#i liked making something out of clay but i have no ideas

[elfwreck]

I have a friend who isn't anti-porn but it makes her sad that fanfic has a reputation for being porny and usually not very good. I'm fine with both those things and my views mostly align with that of AO3. I disagree with the idea that porn and badness are treated as equivalent, but for most people that's just how they think. But I was wondering if youve ever written something about this?

There is a lot of smut at AO3.

There is a lot of bad writing at AO3.

There's a lot of badly written smut at AO3.

...None of those are problems except for the people who think there is something wrong with those existing, or that there needs to be some external value that "balances" those that make those acceptable to exist as unwanted side-effects of "the good stuff."

The badly-written smut is also "the good stuff."

It's part of the reason AO3 exists. It's not intended to be an archive for "the high-quality fanfic that could be published if it weren't about characters that someone else wrote first"; it's an archive for "what fanfic writers want to write." That makes the terrible writing and the tacky porn and the badly-written tacky porn part of the reason the archive exists.

Tangent 1 (I'll connect these points later): Theodore Sturgeon said "90% of everything is crud." He was more-or-less referring to the science fiction field in the 50s, but it definitely extended to politics, business, and writing outside of science fiction.

...He was talking about published books in the 50s. Turns out, a lot more than 90% of writing is crud when there aren't any gatekeepers between it and the readers. But also:

Tangent 2, from the book "Art and Fear":

[A] ceramics teacher announced on opening day that he was dividing the class into two groups. All those on the left side of the studio, he said, would be graded solely on the quantity of work they produced, all those on the right solely on its quality. His procedure was simple: on the final day of class he would bring in his bathroom scales and weigh the work of the “quantity” group: fifty pound of pots rated an “A”, forty pounds a “B”, and so on. Those being graded on “quality”, however, needed to produce only one pot — albeit a perfect one — to get an “A”. Well, came grading time and a curious fact emerged: the works of highest quality were all produced by the group being graded for quantity. It seems that while the “quantity” group was busily churning out piles of work – and learning from their mistakes — the “quality” group had sat theorizing about perfection, and in the end had little more to show for their efforts than grandiose theories and a pile of dead clay.

You don't get to "quality writing" without going through a lot of crappy writing.

That doesn't mean the crappy writing is garbage to be thrown out. If you make 50 pots or bowls or vases, and only one of them is The Good One... most of the rest are okay. Maybe not sale-quality good, but your-kitchen-table quality good. Maybe some aren't that good and are kids-toy-in-the-sandbox level good.

Bad writing has a purpose for the writer: they can use it as practice to get better. It has a purpose for the reader: It can serve as inspiration ("I can do better than that") or grammatical instruction ("that...does not work; why doesn't that work?") or just as entertainment ("eh, so it's missing a few commas; I can still understand it").

Smut and porn writing works the same way. It's of some value to the writer, and some to the readers.

It's not of value to everyone. That's what tags and filters are for, and why there's a summary and list of stats (like word counts)--so you can figure out if you're one of the readers for whom this piece of writing is useful or interesting.

But AO3, like any library, is not there to take the top 5% of Excellent Writing and provide it a showcase. It is absolutely for all 50 lbs of pots.

If your friend wants to read the good stuff, there are rec lists and collections to help her find it.

If she already manages that, and is just annoyed at how much of the not-good stuff (however she defines that) exists... she's picked the wrong battle. She's arguing with the ocean that it has too many kinds of fish and some are poisonous a lot of them are ugly.

#Anonymous #ao3

[rocksibblingsau]

I don't know if you already have something laid out for that dynamic, but I feel that country Branch and Clay would either bond really easily (after the whole "you were in the tree that whole time?!" thing gets resolved" or bicker at almost every opportunity

Branch already reads a lot and with the country trolls affinity for sadness and hard times, Clay has the one the quickness path to Branch's heart out of all the brothers. Also with Clay's leadership role and serious vibes, he would probably habe a lot of respect and many different topics to talk with Branch about.

But on the other hand, their similarities could easily make them hate each other. Clay seeing Branch's leadership role as a reflection of Jd and not of himself is one of them, but also jealousy over how respected he and his boundaries are. And this Branch would shut down the babying way easier than canon, he probably had to prove himself to many country trolls and would not let himself be disrespected without a serious fight

I actually do see Clay and somewhat Bruce seeing Branch as a mini-JD initially when they visit his home. They don't get to see his dynamic during the rescue, but once they get back to Lonesome Flats they see how Branch takes charge and orders people around and all they can see is John Dory.

Clay can't recognize that Branch is a leader like him rather than John because Branch doesn't have his own Viva. I imagine Clay and Viva tag team issues in an almost 'stern parent/fun parent' dynamic. Viva softens any blows by trying to point out the bright side or explain why Mr. Clay's idea is gonna be fun/great.

Country Trolls don't need that dynamic. If Branch says have those silos filled by the end of the day, they don't stop and ask why. They can, and Branch would be happy to answer, but they know already that Branch has good reasons.

I imagine in that scenario Bruce might try to gentle parent. "Don't you think that's a strict deadline? As long as they get filled, what does it matter if it's today or tomorrow?" Clay is also chastising Branch on overworking people and being too demanding.

Branch would look at them and raise an eyebrow, then call someone over.

"Ambrosia, could you tell me what you told me this mornin'?" "Sure thing. I said make sure all the grain is up by tomorrow unless you're fine with it bein' washed away. There's a storm headin' in and anything not in the silos is as good as gone."

If Branch says to do something, he has a reason. He's happy to explain his reasoning to you, but in the Country tribe, there's no point wasting time chit-chatting. They trust Branch, so they don't see any point wasting precious breath debating it.

It may look like Branch is giving orders, but he's not really in charge of anything formally like Delta Dawn is. They're suggestions, really. Advice from an expert plugged into nature and the community. They might sound like orders, especially given that everyone goes ahead and does what he says, but no one really has to listen to him. They respect Branch Dawn, and not just because he's Delta's kin.

#sibblings qna #country branch au #trolls branch #brozone #trolls clay #trolls bruce

[thehollowwriter]

Nkulu's (Extremely Late) Birthday Boy Interview Pt 2

Yuu: What do you like to do in your free time?

Nkulu: Oh, lots of things! I've really gotten into pottery recently, though the clay is a pain to clean off. I even started doing requests on my livestreams. I've made bowls, pots, vases, cups and all kinds of other things. My most recent one is a square mouth pot. I even painted it! Here, I'll show you a picture. I think it turned out well.

Yuu: Oh wow! Those patterns are pretty. It's quite colourful too.

Nkulu: Thanks! Patterns and bright colours are a big part of my dad's culture. It's in our art, our clothes, and even the walls of our homes. I've been trying to get more in touch with that culture lately.

Yuu: Oh that's wonderful!

Nkulu: Mmhmm

Yuu: What are your plans for the future?

Nkulu: Honestly? I have absolutely no idea. I'll probably keep making videos and stuff, maybe start a patreon.

Yuu: Could you tell me something you're talented at?

Nkulu: I'm quite good at conjuration! It's my best subject. I even tried working ahead.

Yuu: Oh? How'd that go?

Nkulu: Badly. I'm good, but not that good.

Yuu: I see. Well, I hope you manage to improve further. Once again, happy birthday.

-End

For context, Nkulu's dad is Xhosa and his mother is Brazilian

Nkulu's pot:

Tagging: @distant-velleity @br3adtoasty @rainesol @theleechyskrunkly @jovieinramshackle

@galaxies-and-gore @cyanide-latte @cynthinesia @officialdaydreamer00 @krenenbaker

@offorestsongs @kitwasnothere @elenauaurs @boopshoops @am0nline

@1dont-really-know @kazumify @minteasketches @officialdaydreamer00 @whspermy-name

@elysia-nsimp @skrimpyskimpy @casp1an-sea @offorestsongs @tixdixl

@poisoned-pearls @the-trinket-witch @ramshacklerumble @ghostiidasponk

#quinn quips #nkululeko adrade #heartslabyul #yuu #twisted wonderland #twst oc #birthday interview

[broz0neglitters]

I can't make you stay </3

Floyd & Branch headcanons + fanfic

Warning: Will probaby make you shed a tear so grab your tissues

~I got this idea while reading a fanfic where branch realizes that john dory was the only one who came back after all and floyd lied to him this story was inspire by OpefuLee but I'm adding my own little twist but I hope you'll be okay with me using some of your ideas anyways Thanks <3~

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

-Floyd was definitely branch favorite brother

-Since they were almost close in age, they understood each other very well; they would have code words that none of the older brothers, not even Grandma Roisepuff, could even figure out

-Floyd loved to sing to branch, even his made-up lullaby

-Branch loves hugs, especially from Floyd <3

-Floyd would be the one to cheer up Branch when he is upset or angry

-When Branch is angry, he bites the other brothers, but he would never bite Floyd. Even if he does, it doesn't hurt Floyd cause branch doesn't want to make Floyd bleed

-Floyd would help branch out by bathing, feeding him, changing his diapers, etc. Floyd was there for him

- branch would also play dolls and dress up with Floyd. He doesn't mind still plays makeup and dressing up as an adult and is not ashamed of it, even if his girlfriend, Queen Poppy, teases him about it

-Branch loves it when Floyd plays hide n Seek Floyd always lets Branch win

-Floyd and Branch would get away with anything; they were like partners in crime

-Floyd and Branch would help their grandma bake, and they would even take turns mixing the batter

-Floyd and Branch likes it when Clay reads to them and tugs them both in

-Branch prefers to sleep with Floyd

-Every word Floyd told Branch: Branch would always believe it, ever since one of it was a little lie, or was it?

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

But eventually, it all changes as branch gets older and realizes

After the concert disaster, Branch felt ashamed of himself. He knew it was his fault that the family harmony broke off, but Floyd assured him it wasn't his fault. He tried to stop the older brothers from fighting, but eventually, it got heated. John Dory was the first to walk out, but more like jump out, then followed by Clay and Spruce.

Branch looked heartbroken that his three older brothers had just left as he looked at Floyd, hoping that floyd wasn't gonna leave him but indeed, he was floyd carried and tugged Branch into bed as he looked at Branch for the last time.

Floyd began to play his guitar, singing Branch his final lullaby as floyd stopped before Branch closed his eyes. He looked at floyd. "I Can't make you stay In this broken place," Branch said softly as he yawned, reaching his hands out as floyd held it. "I promise I'll be back," he said softly, giving Branch a soft smile.

As floyd got up and kissed Branch on the forehead, Branch shut his eyes slowly. "And I hope you find peace. Close your eyes as I put us to sleep." Floyd said softly, heading out as he looked at branch one last time before leaving......

~Present day~

Branch glares at floyd angrily cause he was avoiding the situation meanwhile, Clay and John are still sitting face-to-face with each other, but luckily, branch gets in between them before they kill each other as he notices that floyd is leaving or is attempting to leave

Branch held floyd back with Poppy, Viva, and Bruce guarding the elevator. "Floyd is there something you wanna tell us especially me?" branch asked "No-? I have the stuff to do, and I figure it is not my problem it seems more of a Clay and John Dory problem," floyd said but then he knew he gave himself away

"Can I ask you this? Did you ever think about coming back like you promised me? I know you were stuck in the diamond prison for two months, but before that, did you ever think of coming back for me? like you promise" Branch asked as floyd was sweating because all eyes were on him, especially Clay cause Clay was hurt the most beside Branch

Floyd began to tear up and choked on his own words. "I'm sorry, I didn't think about returning for you because if I did, you would be mad at me, and I felt guilty leaving you and grandma," floyd said, hugging Branch while sobbing

As Branch pushed floyd back so hard he felt "YOU LIED TO ME FLOYD. I BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU TOLD ME, SO SOME OF THE THINGS YOU TOLD ME WERE LIES AS WELL!" Branch said, tearing up

"I was running out of time, And you were always on my mind no matter what. I didn't have a choice. The others didn't come back for you. What about Clay, Bruce, and John? They didn't even come back, and they are to blame!" Floyd snaps back at branch

"That final lullaby you sang me was an excuse for you to leave me and never come back, but I guess I can't you stay in this broken place," Branch said as Poppy held onto Branch's hands to comfort him

For the first time ever, branch and floyd were the ones fighting; they never fought, even when they were younger. They were the peaceful siblings, while the three older brothers would be the ones fighting, so to see them fight was weird. It kinda made Clay and John look stupid, but were Branch and floyd putting on an act or pretending to fight to show Clay and John how stupid they looked when they were fighting..

Oh, they both wish their two younger brothers were teaching them a lesson, but it was not. Floyd lied to branch straight to his own face even as a baby, but the other brothers didn't want to say anything to come between them...

-Flash Back-

" they stopped being my brothers the day they walked out on me and never returned.." Branch told poppy

As Branch crosses his arms and turns his back to John Dory during the royal wedding John Dory replies with

" Whoa, whoa, whoa. That’s not fair, Branch. I did come back, but no one was there. It wasn’t until I heard about you saving the world from the rock apocalypse that I realized you were still alive," John said, trying to get close to Branch only for him to back away, still crossing his arms.

-End of Flashback-

Until it hit Branch right in the head, Jonh Dory actually did come back. He was in fact, the only brother who cared and kept his promise that he would come back even if he never said it but he made an effort to come back for Branch and the others

As branch tears became like a river, "J-John, you actually came back!" Branch said sobbing, hugging Jonh

"Of course, I did what I did was wrong. I should have never pushed past you guys' limits, but I let it get the best of me. You guys are always on my mind." John said as he teared up while hugging the branch. Clay felt bad. "You really did come back," Clay said softly

"I kept the drawing you used to make for me, and I always have kept it." John said, which made Clay smile and tears roll down his face as he hugged his brother sobbing; it was a sweet moment as they broke the hug as Branch looked at floyd. "I think you should leave now." branch said in the most profound tone, which sent chills down his spine..

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

Anyway, as I mentioned, the story was inspired by OpefuLee on Wattpad. They make outstanding stories and troll art, so check them out. Also, check out their partner George_Beard, who also makes good troll fanfic. So, some of my future ideas will be based on George_Beard stories as well. I decided to use the weekend final lullaby cause it fits well with this concept. I know the song was short and the mention was short but I had fun writing the story Any way I'll probably make a part 2 soon or something but anyway, I hope you enjoyed the headcanon + fanfic Also, the Request will reopen again on May 31st and will close again on August 9th of 2024, so don't be disappointed if I don't get to your request. As I mentioned, it takes a while to write them, and although it will still be around summer, I have a summer job and also need to get ready for the school year, so please be patient thank you <3 --------------- Like + Follow are very much appreciated! <3

#dreamworks trolls #trolls band together #trolls x reader #headcanon #trolls 3 #branch #floyd #trolls branch #trolls floyd #trolls john dory #brozone headcanons #brozone #trolls brozone #brozone floyd #brozone branch #bitty b #trolls fanfic #Spotify #queen poppy mentioned #viva mentioned #clay mentioned #bruce mentioned #queen poppy #viva #john dory #clay #bruce #john dory mentioned

[skunkes]

having struggles with hobbies and enjoyment and creativity again

#thinking about buying more supplies to make more clay things with and like #idk. id never get good anyway but if i got good what would i do? theres only so many smunkers or als or talons i could sculpt #ykwim? #i wish i liked things and i wish i could make things #i liked making something out of clay but i have no ideas #i love printmaking: screenprinting and block printing. i have block printing supplies. i have 0 ideas. #if i woke up tomorrow an art master id still have no ideas on what to draw #its why i havent improved at bgs or composition. bc i dont draw it because i dont know What to draw #wrt symbols and icons and colors and such #ykwim... #my whole life is just. i like thing so much. i wish i could do it too but im stuck outside looking in thru a window. i wish #i could participate. its not enough to like it i want to do it too. but i cant...! #if i were any good at art id make a piece out of this. out of all my other feelings. but i dont know how to make work that Means anything #its just. technical show of skill. no feeling. no meaning. nothing. i cant make anything #i always talk about how I fear finding a partner bc what would I have left to draw? #i am not an artist. not really. #and if I am i got the worst luck and the worst brain for it. defective. #talkys

[cockworkangels]

little hobbitses magnets made out of air dry clay :)

#more crafts from this weekend :) #another first attempt!! working with clay for the first time in almost 10 years . i also sculpted these before i tried to make gandalf big #naturals. also trying out making something simplified and cutesy another thing i have no idea how to do 😭. but i had fun!!!! #i think i want to make more not that i know a bit more. and also once i get the idea how to sculpt i want to try polymer clay instead of air #dry clay bc it’s probably easier to do smaller stuff. but gotta learn some basic with the cheap stuff first even when the materials are #different but like get the sense of sculpting #my art #lotr #air dry clay #acryllic paints

[tj-crochets]

Omg I love stardew valley! Have you ever made any crafty stuff related to the game? I’ve been so tempted to make dolls for some of the characters ngl

This is my very first time playing it, so I haven't made anything related to it yet, but I am totally willing to! I just don't know what game-related stuff would make good plushies? Like, npcs, slimes, junimos, plants? For reference about my lack of familiarity, it took me several days in game to figure out that there's a map I can access lol edited to add: what's up with the mouse that sells hats????

#ask away! #it's fun so far! I have no idea what I'm doing but that seems to be the theme of the game? #do whatever you want #so far I have a chicken #I had an apple tree but I forgot it was an apple tree and chopped it down two days after planting it #so I'll probably go get another apple tree and make a sign or something #note to self: do not chop down this tree #idk what I am supposed to do with the character's animals? like the chicken has half a heart #I fill the dog's water dish every day but idk what else to do #I also got a...what's it called. A granary? because I couldn't figure out how to feed the chicken #then I looked it up after I'd managed to get all the clay #and realized I could just open the little door and let the chicken out #side note every time I read junimo it is to the tune of the haribo commercial jingle. Every single time.

[goblinbugthing]

do yall know any simple and cheap ways to make custom pins?

i really REALLY wanna make some for myself (and maybe to sell) but idk how ;-;

#question #diy help #help #text #buggie’s rambles #this just in: silly emo boything wants to Make Something but (as per usual) has no idea how to make it #more at 11 #all jokes aside tho #i really wanna make some lil fandom pins and stuff like that to add to my gay little outfits #but i uh. don’t know how. and im also broke #and so i probably cant afford equipment needed to make PROPER pins #i saw a tut once on tiktok abt how to make simple custom pins with bottle caps and pop tabs #but first of all #i saw that like. 4 or 5 years ago when i scrolled tiktok regularly #and second. i dont have any bottle caps lying around. #i mean i could make some out of clay like i did with the weaversong pins #but i dont have the energy or space to do that and also i have no idea where the clay is #so yeah im just kinda. stuck. until i find another tut or someone tells me what to do

[silhouettecrow]

365 Days of Writing Prompts: Day 156

Adjective: Twisted

Noun: Church

Definitions for those who need/want them:

Twisted: forced out of its natural or proper shape, or crumpled; (of a joint) injured by wrenching, or sprained; (of a personality or a way of thinking) unpleasantly or unhealthy abnormal, or warped

Church: a building used for public Christian worship; a particular Christian organization, typically one with its own clergy, buildings, and distinctive doctrines; the hierarchy of clergy of a Christian organization, especially the Roman Catholic Church or the Church of England; institutionalized religion as a political or social force

#this one makes me think of two works of mine #one that has been written (and is honestly ready for publishing) and another that has been rattling around in my brain for a bit #the former is about a church acting as a symbol/source of a queer characters religious trauma (its a poem called 'anointed for atonement') #and the latter is an idea/image that came to me one night about a cathedral made out of clay and it morphing #so i will likely do something with the latter (finally) for this prompt #im rather excited about it #and having just relistened to mag126 sculptors tools i think i will have some extra inspiration #tma #the magnus archives #the spiral #the spiral tma #thanks for reading #writing #writer #creative writing #writing prompt #writeblr #trying to be a writeblr at least

[autoneurotic]

i want to get into engraving/carving and i have a bunch of shells, i knooow there has to be a way to carve by hand without an electric tool (it’s not like carving is a new medium !) but i cannot for the liiiife of me find out what tool works best. does anybody carve and have tips

#i have two very slim pocket knives and a lump of clay i can affix the shell to so it doesn’t crack or move #but the knives aren’t hmm. fine enough? detailed enough? the only other smaller sharp thing i have on hand #is sewing needles and like. no. lol #i also have a sanding block but idk if that will make things look shiny u know like tumbled stones do #i’m settling for delicately painting shells for now i have a shiny smooth curved white shell #that i rimmed with gold oil paint. i carved a small russian phrase into the back but u can’t hardly see it unless you look #maybe i just need bigger surface area or something #i want to make Physical art tho! i’ve also built myself a dinky cardboard loom i’m going to try small scale weaves out >:) #me last week: i’m so depressed #me now: i have one billion project ideas and five new things to read life is worth it only if i’m busy and occupied 100% of the time

[claitea]

I FINISHED GHOST TRICK. OOUGUGHGUHG IT WAS SOOO GOOD. MAJOR SPOILERS IN TAGS

#clai speaks #for the first few chapters i had no idea why people recommended it so strongly. like it was good but idk i didnt get too invested till ch 9 #and then it suddenly got REALLY good #THE END WAS ONE OF THE MOST FUN PLOT TWISTS I'VE EVER SEEN #SISSEL BEING A CAT?? #THINGS JUST STARTED CLICKING INTO PLACE LIKE OHHH. THATS WHY YOU CANT READ AND DONT KNOW CERTAIN TERMS #BC YOU WERE A CAT THIS WHOLE TIME. WHO TOOK HIS OWNERS FORM BY MISTAKE #MISSILE BEING THE INSTIGATOR TO IT ALL??? WAITING TEN LONG YEARS WHAT A GOOD BOY #my only complaint is that i'm impatient as hell so sometimes waiting for things to play out before making a move sucks #or having to watch something happen again after rewinding time. but thats the nature of the game i suppose #i still found things to be really fun i enjoyed this game a Lot #everyone play ghost trick i command you

[reimenaashelyee]

Campaign to make The God of Arepo an award winning work and win a literal brick as a trophy for the authors and for Tumblr community as a whole (SUCCEEDED!!!! Update below)

As the artist for one of The God of Arepo comics, my version is up for consideration for the Ignatz Awards for Outstanding Online Comic.

For those of you who don't know the Ignatz is one of the highest industry awards that "recognize outstanding achievements in comics and cartooning by small press creators or creator-owned projects published by larger publishers".

The thing is, winning the award means winning an actual literal brick. Because the mascot is a brick-throwing mouse. So they have to make a bit where the trophy is a brick. Like. Look.

For a long time I thought it was just plain bricks they were handing out, but my friend who won a couple of bricks two years ago had theirs stamped (I saw the bricks in person at their house). So now I am obsessed with the idea of The God of Arepo winning an Ignatz trophy. It will have the honours stamped. On a freaking brick. That's the most Tumblr level meme trophy this comic/story could win (which is also a legit high honour industry award on its own btw don't get me wrong). But wilder than that, the brick allows me to do something. It allows me to smash that break into 5 pieces and ship one of each to the authors plus myself. Writing Prompts, sadoeuphemist, ciiriianan, stu-pot and me will get a piece of clay in recognition for our work with the farmer who built a temple out of stone. The full circle moment.

Imagine the value of this win to the lore of this Tumblr sacred text/folklore. This brick will be smashed and given to the creators, but as a collective folklore, it's also dedicated to all of us on this hellsite too. AWARD WINNING. If The God of Arepo wins I will document the entire process of smashing that brick here.

But we have to make this happen. We need to gather our collective energy and make this campaign work. Please help make The God of Arepo an award-winning story and vote for it in the Outstanding Online Comic category (link). You will need to request a ballot, then submit your vote. I recommend checking out the other nominated comics too. The Ignatz really shortlists good stuff. The voting closes September 8 2023 . LET'S GET THE GOD OF AREPO A BRICK FOR HIS TEMPLE!! LET'S GO!!!! REBLOGS HELP TOO!!

#the god of arepo #tumblr #comics #look guys it's not everyday I can make a tumblr folklore be shortlisted for an award #as a long time hellsite denizen it's my duty #BRICK BRICK BRICK BRICK BRICK

[headspace-hotel]

My random unsubstantiated hypothesis of the day: the popularity of "stim" videos, fidget toys, and other things like that is a warning sign that something's Deeply Wrong with our world.

Don't freak out. I am autistic. These things are not bad. However, can we just...take a second to notice how weird it is that there are entire social media accounts full of 10-second videos of things making crunching noises, people squishing slime in their hands, and objects clacking together, and that enjoying them is mainstream and normal?

It seems that nowadays, almost everyone exhibits sensory-seeking behavior, when just a decade ago, the idea of anyone having "sensory needs" was mostly obscure. It is a mainstream Thing to "crave" certain textures or repetitive sounds.

What's even weirder, is that it's not just that "stim" content is mainstream; the way everything on the internet is filmed seems to look more like "stim" content. TikToks frequently have a sensory-detail-oriented style that is highly unusual in older online content, honing in on the tactile, visual and auditory characteristics of whatever it's showing, whether that's an eye shadow palette or a cabin in a forest.

When an "influencer" markets their makeup brand, they film videos that almost...highlight that it's a physical substance that can be smudged and smeared around. Online models don't just wear clothes they're advertising, they run their hands over them and make the fabric swish and ripple.

I think this can be seen as a symptom of something wrong with the physical world we live in. I think that almost everyone is chronically understimulated.

Spending time alone in the forest has convinced me of this. The sensory world of a forest is not only much richer than any indoor environment, it is abundant with the sorts of sensations that people seem to "crave" chronically, and the more I've noticed and specifically focused on this, the more I've noticed that the "modern" human's surroundings are incredibly flat in what they offer to the senses.

First of all, forests are constantly permeated with a very soft wash of background noise that is now often absent in the indoor world. The sound of wind through trees has a physiological effect you can FEEL. It's always been a Thing that people are relaxed by white noise, which leads to us being put at ease by the ambient hum of air conditioning units, refrigerators and fans. But now, technology has become much more silent, and it's not at all out of place to hypothesize that environments without "ambient" white noise are detrimental to us.

Furthermore, a forest's ambience is full of rhythmic and melodic elements, whereas "indoor" sounds are often harsh, flat and irregular.

Secondly: the crunch. This is actually one of the most notably missing aspects of the indoor sensory world. Humans, when given access to crunchable things, will crunch them. And in a forest, crunchy things are everywhere. Bark, twigs and dry leaves have crisp and brittle qualities that only a few man-made objects have, and they are different with every type of plant and tree.

Most humans aren't in a lot of contact with things that are "destroyable" either, things you can toy with and tear to little bits in your hands. I think virtually everyone has restlessly torn up a scrap of paper or split a blade of grass with their thumbnail; it's a cliche. And since fidget toys in classrooms are becoming a subject of debate, I think it pays to remember that the vast majority of your ancestors learned everything they knew with a thousand "fidget toys" within arm's reach.

And there is of course mud, and clay, and dirt, and wet sand. I'm 100% serious, squishing mud and clay is vital to the human brain. Why do you think Play-Doh is such a staple elementary school toy. Why do you think mud is the universal cliche thing kids play in for fun. It's such a common "stim" category for a reason.

I could go on and on. It's insane how unstimulating most environments humans spend time in are. And this definitely contributes to ecological illiteracy, because people aren't prepared to comprehend how detailed the natural world is. There are dozens of species of fireflies in the United States, and thousands of species of moths. If you don't put herbicides on your lawn, there are likely at least 20 species of plant in a single square meter of it. I've counted at least 15 species of grass alone in my yard.

Would it be overreach to suggest that some vital perceptive abilities are just not fully developing in today's human? Like. I had to TEACH myself to be able, literally able, to perceive details of living things that were below a certain size, even though my eyes could detect those details, because I just wasn't accustomed to paying attention to things that small. I think something...happens when almost all the objects you interact with daily are human-made.

The people that think ADHD is caused by kids' brains being exposed to "too much stuff" by Electronic Devices...do not go outside, because spending a few minutes in a natural environment has more stimuli in it than a few hours of That Damn Phone.

A patch of tree bark the size of my phone's screen has more going on than my phone can display. When you start photographing lots of living organisms, you run into the strange and brain-shifting reality that your electronic device literally cannot create and store images big enough to show everything you, in real life, may notice about that organism.

#nature #thoughts #random #forest

[chewingbatmanlikeasqueakytoy]

Danny should absolutely rip on the Flashes

Realistically, Danny meeting the flashes and having any of them deny the existence of magic/saying "magic is just science we don't understand yet" should be met with ENDLESS mockery. Like come on The flashfam WORKS with gods, magic users, some of the JL/JLD are literally demons and ghosts. Diana/WW was MADE FROM CLAY in some canons!

Scepticism on that level should ABSOLUTELY be met with "I didn't know the Justice League worked with flat earthers" Type scorn. The burns should be third degree. The fatalities wide spread. No one who lives in a world with that much evidence of magic should be allowed to carry "magic isn't real" as an opinion and not be derided for having their head in the sand. As I understand it the scepticism comes out of the flash comics from like, the 60-80's which fair but the other heroes stories had to accommodate for each other when the crossovers started happening so I feel it's only fair to have men of logic like the flashes (so many of them are scientists of some type right?) deduce that yeah magic has to be real ESPECIALLY - When any of the magic users, ANY OF THEM - Could respond with a very simple: "Magic is science you don't understand." "What?" "I understand exactly what I'm doing. I understand exactly what I need to do to get repeat results, and I understand what not to mix not to get undesirable results. What about that implies a lack of understanding? Magic isn't something WE don't understand, magic is something you don't understand."

I enjoy the idea of the flashes being sceptics, I actually enjoy it a lot. Sceptics are very necessary to any narrative, but honestly the magic users deserve a chance to call them out because really having someone call your life's work and very real craft 'not real' 'hoaxes' and essentially parade it around as something they could come to understand better than you if they just looked into it but have made no effort to would be enough to make anyone break their teeth from clenching their jaw so hard.

Essentially early days flashes as sceptics makes total sense. The flashes continuing to have "magic isn't real" as an opinion for too long into the story gives them Flat Earther Level Intellect.

#I mostly envision it to be zatanna sassing the flashes about magic being something they don't understand #Danny is the one calling them out as flat earther level thinkers #this is mostly a thing in the dpxdc fandom as far as ive seen #i dont think it's too much of a trope in the general dc fanon #like guys its fun #but lets not do our boys dirty like this lmao #dpxdc #dcxdp #dp x dc #dc x dp

[wonlvkay]

― Enhypen reaction to you being oblivious to a guy hitting on you

Warnings: fluff, angst, jealousy, perverts.

Comments, likes and reblogs are highly appreciated

Heeseung ★

you two were at the mall because you wanted to hangout with a childhood friend of yours who to heeseung's dislike was a guy. he's not the type to get jealous that easily but your friend was making comments and even tucked your hair behind your ear. you however thought it was a 'friendly' gesture and shrugged it off. he just burst when your friend snaked his arm around your waist and would pull you up to go home. expect silent treatment and a fuming hee until he realizes you had no idea. "his filthy hands were all over you!"

Jay ★

we all know jay loves spoiling you and taking you on fancy dates, especially on your birthday. a quiet evening with your lover at a restaurant sounds perfect right? things did not go that way since the waiter kept glancing at you occasionally and 'accidently' spilled water on your top. he grabbed the waiters hand that held a tissue to help you clean up. jay just knew at first glance that he was up to no good and this was way over the line. he ushered you out of the restaurant before he ends up smashing the waiters face and you guys just celebrated at home. "did you see the smirk on his face? be thankful he isn't six feet under"

Jake ★

jake and you were at the fair and trying out all the rides. you couldn't wait to try everything and dragged him everywhere. he thought your energy was so adorable. on a particular rollercoaster ride, the staff offered you too much service for his liking. the staff just hoisted you up to get your belt fastened and that wasn't all, he even patted your head saying you were so courageous for such rides. jake sulked in his seat. he would be ignoring you but the wild ride would make him clutch onto you for his dear life. "i could've done that for you"

Sunghoon ★

sunghoon is a master at ice skating and he knows he holds power when he's at the rink. he wanted to try activities that he enjoyed with you. of course, it was your first time so you tripped a lot even though he was there to guide you. but that time when you fell, he was far from you so instead of him, a smug looking guy helped you up and even offered you his gloves because your hands were cold. sunghoon was quick to reject the offer glaring at the male. "can't believe he'd offer you his sweaty gloves"

Sunoo ★

you and sunoo headed to the convenience store for a late night snack. you both were filling hot water in the noodles cups but it ran out when you were about to fill yours. another guy your age was their and quickly offered you his one since he said he's too full. your fingers unintentionally touch and he was smirking. you didn't notice that but sunoo did. sunoo would ignore you too and be sulky but you guys made up later. never expect to exchange stuff with guys again if sunoo is there. "why'd you have to accept that?"

Jungwon ★

jungwon and you decided to visit a place where you could create magnificent ceramic pieces with clay. you both had fun making silly shapes and even a figure of maeumi. but you wanted to actually do something serious and you started to mold a cup. you couldn't get the hang of it and was whining when an assistant just placed his hands on yours and helped you. he even left a piece of paper with his number forgetfully because he was totally engrossed with helping you. yeah right, jungwon would try to compose himself but the minute he left he would ramble on about how that guy was a complete pervert. "did you see how he shamelessly did that to my girl?"

Niki ★

going to the cinema for the latest comedy series you both enjoy, you guys were with a big bowl of popcorn ready to enjoy it. the only problem? the guy next to you. he kept making talks to you and your extroverted energy matched his talks. that last straw was when his hand accidently fell on your thigh. riki had it and switched seats with you. poor guy felt glares sent to him every ten seconds. "better get you away from that creep. i don't want him touching what's mine"

#kayla writes!!! #enhypen #heeseung #park jongseong #sim jaeyun #park sunghoon #sunoo #jungwon #niki #enhypen x reader #enhypen fluff #enhypen fanfic #enhypen reactions

[alpaca-clouds]

How to cook in a medieval setting

Alright. As some of the people, who follow me for a longer while know... I do have opinions about cooking in historical settings. For everyone else a bit of backstory: When I was still LARPing, I would usually come to LARP as a camp cook, making somewhat historically accurate food and selling it for ingame coin. As such I know a bit about how to cook with a historical set up. And given I am getting so much into DnD and DnD stories right now, let me share a bit for those who might be interested (for example for stories and such).

🍲Cooking at Home

First things first: For the longest time in history most people did not have actual kitchens. Because actual kitchens were rather rare. Most people cooked their food over their one fireplace at home, which looked something like what you see above. There was something made of metal hanging over the fireplace. At times this was on hinges and movable, at times it was set in place. You could hang pots and kettles over it. When it came to pans, people either had a mount they would put over the fire or some kind of grid they could easily put into place there with some sourts of mounts (like the two metal thingies you can see above).

If you have a modern kitchen, you are obviously used to cook on several cooktops (for most people it is probably four of them), while in this historical you obviously only had one fire. Of course, as you can also see in the picture above, you could often put two smaller pots over the flames or put in a pan onto the fire additionally. But yes, the way we cook in modern times is very different.

Because of this a lot of people often ate stews and soups of sort. You could make those in just one pot - and often could eat from the same stew for days. In a lot of taverns the people had an "everything stew" going, which worked on the idea that everyone just brought their food leftovers, which were all put into one pot everyone would eat from.

Now, some alert readers might have also noticed something: What about bread and pastries? If you only have one fireplace and no oven, how did people make bread?

Well, there were usually three different methods for this. The most common one was communal ovens. Often people had one communal oven in a neighborhood. Especially in a village there might just be a communal oven everyone would just put their bread in to bake. (Though often this oven would only be fired up once or twice a week.)

The second version to deal with this some people used was a sort of what we today call a dutch oven. A pot made either of metal or clay with a lit you would put into the hot coals and then put bread or pastries into that, baking it like that.

There was also a version where people just baked bread in pans on the fire, rotating the bread during the baking process. At least some written accounts we have seem to imply. (Never tried this method, though. I have no idea how this might work. My camp bread was mostly done in dutch ovens or as stickbread.)

Keep in mind that the fireplace at home was very important for the people in historical times. Because it was their one source of warmth in the house.

🏕️ Cooking at Camp

Technically speaking cooking at camp is not that different - with the exception of course that you have to drag all your supplies along. And while in Baldur's Gate 3 and most other videogames you can carry around several sets of full-plate armor and several pounds of ingredients so that dear Gale can whip something up... In real life as an adventurer running around you need to make decisions on what to take along.

If you have read Lord of the Rings, you might remember how many people have criticized Sam for actually dragging all his cooking supplies along and how sad he was for not being able to cook for most of the time, because they were very limited in taking ingredients along.

So, yes, if you are an adventurer who is camping out in the open, you will probably need to do a lot of hunting and gathering to eat during your travels. You can take food for a couple of days along, but not for a lot.

A special challenge is of course, that while you can cook food for several days when you are at homes, you do not want to drag along a prepared stew for several days. So usually you will cook in smaller batches.

A lot of people who were journeying would often just take along one or two pots along.

So, what would you eat as an adventurer travelling around while trying to save the world from some evil forces? Well, it would depend on the time of the year of course. You would probably hunt yourself some food. For example hares, birds or squirrels. Mostly small things you can eat within one or two days. You do not want to drag along half a dead deer. In the warm months you might also forrage for all sorts of greens. You also can cook with many sorts of roots. Of course you can also always look into berries and other fruits you might find.

Things you might bring with you might be salt and some spices. A good thing to bring along would be herbs for tea, too, because I can tell you from experience that water you might have gotten from a river does not always taste very well - and springs with fresh water are often not accessible.

Now, other than what you can access the basic ideas of camping fires and cooking with them has not changed in the last few thousand years. While modern people camping usually have a car nearby and hence will have access to a lot of ingredients. But the general ideas of how to build a fire and put a pot over it... has not really changed.

So, yeah.

Just keep in mind that for the most part in historical settings until fairly recently, there was not much terms of proper kitchens. People cooked over an open fire and hence had to get at times ingenius about it.

#dungeons & dragons #baldurs gate 3 #lord of the rings #medieval europe #medieval #cooking #medieval cooking #food history #historical settings #history #european history #writing #fantasy #writing resources