#this was the 6th thing I drew and the 4th thing I painted

[nvrfearthefall]

Shadamy Week 2021: Day 3

First Meetings/ Cosmic

"How do we rewrite the stars? Say you were made to be mine?"

Whose to say they can never be? Canon??? Don't know her.

[jaypsnax]

Art Fight(and not) Things !! Welcome to the grey canvas show. Premature posting for over half of them and late posting for the rest, but reasons for that below the cut. As well as some context for each.

1st is a ref I made for my sona, which has yet to be put up. Been delayed due to working on other things and still not having a name. 2nd is a NB visibility Floofty I kinda just.... cobbled together? Not sure if it’s all that great, *and* it’s late, but... well. Hrgrhrhgrhgrhgr 3rd is the start of the AF things with @snakjomo‘s Journalist, whom I’ve become very fond of in my time consuming Bugsnax content. Their design might be subject to change, but I’ll love em either way <3 4th is Quillda Tiddlything from @calliopepreforms who is ADORABLE, I love her cute lil stubby legs, hair, and oversized glasses. She’s like prime pick up and cuddle material, absolutely amazing. 5th and 6th are both @cheesesteakphil​‘s Orlifa Featherbean (sure do draw lots of journalists, huh?) and the first I got a bit too ambitious with while I hope they don’t mind the slightly shippy content of the second >.> If not then We Are Shaking Hands On Appreciating Floofy

So! Additional context... well, frankly, the Art Fight work hasn’t exactly been going swimmingly. I’ve been trying new things and have Sort Of had ideas, but it’s been just as much sitting still as moving forward, frankly. And I’d felt bad that it seemed like I had nothing to show, while getting frustrated with the inability to properly finish anything. Iunno, I’ve gotten impatient and also in some weird way showing stuff might help my brain move forward. I hope it doesn’t come off as... lazy or anything like that :l 1st image has already been pretty explained. I drew it shortly after the previous reference for a commission because I just wanted to do something new. It’s a little samey in expression and not as neat in terms of composition, while lacking in details like the headphones and lil cassette player, but I figured I could pair them together to shore up on any missing bits. 2nd also pretty self-explanatory, and shows a trend I have with expressions for SURE. Like, left corner of the mouth up type beat. I’m tryna break outta habits with this stuff, but it is Not Easy. That bow tie kicked my ass too. And I’m not sure I’m entirely satisfied with what I came up with, ultimately, but I didn’t want to wait too long either. Even though NB Visiblity Day’s already passed us up regardless. Floofty’s existence means a lot to me and I had to do *something*, y’know? 3rd has a bit of extra detail in that I meant for it to be a sequence. Like Buddy and Filbo sitting at the campfire and all that with a side of Gay Realization and such. The good stuff. Unfortunately, I’d been struggling a lot with composition and have No Idea have to do backgrounds. To the point where I couldn’t come up with anything additional. What’s there is ok, but the missed potential is horribly frustrating. Just hope it’s alright enough. Lighting’s kinda scuffed too, I know. ...I should stop looking so closely. 4th is yet another thing that doesn’t need too much explanation beyond “haha tiny journalist :)” tbh. It’s really not the best little sketch, but I also felt bad not including it? Have To Express The Love And If I Don’t I Die. 5th and 6th are a whole load because I originally started with the first bit from suddenly being struck with the idea of Orlifa in that comfy denim jacket from their ref in snow or smthn. While having a lil detail of when you do that like... exhale from the side of your mouth in the winter thing in mind. Got pretty experimental with the coloring and shading and things like that, which has been a learning experience for sure, even if I’m not 100% of the result. Backgrounds are not and will likely continue to not be my strong suit, but I’m hoping to get better about it. Probably not the best idea to be trying to go all out during a time limited event, however I uh... just care a little too much ahahhh... Had even been trying to take up painting to do a piece of Egg’s(Snakjomo’s) Neme and Cath. Or one of them, at least. SO much brain hurty. Anyway, with that second sketch I just thought it might be neat to do more than one thing for them. I like drawing interactions I know they like Floofty, so.. one thing led to another and there’s that. *Had* to do something with Orlifa for that sweet sweet Floofty Enjoyer and NB Solidarity. Then uh... that’s that. There’s other works, but they’re not really Bugsnax related, so I opted to omit them. While a lot of this stuff is sketchy af and ultimately unfinished, I hope they’re worth at least a little to everyone who got something. Might not be all there is, but my pace is gonna be horribly slow. So (maybe) stay tuned for any of that.

[themidnight-ghost]

Try

Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three

Anne Boleyn lost everything when she accidentally resurrected Henry VIII. Now it's all up to her to fix her mistakes, but hopefully, she won’t have to do it alone.

Anne Boleyn was usually a heavy sleeper. She slept and continued sleeping until around 10 am when Jane would practically drag her out of bed. But tonight, on Cathy’s floor, Anne was restless.

Earlier, the 2nd and 6th queen had a heated discussion about who would sleep on the floor and who would sleep on the bed. Anne refused to go anywhere near Cathy’s mattress until she’d made things right with everyone, and they both knew Anne didn’t deserve the treatment she was getting anyway. Cathy eventually gave up and pulled out a book.

Now, the Boleyn girl was tired yet unable to sleep - everything was a distraction. Cathy’s rhythmic breathing, the occasional taxi which sped past the open window, the drunk shouts of men walking home from the pub down the road and of course, Anne’s thoughts.

Eying the open window, Anne thought back to a time when everything was okay. She’d spend hours on the roof with Anna talking about their inner demons and the guilt they felt. For Anna, it was surviving and having a good life. The 4th queen always thought she shouldn’t be the one crying. As for Anne, it was more to escape the prying eyes of her family and country; they all painted her as a failure.

Anne was the quietest she’d even been as she tiptoed over the floor and past Cathy’s papers so she could reach the window. Upon arrival she pried the latch open and slid under, grasping onto the ledge as she made her way towards the highest point. Anne let the occasional whisper-curse slip from her lips as she adjusted her footing amongst the tiles. It was harder not being in the attic.

Reaching her destination, Anne propped herself against the sloping walls and drew her legs close to her chest, hugging herself. The air was fresh and pure like it was filtering through a fan, Anne gazed up at the stars with longing and a spark of hope in her eye. She enjoyed being alone with the moon shrouding her face. It helped her make sense of her thoughts and contemplate her actions, or in this case, the rising feelings she had for Catherine Parr.

With or without Anna, Anne remembered when she wrote poems about Cathy once she discovered her feelings. Anne never imagined that it would work out, though. They were reincarnated Tudor queens who had been previously scared by love but found comfort in each other. Cathy was the only person who succeeded in breaking down her defences and the only queen Anne had a real connection with when dismissing Katherine.

According to history, the whole thing was bullshit. But you should’ve seen Cathy’s face when Anne kissed her after their performance at The Olivier awards and opened up to the writer about her feelings. The youtube clip had been watched 13 million times and the gasp from the audience when Cathy finally nodded and admitted that her feelings reciprocated always made Anne chuckle.

“Boleyn?”

Anne squealed at the arrival of another person and quickly tensed up when she realised it was Cleves.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

Anna’s tone wasn’t malicious; instead, it was quite humorous, and the 4th queen chuckled as Anne fumbled for an answer.

“It doesn’t matter.” Anna sat beside Anne before looking up at the stars, “I figured it was only a matter of time before Cathy smuggled you into the house again. She couldn’t stop asking about you - it drove Jane bonkers. How long have you been here, anyway?”

Anne was taken aback at Anna’s hospitality, “It’s my 2nd night here.”

“Weird that-” Anna hesitated, “Cathy stopped mentioning you about two weeks ago.”

“She found me living on the street and decided to help by giving me money. Eventually, she couldn’t hide it anymore and started talking to me herself.”

“The street? Jane said you were in Malibu with henry?”

“Malibu? You have to be shitting me!” Anne scanned Anna’s face for any sign of a joke. “I left that wanker the moment he wouldn’t stay true to our deal. The plan was to resurrect the kids for the good of everyone else, but he bolted. When Jane kicked me out, I went looking for him so we could continue our deal. I found him in a local pub, running away from everything.”

“Damn, Jane really hates you.”

“Are you serious?” terror traced Anne’s face, “I always thought that was a stage act?”

“Oh, it was. But now, Jane really hates you.” Anna responded nonchalantly.

Anne froze. Jane hated her? Anne may have done some terrible things, but she never wanted to hurt anyone and surely didn’t want anyone to hate her. These people were her family! To know Anne caused them pain was an unbearable thought, and the Boleyn girl could feel her walls crumbling. Let’s just say there was a reason for the cuts on her wrist.

“Do you hate me?” Anne’s voice cracked, and she pressed her nails into her biceps to stop her tears.

Anna stopped to contemplate the 2nd queen’s question. Unfortunately, this pause was too long, and Anne's walls tumbled.

It started when a tear-streaked her left cheek and Anne cupped her mouth to prevent her sobs echoing into the night and waking the other queen’s. With all boundaries gone, Anne turned and cried into her friend’s shoulder,

“Am I a bad person Anna? Please don’t hate me.”

“What the-” Baffled by the sudden emotion-explosion, Anna pulled the 2nd queen closer to her chest, “You’ve never been a bad person, babes. And I could never hate you.”

Anna was never good at comforting anyone and often referred back to her own experiences. However, she had always been there for Anne before and wasn’t stopping now.

“Besides, I’m technically the bad one here; I couldn’t stop Kat from hurting herself.”

“Kat hurt herself because of me?” Anne’s heart broke before falling further into her stomach, giving the Boleyn girl a sick feeling of guilt and sorrow, “I’m the villain in this story, not you.”

“Woah,” Anna turned to face the 2nd queen, “Don’t say that, you didn’t mean to hurt her!”

Anne curled into herself, “But I still did! It being an accident doesn’t change anything!”

“Anne, listen.” Anna held Anne’s face, so they looked into each other’s eyes, “There isn’t a villain here, just a bunch of kids who made mistakes.”

“But I-”

“The thing with us is that we’re not bad people. A bad person is someone who deliberately causes harm or pain to others. You may be painted as a bad person to some, but it doesn’t mean you’re genuinely a bad person. Mistakes happen. Get over it and start living your life.”  

“You should hate me?”

“But I don’t.” Anna brushed her hair back with her hand, “And you shouldn’t either.”

With that, Anna of Cleves slid down the roof and back into her room, leaving Anne alone under the stars.

With no more tears left to cry, Anne felt empty. She didn’t intend to disclose everything to Anna, but it did feel good to get everything off her chest. She briefly closed her eyes in silent prayer and wallowed in the silence, palming the roof tile to pass the time.

‘I want to tell you everything, all the words I never got to say the first time around. But you are just a fool to keep pretending that you love me so even if I said anything, It wouldn’t matter.’

☁️ Anna was not qualified to deal with an emotional outburst at 3 am but honestly neither am I. Comments and Kudos are always appreciated. x ☁️

[doubleattitude]

NUVO Dance Convention, Dallas, TX: RESULTS

High Scores by Age:

NUbie Solo

1st: Ariella Scott-’My Boyfriend’s Back’

1st: Sylvie Win Szyndlar-’Rainbow Connection’

2nd: Sebastian Mancini-’Guerriero

3rd: Avery Olson-’Monster’

4th: Reis Terhune-’Saxx’

5th: Arianna Claxton-’Ride’

6th: Mackenzie Glover-’Suddenly’

7th: Avery Redus-’Lost Boy’

8th: Ella Benjamin-’In Love With A Monster’

Mini Solo

1st: Ellary Day Szyndlar-’Snow’

2nd: Naiya Abalos-’Forces’

2nd: Tiara Sherman-’The Things That Remain’

3rd: Roxie Onellion-’Mellow Yellow’

3rd: Alexis Alvarez-’Wide Eyes’

4th: Camilla Sonnier-’Ave Maria’

4th: Ainsley Epton-’Dangerous’

5th: Anna Holley-’Reminisce’

5th: Addison Price-’We Will Not Give In’

6th: Braylynn Grizzaffi-’Path5′

6th: Kazuma Brailsford-’Mugen’

7th: Esprit Frank-’Grains’

8th: Winter Eberts-’Dreamlike’

8th: Karyna Majeroni-’Pistolette’

9th: Maddie Pedder-’Vibrations’

10th: Delila Hewitt-’Shop Around’

Junior Solo

1st: Kennedy Kahler-’Inanna’

1st: Laci Stoico-’Mibiso’

2nd: Kayla Jinks-’First Ember’

2nd: Lucy Cavender-’Formed From Static’

2nd: Graham Johnson-’New Shoes’

3rd: Lilly Allen-’Femme Fatale’

3rd: Campbell Castner-’Hallelujah’

3rd: Jade Bontron-’Harlequinade’

3rd: Amaya Llewellyn-’Must’

4th: Kylie Kaminsky-’Beneath the Surface’

4th: Ava Mogote-’Somewhere Over the Rainbow’

4th: Sydney Kelly-’You Are the Reason’

5th: Julia Chavez-’Going Under’

5th: Ryleigh Jane Touchstone-’This Is Real’

6th: Anya Inger-’Quiet Thoughts’

7th: Adelyn Kolanz-’Transform’

7th: Alita Kneeland-’Transparent’

8th: Anabel Alexander-’It’s Okay ‘Till It’s Not’

8th: Colby Rich-’The Letting Go’

8th: Campbell Clark-’The Scarlett Effect’

9th: Nily Samara-’Dot 2 Dot’

9th: Brielle Ring-’I Remember Her’

9th: Finley Aldridge-’Jealous’

9th: Nyah Jackson-’Slow Meadows’

10th: Kylenn Pallohusky-’Get There’

10th: Kenlie Winsett-’Patterns of the Tides’

10th: Clare Loftus-’Restless Night’

10th: Makaia Roux-’Runaway’

Teen Solo

1st: Isabella Jarvis-’Allow The Light’

1st: Sarah Kate Kurzius-’Charmed’

1st: Avery Hall-’Lie To My Heart’

2nd: Hudson Pletcher-’Ascension’

2nd: Addison Middleton-’Dark Dissonance’

2nd: Savanna Kristich-’I Copy’

2nd: Avery Watson-’Locked’

3rd: Gianna Mojonnier-’One Note Samba’

3rd: Sabine Nehls-’Shout’

4th: Mini Preston-’Granular Breath’

4th: Macy Orvis-’Look At Me’

4th: Trinity Kelly-’Sorrow’

5th: Sydney Orr-’So Far’

5th: Ella Williams-’The Garden’

5th: Sydney Ishaug-’Unseen’

6th: Lydia Werschay-’A Deal With Chaos’

6th: Dru Neal-’Bring Back The Path’

6th: Drew Rosen-’Deconstruct Composition’

6th: Isabel Reese-’Inside’

6th: Kali Knewitz-’My Accomplice’

6th: Dasha Vishnyakova-’Partita’

6th: Lauren Rahimizadeh-’Settle For More’

7th: Ava Lynn-’Catch 22′

7th: Ava Miller-’Tarnished’

7th: Cambry Bethke-’Winging It’

8th: Kathryn Martinez-’Another Brick In The Wall’

8th: Natalie Bowen-’Distance Between’

8th: Beth Anne McGowans-’The Water Rises’

8th: Sophia Bishop-’Unravelings’

8th: Isaiah Bowens-’You Know What’

9th: Mikaella Lopez-’Mind In Flight’

9th: Brielle McCoy-’My Brightest Diamond’

9th: Gianna Garwacki-’Penance’

9th: Braylon Browner-’Run From Me’

10th: Aiden Skelte-’Baiao Destemperado’

10th: Katelyn Neasham-’How They Run’

10th: Kalen Latin-’Made of Silk’

Senior Solo

1st: Christian Burse-’Atlas’

2nd: Kamryn Funk-’5,6,7,8′

2nd: Charlotte Foldes-’Shock To Us All’

3rd: Raegan Davidson-’After That’

3rd: Peyton Winsett-’Distortion’

3rd: Lainey Myers-’You Are the Reason’

4th: Sophia Seymour-’Broken’

4th: Makenna Wallace-’Hope Is A Dangerous Thing’

4th: Taelynn Ritchie-’If You Could Do It Again’

5th: Raegan Stafford-’Beneath the Light’

5th: Gracie Lee-’Love of My Life’

5th: Emma Sucato-’Memories’

6th: Kylie Sicillan-’Time & I’

6th: Haley Beck-’Upside’

7th: Chloe Lopina-’In Love In Vain’

7th: Kennedy Barry-’The Distance Between’

8th: Makaila Teagle-’He Needs Me’

8th: Brooke Jensen-’Sunder’

9th: Riley Canterbury-’Figures’

9th: Haley Bogdon-’Giuseppe’

10th: Emmalynn Mackaron-’Georgia On My Mind’

10th: Gracie Zytysnki-’Letters of a Traveler’

10th: Emma Johnson-’To Be’

10th: Caroline Pierce-’What Remains’

Open Solo

1st: Summer Martin-’Insomnia’

NUbie Duo/Trio

1st: Bobbie’s School of Performing Arts-’Tomorrow’

2nd: Beyond Belief Dance Company-’Insomnia’

Mini Duo/Trio

1st: The Pointe Performing Arts Center-’Angel by the Wings’

2nd: Stars Dance Studio-’Stronger’

3rd: The Dance Movement-’Pour the Milk’

Junior Duo/Trio

1st: Beyond Belief Dance Company-’Painted Black’

2nd: Bobbie’s School of Performing Arts-’Inception’

3rd: Bobbie’s School of Performing Arts-’This Is Me, Sincerely’

Teen Duo/Trio

1st: Next Step Dance-’Georgia’

2nd: Bobbie’s School of Performing Arts-’After The Fall’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Kitri’s Friends’

2nd: Bobbie’s School of Performing Arts-’What Goes Around’

3rd: Next Step Dance-’Daina & Acteon’

Senior Duo/Trio

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Tea for Two’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’As The Petals Fell’

NUbie Group

1st: Next Step Dance-’Milly Rock’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’

3rd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Gypsy’

Mini Group

1st: Next Step Dance-’Knock On Wood’

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Strings’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Ain’t Your Mama’

3rd: Next Step Dance-’Charlie’s Angels’

Junior Group

1st: Kim Massay Dance Productions-’Dance With You’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Threads That Blind’

3rd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Marquises’

Teen Group

1st: Next Step Dance-’A Women Left Lonely’

2nd: The Rock Center for Dance-’Hey!’

3rd: Kim Massay Dance Productions-’Put A Spell On You’

Senior Group

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’A Human, A Light’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Manic’

3rd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Completely Gone’

NUbie Line

1st: Next Step Dance-’Boy From New York City’

Mini Line

1st: Next Step Dance-’Sweet Dreams’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Spring’

3rd: Next Step Dance-’The Chain’

Junior Line

1st: Next Step Dance-’Vogue’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’On Your Radio’

2nd:Next Step Dance-’Opening’

3rd: Next Step Dance-’I’ll Be There’

3rd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Salute’

Teen Line

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Where Is My Body’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Tarentella’

3rd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Invocation of Lust’

Senior Line

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Devour’

Mini Extended Line

1st: Next Step Dance-’Runaway Baby’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Footloose’

Junior Extended Line

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Don’t Stop Me’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Respect’

Teen Extended Line

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’American Pie’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Distortion’

3rd: Next Step Dance-’#FreeBritney’

3rd: Next Step Dance-’It’s All So Incredibly Loud’

Senior Extended Line

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Hotel California’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Sexy Crazy’

Mini Production

1st: Dance Industry Performing Arts Center-’Cool Rider’

Junior Production

1st: Next Step Dance-’Let It Cook’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Flatline’

3rd: Next Step Dance-’Everlasting Love’

Teen Production

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Goodnight’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Overture in A’

Senior Production

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Crunk’

High Score by Performance Division:

NUbie Tap

Next Step Dance-’Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’

NUbie Hip-Hop

Next Step Dance-’Milly Rock’

NUbie Jazz

Next Step Dance-’Boy From New York City’

NUbie Lyrical

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Gypsy’

Mini Lyrical

1st: Next Step Dance-’Sweet Dreams’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’We’ve Got Aways To Go’

3rd: The Dance Movement-’Wings’

Mini Ballroom

1st: Next Step Dance-’Runaway Baby’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Ain’t Your Mama’

Mini Tap

1st: Next Step Dance-’Charlie’s Angels’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Weird Science’

Mini Jazz

1st: Next Step Dance-’Knock On Wood’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Boy Meets Girl’

3rd: The Dance Movement-’#Hashtag’

Mini Contemporary

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Strings’

1st: Next Step Dance-’The Chain’

Mini Ballet

1st: Next Step Dance-’Spring’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’The Ladies of the Wild West’

Mini Specialty

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’The Stepford Wives’

Mini Musical Theatre

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Footloose’

Junior Musical Theatre

Paragon Dance-’The Internet Is Down, A Musical’

Junior Jazz

1st: Next Step Dance-’Vogue’

2nd: Kim Massay Dance Productions-’Dance With You’

3rd:  Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’On Your Radio’

Junior Contemporary

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Threads That Blind’

2nd: Paragon Dance-’My Life Is A Song’

3rd: The Dance Movement-’Don’t Give Up On Me’

Junior Tap

1st: Next Step Dance-’I’ll Be There’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Sunny Side of the Street’

3rd: The Dance Movement-’Shine’

Junior Ballet

1st: Next Step Dance-’Opening’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Salute’

3rd: The Dance Movement-’In Time’

Junior Specialty

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Marquises’

Junior Lyrical

Next Step Dance-’Free As A Bird’

Junior Ballroom

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Don’t Stop Me’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Respect’

Junior Hip-Hop

1st: Next Step Dance-’Let It Cook’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Flatline’

Teen Contemporary

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Goodnight’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’A Women Left Lonely’

3rd: The Rock Center for Dance-’Hey!’

Teen Jazz

1st: Kim Massay Dance Productions-’Put A Spell On You’

1st: Next Step Dance-’Technologic’

2nd: The Dance Movement-’Cola’

3rd: The Dance Movement-’Thule’

Teen Ballet

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Overture in A’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Tarentella’

3rd: Downtown Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’An American In Paris’

Teen Hip-Hop

1st: Next Step Dance-’#FreeBritney’

2nd: The Dance Movement-’Wow’

3rd: Contemporary Ballet Dallas-’Speed It Up: The Beginning’

Teen Tap

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’American Pie’

2nd: The Dance Movement-’I Feel Good’

Teen Ballroom

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Distortion’

Teen Musical Theatre

Next Step Dance-’All That Jazz’

Senior Ballet

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Completely Gone’

2nd: Next Step Dances-’Fratres’

Senior Contemporary

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’A Human, A Light’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Hotel California’

3rd:  Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Devour’

Senior Tap

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Manic’

Senior Lyrical

Dance Industry Performing Arts Center-’Yesterday’

Senior Ballroom

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Sexy Crazy’

Senior Jazz

Dance Industry Performing Arts Center-’Like A Boy’

Senior Hip-Hop

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Crunk’

Best NU Groups:

NUbie

Next Step Dance-’Milly Rock’

Mini

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Strings’

Next Step Dance-’Sweet Dreams’

Junior

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Flatline’

Kim Massay Dance Productions-’Dance With You’

Next Step Dance-’Vogue’

Teen

The Rock Center for Dance-’Hey!’

Kim Massay Dance Productions-’Put A Spell On You’

Next Step Dance-’A Women Left Lonely’

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’American Pie’

Senior

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’A Human, A Light’

Next Step Dances-’Fratres’

Studio Pick:

The Dance Movement-’Gemini’

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’A Human, A Light’

Next Step Dance-’A Women Left Lonely’

[infizero]

goodbye steven universe.

i really dont have the patience to write a long thing, but i have to get my feelings out.

thank you, rebecca sugar and everyone else who worked on steven universe. it wasnt a perfect show, but it was one of the best. i still remember drawing a picture of lapis and peridot together in 4th grade, writing a big disclaimer at the top saying that they weren’t actually girls and therefore it was fine that i was drawing them in that way. and now here i am, in 2020, age 15, big ol lesbian. i’ve definitely grown a lot since then.

i remember looking up something on the wiki and seeing “ruby” listed as a part of garnet. i didn’t even understand what that meant back then, lol. i remember drawing endless fanart in my notebooks of the gems. i remember sitting in the computer lab in 5th grade, tracing over official art in ms paint to make my oc. i remember playing with my friends at recess, pretending to be our original gems and that the playground was our idea of homeworld, since it was years before we ever saw it in the show.

i remember seeing aquamarine and topaz when i was in around 6th grade and making a tumblr ask blog for them with my crappy art. i never got any asks, but i dont think i cared. i remember watching theory videos and listening to the soundtrack on my mom’s computer. i remember writing in my diary about what happened in the latest episode. 

i remember how i was obsessed with lapidot (lol), how i made my username on a bunch of sites “QueenLapidotShipper” (....we don’t talk about that.) i remember sitting in an empty classroom with two other kids for my online 6th english class; the teacher who supervised us was out so i just kept watching the trailer for the upcoming steven bomb, freaking out over finally seeing malachite again.

even now my username on animal jam is the same as when i first registered in 4th grade: mlpstevenuniverse. still havent gotten around to changing it lol. i have a poster i bought at the one year of bronycon i went to (i think i was a rising... 5th grader at the time? lol) of the crystal gems as ponies. i have the guide to the crystal gems book as well as the art book. i have figures of amethyst and connie.

i remember when “the question” aired and how loud i screamed when ruby proposed to sapphire. i remember making a literal SHRINE (........) for the wedding, i was so excited for it. and when “reunited” aired and i saw them kiss...... 

what i mean is that steven universe has been a huge part of my life, ever since i was 9. it used to be all i ever drew or talked about. i grew up with it, and im sad to see it go. but im also glad that it isnt overstaying its welcome like some shows. its been a crazy ride, one that i’ll never forget. thank you for this incredible, groundbreaking, heartfelt show. 

(drawings from around 4th or 5th grade ^^^)

[bmcheadcanons]

be more chill elementary school/childhood headcanons

>Jeremy was really into space as a kid and got his whole ceiling and part of his wall decked out with those plastic glow stars, and never took them down when he got older because he still thought they were cool >Though Michael was mostly ignored throughout school, he was actually pretty well known on the elementary school playground for being that mysterious kid that somehow had all the rare Pokemon cards, not just your standard holographic charizard, but ones that went out of print in the 90’s, ones that were never released outside of Japan, and even some of the special edition cards that there were only like 10 of in the world that sold for like thousands of dollars on the market. No one knew where he got them, but he definitely had a reputation as the mysterious pokemon card kid. He also had a reputation as the one kid that actually knew how to play the fucking game. >Michael also had tons of silly bands, glowsticks and slap bracelets and was the neighborhood silly band, glowstick and slap bracelet dealer >Rich had a Sailor Moon backpack for 4th through 6th grade >Michael gave Jeremy a pet hedgehog named Miles Hedgeworth for his 12th birthday, who is still a beloved pet to this day. Jeremy wanted to name him Sonic Daddy. Michael didn’t let him. >Jeremy went through a HUGE warrior cats phase in the beginning of middle school. he had like 50 OCs, had read all (and i mean ALL) the books, watched every shitty MAP, and wrote self insert fanfiction of him and Michael as cats. Michael always made fun of him for it, though he had read a couple of the books himself and found them pretty cool, even making an OC that he never used. >In 2nd grade Jake would shoplift buckets worth of toys from the dollar store and then sell them to kids on the playground for 5-10 bucks apiece and come home with a small profit, sometimes amounting to hundreds of dollars every day. eventually his parents found out and got mad at him and he cried a lot and vowed never to steal again. >Rich was ridiculed for being the kid that would always wet the mat during naptime in kindergarten >Rich and Jake were best friends from kindergarten through elementary school, but started to drift apart around middle school when Jake became a “popular kid.” Rich eventually became his friend again once he got his squip and tried to resume from where they left off but Jake acted like he never knew him. Jake now denies this ever happened or pretends to have forgotten because he feels really guilty about it inside >Rich wanted to be a firefighter as a kid (sorry not sorry) >Also Rich was kindergarten boyfriend to both Brooke and Christine, though he was once caught kissing Michael, both giggling, in the closet during nap time >Jeremy broke his arm rollerskating at Jake’s birthday party and cried so much that he never put on rollerskates again >Brooke would always be at the edge of the playground picking flowers and she would keep them proudly on her desk throughout the day, though they always looked like shit by the time she got home >Chloe had 11 different boyfriends during the 4th grade year sometimes multiple at a time, each one of the relationships ending in tears >Jenna was friends with EVERYONE. like she would always go around and talk to everyone at recess, make drawings of them, talk about turtles and gossip about Chloe’s boyfriends, etc. She knew the name of every kid in their grade and what they all liked and who they all liked and basically everything about them and would always invite them to every party >Christine was NOT allowed to have sugar because of one time at christmas she ate an entire bag of candy canes and was found crying at the top of the roof with a rope, a christmas hat, and her cat. >Christine and Jenna were best friends and would start clubs that everyone in their grade could join, make flower crowns for the other kids, braid the girls hair, paint people’s faces, and were just known as the nice girls that made things fun >Christine wrote positive messages and drew hearts and kittens in the bathroom stalls, something she still does to this day. >Brooke and Chloe actually had a great relationship in kindergarten and would openly give each other hugs and even kisses on the cheek I can probably think of more but thats all for now

[dirtdiggersanddinosaurs]

It’s not the greatest feeling knowing your birthday will fall while you are still locked down, I of all people should know as I saw my big 40th birthday plans crumble before my eyes. But as an adult we deal with the disappointment knowing that it’s a small sacrifice to make to keep our loved ones safe. However, I wasn’t so sure Stanley would be quite as understanding as he’d been looking forward to his 6th birthday since, well since the day after his 5th!

We’ve always had a ‘birthday tea’ at home to celebrate any birthday and the boys have always chosen their cake theme for me to try and create…so luckily no major changes there. But, we usually book a special day out, a mini break or a visit to an attraction too. No such luck this year! Add in the fact that extended family and friends can’t visit and I was tasked with still making Stanley’s birthday special from home. It had been James’s 3rd birthday in February and a visit to Cadbury World and partying with Nana at a family rave was very fresh in everyone’s minds, especially Stanley’s. So no pressure at all then!

I asked Stanley what he would like to do if Coronavirus didn’t exist, and he said:

I would like to go to the seaside, one with the games and the bit that goes out over the sea that you can walk on, and has the crocodile with the sausages!

Bless him! I assumed he didn’t mean the coast of Northern Australia, but rather a humble UK resort where Punch & Judy usually reside. I was determined to make that happen for him one way or another!

Oh, We Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside!

We don’t have a garden as such, but we recently did a yard makeover (read about that here) so I had a little more room to play with. All I needed was some good weather – ha ha yes, I know! As it happened we dropped lucky and it was beautiful on the day, but fully prepared for a UK summer I had an emergency canopy backup plan too.

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside!

In order to bring the seaside to Stanley I first wrote down all the things that we love about it. Then I found a carnival type font online, printed a few copies of the alphabet and crafted my own ‘signposts’

Handmade signs

The Beach

Yes, it’s an obvious one but essential really. I ordered 3 bags of play sand to be delivered and found some blue tarpaulin in the shed that would serve two purposes, to stop the sand from spreading too far and to give the illusion of the sea.

A few deckchairs, bucket and spade sets and we were all set.

The beach

The Arcade

There’s nothing Stanley likes more than taking a tub full of 10p and 2p coins into the arcade! One of his favourites is ‘the grabber’ or claw games where you have to try and win a prize, usually an impossible to grab plush toy.

The arcade crazy claw

I did a bit of searching online and found a ‘crazy claw’ game on Amazon. This is actually a family board game of sorts but I knew I could adapt it to our needs. I built the game up, used the tokens and balls from the set but then added a party bag of haribo sweets. I tested it out, it was nearly impossible to grab the sweets, and I was left highly frustrated yet determined to give it one more try – brilliant, just like the real thing!

Not as easy as it looks!

My second game was a tin can alley set up. I started off trying to make my own, but I was worried about sharp edges with so many little fingers around so I purchased one in the end. It is a lovely set though and we have it to keep, it will be good fun on camping holidays.

The arcade tin can alley in full swing

A gift of a pair of paddleballs from our neighbour (who was in on the plan) completed our arcade. For a bit of healthy competition the winners from each game received a token (re-purposed from the Crazy Claw game) to use in exchange for…

Donkey Rides

This required some imagination, OK a lot of imagination and a sense of humour too! By this point I had decided that anything to make us all laugh during these strange times was a good thing. A donkey mask was fashioned onto Eli’s baby tricycle and voila, we had the fastest donkey this side of Blackpool! I knew it would make Stanley laugh but I expected him to think it was a bit silly and more of a token gesture. But nope, this birthday boy went hurtling down the back alley on the worlds smallest donkey a number of times throughout the day.

Our trusty steed!

Fish & Chips

Our local chip shop had re-opened the week before offering a time slot collection service, and guess what? – they even served the children’s meals in a bucket and spade!

Yummy!

Well, that just had our names written all over it and the boys sat at the beach eating their lunch. Admittedly I had to take Stanley and James’s food out of the buckets and plate it up as they complained that they couldn’t eat it properly. I’ve learned not to get between boys and their food, Eli persevered though!

Fish & Chips on the beach

Ice-Cream

What else? We have a stable style backdoor so Daddy became an ice-cream man and took orders from his ‘kiosk’.

Ice-cream, get your ice-cream!

We had three flavours to go at and a choice of toppings, the end result was three very excited (and messy) boys.

Chocolate with a flake, excellent choice sir!

The Pier

This is where my cardboard hoarding came in handy! I wanted to recreate the face hole photo opportunities that are usually found on the pier at seaside resorts. I drew a cartoon character, complete with victorian style bathing suit onto a piece of thick cardboard. After painting it in I drew the outline in thick marker and then cut out the face hole. Ben made a base from scraps of wood he found in the shed so that it was free standing. We had great fun with this, we all had our photos taken.

Memories

We’ve had some amazing times at the seaside and Stanley always remembers his grandad knotting a hanky and putting it on him as a hat, and I can remember my Grandad doing it too to stop his bald head from burning. So, that was our party hats sorted, I already had some brightly coloured stripey napkins so I knotted them into hats, generational Grandad style chic.

Grandad chic

Two days before Stanley’s birthday we had the good news that Nana could become part of our social bubble. She was able to celebrate and spend the day at the seaside with us (although I think she came purely for the ice-cream ha ha). It made Stanley’s day and there were lots of long awaited cuddles to be had for all three boys.

Having Nana back was the best present!

We also had some socially distanced visits to the gate from Stanley’s friends, and they were able to have ice-cream with us too which was lovely and a nice surprise for Stanley.

After we had sung Happy Birthday and he had blown out his candles on his cake I asked Stan if he’d had a good day, and his verdict was…’BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!’

Fun in the sun for this birthday boy

I think lockdown birthdays can be just as much [if not more] fun than the all singing and dancing parties we were all used to pre Covid-19. If you put a little bit of effort in to make them memorable, you’ll have big smiles all round. But don’t just take my word for it, I asked my fellow bloggers how they made a lockdown celebration one to remember:

Sarah from Digital Motherhood:

We’re in Spain so it’s a bit different, though we were still in lockdown! I ordered cupcakes and we decorated the house with streamers, banners and balloons. We were allowed a small group of people around by the end of May so we had my parents and my daughter’s friend here for a bit. It was actually the day after they started to ease the rules so she was very lucky!

Michelle from Time and Pence:

We created a treasure hunt in the garden and gave my son clues to find lots of treats. We also arranged for his friends and family to have video chats and send him video messages then we ended the day with a BBQ and movie night! He had an extra surprise present in place of a party and he had a wonderful day!

Josie from Me, Them and the Others

We asked friends and family to record birthday messages for our son and then I edited them together to create a birthday video for him.

Erica from Things To Do In Kent

It was our son’s 4th birthday at the very beginning of lockdown so we were quite unprepared. We hastily put together a picnic in the garden and he got Gazillions bubble machines which he and his big brother loved playing with in the garden. For his older brother’s 9th birthday more recently we had a surprise movie day. I made a poster, we had far too many sweets and popcorn and he chose his favourite takeaway (Thai!), I would quite enjoy that for my own birthday!

Katrina from Trini Mama Bebe

We had a drive by birthday from friends and family, and even my sons favourite emergency service came to say hello. They gave him some sweets and some lights and sounds. It’s amazing what a tweet can do!

Nadia from Scandi Mummy

We celebrated our son’s 1st birthday in June with a little rainbow garden party as he’s a rainbow baby and it was (unsurprisingly) easy to find rainbow decorations and a cake to match!

Katie from Mums Family Fun

I organised a scavenger hunt and quiz with my son’s football buddies via Zoom for his 7th birthday. They all sang Happy Birthday to him with his cake. It was really lovely and he had a great day!

Kasia from Oh Mummy Mia

I made a cake for my son because we couldn’t buy any because of lockdown. I tried my best. He loves dinosaurs so the cake was with a dino theme. We did a picnic in our garden for his friendly dinosaurs and later we made homemade play doh and footprint fossils.

Paige from Paiges Preferences

We did a circus/fair for my sons 5th birthday. I have a highlight on my Instagram dedicated to it!

Kerry from Blissful Domestication

We did my sons 7th birthday as a pirate party. Activities included a treasure hunt, fancy dress, a video of happy birthday messages from friends, family and teachers. We decorated a tent for a tea party, and had a treasure chest piñata. Read all about our pirate party here.

Layla from Motherhood Diaries

I got the entire class to send my middle one a birthday message, along with other friends and family and compiled then together along with a Timeline of his birth to present day. He was chuffed! Read more of my party ideas here.

If you are feeling inspired by Stanley’s seaside birthday then check out my Pinterest board for more ideas.

All images are my own unless otherwise credited and must not be reproduced without permission.

Our Lockdown Birthday: How We Made It The Best One Yet! It's not the greatest feeling knowing your birthday will fall while you are still locked down, I of all people should know as I saw my big 40th birthday plans crumble before my eyes.

[c4nt1]

good stuff 2017.

Woke up without a hangover. – January 1st

Had my first print made. Seeing my work in large form is dope. – January 3rd

Kaitlin drew an awesome portrait of me and complimented my photography. She’s a beautiful human and deserves every good thing in life. – January 23rd

Won a photography award from Literary LEO, and got featured in LEO Weekly. – January 25th

Sold my first piece. – February 6th

Joel sent Josh some balloons for his birthday. – February 14th

Shot portraits of Hau, and got to talk about Josh with someone outside of the family. –  February 19th

Saw 'Get Out'. Such a tremendous film. Possibly the only horror movie I will ever love. – March 4th

Explored Shippingport Island with Gray and Gabe. – March 18th

Properly whistled (exhale; not inhale) for the first time. – March 20th

Bought a Phantom 3 Advanced. – March 24th

Won a game of Risk! (Europe) – April 7th

Went to L.A. to visit Evan. – April 27th

Got to meet and hang with Tiffany Haddish for a bit. She’s a dope person. – April 28th

Hotel party. Then, hung out in Little Tokyo with Dustin and Niko once the sun rose. I got very little sleep today. Fun though! – April 30th

Attended Bianca's graduation and finally saw her paintings in person. – May 14th

Got to go to a concert and hang out with Kaitlin. – May 18th

Made it to platinum rank for season 4 on Overwatch. – May 21st

Got my first golden gun in Overwatch. – May 29th

Received good reception for one of my pieces on Reddit. – June 2nd

Awarded Photographer of the Week on the /r/analog subreddit. – June 8th

Bianca came into town to visit. Also, got to see a bat up close. – July 5th

Rachel Lezcano left an encouraging message on Instagram about my photography. – July 9th

Systems at work got messed up, so I took the day off. Got to try Pokéhana, as well. – July 14th

"Spaghetti night" with Lisa and Epocast. – July 28th

Finally finished the last DLC for Dark Souls 3. Farewell, my love. – July 29th

Niko finally came back. – August 4th

Kaitlin received her birthday presents earlier than expected. Still, glad they made her happy. – August 5th

Kaitlin likes vibe.exe! – August 15th

Got to visit Minneapolis peeps. Still miss living in Uptown. – August 17th

Burgs with Bros! – August 26th

Got drunk and half watched the Death Note movie with Bianca. – September 4th

Hung out with Shatrice and rewatched Atlanta with her. – September 8th

Bought Niko's old rig. Major upgrade for my gaming setup! – September 9th

Got my new PC up and running. Gaming is a dream now. – September 24th

Got drunk at a wedding, and got to hang with Bianca and Gabe in a castle. – September 29th

Had a face to face conversation with Brittany. Kinda wish that happened more often. – October 2nd

Another one of my photos became popular on the /r/analog subreddit. Also, found out that I currently have the all time top scoring photograph in the sub at the moment. – October 5th

Went shooting with Gray at some cool locations, and got to visit a Mexican supermarket I’ve been wanting to try out. – October 6th

Went on a location scout with Jordan and Koda. Ended up being a fun Polaroid shoot and hang out session. – October 7th

Attended a Halloween party where people actually knew what I was dressed up as. – October 27th

Shot 120mm with Gray, and spent the day at Niko's eating homemade Big Macs and play CoD: WW2. – November 10th

Hung out at Kaiju for Nicci’s birthday, and got to catch up with some friends. – November 16th

Received my first medium format scans from State Film Lab, and they’re incredible! Might just shoot 120mm and Polaroid from here on out. – November 17th

Upgraded to a 144 hz monitor for my PC, and watched a movie called “Survivor Style 5+” with Shatrice. Also, got to show her my collection of publish and unpublished Polaroid prints. – December 1st

Got to be drunk and dumb during Bardstown Aglow with Niko and co. Also, grape Four Look ain’t too bad. – December 2nd

Burgs with Bros! Nik and I had 7x7’s at Steak and Shake. It was good, but never again. Also, hung at Niko’s and played Drunkborne (drunk Bloodborne), then rewatched ‘Get Out’. – December 8th

Gabe got me a figure of my favorite Overwatch hero for Christmas. – December 25th

Hung with Bianca, and the boys. Also, Evan and Lisa got me loot boxes. – December 28-29th

Finally got my passport. – December 30th

Spent New Years Eve at home. Thought about my gains and losses. Brought in the new year sober af. – December 31th

[twentyminutemiso]

22:54

Reflections on the last two weeks

Monday - Think I stayed home? Probably chatted to J. Went on rabbit? Did we maybe watch that film But I’m a Cheerleader?

Tuesday - Went to India Club thing. Bumped into Amber. Dom, Qanitah, Daniel were there. Really really tasty bombay mix. This ADHD seeming dude who told me he was an influencer insulted me by greeting me ‘konnichiwa’ but then said he was trying to flirt with me, and that my vibe was cold but warm (no shit)

Wednesday 30th - My birthday. Left work, J met me, and gave me a kitkat and an orangey tea with cute characters on, we went to the corner shop, got gyozas and kimchi and pak choi, we went back and made everything, E brough jollof, H brought these matte cans of IPA, A brought a chupa chups cake. We all munched heartly and people gave me my presents. (GIRL/ERROR clips, quavers packet earring, americanah; On a Sunbeam, the frog keyring from looper, the cow water pourer from the knifey vids) We sat together for a bit and A got us an uber back home. Hanadi was freaked out by BG and we said we hoped she would not die.

Thursday 31st - Bumped into Amber before training. Massive sandwich at caff nearby. Went J’s, we had some of the curry D had left in the freezer, I had a shower, (he had a shower?), E called, I was flossing my teeth, J got pretty upset, and I was trying to tell him he needed to deal with his problems.

Friday 1st - Met dore at a National Portrait Gallery Late where we listened to this sort of famous but mind numbingly boring actress talk about herself - so boring that it was pretty funny. We looked around the painting of tudors then we sat in the Modern gallery and dore drew a sculpture and told me about his top surgery date (16th March) and the beginnings of his plans for bottom surgery. I went home and had some dumplings that mum had boiled.

Saturday 2nd - Spent the afternoon walking around Leyton in the lovely sunshine buying groceries and cooking a massive meal with Zaahid. We had dhaal (flavoured w fried onions in coconut oil), beans with tamarind paste and spices and coriander and tomato and pepper, steamed buns by me, Z’s BUFF BUFF BUFF chicken wings, a massive cucumber and tomato and sumac and mint salad, and pear crumble for dessert with fivespice and cinnamon. And an asian milk curd pudding whose name I forget again. And soy yoghurt with honey in it.

Sunday 3rd - nothing. Called J. Had a lovely walk to Silver Street to get KFC. Home. Nap. Ordered my switch.

Monday 4th - Lunar New Year’s Eve. We had hot pot and it was lit.

Tuesday 5th - Lunar New Year’s Day. When I came home, Kevin and Jess as well as mum and dad were sitting around the dining table with the dust sheet covering it. They brought kimchi and pickled veggies and mum had roast duck, pork belly, bamboo shoots in vinegar, tofu and shrimp. We unboxed my Switch.

Wednesday 6th - met Create photographers and interviewed them at Soap Box the islington youth centre. They’re really sweet. There was one boy Eric who was hot. They told me about some beef they were having. I went to meet daikon gang at Chillicool and we had a big fried fish in a spicy stew with potatos, tofu skin, a few cucumbers. Went to Kevin’s for a shower and talked about spreadsheets and to do lists.

Thursday 7th - After work I got the train to bowes park and J met me at the station and he had his bike. Couldn’t get a backie though we did try. Played mana and fought Fire Gigas and took 2 tries to beat him. Method: Ice sword > Charge attack > Freeze > Attack. When I had to go J kissed me on the head at the bus stop and I couldn’t stop thinking about that place on the side of my head afterwards

[jeremy5165882-blog]

Week 9 - Rendering presentation and photoshop process

Intro: This week we completed our Project 2 assessment by doing a presentation on the rendering we had poured blood, coffee and tears into. p.s (as this week9 post consists of more than one post and is rather lengthy, I’ll be splitting it up and structuring it like this:       -intro       -reflection and critical evaluation on presentation       -photoshop process       -research board process       - 2 separate posts with all the images, documentation of rendering, and work process

Reflection and critical evaluation on presentation:

-Was I adequately prepared? I think I was prepared enough to give a simple presentation, but as I wasn’t sure what type of presentation we would be expected to give; thus i retained a few basic ideas on presenting which could be applicable to what we were doing. Looking back, I think if I had written a few notes, memorised them and practiced speaking in front of a mirror, it would have assisted me better on the day.

-Did I speak clearly and articulately? Unfortunately, while I think my attempt to speak was passable in a way, I don’t think I spoke that clearly or articulately. I’ve always had trouble speaking in front of people while doing a presentation, and I have difficulty transferring what is in my mind, into a worded explanation. (tbh a small part of the reason I transferred from my previous course was to avoid public speaking and presentations… I obviously dug a bigger grave when I chose industrial design). This is something I’ll have to practice I guess, as I realise presenting is a big part of this course, and if you’re able to convey in an articulate and aesthetic way the concept you have, it’ll be extremely useful in the future.

-Was the pace of my delivery appropriate? It was decent but not great. Instead of pacing the content out in even segments, I accidentally spoke a little too long on some and hurried on others due to nervousness. If I made a small structure such as: -introduce process/name, describe, background info, tie into next topic] for each thing I talked about, it would’ve helped pace my delivery more appropriately.

-How did I feel before / after the presentation? Before: Nervous reck.      After: relief.

-Was my support material effective / helpful Yes, I found my support material to be very helpful and effective in conveying my idea and process across to the audience. My research board/support material helped to guide me as I had organised it in a step by step process of what I had done. So if I ever got lost during the presentation, I just had to refer back to the board and continue. It was also quite easy to point to each quadrant of the board when presenting, as it referred the audience with a square of visual images to the idea/process I was talking about.

What did I do well and what would I do differently next time? -I’ve pretty much summed up all the pros and cons in each question above, but something which I think I did normally was the support material and the simple but effective concept behind It. For next time, I hope to practice different small aspects of public speaking such as overcoming stage fright and learning to articulate words clearly so that I can be more equipped to present something in upcoming assessments.

Photoshop Process: This unfortunately reminded me a lot of our course in fundamentals where each project takes around 20+hrs, and if you haven’t considered once taking the easy way out before the census date or through an accidental topple over a cliff, you’re either extremely gifted or not doing it right. The product I chose to render was an Ultrasone Edition 8 EX headphone, and looking back, I reckon I should’ve chose something easier. As this was my second time ever using photoshop, the darn headphones took around 20-25hrs to render, not including the research board, printing process, indesign and illustrator programs.

I’m really bad at computers in general, so opening photoshop gave me nightmares. I started off by: -drawing and pencilling an outline of the headphones and then scanned it in and opened the file on photoshop. Next, I -constructed layers Using the basic Colourfill ayer + Light layer + Dark layer which the hairdryer tutorial introduced to us, I created a set of layers for each segmented part as well as ordering them into groups and files. Next I -created paths for the individual segments which made up the headphones. After fiddling a bit with illustrator, its apparently easier to draw paths and then import them to photoshop instead of drawing with the pen tool. Once all the paths were complete, I assigned them as -masks to each respective layer with its corresponding part. I then -coloured each layer and discovered that if you’re working with a black/silver coloured object with lots of reflections, shiny aspects/facets, it’s better to colour everything in shades of grey and then use the brush tool to whiten or darken the grey to achieve the desired look. This way you can achieve both a black and a white from a base grey colour, as well as create differences between light and dark to replicate a mirror finish. Once each segment was coloured, I painted -aesthetic replication of mirror finishes, shine etc over the segments which were shiny/reflective on the original product. Using the brush tool, and modifying the opacity, brush size (all the way from 1-2ppx – 300 – 400), hardness and colour, I painted over the parts with my mouse cursor resembling a real life brush stroke. This part took me hours as I had to research light reflection and mirror finishes as well as creating even brush strokes with a mouse and the varying degrees of light and dark around each painted stroke to create the desired surface aesthetics of the matte ceramic, chrome/aluminium and polished pvd (physical vapour deposition). I came to a realisation that no matter how the object looks or feels in real life, the only tools you can recreate it with photoshop is an aesthetic manipulation of light, colour and texture to deceive the perception that it is actually like the real object. Thus I then moved on to -textures By finding an image of the texture on google and then cutting and shaping to fit over the required segment. The grill/net pattern over the flat part of the inner earpad of the headphone was relatively easy to construct as I only had to shade it whiter in the middle and darker on the edge of the circle, but the real complexity came from recreating the pleather (synthetic leather) look on the earpads and headband. I drew tiny white and black lines across a black surface, then layered the texture on top and then used a satin layer and a few other changes to create that soft rippling effect of tense stretched pleather. I then applied -logos and text For the logo and grouped text, I copied it from the product/website and photoshopped it to fit onto the headphones, as the tutors advised us against just typing a company’s logo, and to make it more realistic and appropriate if we just transferred the original logo across. Finally, I moved to the -background Where I created a gradient fill of black to white to accentuate the products shine and black and white tonal qualities.

This concludes a brief summary on the photoshop process that I completed to construct the headphones

Research Board Process:

For the research board, I used InDesign to construct the layout and appearance. I allocated my board into 6 quadrants, with each quadrant being able to hold 4 images. From left to right, each box showed a step of my processes. 1st box –Inspiration, 2nd box – pinterest, 3rd –research, 4th –form/materials, 5th – documentation of photoshop progress, 6th – surface/materials finishing. Thus I was able to show a glimpse of each of my steps, while retaining the ordered and aesthetic construct within one board.

[auburnfamilynews]

We preview the 2019 SEC Basketball slate. Where will everyone finish? Read more to find out!

Happy New Year!! As we flip the calendar from 2018 to 2019, this means that conference play is here and time for another Power Rankings! Going forward, I’ll be putting these out on a weekly basis.

In case you want to catch up on the first two Volumes: we broke the preseason rankings (Volume I) up into two articles (Part 1) (Part 2), and then Volume II looked at the state of things at the end of November. Now that SEC play begins on Saturday, it’s time to breakdown the conference so far and reveal where I think each SEC team will finish this year.

#1 Tennessee Volunteers (11-1)

This Week: Saturday vs. Georgia

Current KenPom Ranking: 11

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Gonzaga (3), Louisville (43)

Leading Scorers: Grant Williams (20.1), Admiral Schofield (18.2), Jordan Bone (14.3)

Points Per Game: 85.5 (1st in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 66.4 (5th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: March 9 at Auburn

Tennessee is the best team in the SEC, at least at the moment. They have the best win in the conference, over Gonzaga, and haven’t lost in regulation yet. That loss came in overtime against Kansas on a neutral floor, in a game that Grant Williams fouled out in regulation. Currently, Tennessee has the top 2 scorers in the SEC in Williams and Schofield.

We have to wait until the final game of the season to see Auburn and Tennessee go at it this year. The hope for Tiger fans is for that game to have meaning in regards to who wins the SEC Regular Season Championship.

#2 Auburn Tigers (11-2)

This Week: OFF

Current KenPom Ranking: 12

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Arizona (53), Washington (55), Murray State (61), Xavier (67)

Leading Scorers: Bryce Brown (15.3), Jared Harper (14.9), Austin Wiley (11.9)

Points Per Game: 85.2 (2nd in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 64.5 (3rd in SEC)

Auburn has 4 Top 75 KenPom (Q1) wins, however none of those teams are Top 50, right now. The Tigers need Arizona and/or Washington to take charge in the Pac-12 (and trust me, somebody needs to do it) as well as Murray State to dominate the Ohio Valley Conference to make those wins look better.

Auburn has the best PG in the SEC in Jared Harper who in addition to his points, leads the SEC in assists per game at 6.8. Austin Wiley played a season high 26 minutes against Murray State two weeks ago and with him being in the starting lineup, I can see him averaging close to that mark now the league play is upon us.

#3 Kentucky Wildcats (10-2)

This Week: Saturday at Alabama

Current KenPom Ranking: 13

Top 75 KenPom Wins: North Carolina (8), Louisville (43)

Leading Scorers: Keldon Johnson (16.4), Reid Travis (14.6), Tyler Herro (13.3)

Points Per Game: 83.1 (3rd in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 69.4 (7th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: January 19 at Auburn, February 23 at Kentucky

Talent-wise, Kentucky may be the best team in the league, but they are also the youngest. We have seen the Wildcats play well in their last 2 games against North Carolina and Louisville and look to have figured some things out after getting blitzed by 34 against Duke on opening night. Still, there will be times when Coach Cal will have to work extra hard to motivate his guys. We see it every year, and usually by late February and March, we begin to really see the Kentucky team that most expected throughout the season. Take last season for example, they got hot at the end of the year, rolled through the SEC Tournament and was the league’s only representative in the Sweet 16. They seem to have found a point guard in Ashton Hagans who had 8 steals in their win over the Tar Heels. He may not score a bunch, but his defense is pivotal to Kentucky’s success this year.

Auburn drew Kentucky twice this year, which is good for Auburn as they’ll get a chance to beat Kentucky for the 3rd straight time at Auburn Arena and attempt to win at Rupp Arena for the first time since 1988.

#4 Mississippi State Bulldogs (12-1)

This Week: OFF

Current KenPom Ranking: 20

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Cincinnati (27), Clemson (33), Saint Mary’s (44), Wofford (64)

Leading Scorers: Quinndary Weatherspoon (17.2), Lamar Peters (13.2), Aric Holman (12.5)

Points Per Game: 80.2 (7th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 66.7 (6th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: January 26 at Mississippi State, March 2 at Auburn

Here’s a team flying under the radar but when they’re consistently, they are one of the league’s best. Ben Howland has done a tremendous job getting this program back on track. Last year, we lamented all year about how their non-conference schedule was holding the team back from more NCAA Tournament consideration as their Strength of Schedule (SOS) was around 300. So to fix that problem this year, the Bulldogs scheduled well and have 3 Top 50 KenPom wins, most in the league. If they consistently play at a high level night in and night out, this team could end up jumping into the Top 3 of the league.

Auburn gets the Bulldogs twice this year and they’ll both be big games. Auburn sees them in 3 weeks at the Hump, a building where Auburn won for the first time since 2009 last season. The Tigers also host Mississippi State in the second to last home game of the year. This will be another big Saturday home contest for the Tigers.

#5 LSU Tigers (10-3)

This Week: OFF

Current KenPom Ranking: 40

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Saint Mary’s (44)

Leading Scorers: Skylar Mays (13.5), Naz Reid (12.6), Tremont Waters (12.5)

Points Per Game: 80.7 (6th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 70 (8th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: February 9 at LSU

LSU played some solid mid-majors at home in their non-conference schedule and they were the team to end Furman’s undefeated run. They have wins over the Paladins, UNC Greensboro and Memphis. While the Tigers were led by Tremont Waters in most categories last year, he has other guys helping him this year and his numbers are a bit down. But his defense is still there as he is the only person with more steals per game than Chuma Okeke. Each of LSU’s 4 freshmen have played and nicely contributed to this year’s squad including 6’10” Naz Reid who will be a handful for most of the league in the paint.

Last year, Auburn blew the doors off of LSU inside Auburn Arena in a game that was over in the first 5 minutes. LSU will look for revenge as Auburn comes to Baton Rouge on February 9th. Auburn has won their last 2 games in Baton Rouge and for the Bayou Bengals, this will be a huge game in regards to their NCAA Tournament hopes.

#6 Florida Gators (8-4)

This Week: Saturday vs. South Carolina

Current KenPom Ranking: 16

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Butler (37), West Virginia (51)

Leading Scorers: KeVaughn Allen (10.3), Noah Locke (9.4), Deaundrae Ballard (8.6)

Points Per Game: 71 (13th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 59.8 (1st in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: February 5 at Auburn

This team’s defense is good enough to play with anyone in the league, and if they can get their offense going, they’ll show why I thought they were one of the league’s sleepers going into the year. I had them 4th in the Preseason but a rough November had me questioning that. The Gators may have put it together in a 34 point win over Butler in their final non-conference game last Saturday. The Gators have balanced scoring as they have 8 guys averaging at least 6.6 points per game. One of the biggest mysteries this year is the disappearance of Jalen Hudson. After leading the Gators in scoring last year at 15.5 a game, he is averaging just 6.6 points this season. Hudson was a 40% 3-point shooter last year, but just 24.4% this year. If the Gators can get Hudson him going, this team will looked poised to stay in the top half of the SEC standings.

Auburn doesn’t go to the Swamp this year but gets a crack at the Gators in Auburn on February 5th. Auburn has lost 11 straight against Florida dating back to March 13, 2009. In fact, both of Auburn’s wins over Florida in this millennium have come in the SEC Tournament, the other win coming in 2000. You have to go back to 1999 when Auburn last beat Florida in the regular season.

#7 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3)

This Week: Saturday vs. #13 Kentucky

Current KenPom Ranking: 63

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Penn State (46), Arizona (53), Murray State (61)

Leading Scorers: Kira Lewis Jr. (15), Donta Hall (11.1), John Petty (11.1)

Points Per Game: 76.5 (10th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 71.3 (LAST in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: February 2 at Auburn, March 5 at Alabama

While most fans wondered how they would replace Collin Sexton, 17 year old Kira Lewis Jr. has been that answer. He leads the team in scoring but has also made the guys around him better making this team poised to be better than anticipated. Donta Hall is a prime example of this. He’s Alabama’s go to guy in the paint and in 5 December games, he averaged 14.8 points and 10 rebounds a game. Granted, all 3 of their losses are against teams they should have beat but this teams has gotten better towards the end of conference play and get tested right out of the gate as Kentucky comes to Tuscaloosa to open SEC play.

As usual, the Tigers and Tide will play each other twice with Auburn getting the first hosting opportunity this year. Auburn’s last road game of the season is in Tuscaloosa and that game will also serve as Alabama’s last home game.

#8 Vanderbilt Commodores (9-3)

This Week: Saturday vs. Ole Miss

Current KenPom Ranking: 58

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Arizona State (50)

Leading Scorers: Simisola Shittu (14.4), Saben Lee (12.5), Matt Ryan (10.9)

Points Per Game: 82.9 (4th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 70.3 (Tied for 9th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: February 16 at Vanderbilt

Losing Darius Garland to a torn ACL at the beginning of the year was a big blow for the Dores but Saben Lee and Simisola Shittu have stepped up to try and keep Vandy’s season on track. The Commodores are young but this team is lengthier, deeper and more talented than last year’s group. Despite Garland’s injury, Vandy has 9 guys playing at least 15 minutes a game. Depending on how league play goes, will have a shot at making the NCAA Tournament this year.

Auburn ended some long losing streaks last year on opponents home floors and this is another place Auburn will look to break the hex, the weirdness and bizarreness known as Memorial Gym. Auburn beat Vandy for the first time since 2007 last Spring and the Tigers will look to win at Vanderbilt for the first time since February 16, 2000. Ironically, this game is on February 16th this year.

#9 Arkansas Razorbacks (9-3)

This Week: Saturday at Texas A&M

Current KenPom Ranking: 57

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Indiana (26)

Leading Scorers: Daniel Gafford (17.5), Isaiah Joe (15.8), Mason Jones (13.4)

Points Per Game: 81.8 (5th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 70.3 (Tied for 9th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: February 20 at Auburn

The Razorbacks have been somewhat of a pleasant surprise so far this season and their 3 losses are by a total of 6 points combined, granted two of those were on their home floor. The Razorbacks still go through Daniel Gafford, averaging 17.5 points and 9.3 rebounds a game. Freshmen Isaiah Joe has exceeded expectations so far, scoring in double figures in every game so far, including a 34 point performance. He along with Mason Jones is part of why the Razorbacks have outperformed their expectations so far.

No trip to Fayetteville for Auburn this year and the Tigers won’t see the Razorbacks until the latter part of February at Auburn Arena. This is the game before Auburn’s trip to Kentucky.

#10 Ole Miss Rebels (10-2)

This Week: Saturday at Vanderbilt

Current KenPom Ranking: 48

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Baylor (59)

Leading Scorers: Breein Tyree (17.3), Terence Davis (15.5), Devontae Shuler (10.3)

Points Per Game: 79.4 (8th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 66.1 (4th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: January 9 at Ole Miss, February 13 at Auburn

Kermit Davis is a helluva coach and he’s got Ole Miss playing better than most people expected. Their only losses are to Butler and Cincinnati and Breein Tyree has averaged 6.5 more points a game this year than last year. I picked this team to finish last in the preseason but now I think this team is capable of sneaking into the Top 10 of the conference.

Auburn gets to see Ole Miss right out of the gate next Wednesday in the Tigers conference opener. Ole Miss has one of the better backcourts in the league in Terence Davis and Breein Tyree so this game will not be a pushover for the Tigers.

#11 Missouri Tigers (9-3)

This Week: OFF

Current KenPom Ranking: 72

Top 75 KenPom Wins: UCF (38), Xavier (67)

Leading Scorers: Jordan Geist (13.9), Mark Smith (12), Jeremiah Tilmon (10.8)

Points Per Game: 69.1 (LAST in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 63.2 (2nd in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: January 30 at Auburn

Expectations for this team sunk when Jontay Porter had a season ending injury before the year started. They got a huge boost when Mark Smith was declared eligible after transferring from Illinois. They play a lot of lower scoring contests and have scored just 80 points on 1 occasion this year.

Auburn only meets Missouri once this year as Mizzou comes to Auburn on January 30th to start a 3 game homestand for Auburn.

#12 Georgia Bulldogs (8-4)

This Week: Saturday at #3 Tennessee

Current KenPom Ranking: 100

Top 75 KenPom Wins: None

Leading Scorers: Rayshaun Hammonds (15), Nicolas Claxton (13.3), Tyree Crump (11.2)

Points Per Game: 79.2 (9th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 71 (Tied for 12th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: January 12 at Auburn, February 27 at Georgia

Georgia had the daunting task of replacing Yante Maten this year but Tom Crean has come close to finding that guy in Nicolas Claxton. In addition to being Georgia’s second leading scorer, he’s also averaging 10.2 rebounds a game, tops in the SEC. The biggest Achilles heel on this team is turning the ball over. Georgia has 200 turnovers in their 12 games so far this season.

Auburn and Georgia meet twice annually and Tigers fans will see Georgia next Saturday in Auburn Arena before traveling to Athens at the end of February. Last year, Auburn beat Georgia twice in the same season for the first time since 1985-1986.

#13 Texas A&M Aggies (6-5)

This Week: Saturday vs. Arkansas

Current KenPom Ranking: 97

Top 75 KenPom Wins: None

Leading Scorers: T.J. Starks (13.5), Savion Flagg (12), Christian Mekowulu (11)

Points Per Game: 75.5 (11th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 71 (Tied for 12th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: January 16 at Texas A&M

It’s been a tough go for the Aggies this year as they started the year 1-4 before winning 5 of their last 6 non-conference games. They lost Admon Gilder for the year early and don’t quite have the interior play they did last season in Robert Williams and Tyler Davis. T.J. Starks leads the way for A&M and he scored 23 points last year in their meeting with Auburn.

Auburn will look to avenge its only home loss last season when the Tigers head to College Station on January 16th. Auburn last beat Texas A&M in the 2015 SEC Tournament when K.T. Harrell led a 13th seeded Tigers squad all the way to the semifinals. Since the Aggies joined the SEC, Auburn has beaten Texas A&M just once, in College Station, in 2014.

#14 South Carolina Gamecocks (5-7)

This Week: Saturday at Florida

Current KenPom Ranking: 125

Top 75 KenPom Wins: None

Leading Scorers: A.J. Lawson (13.8), Chris Silva (12.8), Hassani Gravett (9.9)

Points Per Game: 74.1 (12th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 70.4 (11th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: January 22 at South Carolina

Is Frank Martin on the hot seat in Columbia? After expectations soared upon reaching the Final Four in 2017, the Gamecocks have struggled mightily since Sindarius Thornwell graduated. This year, the Gamecocks have played a brutal schedule including games against Virginia, Clemson, and at Michigan.

Auburn will look to win at a place that’s given them fits over the last few years, especially last year. This game’s at a dangerous spot on the schedule considering the game is the Tuesday right after the Kentucky home game.

If you made it here, congratulations and thanks for reading! As we get into the New Year, I’m hoping to bring you guys the best basketball coverage possible. Until next week, War Eagle!

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2019/1/3/18162443/sec-power-rankings-volume-iii

[thesassybooskter]

THE LADY TRAVELERS GUIDE TO LARCENY WITH A DASHING STRANGER by Victoria Alexander: Spotlight & Excerpt

NOW AVAILABLE/HARLEQUIN

Join the Lady Travelers Society in their latest romantic misadventure, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander

She must secure her future 

A lady should never be obliged to think of matters financial! But when Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe’s carefree, extravagant lifestyle vanishes with the demise of her husband, her only hope lies in retrieving a family treasure—a Renaissance masterpiece currently in the hands of a cunning art collector in Venice. Thankfully, the Lady Travelers Society has orchestrated a clever plan to get Willie to Europe, leading a tour of mothers and daughters…and one curiously attentive man.

He must reclaim his heritage 

Dante Augustus Montague’s one passion has long been his family’s art collection. He’s finally tracked a long-lost painting to the enchanting Lady Bascombe. Convinced that the canvas had been stolen, he will use any means to reclaim his birthright—including deception. But how long before pretend infatuation gives way to genuine desire?

Now they’re rivals for a prize that will change everything 

Willie and Dante know they’re playing with fire in the magical moonlit city. Their common quest could compromise them both…or lead them to happily-ever-after. 

Buy Online: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Add to Goodreads

  Excerpt

“Perhaps, Wilhelmina—” Poppy chose her words with care “—now is not the appropriate time for a trip abroad.”

“On the contrary, Poppy, this is not merely the ap­propriate time but it’s imperative that I leave as soon as possible.”

“Are you in some sort of danger?” Poppy’s brows drew together. “Have those beastly creditors threatened you in some way?” Her expression darkened. “I daresay between Lady Blodgett, Mrs. Higginbotham and myself we can probably come up with a name or two of some disrepu­table types who might be able to—”

“No, no,” Willie said quickly. “It’s nothing like that. As I said, I have already paid off George’s debts and I have enough left to repay a loan and reclaim something of great importance to me. Well, to my future really.” Wil­lie paused for a moment to consider her words. She did so hate to make George appear more of a disappointment than he was but it really couldn’t be helped. Besides, he was dead and probably would be more amused than an­noyed by her revelations. And she did need to look out for herself now. After all, aside from two loyal servants and an elderly relative, she was on her own. “When I began to sell, er, take inventory of the furnishings in the Lon­don house—something I admit I should have done years ago—I became aware that a few somewhat valuable ob­jects were missing. A small Ming vase from China, an exquisite snuffbox that reportedly belonged to a queen of France and a painting left to me by Grandmother.”

Poppy gasped. “Not the Portinari!”

Willie wrinkled her nose. “I’m afraid so.”

“Your grandmother loved that painting.”

Poppy and Willie’s grandmother Beatrice had gone to school together and had remained fast friends through­out the rest of Grandmother’s life, even if their lives had taken entirely different courses. Grandmother had mar­ried the Earl of Grantson, who died far too young and never lived to see his only child—Willie’s mother—past her third birthday. Poppy, of course, had married Mal­colm Fitzhew-Wellmore and had become—according to Grandmother—shockingly independent as her hus­band was out of the country as often as he was home. As Grandmother had made that pronouncement with what sounded suspiciously like envy, Willie understood that being an independent woman—while not especially ac­cepted by society—was not a particularly bad thing ei­ther. Beatrice and Poppy did manage to see one another several times a year. Some of the brightest memories of Willie’s childhood were of those meetings between the two old friends.

When Willie’s mother died when Willie was barely ten, she was sent off to Miss Bicklesham’s Academy for Accomplished Young Ladies. It was to her grandmother’s house she returned for holidays and the summer months. Even if her father seemed to have little use for her in those years, Willie had no doubt as to the affections of her grandmother, her godmother and dear Lady Plumdale.

“Do you have any idea what might have happened to it? Was it stolen, do you think?”

“Not exactly.” Once again Willie was reluctant to place the blame on George where it belonged. This was her late husband’s doing and she wouldn’t pause for a moment to point an accusing finger at him if he were still alive. But one did hate to speak ill of the dead even when they deserved it. “According to some correspondence and a note of collateral I discovered in George’s study, he used the Portinari to acquire a loan from an Italian gentleman. A conte, I believe, a resident of Venice and apparently a passionate collector of Renaissance art. I have enough left from the sale of the country house to repay the loan as well as the accumulated interest.” She drew a deep breath. “What I don’t have is the means to get to Venice.”

  About Victoria Alexander

New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.

Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.

Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!

Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.

They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

  Follow the Tour

Friday, December 1st: View from the Birdhouse

Friday, December 1st: The Sketchy Reader – spotlight/excerpt

Monday, December 4th: Moonlight Rendezvous

Tuesday, December 5th: Reading Reality

Wednesday, December 6th: Books a la Mode – spotlight/excerpt

Thursday, December 7th: The Romance Dish

Friday, December 8th: What I’m Reading

Monday, December 11th: A Chick Who Reads

Tuesday, December 12th: The Sassy Bookster – spotlight/excerpt

Wednesday, December 13th: From the TBR Pile

Wednesday, December 13th: BTH Reviews

Thursday, December 14th: Blogging with A

Friday, December 15th: OMG Reads

Monday, December 18th: A Holland Reads

Tuesday, December 19th: A Night’s Dream of Books

Wednesday, December 20th: Jathan & Heather

Thursday, December 21st: Books & Bindings

Friday, December 22nd: Book Reviews and More by Kathy

  THE LADY TRAVELERS GUIDE TO LARCENY WITH A DASHING STRANGER by Victoria Alexander: Spotlight & Excerpt was originally published on The Sassy Bookster

[colabpixelpusher]

On Monday my class visited Auckland Art Gallery to look at the exhibiting piece “Shout Whisper Wail”. While there we also visited some of the other artworks throughout the gallery, giving specific focus to how they were displayed.

Some of the interesting things I noticed were:

Some of the mountings and finishings were budget materials. As seen in the 2nd and 3rd photos, the music sheets and some of the frames were held up with duct tape. And in the 5th image, you can see some bulldog clips holding up the pink tinsel. Initially, I thought this was a little weird as I am so used to seeing clean, professional, tidy and often expensive mountings. However in the case of the tape, I think the mounting provided a unique contrast between the crisp clean plastic and the slightly grungier tape. The mounting becomes part of the work and adds character to it. In terms of the bulldog clips, they show a cheap and effective construction method, which works just as well as more expensive alternatives. Why waste money, if it doesn’t add anything?

The 4th photo shows a light that was hung and centered over the piano and the 6th photo shows the rings of tape on the floor surrounding the piano. These simple staging techniques give focus to the piano in the center of the room, but I also noticed they controlled flow patterns and audience movement around the room. Without even realising, most people followed the lines in a circular motion around this room, seeing all parts of the exhibition in the process.

The 7th photo shows a blanket that was hung over the back of one of the works. It appeared seemingly random, but I think it added texture and a soft sound absorbing material to the space. Similar to the blanket, the 8th photo shows some of the chairs around the room, which were covered in textured foam and materials. These soft materials added a sense of warms and comfort to the space, adding to the installation in a more subtle way.

The 9th photo was taken in a darkened room sitting on a small couch in front of the projected black and white video on the wall. The black room was somewhat sound proof, and so the work was given increased focus by eliminating other distractions in the space. The small couch in the space invited audience members to sit, encouraging them to stay longer and really become absorbed in the work.

The final photo was actually taken in the contemporary art section of the museum, rather than in the “Shout, Whisper, Wail” exhibition. I took the photo because I thought it was interesting that in a giant room filled with hung paintings, there was this one which was sitting on two rocks on the floor. The painting was lower than the others around the room, and so you were forced to look at it differently. This forced perspective, mixed with the rocks which were also painted and integrated into work added focus and interest.

Once back in class we discussed some of these points as well as others and began thinking about how these techniques might translate into our own studio installations. I found the visit very helpful as it drew my attention to many parts of an exhibition that are often ignored or lost. For my groups work, we are re-evaluating our mounting method as well as considering traffic flow patterns and how we can control/manipulate people’s motion, without boxing them in or affecting surrounding works.

[hibiscustoast]

Okay here's some of the things i did this year (last one is not from this year, but hey a painting, why not). So I'll just explain them. First one is a lesbian Wall-E AU thing that i did for @ corgi.png's 5k contest thing last week (contest is still ongoing on instagram i think until the 15th, i just drew this last week). 1st side profile thing I've done i think, really proud of how it turned out. Second thing i did was for Lance's birthday (Voltron: Legendary Defenders) on the 28th. Literally did this the day of, not my favorite but turned out better than i thought it would considering i was rushing my ass off. 3rd thing is Lars Barriga from Steven Universe. Love it. Nice. 4th thing is my friend (blocked out their name bc this is the internet). I like how it turned out so much, except i smeared the ink at the last minute and honestly wanted to die so bad. Still looks nice tho. 5th is a thing i did for mermay of my other friend as a lionfish mermaid. Nice, love it. Best thing I'd ever drawn at the time. 6th is Keith (Voltron again) in a Valentine's day card based on @ incaseyouart's palette challenge from the time. Last things a painting i did idk how long ago, but i still like it. Anyways that's all for now. Working on new things rn.

[nessietessimalnua]

Prague!

03/04/17 - 07/04/17

For the first week of the Easter holidays, some of us went to Prague as a first year trip, and it was so much fun! We were there Monday to Friday; here’s a quick log of what I did!

Monday 3rd

Got the coach from NUA and drove to the East Midlands Airport, where we got the plane to Prague, then another coach, then a ten minute walk to the youth hostel we were staying at - Equity Point Prague. It was pretty late when we got there, so we claimed our beds, dumped our suitcases and went out in search of food - first night in Prague and we had the traditional KFC!

Tuesday 4th

We were going to do the free walking tour of Prague Tuesday morning, but by the time we we sorted and had decided what we were doing, it was too late. Instead, we went through the leaflets we found and planned our week - we decided to go on the Castle Tour that afternoon instead, and it was incredible! We got a bit lost trying to find where to get tram tickets from, but the confusion and slight embarrassment was worth it!

The different styles and movements of architecture throughout the castle was amazing - each ruler added a bit more, so you had an amalgamation of Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic and Modern.

We got to watch a change of the gate guards at one point - they had such pretty uniforms! They were designed by the costume designer that did the costumes for Amadeus and Valmont: Theodor Pištěk.

The Saint Vitus Cathedral is the tallest building in the castle complex, and was a stunning piece of architecture that wasn’t completed until 1929, despite being started in the 900s! “The current cathedral is the third of a series of religious buildings at the site, all dedicated to St. Vitus. The first church was an early Romanesque rotunda founded by Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia in 930.” - Wikipedia.

The windows were stunning - such detail and vivid colours! The Saint Vitus Cathedral also holds the tombs of the Bohemian Kings and Holy Roman Emperors - I need to go back to see them!

Wednesday 5th

We explored the Old Town on Wednesday, and we had gorgeous weather for it!

The Astronomical Clock was beautiful, and fascinating! As well as being a cuckoo clock on the hour, it also logged the phases of the moon, sun, and signs of the zodiac. It’s the third oldest Astronomical Clock in the world, having being installed in 1410, and is the oldest still operating.

We climbed to the top of the clock tower, and the view was amazing! You could see the entirety of Prague - I’d love to use a panorama like this for a an animation - maybe with some Assassins Creed style street/roof running? 

They had an Easter Market on whilst we were there, and it was great to walk round! They had eggshell ornaments they’d painted, a couple of mini-forges hammering out horseshoes and drinking horns, but best of all they had stalls roasting Trdelnik over hot coals, rolling them in cinnamon, almonds and sugar before you could choose whether to have it full of melted chocolate, ice cream or plain - it was delicious!

We wandered across Charles Bridge to have a look at the statues and have a nosey at the other side of the city, and it was such a pretty walk - the views from the bridge were lovely, and the statues and stonework was beautiful! 

Thursday 6th 

We went on a tour of the Bone Chapel and Kutna Hora on Thursday, and - despite being a long one (7 hours) - it was the best! We took a coach to the town of Kutna Hora, about an hour away from Prague - so we got to see a little bit more of the country.

We went to the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone chapel) first beings as it was ten minutes outside Kutna Hora, and it was surreal! A church is decorated with the bones from around 40,000 human skeletons; there were four huge pyramids of them stacked in each corner, with heavy wooden crowns on top. The other two (there had originally been six pyramids) had been taken down by a previous, slightly unhinged architect, who used the bones to create garlands, massive chalices and an ornate chandelier for the Schwartzenberg family, who owned the land the church was on.

Whilst macabre and a little shocking, the church was a beautiful building - it was strange to wander around a hall decorated with what used to be living people - breathtaking, though.

The famed chandelier at the church was awesome! Built using at least one of every bone in the human body (par the three ear bones), it was an incredible centrepiece - reminded me of something Dracula or Nosferatu would have in their hidey holes. 

The artist that had decorated the church also made the Schwartzenberg shield out of bones - it was probably as tall as a man and amazing to look at! What a way to say thanks for paying me, eh? 

I think I’m going to use the Sedlec Ossurary as inspo for my animation background - my character is a little grim reaper after all! 

As part of the tour we also visited St. Barbara’s Cathedral in Kutna Hora, which was one of the most beautiful building I’ve seen! It was started in 1388, but it wasn’t completed until 1905 - and even then, it wasn’t complete - the plans had originally been far bigger: the building there today is actually only the top part of the cross of the originally planned cathedral.

The ceilings in the cathedral are so intricate, and were the first to have the ‘flowered’ arches in the world, I think. 

The best painting I’ve ever seen- it was supposed to be a depiction of Spain, but because the Czechs at the time had not been to Spain or knew what Spain was like, they tried to make it as foreign and tropical as possible - so they drew things like camels and elephants. With human faces. 

Just a few of the stained glass windows from the cathedral - they were so pretty! Such vivid colours - it’d be great to be able to do an animation, but as though it was on stained glass. I might try it. 

Friday 7th 

Back home! We were pretty sad to leave - could’ve done with another week to seen everything! But it was an amazing trip - and I got enough inspiration for a few projects! 

I’m going to use the Bone Church for my stop motion background, i think!

[mychemicalblog]

MCR Fanart Archive - Revenge Era

A list of all archived fanart set in the Revenge Era. Listed in order from most recent to earliest.

Earliest:  To the last parade by @ mychemicaldoodle - June 18th 2015

evil goth bitch (digital art by @ mausoleumdrive / featuring Gerard Way / April 5th 2020)

what message do you put on the back of an MCR postcard? (watercolor art by @ pynkisokay on Instagram / featuring Gerard Way / March 24th 2020)

what a weird weekend for two big interests of mine to overlap. (digital art by @ mychemicalraymance / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way; Ray Toro; Frank Iero / March 23rd 2020)

My Chemical Romance - An offering (digital art by @ wafflepuff21 / featuring lore characters / ALSO Reunion Era; Danger Days Era; Black Parade Era / March 22nd 2020)

And Give Me All Your Hopeless Hearts And Make Me Ill (digital art by @ dissappropriation / not band member centered / lyrics / March 22nd 2020)

wow look at em (minecraft art by @ queer-and-filled-with-fear / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way; Ray Toro; Frank Iero / March 22nd 2020)

Oop (digital art by @ yodaddydexion on Instagram / featuring Gerard Way / March 21st 2020)

What are some fun things to do while in quarantine?? (digital art by @ my.frerard.romanceeee on Instagram / featuring Gerard Way; Frank Iero / March 21st 2020)

Gerard with a katana. (craft by @ frank-ieros-knuckles / featuring Gerard Way / March 21st 2020)

Three Cheers For Social Distancing (painting by @ hii-im-mak / not band member centered / March 21st 2020)

Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge (marker art by @ thesinisterginger2 on Instagram / featuring lore characters / March 18th 2020)

Little revenge era ratboy🐀🐀 (pencil art by @ killjoy0x on Instagram / featuring Frank Iero / March 18th 2020)

Deathwish (sketch; marker art by @ disasterdavinci on Instagram / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way; Ray Toro; Frank Iero; Lindsey Way / March 18th 2020)

From Desolation Row (colored pencil art by @ chemical_blood on Instagram / featuring Gerard Way / March 18th 2020)

old but gold (colored pencil art by @ michaelagella on Instagram / featuring Gerard Way / March 17th 2020)

untitled (digital art by @ hey-tosh / featuring Gerard Way / March 17th 2020)

This was supposed to be based on 'Prison' (digital art by @ aftertheend on Instagram / featuring Gerard Way / March 15th 2020)

warmups! (digital art by @ punkeduppirate / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way; Ray Toro; Frank Iero / 4 pieces / March 13th 2020)

redraw of my full set of MCR flash (digital art by @ anothersuperstition / not band member centered / ALSO Danger Days Era; Black Parade Era / March 6th 2020)

Gone Crazy Be Back Soon (edit by @ Icathermouth / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way; Ray Toro; Frank Iero; Bob Brayer / March 4th 2020)

Idk have a crazy, bloody Gerard head ig 🔪 (digital art by @ yodaddydexion on Instagram / featuring Gerard Way / March 1st 2020)

The story of a man, a woman, and the corpses of a thousand evil men (watercolor art by @ helpmewithmathsblog / featuring lore characters / ALSO Reunion Era / February 28th 2020)

I drew the rat man from when he was even tinier (pencil art by @ crunchdoodles / featuring Frank Iero / February 28th 2020)

Smol redraw of and oooold Ferard drawing from september 2017 (marker art by @ pankuonfire / featuring Gerard Way; Frank Iero / February 27th 2020)

Can you hear me? (digital art by @ theart-ofvoid / featuring Gerard Way / February 27th 2020)

TAKE A GOOD HARD LOOK! (digital art by @ redaart / featuring Gerard Way / February 27th 2020)

my goth gf (pencil art by @ transvampirism / featuring Gerard Way / February 25th 2020)

Bringing back scenecore edits (edit by @ weregoindowntowninamerrygoround / featuring Gerard Way / February 13th 2020)

Some sketches of the guys that saved my life:^) (sketch by @ holy-granoli / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way; Ray Toro/ ALSO Danger Days Era / 2 pieces / February 12th 2020)

choose your fighter one protects you the rest try to attack you (digital art by @ venganzaa / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way; Ray Toro; Frank Iero / 4 pieces / February 12th 2020)

I Never Told You What I Do For A Living (cake by @ vampire-sunny / not band member centered / video included / February 11th 2020)

Sorry for no recents (digital art by @ fireblspit / featuring Gerard Way / February 10th 2020)

Kill All Your Friends (digital art by @ hn-rcg / featuring Gerard Way / February 10th 2020)

Demolition Lovers (painting by @ theo-can-kinda-draw / featuring lore characters / February 9th 2020)

some stylized Gerard looks (colored-pencil art by @ argheizi / featuring Gerard Way / ALSO Danger Days Era; Black Parade Era / 4 pieces / February 9th 2020)

demolition lovers comic !! (watercolor art; comic by @ virtualangelstatue / featuring lore characters / February 9th 2020)

And in this pool of blood (digital art by @ sashasthoughtsaretakingover / featuring lore characters / February 9th 2020)

You are going to be okay. (digital art by @ retrouvel / featuring Gerard Way / AlSO Reunion Era / comic/ February 9th 2020)

Helena (digital art by @ thebedgyartist / featuring lore characters / February 9th 2020)

who else is super hype for the tour (marker art by @ friiendlynbhdspidey / featuring lore characters / February 3rd 2020)

will you pray for me? (digital art by @ teztosterone / featuring Gerard Way; lore characters / 5 pieces / February 1st 2020)

untitled (digital art by @ awesome-hosuk / featuring Gerard Way / ALSO Black Parade Era; Danger Days Era; Hesitant Alien Era / February 1st 2020)

Demolition Lovers (digital art by @ hn-rcg / featuring lore characters / February 1st 2020)

2005 Gerard said: 🧛‍♂️⚰️💉!! (marker; colored pencil art by @ argheizi / featuring Gerard Way / 2 pieces / January 30th 2020)

like a bed of roses there’s a dozen reasons in this gun (digital art by @ mychemicalraymance / lore characters / January 30th 2020)

Three Cheers flash sheet (digital art by @ saara138 / not band member centered / January 28th 2020)

just playin with some colors (digital art by @ wcrmboy / featuring Gerard Way / January 28th 2020)

justababey.jpg (digital art by @ vaquerovampiro / featuring Gerard Way / January 21st 2020)

Three Cheers For “Sweet Revenge” (digital art by @ vaquerovampiro / featuring Gerard Way Way; Mikey Way; Ray Toro; Frank Iero / January 20th 2020)

untitled (digital art; comic by @ sumetal / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way; Ray Toro; Frank Iero / December 31st 2019)

untitled (painting by @ guzzardiart on Instagram / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way; Ray Toro; Frank Iero / December 29th 2020)

love is the red, the rose on your coffin door (digital art by @ mochike / featuring Gerard and Frank / December 28th 2019)

It’s almost time (digital art; gif by @ akoichoi / featuring Gerard Way / 3 pieces / gif / December 13th 2019)

rock on!! (digital art by @ mychemicalraymance / featuring Frank Iero / December 10th 2019)

We love the drama!!! (digital art by @ mychemicalraymance / featuring Gerard Way / December 3rd 2019)

They’re talking about Lord of the Rings (digital art by @ mychemicalraymance / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way; Ray Toro; Frank Iero / November 30th 2019)

Way Broa VS The World (digital art by @ mychemicalraymance / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way / November 24th 2019)

takes one to know one (digital art by @ mychemicalraymance / featuring Gerard Way / November 18th 2019)

the hole you put me in wasn’t deep enough! ! (digital art by @ mychemicalraymance / featuring Gerard Way / November 17th 2019)

Burning On- (watercolor art by @ daybreak-starz / featuring Gerard Way / 2 pieces / November 3rd 2019)

So Long And Goodnight (digital art by @ emomacbeth / featuring Gerard Way / November 1st 2019)

I’M BACK miss me? (colored pencil art by @ michaelagella on Instagram / featuring Gerard Way / October 29th 2019)

vampires will never hurt you (colored pencil art by @ artisming / featuring Gerard Way / September 13th 2019)

i nvr told u what i do for a living (painting by @ kickedouttape / featuring Gerard Way  / August 22nd 2019)

keep tha faith (painting by @ kickedouttape / featuring Gerard Way / August 1st 2019)

st. sorrows: the patron saint of switchblade fights (watercolor art by @ kickedouttape / featuring Gerard Way / June 26th 2019)

Gerard Way portrait (painting by @ gentlecheese / featuring Gerard Way / June 14th 2019)

three cheers for 15 years (watercolor art by @ kickedouttape / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way; Ray Toro; Frank Iero / June 11th 2019)

untitled (marker art by @ hn-rcg / featuring Gerard Way / June 2nd 2019)

so overdramatic (watercolor art by @ kickedouttape / featuring Gerard Way / May 20th 2019)

untitled (colored pencil art by @ michaelagella on Instagram / featuring Gerard Way / May 14th 2019)

razor sharp (watercolor art by @ kickedouttape / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way / May 5th 2019)

ierocore ( colored pencil art by @ kickedouttape / featuring Frank Iero / May 4th 2019)

fangs out (watercolor art by @ kickedouttape / featuring Frank Iero / April 13th 2019)

partners in crime (watercolor art by @ kickedouttape / featuring Gerard Way; Frank Iero / March 23rd 2019)

vacant and stained (colored pencil art / featuring Gerard Way / March 20th 2019)

 razor 2 the rosary (digital art by @ kickedouttape / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way; Ray Toro; Frank Iero / March 9th 2019)

WE BITE! (digital art by @ kickedouttape / featuring Gerard Way / February 9th 2019)

high school revenge fantasies (watercolor art by @ kickedouttape / featuring Gerard Way; Mikey Way; Ray Toro; Frank Iero / 4 pieces / January 20th 2019)

campy as shit (watercolor art by @ kickedouttape / featuring Frank Iero / September 29th 2018)

best served cold (watercolor art by @ kickedouttape / featuring Gerard Way / September 15th 2018)

Happy birthday Gerard (pencil art by @ burnseternally / featuring Gerard Way / ALSO Black Parade Era / 4 pieces / April 9th 2018)

new jersey’s favorite doe eyed goth (sketch by @ kickedouttape / featuring Gerard Way / April 8th 2018)

You don’t know a thing about this life (pen art by @ burnseternally / featuring Gerard Way / March 27th 2018)

You can sleep in a coffin but the past ain’t through with you (pencil art by @ burnseternally / featuring Gerard Way / February 26th 2018)

pure evil. (watercolor art by @ kickedouttape / featuring Gerard Way / February 12th 2018)

Good evening everyone I have a new watercolor of Gerard for you (watercolor art by @ lestraidel / featuring Gerard Way / August 28th 2017)

fire at will (watercolor art by @ kickedouttape / featuring Frank Iero / August 6th 2017)

Revenge Frank doing what Revenge Frank does best (digital art by @ mychemicaldoodle / featuring Frank Iero / June 13th 2017)

revenge gerard with bat wings!! (digital art by @ mychemicaldoodle / featuring Gerard Way / November 7th 2016)

Ballpoint Not Okay Frank (pen art by @ mychemicaldoodle / featuring Frank Iero / August 30th 2016)

Gerard Way & Frank Iero (digital art by @ muggleconnie / featuring Gerard Way; Frank Iero / 2 pieces / April 1st 2016)

untitled (marker art by @ mychemicaldoodle / featuring Ray Toro / June 24th 2015)

To the last parade (marker art by @ mychemicaldoodle / featuring Gerard Way / June 18th 2015)