#visiting st augustine

[anastpaul]

Quote/s of the Day – 17 June – Visiting St Augustine

Quote/s of the Day – 17 June – Ferial Day – Visiting St Augustine “Our hearts were made for Thee, O GodAnd restless must they beUntil, O God, this grace accord,Until they rest in Thee!” “So Saul was led to Ananias –the ravaging wolf is led to the sheep.But the Shepherd,Who guides everything from Heaven above,reassures him…“Do not fear, I will show himwhat he will have to suffer, for My Name’s…

[intertexts]

i feel like i really did luck out by doing a whole bunch of shit & a ton of traveling while hopelessly offline. i think this was a really good inoculation against interstate loathing & irony poisoning...

[rabbitcruiser]

Visit A Cemetery Day

Visit a Cemetery Day is a holiday that takes place every last Sunday in October. This year it falls on October 27. It is a day that allows us to honor the life of those who are gone. It is a chance to admit that, though they’re no longer physically with us, we still have them in our memories. It is a day when people go to the gravesite of friends and families who have left this world. On Visit a Cemetery Day, many choose to redecorate the gravesite of their loved ones. Many other activities give life to this holiday as well.

History of Visit A Cemetery Day

The culture of visiting gravesites and cemeteries predates most modern cultures, and it has been a way of life of humans since ancient times. A cemetery is more than a collection of gravesites and headstones. It is a place for deep reflection and connecting. It is not a lonely place where you can’t learn anything. It is a place of meditation, where you get to reflect on the memories you shared with those who have left us. The headstones also contain messages about the people we cherish and are worth reading. It is usually a wisdom quote that captures the essence of life, and it can be inspiring.

Visit a Cemetery Day reminds us that we’re not entirely disconnected from those who have left this physical world. The memories they left remain with us, and we can cherish them as much as possible. We can also reminisce on the times we spent together and how they have helped us get to where we are today.

Visiting a cemetery is also sometimes a gathering affair where people come together to honor the departed. This is done for soldiers who died in battle and also victims of casualties. The essence of it all is to remember them for the good they’ve done and honor the memory we have of them. This is why cemeteries are generally known as memorial parks, emphasizing the memories left behind by the dead.

Visit A Cemetery Day timeline

7 A.D. Burial Under Church Control

The church handles burial services and takes charge of burying the dead in Europe.

1797 First Chartered Burial Ground

The State of Connecticut incorporates a new cemetery in New Haven.

1800s Company and Municipally Owned

Cemeteries not owned by the church become more popular and accepted.

1860s Tribute to Fallen Soldiers

Americans visit the graves of fallen soldiers to place flowers and honor them.

Visit A Cemetery Day FAQs

Can you observe from a private gravesite?

Yes, you can observe this solemn holiday from a private graveyard.

How can you decorate a gravestone?

The gravestone can have carvings and inscriptions. Also, you can bring flowers occasionally to beautify the place.

What if the gravesite is far away?

You can observe a solemn time with friends to honor the dead, even when their resting place is far away.

How to Observe Visit A Cemetery Day

Visit the burial place of loved ones

Decorate the gravesites

Have a picnic with family and friends

On this solemn holiday, you can visit the burial place of dear ones who have departed. It helps us honor the memory they left behind.

You can bring flowers and other ornaments to beautify the burial place of the departed. By doing so, we remind ourselves that the dead deserve respect too.

You can have a quiet time with family and friends. It is a time to reflect and share stories about those who have left us.

5 Facts About Cemeteries

Epitaphs are a great source of knowledge

Most gravestones face east

Meaningful carvings are common

Cemeteries are sometimes multipurpose

Number of graves on an acre

Apart from being words of hope, epitaphs are also known to convey vital information.

Many gravestones in the world face east, mostly to acknowledge the rising sun.

Several gravestones have very meaningful carvings.

Sometimes, cemeteries feature other things like art, historical artifacts, and museums.

An acre of land can occupy close to 2,000 graves.

Why Visit A Cemetery Day is Important

To honor the dead

Understand life better

Helps to remember the dead

On this special holiday, we get to honor those who have gone before us. It is good to cherish the memories they left behind.

When we visit the cemetery, we get a better insight into life and appreciate that we must cherish it.

On Visit a Cemetery Day, we get to recall the times we spent with departed loved ones. We remember all the things they’ve done for us and the memories we shared.

Source

[sophie-looks-at-stuff]

Hi love! I hope you are doing well ☺️

If possible could I request a Aemond X reader? Maybe something where he takes notice of a hobby reader likes and surprises them with something related to it?

Piece de Resistance

Pairing: Aemond x Wife Reader

Summary: Aemond stumbles upon your love for the arts, painting, drawing, sketching, and the like. <3

Warnings: none I don't think, Aemond being a cute and supportive husband. a good moment of domesticity :)

AN: Hello! I absolutely love this request! I hope I did it justice haha. Thank you so much for submitting it! The picture is from Pinterest! It's St Augustine by Philippe de Champaigne.

It wasn’t often you got a moment to yourself nowadays. With your husband acting as Prince Regent in his brother’s absence, you and he both were kept rather busy. Him with the Small Council and issues of the realm, you with the petty social gossipings and happenings of the Court. So rare moments of peace and quiet like this were highly coveted.

Your marital chambers echoed with emptiness as you entered and looked around. The curtains you had chosen fluttered in the breeze. Aemond had not wanted them, but ultimately he conceded, never being able to say no to you. 

He must be in a Small Council meeting, you thought. Or perhaps training with Ser Criston, letting off some steam. Your husband seemed to have an ever-constant knot of stress in his shoulders and neck. You’d tried to massage it out many a time, but it never seemed to budge, or it ended in a much different sort of activity –

Under your armoire, lay a dusty, maroon-red box. You bent down, moving to pull it out of its little hiding spot. You had snuck it under there after you had moved into Aemond’s chambers. The day after your wedding. Aemond had insisted that you move to his quarters as soon as possible. He didn’t like being separated from you more than necessary. If he could, he would have you seated on his lap in Small Council meetings or even when he sat on the Iron Throne. But alas, that was a touch too far, and people would talk. As they always do –

Your husband was kind and dotting, if not overprotective and possessive of you. You had known one another since you were children. Your house and family coming to visit the Court, your mother and the dowager Queen had been friends since their youth. They had hoped that you and Aemond would get along well, and you did, famously so. When he had lost his eye, you had come to the Red Keep, to offer him comfort and company. You had never left after that. 

Your fingertips graze over the top of the box, as you rest it on top of your bed sheets. Leaving an empty trail in their wake. The lock lay rusted and golden on the front, pulling a small key from the pocket of your skirt, you unlock it. A small, soft resounding click bounced off the walls. As you gingerly opened the lid, the stale smell of linseed oil filled your nostrils. Small metal tubes of colorful paint lay untouched in the box. Clean bristles and dirty brush handles scattered about, small rolls of blank canvas. All of which lay, unmoved, unbothered, from the last time you had used them. 

When you were little, you had complained to your mother once about the bore of your lessons. For your tenth name day, she had brought in a painter from Highgarden to tutor you. He had taught you how to mix colors and paint the prettiest flowers. As you grew older, he taught you more complicated things, like ladies in bushy skirts, and golden dragons in the sky. An odd prophecy of your future.

Taking some basic colors, red, blue, yellow, and white, some brushes, and a small roll of canvas, you set up shop at your dressing table. For the time being, altering it into a makeshift desk. Deciding to paint what you knew best, you began to sketch out a dragon among roses, with some charcoal that you had borrowed from Aemond.

He wouldn’t miss it, you thought. He had a small goblet full of charcoal and quills, hiding amongst the piles of books and scrolls on the table. Which he used to plot his war games, or occasionally take dinner with you. When you both grew tired of his family and their bickering. 

The dragon began to take form on the canvas, it looked slightly like Vhagar, large, old, and wrinkly. Her age showing in her face and eyes. Around her, you drew roses, peonies, daffodils, lavender, a great colorful bouquet. Once you had begun mixing the paints, on a makeshift pallet made of spare parchment paper. The other sounds of the world seemed to fade away, the monotony of the act being therapeutic. A much-desired mindless activity in the middle of the war you all found yourself in. You would never voice this to anyone, but it was silly to you. The hubris and hypocrisy of your husband's family was vast and great, and deadly at the worst. The blood of the dragon ran thick and hot, volatile and dangerous. 

You had become so absorbed in your work that you hadn’t heard the door open, the faint call of your name. Lost on the wind perhaps. Aemond stood, leaning a shoulder against the door frame, a small smile playing at his lips, watching you, intently. He knew and had seen you become absorbed like this in a book or some piece of writing, but he had never seen you do this before. Paint.

The colorful oils stain your fingertips and wedge themselves beneath your nails. The same stale smell of the linseed oil met his nostrils.

 An odd sort of smell, he thought. He crept a bit closer, as close as possible not yet wanting you to know he was there. He silently rested his sword on the bed, the sheets muffling any noise it may have made. You were humming softly to yourself. An old hymn your mother used to sing to you. 

As he crept closer, Aemond could make out the picture you were working on. The colors came to life before his eyes, the eyes of his dragon staring back at him. 

“Gevie (beautiful)” He muttered, under his breath.

Startled, you jumped a bit, smudging one of the petals on the peony you were working on. “Shit” you breathed out.

“Aemond, Husband, I had not heard you come in!” You stand, turning to face him, stepping in front of your work as if to hide it.

Aemond chuckled a bit, noticing the pink tinge to your cheeks, embarrassed at being caught. He lifted an eyebrow, and gestured to the painting behind you, 

“May I see it?” He asked, his gaze meeting your own. After a slight pause, you stepped aside. Aemond walked past you, placing a loving hand on your waist, holding you to him slightly. Aemond has developed a habit of always having a hand on you, as if scared you were going to be snatched away, stolen from him. 

Again, he muttered a “Gevie” under his breath. He turned to look at you, your face twisted in anticipation of what he may think. You had hidden the hobby from him not out of malice, but rather out of embarrassment. Other ladies and some lords of the court had mentioned that painting was a poor man's job and that someone of “noble blood” needn’t concern themselves with such silly things. You had been worried that he would have agreed with them, not liking it. 

“I didn’t know you painted. This is lovely,” The hand on your waist moved to tuck a stray tendril of hair behind your ear, it had fallen loose from your braids. 

“I was afraid you would disapprove –” 

“Why on earth would I disapprove my love? This is beautiful, you have a talent”. Your cheeks turned impossibly more pink at his praise and approval. 

“Actually, I would like it very much if you were to paint something on my sword. Vhagar perhaps –” He trailed off thinking, “Or maybe the seas or those flowers are quite lovely too–” You had placed a finger over his lips, laughing. Aemond stopped talking, kissing the digit instead. 

“Yes husband, I would love nothing more,” Your smile matched Aemond’s from before. 

“I would like to show it off–” He murmured against your finger, kissing it again. You moved your hand to his cheek, cupping it lovingly. This small moment of domestic bliss was needed, for the both of you. 

“Well then, go and fetch it, and I shall get to work,” With the excitement of a little boy, your husband retrieved his sword from the bed, unsheathing it, placing it on the desk in front of you. The previous painting moved to the windowsill, to dry. Aemond pulled up a chair, sitting beside you. 

He rested his elbow on the corner of the table, chin in palm. The only free spot on the table, not littered with paints and brushes. You began to work, and he watched you, with nothing but love and admiration in his eye. He could sit here, happily, forever, watching you work, with the setting sun twinkling on the ocean water outside of the windows. Your delicate hands painted the hard metal of his sword. He would let you paint the whole damn keep if it made you happy. And now, with the conqueror's crown resting upon his brow, maybe he would –

Tag List:

@helaenaluvr  @anukulee   @stuckinaf4nfiction

@darylandbethfanforever9

[moonlight-records]

Light Show Surprise | LS2 (HAC #2)

pairing: ls2 x reader

summary: your favorite activity during the holiday season is to go look at the holiday lights. thankfully, Logan knows just what to do.

warning: fluff!

fc: none!

wc: 913

a/n: day 2 of moonlight records holiday advent calendar!

day 1 | current day | day 3

The holiday season can truly be a fun but overwhelming time for people with how much they can do. From ice skating to s’mores making and even movie marathons. Some people prefer to shop or explore. Your favorite part of the holiday season was the light shows. It was the least overwhelming thing. Being able to just go around and look at all the beautiful lights and see how people decorate. Especially light shows.

Like last year when you went to the Jones Beach light show in New York. You were visiting friends and you all had decided at the last minute to go see the light show. The five of you packed into the car and headed down to the beach, getting a bit lost but eventually found the line of cars and booths to pay, which you all laughed about because it was right there how you guys missed it, you don’t know. You pay per vehicle and slowly drive through seeing all the different designs. Some highlights you saw last year were Barbie, dinosaurs, Santa, and some animals through your drive.

Then halfway through you can stop and get out for the rest room and to see the snack area. They have popcorn, hot chocolate, churros, water and more. They have tables and thankfully it’s indoors so it’s warm. Outside they have a makeshift ice rink along with some bonfire stations for s’mores and a giant Christmas tree to take pictures which you and your friends took advantage of. Then you guys hopped back into the car, the sunroof opened (cause your friend insisted on sticking his head out like a dog) before it was over and you guys went off to Applebees for half apps and drinks.

It was a great night. You hope you can do it again sometime.

“Babe!”

“Coming!”

You finish applying your mascara and come downstairs. Logan is standing by the front door and breaks into a grin as you come over. Wrapping his arms around you, he gives you a quick kiss. “Ready to go?”

“Yep!”

“Do you have everything?”

Opening your bag you go through your checklist. “Phone, wallet, keys, portable charger, headphones and gum and since you won’t tell me where we’re going,” you tease, “I think I have everything for tonight.”

“I don’t think so. I think you’re forgetting this.” Logan holds up your coat and you laugh as you put it on. “Now we’re ready.” Pulling back, Logan takes your hand and leads you out.

The car ride is delightful. You get to control the aux and you switch between singing and yapping poor Logan’s ear off as he drives. Logan tells you to close your eyes about five minutes away from the surprise. You do and even cover your eyes with your hands as you start asking questions about the surprise. Logan just laughs and tells you that you’ll find out soon enough.

You keep your eyes covered when the car parks and Logan comes over to help you out of the car. You let Logan gently guide you as you can make out other people talking. It feels like forever when you two finally stop. “Okay,” Logan says, “open your eyes.”

You open your eyes and blinks to adjust for the change of lighting. You gasp softly seeing all the lights around St. Augustine that you can see while standing at the Bay front near Castillo De San Marcos. You turn to Logan, eyes wide in awe. “Logan.” You start, at a loss for words.

“Surprise!” Logan grins.

“Oh Logan, this is wonderful!” You start, “though why are we kind of far?”

“Well, that’s why.” Logan gestures to the red carriage coming forward. The carriage stops in front of you two and Logan quickly talks to the driver to confirm the carriage for them before he climbs in and offers his hand to you before pulling you up. You immediately sit, cuddling up to Logan’s side as you take in the carriage and notice the flowers decorating the back before the carriage starts with a slight jerk as you cuddle in a bit closer.

The carriage was a 30 minute ride. The carriage didn’t go over bridges and really focused on downtown but it gave you two the best view of the lights around St. Augustine. You happily ramble softly to Logan as you take in the sights of the lights. You glance at Logan from time to time, when he points out lights that you missed or any cute dogs he’s spotted on the tour, or just listens to you ramble with the warmest smile.

When the two of you arrive back at the Bayfront Logan helps you out of the carriage before tipping the driver. You wait for Logan before smiling as he takes your hand and starts leading you back towards the lights. “Oh Logan, this is amazing,” you gush as you lean into your boyfriend’s side, smiling up at him.

“Good! I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Logan kisses his forehead, “now come on, we have to snag some photos. I think I improved on my boyfriend's duty of taking photos.”

“You really want to make up for your horrible Thanksgiving post, don’t you?”

“Noooooo…” Logan glances at you and smiles sheepishly, “maybe.”

You can’t help but laugh and steal a kiss from Logan, “you’re so cute and you’re lucky I am feeling such festive joy that we can go take photos.”

Logan grins, “perfect.”

[ofmdrecaps]

10/05/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Matthew Maher's Birthdayl S2 Anniversary; David Jenkins; Rhys Darby; Samba Schutte: BTS; S2 Anniversary Fan tributes!; Stats & Trends; Truly Docked Events; OFMD Buys Boats - The Raffle News; Love Notes;

== Matthew Maher's Birthday! ==

Happy birthday to our fabulous Pete!! Happy birthday Matthew! We hope it is absolutely amazing!! Thank you to @adoptourcrew for spotlighting his b-day!

Check out their dedication video!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Tumblr

== S2 Anniversary ==

Happy S2 anniversary yall! It's be been one year since s2 came out! So much activity has been going on!

= David Jenkins =

Pirate Dad, David Jenkins has been very VERY ACTIVE today!

He even was kind enough to respond to some fandom fun! Note: I removed the users name and handle since they went private (I can only assume cause of people being jerks). Pro Tip: If you don't like something, don't be a dick about it. - David Jenkins

Annnnd Chaos Dad answered our friend @thought-balloon!!

Source: David Jenkins Twitter

= Samba Schutte =

Samba joined in the fun by giving us NEW BTS!!!

Source: Samba Schutte's Instagram

= Adopt Our Crew =

Our friends at Adopt Our Crew sent a lovely message in honor of the anniversary <3

Source: Adopt Our Crew Instagram

== S2 Anniversary Fan Spotlight ==

So many fans brought out some beautiful dedications for us as well!

= Emcolbs =

The lovely @emcolbs made such an absolutely stunning tribute to OFMD, Stede and Ed becoming mateys! Excuse me while I cry like a baby. You can get a copy of this for free to print out on em's Ko-Fi! Visit em on her various socials! Instagram / Tumblr / InPrint

Source: Emcolbs Twitter

= Illustory Art =

Our darling friend @illustoryart made this delightfully detailed and colorful tribute to OFMD for the S2 Anniversary! I can never get over the unique and adorable style of their art! Check Illustory art out on Twitter / Instagram!

Source: Illustory Art Twitter / Instagram

= Moss Groves =

Look at this brilliant dedication done by our so very talented @mossgroves! Their likenesses for Stede and Ed are second to none, and always bring such light and love to these two <3 Visit Moss Groves Linktr.ee for more of her exquisite work!

Source: MossGroves Twitter

= Ram Ranch =

Our fantastic friend Ram, has really knocked this tribute to OFMD out of the park. His work is always so stunningly lit, and detailed and seeing our boys as mateys makes me tear up just like Ed <3 Look at those butterflies! Please check out his other work on Twitter and Instagram!

Source: Ram Ranch Twitter

= Lumillys =

Another adorable and so incredibly creative dedication to OFMD was done by the dazzling @lumiilys! Check out this incredibly inventive pop up book Ollie made! You can check out his work on his various socials: Twitter / Tumblr / Instagram

Source: Lumiily's twitter 

= Jaskierx =

This sweet dedication to our show really hit me hard today so thank you Lyse <3 You always know exactly what to say.

Source: Jaskierx Tumblr

= A Muse of Fyre =

And another lovely tribute to S2 by our friend @amuseoffyre and their insanely awesome muppet Ed and Stede!

Source: Amuseoffyre's Twitter

Obviously there were so many lovely dedications! I just wanted to highlight some that really caught my eye and was able to get permission to share!!

== Stats & Trends ==

Our friends over at Never Left Podcast was kind enough to share that OFMD is still the 9th most popular show on max for the s2 Anniversary!

Source: Never Left Podcast Twitter

Also, our dear crewmate Lucy was able to catch #OurFlagMeansDeath trending for the S2 Anniversary!

Source: Lucy aka Butterscup95 on Twitter

== Truly Docked Events ==

Our friends over at Truly Dock Gatherings & Events have another event coming up on January 24, 2026! This time in St. Augustine, Florida!

"We are chartering a private sail which will include dinner, a pirate battle, and more! More details on the ticket page!"

Tickets: https://truly-docked-ofmd.ticketleap.com/truly-docked-2026/

Discord: https://discord.gg/b9Sv5u96uF

Source: TrulyDockedOFMD Instagram

== OFMD Buys Boats - The Raffle ==

More updates! Interested in the raffle? More info below!

Linktr.ee

Instagram

Twitter

Reddit

Tumblr

Facebook

You can sign up for email updates here!

Or Email them at ofmd.buys.boats@gmail.com!

Source: OFMD Buys Boats Facebook

Source: OFMD Buys Boats Facebook

== Love Notes ==

Hey lovelies! First of all! Happy S2 Anniversary!

I know this is a day late, sorry about that! There's been a lot of chatter over some of the things that David said yesterday-- some folks took it as OFMD was not getting an s3, some people took it as still quite hopeful! I gotta say, I'm loving how much it's given us all something to focus on again. We get to celebrate OFMD-- we get to speculate. I realize it's not a "hey s3 is happening!" but it's hopeful, and what is life without hope? It's kraken era, it's gravy basket, and HOPE is what pulls us OUT of those places! So go out and clown/honk and celebrate if you want to! Take every tweet from David as a good thing! If you don't want to-- that's okay too! But with so many months of "hey we've reached the end of the road" looming over us, it feels like a good thing to think there's going to "most if not all of us would do it again in a heartbeat". This fandom wears hope well, at least I think so. Alright, I'm already late so I'm gonna shush. I hope you all had a lovely anniversary, and the beginning of this week treats you with nothing but kindness lovelies. Take care of yourselves <3

[gentlebeardsbarngrill]

01/01-04/2025 Daily OFMD Recaps

TLDR; Happy Belated Birthday Ruibo!; David Jankins; Rhys Darby; Taika Waititi; Con O'Neill; Samson Kayo; Vico Ortiz; Madeleine Sami; Articles; Fan Spotlight: Never Left Podcast; Truly Docked 2026; Love Notes; Hey Lovelies! I am very behind because I'm back to being sick with whatever is causing this stomach pain! SInce I wanted to be caught up on the recaps for the anniversary of the cancellation (JUST IN CASE)... I may leave some stuff out and catch up on them later.

= Happy Birthday Ruibo (1/1)! =

So many (belated) birthday wishes to our beloved Pirate Queen! We love you dear, thank you for all your kindness and positivity over the past year~

Source: Ruibo's Instagram = David Jenkins =

"2025 might just be a great year too 🥰💜🦄"

Source: David's Instagram

Our friends over at Never Left Podcast pointed out that David did a similar picture back in 2024 before the first cancellation announcement...

Source: Never Left Podcast Twitter

And our dear @adoptourcrew pointed out the lyrics on the instagram post were also appropriate...

Source: Adopt Our Crew's bsky

= Rhys Darby =

Rhys and family are still out in Aotearoa!

Source: Rosie's IG

= Taika Waititi =

Taika had a great time during the holidays back in Aotearoa and made a Hangi for Christmas!

Source: Taika's Instagram Stories and Posts / Rita's Instagram Stories / Not Late Late Instagram / lfizzlphillips on Instagram

= Con O'Neill =

More images of Con from Rogue Heroes Season 2!

Source: The Artist Partnership Instagram

= Samson Kayo =

Compilation of Sampson's year 2024!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Samson Kayo (@samsonkayo)

Source: Samson's Instagram

= Madeleine Sami =

More wrapped pictures from Deadloch S2 Cast!

Source: Life With Emerson and Oliver Instagram

= Vico Ortiz =

CW: Adult Themes - More previews of Today in Gay! Wanna support them? Join the Today in Gay Substack!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vico Ortiz (@puertoricaninja)

Source: Vico's Instagram

== Articles ==

As always! @adoptourcrew keeping us up to date on articles mentioning the show!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Bsky

Source: Adopt Our Crew Bsky

Source: Adopt Our Crew Bsky

== Fan Spotlight ==

= Never Left Podcast =

New episode of Never Left is available now! This time it's Part 2 of Art! Check it out on their linktr.ee!

Source: Never Left Podcast Instagram

= Truly Docked 2026 =

There's a new Truly Docked planned for JANUARY 24, 2026 in St. Augustine, FL! This is an in person Pirate event! To get tickets or learn more visit Truly Docked OFMD

Source: Truly Docked's Instagram

== Love Notes ==

In the essence of time-- I am sending just a few love notes on this recap from other folks so I can try to finish the next one in time for the 9th! Love you crew!

Source: Stay Close To Yourself Instagram

[great-and-small]

Hey, I'm about 40 mins west of St. Augustine... is the Alligator Farm worth seeing with my young adult kids? Thanks for any input you have:)

Absolutely huge yes! The Alligator farm is legitimately one of my favorite places to visit and I think anyone could enjoy a day there. It’s a little unique as a zoo because there is much more focus on reptiles and birds than on mammals (though they have mammals too!). If your kids have even a whisper of interest in crocodilians and birds they will be in total heaven. The AF rookery is probably the best place in Florida to see nesting spoonbills so a visit during the spring and early summer is a must if you have any bird enthusiasts in the mix.

I can also personally attest to the high quality of care provided to animals at this facility. I did some field work there in vet school and was constantly blown away by the individualized care for even their tiniest of critters. The Alligator Farm was also the first zoo in the United States to get a perfect score from the AZA- which is an amazing accomplishment! You can be confident that the animals you’re visiting are in really great hands, which means a lot.

If you get a chance to go I’d recommend catching one of the feedings with their saltie Maximo, he’s an amazing animal.

[windermeresimblr]

Alasdair's Adventures In Jefferson, Part 1

Dear Everyone…

We have arrived in Jefferson safely, and you would not believe how blisteringly hot and humid it is. The hotel we are staying at is an original from the French and Spanish period, and I think Uncle Jon would die over the state of preservation. And then Uncle Richard would die over the bougainvillea, which have made some of the upper galleries a bit rickety. (Don't worry, ours is perfectly safe, though I'm not about to dance a jig on it.)

With the exception of mod cons for the plumbing and some hurricane-proofing, according to the brochure at the desk, it is close to the original. This includes some odd markings on the floor, which I have decided not to ask about in case there's some distressing story behind it.

The little building next door is supposed to have been a voudou priestess' home, if you can believe that!

Wee Lassie, for her part, is very excited about the balcony, and enjoyed staring at the passerby through it while we relaxed yesterday evening, and today while I had breakfast (hot chocolate and orange marmalade that the proprietor's sister makes, which is astonishingly good; if the jars wouldn't break on the trip back, I would bring some).

It's as if Lassie's at the zoo.

I have been told there are ghosts, but neither Wee Lassie nor myself have seen them. The brochure lists several, whose stories are all quite tragic, especially Marie-Josephe, the poor wee girl who died when the entire town was under quarantine for breakbone fever in the nineteenth century.

(Yes, Aunt Alice, I am taking my medication, and Wee Lassie hasn't been on alert at all.)

I have also been told that the nearby town of Owl Creek is a haven for witches and "rougarous" and other fantastic beings. I am sure this is all made up for tourists, because the town is not that old, but I think I shall steer clear as much as possible.

Yours, Alasdair and Wee Lassie

P.S. Tomorrow we are going on a visit to an alligator farm!

Credits And Explanatory Notes

I believe that while Alasdair certainly experiences time-travel, in a modern AU like this one, he may be more likely to have been diagnosed with a form of temporal lobe epilepsy. Hence the references to medication. Wee Lassie is both a cherished, spoiled companion and an ad-hoc seizure dog.

The "hotel" is by @murfeelee, and I added Rejal's bougainvillea myself. Owl Creek belongs to @moocha-muses, and the McCarric clan belongs to @danjaley. They are visiting the lovely town of Jefferson, by frankensonnet, which I think could also be used as an analogue of St. Augustine if I had enough time to make it so.

Almost all of the poses are by Danjaley, with the exception of some dog poses by pixelpfote and orangemittens. Alasdair's sleeping pose is by simpuritysims, edited by Danjaley.

Alasdair's casual wear is by @nectar-cellar, shokoninio, and peacemaker-ic, in @simlicious' and ktar's patterns. Marie-Josephe is wearing @procrasimnation's twisted Newsea Guajira, and her EA dress is also in simlicious patterns. Wee Lassie is simply too hot for clothes today. It's so hard to wear a fur coat all day long.

[choco4lottie]

Everyone should definitely visit St. Augustine, FL once in their life. An amazing place. ♡

[shipwreckedwithcaptainmarrow]

Sinking of the 1715 Treasure Fleet

On the 31st of July, 1715, the famous 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet, consisting of twelve treasure galleons, was nearly entirely destroyed by a hurricane off the coast of Spanish La Florida, around 2 a.m. near present day Vero Beach.

The vessels had been carrying over seven million pesos worth of gold and goods from Veracruz when the fleet went down, with two of the ships being lost to open ocean, while the others were crashed into the shallow shoreline up and down the Florida coastline.

(A depiction of the Urca de Lima, one of the vessels of the fleet, wrecked upon Florida shores in the series Black Sails)

The Nuestra Senora de la Carmen was laden with gold bars, doubloons, and silver. An equal amount of wealth was on board the Nuestra Senora del Rosario in 1,000 chests, and the Senora de la Concepcion (also known as Urca de Lima) carried hundreds of chests of coinage as well. The Nuestra Senora de la Regla carried 1,300 chests of nearly three million silver coins, gold coins, chests of uncut emeralds and pearls, and Chinese porcelain.

Over 1,000 sailors would perish from the hurricane, including General Don Juan Esteban de Ubilla, commander of the fleet. In total, eleven vessels went down.

About half of the fleet’s Spanish sailors would survive the incident, and would create a salvage camp upon what is now North Hutchinson Island, and began collecting what treasure they could while waiting for rescue. Aid in the form of food, clothes, and tools came from St. Augustine to the north, sending a relief expedition.

(Myself visiting the site of the 1715 Salvagers' Camp earlier this year)

However, news of what transpired spread fast, and many pirates in the Caribbean and along the American coast flocked to the site for the treasure that was ripe for the taking. First on the scene was English privateer Captain Henry Jennings, along with crewmate Charles Vane in the Bersheba, along with four other vessels.

Jennings had been granted a commission from the governor of Jamaica to “Execute all manner of acts of hostility against pyrates according to the Law of Arms” with instructions to harm no one other than pirates. However, after learning the location of the salvage camp, from a Spanish mail ship, they would ignore their commission's rules and instead lead a ground assault at the still struggling camp - the plunder of which would become Jenning’s call to piratical fame.

(Treasure from the plate fleet. These pieces in particular, amid other artifacts, were discovered by diver Christopher James. Note that while mostly what is pictured are artifacts from the 1715 fleet, the keys and padlocks are from a later date) Today, those visiting the site of the Salvagers' Camp will find the McLarty Treasure Museum, a small maritime museum dedicated to the 1715 fleet. Beyond the museum is a boardwalk through overgrown dunes and out to a lookout post overlooking the coastline with a helm, mast, and a plaque for the fleet.

(My photos of the helm and sight at the lookout station) My venture to the site earlier this year was a success, was well-received by those operating it and they may have me return at some point to do an educational program with them.

[blackfemmejeanvaljean]

new years resolution

do not threaten to commit suicide for an entire year (hopefully ever again

take one solo domestic trip to st. augustine or savannah as everyone frowns when I say I want to visit those places

see my sister (but not in savannah or st. augustine)

meet a friend for coffee twice a month (not everything has to be alcohol related)

go to more burlesque shows but only when I can tip well

new apartment uptwon, ceiling fans, close to public transportation and a coffee shop and a bar and a casual restaurant with a greenspace (balcony, courtyard, porch, etc) for under $1000

try to read one book a month and have regular reading sessions in beautiful places

make jello shots for mardi gras parades to share with friends and strangers

take more walks

manage money better

[pxrplebxtterfly]

Yes Father (1/2)

gifs belong to me

18+

Pairing: Sam Winchester’s alias Father Frehley x fem reader

Warnings: SMUT, (d)ubcon, priest kink?, innocence ruined kink?, mentions of God and religion, mentions of death and murder, handjob, fingering. (Sorry if I didn’t identify the warnings correctly. I tend to just write without thinking of what things are called.)

Summary: Two junior priests visit your church and you’re tasked with giving them a tour of the chapel. You take a liking to one and meet him later that night at the church.

Word count: 3.3k

Notes: This fic was written in a FIRST PERSON POV!!! This is the first part of a two-part fic about Sam’s alias Father Frehley. This first part takes place during season 1, episode 14: Nightmare. Anyways, thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoy!

❀𖤣𖥧𖡼⊱✿⊰𖡼𖥧𖤣❀

I’ve always been a believer. Always. I go to mass every Sunday and always help out where I’m needed.  

I have a myriad of jobs to do at the Church. Sometimes I hand out book bags for the kids to look through, or other weekends, the coffee and doughnuts for the parents, just devoting my time to the Church.

One Sunday, I’m handing out said coffee and doughnuts after the final service of the day, when two new priests walk into the lobby of the church. They’re dressed in black suits with white roman collars, marking their priesthood. 

They’re listening to Father Padrick; one of the priests at my church, and asking him questions. They follow him in through the doors and make their way closer to my little table.

They’re handsome. Probably the most handsome men I’ve ever seen in my life. I almost choke on my breath when I see them. One in particular is a mountain of a man; broad shoulders, chestnut hair, and misty hazel eyes. He looks pensive as Father Padrick speaks to him.

Approaching me, Father Padrick says, “Hi dearie, this is Father Simmons and Father Frehley”

The blonde one nods first, and then the brown haired one. His eyes stay on mine for a moment too long. 

“Gentlemen,” Father Padrick continues, “This is y/n. She goes to the university in town and volunteers here every Sunday.”

“Nice to meet you” I say timidly and stick out my hand to shake theirs. Father Frehley quickly grabs a hold of mine and squeezes it gently. His bear paw of a hand envelopes mine and the dry warmth sends a shiver down my spine.

“It’s always good to see fellow young people helping out the church” Father Frehley says to me, kind eyes making me smile.

“Fellow?” I ask him. He doesn’t necessarily look old at all, it’s mostly just his frame that makes me think so. 

He smiles and says, “Yes, I’m only twenty-three, still new to the parish”

Father Simmons must have seen my enchantment with Father Frehley and interrupts my thoughts saying, “I’m also new, and young, just for the record.” He chuckles awkwardly and I nod my head in slow agreement.

“Anyways, would you please take these two on a tour around the church?” Father Padrick asks.

“Of course, follow me” I say softly.

I walk in front of the men, leading them towards the large wooden doors that lead into the chapel. 

“So, have both of you come to join the clergy here?” I ask, dipping both my fingers in the small dish of holy water as I enter.

“Uhm no, we’re actually junior priests over at St. Augustine’s, however we were close with Father O’Malley and are in town for the weekend for his funeral” Father Frehley says mournfully.

When I hear him mention Father O’Malley I quickly turn around to watch them both make the sign of the cross. 

Father O’Malley was another priest at my church, who was murdered in a sadistic and bizarre way a week ago outside his home.

“Oh gosh, I didn’t even think to connect the dots. I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know him as well as I know Father Padrick, he mostly did services during the weekdays” I say and hang my head in sorrow.

“It’s okay, we just wanted to come take a look at where he devoted his time and talk to others that knew him” Father Simmons adds.

I nod, “I wish I could tell you all about him, but unfortunately I don’t know what to say, he was a very secluded man”

Father Frehley smiles warmly, understanding what I mean and continues, “Did Father O’Malley pick up any strange habits or behaviors recently?” 

“Not that I can think of. I’m sorry, was something wrong before his death?” I ask, wondering why such a strange question was asked at random.

“Well that’s what we’re trying to figure out” He responds. 

I hum and fidget with the hem of my cardigan as we make eye contact. Father Frehley licks his lips subconsciously and they glisten just like his eyes.

A rumble of heat echoes from my private parts and I look down at my shoes, struggling to figure out what that sensation was.

“Everything okay?” Father Frehley asks.

I shoot my head up and realize he’s closer to me now, leaning in with concern. “Oh yeah,” I laugh, “just feeling a little sick or something”

I don’t know why my heart has started to beat fast, or why my mouth is suddenly dry. Was I afraid of him? Did he excite me?

“Well, we’ll let you get home, but if you remember anything about Father O’Malley and his death, or you even just feel strange, call us, okay?” Father Frehley says.

I bite my lip as our fingers touch when he hands me a small card with his number on it. 

❀𖤣𖥧𖡼⊱✿⊰𖡼𖥧𖤣❀

I’m pacing back and forth in the living room of my small apartment, trying to calm the panic inside of me. My stomach is churning and my body racked with anxiety as images of Father O’Malley through my mind. The uncomfortable adrenaline from thinking about the death of a person I knew, was eating away at me.

I’m cursing at my own brain and decide to walk to the next block and pray at the church. 

I grab the keys to the church and head out.

I approach the doors of the building and stick the key in. I fidget with the key but realize that the doors are already unlocked. I open the door quietly, assuming it’s Father Padrick completing future sermon plans. 

As soon as I’m inside I realize the doors to the chapel are open and see the flickering of prayer candles lighting up the room. Dark shadows bounce off the walls and it’s eerily silent. 

I continue further into the chapel and see someone sitting on the steps of the altar. Moonlight shines through the ceiling of glass and windows of stained glass, to illuminate the brooding figure.

I squint and quickly recognize exactly who it is.

“Father Frehley?” I ask, and walk towards him. 

His head shoots up in surprise.

“How’d you get in here?” I continue.

His face beams as he recognizes it’s me. He sighs as I approach him. “Promise you won’t tell Father Padrick?”

“That depends on how you got in,” I say teasingly.

He scoffs with a grin, claps his hands together and says, “I picked the lock”

My eyes widen and a smile spreads across my face as I laugh about his entrance strategy. This giant of a priest, broke into a church and didn’t even seem to be repenting.

“You could have just asked me for a spare key” I grin.

“Oh yeah? And what are you doing here?” he asks.

I blush at his interest, “I just came here for a moment away from life’s anxieties” 

“Sounds like we both could use a break” 

I look down at him inquisitively. His eyes are sparkling up at me. I watch him stand up and take a step towards me.

My stomach flutters and that strange rush returns to my privates. I let in a sharp breath, shocked at the sensation.

“What do you mean?” I ask eyebrows furrowed in worry.

“I’ve just been stressed lately, and could use a stress reliever. You’d be surprised at how interesting and hectic my life is. All that chaos can really do a number on you, you know? Stress takes on all sorts of physical forms in your body” he elaborates. 

“Like what?” I ask and tilt my head, curious to see if he continues.

“Well, for instance, pain,” he pauses, looks at me and bites his lip. I can tell there’s thoughts and ideas brewing in his head. “I’m actually experiencing some pretty bad pain right now” he sighs.

“Where? What happened?” I immediately scan his body, looking for any signs of pain.

“Earlier today I was on a date, and my date had a job that she didn’t finish… Which has left me with a tremendous amount of tension and soreness” he says, and places his hand on his crotch.

My eyes go big yet again at the sight of a large bulge in his pants.

“A date? I thought priests weren’t allowed to date” I step back.

“I mean a date as friends silly,” he explains. 

“Oh, I see” I nod and feel stupid for jumping to conclusions. 

He squeezes the rod in his pants and closes his eyes for a second, as if he’s trying to imagine something.  

“Is that where it hurts?” 

“Yeah, it’s really sore and hurts real bad”

“Is there anything I can do to help Father?” 

He lets out a shaky breath when I say his title. His hand begins to rub over the bulge, back and forth. “There is something,” he says, “you could give me a special massage”

“Of course Father, anything to help” I say and reach for the bulge. He grabs my wrist before I’m able to place my hand on him.

“Hold on a sec, let me get comfortable” he whispers.

I nod, agreeingly; the perfect massage requires the perfect position. He leads me by the wrist to a pew in the first row and sits me down right next to him. 

As soon as we’re sat, I reach over and place my hand on his large bulge and rub my hand back and forth just like he was.

“I’ve never given anyone a special massage before, so will you tell me if I’m doing it right?” I ask, looking into his darkening eyes.

“Of course baby, let me pull my pants down so you can get a better grip” he says.

The pet name ‘baby’ sends another odd wave to my privates.

Father Frehley pulls his pants down and something large springs up.

“This is my cock baby, it hurts really bad. The only thing that’ll make me feel better is if you touch it” he begs into my ear.

I nod and he places his huge hand over mine, and brings it to what he calls his cock. 

“Yeah just like that” he praises, wrapping my hand around him. “Now move your hand up and down and don’t stop until I tell you to.”

I follow his instructions and begin to move my hand up and down. He’s moaning and huffing while he looks into my eyes, watching me work.

“Fuck honey, you’re making my dick feel so good” he seethes.

Before I can even think, he reaches for my face and kisses me. I know that kissing is wrong but I don’t pull back because I don’t want him to be mad at me for disobeying him, and because it makes my privates flutter again.

I continue to pump at his dick and his hips begin to thrust into my hand harder and faster, so I apply more pressure and quicken my pace. My hand and arm are sore but he hasn’t told me to stop so I continue. I just want to take his pain away.

As we kiss, his hands pull slightly at parts of my hair and push at parts of my face. One of his hands finds my neck and wraps around it gently. Warmth spreads through every vein in me.

His kisses become sloppy and his tongue is exploring my mouth. I traverse his mouth with my own tongue as well and the heat between us increases. His tongue circles mine, leaving me breathless. His moans become louder the faster I pump my hand. His cock is throbbing, and his hips are stuttering into my fist. 

With a sudden “Fuck” from his lips, I feel something warm splatter on my hand while I jerk at his dick. His whole body tenses and then relaxes with the release of the fluid. He wraps his hand around mine and slows my pumps, eventually making them come to a stop.

“Fuck baby, you’re amazing, look at what you did to me” he smiles intoxicatingly as his lips pull away from mine. 

“Did that- did that make you feel better?” I ask shyly. 

“So much better, you have no idea” he shakes his head and laughs.

His laugh and the weird warmth and sensations in my privates causes my hips to roll forward uncontrollably. 

“Sorry,” I apologize for the spasm.

“Oh don’t be sorry, is everything okay?” he asks, his face scrunched with worry.

“Well, I don’t know, I think so, but I feel funny,” I confess.

“Where?” he asks, and doesn’t break eye contact with me.

The funny feeling only increases, “Somewhere embarrassing?”

“Embarrassing? What do you mean?” he asks.

“Well, I’m not supposed to talk about it. It’s impolite and crude” 

“Oh, I see what you mean…” he smiles and nods, understandingly. “Does it feel all fluttery and hot?”

My face grows bright red, and I whisper, “How do you know that?”

He laughs softly and says, “I wasn’t always a priest”

I don’t really understand what he means but I bunch my hands into fists as I catch him biting his lip, and his eyes scanning down my body.

“It’s only growing worse isn’t it?” he asks.

I suck in a deep breath and nod.

“Do you want me to help you with it? I can make you feel all better” he breathes out so tenderly. 

He’s so close to me, for the first time I can really smell his cologne and hear his breathing.

“H-how? A special massage?” 

He nods; traces a finger up and down my arm as he asks, “Will you let me touch you?”

“You mean, down there, where it feels funny?” 

He nods again and looks like he’s about to devour me. I’m shocked at his request. Nobody has ever wanted to help me feel better by touching me. 

“And if I let you, it’ll make me feel better?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. If you let me, I can make you feel really good” his fingers ghosting my waist.

“Are you sure?” I whimper. The heat from his body and touch fuel the sensation in my privates.

“Mhm” he says and kisses me softly. 

Something in me ignites as he pulls me against him and slips his tongue in my mouth. His hands run up my back and hold the sides of my face as he plunges his tongue into my mouth. His kisses slow and he lets out a low moan as he pulls away.

“Sit on my lap” he commands.

I don’t question this for a second and immediately sit on his lap, my back pushing against his torso. He places his hands on my stomach and begins to run them up and down my torso. Father Frehley is right, this does feel good.

With caution, he moves his hands up to my breasts and I moan. I didn’t think that a touch on my chest could stir such a feeling in me.

“Let me help you baby” he coos against my neck. He begins to kiss, and suck, and lick at my neck, making me dizzy. His hands have somehow undone my bra and taken my sweater off. He's massaging my breasts, running his fingers over my nipples, tweaking them occasionally. I can’t help but whimper and moan from his touch. My hips begin to buck, like they have a mind of their own.

“God look at how needy you are” he groans into my neck.

His hands finally find my privates and he rubs his hand over my mound. My hips continue to move, grinding against his hand.

“How can someone so beautiful never have been touched?” he mumbles.

Continuing his kisses on my neck, he pulls my skirt up and rips my tights. I squeal from his impressive action and watch as his large fingers pull my panties to the side and touch my hole. 

“Fuck, you’re so fucking wet” he melts into my ear.

His fingers gather the slick that drips out of me and brings it up to the most sensitive part of my privates. 

I moan as he circles that spot slowly and he says “This is your clit. When I touch this, it makes you feel better doesn’t it?”

“Yes Father” I mumble, already addicted to whatever this feeling was.

Father Frehley groans at my obedience and applies more pressure. He’s skillfully rubbing at my clit and I feel a strange tightness increase in me. It’s like a balloon of pleasure slowly blowing up inside of me. 

As soon as it feels like it’s going to pop, he pulls his fingers off of me. My hips stutter in the air, aching at the loss. I whine at the stop of the sensation.

“Shhhhh, I know honey, you’re doing so well for me. But now I’m going to put my finger inside of you” he whispers.

He does exactly what he says. I feel one of his thick and long fingers slide into my hole. I immediately clench around it and moan from both pleasure and discomfort. 

“God you’re so fucking tight” he whines. I don’t even recognize he’s taken the lord’s name in vain.

He lets me take a second to adjust to his finger inside of me, but then begins to slowly drag it out and back in. Each time he plunges his finger back in, I moan. He begins to pick up the pace and also starts to move his finger while it’s inside of me, hitting a sweet spot against my walls. I feel a tear roll down my cheek as his finger curls and continuously brushes that sensitive spot. 

“Look at your tight, virgin cunt, trying to push my finger out,” he hisses.

His finger feels so good, prodding that perfect spot in me again and again and again and again. 

With time he adds another finger to me and picks up his pace. The palm of his hand rubs against what he calls my clit, and it feels so, so wonderful. His fingers are flicking back and forth in me, vibrating against that tart spot, making my eyes water.

“Fuck, you’re such a good girl, taking what I give to you. Want you to make a mess all over my hand baby” he moans.

His words kick my hips into action and I begin to grind up against his hand even more. 

With one hand pinching my nipple and the other slamming into me, the balloon of pleasure that had been building, bursts. A wave of fluttering and blinding sensations hits me and I’m thrown into a different universe. I think I see God and hear angels singing.

As the tide of this sensation goes out, I’m once again back in the church on Father Frehley's lap. His fingers have slowed and so have his kisses on my neck. 

“Look at the pretty mess you made” he whispers and slowly drags his long fingers out of me. I moan at feeling and at the sight of his glistening hand. 

He cups my mound gently and kisses me on the shoulder. He brings his fingers up to my mouth and says “Taste yourself sweetheart”

I obey and open my mouth to let his fingers slide in. I suck and taste the nectar I’ve made. With a pop, he takes his fingers out of my mouth and says “Good girl”

I lay in his lap just catching my breath, looking up through the glass ceiling at the stars, trying to rationalize what I just experienced. Almost as if he can read my mind he wraps his arms around me comfortingly, and kisses my shoulder gently. 

“You did so well baby” he whispers.

[jujurose222]

Today was the funeral. Yesterday my family went out to eat, to my grandparents favorite restaurant. I used to have to go every single Sunday night for family dinner with my cousins. This time was different though, my grandpa wasn’t there, it was weird but we were all laughing together and reminiscing. My cousins who live an hour away came down, and it was great seeing them. They don’t really know me now. I’m always the one who doesn’t go places, even when they visit. And they rarely visit anymore. So this time we were all forced to sit and talk. But I had the best time seeing them. We were all sitting there talking, after my other cousins left. Ellie and Ava. Love them to death, but that cannot talk about certain things, they start getting uncomfortable. So once they were gone, my sisters and other cousins started talking about the weirdest stuff. First the topic was swingers, and I said “well truly I just don’t think these people love each other. Also there’s a difference between loving someone, and being in love with someone.” My oldest cousin was so shocked, he was like, “Julia we need to sit down and have a conversation one day, oh my god.” And then he was like, “aren’t you supposed to be 6 what happened!?” It was making me happy, because I usually don’t say stuff. I stay quiet and watch because it’s so hard to get a word in.

Then I started talking to my other cousin. He’s a weirdo like me. We are the two weird ones in the family. He says it’s because we are “queer coded” and I was just like, well it’s true. Because we started talking about being gay, and I was just expressing how I think it’s silly to put limits on attraction, a completely illogical and unquantifiable phenomenon. I think it’s silly to say you’re one thing for absolutely sure I guess. It’s better to just be unlabeled basically in my opinion. And he was the only one agreeing with me. And then we started talking about authors and stuff, he’s becoming a teacher, and he loves to read just like me. I was telling him how I love Plato and non-canonical gospel. And he was like, “oh you would love St. Augustine’s work, he’s got a neo-platonic view of faith.” And he was saying how he finds gospel as the most intriguing work in the world. And I was like, YES! It’s just nice to know there’s someone in the family who could actually grasp what I talk about.

After we were talking about that my other cousin said, “okay, do you guys believe in God?” And we all got excited. My other cousin said, “yes. I immediately lose respect for people who think there’s no force higher than them, who is more intelligent and powerful.” I started laughing, pointed to my sister and said, “you’re about to lose respect for this one.” Then she said how she just takes things literal. And my other sister started defending her, saying “Josie doesn’t see things in her head guys.” And that immediately got me riled up, because me and my sister Josie argue about this topic LIKE NO FUCKING TOMORROW.

My cousin was like, “you don’t actually see the apple when you close your eyes.” I was like yes! And I started explaining why she thinks she doesn’t see it. It’s because she’s thinking it’s a literal 3d rendered image in her mind. But that’s not what seeing things is. To see the image of an apple in your mind is like this. At one point in your past, you have seen a physical 3d apple. It registered in your mind, you saw the shapes, curves, and shadows, even if you weren’t conscious of it, your subconscious remembers it. So when someone asks you in the present moment to visualize an apple. You are not LITERALLY seeing the apple, you are using your higher senses, Rudolf Steiner says we have 12. Think of the 6 senses but in the spiritual form, they are all rooted in feeling. So sight is a physical sense, but there’s a spiritual version of sight. It’s higher. This is what you are using when you “visualize” an apple. You are remembering the feeling you had in the past when you saw an apple. This feeling is being shared with the higher sense, and that sense is sharing the essence of a 3d apple with your conscious mind. So you cannot literally see the apple, but your soul is seeing the apple. And eventually through enough spiritual evolution, you could see through the lens of your soul, in a conscious way. But as average citizens, we use our spiritual sight in a more subconscious way. We see these images subconsciously without even realizing. And many of us think we can’t “visualize” because of it. It’s just not literal visualization, so we feel this disconnect.

I can visualize an apple with my eyes open, because I know I won’t physically see the apple. Many people expect to physically see it. ITS NOT PHYSICAL, ITS NOT LITERAL. It is not matter, it’s lighter energy, that’s why you have been told fantasy “doesn’t matter.” Those fantasies are not physical, but that doesn’t make them fake. Fantasy is rooted in feeling. You are using all your spiritual senses to experience fantasy. Memories of past soul experiences are what build the fantasy, they are the building blocks of fantasy. Think of this when craving astral travel. You have to understand how these senses work. As humans you know the first 5 senses, some know the sixth. Astral travel involves the last 6, and those are all rooted in feeling. This is why feeling and fantasy is such a sticky spot, because it can go wrong very quickly, if you are not wise enough.

When I used to try and astral project, I took it all literally. But it’s enigmatic, requires faith, and does not make sense logically. It requires deep knowing. A deep ability to use your higher senses to understand symbolism. Because the symbolism is what weaves the pattern that is your dreams. If you want access to the Dreamtime, you must recognize that your soul does have senses, just as your body. But the soul is different, the soul is up in the air, the soul cannot be defined by a text book. So these senses your soul uses for travel, are the same way. You have to get used to understanding when these senses are subconsciously in use, because they are being used by your soul, every minute of everyday.

The other day I had a graphic dream about somebody. I woke up with a taste in my mouth. I was absolutely shocked, because it was not actually a real taste. It was the essence of a taste that I experienced in my past. My soul tasted it, and communicated it with my conscious mind. So I was consciously aware of a taste that belonged to my fantasy, to my dreams in the am. It was a FANTASTIC dream by the way.

Anyway I don’t know, that conversation with my cousins just made me realize all this about our senses.

Feelings would fit into the sixth sense, empathy. This is the bridge to the other 6. In the higher realm, feelings of sadness are welcomed with more ease, your soul allows it to flow, while our bodies resist it. The soul finds the beauty in the sadness, the body is usually scared of the sadness. If you want to astral travel you cannot have fear of darkness, because the darkness is prominent in the astral realm, it doesn’t go away. It is just reconciled there. To actually astral travel, you must be okay with experiencing “dark” feelings in the higher sense, meaning a wise sense. This is much different that experiencing dark feelings in the human body. This is where many get stuck. You have to be okay with sadness in the physical realm before the idea of consistent astral travel is welcomed.

[chilly-weirdo-in-a-tomb]

So I found these notes in my drafts and I don’t know if there’s actually anything here or if I was just drunk:

Wake’s revenant showing up in HTN = visitations of the Virgin Mary

Visitations of Mary are often named “Our Lady of blank”

Wake’s niece is named Our Lady of Passion, but is John the Baptist within the Wake=Mary, Gideon=Jesus outline

The Virgin of the Passion or the Theotokos of the Passion is the name of a specific icon of Mary that was in the possession of the Order of St Augustine at one point

The icon is also associated with Mary’s epithet of Our Lady of Perpetual Help/Succor

[reeloflife]

St. Louis, Missouri

These were taken during my last visit to the now-abandoned Church of Saint Augustine, located within St. Louis.