#you are part of our community and we should be supporting you through your journey of self discovery

[cosmicredcadet]

People who identify as Aspec because of trauma are still Aspec. People who identify as Aspec because of Dysphoria are still Aspec People who realized later on they weren't Aspec where are any less Aspec when they were identifying as it. The point is that at some point they related to and felt understood under an Aspec identity and that's all you need to be Aspec. If it changes later on then that's just how it is, it doesn't make them a faker or poser. It makes them a human being who is constantly growing and understanding more about themselves. We should be supporting these people not treating them as the enemy. If they change their minds then that's okay!

So many of us Aspec people used to think we were allo before realizing we weren't so why are we attacking others for having the same experience just with different identities?

[hope-inthedark]

Good Omens, My Life, and My Soon-To-Be-Wife: A Tumblr Love Story

I joined Tumblr in 2019, shortly after I discovered a mini-series about an angel and a demon and the not-really-end of the world. I was consumed by it, by the story and the characters and the love that ran underneath it all, and so I came to Tumblr to find a community of people who felt the same.

What I was not expecting to find was the love of my life, but here we are.

J and I met through a mutual friend (hi, @ineffablefool ) who had recommended my fics on his blog often enough that J decided to read them. Soon enough, I started noticing repeated comments from one particular user on many of my fics, and I found myself looking forward to reading what this person thought of new chapters and works. J eventually messaged me on Tumblr, we became friends, and later on, we became more than that.

I’ll spare you the ins and outs of our relationship (because I am, and always will be, fairly private about my real life/name/identity when it comes to my fandom life), but know this: in more than 5 years of knowing J, and in nearly 4 of being in a romantic relationship with them, I have come to know and understand what it means to love another person with your entire being. I have learned so much about patience and grace, and I have laughed so much more and generally been so much happier in this phase of my life than in any one before it. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us. Our relationship has spanned many years and many more miles, even stretching across an ocean as we’ve both navigated trans-Atlantic journeys that have lead to us finding a home together (at last). Edinburgh has been as good a home to me as I have ever had, and it’s been even better since J has been here with me.

So when J and I took a trip to London this past weekend to celebrate our engagement, we went to St. James’s Park. We found a bench, and we sat together on it, and we talked and thought about how absolutely mad and wonderful it is that Good Omens brought us here. It’s the love story that started ours, and there will always be part of me that is immensely glad that J and I found it when we did.

(There’s been a lot of talk lately about whether we as a fandom should continue to support and love Good Omens in light of the actions of one of its creators. To that I say: do what feels right to you. If you need to step away, I understand.

But to those of you who, like me, choose to remain in the fandom, know this: Good Omens is as much ours as it ever was his. We can claim the love we have found here, and we can celebrate it. We can mourn what we have lost while being grateful for what we have. And we can look forward to a happy ending, together, because it is what we - and Aziraphale and Crowley - have always deserved.)

I’ll sign off now and leave the rest of my sappy monologuing for my fiancée to handle. Thanks for listening.

And to @shesthewindandsea, my dearest love: cheers, darling. To the world, and to our happy ending.

[nateconnolly]

What Does the Lion Turtle Chant Mean?

A podcast episode about the spirituality of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Transcript Preview:

Many people have told me they struggle to take Sozin’s Comet seriously because they would have killed the Fire Lord without hesitation. And, look, as far as I’m concerned — if you’re willing to kill a genocidal colonizer, good for you! Many blessings upon your journey! And the show isn’t trying to dissuade you. 

Aang is not the only voice of wisdom in Avatar. He’s not a puppet through which the text articulates its meaning. Avatar is about cultural exchange. When one character says what they think is true, that isn’t necessarily the moral of a story. That’s one voice, and the story is a conversation. So, I don’t think that Sozin’s Comet is using Aang to say “Hey, you, you, looking at the TV, you personally should never support violent revolution!” Water Tribe culture doesn’t seem to have any problem with killing on the battlefield. 

When Sokka lops off the Melon Lord’s head, there’s some very clear indications that we’re supposed to be troubled. The musical cue, Momo eating the melon, he lingering focus on Aang’s reaction … But I don’t think this scene is meant to communicate that Sokka is a bad guy. Or that soldiers are inherently bad people. I assume that Hakoda, Bato, and Tyro killed people. These figures are portrayed as admirable, and even as mentors. 

The scene in which Sokka kills the Melon Lord is there to illustrate the difference between Southern Water Tribe culture and Air Nomad culture. Sokka’s journey is about embracing and reclaiming all the parts of his culture that the Fire Nation tried to destroy. He wasn’t able to go ice dodging or to train as a wolf warrior, but he has found a way to become a strong, protective man anyways. And that does mean that he’s willing to kill or die for a cause he believes in. This scene doesn’t communicate that Sokka is a bad person. It communicates that Sokka is walking his own path, and that Aang is walking a different path. But the show doesn’t try to tell you one of them is wrong and the other is right. 

At the same time, I think we need to remember that Aang is saying something he believes. It’s not just an emotional problem for him. 

Aang gives multiple related, but different reasons not to kill the Fire Lord.

“I didn’t feel like myself.” 

The Fire Lord “is still a human being.”

Killing goes against “everything the monks taught me.”

“All life is sacred.”

In Southern Raiders, he also makes a more general claim that “violence is never the answer,” but I think that the writers had to use the word “violence” as a euphemism. In our normal usage of the word, punching somebody would be a “violent” act. Aang clearly has no problem whacking people over the head or shooting wind at them. I think this is a way of making the show more kid friendly, and that what Aang actually means is 

“[Killing] is never the answer.”

Some of these claims are about Aang as an individual. He’s saying he doesn’t feel like he, specifically, can kill someone. That it goes against the values of his culture. And some of these are universal claims. He’s saying no one should kill, not ever. 

But he also believes in a separate ethical mandate. As the Avatar, he has to protect the world. In this lifetime, that means preventing the Fire Lord from burning the Earth Kingdom. 

This is a story about moral standards, and they seem impossible to live up to. There’s no easy answer. If you believe that murder is wrong, and you believe in the duties of the Avatar, then you have a conflict of values, not just emotions. In order to understand the Buddhist themes of Sozin’s Comet, we have to understand Buddhist ideas of morality. 

This podcast episode

Bluesky

⁠Substack

⁠Twitter

⁠Patreon

Nate's short story about Buddhism

Transcript with Citations

[svt-luna]

HAPPY NEW YEAR, MY LOVES 🥳🎉🎊

as we step into 2025, i want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared since i started this blog back in august of 2024. it feels like just yesterday when i was nervously writing my first post about Luna and Jeonghan, not knowing if anyone would read my impulsive and bored ideas. and now, here we are— 2,639 of you beautiful souls, united by our love for this story. i am endlessly grateful for every single one of you!!

2,639?!!? TWO THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED THRITY-NINE?!?!?

i still haven’t wrapped my head around that fact. i love you. i am grateful for you. i appreciate you. i adore you— all 2,639 of you.

in just a few short months, this blog has become something beyond my wildest dreams. it’s not just about the numbers or how fast we’ve grown (though WOW, it’s humbling); it’s about the connections we’ve built. through this blog, i’ve had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people.

you’ve trusted me with your stories— about your struggles, your triumphs, and your lives. your bravery and openness have been such a gift. to those who’ve shared with me, you already know who you are: thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me. and to those i haven’t spoken to yet, i’m always here, ready to listen, ready to celebrate your triumphs, struggles, and stories no matter how big or small those are!

to my lovely anonymous messengers— though i don’t know your names, i see you. i see your kind words, your unwavering support, and the love you pour into this little corner of the internet. thank you for being a part of this journey, even from the shadows.

but as with every story, there have been challenges. there were moments when people doubted me, spoke down to me, bullied me, and tried to drag me down because of this blog— they still do. those times were hard. there were days when i questioned whether i should keep going. but then i would see your messages, your love, and your support, and suddenly, the weight didn’t feel so heavy anymore.

you kept me grounded. you kept me going. you reminded me why i started this in the first place. for that, i will always be thankful.

despite the challenges, 2024 was an unforgettable year filled with stories about favorite our bunny couple, Jeonghan and Luna. you laughed with them, cried with them, and fell in love with them over and over again. and let me promise you this— 2025 is going to be even better. i have so many exciting stories planned, and i cannot wait to share every single one with you.

so, here’s to the stories we’ve shared, the ones we’re about to write, and the community we’ve built together. thank you for making this blog a place where love, creativity, and connection thrive.

i couldn’t have done it without you, my lovelies!!

wishing you all a year filled with love, laughter, and endless inspiration 🩷🩷🩷

with all my love,

sel 🌙

[plurapony]

helpful tips for recovery with did!

over the last 11 months since we found out we had did we have done a lot of trial and error in order to recover and make our collective life thrive! remember recovery is personal and will differ from individual to individual but we thought we'd share some things that have helped us!

trust: trust that every part exists for a reason and even persecutors are there to help. it can be super scary to let go and let parts you don't know that well take over, but you need to trust that they'll take care of your collective self.

let others know: i know how anxiety inducing it can be to let your school/work know about your disorder but you need to remember they can't help you if they don't know. this isn't a disorder that you can handle alone and you need others who you trust to support you when you can't support yourself. my wife has been the biggest help in our recovery and we genuinely wouldn't be here without her.

set goals and pace yourself: recovery isn't instant and if you go too fast you're gonna burn out. similarly when updating things like simplyplural it can be a heavy task as doing too many parts profiles can induce heavy dissociation. it's not a race and you should go at the pace you can handle.

communication: this goes hand in hand with trust but you need to communicate with your parts and remember you're gonna work best when you work together. on days where i'm feeling off i communicate to my other parts and so they are ready if they need to take over for work and our other responsibilities.

compromise: especially when you have as many parts as we do you learn pretty quickly that you can't do everything that your parts want. we all had dreams of separate careers but instead chose one together that was something we all want. alternate days of fronting, make a schedule of different activities to do, make a part wishlist of things your parts want.

respect: respect yourself and respect your parts. if you're heavily dissociated and you had plans with someone else, it's okay to ditch those plans and go to bed early. it's okay to put yourself first even when sometimes that is at the detriment of others. and make sure your parts know they are heard and a respected part of the system because they are!

relax: you can't listen to your parts or people around you that care if you're too caught up in panicking. i know this disorder is rough, i know it's scary but you'll get through it. you need to remember that when you're calm and relaxed you'll be able to listen and you'll be able to make some progress.

it's your recovery: your recovery belongs to you and no one else. people online can never objectively dictate what is and isn't anti recovery for your personal journey. people online don't know you and they don't know what you go through. listen to your personal therapist and do what you feel is going to help you. don't let fakeclaimers get to you and don't let anyone else dictate your recovery.

[lumpyspaceprincess05]

The world is my oyster

Pairing: Jayden Shiba x gn!reader

Word Count: 5,965

Warning(s): mentions of injury, and blood, depictions of violence, not proofread

Author note: This chapter has really been a long time coming. I promise every single time I try to write, I have a new uni assignment due. I have exams next month, so I can only release part 4 in early June. Thank you all so much for the love and support you have shown this series so far!

Summary: After a long night of unraveled pasts, the rangers finally come across something that could give them an idea of who they're up against, but are they prepared for what's to come?

Masterlist || Series masterlist || gifs

Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3

4 YEARS AGO - 1 year after arriving at the Shiba house

Cyan grunted as he swung his bokken back and forth, Mentor blocking each strike, pushing him back. After putting some distance between them, your brother wiped off the beads of sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.

The pair had been training outside for a few hours now, the sun beating harshly against their skin. Your brother was exhausted from the very rigorous training Mentor had him participating in. Even the small water breaks in between weren't nearly enough to replenish his strength.

He tightened the hold around his weapon, quickly moving to fight back even harder than he ever had that day. It had come at a cost. None of his attacks were making contact with the man. Frustration built up inside of him as he watched his mentor skillfully avoid each blow. He had finally abandoned strategizing his attacks, desperate to land even one blow against the man, no matter what it took.

Taking the offensive, Mentor dealt push after push, until your brother lost his balance, landing on the ground harshly when he fell backward. The bokken lay forgotten by his side. "You have to let go of that anger, Cyan."

Mentor held out his hand to help the beaten boy, pulling him up when he grabbed hold.

"I've tried your way, but it's not working, Ji." He ran a hand through his hair, clenching his fist when he dropped it by his side.

The whole ordeal made his blood boil. Since leaving his life as a normal, teenage boy, he put all his blood, sweat, and tears into learning and adapting to this life. He endured a rigorous training schedule, where at the end of each day, he collapsed right as his head hit the pillow, and shuffled out of bed before the sun had even peeked over the horizon, eyes stinging from the lack of sleep from the night before.

He mourned the beginning of his journey when the texts he exchanged with his friends became sporadic because he was too exhausted all the time. He decided to end all communication when he sustained an injury simply because he had been too distracted.

The last hour of the previous night had been spent looking through his friends' social media, curious about what they had been up to lately. They had all been acting like typical teenagers; preparing for their first year at universities across the country, moving into their own apartments–everything he should be doing too.

Those thoughts carried over into the next morning. Unfortunately, this had to be the day Mentor suggested training with real swords. The gash on his right forearm emerged after he mistakenly shielded himself with it, leaving a scar in its place when it healed.

"The only way to find out if my way truly works is to let go of that anger." Mentor turned his gaze to Cyan's clenched fist. He relaxed his hand when he noticed the lingering gaze. "How can you expect to get better otherwise?"

"The reason why we must forgo anger in battle is because–"

"It only serves to weaken our judgment. Yes, I know. You've told me many times before." Cyan interrupted before walking to the makeshift water station on the porch, pouring a glass of water for himself.

Mentor followed closely behind. "Your father told me how you want to stop being a ranger and pursue your own path." Silence filled the air as Cyan struggled to come up with even the lamest of excuses.

"I wanted to tell you myself." He spoke as he sat down, avoiding eye contact as he poured another glass, gulping it down as he waited for the older man's response.

He was probably disappointed. Wasting his time training someone who would rather anywhere else but here.

The truth of the matter was that he wanted to be here–begged even, when your father first brought it up in passing a few years ago. It was the path his stupid, naive, younger self had chosen for himself, but goodness, did he wish he could go back to his former life. At least then, he wouldn't be trapped behind the walls surrounding the house. It was suffocating.

"What's stopping you?" Mentor asked, leaving him soon after to ponder on the posed question.

What was stopping him?

⋆˚✿˖° 𐙚 ₊ ⊹ ♡

The sun beamed in through the window as the wind from the fan swayed the curtain to open slightly. It had been possibly the hottest day of summer, the only solace you had was that you had been allowed to remain indoors for the day. However, it came at the cost of your sanity.

You were seated by the coffee table in the living room, slouching over your school books with a pen clutched tightly in your hand. Jayden sat beside you, indulged in his own homework, working meticulously to solve all the math problems Mentor had assigned to you.

He quickly glanced over to you, taking in your rounded back, poor posture for a samurai in training. He softly cleared his throat, and with that, you immediately straightened your back.

You had been adjusting to your new life step by step, but you couldn't help reverting back to old habits, a way to seek comfort when the pressure was weighing hard on your shoulders.

You could only be glad that Jayden was there to guide you every step of the way. Mentor was harsher in his teaching, scolding you whenever you made a mistake. Jayden was the same in the beginning, but as time went on, he took a softer approach to help you adjust better.

You dropped your pen in frustration, signaling an abandon in your school work. Laying your head on the table, your eyes darted over to the boy beside you. Unlike you, he had been completely engrossed in his books.

His hair swayed slightly as the fan rotated in his direction, slightly shifting to expose his forehead. The corners of your lips lifted when your gaze shifted to his ears, the emerging shade of red getting deeper and darker.

He had given up on writing the homework and started drawing small circles instead of numbers, hoping you would finally look away. When you lifted your hand toward him, wanting to move his bangs slightly, he quickly got up, leaving your hand hovering over his book.

"You have a staring problem, y'know." He still didn't look at you when he walked back to his seat after tucking the ends of the curtains closer together, leaving the sun no room to penetrate.

"I'm still waiting on the answer to question three." You leaned back, your head resting on the seat of the couch.

"You won't get it if you don't at least try to work it out on your own first."

"Well, I did, but then I got tired," You opened your book once again. "It's too hot to think anyway."

"Mentor will be upset if he were to find out that you cheated–and that I helped you." Jayden had always been strict in his moral code, only straying from it on the rarest of occasions. You still hadn't been able to decipher exactly how he decided to go out about the minor things.

"You're no fun." You pouted, as you leaned back over your book, scribbling down the answer you'd known all along. You were able to You only wanted to initiate a conversation with him after hours of silence.

"I thought you didn't know the answer." He asked coyly.

You hummed as you thought of an excuse, eventually settling on something simple. "I thought of it just now." You placed the pen down and closed your book, stretching after remaining seated in the same position for longer than you intended to.

"Do you need help with that one? You've been drawing circles for a while now." He turned to his workbook, closing it in a hurry, embarrassed that you had caught him. It had been your fault anyway.

"Let's take a break." He suggested. You nodded, a deep smile etched on your face.

He held your hand in his, leading you to the kitchen to grab frozen treats for each of you from the freezer. Your face burned, heart rapidly beating against your chest as the warmth of his hand enveloped your own.

This was another thing you couldn't quite understand about him. He had been so nervous just a few minutes ago, but now he was completely okay with doing things like this? Unbelievable.

With the heat becoming even more unbearable, you fanned yourself with your hand which only worsened when you noticed your flushed state as you treaded past the mirror in the hallway. You could only hope he wouldn't look in your direction for a while.

His grip on your hand remained firm as he rummaged through the freezer, pulling out your favorite frozen treat and handing it to you, before pulling out his own. You quickly averted your gaze when he turned to look at you.

He didn't understand why you did that. It was happening frequently now, and when he asked you why, you just laughed it off and changed the topic. Was it because of what happened before? He made sure to apologise, right? Or did you still look at him differently because of it?

"Why don't you look at me when I look at you?" He averted his gaze, afraid he would see the look in your eyes, confirming his worst thoughts to be true.

"We should eat these fast. I can feel them already melting in the plastic." You brought it close to your ear, shaking it slightly. "Can you hear it sloshing around in there?" He couldn't. Neither could you.

His head dipped forward, bangs successfully obstructing the tears brimming in his eyes.

You felt his grip loosen, eyes widening as you rushed to keep his hand on yours, interlocking your hands tightly. You leaned close, meeting his gaze underneath the curtain of hair. A warm smile crept on your face as you urged him to lift his head.

"Let's run away together." You said simply.

Eyes widening, he moved closer before clamping his free hand around your mouth, frantically turning in all directions to see if anyone had heard.

"You can't say that out loud. What if Mentor heard you?" He scolded, letting his hand fall shortly after.

You laughed.

"I meant when all of this is over. Once we've sealed away Master Xandred and all the other nighlok away. For good this time, yeah?" The corners of his mouth lifted, furiously nodding at the request.

"Have you thought about the things you want to see..." Your voices trailed off as you walked outside, closing the door behind you. You remembered how the rest of the conversation went, after all, you've replayed it over and over again. You'll never get tired of reliving the past. Those were the only memories you were fond of anyway.

You walked in the opposite direction down the hall and into what you remembered of your bedroom. There were a few blurry patches around, replacing the trinkets that decorated your study table, the contents inside your nightstand, and the pictures that hung on the walls around the room.

The consequence of having your reality snatched away from you.

The memories you held were slowly fading from your mind, and there was nothing you could do about it.

You slowly settled on the bed, curling up into a ball as you cried yourself to sleep, the ghost of past laughter lowly echoing through your mind.

⋆˚✿˖° 𐙚 ₊ ⊹ ♡

Octoroo examined your figure, standing in the corner of the dust covered room, unmoving.

"Couldn't either of you be bothered to clean up around here? I swear I've inhaled more dust in here than in any battle." Dayu coughed as she paced around the room, sweeping the dust from the air around her with her hand.

"We won't be in here long, anyway." Octoroo peered at the entrance of the abandoned warehouse. "We're still waiting on Rhinosnorus to wake her up so we have her ready for the next round of misery we'll bring."

"What exactly is the plan here? Or are we just wasting our time fulfilling one of your stupid fantasies?" She stroked her harmonium, the frustration taking over.

"Patience, Dayu. All will be revealed in due time. Have a little a little faith in what we're trying to do here."

She rolled her eyes, sick of being left in the dark. He revealed the plans he had for today–only after a little more prodding than she would have liked, but when was he going to tell her what he intended to do after.

She wasn't impressed.

"You." Dayu turned to the nighlok that had been leaning against the doorway without the slightest care in the world. He turned to face her, unfolding his arms as he walked closer. "Aren't you afraid? What are you going to do when Master Xandred finds out you've been scheming behind his back?"

Octoroo quickly hushed her, preventing the conversation from continuing. It had taken a lot of effort on his part to convince Puppet Master to go along with his plans. Planting a seed of doubt before the plan could be fully fleshed out would be detrimental.

The sanzu river had risen quite a lot since the day they decided to use you for their nefarious plan. What was a couple more?

"What we need to be worried about now is the rangers. I don't know the orange rangers' capabilities in comparison to the others, so we need to be prepared for anything." Octoroo spoke up.

"Knowing them, they're probably planning on how they're going to get her back."

"As long as everyone sticks to the plan, that won't happen. Everything is all under control." Octoroo remarked confidently. "Now where is that Rhino–"

A groan erupted as the nighlock sauntered into the warehouse, a mischievous smirk etched on his face. "Looking for me?"

"We don't have all day. Wake her up already! I have a good feeling about this one." Octoroo spat, irritated that he had been kept waiting for longer than he intended to.

"There he goes again with that overconfidence of his. We can only hope he doesn't fail with this, otherwise, we'll have to face the music for even entertaining his schemes." Dayu rolled her eyes, wondering what she was even doing here in the first place.

Master Xandred will definitely not be happy that so many of his subordinates were working behind his back. And if they fail to raise the water in the sanzu river, then all of this would have been for nothing. They couldn't afford to mess anything up.

⋆˚✿˖° 𐙚 ₊ ⊹ ♡

"I just got off the phone with Antonio. He'll only be here by tomorrow." Mia walked back into the room, putting her phone in her pocket as she took a seat beside Emily.

"It sucks that he won't be able to spend more time with his family, especially after his grandfather fell sick. I mean, he was pretty happy that he was getting better."

"I'm sure he'll understand. We need all the help we can get to deal with this before it escalates even further. We have no way of knowing what they're capable of while working for the nighlock." Jayden spoke up.

"They must be planning something big, so we definitely need to gain the upper hand here."

It had been a little less than twenty four hours since they began looking for the information they needed. Mentor had come out of his room after only a couple of hours, deciding that it would be pointless to ponder on the events of the past. Whatever was at play had given them a second chance to rectify a little part of the past.

The rest of that day had been spent training and on further research. Kevin had volunteered to look through the archives through the night, but eventually, exhaustion had settled in, leading him to turn in for the night.

"Guys, look! I found something." Kevin called out to his teammates as he laid the open book on the coffee table. Gathering around it, they saw the drawing that took up a large chunk of the page, a few paragraphs of information scribbled out beside it.

"Puppet Master." Mike read aloud.

"He has the ability to control his victims like puppets. He puts them in some sort of a trance to force them to do whatever he wants."

"Does it say how he puts them in a trance?" Kevin shook his head.

"So, we're going in blind."

"Right now, all we need is to learn everything we can about him. We probably don't have enough time, so we have to do it quickly." Jayden's gaze shifted to each of his teammates faces, each showing a hint of uncertainty. "We can do it guys, just like we've dealt with all the nighlock before."

The alarm blared through the house, signaling that a monster from the Netherworld had crossed over. Mentor Ji tapped the table, revealing the location the sensors were triggered. Jayden nodded to his team before they all ran out, transforming into their samurai suits as they made it out the gates.

⋆˚✿˖° 𐙚 ₊ ⊹ ♡

You stood at a distance, observing the large crowd that had gathered by the lake. According to the octopus, he had moogers scouting the city for anything that could help further their plans. That's when they came across hundreds of fliers pinned on bulletin boards throughout the city, advertising the grand opening of 'Ricks', a small shop that rented out paddle boats by the lake.

Dayu moved to stand beside you, her arms folded across her chest as she peered over the same scene you did.

"You know what to do. Do not mess this up." She uttered threateningly. You nodded curtly before running off to do the job you had been assigned. The nighlock smirked, holding back a small chuckle before preparing to do her own job.

⋆˚✿˖° 𐙚 ₊ ⊹ ♡

The rangers rushed to the scene, halting as the nighlock jumped out in front of them.

"If it isn't the pesky rangers. You'll learn to think twice before meddling with my plans." He belted, raising his hands and wiggling his fingers in multiple directions.

The rangers looked around, confused when nothing happened.

"Is something supposed to happen or..."

"We shouldn't underestimate him. Be prepared for anything he might throw at us." Jayden reminded his teammates, gripping the hilt of his sword even harder.

From the little information they managed to gather about him, the monster wasn't one to be played around with. Having no known weaknesses would be hard to navigate, but the end goal remained the same. Defeat any nighlock that threatens their home and everyone they cared about.

Jayden lunged at him first, ready to land the first blow. Puppet master chuckled as he wiggled his fingers ever so slightly.

Just as the red ranger was about to strike, a civilian jumped in between them, blocking the path to the nighlock. Jayden's eyes widened, before quickly moving out of the way . He groaned when he landed harshly, moving his hand to clutch his sore arm.

"What do we do? We can't fight all these people without hurting them." Emily voiced as more people gathered around, lunging at them. They skillfully moved around them, careful not to hurt them, but also keeping them safe.

"There's only one thing we can do." Jayden pulled out his samuraizer, aiming it toward the small group of people. He drew a symbol in the air, and its place a bundle of sisal rope appeared, landing by his feet.

"Great idea!" Mia balled her hand into a fist as she watched the leader draw the group in like cattle, running circles around them while simultaneously securing the rope against the arms, holding them in place.

"Do you really think that's going to stop me? I have more tricks up my sleeve than you think." He chuckled slightly before running off, skillfully acquiring more civilians to follow after him.

"He's getting away!" Emily rushed after him, Mike following closely behind.

The device beeped in Jayden's hand signalling that a call had come through. He flipped it open and pressed it against his ear.

"Jayden, the sensors on the other side of the city picked up more nighlok activity." Mentor spoke on the other end.

"On it, sensei." He hung up, tucking the device back onto the side of his belt. Turning to Mia, he placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Can you handle everything here?" She nodded, her hand morphing into a reassuring fist before running off after the others. Jayden and Kevin quickly made their way to the battle field on the other side of the city.

⋆˚✿˖° 𐙚 ₊ ⊹ ♡

You stood on the edge of the lake, away from anyone else. The lump in your throat formed as you took in everything that was going on around you.

"Mommy, look!" A little girl with pigtails on either side of her head shouted as she pointed in your direction. Her mom turned away from her to you, before pulling her daughter closer together as they cheerfully laughed in each others arms.

You were wasting time.

The more you spent taking everything in, the harder it would be to do what you were about to do without the decision weighing heavily on you. You didn't want to hurt anybody, but that didn't matter because he would make you. The nighlock you had been surrounded by didn't care about destroying everyone else's lives if it meant accomplishing their own selfish desires.

And you were now playing a huge part in all of this.

You couldn't just leave either. Goodness knows how hard you'd tried over the years. They were just too strong to defeat all on your own.

You grabbed your samuraizer, crossing your arm over your chest before reaching out to draw the symbol in the air before pushing it towards the water.

Everything went on as normal for a little while, until the first person broke out of their cheery mood. She was out in the lake with her boyfriend, laughing as he whispered sweet nothings into her ear. She turned away shyly and that's when she saw it.

Standing up as much as the top of the canoe allowed her, she pointed a shaky finger at the dark silhouette that drifted close enough to the surface to see what it really was.

"Shark!" The words that caught in her throat finally formed.

The laughter and chatter died down as people turned to the woman. They thought she was playing some kind of mean-spirited joke–that or she was crazy. Why would there be a shark in a closed off lake? And even if there was, someone would have reported it sooner and the area would be closed off from the public.

Her boyfriend timidly stood up, sharing awkward smiles with the people on the neighboring boats before wrapping an arm around her, pulling her back down into her seat.

This time, she was much calmer, her composure returning.

"I swear it. I saw something in the water."

"Maybe someone dropped their jacket earlier. Let's just go back to dock for a few minutes, yeah?" She softly nodded, before they paddled back to the dock.

The once quiet atmosphere slowly filled back, mostly with murmurs and hushed whispers on the claim the woman made. She had to have wanted to scare everyone off. Maybe she wasn't having that good of a time on her boat, so she wanted to ruin it for everyone else. So much speculation.

And then it happened.

A fin broke through the surface of the water. First one person saw it, then two–everyone began to panic.

The screams traveled across the lake like a domino effect. It remained unspoken, but everyone had an idea of the danger they were in. People pointed directing everyone else's attention to the fin that resurfaced, circling the boats as if preparing to attack.

Those closer to the edge of the lake were lucky, paddling to the dock with ease and putting as much distance between them and the danger.

On the other hand, those that paddled in the the deeper water at the center of the lake began scrambling. It was a frenzy of boats crashing into each other, knocking people into the water.

They flailed their limbs as they watched their boats drifting away from them as people thrashed through the water. When they realized how dire the situation had become and that they couldn't make it on their own, they reached their hands out for someone–anyone to pull them up into their boat. It was useless.

Most people wanted to save themselves only, not caring about the people they had to paddle over, and those that wanted to help were shoved out the way so the desperate could get through.

It didn't even matter in the end anyway. A dozen moogers appeared from a gap, lining around the edge of the lake stopping anyone that tried to pass through them and pushed people back into the water.

There was so much going on all at once.

You swallowed the lump in your throat as you saw the scene unfold.

Where were they?

⋆˚✿˖° 𐙚 ₊ ⊹ ♡

The nighlok cackled as he continued his sprint, the people he had gathered still running closely behind him. The rangers, not losing their momentum as they trailed close behind him, not slow enough to lose sight of him, but not fast enough to catch up to him either.

Their lungs were on fire, but they couldn't let him get away that easily.

"Where's he going?" Mike coughed out.

"I don't know. He's not even trying to put up a fight. All he's doing is running away. " Emily responded.

"He could be leading us into a trap, but we need to save all those people." Mia pointed, keeping her eyes trained on the small crowd. They were growing further away from the city, the uneven and undeveloped area now becoming more apparent. How long was he going to keep this up?

"Yeah, but how?"

"We'll figure it out." She sucked in a breath, her throat dry. "We always do."

⋆˚✿˖° 𐙚 ₊ ⊹ ♡

"This isn't good." Kevin remarked when they finally reached the lake. There was so much commotion, people screaming as they used all their strength to paddle to the shore, others frantically pulling others onto their own boats, moogers pushing people back into the water–how could things have gotten this bad?

"Deal with whatever's going on with the water. I'll handle things over here."

The blue ranger's gaze darted across the waters, desperately searching for the cause of all this commotion. When he saw it, he scratched his head, confused that the marine animal had appeared in where it wasn't supposed to. Nevertheless, he leaped over the horde of moogers, landing behind them into the water.

As he swam closer to the section where he last saw the fin, the negative thoughts consumed him. Did he and Jayden arrive before something even worse happened? Was there anyone injured, harmed, or severely bleeding? He only hoped to put them to rest soon.

He stopped, eyes scanning the water once last time before spotting it only a few feet away. "Time for you to go back where you belong." He pulled out his samuraizer, drew the 'teleport' symbol before pushing it toward the shark. The shark disappeared, the water remaining it's place.

He gasped, a hand held over his heart, the other resting against one of the emptier boats. He had used too much symbol power and now his body was taking the brunt of it. The only thought that put his mind at ease was knowing that the shark was swimming around in the ocean, a little shaken up but a little unharmed.

"Stay calm, everybody. You're safe now." Kevin spoke up, breathing a sigh of relief when the people closest to him stopped thrashing around in the water with everyone else slowly following after.

The crowd scanned the waters below, desperately looking for the shark fin they'd clearly seen before, and when they didn't, they laughed with tears streaming down their faces, just glad that their torment was now over.

The moogers turned to the water, murmuring among themselves when they couldn't hear the screams of terror anymore.

"Hey! Didn't anyone ever teach you that it's rude to turn away in the middle of a fight?" The red ranger reached for the front of his belt before pulling out his samurai disc, sliding it across the hilt to the guard.

"Spin sword!" He belted as he spun the disc. A blur of red light followed behind him as he charged at the horde, sparks flying with every slash he made. A trail of defeated moogers fell behind, and when he dealt his final blow, an explosion went off behind him.

He smirked, tucking his sword back onto his belt. 'Victory is ours once again', he thought when he turned back to the battlefield, eyeing the fires that formed. The feeling wore off, and the realization that the fight was still far from over set in when he saw the orange suit.

After last time, he was sure he wouldn't see you anytime soon, at least until Octoroo's grand scheme was revealed. What the nighlok failed to take into account was that there was a newly formed fire that formed inside his chest, one that would help him save you.

You took slow and steady steps toward him, a sharp contrast to your first encounter. He knew something was different about this. Your hands remained limp by your side, and the sword you carried religiously was nowhere to be found.

He had his own suspicions, but he still had to be careful.

He had to let you make the first move.

A frantic rhythm filled his chest with every step you took. Hesitant, yet still unwavering. Slow, yet swift.

His hand gently rested on the pommel, ready to wield his blade at the first sign of danger.

And then you stopped only a few feet away. The corners of your lips rose slightly when you looked over the figure. You knew it was Jayden from the moment you laid eyes on him. Why wouldn't you? Even though so much time had passed, you still recognized his posture, his stance...

What else did you notice again? You thought to yourself as you yawned, your eyelids suddenly becoming heavy. You remember the last time you were this exhausted, it was only a few hours ago in fact...

Your body swayed left and right before you toppled over, giving in to the darkness.

⋆˚✿˖° 𐙚 ₊ ⊹ ♡

Puppet Master suddenly stopped, turning to face the rangers he had managed to lead away. A sly smirk adorned his face when he saw how tired and worn out they were.

The innocent people silently pleaded with their saviors, hoping–praying that they would free them soon. Their own exhaustion couldn't even be felt properly when their own bodies were out of control.

"You rangers sure do love meddling where you don't belong, don't you? It was fun for a little while, but I'm bored now." He held out his hand, turning it to the closest man beside him. "You can have these back now."

He chuckled before wiggling his fingers once again. The people breathed a small sigh of relief at the thought that they could finally go back to their ordinary lives, completely unharmed.

One man's breathing quickened. He could feel a harsh tug at his leg, then the other, and soon they both walked him to the edge of the cliff. He belted out, flailing his arms as he got closer and closer. He wasn't slowing down, and soon he toppled over the edge, falling to his own demise.

He begged and pleaded.

The nighlok paid him no mind.

Not long after, everyone else that Puppet Master forced to do his bidding followed the man, toppling down below.

Mike ran to the edge, his feet lifting off the ground as he jumped over after them. Instantaneously, his samuraizer was in hand, drawing a 'move' symbol and pushing it to the side of the hill. One by one, the small rocks shook as they loosened, sliding down and joining together until they formed a large platform. Mike positioned the now solid chunk of rock under the civilians before slowing it's descent.

With shaky legs, they walked off onto the ground and cheered when they realized they were finally safe. Mike made his rounds, checking for any injuries, and when he didn't find any, he looked up at the cliff edge, giving Emily a thumbs up to show that everyone was okay.

⋆˚✿˖° 𐙚 ₊ ⊹ ♡

Cracks appeared on the nighloks exterior, but Mia wasn't going to let him go that easily. She slashed her sword over and over, pushing his back until he fell on his knees. She paused to catch her breath.

'Just one more slash', she told herself before raising her tightly gripped sword above her head. She was too slow.

He turned his fingers toward her and released the strings.

She gasped when she realized she couldn't move anymore. Her grip loosened and her sword fell to the ground. She could only turn her head slightly, her gaze locked onto the strings that had once been invisible to her and everyone else before.

Her body started moving on its own, slow and steady until she felt her feet lift off the ground. She gasped for air her back harshly collided against one of the large mounds of soil, effectively knocking the wind out of her lungs.

The nighlok quickly escaped through a gap, leaving behind his path of destruction.

Emily yelled out when she saw Mia fall to the ground and writhing in pain. She detransformed, her samurai suit now replaced by her civilian attire. The yellow ranger quickly rushed over, helping her teammate up.

"Are you okay?" Mia nodded, too frustrated in the loss to get her words out. She would surely beat him next time. She had to.

⋆˚✿˖° 𐙚 ₊ ⊹ ♡

Beads of sweat trailed down the side of his face when he finally managed to put some distance between himself and Dayu. How did things escalate so horribly in only a few minutes?

He remembered catching you before you fell to the ground, trying to shake you awake before hesitantly taking your helmet off and sighing in relief when he realized you were just sleeping.

Then Dayu jumped out from behind him, separating the two of you, and he could only watch as a new nighlok picked up your limp body, throwing you over its shoulders before slowly walking away. The nighlok laughed heartily, knowing that the red ranger would be left empty and broken.

Panic began to set in.

You were right there, but for how long? He could only peek at your retreating figure over Dayu's shoulder, her body towering over him with every step she took. He just needed to get past her, and you would be back home, but she wouldn't let that happen.

Then you disappeared.

Dayu disappeared.

And he was left with nothing but a cold feeling in his chest, the fire long extinguished.

Part 4

[embodiedfutures]

Day 7: Designing Our Committees and Roles

How do you build something that feels like a family, functions like a movement, and sustains itself long-term?

That question guided us through one of the most complex and tender parts of EFC’s rebirth: deciding who we needed to become and how we’d work together.

At the core was a lesson we had already lived. From Better Future Program (BFP), we knew what worked: our grassroots spirit, our horizontality, our commitment to self-liberation. And we knew what didn’t: the exhaustion, the imbalance, the way labor always seemed to fall hardest on the most marginalized.

We didn’t want to lose the community we’d built. But we couldn’t replicate the structures that left us burnt out and unsupported. One of the biggest reasons burnout became so widespread in BFP was because roles were stretched too thin—people were juggling too many tasks across too many areas. So one of our core commitments this time around was to design clearly defined roles, each focused on a specific area of care or contribution. No one person should be holding it all.

To begin that process, we mapped out the responsibilities we needed to carry forward, identifying what roles would help us do this work well, and reflecting on what titles could honor our values—not just descriptively, but poetically. What names would reflect the love we pour into this work? What roles could help hold the collective without overburdening any one person?

That’s how our committee structure was reborn. Through conversation, memory, feedback, and iteration. Through rooting ourselves in language, legacy, and the lessons we carried forward—not just about what didn’t work, but what we needed to feel whole. We didn’t just want job titles—we wanted names that spoke to how we embody our guiding principles.

The Stewards became our executive committee—a name chosen for its connotation of reciprocity, guardianship, and caregiving across time. As one of our youth reminded us, stewardship isn’t just about the present—it’s about the past and the future, about land and memory, about archiving and accountability.

The Conservators felt right for our volunteer relations committee—those responsible for easing your journey as a volunteer with us, and for holding this collective with care. Their name evokes preservation and healing, guardianship and tenderness.

The Storytellers became our communications committee, because storytelling is world-building. It is how we remember and imagine, educate and inspire. Our visions curator, post writers, graphic designers, and community engagement coordinators live here.

The Gardeners tend to our Liberation Library and its numerous branches. We loved the imagery of foragers, seed sowers, topiarists, and composters. A living system. Knowledge that breathes.

The Bookkeepers handle our finances and fundraising. Mutual aid, resource redistribution, transparency—they track the flow of how we give and receive.

The Cultivators carry our teachings and programming. Curriculum creators. Workshop facilitators. Newsletter editors. Zine designers. They are the soil in which your learning takes root—where your questions are honored, your curiosity is nourished, and your voice is welcomed.

The Caregivers form our peer support committee—those trained in transformative justice and ready to offer you care, comfort, and guidance when tensions arise or grief surfaces.

The Webweavers maintain our digital presence—designing for accessibility, privacy, and ease. They make sure our online home is as thoughtful and navigable as our in-person ones—so your journey through our resources is intuitive, accessible, and welcoming at every turn. In a world where digital tools are too often designed without our communities in mind, the Webweavers create with equity and care at the center.

We could have chosen simpler names. But that wasn’t the point. Every name holds intention. Every title is a kind of story.

This structure is alive. It will shift. It will grow. But for now, it is the scaffolding that allows our vision to stand.

Not hierarchy, but relationship. Not rigidity, but rootedness.

Not just labor, but liberation.

— Reaux (she/they), Founding Executive Director

[stardustlin]

miguel x psychiatrist!femreader 👀👀

miguel o’hara x psychiatrist! fem reader

miguel, a brilliant and complex individual, found himself irresistibly drawn to not only your therapeutic expertise but also your compassionate and understanding nature. little by little, the professional boundaries between you both began to blur as a deeper connection formed.

as miguel’s psychiatrist, you played an essential role in helping him navigate the challenges he faced, whether it be managing the stress of his responsibilities or delving into the complexities of his own emotions. your sessions provided a safe space for him to express his innermost thoughts and fears, and you guided him towards a greater understanding of himself.

over time, the bond between you transcended the confines of the therapeutic space. miguel admired your intelligence, sensitivity, and unwavering support. he found solace in knowing that, beyond the therapeutic relationship, you genuinely cared for him.

one day, as the lines blurred further, miguel expressed his growing feelings for you. "i hope you know that my admiration for you extends far beyond our professional relationship," he confessed, his voice filled with vulnerability. "you’ve become an indispensable part of my life, and...i want to explore a romantic relationship with you."

as you listened to miguel’s heartfelt confession, you understood the complexities involved. the professional code of ethics had always guided your actions, but you acknowledged the undeniable connection that existed between you two.

taking a deep breath, you replied, "miguel, i care deeply for you as well. however, you should know that pursuing a romantic relationship would require careful navigation to ensure the integrity of both our personal and professional lives." miguel nodded, fully aware of the potential challenges that lay ahead. "i understand," he said earnestly. "i respect your commitment to maintaining professional boundaries. but... if you're open to it, i’d like to embark on this journey together, with a commitment to open communication and a deep understanding of one another’s needs."

you looked into miguel’s eyes, seeing the sincerity behind his words. after a thoughtful moment, you smiled warmly. "i am willing to embark on this journey with you, miguel, under the condition that we are both committed to preserving the integrity of our therapeutic relationship and honoring the ethical responsibilities that come with it."

from that day forward, miguel and you carefully navigated the complex intersection of your personal and professional lives. bound by love, understanding, and respect, you supported one another through both the joys and challenges of your relationship, all while upholding the professional standards and ethics that guided your work. together, you forged a beautiful partnership, intertwining your personal and professional lives in a way that allowed both love and healing to flourish.

tags 🏷️!! @kairiscorner @emiemiemiii @sabcandoit @obi-mom-kenobi @astro1bloom @meeom

[litrly-justagirl]

2024: The Year I Took Up Space—And You Should Too, Darling💋

As 2024 winds down, I can’t help but reflect on how much this year has shaped me. It’s been a year of growth, of stepping outside my comfort zone, and most importantly—of learning just how powerful community truly is. And I’m not just talking about the people around me—I’m talking about us.

This year, I set out to grow, and what I realized is that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Yes, I had moments of personal breakthroughs, but it was through connecting with all of you—sharing, learning, and even struggling together—that I truly thrived. Every piece of advice, every conversation, every message—it’s all been part of this journey. And I am so grateful for that.

In the past, I might’ve been hesitant to share my setbacks, worried that it would make me seem less “together” than I wanted to be. But this year, I learned that failure isn’t something to hide—it’s part of the process, and the real magic happens when we share it. You all reminded me that we don’t have to be perfect to be powerful, and that together, we’re not just navigating our challenges—we’re building something bigger than ourselves.

I’ve had my fair share of doubts this year, and there were moments I didn’t know if I could push forward. But here’s the thing—I didn’t have to do it alone. Every time I felt stuck, you all were there to encourage me, to remind me that I wasn’t walking this path in solitude. Whether it was through a simple comment or a shared experience, I realized that we’re all in this together. Your support has been a game-changer.

But beyond the work and hustle, 2024 has been a year of joy in the journey. I’ve learned to embrace each step, even the messy ones, because those are the moments that make everything real. It’s about more than just reaching a goal; it’s about being present with the people who are walking alongside me. And that’s where the real growth happens—in the shared moments, the conversations, the triumphs, and even the failures.

2024 also taught me the importance of patience—with myself, with my progress, and with this community. Things don’t always unfold the way we expect, and sometimes, it feels like we’re going backward instead of forward. But this year, I came to understand that growth isn’t linear, and neither is success. We’re all on our own timelines, and that’s more than okay—that’s beautiful. There’s power in knowing that we’re moving forward, at our own pace, together.

As we move into 2025, I feel energized and hopeful about the possibilities ahead. We’ve laid a strong foundation this year, and now it’s time to build on it. Whatever comes next, I know that we are better together. Let’s keep lifting each other up, sharing our stories, and growing, side by side.

So, what about you? What has 2024 taught you? What moments are you holding onto as we step into the new year? I’d love to hear your reflections—because our growth is richer when we share it.

[crossatlanticsoftware-blog]

How to Choose the Best Shopify Website Design Company for Your Store in 2025?

In the ever-evolving world of eCommerce, having a well-designed and fully optimized Shopify store is no longer just an option – it's a necessity. As more consumers turn to online shopping, brands must ensure their Shopify website delivers an exceptional user experience, reflects the brand's identity, and supports seamless transactions. This is where a professional Shopify website design company can make all the difference.

Cross Atlantic Software, we understand that the decision to hire a Shopify website design company is a major step in your eCommerce journey. With so many service providers available, making the right choice can be overwhelming. This article aims to guide you through the most important factors to consider when selecting the right partner for your Shopify website design in 2025.

1. Understand Your Goals and Business Needs

Before you even begin searching for a Shopify website design company, clearly outline what you want your Shopify store to achieve. Are you launching a new brand, rebranding an existing one, or scaling up operations? Do you need custom integrations, advanced product filtering, or mobile-first Shopify design?

Having a clear vision will help you communicate effectively with potential design partners and ensure they align with your goals.

2. Look for Specialized Shopify Expertise

Not all web design companies specialize in Shopify. It's essential to choose a team that lives and breathes Shopify website design. Shopify has its own ecosystem, with unique themes, apps, and a proprietary Liquid coding language. Hiring a company that focuses specifically on Shopify design ensures they understand the platform inside-out.

Cross Atlantic Software has dedicated Shopify experts who have built and optimized hundreds of Shopify stores, giving clients the edge they need to compete in saturated markets.

3. Review Their Portfolio and Past Work

A reputable Shopify website design company should have a robust portfolio showcasing their past work. Look for:

Aesthetically pleasing, modern designs

Fast-loading Shopify websites

Mobile responsiveness

Seamless checkout experiences

Custom features like animations or personalized recommendations

Pay attention to diversity in their projects. This tells you whether the company can adapt their Shopify design to different industries and audiences.

4. Read Client Reviews and Testimonials

Real feedback from past clients is one of the most reliable ways to evaluate a Shopify website design company. Look beyond just the star ratings. Focus on detailed testimonials that highlight communication, professionalism, turnaround time, and post-launch support.

Cross Atlantic Software, we don’t just deliver projects — we build partnerships that grow with your business. Many of our clients have been with us for years, and we’re proud to be part of their ongoing success stories. Our testimonials reflect our commitment to excellence and custom-tailored Shopify website design solutions.

5. Ask About the Design and Development Process

Transparency is crucial. A reliable Shopify website design company should be able to walk you through their process from start to finish:

Initial Consultation

Strategy & Planning

Wireframing & Prototyping

Shopify Theme Customization or Custom Build

QA Testing & Optimization

Launch & Post-Launch Support

Knowing how your design team works isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. When everyone’s on the same page from day one, the process becomes smoother, timelines are clearer, and there are no last-minute surprises.

6. Consider Their Understanding of UX and Conversion Optimization

Good design isn't just about looking pretty. A successful Shopify website should convert visitors into buyers. That requires deep knowledge of user behavior, sales funnels, and design psychology.

Choose a Shopify website design company that prioritizes:

Clear CTAs (Call to Action)

Simple navigation

Fast page load times

Engaging product pages

Mobile-first design

Cross Atlantic Software, our team fuses creative Shopify design with data-backed UX principles to help you maximize conversions and sales.

7. Evaluate Support and Maintenance Services

Your Shopify store needs continuous updates, improvements, and sometimes emergency fixes. Make sure your design partner offers ongoing support even after launch. Ask questions like:

Do they offer monthly maintenance packages?

How do they handle bugs or errors?

Will you have a go-to person to call when something breaks or when you need a quick update? A dedicated point of contact makes all the difference when time and clarity matter most.

Cross Atlantic Software offers flexible support plans to ensure your Shopify website stays up-to-date, secure, and optimized at all times.

8. Transparency in Pricing

Clear pricing is a mark of a trustworthy Shopify website design company. While it's tempting to go with the lowest quote, remember that quality design and development require expertise and time.

Request a detailed breakdown of costs, including design, development, apps, and post-launch services. A good partner will explain every line item and adjust to fit your budget where possible.

9. Look for Creative Collaboration, Not Just Execution

The best outcomes happen when the design company works with you as a creative partner rather than just following orders. You should feel heard, respected, and inspired during the design journey.

Cross Atlantic Software, we treat every client as a collaborator. Our team engages in regular brainstorming sessions and strategy calls to ensure your vision translates beautifully into a high-performing Shopify store.

10. Check If They Offer Additional Services

Many eCommerce businesses need more than just Shopify website design. Check if your prospective partner can also help with:

SEO Optimization

Email Marketing Integration

App Integrations

Product Photography

Social Media Integration

A company that offers a comprehensive solution can save you time, money, and the hassle of managing multiple vendors.

Cross Atlantic Software provides end-to-end services to make your Shopify store launch as seamless and impactful as possible.

Conslusion:

Choosing the best Shopify website design company in 2025 is about more than just good looks. It requires strategic thinking, technical expertise, and a collaborative approach.

With a trusted partner like Cross Atlantic Software, you can build a Shopify website that not only looks amazing but also drives growth and customer loyalty.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your current Shopify design, now is the time to make the investment in a company that understands your vision and has the skills to make it real.

Let’s simplify your eCommerce success — one pixel at a time.

Ready to build your dream Shopify store?

Visit us at www.crossatlantic.software and let’s get started.

[pastoralnhappy]

Jonah and the Whale

Chapter 10: A Measure of Blessings

The seminary's infirmary was bustling with activity as Jonah and Samuel made their way inside. It was time for their routine health check, a procedure that had become increasingly interesting as they continued to grow. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, a constant reminder of the abundance that had become a part of their daily lives.

Jonah stepped onto the scale, feeling the cool metal under his feet. Father Thomas stood beside him, a clipboard in hand, while a physician adjusted the weights on the scale. Jonah's heart pounded in his chest, a mix of anticipation and curiosity. He had noticed his growing size but had not paid much attention to the specifics.

The scale's needle wavered for a moment before settling on a number. The physician's eyes widened slightly, and he scribbled something down on his notepad. "Father, did you even know the seminarian scales went this high?" he asked, his voice tinged with astonishment.

Father Thomas chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "No, your eminence, I did not," he replied. "But it must be a sign of God’s favor on our young scholars."

Jonah glanced down at the scale, his eyes catching the number: 426 pounds. The revelation sent a thrill through him, a mixture of pride and amazement at his own transformation. His once modest frame had grown into that of a superchub, every pound a testament to the acceptance and nourishment he had found at the seminary.

Samuel, standing nearby, watched with a mixture of awe and anticipation. It was his turn next, and he knew that his own growth had been equally significant. He stepped forward as Jonah stepped off the scale, their bodies brushing against each other briefly in a gesture of mutual support. The sensation of their soft, expansive forms touching was a comforting affirmation of their shared journey.

As Samuel climbed onto the scale, the physician once again adjusted the weights. The room fell silent as everyone waited for the result. The needle wavered and then settled on 418 pounds.

"Remarkable," the physician murmured, jotting down the measurement. He turned to Father Thomas. "It seems our young scholars are truly blessed."

Father Thomas nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Indeed. Their growth is a sign of their dedication and the nurturing environment we provide here. It is a blessing we should all be grateful for."

The physician moved to check Samuel's blood pressure and other vital signs, ensuring that their health was in balance with their growth. Meanwhile, Jonah and Samuel exchanged a look of pride and understanding. They had come a long way since they first arrived at the seminary, and their journey was far from over.

The scale's creak under their weight, the soft rustle of their clothing as it stretched to accommodate their bodies, and the feeling of their bellies pressing gently against the sides of the scale all contributed to the sensory richness of the moment. Their growth was not just a number; it was an experience, a tangible manifestation of their journey.

After the check-up, they were led to a room filled with an array of food, a celebration of their continued progress. Freshly baked bread, pastries, fruits, and a variety of savory dishes were spread out on the tables. The sight made Jonah's stomach growl in anticipation, his body eager to continue the journey of indulgence.

Father Thomas clapped a hand on Jonah's shoulder. "Enjoy, my boy. You've earned it."

Jonah and Samuel didn't need to be told twice. They eagerly filled their plates, savoring the flavors and the sense of community that came with each bite. As they ate, they reflected on the conversation they had overheard.

"Do you think it's really a sign of God's favor?" Samuel asked between bites of a particularly delicious pastry.

Jonah considered the question, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I think it's a sign that we're where we’re meant to be. We've found acceptance here, and that in itself feels like a blessing."

Samuel nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Yeah, you're right. And I wouldn't trade this for anything."

The room buzzed with conversation and laughter as the seminarians and priests enjoyed the feast. Jonah looked around, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. He was part of a community that cherished him, not despite his size but because of the journey it represented.

As the meal continued, Jonah and Samuel shared stories and dreams for the future. They talked about their studies, their hopes, and the bond they had formed. The weighing scale might have shown their physical growth, but it was the emotional and spiritual connections they had built that truly mattered.

In the seminary, they had found more than just a place to learn; they had found a home. And as they continued to grow, both in body and in spirit, they knew that their journey was blessed, filled with love, faith, and the promise of endless possibilities.

[pers-books]

Good Omens graphic novel update - January 2025

The Terry Pratchett Estate

January 30, 2025

Happy New Year, everyone.

Admin

Please visit the FAQ page as your first point for any queries; this is the most up-to-date resource and your best initial port of call. If your question is not answered there, do get in touch and we will look into this as soon as we are able.

Finally, we had locked refunds of the Good Omens graphic novel in mid-November due to where we were in the production process, however will no longer maintain this freeze in light of new articles and allegations. While we cannot speak further on the subject at present, we have chosen to reopen a short refund window for those who would no longer like to support the graphic novel, until Friday 7th February 2025. Please contact us via email or Kickstarter message.

It has also been agreed that Neil Gaiman will not receive any proceeds from the graphic novel Kickstarter. Given the project management, production and all communication has always been under the jurisdiction of the Estate on behalf of Good Omens at large, this will not fundamentally change the project itself, however we can confirm the Kickstarter and PledgeManager will now fully be an entity run by, and financially connected to, the Terry Pratchett Estate only. [emphasis mine]

A number of tiers also come with author merchandise and books; we have been working on a system in the back end to remove or swap out particular rewards from tiers, should you wish to continue with the project, but not receive these specific items. In this instance, please contact us via Kickstarter or the email listed on the project FAQ and we will endeavour to alter your orders, to swap items in of an equivalent value, where we are able.

Given the point in the production process, we cannot extend refunds beyond this new deadline, but will honour requests in this window - the only exceptions will be tiers where rewards have already been actioned, such as cameos, and custom or rare items on higher level tiers. In the instance of cameos, should backers wish to have their name removed from the postcard (Archangel) or not receive their cameo print (God), we are able to alter this, but not the cameo itself.

If you do get in touch, we aim to get back within a few days; if you have not heard back within a week, please chase up your query.

Good Omens in all its forms is very special to us, and we know that for many fans the landscape has shifted. We appreciate the sensitivity of this issue, and will be working through all queries in the coming weeks.

We will continue on our journey with Crowley and Aziraphale, and all of our surrounding plans, in some form. Thank you for being part of the journey with us.

The Terry Pratchett Estate (Good Omens HQ)

Until next time.

[lawlerfirmus]

Estate Planning with The Lawler Group Ensuring Your Future, Your Legacy

Estate planning is often misunderstood as something reserved for the wealthy or the elderly. In reality, it’s an essential process for anyone who wants to protect their wealth, ensure their wishes are honored, and provide for their loved ones in the future. At The Lawler Group, we believe that estate planning is not merely about drafting a will; it's about creating a customized strategy that secures your assets, legacy, and family’s future. Estate planning is about peace of mind—not just for you, but for those who will carry out your wishes when you're no longer able to.

Why Estate Planning Matters to Everyone Estate planning is about more than just the distribution of your assets; it is about ensuring that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones have a clear roadmap to follow when the time comes. While many people associate estate planning with wealth, the truth is that anyone who owns assets, has a family, or cares about how their healthcare decisions will be made should have a plan in place.

For instance, without a well-crafted estate plan, the state may step in and make decisions for you. This could result in outcomes that might not align with your desires. By taking control of your estate planning, you avoid unnecessary confusion, protect your family from potential conflict, and minimize the financial burden on your loved ones.

Whether you have a significant fortune or modest assets, estate planning ensures that your wishes will be followed and your loved ones will be cared for in the way you intend. It’s about creating a lasting legacy that aligns with your values, no matter your financial status.

The Lawler Group: Your Partner in Crafting the Future You Desire At The Lawler Group, we understand that every client has unique needs, goals, and family dynamics. That's why our approach to estate planning is deeply personalized and tailored to each individual or family we work with. We offer more than just legal advice; we offer thoughtful guidance and support as you navigate the process of securing your future.

Our experienced team of attorneys takes a holistic approach to estate planning, understanding that this is a deeply personal journey. Whether you are planning for retirement, starting a family, or simply want to ensure your legacy is protected, The Lawler Group offers expert advice and guidance that respects your vision for the future.

We understand that estate planning is not just about wealth; it’s about ensuring that your family remains strong, supported, and protected, no matter what. We work with individuals, couples, and families to design plans that reflect your desires and ensure that your loved ones are taken care of when you're gone.

Estate Planning: Going Beyond the Basics When most people think of estate planning, the first thing that comes to mind is often a will. While a will is an important part of the process, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive estate plan may involve various tools and legal documents that ensure your wishes are carried out efficiently, even in the event of incapacity or illness.

A will allows you to outline how your assets will be distributed after your death. However, the process of probate—the legal process through which your will is validated and your assets are distributed—can take months or even years. Many people choose to avoid the lengthy probate process by using a trust. A trust allows assets to bypass probate, offering a quicker, more private distribution of your assets to your beneficiaries. Trusts also allow you to place specific conditions on how and when your heirs receive their inheritance.

In addition to wills and trusts, it’s important to consider healthcare directives and powers of attorney in your estate planning. A healthcare directive specifies your preferences for medical care in case you become incapacitated and are unable to communicate your wishes. Similarly, a power of attorney designates someone you trust to handle your financial matters if you are unable to do so yourself. These documents ensure that your preferences are honored, even if you are no longer able to advocate for yourself.

At The Lawler Group, we help you explore these options and choose the right combination of legal tools for your estate plan. Our goal is to create a comprehensive, efficient strategy that provides clarity and control over your assets, healthcare, and future.

Estate Planning: Not Just for the Elderly or Wealthy One of the most common misconceptions about estate planning is that it’s only for those who are older or those with significant wealth. However, life is unpredictable, and the need for estate planning can arise at any stage of life. Accidents, illnesses, and unforeseen circumstances can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or financial situation.

Imagine you are involved in an accident or diagnosed with a serious illness—someone will need to manage your financial matters and ensure your healthcare wishes are followed. By setting up powers of attorney and healthcare directives, you take control of those decisions, ensuring that your family and loved ones aren’t left with the burden of making difficult decisions without guidance.

Estate planning is about planning for the unexpected, and it’s an important step for everyone to take, no matter their age or stage in life.

Protecting Your Family and Avoiding Conflict One of the greatest benefits of estate planning is its ability to prevent family disputes. Without a clear, legally-binding plan, families can often experience confusion, frustration, and even conflict when it comes time to settle your affairs. This can be especially difficult in the emotionally charged period after the death of a loved one.

Having a well-drafted estate plan in place reduces the chances of disagreements by clearly outlining your intentions and ensuring that your wishes are respected. At The Lawler Group, we encourage open communication between you and your family members to make sure that everyone understands your plan and is on the same page. By addressing concerns early in the process, we help prevent unnecessary conflict during what can already be a challenging time.

The Lawler Group’s Comprehensive Approach to Estate Planning At The Lawler Group, we understand that estate planning can feel overwhelming, but we strive to make the process as smooth and empowering as possible. Our team is committed to providing you with the knowledge and support you need to make informed decisions about your estate. We take the time to learn about your family, financial situation, and long-term goals so that we can create a plan that fits your unique needs.

Whether you are looking to reduce estate taxes, protect assets for future generations, or create a strategy for charitable giving, we offer tailored solutions that reflect your values. We also ensure that your estate plan is fully up-to-date with current laws and regulations, so you can be confident that your wishes will be honored, no matter what.

Avoiding Common Estate Planning Mistakes One of the biggest mistakes people make in estate planning is failing to update their plan after significant life events. Life changes like marriage, the birth of a child, or the acquisition of assets should prompt a review of your estate plan. Similarly, neglecting to account for changing tax laws or failing to execute documents correctly can render your plan ineffective.

At The Lawler Group, we guide you through the entire process, ensuring that your estate plan is regularly updated and legally binding. We help you avoid common pitfalls by ensuring that all documents are in order, signed, and executed according to the law. With our assistance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your estate plan is comprehensive, current, and legally sound.

The Final Word Estate planning is not just about protecting your wealth; it’s about ensuring that your family, your legacy, and your wishes are honored for generations to come. At The Lawler Group, we make it our mission to help you secure your future and the future of your loved ones. Through thoughtful, personalized estate planning, we create strategies that reflect your values and ensure that your legacy will endure.

With our guidance, you can approach estate planning with confidence, knowing that your assets, healthcare, and loved ones are well taken care of. Let The Lawler Group help you build the estate plan that secures your future and ensures that your legacy is protected for years to come.

[enactingmodernmagic]

modern magic, protesting, and conjunctive linguistics

Protesting, at its best, feels like you are caught in a spell. The spell of turning words into action, of collective healing, and of achieving something despite being far away. Many times this summer, I felt the protests I took part in journeying into some sort of magic, a collective prayer. Raising up your voice to the sky to cry out against burned babies, destroyed hospitals, innocent lives caught in a crossfire of a group of people defending themselves who never should have been there in the first place. 

I continually witness horrors happening in Palestine and Lebanon from behind my screen. A pane of glass and countless generations of colonization in my own bloodline protect me from fearing for my loved ones in the same way. This glass isolates me, continually fights a battle to keep me silent, keep me impotent. How many man made horrors beyond your comprehension can you see before feeling like fighting against them is futile? 

This glass, however, does not protect those I love, their families, their loved ones. 

And I remember magic. There’s a perennially unresolved (perhaps entirely unresolvable) tension in linguistic theory between a conventional and conjunctive understanding of words. Often dissolved into a division between philosophers and poets respectively, one argues that words are simply convention, bearing no significance to what they signify; one that names implicitly bring forth the thing they signify. Magical thinking has its foundation firmly in the latter, where names, letters, and sounds are among the tools by which the expert brings about a desired outcome. 

And I think back to every protest I’ve attended. There is a magical release in crying out as a community against collective pain. What affects one of us, affects all of us. We transmute that pain into action. We build community through being together and connecting with each other. Protests are nothing if we don’t speak to each other. These are moments to build our power, build our networks. The prayer means nothing if it is not supported by a community ecosystem that can work to enact it.

There is a magical manifestation in calling for freedom. 

When we work together as a community, we bring about our own miracles. The collective magic of a protest is just the first step.

[healthier-sideup1]

Welcome to Healthier SideUp: Your Path to Balanced Living

Life can feel overwhelming, but taking steps toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle doesn’t have to be. That’s why we created Healthier SideUp, your go-to resource for sustainable wellness tips, practical solutions, and tools to empower you on your journey to a better you. Whether you’re starting small or aiming for significant lifestyle changes, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

At Healthier SideUp, we believe in progress over perfection. Wellness isn’t about drastic changes or quick fixes—it’s about finding what works for you and integrating those habits into your daily life. From improving your diet and increasing physical activity to enhancing mental well-being and self-care, we provide actionable advice to help you make sustainable changes that fit your lifestyle.

Simplifying Wellness for Everyone

The journey to better health should be simple, accessible, and enjoyable. That’s why Healthier SideUp focuses on three core areas:

Nutrition: Eating well doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love. We offer easy-to-follow meal ideas, balanced recipes, and tips for incorporating nutrient-rich ingredients into your diet. Whether you’re looking to boost energy, manage your weight, or just feel better overall, our guidance helps you make healthier choices without sacrificing flavor or fun.

Fitness: Staying active shouldn’t feel like a chore. Our fitness tips and routines are designed for every fitness level, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Whether you have five minutes or an hour, we help you incorporate movement into your daily life, making exercise something you look forward to instead of something you dread.

Mental Wellness: True health goes beyond the physical. Healthier SideUp emphasizes the importance of mental well-being with strategies for stress management, mindfulness, and building resilience. We help you cultivate a positive mindset that supports your overall well-being and helps you tackle life’s challenges with confidence.

Small Steps, Big Changes

Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Healthier SideUp, we focus on small, consistent steps that lead to lasting results. Whether it’s swapping one meal a day for a healthier option, taking a short walk during lunch, or setting aside five minutes for mindfulness, we show you how small actions can create significant transformations.

Our resources are designed to meet you where you are in your wellness journey. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your lifestyle, we provide personalized solutions that make health and wellness accessible for everyone.

Your Partner in Wellness

Healthier SideUp is more than a website—it’s a community dedicated to empowering individuals to live their best lives. We celebrate your progress, cheer you on through challenges, and provide the tools you need to achieve your goals. With us by your side, you’ll discover that wellness is within reach and can be an enjoyable part of your everyday routine.

Join Us Today

Explore Healthier SideUp and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you. From practical tips to inspiring content, we’re here to support your journey to balanced living. Let’s create a healthier future, one step at a time.

[linguisticqurocity]

Learn Danish with Curiotory

Introduction

Danish is a fascinating language, spoken by over 6 million people primarily in Denmark, as well as in parts of Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and northern Germany. It's a language rich in history, culture, and tradition, with ties to the ancient Norse languages. Learning Danish opens the door to understanding Danish culture, literature, and a way of life that emphasizes simplicity, community, and a deep connection with nature.

At Curiotory, we believe that learning a new language should be an engaging and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re planning to travel to Denmark, interested in its rich cultural heritage, or simply looking to challenge yourself with a new language, our Danish language course offers an immersive and comprehensive learning experience.

Why Learn Danish?

1. Cultural Immersion

Denmark is known for its vibrant cultural scene, from world-class museums and historic landmarks to the unique Danish concept of "hygge" (a feeling of coziness and contentment). By learning Danish, you can fully immerse yourself in the culture, understanding the nuances and expressions that define the Danish way of life.

2. Travel and Exploration

Whether you’re visiting Copenhagen’s charming streets or exploring the scenic landscapes of Jutland, knowing the local language enhances your travel experience. It allows you to connect with locals, understand signs and menus, and navigate your way through the country with ease.

3. Career Opportunities

Denmark is a hub for various industries, including technology, design, and renewable energy. Knowing Danish can give you a competitive edge in the job market, opening doors to career opportunities in Denmark and other Danish-speaking regions.

4. Cognitive Benefits

Learning a new language has numerous cognitive benefits, including improved memory, problem-solving skills, and multitasking abilities. Danish, with its unique pronunciation and grammar, provides a stimulating challenge for language learners.

What Makes Curiotory's Danish Course Stand Out?

At Curiotory, we have designed our Danish course to cater to learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. Here’s what sets our course apart:

1. Interactive Lessons

Our lessons are designed to be interactive and engaging, using multimedia resources such as videos, audio clips, and interactive exercises. This approach ensures that you not only learn the language but also practice it in real-life scenarios.

2. Experienced Instructors

Our team of experienced instructors are native Danish speakers who bring their expertise and passion for the language to each lesson. They provide personalized feedback, helping you to improve your pronunciation, grammar, and conversational skills.

3. Flexible Learning Options

We understand that everyone has a different learning pace and schedule. That’s why we offer flexible learning options, including one-on-one sessions, group classes, and self-paced learning modules. You can choose the option that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

4. Cultural Insights

Our course goes beyond language learning to include insights into Danish culture, history, and traditions. You’ll learn about Danish customs, festivals, and even popular Danish foods, giving you a holistic understanding of the country.

5. Community Support

Learning a language is a journey, and having a supportive community makes it easier and more enjoyable. Our learners have access to online forums, discussion groups, and social events where they can practice Danish with fellow learners and native speakers.

Conclusion

Learning Danish with Curiotory is more than just acquiring a new language; it’s about immersing yourself in a rich cultural experience. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your Danish skills, our course is designed to help you achieve fluency in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment. Start your Danish language journey with Curiotory today, and open the door to new opportunities, connections, and adventures.

Visit https://curiotory.com/