#toy matinee

[c0smic-horrorwerewolf]

If you like think you should listen to this niche edition:

If you like Epic the musical check out Paris the Musical by Jon English

If you like Artic Monkeys and Pavement try Kevin Gilbert or Toy Matinee

If you like Rage Against the Machine try Killers Confession or Jeffry Nothing

If you like Lemon Demon Try I fight Dragons or The Double Clicks

If you like Steam Powered Giraffes try getting a healthy sleep schedule

[edc-blog]

Songs You May Have Missed #757

Toy Matinee: “Turn it On Salvador” (1990) We’ve elsewhere discussed the “really cool band” that was producer Patrick Leonard’s art project after the boredom of making half a billion dollars for Warner Brothers producing Madonna albums. While I’m not here to diss Madonna (not today anyway–we’ve done plenty of that elsewhere) I can appreciate Leonard’s desire to flex other muscles. And flex he…

[tkwrites]

A Surprisingly Fortuitous Bus Ride - Quinn Hughes x ofc

Title: A Surprisingly Fortuitous Bus Ride 

Author: Tory / @tkwrites 

Relationship: Quinn Hughes x Sarah Roberts

Summary: Due to circumstances outside of his control, Quinn finds himself late to a FaceTime date with Sarah. When she starts some fun by herself, Quinn can’t help but join in, even if he can’t see her. 

Warnings: Smut (18+ only!) - masturbation, vibrator use, phone sex (sort of), long distance relationships, a bit voyeuristic? 

Word Count: 973

Comments: In an effort to provide my fellow Americans some distraction on this very stressful election day, I present to you Quinn getting Sarah off with the vibrator she gifted him for his birthday - with a twist.

The idea of this came into my mind, and I just had to write it down. It also happened to be the piece that was closest to being finished. 

I hope you enjoy! If you did, please let me know by commenting, reblogging, or sending in an ask. Your encouragement and comments truly inspire me to keep writing. 

Also, let me know if you’d like to see a part two!

Anonymous asked: Can we expect to see Quinn putting that new vibrator to use with Sarah in the near future? 😍

Anonymous asked: Any change we could also get a little something of Quinn and Sarah for the election stress 👀 

A Surprisingly Fortuitous Bus Ride 

A  Quinn & Sarah Snapshot

Even though they were coming off a matinee win over the Penguins, this wasn’t the way Quinn would have chosen to end his day. 

Their plane broke down in Pittsburgh, so what should have been a two hour flight turned into a three and a half hour bus ride. He knew things had to be done, and they had to get to Ohio to get in some solid sleep before the game tomorrow, but bus travel was his least favorite. It was crammed and smelly, and the bus rocked in a disconcerting way the plane never did. 

He couldn’t fall asleep and on top of everything else, now he was late for a FaceTime date with Sarah. 

She’d messaged they day before, wondering if he had a room to himself in Columbus. 

When he confirmed that he was indeed roommateless the next evening, she responded, Oh, thank God. I’m so horny, I’m going insane. 

Can’t you get yourself off? 

Yeah, but it’s better when I can hear you. 

That message had made him blush, but also filled his chest with so much pride, he felt like he could have single handedly taken down Crosby. 

And now, he was stuck on this fucking bus. It definitely wasn’t the way he wanted to spend his evening. Especially not when Sarah was relying on him. 

Trying to distract himself with the book he was reading, he almost didn’t look at his phone when it buzzed in his pocket. 

Eventually, his curiosity got the best of him, and he pulled it out, wondering if he’d find another message like the ones from yesterday. Instead, the notification read: Lush: engaged

This bus ride was about to get a lot more interesting. 

Anytime this notification came through, Quinn always felt a heady rush of euphoria. Sometimes, he didn’t even join in on the fun. Just knowing Sarah was pleasuring herself never failed to make his mouth water and his pants a little tighter. 

She’d confessed a while ago that the toy she’d given him for his birthday was her favorite, even if she was controlling it herself. 

The first few times they’d used it, he watched her get herself off with it before taking over so he could learn her limits. 

Now, he opened the app and watched the slider for the internal motor tick up. The external motor stayed low and steady. He hardly ever saw it move. Occasionally, she turned it off altogether.

Watching the levels increase and decrease a few times, he knew she was working herself up — easing in, so the intensity the toy could bring on didn’t become too much.  

He never thought he could get so breathlessly turned on from watching a slider move on his phone. After a few more minutes, he couldn’t stand it anymore. His fingers were itching to take control. 

Finally giving himself permission, he switched the vibration pattern of the internal motor from the steady buzz to the thump-thump-thump. He liked to watch her fall apart around this particular pattern as it often caused her to breathe, moan, and clench down in rhythm. Watching her body sync up with it never failed to make him breathless. 

Quinn Hughes! Her text popped up at the top of his screen. What the fuck! You can’t even see me. 

In response, he turned the vibration up a tick. In case she decided to call, he put his AirPods in, though he hoped she wouldn’t. He was sure he’d start moaning if he had to listen to her orgasm, knowing he was controlling the pace. He was practically panting just imagining it.  

I know what you look like, he shot back. I’m getting through this damned bus ride imagining how you sound. 

The fact that Quinn was still making her feel this way when they weren’t even on the phone — that he was just watching the levels on his screen, relying on his memories to guide him — was incredibly hot. The fact that he knew her well enough to get her off without any visual or verbal cues made her feel cared for and loved on top of outrageously turned on. 

It wasn’t as fun when he couldn’t hear or see her, but he still knew what she liked. After a few more minutes, he changed the pattern again to one that slid from low to high and back again. 

Although she was alone in the house, Sarah still cried out, clutching at the sheets as pleasure rocked through her. 

He let that one tease her for a while before switching back to the thumping and turning it up two ticks. 

Before her first high had a chance to edge off, he switched the vibration pattern back to the thump-thump-thump he liked so much, and it sent her careening into another orgasm. 

She wished he could hear her. “Fuck! Fuck, fuck! Quinn!” 

The vibration stayed true and strong as the pleasure eased off. Before he could switch it again and send her into another overstimulating orgasm, she groped for her phone and turned the toy low enough that she could pull it out. Slick with lube and her release, it jumped out of her hand as it buzzed back to life. She had to wrestle it still until she could turn it off. 

While she liked the orgasms as much as the next girl, she knew it would be even better when he was listening or watching, and if they kept going now, she wouldn’t have the energy to play once he was on his own. 

She hadn’t expected Quinn to join in at all. He was on the bus, for god’s sake. She just needed something to tide her over until that evening.

She sent Quinn a melted emoji along with the message, You better be getting there soon so you can finish what you just started. 

A smile beamed over his face. 

Just an hour longer. 

Want more Quinn & Sarah? Check out the Snapshots Masterlist 

To read all my fics, check out the Fanfiction Masterlist

[another-lost-mc]

taking the boys to see barbie‼️‼️🔥😫💯🤩🫨🫶🏻

A/N: I just got home from seeing Oppenheimer so this is like, perfect timing. These are some general movie outing headcanons for the group!

Going To the Movies

THE DEMON BROTHERS & THE DATEABLES

0.8k words | SFW | gn!Reader

Content: Luke is mentioned in a platonic sense only, the other relationships can be read as platonic or romantic.

You suggest a matinee show time because you figure it'll be less disruptive and chaotic for everyone.

Levi and Satan are the only ones that bother to look up the movie beforehand.

Levi wanted to read the early critic reviews, but he's careful not to complain about how stupid the plot sounds because he knows you want to see it.

(If it's a pop culture franchise Akuzon sells, Levi will order a t-shirt or sweater to wear on the day of the movie outing.)

Satan looked up the film's plot/backstory because you've been eager to talk about it.

(He likes knowing more about your interests than Lucifer his brothers do.)

Diavolo caught wind of your plans somehow (probably from Lucifer) and managed to convince Barbatos that they could both use an afternoon off to have some fun in the human world too.

When you show up at the theatre, Solomon and the angels from Purgatory Hall are already waiting near the concession stand.

(Barbatos admits to you that he might've told Luke about the movie plans in passing.)

Ordering food at the snack bar is interesting.

Lucifer orders himself a drink but no snacks. He opts for wine if the theatre sells it, or coffee if they don't serve alcohol, and he finally settles on bottled sparkling water if nothing else is available.

Mammon orders a popcorn combo that comes with a bag of candy. He asks you very casually what kind you like best before he just happens to choose that for himself.

Levi orders the popcorn combo that comes with the plastic collectible cup, and he browses the small display of plushies and toys near the snack bar too.

Satan orders popcorn and a drink and reminds you that there's plenty if you want to share with him.

Asmo buys a bottle of vitamin water and says he doesn't want anything to eat.

(Later he'll sneak some popcorn or nachos and candy from whoever he sits beside.)

Beel just points to all the popcorn poppers behind the counter and says he'll buy all of it.

(He grabs bags of candy off the display and drops those on the counter too.)

Belphie clarifies to the poor staff working behind the counter that they'll take two large bags of popcorn with lots of butter—and two bags of candy each, and two of the largest soft drink size they have...

Barbatos heads to another part of the concession stand to look at their frozen yogurt flavours and toppings.

While Barbatos is distracted, Diavolo orders the kid's popcorn combo because he wanted the collectible cup and toy it comes with.

Simeon buys a kid's popcorn combo for Luke and a frozen yogurt cup for himself.

(He gets two spoons so Luke can share it with him.)

Solomon orders popcorn with butter for himself, and everyone is relieved that he didn't try to sneak in any of his own homemade snacks.

He pulls out a salt shaker filled with something he claims he made himself and sprinkles it all over his popcorn.

(Unsurprisingly, no one else wants to try any when he offers it.)

Your entire group could fill an entire row of the theatre, and seating arrangements are the next big hurdle.

It surprises no one that Mammon, Asmo, Belphie, and Solomon all want to sit beside you.

(You absolutely forbid them from playing rock-paper-scissors in the theatre to solve that squabble.)

There are some obvious allowances in the seating arrangements: your BFF/lover(s) naturally claim the seats beside or closest to you.

If the seat's not already taken, Lucifer wants to sit on your right hand side.

(He smiles when you offer him some of your own snacks during the film.)

Satan and Belphie are not allowed to sit in the row behind Lucifer's seat—he already knows they'll kick the back of his chair (or his head) if they do.

Beel and Belphie usually sit next to each other. If Belphie falls asleep, he'll lean on Beel's shoulder so he doesn't disturb anyone else.

Levi complains that he's not in the seat that will give him the "best viewer experience," whatever that means, but he will sit close to you or Mammon if he can.

Solomon, Simeon and Luke move up a row and sit behind you if they can't sit beside you.

(Luke will tap your shoulder during the movie and offer you some of the candy from his kid's combo.)

Diavolo likes to sit beside or close to Lucifer.

(You can hear Diavolo comment excitedly about things throughout the movie while Lucifer reminds him to hush, which leads to both of them bickering loud enough for everyone else to hear.)

Barbatos likes to sit near Satan because they both enjoy watching the film quietly and won't bother each other.

(Barbatos doesn't mind sitting apart from Diavolo because he's always mindful of what his Young Master is up to.)

m.list | Taglist: @l-d-8 @mithrakira @your-next-daydream @haezen @xpixie @meggsngrits @flemmingbamse @tortibomb @amberrskiies @a-hidden-gem @lust--on--my--lips @meiloorun-tea @beelsjuicytitties @goldenglow149 @callmesaya @cosmicstarlatte @alexxncl @sirimirihiro @i-am-empress-irish @ezraiix @bizarrebankai @devildomd0ll @todothedodo @gaychaosgremlin @alexxavicry @moon-i-v @ablondehoe @thewisteriarchives @vinsmouke @kiirschtein @halaxia @bookoffracturedescapes

[harry-on-broadway]

Santa's Helpers: An Ever Since New York Extra

A/N: It's been like two years since I've written anything but I've been thinking of these two a lot lately. Please be nice and enjoy this unedited, very fluffy ficlet!

Sometime in the future…

Greta rolled her neck as the Q train approached the 86th Street station. She gathered her tote from the seat beside her double checking to make sure that none of the last-minute gifts she’d purchased between shows had spilled out. The doors opened and she stepped onto the platform, side-stepping some tinsel and less festive litter as she made her way to the exit. 

The chill of the December air hit her with its full force and she braced against the wind and she climbed the stairs to street level. Just a few blocks and she’d be home, cozy in her pajamas with a warm mug of tea. She pulled her scarf further up her face and set out. 

“Evening, Jim,” she said to the doorman on duty as went to scan her card. 

“Evening, Greta,” he replied. “Got your hands full there.” He buzzed her in and Greta nodded her thanks. 

“Had to get some final presents after the matinee today,” she said with a laugh. “I severely underestimated how crazy the stores would be the day before Christmas. So I guess I deserved the chaos?”

“I’ve been there before,” Jim chuckled. “Do you have a show tomorrow?” Jim asked. 

“Thankfully, no.” Greta said. “Two shows on Christmas Eve is tough, but getting tomorrow off makes up for it.” 

“Melissa and I still need to get down there to see you,” he said wistfully. “Into the Woods is one of her favorites.”

“Well, we’ll be there for a while…hopefully,” Greta added as an afterthought. “Let me know what night works for you and I’ll make sure there’s a pair for you all at will call. 

“You don’t,” Jim tried to protest. 

“Nope. It’s the least I can do, Jim. You take such good care of us, you deserve it.”

“Well thank you, Greta. We really appreciate it. I’ll check with her schedule and let you know. Merry Christmas.” 

“Merry Christmas, Jim,” Greta called over her shoulder as she stepped into the elevator. 

When it stopped at her floor, she rummaged through her purse, digging for her keys, and when she reached the door she unlocked it and eased it open. After quietly closing it, she set her bags down and toed her flats off, as the gentle sound of nails on hardwood echoed through the entryway. 

“Hi Taffy girl,” she whispered as the Golden Retriever trotted towards her. “Did you have a busy day?” The dog just nudged her hand, seeking pets, which Greta obliged. 

“Harry?” she whispered, as she walked to the living room, dragging the tote full of presents behind her. 

“In here!” he whispered in return. 

What Greta saw before her, brought a smile to her face and warmed her heart. Her husband was seated on the floor, looking positively cozy in his sweats and hoodie, surrounded by toys and various accoutrements of gift-wrapping. In front of him were what she conservatively estimated at about 120 pieces of wood and plastic that would eventually be assembled into a play kitchen. 

“Did you get it?” he asked. 

Greta reached into the bag. “You requested a pack of pretend food?” 

“Oh, honey I love you so much,” he sighed, relief rippling through him. “I never thought I’d be stressed about plastic food for a fake kitchen.”

“And then we had kids…”

“And then we had kids…” he echoed. “I hope it wasn’t too bad?” he asked. 

“I mean…I do think Times Square Target on Christmas Eve is the tenth circle of hell, but I’d do anything for those little nuggets so it’s fine.” 

Their daughter loved watching the two of them cook and “helping” to pour things into various bowls and cups, and her little brother was starting to get the bug as well, so when Harry suggested a play kitchen as a Christmas gift, Greta was immediately on board. While the playset had been surprisingly easy to obtain, plastic food proved to be much harder, resulting in the last minute shopping trip to ensure the two kids sleeping peacefully upstairs had a perfect Christmas morning. 

“I was going to make some tea, but then I can start wrapping? Or assembling? Do you want a cup?”

“That would be great, baby,” Harry said. “There’s cookies on the table too if you want a snack.” 

Greta headed to the kitchen, grabbing mugs and tea bags while the electric kettle began to boil. She smiled when she saw the cookies, covered in way too much sugar and icing, imagining Harry gently reminding their kids that the cookies just needed a tiny bit of decoration. She put some onto a plate and brought the treats and beverages back into the chaos of the living room. 

“Thanks, love,” Harry said, focused on the instructions in front of him, as Greta sat the mug on the coffee table behind them.

“What made you decide to tackle this tonight?” she asked, warming her hands on the mug. 

“Well, the real answer is that I thought it would make them happy to tear off the paper and see it built rather than sitting in the box. But selfishly, I figured it would be easier for me to put it together without them hanging off of me. Might have misjudged that though,” he muttered as he frowned at the instructions. 

“If you’ve got that covered, I can get started on the other gifts if that works?” Harry nodded in agreement and Greta reached across the floor to grab various books, dolls, and other toys, along with some wrapping paper and bows. “I grabbed a couple other things when I was out this afternoon.” 

“Yeah.” 

“Mmmhmm. Nothing big…a couple of books. Some fancy glitter crayons that are supposedly washable.”

“They’ll certainly put that to the test.” 

“You can say that again,” Greta chuckled. “I found a couple of Jellycats as well.”

Harry turned to shoot her a look. “I thought we had a ban on more Jellycats entering this house," he teased. 

Greta had in fact said those exact words a few months prior after more stuffed toys had been gifted to the kids by their very doting grandparents. “It’s Christmas. I’m showing leniency.” 

Harry let out the loudest laugh he dared before turning his attention back to the construction project in front of him. The two worked in companionable quiet, the only noises the sliding of Greta’s scissors on the wrapping paper, the gentle taps of the mallet against wood, and occasional slurps of tea. 

“Remember when Christmas used to involve fun for us?” Harry asked. “Before we became Santa’s helpers? No putting together toys using instructions written in French. No wrapping. I could throw something in a gift bag, toss some tissue paper on top, and call it a day. Focus my attention on unwrapping you. Although I was hoping I’d get to do that again this year.” He snuck a glance at Greta out of the corner of his eye. 

It was Greta’s turn to let out a laugh. “Are you seriously trying to come onto me right now?”

“Is it working?”

“It would if I wasn’t so tired.”

“Yeah, I’m talking a big game right now, but it will be a miracle if I stay awake long enough to get this built.”

Greta reached out to rub his back, and Harry leaned into her touch as she kneaded at a particularly tight knot. “How bad was it today?” Greta asked, bracing for the worst. 

When their daughter had been born, both Harry and Greta decided that they would take a break from work to fully focus on their newborn. The break was intended to last a couple of months, and then one of them would return to work and they’d figure out an alternating schedule to ensure one of them would always be home with the kids. 

However, a couple of months turned into a year, which turned into two, and then their son joined the crew and the process had started all over again. Greta hadn’t been sure how she’d adapt to motherhood, juggling it with her career. She’d always had faith in Harry but felt less confident in herself. But from day one, their little family had been everything she’d ever hoped for. They were raising two city kids, who coasted down the block on their scooters, knew which bodegas had the friendliest cats, and were already infinitely cooler than either of their parents.

As perfect as their family life was though, she still found herself longing to work again and create something away from home. And when she whispered that desire to Harry one night, he’d been nothing but encouraging, pushing her to do what made her happy. 

“Does that make me a bad mom though? Wanting to leave my kids and do something else?” she said so quietly she wasn’t sure Harry heard her. 

“No,” Harry had assured her. “You’ll be setting a great example for them, showing them that being a parent doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams.” 

A couple of months later, Greta had booked her first Broadway show in years and Harry fully embraced his role as a stay-at-home dad. And while doing eight shows a week while raising two kids under six was a task not for the faint of heart, she felt more fulfilled than she ever had before. That fulfillment wasn’ entirely guilt free though, and every time she kissed her kids and husband goodbye and headed to the theater, she felt a twinge of guilt and prayed she wouldn’t miss any big moments in the hours she was gone. 

“Not too bad,” Harry said slowly, bringing Greta back to the present. “We did a snack instead of lunch since we did brunch with you – that was the toughest part since neither was in the mood to eat and they fought me the entire time.” He exhaled and shook his head. “They are your kids is all I can say.” 

Greta scoffed and swatted Harry with the empty wrapping paper roll. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“They are articulate and emotive and have no problem telling me how they feel in a way that makes me think I’m the least intelligent person in this family.” 

“Oh my God, what did they say this time?” 

Harry smiled. “After much whispering amongst themselves, they informed me that their ‘characters’ wouldn’t eat carrots, so they would be abstaining today.” 

“They seriously said ‘abstaining?’”

“Yes, my love, your daughter did.” 

“Where’d she learn that?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing,” Harry replied with a laugh. “But yeah, after the carrot incident, we went to the park so they could burn off some energy. We came home, made those cookies, had some dinner, ended the night with some coloring. They wanted to give Santa some pictures to go with his cookies, And then we read a book and they went to bed.”

“They drew pictures?” Greta tried to hide the wistfulness in her voice. 

“Yep,” Harry nodded. “They’re on the table. They made a couple for you too.”

Greta got to her knees, and reached over the coffee table to grab the loose papers that were sitting next to Santa’s untouched plate of cookies. The drawing on top was mostly scribbles in varying hues of red and green, clearly an original piece by their son who was still grasping the concepts of drawing shapes. The second drawing, likely done by their daughter, were a bit easier to decode and featured four figures – presumably their family – waiting by the front door, while Santa and nine brown blobs – likely reindeer – waited on the other side. And the third…

“Harry, did you draw Bluey in a Santa hat?”

“Uh, yes, that was a request from both of them,” he said as he screwed on a door to the front of the playset. “Bluey was our background noise while we drew.” 

Greta gazed at the drawings once more, biting her lip and trying not to cry. 

“You OK, love?” Harry asked, glancing over at her. “You’ve gone quiet on me.” 

“I just…” Greta sniffed. “I don’t regret going back to work, but sometimes I feel sad. And guilty. I’m missing things. I was gone all of Christmas Eve. And like when they were babies it was nice and everything but they’re never going to remember that. They didn’t know what Christmas was! But now they do and they’re going to remember that I wasn’t here.” She sighed. “I just feel so…awful.”

“Honestly, I probably shouldn’t say this but I let them eat way too much sugar today so they likely won’t remember much. Like they crashed hard.”

“Harry!”

He tried to suppress his smile. “I’m kidding, love.” He put down the comically small screwdriver he’d been using and scooted closer to her, taking her hand in his. “Greta,” he said looking into her eyes. She knew he was serious given the lack of pet name. “You’re not awful. You’re an amazing mother. Of course they miss you when you’re not here, but those aren’t the memories they have. They don’t sit here saying ‘Remember when Mumma missed snack time?’ They talk about all of the memories they have with you. ‘This is the book Mumma read to us last week!’ or ‘We need to tell Mumma about the dog we pet!’ They love you and they sure as hell don’t think you abandoned them.”

“But I still feel guilty…” The tears she had been holding back started to fall. 

“And I will too whenever I decide to start working again. It’s a fact of life. But you’re you. You always show up for the ones you love. You’re here when it matters most. And you’re going to be here tomorrow, right?” Greta nodded. “Yeah, you are,” Harry continued. “You’re going to watch our kids open way too many presents because we spoil them rotten and you’re going to try and fail to get them to clean up the wrapping paper before Taffy eats it.” The Golden’s tail thumped at the mention of her name. “We’re going to eat too many sweets and then the four of us are going to curl up and watch movies until we fall asleep and that’s what they’re going to remember.” 

Greta sniffed. “I’m not sure what I did to deserve you, but thank you, Harry. I love you.” 

“I love you, too, Greta.” He leaned over to give a quick, but loving peck on the lips. “Now help me get these doors on.” 

Greta laughed and wiped her eyes, before crawling over to hold the doors and other pieces while Harry screwed them on. When he finished, he applied the decals to the pieces, and stocked the cabinets with the fake food, while Greta finished wrapping the remaining gifts and arranged them under the tree. They tag-teamed wrapping the large piece of furniture, knowing their kids wouldn’t look at the wrap job twice before ripping it open, but as Harry so eloquently put it, the present looked like it had been wrapped by an elf that had failed out of the North Pole.

“All done?” Greta asked, as she put the scissors and tape back in the kitchen, and hid the wrapping paper scraps in the bottom of the recycling bin. 

“Just about,” Harry said around a mouthful of cookie he’d swiped from Santa’s plate. “I think you missed one.” 

“Where?” Greta said, whipping around. 

“Here,” Harry replied, slapping an unused bow atop his head. Greta arched a brow. “What? Too cheesy?” Harry grinned. 

“No, I just thought my present would be a little lower…” Greta trailed off. 

“Mrs. Alcott-Styles! Are you saying…” Harry waggled his brows suggestively. 

“Well, you did say you were tired earlier…”

“I’ve woken up,” Harry said, sounding more alert than he had all evening. 

“Don’t keep me waiting then,” Greta called over her shoulder as she walked upstairs, Harry following close behind her. 

***

A few short hours later, Greta opened her eyes. She could have sworn she heard something, but only silence remained. She snuggled in closer to Harry, but once again, she heard tiny thuds echoing through the hall. 

“I think some munchkins are about to give us our wake up call,” Harry mumbled against Greta’s forehead.

Moments later, two kids with bright eyes and dark curls matching their father’s burst into the room, taking a running leap and landing on their parents’ bed. 

“Mumma, mumma, mumma,” their son whispered (Greta and Harry had been working on the concept of an ‘inside voice’ with him in recent weeks to middling success). “I think Santa came!” 

“I think he did too, baby,” Greta said, smoothing an errant curl on his head. “Do you think we should go see if he left you anything?”

“Yes!!!!” the children shouted, pulling at their parents to coax them out of bed. “Come on, Mumma!” 

Greta swung her legs out of the bed, feet searching for her slippers. “Faster,” urged their son. 

“Mumma! I drew Santa a picture,” their daughter said. “I told he could look at it but couldn’t take it since I needed to show you. Can we please go downstairs so I can show you?” 

“That’s very sweet, honey,” Greta said, pulling a sweatshirt over her pajamas. “And, yes we can go downstairs now.” 

Before she followed her kids out of the room, she turned around and caught Harry’s eye. 

“See,” he murmured, barely audible. “They still love you and you haven’t missed a thing.” 

Greta bit her lip, biting back tears of the happy variety this time. 

They opened lots of presents. The kitchen and the Jellycats were a hit. Taffy ate some wrapping paper, and the kids, once again, ate more sugar than they should have. Many movies were watched, many books were read, and many “meals” were cooked in the fake kitchen and served to Greta and Harry, both of whom “ate” those meals with great enthusiasm. 

Harry was right. He was always right. These were the memories that mattered. 

[nonasuch]

so I went to New York this weekend!

I tagged along with some friends who were going to the Five Points Toy Festival in Brooklyn, and convinced them to come see Sleep No More with me on Thursday night, since it’s allegedly closing at some point and I’ve always wanted to go.

And since they had to head back to DC a day before me, I decided to get another ticket for the Sunday matinee on my own.

Unfortunately my cards were a 6 and a 7, so I missed a few things right at the beginning, but I’m still really happy with my experience. My first show I spent a bunch of time following the Tailor, which I really enjoyed — he had a duet with the Taxidermist in his shop where they played tug-of-war with his measuring tape, and another with the speakeasy bartender. I saw Hecate eat her dinner and sing “Is That All There Is” in the 4th floor bar, and the Porter try to save Lady Macduff from the poisoned milk and then do an amazing dance in the bag check room. Plus a bunch more small lovely moments that I caught in passing as I explored.

My second show I had my bearings a little bit more. I got to chat with “Benji” (who I now know was actually Will Boyajian!) in the Manderly before my card was called, which was really fun!

Before this trip, I did do some advance reading, so I’d have a general sense of what to expect and wouldn’t be totally lost. This also gave me an idea for a little art project: I made a set of papier-mâché eggs (using a trashed copy of Macbeth for the paper) with thematically appropriate prizes inside, sealed with a wax seal and a red ribbon you could pull to open them. Basically fancier versions of the mystery eggs I have at the shop. I made eight, because that was all I could fit in my dress pockets. The prizes were:

a glass jar of vintage mother-of-pearl buttons

a glass vial with a dried flower inside, sealed with wax

another sealed vial with a fossil shark’s tooth

a tiny bell jar with mini (fake) butterflies on pins

a brooch made from a vintage medal ribbon and vintage keys

a tiny glass bird

a little bag of vintage game pieces

a wooden acorn with more tiny treasures inside it

I ended up giving “Benji” the shark tooth egg, which turned out to be perfect because he said he collects shark teeth! The others I saved until I got inside; I wanted to be careful about making sure I could give them out without interrupting anything.

I was super lucky to have some time entirely alone with the Tailor while he sewed up the Taxidermist’s coat, so I just set his egg (the buttons) on the corner of his desk and stepped back, and he tucked it into his jacket pocket when he was done.

I watched the Taxidermist make his bone sculpture assemblage and then smash it in frustration, so I hid an egg under one of the skulls after he left. I did get to see him find it when he came back. Same with Hecate, when I left an egg under her fan on her table at the wrecked bar.

The speakeasy bartender invited me to play a card game with him. I lost, but I gave him an egg as a thank-you.

I watched the Porter make a paper boat and blow it off the edge of the counter towards me. I caught it, and tried to give it back with his egg. He took the egg, but gave me back the boat. And I caught the witch in the green dress in a quiet moment in the lobby, and handed her an egg across the counter.

I realized I’d accidentally given the Taxidermist the wrong egg, but I managed to catch him at the last possible second, before he disappeared after the walkouts, gave him the right one, and told him I’d given him Malcolm’s egg by mistake. (Some of them were labeled, but the lighting is so low and my labels were tiny).

Aside from my self-imposed side quest, I got to see a bunch of scenes I’d missed last time. I caught the rave, I followed Agnes for a while, I saw a lovely waltz between Duncan and Mrs. Danvers in the ballroom. I kind of forgot the fifth floor existed, oops.

Afterwards, I was totally exhausted and must have looked it, because someone let me into the reserved section so I could sit until the crowd thinned out and I felt a little less wiped. I have some really cool souvenirs — my mask, and the paper boat, and I bought a poster too.

If they extend it into the fall, I’ll totally go again.

[justarandombrit]

Okay well as you may know from looking at my blog for five seconds, I saw the matinee for Starkid Innit. During the interval and after the show I wrote down some notes. I tried to get them in chronological order but my memory is dogshit and I definitely missed some stuff, I hope you appreciate it though.

Outside:

. EVERYONE SUNG GRANGER DANGER

. IT WAS SO GOOD (except for the high note lmao)

. EVERYONE SUNG DAYS OF SUMMER

. EVERYONE A SMALL GROUP OF PEOPLE SUNG GOIN' BACK TO HOGWARTS

Act 1:

. The Nightmare Time sting punched me in the face

. The shout-out to the confused parents

. BRIAN + MEREDITH IN TGWDLM IS EVERYTHING TO ME

. High School Is Killing Me, Literal Monster and Nerdy Prudes Must Die all got mashed together!

. Corey!Richie is my Roman Empire

. Jaime in NPMD….

. Jaime had a different line to PJ’s original in Literal Monster. I couldn't hear half of it but it was different

. JEFF!MAX

. THE AUDIENCE SINGING RICHIE'S PART!!!!!! I'M NOT A LOSERRRRRRR

. TOGETHER!!!!!

. OUR DOORS ARE OPEN

. Jaime singing Sami/Harry ABOUT HER DOG (Nori)

. The audience whipping out the phone cameras

. CLARK SINGING I WAS GAVE ME SUCH INTENSE CHILLS

. Joey finally giving the white, male side characters attention

. Joey changing “I know I'm not a star” to “I know I'm not Clark”

. He pointed the mic at the audience for the “DEFINITELY NOT!”

. Joey mistimed his jump 😔😔

. Genuinely his best performance of Sidekick yet

. Joey making fun of Brian for not getting a big solo

. Brian kept pretending to beat him up, it was brilliant

. Not Over Yet is definitely Brian's song, shut up

. Brian accidentally singing the same verse twice (How does he always mess this song up?!?!?)

. My mum took a photo during the “EVIL PLAAAAANSSSS” bit and it was right when Brian was choking Joey

. “So look alive and don't forget”

“FORGET WHAT?”

. FEAST OR FAMINE

. Rogues Are We still goes so hard

. Rogues Medley without Kick It Up A Notch is weird, but Kick It Up A Notch without Dylan would definitely be weirder

Intermission:

. Ice cream :D

Act 2:

. Starting with We Got Work To Do is so iconic

. THERE'S BEEN A CHANGE IN THE CLIMATE, SOMETHING'S IN THE AIR, WE FEEL THE HEAT, NO NEED TO DEFINE IT, WE DON'T REALLY CARE

. MEREDITH REQUESTED BACK ON TOP!!!!!!!! AND IT WAS SO GOOOOD!!!!!!!

. Joey shouted “Draco, get on the floor!” at Lauren

. ALL THE UNDERRATED SONGS

. I love how it was hyped up like it was going to be Boy Toy, and then just straight up wasn't lmaooo

. Brian finally got the slow, sexy Hideous Creatures (Take that, Nick Lang!)

. Okay I'm trying to remember the order of the underrated songs they did

. Hideous Creatures (Lauren)

. Pays To Be an Animal (Corey) (He didn't sit in the spotlight and someone yelled “TO THE LEFT, COREY”)

. Get In My Mouth (Jeff) (He fully sprawled out on the stage it was hilarious)

. Land of the Dicks (Jaime)

. Hermione Can't Draw (Meredith) (She sung it so well I briefly didn't recognise the song)

. THEY MANAGED TO WORK IN LUPIN / BRIAN CAN'T SING YESSSS

. I genuinely cannot remember what Brian sung

. Gotta Find His Dick (Joey, and eventually everyone)

. The entire “Oh you wanna know where I got my shirt?” bit

. Brian, Jaime and Joey got it from Primark, Meredith got it from “Primed-mrak”, Lauren’s was a family heirloom, Corey got it from Gucci and Jeff got it from America, from Pri-mart (He made the guy on the drums do a baddum tsh)

. COREY SINGING SHOW STOPPIN' NUMBER. OH MY GOD. (The entire crowd joined in, also, Jeff and Jaime as Steve and Stu)

. Everyone cheering so loud when Joey and Lauren came on stage, and them claiming we had no idea what they were going to sing, and it was actually a completely new song (it was Granger Danger obviously)

. And them continuing to claim it was new throughout the song

. As I expected, I almost cried during Not Alone. Also apparently Darren thought it was going to be a big hit??? And just begrudgingly let them use it for A Very Potter Musical

. Super Friends!

. So sad Jeff’s mic was so quiet for “I WANNA BE A MODERN DANCER”

. THEY SUNG WANNABE BY THE SPICE GIRLS

. The fakeout of everyone leaving stage, then the band coming back on and playing the start of Goin' Back To Hogwarts

. “Darren's not here”

“I'LL DO IT”

. THE AUDIENCE DID THE FIRST PART OF GOIN' BACK TO HOGWARTS ALL BY OURSELVES

. JEFF DID DYLAN'S PART (but he didn't do “All of you to [city name] :( )

. Jeff pointed at various parts of the audience for “Welcome hotties, nerds and tools!” and then whispered “I'm so sorry” immediately after

. Singing (/ shouting) Goin' Back To Hogwarts along with hundreds of other Starkid fans was so exhilarating, I loved it and I almost cried (also I'm gonna be so hoarse tomorrow)

[learnhowtosway]

Those days between Christmas and NYE

My parents and brother came over for lunch and our gifts exchange. My top five gifts this year are: A Very Laufey Holiday 7" vinyl boxset, green 32 oz Owala FreeSip, a burgundy Yankees hat, an oversized Uniqlo turtleneck and an owl ornament that's so big it could be a tree topper.

Binge watched Squid Games 2. I was going into it with a bit of skepticism, but the second season has definitely surpassed my expectations so far. Another show that I have been pleasantly surprised about is Dexter Original Sin.

We babysat Nala for a couple of days again. She naps a lot and I think she could use more mental enrichment activities. Don and I are planning to start a Nala kit of toys and snacks for her next visits.

Don is away today to spend holiday quality time with his best friend. I have Kiki's Delivery Service on, a new holiday scented candle lit, and doing laundry, cleaning up here and there in no rush whatsoever, just taking it easy. I think I'll have an early dinner comprised of all the leftovers we have. Don accidentally put it in the oven with the meat netting... for the second year in a row. lol Also, I died when he made 4 cups of rice for five of us.

I try to browse local stores for their boxing week sale offerings and I found a Milkjar Pattie candle at Scout for 40% off. I'll decide if I want to keep it or gift it after I pick it up tomorrow. I also got a $10 code for shopping earlier at Coco Market and I am eyeing the Serenity seamoss gel. I've always wanted to try seamoss for it's supposed health benefits.

I'm so, so excited to watch Nosferatu in theatres tomorrow. Cineplex is playing it primarily in regular theatres (as opposed to VIP) which I think is absurd. So we decided to watch it at Imagine cinema, which we're visiting for the first time since they've upgraded to recliner seats a couple of years ago. I didn't know they offered $8 matinee tickets for showtimes before 6 pm, so it may be worth the trip downtown.

[starkid-innit]

Shout out to the person who yelled "I know this one!" during one of the songs in the first act during the show tonight 😅

Now I’m curious, which song did they know??

Also my shout out goes to this person at the matinee…

Lauren: I’d like to take this moment to honour some of our lesser known songs

Me: *whispering to my brother* omg boy toy

Audience member: BOY TOY!!!!

Lauren: don’t make me do that

[catsofcalifornia]

Dulce and Caramelo from Black Cat Holistic Rescue in Los Angeles, California

Click here for more information about adoption and other ways to help!

Click here for a link to Black Cat Holistic Rescue's main website.

Dulce is an enthusiastic greeter, and is always eager to see you when you enter the room. She was rescued on Valentine’s Day, is an avid movie buff, and loves sitting next to you while you take in a sofa-side matinee or a late-night showing. Other interests include: Meeting new people; being brushed (she loves the Furminator); being held; playing and hanging out.

Caramelo was rescued on Valentine’s Day (with his mom Dulce), and is an inside-the-home adventurer and bedtime-reading pal. He loves exploring his environs and taking in new territories and scoping them from windows. After a romp with his wand and bell toys, he likes hanging out on the sofa with you, and enjoys falling asleep to a good bedtime story. He can be reserved around new people. But once he settles in he is a curious, playful, affectionate book-loving guy.

Caramelo is bonded to his mom, Dulce. They are waiting for their forever human who will love them both so that they can live the rest of their lives together.

[telesilla]

A long time ago, younglings, in a galaxy that’s um…right here actually, the only way to see a movie was in the theater or maybe if it was old enough and popular enough (like Wizard of Oz) on tv once a year. And so if a movie was popular, it would have a second theater run about a year after the first and sometimes, if it was super popular, there might be a third run.

In May of 1977, I lived in Tehran, where Star Wars did in fact, air in a couple of theaters. I actually babysat for a couple as they went to see it, but sadly for them, it was dubbed, not subbed. Big disappointment because Dad and I really wanted to see it. Then there was a whole ass revolution, and we left Iran in late 1978. There was a 5 month period of deliberate homelessness that involved couch surfing with relatives and camping before we finally settled back in our house in Santa Barbara, just in time for Star Wars to make its 1979 return to the theaters. By this time, I pretty much knew the whole story; my younger cousin was a fan and so I’d played with him and his many Star Wars toys, but still had never seen the movie. The thing was my little sister wanted to see it too, but she was only 8 and my folks were worried about how it might be too violent for her.

So I first saw Star Wars at the age of 16 (almost) with my dad at the early matinee on a Saturday morning in a theater full of screaming hyped up 10 year olds in 1979. My second time seeing it was about 6 hours later at the early evening show. I went to see it at least six or seven times that June before it left the theaters. It was a process, I had to change buses and everything. The idea that as an adult I’d be able to just sit here in bed and watch it on a small screen I can carry in one hand didn’t really occur to me, but hey, here we are.

Happy Star Wars Day! May the Force be with you!

[c0smic-horrorwerewolf]

Songs for OC animations, fan animations or OC lore you probably haven’t used

Infected- Repo! The Genetic Opera.

A dear mistaking candles for headlights- Crywank

Slipping- doctor horrible sing-along blog

I am.. All of me- Crush 40

The tennis Song- City of Angel

Nothing bad ever happens to me- Oingo Boingo

Dear God- XTC

Bitch Bitch Bitch- Jekyll and Hyde the musical (PLEASEEEE DO THIS ONE ITS THE BEST SONG)

Where I want to be- Chess the musical

Faith- Ghost

Queen of misery- Toy Matinee

Achilles come down- Gang of Youths

Divine Loser- Clem Turner

Evelyn Evelyn- Evelyn Evelyn 

Black Sheep- Poor man’s Poison

This is Love- Air Traffic Control

Cirice- Ghost

Disembodied mind- Sparkbird

Kiss me son of god- They Might be Giants

Follow The Leader- Jon English

[jonfarreporter]

How Does Barbie and an ancient Mesopotamian Goddess have a connection with “the demonic?”

“Barbie” the 2023 movie written & directed by Greta Gerwig had its matinee debut in Sonoma this weekend.

And, for all the anticipation the reason why this reporter saw it was because of the harsh criticism the movie received by a religious conservative.

And this particular religious conservative wasn’t Christian-ministry evangelist Ivan Tuttle, claiming that the film is full of “demonic influences.”

This particular critic is an American Messianic Jewish rabbi and author, Jonathan Cahn. He holds the opinion as expressed on his YouTube channel, that “Barbie” the movie represents a “turning away from marriage and motherhood.”

Somehow the rabbi sees the Barbie character as an embodiment of the ancient Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar. And, he says that Ishtar was the patron goddess of promiscuity and prostitution.

Looking at various sources more closely, Ishtar is a fertility goddess and her mythology is complex. Taking things a bit further, Cahn sees a link between the ancient goddess and Barbie. How he sees this to that extent is baffling.

Because as he alleges, the initial prototype of the Barbie who debuted in 1959 was patterned after a German doll called “Lilli.”

As a fictional character Lilli appeared regularly in a tabloid comic strip. The character of “Lilli” was supposedly a prostitute.

Cahn says Barbie was fashioned after “Lilli.” And because “Lilli” was in prostitution in the comic strip, somehow this is linked with Barbie and then with an ancient fertility goddess.

Forgive me Rabbi Cahn! But I don’t see where and how these dots connected.

Yet despite what Cahn believes is a somewhat dubious origin, the real inspiration behind Barbie was Ruth Handler. She simply wanted to make a doll for her daughter, Barbara.

As historians have noted, children have always had toys, dolls. In America, before Barbie, most dolls for girls were baby dolls. And, Handler noticed that her daughter utilized paper dolls, creating stories and roles for each.

Mentioning this to her husband Elliot and then business associate Harold “Matt” Matson, an idea emerged.

They converted their furniture manufacturing business into a toy making company. Combining the names Elliot with Matt, the corporation Mattel was founded.

Of course, it helped immensely that the furniture they had once made was a combination of plastics of Lucite and plexiglas.

Handler saw the impact a more lifelike and grown up doll-figure would make as it provided a tangible three-dimensional experience. And, it would help give expression to an imagination that could think and dream of many possibilities.

In Barbie a girl could imagine going places, doing things and most of all, envisioning herself being in the world.

Rhea Perlman from the TV series “Cheers” portrays Handler and explains this eloquently in the movie.

Yet Cahn must have missed this as he focuses mostly on the opening scene in the movie as girls smash their baby dolls in favor of having a coveted “Barbie Doll.”

For it’s entertaining quality and affirmation of women, “Barbie” the movie is “uneven” as movie-reviews like the Roger Ebert website have noted.

From a philosophical perspective, this reporter agrees, the movie is “frustratingly uneven.” But that’s because there’s so much to take in.

So many “existential concepts” and “ identity crisis” dilemmas, that it’s hard to follow a clear path of a story-plot.

Culturally, Barbie as “an icon” represents many things. And, just about all of that, both the negative and the positive is expressed in the movie.

Yet amid all the eye-popping color of scene changes and special effects, along with the existential crisis themes, again it’s important to remember that Barbie was made over 60 years ago.

Barbie was initially made simply as a doll for one woman’s daughter. The rest of it over the years, it seems to be is what people project upon this doll.

For Handler, Barbie was there to help her daughter and girls like her back in 1959. She wanted them to use their imagination to see themselves in whatever role or scenario they wished to be in.

Yes, the figure of Barbie is idealized but so are many works and depictions of humans in art form. The world back in 1959 when Barbie was born was much different, more conventional than what is today in the 21st Century.

Our world today in 2023 is very complicated, diverse and some of that is explained or expressed in this fantasy “meets reality,” movie.

I think the rabbi and other fundamentalist religious leaders need to do a bit more research and try to listen to the actual dialog/script of the movie.

To go so far as to allude that this box office hit is “demonic” is way off base. It’s interesting to point out that Cahn is a NY Times best-selling author. His 2011 fiction book “The Harbinger” spent over 100 weeks on the bestseller list. One might question whether Cahn’s criticism of the movie is an effort to sell more of his books as “The Harbinger” is one of seven in a series he has written.

Rabbi Cahn is upset with the “feminist” aspect to the movie, obviously. And, yes! The character of the Ken doll is an “accessory” or prop for Barbie and her adventures.

But so what! How Cahn can compare Ken & Barbie to ancient Mesopotamian deities seems ludicrous and out of place.

The action figure G.I. Joe was created by the toy company Hasbro in 1964 five years after the debut of Barbie. In essence Barbie, Ken, G.I. Joe and others like them are action-figures. To imply or see them as anything other than that is well, childish.

“Barbie” continues at the Sebastiani Theater in Sonoma until August 24 with both afternoon and evening showings. For more information visit the Sebastiani Theater website.

[laramd13]

I watched Wang Yibo's movie One and Only 2023 in Monterey Park Movie theatre. I did not get a chance to take. pictures. They were setting up the One and Only Cardboard Poster inside the theatre as I was leaving. I went to watch the movie early during matinee hours because I wanted to get home early. One and Only was definitely enjoyable and fun to watch, especially when Wang Yibo as Chen Shou was dancing! The finally competition was so cool!

There was a small arcade place near the movie theaters called NeoFuns, and they I had some claw toy machines, I won the boba stuff toy as I waited, since I had an hour before the movie starts because I already bought the tickets online.

*************SPOILERS******************

Besides Wang Yibo as Chen Shou, Huang Bo as Ding Lei the Coach, Song Zouer as the journalist (Shou Shou meets her at the subway train), Ye Yin/David plays Wukong, George as Dragon, Jr. Taco/Xiao Hai as Jr. Taco. I believe I saw Kevin/Yang Kai as a judge in the final competition and Rochka as one of the opponents on the other team. There were other dancers from SDC Variety Show but I could not remember their names but I only recognize some familiar faces. I kind of wish the camera was not moving so much in the final competition because I wanted to see the dance moves more clearly.

I did like the part where Chen Shou integrated his dance moves he learned from other E-Mark team members in the final competition along with a special E-Mark dance move!

Can there be a part 2 for this movie? It felt like this movie was the beginning or introduction to Chen Shou's journey as a dancer. But I really wanted to see more competition/battles both freestyle team/solo battles like in SDC variety show. I felt like the ending was not enough, I kind of want more dancing competition. Where we see some win/lose battles in a different competitions, but we more progress a long the way as Chen Shou and his team meets tougher opponents and has to figure out/strategize more creative moves to defeat their new opponents. I am hoping for more intensity like we see in SDC variety show, the elimination part was really hard in variety show and many teams fought together to keep their team mates.

It was sad to see Ding Lei eliminating Chen Shou because of financial reasons to keep their dance studio. But thankfully there was a happy moment when they chose Chen Shou instead and had found a different place to practice dancing. 😎🦁Wang Yibo as 🐷 or 🦆 Chen Shou!! Jiayou 🦁💚💚💚, wishing you the best always!!!

[whatever-lola-wants]

HRRRRNGHHHHH. New earworm unlocked. And how 💖💖💖💖💖

[poorly-drawn-akira]

Stands would not factor into this btw