#wealth & fitness

[yogadaily]

(via Pin by José Benito Refojos Bernárde on Yoga | Yoga photography, Yoga poses advanced, Yoga poses  || Curated with love by yogadaily)��

[theresattrpgforthat]

Almighty TATTRPGFT, I ask you what is a good fantasy ttrpg thats like a smidgen simpler than/tighter than dnd thats flexible and has individual character progression thats cool? (I am so damn tired of dnd and after I finish my lancer campaign I'm gonna try to run a fantasy thing thats about world hopping since my brain cant stick with just one world... I wanted to run OSR stuff but most of my players want to keep their characters longer than a couple sessions)

THEME: World-hopping Fantasy Games

Hello there, so I’ve got some world-hopping games for you that I consider all much simpler than D&D, although the way they cater to your players’ wants may vary. Now I’m personally biased towards Forged-in-the-Dark games if your characters want to hold onto their characters and explore all of their mechanical and narrative details, but I’m also hoping that folks will see this ask and suggest more fantasy games that give you cool character abilities - maybe you can even mesh some regular fantasy games with something else on this list!

Portal Rats, by Tore Nielsen.

Portal Rats is a stand-alone fantasy tabletop rpg, based on the Black Hack rules. 

There is an unlimited wealth of worlds out there. Some are embodiments of ideals, some the product of a god's fevered will, and some who seem to have congealed from pure potential. In Portal Rats you can visit all of them. 

The core mechanic of Portal Rats is a roll-below test, using a d20 against an attribute on your character sheet. You have six attributes that should remind your players of D&D, although the backgrounds of your characters are less about your race and more about what you did in the past. The rules of the game look to be pretty concise, with much of the 58-page book being different character options and character classes. You level up when you finish a mission or quest, which results in more hit points, and higher attributes.

This game is probably close to what you as a GM are looking for: it’s an OSR mindset, with very little that allows the players to hold onto their characters if a roll goes badly. That being said, if your players are attached to their characters, they might be able to bring out emotional and narrative elements regardless of the system. Therefore, even if you pick up something that is more similar to OSR, they’ll find ways to role-play.

Vergence, by Small Cool Games.

Within the multiverse are a few places of great power called Vergences. They are ruled by families bred for the ability to open portals between worlds.

You play a member of one of these empowered bloodlines. Your birthright gives you the capacity to travel across infinite dimensions and manipulate reality.

But you’ll need to deal with conflicts involving your own powerful and manipulative family, secret conspiracies, mystical enemies, moldering gods, terrifying monsters, ancient artifacts, and existential threats with the potential to affect all the worlds of the Umbra. And possibly your annoying little sister…

Vergence is a Forged-in-the-Dark game that really amps up your character’s powers and broadens the stakes to a cosmic scale. Vergence is a much looser interpretation of Blades, taking away much of the bookkeeping found in the vice and heat mechanics that punish typical Blades’ characters. You also level up as a group, rather than individually, which I understand might not be what your playgroup is looking for, but your characters are still uniquely powered individuals with special abilities.

1400 Planes, by Unknown Dungeon.

1400 Planes is lo-fi hi-fantasy. 

The multiverse roils with boundless existence. For many, the infinite planes of creation drift past at an immeasurable distance, their alien secrets perpetually out of reach. However those who break their mortal shackles and cross that liminal space, wander such exotic spheres on an eternal pilgrimage.

1400 Planes is a stand-alone table-top RPG. The rules are short and easy to learn and the whole game can fit on a single sheet of paper.  It can be played using just the rules provided, or combined with other entries in the 1400 series to expand the world and provide more character and game options.

24XX games feel very slim and small, but I think they can provide the base for something bigger that caters to your group. They can also be combined with other games that use the same rule-set very easily, which you could use to provide interesting level-ups for characters. 24XX games are also usually pretty cheap, so you’re not going to break the bank picking up a few to play around with.

Planedawn Orphans, by Sharkbomb Studios.

Set in the Planar City, a strange melting pot that connects the vast diversity of the multiverse. You all play Planar Orphans stranded in this city, your original home worlds destroyed, corrupted or lost. 

A mysterious Patron has brought you together, provided you with a base of operations and tasked you to complete a Planar Key. This key will let you create a new plane for you and your fellow refugees. Your quest will bring you to exotic places filled with strange creatures and bizarre phenomena.

This isn’t a game in itself - it’s a campaign framework - but it gives you the opportunity to cobble together a bunch of different games while still giving your players a structure upon which they can scaffold their character’s growth and personalities. I’m currently running this across a huge number of different games with a co-GM and my home group: so far we’ve played Household, The Wildsea, Sundered Isles, and The Great Soul Train Robbery!

Sig, City of Blades, by Genesis of Legend Publishing.

Sig is the nexus of the multiverse, where eternal planes and infinite primes meet. It’s a rough home for cutters and bashers, hungry for coin and glory. It’s a city of gods, demons, and stranger things which lurk. It’s a place where opposites meet, trading knives and kisses in equal measure.

The Silent Regent once ruled over the city with a bladed fist. Now her throne sits empty and the criminal factions battle for control. They dispatch crews of Freebooters, clever and bold, to further their schemes. This is where you come in.

In Sig: City of Blades, you will play the Freebooters in service to once of the mighty city factions. Your faction depends on you to perform vital missions to seize territory and coin from their rivals. This is a game about clever spies, renegade sorcerers and reckless smugglers. You are the best of the best and the worst of the worst.

If you are familiar with Planescape, I’ve heard that Sig: City of Blades gives off the same vibes, at least when it comes to setting. Rules-wise, it’s Forged in the Dark. It looks like in this game, the multiverse comes to you; as scoundrels in a city at the centre of these dimensions, there are plenty of ways for you to get rich in some kind of way that counts. If your group is up to play scoundrels and thieves, you might be interested in Sig: City of Blades.

Tiny Dungeon: Second Edition, by Gallant Knight Games.

Tiny Dungeon: Second Edition is powered by the TinyD6 engine, with streamlined mechanics that utilize only one to three single six-sided dice on every action, characters that can be written on a 3x5 notecard, and easy to understand and teach rules, Tiny Dungeon 2e is great for all groups, ages, and experience levels!

Tiny Dungeon feels like a very boiled-down version of a classic fantasy game; heritages that give you starting abilities, traits that are reminiscent of character classes, and a turn economy that structures combat to make sure everyone gets the same amount of time to do things. You use d6’s to roll, with 1d6 being the worst pool (rolling with a disadvantage) and 3d6 being the best (rolling with an ability or advantage). The game is meant to be mod-able, with optional rules and various micro-settings meant to get your inspiration flowing. The best part about so many different micro-settings that all use the same rules is that you can absolutely jump from one setting to another!

Fantasy Recommendations from The Past

Fantasy, With Tools

Echoes of D&D

Non-Western Fantasy

Non-Gritty Low Fantasy

Fuck Wizards of the Coast

I’d also ask myself if Slugblaster could be hacked to be about fantasy adventurers jumping into various dimensions, rather than teenagers hoverboarding across space and time. It certainly has plenty of pieces that allow your characters to dig into personal issues - the Trouble mechanic really lets you digest the kinds of things your character might have to neglect in order to go adventuring! You can read more about it in my Dimensional Travel recommendation post.

[bedazzlecunt]

Do you have any tips on how to look more slutty/dumb/bimbo-y? I feel like despite my best efforts I always end up looking too normie

okay so while i DO have actual tips on how to tweak your look (specifically clothes+makeup) to look more bimbo-esque, i wanna preface this with like two things. 1.) being a bimbo has just as much to do with your vibes/behavior as your fit n face and 2.) you can look like basically anything and still be a bimbo. this got so long so i'm putting it under a readmore

like, just like most ppl in the world, i actually have a wealth of hobbies and i like aesthetics other than the bimbo thing! i'm also very into cottagecore stuff, for example, and while i def have some cottagecore fits that are also very slutty, most of them are not that horny. i have still been identified as a bimbo, even in my house on the prairie ass dresses, because of my behavior. like, someone in jeans and a t-shirt who's giggly and flirty and outgoing and kinda dumb is going to read to other people as a bimbo more than somebody who's dressed like a total slut but is giving off 'stay away from me' vibes. and also like....i keep my hair buzzed and i shave my eyebrows off. i usually only wear makeup/a lot of makeup on the weekends (on the weekdays i'm either bare-faced or i'm just doing brows/mascara/maybe lips). even on days like that, i can still read as a bimbo to others! and to me! cos u can look however u want and be a bimbo as long as u fit the behaviors/etc. the bimboisms must live in ur heart, not just in ur tits. or something

that being said it IS just a lot of fun to dress up like a classic bimbo so i don't fault you! my look today was sooo classic bimbo. generally there's two things that i think are most important, and that's clothes n makeup. you can transform a pretty normie outfit to being totally bimbo-y with the right makeup, and you can make lowkey makeup look more bimboy with the right outfit. but! u can also just amp both up!

there are lotsa 'bimbo' makeup looks nowadays i think. there's the classic bright lips and blue eyeshadow thing, but nowadays i mostly see a more e-girl style kawaii sorta deal, which is what i prefer. this is also super variable! i find that you can do whatever you want with your eyes as long as your lashes and/or eyeliner are big n dramatic, but you GOTTA have overdrawn lips. bonus points if they're in a bright colour and glossed! a lotta the time when i wanna go bimbocore i forgot eyeshadow at all and just draw on a big wing, wear falsies, and overdraw my lips and its all good.

as for FITS. obviously the pink is a classic but i don't think it needs to be binding. you can be a goth bimbo if u want. when i;m trying to craft a bimbo-esque outfit, i usually try to expose at least 2 of the following body parts:

cleavage

underboob

midriff

ass (as in, what you could see under very short shorts or a miniskirt)

upper thigh

obviously this isn't a hard and fast rule, and you can construct an outfit that covers all of this and still look very slutty — a super-tight dress, for example — but it's a good start! so like, a miniskirt and crop top looks great cos you're exposing thigh, midriff and maybe even a lil ass! a minidress that shows off your cleavage, etc! obviously the weather can complicate this, but even in the winter i try to hit at least one of these.

and, obvi, there are other things you can do — i love wearing a blond wig when i wanna really commit to the vibes — but the right makeup, fit, and especially behavior will take you like sooooo far. and you can mix and match! makeup and vibes in a normal fit? still great! no makeup but you're still giggly and silly, go for it!

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for October 9, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 26:1 (KJV): 1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. Proverbs 26:1 (AMP): 1 Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a (self-confident) fool.

Thought for the Day

Honor bestowed upon a self-confident fool is not fitting, because when attention and honor are given to one who is already prideful, it only causes them to be more prideful and haughtier. Just as snow in summer will damage the plants, so praise and honor cause a prideful person to cause damage to others. Rain in harvest-time is also unfitting, as it prevents the farmer from being able to harvest his crops. Honor is fitting only for those who prove themselves worthy of it. What a travesty for an ungodly fool to be put on a par with heroes and leaders, simply because he has wealth or influence with people in power. In the book of Isaiah, we find a scripture that describes how a fool acts: "For the fool speaks folly and his mind plans iniquity: practicing profane ungodliness and speaking error concerning the LORD, leaving the craving of the hungry unsatisfied and causing the drink of the thirsty to fail" (Isaiah 32:6, AMP).

"The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts" (Psalm 10:2-4). Proud, self-confident people are consumed with accomplishing their own desires. We saw in Proverbs 19:29 and 21:11 that fools should be punished and that the simple may be warned not to do evil. Even if a fool is too stubborn to let his punishment turn him from wickedness, some of those who see him punished will turn away from doing evil.

As frost coming in summer would destroy crops, praise and honor coming on a fool hurts people. Honoring a fool increases his stubbornness and pride because it implies that we approve of his godlessness. Rather than help him to find the Lord, we help him harden his heart and thus share in his guilt. By praising a fool, we may also cause others to stumble. Sometimes it is costly not to do as the crowd does. Not giving honor to an ungodly fool may cost us a great deal in this world, but we need to choose the eternal riches of good character over earthly gain. We ought to be careful not to share in the guilt of a fool's sin or sow compromise in ourselves and cause others to stumble, for we all shall reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-8).

If we sow evil things, we shall also reap those things; however, we have a choice, and can sow good things. If we reach out to the poor and help others, God will send people to help us in our hour of need. If we are merciful to those who sin against us, God will be merciful to us when we fail Him. If we give to others and the work of the Lord, the Lord will cause our finances to be blessed. If we encourage others, others will encourage us when we need encouragement. If we humble ourselves, the Lord will lift us up, but if we brag and exalt our own selves, then we shall fall. We should ask God to help us remain humble and pray for those who walk in pride.

Prayer Devotional for the Day Dear Heavenly Father, I love You Lord and thank You for the many blessings You have bestowed upon me. Lord, I humble myself before You and ask You to forgive me for demonstrating any pride before men. I know that I could do nothing without You. You are the One who gives us life and breath, and health and well-being. Without Your touch on my life, I could not do the things that I do every day. Lord, I bless Your name and worship You! You are a mighty God. Reach out to all of Your children and help us, as we follow in the straight and narrow path of holiness. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. From: Steven P. Miller, @ParkermillerQ,gatekeeperwatchman. org TM ‎Founder and Administrator of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups Jacksonville, Florida USA, Tuesday, October 8, 2024, X … @ParkermillerQ, #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO.

[equestrianempire]

Notes from Kentucky Performance Products are available on Tuesday, September.

There are two points about this reel from Caribbean eventer Lydia Heywood that I really like. First of all, it’s a wonderful reminder that the season has begun, spring is (kind of ) over, and I’m only a few weeks away from attending the first worldwide of the English period. Next, though, makes a point that you might not be able to make unless you’re a skilled message readers. It also serves to highlight the value of excellent security equipment and the difficulties some riders may encounter in finding kit that works for them. Lydia’s healthy hair fits nicely and, more importantly, carefully into her Charles Owen JS1 Pro, but as she points out, it might not labor for all African models. However, it seems like she has something coming up for riders with healthy hair and safe looks, and she’s not alone in those who are trying to increase safe equestrian sport participation. If you’d like more details on the subject, check out this excellent library article from The New York Times and another from Noelle&nbsp, Floyd. Make sure to follow Chanel Robbins of The Helmet Queen to stay up with her progress in this area.

Events that are taking place now include The Celebration at Archer Spring Fling YEH and NEH, The University of New Hampshire Spring H. T., Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring H. T., and Horse Park of New Jersey Spring H. T.

Events Final Now: &nbsp, Galway Downs International H. T., &nbsp, The Celebration at TerraNova, Bouckaert Equestrian H. T., &nbsp, Jumping Branch Farm Spring H. T., and &nbsp, Morven Park Spring H. T.

Records from Around the World, Tuesday News &

In about a week, spring publicly begins, and in the interim, eventing seasons have largely all begun. Despite a spring of education, goal-setting, and planning, you will probably feel a little dirty if your first year of action is approaching quickly. But do n’t worry, because USEA and STRIDER have teamed up to provide you with a handy guide to making your first trip memorable, whether you’re booking a cross-country course or attending a school performance. Test out their advice below.

This day, I read this think-piece from a doctor with interest. Dr. Megan Pinfield has a wealth of experience working with clients on either part of the coach-student break, and her perspective on the extremely antagonistic social media environment is especially off-putting. Her insights into how dread responses can influence a person’s capacity to retain data are particularly intelligent and well worth reading for anyone who has ever been both the teacher or the learner. What she has to state is as follows.

We are experiencing a bit of a lack of qualified manufacturers when it comes to upper-level courses. The news of Ian Stark’s looming pensions and Captain Mark Phillips ‘ rampant role has simply served to highlight that problem, but this fascinating Horse&amp, Hound&nbsp investigation goes a step further to learn what’s being done to encourage new designers, the major challenges facing young designers, and more besides. Continue reading for more information.

Finally, if you have n’t given up on the proposed LA Olympics eventing format, read on. As we approach the end of one Paralympic period and the start of another, COTH spoke with David O’Connor to learn more about the proposal, what it might mean for our sport, why the Olympics are crucial to eventing, and what’s next in the pipeline.

Photo via Facebook’s Château de Versailles.

Sponsor Corner: We’ve got a sneak peak at the progress being made, and construction is also underway to create the huge infrastructure needed to house the future Paris Olympics ( July 26 through August 11 ). The 2024 Olympics are beginning to take shape, from stands to the Olympic Village. Check it out!

Watch This:

Elisa Wallace has a new mustache in her rates! Visit Zephyr’s first coaching:

[healthyorganicessentials]

What Makes Your Gut Flutter (in a Good Way!)

Picture this: a butterfly sanctuary inside your belly, but instead of wings, it's teeming with trillions of tiny microbes that control your mood, immunity, and even how your jeans fit. Crazy, right? These gut bugs, called your microbiome, are more than just freeloaders; they're like a rockin' orchestra influencing your health in major ways. So, what makes this butterfly sanctuary thrive or turn into a mosh pit? Let's break it down:

Food: The Culinary Conductor

What you eat dictates the music your gut plays. Sugary snacks and greasy grub are like off-key riffs, messing with the good bacteria and letting the bad ones steal the mic. But fear not, there's a whole choir of gut-friendly foods ready to rock:

Fiber Fiesta: Fruits, veggies, and whole grains are like fiber buffets for your good bacteria. Think leafy greens, berries, and whole-wheat bread as VIP passes to this gut party.

Probiotic Paradise: Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut are bursting with live bacteria, ready to join the good-guy chorus. It's like inviting rockstars to your gut band!

Prebiotic Playground: Onions, garlic, and Jerusalem artichokes are full of prebiotics, the indigestible fibers that feed your resident bacteria. Think of them as backstage catering, keeping the band fueled for their health-promoting tunes.

Lifestyle: The Harmony Conductor

Beyond the plate, there are other ways to keep your gut orchestra in tune:

Chill Vibes, Please: Chronic stress is like a bad DJ, throwing the whole show into chaos. Yoga, meditation, and nature walks can help turn down the volume and bring some chill back to your gut.

Snooze Button for the Win: Sleep deprivation is like forgetting to plug in the amps; your gut performance suffers. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep to let your bacteria recharge and belt out their best tunes.

Get Your Groove On: Exercise gets the digestive juices flowing and keeps the gut environment healthy. Think of it as a warm-up session for your inner rockstars.

The Discordant Notes:

Some things can turn your gut concert into a death metal mosh pit:

Antibiotic Apocalypse: These life-saving drugs can also wipe out good bacteria, leaving your gut feeling like a silent disco. Talk to your doctor about probiotics after taking antibiotics to get the band back together.

Smoke and Mirrors: Smoking and alcohol are like the roadies who trash the venue. They damage the gut lining and let the bad bacteria run wild. Quitting or reducing these habits can help get your gut show back on track.

Toxic Wasteland: Pesticides and heavy metals are like bad groupies, poisoning the whole music scene. Choosing organic produce and minimizing exposure to toxins can help protect your inner sanctuary.

Remember, your gut health is a complex symphony with many instruments. By eating gut-friendly foods, managing stress, prioritizing sleep, and incorporating healthy lifestyle habits, you can nurture a thriving musical ecosystem within, leading to a harmonious chorus of well-being.

Let's keep the conversation jamming! Share your tips, experiences, and favorite gut-friendly tunes in the comments below. Together, we can rock out for a healthier gut and a happier you!

Don't forget, happy gut, happy life! So crank up the volume on your inner orchestra and let the good vibes flow!

Take a proactive step towards nurturing your gut health and optimizing digestion by exploring the wealth of information here. This comprehensive category offers a treasure trove of insights, organic products, and practical tips dedicated to supporting a healthy gut. From nurturing recipes to expert advice, empower yourself with the tools to cultivate optimal digestive well-being. Don't miss out on this opportunity to prioritize your gut health—click the link now and immerse yourself in the world of gut and digestion essentials. Your journey towards a healthier, more balanced gut starts here. Visit now and embrace a lifestyle that fosters digestive wellness!

[topreviewin]

If you're looking⁤ for a great pair of headphones, you've‌ come to ⁤the right place. ⁢In this post, we'll be discussing the best wired‍ and wireless headphones for every budget. First‍ up, we have the OneOdio wired over-ear headphones. ⁢These are great ​for studio monitoring and mixing, and⁤ come with 50mm neodymium drivers for superb sound quality. They also‌ have a 1/4‌ to 3.5mm ‌jack, which ‌makes them compatible with ​a wide range of devices. Next, we have the ⁤AILIHEN​ C8 headphones. These are wired with microphone and volume ⁤control, and are foldable for easy transport. They're also lightweight and comfortable to ⁤wear, making them ideal for long listening sessions. Finally, we have the Sony WH-CH520 wireless⁢ headphones. These Bluetooth-enabled headphones are ‌on-ear ‍and have a built-in microphone, making‌ them perfect for hands-free use. They're ​also available in ‌a variety of colors to⁢ suit ​your ​style.Table of ContentsOneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Studio Monitor & Mixing DJ Stereo Headsets ‌with ‍50mm Neodymium Drivers ⁣and 1/4 to 3.5mm Jack ⁢for AMP ‍Computer Recording ⁤Podcast Keyboard Guitar‌ Laptop ⁢- BlackAILIHEN C8‌ Headphones Wired with Microphone and Volume Control ​Folding Lightweight Headset for⁢ Cellphones Tablets Chromebook Smartphones ⁣Laptop Computer‌ PC⁢ Mp3/4 (Black/Blue)Sony WH-CH520​ Wireless Headphones Bluetooth On-Ear Headset with Microphone,‌ Black ⁣NewElevate Your‌ LifestyleOneOdio ‌Wired Over Ear Headphones ⁣Studio Monitor & Mixing DJ Stereo⁣ Headsets with 50mm Neodymium Drivers ⁢and⁢ 1/4‍ to 3.5mm ‍Jack ​for⁤ AMP Computer⁢ Recording Podcast Keyboard‌ Guitar Laptop - BlackOneOdio has been in the audio⁢ product business for over ten⁤ years, and they bring that ​wealth ⁣of experience to​ their line of DJ‍ and monitor headphones. The 50 millimeter speaker​ unit drivers​ produce powerful bass and ​clear highs, while the⁤ neodymium magnets ⁢add to the overall sound quality. The self-adjusting headband and soft ear cushions provide lasting ​comfort,‍ even during long sessions. ​OneOdio's coiled cord stretches 9.8 feet, so you have plenty of room to move, and the standard-sized ⁢6.35mm⁢ and ⁣3.5mm plugs are both included and⁢ easily detachable. If you're looking for a great pair of headphones that ⁣will ⁤provide hours of comfortable listening, the ‌OneOdio Studio⁣ Monitor Headphones are ⁤a⁣ great⁣ choice.AILIHEN⁤ C8 Headphones Wired with ​Microphone and Volume Control Folding Lightweight Headset for ���Cellphones Tablets Chromebook Smartphones Laptop Computer PC Mp3/4 (Black/Blue)AILIHEN C8 Headphones are wired with a microphone and‍ have volume control. They are ⁤also ⁣lightweight and foldable, making ⁤them great for traveling. These headphones are compatible with ⁤many different devices,⁣ including cell phones, laptops, and MP3 players. They have a noise-isolating design‍ to help you focus on‌ your music. You can also adjust⁤ the ‌headband for a more comfortable fit. ‌The Climate neutral label by ClimatePartner certifies‍ that the carbon footprint of a⁤ product was⁢ calculated and all‍ associated emissions​ were offset. Additionally, ‍ClimatePartner encourages companies to set ambitious ⁣reduction targets and ⁢reduce their products' carbon footprints.Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones Bluetooth On-Ear Headset with Microphone, ⁢Black NewSony WH-CH520 Wireless⁤ Headphones⁢ Bluetooth On-Ear Headset with Microphone,⁢ Black – List‌ Price: $59.99 The⁢ Sony WH-CH520 is a great ⁢choice​ for those seeking good quality sound‍ in a relatively lightweight ⁤and comfortable design. These headphones are also customizable to your music preference with EQ Custom on the Sony | Headphones Connect App, and have great sound⁣ quality for streaming ‍music with high‌ quality sound through‌ DSEE. One quick note is that‍ despite being able to ‍switch between two devices at once, ⁢you can only connect to‍ one PC at a time.⁢ Elevate Your LifestyleThe best wired and ‍wireless headphones for every​ budget ⁤can be ​found in ‍this⁢ blog post.

A variety of products are compared‌ and evaluated, with a clear recommendation⁤ given for each. Whether looking for ⁤a⁤ pair of affordable Wired Over Ear⁤ Headphones or a lightweight Wireless Headset ⁤for⁤ on the go, this post has the perfect selection for ⁢you!

[winsoftech]

Embracing Digital Transformation in Wealth Management

Introduction to Wealth Management Evolution

Remember when managing wealth was all about heaping piles of paper on a desk and long hours of face-to-face consultations? Well, those days are taking a back seat, folks! Today, wealth management software is like that excellent new friend who knows all the tricks to make money management a breeze.

The Rise of Wealth Management Software

So, what's the big deal with this software jazz? Imagine having a personal assistant on the ball 24/7, helping you keep track of investments, market trends, and opportunities. That's wealth management software for you. It's not just a fad; it's the new norm for financial gurus who want to stay ahead of the game.

Navigating the World of Mutual Funds with Technology

And let's talk mutual funds. They're like the diverse crowd you meet at a concert—each with its vibe. But how do you keep up with their performance? Enter mutual fund software. It's your all-access pass to monitor and manage your fund portfolio, ensuring you're jamming to the right financial tunes.

Integrating Wealth Management Software in Financial Planning

Now, integrating this tech into financial planning is like adding a shot of espresso to your morning coffee—it just kicks things up a notch. It lets advisors offer tailor-made advice because, let's face it, when it comes to money, we all have our unique dance moves.

Security and Compliance in Wealth Management Solutions

The digital age is impressive and advanced, but it's also a wild west of data. The good news is modern wealth management software comes with a sheriff badge, ensuring your data's as secure as a bank vault.

Future-Proofing Your Finances with Advanced Software

Peering into the crystal ball, the future of finance is looking tech-tastic. With AI and machine learning, wealth management software is about to get even brighter. We're talking about software that not only tracks your wealth but predicts and adapts to market changes. Mind-blowing.

Enhanced Client Engagement Through Technology

But wait, there's more! The natural cherry on top is how this software revolutionizes client engagement. We're seeing a shift from one-size-fits-all advice to personalized, interactive experiences. Wealth management software isn't just a tool; it's a gateway to building more substantial, trust-based client relationships.

Agility and Scalability: The New Norm

In the fast-paced world of finance, being agile and scalable is the name of the game. The right wealth management software isn't just about managing your current assets; it's about having the flexibility to grow with your aspirations. That is the kind of optimum partner that helps you scale your journey. 

The Environmental Impact of Going Digital

Let's remember the green side of going digital. By reducing paper usage and streamlining processes, wealth management software is not only good for your wallet; it's also kind to Mother Earth. It's a win-win, where eco-friendliness meets cost-efficiency.

Conclusion 

In wrapping up, the financial landscape is shifting, and staying rooted in the old ways is like trying to text with a rotary phone. It's time to move forward, and Winsoft Technologies gets that. They're not about the buzzwords; they're about real solutions that bring a harmonious blend of technology and financial expertise to your fingertips. Check out Winsoft Technologies to see how they can amp up your economic game. Because let's face it, in the symphony of finance, you want to be hitting the high notes!

[handelplayssims]

Before we move into the next household, it’s time to talk about another purchase! I’ve managed to nab High School Years! This pack leapt up the list of packs-to-get with the playable high school. Naturally I’ve made a few adjustments to Copperdale.

Number 1 being getting a nicer high school. I nabbed Lilsimie’s and made some minor adjustments. Namely, I adore Frank the Flying Whomp Whomp and added his statues around the place! (Also some footballs and adjusting the door that’s faculty only) Now I do have another high schoool in mind...but that's for a collective Copperdale/alumini wealth thing!

Secondly, instead of the near starter lot, I added in a diner. I would have gone for something a bit more small-town themed but this is going to replace my diner in Newcrest. Now Newcrest’s restaurant can be even fancier! And have those experimental foods!

And the final lot, Little Falls Nook got a 71 thousand dollar home. It’s within the reach of established families but it’s still something Sims will have to work towards if they want to live there. Oh, and I also switched the rental home into a residential one as well. There really isn’t any lots per say that would really gain tourism much. I let Henford-on-Bagley slide because it’s super based on an area that has tourism as a lure but I don’t think Copperdale has such lures. No, I don’t count the amusement rides. Those are kinda like, a low level quality lure, only real good for locals and stuff. But enough about Copperdale! Let’s move onto our new household!

These two were a part of the Dream Home Decorator pre-release trailer footage. And I kinda thought they were a couple but no. They’re half-siblings. Out of the three in-homed DHD households, I’m moderately amused I’m getting not Patina, or her sister and her daughter, but these two. Anyway, the two are living in a fancy house sooooo, let’s see where their whims will take them!

Freddie is at the high class lounge in Del Sol Valley for some reason. -shrug- First whim is to purchase a chess table and second to bro hug a bro. Let’s head home first. Annnnd it is storming at Newcrest. Glorious. There’s a chess set at home so I set Freddie to ponder moves instead of purchasing one.

Now I have to slide into skills and such for ideas. Job ideas. Freddie has six in wellness and Autumn just has one in fitness. Hmm. Well I do have an idea for what to do with Freddie! Yoga Instructor and Massage Therapist! You can just take out the objects and use them all around for some extra money. ...we’ll see if I actually stick with it. Autumn’s aspiration is Mansion Baron which...ehhhh. Not a favorite. But it does make for a good idea to try out some of the teen aspirations from High School Years. Admired Icon sounds like a good start!

We’re heading to school with Autumn! I am UTTERLY pleased with how many teens I recognize around here. Do have quite a few of them around in my households! We got Alex Feng, adopted scion of the Feng family. Alexander Goth! Maria Caliente, Katrina’s daughter! Olivia Kim-Lewis! And Molly Prescott and Sidney Price and...that football dude! (He wasn’t in the promotional trailers so I don’t know his name off the top of my head) Alex Feng was doing the T-Pose challenge so let’s do that real quick, as it is a part of our aspiration before class begins. Today’s class is business class, which raises our charimsa skill. We’ll be there for an hour or so before lunch-time.

It is now lunch-time and I am UTTERLY AMPED to go and make some friends. Who do we talk to? Who do we talk to? Let’s go with Alex Feng, the person we T-posed with! Over lunch the two chat and Autumn makes her first friend! After lunch is the foreign language class today, which raises both Charisma and Selvadoradian Culture. (So obviously Span-imlish) Now what do I do with Autumn and after-school activities? Debating between joining the Drama Club and becoming a Simfluencer. Leaning towards the latter and so I shall pick it up! But for now, we’re heading home. She’s sleepy after all, and an afternoon nap is calling! So now we rotate over to Freddie. Still has his two whims so let’s find a bro to bro-hug. Using the clubs thing from Get Together, I can filter Sims by traits and...well, I’m suddenly sad again that we have lost Partihus. My favorite bros are gone! I have to go to the inferior bro-filled home. The Roomies. Sadness.

Anyway, I popped on over and did a round of socials. Found out Zoe Patel, J Huntington, Mitchel Kalani and Gavin Richards initial trait and career. Also set up my massage table and offered a massage to the household. Zoe asked but routing failed her so I instead gave her the most expensive massage I could! Anyway, hungry and sleepy so let’s drop by the nearby food stall and have a burg and then head home. Edited Autumn’s clothes since I realized she didn’t have a formal outfit set and Freddie’s sexuality is changed to only be attracted to men. This man is flamboyant as hell and that makes it obvious to make him queer. Autumn I don’t have any particularly strong feelings for at the moment though.

Neighborhood Watch!

Ami Yamazaki in the Yamazaki household has died. Ami was so angry she burst into flames and died.

[yogadaily]

(Like it? Buy Elation Ultra High Rise Tight | Athleta  || Curated with love by yogadaily) 

[amplivevip-blog]

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[gatekeeperwatchman]

Daily Devotional for December 21, 2022 Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living Devotional Scripture: Proverbs 31:8-9 (KJV):8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and needy.Proverbs 31:8-9 (AMP): 8 Open your mouth for the dumb (those unable to speak for themselves), for the rights of all who are left desolate and defenseless;9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and administer justice for the poor and needy. Thought for the DayVerses 8-9 - Having warned Lemuel of the habits a king must avoid, Bathsheba instructed him on the actions a king must take in judging his people righteously. He must speak for those unable to speak for themselves, defend the helpless, judge both the poor and the rich without prejudice, and carry out justice for the poor and needy. It was his responsibility to investigate both sides of a matter brought to him and to speak for those unable to present their side, judging without partiality. "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor" (Leviticus 19:15). We have seen that God's concern and love for the poor are expressed throughout Scripture. Psalm 140:12 states that God maintains their cause by raising people to help them. Old and New Testaments instruct us to help the poor and to deal fairly with all people; poor or rich. Doing so honors God. Failing to do this was part of the iniquity of Sodom and Gomorrah, whose people spent their wealth and free time on self-indulgence. "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good" (Ezekiel 16:49-50). This verse gives us a description of their iniquity which fits most wealthy countries, particularly America: pride; being full because of an abundance of food; being idle; failing to help the poor; haughtiness; and committing abominations. When a nation exercises oppression and robbery as a way of life and mistreats or ignores the poor and outsiders who need help, it will pay the penalty by reaping what it has sown."The people of the land have used oppression, exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out my indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the LORD GOD" (Ezekiel 22:29-31). If those in authority do what is right and defend the poor and speak out for those unable to speak for themselves, such as unborn children whose lives are being ended in abortion, they will help their people turn from wickedness so that they might be blessed instead of cursed. Prayer for the Day Dear heavenly Father, we are thankful that You are a compassionate God and a defender of the poor and needy. Lord, may we also be concerned about the struggles of the poor and reach out and help them. Thank You for blessing us with material blessings and may we reach out and bless those less fortunate than ourselves with my goods. Lord, we also want to share Jesus with those who are needy and poor, because when they know You, they will always have someone to call upon who will never fail them. They can find peace, love, and joy amid their circumstances and rise above their poverty and need because You will never forsake them. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

From: Steven P. Miller @ParkermillerQ CEO/ Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups Jacksonville, Florida., Duval County, USA. Instagram: steven_parker_miller_1956, Twitter: @GatekeeperWatchman1, @ParkermillerQ, Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/gatekeeperwatchman URL: linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-b1ab21259 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElderStevenMiller

GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller,#Eldermiller1981, facebook.com/ElderStevenMiller

[tiajae]

Episode 45 – The War on Health, Choice, and Common Sense pt.11 The Vibes of Truth In this episode, we take a look at the reality that no matter how much you want to change everything about yourself, society, indeed, the world, you will tend to end up being your parent.

[quirkwizard]

Among the Quirks you created, which ones would you attribute to each Greek god?

Quirks for Greek Gods, please

As there are dozens upon dozens of Greek gods throughout mythology, I'm going to be sticking to the Thirteen Olympians. Sorry Hestia. As for the ones I need to explain, Hades is considered a god of wealth, so his Quirk fits. I can't make a Quirk out of marriage or childbirth without being creepy, so I went with one of Hera's lesser known domains. Finally, Hermes is kind of the "god of everything else", so he's hard to pin down. I decided to go with one of his more famous domains, that being the god of thieves.

Zeus: "Amped Up" Poseidon: "Washout" Hades: "Coin Toss" Hera: "Star Swarm" Demeter: "Grow Up" Athena: "Library" Ares: "Full Arsenal" Hephaestus: "Forgery" Apollo: "Rising" Artemis: "Metallurgy" Dionysius: "Unfiltered" Hermes: "Pocket" Aphrodite: "Charmed"

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

September 21, 20216 hr ago

Tonight, the House of Representatives passed a funding bill that would both keep the government from shutting down and prevent a default on the U.S. debt. The vote was 220 to 211, with all Democrats voting in favor and all Republicans voting against.

There are two financial deadlines looming. One is the need for Congress to fund the government. In late December 2020, Congress passed a huge bill that, among other things, funded the government through September 30. The new fiscal year starts on October 1, and if the government is not funded, it will have to shut down, ending all federal activities that are not considered imperative. This year, such activities would include a wide range of programs enacted to combat the economic crisis sparked by the coronavirus pandemic.

The second deadline is lifting the debt ceiling. That’s the amount of money Congress authorizes the government to borrow. Beginning in 1939, rather than approving individual issues of debt, Congress gave the government more flexibility in borrowing by simply agreeing to an upper limit that included all the different financial instruments the government uses. The debt ceiling is not connected directly to any individual bill, and it is not an appropriation for any specific program. It enables the government to borrow money to pay for programs in bills already passed. If the debt ceiling is not raised when necessary, the government will default on its debts, creating a financial catastrophe.

There is a long history behind our national funding systems. Until now, the U.S. has always protected its debt. After the Civil War, Democrats were determined to destroy the strong federal government the Republicans had built to fight the Confederacy. They tried to change the terms under which people had invested in wartime national bonds. Horrified at what would undermine confidence in the survival of the Union, the Republicans protected the debt in the Fourteenth Amendment.

The fourth section of that amendment reads: “The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned.”

Former Confederates challenged the nation through financing once again, in 1879. In that year, in control of Congress for the first time since the Civil War, Democrats refused to pass appropriations bills unless those bills included their own policy priorities, especially the removal of the federal troops still in the South to protect black voting (it is a myth that federal troops left the South in 1877).

Republican leader and Union veteran James A. Garfield had fought the Confederates on the battlefields and recognized that destroying the government by starving it was no different from destroying it through arms. He urged President Rutherford B. Hayes to veto the Democrats’ appropriations bills, and Hayes did, five times. Democrats backed down, but not before voters turned against them. The next year, voters put Garfield into the White House.

In the modern era, shutdowns emerged as a policy tool after the 1974 Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act moved control over budgeting from the executive branch to Congress. Disagreements over funding in President Jimmy Carter’s term had little effect on the country, since government systems continued during them under the assumption that funding would eventually materialize. That changed in the early 1980s, when legal opinions said it was illegal to spend money that hadn’t been appropriated.

Beginning in the 1980s, government shutdowns became a tool of Republicans determined to cut taxes and dismantle the active government in place since 1933. In November 1981, President Ronald Reagan furloughed more than 240,000 federal workers in a fight with Congress over budget cuts, but full-fledged government shutdowns began in earnest after Republicans took control of the House of Representatives in 1995 for the first time since 1954.

Demanding steep budget cuts in Medicare, public health, the environment, and education, House Speaker Newt Gingrich refused to compromise with Democratic president Bill Clinton, who opposed the cuts. Without funding, the federal government shut down all non-essential activity for a total of 28 days between November 1995 and January 1996: National parks shut down, government contracts ceased to operate, applications for visas and passports went unanswered. The crisis pushed Clinton’s poll numbers higher than they had been since his election.

In 2013, the government shut down again from October 1 to October 17 as Republicans tried to defund the Affordable Care Act. It shut down yet again for its longest stretch in 2019, after then-president Donald Trump demanded $5.7 billion in funding for a border wall from a Congress controlled by his own party.

To avoid shutdowns, Congress can pass a funding bill or a continuing resolution to give themselves more time to pass such a funding bill. That is part of what is in the bill the House passed this evening: funding until December 3.

The other part of the House bill is a suspension of the debt ceiling until December 2022, after the midterm elections. Congress has raised the debt ceiling more than 100 times since it first went into effect: 18 times under Reagan, and most recently in 2019 under former president Trump, when Democrats joined Republicans in suspending the limit until 2021. In that time, Republicans added about $6.5 trillion to the debt through coronavirus spending and tax cuts.

Now, though, Republicans are refusing to support an increase in the debt ceiling, trying to force Democrats to separate the continuing resolution that funds the government from the higher debt ceiling.

What is at stake is the nature of the American government. Republican lawmakers begrudgingly passed social welfare legislation to address the pandemic in the months before the 2020 election, but they are still keen on dismantling a government that regulates business, provides a social safety net, and promotes infrastructure. Creating debt to cut taxes on corporations and the wealthiest Americans fits their belief that the economy and society are most efficient when successful men are able to run them as they see fit.  

Biden and the Democrats are trying to counter that worldview with their own belief that the country will work best when the government guarantees everyone equal access to resources and equality before the law. After forty years of the Republicans’ austerity, achieving that equality, including rebuilding crumbling infrastructure, will cost money. At the same time, Democrats do not want to assume full responsibility for increasing the debt ceiling when much of the debt it covers was created by Republicans during the Trump administration.

Right now, neither side is indicating it will back down. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who has voted to raise or suspend the debt ceiling 32 times in his career, including 3 times under Trump (who contributed about $7.8 trillion to today’s $28 trillion national debt), says he will not vote to suspend the debt ceiling and will try to hold his caucus against it. He says it’s the Democrats’ problem.

A default on the nation’s financial obligations has never happened before and would create an economic crisis echoing the destruction of the nation Garfield talked about in 1879. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says it “could trigger a spike in interest rates, a steep drop in stock prices and other financial turmoil. Our current economic recovery would reverse into recession, with billions of dollars of growth and millions of jobs lost.” Financial services firm Moody's Analytics warned that a default would cost up to 6 million jobs, create an unemployment rate of nearly 9% and wipe out $15 trillion in household wealth.

That Republicans are willing to risk yet another step that will make America look like a failed state is stunning.

But even if that’s not their ultimate goal, posturing and negotiations over finances are running out the congressional clock while the Democrats’ very popular signature issues—infrastructure and voting rights—languish.

—

Notes:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/debt-ceiling-limit-what-to-know/

​​https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/01/09/us/politics/longest-government-shutdown.html

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2021/09/21/government-shutdown-house-passes-funding-debt-ceiling-bill.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/09/20/white-house-debt-ceiling/

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/09/mcconnell-insists-he-wont-help-democrats-raise-debt-limit.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/09/21/debt-limit-republicans-default-mcconnell-cruz/

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[rovewritesit]

Angel Of My Dreams (Chapter 5) John Deacon x Reader Series

GIF: @johndeac​

Apologies for the delay! Work has been an absolute shit fest. The big show I’m on got canceled, but we still have to finish the season at some point so oof. Also, my boss is moving to Italy? Pray for my sanity, folks.

Series Summary: After reluctantly joining a band with your childhood best friends, you are thrust into oncoming stardom with no sea legs and an overwhelming sense of anxiety. But you just might find your way, thanks to some seasoned pros by your side. And the interest of one particular bassist.

This series is a work of fiction and is loosely inspired by real people and events. Absolutely no offense is meant to actual Queen or their families.

PART 1 - PART 2 - PART 3 - PART 4

Pairing: John Deacon x Reader

Chapter Warnings: Strong language. Feelings of anxiety. Angst (oooo!)

Chapter Notes: I've rewritten this chapter so many times that I don't even know what it is anymore. Angst is hard, my dudes! Why can't it all be flirty glances and quick banter?!

Song/Title Inspiration: Angel - Fleetwood Mac

Songs Mentioned:

Moonlight in Vermont - Frank Sinatra

Blues Run The Game - Jackson C. Frank

Taglist: @yourlocalmusicalprostitute @brianmays-hair @deacyblues @squishy-geckboye @hae-bee @aprilaady @theresalexis @uglipotata72829

- - - - - - -

September 1982 - The Music Inn, New York City

“Bri, get a load of all these fucking maracas!”

Brian makes his way over to where Roger is gazing at a massive wall adorned with shaker-filled shelves, dipping his head low to avoid the sea of guitars hanging from the ceiling above his long frame. 

Queen was back in New York for their first-ever appearance on Saturday Night Live. Finding time in between the intensive rehearsals during the week had been hard, but Freddie insisted they would make the time for his favorite New Yorkers. When the time was finally found, he, of course, was unavailable, off antiquing at some of Manhattan’s luxury spots but promised to meet up with the group later on. 

The Limbs managed to snag the other three men for a trip to the historic Music Inn. Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, the dingy treasure trove was located a stone’s throw away from the city’s most prominent folk clubs that boasted discovering the talents of Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel. 

You were quite confident that your newfound English friends would love it. Every visible space was stuffed or covered with an abundance of musical paraphernalia. So much so that you had been in the store dozens of times without ever finding out what color the walls were. Its layout was always changing to fit the ever-growing amount of items displayed, the familiar specks of dust that sparkled in the sunlight being the only constants.

“Hey, Jeff!” Steve calls out to the eccentric owner. “Where are these from?” 

The aging hippie shuffles over. “Mostly South America,” he explains in his usual gravelly drawl. “A customer brought back some new shekeres from West Africa last week that have a nice sound to them.” Jeff motions up the sprawling wall. Roger immediately grabs a few, testing the sounds out against the ones Steve is already playing with - the two of them like kids in a candy store.

Jeff had been a good friend to The Limbs since their early teen years, having let the group spend hours on end attempting to learn every exotic instrument they could get their hands on. Anyone who entered the shop could count on him as a spirit guide of sorts to a wealth of worldly music. And while The Limbs had kept their first album fairly plain in context, they were already itching, particularly Steve, to experiment on the next album. Whenever that would be.

Now that a few more of their singles were moderately successful hits, Columbia Records was focused on milking it for all that it was worth. The execs were currently setting up an extensive American tour of the Mid - West Coast part of the country, all the major cities they hadn’t hit on their first tour. 

“Y/N,” Jeff gestures for you to follow him, probably excited to show you a new find seeing as you were always eager and willing to give them a test run. You make your way down the staircase lined with large balalaikas to the musty lower level filled with various sound equipment and electronic instruments. 

“What on god’s green earth would you use that for?” you hear Rich’s deep voice implore. He rolls his eyes as Eddie moons over an ornately engraved mandolin.

“It worked for Rod Stewart, didn’t it? That mandolin solo in Maggie May shredded,” he retorts. “Plus, look how pretty she is!”

You watch your feet as you carefully maneuver around the amps and pedals haphazardly strewn around the floor, following Jeff to the back of the room - taking special care to step around John, who is crouched low looking over the wiring of a particularly grody-looking amp.

Upon entering the store, he had taken off on his own right away, immediately entranced by the sprawling selection all about him. But you had caught the worn, far-off look in his eyes when he greeted you with a short wave earlier. You try not to let the lack of attention bother you as you pass him without so much as a glance up. The heartfelt conversation you had the last time they were in town had rooted itself in your memory. Spilling your guts like you did that night wasn't a common occurrence for you- figuring you were already easy enough to read due to the panicked expression often etched onto your face. 

Why him? Even your bandmates weren’t privy to the babblings of your intimate thoughts. It couldn’t just be his boyish tooth-gap or the pleasing line of his straight nose. Maybe it was the confusing mix of nerves and comfort you felt whenever in his presence. It was unlike the persistent butterflies you were used to when around attractive humans. Feeling instead like a gentle humming that you somehow sensed everywhere at once.

You’re brought out of your swimming thoughts as Jeff clears his throat loudly to get your attention. You must’ve been staring blankly at the floor for quite a while. He gestures to a bulky item draped in a tarp, as you give him a small apologetic smile.

“Oh yes, very pretty,” you smirk at him.

He rolls his eyes as he attempts to sweep the tarp off in a dramatic reveal, but in reality, it gets stuck. The man scrambles to uncover it, and as soon as it peeks out, you gasp.

“A theremin!”

You gaze at the ordinary-looking wooden cabinet in awe. It must be old, seeing as they were mostly compact now.

“You haven’t had one in ages,” you marvel, locking eyes with Jeff.

“Which means it’s been a while since I’ve heard your ambient screeches plaguing these walls.”

Your finger points to him in protest. “Hey, I was getting better until you sold the last one on me!”

“Well, I didn’t see you making a bid for it,” he playfully shrugs.

“Let’s hear those screeches!” Eddie yells out. Rich claps his hands excitedly beside him. You poke your tongue out at them, but your eyes catch John’s, and you quickly close your mouth. Still crouched, he looks on with mild curiosity wrinkled on his brow. He lightly raises them at you in silent encouragement.

You slowly make your way behind the instrument as Jeff plugs it into the wall. Turning one of the knobs, it hums to life as you check the metal attachments protruding from the wood frame. It really is old. You have no idea how to even begin to calibrate it. Taking a deep breath, you timidly bring your hands up in position.

It lets out a high pitched wail that burns your ears from being so close, and you yank your hands away from the field of current. Eddie and Rich erupt into cheers while John slowly stands, moving a bit closer to see the mechanism properly.

Jeff lightly pushes you back towards it in a gentle coax. This time you slowly bring your curled hand a reasonable distance away from the pitch antenna, keeping your other low on the one for volume. Squeezing your eyes shut to focus on the tone, you slowly move until you find your starting note. It was all about sense memory and your ears to fill the gaps with nothing to physically touch. 

Uncurling your fingers, you begin the opening notes of Moonlight in Vermont - the one song you had somewhat taught yourself through hours of painstaking practice. You fumble a bit, eliciting a squeak or two while trying to remember the hand placements that produce the proper notes. While you might “play” many instruments, you were middling at many, master of none. You make it through the first verse before your head starts to pound from your jaw-clenched concentration.

“Fuck the mandolin, let’s get that for the next album!” you hear Rich tell Eddie.

“Ah, yes, you’ve heard Pet Sounds. Now prepare your ears for The Limb’s sophomore attempt, Ghost Sounds,” 

Their banter is drowned out as John chimes in. “How on earth did you learn that?” You meet his struck expression and shrug lightly.

“Don’t downplay it, Bun. It’s pretty fucking cool,” Rich assures you. “And her knowing ASL also helps,” he explains to John.

“Sign language?”

“Oh yeah, Y/N’s mom is deaf,” Eddie reveals bluntly. You shoot him a look.

“Sorry, hard of hearing,” he holds his hands out in defense.

John is silent for a moment as he mulls the information over, causing a speck of tension in the room.

“Your mother’s never heard you sing?” he asks incredulously as if he can’t possibly imagine it.

You give a small smile. “No, I guess she hasn’t. But I was in the car with her the first time I heard us on the radio. I turned the treble down and the bass all the way up and she bopped along to the beat pretty well.”

Rich chuckles lightly at the story. “She’s always been hoot, hasn’t she?”

You nod gently. “Aptly put. That’s how she describes herself as a matter of fact.”

John shoves his hands deep in his pockets as he takes a look around the room, his cheeks a light pink. You're unsure of why.

“I’m gonna head out for a quick smoke,” you decide, patting Jeff on the shoulder. “I know how you hate it.”

He gives your hand a light squeeze before you make your way upstairs, hoping to catch John’s eyes, but he avoids yours yet again. 

A pleasing blend of harmonies can be heard as you hit the landing. You peek your head around a large assortment of bongos to find Brian strumming a small acoustic on the other side of the store. Roger, Steve, and Lawrence all crammed around, the four of them singing a rendition of Blues Run the Game. 

Your heart warms at the sight, remembering the times when you and the boys would sit around a campfire and croon out the same sad tune. Eddie and Rich will be pissed they missed this. Steve notices your presence and silently ticks his head for you to come join. You hold up your pack of Marlborough’s in response to him before finally slipping out the front, trying your best to not jingle the adorned bells too much.

A cool breeze promptly passes through the knit of your sweater. It’s late September, and New York has begun to really cool off. You pull down the sleeves to cover your hands as you light your cigarette, wincing a bit on the first inhale. It was a leftover habit from your college days- scarcely used, only in social situations, or to get out of awkward ones.

Taking in the familiar street, you can’t help but giggle at the day you were having. To be showing Queen around your old hangout still felt absurd. No matter how genuinely they seemed to like the company of your band, you couldn’t fathom them wanting to spend the day with you all. Weren’t there bigger and better musicians in this city to be hanging out with? 

The sound of a lighter flicking to life comes from your left, and you turn. John leans against the faded wall as he takes a drag, his eyes trained on the dirty sidewalk. 

“I’m sorry, i- if I offended you with my comment about your mother,” he professes quietly. 

Your brows shoot up in confusion. “What?”

“We have a friend whose father is deaf. A lovely man. I shouldn’t have been so insensitive.” He sighs, finally turning to face you. “It’s just that the memory of hearing your voice for the first time isn’t something one can easily shake. I mean that in a way that- it’s just a shame really. For her to not be able to share in it when it’s something so...” he looks as if he’s racking his brain for an appropriate word. “Well, singular.”

You suck in a breath at his words. In all your years, you had never gotten that as a response to your mother’s disability. It was mostly a polite, “Oh, really? I’m so sorry to hear that.” His honesty and consideration for your feelings knock the present hum of your body up to 100. 

You flinch as gentle burning hits your fingers, and you look down at your forgotten cigarette, quickly flicking it to the ground before crushing it under your heel. John shifts his weight from side to side, never taking his eyes off of you while he waits for you to collect your thoughts.

“I write out my lyrics for her so she can read them as poems,” you state simply, smiling up at him. “Sometimes she makes up her own melodies and sings them around the house. It’s not the easiest on the ears, but she’s pretty inventive.” His eyes crinkle as he returns your grin - his first genuine one of the day.

“So she’s heard music before?”

“Oh yeah. She has nerve deafness, which didn’t start till her late twenties. She actually spent a lot of time around here when she was younger. Bitter End and The Gaslight are just a few blocks away.”

He hums lightly as he stares at you- like you’re a puzzle whose pieces are just beginning to fit together.

“Can you teach me something in sign language?”

Once again, your brows shoot up, shocked by his response. You blink a few times, trying to think of what to say. Going with the only thing that pops to mind, you sign out a phrase as he watches your hands intently.

“And what does that mean?”

You smirk, “You are a cheesy cow.”

“I’m sorry?” he laughs out.

You repeat it back slowly while signing along. “You. Are. A. Cheesy. Cow. It’s the first thing my mother taught me how to sign.”

He runs his hand over his jaw as he chuckles. “Rich was right. A hoot she must be.”

“I’m pretty shit, to be honest, and she read lips, so it’s mostly used for snide comments during extended family gatherings.”

You watch as he puts out his cigarette and carefully takes a step closer to you. “I’m assuming your colourful vocabulary extends to those instances as well.”

“Right you are.”

“Freddie will love that,” he snickers. “He always seems to collect vulgarities in other languages wherever we go.”

Your attention is torn away as a sleek black car rolls up to a stop at the curb. It’s out of place in the middle of the street filled with old and worn buildings, which can similarly describe the people who mill about.

“Speak of the Queen herself,” you laugh as a sunglass-clad Freddie steps onto the sidewalk.

“Oh, isn’t this quaint!” he exclaims, peering into the shop window. He straightens as he turns to you, hands-on-hips.

“Deacy. Thumper. Are we fans of freezing our tits off, or shall we go inside?”

You give John a small smile and push yourself off the wall, making your way over to Freddie, who immediately pulls you into a bone-crushing hug. The bells against the door ring out as you all enter the shop.

“Ah, Deacy,” Brian pokes his head out from one of the narrow aisles, still in a constant crouch to avoid the instruments above his head. “I was looking for you. Found these adorable teeny guitars I thought might be good to bring back for the kids. What do you think?”

“Kids?” you mumble to yourself as John makes his way over to inspect them.

“Brian has two, and John’s already up to 3. Maybe we should’ve nicknamed him Bunny.” Freddie laughs, nudging your arm. “You know… fucking like rabbits,” he expands due to your lack of chuckling.

He leans into your field of vision as he studies your statue-like expression, eyebrows knit in confusion. His eyes take in your ashen face and your lifeless expression. You weren’t even sure if you were breathing. When you lock your eyes with his, you know he understands from the sheer size of how big they become. He straightens up, glancing around quickly as if looking for something to put out a fire.

“Freddie!” Steven dances over, clicking a pair of castanets in his hands. “I wanted to show you thi-”

“So sorry, love, we can’t. Y/N promised to come to a fitting with me, and we’re already late," he announces loudly, pulling you by the arm and out the door before anyone can react.

- - - - - - -

You blankly stare at your reflection in the long mirror. Freddie had instructed his stylist to pull some outfits for you to parade around in as he tried on a bevy of metallic coats.

“You’re an idiot,” you tell the girl staring back at you.

Freddie sashays over, a shag jacket swaying with him as he places his hands on your shoulders, surveying the strappy dress you were currently squeezed into.

“Oh yes, this will do for the after-party,” he instructs.

“I’m not going.”

He heaves a deep sigh. “Darling, you already refused the ticket I got you for the show. You’re coming to the party,” he declares, turning away to look at more options.

“This isn’t really me…” you mumble, gesturing to the dress.

He regards you with a small smile. “Exactly. I say this with love, but you need a look, Y/N. Something that makes you feel unstoppable,” he gestures to his body as he twirls towards you. “Don’t you want to shock them?”

You chew your lip as you ponder that sentiment. Dawn usually just shoved you into whatever ensemble she had picked for you - leather jackets, monochromatic sets, tight jumpsuits. She kept hoping you’d find a style you fancied, but you had yet to find anything remotely likable under the lights of the stage.

“To be honest, I just want to be able to feel comfortable out there," you sigh. "But I can’t strut around in flashy outfits or conduct a whole crowd like you do." Huffing as you collapse onto one of the white couches around you. He perches beside you, throwing an arm around the back of the sofa.

“Then don’t,” he says simply.

You snort a response as you cross your arms over your chest.

“I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but have you tried showing them a bit more of yourself?”

“I can’t do that.”

He turns to you now, grabbing your attention with his eyes.

“And why not?” he questions.

You gaze down at your hands, which you’re now wringing together in your lap. “What if it’s nothing spectacular?” you whisper out the criticism that you'd drilled into your mind for the past year.

Freddie laughs lightly as he stands. “Let’s not start lying to ourselves, shall we?” He moves in front of you and kneels, now at eye level, making so you can’t look away.

“Sometimes people go to a concert for an escape. A big bloody show with dazzling lights and petite men galavanting around a stage in spandex tights,” he smiles. 

“But most of the time they just want to find a piece of themselves in it, don’t they? Commonality. They want to hear you, see you, and feel just a little less alone than we all know we are. I saw just a slice of it at your concert, and it was indeed something spectacular. So take that as you will.”

You’re not one to cry much, but your eyes soften as you take in the icon of a man in front of you. A man loved by millions, who was currently filling in as your personal rock n’ roll fairy godmother.

“You’re a fantastic person, you know that?” you tell him genuinely.

“Yes,” he quips as he gets to his feet. “Now, are we done scurrying around the real problem at hand?”

You sigh as you look away, firmly willing yourself not to break the dam of bottled emotions threatening to spill out. Why couldn't you just feel numb? It would be better than the wave of childish self-pity you found yourself in.

Freddie huffs at your reaction. “Oh, you brat. Sorry to tell you, but you’re an open book, my dear. And not one of those big pompous things Brian reads. A bloody children’s book. One filled with pictures.”

You're sure you’ve now bitten through the entire top layer of your lip as you contemplate how to even begin.

“I’m an idiot,” you shrug to yourself yet again.

“No,” he points a finger at you. “You’re decidedly not. Though I am curious as to how someone who’s as big of a fan as your friends say you are, missed out on that detail.”

“I’m not sure either. I mean, I listen to your albums and go to your show, but I guess I didn’t pour over the tabloids or press interviews or anything like that.”

Freddie nods along as he sifts through another rack of jackets, choosing an incredibly tight white leather number.

“I assumed you knew,” he answers while glancing at his reflection. “And I would say Deacy should know better, but he’s not quite himself at the moment.”

“What do you mean?” you press, suddenly much more interested in the conversation.

He turns to you, palms up in explanation. “It’s not that he wouldn’t normally be charmed by your shy presence and occasionally crass mouth… But I’m a bit worried he’s finding comfort in your smiles for the wrong reasons.”

“Huh?”

Sighing heavily as if debating if he should keep skirting around his words, he holds your gaze. “An impending divorce is crippling lonely, even if it is somewhat amicable.”

His mouth is brought into a pout as you suck in a sharp breath. 

Divorce. All your previous interactions play through your head from a different angle. Pity sneaks up on you as you remember John’s advice he’d given you. The concept of home is a funny thing. You scoff out loud at how your childlike crush had skewed your interpretation of your relationship with the man.

“I’m usually the one singing his praises,” Freddie muses, breaking you out of your inner monologue of resentment towards yourself. “But he seems more lost than usual at the moment.” 

He gently lifts your chin. “I don’t normally meddle in- well, actually I do. Just don’t want to see you get hurt, Bunny. Not when the world is soon to be at your feet.”

"I'm fine," you lie, gently brush away his gesture. "I barely even know the guy. I was just shocked to have my silly fascination with him interrupted. Stupid, really."

"Don't do that," he exhales. "Don't put it on yourself. You'd have to be blind to ignore the fact that he's quite taken with you."

"I'm fine," you repeat, making your way into the back to change out of the ridiculous dress that suddenly felt even tighter now.

Shutting the door slowly, you let out a deep breath. It's all good, you tell yourself. Of course you got caught up in the attention of a world-renown musician. Who wouldn't? It's nothing special. As Freddie said, he's not even acting like himself. Although you were indeed in true form- getting caught up by the slightest of interactions. Unconsciously playing them as a loop in your head. You can't help but cringe at your own escalation of the situation.

Squaring your shoulders, you take in the image of yourself in the dress again. Perhaps it was time for you to shock them all.

- - - - - - -

“And so my grandfather goes out to the alley and sees her just wailing on this scrawny man. I mean, really going to town. So he pulls her off him, and the dude’s got a black eye and a bloody nose. And he’s like, “Thanks mate, thought she was gonna kill me there.”

Roger ruffles your hair in response to your poor attempt at a British accent. The group of cast and crew around you chuckle at the gesture. 

You had decided that if you were going to be forcibly dragged to this after-party by your bandmates, you would at least aim to make it worthwhile. A debut of your new mentality.  One where you weren't just acting the part of a rising rock star, but living it. 

Which is why at the moment, you found yourself the center of attention, surrounded by the cast and crew of SNL laughing along to your amusing story. But this was all hinged on you carefully, avoiding the presence of John Deacon at all costs. Which, in reality, wasn't very hard to do- you had yet to see him since arriving an hour ago.

“Oh my god, who was it?!” the young cast member beside you presses. You think her name is Julia, but the sheer amount of people you'd been introduced to was dizzying.

"That's exactly what we asked him when he told us. All he said was that it was some man with big lips who was in a fur coat and looked like he hadn't eaten in a month..."

The cam op across from you gasps, "It was MICK JAGGER? God bless your grandfather, I would've wept if she murdered him."

"So would my mom AND grandmother," you laugh. "Give us each a glass of wine, and it's basically a Mick fan club."

"Who else?" Brian taps your leg, surprisingly urging you to divulge more gossip.

You can't help but smirk as the group leans forward intently.

"Robin Williams?" you tease as their eyebrows all raise.

"Horrible tipper, but he makes up for it by performing dirty puppet shows with the napkins."

"Sounds about right," funnyman Brad Hall confirms, offering you another drink.

You politely decline, determined to keep your wits about you this evening. "I'm gonna go grab some water. Anyone want anything?"

The group shakes their heads, but Lawrence jumps up to join you on your trek to the crowded bar.

"Wouldn't it be insane if this was us one day?" he exclaims as you weave your way through the mass of bodies littering the Capitol Grill. 

You smile up at him, "Dream big, buddy."

"Oh, I intend to," he confirms you as you spot Eddie and Rich waving you over from a spot at the bar. 

Rich promptly wraps his arm around your shoulders as you join them. He always had a stoic way of letting you know he saw through the cracks in your poorly constructed armor. Taking the role of a caring older brother, more so than your own.

"Have we lost Steve again?" Lawrence asks the group.

Eddie nods across the room. "He's exactly where you think he'd be," he scoffs as you catch a glimpse of Steve, trailing Freddie like a lost puppy.

"Um, excuse me?" a short girl mumbles from behind Eddies' denim-clad shoulder. He turns, glancing down.

"Hiya," he regards her casually, causing her a deep blush to creep across her cheeks. She shoves a napkin and pen at him.

"C-could I get an autograph? Please?"

Eddie smirks at her flustered appearance, making sure to brush her fingers as he grabs the items out of her trembling hand.

"And what beautiful name should I be making this out to?"

She lets out a jarring high pitched giggle as she stumbles over her words. "Oh, uh, Shelley."

"Well, here ya go, Shelley," he hands the napkin back to her, now adorned with his messy scrawl. "Maybe I'll see you later."

She squeaks as she hurries back to her shrieking friends who are huddled conspicuously off to the side.

"Gross," you state. "She's a child. Probably one of the executive's kids." 

He rolls his eyes dramatically. "Gotta keep em' interested, Bun. As the heartthrob of the group, it's my sworn duty."

"Slow your roll there, Rob Lowe," Rich interjects. "I think Y/N's giving you a run for your money in this dress."

You glance down at the Freddie approved ensemble. It was eye-catching for sure, precisely what you were going for. It's black suede straps crisscrossed strategically against your body, giving peaks of the skin underneath.

"It looks good, Bun," Rich assures you.

“Guys,” you all turn your attention to Steve, who has just joined the circle clumsily. His pupils are blown wide from his current blood alcohol content, and he sways slightly on his heels.

"I- I have something to say," he announces to the group, getting your attention. You all wait patiently as he hesitates, clearing his throat twice before lowering his voice. “I just wanted to tell you that I’m gay.”

You glance around to the other boys whose expressions mirror your own warm smile. You’d all known Steve was gay since high school, not that any of you had talked about it. You had just assumed it was something unspoken. That he’d tell you whenever he was ready or met someone good enough to introduce to you all.

Steve gapes at your expressions. "Where is the shock? I was expecting shock and awe, people!"

"Steve, please don’t take this the wrong way. But I’m assuming we’ve all known for a while," Rich says gently. You all nod lightly in agreement.

"How?"

"Do you remember the types of girls who used to throw themselves at you? Like Becky Whale? Man, I would’ve killed for Becky Whale to throw something at me. But you never took them up on it," Lawrence elaborates.

Steve smiles around at all of you, his shoulders visibly relaxing.

“I had a crush on Eddie in high school,” he confesses.

Eddie pumps his fist lightly. “Fuck yeah.”

“Oh, c’mon!” Lawrence exclaims. “You just had to boost that ego, didn’t ya? I know pretty boys are great and all, but I’m the one with the big soft cuddles. People love big soft cuddles!”

Rich expands his arms as he brings you all in for a hug. 

You kiss Steve gently on the cheek. “I’m proud of you, bud,” you whisper.

"Thank you guys, I just felt like it was time. And now that that's out of the way," Steve grunts as you all untangle yourselves. “I’m gonna go find Freddie. He said he’s taking me out to a club after this!”

He skips away with a grin, back towards Freddie, who catches your eye with a knowing smile and winks. It seems you weren’t the only band member who had found a fairy godmother in Mr. Mercury.

You all lightly laugh affectionately at your friend until Eddie and Lawrence wander off to scope out the food situation. You lean against the bar next to Rich, glancing around at the loud laughter erupting from the outgoing crowd. One person noticeably sticks out. A sullen John Deacon sits at the end of the bar, hunched over what looks like a glass of whiskey.

"Looks like he's in need of a friend," Rich surmises.

You tear your eyes away from the sorry sight to look at him. "They're around here somewhere," you shrug.

He rubs your arms up and down lightly before slinking into the crowd, knowingly leaving you alone. 

You sneak a peek over at John. He runs one hand through his curls as the other absentmindedly stirs the straw of his sweating drink. You watch him sigh, bringing the glass to his lips and gulping down the spirit without so much as a wince. 

Hesitantly making your way over to him, you rub your clammy hands over the expensive material of your dress. This is the opposite of avoidance, you scold yourself, silently willing your feet to change direction. But your willpower has seemingly left the building.

You carefully perch yourself on the stool next to his, as not to disturb his brooding. He glances over quickly, doing a double-take when he realizes who it is.

"Oh, hello there," he greets you with a small smile. "I didn't know you had arrived."

You nod your head lightly. "How could you? It seems you set up camp over here."

"Ah, yes," he breathes, straightening his posture. "Wasn't our best tonight, I'm afraid. Not much to celebrate."

You take a sip of your water as you continue to nod silently.

"Actually," he begins, angling his body towards yours, almost slipping off his stool as you notice his apparent intoxication. "I was thinking about that conversation we had. When I met your spritely grandfather."

"Oh?" you question. Keeping your face neutral even though your heart was already buzzing at the fact.

"Yes. Mostly about how naive I was—all that bloody nonsense about finding a home. Do me a favor and never take my advice, will you? You'll end up completely wrecking yours."

This was a bad idea.

"It's just- you draw these lines for yourself in the sand," he drawls, waving his hands about in front of him. "A stupid phrase, really. Where did it even come from?"

"The Bible," you tell him quietly.

He lets out a big sigh, rolling his head back to stare at the ceiling.

"Well, it's gotten it wrong before, hasn't it?"

You simply hum an acknowledgment, too scared to probe for fear of where this was going.

"Anyway, you draw these lines. Moral, physical, promises you make to yourself, things you swear you’d never do, dreams to accomplish," he lists out. "But sand moves about, dunnit? It blows all over the place. Makes a mess. Gets in your sandwich. And those lines blur. Or fade away. And all of a sudden, you've crossed them without even knowing! Broken those promises. Skipped right over those dreams."

He's too far gone in his rant to register the growing panic sweeping across your features.

"You were right. Sometimes you look in the mirror, and it's just a complete stranger staring back at you, isn't it?"

Trying to keep your breathing steady, you stare at the crumbling man before you. He runs his large hands along his face before ducking back into his former position, signaling for the bartender to bring him another drink.

This is precisely why you should've stuck to your original plan. What were you supposed to say to the man who was so obviously hurting from his failed marriage? So much so that it was pouring out of him. You know that if it weren't for the alcohol, he wouldn't be confiding any of this to you.

But there was a reason the boys called you the mom of the group, and it wasn't because you were the only female. You feel a pang of need to comfort him. You gaze at him, not with pity, but an overwhelming sense of empathy for the man and make up your mind.

You clear your throat to answer, brushing away your own warnings about how it would only sink you deeper into your fascination with him.

"I was wrong, actually," you start as he brings his head up to look at you. "And you know what phrase I hate? That people don't change."

He furrows his brow but remains silent as you continue.

"Maybe we're not made up of lines in the sand. Maybe we're the wind?" You try not to cringe at yourself and your poor use of metaphor. "And winds sometimes blow in different directions... but that's okay because it's where life is supposed to take them." Falling silent, you decide to quit while you’re ahead. 

You're not ahead. You're not even out of the gate. What the fuck was that?

A slow smile inches onto his face as he holds your stare. "How did you get so wise for someone your age," he teases.

"And what age would that be?"

His mouth opens and closes as he studies your face. "Twenty?"

"Mm, close. Twenty-four."

"Really?" he ponders. "Freddie mentioned you dropped out of university."

"Ah, yes. The university I could only go to after working to afford it," you explain. 

He continues to stare, the look in his eyes shifting slightly as he takes you in. A look that matches the color and intensity of uncharted, open water. You need to get out of here.

"Well, that explains your extraordinary use of analogy then."

Dragging your eyes off of his, you glance around at the party you were missing. Gladly missing, unfortunately. 

"I should go check on Steve. He's having a bit of a night," you tell him as you stand. "Try not to drown yourself in those," gesturing to the new glass of whiskey in front of him.

"How can I drown myself? I thought I was the wind," he points out with a grin.

Before any more banter can ensue, you simply smile and make your way back to your friends. Thinking to yourself that maybe lines in the sand weren't so bad. And that perhaps it was time for you to start drawing some of your own.