#The first time I heard this song was on a ski trip and I was DEEP into Mysme hell

[smoooothoperator]

untouchable

01: It's Begining To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Lando Norris x OC (Violet Sinclair)

same group friend, unrequited love, acquittances to lovers, ski trip, love triangle

Words: 2.1k

Warnings: lando being cute. nothing serious yet.

a/n: MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE! I think it was the perfect time to post this story since it's actually based on this time of the year. I hope everyone had a great year and that the one about to come is better.

If someone has ideas of songs to add on a playlist please dont forget to tell me!

Masterlist

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If you want to be tagged don't forget to message me!

Every way of feedback is very welcomed

Winter. Most people love that season. Snow, shiny streets decorated with lights, hot chocolate, families reunited to decorate the house, cozy clothes… And what couples love: cuddling without melting because of the high temperatures the summer brings, holding hands, sleeping together.

Sounds cute, amazing, beautiful.

Unless you are single.

When you are single, you won't have someone to give you body heat, or to get your hand warm while you walk on the street. Instead of that, you have to wear gloves, scarfs and warm clothes.

I never wanted this to happen. I never wanted to be in this situation, wishing I was her. Everytime they got cozy on the couch, I wished it was me who he was holding. Everytime they walked in front of me, I wish it was my hand the one he's holding and keeping warm in the pocket of his coat.

But sadly, I have a crush on my best friend's boyfriend. It wasn't on purpose. Harry and I started college the same year and both of us were in the same classes, sharing tables and after the first months studying, sharing a group of friends. We were the link of our group, the ones that introduced our friends to the others.

And that's how Eloise met Harry.

Eloise was my childhood best friend, my neighbor, my forever supporter on everything I did, the one that was always behind me with a hand on my back and pushing me to follow my dreams.

Except that one time. But it wasn't her fault.

I knew she liked Harry and he liked Eloise. The moment they met for the first time, I felt how something changed, I felt how Harry couldn't stop looking at her, how his smile was bigger whenever he heard her talk or laugh.

That's why I had to take a step back and let them be happy together, even if it meant that I had to swallow my own feelings and watch how they fell in love with each other.

The winter vacations were getting closer and with that the plans of shopping gifts and decorations started. The last class before the vacations officially started was longer that it looked, time flew very slow and all of us were counting down the seconds to grab our things and leave the campus.

“Do you have something planned with your family?” Harry asked me, talking low.

“No, actually “ I sighed. “I won't go home for Christmas Eve. Eloise asked me to go to the trip you planned”

“Oh, right” he nodded. “The guys will go too”

“Yeah, she told me” I nodded. “Who will go, by the way?”

“Well… Max and Pietra, Lando…” he started to count, making me him and pay attention to the teacher again.

Or at least, look like I was paying attention.

Harry's group of friends is everything but normal. Max and Lando were always there, his childhood friends that met during his short period of kart racing when they were just seven years. While Harry decided to focus on his studies and start a career to follow the steps of his father, Max and Lando continued with their passion for motorsport, but only Lando could make it to the final level, to Formula 1.

“Lando? The season is already finished?” I asked, typing some things on my laptop.

“Yeah, it did some weeks ago” he nodded.

“Ah, nice”

Lando Norris. I rarely talked with him. Every time our group hangs out, he's always with Max and Pietra. What we say to the other is the basic two people from the same group can say. Sure, we texted to congratulate our own personal wins and our birthdays, or even to give details whenever he invited us to some races so each one of us could have their own paddock pass.

“When are we leaving?” I asked. “I have to make my suitcase”

“Then do it when you arrive home because we are leaving in two days” he chuckled, making me frown.

“Oh, okay” I nodded.

In two days. And my birthday will be in the middle of the trip?

When the teacher ended the class I packed my backpack, putting the laptop inside of it as well as my notebook. I saw Harry looking at his phone with a smile and I immediately knew he was texting Eloise.

“I'll send you the details, okay? Lando took care of the plane” Harry said, and I just hummed in response.

I hung the backpack on my left shoulder and walked out, grabbing my phone and getting out of the classroom.

Everyone ran through the corridors, excited to finally leave the classes and have free days for some weeks before going back to bury their noses on the books to study again.

The streets are cold, freaking cold. With only two minutes out of the building, my nose is as cold as an ice cube and the need of wrapping the scarf around my throat makes me smile, feeling the warm material caressing the skin of my cheeks. Only a ten minutes walk and then I'll be at home, where I can change my clothes for cozy ones and drink a warm coffee while reading a book.

I was excited for the trip. It's been a long time since all of us went on a trip. Since Lando is always working around the globe, planning something for all of us was hard. Max and Pietra are always together, if one can go the other will join, they go as a pack unless Max has to do things with Lando's eSports team Quadrant. Harry and I have basically the same schedule, working on the last year of our master to finally have the title of our career.

The group chat was already working, sending messages to check if everything was ready, asking the last details for the trip.

Then I saw a text from another chat. Lando.

Lando Norris: You want to have a single room?

Violet Sinclair: Wow, thank you for reminding me how single I am.

Lando Norris: I wasn't saying it in that way!

Violet Sinclair: I know, silly. And yeah, that would be great 🙂

I sigh, rolling my eyes and leaving my phone on my nightstand while I changed my clothes.

Lando and I are the only ones that are single in the group. Which is kinda a relief, because I'm moments where the six of us hang out together, at least I know that I won't be alone watching how two couples are cozy in front of me.

The list of rooms reserved was shown on the screen in front of me. Two double rooms and two single rooms.

When Max mentioned that Violet was going to come on the trip after Eloise asked her, I immediately started to search for a place to stay for a week for all of us.

It was my turn to organize the trip, last summer it was Max who did it, even if not all of us went. But this time Violet was coming with us instead of staying with her family or in her apartment to study. At least, she won't be alone during her birthday.

Violet befriended Harry when they started college, and the moment he introduced her to Max and I, it was immediate love at first sight. The moment I saw her walk inside Harry's apartment and her golden hair held on a ponytail wave with every step she made closer to me, I fell hard for her.

But the moment I saw how she looked at Harry, I knew I had zero chances with her.

Even if her best friend dated Harry, she couldn't stop looking at him with adoration, a way sometimes I wished she could look at me.

I never liked being in a love triangle, it always brings trouble, more if it's inside a group of friends. But I couldn't help but feel that way.

“Mate, are you really going to be alone? You won't bring that girl from Raya?” Max asked, walking inside my streaming room and looking at the screen.

“For what? To make things more uncomfortable than they are already going to be with two couples?” I laughed, trying to lock my phone and making sure he doesn't see my chat with Violet.

“I mean, you are always complaining that you are single…” he sighed.

“I won't make Violet be uncomfortable too” I said, raising my shoulders and rolling my eyes.

“So it's because of her?” he smirked, making me roll my eyes and turn around the chair.

It's always because of her.

I made a profile on a dating app, because of her. I flirt with girls, because of her. I try to be at parties, because of her.

Because it is the least I can do to try to forget a woman that will never want me. And no matter how hard the effort is, my mind always crawls back at her.

So yeah, I do many stupid things because of her.

The last stupid thing was buying the book she talked about with Eloise during one of our game nights, sending it to her without a name of who sent it on the package. But at least, I knew she liked it and she was happy because she had it on the coffee table of her living room the day some of us went to her apartment to help her build a new library for her books.

“Harry, Eloise and Violet will take the plane in two days” I told Max. “We can go from here by train”

Max and Pietra came to Monaco a few days ago after I returned back to Monaco once the season was over. I wanted to rest, to forget about the speed and the cars. I needed to disconnect and I knew that spending time with my friends was what I needed the most.

“I'm going to buy some things” I said, getting up from the chair. “You need something?”

“If you buy dinner on your way home, that would be great” he nodded, walking out of the room and going to the guests room.

I sighed and nodded, grabbing a coat and the keys of one of my cars, driving to the mall of Monaco.

Violet's birthday will be during the trip, and I didn't want to go with my hands empty. A few days ago I saw something she would like, so I decided to buy it for her.

It was a necklace of a violet, the flower, and a book.

If there's something that can describe Violet is her passion for books. Her apartment is not big, it only has two rooms, a bathroom and an open kitchen that shares space with the living room. What is supposed to be a guest's room, is her library but with a bed on it. It's full of books, and it makes me proud to say that the books I secretly buy for her are between those shelves.

“Is this what you want?” the shop assistant said, showing me the necklace. “That girl must be lucky, this is a beautiful piece of jewelry. What a lucky girlfriend”

“Yeah…” I nodded.

If only the girlfriend part was true…

Going back home after buying some other things was exhausting. I had to buy clothes for the trip as well as dinner for Max, Pietra and me. But the fact that I had a bag with Violet's present just made me happy.

This would be the first time that I was going to be with her during her birthday, because over the last years she always went with her family to celebrate it with them.

Just when I got inside the elevator with the bags, my phone received a notification.

Violet💜: I forgot to ask, how many days are we going to stay there?

I smiled looking at the text, immediately answering her after leaving the bags on the floor.

Lando Norris: A week, I reserved a house for all of us.

Violet💜: you did? You reserved everything by yourself? How much I owe you?

Lando Norris: It's okay, it was my turn to plan the trip. Don't worry about the money

Violet💜: you sure?

Lando Norris: a hundred percent sure

“Who got you smiling like that?” Max asked when he saw me opening the door.

“What? No one!”

Lie after lie. Why can't I be honest with him? Why can't I say that I'm in love with Violet? Maybe it's because I prefer saving it to myself rather than someone having pity on me because I want someone that doesn't care about me, that wants another man.

I prefer living on my own fantasies and illusions than accepting the fact that Violet is untouchable and I will never have her.

taglist

@elisysd @racinggirl @ninifee1802 @kakorrhaphiphobia @landoyesrizz @lorarri @bellwhysomean

#f1 #f1 fanfic #f1 x reader #f1 imagine #f1 fic #f1 serie #formula 1 #formula 1 imagine #formula 1 drabble #formula 1 x reader #formula 1 fanfic #formula one #formula one imagine #formula one fanfic #formula one x reader #formula one fanfiction #lando norris #lando norris x oc #lando norris blurb #lando norris x reader #lando norris imagine #ln4 #ln4 x reader #ln4 imagine #ln4 fluff #ln4 fic #mclaren

[spacequokka]

Kookies | Day 20

Pairing: Jungkook x Reader Genre: Roommate AU, Fluff Rating: PG Summary: Your roomie needs help in the kitchen. Word Count: 0.7k Warnings: Language.

Gray, cloudy skies loomed over the city, heavy with the promise of snow. Festive lights twinkled on every corner, but the threat of a winter storm brought a sense of unease to the bustling streets. Amidst the revelry and holiday cheer, you'd been focused on finishing up an article for a client. Just as you'd submitted it for review, a knock on the door drew your attention from your computer. "Yeah?"

Your notoriously mischievous roommate, Jungkook, poked his head in. "Hey. Um, how busy are you on a scale of one to 'please help me?'"

You turned in your chair toward him. "What have you done now?"

He pursed his lips like he wanted to defend himself but thought better of it, settling for "It's not what I've done, but what I need to do."

Now he had your attention. "O-kay. What do you 'need' to do?"

With a straight face, he said, "Bake twelve dozens of frosted sugar cookies."

You waited for him to crack a smile, laugh and say "sike", but he didn't. When it was clear he was waiting on your response, you nearly choked. "I beg your damn pardon?"

He pushed the door open. "Okay, so Jimin said I can't cook to save my life. I wasn't gonna let him talk shit so," he took a deep breath, "I bet that I could and he put me in charge of bringing cookies to his Christmas party tomorrow."

You blinked a few times. "The only thing I've ever seen you cook without burning it is ramen."

"That's something I like to eat!" He threw his hands up. He'd clearly heard that retort already. "But that's not the point. I can bake the cookies, but I need help decorating and packaging them good enough to make the trip." He gave you his best puppy eyes. "Please help me. I know I can't mess it up if you're by my side."

"Why do I feel like the Shego to your Dr. Drakken?"

"You know what--I'll take that. Just say you'll help me, please? I'll do anything you want for a day."

"Just a day? That's over a hundred cookies--"

"Okay, a week! A whole seven days of whatever you want."

"Hm." You pretended to think about it. He dropped to his knees and put his hands together, poking his bottom lip out. "Meh, okay. I'm in."

"Oh, thank fuck." He stood up and grabbed your wrist, pulling you out the chair. "I got the premixed stuff because the YouTube short I found called for too much shit." His words ran together worse than in your room as he led the way to the kitchen. Everything you needed was laid out on the kitchen table. "The first batch is cooling here and the second batch is in the oven. You can start bagging the icing and I'll start on batch three."

"Holy shit." You picked up a piping bag. "You're actually on top of this." You grabbed a spoon and scooped vanilla into the bag. "Do I get music to work to, boss?"

He preened at the compliment and nodded with a grin. "Of course!" He dug his phone out of his pocket. A few swipes later, "Jingle Bell Rock" started to play. "Good?"

"Yessir." You nodded as you swung your hips to the song and added red food coloring to the icing. "Any particular request for the decorations?"

"Nope. Go wild or be as basic as you want. I just want them done so I can shove them in his stupid face."

"Aye aye." You saluted him. You both fell into a production line with him baking and you decorating the cookies.

Jungkook watched in amazement as you effortlessly piped intricate designs onto each cookie. "You're really good at this," he commented as he attempted to decorate a snowflake with blue frosting.

"It just takes practice," you replied with a smile. Once all the cookies were cooled and frosted, you packaged them in festive boxes for tomorrow's event. As you finished up, Jungkook thanked you profusely for your help.

"It was actually kind of fun," you admitted with a grin. "Much better than dealing with bananas."

"Yeah? Maybe next time we can bake something more challenging together," Jungkook suggested with a mischievous glint in his eye.

You laughed and shook your head. "We'll see."

But deep down, you knew that spending time together like this was becoming one of your favorite things about living with Jungkook. And as the snow began to fall outside, creating a winter wonderland scene, you couldn't help but feel grateful for having such a chaotic yet fun roommate.

#kvanity #kchristmas #bts fluff #jungkook fluff #jungkook x reader #bts imagines #bts scenarios #jungkook imagines #jungkook scenarios

[captain-mj]

Ooh ooh so Price tried to find the address on Selkie!Soap's file... What about Ghost? Maybe he wants to spend time on leave and lacking all social skills he just creeps on his file to find an address?

This is so funny because Ghost is a changeling in that au. He still has a home, but this is just... I like it.

Realized after writing part of this you meant Ghost creeps on Soap’s file. Thought you meant Price showing up to Ghost’s apartment to hangout. Disagreed with the idea of him having no social skills, but I was going to roll with it lol.  My apologies, hope you like the result despite it not quite fitting the ask.

Price rechecked Soap's file. Yep. That was the address. He hated that kid sometimes. Sure enough, he was 

Oh well, time to go to Ghost's apartment.

Price knocked on Ghost’s door and waited. He didn’t hear him inside but that didn’t mean anything. 

“Ghost, its your captain.”

The door almost instantaneously opened. “Captain, new mission?” Ghost had his ski mask on.

“Thought you took it off on leave?”

“Put it back on when you knocked. What’s happening? New mission? Need something?”

“No. Just wanted to check on you.” Price smiled at him. “You doing okay?”

“Terrible. Bored.”

“Okay, do you want to do something with me?”

Ghost hesitated, eyes narrowing. “What?”

“Soap’s address on file doesn’t exist. Need help finding where he lives.”

Ghost was already pulling on a jacket. “Hell yeah. Let’s go.” He started pulling on his shoes. 

Price looked inside, noticing the tons of plants and things everywhere. “How do you keep them alive?”

“I don’t. They’re fake.” Ghost stepped out. “So what do we know?”

“On file, he’s from Glasgow, but his plane dropped him off in Edinburgh. The address on file leads to an abandoned home that hasn’t been safe to live in since before Johnny was even born. It’s a roughly 5 hour drive.”

“You have your car?”

“Course. We’ll have a road trip.” 

Ghost, after two hours of them driving while listening to songs from the 80′s, the only music both of them listened to, got the idea to call Soap. Straight to voicemail the first time. The second time, a lady answered. Ghost put it on speakerphone.

“Hello?” The lady asked. “Who is this?”

They looked at each other. “Uh... Yeah. This is his Captain. From work.”

“Oh! Yes, he mentioned if you called to tell him. Is something wrong?”

“We’re coming to see him. Urgently.” Ghost spoke instead of Price.

“Ah.” She sounded the tiniest bit panicked. “What city are you two in?”

“We’re two hours from Edinburgh.” Price thought that would cut some time.

“Yes. Well, I’m his Máthair and he’s staying with me for the time being. I haven’t been feeling too well. I’ll send you our address.” 

“Thank you.” Price heard the dial tone before he finished. “Weird.”

“Something is definitely wrong.” Ghost said immediately. “How fast can you drive?”

Price turned off his cruise control and slammed on the gas.

-

Soap’s hair was wet when they got there. “Sorry, just got out the water guys.” He smiled, looking completely normal. 

Price stared at him. “You... alright?”

“Yeah, was just at the beach and didn’t want to deal with my phone. You guys good?”

Ghost stared at his chest and Price realized Soap was shirtless. He hit Ghost to make him stop staring and nodded. 

“yeah, we’re fine. Your address is wrong.”

“Oh? That it? Yeah, I’m going to be staying here on my leaves for a while. Just to help my Mam out.” Soap smiled. “Could’ve just texted me.”

Price shrugged. “Oh... You know...” Look, maybe he was just bored out of his mind like Ghost. “Thought I’d drop by?”

Soap looked at him oddly before turning to Ghost, seeing he wasn’t there. He had wandered over to where Soap’s mom was and she already had baby pictures out.

“I hate both of you so much.”

“Sorry, kid.”

#Johnny Soap Mactavish #Simon Ghost Riley #Soap Cod #Ghost COD #Soapghost #Ghostsoap #Soap x Ghost #Ghost x Soap #Macriley #Call of Duty #Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2 #Selkie Soap #changeling ghost

[shallyne]

You're Alive In My Head

A new fic for @throneofglassmicrofics and one of my favorites I think! based on the song Marjorie by Taylor Swift.

Prompt: Memory

Words: 966

TW: pre-canon death, mourning, grief

“Never be so kind, you forget to be clever and never be so clever, you forget to be kind.” Aelin’s mother said. She had heard this alot, from teachers and her father, even Aedion, but when her mother taught her, it was special in a way Aelin couldn’t explain. Maybe it was the way Evalin Galathynius was gentle enough that she didn’t turn away out of spite but strict enough that Aelin had to listen.

Aelin wanted to ask questions but when she opened her mouth no sound came out. Clawing at her throat, she looked at her mom but when she looked up, her mother kneeled in front of her and with a shock Aelin realized she could see the wall behind her mother, through her mother,

“My brave girl,” her mother whispered as she touched Aelins’s cheek, a phantom touch she couldn’t feel, slowly dissolving into thin air. There was nothing Aelin could do to help, she couldn’t even scream for help.. She couldn’t stand up to hug her one last time, she could only watch her mother vanish.

And if I didn't know better

I'd think you were talking to me now

If I didn't know better

I'd think you were still around

What died didn't stay dead

You're alive, you're alive in my head

Aelin awoke startled in an empty bed. It was early morning, the sun just rising. Rowan was probably on one of his early morning trips, not expecting her to wake up this early.Sitting up, she touched her cheek just where her mother had in her dream and it had felt so real that her own hand was shaking. The smell of her mother’s perfume still was embedded in her. 

Breathing became difficult and before she could think twice, Aelin grabbed her cloak and a pair of boots and went out. Luckily the palace was still asleep, mostly, and she knew which corridors she had to avoid to meet anyone.

It was quick to leave and grab a horse, leaving unnoticed and as she was riding towards sunrise, she remembered another lesson many years ago.

“Never be so polite, you forget your power and never wield such power, you forget to be polite.” her mother quietly said as Aelin was cuddled against her, munching on a cookie she had stolen from the kitchen.

She looked up at her mother, meeting her eyes, the same shade as hers. “What does that mean?”

Her mother smiled, softly caressing Aelin’s golden mane of hair, “I asked the same thing when I was your age, Fireheart, and no one gave me a satisfying answer. But I’ll have to tell you the same: you will find out when you’re older.”

“I want to know now!”

“I know, Fireheart,” Evalin Galathynius replied, her thumb sliding to her face and caressing Aelin’s cheek. “I know.”

And if I didn't know better, 

Aelin reached her destination and she climbed off her horse, binding in on a nearby tree, walking down a little path she had dreaded to walk since she had entered Terrasen after ten years until she reached a gated patch amidst the trees.

“Hello,” she said the graves with a breaking voice, etched on them Evalin Ashryver Galathynius and Rhoe Galathynius. 

The wind caressing her as if in response. 

I'd think you were listening to me now.

It was the first two hours that Aelin broke down and told them everything that had happened since she woke up that dreadful night in her parents bed. Everything bad and everything good. She cried and got mad and mourned all of the fallen who had fought for a better world once more. She hasn’t told them everything of course because if she had included details she would be here for a week. Although, at this moment it felt like her parents listened and she would have stayed a week if that feeling would’ve stayed but the feeling vanished the more the world woke up around her. 

The autumn chill that wakes me up

You loved the amber skies so much

Long limbs and frozen swims

You'd always go past where our feet could touch

Aelin let herself fall on the grass, looking up at the sky. A chill crept up her spine as the autumn cold and her decision to not wear a garderobe appropriate for autumn weather caught up to her, that wouldn’t get her to leave though. Not yet.

Turning her head to the gravestones, she said, “I should have asked you more questions. Both of you. I should have asked you how to do this and…” she swallowed. “I should have asked to write it down or something. I wish I could have kept everything.” a tear rolled down her cheek.”They took everything, everything from you. Every little scrap was taken.”

The wind howled around her, mixing with the singing of the few birds that haven’t traveled south yet. 

And if I didn't know better

I'd think you were singing to me now

Aelin stayed like that, silent, for a few more minutes before she stood up groaning and knelt one last time before her parent’s graves. “Next time I’ll bring you stones. I’m sorry, I just had to talk to you.” she whispered, pressing her hands against both gravestones. “I love you so much.”

I know better

But I still feel you all around

Against the cold, Aelin pulled her cloak closer together and walked back to her horse and once settled on the mare, she looked up the pine tree at the green eyed hawk, “Let’s go home, buzzard.” she said hoarsely.

And as she rode back home, her mate was flying above her, guarding her. She didn’t mind, she was actually glad he was there.

That they were together. 

#throne of glass #throne of glass microfics #tog #rowaelin #aelin ashryver galathynius #aelin galathynius #aelin ashryver whitethorn galathynius #aelin fireheart #throne of glass fanfiction #throne of glass fan fiction #throne of glass fanfic #throne of glass fic #tog fanfiction #tog fan fiction #tog fanfic #tog fic #taylor swift

[bubblesandgutz]

Every Record I Own - Day 812: Willie Nelson Stardust

My father-in-law passed away on February 23rd after a long battle with Parkinson’s and various other ailments. Over the last six years, my husband and I made frequent trips down to central Oregon to check in on my in-laws and help out around the house. During some visits, it seemed possible that his dad would be around for another decade or more. And on other visits, we wondered if he would be around more than a few months. Things took a rough turn around Thanksgiving of last year and his health declined considerably. My husband spent most of January in Oregon while I’ve spent 2024 fulfilling tour obligations with three different bands and making trips down to visit them during any available downtime.

My father-in-law was a great guy. He grew up in the Bay Area and was around for all the excitement of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. He was buddies with Pigpen from the Grateful Dead and attempted to go to the Altamont Free Concert but was stuck in the traffic jam when news traveled down the road about all the chaos and violence incited by the Hells Angels. He loved ZZ Top and Creedence Clearwater Revival and Tina Turner. But more than anything, he loved Willie Nelson.

Stardust, in particular, got a lot of spins around their house when I’d come to visit. In some ways, it’s odd that this was their Willie album of choice. After all, the ten songs on Stardust are all covers of old pop standards. Columbia Records was even hesitant to release it considering that Willie was riding strong on his outlaw country reputation at the time. But the album became a huge hit—a quintuple platinum album and a favorite among both fans and critics.

I won’t lie, I prefer Willie’s own songs, but the slow, sparse, and relaxed vibe of Stardust grew on me. I also appreciated how he chose songs with less conventional melodies (“Blue Skies,” “All of Me,” etc) and how his minimalist slow-hand style seemed perfectly suited to those compositions. The stretches of empty space, the chord changes that feel a little counterintuitive at first but then settle nicely into the larger song, the playful but rough-hewn quality to the vocals—it all has a hazy, late night, intoxicating vibe. I don’t even remember when I picked up my personal copy but it’s been a part of my collection for at least two decades.

Over the years, I heard less and less music at my in-law’s house. Television became the more constant companion, perhaps because the sound of people talking filled the conversational void stemming from the reclusive nature of my father-in-law’s disease. But when they began doing hospice at home back in January, they switched back to music. In his last days, we kept the stereo on throughout the day, switching between various CDs from their collection. I was occasionally tasked with picking out music, and I grappled with finding something that was familiar and comforting without running the risk of forever being tainted by the circumstances. Stardust was a family favorite but I never put it on for fear that it would render it off-limits once his father passed.

The hospice nurse called us on a Tuesday in February to say my father-in-law was near the end. He wasn’t eating or drinking and his breathing was labored. My husband and I drove all night hoping to make it to central Oregon in time to say goodbye. He was nearly unresponsive by that point, though he would squeeze your hand if you talked to him. Despite his condition, he managed to to hang in there for another week-and-a-half. In that time, I had to return to Seattle for rehearsals, then had to fly out to the East Coast for a weekend of shows, then flew back to Oregon, then had to fly back to Seattle to check in on a friend that was mentally struggling after being involved in a motor vehicle fatality involving an inebriated man that had been running across a busy highway.

The call came in the afternoon. My father-in-law passed peacefully. My husband and his mother had been listening to Stardust at the time, and he took his last breath during “September Song.”

The struggle was over. It had been a long decline and by the end it was hard to recognize the warm, witty, and vibrant man I first met nearly 26 years ago in the withered and incapacitated person we’d been tending to for the last few months. I was grateful to know my father-in-law for so many years, to have a stockpile of memories of him before things got so difficult. And in the weeks since he’s passed I’ve listened to Stardust a few times. The wistful nature of the album has an added element of sadness, but the memories of listening to it in happy moments outweigh its more recent association. If anything, “September Song” feels like an even more bittersweet reminder to savor the moment and hold your loved one’s close, because seasons change and all things must pass.

Oh, it's a long long while

From May to December

But the days grow short

When you reach September

When the autumn weather

Turns leaves to flame

One hasn't got time

For the waiting game

Oh, the days dwindle down

To a precious few

September, November

And these few precious days

I'll spend with you

These precious days

I'll spend with you

#everyrecordiown #willie nelson

[maybank612]

Invisible String

Green was the color of the grass

Where I used to read at Centennial Park

I used to think I would meet somebody there

Teal was the color of your shirt

When you were sixteen at the yogurt shop

You used to work at to make a little money

The first time I saw her she was walking down the beach, headphones in and a book in her hand. It was a miracle that she hadn’t run into anyone. Some may say that its creepy, but I couldn’t stop watching her. Admiring her. She was perhaps the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Hair up in a bun, dressed in a pair of jean shorts and a red bikini top. I know I should have said something to her but I got caught up in conversation and next thing I knew she was gone. 

Bad was the blood of the song in the cab

On your first trip to LA

You ate at my favorite spot for dinner

Bold was the waitress on our three year trip

Getting lunch down by the lakes

She said I looked like an American singer

The second time I saw her was at the local bookstore. The pogues and I were out getting drinks for the kegger tonight and as we walked by the bookstore I saw her through the window. I could have stayed and watched her read book covers for hours. However, my friends had different plans, John B pulled me along telling me to “stop staring” because it was creepy. 

Time, mystical time

Cuttin' me open, then healin' me fine

Were there clues I didn't see?

And isn't it just so pretty to think

All along there was some

Invisible string

Tying you to me?

The third time I saw her she was driving through the cut windows down blasting a song I had never heard. Both of us stopped at a red light, her in an old beat up Jeep Wrangler and me on my dirtbike, helmet on. She looked over and noticed me staring, she gave me a small smile then kept on singing as the light turned green and she was gone. I swear i felt my heart flutter at her soft eyes and elegant smile. 

A string that pulled me

Out of all the wrong arms right into that dive bar

Something wrapped all of my past mistakes in barbed wire

Chains around my demons, wool to brave the seasons

One single thread of gold tied me to you

The fourth time I saw her she was picking up food at the wreck. I was waiting for Kie to finish her shift so we could head out and go fishing with the crew. Something in me knew this could be my last chance, I mean how many times could I run into her before I never see her again. 

She walks out the front door and I follow like a bat out of hell.

“Hey excuse me?”

She turns around a little confused by the stranger yelling at her. 

“Can I help you?” her voice was angelic, better than anything I could have imagined. 

“I just, umm” suddenly I lost every ounce of courage I had in me. 

“Wait you’re JJ right? Kie’s friend?” 

“You know who I am?”

“Yeah,” she says, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. “I’ve seen you around with Kie, I kinda of thought that you looked familiar so I asked her your name”

I let out a small laugh and a look of confusion grew on her face. 

“Was that funny?” she giggles nervously, oh my god that might be my new favorite sound

“No, it’s just that I swear all year I see you everywhere. I’m sorry it took this long to introduce myself” 

“Oh, well I’m y/n” she smiles and offers her hand for a handshake. 

I graciously take it and before I let go I take my chance. 

“So, y/n is there anyway you would want to go out with me tonight?” 

“Are you.. I ummm..” she could barely speak, her hand still in mine. “I would love to” she finally says with a smile. 

Time, wondrous time

Gave me the blues and then purple pink skies

And it's cool, baby, with me

And isn't it just so pretty to think

All along there was some

Invisible string

Tying you to me?

#jj maybank #jj mayback imagine #jj mayback x reader #jj maybank fluff #taylorswift #obx

[nerd-party]

i shall attempt to describe

i dont take many photos of things unless I want to share them but I want to share this, except I did t have my phone at the time so I shall attempt to describe it.

It was June, and I was on holiday. I had gone with my Scout troop to Denmark (I know, snazzy) for our summer camp. The days had been miserable the first few days, a veritable flood of water, but on the third day the clouds cleared off and me and my friends awoke to the warm sun on our backs.

We ate and played and did our chores without complaint; it was like the whole camp was sunny and smiling. We were on a part of the campsite that overlooked the lake leading to the ocean, and much of the day was spent laughing a joking and watching the crabs, catching them and fishing up the empty shells. We all were giddy on freedom, and it was so beautiful- long, lazy days by the sea, dipping our feet and idly chatting, playing tag and battling with driftwood.

On the fifth day I had just finished washing up dinner, as I had dismissed my patrol to go and have fun. For ages I had heard them having fun and skimming stones off at the sunset while I cleaned up. The lake was reflecting the most gorgeous sunset and the breeze was cool and warm- it was a perfect evening. When I finally joined them they were doing a competition of sorts- a talent show. None of the adults were around, so kids danced, juggled coconuts, sang duets and climbed trees. Eventually, a boy dragged me up and they all chanted for me to show a talent, so I did something I hadn't shown any of them before; I sang.

It's a simple song, quite impressive, and I will not deny that I am an excellent singer. When I finished, every kid on that trip was staring at me wide-eyed and I got a standing ovation. Kids in grass clapped, kids braiding each other's hair had stopped and one kid fell off his tree branch (he was fine). It wasn't a jaw dropping performance, but I think it was more the shock of hearing the likable big sister of the group, who did odd jobs and was always warm and inviting to all the kids, annoying or not, actually have a skill so many desired that she used so infrequently.

When I looked to the adults tent, I had caused quite a stir. A few leaders were there watching and, when most kids had long since gone to sleep, and the cool night air was tinged with the first drop of cold, a leader approached me and showed me a picture he had taken on his high-resolution camera.

It was me, albeit from a distance but still clear and sharp, haloed in bright golden sunlight so it was hard to see me. He had snuck into the back of the group to take the picture and slipped off. I had my eyes closed, my face was calm, and I was surrounded by the most gorgeous pastel sunset, painting the skies pink and gold. Leaves were just visible and a few fallen petals were dusted behind me. You couldn't get a better picture of me anywhere. It was just me, lost in a picturesque sunset that crowned me the winner.

I think about that photograph a lot, and even now, many moons later, it remains my favourite memory from that trip, or any trip i have ever gone on.

(for those who wish to know, the song was Mama Who Bore Me from the musical the Spring Awakening)

#image described #sunset #Talent #Creative #skill #singer #spring awakening #talented #denmark #england #Europe #beautiful #description #haloed #favourite memory #holiday #summer #june #love

[lantur]

Today is my last day in Nova Scotia. I'm heading back home tomorrow to be with Derek and Westin.

This was my second international road trip. The first was last June, when I rented a car and spent five days driving half the Ring Road around Iceland. This September, I drove in a circle around ~half of Nova Scotia, covering just over 1,000 km, and doing roughly 12 hours worth of driving. I took winding rural scenic roads through farmland, forests, fields, vineyards, and along the Acadian coast. I listened to my audiobooks along the way, and I only got lost once.

I saw golden sunshine, occasional gray skies that always cleared up later, green grass and leaves, golden grass, pink wild roses on occasion, the ocean, and the Bay of Fundy. I saw the leaves that were starting to change color too, and white sand and gray and black rocks on the ocean.

I walked along beaches and hiking trails and lighthouse walking paths in Peggy's Cove, Port Mouton, Yarmouth, along the Digby Neck, and Cape Split. I walked along the ocean floor during low tide at the Bay of Fundy. I did a 16k/~8.8 mile hike to the top of Cape Split and back.

I sat on the rocks near Peggy's Cove and listened to a distant volunteer play the bagpipes. I sat on top of Cape Split and watched the ocean and heard a nearby choir group that was doing the hike sing their songs.

I ate such good food - lobster rolls, Digby scallops, smoked salmon bagels and smoked salmon eggs benedict, seafood chowder, oysters, fried shrimp and scallops and so many fries or "chips." I ate homemade peach and coconut ice cream at a tiny fishing village and coconut cream pie in Digby, and a delicious chocolate eclair at a cafe in Kentville before embarking on a long hike. I enjoyed my meals while rereading Harrow the Ninth, and also reading Liane Moriarty's new book.

For the first time since my life took a fairly bad turn this summer, I had none of the anxiety, fear, pain, and agitation that has been a daily fixture of my life since mid-June. I felt relaxed and at peace.

There have been times this summer, even over the course of the past couple of weeks, where I felt that my spirit had literally been broken by the repeated, sustained pain that kept occuring. On my first day in Nova Scotia, while I was standing on the rocks at Peggy's Cove, looking out over the ocean, I realized that my spirit wasn't broken after all. I'm the same strong person I was 3 years ago. Stronger, even.

I haven't felt well in months, the way I did while I was getting this much-needed break. It's made me realize that I need to make some changes in my life, and I'll start to think through what those changes will involve.

I wasn't sure about going on this trip, considering everything that's been going on in my life. I'm so glad I did. I really, really needed this reminder that despite every internal and external struggle, I'm still capable of living a life with peace, joy, and wonder.

#lanturing

[ltenvs3000f23]

Unit 1 Blog Post

Describe your current relationship with nature. How has this developed/evolved? Who offered you “a sense of place,” as described in our textbook?

Hey everyone! My name is Leena and I am looking forward to conversing and interacting with you all this semester! Here is what I have to say on my current relationship with nature:

Previously, I was never one to enjoy or better yet, appreciate the beauty of nature. Even though I constantly heard how important getting fresh air was and the natural sunlight for essential vitamins and the other health implications there are, I was never convinced enough to actively want to take walks or simply be outdoors. Although I was an athlete that played competitive hockey, soccer, basketball, essentially anything to get my body moving and was outdoors due to some sports I played, I still took nature for granted.

Upon coming to university, I didn’t have those sports that I could rely on to keep an active lifestyle. In order to stay active, I decided to try walking on the treadmill for about 30 minutes everyday while also fitting in a workout every now and then. Eventually, walking on the treadmill got quite boring and I decided to take on walking outdoors, which completely changed my perspective on life. 

To me, there is nothing like being in the presence of nature and hearing the beautiful sounds of creatures and the natural environment. The gentle rustling of leaves, lovely songs of birds, the sights of calming colours in the leaves, sky, and gardens are just a few examples of what nature has to offer. Whenever I am outside I feel mindful, relaxed and even creative. Breathing in fresh air makes all the difference for me as it significantly reduces my stress levels and constant state of overthinking while also boosting my endorphin levels, physical and mental health. Also, the feeling of a sense of connection to nature and the observation of our diverse ecosystem enables our sense of connection to all living things, which further reminds us of our place in the natural world.

Additionally, in my personal experience, I feel as though it has been more of a “what” rather than a “who” that has offered me a sense of place. To further explain this, the first vacation that I had that really made me see nature for its beauty was when I traveled to Banff, Alberta with my family. The most striking feature of Banff is the towering, snow-capped Canadian Rockies that dominate the skyline. Furthermore, the abundant wildlife, cascading waterfalls, starry skies and the pristine wilderness of Banff was truly a sight for sore eyes. Although the site of Banff itself was absolutely gorgeous, it wasn’t until our family used the ‘GyPSy’ app throughout our car trips to various locations within Alberta that I was able to appreciate nature for what it was. This app actively tracked the location of where we were and gave professional tour guide commentary depending on the sites we were currently at. The app also provided interesting and entertaining stories, local tips and driving directions along with the narration, it was as if we had a virtual tour guide right in our car! Moreover, the app provided me the ability to interpret the nature that surrounded us and expand my awareness of the outdoors. To sum up, this trip is truly what made me fall in love with the outdoors and appreciate how beautiful nature is within every environment. I currently try to be outside whenever I can as it genuinely elevates my day in so many ways and makes me feel grounded within nature.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!

Leena

[aonoexpat]

29-08-2023

While my mood continues to swing, I do feel like I am finding my way again in this adventure :)

I tried my luck with the job search in the Tāhuna area, including Wānaka. On my way there I got caught up in the evening rush hour, and decided to wait it out in a resting bay by the side of the road. The farmer that lived there must have had their fair share of rude tourists, because they had gone through the trouble of putting up this sign, which was quite a funny sight to me:

I spent two nights in Wānaka and met some lovely people in the SC parking spot, who I had the honour of teaching my favourite card game to. I did unfortunately discover a patch of (dreaded and inevitable) mould in the MDF my bed is made of 💔 So, I spent the next days attacking it with bleach and sandpaper, and I think I've killed most of it. I've been airing out the bed as much as I can, and will just have to live with it as it is now. Luckily I am told it is not harmful and unlikely to spread!

After a seemingly pointless job interview back in Tāhuna and no responses from any potential employers for several days, I decided to throw in the towel. Most of the hospitality gigs wanted a long-term commitment that I wasn't ready to offer. I realised that even if I found a place that would have me for only three months instead of the regularly requested six, that would still mean I'll have spent 2/3 of my time in this country working when I go back home. Though I could really use the money, that's not worth it to me. I'm proud of trying, but my heart wasn't fully in it, especially with the extreme scarcity of accommodation in the entire region due to ski season. When I do get my next job, I want to be able to enjoy it. So instead I sent my first e-mail to a Dutch IT company in hopes of starting the journey to secure a well-paying job for when I get back home! I'd rather re-earn money well spent here on a spectacular adventure than save it and miss out on some truly unique opportunities in these parts.

In the true spirit of making the most of my time here, I booked a trip for the very next day to go see Piopiotahi, one of Ata Whenua's most spectacular and accessible fiords. The entire day had me smiling ear to ear, from the moment our enthusiastic tour guide picked me up from the Tāhuna bus terminal in the early morning to the goodbyes we said in the late evening. There were 11 other people on the tour with me from all corners of the world, and it was great to feel part of a group again. We talked about our favourite places around the world, our careers, and on the ride back to Tāhuna we all got to share a party song using the driver's Spotify account (I picked this one). I was also able to get some great advice from the driver, who was local as could be, about spots worth visiting on the rest of my trip. He reignited this little spark of inspiration I've had in me ever since I went traveling on my own for the first time back in 2014: the aspiration to maybe one day be a tour guide myself. He told me something I've only ever heard a handful of people, including my father, say before: he doesn't work a day in his life, because he truly enjoys what he does from the bottom of his heart. If that's not a career goal, I don't know what is 🤩

On this tour, we drove the almost 300 km to Piopiotahi while our guide told us everything we wanted to know about the area. We experienced quite some rain, but in the morning that just meant we had some beautiful rainbows to look at from the car windows:

Soon we entered the national park, and again that sense of driving from one biome into another hit like a ton of bricks. In a matter of seconds, the scenery suddenly looked like this:

We were surrounded by beech trees, and the rain only got worse as we drove. We went for a little walk at the Mirror lakes, which unfortunately weren't mirror-ing very well due to the weather, but the views were still worth it:

After a quick stop at Knob Flats, I started to seriously appreciate the fact that I didn't have to drive these roads myself. Not only would it have been more expensive than the tour in terms of fuel, but these roads are not for the faint-hearted. They are perpetually wet and slippery, winding as can be, and on top of that they encompass a 21-kilometer long, so-called "avalanche risk area": a stretch of road on which you are not allowed to stop driving under any circumstances:

Not long after, the tour guide swapped out the generic pop music for movie soundtracks; a much better fit for our new surroundings. He explained to us that in these parts, the ground is almost entirely made up of pure granite. This means there is virtually no top soil present in the ecosystem. The rocks are overgrown with moss, which provides just enough hold for the massive beech trees to take root, which are in turn also overgrown with moss. Due to the rain, all the mountains were overflowing with innumerable delicate little waterfalls, that made the whole place (to me) reminiscent of Iknimaya: the floating mountains in the Avatar movie.

We stopped next at Monkey Creek, both to admire the views and to fill our water bottles from the stream of crystal clear mountain water. To my absolute elation we were welcomed by a pair of Kea, which came running over to us as soon as we had parked, hoping to steal the crisps from the bus. They had me doing tippy taps of pure excitement! I had been looking forward to meeting these amazing mountain parrots for months, and I finally got to lay eyes on them. They are very clever birds, and for some reason they thoroughly enjoy destroying any rubber they can get their beaks on, so our tour guide had to stay with the bus at all times to protect the windscreen wipers!

We went for another hike in the prehistoric wilderness of the forest, one of very few places left on earth that have truly been untouched by human hands, and show what a jungle might have looked like in the Jurassic era:

And then, finally, we made it to Piopiotahi! We had officially reached the West coast of Te Waipounamu. Our boat awaited us patiently, ready to take us on a little cruise through the fiord and out to sea before bringing us safely back to port. We were so lucky that the rain let up for most of the cruise, only starting to pour down again as we were on our way back. This place deals with, I kid you not, nine meters of rain per year. Only two of the waterfalls in the photos below are permanent falls. The rest only happen when it's raining!

These detail photos show the trees directly growing on the granite. In order to survive in these harsh circumstances, the trees' roots connect to each other in one big network. This, unfortunately, also means that if one of them breaks and falls, it tears others down with it, resulting in "scars" in the vegetation down the side of the valley. In the second photo you can also see copper, iron and quartz deposits in the granite!

On our way back, we got to see a beautiful sunset over Lake Te Anau:

That night I went to sleep very tired, but very satisfied. The only blemish on the day was the fact that after the tour I tried to refill my water tank from a public tap, only to find it not working, so I had to spend 10 minutes pouring FORTY (40) cups of water into my tank from a public bathroom sink. Would not recommend. The cherry on top was that it was one of those fancy exe-loo electronic bathrooms, so I got to listen to some nice elevator music for a while before the voice started scolding me with its "Your use time has expired. Please leave this bathroom immediately" lines 😂

The next day I took the leap, spread my wings once again and left Tāhuna in my rear-view mirror! It felt very empowering to choose my own path again. I really wanted to make it all the way to the Southernmost tip of Te Waipounamu, and so after fueling up I turned up the music and drove for hours. My most invigorating tracks of the day were these two. I raced the sunset, and, unlike the good people of Rise Against, I won!

I burst through the gate in the fence and felt like I was running to the very end of the world. I was all alone when I greeted the icy winds at Slope Point, the most Southern tip of mainland Aotearoa!

I stayed to watch the sun go down and walked back to Elrond with a skip in my step and this song in my head, before finding a spot to sleep for the night. I was a happy camper, though my gas cooker has decided to malfunction. I'm hoping to get it fixed in the next few days!

#aotearoa #backpacking #van life

[bambi-kinos]

my impressions of Revolver (2022)

Re-posting from the McLennon Discord Server.

First listen through the remixed tracks reinforces my impression from when I was 9 years old. This album has its bright moments but it's very much a morbid album that is very obsessed with death and loss, it's borderline hateful without actually crossing into that territory. Now that I know what I know, I think this is also where you can hear John's mind slipping off the edge of that cliff, forget Janov, this is when his primal screaming started. Dude is ready to start hammering nails into his temples, he's vomiting blood all over these songs. Paul is trying to help but he just isn't strong enough. George wants them to push them along and Ringo is his background presence but you can feel John unraveling through out.

Revolver is a much more psychedelic album than Sgt. Pepper, it's actually vocalizing all the negative effects of LSD and other trippy drugs before John tried to throw that into reverse with Sgt. Pepper with the silly cellophane skies and marmalade flowers.

1) Taxman--

Lots of texture with the prominent bass and you can actually hear what Ringo is actually fucking doing. Want to have sex with this song. Don't have much to say about the actual message because I don't know much about that period of British politics, except that it's taking place close to the time that the Rolling Stones said "fuck this" and took off to France to record The Basement Tapes which is an indictment in of itself.

2) Eleanor Rigby--

Favorite trance since I was 8 and first saw Yellow Submarine. The melancholy and grimness + the movie visuals always sticks with me. I think I was listening to this on repeat in 5th grade when all of my physical and mental problems caught up with me in a big way.

"All the lonely people..." where do we come from? Where do we belong? This always troubled because I knew Paul was singing about me, even then. Something about the song is very grotesque. Paul observes lonely people like we are zoo exhibits and he's taking field notes on us. He doesn't know what to do with us but he can't look away. He doesn't feel bad for us, he's just fascinated by the display like an ME doing an autopsy.

Beautiful strings, can finally differentiate the cellos from the violins. (I dated a cellist, this is important to me.) Been wanting that for over 20 years. I didn't hear much vibrato on those strings!

3) I'm Only Sleeping--

Identified with this song when I heard it, still do. I didn't understand this song as a kid but I still heard the sadness behind it and it spoke to me.

Sick bassline, love you Paul.

4) Love You To--

Not much to say about this. Sitar sounds fantastic. I skipped this track as a kid a lot, still not feeling it.

5) Here, There And Everywhere

The backing vocals are so clear, love hearing their voices meld, it's a precursor to the beautiful vocal blending in And Your Bird Can Sing. THe counter harmony sounds wonderful for the few seconds they did it, I wish John had had a longer harmony.

6) Yellow Submarine--

SHRIEKS You can hear all four of them!!! It's so cute!!! And you can hear that Ringo put on an accent with the "cut the cable, cut the cable" bit!

7) She Said She Said--

This one drew me in as a kid and I couldn't explain why. I think this is a more interesting psychedelic song than Lucy. You can hear "never been born" which is nice because up until this moment I thought it was "never belonged."

When I was a kid I thought this song was about John planning how he was going to commit suicide. It's a very suicidal and self harming song to the point that listening to this makes me wonder if John felt the urge to hurt himself in more direct ways? This is the kind of song that you cut to during your ritualized self harm sessions. Not everyone plays Sarah McLachlan.

In addition to that shithead Fonda ruining George's trip (because the Fonda family are spoiled and self serving shits who can't think of anyone but themselves) I just hear a lot of self injury here, this is someone who regularly imagines killing himself and is always looking for new ways to hurt himself with the perpetual hope that this time will provide the offramp. I wonder if the acid gave John insight into his desire for his own death and hearing "I know what it's like to be dead" triggered something in him.

I just can't hear this as anything but a self harming manifesto. It's not the lyrics, it's the melody and the harmony and how John is singing.

8) Good Day Sunshine--

One of my favorites, a little punch of sunlight. Good thing sunshine fits into the [checks notes] black and white theme of the album!

9) And Your Bird Can Sing--

Supposedly this is loaded with symbolism from John but while I don't dispute it I also don't really get it.

This isn't loaded down like She Said She Said or the upcoming tracks or even Eleanor Rigby. It's a cute melancholic song in a major key with an upbeat tempo. I don't think it's that deep.

10) For No One--

Revolver is a sad album full of sad songs about loss and dying and this is one of them.

11) Doctor Robert--

Catchy song, no notes. I don't know enough about the lore behind this song to make a judgment.

12) I Want to Tell You--

"It's only me" oh John.

Lovely piano here, discordant but it's pleasing. 13) Got to Get You Into My Life--

Desperation personified but very honest singing from Paul. I think this one is an insight into how he actually feels the same way She Said She Said is for John. Paul is pouring a lot of emotion into the song but it's not easily recognizable like Oh, Darling is.

It actually reminds me of Every Breath You Take -- that song gets played at every single high school prom even though it's about a stalker but the musicality disguises the lyrics. IMO this song + She Said She Said have the opposite where the lyrics disguise the negative emotions behind the song.

14) Tomorrow Never Knows--

Revolver is a better psychedelic album than Sgt. Pepper because this is where John guts himself and pours his intestines out onto the table instead of Sgt. Pepper where they tried to backtrack on all the negative stuff here. I'm sorry for the imagery but this track is John gutting himself. There's no dumb crap about cellophane and marmalade trying to make it dreamier and cuter than it actually is. I always thought this was a deeply violent song and as a kid never understood why the singer was going on about love on such a creepy track especially since he starts yammering about death.

I still feel that but I think that's the point. The song is the sound of a man laughing at you while he slowly tears out the contents of his mouth and trying to tell you no this is love it's fine just turn your brain off there's nothing bad happening promise. When I was 9 I would sing along and found myself grabbing my own tongue without thinking about it.

And then the ragtime piano at the end? Bruh. I like it but it's whack.

Listening through the additional tracks of the work sessions, I like them but don't have any special insights about them. John and Paul are cute.

#the music #revolver 2022 #revolver #the beatles #my meta #beatles meta #john lennon #paul mccartney #mclennon server #mclennon server bros.... #cw: self harm #cw: suicide

[internetgremlin]

Tag Game

Something a wee bit different. I was actually tagged in two slightly different versions of this by @loverboysainz-interacts and @f1-incorrect-s so I've just combined them into one because I'm ✨lazy✨

Favourite time of year?

It's definitely a toss-up between summer and autumn. Hot weather and blue skies just make me feel so much better about everything in life, like I physically can't have a bad day if it's sunny!! But also I am OBSESSED with the colours of autumn, I love the warm drinks and comfort food, I love ugly jumpers and dark academia, I love the fresh start feeling that comes with the new academic year (and it's my birthday hehe)

Comfort food?

Sunday Roast. Specifically my mum's beef with ALL the trimmings and more gravy than socially acceptable (+ rice pudding for after)

Do you collect anything?

I would say the main thing I collect is Harry Potter merch, especially the replica and ornamental or subtle pieces. OH AND BOOKS AND STATIONARY, I'm addicted to notebooks and coloured pens

Favourite drink?

Coffee. Gin. Currently obsessed with Thatcher's Orange Cider. I am also the kind of person who is partial to a sparkling water (fight me)

Favourite song/artist?

I'm too into music to have a singular favourite song. My favourite band for sure is Waterparks (HIGHLY recommend if you haven't heard of them before)

Current favourite songs?

I Ain't Worried - One Republic 🌶 Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) - Edison Lighthouse 🌶 Come and Get Your Love - Redbone 🌶 Brutal - Olivia Rodrigo 🌶 Smooth Operator - Sade 🌶 Bonfire - Childish Gambino 🌶 Greenhands - Sundara Karma 🌶 Funeral Grey - Waterparks 🌶 Chateau Lobby #4 (In C For Two Virgins) - Father John Misty

Favourite fic of mine?

Flat Spin for sure. Personally, I feel like it showcases some of my best writing and I'm really proud of the plot for it. I feel like it's the first ever story I've written that is a full story and not solely focused on the relationship alone (but I'm also really happy with the relationship I'm developing in it). Plus the LOVE from you guys, the community I've become a part of as a result of it... it's been the most incredible couple of months and I'm so grateful <3

Relationship Status:

Somehow I have managed to convince a REAL boy to like me. We've been together 3 years

Favourite Colour(s):

Green. Closely followed by orange and yellow.

Song stuck in my head:

Currently, there isn't one because I'm watching trashy TV as I do this, but earlier it was As It Was by Harry Styles

Last thing you googled:

ACP injection equine data sheet (I promise I'm a really, really interesting person)

Time:

19:40 BST

Dream Trip:

My dream holiday is to go to Italy - sunshine, history, pasta, wine and coffee are my idea of heaven. But overall dream trip is to get my visa and go work in Australia for a year or so after I've graduated

Last thing you read:

The last thing I finished was Percy Jackson: The Last Olympian as part of my pre-Disney plus series re-read. Currently on the go is The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid. And I guess for completion the last "first time read" book I read was Atonement by Ian McEwan

Last book you enjoyed reading:

The entire Percy Jackson series I've been re-reading. And I can't NOT take this opportunity to tell everyone that Atonement is literally the best book I've ever read and I'm OBSESSED with it and with Robbie and Cecilia. And the ANGST, the pain, the pining oh my god this book is just *chefs kiss chefs kiss chefs kiss* NOT TO MENTION the writing style, the self-reflection throughout, the most elegant POV switches I have ever seen. Please, everyone just read this book (and then watch the movie because James McAvoy as Robbie.... my LORD)

Last book you hated reading:

Dune by Frank Herbert. Not to be hipster but I wanted to read it when I watched the 2002 miniseries Children of Dune back in summer 2020 (again, James McAvoy obsession who) and then when I saw the cast for the new movie I was like well now I *HAVE* to. To be fair it was probably a stretch for me because I'm not a huge fan of full-on fantasy where you have to learn pretty much an entirely new language and lore to understand the story. Especially when the words of all the made-up people, planets, places, things, religions and so on are impossible to pronounce. So yeah it wasn't really a surprise when I was 200 pages in, bored and completely LOST lmao. Needless to say, I did not finish it

Favourite thing to cook/bake:

I'm really really into baking so this was a tough choice. My favourite comfort thing to bake is brownies because my recipe SLAPS, I can do it without even thinking and it's such a crowd pleaser. Otherwise, I love to do cakes/cupcakes where I get to experiment with different flavour combinations and it's an excuse to get the piping bag out and play with decorative techniques

Favourite craft to do in your free time:

I'm shite at the arty stuff so without being boring it's baking and writing

Most niche dislike:

The first thing that came to mind was slimy/slippery food textures but I don't feel like that's so niche. Otherwise maybe reality TV? Social expectations? Men with short hair? The texture of sugar paper? I'm neurodivergent the list can GO ON lmao

Do you have any sense of direction:

Ummm ish? Not so much in just *knowing* where I am or in which direction I'm facing/supposed to be going, but if I go somewhere once I can re-navigate around it real quick. We did a walking tour of Edinborough and I was able to get me and mum back to the city centre after having that tour being my first time there and I didn't go wrong sooo?? does walking count?

Tell us about your D&D character:

I've never played D&D but I've lowkey always wanted to. I've been told by my friend who plays I'm a Chaotic Neutral

absolutely no pressure tags if anyone is bored and wants to do something vaguely entertaining? @sgkophie @timetoracewrites @serialkillertbh @rge-nini @hnmaga-blog and anyone who sees this and wants to participate!!

#iggytalks #FROM A DIFFERENT ACCOUNT #tag game #carlos sainz #formula one #james mcavoy #waterparks #smooth operator #me talking about a bunch of stuff i like #percy jackson #kane chronicles #atonement #ian mcewan

[kyriosc]

dcviated asked:

Dogi arrives that evening, a song under his breath and a large parcels under his arm. Pushing into the bar however he wonders if he's interrupting? Ah, Edeth was just wrapping up dinner with the college girl who helps out time to time. "Aw, well that's nice. Didn't mean to interrupt or nothing! I got you something if you wanna... well, open em up." The package is set on the pool table so there's enough space. It doesn't take a genius to tell what this large flat rectangle may be. A framed photograph! But wait a minute-- "Yeup. That's from the mountain you and I went to. Remember? You mentioned you wouldn't mind seeing that sunset every day so I went back with my buddy's camera. Think they did a good job with the printing. If you want help hanging it up, lemme know alright? Oh! And this too." A ribbon'd bottle of liquor is set on the counter. The writing on it is foreign. Spanish? "Some mezcal from my last trip. Happy birthday, Edeth!!"

It had been a long while since Edeth made anything from home. Usually when she cooks it was what's on her bar menu, easier to just have a meal at work when you're there all the time, but today was different and she wanted a treat. A few dishes, nothing super heavy, but to make and taste Coquilles Saint-Jacques along with seasonal vegetables sautéed in some lemon compound butter, tying the meal with a glass (or three) of her favourite wine. It was a meal fit for a queen considering the pair had enjoyed a wonderful time out. To think she could ever felt so relaxed, maybe Edeth can make it a habit.

The sound of the front door opening brings her back to her senses as she is in for another surprise. Her cheeks turning a tinge pink at seeing the new company enter the building, a treat for the eyes since she didn't think he would ever remember her so casually saying her birth date. Not to mention last she heard he was on another trip. Did he come straight here after returning? Maybe she should make him some dinner real quick. Excusing herself from the table she meets up with the man clasping her hands in anticipation.

Uncovering the large package has her speechless. Looking back between Dogi and the picture, feeling how she did upon first seeing that sunset before they enjoyed a night under the open skies with the stars as their witness. As if by impulse staring at the frame, Edeth is by his side leaning in with a hand wrapped around his arm. Comforting. She will definitely find some space in her bar for it, and looking around she could see many spots that could use some fine nature shots. They would add a unique feel to them something that no one else had.

A bottle of mezcal was next and this present was equally as wonderful. What's more is this brand isn't found with her local supplier or stores in the neighboring cities. Truly a gem and her gears are starting to spin on a new cocktail. As an act of gratitude Edeth does her best to tip toe, one hand to tug him down a touch, the other cradles his chin. A short, sweet, soft smooch at the corner of his lips in appreciation for a wonderful moment.

"Thank you, Dogi, I don't know what more to say except I hope we can have more adventures together." A soft chuckle and the two seem to be in their own world. Hands held, smiles all around had it not been Eira's hair contrasting the background in the corner of her eye. Totally forgot she had company! Immediate embarrassment but she figures it's about time she introduces two important people to her.

"E-Eira! Meet Dogi, we, um, we took a few camping trips together as you can tell. And he takes wonderful pictures and makes delicious food! He's very special to me just like you. Likewise, Dogi, this is Eira. She's an absolute gem like a daughter I never thought I could have~!"

#dcviated #ic. edeth #bday post. #second bday dinner ft dogi

[thegillyxliang]

[cisfemale, she/her] Welcome to Aurora Bay, [GILLIAN "GILLY" LIANG]! I couldn’t help but notice you look an awful lot like [CHASE SUI WONDERS]. You must be the [TWENTY-FOUR] year old [ATTENDANT AT THE SWEET SPOT ICE CREAM SHOP]. Word is you’re [BUBBLY] but can also be a bit [ERRATIC] and your favorite song is [RIHANNON BY FLEETWOOD MAC]. I also heard you’ll be staying in [OCEAN CREST APARTMENTS]. I’m sure you’ll love it!

Gillian was raised by a single father, and on the road, and it shows in most aspects of her life. She sucks at cooking, never really bothered with makeup, and her music taste is firmly set in the 70's and 80's. But she can change a tire in ten minutes flat, is fiercely loyal, and has an amazing eye for photography. Her mother, Joy Liang, and her father, Darren Owens, were high school sweethearts and head over heels for each other. They were engaged when Joy became pregnant, but not wanting to get married while pregnant, they waited to get married- a regret that Gillian's father still has to this day. Joy died in childbirth due to a complication and Darren, wanting to honor his beloved's memory, decided to legally give their daughter Joy's last name.

For the first three and a half years of her life, Gilly was raised in part by her grandparents in a small house in Buffalo, Darren too wrapped up in his grief to properly care for his daughter. Until finally one day a switch was flipped inside him. Gillian was all he had of his almost-wife, and he wasn't going to miss any more of her life. He sold his house and quit his job and with the money he bought an RV- a dream he'd always had with Joy, wanting to see the country. And he was going to do it now- with his daughter.

Gillian never really went to school, instead her father bought her all the homeschooling books and taught her street smarts. One day would be math and english and science and the next would be how to do an oil change, how to play pool, and how to hotwire a car. She learned how to play sports in empty fields and empty parking lots, how to find constellations in the sky. She was given her first driving lesson at nine in some backroads of Kansas, had her first sip of a beer at eleven.

Following his dream, now their dream, Gillian and her father criss-crossed the country over the years, stopping in towns for months at a time while he got odd jobs here and there as a mechanic or a waiter or a handyman. In her teens, Gilly realized her life wasn't exactly conventional; she never went to school, she never really had friends except for kids she met in passing in parks or in libraries or the occasional Chuck E. Cheese trip. But she didn't mind. She loved her father and loved her life and honestly wouldn't trade any part of it. Why would she want cattiness of high school girls and cliques and all that drama when she had open roads and clear skies? It was an easy choice for her.

She was twenty though when they stopped in Arizona for longer than just a month. Her father met someone one day, a woman who needed her sink fixed, and what started as one date quickly became more. And for the first time in her life (and far as she could remember), Gillian found herself living in a house. And it was nice, sure, but she didn't want to stick around in it for long. Not because she was really unhappy, and definitely not because she didn't like the woman who had become her step-mother, but because Gilly wanted her own happily ever after.

With her father's blessing (and with a parting gift of a pick-up truck and a brand new camera) Gillian set off on her own at twenty-two, again driving backroads and spending nights in her truck or in motels, picking up little jobs here and there when money got tight and she didn't want to bother her parents. For about two years she made her way around, sticking to the west coast so she could head back 'home' to Arizona if needed, and while she loved the dessert roads and the starry skies, Gilly found herself quite liking the California coast. It was definitely a change, going from cacti to palm trees. LA was a bit too much though, she liked quieter, smaller, so when she overheard a cute little couple talking about their summer house in some little beach town, she found herself packing up her truck and heading south.

Gillian has been in Aurora Bay for about three months now, and while she's again getting used to a life of being settled, she's been enjoying it. She still gets to see plenty of stars here, and sands of a different kind, and when she's not taking pictures she's working at the ice cream shop in town, finding it a fun way to pass the time.

extras:

birthday - march 12

full name - gillian joy liang-(owens)

nicknames - gil, gilly, gillybean

she was 100% named after gillian anderson

loves the x files because of above (#the truth is out there). she also loves and twilight zone and classic horror films

her music taste is 100000% 70's/80's like fleetwood mac, joni mitchell, the eagles, heart, pink floyd, the beatles

@aurorabayaesthetic

#aurorabay.intro

[bragi-writes]

20 Questions

What's your favorite color?

Is it a green as rich as your mind?

A sky blue that's as refreshing as your presence?

Or is it a fiery red like the passion within your soul?

What's your favorite food?

Is it a home comfort that reminds you of better, simpler times?

Fast food from a place that conjures memories of friends?

Or is it something nobody's heard of, but you can't get enough of?

What's your favorite season?

Personally you remind me of summer: blazingly bright & perfectly chaotic.

So are you, or are you partial to the white chill of winter or the cozy comfort of fall?

How about the gentle breezes & soft colors of spring?

What's your favorite genre of music?

Do you most enjoy fast-paced, bass-boosted rap?

What about grungy, obnoxious alt-rock?

Or do you favor the soft & melodic likes of lofi or instrumentals?

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

The power of flight, so you can conquer the skies?

How about shapeshifting, so you can blend in anywhere?

Or maybe force fields, to protect yourself & the ones you love?

Favorite song?

Favorite movie?

Musicals vs plays?

Favorite book?

All of these questions are simple, but they are so important to me.

I want to know all I can about you

Because I know you, we've shared private information,

But the basics have somehow slipped through the cracks.

What's your irrational fear?

Is it common like spiders or heights?

Or more rare like the fear of numbers?

Do you have any at all?

Do you collect anything?

If so, are they trinkets like bobbleheads or car fresheners?

Or do you collect memories?

Concert tickets, playbills, wristbands?

What habits do others have that drive you nuts?

Chewing with their mouth open?

Clicking pens?

Tapping their fingers against their desk?

Do you have hobbies nobody would expect?

Do you sew or crochet?

Maybe you cook or bake?

How about altering clothes?

Do you know how to dance?

Or do you have two left feet?

Would you ever care to learn,

Or are you content to stay to the side as a beautiful wallflower?

If you could change something about yourself, would you?

What would you change?

Your eyes or hands, your nose or teeth?

Or something internal, like your habits or traits?

What was your childhood dream?

Did you dream of being an astronaut & exploring the stars?

How about a world-famous racecar driver?

Or did you hope to become a superhero with incredible powers?

Who was your first crush?

Was it an innocent kindergarten infatuation?

A teacher you admired?

Maybe a babysitter or a friend of a parent or sibling?

If you could live anywhere, where would you live?

Would you run away to the mountains & live a simple, quiet life?

Or does the chaos & noise of the city help you thrive?

Maybe you'd like a cookie-cutter house in the suburbs?

Do you have a comfort item?

A stuffed animal or toy from your childhood?

A jacket that feels like a safety blanket?

Maybe a piece of jewelry that keeps you grounded?

Do you enjoy poetry?

Do you find peace in reading classics like Shakespeare?

Or do you prefer the darker themes of Poe or Wilde?

Or do you think poetry is a waste of time entirely?

What would the perfect day look like for you?

Maybe a night out partying with your friends?

A quiet day in, just relaxing by yourself?

How about a trip to an aquarium with someone special?

What makes you happiest in life?

Is it your friends & family?

Your hobbies & passions?

Or is it your hopes & dreams for the future?

Do you have hope for the future?

The world seems like such a cruel, dark place;

Can you find something bright to hold onto?

A glimmering ray of hope that maybe things will one day get better?

What is the one feature you love most about yourself?

Is it your shining eyes that catch the afternoon light just right;

Or your bright smile that can light up any room?

What about your long, luxurious hair that is so soft to the touch?

That question is especially important to me.

It's so easy to find things we hate about ourselves,

We don't even stop to think about the things we love.

So tell me, what do you love about yourself?

I hope that one day I'll have the answers to these questions,

Maybe from playing the game.

But until that day I'll be content with my guessing games,

Trying to solve the puzzle of your soul.

#poetry #poet #poets corner #poetsandwriters #poetscommunity #beginner poetry #im new to this #new poets club #20 questions

[titoist]

In 1934 Pyotr Astafyev returned from labour camp and married again. He took Viktor to his new place, a small forest village Sosnovka, then in 1935 moved the family to Igarka where they settled as spetspereselentsy. Ignored by both his stepmother Taisiya Tcherkasova (who had now given birth to her own son, Nikolai) and father, the boy rebelled and soon found himself homeless and on the streets. In 1937 he was taken to an orphanage and joined the 5th form of its special school which years later he remembered with great affection. Two of the teachers, Rozhdestvensky and Sokolov, noticed his artistic and literary abilities since the boy had started to write poetry, and did a lot to encourage him. Years later he remembered: "Critics for some reason tend to feel sorry for me and for the difficult childhood that I had. This vexes me a lot. More than that… Given such a chance, I’d have chosen the very same life, full of things, happiness, victories and defeats. The latter only help to see the world better, to feel kindness deeper. There would have been just one thing I'd have changed – asked fate to keep mother with me. [Long pause] Orphanage, wandering, the boarding school – all this I had to live through in Igarka. But there were other things – books and songs, skiing trips, childhood happiness, first tears of epiphany… It was there that for the first time I've heard the radio, the gramophone, the brass orchestra… And it was in Igarka that I wrote my first ever short story which my teacher Rozhdestvensky published in our school's self-edited journal. And the newspaper Bolshevik Zapolyarya published my 4-line verse."

Astafyev's last years were not happy ones. In 2000 he suffered a stroke. Not long before his death Astafyev wrote his last words: "I entered a world that was kind and open and I loved it wholeheartedly. I leave a world that is alien, evil and vile and I have nothing to say to all of you by way of farewells." Viktor Astafyev died on 29 November 2001, in Krasnoyarsk. He was buried in his native Ovsyanka.