#And every time they played Little Mermaid 3 on Sundays I would always make the connection of Marina and Ben to Donita and Dabio

[kaythefloppa]

I come bearing wonders

#wild kratts #wild kratts donita donata #wild kratts dabio #donita donata #dabio #dabio wild kratts #the little mermaid #the little mermaid 3 #ariel's beginning #pbs kids #disneytoons #I grew up watching a lot of Disney sequels on Disney Jr during weekends #And every time they played Little Mermaid 3 on Sundays I would always make the connection of Marina and Ben to Donita and Dabio #Uptight animalistic fashionista that craves popularity and her big himbo teddy bear sidekick my beloved #I'm aware Yzma and Kronk fit this description but I grew up with both of these pieces of media so the connection is stronger in my eyes #Also Little Mermaid 3 is dumb but it's a fun kind of dumb that you can get back to. Not as good of a legitimate prequel as the TV show - #but you'd still get a kick out of it at least moreso than the second one (Ursula's crazy sister lmao) #marina del rey #benjamin little mermaid #disney

[vwritesaus]

      ‘I don’t know how exactly, but I wish to speak with them about it,’ Thomas confesses. ‘Because I miss her, Genie. I miss her so bloody much.’       Eugenia’s voice wobbles horribly. ‘As I do. Every day.’       ‘I miss Kit, too.’ Thomas rubs his chest over his clothes, the buttons of his waistcoat catching on the edge of his family ring. ‘There’s a hole deep in my being which will never be filled again. It grows bigger with every reminder of them. Barbara’s favourite novel that’s still sitting in her room. Pieces of Kit’s laboratory set still in our room in the Devil’s Tavern. Barbara’s perfume, Kit’s notebooks… They’re endless, Genia. And I cannot escape them. Not truly, and it bloody hurts.’       He hates feeling like this, hates how pathetic he sounds. He hates that it reminds him of that day with Alastair in Zachary’s nursery, and hates that his voice cracks.       But so many things have changed, and none of them are reversible.       There’s a shaky sounding exhale and a murmured, sympathetic, ‘Oh, Thomas…’ ...       Out of both his parents, Thomas still finds it amazing how he and his father are almost the spitting image of each other, while Barbara and Eugenia look exactly like their mother. There are small differences, of course, such as how none of the children inherited their father’s greyish-green eyes, or how Eugenia has a smattering of freckles at her hairline she did not get from Sophie. But the resemblance between the two men is staggering regardless: hair the colour of sand that changes with the seasons, stocky build, skin painted with pale freckles that darken during the summer months.       When he was confined to his bed as a child, Thomas’s mind would sometimes wander and dream of being as big and tall as Gideon. Never did he consider that it would come true, such thoughts reserved for the nighttime when Thomas closed his eyes and let his imagination run wild. He would picture what the world would look like from up high, peering over rooftops and clock towers and church spires; he would chase demons, seraph blades held tightly in his hands, and have overwhelming triumph swell in his chest as those weapons would glide through the demons like butter.       He was strong. He was capable. He was the same height as his father when they stood side-by-side, and Gideon would gaze at his son with pride shining in his eyes.       Thomas always woke up feeling invincible after those dreams. ...       ‘Tell me, Thomas,’ Sophie starts. ‘How would you like to celebrate your birthday this year? I imagine James and Matthew have something up their sleeves.’       ‘You would be right,’ Thomas says dryly and with a smile as he glances at his mother, recalling Matthew’s detailed plans spilled over glasses of lemon squash and cups of coffee in the Devil’s Tavern some days ago. ‘I believe it involves a rather illustrious theatre and an Oscar Wilde play.’       Sophie looks surprised. ‘Is that so?’       Laughing, Thomas shakes his head. ‘No, but I imagine Matthew would appreciate such an event for his own birthday celebrations. It is a mere picnic outing, Mama. Nothing horribly special—at least that I know of.’ Recalling Claribella the reverse mermaid at James’s bachelor party, Thomas hopes no surprises like her show up at this picnic. Though knowing his friends, anything is possible.       ‘That sounds lovely,’ Sophie says. ‘No doubt you’ll all have a marvellous time. Though make sure you pack accordingly should it snow. We don’t want any of you getting sick. You’ll need blankets and some umbrellas—oh, and take your overcoat. The navy one. It will keep you warm and you look so handsome in it.’

~

so the results of the poll asked for a preview of ch3, so here you go! some little lightwood-collins family snippets </3

lol "a little"... the whole chapter is basically thomas doing stuff with his family members, and it's dialogue heavy, so watch out

the full chapter will be up on early sunday morning AEDT, so keep your eyes peeled :>

~

(also if i haven't added you to the list when you asked me to... please tell me again, bc i locate half of my posts on my blog anymore thanks to tumblr's graciously awful tag & search system :) so sorry!!)

tag list: @drunkonimagination @alastairstom @what-ho-christopher-put-in @ferrari-go-vroom-vroom @thomastaircompassrose @astriefer @faithfromanewperspective

let me know if you’d like to be added to or removed from the tag list!!

#the shadowhunter chronicles #tsc #the last hours #tlh #thomas lightwood #eugenia lightwood #gideon lightwood #sophie lightwood #sophie collins #barbara lightwood #christopher lightwood #the last hours fanfiction #the last hours fanfic #tlh fanfiction #tlh fanfic #fanfiction preview #fanfiction #fanfic #grief/mourning #hurt/comfort #dear christopher #i'm not kidding when i say this chapter is dialogue heavy #last i checked it's like... 10k long lol #i regret nothing

[pterodactylterrace]

Guys Like You Chapter 6

Title: Guys Like You

Chapter: 6

Chapter Summary: More of a filler chapter, not much Henry, I’m sorry.

Rating: 18+

Warnings: Mentions of abuse, pregnancy, poor self image, bad coping mechanisms, low self esteem.

{Prologue} {Chapter 1} {Chapter 2} {Chapter 3} {Chapter 4} {Chapter 5}

"I already told you, Faye! I don't want anything to do with this!"

"So because I want to keep my babies, you're leaving me? Is that what you're trying to tell me, David?"

"Yes! Shit, I knew you were dumb, but seriously!"

"Excuse me?"

"Are you deaf too, whore? How do you even know I'm the one that knocked you up? You've slept with just about every guy in town!"

"Get the fuck out."

"Don't come crying to me later! You're nothing without me! No one is ever going to want you. Especially once you have kids. Who the hell wants used goods? Have fun living a life of regret!"

Faye jerked awake, her head spinning as she tried to catch her bearings. Did David really leave her just like that? Sure he wasn't the greatest, but he had never lashed out like that before. At least not where anyone else could witness it.

No. David's gone. He has been gone for almost four years now. New life. Starting over. It's all in the past now.

Have to get the baby up before the sitter comes. Work is coming up soon. Life goes on.

"Briar, what are you doing on the floor?" Faye chuckled, crouching down next to her daughter, curled up on her pillow by her bed.

"I'm a puppy." Briar yawned in explanation, holding her arms up to be lifted, promptly licking her mother's cheek as soon as she was up.

"Briar, we talked about licking people."

"I'm not Briar, I'm puppy."

"Ok then, puppy, no licking people. Now what do you want for breakfast?"

"Puppy food."

"Cereal it is."

Feed the toddler, quick shower, get dressed, throw her hair up away from her face, wait for the baby sitter, hugs and kisses goodbye, then off to work. The usual routine she had settled herself into.

Feed the baby, because she's hungry and she comes first.

Shower, because she probably has some sort of mystery goo on her from the toddler.

Get dressed, avoid the mirror.  No one wants to be reminded of how much they've changed. The softness she wasn't used to around her lower stomach, hips and thighs. Her breasts no longer as perky as they used to be. The stretchmarks competing with her tattoo's for attention.

Then, the hardest part of the day. "Ok, Briar, Mrs. Anderson is here. Mommy has to go to work. I love you."

"I love you too, Mommy." Briar responded, hugging her mother tight and kissing her cheek before she was sat back down.

"Have a nice day, Miss Warren."

"I hope she's not too much to handle."

"Never is."

Some days, Faye likes to pretend she's ok. Like she has a handle on things. Like she knows what she's doing and not just blindly stumbling through her life while trying to do right by her daughter.

Other days, she would absently push her sleeves up and her eye would catch on the black lines decorating her forearm, just below her elbow. Some days she's reminded that life is a bitch, and you can't always get what you want. On those days she tried to stay out of her own head, though that rarely worked.

She could slap on a smile with the best of them, but she could never force it to reach her eyes. Her face always remained an open book, free for anyone to read. The past creeps up on you. There's nothing you can do to stop it some days. On a bad day, the ghosts of the past will haunt your mind, echoing the worst days of your life into the void of your shattered heart.

"No one is ever going to want you!"

"You're nothing without me!"

"Who wants used goods?"

"I'm sorry, Miss Warren. There was nothing we could do."

Over and over on a seemingly never ending loop, reminding her of the darkest times in her life.

Why would anyone want her? She's not the same hot twenty six year old she used to be. She was soft. She was saggy. She would never be as attractive as she used to be. Anyone in their right mind would turn around and run once they realized how much she had let herself go.

Days like today were best spent keeping people at a distance. Tell them some story about being tired. Avoid anyone that is going to call her out on her obvious lie. Therein lies the problem with dying your hair obnoxious colors. Among a sea of blonde and brunette, powder blue tends to stick out and make it almost impossible to vanish.

Lie your way out of it. Survive another day. Tomorrow might not be better, but at least it won't be the same.

"Mommy, you're back!" The sweetest sound she could hear all day.

"I always come back, my little love." Faye assured, kissing her daughter's head.

Need to care for the baby. She comes first. She deserves the world. Play time. Dinner time. Bath time. Story time. Bed time. The same after work routine she had established months ago when she decided to drop everything and run.

Her daughter thought the world of her. She would do anything to see her smile. She would wear the stupid costume. She would pretend to be a horsey. She would let her daughter use her as a jungle gym. She would make the same dinner again for the third night in a row for her.  So what if she soaked the bathroom floor during bath time? She was a mermaid, and she wanted to show off her tail. Story time, always an adventure with her imaginative little girl. What world would they find themselves in today? Dinosaurs? Princesses? Mythology? A rhyming book?

Ah, yes of course. Her current favorite, the book about the dinosaur cleaning his room. She was a girl obsessed with dinosaurs at the moment.

"Mommy, where's my Papa?" Briar asked, staring intently down at the page depicting a mother and father watching the dinosaur throw away paper scraps.

"Don't worry about him, sweetheart. He wasn't a nice man." Faye explained, resting her cheek on her daughter's head.

"Can I have a new Papa?"

"Maybe someday, sweetheart."

"Can Spider-man be my new Papa?"

"Why do you want Spider-man to be your new Papa?"

"He's my boyfriend!"

"That's not how it works, silly. If he's your boyfriend, he can't also be by boyfriend! Pick another hero!"

"Batman!"

"Well, he is rich." Faye mused, Briar giggling happily. "Now it's time for bed, my love."

"Ok, Mommy. I love you!"

"I love you too, Briar." Faye whispered, kissing her forehead. The nightlight was switched on and the door was left cracked open, just in case. Now for her seldom used free time.

Should she sketch some more? Finish that painting she started forever ago? Ever since she started a "real" job, her art had fallen by the wayside. She was too drained to do much after work and caring of her daughter.

Maybe some drawing will lift her spirits and keep the nightmares at bay tonight. But what to draw? Not in the mood for still life. Brain too fried for something straight from her imagination. Her usual model was sleeping, and her last few self portraits had been a serious blow to her ego. She just drew what she saw in the mirror. Then, when she was finished, she decided she should have worn more clothing before she drew herself. What was supposed to boost her confidence and empower her as a woman instead left her wondering when exactly she developed that roll when sitting in that position.

"Fuck it. I'm drawing a moose." Faye grumbled to herself, turning the page from her self portrait to a blank sheet. Half an hour later when she was trying to remember what a moose's antlers looked like, she finally picked up her phone. Seven unread messages? That seems like a lot. When was the last time she looked at her phone? Oh yeah, when she got home, five hours ago.

All from one person. So she wasn't ignoring everyone at least. Seven messages, all from Henry. Shit. That's not good.

Are you ok?

You seemed off on set today

You didn't even talk to me

Did you at least make it home alright?

Can you send me a sign of life?

I'm sorry if I upset you or something. Can you please talk to me? I'm genuinely worried.

Please?

Well, fuck. Here she was playing unicorn apocalypse with her daughter, and this poor guy was worrying himself to death.

Sorry, I was drawing a moose

Perfect way of saying "I wasn't ignoring you" while also avoiding his persistent questions about her wellbeing. The good old 'drawing a moose' excuse. Works every time.

I think your moose aged me by ten years. Are you ok?

Just had a bad day

Anything I can do to help?

Squeeze me until I stop struggling and my spine snaps

That's called 'murder' Miss Warren

I knew there was a name for it

Is there anything I can do for you that involves less prison?

Nah, if you're not going to take me out, then I'm not interested

I'm not going to take you out by murder. I will take you out on a date.

Faye froze, staring at her phone. He was just playing around, like he always did. No way he was serious. Henry liked to flirt, and she wasn't about to throw herself at him over a joke. She had more dignity than that. So how does she respond? She can't just ignore him, and taking forever to respond is going to give the impression that she was freaking out over what he said.

She was completely freaking out over what he had said, but he didn't need to know that. Was he just looking to get laid or something? Probably. He had gotten pretty close the last time he had been over. There's a difference between dating and screwing, though. He was probably just looking for someone to fuck while waiting for a woman worth his time to come along. Faye was broken out of her thoughts by her phone going off again, alerting her to a new message. Didn't he know she was busy having an existential crisis?

If you're free on Sunday you can come over and show me that moose your working on

*you're

Smart ass

Sunday?

I'll have to see if Mrs. Anderson can watch Briar

Bring her along. She keeps asking me about Kal

Pretty on brand for her

Sunday?

Sunday.

Sunday. What to wear on Sunday? He was probably looking for a little something something for his time, so something slutty? She got rid of all her slutty clothes after she had Briar in a fit of self hatred toward her new mom bod, so that was out. Besides, he wouldn't have invited Briar over too if he was looking to get laid.

So what does one wear on a casual 'date' these days? She had until Sunday to figure that out.

Tag List:  @Xxxkatxo @Weallhaveadestiny

#henry cavill #henry cavill x ofc #henry cavill fanfic #henry cavill fanfiction #guys like you #guys like you fic #triggering themes

[saeyoungs-sunflower]

MysMe Characters as Songs From Musicals

I am almost certain this must have been done before hahah, so I’m in no way claiming this is an original idea. These are just some of my Sunday afternoon thoughts which I felt like sharing😅💛 I gave everyone two songs bc I’m indecisive LOL

Zen

Kiss The Girl - The Little Mermaid (just made me think of the the VN when they’re on the roof watching the stars)

There, you see her Sitting there, across the way She don't got a lot to say, but there's something about her And you don't know why, but you're dyin' to try You wanna kiss the girl

Lay All Your Love On Me - Mamma Mia! (almost chose this for Jumin, but it’s just so ~sexy~ that I couldn’t not give it to Zen ;))

I wasn't jealous before we met Now every man that i see is a potential threat And i'm possessive, it isn't nice You've heard me saying that smoking was my only vice

Yoosung

When She Loved Me - Toy Story (okay not really a musical but sHUSH. I use this completely unironically for his relationship with Rika. He got hurt bad, guys)

So the years went by I stayed the same But she began to drift away I was left alone Still I waited for the day When she'd say, "I will always love you"

Proud of Your Boy - Aladdin (for when he meets MC and starts to get back on track. Courtesy of @sunshinejihyun <3)

You'll see, ma, now comes the better part Someone's gonna make good cross his stupid heart Make good and finally make you Proud of your boy

(everyone else under the cut!)

Jaehee

I Won’t Say I’m In Love - Hercules (when Baehee friend zones you but you just tell yourself she’s pulling a Megara. This is her at all of us fools)

No chance no way I won't say it, no no (Give up, give in, check the grin you're in love) This scene won't play I won't say I'm in love (We'll do it until you admit you're in love) You're way off base I won't say it Get off my case I won't say it

She Used to Be Mine - Waitress (bby works too hard and loses a part of herself. The first lines remind me of how she has to dress/act a certain way in order to work for Jumin...)

It's not simple to say Most days I don't recognize me These shoes and this apron That place and its patrons Have taken more than I gave 'em

Jumin

Something There - Beauty and the Beast (everyone’s shocked to see what love does to Jumin <3)

There's something sweet and almost kind But he was mean and he was coarse and unrefined And now he's dear and so unsure I wonder why I didn't see it there before

Come What May - Moulin Rouge (JUMIN is shocked to see what love does to Jumin <33)

Never knew I could feel like this Like I've never seen the sky before I want to vanish inside your kiss Every day I love you more and more

Listen to my heart Can't you hear it sings Telling me to give you everything

Saeyoung

I’d Give My Life For You - Miss Saigon (you’re telling me this ain’t him @/ Saeran before he left him with V and Rika? lemme just clean up the shards of my broken heart off the floor one second) 

You will be who you want to be You Can choose whatever heaven grants As long as you can have your chance I swear I'll give my life for you

If I Could Tell Her - Dear Evan Hansen (him in every route that isn’t his. And in his as well tbh. Just him all of the time)

But he kept it all inside his head What he saw he left unsaid

If I could tell her Tell her everything I see If I could tell her How she's everything to me

But we're a million worlds apart

And I don't know how I would even start If I could tell her

and a BONUS because apparently I like tears:

With You - Ghost (for the reset theory)

Every place we ever walked and Everywhere we talked, I miss you You never leave my mind So much of you is left behind

Jihyun

Words Fail - Dear Evan Hansen (this whole thing made me said listening back to it with Jihyun in mind. Now you can be sad too :))

I never meant to make it such a mess I never thought that it would go this far So I just stand here sorry Searching for something to say Something to say Words fail, words fail There's nothing I can say

Falling Slowly - Once (okay that’s better cmon MC show him the love he dESERVES DANGIT. To me this screams Jihyun x MC during his route)

You have suffered enough And warred with yourself It's time that you won

Take this sinking boat and point it home We've still got time Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice You've made it now

Saeran

Where Is Love? - Oliver! (this initially made me think of Ray during V’s route when he misses MC ouchouchoUCH but I think it could apply to Saeran before Ray too)

Where is she Who I close my eyes to see? Will I ever know the sweet hello That's meant for only me?

I Dreamed a Dream - Les Miserables (no comment. You know what’s up. The lyrics speak for themselves, he’s just waiting for his brother and losing all hope😭)

And still I dream he'll come to me That we will live the years together But there are dreams that cannot be And there are storms we cannot weather I had a dream my life would be So different from this hell I'm living So different now from what it seemed Now life has killed the dream I dreamed

Rika

(for these you kinda have to view them in a twisted sort of way. I’m not saying the characters who sing these songs are like Rika, I can just imagine Rika singing these lyrics in a different context)

I’m Not That Girl - Wicked (when MC arrives and she realises that, after all she’s done wrong, she’s no longer that girl)

Don't wish, don't start Wishing only wounds the heart I wasn't born for the rose and the pearl There's a girl I know He loves her so I'm not that girl

Good For You - Dear Evan Hansen (and despite realising she’s no longer that girl, she decides to blame everyone but herself...especially Jihyun because, for once, he didn’t choose her)

And you say what you need to say So that you get to walk away It would kill you to have to stay trapped When you've got something new Well I'm sorry I had it rough And I'm sorry I'm not enough Thank God they rescued you

~

I hope you enjoyed hahah, if you have any other songs that you would have chosen for a character do let me know!! so glad I spent my Sunday doing this instead of uni work OOPS

Have a lovely day!!💛

masterlist

#mystic messenger #mysme #zen ryu #mm zen #mysme zen #yoosung kim #mm yoosung #mysme yoosung #jaehee kang #mm jaehee #mysme jaehee #jumin han #mm jumin #mysme jumin #saeyoung choi #luciel choi #mm saeyoung #mysme saeyoung #mm 707 #mysme 707 #saeran choi #mm saeran #mysme saeran #mm ray #mysme ray #jihyun kim #mm jihyun #mysme jihyun #mm v #mysme v

[paigerambles]

A happy belated birthday to my darling Gemma <3

(( four little drabbles based on some of our pairings )) @gemmamakeslists

A Dangerous Affair with Faith and Antonin

The door had closed much too loudly behind him. It mirrored the finality of this moment. Antonin had never pretended and that perhaps was what had made him so uniquely cruel. When he’d chosen her, when he’d decided to ‘see what happened’, he’d been open to feel whatever he might have. After all, the more open you were, the easier you were trusted. The more receptive you were to the little things she did, the more you noticed and became intrigued by. It was a dangerous tightrope he walked but Antonin hadn’t lost sleep about it. After all, he would always finish the job.

He was supposed to finish the job.

His hands never shook, not ever but tonight they betrayed him. If she had suspected, if she had been worried, it didn’t show. Instead, concern flashed across that almost unreadable face. That alone was a punch to the gut. Of course he didn’t exactly look his best. He was about to make the single most impactful decision of his life - his hair had not taken it well. Neither had the dark circles under his eyes, the palpable anxiety he felt causing a trickle of sweat to make its way down his neck.

If he made it quick, it could be a mercy. She was a target now and even if he let her go... It would be a life of looking over her shoulder. Faith may have been tougher than most but she wouldn’t survive, not now. Loneliness was easier to accept, to live with, when you hadn’t tasted the alternative. He knew that all too well now. This was just supposed to be another job. Another name scratched off a list. Another day.

What did it matter if he loved her? What did it matter that his father would kill him himself if he didn’t see this through? What did anything matter when she was looking at him like that, eyes hopeful and trusting and all too familiar with disappointment and pain?

The loaded gun felt impossibly heavy in his hands as he watched the colour slowly drain from her face as that trust started to falter. Surely not...? He couldn’t, he wouldn’t-

“Antonin-,” but he’d made his decision long before she breathed his name. In truth, he had made his decision long before even now. He had been interested every time she spoke, dizzied by her rare laugh and moved by the way she saw the world and all its dark, terrible corners. She’d danced with the devil and never known, until now. He took a step towards her and to her credit, to her grit, she barely flinched and did not move.

The cold touch of the metal ran up his spine as he put the gun away. Of course he put the gun away.

“We have to leave. Tonight. There’s no time to explain-,” his mind was moving faster now, catching up, calming down. This he could do. This he could manage without shaking. “They want you dead. My father, his organization. I won’t let that happen to you, do you understand?” Usually she would argue, questions, rage until she was blue or purple or red in the face. There was an ache in his chest as he saw the tears in her eyes, too stubborn to fall. Convincing her that his feelings were real would take time and maybe she’d never believe him which she was well within her right not to but that didn’t matter now. Now his only thought, his only goal, was to keep her safe.

Antonin stopped moving for long enough to look her in those burning blue eyes. It had to boil down to one thing now and it wasn’t love, it wasn’t longing or truth. It was this: “Do you trust me?”

And perhaps against her every better judgement, in that moment she nodded, gripping tightly onto his outstretched hand.

“Yes.”

A Reckless Serenade with Krystal and Luke

The pub was probably the dullest, stickiest, faintly rancid place in town but it let his band play and paid them in free drinks. So, really, who’s to complain? Luke was usually nervous before a show, anxious right up until he was bouncing around the stage and even then. Tonight he was especially nervous. Tonight, he’d asked the prettiest, coolest, sassiest girl from the record store to come to his show. He’d made some big song and dance about putting his homemade poster up in the store to which she’d said ‘nah, pal’. Luke had just been pleased as punch to chat with her anyway.

The likelihood of her actually showing up tonight... He wasn’t sure what made him more nervous. Would she? Wouldn’t she? He couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was about Krystal Mercury but he thought an awful lot about holding her hand. That was enough to inspire screeds and screeds of poppy poetry, some of it beautiful even. When it came to writing a song, he could say it all. When it came to talking to her? Forget about it.

Now, all he had to do was convince himself that he wouldn’t be perfectly miserable if he didn’t see her tonight. It was a decent crowd, anyway. At least fifteen people. If you counted the bartender (which he always did). It was all peachy.

Except, he really wanted her to be in the crowd.

“Come on, mate.” Luke blinked at his band-mate, as if suddenly remembering the fact that the whole point of tonight was to play a show. Right, here we go. No matter what happ---

For half a beat, he held his breath entirely. After all, it wasn’t terribly well lit in here and he might have been mistaken. Although, wasn’t she quite unmistakable?

Krystal’s hair was down, hanging by the shoulders of her denim jacket with what he thought might have been sewn on patches for a splash of colour. She was here. When he met her eye, he reckoned he caught a smile and time might have slowed down. He’d always been hopeless and maybe even romantic but he never thought he’d get himself quite this tongue tied over someone. Not a very handy thing when you were the lead singer, mind.

Then just like that reality return and he opened his mouth at last, the sound of rip roaring guitar and faster-than-your-racing-heart drum beats filled the air, and his head. Luke felt giddy, elated and it wasn’t just from the adrenaline of playing a show. It wasn’t that at all.

“And truth be told, I’d be terribly content to hold your hand.”

Funny how much effort it took to make it seem like you were very cool and casual around someone you definitely didn’t feel cool or casual around. Luke gave it his best once he’d exited the stage.

“Alright, Songbird.”

“Well, you weren’t shite, then.”

Luke let out a laugh, still clad in his leather jacket despite the stage lights.

“Do you want to see backstage?” Luke took the world’s longest breath, holding out his hand.

“Backstage,” he shot her a grin at that comment. Fair enough, this was hardly the Grammy’s. Still, she took his hand.

A Brighter Day with Olivia and Ian

Ian Morrison had just been some guy on vacation when he noticed her. A totally normal, very stylish and slightly drunk guy on vacation. Olivia Winters had just been some girl working her part-time job and going to classes. Sometimes she remembered to text back her annoying BFF Samson too. She was perfectly normal, happy and a little bit no-nonsense especially when it come to guys on vacation who thought they were stylish.

It was perfect.

The first time Ian noticed her, she was sitting outside of a café with a stack of books and a black coffee. Her bangs threatened to cover her eyes, her brow was furrowed in concentration and she was about to lose one of her papers to a summer’s breeze. Now, being a perfectly normal, perfectly human guy, Ian had to run like a fool to catch it for her. Did he expect to be showered in thanks? No but a compliment on his Hawaiian shirt would have been nice.

Olivia didn’t even give him that.

The next time Ian sees her, she’s wearing dungarees and eating an overly shiny apple. He smells strongly of daytime tequila (it was vacation, after all) and was just on the way to meet his brother for a late lunch. Ian doesn’t have a good excuse this time but damn it all, he goes for it anyway.

“You know, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

“And what exactly would keep you away?”

“Pineapples. They freak me out.”

“There are at least seven pineapples on your shirt right now.”

“It’s a power play, I’m letting them know who’s boss so they don’t smell my fear. I’m playing the long game here. I’m Ian, BTW.”

“Right... Olivia, BTW.” She wasn’t nearly as accustomed to using the acronym out loud, hence the sarcasm.

“Well, I’ll see you around O-L-I-V-I-A,” he grinned, shooting her a wink. She rolled her eyes. She smiled. What a weirdo.

The next time again that Ian sees Olivia, the sun is setting over waves and he’s wearing shorter shorts than you might think appropriate for a Sunday evening. He was just giving the people something to smile about. He has his sunglasses on, sitting under one of those absurdly large beach umbrellas, half-asleep, when she sits herself down without even a ‘hello’. How rude. He didn’t mind.

“Here.” Ian opened his eyes lazily, glancing down at the apple in his palm. A smile tugged at his lips. What a weirdo. “For the doctor,” she added, as if that made sense. Ian let out a laugh. She felt funny but not in a bad way.

“Thank you, O,” he said around a crunch, peaking over at her before nudging his sunglasses down his nose. “So, you planning on sticking around or are you actually a mermaid en route to the sea? Either one is cool with me.”

“Not a mermaid. A sea-witch and if you’re not careful, you won’t leave here with all your fingers and toes still attached.” He was only almost certain it was a joke which only made Ian Morrison grin wider.

“Only one way to find out then.” Olivia stayed beside him long after the sun had set, telling herself it was fine because he was just some boy on vacation with a nice smile and a ridiculously warming laugh.

The last time Ian sees Olivia is when he’s on the bus, feeling a keen hangover as he presses his face against the cool glass. Mark Morrison is putting their luggage under the bus, making sure Ian has plenty of water and crackers for the uneasy ride back home.

Ian doesn’t know why or how he opened his eyes at exact, perfect moment to see her but he did. He was so glad he did. An easy smile came to his face and the same happened for her.

Olivia lifted her hand up in a wave, minimum effort and very meaningful all the same.

Ian pressed his palm to the window, dramatic and very meaningful all the same.

Mark made his way onto the bus, backpack in tow and Ian turned to shoot his best bro a grin and by the time he looked back around, Olivia was gone.

A Little Hope with Autumn and Oliver

There was only one bed in the motel and the bath tub was abysmal. Oliver would have taken the chair- it’s not as if he slept much these days anyway but Autumn had insisted. Well, perhaps that was the wrong word. She said he would be no good to her if he was exhausted and hadn’t he been the one who had dragged her into this mess? That he could not argue with.

Still, he couldn’t sleep.

Oliver wasn’t proud of the weakness, of the cruelty he had inflicted by having Autumn conjure up the soul of his beloved. He couldn’t pretend he didn’t know just how Angel had died, the fire, the explosion... The way that Autumn had to feel that just so he could have a scrap, a false echo of the woman he had loved more than anything in this wretched world. What’s worse is that he needed her to do it again.

Autumn needed the money. She needed to start over so if that meant sticking with Oliver DiLaurentis a little longer then fine. He shouldn’t have lied to her, shouldn’t have left out the part where there was a price on his head. They’d been on the run for weeks now and he had begged her to leave him to perish more than once. Autumn refused, for whatever reason.

Well, it was the money, wasn’t it? Of course it was. They had a deal. Had his father not taught him how to be a good businessman? He couldn’t back out of a deal. That would be dishonorable. How goddamn backwards his family had been. Were. Oliver turned on his side.

He owed Autumn his life, whatever was left of it. He would see this through. He’d protect her the way that he hadn’t been able to protect... To protect Angel. A haggard breath left his lungs as he looked over to her lying beside him. He felt his chest ache. Then-

Autumn turned, turned too far in fact and now she was leaning against his chest. Oliver stopped breathing. He hadn’t felt a moment of peace since the fire. Since he’d... Just, since. He doubted he’d ever feel a moment of peace again but for the briefest of moments, as he let out his breath, he felt the first real glimmer of hope that he might. It was a foolish, frivolous thought but he had it nonetheless.

Her breathing was even, her sleep yet to be interrupted. For reasons entirely beyond him, he gently touched her shoulder and felt the real weight of exhaustion he had been fighting off until now. He was bone tired, desperate for sleep but too scared to close his eyes. Autumn wasn’t though. From what he had seen of her, from what he had seen her do, he thought she was fearless. A survivor. Beautiful, in her own special way. He fought the thought off but still it whispered in the back of his mind- not like her though, not like Angel.

Oliver closed his eyes, a tear falling down his cheek. He didn’t move his hand from her shoulder and she didn’t move her head from his chest.

For the first time, he slept.

#gemmamakeslists #gemma #for you my dear <3

[wildlyminiaturesandwich]

G’day everyone!

Thanks to the EA Game Changers Program, last Sunday SimGurus Jill, Morgan and Geoff hosted a super secret private live stream for those of us in the program who weren’t able to attend EA Play and I am so excited to finally be able to share all the information I learned about Island Living and the upcoming free patch with you guys!

I don’t have any new screenshots or gameplay to show you but I did take pages and pages of notes so I’ve spent the better part of today trying to condense those down and put them in order so that you guys can have a look over them and read about some of the amazing new stuff that’s coming in this pack.

Just be aware that because we weren’t able to take screenshots or record the stream, all I had to refer to while putting this all in a post is my own notes and while I did my best to simultaneously listen carefully, write everything down, fend off my cats, and stop myself falling asleep... I could have easily missed something or some information could be wrong because it was 4am in the morning and my cats get bitey when I don’t pay attention to them lol You should definitely check out some of the other Game Changers posts and videos to see if they have any information I missed too!

SO! All that being said, I’m going to put this all under a cut because it’s long and also because spoilers!

If you have any questions about Island Living, I can’t promise that I’ll know or be allowed to tell you the answer, but my inbox is always open and it never hurts to ask anyway 😊

ENJOY!

New World - Sulani

    🌴 The beautiful tropical Sulani contains 14 lots spread out over 3 island            neighbourhoods:                 - Ohan’Ali is a town/commercial area containing 6 lots.                     Festivals/Events take place every day in town, keep an eye out for                     balloons to find out where                 - Lani St. Taz is an upscale residential area containing 5 lots                 - Mua Pel’Am is a Natural Island containing 3 lots. There is also a                     beautiful (and useful) waterfall and possibly a hidden cave but                     shhh, it’s a secret!

    🌴 All lots are fully editable and can be changed to any lot type you want     🌴 There’s a new Beach venue type     🌴 The weather in Sulani is generally pretty mild, but if you have Seasons            installed you may get the occasional tropical storm

Traits + Aspirations

LOT TRAITS

    🌴 Volcanic activity               - Can be used on any lot               - Causes lava bombs to fall on the lot               - Lava bombs can catch your sim on fire if they touch them too much                   while they’re still hot               - Once cooled lava bombs can be broken open and looted or turned                    into decorative objects

    🌴 Off the Grid               - Free base game trait to be added in an upcoming patch               - Your sims bills will be lower BUT most electronics will not work on lots                   with this trait and you will have limited internet access               - Objects in the buy catalogue will display “Off the Grid Functionality” if                   they can be used on this lot. Eg there is a new sink in Island Living                   that looks like a sort of natural spring water pump, it’s perfect for off                   the grid lots

    🌴 Clothing optional               - Free base game trait to be added in an upcoming patch               - Sims will react differently depending on traits. Eg. Self-assured sims                   will be more willing to strip off than sims with other traits like Childish

ASPIRATION

    🌴 Beach Life               - This sim wants to take it slow and enjoy the beach life

SIM TRAITS

    🌴 Child of the Ocean               - Answer the call of the ocean! Sims with this trait will prefer water                   related activities and feel closer to their denizens of the sea.     🌴 Child of the Island               - These sims experience a spiritual connection to the islands of Sulani.                   Honor the islands by partaking in their culture, summon powerful                   elementals and reap the rewards of their blessings — or the                   consequences of their disfavour.     🌴 Sim trait randomization will also be added to the game in a free           upcoming patch!

Careers

   🌴 Fishing/Diving Career               - Fishing will also be getting a big update (I think in the upcoming free                   patch). There will be new fish to collect, a fish trap, a high skill cast,                   re-tuning and new fishing spots in lots of worlds

   🌴 Lifeguard

   🌴 In an upcoming patch, all teen part-time careers will be made available for          all ages

Gameplay + Activities

MERMAIDS!!!

   🌴 Sims can become mermaids via gameplay or you can make one in CAS           (they are under the occult life states menu)    🌴 There are a ton of new customization options for mermaids in CAS,           including eyes, tail shapes and textures, teeth, tops that match the tails.    🌴 Instead of a hygiene bar, mermaids have a hydration bar that will slowly           drop the longer they are out of water    🌴 Mermaids who spend too long out of water might get a cramp, or a           sudden chill, or get very tired if their hydration becomes too low    🌴 You can raise their hydration by having them drink a glass of water, take a           shower, go out in the rain, splash about under a waterfall, or have a bath    🌴 If your mermaid decides to have a bath (even a bubble bath) their tail will           reappear and hang over the side of the tub!    🌴 There was no mention of whether or not mermaids tails reappear when           they’re in a pool but I would assume so?    🌴 Mermaids can give birth to Merbabies!    🌴 While Merbabies can be born, Merchildren won’t manifest into their tales           and power until they’re teens    🌴 Mermaids have some pretty cool powers               - Siren Lullaby - Sing one of the four different siren songs to a                   human sim to provide them with a moodlet… for good or bad is up                   to you               - Summon Ocean Threat - Will drag a sim underwater and drain the                   needs of a human sim to a dangerously low level. If done on a sim                   with already low needs, this may lead to death               - If you have Seasons installed, your mermaid can summon a                   thunderstorm               - There are more but they didn’t have time to show us them all

   🌴 Using powers will drain your mermaids hydration quicker    🌴 Mermaids have their own cool little plumbob, similar to aliens and           vampires    🌴 If you’re sick of being a Mermaid (we can’t be friends anymore), you can          find some special kelp to help you with that

OCEAN SWIMMING

   🌴 Sims can now swim in the ocean!    🌴 Ocean swimming is only possible in Sulani, not other worlds BUT the           Gurus did say that extending ocean swimming to the rest of the worlds is           not off the table just yet and may come at a later date. They just really           wanted to nail it for Island Living before even thinking about making it           possible in other worlds.    🌴 Toddlers can’t swim (obviously) but there are little shallow areas of the           ocean they can sit in and splash around    🌴 If you have Cats & Dogs installed your pets will also be able to swim in the           ocean    🌴 Sims will receive moodlets depending on what’s happening while they           swim. Eg. If they see a shark, or a beautiful sunset    🌴 Sometimes while your sims are in the ocean, they might think they see a           shark… they might be right, they might not. Either way, I wouldn’t stick           around to find out!

SNORKELING + SCUBA DIVING

   🌴 Sims can snorkel around Sulani’s reefs and shallows    🌴 Snorkeling is fully animated    🌴 Sims can also scuba dive by clicking on a buoy and paying the fee for           scuba gear    🌴 Scuba diving is a rabbit hole activity, there a no animations    🌴 Sims can take photos underwater whilst snorkeling and diving and keep           them as souvenirs    🌴 There may be treasures and a secret area to be found whilst diving as           well but don’t quote me on that, I was distracted by my cat jumping on           my keyboard at the time lol

DOLPHINS

   🌴 Your sims can now befriend a dolphin!    🌴 Dolphins can be found playing around buoys (possibly only twice a day?)    🌴 Sims can work on friendship with dolphins by feeding them fish, playing           with them, and teaching them tricks.    🌴 They can even be renamed so you know exactly which dolphin is your           friend

BOATS

   🌴 Outrigger Canoe               - Sims can fish off the edge of them, nap in them, and they are able to                   be dragged into your sims inventory

   🌴 Aqua zip (jet ski)               - Sims can do tricks on the Aqua Zip. The higher your sims fitness skill,                   the better tricks they can do. Aqua Zips can also be dragged into                   your sims inventory

LOUNGERS + BEACH TOWELS

   🌴 Your sims can now relax and sunbathe on the beach (or at home) in           lounge chairs and on beach towels    🌴 One lounge chair will also be available for free in an upcoming base game           update    🌴 Floating loungers are also coming with Island Living. They have similar           interaction to regular lounge chairs but  sims can also sunbathe nude on           floating loungers and can be splashed by other sims in the water. They           can also be used in pools!    🌴 All loungers, floating and non, and towels are able to be dragged into           your sims inventory and taken with them

TANNING + SUNBURN

   🌴 Tanning and sunburns are exclusive to Island Living    🌴 You can “opt-in” to have your sim tan or sunburn using a float lounger,           lounge chair or beach towel    🌴 Tans and sunburns will take into account what your sim is wearing at the           time    🌴 Mischievous sims can also “sabotage” sims who fall asleep in the sun with           some strategically placed lotion. These “sabotaged” sunburn patterns           are completely random and there may be some funny little easter eggs in           there

VOLCANOES + WATERFALLS

   🌴 The natural island of Mua Pel’Am is home to an active volcano and your           most adventurous sims can even live right next to it if they want    🌴 There is also a gorgeous waterfall on the natural island of Mua Pel’Am           that is not only very romantic (wink wink), but also can be used as a           shower by sims living off the grid

CONSERVATION

   🌴 Your sims will be able to clean up the beaches of Sulani, which will impact           the rest of the islands    🌴 At max level conservation the scenery of the islands change to be more           beautiful, more wildlife (butterflies, turtles etc) will show up, and you           might even see some bio-luminescent algae floating around in the ocean    🌴 There was mention of a special turtle hatching event but I’m not sure if it           has to do with the conservation level or not

HARVESTABLES + COLLECTABLES

   🌴 Coconut    🌴 Pineapple    🌴 Taro    🌴 Kava    🌴 Several new fish

DEATHS

   🌴 Lava bombs are hot    🌴 Look out for sharks    🌴 Mermaids are beautiful but accidents happen

WOOHOO

   🌴 I hear the waterfall over on Mua Pel’Am is a very romantic spot…

FANS

   🌴 Coming soon with a free update, ceiling fans will now not only be able to           be switched on and off, but they will also cool things down on hot days           and dry off wet sims

Create-A-Sim

I think most of what’s in CAS was covered in the trailer and during the announcement from EA Play, and we really didn’t get much of a look at it during the private stream, but from what I did see there’s a lot of amazing stuff!

The only thing I can say for sure is that as per usual, the male options are lacking and a little lackluster compared to the female options. I also don’t think there’s much in the way of clothes and hairs for kids and toddlers either 😟

Build/Buy

There is TONS of beautiful new Polynesian and Pacific Island inspired build/buy stuff, some of which I’ve already listed above, so I can’t list them all but here’s a few that don’t really fit into any other category but were specifically mentioned by the Gurus during the stream or just plain caught my eye

   🌴 A beautiful new island-themed wedding arch made with palm leaves and           tropical flowers and urgh! Just trust me, it’s beautiful!    🌴 Sandcastles!    🌴 A grill pit, that gets covered with palm leaves while it’s cooking    🌴 So many new island plants (hopefully they’re in debug 🤞)    🌴 A new island speaker (for community lots I assume) with all new Island           Living music    🌴 Glass floors! They’re not actual flooring like carpets and tiles though,           they’re more like the Get Together dance floors where you just place           them on the floor and you can see through them.    🌴 Stilted foundations! FINALLY!! They can be placed on any lot, not just           ocean lots!    🌴 There was a ladder shown in the trailers that I know many people were           very excited about, however it acts more like a diving board than an           actual ladder you can use between house floors. If you place it on the           edge of a deck, your sims will jump off the deck straight into the water.           But that doesn’t stop you from pretending it’s an actual ladder 😉    🌴 This isn’t an object but I didn’t know where else to put it - Pools can’t be           built on the ground floor of lots built on the ocean. I didn’t catch why but           I’m assuming it would interfere too much with the ocean itself. I also           assume they can be built on any floors above the ground floor though.

Animations

This is probably not that interesting to a lot of people but I’m fascinated by a lot of the animations that are created for this game and with this pack it’s really clear the team put a lot of effort into even just the smallest of animations so I wanted to point out some of my favourites that I saw in the stream

   🌴 There is a new walk style/animation for when your sims are           entering/exiting the ocean. Just like real life they will slow down and kind           of struggle to move through the shallow water until they’re deep enough           to swim or walk up onto the sand    🌴 There are different swim styles if your sim needs to get somewhere faster           (similar to jogging instead of walking) that also use less energy than the           standard speed    🌴 There is a bunch of cool new animations added for when sims are           multitasking swimming with other things, like talking, flirting, and even           kissing in the ocean!    🌴 The mermaid tail animations in general are so smooth and organic, it’s           beautiful! Whether they’re swimming in the ocean, jumping in and out of           water, or just lounging in a bath tub; the team really outdid themselves           with the animations for the tails!    🌴 Speaking of mermaids, there’s an option whilst swimming to “Mermaid           Kiss”! I don’t know if it’s available for human sims but it looks very cute           and sweet when performed by two mermaids!    🌴 Not only do the floating loungers float, but they also drift! They slowly           move around and drift back and forth with the waves just like a real           floating lounger would!

#TS4 #The Sims 4 #The Sims 4 Island Living #EA Game Changers

[ducktracy]

96. mr. and mrs. is the name (1935)

release date: january 19th, 1935

series: merrie melodies

director: friz freleng

starring: jack carr (buddy), bernice hansen (cookie)

first cartoon of the new year, and what a year it will be! this is a funny coincidence, a few reviews ago i mentioned how bosko nor buddy were never featured in any merrie melodies, always looney tunes. well, now i’m eating my words. buddy AND cookie star in this (cookie under another redesign, since i’m watching these in order i can’t attest to whether it’s permanent or a one time thing) as playful mermaids.

exposed breasts? nudity! how horrific! i am terrified and appalled! goes to show my maturity pointing out the breasts first thing, huh? nah, the cartoon opens with a nice shot of rolling waves crashing against some rocks. i love the two-strip technicolor look, i think it’s extremely charming and adds a nice palette. especially with complimentary colors such as red and green! it’s hard to pull that off to make it look good—believe me, i painted 100 squares full of all hues and tints of red and green. i never wanted to see those colors again. the pink reflections and sea foam add a nice contrast with the white reflections and green water. elsewhere, three mermaids sing “mr. and mrs. with the name” with substitute lyrics, a hula mermaid dancing along to the music and a sawfish playing its nose/saw with a mallet.

a dance break as some clams underwater serve as castanets, accompanying the dancing lobster from how do i know it’s sunday. he makes a lot of reappearances, be warned! the magic of the lobster scene is lost for me since i practically just saw it a few days ago, but that’s MY problem, not theirs. and who in 1935 would have noticed anyway? it’s still a good scene, the animation nice and added colors freshening up the monotony.

meanwhile, a group of mermaid children are dancing and playing about, including two familiar mermaids: buddy and cookie. the thing is, they don’t refer to each other by names, and could very well be different characters. however, the boy is the spitting image of buddy, and cookie looks similar to her brief jack king redesign. not to mention, their voices are the same as always. it’s a safe bet to assume it’s them. plus, it makes my life easier instead of just typing “the boy” and “the girl”.

buddy and cookie are engaging in a game of tag, some nice animation as they swim towards the foreground and then the background. buddy tags cookie by smacking her in the butt and laughing at her abrasion. she doesn’t find it too funny, and lets buddy know by smacking him hard. very funny and amusing to watch cookie stalk away on her mermaid fins, her cheeks puffed out in defiance and fists clenched. such attitude! i love to see it!

downtrodden, buddy sighs and mopes around, banging his head against a ship in the midst of his oblivious wandering. delighted at his find, he eagerly swims back to cookie (occasionally jogging on his fins, a nice touch) and drags her along to show off. cookie is initially reluctant, but her own inquisitive nature prevails as she and buddy stick their heads inside a hole.

wide, spacious, and mysterious: the perfect place for curious kids to investigate. almost immediately, they come across a chest spilling over with treasures. cookie rifles through the coins, and a lobster gets stuck on her finger. the perils of greed! she shakes it off and continues her search, fancying herself a big necklace.

buddy has other priorities, rifling through a clothes trunk. he sports a bowler hat, a cane, and a mini mustache, the spitting image of charlie chaplin as a mermaid. buddy doing the charlie chaplin walk on his fins is highly amusing, even though it runs a little long.

cookie on the other hand continues to bling herself up in jewels, sauntering over to a piano and posing. an imitation of greta garbo, maybe? she plays the piano, but to no avail. the hammers have no strings to hit. the strings are dislodged and hide behind the piano—cookie fixes it right up and launches into a rendition of “mr. and mrs. is the name”, accompanied by a harpo marx lobster. friz works his musical timing as two jolly roger skulls from a pair of pirate hats dance along to the music, timing absolutely spot on. the song ends as a fish swims out of cookie’s mouth on the final note.

always have to have mischief of some sort. a rather menacing octopus meanders about, overhearing the jaunty piano music. it swims inside the ship, and we hear a scream. sure enough, the octopus emerges with cookie in its clutches. buddy overhears the commercial and swims out of his chaplin wear—which is a shame. that’d make for an interesting fight scene with the garb on! the octopus exerts all the effort it can to swim away faster, buddy trailing close behind as he fashions a motor to his back.

after an extended scene of more racing and cookie beating the octopus over the head with a fishbone, buddy catches up to the octopus and the fight ensues. great sound synchronization as the octopus swims around, smacking buddy over and over again. the animation is very fast and frenetic, what i like to see. can’t go wrong with an orlando martin trombone gobble (or 3) as the octopus imprisons buddy under its tentacles, rising up and smacking buddy with its body over and over again.

buddy retaliates by poking it with a stick, swimming away into a pipe, octopus following. he ties the tentacles to various holes in the outside rim of the pipe, effectively keeping the beast at bay. for good measure, buddy swings a log at the stuck octopus, shooting him out the other side and right back in again. very creative and amusing! cookie comes from out of the shadows and gives buddy a peck on the cheek for his bravery. he flushes all shades and tints of red, so preoccupied with his bashfulness that he gets conked on the head by the log he had been swinging. an equal and opposite reaction for every reaction, bucko! cookie catches him and we iris out.

a very cute cartoon indeed, but not much else beyond that. the colors were nice and buddy and cookie, albeit dull, were likable enough. buddy’s chaplin imitation was definitely a plus, as was friz’s knack for musical timing, demonstrated especially with the skulls dancing. some scenes ran a bit long, but nothing to make me say “this is dreadfully boring”. an average cartoon, but average used in a relatively positive connotation. maybe worth the watch.

link!

#lt #mr and mrs is the name #reviews #long post

[nancydrew65]

SKAM NL Season 2 Episode 3 Thoughts

This episode really hit me hard. There were a lot of things in it that I didn’t expect. Also two seven minute clips!

You’re Such a Cliche

I feel like every episode I get a little reminder of how much I love SKAM NL. They used a song by Aurora! For those who don’t know, Aurora is a young Norwegian singer. She is fantastic and such a beautiful performer. You should really check out some of her live videos. If you couldn’t tell, she is my favorite artist, and I am so happy whenever a SKAM remake includes one of her songs. I literally jumped out of my seat when I first heard one of her songs in SKAM Season 3 Episode 10. (Yes, I really memorized the episode her song appears in). Also, cool to use the song “Churchyard” as the date ends up being in a church.

I love how Liv is just in a T-shirt and sweats, like she is not putting any effort into this date at all.

Ralph and Esra are the dynamic duo I never knew I needed in my life. I love their chemistry and how they play off of each other. Lol, at them trying to join Liv when she says she is going to the movies.

Liv and Ralph fight over who answers the door, and Liv literally shoves Ralph into a table. It is glorious.

Liv takes Ralph’s jacket out of spite. They really are like siblings.

Noah doesn’t take Liv to a place with a pretty city view. THANK GOD! I mentioned before, I didn’t think that would work because Liv’s apartment already has a great view, so I am so happy they changed it. Instead Noah takes Liv to a beautiful, old, abandoned church.

Noah approaches Liv with his flashlight, accidentally shining it in her eyes and she responds by holding her phone’s light directly in front of his eyes. She can be so petty and I love it.

Noah’s “Echo” was so cute. He is really growing on me.

Noah challenges Liv on her definition of cliche. I think that was actually very interesting because the character of William really was the definition of a cliche, and for Noah to spin that as something “true” was cool.

Liv asks him if he thinks she is a cliche, which I thought was kind of weird. I have never thought that any of the Noora’s were written to be interpreted as a cliche.

Noah lists what he thinks Liv is like, which of course, as we know, is what Liv is like. I guess it’s supposed to be a moment of “Aha! He understands her”, but like, when has Noah ever had time to figure all this stuff out?

Liv asks if he trusts her, and Noah responds: “I don’t know you.” Wow. I honestly think that is one of my favorite lines that a William has ever stated. Most of the Williams have a very arrogant attitude and pretend they completely understand Noora. There is a kind of humility in Noah’s line. He acknowledges that he doesn’t know her fully. I thought that was rather beautiful.

And just as Liv starts to open up, Noah receives the phone call. LMAO at that ringtone. I laughed so hard when I heard the frogs.

There is a nice, long moment where Liv is left alone in the church, waiting for Noah and you can see the moment where she decides to leave.

I know a lot of people were speculating beforehand what the phone call was about and I am very happy to state that at the very least, the entire fandom was on the same page about it being impossible for Noah to get in a fight.

Have You Heard it Already?

Janna and Isa have been hanging out a lot this season and I love it.

By the way, I love Liv’s shirt. Fits her character.

Kes looks like such a nerd in this scene. I don’t know if that was intentional, or… ?

Engel always wants to protect people, but she goes about it in such a clueless way.

Isa is in denial that Kes went down on a girl. It doesn’t have the same impact as the OG scene though because in the cabin episode it was pretty obvious that Kes was about to go down on Isa.

I’m slightly disappointed we didn’t get Kes’ walk of fame because I think he was one of the Jonas’ that could have actually pulled it off. (Unlike Marlon from SKAM Austin, cough, cough).

But in its place, we get the slo-mo of the senior girls which more than made up for it. And damn, all those girls were gorgeous.

Janna finally puts her foot down about Engel talking about that “weird-ass artist”. Not gonna lie, it’s my new favorite description of Noah.

And then the bomb dropped. Apparently, a lot of people guessed what happened, but I was not one of them. Noah’s mother just died. As in probably on Sunday night when he was on the date with Liv. That is such a drastic change from OG, and I hope to god, they follow through on it. Like really change the storyline to accommodate for that massive change. This really changes the whole dynamic of the season because Noah will be dealing with this horrible loss. I am very interested and intrigued to see where this goes.

We can see the knowledge hit Liv as she realizes that was probably the phone call Noah got on their date. I love how kind and caring she is; she immediately texts him to apologize and see how he is doing.

A lot of people were commenting on this scene and saying, “Oh, well finally Liv feels bad.” And I was like, yeah, I would feel bad too if that happened, but Liv had no way of knowing what happened to Noah and she had every right to leave that date.

Indeed, I Think You are More of a Tiger

Esra and Ralph crashing the girls’ nail outing which is just like them.

Also, I know I say this a lot, but the aesthetics of SKAM NL are so great. The pink in this scene really stands out.

I have to say, I think the girls are being rather unfair to Engel. She basically organized the whole benefit herself. She deserves some credit and respect for that.

Liv checks her phone to see if Noah has replied. He has not.

She also pretends to have a sore throat in order to get out of singing. I think she is feeling low after she got rejected by the record studio.

I love the little banter between Engel and Janna. I wish we got more of those moments because Janna and Engel have been friends for quite some time.

Isa asks Liv what she is doing when she keeps looking at her phone, and Ralph pops his head out of his private room and asks if Liv is checking her phone again. Ralph knows what’s up.

Tallinn, Here We Come

Engel is dressed up like a traditional Estonian dancer. She looks so cute.

Wow, there is basically no one there. Ah, but we see Jayden, Kes, and Lucas, so they came to support their friends. That’s actually pretty nice of them.

Esra and Ralph come storming in, soaked to the bone from their bike ride. Engel quickly shushes them before continuing with her speech.

Everyone is bored out of their minds, watching the Estonian dancers. Everyone, that is, except Janna and Engel. My loves.

Isa finally pulls Liv aside and confronts her about her weird behavior. At first, I thought Liv would tell her all about Noah, but instead she confides about the record deal. I actually liked this because it showed what was really important to her: her music.

Isa, correctly, tells Liv that just because she got rejected by the label, it doesn’t mean she can’t sing.

Isa tries to push Liv further because she knows the record deal isn’t all that’s bothering Liv, but then Engel basically forces Liv to sing.

Oooh, and we get a moment where Isa sees Kes making out with another girl.

Liv starts singing, beautifully as always. Everyone joins in and it’s quite the uplifting scene.

Later in the evening, Ralph graces us with a stunning rendition of “Part of Your World” from ‘The Little Mermaid’. I didn’t know he could sing that well! That falsetto, though.

Liv finally gets a text from Noah. It says: “OK, no problem”. How curt. But I don’t really blame him; he has to be dealing with so much right now.

Esra turns on a song and she, Janna, and Ralph start dancing in a ridiculous, let lovable fashion. I love these three.

General Thoughts

What an episode! This week was a wild, emotional ride. Tbh, I never know when to upload these reactions because I never know when an episode ends, and a new one begins. That is really my only complaint about SKAM NL. Besides that, I really loved this episode. I know a lot of people were hoping for Noah to appear again at the end of the episode at the benefit or for Liv to go find him at the church. But personally, I enjoyed not seeing him. I think it really builds up that tension and also… it’s realistic? I mean, Noah’s mother just died (she was probably sick for a while, but I know from personal experience, even if you know it’s coming, it is still awful). Also, I want this season to focus more on Liv as a person. Don’t get me wrong, I actually really like Noah, but Liv’s season is supposed to be about Liv. I think a lot of remakes don’t really understand that and like to hype up the Noorhelm aspect of the season. I think the best remake that handled a Noora season as her own while still portraying a (reasonably) healthy relationship with a William was DRUCK. I hope SKAM NL follows in its footsteps, and so far, it really has. So, cheers to the next episode. I honestly have no idea what is going to happen!

#skamnl #skam remakes #skam reaction #shit. this was an emotional episode #and it's only episode 3 #what is going to happen next?

[trueloveisrarelyafairytale]

“Mad Sea” By: K. Webster - Book Review

Oh my gosh this book was ADORABLE. I absolutely loved it. I’m usually not a huge fan of short stories and novellas, but my obsession with mermaids and being a K. Webster fangirl trumps that hang up. Not to mention, the cover is just too cute. With shorter stories I’m usually left feeling a little cheated and this wasn’t like that. While I definitely wish it could have been longer with the details more expanded upon, I adored the ending and was felt as though I read a complete story. And what a sweet and fun story it was.

Madden Finn is a big, rough and tough president of a biker gang who sneaks off every Sunday to get a pink froyo and see Hali, a girl that works there that he’s infatuated with. He doesn’t ever really talk to her and he’s sure that she doesn’t even know he exists. On one of his visits, a nosy patron points out that he should just ask her out and he’s a little mortified. It gives Hali a nudge though, because as he’s leaving she meets him outside.

“All you have to do is ask, you know. I won’t bite,” a sweet voice says with a chuckle from behind me as I straddle my machine. “Well, I won’t bite that hard.”

               I snap my head to the vision gracefully making her way over to me. “Ask what?” I grunt.  

               Unafraid of my gruff exterior, she sashays right up to me and invades my personal space. I’m about three seconds from hauling her onto this bike with me and taking her home.

               “Ask in the next five seconds, and the answer will be yes. Ask me after, and it will be no.”

               With her out of the yuppie froyo shop, I’m a little more in my element. I flash her a smug grin. “Will you marry me?”

               Her green eyes widen with surprise, and she giggles. “Oooh, you’re a sly one, Madden Finn. Here I thought you were shy but no, you knew exactly what you were doing!”

               I can’t help but laugh with her—it’s infectious and I want to be tainted by her. “We’ll deal with that answer later. Can I take you to dinner one night?”

               “I suppose so,” she says, “a girl has to eat.” She hands me a green napkin with her phone number written in pretty flourish across the front. “Text me and let me know when.”

               With a wave, she turns and starts away from me, but I’m quick and snatch her wrist. It’s tiny in my massive hand and I easily bring her toward me. I don’t say anything but press a soft kiss to her palm that smells like dessert toppings.

               “I’ve been waiting twelve Sundays to do that.”

That first encounter had me grinning so big. When we see into Hali’s life, she clearly has some secrets. She ran from a controlling father and a when she came here she met her roommate Steffan who has a weird stalkery obsession with her. Over time, her and Madden see each other more and more and her roommate loses it one night. She calls Madden to come over and he takes her back to his place. Madden has always kept his life in compartments and separated, but it’s getting harder to do that with Hali. He wants to leave this town and start over with her somewhere. First though, he wants to tell her something. He doesn’t want there to be any secrets. This makes her nervous because she knows he will be expecting her reveal secrets of her own.

His arms wrap around me and he tugs me to him. Our lips connect for a hurried, hungry kiss before he pushes away just a little. Water rivulets run down his temples, his dark hair hangs down past his brows, and his lips are pulled into a frown. Whatever it is that’s upsetting him is upsetting me too. I’m on the verge of tears.

               “So you know I’m adopted right?”

               Chewing on my bottom lip I nod.

               I don’t know where I came from or anything. My adopted mother says there isn’t much to know, just that she took care of me. Truth is, I don’t think she legally adopted me. You see…”

               “Yes?”

               He kisses me once more, as if I might disappear simply from him thinking about what it is he wants to tell me. Surely, it can’t be that bad can it?

               “I don’t think I’m human.”

I just had such a fun time reading this adorable little book. It was a perfect little fairy tale with the sweetest happily ever after. I usually go for dark and disturbing books, but this really pulled out the romantic lover of fantasy out of me. Fantasy used to be all I read before I got sucked into dark romance and I have to say, the erotic factor in this book was so different and fun. I really enjoyed that part. If you want a short, unique, naughty little fairy tale that’s so sweet it’ll make your teeth hurt, you will adore this just as much as I did. I would recommend this to all romance readers and that very rarely happens.  Five stars for sure on this one.

“Little cherub of the sea, come play with me.

Come and play with me, dearest cherub of the sea.

Please come play with me,

In the mad, mad sea.”

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Stars: 5

Heat Detail: 3- Explicit

Book Link : Mad Sea on Amazon

#madesea #kwebster #fivestars #mermaids #bookreview #fantasy #romance

[story-the-world]

Copenhagen

Of all the cities I write about… Copenhagen is my favorite. I know I say that in a lot of posts, but Copenhagen is truly my favorite city to visit. There is no crime, everyone is beautiful, and everyone is happy and welcoming of visitors. Denmark is consistently rated the happiest country in the world and after a visit to Copenhagen, you will see why.

Must do:

1. Rent a bike (or Scooter) and hit the main tourist attractions around the city

Copenhagen is a relatively small city, and most of the ‘tourist’ attractions are accessible by bike or scooter. I have done both (and actually find the scooter a bit more fun!). The city has as many bikes as Amsterdam and everywhere you go will have a bike lane. None of the attractions are spectacular on their own, but it makes for a good day/afternoon to knock them all off – and get a bit of exercise! Nyhavn is the Instagram harbor. If its nice, sitting on one of the patios and getting a beer can be a treat. Wouldn’t recommend eating there as its mostly touristy/overpriced food. The area around there is filled with shopping and is pretty westernized (think H&M, Urban…) but the streets are small and you never know what church or statue will be around the corner. Den Lille Havfrue (little mermaid) is probably second most famous attraction. To be honest, its super small and always crowded. I actually liked going a bit further north past Langelinie (fake statue that makes fun of the little mermaid) and up to Molepavillonen for drinks at the end of the pier. Kastellet is on an island and a nice little park/building to walk around. Check the local paper for concerts– when I was there, they had a band playing.

That is a lot – so I should maybe split this into 2 different items… but the other must-do while you have your bike is go to Christiana and REFFEN (Copenhagen Street Food). Christiana is the ‘free town.’ Basically, in the 70’s a bunch of hippies took over this old military base and created a shanty town. Its original purpose was a utopian society where there was no need for government or rules (people govern themselves). Obviously, this got out of hand, but the town still lives on – and has cool art, food, and music. There are also still the street dealers selling various drug contraband. Certain bike share/scooter shares aren’t allowed, so be careful as to not get stuck. It’s a cool place to grab a beer and walk around. I heard of people doing tours, but I don’t think that is necessary. REFFEN is like Smorgasburg, but 100 times better. There is better food, better drinks, and better places to sit. I would advise going on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to get the full experience as it will be packed. Sunset is really pretty from there.

2. Pack a picnic (or buy food) and spend the afternoon in Assistens Kirkegard

It sounds strange to bring a picnic to a cemetery, but it is one of the better (and less touristy) things I did while there. I met a few locals on a Saturday, and they were going to the cemetery to hang out on Sunday afternoon and invited me. It is beautiful, well kept, and there is plenty of space to relax, read, and enjoy others company.

 3. Get brunch in Vesterbro and drinks in Norrebro

I would avoid going out in Stroget (where the shopping is) – near the city center. This is a pretty touristy area and the bars/restaurants aren’t that good in my opinion. Its much better to hang out in Vesterbro and Norrebro. I say brunch in one and drinks in the other, but they are pretty interchangeable. Both have cool coffee shops/brunch places, and lots of nightlife. Some places I liked in Vesterbro were: Bowl Market – healthy place that has smoothies and bowls – think like quick breakfast, healthy, granola bowls.  Restaurant Hyggestund – CHICKEN AND WAFFLES. Duck and Clover – basement cocktail bar. Simpelt V – dive bar with a good juke box.. and you can still smoke cigs in there.

In Norrebro – Café Bla – or really anything on Blagardsgade. It is a cool street that cars are not allowed. Lots of bars and cafes. Social – another good coffee shop and looks out over the cannel. Blagards pharmacy – cool beer bar. I went to a handful of other places but honestly the people are so nice that if you go into any bar/restaurant and talk to the patrons or people that work there they can steer you in the right direction.

One other thing – make sure to go to a bakery. It is Denmark… I went to Hart – which was really good, but I’m sure others are great as well. Just walk by and smell – and you will get pulled in.

Can Skip

Botanic Gardens, Tivoli, National Museum/paying to go inside castles

The Botanic Gardens are nice – and free, but I preferred the cemetery in terms of an afternoon in the park. It’s not a bad place to walk around, just not my favorite. You have to pay to go into the butterfly house. Tivoli is like their version of Coney Island. It is an old school amusement park. I found it to be crowded and expensive. The rides were that of a local carnival. It might be cool if you are into nostalgia – but it wasn’t for me. Like all my other posts, I don’t like paying to go inside museums or castles. It’s cool to look from the outside at the architecture and learn the history… but I don’t like spending my days inside.

 Other

- Two other activities that are worth doing if you have the time/energy are: Run around the Soerne. This is the canal just to the west of the city center. It is a great path that is about a 3 mile loop. Train to Malmo: Malmo is just across the water in Sweeden (about a 1 hour train ride). There isn’t a ton to do here, but there are some nice parks along the water, and a few cool restaurants and bars. There is also a hotel that has a sauna and lets you swim in the sea – but I did not go here. It is worth a day trip if you have extra time to walk around and explore.

-Take the train from the airport. It is super easy and convenient. Even if you have a lot of luggage, trains come every 5 minutes and are clean and spacious. They take you right to the city center and you can either walk, or jump on the subway from there. It will be faster – and cheaper than an Uber.

-Don’t worry about the language barrier – almost everyone I met spoke really good English, and most restaurants/bars/signs are all in English. Talk to people! They are really friendly!

#copenhagen #storytheworld #travel #travelblogger #favoritecity

[hesitanthero]

i guess ill post this then.....

1. Favourite colour: Green. But not like a shitty green. 2. Number of people you’ve slept with: 3.5 3. Cake or ice cream? cake 4. If you were a superhero what would your power be? Sarcasm. or something equally as useless. like being indecisive.  5. Ever been in a fist fight? with my brother.  and this one time i accidentally hit this girl in the head with my elbow..  6. Do you live in the country or the city? city. 7. Biggest kink? uhhhhhhhh 8. Favourite video-game? mario kart 64 9. Words you live by? “fuck bitchez; get money.”  jk. “I am the architect of my own destruction”  10. Best book you’ve ever read? Ender’s Game or Speaker for the Dead 11. Favourite film? i… can’t.. choose just one…. Fox&Hound, Blade Runner, Fight Club and probably like 12 more 12. Horror or romance? Horror 13. Biggest fear? Clowns. Or Indoor Spiders.  14. Best memory? I have a bunch. But driving up to my cottage with my dad is always a good time. Listening to all the music he hates and me terribly singing it all to him.  15. Worst memory? Aside from the obvious shitty things.. probably when Angela friend broke up with my on my birthday. OR when Andy wouldn’t let me come over to his backyard to play when I was 5 and i just cried at our backyard border line while him and his brothers sang “No Girls Allowed” . fuckin. rude.  16. Where are you from? not here nor there. 17. Ever done anal? mhm 18. Would you prefer to be Mary Berry’s grandchild or Paul Hollywood’s bitch? …..Pardon? 19. Favourite outfit? Black on Black on Black on Black. 20. Snapchat or Instagram? Instagram 21. If you could freeze time what would you do? probably pants a lot of people. But freezing time seems like a pretty lonely power.  22. Best LUSH product in your opinion? probably some sort of soap. 23. Should people wear red shirts or brown pants in your presence? red shirts i guess? wtf is this. 24. Favourite television character? Robin Scherbatsky. Spinelli. Octavia Blake. 25. Do you have a nemesis? not really 26. Are you a hard-worker? depends what im doing i guess 27. What’s the best holiday you’ve ever been on? Paris was dope AF. 28. What’s your dream? probably something weird that doesn’t make sense like the rest of my dreams. ;)  29. Where do you see your life ending up? dead. 30. Describe your last sexual encounter.  uhhh…. no sleep. pretty great. only 1 new bruise. she cute. 31. Cake by the ocean or sex on the beach? cake. 32. Ever done drugs? NEVER 33. Harry Potter or Lord Of The Rings? LOTR 34. Are you a jock or a nerd? probably somewhere in the middle. 35. On a scale of 8 to 34.7, how gay are you? 18.6498475.  36. Do you live for Tumblr discourse or hate it? meh. 37. Favourite trashy television show? most things i watch.. the 100, Wynnona Earp, The OC, Shot at Love with Tila Tequila…  38. Last time you watched porn? does scrolling through tumblr count because like.. an hour ago..  39. Do you have a recurring sexual fantasy? not really 40. Weirdest dream you ever had? HA. They’re all weird. But this one time when i was really little I had a dream that my house was being attacked by acid monsters/ aliens and everything they touched melted. and one by one they melted all my family members until I was the only one left and i had a sword and then i woke up before i got melted.  41. Ever had mental health issues? plenty.  42. What’s the answer to the question you wish someone would ask you? 42 43. Do you wish people paid more attention to you? god no. 44. Do you have anyone who you’d happily slap right across their chops? yes. 45. Dog person or cat person? both 46. Sneakers or heels? Sneaks. 47. Favourite cocktail?  Negroni 48. Day or night? night 49. Pokémon or Digimon? DONT MAKE ME CHOOSE!!!! 50. How big is your dick? like. 8/10 on rotten tomatoes. 51. Favourite musical? Rocky Horror  52. Favourite song?  sunday candy atm.  53. Are you secretly a goblin/alien/android? android probably.  54. Why are you like this?  because my mom ruined my life when i was a dramatic teen. 55. What’s your guilty pleasure?  Shitty TV shows with terrible acting and scripts.  56. What would you say if I said ‘I love you’? i love you toooooooo 57. What’s the story behind your URL? i got bored of like 4 other ones. and i liked the alliteration.  58. Tell me something that worries you. Global Politics. and not being able to live comfortably because of the few opportunities for millennials with the rising costs of literally everything except my wage.  59. What have you been worrying about today? literally nothing. 60. I’m only sending you these questions because I have a crush on you and I’m too tragic to actually just say it.  ;) 61. Hot dogs or burgers? burgers 62. Nintendo or the other trash-consoles? N64 specifically..  63. Which fandom ruined a show that you used to like? Arrow. 64. What do you wish you could tell your best friend? u r a butt.  65. Tell us a deep dark secret.  who is us?  i dont have anymore deep dark secrets.  66. Are you curious about having a man in leather spank your botty ‘til it’s all red? no. no i am not.  67. Favourite Tumblr couple? what does this mean 68. Do you have any dietary quirks? probably. i don’t like dessert.. 69. Do you want to have someone pleasure your genitals orally while you do the same to theirs? k. 70. How old are you? 26 71. Which Buzzfeed listicle sums up your existence?   “Sorry” 72. Do you have any pets?  YES 73. What colour underwear are you wearing? maroon 74. Boxers or briefs? on who? briefs.  75. Fuck me, Ray Bradbury? no thank you? 76. Which television show do you want to last forever? Community. (its already over) 77. In a zombie apocalypse how long would you last? like 30 seconds.  78. Do you have good internet connection or do you want to punch your router every ten minutes? the latter. 79. Would you find it somewhat saucy if I sent bawdy nudes in your direction? wut 80. Which country has the best flag?  Tamil Eelam  81. Do you consider yourself *iconic*? never 82. Most overrated food? Ketchup 83. Most overrated film? Titanic or the notebook 84. Most overrated television show? Friends 85. Most overrated type of cheese? Brie 86. Which brand would you never shop at? LV 87. Wisdom, courage, or power? Courage 88. Would you prefer to travel in time and stay in the same spot, or travel in space with time elapsing as normal? time elapsing. unless you’re stopping time again the other option is kind of impossible… 89. What’s the best birthday present you ever got? Art from friends.  90. What present do you wish someone would give you? the secret formula to krabby patties.  91. Do you have an ex? Why did you break up? yes. and yes.  91. Why does 91 appear on this list twice now? because someone dun fucked up.  92. Spare a thought for the humble creator of this list, it’s difficult to think of this many questions. no. 93. Do you prefer anons or non-anons? i don’t get either sooooo 94. Who do you wish you could have sex with more than any other? i don’t need to have sex with anyone THAT badly to have this answer ready. Krista. 95. What is your spirit animal?  probably a fox. 96. Do you have one word that you really love the sound of? lederhosen.  97. Do you still have any of your stuffed toys from when you were a kid? yes 98. What makes you super nostalgic? 90s cartoons. 99. Give me an answer to a random one of these questions. (But don’t make it a shit answer like ‘yes’. Don’t be an asshole.) im not answering this.  100. What’s your favourite cocktail? you asked me this already 101. Sonic screwdriver or Ron’s shit broken wand from the second Potter book? sonic screwdriver.  102. Laptop or PC? laptop 103. What’s the sexiest accent in your opinion? Aussie. 104. Would you let Donald Trump tickle your nipples for an hour for £6,000,000? Only if he dies after.  105. You should check out a great little British website called Pretty52. no. 106. If you could dye your hair any colour, what colour would you change to? Hwhite. 107. What would you change about your body if you could?  too many to list.  108. Do you prefer to be hot or cold? cold 109. What’s your favourite way to orgasm? slowly. 110. Are you a mermaid or a unicorn? neither. i am an android as discussed above.  111. What’s the name of your favourite pet when you were a kid? Nermal. 112. What was your favourite class at school? Art 113. Are you superstitious? not really. 114. What do you think happens when we die? people forget.  115. Pie or pi? neither.. but pie i guess. 116. Your followers a question. no. 117. Lick my genitalia. k. 118. What’s your favourite number? 13&18 119. Do you ever look up at the stars and feel small? frequently. 120. Do you have a good relationship with your parents? occasionally. mostly?  121. Tell me about a quirky personality trait.  im the most normal what are you talking about.  122. What was your favourite story when you were younger? any Robert Munsch book probably. 123. Are you old before your time or young at heart? Y@H 124. Why do you do the things you do? Please. Tell me. I cant help it. 125. I hope you enjoyed these questions. 6/10 126. Which Tumblr blog would you recommend to all your fans? anything with cats.

[browanger55-blog]

My London Semester Journal I: Sunday, January 14, 1996

Sunday, 1-14-96 12:53 AM London 6:53 PM E-Town/Chambana (1-13-96)

2 Weeks! I have been here for that long… or short… Okay, I had a bit too much (Merlot) red wine just now… I thought it would help me wind down before bed… Mission accomplished, maybe even a bit more than I had in mind!

Today was another long day! I guess every day here is that way. Lori & I slept until about 11:35 AM when Molly (our GR = Graduate Resident) came a knocking on our door! She brought two FREE tickets to a play! Still more study abroaders haven’t made it here due to the east coast blizzards & the U.S. government budget crisis preventing passports being issued… Once again… Their loss is our gain. That is 3 free theatre visits in 14 days now!

So Lori & my planned activities — to study & relax for the day became a shopping trip to Piccadilly & Oxford Circuses followed by a 3 hr. long, but wonderful, rendition of Oscar Wilde’s “An Ideal Husband!” What an ironic play title considering the events of the past few days…

I bought a great pair of funky black shoes at “Sacha’s of London!” They have a chunky heel, but aren’t the average penny loafer look… They are kinda my own little style twist! They will ultimately be a b-day gift from Judy! ☺︎

Lori & I also both got scarves for £6 each from a street vendor! We feel so cool now w/ our scarves sporting the Brit look! ☺︎

Okay, after the played we shopped s’more & Lori bought a white fake fur coat! Yow! We walked into this one store & got separated, an hour later the store was closing & when I found her, I almost didn’t recognize her in the fur coat! ☺︎

Dinner was a great bonding experience… I am really starting to care for & feel a connection to many of my housemates! ☺︎ Especially Lori, Adam, Paul, Melissa, Erin, Erica & Nick. We all decided after our usual long meal to go to a pub for a bit. I chose not to drink then, due to menstrual pain & sleep deprivation — and lack of funds — I decided I’d rather just chill there w/ my buddies. We went to “Churchill Arms” pub! It had a great atmosphere & I sat in a corner by a little fire place & chatted w/ Melissa most of the time! Then 1/2 our house rendezvoused back here at Pembridge in the TV room for our own little laid back party!

Oh, Lori called Andrew earlier today & he was not there. Then I called Nathan from a BT phone booth at Piccadilly Circus & he seemed really happy to hear from us, me, whatever. Then Lori called Andrew later & made plans for us w/ them for tomorrow! 4 PM at the “Chalk Farm” tube stop…

Later ☺︎

Sunday, 1-14-96 11:20 PM London 5:20 PM E-Town

I don’t feel like writing in here. I have had enough analyzing & am confused as to what is what… I know why I am here, but I don’t know where I am going or what that means… and in the words of Stuart Smiley & someone who really needs sleep, “that’s okay!”

— ☺︎

The next part isn’t dated, but I think I might’ve written it later that night (Sunday, 1-14-96), even after I said I didn’t feel like writing or maybe the next day, though in my next dated entry (on Tuesday, 1-16-96) I say, “Didn’t get to writing in here yesterday…” And that would’ve been Monday, 1-15-96. Anyway, here’s what I shared:

There is no specific way my life “should” go or be…

GOALS:

MAKE MY OWN DECISIONS – What I do with my life I choose not to come from constant polls of those around me as to what I “should” do – There is nothing wrong with asking for advice, but I choose not to depend on other to decide for me

By making my own choices I want to also ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY – When things turn out well, great! – When they don’t, I can learn from them as opposed to trying to blame someone or something

Care about others (roommates, friends, etc.), be there for them, but not necessarily above my own well being… – Be easy on my expectations – When meeting Princes (such as Nathan…), even the charmers, remember my life is not a fairy tale — there are morals to my story and ultimately I trust God to guide me to a “happy ending” but what happens until then… Que Sera, Sera!

I have almost an obsession w/ certain types of form & organization! This isn’t always necessary to enjoy life. It keeps me from ultimately “relaxing” which I feel I need to do!

As Melissa told me through relating a Robert Fulgham story… “Where do the mermaids stand? Beside the…” When playing games or at life for that matter… You don’t have to be only what options have always seemed the only ones, it’s alright to want & even insist on being a “mermaid” & ultimately others, at least those who need to, will understand and accept.

But, once certain realizations are made, they are important… They mean something, but THEY DO NOT HAVE TO MEAN EVERYTHING!

Those around me are more like me then I usually realize, what a comfort when I am reminded of that! ~ Like me in the sense that I am not alone in my feelings, they have similar ones too!

– Nick, Erin, & Melissa all feel naive here

– Ruth says we all dream of prince charming

– Erica now recognizes how attached she was to home

★ As for learning:

– Erica commented on thinking we can just jump into Brits lives for a short time & play with them for awhile being somewhat unrealistic…

– Adam believes he will never “grow up”

– Lori follows “no one!” or so she tries

★ I would like to read s’more Oscar Wilde, not that I know of any that I have read to date…

Always living, learning, loving, losing…

All ears, some tears…

I will grow more again & again…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note from Present Day Kathy: We/I sure packed a lot in to that first two weeks of our/my time in the UK! I love getting to recall that we saw so many plays early on, as to this day going to see live theater is something I enjoy and prioritize. Our family has tickets to the Broadway Series at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL, which does 4 awesome productions a year. Bob and I also have a subscription to Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, with another couple, and get to see 5-7 plays there annually.

I still have the shoes that I bought that day, as I’ve never been able to part with them. The picture of them above is recent, not from 1996. They do look super cool, but are not comfortable to wear and weren’t really even back then.

I am thinking of making a list of the pubs we went to that semester in London, as it seems that some, like the “Churchill Arms,” we hung out at more than others and when my family and I travel to the UK in the future (we are tentatively planning a trip in the summer of 2020), I may want to try to go to one or more of those we went to in 1996. Though, as Bob pointed out when I shared this idea recently, they may not exist anymore. Maybe I’ll Google them, one of these days, and see what I can find out?

It’s also nice to see how some of my stronger friendships there were starting to form, including the helpful advice and affirming things that my housemates shared when I was struggling to make sense of some of my early experiences abroad.

One of the most frustrating things for me, about these journals and others that I have written in and kept over the years, is what I chose to leave out, for whatever reason(s). I don’t recall much about what happened with (not their real names) Nathan and Andrew, the guys we met clubbing that Friday night and then hung out with on Sunday. I am pretty sure we never saw them again and I’m not clear on why. Of course 22 years later it doesn’t really matter. It seems from my writing I might’ve even felt embarrassed that I was so giddy about Nathan and then maybe he didn’t end up returning my feelings?

I do comment later, I think in another entry (I read ahead sometimes, after I transcribe one or more here for my blog), about they guys being cool and also somewhat clueless. So maybe after our initial infatuation wore off we didn’t find them as interesting or impressive either? My roommate was engaged at the time too, so I get why she might’ve been less interested in hanging out with them as much.

I appreciate that though I didn’t share the details of why things didn’t work out with those guys, I did write about how I was processing my feelings. There’s still a lot of wisdom in some of the *goals* I came up with back then and I continue to work on them today.

One of the most fascinating things for me about revisiting these old journal entries from age 20-21 is how much I’ve changed in some ways and in other ways not so much. It a window into who I was before marriage and children and seeing that version of me can feel exciting, cringe-worthy, and also bittersweet at times.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reminder: Unless I’ve been given permission to use people’s actual names, in most cases I’ve removed or replaced the names of the real people who were part of my journey/experience there, in effort to protect and respect their identities/privacy in my London Semester Journal entries. I will also not share details that I think and feel are too personal for anyone I interacted with, my loved ones, and me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here’s the back story of My London Semester Journals from 1996, including what prompted me to revisit and decide to share them here in 2018. And here’s a list a list of the entries, which I will update as I share them.

  Source: http://bereavedandblessed.com/2018/10/my-london-semester-journal-i-sunday-january-14-1996/

[fashiontrendin-blog]

9 Coney Island Employees on Having the Most Summer Job in the World

http://fashion-trendin.com/9-coney-island-employees-on-having-the-most-summer-job-in-the-world/

9 Coney Island Employees on Having the Most Summer Job in the World

I

n honor and celebration of Leandra’s rapidly growing #lovesummerhateeverythingelse hashtag-cum-revolution, I, someone who admittedly prefers the fall, went out on an important mission to explore the summeriest place I could think of to see if I, too, could catch the summer-love contagion. An hour-and-twenty-minute subway ride from Manhattan later, I arrived on Coney Island.

As a first-timer, I was genuinely shocked by its size (so much room for activities!) and the sheer number of things to do. The summer energy was radiating off the pavement (or was that just the high-80s-and-sunny weather?) and nearly everyone I saw seemed to be glowing in what I can only assume was a mixture of sweat and true elation.

I wondered about the people who work there. Between the theme park, food stands, shops, boardwalk and more, there are so many employees and entertainers who keep it all going. Do they relish in the summery goodness or get sick of it? Would they rather be somewhere else or nowhere else? How long do they plan to stay?

Nine workers graciously allowed me to bother them while on the job to ask these questions and more, and the results are the following slices-of-life: a behind-the-scenes look at the people who perhaps embody our beloved hashtag more than anyone else. As for me, I’ll definitely be back soon to bask in summer a little bit longer.

Mike, 19

“I make a lot from the bonuses in this job, so whenever I have a day off, I always go shopping and buy new shit that I don’t need. I wear a lot of skateboarder clothes … I like all the fuckin’ fuckboy brands. I used to skateboard way back in the day, but I stopped when a bunch of bandwagon kids started hopping on the Supreme wagon, like, ‘Oh, dude, skateboarding’s so cool, I wanna do it now.’ All the posers.”

Jewel, 66

“I recently moved and found this picture of myself from years ago. I brought it out because I want people to see it. Can you guess which one I am? I’ve been working here 18 years. I used to operate the rides, and just to see the smiles on kids’ faces, that makes me happy. I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else right now; I’d be right here.”

Christian, 17

“I’m trying to get into psychology or social work. Even working here, I contribute to that goal by asking people if they need me to take their garbage, communicating with people and trying to help anyone out as best as I possibly can. I’m passionate about trying to help. My favorite part is seeing everybody celebrating at times like the 4th of July, whether it be dancing, looking at the fireworks, or people dressing up as mermaids or something. You find a whole range of people and characters here.”

Tania, 20

“I’m from Spain, but I’ve been living in New York for two months now. I wanted to experience the United States and improve my English. I got the opportunity to work here, so I can stay in New York for the whole summer. I like so much — dancing, museums, musicals, theater, going to other cities and spending time with other cultures.”

Brien, 21

“I like meeting different people here, people from all over the world. I also love music, and we have concerts on the beach, so it’s fun to go to those. I listen to everything — jazz, rock, rap. I play guitar. My friend is trying to get me to join a band, and I think I might do it.”

Luis, 53 (middle)

“We are called the Men of Salsa. We continue the spirit of Latin music here by teaching salsa class for free. It’s a culture we don’t want to give up. I’m here Saturdays and Sundays between 1 and 3 in the afternoon — I’m even here in the rain. I’ve been salsa dancing since I was five years old. I’ve known these guys 35 years. If anyone is having a hard day, tell them to come by.”

Steven, 65

“I love crazy New York in the summertime. I’ve been working here for 20 years, but I used to operate the roller coaster. I had to get hip surgery though, so they put me on this for now. When I’m not here, I’m trucking.”

Deviya, 18

“My co-workers bring a different kind of energy and make the day go by fast. I love enjoying a nice hot day on the beach here. But I’d rather be on a cruise to Bermuda.”

Anthony, 42

“I’m a bartender and manager — you see everything as a bartender here. My wife, Veronica, and I also run a non-profit organization together, Coney Island Autism Angels, which we started four years ago. Our daughter is autistic. She was diagnosed at the age of two, and she’s 17 now. There was no awareness on Coney Island. There were no activities for children on the spectrum. We raise money to help parents with bookbags, back-to-school supplies, Christmas, Thanksgiving. We also have swim play for the kids every Monday at the YMCA. We’re very small, but we are a registered 501(c). We try to help families in need.”

Photos by Hannah Meader.

[aureliasaid]

Bratwurst for Thanksgiving

Stockholm, Copenhagen and Berlin

November 16-25, 2017

Thanksgiving lunch atop Germany’s Reichstag where a delicious restaurant provided a special view and meal

Thursday, November 16

Arrived via SAS airlines into Stockholm with an hour + drive in since it was rush hour. Def would look into the train ride in from the airport next time. Stayed at the Nobis Hotel right in the heart of town, but very close to the main harbor area. It is a boutique hotel from an old bank where the Stockholm Syndrome originated after a bank robbery. Very hip nowadays with a delightful included breakfast.  Crying baby, actually screaming baby, all night en route over on the plane called for a nap and luckily the room was ready. Then for an afternoon oversight of the city, we opted for a guide since we were there only 2 days. Guides are nice cause they eliminate having to think, get you into the front of the line and in places you can't always see on your own. We liked ours, Eva Bromberg Sharp, [phone]. Highly recommend!

We covered much area starting with City Hall, the home of the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony coming up in 3 weeks on Dec 10, Nobel's birthday. This was cool especially since seeing the ceremony recently when UNC prof Azziz won for chemistry in 2015. Then on through various sections including everyone's fav, Gamla Stan or the Old Town which is very charming as expected. Hot chocolate and a pastry and then a walk through the Cathedral (small by Euro standards) which was fantastic with everything made of wood, Sweden's main resource. See the St George slaying the dragon statue! On to Sodermalm, (home of the ‘Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” author Steig Larson btw,) for a view of the city and then on past numerous sections of the town to end at the Vasa Museum, which is built around a famous ship from the 1600s that sank on its maiden voyage after 20 minutes of setting sail. In the 1950′s, researchers finally found it in the harbor and took 2 years to raise it in its total preserved state complete with some of the dead passengers fairly well preserved. A great day with dinner at Hillenberg, which was hip, yet cozy.

Tip: There are two train stations, so make sure you have the right one.

Tip: Weather was def cold, high around 32 degrees, so be prepared. This is an off time to come, but meant we had sights to ourselves. It is also odd as it is starting to get dark by 3:30, so do outside things in the morning. We had two sunny days which apparently is not the norm for this time of year. Interestingly, the sun never gets high in the sky at this time of year...just sorta stays just above the rooftops all day.

Friday, November 17

A boat tour is in order. Perfect guided tour around the harbor, out into the Baltic and back into the lake for an hour.  Great way to see a lot as well. Afterwards, we cruised past the Parliament bldg, popped into the huge Royal Palace, but parked it at the Nobel Museum, which was small, easy and very interesting. (Good cafe here.) Headed over to the Fotografiska, photography museum, which has a cool top floor huge cafe with harbor views.

Legs and intellect zapped, we blew through some shops (Sweden home to H&M, who knew?) as well as Zara and their big Saks type store NK. Back for a spell (aka nap) before heading to Broms for dinner. Famous for their Swedish meatballs as I had read, but our tour guide also recommended as they are family friends of hers. It was great...more bistro in feel, but buzzy and fun too. Nightcap back in the hip Nobis bar.

TIp: In summer, boat tours may go to the archipelago, but in winter, get a commuter ferry and go.

There are a million ways to see this city with all kinds of creative tours such as the rooftop tour where you are clipped in walking along rooftops! Hop-on Hop-off bus tour is a great way to see the city.  The city is also very walkable, though it is not a small city.

Saturday, November 18 Copenhagen

We debated flying or training, but decided on training which was an excellent decision. 5 hours on the fast train, which probably would have been the same total time by plane. It was easy, on time, and nice to see the countryside.

Arrived Cope at 3:30 and met Relia at our hotel, Hotel Skt Petri in the Latin Quarter. (Saint Petri fyi). We headed straight for Tivoli, the 2nd oldest amusement park in the world that had just re-opened after being closed for 3 weeks to become a Christmas Wonderland with Christmas Market pop-up shops, full blooming hyacinths, white lights adorning everything, lighted trees at every trash can, mulled wine and special Christmas lagers and meals all with the roller coasters and sky drops in full action amidst the decor. It was packed to the hydraulics with merry-makers of all ages. We headed back, popping into Relia's flat first very near the Skt. Petri in the city center, before going to dinner at Bistro Boheme, a hopping French bistro.

Sunday, November 19

Let's just take a moment to talk about bikes...and more bikes and then more bikes. Never in my life. Incredible bike lanes, riding in all weather, all times of the day and night, with few helmets.  But what is most important for non-bikers is to STAY ON THE SIDEWALKS or else you are toast, esp for us American non-bikeminded people. It is serious transportation and they come flying from around the turn just as you are about to jaywalk into their lane.  Sweden similar, but Denmark gives China a run for its money at least in volume of bikes.

Awoke to hideous rainy, cold and windy weather along with Will coming in from the States - spent the morning getting him situated...aka a nap. Met Relia later and went to the Rosenberg Castle very close by in a pretty park, good because its small and most important, the Crown Jewels are on display here....which is worth the trip alone.  

Will bailed for another round of napping and we three headed to the famed old area of Nyhaven, went through the Christmas market there, marveling at the sausages over the firepit, pork inches thick being smoked and salmon being smoked. We blew through the formal D'Ingleterra Hotel, (happy to have saved our $$ not staying there) before crossing the Kissing Bridge to Christianshaven en route to Torvehallerne (or Papiroen or the Copenhagen Street Food Market Hall or Paper Island for non-Danespeak,) which is a huge old warehouse that houses picnic tables and some 30+ food vendors of all sorts.  The pulled duck and duck fries were amazing as were the hot dogs. Sadly, this location is closing in December as capitalism has taken over the warehouse key spot...its too popular not to re-open somewhere else though.

Still licking our chops, we went back to the hotel by way of Strøget, the long pedestrian shopping street.  Ready to be out of the elements, we chilled til going to Mikkeller and Friends, the flagship location (big description for a small, non-descript basement bar of two rooms in the meat packing district) but is all that in the craft beer world called "the most imaginative beer bar in the world." We tried several which were very different, but quite tasty. Then on further into the Meatpacking district for dinner at Kodbyaens Fiskebar, a stark and casual seafood spot back in the depths of the converted warehouses. Delicious. The non-filtered organic cloudy Gruner Veltliner was a surprise, but good. But hey, Will finally awake, so the night is young and over to The Bastard Cafe, a bar dedicated to playing board games, which apparently is a Danish pastime (wouldn't you with dark and cold prevalent? We passed several stores dedicated only to board games in fact.). Most were, of course, Danish games or in Danish, so we opted for Scrabble, which was actually an English version because there is a Danish version with those funky letters.

Monday, November 20

YAY, a beautiful sunny day, albeit still chilly, but sun glorious sun. Relia is in class so we take to the streets first climbing the Round Tower for great views of the city, then on to the Frederick church and across the grounds of Ameliaborg Palace, home to the current Royal Family. (Passed a Segway Tour, which would have been a fun way to see the city, though maybe a bit chilly.) From there, a walk to see The Little Mermaid statue which is said to be underrated, but its still nice to see and a pretty walk along the water. Over the bridge and through Nyhaven to the Gasoline Grill we go...for the "life-changing best hamburger ever..." from a gasoline station.  And it was true....organic meat hand ground daily and fries with choice of salts (vinegar, truffle, etc.)  Day 2 of delightfully junk food content and we perused Nyhaven while awaiting our canal boat tour. Another must.  Of course afterwards, it must be time for a snack so to the famous La Glacé bakery for hot chocolate and their famous cakes and macaroons.  A few pit stops in some Zara's and H&Ms as well.

The heart app showed 6.5 miles of walking and I agree.  DInner was at Geist, a hip and highly touted dining EXPERIENCE with creative and complex, sophisticated small plates in Nyhaven. It did not disappoint, but hurt the wallet for sure, so take note.

Tuesday, November 21

First stop, the Church of Our Savior with the spiraling spire.  400 narrow steps lead to far-reaching views maybe not for the faint-hearted height phobiacs. From sin absolve to sin den, we leave the EU and go into Christiania, the free world of hippies and home of top notch weed. Free living with no laws and it looks it - disorganized, clutter, dirty environs home to the ultimate hippies and their families. Vendors line the streets and photography (and running since that indicates a possible raid) is strictly prohibited. Since it was a Tuesday around 10:30am, the town was still waking up and setting up, and thus sorta eerily quiet. So alas, on to more junk food decadence (inevitably a well traveled path from this locale for those partakers) as we returned to Paper Island to indulge Will and meet hometown friend Bethany Garrison.

There is much to do in Copenhagen and museums of EVERYthing seem to be a Scandinavian requirement.  There were several key spots that we missed, but we were done and thus headed out to the Kronborg Castle in Helsingborg, about a 40 minute train ride (thank goodness for local knowledge of our gals.) This is worth a day trip as the town is quaint and the Castle is everything you ever imagined a castle to be, moat and all.  On a full day, we would have also taken in the Louisiana Modern Art museum, but the girls had been and the day was nigh. Besides, we had a date with dinner that deserves its own paragraph.

Amass, the new restaurant by the chef from the famed Norma (supposedly the best restaurant in the world?) on the outskirts of Cope. Very stark inside, you only order the 6 small plate courses or 9 course and you get what you get which was: perch, salmon, potato bread, and more, all done with complex, minute and subtle layers, multiple cooking styles, steps and processes. E.g. the potato bread was made from potatoes that had been fermented for 2 weeks. This was an incredible experience right down to the chef calling out a command in the open kitchen and the other chefs answering "Yes Chef" in unison. Do not go if you aren't a foodie or are a picky eater. Also, it will put a large dent in your budget.

Wednesday, November 22

Travel day from Cope to Berlin. Since Air Berlin had gone bankrupt the month before, direct flights from Cope to Berlin were still getting reorganized and not existent. So we had to connect through Stockholm.  In retrospect, I think I might have taken the train which would have taken the same 7 hours it took door to door to fly. It was kinda fun though to land back in Stockholm with a dusting of snow.

Arrived at the Grand Hyatt Berlin to find ourselves smack in the middle of it all right near all the major sights and basically at Potsdamer Platz. We loved the location and the hotel. It was 4pm by the time we got organized, so we went to the Jewish museum which is much more about the history of Judaism and Jewish life than it is the Holocaust, though that aspect is of course present. Dinner that night was at Katz Orange, a hip, yet shabby chic sort of place with a modern German/European fare.

Thursday, November 23

We met our guide Lars Jokubeit (who made the visit for us - he was excellent 49 179 524 7810 [email protected]) at 9:15am and did a walking tour of Nazi Berlin and the Cold War Berlin for 4 hours. He reminded us that we were incredibly lucky to have sunshine and temps in the 50s.  It was LUCKY, but still chilly...missed my scarf! We learned and covered so much that I can only list the things to do and see: Sony Pavilion, Potsdamer Platz, Holocaust Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie (study up before you go otherwise it is just a major tourist trap), current Finance Building which was the Chancellory for Hitler, the actual Wall remnant, Topography of Terror, Tiergarten, Russian Gov building with mural, Brandenburg Gate, current government buildings and mall, esp the Reichstag German Parliament bldg and the glass cupola, with a delightful (Thanksgiving) late lunch at the restaurant on top. Wow. SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO.

Lars recommended to get the real understanding and flavor of Berlin, a huge melting pot since the wall came down, was to visit the neighborhoods. He suggested a particular neighborhood around Oranienstraße to see all the immigrants there, the graffiti, of which they embrace and consider part of the cultural heritage and environment, followed by the Thursday night food hall of street food and live music at any number of places afterwards. And that is exactly what we did, starting at the new and hip Orania Hotel, walking Oranienstraße and then going to Markthalle Neun for a great follow up to Thanksgiving with foods from all over the world.  Very much like Paper Island and very fun. Bailed on the music scene though opting for a drink at the Orania Hotel.

Friday, November 24

While still not freezing, the day was very windy, dark and overcast with rain coming in the afternoon which set the tone for the trip with Lars to Sachsenhousen concentration camp 40 mins outside of Berlin. Not an intentional “death camp,” but a labor camp more for the unwanted non-Volks, political prisoners, etc. While most of the original structures do not remain, there is enough and excellent displays for the disgusting and heinous place that it was.

Back in Berlin, we decided to go to the Old Town area and take in a museum after lunch with Lars. Have lunch at das Meisterstück which is tucked away in otherwise fancy restaurants or museum cafes. So fun to have a casual, modern grill restaurant that is dedicated to German sausages cooked right there. Not expensive and fun with lots of craft beers. Will continued his search for the best currywurst. This might have been it.

The old town is more of the huge ornate Baroque type buildings for Gov offices, arts and the famed Museum Island. The Nuese Museum is supposedly the choice museum, but we opted for the German History museum, which is lots of wars and Hapsburgs and such. Do a fly through or you will never emerge. This long strata Unter den Linden leads from the museums at Schloßplatz to Brandenburg gate and is fun to walk, though the parallel street of Fredeickstrasse is also fun to walk reminding me of 5th or Madison Aves. And this is where our dinner was at Crackers, a very euro, hip place with great food. A DJ comes every weekend night, which must be a Euro/German thing and she stood at her pulpit and played, according to our 20 somethings, more 80s dance music as opposed to EDM of nowadays.  Ok.

Saturday, November 25

And so it goes.  Check.  A wonderful Thanksgiving indeed.

#sweden #denmark #copenhagen #germany #berlin #stockholm