#I think the warm weather just makes me feel invigorated in general

[meownotgood]

this is such a silly thing to say but I've been so happy since the summertime started because the weather reminds me of when I first got obsessed with chainsaw man and aki last year, I just smell the breeze and feel the sun and I'm reminded of all those good vibes

[obsidiancreates]

Freezer Duty (Part One)

(This was going to be a one-shot but then it reached 4,000 words so now it’s split up)

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Amy parks her car and lays her head on the steering wheel. "You can do this. Christmas shopping is already slowing down, you can do this."

She grabs her coffee thermos, a special blend Emma came up with just for the holiday rush days (it had made Amy almost cry with thankful joy, and had made Emma shrink into her sweater and mutter "Whatever," five times straight), and gets out of her car.

The parking lot is mostly empty. Either most of her coworkers took the bus, or Amy is one of the only people on time... again. Not that she blames anyone. The weather is so cold that getting out of bed feels like a death sentence.

As she walks to the doors, she glances at the other cars. Glenn, obviously. As long as she's been working there, he's always been early. Carol, too. Probably planning to mess with Sandra somehow, this kind of stuff is why corporate shouldn't have shut down the in-store HR department. And then...

Jonah's car? He's usually at least a couple of minutes later than her... weird.

She walks past, and pauses. Why are the inside lights on? That means it's unlocked, and she knows Jonah locks his car obsessively. She once saw him lock it five times through the doors of the store. 

Curiosity claims her, and she peeks inside. 

And drops her thermos.

“Oh my go- JONAH!”

The scream is loud enough to summon Glenn. “Amy, what is- AHHHH!” he holds his hands up to his head as he shrieks.

Jonah is laying inside his car, bleeding from the neck.

Amy yanks open the car door and shakes Jonah’s shoulders. “Jonah, Jonah wake up!” As she shakes and calls out, Glenn stands behind her with his hands clasped, frantically praying to both Jesus and the Jewish God in a highly confusing yet heartfelt prayer.

“Jonah!” Amy slaps him in the face in a moment of complete desperation.

Jonah startles awake and puts his hand up to his cheek. “O-ow! What was that for! And...” he looks behind Amy. “... Why is Glenn turning purple.”

“Wh- oh, my god, Glenn, take a breath. Okay, um, Jonah, are you alright?”

“I-I think so... why?”

“Well, because you’re sitting in your turned-off unlocked car, in the middle of winter, passed out with blood on your neck.”

“WHAT?!” Jonah feels his neck. “OH- oh, god this is- this is not good, how did-”

“Our insurance is so bad,” Glenn sobs, “You’re not gonna make it!”

“Glenn, don’t- okay, let’s get you inside and- you’re not still bleeding, right?”

“I don’t think so, but what does critical blood loss feel like? Like would I be able to tell? I need to Google this, just-”

“Yeah, you’re going to be okay. Okay, into the store, Glenn help us out.”

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“Ow.” Jonah winces and flinches away as Amy dabs his neck with a wipe. 

“Pretty dramatic start to the work day, gosh. I hope nothing else happens.” Glenn shakes his hands by his sides and looks around nervously. He leans in and whispers, “Do you think they’ll find another foot? Jonah, what sneakers do you wear?”

“Again, still have both off my feet.” Jonah winces again, and Amy sets down the towel. 

“Okay, it’s all clean, so now we can-”

“Hey guys! Whoa...” Cheyenne stops in her tracks as she enters the breakroom, spreading her arms and stopping everyone else from entering too. There’s an annoyed clamoring for a minute before Garrett just rolls in under her arm. Everyone stoops down to follow, except Marcus, who tries (and fails) to turn it into a game of Limbo.

Garrett looks at the bloody wipes on the table Jonah and Amy are at. “Whoa, dude, what the hell happened?”

Amy sighs. “Jonah was-”

“We found Jonah dying in his car!” Glenn exclaims.

“Not dying!” Jonah and Amy say quickly. 

“He was passed out and bleeding a little,” Amy says to cut any rumors off preemptively, moving the collar of his shirt to get a better look at the wounds.

“In your car? In the middle of winter?”

Glenn nods, his face screwed up with worry. “And no scarf!”

“Oh, you’re for sure gonna die,” Cheyenne says, Mateo nodding in agreement. “It’s like, super cold outside.”

“Honestly I didn’t even feel that cold,” Jonah says, putting his hands up. “I guess my car stayed warm. ... Some-somehow.”

“What were you even doing in there? Are you homeless again? You could always crash at my place. Unless the birds don’t like you, then you’re gone. Nothing personal.” Dina sips her coffee.

“Thank you, for that... generous offer, um, I don’t actually remember.”

Amy pauses her checking. “You don’t?”

“No, I um, I just remember realizing I forgot something and going back into the store to get it, and then coming out and everyone was gone. And then there’s just sort of, nothing. ... That-that actually is more worrying, now that I say it aloud, am-am I dying?”

“Your brain probably froze up and is just taking time to de-thaw,” Marcus says with a flippant gesture. “Happened to my cousin once when we ate too many beer-pops.”

“... Okay, then, what’s a- no, nevermind, I can just guess. I don’t actually think that’s how brain freezes work, but thanks, I think.” 

Marcus smiles and raises his hands in an attempt at a gracious gesture.

“So you don’t remember anything?” Amy asks, bringing the subject back to the alarming and somewhat urgent situation.

“Maybe someone came up behind him and hit him over the head. Blunt force trauma, put him back in his car to make it look like he froze to death, do you know of anyone who wants to kill you? Maybe a disgruntled ex-classmate, customer you bored out of their skull with a pointless story, maybe-”

“That- no. No, I don’t think anyone wants to kill me for telling an invigorating story. And I’d rather not think about that, actually.”

Dina shrugs. “You don’t want to solve the mystery, fine. But don’t blame me when someone you screwed over in a group project cuts off your junk.”

Jonah and Amy stare at Dina for a second, and then Amy shakes her head. “Anyway... I checked, and I don’t think he has anything wrong with his head. Just his neck.”

Mateo glances over, unperturbed but curious. His expression becomes horrified. “Oh, my god! There’s two giant holes in your neck!”

Jonah slaps his hand over the wounds. “WHAT?!”

“They are not giant holes!” Amy shouts as everyone starts chattering. “They’re tiny ones! And-and they’re more like cuts, anyway!”

“Maybe someone injected him with drugs.”

“Why would they do that, Dina?”

“Yeah, who wastes drugs like that?” Cheyenne looks around at everyone else, who have gone silent. “What?”

“And, wait, with two needles?” Garrett points to Jonah’s neck. 

“Maybe they missed a vein the first time.” Dina snorts like it’s an obvious conclusion.

Marcus snaps his fingers. “Maybe it’s some kind of new fancy needle.”

Dina shakes her head. “I keep up to date on drug needle trends. We find too many in the customer bathrooms for me to be out of the loop.”

Glenn startles slightly. “We do?”

“Guys!” Amy gestures at Jonah.

Everyone murmurs some form of “Right!” or “Sorry Jonah.”

“Really, I’m-I’m fine.” Jonah keeps a hand over the holes. “It’s just a little sore, and um, I don’t know, I guess I’m a little chilly and tired, but I’m generally okay.”

“Okay, great!” Dina claps her hands. “You can have an easy assignment today because of the whole ‘attacked for revenge’ thing-”

“That’s not what-”

“Well, no-one knows what happened, so for now my theory is valid. Anyway, I’ll assign you to grocery. Slow over there today, bakery is having a big sale and uh, huh, we had an overstock of powered donuts so it might get wild.”

“Well... thank you, Dina. A slow day sounds good, actually, because I’m starting to get a headache.” Jonah rubs his eyes. “Really bright in here.”

“It’s the standard fluorescents.” Glenn looks up. “Unless corporate had it changed overnight, but I don’t think so...”

Cheyenne tilts her head with a small frown, and looks at Jonah’s neck throughout the rest of the meeting.

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“No way,” Mateo scoffs. “That’s far-fetched gossip, even for us.”

“No, but it would make sense, right?” Cheyenne looks around, and then whispers. “Didn’t notice the cold, lights too bright, two holes in his neck. Jonah totally got bitten by a vampire.” She leans back and nods, eyes wide at her own revelation.

“Vampires aren’t even real though! As much as we might wish they were.”

They glance over at Grocery. Jonah is yawning, leaning against the freezer section. 

“He looks pale, right?” Cheyenne whispers.

“He always looks pale. He could wear non-tinted sunscreen as foundation,” Mateo says with a dismissive wave of his hand. 

“Yeah, I guess. ... Should we try to get a look at his eyes?”

“Chy, I love you, but we’ve got a ton of restocking to do and I don’t want to be all panicked before lunch.”

“Right. Right. Yeah. Probably just like, letting my imagination get the best of me, right? Yeah...”

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“Excuse me?” 

Jonah startles, jumping away from the freezer door. “Hi! Yes, sorry! Um, what-what can I... help you with?”

“Could you please show me where the frozen pizzas are?”

“Sure, ma’am, right this way.” Jonah rubs his eyes, leading her to a different section of the freezer area. 

“Oh, thank you! Could you grab it for me?”

“Wh-why?”

“I don’t like the cold.”

Well, neither does he, and he’s already chilly. But this is his job. Somehow. How did he get here again? His head feel a little foggy, he can’t quite gather his thoughts. 

He reaches in and grabs the pizza. “Okay, here you-”

“No, the ones from the very back.”

“... I-I’m sorry?”

“The back ones are always better.”

“... Alright, I will... reach all the way into the back of the freezer.”

Jonah leans into the freezer, bracing himself for chills and shivers. And...

... Nothing.

It’s cold, but it’s... not bothering him that much. he leans in, grabs the pizza, and leans back out without feeling any more cold than he did prior to the task.

“Thank you, young man. You should grab yourself one too, it’ll put some color into those cheeks.”

The old woman walks away, and Jonah pulls out his phone to look up symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia.

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Justine shakes her head. “I’ve read Twilight a million times, if he was a vampire I would be able to tell.”

“What if we give him some garlic bread, and tell him it’s normal bread?” Sandra suggests.

“Because if he’s just allergic to garlic, we won’t know the difference. Doy.” Marcus scoff-laughs at Sandra and points at her mockingly with his thumb.

“What are you guys talking about?” Garrett asks, rolling up to the group. “Marcus, aren’t you supposed to be unloading a truck right now?”

“Eh, didn’t feel like it. Anyway, we’re trying to figure out if Jonah is a vampire now.”

“Are you serious?”

They all nod. Garrett grins. He folds his hands in his lap. “So what have you tried so far?”

“Nothing yet,” Justine admits.

“We might give him garlic bread,” Sandra says with a shrug. “Is he allergic to garlic?”

“No.”

Sandra lights up. “So it would work!” Her smiles fades. “Oh. But then it might kill him.”

“We can’t do that! The Horsemen stick together, I could never hurt my best friend.” Marcus shakes his head. “What if we just drop something really heavy on him and see if he catches it?”

“That won’t hurt him?” Garrett checks.

“Not if he’s a vampire.”

“Right, right. How about instead of splattering him across the Wheaties boxes, you just ask Glenn to go pester him with Bible stuff?” Garrett would love to see that, Jonah gets to flustered over trying not to offend while trying to get away. It’s hilarious.

Marcus points at Garrett with a smile. “That- yes! Perfect! Thanks man!”

The small group runs off, and Garrett laughs a little to himself as he heads on back to customer service.

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“Oh, this one is one of my favorite verses, so here we go, ahem-”

“Hey, Glenn? Isn’t there a-a rule, against doing this kind of thing at work?”

“Well... technically... but Marcus told me you wanted to know my favorite parts of the Bible, so I just sort of thought why wait.”

“He- really? Because I’m not... known, for being very curious about... the Bible...”

“But you are known for being curious about your friends,” Glenn says with a point and a smile.

Jonah plasters on a smile himself. “Yeah. Yeah, I do tend to-”

“Get a little nosy.”

“... I was going to say get involved, but... I-I guess nosy works too. But um, I’m restocking the ice cream right now, so kind of have to act fast,” Jonah motions at the freezeer.

“Oh, then I’ll make this quick! Okay, this verse says-”

Jonah sighs, rubbing his head. His headache is just getting worse and worse. He’s pretty sure it’s the lights, or maybe the dry-cold freezer air, but Glenn’s babbling is not helping. 

And his voice is really grating right now. It’s not exactly soothing at even the best of times, but Jonah is pretty sure he’d rather listen to nails on a chalkboard than another round of ‘Top Bible Verses’ from Glenn.

“Okay!” he snaps. “That’s good, that is- that is very much enough! Thank you for sharing something you enjoy with me, now please let me do my job!”

Glenn startles, and then hugs his Bible to his chest. “Fine. Then I guess you don’t get to hear me sing the top five best Psalms. Which is too bad for you, because Jerusha says I do them well enough to be on radio.”

Glenn walks away, and Jonah sighs. He hadn’t meant to snap, it was just really getting on his nerves. ... At least his headache is a little better already without the extra noise.

He watches Glenn walk away, and then catches sight of Justine and Sandra quickly ducking behind another isle. He looks on in confusion for a moment more, and then gets back to work.

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“Okay, we need a real plan,” Justine sighs. 

“For what?” Dina pauses on her way to the coffee pot. “More raccoons? Did they find a snake in the bananas again?”

“We think Jonah night be a vampire,” Sandra says.

Cheyenne stops eating her lunch. “Oh my god, you told them?”

“I couldn’t think of anything else to say!” Mateo defends. “It’s been a boring day! Other than, you know, Jonah almost dying.”

“Wait, you guys think Jonah is a vampire? No way, have you seen him? That’d be too cliche.” Dina scoffs at the idea. And then looks at the ground, a thoughtful frown appearing on her face. “Although the cliche would also mean it makes sense...”

Garrett eats a chip. “Come on, he’d be a terrible vampire. Vampires are supposed to be confidant and suave. Jonah can’t even explain his cookie choices without a five-minute tirade.”

“And he’d cut himself off at least six times in those five minute,” Dina says with a slight wince. “Yeah, he’d be a terrible vampire.”

“I don’t know. Sometimes he’s really confident, and he does that smirk thing?” Sandra says, gesturing to her own mouth for emphasis. “Plus, he always stands like a politician.”

“And he puts way too much product in his hair! That’s a total vampire thing,” Cheyenne says with a definitive shrug.

“He does already have that black-hair-pale-skin thing going for him...” Mateo admits. “If he could be a villain on CW he could be a vampire.”

“And how would he drink blood?” Garrett asks. “Just talk until the person passes out? Ask overly politely in a way that really sounds like he’s trying to ask for sex?”

Everyone murmurs in agreement.

“He would starve,” Cheyenne declares. “Because he’d be picky, too, right?”

“Picky like, about the person’s health?” Mateo asks with a doubtful frown. “He’d probably freak out about not wanting to discriminate though.”

“That would be the starvation,” Dina says with a nod. “He’d be too worried about the socio-political crap of whoever he picks so he’d just debate himself until it was too late.”

“... That’d be kind of funny,” Mateo says quietly.

Everyone thinks for a moment, and then agrees.

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“Hey, Jonah.” Dina snaps her fingers in front of Jonah’s face, jarring him out of his standing sleep. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Sorry, Dina.” Jonah rubs his face. “I feel exhausted.”

“It’s the middle of the day.”

“Yeah! Yeah, I know. Um, what did you need?”

“I need you to go help Brett move some of the exercise equipment, the dolly broke.”

“Wh- so-so we have to move it by hand?”

“You’ve got a little muscle on your noodle arms, you can handle it.” Dina slaps him on the back and walks away. Jonah huffs, hands on his hips. After a moment he shakes his head and moves over to exercise.

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“Okay, now we find out for sure,” Dina says smugly. “No way a Human Jonah could handle the weight of that stuff.”

Everyone is crammed into the surveillance office, watching Jonah on the monitors.

“Should one of us tell Amy about this?” Cheyenne asks. “I feel like we’re leaving her out.”

“It is weird that I’m in on this and not her,” Marcus agrees. “But she’d probably tell us this is ‘dangerous’ or something.”

“She wouldn’t like it at all,” Dina confirms. “Best to just tell her about it later, or let her find out on her own. Later.”

They watch Jonah and Brett work together surprisingly smoothly, moving the heavy equipment with a perfectly human amount of struggling. Dina leans back in her chair with a disappointed sigh. “Dammit. I almost let myself believe in magic...”

“Wait, look!” Cheyenne points to the monitor. 

Everyone looks, excited and hopeful. And they collectively sigh and grumble.

“He’s just talking to a customer,” Mateo says.

“A super rude one! I’ve dealt with him before, he’s a total asshole. Let’s turn on the audio and listen to Jonah freak out.”

“I do love a good Jonah freakout.” Dina turns on the audio.

“Yeah, I-I’m sorry, sir, we just don’t carry that here anymore.”

“This store has carried it for over ten years.”

“Yeah, it’s a bummer! I know I hate when store stop carrying stuff I like. But maybe! Maybe we can view this as a-a chance for personal growth, for you! A chance at... at evolution, at moving forward-”

“Are you mocking me, little bitch boy?”

Everyone gasps. “Oh no he didn’t,” Cheyenne whispers. On the camera, Jonah is clearly taken aback, leaning away from the customer and staring with wide eyes.

“Some... very strong language, sir. Um, no, I just meant that maybe, you know, instead of-of viewing this in the negative-”

“So I’m a negative person?”

“No! No, I can’t- I don’t know you! I can’t make judgements about people that fast! Just- I hope this doesn’t ruin your day, right? And-and I want to see if we can find you a-a replacement, so that you can still have what you want!”

“How important do you think this is to me? You think I’m pathetic? Can’t be happy without my specific little brand?”

“No, I just-”

“I’m gonna need to speak with your bitch of a floor manager or whatever she’s called.”

“... I’m sorry?”

“Your bitch of a floor manager. The loud Latina lady.”

Dina stands up, ready to go beat the man with a bat for talking about her best friend that way. Cheyenne pushes her back down, jaw dropped. “I think Jonah is about to stand up to him,” she says.

Jonah is indeed, looking quite pissed off. He steps closer, and looks the much taller man right in the eyes. Jonah’s a good head shorter, his hair barely coming up to the other man’s chin, yet for some reason unknown the black-and-white monitor shows the customer being the one who leans back.

“You, sir, are a very unpleasant person,” Jonah says in a calm, measured voice. “And I think you need to do some self-reflection. I think you should leave the store, and learn how to talk about people without using the word ‘bitch’, alright?”

It’s so overly polite it’s almost comical. Yet somehow... it works.

The customer stands there for a second, then just... walks away. Jonah watches after him, the calm and collection expression on his face quickly giving way to confusion. He looks around as though wondering if someone else had done something to scare the customer off.

“Confidence boost,” Sandra says softly.

Cheyenne pulls out a notebook and ticks something off. “That counts as evidence.”

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Jonah has no clue what just happened.

One moment he was speaking with a rude customer, the next the customer was walking away and Jonah has no clue why. What he does know was that his headache was slightly better, and that he really wishes his lunch break was sooner because he is famished.

Someone taps him on the shoulder, and he nearly jumps out of his skin. He turns around to see Amy looking at him with slight concern. “You okay? You’re just sort of... staring off into space.”

“Hmm? Oh, yeah. Uh... yeah, I’m fine. Totally fine.”

“... I don’t believe you.”

“Well, then you... have trust issues, because I am. I’m fine.”

“... Sure... can I see your neck again, real quick?”

“Why?”

“Because you’re acting weird and I want to make sure you’re not developing an infection that’s getting to your brain?”

“... Yeah, check away.”

Amy checks, and winces. “Youch. Yeah, let’s get some more antibiotics on those.” She starts leading him towards the breakroom. “So, what happened with that customer? I came over right at the tail end, missed the whole thing.”

“Oh. Um... I guess I just, really got through to him.”

“You?”

“Yes, me, why- what is that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing! It’s just, usually when you try to calm down a customer you don’t get very far.”

“Well, you know, sometimes people just listen if you hit the right cords-”

“Mmm-hmm, yeah.”

“-I guess I just found the right words to resonate with him, is all I’m saying.” If only he knew what those words were...

Creak

Jonah pauses. “Did-did you just hear that?”

“Hear what?”

Creaaak

Jonah looks up. “I think the ceiling is about to collapse.”

“Why?”

CREAAAAK!

A mass of merch falls from the ceiling! Amy and Jonah both scream, brace themselves, Amy still holding onto Jonah and Jonah still holding onto Amy-!

...

And... they’re a safe distance from it all as it crashes down.

A multitude of raccoons scamper out and scatter, their Nest Of Stolen Goods now revealed. Jonah and Amy watch from the sidelines.

The sidelines!

“How did we get over here?” Amy is staring at the pile.

“... I don’t know,” Jonah replies, staring as well. Oh, what an adrenaline rush, his heart is racing- ... it... should... be racing...

Amy’s hand is still around Jonah’s wrist. She looks at him for a moment, and then shakes off the shock. “Okay, um, let’s get a team to clean this up, and get some antibiotic on your neck.”

“Will that part take a whole team, too?”

“Ha-ha, Jonah. ... I’m just glad neither of us got hurt.”

“Yeah. Me too.”

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“OH MY GOD OH MY GOD!” Cheyenne grabs Mateo and starts shaking him. “DID YOU SEE WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!”

“WE ALL SAW!” Mateo shouts, pushing Cheyenne away. He huffs and brushes off his sweater. “All three of us left, anyway.”

Dina taps the monitor. “That’s why you never leave the surveillance room after something mildly interesting happens! Something big always follows!”

“He’s actually a vampire,” Mateo says in disbelief. “He vampire-ran away from that junk, he’s actually a vampire!”

Dina scoff-laughs. “The little guy pulled off one hell of a ruse, huh? Pretty clever, faking amnesia.”

Cheyenne stops her mini victory celebration. “Whoa, why do you think he’s faking?” 

“Because why wouldn’t I? He’s a vampire now, even if he actually doesn’t remember what happened it’s got to be pretty obvious to him that he’s undead. ... Right?”

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“What’re you googling?” Amy dabs at the neck wounds gently with a damp cloth as she prepares to put on the antibiotic cream.

“Symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia. I guess everyone got into my head this morning, and I’ve had some weird stuff happen to me...”

“Well... anything about last night coming back? Could help you figure out whatever symptoms you’ve got.”

“Still nothing.” Jonah rubs his neck when Amy is done dabbing it with the cloth. “I still feel like the day just started, honestly.”

“Oh yeah,” Amy agrees. “Today’s going to be a long day.”

[rousseure]

mistletoe w/ hana "accidental" :3c

hana understands that her arendelle, her kingdom, begins past castle walls. generations of secrecy passed down nothing but anguish to her family, and so anna’s only more optimistic her reign will bring change. after all they went through, her and sister, they deserve this much. and it might be that the story hana tells of the isles echoes hers, but eventually, after a number of visits, she accepts that hans was the anomaly. the non-freckled sheep. that his family did not know, even his own twin. 

he hurt her too, that’s why she’s here, even if she doesn’t say it outright. what she does say is that she likes coming to arendelle, coming to see her. it feels like she’s doing something right. 

‘ i don’t think i’ve ever gone down this trail before, ’ their conversations are not normally as heavy as their ties would imply. their steady treading fills the silence, just as the ember leaves ruffle in the invigorating autumn air. actually, hana hasn’t said much since this morning. it could be nothing —  but her lazy eyelids, her diagonal looks, she’s at least pensive, right? ‘ did you have something to tell me? ’ anna knows no better method than just asking, but hana doesn’t say, apologizing instead. ‘ oh no, it’s okay i just thought  — ’  they’re not walking anymore, hana clearly doesn’t hear her either. her chin tilts upwards, her profile etches even finer lines, skin taut near her nose, her jaw. or maybe it’s the color of her eyes, liquid soft in the light, working in contrast. anna has to pull her eyes away, detaching magnets, to look up at the tree, the odd-looking leaves, clear berries, dangling over their heads. ‘ mistletoe! ’ she exclaims, the same way she’d gasp ‘tart!’ seeing there’s still one left in the kitchen, after hours of convincing herself it was probably gone by now. 

if this was also a matter of tarts to hana, anna would be the one she willed not to eat all day, yet here she is, hand on her cheek, the only warm part of her in this weather. she doesn’t blame her for wanting this; no one can live without a little something sweet. but her kiss is too gentle, anna has to lean in to make it more tangible, has to keep an eye on her, for her own sake. 

[shambali-sinner]

Ville de Amoureux, Part Two

DUBCON! DUBCON! COERCION! DUBCON!

Red or Black chapter four finally up! Sorry for the long wait. I lost my groove for the nasties and got really hung up on this, then got hit with a bunch of schoolwork all at once. The good news is I should hopefully be able to get back into the swing of writing more often soon.

With this chapter I’ve finally gotten past the exposition of the story I want to tell. Please enjoy some good old-fashioned robodicking, but to reiterate the general warning for this story, it is dubious consent/coercion, so please watch the tags! Reader is afab using fem pronouns.

Previous chapter

You shivered as you entered the room, the entire top floor of the most expensive hotel in the city. “I would have settled for nothing less,” Max had confirmed with the receptionist before accepting the key to the private elevator that opened directly into the suite.

You gasped as you saw bags and boxes of all shapes and sizes stacked neatly on and around the entry table. You recognized each as the packaging from the different shops you’d ventured in during the afternoon.

“Oh good, my packages were delivered.” The omnic was in a pleasant mood. He shrugged out of his coat, hanging it carefully on a peg near the door and adjusting his livre tournois pin, then loosened his tie and headed to the left of the suite. You followed. The suite was slightly terraced and you stepped down into the large bedroom, your breath catching at the sight before you.

The entire far wall was made of glass, with a sliding panel that opened out onto a weathered stone balcony. The right wall boasted an easy chair, a fireplace, and a large entertainment screen. A sleek black California King laid low to the white floor on the left, and a table and chairs sat in the nearest corner across from it. Max had carefully hung his coat in a side closet and was advancing with two glasses and a bottle of wine from a bucket on the table.

“Have you enjoyed Paris, miss?” He handed one of the glasses to you and began to pour.

“Very much so, Max. Thank you for bringing me.” You nodded and sipped your  drink. “I-“ you stopped short when you saw Max pouring the other glass for himself. “You’re able to drink wine?”

The omnic chuckled. “Only on special occasions. Many have wondered if I have an alcohol processor, but few know the truth. As far as wine goes, the acidity isn’t the best on my circuits, but I find the taste of it . . .” he brushed a lock of hair out of your face and behind your ear. “ . . . exquisite.”

“You can taste things, too?” You raised an eyebrow as you sipped.

“My dear, I have had just about every upgrade for my kind imaginable. I can experience most, if not all, of what you humans can. Money and power can get you the most . . . incredible things.” He swirled his glass and headed out onto the balcony, unbuttoning his vest.

It was a gorgeous view of the Seine. The lights of the city twisted across the waves of the surface, and the Eiffel Tower sparkled on the opposite bank. A waxing crescent moon hung high above, casting a small amount of light on the smooth old stone. Max had a hand in his pocket as he stared up at it. But as calm as the scenery was, you knew the mood had shifted. All the warmth had left.

He heard your step behind him and spoke without moving. “I don’t want to force you, you know. But I will if necessary.” His voice had lost all of its usual pleasantness and song-like cadence. Gone was the negotiator. “You know what this night is. What you agreed to.”

He sipped his drink, giving you time to respond.

You paused, considered. His threat hung in the air. You’d known this moment would come, when he’d decide to finalize your commitment. You had sold yourself to him and there was no backing out of the contract.

But in an instant you knew that didn’t matter. The touching throughout the day, all the gifts he had bought were intended to rile you up, and they had. Seeing Maximilien bathed in the pale light of the moon, looking up at stars only his mechanical eyes could see through the pollution of the city, a wave of desire flooded your body. Even though you had only spent two weeks in his company you wanted to be his, completely. He had you caught in his trap, and you were ready to surrender.

You grabbed his upper arm. He turned to you.

“Then let’s not waste any more time,” you said.

The tension snapped and his eyes flickered over you before he threw his glass to the side and grabbed yours to do the same. He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you against him, leaning his head to your neck to take in the scent of your perfume.

“Your pulse. So quick, so hot, so human. I could end your life in seconds if I desired, just by making a small incision is this spot. How fragile you are, darling. And how I’ve longed for this night since I first met you.”

As he murmured in your ear his hands were roaming your curves and you found yourself being moved backwards into the room. His fingers pinched through your clothes, exploring which spots made you whimper and gasp as he pressed you against a wall.

He pulled back, surveying your dress then meeting your gaze. He repeated his movements from the car that morning, caressing your jaw and slipping his fingers into the split at your thigh. You sighed, heat continuing to blossom through you as his hand traveled further up your leg.

“A shame about this dress, really,” he said coyly. “I think it’s been my favorite so far, but it’s time to unwrap my purchase.”

With that his hands disappeared from your face and thigh and settled on your plunging neckline. He ripped the fabric as if it were tissue, and your nipples stiffened as they were exposed to the cool night air.

“My, my, miss,” he purred. “You look ravishing.”

Max pushed the straps off your arms and pressed his face into your now-bare chest, rubbing circles into your back. Despite the fact he was an omnic, his touch felt hot against you and you keened into him. You would have contemplated upgrades that he could have had to not feel cold to humans, but your thoughts were quickly fogging up as he opened his mechanical jaw to nip at you. You let out a deep moan and he chuckled, pulling back and slipping out of his vest.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Max took off his tie and shoes and began to unbutton his shirt. “Come sit in front of me,” he commanded. “You must be wondering how this is going to work.”

You knelt obediently at his feet. “Yes.”

“Yes, Sir,” he corrected.

“Yes, Sir.”

He spread his legs wide and reached for his belt buckle. “Few omnics are able to afford sexual hardware upgrades, let alone software to accompany them.”

”I take it I am in the presence of one such, Sir?”

“I have the resources, yes,” he chuckled, unzipping his slacks and pulling out his member for inspection.

It was a good eight inches in length, and of a solid thickness. The exterior was made of several smooth plates, though the seams between them were practically nonexistent. Maximilien observed you hungrily as your eyes widened, taking him in. Your hand flinched towards it and he chuckled. “Go ahead, my dear. You may touch me.”

You nodded and brushed a few fingers up and down his length. He inhaled sharply, leaning his head back and trying to hide his hands digging into the bedding. As you stroked, the head began to secrete liquid. “Self-lubricating?” you asked, curious.

“I’m not a fool,” he replied as you spread the viscous fluid around his member. “I want you to enjoy this.”

Tentatively, you leaned forward and gave the tip a lick. “Strawberry?!”

Maximilien’s metal eyelids seemed to express a frown. “You don’t like it?”

“No, no, it’s not that. I-I like it, I really do—“ you stammered. “I’m just . . . surprised, is all.”

“Once I learn more of your favorite flavors we can try them out,” he offered. “But let’s move on for now, shall we?” He stood and finished shedding his vest and shirt, letting them fall to the ground carelessly.

That’s so unlike him, you thought.

“Up,” he commanded. “And go lie on your back.”

You stood, picking at the remains of your bodice. “My dress, Sir?”

“I like it so much I think I’m going to fuck you in it first,” he purred.

You swallowed at the crude words, very unusual for him, but nodded and crawled onto the bed, laying your head against the pillows and shivering with anticipation.

Maximilien finished undressing and his eyes flashed at you as he advanced. Your heart pounded as you stared up at him, your breath quick and shallow. Hungrily, his gaze devoured your form sprawled out beneath him. And then he began.

He lifted the hem of the dress, flipping it up to your waist before running his metal palms up your smooth legs. You trembled as they reached your upper thigh and you heard him chuckle.

“You humans are so sensitive.” He hooked his hands under your knees and bent them, spreading your legs. He took a deep breath. “Yes, the scent of human female arousal. How . . . invigorating.”

He lunged and you felt your soaked panties torn away instantly. You flinched reflexively at the sudden feeling of the cool night air, but the omnic caught your legs, keeping them open. “Now, now, none of that, my dear,” he chided, adjusting his position and lining himself up with your entrance. “I want to watch your face as I fill you.”

You looked up into the red, glowing eyes looming above you, and a moment later, your mouth contorted into an O as he slowly pressed his length into you. “Yes, that’s it, my girl, take it. Take me. I’ve waited so long for this, to make you mine.”

You squirmed under him, trying to adjust. It was a tight fit, and your last sexual encounter had been a long time ago. But his member was warm and slick with lubricant, and felt pleasant inside you. You gasped as he fully hilted himself, reaching up and grabbing his arms for something to ground yourself with as you looked at where you were joined. It was dizzying how full you felt. And it was absolutely amazing. Panting, you looked back up into his eyes.

“Well?” he asked after a moment.

You responded by wrapping your legs around him and pressing him even closer to you. “Please,” you whispered. “Don’t hold back.”

You heard a deep, grinding chuckle in the back of Maximilien’s throat. He bent down next to your ear. “My dear, I never had any intention of doing so.”

You keened as he began moving inside you, rough and quick. Every thrust had him hitting a very sweet spot inside you, and you let go of his arms to grab the bars of the headboard above you for purchase.

The omnic grunted and growled as he pounded you into the mattress, very pleased with how you were responding to him. Experimentally, he slowed down a bit and stroked your clit. You whined and your back arched off the bed at the touch.

“That’s it, darling,” he crooned.

Your head was spinning. The searing heat between your legs was more intense than anything you’d ever felt before. The bed was shaking and creaking with every thrust and you couldn’t help but throw your head back into the pillows and add to the noise.

The omnic hummed, pleased, and picked up his pace again. His dick was so hard inside you that you felt like you were being split in two. Your moans increased in pitch and suddenly your orgasm ripped through you with little warning. You let out one final cry and collapsed back on the sheets, panting heavily and Max withdrew.

You looked at him curiously. “You didn’t—”

“I don’t remember giving you permission to come, darling.” he cut you off. But he didn’t sound angry. “That being said, that was one of the most beautiful displays I’ve ever seen. As such, I won’t punish you this time.”

You wiped away a few beads of sweat on your forehead.

“That being said, I still haven’t finished. So I’m going to need you to turn over and get on your hands and knees.”

You were grateful your face was already flushed so your shyness wouldn’t be too evident to him. You were finally catching your breath, so you lifted yourself and turned around.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk,” you heard him click behind you. “You put a wet patch through this skirt.”

“You tease, Sir.”

“Not at all. This is exactly what I was hoping for.” With that, Maximilien flipped the hem back up to your waist, presenting your ass to him. A deep, gravelly moan escaped him as he pinched and prodded and you whimpered in response.

He gripped your hips and sank back inside your soaked entrance. Once again, the fullness felt wonderful, but at this angle it was even better. Your hips rocked back into him involuntarily and he smacked your ass in response. You cried out. The sting of his slap felt good. Really good. Your hips wiggled some more. “Please, Sir?” You begged.

Maximilien seemed to lose control. At once he was pounding into you and you almost fell forward onto the bed. You lowered yourself to your elbows and gripped the bars of the headboard again; your wrists would tire too quickly with the furious pace the omnic was driving.

All too soon, that same hot coil was tightening in your core. Metal fingers dug into your hips, no doubt leaving bruises Max would be very pleased with in the morning.

For a few moments the only sounds were the bed’s soft creaking, your own short gasps and pants, and the wet pounding coming from behind you. Then you heard servos whirring higher and higher in pitch.

“I’m getting close, my dear,” the omnic announced. “I want you to come with me.”

That didn’t seem to be a problem. The angle was hitting that sweet bundle of nerves inside you at such a brutal pace that you found yourself clenching around him and falling over the edge just a moment before he followed.

He let out a long groan as he poured himself into you, then stilled as you both reveled in the afterglow for several moments.

“Let’s get rid of this,” he murmured after he recovered, gripping the top of what was left of the dress and tearing it clean down the back before discarding the shreds to the floor. He pulled his cock out slowly with a squelch and a chuckle, letting it lower back into a relaxed position.

“Oh, it’s running all down your thighs.” You could hear the smile in his voice as you collapsed forward onto the bed, boneless and covered in a sheen of sweat.

Maximilien disappeared for a moment, returning with a small towel from the en suite. “Here, darling. Let’s clean each other up, yes? You first.”

You nodded, weakly. You were exhausted and Max was gentle in wiping the sticky substances from your body. When he was finished your eyes stole to his lower half for a brief second and the look did not escape him. He dropped the towel to the floor and laid down beside you on the bed.

“Yes, you may. Go ahead,” he said softly.

You leaned over and began slowly licking his shaft, savoring the sweet, tangy strawberry flavor. You were tired, but careful to be thorough in cleaning him. You swirled your tongue around his tip one last time and gave it a small kiss before coming back up. “Thank you, Sir.”

The omnic extended an arm to you, and you snuggled in to his side obligingly. He stroked your arm and you hummed a melody softly. He purred, content. “You did very well today. Yes, I think this is going to work out nicely. And please, outside of our bedroom activities, you can just call me Max.”

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[memoirsofratasum]

Aeromage Sanna: Whisper in the Dark

The flight of Bangar Ruinbringer has not gone unnoticed by the Pact. All three organizations have been combing the Far Shiverpeaks for his and his followers’ trail. Normally a charr army of even a moderate size would have left signs behind, but the weather is hindering the search. Back when I was in college for climatology, the extreme weather patterns that high in the range was considered a mystery as they didn’t follow the known formulas. I think it’s obvious in hindsight they’re due to the Elder Dragon Jormag.

The Vigil has a fort in that area of the Shiverpeak, Jora’s Keep, that I’ve heard members claim would be a good hosting ground for further searches. When Priory airships were getting fueled and prepped for colder weather, it seemed like a simple idea to use the fort to continue the search. I was assigned for the trip, as expected. Too much experience in wilderness search-and-rescue to be left behind. But I was surprised when Tarnn said he was staying behind. He was going back to Tarir to assist in translating some newly discovered Exalted glyphs, something he hadn’t worked on in years, and that it might help in getting a promotion to magister or an equivalent rank. I didn’t think anything of it at the time and wished him good luck. It wasn’t until later that it hit me that this was the first field assignment in who knows how long that we weren’t assigned together. 

We were briefed in the air. This was not, as we had suspected, about Bangar. The Pact commander had gone on head to Jora’s Keep, but instead of a warm welcome all they found was a dead fort. All of the standing Vigil members had been killed by one of their own. The normally observant Vigil hadn’t expected it and so they had no defense. To make matters even worse, General Soulkeeper was missing. Warmaster Jhavi Jorasdottir is the only known survivor and the Vigil needs to re-establish itself in the area. So the other organizations are helping them figure out what happened and get the Keep back up and running, especially important with the Sons of Svanir at their doorstep.

To say it was chilling might come off as a pun but that couldn’t be further from my intention. When we disembarked from the airship, the Keep had an almost haunted aura to it despite all the people rushing around. Everyone I passed during the briefing tour seemed to be slightly distracted, constantly looking over their shoulder or startling as if hearing something just out of range. The only person who looked to be fully present was Havroun Weibe, a servant of Raven. He isn’t officially a part of the Pact, but as Raven has a strong presence in the area he is highly respected. My own raven Stratus even emerged from his warm space in my cloak for a headscritch from the havroun.

After the tour, we Priory members were warned to not leave the keep without dispensation from our superiors and we were told to use question anyone who left the fort on their own. Apparently there has been an issue with people leaving their posts for the wilderness with only the lucky being found alive. At first it seemed to be desertion or an over-eagerness to take the fight to the waiting Svanir. But the survivors seemed delirious, saying they were being whispered too and watched. They say Jormag itself is trying to confuse our people in order to weaken us.

Because of this I wasn’t allowed to explore Bjora Marches liked I wished. A chance to study the extreme weather up here would have been a dream for college-me, and even though my career has changed to the medical profession, I was still disappointed that I was walled in. I was to spend most of my time cooped up indoors caring for the injured, the sick, and the cold. The buildings looked to be in disrepair despite having been fully occupied until recently. The wind whistled through the planks of the infirmary, sounding like whispers if you weren’t paying attention. It’s obviously ridiculous, it’s just the mind finding patterns that aren’t actually there.

The noise seems to be disturbing my patients though. Some ask me if I’ve heard someone speak, others just stare off into space, not aware of me trying to get their attention. I just need to remain calm. But that damn wind! I can barely hear myself think! The quartermaster tells me that there aren’t enough supplies to patch up the holes in the wall right now and that the stone surrounding the keep has been keeping the worst of the weather at bay and that it’s probably not wind I hear. I’m an elementalist, I think I’d know wind when I hear it! Ugh, I’ll just have to deal with it. The quartermaster wouldn’t have been so dismissive if Tarnn was here, I wouldn’t be so alone then. I’m kinda here by myself here in the infirmary. I mean sure, there are the other medics but they’re busy. And there are the patients but they come and go and aren’t really there. And- but I have Stratus. He starts getting flappy and cawing when my mind wanders like this, he probably wants attention. It’s nice to have him with me. But he’s still just a bird.

I try to ignore that whistling whisper through the planks as I work. I’m just feeling lonely and letting it get to me. Maybe I should reach out and get to know some people around the campfires. But all of these reports of people saying they are hearing voices is scaring me a little. If it is the Jormag mesmerizing them, what are they being told? To attack us? That already happened once. What were they thinking manning this Keep so soon with the threat still out there?

Maybe I should get out of here.

What the hell is wrong with me? I can’t desert my post. I’m needed here.

Only to wind up with a dagger in my back? It’s not like I don’t know how to take care of myself out in the wild, the cold wouldn’t be an issue. I would just need to get back to Grothmar Valley…

Grothmar? I’m not sure if I want to depend on the hospitality of the Blood Legion. The festival had been tense enough and they had been under orders to be friendly. Now? Forget it, I’d be skewered just for the sake of releasing pent up frustration. 

That whistling air is getting louder. I can’t think. It’s this damn infirmary. I need to get outside, too many walls around me. Just a few minutes, just enough to clear my head. That’s all I need.

It’s cold out. It’s always cold. There aren’t a lot of people on watch, most of them are by the fire. Pact and adventurers were streaming in and out of the gates on their colorful mounts. An asura in a parka wouldn’t be unusual. I don’t need to alarm anyone. It’ll be fine. It’s just for a minute.

I stepped out of Jora’s Keep for the first time since we arrived, but that whistling whisper in my ears didn’t go away. I needed to get further away. There is a well worn path and the sky is overcast so there isn’t any glare. I wish I could see the sky more clearly though, blue sky against the white mountains would be lovely.

Maybe a little further I can find a new angle to see from.

Snow is falling. I should reattune myself to fire to stay warm, or to water to equalize myself with the cold. But I don’t. I don’t know why. I feel like I can’t be bothered. I’m not going to be out here long anyways, what does it matter?

Why is it not quiet out here? Snow is supposed to be muffling, but it seems as if the whispering wind is louder than ever.

My head hurts. 

A small spell could fix that. But why waste the energy? It’s nothing to complain about.

It’s getting hard to see, a blizzard is starting. That’s fine. I’m an elementalist, I was born for this weather. I don’t need to see to find my way.

I can barely make out a small cliff face on my right and I feel as if I’m on an incline. I should turn around. Eventually. But not yet. I just got out here, and I haven’t found the quiet yet.

I trip on something hard and metallic. I catch myself on the edge of a stairstep. It was so sudden that whatever I was thinking about is gone completely. Looking up, I see the outstretched wings and well sculpted face of Raven. 

And suddenly a fog is lifted from my mind. Everything came back to me in a sharp painful focus. I had wandered away from the Keep, done the exact thing we had been warned about on the first day. The dragon must have gotten into my head, under my skin, and now I was out alone in the Frozen Pass. Thank Alchemy and the Six that by chance I literally stumbled into a Raven Shrine. Or maybe it wasn’t by chance. I don’t want to think about it. Already I feel warmer under the shelter of the wings. But I can’t stay out here, I need to get back to the fort, I’m needed there. If I can trust my bearings I should be at the Western Shrine. Jora’s Keep should be a straight line across the snow. My jackal could cut the trip in half and I’d trust her nose more than my sense of direction right now.

A familiar caw takes my attention and I see Stratus flapping frantically through the snow and into the shelter of the shrine. He fluffs his feathers a little when he lands on my wrist and wastes no time in claiming my parka hood for himself. I didn’t even realize he wasn’t with me, I had just left without a thought. He must have been following this whole time even though it was so cold out.  I guess I have two ravens looking out for me.

My jackal doesn’t need any direction from me as she gallops for the Keep, the light of the Raven beacon directly ahead. In hindsight, it was obvious that Jormag was enticing me. I had assumed they used verbal words in the mind, that’s what others said it was like. But an Elder Dragon wouldn’t be confined to just one method. A subtle touch, non-existent wind just on the edge of hearing could keep anyone from thinking clearly. I shouldn’t blame myself for falling for it. 

We reach the gate and I’m prepared to answer to my magister about my disappearance, but I think I go unnoticed as the keep is oddly invigorated with a nervous energy, no one is standing still. Warmaster Jorasdottir is barking out orders to the Vigil members and the rest of us are trying to stay out of the way. The scraps I overhear is that General Soulkeeper has been found and the Vigil is going to “bring her home.” But no one is offering up any further details, just that it’s a need-to-know “Vigil business” right now and they’ll have an official announcement for the rest of us later. 

I don’t know what the announcement could possibly be, but it will be good to have Soulkeeper back. She’ll get everything back to order. 

[hellospunkiebrewster]

18. Bad Day (September Fanfic Challenge)

Summary: Emmeline thought a garden party would be a pleasant way to spend her afternoon, however, a series of unfortunate circumstances makes the day much less so.

These characters (Mr. Sinclaire regrettably so) belong to Pixelberry.

As the day trudged on, it became clear to Miss Young that it was not going to look any better. She’d rather looked forward to the party she was to attend and selected a new dress for the occasion. Made of jade green Chinese silk, the dress fit her spectacularly and the neckline was by far the most tantalizing she had seen in the shops. She knew it was sure to catch the eye of the certain gentleman she was interested in and had endured much teasing at her expense from Briar when she helped her get dressed for the event.

She found it most unfortunate that he had shown up with Miss Holloway glued to his side. She’d been monopolizing him all afternoon at the garden party. Emmeline tried to catch his eye, making sure to stand in his view when she was afforded the opportunity.

Instead somehow, she’d become saddled with Duke Richards for the afternoon. It was as if the broad daylight invigorated him moreso than the quiet seclusion of an opera box and she found herself attempting to dodge his grabs and flirtations all day. As she and the Duke take a turn about the gardens, Lady Emmeline attempts polite conversation about anything that might interest the man aside from her neckline. She’d adored the dress in the shop, but Duke Richards had seen it as an invitation and as such she regretted her decision immensely.

Miss Young endeavors to distract the duke yet again after her efforts at doing so with a discussion of the phaetons about or the recent dreary weather had so failed. “Have you had the opportunity to enjoy any theater recently, your grace?” She hopes in vain that the subject change would surely stick this time.

He doesn’t seem to hear her and instead is cornering her against a low garden wall, his hand grasping at hers where it rests on a ledge.

“Why it was only a week ago that Mr. Sinclaire and I attended The Merchant of Venice at Drury Lane. The rendition of Shylock was quite mesmerizing.”

He presses a bit closer to her but this time he seems to have heard her. His face is far too close to hers and he begins to laugh. “Mr. Sinclaire? At the theater? The man generally has more bawdy tastes for evening entertainment,” he scoffs.

The disgusting rumor leaves a bad taste in her mouth as she assesses her next move. Even if Mr. Sinclaire partook in any such entertainment, it would be better than her present company trying to take advantage of a lady in broad daylight. He was completely shameless and disgusting. She slips out from between him and the wall as he removes one of his hands from beside her to trace it up her arm.

“The more you dodge me, Lady Emmeline, the more tempting you become.”

She shudders at the thought, there was surely a way to get him to stop. She was entirely exhausted from all her quick walking, twisting, and dodging all afternoon. Doubly so, she was feeling rather warm in the midsummer sun. Emmeline fans herself vigorously with her fan, hoping the duke didn’t get the wrong impression yet again. Nothing was sacred when she was in Tristan Richards’ presence, not even an honest turn about the gardens.

She holds one side of her skirts in her hand as she almost runs in an attempt to position herself near a group of gentry at the party. At this point she didn’t much care who it was or what they were talking about, she just hoped for safety in numbers.

Emmeline is entirely flushed and perspiring when she finds a group to settle into. As she fans herself, she feels Duke Richards rest his hand on her back. It’s all Lady Emmeline can do but to huff aloud indignantly at his boldness. Surely, this would be noticed by someone.

Lady Emmeline looks desperately around the party for a friend. Unfortunately, it seemed to her that anyone capable of coming to her rescue was otherwise occupied. Miss Parsons seemed to be in a very deep discussion with Mr. Chambers and Mr. Konevi in the distance.

“Oh what luck! Duke Richards has decided to grace us with his presence this afternoon.” Miss Holloway’s high pitched voice rings out over the conversation some other gentlemen were having that Emmeline was hoping would catch the duke’s ear.

Lady Emmeline sighs in exasperation as she turns around to greet Miss Holloway and whomever her current escort of the moment could be. Her hand was quite possessively tucked into the crook of Mr. Sinclaire’s arm and Emmeline could feel her warm, flushed face blanch at the sight.

When Miss Holloway sees Emmeline spin about, her free hand moves to clutch at Mr. Sinclaire’s upper arm. Miss Young bites at the inside of her cheek to keep her face from betraying the complete jealousy she felt at the picture before her. She had no right to feel as such; Mr. Sinclaire was not hers as he had made no indication of his intentions towards her despite their undeniable fondness for each other. Still, she failed to see what he might find interesting about Miss Holloway, aside from her pretty face she was rather dull and self-important.

Lady Emmeline rushes to compose the remainder of her patience and grace for the conversation to follow. She keeps her eyes trained on Mr. Sinclaire who is standing stoic and taciturn next to her. The duke reaches for her hand once again and she swats it away more aggressively than she intends to, fueled by the fire she feels at seeing the continued contact of Miss Holloway’s slender fingers on Mr. Sinclaire’s arm.

“It’s certainly... exceptionable to see the two of you this afternoon,” Emmeline says, sugar in her words despite their meaning.

The duke guffaws at her. “Do you not mean exceptional? Dare say, I believe you’ve misspoke Miss Young.”

“I so rarely do.” She notices Mr. Sinclaire’s lips quirk at her statement but doesn’t change her straight expression. She wanted him to know this was entirely not favorable in her opinion.

“It’s a rare treat to meet a lady so… sharp tongued,” Miss Holloway offers with a small sneer and an unassuming giggle. “So singularly unique is it not, Mr. Sinclaire? It’s a wonder she hasn’t been snatched up already.” Emmeline can feel her jaw tense as she tries to quell her emotion at the present set of circumstances.

“I doubt it will be much longer,” Duke Richards says in a knowing tone as he once again reaches for Miss Young’s hand. She quickly switches her fan to the hand closest to the Duke, to politely rebuke him.

Emmeline continues to watch Mr. Sinclaire as he shifts uncomfortably in his spot at the insinuation of a proposal from the Duke. She almost enjoyed watching him in his discomfort despite her desire to peel him away from the Holloway harpy. Lady Emmeline was having difficulty with maintaining her anger at Ernest when she saw his face as the duke reached for the small of her back once again.

She jumps at the touch, gasping indignantly once again.

“I believe Miss Young doesn’t appreciate your forwardness, your Grace.” Mr. Sinclaire speaks up for the first time since she’d greeted him at the start of the garden party this afternoon. Then, before she realizes it, Mr. Sinclaire shrugs off Felicity Holloway and has his hand firmly around Duke Richards’ arm. It seemed to occur all at once, in an imperceptible segment of time.

Emmeline’s breathing stops for the entire heated exchange between the two men.

“You would do do well to remember your station and remove your hand Mr. Sinclaire. Besides, should Lady Emmeline find me untoward, she is perfectly capable of speaking for herself,” the Duke whispers, only loud enough for the three of them to hear.

“You know full well Miss Young is far too graceful and possesses too much tact to do such a thing, you would do well to exercise some decorum, sir. Lest you find yourself without company for the rest of the afternoon,” Mr. Sinclaire hisses in response and Emmeline is quite sure she’s never seen him so angry.

She can just make out Miss Holloway gasping and gaping on the other side of the exchange.

The tension between the two men is thick and after another small moment of time, Mr. Sinclaire drops the Duke’s arm. Without another word, he walks off and disappears into the group further down the garden path.

“Oh my, that was unconventional and a bit brutish.” Miss Holloway fans herself as rapidly as her fan allows, looking to the duke.

Emmeline doesn’t excuse herself and sets off in the direction Mr. Sinclaire ran off in.

“Does no one have manners any more?” Miss Holloway’s comments to Duke Richards are lost to Lady Emmeline as she has no use for the either of them any longer.

She finds Mr. Sinclaire standing at the bank of a small pond, the surface of which is dotted with lilies. Once she is close enough, she clears her throat to announce herself. She wished she had words for what he had done back there for her, but she couldn’t find anything sufficient enough to express her gratitude.

He turns around his eyes wide when he sees her. “Emmeline…” he begins quietly, his voice rumbling a bit with emotion. He coughs and corrects himself. “Miss Young. I seem to have forgotten myself back there and I am very sorry you had to see it.”

“I’m not.”

She takes a couple steps closer to him, down towards the pond.

“You should not regret what you did either.”

“So you’re now in the business of telling me what I should do?” He remains tight lipped and looks as if he still feels guilty for his actions.

“If I were in such a business, Mr. Sinclaire, I wouldn’t’ve told you to come to this party with Miss Felicity Holloway on your arm.” When she finishes, she chews on her bottom lip, trying to swallow her hurt and frustration.

His jaw relaxes and he looks up at her from the bank of the pond. “I… I didn’t think. I had run into her father and he asked me to escort her to the party as their townhouse was on my way. I accepted before I thought of the consequences.” He takes a few steps up from the pond, nearing her, but still not close enough to touch.

“You look… divine. It made it all the more difficult to see Duke Richards treating you like that, when I wanted nothing more than to have you on my own arm.”

“Green is not your color, Mr. Sinclaire.”

“It may quite possibly be yours, but seeing your brow knitted so in jealousy and anger isn’t my favorite look on you. That isn’t to say you wouldn’t look splendid no matter what you wore.”

He busies himself for a few seconds, adjusting his tailcoat by tugging at the cuffs of his sleeves. “Would you do me the honor of a turn about the gardens?” He takes another step and offers his arm.

Emmeline’s only answer is to rest her hand in the crook of his elbow. The truth was she wanted him to ask her the entire day. However, seeing as he hadn’t expressed any such intentions of furthering this relationship, she didn’t want to seem too eager or available. Her lady grandmother would tell her to leave any man she fancied wanting more, but she so wanted to know everything about the man next to her. They began a winding walk along the path of the park, Mr. Sinclaire steering her clear of the puddles and muck she’d become accustomed to as simply part of the London cityscape. This event had been postponed nearly a week due to the heavy rain.

They’d shared so much already, more than most engaged couples perhaps. She had thought he felt the same, but he was oft an enigma. He came to these functions, despite his loathing, but Miss Young was entirely unsure why. So often their time together was spent with a somewhat happy blanket of silence to them, he so hated idle conversations.

“Your mind seems quite busy, Miss Young.”

She starts a bit from his sudden statement. Lady Emmeline had taken her share of walks with Mr. Sinclaire and usually they were filled with the same silence that they were currently walking in. Emmeline would like nothing more than to share all of what troubled her mind with Mr. Sinclaire, but it was hardly appropriate and she had no inclination how he’d react to her acting so out of place. The two of them continued their walk, arriving at the far end of the park from where the exchange with Duke Richards had occurred.

Emmeline breaks the silence. “It… I just,” she stops frustrated unsure how to tell him just what she was feeling. He rarely shared what was on his mind, even with her, and so she certainly didn’t feel obliged to share with him.

“If you’ll allow me perhaps I can afford you some clarification, my dear… Emmeline,” Mr. Sinclaire hardly took the lead in conversations such as this one. She had found herself on many occasions trying to find just the best way to pull information out of him. The subject of sentiments was a difficult one for Mr. Sinclaire. As a result, Emmeline hangs on his every word and her mind whirls when he calls her dear. The gardens, Duke Richards, even the accomplished Miss Holloway melt away from her mind and all she knows his him.

They come to a portion of the pathway that had been completely flooded over the last week. The two stop along the path and he takes both her hands in his. The pause he takes is agonizing and Emmeline watches his chest rise and fall as he breathes. Both of them are so enthralled with the other, they don’t notice the phaeton coming about the turn of the path towards the large puddle.

In a cacophony of splashes, yelling, shrieks, and passing laughter from the phaeton Emmeline feels her skirt and petticoat become quite soaked and heavy with the dirty mucky water from the puddle as the phaeton rushes through it.

As she feels her skirts start to stick to her legs, she’s grateful she favored modesty and wore a petticoat today despite it being a little warm. Mr. Sinclaire is shouting something inaudible at the driver as Emmeline tries to shake the water from her dress. She wonders just what it is about her that seems to make her invisible to horse riders and carriage drivers.

“Are you okay? Come, I’ll get you a carriage and escort you home.” Mr. Sinclaire takes her arm and starts to help her towards the park entrance.

“Oh dear, what have you done to Miss Young, Sinclaire?” She hears the duke’s voice from a path that intersected theirs. When she looks to the duke, he is practically licking his lips at the sight of her legs under her heavy, sticking skirts.

In that moment it is as if Mr. Sinclaire has just noticed the state of her skirts and just how they emphasized her legs, her hips, and her backside. He flushes pink and anger flashes across his face when he takes in Duke Richards’ expression. Ernest pulls off his jacket and turns back to Emmeline, holding it out to her to wrap it about herself. It wouldn’t do much to cover her legs, but it would at least stop the duke from raking his eyes over her as Mr. Sinclaire escorted her away. Emmeline isn’t sure she’d ever seen more utter contempt than she saw in Ernest Sinclaire’s eyes as he watched the duke when he continued to walk her to a carriage.

“Come now Sinclaire, how can a man of your reputation be so prudish in the daytime?” Emmeline barely manages to glance back and catch the duke’s sneer as Mr. Sinclaire escorts her away.

He hails a carriage and helps her up into it. Once she’s seated, Mr. Sinclaire speaks with the driver, telling him where to go.

She gets up, holding on to the sides of the door for support as the carriage leans to the side from the weight. “Are you not coming with me, Mr. Sinclaire?” He takes in her doe-eyed, hopeful expression before his eyes fall to her wet, clinging skirts.

“It would hardly be proper to ride together unchaperoned, Miss Young. It is the middle of the day and someone might see and assume less than true things about you.”

Emmeline begins to shrug out of Mr. Sinclaire’s tailcoat in order to return it. He reaches for her hand to stop her, bringing it to his mouth. The skin on his lips is soft as it brushes her knuckles. He looks to her, his blue eyes causing Emmeline’s breath to catch in her throat. The feels his breath on the back of her hand for a moment before he speaks.

“Think nothing of my tailcoat, Miss Young. It’s yours now.”

When he releases her hand Emmeline sits back into the carriage seat. He closes the door for her, but not before flashing her a small smile.

“Until we meet again, my dearest Emmeline.”

When the carriage begins to jostle over the cobblestones as it starts her journey home, Emmeline only then notices the smell of woodsmoke on Mr. Sinclaire’s jacket about her shoulders. She sighs into it, allowing the lapels to bunch up around her face, and closes her eyes so that she may bask in Mr. Sinclaire until she’s home. Despite the most assured destruction of her dress and having to spend the better part of her afternoon with Duke Richards, Emmeline surmises it wasn’t such a horrible day after all.

--

Perma-tags: @mfackenthal, @darley1101, @blackcatkita, @never-ending-choices, @pbchoicesobsessed, @writtenbycandy, @bella-ca, @theroyalweisme, @flyawayblue56, @umccall71, @katurrade, @hopefulmoonobject, @majesticmintyj, @cocomaxley

Sinclaire/other tags: @choices-september-challenge, @yesterday4, @kamybelen-blog, @shelivesinthewoods, @indiacater, @choicesthot, @choicessa, @aliaisreal, @innerpostmentality, @zigthetwig, @tornbetween2loves, @topsyturvy-dream, @choicesyouplayandmore

So sorry if I missed someone, my tag lists have been misplaced. I should really just make them electronic.

--

[mysticalmindblog]

Whether under enforced quarantine, or on lockdown, or self-quarantined; this may well be the only time you have where you are forced to just STOP!!... From a busy and hectic schedule, where for once you are not running and competing in a rat-race solely focused on materialistic gains and pleasures. Maybe now you are fearful of getting sick, or fearful of death, in ways you have never perceived before... 

How about taking this time to contemplate the bigger picture, the bigger questions: Who am I..? 'Why am I here..? Is there more to life than this..? In truth, you may never get such an opportunity again, to reflect inwards, to take time to focus on your place in the big scheme of things. 

So, I say to you, take some time for Meditation. Reflect and contemplate by first quietening your noisy mind; allowing you for the first time in maybe a very long time, to focus with exquisite clarity, and grow your inner self.

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

I wrote this inspirational article back in September of 2018 for a now defunct website.

It is relevant today, more than ever, with the current global lock-down and quarantine situation related to the pandemic.

I hope it helps.

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

What is your typical Sunday like..? Assuming you don’t work on a Sunday, do you go to Church in the morning maybe, and then on to a family lunch at a restaurant, later returning home for an afternoon snooze if the weather isn’t so good, or maybe catch up with some household chores, or just have some quality family time..?

Do you finish off your typical Sunday by relaxing on the couch and watching some TV..? This seems a fairly typical Sunday for many in the Western world today.

Of course, if you are a student, or a business owner, your Sunday is probably spent busy working like every other day, juggling so many tasks and responsibilities.

For some individuals and families, it is what they would describe as “...a boring day”, one where everyone is together in the same house, and yet all are detached from each other, busy in their own activities.

It is generally regarded as a day of rest, or a Family get-together day, where banks and many types of corporate businesses are closed and that time of the week where a sleep-in is justified and allowed.

And yet all day Sunday, at the back of your mind, Monday is always looming..!!

So, how often on a Sunday, or on a day off from your typical work schedule, have you actually sat down quietly and pondered the age old question asked by so many before you... “Who am I..?”

For the sake of this article, I am going to hazard a guess, and say that it isn’t a regular practice of yours.

So... WHO ARE YOU..?

Note that - I didn’t ask your name. I didn’t ask your age. I didn’t ask your gender. I didn’t ask about your religion. I didn’t ask where you are from. I didn’t ask about your race or heritage. I didn’t ask what you do academically or professionally. I didn’t ask if you were a homeowner. I didn’t ask your relationship status. Think about it for a few moments. If you are like most people, right now you are scratching your head as if it is a trick question.

You may even be reasoning that the above conditional facts that weren’t asked for, actually make up the sum of the answer; which would be incorrect.

Truthfully, this question ranks right up there with the timeless questions of old -

Where did I come from..?

Why am I here..?

Where am I going..?

What comes after death..?

Now then, I neither have the ability, or purpose, of telling you right now, who you are. You are capable of discovering that for yourself.

Instead, allow me to simply get you to take the following concept on-board:

YOU NEED TO THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX.

How do you do that..?

REALIZE and CONTEMPLATE this FACT >>> THERE IS NO BOX.

We are the architects of the restricting mechanisms of our own minds. We place an illusionary box around our thoughts, perceptions, dreams, and around our very own concept of our reality.

Either by ignoring those deep and fundamental questions in favor of materialistic diversions and comforts of the moment, or by simply never taking time to get to know oneself.

Each of us starts out the journey of life as a blank slate, an infant born with only pure awareness and a craving for nourishment and warmth. In that time, those moments, as a newborn, who were we..?

That’s quite an ‘out there’ question right..?

And how does any of this connect to Sunday Fun-Days..?

It all is connected.

As we journey through it, we get so caught up in the demanding maelstrom of ‘Preparing for Tomorrow’ by rushing around today, that we rarely ever get those awe-inspiring moments where we just marvel at the complexity of the Universe.

We seldom appreciate the bigger picture, of nature, of life itself.

You know the moments I am talking about - like when you first saw the stars at night when you were far away from city lights.

As a result of our rushing to-and-fro we bury that beautiful and simple awareness under layers of acquired learning, programming, and self-definition.

The truth is that it is in our simple awareness that our true identity lies - and yet - going further, deeper into a state of a quietened mind (where you have successfully turned down the volume on all noisy thoughts and are experiencing the bliss of a silent and aware mind) encountering a lack of identity in the silence of simple awareness can be a target concept to experience, that enables an amazing euphoria as one can suddenly feel connected with all things, everywhere, regardless of time and space.

Confused yet..? Probably, right..?

Good - good, and so you should be, because these are things that we rarely consider as we rush about our moment-to-busy-moments in life.

Curiously, if you talk to someone who has had a Near Death Experience, someone who has maybe been revived after spending a short time medically classified as dead without a heartbeat - you will find that regardless of having any paranormal experiences or not, that they subsequently spend a great deal of time contemplating those big questions, and possible answers.

Furthermore, I have repeatedly found when conversing with the elderly and gravely ill, that in answer to the question of what thoughts occupy their minds in their recent days, practically all uniformly answer the following.

They replay specific memories from key periods in their lives, some good, some bad, and others where they wish they had made different decisions.

They remember and think about departed loved ones and friends from over the years. Often wishing that things could of been different - and/or regretting things left unsaid and undone.

They lament how much time they spent chasing after shallow dreams, selfish desires, and aggressive career ambitions - and each day feel the pain of lost opportunities to have led a more meaningful existence. Ultimately they will conclude the conversation by stating that they felt their lives had gone by too fast, and that they have too many regrets to feel a sense of deep inner peace.

AND THIS IS PERVASIVE IN TODAY’S EVER MORE DETACHED MATERIALISTIC SOCIETY.

“Some will say that they are tired and ready to pass on

because they want the pain and loneliness to stop, while

others will show too much tearful remorse and say they

are not ready for their lives to be finished.”

I asked a dear family member who was elderly and in bad health last year, literally a week before they passed away - “Who are you..?”

After a pause, they replied, “I don’t know, but, I can tell you that I feel like a tired old man”.

The point of this article is to get you to seize upon the idea that you need to make time for yourself to be by yourself to be able to peacefully contemplate and discover who you really are.

If Sundays are a typical day where you find yourself with a few hours spare without anything planned, take an hour in a quiet place with your phone either muted or switched off, no TV, no music or radio, nobody to bother you, and just sit and quieten your mind. Deliberately shut down all the noisy thoughts of the monkey-mind including responding to sensations of thirst, hunger, scratching an itch etc, and just get very still. Focus on your breathing, observing your inhalation and exhalation.

“If you do this, you will pleasantly sense your mind

becoming lighter, therapeutically and blissfully so.

It will become clear, invigorated, and crisp, as if you

have literally given your brain a nice warm soapy shower.

This is YOU being mindful, and meditating.”

With this state of clear-mindedness and mental bliss, your awareness will begin to perceive so much more than all your physical senses combined. It’s here - that your adventure into fantastic realms will truly begin, where those age-old questions can be asked, and answered - and you can finally start walking a clear path of the truth of Who You Are.

It’s addicting, and fulfilling. Don’t delay it anymore.

[classysassy9791]

Tagged by the wonderful, beautiful @iliveondaydreams. Thanks love!!

If I were a month: I’d have to go with my birthday month - September. The last inkling of summer still hangs in the air, but the leaves start changing near the end. The days become shorter, the nights become longer, and you begin to cherish the sunlight so much more. 

If I were a day: Sunday - lazy afternoons curled up with a book, or watching a football game with close friends, or sleeping in and having brunch with all your favorite fixings.

If I were a planet: Pluto - scientists eons away will debate me, even though they have no business to, discussing my qualities and attempting to push me into a label that they’ve created. But the truth is I have no label. I am diverse and tend to dip my toes into all creative aspects of life. I’m an ironic contrast.

If I were a god or goddess: Achelois - a minor moon goddess whose name means, “she who washes away pain.”I became a Registered Nurse because of my compassion for others, and to be there when needed most. I want to heal the sick, soothe the pained, and hold hands of the dying. If only to bring them one moment of relief. 

If I were a sea animal: A Sea Turtle. Their species is very old (older than the dinosaurs), which means they’ve seen all walks of life. They love to travel, as do I, but when it’s time to lay their eggs, they return to the same nesting grounds where they were born. After all, home is where the heart is. Also, a neat fact you may not know, is that their sex is determined by the temperature of the surrounding environment. Warm temps tend to produce more female hatch-lings, whereas cooler temps result in males. And I think that reflects our current society perfectly: who we are isn’t always determined by our genetics, but by the environment we live in.

If I were a piece of furniture: Probably a bed, because they’re used for so many reasons. To find comfort in sleep after a long day, to make love to the person of your dreams, to curl up and hug a pillow after your heart gets broken. I like to think beds are the soul of furniture. 

If I were a gemstone: Sapphire - my birthstone. Traditionally, it symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. For centuries it has been associated with royalty and romance. In 1981, Prince Charles gave a blue sapphire engagement ring to Princess Diana. The history and lore on it just makes me swoon, and appreciate it so much more. 

If I were a flower: Carnations. My grandfather, may he rest in peace, always gifted my grandmother carnations for special occasions, including anniversaries, birthdays, etc. They were very special to them. In general, they express love, fascination and distinction, but their variety of colors expresses different things. White carnations suggest pure love and good luck, light red symbolizes admiration, while dark red represents deep love and affection. Purple implies capriciousness (unpredictable), and pink carnations carry the greatest significance, beginning with the belief that they first appeared on earth from the Virgin Mary’s tears - making them the symbol of a mother’s undying love. You can see why I love them so much :)

If I were a weather: 75 and sunny with a hint of a light breeze. You can sit out on the patio with a glass of wine and a good book, go hiking on some forest trails, and enjoy the beach with the hot sun reflecting off the sand. Perfect whether to enjoy every aspect of life. 

If I were a color: Purple! It combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. It symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, and ambition. It conveys wealth and extravagance. And it’s also associated with wisdom, dignity, independence, creativity, mystery, and magic, all of which I feel fit my life pretty well. And I’ve loved the color forever, so... there’s that. 

If I were an emotion: Anticipation - in the sense of looking forward positively to something which is going to happen. I always have the notion that the storms will past, followed by rainbows. I just have to push through until then, and the rainbows are usually the most beautiful rainbows of all. 

If I were a fruit: Strawberries. They’re attached to many positive things through symbolism and folklore. They represent righteousness and spiritual merit, but it also symbolizes perfection and “sweetness in the life and character”. It’s also presented in the Slovakian version of Cinderella, a story called “Strawberries in Winter.” Also, strawberries are just delicious, especially with a hint of sugar ^.^

If I were an element: Earth. When we think of Earth, we can meditate on its beautiful and healing crystals and stones, the soil in which we grow food, the plants and animals it sustains, and even visualize it from space as a gentle reminder of how small we as a species are. The energy of the Earth allows us to put down strong roots from which our dreams soar into reality. And yet, the Earth can be fierce, like a volcano erupting or the damage from an earthquake. 

If I were a place: The beach during summertime. A place where land meets water, where you can lay on the sand and stare up at the sky, listening to the waves lap at the shore. A place of vibrant blues and warm rays, a place that inspires happiness in all sense of the word. 

If I were a taste: Coffee with a hint of Vanilla. Coffee is all about get-up and go, designed to give you pep in your step. It’s something you can enjoy while immersing yourself in the company of friends. People talk over coffee - whether the topic is light or deeply intellectual. But you can also enjoy it on a summer evening as you read your favorite book, or enjoy the sunrise over the lake as you breathe in the day. 

If I were a scent: Vanilla - can you tell I love the stuff? It vitalizes energy, brings happy occasions to the premises, and draws good fortune. It’s also used in aromatherapy to deal with stress, nervous tension, and insomnia, all of which I battled during nursing school. It’s just an overall warm, good-feeling kind of scent. 

If I were a song: Oh, gosh, there are so many! Hm... Probably Stand by Rascal Flatts. This song helped me get through some tough times back in high school. “Cause when push comes to shove, you taste what you’re made of. You might bend till you break, cause it’s all you can take. On your knees you look up, decide you’ve had enough. You get mad, you get strong, wipe your hands, shake it off. Then you stand.”

If I were a body part: The eyes. They’re the “gateway to the soul”, but they’re also associated with intelligence, light, vigilance, moral conscience, and truth. Keeping eye contact reflects honesty. Also, their colors mean something different, too. Like mine are hazel - meaning spontaneous and will rarely back down from a challenge. If there is more green mixed in, it means mischievous. If more brown is mixed in, I’m more approachable to other people. They’re special because they seem to change color depending on my mood.

If I were a pair of shoes: Black heeled boots (which I actually just recently bought). They’re nice enough to wear to interviews, but classy enough to wear out on the town. They make me feel confident, invigorated, like I can take on the world. My favorite pair of shoes, ever.

--

I know I probably went a little deeper into these answers than most, but whatever. I had fun, and loved looking up some of the symbolism to what I feel I am and the meaning behind my choices. ^.^

I shall tag: @jeanbeannie @grapefruitwannabe @hireikotsu @lockandk3yfiction @wenchster @darlingdontletmego @supertimetravelmiko @stoatsandweasels @lilwaterlilies and anyone else who wants to do this. Feel free to say I tagged you! :)

[lalobalives]

Like many of you, I’ve been struggling; vacillating between being okay one day, one moment, and anxious as fuck the next. I’ve marveled at people’s abilities, how they’ve reinvented themselves and what they do to bring it online. 

For weeks I’ve been asking myself: what can you do, Vanessa?

I haven’t been producing. I’ve had trouble focusing so I haven’t been writing or reading much, which has been really hard. I’m a writer, editor and educator. This is what I do. For the most part I’ve been quiet. Brooding a lot. Worried. Watching the birds on my deck. I’ve been feeding them for weeks now. Buying boxes of suet for them. They’ve grown used to me caring for them. Woodpeckers, sparrows, starlings, finches and so many more come to feed every day.

I’ve been gardening and cooking. I have dozens of plant babies that I’m looking forward to potting once the weather warms. I’ve made elaborate meals. I made my first pernil, slow cooked a pot roast, learned how to make sofrito in bulk, am planning on making banana bread. I’ve been creative in some ways, but not in the way that is normal for me, which on bad days, has made me question and fret over what I do: Why does the writing matter? Why does any of my work matter? 

I love the work I do, so it’s been difficult to not feel compelled to do any of it. Not to teach or write or mentor or anything. I’ve just felt like putting my hands in soil. Germinating and planting seeds. Watching them root, seed, become their own life forces. And I’ve felt like cooking. Making huge stock pots of sopa, which I delivered to loved ones doorsteps across the boroughs, always maintaining a safe distance, of course. 

Throughout these many weeks of lock down & social isolation (I’m on Day 41, since returning early from San Antonio when the health emergency was announced), I’ve kept coming back to the same question: what can you do that feels authentic to you, Vanessa? 

At first the gardening was for me, for my emotional and mental health, but my family jumped in on the project with surprising zeal. They helped me germinate seeds, put the seeds in soil once the “tail” sprouted, labeled, watered. I’m the only one who sings to the plants in the morning, but the other day when I didn’t, my daughter asked “no singing today, mom?” She’s called me weird for doing it. Now she misses it when I don’t. 

My neighbor whom I hadn’t met, poked her head out her window the other day to tell me how lovely she thinks my plants are, and that they’ve been helping her over these lock down days… Something that I started for me has helped others too. That’s beautiful! 

I haven’t felt the call to join online readings, of which there have been so many. My energy is low and I’m on preservation mode. A part of me feels bad. I want to show up and support, but I’m doing the best that I can…

Then, the other day, I got the call to create a free two hour Writing the Mother Wound generative class, a super condensed version of my multi-week signature class. I spent days working on the slideshow presentation, deciding on the readings, coming up with new writing prompts. I capped the class at 51. Within hours of announcing the offering, many more than 51 had signed up. I decided to send the videoconference info and homework to everyone. The two hour class turned into three hours, with 60 participants. It was glorious, and exactly what I needed to feel invigorated and re-energized. I remembered the importance of the work I do. I saw it in action.

So I’ve decided to offer a free generative class every week, on Fridays 3-5pm EST, through the end of May, maybe longer. The themes will change every week and will be centered around Creative Nonfiction as that is my heart genre. But don’t worry you fiction writers, I gotchu too. I’ll be facilitating a writing fiction from real life class as well. 

What writing class would you like to see me to facilitate? (You can check writingourlives.com for the types of classes I teach.)

Here are the dates for the Writing Our Lives Free Generative Classes: April 24th, 3-5pm EST May 1st, 3-5pm EST May 8th, 3-5pm EST May 15th, 3-5pm EST May 22nd, 3-5pm EST May 29th, 3-5pm EST

The themes will be announced week to week. I’ll be announcing the theme of the next class, on Friday, April 24th, in the coming days. See you soon! 

With love, Vanessa Martir & the Writing Our Lives Workshop

Question: What can I do? Answer: Offer free Writing Our Lives Generative Classes Like many of you, I’ve been struggling; vacillating between being okay one day, one moment, and anxious as fuck the next.

[healthylifepage]

LAST-MINUTE ‘TOP 10’ WELLNESS GIFT LIST!

Under a week to go until a BIG focal day in many people’s annual calendar, and if you’re anything like me you’ve left your seasonal gift shopping perilously late! Fear not, my dear disorganised reader, for here’s my snappily-titled “Christmas Eve Emergency Health & Fitness Top 10 Present Idea List” (phew!) which I whipped up for just such an eventuality – perhaps it’s one to send your other half for those last-minute ideas! So here we go, please Santa may I have…

ITEM 1) Apple Watch Series 3

This is the ultimate fitness gift, to my mind (If you already have one, skip to item 2, you lucky thing). I’ve had an Apple Watch since day one and recently started using their third iteration of the wearable beauty! Aside from allowing me to check emails and be on top of texts/WhatsApp’s, automatically track all my fitness data (heart rate, exercise, moves, standing time, calories burnt etc.), the watch also no longer needs a phone nearby so I am both untethered and yet connected. Instead, you can go cycling up in the rural mountains or for a long jog, and not need to bring your phone whilst remaining contactable at all times.

The Apple Watch is genuinely awesome. I’ve used a lot of wearable trackers and general ‘fit kit’, but this is one I have easily woven into my daily routine. It’s the flavour of technology you want more of; super intuitive to navigate, whilst it deftly does all the ‘thinking’ for me, operating unobtrusively in the background so that I just consume the fruits of its data, eliminating all guesswork! It’s a great way to stay motivated especially for the new years’ push!

My Version is beautifully modelled by Rudolph below…

ITEM 2) Neck & wrist Cashmere warmers

If you’re struggling in this frosty weather on your power walks, there’s nothing quite as comforting or indulgent as a super soft cashmere neck and wrist warmer. Something so super soft against your skin to help keep you warm feels a little extra special and such a wonderful gift. I often think a superb gift is something you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself, but would love to receive. This little selection below is from Somerville, and is both practical and luxurious!

Wrist warmers HERE… Neck warmer HERE…

ITEM 3) Some ‘Monreal London’ Sports Luxe

This is an evergreen appearance on my list for the brand’s unparalleled style credentials, leading functionality and super luxurious feel! I’ve followed their journey from the beginning and am constantly enchanted by the creations of master designer Stefani Grosse. Recently given the proverbial Royal ‘seals of approval’ by the gorgeous sisters Kate and Pippa Middleton, this is functional high-quality chic athleisure wear. Yes, it’s pricey but the pieces are enduring, clean-lined investment articles which will last the test of time. If like me you love sportswear and wear it all the time this is the sort of pieces that dress up your day!

Check it out HERE!

ITEM 4) Invest In Sleep – Jersey Duvet and Throw 

http://ift.tt/2dAjER9

I know, I keep banging on about the importance of sleep, it’s a bit of a personal vendetta to sleep better, and more! Sheets are, surprisingly, very low-hanging fruit when it comes to upgrading the calibre of restful shuteye you get each night, so this is one way to make each night dreamier! Invest in beautiful covers to help you sleep well throughout the night as well as some beautiful and snuggly throws. These ones are from a company with strong Swedish roots, but with US West-Coast influences, and I have been loving the quality of their products for 6 months now; the jersey product is really coming into its own on these cold winters nights, delivering super softness night after night.

 – Duvet Cover; http://ift.tt/2z39al2

the bedding is made of 100% combed cotton thread that is finely knitted; so-called single jersey. That material breathes better than closely woven high thread count sheets. It’s also more supple, and few materials can compare to its soft surface; Oprah once called this her ‘discovery of the year’, and if it’s good enough for her…

– Alpaca Throw; Super soft throw to snuggle up in on cold nights. http://ift.tt/2BkrGeJ

ITEM 5) Custom Clutch Bag from Bags by M

This is a personalised, one-of-a-kind, unique bag which is a total reflection of its owner. Admittedly, not fitness related in the slightest, but I wanted to include it nonetheless because I fell in love with this clutch some years ago, and think there are many people out there that might want to tell their own story with the book that means most to them. Master craftswoman Maria Caracciolo draws upon an extensive background in the history of bookbinding using traditional artisan techniques, and the results, created from scratch and delivered within a month, are extremely special, even emotional. This is a bespoke, standout piece at a reasonable price; you can get yours made HERE.

ITEM 6) Sweaty Betty Ski Layers

http://ift.tt/2BjkD5U

Despite being a Swedish lass from a country with much of its land mass in the Arctic Circle, I fundamentally struggle with the cold! Another helpful cosy investment to get you through these cold winter days are these quick-drying, super soft and ultra comfortable thermal base layers. They’re  awesome under your activewear in the city on a run or in the slopes, and they look pretty ‘Tron’ chic! n.b. Yep, same picture as above!

ITEM 7) Tea Pigs! http://ift.tt/1NIIxVO

This is a proper stocking filler here – I’ve always thought this Liquorice & Mint tea is simply aaaamazing and a wonderful gift to any fitness enthusiast! Hydrating, nutritious and it satisfies any sweet tooth without delivering calories!

ITEM 8) A beautiful Yoga Mat from Soul Mat Yoga

I discovered this a while ago; these ‘eco-friendly yoga mats are designed to be beautiful enough that they can double as colourful rugs in your home or studio. They’re forged from 100% natural tree rubber, printed with water-based inks and kept completely free from nasty chemicals so they’re super kind to both your skin and our planet.’ Check it out HERE.

ITEM 9) AESOP products to luxuriate & look after your skin

The skin is our bodies’ largest single organ which, if you’re training every day, can get pretty dry in this bitter cold, and will be in need of some TLC. I recently re-discovered Aesop on my trip to Sydney (full blog posts forthcoming!) and have been obsessed since. It’s an Australian home-grown company which has branched out globally; I adore their packaging, and all the products are exceptional and differentiated… but if I could only pick one I’d suggest the utterly delicious-smelling Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. The botanical oils and skin-softening ingredients leave my skin feeling nourished and refreshed – and there is something totally invigorating about the ingredients’ aroma, so much so that I went overboard and snapped up the whole range. Oh, and I also LOVE the packaging of that mouthwash!!

ITEM 10) Woolrich Coat – ‘W’s Military Parka’

Finally, if you really want to spoil that special someone this is a coat that will keep you warm all winter in the urban city or for apres ski purposes! It’s a little off the beaten track of Canada Goose / Moncler, but I absolutely love it’s furnace-like warmth and bold features for these frosty times of the year.  Pick one up HERE.

Hope that provided a little spark of inspiration for any last minute purchases. Yes, some of them can’t be obtained NOW, and need a little lead-time, but the very delivery of an IOU should be met with bundles of festive excitement!

Happy hunting and Merry Xmas

Faya x

The post LAST-MINUTE ‘TOP 10’ WELLNESS GIFT LIST! appeared first on Fitness on Toast.

LAST-MINUTE ‘TOP 10’ WELLNESS GIFT LIST! posted first on yummylooksbest.blogspot.com

[rebeccaflaneus]

LAST-MINUTE ‘TOP 10’ WELLNESS GIFT LIST!

Under a week to go until a BIG focal day in many people’s annual calendar, and if you’re anything like me you’ve left your seasonal gift shopping perilously late! Fear not, my dear disorganised reader, for here’s my snappily-titled “Christmas Eve Emergency Health & Fitness Top 10 Present Idea List” (phew!) which I whipped up for just such an eventuality – perhaps it’s one to send your other half for those last-minute ideas! So here we go, please Santa may I have…

ITEM 1) Apple Watch Series 3

This is the ultimate fitness gift, to my mind (If you already have one, skip to item 2, you lucky thing). I’ve had an Apple Watch since day one and recently started using their third iteration of the wearable beauty! Aside from allowing me to check emails and be on top of texts/WhatsApp’s, automatically track all my fitness data (heart rate, exercise, moves, standing time, calories burnt etc.), the watch also no longer needs a phone nearby so I am both untethered and yet connected. Instead, you can go cycling up in the rural mountains or for a long jog, and not need to bring your phone whilst remaining contactable at all times.

The Apple Watch is genuinely awesome. I’ve used a lot of wearable trackers and general ‘fit kit’, but this is one I have easily woven into my daily routine. It’s the flavour of technology you want more of; super intuitive to navigate, whilst it deftly does all the ‘thinking’ for me, operating unobtrusively in the background so that I just consume the fruits of its data, eliminating all guesswork! It’s a great way to stay motivated especially for the new years’ push!

My Version is beautifully modelled by Rudolph below…

ITEM 2) Neck & wrist Cashmere warmers

If you’re struggling in this frosty weather on your power walks, there’s nothing quite as comforting or indulgent as a super soft cashmere neck and wrist warmer. Something so super soft against your skin to help keep you warm feels a little extra special and such a wonderful gift. I often think a superb gift is something you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself, but would love to receive. This little selection below is from Somerville, and is both practical and luxurious!

Wrist warmers HERE… Neck warmer HERE…

ITEM 3) Some ‘Monreal London’ Sports Luxe

This is an evergreen appearance on my list for the brand’s unparalleled style credentials, leading functionality and super luxurious feel! I’ve followed their journey from the beginning and am constantly enchanted by the creations of master designer Stefani Grosse. Recently given the proverbial Royal ‘seals of approval’ by the gorgeous sisters Kate and Pippa Middleton, this is functional high-quality chic athleisure wear. Yes, it’s pricey but the pieces are enduring, clean-lined investment articles which will last the test of time. If like me you love sportswear and wear it all the time this is the sort of pieces that dress up your day!

Check it out HERE!

ITEM 4) Invest In Sleep – Jersey Duvet and Throw 

https://beachhousecompany.com

I know, I keep banging on about the importance of sleep, it’s a bit of a personal vendetta to sleep better, and more! Sheets are, surprisingly, very low-hanging fruit when it comes to upgrading the calibre of restful shuteye you get each night, so this is one way to make each night dreamier! Invest in beautiful covers to help you sleep well throughout the night as well as some beautiful and snuggly throws. These ones are from a company with strong Swedish roots, but with US West-Coast influences, and I have been loving the quality of their products for 6 months now; the jersey product is really coming into its own on these cold winters nights, delivering super softness night after night.

 – Duvet Cover; https://beachhousecompany.com/product/duvet-cover-band-ivy/

the bedding is made of 100% combed cotton thread that is finely knitted; so-called single jersey. That material breathes better than closely woven high thread count sheets. It’s also more supple, and few materials can compare to its soft surface; Oprah once called this her ‘discovery of the year’, and if it’s good enough for her…

– Alpaca Throw; Super soft throw to snuggle up in on cold nights. https://beachhousecompany.com/alpaca-line-throw/

ITEM 5) Custom Clutch Bag from Bags by M

This is a personalised, one-of-a-kind, unique bag which is a total reflection of its owner. Admittedly, not fitness related in the slightest, but I wanted to include it nonetheless because I fell in love with this clutch some years ago, and think there are many people out there that might want to tell their own story with the book that means most to them. Master craftswoman Maria Caracciolo draws upon an extensive background in the history of bookbinding using traditional artisan techniques, and the results, created from scratch and delivered within a month, are extremely special, even emotional. This is a bespoke, standout piece at a reasonable price; you can get yours made HERE.

ITEM 6) Sweaty Betty Ski Layers

http://www.sweatybetty.com/clothes/bottoms/leggings/beetlebluejacquard-drift-colourblock-ski-base-layer-legging/

Despite being a Swedish lass from a country with much of its land mass in the Arctic Circle, I fundamentally struggle with the cold! Another helpful cosy investment to get you through these cold winter days are these quick-drying, super soft and ultra comfortable thermal base layers. They’re  awesome under your activewear in the city on a run or in the slopes, and they look pretty ‘Tron’ chic! n.b. Yep, same picture as above!

ITEM 7) Tea Pigs! https://www.teapigs.co.uk/tea/shop_by_category/all_tea/liquorice_and_mint.htm

This is a proper stocking filler here – I’ve always thought this Liquorice & Mint tea is simply aaaamazing and a wonderful gift to any fitness enthusiast! Hydrating, nutritious and it satisfies any sweet tooth without delivering calories!

ITEM 8) A beautiful Yoga Mat from Soul Mat Yoga

I discovered this a while ago; these ‘eco-friendly yoga mats are designed to be beautiful enough that they can double as colourful rugs in your home or studio. They’re forged from 100% natural tree rubber, printed with water-based inks and kept completely free from nasty chemicals so they’re super kind to both your skin and our planet.’ Check it out HERE.

ITEM 9) AESOP products to luxuriate & look after your skin

The skin is our bodies’ largest single organ which, if you’re training every day, can get pretty dry in this bitter cold, and will be in need of some TLC. I recently re-discovered Aesop on my trip to Sydney (full blog posts forthcoming!) and have been obsessed since. It’s an Australian home-grown company which has branched out globally; I adore their packaging, and all the products are exceptional and differentiated… but if I could only pick one I’d suggest the utterly delicious-smelling Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. The botanical oils and skin-softening ingredients leave my skin feeling nourished and refreshed – and there is something totally invigorating about the ingredients’ aroma, so much so that I went overboard and snapped up the whole range. Oh, and I also LOVE the packaging of that mouthwash!!

ITEM 10) Woolrich Coat – ‘W’s Military Parka’

Finally, if you really want to spoil that special someone this is a coat that will keep you warm all winter in the urban city or for apres ski purposes! It’s a little off the beaten track of Canada Goose / Moncler, but I absolutely love it’s furnace-like warmth and bold features for these frosty times of the year.  Pick one up HERE.

Hope that provided a little spark of inspiration for any last minute purchases. Yes, some of them can’t be obtained NOW, and need a little lead-time, but the very delivery of an IOU should be met with bundles of festive excitement!

Happy hunting and Merry Xmas

Faya x

The post LAST-MINUTE ‘TOP 10’ WELLNESS GIFT LIST! appeared first on Fitness on Toast.

from Donald Fitness Tips http://fitnessontoast.com/2017/12/20/last-minute-top-10-wellness-gift-list-xmas/

[yolandadsims]

LAST-MINUTE ‘TOP 10’ WELLNESS GIFT LIST!

Under a week to go until a BIG focal day in many people’s annual calendar, and if you’re anything like me you’ve left your seasonal gift shopping perilously late! Fear not, my dear disorganised reader, for here’s my snappily-titled “Christmas Eve Emergency Health & Fitness Top 10 Present Idea List” (phew!) which I whipped up for just such an eventuality – perhaps it’s one to send your other half for those last-minute ideas! So here we go, please Santa may I have…

ITEM 1) Apple Watch Series 3

This is the ultimate fitness gift, to my mind (If you already have one, skip to item 2, you lucky thing). I’ve had an Apple Watch since day one and recently started using their third iteration of the wearable beauty! Aside from allowing me to check emails and be on top of texts/WhatsApp’s, automatically track all my fitness data (heart rate, exercise, moves, standing time, calories burnt etc.), the watch also no longer needs a phone nearby so I am both untethered and yet connected. Instead, you can go cycling up in the rural mountains or for a long jog, and not need to bring your phone whilst remaining contactable at all times.

The Apple Watch is genuinely awesome. I’ve used a lot of wearable trackers and general ‘fit kit’, but this is one I have easily woven into my daily routine. It’s the flavour of technology you want more of; super intuitive to navigate, whilst it deftly does all the ‘thinking’ for me, operating unobtrusively in the background so that I just consume the fruits of its data, eliminating all guesswork! It’s a great way to stay motivated especially for the new years’ push!

My Version is beautifully modelled by Rudolph below…

ITEM 2) Neck & wrist Cashmere warmers

If you’re struggling in this frosty weather on your power walks, there’s nothing quite as comforting or indulgent as a super soft cashmere neck and wrist warmer. Something so super soft against your skin to help keep you warm feels a little extra special and such a wonderful gift. I often think a superb gift is something you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself, but would love to receive. This little selection below is from Somerville, and is both practical and luxurious!

Wrist warmers HERE… Neck warmer HERE…

ITEM 3) Some ‘Monreal London’ Sports Luxe

This is an evergreen appearance on my list for the brand’s unparalleled style credentials, leading functionality and super luxurious feel! I’ve followed their journey from the beginning and am constantly enchanted by the creations of master designer Stefani Grosse. Recently given the proverbial Royal ‘seals of approval’ by the gorgeous sisters Kate and Pippa Middleton, this is functional high-quality chic athleisure wear. Yes, it’s pricey but the pieces are enduring, clean-lined investment articles which will last the test of time. If like me you love sportswear and wear it all the time this is the sort of pieces that dress up your day!

Check it out HERE!

ITEM 4) Invest In Sleep – Jersey Duvet and Throw 

https://beachhousecompany.com

I know, I keep banging on about the importance of sleep, it’s a bit of a personal vendetta to sleep better, and more! Sheets are, surprisingly, very low-hanging fruit when it comes to upgrading the calibre of restful shuteye you get each night, so this is one way to make each night dreamier! Invest in beautiful covers to help you sleep well throughout the night as well as some beautiful and snuggly throws. These ones are from a company with strong Swedish roots, but with US West-Coast influences, and I have been loving the quality of their products for 6 months now; the jersey product is really coming into its own on these cold winters nights, delivering super softness night after night.

 – Duvet Cover; https://beachhousecompany.com/product/duvet-cover-band-ivy/

the bedding is made of 100% combed cotton thread that is finely knitted; so-called single jersey. That material breathes better than closely woven high thread count sheets. It’s also more supple, and few materials can compare to its soft surface; Oprah once called this her ‘discovery of the year’, and if it’s good enough for her…

– Alpaca Throw; Super soft throw to snuggle up in on cold nights. https://beachhousecompany.com/alpaca-line-throw/

ITEM 5) Custom Clutch Bag from Bags by M

This is a personalised, one-of-a-kind, unique bag which is a total reflection of its owner. Admittedly, not fitness related in the slightest, but I wanted to include it nonetheless because I fell in love with this clutch some years ago, and think there are many people out there that might want to tell their own story with the book that means most to them. Master craftswoman Maria Caracciolo draws upon an extensive background in the history of bookbinding using traditional artisan techniques, and the results, created from scratch and delivered within a month, are extremely special, even emotional. This is a bespoke, standout piece at a reasonable price; you can get yours made HERE.

ITEM 6) Sweaty Betty Ski Layers

http://www.sweatybetty.com/clothes/bottoms/leggings/beetlebluejacquard-drift-colourblock-ski-base-layer-legging/

Despite being a Swedish lass from a country with much of its land mass in the Arctic Circle, I fundamentally struggle with the cold! Another helpful cosy investment to get you through these cold winter days are these quick-drying, super soft and ultra comfortable thermal base layers. They’re  awesome under your activewear in the city on a run or in the slopes, and they look pretty ‘Tron’ chic! n.b. Yep, same picture as above!

ITEM 7) Tea Pigs! https://www.teapigs.co.uk/tea/shop_by_category/all_tea/liquorice_and_mint.htm

This is a proper stocking filler here – I’ve always thought this Liquorice & Mint tea is simply aaaamazing and a wonderful gift to any fitness enthusiast! Hydrating, nutritious and it satisfies any sweet tooth without delivering calories!

ITEM 8) A beautiful Yoga Mat from Soul Mat Yoga

I discovered this a while ago; these ‘eco-friendly yoga mats are designed to be beautiful enough that they can double as colourful rugs in your home or studio. They’re forged from 100% natural tree rubber, printed with water-based inks and kept completely free from nasty chemicals so they’re super kind to both your skin and our planet.’ Check it out HERE.

ITEM 9) AESOP products to luxuriate & look after your skin

The skin is our bodies’ largest single organ which, if you’re training every day, can get pretty dry in this bitter cold, and will be in need of some TLC. I recently re-discovered Aesop on my trip to Sydney (full blog posts forthcoming!) and have been obsessed since. It’s an Australian home-grown company which has branched out globally; I adore their packaging, and all the products are exceptional and differentiated… but if I could only pick one I’d suggest the utterly delicious-smelling Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. The botanical oils and skin-softening ingredients leave my skin feeling nourished and refreshed – and there is something totally invigorating about the ingredients’ aroma, so much so that I went overboard and snapped up the whole range. Oh, and I also LOVE the packaging of that mouthwash!!

ITEM 10) Woolrich Coat – ‘W’s Military Parka’

Finally, if you really want to spoil that special someone this is a coat that will keep you warm all winter in the urban city or for apres ski purposes! It’s a little off the beaten track of Canada Goose / Moncler, but I absolutely love it’s furnace-like warmth and bold features for these frosty times of the year.  Pick one up HERE.

Hope that provided a little spark of inspiration for any last minute purchases. Yes, some of them can’t be obtained NOW, and need a little lead-time, but the very delivery of an IOU should be met with bundles of festive excitement!

Happy hunting and Merry Xmas

Faya x

The post LAST-MINUTE ‘TOP 10’ WELLNESS GIFT LIST! appeared first on Fitness on Toast.

from Health And Fitness Updates http://fitnessontoast.com/2017/12/20/last-minute-top-10-wellness-gift-list-xmas/

[muscledemandsrespect]

LAST-MINUTE ‘TOP 10’ WELLNESS GIFT LIST!

Under a week to go until a BIG focal day in many people’s annual calendar, and if you’re anything like me you’ve left your seasonal gift shopping perilously late! Fear not, my dear disorganised reader, for here’s my snappily-titled “Christmas Eve Emergency Health & Fitness Top 10 Present Idea List” (phew!) which I whipped up for just such an eventuality – perhaps it’s one to send your other half for those last-minute ideas! So here we go, please Santa may I have…

ITEM 1) Apple Watch Series 3

This is the ultimate fitness gift, to my mind (If you already have one, skip to item 2, you lucky thing). I’ve had an Apple Watch since day one and recently started using their third iteration of the wearable beauty! Aside from allowing me to check emails and be on top of texts/WhatsApp’s, automatically track all my fitness data (heart rate, exercise, moves, standing time, calories burnt etc.), the watch also no longer needs a phone nearby so I am both untethered and yet connected. Instead, you can go cycling up in the rural mountains or for a long jog, and not need to bring your phone whilst remaining contactable at all times.

The Apple Watch is genuinely awesome. I’ve used a lot of wearable trackers and general ‘fit kit’, but this is one I have easily woven into my daily routine. It’s the flavour of technology you want more of; super intuitive to navigate, whilst it deftly does all the ‘thinking’ for me, operating unobtrusively in the background so that I just consume the fruits of its data, eliminating all guesswork! It’s a great way to stay motivated especially for the new years’ push!

My Version is beautifully modelled by Rudolph below…

ITEM 2) Neck & wrist Cashmere warmers

If you’re struggling in this frosty weather on your power walks, there’s nothing quite as comforting or indulgent as a super soft cashmere neck and wrist warmer. Something so super soft against your skin to help keep you warm feels a little extra special and such a wonderful gift. I often think a superb gift is something you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself, but would love to receive. This little selection below is from Somerville, and is both practical and luxurious!

Wrist warmers HERE… Neck warmer HERE…

ITEM 3) Some ‘Monreal London’ Sports Luxe

This is an evergreen appearance on my list for the brand’s unparalleled style credentials, leading functionality and super luxurious feel! I’ve followed their journey from the beginning and am constantly enchanted by the creations of master designer Stefani Grosse. Recently given the proverbial Royal ‘seals of approval’ by the gorgeous sisters Kate and Pippa Middleton, this is functional high-quality chic athleisure wear. Yes, it’s pricey but the pieces are enduring, clean-lined investment articles which will last the test of time. If like me you love sportswear and wear it all the time this is the sort of pieces that dress up your day!

Check it out HERE!

ITEM 4) Invest In Sleep – Jersey Duvet and Throw 

http://ift.tt/2dAjER9

I know, I keep banging on about the importance of sleep, it’s a bit of a personal vendetta to sleep better, and more! Sheets are, surprisingly, very low-hanging fruit when it comes to upgrading the calibre of restful shuteye you get each night, so this is one way to make each night dreamier! Invest in beautiful covers to help you sleep well throughout the night as well as some beautiful and snuggly throws. These ones are from a company with strong Swedish roots, but with US West-Coast influences, and I have been loving the quality of their products for 6 months now; the jersey product is really coming into its own on these cold winters nights, delivering super softness night after night.

 – Duvet Cover; http://ift.tt/2z39al2

the bedding is made of 100% combed cotton thread that is finely knitted; so-called single jersey. That material breathes better than closely woven high thread count sheets. It’s also more supple, and few materials can compare to its soft surface; Oprah once called this her ‘discovery of the year’, and if it’s good enough for her…

– Alpaca Throw; Super soft throw to snuggle up in on cold nights. http://ift.tt/2BkrGeJ

ITEM 5) Custom Clutch Bag from Bags by M

This is a personalised, one-of-a-kind, unique bag which is a total reflection of its owner. Admittedly, not fitness related in the slightest, but I wanted to include it nonetheless because I fell in love with this clutch some years ago, and think there are many people out there that might want to tell their own story with the book that means most to them. Master craftswoman Maria Caracciolo draws upon an extensive background in the history of bookbinding using traditional artisan techniques, and the results, created from scratch and delivered within a month, are extremely special, even emotional. This is a bespoke, standout piece at a reasonable price; you can get yours made HERE.

ITEM 6) Sweaty Betty Ski Layers

http://ift.tt/2BjkD5U

Despite being a Swedish lass from a country with much of its land mass in the Arctic Circle, I fundamentally struggle with the cold! Another helpful cosy investment to get you through these cold winter days are these quick-drying, super soft and ultra comfortable thermal base layers. They’re  awesome under your activewear in the city on a run or in the slopes, and they look pretty ‘Tron’ chic! n.b. Yep, same picture as above!

ITEM 7) Tea Pigs! http://ift.tt/1NIIxVO

This is a proper stocking filler here – I’ve always thought this Liquorice & Mint tea is simply aaaamazing and a wonderful gift to any fitness enthusiast! Hydrating, nutritious and it satisfies any sweet tooth without delivering calories!

ITEM 8) A beautiful Yoga Mat from Soul Mat Yoga

I discovered this a while ago; these ‘eco-friendly yoga mats are designed to be beautiful enough that they can double as colourful rugs in your home or studio. They’re forged from 100% natural tree rubber, printed with water-based inks and kept completely free from nasty chemicals so they’re super kind to both your skin and our planet.’ Check it out HERE.

ITEM 9) AESOP products to luxuriate & look after your skin

The skin is our bodies’ largest single organ which, if you’re training every day, can get pretty dry in this bitter cold, and will be in need of some TLC. I recently re-discovered Aesop on my trip to Sydney (full blog posts forthcoming!) and have been obsessed since. It’s an Australian home-grown company which has branched out globally; I adore their packaging, and all the products are exceptional and differentiated… but if I could only pick one I’d suggest the utterly delicious-smelling Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. The botanical oils and skin-softening ingredients leave my skin feeling nourished and refreshed – and there is something totally invigorating about the ingredients’ aroma, so much so that I went overboard and snapped up the whole range. Oh, and I also LOVE the packaging of that mouthwash!!

ITEM 10) Woolrich Coat – ‘W’s Military Parka’

Finally, if you really want to spoil that special someone this is a coat that will keep you warm all winter in the urban city or for apres ski purposes! It’s a little off the beaten track of Canada Goose / Moncler, but I absolutely love it’s furnace-like warmth and bold features for these frosty times of the year.  Pick one up HERE.

Hope that provided a little spark of inspiration for any last minute purchases. Yes, some of them can’t be obtained NOW, and need a little lead-time, but the very delivery of an IOU should be met with bundles of festive excitement!

Happy hunting and Merry Xmas

Faya x

The post LAST-MINUTE ‘TOP 10’ WELLNESS GIFT LIST! appeared first on Fitness on Toast.

from Fitness on Toast http://ift.tt/2BiVOqF via IFTTT

[healthylifepage]

LAST-MINUTE ‘TOP 10’ WELLNESS GIFT LIST!

Under a week to go until a BIG focal day in many people’s annual calendar, and if you’re anything like me you’ve left your seasonal gift shopping perilously late! Fear not, my dear disorganised reader, for here’s my snappily-titled “Christmas Eve Emergency Health & Fitness Top 10 Present Idea List” (phew!) which I whipped up for just such an eventuality – perhaps it’s one to send your other half for those last-minute ideas! So here we go, please Santa may I have…

ITEM 1) Apple Watch Series 3

This is the ultimate fitness gift, to my mind (If you already have one, skip to item 2, you lucky thing). I’ve had an Apple Watch since day one and recently started using their third iteration of the wearable beauty! Aside from allowing me to check emails and be on top of texts/WhatsApp’s, automatically track all my fitness data (heart rate, exercise, moves, standing time, calories burnt etc.), the watch also no longer needs a phone nearby so I am both untethered and yet connected. Instead, you can go cycling up in the rural mountains or for a long jog, and not need to bring your phone whilst remaining contactable at all times.

The Apple Watch is genuinely awesome. I’ve used a lot of wearable trackers and general ‘fit kit’, but this is one I have easily woven into my daily routine. It’s the flavour of technology you want more of; super intuitive to navigate, whilst it deftly does all the ‘thinking’ for me, operating unobtrusively in the background so that I just consume the fruits of its data, eliminating all guesswork! It’s a great way to stay motivated especially for the new years’ push!

My Version is beautifully modelled by Rudolph below…

ITEM 2) Neck & wrist Cashmere warmers

If you’re struggling in this frosty weather on your power walks, there’s nothing quite as comforting or indulgent as a super soft cashmere neck and wrist warmer. Something so super soft against your skin to help keep you warm feels a little extra special and such a wonderful gift. I often think a superb gift is something you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself, but would love to receive. This little selection below is from Somerville, and is both practical and luxurious!

Wrist warmers HERE… Neck warmer HERE…

ITEM 3) Some ‘Monreal London’ Sports Luxe

This is an evergreen appearance on my list for the brand’s unparalleled style credentials, leading functionality and super luxurious feel! I’ve followed their journey from the beginning and am constantly enchanted by the creations of master designer Stefani Grosse. Recently given the proverbial Royal ‘seals of approval’ by the gorgeous sisters Kate and Pippa Middleton, this is functional high-quality chic athleisure wear. Yes, it’s pricey but the pieces are enduring, clean-lined investment articles which will last the test of time. If like me you love sportswear and wear it all the time this is the sort of pieces that dress up your day!

Check it out HERE!

ITEM 4) Invest In Sleep – Jersey Duvet and Throw 

http://ift.tt/2dAjER9

I know, I keep banging on about the importance of sleep, it’s a bit of a personal vendetta to sleep better, and more! Sheets are, surprisingly, very low-hanging fruit when it comes to upgrading the calibre of restful shuteye you get each night, so this is one way to make each night dreamier! Invest in beautiful covers to help you sleep well throughout the night as well as some beautiful and snuggly throws. These ones are from a company with strong Swedish roots, but with US West-Coast influences, and I have been loving the quality of their products for 6 months now; the jersey product is really coming into its own on these cold winters nights, delivering super softness night after night.

 – Duvet Cover; http://ift.tt/2z39al2

the bedding is made of 100% combed cotton thread that is finely knitted; so-called single jersey. That material breathes better than closely woven high thread count sheets. It’s also more supple, and few materials can compare to its soft surface; Oprah once called this her ‘discovery of the year’, and if it’s good enough for her…

– Alpaca Throw; Super soft throw to snuggle up in on cold nights. http://ift.tt/2BkrGeJ

ITEM 5) Custom Clutch Bag from Bags by M

This is a personalised, one-of-a-kind, unique bag which is a total reflection of its owner. Admittedly, not fitness related in the slightest, but I wanted to include it nonetheless because I fell in love with this clutch some years ago, and think there are many people out there that might want to tell their own story with the book that means most to them. Master craftswoman Maria Caracciolo draws upon an extensive background in the history of bookbinding using traditional artisan techniques, and the results, created from scratch and delivered within a month, are extremely special, even emotional. This is a bespoke, standout piece at a reasonable price; you can get yours made HERE.

ITEM 6) Sweaty Betty Ski Layers

http://ift.tt/2BjkD5U

Despite being a Swedish lass from a country with much of its land mass in the Arctic Circle, I fundamentally struggle with the cold! Another helpful cosy investment to get you through these cold winter days are these quick-drying, super soft and ultra comfortable thermal base layers. They’re  awesome under your activewear in the city on a run or in the slopes, and they look pretty ‘Tron’ chic! n.b. Yep, same picture as above!

ITEM 7) Tea Pigs! http://ift.tt/1NIIxVO

This is a proper stocking filler here – I’ve always thought this Liquorice & Mint tea is simply aaaamazing and a wonderful gift to any fitness enthusiast! Hydrating, nutritious and it satisfies any sweet tooth without delivering calories!

ITEM 8) A beautiful Yoga Mat from Soul Mat Yoga

I discovered this a while ago; these ‘eco-friendly yoga mats are designed to be beautiful enough that they can double as colourful rugs in your home or studio. They’re forged from 100% natural tree rubber, printed with water-based inks and kept completely free from nasty chemicals so they’re super kind to both your skin and our planet.’ Check it out HERE.

ITEM 9) AESOP products to luxuriate & look after your skin

The skin is our bodies’ largest single organ which, if you’re training every day, can get pretty dry in this bitter cold, and will be in need of some TLC. I recently re-discovered Aesop on my trip to Sydney (full blog posts forthcoming!) and have been obsessed since. It’s an Australian home-grown company which has branched out globally; I adore their packaging, and all the products are exceptional and differentiated… but if I could only pick one I’d suggest the utterly delicious-smelling Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. The botanical oils and skin-softening ingredients leave my skin feeling nourished and refreshed – and there is something totally invigorating about the ingredients’ aroma, so much so that I went overboard and snapped up the whole range. Oh, and I also LOVE the packaging of that mouthwash!!

ITEM 10) Woolrich Coat – ‘W’s Military Parka’

Finally, if you really want to spoil that special someone this is a coat that will keep you warm all winter in the urban city or for apres ski purposes! It’s a little off the beaten track of Canada Goose / Moncler, but I absolutely love it’s furnace-like warmth and bold features for these frosty times of the year.  Pick one up HERE.

Hope that provided a little spark of inspiration for any last minute purchases. Yes, some of them can’t be obtained NOW, and need a little lead-time, but the very delivery of an IOU should be met with bundles of festive excitement!

Happy hunting and Merry Xmas

Faya x

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LAST-MINUTE ‘TOP 10’ WELLNESS GIFT LIST! posted first on yummylooksbest.blogspot.com