#<<< yes i know failed super hard on the “drawing everyday” goal

[mangosaurus]

sketch request for @unnecessary-dinosaurs! she asked for brooklynn teaching darius how to skateboard 🛹 aftermath down below 👇

[keichan]

Paint Me This

Request: DUDE I LOVE YOUR BLOG SM CAN I REQUEST KAGEYAMA X READER?? Liek the reader loves to paint and becomes manager because she knows Yachi and they fall in love and kags tries to confess and fails like the bab he is 🥺🥺? Fluff please!

A/N: AHHH THANK YOU SM! This is my first request ever! I don’t think that this is as fluffy as I wanted it to come out but I still enjoyed writing it 🥺I hope you like it

Genre: fluffffff, pinch of angst

WC: 2262

★Kageyama x Reader ★

”Y/N! I’m so glad you were able to come!” Yachi grinned, beckoning you to meet the team. It was you and Yachi’s second year at Karasuno and you have yet to meet her volleyball team she manages, though now was a better time than ever. Your club that you have attended for the last year had unfortunately shut down due to lack of members, but luckily your best friend was able to save your ass, per usual. Not only is it your first time meeting these guys, but your first managing gig as well 

“Yachi-san, who’s this?” A small, orange haired boy peeked between two of the taller members of the team, his mouth agape. A taller boy with bluish-black hair nudged him to silence.

“This is my friend, Y/N! Since our goal is nationals again, she’s here to help us out this seaon! So be prepared to see her more!.”

“A new manager?” Two boys practically yelled in harmony with each other.

Yachi giggled before nodding in agreement. She quickly turned it over to you for your self introduction.

“My name is L/N F/N. I’m a second year. I’m in class 2-3. Uhhh- I really enjoy painting in the courtyard during lunch so you can always find me there.” You laugh nervously at all the sets of eyes staring at you.

“Nice to meet you!” You said abruptly before dipping your body into a bow. As you drew your head your line of vision met with the tall bluish, black-haired boy from earlier. That’s when it clicked in your mind.

“Kanayama! We’re in the same class aren’t we?”

He automatically stiffened before nodding his head jerkily. A pink hue barely painted his features.

A tall blonde behind him snorted.

“Are you even going to say anything?”

“It’s Kageyama!” He stuttered.

“I’m so sorry!” You laughed rubbing the back of your head. You gave him a warm smile before breaking off to individually meet everyone else. Not before long, practice began. 

Kageyama and Hinata silently peered over your shoulder in the courtyard to see what you were painting today. With your headphones in, you quietly hummed to the rhythm and your brush strokes followed. 

He usually passed you everyday to see what you were painting, but today was the day that Kageyama accidentally lost his footing leaning forward and toppled onto your picnic table, rather hard. You jumped in your seat as the tall setter awkwardly regained his posture. He sent a glare to Hinata who instantly scurried away.

Kageyama cleared his throat and brushed off his pants.

“Sorry, I- uh was tryna see what you were painting there and I uh”

You quickly set down your brush to wave your hands.

“Don’t worry about it Kageyama-kun! You can help me judge this peace if you wanna! Go ahead and take a seat.” You absentmindedly patted the bench beside you.

He stepped his long legs over the bench before firmly sitting next to you. You presented a small canvas in  front of his face and his mouth morphed into a small ‘o’. It was the scenery of the mountains behind Karasuno high. He saw it everyday on his way home. It was a beyond perfect painting.

“Beautiful.” Was all he could manage.

“Me or the painting?” 

He froze in place before you nudged his shoulder playfully. Your eyes traveled from the painting to his with a smile so wide, your eyes squinted shut. “I’m just kidding, Kageyama-kun! Thank you!” 

A small shadow appeared on the boy's lips.

“Of course.”

Now that he thought about it, he meant you.

A month later, it has now been integrated into your schedule that Kageyama sits next to you at lunch time bearing a carton of milk for himself and a canned coffee for you. Some days he chose to paint with you, though his paintings never came out as well as yours, you definitely acted like they did. He was definitely becoming a prodigy in your world  as you were learning his. Anything that you mentioned you like, he’d attempt to paint. Meanwhile, he was more than happy to explain volleyball to you. Sometimes you’d pretend to not understand, only to see how happy he becomes when he gets to talk about what he is passionate about. You adored the setter with all of your heart.

Today the two of you sat against the wall of the school, with a sketchbook in your hand you were jotting down new ideas for personal projects when you felt a weight gently press onto your shoulder followed by a faint snore. Kageyama had passed out, though it made sense with the boys overexerting themselves for the upcoming game. With a faint smile on your face, you slid your phone out of your pocket to take a quick picture of him. He was precious, though it was definitely a  potential blackmail photo. You closed your sketchbook and rested your head atop of his until the bell rang.

Months later and the boys volleyball team had become your family to the extent that it felt like you’ve known each member for years. You knew their quirks, their antics, what made them tick. Especially Kageyama. If anything you’ve been spending more time with him than Yachi. You always put in extra hours to help him practice and study.  One could not be seen without the other. 

Though for the last two weeks you haven’t been at your usual place on the courtyard. When   Kageyama asked, you told him that you had supplementary lessons, though it didn’t make sense to him due to the fact that you have never struggled academically as far as he knew.  In fact, if he ever needed a tutor, you were always there to help him.

Now he handed you your daily canned coffee in silence at the start of each after school practice. Anytime he’d attempt to talk to you, you’d shy away and stutter nervously. If you wanted to blatantly avoid Kageyama after all this time, he was just hoping that you’d be a little more direct. After a while , he finally gave up on showing up to the courtyard for lunchtime

The evening breeze was chilling to the bone as the cold front rolled in. It was now late December and Kageyama was zipping up his jacket to begin his walk home. At the edge of campus he heard his name being called.

“Kageyama-kun!”

He turned on his heel to the sound of your voice with his heart beating rapidly. 

He stood in place until you ran up to catch him. 

“Kageyama-kun!” You panted. “I have something that I need to give to you

The setter dug his hands in his pocket with a blank stare on his face. He tilted his head. “Y/N-san, we’re about to go into winter break, I’m sure this can wait until we get back.” 

However he felt the opposite.

You were already digging through your bag before the words finished pouring from his mouth. With both hands on a canvas you presented it to him with your head dipped.

“Happy early birthday, Kageyama-kun!”

He carefully took the canvas from you and gazed at it with awe. It was a painting of him setting the ball. You perfectly captured his features. The face he always makes concentrating. The details on his fingers, his hair, his nose. Everything. It looked lifelike.

He studied it for minutes in pure amazement. It was one of the kindest things anyone had done for him. The joy in his heart was overwhelming.

“I’m so sorry that I’ve been distant from you lately, Kageyama-kun. I wanted to do something really special for you, though, I’m not good with painting people so I’ve been going to the art teacher’s classroom for lunch. I’m awful with secrets and surprises, so I apologize for acting the way I have I-”

You were pulled into a hug. Long arms wrapped around your body as Kageyama’s head buried into your neck. His warm breath tickling your skin against the cold.

“Thank you.” He mumbled. “I love it. You're the best.”

The compliments sounded odd rolling off of his tongue, but you couldn’t help but smile.

“So I’m forgiven?” You pulled away from his embrace, a sly smile resting on your lips, your faces inches apart.

“Of course, Y/N-san.”

Luckily for Kageyama, mother nature was on his side or else his face would be beet red.

He walked you to your home with many questions in his mind. The main one being how can he make you his?

You were startled to see Kageyama waiting at the gates, you figured that he’d be at the gym in the early morning with the spring interhigh right around the corner.

“Good morning!” He said with a smile painted on his lips. Slightly unusual, but you couldn’t help but mirror his expression.

“What’s got you in a good mood?”

He glanced over to you with the corners of his lips upturned. “So there’s this girl that I really like-” Your heart automatically sank to the ground, but you kept an eager expression on your face.

“I really want to ask her to get dinner with me at this place in town this weekend before we all leave for Tokyo. I think she’s super pretty, she helps me out in a lot of ways…” She must be so lucky to catch his eye. After all, a lot of girls at the school fawned over Kageyama Tobio. The two of you halted at your classroom door before he turned to you.

“Y/N, I really like-”

The morning bell rang.

You rest your hands over his and give him a reassuring smile.

“I’m sure she’ll say yes.”

You quickly walk into the classroom, leaving the setter with his chest aching.

“So, how’d it go?” Yachi popped in front of you as you silently flipped through the pages of your manager notebook, practice for the evening was finally drawing to a close.

“What?”

“Didn’t Kageyama-kun ask you out? He texted me that he was going to do it after break?”

“WHAT?” You shouted making the entire gym come to a screeching halt. Balls quickly thudded to the floor. You quickly used your notebook to shield your face from everyone else.

“Are you saying he didn’t?” She whispered as if the whole gym’s eyes weren’t on the two of you. 

“C’mon guys! Keep it moving!” Enoshita called. You lowered the notebook slightly only for his eyes to meet with yours briefly. With a nervous look on his face he quickly hustled back to his position on the court.

“He was talking about some girl he liked today!” You yelled in a hush whisper.

Yachi gasped. “That’s you! He really did try! Well it was the best he knew how to. And I’d like to say it’s obvious that you two like each other. I’m pretty sure the whole school knows”

Heat rushed to your face and you did your best to hide how flustered you were. Your eyes followed Kageyama as he played with the team.

“I thought I did my best to hide it.”

“I think your three-week long painting project of him kind of gave it away.”

“Shut up.”

After cleaning up, you waited at the stairs of the clubroom for Kageyama. At the top of the stairwell he paused before walking down and carefully tapped your shoulder.

“Y/N, I-”

“Kageyama-kun!” You turned to smile at him, nerves eating you alive.

“I-I just wanted to apologize for earlier. That was out of character for me-” he looked off into the distance with his hand messily running through his hair. “Just don’t worry about what I said I-”

You swiftly walk towards him taking the collar of his team jacket nervously in your hands. You catch his gaze and his speech slowly comes to a halt. You gently pull him down to your face to place your lips softly on his. Kageyama’s lips move slowly against yours as his hands travel quickly along your sides to cup your face delicately. He pulled away with his lips lingering on top of yours, his eyes searching your features for an answer to his silent question.

“I like you, Kageyama-kun. I really really like you. Sorry I misread your confession earlier, I… I uh kinda thought it was for someone else...”

A sheepish smile appeared on his lips as he leaned in to capture your lips once more. Your arms traveled around his neck to gently move into his hair while his hands moved down to hold your hips.

“Well I’m glad that’s cleared up now. Also, just call me Tobio.”

Your eyes twinkled as you studied his face.

“Give me another kiss, Tobio-chan!” 

“Get a room you two!” Tsukishima’s voice cut the atmosphere like a knife. Yamaguchi snickered behind him.

“Shut the hell-”

You grabbed his sleeve and gave it a slight tug. He smiled down at you before giving Tsukishima a scowl. Interlacing your hands together he began to walk you home. You waved goodbye to the boys before using your free hand to wrap around his arm.

You swung your intertwined hands marvelling at Tobio under the streetlights. The walk so far has been quiet, but calming. Suddenly Kageyama came to a halt, pulling you by his side.

“Y/N… Would you uh. Um… Be my- err- be my- uh-”

“Yes, Tobio.”

You quickly gave him a peck on the cheek before walking ahead of him. 

He grinned from ear to ear.

“Wait up!” 

[whoisjinhwan]

100 reasons to love yuta

that smile™

did i mention he invented smiling??? Amazing

his PERFECT smile its by far the best smile ive EVER seen in my life. not to be dramatic but yutas smile has cured any sickness i have ever head and have yet to have not to be dramatic but every time i see yuta smile and get that twinkle in his eye my heart grows three times in size not to be dra

his boldness. hes very straightforward its so refreshing

the way his eyes get so wide when hes surprised or enthusiastic im SOFT

HIS BEAUTIFUL BIG CHOCOLATE BROWN CAT LIKE EYES !

his lips i… gtg. theyre perfectly heart shaped

his insane versatility. give him a fuckign Clown Concept complete with hair and makeup, he’ll pull it off. no printer just fax

hes so witty despite not being 100% fluent in korean its amazing bc these comments just roll off his tongue

his charisma…. God Tier. he puts it out there that hes That guy

he moved to korea from japan and learned korean so fast that he gave taeil an identity crisis wow

yuta saying OKAY OKAY all the time thats the Nakamotto™

all (2) of his lines in firetruck

his hair is so luscious if sm ever tries to cut it i will personally Go Off

how does he look so good in yellow?????? he really did That

middle part!yuta

his medium/high pitched speaking voice? yes

HIS SINGING. his voice is so soft and sweet what an angel. i always have to prepare myself before his parts in songs so that i dont get a stroke bc his voice flows like liquid gold its so entrancing and addicting that got long and gross really fast in conclusion : give him more lines!!!!!!!!!

cherry bomb yuta focus ver. truly a smash hit legend deal with it

hes so dual hes like the human embodiment of sin but hes so GOOD. honestly how does he do That

the way he loves skinship it KILLS ME hes always holding someones hand, has his arm around their shoulder, etc.

hes highkey a sweetheart have u seen the way he takes care of his members?? how hes always right there next to them, comforting them, just overall being super sensitive

how he acts with the younger members

his friendship with hansol

taeyong said he makes all the other members feel confident :)))

yuta saying “good job” and praising winwin 25/8

accidentally holding taeils hand

when ice cream was found yuta gave winwin the first bite

yuta ft sword protecting taeyong while he barbecues

cooking assistant!yuta

how hard he tries to include all the members during interviews

hes so precious he named winwin winko im ugly sobbing

SAVAGE YUTA!!! yuta doesnt fuck around he knows whats up this boi rlly roasted his own company for not giving him enough lines King Of Being Petty he roasts better than this oven im about to stuff myself into

his love for his heritage. he always mentions japan in his interviews like “im from japan, can I speak japanese, back in osaka…”

nct life in osaka : tourguide!yuta wandering around his hometown with his members having the time of his life made me softer than it needed to

the famous takoyaki prank #fail it was tragic

yuta tightly holding taeyongs hand in the haunted house? cute !!

yuta trying to wink but actually just…. blinking? cute!!

yutas love for ferris wheels? cute !!

THAT cherry blossom pic. call moma i think theyre missing a masterpiece

i could listen to him speak japanese all day amsr whomst???

hes such a tease like its not an nct video unless yuta tries to flirt with the camera

@stylists stop giving him jackets!!! he doesnt WANT them

his rap in open the door, a religious experience

he grinded on a minion i think about this every single one of my waking hours How To Bleach Your Eyes

he has chicken breasts in his backpack?? what a frekkin weirdo…..

“we dont speak, thats alright” + that ONE HAND MOVE in 0 mile

his accent when he speaks english

his cute way of saying words he doesnt know how to pronounce

hes always given the hardest parts in choreo like the lifting parts in firetruck and he does it well even when hes hurt :((((

he way he talks. he has so many opinions like when he was on abnormal summit every time he spoke it was iconic, we love a woke king hes just. so Good With Words

he admires his dad more than anything in the world

his gaze/stare ohohohohoohoho my gosh!!!!!

this ?? boy ?? really ?? signed with sm as a vocalist, trained as a rapper, and now has the role of a dancer in nct 127? what is this talent, is he like… real?

his LAUGH! the way his shoulders rise and his eyes turn into crescents… wow

his airport fashion! looks after looks after looks after looks af

he is the single most Extra person ive ever seen with my own two eyes

that one time on nct life in paju when they were playing soccer and he… PUT THE BALL INSIDE HIS SHIRT TO SNEAK A GOAL??? i think abt this a lot

cant whistle for shit

he once said he doesnt smile in airport pics bc he wants to look cool?????????? a Whole Scorpio

clumsy!yuta opening a fridge and dropping a jar of spam on his foot

calling taeyong tsundere

“healing smile but I can do killing too”

“i dont cook but im a good cook”

cooking!yuta being confident that hes first place but then being eliminated

his cover of touch my body by sistar. Legendary

he played soccer for 11 years so he can singlehandedly murder everyone when it comes to sports its so Sexci

bUT he doesnt have the strength to do winwins morning exercises

he literally said his favorite destinations are rest stops because he can eat and relax

yuta in haarpers bazaar ended every other model on earth thats the Tea

when he wore that shirt with barack obama on it… thats Woke

his skin!!!!!!! always got that Glo. anastasia who??? becca whom?

he needs to wear muscle tees forever bc a r m s, im crying, can you hear my tears

YUTAS HANDS !!!!!!!! YUTA WITH HANDS!!!!!!!!! YUTA WITH VEINY HANDS!!!!!!!!!! THE HANDS OF YUTA

his fanservice he! really called us princesses and is always throwing up hearts this is an attack!

slytherin!yuta with a milk mustache in universal studios

supreme anime connoisseur 

his drawing vs haechans drawing??

hes Highkey gay for winwin

mountain man? manly man? Who Know

forgot his own groups name???? New Culture Technology headass….

when he wears earbuds at the airport and looks like hes in a kdrama like what is he listening to? asking the Real Questions

yuta + lemon, a Tragedy

skater!yuta

yuta playing ping pong in nct life and getting super hyped up for no reason at all

when he runs his fingers thru his hair. gravity? idk her.

his favorite accessories are earrings and he always wears the ones his fans gift him

all his reactions are a1 wow, god of cute expressions

yuta eating happily makes my heart so full like do you see those cheeeeks!!!!

cherry bomb era… hes really a whole meal i am well FED

HEADBAND!YUTA

his shoulders = yes

the way he gets so nervous when he has to give a speech in tokyo dialect bc hes from osaka

if he were to be reborn he said hed want to be a woman my heart is BURSTING

he gives good advice. i love how he turns his own experiences into life lessons i love my Wise Boyfriend

“what kind of food is not important, who youre eating with is important”

people give yuta so much shit bc of his chin but i love how confident he is with himself. “you guys saw my teasers right? i was sexy wasnt i?” “i dont look for the camera, the camera looks for me” its so heartwarming bc hes That guy and he k n o w s

he said his ideal type is someone who knows the word “pain” like hes so much more than the smiley playful persona he has on camera if u dont think that super scorpio hides a shit ton of feelings and insecurities get off my lawn

hardworking!! hes improved so much as a dancer and hes always trying his best to make ncts broadcasts entertaining it makes my heart blush i LOVE him

he, nakamoto yuta, the light of my whole life, exists. hes Out There, living. i love being blessed everyday imagine not loving yuta thats :/ not relatable

[comicteaparty]

April 29th-May 5th, 2019 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party week long chat that occurred from April 29th, 2019 to May 5th, 2019.  The chat focused on Catcha by Anko.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- WEEK LONG BOOK CLUB START!

Hello and welcome everyone to Comic Tea Party’s Week Long Book Club~! This week we’ll be focusing on Catcha by Anko~! (http://catcha.smackjeeves.com/)

You are free to read and comment about the comic all week at your own pace, so stop on by whenever it suits your schedule! Remember, though, that while we allow constructive criticism, our focus is to have fun and appreciate the comic. Below you will find four questions to get you started on the discussion. However, a new question will be posted and pinned everyday (between 12:01AM and 6AM PDT), so keep checking back for more! You have until May 5th to tell us all your wonderful thoughts! With that established, let’s get going on the reading and the chatting!

QUESTION 1. What has been your favorite scene in the comic so far? What specifically did you like about it?

QUESTION 2. Do you feel that Myouki and Yumi will be able to get along in the long run? What sort of obstacles in their relationship do you expect? What sorts of things might bring them together?

keii4ii

1. I have two picks for this one! Myouki transforming, even though I was expecting it from the synopsis, was a big 'ooh yesss' moment. Magical cat transformation is inherently exciting! Plus, it felt like a gear shifting moment for the story. Second one isn't really a scene, but the one panel where you see the framed picture of Yumi and her mom(?). While it's a fairly normal thing to have, it still shows that her parents are real, that her relationship with them isn't just a plot device. It also made me wonder if there's something special about that relationship that we will be learning in the comic later on.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 3. At the moment, who is your favorite character? What about that character earns them this favor?

QUESTION 4. Why do you think that Yumi is so determined to save the cafe? Ultimately, do you feel that she will succeed? How might her goals change as she continues to pursue her dream?

ankoart

@keii4ii Myouki transforming was something I was looking forward to drawing for so long after I started Catcha! It's still one of my favorite scenes. I'm really glad you're picking up some of the smaller details as well! Family is important to Yumi for sure!

RebelVampire

1) my favorite scene, or i guess more the panel, is where they shake hands. i really adore that hesitation cause i think it helps visually kind of express how theres going to be struggles but theres also hope to be had that theyll manage to work together. so emotionally i think it just really works for the moment and the entire panel flow. 2) In the long run, yes I think the two will find common ground. But emphasis on long cause I think it's gonna be a while. I think the biggest obstacle for their relationship is just how out of touch Myouki might be with humanity. Cause I feel hes not going to understand why humans do the way humans do. Like why theyre staring at their phones all the time or why they dont worship at shrines like they used to or something. and i feel this is gonna cause him to butt heads and make yumi have to cover with customers, leading to many long structures and them having to teach each other about themselves and about how they can make the world work for them. as for bringing them together, cats. definitely cats cause at least thats the one common ground they can really share. 3) Myouki for the shallow reason hes a cat and has two colored hair. Two things I like. Hes also grump boy which I also like. 4) From the impression I got, I assume Yumi has fond memories of someone who probably died or something tied to that cafe. And it's kind of like her last place to remember them by. Or said person also believed in her or something like that. I think there's also just a little bit of stubbornness in there too cause she already made the bet. So it's kind of too late to back out now without taking an ego punch. I think she will succeed, but I think her goals will shift slightly in perspective. Right now I feel shes mostly about saving the business, but when it becomes not about saving the business I think shell really dedicate herself to making a true place for cats. Like giving them a home without it just being a gimmick.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 5. What has been your favorite illustration in the comic so far? What specifically about it do you like?

QUESTION 6. Who exactly is the person who introduced Myouki and Yumi? What is her end game in helping Myouki to not be forgotten? What do you see her role in the story being later on?

RebelVampire

5) actually my favorite illustration is the most recent page: http://catcha.smackjeeves.com/comics/2782734/page-18/ theres a great level of precision and detail in the cat related objects that i really appreciate, and you know 1000% what they are at first glance. I also enjoy the overal page composition cause it really has this nice montage feel that really helps showcase the changes that are going on with the cafe and how they really do create a nice atmosphere like is the characters' goals. 6) I assume she is some higher up in the food chain deity that is responsible for Myouki in some way. Possibly also a cat cause her eyes were kind of cat like. But going on this wavelength of course she doesnt want myouki to be forgotten cause thats how you get demoted. i do think shell appear later on to check up on them and give some sort of assessment. which will cause conflict between myouki and yumi as they try to impress but havent worked out all their relationship kinks yet.

keii4ii

5) There's a lot to like throughout the comic. I appreciate the creator doesn't shy away from drawing the environments, showing unusual angles (even for non-dramatic moments -- e.g. bottom left panel here http://catcha.smackjeeves.com/comics/2737479/page-25/ ). If I had to pick one..... I'd go with this one. http://catcha.smackjeeves.com/comics/2776781/page-17/ The environment is very simple and understated, yet it gives a sense of a fully 3-dimensional space. I also like the contrast between the busy hatching vs the simplicity of the rest of the image!

Delphina

Just caught up with this one, such a cute story so far!

Desnik

5. I liked this. I enjoy small, organic moments and the kittens are a fun bonus. http://catcha.smackjeeves.com/comics/2727534/page-06/

Delphina

My favorite scene in the comic so far is Yumi going out and feeding the cats. She just looks so happy and it's so sweet! http://catcha.smackjeeves.com/comics/2727534/page-06/

keii4ii

Jinx!

Delphina

Hahahaha

It was KITTTEN O'CLOCK apparently!

Myouki definitely seems to have a big chip on his shoulder and I think a lot of their obstacles are going to be him learning to be tolerant and understanding (especially in a customer service context), and Yumi being veeeerrryyy patient with him. Beyond the typical café trials of running a business and literal cat-herding, I would love to see more gods or supernatural/dangerous things happen because of Myouki's involvement and how Yumi rises to the challenge of handling that (or brings her human perspective in, a la Natsume Yuujinchou).

I think my favorite character so far is the Mystery White-Haired Lady. She seems kind but also mischievous, and I want to know what kind of relationship she has with a god to tease him like that. Like Rebel said, I think she's higher up in the deity foodchain and could either be looking out for Myouki OR wanting him to fail spectacularly. But she seems to appreciate Yumi so I'm leaning toward a more kindly sort.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 7. Which characters do you enjoy seeing interact the most? What about their dynamic interests you?

QUESTION 8. What do you think Myouki’s backstory is? Why is Myouki so out of touch with the human world to the point he’s no longer believed in? Do you think he will come to accept humans by the end of the story?

ankoart

Author swooping in to let you all know I'm SUPER excited to read your thoughts, and my heart is so full right now! @RebelVampire I'm never quite confident in if I'm getting feelings across when I try and slow down scenes with moments of hesitation and such, so I'm really happy to hear that the handshake read clearly and you enjoyed it! Haha, Myouki would certainly be baffled by a lot of modern human quirks, like people staring at cellphones. Cats are definitely always the answer though! (>w<) I'm really happy you like Myouki. I love him for shallow reasons too, haha! Hummmm, I gotta say, you seem to understand Yumi really well! <3 The page you choose as a favorite illustration is one I put so much care into, so I'm really happy! I know there's not much that actually happens in that page, but I'm trying really hard to create a sense of space and atmosphere in Catcha! It means so much to know that's appreciated! And oh ho ho, your guesses over the mysterious woman who visits the cafe got me grinning. She's gonna keep everyone guessing for awhile soon as to who she is!

@keii4ii Oh man, I had so much fun with that picture of Myouki. It's such a simple little illustration, so I wanted to add lots of delicate details when inking it to add more depth!

@Desnik and @Delphina That page was such a fun excuse to feature some kittens at last! I felt kind of guilty before then about what a lack of cats there were, lol.

@Delphina Myouki being a deity will certainly add another flavor of challenges to their partnership! (Yumi already had bitten off more than she could chew with trying to start up her own business, but now she's got a cranky deity to please on top of everything else!) I'm so happy someone likes ~ Mystery Lady ~ ! She's really fun to write, and I feel like she hasn't had much opportunity to shine yet. I hope you look forward to more scenes with her~!

RebelVampire

QUESTION 9. What sorts of art or story details have you noticed in the way the comic is crafted that you think deserves attention?

QUESTION 10. How do you think Yumi will get along with the cats that Myouki winds up bringing? Will she be able to care for them all? Additionally, what sorts of personalities do you think the cats might have?

RebelVampire

7) Yumi and the mystery lady atm. Mystery lady is just so weird so it's kind of hard to anticipate where she's gonna go in a convo. So it makes their interactions kind of compelling. I also feel like mystery lady offers a great way to see into other side of Yumi that arent immediately present just cause of how she is. 8) I feel like Myouki probably got hurt by some humans and then it snowballed. So basically he cut off contact, and because he wasnt contacting humans as much they just went "cat god? maybe on the internet." not to mention myouki doesnt seem to be the type to like change, so aas the times progressed i feel like he just naturally remained stubborn and complained that the humans were changing and no longer respectful. basically old guy stuff. but eventually i do think he will accept humans again when he learns to open his heart. also when he learns how popular cats are on the internet. 9) the detail i want to appreciate is the cat coat patterns. They look very realistic to actual cats, and i love how theyre all varied. You'd be surprised how many ppl just make plain colored cats (which is fine cause i love all cats but i digress). Thus, I can appreciate the thought put in to making sure the cats weve seen are varied in appearance. 10) I think Yumi will do fine but i also would kind of like to see her interact with a cat that is legit the biggest asshole. And see her challenge herself with patience with trying to let the cat warm up to her rather than forcing herself on the cat. I think at some point the care might wind up jeapordized too cause they can only take in so many cats and...yeah, i dont think theyll put a hard limit on everything at first until they realize how much work is involved. as for cat personalities, besides the one i mentioned i also hope theres the cat who just sits everywhere theyre not supposed to be musing how if it fits, it sits.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 11. What do you think are this particular comic’s strengths? What do you think makes this comic unique? Please elaborate.

QUESTION 12. What sorts of obstacles do you think Yumi will face business wise when it comes to running a cat cafe? Will the gimmick and renovation be enough, or will Yumi still have other challenges ahead of her?

keii4ii

12) I was actually mildly surprised that she had the funds to buy all those things for the cats? (Though I guess second hand market and thrift shopping may have been involved!) Funding can be a problem, possibly vet bills in the future. I wonder if Myouki has any helpful powers in the cat health department.

Kabocha

“1. What has been your favorite scene in the comic so far? What specifically did you like about it?” http://catcha.smackjeeves.com/comics/2734702/page-20/ At first, I really thought that this was going to go... differently (because I didn't read the synopsis), and that this was gonna end up being a tale where the main character gets turned into a cat. I am admittedly quite pleasantly surprised by the fact that... It's not that. I'm 100% into the whole cat cafe idea~ “2. Do you feel that Myouki and Yumi will be able to get along in the long run? What sort of obstacles in their relationship do you expect? What sorts of things might bring them together?” Ahahahaha. Grudgingly, yes, I think. Myouki's a very rare type of cat, isn't he... I think, if anything, we're going to see him being aloof... continually. There's going to be a lot of stress, and maybe eventually Myouki'll have to understand that he can't just be a jerk if he wants to have his shrine...

“3. At the moment, who is your favorite character? What about that character earns them this favor?” Myouki. He's a cat. I like cats. It's pretty simple. “4. Why do you think that Yumi is so determined to save the cafe? Ultimately, do you feel that she will succeed? How might her goals change as she continues to pursue her dream?” Admittedly, I'm not sure I have enough information to go off of to answer this question! This comic is very cute, but it's challenging to come up with theories that I can back up with evidence quite yet... But I would assume that Yumi's interested in keeping the cafe because it was in her family for a while. Probably a grandparent owned it, and it was the place of many nostalgic memories? Hmmm.

Kabocha

“5. What has been your favorite illustration in the comic so far? What specifically about it do you like?” Hmmm, that's hard to say! I think I actually like the latest page a bit -- the middle shot with the cat supplies has a good sense of depth and business. You get a good feel for how much work has been going into prepping the space. http://catcha.smackjeeves.com/comics/2782734/page-18/ “6. Who exactly is the person who introduced Myouki and Yumi? What is her end game in helping Myouki to not be forgotten? What do you see her role in the story being later on?” If she's not Myouki's mother, she's another kami with her own interests in seeing Myouki succeed... Maybe she's from Tashirojima. “7. Which characters do you enjoy seeing interact the most? What about their dynamic interests you?” I'm actually the most curious about Yumi and our strange disappearing magical lady. I'm just curious to see how that appears... “8. What do you think Myouki’s backstory is? Why is Myouki so out of touch with the human world to the point he’s no longer believed in? Do you think he will come to accept humans by the end of the story?” Myouki... Hm. I feel like he might just be a rural kami or something -- from an area that used to have people, but not so much anymore? And maybe his shrine was out of the way. I think he's just lonely, honestly. Maybe he sees the kami in town who have these huge shrines and is just like T_T about it.

“9. What sorts of art or story details have you noticed in the way the comic is crafted that you think deserves attention?” I actually really appreciate the attention to Myouki's hakama. Thank you for paying attention to that! “10. How do you think Yumi will get along with the cats that Myouki winds up bringing? Will she be able to care for them all? Additionally, what sorts of personalities do you think the cats might have?” Myouki's gonna bring a bunch of different cats, probably more than a few need some sort of treatment from the vet... They are the cats he needs to get homes, I'm sure. I, too, want to see her handle the biggest asshole of a cat, like Rebel does. :'D “11. What do you think are this particular comic’s strengths? What do you think makes this comic unique? Please elaborate.” The screentones are well done, I think. It gives me a nostalgic sort of feeling... Kinda like some of the webcomics I used to read back in the day. It's a very nice feeling, honestly. “12. What sorts of obstacles do you think Yumi will face business wise when it comes to running a cat cafe? Will the gimmick and renovation be enough, or will Yumi still have other challenges ahead of her?” ...Health inspections and food regulations. There's sure to be a licensing issue or something... bureaucracy!!!

Kabocha

I enjoy the overall premise of this comic though... It really makes me wanna go to a cat cafe for real

RebelVampire

QUESTION 13. What are you most looking forward to in the comic? Also, do you have any final thoughts to share overall?

QUESTION 14. What role might Yumi’s friend Mayu have to play in the course of the story? What other sorts of characters do you think we might meet given the premise?

RebelVampire

11) i think the comic's strengths are the attention to detail on the cat related objects. like not just the cats themselves, but the water fountain, the scratching post, etc. it really helps sell the cat aspect of owning a cat cafe and ya, as a cat lover just immediately attracts me as i scream yaay cats. 12) I agree with Kabo that food regulations is gonna be a huge one. And there's probably also other things to consider. Like some cat cafes let ppl adopt the cats from there to give them homes, but that comes with its own legal requirements and such. i also agree with keii that vet bills are gonna factor in too as a business expense. especially if myouki is bringing in strays cause at the very least those strays should probably be neutered and spayed. but the third option im going to add is marketing. cause you can have the best gimmick in all the world, but if you dont work out you marketing plan youre just going to wind up with 0 customers since theres no brand awareness. 13) im just most looking forward to the cafes opening day right now just to see which of these theorized issues is a thing and which arent. and also just to see whether its a big success or a huge failure. cause like i said, marketing is a necessary thing. 14) I think Mayu is going to be a force of support for Yumi, but I also think shes going to be sort of a representation of what can happen to relationships when you focus too much on business and dont find a good life work balance. down the line of course as yumi buries herself more and more into work. as for other characters, i do kind of hope we might meet a grumpy health inspector who hates cats and is just flat out awful to myouki cause that sounds like a challenge of character growth

Kabocha

YEAH. And then Myouki has to learn how to be nice to people in order to get what he wants/needs out of the system... That would honestly be kinda funny.

As far as question 13 -- I think I look forward to seeing all of the cats that show up. :D 14. Mayu... well. I don't know. Maybe eventually she will do something like... help in the cafe? Maybe she ends up being allergic to cats and can't help out. You know, one thing they do around here is they have the cafe part of the cat cafes separate from the... cat area. So you get your food and drinks made, and then you go join the cats afterward, knowing that not all cats are super clean.

Delphina

I could see Myouki being EXCEPTIONALLY OFFENDED that humans don't think cats are clean

Kabocha

Oh, of course he would be! XD "What do you mean, you don't want my friend here dipping his paw in your tea? He cleaned up after the litter box!"

If these cats are anything like mine, it'd be like "NOPE YOUR DRINK NOW, CAT"

Delphina

As far as strengths, I really love the gentle shoujo manga style with the screentoning, it definitely puts me in the frame of mind as to what genre of story to expect and I can tell that's a big inspiration here. I'm not sure what the artist is using to make this or if she's working with a pressure sensitive stylus, but I can see hints of spot blacks and line weight variation on different panels creeping in http://catcha.smackjeeves.com/comics/2749987/page-13/ and I'd really love to see more done in that direction, because I think line thickness and variation is pretty important when you're working in greyscale.

ankoart

Ahhh, I've been intending to add some responses to all the wonderful discussions going on here, but was having some computer issues over the weekend! Finally got that figured out so here I go~!

ankoart

@RebelVampire -I'm never sure which characters people are going to respond to, so I'm really happy to hear people are intrigued by the mystery customer. I can't wait to hit a chapter where she gets to return and shine! -You understand Myouki really well too! -I've had lots of fun looking up different cat breeds to add variation to the cats that will be joining the cafe. I agree that all cats are great, but it's also nice to stray away from the ones you usually see. -Poor Yumi already has Myouki to deal with, but who knows, there may be a cat out there that causes her even more grief! -Designing all the cat themed things has been so fun! It's basically just an excuse for me to design things I wish I owned, lol -There's def a LOT more that goes into running a cafe than just showing up to work, and I'm glad people recognize that! Yumi does her research and prepares best she can, but this is new territory and she's on a time limit. Bounds to be a few hiccups as things progress! At least one of the things you mentioned will be popping up within the next couple of chapters! -Yumi's nervous and anxious about opening day too! -Mayu and Yumi's relationship has definitely shifted since they graduated high school. The current story doesn't highlight much of that yet, but we may get more notes about some of Yumi's friends as things continue... <3 -A grumpy health inspector would be hilarious!

keii4ii

“It's basically just an excuse for me to design things I wish I owned, lol” Are you secretly a cat

ankoart

@keii4ii -Funding is huge issue, and the cafe was losing profits when the story started! Yumi would never have been able to do something like this without help. The mysterious customer is helping her pay for this, but that's only mentioned briefly here: http://catcha.smackjeeves.com/comics/2735609/page-21/

lol, I'm a lover of cats (>w<)

Also I enjoy spoiling my own kitty

ankoart

@Kabocha -Oh man Yumi getting turned into a cat would be fun though. She'd probably be adorable! -Yumi and Myouki need a get-along sweater, haha. At least Yumi is trying her best. -Y'all are boosting Myouki's ego way too much, lol. He's going to feel honored to be so many people's favorite. -The cafe is def a source of fond memories for Yumi. Sometimes it's hard to let go of the past. Like moving out of your home, and seeing it turn into somewhere you don't even recognize anymore. It's kind of a sick feeling. Yumi's not ready for that. -Gosh I'm so happy people like the latest page. There's a lot of panels coming up where I poured in hours of work just to try and level up the art in the comic! -TASHIROJIMA! It' a dream of mine to visit there someday, haha. -Clearly I need to bring back our mystery lady sooner rather than later~ her interactions with Yumi are really fun. -I think he's just lonely, honestly Aww, this pulled on my heartstrings. Myouki's definitely struggling with the grief of being forgotten by humanity right now. -Thank you for noticing Myouki's hakama! Not many people know about them I think, haha. I've always wanted to own or wear one. (Maybe I should make purchasing one a goal for this year!) -lol looks like "asshole cat" is gonna need to be a thing! -I feel like I'm failing to use screen tones well lately, but knowing people appreciate them is so encouraging! I'm gonna try and study more techniques and up my game! -Oh the bureaucracy of it all~! -More cats more cats! -Mayu coming to help out in a cafe would certainly be adorable~! We'll see how things go! Also please go to a cat cafe if you can, they are so much fun! And haha, Myouki would get VERY offended if people suggested his cats were too dirty to be in the same area as humans who are eating. Human's are way less clean than cats are.

Kabocha

Hey, as a fellow screentone user, I definitely appreciate when they're used effectively by other folks!

Also, regarding Asshole Cat being a thing -- YES Even if they're a friendly sort of jerk of a cat... You know, the sort of cat who has to lay on your favorite coat as you're getting ready to leave... and put hair all over it... Or, they eat a treat, only to get sick all over the rug you just cleaned OR, the perennial favorite: Knocking stuff off shelves.

ankoart

@Delphina -Myouki will challenge anyone who calls his cats dirty. How dare they! -I'm so happy the shoujo feel carries through! I ink everything by hand using a maru pen. (That's also why there's sometimes spots or grit stuck on the page, haha. So hard to keep it clean!) Right now I've been focusing on getting really thin, delicate lines, so there hasn't been a ton of variation, but I hope once I master that gentle look I can ease back into more variation on line widths!

@Kabocha I used to tone by hand, so getting to play with it digitally is so much fun! But I also sometimes get stumped as to how to approach things, lol. Knocking stuff off shelves is the best asshole cat move, I love it so much.

Kabocha

Oh gosh, I can't imagine toning by hand in this day and age. T_T It's so expensive... plus it's like AAAAAA ALL THAT TIME But it can be a challenge to figure out the right approach. ...Gradients. Gradients are very helpful for this. XD

When in doubt, slap a gradient on it! (don't actually do that, it's bad advice) Regardless, I'm looking forward to seeing where Catcha goes -- it's very cute!!

ankoart

lol it's bad advice but I def am guilty of it!!!

Kabocha

Me toooooo

ankoart

And thank you! Going for that cute factor >w<

Kabocha

As kind of a final word... I wanna tell you, Anko, to keep having fun with this! I think your enthusiasm really shines through, and it's heartwarming. I look forward to seeing what you do in the future with this comic, and any others you choose to work on!

ankoart

Oh my goodness, thank you so much!! This whole chat has been really encouraging, and those words mean so much to me! I want to create something that is just fun and calming to read, and heart-warming for anyone who enjoys it. I'll keeping working hard to achieve that!

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- WEEK LONG BOOK CLUB END!

Thank you everyone so much for reading and chatting about Catcha this week! Please also give a special thank you to Anko for volunteering the comic and creating it! If you liked Catcha, make sure to continue to support it via some of the links below!

Read and Comment: http://catcha.smackjeeves.com/

Anko’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ankoart

Anko’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnkosArt

[kirakiraproject]

Kira Beauty - Ori

This week's Kira Beauty is our only 3rd generation Canadian member, Ori from Team R. I'm Mizuki and I'm the one who gonna interview Ori.

M = Mizuki O = Ori

M: Hi Ori!

O: Hello Mizuki! How are you?

M: I'm fine. How about you, Ori?

O: That's great! I'm also fine, thanks 🙂

M: So how has your day been?

O: Good so far, thanks 🙂 How has your been?

M: It has been pretty fine, thanks. How do you feel by being a member of Crystal Rose so far?

O: I feel very excepted and privilege. I wanted to join around five years ago but was no where's near good enough, and now that I finally made it, I'm just extremely happy 😁

M: Oh, so you knew about the group since the beginning? What was the reason that made you auditioned for the group this time?

O: Since I never thought I was good enough before, and I didn't have the right stuff to audition, I asked if the manager would keep me up-to-date about when the auditions would be help. When I got an email about Gen 3 this year, I nearly fell out of my chair. I thought the idea of being part of a group that sung original songs, and made music videos would be fun, and I really wanted to be apart of something like that.

M: I understand your feelings. I was also very happy by joining this group. Working in a group is so much more special than working all alone. Actually you are great, so you shouldn't think you weren't good enough. 

M: So since when did your dream as a singer start?

O: It is. Oh thank you 🙂 My dream to become a singer started probably around the time I was actually able to sing. Me and my mom would always sing together regardless of what we were doing when I was little, and music was always a big part of my life. I always wished I could be on stage singing to a bunch of fans 😊

M: Hope you will be able to do it soon! What kind of music genres would you like to sing?

O: I would love to sing ballads, or really emotional rock / alternative songs. What kind of genres do you like to sing?

M: Actually the same, hahaha! Or a mix of them all and rap too should be good. Have you thought about releasing your own songs in the future?

O: I never thought about rap. That would give a really nice flair to the song 😮 And I would love to release my own songs now actually, although I have no idea how to make the instrumental track for that, 😅😅

M: Hahaha same same!! I don't know anything about how to make the instrumental part too! Maybe we should contact those who know to work with them haha. But would you like to compose and write your own lyrics, or you are fine with someone else doing it for you?

O: Maybe we should lol. I bet you would make such lovely music 😮 It would be nice to write and make my own music, but I'm fine with someone else doing it for me, for now. Or even, I could just write the lyrics. I'm fine with that too.

M: Thank you, I would say the same for you. OMG, please release your own songs soon!!! I'm exciting for them!! 😍😍 If you have to write a song right now, what would you want the song to be about?

O: 😳😳 Oh my lol thank you. I wold probably write a song about heartbreak, or people using people, or about being yourself, and unique, cause everyone being the same creates a very dull world.

M: Wow, really deep songs then! I like those! 

M: Besides then being a singer, do you have other dream occupations?

O: I'm also working towards being a voice actress, and possibly an online artist ^.^

M: What is an online artist?

O: I st mean someone who would post speed paints, and post their art online to sell, as commissions, or otherwise.

M: Oh wow! I remember I have seem your paintings. They are very beautiful! Do you have any website where you post them at the moment?

O: Oh wow, thank you 🙂 I post my speed paints to this YouTube channel - - > > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcV-DGXOzZS_trJ7lcQXzpQ Though I haven't posted anything lately.All of my WIPs, and paper drawings go on my Instagram.

M: Wow, so everyone, please visit Ori's super art after reading our interview! 😉 How long have you been interested in drawing?

O: I have been since I was 12, so almost 5 years.

M: You learnt that much in only 5 years? It's amazing!!

O: /)//(\ Thank you. If you practice a lot, everyday, you can really improve your skills 🙂 Plus, I like to think it's in my blood lol, cause my parents, and siblings all draw extremely well too.

M: Maybe it is, but everything needs its' hard work, so I'm sure that you also have put down a lot of hard work into those to make them as amazing as they are today!

O: True true. Practice, and hard work always come first before talent, and even when you are good, there is still always room for improvement or new skills 🙂

M: Since we are in a Japanese inspired group, I'm sure you listen to Japanese music too right?

O: I do listen to Japanese music. Like GANiDELiA, REOL, and Vocaloid, plus some Utaties like JubyPhonic, and Rachie.

M: Oh, so since when did you start to listen to Japanese music?

O: When I was 12. Everything relating to anime, art, or singing actually covers started when I was 12 actually lol

M: How comes haha? How did you start to listen to Japanese music?

O: I started really watching anime when I was 12, and that lead to me looking up the opening songs, then covers, and then finding all these other singers.

M: Oh, do you remember the name of your first anime?

O: My first anime was Spirited Away, and Mew Mew Power.

M: Are you still watching anime right now?

O: Of course 🙂 Right now I'm trying to work my way through the One Piece series, and I keep drawing the characters 😩 Which isn't helping me get through the anime. I'm only on episode 43 😭

M: You don't need to hurry to watch through it. Just watch when you have time haha 😀 

M: If we go back to the music topic, do you prefer to sing in Japanese of English more?

O: That's a hard question. I guess it all depends on the song really. Sometimes it's easier to sing one in Japanese than English, and vice-versa 😅😅

M: I see. How's your Japanese? Do you understand the basic?

O: はい！わかります！But just the basics lol.

M: Wow, you even know how to type in Japanese. Actually my Japanese is super bad, so I can't read what you wrote, haha. I only know some very few words haha. How did you learn Japanese?

O: I said "Hai! Wakarimasu." Which is Yes, I understand. I learnt by getting help from one of my exchange student - friends, and also by using some language apps 🙂 I'm also trying to learn German, and French.

M: Wow, you're very hard working! That's good that you are learning a lot of languages! So what is your goal within the 5 years?

O: To be known a bit more online, and to be in acting college 🙂 Can I ask what your goals may be?

M: Good luck!!! Go for it!! You are in high school right now right? When are you gonna join college? About my goal, I hope to become well-known online and together with you all make Crystal Rose into a successful group.

O: Thank you. I am in high school - grade 11. I plan on going to college a year or two after I graduate, so when I'm 20. Oooh that's a wonderful goal! Good luck Mizuki! I know you can do it!!!! 🙂

M: Thank you so much, dear! The same with you, Ori! 

M: By the way, since you gonna study acting in college, does it mean that you also would like to become an actress?

O: Your welcome 🙂Yes it does! Acting is so much fun, I wish to do it as my main profession. But if I fail 😞 I will become an Art and English teacher.

M: I also have an interest in acting. It seems fun! I think it's good that you have a lot of plans, so like you said if one doesn't work then there's always another. Since you are thinking of becoming a teacher, which grade would you like to teach?

O: I bet you would be an amazing actor! If you plan on pursuing than good luck 🙂 I would like to teach grade 7 or 8 English, but grade 10 or 11 art.

M: The same with you! Don't give up your acting dream!! Good luck!!!!!!! 💪💪❤️❤️ So funny that some of our dream are very similar, since I have also thought of becoming a teacher, though I don't think of it so much right now, haha.

O: You should also not give up!! I'll be rooting for you from afar 〜〜！！！！ ❤️❤️ It is kind of ironic lol.

M: It's good to not give up one's dream! Everything is possible in the world! ✨✨ So Ori, thank you so much a nice talking time! Wish you the best with all your dreams! And for all of you who have read our interview, thank you so much!

O: Thank you so much for interviewing me Mizuki. Good luck on all your dreams as well. And thank you everyone who read along! Have a good day 〜

M: Have a good day for you too Ori! Bye everyone!

[gastro-nomique]

Happy Family Habit #11: Take a Time-In

Image Credit: © Alexandre Normand | 06.09.13 & 04.30.12 | CC by 2.0

Be honest… When was the last time you yelled at your kids?

Sometimes right before a major “parent fail,” I can actually see myself about to fly off the handle, yet I still can’t seem to diffuse my emotional momentum in time. Can you relate?

Most days, I’m as cool as a cucumber and can handle a tantrum like I’m Super Mom. Other days, the littlest bit of whining triggers a nasty, snapping response in a voice I can’t believe just came out of my mouth.

What if I told you, most of the time, family meltdowns can be avoided? {Ok, you can laugh now.} But, honestly, stay with me on this…

There are three main factors nearly always involved with dramatic meltdowns:

1. Hunger. A hungry child is a recipe for disaster. (And, just between us, you’re no picnic when you’re starving, either.) Click here for tips on healthy snacks, on-the-go stashes, and meal planning.

2. Physical Exhaustion. A tired child is more likely to act up. And you’re more likely to snap when they do. Click here for family-friendly ways to ensure everyone has energy.

3. Mental Unease. A child that feels “out of sorts” can quickly fall into a downward spiral. When they feel “off” from something as simple as just having “one of those days,” they can become emotionally unraveled. As a parent, when you feel drained or overloaded, everything — and everyone — around you suddenly becomes a source of frustration.

So, what’s the best way to deal with fatigue, in whichever of these three forms it hits your family?

Instead of taking a TIME-OUT, treat yourself to a TIME-IN. This is a personal skill that will help you and your child over a lifetime. I promise.

Time-ins are a restorative way to avoid meltdowns and create an ongoing sense of peace within your home.

We’ve all read about, and have our opinions on, traditional time-outs. A time-in, at our house, has nothing to do with discipline. It’s a simple way to proactively stop a situation from spiraling out of control. The catch? The children and the parents need to participate, openly and completely.

How do you spot when a time-in is needed? Start implementing time-ins by watching your own thoughts and emotions. Are the kids driving you crazy? Take a moment to breathe and ask yourself: Is their behavior actually inappropriate, or are they just being kids and I’m feeling randomly annoyed? If it’s the latter, treat yourself to a time-in to regroup.

The goal is to pause BEFORE your emotions escalate. The same is true for your children… Start to watch for small signs that they’re feeling “off.” You know your child’s personality better than anyone. Watch for subtle shifts in energy or particular facial expressions or catchphrases. Enthusiastically suggest they treat themselves to a quick time-in to refresh, regroup, and recharge themselves before the situation has any possibility of being associated with a punishment.

What does a time-in consist of? A time-in can take a variety of forms. Generally, when a family member takes a time-in, it ranges from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the situation. A time-in can mean a variety of things for your little one: a quiet solo craft project (we love having a Kiwi Crate on hand for moments like this), taking time to sit quietly to write or draw, looking through and reading a book, or even playing music softly. My daughter also enjoys using videos and books to do kid’s yoga on occasion.

At our house, we prefer battery-free options for the kids. Handing my daughter an iPad to play a game solo would just get her even more wired. However, that doesn’t mean quiet time with a game or digital book isn’t the best solution for YOUR little one. You understand your child’s needs best.

Below is a great list of time-in suggestions for some quiet time and independent play:

As an adult, you have a little more freedom with what a time-in could mean for you. Explore different ways you could reset yourself, depending on your schedule, environment, needs, and interests. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Meditate. You need exactly 5 minutes and 33 seconds to find peace in the chaos. Here is a great collection of free mindful meditations. (*This is my personal default time-in.)

Take a walk. It doesn’t have to be a big, scheduled thing. Even a brisk walk around the house or block is enough to cool yourself down in a pinch.

Read some enjoyable fiction. Ok, you can read some serious non-fiction too, but be sure what you’re reading won’t make you feel additional stress or fatigue. The point is to feel restored, not riled.

Listen to an audiobook. If you’ve got a really young child and can’t leave them solo, consider taking a time-in with an audiobook together for a few minutes. Never tried them? Here are a few tips on getting started with audiobooks.

Dance. Release any pent-up negative energy by shaking your booty, either solo or with your little ones. “Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.” ― Martha Graham

Do yoga. This can be hard when you always have a little one underfoot. Here are some suggestions to work toward kid-free yoga.

On a personal note, I’ve found that defaulting to playing on your smartphone or checking updates on your social networks doesn’t work well. The break always feels too fast, and your mind doesn’t have the opportunity to truly recharge.

How do you get started using time-ins? Start with YOU. Gandhi said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” The same is true here. Be the change you wish to see in YOUR FAMILY.

Start by giving yourself a time-in when the kids are around to hear and see you do it. Try using statements like these:

“I’m feeling out of sorts and just not myself. I’m going to treat myself to a time-in and go read my new book I’ve been looking forward to for 15 minutes.”

“Mom can feel the cranks coming on. I’m going to my bedroom to take a time-in and meditate for a few minutes alone. I’d be happy to make your snack for you as soon as I’m done.”

“I’m feeling a bit blah right now. I need some energy. I’m gonna take a time-in and do a few yoga stretches to help my brain and my body feel better.”

It takes a bit of practice to get into the habit of giving yourself a time-in, but the results are astounding.

I highly recommend that you talk to your partner about tag-teaming your time-ins. And give them advanced permission to suggest a time-in when YOU seem to be acting out of sorts. When that situation arises — and it will — don’t get angry at their suggestion. Instead, smile, know they’re probably right, and take them up on it! Remember to stay positive.

If you’re parenting solo, create a game plan for yourself. Something as simple as plopping your child in front of the TV is a good start: “Honey, sit here on the couch and watch PBS for 5 minutes. Mommy needs a quick time-in.” Look for safe ways to keep your child entertained so you can reset when you need to.

Master showcasing this practice for yourself, then start helping your child recognize when they need a time-in, too. Play with these simple phrases:

“You look like you’re feeling out of sorts. When that happens to me, taking a time-in and reading always makes me feel better. There’s a Reading Picnic with snacks all set up for you on your bedroom floor.”

“It looks like you had a draining day at school. Why don’t you grab the iPad and listen to an audiobook with your headphones in your room? I’ll grab you a quick snack.”

“You look like you’ve got a case of the blahs. I’ve set out the markers and a paper in your room. Be sure to show me your drawing when it is done.”

The ultimate goal is self-regulation… for them and for you. I still remember the first time my daughter told me on her own that she was going to take a time-in. It was music to my ears!

Proactively taking charge of your emotions — BEFORE they take charge of you — is an important life skill. Give your child a head start on that skill by teaching them to self-regulate with enjoyable time-ins now.

  Zina is the author of Let’s Lasso the Moon, where she inspires parents and children to interact creatively and enjoy the beauty of everyday moments.

Connect with Zina online→ Pinterest | Google+ | Facebook | Sulia | Twitter | Blog

Below are a few of Zina’s recent posts on parenting: The Missing Part of the Sharing Equation A Lifetime of Yes Moments 5 Tips for Getting Kids to WILLINGLY Donate Toys

The post Happy Family Habit #11: Take a Time-In appeared first on Modern Parents Messy Kids.

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[nisitime]

Random personal cause im bored

1. Name: Just call me Nisi <3

2. Birthplace: Portugal

3. Ancestry: nhé

4. Zodiac Sign: Gemini

5. Biggest fear: the dark

6. Strength/Weakness:im super patient / i cry easly

7. Worst habit:mumbling

8. Favorite holiday: hmmm...x.mas? idk i like free days in general

9. Ever been in a car crash:nop

10. Have you ever had a crush on a teacher: yes

11. What do you do as soon as you walk in the house: take my shoes off

12. Age at first kiss:14/15??? dont really remember CAUSE IT SUCKED

13. When did you fall in love for the first time: school

14. Who Is Your Longest Friend & How Long: PFFF longest friends ahaha

15. Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year: getting my sale site to work

16. What were you doing at midnight last night: working and talking with friends

17. When was the last time you laughed hard: right now

18. Who was the last person that told you they love you: my bf

19. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up yesterday morning: text bf

20. Where did you go for your first date and who was it with: hmmm walk in the park i think with my 1 bf

21. Who’s wedding were you in the first time you were a bridesmaid or a groomsmen: never was but i loved my cusin’s wedding <3

22. Who did you see in concert first:my bf? idk

23. Who was your favorite teacher:UFF i have too many? but i like my actual museum teacher <3

24. Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day:my bf

25. Who do you think about most: my bf (fuck)

26. Is your ideal occupation? drawing memes

27. Beer, wine, or liquor? liquor

28. Favourite restaurant? the restaurant dont my street its called Pana Cota

29. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? ALL OF THEM but maybe coffee

30. McDonlads or Burger King? Mac

31. Fantasy dinner guest(s)? Rock Lee and Nico (oh god)

32. Have you ever been drunk? When was the last time? never

33. What is the most embarrassing thing you have done drunk? nothing

34. Wonder Woman or Cat Woman? Diana <3

35. How many pets do you have? none

36. What would be the first thing you bought if you won the lottery? i fucking credit card

37. When was the first time you smoked? never

38. Who last sent you a text? my bf

39. Who did you last send a text to? my bf

40. What 4 things would you take to a desert island? a boat, a map, food, those light guns for s.o.s

41. Name the 3 most important people in your life? my mom, my bf, my brother

42. Favorite song? dont have one but im super into Ken Ashcorp

43. Favorite movie? hmmm Spirited Away maybe? nostalgia is a fucked up thing

44. When did you last cuddle someone? yesterday

45. When did you last have sex? yesterday (making love tho)

46. If you woke up tomorrow with no fear, what would you do first? TURN OFF ALL LIGHTS

47. What was your biggest worry five years ago, do you still feel the same about it at this minute? not being ok anymore, i dont cause everything passes with time <3

48. If you could change one law of your country, what would it be? i dont know most of them :V

49. What relationships have ended? But you can’t let go? my ex friend that still fucks with my head

50. Where would you take a road trip? hmmm Porto

51. How do Mondays feel for you? nhé dont bother

52. If you could spend ten minutes with your ‘hero’ alive or dead what would you ask them? DUDE HOW CAN U BE SO AMAZING

53. Do your practice ‘self love’ or ‘self loathing’? buddy u ok also u cute and ull be fine <3 dont worry about your legs cause damn thighs

54. What’s your greatest achievement to date? being ok with myself

55. What scares you about your future? not finding a stable job, not getting a house or any money :c

56. Why does pizza come in a square box? cause square boxes are easier to make?

57. What would happen if you knew you could not fail? i would do everything

58. How does it feel to be photographed? if i allow its amazing if not its awkward and upsetting

59. If you could erase an event from your mind, which one would you choose? the ones i crawled for my ex like a dog

60. Do you want your children (if you have any) to be ‘just like you’? no, im to stressfull and have too much anxiety

61. Do you stand for what you believe in or are you pleasing others? first one

62. If money were no concern, what would you do for the rest of your life? be happy on my own house and drawing for fun <3

63. What are you thankful for, this moment? being happy and appreciated

64. Do you have same sex fantasies? not really ?

65. If you have had sex in a public place, where? i didnt

66. Have you ever cried during/after sex? yes before and after

67. Who is the oldest person you’ve had sex with? my bf he is only 4 months older tho

68. Who is the youngest person you’ve had sex with? my 1 ex with 6 months difference

69. Would you rather be in a relationship with a totally submissive partner or a totally dominant partner? none! but dominant is cool

70. How tall are you?  1.73M 

71. How much do you weigh?  60k  

72. What color is your hair naturally?   Dark brown

73. What size jeans do you wear?  40 and 42 (big legs and butts) 

74. What is your favorite color to wear?   to wear i like dark red or yellow but i love purple 

75. Do you have any piercings?    i wish

76. Do you have any tattoos?    no

77. Do you care how other people see you? alot   

78. Do you like sports?    i do

79. How do you feel about age differences in relationships?   if its not astonomic its ok

80. How do you feel about race differences in relationships?    i dont mind i love everyone <3

81. Do you believe in karma or fate?    i do

82. Do you keep a journal?    not anymore only when i was depressed

83. Describe the last dream you remember:   nazis bombing the place i was ...

84. Describe your favorite dream: i like those calm ones where im just chilling  

85. Where are some places you would like to visit?    japan and italy and france

86. Any upcoming concerts you want to attend?    fucking gorillaz but they dont come to portugal for 15 years

87. What music do you listen to when you are happy?    all kinds of music tbh

88. What music do you listen to when you are mad?    all kinds? im never mad

89. Do you like to burn candles or incense?    nah, they make my nose weird

90. What was the last alcoholic beverage you consumed?    hmm champagne?

91. What are your favorite alcoholic beverages?    i dont really drink so i think i dont have one

92. Do you smoke cigarettes or cigars? What about marijuana? none im an angel

93. Who is your number 1 friend and why is he or she there?    my bf cause he’s super happy for me to be me

94. Has anyone ever mistaken you for a family member?    yes

95. Is there anyone of your friends that you would ever consider having sex with?  oh god no! only if single

96. Would you ever have sex in the shower or the bath? on both

97. Have you ever kissed or had sex with someone of the same sex? i wish

98. Do you think your last ex still wants to be with you? nop

99. Ever wondered what it would be like dating the same gender as you? yes

100. What are your outlooks on gay/bisexual people? everyone is ok <3 i love everyone

101. How often do you brush your teeth? everyday

102. How often do you shower?  When was the last time you had a shower?day yes day no, yesterday

103. How often do you shave your legs? when i have to

104. Political affiliation? nop

105. Opinion on abortion? if ur not in condions to have a kid then do it

106. Opinion on immigrants/ immigration reform? if u need do it, just be nice to ppl

107. Should prostitution be legalized?    sure?

108. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? i would ask

109. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do? sometimes we do stuff we dont like to achive something good!

110. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world? no more war pls

111. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich? drawing and hugs

112. Would you break the law to save a loved one? yes

113. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why? porto maybe!

114. Why are you the person you are? i dont fucking know!

115. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend? yes

116. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars? different conditions prolly

117. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you? fart in public

118. Were you happy when you woke up today? i guess?

119. What’s a fact about the last person who text messaged you? he loves me?

120. Want someone back in your life? yes

121. What are you excited for? new upcoming anime conventions

122. Are you scared to fall in love? nop

123. When is your next road trip? this friday to monday

124. What was the last thing you did before you went to bed last night? eat

125. Do you like to cuddle? yup loads

126. Have you ever kissed more than one person in 24 hours? nop

127. Plans for tomorrow? school and work

128. Do you care too much/not at all/just enough? too much unfortunatlly

129. How is life going for you right now? great yet stressfull

130. If you were offered a shot of whiskey right this second, would you accept? sure?

131. This time last year, can you remember who you liked? my bf

132. Could you stay in the same relationship for over a year? doing it for 2 years now

133. If you could have one super power what would it be? supa fast so i could finish the fucking essay

134. Background on your cell phone? yes scott pilgrim foto

135. What are you thinking about right this second? about responding this

136. Last book you read? How was it? harry potter the number 6 loved it

137. What is the last thing you bought? food

138. Do you live with your parents?  yes

139. Have you ever been caught sneaking out? not really

140. Have you ever met a celebrity? yes

141. What are you like when you’re drunk? i dont get drunk

142. What are you like when you’re high? i dont get high

143. Do you want children? yes

144. Do you want a church wedding? no

145. How many pillows do you sleep with? 1

146. Have you ever been scuba diving? no

147. Who was your first real crush? a stupid guy

148. What are you allergic to? spring in general

149. Have you already thought of baby names, and if so what are they? yes gonçalo,henrique,mariana

150. Do you want a boy a girl for a child? either is fine <3

151. How did you get your name? mom chose

152. Name one thing about your body you love? my cheeks and freckles

153. What is your biggest goal in life? getting money to live without help

154. Do you still have feelings for your ex? NOP HE WISHED

155. Do you think aliens are real? yes

156. What age did you start drinking? I DONT DRINK! its only on special ocasions

157. What do you think of President Obama? he cool and sweet

158. Do you think you’ll be in a relationship two months from now? yes

159. Describe your dream girl/guy? girl-smaller than me or same high, short or medium size hair, dark brown hair (or ginger)and eye color, a lil curvy/chubby guy- talelr than me, big! like a bear! dark hair and eyes

160. Story of your first kiss?

he asked me if i kissed before and i lied saying yes we kissed LOL

161. Story of the first time you made out with someone? SAME THING

162. Story of the first time you had sex?

mutual concent with my bf at the time and we did it but as soon and i bled we stopped

163. When did you first have sex?

age 16? I THINK i dont remember dates!!!

164. First time you gave/ received oral sex?

same age

165. Do you still talk to the person you lost your virginity to?

no

167. Favorite fictional character (movie, book, tv show)?

rock lee still best babe

168. How many followers do you have on tumblr? What about twitter/ instagram?

175 tumblr and 200 and something on twitter i think

169. Are you friend with your parents on Facebook?

nop

170. First time you thought you were in love? When did you realize that you weren’t actually in love with that person?

11º grade

171. Do you talk to yourself?

all the time

172. How old will you be on your next birthday?

21

173. How did you meet the last person you kissed?

twitter and memes

174. Do you have any hickies? not right now

175. Turn ons? gentle touches

176. Turn offs?stupid  jokes in the middle

177. What qualities did you get from your mom? nose up is my moms, im caring and loving and defend my loved ones

178. What qualities did you get from your dad? didnt had the chance to know but..im tall?

179. How many siblings do you have? 1 brother

180. Have you ever taken anyone’s virginity? yes