heels was swallowed up as she stepped from the concrete sidewalk onto the earthen turf of the graveyard, heading into the field of grey stone. Nesta tucked her chin into the coat’s collar, bracing against another gust as her unbound hair whipped about in a stream of wispy golden locks.

She’d expected to be broken by guilt, crushed by loneliness, but felt numb once more – at least emotionally. Physically: she felt awful, like an open grave might be the best place to rest, and likely looked it too. Seeing Victor again, smelling that familiar cigar and cedar scent, feeling his hands on her skin...it had been too much, too soon.

She’d woken from bouts of restless sleep, covered in cold sweat despite the December chill. Each time she’d end up painfully dry heaving, her stomach torn between clamping down on the painkillers defending against her migraines, and trying to purge the phantom water that haunted her dreams.

The familiar weeping angel came into view, it’s stone face a sculpted reflection of her own. She’d almost laughed when she’d been told the specifics of her husband’s will. It seemed some small proof, every time she laid eyes on the thing, that Tomas had been as clueless in love as she had. Here lay her fool of a husband, loomed over by a winged, weeping wife when his own had put him in the grave with almost no hesitation.

She stared down at the plaque that summarised his existence – name, relations (son, brother, husband), date of birth and death. Only 31 when he died. She almost felt sorry for Tomas. For all the good it had in the end, Nesta knew she would still make the same decision. She would choose Clare.

Then Clare and now Feyre. That comparison was easy enough. But Rhysand was no Tomas. The choice was more straightforward, but the obstacle...

She stood straighter and steeled her spine. Her heart was an simple enough thing to put away, she had years of practice to fall back on. Her mind cleared and began to tally what she knew and what she could guess, variables and likelihoods. This one will be easy, Victor had said. She was not sure it would be but, there was no going back now.

She slipped her phone from her pocket and, careful and cunning, Nesta Archeron stepped into the arena.

[floreuce]

this is going to be a weird post mutuals look away i just really need an answer on something and am too embarrassed to ask anywhere else 😭 sorry this is so long.

i have a very complicated relationship with religion. as much as i would love to believe it, my brain just refuses to let me. i’m not opposed to believing in something if my mind does change someday, but as for right now, i just can’t. the only strong beliefs i hold are superstitions like luck and gut instincts and all that, leading me to do research into pagan stuff because it’s the only thing i even sort of find myself believing in.

i’ve always felt a strong pull to hellenic polytheism, and while i guess i do sort of “practice” it, i also just believe that everything i’m doing is for fun and just because i can. i don’t think i truly believe any of it is real. a few years ago, i had two little altars, one to hera and one to persephone. i truly did view these purely as room decor. i wrote little notes that i would give as “offerings” to the altars but it was just a game to me. i stopped after a while because i got bored.

which brings me to the present. i recently started feeling a “connection” to aphrodite if you can even call it that. i randomly started thinking about religion again and aphrodite just stood out to me all of a sudden. for the past few weeks i’ve been “praying” to her but still i viewed even that as just talking to myself or organizing my thoughts. then about a week ago i was in the middle of cleaning my room and i noticed i had a lot of aphrodite-like items. seashells, fake (fake is important) pearls, heart shaped things, dried roses, etc. i had a free spot on my shelf so i put all the stuff together to make a little aphrodite altar. i had a heart shaped jewelry dish that i put at the center in case i ever wanted to put any offerings but i didn’t think i was going to.

then today, maybe two or three hours ago, i was tidying up again and i absentmindedly placed two things on the offering dish. the first was a bracelet from an ex boyfriend that i had had in my main jewelry box and didn’t want there anymore. the second was a five leaf clover (i have a million of them because i’m crazy good at finding them but that’s an entirely different story) because i thought it was cute and lucky. i didn’t think anything of these items, i barely considered them offerings. up until this point all of this was still just for fun. after i finished cleaning, i took a shower. i feel like it’s also worth noting that this was an extreme everything shower like i was really spoiling myself. i read somewhere that acts of self care can also be seen as offerings to aphrodite but that wasn’t my intention.

so finally here’s the reason i’m making this post. i need help. after my shower i was sitting on my bedroom floor brushing my hair. i wasn’t near anything else, it was just me and my hairbrush and open space around me. as i’m finishing braiding my hair, i brush a stray piece to the side with my hand and onto the floor rolls a pearl. a real genuine pearl. it came out of my hair ???? i literally don’t own any real pearl jewelry, and even if i did this pearl couldn’t have come from it because it doesn’t have a hole, it’s not a bead. genuinely how did a real authentic pearl get into my hair. im completely at a loss for words. i feel like it might have been from aphrodite???? i can’t see any other logical explanation. which is what im looking for, a logical explanation. please help me make sense of this 😭🙏🙏

[tawus]

what is your advice on writing smut? i rlly struggle with creating the chemistry and the tingly feeling in the pits of my stomach it ends up coming out too formulated

Sorry about the delay in answering this. I’ll give my personal pointers and also a more well-rounded resource at the end for the deeper dive

1. Good smut is driven by dialogue, with stakes

Usually for the purpose of turning us on, you gotta have dialogue. Endless descriptions of sexual acts on their own end up becoming dull and nowadays there is SO much smut content out there that if you get bored with one, you can instantly click on a different fic.

Sexual acts come secondary and they’re tied to the primary thread of the tension-filled dialogue between the characters. All the way to the end there’s gotta be dialogue, and the sexual acts are performed almost in the background.

Plus, this is fanfiction, right? We turn to fics to be able to indulge in the attention of our 2D faves. So any dialogue line you write - we will read in the voice of our favourite character and that is what breathes life into that scene.

One of my best smut works is in chapter 6 of Sophisticated (warning: very filthy), but god knows I spent so much time building up the tension between the characters that some readers actually began complaining under the previous chapters, going "When are they gonna fuck already??". When they finally did fuck, 10 out of 10 readers admitted it was worth the wait. Doesn’t mean you gotta write a slowburn longfic to deliver a great smut, but you gotta establish the stakes for either character: what do they have to lose as a result of this lapse of judgement? What does it mean for each of them to let the other fuck them? Don’t be afraid to give your Reader character a personality and preferences - I know a lot of ‘x reader’ authors are afraid to do this, but I do nothing but this.

2. Good smut has to turn me on as I write it

This is lowkey TMI but it is what it is. I tend to write my smut scenes in one sitting, or two if it’s a really long one. I make sure to sit down to write it at a time I know I won’t be interrupted, so that I can catch the horny flow and ride it to the very end. I don’t think about how my sentences turn out, I just keep writing and writing it as filthy as it gets. Editing the text on a later day will fix it all up.

Onanism beforehand is forbidden btw. If you do, post-nut clarity will set in and you won’t be in the right mind for writing smut.

3. Good smut is built around MY kinks

Say, if you chose to take on a commission or a request, in that case you might be forced to write someone else’s kink – and even in that case, it won’t come out quite as genuine if you don’t at least try to embody their kink. But in general when you’re writing fics, centre your smut scenarios around your OWN kinks. That way they will come out most authentic. Don’t try to cater to everyone; you’ll never be able to. Whatever your favourite way of doing the nasty is, write it that way and I guarantee you there will be readers out there who share your preferences and those will be the ones who appreciate your work.

4. You can be inspired by well written smut, but please, for the love of enjoyment and author integrity, don’t copy – it shows.

Sorry, this isn’t directed towards you, but I’ve had experience related to this where someone copied my smut scene almost word for word and I was just like…bruh. In any case, because there is already so much smut content both here and AO3, people are just looking for something new, something unorthodox, something that doesn’t use the same cookie-cutter smut sentences, scenarios, and terms. So the more original your scene is, the better! Don't be afraid to get extra filthy with your descriptions or dialogue lines, venture out of those bounds you read in other smut fics.

And here is the external all-rounded source for writing steamy stuff: ‘I Give You My Body’ by Diana Gabaldon. Dm me if you can’t get it anywhere

[seravphs]

ੈ♡˳·˖✶ — HAWKS x READER 

There’s a beautiful boy in your church and he’s asking for forgiveness. 

wc — 1k

tags — hawks and his catholic guilt complex, church maid/daughter of the local priest reader, religion, title from Wild Geese by Mary Oliver

Is it rude to tell someone they don’t get confession? 

Well, in the first place, it’s not like confession is something that can be got. Confession is…confession. It’s just what it is, but it’s not what it’s not, and what it’s not is whatever the pretty blonde boy is doing in the confessional. He comes in and tries to flay himself alive on the altar of self sacrifice, which is decidedly not in your father’s teachings. 

There’s a reason your brother got sent to the seminary and your parents made you the church maid (church mouse, more like, your brother teases). You’re in your head too much, talking to yourself about your daydreams, but painfully quiet when addressed. 

For all your faults, however, you’re observant. 

Because you’re quiet and soft spoken, people overlook you. The church grandmothers pinch your cheek and call you ‘such a good child’, only to whisper their concerns about your inability to find a husband behind your back. You know they’re only gossiping out of concern, but still. You’ve got time! What’s wrong with being an old spinster, anyways? At least you would never have to ask a man for money if you were self-sufficient. 

You’re not worried. If anything goes wrong, you can extort all the churchgoers with what you know (that was a joke). But what else are you supposed to do with all this information? You’re holding everybody’s secrets and it’s eating you up inside. You’re worried that any time you open your mouth, they might just spill out of you, like the fairy tales about the girl who could only speak in jewels. 

Maybe you need to go to confession. 

Someone beat you to it. 

You can’t see him inside, of course, or what would be the point of a confessional? But you can tell from the minuscule details, as you always have. The sunlight from the large windows have trails of dust motes floating through them, shining on the light marks left behind by expensive dress shoes. The air smells like honey and oranges, cologne that no one else in this town could afford to commission. The single blonde strand of hair (that man shed like a dog, honestly) on the floor tied it altogether. 

Hawks was here. 

Quietly, surreptitiously, you try to sneak off. He’s doing his thing, and you don’t want to disturb him. As nice as it is to hear the soft rumble of his voice smooth over the words of his prayer, you don’t want to eavesdrop. You felt bad enough the first few times you did it and realized how tortured he was. 

Hawks was the most desirable bachelor in the town. He had been adopted by the mayor when he was just an infant and raised to be the perfect successor. He was never anywhere short of the golden boy he had been taught to be, always polite, always the gentleman. You like him well enough, of course. Like everyone else, you couldn’t help but be charmed by him. He just had that aura to him, a sort of call for love that made him irresistible. It was like the beauty of a clear spring day or the sweetness of a newborn puppy - you couldn’t help but adore it. It was only natural.

Still, there was a lack of authenticity that made Hawks distant. He was wealthy, powerful, and well-read, it was true, but more than that, it seemed like there was a glass partition between him and the rest of the world. 

You didn’t think it was all a facade. It was impossible to be as kind as Hawks was and have it all be fake, but you didn’t think it was all real, either. It was like watching a doll rather than a human, simply eerie to witness such perfection and know that some of it must be manufactured. 

Just as you’re about to escape the room, you’re too lost in your thoughts about Hawks to hear the door swing open. 

He sees you. 

“Hello there.” 

You resist the urge to squeak (you are not a mouse, you argue with your brother in your head). 

Run or stay? Fight or flight? Go or stand your ground? 

While you’re deliberating, he’s already caught up to you. 

“The priest’s daughter, right?” he smiles. “It’s good to see you again.” 

You’re a little stunned by his admission even though you shouldn’t be. Hawks is perfect, it makes sense his memory is as well. You try to convince yourself it’s nothing personal, that it’s just part of his upbringing when you ask, “You remember me?” 

“Of course I remember you,” he says. “You were the one who left me the poem, didn’t you? By the Oliver girl?”

You had. 

It was after you had caught him at confession. You hadn’t meant to. It was just-

It had been hours, he was still in there, and you needed to clean.

Hawks had a peculiar way of praying. He knelt down, head pressed firmly to the ground, and prayed like he was begging. It was as if he thought he needed to suffer to get what he wanted - to deserve what he wanted. You caught snippets of prayers on your rounds every hour or so, checking to see if he had left yet. Sometimes, all he was asking for was the right to live. To be made worthy of the gift he had been given, and yet the one he felt he did not deserve. 

But Hawks was a good boy. You knew this. Everyone knew this. You were surprised he didn’t. 

In a moment of sympathy that had been startled out of you by the force of his prayer, or just simple compassion that the Lord had charged you to have for every human being, something had compelled you to slip the poem you had stolen out of your brother’s books into the side pocket of his bag. Then you ushered him out. 

It hadn’t meant anything, really. You were surprised he even found it. 

“Did you like it?” You ask, lamely, with nothing else to say, grasping for topics of conversation. 

Something about his smile seems different from usual. Softer around the edges, eyes crinkled in a way that’s likely to give him premature wrinkles. “It was a kind thing to do. Thank you.” 

Perhaps it’s because he’s so good, but something about Hawks makes you give way to impulsivity. You want to take care of him. It’s like looking at a soaked kitten left on the side of the street, except Hawks is inconceivably more privileged, and yet- 

Something about him seems in need of spoiling. 

It’s that urge that makes you stumble over your next words, struggling to get them out. “I’m not a priest but you’re always welcome! I mean, of course, the church is always open to everyone. You know what I mean!”

“I do,” he laughs. “Thank you. Really. I have a gift for you, if you wouldn’t mind?”

“Oh-“ you’re pleased against your will. He’s so good. At making you love him, at everything. “You don’t have to.”

“Please. I want to. Will you wait to open it until I leave? I’m a little nervous to see your reaction.” 

Now you’re nervous, but you doubt that he would give you anything dangerous. When the door swings closed, you unwrap the beautifully wrapped package he pressed into your palm. It’s a sturdy tube lined with jewel toned velvet. When you pull off the lid and turn it upside down, neatly folded paper cascades into your hand. 

A letter?

(A confession?)

A poem. 

[no-schedule-crepescule]

I decided to write a short story today!

A Chat At The Beach

By Crepescule

The cold and stony pebbles blend peacefully into the tides as they splash endlessly upwards into white glimmering seafoam; the overcast sky coloring the earth and sea below in various shades of different grays as winds seem to blow a chill into the weathered smooth boulders laid haplessly just out of the lowtide’s reach. Voices of seagulls and distant people echo from within a gentle fog looming over the horizon. There was no other place to be than here.

I pick up a pebble, and to both my dismay and intrigue, a little crab scuttles hurriedly away from its compromised shelter, which promptly gets chucked into the water followed by a satisfying splash and a bit of guilt for crustacean property damage. The water rippled and folded in perfect circles as it slowly spread out and dissipated until it rejoined the trajectory of the waves.

“Hey there,” a voice chimed up from behind me, “be not afraid! Or uh… at least that’s what I think I’m supposed to say”.

Great.

When I turned around, I saw an eerily similar figure staring back at me, a sheepish awkwardness spread across their face in a way I recognize my own to do. I tried to hold a face of disinterest, but the uncanny similarity must’ve leaked a hint of intrigue as the familiar stranger walked on over and sat down beside me.

Great.

“So uh… nice weather today huh?” The stranger said.

The similarities didn’t just stop at physical appearances; their voice, their tone, too, resonated with my own. From the way they’re dressed, to the way they tucked their knees into their arms as they sat down, still with that sheepish expression, was one all too familiar in my own reflections.

They awaited a response as they looked out into the overcast sky, periodically sneaking glances in my direction to be met with what I was sure to be my look of disinterest slowly melting into an authentic curiosity.

“Yeah… I guess so” I responded monotonously.

The familiar stranger nodded in concurrence as their mouth seemed to open ever so slightly to speak, only no words came out. The soothing washes of the waves filled an otherwise awkward silence with some solace. It wasn’t unpleasant to not speak. In fact, it was rather soothing. Neither of us seemed like we needed to be anywhere but here.

Though before long, curiosity got the better of me:

“So… what’s up with this huh?” I gestured towards them.

“Huh?” They responded seemingly automatically. “Oh, oh yeah… the whole… the whole I look exactly like you thing, yeah…”

“Yeah?”

“Well uh… well actually now that I think about it I think I had it the wrong way around, but hey you look nicer from this angle anyway!”

I was only more confused now.

They furrowed their brows in embarrassment.

“Right yeah, yeah, okay… okay, I’m really sorry— can I… can I have a do over?”

“Sure…” I didn’t know how else to respond.

“Okay… Hi, what I’m about to say may sound very ridiculous, but hello, I am kind of like… you’re creator?”

I chuckled. “What, like god?”

A tense smile stretched across their face as they looked down on the gravelly beach. Oh my god they can’t be serious.

I took a deep breath and let the salty seaside air fill my lungs.

“You’re serious?”

Their smile stretched further across their face as their hands moved around in circles as they, seemingly fully aware of how ridiculous it sounded, replied through their teeth: “Yeeeaaaah?”

They’re serious.

I covered my eyes with my hands and rubbed the ridge of my nose.

“Oh but it sounds so weird when you put it like that!” They followed up frantically, their hands gesturing in rhythm with every word.

“Okay yeah, but you know full well how ridiculous that sounds right?”

Their hands fell down alongside their gaze in a spent manner.

“Okay yes, but also—” 

They took a deep breath, and held out their right hand towards the sea, almost as if they were anticipating a ball, and stared. My eyes followed, and noticed little ripples starting to form across the surface of where they looked.

These ripples however, shrank; slowly becoming smaller before they all fused into droplets of water that jumped into the sky and landed in a singular point, where the pebble I had thrown into the sea came flying into their hand.

“There” they said, handing the pebble back to me.

Well fuck.

“So uh… scale of 1 to 10 how’re we doing about now?” The stranger asked, their eyes squinted in embarrassment.

“You’re god??” I exclaimed in disbelief.

“No… I said I created you, and maybe also this world… god’s a title with way too much responsibility, god knows I don’t want that,” They said. “Hehe… god knows…”

The wind blew the same as it did before. The waves were still reaching for the rocks. Nothing seemed to change upon this revelation… but I don’t know what I expected either.

“4,” I replied, “4…”

The stranger looked towards me in a sense of relief.

“Ah… well that’s… that’s good… I think…”, they said uncertainty.

Questions raced into my head a million a second, but they raced away just as fast as I sat there dumbfounded in front of god themself. I tried to reach out for one of the questions speeding by, losing my grip over and over before one finally stuck.

“So what’s… what’s this about?” I gestured once more in their general direction.

“Hm?”

“You said you created me… and this world right… So why look like me?”

“Oh…”

“Why me?” I asked again, unable to hold back a chuckle.

“Oh um… well it’s complicated.”

“Good thing it seems like we’re in no rush.”

“...”

“Yeah…”

The sides of their mouth turned upwards as they seemed to search for the words in their head to explain.

“Well… I made you in my image, you’re all that I know… does that make sense?” They looked at me.

“Uh… sorta? Can you be more specific?”

“Okay, how about… okay…” they paused and placed their hand on their chin, “You… are me!.. My own impression of me… of who I’m supposed to be…”

“Wow…” I said in disbelief once more.

“Yeeeeeaaaaaaah…”

“...”

“...”

The cold salty air skidded over my skin and blew through my hair.

“You got problems,” I said to god.

“I know,” They replied sheepishly once more, “I know…”

I felt a sly grin skip across my face:

“So… if you made me in your image…”

“I should know what you have on your mind? Yeah I do… let’s get this over with” They finished for me.

“Glad you’re cooperative,” I teased.

The cold gravelly beach beneath us gave way to a large throw towel as pillows and blankets appeared seemingly from nowhere. A soothing warmth slowly took over the biting chill of the cold seaside wind, followed by the cricket songs beginning to chirp as the sunlight behind the fog started to dim. 

We both settled into comfortable positions devoid of back pain to seemingly both of our surprises. I reached out my hand and without words leaving my lips, a nice cup of tea appeared before me.

“Why thank you,” I said.

“Please, it’s the least I can do,” They replied, just as much smug in their tone, only within that smug, a dot of shame.

“So, let’s start with the classic, impossible to lift boulder?”

“I’ll get back to you on that… I’m still trying to figure that out myself”.

“What about religions, which got it the most correct?”

“Whichever one I feel like drawing inspiration from.”

“And…” I paused… I looked towards the stranger, and they let out a deep and tired sigh.

“... and all the pain and suffering in the world?”

“...”

An expression of exasperation leaked out of their eyes. They laid down on the towel and put their hands on their stomach, and with one breath, seemed to breathe out the tension stored in their body.

“I didn’t know any better…” god said.

“What do you mean?”

“...”

“I may have created this world, and you too, but they were created in my image… my image of my world.”

They closed their eyes and seemed to focus on the relaxing melody of the waves.

“I… I didn’t know any better, to create a world where there wasn’t any suffering. I couldn’t imagine a world without it.”

“I didn’t know any better.” They repeated.

They breathed in…

…

…

And out…

Twilight started to shine through the fog over the horizon, the overcast skies starting to drift away as the zenith was slowly glazed with a beautiful burnt orange. 

The familiar stranger turned towards me, their head resting on their arm half-propped up.

“Y’know that got me thinking…” they said, “All this um… all this talk about believing… and faith… y— y’know the deal. All this talk’s got me thinkin’...”

“I may not be able to say for my own world but… has it ever crossed your mind that… maybe god doesn’t believe in themself?” god asked.

“Huh? You lost me there”

“I can’t imagine a world without pain and suffering…” they said, “I mean yeah, undoubtedly the world has so many great things in it, beautiful views… music… oh and the food, I just love food so much, but… I can’t imagine all that without the pain and suffering… and there’s so much of that too.”

“I… I don’t believe in myself sometimes…”

“... I don’t believe I can make a world without suffering if… if it’s all I’ve known…” god said.

Well fuck.

“Well fuck,” I replied.

The burnt orange had now slowly begun to dwindle as the purple of night took over, the clouds in the sky stretched into wisps of remnants, giving way to the shining night filled with glimmering stars dotted across the heavens, fading in and out of focus as they danced with each other. The moon glistened brightly in the distance, illuminating the top of the fog over the horizon as the voices of seagulls and people continued to echo throughout, harmonizing with the cricket songs chirping in blades of grass scattered around the stony beach.

The wind continued to blow a chill into the boulders still out of reach of the now wine-dark sea, throwing clumps of seafoam at them in a whimsical manner, knowing tomorrow morning they will once again be in embrace. 

The familiar stranger sat beside me, staring into the distance.

“In your image huh?” I asked.

“In my image…” a slight nod of acknowledgement in their head as they spoke.

There was no other place we needed to be than here.

Not for me.

Not for them.

Not for the earth, the sea, the sky nor the stars…

[vannahmontannah]

“How do I deal with rejection? I’m dealing with a lot of rejection right now,”

“Well, I mean if no one wants you, then you’re free, right?”

“That was such a fucking ignorant response. I don’t wanna be free. I wanna be loved and comforted,”

“You have your family for that,”

“Talking to you is like talking to a fucking wall. A brick cement one at that!” She rolled her eyes and walked off.

“Wait! Where are you going?”

“To find a fucking real ass therapist!”

“Wait, wait, wait! Come back!”

“What?”

“Look…I know what I’m saying is vague and blatantly ridiculous, but…dealing with rejection is hard. I know because I was right there in your shoes. Yes, I was young every girl I came across just wouldn’t give me the chance. No matter how much I’ve grown and matured, it continued. The only real way to deal with it, I’d suggest better your mind and mental energy for you. I put my mind on things I enjoyed to do and even went back to things I stopped doing. It never hurts to alter your appearance like wear something nice and look presentable. The number one rule is to always be yourself. I don’t care what the situation may be. Be yourself! If you don’t, you’re not authentic,”

“But they don’t care about that!” She sniffed.

“Someone will! Someone will! We have all the women in the world altering their bodies for a man who doesn’t give a rats ass about them not realizing the miles these women go! It’s not healthy. Sure, they get surgery for their insecurities, but it’s always for the male gaze. Taking rejection is one of the most humbling and horrible experiences ever. Just take that rejection, and come back a new person. Guaranteed they will come back,”

“How come it’s easy for a man to move on and not us?”

“Well…men just do what they wanna do. Sometimes, the person they were with…they weren’t happy with them to begin with. Some just move on quicker than others and take it differently. I know sometimes women may think they were the problem, but a lot of times ya aren’t,”

“I just feel like I’m only stuck with guys from the past who come back. And sure it’s fun and all but…we never go anywhere as far like dating. We talk like a couple but it doesn’t progress,”

“Well, you don’t have to allow it. It’s just lust at the end of the day. If they wanted too, they would. I’m sorry you feel unwanted. It can be depressing and hard to deal with. What is not for you will go away. You don’t have to feel stuck on the same people. You can do things to feel better about yourself fly like a butterfly. You’re not ugly. You’re not dumb. You are fun to hang out with and have a versatile personality. And sure, you can change your appearance, but it’s all about how you are in the inside,”

“When will they see it?”

“When they want too. Can’t force anyone to see how much of a wonderful person you are. It never works that way,”

“I just don’t wanna be alone, you know? I’m sick of people telling me that I don’t need a man and to focus on myself. And I know I don’t, but I want. Like I’m straight. I have my own everything and still working on some things. But, I want finally say I got what I wanted and not what I needed. I’ve had come across people I didn’t wanna let go, but they let me go. Watching someone you wanted to be with give someone else the world is devastating…”

“I know. I understand exactly what you’re saying. But you can’t look at that think that’s the end. It’s never the end. You have to go on and live for you look forward. Like I said before, it’s taking forever, I know…but they will come,”

“Just don’t wanna settle for someone I don’t like, you know,”

“And you don’t have too. They may seem to always come, but it’s up to you to give them a chance. Its going to come around,”

“I guess so. But the next time I get rejected, I’m fighting,”

“Let’s not do that,”

[ginalinettiofficial]

alright u know what. i’m gonna fucking say it. i don’t think posts that go like:

OP: here is a post

OP reblogging themself: /screenshot of tags reading “posts that have 10k notes to me”/ don’t do this to me

Someone Else: HAHAHAHAH YEAH GET WREKT IDIOT (or other such comments celebrating the fact that OP got what they didn’t want, which was a popular post)

are funny. i think the very first one i saw i chuckled a bit. but now it is like. every single post and i haven’t laughed at ANY of them since. and the longer this trend goes on the less funny i find it.

in psychoanalyzing myself about this (i’m avoiding a time-sensitive task, you see) i’ve come to the conclusion that what i dislike about it is the fact that, after the first few posts of that nature, any OP who is claiming to not want a ton of notes on their post is very clearly Not Actually Upset or dreading the notes or whatever and we know this for a fact because you can turn reblogs off!!! you can delete the post!!! there are ways that you could make it so that a post of yours never actually hits a significant number of reblogs in the first place. and so anyone who is saying that kind of “oh no please don’t do this to me! don’t curse me to have a lot of notes” is actually saying, like, “oh noOoOo~ please don’t give this post notes 😉😛 whatever will i dooooooo 👀😜” and so the whole post just comes across as so disingenuous.

so much of tumblr culture revolves around us sharing conversations between strangers that are funny or wild or interesting and that’s GREAT and what makes tumblr so cool!!! you can’t get that anywhere else!!!!! but the thing about it is that so much of what makes that sort of thing cool IS the authentic and genuine nature of it all - people are funny and do and say funny fucking things and that’s cool and it’s cool to see the ways that we interact and/or FAIL at interacting with one another. you see a tumblr post wherein someone references were-ralph’s pineapple gif and somebody else doesn’t get the reference and it feels genuine and fun. and then you get posts where people do their own take on the meme of the week - inserting their own fandom or hot take into the format of a current popular meme, or just taking a crack at saying something funny in a certain way. but when i see these posts that are purely and clearly people just PRETENDING to have a Situation but they’re not actually having a situation at all and in fact just wanted to get a lot of notes on a post so that more people will like their usual content so that they can get dopamine from having more notifications and interaction on their “content”, whatever that may be. and i know that we all know how a popular post CAN really nuke your notes for a while, we get it, and yes it’s fun to joke about that, especially when it happens to unsuspecting people who were used to shouting into the void that is tumblr and suddenly one day woke up to the void shouting back!!! but it’s much less fun when you have someone who is basically shouting into the void and just saying “oh noooo void, ~please~ don’t shout back at me 😏” because the reason those posts are funny in the first place is because the OP is getting fucked over (or just generally inconvenienced and surprised by a gajillion notifications) and reacting to that genuinely, and when the OP WANTED to get a bunch of notifications, they are not actually getting fucked over at all!!! they got exactly what they wanted which is far less satisfying an ending, especially when the whole premise of the joke is supposed to be “hahahaha this person wanted something to Not Happen but then it Happened 😈”

whew. okay i’m done i’m fine i’m finished ranting about this very specific pet peeve of mine. just know. if you make a post and someone tags it “investing at 20 notes for a 20k note post” or whatever. if you REALLY didn’t want to get a bunch of notes? the LAST thing you would do would be to screenshot that tag and say “don’t you dare” because you know damn well that is a recipe for a bunch of fucking notes and by doing that and formatting your post in that specific manner that you KNOW is designed to get hella notes, you are simply a poseur.

also fun fact i found out a few months back that poseur and poser are two different words!!!! isn’t that wild. i’m pretty sure they mean the same thing but it’s weird that there’s two of them and they are not just two different spellings of the same word

[digitaltravelexpert]

What Makes Our Story Worth Sharing and Authentic in Tourism?

What makes our story worth sharing? Let's explore the value of authentic narratives in travel and hospitality beyond crafting compelling USPs and catchy travel slogans. In the competitive world of travel and hospitality, success hinges not just on beautiful destinations or luxury accommodations but on the strength of the stories we share. The essence of every travel business, especially for entrepreneurs and marketers, is captured in an authentic story that resonates with audiences. When our narratives transcend mere sales pitches, they become vessels of inspiration, connection, and trust. So, what makes our story worth sharing? Here’s how a well-told, value-rich story can elevate your travel brand’s impact.

1. Authenticity in the Heart of Storytelling-What Makes Our Story Worth Sharing

Connecting with Audiences on a Personal Level: In travel marketing, authenticity sets you apart. Authenticity in storytelling allows travelers to see the real experiences and personalities behind the brand, making it easier for them to trust you.

Evolving Beyond Traditional Marketing: Today’s travelers are well-versed in discerning genuine stories from mere sales tactics. They’re looking for brands that provide value and understanding, where storytelling isn’t a marketing tactic but an insight into the brand’s philosophy. A story rooted in truth becomes a valuable differentiator in a crowded industry.

2. Creating Meaningful Connections Through Purpose

Identifying the ‘Why’ Behind Your Brand: For travel entrepreneurs and marketers, clarifying and communicating your purpose — the “why” of your business — brings depth to your story. Purpose-driven storytelling has the power to foster long-term relationships. Aligning Purpose with Audience Values: Today’s travelers increasingly seek experiences that align with their values, whether environmental responsibility, cultural immersion, or adventure. By sharing a story that communicates your brand's values, you attract audiences that resonate with your mission, making your brand more meaningful in their eyes.

3. Building Trust Through Transparency

Unpacking the Realities of Your Operations: Travelers are drawn to honesty, even if it includes admitting challenges or setbacks in delivering experiences. Transparency fosters trust, and audiences appreciate brands that are open about what they do, how they do it, and why. Sharing authentic stories that reflect real efforts, such as sustainable practices or collaborations with local communities, shows audiences that your brand is genuinely invested in making a positive impact. Emphasizing Local Partnerships and Sustainability Efforts: Highlighting your collaboration with local communities not only adds substance to your story but also gives travelers a reason to choose your services, knowing that their experience contributes positively to the destination they’re visiting.

4. Using Storytelling to Illustrate Your Unique Value Proposition

Showcasing the Unique Aspects of Your Brand: Every travel brand has something unique to offer, whether it’s an exclusive lodge in a secluded location, a rare cultural experience, or a dedication to sustainable tourism. Telling stories around these unique aspects highlights what travelers can expect and, more importantly, why they can’t get it anywhere else. Standing Out in a Saturated Market: In a digital world where every brand vies for attention, a unique story that clearly illustrates your value proposition ensures you’re not only noticed but remembered. An engaging narrative can make a niche product or a specialized service seem like the perfect solution for specific travel needs. Another great thing is Educating and Inspiring Through Narratives that Convey Your USP Essence. Providing Knowledge and Insight for Your Audience: Today’s travelers want to be informed and inspired. Stories that educate about a destination’s history, culture, or natural wonders add depth to the experience, making it more enriching. Knowledge-sharing through storytelling enhances the traveler’s journey and showcases your brand as an expert guide. Inspiring Responsible and Conscious Travel Choices: Narratives that highlight responsible travel practices and conscious choices appeal to travelers looking to make a positive impact. When your story includes guidance on how travelers can contribute to sustainable tourism, you inspire them to travel thoughtfully, all while strengthening your brand’s position as a conscious leader in the industry.

5. Enhancing Brand Loyalty Through Emotional Engagement

Fostering Long-term Relationships with Customers: Storytelling has the unique ability to create emotional bonds. By sharing stories that resonate with travelers on an emotional level, you invite them to become part of your journey, increasing the likelihood of repeat bookings and referrals. Creating a Community of Advocates: When travelers feel a connection to your story, they become advocates. Encouraging them to share their own experiences on social media, through reviews, or even by word of mouth, helps build a community around your brand, ultimately enhancing loyalty and extending your reach. The next thing to do is: Keeping Stories Fresh and Dynamic Adapting to Changing Audience Expectations: Travelers’ interests evolve, and so should your storytelling. Staying attuned to what excites, concerns, and motivates today’s travelers allows you to adjust your narrative in ways that keep it relevant. Consistently Innovating and Re-engaging Audiences: Continuously adding fresh stories to your brand narrative — new partnerships, recent sustainability initiatives, or unique customer experiences — keeps your audience engaged and demonstrates your brand’s commitment to continuous evolution. What Makes Our Story Worth Sharing FAQs What makes your story worth sharing in the travel and hospitality sector?In the travel and hospitality sector, a story is worth sharing when it authentically captures a brand’s unique purpose, resonates with audience values, and builds trust. All have a story worth sharing, but those that reveal genuine connections, sustainability efforts, and meaningful experiences leave a lasting impact on travelers.What is the value of sharing your story?Sharing your story creates authentic connections with travelers, making them more likely to engage with and trust your brand. Unlike catchy slogans, when travelers share your brand's unique experiences, it generates powerful word-of-mouth marketing that amplifies your reach and credibility in the digital landscape.Why do we feel the need to share our stories?As travel entrepreneurs and business founders, sharing our stories humanizes our brand, making it relatable and accessible to our audience. It fosters deeper connections by showing the people, values, and passion behind the business, which builds trust and loyalty.Why sharing your story mattersSharing your story humanizes your brand, creating emotional connections with your audience and setting you apart in a crowded market. When you start writing your life story, you align your unique experiences with your USP and mission, reinforcing your authenticity and values. Final Thoughts on What Makes Our Story Worth Sharing In the realm of travel and hospitality, our stories are more than just words; they’re our way of connecting, inspiring, and building lasting relationships with travelers around the world. By infusing our narratives with authenticity, purpose, transparency, and education, we create a foundation that resonates deeply with audiences. When we share stories worth telling, we elevate our brand beyond a service provider and become part of the transformative journeys our clients seek. Embrace the art of storytelling to make your brand a symbol of trust, connection, and lasting impact in the world of travel and hospitality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKIZ0bicfFw Read the full article

[preuveneers]

Family Solicitors London To Support You Every Step Of The Way

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They are here to support you every step of the way, hence never feel shy to discuss your matters to them. The experienced lawyers provide comprehensive guidance, helping you achieve your property goals with confidence. Connect with the suggested law firm as it always focuses on building lasting relationships with the clients. They also take the time to understand your unique challenges and objectives, offering you the unbeatable strategies that safeguard your interests and drive your success. Searching for the best solutions on Family Solicitors London can be easier for you, if you check up all the posts and reference website provided by the author. Must follow and grab great ideas.

[monsterkong]

The Blueprint for Building a Lasting Brand: Actionable Tips for Entrepreneurs

Every successful brand starts with a clear vision and a strong commitment to action. In this blog post, I’ll share my blueprint for building a brand that not only stands out but also stands the test of time. 🕰️

Step 1: Understand Your Audience 🧐

The foundation of any great brand is a deep understanding of your audience. Before you even think about designing a logo or crafting a tagline, you need to know who you’re speaking to. 🗣️

Take the time to get to know your audience’s pain points, desires, and challenges. What keeps them up at night? What problems are they trying to solve? Use this information to shape your brand’s messaging and ensure that every piece of content you create speaks directly to their needs. 💬

Step 2: Leverage Your Unique Experience 🎓

Once you have a clear picture of your audience, it’s time to bring your own experience into the mix. How can your background, skills, and knowledge help your audience solve their problems? This is where you can differentiate your brand from the competition.

Your experience is your superpower. 💥 Use it to provide valuable insights, tips, and solutions that your audience can’t find anywhere else. By aligning your experience with your audience’s needs, you’ll create a brand that feels authentic and trustworthy.

Step 3: Create a Comprehensive Content Strategy 🛠️

With your audience and experience in mind, it’s time to get down to business. Start by creating a content strategy that’s tailored to your audience’s needs. This strategy should include regular content creation days, where you focus solely on producing high-quality content that adds value to your audience’s lives. 🎯

But don’t stop there! Make sure all your social channels are optimized and your website is up-to-date. This ensures that your content has the maximum impact and reaches the right people. 🌍

Step 4: Stay Committed to Your Brand’s Growth 🌱

Building a brand is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, effort, and a lot of persistence. Over the past decade, I’ve learned that the only way to achieve long-term success is to stay committed to your brand’s growth, even when things get tough. 🏃‍♀️

There will be days when you feel like you don’t have enough time or resources to move forward. But don’t let that stop you. Every little action you take, no matter how small, will contribute to your brand’s growth over time. Just keep showing up and doing the work. 🌟

Conclusion: Start Now, Optimize Later 🚀

If you’re ready to build a brand that lasts, my best advice is to start now. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or for everything to fall into place. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see results. Remember, action comes first, and optimization comes later.

🎉 Need help getting started? My team at Cslo Ventures specializes in helping entrepreneurs build and grow their brands. From comprehensive content creation packages to social media management and web design, we’ve got you covered. Visit us at CsloVentures.com to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your brand’s full potential. 🌟

[alyjojo]

Love Reading 🍼- July 2024 - Scorpio

Singles:

Who is Coming In: Ace of Cups rev, 5 Wands rev, 6 Swords rev

Regarding: 3 Cups

Long-Term Potential: Judgment rev

I like this energy, or the reason behind it anyway. This is someone you missed the boat with before, probably a friend. A friend of your sibling that you had a crush on for years, your cute neighbor, the church group friend whose mom is friends with your mom - it feels “loose acquaintance” but you know of them. Always liked them. I’m seeing a reunion in some way, could be school, I’m getting more of a wedding vibe from this…or your parents are involved with them/theirs somehow, having friends and other people in common bring you together again, to celebrate 🎉

But…it’s probably not going anywhere. Your feelings will be the same, you still like them, but I keep hearing “missing the boat”. This person could be married themselves, or were, or they’re religious now. There’s some sort of belief system that doesn’t vibe with yours, and heavy fixed energy would show a mentality that is just as stubborn and resistant to change as you, they’re not flexible in their belief systems or way of being. That seems to clash greatly with yours, it’s not specific how. Could be totally different religions, or there’s a big difference in education and interest in something that just sets you apart greatly. This isn’t something that will ever change, and there may be some flirting anyway; this interaction still feels positive. Long term, it’s going to give you some perspective on “missed opportunities” that may have been FOR you and not TO you, if this ever made you sad. It’s like Spirit knows what you *need* more than you do or something 😉 But keep the dreamy energy…it’s like giving you what you want at the wrong time for the purpose of seeing why it had to be this way, and because you’re headed towards something more authentic to who you are, without having to sacrifice that for someone else.

Messages:

- ✨ I See You in My Dreams ✨

- I’m a FOOL for you 🃏

LOVE CALL 📱

- Expressing Love

- Messages of Love

- Thinking of You

- Informing You

New Worlds 🌎

There are many more things for you to discover, so don’t give up.

Signs you may be dealing with:

Cancer & heavy fixed energy 🙅🏿

Couples:

Them: The Sun rev, 3 Pentacles rev, The Hermit

Regarding: Ace of Pentacles

Okay, the story I’m getting isn’t going to fit with every person so take it however it applies, Spirit works through me with examples and visuals, it’s up to you to give it personal meaning. Your person is someone that may do something for work or money that makes you very uncomfortable. Sex work is the thing that’s highlighted, either because it’s literal or because it’s showing how something like this could set apart a partner from one’s own personal standards, morals, beliefs, etc. And there’s no “fix” for that when your person wants to do what they’re doing, it’s their choice.

There is a level of passion or “options” in whatever they do. A stripper COULD fk everyone in the place but are they going to? Probably not. Does that matter to you? Not really, it’s simply being that they could that’s the issue. I get you being very uncomfortable, and they’re choosing to leave this connection behind because of it. They have no intention of changing anything, except being around people that don’t support their way of doing things. They know you don’t support them and feel they have no other choice than to walk away. Are they devastated or full of emotions, no, they come off as accepting this as truth and realizing some people just can’t vibe with it. No anger, no sadness, none of that - but it is shown that whatever they’re doing IS exactly what they want, 9 Cups at the bottom. They could very well be a player, changing partners like underwear, and it’s not changing - that’s what’s they want to do. They could be impulsive or like to drink/use substances/party, which makes trust even more difficult, or that’s the environment they work in, and intend to stay in.

Messages:

- Pornstar 🌟

- Really Tall

KEY ON A RING 🔑

- Many Options

- Unconventional

- One Night Stand

- String Along

Make a Change 🪄

Embrace growth, seek new paths and welcome transformations with an open heart.

You: The Star, 3 Cups, King of Swords rev

Regarding: 6 Swords

You’re both on the same page of moving forward, that’s the goal, but it looks like you’re doing so separately. You’re healing from whatever has gone down, even if it’s just a lack of trust and nothing actually happened - every story is different. They’re pretty certain it’s time to move on and are actively doing so; you’re not as sure but you only want to move in a direction where there’s some actual progress. You want to reunite with this person, leave the past drama behind and put an end to the cycle…but with everything else involved too. The options, the job if it’s a job, their mentality of things or belief system, their overindulgences or interests even, this feeling is coming up as kind of narcissistic - and I don’t think the cards are calling you one, it’s showing that’s the effect this person has on you. They’re so not in your lane that you don’t know what to do but make them, control, condescendingly talk about the things they like or do in the hopes they’ll change. But they won’t, and you’re having to see that by seeing the end of this connection. You’re just made of totally different stuff with totally different goals. They bring out a side of you that isn’t great because it doesn’t align - that’s all it is. They aren’t terrible they’re just not like you, and it’s the same story switched. Neither one can *make* the other person be what they want them to be, or need.

Messages:

- I love our walks together.

- We don’t value the same things and it bothers me.

SWORD & ROSE 🗡️🌹

- Clarity & Truth

- Revelations

- Honor & Protection

- Determination

See What’s Real 👁️

Observe with clarity. True insight lies beyond the surface.

Mutual: 4 Swords rev, The Moon rev, 2 Swords rev

Regarding: 9 Pentacles

Very difficult energy here. You’re both healing from the experience, and separate now. You both feel you’ve realized some needed truths and have gotten the clarity and/or closure you needed to move on - which both of you are doing. I think you’re the one looking back towards them, because with Soulmate here it’s like you’re questioning whether this was your person and you dropped the bag too soon, missed your chance at forever. I clarified the Soulmate card and got The Magician rev and Queen of Pentacles rev. There’s no easy way of putting that really, this person likely used you. Tricked, bamboozled, told you it was forever and left as soon as you had an issue with their bs. I don’t think you’re the only one either, that’s who this person is - at least at this stage of their life.

Is this your soulmate, no. Is this someone meant to come into your life to teach you a lesson? Maybe, for some. Is this someone who just comes in and out of people’s lives to gain from them and then discard - possibly narcissistic - again maybe, for some. They may also have brought out narcissistic sides of you, feeling a need to control or manipulate by being kind of a dick, playing mind games, thinking that would work or something idk. Both of you are focused on yourselves and doing what you want/need to do for yourselves - separately. Both of you are very stubborn and holding on to your positions on the matter, whether it’s a job, behavior, hobby, whatever, it’s not going to change. This person won’t change, they’re very resistant to the perspectives of others, generally, because their way works for them. Not for you. If anything it looks like it’s simply meant to end, if it’s meant for anything. And to reinforce boundaries on both sides of what is expected of whatever “Soulmate” actually does come in for you both, this connection forces you both to not drive on autopilot and be more aware of the people you get involved with - how they match up to your own personality, goals, desires, etc.

SOULMATE 👥

- Soul Connection

- Partnership

- Soul Contract

- Life Partner

Eclipse of Concealment 🌒

Navigate through the Eclipse of Concealment, understanding the cyclical nature of hidden phases and awaiting revelations.

Signs you may be dealing with:

Heavy Aquarius, Virgo, Capricorn, Libra & Pisces

[websitesdepotla]

Podcasting In Public: Best Practices

Are you looking for more ways to create content that are actually going to get someone’s attention? Do you not have your own video production/podcasting studio? That doesn’t mean you’re precluded from podcasting, of course. Quite the opposite, in fact. Podcasting in public, something I do often for our company that specializes in omnichannel digital marketing and SEO services in Los Angeles.

If you’ve read any of my blogs here before, then you know the value of video recording what it is you do in the course of a given day. That means taking some video of people working in the office, of course, but also for those in a restaurant, factory, or anywhere else.

For context, when I say “podcasting outside,” I mean “filming a video with you and another person speaking to each other in hopes of creating content.” Below are some of the tips that I wish I had known before my first outdoor podcast.

The first time you record yourself talking to someone outside, it’s natural to want to hold the phone in your hand. It’s how you would take a selfie, a video with friends/family/etc. However, when it comes to your content for your business, you’re better off with a stand. It doesn’t have to be an enormous mic stand, even a small one is fine. What matters is that it will be far more stable than your hand, even if you’re holding your phone by the stand.

Often, what we’ll do here at Website Depot is ask someone to come to a particularly well-illuminated spot, put the tripod (or “sticks”) down, and go from there. But, we also may put the camera on a small tripod and just wave it around. Either way, that gives you enough of a solid foundation (both figuratively and literally) to make content.

Have Something to Give Specifically, have something to give your consumer as well as your guest.

For example, recently, we attended the Glendora Recovery Foundation Expo. It was a wonderful time. They were a client of ours, and we were able to support them while also meeting so many great new businesses, too. I did a lot of outdoor podcasting there, talking to different vendors about their businesses, etc.

Remember: when you make content, any content, whether it’s podcasts, videos, blogs, even social media posts, they can’t just be promotional in nature. The person watching has to be able to get something out of them.

So, I always made sure that the ones I did at that expo were informative. They taught folks about a new business, why they may want to check it out, how it could provide them with solutions, etc.

Of course, I make it entertaining, too. How? I ask the questions of the business owner that I would like answers to. My reasoning here is: if I have the question, someone watching will, too.

By that same token, have something for your guests, too. Our CEO and founder, Danny Star, told me everyone who podcasted with me we’d edit it for them, put it up, make sure to link them, so that folks see what it is that they have to offer.

Whether someone’s going to be on your podcast or consume your podcast, make sure that you have something to give them that they’re going to want.

Perfect Has Left the Building These don’t have to be “perfect.” They don’t have to be anything close. Indeed, trying too hard to make them seem “perfect” can have the opposite effect: they can make them less authentic.

When you’re podcasting with someone, particularly in an outdoor setting, where things might be a bit impromptu, you’re not looking for “perfect.” What you are looking for: authenticity. You want the other person to say something real, to establish a real human connection.

Why? Because that’s what people respond to. All of the slick production in the world isn’t worth one real authentic moment. That’s especially true for short-form podcasting, for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and the like.

That doesn’t mean that the person you’re talking to has to break down crying, telling the most vulnerable aspects of their life, etc. What it does mean is that you want the other person to say something true and honest, something that matters to them.

The good news is here that this is much simpler and easier than it sounds. As a professional in your field/industry, you have expertise. You know what the common person doesn’t. Share that. Put that in everything you do. That way, you’re always providing something real, real value, in everything that you put into the world.

Help With Omnichannel Digital Marketing and SEO Services in Los Angeles

Those are just some of the tips I’ve learned over the years from filming podcasts out in the world for Website Depot. There are many, many others, of course. But, as you may have noticed, many of those tips can work for content creation of all kinds, too. Whether you’re doing blogs, service pages, landing pages, and more, for example, you’re going to want that real authenticity, real solutions in them. Here at Website Depot, we can do a lot more than just outdoor podcasts (to say the very least). We create websites, pages, build up your social media following, protect your reputation, create content of all kinds, help you to rank for the keywords that matter to you, and so much more.

To see how we can help your company, schedule a free consultation with us through our site or by calling.