#LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL IN ALL ITS FACETS AND IT IS A GIFT

[sophiethewitch1]

the inherent romanticism of accidents. yes i spilled my coffee on you and there's no fate intertwining us but isn't that so lucky? arent I so lucky to have met you? even if it was never intentional, even if it was never meant to be, even if you might've not chosen me if you'd seen it coming from the beginning. we've changed each other, and whether its for the better or for the worse, its a sign you're here. it's a sign I'm not alone. it's a sign that no matter what, there's always going to be something out there for you. you just need to trip on it

#sophie speaks #this doesnt make any sense but as someone who has never had much control over her life or where it went #idk there is something romantic in taking what you can. choosing it. being so lucky you can experience it and love it. #getting the chance to make the choice is one of the greatest gifts #this is why i love fated mates/isekai/fate stories #even if in the end you accept your fate. you're the one choosing it shaping it #idk idk #LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL IN ALL ITS FACETS AND IT IS A GIFT #EVEN WHEN IT FEELS LIKE A CURSE THERE IS MORE OVER THE HORIZON #YOU JUST GOTTA TRIP ON IT

[swornbutch]

i live and breathe for you. my perfectly moody brat of a prince in the light of day… my softly shy, dainty princess all through the night. i adore every facet of you, my rose. you honor me with the generous gift of your moonlit trust. i’ll always be your loyal dog, princess. i would sooner fall on my sword than let the world’s misfortunes ever find your gentle heart.

i swore a sacred oath to protect your precious pussy with my life, sweet girl. my princess has the most heavenly pussy in the world… delicately tight and throbbing, ever slick from neglect. i’m spellbound by its dripping, dewy beauty, my lady. cherishing and guarding your achingly fertile sex gives my life its meaning. your highness inspires devotion in the depths of me… your hound’s loyal cock is pledged only to my beloved charge. please princess, lay back on your regal bed and relax. let me spoil your neglected body and spirit with pleasure. ill show you the definition of loving dedication with my eager mouth and thick fingers. a good girl like you should never be lonely under the moon’s light again.

#queer nsft #regency kink #royalty kink #t4t nsft #prince x knight #princess x knight #butch knight #knightcore #t4t royalty #t4t regency #bi nsft #knight kink #brat taming #sworn.txt

[beesmygod]

JJBA PART 5, VENTO AUREO IS THE UNDERBAKED MESS I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT FIXING...PART 2

FIX 2: WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A PROBLEM LIKE GIORNO?

thats the homo photo of my dad

answer: i dont know.

the unfortunate and honest to god truth of the matter is that the protagonist of JJBA part 5, giorno giovanna, fucking sucks.

what if that little shithead from the twilight zone episode "it's a good life" was gay and watched "goodfellas". you might think "wow that sounds great" but, well, somehow it's not.

it is months later and i have been struggling with writing this for a bazillion reasons: i got sick, real life events occurred, i had to work on comic, i died, etc. but the most strenuous reason of all in the end was facing the impenetrable, tangled, and deeply complicated gordian knot that is the little ladybug loving bitch named giorno and not knowing where the fuck to even begin.

i had to think long and hard about how to approach the problem of "giorno giovanna". he is like a diamond of sucking ass: multi-faceted and beautiful in his perfection but is, ultimately, just a stupid fucking rock from the dirt. he completely lacks the innate charisma and personality inherent in previous jojo protagonists AND antagonists; despite having both the joestar AND brando gene pools to pull from, he manages to snag a net total of 0 personality traits. this problem is multiplied 100 fold once he starts actually doing things to move the plot along and the universe repeatedly bends itself like a pretzel in order to gift him undeserved and unrewarding (to us, the audience) win after win after win.

his theme goes hard as hell tho

if you were to ask me what is wrong with giorno, i would have no problem making a long and detailed list of why i want to slap the little cinnamon rolls of his head. i have no idea how to organize that list into a more coherent form of criticism that points at the overarching structural weakness of part 5. part 5 really, really wants you to like and root for giorno. it hinges on it. his victories are explicitly supposed to be emotionally and morally gratifying. they are instead trite and annoying.

for years, YEARS, my only experience with the entirety of part 5 outside of infamous panels and the most basic information about the story, was this incredible, evergreen and laser targeted tweet:

i thought this was a funny shit post. all i knew giorno had some kind of "life creation" power. what i didnt know was:

giorno says this exact line and then turns cars into frogs so that they (the bad guys) cant catch them (they do catch them)

giorno's power IS fucking stupid

i fucking hate him

he should stop using it

abbacchio was right. he was right about everything

how DO you talk about giorno? giorno's blandness permeates any situation he has the misfortune of attending and the parts of the narrative where he's missing for one reason or another are significantly improved by his absence. in comparison with the deuteragonists (bruno bucciarati) and tritagonists (the members of bruno's squad in the mafia family passione), he has all the flavor of a communion wafer. his character arc is non-existent. emotionally, he might as well have just gone to the store and back by the end of the story.

and, look, araki likes to play fast and loose with how powerful a stand is or what its abilities are. im not here to measure power levels or fucking whatever stupid shit people get up to. the more wild and insane he gets with his incredibly "unique" ""understanding"" of science and geometry, i'm 99% on board for. but giorno's stand, gold experience, is whatever the narrative needs it to be at any given time with no consistency. it's OP as hell long before he gets the 11th hour power boost; his stand has the extra trans-dimensional ability to remove any tension from a fight scene. through this, gold requiem can destroy the psyche of the audience, truly making it the most powerful stand of all time.

people used to love to bitch about not understanding how the villain's stand works in this part, but if anyone tells you they understand what the fuck THIS means they're lying to you.

anyway, there is only one solution i can think of when it comes to how to approach this: assess the major story beats in order. i think jumping around in the progression of events to highlight individual flaws in the character will not adequately impart the suffering one feels as an audience member while the narrative yo-yos between being rollicking good fun and being at the mercy of the little 15 year old twink with god mode on.

and so, having made it past koichi's tiny ass role (and his tiny ass) in the story and addressing how we can proceed, we can cover bruno (a genuinely wonderful character), polpo, and the wasted character building opportunity of the piss drinking scene, which vexes and infuriates me to this day. [thinking about the piss scene and getting mad again] ooooh!!!!

#essay #jjba

[red-fuzz]

The car made a sharp turn to the right and crawled up the steep slope to their point of arrival.

The air was getting too stuffy. At least, it seemed to Jemma that with every dozen meters that passed, the interior of the car was heating up even more strongly and quite noticeably. The fact that she was wearing a heavy fur coat as black as an old raven's feather also did not make any good at all; she was unbearably hot.

Jemma reached for the lever to open the crystal-clear window, letting the cool air make its way into the car interior, like a small stream of sweet smoke from a bakery that creeps into the icy winter air of Zubrowka. Tilting her head to the crack, she took a couple of breaths of frosty air, her curled hair, this time not framed by her ordinary cap, trembled slightly from the wind.

After a couple of long minutes that seemed to her to be the length of a lifetime and a couple of fleeting seconds of afterlife in addition to this, the car began to approach the large and imposing building, which was already visible from the windshield of the car. Jemma hastily closed the window and shifted slightly in her seat, then turned to the passenger sitting to her right:

"Eloise, I'm very nervous. I don't understand what is happening to me!" she held out her black velvet-gloved hands, palms down: they slightly trembled like the delicate wings of a frozen bird. " This has never happened to me, and I can't calm my nerves for the life of me..."

The sparkly wide eyed woman quite immediately snatched her hands similarly to an alligator hunting after awoken from a nap. White gloved petit hands with surprising grasp reached.

"Oh deary no no do not fret. You're utmost perfect in all facets dearest you shan't ever feel the need to worry. Such things purely cause unfathomable wrinkles in your face and those won't do will they?" as if it were invitation one such white dressed hand raised to her cheek, brushing away any dirt that may have hallucinative nature. Eyes focusing on each single detail as the lids lowered in calming manner. Yet darting as though a ghost went by beneath.

"Always keep up that beautiful bewitching smile upon your face, ah! The sun, the hymn of our wretched lives. Such things brought you this attention all after all no? No for not one teensy tiny second you shall be worrying in this pretty little head of yours."

With a light tap onto her forehead she felt inclined to flash her red lipped smile further. The smile of a girl discovering a kitten found on Christmas as gifted. Her hand remains in Jemmas, warmth soothing through the gloves.

"After all, you're our Hermes, our divine messenger of the gods. A utmost wonderful part in our lives which would make it dull without you"

If one may be inclined to look to the side to a rather disgruntled woman squeezing her windy legs adorned with unnecessary high heels into the backseat. Eyes resting on the moving landscape reflected in the glasses. A hand rested on chin in unfeminine manner. Particularly not invested in participation.

[peacefulwriting]

LATE NIGHT CALLS

Jake “Hangman” Seresin. x Reader.

BASED ON THIS PROMPT:

Summary: Jake is on a TDY (temporary deployment) and he’s missing all the major holidays with you, but one things for certain, he makes sure to never miss a phone call to wish you a happy holiday, even if it’s 3 in the morning.

Y/N’s buzzing against the nightstand is what awoke you from your slumber. You yawned, reaching up to turn on the lamp and picked up you phone to see who was calling so late. It was Jake and it was 3 in the morning. Although, it’s late and you were tired, you would never miss a call from him. It was too important to you.

“Hello?”

“Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you’re in love and its beautiful!”

You giggled, “Happy Valentine’s Day, Jake.”

It wasn’t quite Valentine’s where you were, but Jake was a day ahead. It didn’t matter though, he still took the time to call you and that is all that mattered at this moment.

“I know it’s early, or late? F*ck, baby, I can’t tell. This different time zone bullsh*t I, just ugh! But how’re you doing, sweetheart?”

“Oh, you know, the usual; overworked, underpaid and missing you.”

This deployment really took a toll on you this time. It was 2 months and he left right before Christmas. It was extremely hard not having him around, but you were thankful for Rooster and Phoenix, they didn’t get chosen for this deployment. They came over Christmas morning, and cooked and exchanged gifts and ended the night getting a little tipsy on spiked eggnog and listening to the worst Christmas music ever. Jake would have loved to see it.

“I miss you too, Y/N. We’re almost done though. I should be back, uh, fingers crossed, in about a week. Maybe less, maybe more. They can’t give me an exact date.”

“It won’t be soon enough.”

He sighed, resting his head on his pillow. “Never is.”

You hated that there was never an exact date. You hated it all, but it was his career and he loved it.

“Nope,” You bit down on the inside of my lip. “Are you taking care of yourself?”

“Obviously. You know me, utter perfection all the time.”

You rolled your eyes, Jake took care of himself but when he was alone, he would sometimes spiral out and get trashed, blackout. It was the one thing that you didn’t like about him, but he finally got some help for it – ultimately, leading him to have separation anxiety and just downright, anxiety.

You slipped out of bed, feeling the cold breeze hit your legs. California, although still very warm, got chilly in February. You made your way downstairs to make yourself some warm tea since you were pretty much full awake now.

“Yeah, I do know you. That’s why I’m asking.”

“I promise you; I’m taking care of myself baby,” he paused, pulling his medication from his drawer, “and you better be doing the same.”

Maybe that’s why you and him got along so well, you both had anxiety and had an irrational fear of being alone. It was a match made in heaven.

You turned on the facet and poured some water into your mug and placing it in the microwave to warm it up. You turned one your heels, leaning your back against the stove and pulling your phone up to your face. The light that was coming from your phone is what lit up your face in the midst of the darkness.

“Other than the usual, everything’s been normal here. Gets boring and quiet in the house sometimes, but you know how that goes.”

“Yeah. I am the life of the party.”

You laughed, the microwaving signaling you that it was done. You pulled the mug from the microwave and drop the tea bag in, letting it sit until it was finished steeping. You walked into the living room, sitting down on the couch.

“Nah, you’re just a pretty face.”

He laughed, “thank you. God, I really wish I could kiss you right now.”

“Me too,” You paused, “when you get back, whenever that may be, can we just, do nothing for a while?”

Jake furrowed his eyebrows together. “Do nothing?”

“You know, like just stay at home? Be lazy, lay in bed, cuddle?”

“That sounds nice, baby. It’s a date!”

He smiled and you could feel your heart skip. You smiled back. Sometimes, you don’t think you’ll ever get over that beautiful smile and his gorgeous green eyes with the way he keeps looking at you like that. You were so in love with him, it made people sick. You couldn’t wait to him him back in your arms.

“Mind if I hold you to it?”

“I’ll be there, don’t you worry.”

You smiled, pulling the blanket from the behind the couch and spreading it over your body. You took a sip from my tea, holding it closer to your body because it was chilly and you were cold. He laid there, looking at you with a big grin on his face.

“What?”

“I love you, so much.”

You smiled, a yawn escaping your mouth. You wiped your eyes, feeling the tiredness come over you again. I mean, it was 3 in the morning.

“I’ll let you get back to sleep, baby.”

“Okay.”

You laid your head in the couch arm, holding your phone in your hands as your shut your eyes, still listening to him.

“I love you, I’ll see you soon.”

“I love you too, Jake. See you soon.”

And the FaceTime ended and you smiled, feeling grateful that you get to talk to him. Some people don’t have they luxury. You set your phone on the table and you took one more sip of your tea, not bothering to move and finally drifting into a deep sleep right on the couch.

#jake hangman seresin #jake hangman seresin x reader #jake seresin #hangman top gun #top gun fanfiction #top gun maverick #jake seresin x reader #writing prompts #prompts #dialogue prompt #top gun imagine #Jake hangman imagine

[freddiemercurylegendabovelegends]

Freddie Lives! 👑✨✨

September 5, 1946 - Forever ✨

Among the most influential artists in the history of rock, composer, songwriter, musician, extraordinary interpreter, sublime singer, entertainer, unforgettable performer, unattainable frontman, crowd puller...

and then:

skilled draftsman, stylist, perfectionist,

it's still:

style icon, art lover, refined collector, esthete...

Visionary artist: brought together different musical styles (world of rock music and opera). He is the first and only person to have done this

...and above all a man of uncommon generosity!!

September 5th, 2023 ends the exhibition at Sotheby's which allowed us to get to know a little more closely the man who lived behind the artist with all the facets of him to thus deepen his artistic culture ....

Freddie an all-round artist who loved art in its entirety, without borders!!!

Thank you Mary for allowing all of this!

👉 👉 "THE COLLECTION TAKES YOU DEEPER WITHIN THE INDIVIDUAL, AND THE MAN I KNEW.

YOU SEE THE SPECTRUM OF HIS TASTE, WHICH IS QUITE ECLECTIC

Freddie was a naturally gifted, articulate and intelligent collector who showed us that there is beauty and fun and conversation to be found in everything.

He relished the emotive qualities of everything he bought. He was inspired by them, he talked about them, and he shared them with all the visitors to his beloved home. Garden Lodge.

The obiects he surrounded himself with were not only of visual beauty, but also pieces that reflected a love of romance and often a hidden narrative that intrigued him or with which he found a natural empathy. From the artistic methods of the Japanese block prints to the intimate 18th-century portraiture, we feel the stories within.

His tastes were varied but always led by his love of a piece in whatever form that took.

This sale and this beautifully curated book are opportunities for me to now lovingly respect his wishes while sharing all the many facets of Freddie, both public and private, so the world can understand more about, and celebrate, his unique and beautiful spirit.

It is indeed the word 'celebrate' that means so much to me in the context of this sale.

👉 It is, most importantly, a celebration of his life, his intellect and his influence.

I hope you all enjoy it and find as much wonderment in it all as I have over the years"

- Mary

👉 Foreword

by Mary Austin

© Sotheby's

📸 Freddie Mercury on stage -

'Works Tour' ('August '84 / May '85)

#freddiemercury #queen band #zanzibar #legend #london #forever #magic tour #workstour

[house-of-stone-at-sunrise]

Spotify Wrapped - Miss Americana & The Scarf

The video opens on this pair, Miss Americana and an anthropomorphized red scarf they are standing inside TS right eye. Being hidden within her eye they are just below the skyline, between the Cornelia St sign and the dice roll. There are two shots of them. In the space of a few seconds the sun (her pupil) rises behind them as they meet, join hands, drop hands off-camera, but then come back together and press against one another back to back, they disappear in a literal blink of an eye just before the final zoom out. The sky is blue, fluffy cartoon clouds go by, seagulls fly through the shot, and orange-red leaves fall from the mask worn by the scarf.

Miss Americana is one of the few characters completely unmasked in the video only glitter obscures her face, I interpret this as her being a facet of TS who is more exposed to the public eye, she wears a tight pink dress with a giant bow covering her chest, very feminine, she's wearing the Miss Americana title spelled out in black friendship bracelet beads like a beauty pageant sash. The black and white beads are a notable contrast to the blue/purple/pink beads of the other friendship bracelets worn by Mountain Taylor. Both of her wrists are covered in bracelets and I think that her earrings are made of tiny versions of those beads too but they're all illegible, the earring looks like lazy daisy petal outline.

Daisies have history in Taylor's lyricism "I once was poison ivy, but now I'm your daisy" and in her online public presence particularly in the run up to the launch of Lover and in the context of her relationship with KK.

The Scarf is a woman clad in a loose red satin robe layered with a giant red pointed scarf, aside from a toothy smile her face is obscured by orange leaves (shades of a Cheshire cat smile.) The leaves that make up the mask are the same colour as the flames of the burning house and the leaves in the snow-globe/crystal ball. Her left hand is always hidden.

The All Too Well scarf is represented another time in the video, wrapped around a cat in the foreground, but, TS says that whenever we see a cat it's just to remind us that she really likes cats so maybe that one is ignored by association?

Miss Americana is most obviously paired with The Heartbreak Prince, so does scarf-lady represent the prince as well or is the prince just absent? If so were they ghosted in favour of 'the castle' or are they just missing a direct representation because every figure in the video is part of her personal mirror-ball? All Too Well og version was on Red and the scarf represents innocence/girl-hood, is that something she could be reclaiming or, uh, re-gifting, through Miss Americana in the Lover era?

Pageants are pretty universally a feminine pursuit, and in the TS universe they're something that can be worn as a mask, and something that might be avoided to frustrate old fashioned expectations. In MAATHP "no cameras catch my pageant smile" as she ripped up her prom dress "running through rose thorns" when she saw the political landscape and ran for her life. In Dorothea the muse is "Skipping the prom just to piss off your mom and her pageant schemes."

In MAATHP she addresses a You throughout the song, no pronouns, but "the damsels are depressed"/"we're so sad, we paint the town blue" it's easy to read THP as being female. It sounds like an apologetic plea to a lover a - you know I love you but this is a terrifying time of loaded dice and there's an unfavourable scoreboard so lets not fight with each other lets just run away together and we'll come back to this battle when the time is right. I can't help but wonder if it was originally written as Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Kid.

The image of a rising sun in music always reminds of the song House of the Rising Sun which despite the popular radio version has its origin as a folk song in which the protagonist is either a prisoner or a prostitute or both. The idea of being trapped/caged/locked in to a certain image is a theme throughout Taylors work. Of course there are more obvious connections to Taylors own work, Lovers pre-launch name was Daylight, and the song Happiness references "a glorious sunrise" both of which I've blogged about here before with the general theme of Sunrise being a metaphor for coming out of the closet. Sunrises generally signify beginnings, it's interesting that in this clip the sun rises over this relationship but never sets, just becomes hidden away.

The seagulls in this clip reference a prevalent part of the imagery for 1989 both og and re-recording, they have long been rumoured to be covert symbols of sapphic love in the TS universe. Here are some 'lesbian seagull' references if you're curious. :) [1] [2] [3]

Eye Theory is another really straight-forward link to this clip and as it's a well established piece of gaylore so I'm just going to pop a link to the @9w1ft master-post. [4]

[1] https://www.nytimes.com/1977/11/23/archives/extensive-homosexuality-is-found-among-seagulls-off-coast-of.html

[2] https://medium.com/ostem-ucsd/how-lesbian-seagulls-changed-the-gay-rights-movement-dd88493da8e0

[3] https://genius.com/Engelbert-humperdinck-lesbian-seagull-lyrics

[4] https://9w1ft.tumblr.com/post/707733730978037761/been-seeing-a-lotta-people-on-twitter-asking

#gaylor #lgbetty

[silverdreamscapes]

It makes me laugh how L*cien does the absolute bare minimum when it comes to Elain and yet gets all the praise while Azriel gets dumped on for being “toxic” and borderline abusive.

He gets praised for saying Elain needs to go outside even though 1. That isn’t what she actually needed, and 2. He told Feyre to take her, he didn’t offer to take Elain himself.

Compare that to Azriel who actually did figure out what she needed which was nothing at all because there was nothing wrong with her. She was a seer, and as soon as he figured it out, Elain’s mind began to clear and she started the process of healing. And to play Devil’s advocate, if sunlight was what Elain actually needed, who was the one who took her to the gardens and actually sat with her? It was Azriel, not L*cien. Her mate told Feyre to take her, whereas when Feyre asked her if she wanted to go outside, Azriel immediately got up and went to Elain and offered to take her before Feyre could even get to Elain.

L*cien gives Elain pearl earrings and is praised for “knowing her so well” because it supposedly fits Elain’s aesthetic. Never mind the fact that her engagement ring from greyson was a pearl ring, and I’m not so sure Elain would want a reminder of her piece of shit ex who humiliated her, screamed at her, and then rejected her.

Then there’s Azriel, who gifts her a rose necklace. Roses which are constantly associated with Elain and fit her aesthetic far more than pearl earrings. And when he describes the necklace it’s as if he’s describing Elain herself. A small everyday charm that’s easily dismissed but when the light hits it all of its beautiful facets are revealed. Which ties into exactly what Rhys said about Elain, how she’s easily overlooked and dismissed by people but that there’s more to her than people realize, and that she just hasn’t been given the chance to show (reveal) it. Azriel actually put thought into the piece of jewelry he gifted to her, and she immediately responded to it and called it beautiful. Unlike L*cien’s gift.

l*cien puts a jacket on her after the most traumatic moment of her life and it’s considered the most noble and romantic thing ever. And when Mor grabs her and whisks away, L*cien screams for Tamlin to get her back. So sexy.

Meanwhile when Elain is kidnapped, Azriel goes on a suicide mission to save her. When Nesta tells him he will die if he tries to save Elain, he’s like “fuck it, I’m doing it anyway” because he doesn’t give a shit if something happens to him as long as she’s safe. Azriel actually gives her his most prized possession, something that he’s never let another living soul touch as long as it’s been in his possession. The only other person is Elain and he gave to her so she could protect herself. He didn’t give her a jacket and he didn’t give her magic gloves that she didn’t want and didn’t need, because as Feyre said, she likes seeing the fruit of her labor on her hands. She liked the cuts and the scratches and the blood as a reminder of the work she put in. Which is something her mate didn’t understand about her. Just as he didn’t understand she was a seer.

#elriel #azriel #elain archeron #anti l*cien #anti el*cien

[resonancewitness]

facets of relationships (2)

continuing from here

...What I think is what we like to see in yizhan and reconstruct from crumbs is the presence of all the aspects-to-be-celebrated in their relationship.

in the first post I talked about "providing" and allowing the other person to rest assured; domestic partnership and life-supporting everyday service; the experience of sharing something we give value to, and trust on one side, and believing in/ cheering for, on the other side.

in this post I will tell more about being the ignition key for someone else's engine and vice versa; the heart attention and heart memory, and being companions in exploring life, studying life, and transforming life.

The facet of relationships where one of the partners has a powerful engine, but no ignition key for it, — and the other has the ignition key, or the other is the ignition key, in some sense, but not the engine. This facet is often asymmetrical, meaning that it is very rare when both persons play the same roles for each other at the same time. 

If they are lucky to meet (not necessarily in the same spot in time, or place), and recognise that the key fits, the engine of the one with the engine starts working and produces an unbelievable amount of something — in best cases, something good :) The person watches the work of his/her engine with delight and gratitude, and watches how the product of the engine works in his/her own life and, possibly, in the lives of others. 

If the person who has (or is) the key, sees the value in the way the engine works and in what it produces, — this person can also be happy. But if they are oblivious (which sometimes is the case), this does not devalue this facet of relationships. These are the relationships between the muse and the poet, or maybe even more precise description would be — the relationships between the Fair Lady and the troubadour, especially of the style trobar clus, the closed worship-song, when everyone knows the songs but only the troubadour and his closest friends know whom they are inspired by and dedicated to. The gender combinations, though, can be of any possible kind :) 

One other obvious metaphor of this facet of relationships is begetting — and bearing — children. In both literal and symbolic sense. This is the facet of relationships when the life of at least one partner is irrevocably changed — something is born that did not exist before, and it brings more life, joy and meaning into life. And as in case of biological fatherhood — the more the "father" acknowledges the consequences of his contribution and takes part in the life of the offspring, the more joy and meaning he gets from it. 

In some sense, it is the day of Emmanuel Steel from Alexander Greene's story "The Heart of the Wild Land": 

“You have a gift of artistic imagination, — of course there was no settlement in the heart of the wild land, I understood that you had played a prank on me, but the image was beautiful, the settlement should have been there, so I went and created it, would you like to go there with me to see if it looks like you had imagined it?" 

"You are an engine. Do you know that you are an engine? This is not an insult". 

In some sense, this is the ripple effect relationship, like the one between a star and their fans, but even more so. It is quite possible that some of the genuine, not specially-made, natural expressions of our being would become to some persons the missing piece of the puzzle — and now this piece is found, fits in, and the image is complete, it comes to life and creates its magic. And we might not be aware of it at all — and that is okay too :) 

The unexpected heart attention — and heart memory. This is the facet of relationships that comes to the forefront, when we have something important to us, which we possibly don't talk about much — or often, — but the other person (our partner, colleague, or friend, etc.) notices, marks it for him/herself, remembers and includes in his/her plans and daily activities. When the other person's "importances" are as important for us as our own. 

The heart attention and heart memory happens when the other person remembers the dates that are important to us (those that Facebook cannot remind them of...), and s/he writes and asks, how we are. When it is enough to say or write just once that you like something, and the person would remember and keep this in mind, choosing a gift or an activity to do together. When a person "interrogates" his/her friend who has many food allergies, what the friend is actually able to eat, and then invites the friend over and cooks — and all the delicious foods are edible and not a cause for worry. When the person who makes collective selfies in the group, always keeps in mind the shyest member of the group, who is turning his/her face away from the camera, — and chooses such a point of view to make a shot, so the photographer's own face is also half-turned from the camera. 

"I saw this article and thought — it is just on the crossover of your interests. Have you seen it already?" 

"I am in the bookshop and I see here the latest book from your favourite series, do you have it? — or I can pick it up for you". 

"I remember a couple of months ago you told me that you would have a hectic week with lots of medical appointments, — it is this coming week, right? Do you need a ride, or a few, to the clinic? Do you have anyone to babysit the kids? If not yet, I can do it, I have freed my schedule for this purpose". 

"This candle is here in memory of your mother. Today is 8 years since she passed away, isn't it? My condolences". 

And of course, it is absolutely magical when heart attention and heart memory in a relationship is mutual :) 

Being companions on the path of exploring life, studying life and transforming life — the immediate life of each of us, and not some kind of "external" life in general. 

When we decide not to let our life slip, because we are aware that if we do, it is not going to slip in any good direction, we decide to start experimenting on ourselves and to go against the current of entropy. We know that it is hard to move against the current alone. It is much, much, much easier to do it together. We are co-researchers. We are driven by curiosity — and we give each other support by means of doing what is important for ourselves and for the other person. 

To get up at five a.m. ("who wakes up first, phones the other"), to go for a run (the one who finds it easier to get out of the house, runs to the other's house and waits outside... and then they take turns), to meditate ("let's sit for 15 minutes at 7 p.m."), to study some kind of system and apply it to life. “Have you already done the assignment for today? No? Let’s do it now, at the same time, together in time, even if apart in space”. To let go of some kind of bad habit, to look for an answer to the question "what happens if...”, to explore and understand what it means to be (...to be together, to be a parent, to be an adult person, to be the author of one's own life, etc.). 

Each one of us walks on our own path, but knows that the other is walking, too. Sometimes we meet up and talk — maybe every day, maybe quite seldom. Maybe each of us keeps our own "expedition journal", and then we swap notes, and maybe we have a shared journal where we both write from the start. Maybe we have started our journey together from the same starting point, and maybe from different ones. Sometimes just knowing that you are walking with someone, and someone is walking with you, is a very powerful antidote against loneliness. When you know that someone knows what you are up against — that sometimes you feel lazy, or it is so hard, or you feel very unwell, and still you do not lose sight of your path and you don't abandon it. The other person knows what you are up against so well, because on his/her way s/he also encounters obstacles. When you are tired, and the other person becomes your pacemaker; and when s/he is tired, you become his/her pacemaker. When the other person celebrates with you the smallest of your achievements, your tenacity and your persistence, and you celebrate with them. In a certain sense, it is our shared secret. And in a certain sense, we are accountable to each other, not because somebody forced us to be, but because we have freely chosen this commitment. Each of us can be in solitude, but experience a very powerful sense of togetherness and participation, the feeling that our own life touches the life of the other very meaningfully. This is what this facet of relationship is about — being a team working on projects together, where the projects are the unique individual lives of each of us. 

I am "grok-ing" (remember Heinlein's "Stranger in a Strange Land"?) the feeling of curiosity, the explorer's enthusiasm, the commitment to be accountable to the other person, the feeling of lives touching each other, the support, the shared rejoicing. And I am celebrating with gratitude our contribution to each other's lives, our openness, trust and togetherness. 

(to be continued)

#yizhan #witnessing something precious #bjyxszd #how reconstructing an untold story transforms us? #resonance #we are made to love #finding ourselves in their story

[pridepages]

All or Nothing: Loveless

I just finished Loveless by Alice Oseman. I have some thoughts.

Here there be spoilers!

Alice Oseman is a gift to LGBTQIA+ literature. She has mastered the art of Jane Austen: writing a book that apparently has very little plot, but is actually a depiction of some of the most important facets of every day life. Her most famous contribution to the canon, Heartstopper, is light, bright, and sparkling in tone. With Loveless, Oseman adds a more nuanced piece of work to her world.

The novel centers around Georgia Warr, a rising first year student at university who is desperate to star in her own romantic love story. She’s imbibed all the intoxicating tropes of allonormative fiction: she knows every meet cute, every slow burn, every AU under the sun. She’s studied up, and she’s ready to go. The problem is that when she tries to take it from fantasy to reality, she finds that she has zero sexual or romantic chemistry with anyone. Worse still, she’s repelled by everyone she tries with. Over the course of many failed experiments, and through an introduction to a lovely friend, Georgia must come to terms with her reality: she cannot find that fabled romantic love story with one person. She’s aromantic asexual.

Asexuality, let alone aromanticism, is a rare study in contemporary fiction. By placing Georgia’s self-discovery at the heart of the novel, Alice Oseman has provided a novelty to a community that rarely finds itself directly addressed. This is a new kind of coming out, and coming to terms, story: what does life look like when your relationships fit no kind of translatable norm? 

The answer provided to us is that Georgia is able to find beautiful, true love stories with her friends. As her new roommate, pansexual Rooney Bach declares to her: “I feel at home around you in a way I have never felt in my fucking life. And maybe most people would look at us and think we're just friends, or whatever, but I know that it's just...so much more than that. You fucking saved me, I swear to God.” 

Because whether we are aromantic or alloromantic, love comes in life in so many different forms. Just because society has prioritized one expression does not mean the others are less worthy.

Just as Georgia must come to grips with how she can give and receive love, so must the others in her life. Some people have been disquieted by the fact that the title of the novel is Loveless, fearing that it represents yet another jab at people on the aroace spectrum. I would argue that the title is, quietly, more nuanced than that: the majority of the rest of the characters may be alloromantic, but that doesn’t mean that they rest easy with the knowledge they are lovable.

Georgia’s friend Pip is an out-and-proud lesbian. But multiple times in the novel, Pip declares that she’s destined to be forever alone. Having been treated as a ‘gay experiment’ in the past, Pip believes she isn’t worthy of anything else. Georgia’s second friend Jason, apparently a straight man, has endured bullying in his life. Because that bullying centered around his being undesirable and unlovable, Jason rushed into romance and dating with the wrong people because he believed that it was his only shot and he didn’t deserve to hold out to be treated well. Newly discovered pansexual Rooney has embraced free sexuality and flirtation, but for her they don’t equate to love. She believes she deserves to be punished for having fallen in love with the wrong person, causing her to have made years’ worth of bad choices and sacrificed healthier friendships.

I think what this book is all about is really that we all struggle with what it means to love. Love comes in so many forms, and those forms shouldn’t be discounted just because they don’t fit preconceived notions. Love in all its forms is so rare in this world. When it comes our way, we need to keep eyes, arms, and heart open. Don’t miss it.

To my asexual, aromantic, or even allo family who dread feeling forever alone: I implore you to stop and ask yourself where you find love in this world. I have had days where I didn’t want to live anymore, but I asked myself who would take care of my dog if I wasn’t here? So, I decided it was worth sticking around a little longer. Calmer reflection reminded me of parents who try their best. Of friends who chose me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Of mentors who pushed me forward. Of kids in my classroom who gave me unexpected hugs and told me I was their favorite teacher.

Sometimes, love feels like an all or nothing affair. Either we’re the heroes of some grand romance or we’re the also-rans. But the reality is so much different. Love can be all around us. If we don’t stop and look around once in a while, we might miss it.

#loveless #alice oseman #osemanverse #lgbtq reads #aroace #aromantic #asexual #queer lit #queerplatonic

[kemetic-dreams]

Onicha Ado N’idu; Naming rites and traditions of the Igbo of Nigeria

What is in our names? The Igbo are one of the three major tribes of Nigeria and comprise the largest group of people living in southern region of the country.Igbo culture is a magical amalgamation of steadfast customs, ancient practices, Nka (artistry), religious beliefs, birth, marriage and death rituals, language, music and dance forms, as well attire and cuisine. The culture of the Igbo modifies our thoughts, speech, actions and artefacts to the extent that we are easily distinguished from other ethnic groups.

In Igbo traditional society, a naming ceremony, Igu Afa, occurs on the 8th day after a child’s birth. Paternal grandparents officiate the ceremony and it begins with ancestral recognition and divination, followed by the name giving. Wine libations are then poured in deference to our ancestors and also to notify them of the child’s name. This is followed by the breaking of kola nuts and prayers and the ceremony, which traditionally lasts an entire day, ends with a family procession.

In Igbo land, there is great significance in a name – a name is more than just an appellation or a stamp of identity. Our names bear a message, a meaning, a story, an observation, a history, a life experience or a prayer. They embody a collective of my people’s rich heritage and provide a window into our value systems and life philosophies. We believe that God, man and destiny are intertwined. Chi is our personal God who resides within the individual and presides over our destiny, Eke is the principle of creation and destiny apportionment and Uwa is the world as we know it. This sacred trinity is woven into our names and moulds us into who we are.

Onicha Ado N’idu offers a viewing facet into our culture, our naming rites and how these appellations shape who we are. How a culture survives depends on its people’s capacity to learn and transmit it to succeeding generations. Through Nka, I hope to provide viewers with an understanding of who we are as a people and seek to learn more about my tribe and my country as a whole

What is in their names? 1. NWABUNDO | MY CHILD IS MY SHELTER AND PROTECTION She is a sanctuary and gives eternal strength to those that she holds dear. 2. OKEDINACHI | DESTINY LIES WITH THE ALMIGHTY She is ordained with the gift of eloquence and is destined to achieve great things in life. 3. SOMADINA | I AM NOT ALONE IN THE PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL WORLD She is iconic and her strength is derived from the people that surround her. 4. EZIAMAKA | THE GOOD PATH IN LIFE (THE PLACE YOU WENT TO WAS GOOD) She embodies peace, good health and wealth. 5. OLUCHI. GOD’S HANDWORK She sees the beauty in the world around her; creation of man can never equal that of God. 6. SOMTOCHUKWU | JOIN ME IN PRAISING GOD She celebrates in life, always, because although there may be misfortunes along the way, the sun always rises in the morning. 7. UGONMA | BEAUTIFUL EAGLE The eagle is the royal bird of the Igbo people and rules the sky. In the same fashion, Ugonma has fearless dominion over her life and seeks not to dwell but rather, she strives to overcome. 8. APUN’AWU | DON’T GO OUT IN THE SUN A delicate being, to remain unspoiled by the sun so as not to lose her beauty. Apun’Awu’s story is one of preservation of all things that we hold dear. 9. NKIRUKA | THE FUTURE IS GREATER THAN THE PAST What lays ahead of you is far greater than what is behind. She looks ahead for greater things to come. 10. NONYELUM | STAY WITH ME We yearn for companionship when faced with grief or death. The fragility of the human mind in such a state is comforted through the bonds of a companion.

#african names #nonyelum #nkiruka #apun awu #african #igbo #igbo names #african name ceremony #afrakan #kemetic dreams #afrakans #africans #brown skin #african culture #afrakan spirituality #chi #ibgos

[othunderous]

🌊 for your muse to come across my muse skinny dipping in a lake (whichever way u want)

many times throughout his long life, thor has thought himself in love. he has known infatuation, passion, lust. his reputation has facets and he is aware of all of them; arrogant, hot-headed, fierce, brave, and— as some would put it— very, very loving. for as long as he can remember his heart has been full of love. it’s lead him to pouring it places that can’t contain all of it. he has tried, and failed, many times. lasting beyond the burning of want, building something meaningful, seemed to be a feat he would never overcome. but there had been one who inspired him to look deeper, to appreciate the time it takes for a true connection to be found.

then there had been rey. when he thought he’d learned all there was to know about love, romance, relationships, she proved him wrong. so delightfully wrong. she showed him everything: the passion will not always fade, attraction is not the sole nor defining factor of desire, to appreciate and care for tenderly and protect is vastly more consuming than the simple & temporary whims of the flesh. knowing someone’s heart, every last bit of it, and offering his own in return— knowing of the immense devastation that may have followed had she turned it away— and being still wanted & welcomed anyway is the greatest gift he’s ever been given.

rey brings him happiness, safety and security, joy even in the darkest and most difficult of times. thor will spend eternity trying to thank her for that. now, he only smiles, trying not to mind the slight blur in his eyes as he watches her. it’s been a few minutes since he’s stopped where he stands, leaning against a wall of stone with his eyes trained on her. moonlight paints them and the wading water in a pale blue. the wetness of her hair and the rivulets running down her back as she rises from the water glimmer. absently, he wonders if she can feel him admiring her, knows that his heart begins to hammer. it isn’t just the sight of her, but all the thoughts of endless love that have crossed his mind since he left the shelter of the cave. gods, she is so beautiful. thor has often thought to himself it should hurt to look at her — right now, it does.

they are alone. this planet is not heavily populated, and its people don’t live this deep within nature. most of the wildlife has kept a safe distance. understandable; it must be odd to see people here, in their home. rey would know if they felt intruded upon. because they are alone, he worries not over being seen without their clothes, or in an intimate position. he takes advantage of the solitude to appreciate her as she should be appreciated. completely bare, exposed, vulnerable. . . but only ever protected and adored by him.

slowly, thor’s feet leave the rough terrain of stone beneath him to step into the water. undoubtedly, she can hear him coming, with the light splashes hitting his skin. a hand lifts to run through his hair, wetting it. it isn’t cold as he’d anticipated it would be. approaching her from behind, wrapping an arm around her waist, he is pleased to find that while the darkness of the water shrouds him just beneath the navel, she is barely tall enough that her chest isn’t concealed. it pulls a brief chuckle from him.

“hi,” he murmurs, one thumb stroking at her hip whilst his free hand caresses along her arm. “are you enjoying the water?”

he knows the answer is yes. rey loves oceans, rain, even the simplicity of a bath. it’s why he brought her to this cave. with his chin resting atop her head, he takes a moment to admire the moon above. so big and bright, illuminating the darkness of the surrounding void. well— the stars that pepper the sky offer their help. temporarily, the hand stroking her arm lifts to point at the sky. up, up, slightly to the left.

“do you see that one? it is very slightly bigger than all the stars that surround it. that’s no star; it’s earth.” looking down at her, the smile he wears is quaint, but so visibly taken with her. “i wonder how many are there, right now, looking up at the sky as we are, not knowing we’re looking back.”

as gorgeous as the night is, rey is captivating. he finds he can’t tear his eyes away. of course, her body calls to him; her curves, the softness of her skin, the glittering of the droplets that cover her, the perfect shape of her mouth. but he sees more than that: her strength, her devotion, her compassion, her love. all the memories they’ve made and have yet to make. amidst the thudding, his heart skips. the hand that’s returned to stroking her arm lifts again to move her hair, draping it over one shoulder. thor takes up the free space with his mouth, pressing soft, open-mouthed kisses to her skin. the arm wrapped around her tightens its hold, pulling her closer against him.

“you are so. . . beautiful.” his voice is low as he speaks between kisses to her neck. he sighs against her, teeth offering gentle nips before he pauses, parts, turns her in his arms. touching his forehead to hers, he releases her to cradle her face, tilting her upward to meet him. but he doesn’t kiss her, despite how close they are, and the very ends of their lips brush. “rey,” he whispers, so quietly he hardly hears it himself. thor inches closer; they’re chest to chest, hips to hips. her body heat both soothes and excites him. how his eyes take her in, raking over her face before focusing on her mouth is intentional. “kiss me.”

#lightsiided #𝙜𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧. main #honeymoon 🥰

[melanieenvs3000f23]

Week 4: Exploring Nature Through the Lens of Art

As I pursue this transformative journey of exploring nature through the lens of art, I find myself contemplating the profound question: Who am I to interpret nature through art, and what does it mean to unravel "the gift of beauty"?

At its core, this exploration is a recognition of my inherent connection to nature. I am not a passive observer but an active participant in the intricate web of life that surrounds us. Through art, I assume the role of a storyteller, a translator of nature's language into forms and expressions that resonate with the diverse spectrum of human perception. In essence, I become a conduit, bridging the gap between the raw, unfiltered beauty of nature and the varied perspectives of those who may not perceive it in the same light.

Art, as a unique lens for interpreting nature, transcends the boundaries of scientific analysis. It captures the emotions, sensations, and awe that nature evokes, weaving them into a narrative that speaks to the depths of human experience. Therefore I am not merely an interpreter; I am a mediator, shaping an emotional connection between people and the natural world. Through this process, I aspire to foster a deeper appreciation for nature, invoking a sense of stewardship and responsibility.

"The gift of beauty" extends beyond surface aesthetics; it encompasses the delicate balance of ecosystems, the rhythmic dance of seasons, and the resilience of life in the face of adversity. As an artist, I see myself as unwrapping this gift, revealing its multifaceted brilliance through various artistic mediums. Painting, sculpture, photography—they all become tools through which I explore and express the nuanced beauty inherent in the natural world.

Navigating through different lenses in this course, I am reminded that each perspective adds a layer to my understanding of nature. Science, philosophy, and art are not mutually exclusive but complementary facets of a multifaceted jewel. Through the lens of art, I can amplify the emotional and spiritual dimensions of nature, enriching the overall tapestry of interpretation.

In expanding upon the exploration of nature through art, I recognize that this endeavor is not isolated but part of a broader dialogue between humanity and the environment. Art grants me the privilege to distill the essence of the natural world into expressions that resonate with the human soul. With this privilege comes a responsibility to inspire others to recognize their role as stewards of the planet, fostering an awareness of the profound interconnectedness that defines our existence.

My journey as an interpreter of nature through art is a dynamic process of discovery and expression. Through my artistic endeavors, I hope to contribute to a collective awakening—a shared realization of the beauty that surrounds us and the responsibility we bear to nurture and protect it. This, then, is my humble answer to the question: Who am I to interpret nature through art? I am a storyteller, a mediator, and a steward of the gift of beauty.

Melanie

[dj1981]

I wrote this poem about how it was love at first sight when I met my wife almost 20 years ago. We have been married almost 18 years now. We have been through a lot together, but our love remains even after all those years! Here is my poem, Enjoy!

Title: Eternal Love's First Glimpse

In a world where time stood still, Where destiny wove its tender will, I gazed upon a wondrous sight, A vision bathed in golden light. Her eyes, like sapphire pools, so deep, Drew me in, made my heart skip a beat. Blonde locks cascaded, a radiant crown, Her beauty surpassed all I had known. She possessed a figure, heavenly blessed, Curves that enticed, left me breathless. And oh, that smile, a celestial ray, Melting doubts, chasing shadows away. A flirtatious charm danced in her gaze, A playful spirit set my heart ablaze. Her Giggles and laughter filled the air, Her energy infectious, beyond compare. She was a goddess, my heart's decree,In her presence, I felt joyfully free. Every facet, every glimpse, perfection defined, A love so immense, it transcended time. If I could relive those early days, A single day, in love's sweet haze, I'd seize the chance with a beating heart, To bask in love's glow from the very start. For even after the first date's embrace, It felt like we'd known each other for days. Amidst skepticism, doubts others had sown, We proved them wrong, our love had grown. Differences whispered by naysayers' tongues, But love's power silenced their misguided runs. Nearly eighteen years of marriage, hand in hand we've walked, Together, forging a bond that can't be blocked. From that very first moment, I knew it was true, A love that would last, forever me and you. Through highs and lows, trials that came our way, Our love endured, growing stronger each day. So let them marvel at our enduring flame, As we dance through life, united in name. For love's first glimpse, a gift divine, A lifetime of devotion, yours and mine.

#Love #Love Poems #Love At First Sight #Poems #Poetry #Romance Poems #Rhyming Poems #Romance

[lostwithoutyouherewriter]

Golden Beauty: A Street Fighter Ficlet

Inspired by "Karin," artwork by Edwin Huang, from the Street Fighter Swimsuit Special 2016, ©Udon Entertainment

The beautiful heiress basked in the adoration of her servants, a horde of doting pool boys with good looks and choice, hard bods. She leaned back, enjoying the shade of her pool umbrella and the tribute offered by the working class.

“Right away, Miss Kanzuki! Another piña colada, Miss Kanzuki? My, don’t you look lovely today, Miss Kanzuki!”

Karin Kanzuki laughed with delight as they lavished her with gifts and praise. So many gorgeous men at her disposal, brandishing drinks and fresh towels with such tan, muscular arms! Of course, she accepted it all from her place of power, a lounge chair placed at the head of the pool, where she could survey all within her domain.

She idly wondered what they loved most about her. Surely, they were attracted to her wealth. Now that she had taken control of her father’s shares, she controlled most of the global market. Why, this very hotel chain was part of the Zaibatsu’s expansion along the Golden Coast, and now it would host many of the world's most renowned warriors! Or perhaps it was the power of her family name, sewn into the fabric of these premium cotton towels and sprawled along the marquee of the towering resort.

Then again, her natural beauty was simply impossible to ignore. Even now, she caught one particularly handsome pool boy staring at her as he changed the towels. He was absolutely smitten with the heiress—her golden curls, glittering jewelry, and her gorgeous, flawless skin. She could only imagine what he was thinking as he eyed her itsy-bitsy red bikini, a designer piece that likely cost more than his annual salary.

Hm, she might as well enjoy this not-so-secret admirer. Karin tipped her sunglasses down and winked at the boy. While he was still blushing, she slipped a finger under her bikini cup and flashed one nipple ever so briefly. A fit of giggles overtook her as the boy ducked into the nearest cabana, trying yet failing to hide his ever growing interest in her.

Oh, who was she kidding? They loved her because she was all of these things and more—because she was Karin Kanzuki, victorious and perfect in all things.

And now that she had finally come of age, she wanted more. She wanted the whole world to bow at her feet. She wanted to experience the sweet taste of victory in all facets of life. And yes, she wanted that handsome boy eating out of the palm of her hand. Maybe she would invite him up to her room later tonight, so he could lather her up in the finest of oils. Then she would unlace his trunks and take a good, hard look at his enormous...

“Airborne Shunpukyaku!!!”

An explosion of chi energy rocked the scene, blowing past the furniture on deck and sending a tidal wave gushing down upon anyone unfortunate enough to be sitting poolside. Of course, Karin was among these unfortunate souls, her fancy umbrella bent in half, her glorious throne toppled from its place of power.

Karin fumed and spat her curses as she clambered out of this mess. She gripped the aluminum bars of her lounge chair, only to collapse on her tuchus as the chair wobbled away from her. For crying out loud, where were her servants? Why was no one helping her?

When she brushed aside the disheveled locks of blonde hair, she found her answer at the far end of the pool.

A cute brunette in a blue and white bikini was swimming through the water, laughing as the pool boys praised her agility and helped her fish out her white headband. Karin seethed as this popular girl won them over with a style all her own—a spirit of fun and optimism that could not be bought or sold.

The heiress gritted her teeth and shook her fists in rage. “SAKURAAAA!!!”

You can continue reading "Summer of the Warrior" ficlets on AO3 throughout July!

#street fighter #fanfic #fanfiction #ao3 #archive of our own #karin kanzuki #sakura #sakura street fighter #sakura kasugano #summer vacation #feeling flirty #rivalry #poolboy #swimming #rich girl #sexy

[aronarchy]

from The Pearl, by Airidescence

Affirmations, Well Wishes, and Prayers of Daily Inspiration of Mutiny for the Average Atomized Soul, Caught Between The Machine and The Void, Striving to Become The Absurd Hero in An Absurd World.

May the fangs you choose incite both fear and annihilating desire in the hearts of enemies.

May the worst wounds inspire you to embrace humanity harder in ardent rebellion, and to craft your heart into somewhere worth being.

May the wings you covet begin to take shape in your utmost Becoming.

May the skies darken when you need a cleansing rain.

May your skin shed anew to reveal its amazing capacity for both immaculate continuity and the grace and horror of being mortal.

May you cherish both of these odd facets of life.

May the demons you’ve been given, grow to be nurtured and may your grief become whatever it needs to be in the given time— sword, pen or other instruments of healing. May the gentleness of the world not escape your perceptions. Let them be cherished. May the cruelty of the systems at hand, lead you not to despair, but greater fervor to reject replication.

May the iridescence take hold and transfigure you—rhapsodically rhizomatic.

May your abusers either repent and repair or… become ash of the most glorious fires. May the rot become fertile soil to grow new things.

“Unsolicited advice”

The world has made us weary and it’s okay to be sick of it. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to cry. Let the grief happen but don’t let it paralyze you.

Let’s start small.

Try at least one small movement. Wherever you can. A deep breath. Do that once a day. Twice a day.

Learn a new skill. Apply it radically, and apply it with ineptness. Remember that you are the Learner. And that role is a beautiful role to carry throughout life. It means you have the most beautiful thing about humanity: The gift to adapt, to change, to Become. It will thread itself through your mind one day— suddenly, a bit of mastery. Learn another new skill. Add it in— 5 minutes a day, then 10 minutes, then 15, then 30, then an hour. You’re building a new world inside you. Now apply that one. Remember and repeat.

Acquire what compels you. Sink into obsessions, and reignite that hunger. The spark of inspiration and fascination. All of this to remind you that life is not just suffering, we’ve just structured everything that way, we’ve structured everything around profit, and not our own god damn lives—and it doesn’t have to fucking be like this.

Revolt in small ways. Revolt in large ways. Prefigure because it’s the right thing to do. Prefigure because even if it is hopeless—god dammit, at least someone cared enough to try. Caring in the face of an uncaring world is an act of courage, one that is a small miracle to repeat everyday. To care and consider all this, and to act with that care, is everything. Steal passion. Steal from the bastards who are killing our home. Corporations and landlords and politicians have no place here, the ones who have made Profit our king. Spit on their death machine. Reclaim yourself. Reclaim the bravery to defend the wilderness inside of you and outside of you. It all connects anyway.

Call in sick to work— the sickness is capitalism. The sickness is every hierarchy and the subsequent denigration of love and solidarity. The sickness is feeding the alienation and instead, in our courage, we will feed each other.

And you?

You marvelous opalescent Becoming, a transcendent being—you! with your awakened opalescent blood and your starlit intentions!— you could be part of the cure.

#repost of someone else’s content #airidescence #art #positivity #inspiration #advice