#but with every journey to greatness there are pitfalls

[girlfriendsofthegalaxy]

tuesday again 3/18/2025

in which we read a lesbian romance where the highs are pretty fuckin good and the lows are not so pretty good

listening: the giver by chappell roan

reading: a bella books update, but mostly Beautiful Journey by Kenna White

watching: fallow week

playing: genshin (!) and Pokémon

making: garden update, rit dye bounty

listening

new single out. i want to hear this in EVERY commercial this summer

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reading

special shoutout to a blazed tumblr post that led me to Haden Cross’ Uncontinented Stars, a queer moby-dick retelling. before you dismiss it out of hand here are some of my thoughts about how it neatly avoids some common queer retelling pitfalls

in this gay and lesbian romance project, i really think (one of) my (big) problem(s) is with Bella Books specifically as a publisher and their lack of quality control or editing assistance, but we are closer to done with them. with the bella and naiad conglomerate, i have two books of short stories (one naiad one bella, neither with covers i can take to work) and two more naiad originals after this. i will be breaking them up into three weeks in between kim baldwins (the insane lesbian bunker mercenary one i enjoyed).

three up this week: could not finish the one on the left due to a printing error with random missing pages, could not finish the one on the right bc of a hard-out trigger.

this is Kenna White’s Beautiful Journey, a 2008 Bella Books original (not acquired from Naiad), 276p softcover with a worse than usual application of glue to the perfect bound binding.

Kit Anderson is determined to make a difference. All around her the Battle for Britain is raging, and ferrying factory-fresh airplanes to combat bases makes excellent use of her skills as flight lieutenant for the British Women’s Air Transport Auxiliary. An American in southern England, she is undaunted by war. It’s safer than love.

The talented aviatrix could fly a crippled craft through a thunderstorm without a compass and find her way home, so it is singularly disconcerting to find herself flying in circles around Emily Mills, a too young, too attractive and too abrasive British literature teacher. Even though Emily’s grandmother is Lady Marble, it’s a time of war and scarcity and Emily needs work. Kit offers to help her find a job on the air base—and as is often true, no good deed goes unpunished.

i had zero expectations from a bella books book (and there were still a handful of misspellings and formatting glitches) but on a scene by scene level, White is excellent at setting a scene and making it come fully alive with a sort of forties wartime romcom slapstick vibe. in the back half there’s a very good very coen brothers scene with ornery pig farming lesbians, married for twenty-eight years, who (after holding her at shotgunpoint and wanting to see the American label in her American silk underwear) help Kit get her plane out of a field after an emergency landing and some intergenerational bonding. to which she gifts them her silk parachute as an anniversary present. there’s a great dramatic romantic set piece during a daytime air raid in London, where they flee a claustrophobic, unhygenic tube station and shelter outdoors in an alcove (very stupid). a big dramatic kiss to comfort someone and distract them from a panic attack. that sort of thing.

contains one of the worst reactions to a first orgasm i have ever read: i texted my bestie in horror “American lesbian successfully seduced British lesbian (found out she was a virgin, got her clothes off) and after she made the British lesbian come the British lesbian BURST INTO TEARS AND RAN OFF INTO THE NIGHT” HELLO??? EMILY WHAT??? while this is a BONKERS thing to do in real life i must applaud this specific bella book for making me go HELLO??? in this way and not in frustration bc i want something! anything! to happen. good decisions are out interesting decisions are in etc. bella books sets SUCH a low bar.

also contains straight up one of the most effective scenes ive read in this project so far, that made me tear up AT WORK:

the book has a very water-themed series of mishaps (walks in on Kit while she’s having a bath, drenches her with dirty water from a kitchen pot, doesn’t set the brake on a truck and Kit has to drop flat in the mud for the truck not to run her over, Kit ends up going back in the rain to rescue Emily from a thunderstorm, Kit rescues Emily from a river overrunning its banks, at least one more thing i can’t recall). this is a pretty amusing lesbian getting-you-wet schtick without doing a russo brothers HEY IM GETTING YOU WET. GET IT? WE FUCK NOW? and does supply some believable friction for the “why can’t they be together NOW” question. they can’t be together now bc emily is a walking disaster.

unfortunately i think this book is much weaker in the last third of the relationship, and the way they resolved their misunderstanding from an accidental eavesdrop felt like it could be very forties romantic drama in the eventual film adaptation, but felt very flimsy as a modern reader. i hope that makes sense. wretched ending, i did NOT enjoy the Kit spanking Emily scene to get her to confess why she broke up with her in the LAST THREE PAGES. it felt very strange when they were so focused on being soft and gentle for the rest of the book, and i don’t think that’s a good place to rebuild a relationship on.

yes, and the sex?

certainly better than all of the other bella books sex scenes: three? i think? with one nearly a full chapter long. i wish some of the word choice (eg “honey path”) was different. i think White’s strength is in groups conferring amongst each other and establishing non-romantic relationships, but she’s good at making me invested in them because they have so much frustration to overcome and have to establish a friendship beachhead before they can get to anything romantic.

by far the best bella book with some really standout individual scenes, but still a very mixed bag. i will probably keep it on the strength of that shortbread passage alone bc. OOF. i think it was worth slogging through the bella/naiad books for that.

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watching

rare fallow week! hopefully i will sort myself out as i get used to working in person and need less completely silent floor time. hopefully.

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playing

no news on the desktop front unforch BUT i did finally have a phone upgrade tick around and good god. going from an iPhone 12 to a 16 plus is insane. this thing is enormous. i get WHY genshin makes a billion dollars a year on mobile bc this looks sick but my god do i prefer mouse and keyboard. i feel a billion years old. i am glad i can get in and do my dailies and some events but i am nowhere near confident enough to do like. the fighting part of the fighting game. anyway, get a load of this guy and his thigh high demonias

with this guy the only other guy i really really want is pink fox lady Yae Miko. and woman of mystery Skirk. whenever the fuck she drops. so glad i was grinding before my pc died lol bc i dropped three mil in-game currency on making sure my beautiful sad man has maxed artifacts maxed weapon and talents to 8/10. he would be totally maxed but i have One! ONE! boss drop left and can’t quite clinch it yet on mobile. i may have to drop the difficulty level down as far as it will go :( i cannot git gud :(

but get a load of this other guy!

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making

continuing battles with the insane microclimate on my balcony, which is extremely hot and dry yet i am constantly battling drainage issues and a fungal damping-off issue, where seedlings wither at the base before they get their first true leaves. also having a strange issue with things simply not coming up: the purple bush beans and lettuce mix i bought last year, and half the marigolds i bought this year don’t want to sprout At All even in a damp paper towel in a baggie. they’ve been kept in the cool and dark. so what gives.

however, the nearly six year old butternut squash seeds @shiny-good-rock sent me at the beginning of the pandemic? all four of those babies came up. while they sort themselves out into something photogenic, behold my beautiful little satellite array of nasturtiums. they need to be moved around a bit so they all have breathing room but that’s a problem for future kay

and finally, i so rarely enter giveaways but i entered one on Instagram and got a stupid mchugelarge box FULL of rit dye!!! i am going to commit so many synthetic crimes. gorls THRILLED by big box and so much paper

[cosmicrescendo]

oh oomf asked me earlier what i think of Gavv As A Whole as of right now, so I might was well repost those thoughts + elaborate a little more:

Consistency: Keep things Simple!

After A comes B, then C. Seems that would be the standard for a narrative, right? Things click together narratively and thematically. And yet....I like Modern Rider is like. kinda addicted to "bam! its a twist!" to the point where sometimes i feel as sometimes the existence of a twist Existing seems to take greater priority than making sure character journeys and the overall themes don't get derailed/contradict themselves/dropped. Just because it's predictable, doesn't mean its bad you know?

Gavv has such a nice, natural progression, everything in the show is supposed to be a platform for furthering Shoma's (and Hanto's) journey. It doesn't feel like the main group is getting dragged around by The Greater Plot Happening To Them tm ! (There are some stories where that kind of thing is Fine, but I feel like it really doesn't suit Kamen Rider that well...?) Which brings me to my next point.....

Appropriate Pace and Stakes Win The Race!

So like, every Rider ends up fighting a Main Villain whose aims to endanger the whole world. Yet I wouldn't say the level of stakes in the series throughout in say, Fourze is comparable something like Build right? Every season should handle its stakes differently and manage its pacing of tension for the kind of story it is. My #HotTake tm tm for example, that for what Revice wanted to say with its message, shouldn't have exponentially skyrocketed the level of tension so fast and approached its endgame stakes the way it did.

As I said earlier, Gavv centers around Shoma's story. Thus, the road is set: he's got to take down Stomach Corp and protect people from being turned into snacks, while grappling with his past. We can create moments of High Tension (such as Gavv 20) that feel impactful without having to rely on the weight of raising the severity of what's at stake, and due to the show's own setup, there's built-in restrictions (For example, Lango can't suddenly decide he wants to destroy all of humanity, for example ).

Avoid pitfalls of its predeccessors (That I haven't mentioned yet).

I feel like Gavv is doing a great job brushing over pitfalls certain shows have. I love Gotchard, but Gavv has a thoughtful execution of "hero's little guys" that I feel like just have to be taken from lessons on certain ways they felt like could used the chemies better.

Gavv's cast isn't that particularly smaller than other Reiwa Riders, yet there's a feeling of "tightness". There's not a single character you could cut from the show, and the way they're sectioned off in the show (Stomach Corp, Suga's office, Sachika's Place, the main Riders), you're never getting the dreaded "too many guys packed into a set where they just kinda Gawk as the characters that are important atm talk" shot, and we can focus more on more compelling dynamics that way!

There's probably more I can think of, but that is what comes to mind rn!

[bitfreak]

Roadmap to Learn Full Verbal: Your Guide to Mastering the Art of Words (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s be honest — tackling verbal skills can feel like trying to tame a wild beast. Grammar rules popping up like surprise quizzes, vocabulary that sounds like it’s from another planet, and reading comprehension passages longer than your last Netflix binge. But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through this jungle with a roadmap that’s almost as fun as a Sunday brunch.

Step 1: Build Your Vocabulary — One Word at a Time

No, you don’t need to memorize the entire dictionary overnight (unless you’re a superhero). Start with high-frequency words and use flashcards, apps, or heck, even sticky notes on your fridge. Make it a game — challenge yourself to use a new word every day. “Obfuscate”? Perfect. Try it in a sentence before your morning coffee!

Step 2: Master Grammar Like a Pro (or at Least Like You Know What You’re Doing)

Think of grammar as the rules of a board game. You don’t want to flip the table midway through. Focus on the basics — subject-verb agreement, tenses, and common pitfalls like “their,” “there,” and “they’re.” And remember: commas are tiny ninjas that can change the whole meaning of a sentence.

Step 3: Practice Reading with Purpose

Don’t just read for the sake of reading. Pick articles, essays, or books that challenge you but don’t make you want to scream. Take notes, underline key points, and ask yourself: “What’s the author really saying?” This will sharpen your comprehension and critical thinking — skills that are gold in any verbal test.

Step 4: Write, Rewrite, Repeat

You learn language by using it. Write essays, summaries, or even tweets (because brevity is its own art). Get feedback, edit ruthlessly, and watch your skills bloom.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Fear Mistakes — They’re Your Best Teachers Every slip-up is a step closer to mastery. So, embrace the oops moments. They make for great stories later.

Ready to start your verbal journey? Grab your coffee, your notebook, and let’s make words your new best friends. Trust me — future you will thank you (and maybe even buy you a celebratory donut).

[autumnslance]

"Greetings, Warrior of Light. This is a world that exists outside your reality. Could it be a dream? A flight of fancy conjured by your weary mind? Perhaps…or perhaps not. "'Tis a pleasure to meet you again. As I have in the past, I have beckoned you here that I might express my gratitude. The road we have walked has been long and winding, full of perils and pitfalls, but we have enjoyed every step in your company. We hope that you feel the same about this last, great leap. With every adventure we undertake, the longer the legacy we leave behind us. Yet a lengthy history need not mean a foreshortened future. Many adventures yet await. We shall continue to chart a course into the great unknown─one that takes in all the diverse wonders this wide world has to offer─that your legacy might grow ever greater. To be certain, it would be a less trying task to sleepwalk ever onward down the same, well-furrowed path, Yet to venture down paths untrodden, believing in the bright and glorious future that lies beyond them, is by far the more rewarding. This is the gift that we wish to deliver unto you: the gift of adventure. And we pray, with all our hearts, that you will continue to walk with us. We thank you for joining us on this journey, heretofore and hereafter. "…Now, the time has come for this vision to end; time for your eyes to open from this waking dream. One cannot know what fills the hearts and minds of those who look to the sky this Rising night. Perhaps you and I will see very different images in those explosions of light and color. But one thing I know for certain─that right here, right now, we look to the same sky. And though the paths that lay ahead of us may lead in very different directions, sometime, someplace, they shall cross again."

-Naoki Yoshida, The Rising 2024, "We Who Are About to Set Sail Salute You", Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail

[quoththemaiden]

What is your favorite thing about the Eric x Muriel situation?

Oooh, there’s so many reasons I love them and ship them. The first and simplest is that they’re great characters on their own. They’ve both been around since time immemorial, but they both bring such an intense energy to any new thing they’re allowed to do, no matter how unappealing it might seem on the surface. Getting to talk to a higher-ranking angel or demon, even if it results in them being dissolved in acid a few times, is such a rare opportunity that they fling themselves into it full-force. I’d love to get to see them experience some actually nice things together, and to learn for themselves what things are actually wonderful and how to create wonderfulness and niceness themselves. It would be such a scary journey, but I’d like to see them support each other through it!

The next layer is that they actually aren’t perfect people at the moment. We don’t get enough scenes with them to see much darkness, but they aren’t just fully sweetness and light. Muriel was perfectly chipper in the Job minisode about the people and animals dying and they didn’t seem to have any moral hesitation about reporting on Aziraphale and Crowley. Now, they were completely incompetent as a spy so we don’t know what they would have done if they’d actually had real proof to present, but at this point they’re clearly not tuned into the stakes and they could easily cause a lot of collateral damage. Plop them down at the crucifixion and would they even know enough to wince at Jesus’s pain or understand why anyone was mourning?

And for Eric’s part, the first thing that springs to mind is that deleted scene where he wants to punch “Aziraphale” while he’s tied up. “I’ve always wanted to hit an angel!” And, really, why not? He’s a demon. Why wouldn’t he want to hurt an angel? It reminds you that Eric Fell. Regardless of why Eric Fell or how he felt about his fellow angels before the Fall, he very likely fought against them, he had no apparent qualms about helping to kill one now, and he might well hold a totally reasonable amount of bitterness for his siblings who never got punished like he did. So, yeah, why not take the opportunity to sock one when the opportunity arises?

So how would that play out in their relationship, if Muriel is unknowingly callous and Eric has spent six thousand years in a workplace built around cruelty? They’ll learn and grow after they’re finally able to experience new things — of course they will — but how will that play out for them as individuals or as a couple? There are so many potential pitfalls. Just like the highs of Aziraphale and Crowley’s relationship are sweeter because they do have the lows where their jokes don’t land, they say totally the wrong thing, or they fail a moral test in the other’s eyes, there would surely be stumbling blocks for Eric and Muriel as well. And that makes it so much more interesting.

(The layer after that is that they’re so freakin’ adorable. Absolute cutie-pies. @strophalosx3's fanart of Eric twirling Muriel around in a dance kills me every time because I cannot handle the cuteness. That takes a lower layer because of course it’s just superficial, and also because they have a lot of competition for attractiveness and charisma — our Ineffable Husbands whose love shines through in every scene, Uriel who’s so confident and drop-dead gorgeous, Dagon who manages to be adorable in a mature office lady kind of way despite the make-up, Saraqael who brings such an intense aura of competence to every scene… so many great actors and character designs! But if I had to rank them specifically for adorability, Eric and Muriel are both definitely up there at the top and that certainly adds to the fun of shipping them.)

[qalaqalnafsi]

As Salam Alakum Wa Rahmatulahi Wa Barakatuhu

For me, Islamic parenting isn’t just about following a set of rules – it’s a way of life that’s all about nurturing our kids’ whole selves, from their physical and emotional well-being to their deen. Let’s have a heart-to-heart about something important: Islamic parenting in the age of artificial intelligence. While AI brings many benefits to our children’s lives, it’s essential to be aware of the potential pitfalls it can present. I mean, who would have thought that AI would become such a huge part of our parenting journey? From apps that teach our kids ABCs to YouTube videos that keep them entertained for hours, AI is changing the game – and fast. As we navigate this journey together, we’ll dive into the less-talked-about aspects of AI in parenting. We’ll explore how excessive screen time can impact our children’s well-being, how exposure to certain content can affect their mental health, and how overreliance on technology may hinder their critical thinking skills.

But fear not! Our Islamic parenting AI series is here to equip you with the knowledge and tools to address these challenges effectively. We’ll delve into strategies to create a balanced tech-life environment, foster open communication with your children, and instil values that align with Islam while navigating the digital landscape.

Join me on this insightful journey as we uncover the nuances of parenting with AI, empowering ourselves with the wisdom and guidance needed to safeguard our children’s holistic development. Together, let’s embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and create a nurturing environment that fosters both their well-being and spiritual growth.

Are you ready to embark on this transformative path with me? Let’s empower ourselves as parents and ensure our children thrive in a world where technology and Islamic principles intersect.

Part 1: Disconnect to Reconnect: An Islamic Framework for Healthy Screen Time Management

Assalamu alaikum! Let me tell you a little story about my daughter and her trip to the dentist. Just last week, I asked my 7-year-old to bring a book with her instead of her tablet when we had to go for a check-up.

So, my daughter chose this book called “Katie the Cat Sitter” – I’ve got to say, that girl has great taste! Anyway, as we were waiting for the dentist, I looked around and saw all these other children just staring at their devices, not engaged with anything or anyone. But my daughter was completely absorbed in her book, turning the pages with such concentration.

The dentist even commented on it, saying he was surprised to see a child so engrossed in a physical book these days. There’s just something so special about having your child choose a book and dive into a story, rather than mindlessly scrolling through a screen.

As parents of this new generation – Generation Alpha and Gamma – we’re really in a unique position. Our kids are growing up in a world saturated with technology and screens everywhere. Managing their screen time can feel like trying to navigate a never-ending maze, with distractions lurking around every corner. I mean, tablets, smartphones, computers, TVs – the screens just never seem to end!

Now, don’t get me wrong, technology can be a powerful tool for learning and staying connected. But we all know it can also lead to way too much screen time, and that comes with its own set of challenges. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 27, Allah reminds us of the importance of balance: “And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.” This verse serves as a powerful reminder to find a middle ground in our use of technology. It encourages us to avoid both extremes—being overly restrictive or excessively indulgent. But what happens when we, as parents, find ourselves addicted to our screens?

It’s so easy to get caught up in that endless scroll on social media or just binge-watching shows. Before you know it, we’re disconnecting from our kids and setting a really poor example when it comes to healthy screen habits.

How the Shaytan Keeps Us Engaged

The devil, or Shaytan, has a way of keeping us engaged in distractions that pull us away from our responsibilities and our faith. Here are a few ways this can manifest:

1. Distraction from Responsibilities: When we are glued to our screens, we may neglect our duties as parents, partners, and community members. This can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy.

2. Comparison and Envy: Social media often fosters a culture of comparison, where we measure our lives against curated highlights of others. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and discontent.

3. Escapism: Screens can provide an escape from reality, allowing us to avoid dealing with our emotions or responsibilities. This can create a cycle of dependency on technology for comfort.

4. Reduced Quality Time: When we prioritize our screens over our children, we miss out on valuable moments of connection and bonding. This can impact our relationships and our children’s emotional well-being.

Finding Balance

To effectively parent Generation Alpha & Gamma, we must first address our screen habits. Here are some strategies to help us find balance:

Set Boundaries: Establish specific times for screen use, both for you and your children. Designate tech-free zones or times, such as during meals or family activities. This helps maintain a sense of balance and ensures that we’re not always glued to our screens.

Model Healthy Behavior: it’s crucial for us to model healthy behavior when it comes to technology. I try to be mindful of my own screen time, and I make sure to engage in offline activities with my family. We love going for walks, playing board games, Get to Know Me games and simply spending quality time together without any distractions.

Encourage Offline Activities: Promote hobbies and interests that don’t involve screens, such as reading, sports, or arts and crafts. This helps children develop a well-rounded set of skills and interests.

Engage in Open Conversations: it’s not always easy to navigate this digital landscape as Muslim parents. That’s why it’s so important to have open conversations with our children about the importance of moderation and the potential pitfalls of excessive screen time. We encourage them to express their feelings and concerns, and we listen with empathy and understanding.

Consider Using Parental Apps to Monitor Screen Time: To take your screen time management to the next level, consider using parental control apps like Mobicip and Family Link to monitor and limit your children’s screen time. In our family, we limit screen time to just 3 days a week (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) for 3 hours each day. By setting boundaries and modeling healthy behavior, you can help your children develop a healthy relationship with technology and find a balance that works for your family. In addition to the structured screen time limits and activities, it’s essential to prioritize family bonding time. For the remaining 4 days of the week, encourage outdoor play, watching TV together, and most importantly, have dinner as a family without any screens or gadgets at the table. This ritual fosters connection, communication, and togetherness within the family unit.

Parenting Generation Alpha and Gamma in a screen-saturated world is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, we can navigate these waters successfully. By seeking balance, modelling healthy behaviours, and fostering open communication, we can guide our children toward a more mindful relationship with technology.

Alhamdulillah, I’ve found that something as simple as asking my kids to leave their devices at home and bring a book instead can make such a big difference. It’s a small way to encourage that love of reading and real-world engagement. And seeing my daughter’s face light up as she talks about the characters in her book – that’s priceless.

Just a little something to think about. What are some of the ways you’ve been navigating this digital landscape as a Muslim parents? I’d love to hear your stories and insights!

May Allah grant us the wisdom to raise our children in a way that aligns with our values and nurtures their well-being. Ameen.

https://www.qalaqalnafsi.com

[coachingsuggest]

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[alchemyfire]

In case you are interested...

Yesterday I reblogged some post about the tarot birth cards and of course, I could not resist to put in Maxime's and Antoine's birth dates. The results are so perfect (especially for Maxime, imo) that I have to share. <3

Maximilien's cards: (Donť you just see his whole life there?)

Temperance and The Hierophant share a passionate nature, a concern for purity of intention and action, faith in personal evolution and perfectability. Both are impatient with wrong-doing and lack of effort.

They contrast as natural vs. formal, personal vs. hierarchical, righteous vs. moral, individual vs. communal. Self-knowledge contrasts with received lineage. The path of mighty effort contrasts with the path of perfect surrender.

The Hierophant listens to the inner voice and allows it to speak through him. He knows the secret path that connects the inner and the outer, the hidden and the visible; and he is a sure guide to anyone traveling from one to the other. The Hierophant's job is to clearly separate right from wrong, to create and lead the rituals of the spirit, to teach the true knowledge, to open the door to the chamber of the heart; and to initiate all who have done the outer practices into the inner mysteries. He is the guardian of the gates of Paradise.

Temperance is the captain of the armies of the spirit, the beam of light in a dark room. He combines the powers of opposite intensity — of hot and cold, of light and dark, of dry and wet, of weightless and heavy — into the passionate impulse of the center. He is the drawn bow of the arrow of Sagittarius, aimed at the bulls-eye. His job is to know first-hand every danger and pitfall of the right and left-hand paths, and then to find and travel the middle way. His energy, passion and purity are the shortest, surest way out of the prison of our personal limitations, and into our freedom and true power.

Unintegrated and imperfectly realized, The Hierophant can be intolerant, inflexible and hypocritical, concerned with form instead of essence, permitting vice while forbidding heresy, exchanging the inner kingdom for a personal following.

Temperance can be given to extremes — of self-righteousness and self-contempt, of anger and pity, of action and lethargy, of asceticism and license. He can be self-involved, lazy, sloppy, and given to fantasies of personal greatness.

Together, they can be focused, inspired and charismatic. They can be both trusted leaders and loyal followers. They know, speak and act from their own highest truth.

---

And Antoine's cards:

Judgement and The High Priestess share the energy of beginnings, the beginning of an awakening and the beginning of an initiation. And so they also share the finality of endings, since each marks an irrevocable boundary between levels of awareness. The Priestess guards the gate to the last secrets of self and world. Judgement is the door to the beginnings of the secret knowledge of self and world. On the far side of Judgement everything is sound asleep in the dream of the everyday. On the far side of The Priestess everything is wide awake at the end of the final journey.

Judgement listens to the sound of a call so loud that it cannot be ignored. It emerges from the ordinary, stripped of everything it previously held precious and identified with. It begins a brand new life in a world made new by a new awareness, awakened and motivated by a distant energy it hears and obeys but doesn't understand. It finds itself in a state of constant transformation fueled by a steady and unquenchable inner fire.

The High Priestess is mysterious, self-effacing and self-sufficient. Her silence is ancient and perfect. She says nothing and does nothing, but leaves nothing unsaid or undone. She is cool, serene and complete.

Unintegrated and imperfectly realized, Judgement can be deaf to the inner call and heedless of its potential, remaining steadfastly concerned with everyday matters and ordinary pursuits. Nevertheless, it can still be susceptible to visions, ghosts and all sorts of paranormal experiences, with a strong psychic talent and a readiness to believe stories of the super- and supra-natural.

The stubborn denial of Judgement can join forces with the Priestess' certainty that she knows everything. When this happens, they combine as foolish self-confidence alternating with a fear of the unknown, making personal growth a harrowing experience.

Together, they focus on the transcendent rather than on the commonplace. They combine high energy, and a capacity for radical change and impressive growth, with an intuitive awareness of the vastness of the mystery of things. They can be great explorers, willing to plunge into the fertile and frightening unknown and take their chances with it.

[jowhale]

The Journey in Entrepreneurial Mind : Political Science Edition

Hello, everyone! and every two! and every three!

The Final Pitching: Our OMNIHUB Innovation Takes Pride

After months of hard work, countless brainstorming, conducting several surveys, and more than a few late nights, the day finally arrived for us to pitch our innovative new service application “OMNIHUB '' to the panels. The atmosphere was electric as we took in commencing to pitch, presented a demo of the seamless user experience, and articulated our vision for creating a revolutionary platform to make people’s lives more convenient and open up new opportunities especially to the students. 

Moreover, there were certainly some nerves, months of preparation carried us through. We highlighted OMNIHUB’s unique ability to seamlessly connect users to local services, from transportation to grocery to dog walking and more remotely. I guess, the panel’s eyes lit up as they saw and witnessed just how great and intuitive the app made accessing these modern conveniences. When we revealed our expansive partner network of service, and assuming the presence of developers and partner providers, I believe they will be on board, and expecting that we could feel the rising excitement. 

As the pitch encapsulates, we feel the exploding applause coming from our adviser and the panel. Months of doubt, fatigue and challenges melted away in that moment of validation and promise for our startup’s future. Thus, there is still a long road ahead, pitching OMNIHUB was an incredible milestone and motivating start to our entrepreneurial journey. 

The Entrepreneurial Mind Lecture Series 2024

Credits: Mr. Reymark Menguito Facebook Post after the lecture series photo opt.

With the high pitch still fresh, we were fortunate to attend the Entrepreneurial Mind Lecture Series and gain invaluable insights about critical legal and business considerations for startup founders. The discussions around data privacy regulations, intellectual property protection and nurturing a healthy startup ecosystem were not only fascinating but immensely practical. 

One speaker’s cautionary tales about the risks of neglecting data privacy best practices clearly outlined the need to bake those considerations into our respective innovation’s infrastructure from day one. However, sometimes seen as a hindrance, we recognized robust data privacy as an opportunity to build user trust and position our brand as an advocate on valuing digital rights and freedoms. 

The intellectual property talks were another highlight, detailing strategies for safeguarding our core innovations while still encouraging productive partnerships and integrations within the broader ecosystem we aim to facilitate. It was a masterclass in walking the tightrope of protecting our interest while still boldly collaborating. 

Moreover, as we put the context to our innovation, while the OMNIHUB pitch was the dramatic crescendo, lectures like these represent the foundational learnings that will allow us to transform our plucky startup into an enduring, ethical and impactful enterprise. The insights gained will undoubtedly help steer us clear of many potential pitfalls. 

The Entrepreneurial Mind Experience: A Rewarding Whirlwind

The AB Political Science 3 in one frame with Sir Reymark Menguito.

Reflecting on the entire semester with “Entrepreneurial Mind” experience, it was truly a roller coaster in the best way possible. POwered by passion yet anchored in practicality and preparation, we weathered the inevitable storms of self-doubt, fatigue, and creative differences to bring “OMNIHUB” to this exciting inflection point. 

There were countless lows along the way - those nights where it felt like we never made a dent, or disagreements that threatened to derail everything. But each time we hit a roadblock, our resilience, openness to constructive feedback, and sheer belief in our vision pulled us through. We’ll carry the lessons of perseverance, resourcefulness, and teamwork with us forever. 

Of course, the highs were just as intense as the lows - those electrifying moments where everything clicked into place, or a conversation with a subject matter expert unlocked a powerful new idea we’d been stubbornly missing. Celebrating small wins with the team, whether a UI breakthrough or a new partnership commitment, recharged our momentum. 

Nevertheless, the future is unwritten, one thing is certain: we will always be visionary entrepreneurs at heart, capable of pouring out all into pursuing an ambitious idea and weathering any storm required to try and make an impact. OMNIHUB was the catalyst, but the Entrepreneurial MInd experience awakened something deeper- a mindset geared for constant evolution, lifelong learning and solving problems in unconventional ways. 

Moreover, this could not be possible without the ever-dynamic instructor of ours, Sir Reymark Menguito who made our journey in this course become extraordinary, through his expertise, motivation and passion to fuel our vehicles in entrepreneurship. I, myself, am beyond grateful for having Sir Reymark Menguito with us throughout the semester.

The abovementioned, the pitch, lecture series, and complete experience represented not just an academic exercise, but moreover the start of our entrepreneurial voyage. We have been equipped with tools, passion, memories and the hunger to continually innovate for a better world. After this rewarding whirlwind, we are eager to see what ambitious idea captures our “Entrepreneurial Mind” next. 

"Could have been me" a song of Halsey that pertains to someone or something that's holding oneself to be fearless, to do things scared and feel every emotions without restrictions in everything. To have some fun and enjoy things which talks to self indirectly that it could be me if I do it without anything is hampering me. And this is me.

[jgroffdaily]

Excerpts from an interview with Merrily director Maria Friedman at The Record, Bergen County

Actors, we are told, "age out" of roles. A cruel reality of the business.

How nice to hear, in "Merrily We Roll Along," about actors who have aged in.

Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez, the leads in this revival of Stephen Sondheim's most autobiographical, most problematic and possibly best musical, are all in their 30s.

“I'm pinching myself at how lucky I am," Friedman said. "I could keep on and on and on with this thing."

Ever since then, people have been tinkering with the show, trying to get it right. Friedman thinks she has. Thanks in no small part to her cast.

"They are the kindest, sweetest people you could ever work with," Friedman said. "I've never seen people with so much give so much."

Another pitfall is making it too cynical, bitchy, judgy. "We all, by the time we are the age these characters are playing, have made mistakes," she said. "And it's OK. You can reset. I have a forgiveness and love for every single person on that stage. I find a way to explore their humanity, their fragility, their loneliness, the lack of love and the wanting of love and the not understanding of love. I don't blame anyone."

That goes especially for Franklin Shepard, frequently cast as the villain of the piece — the king sellout. Not in her show.

"Everyone says Frank is unlikeable," she said. "Well, watch this Frank. He's loveable. He's charismatic. He's a people pleaser. He's not a villain on any front. He's brilliant, and he loses his way because of other people's demands on him."

All credit to Groff's great performance, Friedman says. But Radcliffe, as his buddy Charley, is not a bit behindhand. Not least because we've all watched Radcliffe on his own "Merrily We Roll Along" journey — from beloved child star in the "Harry Potter" series, to adult, risk-taking actor in "Equus" and "Endgame." He won't disappoint his fans, Friedman said.

"He's dazzling, absolutely dazzling," she said. "A remarkable man, and a remarkable actor. He stops the show at several points."

[your7oxygen]

Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid

Common Pitfalls and How to Steer Clear

Interior design is an exciting journey that can transform your living space into a haven of comfort and style. However, even the most seasoned decorators can fall into common traps that may compromise the overall aesthetic and functionality of a room.

1. Ignoring the Importance of a Plan

One of the biggest mistakes in interior design is diving in without a solid plan. It’s tempting to start buying furniture and decor the moment inspiration strikes, but without a clear vision, your space can end up feeling disjointed. Take the time to plan your layout, consider the flow of the room, and establish a color scheme that ties everything together. By starting with a comprehensive design plan, you ensure that every piece you bring into the space has a purpose and complements the overall aesthetic.

2. Choosing Style Over Comfort

It’s easy to be drawn to trendy furniture that looks great in a showroom or magazine, but comfort should never be sacrificed for style. A beautiful sofa that’s uncomfortable to sit on will quickly become a regret. When selecting furniture, test it out for comfort and durability. Remember that your home is a place for relaxation, so prioritize pieces that are as functional as they are stylish.

3. Overloading the Space with Furniture

Another common mistake is overcrowding a room with too much furniture. While it may be tempting to fill every corner with stylish pieces, this can lead to a cluttered and cramped environment. Instead, focus on selecting a few key pieces that serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose. Leave enough open space to allow for easy movement and to give your room a more spacious feel.

4. Poor Lighting Choices

Lighting is one of the most crucial elements of interior design, yet it’s often overlooked or poorly executed. A room with inadequate or harsh lighting can feel unwelcoming and flat. To avoid this, layer your lighting by incorporating ambient, task, and accent lighting. Use a combination of overhead lights, floor lamps, and table lamps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Don’t forget to take advantage of natural light by keeping windows unobstructed and using sheer curtains to diffuse sunlight.

5. Neglecting to Create a Focal Point

Every well-designed room needs a focal point—a standout feature that draws the eye and anchors the space. Without a focal point, a room can feel chaotic and directionless. Whether it’s a bold piece of artwork, a statement fireplace, or an eye-catching piece of furniture, make sure to create a centerpiece that gives your room a sense of balance and cohesion.

[coder23-data]

The Data Migration Odyssey: A Journey Across Platforms

As a database engineer, I thought I'd seen it all—until our company decided to migrate our entire database system to a new platform. What followed was an epic adventure filled with unexpected challenges, learning experiences, and a dash of heroism.

It all started on a typical Monday morning when my boss, the same stern woman with a flair for the dramatic, called me into her office. "Rookie," she began (despite my years of experience, the nickname had stuck), "we're moving to a new database platform. I need you to lead the migration."

I blinked. Migrating a database wasn't just about copying data from one place to another; it was like moving an entire city across the ocean. But I was ready for the challenge.

Phase 1: Planning the Expedition

First, I gathered my team and we started planning. We needed to understand the differences between the old and new systems, identify potential pitfalls, and develop a detailed migration strategy. It was like preparing for an expedition into uncharted territory.

We started by conducting a thorough audit of our existing database. This involved cataloging all tables, relationships, stored procedures, and triggers. We also reviewed performance metrics to identify any existing bottlenecks that could be addressed during the migration.

Phase 2: Mapping the Terrain

Next, we designed the new database design schema using schema builder online from dynobird. This was more than a simple translation; we took the opportunity to optimize our data structures and improve performance. It was like drafting a new map for our city, making sure every street and building was perfectly placed.

For example, our old database had a massive "orders" table that was a frequent source of slow queries. In the new schema, we split this table into more manageable segments, each optimized for specific types of queries.

Phase 3: The Great Migration

With our map in hand, it was time to start the migration. We wrote scripts to transfer data in batches, ensuring that we could monitor progress and handle any issues that arose. This step felt like loading up our ships and setting sail.

Of course, no epic journey is without its storms. We encountered data inconsistencies, unexpected compatibility issues, and performance hiccups. One particularly memorable moment was when we discovered a legacy system that had been quietly duplicating records for years. Fixing that felt like battling a sea monster, but we prevailed.

Phase 4: Settling the New Land

Once the data was successfully transferred, we focused on testing. We ran extensive queries, stress tests, and performance benchmarks to ensure everything was running smoothly. This was our version of exploring the new land and making sure it was fit for habitation.

We also trained our users on the new system, helping them adapt to the changes and take full advantage of the new features. Seeing their excitement and relief was like watching settlers build their new homes.

Phase 5: Celebrating the Journey

After weeks of hard work, the migration was complete. The new database was faster, more reliable, and easier to maintain. My boss, who had been closely following our progress, finally cracked a smile. "Excellent job, rookie," she said. "You've done it again."

To celebrate, she took the team out for a well-deserved dinner. As we clinked our glasses, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. We had navigated a complex migration, overcome countless challenges, and emerged victorious.

Lessons Learned

Looking back, I realized that successful data migration requires careful planning, a deep understanding of both the old and new systems, and a willingness to tackle unexpected challenges head-on. It's a journey that tests your skills and resilience, but the rewards are well worth it.

So, if you ever find yourself leading a database migration, remember: plan meticulously, adapt to the challenges, and trust in your team's expertise. And don't forget to celebrate your successes along the way. You've earned it!

[mattholicguilt]

as much as I love every single character on tng I know that if I was on the enterprise having a shitty day. like if i was some traveler who got stranded and I lost all my luggage and the Borg tried to kill me and I was on the enterprise as a frazzled and exhausted guest. I would not want anybody dealing with me besides riker and guinan. MAYBE worf.

bc Picard would be all like "i see your travels have been beset by a great many pitfalls, much like Odysseus on his journey. and yet your spirit prevails" and Deanna would look at me shaking with barely contained rage and say some shit like "I sense frustration in you" and geordi would be too busy stopping the warp core from blowing up and data would be like "I cannot experience love"

but riker would just be no-nonsense no bullshit with me. and so would guinan. that's who I want trying to talk to me in a crisis

[beatrice-otter]

Sedoretu Exchange recs

I have finally, over a month after the collection was revealed, had both the time AND the brain space to read through the entire collection. If it weren't sedoretuex, I would probably have given up, but there aren't that many sedoretu fic out there so I wanted to savor what was just written.

First, I received an amazing DS9 fic by violet_pencil that does SUCH interesting worldbuilding.

Bread and Roses (19535 words) by violet_pencil Fandom: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Kira Nerys/Miles O'Brien, Keiko O'Brien & Miles O'Brien, Bareil Antos & Kira Nerys, Bareil Antos/Keiko O'Brien, Bareil Antos/Kira Nerys/Keiko O'Brien/Miles O'Brien, Kira Nerys/Keiko O'Brien/Miles O'Brien Additional Tags: Episode: s01e01-02 Emissary, Bajoran Culture (Star Trek), Canon Rewrite, Episode: s01e13 Battle Lines (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Episode: s01e20 In the Hands of the Prophets, Culture Shock, POV Kira Nerys, Season/Series 01, Kira Nerys has PTSD, Alien Cultural Differences, Worldbuilding, Marriage, Alternate Universe - Sedoretu Marriage Series: Part 2 of violet's star trek fusions & crossovers Summary:

"Marriage is the greatest adventure of them all. It's filled with pitfalls and setbacks and mistakes, but it's a journey worth taking." — Miles O'Brien, "Armageddon Game"

Hearts starve as well as bodies: Give us Bread, but give us Roses. — James Oppenheim, "Bread and Roses"

Other fics I loved:

Any Four Walls (11952 words) by tielan Fandom: Marvel Cinematic Universe Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark, Pepper Potts & Steve Rogers, Maria Hill/Steve Rogers, Maria Hill/Pepper Potts, Pepper Potts/Tony Stark, Maria Hill & Tony Stark, Maria Hill/Pepper Potts/Steve Rogers/Tony Stark Additional Tags: Sedoretu, Developing Relationship, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon-ish Summary:

“I thought we should probably have a discussion,” Tony says blithely. “About futures and pasts and all that.” As always, tielan does an amazing job of handling the characters with insight and grace.  

A Kryptonian Marriage (2493 words) by Chromatographic Fandom: DCU (Comics) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Clark Kent/Selina Kyle/Lois Lane/Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent/Lois Lane Characters: Lois Lane, Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne, Selina Kyle Additional Tags: Sedoretu, Pre-Relationship, but it's gonna happen, Lois Lane-centric, on screen Clark/Lois, Kryptonian World Building, For funsies, Krypton had moieties, and sedoretus, but Earth does not, Timeline What Timeline Summary:

Lois loves Clark - all of Clark, and she'll show it to him in every way that she can.

Or: Earth doesn't have moieties, and sedoretus - but Krypton did.

Interesting worldbuilding, and I love Lois' care for Clark and his culture

Four, for Four Decades (9624 words) by blueyeti Fandom: James Bond (Craig Movies), The Old Guard (Movie 2020) Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: James Bond/M | Olivia Mansfield, Andy | Andromache of Scythia/Booker | Sebastien le Livre, Andy | Andromache of Scythia/James Bond/Booker | Sebastien le Livre/M | Olivia Mansfield Characters: M | Olivia Mansfield, James Bond, Andy | Andromache of Scythia, Booker | Sebastien le Livre Additional Tags: Canon-Typical Violence, Canon-Typical Behavior, Sedoretu, Sedoretu politics, Historical, Immortality, Immortal James Bond, Worldbuilding Series: Part 1 of Bond & The Old Guard Sedoretu Summary:

In November, 1950, James Bond died on M's orders. He came back.

Great explanation for why James Bond has kept going on for so long ...

[kalki-watches-the-watchmen]

Book 1: The Spectre of Silf

Page 1

In a parallel universe not so far from our own, the world was still reeling from a catastrophe that had shaken it to its core. The chaotic aftermath of the alien squid's destruction of New York was beginning to subside, but the wounds were still fresh. The world had changed irrevocably, and humanity was struggling to adjust to the new normal.

Kalki, a figure of power and mystery, watched the world from her lofty perch in the shadows. Her gaze was distant, her mind lost in a labyrinth of thoughts. Her eyes were a deep black, like two dark pools reflecting the universe's vast expanse. She was both a part of this world and separate from it, a paradox that had been the source of her strength and her torment.

On the streets below, people scurried about their daily lives, oblivious to the watchful eyes that followed their every move. Kalki was not a benevolent guardian, nor was she a vengeful deity. She was a product of her circumstances, a pawn in a cosmic game that was far beyond her understanding.

Suddenly, her gaze shifted, focusing on a solitary figure making its way through the crowd. The figure moved with purpose, its every step echoing with an unseen authority. It was Adrian Veidt, the man known to the world as Ozymandias.

Veidt was a brilliant mind, a visionary who had seen the world's potential and its pitfalls. But he was also a man haunted by his actions. His plan had saved the world from a nuclear war, but at a cost too great to bear. The guilt weighed heavily on him, a constant reminder of the blood on his hands.

As Kalki watched Veidt disappear into the crowd, a chill ran down her spine. She could sense a change in the air, a shift in the cosmic balance. She knew in her heart that a storm was coming, one that would test the mettle of every soul on earth.

But as the first woman, Kalki knew she had a role to play. She was bound by duty and destiny to stand against the coming darkness. And as the world spun on its axis, oblivious to the threats that lurked in the shadows, Kalki prepared for the battle that was to come.

Her journey had just begun. The world may have been in chaos, but in chaos, there was opportunity. And Kalki was determined to seize it. For better or for worse, the fate of the world was now intertwined with hers.

And so, the stage was set for a grand cosmic drama, one that would unravel the very fabric of reality and redefine the course of history. The world was on the brink of a new era, an era that would be shaped by the actions of a single woman.

This was the beginning of Kalki's saga, a tale of power, betrayal, and redemption. It was a story that would echo through the annals of time, a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity.

The world was watching, and Kalki was ready to play her part.

[chevaleri]

He'd asked--by way of a note slipped under Xander's door--to meet in his office. No one would bother them, nor would any curious sorts be able to eavesdrop on a conversation between two foreign royals.

"I'm glad to see you well, Xander." A note of stiff formality creeps into his tone; so long away from home has rebuilt walls once torn down. "Don't tell me you came all this way just to check up on me."

The neatly stacked pile of letters hidden away in a desk drawer gnaw at him. Time flows differently in Fodlan, that's a known fact, but seeing the evidence never fails to give him pause. It is magic of the highest order, redirecting time itself, complex and full of pitfalls. Research tells him only dragons can command such a thing.

He shifts in his chair, striving for appearing casual and failing miserably. Even if Xander doesn't know it--and Leo has no intention of describing death--Leo had failed the king seated before him.

(Still, the words settle in his throat. He wants to talk to Xander, not as a prince but a brother, and he cannot fathom why after all they've been through that barrier is one he cannot cross without great difficulty.)

"How was your journey here?"

Laertes the ferret watches silently. (Leo had moved the plush animal from his room to the office shortly after his return from Rusalka. He did not seek comfort---it was a reminder of how easily a child's innocence can be ripped away.)

it was by sheer habit that xander retained formalities as he sat. hands folded atop of themselves in his lap, back straight and expression neutral - albeit, softened, at the sight of his younger brother. the way his brows crease and the tautness of his lips had loosened. to see leo was a welcomed one, and to be sat in his office . . .

well, xander was incredibly happy to see that leo had done well for himself. and whilst he maintains eye contact as leo speaks, the lapses in the conversation allow him to look around - to see papers, books and signs of life. the little things that demonstrate leo had made a home for himself ( in some shape or form ) within fodlan, that he has developed relationships of his own in the forms of decoration. that, this space was rightfully his, and the independence he so desperately sought was prominent in each and every empty glass or graded sheet.

xander exhales through his nose. leo had grown up in their absence - and yet he still was his little brother. but he knows leo would abhor to hear such a note, and so he refrains ( a wise idea, he figures ).

why had xander come ? yes , to see the world for what it was - to understand the policy of other kingdoms and to form connections. it was as much of a diplomatic mission as any. he knew how many important people were present - and whilst nohr had such fiercely closed and iced over walls, ever so slightly did xander yearn to open them in small increments.

( not too much. that would be unwise. and not to weaken them, either. but to ensure nohr had a neighbor to rely upon when her distress awakens anew , yes , it was worth the slightest vulnerabilities that came with blatant exposure . whilst his kingdom was not entirely ready , perhaps xander could be a proxy for it. )

but . . . that wasn't all. he missed his family. they were as important to him as his kingdom was - both weigh heavily upon his heart in the greatest of ways. xander was not afraid to let that be known, and yet there remains a frog in his throat that ceases his attempts to express it.

"i came in the winter as i figured the summers heat would be too intense . . . spring, for similar reasons. autumn was preferred, but parley with hoshido was abrupt and took time. queen hinoka will receive her rightfully deserved respect," xander responds with a nod. "things were peaceful. but reparations continue, and it's critical for nohr to understand the world around us. fodlan is a melting pot of cultures, particularly the monastery."

of course, he's sure leo could garner the intentions from his words. he won't spell out the act of diplomacy he seeks. "i won't falter on building relationships for nohr. i refuse to."

it dawns on him - they had slipped back into policy talk. of military talk. they always did this - the discussion of work. after all they had been through, it is still something xander defaulted to when discussing with leo. even after all they had discussed, there remained the forsaken topic of ' here's what must be done '. times were peaceful, they've no need to fret. xander clears his throat.

"but -- beyond that," hand steers the conversation ever so carefully to veer beyond work, and he prays leo follows. "i missed you all. it's a large part of my arrival, yes."

xander exhales deeply through his nose. "i had heard you went on a journey for the safety of others, and yet you hadn't responded to a single letter i addressed to you. i was . . ." concerned for your safety, his lips pull to say, but he withdraws the note. "curious to know how it went. please, by all means, tell me. did you achieve what you sought?"