indigochronicler-blog

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Mercats! 

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Laverne Cox on her first time meeting Beyoncé at the GRAMMYs

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catholics in film: very strict. no singing or dancing!!! everyday we wear black

all the catholics I know irl: WHERE👏ARE👏THE👏BOOZE👏?????

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Trans-inclusive language in religious texts is SO IMPORTANT. There is nothing in some young people’s lives that can either validate or dehumanize them so quickly as how they see themselves represented in the words of their religion.

May all who need to see these words find them.

[indigochronicler-blog]

1. The first December Regina spends in Storybrooke, she watches as the townspeople become obsessed with the concept of Christmas. It is a new tradition, this particular holiday. In the Enchanted Forest, they celebrated the Winter Solstice, but it was more for having a feast and general merriment in celebration of the fact that the short, dark days would begin to lengthen again. ‘Christmas’ went far beyond this concept, with endless traditions of lights, music, decorations, presents and more.

2. Regina knows theoretically what to do for the holiday, but unlike the rest of Storybrooke, with their fake memories and fake families, she has no need or desire to buy into the concept. The manor remains dark and without decorations, even as everyone around her illuminates the night with multi-coloured strings of lights. She spends the evening drinking cider and glaring at the falling snow from her window. It is her first Christmas like this, but it certainly will not be her last.

3. The first time Regina celebrates Christmas properly, it is also the first winter she has Henry at home. For so many years, she has resisted the pressure to buy a tree and decorate – to blend in with the other families. This year, however, she gazes down at Henry’s tiny face, watching his arms flail around excitedly, and there is a sudden burning desperation to start building traditions for the two them – for this little family of hers.

4. She buys the lights, and the decorations, and the stockings and the tree – and even a pile of presents, even though she knows that Henry is too young to remember any of it. On Christmas morning, she sets up her expensive camera in front of the tree, and puts it on the timer. The picture she captures of herself with Henry, the Christmas tree shining in the background, is the best picture she has ever seen. She gazes at it for a long time, and ignores the way her eyes tear up. 

5. When Henry is five, she includes a new tradition to the numerous other traditions they already have at Christmas – that of baking cookies. She purchases special Christmas cookie cutters at the local store, glaring at anyone who dares to look her way with an ounce of judgement on their face. She would have also shared some sharp words, but Henry is toddling alongside her, clutching her hand, and he is so happy at the prospect of baking, that she calms instantly whenever she looks at him. 

6. She’s pretty sure more flour gets on herself, Henry and the floor than in the cookies themselves, but at the end of the day, there is a glorious pile of Santas, reindeer, and snowflakes. Some are decorated in pretty patterns, but the majority are covered in large smears of icing, each one done by a very proud Henry. Their Christmas photo this year, done as always in front of the tree, has Henry biting into a large white-and-green reindeer, crumbs falling on Regina as she holds him close.

7. There is a Christmas when Henry is ten, where they do not take their annual Christmas photograph in front of the tree. He is cold and withdrawn, barely excited to hang the ornaments up or bake cookies. Usually, every Christmas he would remind her to take the Christmas photo right after the last present was opened, but before their Christmas dinner. This year, he says nothing, and she is too cowardly to remind him, in case he says he no longer wants to do that tradition ever again. 

8. That evening, she looks instead at the Christmas photo album, where there are hundreds of photographs, but each year is separated first by their annual tradition picture. Henry beams up at her from the image of last year’s Christmas, and she has to wipe her cheeks hastily to ensure no tears land on the album. Perhaps next year, things will be back to normal, and her son won’t be trying to push her away. 

9. There is a Christmas where she is back in a land where Christmas doesn’t really exist, far away from her son. The people around her try to revive the Winter Solstice celebrations, but Regina locks herself in her room, far away from any festivities. She assumes she is too numb to cry, but when Snow crouches down beside her, and they huddle together on the floor, she cannot help but begin to sob. At some point, David joins them, and they sit silently on the cold ground for the entire night. 

10. This Christmas, the manor is overflowing with noise and people. Snow has commandeered half the kitchen, and Regina is almost overwhelmed with the amount of food they have produced for dinner. Presents were opened in the sitting room, with people sat or perched on every available surface, whilst Henry reigned as Christmas King, running back and forth with the gifts from under the tree. ‘Hey mom!’ he calls, just as she begins to move towards the kitchen again to finish dinner preparation. 

11. ‘It’s tradition time!’ he continues, and she feels a smile light up her face. ‘Gather everyone in front of the tree,’ she instructs, heading off to find her camera. When she returns, everyone is standing awkwardly near the Christmas tree, clearly unsure what to expect. ‘Huddle together,’ she instructs, setting up the camera on the tripod. ‘Say cheeeese!’ Emma shouts, and Regina hurries to join the group, popping up in the front next to Henry. 

12. ‘Alright, time to sit up for dinner!’ Snow announces afterwards, and everyone begins to shuffle towards the dining room. Regina pauses to look at the picture, Henry peering over her shoulder. The group barely fit into the frame, with limbs sticking out at random angles, and several people in mid-speech or blink. Right at the front, Regina and Henry are embracing, with large smiles on their faces. This may be her favourite Christmas image yet. (Happy holiday season, and best wishes for 2019!)

ASKBOX FIC ANON HAS RETURNED!

Thank you for this! Cherry on top of my Christmas. This is beautiful and I absolutely love it.<3

[indigochronicler-blog]

I wanted to write an indulgent story, where most of the characters were strong women. But as I was planning out a story, (a fantasy one where only women have magic) I realized that what a white woman wants to see in a strong woman might be different from anyone else, but I have no idea how to research that. Do you have any advice? (Sorry if this is worded awful! I hope you understand but it’s alright if you don’t.)

Writing Powerful Women of All Races

It’s great that you recognize that women’s representation is not one size fits all. What makes for good representation for white women is not the same for Women of Color.

Let’s consider how society handles women across the board:

White Women: 

Traditionally, white women are treated as delicate beings, meant to be protected and romanced by men. White women are the standard of femininity and beauty. Women of Color can be attractive, too, but in a ��different” way. Most positive roles for white women depict them breaking from these definitions, either embracing sexual labels or evading them by throwing out the need to be dolled-up, gentle, or in a relationship.

Even these problems come with privilege as there is this need to “dirty” oneself up and prove physical and emotional strength. 

Anger in white women is seen as powerful. Anger in non-white women is either sexualized (see: the Spicy Latina) or seen as hostility and bitterness typical of their race (see: the Angry Black Woman). 

White women embracing sexuality and the “Slut” role is groundbreaking. That doesn’t always translate well for WoC who are inherently seen as overly sexual and impure, and have the highest rates of sexual assault to show for it.

Black Women: 

Black women are most often placed into the role of strong and independent, with an emotional and physical hardness that resists love and tenderness. They don’t need support, but they’ll be more than willing to use their backs to uplift others, no matter the gender, all and any races. Black women are rarely portrayed with classical softness or femininity. Note how Black women are so hard and impenetrable…except when it comes to helping everyone but themselves. Then they are your Mammy, warm and lovable and always there to support you, despite how much self-care they must neglect.

Asian Women: 

Comparably, Asian women, especially East Asian women but other Asian women are affected too, are placed in juxtaposition to Black women. Asian women are fragile and need shielding, but that comes with a sinister dose of fetishization. They are often viewed as submissive, and are given gross comparisons to dolls as if items to place on display and control. They’re desirable, but in an “exotifc” way, and of course are not seen to have the same worth as white women.

This is often depicted in works, both old and modern: The white man falls in love with the Asian woman. After he’s had his fun, he abandons her to settle down with a white woman. The Asian woman ends her life as it is worth nothing without him.

On the flip side: Asian women are fragile and worth protecting…except when they’re not. The Dragon Lady stereotype features Asian women (Mainly East Asian) who manipulate and dominate others. This stereotype is often depicted by them dominating white men for Yellow Peril ends. 

Native women: 

Native women are seen as simple and animalistic, their “simpler” culture relating to “primal” needs. The narrative starts with Pocahontas, a scantily clad Disney princess who shows a white settler the wonders of the “natural” world, and continues all throughout Halloween costumes, Noble Savage, and Animalistic Natives. This very exact fetishization makes them prime targets for toxic masculinity’s view that women actively desire the more “beastly”/forcible sex, basically assuming Native women will behave like animals in heat— because that’s what society believes Natives are: a type of animal. 

Women of Color: 

Although this is grouping a number of women into one, they share a common thread of being exotified and fetishized. From the Spicy Latina to the brown-skinned temptress. They’re fun and sexy, and on the same hand promiscuous and impure. WoC are often portrayed as mistresses and homewreckers.

Women of Color are treated as Other, and are rarely the default. Notice in media that there’s a reluctance to call Women of Color beautiful. Words like “Striking” “Stunning” and “Exotic” are often used in its place, with an overemphasis on certain features more common to the ethnicity. And when they are more certainly called attractive, you’ll often find qualifiers such as the Dark Beauty or “Pretty for a Black Girl.”

While there is a lot of desexualizing in association with Black women (e.g. mammy), there’s another side where a Black woman’s body (see: curves and full lips) are inherently sexual to the point where even teenagers are labeled as “ho’s” and “Thots” who seek to tempt men for simply wearing shorts.

It’s no wonder Women of Color are assaulted at the highest numbers. Native American women lead in those statistics, and are at risk for sexual assault at twice the rate of others. For more stats, follow the link: (X) 

A shared thread between all of these Women of Color is that, more often in not, people will not be content with these women being anything but their expected stereotypes. Also, there’s often a grumble by racist audiences when WoC are presented in relationships outside of their own race, particularly if they go anywhere near beloved white characters.

It’s time to break free of limited, dated molds and make society uncomfortable.

How do I represent these women, respectively?

I love your story concept, with all of these women having powers. Just keep in mind: what will work as positive representation for your white women may not work for Women of Color. We all have different histories that inform the struggles we have in society and what counts as proper representation.

Develop characters without applying what works for white women to all women. That is White Feminism. Intersectional feminism exists to consider Women of Color + other marginalizations and their needs as well. 

Create customized representation that uplifts each women.

Develop personalities that don’t play into stereotypes. Choose powers that reflect individuality for each woman, not what is assumed about Black women, Mexican women, etc. What we hear and see in media informs our creative thought process, so your first idea may not be the most fitting one. Brainstorm! As a starting point, do opposite of the stereotypes and go from there. At the same time, find a balance to avoid extremes. 

For example, the fragile Asian woman’s opposing extreme is Dragon Lady. The Strong Black Woman’s opposing extreme leads to infantilization aka making her utterly helpless.

And even then! Consider that sometimes people do have traits that may seem stereotypical. If that’s the case, it’s your job as the author to show that there’s more to them. They are human and not a label. 

You can be physically strong, and still bubble with kindness, emotional softness and femininity.

Pink nail polish does not weaken a punch, or define someone as too girly or weak. It means you like pink.

You can show emotional vulnerability, fall in love and be loved in return, and still remain powerful and whole without becoming the Strong Black Women.

You can be gentle and worthy of protection while having self-worth and confidence.

You can be sensual and desirable without becoming an exotic commodity, but instead someone who is more than sexual, is in control, and 100% deserving of respect.

You can also just not be sexual, but that shouldn’t mean void of love to give and receive in return.

More reading: Stereotyped vs Nuanced Characters and Audience Perception  

Research

There’s many places for you to start your research, and tons of it has been written right here on this page as well as all across the web in articles, blogs, vlogs, books etc. Seek topics on representation and intersectional feminism for the races you wish to portray. The best sources are written by the same people you’re reading about. Check out our Stereotypes & Tropes Navigation and the TVTropes List so you can recognize the displeasing ways WoC have been represented so you can avoid or amend it, and showcase people the way they want to be represented.

I also recommend you check out POC Profiles for the types of representation people who have submitted here are asking for. The WWC mods have also written on the topic in the Mod Wishlist post. 

–WWC 

[indigochronicler-blog]

Ella means “beautiful fairy.” As we know, Ella got the name “Cinderella” from her step-mother. We can assume the name was given because, like other variants of the fairy tale, Ella was covered in cinders after tending the fire. In some fairy folklore fairies will help humans by doing chores like sweeping the floor, washing dishes, and tending the fire.

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Travertine hot springs at Pamukkale

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More Fairy/Human! Ella edits. This time with Henry.

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‘‘Out of the darkness into the light’‘

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Robin of Locksley…

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Where Magic Gets Real

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I’m a human and an elf, me thinks.

-,’ types of people ,’-

dragons: tanned skin, sunsets, loud music, old cars, summer nights, wants to travel the world, bruised knees, untied shoelaces, denim jackets

faeries: soft features, the smell of lavender, daydreaming, poetry, gardening, mom jeans, freckles, daydreaming in class, photography

mermaids: wavy hair, bright eyes, graceful movements, deep thinker, dimples, good singer, vintage outfits, notebooks, ocean waves, small handwriting

elves: pale skin, autumn leaves, getting lost in the woods, indie music, sweaters, sarcasm, too many emotions, old libraries, moonlight

humans: having crushes, laughter, messy hair, vans, writing stories, procrastinator, long-lasting friendships, quotes, old musicals

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heavenly words

aliferous: (adj.) having wings

apricity: (n.) the warmth of the sun in the winter

aspectabund: (adj.) letting emotion show easily through the face or eyes

aurora: (n.) dawn

balter: (v.) to dance gracelessly, but with enjoyment

cafune: (n.) the act of running your fingers through the hair of someone you love

catharsis: (n.) release of emotional tension

charmolypi: (n.) a mixed feeling of happiness while being sad

diaphonous: (adj.) light, translucent, and delicate

dulcet: (adj.) sweet

ephemeral: (adj.) fleeting

ethereal: (adj.) extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world

eutony: (n.) the pleasantness of a word’s sound

halcyon: (adj.) a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful

illecebrous: (adj.) enticing

irenic: (adj.) promoting peace

kalon: (n.) beauty that is more than skin-deep

kalopsia: (n.) the seeing of things as more beautiful than they actually are

lacuna: (n.) a blank or missing part

lilt: (n.) a pleasant gentle accent

ludic: (adj.) full of fun and high spirits

meraki: (n.) to do something with love or soul

nefelibata: (n.) cloud-walker; one who lives in the clouds of their own imagination

nepenthe: (n.) something that makes one forget their sadness

nubivagant: (adj.) wandering in the clouds

numinous: (adj.) feeling fearful yet awed and inspired

orphic: (adj.) beyond ordinary understanding

pyrrhic: (adj.) won at too great a cost

pulchritudinous: (adj.) breathtaking, heartbreaking beauty

scintilla: (n.) a tiny trace or spark of a feeling

selcouth: (adj.) unfamiliar, strange, yet marvelous

sirimiri: (n.) a light drizzle of rain

susurrus: (n.)  whispering, murmuring, or rustling

sweven: (n.) a dream

temerate: (v.) to break a bond or promise

viridity: (n.) innocence

yonderly: (adj.) absent-minded

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Christmas vocabulary in Oneida

Wʌtowa·nʌ́ - Christmas “the great light”

[wan-do-wa-na]

Yotshanunyát wʌhnislowá·nʌ̲ - Merry Christmas

[yot-sa-noon-yat wan-nees-low-wan]

Kakhwa - food

[kuck-wa]

Kakhwahele - feast

[kuck-wa-hey-lee]

Kakhwaku’u shu̲ - it’s good food

[kuck-wa-goo-oo-sue]

Kʌtyohkwa - people

[gund-yo-qwa]

Kʌtyohkwa·nʌ̲ - a lot of people

[gund-yo-qwan]

Kahwa·tsile̲ - family

[gah-wa-jeel]

Atu’weskwat - to celebrate

[ah-do-ways-qwat]

Wahsú·tes - December

[wa-soon-days]

Watsistatukwa - crackling fire

[wa-jees-da-toong-wa]

Shako·wihe - Santa “he gives”

[sa-go-we-hey]

Skawílo·wane - turkey

[ska-we-low-wan-nay]

Teyo’wahlahyó·tsis - salted pork

[day-yo-wa-la-yo-jees]

Kalu·tote - tree “standing log”

[ga-loo-doe-day]

Oni·yʌ́hte - snow

[on-nee-yuh-day]

Katsístute - shining light “fire protruding”

[ga-jees-do-day]

[indigochronicler-blog]

green correspondences

i’ve made a list of all kinds of correspondences you can find in nature and in the supermarket, based on the book The Green Witch ☆

♡ WOODS

APPLE — life, longevity, fertility, fairies, the otherworld, afterlife, creativity, love, healing, harmony

ASH — water, strength, intellect, willpower, protection, justice, balance, harmony, skill, travel, weather, wisdom

BIRCH — cleansing, protection, purification, associated with children

CEDAR — healing, spirituality, purification, protection, prosperity, harmony

ELDER — protection, prosperity, healing

HAWTHORNE — fertility, harmony, happiness, the otherworld, fairies, protection

HAZEL — luck, fertility, protection, wishes

HONEYSUCKLE — psychic awareness, harmony, healing, prosperity, happiness

MAPLE — love, prosperity, life and health, abundance

OAK — defense, thunder, strength, courage, healing, longevity, protection, good fortune, fertility

PINE — cleansing, purification, healing, clarity of mind, prosperity, protection from evil

POPLAR — prosperity, communication, exorcism, purification

ROWAN — improving psychic powers, divination, healing, protection from evil, peace, creativity, success, change, transformation

WILLOW — moon, water, love, tranquility, harmony, protection, healing

WITCH HAZEL — protection, healing, peace

YEW — death, spirits, the otherworld

♡ FLOWERS 

CARNATION — protection, strength, energy, luck, healing

DAFFODIL — love, fertility, luck

DAISY — love, hope, innocence, associated with children

GARDENIA — love, harmony, healing, peace

GERANIUM — protection, fertility, love, healing, courage

HYACINTH — love, happiness, protection

IRIS — purification, blessing, wisdom, peace, harmony, love

JASMINE — moon, feminine energy, love, meditation, spirituality, harmony, prosperity

LAVENDER — relaxation, sleep, peace, harmony, tranquility, love, purification, healing

LILAC — protection, banishing negative energy

LILY — protection, death and afterlife, rebirth, cycles

LILY OF THE VALLEY — concentration, mental ability, happiness

PANSY — divination, communication, happiness, love

POPPY — tranquility, fertility, prosperity, love, sleep, invisibility

ROSE — healing, divination, tranquility, harmony, love, psychic ability, spirituality, protection

SNAPDRAGON — protection, illusion, deception, reflect negative energy

SUNFLOWER — sun, happiness, success, health, abundance

TULIP — prosperity, abundance, protection, love, happiness

VIOLET —  peace, hope, harmony, protection, luck, love, sleep, tranquility, fertility, abundance

♡ HERBS

ALLSPICE — prosperity, increasing energy, love, healing, luck

ANGELICA —protection, purification

BASIL — prosperity, success, peace, protection, happiness, purification, tranquility, love

BAY — success, wisdom, divination, making a wish

CHAMOMILE — prosperity, peace, healing, harmony, happiness

CALENDULA — happiness, prosperity, love, psychic powers, harmony

CINNAMON — energy (booster), money, success, action, healing, protection, love, prosperity, purification

CARAWAY — anti-theft, health, mental abilities, protection, fidelity

CLOVE — protection, purification, mental abilities, healing

COMFREY — health, healing, protection, travel, prosperity

DILL — good fortune, tranquility, prosperity, lust, protection

GINGER — energy (booster), kick-starter for love, finances, success

MAJORAM — happiness, protection, love, joy, family

MINT — prosperity, joy, fertility, purification, love, success

MUGWORT — prophetic dreams, divination, relaxation, tranquility, protection, banishing, consecration

NUTMEG —psychic abilities, happiness, love, money, health

OREGANO — love, courage, action

PARSLEY — power, strength, lust, purification, prosperity

ROSEMARY —protection, improving memory, wisdom, health, healing

SAGE —purification, protection, anxiety, wisdom, health, long life

VERBENA —divination, protection, inspiration, abundance, love, peace, tranquility, healing, prosperity, artistic skill, reversal of negativity

YARROW — courage, healing, love

♡ FRUITS

APPLE — health, longevity, love

CHERRY — love

PEAR — health, properity, love

ORANGE — joy, health, purification

LEMON — purification, protection, health

LIME — happiness, purification, healing

GRAPE — properity, fertility

KIWI — fertility, love

BANANA — fertility, strength

MANGO — spirituality, happiness

PEACH — spirituality, fertility, love, harmony

PINEAPPLE — prosperity, luck, protection

PLUM — love, tranquility

MELONS — love, peace

STRAWBERRY — love, peace, happiness, luck

RASPBERRY — strength, courage, healing

BLUEBERRY — tranquility, peace, protection, prosperity

BLACKBERRY — prosperity, protection, abundance

CRANBERRY — protection, healing

♡ VEGGIES

GARLIC — healing, protection, banishing, purification

ONION — protection, exorcism, healing, prosperity

LETTUCE — fertility, peace, harmony, love, protection

CARROTS — fertility, health

PEAS — love, abundance

CUCUMBER — fertility, healing, harmony

POTATOES — fertility, protection, abundance

CELERY — love, tranquility, concentration

SQUASH — abundance, harmony

MUSHROOM — strength, courage, healing, protection

LEEK — protection, harmony

CAULIFLOWER — protection, prosperity

BROCCOLI — protection, abundance

BEANS — love, family, protection

CABBAGE — protection, prosperity

TOMATO — protection, love

[indigochronicler-blog]

From LRI: 

Let Bob Goodlatte know what you think of him holding up the Savanna’s Act

Phone: (202) 225-5431