#weekly crab

[crabthequartz]

LOOK AT HIM ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[fishfindsbugs]

Weekly image compilation, for your viewing convenience (11/18/23-11/25/23)

[poisonheadcrabsalesman]

you can't drop a guy named Fred Johnson into your sci-fi setting and have all your characters say his name over and over

[hoybero]

ayy its crab tuesday

[photosbyjez]

Close-Ups at the Beach -- Macro Monday May 08 & CMMC

#Close-Ups at the Beach is my latest post for #Macro Monday May 08 & CMMC #photography

Hi all 👋 My latest post for Macro Monday 😃 & for CMMC: May Close-Up or Macro.

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - January 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles!

1. Landmark debt swap to protect Indonesia’s coral reefs

“The government of Indonesia announced this week a deal to redirect more than US$ 35 million it owes to the United States into the conservation of coral reefs in the most biodiverse ocean area on Earth.”

2. [FWS] Provides Over $1.3 Billion to Support Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Outdoor Access

“Through these combined funds, agencies have supported monitoring and management of over 500 species of wild mammals and birds, annual stocking of over 1 billion fish, operations of fish and wildlife disease laboratories around the country, and provided hunter and aquatic education to millions of students.”

3. Philippine Indigenous communities restore a mountain forest to prevent urban flooding

“Indigenous knowledge systems and practices are considered in the project design, and its leaders and members have been involved throughout the process, from agreeing to participate to identifying suitable land and selecting plant species that naturally grow in the area.”

4. Responsible Offshore Wind Development is a Clear Win for Birds, the U.S. Economy, and our Climate

“[T]he total feasible offshore wind capacity along U.S. coasts is more than three times the total electricity generated nationwide in 2023. […] Proven strategies, such as reducing visible lights on turbines and using perching deterrents on turbines, have been effective in addressing bird impacts.”

5. Illinois awards $100M for electric truck charging corridor, Tesla to get $40M

“The project will facilitate the construction of 345 electric truck charging ports and pull-through truck charging stalls across 14 sites throughout Illinois[…. E]lectrifying [the 30,000 daily long-haul] trucks would make a huge impact in the public health and quality of life along the heavily populated roadways.”

6. Reinventing the South Florida seawall to help marine life, buffer rising seas

“[The new seawall] features raised areas inspired by mangrove roots that are intended to both provide nooks and crannies for fish and crabs and other marine creatures and also better absorb some of the impact from waves and storm surges.”

7. Long Beach Commits to 100% All-Electric Garbage Trucks

“[Diesel garbage trucks] produce around a quarter of all diesel pollution in California and contribute to 1,400 premature deaths every year. Electric options, on the other hand, are quieter than their diesel counterparts and produce zero tailpipe emissions.”

8. ‘This Is a Victory': Biden Affirms ERA Has Been 'Ratified' and Law of the Land

“President Joe Biden on Friday announced his administration's official opinion that the amendment is ratified and its protections against sex-based discrimination are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.”

9. A Little-Known Clean Energy Solution Could Soon Reach ‘Liftoff’

“Ground source heat pumps could heat and cool the equivalent of 7 million homes by 2035—up from just over 1 million today[…. G]eothermal energy is generally considered to be more popular among Republicans than other forms of clean energy, such as wind and solar.”

10. Researchers combine citizens' help and cutting-edge tech to track biodiversity

“Researchers in the project, which runs from 2022 to 2026, are experimenting with tools like drones, cameras and sensors to collect detailed data on different species, [… and] Observation.org, a global biodiversity platform where people submit pictures of animals and plants, helping to identify and monitor them.”

January 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[professionalchaoticdumbass]

types of transfem gatherings

night life rave weed ketamine show at the cluuubbbbbbbb omg you HAVE to do it!!! everybody is white and skinny. music that gives you headache and random people might try to upskirt you and you basically cant be sober on entry if you want to have anything resembling a good time. will make you want to kill yourself for next three days after

queer nerd (tm) weekly meeting at the library or perhaps coffee shop :D bring your own warhammer, gunpla, and mtg because that is all we ever talk about. if you havent blown $2000 in the past week you are uninvited. 3:30 pm every wednesday

the suicidal friend group…. we went thru high school together but barely. we have no clue how to help each other because our lives all suck and we are all crabs in a bucket and we are going to be each others breaking point in like two years. please date each other out of pity to accelerate this to six months if you wish

local collection of friends, we are headed by a few 40yos and post regular invites to cool bdsm events! mostly chill. completely dead group chat except for the occasional selfie. oh youre interested in the events? yeahhhhhhhh sorry theyre all across the city at 12:30 am tomorrow evening and each one not happening after for another decade lol tough luck

we are an elevated group of marxist-leninist-transfeminist-perfectionists who offer a sisterhood of online community solidarity for all transgender women that have been deeply wronged by TME MRAs and- hold on is that a FACIAL HAIR with NO BOOBS??? eeewwww kill yourself disgusting male. we are ghosting you forever and ever and dont say a word to us til you get diy hrt all on your own (we are not saying how, you stupid tranny). love every trans woman you meet!!

[crabthequartz]

Sorry for lack of posts I forgot and my queue ran out again so here I am two days late anyway heres Facts 12:

COCONUT CRAB

The COCONUT CRAB is a type of giant hermit crab. It is also known as the ROBBER CRAB, PALM THEIF and if you want to get scientific BIRGUS LATRO and are generally around 3 feet across. They mostly eat fruits, nuts and seeds but are known to occasionally treat themselves to eachother.

[libbyfandom]

Let’s take a look inside Modern!Reader’s Camera Roll! Featuring Mizu and BES Characters

Your and Mizu’s legs tangled together as you cuddle. A movie is playing on the tv in the background.

A blurry picture of Mizu and Taigen in the middle of their weekly smack down. You don’t even remember what caused this one. In the corner you see Akemi leaning in and making a peace sign.

A screenshot of a designer purse you sent to Mizu while swapping ideas for Akemi's birthday gift.

Ringo in the kitchen, proudly beaming as he holds up his newest batch of cookies. There’s flour on his chin and apron.

Video of you zooming in on Mizu sitting on a roof with no visible sign of how she got up there. “How the actual fuck did you do that?” Your monotone “done with my girlfriend’s shenanigans” voice is heard behind the phone. “I climbed.”

Mizu and her adoptive father at a baseball game, wearing matching jerseys, sunglasses, and serious expressions. It’s quite cute.

A mirror selfie from your bed, wearing Mizu’s oversized sweatshirt and leggings.

Nude you sent Mizu while she was at work.

Nude you sent Mizu while she was at the gym.

A video of your locked front door, someone furiously banging on the other side. “I KNOW HOW TO PICK LOCKS, YOU BRAT.”

Akemi helping you wrap Ringo’s birthday presents.

Mizu and Taigen drunkenly hugging each other at a bar, Mizu’s head tucked under Taigen’s chin. (Blackmail material)

Sunset orange sky.

Sunset orange sky.

Sunset orange sky with a slender hand in frame flipping the bird.

Mizu and the boys during a very intense round of Mario Kart. Everyone’s leaning toward the tv, gazes focused. Mizu’s squatting on her seat at the couch.

Your hand holding Mizu’s wrist wearing the pretty silver charm bracelet you got her. Charms: Waves. Katana. Two interlocking hearts. Her birth flower. Moon.

A saved video Taigen sent of everyone but Taigen trying to crawl under a gap in a fence. You are clearly struggling, and Taigen starts to half heartedly pretend to kick at your head. The video lurches sideways violently and cuts off, like someone shoved him.

Screenshot of notes app grocery list.

A video of Mizu laying on you, fast asleep as your hand is in her hair and your thumb gently massages the place behind her ear. The only noise you can hear in the video is the white noise of the mic and her soft breathing.

Group Selfie you took of everyone playing Monopoly, half an hour before Ringo wins in a landslide. The first signs of frustrations are starting to show in several players' faces.

Ringo, looking at the camera with the saddest puppy dog eyes as a hand from out of frame holds up a hand written sign that says “Capitalist” at chest level.

A selfie of you and Akemi out at lunch together. Akemi is halfway through sipping her drink and is making a funny face.

A video of Mizu with her long hair down, swinging it around in a circle as she headbangs to a heavy metal song you still can’t make out the lyrics too.

A video of your lap, thighs squeezed together and shaking as a slender arm from out of frame makes a slow rolling motion from where their hand is hidden under the blanket between your legs.

A video of who you think might be Taigen getting chased by who you think is a screeching Akemi from far away on campus. You keep trying to zoom in but can’t tell. Every student in frame of the video is frozen and twisted around to stare at the scene.

Mizu’s hands filled with all the seashells she collected at the beach.

A little crab on the beach.

The gang eating food at a food truck at 1 am.

Your hand holding a bag of sour gummy candy Mizu really liked so you can remember to buy more later.

A close up of Mizu’s opened mouth, tongue hanging out, showing her new ball piercing, tongue coated and dripping with your cum. She was really impatient for it to heal so she can use it.

Picture of a squirrel on campus!

Mizu sitting on the floor holding Akemi’s new calico kitten up to her face and nuzzling it.

Saved mirror selfie Mizu sent from the gym, squatting in front of the mirror with her hair up while wearing her self cut cropped shirt and biker shorts.

A confused Taigen reaching up to grab the cheap, paper "Drama Queen" crown you just put on his head.

Akemi cutely posing with her hands under her chin with her newly dyed burgundy hair.

An old photo album showing little Mizu with her adopted dad. He double checked Mizu wasn't around when he showed you. The four slightly grainy photos in the shot are slightly different versions of one moment of Mizu being carried on a younger Eiji's hip. She looks unsure at something behind the camera, her little face pinched with that signature little pout she does. Younger Eiji has a slight smile on his face. ("I never liked having my picture taken myself. But I knew she'd need these to remember the versions of who she used to be, and that there are people that want to remember them too.")

Mizu. Sitting at the kitchen table. Just how she is in this moment.

[seaslugfanclub]

Hello! I just wanna say I really like your Disney Villain writings, they are funny and really cute! Can I request where the Disney villains are fighting over who is Y/N’s favorite villain? I thought it would be funny

Oooh great idea! This one was so much fun to write! (Can you tell that Honest John’s my favorite?)

No, I’m their favorite!!

————————————

No one knows how the conversation subject was brought up, but it more than ruined the villians weekly poker night. Curses filled the air and sidekicks where used as meat shields.

“I’m easily (Y/N)’s favorite person out of all of us, no- this entire park!! No one is better friends than Gaston!!” The Frenchman boasted, loose hair’s flying around his face. “They regularly compliment my physique, and they sneak me in special hair products!! There’s no room for argument!”

“Oh please frenchie, (Y/N) isn’t as daft as the other cast members. They have taste for more refined gentlemen. Like yours truly.” Captain Hook scoffed, ignoring the glares from the other villians. “Might I remind you how they gifted me the entire trilogy of ‘The History of Piracy’? Or how much they enjoy my culinary skills? They have supper with me every Tuesday.” Hook affirmed, more than confident he had bested the competition.

That was quickly interrupted by a swift *bonk* on Hooks head, Jafar looming over the ex- pirate with his staff in hand.

“While I agree with (Y/N)’s taste, it surely isn’t a cowardly captain.”

“Why you-” Hook started, only to be bonked on the head again.

“Why me? Well that’s easy, I’m a very persuasive individual. I’m able to… ‘charm’ those in upper management to give (Y/N) longer breaks, or keep any unsavory park guests from harassing our dear caretaker. (Y/N) obviously favors someone who makes their job easier.”

“Your joking right? Didn’t I see (Y/N) yell at you for 30 minutes straight because you were eyeing that princess Jasmine?” Hades chimes in, finally deciding to butt into the conversation after watching the other villians argue from the sidelines. Jafar stopped speaking, averting his eyes and mumbling.

“Yeah. That’s what I thought. But c’mon guys, you know it’s ya boy here who’s (Y/N)’s number one pal.” Hades points his thumbs towards himself.

“I was one of the first people here who (Y/N) met, we knew each from day uno. I can’t count the amount of times that they’ve kept my shit-ass sun god of a brother from bugging me. And they even made the most adorable altar for me, with pomegranates and the whole works!!”

“Oh, so gauche. If it wasn’t for my expertise (Y/N) wouldn’t be half as stylish as they are. Not to mention our ‘girls nights’. I’ve opened an entire new world of skincare for them!” Cruella hissed. (Actually remembering she had to pick up (Y/N) that special cream made from horseshoe crabs)

A threadbare glove raised amidst the crowd, Honest John appearing from seemingly nowhere

“Im sorry to disappoint you all, but it’s myself who’s won (Y/N) heart. They’ve fallen for my effortless charm lock, stock, and barrel! I mean, I’ve been their nap partner countless a times, they quite enjoy cozying up to my fur.” John preened, smiling back at the memories of warm afternoons snuggled up next to (Y/N).

“Fur!? Why you little- I’ll skin you-”

“Just wait till (Y/N)-”

The poker room devolved into full out brawl, nearby cast members rushing into the room in attempt to break up the crowd. All the while, in an empty back room (Y/N) was sharing a sandwich with their guest.

“Y’know what, Ratigan?” They said between bites. “Your my best friend.”

The rat stared up at them, finishing his bite,

“…. Ew.”

[ventique18]

🐉 raises a brow when he hears the concept of monthsary.

🐉: "Celebrating once a month? What a ridiculous notion."

🐉: "If you are to celebrate your love, why not do it weekly? Daily, even? Once a month is hardly enough."

Then he starts asking you out to different places everyday. Steak houses, seafood restaurants that serve the most delicious crabs, lovely gardens, artifact galleries... you name it. The first few days you accepted. On the fifth day, you thought it odd and feel a bit guilty, so you tell him to stop spending so much on you if that's his intention.

🐉: "Then how can I show you just how much I love you?"

🌸: "We don't need to go to places for that... Just being here, just the two of us, is enough."

You thought you said well. You really did. But then the next day he's laying out feasts in your home; saying if you didn't like visiting faraway places then he's bringing them to your doorstep instead.

Goodness, this theatrical, dramatic guy... It'll take you a long time to teach him the concept of domestic love, that's for sure.

[jamorbital]

Mailbag III ✉️

Wow, there were a bunch this time. Thanks everyone!

@theloramir:

Me! 😷

If that doesn't count… Hmm. Cynthia from Pokémon? Or maybe Tifa?

@scout90-again:

I've been interested in it for as long as I can remember. Even when I was really little, I liked to tie up dolls with string and put pieces of tape on their mouths. A bit more on that in an earlier ask here.

(MORE UNDER THE CUT)

@noteverysaurisadinosaur:

Uhhh... I'm gonna say... Golden Toad. I like Dodos too, but I'm guessing that's the "everything but country and rap" of this question.

@directivexero:

Aw thanks!

Lately I've been slowly making my way through The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles! I play it in bed each night to settle in before I go to sleep. It's like a good book. The fickleness of the jurors always makes me laugh.

Another recent one I liked: Thank Goodness You're Here! It's basically a little interactive animated movie. Matt Berry is in it. I once saw it described as "Untitled Twat Game"

Deadly Premonition is the worst game I've ever played by conventional standards, but I'd still recommend it because it's bad in really fun ways. Bring some friends and a case of beer.

I like games that provoke a strong reaction. I'd rather play something like DP than a "good" big-budget game that's smooth and pleasing but not all that memorable.

Also on the topic of weird games: This is the secret best channel on YouTube. The more you watch, the better it gets. I mean idk, maybe other people don't see it and I'm just deranged. Still though. I've cried laughing at some of these.

@patientbard:

Summer! Lots of happy memories from childhood. I like to swim.

@nixalegos:

I don't often try to go for a specific texture, but when I do it can be tricky. In real life I love soft jersey knit fabric. Despite my best efforts, I haven't been able to nail it in 2D in a way that really scratches that kinky itch.

In general, my drawings rarely come out the way I pictured them in my head. (I think that's how it is for most artists?) If it's looking really off then I might redraw a character or body part from scratch, but for the most part I just go with the flow.

@accretion-disk-anxiety:

To eat, crab; to not eat, turtle.

@damianblack:

I'm not really into furries, but I like furries as people. They seem like fun and I admire how welcoming and liberated their community is.

For a while I've had "draw an anthro character" on my bucket list. I think it'd be a fun challenge and drawing a gag for an anthro snout could be hot tbh.

@onidrills:

What was that thing from Jurassic Park with the big neck thing and the venom? Dilophosaurus?

Aw man...

@goodboynijian:

Thank you!

For proudest: Maybe animation loops?

They're not as elaborate as some other stuff I've done, but seeing an animation come together just feels so satisfying.

For hottest: I gravitate toward a certain weirder type of piece where I draw myself (or "myself") with super-exaggerated proportions and/or humiliating captions:

It feels exciting to just go totally off the wall. I get turned on not just by drawing these, but also posting them. I guess it's kind of a public humiliation/exhibitionism thing. (Actually, that's exactly what it is.)

I used to put them up on Twitter, but it got a little too weird and embarrassing. Now I keep them behind the safety of the paywall.

@t-oppenheimer:

Smash if that counts! I used to attend locals weekly and was decently competitive at my peak. I stopped going in 2020 due to covid and never got back into it after that. I still play with friends here and there though. I'm a Wolf main. 🐺

I've also done a little SF6, but I'm still in The Cursed Zone on that one.

@microfoamgaglover:

Yes

(old pic!)

Thanks again to everyone who sent in questions! I'm feeling better now than I was this morning. If I didn't respond to you, it just means I couldn't think of anything interesting to say. I appreciate it all the same.

[tracklessreason]

So, what do the feral mine children do?

(You cannot see me, but you should know I am breaking the fourth wall by grinning very evilly into the camera.)

Anything and everything Sentinel didn't want his regular slaves workers to know about. Things it would be heinous to make a bot do, but not that they can voice any complaints. They aren't feral though! Just segregated from other bots.

Mainly, they harvest sparklings and remove the cogs. With such a vast amount of the mined energon going to the Quintessons, what little there is for the cybertronians has to be used for sustenance. People would begin to panic if they thought there was a shortage of food. However, this leaves little to no energon left for powering and fueling the city.

Luckily, t-cogs can be forged into rather efficient batteries, although it renders them useless as cogs. These aren't the only things harvested though. Most of a sparkling can be used to forge different parts and tools. You wouldn't be surprised to find that a non-negligible amount of bitlets don't survive the cog removal process, making them a rather reliable source of scrap metal.

Now, the reason it's so dark on the other sublevels isn't because it's a mine of some kind. Rather, those levels hold the Spark Wells, which occur naturally far below ground.

Sentinel can't risk any average worker having access to them, it'd be far too easy for somebot to witness a miner come online, and notice they still had their cog.

Perhaps the most heinous part of all of this is how the population of the Empurata Born is maintained. The first few waves of them had the procedure performed by surgeons, but it became impractical to bring bots down every couple days to do it, not to mention how the surgeons could become a liability if they decided to tattle about this heinous tasked they were hired to do.

So instead, a portion of the Empurata Born are trained to do it themselves. There's a weekly quota to be met of sparklings that must be turned into new harvesters and forgers. It's a horrible thing to have to do, but there's nowhere to hide a mech with noticeably normal features.

They can, however, rebel in one minor way. The first waves also can't speak, their voice boxes were removed as part of the procedure. But this isn't necessary, so the ones taught to do surgery don't do it on the sparklings. It's far easier to teach a mech not to speak when Sentinel is around. It's perhaps the only thing they still have for themselves, the soft tune of voices that belong to the little ones they claim as their own.

Here's a design I made a while back for one of the Empurata Born who still has her voice. She's designed around crabs, I haven't named her yet. Any suggestions?

Ugly scrapped frame design under the cut.

[livesworthlivingau]

Behind the Vale Chapter 37

ISAT and Two Hats spoilers below! CW: Hallucinations, Panic Attacks, Strangulation, Masking. Also kissing! Ewwww, gross!

[Vale] {Nille}

"Vay? Something wrong?" [You hear Nille's voice behind you. You give a soft chuckle at the question as you're leaning against a tree on the outskirts of camp, looking distressed.]

"You mean anymore than usual~?" [She sighs and crosses her arms.]

"You know what I mean..." [You look back to the ground, sighing and taking a moment to gather your thoughts.]

"... Yes... We looped again, or rather... I did."

"You... You what?! Are you okay?! What happened?!"

"There was an accident with the cart, sent us both flying off the side of a cliff..." [She raises a brow based on your tone.]

"... Why do I get the feeling that's not the important part?" [You pause for a long moment, staring at the ground.]

"... I saw Stardust... dead... lying in his own blood... I was able to hold on just a bit longer, but... he died... and we didn't loop until I did..."

"Oh crab... You... You sure he wasn't... I-I mean..."

"I'm sure... and to be honest, the less I think about this right now the bet-" [You freeze as you look back up to her face... seeing that horrid wooden mask version of her that haunted your dreams.]

"V-Vale? What's wrong?" [The nutcracker like mouth moved in time with her words. You shut your eyes try to shake the vision away, bringing her back to normal when you open them again.]

"Y-Yes, sorry. J-just... still a bit shaken up..." [You try to keep your composure, even as you start to notice that vague figure at the edge of your vision... a string like sensation tightening around your throat as it gets difficult to breath.]

"Maybe some food in you will help, I'll help Bon get breakfast started, everyone's probably gonna need it once they hear..."

"R-Right, good idea... Just call for me when it's ready~." [You wince through a forced yet soft smile. She nods to you as she heads back to the center of camp, leaving you free to sneak behind the tree and frantically start clawing at your throat, trying desperately to tear the nonexistent strings away.]

[It grows tighter, and tighter. The visage of that monster peeking from a tree in the distance. With a blink it's suddenly closer. Another and it's looming towards you. One more blink and it's... gone?... The strings around your neck don't let up, your lungs starting to burn.]

[Suddenly it drops from the tree above you, hanging upside down and face to face with you, mask upright despite the rest of itself. You stare wide eyed in horror, its hands slowly reaching towards you. You can't breath... You...-]

----------------------------------------------------------------

"I assure you, this carts been through this journey countless times, it gets checked out weekly, I've never had an issue!" {The cart driver explains to you and Dile. Just as she's about to give some clever retort, you raise your hand to stop her, giving her a look to explain you can handle this.}

"I'm sure it is sir, but my friend here has a terrible fear of heights, so it would just make her feel a lot better if I checked it out some too. I've done a lot of woodwork back home so it'd put her at ease, y'know?" {You share a glance back at Dile, who is trying to hide a grin now that she understands your angle.}

"Well I guess there's no harm in letting you take a peek, just try not to damage anything, alright?"

"Of course, thank you, sir!" {You give an appreciative nod before starting to take a peek around the cart. You inspect all the wheels, rock it back and forth a few times to listen for cracking, and finally you crawl underneath to inspect the components holding the carriage together.} "... Sir?... I think I found a bit of an issue."

{You wait for him to make his way underneath with you, only for his jaw to drop at the sight of the massive split through the shaft holding the wheels to the cart.}

"Sweet Mother of Change... I just checked this out the other day! Well thank you for double checking! I can't imagine how poorly that could have ended..." {I'm sure two people here could.}

"I'm just glad nothing happened. You better get that replaced before another journey, I'd offer to help but my friends and I were hoping to get there real soon, we'll probably take the long way around."

"Well safe journey to you all!" {You climb out from under the cart and head back to the others with Dile, who smirks once you're both out of the driver's earshot.}

"Smart play there."

"Just using some of that Bambouche charm~. Even though I was eager to hear you debate him into the ground!" {You both share a laugh as you get back to the others.} "Crisis averted, he'll be staying the fix the cart, and we can head out the long way whenever!"

"I told you all Nille would save the day!" {Bon says proudly.}

"I'm sure she'd have make an excellent savior if she had the chance~." {Vale chuckles as you can't help but blush the slightest bit, trying to laugh it off.}

"Hah! Yup, they'd tell tales of the stern talking to I gave the King for centuries~."

"Shoot! I should have tried that, I'm the best at sternly written letters!" {Belle playfully stomps her foot before joining in with a giggle.}

"I don't think even the King deserved to be on the other end of one of your letters, Mira!" {Za teases as you all enjoy a big hearty laugh together. Once the moment passes, you get back to work.}

"Alright, so what's the plan here? Are we heading out now or tomorrow?"

"If we've got yet another camping trip ahead of us, I'd much prefer to spend at least tonight in an actual bed, and give these aching joints a rest." {Dile sighs, hand on her lower back for emphasis.}

"Yeah, we gotta get more supplies if it's gonna be a few more days on the road." {Bon adds, looking through their bag to take inventory.}

"Honestly, I'd uhh... really like some alone time with Isa anyways..." {Frin admits, only slightly hiding his face in his cloak. Za however has gone full flushed, letting out sounds only dogs could hear the entirety of. You chuckle at the sight, and slip your hand into Vale's, squeezing it tightly.}

"I wouldn't mind some of that too~." {Vale's face almost goes as dark as Za's, looking away from you... but squeezing your hand back. You hear Bon make gagging noises just out of view.}

"We could have a little girl's day Madame! And you're allowed to come too of course, Bonnie!" {Belle proposes with a sparkle in her eyes.}

"A spa day does sound quite nice actually."

"I've never had one of those... sounds boring though."

"You'll learn to appreciate it when you're old and frail." {Dile teases while giving Bon a pat on the head. They stick their tongue out at her before giggling again.}

"Then it's settled! We'll all meet at the Inn around sundown then?" {You propose as everyone nods in agreeance, splitting off into the agreed upon groups.}

----------------------------------------------------------------

"Come on, I think it's just up this hill!" {You call back to Vale, guiding them to the secret little spot one of the locals told you about, picnic basket in hand.}

"I thought we were supposed to be relaxing!" {They shout in return, struggling up the slanted terrain.}

"We first met after you walked for a week straight. You're telling me you can't handle a little hike now~?"

"Well between that, ripping a star out of my chest, heaving to reveal my deepest darkest secrets, and falling off of a blinding cliff, I was hoping to finally get some rest!."

"Hah! Don't worry, it'll be worth it, I promise." {They give a defeated sigh in response, continuing the tiring journey upwards. You reach the peak, and try not to give any reaction to the beautiful sight before you. You turn back to Vay, holding out a hand to help them up once they get close, heaving them to your side at the top of the hill.}

"Alright, so what's so spec..." {They start to protest before you gesture to the landscape. A beautiful grassy hillside above all the trees, letting you see out for miles. A single tree providing shade at the top. The large cliffs on one side, rolling plains on the other, and a view of the ocean off in the distance between them, shades of all kinds painting their view.} "... Stars..."

"Worth a silly little hike, wouldn't you say~?" {You lightly elbow them in a tease as they chuckle out and nod.}

"Fine, fine... you win~."

"Oh yeah~? What do I win?"

"Why, a lovely picnic with me of course~! The best prize anyone could receive~!"

"HAH! Is it too late to trade my prize in for something else?"

"I'm afraid so, no refunds~."

"Damn, ah well, guess I'll just have to make do." {You chuckle at the little back and forth, happy to finally see them enjoy a little light hearted fun. You get the blanket set out and the basket in the middle, setting out the lovely lunch you got prepared for the two of you earlier.}

{You settle in together and eat, just enjoying each other's company for the time being. Before long, you can't help but ask.}

"Hey, Vay?... Not that I'm complaining but, it's like... a switch flipped this morning. You're calmer, having more fun, not so anxious to be around everyone... You sure you're okay? Most people don't just 'get better' so suddenly..." {Their expression falls a little as you speak, rubbing the back of their neck.}

"Well... I wouldn't say I'm 'fine' exactly, but... I'm going to start trying to be. I don't want to just be a living panic attack you have to constantly worry about..."

"Vay, that's not-"

"It is. I don't care how much you sugar coat it, I'm sick of having to be babysat..." {Their hand reaches over, placing it on top of your and giving a light squeeze.} "I want to be more than that for you... So here I am, trying to do that~." {They explain with a soft smile, you can't help but sigh with one in return.}

"I appreciate that Vay... But I want to make sure you know that's not how I see you, and it's fine if you're not okay and you need help, change knows I wasn't okay for a long time... So either way, I'm here for you, and happy to have you around."

"Thank you Nille, I'm glad to know you're there for me."

"Any time, Vay~."

{You both settle in together, back's to the tree, holding hands, their head resting on your shoulder and your head on theirs. You stay like this for a while before they finally break the comfortable silence.}

"Tell me more about yourself, Nille. I feel like we've spent all this time together focused on me, you deserve a turn now and then at least~." {They tease as you chuckle, thinking to yourself for a moment.}

"Well, what'cha wanna know?"

Hmm... I guess it's no fair you know my tragic backstory, yet I only got a hint of yours~. Stars, it even seemed like Stardust hadn't heard it before when you brought it up, why is that?" {You definitely weren't expecting that, you take a second with your thoughts and squeeze their hand a bit tighter.}

"I can't say for sure about my other self, but... I guess it was just something that I'd already gotten past, it didn't seem necessary to bring up? I doubt I ever would have if not for helping you feel less alone..."

"Should I take that as a compliment, or an insult~?"

"Hah! Maybe a bit of both~." {You tease, nudging them playfully with your elbow.} "But... If you really want the full story, I promise I'll tell you some other time... I'd rather not ruin our little date, if you don't mind."

"Glad to hear I haven't ruined it already~."

"Oh I know you're trying your best to, don't worry." {You chuckle. You spend the next several hours chatting about various things, mostly details about yourself, such as your favorite shade, hobbies, little stories from back home. Before you even realize it, the sun has nearly reached the ocean view, starting to dip below the horizon.}

"Oh, oh! Look, it's finally time!" {You get all giddy with excitement, pointing to the sunset. This was the real selling point that made you want to come here, watching the sky begin it's perfect little slow dance of shades. You enjoy the perfect ending to your perfect little date... though you can still think of one way to cap it off even better. You turn your head to face them, bringing your hand up to their cheek to turn it towards you... You stare into each other's eyes for a moment, faces flushing a bit, and finally you start to lean in closer, slowly closing your eyes... Then you feel an odd sensation of your hand vibrating rhythmically.}

"Huh... What the crab?" {You snap out of the fluster, looking down at your hand in confusion. Vale giggles at you a bit and makes the gesture the others used to 'call' before.}

"I think someone's trying to reach you~." {You blink a couple times, but then finally make the hand shape and bring it up to your ear and mouth.}

"Hello?..."

"NIIIIIIILLE!!! WHERE THE CRAB ARE YOU?! WE'RE SUPPOSED TO MEET AT THE INN, REMEMBER?!?!" {You hear Bon's voice shouting into your ear as you flinch and pull your hand away instinctively.}

"Ow ow ow! Not so loud please, bug! Sorry, we uhhh... lost track of time, we'll be back in half an hour?"

"Half an hour?! Did you go for a crabbing hike or something?!"

"And so what if we did?"

"Only you would think a hike is romantic, blegh!" {They make gagging sounds through the call as you can't help but laugh.}

"Oh yeah? And I'm sure you've got an impeccable taste for romance."

"I-I might! You don't know!!"

"HAH! Well I'll have to quiz you on it later, we'll be there soon, love you bug!"

"Hmphh... love you too... stupidnille." {And the call ends.}

"Heh... Sorry about that, kinda ruined the moment, didn't it?" {You turn back to Vale, seeing them just chuckling to themself and enjoying the little display you both put on.}

"I wouldn't say ruined, but it was certainly a shift in tone~."

"Guess I'll just have to save the real thing for later then. But for now~." {You grab them and pull them close suddenly, planting a big smooch on their cheek. When you pull back, their face is about 20 shades darker, looking away in a fluster. You chuckle again before standing up and helping them to their feet too.} "C'mon, we better get back soon."

"U-Uhuh, y-yeah, j-just... g-gimme a second~!" {They stammer out wildly, turning away to try and compose themself. If just a kiss on the cheek got this sorta reaction, you couldn't wait for the real thing~.}

----------------------------------------------------------------

"G'night Vay!" [Nille says with a tight hug around you and a bright smile. You blink a couple times as you feel you just woke from a daze.] "... Somethin' wrong?"

"... N-Nope~! Just a little lightheaded is all~. Long day, as I'm sure you know~." [She takes your hands, giving them a reassuring squeeze.]

"You rest up, alright? We'll be to Bambouche in a few days and we can all finally settle in for a while. I'll see yah tomorrow, alright?"

"Of course~! Good night, Nille~." [She lets your hands slip from hers as she walks out to leave you in private... What just blinding happened?! You start to panic, wondering where the entire day went, or stars knows how long it's been. You glance to the window to see the stars in the night sky.]

[Peering around the room you spot a mirror, seeing your reflection-... and that horrid mask over your face again... You slowly bring a hand up to touch it, stepping closer with caution.... You don't feel it on your face physically, but something definitely feels wrong. You start to reach towards the mirror before a string coils around your neck again. Try as you might, you can't grab the string, yet it grows tighter and tighter, sealing your throat shut as the feeling of unconsciousness takes you over once more...]

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - August 15-21

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1. Smart hives and dancing robot bees could boost sustainable beekeeping

“[Researchers] developed a digital comb—a thin circuit board equipped with various sensors around which bees build their combs. Several of these in each hive can then transmit data to researchers, providing real-time monitoring. [… Digital comb] can [also] be activated to heat up certain parts of a beehive […] to keep the bees warm during the winter[…. N]ot only have [honeybee] colonies reacted positively, but swarm intelligence responds to the temperature changes by reducing the bees' own heat production, helping them save energy.”

2. Babirusa pigs born at London Zoo for first time

“Thanks to their gnarly tusks […] and hairless bodies, the pigs are often called "rat pigs" or "demon pigs” in their native Indonesia[….] “[The piglets] are already looking really strong and have so much energy - scampering around their home and chasing each other - it’s a joy to watch. They’re quite easy to tell apart thanks to their individual hair styles - one has a head of fuzzy red hair, while its sibling has a tuft of dark brown hair.””

3. 6,000 sheep will soon be grazing on 10,000 acres of Texas solar fields

“The animals are more efficient than lawn mowers, since they can get into the nooks and crannies under panel arrays[….] Mowing is also more likely to kick up rocks or other debris, damaging panels that then must be repaired, adding to costs. Agrivoltaics projects involving sheep have been shown to improve the quality of the soil, since their manure is a natural fertilizer. […] Using sheep instead of mowers also cuts down on fossil fuel use, while allowing native plants to mature and bloom.”

4. Florida is building the world's largest environmental restoration project

“Florida is embarking on an ambitious ecological restoration project in the Everglades: building a reservoir large enough to secure the state's water supply. […] As well as protecting the drinking water of South Floridians, the reservoir is also intended to dramatically reduce the algae-causing discharges that have previously shut down beaches and caused mass fish die-offs.”

5. The Right to Repair Movement Continues to Accelerate

“Consumers can now demand that manufacturers repair products [including mobile phones….] The liability period for product defects is extended by 12 months after repair, incentivising repairs over replacements. [… M]anufacturers may need to redesign products for easier disassembly, repair, and durability. This could include adopting modular designs, standardizing parts, and developing diagnostic tools for assessing the health of a particular product. In the long run, this could ultimately bring down both manufacturing and repair costs.”

6. Federal Judge Rules Trans Teen Can Play Soccer Just In Time For Her To Attend First Practice

“Today, standing in front of a courtroom, attorneys for Parker Tirrell and Iris Turmelle, two transgender girls, won an emergency temporary restraining order allowing Tirrell to continue playing soccer with her friends. […] Tirrell joined her soccer team last year and received full support from her teammates, who, according to the filing, are her biggest source of emotional support and acceptance.”

7. Pilot study uses recycled glass to grow plants for salsa ingredients

“"We're trying to reduce landfill waste at the same time as growing edible vegetables," says Andrea Quezada, a chemistry graduate student[….] Early results suggest that the plants grown in recyclable glass have faster growth rates and retain more water compared to those grown in 100% traditional soil. [… T]he pots that included any amount of recyclable glass [also] didn't have any fungal growth.”

8. Feds announce funding push for ropeless fishing gear that spares rare whales

“Federal fishing managers are promoting the use of ropeless gear in the lobster and crab fishing industries because of the plight of North Atlantic right whales. […] Lobster fishing is typically performed with traps on the ocean bottom that are connected to the surface via a vertical line. In ropeless fishing methods, fishermen use systems such an inflatable lift bag that brings the trap to the surface.”

9. Solar farms can benefit nature and boost biodiversity. Here’s how

“[… M]anaging solar farms as wildflower meadows can benefit bumblebee foraging and nesting, while larger solar farms can increase pollinator densities in surrounding landscapes[….] Solar farms have been found to boost the diversity and abundance of certain plants, invertebrates and birds, compared to that on farmland, if solar panels are integrated with vegetation, even in urban areas.”

10. National Wildlife Federation Forms Tribal Advisory Council to Guide Conservation Initiatives, Partnerships

“The council will provide expertise and consultation related to respecting Indigenous Knowledges; wildlife and natural resources; Indian law and policy; Free, Prior and Informed Consent[… as well as] help ensure the Federation’s actions honor and respect the experiences and sovereignty of Indigenous partners.”

August 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)