#to release your inner diva you know?

[encantobrainrot365]

You’re right! I mean she loves the attention she just thought she had to be perfect to get it. But have you seen the way she dances? The way her skirt flares when she twirls?! It’s giving Sharpay Evans from HSM, cause Camilo is totally Ryan.

She’s dramatic af and she adores makeovers 💄

So yeah! Absolutely. Theater Kid Isabela 🎭 🌺

Isabela Madrigal is also a Theater Kid

I’ve been struggling to write a thing from her POV for….let’s say weeks, and this only just hit me. Talk about committing to the bit.

[celestialtarot11]

PAC: Random Messages for You

Hi friends! Thought I’d do something tarot related instead of astrology today. Do enjoy and let me know your feedback down below! <: it means a lot to me and this blog.

Pile 1: Hi there pile 1! You may be experiencing a disconnect within your home life, or not even that but a disconnect to spirituality. There may be a lot of shifts and changes happening in your life at the moment, and it feels as though there’s a lot of tension within you. I’m seeing a box and it keeps folding in on itself, imploding not exploding. All that tension is really sitting within you. I encourage some (I heard bath therapy) so maybe some of you like to take baths with herbs, crystals, and candles. Do that! There may be some uninvited energy around you at the moment. Also some of you need sleep. Rest. Stay off the phone before bedtime, and if you can, meditate! Meditation can look different, for some its sitting in nature, going on a walk, or laying there. There’s a really huge shift here—I don’t think you expected this ending to have happened either with someone you loved or this disconnect either spirituality. I almost feel as if there’s this longing, but also hopeless feeling of: “why? Spirit? Why me?” And I heard: it matters where you are. So, if you’re in an environment where there are people taking advantage of you how can you set boundaries? What do you need? How can you make this process easier for you? It’s likely these people or this place is contributing to your issues at the moment. I also believe spirit wants to let you know that they hear you and are there for you <3 “it matters where you are,” they know, they’ve heard your prayers. If you need confirmation this is it. Journaling can help a ton, there’s a lot of mental energy but in the sense that its squashed. Normally you feel pretty upbeat but it almost feels as if there’s defeat and its a little too silent with all the things you wish to say. Express yourself. Cry it out. I also heard hug it out! So hug it out if you can with a friend, hugging yourself, or hugging a stuffed animal. Yoga may be great for releasing trapped emotions in the body too. I hope you feel better pile 1 <3 thank you for your support and being here.

Pile 2: Hi there pile 2! Welcome! For you I feel as though there’s a lot of green energy around you at the moment. It surrounds you like a garden! I can see your aura with vines, curling up to protect your space and flowers blooming all around. So beautiful! Im also hearing it took a long time to tend to this garden, so you really did take a lot of time to focus on your confidence, healing and transformation. Im also seeing a mermaid emerge from the sea and she’s by the moon. She looks carefree! That’s you. I feel as though you’re learning to vibe with being alone and being okay with being single, although you don’t necessarily have to be. You may be in a position of power in your career now or in the future will be. Im seeing someone grab a book and write down all their ideas and goals—with this determination in mind to make it happen! You may be a fixed sign or have multiple (Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio, Taurus) and suddenly it manifests. This is the kind of success you’ve been building up towards. I also heard this is the success where I feel at peace within myself. Its not necessarily about external factors (although it could be like owning a house—I heard that) its more so the peace that comes with trusting yourself now after all these years. I also see your third eye is open which is revealing to you things that were hidden before. Hidden knowledge. Im seeing spirit is giving you these messages as if its sacred—you’re drinking out of a golden goblet and its this magical juice lmao. Some of ya’ll have very imaginative inner childs and love to concoct stories, so maybe your inner child is out and about! I legit see your inner child dressed like a diva with their sunglasses, sparkly pink kitten heels to slay the day away! So cute. I just feel you have mended that relationship sincerely. You could be a: pisces, pisces 5h/1h, aries, leo, sag, cancer placements. I also see this is an important time for harvesting results. I heard: there is result beyond fear. There is relief beyond fear. On the other side of fear there is joy. So perhaps this has been a mantra for you. I see EFT tapping therapy, so maybe some of you engaged in this. I see breath work, learning to work with your energy. I heard kundalini as well! So some of you may certainly be focused on spirituality and practices. Your inner child is so important—literally hearing their words of awe at the world. Your encouragement means so much to them right now, it’s as if they’re allowing themselves to express themselves again! Thanks pile 2 for being here <3 means a lot to me!

Pile 3: Hey ya’ll it’s 10:10 as I write this so there’s a strong presence of spiritual support! Love that. You guys might be a virgo rising, have virgo placements, virgo 2h, or strong mercurial aspects. An exalted mercury even! I see that for you guys there’s this hazy thick fog. It feels as though your energy is very much guarded and anyone who tries to come in is maybe hit with a wave of confusion. Kind of like they’re stunned. Its kind of cartoonish, and silly. But I see this as a protective mechanism! You guys have been focused on getting your life together especially your finances. You could be budgeting more, spending less, and overall grinding. Keep it on the low and hustling. I also lots of self care so maybe you’ve switched your routine, you’re getting your hair done, nails, lashes, etc. You want to feel your best self and Im literally seeing your spirit team cheer and fist bump. Its like they’ve been wanting you to love yourself and—“finally you got the message,” is what I heard 😭 I’m also hearing “pump it up,” I know its a song, its pop music, really catchy. There’s a lot of happy bright energy surrounding you and I think you’re really feeling yourself. And I think that anyone who tries to disturb your peace I literally see you putting on sunglasses to act like they don’t exist. I feel like you guys are also really funny which people don’t expect—you have a very dry humor and might be great and stand up comedy. I also feel your phone is filled with a bunch of memes to go on the daily. It’s on butt dial at this point. I feel as though you appear intimidating but you’re really funny, chill, and grounded. You may have taurus/Capricorn placements as well. Lots of earth! Maybe all your big 3 is earth. I feel as though you’re being told to enjoy yourself and have fun! Let loose and chuck the ruled aside momentarily. It wouldn’t hurt to let go. I think for so long you’ve been hustling and grinding—so its time to celebrate how far you came! You may attracting suitors or attention is what I heard lol, lots of eyes on you! Especially through this transformation. I see you going from alone to suddenly everyone is around you. So maybe you’re graduating, getting that promotion, it’s your birthday, or there’s an event coming up! This is really going to help you feel your best self <3 Im also hearing euro pop music, so maybe ya’ll are into that. And dream of euro pop blasting in clubs (bring back this era) I dont know if you know Inna and her music. “Hot” by inna is playing! But thanks pile 3 for being here! Sincerely appreciate it all. Your feedback means a lot to me.

Extra

Paid Readings 🤍

[tarotwithavi]

Letter from your shadow side

What does your shadow side wants to tell you?

Piles : 1-2-3

Masterlist

Paid services

How to choose a pile?

Take a deep breath and ask your spirit guides to show you the right pile for yourself. Open your eyes and the first pile that catches your attention is the right pile for you.

Leave a note to support!

Pile 1

Dear me,

What do you need to release? Why are you still attracted to those situations/people when you know they are of no use? Why can't you move on? First you let people come to you then you trust them with all your heart and when they betray you, you cut yourself out even from the people who genuinely care for you. The problem is not others at this point, you need to change your mentality. Not everyone you meet is going to stay in your life forever. Not everyone you meet is good for you and not everyone you meet is bad for you. People come and go and you need to learn it. Why do you get so attached to people when you can clearly see their intentions. You need to find balance in life. You need to learn whom to trust and whom to not. Life is a mix of happiness and joy and sadness and betrayal. You fear change so much that you're prohibiting yourself from getting your blessings. Learn to accept change and learn how to move on.

Masterlist

Pile 2

Dear me

Why do you get so triggered when someone points out your mistakes? Accept that you're human and human make mistakes. Forgive yourself for not being perfect because I know you're trying your best. Your putting on your best show to please others but what about yourself? You can't lie to yourself. You can fool others but you can't fool yourself. You need to be true to yourself. If you feel tired take a rest, if you feel like crying cry your heart out, if you feel neglected say it out loud. Don't hold your emotions inside or else you'll blast. Express yourself. Be your unapologetic self. You think differently that's why people can't understand you. People hate what they can't understand. You have big dreams and trust me you'll fulfill each of them , you just need to take a leap of faith. There's nothing wrong in being different. I know you feel as if your own family doesn't understand you but remember how would other know you when you don't know yourself? And I'm not talking about your fake self that you created for people, I'm talking about your true self.

Masterlist

Pile 3

Dear me

Why do you so defensive when someone approaches you? Why can't you see how special you are? Why you do compare your current self to your past self? A lot have changed. I know your past isn't the best but you are not who you were few years ago. Just look at yourself and how much you have changed. So when someone compares you to your past self just think that person isn't anymore. And you are not that person. You need to have trust in yourself and trust the process. Everything will work out in your favour. Try to write out your feelings if you can't express them. Just write it out and burn it. You are already doing great. You are like a black cat. People call you bad luck but in reality you're nothing like that. You are the luckiest for yourself. You need to get in tune with your inner diva your inner child. Do the things you used to love as a child. Draw, paint, Dance and learn.

Masterlist

[desigirldairies]

Reveal Your Bollywood Glow: Unveiling Celebrity-Inspired Skincare Secrets.

This blog is going to be all about Indian & bollywood inspired products and skincare tips. If you also want a blog separately about Indian natural and authentic skincare or hair care I'll surely make it. 🫶

Know Your Skin Type : Identify your skin type - whether it's oily, dry, combination, or sensitive - to tailor your skincare routine effectively.

Cleanse Like a Star : Use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or Neutrogena to remove dirt and makeup and a oil cleaner is a must if you wear makeup daily. Opt for micellar water for a quick and effective cleanse on busy days. (But I don't really recommend it).

Exfoliate for Radiance : Incorporate a mild exfoliator like St. Ives Apricot Scrub or The Body Shop's Vitamin C Glow-Revealing Liquid Peel to slough off dead skin cells and reveal glowing skin. And my personal favorite coffee scrub from The Bombay shaving company. Don't exfoliate more than twice a week.

Hydration Is Key : Use a hydrating toner such as Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray for an instant boost of hydration or toner + mist from pilgrim works like magic (my fav 😭).

Targeted Treatments : Include a serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid (for hydration) or vitamin C (for hyperpigmentation) if you are under 17 or 18 like me don't use vitamin c or if you want to use in very less %, I use 2% kojic acid for my uneven skin tone from pilgrim, it's very begniner friendly. (Always consult a dermatologist for your skincare don't go around seeing videos on insta and YouTube believing them). I recommend Minimalist if you want chemical bases serums.

If you are above 23 or 25 Incorporate a retinol-based cream like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream for anti-aging benefits. (Got this tip from mumma for y'all 😭✨️)

Sun Protection Essentials : Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, such as La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. More affordable and effective sunscreens from brands — dot and key, aqualogica, Dr. Seth and wish care.

Overnight Nourishment: Use a hydrating overnight mask like Laneige Water Sleeping Mask to replenish moisture while you sleep. Incorporate a facial oil like The Ordinary's Rose Hip Seed Oil for added nourishment and radiance.

DIY Treatments Inspired by Bollywood:

- Try a turmeric, gram flour and yogurt face mask inspired by Priyanka Chopra for glowing skin.

- Use aloe vera gel like Deepika Padukone for its soothing and hydrating properties. (MY fav bolly actress btw 😭❤️)

Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Skin : Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day people are not stupid that they are going around telling you to drink water, IT'S A MUST!. Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and green tea into your diet for overall skin health.

Some of my fav brands (mostly available in india) : dot and key, Foxtale, pilgrim, minimalist, st. Botanica, organic harvest and aqualogica!

Fav brand released by a bollywood actress: Hyphen by Kriti Sanon, their lip balm can even beat Rhode's lip balm istg- and their sunscreen 🔛🔝.

Channel your inner Bollywood diva and achieve a radiant, flawless skin with these skincare tips and product recommendations. Let your skin glow like a star!

[alathan13]

The Little Mermaid Live Action

I’m so freaking prepared for this movie and it’s not even funny!!!!!!!!!!! I’ve watched the trailer so many times since the full trailer was released.

The original Little Mermaid movie was and is still one of my all time favorite Disney movies. And now just seeing in come to life is amazing. I can already tell you I’m gonna be in tears probably halfway through the movie.

There are probably a million reasons why I’m so excited but I’m only going to talk about my top 3.

Halle Bailey: She such a beautiful woman and a wonderful singer. I heard her singing only a few times before, but when I really heard her voice was during the Disney World 50th Anniversary and she sang “Can You Feel Love Tonight” and she has such a beautiful singing voice. I also read this article somewhere online about Jodi Benson (the original Ariel) and her opinion about Halle playing Ariel. Jodi Benson has been very supportive of Halle as she plays Ariel and was there when Halle received backlash about her playing Ariel. So, Jodi Benson talked about how it doesn’t matter who you are, what you look, or where your from, it’s about the spirit of the character is what’s important. I 100% agree with her. Halle Bailey is going to do a wonderful job by bring one of the most iconic Disney princesses to life.

2. The Music and New Songs: Can we just take a moment and talk about Lin-Manuel Miranda?!?! As everyone should know, he wrote the Broadway musicals “In The Heights” and “Hamilton” and has also written music for other Disney movies like “Encanto” and “Moana”. Lin-Manuel is also a big Disney fan and he also named his son after Sebastian in the little mermaid. And now he gets to work with Alan Menken (the original music composer) and he was the one who inspired Lin-Manuel to compose music. He basically gets to work with his hero and that’s amazing!!!! I’ve also read somewhere that Lin-Manuel might be Chef Louis in the movie.

Ok, now the music. We all have to admit that the original soundtrack slaps!!!! They are classics and masterpieces. I can’t wait to listen to it again in the live action. I have a feeling some of the songs might be a tad different from the original, but that doesn’t bother me. The have done the same thing in all the other Disney live action movies and I love those movies.

I’m really excited to hear these new songs in the movie. As I said earlier, Lin-Manuel Miranda got up work with Alan Menken and wrote 4 new songs. Can’t wait to hear them and listen to them like a million times once the soundtrack comes out.

3. The Actors: Besides Halle Bailey as Ariel, I think they did an amazing job with the cast. I mean, you could have picked better than these actors and actresses to play these roles.

Awkwafina as Scuttle: If you didn’t know who she is, Awkwafina was in “Jumamji: The Next Level” and “Chang-Shi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”. She is a really funny actress and always makes me laugh. I think she will make a great Scuttle.

Daveed Diggs as Sebastian: I think everyone had a feeling that he would play Sebastian before the trailer even came out. He was in “Hamilton” with Lin-Manuel Miranda and also rapped a whole bunch in the musical. I read somewhere that he might rap in the movie and that makes me happy. He honestly fits the role of Sebastian perfectly.

Melissa McCarthy as Ursula: Just like Awkwafina, Melissa McCarthy also makes me laugh as well. She was in the movie “Life of the Party” and Netflix “Thunder Force”. I’m excited to see her bring out her inner diva while playing Ursula.

Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric: First of all, he is extremely cute and hot. When I first saw him I was like blushing like crazy. Also, he was in “A Dog’s Way Home” and the tv show “World On Fire”. I’m excited to see him play Prince Eric. Another thing to point out is that Prince Eric was my Disney Prince crush when I was little and that crush it starting up again.

Those are my top 3 reasons why I am excited about the Live Action Little Mermaid. I won’t be able to wait any longer as it approaches theaters.

[peternelthorpe]

What to Do on Valentine's Day for Singles

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What to Do on Valentine's Day for Singles

Did you know that according to a recent survey, nearly half of all Americans are single on Valentine's Day?

So, if you find yourself unattached on this day of love and romance, fear not! There are plenty of ways to make the most of this special day, even without a significant other by your side.

From treating yourself to a luxurious spa day to hosting a fun-filled game night with fellow single friends, the possibilities are endless.

But before we dive into all the exciting options, let's explore some unique ideas that will make this Valentine's Day one to remember.

Key Takeaways

Prioritize self-care and relaxation by indulging in a rejuvenating spa day or creating a calming atmosphere at home.

Host a fun and interactive Singles' Game Night with activities like karaoke, movie marathons, and classic board games.

Explore new hobbies or interests such as cooking, joining a book club, learning a musical instrument, or starting a garden.

Plan a solo adventure or staycation to explore new places or create a peaceful sanctuary at home, focusing on self-discovery and self-love.

Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa day, because you deserve to pamper yourself and indulge in some much-needed self-care. When you're single on Valentine's Day, it can sometimes feel like you're missing out on all the love and romance. But don't forget, self-love is just as important, if not more. Taking time for yourself and prioritizing self-care can help you feel refreshed, relaxed, and ready to take on the world.

So, what can you do to create your own spa day at home? Start by setting the mood with some soft lighting, calming music, and your favorite scented candles. Run a warm bath and add some luxurious bath oils or bath bombs for a truly indulgent experience. While you soak, you can also try practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help quiet your mind and reduce stress.

After your bath, treat yourself to a DIY facial by using natural ingredients like honey, avocado, or yogurt. These ingredients can nourish your skin and leave it feeling soft and glowing. Don't forget to give yourself a gentle massage as you apply your favorite moisturizer or facial oil.

Host a Singles' Game Night

After indulging in a day of self-care and relaxation, it's time to continue the fun and connection by hosting a lively game night for fellow singles. Gather your friends and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone can let loose, laugh, and form new connections.

To make your singles' game night unforgettable, consider arranging a karaoke night. Singing your heart out can be a great way to release stress and embrace your inner diva. Encourage everyone to participate, regardless of their singing abilities. It's all about having fun and enjoying each other's company.

Another option is to organize a movie marathon. Pick a theme, such as romantic comedies or action-packed adventures, and let everyone vote for their favorite films. Create a cozy movie-watching setting with comfortable seating and plenty of snacks. As the movies play, encourage conversations and discussions about the films, creating opportunities for deeper connections to form.

To help you plan your game night, here's a table with some game ideas to get you started:

Game Description Charades Act out words or phrases without speaking, and let your friends guess what you're trying to convey. It's a hilarious game that will have everyone in stitches. Trivia Put your knowledge to the test with trivia questions. You can choose a specific category or make it a general knowledge quiz. It's a great way to spark friendly competition and learn new things together. Board Games Dust off those classic board games like Monopoly or Scrabble. These games can bring out everyone's competitive side and provide hours of entertainment. Card Games From Poker to Uno, card games offer a wide range of options for a fun-filled evening. Whether you're a strategic mastermind or simply enjoy a casual game, there's something for everyone. Party Games Games like Pictionary or Would You Rather can add an element of laughter and excitement to the night. These games encourage creativity and allow everyone to participate and bond with each other.

Hosting a singles' game night is a fantastic way to create a sense of belonging and forge new connections. So gather your friends, choose some games, and get ready for a night filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.

Explore a New Hobby or Interest

Discovering a new hobby or interest can be an exciting and fulfilling way to embrace your individuality and expand your horizons. As a single person on Valentine's Day, it's the perfect opportunity to try something new and find joy in exploring your own passions.

One idea is to try new recipes and experiment in the kitchen. Cooking can be a therapeutic and creative outlet, allowing you to express yourself through delicious dishes. Whether it's baking a batch of cookies or attempting a gourmet meal, the process of trying new recipes can be both exciting and rewarding.

Another option is to join a book club. Reading is a wonderful way to escape reality and immerse yourself in different worlds. By joining a book club, you not only get to indulge in your love for reading, but you also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your interest in literature. It's a chance to engage in stimulating discussions, gain new perspectives, and build meaningful connections.

Plan a Solo Adventure or Staycation

Now that you have explored new hobbies and interests, it's time to plan a solo adventure or staycation to treat yourself on Valentine's Day. Embrace the freedom and independence that comes with solo travel, and create an experience tailored just for you. Consider embarking on a journey to a destination that has always intrigued you, or discover a hidden gem in your own city. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a day trip, solo travel allows you to indulge in self-discovery and rejuvenation.

If you prefer to stay closer to home, a self-care retreat can be the perfect way to pamper yourself on Valentine's Day. Create a peaceful sanctuary in your own space by transforming your home into a personal oasis. Light scented candles, play soothing music, and indulge in luxurious bath products. Treat yourself to a spa day, complete with facials, massages, and manicures. Take the time to disconnect from the outside world and focus on nourishing your mind, body, and soul.

Volunteer and Spread Love to Others

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact this Valentine's Day, why not volunteer your time and spread love to others in need? This can be a rewarding way to spend the day, as you'll not only be helping those less fortunate but also making a difference in your community. There are many community service opportunities available that you can explore. One option is to volunteer at a local shelter or soup kitchen, where you can help prepare and serve meals to those experiencing homelessness or food insecurity. Another option is to visit a nursing home or hospital and spend time with the elderly or sick, offering companionship and a listening ear. Additionally, you can consider organizing a donation drive for essential items such as clothing, toiletries, or non-perishable food items, and distribute them to those in need. Remember, even small random acts of kindness can brighten someone's day. Whether it's buying a coffee for the person behind you in line or leaving uplifting notes in public spaces, these gestures can make a significant impact on someone's life. By spreading love and kindness to others, you not only make their day better but also create a sense of belonging within yourself and your community. So, this Valentine's Day, let's celebrate the power of love by giving back and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Community Service Opportunities Random Acts of Kindness Volunteer at a local shelter or soup kitchen Buy a coffee for the person behind you in line Visit a nursing home or hospital Leave uplifting notes in public spaces Organize a donation drive for essential items Help someone carry their groceries Participate in a beach or park cleanup Donate to a charity or non-profit organization

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Find a Spa Near Me That Offers Valentine's Day Specials for Singles?

Looking for a spa near you? Check out local listings for Valentine's Day specials catering to singles. After pampering yourself, why not host a fun game night with friends? Here are some game ideas to make it memorable.

What Are Some Fun Game Ideas for a Singles' Game Night?

Looking for a fun game night idea? How about hosting a virtual game night with your single friends? Grab some of your favorite board games and enjoy a night filled with laughter and friendly competition.

Where Can I Find Resources or Classes to Explore a New Hobby or Interest?

Looking to explore a new hobby or interest? Check out local resources and classes near you. Discovering something new can be a great way to spend Valentine's Day, even if you're single.

What Are Some Popular Destinations for a Solo Adventure or Staycation on Valentine's Day?

Looking for a solo adventure or a unique staycation on Valentine's Day? Explore popular solo travel destinations like Bali or Iceland, or create your own mini retreat at home with a spa day or movie marathon. You've got this!

Are There Any Specific Organizations or Events That I Can Volunteer at on Valentine's Day to Spread Love to Others?

Looking to spread love on Valentine's Day? Volunteer opportunities are a great way to make a difference and show kindness to others. Research local organizations or events that align with your passions and get involved!

Conclusion

So, if you find yourself single on Valentine's Day, don't fret! Treat yourself to a day of pampering at the spa, or gather your single friends for a fun game night.

Engage in a new hobby or plan a solo adventure to discover more about yourself. And remember, spreading love doesn't always have to be romantic – volunteering can bring joy to both others and yourself.

Embrace this day as an opportunity to show love to yourself and those around you. You're not alone, as studies show that nearly half of the population is single on Valentine's Day.

[dltastudio]

A Guide to The Most Fashionable Women’s Dresses Trends

Every fashionista knows how important it is to know the current trends in the ever-changing fashion world of fashion. As we count down to the halfway mark of 2023, let's take a look at the hottest new styles in women's clothing. We are here to help you look your best no matter the occasion, from elegant luxury classy night out outfits to chic women’s going-out dresses.

Slip Dresses Have Ruled for Years In 2023, slip dresses will once again be crowned queen. This dress is simple yet attractive, making it a great investment and staple piece to any wardrobe. If you want to feel like a princess, go for a satin slip dress with lace trim. For a stylish and edgy style, layer it under a fitted blazer or wear it under a leather jacket. Put the finishing touch on your look with a pair of ankle boots or strappy sandals for an air of refined simplicity.

Accept the Grace: Exquisitely Stylish Attire of Luxury This year, we have seen traditional and refined ‘old money’ looks make a comeback with Sofia Richie being the ultimate muse. Elegance is in. Consider classic cuts, high-end materials, and meticulous finishing. For formal occasions, special events, or simply a night on the town, elegant luxury classy outfits are ideal. To emanate an aura of timelessness and elegance, choose nudes and neutrals, classic black and whites (very Chanel-esque) with a splash of rich colours to give your outfit an air of grandeur.

Dresses for Women to Release Their Inner Diva In 2023, we’ve also seen the revival of colour in women’s going out dresses and outfits. It’s all about bright, eye-catching hues like blazing pinks and reds, electrifying blue, and brilliant yellow. To inject some drama into your ensemble, try trying asymmetrical hemlines, deep V-necks, and slash openings. If you want to harness your inner diva and stand out from the crowd, don't be afraid to wear sequins, metallic materials, and vivid designs.

The Discreet Appeal of Feathers Dresses embellished with feathers exude a sense of grandeur and splendour in the year 2023. Hemlines, sleeves, and ornamental details are just some of the places where feathers are showing up in the latest runway collections. If you want to make a strong fashion statement, choose a dress with feather trimmings or a garment covered with feathers. We have seen feather’s in trend for a little while now but it seems that feathers are still here to stay.

Make a Statement A luxury cocktail dress is an absolute must-have for those special evenings and expensive occasions. Cocktail dresses in the year 2023 include eye-catching decorations, elaborate beading, and unique materials. This is the year of ‘overdressing’ (p.s. there is no such thing as over-dressing) and if you want to create an impact, choose a dress with attention-grabbing details like dramatic ruffles, puffy sleeves, or an unexpected cut. Particularly fashionable are metallic tones like silver, gold, and bronze, which bring out the glitz in any outfit. Wear a pair of eye-catching shoes and keep your accessories to a minimum to allow the focus to remain on your outfit.

Eco-Friendly Dresses Are Taking Off, Thanks to Sustainable Fashion In 2023, eco-friendly gowns are all the rage due to the fashion industry's growing interest in sustainability. These days, you can get gorgeous gowns that are also sustainable since designers are employing organic fabrics, repurposed materials, and eco-friendly dyes. You can look nice and do your part for the environment by purchasing items like ethically sourced silk and gowns made from recycled plastic bottles.

Tonnes of Fluffy Ruffles and Frills Ruffles and frills, formerly considered dated, are having a major moment in 2023. This style gives your garments more volume and motion, whether it's in the form of a flowing ruffle down the front of a dress or dainty frills embellishing the sleeves. If you're going for a fun and flirty style, go for dresses with ruffled necklines or tiered ruffle skirts. Ruffled gowns look especially lovely when dyed in pastels like lavender and blush and neutral colours for the ultimate feminine look.

Translucent Fabrics or Sheer Pleasures Dresses for ladies that include see-through textiles will be common in 2023. Dresses are becoming increasingly ethereal and enticing as designers add layers of sheer fabric such as tulle and organza. Dresses featuring transparent sleeves, sheer bodices, or sheer panels are a great way to reveal some flesh while still looking put together. Sheer fabrics with embellishments such as embroidery, lace appliques, or sequins make a bold fashion statement. ‍

Put on a Suit: Formal Pantsuits In 2023, dressy looks aren't reserved for only skirts and gowns—dressy pantsuits are all the rage as a chic and liberating alternative. For an elegant and confident appearance, select a fitted pantsuit in a lavish fabric, such as velvet or satin. Try out some emerald green or a rich plum if you want to stand out. Pantsuits can also come in the variety of cropped trousers or wide-leg trousers and options to suit your taste.

Our verdict? The fashion industry has presented us with a wide range of chic and on-trend clothing options for the year 2023. There is something for every fashion-conscious woman, from elegant luxury classy outfits to eye-catching going-out dresses. Explore eco-friendly and sustainable solutions while appreciating the timeless beauty of classic cuts.

Whatever your taste, you can be sure to find a way to make a statement that is uniquely you.

Shop DLTA Studios for your dose of the latest fashion looks and unforgettable outfits.

Source Url: https://www.dltastudios.com/articles/a-guide-to-the-most-fashionable-womens-dresses-trends-2023

[chorusfm]

Albums in Stores – Mar. 17th, 2023

If you hit read more you can see all the releases we have in our calendar for the week. Hit the comments to access our forums and talk about what came out today, what albums you picked up, and to make mention of anything we may have missed. 100 gecs – 10,000 gecsdiscussAlter Time – Release Your DemonsBayside – The Blue EPdiscussBeyond Extinction – Nothing More WretchedBlack Honey – A Fistful Of PeachesBlind Oath – Blind OathChelsea Grin – Suffer In HeavenContrarian – Sage Of ShekhinahCorrosive – Inner NatureDarknet – trashworldDeath Vanish – Hermitic FireDeep Cross – Royal WaterDemolished Men – In A Violent WayDestruct – Cries The Mocking Mother NatureDie Like Gentlemen – Hard TruthsDownfall Of Gaia – Silhouettes Of DisgustDutch Uncles – True EntertainmentFIDLAR – That’s LifeFever Ray – Radical RomanticsFlyying Colours – You Never KnowForetoken – TriumphsFrightened Rabbit – Pedestrian Verse (10th Anniversary Edition)Genevieve Artadi – Forever ForeverGideon – MORE POWER. MORE PAIN.Gravebirth – All Light Will EndGrey Stag – Call Of The MountainGrub Nap – Dog PileHarboured – HarbouredIndigo Ice – Phantom LimbInvent Animate – HeavenerJason Blake – Subsequent RuinsJohn Diva & The Rockets Of Love – The Big EasyKamelot – The AwakeningKruelty – UntopiaLana Del Rey – Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean BoulevardLitost – PathosM83 – FantasydiscussMice On Stilts – I Am Proud Of YouMiley Cyrus – Endless Summer VacationNaica – Agenda MMXXXNarnia – Ghost TownNight Demon – OutsiderNight Goat – TotemNow More Than Ever – CreatrixPapa Roach – Ego Trip (Deluxe Edition)Pop Evil – SkeletonsPortland – DeparturesPressure Points – The IslandPrincess Nokia – i love you, but this is goodbyePâenil Era – DeviereRedemption – I Am The StormRunnner – Like Dying Stars, We’re Reaching OutT-Pain – On Top Of The CoversThe Lords Of Altamont – To Hell With Tomorrow The Lords Are NowThe New Death Cult – Super NaturalThe Van Pelt – Artisans & MerchantsTheory Of A Deadman – DinosaurU2 – Songs Of SurrenderUnknown Mortal Orchestra – VdiscussUnseen Faith – Prodigal SonsVan Morrison – Moving On SkiffleWarn The Duke – All That’s SolidWorld Gone Cold – World Gone ColdYves Tumor – Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)deathcrash – Less Thanks to helloiamzach for providing additional contributions to this week’s list. You can check out and support his weekly music podcast It’s Not A Phase or follow him on his socials. --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/albums-in-stores-today/albums-in-stores-mar-17th-2023/

[vanitygirlsclub]

Five Ways to Practice Better Daily Self  Care

In this article we will go over a few ways for you to better improve your daily self-care routine. 

Here are Five Way to Practice Better Daily Self - Care 💗

      Read a Book or Write in your Journal 

Keeping up with a daily devotional, planning out your weekly calendar,  reading a good book, or even writing in your diary are great ways to start or finish your day with this healthy self-care habit. Being able to calm your mind and stay organized is essential to conquer the day and accomplishing your goals.

      Make a Healthy Meal at Home 

You know what they say; "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day". So let's show our bodies some love and start our day in the kitchen.  Cooking food at home is a great way to spend time with yourself, and learn your body. Having healthy meal options can be quick and easy to maintain with a little meal prep and let's not forget a scoop of love.

      Create a Beauty and Hygiene Routine 

Simple steps create big effects; especially when you know you're already THAT GIRL! A quick and easy beauty routine is perfect for when you're on the go and is also a great way to tap in and connect with your inner Diva. Taking care of yourself and loving the skin you're in is a great way to boost your confidence and connect with your inner femininity.

      Get Creative - Explore and Develop your Hobbies

Following your dreams can take a lot of courage and determination. Luckily we all get 24 hours in a day and have a dream that just wont go away - so always remember to make the most of your time. Don't be afraid to try out something new or dive deeper into your new found interest, skills, or hobbies. Creating happiness and learning new thing are beneficial to your self growth

      Spend Time with Yourself off the Phone

Turning off your phone can have amazing benefits for the mind. It's okay to take a break! Before you decide to get on social media or to continue scrolling consider taking a 10-20 minute walk to get some fresh air quiet those racing thoughts and release the stress from your mind. Rest your eyes, sit outside, and soak up some Vitamin D (with sunscreen of course) #MentalHealthMatters

Love you guys, Tia Ray <3

Follow us on Instagram + Subscribe to our Youtube Channel @girltiaray

[granvarones]

Sometimes we are late to the BBQ right? Well in the case of Ultra Naté (pronounced Na-Tay), I didn’t arrive at the BBQ til 1998. I was 15 years old and my teenage icon Filipinx Freestyle/Dance Diva Jocelyn Enriquez was sprinkled with Disco fairy dust along with dance divas Amber and Ultra Naté under the moniker Stars On 54. They revamped the 1971 folk classic “If You Could Read My Mind” by Gordon Lightfoot into one the most fascinating covers I’ve ever heard (just listen back to back and gag). This collaboration introduced me to Ms. Naté and piqued my curiosity.

Eight years into her career, Ultra Naté had landed five singles into Top 10 on the Billboard Dance Chart by the time I bought the single to her hit single “Free” at Tower Records (I miss you so much). As soon as I heard that guitar riff in the intro followed by those chords and 4/4 I was hooketh. I immediately grabbed a copy of the Situation: Critical album. I stared at the artwork fascinated by its silvery gloss and the acupuncture needles in her face. It was futuristic as fuck! The album’s photography was shot by the legendary Eric Johson who is known for iconic photos of Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, and Biggie. I wasn’t totally sold on the album at first because as a teenager I was infatuated with Freestyle music and this was out of my teenage comfort. However, the album grew on me and eventually I connected to each song on a personal level. At the time I was struggling with my budding sexuality, lack of interest in education, and a toxic-ass family dynamic. This album would eventually become my personal teenage bible.

“Somehow things must change, and it’s got to be for the better” the lyrics from the albums intro track “Situation: Critical” pierced my young gay soul. When my being sexually molested was brought to the light my parents were so wounded by life; none of them had the capacity to support me. My father was strung out on drugs, my mother’s mental health was dwindling, and my step mother struggled to keep a roof over our heads. I felt so fucking hurt by their neglect that all I thought of was escaping at 18. My then therapist Judy had a huge black and white picture of New York City and one day I declared “I’m going to live there!” Until then I endlessly played this album on my discman throughout my teens to keep my ass sane.

There was a rage building inside me and “Found A Cure” was that song that embodied what I felt. Lines like “Feels like I’m going crazy, feels like I’m going insane” were my everyday life and I wanted out but I was still underaged. “How many times have you been left alone and you feel confused?” solidified my connection to Ultra. This was the second single from the album which hit #1 on Billboard Club Songs. The music video was directed by Charles Stone III who would years later direct the epic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story. Larry Flick of Billboard wrote “Naté fearlessly faces the challenge with a jam that smartly doesn’t aim to duplicate the tone of her now-classic hit…The diva is in fine voice here and is matched by a muscular bassline and keyboard/guitar interplay that oozes with funk flavor…Miss Nate proves there’s more than Free in her locker with a pure floorfiller. A Gloria Gaynor for the Millennium.” Mic drop.

“A New Kind of Medicine,” the album’s second track, and third single, lightened the mood after the dark yet realist ‘Situation’. During this era in House music Disco samples were a huge commodity. While this was purely an original song the Disco influence is prevalent. The single had some heavy hitters on the remixes and the first two being producers in Freestyle: Albert Cabrera, David Morales, and Danny Tenaglia. The Morales mix is quite festive especially at the 5:20 mark when you get that tidbit of Inner City’s “Big Fun” followed by a lyric not in the original: “Stop taking me down.”

My favorite track on the album was the last single released from the album, the Al Mack produced “Release The Pressure.” How can you not feel like you’re transpired into a film where the woman is struggling, breaking shit, cursing bitches out, lights a joint, a sip of wine, puts on her favorite 12” and gets her damn life. The production on this track has so many beautiful layers from the piano, to the horns, and guitars. It always felt like time froze whenever this track came on. The song was also featured on the soundtrack The 24 Hour Woman starring Rosie Perez. This is one of my forever tracks because it always remains true to this day: “You get up, It knocks you back down, Release the pressure, Let it out.”

The album itself pays homage to the 70’s and 80’s influence of staples in Disco, Funk and House which are very evident in: “Any Ole Love” (Indeep’s “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life”) and “Love You Can’t Deny” (Royal House “Can You Party”). The mellower affairs “It’s Crying Time” and “Every Now and Then” were so damn pretty that they seduced my young self who was anti anything slow.  The last original track on the album “Divine Love,” produced by the duo Masters At Work, transports you to Sunday mass everytime. That 5 minute mark is pure gospel ear candy with those luscious rhodes and ab libs take you on a journey to the ether. This felt like the sequel to “Rejoicing (I’ll Never Forget)” from her first album Blue Notes In The Basement. At this point in time I was severely struggling with my belief in God however this song just anoints you, especially the 9 minute MAW Version.

This album took me on a musical journey. It became my bible, my salvation, my healing. In the spring of 2001 my life took a huge turn. I had fallen in the love with a man in NYC whom I thought I’d be with forever. After a huge argument with my parents I finally said “fuck this shit I’m out!” Ultra’s lyrics rang in my head “Now I know you’re no good for me, Now I got to find a remedy,” my remedy: move to NYC. After settling into my then boyfriend’s apartment I would blast this album on volume 5000 and the whole damn planet would shake. I didn’t give a fuck about the neighbor downstairs because I was ‘Free’ and living my damn best gay life. I didn’t leave my heart in San Francisco that’s for damn sure!

In 2012, I had a full circle moment when I was hired by Naté’s management, Peace Bisquit. It was completely surreal to be in direct communication with her, and an honor working under the brilliance of Bill Coleman (remember Deee-Lite? “Groove Is In The Heart”? Nuff said.). I was bestowed the task of managing the execution of the Hero Worship album to digital platforms. Miss Naté was the most humble artist I ever worked with. A memory I will always hold dear is a tender moment we shared at  the Paradise Garage Reunion Party in 2014. The DJ began to play “The Whistle Song” in honor of the iconic Frankie Knuckles who had passed just months earlier. As the song played, Ultra began to cry. I put my arm around her and consoled her. The same way her music had done for me in all the years before.

Thank you for never giving up on your music Ultra because this album saved me!

“You might save someone’s life.” – Ultra Naté “Situation: Critical”

If you are experiencing or have experienced sexual abuse please call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Giorgio Alxndr (He/Him) is into music, modeling, activism, and plant fathering. He creates beats and playlists in his free time. Loves deep conversations and therapy sessions. Professionally he’s always in the mix between music and technology.

[alwaysmarilynmonroe]

It’s hard to believe 58 years to the day, on the night of August 4th, the world’s most famous Star would leave us all. Yes, I know a lot of you will be thinking, “wait, didn’t she die on the 5th?” – she was found in the early hours of that morning, and her death was announced then – so that is the “technical” date. However, as with many Marilyn “facts” that too is incorrect and so like every year, I will be posting this on the 4th.

I’m not going to write about all the ridiculous dramas and he said she said statements that have grown rapidly over the years, as they don’t deserve any more coverage. Whenever a major celebrity dies, the more shocking the statement, the more attention it gains, so much so that it’s almost became ingrained into society as being accepted as fact. But, I am going to have a big name and shame moment for the two main culprits – Robert Slatzer and Norman Mailer I’m looking at you both. Also Anthony Summers – you’re a piece of crap and I will never forgive you for publishing Marilyn’s autopsy photo in your toilet paper worthy biography.

Long story short as they don’t deserve any mention with Marilyn’s name – Slatzer created the whole Kennedy, Mafia and basically everything shit and defamatory written about Marilyn in the early 1970s. If you want to find out the actual truth with documented facts click HERE.

Sorry to disappoint any conspiracy lovers – Marilyn didn’t love JFK, nor did any of the Kennedy’s kill her, she died of an either accidental or intentional prescription drug overdose. Was I there? No, I wasn’t even alive, but it’s really not hard to disregard the nonsense and absurd claims, when you actually take the time to do a little (a lot in my case) of research.

Baby Norma Jeane in 1929.

Norma Jeane (left) and a friend at the Los Angeles Orphanage in 1936.

Norma Jeane at the Los Angeles Clifton Restaurant, which she attended with her then Husband Jim Doughtery in 1944.

Marilyn by Richard Miller in April 1946.

Marilyn by J.R. Eyerman in 1950.

Marilyn on her Doheny Drive Patio by Alfred Eisenstaedt in May 1953.

Marilyn in Korea visiting the Troops in February 1954.

Marilyn by Milton Greene on January 28th 1955.

Marilyn by Cecil Beaton on February 22nd 1956.

Marilyn during the filming of Some Like It Hot by Richard Miller in October 1958.

Marilyn during the filming of The Misfits by Erich Hartmann in the Autumn of 1960.

Marilyn during the filming of Something’s Got To Give by Lawrence Schiller in May 1962.

Thankfully, I was lucky and never fell down that ridiculous rabbit hole in the first place. I discovered Marilyn whilst reading an article in Vanity Fair magazine almost ten years ago, discussing the then upcoming release of, Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters by Marilyn Monroe.

This book is truly one of a kind and is basically a published archive of many of Marilyn’s personal letters, excerpts and anecdotes she had written from 1943 until 1962. Before anyone says it’s disrespectful to publish/share these and it is an invasion of privacy, to an extent I agree. However, as stated a few moment ago, with the amount of disrespectful, outrageous nonsense that has been slurred out over the half a century since Marilyn left us – I think it’s a necessity to see her own words in print. Ironically enough, it’s almost as if Marilyn herself foreshadowed the future of the media, when she said this in an Interview to Georges Belmont for Marie Claire Magazine in April 1960.

“The true things rarely get into circulation, it’s usually the false things.”

Therefore, today I have decided to focus on Marilyn herself, not as a Star, Tragic Icon or a pretty face, but as a human who had a beautiful, sensitive soul. Some of you may already know, but for those who don’t, Marilyn actually wrote numerous poems throughout her years, mostly just for herself. In her rare moments of confidence, she would occasionally show a few to her close friend, Writer Norman Rosten, who said the following in his (must have) book, Marilyn Among Friends.

“She had the instinct and reflexes of the poet, but she lacked the control.”

“Although she gave the appearance of being so confident and self assured, she was in reality incredibly self conscious and her own biggest critic, which is heartbreaking really as she was truly gifted. She was such a perfectionist that she would spend hours preparing herself mentally and physically for her beloved fans, regularly looking in the mirror at her perceived flaws. Marilyn was infamous for her lateness, which is often viewed as diva like behaviour. However, the reality is, it’s rarely noted that her anxiety was so severe, she would break out in rashes and even vomit, before going on set.

In her final interview with LIFE Magazine, published one day before her death, she even said to Journalist Richard Meryman,

“I’m one of the world’s most self conscious people. I really have to struggle.”

I remember the first time I looked through Fragments, of course it was very upsetting to see her pain written down and think about her suffering, However, I strongly noticed this recurring theme of hope, despite some incredibly sad notes, there was always some sparkle of inner strength and I just thought that should be said. Often we ourselves don’t see are bravery and bouts of determination in our inner self, but others do and I for one am glad I can see in Marilyn what she could not.

I love you with all of my heart Marilyn, from the moment you came into my life, a decade ago in October 2010. Wherever you may be, I hope you know how much love, joy and happiness you have brought and continue to bring to many people’s lives each day. ______________________________________________________________________________

• Undated Poem. 

Life –  I am of both of your directions Somehow remaining hanging downward the most but strong as a cobweb in the  wind – I exist more with the cold glistening frost. But my beaded rays have the colors I’ve seen in a painting – ah life they have cheated you ______________________________________________________________________________

• Undated Poem shared with Norman Rosten and published in his book, Marilyn: An Untold Story.

To the Weeping Willow

I stood beneath your limbs and you flowered and finally clung to me and when the wind struck with.. the earth and sand – you clung to me. ______________________________________________________________________________

• Undated Poem

Stones on the walk every color there is I stare down at you like a horizon – the space / the air is between us beckoning and I am many stories up my feet frightened as I grasp towards you ______________________________________________________________________________

• Undated Poem

Only parts of us will ever touch parts of others – one’s own truth is just that really – one’s own truth. We can only share the part that is within another’s knowing acceptable so one is for most part alone. As it is meant to be in evidently in nature – at best perhaps it could make our understanding seek another’s loneliness out. ______________________________________________________________________________

• Undated Poem

for life It is rather a determination not to be overwhelmed.

for work The truth can only be recalled, never invented ______________________________________________________________________________

• “Record” Black Notebook – Written in throughout 1951.

What I do believe in What is truth I believe in myself even my most delicate intangible feelings in the end everything is intangible my most precious liquid must never spill don’t spill your precious liquid life force they are all my feelings no matter what ______________________________________________________________________________

• “Record” Black Notebook – Written in throughout 1951. Fear of giving me the lines new maybe won’t be able to learn them maybe I’ll make mistakes people will either think I’m no good or laugh or belittle me or think I can’t act. Women looked stern and critical – unfriendly and cold in general afraid director won’t think I’m any good. remembering when I couldn’t do a god damn thing. then trying to build myself up with the fact that I have done things right that were even good and have had moments that were excellent but the bad is heavier to carry around and feel have no confidence depressed mad ______________________________________________________________________________

• Other “Record” Notebook – Written in throughout 1955.

I do know ways people act unconventionally – mainly myself – do not be afraid of my sensitivity or to use it – for I  can & will channel it + crazy thoughts too I want to do my scene or exercises (idiotic as they may seem) as sincerely as I can knowing and showing how I know it is also – no matter – what they might think – or judge from it ______________________________________________________________________________

• Other “Record” Notebook – Written in throughout 1955.

I can and will help myself and work on things analytically no matter how painful – if I forget things (the unconscious wants to forget – I will only try to remember) Discipline – Concentration

my body is my body every part of it. ______________________________________________________________________________

• Other “Record” Notebook – Written in throughout 1955.

feel what I feel within myself – that is trying to become aware of it also what I feel in others not being ashamed of my feeling, thoughts – or ideas

realize the thing that they are – ______________________________________________________________________________

• Waldorf Astoria Stationery – Written in throughout 1955.

Sad, sweet trees –  I wish for you – rest but you must be wakeful ______________________________________________________________________________

• Waldorf Astoria Stationery – Written in throughout 1955.

Not a scared lonely little girl anymore

Remember you can sit on top of the world (it doesn’t feel like it.) You can have any help you want personally – or in your work – or anything else you want – There are technical ways to go about it or problems –  figure out if anything tec. can be done about it because there are people to help you – gladly – you more than most they want to help Remember there is nothing you lack – nothing to be self conscious about yourself – you have everything but the discipline and technique which you are learning & seeking on your own – after all nothing was or is being given to you – you have had none of this work thrown your way you sought it – it didn’t seek you

Too much talent Too much ability and  and much too much sensitivity to invert yourself out of fear – not come to class – or to do things like being afraid to come to class or to get up. ______________________________________________________________________________

• “Italian Agenda” Notebook  – Written throughout 1955 or 1956.

and the more I think of it the more I realize there are no answers life is to be lived

and since it is comparatively so short – (maybe too short – maybe too long – the only thing I know for sure, it isn’t easy

now that I want to live and I feel suddenly not old not concerned about previous thing except to protect myself – my life – and to desperately (pray) tell the universe I trust it ______________________________________________________________________________

• Parkside House Stationery – Written during her stay in England between July 14th – November 20th 1956.

I guess I have always been deeply terrified to really be someone’s wife since I know from life one cannot love another, ever, really. ______________________________________________________________________________

• Roxbury Notes – Written throughout 1957 or 1958.

In every spring the green is too sharp – though the delicacy in their form is sweet and uncertain – it puts up a good struggle in the wind  trembling all the while. Those leaves will relax, expand in the sun and each raindrop they will resist even when they’re battered and ripped. I think I am very lonely – my mind jumps. I see myself in the mirror now, brow furrowed – if I lean close I’ll see – what I don’t want to know – tension, sadness,  disappointment, my eyes dulled, cheeks flushed with capillaries that look like rivers on maps – hair lying like snakes. The mouth makes me the saddest  next to my dead eyes. There is a dark line between the lips in the outline of  several waves in a turbulent storm – it says don’t kiss me, don’t fool  me I’m a dancer who cannot dance. ______________________________________________________________________________

• Roxbury Notes – Written throughout 1957 or 1958.

re – relationships

Everyone’s childhood plays itself out No wonder no one knows the other or can completely understand. By this I don’t know if I’, just giving up with this conclusion or resigning myself –  or maybe for the first time connecting with reality –

how do we know the pain of another’s earlier years let alone all that he drags with him since along the way at best a lot of lee-way is needed for the other – yet how much is unhealthy for one to bear.

I think to love bravely is the best and accept – as much as one can bear. ______________________________________________________________________________

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58 Years Without Marilyn. It's hard to believe 58 years to the day, on the night of August 4th, the world's most famous Star would leave us all.

[everyhowlmarksthedead]

“SHOULD I TRY”

Gilly Lopez x Reader

Serie Index. Chapter 3.

Word count: 2.7k

Thanks to my lovely beta reader @starrynite7114 💘

Author comments: I hope you all enjoy. English isn’t my first language, I’m sorry if I have some mistakes with grammar. The gif isn't mine.

Tag list: @starrynite7114 @chibsytelford @mara-mpou @dazzledamazon @sammskellington @arvedua 💥 (if you wanna be tagged, send me a message!)

You're nervous.

Gilly is holding your hand, carrying a cardboard bag in the other. You're about to sweat with every step you walk through the alley, on your way to the clubhouse. You look at him, biting your inner lip when you stopped walking. He turns at you with a raised eyebrow. Looking down for a second, you sigh.

“What's up?”

“What if I don't fit in?”

You have your own demons, a past that you wanna hide but sooner or later it will come out. It's not only about what they expected of you, or if you're good enough. It's about your shadow and what it has to say about you.

“Baby, they already love you. You don't have anything to worry about.”

“They're your family.”

“Are you more concerned about them being my family than about what they do?” Gilly laughs loud, you frown upset releasing his hand. “Cariño, come here”.

He pushes you next to his body, holding your waist between his hands. Rising up on your tiptoes and your fingers tangled in his shirt, you kiss him softly. He knows how to calm you down, with that peace only he can transmit to you.

“Shit, I ruin your lipstick”.

“Are you fuckin' serious?” You shout taking the phone of your pocket to see your reflection on the screen.

“Of course not. You're using that one I hate, 'cause it doesn't leave any mark”. He's laughing and you know you can't be upset with him, when he has that kind of smile on his face. He makes you melt every time he laughs so naturally. “Everything is gonna be ok, baby.”

You're not sure about that, but his kiss on your temple relaxed you. With an arm on your shoulders, you two finally arrive to the front yard. It's been three months since you were there last, but seems that everything is the same. You can see Angel taking care of the barbecue near the ring, with a big table full of different types of meat. Some of the guys are sitting around the bonfire accompanied by girls you supposed are from Vicky's place. Gilly told you about them. Good girls, bad life. They're drinking, smoking, laughing, focused on a conversation which is finished when they see you.

“Pretty girl is here!” Coco shouts getting up, walking next to you. “What's up, soldier?”

“Hey”. You say a little bit shy.

“What's that, ah?” He takes the bag in your hand, looking inside.

“Oh, ahm… Gilly told me… Bishop? Is that?” You ask to him, trying to remember all the names. He nods with a soft smile. “Yeah, Gilly told me that Bishop likes to dip the meat. And I made a sauce my mom showed me”.

“Well, lets see what he have to say about it”.

“No, no, wait!” Before you can say anything else, Coco already given him the sauce. Bishop looks at you with a serious gesture on his face. “Shit”. You sigh rubbing your nose.

“He will like it”. Gilly tries to calm you down, while the president walks towards Angel to asks him for a piece of meat.

With the plastic pot on the table, he dips it before eat it. He seems thoughtful, tasting every ingredient of the sauce. Then, you can see how he makes a gesture with the right hand calling someone. An older man walks next to him, while the president dips another piece to offer it to him. He eats it without asking. Gilly is trying to contain his laughs, 'cause he knows what they're doing. You're trembling as fuck.

“Gilly, they're coming”. You mutter at him without turning, with your whole body tensed.

You're about to hide behind your boyfriend when both men stand up in front of you, but you can't move a single inch.

“You made it?” The unknown man is the first one to talk. You nod remarkably nervous. Your hands are sweating.

“My mom… was living in Spain… The sauce is from there”.

“Garlic and oil?” Bishop asks.

“Lemon and salt. It's similar to mayonnaise”. After some seconds in silence, Gilly is who answers.

“Relax, pretty girl. It's fucking awesome, thanks for making it”. Bishop starts to laugh, as Taza does. “Welcome to the clubhouse. You wanna beer?”

“Yes… Sure…”

━━━━━━ ﹅ ━━━━━━

Thirty minutes later you almost feel like you're at home, it has its good things and its bad things. But you like it. You have a burger between your fingers, having a bite of it, while you're listening to funny stories about Gilly that Coco and Creeper are telling. He's ashamed, but at least you're calmer than before. They don't look as the assholes you thought they were gonna be. Men having fun, that's all; enjoying a family dinner.

“So, you work at a preschool?” Gilly seems alleviated when Riz changes the topic.

“Yes”. You nod covering your mouth with a hand, eating one bite. “Since two years ago”. You say after swallowing it. “With children from three years to six”.

“Is it hard?” EZ asks focusing in your words.

“Sometimes. Mostly they're good children, but when they wake up after a nap… Good god, they are like a herd of hungry coyotes”. That comparison accompanied by the gesture on your face seems so funny that everyone laugh.

“Where are you from, (Y/N)?” Bishop asks with a kind of curiosity that makes you feel uncomfortable for a second.

“Mexico”.

“Tijuana”.

Gilly and you answer at the same time.

“Tijuana, Mexico, I mean”. You add. And you can see that the president is thinking about something that you wouldn't like to know.

The night goes on, feeling a kind of strange tension installed between Bishop and you, even if you try to push it away. But your attention travel to a noisy car being parked next to the motorbikes, and you can swear that you heard a “shit” coming from Angel's mouth. Three girls get out of it. Short dresses, exaggerated makeup and smelling like tropical fruits. You turn your face to the men around you, they don't seem so happy because of the new visit.

The girls walk towards the fire, having some beers of the nearest table, believing that they're the divas in the party. You can't handle with arrogance, but you keep your mouth closed.

“Looks like you saw a ghost, what's up, caballeros?” The blonde one shrugs for a moment, before drink of the bottle. “Woah, look at that pretty girl! Are you new? What street do you work on?”

Taza and Creeper snort. Did she call you ‘bitch’? Seems like. You raise a leg on the chair, supporting your feet on the edge of it. Your arm on your knee, the beer in your hand. You adopted that defensive posture, 'cause sometimes it's better let your body talks instead of your mouth.

“She's (Y/N), my girlfriend”.

“Yea' and don' worry 'bout your work, Crystal”. Coco says smoking of his cigar. “She's a teacher. A girl with a real job”.

If it was allowed, you could clap till hurt your hands because of his words.

“A real job is what I did with Gilly. I sucked his cock so many times it has my name on it”.

Now you know what's happening and why the men look so embarrassed. You know well what she's trying, but you're not intimidated by anyone. No longer. Slowly, very slowly, you draw a soft smile on your lips. That gesture baffles everyone. Tangling the fingers of your free hand on your hair, pulling it behind your shoulders, you have a sip of your drink.

“And it only cost me to erase it a quick ride in the shower.”

At first, the front yard is silent. The men are looking at you with the eyes so opened that you're sure they could fall on the floor.

“Yo! She destroyed my ego, but man! She destroyed your existence!” Angel's laughter resounds throughout the place.

At this point of the night, the MC knows they can't fucking mess with you.

You start to think that the blonde girl in front of you thought that she could be an “Old Lady” or however they call it, but she fucked up everything before you came to Gilly's life. You try to remember her name being pretty sure that he talked you about her. Yeah, she was the one who he used to fuck at Vicky's place. But they weren't anything. A girl making a favor. That's all. And yes, of course you believe him.

“He will come back to my bed, remember my words”. Crystal says, proudly lifting the chin.

“Why don' you fucking leave, uh?” Gilly finally talks with anger, gesticulating with a hand for a second. You put a hand on his chest, palming it softly without turning your eyes to him.

You get up of your seat, leaving the beer somewhere on the floor, walking toward her. Face to face. You can smell her disgusting breath of mixed cigars and who-knows-what. Your orbs travel all over her face, studying every inch of it. You can see she's getting nervous, invading her personal space. Cross-armed, you look her from top to bottom slowly.

“You already had your glory minute. Now, leave”.

“Or what?”

“I know you're smart enough to know what's gonna happen' next”.

The three girls laugh, while the others whom were so kind with you are sighing. Seems like it's not the first time she do something similar. The problem comes when she's against someone who's ready for everything.

Crystal pushes you away with both hands on your chest, hardening her face. You laugh softly, putting your eyes on your own feet. Bad decision. Your left fist hits her ribs, causing her to bend forward with a yowl inside her throat. Moving faster, you put both hands on her nape, hitting her face this time with your knee, lifting it up tight. And when you're about to punch her again, hearing the crying, two shoots in the air make you stop. Of course, seeing how fast you move, the Mayans weren't gonna mediate physically. Your chest ascends and descends furious. Pushing your hair away from your face, you turn to the men. They're totally freaking out, but you're not able to look at Gilly. You're fucking ashamed.

The two unknown girls help their friend while Bishop keeps the gun behind his back, walking next to you. You think you fucked up things, before see how he directs his gaze towards Crystal.

“Don't talk about my man like that again, and if you can't respect his Old Lady as she deserves, then get the fuck out of my fucking MC. Or 'am gonna fuck you down and not in the way you would like it, you heard me, querida?” Then, he looks at you. “Come with me”.

Without a word, you follow the president inside the clubhouse, walking the place they call ‘the templo’; a large room with a big table in the middle. He takes a seat on the front chair, pointing with his hand the nearest. You do what appears to be an order. Taking the tobacco pack of his pocket, he offers you a cigar. You light it in your lips having a deepest puff. He does the same. You know that he knows.

“I saw the tattoo between the ring finger and the small one”.

“It's just a tattoo”. You shake your head with pursed lips.

“No, it's not”. He sentences. There's a pause, before he continues talking. “What are you doing here?”

“I'm hiding”.

“From what?”

“From a crazy ex”.

He raises an eyebrow, supporting his arms against the edge of the table.

“You can ask for my medical reports and all the complaints I made”. Your heart is beating faster than you could it's allowed.

“Are you an active member?”

“I've never been. My brother is the president, that's all”.

“You're brother is the president of Los Coyotes de Tijuana, and you say ‘that's all’?”

“Look, I'm not here to… spy or something like that. God! This is why I didn't tell anything about it, Bishop. Why would I have waited two years? It doesn't make sense”.

“Gilly knows?”

“Of course not”.

The man sighs rubbing his temples, throwing himself in the chair. He have a smoke, leaving it out by his nose.

“Your brother knows?”

“Yes”.

“You know you have to request a transfer if you wanna stay here, even if you are not an active member, right?”

“Yes”.

“And you have to tell Gilly”. Your heart stop for a second. You nod swallowing. But then happens something you didn't expect. Bishop holds your hand on the table, urging to look at him. “He's a good man, even if he does what he does. And I know you're telling the truth, but there are no secrets between my crew. And now, you're part of it. If you need protection, we'll give it to you. Although you know how to defend yourself, kid”.

You nod again in silence, while the man is getting up of his chair.

“I'll tell Gilly to come and you're gonna say him who you are, ok? And tomorrow you will arrange a meeting with Los Coyotes”.

Another nod.

The wait for your boyfriend is insanely long, feeling how your heart stops again when the door is opened. You can't turn to him, it's hard to face a situation where you are about to lose the only good thing you have had in life.

“You ok?” He sounds worried, sitting next to you.

“I have to… tell you something, Gilly. And I don't know how to do it”.

“Then make up the truth”. He repeats the words you said in Santa Madre, but you shake your head.

“I wasn't scared of Mayans”. You start, raising your eyes looking for his. “I was scared of what I have to tell you and you don't accepting it, or don't accepting me”.

He's listening only focused on you.

“My brother is the president of Los Coyotes de Tijuana”.

He has an impassive grin on his face.

“I'm not a member, I'm… just his sister, even if I grow up with them. My parents were killed because of their fault, more or less. So, they ‘adopted us’. My brother begun to be a prospect, till three years ago when they made him their president”. You sigh heavily, before showing him the tattoo on your finger. “Look… I didn't tell you 'cause…”

“Bishop already told me your story, before coming in”. He finally talks, and you're not sure what to think. “Are you really here because of me?”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you really feel something for me, or it was just a trick to get closer to the Mayans?”

“Good god…”

“Answer the question, (Y/N)?” His voice is rough, determinant.

“I know it's been three months since we met, but… Shit, Gilly! You're everything I want. I've been hiding my whole life. And yes, I know how to fight, or shoot, or whatever. But being with you made me feel safe for the first time. And it's not only that. You take care of me without expecting anything back.” You're trying your best, exposing all your truly feelings for him. “Gilly, I love you. And I don't wanna lose you. Please… believe me”.

“Arrange the meeting, (Y/N)”. It's all he says.

“Gilly, please…”

“I have to go”.

“No, Gilly, listen. Please!” You're in tears getting up of your seat at the same time he does, trying to stop him.

“Leave me, (Y/N). I need to think and be alone”.

You nod biting your trembling inner lip, looking how he walks out of the Templo.

[joontier]

figure it out | drabble

–> Pairings: taehyung x reader 

–> Rating:  PG13

–> Genre/warnings: platonic friends/co-workers! au; cRACK BASICALLY; humor; inspired by bruce almighty! 

–> Word count: 945 

–> Request:  @inkedxclouds said “ ♥ | taetae + vodka + figs | ♥ “ 

–> A/N: AHHH plenty of thanks to the lovely Bee for requesting this to release my inner cracken (HAGH) hope u enjoy it! Tbh never saw figs before this skskksks so it was quite the challenge bUT HEY WE SURVIVED

Part of bangtanhq drinks and drabbles challenge!!  and hosted by @bangtan-dreamland​ 

bts m.list | navi

“MY HAIR!”

You roll your eyes one more time at him, but you check his hair nonetheless, for good measure. One can never be too sure. “You’ll be fine, Tae!” You watch him, exasperation clearly written on your face as he pulls out his phone and clicks on the camera application, desperately trying to tame a segment of hair that’s sticking up, making him look like he has tiny little horns.

“This is bad. THIS IS BAD, ________!” he exclaims. You glare at him. It wasn’t you who demanded that he gets his perm done at three in the morning. At present, five hours later after the decision of a lifetime, sections of his hair are starting to stand out in different directions. It isn’t really that bothersome, to say the least. Honestly, Taehyung would look amazing in any hairstyle.

“I told you for the millionth time now, your hair looks fine…Astroboy.” You don’t know what kind of evil spirit possessed you at that moment to distress him further. Clearly, your unnecessary comment only seemed to send him into a new, invigorated sense of worry.

“We really need to get a make-up team here.” Despite the fact that he easily towers you, he bends forward to fake a wail on your shoulders. What a baby. “It’s not in the budget, remember?” As he continues his method acting, you place a green baseball cap on his head, taking advantage of the opportunity.

“Hey! What’s this now??”

“It’s the farm’s cap, Tae. You gotta wear it.”

“No way in hell.” His reply earns a glare from you.

“Number 1. The farm’s owner is right behind you, Kim Taehyung, and I’m pretty sure someone within an arm’s reach can hear you and me having this discussion loud and clear. Number 2. You’ve been complaining about your hair for the past three hours, and now that I’ve found a solution to your problem, I suggest you shut it, because we’re going live in ten.”

“Fine, but you’re driving me to my son’s baseball game later, even if he’s never set foot on the field, let alone hold a bat. No offense, Larry!” Taehyung points to his cap as Larry groans in reply, who’s probably complaining about being the constant victim of dad jokes.

Taehyung continues to sulk as he adjusts the cap on his head. His shoulders are slumped when he returns to his place behind the table. Some of the crew finalizes the preparations, making sure each product is well accounted for.

Kim Taehyung may occasionally be a brat, but he’s far too amiable to be despised. His diva attitude could be a reason that doesn’t get him the entertainment news, but you figure it’s because of his looks that he’ll most likely overpower most celebrities.

He fiddles with a few of the products on display, checking the labels and even shooting a dried fig into his mouth. “Tae!” you hiss through your teeth, your curly-haired friend grabbing another while the owner talks to someone.

Good god.

A man starts the countdown and Taehyung finally stands in place, giving the camera the infamous boxy smile. One of the staff gives a thumbs up and starts rolling. Your friend enters the frame and starts speaking in his ‘reporter’s voice’.

“For almost a century now, Fig Valleys has been a mainstay here in Yeongam, the farm known as the largest grower and supplier of figs in the country. Known for representing almost 45% of Korea’s fig industry – Fig Valley is considered a house name for all kinds of fig products in both local and international markets.”

He circles the table, hands gesturing to the products on display. “History is made here in Yeongam, when it has just been recorded that Fig Valley houses the heaviest fig in the world! Now, let’s have a word with Guinness World Records representative, Mr. Figaro Ricci, ah-ha!” As Taehyung exclaims, you instantly hide behind Larry, your hands covering your ears. “Oh no,” Larry grimaces. You both already know where this interview was heading.

“I’m glad you’ve joined us here today, Sir,” your friend starts, “it must be an honor to bring justice to your name…”

Why can’t the ground just swallow you whole now?

You breathe a sigh of relief when the Italian man laughs along with him, reveling in Taehyung’s enthusiasm. “How about we ask Mr. Ricci for a little background on figs?”

As Mr. Ricci talks, you keep an eye on Taehyung, whose orbs seem to be swimming with mirth, you pray to the gods above that he doesn’t do anything catastrophic to both your careers. Thankfully, Figaro’s speech goes smoothly as planned: state where figs originated, what they taste like, nutritional benefits, the fig industry in general.

Your chest is beaming with pride! Finally, a Taehyung segment with no hint of his crazy antics! That is, until afterwards when it’s his cue to inquire the owner about the farm’s history and its products. Promotions. “So citizens of Korea, have you FIGured out what kind of products this farm has to offer?”

At this very moment, you knew, these work ethics you share with Taehyung were doomed from the start. You pray that this doesn’t get you a scolding later, or worse get fired. You know for sure that you won’t though, Taehyung’s overflowing charms securing your position for a few more years at most. The curly-haired boy shares a few more words with the farm’s owner and proceeds to his closing statement.

“If you think figs aren’t good, then that’s probably just a FIGment of your imagination. Once again, this is Kim Taehyung of K1 news, have a great morning, Korea!”

All rights reserved. hhyungz 2020

[graceful-storyteller]

BABY BLUES - VIRUS

Being in the middle of a pandemic I, naturally, was inspired to write a sick!fic. Warnings for sparklings being unwell and anxious parent Starscream. Unlike in the real world EVERYONE gets better.

The worst part, for Windblade, was that she missed it.

In her defence, she'd had other things on her processor at the time. The final vote on her tax reform bill, a meeting with the Mistress of Flame, a damning media piece on fuel poverty she was still trying to get properly fact-checked. When you ran a planet things like making sure the sparklings were ready for the Education Centre on time were rarely at the top of her priority tree. That was Starscream's job as primary caregiver; a phrase which still caused minor processor errors to those outside their inner circle. For all his selfishness and ruthlessness Starscream was...an adequate caregiver. There were still times when Windblade caught him being highly inappropriate around the little ones, but he'd never put them in real danger. As much as he (loudly and regularly) complained about the sparklings most of it was for show. He cared about their little ones just as much, if not more, than she did.

Which was why Starscream was the first one to realise something was wrong. As Windblade was rushing around their apartment gathering her things and downing her morning fuel, Starscream was stood staring critically at Turbulence. She wasn't refuelling, she wasn't talking, she was just sitting quietly and staring at her untouched energon. Something was definitely not right.

“Goodbye everyone,” Windblade said as she pressed a kiss to the sparklings' helms and one to Starscream's faceplate. “I hope you all have a good day.”

He turned to watch her head to the balcony. He waited until she'd transformed and flown out of sight before moving to loom over Turbulence. She looked up at him with sad, unusually dim optics.

“Are you malfunctioning?” he asked tersely.

At half her normal volume she murmured, “My tank feels funny.”

“Is that because you've been eating rust sticks when you're supposed to be recharging?”

She shook her helm.

Starscream released a frustrated ex-vent. “We're going to take Moonshot to the Education Centre and then we're going to see a medic. If this is a ploy to avoid a test I will not be pleased. I have better things to do than waste my time going to see Flatline.”

She nodded, still looking sad and tired.

The walk to the Education Centre, painfully slow for someone who could fly there in a fifth of the time, was even slower than usual until Starscream lost patience and decided to carry Turbulence. She clung tightly to him and he tried not to notice how unusually warm her frame was.  

“Is she broken?” Moonshot asked, half concerned and half curious.

“No,” Starscream replied. “She probably just has a virus. We're going to see a medic after; he'll make her all better.”

“Good,” Moonshot said. “It's weird being able to tell a story without being interrupted.”

Starscream couldn't help but smile at that. His smile died when he arrived at the Education Centre and the instructors were not as sympathetic towards Turbulence's plight.

“She's probably faking,” the obnoxious little kettle decided. “Give her here, I'll set her straight.”

Starscream glared and resisted the urge to kick him. “Are you a medic?”

“No, but I know Turbulence, and she-”

“Is a melodramatic little diva when she scuffs her paint or is in any other way injured. The fact that she is quiet should be a glaring red flag to anyone with a processor. I'm taking her to a medic. If you have a problem with that you can raise it with Windblade.”

He'd stormed off without waiting for a reply. Turbulence had remained worryingly silent.

Starscream had double-timed it to the med-centre and forced his way through reception to find Flatline in the treatment rooms. The former Decepticon had grumbled and griped about Starscream jumping the line, but he'd dealt with enough overly-anxious (and overly-armed in some cases) creators in the last few years that he knew better than to try sending him away. He'd ordered Starscream to put Turbulence down on the berth and begun his examination. It didn't take long for the grumbling to be stopped dead in its tracks.

“Nurse! I need a space clearing in Intensive Care ASAP!”

That was when the panicking started.

“What?! What's wrong with her?! Hey, I'm talking-”

“Starscream,” Flatline said as slowly and calmly as he could, “you did the right thing bringing her here when you did. It looks like Turbulence has a virus, but she doesn't have the right software to counteract it. It's standard software for you and me – but the sparklings weren't created in the same way. I'm putting her in Intensive Care to be safe and to isolate her from anyone else who might not have the right software.” His optics brightened as a thought occurred to him. “Wait, you have two sparklings right?”

Starscream grabbed his arm. “Moonshot.”

“Bring him here, just in case. With any luck we can download the software before he starts exhibiting any symptoms – if he has the virus at all.”

Starscream didn't need to be told twice. He flew as fast as he could to the Education Centre, barely slowing as he raced through the halls to Moonshot's classroom.

The doors opened. The class turned to look at him. Moonshot wasn't among them.  

“He's down the hall,” said the instructor. “He started crying uncontrollably a few minutes ago. I sent-”

Starscream didn't wait for him to finish. He kept running until his audials captured the faint sound of his sparkling in distress. He kicked the door open, startling the room's occupants.

“What in the blazing inferno do you think you're-”

“Star!” Moonshot cried, reaching for him imploringly. “I don't feel good!”

Starscream pushed the instructor still attempting to berate him out of his way, picked up his sparkling, and rushed out of the Education Centre without a word. It wasn't until he handed his still sobbing sparkling to  a medic and was ordered to wait outside until the assessment was complete that he noticed Windblade was trying to contact him.

He answered the comm with a wry, “Do you want the bad news or the worse news?”

.

After finding enough people to delegate the co-ordination of a response to a public health crisis to, Windblade allowed herself the luxury of collapsing in a chair beside her sparkling's berth. It was lucky, the medics said, that they'd been alerted to the virus when they had or the whole Education Centre might have risked overheating and spark failure. As it was all the sparklings were currently receiving an update to their software centre to prevent further transfer of the virus. Turbulence and Moonshot's classes had been admitted overnight as they had all been infected, although many had not yet started to show symptoms. The two sparklings were in a private room, recharging, watched over by their creators. Flatline had given them the necessary antivirals and was hopeful they could be discharged after a further day's rest and observation.

Even though her sparklings were no longer in danger Windblade had no intention of leaving their side anytime soon. She stroked Turbulence's helm with the hand not held in the sparkling's tight grip. Beside her Starscream was running a soothing palm over Moonshot's wing, his own occasionally twitching and making contact with Windblade's. It was more reassuring than irritating.

“Stop fretting,” Starscream groused without looking at her. “You heard Flatline; they're going to fine.”

“This time,” Windblade muttered.

Starscream twisted in his seat, a frown marring his features. “What are you talking about?”

Windblade sat back in her seat. “I didn't notice. I couldn't tell that Turbulence was ill. Her change in behaviour didn't even register. What if next time I don't notice something until it's too late to get her treatment? What if she gets permanently hurt because I'm not paying attention? What if-”

“It really galls you that I'm the better caretaker,” Starscream said with a wide smirk.

“Excuse me?!”

“Look at you – all wound up because I was the one who realised our sparkling was ill. You were ready to chew me out because I was rude to the instructors but I was actually doing the right thing. You're mad that you were wrong.”

“That is – no! I am not-”

“Windblade, Windblade, Windblade,” Starscream cooed condescendingly. “It's alright. I promise that when you admit I'm superior you'll feel much better.”  

“When Turbulence lets go of my hand I'm going to slap you,” she threatened.

“If you think that will make you feel better you can try,” Starscream said pityingly. “Deep down, though, you know it won't. You won't feel better until you acknowledge you are limited. Limited by your inability to rule a planet and micromanage your family. Limited by your need to take responsibility for everything and everyone. Limited by your belief you can have your rust cake and eat it. You can't bring about a new Golden Age of Cybertron and be creator of the year. Something has to give. Better it's this than allowing some warmongering psychopath to steal your crown.”

For a long moment Windblade was silent as she digested Starscream's words.

“You know, even when you're trying to be supportive you're an aft.”

Starscream continued to smirk as he returned his attention to Moonshot. Windblade rolled her optics and turned back to Turbulence.

After a moment of silence Starscream extended his leg, nudging her ankle-strut. With a smile she nudged him back. They remained linked by that small contact until the position became too uncomfortable. As they shifted their wings connected and remained together, causing Windblade to smile.  

“Thank you Starscream. You are a good caretaker,” Windblade muttered.

His wings twitched in acknowledgement, but for once Starscream was blissfully silent.  

[fnlrndcllctv]

REVIEW: Mortal Kombat (1992)

Developed by Midway in 1992 as a response to the wildly popular Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat took a slightly different direction thematically than the cartoonish sprites of other fighting games. Opting for digitized photos of actors as the game’s fighters, Mortal Kombat looked stood out as looking more realistic and placed a much higher emphasis on strong, bloody violence in its gameplay.

It’s this violence that made the game incredibly controversial and, alongside games such as Night Trap and Lethal Enforcers, is partly responsible for the formation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), a governing body that requires all games to be rated.

The game was also originally intended to be called “Van Damme” and based on the muscles from brussels himself Jean Claude Van Damme, but a deal was never made, so it didn’t come to fruition. The inclusion of Johnny Cage, a diva-esque Hollywood movie star that could do the splits, in the game was a clear reference to the game’s origins (and an indication that the development team had a pretty snarky sense of humour!).

Gameplay

In comparison to its peers such as Street Fighter II and Fatal Fury, Mortal Kombat is definitely much trickier to control. With special moves that require longer, more precise inputs and blocking now being triggered by its own separate button (as opposed to simply holding back on the joystick/d-pad), getting good at the game was more challenging, but arguably more rewarding as a result.

The game also introduced the concept of “Juggling” to fighting games. Juggling takes advantage of the fact that when a character is knocked into the air, the player is unable to control their character until he or she lands and gets up again. It’s so satisfying to watch an opponent helplessly rage as you bounce them into the air to inflict more damage.

Then there’s the most infamous aspect of the Mortal Kombat games - FATALITIES. Each character has their own specific fatality, and requires a particular set of inputs to trigger them in the short gap of time between when game commands players to “FINISH HIM/HER!” and the opponent collapsing. Ranging from the still-beating heart being ripped from an opponent’s chest, heads being viciously removed with the spinal cord still attached to Scorpion removing his mask to breath fire and Liu Kang transforming into a dragon, these finishers are hilariously grim, and are one of the greatest parts of the game.

These gruesome finishing moves have become firm fan favourites across the series, and inspired many future fighting games to implement the same vicious elements in an attempt to “outdo” Mortal Kombat.

Story

The game’s main storyline centers around a tournament being held by the powerful Shang Tsung on an island in Earthrealm. For 500 years in a row, the dragon prince Goro has been undefeated in the tournament, and initially helped Shang Tsung take over the tournament in an attempt to doom the realm. This, the 10th tournament, sees a new generation of fighters enter in an attempt to become the new Grand Champion.

Mortal Kombat’s lore has grown massively since the first entry in the franchise, but here, things are kept relativelysimple. Each character has their own backstory and specific reasons for entering the tournament (instead of, ya know, just wanting to win a tournament?), and the introduction of the “earth is doomed” multiple realms and magic abilities make the whole thing feel like a martial arts movie mixed with the fantasy genre, while keeping things gritty and grindhouse-ish with its strong violent content.

Roster

Mortal Kombat features seven unique playable characters, each with their own backstory that ties in to the game’s general lore.

Johnny Cage - A martial arts superstar trained by several great masters from around the world. Utilising his fighting talents on the big screen, Cage is the star of such movies as “Dragon Fist”, “Dragon Fist II” and the award-winning “Sudden Violence”.

Kano - a thug who lives a life of crime and injustice as part of the Black Dragon gang, a dangerous group of cut-throat madmen. An expert mercenary and thief, Kano is feared and respected throughout all of crime’s inner circles.

Raiden - A deity known as the “Thunder God”, Raiden was rumoured to have received a personal invitation by Shang Tsung himself to take form of a human to compete in the tournament.

Liu Kang - A former member of the secret White Lotus Society, Liu Kang represents Shaolin temples in the tournament, and has a burning hatred of Shang Tsung.

Sub-Zero - At this point, Sub-Zero’s real name and identity is unknown, but due to the markings on his uniform, it is believed that he belongs to a legendary clan of Chinese assassins known as the Lin Kuei.

Scorpion - Much like his blue-colored counterpart, Scorpion‘s identity in this game is a mystery. From time to time, Scorpion has been known to show distrust and hatred towards Sub-Zero, which suggests that he belongs to an opposing clan.

Soya Blade - A member of a top U.S. Special Forces unit that was hot on the trail of the Black Dragon organisation. After tracking Kano and his men to an uncharted island, Blade‘s team was ambushed by Shang Tsung‘s personal army

Each fighter is equipped with various different fighting styles, the most recognisable being Scorpion’s ability to hurl a roped blade at his opponent to bridge any gaps between them (along with the iconic “GET OVER HERE” yell), Sub-Zero’s ability to literally freeze an opponent where they stand (living up to his namesake), and Raiden’s ability to teleport around a stage (thanks to being a god and everything).

Even the game’s non-playable characters are incredibly recognisable, especially the quad-armed Goro, who is an absolute nightmare to fight against.

Graphics

Mortal Kombat’s graphics have aged surprisingly well considering that it is now almost 29 years since its original release.

Vividly coloured backgrounds, large digitised character sprites and a very kung-fu/martial arts movie vibe that’s carried across almost every aspect of the game all work together to create an experience that isn;t just fun to play, but good to look at.

It wasn’t the first fighting game to make use of the graphics style (games like Pit Fighter beat them to the punch a couple of years prior), but it was one of the first to do it well.

The following 2D sequels improved on almost every aspect of the game’s look and feel, but having a more realistic approach to the game’s graphics in this first game certainly made a lasting impression in the genre.

Stages

There are a total of seven stages to fight on in Mortal Kombat;

Courtyard – Shang Tsung sits on his throne and looks on as fights take place in front of a crowd of monks in this Enter The Dragon-esque stage.

Palace Gates – Located at Shang Tsung‘s old island fortress, with a large statue of Buddha looming in the background.

Warrior Shrine – A shrine dedicated to honour the contestants of the tenth Mortal Kombat tournament.

Throne Room – Where Shang Tsung sits on his throne in his island domain and watches as the combatants fight each other for his amusement.

Goro’s Lair – Home to the tournament’s Grand Champion Goro, this level with stone walls and several dark passageways; human bones are scattered on the floor and a skeleton hangs from a few shackles at the center of the arena. Many pairs of glowing yellow eyes appear and occasionally blink in the dark portions of the back area.

The Pit – a bridge suspended over a sea of steel spikes, which is the source of death for anyone unlucky enough to be knocked off. When an opponent is defeated on this stage, they can be uppercut off the bridge where they will land on the bed of spikes. This is the game’s only stage fatality. There are many severed heads at the bottom of the pit, including those of the game’s creators Ed Boon and John Tobias.

Pit Bottom – This stage is only accessible when the player is fighting Reptile.

The stages show a wide variety of interesting locations around Shang Tsung’s island, and even though some of the background characters look a bit weak graphically (those monks in the audience of the Courtyard ALWAYS looked rough), there’s enough charm and impressive architecture here to make each stage feel incredibly unique and memorable.

Replayability

There’s not much in the way of unlockables in Mortal Kombat, but there are some cool bits in terms of bonus stages and hdden secrets.

Mortal Kombat‘s bonus stage is called “Test Your Might”. The minigame consists of the player’s character standing above one of five blocks of increasing hardness, depending on how far the player has progressed in Test Your Might. The player would have to hammer multiple buttons until the gauge next to their character passed a certain point, and then would have to press the Block button to strike. If they were above this point, their character would break the block in front of them. Otherwise, their hand would bounce off the object sitting in front of them.

Not the most original of minigames, as several other earlier titles had similar levels, but this one would return in later Mortal Kombat games, and become quite popular in the meantime.

Then there’s the main hidden secret in the game - Reptile. Although we would see the green-clad Reptile appear in future Mortal Kombat titles as a playable character, he remains a secret non-playable fighter in the first game. In order to face him, players had to execute a Fatality finish after fighting on The Pit stage, assuming a shadow flew over the moon in the background, without taking any damage or pressing the block button in the winning round.

It’s an incredibly specific process, but being “in the know” about it (and successfully pulling it off) during the pre-internet era felt bloody fantastic.

Final thoughts & overall score

Mortal Kombat is a nice start to an iconic franchise.

While the sequels were way more sophisticated in terms of graphics and moves, the first game holds a special place in fighting game history for its innovative gameplay tweaks and its hilariously bloody violence.

Do you agree with our review of the original Mortal Kombat?

Let us know in the comments section below!

[fayewonglibrary]

1994-2020: Faye Wong Advertisements (2020)

On August 19th, Faye Wong was officially announced as the newest global spokesperson for the underwear brand NEIWAI, which shocked the industry.

What’s interesting is that underwear advertisements are usually extremely sexy and show a lot of skin. But because it’s the heavenly queen, it became a high-class style of sexy. The heavenly queen’s image on the posters is quite covered up and her poses are elegant and comfortable as usual. It is rumored that Faye Wong's endorsement fee is sky high.

The former brand models Maizi and Du Juan gave the impression of coolness. Faye Wong is definitely the master of this temperament to the extreme.

The press release by NEIWAI said that they aim to "explore the freedom of body and mind in a more pioneering, profound and international way." Indeed, the endorsement of the heavenly queen suddenly added a touch of international style and high-class to this domestic brand that was founded on Taobao not long ago. It gives that feeling no matter what the cost is.

You must know that Faye Wong has always been very picky about advertising. Before NEIWAI, she accepted an offer to be the global spokesperson for Helena Rubenstein in 2019.  Last December 7th, L'Oréal Group's top luxury beauty brand Helena Rubenstein announced that Faye Wong became the first global spokesperson for its brand.

I still remember the queen attended the promotional event in all white and wrapped her head in a golden scarf. Her skin looked smooth and firm. The most impressive thing was that her facial features were more beautiful than even when she was young. It was surprising. After all, the queen is over 50 years old.

I could see that she was in a very happy mood, chatting and laughing with the host on stage. She described this cooperation as proof that it was love at first sight.  The flawless firm skin of the heavenly queen can help a beauty counter to sell thousands of bottles of expensive product.

For so many years, Faye Wong was sought after by advertisers for her image as a high-end, avant-garde, free spirited woman of a new generation. Her manager once proudly said that their main job was rejecting offers. Faye Wong’s advertisements are notoriously sparse and also notoriously expensive.

Today, let’s take a look at the advertisements by the Heavenly Queen since her endorsement debut from 1994 to the present day. It can be seen that her strategy is "less is more". The big brands she has cooperated with, of course, pay well. Ease is another important criteria for her to choose a job.

The advertisements that Faye Wong has received over the years reveal the changes in the status and mood of the queen. Of course, we can also see the changing of the times from her advertisements. Popular brands that are still ongoing, but some brands have completely ceased to exist. The changes and the rise and fall of a brand is really interesting.

1994-1997

Avant-garde idol, trend setter for the youth.

In 1994, Faye Wong released her iconic hit "Sky" making her the free spirited idol of the young generation. That year she received an advertisement for Just Gold.

At that time, the Hong Kong-based gold jewelry company was preparing to enter the Taiwan market. In order to abandon the old and outdated feel of the past style, this brand, hoping to find young customers, wisely found a budding singer who was also ready to enter the Taiwanese market. Back then she was called Wong Jing Man.

In the advertisement, Faye Wong read the narration in her beautiful languid voice. The whole concept seemed to be very trendy and forward-thinking, making women suddenly realize they do not need to wait for men to buy them gifts and gold jewelry. They can own it on their own initiative. It was the new idea of feminism that women rely on their financial strength to satisfy their inner desires.

Just Woman, Just Gold; Real Woman, Real Gold. Faye Wong's life attitude of being courageous to live her own life fits the brand's pursuit of "real woman" characteristics. The following year, the brand also specially designed the "Fei collection" with the theme of "true", "beauty" and "life".

Coincidentally, the Virgin Atlantic advertisement of the same year also took a fancy to Faye Wong's distinctive personality.

At that time, Faye Wong's performance in the movie "Chunking Express" left a deep impression on people, and in the advertisement, she also had a similar short haircut, various styles, and she even had airplane props. She swayed her body and narrated in Cantonese.  This advertisement made the top ten of Asia TV in 1995 and won the most popular TV commercial female star award.

In the ad for Virgin Atlantic's direct flight from Hong Kong to London, she used her hearty laughter to inspire people to take off whenever they pleased.

Faye Wong became a big hit in 1996 and appeared on the cover of Time Magazine. She became the second Chinese artist and the first Chinese singer to appear on the cover. She was called one of "The Divas of Pop".

Faye Wong willingly lived in a Beijing hutong for love, married Dou Wei, and gave birth to her daughter Dou Jingtong in January of the following year.  The old photos of the two riding horses in Yesanpo bared witness to years of love.

Marriage and childbirth did not affect Faye Wong’s status. In October 1997, Motorola hired Wong Kar-wai to direct and spent 60 million on a large production to shoot her StarTAC (Palm Treasure Series) commercial. Anyone who has experienced that era knows that Motorola had a monopoly on the mobile phone market.

But with the advent of smartphones, after 2013, Motorola long lost its momentum. Motorola’s headquarters in Beijing has been downsized repeatedly. The era of holding a Motorola in one hand is gone forever.

Although shooting only lasted for 5 days, it was a huge collaboration:  big name stars, director Wong Kar Wai, cinematographer Christopher Doyle, and designer William Chang. It was a movie level production. And the actor was Asano Tadanobu who was popular in Japan at that time. Reportedly, the reason for seeking him back then was because his hair was messy enough to match with Faye Wong.

The whole commercial lasted less than 30 seconds, but it was full of Wong Kar-wai's individualism and uniqueness. It is considered the most unusual commercial advertisement. And Faye Wong, whose pay was as high as six figures per hour, had only two lines:  "Moshi Moshi".

Photographer Wing Shya also shot a set of print advertisements. Ah Fei as seen through the lens was smart and playful. With brilliant colors, it is entirely worthy of blockbuster art.

1999—2003

The fast-moving market adores the unconventional idol

In 1999, Faye Wong divorced the talented Dou Wei, which caused a commotion in the entertainment industry.

Pepsi spent 8 million Hong Kong dollars to invite Faye Wong, making her the first Asian female singer to endorse Pepsi. You must know that Pepsi’s strategy for so many years was aimed at the youth market. The stars they have invited over the years were the most popular among young people.

At that time, the commercial "Wish" depicted Ah Fei returning to an elementary school and seeing a little girl who resembled herself when she was a child. She recalled the scenes from when she was a child, expressing the theme: as long as you work hard, your wish can come true. The commercial song "Spectacular" was co-written by Faye Wong and Zhang Yadong, and included on the album "Only Love Strangers".

The following year's "Starry Sky Infinite" was a collaboration with Aaron Kwok. One was the god of water and the other was the god of ice. In the hot summer, the collision of ice and water brought coolness and pleasure.

Everyone remembers this poster. The heavenly king and queen who were still youth idols back then sang the commercial song "Starry Sky Infinite" together.

Faye’s styling in the ad now seems very ahead of its time. It was bold and creative. Whether it was the mini skirt with fishnet stockings or exaggerated color eye shadows, it is fashionable and cool at any time.

Also at that time, the theme song "Eyes On Me" of the classic game "Final Fantasy VIII" became popular in Japan. The song made the top ten of Japan's Oricon charts and Faye Wong also became a Japanese J-Phone mobile phone spokesperson.

As we all know, Japanese brands prefer their own artists, so Faye Wong's ability to break through and occupy a space is enough to prove her strength.

The six commercials that J-Phone shot for her at that time were all very advanced and full of new ideas.

The following year, she starred in the Japanese TV series "Usokoi" on Fuji TV. She worked with Takaichi Nakai and became the first Chinese artist to star in a Japanese drama as the main heroine.  Unfortunately, the ratings were lower than expected.

At the beginning of 2000, Faye Wong became the spokesperson for Head & Shoulders and it was rumored that the remuneration at that time was 32 million Taiwan dollars (about 8 million Hong Kong dollars).

The commercial contained 6 cool styles. The production cost was as high as 15 million. The jingle was her newly created song "Chanel", which was intoxicating and psychedelic.

What’s interesting is that she cut her hair super short when she attended the press conference. When asked by reporters whether this style would conflict with being the spokesperson, she replied in a way that is still so cool, "Don't you need to wash short hair?"

If the advertisements for the above high demand products were expected, Faye Wong's acceptance of the following brand is more interesting now.

In 2003, Baleno spent 5 million a year to invite Faye Wong to become a spokesperson. Baleno was first known as a Hong Kong brand. In 1996, it was sold to Guangzhou Deyongjia Group and then regarded as a mainland brand.

But it was willing to spend money to invite the most popular celebrities to endorse. At its peak, it had 4,000 stores in the Mainland.  Andy Lau and Faye Wong were invited to be spokespersons.

The phrase "brand, Baleno" caused everyone to laugh.

Ah Fei shot the posters and could manage all kinds of exaggerated makeup as always. At that time, Li Jianhui once wrote about the influence of Faye Wong on Baleno - hiring her was an upgrade for the entire brand.

The following year Faye Wong  became the spokesperson of Louis Vuitton in the Asia-Pacific region. A series of print advertisements shot that year now looks very advanced. She is lying sexily and lazily on a white sofa, and her poses exude a different charm with each different set of clothes. The Heavenly Queen had such magical powers and her cool expression enchanted people.

2004—2005

Getting older and moving towards the high-end market

Which brand was Faye Wong most responsible for helping to enter China? There is no doubt that it is Celine. It is Faye Wong who brought this French brand into the hearts of every Chinese woman who loves fashion.

In October 2004, at the age of 35, Faye Wong attended Celine's 2005 Spring/Summer Fashion Show in Paris as a close friend of the brand.

The queen’s photoshoot on the streets of Paris expressed her attitude towards life. She exuded self-confidence and self-reliance even when she was just standing.

In early 2005, Faye Wong appeared on the cover of the Hong Kong edition of "HARPERS BAZAAR" wearing Celine.

The magazine’s fashion spread was a blockbuster for Celine - just by simply sitting at a dining table, revealing her slender legs. The styles were both casual and fashionable. This photoshoot perfectly fits Celine's brand aesthetic with Faye Wong's own personality:  cool and sassy.

She also wore Celine's 2005 spring and summer collection and participated in the opening ceremony of the new store in Hong Kong.

For the next ten years, Faye Wong’s favorite was simply only Celine. She took brand promotional photos. She went to fashion week to participate in brand events.  She was photographed in major magazine editorials. Even in her private birthday celebration, she wore none other than Celine.

Celine's fashion style fits her own personality. She appreciates the brand's neutral, functional, and concise design concept, and its pursuit for a free and comfortable attitude of living.

Just as she always dared to love and hate, in the Spring of 2005, it was reported that she and Li Yapeng were about to marry.

It was also at that time that she had her first skin care product endorsement, Jovell. At the time, it was reported that Jovell paid tens of millions to invite her to become a spokesperson in Asia.

The Heavenly Queen was over thirty and her perfectly maintained face couldn’t not be used as a skincare platform.

This commercial was based on her daily work environment, with pure English narration. In April, she also attended the brand's launch event in Hong Kong. She maintained an awkward and polite smile, but she did not accept interviews during the whole process.

The endorsement was not satisfactory. Jovell, a brand used by so-called Hollywood stars, applied for liquidation after the defendant defaulted on a loan at the end of 2005. They were desperate to invite the queen to help out. They wanted to take advantage of this momentum to come back to life, but unfortunately could not in the end. Because of the company’s liquidation, there was no money for payment. Faye Wong's management company issued a lawyer's letter to claim 4 million Hong Kong dollars in remuneration, and it went to the High Court.

2005-2011

Coming back is not easy At the end of May 2005, Faye Wong’s manager, Katie Chan, confirmed to the media that the Queen had started an "indefinite rest".

On July 28th of the same year, Faye Wong and Li Yapeng married in a low-key banquet in Beijing. The wedding photos taken at Tianshan were only revealed many years later in a Smile Angel Foundation promotional video.

Faye Wong retired for four full years because of her marriage and newborn daughter, during which she only sang theme songs for a few movies. There was always news that she was going to make a comeback, but in the end it turned out to be nothing.

Until 2009, on the 20th anniversary of Faye Wong's debut, news confirmed that she was about to come back to endorse a shampoo brand. The sky-high price discussed was higher than Jackie Chan. It was also reported that it was because of Li Yapeng's failed businesses that the Queen had to return to make money.

The rich and powerful Bawang Group gave enough money and not much additional conditions. The two sides hit it off quickly, which also kicked off the first wave of Faye Wong's successful comeback. In 2010, the queen made a triumphant comeback. At the beginning of the year, she returned to the Spring Festival Gala stage after 12 years and sang "Legend".  At the end of the year, she held 10 sold out concerts.

She became the brand ambassador for the newly launched Chasing series shampoo under Bawang. Shooting shampoo ads was already familiar to the heavenly queen. 

Although the brand positioned itself as mid-to-high end, the commercials were not very flattering. Heavenly Queen wore a cheongsam with a huge lotus leaf hem and neckline, walked slowly like a scallop princess. The whole advertisement fell flat.

It can be said that this was a low period for the heavenly queen. Whether or not it was satisfactory, it was a means to make money. But I have to say that Faye Wong's role in the brand was still very obvious. The products turned out to be famous all over the country.

Although money is earned, the risk of advertisements is also high. First, in 2010, a Hong Kong weekly magazine slandered Bawang shampoo for containing carcinogens and the herbal line of shampoo endorsed by Faye Wong was also not spared from testing. The star’s credibility was questioned for a while.

It took Bawang six full years to sue for defamation. In the end, they won the lawsuit, but only received a compensation of 3 million. However, the accumulated losses caused by the damage to its reputation over the years reached 1.7 billion.

Then at the end of 2014, it was reported that the intermediary claimed the fee from Faye Wong. When the case came to an end, the intermediary who originally claimed 3.35 million received only 600,000 compensation. Although the queen was cautious, she was sometimes not 100% insured. It was inevitable that there would be disputes. 

2012-2020

Safe and easy money is the priority In 2012, she endorsed a dairy brand with sky-high prices.  Yili Jindian Organic Milk, which focuses on high-end dairy products, coincides with Faye Wong’s status as a queen. The brand used her super popularity and influence to broaden its appeal and greatly increase sales.

Faye Wong’s commercials could be seen everywhere on major TV stations and variety shows.  The contents of these advertisements contained similar features of natural innocence and quality.

The beautiful grassland featured in the commercial is located in the Shin Kong Chao Feng Ranch and Resort in Hualien, Taiwan. It was also called "Faye Wong Prairie" after the commercial became popular.

She has been cooperating with Jindian for nearly ten years and each year's commercials are considered by fans as a new opportunity to see their idol again. This year's newest commercial was no longer limited to the grassland, but used light and shadow effects and it was just perfect.

In recent years, Faye Wong was really low-key.

The protection and mystery of her private life has deepened the public's desire and imagination of her, so that every public appearance of hers causes an uproar and there are always speculations about how big a bargaining chip is used to invite her to appear.

She has also been questioned a few times about making money. For example, the biggest public backlash came from her Fantasy Music concert at the end of 2016, which caused controversy because of the high ticket prices.

This was her return to the stage after her 2012 tour ended. The cheapest ticket was as high as 1800 and the most expensive ticket was 7800. This triggered an "anti” storm and she was accused of marketing and money-making.  Although the organizer clarified afterwards that the production cost could not be reduced because of technical requirements such as global live streaming, the public did not buy it.

After 18 years, she participated in her first variety show, Hunan Satellite TV's "Phantacity", where she was rumored to have been paid hundreds of millions of dollars. The news at the time stated that "the investment of the program is more than 300 million, of which 150 million is used to invite a certain heavenly queen." Of course, they also say that the top price of super first-line talent like Faye Wong is worth it.

When the MC He Jiong questioned her on the show, "Why did you want to come here?", she still answered so bluntly, "Because it’s easy."

It really was easy. Just sitting and talking can make you money.

This was a highly anticipated show that invited a large number of stars. But since the post-production process is too boring and many technical highlights couldn’t be shown on the TV screen, the freshness of the first two episodes faded and the following episodes were weak. Even Faye Wong could not save the ratings from declining. However, her performance in the last episode fulfilled fans' dreams.

Every time someone asks: is Faye Wong short of money?

Nonsense! Who is not short of money? The heavenly queen is human. She also needs to make money to pay for living expenses, including children's tuition and so on. Children’s education, the monetary cost of maintaining her own high standard of living (nanny, maintenance, self-care, etc.), and preparations for retirement, these all cost money.

Therefore, it is not difficult to see that the advertisements taken by the Heavenly Queen ten or more years ago were lively, interesting and creative. But after her comeback in 2009, they have been more grounded in a sense of reality. The long-term ten-year contract like Jindian Organic Milk is more worry-free and comfortable.

There is no longer a need to tailor songs for advertisements. You can easily make money by showing your face and narrating. Why not do it? It’s safe, worry-free, and comfortable. These are the benefits of advertising.

Of course, some people ask, why does only Faye Wong have such an influence in the advertising industry? It seems that you can pay anyone to stand there. Why don’t her contemporaries have such influence?

This only further proves that Faye Wong's body of work is excellent. She had continuous creativity and was always fresh. As the goddess of the music industry, she has been influential several times.  Faye Wong is the only super queen recognized by audiences on both sides of the strait. By gaining a big market, it is the simplest answer to this question.

Secondly, Faye Wong has an unparalleled personality. Her charm lead her to become an era’s rising female power and a new generation female legend. In layman's terms, she has lived the life that everyone wants, which is why she can bless the brand.

Her personality and charm is her brand premium. Her international style and her unconventional life are also her brand premium. This is why TV stations and merchants are willing to spend sky-high prices to invite her, because they can use their own efforts to upgrade the brand's profile. 

As for making money, Faye Wong is also a human being, not a god.  Like you and me, she has to work in life.

As for the so-called lowering herself to common mortals, as she herself once said, "I am not as perfect as you think and I admit that sometimes I can't tell the true from the false."  And sometimes mistakes are inevitable.

For 26 years, Faye Wong chose her advertisements. When watching these advertisements, we clearly saw time fly past us at a fast speed. The light and shadows were dazzling, and I sighed.

What can we say? The era has chosen Faye Wong and Faye Wong has accompanied us in every era.

She can do whatever she wants, since she has already given us beautiful moments in music.

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SOURCE: NETEASE // TRANSLATION BY: FAYE WONG FUZAO