#you ever see cherry blossom with like a spring or mint green

[epickiya722]

Okay, but pink does goes well with green!

[x0401x]

Jeweler Richard Fanbook Short Story #13

Feel free to message me about possible corrections, and please consider supporting the creators by purchasing digital copies of the official releases: Novel || Manga || Fanbook. In case anyone is feeling generous: Ko-fi | PayPal. ( ╹◡╹)っ’･*

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Ramen Story

The voice of the owner as he said “welcome” turned into a mutter at the end, fading away. I could understand how he felt. With a light, cut-and-sew jacket draped over him, a blond, blue-eyed man had come inside, standing behind another man who quite literally had the air of a student. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to wonder if he was an actor. But we were just a party of two.

“Two people,” I indicated with a peace sign. We were guided to a table seat. There were no other people around. While we were at it, we gave them the meal tickets that we had bought from the vending machine outside. A couple of negi ramen.

“What a surprise. There’s always a long queue for this shop. So that’s how shops are like right after they open in a student district?”

In this shop, currently reserved to our exclusive use, I talked without restraint about all sorts of things – about the layout of the classroom building in my campus, about the hideout-like garden in the university’s premises, about my friends and even about my teachers. The shop’s atmosphere did that to me. The man who could well be the best listener in the world let me talk as much as I wanted, occasionally making an exasperated face.

“Here, sorry for the wait. It’s hot, so be careful.”

“Thank you, thank you.”

“You too, Mr. Foreigner. This is ‘hot’.”

As Richard replied with a “thank you, madam”, the old lady laughed fickly.

Now for the ramen.

Its soup was salt-based, warm steam wafting from it. That being said, it wasn’t as if there was anything special about it. We hadn’t added any ingredients, so it was a simple one. Fermented bamboo shoots, dried seaweed, fish cake and a large helping of green onions.

We silently put our hands together to thank for the meal, taking the chopsticks and parting them with a snap. I took the dwindled noodles, then opened my mouth wide and filled it with them. I tried to make as little noise as possible.

Delicious.

This shop’s ramen was simple, but it was a strong ally for a student’s cold pockets and quick-to-get-hungry stomach. It stayed steadily in your belly, resolutely reminding you for about three hours that you had eaten ramen today. And above all else, the animalistic joy of eating without thinking was more irreplaceable than anything else. Tasty food was great.

By the moment I was done with my very-IQ-lacking monologue of “thank you, o ramen; o ramen, thank you”, there was only a little bit left of the contents of my bowl. Still eating the green onion ramen without a sound, Richard looked at me with upturned eyes from his bended posture. Those blue eyes made me seriously wonder if there weren’t gemstones inserted in them.

“Hey, you got a moment?”

“As you wish. Whatever you please.”

When I prefaced it with, “This is serious talk – super, super serious talk”, he made a face that screamed, “You’re being too long-winded”, so I went straight to the point.

“I didn’t think you’d actually come eat ramen with me.”

I hadn’t imagined that the day would come when I could eat a bowl of ramen for 450 yen at a historical, cozy ramen shop in the student town with this beautiful man who usually only wore suits. I hadn’t at all. Even now, another side of me was still tilting his neck somewhere within my mind, wondering about “how things came to this”.

Ever since around the time I had started working part-time in Ginza, I had no sense of reality. Not even about the fact that I would later be going to Sri Lanka. No, of course, I was fully ready and had a Visa, so I was in a phase where all I had left to do was get on the plane and I was making the oh-so-busy Richard help me out with that, but...

Richard took a sip of the salt-based soup with the china spoon, then glanced at me. “So you were not expecting anything from me, is that it?”

“No way. On the contrary.”

When I said that I just didn’t think he would give me the OK, Richard’s lips curved in the shape of an arc, and after looking for napkins on the table, he realized that there weren’t any, so he took a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his mouth.

“I value the accuracy of your palate. It is obvious that, if you have a shop you like, I would want to try eating there.”

“Thank you. And for remembering about it too.”

Soon after I had started working part-time, I was introduced to a stone called chrysoprase. I once laughed my butt off when I learned that the etymology of the fresh green-colored stone included the meaning of “leek” or “green onion”. The topic then changed into ramen, and we, the shopkeeper and part-timer who subtly had not yet thrown off reserve with each other, talked about liking green onion ramen, what kinds of toppings we preferred, and other such things. I had kind of thought that “it’d be nice to go have ramen with this guy someday”. Back then, to me, Richard was someone as far-off as the moon and stars that shone in outer space. Of course, he was still as resplendent as the moon and stars even now, but he didn’t feel as distant.

Once I was done drinking the soup up to it’s last drop, I heaved a small sigh. “That was delicious. Last time eating Japanese ramen and this one for a while, huh.”

“How about putting instant ramen in your suitcase?”

“I ain’t used to making those. I’m the type that goes out to eat ramen rather than making instant ones. But there’s curry roux inside. Weird story, isn’t it? I’m going to a curry culture zone, yet I’m taking curry with me.”

“Analyzing Indian and Sri Lankan curry by Japanese curry standards can cause serious stomach problems. Beware.”

I puffed out my chest, saying that I had properly prepared myself for this because he had already told me about it before, to which the beautiful man gave a little sigh.

“May I also talk about a truly serious topic?”

When I told him that didn’t mind it at all and that I wanted to hear it, Richard looked at my face directly. It made me nervous. What was he going to tell me, I wondered.

“I did not think that you would actually invite me out for ramen.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I honestly did not.”

“Why?”

As I kept on tilting my neck at that sentence, which you wouldn’t think would come from someone like him – who looked like just breathing was enough for him to get invited to eat out –, Richard spoke to me reticently. He told me that people were quick to come towards him, but there were also those who surrounded him from a distance, watching him without trying to shorten the distance between him and themselves. So this kind of thing also happened?

Looking back, I was also from the keep-a-distance group at first. But I sucked at giving up, and whenever something that made me happy happened, I would be overjoyed no matter how many times I remembered about it, so every time I recalled the chrysoprase talk, I would find myself thinking that I should invite him out for ramen. It just so happened that the desire for this “someday” had amplified as the number of times that I thought about it increased, and I had finally voiced it this spring.

The shop was tiny and had a bit of a mysterious scent, but it was truly delicious. It would be closing this spring. I was concerned about what to do if he declined it with an awkward face, but the response I got after speaking up was a “When will it be?” without a moment’s delay.

“Was it okay to have invited you?”

“What do you think?”

“Well, I was just thinking I was glad that I invited you, but...”

The reply was a short-range smile. That slightly tired face with no sense of uneasiness to it was bad for the heart. But I was gonna get used to it. I had to.

“Still, was it really all right? That I was the one you had a meal with for the last time at a shop that you have fond memories of, I mean. Would it not have been better to do so with the friends that you always ate with?” Richard asked.

Hmm. So he was gonna bring that up, huh?

“Well, well, thank you very much for your superb consideration. But I’m glad it was with you.”

“Is that so?”

“I’m glad it was with you. Not anyone else; with you.”

I had learned many lessons even in just four years of university, such as that things were shifting, everything kept changing over and over, the green onion ramen shop would be gone, I would be leaving for Sri Lanka in the near future and there was no telling how my life was going to be from now on. But this jeweler was a man who knew very well how to cherish a memory.

Only to people like that did I entrust the things I didn’t want to forget.

Bidding a courteous farewell to the elderly shopkeeper and old lady employee, we exited the shop. Cars rushed on the Yasukuni Avenue. Kasaba during holidays was so quiet that it felt like a different world. As the wind softly blew, the cherry trees planted along the street shook and their pale pink petals scattered about.

“That was delicious, huh~. You got any plans for later?”

“I am going to help Saul with chores. We are not boorish enough to engage in business talk after just eating ramen.”

I stole a peek at his profile as he started chewing on a mint gum. The beautiful man brushed cherry blossom petals off his golden hair. He offered me one of the white gums, asking if I wanted to eat it.

I probably wouldn’t forget this sight. Even if that ramen shop was gone, even if my address was no longer in Tokyo.

Richard tilted his head a little, as I was still staring at his face even after accepting the gum. “Anything the matter?”

“Aah, sorry. Your beauty was like you’ve come from another world, so I spaced out.”

I then changed the topic, saying I was going to think about what to have for dinner or something. There were still lots of shops that I wanted to visit while I was still in Japan, though they were all set-meal and chain ones. I didn’t think I was able to hide my melancholy, but he’d probably act like he didn’t see anything. I was grateful for that.

In the middle of our walk to the train station, I looked back at the cityscape one last time and wordlessly offered a moment of silence to it.

Thank you for everything; I’m off!

[sukiglycerin]

cherry-blossomed lookalike || yo shindou, izuku midoriya.

* pairing: yo shindou x reader x izuku midoriya (gender neutral!)

* genre: angst, fluff (for deku), canonverse

* words: 1,275

* warnings: high school!au, mentions of dead bodies/corpses & blood for a metaphor (google “under the cherry blossoms” by motojirou kaiji) but nothing graphic at all, i’m breaking shindou’s heart, i’m sorry bby ily

* a/n: so this is based off of two pieces of media: “lookalike” by conan gray and “under the cherry blossoms” by motojirou kaiji. i've been trying to maintain weekly posts! so, i hope you like this.

yo shindou was not the protagonist. no matter how he tried to convince himself he was, he knew he would never be. no matter how he put himself up or how many people he surrounded himself with, he was not the protagonist.

there was a gentle summer breeze as the sun fell away and warm hues filled the sky. he can vividly remember the sensation of grass tickling his palm as he sat next to you on a hill overlooking the city. it was so simple then; undefined by courses or schools. he can remember how the wind dragged through his hair, how he smiled at the sinking sun and hoped you didn't see it. he can remember how much it felt like his moment in his own coming-of-age movie; with the way you glowed under the sunset - you, his first love. he can remember what it felt like to feel important. he can remember so many memories on that hill, but none were quite like that one.

he can remember how when you met eyes, in that split second, he knew that was his movie moment. he can remember the taste of your lips against his, your chapstick sweetly lingering on his lips. he can remember the small, timid smile on your face as you touched your lips in wonder; he can remember feeling the same.

this was not his coming-of-age movie, and he was not the protagonist.

that fall he was accepted into ketsubutsu academy, and he can remember how close your warmth was as you hugged him and bid him farewell. how you resolved to take the exam when the time came, just for him. 

oh god, did you make him feel important. you were his courage whenever he felt small, his dopamine when he felt blue. it was because of you that he could walk into the classroom of kids and smile. it was because of you that he could greet the students happily, without a worry of when he'd end up inevitably disappointing them with his true personality.

(of course, it's not like you really knew what laid behind that smile. he always tried to hide it. you didn't deserve to see such an ugly side of him, and he never wanted to disappoint you.)

he can remember your shy, sweet smile as he asked you on a date, his very first, the summer break previous. because you were you, and he'd fallen in love sometime in the many years he'd known you. because you were you, with your enthusiastic words and welcoming scent of linen and mint. 

but now here he was, the summer break of his first year at high school. everything was so radically different from the summer break of his final year of middle school, but you were still the same. he still loved you the same, still got the same butterflies in his chest when he saw you. because you were the constant in his ever-changing life, the person he could depend on. how foolish he was to allow himself to relax, believe you were the one. because he thought maybe, just maybe, you'd be there for him, to stay.

you became his confidence. he could approach people because of you and he could befriend them.

you were the pillar in his psyche. you were the reason he could lead so fearlessly in his hero training, the reason he let his strategies roll off his tongue no matter how sly his classmates said they were. 

maybe it was a naive thing to do. no, he knew it was a naive thing to do. he knew it was stupid of him to rely such a sensitive part of himself on such a fragile thing; yet he'd done so, allowed himself to be weak, and get stabbed in the heart instead. he couldn't let this happen again.

because somehow, he let you drift away from him. somehow, he could predict all of his enemies' strategies but not the meanings behind your actions in front of him. 

after he'd obtained his provisional license, he became busier. maybe it was the 'hero' mindset driving him or the school responsibilities that came after the exam, but he saw you less and less. rather, thinking back on it now, maybe his responsibilities weren't the only thing that kept you apart from him.

in that time, you met izuku midoriya. midoriya, who was in your year, was a bright-eyed student who attended the prestigious ua academy. he could vomit.

what was it that that kid had that he didn't? he was innocent, naive, and emotional. and now, that kid had you. you were no longer shindou's. you, who'd built up shindou for so long; you, a pillar that came crashing down. there was nothing he could do.

he remembers when he first met you. you were maybe five, walking under cherry blossoms that covered the sidewalks like snow. you'd stared at the blossoms in awe, the innocent shine in your eyes similar to the purity of the blossoms' hue. untainted, and beautiful.

there's a novel that says dead bodies are buried under cherry blossoms, that the blood is how the flowers gain their ethereal pink hue; now shindou can believe it. 

as petals fall on your and your date's green hair, he can swear they're a shade darker; he can swear that buried under the cherry blossom tree, his old, weak self lies there. and he swears he'll never allow the same thing to happen again.

love is a weakness, the blood dripping from the sakuras. love weakens.

because shindou can swear that kid looks like him; he can swear, when you look in the kid's eyes you see him instead. he swears the radiant smile you have today is for him; he swears he's still in your life though he can't remember the last time you said his name.

oh god, he swears you still love him. it's in the way you brush past him in the halls. you still love him; that kid resembles him so closely, there isn't a way you don't love him anymore. 

he hears you in the halls going on about love, but he knows that it's not. he knows that you still love him, he swears; that as the cherry blossoms fall your eyes see the kid as him.

because in your head, you see him instead; that kid looks a lot like he did then. he can't be replaced, and that kid is only a lookalike.

izuku midoriya was a lookalike to replace shindou, nothing else. your relationship meant nothing. because the kid's just a lookalike, shindou thinks as he watches your eyes sparkle in the light. 

he watches you as you radiate that contagious joy; as you laugh a twinkling melody that's music to his ears. he can almost pretend that he's there, rather than midoriya. he can almost pretend that your glow is for him, that the heart that's captivated him is his. almost. in the same way, he can almost convince himself that midoriya was just a replacement for him. he can almost fit the pieces of two different puzzles together; if only the pieces of his heart could be put together.

he watches as a blossom falls into his hand. spring had followed him once again. but now, the flower path he walks is suddenly much different. lined in pink petals, he can only see the dead bodies that lie beneath. when he drops the petal and looks up, you're gone, and so is the wonder of cherry blossoms lining the pavement.

maybe it was time he found a lookalike.

[nymphastral]

Tag Game

I was tagged by the wonderful @luthienleithian, thank you very much!

•  What’s your favourite flower/plant/tree?

Lavender, camellia, cherry blossoms, and sunflower

•  Favourite colours?

Mauve, emerald green, dark red and dark blue

•  What do you always doodle?

Calligraphic names, eyes, lips.

•  How do you take your coffee/tea?

I like black coffee with French vanilla syrup, and as for tea, I usually drink Earl Grey (bc it’s the most popular drink here in Turkey) or mint tea

•  Favourite candle scent?

Vanilla

•  Sunrise or sunset?

Sunset

•  What perfume do you wear?

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Intense

•  Favourite quote?

“Sometimes holding on does more damage than letting go.” -Dalai Lama

•  Favourite self care routine(s)?

Reading a lot, drinking tea, exercising, sleeping

•  Fuzzy socks or house slippers?

Fuzzy socks

•  What colour are your eyes?

Brown

•  What’s your favourite eye colour on others?

I personally like green much more...

•  Favourite season?

Spring when it’s sunny and mild

•  Cheek, neck, or nose kisses?

Neck

•  Favourite breed of dog?

Samoyeds

•  Do you ever want to be married?

I don’t see any point in the act of “marriage” but if we want to have children, It might be a reasonable choice

•  Cursive or print?

Cursive

•  Favourite weather?

I like it when it’s bright and sunny and when there are soft clouds and a gentle breeze, when you feel the warmness and smell flowers everywhere 

I’m tagging: @calliopis, @starmaps, @onfirebyfiends, @la-petitefille, @narcissiste, @chernayakoshka, @moremercurial, @yaamourtoi, and @narcissusheir (only if you want to)

[yumenosakiacademy]

Cookie Run Ovenbreak Affection Lines Masterpost!

I decided to compile the cookies’ affection lines! Or, well, as many as i could. This list is missing all lines from Pomegranate, Cheesecake, Mint Choco, and Space Doughnut due to me not having them; almost all gift lines; and the chat lines from multiple cookies due to not having  the proper friends statuses yet, but I’ll update this w the lines as i gain more affection points!

(if you have any of lines I’m missing, feel free to let me kno what they r so I can add em to this masterpost! thank you! ^^)

[Google docs version of this here!! Easier to read this on there, imo!!]

Rockstar

Hi!

He-ey! Wanna rock?

You want an autograph? Or a selfie?

[thumbs up]

Grateful from the bottom of my big heart!

Aw yeah!

[chat]

I wanna try writing my music with silver ink!

This song’s for all the cookies who got cavities from too much Black Sugar!

I’m the icon of rock music!

I will rock forever!

Blackberry

Hi!

May I assist you with anything?

Greetings. I suggest we get started immediately.

[thumbs up]

I see. Thank you.

I do not deserve such praise.

[chat]

Vanished again? Not surprised.

A melted black sugar crystal can become quite a nuisance.

I can handle it myself. Do not worry.

I’ve heard of crystals as pure as stars in the night sky.

White Choco

Hi!

Right on time!

Every second counts! Shall we begin training?

[thumbs up]

Ha, thanks to my regimen.

Thank you, mon ami!

[chat]

Victory is decided in a single moment! En garde!

My handkerchief is gone! How many is that now?

Glass breaks so easily.

A perfectly wrapped gift is always welcome.

Dark Choco Cookie

Hi!

Darkness... approaches...

Don’t come... any closer...

[thumbs up]

What is the meaning of this...

You... are quite special...

[chat]

I have no need... for grass...

You too... are afraid of me...

I used to have... a dream...

I’ve... always regretted... my past...

Lemon

Hi!

Yeah, hello.

You’re the type who likes to say hello, huh.

[thumbs up]

Sure, I guess.

Really? Wouldn’t know.

[chat]

Playing with a lemon cube is calming.

I’ve been listening to EDM lately.

Breaking out is nothing with electricity on your side.

I don’t know what’ll happen without a lemon cube.

Angel

Hi!

I’ve been waiting for you...

Pleased to meet you...

[thumbs up]

Such a kind person...

These are the kindest words I’ve heard...

[chat]

I like to give blessings... Bless you!

Will I ever learn to fly...?

I wish everyone was always happy...

I don’t like things that can be used as weapons...

Ninja

Hi!

Yes..?

Tss..!

[thumbs up]

Thank you. But my skills are far from perfect.

I deserve no compliments yet!

[chat]

The wind of change is coming...

Remember: every great deed begins with discipline!

I do like things that remind me of the ocean...

I must resist the temptations of treasures...

Pirate

Hi!

Huh? Got a treasure?

What? found a treasure?

[thumbs up]

Give treasures, not words! Kha-ha!

Okay, okay. Now where do ye hide the treasures?

[chat]

Pirates never die!

I wish I could just turn things into treasures! Kha-ha!

Pirates need no certificates! Kha-ha!

I am the terror of the sea!

Chili Pepper

Hi!

Guess how high my bounty is?!

Watch your pockets!

[thumbs up]

Doesn’t mean I’m not going to steal from you!

Are you trying to get on my good side?

[chat]

I’m here! Beg for mercy!

If you want something, then take it!

I want a hot and flashy pouch!

Hand over your treasures! Not that shiny sugar stuff!

Adventurer

Hi!

A new day, a new adventure!

Onwards to new lands!

[thumbs up]

No one can stop my treasure hunt!

Hm, seems like my adventures weren’t dangerous enough...!

[chat]

I’m looking for a legendary key to a legendary door!

Glass bottles are too fragile to take on adventures!

Let’s go treasure hunting!

Shh! This meeting is just between us!

Whipped Cream

Hi!

Ballet is truly the most elegant of dances.

The world must become happy!

[thumbs up]

Graceful bow of thanks!

Humble bow of thanks!

[chat]

I want to dance in a serene forest!

I hope everyone becomes happy after watching me dance...

I desire a crystal as green as the forest...

I’ve never been to the sea... It’s rather frightening.

Cherry Blossom

Hi!

Come on! It’s perfect weather for a picnic!

Hi there! Do you like cherry blossoms?

[thumbs up]

Thank you! Another sandwich?

Thanks! Another cup of tea?

[chat]

I’d like to fly with the wind!

Such a lovely, soft breeze.

What do I need for a picnic? Crumpled paper just won’t do!

I like sugar crystals that go well with the spring breeze!

Vampire

Hi!

Do I know you?

Ah... You! Hello?

[thumbs up]

Thanks, but I’m not sharing my juice!

Yes, yes, just drink already!

[chat]

Treasures? Meh! I’ve got too many of them...

Everyone’s always running, but no one knows why!

I’d like to color my juice crimson... Can you help?

Let’s have a glass of grape juice!

Hero

Hi!

Hello there! Wanna join our Breakout campaign?

Hi! Oh, please don’t mind the machine oil!

[thumbs up]

You’re a really good friend!

Really? Thanks!

[chat]

What do you mean you know who I am?

I’m looking for a nice hammer these days...

There’s a hero that helps cookies! Neat, huh?

The present is more important than old legends!

Dr. Wasabi

Hi!

Would you like to volunteer for a special experiment? He-he-he!

I’m busy experimenting! Ha-ha!

[thumbs up]

I was always great! Ha-ha!

You didn’t know that? He-he-he!

[chat]

Want some special Wasabi Syrup? He-he-he!

I’ve memorized everything, so no need! Ha-ha!

This experiment needs a winding key..!

I’m tellin’ ya! My research will turn the world upside down!

Princess 

Hi!

Ready for an adventure?

A nice day for a little walk!

[thumbs up]

Ah, it’s impossible to get tired of compliments!

You are pretty cute yourself!

[chat]

Will you ever take me to the land’s end?

I’ve got so many Violet Sugar Crystals recently!

Legends say there’s a gold key that opens a secret door...

Having fun everyday, that’s the princess’s way!

Devil

Hi!

Lookie-lookie... Who’s so polite here?

What do you need?

[thumbs up]

Blergh! I hate compliments...

What... You talking to me?

[chat]

I hate blessings!

He-he! Seen a cookie more terrifying than me?

Is that a ghost behind you? IT WAS A JOKE! Mua-ha-ha-ha!

Bring me something NOT FROM THIS GALAXY! Ha-ha!

Alchemist

Hi!

Don’t you see I’m busy? Sit there and don’t touch anything!

Yes, yes, could you pass me that ampoule?

[thumbs up]

Fair enough!

Yes, I know, thank you very much!

[chat]

I’ve learned all my textbooks by heart!

My laboratory is filled with useless crumpled paper...

What if I mix this... and that?

Oh, I’d love to examine an ancient relic!

Mustard

Hi!

Do you think all cookies have to be sweet?

Got something to say?

[thumbs up]

Ugh...Thanks, I guess.

Don’t judge me!

[chat]

Society’s expectations of treasures is pointless!

Copper ink might go well with mustard spray...

No one can keep me down!

All cookies deserve to be happy!

Knight

Hi!

Great day for a tournament!

Knight Cookie, at your service!

[thumbs up]

You are too kind!

Oh... Really?!

[chat]

The Princess would love something pink...

There is a Cookie I’d protect with my life!

I take no interest in old Cookie Chests...

Know any villains I must defeat?

Muscle

Hi!

I feel mighty today!

My muscles are glad to see you!

[thumbs up]

Guess I won’t smash you after all.

One... Two... Wha?

[chat]

Wanna see my muscles?

Plants won’t make your muscles grow!

Need something heavy to work on my legs!

Strength and muscles is all a Cookie needs!

Cheerleader

Hi!

Today is your day!

Go-o-o-o.... COOKIES!

[thumbs up]

You’re the best teamplayer!

That’s what I call a positive charge!

[chat]

The lighter the cheerleading equipment, the better!

Need some energy? Cheerleader Cookie is to the rescue!

You can do it! Go, go, go!

I could really use some Blessing Powder...

Red Bean

Hi!

Want a ride on my sled?

I never get cold!

[thumbs up]

Penguins love compliments, too!

Fish Treat Jellies are great, and so are compliments!

[chat]

I like surprises!

Swoosh, swoosh! Sledding is great!

Snowy days need to have snowball fights!

Pink isn’t really my color.

Zombie

Hi!

Urghhh...

Huh?

[thumbs up]

Give... Jelly...?

Huh...

[chat]

Ancient... Old...

Fresh Jellies... Want...

Ink... Hate... Blergh!

Hungry... Always...

Soda

Hi!

Hey! Wanna go surfing?

The waves are calling!

[thumbs up]

Awesome! Let’s hit the waves!

Thanks! Surf’s up!

[chat]

I’m kinda afraid of open flames...

Ever felt the thrill of surfing?

I like Sugar Crystals that remind me of the sea!

Yeah! Perfect weather for surfing!

Gingerbrave

Hi!

Hi, friend! Up for some fun?

Hello there!

[thumbs up]

Oh, you shouldn’t have... But thanks, friend!

You’re the best! Thank you!

[chat]

I can escape without any certificates, uh-huh!

Why does everyone keep giving me these weird looks...?

I can escape from here! You’ll help me, won’t you?

My favorite sugar crystals contain the power of earth!

Gingerbright

Hi!

Good luck today!

I think you’re gonna have a great day today!

[thumbs up]

Ah, I’m so happy I’m gonna dance!

Oh! you made my day!

[chat]

What’s my favorite food? Sweet and cute Jellies!

I don’t really like old things....

All cookie friends are so nice! Running together is the best thing ever!

Shiny yellow crystals are my favorite!

Skater

Hi!

H! That’s “Hi” if you say it fast!

Hey! Let’s ride!

[thumbs up]

Yo, that’s cool!

Hey, I’m like really touched!

[chat]

Life is speed, speed is life!

I wanna get a real, official certificate for something...

Wanna learn how to ride the board?

Ancient things? No thank you!

Strawberry

Hi!

Um... Hi?

ARGH! You scared me.

[thumbs up]

You want become friends...? With me? [the typo is in-game]

Um... I mean... Ahem.

[chat]

My hobby? I like playing video games. Alone...

Am i blushing again?

I hate heavy things...

My favorite sugar crystals? Well, I like spring breeze, so...

Gumball

Hi!

Want me to make a masterpiece?

Gumball cannon coming through!

[thumbs up]

You understand my art?! You’re a genius!

Ho! You’ve got quite an eye!

[chat]

I prefer colorful and flashy over black.

I’ll color everything!

I hate boredom!

Bubblegum and silver paper go hand-in-hand!

Carol

Hi!

Let’s sing for peace together!

Hello! What kind of music do you enjoy?

[thumbs up]

Your compliments give me the strength to continue my work!

I’m glad that you like my singing..!

[chat]

Shall I sing a song for you?

I’m not really fond of crimson-colored things...

A good song can help you find inner peace!

I’m looking for a sugar crystal full of positive energy…

Grapefruit

Hi!

Amazed by my speed?

Skates are the best!

[thumbs up]

Ha-ha! You like skating, too?

Hm... I guess I can hang out for a bit.

[chat]

Fastest skater around!

I don’t like old stuff!

Why does everyone like ball games? Hmph!

Grapefruit: If only everyone knew how fast I skate!

[gift]

I like gifts! 

Cherry

Hi!

Let’s play together! We’ll have so much fun!

Hello! Like cherries? Oh you better do..!

[thumbs up]

Aww! My heart’s gonna explode!

Thanks! Want a bomb?

[chat]

Hold this for a sec! It should be fine..!

Wanna blow up a bomb together?

Using Blessing Powder in bombs is a no no!

I wanna make a time bomb… but I need a winding key!

Pilot

Hi!

Want to hop on my plane?

Ah, a friendly face!

[thumbs up]

Hoho! Thanks!

Cheers! To You!

[chat]

Nothing like a butterscotch on a plane!

What am I supposed to do with a bent key?

I will always chase my dream!

I used to write letters on bronzed paper.

Pistachio

Hi!

No one can stop me!

Did you come to help me save the world?

[thumbs up]

Even your sweet words can’t shake my will!

I take it you’re being sincere...

[chat]

What is the thing most dearest to you?

I don’t have time for mysteries..!

I’d appreciate a trusty silver weapon..!

May the light guide my path!

Skating Queen

Hi!

I’m pretty busy today, but hello!

Come to watch me practice?

[thumbs up]

Frankly, I get a lot of compliments. But yours are special..!

Thank you for cheering me up!

[chat]

Well... I’m a bit afraid of old Cookie Chests...

My next performance will surprise you!

Keep your body in good condition!

I like things that remind me of cold winter nights...

[FROM HERE ONWARDS IS THE COOKIES THAT R MISSIN SOME LINES]

Matcha

Hi!

Hehehe...

Hoohoo...

[thumbs up]

??... Pff...

???... Teehee...

[chat]

Hoo... Hate toys...

Hoohoo... No one will know...

Hehe... Curious...

[missing line 4]

[gift]

Hehe...

Yoga

Hi!

Healthy Cookie, healthy mind!

Namaste.

[thumbs up]

Ah... such peace.

Many thanks!

[chat]

Best to put aside all heavy equipment before meditating!

Let us meditate together. Om shanti shanti. Om...

Empty your mind.

[missing line 4]

Avocado

Hi!

Why aren’t grapes ever lonely? ‘Cuz they grow in bunches! Haha!

What’s the loudest pet you can get? A trumPET!

[thumbs up]

Haha! thanks! Need a weapon?

Hahaha! I’ll tell you my secret for making jokes!

[chat]

It’s too hot to grow anything here! Haha!

How does a cow laugh? Moo-ha-ha-ha! LOL!

What tree grows chickens? A poulTREE! Haha!

[missing line 4]

Fire Spirit

Hi!

My flames are eternal!

Wanna see what real flames look like?

[thumbs up]

Ahaha! Let’s burn it up!

Are my flames that hot? Haha!

[chat]

Sugar crystals of the forest just burn up in my presence.

My flames cannot be stopped!

They say true love is like an eternal flame...

[missing line 4]

Peppermint

Hi!

I hear the waves.

Will you walk along the beach with me?

[thumbs up]

Thank you. You’re a good friend.

Peppermint Whale wants to be friends with you, too.

[chat]

Close your eyes and listen to the sea.

The oceans are sad to have sad legends...

A hammer? What do I do with it...

[missing line 4]

Moonlight

Hi!

I’ve seen you in my dreams.

So you are the one who has awakened me.

[thumbs up]

I will remember this day.

I feel like I am dreaming.

[chat]

Let go of your worries with the flow of dreams.

Paint a lovely picture from the stars in your dreams.

A treasure is always worth something. What is your treasure?

[missing line 4]

Sparkling

Hi!

Here again I see.

What can I get for you today?

[thumbs up]

This special order’s just for you!

Haha, there’s still more!

[chat]

Savor it, taste the aroma!

Can’t make juice with a hammer...

A new drink... just for you!

[missing line 4]

Moon Rabbit

Hi!

Hallo!

Do you wike wice cakes? Wanna twy some?

[thumbs up]

Thanks! Wanna wice cake?

I wanna gib you some full moon wice cakes!

[chat]

Ew... wice cakes fwom an old box!

I wanna full moon wice cake af big af the moon!

Gimme moa yummy wice cakes!

[missing line 4]

Orange

Hi!

Hi! What a fresh day!

Clear skies! Perfect for some tennis!

[thumbs up]

That was refreshing!

I’m all charged up!

[chat]

Zesty... SMASH!

Nothing is as invigorating as tennis!

Crumpled paper? For what?

[missing line 4]

Fairy

Hi!

May the sun shine upon you!

May the winds blow your way!

[thumbs up]

Your heart is as pure as spring water..!

You’re so kind..!

[chat]

I like peace and calm...

Paper is made from trees! How horrible!

Green fields, whispers of leaves... That’s what I like..!

[missing line 4]

Kiwi Biker

Hi!

I’m a lone wolf...

I have the need to RIDE!

[thumbs up]

Hm... Guess I am a bit sentimental.

Haha, you need a ride?

[chat]

If I can ride there, I’m going!

Crumpled paper? What gives?

Wind in the face and endless roads made me who I am.

[missing line 4]

Lime

Hi!

Wanna play ball?

Perfect weather for the beach!

[thumbs up]

I’ve heard that before!

I’m used to such compliments!

[chat]

Hey, I’m talking to you!

I don’t like annoyances!

[missing lines 3-4]

Pink Choco

Hi!

Do you wish to fall in love?

Love conquers all!

[thumbs up]

Your words give me the power to continue on my mission!

It’s nice to know someone appreciates your work!

[chat]

Solving cubes is not really my strong side...

It’s important to love yourself too!

[missing lines 3-4]

DJ

Hi!

Ready to party?

Hey, let’s party!

[thumbs up]

Let’s crank up the tempo!!

All right!! Time for an encore!

[chat]

Hope no one’s burned out yet!

Watch out for my rig!

[missing lines 3-4]

Salt

Hi!

Don’t underestimate the ocean.

Need to head out to open sea once more.

[thumbs up]

I’m no ordinary old Cookie!

Patience is key...

[chat]

Another storm has passed...

My boat can’t handle this weight...

[missing lines 3-4]

Ice Candy

Hi!

With you, losing is next to impossible!

Hey! You’re here to train!

[thumbs up]

Hahaha! I’m going to train harder!

If you get checked, I’ll check them back!

[chat]

An ancient chest? Hm... Let’s get to training!

With teamwork, victory is assured!

[missing lines 3+4]

Cocoa

Hi!

Perfect day for a cup of cocoa.

How about a cup of cocoa?

[thumbs up]

Words as sweet as cocoa!

I feel as warm as cocoa!

[chat]

I’d like to wind down by taking a dip in hot cocoa!

I like cocoa better than ink.

[missing lines 3 and 4]

Kumiho

Hi!

Hi, sweetie!

Would you like me to guess your name?

[thumbs up]

Ah, have you already fallen for my charm..?

Ah, you try so hard to learn my secrets..!

[chat]

Who do we have here..?

[missing lines 2, 3, and 4]

Wind Archer

Hi!

The forest’s strength will purify all life...

I must never forget my mission...

[thumbs up]

It is my duty to protect this place...

My mission is still incomplete...

[chat]

The forces of Darkness cannot withstand the arrows of life...

[missing lines 2, 3, and 4]

Herb

Hi!

You’re as dazzling as the sun!

Hello there. I grew these herbs.

[thumbs up]

You’re an amazing friend!

Compliments always warm the heart!

[chat]

I like to listen to the rain.

[missing lines 2, 3, and 4]

Muay Thai / Red Pepper

Hi!

I’m ready for a new challenge!

All right! Let’s begin!

[thumbs up]

If I fall down, I jump right back up!

Thanks! Don’t give up!

[chat]

Never miss a day of training!

Treasures are a distraction!

[missing lines 3 and 4]

Pancake

Hi!

Is that Acorn Jelly for me?

Give me an Acorn Jelly!

[thumbs up]

Am i cute? Am i cute?!

Wink wink! Hehehe!

[chat]

Let’s play! Yeah! XD

But… but… I don’t like studying.

[missing lines 3 and 4]

Snow Sugar

Hi!

Is it winter yet..?

Let’s have a snow fight!

[thumbs up]

You seem like such a good friend!

No one’s ever told me this before!

[chat]

I like it when the white snow is falling!

Snow King said that old chests might be dangerous...

[missing lines 3 and 4] 

Millennial Tree

Hi!

Welcome. I’ve prepared a spot for you.

Fate has brought another new meeting.

[thumbs up]

The Forest welcomes you.

Thank you. such kindness.

[chat]

The Darkness will soon be purified.

[missing lines 2, 3, and 4]

[gift]

I humbly accept this gift!

Dark Enchantress

Hi!

The eternal night beckons.

You are able to see the Darkness...

[thumbs up]

Praise!

All will kneel before me!

[chat]

[missing ALL lines] 

Sea Fairy

Hi!

I shall not freeze anymore.

This must be fate.

[thumbs up]

You have such a warm heart.

Thank you...

[chat]

[missing ALL lines] 

Cream Puff

Hi!

I’m practicing magic every day!

I will become a great wizard someday!

[thumbs up]

Thanks! I am giving it my best!

I will make it this time!

[chat]

Oh no… What went wrong?

[missing lines 2, 3, 4]

Popcorn

Hi!

Quick! The movie’s about to start!

This should be enough popcorn, right?

[thumbs up]

A true five-star compliment!

A compliment as sweet as caramel popcorn!

[chat]

[missing ALL lines] 

Wizard

Hi!

Can’t you see I’m busy?

Can it wait? I’m working on a new spell!

[thumbs up]

Finally, someone recognized my achievements!

Hm! I like what you’re saying!

[chat]

[missing ALL lines] 

Werewolf

Hi!

Please, don’t come any closer...

Get away...

[thumbs up]

My scar aches...

Don’t expect much from me...

[chat]

[missing ALL lines] 

Squid Ink

Hi!

Who... you?

Always... lonely...

[thumbs up]

Don’t... know...

I know... nothing...

[chat]

[missing ALL lines] 

Macaron

Hi!

Repeat after me! One, two! One, two!

Ready to march? One, two! One, two!

[thumbs up]

Thanks for cheering!

Let’s start our parade!

[chat]

Light steps! Bright smiles!

[missing lines 2, 3, and 4]

Tiger Lily

Hi!

Gyaa!

Rarr..!

[thumbs up]

Grr... grr...

[missing 2nd line]

[chat]

[missing ALL lines]

[script-error-sims]

seasons tag

i was tagged by @winterbjorn, thank you love <3

1. which season are you going to play with first?

Probably summer, because it would transition well with the eternity-season that the sims are currently in.

2. from what you’ve seen in the trailer, what are you most excited about?

SWINGS!!! I know it seems menial but I am so friggen stoked for swings

3. what’s your favourite season irl?

winter or autumn

4. what’s your favourite flower/plant?

laukahi - its a super powerful healing plant. Like, if you put laukahi poultice on a surgical wound and then cover it in a bandage, it may heal with the laukahi still in it, that’s how quick it works.

aloe - good for literally everything. sunburns, acne, dandruff, bad credit, anything. also a nicer shade of green than anything EAxis has ever made.

jasmine - beautiful flower, great scent, amazing tea

awapuhi/’olena - in kombucha or tonic or tea it makes my tummy feel sooo good and is great for nausea.

I have so many more I can’t really decide. 

5. are you going to create a new sim/family or are you going to keep your current household?

probably stick with the pancakes story for now

6. what would you like to see in this new add-on that we haven’t seen yet?

horoscopes, create-a-world, terraforming, decent shades of green, spiral staircases or stairs with landings

7. how do you feel about not having a new neighbourhood?

meh, w/e

8. snow, rain, sun or wind?

SNOW

9. favourite refreshing drink in summer?

gin n tonic w/ cucumber, mint, and blueberry

southern sweet tea with a splash of bourbon

watermelon, cherry, and jalepeno slushie with moonshine

ice cold alkaline water

10. favourite hot drink in winter?

scotch

11. walk through the forest or by the beach?

forest in the fall, beach in the summer

12. swimming pool or ocean?

OCEAN ALL DAY EVERY DAY

13. where would you like to travel if you could leave right now for a week?

hmm....glasgow, okinawa, rome, cartagena

14. how is the weather today?

78 and partly cloudy, drizzling back in the valley the same it is every day here.

15. what new traits would you like to see in the new add-on?

functional allergies

16. do you like to play with supernatural creatures like vampires and aliens? and if so, would you like to have witches/fairies/elves?

aliens and ghosts, yeah but not really vampires. It’d be cool to have witches

17. what is your favourite thing to do during winter?

I live near the equator so winter doesn’t happen here, but when I lived on a continent, snow was lit. So...snow?

18. …during spring?

Talking to the new baby blossoms and spring cleaning

19. …during summer?

beach, yoga at the beach, reading at the beach, swimming at the beach, sleeping at the beach....beach

20. …during autumn?

Back to school shopping, and tea

21. have you already pre-ordered seasons? and if you haven’t, are you going to pre-order it or wait until it comes out?

I havent ordered it yet but i probably will once i get paid

22. in which neighbourhood are you going to play first with seasons?

summer in oasis springs, fall in willow creek, winter in granite falls, spring in windenburg

23. do you listen to music while playing? and if so, what are your favourite songs to play to?

ohh...i either listen to spotify playlists or podcasts or netflix

24. what’s your favourite thing to do in the sims? creating sims, building, etc?

I love building and playing townies

25. what’s your favourite kit/pack/add-on?

parenthood, it added a lot of dynamic and i liked the decor style. And jungle adventure.

26. and finally, what add-on/pack would you like to see next?

Go to School/University would be cool, or a teen focused pack that adds more depth to them, or an elderly pack where they can give candies to children, and live in homes, etc.

I tag @okruee @nervoussimblr @realizeadreamdeux

[ka-za-ri]

9 - Gun

It’s really cold today, so I feel like this is ideal. 

A perfectly brewed cup of tea

Though he preferred coffee, he knew how gentle tea was and how closely you held it dear to you. You loved the way the steam tickled the tip of your cold nose after a long day out. He kept a series of notes in his mind whenever you sipped at the warm brew in your hands, remembering the parts that he loved the best about you. 

Black tea should be steeped for less than three minutes, with water just freshly boiled and cooled ever so slightly. The whistle of the kettle is still fresh in his mind as he waits for the leaves to bloom and dye the water as shade of brown that matched his eyes while he watched a thunderstorm. It was your ideal choice of tea to wake up to, and he never failed to brew it properly the moment you started to stir from your sleep. While you wiped the memories of your last dream from your eyelids, he’s carefully pouring the scent of spring’s first rain and the fond memory of drifting to sleep into your favorite mug. 

It’s thought that green tea should be brewed for only a minute. No more, no less. In that way, he’s able to touch the last hour of the sunset when the leaves were plucked. There, he remembers the feeling of tender young grass underneath his feet the one time he was reckless and jumped through too many puddles with you and lost his shoes in the rain. Late spring. The sudden thunderstorm had ruined the cherry blossoms you had wanted to see. The streets were washed with rivers of fallen petals. Undeterred, he grasped your shivering hand and ran across the park, to the largest tree, climbing it as high as he could to pluck the last surviving blossoms to adorn your hair. The smell of new life and blush pink memories was poured into a thermos to keep you warm at work. 

Herbal teas had the most varieties and quirks. He’s learned that they should steep for at least five minutes. Plenty of time to think of how warm the tips of your fingers were once they were wrapped around your favorite mug. Orange blossom and mint permeated through his skin as he let the dark leaves bloom in your mug. He thinks of all the stories you had told him about yourself, before you met him and fondly collects all those memories he’s not a part of into a single spoonful of sugar to flavor your favorite tea before bed. 

He hadn’t had the privilege to be your whole life. However, Gun was proud to be the part of your life that warmed your heart just as your favorite teas did. 

[twistednuns]

March 2019

ॐ नमः शिवाय oṃ namaḥ śivāya ♥ / reading a book about the background and effects of different asanas

Friday evening with Lena: Yuzu ramen at Takumi, watching Green Book at the City Kino near Sendlinger Tor. Getting my favourite mix of sweet and salty popcorn.

Still: Obsessively reading the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch. It's like one of those nasty TV series you just can't stop watching.

Noticing more visible veins and sinews on my body. Getting stronger and leaner! Yes! I can even see a little shadow where my ribcage is supposed to begin and my tissue is getting softer which means I'm losing fat and I can feel more muscles than before. Very rewarding.

Saturday lunch with Lena and her family. I hadn't seen her brother in maybe 10 years. My highlight: warm banana bread with slightly salty, thick caramel and homemade vanilla ice-cream.

Dressing up for the Of Sailors and Whales concert at Gasteig. I felt incredibly stylish in my outfit: mustard yellow headscarf, a side braid, oblong hoop earrings in rose gold, a green dress and coat, mint-blue purse, a dark plum-coloured lipstick, black tights and satin heels.

The PhysioFlow yoga teacher (Ulf, what a comical name) complimenting me on my perfect Viravadrasana pose because apparently I did the advanced version with my arms held up high over my head. Unfortunately my poses only look so good because of my hypermobility but the other day we started talking after class. He is such a nice and calm person. And married to a lady from my hometown. I love how he touches our faces, heads and shoulders in Savasana.

Thai massage. The best treat after messing up my neck with futile headstand experiments.

The perfect batch of smoky veggies in tomato sauce. Add a hand full of couscous and tiger beans and you'll feel full for hours.

A week-long holiday. Not leaving the bed after waking up, reading for one or two hours. Enjoying the morning light, having warm breakfast. Lena sending me a picture of a bunch of purple flowers she saw on one of her walks on Monday, telling me to enjoy my vacation.

Gorgeous yoga mats - I just ordered one with a gemstone design from Mala. // EDIT: It just didn't have enough grip for me so I had to send it back. Got a simple purple one from Jade Yoga instead. They're supposed to be the best.

Fried Tom Yum seaweed strips.

A dinner and movie date with Lena, Barbara and Maike. We watched Vice (2019), the movie about Dick Cheney. Quite uncomfortable. But I loved the scene with Alfred Molina.

Spending an afternoon with Franzi at Trachtenvogl. Pear juice spritzer. Decidedly non-vegan spinach dumplings. Stopping at &otherstories as usual, getting two beautiful bowls at Motel a Miio. Finding a purple edition of H.P.Lovecraft's ghost stories on top of a trash bin.

My mum visiting for the first time since I moved in. She helped me get rid of my old clothes and other miscellaneous items from the basement. Then we got a trunk full of flowers for my balcony and had dinner at VorOrt - vegan pizza and celeriac schnitzel. I got so many presents that day. A dark purple orchid with pointy blossoms, some books and a bottle of Jo Malone perfume. She also paid for some of my plants... It kinda felt like my birthday. Maybe she had a guilty conscience because my brother still keeps raiding the fridge at home? Anyway. It's funny that I can actually talk to her now that I'm older, have my own thing going on... and we have so much in common, I notice that all the time. Or interests and taste, habits. Could be worse though, she's an amazing woman.

Swiss cat ladders.

My first time at Boulderwelt! Frank finally took me with him and we spent two hours there, climbing up the yellow (me) and white (him) routes. I even dreamed about climbing up a tree that night and I could hardly move the next day. Hardcore sore muscles, oh boy.

Hanging out with Frank. Playing Scrabble. Acting really weird around someone who just gets it or isn't put off at the very least. Making gross jokes about guacamole-producing guys over burritos in Werksviertel.

Hanging out at bridal shops with Lena, making her put on gorgeous dresses.

The fresh spring green gradient you get on your cutting board when you're chopping up leek for a potato gratin.

Staring at a long-haired guy in a club for a pretty long while on a Friday evening because he was just that gorgeous. Then he suddenly showed up on the internet a few hours later an we have been talking ever since. Exciting! And yeah, I love good coindidences. I would have never mustered up the courage to talk to him that night.

The other day we saw a cat from our classroom window, casually walking down the stairs. And we had nothing better to do than running up there in middle of our English lesson to catch her. I guess I'm a quite easily distracted teacher.

Hand embroidery on linen. It's baby bonnets, okay. But still super pretty.

This idea I had while in downward facing dog pose during one of my yoga classes. I really want to go to a yoga retreat in the summer. Either in Bali or, even more exciting, an ashram in India. I'd also visit Nepal or Bhutan while I'm there.

Aidy Bryant. She's my gorgeous heroine. I loved watching the first season of Shrill.

Alpro cherry soy yoghurt.

New earrings from &otherstories and COS. And a new hair ribbon, too. Can't help it. Building my collections.

That whole Margo-banging-Josh-situation on The Magicians? I'm into that. And when she was tripping on lizard and saw Eliot in a python trenchcoat performing the Pretenders' "Don't Get Me Wrong"? The 80s choir they formed in the desert? So amusing. Seriously, this is one of the few shows which is absolutely not afraid of weird shit and doesn't take its writing too seriously. I don't entirely get it and it doesn't have anything to do with Lev Grossman's books anymore but I'm so grateful it exists. And I'm always down for a good musical episode (see: Once More with Feeling a.k.a. the single best Buffy episode ever made).

Finding the most incredible reed green silk dress at Hallhuber one afternoon after seeing a dermatologist in the city. Unfortunately even my ribcage is too wide for its narrow cut but perhaps I can convince Lena to buy it for the summer.

New idea: should I ever get a cat I want to name it Miso.

Seeing the first butterfly (European peacock) of the year enjoying the sunshine while sitting on my pink hyacinth.

After more than 20 years I accidentally found out that one of my favourite songs from the ZDF Christmas series Anna is in fact a Queen song! I'm also pretty sure that my taste in men, my "type", was significantly affected by João Ramos who played the role of the dancer Jacob. Swoon!

Using a sheep skin as a pillow. Oddly comforting. I was reading a book about the sense of touch when I noticed this connection. I also learned that most people prefer firm hugs and massages over soft strokes. Apparently gentle touching reminds some of insect's feet but it seems to be a matter of personal preference.

The crispy greasiness of butter croissants.

Finding out about banana twins (two fruits in one peel).

Enjoying a nice, sunny Sunday. Cycling over to Westpark and playing badminton with Frank in the middle of hundreds of families having picnics. Clumsy yoga poses on a towel. A little boy telling me that his penis was more important than my face when he hit me with a football. But to be fair, I made him choose. I even went to the gym afterwards, doing my strength routine and an hour-long spine workout. I was pretty exhausted that evening and made a delicious dinner with ratatouille, soy "meat", olives and capers, whole-wheat pasta and pine nuts.

Breaking news: my body contains over 66kg of muscle mass! Am I a superhero or what? (Well, also 36% body fat, gotta work on that...)

Giving the avocado seeds a new home. I've given them a large pot now so each time I eat an avocado a new member can join the gang.

Spending most of the week with my favourite colleague, espectially on Girls'/Boys' day duty: I liked meeting at the fire brigade in the morning, getting to know a firewoman, making one of my students climb up the pole at the station. Walking over Viktualienmarkt and Gärtnerplatz, getting some fresh juice, talking all the time. We visited an old folk's home, a garden center, a vet and an architect's studio. So much better than being stuck at school until 4pm.

Pancakes with mushroom filling. Strawberries with coconut cream. Delicious.

Finally performing a Nina Hagen Song on karaoke night. And Elle King's Ex's & Oh's which made Carlos, the Spanish guy, think of old ex-girlfriend trauma.

Uhm. I read 21 books this month. Wow? To be fair, I spent most of my weekends in bed with a stack of books next to me. I'm kinda hoping to read less in April - but since I'll be in Canada for two weeks this will probably not be an issue anyway.

My breakfasts keep me healthy, I really believe that. Extremely tasty and full of good nutrients. Latest addition: strawberries and pumpkin seeds.

Spending the whole afternoon with Anika in my kitchen, making vegan macarons. I almost couldn't believe it but chickpea liquid works just as well as eggwhites! And we came up with pretty good fillings: lemon buttercream, chocolate-raspberry and banana-peanut butter. Nom. Now they're sitting in my fridge, tempting me to eat them. Sigh.

Going to the gym after a week-long hiatus. Breaking the spell, you know?

[cantolopejeevas]

Soft Tag

I was tagged by @autumniplier, thank you so much for tagging me! Only rule: if you do it, tag a few people you adore~

What’s your favorite song(s) to sing/hum?

Sugarvine is usually my go to, though I also like singing Mind Brand, Haven’t Had Enough, and Shelter~ Or humming music from whatever game I’ve been playing lately, haha.

What are your favorite flower/tree/plant (all 3 or whatever you have an answer to)?

I like cornflowers, hydrangeas, and cherry blossom trees!

Favorite color(s)?

Blue, purple, and black~

What do you always doodle (if you ever do)?

With pen and paper, I usually stick to dice and magic crystals, haha. Though with actual drawing, my boy Daniel is my go-to.

How do you take your coffee/tea? If you don’t like those, what’s your fave warm drink?

I don’t drink coffee, but I take my tea with lots of sugar and sometimes milk. My favorite kind so far is green tea with mint! Though I also like chai. But also I love hot chocolate, just putting that out there~

Favourite candle scent?

Vanilla! I’m not super used to candles, but that’s a smell I always enjoy~

What perfume do you wear, if any?

None, haha. Perfume gives me migraines.

What’s your go to dance move when you’re alone?

Sometimes a shoulder shimmy if I’m sitting, or a little hip sway, slide, spin action if I’m wearing socks somewhere with slippery floors.

Favorite quote?

“Communication is key!”

Favorite self care thing(s) or routine(s)?

I have this whole routine I like to do when I’m in a mood, where I shower and get all clean, then just takes some time to groom myself so to speak~ When I’m all done I put on some nice smelling lotion and dress all pretty-like, but I haven’t been able to do this in a long while because of the winter and stuff. I’m not buying razors if I need to keep my legs warm, haha.

Fuzzy socks or house slippers?

Fuzzy socks! I have a real big issue trying to keep slippers on.

What color are your eyes?

Blue.

What’s your favorite eye color on others?

I like brown or hazel eyes~ I’ve seen so many blue eyes in my life that I’m sick of them, haha.

Favorite season? Why?

Summer! And late spring too~ Not only is the weather really nice, but it’s prime time for being able to see my boy!

Cheek, neck or nose kisses?

All of the above, please and thanks~

What does your happy place look like?

It looks like a cozy little apartment with a small hairless doggo and a little hairless goblin cat. A movie or a show or a youtube video is playing while I sit curled up next to my darling~ Or sometimes we’re just doing our own thing, but we’re still next to each other, or within earshot.

Favorite breed of dog?

Pitbull! I also love boxers~ Though all dogs are good and deserve love!

Do you ever want to be married? If so what colors would you pick for your wedding theme?

Oh jeez, I’m too young to be thinking about marriage, though I guess it’s always been like a distant dream of mine? I’m a huge romantic, haha, but I know realistically that it’s a lot to get married, and I’m absolutely content with waiting until my partner and I know that we’re both ready for it. So I’m not gonna think about colors and themes until then~

Silk or lace?

Lace for the aesthetic, silk for the feeling.

Favorite weather?

I like warm, sunny days where I can where cute shorts and tank tops~ Though I’m also a slut for thunderstorms, hahaha. That’s something I get from my mom’s side of the family.

And I’ll tag anyone who wants to do this~

[tsunflowers]

"flower fairy with a day job" and hot pink. nice thats easy to work with. ok now considering you said you didnt really know how you felt about wearing skirts or dresses i know exactly where to go from here. you're gonna need some greens and browns honey cause we're going for the hot pink being like petals on your stem outfit. lets go with basics for now- light (oak) brown boots dark emerald green jeans and lets go with a spring summer look so a long sleeved shirt in cherry blossom pink

creeping into femme territory, lets fo with a pleated hot pink skirt with the same boots (assuming you’re like me and only ever wear one pair of shoes until they die) OR if you’re not then white sandals. mint green tights if its cold out and matching tshirt. idk if you wear leather but if not a brown cotton blend jacket will do you just fine

oh good this all sounds cute. I am a one shoe woman. well two shoes one for each foot but you know what I mean. one pair

(probably gonna do some outfit mockups so prepare ur submissions for that lmao)

I’m excited! but I might go to sleep before I see them

[feedit]

How Does Your Garden Grow?

My neighbor’s garden is perfect.   

Every morning I walk my oldest son to school. We stroll down our street and one particular garden always stands out among many lovely landscaping efforts. It is manicured and perfect, but not fussy. Colors abound but they aren’t garish. Tulips bloom in a palette of peachy-yellow, purple and red against silky green foliage. Ivy frames the fence in dark contrast. It is the perfect spring garden.

Gardening in Chicago is a challenge because we have extreme seasons that change overnight from one to the next, with little transition for gardeners to anticipate the growing cycle. So I admired this display with a feeling of admiration and yes, jealousy, all spring and into the summer.

There, I said it. Someone else’s garden made me feel bad about myself.

Not my garden. 

I gazed upon it with awe and a touch of contempt whenever we passed, and I thought about it whenever I was pulling weeds from my own haphazard attempts at making things bloom in the little spare time I had after we went to the pool, played at the park, chased fireflies and had s’mores long after dark.

How I wished that other garden were in my own front yard. Its perfection made my meager efforts seem sad and pathetic and, it seemed to me, magnified my failure as a gardener, as a homemaker.

My own summer garden consisted of the sad remnants of Black-eyed Susan and coneflower plants that never had a chance to bloom before they became rabbit food. Red mulch was strewn unevenly under lanky peonies that exploded in huge, pale-pink blossoms but then all-too quickly faded into twisted, brown blossoms that attracted hoards of insects. By contrast, the lilacs never bloomed at all and neither did the begonia even though I put powders and supplements around the roots, as recommended by Internet Plant Experts. Only the weeds thrived, marching up the trellis and around the bannister by the stairs in victory. All together, it is not a remarkable garden.

The more I thought about that perfect garden just down the street, the less I wanted anything to do with my own humble plot. But towards the end of summer, I saw something that changed my mind.

On our usual route one day, the sidewalk up ahead was blocked. We got closer, and I noticed that the obstruction was in front of the Perfect Garden. Several huge racks of plants on rolling carts stacked with dozens of gorgeous potted mums and purple-green cabbage plants lined the sidewalk. A small army of people hurried around with work gloves and shovels and rakes, ripping out the old, carefully placing in the new. A supervisor in a button-down shirt consulted a diagram (an actual diagram!) of the layout and pointed out the color pattern of flowers to another gardener.

This garden was a group effort by professionals, and took nearly a dozen people hours to accomplish. Clearly these folks were experts and the results were stunning. All along I’d made the assumption that this garden was like mine – a solo project done by an amateur with more ambition than time – with limited budget.

I laughed out loud. How silly of me? Of course a garden of this size and scale was a professional task. I’d been envious of this garden in all its splendor because I’d pictured it as a labor of love, like my own. But it wasn’t someone’s passion. It was simply a landscape project. A beautiful one, but an outsourced project just the same.

Suddenly my own efforts didn’t seem so pathetic. I remembered that we had a few successes. The brief peony boom had been remarkable and fragrant. The cherry tree we planted for my husband’s birthday did produce a dozen or so sour cherries in its first year, and we tasted a few before the birds helped themselves. The tomatoes and basil and mint I grew fed us and some of our friends all summer, and the sauce I made will be the secret ingredient in my lasagna this winter. A few daffodils and tulips actually bloomed, some even where they were planted. 

Today I raked cleaned out the flower beds and, in a fit of optimism, planted a huge bag of tulip bulbs. I bagged leaves and trimmed the straggling remains of the iris and peony, knowing how much I’ll appreciate them when they return next spring.

As I worked I thought of how easy it is to be jealous. Other people have success in areas where we are clearly superior. We see things that we want. We watch people live lives that make our own seem somehow, less. We have less money. Less attention. Older cars. Uglier gardens. It’s easy to admire from afar, to covet. Why not us? We are nice, deserving people, right? Of course. We want more.

Online we put our most perfect creations for all to see. I do it, too. My online life looks like this: The cutest picture of the six that I took of my boys, featuring the smiles that came after the tantrum and the bribe, not the tantrum itself. A smiling selfie after a run, not a face in agony during the leg cramp I got while trying to tie my shoe before that run. My best cinnamon roll artfully presented, not the one I dropped icing-side down onto my less-than clean kitchen floor. (I ate it anyway.) 

There’s no end to the ways one can feel inferior as a parent, too. Birthday parties for babies with every Paw Patrol detail in place and greeting card perfect bakery cupcakes, piles of gifts under the Christmas tree in wretched excess, winter vacations in the sun under blue, foreign skies. I don’t want to want these things, but sometimes I do. It’s OK. 

The truth is, most of the time I’m really very happy with the life we have created together as a family. I enjoy my crazy garden, even if I’m not particularly good at planning it out. I love making cinnamon rolls, even though sometimes the frosting is too soft and runs down the side. They are still delicious. I’m lucky in ways that no carefully styled photo will ever truly reveal. 

And I will try to remember to ask myself, when self-doubt in the presence of  someone else’s perfect something creeps back in: How does your garden grow?

Quite well, thank you.