#INCREDIBLE AMAZING RESPLENDENT

[xxspringmelodyxx]

Satoru sat nervously at a corner table in the quaint café, fiddling with his coffee cup as he stole glances at the girl across from him. She was animatedly discussing her favorite book, her eyes sparkling with passion. Satoru found himself captivated by her enthusiasm, her words weaving a tapestry of imagination and wonder.

Yet, amidst her lively chatter, Satoru couldn’t shake the lingering feeling of your absence. Your memory lingered like a ghost in the air, casting a shadow over his newfound happiness. He tried to push aside the guilt that gnawed at him, but it clung to him like a stubborn shadow.

Certain things the girl did, her mannerisms, her laughter, it all reminded him of you. His mind began to drift back to memories of you – your laughter echoing in the corners of his mind, the soft touch of your hand, the warmth of your embrace, your gentle kisses, all of it. He could still hear the sound of your voice, gentle and soothing, like a melody that once filled his days with joy.

The girl’s laughter interrupted his reverie, drawing him back to the present. She smiled at him, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she leaned forward, her enthusiasm contagious. “Isn’t it amazing?” she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement. “The way words can transport you to another world?”

Satoru nodded, offering a faint smile in return. “Yeah, it’s… it’s incredible,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He wanted to immerse himself in her enthusiasm, to lose himself in the magic of her words. But a part of him couldn’t shake the feeling that he was betraying you, that he was moving on too soon.

The girl tilted her head, her gaze softening as she studied him. “Are you okay?” she asked, her voice gentle and concerned. “You seem… distant.”

Satoru forced a smile, trying to push aside the turmoil churning inside him. “I’m fine,” he replied, his voice barely concealing the tremor of uncertainty. “Just… lost in thought, I guess.”

Suddenly, after he spoke those six words, it was as if everything went still, like time stopped completely. Satoru didn’t seem to notice, his eyes still locked on his coffee cup. That was until he heard a voice he never thought he would hear again.

”Hello, my love~” You said, your voice echoing throughout the room.

Satoru’s gaze swiftly shifted, and there, across from him, he beheld your apparition seated beside the girl. Your eyes, brimming with love and understanding, met his, casting a spectral presence amidst the ordinary ambiance of the café. You appeared like an angel descended from above, adorned with a radiant glow enveloping your form, your hair and eyes as resplendent as he remembered. Truly, you were ethereal in every sense.

Your presence was unmistakable, your soul reaching out to him across the void to deliver a message of love and acceptance.

Satoru's breath caught in his throat as he looked into your eyes, not sure how this was happening. But all he knew was that he couldn’t tear his eyes away from you, your presence a bittersweet reminder of the love he had lost and the pain that still lingered within him.

He reached out a trembling hand, wanting to touch you, to feel the warmth of your presence one last time. Tears welled in Satoru’s eyes as he whispered your name, a prayer on his lips. “Y/n…”

You smiled up at him, holding your hand out for him to grab. His fingers quickly laced with yours, a warm and comforting feeling running all through his body as he felt your touch once more.

“Oh, how I’ve missed you, my sweet Toru~” You spoke softly, caressing his face from across the table.

Tears were overflowing his face, his heart breaking every second that passed as he felt you.

”Wh-what are you doing here? H-How are you even here?” He questioned, but you just bring his hand up to your lips, giving him a quick peck.

”Do not worry about that, my love. There are other important matters I want to talk to you about before I take my leave.” You finished, caressing your thumb over the back of his hand.

”Leave? No, please, don’t leave me again, Y/n. I…I can’t live without you. I miss you so much.” He begged, his voice barely above a whisper.

You smiled softly at him, a soft chuckle emitting from your lips. ”I will never leave you, Toru,” you replied, your smile never faltering. “I’ll always be with you, in your heart and in your memories. And wherever you go, whatever you do, I’ll be watching over you, guiding you along the way.”

Your presence lingered, even as Satoru’s attention turned back to the girl sitting across from him. He couldn’t help but notice how her eyes sparkled with genuine warmth and kindness, how her laughter filled the air with joy. And yet, despite her charms, he couldn’t shake the feeling that she paled in comparison to you.

As he looked back at you, your hands still intertwined, he felt a pang of guilt wash over him. How could he move on with someone else when his heart still belonged to you?

“She seems nice,” you spoke, your voice soft and gentle.

Satoru nodded, his throat tightening with emotion. “She is, but she’s nothing like you, Y/n. I…I think I need to cut ties with her before it’s too late. I can’t imagine going out with someone else who isn’t you,” he admitted, tears still falling down his face.

You smiled again, your touch like a soothing balm on his wounded heart. Gently, you leaned forward, pressing a tender kiss against his tear-stained cheek.

“Toru,” you whispered, your voice filled with love and understanding. “It’s okay to let go. It’s okay to find happiness again, even if it’s in someone else’s arms. I want you to be happy, more than anything in this world. I mean, It’s been five years since I’ve passed…it’s time for you to embrace the life that awaits you. You deserve to be happy, to find love and joy once more.”

Satoru shook his head, unable to accept the truth of your words. “But how can I move on without you? You were everything to me, Y/n. Without you, I’m lost.”

Your smile softened, a gentle reassurance in your eyes. “You were and still are my everything too, Toru. But love is not confined to the boundaries of this world. It transcends time and space, connecting us in ways that defy understanding.”

As your words sank in, Satoru felt a glimmer of hope flicker to life within him. Maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to honor your memory while still embracing the future that lay ahead.

“But what if I forget you?” he whispered, his voice tinged with fear.

You shook your head, giggling a bit, your hand tightening around his. “You could never forget me, Toru. I will always be a part of you, woven into the fabric of your being. And no matter where life takes you, my love will always be there to guide you.”

Satoru’s heart ached at your words, torn between his longing for you and his desire to move forward. But as he looked into your eyes, he saw nothing but love and acceptance, a silent blessing for the path he had yet to tread.

“I wish it didn’t have to be this way, my love. But I cannot change what has happened. What I can do is help you find your peace. And help you realize that no matter what, I will be waiting for you on the other side with open arms when its your time. But for now,” You began, slowly fading away, your form dissolving into the stillness that surrounded them. You grabbed his face and looked deep into his eyes, going in for one last kiss.

“It’s time to move on and be happy again~”

Satoru watched you go, his heart heavy with sorrow yet buoyed by a newfound sense of peace.

”I love you, Y/n~” He whispered as he felt your hand disappear.

”I love you, my Toru. Forever and always~” You finished as you finally disappeared into thin air.

After your ethereal presence faded away, leaving Satoru with a bittersweet ache in his heart, the world around him slowly began to stir back to life. Time resumed its steady march forward, the hustle and bustle of the café gradually filling the air once more.

Satoru blinked, his gaze drifting from the empty space where you had been sitting to the girl across from him. She watched him with concern, her eyes reflecting the warmth and compassion that had drawn him to her in the first place.

“Are you okay?” she asked, her voice soft with genuine concern.

Satoru nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah," he replied, his voice steady. "Yeah, I think I am."

And with those words, he reached out to her, his hand finding hers in the space between them.

As they talked, the café buzzed with life around them, the clink of cups and the murmur of conversation blending into a comforting backdrop. And in that moment, Satoru realized that he wasn’t just sharing a cup of coffee with a girl – he was opening his heart to the possibility of a new beginning.

And as they sat there, hands entwined, Satoru realized that he wasn't just letting go of his grief – he was embracing the possibility of a future filled with love and happiness, guided by the memory of the one he had lost but never forgotten.

He looked out the window, seeing your figure once more with a bright smile on your face as you saw him learning to move on.

“Until we meet again, my love~” You whispered, disappearing back to the afterlife.

_____________________

Currently crying and throwing up after writing this T.T

[scoonsalicious]

4.2 Major

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader

Summary: Lily McIntyre, trainer for new SHIELD recruits at the Avengers Tower, has been in love with her best friend, Bucky Barnes, from the moment she met him. She's been content with her role of the #1 girl in Bucky's life, even if it means she has to sabotage a romantic relationship or two. It'll be worth it when he realizes that they're meant for each other, right? There's just one small problem: Lily McIntire never expected Bucky Barnes to fall for You.

Warnings: (For this part only; see Story Masterlist for general Warnings) Language, mentions of sex, mentions of Bucky's past.

Word Count: 1.5k

Previously On...: Bucky convinced Sam to lie to Lily for him if she asks where Bucky is tonight.

A/N: In the car, I just can't wait / To pick you up for our very first date!

Is it cool if I hold your hand? / Is it wrong if I think it's lame to dance?

NOTE! The tag list is a fickle bitch, so I'm not really going to be dealing with it anymore. If you want to be notified when new story parts drop, please follow @scoonsaliciousupdates

Thank you to all those who have been reading; if you like what you've read, likes, comments, and reblogs give me life, and I truly appreciate them, and you!

You were nervous. Why were you so nervous? This man had already had his mouth on your lady bits; there was no reason to be nervous about just having dinner with him, right? Yet your heart was racing as you waited for Bucky to come pick you up for your date. 

You must have checked your hair and reapplied your lip gloss a thousand times when the doorman buzzed to let you know you had a visitor. After telling him to send Bucky up, you glanced at the clock– he was exactly five minutes early, and you stifled a giggle at the thought of him pacing in front of your building until an appropriate time. 

Soon enough, there was a gentle knocking at your door, and with a last glimpse of yourself in the mirror, you opened the door.

You both stood there for a moment, taking the other in. Bucky looked positively resplendent in a black suit and burgundy button up– no tie, and the first few buttons left undone. The contrast with his eyes made them look even more blue than you remembered from this morning.

“Hi,” you breathed. “Uh, hey,” he said, seeming to come out of a trance. “You… you look fucking amazing.” You ducked your head to hide your blush– you’d put on an emerald green, A-line Chiffon cocktail dress with an asymmetrical skirt that hit just below your knees and a peekaboo cut in front– held together with beading– and a v-tieback. “Stole my breath for a minute there.”

“Thanks,” you murmured, feeling the blush creep up your cheeks.

“Oh, these are for you,” Bucky said, handing you a bouquet of white roses.

You held them to your face and inhaled. “They’re gorgeous, thank you,” you said, moving aside to invite him in. “You’re spoiling me, you know that, right? First the orchid, now the roses?”

You moved toward the kitchen to find a vase to put the flowers in. 

“Did you like the orchid?” Bucky asked, almost shyly, as though he was afraid he’d made a wrong move. You turned back to smile at him. “I loved it,” you told him honestly. “How did you even know orchids are my favorite?”

Bucky chuckled and nodded his head toward your living room wall, where you had three giant paintings of orchid flowers hanging over your sofa. “Just a lucky guess, I ‘spose.”

“You’re very perceptive, Mr. Barnes.” You put water in the vase, setting the flowers inside and placing them on the dividing wall between your kitchen and dining room. “There,” you said, stepping back to admire them. 

“You ready to go, doll?” Bucky asked, extending his arm to you. 

You took it gladly, slotting yourself next to him as though you were made to fit there. “I am,” you said.

Bucky had borrowed one of Tony Stark’s sports cars for the occasion, and you felt incredibly fancy as you drove through the streets of the city in it. You and Bucky made small talk on your way to the restaurant where Bucky had made a reservation for the two of you, and you found him so incredibly easy to talk to. You talked about the differences in the army between the ‘40s and now, and shared a few light war stories. By the time you reached the restaurant, he had you laughing so hard at a story he told about living with the Avengers that you thought your sides were going to burst.

You weren’t sure what kind of establishment you’d expected him to bring you to, and truthfully, you would have been thrilled with a regular old burger joint, if you were going there with him, but when you stepped out onto the rooftop terrace, you let out a gasp. The restaurant overlooked the Hudson, offering a dazzling view of the sunset over New Jersey. The tables were all tucked behind and around towering pieces of greenery– palms and ferns, and blossoming shrubs offering a screen of privacy for every group of diners. Overhead, cafe lights hung from pergolas, washing the area in a soft, warm light. It was heavenly.

Once Bucky gave his name and the hostess began escorting you to your table, he leaned in to whisper to you “What do you think?”

Your head was moving in every direction as you tried to take in every ounce of ambiance. “It’s gorgeous, Bucky,” you told him truthfully. “How did you find this place?”

“Pepper Potts recommended it,” he said. “She said it was the perfect spot for an intimate meal. Plus, they close for the winter, so if I wanted to take you, I’d better do it on one of our first dates.”

You tilted your head up to look at him, studying his face. “You’re planning multiple dates already?” you asked, a curl to your lips. 

“‘Course, doll,” Bucky said as you approached your designated table. “Gotta whole list of things I wanna do with you.”

You felt your face flush as he pulled your chair back for you before gently pushing you in. 

“So, what’s on this list?” you asked him once he’d sat himself down. 

“Nuh-uh,” he chided you. “They’ve gotta be surprises, at least until we get closer to ‘em.”

There was no way this man was real, you thought. No way you, of all people, could get lucky enough to catch his eye.

The waiter approached, asking if you would like wine for the table, and a panicked look flashed across Bucky’s face. You asked the waiter for a few more moments to decide.

“What is it?” you asked him.

“I have no fucking idea what wine to get!” he said, a hint of desperation in his voice. “Fuck! I knew I should have asked Pepper!”

You reached across the table and put a comforting hand on top of his. “Hey, it’s okay,” you told him. “I actually don’t know shit about wine, myself.” Bucky gave you a skeptical look, but you nodded reassuringly. “How about we just get cocktails, instead?”

The smile Bucky gave you then was equal parts relief and gratitude. “Yeah,” he said, looking much happier. “I’ll get me some of that delicious girly shit.” He winked at you, and you laughed. 

The waiter returned shortly, and you both placed your orders. Once he left, you realized you needed to come clean about something.

You cleared your throat. “So, uh, I actually have to confess something to you,” you told him, fidgeting with the napkin you’d placed in your lap.

“Oh yeah?” Bucky asked, leaning forward, eyes sparkling in the soft light.

You closed your eyes, feeling horrible for what you were about to say. “I… I Googled you,” you told him. 

Realization dawned on Bucky’s face. “Oh,” he said, expression falling. “Yeah… uh,” he coughed into his hand. “That makes sense. So, you came to dinner to, what? Just let me down gently?”

Your mouth hung open in surprise. “What? No!” You reached over to grasp his hand again, this time interlocking your fingers with his own. “Look, the truth of it is, I told a couple of employees– my friends– about meeting you last night, and they brought up your trial.” Bucky visibly flinched at your words. “I admit, I knew nothing about it– it happened around the same time I was getting divorced, so I was kind of preoccupied for a while,” you said. “So, when my friends told me about the charges, I got… curious.”

You noticed Bucky was studiously looking down at his bread plate, not meeting your eye. “Hey,” you said, tugging gently on his hand. “Look at me.”

He slowly raised his eyes and you were struck with how… remorseful they looked. “The more I read,” you told him, “the more I realized the whole thing was a trumped up circus. Anyone with an ounce of empathy could see that you weren’t responsible for what you were made to do; that you were a victim. They just needed someone to blame, and you were a convenient scapegoat.”

“Doll,” Bucky said, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, “you don’t understand. I–”

“No, Bucky, please,” you said to him. “I don’t want you thinking you have to disclose anything to me unless you want to and you’re ready. I just want you to know that I don’t hold those things against you. I don’t blame you, and I don’t think you should be blamed. I want you to know that none of it matters, not to me. I look at you, and I don’t see the man the media tried to paint you to be. I see someone sweet, who makes me laugh– someone I really want to get to know better. I just want you to know all that.”

Bucky’s eyes were wide as saucers as he took in your words. You were almost afraid you’d said something wrong, after he hadn’t spoken for nearly a full minute, but finally, he squeezed your hand. “Thank you,” he said, voice choked. “You… you don’t know what that means to me. I can’t tell you what that means to me– I don’t have the words. I just… thank you.”

<- Previous Part / Next Part ->

[sweet-as-an-angel]

Hello there! I've been a fan of your work for a while now and let me just say, your original works and characters have me absolutely captivated! (Your yandere outlaw is one of my top favorite fictional characters! And your yandere cult leader is rapidly rising in the ranks 👀) You put so much detail into all your writing and you really delve deep into the psychology and personality of every one of them so beautifully, not to mention how diverse they all are from one another. Each and every one has such dimension and they're so believable in their actions and reactions! (And can I just say I think it's very clever that your yandere!Milf/Dilf's names start with the acronym's initial)

And your MCs are also quite vibrant and while they remain easily relatable they still have distinct traits that the characters get attached to. Thank you for making and sharing these amazing stories and characters with us, it really makes my day whenever I see you've posted something new.

Now, I know this ask is getting pretty lengthy (sorry about that ^^" I tend to ramble) but I was going through your Yan!Dilf works again and I wanted to ask, how would Dominic react if his darling was someone who's maybe dealt with manipulative people in the past or is highly emotionally intelligent and observant who could tell he wasn't being entirely genuine? But instead of pulling away from him they try to understand what he wants from them and was open about it? Would he ever even become obsessed with someone like that or allow that kind of situation to happen or is he too cautious for it to be possible?

I know you've had a lot of asks so please don't feel obligated to answer this! But in any case thank you again for sharing your works and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful day! 💖💫

My Lovely, you have positively touched my soul with your endearing sentiments ! Truly, you have made my day and I cannot thank you enough for being such a loyal enthusiast of my work, your time is valued more than I can ever hope to express <3.

Your question is an incredibly fascinating one, my Dear; thank you for sharing it with us ! I wish you the happiest and most prosperous of days, Sweetie ^^

TW: Manipulation, Dominic Being Dominic, Vulnerability, No Pronouns Used For Reader Except 'You'.

♡ Dominic is, as you suggested, initially extremely cautious around you. However, he knows he can't just drop you like a sack of potatoes; it would be far too obvious to the people around him, which would surely cause others to find him out as the serpent he is if they ever went digging around his character.

♡ But, when you show him, gradually, like a keeper feeding a feral animal, that your endeavour is not to oust him as an un-human but rather to understand what made him like this in the first place (and all the lace and frills that come with such a monumental task), he regards you...differently than he did before.

♡ Sure, he thought you were very attractive and that you could offer him something other than the resplendence his life is steeped in, but now...

♡ He feels exposed. Seen. Vulnerable.

♡ All things he tries to push back against. Things he tries to bury beneath a grandiose tale of a childhood spent in the most accommodating of educational establishments, lavish mansions and the lap of luxury.

♡ He tries to lead you a merry dance down a version of his life that he wants you to see, rebuttaling your attempts at making him crack.

♡ You tell him you can see past that. He, feeling his eye twitch, believes you.

♡ It will take a long, long time to get Dominic even close to admitting a scintilla of how his psyche works. Or, rather, doesn't work.

♡ And it's only if you manage to grind away at his need to hide his most precious secret - the parasite that wears his skin and controls his mind - that he'll open up.

♡ Fractionally. Piecemeal. But he opens up, nonetheless.

♡ He'll grow to love you in ways unfathomable even to him.

♡ If you thought he was bad without having a background in combatting the manipulation of others, he is insidious now.

♡ You become to him what he could never be for himself; a safe haven. The only person from which he does not hide.

♡ Sure, he keeps the more...dangerous aspects of his personality hidden for a lot longer than others, but you can topple these columns, can shake Dominic from his perch forged from the ivory of a devil's horns.

♡ You can tame him in ways unimaginable. You have only to see him for who - what - he truly is.

Reblog for more content like this! It helps creators like myself tremendously and it is greatly appreciated :-)

Masterlist Yandere AI Masterlist Masterpost

AO3 Wattpad Tumblr Backup Account

[insanityclause]

After a rather muted reception of The Tempest, fans of director Jamie Lloyd’s work can breathe a sigh of relief. It seems that he has discovered both fun and colour in this brilliant and bold version of Much Ado About Nothing starring Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell.

For what is arguably Shakespeare’s most playful and witty play, the production is imbued with an energetic party atmosphere. From the dancing ushers to the Masked Singer-inspired animal heads and much twerking, Lloyd manages to convey the frivolity of Benedick and Beatrice’s “merry war”, without losing the jolt which comes from the humiliation of Hero.

Whether the spikiness of Benedick and Beatrice’s will-they-won’t-they relationship works or not depends on chemistry and here it is abundant. After Sigourney Weaver's struggles to connect to the language in The Tempest, this show is proof that star casting sometimes works. It is also worth noting that Hiddleston and Atwell have known each other since they auditioned for RADA (Hiddleston got in, Atwell went to Guildhall) and this long-term friendship is reflected with genuinely angled banter and real knowingness between the pair.

But it is Atwell who is the standout, striding the stage in a bronze Lurex jumpsuit like a Studio 54 diva. She is confident, strident and has great drive; her delivery of Beatrice's lines drips with contempt, pride and wit and yet she crumples and looks physically wounded at her own duping and the harm done to her cousin. It is the best version of the character I have seen on stage.

What is clear is that there is a deep understanding of the rhythm and flow of the language, with fluid and coherent delivery that is simply gorgeous.

Much of the rest of the cast appeared in Lloyd’s The Tempest. (It must have been quite a shift during rehearsals to move between the two shows). Mara Hut’s Insta-influencer Hero is given much more anger and agency, furiously pushing James Phoon’s cruel and foolish Claudio before she relents and kisses him.

Gerald Kyd, resplendent in a pink pussy-bow shirt, brings depth to Don Pedro as he seems genuinely hurt by Beatrice’s rejection. Tim Steed gives us a camp, comedy-villain Don John, even performing a mock evil cackle.

Soutra Gilmour’s design along with Jon Clark’s deft lighting, gives us a cavernous space filled simply with drifts of snow-like pink confetti which floats down intermittently from the heavens, purple-hued plastic school chairs and a giant inflatable heart at the back of the stage. It is simplicity itself and all the more charming for it.

The amazing '90s soundtrack is awash with classic house music numbers, frequently sung by Mason Alexander Park, who is also a funny and asute Margaret.

Hugely camp, incredibly romantic and wildly fun, this is a truly joyous evening of theatre. Jamie Lloyd is back.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[sprintingowl]

Morbo's Catastrophic Sanctuary

It is the year 2149, and earth’s temperature has stabilized. Thanks to a network of geosynchronous atmosphere control satellites, the tumult of the Climate Era has ended and humanity’s cities have begun to sink back into their normal routines.

Risen Cairo is a metropolis in three layers, built on the banks of the Nile Ocean. Its upper plate is resplendent with solar collectors and mansions overgrown with greenery. Its middle plate houses its working class and plumes with the smoke of its industry. And its lower plate contains those who have not fully integrated into society---late refugees from the Climate Era, or those whose fortunes have tumbled them down onto the lowermost economic rung.

Society is mostly peaceful, with football and airskiff racing being at the top of the news cycle.

Nevertheless, from the shadows, a presence looms.

All this tranquility is bad for business.

---

After months of playtesting, this 187 page osr JoJos TTRPG Actual Play inspired abomination of a system is released.

Risen Cairo is a city in three layers, built on the Nile Ocean. All of its cars have legs. Cryptids and vampires and robots are normal citizens. Some people have powers that have been awakened by trauma. And this is all your problem.

Built on the Mork Borg engine, using artwork by the incredible Strega Wolf Van Den Berg, and inspired by Afromenace's incredible JoJos TTRPG system, this is a game that haunted me for months and I am thrilled to finally inflict on you all.

[elliebyrrdwrites]

Dramione

I've been thinking of a Malfoy that is hot for a MILF Hermione. I imagine him wanting her unlike anything she was ever expecting, especially since she isn't feeling her sexiest.

My husband does this to me. It's incredibly sexy and I think it would make for an amazing, smutty story.

This is an idea that I am putting here in case it ever comes to fruition OR maybe somebody can write this better, and then I will get to read it. Then I may be satiated.

He apologized to her in the middle of Flourish and Blotts.

Wedged in between the tight shelving of the Self-Help section, he found her reading through a book on motherhood.

Draco was stunned into momentary breathlessness.

Hermione Granger was pregnant and her body had rounded in all of the right places.

Her full, thick hair was a vibrant shade of auburn against the glowing skin of her face.

He was propelled toward her, his feet moving numbly as he stared and stared at her, resplendent in all of her beauty against the dull light of magical candle light.

He had begged for her forgiveness then and she had forgiven him.

With gentle eyes and a soft bosom, she wrapped her arms around him.

They parted ways and that night, he dreamt of her, naked inside of his bed.

But he never touched her. Not until they had both had children with others.

Not until their marriages had fallen apart, did he find the courage to feel her.

The soft, maternal skin that was like velvet against the rough pads of his fingers.

He kissed her on the mouth, on the neck and the soft spot behind her knee.

The skin of her breasts were soft and she whimpered when his tongue found her nipple. He adored the soft stomach that she complained about after giving birth twice.

He laved at her navel and begged her to let him just enjoy her body.

To worship it, to please it.

She hummed in harmony as he palmed the flesh of her ass.

He kissed his way across the stretch marks on her thighs, and just below her belly button.

Just before he kissed her between her thighs.

Made love with his mouth and his words and asked her to please tell him that she would be his.

She unraveled beneath him and promised him anything, anything that he wanted.

She begged him to stop, to keep going, to kiss her again.

He kissed her until he couldn’t breathe, sliding into her with an ease that shouldn’t have been.

Because he had once tormented her but, those days were long gone.

She was gorgeous and he had dreamed about her and her soft body.

Writhing beneath him, cooing words of praise into her ear as he fell deeper into her.

She let him, because she had secretly adored him after that day amongst all those books.

The memory of his mouth near her cheek when they hugged, when they let go of the past?

It lingered in the back of her mind, accepting him as a friend but secretly wanting him as a lover.

As something more.

Someone who would never stop telling her just how beautiful she was.

Or how much she drove him crazy with desire and the kind of love one thinks is nonexistent until they stumble upon it.

Build on it. Embrace it.

And so they did.

[dansnaturepictures]

Four of my favourite photos I took in April 2024 and month summary

The photos are of; an Osprey at Lossiemouth in Moray, Speckled Wood on dandelions by Lakeside Country Park in Hampshire, early spider orchid at Durlston in Dorset and view at Laggan Dam.

April was another momentous and splendid wild month for me with so much seen and many amazing places visited. My birdwatching year continued to go from strength to strength with some smashing spring species seen and my year list kept pace with where my others had been at this stage in a year being second only to the number I was on last year my highest ever year list. Spring delights Swallow, House Martin, Wheatear, Whitethroat, glorious Sedge Warbler, Redstart, thrilling views of Guillemot and Fulmar, Little Tern and Common Tern were key species added to my year list this month alongside blockbuster names Osprey and rare Marsh Sandpiper. Avocet, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Sand Martin, Goldcrest, Blackcap seen and heard and my first Cuckoos heard this year were other highlights. Following the Lakeside Great Crested Grebes with their four growing chicks and a pair still courting and the new Winchester Peregrine pair was special again this month, as was seeing Greylag goslings and adorable Moorhen chicks at Lakeside. The month ended and the new one began whilst away on the incredible adventure that has been our Scotland holiday; it has been pure, tranquil, joyful and nourishing being out in wilderness areas surrounded and embraced by sensational wildlife both at the amazing cottage we’re staying in and the many fantastic places visited. By the end of April we had already seen many of the standout species of the trip including resplendent summer plumage Black-throated Diver and Red-throated Diver, majestic White-tailed Eagle, exuberant Willow Warblers a very welcome constant, Pink-footed Geese, Red Grouse, Red-legged Partridge, loads of Common Sandpipers, Little Ringed Plover, Knot, Hooded Crow, Kittiwake, amazing views of many Ospreys, Razorbill, Puffin, Common Scoter, Goosander, Goldeneye, Long-tailed Duck, Teal, Wheater, Sand Martin, Yellowhammer, Crossbill, Brambling, White Wagtail, Tree Sparrow, Raven, Skylark, Buzzard, Common Gull, Curlew, Lapwing and Oystercatcher.

It was a massive butterfly month for me too as the peak season moved through the early gears enjoying magical views of Red Admiral, Peacock, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Holly Blue and Wall Brown with many making the most of the wealth of dandelions out the front and at Lakeside. My moth year got going too with White-shouldered House moth at home and bright Brimstone moth at Durlston.

It was a marvellous month of mammals with Hedgehog at home, more Roe Deers in a strong year I’m having for them, Sika Deers on the way to Durlston and Grey Squirrels enjoyed. A massive part of the Scotland trip was exhilarating encounters with mammals, getting some of my best ever views of certain species; inside April this included stunning intimate views of Hares and Roe Deers around the cottage, an amazing moment as a Stoat ran through the garden, a dream encounter watching Bottlenose Dolphins at Spey Bay and Mountain Goats. Bees, spiders, Black and Yellow Cellar slugs and pill woodlouse were other highlights this moth. 

Flowers gripped my month of course too as the season really matured with cuckooflower, garlic mustard, wild garlic, early purple orchid, my first ever known sighting of green-winged orchid, early spider orchid, cowslips, bluebells, greater stitchwort, marsh marigold, wood anemone, milkwort, buttercups, lesser celandine, wood anemone, cuckoo-pint, red deadnettle, white deadnettle, yellow archangel, forget-me-not, green alkanet, speedwell and herb-Robert starring alongside the breathtaking dandelion scenes. Vetch, sea and red campion, thrift, hogweed and oxeye daisy (some more than others and largely down to personal perspective) were examples of the cycle of the floral year being slightly ahead again. In Scotland it was interesting to observe spring being slightly behind compared to home with daffodils and primroses still around in numbers among others. It was nice to enjoy the sight of fungi here and there in April including hoof fungus in Scotland.

I enjoyed two great social occasions this month, the Hampshire Ornithological Society’s Member’s Day and a talk from Megan McCubbin based around her book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading earlier in the year. Both were inspirational and eye-opening times where it was great to meet like-minded people something watching the Great Crested Grebes has allowed a lot too. Finally I enjoyed being out and looking out so much in April taking in my surroundings and taking in some wonderful vistas and epic sky scenes. Immersed in the splendour of the vast, open, rugged, mountainous and varied landscape in Scotland also including wetland, coast and forest we enjoyed some incredible and breathtaking views.

[droughtofapathy]

The Gilded Age of Broadway Divas: Duets, Trios, and Other Crossovers

While I wait for my matinee show to start, here's our final compilation just six hours before our season finale. If you've been following along with this series, you'll notice how much overlap there is in the theatre. Everyone has been with, or sung with, or played the same role as everyone else. Here is just a taste of the sublime combined talents of our favorite Broadway Divas. And yes, this is my petition to have a musical episode.

#1: "Lily's Eyes," (The Secret Garden) Miscast 2022 - Audra McDonald and Kelli O'Hara

I watched this, and my soul transcended space and time. Performed at MCC's 2022 Miscast gala honoring Christine Baranski (of course), Audra and Kelli have a brief tiff about which soprano is worthy of Soprano Island before joining together to sing the most resplendent duet you will ever experience in your life.

The Secret Garden opened on Broadway in 1991 starring Rebecca Luker as Lily. Kelli and Audra are singing the parts of Lily's husband and brother-in-law respectively. And like Lily, Rebecca Luker has since passed away. Knowing that they are singing not only to honor Christine, but also to Rebecca, their dear friend and fellow soprano, is yet another layer of heartbreak. I love this song.

#2: "Move On," (Sunday in the Park with George) Princetown concert 2022 - Audra McDonald & Michael Cerveris

Former co-stars reunited in Princetown last year to sing this impromptu duet from the Pulitzer-winning Sunday in the Park with George. Sunday is filled with sublime music, and "Move On" is one of the best. In it, Dot appears to George, the grandson of Georges Seurat, and encourages him to move on with his artistry and stop worrying about perfection. The show itself is beautiful and complex, and a proshot is available for your convenience.

Audra and Michael had previously done a three-day, semi-staged production of this show in 2004, also featuring Patti LuPone as Yvonne/Blair Daniels (the role Christine Baranski created in the original pre-Broadway workshop). Interestingly, this trio would move on to take part in the Lincoln Center Broadcast of Passion in 2005 with Audra as Clara (the Marin Mazzie role), and Patti as Fosca (the Donna Murphy role).

Michael Cerveris would play Giorgio multiple times in his career, including the 10th Anniversary concert with Marin and Donna.

#3 Tonight: Quintet (West Side Story) - Lucky to Be Me: The Music of Leonard Bernstein (2010) - Kelli O'Hara, Donna Murphy, Michael Cerveris

Speaking of Michael Cerveris and Donna Murphy, and joined by Kelli O'Hara, this audio comes from a 2010 concert celebrating the music of Leonard Bernstein. The youtube video incorrectly attributes this to a 2012 concert, but it is not.

"Tonight (Quintet)" is, of course, from West Side Story, where Bernstein wrote the music, and Sondheim wrote the lyrics. Because this was a concert, certain singing parts are taken by those who would not sing such parts in a full production...anymore. (Lest we forget Natalie Wood in the movie.)

Donna sings Anita, and Kelli sings Maria, the two young Puerto Rican women in the show. And I think we'll leave that there. Michael Cerveris sings the part of Riff, and they are joined by Cheyenne Jackson as Tony.

Also featured in this concert is the amazing, incredible, beloved soprano Victoria Clark, who has starred opposite all three of our Gilded Age actors at one point or another. As the Margaret to Kelli's Clara (Light in the Piazza), the Sally to Donna's Phyllis (Encores! Follies), and in Titanic with Michael Cerveris. Theatre, it's all connected.

#4: LoveMusik (2007)

A little more on LoveMusik. While I've already detailed a little on my Donna Murphy post, here's some more about Michael Cerveris, two-time Tony winner. As Kurt Weill, Michael was nominated for a Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama League Award, but did not win any. While the show itself was given mixed reviews, the performances of Donna and Michael were almost universally praised.

The 2007 Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical included three Gilded Age nominees. Debra Monk (Curtains), Audra McDonald (110 in the Shade) and Donna Murphy (LoveMusik). All three lost to Christine Ebersole of the Grey Gardens variety. Fair. I suppose. However, Audra and Donna tied for the Drama Desk. And there WAS a wonderful clip of their award ceremony online for years, except now that I need it for this, it's been taken down. Of course.

#5: "At the Ballet," (A Chorus Line) - Audra McDonald & Kelli O'Hara

Joined by Megan Hilty, Kelli O'Hara and Audra McDonald performed "At the Ballet" from A Chorus Line at a Lincoln Center Marvin Hamlisch tribute in 2013. Audra showcases a robust lower range I simply adore. Unfortunately the lower key change leaves Kelli's soprano in an awkward place, but I love her anyway.

A Chorus Line is one of the musical theatre greats, and while "At the Ballet" is often overshadowed by "What I Did for Love," it's my personal favorite. The original stage show ran for 6,137 performances, and was nominated for twelve Tonys, winning nine. After Follies, this is the show I most want to see fully staged. A 50th Anniversary revival was rumored back in 2016 for 2025, but I'll believe it when I see it.

#6: The Ladies Who Lunch (Company) - Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Celebration - Christine Baranski & Audra McDonald (ft. Meryl Streep)

Legends. Icons. Divas. What more can I say about "The Ladies Who Lunch," performed by Christine Baranski, Audra McDonald, and Meryl Streep, mother to Louisa Jacobson? As the story goes, they had done so many takes that by this time, they were well and truly on their way to being drunk. And yet, Audra McDonald still sounds more exquisite than anyone on earth.

I watched this when it premiered "live" on YouTube during the early days of the pandemic. Several Broadway stars who would go on to The Gilded Age are featured, including Kelli O'Hara, Laura Benanti, Nathan Lane, and Michael Cerveris.

It has been almost four years, and I have still not recovered from this song's placement in the concert. Picture it: you have just been emotionally wrung out by Donna Murphy's revelatory "Send in the Clowns," sung whilst seated in front of an Al Hirshfeld print of Passion, with her cleavage out in true Mrs. Astor fashion. And then suddenly there's jaunty Company music, and an illustration of the great Elaine Stritch with her martini glass high. And then there is Christine Baranski in a bathrobe and a truly massive glass of red wine. And you think it cannot get any better. And then the second verse hits and there's Meryl Streep with a cocktail mixer. AND THEN Audra Fucking McDonald. They put those two songs back-to-back and expected me to recover one day? As if.

Bonus: "Lips Together, Teeth Apart" (2018) - Nathan Lane & Christine Baranski

While not a musical performance, I would be remiss if I didn't direct your attention to this masterpiece. Did you ever think you'd hear Aunt Agnes gunning to see Ward McAllister's dick? No? Well, here it is. Terrence McNally wrote "Lips Together, Teeth Apart" specifically for his 1991 original cast which included Christine as Chloe and Nathan Lane as her brother Sam. And they are going through marital troubles with their respective spouses. Nathan and Christine reunited in 2018 to perform this scene for McNally's 80th Birthday.

But the Gilded Age connection doesn't stop there:

In 2019, The New York Times Magazine ran a special "America 2024" issue, as a tribute to Terrence McNally. The whole thing is a fantastic read, and I'd recommend it. In it features photoshoots depicting scenes from several of McNally's plays, including "Lips Together, Teeth Apart." And look who's here: Donna Murphy as Chloe (the Christine Baranski role), Broadway's Leading Man Brian Stokes Mitchell, Michael Shannon as Sam (the Nathan Lane role), and Katie Finneran.

And on one of four covers for this issue, Celia Keenan-Bolger.

With that, the conclusion to my little Diva miniseries. I hope you've found this as entertaining as I have. And if you'd like me to go into more detail about anything you've seen throughout this series, let me know, because I have so much more gossip and drama that I had to restrain myself from adding.

LINK TO MASTERPOST

[weneverlearn]

Mary Weiss, me; outside Magnetic Field, Brooklyn, 2008 (photographer unknown)

Mary Weiss, R.I.P.

It was 2005, and I'd lived in NYC for less than a year. I somehow finagled my way into a listening party for the incredible new Rhino Records box set, One Kiss Can Lead to Another: Girl Group Sounds Lost & Found. It was at some small event space in midtown, I don't remember what it was called. Cool joint though...

I felt a bit overwhelmed in this packed room of esteemed scenesters, aging industry big wigs, and the incredible original performers from the box set they were able to round up and sing a few songs.

Luckily the ever-fun couple of Miriam Linna and Billy Miller (Norton Records) were there, scanning the room with eyes as wide as anyone's, and the two introduced me to a few heps, like Richard Gottehrer -- the amazing producer/songwriter who sprung form the Brill Building and ultimately produced some of my faves, like Richard Hell, the Go-Gos, and Marshall Crenshaw, among many.

Then I saw Sune Rose Wagner, singer/guitarist of the Raveonettes, one of my newer faves of the moment, and he was crying. I'd interviewed him over the phone a couple years earlier for a Cleveland mag, so I re-introduced myself and asked what was wrong. We hugged. He said that earlier in the week they'd played and had all of their instruments stolen afterwards, and he was so distraught he was thinking about quitting music. I told him no way, maybe they'll find the stuff, etc... He kind of perked up, and then once the women started singing with a live band, his teary eyes started shining from the glow of the stage taking over the pretty dark room. These women -- and I can't remember which acts they came from, but they were all on the box set -- were resplendent in glittering dresses, hair done big, and smiles wider than 5th Avenue.

I saw Billy and Miriam again, and they were chatting with Mary Weiss lead vox/face of the Shangri-Las -- arguably one of the top three acts of the whole mid-60s "girl group" scene. I was introduced quickly, but I let them get at their convo as I assumed the Norton nabobs knew Mary from way back.

However, Billy comes up to me later and tells me he had never met her before, that she was his first female musical star crush, and he absolutely sounded like a 16-year old trying to cram his melting heart back into his chest. I was pretty floored myself -- I always loved the Shangri-Las from first hearing them slip out of oldies stations growing up to when I first started diving into girl group sounds as a record-amasing teen. They, the Ronettes, and Darlene Love were the cream of the dreamy crop in my book.

The whole night was not unlike making your way through a Shangri-Las compilation: every emotion possible heaving up and down, surrounded by sounds lilting, swelling, crumbling, but always with that Big Beat bubbling, ready to shove you out of the sadness...

After the news of Mary Weiss' sad passing yesterday, of course many acknowledged her teen stardom of the mid-60s; the influence of the Shangri-Las' street-tough image and emotions on the New York Dolls (who used Shangri-Las producer, Shadow Morton, for their second album) and much of the early new wave of the mid-70s; the respect of her keeping a singing career going through the years, and the glorious third act she had in the late 2000s with the help of Norton Records and the great album, Dangerous Game, where Weiss, in excellent voice, was backed by the rulers of garage pop of that era, the Reigning Sound.

No, it wasn't some top 10 album, but it just oozed with a kind of vintage-to-ever cool that is so rarely captured in a "comeback." (And it definitely got her press and new young fans.)

In fact I think that album, and especially that incredible Rhino box set, brought back that '60s malt shop-meets-back-alley girl group ouvre to a whole new generation.

This was not front page news. Nevertheless loads of acts like King Khan & BBQ, Peach Kelli Pop, Shannon & the Clams, Hunx and His Punx, the Vivian Girls, Baby Shakes, Black Lips, A Giant Dog, and even the re-emergence of Nikki Corvette and Ronnie Spector to the stage brought the cloud-bound reverb and scruffy riffs of vintage girl groups back to prominence in the underground garage rock scene. And again, due to their sounds and looks, the Shangri-Las and the Ronettes were the template.

It has since dawned on me many times that Mary Weiss -- and the Shangri-Las as a whole -- have a nearly singular place in R'n'R history. Considering the admittedly limited catalog of songs, their outsized influence has spread from radio hits in the '60s to the underground proto-punk not ten years later; to the CBGB scene; early '80s new wave and power pop shadow-pep (like Blondie, Go-Gos, and many more); Aerosmith covered "(Remember) Walking in the Sand," and others of the big coif/high dramatics of hair metal had some Shangri-Las DNA in the hair spray; from transgressive filmmakers like John Waters to drag queen blueprints; to 2000s female neo-soul hitmakers -- arising at the same time as the aforementioned garage pop underbelly -- and even up to the recent talk/sing busted romance stylings of mega-popsters like Taylor Swift.

I saw Weiss at a couple shows over the next year or so. She was always so excited and grateful for all the accolades and thanks people laid on her. She played a remarkable show in Brooklyn that Lee Greenfeld booked, at the Atlantic Antic street fest in September, 2007 -- right outside Greenfeld's madly-missed club, Magnetic Field. We felt the Antic gig would be the first of many, but there were just a few more local gigs, if memory serves.

Somewhere in 2008, at an A-Bones / Yo La Tengo show at Magnetic Field, I chatted with Weiss for a bit afterwards. I can't express enough how inspiring was her love of music and hanging out at a small bar with a bunch of music obsessives knocking back cheap beers. At the 1 a.m. chime, she kissed my cheek, I laid one on her's, I walked home, and I will assume that if there is a Heaven, that moment should get me into the meetings where they discuss how to improve Heaven. It's a cinch it's improved today.

Variety obituary here.

From obituary:

The group’s tough-but-vulnerable New York City teen image was genuine. “Overall, the girl groups had very sweet images, except for the Ronettes and the Shangri-Las, who had a tougher, harder attitude,” Greenwich told the website Spectropop in an undated interview. “By today’s standards, they were as innocent as the day is long. Back then, they seemed to have a street toughness, but with a lot of vulnerability. Mary Weiss [had] the sweetest long straight hair, an angelic face, and then this nasal voice comes out, and this attitude — the best of both worlds.

“In the beginning, we did not get along,” she continued. “They were kind of crude, with their gestures and language and chewing gum and the stockings ripped up their leg. We would say, ‘Not nice, you must be ladies,’ and they would say, ‘We don’t want to be ladies.'”

From Chapter 33 of The Downtown Pop Underground — order online, or from a local independent bookstore

THE SHANGRI-LAS’ INFLUENCE ON PUNK LOCATION Brill Building The Shangri-Las were one of the common musical denominators that Blondie shared, and Clem Burke explained the Shangri-La’s proto-punk appeal: “They had their black leather vests and their tight black leather pants, and they sang ‘Give Him a Great Big Kiss.’ They sang about dirty fingernails, wavy hair, and leather jackets, and things like that.” The Shangri-Las cast a long shadow over glam and punk rock. The New York Dolls’ “Looking for a Kiss” borrowed the spoken word intro from their “Give Him a Great Big Kiss,” and another Dolls song, “Trash,” copped the campy “How do you call your lover boy?” line from “Love Is Strange,” a catchy 1956 hit by Mickey & Sylvia. The group’s final album, Too Much Too Soon, was produced by Shadow Morton, who had crafted the girl group classics “Leader of the Pack” and “Remember (Walking in the Sand)” for the Shangri-Las. As Burke recalled, “Bubblegum rock was part of the roots of the New York music scene. Some of the old-school guys like Richard Gottehrer or Marty Thau—who had some money and success in pop music—they understood the music because they were coming from that Brill Building mentality.” Thau was the New York Dolls’ first manager before McLaren took the job, and he had previously made a living as a record promoter for late 1960s bubblegum groups the 1910 Fruitgum Company (“Simon Says”) and the Ohio Express (“Yummy Yummy Yummy”). Thau recorded the Ramones’ first demos and released Suicide’s debut album on his independent label Red Star, and also formed the production company Instant Records with the old-school industry hit maker Richard Gottehrer. “Richie was part of that whole Brill Building rock thing,” Leon said, “which had a lot of nostalgia for us because we grew up with it on the radio when we were kids.”

[firewoodfigs]

Tagged by the resplendent @roseofbattles :)

TEN GOOD THINGS IN 2023

1. New York / poetry readings — sometime around September, I got to feed an old, ostensibly impractical dream that’s emerged and lurked around since two decades ago. I wrote a poem and got to read it aloud in a wonderful art studio around Chelsea, teeming with so much talent and heart, thanks to the incredible @mirabile---visu. Thank you, dear friend, for giving my poem a home. I will remember this forever and hold dear to heart all the honest conversations we had over pizza, art and wine <3 you are such an inspiration and I can’t wait to see you again! Thank you too to the insanely talented @go-haywire for putting my words into print and allowing them to rest in a well-bound sanctuary — I carried it with me in New York as a lucky charm, and will always be eternally grateful for your generosity and faith.

2. New Zealand — sometime in April, in between jobs, I got to visit the amazing @tsaritsa in NZ, and it was two weeks of peace and great novelty, including but not limited to riding on a horse, feeding penguins, and donning on a firefighter costume! We also walked a ton and talked a lot and gazed upon a blanket of stars. Thank you for all your hospitality and love which I will never forget (and see you in 2024?!)

3. Other travels — I travelled a lot around Asia this year, for work and for fun! I got to see the cherry blossoms for the first time in my life with Japan with my partner. We also got to celebrate his birthday there, and it was an all around lovely trip; I’m really happy he got to have this break because he’s been truly working so hard in 2023. I also ushered in the new year with a dear friend in South Korea; the fireworks were nothing short of spectacular! We got a strawberry shortcake after and returned to our cute little apartment to just wind down and pen down our hopes for 2023 :) I also got to visit Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia for work, which were really exciting experiences!

4. Job switch — sometime in April, I was confronted with this HUGE dilemma of staying here in my hometown or moving to… a tax-free desert… the latter meant I’d at least be able to stay with my previous firm, but after a lot of coffees and deep consideration I decided it was better to move on to someplace else and stay put so I could spend more time with my partner. In hindsight it was probably the best decision I could’ve made; 2023 has been quite emotionally distressing for us and I would’ve hated to see him ensure all of that alone. I was mildly apprehensive at first about the switch, but I’ve been really blessed to have the most wonderful colleagues and bosses and am really excited to see what’s in store next :)

5. Meeting new friends, and in a similar vein, catching up and reuniting with old ones :) New York was a dream, in large part due to meeting some of the most luminous souls I’ve had the serendipitous pleasure of knowing during the pandemic—first over a screen, and then in person, over karaoke, and bagels, and coffee, and ice cream, and of course fried chicken LOL. @x-rainflame-x @roseofbattles @nightofnyx8 @beware-thegemini @thatisadamnfinecupofcoffee @annespelledwithane it was so so precious getting to meet you all in New York and I will cherish our time there together forever!

6. Learning a language—I try to learn at least one new word a day, and I’ve also been working on my Japanese since moving into a Japanese firm. It really helps as well to have colleagues that I can practice with—I took classes briefly in college but it sort of just drifted out of my memory after the pandemic because I didn’t speak it regularly, but now that I do it’s been super fun!

7. Getting into Spy x Family — and consequently, getting back into fic writing :) all of this is @nightofnyx8’s fault btw, now I have to pretend I like this stupid fake family a normal amount (when I’m just obsessed an unhealthy amount lmao)

8. Fraud/investigations work — this basically consumed the entirety of my Nov/Dec and there’s not much I can divulge about it (apart from the fact that it pretty much aged me by a decade) but… I felt like Loid Forger and it was fun being a spy for a month. the end

9. Dealing better with anxiety (?)—question mark because my progress is… questionable. On one hand I think I’ve gotten a lot better at regulating (or perhaps suppressing) a lot of associated feelings, but it still gets frightening on occasion when the dam breaks free without much prior warning. Regardless I think it’s a marked improvement from the countless menty bs back in college lmao. To be very frank, having a stable income of sorts has helped a great deal; in college I was constantly plagued with the fear of not having enough to purchase required materials or at times food, and it was just a lot to deal with. It felt like there was no room for failure because I only had myself to rely upon, and success was the only tenable avenue out of poverty, but being able to now obtain necessities and even additional wants has done wonders for my mental health. It’s true that money doesn’t happiness, and I spend a great deal of time daily mulling over capitalism and consumerism and the like, but I cannot deny the sense of security it affords.

10. And finally, falling deeper in love everyday :) it’s easy to think we know a great deal about someone, except we don’t. People may appear simple, but the truth is we’re all a work in progress, and by extension, a continuing story. I could read a million books and write a million poems, but beloved, believe me—you will always be my favourite.

Goodbye 2023, and hello 2024!

[childofaura]

What do you think of Caitlyn Elizabeth? She did Eyvel/Brigid and Eitr. Just wanna say her range is amazing becuz despite being given two roles, she differentiated them greatly!

Outside of FEH, she plays Mala Sauce Cookie and that’s about the only thing I thought about.

I feel so bad because I just couldn’t really bring myself to build Eyvel due to the meh build and meh art (THAT’S who should get a Resplendent soon). But I do like Caitlyn’s acting in FEH, and I see Eitr getting a lot of attention in the near future.

So Caitlyn Elizabeth plays Eyvel/Brigid and Eitr. It doesn’t seem like she has a lot of roles outside of FEH (and definitely not a lot I can recognize).

Her performance is actually pretty awesome when you consider it. Brigid and Eyvel are the same person, but Caitlyn gives them completely different energies. Brigid is feisty, playful, and rough around the edges, but she’s still a friendly sweetheart. Eyvel is mature, responsible, and much more mellowed out, but she still has that soft spot in her, especially in her line about Mareeta. Being able to differentiate the two is a pretty good feat for any VA, and it definitely helps her. Eitr though, THAT’S a jump, and she pulls it off really well. Eitr is timid, meek, and kind of self-loathing to an extent. In a weird way, even though those traits are pretty similar to Eir, the energy of those two are incredibly different to each other. Eitr seems like she’d cry if you even so much as breathed in her general direction (Kind of like Alcryst). I kind of like how shaky her breath is, it really enhances the anxiety of Eitr’s character.

I think she fits all three characters pretty well, I will say what’s interesting is that there’s few actresses who can play those rough and tumble ladies AND play someone with a much lower energy. Range? YES. I didn’t even know Eitr and Eyvel/Brigid shared the same actress before this ask (Since I never summoned for any of the characters RIP). That’s some good talent right there and now I’m actually a bit bothered that Caitlyn seems to not have many roles outside of FEH. I hope she’ll get more.

Overall, it’s a small pool to judge off of, but I think we can give Caitlyn a 9/10. All things considered, she’s done a pretty darn good job as a FEH actress.

[astro-b-o-y-d]

Also while I'm on the verge of being mentally ill about TAZ, I don't think I'll ever be over Lup's return. Incredible, amazing, phantasmal, resplendent, etc

[verisbyadani]

Invest and Reap Incredible Perks at Adani Veris

INTRODUCTION 

Gurgaon, attaining the recognition of being “The Millennial City” is becoming the first priority for an interested range of clients, belonging to every age group. Those who aspire to live in a world that is full of resplendence should definitely find this city as the most righteous arena. 

Residing in a locality, as amazing as this will surely introduce every millennial to a highly prosperous world. Gurgaon is a great destination where people have a very thriving choice to select from many great options. 

One such amazing option is established in Gwal Pahari which is emerging as a very promising neighbourhood for the purpose of investment. In here, I am referring to a brand new property of a well-renowned developer that aims to bring a significant transition in the lives of residents. 

ADANI VERIS: A THRIVING DEVELOPMENT AT GURGAON 

Built in a very grand manner, Adani Veris aims to offer millennials a very promising chance to gain leeway to relish a super-luxurious world. This section offers a great insight as to what you will get out of investing your hard-earned money into this project. 

1. Occupying a total of 4 acres of land parcel, Adani Veris comes with an iconic tower where people enjoy residing in a 4 BHK apartment. Each residence comes with perfectly curated features, each one of which is crafted with excellence and brilliance. 

2. Another significant feature that is associated with Adani Veris is the abundance of amenities and services, all of which are the real embodiment of affluence. I would like to specify some of the names of such amazing facilities which are going to elevate your living standards.

Clubhouse

Water Feature 

Rain Garden 

Shallow Water Features With Planters 

Congregation Lawn 

Sky Bridge 

Skating Rink 

Jogging Track 

Pet Park 

Commercial Plaza 

Ramp Out 

Tennis Court 

Seating Alcove 

Main Pool 

3. Now, I would like to state certain iconic landmarks which are very popular destinations, located in Gurgaon as well as Delhi. This particular feature allows inhabitants of this city to enjoy a stress-free lifestyle. 

National Highway 

Leela Hotel 

Ambience Mall 

Golf Course Road 

Sushant Lok- 1 and 2 

Galleria Market 

Golf Course Extension Road 

Southern Peripheral Road 

Central Peripheral Road 

Indira Gandhi International Airport 

Aerocity 

Mahipalpur 

Vasant Kunj 

Vasant Vihar 

4. If you wish to reside in a location which has a state-of-the-art infrastructure, Adani Veris again stands to be one of the most perfect avenues. Here, I would like to quote certain amazing and very necessary facilities that allow each individual to dwell in a very relaxing manner. 

Easy Availability of Public Transport 

Retail Outlets 

Schools and Colleges 

24*7 Water and Power Backup 

Evolved System For Sewage and Drainage System 

Shopping Malls 

Public Parks 

If you want to admire the real beauty of ultra-luxury living, you should definitely consider investing in this amazing project. 

CONCLUSION 

There are plenty of other reasons that will justify one’s investment in this amazing project. People living in this tremendous development will definitely feel highly blessed as they come across many extraordinary benefits. 

[knowledge-paradox]

PLEASE my alluring, amazing, angelic, appealing, artistic, attractive, awesome, breathtaking, captivating, charming, classy, comely, delightful, divine, enchanting, elegant, enrapturing, exquisite, fair, fascinating, theminine, flawless, gorgeous, graceful, handsome, heavenly, impressive, incredible, lovely, luminous, magical, magnificent, mesmerizing, picturesque, pleasing, radiant, ravishing, refined, resplendent, sensational, striking, stunning, sublime, superb, sweeping, tasteful, tempting, transcendent, unique, and visionary theywife I love you

not your theywife anymore 😒/silly

[gurgaoncityfloors]

Treasure the Meaning of Grandiosity at Golf Course Road

INTRODUCTION

Gurgaon is a tremendous destination, emerging as the most righteous choice for all residents who want to be surrounded with a well-evolved ambience that is the true incarnation of aristocracy and sustainability, altogether. 

This destination has evolved as the most righteous avenue for the ones who wish to be enclosed with the real meaning of richness. There are many ravishing features that are offered by the real estate market of Gurgaon. 

People from all across India have been enchanted and lured towards the exceptional creativity that has become a very exciting feature for each prospective home buyer and investor. Let us now start with giving you some important deets on a very promising destination. 

ABOUT GOLF COURSE ROAD 

Golf Course Road is a very resplendent destination where people find many sumptuous features that will make their life, an incarnation of affluence. This amazing destination is planned with a proper strategy, immersing investors in a wide array of exotic amenities. 

This place shares close vicinity with many amazing destinations, such as;

DLF Cyber City 

DLF Cyber Hub 

DLF Phase-1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 

Galleria Market 

Udyog Vihar 

Millennium City Centre 

Dwarka Expressway 

Golf Course Extension Road 

Indira Gandhi International Airport 

Aerocity 

Mahipalpur 

Vasant Kunj 

Vasant Vihar 

Along with being close to many iconic destinations that are located in Delhi as well as Gurgaon, I would also like to inform you that people from all around the world have been mesmerized by the seamless connectivity. 

By this, I am referring to strategic connectivity one enjoys from one’s household to several significant commercial complexes and business centres. Multi-national companies, start-ups, IT firms, and banking organizations are to quote a few of such amazing examples. 

Other amazing aspects that I want to divert your attention are pertaining to the crafting of mind-boggling facilities that are available here. Residents of this destination are truly some of the most blessed acquirers of resplendency. 

There are many amazing projects that are associated with Golf Course Road, one of which is known as Godrej Astra. This project offers 3 and 4 BHK, meticulously crafted with excellence and brilliance altogether. 

People from all around the world have been mesmerized by the exceptional features that have become a very enchanting feature of Godrej Astra Sector 54 Gurgaon. There are many incredible amenities that are a very significant aspect of this magnificent project. 

If you are someone who wants to relish the real meaning of luxury, it is high time that you consider investing in Godrej Astra Golf Course Road which is a real epitome of royalty. 

CONCLUSION 

As there are many great amenities and services that are affiliated with excellence, Gurgaon appears to be the most perfect destination where residents acquire some of the best facilities. 

If you wish to know more about Godrej Astra Gurgaon, you should stay tuned with me!!

[dansnaturepictures]

Nine of my favourite flora and fauna photos I took in September 2024 and month summary

The photos are of; Red Deer at Bushy Park, Common Seal on the Beaulieu River, young Coot at Bushy Park, Barn Owl in a flying display at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Clouded Yellow at Milford on Sea, Lesser Yellow Underwing moth at home, Ruddy Darter on Brownsea Island, Common Lizard at Thursley and hawthorn berries with a ladybird on.

Some of my most magical wild moments of a mesmerising September were watching mammals; immersive views of Common Seals and Grey Seals, enchanting Red Squirrels and ravishing Red, Roe, Fallow and Sika Deers bringing glorious late summer/autumn feelings of splendour. Grey Squirrel, Rabbit and Brown Rat provided some nice moments too.

It was a marvellous month of avian movement with many of my top birds of a fine birding moth enjoyed on migration in and out including Ospreys, Hobby, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew Sandpiper, Brent Geese, Pintail, Wigeon, Wryneck, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Wheatear, Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail, a rare for Lakeside Tree Pipit seen on my patch, a Chiffchaff in the garden and unusually Sand Martin at Bushy Park and epic scenes of many House Martins and a few Swallows moving through places. Other highlights this month included incredible views of majestic White-tailed Eagles twice at Newtown and Poole Harbours, Marsh Harriers, Sparrowhawks including one coming into the garden, Kestrel, Sandwich Terns, Shag, Curlews, Common Gulls, Mediterranean Gull, Egyptian Geese, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler, Starlings, Ring-necked Parakeet, Grey Heron, Greenshanks, Sanderlings, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Snipe, Great White Egret, Cattle Egrets, Little Egrets, captivating views of Spoonbills in Poole Harbour, Little Grebes, Whitethroat, Grey Wagtail, Rock Pipit, Dartford Warbler, Cetti's Warbler heard and Kingfisher. Cormorant, Stonechat, Jay, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker and lots of nice views of Great Crested Grebes including the chicks, Moorhens and Coot were other highlights at Lakeside. It was great to spend a day spellbound by birds of prey and others on an amazing day at the wonderful Hawk Conservancy during the super week off of day trips with so many phenomenal places visited and much wildlife seen.

Butterflies did quieten down this month for me but I saw some fantastic ones, headlined by adding the excellent Clouded Yellow to my year list a great final piece of the jigsaw to another memorable butterfly year for me. I also really enjoyed seeing Small Coppers at Bushy Park and Southbourne, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Speckled Wood especially seen well at Lakeside, Common Blue, female Adonis Blue at Old Winchester Hill, Green-veined White, numerous Small Whites and Large Whites especially on sunny days, beautiful Painted Ladies, Red Admirals and Peacock. I enjoyed seeing a fair few moths this month too including dashing Willow Beauty, Garden Carpet, L-album Wainscot, Light Brown Apple moth, sumptuous Lesser Yellow Underwings, pretty Lunar Underwing, Square-spot Rustic and Silver Y and Vestal in the day. Dragonflies and damselflies took a large amount of the limelight again as they dazzled at this well lit and beautiful time of year, Brown Hawker, thrilling Black Darter, Common Darter and Ruddy Darter views, Keeled Skimmer on Brownsea Island, resplendent Migrant Hawker, gigantic and eyecatching Southern Hawker and exquisite Emerald Damselfly were special to see.

It was captivating to watch Common Lizards at Thursley Common and a Common Frog on a wet New Forest walk at Puttles Bridge. Symbolising the shift to autumn I saw loads of craneflies this month which was memorable. I also enjoyed seeing Long-winged Conehead, Common Green Lacewing, hoverflies, bees, wasp, hornet, enigmatic Devil’s coach horse beetle and ground beetle at Thursley, ladybird, Forest Bug, Dock bug, and Grey Silverfish and spiders at home.

Key flower/plant sightings this month included my first ever skullcap at Bushy Park, lots of great devil’s-bit scabious one of my favourites, harebell, common toadflax, restharrow, marjoram, wild basil, water mint, great willowherb, sundew, bog asphodel, sea rocket, wild radish, seaside daisies, sand spurrey, yellow-horned poppy, sea kale, rock samphire, mercury yarrow, wild carrot, pineappleweed, mignonette, hedgerow crane’s-bill, red clover, white clover, comfrey, a strong month for yellow with ragwort, fleabane, tormentil, sowthistle, oxtongue and autumn hawkbit, montbretia, self-heal, gorse, ivy, plantain, black medick and bell and common heather painting the landscape a splendid purple. There was a lot of nice fruit to see including apples, dogwood berries, guelder rose berries, rowan berries and fine ruby hawthorn berries. Sunflower, pretty fuchsia, buddleia, roses, rose hips, firethorn berries and other colourful plants were nice to see at home this month.