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myhockeyworld87 · 3 years

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Not So Dangerous Liaison - Sidney Crosby - Part 21

Word Count: 3,579

POV: Reader’s (sorry if I messed anyone up)

Warngings: Language, Smut, NSFW

Notes: So it’s been a hot minute for this story. Sorry about that guys, but when we were last with these two they were in Spain and just had a very hot massage session. So let’s see what happened after that. As always love your feedback and Happy Reading!

Not So Dangerous Liaison Masterlist

Your two weeks in Europe were simply amazing, and while you dreaded leaving; you still looked forward to going back to Cole Harbour with Sidney as his day with the cup was coming up. Sid had timed the trip pretty well so that you had a week to get everything organized. Since he actually got two days with the cup, Sid wanted the first day to be more public and the second to just be about friends and family. The town of Cole Harbour planned a big parade in the morning. Sid again insisted that you ride with him as he showed off the legendary trophy, though you felt awkward being there as everyone cheered him on.

You were definitely more in your element, as the afternoon had all of you headed off to the children's hospital. Seeing Sid with these kids just melted your heart. He took time with each of them, talking to them and signing whatever Penguins gear they had. You knew that he was good with kids; it was evident in the hockey program that he ran every year and how he handled all of them that came up to him when you were, well, literally anywhere. But this, this was different. He was gentle, kind, and caring with each one, and at one point you literally found yourself walking out of the room as there were just too many emotions swirling in your brain, not only about your boyfriend but everything going on in each room you went to.

It was Trina that came out to check on you. "Everything ok dear?"

You coughed discreetly, hoping to cover up the swell of emotions that seemed to want to burst out. "Yeah." Her arm came around your shoulders and she squeezed you close to her. "I don't know how he does it," you found yourself saying. "Some of these kids are so bad and yet…" A tear slid down your cheek at the thought of what these parents were going through but how they put on a brave face and found some bit of happiness in your boyfriend being there with their child.

"I know, sweetheart," Trina said enveloping you in a hug now. "It's hard, but just look at the joy on their little faces." She turned so that you could see back into the room where Sid was playing a video game with a child undergoing chemotherapy. The smile on Sid's face was just as bright as the little boy's and you knew right then why bringing the cup here was so important to him. It was an opportunity to share the joy that he felt winning the cup or even stepping out on the ice, with each of the kids he saw, and god if he wasn't good at doing just that. If it was possible you fell in love with him even more.

You brushed the tear away and gave over to the infectious happiness that was taking place in the room, now more determined to help Sid spread the joy around the hospital. By the time you left your heart was overflowing with love for the man by your side and you couldn't keep it contained as you jumped into the passenger's seat beside him and planted your lips on his. "What's that for?" Sid asked when you finally broke apart.

"Nothing…everything…I don't know…for just being you." You shrugged as he started the car, then added. "Mostly because I love you."

"Well, I wouldn't complain if you decided to do that again." Leaning over you, let your lips mold to his, this time letting the kiss get a little heated before he pulled back. "If we keep this up, we'll never get to the next stop." Sid was right, it would've been easy to just get carried away with him and end up heading home instead of to the party boat that was planned. Tons of people lined the dock as you headed down to the boat. All of them trying to grab Sid's attention for a pic or get him to stop so that they could touch the cup. Ever patient, Sidney stopped for each photo as you made your way onto the same boat, you'd taken on your official first date. The party took up the rest of the afternoon and some of the evening. Sid made a few stops that weren't scheduled, to random places like the grocery store he always uses and the coffee shop that always has his order ready and waiting. It was a very long day, and you were glad when you finally walked through the door of the lake house that night; Sid carrying the cup inside behind you.

He set the cup on the kitchen counter where it looked extremely out of place. "Is that where you're keeping it for the night?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. I hadn't really given it much thought, but seems as good a place as any."

"Well, where did you keep it the first time you won."

Sid turned a delightful shade of red you hadn't seen. He'd been embarrassed on numerous occasions, but never like this. "In bed with me," he finally choked out.

It took everything in your power not to burst out laughing, though it was kind of cute to think of your boyfriend sleeping with this prized trophy. "Well, I can sleep in the guest room tonight, if you two want to be alone." He snatched you around the waist and pulled you into him.

"Not a chance. You're definitely better and softer to hold onto in the middle of the night." He accentuated his words by dropping kisses to your forehead, then your nose, and finally your lips, while his hands grabbed hold of your ass. "God, it's been a long day, but I like that I'm ending it here with you." You couldn't help the smile that graced your face, for there wasn't anyplace else in the world you wanted to be than by his side.

"Come on, let's go to bed." You wiggled out of his arms then headed towards the staircase as Sid trailed behind. "Aren't you forgetting something?" He looked at you a bit quizzical, then you nodded to the Stanley Cup. "It wouldn't be the first time it slept in the room with us." Referring to the night the Penguins had won the beloved trophy. He quickly trotted back over, then hoisted the cup upstairs where he placed it over in the corner of the room.

"If I remember right, that was the first night I kissed you."

"Hmm," you tapped your finger on your chin as if contemplating whether or not he was correct, which he was of course. "Was it? I can't remember," you teased.

"Oh really?" Sid asked as he grabbed you around the waist like he did that night and so many nights after. "Maybe I should refresh your memory." His lips dropped to yours, all of the playfulness of moments ago now replaced with a heated passion as his tongue swept in and mingled with yours. It was just like that first night, only this time you didn't let your mind stop you from wanting more of Sid, as you gave yourself over to him. He slowly backed you up until your knees hit the back of the bed. It was then that you felt him sliding your clothes off, piece by piece until you were standing there nude in front of him. "God, you're beautiful." He breathed in, the words so reverent it felt like a prayer. "I remember how badly I wanted you that night, but I'd promised you that we would sleep and nothing more. I'm not making that promise now."

His lips were back on yours then, as he devoured you with his mouth. Your hands roamed his body, this time ridding him of the clothing that was the barrier between the two of you. When you finally freed him from his boxer briefs the two of you tumbled down onto the bed. Your limbs tangled with each other, and though you'd been with each other hundreds of times since that night of your first kiss; it was as if all the pent-up frustration from that first night finally came bubbling up to the surface. Sid's hands seemed to be everywhere at once, roaming down your back to your ass where your hips flexed into his, on your breasts tweaking your nipples, and slipping between your folds to find you dripping wet with desire for him. "I need you," you moaned out as his digits curled inside you.

He settled between your legs, cock in hand as he guided himself into you; a sigh leaving both of you as he entered. Your lips found his as your bodies moved as one. Every thrust of his hips into you was met by a flex of yours. Your hands threaded together pressing into the mattress as his body hovered over yours. "I love you," Sid panted out.

"I love you too," you echoed as your souls meshed together into one, before you crested and reached that high your body was so craving. It was a few short thrusts and Sid followed you into that blissful state of euphoria. The two of you laid there trying to catch your breath, yet your hearts still beat in sync with one another. Your hands skated up and down his back before he twisted you both to your side. Eyes growing heavy, you let them drift shut as Sid nuzzled you into his side.

"I don't think I've ever been happier than I am right now."

"Really?" Your eyes popped back open in disbelief. "What about when you won that?" you said motioning to where the Stanley Cup was sitting off in the corner of the bedroom.

"Mmm, don't get me wrong that was great, but sharing this with you is better." His arms tighten around you a little more. "And I know we celebrated the win that night, but not like this."

You pulled back a bit so that you could look him in the eyes. "So…it's sex that makes tonight better," you teased knowing that it wasn't that but enjoying chirping Sid all the same.

"You know it's not that." His hands now tickling your sides and making you squirm.

"I know," you laughed trying to catch your breath, yet again.

When you finally calmed down, Sid looked at you with all seriousness. "I never thought, that I'd get to share this with anyone, but then…well I'd like to say I found you, but that really wasn't the case was it. You'd been there all along. I just finally opened my eyes." His words made you melt and you could feel your eyes getting a bit misty. "And now everything in my life is just better. Especially getting to share this with you." It was Sid's turn to motion his head toward the multi-tiered trophy that already has his name engraved on it twice. He sighed and you felt it more than heard it.

"I feel like there's a but coming."

"No buts," he chuckled. "More like an I wish or I hope…" Well this was interesting and you propped your head up on your hand so that you could pay attention even more. His one hand never left your hip, drawing lazy circles there as he searched for the right words. "It's not easy to win that thing, but I hope we can do it again. Not because I want to see my name on it or anything, but well…" God you wish he would just spit it out because you really didn't know what he was talking about at the moment. "I want that moment with you…you know on the ice, legs wrapped around me, while you kiss me senseless type thing." He said as much before, just maybe not in those exact words and you had to giggle a bit at the image he conjured up because the world would be shocked to see the ever-reserved Sidney Crosby in that position.

"You could kiss me senseless now if you wanted."

"Mmm, and I will but there's more." More? You were already shocked by the public display of affection running through his mind; you couldn't imagine there being more. "So, like today when we were in the hospital, it made me think of something." It was pitch black in the bedroom, yet somehow you could see the blush staining his cheeks, and even though you wanted to tease him, you didn't for you could tell this was important. "I was posing for pictures with all these kids and then I looked over at you and well…it made me realize how much I want pictures with our kids and the cup." It was the word 'our' that stuck in your head the most. Kids weren't really something that you thought about often. Oh sure, you wanted them. You just weren't sure when and you hadn't really thought about them with Sidney, at least not yet; your relationship still just seemed so new. Your face must have given away where your thoughts were headed for the next thing you knew he was saying, "It's not like I want them tomorrow or anything." A sigh escaped your lips as you released the breath you didn't know you'd been holding. "Honestly, I didn't know it was something I even wanted until today. That's not what I meant…Shit…this is coming out wrong." He rolled onto his back, shifting his hands behind his head.

You missed the warmth of his hands on you, and you found your hand immediately going to chest. "I think I know what you mean," and even though you hadn't thought it through fully in your head; you kind of got where he was coming from. You'd felt it today too, as you'd watch him with every child.

"You do?"

His right hand quickly moved to your bare back and you knew then, that his shift in position had been him distancing himself in case he'd said too much. "Yeah," you answered looking him directly in the eye in the dim light. "When I saw you in the hospital today it hit me, how great you are with those kids, and then I started thinking how great you'd be with your own….and wow Sid…you're going to make the best dad."

"I've always wanted kids, but I just thought it couldn't happen until after hockey was over, ya know? But then I met you…and now well…I just can see it all." Somehow you could too and it was both frightening and thrilling at the same time. "I want to put our kid in the cup and teach him…" you coughed discreetly. "Or her," he added quickly. "To skate and take them to the rink or dance class or I don't know. I just know that it's possible now because I have you. I know what we have is still new (Y/N), and it's like we've hit the gas and never looked back, but I can see this future with you and it's something I really want."

The look on his face was hesitant as he laid there waiting for you to say something. Part of you wanted to torture him and make him wait longer, but then the other part won over and you found yourself saying, "I want that too, Sid. I want our kid in the cup, and long walks around the lake, and you trying to teach our child how to shoot a slap shot into the net. I want it all." The smile on his face told you exactly how happy he was. He grabbed your hips, practically throwing you on top of him. "I thought you said you didn't want them by tomorrow?" You teased as you could feel his erection growing.

"Practice, baby. You know you can never practice too much." And that's exactly what the two of you did the rest of the night.

Thankfully, the celebration the next day wasn't until later in the afternoon, though caters were there early to get things set up. Sid introduced you to all of his family that were there, and they were ecstatic to see that Sidney had found happiness. During the course of the day, you were torn from each other's side, but you'd always feel his eyes on you no matter where you were. You'd exchange a knowing smile with him from across the room and the next thing you knew he was at your side; his hand on the small of your back or his arms completely wrapping around you. There were tons of pictures taken with the cup and more drinks flowing out of it that it could've been a water fountain at times. In all, it was a day filled with love, joy, and laughter as you all celebrated Sid's accomplishments.

Two days later, Sid started training for the upcoming season, not that he had ever really taken a full break. He was always in the gym working out or when you were in Cole Harbour, he'd spend time at the rink. Though his official training was much more intense. He'd be gone most of the morning and afternoon, which wasn't so bad as it left you time to do your work. Nights usually consisted of the two of you making dinner, except for when he had to do some endorsement work. Of course, he asked you to come with, and you did a few times. However, this particular night you chose not to. You heard him come into the house, as he yelled out a "Babe, I'm home," when he entered. You answered him, telling him that you were upstairs. "What are you doing?"

"Packing." As if it wasn't obvious, considering that you had your suitcase out and were folding clothes.

"Why?"

"Because I have to fly back to Pittsburgh."

"Since when?" You could tell by the tone of his voice he wasn't happy.

"There's a problem with the transition house and they need me there to make some decisions." An inspection had gone wrong and they needed your authorization for some sort of technical things that needed to be done.

"Well, I'll pack and go back with you."

"Absolutely not," you weren't exactly yelling but you did raise your voice some. "You just started training and you're not interrupting that to go with me."

He frowned, as you walked into the closet and grabbed the rest of your things. "Why are you taking all your stuff? How long are you going to be gone?"

You knew he wouldn't like this next part but it still had to be said. "I think I'm just going to stay there."

"That's almost a month early." His voice pitched up an octave.

"It's not that bad, more like three weeks." This time he went into the closet and started to take his clothes off the hanger. "Sid, stop."

"(Y/N), I told you before that if you went back, I was too."

"And I told you, that you were staying here. This is where your trainer is, besides you're barely here and you have other commitments that you have to keep, that require you to stay here. It just doesn't make sense for you to fly back yet." You took the clothes out his hands and hung them back up, only to have him take them back out. "Seriously," you huffed out. "This is ridiculous."

"Is it?"

"Yes."

"I'll stay here," he told you and you finally thought you were getting through to him. "If you fly back when you're done."

"This could take a week and you know how some of the guys start coming back early, so I should be back there when they do. If I flew back here it would only be for a few days." It truly didn't make sense.

"Well, I'll fly back with you then."

"You'll literally be in the middle of training then." You wrapped your arms around his waist, hoping to compel him to see your side of this. "I don't want to be the reason you're not ready to play this year. It's just a couple weeks hun."

His head dropped down to yours, and damn if he didn't give you those sad puppy dog eyes. "I don't want to be without for that long."

"We can talk every day and facetime too."

"It's not the same."

"I know," you had to acknowledge that it wouldn't be the same as being there every night and being held in his arms, but three weeks wouldn't be bad. "But we can handle it."

"What time does your flight leave?" It seemed as though he was finally conceding that you'd be going.

"Tomorrow at eleven in the morning."

"I'll have to move some things around, but I'm taking you to the airport."

"I already have it figured out that Taylor will take me." He pushed you away then, clearly upset.

"Jesus, can I not even take my girlfriend to the damn airport?"

"I just didn't want you to miss anything."

"You have it all planned out, don't you? Well, thanks for at least telling me." With that, he walked out of the bedroom and you heard him stomp down the stairs.

"Sid," you called out, right as the door slammed shut. This was not going as planned.

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denimbex1986 · 3 years

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but I do think this "relationship" is far from genuine as I've yet to see anything that proves such. // TBH every single ppl literally have different views about what is genuine relationship is, i dunno about them but they are too happy for me, something domestic and it's so hard to fake it even they both is an actor. But also in the same times i feel like something too much is not good. The way that they start to recording shit in every single way as possible they can, act private but also not private and such as that is just too orchestrated. I feel like she hold shit too well for a year and decided to shut all ppl off in 5 minutes vids and new paps that shows how happy and genuine they are( ngl, they both is really happy,imo). She gain a lot of followers obv because of that and how ppl simping them soo much because of that. If we simply said that the point they put all of this as a PR to help her being an actress in HW, i don't think it's works and she obv know that shit too. So pretty much there is no point for them to make fake PR rs for whatever reason. I also believe that why he is sooo happy is because he is scared being alone and suddenly he got someone who willingly move to another ocean just for him and stayed with him( who tf not fall in love with that kinda person?). And also i doubt that she is actually have a brain to talk back to him or critised him( and he hates someone to do that) sooo that why i think he thinks that she is so perfect for him and happy with that kinda condition as long as they being each other friends and can got some whenever they want to.

The whole "relationship" just screams "fake" to me and has from the very start, not at all helped by the fact that the first time we saw them it was on a yacht in the middle of nowhere with nothing and no-one else around; it was so obvious that it was a ridiculously staged/pap pic occasion.

Regarding your recording comment, it needs to be pointed out that that was all HER. Seb's video was, compared to hers, simple and highlighted, to me at least, that he didn’t and doesn't and give a damn about this "relationship" or her. It also showcased just how fake the whole thing is by, most notably, addressing several baits etc. that we went on to see after Seb shot the video, which was while he was locked down in New York and prior to him going to Ibiza and ending up with her on that yacht. Everything she recorded in and for HER video was clearly staged and/or recorded by someone else - she might as well have had a full-on camera crew trailing them for the past year. It should be obvious to everyone imo, just how orchestrated it was - like the relationship is - but again, everyone's entitled to an opinion and if some want to think this shitshow is real then that's up to them.

What makes me laugh is that all her efforts to get any real attention over the last year, particularly in terms of for and benefiting her "career", have failed SO spectacularly. No-one outside of Spain really gives a damn about her "acting" or has even the slightest bit of interest in the series she was a part of and she seemingly hasn't booked another, or any job, of note since she first arrived on the scene.

I want to make it clear that I do want Seb to be happy, I genuinely do, however I honestly believe that, with her, he is anything but. He has looked utterly miserable in all the pap pics etc (bar these latest ones in Spain, which only had to the "fakeness" of it all, imo) and sightings with her, and he's looked happier and healthier when there's been considerable distance between them, like when he was filming Fresh in Vancouver.

I have no doubt that Seb, like so many people, struggled with the lockdown, especially given the fact he lives alone, but I don't think her arrival in his life has benefited him positively in any way, notably because of all the problematic baggage she's brought with her, like her cultural appropriation. It has not done and isn't doing Seb any favours being associated with someone who is old enough to know that CA is utterly wrong and offensive, yet who hasn't apologised for doing it or taken down the pictures. To me, the fact that he is with someone so problematic only highlights the fact that this "relationship" is all a PR stunt, organised by CAA who he signed with just weeks before this all started. Of course I don't know Seb personally, but from what I've seen and heard of and from him over the years, he certainly doesn't strike me as someone who would willingly want to spend so much time with a woman like her, who has engaged in CA etc., because he's always come across as a kind, compassionate guy who wants to unite people, not divide or offend them as she has.

Regarding your ‘I doubt that she is actually have a brain’ remark, I have said in the past that I think she is far from smart, and the fact she engaged in and had yet to apologise for CA is one thing that proves that. I also think she is FAR from perfect for him - if anything I’m more of the opinion that, and this is only my opinion, given what I’ve seen/been witness to over the last year - she is the worst thing to happen to him in a very long time - across the whole time I’ve known about him for sure - but again, I understand that people can and do think differently to me, and that’s perfectly okay.

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inmyarmswrappedin · 4 years

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DRUCK reactions - s4 ep2

With special thanks to Michi ( @wodrueckts ) for looking over it to make sure I didn’t say anything glaringly wrong. 💛

CLIP 1: It’s hard out there for a hijabi

Here’s one thing I like about this episode: the shot of the tiara spinning in the air. That said, it’s kind of inexplicable. It’s been like a month since the Abiball, so what’s the tiara doing here? Was Amira holding onto it all this time? Did she have this vision of, like, sorting out her shit as she prepares to move out of her parents’ home, and remembering how her gay friend gave the tiara to her because he hated that his boyfriend was so hot he just naturally won all popularity contests? And she was like, “Imma do a solid for future Amira and get rid of this dollar store tiara right now”?

Anyway.

So far, Amira M.’s season has been the only Sana season not to drop during Ramadan. Seems like the Druck team thought they might not even get to Amira, and then they got renewed at the eleventh hour. So they needed to put that shit out quick because the character was set to leave for Australia and anyway it would’ve been really weird to do an Amira season in uni, and then go back to high school with the next gen. So this season is set in summer, and depending on what Wtfock does with Yasmina, it might be the only Sana season to do so.

I think setting this clip lakeside was pretty clever. Plenty of chances to show people in swimming suits or skimpy clothing, as well as people’s reactions to Amira’s burkini. It very quickly sets the stage for the season, same as the bus montage did for Sana in Skam.

I’m not sure how to feel about Sam thinking cunnilingus is boring. Is she sure she’s having it done right? I thought Abdi had a longer than average tongue.

And thanks to Michi, I discovered that this was a reference to Skam, which I didn’t even know because I still had the gdrive subs for s2, where Chris says getting eaten out in Gran Canaria was fun, as opposed to the new subs, where she says it was boring as shit and she fell asleep.

I can’t remember whether Sana’s prayer app ever went off in front of the girl squad. When Skam España did it, the girls immediately freaked the fuck out at the thought of Amira praying right in the middle of a street party. In this case, Kiki looks at Amira for a second. Amira turns the app off though, so we never find out what the girls would’ve done if Amira were to pray right there. Or if it’s happened before. (I’ve been told by Michi this has happened before but the girls didn’t have a reaction then either.)

“Girls, why does it always have to be about boys with you guys?” GO OFF, AMIRA. I remember when I watched the season live, I became exhausted at all the boy talk, so it’ll be interesting to see if I still get this feeling watching the episodes.

In comparison to Vilde, Kiki is also a good sport about Amira wanting this topic to be over. I mean, she laughs a little (perhaps knowingly?), but Kiki is always up for changing the topic to something else about her… Like her and Carlos’ house hunting!

And also, Druck has sent Mia off to Spain to reassure viewers that this Noora won’t take over the season like other Nooras. (Ahem.)

For lack of something to talk about, Amira brings up boxing. Kiki is immediately interested, since she loves working out. Amira is really not into the idea of her brothers getting to know her friends, so she uses Hanna’s reticence to shoot Kiki down.

Her mood has been spoiled all in all, so she stays back to feel alienated as the girls splash around.

She does look cute as hell in her burkini and sunglasses though.

CLIP 2: Am I a bet? Am I a fucking bet?

I really like the blink and you’ll miss it shot of (I think is) the customized snow globe with the Nadia and Amira pic.

Some other stuff in Amira’s room: A polisci book, a list of lodgings in Sydney open on her browser, and what I’m pretty sure is a save the date card from Nadia and her fiancé. This is a very smart way to set up Amira’s character for people who might not have been paying a lot of attention to her so far. It’s always fun to get a peek at a Skams character’s bedroom for the first time.

Amira’s season came after Imane’s, and one thing I immediately liked more about Druck was that they spent time with the prayer scenes. I remember ONE (1) scene where Imane prayed in Skam France, and we only got to see the tail end of it.

I’m pretty sure the game the Mahmoodis play doesn’t actually exist, which probably has to do with having to pay royalties to show a real game. Interestingly(?), when I searched Dr. Whoo and Chopstick on google, it led me to Doctor Who pages, so I wonder if it’s all an elaborate Doctor Who reference on the part of someone in the Druck team.

In Skam, Sana misses the shot because the balloon squad are talking throughout the whole song, but Amira loses because Mohammed literally leans into her line of sight to make eye contact. In general, Mohammed is a lot more suave and savvier than Yousef ever was.

CLIP 3: This apartment is gonna kill somebody

And on a similar note but related to Amira, she is set up as someone the other girls rely on for advice. Kiki needs her help with the renter, while Sam asks her for romantic advice. I think the reason for this might be that while the girls didn’t exactly rely on Sana for advice in Skam, Sana was the one with the ideas since the start. Amira doesn’t necessarily take charge of situations the way Sana did, but there’s this notion that without Amira, the squad would fall apart.

The Berlin housing market = shantycore goals.

I also like the bit of subtle social commentary in Amira’s speech, about middle aged people helping young adults get started with life, so the latter can support the former when it comes to pensions, etc.

CLIP 4: Huh.

So even though Amira didn’t want the girls at the gym earlier, they are here now.

The day before, Amira posted a story on ig reminding the girls about the boxing class, with no indication that she ever tried to get them not to come.

Hanna gives a quick bit of exposition when she mentions Stefan is already working full time (and in a job that presumably requires a uni degree) while she just graduated high school. Which she finds weird.

As in Skam, Essam calls Amira ‘slave,’ which Kiki and Hanna notice. Amira quickly says it has to do with a bet, and the subject gets dropped.

When the season was airing, I thought for sure this wasn’t the end of it, and it would be brought up again, either through Kiki, Hanna, or possibly Stefan via Hanna. But no, this is really the end of that storyline.

My question is, why? What is the point of recreating this storyline from Skam (even going through the trouble of setting up a week during the hiatus between episodes 31 and 32, where Amira wins and Essam has to be the slave) if you’re just going to drop it in the same episode? It’s bad writing because we’re still in the stage of the season where storylines are being set up for later. It’s bad writing because Kiki and/or Hanna literally never bring up this bet/slave business again after devoting several clips and a bunch of social media to it. It’s like the writers didn’t really want to adapt this storyline from Skam, but they also didn’t have a ton of ideas for this week. Or maybe they were going to go somewhere with it, but then they changed their minds because it made some character look bad, but they forgot to take it out.

Like okay, fine, it wasn’t my favorite storyline in Skam either. It made Vilde look like an idiot at best, or a racist and a traitor at worst. But then why even have Kiki and Hanna overhear Essam? It’s not like they had to do it for adaptation reasons. Skam France didn’t.

It’s frustrating as fuck, and it won’t be the last time this season will pull this on the viewer.

Speaking of which, Sam thinks Mohammed is hot as hell (she ain’t wrong) and invites Essam, Omar and Mohammed to Jonas’ birthday party. This bothers Amira, because she doesn’t want her brothers to hang out with her friends. Even though she apparently just invited the girls to the boxing class that takes place at the gym her brothers attend.

[SIGH]

But anyway, Sam is being characterized as someone who is in charge of her sexuality (throughout the whole show, but specifically in this episode). While Amira is pining from a distance, getting flustered just from eye contact, Sam sees a hot guy and immediately creates an opportunity to see him again.

CLIP 5: Barbecue pining

There’s such a summer vibe about always finding reasons to hang out at a specific place because your friend got a summer job there.

I gotta give it to the writers. Essam is such a well-constructed younger sibling character. He’s a brat exactly in the way younger siblings are, and yet… That’s also the reason he’s so endearing.

And, on that note, Omar gives off such dad vibes. Not even older brother vibes. Every time I see Omar I feel like he’s thinking, “ha-ha! These little brats are acting out because they’re going through a lot! We just have to understand them!”

The conversation Amira and Mohammed have around the barbecue is so dumb, but you gotta love how pleased Amira is that she has Mohammed’s attention. Though she’s also unused to liking having a guy’s attention.

David and Matteo are back, and they’re still adorable! Good for them.

The way you could describe this moment as, Amira literally turned around for a moment and Sam was already touching Mohammed’s hair, and have it be accurate, sums up what they’re going for here.

Social media

There was a lot of social media content to keep people fed in the hiatus between episode 31 and 32. David and Matteo backpacked through Europe, Mia left for Spain and Kiki made a video about it, Stefan was invited to a game night with the crew, Kiki and Carlos looked for an apartment, and as I mentioned earlier, Essam lost a bet to Amira and had to be her slave for a week. I think that’s about it!

Abdi suggests that he and Carlos give Jonas supplies to make a protest sign as a birthday present and I almost lost it.

I think the piece of social media that most pissed off Skam purists was a chat where Jonas assures Amira he’s already thought of buying halal meat (as well as vegetarian and vegan options) for his birthday, because apparently Druck wanted to show up Skam or something, but like… It’s not like this storyline went anywhere on Skam either, like at no point do the girls learn to order pizza Sana can eat. So what does it matter if Jonas is already aware that Muslims eat halal meat.

I love that Hanna went to boxing class once, posted a bunch of stories about it and then never attended again. What a mood.

And to close the week, Kiki texts Amira that Essam started following her on insta.

FINAL THOUGHTS

When the season was airing, I found these clips cute enough. But on rewatch, I didn’t care for this episode and the reason is that so much of it ended being irrelevant to the season. What this episode did well was setting up the Kiki/Amira friendship, setting Kiki and Carlos’ apartment and the boxing class as recurring settings for the season and some character details. Essam is a really solid character from the get go, and I like the details in Amira’s room. They could’ve left out just about everything else.

#druck #about druck

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screw-real-life-i-pick-fandoms · 5 years

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Monster in Me (Tom Hiddleston x Reader) (One-Shot) (Song-Fic)

Words: 2,900+

AN: This was requested by @namelesslosers on Tumblr. Here is the request I got.

Hey, how are you? I saw that your requests are open and I thought that maybe you would be interested in write this one: The reader is a famous singer and was dating Tom, after a while they broke up and in one of those awards shows where they both were invited, she ends up singing the song "Monster in Me" by Little Mix and it's about him. Feel free to choose the ending. Thank you :)

I loved this request, and I am so sorry it took so long to get out. I don’t know what happened, and super sorry about the overly long wait. I hope it was worth the wait and you enjoy it.

(Y/N POV)

I was putting on my deep blue floor length dress for the Golden Globes award show and reception. I was asked to come and sing at the reception because of my growing popularity as a snigger and songwriter. I was a little on edge because I knew he would be there.

*Flash Back*

(Y/N POV)

I was walking through the streets of London trying to get to the park and read. It was a warm summer day and I thought some fresh air would be good. I guess I got lost in my thoughts because I ran into something hard.

"I am sorry Miss," I heard a silky voice say. "I should have been looking where I was going."

"No. It's alright," I said looking up at the man I had walked into. "It was my fault, I should have been-"

I stopped midsentence because once I say who I had run into. I had literally run right into Tom Hiddleston. I just stared at him. To say I wasn't a fan would have been a lie. I had first seen him in "A Midnight in Paris" and really took a liking to him when I saw him in "The Hollow Crown".

"Are you alright?" Tom asked concerned.

"Yeah," I said collecting my thoughts. "I was just...I...I am just a fan of your work."

"Oh," Tom said with a smile. "I guess that makes two of us then, Miss Y/L/N."

"Wait," I said with a confused face. "You are a fan of mine?"

"Yep," Tom said still smiling. "I love your music. I can't help but sing along when I hear it come on the radio."

"Wow," I said quietly. "I am flattered Mr. Hiddleston."

"Tom," He said holding out his hand for me to shake. "Please, call me Tom."

"Okay, Tom," I said shaking his hand, with a smile. "Places, call me Y/N as well."

"Well then, Y/N," He began to say. "If you will allow me to make up running into you. I would like to take you for tea, I know a nice little cafe not far from here."

"It would be my pleasure," I said happily. "That sounds absolutely wonderful."

I had an amazing time with Tom that afternoon, and after we had finished, we even exchanged phone numbers. I couldn't wait to see him again.

*Time Skip*

(Y/N POV)

It had been about two months since I met Tom and we have started hanging out a lot more. Tom had said he wanted to meet me at the cafe he took me to on the day we met. I put on a light green knee-length dress and some flats. I walked to where the cafe was located and saw Tom setting at one of the outside tables. When he saw me he stood up and waved at me, and when I got to the table he pulled my chair for me.

"Thank you," I said sitting down. "Always a gentleman."

"I try my best Y/N," Tom said with a soft chuckle as he sat down in his own chair. "Especially if it is for a woman like you."

"And a charmer too," I said jokingly with a smile. "I bet you say that to all the girls."

We both laugh and talk about whatever comes to mind while sipping on our warm drinks.

"Y/N," Tom began nervously. "I wanted to ask you something. That's actually the reason I asked you to meet me here today."

"Okay then," I said giving him my full attention. "What is it?"

"I know we haven't known each other that long," He said fidgeting with his hands as he talked. "I also understand if I am crossing a line with what I am about to ask. It's just, I really like talking with you and the more I get to know you, the more I want to be around you." He took both of my hands in his. "Would you do me the great honor of being my girlfriend?"

I was in shock and didn't know what to say. The most amazing man I have ever met is asking me to be his girlfriend? This must be a dream. Tom must have taken my silence as a no, and his face dropped.

"It's fine if you don't," Tom said with a sigh. "I am sorry if I crossed a line, and I hope you will still want to be friends."

"No, no, no!" I said quickly making him look deep into my eyes. "I would love to be your girlfriend, Tom! I was just thinking about how I managed to have the most amazing man ever ask me to be his girlfriend."

"Oh, my love," Tom said still looking me in the eyes. "I am the lucky one here. You as incredible and I will do everything I can to make you happy."

We both leaned in for a sweet and loving kiss, still hand in hand.

*Time Skip*

(Y/N POV)

The first five months with Tom were some of the best in my life. He was so caring and gentle with me and was of the most supportive boyfriend a girl could hope for. When I released my new album, Tom was so happy for me and was the first one to buy a copy. Both you and Tom's fans loved you two as a couple, there had only been one or two bad comments made by a fan about you two being together. The rest of them thought you two where the cutest thing ever, they even started calling you two Y/S/N. (AN: Y/S/N = Your Ship Name) Things were never better.

But now, seven months in, things were taking a turn.

Tom had been busy with a press tour for his new movie and wanted me to go with him, but I had to do things in London and couldn't go. Tom was sad but understood that I needed to say and with one last kiss, he went on his way. He called at least once a day to talk to me and we tried to video chat a twice a week.

I had never once worried about Tom leaving me for another girl, well maybe a few times when we first started dating, but it wasn't really a huge thought in my mind after I saw how much he loved me. He would work with all of these beautiful and talented actresses, but I trusted him, just like how he trusted me when I worked with other male singers when he wasn't around.

Tom phoned me one night saying he was coming back early, the next day in fact, and I was overjoyed. I hadn't seen him for over a month and was missing him terribly. I was curious as to when brought him but early but was still very happy to see him.

When he did get home, it wasn't the "I missed you so much, I wish I could be with you all the time. I love you" kind of homecoming I was expecting.

I heard the door click open and raced to see Tom.

"Tom!" I yelled running to him wrapping my arms around him. "You have no idea how much I missed you!"

I kissed him on the lips, but he didn't kiss back, and he also didn't return my embrace.

"Couldn't have been that much." Tom mumbled to himself.

"What?" I asked taking a step back. "What do you mean by that Tom?"

"I mean," I said with a hint of anger in his voice. "You seemed to be in good compose while I was away. After all, you did spend a lot of time with Greg, you two went for dinner, drinks, and he was even at the house. And you didn't even tell me Y/N!"

I shrunk back when he raised his voice and the gathered my thoughts. Greg was another singer that just moved here from Spain and we became friends not long after.

"First off," I said while keeping a level tone. "I am going to assume you know this because you either saw pics or someone told you. It's not that big of a deal, you are fine when I get food with friends. And I will have you know, he was at the house because there was a leak in the pipes, and I needed an extra set of hands."

"Why not just call a professional then?" Tom asked sharply.

"Because, Mr. Touchy," I said defending myself but also with a sarcastic tone. "That would have been a waste of money. I knew how to fix it but needed some extra hands. Calm down."

"Calm down?" Tom asked with a now angry tone. "You want me to calm down? You were hanging around a man in OUR home while I was away and didn't even tell me about it!"

"You know what Tom?" I started as my own anger level was rising. "Whenever you go on press tours with all those beautiful women, do I ever ask you about it? NO, I don't! Maybe I should start! How do I know what you get up to behind closed doors! What goes on in your hotel rooms when you get "lonely" Thomas?!"

"Oh, come one Y/N," Tom said tossing his hands up in exasperation. "Now you are just being unreasonable!"

"No," I said flatly. "I am doing exactly what you are doing. This is literally what you were just accusing me of, but I guess because you are this high and mighty man it doesn't matter if I toss your own questions right back at you!"

"For goodness sakes!" Tom said loudly.

"You know what," I said taking a shaky breath. "I don't think this is working."

"Well then," Tom said, anger still evident in his voice. "That makes two of us."

"Glad to know how you feel," I said walking past him to the door, opening it. "I guess this is goodbye then. Sorry to have been so much trouble."

And with that, I walked out the door and into the late evening air. I texted my friend Emma asking if I could stay over that night.

(Tom's POV)

Once I heard the door close, I realized how much I had messed up. I didn't want her gone, what was I thinking to say that to her? Thinking back on the argument that had just taken place, I realized how stupid it was to blame her for seeing another man.

"You messed up this time." I said to myself as I looked out the window at the darkening sky.

*Time Skip to Present Time*

(Y/N POV)

It had been about two months since Tom and I broke up, but I still felt hurt. I remembered all that we had done together as I drove to the Golden Globes and wondered what the night would bring.

The show went great, some many amazing actors, actresses, filmmakers, and directors were there, and getting the awards they deserved for their amazing work that year. Then came the reception, where I was supposed to sing. I had chosen the song "Monster in Me" by Little Mix to sing for everyone tonight.

As I walked to the stage, I saw a Tom sitting at a crowded table with some other actors, and I looked away before he could look back.

I made it to the stage and then the music started playing.

Beautiful creatures, you and me Every time that we touch it's dangerous This spark is more than chemistry Beautiful liars, drowning deep Every night we fight and it's hot like hell But it feels like heaven between the sheets

Every time we let go I scream, and I call for more

Touch me Why don't we kill each other slowly? What can I say, baby, what can I do? The monster in me loves the monster in you Hold me Squeeze a little tighter 'til we can't breathe What can I say, baby, what can I do? The monster in me loves the monster in you Monster in me, mm-mm-mm, mm-mm-mm, ayy, ayy Loves the monster in you, mm-mm-mm, mm-mm-mm, ayy, ayy

I looked out into the audience and saw Tom and this time we made eye contact.

Beautiful killer, cut me deep Just a single kiss and I'm under your spell

Will you go in like I've never seen

Beautiful fire, love the heat, mm Every night we fight and it's hot like hell But I love the way that you make me scream

And every time I let go I cry, and I beg for more -ore

Touch me Why don't we kill each other slowly? What can I say, baby, what can I do? The monster in me loves the monster in you Hold me Squeeze a little tighter 'til we can't breathe (can't breathe, baby) What can I say, baby, what can I do? The monster in me loves the monster in you Monster in me, mm-mm-mm, mm-mm-mm, ayy, ayy Loves the monster in you, mm-mm-mm, mm-mm-mm, ayy, ayy (ah, yeah)

I could see the pain and regret in his eyes, and I could tell he saw it in mine too.

Every moment we spend Turning from friends to enemies And fighting to hold on to each other Every second we fall to fire below It's so beautiful The hell that we both made for each other But it's all love and war Louder we roar, crying for more I know it's so wrong, but baby just

I could feel myself getting emotional, but I needed to hold it together till the end of the song.

Touch me Why don't we kill each other slowly? What can I say, baby, what can I do? (Oh) The monster in me loves the monster in you (babe) Hold me Squeeze a little tighter 'til we can't breathe (can't breathe, ooh) What can I say, baby, what can I do? (Baby) The monster in me loves the monster in you The monster in me, yeah

I closed my eyes to hold back the tears I could feel forming.

(Wanting me, haunting you)

(Haunting me, haunting you, ooh) Oh (Wanting me, haunting you) Oh (Wanting me, haunting you, ooh)

Wanting me, haunting you Haunting me, haunting you, ooh Wanting me, haunting you Haunting me

Once I was done and the music stopped everyone clapped and I took a bow before heading off the stage and walking to the door. I needed some air and to be out of the way of people so I would pull myself together. Once I was outside, I let the tears come out and looked up the star-filled night sky. Then out of nowhere, I felt a hand on my shoulder from behind me.

"Y/N?" I heard the voice of the one man I was trying to avoid. "I...we.....we need to talk."

I turned around and faced him, trying to wipe the tears from my eyes.

"I am so, so sorry my love," Tom said pulling me tightly agents his firm chest in a hug. "Words cannot express how sorry I am. I should have never said what I said that day, I was just so daft." He said that last bit almost to himself. "I missed you so much and wish I could take back all the nasty things I said to you." Tom pulled away slightly but still held me in his arms. He used his right hand to wipe away one of my tears. "The day I asked you to be mine, I said I would do anything to make you happy." He looked deep into my Y/E/C eyes with his blue ones. "And what did I go and do? I hurt you so bad and made you leave. I am so sorry my love. Is there any way you would take me back? I swear I will always love you and won't drive you away ever again. I don't think I could live with myself if I drove you away again."

"I...I," I tried to speak but the words wouldn't come out. I missed Tom so much and wanted to take him back. His apology warmed my heart and made me realized he still loved me as much as I loved him. "Yes. I have been waiting to hear those words for so long but was scared you didn't want me back. I will take you back Tom. I will always take you back."

He wrapped his arms around my waist tightly and spun me around with a huge smile on his face. Then he set me down and gave me the most love-filled look I have ever seen. Then he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine in the most passionate kiss ever. It held so much love, pain, longing, hope, and joy, and I knew that everything was going to be alright again. Tom had me and I had Him.

Tag List: @theoneanna @mybabydrivesa67impala @lokislittleslut @camu-winchester @jessiejunebug @fandomnerdsarecool @kinghiddlestonanddixon

Let me know if you want to be tagged. Requests are open.

#tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston fic #tom hiddleston x reader #tom hiddleston oneshot #tom hiddleston x reader oneshot #tom hiddleston songfic #monster in me #angst #angst with a happy ending #tom hiddleston angst #tom hiddleston x reader angst

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bohemian-war · 6 years

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How I met Jack Lowden…

Hi guys!

Just come from seeing Jack in MFM and even when I have met lots of celebrities in my life, this is probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had when it comes to meeting an actor.

I am gonna try to make this short since it’s quite late and I’ve got a massive headache. Enjoy!

So everything started when it was announced that Jack was gonna be in a new play in London. I am from Spain, however, I live in the UK now so I am lucky enough to be able to see lots of musicals and plays every day.

When the tickets came out early this year, I bought them straight away. I did not even think about it for a second. In fact, I can’t believe that I bought them months ago and the whole thing is now gone. Time really flies!

I’ve been doing and covering both premieres and events for almost six years now as I work in the entertainment industry and I get to cover these and meet celebrities–in a professional way–for free so I’ve had my moments of starstruck, believe me. Especially when I met Tom Hanks or when I bumped into Aneurin Barnard a couple of weeks ago in the street (these are stories that can be told in a different time).

Unfortunately, since I moved to London two years ago, my work schedule–I am working in a theatre now–is a weird one, so I don’t have time to cover events as much as I used to do so in the past. This–alongside my self-esteem, anxiety, and depression issues–have made me become quite shy and to lose my “touch” when it comes to meeting actors. Now I am scared of approaching them! To the point that I have been rehearsing what I wanted to say to Jack for a whole week!

Since last Monday, the only thing I’ve done is overthinking things. “What if I don’t cause a good impression?” “What if he thinks I am crazy?” “What if I cannot talk due to my anxiety?” “What if my anxiety plays tricks on me again as it did with Aneurin?” Anyways, I started to look at all these fan pictures from last Friday and I was jealous of the fact that they could talk to him and I perfectly knew that I was not gonna be able to do the same thing.

Today, my friend sent me a text saying that she had got last minute tickets and that she was coming with me. I immediately felt relieved because even when there was a minimum percentage that I couldn’t get anything from Jack unless she was gonna be there to support me so that was a plus. We got to the Donmar two hours and a half before the performance began. We wanted to try to see if we could spot Jack. Obviously, we were not gonna stay there more than what it was necessary, so if he wasn’t around we would leave. Luckily, he left the building with two other actors from the play, we saw this and approached him nicely. He was on his break chatting and having a cigarette so this is when I was starting to get into a panicky kind of mood because he was definitely seeing us approaching him from afar and I didn’t want to have any “problems” with him.

When he was about to leave, we called him and he turned around. He is BEAUTIFUL! So blonde and with those gorgeous blue eyes. So tall and skinny. Did I say he is literally the most BEAUTIFUL human being in the entire planet and that he must be protected at all costs? My friend and I basically had the shortest conversation ever. We told him that we were big fans of his, that we were there to see the show and that we needed to kill two hours and a half. He was so pleased when we let him know that we were there for him and to see the show. You cannot even imagine. He felt so relieved! We asked him for a picture and voilá:

(That’s even a coats match *_*). I quickly asked him if he could sign my Dunkirk Blu-ray and he told me that he would be delighted to do it after the show and he also told me that he’d be leaving via the fire exit (thanks to everybody here who helped me with that because some people in the theatre tried to fool us but Jack himself let us all know that he’d definitely be coming out through the back door). He finally asked me if I knew where the fire exit was otherwise he could show me. I said yes. Now that I think about it tho, I wouldn’t have minded a small tour haha. After this, my friend and I went for a coffee and wait till seven to collect our tickets. The main “problem” is that my friend and I had different seats, however, people at the Donmar Box Office know me–as I work for the same company and I am very good friends with all of them–so we ended up getting a last minute upgrade. We were meant to be in the fourth and second rows and we finished sitting in the middle section of the first row!!! Jack was literally in front of us all the time!!! (Every time that he looked at me, I was literally dying inside. And he did it more than once! He is just so beautiful. I just wanna die T_T).

Anyways, I cannot stress enough how incredible the play was and everybody was amazing but both Jack and Hayley were astonishing. I don’t even have words. In fact, I am not gonna give anything away as a) they’re still on previews and things are gonna keep changing when it comes to the play in the next couple of days (in fact, the play was shortened 15 minutes today); b) there’s not enough time to say everything. I thought I had seen it all with the ravishing performance of Andrew Scott in Hamlet or the astounding performance of Mark Rylance in Othello but this was in a whole different level, I can tell you. Go to see Measure for Measure if you have the chance. You are not gonna regret it! I might actually go again because it was amazing! (If you’ve seen the play and would like to discuss it with me, my inbox is now open :)). After the show, we went to the back to wait for Jack. There were people already there and I was panicking AGAIN! I wanted to see him but I didn’t wanna be there at the same time. In fact, I was feeling that I was bothering him with my stupid presence. I already had my picture and I had seen the play. What else could I ask for? It took him about fifteen minutes to come out but he definitely did it and he was so happy to see us. BLESS HIM! Most of the fans were from Asia (especially South Korea) but us (a.k.a.the Spaniards haha). Guys, I am not even kidding, Jack spent at least 45 minutes with all of us after the show!!! After a three-hour-and-ten-minutes play, I had never seen a so well-mannered and dedicated person to his fans ever!!! He was probably exhausted and he still had time for his fans and to make jokes non-stop. He signed everything from programs and DVDs/Blu Rays to drawings. A beautiful fan drew him in Fonzo and he was blown away by the result! I literally have lots of pics, videos, and memories from the encounter. In addition, I’d like to keep most of them to myself because I’d like this to be a very special moment between Jack and me. Because it was so beautiful that I don’t want it to be spoiled. I wanna retain it in my mind forever. But I am just gonna say that we both talked about Dunkirk LOADS and when I mentioned that I first saw him in The Passing Bells he was very surprised. He answered with an amazing “Nooooo Shut Up! Are you kidding?” I told him that I am a massive History geek and he answered that he loves History too. Then that led to Mary, Queen of Scots and other projects (Fonzo etc). He was so flattered when we mentioned them all to him. When he was signing my program he was surprised by my name (he said that it is beautiful. BEAUTIFUL! *_*) and he even added an “España” (Spain) to the signature. He told me that he once went to Cadiz (South of Spain) and that he’d love to go to Madrid, which is where I am from :). I told him that I might do a trip to Scotland soon and this cheered him up even more. He also talked about his parents living in Asia and how he got to go to Asia when he was a child and that he’d love to go back one day. After this, we both hugged endlessly (he revealed to us that he’s living on his own at the moment so he needs lots of hugs awww :’)), we took lots of pics and videos and we chatted for hours. We all even joked about having a coffee together to discuss the play. Unfortunately, it was quite late but I bet that, on a different occasion, Jack would have said yes. You can see lots of videos of us here. I am the redhead asking questions all the time haha. Now I feel bad for not letting the others speak. Sorry :(. Thank you @uoize for the amazing videos and pics as well! Here you are a few of the ones I took (I include the one with Hayley as well):

He’s signing my Dunkirk Blu Ray here. I have more than five editions of the film and I took the German one with me as it’s the one with Collins on the cover. He was taken by surprise when we told him that he is in every 4K Blu Ray edition of the film all around the world and he said that he’d like to buy one copy. When we told him it was already sold out he blamed us for buying all the copies.

(Another pic with Jack. This time a selfie taken by him. P.S. The background of the pic has been edited as some people in the pic requested me not to be seen). The last thing I did was thank him for everything he’s done so far. I told him that he was so nice (he told me that I was very nice as well and that I could calm down around him. No need to be nervous) and that it was so great of him that he dedicates so much time to his fans when he shouldn’t be. Again, he was taken by surprise and with a puppy face, he replied “Of course, don’t be silly! I love it. Also, you came to see the show guys so it’s the least I can do!” Jacks is everything I wanted him to be and so much more!!! I don’t think I will ever meet someone like him again in my life. I truly wish him the best and I am sure he’s gonna smash it because he simply deserves the world. I’ve been to the theatre so many times and I`ve seen so many great musicals and plays. I’ve met lots of fans but nothing so close and welcoming as today. Thanks, everybody for making this possible!

Lots of love!

#jack lowden #dunkirk #measure for measure #actor #mine #me #personal #experience #William Shakespeare #places #London

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fuzaointerviewproject · 4 years

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Online project | #05 Roef Gerbang & 108

Round #05

Roef Gerbang : RG

Guido Bisagni : 108

Their conversation will be presented in ways like chat record of social network

RG: Hi! Mr.Guido.My name is Cheung. I’m Meiko’s friend, so nice to meet you! Meiko said we could can make this conversation together, so where can we start? oh, by the way, I’m a skateboarder as well!

108: Hey Cheung! How are you? Nice to meet you! I was a skateboarder! now I have 42 years old, I still have my skateboards, but it's better if I walk or I use bike :)

If you want we can start with something about skateboarding and art/stuff related to it! Like when and why you started to skate or something like that! I'm always super interested about it

RG: Yes,Mr Guido！let‘s start talk to Sk8，good choice！By the way, I’will be 39 years old till June this year！So in fact I‘m not young neither！But I still skate 2 or 3times per week，sometime 4. So I think Sk8 is good for healthy, keep ur legs strong…I mean it can also keep you feel young，I feel like I’m sort of old monster try to grab the youth power in my hand！and that's why I keep skating.. I told Meiko：“thank you for introducing a Sk8 homie in Italy！I started to go skateboarding since 2016，at that time I worked as a illustrator in Ad company，one day a project which needed to look for some reference about surf，I thought surfing is cool，but I’m not living by the sea，then I noticed skateboard…I was just wanna a board that can cursing around，but when I step on it，I addicted into it，riding stuff can‘t satisfied me anymore，then Ollie，bs/fs 180，shuvit……and my Sk8 journey turn on?How about yours？

108：(Hey, sorry yesterday I uploaded too many stories and message section went out of control)

Heheh, nice to hear that I'm not "so old" so! Anyway, the past year I met two times my old friends, we went to visit a very nice place just out from our city called Skatefarm, it's like a DIY skatepak made by great skaters. Anyway, I'm not able to skate on a skatepark and I age made me very scared about it. I was a skater mainly in the 90's and we had just the street. I started to skate around 1990 with a plastic toy skatebord of my sister than I met new people. Some of them are still some of my best friends, It was not just about learning tricks, it was a weird way of life, I spent every day of my life on a supermarket parking for many years! Crazy, after the boom in the 80's during the early 90's skateboards became very underground and crazy, we dressed xxxl all the times and we were real misfits. For sure skateboard was one of the most important thing in my life, it changed everything.We were all coming from a low/mid class and it gave us the possibility to came out from our small city situation, through it I discovered all that kind of music I still like, graffiti, art, I became a vegetarian because I red a interview with Ed Templeton when I was 17 and still I'm, so for sure, skateboarding is part of me.

Old photo from 108, the parking of supermarket, with his skate crew in 1992 in his spot in the city of Alessandria, Italy.

Old photo from 108, the parking of supermarket, with his skate crew in 1993 in his spot in the city of Alessandria, Italy.

This photo is me in 1993 ? - So, I'm curious: for me skateboard was very important to know art and new kinds of culture: punk, graffiti, and than arts, video making and stuff! You came to skateboard through illustration is that right? It was a different process, let me know about that!

RG: Oh my god... ...the 90's ! The golden and glory 90's ! Mr Guido you’re the true legend ! Meiko told me before that you have been skated for very lonnnng time ! And so do you ! I really wish you can go skateboarding again in future even if only on flat ground ! I really admire that you can have awesome relationships with your guys in 90's ! Nowadays skaters in china , especially the Z generation don't connect with each other oftenly. Most of the time kids just put on ear phone and skate on their own . I do have a little friends who can skate together sometimes , but most of the time , I skate alone . But that's ok , I just yearn for the 90's and 90's people , that's all look at your photos seems like you can do flip trick... ... I still learning , to land my first Kickflip is so damn difficult..

“See Saw” illustration by Roef Gerbang

Yeah, but actually I came to Sk8 through my last job , since then on I do put lots of illustration into it . And it is also my goal in future... I still need to make more skateboard art that can allow me to cooperate with skateboarding brands .

I also want to make skateboarding film , this art form can also let me use my art to do something with it , I’m working my first skateboarding film in process , it’s cost me nearly 2 years...

“Traffic Jam” illustration by Roef Gerbang

“Chazslater” illustration by Roef Gerbang

“Sad skater” illustration by Roef Gerbang

“Cicollins no comply party” illustration by Roef Gerbang

“Catch” illustration by Roef Gerbang

“Lawson 2：00 am” illustration by Roef Gerbang

Hope my film can come out this year . last year I was planed it when I finish the film maybe take it to some skateboarding film festival but cause of coronavirus spreading to all over the world , now I don't know whether there's any skateboarding film festival will open this year?

I’m confusing now that should I save the film to next year when the world become normally and take it to festival ? or I just put it on internet this year...damn, so hard to decide!

Roef Gerbang’s first skateboard

Doodle on first board…

Roef Gerbang’s first shoes for skate

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This is when Cheung studied ollie，it torture a long time, and now still torturing he, so sometime he call himself ‘ “Ollie Patient”

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And this is now，Cheung can only do some spin trick and basic rail/box trick

I make comic , cartoon and figural art a lot...sometimes I make animation as well, I think i don't have a abstract thinking brain，lol?

"Three Posture People" Acrylic, Wall Post 2019

I can only feel what I see and transfer them into my art style...I found sometimes when I feel extremely tired while I still working in front of computer...my eyes already closed at that time…but my mouse still working on photoshop...and I will suddenly wake up and saw a abstract image…

“Bear man” series product by Roef Gerbang

I 'm very curious about your art , when you working on them what are you thinking?

And what lead you through all that pictures till finished ? Instinct ? or the result of practice yourself so many years?I really like this your work (the photo below) because they are looks like butterflies, very beautiful…but the rest of them are too abstract to me? I can only figure out they‘re shapes with texture…but still look fun and mystery！

KU2 large pattern, by 108

I like this one… the patten line into a rule looks so coool！If it can be designed for shirts or trousers must be nice！Looks very high-class!

108: Wow, you are very good to skate! I'm not able to do anything anymore! hahaha, After 10 minutes my back is broken! I was able to do some filp tricks 20 years ago, I started during the "flat" times, so we were making a trick very low. The biggest problem is that in 97 I broke my wrist, and I went to the hospital after 3 months, hahah so, it's still broken. Sometimes it cause a lot of problems I can't do some kind of sports, I need the stick when I paint huge walls. I'm very very scared about it, if I fall on it I have to stop to work for months and I can't work. Anyway, I'm thinking about buying some bigger and softer wheels to ride a bit sometimes, we'll see! Here we are all inside home too.

CORPOPARASSOTA Photography series by 108

Maurilio Arcivescovo by 108, 2012

About your questions

1) I 'm very curious about your art , when you working on them what are you thinking about ?

It's not easy to reply: I think about too many things, the core of my research is the form. I like forms, everywhere, in nature, old primitive art, design, everywhere. I love textures, colors, but mainly it's about forms and lines. there two parts: irrational/irrational, planned, random, geometrical/organic... I try to find a balance or a total contrast on the two parts.

Large wall painted by 108 in Brescia, Italy, 2019

The work of 108 at Bunker, Turin, Italy, 2013

The work of 108 at Barcelona, Spain, 2014

The work of 108 at Brooklyn area, New York, America

2) And what lead you through all that pictures till finished ? Instinct ? or the result of practice yourself so many years ?

Some works, usually canvases are made with a first sketch, than I start to work and I change it, I don't like to plan, process is important as the final product. Other works, for example the black and white lines/patterns on paper or sometimes on walls, are more like a meditation. I decide some rules and than I follow those rules, trying not to think about anything, just focus on the process. I got a lot of inspiration from eastern art and philosophy, both aesthetically and conceptually. In fact I really like the connection between west and east, not just in art.

The work of 108 at Saint Petersburg, Russia, 2017

The wall of 108 with nuns at Buenos Aires, Argentine.

Every year I buy the annual subscription for the museums in my region, I go maybe 7-8 times in a year to see the Eastern art museum in Torino (MAO) I'm crazy for it, there is a big Chinese section, I need to search pics and I'll show you some my favorite objects!

Some of 108 favorite art works at the art museum in Turin (MAO)

So, skateboard is something that came from US basically, now it's a global thing, but for me too it was something exotic. What inspire you, I mean do you find inspiration inside Chinese culture too? how do you mix the two things?

RG: Sorry, Mr Guido！Reply lately…I was thinking about how to answer your question better…

Oh my god, not realize that you have been injured so badly..:(

My wrist and ankle have problems too，and I also don‘t jump stairs for years…flat ground and stage are better for me, hahaha....

For the question: to find inspiration inside Chinese culture too？

Yes, of course I am. I do inspired by Chinese culture , especially from traditional Chinese painting...the ancients they had have rich technique of expression : the line can be separated into many forms, such as dry , wet , heavy , light and so on and colors as well , for example , if you wanna painting a pine tree ,before you painting the pine needle you should paint a color first , then before the color dry , you draw line on that color can make the two parts mixed well..

“The leader“ illustration by Roef Gerbang

I also learn how to compose and leave “white space”？or should I say“blank space”（don‘t know the description right or wrong，but in Chinese called“留白”）from Chinese traditional painting，and really help me a lot, I pay more attention on form too，learn lots of things from not only Chinese traditional painting but old asian art.

I study how to control the line‘s rhythm, draw a line when going fast or slow down；how to make your art looks more interesting, more art sense will always be the lessons.

“Crow perched on willow tree in spring” , by Zhu Da (八大山人), Qing Dynasty

This work from famous painter of Ming Dynasty named：Zhu Da, aka. 八大山人(Ba Da Shan Ren）You can find that he got very special style to paint birds and another animals，and his art is too much different from other ancient Chinese artists

Look at these three unique tigers

“Bee and tiger” painted by Hua Yan（1682-1756）

“Bee and tiger” this image is the detail of the painting, usually people can‘t see that bee，actually it’s on the right corner when you see the whole picture, and the tiger is not aggressive as usual, scared, the ears also fell down，bend the tail, afraid of bee‘s sting...

Old Korean painting，unknown artist

Painted by Yanagisawa Kien (柳泽建) Japanese painter, Edo period, 18 century

I found these art works they always pursue some kinds of weird feel，not only copy the truth but more expressive force.

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"After Party" acrylic, abandoned old skateboard, 2019

And this is also my goal, like I say more expression, more art scene. You noticed irrational, random, plan…I’m agree with you, I also like the process more than result, painting is more like adventure, like fishing, I like the view on the road more than arrival, enjoy more the fish bite the bait than cook them.

Comic Exhibition, painting by Roef Gerbang, Hamburg, Germany 2018

"Stranger" watercolor on paper, by Roef Gerbang, 2014

Yanshu book 48-hour comic production project, “Deja Vu” 2015

"Some like it blue" Hong Kong 62 Independent Cartoonists Group Exhibition 2016

I like simple technique to describe a thing，but interesting，that‘s what I learn from the ancient artists，oh，nearly forgot，many outsider art teach me a lot as well

So let me ask one last question for you Mr Guido：how do you think about storytelling and abstract art relationship？Do you think is there any possibility to make storyline into abstract art？

"Bs tailslide ignition" , acrylic on paper, 2017

So glad to talking with you, I‘m really enjoy the sk8 and art topic！Hope we can meet each other after coronavirus！maybe in future I‘m looking forward to that day，wish you keep pushing and have a long artistic life，Ciao！

The "Puzzle" short story is included in the "GAME" comic compilation, published by Wild Things Press

108：Ciao Cheung! ￰ Thanks a lot for it, Chao is fine to me!!! And sorry for my late reply too!

I can say ni hao, it sounds not so different, but I'm not able to write it in chinese :(

Thanks a lot for your reply, for the artists and for the pics those tigers looks so "modern"! I'm very familiar with japanese art and culture, here, expecially my generation, we grew up with japanese cartoons on tv, manga, than music and stuff... I know that large part of japanese culture has roots in chinese culture, like zen buddhism or calligraphy, but for years it was very hard to be in contact with it., so I'm always trying to find out more about it and to understand it.

So..about your question: "Let me ask one last question for you Mr Guido：how do you think about storytelling and abstract art relationship？Do you think is there any possibility to make storyline into abstract art?"

First of all, I need to explain that I don't like labels. I mean, of course I use the word "abstract" to explain quickly what I usually do, but labels describes borders. I think in 2020 we have the possibility to explore many kinds of visual arts, many different medias... so yes, I think it's possible to tell stories with "abstract art".

"Sogno Lucido" by 108, 2019

"The key" by 108, 2019

"Blue" by 108

"the entrance of the dream" by 108

"La Casa Park" by 108, 2019

Tele exhibition in New York, La Casa Park.art, 2019

The work of 108 in the Milan Triennale 2008, Italy

Ceramic installation by 108

Figurations, clay, by 108

Complete figurations, by 108

Installation Museum of the incomprehensible Antonio Colombo 2019 Milan, Italy

I mean usually yes, my work is visually abstract but I love to put a lot of things in what I do. First of all I think that all my pieces are connected and there a lot of things inside them. Cinema (or video) is a very complete for of art: you have the image, a story, the sound... with pictures you have to put everything on a single image.

Trollhattan Sweden 2016

Saeio catanzaro, by 108

Solo exhibition of 108 in Lyon, France, 2020

Archaeological Museum books above, book made by 108, Palermo, Italy, 2019

But there is more: I work also with sounds for example and sometimes I made some videos, but what fascinates me the most about any kind of art, is when it gives you a lot (ideas, feelings) but it don't gives you everything. I need some un explained parts, some shadows where I can enter and I start to imagine and to build my own world. What I like about some "not figurative" art is this kind of mystery inside it. But it can be also a movie or a photo or a landscape or anything else! I hope you understand what I mean.

"24 Tapes" series, made of 108

Exr in Seoul, wall painted by 108, 2016

So, do you think is this enough? I'll search for some pictures to add to the text! 谢谢 Mr.Cheung! It was a real pleasure to talk with you! I hope, if the virus will let us travel again, to visit China in the next years finally and of course if you are around northern Italy I will be happy to meet you! Let’s keep in touch on Instagram!

Painting on Etna Vulcano, 108

RG: Mr Guido. Those characters you showed me that from MAO are the Tomb Beast…？？In Chinese called“镇墓兽”. They‘re the guardians of tomb. In Chinese culture，people think that when people died（their soul）go to the other side of the world，there’re countless ghosts，evil spirits will harm the soul. So the guardians (have human’s face，beast‘s body) they can protect the soul stay away from the demon, and keep them safety.

108: Yes exactly! There are many of them! Amazing, they looks so modern and I like so much these kind of stories.

RG: Mr Guido, I think about our last talk “labels describes borders” couple of days ago…and it make me sense，like，portrait painting，still-life painting with very realistic technique will boring for me, it’s lack of imagination, but in the other way, if the portrait, landscape painting with simple and refining technique can make me watch for a long time. it‘s super cool tho..

So in fact I’m the guy just like you who searching for the shadows as well..:)

108: I understand very well! I love portraits, landscapes and still lifes too. But I enjoy when you can find something interesting on the way they are made. I like eastern art and modern art because usually feelings are more important than hyper realistic technique.

RG: Yes, painting should involve not only technology but also emotion.

______________________________________________________________

108 (1978, Alessandria, Italy) he lives and works between Alessandria and Milan. Among the major exponents of post-graffiti in Italy, he began his artistic research with an approach to traditional graffiti. At the end of the nineties, after moving to Milan in 1997 and graduating in industrial design from the Politecnico Milan, his stylistic figure evolved formally and conceptually, so much so that he became one of the first artists to use numbers and not letters to sign his own. works.

His abstract forms and mysterious figures begin to appear in the abandoned spaces of the streets of Milan, Berlin, London, New York and Paris. Not limiting his production, in addition to Muralism he also ventures with sculptures, sounds, paintings and installations in dozens of personal and collective exhibitions. Among the main ones are participation in 2007 at the Venice Biennale with the Walls Inside project.

Roerf Gerbang a native of Chengdu, China, now lives and works in Shanghai and he is currently UID SH Senior Illustrator.

A person who is a neighbor to art and skateboarding, usually like play skateboarding and painting, he love good stories, good weather, good coffee, and good wine.

______________________________________________________________

Contact:

108:

http://www.108nero.com/

Instagram:

108_108_108 & yiklui_cheung

#108nero #artistitalian #artconversation #skeatart #skeatboard #skeatartist #chineseartist #2020 #contemporaryart

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norman-reedus-gossip-mod · 7 years

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Anon: Mod what's going on? Has something happened with the DK crapfest? Why are people acting like it's confirmed they are together? I thought everything was still speculation?? He still put out that denial. I can't believe he would lie and then risk getting caught 2 weeks later, it's not even like he could hide in Barcelona with the media circus going on so why deny it to make himself look the worst he could look? --mod-- Nothing new has happened. Still just speculation and theory right now.   

Anon:  A wee bit creepy how someone follows his friends and family on sm so closely don't you think so? Specially the mother of his child. Maybe her way to show she stalks his relationships    Anon:  The thing about believing Norman and Diane have been "just friends" for 2 years is that even though they barely spend any time in the same city, she's the only one he's been romantically linked to in tabloids. So if "just friends" is true then seemingly norman hasn't been in any relationship since late 2014? Possible, but pretty unlike him, hasn't he been a serial dater since the 90's? Unless he's hiding a Secret Girlfriend in GA 8 months/yr, Diane is the only one ever spotted with him, so... --mod-- He's been spotted with lots of ladies but since she's famous people notice her more, people here have speculated about him being with a bunch of different women in the last year or so, but again since non were famous the public at large never took notice. It also depends on what your definition of relationship is, I mean he could have a few relationships where they sink each other's battleships but it's nothing serious.

    Anon:  I know DK is off topic and I have no agenda here since I really don't care about the DK/NR thing but just wanted to share that this whole time I kept hearing her name and that she was the girl in Inglorious Basterds I assumed she was the character Melanie Laurent played (since that was the blond I remembered). My mind is now blown that I was remembering the wrong blond female character the whole time and they aren't the same person. LMAO. --mod-- 🤣🤣🤣

    Anon:  Wow. Helena has been posting pics of her Ukraine trip and now DK posts what I assume is her grandfather in the same black and white style as Helena. I predict her IG will now change to mirror Helena's. It is so obvious. I wonder if DK will get a dog soon and post about social causes. I bet she's just hoping HC or N will like her post. She's so transparent. --mod-- To be fair black and white photos are pretty common.    

Anon:  I see DK is emulating HC's posts. The only good thing is that she may actually be in Germany now. --mod-- Not sure how 1 b&w is emulating.

    Anon:  Im new to tumblr sorry if im sending this in the wrong way but I do think its a little weird HC followed DK on Instagram. I always got the feeling she didn't like her (thankfully she has a brain) sorry but I hate to think N would be that stupid to get hooked up with someone like DK. I think he is wrapped up in her for the wrong reasons. She wants kids (I always thought N still does) and she's convenient. Assuming he is with her. Hes just a little blinded. We all know how that is. Right?    

Anon:  Expect some sort of DK stunt or pap shot right before Norman's appearance on Fallon. She'll try to force his hand again.   Anon:  Can't wait to see DK incognito hanging around Fallon's studio on Friday. It's too good an op to pass up. She'll just happened to get "caught" waiting for her "rumored" boyfriend in that black hoodie. 😂 I kid, but I still wouldn't be surprised.    Anon:  I wouldn't be surprised if Fallon asks about his love life just so Norman can say he's single. --mod-- I feel like Jimmy Fallon is more of a good time fun show and he really doesn't ask those types of questions. Also I hope they pretend the couch is a motorcycle again.   

Anon:  Notice how DK followed HC so she could "like" her humanitarian work? Hmmmm Also, notice how Norman hasn't liked any of DK's photos since before Spain. Hmmmm again ....

.    Anon:  I wouldn't be surprised if that DK movie with Susan Sarandon falls through. Right now, DK is not exactly a hot commodity and the garage pics and Spain mess have put a black mark on her name making her look like an obsessed woman stalking her man. She's not a big star and can easily be replaced. I wouldn't be surprised if she "pulls out" i.e. they cut her loose. They don't need her drama which is why she seems to work only with her friends who are producers and directors. --mod-- 😶

    Anon:  I think it's really odd that DK has been unseen since she hastily left Spain. I think she knows this whole thing blew up in her face and she's embarrassed. You know she'd be gloating if things went well. Also, interesting choice posting a 9-1/2 weeks video. Isn't that movie about someone who has asexual only relationship (despite her being consumed with him) with a guy that it turns out she knows nothing about? Sound familiar. --mod-- I've never seen that movie    Anon:  Mod: Thank you for allowing us to discuss DK on the mod blog. I am sure many of us want to discuss it. Thanks for giving us a safe, unbiased place to do if. --mod-- Ya welcome 🤗    

Anon:Interesting how N has not liked 1 post of DK's since Barcelona. He was liking them regularly after the garage thing. Maybe he is not playing nice this time.    Anon:  Want to make a bet that DK just happens to be photographed near the Jimmy Fallon's studio on Friday?    Anon:  So DK followed HC, N followed HC and the HC followed DK. Could be that N and HC have made it known they are watching DK's shenanigans. Maybe DK followed HC (that happened first) to keep tabs because she is Not in contact with N right now. I doubt people in their 40s are announcing or condoning relationships on IG. --mod-- I think I've gone cross eyed   

Anon:  Can i ask a question? Why do so many people believe that DK calls the paps? Is there any prove of that? She doesn't look very happy in the pictures from barcelona. Maybe she got hate for nothing. --mod-- Sure. It's well known that she pays for play, mostly from the Daily Mail and a few other outlets. She's not as popular as she was awhile ago, paps usually won't take pictures of someone that they aren't going to make money from. Celebs sometimes hire paps to set a certain narrative, totally not saying this is what she did in Spain, whether it's the happy family or the heartbroken lover. Does that make sense    

Anon: Hey i'm not american and i'm not into the whole usa's fandons and artists, so i really don't understand why the people calls Diane Kruger "bitch" or "atention needed"(?) Can you explain for me PLEASE? I just know her from tarantino's movie and it's all 😂😂😂 (Sorry for the english) -mod-- She pretty notorious for being extremely difficult to work with and outright rude to people she thinks she's better than. A lot of people that have come across her say she not a nice person.   

  Anon:  I guess it isn't SO strange that HC followed DK back after all, they are both former models, about the same age as well. But seriously, I doubt that there is anything else than publicity hunger and lust for intrigue behind DK's intentions. Why both Norman and now HC agrees to the charade I will never get --mod-- Not sure they agreed to anything

    Anon: I tried but DK is just so fake. She cares more about how photos look to everyone then about real people in them. Just like when she went to a charity event &left so quickly after it was over and then snarked a person on her IG for being sad they didn't get a pic with her since she was gone. Sorry but if Norman is really with her it does change what I think about him. It makes me think he's just as fake as she is on top of him lying about it and UGH. I can't support him knowing that. Heartbroken

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kadobeclothing · 4 years

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Alan Carr’s Celebrity Re-Play 2019

ALAN Carr will be back on our TV screens TONIGHT as we take a trip down memory lane and review the good, the cringe and the unbelievable events of the year. The former Chatty Man presenter will be joined by some famous guests. 7 Alan will host the nostalgic Re-play 2019 showCredit: Getty – ContributorHow can I watch Alan Carr’s Celebrity Re-Play 2019? Alan Carr’s Celebrity Re-Play 2019 will be airing on ITV 1 TONIGHT (December 30). To make sure you don’t miss out on all the action, ITV will be bringing the show to you at 9pm. It will last for an hour, finishing at 10pm. For those who may be out enjoying their last day of Twixmas before New Year’s Eve, you will be able to catch up on all the shenanigans on ITV Player. The show will be available to view via the on-demand platform shortly after it finishes. 7 Alan Carr presenting the show I Don’t Like MondaysCredit: (Channel 4 images must not be altered or manipulated in any way) CHANNEL 4 PICTURE PUBLICWhat is Alan Carr’s Celebrity Re-Play 2019? The comedian and chat show host Alan Carr will be joined by six celebrity guests for a special games night. They look back at some of the most memorable moments of the past 12 months, from Stormzy’s spectacular Glastonbury set, to England almost winning the Rugby World Cup and Boris Johnson’s failed attempt to shut down Parliament. Former children’s presenter Angellica Bell will be on hand to supervise proceedings with Alan, which will provide a perfect blend of comedy moments and one famous couple having the chance to win £25,000 for charity. So if you don’t want to miss out on all the fun, make sure you check it out! Who’s in the Alan Carr’s Celebrity Re-Play 2019 line-up? Kate Garraway 7 Kate Garraway on her return to Good Morning BritainCredit: Rex FeaturesKate Garraway will join Alan Carr on his special one-off show. The Good Morning Britain host entered this year’s I’m A Celebrity: Get Me Out Of Here! and finished in an impressive fourth place. The 52-year-old also showed off her incredible weight loss after spending three weeks in the jungle, whilst on a diet of rice and beans for most of that time. Since returning from down under, Kate has teased that another host on Good Morning Britain will enter the I’m A Celeb jungle next year. Piers Morgan for I’m A Celeb 2020 anyone? Jacqueline Jossa 7 Jacqueline Jossa runs her own Performing Arts AcademyCredit: © 2019 SOPA ImgJacqueline Jossa endured a whirlwind of a year, with her marriage on the rocks after a string of cheating allegations aimed at her husband Dan Osborne. The former EastEnders actress took part in this year’s I’m A Celebrity: Get Me Out Of Here! and went on to win the show. She left the jungle midway through the programme to send husband Dan a voicemail, after campmate Myles Stephenson told her that he had cheated with his ex Gabby Allen. The 27-year-old shared a warm embrace with her hubby after she left the jungle and has said that they will stay together.Jade Thirwall 7 Jade on her way to the KISS FM StudiosCredit: Getty – ContributorJade Thirwall started 2019 off with a bang as she won Best British Video at The Brit Awards with Little Mix. The group embarked on their sixth headline tour, performing all across Britain as well as in other European countries such as Spain, Italy and France. Jade also split from her boyfriend Jed Elliot, who she dated for almost four years. Little Mix, who won the X Factor in 2011, will embark on the seventh headline tour next year, which is called the Summer 2020 Tour.Michelle Visage 7 Michelle at the Pride of Britain AwardsCredit: Splash NewsMichele Visage is a judge on the popular RuPaul’s Drag Race which has received two Primetime Emmy Awards. The American competed on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing and was eliminated with her dance partner Giovanni Pernice in week 9. She was once a member of the band Seduction, who were active from 1988-1991 and 2003-2005. She was left out of the Strictly Come Dancing Tour and expressed her displeasure about it, saying she was gutted at not being able to perform. ExclusivePRICEY GROUNDED Katie Price BANNED from taking her kids on New Year holiday by their dads ExclusiveLOOKS O-KAY Peter Kay seen for 1st time in 8mths as he slams ‘misleading’ C5 doc about him ANGEL OF THE EAST EastEnders boss says ‘guardian angel’ will visit Slaters in shock return Spoilergrave danger Corrie’s Hope in danger as evil nanny Jade takes her to killer dad’s grave NEW YORK, NEW YORK Inside Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon’s incredible New York holiday BOYWATCH Gordon Ramsay sends fans wild with shirtless Baywatch pic with his sons AJ and Curtis Pritchard 7 AJ and Curtis have both dance championships at youth levelCredit: Getty – ContributorAJ Pritchard has been competing on Strictly Come Dancing since 2016 and achieved his highest finish of fourth in his first year. This year he was partnered with YouTube star Saffron Barker and the pair finished in sixth place. Pritchard auditioned for the seventh series of Britain’s Got Talent along with his partner Chloe Hewitt, reaching the semi-finals. Younger brother Curtis is also a ballroom dancer and appeared on America’s Dancing With The Stars in 2017 and 2018. The 23-year-old also appeared on this year’s Love Island and finished in fourth place with Maura Higgins. Jacqueline Jossa embraces her ‘thick legs’ and tells fans to love their wobbly bits in new snap

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snsmissionaries · 6 years

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7/27/18 -- Sister Nicole Ritman, Spain, Madrid Mission

Exactly 1/18 Through the Mission

If you would like to e-mail or reply to Nicole her email address is [email protected]

Date: Thu, Jul 26, 2018 at 9:43 AM

Subject: Exactly 1/18 Through the Mission 😄

Today´s subject comes from the fact that my report date, the day I entered the MTC was exactly one month ago to the day! Insane!

Last week, we went to a small mall. There´s bigger ones aparently, but the bus didn´t go directly to those. The best/worst part was hearing awesome new music we couldn´t add to our playlists and all our favorite old ones we miss. My compañera misses Post Malone the most and she RAN into the Vans store because he was playing lol. I bought a dress at Zara I wore this PDay so everyone can see. I am a true Spaniard now with my Zara dress lol. The thing that surprised me most about the mall was that almost every store was American and every song in English. I didn´t even feel like I was in Spain there´s literally a Five Guys lol.

This PDay we had a reservation at the Royal Palace which closed without telling us?? So we went to the Temple of Debad (a real Egyptian temple given as a gift to Spain) and it was also closed and the water out of the pool. Not gonna lie, pretty disappointing. But we did get to see the Palace Gardens and go inside Madrid´s main cathedral which was GORGEOUS (don´t worry, pics are allowed except in the most beautiful part, which is a prayer room with amazing mosaic walls). It was definitely an adventurous and fun Pday despite the setbacks!

I have to share an interesting and spiritual lesson I leared at the park on Saturday. I was companions with Sister Flake, who speaks no Spanish because she´s going to Ukraine. I felt my Spanish multiply when someone we talked to kept actually listening and I taught her about the Book of Mormon, Moroni´s promise and even how to pray???!!! My Spanish was actually flowing out of my mouth and despite conjugations I knew were wrong she actually understood me????!!!! I felt like they were secretly fliming The District (missionary training videos we all have to watch) because it never works out that perfectly! Even she never actaully takes the lessons or anyhting, it was good practice for me to build some self confidence!

That actually wasn´t even the story I was going to tell. Anyways, the original story was that Sister Flake did not go to the restroom before we left like she usually does. I asked if she was sure, but we just left. So a little bit into the park, I wasn´t surprised when we had to find a restroom. I didn´t mind, because I got to see the mini art museum there and like I said, me encanta art. But the person in there was taking forever, so the attendant directed us to a restroom in the path we wouldn´t have found otherwise. When we were leaving, we started talking to the janitor of that restroom. He had some physical and mental challenges so I had trouble understanding, but I´m pretty sure he said out that he always sees ¨The people with the tags¨, but they had never come over to him and he´s working so he can´t go over. He didn´t have time, so we got his reference. I was a little alarmed at first because he was a little touchy, but then I got a strong feeling that he was just very lonely and just needed love. I think about him all the time now and I hope he actually talk to the missionaries and find out that Padre Celestial loves him so much and he can find friends at church if he wants!

In SIster Flakes testimony, she shared that experience because a lot of times people wonder if they have a spiritaul prompting or if the thought came from themselves. We had a devotional where an Apostle said it doesn´t matter! If you do something good because of it, then it didn´t hurt and you showed faith and you´re learning. This was a perfect experience. Sister Flake didn´t have a prompting to go to the restroom, that´s a natural urge, but we were still able to find that man.

Love you all!

Hermana Ritman

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chickenstuffedwithmozzarella · 6 years

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Hii!! I'm really sorry it took me so long, but here i am once again. You also had a busy week? Eveything okay? You babysitted your cousin again? Jajajajajaj noo. That would be very sad. Do not miss the concert because of that! Bring them ans then you'll see. I saw pics of one of his concerts were people had ballons and it looked wonderful! (1)

Hi love!! Seriously, don’t worry about how long it takes you to answer me. I know your busy, and you have to study and all that, so… And yeah, last week was a bit busy, so out of normalcy, jajajja. Bc I never have things to do,lol.Yeah, I’ll bring the balloons 🎈 and I’ll see what I do. If it’s a success I’ll take a pic to show you,jajaja. That concert that Niall streamed the other day? They have balloons, jejejeje. It’s from where I got the idea 😅.

I know what a Diskman is, but i nevver had one. Anyway, i was not laughing of Andy and Lucas. I cannot judge since i have only heard one spng that was included in the Singstar Karaoke🤷. Wow, you had a good time in the 2000. You saw the most famous ones!! Ed was magical. His live was so good!! He was there all alonne and he pulled it off so well. Very lively😍 I almost cried when it ended (2)

Jajajajaaja, I know you weren’t laughing at it, jajajaja (but I totally was, lol, it’s so embarrassing). But I guess I was a teen and they were our own one direction,jajajajajajaja (no! Nada que ver!!) You think? I’ve always thought I didn’t go to a lot of concerts. I love music and concerts, so I guess I just wish I could go to a lot more,jajajajaa. Oh Ed… I’ve seen some videos of his concerts, and I want to go to one. He came to Spain around my birthday in 2014? And I wanted to go, but the place was very small and the tickets were sold out in a few minutes. I didn’t fight for them too much, either,jajaja. I’m happy you enjoyed it!!! That feel at the end of a concert is the best and the worst at the same time.

Noo! He is not disgusting. Poor baby. JAJAJAJAJ. You really managed to find a larrie at the concert? It could have been any fan, or even a het one, and you found the larrie? Lucky girl!! Yep. She is updated on everything. Only thing she doesnt follow is Harry’s suits, which is a pity because they are The Best and I dont even like fasion but still they make me want to chance my mind. I would love to see him at the Met Gala. He would be the king of the event. (3)

Oh, my baby, I love him, jajajaja, but he’s so weird… 🤣🤣🤣🤣.Not only did I find a larrie. I sold her my tickets,jajajaja. But lol, we were so afraid someone would hear us talking and say something to us 😅😅.Genuine question: how does she keep updated? I’m always missing things, and I live in tumblr, jajajaa. I don’t know how people can keep up with everything! I’m always thinking I’m doing something wrong,jajajajaj.Harry’s suit are in another league. I admire him just for being brave enough to wear them. He would be the king at a Met Gala. But it bothers me that they always talk only about what women wear at those events. He should start walking red carpets to show the world how do you wear suits,jajajaja.

Is it later already? Can we talk about you being a witch? Yay!! You already started the tag. I now have a tag😎 i feel cool. (I’m jealous of your cousin-in-law (?) too. Uni would be much easier with that ability). I feel a bit stupid, but i cannot understand how they can say he is slow while at the same time he is doing all of that, but, Go little boy!! I’m cheering on you! (4)

Jajajja, we have this joke in my family where we say I’m half witch,jajaja. It’s just I’ve have night dreams sometimes, that predicted the future? Jajajajaj like once I had a dream about a girl how comes to the shop. In the dream, she was at the hospital,very ill. Well, I had been a few weeks I haven’t see her, and I told my sister about my dream. I didn’t thought anything about the dream. But that same evening that girl’s mom went to the shop. And my sister told her about my dream. And the mom told my sister that her daughter has been hospitalized for more than a week, very ill (but she was already recovered). My sister called me immediately after,jjajaja.Then, another night I dreamed with two crows. I was walking down an empty road, and they were flying behind me. One closer to me than the other. (Ufff, I still get anxious thinking about it). When I woke up I looked up the meaning of dreams, and find out that crows mean death. Well, the next month my brother-in-law’s granny died. And the next week my cousin. (See? One closer to me that’s the other…) I was so scared back then… And well, I’m always having those gut feelings, or whatever they are. Like last year I predicted the date when that baby girl I’ve talked to you about was going to be born,jajajaja. My sister is always asking me to see the future,jajajaja. But it’s something I don’t control,p (and don’t fully believe, jajajaa) eh eh!!! I just remember another thing!!! Jajajaja, fandom related, even. One day I was taking a nap, when Suddenly Louis came into my dream telling (about something he had bought for D*nielle😅): it’s Gucci! It’s Gucci!! Well, I woke up after that and opened tumblr. And there were new pics of Louis wearing that jumper with a bee and a fence phrase? And everyone was crazy screaming IT’S GUCCI!! IT’S GUCCI!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣. And I was still half sleep thinking: I did it again…😅.

Yeah!! You ARE cool. And now have your own tag!!jajajjaWell, I don’t understand that about my cousin, tbh. And I don’t know how to explain it either. He knows (or memorizes) those things, but I’m not sure if he understands what they mean. But also then he has trouble understanding simple things. Like if he wants to eat something (chocolate) and you tell him that he has to eat dinner first, and then he can eat the chocolate, he doesn’t get it. And it’s not like other stubborn kids. It’s just he doesn’t understand what late means. Or he doesn’t like to have his hair cut, because he thinks it won’t ever grow out again. Same with cutting his nails. I’ve discovered now that he doesn’t mind having them filed out (Limadas), so I do his nails whenever he has them too long,jejeje.

Yes!! You really did manage to put rainbows on the cake. How smart and sneaky. And it looks so good😍. You did all that? JAJAJAJJAA Listen, i would trade my non existent masculinity for those marshmallows and i dont even like them. Thats how good they look. Yeah, nop. I’m not going to do that. We arent that close anymore, i probably wont see her for a couple of months and i dont think she would listen. She only sent it to me bcs “ tu eres feminista y toda esas tonterias” and wow. Okaaay. (5)

I’m pleased to inform you that that cake was a totally success,jajajaja. Someone saw while I was making it and asked me if it were for a gay parade? I just told him it was for a baby. Well, I make another similar one yesterday and he saw it again. And he started making rude comments about gays, and how they’re expanding like a disease, just because it’s a trend now to be gay. AND I CAN’T YELL AT HIM!!! 😡😡 I just sent him a very mean look (convine these 😒🤨 emojis and that was my face) and ignored him till he went away. I HATE THAT PEOPLE!! So ignorant. But they’re worse, bc the talk like they know what they’re talking about or like they are right. And NO! Aggggg.🙄“Tú eres feminista y todas esas tonterías” wow, why didn’t she ask you for more help!! She sounds so kind… (since this is written, I’m reading that how better I please,jejje. Maybe he’s kinder that how that sounds…). Well, there’s nothing worst that people how doesn’t want to learn and hear, so… sometimes it’s simpler to ignore them 😒.

I tried explaining it to my others friends though, pointing the flaws of the sentences and they just thought i was being picky. So…i tried, but they are not going to change their minds. Which, fair enough. Oh nooo. Poor kittens :( My examens are starting next week. But this week i have to finish some assignments and they are nightmares. I have cried many times this week because of them. I hate theeeem. (Not much to keep you informed but okay. I will). (6)

Uggggg, I don’t have any advice for you. I never went to uny, so 🤷🏻‍♀️ Take it the more easy you can, but it’s something you have to go through to reach you goal, so. Look at that,jejeje, your goal. And after all this work, summer is waiting for you, so, another thing to look for up,jajaja. Good luck with everything.

Also, that story was horrifying but useful i guess?? That CD sounds heavenly. I would buy it too (but like, in a year or so bcs thats how i work xd). It wasnt “tomorrow”. And still, no news. I’m waiting for some announcement. I just want something to change. I hope the future brings only good things to Lou. Pretty please? Yeeees. Liam was/is everywhere and i’m all in for that. L, you are doing amazing sweetie. 😍 (9 of 10)

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 YOU’RE SO FUNNY!!! Jajajajajaja.Yeah, it wasn’t tomorrow, nor yesterday, nor ever. I’m so impatient!!! Did you see he reappeared today?? He’s just so cute. He has had his hair cut again. I love his hair like that 😍😍. Please, let it be an announcement soon!! (I’ve read theories about him letting his contracts run out so he can free, and if that’s the case, I’m all for it, lol, even if I have to keep waiting for another year (please no)).Liam is truly everywhere. It makes me so happy. The other day the played For You in Pasapalabra (I don’t know if that’s a common thing, bc I don’t watch tele5). And yesterday they talked about him in all the programs at Los40. Mentioning his appearance at the festival. And the have tweeted something’s about him. And I don’t care if they use him as clock baiting, if they talk about him, I’m happy.

(Just read that you were working today. I reckon you didnt babysit your cousin. Oops. I never guess correctly). You went to the doctor? I dont want to pry, but are you okay? I hope you are good!!!💕 1 day until Niall show!!! It’s already thereeeee😱😱😱😍 Ooh. My weekend was dull, i studied and that was it. Thanks for asking!! What about you? Anything interesting? Have a good night!😘😘😘 (10)

Yeah, I had to work yesterday, AND babysit too, jajaja. But we have some spare space at the shops, so I took my cousin there, and between my mom and I , took care of him. So, yes, you were correct. Your memory is better than mine (a lot better).Yeah, I went to the doctor. Everything is okay, thanks for asking,jeeje. They just have to check my lungs and heart for some surgery I want/need to take (but I don’t talk about it yet, jejeje, bc I don’t want to jinx my luck,jejjje).TOMORROW I’LL BE SEEING NIALL!!!!!! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!!!! How is your sister doing???? Jajajjajaja I’m so nervous/excited!!!! Jekjdnffieornvonerv I did my nails this morning, and of course, I got and Irish flag on one of them,jajajaja.. I can’t wait anymoreeeeee. I hope I can take good videos,jajaja, and that we’re close enough to see his nostrils,🤣🤣🤣🤣.The most interesting thing of my week haven’t happened yet,jajaja. I’ll tell you everything on Sunday (bc Souter day I’ll be dead and have to work 😩😩😩).Tell your sister to have the time of her life. And ask her to FaceTime you for a bit so can see Niall at least!!(still wishing you could go too. Another time, I guess).Have a good day/weekend/week. And don’t stress yourself about answering.

Pd: for how long do you have exams? I hope it isn’t too long. Are they finals? (I know nothing about this 😅)

#flower anon #🌺

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zillowcondo · 7 years

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This & That: September 15, 2017

Book

—Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for TrueBelonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown

Having watched Brené Brown weather Hurricane Harvey via her IG feed, I continue to appreciate her sincerity, strength and curiosity, and quite frankly, her no bullsh*# approach to life. I became quite intrigued by the topic of her new book which was just released this past Tuesday. The irony of belonging, truly belonging, is that in order to do so it requires of us all to have the courage to stand alone. What???!!! Yep, knowing your center, knowing yourself, you set yourself free.

A reader of TSLL recently sent me a link to Marie Forleo’s interview with Brené, and I am so thankful she did. Have a look below, and enjoy.

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—Gilded Suffragists: The New York Socialites Who Fought for Women’s Right to Vote by Johanna Neuman

During the Progressive Era in the early twentieth century many dismissed the socialites who became engaged in the suffrage movement as simply trying on a trend, but what Johanna Neuman brings forth is quite the contrary. With their wealth they helped complete the push for suffrage as well as women’s right to pursue a career in the field she desired as well as question the laws of marriage, as well as the necessity. Those who are curious about history, the women’s movement and the rights which are too often taken for granted might want to pick up this book which was just released last month.

—I’ll Have What She’s Having: How Nora Ephron’s Three Iconic Films Saved the Romantic Comedy by Erin Carlson

When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, and Sleepless in Seattle, the stand-outs of Nora Ephron’s iconic romantic comedies. Go behind the scenes to learn what Nora was like on set with her actors and her crew to discover how she made movies audiences instantly flocked to and in so doing revitalized the rom-com industry.

—Reset: My Fight for Inclusion and Lasting Change by Ellen Pao

The story behind the woman who stood up against discrimination and retaliation toward women in Silicon Valley tells her story in her new book to be released next Tuesday. Taking place in 2015, she refused to settle out of court and was determined to take it to trial. She did, and while she lost, she now shares her story in Reset with the goal of of giving light to a persistent problem and bias in the tech sector. As a daughter of immigrants, she herself having earned multiple Ivy League degrees, her strength is receiving high praise as she continues to forge the trail that is not easy venture.

Cookbook

—Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street: The New Home Cooking by Christopher Kimball

Last year Christopher Kimball, the man behind Cook’s magazine and then Cook’s Illustrated (which began in 1993) branched off from America’s Test Kitchen to begin Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Studios. Complete with cooking classes, a podcast, a full website and now a cookbook, Kimball offers simple, yet bold flavors. The new cookbook was just released this past Tuesday and offers 125 recipes organized by the type of dish: twenty-first century desserts (I am certainly curious about his one), eggs, fish, etc.

Film

—Brad’s Status

Produced by Amazon, Ben Stiller stars as Brad Sloan who would seem to have a very comfortable life in California: a good job, a stable family, until he begins to compare himself to his four buddies from college. Critics are cautiously impressed with director and screenwriter Mike White’s directing and screenplay, and I think it might be an opportunity of reflection on our über social media world. Have a look at the trailer below and decide for yourself. Look for it in theaters beginning today.

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—The Trip to Spain

The third trip in the series, join Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as they journey through the country of Spain, and along the way offer viewers a hoot of a good time. Critics are giving the comedy-part-drama strong ratings. As for me, it just arrived at the Tin Pan Theater, so I’d better quickly watch the first installment, The Trip, and then enjoy the Trip to Italy so that I might fully savor this film which was just released last month. Have a look at the trailer below.

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Shopping

—Equipment Liana Silk Floral Shirt

Equipment is my go-to when it comes to silk blouses as I know their sleeves will be long enough, the quality is to my liking and the options are seemingly endless. (My ideal neckline is offered as well, as I shared in this post.) When I perused their most recent prints, this violet floral option caught my eye, a touch of fall with the lingering of summer.

Television

—69th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards

Finally the new seasons will commence once the Emmy Awards are handed out. And the Emmy Awards will be handed out to the primetime television actors, series and shows this Sunday. Stephen Colbert hosts on CBS at 8pm (eastern) and 5pm (pacific). I am certainly looking forward to his opening monologue, as well as to see if Julia Louis-Dreyfus makes history and wins her sixth consecutive Emmy.

~recipe for the Fig & Honey Galette~

Almost with the snap of our fingers, it feels as though fall has arrived. The evenings are cooler, the heat has dissipated and our ways of life have shifted as well. Certainly, I still long for the summer schedule, but there is an appreciation with fall’s arrival as well (officially beginning next week). New faces, refreshed and improved routines at work, the fall harvest appearing at the farmers market (see a few pics here and here) and a recognition that each year can indeed get better with conscious effort.

How is the tip-toeing into the new season treating you? One of the surest signs of the coming fall is making sure I have ample reading material that I am curious to dive into as much anticipated titles are released, from Brené Brown’s new book (as shared above) to Hillary’s (as shown in my IG feed), to diving deeper into the world of Julia and those who surrounded her with Judith Jones’ memoir.

There is much to look forward to and that begins with a weekend to savor. I do hope your week went well, and below I have gathered up a few articles you may enjoy. Until Monday, bonne journée!

~NYFW just wrapped up and Habitually Chic rounded up some stylish looks from the streets

~This article caught my attention regarding Germany and progress for women in the country led by the most powerful woman in the world. I would be curious to know after reading it, if my German readers agree. (One of the shocking statistics that caught my eye: Only 12 percent of those with children under 3 work full time. 12%!)

~Good advice as always from Marc and Angel: 7 Smart Yet Simple Ways to Handle Difficult People

~Serena Williams gave birth to her baby girl on September 1st and the couple has compiled a video of clips leading up to the big day. Have a look here.

~My mouth is watering just thinking about this Lemon-Almond Butter Cake. Just listing the ingredients has my attention.

~Taking notes by hand isn’t dead! In fact, researchers found the benefits of doing so as opposed to typing quite worth choosing to do.

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This & That: September 15, 2017 published first on http://ift.tt/2pewpEF

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travelafter55 · 7 years

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Time to go home after a month in Spain and Portugal 2017

My partner Greta and I have been in Spain for two weeks and then Portugal for the last two weeks. Before we knew it, it was time for us to be making our way back from Estoi, Portugual, to the Madrid Airport, from which we were scheduled to depart on Tuesday, May 16, 2017.

Our stay in Portugual was unique and very special. We did a home exchange (homeexchange.com) with a couple from Munich, Germany, who own a vacation home about five miles from Estoi, which is about five miles from Faro, the main city in the Algarve Region of Portugal.

The home was called Casa Sams, and was located off a remote road in the hills about Estoi. The views from Casa Sams were spectacular; the house incredible.

Casa Sams near Estoi Portugal - heaven in the hills

View from Casa Sams--the Atlantic Ocean is in the far distance

We decided to start making our way back to the airport on Sunday, May 15, to ensure we didn’t have to rush to make our 8:35 a.m. departure on Tuesday.

While the trip back to the airport was enjoyable, it reminded us that one of the most important benefits of travel is that it forces people to use their brains, which helps keeps them young. How did it make us use our brains on this short return to the Madrid Airport?

We had left over food at Casa Sams. Instead of discarding it, or giving it to neighbors, we made a picnic for the five or so hours we’d be in transit to our hotel in Madrid. We prepared everything the night before. Sandwiches and fruit became breakfast, consumed in the car. The coffee pot was ready to turn on. We had a check-off list ready for the morning:

-Feed the stray cats -Take trash to the public dumpster -Doors locked, alarm set -Padlock on the driveway gate -Leave house keys per owners instructions

At 8:15, wheels were in the well (an old Naval Air saying). Saying good bye to Casa Sams.

Two-hour drive to Sevilla. Found our way to the Rent-A-Car office at Santa Justa train station. Car turned in, no damage, no dents—only added charge was for gas fill up. Big relief. Reason for big relief? We took the full coverage insurance, on everything. If nothing bad happens to the car, no dent, no scratches, no accident, not stolen, etc., there is no cost.

But, if something happens, another 600 euros or so is added to the bill, so that is why I was relieved. And you should have seen some of the tiny city and town streets were found ourselves on, not to mention driving in Lisbon.

Train ticket office. Our non-refundable tickets for Monday could not be used toward purchase of tickets for Sunday so a travel lesson learned there—do not purchase non-refundable tickets in advance to save money—you might end up losing it. New tickets, 12:45 train. Three stops + Cordoba.

Arrive Atocha Train Station 3:15--drag suitcases to hotel--crap shoot to find because our phone GPS did not work there – hotel close to train station, got to front desk in 25 minutes.

Hotel Sleep ‘n Atocha – nice room, tiny, but adequate for one night. Reasonable, great front desk people--A’lvaro and Sonia. Friendly, helpful, smart.

Went to Café Reina in square adjacent to hotel for sangria and paella, calamari and potatoes with cheese, another glass of wine, sweet choc rolls. Joined in dance lesson on the square, took pics and videos

Dancing in Madrid--people of all ages came on Sunday night

Monday, May 15

Canceled auto tolls credit card for charges in Portugal, which I forgot to do the day before. This was so if rental car went back to Portugal our credit card would have paid the tolls for two more weeks. No added charges had been accrued.

Breakfast at hotel. Secured luggage in lockers so we could stroll around that part of Madrid for an hour or two. One euro per locker. Nice hotel feature as well.

Visited the gardens at the inside front of Atocha station. We had been there 13 years before to pay our respects at that time to the victims of the bombing that took place a week before we arrived there. I was starved, had a Whopper jr. at Burger King in the station.

Atocha Train Station Madrid looking toward the front. Gardens just inside

Atocha Train Station Madrid - Greta in the gardens near the front of station

Taxi mid-afternoon to hotel Hostal Viking in Barajas, near airport. Gave driver 3 Madrid Metro tickets with at least 16 rides on them remaining, which we had left over from our first week plus paid him 30 euros.

At our hotel, reserved the free shuttle ride for 5:30 a.m. from hotel to Barajas Airport, a 5-10 minute ride. A nice feature of this hotel. Rested in our nice room, only 57 euros for the night.

Walked five minutes to Town Square. Enjoyed leisurely dinner watching sound crew set up for 9 pm concert for Festival de Ignacio.

View of stage from our restaurant table Our last meal in Madrid (not counting coffee at the airport in the morning).

Tuesday May 16

Wake up call 4:30 am Shuttle 5:30 Easy check in at Iberia Airlines except confiscated our cork screw we bought in Madrid—was cute. I forgot it was in my red carry on bag.

Breakfast at airport – 2 hours early for flight to London Heathrow Airport.

Trip Summary Lots of positives. Great food, great wine, friendly people (for the most part), no problems at all, weather was pleasant, not too hot, some rain.

C and C and C negative –cigarettes, cellphones and courtesy; people don’t look while walking and are on their cellphones and many don’t get out of the way, they expect you to move. But, after all, we are in their country so that is the way it is.

Portugal isn’t Spain. Very different countries. Drivers more aggressive in Portugal.

Give ourselves (Tom and Greta) a pat on back. Two mid-70s doing the trip on our own for a month; saw a lot; had great experiences.

Good for the brain. So much to figure out. Traffic rotaries. Directions, getting lost in Lisboa, even in Faro, and up to Casa Sams first 10 times. Mileage, money, language, don’t speak Spanish to Portuguese people—they don’t like it. All the Casa Sams things to learn. 5 different places to stay overall on the trip. Next time, get more euros in advance. We did change $100 (easily, no commission)in Lagos, Portugal, three days before we left. Kept phones on airplane mode most of the time so cost low.

The first Madrid taxi-from the airport to downtown--dropped us (and another couple had the same thing happen to them) at the wrong hotel.

Learned how to navigate Madrid Metro

Little purses made out of cork a nice gift from Portugal. Light to carry and very reasonable. Found them in Lagos and Quarteria (on Algarve Coast).

On our flights home:

Greta and I got checked in at Madrid Airport and thru security in minutes. Red Trader Joe’s insulated bag pulled aside. I had to empty all contents, dumped everything out. Guy says wine open. No, wine. He pulls a wine opener souvenir that we bought in Madrid out of bottom of red bag and he was pissed. I had forgotten it, we bought on day two in Madrid. Security behind us.

Two passport and boarding pass checks We were two hours early for our flight to London. Two-hour plus flight to London.

Heathrow Airport Security is very tight

Heathrow Airport was different. We landed at Terminal 4 but needed to connect at Terminal 3. It is a 10-minute shuttle bus ride to Terminal 4. We had a 2 hour 25 min. connection.

Security was tight. PP check. Liquids and gels go in a plastic bag. Everything must come out of pockets, even paper. Belt off. Computer out of bag. Nothing sharp. No water. Xray machine with arms up. Then, the “iron cross” position for more xrays. Pants falling down. Then step on a wooden stool and a magic magnetic wand checks each shoe.

Then to AAL connection desk. Wait in line, 20-25 minutes. Why? We are all checked through to LAX. All connecting flights. Passport check (pp) and bp check. Interviewed. How long in Europe, why here, to have fun, what work do you do? Teacher, what kind. She stamped boarding passes with green stamp. Then security again. To get to int’l departures. Pp and bp. Then red bag has liquid—2 partially full bottles of bug spray had forgotten—tossed it away because guy said he had to test it. Dumped red bag out again.

We get to Gate H 27 at about 1:15, 45 minutes to spare. I wonder how many connections are missed. There, have to show boarding pass and pp again to get into lounge area.

Then to enter jetway, pp and bp one last time.

Wowser. They are serious about airport security at Heathrow. We understand, that is a good thing. A Boeing 777 American Airlines flight to LAX. The Captain lands it softly and perfectly. It made me think of an AAL advertisement in a magazine, when I worked for AAL in the late 1960s. The caption showed a pilot and he said, “I think of my passengers as eggs.” Never forgot that. A big 777 just landed as softly as can be. We were home; we were safe, with our egg shells still in tact. It had been a great trip.

Andalusia horse at Cathedral of Sevilla in the rain

#Estoi Portugal #Faro Portugal #Heathrow Airport Security #Atocha Train Station #Hostal Viky Hotel Barajas #Sleep #n Atocha hotel #Sleep n Atocha hotel #Santa Justa train station sevilla

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