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callioope · 5 years

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Questions Meme!

Hello, yes, this HAS in fact been sitting in my drafts for ages and ages. Thank you to both @crazy-fruit and @ruby-red-inky-blue for tagging me and for waiting forever for me to answer (oops)! I’m sorry I took so long, but y’all ask really good questions and I had to think about some of them!

Question Set 1

1. How are you?

Oh, I’m doing alright! Thank you for asking. The earlier part of this year was rather rough, but therapy has been helping. I’ve been rather busy these past few weeks with traveling, and my schedule going forward is rather busy, too, so while I’m excited for those things, I’m also excited for the eventual moment I can just relax.

2. What would you say are your talents?

Writing. Making fancy color-coded spreadsheets. I’ve been told that my super power is getting random (annoying) songs stuck in other people’s heads. Does that count as a talent?

3. If you had the chance to start your life again, would you take it?

NOPE. No thanks. I like where I am at right now, and I would not want to relive my awkward years. Er, at least, my more awkward, younger years. Cuz I’m totally still awkward. Just less awkward. I hope?

4. Which language would you like to speak instantly?

HMM. ALL OF THEM. It’s really hard to choose!

Language fascinates me, and in another life I feel like I would have devoted a lot more time to learning more of them. Unfortunately, I really hated German class in high school because of the teacher’s tendency to put people on the spot -- I think that is sort of inherent in a language class, but I get anxiety speaking in public.

Anyways, I suppose I’ll answer Turkish to this question, since spouse and I keep saying we’re going to try to learn Turkish via Duolingo. For the record, my HS offered six languages, which was the most I’ve ever heard of an American school offering, and I was always quite happy with my choice of German. (The others were Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, and Latin.) I do wish I had maintained my German better, and I that I had more time to learn Spanish.

5. Where would you like to be right now?

Honestly? I’m pretty happy when I’m at home. But if I had to answer where “else” would I like to be right now, out of the whole world? Being back on safari in Botswana is a top contender, as are a variety of places in Turkey, and also Munich.

6. What name would you give yourself?

I’ve always liked my actual name (Elizabeth). I know I go by Liz; one of my HS friends was quite stubborn and I’m a bit stuck with it now, but I don’t mind it. There are worse nicknames that come from Elizabeth. I used to go by Fiona online; I’ve always been fond of that one.

7. What is something you’re currently learning?

OOF, what a good question. I sorta blanked on this at first, and my first thought was uhhhh learning how to cope with my OCD??? I’m doing exposure therapy right now, ish. Emphasis on the ish. Also mindfulness. Does that really even count? I started a beginner’s knitting project several months ago that I never finished, does that count? (I just need to seam it, that’s what I’m putting off. I have knit plenty of scarves; however, this is my first hat.) I’m sort of teaching myself ukulele although I haven’t really learned any new chords or songs in awhile. I would very much like to take more photography classes with a focus on wildlife photography. That involves buying a new camera and... signing up for classes.

Question Set 2

1. What is a detail in a piece of art/a text that you like that you really admire?

This was very difficult, at first because it was like looking at a bin full of loose things and just seeing an assortment of color and being overwhelmed by it all, and then because once I did start digging around, I kept finding different ideas and it was too hard too choose.

Character-building: In the A Song of Ice and Fire series, when Arya starts working for the House of Black and White, Martin stops using the name “Arya” as she dons different identities. For example, he uses “Cat” for a bit, among other names. It shows she’s trying to be someone else, but the caveat is that there are still little mannerisms and such that show she hasn’t really left Arya behind (I think maybe she bites her lip or something? I don’t remember specific examples because it’s been over 5 years since I read these books, but I do remember really appreciating the general technique at the time).

Music: In The Beatles’ “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” I love those repeated arpeggios, over and over, building, intensifying, as the white noise comes in and you can just feel the heaviness of desire, of want... (and then I love how it just breaks so suddenly! And I know it wouldn’t have been intended this way because that’s the end of side one, but since I listen to the whole album on spotify, then those bright chords of “Here Comes the Sun” come in and god Abbey Road is the best Beatles album)

Writing: the poetry of Florence + The Machine’s “All This and Heaven Too,” obviously, since literally the title of my blog comes from that. I’d quote that whole song honestly. There’s something that speaks to me about the incapability of language to fully encompass just... everything. I mean, love in specific here, but also just everything. Words are just these little boats we put meaning on and we hope they make it to the other side but everyone takes ‘em a little differently.

Like, look at this:

And the words are all escaping, and coming back all damaged And I would put them back in poetry if I only knew how

And this:

Words were never so useful So I was screaming out a language that I never knew existed before

Anyways, there’s also something just incredibly soothing about the music, too, and how she sings the song. There’s another line, from Sara Bareilles’ “Miss Simone” that goes “How does she know what a heart sounds like?” which pretty much sums up how I feel about “All This and Heaven Too” (and also many of Sara Bareilles’ song, especially that particular album, but I digress).

Anyways I did have some art examples, but I think I’ve rambled long enough.

2. Is there an idea that you really liked but had to discard because you couldn’t get it to work?

If I really like an idea, I don’t really “discard” it so much as put it on the shelf to attempt later. Out of recent fic ideas, I’ve really struggled with “How to Lose a Spy in 10 Days.” I first thought of this in late spring 2017, and for awhile I couldn’t stop thinking about it, but I was working on Whatever I Do at the time, and wanted to wait before starting another WIP. By the time I got to writing this, the inspiration well had sort of dried up.

I really like the idea of a fun cat-and-mouse rom-com idea where Jyn and Cassian keep outsmarting each other, with a whole lot of competency kink, some “oh shit we actually work well together!” and maybe some battle couple. And I was really looking forward to both the moment when they both finally let their guards down around each other and the big confrontation when they actually find out each other’s identities. But it involved more mission writing than I was prepared for, and I really struggled with it. I think I need to start over but that involves a lot of working, so it’s unfortunately shelved for now, and I’m working on a “You’ve Got Mail” concept instead.

3. Is there something fandom-related you would like to be able to do (i.e. I’d like to be able to make gif sets but can’t)?

Oh, yes, absolutely! Really anything that’s not writing related, lol. Gif sets, art, etc. But most of all, I have a music video idea for the song “So Close” from Enchanted--like I have a whole story board plotted out in a google doc. But I don’t have any video editing software, don’t even know how you get the scenes for a music video, etc. I have made videos before, but not since high school, and I don’t even have the cheap, basic video editing program I used back then. Sometimes I think I should just attempt make a gif set instead, but there are so many lyrics! and scenes that go with the lyrics! that I don’t know how to consolidate it into that format anyways.

4. What is a skill you’ve acquired through fandom work?

Hmm, this was tough. I’m going to say HTML. I’m not up-to-date on webdesign at all, but back in my early fandom days, I ran a few fansites. I still sometimes use HTML while leaving comments or to edit posts on dreamwidth or w/e. It’s super basic, but it has helped me at work at a variety of jobs. I take it for granted that people my age should know basic HTML, but a lot of them don’t, and then a lot of people I work with now are older and definitely not tech savvy.

5. Do you think anyone can learn to create great art, or does it take talent?

Well, I’m going to cheat a little. I do think think that anyone can learn to create great art, but I also think that everyone has a talent at something, and part of learning to create great art is recognizing your skill sets and honing those. If that makes sense? I’ve sort of seen both sides to this. I’ve seen naturally talented people create great things, but I also think that they’re probably cheating themselves if they’re not learning and honing their craft and trying to get better. But I’ve also seen people who started out making things that maybe you wouldn’t call great, but they worked hard over and over again, and looking at their work now, you’d say they were talented without ever knowing the difference. Great art = talent + learning + passion. Did that even answer the question? ...moving on

6. Do you prefer AUs or in-universe? Why?

I prefer to write in-universe, for sure. I find modern AUs more challenging, mostly because--and I feel kinda bad saying this--it’s very difficult for me to tap into Jyn and Cassian’s characters without some kind of tragic background. Their experiences and how they coped with them shape their personalities, and it’s really hard to separate them from those. My WWII was easier because, hey, it’s war, not so different from in-verse. But I initially tried to write Learning Curve in a modern AU and I was just totally bored. Putting it in universe made it more interesting to me, especially having to finagle a happier plot inverse. IDK, it might even be that I generally struggle to make up any conflict in modern AUs that feels interesting.

THAT SAID, lol, I definitely read either. So it’s probably strange for me to be hung up on it because I’ve read nice fluffy modern AUs and found them perfectly engaging.

Tagging: @theputterer, @magalis, @allatariel, @mythologicalmango, @threadsketchier MY USUAL DISCLAIMER APPLIES: no pressure if you just don’t wanna, AND if anyone sees this and was like “aw hey i wish she’d tagged ME” well guess what, I wish I did too! so go ahead and do it and let me know and then i’ll know to tag you next time, too :-)

Questions:

When you suffer a setback or a series of setbacks when creating (writing, drawing, knitting, any kind of crafty project thing you work on... even work), what are some strategies you use to cope with that stress and move forward?

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to create/make and what did you learn from it?

What part of a bicycle would you be?

What’s a helpful writing (art/crafting/work) technique you’ve learned?

What’s a piece of art that made you see things differently?

You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?

What was the last board game you played and what did you like or not like about it?

*sorry these came out rather writer heavy!

#about me #tag meme

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celestescamander · 3 years

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The Wine Library

Celeste Scamander Wedding Week - Day One

Celeste Scamander

Gossip Witch

Wedding Week – Day One

Celeste nodded not knowing what exactly Caleb had said, her fingers tapping lightly against her thighs as the nerves took over her. She wished her common sense had awoken before she was in a taxi cab in Portugal on the way to their luxury hotel, Six Senses Douro Valley which was about an hour drive away from the airport, apparently the Palácio do Freixo was a beautiful place to get married but not for staying in. It was going to be a little hard to run away when she got there but maybe she could pull an all the commitment scared her off, it wouldn’t be nice for Caleb and his family would surely hate her but the last part was going to happen anyway.

“Are you okay?” Caleb asked placing his hands over hers. Celeste sucked in a breath, she was already a mess she didn’t need his hands on her body, especially not on her thighs.

“Nervous, very nervous, contemplating opening this taxi door right now and legging it type of nervous,” she said chewing at her lip, eyes trained on Caleb’s hand, his fingers threaded through hers.

“Cel, there is no reason to be nervous,” Caleb said softly. “My family will love you, half of them already do,” he said with a laugh, that Celeste was sure was meant to comfort her.

“No half of them love what you told them, they don’t even know me,” she huffed. Sure she had met his sister a few times and his mother once when he first signed to Spellbound but that was it. How could she live up to whatever image Caleb had painted of her? The Celeste he described had to be better than the real thing, Caleb by definition was the world’s best hype man - read how he talks about Daniel, and of course, he had to make her someone he could believable date.

“Cel, I created an imaginary relationship, not an imaginary you, the Celeste i described is the exact same Celeste that is sitting beside me,” Celeste dared to look up to find Caleb frowning down at her. “Why i would i change you?” he asked as if the thought never occurred to him. Celeste’s face was beginning to get hot, why did he have to say something like that.

“I think we are here,” Celeste said shifting slightly as the taxi slowed down, the six sense resort was surrounded by an 8-hectare vineyard so if anything goes wrong she could drown herself in wine. As they drove up the road she spotted the pink mansion it was known for. “Wow,” she said under her breath.

“I should have known bringing you to a vineyard would make you feel better,” Caleb teased. Celeste rolled her eyes playfully nudging him as the pulled to a stop at the front of the hotel. Two massive wooden doors welcomed them, their taxi driver opened the boot as their luggage floated out into the hotel. “Let’s get checked in,” Caleb said reaching out and squeezing her hand one last time before exiting the taxi and coming around to open her door holding his hand out for her.

“Well aren’t you a gentleman,” she said sliding her hand into his trying to ignore the way his face lit up, she had to squash these feelings. Her friends comment about how she should be careful could be heard in her mind, purposely ignoring the hopeful voice that said Caleb choose you to be his fake girlfriend.

They entered the hotel. A large reception desk was in the centre of the lobby, a textured art wall was behind them candles floated around the staff. The staff greeted them warmly, one of them gushing about Caleb was even more handsome in real life. Caleb chuckled muttering a thank you. Celeste couldn’t stop herself from smiling, it was cute when he got bashful, a rare occurrence given his chosen career. Another staff member came over directing them to the balcony and handing them their complimentary glass of port wine.

“So how rich is your family again,” Celeste asked raising an eyebrow at Caleb who gave her a sheepish smile.

“One you can’t talk given who you are related to,” he said holding one thing up, Celeste sipped on her wine shaking her head, her family just had a name, a single famous member, money-wise they were just average. “We are decently rich but Fiona’s fiancee’s family is way richer,” he pouted. “Speaking of which guess who just message me,”

“Should Dohyun be worried about Fiona’s fiancee messaging you? Don’t tell me the bromance of the century is over?” she joked, bring a hand to her heart as she faked a gasp. “What will you tell the AMM kids?”

“Cel you know that nothing can come between me and Dohyun, we’ve been together for over 10 years,” Caleb said seriously. Celeste wanted to believe he was playing along with the joke but given it was Caleb she had a feeling he truly meant that. “And as much as i would appreciate Cass texting me it was, unfortunately, Princess Fiona,” he sighed dramatically.

“Did you just?”

“Make a Shrek reference, yes and yes i am fully aware that implied my sister is a troll,” Caleb cut her off, he must have taken the giggling fit Celeste was having as judgement because seconds later he opened his mouth to explain. “In my defence, Penny said Shrek was one of the most important cinematic pieces in history and gave me an hour-long speech about the version of I need a hero from Shrek 2 redefined a generation,” he said with a roll of his eyes.

“Ignoring the way you rolled your eyes at a very true statement, it was iconic Cal iconic, what did Fiona want?” Celeste asked.

“Oh my family is down in the Wine Library waiting for us apparently,” he said simply, Celeste’s nose scrunched her nerves returning full force. “We can always wait, take our time with these drinks or if you really aren’t ready i can say you were exhausted from the trip and you wanted to rest?” he suggested.

“No no it would look weird if i didn’t show up as well,” Celeste frowned. “I wish i knew that they were waiting, we could have skipped the wine,” she said. Well not skipped the wine since they would have been on their way to the wine library and his family instead of making them wait.

“Celeste, it’s fine,” he said softly, “No one is upset if anything Fi is just anxious to start her embarrass Caleb plan,” he huffed. “She is been wanting to get back at me for years but jokes on her i have no shame,” he said puffing his chest out proudly.

“Yeah right, remember the time Daniel showed me those pics from your BNT photoshoot, you squealed and ran out of the cafe,” Celeste pointed out as Caleb’s face scrunched at the memory.

“I wasn’t prepared for that betrayal,” Caleb huffed. “But now i know it’s coming, Fiona wants revenge after i told Cas she used to chew on her hair,” he said eyes narrowing. “It is not my fault she is weird, I tried so hard with her you know,” he said shaking his head.

“Why do i have a feeling you made her life ten times harder than it needed to be,” she asked raising an eyebrow looking up at Caleb who smiling sheepishly.

“It’s what brothers do,” Caleb said. “Plus it’s not like Fiona doesn’t make my life harder,” he pouted, a voice in Celeste’s head pointed out that the whole reason she was here was one of those inconveniences Fiona had caused for Caleb. “And you should be on my side you know, as my girlfriend,” he pointed out with a whine.

“As your girlfriend, i think we should get going,” Celeste murmured.

“Fine,” Caleb groaned. “Let’s go see my family,” he said wrapping his arm around Celeste’s shoulders. “If it gets too much for you let me know and I’ll cover for you,” he said pulling her into him. “Gotta look out for my girlfriend,” he added with a cheeky wink. Celeste let out a laugh as she pushed herself away.

“How kind of you,” she joked, reaching down and linking their hands squeezing his hand to make sure he knew she appreciated that he was looking out for her.

“Do you think i should have got changed?” Celeste asked as they stepped into the elevator watching in mild horror as the door slid shut in front of them. Her outfit, a pair of dark skinny jeans and an oversized pink knit sweater was perfect for the trip over but for meeting your supposed boyfriend’s parents.

“What? No, you like fine Cel,” Caleb said looking her over. “Adorable even,” he said cooing with a big smile. Celeste’s eyes narrowed at him, he too was wearing more comfortable clothes, a plain shirt, dark jeans and a beige coat, yet he looked like he had just come from a fashion shoot, not a plane ride.

“Just because you could show up in pyjamas and still look good doesn’t mean the rest of us can,” she said bitterly as Caleb blinked at before chuckling shaking his head. “Yeah yeah laugh it up model boy,” Celeste said with an eye roll. “In all seriousness, how is my hair? And do you think i should fix my make up?” she asked, reaching into her purse before Caleb reached out and cupped her face.

“Hmm in professional opinion, as the part-owner of a very successful modelling agency you don’t need any more makeup, you’ll be the prettiest girl there,” and squeezing her cheeks before giggling. “And your hair,” he said reaching up and ruffling it. “There we go, perfect,” he said with a wide grin. “And you can’t argue because look we are on the 4th floor,” he said as the elevator came to an easy stop. “Seriously though you look beautiful,” he said.

“You have to say that but thank you,” she mumbled. Celeste sucked in a breath as the elevator door opened with a ding. Caleb seemed to notice her hesitance and stepped placed a hand on the smalls of her back. Nodding to herself Celeste stepped forward as Caleb followed hand never dropping from her body.

The wine library was a large space, its cozy interior matched the miserable weather outside. The place was filled to the brim with hotel patrons, lounge chairs were scattered around and in the middle of the room, there were large wine tasting tables. The wine cases were on the side, protected by glass doors.

“They are further in,” Caleb said softly his hand dropping from her back and reaching out to grab her hand as he moved forward, pulling her along. Celeste followed, not that she had much choice, despite his comments about Fiona earlier it was clear that Caleb was excited to see his parents, his eyes were lit up, a wide smile on his face and the way he was rushing forward Celeste swore he was going to pull her arm off. She assumed by the happy squeals off Caleb’s name they had reached their destination. Without a moment’s hesitation Caleb raced forward dragging Celeste along with him, she tried to break out of his grasp before she tripped but he had a death grip on her hand.

Celeste’s hand was finally given a reprieve when they reached the table where Caleb’s immediate family sat. Within seconds Caleb’s mum had launched herself up from her seat and into her son’s arms. Just like that the rest of his family was up and coming over to them, well Caleb, Celeste just stood to the side not sure if she should say hello or wait. Give her room ballbusting movie executives and she would have them eating out of her hands, give her an affectionate family who openly love each other and she will be a timid wallflower wishing the ground would swallow her whole.

“Celeste,” she was greeted by Fiona, one look at her and she was reminded that good looks were hereditary in Caleb’s family. “I am so glad you could make it,” she said pulling Celeste into a hug. Oh, they were all huggers as well. “How was your flight -”

“Fiona you better not be pulling that girl into wedding stuff straight away,” she heard Caleb’s mother said pushing past. Fiona rolled her eyes muttering that she was just saying hi. “Oh look at you,” Caleb’s mother said holding her arms out and looking Celeste over. “Oh aren’t you a sight, it’s about time someone bought his beautiful girlfriend to meet us,” she said sending a faux annoyed look over to Caleb who must have known he was being talked about because he paused his conversation with his dad to look over a curious look on his face. “Come sit let get you a glass of wine and some food, have you eaten? “ she said pulling Celeste over to the table where Caleb’s older sister Rosalind, her husband, Fiona’s fiancee and what Celeste assumed were Cassius’s parents.

“Honey, could you get two glasses of Quinta do Vale Meão,” she called out to her husband. “Evelyn, Byron, you remember Caleb,” she said looking proudly at her son who had come over sliding to stand beside Celeste. “And this is his beautiful girlfriend and my future daughter in law Celeste Scamander,” she tacked on with a happy smile either not noticing or choosing to ignore the way Caleb choked and Celeste’s eyes bulged.

“Mum what are you saying?”

“Scamander? As in Newt Scamander?” Byron asked curiously. Celeste plastered a fake smile on her face trying to calm herself after Caleb’s mother’s comment.

“I am putting it into the universe and why are you acting like I’ve said something bad, after all, things you put this wonderful woman through, two years Cal –“

“Yes, well no, he is my great uncle my great grandfather is Thesus Scamander,” she explained leaning back as Caleb and his mother bickered about her. God she wished Caleb’s father would hurry up with the wine, talking about her family and listening to Caleb and his mother bicker of why their fake relationship hadn’t been upgraded to a fake engagement was doing her head in.

“Celeste herself is quite successful,” Rose commented, “She works for Spellbound management, I’ve been told by multiple sources that she is the sole reason my little brother is so famous –“ she said with a wink as Caleb spun around at the mention of his name.

“What?”

“I was just telling the Nam’s here about how Celeste was a driving force in your career,” she said with a roll of her eyes. Caleb nodded in agreement.

“Yeah if it wasn’t for her lord knows where my career would be? Probably still the designated eye candy,” he laughed.

“Please you aren’t pretty enough to be eye candy, you would be the ahjussi,” Fiona commented with a laugh.

“And you’d be cast as a troll,” Caleb said eyes narrowing at her. “And go tell my fans I am not pretty, I dare you,” he said, tilting his chin up pompously. The Nam’s stood up muttering a quick excuse us as the stood up and headed to one of the other rooms.

“What fans? I thought they all dropped you as soon as Daniel burst on the scene,” Fiona said as Cassius came to sit beside her shaking his head at the bickering siblings. “And you can’t ask Celeste because she is biased, no offence,” she said looking at Celeste with an apologetic look.

“Celeste isn’t biased,” Caleb huffed. “And how dare you bringing up my protégé, bringing up Daniel like I wouldn’t trade you for him in a heartbeat, my life would be so much simpler with a little brother,” he said wistfully. Celeste’s nose scrunched up wondering about Caleb’s sanity if he wanted to actually be related to Daniel.

“You come to my wedding week and say such nonsense,” she tsked, for a second there Celeste thought she was in the godfather and was going to be asked to kiss the ring. “Celeste did you know when Caleb was little he was scared of goblins,” she said with a smirk.

“And Fiona used to say she was going to marry a teddy bear named Mr Snuggles,” Caleb said.

“And now she is marrying a wonderful man name Cassius and you are here to support your sister,” Caleb’s father said finally bringing the wine over. “Here you go Celeste,” he said handing her a glass of red wine. “Now I hope this whole scene hasn’t scared you off our family,” he said.

“Yes, unfortunately, our children, no matter their age, still act like bickering children,” Caleb’s mother sighed. “It’s just how families are,” she said shaking her head.

Celeste nodded awkwardly, the last time she had been around her older sister their fight had reduced her to tears so maybe sibling bickering was a bit out of her quidditch pitch. “Uhm I forgot to say it earlier but congratulations,” she said to Fiona and Cassius, “thank you for allowing me to come to your wedding,” she said.

“Well thank you but there is no need to thank us,” Fiona said. “Your pretty much family and anyway you are part of the bridal party,” she said with a wave of her hand. “I can’t wait to show you your bridesmaid dress tomorrow, you are going to look amazing in it,” she said with a wide smile before launching into wedding details.

☆.。.:*・°☆.。.:*・°☆.。.:*・°☆.。.:*・°☆

“See I told you there was nothing to worry about,” Caleb said as they walked down the hallway to their hotel room. “My family love you,” he grinned.

“They like me though to be honest I think its what you’ve told them because they were way too nice to me,” Celeste laughed.

“Nope,” Caleb said shaking his head. “They just love you because your awesome,” he said as he stopped outside the door. “This is ours,” he said swiping the card and opening the door. Celeste stood on her tippy toes sneaking a peek over his shoulder.

“One bed,” she said.

“One bed,” Caleb repeated. “It’s okay, I can just –“ he said reaching for his wand.

“Cal, it’s fine, we are two adults, we can handle sharing a bed right?” she asked. “Because no lie I kinda wanna just go to sleep,” she said with a whine.

“Yeah we can do this, just two adult friends sharing a bed, nothing will happen,” Caleb said quickly scratching the back of his neck.

“It will be fine,” Celeste confirmed, ignoring the way her chest ached at the word friends. It will be fine.

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