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andrewuttaro · 4 months ago

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Sorrows relatable: The Seven Sorrows of Mary

Let’s start with a confession. I was a scaredy cat as a kid. In a lot of ways I still am. I had a nightlight in my bedroom well into my teen years and requested a small radio I could listen to as I fell asleep each night. Part of my spiritual origin story was tuning that radio into local bible studies through which I did a fair bit of self-teaching the bible. But this is a confession not a brag.

The real confession is that long before I was tuning into bible studies at bedtime I was listening to a soft rock/adult contemporary music station… okay, full honesty, it mainly played love songs listeners called in requesting. The host was a music and radio personality named Delilah who would venture into relationship advice on some of these calls. If I am not mistaken she is still on the air doing her thing.

You could imagine a kid who was afraid of the dark, and heights, and getting a tummy ache, would enjoy something so intentionally calming. I don’t remember when I switched to the bible studies, but that phase certainly colored my approach to music, spirituality, and even what I was willing to share with others. I was gently mocked about this by my siblings, but this article is the first time anyone else will hear about this.

Those Delilah years gave me a like long interest in those little bits of relational wisdom you hear all the time. A wise woman once said: “Grief can’t be deeper than love. It’s precisely how hard we love that causes that anguish of grief.” That is not a quote from Delilah but like Delilah it colors my spirituality in a subtle way. Mary, the mother of God, is the brush of that color.

I have always had a certain quandary about the Blessed Mother. What did she know when? Without sounding like the Watergate hearings about it I really wonder how much of this divine plan for her son she was in the loop about. It seems like the consensus opinion in most theological circles is that she knew everything that was going to happen or almost everything. I have no real qualm about that, but it makes the above quote a bit sharper, doesn’t it?

If she knew everything… well what a life to sign up for.

I wrote about the Blessed Mother last month for the August devotion: the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I also wrote about her back in May for Mary’s month. There is a lot of additional Mary lore in those articles and there is far too much about her to reflect upon in one article, so I’d recommend going back to those. Spoiler alert now: those articles are not nearly as grim as this one might come across. The September monthly devotion is the Seven Sorrows of Mary.

Before we dive headlong into this I think it’s worth a bit of check-in on ourselves. How are you doing? You feeling mentally healthy? At least reasonably so within a normal range of dispositions? Talking about grief is uncomfortable all on its own but when you add in some of the more specific stuff we’ll be talking about here I thought a trigger warning was in order. Trigger warning for sadness, violence, loss, and generally enormous human sorrows.

With that said let’s keep this question in the back of our mind as we recount the seven sorrows of Mary: what does it mean for her, however without sin she may be, to knowingly face a life of suffering? Namely, what does it mean to choose a path of sorrow? We might be tempted to think it’s wrong or masochistic to choose such a life on the face of it. But Jesus’ own mother did… Jesus himself did for that matter.

Perhaps sorrow, grievous predictable sufferings, are not something to be fled from just because they’re sorrowful. The human condition, particularly when you don’t have many of the privileges and comforts of fully developed modern life like we have here in our country, is so often buttressed by so much suffering.

Life can’t be less worth living just because there is lots of suffering in it, right? We would be gravely insulting so many people suffering with chronic conditions or brutal life circumstances if we judged them in such a way.

Perhaps in Mary’s Seven Sorrows we might find something intrinsic about the human condition, perhaps something profoundly relatable? Unfortunately I don’t have a sarcastic quip to cut the tension of this opening section so let’s get into this.

First Sorrow: Prophesy of Simeon

The Seven Sorrows start here because they have to. If you are looking for biblical proof Mother Mary knew all that she was signing up for in relation to her son this is it: the Gospel of Luke 2:22-38. Mary and Joseph bring the baby Jesus to the Temple for his dedication as was tradition and encounter two elders there who have been waiting to see the savior their whole lives. Simeon was promised by the Holy Spirit he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s messiah (v. 25-26).

Simeon’s prayer of thanksgiving at receiving the infant Jesus brings joy and amazement to the new parents, at least for a moment. Simeon blessed the nascent family before telling Mary a couple key prophetic truths about her son: Jesus will be destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel (v. 34), Jesus will be a sign opposed (v. 34), Jesus will reveal the thoughts of many [think moral leader] (v. 35), and a sword will pierce your own soul too (v. 35). Yes, that last one is where all the imagery of swords going into Mary’s heart comes from. Simeon essentially tells Mary your son is going be quite divisive and you’ll suffer for it too.

A prophetess named Anna, also a temple dweller waiting for the coming of the Lord’s messiah, then comes and rejoices with Mary and Joseph as well. Perhaps the interaction is awkward now for the couple after Simeon’s prophesy? However stoic and rock solid you may imagine Mary it feels unlikely there was not a certain human sorrow to an affirmation your child will do great things… but those great things will lead to discord and demise. The Prophesy of Simeon might be considered the most tangible confirmation of what Mary and Joseph already knew from their own prophetic encounters with the divine prior to Jesus’ birth: a great mission lay ahead, and it will be painful.

That said, I think it might be edifying to be reminded that the Prophesy of Simeon is encapsulated in the Fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. That’s right, the Fourth Joyful Mystery, which devoted daily rosary prayers will recount every Monday and Saturday. There is joy in what might seem like a dreadful prophecy, how can this be?

Hope was fulfilled for Simeon and Anna because they got to meet Jesus, even as an infant. Moreover, a little act of obedience to their religious law in bringing that divine baby to the Temple allowed a young family to fulfill the lifelong hope of two people decades their senior. In this we find the hidden ray of continuity in the Seven Sorrows: hope that persists through sorrow can be the point of contact of God’s most intimate love.

How do we face situations that we know are painful with hope? How do we face facts of life that we know are going to be painful? How do we accept a treacherous road if we know it is the right one?

Second Sorrow: Flight to Egypt

This is the sorrow of Mary for which we have the least to go on. If you don’t count the Massacre of the Innocents they were fleeing from or the brief passage on their return after King Herod’s death, then we only really have three verses on the Flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15). As a fulfillment of the Prophet Hosea (Hosea 11:1) and an echo of the earlier Exodus story there is a certain symmetry of God’s Word in this: God delivers his people even if the road is difficult through foreign lands or out of bondage. But if you ask me the more efficacious way to think about this sorrow is on the micro level: the individuals in this story going through some rough stuff.

If we gave each one of these sorrows a more specific descriptor, say the Prophesy of Simeon was the emotion dread for example, then the Flight to Egypt is anxiety. Imagine you are a mother with a newborn being told by your partner that you have to flee the country. Suddenly you are a refugee who needs to cross borders illegally to escape violence at the hands of a genocidal monarch. This is not to mention the environmental difficulties of fleeing across a desert which a generation of your people died in. You may have a divine baby, but that is still several frightening obstacles to overcome that would probably be hard for anyone, especially a woman still recovering from the physical rigors of childbirth.

We might imagine Mary going along with this trusting the angel that had appeared to Joseph telling them to flee, after all an angel vouched for her with Joseph in another dream after she became pregnant. She wasn’t going on nothing. Nonetheless, she is taking the warning second hand. One might call that faith.

Mary had faith in the God she was now closely familiar with and, moreover, was willing to go through some difficulties on that faith. Mary could have gotten tied up in the what ifs of the situation, anxiety could have paralyzed her and it would have made logical sense given all she was going through. Faith isn’t logical: faith is relational. Mary cooperated with the grace of God by faith, and it saved her and her nascent family.

To those who have known great struggles, faith in something becomes a necessity, because faith leads to hope. Hope defeated anxiety as the Holy Family made haste for Egypt. And indeed hope deepened the bonds of love on that journey: the proving ground of the devotion among them that the sorrow of the whole experience gave genesis to. In a certain way the anxiety of the whole thing deepened the love of the Holy Family in this sorrow.

How might we fight off the paralyzing grip of anxiety? Do we have the kind of faith that can be tested by difficulties and buoy us through ordeals? To what lengths will we go if we think God is telling us to do something difficult?

Third Sorrow: Loss of the Child Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple

Many English translations of the story of a twelve-year-old Jesus lost in the temple employ the word anxiety (Luke 2:41-52). This feels like a classic biblical mistranslation if you ask me. We’re talking about losing your child for three days in the largest city you’ll ever go to. That is the definition of desperation. Consider the added weight of the fact that your baby is God’s own son. This search has eternal, spiritual, and cosmic implications. The pressure Mary must have felt in this instance… but also in general raising the child Jesus, must have been a whole different level of parenting.

The first 7-12 years of a child’s life is the time they are the most impressionable. The kind of examples you put before them is a top priority in any parent’s mind. Now imagine your child, pretty much from the age they can speak onward (perhaps earlier with Jesus?), is making more of an impression on you the parent than the other way around. My mother always told me every one of her four children came out with an entirely different personality, quirks and all. One can only imagine what Jesus was like to parent.

To then lose this super-precious child and find him teaching in the temple… well it’s hard to imagine a wider mix of emotions hitting a person in a single moment in time. Preachers have spilled oceans of ink on Jesus’ response to his parents in this moment: “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” The piece often missed in considering Jesus words is that Mary and Joseph did know he must be in his father’s house: from before the child’s birth they knew he was here to participate in God’s plan every step of the way. In this light we might think of the boy Jesus’ words as coming in a healing tone. Perhaps the message was more something like: “Why the desperation, mom and dad? You know God is at work in us.” Mary and Joseph are both confirmed and rebuked in this moment.

How do we deal with desperation-inducing confusion? What does that confusion mean in the light of our faith? Is desperation a way we miss God at work right in front of us?

The lost in the Temple story is the last we hear of Joseph, a very subtle sign of a shift in the story. Mary is a widow now: set aside in a certain way by the culture of her time and place. The first three sorrows seem to be informative for Mary, all her supports in tow, while the back four are pieces of the central paschal realities she was preparing for all along. Going forward her son is now engaged in the most sorrowful throws of the passion, her most loyal and chaste spouse no longer at her side, Mother Mary is now at the epicenter of salvation using all the grace she has to faithfully follow along the toughest stretches of the path she began down at the Annunciation; indeed in some primordial, divine way all the way back at her own immaculate conception.

Fourth Sorrow: Meeting Jesus along the Way of the Cross

Now we fast forward quite a bit in the life of Jesus Christ. Consider all Mary has been through with Jesus as an adult and as a rogue preacher. She invited him to start his public mystery in the most generous way at the Wedding in Cana. She was with his band of Apostles. She was a faithful follower too, in a very different way. She certainly helped Jesus disciples follow him: a divine kind of teacher’s assistant if you will. More on this later.

She knew this was coming but perhaps she did not know how or when. She must have sensed the tension in a packed Jerusalem that Passover week, the Last Supper was a family seder meal, so she had likely been there and felt the drama of that moment. How did she find out he had been arrested? She must have followed as much of the circus show trial as she could, perhaps even the flogging and crowning with thorns, but now she reunites with him again in the midst of his passion.

Parents live to see what their kids grow up to be. The tragedy of this moment on the Way of the Cross is that no matter how prepared she ever could have been for the salvific work her son came to do, she was never prepared enough for the sting of this sword in her heart.

Anguish defines this moment. All the Gospel accounts of the Passion narrative describe some crowd of mourners dismayed to tears and wailing at this fate befalling Jesus. One can only imagine Mary walking along Jesus’ way to Golgotha shedding her grace on all these other devotees of her son. She had been with him since before Day One, all these others found him later, she must have felt the strangest sense of solidarity with them as she felt every physical and mental pain her divine son went through.

In moments of impenetrable, inescapable anguish where do our hearts turn? Are we faithful in solidarity with others suffering and the divine master who always suffers with us? Does suffering turn us inward or outward?

Fifth Sorrow: Jesus’ Crucifixion

Execution is one of the clearest and unholiest expressions of human sin. Every execution is an offense against the image of God, Imago Dei, which all human beings possess no matter what sins they may have committed. Execution is a sinful failure at the very best, while at its very worse it is the execution of God himself made flesh. It is as if our inborn original sin we all deal with as humans was trying to repel divinity itself from the human form in Jesus Christ. Nobody felt the magnitude of this execution echo through all humanity, and through the intimate terror of that moment, quite like the Blessed Mother. For her it is truly terror, as her beloved son suffers the execution reserved for enemies of the Roman Empire.

What more could be said as a parent watches her son die? Alas, the Son of God speaks. Jesus said a handful of things from the cross, but he reserves two sentences for his mother, and the Apostle John concerning her, in John 19:25-27. “Woman, here is your son… [John] Here is your mother.” Jesus makes provision for his mother and his apostles by giving them to each other to care for. What Jesus does here is profound. While the crucifixion is undoubtedly another sorrowful sword in Mary’s heart, it is also her elevation.

Mary Clopas, Mary Magdalene, the Apostle John, and Mother Mary are the ones at the foot of the cross throughout the whole ordeal with Jesus. Jesus addresses the latter two directly giving Mary as an efficacious co-mediatrix of grace to his Apostles, and by extension his Church, and that Church founded by his Apostles to Mary. That second part hits particularly hard: Jesus rewards the gracefulness of his mother with extending her motherhood to the Church he establishes forever.

Nobody in this situation is thinking this is some kind of forced adoption as if Jesus is making John take in his mother. This is a spiritual commission. Mary becomes the Apostles’ spiritual mother and indeed the spiritual mother to the Church. She is, by Jesus own words from the cross, the Queen of all graces they might need in doing her son’s mission for the rest of time. Jesus did not want to leave his mother unrecognized: especially after all she had done for him in raising him and throughout his ministry. There is so much hope and love in this moment even as Jesus is literally dying on the cross.

Does death and violence force us into a surrender to terror? How might we be better beacons of grace in the face of profound injustice? Are we prepared for our own death?

Sixth Sorrow: Descent from the Cross – Mary receives Jesus’ dead body in her arms

The gruesome spectacle is over. The crowd that watched Jesus’ execution has dispersed and an obscure follower of Jesus named Joseph of Arimathea comes to secure the descent from the cross. Joseph Arimathea’s request of the roman authorities is a work of mercy, the romans would regularly leave crucifixion victims up for days as a bloody example, even letting wildlife pick at the bodies. Jesus now lifeless body will not face this indignity and as Jesus is lowered from the cross he lands in the arms of the Blessed Mother, her heart torn asunder now more than ever.

Mary’s heart is pierced with sorrowful grief while Jesus’ heart, pierced with the spear, is quiet now close to hers in one last maternal embrace in the mortal realm. This moment is desolation for Mary who bore this divine heart into the world. Jesus’ last words echo in her mind: “It is finished” (John 19:30). What was finished? Mary knew this was not a reference to his life ending but the sealing of the new covenant: humanity would never again have to wonder if it were right with God, Jesus definitively bridged the gap and opened God up to all. In Mary’s desolation in this moment she receives Jesus’ body she also understands the divine mission is accomplished, her immaculate heart and Jesus’ sacred heart are here united in this sorrowful moment.

That certainly did not wipe away her immense sorrow at this point. That is the thing about suffering, even if it is for a greater good it is still a burden to bear because of love. Again remember “Grief can’t be deeper than love. It’s precisely how hard we love that causes that anguish of grief.” Love of God, and thereby her son, drove Mary throughout her life. Indeed love drove her along the way of the cross up to Golgotha and her son’s crucifixion. Mary chose a life with suffering around every turn, and she didn’t flee coming face to face with it at any point. Just as we speak of Jesus’ passion, his suffering, death, and eventual resurrection, so we will see Mary’s passion, a narrative extending before and after her son’s corporeal time on this earth.

Do we allow ourselves to see the love that animates our grief? How can our suffering be united with Christ’s as we endure our own trials and tribulations? How can we comfort the grief-stricken?

Seventh Sorrow: Burial of Jesus

The end comes now, the final sorrow to pierce Mary’s heart. How would she have helped prepare him for burial with the others? Beyond Joseph Arimathea and the other followers of Jesus who had followed along the way of his passion, they are now also joined by Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a rabbi who recognized Jesus early, meeting him by night and receiving the famed saying of John 3:16. One might wonder why he did not muster the courage to follow Jesus more closely throughout his public ministry. The small crowd now helping Mary bury her son must have only amplified the sense of oblivion in this moment.

All her dread from the Prophesy of Simeon had been confirmed. The anxiety of the Flight to Egypt returned. The desperation of the lost son in the temple ultimately frustrated in that son’s death. The anguish of finding her son on the way of the cross complete. The intimate terror of the crucifixion realized. The desolation of her son’s descent from the cross meeting its final conclusion here in his burial.

There is no way to avoid suffering in life, so we need to stop trying. Modern psychiatry has confirmed what so many millions of people down through history have experienced firsthand: we cannot avoid feeling the sufferings of life difficulties. We must face them, feel them, and then finally process them enough to take whatever the next steps will be. Suffering is not to be avoided unnecessarily like we can live forever charmed lives: no, we are better off embracing sorrows relatable.

Mary affirmed in her sorrows, particularly at the completion of this final great sorrow of her life, that Jesus is Lord. Her life and times confirmed it, and she would proclaim it for the rest of her days however God led her, never leaving the side of at least one of his Apostles.

Sorrows relatable

If there was one mystery in her son’s life Mary might not have been privy to ahead of time it could have only been the Resurrection. This is the central truth of Christian faith and the mystery, or opportunity for faith, that is the reason for everything from complex theological truths later canonized by Jesus’ Church to the reason why we worship on Sundays. The Resurrection is the joy from which all Christian joy comes. Mother Mary was with the Apostles when news of the resurrection comes via Mary Magdalene, she was a primary witness to the Resurrection depending on which Gospel narrative we’re talking about.

Mary’s story merges into that of the Early Church from here on out. Just like her husband’s story disappears from scripture when he has fulfilled his protagonist work, now Mary enters the realm of devotion, influencing the Church how Jesus called her until her own Assumption into heaven and beyond. Mary’s Seven sorrows show a concise solidarity, a gracefulness originating with her divine son, radiating love through grief and faithfulness in the face of some of life’s deepest possible sufferings.

But in order to contemplate this devotional journey for as efficacious as it really is we have to step outside ourselves, particularly those of us who live some of the most privileged lives in world history here in our place in time and space as 21st century Americans. Most humans throughout history worked hard just to survive, most humans still today struggle greatly as a fact of life. Mary’s choice to endure a life of suffering in faithfulness to God’s plan via her son is a divine solidarity with the human experience which can so often become a meager existence defined by just getting by.

Life is worth living no matter how much suffering there is in it. To say one lives less life if they spend a great proportion of it struggling and suffering is to mock countless millions of human beings who live in relative squalor with great love. It is not masochistic to approach difficult things intentionally, in fact it’s the beginning of a lot of character growth for many. But beyond mere motivational gym posters about overcoming difficulty there is this profound truth that faith, hope, and love run through all worthy sufferings.

Worthy suffering? What is that? Are you telling some people that their suffering is unworthy? Unworthy of what? No. I chose the word worthy because good seems a little too simplistic with a topic like this. There is an intrinsic truth about being human that we don’t like to talk about in a time and place where we have so many of our needs accounted for and so many of our wants satisfied. Suffering humbles us to our basic human poverty spiritually, and it is there where we are most true to ourselves and therefore closer to God.

Listening to Delilah on my bedroom radio as a child exposed me to the radio-edited realities of many people’s sorrows and adjacent hopes, faith, and of course: love. In retrospect I think I might recall when I started switching over to the bible studies. I was too young then to be sure now, but I think I yearned for the purpose of all that love if it was so often met with suffering and sorrow.

Did Delilah lead me closer to Jesus? God works in mysterious ways, eh?

That is where sorrow became relatable. Once I turned to the bible studies, and much later when I learned to love the Blessed Mother for real, all the sorrow became relatable. In Mary we find sorrows relatable. The Blessed Mother and her Seven Sorrows speak to all manner of suffering: dread, anxiety, desperation, anguish, terror, desolation, and oblivion. Mary shows us a strong faith that begets a hardy hope and the greatest love in human history.

We Catholics often go back to Mary’s response to the shepherds coming in from the fields while she was still in the manger with baby Jesus… well I should say lack of response: “But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). That lack of response isn’t timidity or some chauvinistic slight against women: it is Mary contemplating Jesus Christ as she does throughout her life and particularly in these Seven Sorrows. Is there anything more holy and prayerful than simply contemplating Jesus Christ? Is there any more intimate contemplation of Jesus than the mother adoring her child?

When I throw around a fancy, theological word like co-mediatrix that’s all I really mean. Mary points us to Jesus in a way that is so relatable and human as a mother’s relationship with her child.

There is so much faith, hope, and love running through all these sorrows of Mary’s life because the purpose of all of it is a divine solidarity, a peaceful grace emanating from the incarnate God. Confronted with both foreboding sorrow and the rejoicing of the shepherds Mary responds with that overflowing of grace that prompted her Yes at the Annunciation.

Sometimes that response looks like silence. Sometimes that response looks like crying. Sometimes that response is singing and dancing. But you never channel that grace in the first place if you don’t have the faith to preserve some hope. Without hope reinforcing faith, life can become loveless and banal. For the one who bore the incarnate God very tangibly in her own flesh, loveless life was never an option. Love makes all sorrow painfully visceral but so very much worth it. That grief just shows the depth of love after all.

Love is what makes all our struggles in life bearable. Love is what makes Jesus Christ real to us: very physically in Mary’s body and very spiritually in the way she followed him through sorrow after sorrow with faith in his mission. Love animated her parental calling and hope that he would not let her down. Mary put her faith in the right place, and it buoyed her through all her sorrows. We too can find our authentic faith, a steadfast hope, and finally true love when we allow sorrows to turn us back to the grace of God. Who wouldn’t want to hold that in their heart? Who wouldn’t want that kind of relationship with God? Who wouldn’t find solace in that Jesus Christ.

#jesus #catholicism #catholic #blog #mary

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alyjojo · 7 months ago

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June 📿 2024 Monthly - Virgo

Preshuffle: A time of financial ramifications due to impulsive action - financially - to “set yourself free” of something. The example I’m being given is breaking a lease, something you could potentially regret due to whatever is being asked of you, or something that happens because of this.

Meditation: I’m seeing autumn 🍂 lots of colorful leaves, children jumping in them, and you off to yourself away from all of that. Sitting in a chair at a small empty table, with no other chairs, in The Hermit’s hood & robe. I couldn’t see your face because your head was down. Like you were sad. There was a steaming cup of coffee ☕️ on the table someone had left, and I don’t think you noticed - mentally you were somewhere else.

Main energy: The Star

This message isn’t an easy one to hear, and you could be on either side of it. I’m going to read it as if you’re the problem, because Demon Red Rainbow is the color card - and King of Pentacles rev is the focus, but it can absolutely be switched for someone. There is a repeated cycle of someone (probably you) not learning their lesson, over and over again, possibly since childhood. The Star is your destined path being lit for you to clearly see - usually after a Tower happens - and in this case it’s showing how you haven’t learned the lesson. Or you waited until it was too late, Judgement rev isn’t going back, this is done and over with, there’s no going back. Or positively, this can be healing some shit you won’t do again 💯 Actually learning the lesson this time. Now this could be a deeeeep message for someone, and possibly losing your privileges at Costco for someone else, it’s not going to be the same level of intensity for all. For some it’s a person, and for anyone it’s something that means something to you, you love this thing/person.

What’s going on in June:

King of Pentacles rev:

Greeeeeed, especially with 4 Pentacles following. This King is unhealthy, he puts work, career, materialism, “what’s in it for me” and status before anything else in his life. He could flaunt what he doesn’t even have, demand what he can’t even provide, etc. Relationships, fun, hobbies, spiritual anything - meaningful or emotional things don’t bring in money and waste his time, in his opinion. Time is money 💰. Very black and white, 4 Pentacles just adds to that even more, extremely narrow minded and stubborn in their view of the world and their “responsibility” in it. Which has created a situation you didn’t want or intend, this wasn’t in your Google Calendar, you didn’t save enough for whatever this was, *excuses*. Could be relating to a gift but I’m seeing a gift more as an apology. Your love language may be gifts, this King can’t communicate to save his life either, could be an earth sign you’re dealing with or it’s you. Can’t verbalize “you mean the world to me” so I picked up some milk and bought you some flowers…type of thing. Acts of Service, Gifts, these are typical (not strictly) earth sign love languages and that’s how I’m seeing this be shown. It’s your language, not someone else’s, but you’ve been too busy to care…for a very long time. 5 Cups shows deep regret, mourning, sadness, sleepless nights. If it’s you then you’re deeply remorseful. Or sad someone else has been this way with you. What do you PROVIDE? And it probably not being “enough”.

Separately, you could be dealing with something you just cannot afford, or you’ll have to “settle for less” in some way - which hopefully isn’t regarding a person “beneath” him because ew @ that whole mentality (the King is rev, like we’d put up with that upright but c’mon) or it could also refer to like…a protein powder or something idk. Can’t get top quality, you have to settle for what you don’t want as much. Mint, they’re out of vanilla.

4 Pentacles:

You’re heavily resistant to letting people into your business, your world, even your family or friend groups - and it’s not a protective measure so much as a paranoid one. Overly protective to the point of like - jealously guarded. It’s like in guarding yourself from drama from others - you’ve created a ton of drama regarding others. Or you could just be uncooperative af and people are frustrated with trying to work with you. Very negative, pessimistic, there’s no hope for anything ever working out at any time is there? It’s all fucked, people are stupid, everything is going to fail and a million other doom and gloom reasons why you can’t be happy, everyone wants to take your treasure 🐉 - 4 Pentacles following this King rev. But…what treasure? The King is rev. Your friends may see you as unnecessarily argumentative. Or a partner, coworkers, people you’re supposed to be cooperating with feel like you can’t or won’t listen or work with them equally. If this is switched this could be someone you *have* to work with and it’s damn near impossible, they’re so thick-headed and stubborn.

If you’re facing financial crisis, asking for help is probably the hardest thing you’ll ever have to do because it’s eating your soul to have others help you - which they probably want to, it’s you that has the problem. Or reaching out and saying something where a conflict is involved, with someone you do care about or even love. You may have been stingy with money, time, etc., when everyone else was giving freely. Some legitimately can’t afford it, others can and just refuse. If someone is giving you something like “charity” they may as well branded you with a scarlet letter the way your pride burns.

Knight of Pentacles:

Time invested 💯 Very important to whatever this is, for many of you it’s relating to work somehow. A boss or person you’re having to deal with - maybe you are the boss. With time, effort, repeating the same thing every single day, you’re going to accomplish what you want - work wise. Prove your dedication, prove how hard of a worker you are. Someone may have put you into a role to “prove your worth” and I kinda want to gag, it’s not necessary…but you’ve done it! You’re the most responsible, dedicated, hardworking, reliable and financially driven person in the whole - wherever it is. You show up. You’ll die before you call in. You’ll work overtime and triple time, yes sir, thank you sir 🫡 Meanwhile…you’re losing someone. Queen of Cups. This feels like another person, if it’s swapped it could be you someone else is losing - or it could just be your own health and well being, your emotional needs, femininity (either gender) and softness by sacrificing your soul to money, status, other people’s expectations, etc. - Demon Red Rainbow 👺.

4 Cups rev:

Damn dude this is rough…a missed opportunity that you’re deeply upset about, you feel you made the wrong choice, or they did, and whoever did agrees that they did. Someone may have walked out, just done with the whole connection, nothing will ever change - Knight of Pentacles to a King rev can show years. I see conflict here so things have been said before that were resisted, what else could be done? Queen of Cups is a deeply emotional, loving, nurturing person. A forever cheerleader, she cares for the sick and goes above and behind for those she cares about - but she can be a doormat and a people pleaser when up against some ratchet ass attitude like this King rev’s. You or them, if it’s you then you know & regret this and if it’s them it’s validation 🙏

Queen of Cups is one healthy and loving person showing up to the relationship. King of Cups rev clarifies here showing an emotional manipulator, someone unhealthy and possibly abusive on some level with two Kings rev. If not that, then once sadness reaches this King rev it’s like a floooooodgate of repressed emotion, not maturely expressed, it’s a whole mess with this person. The Tower, there it is, at the bottom of the deck shows sudden and shocking changes where there’s no turning back, Judgement rev at the beginning mirrors no turning back - someone could be throwing in the towel & just done.

Queen of Cups:

This person expresses emotion in healthy ways. Upright, mature energy. Yes loving, yes giving, yes all of those things, no guilt tripping, no manipulating, no drama. This person (you/them) can’t handle the manipulative tactics of this King of fkery. Defining worth by whatever she’s not, she’s not the priority everything else is, and if she asks she’s wrong and nothing changes. For a long time probably. This card is clarified by not being able to handle this anymore, it’s too much for her and she has no confidence in herself or this connection. If you, this could be anyone you have to deal with, for someone I’m getting a shitty boss that likes to tear you down, keep you small with underhanded comments and manipulating situations against you, but with both cups it could definitely be a partner. Whatever this King isn’t giving - it’s not love. There are a lot of regrets, this Queen is saying absolutely not, it’s a missed opportunity, go fk yourself - with love, and this King is imploding on himself with all of these emotions he doesn’t know how to deal with on a normal day, much less all at once. Does he mean it, regret, probably. Can be change…maybe? Will she have it, I really don’t know. Not this month 💯

If you and not romantic, you have to focus on yourself and how you feel, what and who makes you feel crazy and separating yourself from that. You get to define your worth not someone else, idgaf who they are. FO FREE. You’re worth the world, and every possibility or affection being open to you to expand, for free. Simply for existing, maturely, kindly, the rest is perks - or whatever you define worth as, which you get to do. They get to as well - and then go find that. If you’re simply missing out on something because you can’t afford it, settling for next best thing or whatever - you may act dramatically and maybe kinda spoiled about it - but you’ll live. Queen of Cups could be showing you needing to work on “self-care” by researching better ways of expressing intense emotions, wholesome emotional videos about what’s really important in love, life, “healthy communication” and other helpful things - that are free & out there in abundance. If it’s someone else, they’re not your problem or you need to make it that way ❤️ It’s possible someone is apologizing with a gift…I’m not sure it’ll work but it’s a start. Is gifts your language? That might be a good place to start, if a conversation is even on the table.

Signs you may be dealing with:

Virgo, Cancer, Capricorn, Leo, Pisces & Scorpio

Oracle: ✨

42 Joy 🎉

We are created in joy. The balance of energy and higher vibrations brings us closer to divine love - pure joy. Joy can be a destination, but it can also be the vehicle that you use to get to that destination. Faith, grace, gratitude, and love all merge together, at different times and in different amounts, to create joy. There is love, growth, tears, change, and self-realization in this card. This card portends a happy and joyous time.

Apology 😞

Guilt - Confession - Forgiveness

Gift 🎁

Souvenir - Promotion - Delight

Hesitation 😬

Decision - Confession - Worry

We enter into June as:

Emaciated Periwinkle ⚖️:

“I must create before the opportunity disappears.”

This card is a good indication that something is out of balance in your life. You may be too focused in one area and therefore neglecting another. Change takes place in proper time. Slow down. With balance we gain the love and support we need to take risks. Periwinkle is also an indication you need to look at your eating habits. This could be a plea from your body to take better care of yourself. This can also point out workaholism or any compulsive behavior that has you feeling out of whack. Is there a part of your life that needs serious attention from you? This card wishes to remind you that...you take you wherever you go.

What is to be learned in June:

Demon Red Rainbow 👹

“The greatest adversary is the one living inside of me.”

If the Demon Red Rainbow speaks to you, it is an indication that you are starting to (or will) forge ahead on the path you have chosen. You are correct in thinking that this path is important. Demon Red Rainbow denotes miraculous changes which lay ahead but not without your dogged determination. If you are facing a hill that appears insurmountable, this card reminds us that most true adversaries are the ones inside of us. Life always turns for the better when we face our demons.

You are not to abandon your focus no matter what comes up. The direct route may be the best way to the other side of your fear. There is a crucial lesson here for us all. Know that Spirit always provides an ally when we face the Demon Red Rainbow. It will be clear to you who they are. You need not face anything alone. Spirit has chosen a very powerful lesson for you so that you may teach others what you have learned. A gift of this kind is never given without our ability to use it.

Red may be a lucky color ❤️

#Virgo #June 2024 #monthly tarot reading #astrology #zodiac signs #monthly #tarot

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oops-its-a-fanwork · 1 year ago

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Lepom: The Ebotti region

Welcome to the Ebotti region, a calm region south of Mount Ebott and its vast mountain range. This is the region Sans and Papyrus call their home! The region is filled with lush forests, colorful grasslands and glittering streams of water originating from the mountains. The villages and towns littering the land are full of culture and history and are composed of friendly, close-knit communities. The most well-known towns are Home-Village and New Home City, as the oldest and busiest towns respectively. Besides their hilarious names, the two towns are quite different: Home is located near the base of the mountain and is a bustling town when celebrations are held, but any other day it's just peaceful and quaint. It's not very big, but its location is connected to the region's history and the people living there know that quite well. It has a path that leads to the side of the mountains, where the caved-in caverns and mine can be found. It also has a museum which explains the history of the region to tourists and kids on school trips. This is where the fossils, crystals and antiques found by explorers of the Ebott caves are displayed.

New Home, on the other hand, is a lot bigger with more utilities and shops and is far more popular with the youth and other newcomers to the area. It's still not a huge high-tech city with flashing lights and neon signs, but it certainly stretches wide, and it does have buildings with more than 3 floors! It has a reputation of having both a large amount and a large variety of markets, like the weekly fresh product markets, the bi-weekly clothing market, the monthly crystal sales, the- uh, yeah, all of them. All of these products are provided by the neighboring towns and villages, as a way to share all the nice things this area has to offer with visitors and locals alike! This is also one of the few places that actually has a pokémon stadium that’s somewhat well known, as there isn't much of a trainer challenge in the area for those who wish to become strong. Beauty contests are far more beloved here, and people will come from all over for the seasonal and thematic variations! Although you can follow them on TV no problem :)

Finally, moving between towns is relatively safe, if only for the fact that there's always someone willing to lend you a hand on your travels. The main routes don't hold very impressive pokémon, and the pokémon there are pretty used to humans. The nature routes and wild areas are more interesting though: lazy rivers, sandy lake beds and decaying ruins of old buildings are shielded from view by dense broad-leaf forests and the multicolored grasslands and small farms along the path. Locals know how to find them though, and as long as people are respectful they are allowed to visit these places to catch a new friend, do some research, or do some non-intrusive recreation like a small picnic. Beware though, that some pokémon might expect some of that sweet lunch you brought!

Pokémon found in the area:

Since this is a piece about the entire region, I’ll only do a brief overview of what you can expect to see if you move through the area + some honorable mentions. So not a complete list! (this list is mostly for me to use when I start writing about the region but here it is anyway :3)

Again, the pokémon found in this area seem like common species you’ll find in many regions. If you know where to look you can find some unexpected or ‘more interesting’ ones though!

On farmlands, you may find Wooloo, Tailow, and Mareep,

At night, you may find Drifloon, Pumpkaboo, and maybe Zorua,

In and near towns, you may find common dog, bird or cat pokémon like Yamper, Pidove or Skitty. (the dog and cat pokémon are rarely wild though!)

Some common woodland pokémon are Stantler, Hoothoot, Zigzagoon and Deerling,

Some common meadow pokémon are Vevillion, Cutiefly, Buneary and Cottonee,

Some common waterside pokémon are Wooper, Magicarp, and Mudkip.

Honorable mentions: the Slowbros at the waterside who Sans hangs out with, the Scorbunny and its trainer who Papyrus plays ball games with, and the well hidden Eevee families across the region.

#homemade fanworks #Undertale au #Legendary pokémonsters au #Legendary pokémonsters au lore #lepom au Sans #lepom au Papyrus #lepom au lore #sans au #papyrus au

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balthial · 1 year ago

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The first three pages of my book to help promote our patreon! I am posting each chapter there once monthly. Hopefully you guys enjoy this sneak peek into the first chapter and if so can support our pateron or even our tumblr page! link below! Sitting in the tranquil forest of my hometown. A place I haven't been to for years. I sit where the light breaks through, streaming light into a thicket of trees and shrubbery. My familiars play curiously in the forest, their first arrival here. "How long has it been?" sighing, I look up at my traveling companion, Lucius. "Not long enough." I say, lift my finger as a butterfly flies by and lands on it. "This was my sanctuary as a child; I always loved animals, and the forest's security brought me peace. It was quiet." I feel something brushing against my legs. As I look down, I see both familiars, Eclipse and Aurora trying to get my attention. I never understood how familiars took their form and why it differed for each person. But I find them being foxes to be oddly comforting. Their names suit them well, Eclipse’s black fur and Aurora, White with blue hued fur. Petting them, I release a sigh calming myself down. "Let us head into town. We will see what this reunion entails."

The forest is small and soon starts to disperse, revealing a colorful village tightly fit together near a cape. The sound and smell of the ocean's salt water begin to consume the air. Lucius looks around, surprised. "You grew up here? I thought you were a Sylvanus?" I sigh heavily, looking at the village slowing my pace as I turn to Lucius and say, "I am a Sylvanus, but not by blood. My original family is from here though. Although I wasn’t here for too long, I do remember most of the people here are like their houses, bright outside to others and dark inside behind closed doors." My companion chuckles softly to himself before responding. "Everyone has something dark they hide away." I watch the familiars run ahead of us, chasing each other playfully. "Perhaps, just be careful." A fisherman noticed us approaching and waved happily. We repay the courtesy and watch him continue his course before arriving at our destination. I heard the yelling before we reached the door, my companion however didn't seem to notice anything. I just looked at him dubiously before knocking on the door.

Silence, the voices faded away like they were never there. But no one but me seemed to be surprised or confused. Did I hear it in my head? "She doesn't live there anymore, my boy." I turn around to see the village chief. I bow slightly. "If I may ask-" The chief cuts me off with a sharp grunt and waves for me to follow him. I look to Lucius, who nods and follows the chief with me close behind. I recognized the path immediately; He was taking us to the village gravesite, but out of respect, I stayed quiet as we walked to a relatively new grave. I barely gaze at it long enough to see her name before looking at the chief. "What happened to her?" The look he gives me is of regret, maybe even sorrow, he looks away, averting his eyes and sighs heavily. "She married another man; this one didn't end well for her. He was brought to justice a month ago." I begin to walk away before the chief grabs my shoulder. "Please, you are my grandson, and she was my daughter. You don't have to do this alone." I look back slightly. "It was for the best, for all our sake." A roar erupts from the chief. "She was your mother! My daughter! Do you feel nothing?" patreon.com/ThefallenSylvanus

#book quotes #books #reading #books and reading #twitch streamer #small streamer #twitch #twitch stream #pateron

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rossemboss · 2 years ago

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Notes from Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan by Jake Adelstein

note: take book with grain of salt as author is greatly self-aggrandizing, but provides some nice color on yakuza

many yakuza prefer to be called 'gokudo' (the ultimate path)

shobadai - slang for protection money paid to the yakuza

"Santa Fe was a book of nude photos of the popular actress Rie Miyazawa" that showed her pubic hair. When authorities didn't pursue the book for breaking obscenity laws based on the photos' "artistic qualities" it opened the floodgates to the relaxing of those policies enjoyed to this day

typical divisions of a police station: violent crime, white-collar, fraud, , traffic, juvenile crime, prevention, lifestyle/vice, plus an organized crime control division, which would pursue drugs, credit card fraud, and human trafficking

kind of neat - the idea of exotic animals being sold to yakuza to scare people. who would have a leashed tiger?

When someone leaves the yakuza, a letter is circulated to all members, either a hamonjo - this person is no longer in the organization, don't do business or associate with them; or a zetsuenjo - betrayer hunt this person down.

if a murdered body is found with the head facing North, that may indicate a killer feeling remorse as that's how dead bodies are laid out.

suicides remove their socks and shoes as it's rude to wear into the afterlife

There are two major types of yakuza: tekiya, low-level con artists and bakuto, the big leagues, who engage in predatory lending, human trafficking, the racket, and blackmailing corporations. They are over half Korean-Japanese and the dowa, formerly untouchable caste of Japan.

The major yakuza have lots of sub-groups that pay monthly dues. The Yamaguchi-gumi (biggest) takes in about $50M in private equity monthly and this is considered a conservative estimate.

The police don’t have the authority to wiretap, offer plea bargains, or witness protection in yakuza investigations, which limited their ability to effectively prosecute them. It’s also not illegal to be in a criminal organization.

As of 2006, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police compiled a list of ~1k front companies in greater Tokyo, 20% real estate with significant investment in securities, auditing, consulting, and other financiers.

Police sometimes call the yakuza “Realtors” lol

In 2008, a major Corporation was found to be paying over $100M USD to yakuza to remove tenants from properties they wanted to purchase (this is called jiage or land-sharking and is big because tenant laws are so protective.)

The bosses of some yakuza groups are minor celebrities and will be photographed and reported on having meetings/dinners with politicians, or will grant TV interviews!!!

Marubo cops – organized crime detectives

One business model: landsharking, moving yakuza into buildings before they can be repossessed and then buying them themselves or getting money from the original owner for the service, protection money from the sex trade, and the cash cow, extortion (specifically, shaking down business people with embarrassing secrets). They would do the same with companies in financial trouble. They would take out loans from midsize banks using the company’s real estate as collateral, but then when the company would go bankrupt, those loans would go unpaid. The Sumiyoshi-kain also ran staffing companies, loansharking, and an insurance company specializing in false claims to rip off real insurance companies. A collection agency for recovering bad debts for real loan companies. Pawnshops for trafficked goods. A talent agency for porn (paid well not coerced). Transportation and security for large events. Take construction contracts and then subcontract out, pocketing the difference. Set up a fake political org for the tax break and a way to launder money. Have your extortees pay to receive your newsletter.

kabukicho was the undisputed red light district of tokyo before it got partially cleaned up following the 2001 fire of the Myojo 56 building where 40+ people died. It is speculated that the yakuza burnt it down after not being paid its protection money by the mahjong parlor inside.

At least in 1999 during the time of this book, a reporter tells him: "Nine times out of ten, no matter how much it looks like a murder, the Shinjuku police will write it up as a case of assault resulting in death - manslaughter? Why? So they don't have to launch a full investigation." Murders of 'low-lifes' not deemed newsworthy. What WAS newsworthy was anything involving someone famous, a civilian, or a teenager. Maybe a brewing gang war.

The reason the anti prostitution law is on the books is to protect girls who were being sold into sexual slavery after the war. That's why they only go after the pimps and owners, not the girls.

one thing to track is i keep writing big clubs, when i should go smaller, seedier, and more participatory. one stage, men using vibrators on the fully naked dancer. also kinkier: more costumes, piss play, the works.

downtown there are typical haunts where the yakuza hang out near their offices, where they get coffee and shoot the shit. and it's not one organization, but all of them.

lots of young girls (high school to college) get addicted to the host clubs and run up a big tab at which point they get redirected into becoming hostesses or joining the sex trade themselves. these are usually unlicensed clubs that have no police protection and are therefore easy marks for the yakuza. a good host club makes about $300k a year in 1999; the legit hosts can make big money too, think $6-10k a month not including gifts. hosts and hostesses often frequent each other's places when they get off work, so they're often busiest at like 4am/late late hours.

Roppongi is known for its foreigners. The place to go if Japanese people and foreigners are looking to connect (/connect!) Before the bubble burst, Roppongi was known for its highbrow establishments, but it's gone sleazy with big clubs, drugs, and all the typical sex trade establishments. It's nicknamed "High-Touch Town"

Because yakuza bosses can be held liable (and sued) for the crimes of their subordinates, when someone gets collared, it's typical to throw them out of the org (at least on the surface) claiming they were just a bad egg to limit liability. Yakuza will also sue newspapers and other organizations that call their businesses fronts or old members yakuza. Very good lawyers.

money laundering - hostess clubs and sex parlors (have your employees act as regulars and pay there); donations to religious organizations you run from the profits, own restaurants, r&r spots, and more and have your employees go there with the profits.

there are legal limits on interest rates for consumer loans, but yakuza loan sharks obviously go way above that. keep database of all customers at one establishment to see when the loan is falling behind, and then reach out from one of your other loan offices to offer a loan with even higher interest rates to double prey upon your victims.

more swords as weapons since gun use penalties are so high!

not uncommon for yakuza to own the movie studios making yakuza films which has promise as a funny detail; also more chopped fingers, toes transplanted as fake fingers, etc.

Tokarev - Russian guns popular in the 90s with yakuza

"that's why we farm out the dirty work to the Chinese and the Iranians. If they get caught, they don't talk and they just get deproted."

control the media by running the top talent agencies and denying them access to top entertainment talent if they publish unfavorable reporting

#⁂ yakuza

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jyp-priestess · 2 years ago

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Lee Haneul was born on May 28th, 1999 as Li Ling. She was welcomed into the world by the bustling city of Shanghai, China, and her very successful producer parents. She walked and talked at the age of one before her little sister would take a share of her spotlight a year later. Li Xiang was partially left in her older sister’s care while their family welcomed their baby brother, Li Cheng. Despite their attention hogging, Haneul loved her siblings to death and gave them more love than they could ever ask for.

Haneul grew up with a plethora of opportunities. Her family had a theatre background, a big chunk of her family were musicians, and her parents were, of course, producers. With this, she grew up in a very musically inclined environment. However, she was still encouraged to pursue other fields despite this fact. They found it beneficial for her to branch out and expect different things instead of forcing something into her. These being her involvement in figure skating, volleyball, harp, violin, dance, singing, art, and much more.

From the young age of 6-12, Haneul did figure skating. Of course she did her training as well, but figure skating was her main focus aside from academics right up until she passed the audition. She won numerous medals and was well known in Shanghai for this.

Her siblings looked up to her and her achievements, but she encouraged them to go their own paths. Haneul never thought what she was doing was the best course of action, despite her huge self-confidence, so she didn’t want to influence her younger siblings to go on the same direction. She wanted them to complete their education from start to finish and get good-paying jobs to live happy, fulfilled lives.

During her summers as a kid, Haneul would help work her grandparents’ farm, but also do puppet and paper theater shows for the little kids. She’s always been a performer at heart. She showed great empathy in others and tried to help or make someone smile the best she could, friends and family often found it to be one of her best qualities.

As she grew older, her desire for music grew and her understanding of it widened. Haneul quickly outgrew the talent and dance agency she was in, and decided to enter a local audition of YG Entertainment. There were no other companies with open auditions in the area at that specific time so she went for it, hoping for the best.

On the application form Haneul did not write how she was the daughter of big producers. Of course, being 13 and having done the academic achievements she had, you’d expect a child to be mature by then, but it felt as if she was ready to be an adult. Her excuse that she finally revealed later on was, “I didn’t want such a small, but significant, factor to give me an advantage or disadvantage over the other people who were trying to get accepted too. Fighting on an equal platform feels a lot better than not.”

Roughly a month later, she was accepted, and on the condition she’d start her training whenever she graduated from high school. Maybe she was greedy at the time, but she studied extra hard that summer and took all the necessary tests to graduate early just before entering her 2nd year of high school. That decision turned out to become one of the best ones in her life. Of course she also became widely known for how she passed those tests with flying colors, a mark of her intelligence.

She was a trainee at YGE for roughly a year before SME requested she transferred. They’d seen her monthly evaluations and knew that someone that talented needs to be put in somewhere bigger and grander, or whatever their excuse was. Haneul didn’t care too much, but thought experiencing a different environment would be beneficial.

Haneul’s time at her 2 years at SME gave her more contacts and friendships than YGE could ever. Sure she came to know some of the biggest in the industry, but the trainees and debuted groups made her feel like home. They’d wake her up at 4 in the morning to raid her fridge and have her cook them food, and then proceeded to bug her the entire day. That was what made them all lovable… all 40 or so of them.

Even as a trainee, Haneul spent about 60% of the time dancing and singing, plus other typical trainee things. But that other 40% she spent at the company was for producing. She came from such a big producing background it was hard to ignore it. Some days she’d practice with her tracks, other times she’d dump them in a trash, it was a matter of taste mostly.

Then, to her greatest surprise and delight, JYPE offered her a job as one of their producers. She signed the contract and transferred, but never lost touch with her friends. That decision was probably the best one of her life. Believe it or not, she felt the most free at JYPE.

Haneul’s time as a trainee at JYPE was nothing short of well, short. Time flew by too fast, and she made connections quickly. Maybe it was how warm and sociable Bang Chan was, who knew practically everyone, or that she worked on pretty much everyone’s tracks, or maybe her own extroverted self was the cause of all of it. She loved the busy life regardless.

The 9 boys quickly became close and clamored over her every time they saw her. She didn’t mind, but to be truthful, there were days she wanted to spend alone or only with a single one of them. But that of course, is hard to make a reality with how clingy they were.

Haneul and 3Racha bonded the quickest, sharing their love of making music. On top of that, there was no doubt she was close to Chan and vise versa. Somedays they’d be coddled her but against one another, and others piled on top, without any worries. In fact, it was a huge worry for Haneul as Chan was pretty oblivious and her ever growing crush was a hot topic around her sunbaenims. She could never hate them for it despite how red she’d become when they began talking about it.

2017 came and Haneul was given the chance to debut. In fear of it overlapping with the Stray Kids show, she did prep over time, right up until the final episode aired and her debut in less than a week. However, she was teased far before the show even began airing. What an eventful period. The time she spent cooped up in offices and recording studios, then out shooting music videos and teasers was probably the most stressed she’d been.

She supported the boys through their entire journey on their, and thoroughly surprised them with her own debut as teasers flew in every week. She sacrificed many sleepless nights helping them cope rather than worry about her next recording or photo shoot for debut matters. She had even talked with JYP about their mental health in worry about how they’d proceed on the show.

The week she debuted and after was the busiest but quite possibly one of the happiest times of her life. She was given a lot of encouragement, even being called an early Christmas present at some point. Regardless, that was just how far she had came on her journey, and it was all worth it.

#producer oc #idol oc #kpop oc #priestess #JYP priestess #predebut #predebut story #priestess predebut

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michaelleip · 1 month ago

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Stay Organized and Productive with the Right Organizers and Planners

In today’s fast-paced world, staying organized is essential for managing time, boosting productivity, and maintaining mental clarity. Whether you're juggling work deadlines, family commitments, or personal goals, organizers and planners are indispensable tools that can simplify your life. Here’s how they can make a difference and how to choose the perfect one for your needs.

Why Use Organizers and Planners?

Enhanced Time Management:Organizers and planners provide a structured way to schedule tasks, appointments, and deadlines. By having everything laid out, you can prioritize effectively and avoid last-minute stress.

Improved Productivity:Writing down tasks and goals keeps you accountable. A good planner allows you to track progress and break larger tasks into manageable chunks, making big projects feel less overwhelming.

Reduced Mental Clutter:With so much to remember, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Planners act as an external brain, freeing up mental space to focus on what truly matters.

Better Goal Setting:From daily to long-term goals, planners help you map out your journey and track milestones, ensuring you stay on the right path.

Types of Organizers and Planners

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to organizers. Here are the most popular types:

Daily Planners: Ideal for people with busy schedules who need to manage tasks hour by hour.

Weekly Planners: Perfect for those who prefer a broader view of their commitments.

Monthly Planners: Great for long-term planning, such as tracking project timelines or planning events.

Bullet Journals: A creative and flexible option for those who like to customize their planning style.

Digital Planners: For tech-savvy individuals who prefer managing their schedules on devices.

How to Choose the Right Organizer or Planner

Assess Your Needs:Think about your lifestyle and the type of commitments you manage. A student may benefit from an academic planner, while a professional might prefer a work-focused one.

Consider Portability:If you’re always on the go, a compact planner that fits in your bag is ideal. For desk use, a larger planner with more writing space may work better.

Evaluate Features:Look for features like goal-setting sections, habit trackers, or inspirational quotes that align with your planning style.

Design Matters:Choose a planner that resonates with your personality. A visually appealing organizer can motivate you to use it consistently.

Creative Ways to Use Organizers and Planners

Meal Planning: Jot down weekly meal plans and grocery lists.

Fitness Goals: Track workouts and progress towards health goals.

Budget Management: Keep a record of expenses and savings to stay financially organized.

Hobbies and Personal Growth: Plan reading lists, creative projects, or skill-building activities.

Popular Brands to Explore

There are countless options available in the market, but some brands consistently stand out:

Moleskine: Known for their high-quality, minimalist designs.

Erin Condren: Perfect for colorful and customizable planners.

Passion Planner: Focused on goal-oriented planning.

Notion: A versatile digital planner for those who want flexibility.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating organizers and planners into your routine can transform how you manage your time and tasks. Whether you prefer pen and paper or a digital platform, the right tool can help you stay on top of your responsibilities and achieve your goals with ease.

Start exploring today, and take the first step towards a more organized and productive life!

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rentscoreafrica · 2 months ago

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Renting Vs Owning- Which one is better?

Renting has long been a popular choice among most individuals, but what's even better is owning an affordable home. Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of both renting and homeownership, shedding light on why under certain circumstances, owning may be a more financially rewarding option.

The perks of renting

Renting is undoubtedly a convenient choice for those with uncertain income or those focused on expanding their revenue streams. The ability to terminate a lease with proper notice, absence of property taxes, and often lower monthly costs make renting an attractive option. It's an ideal solution for those who prioritize flexibility and don't want to be tied down by property-related responsibilities.

The power of homeownership

On the other hand, owning your home presents a myriad of advantages that extend beyond just having a place to live;

1.Flexibility and affordable repayments - Did you know that instead of paying rent monthly to your landlord, you can pay an almost similar amount to a bank and own a home? Incentivized home loans featuring a fixed annual interest rate within the range of 9% to 9.9 % per annum, make homeownership now more feasible than ever! The amount applicable is up to Kes 8 M, while repayments span up to 25 years. Rentscore will help you to establish your affordability through our affordable home loan calculator accessible on Our Website.

2.Building Equity and Generational Wealth - By investing in your own property, you're not just paying someone else; you're investing in yourself .Every mortgage payment you make is one step closer to owning your home outright.

3.Cushion from rental increment - Owning a home safeguards you from the uncertainties of rental increases that might necessitate relocation.

4.Tax benefits - Mortgages taken for owner occupied properties enjoy a tax relief of up to Kes 25,000 per month consequently reducing your taxable income.

5.Customizability - With owning a home comes all the wiggle room to turn it into your personal oasis. You can go with wild colors, decor and renovations without needing anyone’s approval.

Renting Risks Vs Homeownership Challenges

Renters face the constant threat of rent increment and the possibility of eviction upon notice. They also lack the ability to make significant changes to their living space without the landlord's approval. In contrast, homeownership comes with the potential burden of a non-liquid asset and the challenge of time-consuming property sales. Additionally, the substantial upfront deposit (ranging from 20 %-30% of the sale price) may be a financial challenge for some. Owning a home also demands increased responsibility and financial discipline.

The decision to rent or to own ultimately depends on individual circumstances, financial capabilities, and long-term goals. While renting provides flexibility, different types of property investment such as homeownership offers a unique opportunity to build wealth, create stability, and enjoy the satisfaction of truly owning your piece of the world. Consider your priorities and financial situation carefully to determine which path aligns with your aspirations.

#business #real estate investing #propertyinvestment

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lazywinnerrunaway · 6 months ago

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Why Choose Foto Correct for Your Photo Editing Needs?

In today’s visually driven world, the quality of your images can make or break your brand. At Foto Correct, we understand the critical role that high-quality visuals play in capturing attention and conveying your message effectively. Here’s why Foto Correct stands out as your go-to photo editing partner:

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Thank you, Sabiha

#whychooseus #photoediting #ProfessionalService #VisualExcellence #Fotocorrect

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mygirlssouz · 7 months ago

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The Definitive Guide to Laser Hair Removal for Men in Calgary: Your Path to Lasting Confidence

Introduction:

Welcome to your ultimate resource for laser hair removal for men in Calgary! In today's image-conscious world, confidence often goes hand in hand with grooming. But for many men, battling unwanted hair can be a tiresome and sometimes painful endeavor. Enter laser hair removal – a cutting-edge solution that's revolutionizing the way men in Calgary approach grooming. Say farewell to the hassles of traditional hair removal methods and hello to smooth, hair-free skin. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know about laser hair removal specifically tailored for men in Calgary.

Understanding Laser Hair Removal:

Laser hair removal is a state-of-the-art cosmetic procedure that utilizes concentrated light energy to target and destroy hair follicles at their root. Unlike temporary solutions like shaving or waxing, laser hair removal offers enduring results. It's safe, effective, and when administered by skilled professionals, virtually pain-free.

Why Opt for Laser Hair Removal for Men?

For Calgary men, grooming isn't just a routine – it's a statement. Laser hair removal presents a myriad of advantages:

Precision: Laser technology precisely targets hair follicles while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.

Longevity: Bid adieu to the constant cycle of shaving or waxing – laser hair removal delivers long-lasting results, minimizing the need for frequent upkeep.

Time Efficiency: No more daily shaving rituals or monthly waxing appointments. Laser hair removal provides a streamlined solution for the time-strapped modern man.

Confidence Boost: Smooth, hair-free skin can significantly enhance confidence levels, empowering men to feel comfortable and self-assured in their own skin.

The Laser Hair Removal Process Demystified:

Before embarking on your laser hair removal journey, it's crucial to grasp the process:

Consultation: Your journey begins with an initial consultation with a seasoned laser technician. During this session, your skin type, hair color, and medical history will be evaluated to determine your candidacy for laser hair removal.

Treatment Sessions: Laser hair removal typically necessitates multiple treatment sessions spaced several weeks apart. The exact number of sessions varies depending on factors such as the treatment area and hair type.

Post-Treatment Care: Following each session, adhering to the technician's post-treatment care instructions is imperative. This may entail avoiding sun exposure and utilizing soothing skincare products to alleviate any potential discomfort.

Finding Your Ideal Provider in Calgary:

Selecting the right provider is paramount for a successful laser hair removal experience. Consider the following factors when choosing a clinic in Calgary:

Expertise and Credentials: Ensure that the clinic employs certified laser technicians well-versed in male laser hair removal.

Cutting-Edge Technology: Opt for clinics equipped with advanced laser technology tailored for safe and efficacious hair removal.

Client Feedback: Reviews and testimonials from previous clients offer valuable insights into a clinic's reputation and client satisfaction.

Consultation Process: A reputable clinic will offer a comprehensive consultation process to understand your unique needs and expectations fully.

Conclusion: Laser hair removal represents a game-changing solution for Calgary men seeking smooth, hair-free skin. By familiarizing yourself with the process, benefits, and considerations involved, you can make an informed decision regarding the suitability of laser hair removal for your needs. With the guidance of a reputable clinic staffed by skilled laser technicians, you can embark on a journey toward enhanced confidence and self-assurance. Bid farewell to unwanted hair and embrace a groomed, confident appearance with laser hair removal tailored for men in Calgary.

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alyjojo · 8 months ago

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May 🏋🏻 2024 Monthly - Gemini

Preshuffle: You know what you want, you know what your path looks like - but it’s daunting to you, because of how much time it’s taken already or how much time & effort you know it will take to bring this thing into fruition. It’s like you’re hopeful and pessimistic at the same time, dooming yourself to failure, which isn’t doing you any favors.

Meditation: In a garden, where the center had steadily sprinkling fairy dust (or something like that), and it was never ending, you sat off by the side under a tree with your arms folded. Hmph. 4 Cups energy. I kept trying to coax you to the middle, so you could have anything you want! You’d just roll your eyes and shake your head. Finally, I said, “Fine, be pigheaded then,” and your head became a pig’s 🐷 head. Afterward, you were trying to talk to me (plead with?), but all that came out were grunts and squeals, so I replied, “I guess you better head over there and fix your head, hmm?” And I walked away.

Main energy: 4 Cups

Same energy, that’s wild. Because of Elk & the color cards you’ve got going on here, I assume this isn’t you. Could be family, a partner, someone that you once saw as 10 Cups that isn’t really anymore because of their bs getting on your nerves. 2 Cups is here, romantic or platonic, you do love this person on some level, and it’s mutual with the 2. Love is here, but effort isn’t. With Mask & Illness side-by-side, I’m getting a specific story of schizophrenia or just some mental/personality affliction that would affect moods on a major level. Beyond just “moody.” You never know who you’re going to get with this person. If it’s not your story, don’t force it. The strongest story here is someone that kinda bullshits their way through…life, by claiming illness, frailty, they’re too tired, they’re sick, they’re ailing from something on any given day. To be clear, this isn’t to shame anyone who does have an illness, this is more about someone that’s often full of shit, daily, or lately, with Mask here. Deception, pretending, they know they’re full of it but they won’t let you onto this. 9 Wands at the bottom, could be a literal injury or an old one, and they’re just milking it out because of…disability, unemployment, something to that effect. Avoiding work. Could be someone at work that drives you bonkers. 4 Cups is clarified by Ace of Swords rev, you’re apathetic and not empathetic to this charade because you *know* it’s a lie. Could be dealing with a water sign, or they have prominent water in their chart. When it started, that may be a different story, it may not have bothered you. What’s that movie where Adam Sandler got hit by a car years ago and he’s still collecting money or something from it? 😆 Idk but that’s what I’m seeing here. Or it’s valid but someone could definitely do more, like they have a mood thing, and you’re like “Yeah and I have an injured toe, get to work.” I don’t get meanness, but if it continues…

What’s going on in May:

10 Cups rev:

Oof, this could be an ex, a baby mama/daddy situation, possibly a parent. Either someone that should be committed to 10 Cups upright with you, they’re part of your deep loves; or this is someone that is in a position to set an example. I’m getting a parent strongly for someone, maybe a co-parent. Could be a grandparent, teacher, professor, manager at work, the head of HR idk, someone who could have a positive and productive contribution to making 10 Cups a reality - and all they have are excuses and whining - in your opinion. I see them as an example for what *not* to do, where you’re concerned. Queen of Swords rev underneath, like this person makes you feel bitter AF, or they’re the kind of person that’s sugary sweet on the surface but, say something. Confront their bs, and Lord help you, you’ll never hear the end of it 🙏 It’s more likely you just haven’t said anything, you’ve tried to do the right thing, or have been respectful buuuut, it’s there. Waiting to snap. Some of you may have divorced this person, or have made every attempt to separate yourself from them.

6 Wands rev:

I’m really not getting your energy being negative, even if you’re frustrated. There’s a conflict inside of you, all sorts of petty and judgemental thoughts on a daily basis. This person brings out the mean side of you, because you’re resentful af. But you don’t want to be mean, you’re not out here trying to hurt people, and you don’t want to fight. 2 Cups following shows - because you love them. Or care deeply. You don’t want them to think you’re judging them harshly (even if you are), and I don’t think you want them to stop talking to you altogether. You could feel like the connection between you is great except for this one thing, and you don’t know how to speak up in a way that isn’t harsh or hurtful, because that’s how you’re feeling when you’re *tempted* to actually say something. On a regular day, it’s more 4 Cups energy. Disengaged, apathetic, not interested, “not my circus, not my monkeys,” type of energy. Even if it is your circus 🎪 on some level. Or you just know if you do, they’re going to let you have it which…is very difficult. Maybe you’re wrong, maybe they do have something going on, but you don’t believe it. Or again, they could do more, it’s like you/everyone give them grace with things and they still take advantage. Give them an inch, they take a mile.

2 Cups:

You love this person and they love you, if platonic then they may just be someone that understands you on a deep level. It feels like a soul-level connection, regardless of what kind, and at the same time - The Moon clarifies. How can it truly be a soul-level connection if everything you feel is kept hidden? They don’t pick up on it? You’re trying to move away from the angry feelings & bitterness you feel, keeping yourself trapped essentially - avoiding conflict, avoiding getting gone off on, and also avoiding the truth. Your truth 💯 You have a lot to say and you just don’t, for the sake of the relationship. But a real connection can survive differences, if it’s a healthy one. I think deep down you know that. Keeping the peace for who, really?

7 Wands rev:

Clarified by Wheel of Fortune & King of Wands rev. So…this could be a situation that’s been enabled for so long already, it’s like what could you even do? You feel like you have no grounds to say anything, do anything, like it’s too late to even try. It is what it is. I’m also getting like, if someone has a legitimate diagnosis, they’ve taken it and run with it - it’s their excuse for everything. But they *do* have it, and to say anything seemingly condescending would make you out to be the asshole of the century, so what can you really do? Nothing 💯 You don’t feel like you can, you don’t want to trigger this person’s possible nasty behavior, or start a conflict you can’t win because it isn’t possible. I know it’s a narrow lane kind of story but that’s what I’m getting, even if it’s not an illness at all it’s the whole vibe, the lack of direct communication, the feeling of “I can’t win this.” - however and whoever it applies to. This person may have many faces. Elk seems to be the advice here, you can’t control others but you can control yourself - and you can set an example for this person/others to follow.

8 Pentacles:

Work is your saving grace it seems, even if this is regarding work. Temperance shows needing to keep calm, keep your balance, maintain your peace over anything else - that’s the priority. And still, the bottom has been showing you trying to keep your cool the entire reading, you don’t *enjoy* feeling pissy, vengeful, bitter, that doesn’t bring joy into your life and it makes you feel like crap. If this is a work person, realize you can only control yourself, set a good example to follow and be as peaceful as possible - it will lead you in the right direction, towards what you want - 9 Cups. Injustice is at the bottom, Spirit is confirming that this situation is not fair for you, and also that you’ve ultimately been doing the right thing for yourself by trying to maintain an emotional distance from your own anger or aggravation, avoiding conflicts, just doing you as best as you can. If you’ve enabled someone well…it’s your call. You could stop. You could start small and “lead the horse to water,” so to speak. If you care at all - 4 Cups doesn’t. You could just stop talking to this person, if possible. 9 Cups is about you and what you want, a dream could be coming true for you in regards to your work - as a reward for being patient. I’m not sure if it’s this month, or if Spirit is just saying “it’s coming, hold on.”

Signs you may be dealing with:

Heavy Cancer & Pisces, Leo, Sagittarius

Oracle: ✨

Mask 🎭

Deception - Pretending - Inconstancy

Illness 😷

Disease - Weakness - Fragility

Elk 🦌

“Stand tall and maintain your dignity no matter what, and others will treat you with the respect that you deserve.”

When you’re in a cycle of life where you feel you have to struggle to avoid feelings of defeat & despair due to circumstances pressing in on you from all sides, you need to literally straighten up to your grandest upright posture. Not rigidly, but relaxed, head up, shoulders straight, feet planted firmly. Try slowing down your usual speed, and keep your focus in the present moment. You make more of an impact on your environment when you’re in your physical and psychic fullness, and your moods & sensitivities will shift accordingly. Standing tall, relaxed, and fully present, you’re more likely to command respect from others. This will help you in any situation, but especially any where your dignity or self respect feel compromised. This isn’t pride, but a physical expression of strength and power, and your mood will act accordingly with your body.

We enter into May as:

Electric Blue Moon 🌚:

“If I don’t take care of it, it’ll never happen.”

It is not time to force an issue. If something feels important to you, you may be jumping the gun. If you are impatient, you may block something wonderful from coming to you. Now is not the time for a rushed decision, even if you think you’ve given something “plenty” of time, give it more. You have made your needs known to Spirit, now leave it alone. If you try to force a situation, you may bind yourself to something you could come to know as a hinderance. Allow right action to happen in its own time.

What is to be learned in May:

Cool Lemonade 🍋

“My dreams got answered.”

There are times when chasing dreams leaves us winded and unhappy. If this gift has been given, it’s to remind you there is always a plan. If you fear you’ve been sidetracked from your right path, have faith you’ll be guided back to it. There is not always a complicated reason why things didn’t work out how you wanted them to, it may be simpler than you think. Are you sure your prayers weren’t answered? Or was it a reply you refused to hear? You will find total peace when you appreciate the gifts you have, rather than pining for what you lack. Sometimes, we all need to be reminded that the point of prayer isn’t to get what we want, but to ask to be of service. Cool Lemonade reminds us to only seek to be of service in our lives, closeness with Spirit must always be put before what we’d like to have.

Yellow may be a lucky color 💛

#Gemini #monthly tarot reading #may 2024 #monthly #tarot #astrology

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