igglemouse

[igglemouse]

Lovely!!!

[igglemouse]

Ash and Pearl sitting in a tree...K-I-S-S-I-N-G!

Sims In Bloom: Generation 2 Pt. 205 (Totally Teen Angst)

With Conrad busy in Ravenwood, Ash headed to the city to spend time with the Landgraabs before the trip to Sulani. Today, he and Bridgette braved the rain, bringing Sansa to Myshuno Meadows to meet his friend, Pearl.

They said they'd gone to pay their respects at grandfather Geoffrey's grave. But when they arrived with a security detail who kept a careful distance, Ash spent most of his time at the graves of Stephen and Helena Gordon, instead.

"Do you see them?" wondered Pearl. "Their ghosts, I mean."

Disappointed, Ash shook his head. No matter how many times he'd been back to their graves since their ghosts appeared during Lavender's violin solo, he hadn't seen them again.

"Maybe they crossed over," Pearl suggested. "Maybe seeing your stepdad with his family was enough and now they're gone."

Ash shrugged his growing shoulders. "I hope you're right."

"Do you think they liked being ghosts? My mom ate boiling death frog hot pot at one of the festivals the Spice District. She thought it was just spiced frog hot pot but then she turned into a ghost for, like, a whole day. She tried to sleep it off but she said she just had a crazy dream she was painting landscapes in Ravenwood. And she said your mom was there in a giant bird costume, with a beak that went around her whole head!"

(If you remember me freaking out about this, I decided it was a canon dream sequence, after all. You can't get boiled death frog hot pot at the Spice Festival in San My, that's just plot. Also, in my panic, did I realize Gavin and Conrad were also at the festival dressed like crows? No I did not, but they're both in the background of the shot of Heather.)

Laughing at the thought of his mother dressed like a bird, Ash momentarily forgot his disappointment over the elusive ghosts of Conrad's parents. He sat in the grass, slightly damp from rain and humidity, leaning back to stare at the cloud cover. "What are you looking at?" wondered Pearl.

"Do you think that's where ghosts go when they cross over?"

"To the sky? Why? What's up there?"

"I don't know. Some people say the Watcher lets the dead live in the clouds, but clouds don't have mass. It's impossible...But I guess ghosts don't really have mass, either."

Pearl joined her thoughtful friend in the grass, listening intently while he talked about things she could barely understand. But she liked listening to him talk. She could feel the damp grass soaking through her sweater and held her head up.

"I don't want to get my braids wet."

"Here." Ash held out his arm beneath her head. "My sweater's dry."

Pearl slid closer, staring up at the endless white cloud cover while Ash explained moisture and precipitation cycles.

"What's the name for a genius who likes to talk about cloud patterns?"

"Maybe...a climatologist?"

"Is that what you're going to be when you grow up? A climatologist?"

He laughed. "I don't think so. I did try to invent a weather changer with the ice scraper in Conrad's police cruiser when I was a kid. Didn't work."

"So what do you want to be? Or do you have to be Landgraab Corp.'s CEO?"

"My mom says I don't, but I don't know if it's such a bad thing. Maybe I could turn the company into something people stop calling Evil Corp. I liked building the time travel device. I wouldn't mind building things at Landgraab Engineering, like my granddad. Maybe I could do that for a while before taking over as CEO. Admiral Landgraab built things before he founded the company. But I don't want to wreck the environment like he did..."

"Talk to your grandmother when you shadow her at work later," said Pearl, rolling her eyes. "She'll tell you what to do. But I shouldn't complain she gets what she wants when she always wants me and Charlie doing feature duets."

Ash scoffed. "Charlie's lucky he gets to dance with you so he doesn't look like a shiny white turd up on stage doing fouettés."

"Stop. That's really mean. He's a great dancer and your Nan thinks so, too. Plus he's cute, and he's cool. He's nice to me."

"There's something off about him. I don't know what it is-."

"Well if you don't know what it is, then don't be a jerk about it. I don't say nasty things about Scotti when she's not around."

"I know you don't like Scotti, and I know she can say things without thinking, but she's not really that bad. She takes a while to trust people, that's all."

"If you say so, Ashy." Even though she tried to be the bigger person, Pearl took momentary delight in mocking the blonde haired brat.

The rain picked up slightly, but the duo stayed in their position on the ground. Comfortable with each other, like they'd always been. Myshuno Meadows was the only green space in the city, and even though they'd been together in the park the day Ash was kidnapped in broad daylight, they loved coming back here even when they weren't trying to coax out the ghosts of his step-grandparents.

Bridgette, on the other hand, didn't want rain ruining her cool new tracksuit and picked up Sansa. "Ash, it's raining too hard. Did you find the ghosts? Are you guys kissing?"

Ash sat up with a start and made a face. "We're not kissing," he protested, standing and helping Pearl from the ground. "We're just friends."

"Suuuuuuuuure!" Bridgette crowed, elongating the one syllable word with a giggle. The way the teens glared at her, she pivoted quickly. "Maybe you need Lavender and her violin to draw the ghosts out again."

Pearl knew Bridgette well - not just as Ash's little sister, but through classes Pearl taught at the ballet school, too. "That's a good idea about the violin, but just friends means just friends, Bridgie," she said, playfully flicking her blonde bangs.

Bridgette laughed along with the tall ballerina. "Yeah, until it doesn't." She turned to her big brother with a know-it-all stare. "It's raining and Pearl has dress rehearsal soon. Don't you look at your phone enough to check the time?"

Ash and Bridgette escorted Pearl back to her apartment in the Arts Quarter, but when they emerged from the train, the rain had picked up even harder.

"I can't believe you're going to Sulani tomorrow," Pearl gushed as they lingered outside the lobby with umbrellas. "I'm so jealous."

"Would you rather be there than here?"

"Almost!"

"But you're the understudy for the lead in Sleeping Beauty. If Natasha Lobo can't perform, you're the star!"

Pearl laughed. "Nothing will stop Natasha Lobo from performing the starring role every night. She's been guarding her immune system with lemon juice and acai berry smoothies six times a day or something. I tried to tell her to moderate her diet better, but she kind of patted my head and told me I was adorable."

"You're lucky Miss Tasha listens to you at all," Bridgette mused.

"This is her chance to shine," Pearl insisted. "Daniela's doing a feature role that takes less energy, at least until her maternity leave starts. Natasha's seizing her opportunity, and I get it. Everyone in the company wants to be in Dani's shoes on some level, but Natasha will have to step aside when she comes back after the twins are born. Natasha deserves her moment, too."

"They'll all have to move aside for you, one day," Ash said confidently. "Then maybe you can pick your partner and you won't have to dance with Charlie since he's too old for you, anyway."

"I like dancing with Charlie!" she protested. "And we're only dancing. It's our job!" She left Ash and his sister in slight annoyance, which just left Ash confused.

"What's her problem? Charlie's a d-bag."

"Charlie likes her and you don't like her," explained Bridgette "That's why she's mad."

"We're just friends! Does she even like Charlie like that?"

"You mean like how you like that girl with the boy name?" Bridgette didn't know Scotti, but she'd heard enough about her over the years to guess her brother's feelings. She thought back to her classes and rehearsals at the ballet school. "Hmm...I think she does like him. They have chemistry."

"What do you know about chemistry? You're not even nine."

"I know girls are smarter about chemistry than boys. Even geniuses."

Ash scoffed. "She's basically my best friend. It's not like that; she's not interested in me. According to you, she's interested in Charlie."

Sansa barked as the rain picked up, and Ash remembered his grandmother was waiting at her office across town. "Come on, let's get back before it starts pouring inside and out."

Thirteen-year-old Ash was a genius when it came to wires, calculations, computers, and math, but when it came to girls, he still didn't understand the complex emotions swirling around in his teenage head. ->

<- Previous Chapter | Gen 2 Start | Gen 2.1 Summary | Gen 2.2 Summary

Gen 1 Start | Gen 1 Summary

To @changingplumbob regarding your poll question as to whether it's beneficial to cloudgaze when it's overcast and cloudy, this is a good excuse and I took it! 😂

WCIF Poses: Ash and Pearl are poses with Couple Poses 02 by @simmerianne93. Unfortunately they froze a second apart so their poses are off sync, but I'm okay with it since I was choosy with the poses I actually wanted from the pack for this scene, being that most of them are a little more romantic than Ash and Pearl.

[igglemouse]

Yes! You are on the right track Wade!

Skating is tough—especially when you’re no good at it. I work up an appetite, but I’m not quite ready to head home yet. That’s when I remember the time Maia and I took Tami to the rec center. Maia told me about her favorite restaurant, the one located right across the street from the lake. She explained why it mattered to her**—it was a place her father could only afford to take her on special occasions. She tried to tell me the significance of the spot, and even shared her favorite meal. And what did I do? I ordered grilled plantains instead.

She was trying to share something meaningful with me. Would it have killed me to choose the dish she loved so much? She’s not here with me now, but maybe I can make up for it in a small way.

The waitress arrives.

Waitress: What can I get for you?

Wade: Can I get the rib plate and a Barley Bale? 

**Link takes you to my WordPress website

[igglemouse]

Episode 'Testing Faith' Poll

[igglemouse]

Week 3 ~ Testing Faith (4.3) ~ Monday

Monday comes with expectations and also more pancakes. I deserve them, after all, at least I think so. Bruno, who has found another puddle to roll around in, doesn't agree.

I do get a little frustrated. I'm just trying to eat breakfast after all! I let him know that I do not approve of this behavior and that if he must roll around in puddles at least do so outside.

Either way, my pancakes await and they are not so bad. Just the right amount of fluffy and syrup is really all a girl needs right now.

I also need to do some cleaning. Shaving, vacuuming, and of course giving Bruno the bath that he tricks me into giving almost daily. His tail just a waggin' the entire time. I'll be keeping him inside a little more then because I'm sure if I let him go out he'll find a puddle to splash in.

The coming of Summer brings hear and heat in the DSV is a little different than heat elsewhere. It's a lot bolder and a lot more relentless and completely unapologetic. It makes a few demands of you, one being lighter clothing, the other cooler air, and eventually a spike in bills that takes a good chunk out of my paycheck.

That's alright. It's a sacrifice I'm used to, I was born in La Ciudad after all, my peoples are used to a little heat and my work ethic will ensure that my bills are paid, one way or another. I feel like I've established myself enough in this industry to at least keep a roof over my head, even if the sun is trying to burn it all down.

So off I go, back to the studio and back to the lights! Back to my throne, the makeup chair, and back to my podium to transform into another character. Will I ever tire of this artistry aimed at making me into someone else? Maybe, maybe, no time soon, I think!

And when you are looking your best why not share it? I snap a few pictures for the Simstagram and bask in the glow. A hundred followers and counting! Not a million, no, but it's more than ten or fifty or seventy five. Hopefully, only up from here!

The role this time is quite simple. Just another romantic interest but this time I'm the spark in the world of a lonely and abandoned housewife. I'm cast as the maid, of course, a spunky one with a mop in one hand and affection in the other. I do a little tidying and also a little smooching. Classic scandal!

Mama's bound to see it, of course, and it's not the lesbian kiss that will bother her but me kissing others on camera at all will ruffle her feathers.

I'll admit, there's some guilt here. The roles are getting...juicier, sure, I'm getting more visibility but the theme is mostly the same. The latin lover, the romantic interest, and ending with me locking lips with a co-worker.

So yeah, a little guilty. Maybe it's mama's inevitable pull and her impact on my upbringing? It's years of her teachings echoing in my head, whispers of what is proper and what is right, and of course what isn't. Whatever it is, the pinch of guilt is definitely there.

I make it back home with another successful appearance planted on my resume and also with another opportunity put before me. This time it's an actual show. Not that sitcoms aren't actually shows but you know what I mean? One of those big time shows with a massive budget?

Dead Sea Adventures! You've heard of it right? A show about pirates! Okay, let's not get too excited, it's not a major role but it is an important one with a chance of playing a character that could come back AND most importantly, it's not a romantic role for once!

With another audition set up and one that will require me to be fit and in the best shape I can be in, that means a lot of working out! Thankfully, Bruno is there to help me because he has an abundance of energy and loves to be taken out on jogs!

Yeah, after today, I deserve and am owed to have a lavender soak.

I was perhaps minutes from giving in to bed and calling it a night. PJ's on, teeth brushed, dreams loaded into my head until a sharp knock pulled me away from my pillows. .

Curiosity takes me, and I crack the door open at first, enough to see a man standing patiently at my doorstep. A handsome man, I should add, because let's be honest if he were not then my curiosity would have been quenched and the door would have been shut and locked.

"Sorry to have come at this time but you were on the prospect list and so I was-"

"Excuse me," I hated to interrupt him because the sound of his voice had grounded me. It demanded attention and respect. It was rich and low and each word carried confidence. I paused to consider the man for a moment, almost forgetting what I would ask. Oh, that's right; "Who are you and what list are you talking about?"

"Ah, of course, I really am sorry! I'm Roman Seco, I've been helping out with the Orchid community not far from here and-"

"Orchid Community?" I've heard that before haven't I? "We should just continue this outside, it's really not safe for my skin to be out here on a warm summer night," that is just begging to be a feast for mosquitos after all.

So I lead him inside and offer him a seat which he declines. He's just here to do his duty, I suppose, which really is unfortunate because I found myself drawn to him, wanting to hear of more of what he had to say.

"I probably shouldn't stay long, figuring the time and all, but the Orchid Community is a community center opening up soon. I've been helping out with it, donating time and what I can, since it's a cause I believe in."

"Which is?"

"It's a community devoted to the Watcher and its teachings, of course."

Oh. Suddenly, the handsome and confident man before me shrinks a little. No, not physically and not to any fault of his own, but because this has mama's hands all over it. She's tried this before, to set me up with some man with the hopes of him sweeping me off my feet. I think Roman sees the concern on my face.

"Sorry if this is a bad time but-"

"This list, what list am I on again? I don't remember signing or-"

The man laughs and the sound of that brings me right back into him. It's a rumble, slightly rough, but the roll of it is smooth and experienced and the smile that forms around his lips tells me of a man used to laughing.

"Do you know of a woman named Yesenia?"

Now I am laughing. So it wasn't mama after all but my old childhood friend huh?

"I'm so sorry to have bothered you. She did say she would help set me up with someone but I didn't know it would be so soon," he says as his laughter dies down.

"It's alright, really it is! She means well," and honestly, if he had approached anywhere else I'd have been completely interested and taken and... "So, this Orchid Community Center?"

"Interested after all? It's for a good cause and-"

"Yeah, I'm interested!" Not so much in the community center but "Magdalena! Some people call me Mags, some call me Lena but-"

"It's a pleasure to meet you then Lena and-"

A series of sharp demanding barks catches both of our attentions and there is Bruno...dirty of course and needing a bath and letting me know about it. He gives Roman an indifferent look and keeps his sights set on me.

"Aaand that is Bruno! It was surely a pleasure meeting you, Roman, but I should get this guy a bath and find my bed."

Index ~ Next

[igglemouse]

Week 3 ~ Testing Faith (4.2) ~ Sunday

One day of rest and no work is more than enough for me because the first thing I do in the morning is get ready for my next audition. I'm afraid it is another guest appearance on another sitcom and I'm playing yet another romantic interest BUT roles are roles and opportunities are opportunities and I can't go there with hairy legs!

All fresh and squeaky clean and having some time to spare before my next audition I get online and just browse a little. Okay, targeted browsing. Okay, okay, targeted browsing about Marco.

He seems to have a bit of a reputation as a playboy? It could just be gossip and rumors but I guess if I do plan on getting closer to him I should probably know that. Still, he's a star! So it's probably all just gossip and rumors.

I huddle into my cheap little couch and am fully prepared to waste some time on a cooking show but before my butt can imprint too firmly on the couch there is Bruno yap yap yapping. He begs for attention and needs to be played with and honestly the guy gets with he wants. It's that simple!

It was then time for the audition! Wish me luck!

I pass my audition! I guess by this point it's not exactly a surprise huh?

Instead of heading back home I go to the Core Recreation Center and just float around in its pool. While my new lounge chair is nice it's certainly not this level of nice. I'll make sure the next house I get will at least have a pool.

Just calming drifting through the pool leaves my mind empty enough for thoughts of Marco to invade my brain once again. I wonder, how would it be dating him? The paparazzi would certainly be in play and if he's actually a playboy could I handle that? I don't think so but between him and the other guy, Aaron, was it? Yes, Aaron. I feel like he's at least a little low-key.

A producer and so he makes his simoleons behind the scenes. Do I really want a man that every woman throws herself at like Marco? Could I trust a man like that? Especially one who was ready for sex on our very first 'date'?

Mama would be proud of me actually. She would say no, she would say only your husband should even see you naked and while she wouldn't be happy that I was making out with Marco above the city she would applaud at me denying him. Maybe some things have stuck?

Meanwhile in Ciudad Enamorada...

Doria would certainly prefer her daughter to be more like herself. It was the main thing fueling her disappointment. She knew Carina never had the patience for faith, but Lena? Lena should have been more like her. Where had she gone wrong? Perhaps she pushed too hard? You push a little too hard on a child and they go the opposite way entirely and never come back. She would gladly accept the blame for that but she swore that Magadalena had shown SOME interest in it growing up. She wasn't, at least, a disbeliever.

Doria looked at her friend, Valery, and asked the obvious question to herself. Where had she gone right? Her daughter, Marisol, a sweet child, seemed to have some pride in her faith. She didn't seem to abandon it, as Magdalena had, and both girls were artistic. She tried to shake the thoughts away, wanting to instead enjoy a beautiful evening at Media Naranja with such a dear friend.

"Doria! I did not see you at the Church gathering today, is everything alright?" Valery asked, because it was very rare for Doria to ever miss a Sunday gathering.

"Oh, just needed a day, a day to recharge, a day to think."

"About what?" Valery asks with some concern.

"It's about my daughter, you know, Magdalena?" It looks like she could not move on. She worried for her daughter, wasn't that right? She was her mother, she only wanted what was best for her.

So the two women seated and let the quiet environment lead their conversation. It was mostly about their girls, which wasn't new, while Marisol and Magdalena had never really known each other, at all really, their mothers would often share stories and pictures and memories of them. Always free to brag and boast about their accomplishments.

From all that Doria knew, Marisol was easy. An egomaniac to be sure but she had believed that she was blessed by the Watcher to grace the world with her beauty. "I never did push it on her," Valery stated. "She's not devout, I'm not sure when she's last gone to a gathering, but I do think she's a firm believer and she does her best, it's all we can ask-"

"Yes, as long as someone is doing their best, it is all the Watcher asks of us. With Lena," she sighs, not sure where to start. "She seems to mock it at times. She claims to believe but I worry, you know? The Watcher knows what is in your heart after all," Doria might have been exaggerating, Lena didn't openly mock it, she just wasn't putting enough effort into it. Her soul was at risk, after all.

"You know, Marisol has found a nice man though-"

"Oh?" Now that interested Doria.

"You remember the Hugo kid, right?"

"Ah, yes!" Doria's eyes brightened, he really was a good kid, at least from what she knew. She was slightly jealous. If only the Watcher could give her wayward daughter some guidance and she always felt like nothing straightened a wayward woman like Magdalena out like a strong and faithful man. "I pray that the Watcher finds someone for Lena. I've tried but she is unfortunately more interested in that acting career of hers than settling down. Before long, she'll be nude on camera, it's such a big thing now. You know, that industry makes all prominent women naked on camera and-"

"Well, she is young," Valery tries a soft tone to cut Doria off before she would rant about the evils of the Corrupter. She was focused on the positive, the joy the Watcher bestows upon followers. Doria focused on the fear of falling to the Corrupter.

"Exactly!" Doria said, not ramming forward any ways. "Her best time to find the best husband for herself is now. What faithful man would want a woman playing out sex scenes for the world to see? You know, so many of those actresses go through divorce after divorce, never finding happiness, always drifting from man to man like different roles AND what if she fails? A failed actress often ends up online, not only naked, but bent over before a camera and-"

"AH, well, I jut meant that I'm sure the Watcher knows what is best for her. I say, let her explore. At least she's not hurting others, right?"

"Yeah..." But Doria didn't agree. She wanted what was best for Magdalena and what was best for Magdalena was married with children and a husband worthy of her dedication to him and her family. Everything else was clearly irrelevant. The book said so and the book was never wrong.

Unfortunately, Doria couldn't do much from where she was. Magdalena had tuned her out after all...but the Watcher does work in mysterious ways and oh how fortunate she was that an old friend of Magdalena's, Yesenia, had moved to the same city as her daughter.

Yesenia, in Doria's mind, was what her daughter should be and thankfully, Yesenia was very charismatic, faithful, and very convincing.

"I think you are right," Doria said, finding some confidence in the fact that Yesenia was there. She'd get in her ear, her head, and she'll guide her down back the right path. "The Watcher does know what is best. For us all."

Index ~ Next

[igglemouse]

Week 2 ~ Testing Faith (4.1) ~ Saturday

I wake up bright and eager, ready for whatever the day brings because honestly? I'm soaring! I'm on TV! Sure, sure, sure, it's a minor part but how many make it even this far?

You know what? I deserve fluffy golden pancakes this morning, nothing less!

Of course when I have good news then it must be shared and Marco is always more than happy to listen. He says he can't wait to see the episode and more importantly, can't wait to see me again.

The man is thirsty, that much is clear, but honestly....the feeling is mutual.

Otherwise, it is the last day of spring which means tomorrow is the first day of summer and you can tell Bruno is pretty excited about it! Actually, he spends at least a quarter of his day rolling around in puddles so...that might just be his thing.

But the end of spring means I'll probably need some new flowers to tend to, for summer at least!

You do know how it can be in the DSV, it might not officially be summer, but it sure does feel like it. I'm making a lot more simoleons now, I'm not rich, but I have enough to buy a lawn lounge chair and do a bit of sunbathing in the safety and privacy of my backyard. There are many pools I could go to but I don't want to deal with people right now.

Now that Bruno is old enough to go for walks he's practically begging for it. He has A LOT of energy but you know what? I have more! So no, we do not go for a walk, we go for a run, and I can tell he was really having the time of his life and he was more than able to keep up!

I think I've tired him out, at least enough so that I can clean my restroom and soak in peace. A citrus soak because I deserve it. I've been working so hard and it has so far, kind of paid off? I'm in a TV show! For a few minutes, ten minutes max, but that is me on the screen! It is honestly hard to believe?

I'm satisfied, sure, but I feel like there is still so much to do!

Dinner tonight is tofu tacos. Simple and satisfying. Honestly, I do not have much planned for the rest of the night. I believe that when you've done something amazing, when you've reached for something and actually have it in your hands you are allowed to admire even if just for a little while.

'I'll be on TV!' I kept thinking over and over again as I enjoyed some very plain but still somewhat just barely good enough tofu tacos.

My brief moment of victory was interrupted by a knock.

I would have never expected Yesenia at my door! She's one person I thought I for sure left back in La Ciudad but the smile on her face tells me she's as happy to see me as I am to see her.

"What are you doing here? Did you follow me?" I tease with a grin.

"Maybe just a little bit! Husband's job has brought us here and I heard you had moved here as well and so I called your mom and she was more than happy to let you know where you stayed."

"Oh, well, yes, I bet," I mutter because this doesn't surprise me.

I give her a little 'tour' of my home which really isn't much. I mean, there is a dining room connected to a small kitchen and then a room that could barely be called a living room. Really, the back yard is bigger than the house.

Either way, she seems impressed. "The Watcher's blessings are smallest amongst her favored," she says, as if I should be content with this humble home.

I'm immediately reminded why she was or is in contact with mama. You see, I know Yesenia from school and book study. Not just any book kind of book study, but the Holy Book kind of book study. Mama paid what she could to get me into it, hoping, I suppose, that would make me as dedicated to the Watcher and its wisdom as she is. It didn't stick with me and while the belief is still there, I guess, it has stuck with Yesenia.

"So umm, you said husband? You're married?" She must be the same age as I am, we should both be in college and yet...yes, I see the ring on her finger. Definitely married.

"Oh yes! I love Martin with all of my heart! The best decision I've ever made in my life was saying yes when he went down on bended knee."

"How long were you two dating?" I'm not sure why I asked it, I guess the question just fell out of my lips.

"Hmmm," she takes a moment to think. "Not even a year but I feel like you just know at some point? Why wait? I'm a fervent believer that your life really doesn't start until you find that special someone."

"Yeah..." I'm not sure I agree but what can I say? I've never been in love. If that's what she has with her husband who am I to deny how life changing it might be? "I'm actually elated that you're here!" What are the odds? Two of my best childhood friends, Fernanda and Yesenia, following me here?

"I hear you've been into acting?" she asks, a little nervily I notice. "How is that going?"

"Oh, well! Very well actually!"

"Ah! Great! That's great!" She says, but the tone doesn't match the excitement? At least that's what I think? She's definitely been talking to mama. "It seems to me, Lena, that fate has pushed us together again! We'll have to catch up! Unfortunately, I must be getting home to make dinner but I only live a hop and a skip away. Maybe we can go out some time soon?"

"Sure, I'd love that!" At the end of the day, she's a friend, and maybe she's right, perhaps fate has brought her here?

It really was a pretty good end to Spring and it was definitely made better by seeing Yesenia! I'm sure she's not the same little girl I once knew at book study and through high school but I look forward to catching up with her!

Index ~ Next

[igglemouse]

Song of the Day! New Music Friday!

No new posts tomorrow! Just a wrap up of episode 4. Episode 5 should then start on Sunday. Usually, I want to posts two parts of an episode per day but I think I will update my game this weekend and make sure everything is fine.

But thankfully I am sitting on a lot of content so should be at least something on sunday! 5.1 or 5.1 AND 5.2, I really am sitting on at least a month worth of content so there should not be long droughts

I do not literally paint that table, but the emotion it produces upon me. ~ Henri Matisse

[igglemouse]

I hope this goes well!

Maia meets me out front, ready for our Cupid’s Counseling session. She looks amazing, and I can’t help but stare. We match as if we purposely coordinated—like a couple in love. I can only hope the therapy session plays out the same way.

The session takes place in the nearby small town of Glimmerbrook. Maia and I arrive with a few minutes to spare. We approach the therapist’s office and check in with the receptionist before being directed to a nearby room with what looks like drama club masks on the door. It’s mildly amusing.

A pleasantly cheerful voice greets us, inviting us in.

Annie: Good morning! You must be Maia and Wade. I’m Annie Hein, and I’m excited about working with you this morning. Please come in and make yourselves comfortable. I only have one rule here in my office: please silence your cell phones. We want to avoid all distractions.

I pull out my phone and follow her instructions before entering the room. 

(Full post available to read on my website)

[igglemouse]

Antonio on another mission!

Hopefully they make it to their destination soon 🗺️!

NOTE: This is the "Jungle Trail" lot by Shany-Sims4crea. I just added a loooot more plants.

NOTE: Thorne and Alfonso have been in the same post before! Yes, Alfonso pushing Child Ángel out of the way is on the list of evil deeds 😅

Start from the beginning (Gen 2)

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[The Darién Gap; Chocó, Colombia]

[These rainforests were not to be taken lightly. At any given moment, Antonio and Frankie could encounter danger from venomous vipers, raging rivers, or treacherous terrain. Few people dared to enter, making the remote wilderness an ideal place for someone like Florita Hernandez to hide away in.]

[Still, it was good to see these habitats thrive again after their flora and fauna endured deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and timber trafficking. What ultimately saved them was CCCC (Celebrities Combating Climate Change), founded by Amethyst Bailey-Moon at the mere age of 10.]

[Of course, she didn’t run it herself at the beginning, but she begged her father to help launch CCCC. Thorne, eager to improve his image after another social media scandal, jumped at this opportunity. He rallied several of his celebrity friends to join the cause and pledge funds toward conservation, including Judith Ward!]

[Among the areas that received aid were the rainforests of the Darién Gap. Both tree density and endangered species populations flourished due to reforestation and rehabilitation efforts. Five years ago, progress accelerated as poaching declined significantly.]

[...hence, the thermal night vision eyewear Frankie used to scan to for threats. This particular model wasn’t available commercially. They borrowed it from another scientist.]

FRANKIE: These goggles perform surprisingly well. The sensors aren’t impacted by the humidity.

ANTONIO: Glad to know the goggles are faring well in this atmospheric wet blanket. I can’t say the same for myself. I’m pretty sure the mosquitoes are swimming through the air instead of flying...

[Suddenly, something rustled in the leaves not far behind the duo, prompting Antonio to turn around.]

FRANKIE: Must be the anteater I saw.

ANTONIO: You didn’t think to let me know?

FRANKIE: What, so you can pet it?

ANTONIO: Don’t be ridiculous.

FRANKIE: I won’t tell you about every creature we’ll walk past. There are too many.

ANTONIO: Easy for you to say when you have that oversized backpack of yours to use as a shield.

FRANKIE: Laugh all you want but I like to be prepared!

[Frankie had purchased the backpack and extra supplies in Isla Paradiso. While shopping, the two tried asking around about Alfonso, but it was incredibly difficult to do without raising suspicion.]

[It was a gamble trying to find out if Alfonso was involved in any other shady work. Antonio wasn’t certain, but considering Alfonso’s long list of evil deeds, the theory wasn’t far-fetched.]

FRANKIE: A freshwater source! This area is viable ground for a campground. We’ll continue the expedition in the morning.

ANTONIO: It looks like we should reach the house before the sun sets tomorrow.

[After eating dinner and having a pleasant conversation, exhaustion crept in.]

[The sound of the steady rainfall made their eyelids heavier, and it was time to call it a night.]

[igglemouse]

I was asked to start a thread on EA Forums about the current issue with ReShade being deleted with EA App version xxx-6019. Please add your note of support if possible, so it may draw the attention of someone who can help.

[igglemouse]

Week 3 ~ Testing Faith (4.3) ~ Monday

Monday comes with expectations and also more pancakes. I deserve them, after all, at least I think so. Bruno, who has found another puddle to roll around in, doesn't agree.

I do get a little frustrated. I'm just trying to eat breakfast after all! I let him know that I do not approve of this behavior and that if he must roll around in puddles at least do so outside.

Either way, my pancakes await and they are not so bad. Just the right amount of fluffy and syrup is really all a girl needs right now.

I also need to do some cleaning. Shaving, vacuuming, and of course giving Bruno the bath that he tricks me into giving almost daily. His tail just a waggin' the entire time. I'll be keeping him inside a little more then because I'm sure if I let him go out he'll find a puddle to splash in.

The coming of Summer brings hear and heat in the DSV is a little different than heat elsewhere. It's a lot bolder and a lot more relentless and completely unapologetic. It makes a few demands of you, one being lighter clothing, the other cooler air, and eventually a spike in bills that takes a good chunk out of my paycheck.

That's alright. It's a sacrifice I'm used to, I was born in La Ciudad after all, my peoples are used to a little heat and my work ethic will ensure that my bills are paid, one way or another. I feel like I've established myself enough in this industry to at least keep a roof over my head, even if the sun is trying to burn it all down.

So off I go, back to the studio and back to the lights! Back to my throne, the makeup chair, and back to my podium to transform into another character. Will I ever tire of this artistry aimed at making me into someone else? Maybe, maybe, no time soon, I think!

And when you are looking your best why not share it? I snap a few pictures for the Simstagram and bask in the glow. A hundred followers and counting! Not a million, no, but it's more than ten or fifty or seventy five. Hopefully, only up from here!

The role this time is quite simple. Just another romantic interest but this time I'm the spark in the world of a lonely and abandoned housewife. I'm cast as the maid, of course, a spunky one with a mop in one hand and affection in the other. I do a little tidying and also a little smooching. Classic scandal!

Mama's bound to see it, of course, and it's not the lesbian kiss that will bother her but me kissing others on camera at all will ruffle her feathers.

I'll admit, there's some guilt here. The roles are getting...juicier, sure, I'm getting more visibility but the theme is mostly the same. The latin lover, the romantic interest, and ending with me locking lips with a co-worker.

So yeah, a little guilty. Maybe it's mama's inevitable pull and her impact on my upbringing? It's years of her teachings echoing in my head, whispers of what is proper and what is right, and of course what isn't. Whatever it is, the pinch of guilt is definitely there.

I make it back home with another successful appearance planted on my resume and also with another opportunity put before me. This time it's an actual show. Not that sitcoms aren't actually shows but you know what I mean? One of those big time shows with a massive budget?

Dead Sea Adventures! You've heard of it right? A show about pirates! Okay, let's not get too excited, it's not a major role but it is an important one with a chance of playing a character that could come back AND most importantly, it's not a romantic role for once!

With another audition set up and one that will require me to be fit and in the best shape I can be in, that means a lot of working out! Thankfully, Bruno is there to help me because he has an abundance of energy and loves to be taken out on jogs!

Yeah, after today, I deserve and am owed to have a lavender soak.

I was perhaps minutes from giving in to bed and calling it a night. PJ's on, teeth brushed, dreams loaded into my head until a sharp knock pulled me away from my pillows. .

Curiosity takes me, and I crack the door open at first, enough to see a man standing patiently at my doorstep. A handsome man, I should add, because let's be honest if he were not then my curiosity would have been quenched and the door would have been shut and locked.

"Sorry to have come at this time but you were on the prospect list and so I was-"

"Excuse me," I hated to interrupt him because the sound of his voice had grounded me. It demanded attention and respect. It was rich and low and each word carried confidence. I paused to consider the man for a moment, almost forgetting what I would ask. Oh, that's right; "Who are you and what list are you talking about?"

"Ah, of course, I really am sorry! I'm Roman Seco, I've been helping out with the Orchid community not far from here and-"

"Orchid Community?" I've heard that before haven't I? "We should just continue this outside, it's really not safe for my skin to be out here on a warm summer night," that is just begging to be a feast for mosquitos after all.

So I lead him inside and offer him a seat which he declines. He's just here to do his duty, I suppose, which really is unfortunate because I found myself drawn to him, wanting to hear of more of what he had to say.

"I probably shouldn't stay long, figuring the time and all, but the Orchid Community is a community center opening up soon. I've been helping out with it, donating time and what I can, since it's a cause I believe in."

"Which is?"

"It's a community devoted to the Watcher and its teachings, of course."

Oh. Suddenly, the handsome and confident man before me shrinks a little. No, not physically and not to any fault of his own, but because this has mama's hands all over it. She's tried this before, to set me up with some man with the hopes of him sweeping me off my feet. I think Roman sees the concern on my face.

"Sorry if this is a bad time but-"

"This list, what list am I on again? I don't remember signing or-"

The man laughs and the sound of that brings me right back into him. It's a rumble, slightly rough, but the roll of it is smooth and experienced and the smile that forms around his lips tells me of a man used to laughing.

"Do you know of a woman named Yesenia?"

Now I am laughing. So it wasn't mama after all but my old childhood friend huh?

"I'm so sorry to have bothered you. She did say she would help set me up with someone but I didn't know it would be so soon," he says as his laughter dies down.

"It's alright, really it is! She means well," and honestly, if he had approached anywhere else I'd have been completely interested and taken and... "So, this Orchid Community Center?"

"Interested after all? It's for a good cause and-"

"Yeah, I'm interested!" Not so much in the community center but "Magdalena! Some people call me Mags, some call me Lena but-"

"It's a pleasure to meet you then Lena and-"

A series of sharp demanding barks catches both of our attentions and there is Bruno...dirty of course and needing a bath and letting me know about it. He gives Roman an indifferent look and keeps his sights set on me.

"Aaand that is Bruno! It was surely a pleasure meeting you, Roman, but I should get this guy a bath and find my bed."

Index ~ Next

[igglemouse]

Week 3 ~ Testing Faith (4.2) ~ Sunday

One day of rest and no work is more than enough for me because the first thing I do in the morning is get ready for my next audition. I'm afraid it is another guest appearance on another sitcom and I'm playing yet another romantic interest BUT roles are roles and opportunities are opportunities and I can't go there with hairy legs!

All fresh and squeaky clean and having some time to spare before my next audition I get online and just browse a little. Okay, targeted browsing. Okay, okay, targeted browsing about Marco.

He seems to have a bit of a reputation as a playboy? It could just be gossip and rumors but I guess if I do plan on getting closer to him I should probably know that. Still, he's a star! So it's probably all just gossip and rumors.

I huddle into my cheap little couch and am fully prepared to waste some time on a cooking show but before my butt can imprint too firmly on the couch there is Bruno yap yap yapping. He begs for attention and needs to be played with and honestly the guy gets with he wants. It's that simple!

It was then time for the audition! Wish me luck!

I pass my audition! I guess by this point it's not exactly a surprise huh?

Instead of heading back home I go to the Core Recreation Center and just float around in its pool. While my new lounge chair is nice it's certainly not this level of nice. I'll make sure the next house I get will at least have a pool.

Just calming drifting through the pool leaves my mind empty enough for thoughts of Marco to invade my brain once again. I wonder, how would it be dating him? The paparazzi would certainly be in play and if he's actually a playboy could I handle that? I don't think so but between him and the other guy, Aaron, was it? Yes, Aaron. I feel like he's at least a little low-key.

A producer and so he makes his simoleons behind the scenes. Do I really want a man that every woman throws herself at like Marco? Could I trust a man like that? Especially one who was ready for sex on our very first 'date'?

Mama would be proud of me actually. She would say no, she would say only your husband should even see you naked and while she wouldn't be happy that I was making out with Marco above the city she would applaud at me denying him. Maybe some things have stuck?

Meanwhile in Ciudad Enamorada...

Doria would certainly prefer her daughter to be more like herself. It was the main thing fueling her disappointment. She knew Carina never had the patience for faith, but Lena? Lena should have been more like her. Where had she gone wrong? Perhaps she pushed too hard? You push a little too hard on a child and they go the opposite way entirely and never come back. She would gladly accept the blame for that but she swore that Magadalena had shown SOME interest in it growing up. She wasn't, at least, a disbeliever.

Doria looked at her friend, Valery, and asked the obvious question to herself. Where had she gone right? Her daughter, Marisol, a sweet child, seemed to have some pride in her faith. She didn't seem to abandon it, as Magdalena had, and both girls were artistic. She tried to shake the thoughts away, wanting to instead enjoy a beautiful evening at Media Naranja with such a dear friend.

"Doria! I did not see you at the Church gathering today, is everything alright?" Valery asked, because it was very rare for Doria to ever miss a Sunday gathering.

"Oh, just needed a day, a day to recharge, a day to think."

"About what?" Valery asks with some concern.

"It's about my daughter, you know, Magdalena?" It looks like she could not move on. She worried for her daughter, wasn't that right? She was her mother, she only wanted what was best for her.

So the two women seated and let the quiet environment lead their conversation. It was mostly about their girls, which wasn't new, while Marisol and Magdalena had never really known each other, at all really, their mothers would often share stories and pictures and memories of them. Always free to brag and boast about their accomplishments.

From all that Doria knew, Marisol was easy. An egomaniac to be sure but she had believed that she was blessed by the Watcher to grace the world with her beauty. "I never did push it on her," Valery stated. "She's not devout, I'm not sure when she's last gone to a gathering, but I do think she's a firm believer and she does her best, it's all we can ask-"

"Yes, as long as someone is doing their best, it is all the Watcher asks of us. With Lena," she sighs, not sure where to start. "She seems to mock it at times. She claims to believe but I worry, you know? The Watcher knows what is in your heart after all," Doria might have been exaggerating, Lena didn't openly mock it, she just wasn't putting enough effort into it. Her soul was at risk, after all.

"You know, Marisol has found a nice man though-"

"Oh?" Now that interested Doria.

"You remember the Hugo kid, right?"

"Ah, yes!" Doria's eyes brightened, he really was a good kid, at least from what she knew. She was slightly jealous. If only the Watcher could give her wayward daughter some guidance and she always felt like nothing straightened a wayward woman like Magdalena out like a strong and faithful man. "I pray that the Watcher finds someone for Lena. I've tried but she is unfortunately more interested in that acting career of hers than settling down. Before long, she'll be nude on camera, it's such a big thing now. You know, that industry makes all prominent women naked on camera and-"

"Well, she is young," Valery tries a soft tone to cut Doria off before she would rant about the evils of the Corrupter. She was focused on the positive, the joy the Watcher bestows upon followers. Doria focused on the fear of falling to the Corrupter.

"Exactly!" Doria said, not ramming forward any ways. "Her best time to find the best husband for herself is now. What faithful man would want a woman playing out sex scenes for the world to see? You know, so many of those actresses go through divorce after divorce, never finding happiness, always drifting from man to man like different roles AND what if she fails? A failed actress often ends up online, not only naked, but bent over before a camera and-"

"AH, well, I jut meant that I'm sure the Watcher knows what is best for her. I say, let her explore. At least she's not hurting others, right?"

"Yeah..." But Doria didn't agree. She wanted what was best for Magdalena and what was best for Magdalena was married with children and a husband worthy of her dedication to him and her family. Everything else was clearly irrelevant. The book said so and the book was never wrong.

Unfortunately, Doria couldn't do much from where she was. Magdalena had tuned her out after all...but the Watcher does work in mysterious ways and oh how fortunate she was that an old friend of Magdalena's, Yesenia, had moved to the same city as her daughter.

Yesenia, in Doria's mind, was what her daughter should be and thankfully, Yesenia was very charismatic, faithful, and very convincing.

"I think you are right," Doria said, finding some confidence in the fact that Yesenia was there. She'd get in her ear, her head, and she'll guide her down back the right path. "The Watcher does know what is best. For us all."

Index ~ Next

[igglemouse]

Week 2 ~ Testing Faith (4.1) ~ Saturday

I wake up bright and eager, ready for whatever the day brings because honestly? I'm soaring! I'm on TV! Sure, sure, sure, it's a minor part but how many make it even this far?

You know what? I deserve fluffy golden pancakes this morning, nothing less!

Of course when I have good news then it must be shared and Marco is always more than happy to listen. He says he can't wait to see the episode and more importantly, can't wait to see me again.

The man is thirsty, that much is clear, but honestly....the feeling is mutual.

Otherwise, it is the last day of spring which means tomorrow is the first day of summer and you can tell Bruno is pretty excited about it! Actually, he spends at least a quarter of his day rolling around in puddles so...that might just be his thing.

But the end of spring means I'll probably need some new flowers to tend to, for summer at least!

You do know how it can be in the DSV, it might not officially be summer, but it sure does feel like it. I'm making a lot more simoleons now, I'm not rich, but I have enough to buy a lawn lounge chair and do a bit of sunbathing in the safety and privacy of my backyard. There are many pools I could go to but I don't want to deal with people right now.

Now that Bruno is old enough to go for walks he's practically begging for it. He has A LOT of energy but you know what? I have more! So no, we do not go for a walk, we go for a run, and I can tell he was really having the time of his life and he was more than able to keep up!

I think I've tired him out, at least enough so that I can clean my restroom and soak in peace. A citrus soak because I deserve it. I've been working so hard and it has so far, kind of paid off? I'm in a TV show! For a few minutes, ten minutes max, but that is me on the screen! It is honestly hard to believe?

I'm satisfied, sure, but I feel like there is still so much to do!

Dinner tonight is tofu tacos. Simple and satisfying. Honestly, I do not have much planned for the rest of the night. I believe that when you've done something amazing, when you've reached for something and actually have it in your hands you are allowed to admire even if just for a little while.

'I'll be on TV!' I kept thinking over and over again as I enjoyed some very plain but still somewhat just barely good enough tofu tacos.

My brief moment of victory was interrupted by a knock.

I would have never expected Yesenia at my door! She's one person I thought I for sure left back in La Ciudad but the smile on her face tells me she's as happy to see me as I am to see her.

"What are you doing here? Did you follow me?" I tease with a grin.

"Maybe just a little bit! Husband's job has brought us here and I heard you had moved here as well and so I called your mom and she was more than happy to let you know where you stayed."

"Oh, well, yes, I bet," I mutter because this doesn't surprise me.

I give her a little 'tour' of my home which really isn't much. I mean, there is a dining room connected to a small kitchen and then a room that could barely be called a living room. Really, the back yard is bigger than the house.

Either way, she seems impressed. "The Watcher's blessings are smallest amongst her favored," she says, as if I should be content with this humble home.

I'm immediately reminded why she was or is in contact with mama. You see, I know Yesenia from school and book study. Not just any book kind of book study, but the Holy Book kind of book study. Mama paid what she could to get me into it, hoping, I suppose, that would make me as dedicated to the Watcher and its wisdom as she is. It didn't stick with me and while the belief is still there, I guess, it has stuck with Yesenia.

"So umm, you said husband? You're married?" She must be the same age as I am, we should both be in college and yet...yes, I see the ring on her finger. Definitely married.

"Oh yes! I love Martin with all of my heart! The best decision I've ever made in my life was saying yes when he went down on bended knee."

"How long were you two dating?" I'm not sure why I asked it, I guess the question just fell out of my lips.

"Hmmm," she takes a moment to think. "Not even a year but I feel like you just know at some point? Why wait? I'm a fervent believer that your life really doesn't start until you find that special someone."

"Yeah..." I'm not sure I agree but what can I say? I've never been in love. If that's what she has with her husband who am I to deny how life changing it might be? "I'm actually elated that you're here!" What are the odds? Two of my best childhood friends, Fernanda and Yesenia, following me here?

"I hear you've been into acting?" she asks, a little nervily I notice. "How is that going?"

"Oh, well! Very well actually!"

"Ah! Great! That's great!" She says, but the tone doesn't match the excitement? At least that's what I think? She's definitely been talking to mama. "It seems to me, Lena, that fate has pushed us together again! We'll have to catch up! Unfortunately, I must be getting home to make dinner but I only live a hop and a skip away. Maybe we can go out some time soon?"

"Sure, I'd love that!" At the end of the day, she's a friend, and maybe she's right, perhaps fate has brought her here?

It really was a pretty good end to Spring and it was definitely made better by seeing Yesenia! I'm sure she's not the same little girl I once knew at book study and through high school but I look forward to catching up with her!

Index ~ Next

[igglemouse]

Week 2 ~ Across The Pitch (3.4) ~ Friday

I start the day with a shower because it is the best way to wake up. Whether the water is cold or hot it's always refreshing. You have to wash off yesterday after all in order to start a new day fresh and clean and clear and ready.

Some morning I do eat first, because I'm just too hungry to do little else, but today the order is reversed so after my shower I make a bowl of apple salad which has become a favorite of mines. Sweet and crisp and such a simple comfort.

This is a bright and cheerful Friday, the kind of day that begs you to spend some time of it outdoors. I do have a garden to attend to and always enjoy managing it because it does help settle my mind and an hour or two out in the sun can be its own kind of therapy. What is life without a little sunshine after all?

Unfortunately, it looks like a few insects have developed an affection for my flower bushes and while some are welcome and are pollinators wanting to spread the beauty of flowers far and wide, others are only here to destroy. I won't be having that!

I suppose my bit of gardening also attracted the Flower Bunny or was it the fact that today is Bunny day or Flower day! No one really knows who the Flower Bunny is but it usually does give out a bit of advice, especially if you gift it a flower.

I give it a daisy, something simple and classic, and Ms. Flower Bunny lights up at the offer.

"Many do not give me Flowers anymore, they just expect their bit of advice and that's it," it says with the softest of sighs, disappointed in the world, I suppose.

"Well, Ms. Bunny, everyone deserves a flower, especially you!"

"Now that is sweet! Just, make sure you choose the right people for your affection!"

"I-is that my advi-"

"I hope you do have a wonderful summer!"

I cannot dwell too much on the advice of the Flower Bunny, it's rather general advice, isn't it? Obviously, you should give your energy to those who deserve it, but it is definitely something that will linger in the back of my mind.

Bruno is one adorable little doggo that I'll always have energy for! He LIVES to get dirty, especially now that he's older and honestly I think he does it because he likes baths. The moment I'm done with him he shakes it off, all over me, and I swear that his baths are half mines as well.

He's spoiled and he completely deserves to be!

Later, it's off to work and as usual the day begins in the makeup chair. I do not think I'll ever git tired of being pampered while I try to run my lines through my head. I always tell the makeup artist no talking because for me it is a moment of focus and quiet and a time to think about the character I will be slipping into.

Aaand look who I run into! David Owens himself, star of Wild Flames! A lighthearted sitcom with plenty of charm and chuckles.

"You must be the new girl?" he catches me on the way to costumes. "Nice meeting you! Don't worry about a thing, the director is super laid back-"

"And I don't have much of a role!"

"We all start somewhere! Good luck, see you on set!"

As for the actual acting? I feel like Davion and I have great chemistry! Everything goes smoothly and after the shot, the crew seemed to like my performance.

It was a small part: I played a girl that Davion's character meets at camp. You see, Davion is the usual trope of a guy that just fumbles everything and can do nothing right and eventually he sees me at camp, develops a crush, and all through the episode tries and mostly fails at trying to impress me. Fortunately for him, my character is into him as well and of course it ends in a kiss.

Of course, I'm just a minor character, just a one time guest, so the relationship doesn't last. He makes a joke about something I've ate and how he could smell it on my breath and that he can't move forward with the relations and in classic Davion fashion! Fumbling the girl!

Meanwhile, far away and across the pond across the pond, Iker Monteros is finally settling in.

He's just signed with a big club, Windenburg FC, and while he's starting at the bottom he's still getting his shot.

Far from family and knowing little next to nothing of the language, but as long as he's got a ball at his feet and a goal to aim for, he'll be just fine...

Index ~ Next Episode 4 'Testing Faith'

[igglemouse]

Song of the Day #TBT

An all time classic!

4.3 tomorrow! This is more of the pace I want to go at!

An artist's career always begins tomorrow. ~ James Whistler 

[igglemouse]

I know a shipping opportunity when I see one!

Summer was definitely heating up, and Taylor wanted to hit a library with air conditioning. Tina had called over for her to get in touch with one of her fellow eco friends. He had helped out on the "This Old Lot" shooting at the house not long ago.

Tina arranged for the two to meet up at Copperdale's library that afternoon. This was fine with Taylor, wanting to steer clear of the one in Willow Creek for a while. She had heard things about Marcus possibly being a "player," and that made her uncomfortable.

Taylor arrived by bus to the library in Copperdale early, hoping to do some errands on one of the computers. No such luck, as both were occupied. [FFS, Geoff! Can't your wife buy you a computer?!]

She headed back outside, as a guy seemed to be waiting out there, as well. "Uh, are you Taylor?" he asked.

There was an awkward silence, as Taylor was fixated on the tattoo on this man's left arm. She swore she had seen it somewhere...

"OH! Sorry about that," she refocused. "Yes, I'm Taylor, the maid that worked for the Tinkers before that TV shoot. And you are...?"

"Lorne Gearhart. Really nice to meet you in person!" he smiled back, now that the initial silence was over. "So I heard you were starting up in fabrication, and even accomplished a major reno on your home. Color me impressed! I bet TOL would hire you as an intern like now!"

"Intern? Like fetching coffee and donuts?" Taylor laughed playfully.

"NO! Let me get my foot out of my mouth first," Lorne pretends to yank it out. "Apprentice was the word I was looking for. Sorry."

"That sounds cool!" she sounded interested. "I have this spa job in the afternoons, but not sure if that's a long-term thing now. Plus, the occasional maid services here and there. ENOUGH about me. What about you? I want to hear about your projects and stuff."

"Well, turn around, and you'll see one of them," Lorne pointed to the gazebo behind her. "I'm working on restoring that for the city, but I'm getting advice from Tina on how to fabricate new lumber pieces, and not just chop down more trees. I'm conscious like that, now."

"Whoa...color ME impressed," Taylor laughed, and maybe gave him the LOOK. He was definitely NOT like Marcus or other guys.

"Well, my dad and past generations worked in the logging industry in these parts, so now the son is the one replanting those trees!" Lorne groaned at his circumstances, but was really proud of it. Suddenly, Taylor's phone went off, and she saw it was Tina's number.

"TAYLOR! Are you alone there?" Tina shouted. "Have you met Lorne yet? Isn't he a hottie?? Well, I wouldn't know, but some of the other women say so, hahaha..." Tina went on extolling Lorne's virtues, as Taylor got redder in the face. Lorne put her out of her misery.

"Hey! I heard my name! Tina, is that you?" Lorne pretends to just arrive on the scene. "So I'm guessing you're the Taylor I'm supposed to meet today. I'm Lorne, and pleasure to meet you. Tina, are you going to be hijacking our conversation today?"

"SORRY, YOU TWO!" Tina quickly stifled, as Yasmine was already chewing her out in the background. "I can take a hint. Three's a crowd. Have fun, and can't wait to see what you two come up with!"

"Sorry about that," Lorne nodded to Taylor, handing the phone back to her. "Actually, I AM ready to get started, whenever you are."

"The computers are booked here, so what now?" Taylor asked.

"I have a decent computer setup at home. My house is across the bridge, over by the amusement park," Lorne said. "My family and I built it ourselves, and I was able to use some upcycling and fabrication techniques. I hope it inspires you."

"I would love to see it!" Taylor sounded enthusiastic, but was still hung up on the tattoo. "Is it a long walk over there?"

"Nah, I brought the motorcycle today. You can have the helmet, if you want," Lorne started heading to the parking lot. "I know it's just a quick ride, but hang on tight, OK?"

"Uh, right! Whatever you say," Taylor shook off her brain fog. Lorne smiled back, thinking that was cute. Then there was more awkward silence to the bike, and across the bridge to Lorne's place.

[Let the TAYLORNE ship jokes commence!]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Loved this hairstyle by @marsosims, and had to add it to Taylor's CAS. Thank you!

Been sick with stomach virus since last Wednesday night, and really was not in Sims 4 mood the whole time. Barely ate from Thursday through Saturday, and worked a couple nights, too. Started to finally get rid of it and eat normal again yesterday, so hopefully this crap is almost out of my system!

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