#unwind personal junk

[literaleyekon]

✦ SOAKED L.R

“y/n is having some problems, Lara wants to help?”

pairing. [Lara Raj] x [fem!reader] gn! prns used (i forgot mb)

genre. [smut, NSFW]

wc. [1.4k]

notes. [I can’t write smut but oh well darlings don’t forget to keep both hands where i can see them.😉]

now playing. [Soaked] - shy smith

✦ “YOU GET ME SO SOAKED”

As Y/n arrived at Lara's cozy apartment, they were greeted with a warm smile. Lara's long, dark hair framed her soft features, and her gentle eyes sparkled with joy at the sight of her friend. The girls had planned a low-key evening, catching up on their favorite TV show and indulging in some junk food. It was a simple pleasure, but for these two, it was the perfect way to unwind.

"Hey, Y/n! Come on in," Lara said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "I've got the snacks ready, and the new episode is about to start. It's gonna be a great night!"

Y/n stepped inside, feeling the familiar comfort of Lara's home. They dropped their overnight bag by the door and made their way to the living room, where a cozy setup awaited them. Pillows and blankets were scattered on the couch, creating a snug haven.

"This looks amazing, Lara. You always know how to make a sleepover special," Y/n said, plopping down on the soft cushions.

The girls settled in, chatting about their week while munching on chips and dipping into a bowl of creamy dip. As the episode began, they fell into a comfortable silence, engrossed in the onscreen drama.

But as the night wore on, Y/n's thoughts began to wander. They had been feeling a bit down lately, burdened by a secret they had never shared with anyone, not even Lara. Y/n was a virgin, and not by choice. They craved intimacy and the connection that came with it, but every attempt at dating had ended in disappointment.

"Hey, Lara," Y/n said, their voice laced with hesitation. "Can I talk to you about something personal?"

Lara paused the show, her eyes filled with concern. "Of course, Y/n. You know you can tell me anything."

Y/n took a deep breath, steeling themselves for the confession. "I... I've been feeling a bit down lately. I'm still a virgin, and it's not like I haven't tried dating. I just... I can't seem to find the right person. It's frustrating, you know?"

Lara's eyes widened, and she reached out to squeeze Y/n's hand. "Oh, honey, I had no idea. I'm so sorry you've been feeling this way. You know, I've always been here for you, and I want to help."

Y/n smiled gratefully, feeling a weight lift from their shoulders. "Thanks, Lara. I just needed to get it off my chest. I know it's silly, but it's been bothering me."

Lara's face softened, and she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "It's not silly at all. And you know, I've always had a soft spot for you, Y/n. I'd love to help you explore your desires."

Her words sent a shiver down Y/n's spine. They had always been aware of the unspoken attraction between them, but neither had acted on it. Until now.

"Really? I mean, I've felt the same way, but I didn't want to ruin our friendship," Y/n admitted, their voice barely above a whisper.

Lara's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Who said anything about ruining our friendship? I think it's time we explored this attraction, don't you?"

As Lara leaned forward, Y/n's heart raced. They could feel the heat radiating from her body, and the scent of her perfume was intoxicating. Without a word, they closed the distance between them, their lips meeting in a soft, tentative kiss. It was a gentle exploration, a silent agreement to take things further.

The kiss deepened, and Y/n felt Lara's tongue brush against their lips, seeking entrance. They parted their lips willingly, and the sensation of Lara's warm, wet tongue dancing with their own sent a wave of pleasure through their body. Lara's hands cupped Y/n's face, holding them close as she kissed them with a passion that took their breath away.

As the kiss continued, Lara's hands began to wander, gently caressing Y/n's neck and shoulders. Y/n moaned softly into the kiss, their hands gripping Lara's hips, pulling her closer. The heat between them was palpable, and they could feel their desire building with every touch.

Breaking the kiss, Lara smiled, her eyes glistening with desire. "I've wanted to do that for so long, Y/n. And I want to do so much more."

Y/n's heart was pounding, and they nodded, unable to find the words to express their longing. Lara's fingers traced a path down Y/n's neck, pausing at the collar of their shirt. With a gentle tug, she began to unbutton it, her touch sending shivers down Y/n's spine.

"Let's take this slow, okay?" Lara whispered, her breath hot against Y/n's skin. "I want to savor every moment."

Y/n could only nod, their body on fire with anticipation. Lara's hands were gentle as she slid the shirt off Y/n's shoulders, revealing the lacy black bra beneath. She took her time, her fingers tracing the delicate lace, sending tingles down Y/n's body.

"You're so beautiful, Y/n," Lara murmured, her lips brushing against Y/n's collarbone. "I want to taste every inch of you."

With that, she lowered herself, her lips finding the sensitive skin just above Y/n's bra. She kissed and sucked gently, leaving a trail of kisses down to the swell of Y/n's breasts. Y/n arched their back, encouraging Lara to continue her exploration.

Lara's hands cupped Y/n's breasts, her thumbs brushing against the hardened nipples through the lace. Y/n gasped, their body trembling with pleasure. Lara's mouth found a nipple, and she sucked it gently through the fabric, causing Y/n to moan loudly.

"Please, Lara," Y/n pleaded, their voice hoarse with desire. "I need more."

Lara smiled against Y/n's breast, her breath hot and moist. "Oh, I plan to give you so much more, my sweet Y/n."

With that, she gently removed Y/n's bra, revealing their full, firm breasts. Lara's eyes darkened with desire as she took in the sight, her hands reaching out to cup and squeeze the soft flesh. Y/n's nipples stood erect, begging for attention.

Lara lowered her head, her lips capturing a taut nipple. She sucked and teased, her tongue swirling around the sensitive peak while her fingers gently pinched and rolled the other nipple. Y/n's hands were buried in Lara's hair, holding her close as waves of pleasure washed over them.

"Oh, God, Lara," Y/n panted. "Your mouth feels so good. Don't stop."

Lara's response was to increase the intensity, her mouth working feverishly. She sucked and nibbled, her tongue flicking and teasing, driving Y/n wild with desire. Y/n's hips bucked off the couch, their body desperate for more stimulation.

Sensing Y/n's need, Lara trailed kisses down Y/n's stomach, her hands gently caressing their inner thighs. She paused at the waistband of Y/n's jeans, her breath hot against the sensitive skin.

"I want to taste you, Y/n," Lara whispered, her voice husky with desire. "Let me pleasure you with my mouth."

Y/n's eyes widened, their heart racing at the thought. They had never experienced oral pleasure before, and the idea of Lara's skilled mouth on their most intimate place was almost too much to bear.

"Please, Lara," Y/n begged, their voice trembling. "I want to feel you there. I need it."

Lara smiled, her eyes filled with determination. She unbuttoned Y/n's jeans and slowly slid them down their legs, revealing the lacy black panties beneath. Y/n's breath caught in their throat as Lara's fingers gently stroked their inner thighs, edging closer to their core.

Lara's mouth replaced her fingers, her warm breath teasing Y/n's sensitive skin. She kissed and nibbled her way up Y/n's thighs, her hands gently holding them open, exposing their glistening pussy. Y/n's heart was pounding, their body on fire with anticipation.

"You're so wet, Y/n," Lara murmured, her voice a soft purr. "I can't wait to taste you."

With that, she lowered her head, her tongue extending to flick at Y/n's clit through the damp fabric of their panties. Y/n gasped, their body jerking at the sudden contact. Lara's tongue was relentless, circling and flicking, driving Y/n to the brink of ecstasy.

"Oh, God, Lara! Yes, right there," Y/n cried out, their hips thrusting upwards, seeking more contact.

Lara's hands gripped Y/n's thighs, holding them open as her mouth worked its magic. She pulled Y/n's panties to the side, exposing their swollen, glistening pussy. Her tongue delved deep, exploring every fold and crevice, sending Y/n into a frenzy of pleasure.

Y/n's hands gripped the couch cushions, their body writhing as Lara's tongue teased and pleasured them. She sucked on Y/n's clit, her fingers slipping inside their wetness, curling and stroking in perfect rhythm. Y/n's moans filled the room, their orgasm building to an intense peak.

"I'm gonna come, Lara! Oh, God, I'm so close!" Y/n cried out, their body trembling.

Lara's response was to increase her efforts, her tongue and fingers working in perfect harmony. She sucked and licked, her fingers thrusting deep, driving Y/n over the edge. Y/n's body convulsed, their orgasm ripping through them with an intensity they had never experienced before.

As the waves of pleasure subsided, Y/n lay panting, their body spent and satisfied. Lara crawled up their body, her lips finding Y/n's in a tender kiss.

"That was incredible, Y/n," Lara whispered, her eyes filled with adoration. "I've wanted to do that for so long. I hope it was everything you needed."

Y/n smiled, their heart overflowing with gratitude and desire. "It was perfect, Lara. I never knew it could be like this. I want to make you feel the same way."

Lara's eyes darkened with anticipation. "Oh, Y/n, I can't wait to feel your mouth on me. But first, let's take a moment to catch our breath. We have all night, and I plan to make the most of it."

With that, they snuggled close, their hearts still racing from the intensity of their first sexual encounter. The night was far from over, and both girls knew that the best was yet to come.

As they lay entwined, their bodies still buzzing with pleasure, Y/n realized that this sleepover had become something far more significant.

Little did they know, the night had only just begun...

[romihearts]

married life ! ┊ft. nene, aoi, akane, teru

synopsis. married life with them.

content. fluff, gn reader, intended lowercase

her notes. can mokkes be used as a pillow

— yashiro nene

married life would be quite calm and relaxing.

housework is split 50/50 but if you or her is very tired from work one of you would offer to do the other's chores for a bit

even the simplest things like the two of you cooking together makes your heart skip a beat !

the two of you have a pet hamster by nene's request :3

if the two of you aren't busy, she'd plan small dates around the town or city you reside in.

the dates would commonly consist of looking at cute appliances, furniture and whatnot.

grocery shopping is quite a hard thing because most of the time the two of you end up with a few of the things you planned to buy and the rest consist of junk food

either way, married life with her is really comforting : ) she'd always be there for you like you'd be there for her

the early morning light entered through your shared home, illuminating you and your beloved in bed, you awake while nene was still asleep.

you cherished moments like these, the warmth and comfort felt around made you feel so safe. even having her beside you is already enough for your heart. not to mention how cute she looks. despite her sayings that there are better people out there, she forgets that you chose her, and she chose you.

you felt so lucky to have her.

— akane aoi ; m

married life with him would be busy yet fun!

in terms of housework, it's 50/50 aswell on mosy occasions but he'd really prefer to do the job for you! especially if you're tired from work.

he'd be the type to wake up earlier than you to cook you breakfast :3 and i feel like he's not really a morning person but he feels better if it's you he's waking up for.

another hc is that he commonly listens to jazz or classical music, and when he plays it out loud while both of you are cleaning you two would end up dancing : )

for dates, he prefers them the typical way. a romantic dinner, a walk on the dock at night, etc. despite it being generic, he'll always enjoy any second he spends with his significant other.

if the two of you go shopping, he becomes very strict and acts like your babysitter TT he wouldn't allow any things that aren't planned to be bought. althoouugh,, if you bat your eyelashes at him, tilt your head, and ask in the most polite way, he reluctantly allow to let you buy something.

it was 8:57 pm, and the sound of water running and dishes clashing were the only thing to be heard at the moment. you and akane had just finished eating dinner and you offered to do the dishes considering he already ran the rest of the errands earlier.

until, akane caught you off guard by wrapping his arms around your waist and resting his head on your shoulder. it was uncommon for akane to do this, yet it still continues to surprise you. "kane, im doing the dishes, you can hug me later." you giggle out yet he just tightens his hold around you.

"but i want to hug you now." akane said nonchalantly. accepting it, you continue with the dishes while your beloved was embracing you.

— aoi akane ; f

married life with her would be fulfilling.

despite the fact that she's popular and whatnot, i feel she'd prefer a secluded and comforting life

for housework, she'd offer to do all of the chores but of course, you need to help aswell so she reluctantly lets you TT

she'd be the type to buy you flowers !! and with this, your house would probably be filled with flowers too

in the privacy of your home, she lets herself unwind and confide in you, without anyone else's expectation of her : )

she'd like cuddling too! just the two of you on the couch, close to eachother while simply watching a movie makes her happy

for dates, i feel like she'd enjoy on of those craft studios, specifically pottery making! even though its quite cliché, she likes it when you're behind her, helping her through the pottery process too >< oh and she'd definitely love dates to the zoo aswell !! especially if she's with you,she likes admiring the animals : )

she's kinda lenient with letting you put whatever you want in the shopping cart when you two are going grocery shopping, but she's the type to secretly put them back too 😭

"thank you for the date, [name]." aoi said, the two of your were walking around the zoo whilst talking about each other's day and jobs. "it's no problem aoi, i love being with you, really." you responded while aoi blushes a bit a your statement.

"well, for this date, i'd like to treat you to!" aoi beamed. "how about some ice cream? what flavor do you want?" she continued to ask despite you really insisting its fine. but, you faltered against her, seeing her focused face makes youe heart melt and you eventually let her treat you.

"thank you for the ice cream too, aoi" you said, while the both of you continued chatting with your ice creams.

— teru minamoto

married life with him would be chaotic but fun.

teru's good on almost all aspect of housework! except cooking.

he'd try to cook you breakfast but he fails at even cracking the eggs TT for some reason the eggs exploded when he tried cracking them???

another time, he tried baking and the cookies came out burnt and charred.. and incredibly salty too..

after those times, you forbid him from the kitchen.

he'd be clingy, super clingy. if he comes home exhausted from exorcist work, he'd only want to have you in his embrace and won't let you go until for a few hours.

he'd be super romantic when it comes to dates. literally giving you a bouquet full of roses and asking you out for dinner. with the tuxedo suit too.

grocery shopping with him is a 50/50. most of the times you get what you need and only that. but the other half, you two end up getting unnecessary things TT

a loud bang could be heard from the kitchen, it was early in the morning and you noticed your lover out of bed. you could have only guessed what happened. you immediately got out of bed and headed to your shared kitchen, seeing your husband's focused and beautiful face on.. charred eggs?

"ah, [name] you're finally awake!" teru said, his eyes lighting up once he saw you. "i made you breakfast, do you want some?" he asked as you stepped forward to him, taking a look at his work. it was, unidentifiable? you guessed that the beige colored whatever the shape was pancakes..? the look on his face and the food he made was really contradictory.

despite that, you offered to cook breakfast instead. even if your husband can't cook, that doesn't take away from the fact you love him.

[ovwechoes]

Sleepless Nights & Supports (Headcanons) I can't sleep and my head's focused on writing, so I'm taking it as an opportunity to talk about what the supports would do if they couldn't sleep, and how that would affect them. My asks are open, and requests are welcome!

Ana Amari: Ana struggles a lot with sleeping, and always has. It's her kryptonite, and it's something she's become accustomed to. If she doesn't simply give into the lack of sleep and carry on with her day as though she had a restful night, Ana will often be found doing household chores. Things like laundry, cleaning, sorting her junk drawer, tasks of that nature help her to unwind and get back to sleep when she knows she needs it. Ana's the type of person who usually can cope for the day with any amount of sleep, though, but that doesn't mean she wouldn't complain to anyone who asked about her night about it. She's not groggy, just whiny when she's tired.

Jean-Baptiste Augustin: Baptiste can be inpatient when he can't sleep - he doesn't fathom how it could take longer than 10 minutes to fall asleep, even when Angela's explained this to him. It's hard for him to be patient and give his body the time it needs to get to sleep, so often he'll rush the process by having alcohol before bed. His favourite is red wine, often enjoying a glass or so if he can't sleep that night. However, Baptiste has a bad habit of drinking too much out of frustration for not being able to sleep, resulting in awful hangovers that require IV drips from Angela for the mission that day. He's not the type to be restless, but Baptiste's not really able to sleep when he has a lot on his mind, or when his past is lurking in the corners of his thoughts.

Brigitte Lindholm: Brigitte's one of the lucky few who can sleep anywhere, anytime with very little needed to get her to sleep. She flaunts it from time to time, bragging about how she can get to sleep very easily, and can get as much sleep as she wants no matter what. However, when she is restless and unable to relax her body and mind to sleep, Brigitte can be found doing very straining tasks, forcing herself into an exhausted state and resulting in an episode of hypersomnia. You'll find her in the gym, relentlessly exercising until she can barely think nor stand fully without feeling as though her body's going to collapse into itself. Brigitte's been scolded many times by Angela and her teammates, often being told that she doesn't need to do this to tire herself out, but she won't listen. It's the fastest, most efficient way for her to go to sleep and her pride won't let her admit that it's not the healthiest thing to do.

Illari Quispe Ruize: Like Ana, Illari is accustomed to lack of sleep and has found ways to cope throughout the day when she's gotten next to no sleep. It's something common for her, and she doesn't tend to force herself to do anything to get back to sleep or make it more comfortable. She's tried everything - drugstore sleep meds, magnesium glycinate, lavender pillow sprays, everything she possibly can. It's never helped, though, and for years she took this as something she'd have to live with. Illari viewed it as her personal punishment, so until she met Angela and was prescribed PRN medication to help with her sleep, she never did anything about it. Now, she takes diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that causes drowsiness and can act as a sleep aid, needed only for the moments when she desperately can't sleep. It took Illari a while to actually use them, and she feels silly knowing she didn't for so long with how effective they can be for her. It's something she's thankful to Angela for, and understands now the importance of getting proper sleep.

Kiriko Kamori: Kiriko doesn't struggle with her sleep as much as she used to, often finding her vigilante activities drain her quickly. However, if she's pushed herself too far and can't go back to sleep, you'll find her doing mindless activities like nonograms and sudoku, tiring her mind out until she has to give into the sleep. It's something she's always done to help relax her, and now it's used as her own personal sleep medication. Kiriko's the type of person who sometimes works herself to death, forgetting to eat or sleep because of the importance of her work and her role in the events coming up. So, when she is restless and can't fall asleep, she's usually at the end of her rope and becomes very agitated easily.

Niran Pruksamanee / Lifeweaver: You can't tell me that Niran hasn't dabbled in weed before, especially with his sleep. Niran's the type to find herbal supplements to help with his sleep, starting with CBD before using edibles and carts to help him relax and numb his mind. His restlessness comes from his imagination, and his need to improve the world around him. He'll be kept up with countless thoughts and ideas about what he could create or implement to better the Earth's environment, and it keeps him up well into the early hours of the morning if he doesn't do something to quiet his mind and shut out the thoughts for some time. It's something he doesn't like to talk about much, not wanting the opinions of others to be pushed on him unwanted, but he's always open to share with other people and get high with his colleagues if they're experienced with it too. When he is extremely tired though, he can be non-verbal, struggling to speak properly and he struggles with moving or doing things that aren't minute or necessities.

Lúcio Correia Dos Santos: Lucio's the type of person who, if they could tell they're gonna have a restless night, would have a warm cup of decaf tea, have a bubble bath with lavender scents, and would set their room up to be extremely warm so that he can encourage his body naturally to ease into sleep easier. He's used to noise and business, and often finds it comforting to sleep to because of his upbringing in the Favela, so he enjoys playing a movie or a tv show in the background of his room whilst he rests. Lucio won't be watching it, just simply using it as though it's music to settle his mind down and rest to. He's definitely the type of kid who would wake up to the scooby doo movie end credit screen that's been playing for hours on the DVD player.

Angela Ziegler / Mercy: Angela has every remedy for insomnia known to man, and has tried every single one. I like to imagine she has a spreadsheet for what kind of restlessness she's experiencing (in terms of what's causing it) to help her decide what she's going to do that night. Stuck in the past? Mindfulness journal. Aches or illness causing insomnia? Relevant flu and cold medicine to help cure her ills, alongside pain killers. Simply unable to rest her mind? Diphenhydramine will do the trick if magnesium glycinate isn't touching the sides. She's tried everything, and often rarely will have a restless night that isn't easily cured. Angela will always help those around her too with their own sleep quality, often sharing her spreadsheets for those who need/want them. However, when she can't sleep no matter what she tries, she's a pain to work with as she's groggy and snappier than usual, not tolerating any of the jokes thrown her way from her co-workers no matter who they are.

Moira O'Deorian: Moira doesn't struggle with her sleep anymore, as she's the type to prioritise it to the point where her rigorous routine tires her out to exhaustion. Sometimes, she'll have sleepless nights simply because she's working or there's construction going on wherever she's sleeping and so she can't fall asleep. The only things that really keep her up without her consent is noise, and she detests anyone that would interrupt vital time to rest her mind for the next day's research. She complained for months when Akande brought in a construction crew to redo his own bedroom, and wouldn't stop throwing daggers his way with her stares and glares. It got to the point that Sombra bought her a white noise machine, and encouraged her to try it through her refusals and rebuttals about the worthiness of such a small device. When she did though, it helped her more than she expected and now it's become an integral part of her night time routine. Moira's unapologetic about the noise as well, often claiming that if they don't like it, then they shouldn't be okay with construction for months at a time all day and night.

[all-eyes-lead-to-the-truth]

All Eyes Lead to the Truth | Dreamland II (6x05)

After spending some time with Mulder’s partner, a few things had become glaringly obvious to Morris. For starters, these two had never bumped uglies. They might’ve investigated a lot of weird creatures in their time on the X-Files, but the beast with two backs sure as hell wasn’t one of them. Dana was so tightly wound, he wouldn’t be surprised if she’d never gotten laid — either of them for that matter. The idea that the FBI’s best and brightest were a bunch of pent-up, sexually repressed virgins really shed light on the state of affairs of this country. So much for Bill Clinton’s America.

Initially, he’d wondered if maybe they had some torrid past that they ignored. Maybe they did the deed during their fed training and then got saddled with each other as partners. That was the only thing he could think of that would explain all the touching. God, had this woman ever heard of personal space? It was like every conversation they had required her to be less than six inches from his face at minimum, but heaven forbid you tried to lean in for a kiss. Sheesh.

However, he was confident in saying that nothing had ever happened between them. What a sick joke. Why they hadn’t, Morris would never understand, but it just confirmed his theory that Fox Mulder had a talent for wasting his potential. He also felt confident saying that Special Agent Dana Scully needed to get laid. Pronto.

Poor girl was so uptight, she needed to be shown a good time, and he knew more than a few ways to help her to unwind. Sure, maybe he wasn’t the ‘real’ Fox Mulder she’d always dreamt of jumping in the sack with, but he figured a little benevolent chicanery would be mutually satisfying for both of them. 

Morris thought it would have taken some convincing. He’d been getting the impression that his particular brand of charm wasn’t endearing to her, but based on the way her eyes practically fluttered shut at his dinner invitation, she’d been wanting this for a while.

The plan was in motion, now it was all down to the execution. 

Unfortunately, even from 2,500 miles away, Fox Mulder was still managing to cockblock himself. Morris had been frozen in place ever since opening the door to the bedroom — though to call it that felt like a bastardization of the English language. He’d never seen anything quite like this. It wasn’t like the rest of the apartment was in the running to be on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens by any means, but at least it was hospitable. This just looked like the den of an insane person. 

That thought elicited a frown from Morris. If this man was crazy, did that mean Morris would inherit his neuroses? On a physical level, he’d certainly enjoyed experiencing this new level of intense virility, but he certainly didn’t want to adopt whatever mental defect it is that causes a grown man to hoard copies of PLAYPEN. As if taunting him, another box of magazines fell in the corner of the room.

With a sigh of resignation, Morris set the candles down on a nearby table and grabbed the nearest phone book, flipping his way to the garbage disposal section of the Yellow Pages and ignoring the various pages that were dogeared for adult entertainment stores. He settled on calling one of those companies specializing in the quick removal of large amounts of garbage. If anything in that room was truly important, they wouldn’t be treated like a diorama of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. 

The couch had been so worn-in and comfortable that he’d accidentally fallen asleep there, so he hadn’t had a chance to assess the severity of the issue until now. Thank god whatshername, the hot blonde secretary, had to go early the other day. He cringed trying to think of what he would have done if he’d tried to bring her to the bedroom, only to find all those boxes of worthless junk filling the room. Then again, Fox Mulder was so attractive to the ladies that he’d probably be forgiven for being such a slovenly pig.

Glancing at the clock, Morris took note that he still had a bit of time before Dana would be arriving for their date. Even when everything was removed, the bedroom was still an issue. How was he expected to seduce a woman in a room that smelled like stale air on a mattress that was ruined by the weight of 100 boxes?

He rubbed his hands across his face in frustration, but took some comfort in the fact he was becoming more accustomed to feeling the new ridges and planes of his face as opposed to the ones he’d spent the past 53 years with. That and the absence of a ring on his left hand revitalized his spirits. This was probably for the best. After all, if the tacky, kitsch decor in the living room was anything to judge by, the bedroom already was in need of a Morris Fletcher makeover. He’d make that room so sensual, a nun’s panties would drop just from stepping over the threshold. 

Taking a chance, he flipped through the various piles of mail on Mulder’s kitchen table until he found what he was looking for: Sears Catalog. He dialed the number on the cover and listened to the hold music play before cradling the phone against his shoulder, licking his fingers as he began flipping through the magazine. He had only flipped through a few pages in the mattress section when a full-page spread of a woman with her head thrown back in subdued ecstasy caught his attention just as the representative answered the phone. 

“Hello? Yes. I’d like to place an order for same-day delivery,” he stated, a sly grin spreading across his face as he imagined Dana in place of the woman on the ad.

TRUE PLEASURE IS…

A WATERBED

Read the rest of All Eyes Lead to the Truth on Archive of Our Own!

@gaycrouton

[violet-hearth]

Magical Note Keeping ...

Happy Friday! 

Today I wanted to take a step back and talk about information keeping, i.e. grimoires and journals. This will be a mostly beginner focussed post, however if you are a regular practitioner who has been feeling stuck or stagnant, I hope this can give you a little motivation to find new ways to view your practice. 

Magic is a personal and experimental practice. Information keeping - whether this be general witchcraft knowledge or the specifics spells you are doing is an important practice to keep. If you do not keep records, how will you know what has worked and what hasn’t? 

NOTE: I do not practise Wicca and therefore do not feel comfortable talking about the practice of a ‘book of shadows’ but use whatever terminology and definitions feel most comfortable to you 

A grimoire is generally understood as being a journal or spell book documenting your magical “workings, musings, inspirations, and ideas” (Queering Your Craft). It is a solely personal record that can be customised to how you work best - whether this is through several themed notebooks, using apps like notion to create a wiki-style database, or through keeping an ‘everything journal’ that is a combination of information, spellwork, and journaling.

Regardless of what you call it I highly recommend keeping a research notebook or journal where you can record your thoughts, notes and reflections on the books you are reading.

I personally use a combination of a 46 pocket notebook where I journal, take notes, keep my shopping lists, write about spells, and record my tarot and carromancy readings, as well as other more specialised notebooks and digital note taking apps. You can personalise your system of information keeping however you like, but if you feel stuck here are some formats and ideas to try out: 

Junk journaling or scrapbooking: create collages for manifestations, paste in printed and handwritten spells, utilise art magic 

Create a ‘cook book’ of spells, recipes, and your favourite dishes for a more kitchen and hearth notebook 

Work in a sketchbook and create a more visual notebook whether this is similar to the junk journal or through sketching and painting plants and step by step recipe comics 

Use a binder or folder to keep all your note and spells organised 

Use notion or obsidian to create a ‘wiki’ of all your information and spell tracking 

Create a reference book of associations, spells, and rituals

Record your walks in a nature journal (this can be for both rural and urban), take note of plants in the pavement, trees, birds, animals, people, the weather

A Note from ‘Queer Your Craft’ by Cassandra Snow:

“Queer community has always been drawn to personal accounts and the written word, and these can be a fantastically witchy way to own and tell your own story as you move through it. Sure, you can decorate it to look more queer or personal and include explicity queer stories and spells, and I recommend all of those things. It's also worth noting that recording your own triumphs and pitfalls and chronicling your own journey towards liberation (not to mention that of any movements you're a part of) is a badass move all its own.”

In my personal practice and experience, art and writing are powerful tools of expression whilst also a way of reflecting on and healing from things of our past. As Juliet Diaz notes in ‘The Altar Within’ (which I would HIGHLY recommend!):

“Reflection is a powerful tool. From scanning your day to addressing lingering things, reflection helps us understand our lives and the lives of those around us. If we don’t reflect, our minds will try to make sense of life in their own way, causing more noise in our heads.” 

Juliet Diaz recommends setting time aside each day to unwind, make yourself a cult of tea, and spend 10-15 minutes a day with your journal. When we come to witchcraft from the perspective of being from minority groups and poverty, we carry a lot of shame, worry, and stress. Journaling often helps us process this. The goal isn’t to live the ‘love and light’ new age mindset (in fact I urge you to avoid it entirely) but to be self aware, and to be reflective of our feelings and our practice. 

Whilst Juliet Diaz recommends stream of consciousness to help you clear your mind, if you wish for more formalised reflections techniques I suggest Gibbs Reflective Cycle to help you look back on past experiences. I find having a structure useful on days when I am overwhelmed or processing larger events and can be used for spell work, rituals, or your everyday journaling. 

Journaling and record keeping are both important parts of developing a magical practice. They aren’t required, but can be helpful tools to keep things in order. No matter what format (if any) you use to keep track of your craft, take a deep breath and remember it doesn’t have to be perfect. Be kind to yourself and use whatever tools are comfortable to you. 

Sources:

Queering Your Craft by Cassandra Snow 

Sacred Sex: The Magick and Path of the Divine Erotic by Gabriela Herstik

The Altar Within by Juliet Diaz 

Witchery by Juliet Diaz

[youtube video] Putting the "Craft" in Witchcraft with Marshall Witch of Southern Light by The Witch of Wonderlust 

[youtube video] ROCK your Grimoire! Sacred If You Make It So: BOS Love [Tour],Tips & Prompts by Molly Roberts

[thetravelerstale]

Self Care Day ft. Scaramouche

Guess who actually took the time to treat themselves to a little at home spa night? I'm feeling proud of myself for once. Anyways the entire time I couldn't stop thinking about how cheesy it'd be for Scaramouche to actually partake in self care with his partner so have a very self indulgent boyfriend Scaramouche bothering you while you take care of yourself

You were extremely particular about your bedtime routine, it was the one thing in your life you seemed to be able to control and it helped you unwind after the particularly stressful days. Your boyfriend, the ever perfect Scaramouche, didn't seem to understand what was so great about smearing your face in junk only to wash it off later and spend an hour massaging your aching joints or soaking in a bubble bath. In fact, Scaramouche was so clueless he probably honestly wasn't sure if this was just a routine for yourself or some sort of ritual that happened to make you a less cranky person when he wakes you up in the morning. He's seen the person you are without your proper rest and let's just say there's little else that terrifies him after that one morning.

While you didn't force your crazy routine onto him, you did ask that he respect the fact that this was what made you feel good about yourself and it was one of the only coping mechanisms you had that was actually healthy. He agreed to not be rude about it when you moved in, and he's kept his word, not a single bad comment came from his mouth, most nights you'd catch him staring at you from the bed and you'd just wait for something, anything, but he'd just quietly return to the book he was reading. Tonight however, his curiosity got the best of him and you suddenly had a very cute shadow following you around the house as you prepared for your nightly self care time.

He was quiet as you put two towels in the dryer to warm them up, and followed you to the kitchen, his deep ocean eyes overflowing with curiosity as you grabbed some sunsettias and apples, cutting them up into slices before getting the chocolate and caramel dippings from the fridge and spooning some of each out over the fruit slices. You had an amused smile as you saw his hand slowly inching across the counter to your tray of snacks and you picked up an apple slice, holding to his mouth for him to eat, laughing softly as his cheeks reddened before he ate the treat.

While he did eat it, his nose scrunched up and he stuck his tongue out. "Too sweet," he says and begins brewing his nightly tea, the more bitter the better in his opinion, he'll leave the sweets to you. Once you had finished your snack, you headed to the bathroom to start your bath, expecting Scaramouche to just go to the bedroom and read until you were ready for bed. You found it kind of cute how he couldn't fall asleep until you were with him, once he has said that it was the other way around but you knew he couldn't relax until you were holding him. A sudden knock brought you out of your thoughts. "Uh Scara use the other bathroom." You called out as you had just settled into the boiling hot water.

"Are you in the tub already?" He asked from the other side which caught you if gaurd.

"Yeah?" It sounded more like a question, he smiled and let himself into the bathroom, a steaming cup of tea in one hand and his latest book tucked under his arm as he came and sat beside the tub, smiling. He didn't say anything as he set his cup beside him, back towards you and he started reading, from the angle you were at, you could easily read over his shoulder. "Scara."

He simply hummed in aknowledgement, bringing his cup to his lips without looking from his book.

"What are you doing?"

"Reading," he says but you can see part of a grin on his face if you leaned forward enough.

"I meant what are you doing in here?"

"Observing, am I disturbing you? I can leave if it's a problem." He hadn't looked away from his book but you can tell his attention was on you.

You just smiled, reaching out and patting his head, laughing at how he tried to swat it away before you could get him wet. You soaked in the tub, closing your eyes after a moment and just listened to the sound of pages being flipped, the occasional snort or hum from Scara as he found something funny or mildly interesting. You had figured out a while ago that Scaramouche read just about any book he could get his hands on, he wasn't all that interested in a particular genre and once even admitted that he could care less for a story's plot, he just read because it was another form of observation to him. He liked seeing into people's minds, finding out their personality, what made them tick, he was strange like that but overtime you found it endearing, especially when someone did something that contradicted their goals or went against their morals. Scaramouche would lose his shit over it and you couldn't help but find it funny.

"You're not asleep in there are you?" His voice was teasing, you could hear the grin on his face.

"No, just relaxing," you open your eyes to find him suddenly turned towards you, book presumably on the floor as he had one hand outstretched to your face as if he was about to touch you. He froze, cheeks burning bright red at being caught.

"I uh..." he looked away quickly, eyes scanning the room in an attempt to find some excuse. "I should... Go... Get your towels. R-right! You're about to get out anyhow.. I-I'll be back." He was quick to leave the bathroom and you couldn't help but laugh at how cute he was when he got flustered like that. You sat up, getting ready to leave the now lukewarm water, rinsing the soap off of you before there was another knock. "I have your towels... Um, j-just come to the door and I'll hand them to you when you're out."

What a gentleman, you thought before draining the tub and carefully stepping out, opening the door just enough for him to shove the towels into your hands before shutting the door again. You wrapped one towel around your head and proceeded drying off with the other before putting on your pajamas. Once you left the bathroom, Scaramouche grabbed his book and tea and headed back to the kitchen to make himself another cup.

You headed to the bedroom and into your little corner where all your creams, oils and face masks were and begun your skincare routine. You heard the door open and watched in the mirror as Scaramouche headed to his side of the room, setting his fresh cup of tea down on his bedside table along with his book before heading to his closet to change. You took a few peaks at him in-between putting stuff on your face but thankfully he didn't notice. Once done he grabbed his cup and dragged his chair over to your corner and sat down, deep blue eyes scanning the contents of your table with interest. He didn't really understand what any of this stuff was for as he naturally had seemingly flawless skin, however.

"Can I try?" He asked, setting his cup down on the only free spot he could find and pointed at the moisturizer you were currently rubbing into your skin.

"You don't really need it though, and it's all crazy expensive so I don't wanna waste it." You hadn't intended to sound so stingy, but one glance at his face showed you had hurt his feelings. You sighed, here he was taking a genuine interest in something you found comfort in and you just told him you didn't want to waste the product like it was your life savings on the line. He hadn't said anything, just sipping his tea and watching, maybe he understood the logic in your statement, but that didn't make you feel like any less of an asshole for being so rude.

"How about instead of this, you can try the lotion? It does pretty much the same thing but it also helps with aching joints," you offered the bottle to him and his expression brightened once more as he put a tiny amount on his hands and began rubbing it into his elbows and shoulders. "It doesn't work right away but trust me you'll feel it in the morning." You smiled as he looked at the other things you had laid out. "This stuff is for my hair, if you want, I can put some in yours?"

"You don't mind?" He asked, just wanting to make sure he wouldn't be wasting anything.

"Yeah, come on we can do this on the bed!" You were excited now as you gathered your things and a brush and sat on the bed. "Here, sit in front of me and I'll do the rest." He say as told, grabbing his book and read while you put stuff in his hair. Some of it made him scrunch his nose up, the smell wasn't all that appealing. How had he never noticed this stuff in your hair? As you began brushing his hair, he felt strangely relaxed. Shoulders sagging, he leaned back slightly closing his eyes and just enjoyed the moment. He almost wished he had never cut his hair now since it didn't take long for you to brush his hair out.

"Wait... Could you keep doing that?" He asked after you had set the brush the down. You looked at him confused.

"But I got all the tangles out."

"I know just... it felt nice."

You smiled and got the idea, leaning forward enough to kiss his cheek, ruffled his hair a little. "Sure, just let me put up this stuff." You put your things away and got comfy on the bed once more, laying down now and Scaramouche instantly cuddled into you. You ran your fingers through his hair and he hummed, closing his eyes.

"I think I understand what you meant by all that stuff making you feel good about yourself now. It made me feel good too." He smiled and looked up at you, "Think I can join you again tomorrow?"

"Of course, it was fun having you there." You lightly scratched his head almost like he was a cat and he just melted into your touch, closing his eyes once more, only this time, he drifted off to sleep.

[youwouldntlietopapa]

Could you please do “The hug where they come running at you, jumping into your outstretched arms, making you stumble backward a little at the added weight of their body pressing against yours. No matter though, because you’re both laughing, arms only tightening around each other.” with a female reader and Papa Copia! Thanks!

I'm so sorry, I couldn't get this mental image out of my head. And now this exists. Enjoy!

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Anyone who has ever watched a full grown man make a split second, extremely questionable decision only to realise his mistake too far into committing to it will know exactly the look on Copia’s face as he flew through the air. (Okay, flew might be a bit of an overstatement, but still…) But I’ve gotten ahead of myself…

The show itself had gone about as well as anyone could have hoped. No technical disasters, no weather problems, Swiss hadn’t fallen off his platform or set his guitar on fire, and Copia was in fine form. For a band who’s performance mode typically left them all sharing a single brain cell, it was damned fun to watch. And, thank the dark lord, you actually got to see it in person.

It wasn’t always possible to come along on tour, but this time was lucky. It was chaos, it was exhausting, it was frustrating, and it was also more fun than anything else in the world. Besides, not being stuck back at the Abbey, counting down the days for them to return and spending evenings on video calls, trying to be grateful for even that would always be preferable.

The fact that Copia always walked off stage absolutely desperate to drag you back to the bus to unwind didn’t hurt either. At least, not in a way that you didn’t enjoy immensely.

When the last chords of the last song played and the screaming crowd became one final wave of noise and devotion, you waited well off to the side. Out of the way. Beaming so hard your cheeks ached. If it was possible to be more proud of anyone, you were sure that it couldn’t be much more. The day had been hot and sticky, but the night had gotten blessedly cool and a breeze made everything feel like it would be all right. All you could think about was the small bus shower and the bed waiting for you both.

Copia walks off stage after the final bows, still in business mode, talking with the ghouls. They always need a few minutes. Going over everything, discussing any issues, checking in with the backstage team. And you wait patiently. Once he sheds the frontman mask, you’ll have your Copia all to yourself.

Watching them all together is entertainment enough as it is. Swiss is already stuffing whatever junk food he get his hands on into his mouth. The ghoul is always famished after a show and it’s let him eat or deal with a hangry boy. Everyone has agreed letting him eat is easier. Dew is smoking away. Literally. Smoke rising off him and drifting off on the breeze. It will dissipate once he unwinds. Phantom stands quietly aside, hands folded in front of himself, tail twitching, just waiting to be released to go run circles around the tour bus to burn off the adrenaline. And the rest are either chattering away or half listening while more engaged in their own post-show rituals.

When Copia waves them off, they scatter quickly. Too many things to do, too much trouble to get into. They’ll be back on the bus before it leaves, but until then, you’re quite happy to not worry about it. Because the man you’re really most interested in takes a deep breath, shakes off the stress and the worry, allowing himself to really bask in the glow of a great ritual and the adoration of the crowd. The void where the tension he’d been holding is filled immediately with the need for you. The desperate, frantic, all consuming need that grinding on a mic stand will never satisfy. His eyes scan the backstage until he spots you.

“Amore!” He calls. There’s a hunger in his eyes and every stagehand who’s been around any length of time instinctively moves out of the path between him and you.

He doesn’t walk over. He doesn’t pause to chitchat along the way. Copia runs for you. Somewhere between spotting you, and reaching you, however, some very dubious decision making takes place. You’re not sure when exactly, but you can say for certain when it is that he realises it’s a bad idea.

Around the same time you realise what it is, exactly, that he’s doing.

And definitely after it’s too late to change his course of action.

Your arms are held out for him, expecting an absolutely rib crushing hug. But you watch, rather helplessly as he twists his torso with the last few steps, leaps off the ground, throwing himself directly at you. Like having Satan’s own golden disco ball hurled at you without warning.

“Copia!” You cry uselessly. Objects in motion being what they are and all. The hug you were expecting rapidly becomes the catch you were unprepared for.

You stumble backward, trying with everything you’ve got to avoid both knocking over anything expensive and dropping your most precious treasure. A feat that would be, admittedly, made a little easier if you hadn’t had the air knocked out of your lungs. But beggars can’t be choosers. And, by some miracle, you find yourself still standing, holding a very surprised Copia, bridal style.

“Amore! I… I don’t know what came over me! Forgive me!” He looks at you like you’ve just grown a second head, looking from your face to your arms holding him up (a little shakily, but all the same) and back again. Finally breaking into a delighted laugh. “Why didn’t you tell me you are so strong???”

You wheeze a soft laugh, feeling your legs shaking a bit. “Copia… my love… don’t take this the wrong way… but you weigh a fucking ton. I’m going to set you down, all right?”

“Of course! Of course!” He lands on his feet in front of you when you drop his legs, and he wraps you in a tight hug. “You are so strong, angelo mio. Mmmm… I like that. Will you show me more? In private?” His teeth tease your neck and his hands wander.

“I think I can manage that.” You giggle and he scoops you up, the same way you’d been holding him. No need to ask where he’s taking you. There’s only one place it could be. Your arms circle his neck and you press yourself tightly against him.

Copia grins cheekily all the way back to the bus, leaning in close as you near the door. “Did you see me on stage tonight? I’m afraid I was very naughty.”

You smile a little wider, biting at his earlobe. “I did see. I was getting a bit jealous of the mic stand.”

If the sound he makes is any indication, the new crotch corset trousers are certainly making themselves worth every penny paid for them.

“I only hope that my Principessa guerriera won’t punish me too terribly.”

[misscaia]

60+ Global Gardenscapes: Grayscale Coloring Book for Adults and Teens - Famous Architecture and Relaxing Landscapes from Across the World

*Coloring Pages: 8.5" x 11”

*35 beautiful grayscale images

*Perfect for coloring pencils graphite pencils, light markers, limited watercolors, and crayons

*All coloring pages are already framed and ready to be displayed post-coloring

#1 Coloring Tip: When coloring grayscale illustrations, the darker the gray tone the darker your chosen coloring utensil should be!

Introducing "Global Gardenscapes: Grayscale Coloring Book for Adults" - a delightful journey through serene landscapes and architectural wonders awaiting your creative touch. Immerse yourself in over 60 captivating scenes from around the world, featuring recognizable landmarks from Japan, Korea, Spain, Mexico, and more. Each page is rendered in greyscale, providing a soothing canvas for coloring enthusiasts of all skill levels. Grayscale coloring is when color is added to a drawing that already has shading, which ensure a beautiful artwork in less coloring time! As we grow older, we often have less time for creative activities and projects, with grayscale coloring you're able to achieve a masterpiece with depth in a quarter of the time!

As you breathe life into these enchanting scenes, let the stress of the day melt away, embracing the therapeutic benefits of coloring to decompress. Perfect for any occasion, especially during the rejuvenating spring season, this coloring book offers a delightful escape into the world of gardens and flowers.

Unwind, relax, and let your imagination bloom as you add vibrant hues to these grayscale masterpieces. Whether you're seeking a moment of tranquility or a creative outlet, "Global Gardenscapes" invites you to embark on a journey of self-expression and mindfulness through the art of coloring.

_________________________________

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE NOTE - ***NO SHIPPING, DOWNLOAD INSTANTLY, JUST PRINT AND HANG!

TO BUY AND DOWNLOAD A DIGITAL ITEM:

1. Add the item to your shopping cart.

2. Click on the "Complete" button.

3. Go to the checkout page and proceed with the payment process.

4. Once the payment is successful, the item will be available for immediate download in your Etsy account. You can download the files by going to your Etsy Profile > Purchases and Reviews.

If you purchased as a 'guest', you will receive an email from Etsy containing the download links. If you cannot find the email in your inbox, please check your spam/junk folders, or social/promotions tabs if using Gmail.

5. Download the item and print it out as you prefer and frame it or use it as per your desire.

REFUNDS:

As digital downloads are non-refundable, please don't hesitate to contact me for any inquiries before making your purchase. If you experience any problems downloading your files after the purchase, I will provide assistance to resolve them.

After purchase, you can download the files by going to your Etsy Profile > Purchases and Reviews.

If you purchased as a 'guest', you will receive an email from Etsy containing the download links. If you cannot find the email in your inbox, please check your spam/junk folders, or social/promotions tabs if using Gmail.

_________________________

PRINT INSTRUCTIONS

You can simply print the artwork from your home printer. For best results, however, we recommend using a professional printing service (local or online) such as Staples, Walgreens, UPS Store, Office Depot, Target, Walmart, Poster Jack, Finer Works, Office Works, Vistaprint, Costco, Snapfish, Shutterfly, etc.

Please note that colors may vary subtly depending on monitor calibration settings, printout settings, and material types.

______________

COPYRIGHT

CAIA artwork is for PERSONAL USE only.

DO NOT use our digital art files for reproduction in commercial use or resale in any form. You are NOT permitted to make alterations to our artwork, then use it for commercial purposes, or for resale.

[springfallendeer]

Adventures in the Dataverse: 001

001: Lucky Winner

Today is Friday.

The first Friday of a new month. A day that millions of people look forward to, for a vast array of reasons.

For many, today marks the start of the weekend. Of a reprieve from their responsibilities.

Children will impatiently watch the clock, knowing that with each passing moment they draw closer to a short reprieve from school. Many adults watch that same clock for similar reasons, because once they finish work for the day, they too will find themselves free to relax and unwind for a short while.

For a lot of people, today is payday.

For any number of people out there, today marks an important anniversary. It could be a birthday. It could be a wedding anniversary. Or it could be the anniversary of a sad event, like the death of a loved one.

Valid as all of these reasons are, none of them relate to you.

You are excited for a completely different reason. One shared with many like you, who have spent many a day like today hoping for something important.

Today is Databeast Friday. The one day out of every month where new players are selected to join in on the game, Adventures in the Dataverse.

Only five people are ever selected at a given time. The winners are sent word of their victory on the first Friday of the month. Which has come to be known as Databeast Friday.

You, like many of your peers, have spent years hoping that you might be selected to join the game.

Up until now, you had not been lucky enough to be selected to join the game. Neither had anyone you knew.

Hell, no one in your town had ever been selected. There were only two people in your entire city that had been lucky enough to get an invitation to the game.

Getting an invitation was treated like winning the lottery. Likely because you had less of a chance of getting an invitation than you did of actually winning the lottery. Because you were playing against every other person in the entire world!

Those odds were over seven-billion to one. Of course anyone who got their invitation would wind up on the news!

You had “lost” so many times by now that for the most part, you had lost hope of actually being selected.

You only really bothered to check your mail out of habit at this point. And when you did, you weren’t all that surprised to find a lack of an invitation to join the game.

As you had expected, it was pretty much all bills and junk mail. Plus a few appreciated grocery store ads, which you might skim over later. Just to see if there was anything on sale that you might want to stock up on while things were cheaper.

But… Yeah. Another loss. Another Databeast Friday spent confirming that you just weren’t lucky enough, or maybe just not special enough, to receive an invitation to the game…

Oh well.

You shred the junk mail while wishing that you could do the same with the bills. Then you lazily toss your remaining mail into the usual spot to be dealt with later.

For now, you have to focus on getting ready for work. And unlike the many people fortunate enough to work a typical 9-5, Monday to Friday job… You’re stuck in retail. So the only thing special about today was being given the opportunity to be rejected by Datamaster. Again.

Honestly, at this point you might as well stop checking. You clearly weren’t going to receive an invitation…

Your mood remains somber as you go about your pre-work routine.

You brush your teeth. You shower. You change your clothes. You make a quick and semi-filling breakfast. One that will undoubtedly result in you feeling incredibly hungry by the time you’re an hour or two from finishing your shift. But what else is new?

By the time you’ve finished the last bite of food, you’re pretty much ready to leave for work. But seeing as you’ve still got some extra time to spare, you might as well just dick around on your phone for a little while.

And it's a good thing that you do. Because once you actually pick up your phone, you discover a message from your boss.

Thankfully, they aren’t pulling the typical retail bullshit by asking you to come in early. If they had, you’d probably already be late.

No. Fate has decided to smile down upon you today, so you don’t have to go until later. The powers that be have decided that they’d rather have you around for the mid-afternoon rush, which you would have missed had you come in and left at your scheduled time.

So now you’re basically going in two hours late so that you’ll stay two hours past your scheduled time. Just to make sure that the crew will have you around during today’s anticipated rush.

Which genuinely sucks, but you’d rather be busy than bored. And thanks to management being so stingy, you can just leave at your expected time, because no one is going to give you overtime and you don’t work for free.

With your whole day now thrown off, you sigh as you begin to dick around with your phone, just absently trying to find something to do with yourself now that you’ve got nothing to do.

As per usual, you’ve got a bunch of notifications. The majority of them being missed calls, courtesy of scam callers out to find a way to steal the thousands of dollars that you don’t have.

There is one weird looking notification, though. From your email.

On your phone, it just looks like a garbled string of text. Which usually means a weird link or a picture was sent to you.

Probably another scammer trying to get information from you. Might as well get rid of it…

You pull up your email account on your phone, only to discover that the message in question cannot be deleted. It's behaving more like one of those annoying little ads that pop up around the top of your emails. Only it's clearly not an ad, because the actual ad is above it.

So… Yeah, you’ve probably been hacked.

Shit.

Fuck!

You click on the email to see what the suspected scammer wants. There’s probably a list of threats or instructions detailing what is expected of you if you don’t want your information being misused, or something like that.

What greets you when you open the email is a weird little animation.

A really well made one, but a weird one nonetheless.

For a few seconds, you just absently stare at the video, not really bothering to take in any information popping up in little speech bubbles above the Databeast.

There’s something familiar about it. The Databeast in the video.

It's a cute little cat-like creature sitting on an envelope. One with huge ears and big sparkly eyes.

Big feet. Small “hands”. Glasses. Purple fur…

Wait.

Wait, holy shit-

You suddenly fixate on the video to see what the speech bubble says.

“Hey. Friend? Friend, are you listening?” The Databeast asks, its little face now one of concern and confusion as it stares at you through the screen. “... Can you turn up the volume, maybe? You’ll probably understand me better if you can hear me.”

You nearly drop your phone.

Holy shit.

HOLY SHIT.

You recognize that Databeast now! It's one of the ambassadors of the Digiverse!

Aster!

After staring at your phone in absolute shock for… What amounts to an unnecessary amount of time, you press the button on the side of your phone to turn up the volume.

“Hello?” A quiet voice calls from the speaker as the volume first comes on. “Hello? Can you hear me meow? The volume seems to be on.”

You tentatively nod as you continue to stare down at the “animation” playing on your phone.

Aster has a really cute voice. Somewhat cartoony, like she’s coming off of helium. But not so cartoony that her voice would get annoying after more than a few minutes of conversation.

“Oh! Good! Now” The Databeast replies, before audibly clearing their throat “as I was saying! My name is Aster. I am one of the five Databeast Ambassadors. My primary purpose is to help any new players of Adventures in the Dataverse get set up with the game!” She explains, making sure to quickly and effectively introduce herself while stating her intended purpose. “I am also here to congratulate you on having been selected to join in on the fun! So… Congratulations!” She adds, pausing to dramatically light off what appears to be a party streamer.

One which she seemingly pulled out of thin air. Which makes sense, because… Well she’s in the digital world. The laws of physics there aren’t quite like what exists in the real world.

Her voice also gets somewhat louder and more distorted every so often. Like when she said her name, or the name of the game.

Your jaw drops somewhat as you absorb this information.

You awkwardly bring a hand up to point at your chest, all the while staring down at your phone with a look of shock.

“I-I’ve been chosen. Me?!” You ask, your voice cracking somewhat at the start. Likely because of how stunned you are that this is even happening.

“Well, yes! As I have been trying to say, you ‘----------’, have been randomly selected to receive an invitation to play Adventures in the Dataverse! Should you accept this invitation, it will be my duty to help you get started!” Aster enthusiastically replies, referring to you by your full name.

As she does, she claps her little paws together while smiling up at you.

“Now! Before we can proceed, I must ask if you are willing to accept this invitation!” She states. As she does, she tilts her head to one side while lifting up her right paw.

A little popup appears right next to her, with “Yes” or “No” written as options.

“Please select either YES or No by tapping on the popup. Otherwise, I would appreciate it if you could reply clearly and with a raised voice, YES or NO. I will wait to do anything else until your answer has been received!” She explains, before falling into what appears to be an idle animation as she waits for your response.

Reflexively, you try to say “Yes!”. But your voice cracks again. So you quickly shut your mouth, before tapping your finger against the screen. All the while you hope and pray that you don’t fat-finger this popup and accidentally reject the invitation.

Thankfully, you don’t. Which means that you are officially on track to getting started on this game!

“Excellent!” Aster happily exclaims once you’ve made your selection. Little fireworks pop off behind her, further accentuating how excited the Databeast must be to get you started!

She then audibly clears her throat again. Which makes her sort of sound like a worn out squeaky toy.

“Welcome ‘----------’, to Adventures in the Dataverse! As a new player, your first course of action is to collect and set up your Datawatch! Please go and retrieve it now. You will find it wherever your physical, paper mail is usually delivered.” She states.

You nearly drop your phone (again) as you immediately rush towards the front door.

You practically run out to your mailbox to check inside, and when you do, you find a small object sitting in the middle of it.

A Datawatch.

As the name might suggest, it is a device that resembles a wrist watch, except with a slightly larger square screen.

You momentarily put your phone down on top of your mailbox so that you can put it on.

Unsurprisingly, the Datawatch fits around your wrist perfectly. Almost as if it was specifically designed to be able to fit you, and you alone.

“Wonderful!” Aster exclaims, all the while clapping her little paws together. You can hear her clapping, and once you pick your phone back up, you can see it. You see it right along with her happy little smile.

You then watch as she jumps up off of the giant envelope that she’s been sitting on top of.

She stands next to it with her arms out beside her as the envelope adjusts itself so that it can face you properly.

“On to the next step!” She states, an audible purring sound now coming from your phone as her smile grows even more excited. “Together, the other ambassadors and I, as well as the Datamaster herself, have selected the perfect Databeast Egg, just for you! This Egg will go on to hatch into your very first Databeast friend! All that you need to do in order to claim your Egg is click on the Envelope! A notification will appear on your Datawatch once you have received your Egg, thus finalizing your admission into the game!” She explains, giving you all of the instructions that you need in order to take the final steps necessary to get started with the game.

Your hand trembles faintly as you reach up to tap on the envelope -

[fastcarremovals2]

How To Get Highest Benefit For Damaged Cars: Cash For Car In Brisbane

Having a car that is in a bad way can be quite a heel. It uses your property in a worthless way, it does not appreciate, and finding a buyer willing to accept one that has been wrecked is almost impossible. Getting enough cash for cars in Brisbane might make it very difficult to find the right one.

This means that many Brisbane car owners do not have the luxury of trading their second-hand cars or selling them privately. All of which begs the question, how does one sell a wrecked vehicle without losing money and still make some?

Picture this: Your vehicle was involved in a collision and the restoration expenses are well above your reach. It's obvious to you daily, as it occupies your driveway and emits an obnoxious amount of lost value from the wasted space.

You feel it is still of some value but the idea of going through selling a car without flipping out beforehand is overwhelming. From listing the car to haggling with potential buyers and handling all of the paperwork — it can be a huge stress (especially when your car is anything but perfect). Moreover, it loses its value over time.

Then think about the aggravation and cost of fixing it up just to get rid of - when you could be using that same money as a small down payment on a lawn tractor. Even the repairs are not as big of an issue; they usually cost a lot to fix and take more time and there is no guarantee that you will recover your expenses in a sale.

What if I told you there is a way to sell your car for more money - and the managing process would be much quicker than selling it on Craigslist?

Solution

Welcome to cash for cars Brisbane Services. Some of the wrecking businesses specialize in purchasing broken, scrap, or non-operational vehicles and can provide a simple pick-up procedure for automobiles to unwind auto owners needing rapid solutions with income.

With our ready-to-use cash-for-car brisbane service, you can proceed without a headache and turn your wrecked vehicle into instant money.

Why Should You Go With Cash for Cars Brisbane Services?

Simple and easy fast process: This is so simple task. With a service, you simply contact them and tell them about your car; they will then provide an instant quote. If you say yes then they will do the rest.

No Repairs: You do not need to fix anything like in the case of selling on your own. Cash for Cars service purchases vehicles in any condition.

Most of these services offer free car removal, so it will save you money to transport the vehicle.

Free Car Removal in Brisbane To Earn Extra Cash

Instant Payment In Cash: You get paid immediately, which is beautiful if you are in a state of emergency concerning the money.

Eco-friendly: Here services typically ensure that your car is disposed of in an eco-pleasant method, recycling re-functional parts and releasing the others are brand-new only environmentally friendly hemp.

How to Maximize Your Profit

Obtain Many Quotations: Do not accept the earliest offer. Contact more than a few Brisbane cash for cars services to get quotations This ensures you will get the best deal for your car.

Tell Them the Condition: Let them know how poorly your vehicle is to make sure you get an honest quote. Deceptive information - can result in a lesser final offer upon inspection.

Select Good Services: Find good companies in quick car removal in Brisbane. Read reviews and ask for recommendations online to make sure you are working with someone reputable.

Get your car: Except that there has to be nothing prepared (make sure you take all sorts of personal effects out) and have the applicable paperwork. It reduces time and last-minute confusion.

Conclusion

Selling a car with serious damage need not be an arduous task. Fast Car Removals to get cash for cars in Brisbane allows you an opportunity to scrap your junk car and get paid instantly, without having to fix it up or go through any hassle in selling. If you choose a good service, get multiple quotes, and give an accurate evaluation of your car's state; then you can make quite a profit in addition to clearing up that room on your driveway.

Do not allow a car that is already declining in value to continue; use the best pipe-pushing roller services and get some money back from it.

[radskull-69]

I have a question (For educational purposes) How would Sazz and Bozo feel about a polyamorous relationship + marriage? (Foreducationalpurposes-)

they’d be so chill with it you would wonder if these two were already in a relationship before another came (homos)

(This is basically headcanons for a poly relationship with these guys srryyy)

like, I unintentionally made these two oc’s with so much chemistry that adding a third would make the most healthiest throuple eveerrr

Surprisingly bozo would be the one to offer a three way relationship, sazz might be suave and flirty but he does not have the confidence to even ask something like that. So bozo is the wingman for everyone

sazz and bozo are basically the devil and the angel on your shoulder, sazz wants to sleep in with you, eat all the junk food you could want and anything else to indulge in your desires even if it won’t be good for the future you. He loves spoiling you

meanwhile bozo thinks for logically even if he does wanna do all those tempting things, he would be the one to wake you two up early even after all the whining and unhappy groans, he makes sure you two eat healthy and this guy does the taxes. Give this man a vacation..

sazz and bozo definitely bicker a lot, not out of jealousy but because they aren’t good at sharing. Like they know they’re loved equally there’s enough to go around, but they keep cutting into eachothers time with you.

Sometimes bozo does like to finally unwind and indulge with you two, kicking back on the sofa and watching movies together. Sazz personally likes action or sexy movies to set a mood, bozo likes animated movies or even ‘kids movies’ as sazz puts it since it reminds bozo of his early days entertaining kids

sazz would buy so many matching couple t shirts for all three of you even if they’re corny, embarrassing and inappropriate. And he somehow convinces you both to wear them in public.

if you ever want to get a pet (like a cat or dog) be ready for these two to treat it like it’s your child, sazz hates kids and bozo loves them (idk how you’d feel about kids-) so everyone compromises with a cute pet. (It’s very spoiled by both of them)

holding hands in public but you’re always the one in the middle, don’t even worry if you have to hood stuff cause they will hold it for you. You need your two hands to hold theirs! ^^

bozo would be the housewife honestly, this man takes care of y’all and cooks with a apron and everything.

I wanna say sazz has a job and supports y’all, but he lowkey be gambling or at least stealing people’s wallets to make money for everyone.

it’s why bozo keeps a secret bank account sazz doesn’t know about to pay for important shit

[kaengeru]

Phase 0.

And on she walked.

Which is a silly way to start, of course. But that was what she did. An unconscious-conscious choice... of a sort. The unintentional decision was in where (it always ended up being the same stretch of land even after so many years, she couldn't stop — not as much forest, never as many trees as she knew were there), but Enya didn't argue against the impulse. The ground giving way to her before snapping back into place as she passed through. That was definitely involuntary. The picturesque beauty of untouched nature around her was nothing more than a mild struggle to be overcome, another step, another step. The general silence broken by the rare plane buzzing low overhead. That would get her to stop and wait it out, head tilted for an expectation that never came. Those brief moments brought her back to herself and to the ever cascading thoughts she didn't want to deal with (hence, the walking).

Between the increasing number of meetings, travel, and reports with things to sign or whatever other reading junk (that, technically, she didn't read herself, but hearing someone read whatever legal docket at her out loud was nearly as bad), Enya was growing restless. Which was certainly not the right word. Something something the shortening fuse of a bomb, except whatever she could feel hot in her chest was definitely not the same relatable internet post or music lyrics that you slapped up in-between mind numbing scrolling. Rather, the sort that resulted in broken glass in hand, thrown objects clattering everywhere. Caused walls and foundations to crack. Which wasn't inherently a problem, the only issue came from the fact these happened without her conscious input. Disassociation while holding a gun. Even without the external criticism she knew it was bad, she wasn't fucking stupid.

There was some reprieve, sure. Her definitely too short visit to England brought her back to herself. God, how long ago was that now? It felt like a whole other age now, another person. The landing of a punch and the aches that followed. Being shot by Roka? Some sort of release, too. Any regrets tumbled out of her head like dice. What was it going to be? Let's let chance decide today.

But even after all of that, it wasn't like it was really anything that new. The math equation of stress constants and broken moments of freedom representing the variables - the expression when she played around with it seemed to work. But everything with Sarah, it... left her with a syntax error where it all should just be thrown in the trash and started from scratch. But she couldn't do that, that wasn't possible, she had her one shot and it was all-or-nothing and! God, if anything went wrong, it was all for nothing, it was pointless, maybe it was all her fault—

Her fingers knotted into her hair as she inhaled a sharp breath, before leaning forward into a lung-burning and earth-shattering scream.

But even such an action could never be completely quell the burn inside, not at least in this setting. In most, really. Her mind couldn't freely and totally let go without causing truly irreparable damage. Which only again brought the yearning for a time when she could that much, and even more - in turn fueling the blazing revulsion to her own desires in a way that brought bile to her throat.

Though that was likely a side-effect from the yelling, too.

Time - fuck - continued to move unheeded, unconcerned. The sun passed over, or the Earth moved, or whatever made things change, went on. That was to say, she didn't know how long her scream lasted, or the tremble that shook through her that wasn’t her. Stopitstopitstopitstopit—

Long has the plane left now. The sun has moved further still, shadows stretch out like fangs. Devour her. Please. But, finally, finally, she begins to unwind achingly slow. Her fingers unclench and her muscles ease away from the rock of tension she had become in her screaming fit. Unfortunately, it allowed an almost painful tremor to take hold of her body instead. She felt sick. Like the rest, like fucking time, it ebbs away and she finds the strength to bring herself back to her feet. She probably didn’t look as much of a mess than she felt, but it could of been close. Drool and snot and blood and, fucking, tears. Dizzy. Stupid.

Around her was the impression of an explosion. If only. The crash landing of a meteorite, caught in time, frozen in stone. Cliche. She huffed out a humorless laugh. Even in the growing twilight, she could see the unnatural peaks and craggy stone that had ripped out a sizeable number of trees. All pointing back to her. Her fault, her fault. There's a brief thought to fix it - can't cause problems! Shut up! Exist and clamp your mouth shut! - before she leans over and vomits.

Fuck it.

She needed more sleep.

[ghost-in-the-hall]

Rant below, personal junk

It could just be me and my eternally anxious ass but I just genuinely feel like I don't really have a place in the Ghost fandom anymore. I know it's stupid, I know I'm probably just psyching myself out and reading way too far into things like I normally do. But being in this fandom used to feel like home, where I had really good friends that I could talk and laugh and unwind with. I don't feel like I really have that anymore (obviously there's exceptions to that, there's still a handful of people that I feel like still genuinely want to be my friend, but those are few and far between). I feel like a lot of the friends I've made from this fandom have withered away, everytime I try to jump in a chat I just get ignored. I know we're adults here, I will never fault someone for responding for being busy. I'm also very busy, I work long hours and I'm genuinely pretty exhausted sometimes so I understand not being online 24/7, but this is different. I'll try and join in the conversation and it seems like the second I try to everyone just disappears, it goes silent, and I'm left just sitting there being like "cool guys, nice talk" by myself. Again, I could be reading the situation entirely wrong, which is on me. It just sucks because I feel like I'm losing a place I genuinely liked to belong to.

[traveltourister007]

Hong kong Honeymoon Package

know more :- Hong kong Honeymoon Package

Celebrate the beginning of your forever with the Hong Kong Honeymoon Package by Travel Tourister, a romantic journey blending vibrant cityscapes, serene escapes, and unforgettable experiences. From the sparkling Victoria Harbour to the enchanting skyline, Hong Kong offers the perfect mix of modern luxury and timeless charm for couples. Begin your adventure with a romantic evening aboard a private junk boat cruise, marveling at the city’s famous Symphony of Lights. Explore the vibrant streets of Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, hand-in-hand, discovering quaint cafes, chic boutiques, and hidden gems. Escape to Lantau Island to visit the iconic Big Buddha and indulge in quiet moments on pristine beaches. Take a scenic tram ride up to Victoria Peak for breathtaking views that will etch memories of your special bond forever. Savor the flavors of Hong Kong with intimate dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants or rooftop lounges overlooking the city lights. Adventure seekers can add a touch of excitement with thrilling rides at Ocean Park or Disneyland, where the magic of childhood dreams meets the joy of newfound love. Unwind in luxurious accommodations curated to provide privacy, comfort, and stunning views. With Travel Tourister, every detail is thoughtfully planned, from seamless transfers to personalized experiences, ensuring your honeymoon is nothing short of perfection. Whether it’s exploring vibrant markets, relaxing in lush gardens, or toasting your love under the stars, this package is designed to make your honeymoon a cherished chapter of your love story. Book your Hong Kong Honeymoon Package today and let the city of endless energy and romance be the perfect backdrop for your new beginning!

[tedkapanjie]

Unlocking the Secrets of Lifestyle Medicine: Your Passport to Health and Happiness

Imagine a world where the fountain of youth isn't just a myth but a collection of everyday habits that anyone can adopt. This isn't a fantasy—it's the reality offered by lifestyle medicine. This transformative approach to health focuses on the power of simple, sustainable changes to prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic diseases. Let's dive into the vibrant world of lifestyle medicine and uncover the secrets to a healthier, happier you.

What is Lifestyle Medicine?

Lifestyle medicine is like discovering a hidden treasure chest filled with health gems. It's an approach that emphasizes the profound impact of daily choices on our overall well-being. Unlike conventional medicine, which often relies on pills and procedures, lifestyle medicine taps into the healing power of our habits. The magic lies in six key areas:

Nourishing Nutrition: Embracing a diet rich in plant-based, whole foods.

Energizing Exercise: Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine.

Serene Sleep: Prioritizing quality and restorative sleep.

Stress Mastery: Utilizing techniques to effectively manage stress.

Substance Sanity: Avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol.

Radiant Relationships: Cultivating positive and supportive social connections.

The Wonders of Lifestyle Medicine

Imagine being the hero of your own health journey. Adopting the principles of lifestyle medicine can lead to incredible transformations:

Guardian of Health: Shield yourself from chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Beacon of Vitality: Experience improved physical and mental well-being.

Financial Wizard: Save money by reducing the need for costly medical treatments.

Longevity Champion: Unlock the secret to a longer, healthier life.

Nourishing Nutrition: Fuel for Life

Think of your body as a magnificent engine that thrives on premium fuel. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds is the ultimate high-octane fuel for your health. Here’s how to revamp your diet:

Plant Power: Load up on colorful fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

Ditch the Junk: Steer clear of processed foods laden with unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives.

Meat Moderation: Cut back on red and processed meats to lower your risk of disease.

Hydration Hero: Keep your body running smoothly by drinking plenty of water.

Energizing Exercise: Movement Magic

Imagine if a pill could boost your mood, enhance your energy, and improve your health. Regular physical activity does all this and more. Here’s how to make movement a joyous part of your day:

Find Your Fun: Choose activities you love, whether it’s dancing, hiking, or swimming.

Set Adventure Goals: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase your activity level.

Strength Secrets: Include resistance exercises to build muscle and strengthen bones.

Move More, Sit Less: Break up sedentary periods with short bursts of activity.

Serene Sleep: The Dream Elixir

Sleep is the magical elixir that rejuvenates your body and mind. Quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Here’s how to create your personal sleep sanctuary:

Routine Ritual: Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.

Perfect Environment: Make your bedroom a haven of tranquility—dark, quiet, and cool.

Screen-Free Zone: Limit screen time before bed to minimize blue light exposure.

Relaxation Rituals: Unwind with calming activities like reading or meditation before sleep.

Stress Mastery: Calm the Chaos

Stress is like a dragon that needs taming. Mastering stress is crucial for maintaining your health. Here’s how to become a stress whisperer:

Mindfulness Magic: Practice mindfulness and meditation to stay present and calm.

Exercise Elixir: Physical activity is a powerful antidote to stress.

Hobby Haven: Engage in activities you love to take your mind off stressors.

Supportive Squad: Build a network of supportive friends and family.

Substance Sanity: Clear the Clutter

Just as you declutter your home, it's essential to clear harmful substances from your life. This includes:

Tobacco Termination: Quitting smoking dramatically reduces the risk of numerous diseases.

Alcohol Awareness: Limiting alcohol intake helps prevent liver disease and other health issues.

Clean Living: Avoid recreational drugs and seek help for substance abuse.

Radiant Relationships: Social Sunshine

Human connections are like sunshine for your soul. Strong, supportive relationships can enhance your mental and physical health. Here’s how to nurture these vital connections:

Heartfelt Communication: Practice open and honest communication with loved ones.

Supportive Networks: Offer and seek support when needed.

Quality Time: Spend meaningful time with family and friends.

Integrating Lifestyle Medicine: Your Health Adventure

Embarking on the lifestyle medicine journey is like setting out on a grand adventure. Here’s how to make it a successful expedition:

Self-Discovery: Assess your current habits and identify areas for improvement.

Goal Setting: Set small, realistic goals and gradually build upon them.

Seek Guidance: Engage with healthcare professionals, support groups, or online communities focused on lifestyle medicine.

Celebrate Success: Monitor your progress and celebrate milestones to stay motivated.

Lifestyle medicine is not just a treatment—it’s a way of life. By embracing nutritious foods, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, substance avoidance, and positive relationships, you can transform your health and well-being. This holistic approach offers the keys to unlocking a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that every small step towards healthier choices is a victory. By prioritizing lifestyle medicine, you’re investing in a future filled with vitality, joy, and endless possibilities. Your adventure to optimal health starts now!

[wibehavioralhealth]

Fun Activities to Support Summer Learning at Home

Summer break is a great time for kids to unwind. However, the time away from the classroom can lead to learning loss and boredom. This can present challenges for parents to keep their children entertained while also supporting continued learning. From exploring the great outdoors to creative DIY, here is a list of ways to keep the boredom away while strengthening developmental skills.

1. Get outside!

Playing outside is beneficial for a number of reasons. It can help children socialize, learn new skills, develop gross motor functioning, utilize problem solving skills, and engage in imaginative play.

Head outside for a neighborhood scavenger hunt. There are many examples online or you could make one of your own that could include looking for: objects of certain colors, shapes, specific animals/bugs, or street signs.

Watch the Summer Olympics and make your own “events” at home. Some “event” ideas include: bean bag toss, balance beam (using a scrap 2X4), water bucket relay, water balloon toss, frisbee throwing, and a bicycle obstacle course.

Go to a local park and climb on the playground equipment, play hopscotch, practice your basketball or soccer skills, or play four-square.

Learn a new outdoor activity such as croquet, bocce ball, jump rope, or gaga ball.

Plant a veggie garden. Not only is this a fun way to incorporate math, science, and reading, but you can reap the tasty benefits all summer long (and maybe like new veggies in the process).

2. Read, read, read!

All reading is great! This can include reading junk mail, magazines, newspapers, or even the signs on a road trip. The goal is to keep your children excited about reading.

Go to the library on a weekly basis and check out new books.

Start a summer reading challenge at home, such as reading 15 minutes a day or setting a goal of reading one book a week.

Have a family book club. Choose a book to read as a family and then discuss it together afterwards. You can talk about your favorite/least favorite parts, rate it, or if you would recommend it to others.

3. Make math fun!

Family activities are a fun, practical way to practice and apply math skills.

Bake a cake

Follow a recipe – or try to double a recipe

Learn to knit, crochet, or cross stitch. There are many videos online to assist in getting you started or check out a book from your local library.

Make Wednesday nights (or night of the week) Family Game Night! Board games are a great way to incorporate math in a fun, practical way. Some of my personal family favorites for a variety of ages are Sorry!, Monopoly, Connect Four, Trouble, BINGO, Yahtzee, Chutes and Ladders, Sequence, Cribbage, and Shut Box.

4 Get creative!

Engaging in DIY/arts and crafts can help children learn patience, improve their fine motor skills, develop creativity, and provide an outlet for self-expression.

Gather smooth rocks and paint colorful designs, animals, or inspirational sayings on them. You can then place them around your neighborhood as a fun surprise for others to find.

Make sock puppets. Scour your drawers for old socks and use buttons, googly eyes, yarn, and fabric scraps to make puppets. Your children can then use their sock puppets to perform a play.

Create magic wands. Gather small sticks from your yard and use glitter, clay, pipe cleaners, yarn, and cardboard to make them colorful and unique. (These could also be used in your sock puppet play!)

Get together with friends to make friendship bracelets using embroidery floss or yarn. Check out a book from the library to learn how to make different knots.

Get creative and explore different mediums and surfaces. Try out mediums such as magic markers, watercolor paints, tempera paints, oil pastels, colored pencils, crayons, or permanent markers. Try them out on different surfaces that would otherwise be thrown away, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, styrofoam, or aluminum foil. The limit is your imagination!

These activities can be tailored to the age and interests of your child. You can incorporate open ended questions in each of these activities to further build vocabulary skills and enhance back-and-forth conversational skills. Whatever you decide to do, make learning fun! While worksheets and workbooks are also ways to continue supporting learning, they can be boring and children are less inclined to participate. Have a blast this summer enjoying the time off while continuing to support learning at home!

For additional blogs and resources, visit here.