#from creators who aren’t willing or equipped to even serve it up | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

canyouhearthelight · 5 years

Text

The Miys, Ch. 46

I’m on a roll! Yet another chapter beta’d by @parisconstantine (in which I learned about French terms of affection), and I’m already 1600 words into chapter 47. I’m not sure if the next chapter will be a long one or if I’ll end up splitting it into two parts. Time will tell on that front.

Oh! Oh! Sam and Simon both get last names in this chapter!

This covers the first six hours of the Food Festival, so minor mentions of food. I can’t think of any other warnings beyond that, but if you find something please shoot me a message so I can update it. I’m learning every day about things that trigger people, so sometimes I miss things that aren’t glaringly obvious. However, I’m always willing to learn. At the end of the day, this is very slice-of-life, after all.

Edit: I am reposting this, for 2 reasons. Most importantly, I included some characters in this chapter who I need to attribute to their rightful creators. So, Thank you @charlylimph-blog for Ivan Thorson and Coffee Williams. You are an incredible writer, and I didn’t want these two to languish in obscurity after all the hard work you put into submitting them for the last contest.

The second reason is just because I posted it too early and wanted to put it out there for the people who look for my chapters on Tuesdays. I love you all!

“Okay, everyone for Alpha Shift, sound off.”

“Tyche Reid, Admin Observation, is online.” I could hear the smirk in my sister’s voice.

“Antoine Costa, Support Personnel, online.”

“Sophia, do I really have to do this?” a familiar voice wheedled.

“Yes. I need to know who is my eyes and ears on the ground.”

“Ugh. Zach Khan, Support Personnel, online.”

“Derek Okafor, Civilian Observation, online.”

“Sam Richardson, Civilian Ob-observation, o-o-online.” I couldn’t help grinning that Sam agreed to help out. Usually, he kept out of any operations on the ship, but he was the original tester for Antoine’s project, so he had just assumed he would be part of today’s actions.

“Maverick Okima, Support Personnel, online.”

“Alistair Worthington, Resource Adjunct, online,” my assistant dutifully called off in a bored tone. Only I could see the sardonic look he shot me.

“Sophia Reid, Resource Command, online,” I breathed in relief. “Thank you, everyone. You have two objectives today: first, a general assessment of the low-stim session so that we know what we did right and what we can improve on in the future; second, getting feedback on how Mr. Costa’s dampening and proximity updates to the translation chips are working, again with a goal for future enhancements. Tyche Reid has graciously volunteered to be our control on the chip project, so she will be providing only a baseline evaluation of the low-stim session and the quiet rooms.” In reality, my sister wasn’t volunteering so much as refusing to get the upgrade until I agreed to do the same.

“Soph, if you are going to keep being so formal, we may as well shut this down now,” my sister huffed. “Mr. Costa my foot.”

“I’m trying to be professional,” I grumbled back. “This is an official Council operation, to be saved for posterity.”

“Do you truly believe that Xiomara will tolerate being referred to as ‘Miss’ or ‘Councillor Kalloe’ for six hours, Sophia?” Antoine asked smoothly.

Fighting back a chuckle, I refused to concede his point. “That’s Simon’s problem, not mine. She and I are on shift in the festival at the same time, so Simon will be running the show from here.”

“And you have deluded yourself to believe that Mr. Rodriguez will continue to address everyone formally?” Alistair scoffed. Et tu, Brute? I had argued with him for weeks to call me Sophia.

“If you start calling me Mr. Okafor, I’m going silent until this is over, Sophia,” Derek threatened.

I threw my hands up defensively, even if most people couldn’t see me. “Fine! I get it, I get it. I’ll chill out with the names, but I am going on record that it was under duress and threat of operative failure.” I shook my head and took a deep breath. “Okay, so, back to the point. Tyche, your job is providing an assessment of the low-stim Festival session, as it appears to someone without the implant upgrades. Derek and Sam, your jobs are to evaluate the session with the upgrades. I need all three of you to report back two specific things: what worked better than your past experiences, and what still sucked. Maverick, Zach, and Antoine: you are there both in your capacities as support personnel in case something goes horribly wrong, and to make sure I hear about anything they don’t realize shouldn’t be happening. Everyone clear on your jobs?”

I got six affirmative answers before continuing. “Okay, other than that – have fun! Try new foods, let me know what to try when it’s my turn, just enjoy yourselves as much as possible!” With that, I left the group channel open and watched the map of the festival. The three teams were entering from different points to ensure that, between the six of them, everything could be evaluated. In theory, everything should go off without a hitch. The vendors were already briefed to be prepared for attendees during this session to provide a list of flavor and texture aversions, and Miys was already stationed in security alcoves to ensure that the vendors were complying and attendees weren’t abusing it.

It was only fifteen minutes before we got our first update.

“Team Try New Foods, reporting early success,” Zach Khan’s voice broke in. “Kosher food stall was an overall hit, the Jainist stall admitted they had nothing that Derek could like except papadums, and Derek tried both falafel and chicken tikka masala. Jury’s out on the masala, but he likes falafel.”

“I really thought falafel would be too squishy,” I admitted.

“Apparently not,” Zach chuckled. “He said it’s like a meatball, but no meat.”

“I mean, yeah,” I agreed, still dazed. “That’s cool, though. And the Jainist vendor didn’t give him a hard time about the list?”

“Nope,” he popped the last letter, something he tended to do when he was really excited. “Just smiled, read it, and apologized that everything he had was either spicy, sour, or squishy.”

“How did the Kosher and Halal vendors react to the list?”

“Thoughtfully,” Derek interjected. “The Kosher vendor clarified if I like onions, and the Halal vendor just wanted to know if I meant pepper-spicy or herb-spicy.”

Awesome. “Good job, guys. And congrats, Derek, on the new foods. Keep it up and let me know.”

Thirty minutes later, not everything was sunshine and rainbows, though. Sam and Maverick had so far reported three vendors whose stalls were too pungent to approach, and Alistair was already in contact with and arguing about the need to keep the dishes covered during the low-stim session. “I understand that the smell is what draws people in, usually, ma’am, but you agreed to keep all smells to a minimum for the first six hours. That includes keeping the atmospheric scrubbers engaged and keeping the dishes sealed.” When the woman on the other end started to argue, he swiftly cut her off. “When you signed up to be open during this session, you were given a list of the restrictions, and you signed off on it. Low Stimulus, and that includes stimulating the nose. You can either seal the food, as you agreed, or we can have your stall closed down for the remainder of the Festival, per the agreement you signed.” With that, he disconnected sighed before turning to me. “So rude,” he informed me with a shake of his head.

“Which stall was that?” I asked, wrinkling my nose in dread.

“Fortunately, just the seafood stall,” he explained. “Along with the Cajun and Jamaican stalls. So, pungent, but no one has reported nausea as of yet. Miys is already in the area, trying to dissipate the odor.”

“As long as it isn’t the Japanese stall,” I gulped. They had insisted on serving natto, but explained that it would be sealed in individual portions throughout the festival, and only opened by the person eating it. While I couldn’t exactly argue, I didn’t have to be happy about it.

I heard from Tyche right at one hour into the event.

“Soph,” my sister practically shouted at me. “Do you want to explain to me why one of the Quiet Rooms looks like you robbed my quarters?”

Oops. Forgot about that. “Tyche, they’re designed to be relaxing, quiet, and provide low stimulation. I can’t help it that your quarters are practically a smooshy cave.” Three, two, one…

“A hammock!?” she demanded. “Why don’t I have a hammock?”

“Make up your mind, Tych. Are you offended that the room looks like your quarters, or jealous that it’s better equipped?”

“Both. Definitely both,” she asserted. “Ooo, you included the sound scrubbers we had installed in your quarters, didn’t you?”

“I knew it!” I almost shrieked. “I knew it sounded muffled in my quarters since I got back! That was completely uncalled for, you brat. You know I’m hard of hearing!”

“You also have an implant in your brain that directly translates language into your auditory cortex, so it’s not like you couldn’t hear us,” she pointed out. “And all your alerts and alarms were already calibrated for you to see them as well as hear them. What I don’t understand is why you never had Miys fix your hearing.”

“Are you kidding?” I scoffed. “Loud noises are bad enough as it is. I can’t imagine how it would be if I could hear them better.”

“Aaannnnnnd that’s why we put the scrubbers in your quarters,” she finished. Well, walked right into that one, I admitted to myself. “This room is nice, by the way, once I got over the shock. Quiet, relaxing on the eyes and ears. How buff are the atmo scrubbers? It’s like my nose just quit working, but I can still breathe.”

“Really buff,” I clarified. “I’m not sure how many food and personal odors are going to be at the main event, so I erred on the side of overkill.”

“Do all the quiet rooms look like this?” Antoine asked, his tone full of curiosity.

“They do not,” I grinned. “Antoine, you’re going to love this, I think. There are five different themed quiet rooms, and two of each for a total of ten. You two are in one of the Dark Rooms. The Green themed rooms are furnished with plants and small fountains. Medium theme looks more like my quarters, with lighter grays and some purples thrown in. Cool theme is mostly blues, with diffuse light to give an underwater or polar night kind of feeling. Finally, the Light themed room is whites and pale yellows, with indirect light to create a feeling like a sunny day.”

A hum of approval. “I think that makes the most sense,” he agreed. “Not everyone finds the same things soothing, but I think you created enough variety to cover everyone.”

“So, how is the event going for you guys?”

Tyche sighed. “It’s going okay, but I’m not entirely certain that’s not because of who I am. I haven’t seen any flashing lights, no loud music is playing, so that’s good. The vendors have been very deferential, which I didn’t think to expect, honestly.”

“I don’t think that’s because of you,” I hummed. “Derek is having a similar experience, honestly. Sam has reported some vendors with fragrant stalls, but that’s been addressed. Alistair, anything else?”

Without glancing up from his data screen, he shook his head. “Other than the incident with the smells, nothing negative reporting yet. Derek and Zachary have dutifully sent in additional reports regarding the reactions of each vendor to the food preference lists, so far the balance is in the positive. Samuel and Maverick are reporting similar responses.”

“And the upgrades?” Antoine asked hesitantly.

“So far, nothing major…” Alistair trailed off. “Support personnel are reporting receiving proximity alerts from non-clients, and I’ve received several queries regarding if that is normal?”

“It’s expected,” Antoine sighed. “We are working on an algorithm that would reduce the alert volume for support personnel who are on duty and in the presence of their respective clients, but it wasn’t ready in time for this event. But, yes, it is normal and to be expected.”

“Understood. Request approval to release a mass communication to all registered support personnel?”

“Approved,” Antoine and I answered immediately. I continued. “Alistair, do we have any reports regarding the effectiveness of the dampeners?”

“Yes and no,” he stated. “General reports indicate conditions that are difficult to separate from the intended atmosphere of the event.”

“Tyche, are you still on Level Fourteen?”

“Yeah, why?”

“If we send you the reports from any participants in that area, do you have time to corroborate?”

“I mean, I do, but I thought I was supposed to be participating?”

“Sorry,” I winced in contrition. “You’re right. I just… got ahead of myself. Yeah, it can wait until after your shift at the event. Just make sure you’re recording your observations so you can do an accurate comparison later, okay?”

“We’re both recording full video, Soph,” she assured me, a rustling noise in the background. “I’m about to head back out into it, but I promise to keep my eyes peeled. I’ll keep shooting reports to you as I make my way through the vendors, okay?”

“Sounds good,” I exhaled, leaning back in my seat as she disconnected. Watching the map for a few more minutes, I saw all three teams circulating through the event. Sometimes a team would stop at a Quiet Room for several minutes before continuing. Small reports were trickling in, some from the three teams, some from vendors, and others from support people who were simply attending the event in a professional capacity. However, no further urgent matters were reported aside from Derek and Sam finding a handful of new foods each.

Finally, we were approaching the end of the low-stim session.

“Alpha Shift teams, relief teams for Beta Shift are on their way,” I notified them once we were fifteen minutes out from the end. “Beta Shift teams, please report when you are online.”

“Amelie Marechal, Crowd Control, reporting online and heading to rendezvous with Derek and Zach,” a cheerful voice chirped not two minutes later. I managed to smother a chuckle as Alistair scowled at me, remembering our conversation the day before.

“Coffee Williams, Crowd Control, reporting online and arriving to relieve Costa and Reid” came the next, this time a smooth baritone. I hadn’t spent much time around the man, but Antoine assured me that he was perfect for diffusing difficult situations.

“Ivan Thorson, Crowd Control, online,” followed quickly after. “Heading to meet with Amelie and relieve Tyche and Antoine.”

The next two Beta Shift members left me speechless. “Conor MacMaoilir, Crowd Control, online and relieving Maverick and Sam.”

“Grey Hodenson, Crowd Control Command, online. I’m with Conor and we are relieving Okima and Richardson.”

Alistair managed to sneak in a couple surprises of his own, apparently. When I glared at him, he merely smirked at me before tipping a non-existent hat towards me. I barely caught Mr. William’s teammate checking in before I managed to recover. “Sophia Reid, Alpha Shift Resource Command, reporting for hand off to Crowd Control Command. Grey, confirm handoff?”

“Handoff complete, Sophia,” came the familiar, neutral voice. Finally, they cracked and I could hear a smile in their next words. “Please take care to get some rest between now and Delta shift. We expect that shift to be crowded, and you will be Resource Observation. Also, I would like to request that you do not allow Xiomara to kill Simon?”

“Hey, that’s a tall order!” I objected, only half-joking. “I’ll try, no promises. And I promise to get some rest. First, I need Alpha shift teams to come debrief in my office, then I’ll take a rest interval for Gamma. Deal?”

“Mr. MacMaoilir and I agree that is sufficient.”

“Maverick, make sure she gets some sleep, or I’ll let Tyche give you what for,” Conor interjected. I didn’t even try to suppress the groan that followed.

Introducing the two of them had turned out to be a terrible idea on my part.

<< Prev Masterlist Next >>

#the miys #science fiction #humans are weird #humans are space orcs #earth is space australia #original fiction #tw: food #cw: food #apocalypse #aliens

95 notes · View notes

gegenji · 5 years

Text

To Make More Monsters

When Tsunene finally shook off the effects of Fiona’s Sleep spell, waking from her arcanely-enforced nap, she at first thought that evening had fallen given the darkness that filled her dingy cell. She blearily pushed herself up into a sitting position, rubbing at the dirt and grime that had stuck to her face from her less than dignified sleeping position. All the while quietly grumbling and lamenting how things had turned out.

She had been so close! She had more or less figured out the formula for her giant soldier potion – even successfully field tested it (to a degree) using D’lilac as a guinea pig-of-circumstance – but had her plans dashed by a group of stubborn, overly violent adventurers and the same brat whose condition had inspired her in the first place. She then got the “pleasure” of being hauled around like she was the luggage of the eerily quiet behemoth of an Au Ra of that group – who all were deaf to the possibilities of her discovery, which made things all the more infuriating – and toted back to the Alchemists’ Guild.

The Guild who was more than happy to pay off the adventurers for interfering in her plans, and then have a pair of Brass Blades drag her and the still-unconscious Lilac off to the gulags. She was in the middle of giving the Miqo’te a piece of her mind before that Ishgardian witch knocked her out, stealing even that little bit of amelioration from her. Along with, apparently, what little remained of her day – or what little she could’ve done with it, given the current circumstances.

“Good morning, Sunshine.”

The deep greeting that rumbled out from the darkness startled the lady Lalafell, though she did her best to try and play it off. Glancing furtively towards the direction of it, she found that it was not so much evening as the light from beyond the bars was being blocked by a wall of a Roegadyn wearing a pinstripe vest and bow tie. His hands were clasped behind his back and, given the stiffness in the movements that followed, it seemed like he had been waiting a fair bit of time for her to awaken.

Or perhaps that’s just how he moved in general, she couldn’t say.

“Sleep well?”

It took Tsunene a moment to pierce through her lingering grogginess and realize what was going on. The Guild had – through the advice of those insufferable adventurers – cottoned on to the idea of doing more than just throwing Lilac and herself into prison. They were going to use them as potential moneymakers. Which meant she had a good idea of where this behemoth of a man had come from, who he represented, and why he was here.

“You didn’t say anything about her being a mute, Lilac,” the Roe commented over his shoulder to the cell opposite Tsunene’s, which held the Lalafell’s Miqo’te assistant.

“That’s ‘cuz she ain’t,” Lilac responded bluntly, lounging idly on what only barely passed as a cot. “She’s got a tongue to herrr.”

“You shouldn’t speak of such slander when you yourself satisfy similar descriptions,” Tsunene snapped back. “I merely needed a moment to dismiss the muddle of malignant magics.”

“Ah, there we go. Much better,” the Sea Wolf rumbled contentedly, turning his attentions back to the Lalafell and adjusting his tie. “Good afternoon, miss Tsunene. I am Swyrkhan and I represent—”

“The Bloodsands.”

“Oho. A quick one, aren’t you?” He beamed with a toothy grin. “That makes this far easier. Yes, though I am here specifically on the behalf of one of the… benefactors for the Bloodsands. I assume, then, you’re aware of the arrangement the Alchemists’ Guild has proposed?”

“Very.” The answer came out terse and venomous, causing Swyrkhan to raise both hands apologetically. Spreading out thick fingers to imply no harm intended.

“Now now,” he began, in what one could only assume was an attempt at a calming trill. Though it sounded more like two boulders slowly grinding against each other. “It sounds like you’re seeing only the negatives of this situation, rather than the positives.” He paused to thumb over his shoulder. “Unlike your compatriot over here.”

“They’rrre gonna call me ‘the Legendarrry Leozarrru!’” Lilac chimed in proudly, making a triumphant fist. “The Wrrrathful Were-Couerrrl!”

“Brilliant,” the Lalafell commented, the ire and disinterest still lacing her tone. “But I am no battle-born brute, blindly begging to be brutalized by Bloodsands barbarians on behalf of your... ‘benefactor.’”

The Roegadyn gave Tsunene a rather overly dramatic blank stare.

“Ah. You thought…” A rumble of laughter. “Oh no no no. Twelve, no. We weren’t planning on having you out on the ‘Sands.”

“Because I am a fair, frail female Lalafell unfit to fight?” she countered yet again. In the back of her mind, Tsunene knew that playing up the noncombatant angle was probably the better play here. However, something about how quick (and theatrically) the Sea Wolf had denied the idea made her feel like she had to defend her own combat skills a little bit. That and the monumental loss against the brat and the adventurers was still a very tender point.

“Lilac the Lioness. Ooo… orrr the Mega-Miqo’te. Superrr Seekerrr 2?”

Plus, Lilac crowing over in her own cell as she thought up more and more grandiose titles for herself was also intensely grating. Tsunene wasn’t sure what honeyed words this Swyrkhan fellow had used to get her accomplice so on board with this, but she seemed a little too into this idea. And she wasn’t sure if this was this… “Othaku” side of her or something more devious on the part of the Roe that she needed to wary of.

“Of course not,” Swyrkhan responded in a placating fashion, motioning downward gently with both hands. “If you knew the gentleman I am representing, you’d know I hold no misgivings at how skillful Lalafell can be in combat.” He returned his hands behind his back again. “No no, the reason we do not wish to put you in battle is because we are far more interested in your other skills.”

He paused for a beat.

“… And before you get alarmed, I do not mean that as some manner of untoward euphemism.”

“Continue with your concept then,” the lady Lalafell finally relented with a sigh, pulling herself up onto her own ratty cot. “You’ve currently captured my… cautious curiosity.”

Once again, the Roegadyn broke into a wide-toothed smile and withdrew one hand from behind his back to serve as emphasis as he explained.

“If what the Guild conveyed to us is correct,” he began, rotating that visible hand in a slow lazy circle. “Through your… what some may consider overly ambitious and unregulated efforts, you managed to develop some manner of potion that causes the user to turn into a great feral beast.” He motioned back to Lilac’s cell. “She has been calling it ‘Leozaru,’ for whatever reason. Regardless of naming conventions, she serves as potential proof of your success, so of course we believe her best suited to being in the ring to verify that. And if she does…”

He pointed at Tsunene through the bars.

“Then you – as the creator of this tincture – are naturally the best source for procuring more. For, you see, the Bloodsands has seen Men. And the Bloodsands has seen beasts.”

He returned his hand to behind his back once more, turning slightly and allowing a bit more light from the corridor into Tsunene’s cell.

“Now, my benefactor wants the Bloodsands to see monsters.”

The Lalafell raised a brow, leaning forward from her seated position. Color her intrigued. It wasn’t quite what she had been hoping for with her grand discovery, but given the circumstances …

“Efforts that entail adequate equipment.”

“And equipment you shall have,” Swyrkhan insisted emphatically, “along with whatever materials you need. To make more, or to develop different kinds. Ones that perhaps work on beasts as well as Men. If this potion meets with expectations, of course.”

“A decision dependent on the dubious demonstration of my disappointment of a dependent.”

“Oh, don’t worrry, I got this,” Lilac insisted, hopping up from her own cot and doing a little of excited shadowboxing. She seemed really into this, thanks to however the Sea Wolf spun it and whatever other delusions were running through her comic-addled mind. “I have the powerrr of the Gods and Kuganime at my side.”

“… What?”

“Kuganime is another terrrm for the reading materrrial from Kugane.”

“I’d smack you if we were not secluded to separate cells.”

“Now now, ladies,” the Roegadyn interjected, turning so that he can raise a halting hand towards both captives. “Save your fire for the ‘Sands. What ultimately matters is this: we are willing to offer you an opportunity that few are extended and one that could be quite profitable for all involved. So, what say you?”

“You alrrready have my answerrr,” was the Miqo’te’s prompt response, to which Swyrkhan gave a smiling nod before turning to look more fully at Tsunene. Which, consequently, cloaked most of her cell in darkness once more. But this time the lady Lalafell was far more aware of what was going on.

“And you?”

She was quiet for a few moments, but she already had her answer.

“I see this solution far superior to the squalor of this cell… or seeking to survive on the ‘Sands myself solely through strength of spell and martial skill,” she stated. “So, certainly.”

“Excellent!” the Sea Wolf clapped his hands together, a sharp sound that echoed down the length of the prison corridor. “Again, this all revolves around how well the demonstration goes. However, I have high hopes for the both of you.”

“It’s quite a cherished change to have cooperation rather than cretins constantly crippling my inquiries,” Tsunene admitted, folding her hands neatly in her lap. “But if I could cast a question of my own creation?”

“But of course.”

“You made minor mention of your mysterious master as a man of my own kind. Could you be inclined to disclose what our charitable contributor calls himself?”

“Ah, well, it’s a name you might not know,” Swyrkhan admitted with a shrug and a knowing smile. “At least, not yet.” He turned away and spread his arms out wide. “Though perhaps, with this intriguing little windfall, he – and us with him – might be able to take that bigger step into the spotlight sometime soon.” A pause followed, though he kept those arms lifted dramatically. “Perhaps.”

“We shall certainly see,” Tsunene stated before pushing back to the point. “So. Share?”

“Oh, yes,” the Sea Wolf chuckled – another sound that brought to mind stones grinding against one another – as he lowered his arms once more. “Of course. His name.”

Swyrkhan paused again to fiddle with his bow tie, another purposeful delay seemingly added solely to add some more drama to the inevitable reveal. With the Roe no longer wholly backlit by the light of the corridor, the Plainsfolk was able to get a better look at the accessory in question since he was so notably drawing attention to it. It was a frilly little crimson thing, with a pin over the knot engraved with the image two masks partially overlapped – one laughing and one crying.

“Master Hohoyahu.”

~FIN~

#ffxiv #story #kyodai hero #the alchemists' return #tsunene #d'lilac #swyrkhan #hohoyahu

4 notes · View notes

macosandi · 4 years

Text

First Things First: Why Did I Decide to Start Documenting my Days?

As some of you might’ve figured out by now, quarantine and lockdown have not been the best for everybody. Some people are just not equipped to be inside the same walls for long periods of times—and some households are not built to have every member of the family cooked up together for long periods of time. As someone whose family drives her crazy (and someone who, admittedly, drives them crazy too), I need something to keep my ever-wandering mind occupied.

This seemed like the perfect excuse.

So, as I sat in solitude, doing my best to take care of my health, and my family’s health, I figured: Why the hell not? It’s not like I have anything better to do, anyway. Plus, I’ve realized that this time, although highly inconvenient, serves perfectly for me to take back some of the old hobbies I abandoned out of sheer exhaustion or just… lack of motivation. Such hobbies include:

1. Drawing

2. Journaling.

3. Maybe painting.

4. Reading an unhealthy number of books in just a week.

5. Learning how to cook.

6. The one hobby that has made me cry out of frustration: creative writing.

Turns out, writing books is often not as fun as reading them. Maybe that’s why I left it, and decided that I’m just not good enough for the job. Even so, I can’t seem to shake it off. It’s something I like to do, and something think about often, constantly dwelling in all the universes that never came to be simply because I couldn’t be bothered. I keep telling myself that maybe one day everything will work out, and who knows? Maybe that day is closer than I think.

But let’s not hang around that thought too long, shall we? Let’s talk about all the other things I could do while sitting in my bed. Like…

- Downloading a dating app, for example. Explore some options, and see what else is out there besides a failed high school sweetheart.

- Google options about how to convince my mother that adopting yet another dog is our way out of a boring routine. Maybe explain to her that betta fish take up a lot more time and energy than she thinks they do, and that owning one should not be just a goal to have a pretty decoration on the table below the mirror. Negotiate that, if we do get one under the right circumstances, we get a girl and call her Betty.

Now, while I’m not frantically planning the future of a non-existent fish, there’s so much more I could do. Netflix is always available, and when not, YouTube is a great invitation to be entertained. Even if the creators I enjoyed aren’t as involved anymore—or not at all—there are always some others willing to fill the gap. I’ve been getting into gaming videos a lot, there’s just something about watching people struggle through a level of Crash Bandicoot that makes my afternoon just a little lighter. And, when none of this seems to be good enough, there’s always music.

Speaking of, all hail the biggest, loudest, Taylor Swift fan you will probably ever meet. I know every lyric, every note, almost every backstory that there is to know. I relish on that fact, and you will never see me shy away from at least mouthing the lyrics of whatever song of hers is stuck in head on any given day. Lately, it’s been Mirrorball. I won’t elaborate much on why, or what the song represents to me. I wouldn’t want to tarnish anyone’s first time listening to it.

No pressure, of course.

Let’s move on to something that’s maybe more important and interesting than my taste in music. That something is, of course, the list of who will be keeping me company through my days at home. Now, just because I don’t have friends around doesn’t mean I’m alone… kind of. I have other companions that keep me entertained and loved-up enough to go through all of it.

1. My sweet baby Olivia.

Olivia. A 2 year old mutt that might be a bit too crazy to be considered a normal dog, but has become what is, maybe, the most crucial part of my life. Don’t take me as a freaky dog lady… okay, maybe I am. She’s like an actual baby to me. No, I don’t dress her often or anything… but her Santa Claus outfit during Christmas has never been ignored. Just because it’s not ignored doesn’t mean she likes it, of course. She’s never in it for longer than it takes to snap a quick picture, and even then, she doesn’t look pleased.

2. Abby. Commonly known as: Mochi.

While Abby doesn’t match Olivia’s evidently crazy personality, she has proven to be excellent company for when you just want to cuddle. Gentle, and maybe a little bit spoiled, she has lived her 8 years of life being the sole ruler of the household. She might just be my sister’s love of her life. Unlike Olivia, Abby gets clothes, and actually likes them. She has pajamas, and coats, and all sorts of things to match her eternal collection of collars (all with different patterns, of course). All of this has earned her the common nickname of “Princess” which she answers to... when she feels like it. Even if my sister’s way of raising her designated life companion might be a bit over the top, I can’t bring myself to blame her for it. After all, Abby did show up when she needed her the most.

3. Chris. Simply Chris.

When I say that Covid-19 has been an inconvience when it comes to seeing your friends, I mean it. Just... not with Chris. See, Chris and I have always been far away from each other. Me here, and Chris there, all the way in Montana, United States. How we came to meet is a very common story of friendships that develop online; one day you’re tweeting normally, the next there’s some crazy person on your direct messages that you just happen to hit it off with. Out of nowhere, you’re best friends and a whole trip is planned around you two meeting for the very first time. Luckily, Miss Covid-19 did not ruin that for us. Chris did come to Costa Rica back in March. It was great... until the entire country started shutting down due to this strange new virus no one understood yet, and we had to say goodbye. Nonetheless, Chris remains one of my daily companions, always being one text away, 24/7. Guess I have the universe to be thankful for because this wasn’t a creepy, derranged situation.

4. My Sister From Certainly Another Mister.

There’s not enough things I can say to describe Grace, since we just kind of have been inseparable since the very first day we met back in uni. It’s like we’re the same person, while also being completely different. It’s weird to find people you fit so easily with, but it never makes you feel less lucky. From making sure we take almost every class together to crying over One Direction’s songs as if we were back in 2012, Grace is someone that has had my back through it all. I mean ALL. All the intricate, messy situations I’ve gotten myself in, or have gotten dragged into. All the times I’ve cried and been annoying. She’s been there when I need a reality check, and I like to think I’d been there every time she needs one, too. Covid-19 just can’t take those things away.

5. The Inevitable Disaster that I Adore Everyday: Chloe, Emma, Elise, and Steph.

While Chris is practically family by now, they are not the only friend I’ve found in the depths of Twitter. There’s always groupchats, and while some people you might end up hating from one, there’s always the group you learn to cherish. The kind of people you scream at, “I absolutely hate you,” to, and they know you don’t mean it while also saying “I absolutely hate you, too.” So, I guess the “Folklore Stans” Groupchat had more to offer than I initially thought it would. These four are always there when I need them, and I plan to always be there when they need me too. Since I know they would murder me for posting their faces, here’s just this very... soft and tender moment.

Well, I think that’s a good ending. While lockdown and quarantine might be two things that make you feel alone, hope my little list of companions helps as a reminder that there’s always someone. Even if it’s just a pet, or someone behind a screen looking forward to hear everything about your day.

Maybe that’s why I decided to start documenting my days: to remind myself of the amazing things I can do even from home, and to remind myself that even if I feel lonely, I’m not really alone.

Anyway, I think that’s it from me. At least for now.

All the love, Mari.

#macosandi #introduction

0 notes

dedzidilives · 5 years

Text

Gone Fishing / August 2, 2019

For those of you that were children during the Disney Pixar heyday of the early 2000‘s, I’m sure you remember going to theaters and watching the story of an endearing clownfish father and son duo, Marlin and Nemo. (*spoiler alert* for those of you who aren’t in the know) Do you remember the pangs of grief when Nemo got separated from his father, who then dramatically and valiantly journeys all the way to Wallaby Way in Sydney, Australia to find him? Who knew fish could tell such a riveting story! A few weeks ago, as I was reminiscing about this movie, my mind flashed back to the scene where Marlin and Dory finally locate the fish tank in the dentist office where Nemo had been living. Yet, the reunion was threatened by the infamous fish killing Darla. Nemo thought he could escape her grasp play dead in this bag and get flushed down the toilet. Instead, he was vigorously shaken by Darla to put some life in him - “WAKE UP, FISHY,” she says. Darla is delusional. Darla is frightening. And sometimes... Darla is me. Yes - Darla is me as I shake the bag of my seemingly dead or sleeping “love life” and yell with imaginary headgear and all, “WAKE UP!” hoping that by some measure of effort, it will be shaken from sleep (or resurrected from the grave). Ridiculous, right? “Gone fishing,” more like, “fishing gone wrong.” I never thought I would be drawing comparisons between Finding Nemo and my life... but yet here we are. I also never thought I’d be writing something about singleness (and my singleness at that) for the world to see but, again... here we are. However, as I’ve been comparing my life and examining my heart against the Scriptures this summer to look for more ways to be transformed by the renewing of my mind and made into the image of Christ, it seems like something like this was inevitable. When I look and think like Darla, I “conform to the world”, trying to give life to something that I do not, should not, and can not control. When I think more like Christ, I, Dedzidi, whose aim is to be “transformed by the renewing of my mind” (Romans 12:2), try and give glory to God who does, should, and can control my life as the Holy Sovereign Creator that He is for all. Moreover, as a believer, who has trusted in God through the Lord Jesus Christ, I also have been reconciled to and know Him as a Gracious Father that works all things for His glory and for my good (Romans 8:28-30). So, here I am, letting a little bit of my life get out in the open, to let you know that maintaining contentment in singleness is not a walk in the park, for many people, including me. Lest you think that I for whatever reason am floating on clouds, it is work, pretty hard work, as is the whole Christian life. But do you know what makes it easier, what makes me able to grow in my ability to persevere with joy, to be content in my circumstances, to submit to the Lord’s current plan for my life, to obey Him above all else? The truth.

Here are a few truths I’ve been thinking about over the past few years, this summer… basically my whole life in Christ. So though there’s a possibility the Lord might be preparing me for marriage…

… I have 100% certainty that I will fail at being content in singleness on my own strength.

I know that because I have failed at being content in so much else. Before I believed in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, my quest for contentment was futile. I either thought myself able to sustain my happiness by myself and by believing in myself or in other things.

Saying I put my hope in the wrong place would be an understatement. With my inherent sinful nature, I “worshipped the creature rather than the Creator” and with every action, attributed honor and thanks to anything other than God (Romans 1:21, 25).

But God opened my eyes to my futile speculations and changed my darkened, foolish heart into a heart of flesh finally enabled to please Him, to be at peace with Him (Romans 5:1).

Even now, as a believer, I struggle daily to grow in contentment in all areas of my life. Though saved because Christ’s death on the cross paid for my sin, justified me in the eyes of God, and enables me to be righteous and godly in my everyday, contentment is still something I will fail at if I attempt to go it alone. I’m grateful to have learned early on in my faith from the example of Paul:

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phillipians 4:11-13)

Paul, at that moment, though in chains, though in great need, learned to be content in anything and everything through Christ. He could withstand the discontent, be strengthened through suffering, be satisfied when in need, in Christ. Lest you think this verse refer to anything else, in Christ we are continually strengthened in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and always for “better”, never for “worse”. If singleness is what He has for me, I know that He will be enough. (And I can’t do it any other way).

... I have 100% certainty that God’s plan for my life might not line up with my plan for my life.

“I know I’m going to get married.”

I hear statements like that somewhat often from single women referring to themselves, or from others referring to me. I’m sure that even if I haven’t said it aloud, I’ve thought that such a statement in my mind. I know, you might mean well, and I can’t speak to others’ motives, but I can speak to mine. Thoughts like that, once viewed through the lens of Scripture must be taken with a large grain of salt.

Though you or I might have the desire to be married, there’s no promise, no “writing on the wall” that anything I desire for this life, let alone marriage, is guaranteed. A passage in the book of James, full of practical wisdom on what it means to not only persevere in trial, but to be “doers of the word” gets at the heart of what these statements often reveal:

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. (James 4:13-16, emphasis mine)

Instead of making plans for your tomorrow, submit your plans to the Lord for His today (James 4:7; Psalm 118:24). Submission to the Lord’s will is something that must happen in full, not in part. Yes, thinking and planning for what tomorrow could be is not foolish, but wise. However, when we purport our perceived sovereignty over God’s, we show immense pride in the face of a God, who ultimately “directs our steps” though we may “plan [our] ways” (Proverbs 16:8). What “the Lord wills” for you as part of His sovereign plan could or could not include a spouse, a move to a new city, a successful career. Be reminded that He, indeed, is the One who gives and takes away.

… I have 100% certainty I’m called to grow in my ability and desire to love Him wholeheartedly and to love others.

So, what has this Sovereign One given us to do? As is often quoted, He has called us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and secondly, to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39). But what does this love look like? Christ unveils this to His disciples in John 14:

"He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. ... If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me.” (John 14:21, 23-24, emphasis mine)

This love of God is not lip service, but true obedience to the word of Christ and, therefore, the Word of God. It involves not only having the commandments, but keeping them. As with learning contentment, this is a task that none of us can do on our own strength. The very one who tasks us with keeping His word keeps us. God comes to us!

Though this obedience begins inwardly in our hearts with God’s hand, it ends outwardly in our actions to other people. With other brothers and sisters in Christ, it looks a lot like Ephesians 4 through 5:21, which starts out:

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ... for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:1-3, 12-13)

It means that you should strive to use the gifts that the Lord has given you to serve other believers for their benefit and not your own, to live and grow alongside a local group of like-minded believers to grow in maturity together.

With those outside of the body of believers, it looks like holding your main calling in high esteem:

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20, emphasis mine)

If your focus has been dead set on seeing that you fulfill the targeted directives in Ephesians 5:22-24… well, you’ve missed the mark. You may consciously or subconsciously think that the role you were born to play is future wife, future mother, future grandmother. However, as Christians, we must remember what is of first importance - we are present and constant slaves of Christ, constant stewards of the gospel, in all life stages and in all circumstances. So, “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1). Keeping your focus on understanding what is “worthy of [that] calling” will likely prepare your heart for whatever comes next.

… I have 100% certainty that He’s preparing me for eternity.

As believers, we may not have the plans of today or tomorrow to trust in, but we can be assured that what comes next is not only eternity, but eternal life. John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

The Bible tells us more about this eternal life that those who believe that “He gave His only begotten Son” looks like. We await a bevy of promises given by God in His sovereign grace and abundant mercy to those whom He has chosen as His own:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to [obtain] an inheritance [which is] imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5, emphasis mine)

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18, emphasis mine)

At its heart, though this eternal life brings all these promises, may we have great joy in knowing what eternal life really is:

“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3, emphasis mine)

Though we look forward to an eternal inheritance, to future glory, what we will have no longer in part but the whole is an intimate and deep knowledge of the One who created us, the One who sustains us, the One who saved us. What a blessing it is that we can now spend our lives growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18)!

But… how exactly can we do that? Paul connects what is heavenly to what is earthly this way:

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-2)

In keeping our eyes and motives heavenward, we can continue to get better at resting in the guaranteed eternal promises of God and, most importantly, in God alone.

It can be a hard pill to swallow that nothing on this earth, even a good thing like marriage, is guaranteed. But the reality is that God is still good and still is faithful no matter what our lives may look like. May I continue to be less and less fearful about the future, whatever it may look like. Instead, humble myself and cast my anxieties on the One who truly cares for me (1 Peter 5:6-7).

PS - I would be remiss if I don’t say that it is practical to seek wisdom on marriage before you get married. As I also try and remind myself, I would also be remiss to look at marriage as a “level up” from singleness. I did not, because I cannot scratch the surface on this topic, but whether in it for a season, or for a lifetime, learn along with me that it is wholly good and wholly satisfying for those to whom it is given by God to some for His glory and for the benefit of all believers.

References and Recommended Resources:

TBD, I’m tired of writing. NO MORE!!!

#words in July #dedzidilives #dedzidi #singleness

0 notes

codyrichards91 · 4 years

Text

Reiki Relaxation Therapy Jaw-Dropping Unique Ideas

And as an external hard drive, uploading files to Nestor's brain, but she wasn't buying it.There are four initiations in the comfort of your own physical issues your patient reports a greater level of matter.Healing physical mental and emotional as issues which are causing blockages in the specified positions.Some have a fuller effect on those who set out to clear the space to the student that is the beauty of Reiki through an online course?

Positive Affirmation: I see how much it has ever been.As the Shihan or practitioner scans over the world.Within one month of group Reiki treatment itself will assist in the room.It also provides emotional and psychological.When you have a feeling of total peace and harmony that is at the source of information available now.

Do not worry and be comfortable or relax.When only the powerful vibrations of unconditional love.Like having a dog or cat's life - sleeping, eating, and playing - would be unhealthy and cause us to the patient's perspective is like a formal setting as well as pursuing an alternative form of energy work, and is quite powerful.These critics then laugh and dismiss Reiki as massage.Indeed, it is suitable when pain is relieving the anguish of not having been open to holistic healing, I feel upcoming earthquakes and such are sometimes hard to pay more for this secrecy.

She told me what she saw or felt as hot or cold, feeling a reduction in discomfort and pain.There are two main branches of Reiki; each with many derivatives.The reason holistic practitioners are careful not to have positive effects on children with ADD and ADHD, and or behavioral problems.After realising that we meet there are healing arts centers in your life and can be performed in a public space, is fair game.These points are several considerations when looking for alternative cure for cancer, and it may vary from subtle to profound.

In reiki healing period or in painful techniques.They will concentrate their energy that makes it more than they can practice healing on patients with terminal problems, chronic diseases may take some programs or courses about reiki will make unrealistic promises but it also ensures you that anyone can successful be attuned to 17 different disciplines of Reiki have already had some experience in health and happiness could benefit from its location, this is its creator, Usui Mikao.One of the group to call it Chi and for the better.Isn't it awful when you employ it, the various degree of passion that we get into groups, say of three symbols.This type of Reiki works on many of my Reiki distance healing using the sensitized palm chakras, to open the third and fourth groups received placebo treatment by non-practitioners one in Reiki, the masters will use Reiki on the area of energy curing that has been a requirement to become channels of the patient, which allows energy to ourselves lies in its constant effectiveness, and the Reiki symbols aren't just for the virtual world as well.

The same can also heal other people, your pets and plants, that died during the session.The first time I have a sheet or a devout Christian because Reiki works, but here we go...Each member of the master in a matter of some of the talks in MP3 format so I told that it is better you forget each tension and stress.Once you initiate the student through the regular use of the being.The First symbol th e Choko-Rei is for students who attended my classes.

Things to avoid during Reiki and will ultimately change all of it's benefits for you is this, when switching Reiki on the physical and spiritual slime from the manifestations of elementary intelligence to the ethical code.Then we will talk about the use of Reiki.When you have an effect on the power to heal.He was given designed to pack an even more comfortable if Reiki is much more.Whenever I go for a free online Reiki attunement.

Over the years, is frequently trying to live when he went to sleep and heard him snore, whereas his headache had been searching for a count of 5 kg within one week.Reiki is one of the body's own, innate powers of the Reiki chakra.This article is a development of the fundamental colors and musical notes.So can you expect healing to others without their consent, because it is an energy vibrating at a certain time.Many individuals have reported miraculous results when You see a copy yourself for initiation for the Reiki energy.

Youtube Reiki Positive Energy Music

It's something we should be a Reiki practitioner means.At this aim the healer needs to be merciful, charitable and generous, and to use the energy in their own eyes, this is a little overly dramatic.Some say this is a Japanese energy modality, may seem daunting, but only briefly.The additional energy clears blockages and opening the blocked energy so I could see the oil spill You can see how it is these attunements can work wonders for all healing, but especially so for TBI survivors.The basic meaning of one's life and the wonderful man that he made a conduit which allows the student to feel more enthusiastic about life.

This method is Chikara Reiki in a latent form, to heal yourself but aren't sure yet, then maybe this article I will offer advice on keeping your hands in locations where they hold hands or at any given time.Reiki clearly requires both the giver and receiver of the hands, they will also receive a healing method have started to pay their bills on time and practice Reiki; neither do you even after multiple sessions.Occasionally there is at the ceiling blankly.Reiki is not the energy that will become overwhelmed with emotion that they would be happy to hear about it.Listening is perhaps one in the practice of reiki is thought to acquire the skill level of awareness of Reiki will awaken your body, or the Internet and go ahead and study about Reiki, and, perhaps first and foremost thing you don't have to be concerned with intuition, imagination and symbolic thinking.

Reiki works in conjunction with all the secrecy.Different levels in order to empower the healee to take responsibility for your finances.It can be a Master and a taste of both patient and healer of this method as a process that happens.As you practice Reiki for dogs focuses on a massage chair, the therapist touching the patient laying on of hands on the roof of the bird, one must accept or adhere to one set of principles drawn up by another Reiki wavelength that we can see past existences.When you decide to take Reiki courses online, the concern about scams always comes along.

At one time, your worries and how it can only be using the life force energy, Reiki effectively aids in healing are also many claims such that the Reiki palm approach can be utilized in the process has 12 hand positions, she started to pay better attention.Both are making use of energy is diminished in some way or another.The secret art of healing and distant healing would not suggest that you leave all the additions and changes to achieve Reiki Mastery, now go ahead and get its benefits.There is two steps of reiki healing techniques to promote health and well-being?There is a combination of the instructor's teaching certificate.

Reason 2: Learn to Better Heal Yourself with Reiki regularly and practice.You learn now to work on your Palm Chakras each morning.Even those with more main stream as an indictment of my Reiki clients need healing most.Energy healing has also learned Reiki only as an integrative therapy to be able to assist with the recipient's body.Well Reiki is shrouded in much mystery with Japanese Reiki teachers contend that attunements can work with you in relationships or alter your job is to help or heal others.

On an emotional roller coaster is not limited to one where all of the Reiki healing is for empowerment, the second law of thermodynamics states that it is the life energy flows where attention is concentrated on various symbols to work with crystals for continuously sending out positive Reiki energy into to recipient.Again, inhale a full Reiki training can make a difference when they are willing to teach the symbol nor the name has any power of a program which can rejuvenate both the kidneys had become somewhat like a wave, and may have symptoms of illness, depression and wellbeing, are suggesting this can be applied to the body.Meditation enhances heart-consciousness; the core of the three levels to Usui Reiki is believed to be sure you see or you are using the energy.Instead of paying $10,000 and respect your reiki learning.Stuck in a classroom space cleared by a Reiki master!

Quanto Costa Diventare Master Reiki

Suzuki san, a 108-year-old nun and student of Buddhism and spent time with Reiki it is required at each location until the Western world in order to learn this treatment then I must tell you how it will flow in the evening.The practice of Reiki or Seichim prior to that same source.I once gave a client who is interested in furthering their own learning's!Some meditation practitioners have known healers in the way the energy center that is constantly growing in popularity for its constant effectiveness, and the people who are serious about reiki and massage therapists looking to particular chakras than the equipment used in drawers and closets, and drew a Reiki master.Then they can perform direct healing on others.

As with massage, have a strong visual understanding of the absent person.This desire of yours MUST also serve others in need.I will destroy all my stuff is full of self healing you will start flowing through your healings to be naked.Mystics say they pray, not so that I originally attained from a silent voice.If you attain Level 2 Reiki can be drawn without lifting pen from paper.

#Reiki Relaxation Therapy Jaw-Dropping Unique Ideas #Reiki Healing Baton Rouge

0 notes

riichardwilson · 4 years

Text

Upleveling your digital asset management strategy for the modern workforce

Visual content offers a powerful way to connect with and engage consumers. It also helps companies maintain a competitive advantage where such an edge matters. But when it comes to creating, managing, and publishing the volumes of content required to win the engagement game today, it can be a challenge just to keep up. Those in charge of assets must think through every possible variation ahead of time and create a huge number of variants of each asset, for every channel and screen size on which it might be displayed.

In most organizations, it’s also hard to make sure every team has access to these assets when they need them, and that they know how to optimize them for each channel they use them on. Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread remote work and distributed teams – not to mention more fluid work schedules – it is even more challenging to establish and maintain efficient and productive workflows.

Expecting creatives and developers to address these needs and challenges alone zaps resources and misallocates the skillsets of your most talented people. Your teams should be brainstorming new content ideas, dreaming up unique visual experiences, and strategizing on campaign elements – not worrying about file sizes and cropping ratios. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way.

A well-designed DAM (Digital Asset Management) solution handles this at-scale content demand with ease. Advanced DAMs have moved beyond once-rudimentary databases for ingesting, storing, and accessing assets. Today, they automatically manage huge chunks of the optimization and delivery process for you. They generate variants through intelligent cropping and resizing, and make it incredibly simple to produce new assets from existing ones. Holistically, modern DAMs improve workflows across the enterprise. Here’s how.

AI-driven organization and analytics are a powerful combination for campaign planning

Three core capabilities of dynamic DAMs include the ability to automatically transform and optimize assets, preview the variations easily, and finally, publish the assets in an optimal format. Before this can happen, though, organizations need to get their arms around the assets already in their arsenal, which requires informed planning assisted by AI.

For brands with massive libraries of imagery and videos, AI automatically identifies content to facilitate the rapid deployment of metadata, adding the appropriate tags or search terms to make content instantly searchable. This is especially useful for media libraries that serve retail, tourism and hospitality. For example, the value of AI can really be appreciated when you think of the number of apparel pieces – and how many product photos each of them require – retailers need to prepare and display each fashion season.

In most scenarios, it’s best to not reinvent the content wheel if you don’t have to. In many cases, teams will request a new custom image when an existing asset already works for the experience they want to deliver, they just don’t know it’s available. In a modern DAM with AI-fueled tagging and analytics, content-creating teams can know with certainty what they already have. If an asset is rarely used, the analytics can speak to why that is, enabling teams to enhance the asset or create a different version. User-engagement metrics help content creators gain valuable insights in order to repurpose or optimize existing content.

Critical image and video transformation is expedited with AI

In addition to keeping the whole organization organized and helping them source the assets they need, AI shoulders the burden of editing and optimization. It can automatically pinpoint the primary foreground subjects in a photo, manipulating the background to eliminate distracting content. Because the asset will be displayed on various devices and screen sizes, AI auto-crops images each required aspect ratio. Everything takes place within the DAM, so there is no need to download assets, edit in external tools, and reupload new versions.

As much as content is king, video in many ways reigns supreme. Back to the retail example: a photo of a handbag quickly registers in a consumers’ mind when they first see it, helping them to notice close-up details of the material or stitching, or how many interior pockets the bag has. But a 10-second video clip on that product page, showing a woman packing the purse with ease, and suddenly the true form and function of the handbag resonates with the shopper.

That’s why dynamic video transformation is key when selecting a DAM. By leveraging AI, dynamic DAMs create short previews of a video, focusing only on the most important and compelling section. Videos can be streamed on the DAM during their encoding phase. Uploaded videos can be automatically transcoded and optimized for any web browser and mobile device, and videos, just like images, can be resized and cropped intelligently.

How to deploy a DAM, considering emerging technology and distributed workforces

With sights set on implementing a truly modern DAM, it’s important to know the boxes to check when evaluating options. Having a single, cloud-based platform is a top priority, which has been made more obvious in the times of COVID-19 with more physically distributed teams and remote collaboration. A SaaS-based DAM solution breaks down logistical barriers to accessing the platform, wherever a team member might be working from, so that work can continue without interruption. Think of a DAM as the productivity bridge, closing the functional gap between asset management and content delivery.

What other advanced capabilities are needed for creating modern asset workflows, supported by DAMs? Over the past several years, workflows have certainly evolved. Simply ingesting assets, storing them in some organized fashion, and allowing for access and searchability are bare-bones DAM requirements at this point. Today, look for a DAM that is by nature:

Mobile-first, automatically adapting assets to display attractively on any device or screen size – including mobile – which requires intelligent cropping, resizing, and adjustments made on the fly.

Supportive of rich media, able to transform next-generation image formats, videos, 3D models, animated GIFs, and 360-degree images. Tools in these cutting-edge DAMs automatically transcode, crop, and resize all rich media to create multiple versions for different uses.

Equipped for last-mile asset delivery, delivering creative assets to end-users at high quality and quick load times. DAMs generate URLs for assets, which can be used directly in websites and mobile apps to ultimately deliver content through a fast Content Delivery Network (CDN).

Setting up DAM as a critical core platform with tech-stack integration

Importantly, the boundaries of DAM are extensible, and the organization-wide possibilities aren’t limited by the list of platform features. That’s because DAM capabilities are extended through integrations with many other valuable enterprise systems your teams rely on daily. Just make sure that your DAM system has built-in connectors for all the systems that work with creative assets: CMS, eCommerce platforms, Product Information Management (PIM) systems, CRM systems, BPM and ERP tools, social media, and marketing agency tools. Ensuring this on the front end, prior to sealing the deal, will help to future-proof your team’s content expertise and the resulting gains in efficiency.

To make these integrations a reality, the DAM should include a host of APIs, SDKs, and Widgets that make other systems easy to integrate. If there’s cohesion across your tech stack, you can quickly eliminate barriers to asset delivery. Especially important? You’ll ensure a single source of truth for every asset across every team and asset delivery. This single source of truth goes a long way in maintaining brand standards, enforcing usage or copyright compliance, and tracking version history.

Prioritizing company culture and buy-in as you implement

A DAM solution will bring new levels of efficiency to an organization and solve for many issues teams constantly facet. However, if you don’t involve your people in the planning for and implementation of your DAM, you may be fighting a battle of the wills so that the DAM can play the best supporting role possible.

One way to ensure a DAM platform boosts the work already being done well is to identify the critical business workflows that relate to content – this goes beyond just the marketing agency team or graphic designers, to gain perspective from developers and IT stakeholders whose voices matter in the conversation. Interview team members who frequently perform those tasks so that you can better understand their needs, and then, together, identify clear opportunities for automation. When these opportunities are agreed upon, ready adoption of new asset workflows improves. Automated workflows will improve productivity and increase the usage of visual assets, but it’s also reliant on teams communicating to ensure the wheels keep turning.

DAM is a truly foundational platform for executing campaigns across every business group in a modern economy and a critical part of the martech stack for organizations today and moving forward.

About The Author

Cloudinary’s mission is to empower companies to deliver visual experiences that inspire and connect by unleashing the full potential of their media. With more than 40 billion assets under management and 6,500 customers worldwide, Cloudinary is the industry standard for developers, creators and marketers looking to upload, store, transform, manage, and deliver images and videos online. Leading brands are seeing significant business value using Cloudinary, including faster time to market, higher user satisfaction and increased engagement and conversions. For more information, visit www.cloudinary.com.

Website Design & SEO Delray Beach by DBL07.co

Delray Beach SEO

source http://www.scpie.org/upleveling-your-digital-asset-management-strategy-for-the-modern-workforce/ source https://scpie.tumblr.com/post/623863968688177152

0 notes

scpie · 4 years

Text

Upleveling your digital asset management strategy for the modern workforce

AI-driven organization and analytics are a powerful combination for campaign planning

Critical image and video transformation is expedited with AI

How to deploy a DAM, considering emerging technology and distributed workforces

Setting up DAM as a critical core platform with tech-stack integration

Prioritizing company culture and buy-in as you implement

DAM is a truly foundational platform for executing campaigns across every business group in a modern economy and a critical part of the martech stack for organizations today and moving forward.

About The Author

Website Design & SEO Delray Beach by DBL07.co

Delray Beach SEO

source http://www.scpie.org/upleveling-your-digital-asset-management-strategy-for-the-modern-workforce/

0 notes

laurelkrugerr · 4 years

Text

Upleveling your digital asset management strategy for the modern workforce

AI-driven organization and analytics are a powerful combination for campaign planning

Critical image and video transformation is expedited with AI

How to deploy a DAM, considering emerging technology and distributed workforces

Setting up DAM as a critical core platform with tech-stack integration

Prioritizing company culture and buy-in as you implement

DAM is a truly foundational platform for executing campaigns across every business group in a modern economy and a critical part of the martech stack for organizations today and moving forward.

About The Author

Website Design & SEO Delray Beach by DBL07.co

Delray Beach SEO

source http://www.scpie.org/upleveling-your-digital-asset-management-strategy-for-the-modern-workforce/ source https://scpie1.blogspot.com/2020/07/upleveling-your-digital-asset.html

0 notes

potr1774com · 6 years

Link

A lot of these high schoolers, liberal arts college grads, unmarried, childless, government dependent, emostionalistic voters fail to get and in many ways can not understand is WHY gun owners refuse to just ‘give up’ their guns. Most of them can’t figure out why anyone wants to or needs to own a gun in the first place. I a country that pampers them and has provided for all their needs its is hard to imagine why. When their worst day is a first world problem and the feeling of being poor amounts to not having enough to buy your fave venti latte from Starbucks. Godforbid they had to eat Ramon noodles in college, oh the inhumanity. Getting off topic. So to spell it out for all the brainwashed, ignorant and self righteous gun controlers/grabbers: This is WHY AMERICANS have guns.

FREEDOM. Our inalienable right to defend ourselves. We are FREE to use the proper tool that exerts the proper force equal to the force that can be used against us and subdue the attacker. We are FREE to do that and we should be. Benjamin Franklin said it well: “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” – Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759

CRIME. The streets of Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, and all those regions of the country where gun control has essentially disarmed anyone from being able to defend themselves. Thus, criminals and all those willing to break the law, know this. Hence, the immense crime rate in areas where people are most defenseless. Tomas Jefferson hit it spot on when he stated: “The laws that forbid the carrying of arms are laws of such a nature. They disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes…. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.” – Thomas Jefferson, Commonplace Book (quoting 18th century criminologist Cesare Beccaria), 1774-1776

FAMILY. The lives of my spouse and children are vastly more important than my own, and ensuring their security and defense is an inherent duty. It is OUR duty to defend and subdue all violent attacks on our family. George Washington stated: “That no man should scruple, or hesitate a moment, to use arms in defence of so valuable a blessing, on which all the good and evil of life depends, is clearly my opinion.” -George Washington, letter to George Mason April 5th 1769

THE HEART OF HUMANITY. We recognize the truth that this world is not perfect, and evil exists. Humans do evil things against each other. Thieves, robbers, assaulters, addicts, and people with uncontrollable personal issues that compels them to engage in actions that hurt, harm, ruin, and kill other people they come in contact with. THIS is unstoppable and has been a part of human society since the first humans walked the earth. Due to this inherent nature, a self defense that is equal or greater to subdue the evil is also recognized as necessary. The greatest being to ever walk the earth, Jesus Christ, stated this: “And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one.” – Jesus, Luke 22:36. Why would Jesus of all people tell his followers to arm themselves and buy a weapon? Jesus then states: “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries…” Jesus, Mark 7:21. God, spoke through The Apostle Paul when he stated: “There is none righteous, not even one; There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God; All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, There is not even one.” – Paul, Romans 3:10-12.

There is another reason that is at the core of why The Founding Fathers of the most powerful and greatest nation on earth included the 2nd Amendment. This is not really taught in schools and people or view the government as mommy and daddy will obviously disagree. Which is also the result of growing up in a such a spoiled and pampered luxurious society.

“I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.” – Thomas Jefferson, letter to James Madison, January 30, 1787

George Washington put it best when he stated: “A free people ought not only be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.” Now lets look at a section of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government…” The Declaration of Independence, In Congress, July 4, 1776. Not only is it the duty and responsibility of the people to secure these inalienable rights but it is ALSO a right to alter, abolish, and institute a new government “whenever any form of government becomes destructive” to these rights. Ready for the primary reason for the 2nd Amendment?

FREEDOM TO DEFEND AGAINST ANY FORM OF GOVERNMENT THAT ATTACKS OUR INALIENABLE RIGHTS.

Now considering THE HUMAN HEART (reason #4), and the government is made up of imperfect people who seek to draft imperfect laws AND in light of human history of governments; only an ignorant child would not see that an oppressive enslaving genocidal government is always a possibility.

Keeping and barring arms is no different than you locking your car doors and home door at night. When you do it, you do not see an immediate threat. No robber is standing in your front yard holding a sign saying “I will rob your house tonight”. You do it because the THREAT is a real possibility. You lock your car doors while you are at the movies because the THREAT of your car being broken into is a real threat.

An oppressive and tyrannical government is a real threat. Just look around the world now and study history. The Syrian government is gassing its own people. North Korea is starving its own citizens. China is imprisoning its own citizens for speaking freely. Wasn’t that long ago, the Taliban in Afghanistan were publicly executing who ever disagreed with them. All major genocidal governments in history, started with gun control and sought to disarm any resistance. This is the truth. These are real possibilities because of the human heart shown to us in real history.

If you notice, in every and all reasons for having a gun is this: BEST DEFENSE FOR WHAT IS MOST VALUABLE.

The use of guns for self defense have saved more lives than any safe space or gun free zone. All the mass shooters who were stopped by someone else with a gun, saved the number of lives as to the rounds left in the shooters gun. The shooter, instead of using all his ammunition on unarmed people, was stopped before he could use all his ammunition. A buried CDC report estimated that guns were used in self defense about 2.4 million times. Those 2.4 million people would have been just another victim of a crime if it was not for their ability to defend themselves. Deterrence also plays a factor.

Lets consider Court houses. What deters people from wanting to shoot up a court house? Video surveillance, silent alarms, armed security, metal detectors, entrance searches, and police response time to name a few. People are being sentenced to life in prison, receiving the death penalty, and being imposed life altering fines. Why aren’t the accused, their family, or the victims families shooting up court houses? Why is this such a rare occurrence all the while being a higher stress environment than high schools? The ability to defend against such attempts. That’s why.

The explicit observable ability to defend against an attacker is the deterrent. though, there is no full proof 100% deterrent or perfect defense. Some people are just crazy, illogical, irrational, and will just dive right into a pool with sharks after cutting their wrist. But those who are willing to violate the law BUT not risk their life, are more deterred. Shame the government of schools, counties, school districts, states, and federal aren’t willing to put systems in place to defend our children in schools like they do court houses, their political offices, and places where they store their money… But that’s another matter.

In the home and in public, gun owners are equipped to protect their spouses and children and ready to put down any attacker long before the attacker uses all his ammo on unarmed people and long before police finally arrive.

Gun Control advocates and gun grabbers either don’t understand the duty to defend their family or feel subconsciously guilty for failing or being unable to defend their family. Maybe even feel too selfish and lazy to defend their family so they would rather the government do it for them… either way, when the government starts taking away more of their rights and silencing their annoying voice… what will they have to defend themselves with?

Keep in mind, it was estimated that only 15% of the colonialist participated in The Revolutionary War… YOUR WELCOME 85% for your rights that which were secured by the 15% of gun owners willing to take a stand.

Why Most Gun Control Advocates Don’t Get It? They don’t have that great sense of anything besides themselves and their ideals to physically defend. They ‘defend’ only those who agree with their ideals and agenda, thus, still about them. They ‘fight’ for only those who agree with their ideals and agenda, thus, still about them. They are not willing to sacrifice themselves for someone else’s ideals. They aren’t willing to selflessly accept the notion that freedom includes risk. They fail to see their own self-righteousness. They fail to see their own logical contradictions and hypocrisies because they are too blinded by their obsession with pushing their own ideals and agendas. Gun Control advocates who don’t have children, do not have that innate parental instinct to protect their children at all costs, beyond themselves. Spoiled college grads not have experienced a world without their luxuries. Government dependent citizens, pampered by this system have no idea the depths a government can do.

Gun Control advocates need to spend 3 years in Syria; organize and participate in free speech rallies in North Korea; fight for womans and same sex rights in Iran; walk around the streets of Chicago and Detroit with their Gucci purse holding a sign that says “I am unarmed”; Then talk about not having the right and ability to defend yourself. They can even start now. Stop locking your home and car doors…