#you have my deepest sincerest gratitude

[mlmshipbracket]

FOURTH MLM SHIP BRACKET - ROUND 1 POLLS!

After weeks of waiting, planning, and organizing The Fourth MLM Ship Bracket is finally here! This is one of the biggest brackets I have ever (and will ever) organize. I want to thank everyone who submitted ships and propaganda. I also wish to extend my deepest and sincerest gratitude to @theshipwars for helping with advice on creating a graphic for this tournament bracket.

OFFICIAL POLLS BEGIN on Saturday, March 2nd and will last until Saturday, March 8th. Polls will be posted in three waves. At 12:00 AM (PST), 6:00 AM (PST), and 12:00 PM (PST) in order to not overwhelm. Happy voting!

Find the polls [HERE]

Tagging for visibility! No pressure to reblog. Let me know if you would like to be untagged.

@tournament-announcer @tournamentdirectory @theshipwars @badass-queer-couples-battle @age-gap-ship-tournament @smashorpassgilf @immortal-x-mortal-tourney @guess-that-ship

INFO:

REMINDER: All match-ups were randomly generated using a randomizer to ensure a higher likelihood of randomness as ships were pitted against one another.

Polls will include submitted propaganda (with edits). Feel free to include your own propaganda in the reblogs or submitted via 'ask'. Feel free to add text, art, or videos to your propaganda as well! If you do add propaganda please make sure to tag it as such so I can reblog, I do my best to keep an eye on reblogs/tags and asks.

I will link propaganda to ongoing polls so keep an eye out for those as we progress week by week.

I have done my best to make sure non-official content submitted was linked and/or credited. Please let me know if there are any mistakes or incorrect information when it comes to links, credits, propaganda, names, tags, etc. as 56 polls are a lot to look over.

You might notice I added 4 more ships, this was done to make things a little more even.

Remember to get those votes in. Reblog, comment, tag. Get as many others to vote and get your favorite ships to Round Two!

#tumblr poll #tumblr bracket #tumblr tournament #tumblr bracket tournament #mlm #mlm ship #mlm ship poll #mlm ship bracket #mlm ship bracket tournament #mlm ship bracket 2024 #mlm ship bracket tournament 2024 #gay ships #gay ship poll #fourth mlm ship tournament #round one #round 1 #round 1 polls #round 1 match ups #fourthr1

[ofmymuses]

i don't really know how to start this; i'm at a loss for words to describe how disappointed and upset i am right now. i don't want to go into too much detail about what's going on or add any pictures to this post for the public to see (but please dm me if you want proof or more detail, etc).

i made a post a few days ago but if you didn't see it, i'll explain super briefly — my boyfriend recently lost his job and i haven't been working due to my mental health along with a few other series of unfortunate events that have happened since. we aren't able to pay our $800 rent this month or pay for much of anything right now. i'm trying really hard to get a job (and have made it a goal to find one by the end of march break - on the 15th) but not getting calls back. my boyfriend has a job lined up with his brother but we're waiting for a call from them and who knows how long that could take.

i'm not going to lie, i can't offer much. right now, the best i can do is indie / rpg makeovers (or making them over from scratch for you, so you don't have to worry about doing anything) and anything on my what i do page. i could also potentially make static icons but i don't have access to photoshop at the moment so i can't get much more adventurous than that.

here's a direct link if you're able to help (though reblogs help just as much too); if you would like something in return, please include the tumblr/discord username i can reach you at and what you would like in the "what's this for?" section. i'm a bit cramped with stuff to do today but i'll reach out to you asap. you have my absolute deepest and sincerest gratitude and thanks for taking the time to read through this and for your consideration ♡♡

#literally want the ground to swallow me whole #noninspo #idk what to even tag this as #donations

[namitha]

I am reaching the end of the wonderful month of May, and I must express my heartfelt gratitude for this extraordinary period. Among all the months in 2023, May has truly captured my heart and become my favorite. This month has bestowed upon me invaluable life lessons that I will cherish and carry with me throughout my entire existence. It has served as a profound awakening, allowing me to recognize both my flaws and strengths, confront my insecurities, fears, and doubts, and navigate through challenging situations that have ultimately unveiled a clearer perspective on life.

I am immensely grateful to YOU, for the love you have showered upon me, for the experiences that have shaped me, and for the knowledge you have shared. Your presence in my journey has been invaluable, and I will forever cherish the profound impact you have had on my life. I extend my sincerest gratitude to the divine forces that guided me throughout this transformative month. Your constant presence has shielded and protected me, providing me with the strength and guidance necessary to face my challenges head-on.

I am eternally grateful for the gift of life, and I feel blessed to have been born as a Scorpio ascendant. This inherent strength within me enables me to confront the darkness and navigate the cycles of death and rebirth as natural processes. Thank you, divine forces, for orchestrating everything perfectly.

In conclusion, I extend my deepest gratitude to the month of May. Your presence in my life has been a remarkable journey of self-discovery, growth, and resilience. May you always be remembered as a month that awakened my spirit and guided me towards a brighter and more enlightened path. Thank you for everything. Thank you, May. Thank you, Universe. Blessed and Grateful 🙏🌻

.

#may: grateful for awakening 🙏 #gratitude 🌻 #i am reaching the end of month may here. #grateful for everything #blessed 🙏 #grateful #thank you may #wednesday 24th may #thank YOU

[7grandmel]

Todays rip: 17/11/2023

Beyond the Floating Isles

Season 4 Episode 2 Featured on: Summer​-​Colored Smiles ~ The SiIvaSummer All​-​Star Festival Collection

Ripped by redoxwarfare

Due to the absolute volume of rips per each album, a lot of my time listening to SiIvaGunner is done so rather passively. I'll chuckle with a joke I recognize, add tracks to "Banger" and "Vibes" playlists if I'm enjoying them, and continue with my day. Its only when I decide to just listen to those playlists in particular that my brain starts getting into gear again. Like...what *is* Beyond the Floating Isles even from? I knew it was an absolute vibe of a rip, yet knew nothing else about it. That was when my journey started - and my sudden, adoring infatuation with the band "Crying".

I only just recently turned 22 years old, and for a long part of that life, I didn't really...listen to music. I enjoyed looking up my favorite video game music, and Minecraft music videos were of course part of the collective childhood of my generation...yet the act of just listening to music for music's sake, the appeal of the creative medium, was somehow lost on me. There's likely something deep-rooted in my neurodivergent mind that explains this, but SiIvaGunner has as a result been a way for me to find bands and albums that I truly connect with - through the shared passion of video game music, I've been able to grow that emotional attachment to bands that I otherwise wholly felt like I lacked. The most prominent example of that is of course Maroon 5 thanks to channel creator Chaze the Chat's enduring passion for the band in the channel's first four Seasons: I've discussed in posts like Moves Like K.K. just how much that passion reflected back onto me, and its far from the only band I've gone through this with. It may sound silly to say, but these video game mashups and arrangements and meme edits have genuinely helped me grow attached to vocals and melodies and themes from the wider music industry that I never would've otherwise.

Which brings us to my most recent experience with this - Beyond the Floating Isles, and Patriot by Crying. After making more of an initiative for myself to listen to more non-VGM this year, and after having this rip sit in my playlists for years on end, I decided it was finally time to do my due digging. What I found was a band I'd never heard of before, with only one true album release, and a lack of any real activity over the last six years. Beyond the Fleeting Gales sits at just shy of 150 thousand views on YouTube - less than SEVERAL of the rips I've covered here on this blog, yet is one of my new all-time favorite albums yet released. Patriot may be the song covered in today's rip and the one I'm the most emotionally attached to, but the album in its entirety exudes a similar vibe that I'm absolutely enamored with - a vibe that redoxwarfare did an incredible job distilling into a rip. Float Islands was an excellent choice for a song to use for such an atmospheric, uplifting song as Patriot - the two themes have little in common in terms of joke-material, but its clear to me that Beyond the Floating Isles was not made with comedy as its main intent.

I have no connection to redoxwarfare - never spoken, not sure of which rips they've made prior, and no true image of their interests and goals as a ripper. Yet Beyond the Floating Isles speaks with so much intent and love - love for a band that feels destined to be forgotten, yet is adored by the few in the masses who have found them. And I extend my deepest, sincerest gratitude toward redoxwarfare for succesfully introducing me to Crying - even if its three years after the fact, I now finally see the Fleeting Gales, and beyond.

(no but seriously go listen to Crying i will break traditional post formatting just to give you easy access to it theyre SO GOOD)

#todays siivagunner #season 4 episode 2 #siivagunner #siiva #redoxwarfare #Youtube #Bandcamp #crying band #beyond the fleeting gales #indie music #indie pop #indie rock #electropop #rock music #indie #rock #kirby #kirby super star #kirby super star ultra #kirby games #kirby music #kirby's dream land #kirby planet robobot #kirby series

[chip-and-ironicus]

Six Feats Under’s Mouse Guard Campaign is Complete

This fall we brought it back from a production hiatus to give it a proper ending. So if you’ve been waiting to know the full scope of the thing before listening, or before sharing it with someone else, now is the time. And I really think you should.

Over 2+ years of in-game narrative, and 5 years of production (including that previously mentioned hiatus) we fully explored the possibilities of the Mouse Guard RPG, the setting as we shaped it, and our characters. Sometimes it was silly, sometimes it was sad, and always it was under the weight of history. I’ve called this campaign a “laboratory for me to test my ideas on long-form storytelling, narrative, and adaptation; made all the better by having those ideas tested and challenged by eight collaborators.“ And it is that, but it’s also very goofy and fun.

The best way to follow the campaign is at sixfeatsunder.com which has a dedicated page for each season with descriptions and character bios. You can also find Six Feats Under on any given podcast app, but the organization of the site is helpful. Both are also good places to find non-Mouse Guard stuff, like the episode on the game I designed, Last Shooting; or the Monsterhearts 2 miniseries I’m so proud of. Supplemental material, like writeups of important setting elements or a set of letters sent by NPCs for each season, are also on the show’s tumblr page, helpfully tagged.

Any given season is a good enough starting point but the very beginning is here, and has all the advantages a beginning has. Year 2 starts with a recap episode built with all you need to get up to speed as things start to get heavy. And, because I’m weird like that, I think it’s entirely valid to start with the finale, and I’m curious what that experience would be like. And the epilogue game (Part 1, Part 2) that just went live is essentially a one-shot that stands in its own right, with half the cast being new characters.

I also made a set of behind the scenes posts for the three parts of the greater big finish. Those are very bad places to start, but I’m including the link for completeness’ sake.

So that’s what I’ve been up to, in some stage or other of active production since summer 2017, and in planning since the fall before that. And every part of it was a joy to make. Each season left me prouder than the one before. All my warmest and sincerest love to the cast members and collaborators, who made each step and each element stronger and sharper than I could have imagined. And my deepest gratitude to every listener, especially those who reached out and made themselves heard, for joining us on the journey.

-Grant.

#Six Feats Under #6FU #Mouse Guard #Plug

[anruraiocht]

It is with care that Ethlyn approaches Miranda to offer her a taste of the main course of the feast. Their last meeting had not gone smoothly at all but Ethlyn still holds Ulster’s princess dearly in her heart. Even if Miranda may not wish to have anything to do with her, Ethlyn still owes her her deepest thanks.

“I can’t tell you how glad I am that you decided to come.” Ethlyn offers a soft smile as she offers a platter displayed with a variety of finely roasted poultry meats, cooked in a traditional Chalphy style of one-within-the-other. The skin of the turkey is crispy, and the fats from the duck have marinated both the chicken within and the turkey without. There are cloves and lemon slices studding the plate, combining to form a melange of rich flavors. The choice of which piece to take is up to the feaster – there is plenty to go around!

“If you will allow it, I would like to offer my sincerest gratitude from my family to yours. From me to you.” She bows her head, an attempt to show just how much she truly means this. “I know my words must seem awfully hollow and meaningless when set beside everything that’s happened to you. I know that it is actions that truly show how much a person cares but I will promise you this: one day I will find a way to prove it to you.”

Miranda is many things. Stubborn. Foul tempered. Haughty. A princess of little power. Oft forgotten in the grand scheme of things.

A fool, though, she is not.

She knows exactly why she is seated where she is and she resents it.

"I did not come here for you," Miranda says bluntly, stabbing her fork into the white meat. It doesn't truly matter what piece she takes, because she doesn't think she'll be able to taste it anyway. "I came because Lord Sigurd insinuated attendance was mandatory. That is all."

Her mother would have loved such an event, would have cooed over how tall Leif had become and teased over how Ethlyn had never told her what a beauty her daughter was. She would have been delighted to find Leif and Nanna still attached at the hip and Finn watching over them as their guardian.

Her father... well, he would probably feel awkward seeing Quan again, but he would still manage to be polite. That's the kind of man he was. Compared to all of the rambunctious personalities at this gathering, he would fade into the background. He wouldn't mind too much, because the peaceful atmosphere would have brought a smile to his face regardless. Just like in the old days, Leonster and Ulster would be seated together as allies.

None of this matters, though, because her parents are not among the ghosts attending this banquet.

It does not matter what they would have done or thought, because they are dead. Whatever miracle had brought Leif's parents back to him had not done the same for Miranda. Surrounded by the entirety of the Leonster royal family and their loved ones, Miranda sits alone.

(No, not entirely alone. Sara is next to her; the only thing keeping her from leaving altogether. Nanna sits across from her as well, even if Miranda tries to avoid her gaze. Leif, seated diagonally from her, reflects the discomfort she feels like a mirror.)

She is unable to taste the poultry, but the glass of wine clenched in her hand tastes just as bitter as all the other times. It matters not that it stings and burns her throat when it's the only thing at this table she can taste.

Leonster's lady bows her head to Miranda and she knows, diplomatically speaking, how she should respond. She should smile and reassure her that everything is in the past and that what happened to her no longer mattered. Everything is fine now that (most) everyone is together again, just like in the past.

These are not the old days, though. The heirs of Leonster and Ulster are broken, fractured mirrors that don't suit this kind of event at all, hastily reassembled in the charade of nobility. Miranda has dressed up, because that is what she knows how to do. Leif has dressed down, because that is what he knows how to do.

But neither of them knows how to navigate a relationship that shouldn't exist.

"Lady Ethlyn, my family has fed your son and now your family has fed me. That is as far as I wish for your concern for me to go."

#toabaldrsbounty #👑 ic #👑 support: ethlyn #ladyleonster #alcohol cw / #//REGARDLESS OF WHAT MIRANDA SAID HERE LMAO /i/ had fun :) ty two for hosting!!!!! #//sorry i couldnt be around much yknow how it is with (coughs up blood) finals

[cloudninetonine]

That Midna ask gave me an idea but it's not necessarily related.

Player, only player was a diety (I'm gonna go with agriculture but any works) who, upon seeing the state of the heroes, is like "help is on de way dears" and acts as a guide to them. The reason why epona like player so much is because player used to grow fresh apples from the trees to share with her (wtf is epona??), Midna is so fond of player is because player used to grow her flowers whenever she was upset (since she couldn't see player). Player watched over Hyrule whenever he had to sleep because it was too dangerous, and made sure he knew what food was safe to eat if they couldn't outright grow food. Wild knows how to cook because player taught him using food they grew until he had enough money to buy his own/forage correctly. Maybe koroks and the great deku tree knew of player because the player literally created the great deku tree to protect the great forest when they rest in-between link reincarnations (which would explain the youthful energy they have despite being decades old).

How does this fit into the story?

What if, either while resting or helping another link, the source of their powers were stolen from them by dink, rendering them powerless, much to their confusion, and they are swiftly knocked unconscious before being woken up by the chain. Player, assuming that this is a sort of punishment from their fellow gods, now has to navigate multiple worlds in order to get their power back, while also making sure none of the chain died. Only to notice once the chain started remembering that their power is coming back. Maybe instead of entire apple trees, small wildflowers sprout at their feet (leading to twilights reveal when she grows a flower for her old friend which triggered this entire thing), maybe the chains cuts heal a bit faster. Player won't get their full power back, not unless they get their stuff back from dink, but upon looking around at the chain, player feels confident that their powers would be restored to them. "I had once thought that this place was a punishment, a personal hell for having my powers stolen from me. I see now that you have merely placed my care into your strongest soldier's hands. For that you have my sincerest apology and my deepest gratitude" 1

(Epona is a horse!)

Okay, but the deity of agriculture fits them so well IDK why I just love it,

The guys try foraging but can't find anything? Hey, there's an orchid nearby who would've known! One of the boy's is missing their home? How look there's some wild flowers that they know! I just love it, in all honesty.

#cloud answers #Anon asks

[zapreportsblog]

Dear Followers,

I am writing this letter to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and encouragement throughout my writing journey. When I first started, I had just a few followers, and it is incredible to think that we have now grown to over 61 followers. Your presence in my life, whether you have been here from the beginning or joined along the way, means the world to me.

Each and every one of you has played a significant role in shaping my writing experience. Your kind words, thoughtful comments, and continuous support have been a constant source of motivation for me. Knowing that there are people who believe in my writing and enjoy the stories I share fills my heart with joy and inspiration.

It is humbling to witness the growth of our community, from a small group of 20-something followers to the vibrant and engaged community we have become today. Your presence and participation have brought life and energy to this space, creating a place where ideas are shared, stories are told, and connections are made.

I want to thank you for being here with me, for taking the time to read and engage with my writing. Your feedback and encouragement have helped me grow as a writer and have given me the confidence to continue pursuing my passion. The bonds we have formed, even through the digital realm, are something I cherish deeply.

Each follower, whether you have been with me from the beginning or recently joined, holds a special place in my heart. Your support, in all its forms, has been invaluable. Whether you have liked, shared, or commented on my posts, your presence has made a difference, and for that, I am truly grateful.

As I continue on this writing journey, I am excited to explore new ideas, craft new stories, and share them with all of you. Your support fuels my creativity and motivates me to push myself further. I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with you through the power of words, and I hope to continue bringing you joy, inspiration, and thought-provoking content.

In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation for your presence in my writing journey. Without your support, none of this would be possible. Thank you for being here, for believing in me, and for your unwavering support. Together, let us continue to explore the limitless possibilities of storytelling and celebrate the joy of writing.

With sincerest gratitude,

A.I

#thank you for existing #new followers #thank you for your kind words

[cissyenthusiast010155]

Hello! I merely wanted to pop in to say I positively adore every single one of your works. Your writing is truly quite impressive and has made me discover some kinks I was... not aware of to say the least.

I hope you get much support in your writing endeavors because your stories are very fun to read.

I'll likely send more asks in the future, ciao <3

-🌸

My Dearest 🌸 anon!!

I cannot express my appreciation for your heartwarming message. Your words have filled my heart with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy. It is with utmost sincerity that I express my deepest thanks for your kind praise and for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.

To learn that my writing has stirred within you a newfound appreciation and revealed uncharted territories of desire is such an honor. Your candidness is both refreshing and humbling, and I am honored to have been a catalyst for such self-discovery.

Your unwavering support and enthusiasm for my writing is cherished more than words can convey. Knowing that my stories have provided you with enjoyment and amusement is the very reason of why I write. Your encouragement fuels my mind, igniting a passion within me to continue exploring the realms of imagination and crafting tales that captivate and enthrall.

I look forward to any future inquiries and/or asks. It is through these exchanges that our connection deepens, fostering a bond of shared appreciation for writing and the exploration of desires that lie beneath the surface.

May your own path be paved with inspiration and discovery, and may you find fulfillment in all your future endeavors. Once again, I extend my sincerest gratitude for your kind words and unwavering support.

Wishing you well & I love you dearly, darling 💋

Talk with Me 💞

#talk with me #you’ve made my day darling 💋 #ahhhh i’m honored that you think so highly of my writing 🥹 #this is what keeps me going #best wishes to you babes #writer appreciation #writerslife #female writers #gay writing #writers and readers #writers on tumblr #writing saves my life #cissyenthusiast010155 answers

[upagainstthesunset]

To the handful of people who have ever listened to, commented on or reblogged my songs... Thank you 🥺 i owe you my life and ilu.

Art and fanfic and other stuff is fun and i get nervous and self conscious about those too, but writing and singing a song is just so much more personal. Like, thats me. Thats actually ME that im putting out there in front of others.

I sometimes feel like fanart and fics have it so easy. Art is quickly consumable, and fandom goes out of their way to find fics. And the bar for skill on both is low bc we all understand and appreciate that its just a hobby and we're all at different levels. But for music i sometimes get the feeling that the same doesn't apply. Like there's some higher standard where no one wants to hear an unpolished song by someone who isnt already good at singing or carrying a tune. Wonky proportions are loved and accepted in art, but off pitch singing is cringe and bad i guess. It makes me sad thinking thats the reality and people dont extend the same kindness to music that they do to other artistic endeavors.

And like i said, writing music is deeply personal. At least for me. Im out here baring my soul. I mean not all of them are the deepest of lyrics, but its still my feelings and voice im lending to them.

So anyway, yeah. Thank you. My sincerest gratitude for anyone who even stopped to listen at all.

#kateliftstheveil #this isnt the first time ive posted on this topic and it probably wont be the last #but when i say thank you about stuff like that i really mean it #it means a lot to me

[collymore]

Benjamin Zephaniah: A man with principles and a strong commitment to effectively inculcate them!

By Stanley Collymore     An inspirational and honest man   who spoke from the heart and   his communities experience;   someone, who sought positive change   and fearlessly, confronted the bigoted   norm! Similarly a great man who very   courageously, and clearly undeniably   with really full conviction, of actually   what he was doing quite confidently   spoke truth to power: essentially so   characteristic elements crucially of   his Barbadian heritage and equally   actually likewise rather confidently   lifted a mirror to Conservative and   racist Britain so the viewers could   sensibly have a good truthful look   undeniably, at their own reflection   and thus see who they truly were!     (C) Stanley V. Collymore   7 December 2023.     Author's Remarks:       To proudly quote the late, equally great and evidently iconic figure Jimmy Hendrix: "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace!" And therefore, quite unquestionably in my undoubtedly, evidently honest summation of him Benjamin Zephaniah generally did fulfil all these essential attributes that are so indispensable to humanity.     To me, as he always will be, this distinctly culturally and similarly biologically Bajan and Afro-Caribbean icon was a man with principles. A beautiful man both inside as well as outside. Someone possessed of a splendid mind who showed kindness to all those he encountered, in tandem too with being a stupendously creative individual who wrote magical poetry.     How I earnestly wish that we essentially had more people like Benjamin in Britain today, for if we did the United Kingdom for certainty would be a far better place. And as we Bajans immensely entrenched in our obviously devout Christian principles do on these kind of situations say: "Farewell, not goodbye, my dearest friend until we happily meet again in the next life!" Now rest eternally my Black brother Benjamin Zephaniah in Paradise now that your work and presence here on Earth are over; doing so, fully ensconced in the everlasting blessing of God Almighty. And my sincerest thanks and gratitude to you for all the good you've done!       Additionally, my deepest condolences to the family members and close friends of Benjamin Zephaniah for your undeniably sad loss. My thoughts are thoroughly and sympathetically with you.     Benjamin Zephaniah: Born 15 April 1958, died 7 December 2023; age 65 years!

#Inspirational #Motivational #Truth

[justadaddybear]

To all those who served before me, All those who served beside me, And all who have served since, You have my sincerest gratitude And my deepest and most profound respect. Thank you.

[sistahscifi]

Ariana, we truly enjoyed reading your contribution to the companion book to @NMAAHC 's Afrofuturism exhibit as readers that sit at the intersection of joy, the divine feminine, and science fiction.

If you have not gotten your copy, we are back in stock: @sistahscifi | www.sistahscifi.com | https://sistahscifi.com/products/afrofuturism-a-history-of-black-futures.

Better yet, check it out from your local #library. Today, we highlight @dcpubliclibrary.

Reposted @arianacurtis413 The tangible: So excited to be part of this powerhouse publication. I was *elated* for the opportunity to consider joy + Black feminism through Afrofuturist lenses.

The unseen: Shortly after our initial discussion, life was life-ing very hard for me in ways that made writing about joy feel impossible.

I want to publicly offer my deepest & sincerest gratitude to @kstrait35 and @kinshashaconwill for believing that I could get it together and literally holding space for my short but heartfelt contribution✨

Special shouts-out to @aneesah_mcgregor and @michelleinthemix for their edits, consultations, and bottomless reassurance ♥️

#AfroFuturism #NMAAHC #JoyAsResistance #BlackFeminism #YayForGreatColleagues

#SistahScifi

#AfrofuturismHistoryofBlackFutures

#historyofBlackFutures

[michaelcosio]

November 18, 2022

Senator Jim Nielsen -- "Dean of the Senate" -- issued the following statement of gratitude to the people he has had the honor to serve as he retires from the California State Senate.

“I am retiring from public service at the end of this year and wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you and farewell.

“I was first elected in 1979. Since that time, I have represented 19 counties in Northern California – from the Central Valley, to the Napa Valley and up through the Sacramento Valley.

“Taking care of you, the constituent, has always been my first priority and the focus of the staff who worked with me to serve you, from issues with the DMV to the EDD, from the Oroville Dam break to the devastating Camp Fire, from budget fights to water rights.

“Nothing has been more important to me in my career than helping to make a positive difference in your life.

“Your support through the many years means so much to Team Nielsen.

“To the many millions of you that I have had the honor and privilege of serving, please accept my deepest and sincerest heart-felt thanks.

“My wife, Marilyn, and I plan to spend more time together, visiting our children and grandchildren, traveling and enjoying life.

“We don’t know exactly what God has in store for us, but we are excited about the possibilities.

“You can be assured that I am not riding off into the sunset…I am riding off into the sunrise.

“Farewell and God bless.”

Some fun facts about Senator Nielsen’s legacy in public office: • Nielsen is the 23rd-longest serving State Senator. • Of the 4465 people who have served in the California legislature, Nielsen is the 34th-longest-serving. That is in the top 1 percent ever. • Nielsen was elected Senate Republican Leader in 1983, when he was 39 years old, making him the youngest known person to ever hold that office.

from Senator Nielsen

[tipsycad147]

FRUIT OF THE UNDERWORLD RITUAL: A RITUAL TO CONNECT WITH YOUR ANCESTORS

By  Willow,

I'm sure you are feeling the veil between worlds thinning as Samhain approaches. This is the perfect time to work with spirits and travel between realms. This ritual is designed to open the doors between our realm and the realm of our ancestors to communicate with them this Samhain.

What You'll Need

Pomegranate (sliced open)

Black Candle

White Candles

Obsidian

Mugwort

Charcoal

Hot Plate (for charcoal)

Lighter/Match

Notebook/BOS

What to Do

Begin by cleansing your working area with the method of your choice. For this ritual, I chose to use cedar because it works to remove negativity but also invites good spirits. This step is very important this time as you will be inviting spirits into your sacred space and its only proper (and smart) to invite them into a clean home. After you are certain your sacred space is cleansed, feel free to call quarters and cast a magical circle. I encourage you to take the necessary precautions and protect yourself in whatever way you see fit during this ritual.

After you are certain your space is clean, charge the obsidian with your intent. Hold it in your hand, close your eyes and say,

"I charge this obsidian to bridge the gap between our realm and those of my ancestors. May it act as a conduit so my ancestors may speak their truth on this night. May it act as a door and a guiding light for those I seek. Aid in my message so they may understand me and that I may understand them in return."

Put the black obsidian directly in front of you or hold it during the ritual. Extract three pomegranate seeds and eat them while saying,

"Fruit of the Underworld and blood of my ancestors, help bridge this realm with the Land of the Dead. May the living and deceased freely communicate this night."

Next, place the black candle on the left of your altar or work surface, the white candle on the right, and the remaining pomegranate halves in between them (black candle, pomegranate, white candle). Light the charcoal and when the coal is hot, place some mugwort on it. Then light the black candle and the white candle. Move the black candle to the right of the white candle while saying,

"On this Samhain night, when the veil is thin and the spirits come forth, I call upon my ancestors. I seek guidance as the Wheel of the Year comes full circle and the Earth rests. I call to thee, the honored and well-intended ancestors of my family line, to join me here and now at my altar to guide me on my path. Accept this offering of fruit along with my love and deepest gratitude. May it please you."

Bow your head and allow them to partake in the offering. Sit quietly and listen for any messages they may have for you. You can do this by closing your eyes or staring into the flame of the black candle. Write down anything you see or hear during this time. Some things may not make sense right now, but write them down anyway.

To close the ritual, thank your ancestors for coming and ask them to leave by saying,

"Thank you, ancestors, who came to commune with me this Samhain night. I offer my sincerest thanks and hope the offering was to your liking. You may depart and return to your resting places. Do not linger. Obsidian, black as night, guide the souls who were called today back home. This Rite is now closed."

Snuff out the candles and leave the offering on your altar overnight. The following morning place the pomegranate outside for the wildlife. They will appreciate your gift. You may feel exhausted after this ritual. Ground and center yourself and eat something before taking a shower. Dead spirits often leave behind a "heaviness" that should be washed away. Cleanse your space with your preferred method then shower to remove anything remaining on your person. After our shower or bath, spend some time analyzing what you wrote down during the ritual.

Why You Did It

Understanding the why's of a ritual are just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs and helps guide you to write your own.

Let's start with the first step, the obsidian. Obsidian is a volcanic glass that has cooled so quickly crystallization is unable to occur. It has a long and rich history throughout a number of cultures around the world, but one thing it has in common is its association with the Underworld. Because of its shiny appearance which reflects the shadows of the objects and people that stand before it, the peoples of ancient Mexico named it

ixtli

after the god Tezcatlipoca ("smoking mirror"), believing the shadowy reflections were connected to the afterlife and second sight. Furthermore, it originates from magma deep within the Earth, further connecting it to the Underworld. Because of these features, obsidian is the perfect crystal to act as a bridge between our realm and the Land of the Dead, as it is naturally and magically connected to the Underworld. To add to this, obsidian is also associated with protection. Historically, obsidian was used as spearheads and arrowheads as it is relatively brittle and therefore easy to shape. And being black, a color traditionally associated with protection, grounding, and banishment, adds to its use in this ritual as the obsidian is not only used to pull spirits to our realm, but also to banish them back to their's at the end of the ritual. All in all, it is the perfect crystal for the job!

Next, we come to the star of the show from which this ritual is named, the pomegranate. It doesn't play a super big part in this ritual, but it is essential as it helps open you to receive messages. You are probably aware of the story of Persephone and Hades, but if you are not, I encourage you to go read it. To give you a brief summary, Hades steals Persephone away to the Underworld where he finally convinces her to eat some pomegranate seeds. This binds her to the Underworld until Zeus is able to strike a deal between Hades and Demeter, Persephone's mother so that Persephone will spend half the year with her mother and half the year with Hades. As a result, pomegranates are strongly associated with being the fruit of the Underworld, and eating them is said to connect you to that realm and aid in spirit communication. They are also associated with blood and therefore death because the fruit "bleeds" when you cut into it. In general, it makes for an excellent offering to the dead as well. Mugwort is a traditional herb associated with spirit communication. The smoke is a mild entheogen and helps induce a trance-like state. As such, it's the perfect herbal incense to use during spirit communication and won't cause a traditional "high" that could make communication difficult. Furthermore, smoke is associated with air and communication so that your messages can travel to your ancestors and their messages to you.

The black and white candles represent the Underworld (black) and our world (white). This is a symbolic representation as black is associated with death and white with life. When you move the black candle to the right of the white candle, you are pulling the Land of the Dead to the present realm and bridging that connection. Looking to break this spell? Unfortunately, this isn't a spell to be broken. There is nothing to break. However, if spirits linger, ask them to leave and cleanse the space again. Remember to record this ritual on your ritual/spell worksheet and have a wonderful Samhain! How do you plan to celebrate this year?

https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2019/10/fruit-of-underworld-ritual.html

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