#Our Native Birds of Song and Beauty

[uwmspeccoll]

A Red-Flourish Feathursday

Today we present a chromolithograph of a male Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea), a male and female Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus), and a male and female Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) from a painting by German naturalist and artist Anton Goering (1836-1905), reproduced in our 2-volume set of Our Native Birds of Song and Beauty by the late-19th-century director of the Milwaukee Public Museum Henry Nehrling, and published in Milwaukee by George Brumder from 1893-1896.

The Tanager and Grosbeak are currently in the Cardinal family, while the Towhee is a sparrow. All three are fairly common in our neighborhood, but unfortunately, we rarely see them. However, we do hear them, or at least we think we hear them, since the song of the Tanager and Grosbeak are similar, and even worse, they both sound, to our ears, somewhat similar to the very common American Robin, which is an unrelated thrush:

Scarlet Tanager song

Rese-breasted Grosbeak song

American Robin song

Fortunately, the Towhee has a very distinctive call that we find easily recognizable:

Eastern Towhee song

Because German was prominently spoken in Milwaukee through the middle of the 20th century, these birds are also identified in Nehrling's book by their common German names:

Scarlet Tanager = Scharlachtangara

Rose-breasted Grosbeak = Rosenbrüstiger Kernbeisser

Eastern Towhee = Erdfink

View more posts from Nehrling’s Our Native Birds.

View more Feathursday posts.

[linnienin]

💄A S T E R O I D ⁕ S I R E N E ⁕(1009)💄 through the signs and degrees

Disclaimer: Take what resonates. I'm not a professional astrologer, i just am an avid researcher and i use my personal experience when writing my posts (Also, pls, don't copy my work, i spend lot of time on it, thanks)

Hello beautiful souls!

I'm back with another post on a very requested asteroid 💜

A lot of you asked me about Asteroid Sirene and how it manifests in a birth chart, and initially i answered singularly, but the requests started to get out of hand a bit for me, so i decided to create a whole post on this asteroid in different signs/aspecting different planets

I have planned other posts on this asteroid but for now I..

Hope you enjoy it!

W H A T ⁕ I S ⁕ A ⁕ S I R E N ?

⁕ In Greek mythology, sirens are humanlike beings with alluring voices

Initially descripted as half human half birds then as "sea-girls with the body of a maiden, but have scaly fishes' tails"

⁕ Etymology of the name meaning: "binder, entangler" i.e. one who binds or entangles through magic song.

This could be connected to the famous scene of Odysseus being bound to the mast of his ship, in order to resist the sirens' song.

M Y ⁕ I N T E R P R E T A T I O N :

I want to make clear that this is just my view and thoughts on this asteroid and if you know a trusted source on its meaning please link it down below, i'd be very grateful 🙏

To me Asteroid Sirene (1009) has a similar energy to Lilith but it isn't as raw and destructive, it's indeed more controlled and patient. Lilith is warm blooded while Siren is cold blooded. In our birth charts it can shows where we can become manipulative, turn to our dark side and take what we want with strategy, seduction and mischeviousness.

It can also describe our seductive aura, or how we attract and magnetize others with charm (this can be both conscious or subconscious, depending on how in tune you are with yourself, and also can depend on which sign or house you have this asteroid in)

So, are you interested in knowing how you emanate this irresistible appeal?

Keep reading 💄

S I R E N E ⁕ T H R O U G H ⁕ T H E ⁕ S I G N S :

⁕ Aries/aspecting Mars/1°,13°,25°: Bold, assertive and fearless. Doesn't matter if the rest of their chart has quiet,cutie poofie placements, when asteroid Sirene gets activated these natives becomes confident queens/kings and knows how to defend themselves. They don't lose time to get what they want, they get straight to the point and they know they didn't come to play but to win. Their seductive charm lays in how confidently they carry themselves, people see these natives as natural leaders and warriors. They carry a powerful and intense aura you just can't ignore, the types that dare to do or say things that should't be done or said (but coming from them they sounds so cool gosh). Their facial espressions are intense and animated, and draws people in.

⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕

⁕ Taurus/aspecting Venus/2°,14°,26°: The walking sleeping beauty (lmao is she sleepwalking?). Jokes aside, here you can see how unaware these people are of their allure, and this is part of their charm too. They have such a calming and indifferent aura that makes everyone comfortable around them, and people get obsessed by this feeling of peace these natives exude that they can't have enough of. Usually they are the silent type of "Sirene", it's kind of a dormant feature in them. They are very sensual in their mannerism, and if they get to the point of being aware of how powerful they are well, it's the end of the game. They can seduce EVERYONE with their touch. The Queen Mida (oh yeah and they want that gold) 👀

⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕

⁕ Gemini/aspecting Mercury/3°,15°,27°: Everyone's fling. Such a flirty aura. They're very smart and intellectual, and everyone find them extremely interesting, so they automatically are drawn in because they want to know more (and some people will desperately show off to get their attention, it's insane). They can get quite some hidden envy from others because of how witty they can be. These people have a way with words, when they speak everyone else shut down to listen to them. I find having Sirene asteroid in Gemini is very similar to being a Siren/Mermaid how it's described in mythology, they are very cunning when they want to, know how to play games with other's minds, they are very good at putting masks on and turn the cards in their favours. (Also, the ability of sirens to change their body features reminds me a lot of Loki in Northern Mythology which happens to be associated with Mercury) They're the true puppet master and they know it. They have light and quick movements. One minute they're near you, the next one they disappeared from your view, and this is extremely fascinating to people. It's like they can't catch them even if they try so hard.

⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕

⁕ Cancer/aspecting Moon/4°,16°,28°: I think of these natives as the spy who pretend to play the damsel in distress, portrayed in old hollywood movies. Don't be fooled by their cute acting. They're actually quite good manipulators. People love how inviting they feel, so warm and nurturing, they have a healing aura to them. These natives makes other people feel like they need to protect them from the dangers of others. I think Sirene in Cancer can be naive at first, especially when inexperienced, but when they get their heart broken oh boy. If Gemini was the master at mind manipulation, Cancer is the master at emotional manipulation. Overall these natives can be pretty unaware of their behaviour, sometimes getting overwhelmed by their emotions, but they can also be one of the most destructive people ever when activating the Sirene energy(both to others and themselves) if they aren't in control of it.

⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕

⁕ Leo/aspecting Sun/5°,17°,29°: OOOOH those hip swings, you can recognize them instantly from just their catwalk, it's simply hypnotizing. These people take pride in their sensuality, and they know how to use it very well. You can't escape their attention if they have claimed you to be their prey. Another go getter like Aries, but not so in your face, because even if their focus is on what they want, they'd rather give ALL the signals until what they want comes to them. Very much like: i believe, i attract. Their charm is in the way they carry themselves, so wild and raw, a power of nature, these natives hair can play a huge part when when presenting themselves to the world. One of their game tecniques is the push-pull. They enjoy a good chasing, and it's also a way for them to test you if you're worthy of their time (yeah, they have big egos, so beware of that)

⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕

⁕ Virgo/aspecting Mercury/6°,18°: The unattainable one. Like seriously, people get obsessed over conquering the heart of this person just because of their nitpickiness and because they are unavailable 24/7. Others can get obsessed over fantasizing on these natives and creating stereotipes when they didn't even shared a conversation in the first place like...this is some powerful stuff. They naturally look so put together, when they wear basics it looks hot on them. Their seduction way is showing how skilled and talented they are, they can literally do anything when they activate the Sirene energy, they get obsessed over a thing and practice until they have mastered it (coff coff, hello... low self esteem and need of appreciation from others 👀). However, once they get some potential suitors they lowkey refuse them like they don't need them anymore, lmao, this is what drives them craaaaazy, "you did all that stuff for mee and now you're walking away? " 👁👄👁 Lemme get some morreee.

⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕

⁕ Libra/aspecting Venus/7°,19°: The too good to be true one. They put sooo much thought and intention and effort to present themselves that everyone can't help but look at them all the time. On top of this magnificent presentation add also a flirtatious and extroverted personality that pleases literally everyone around them and BOOM, you can't excape the trap of falling for them. They have a gracious and light aura, great posture and poise, literally princesses/princes. They truly feel like royalty, they also have this natural rich people vibe if you know what i mean. The best at getting what they want in social settings, can have a very innocent vibe that people love. People pleasing is their tecnique to get what they're after. They are one of the most seductive signs in this asteroid, but they're kinda unaware of it. I mean, sure, they know they're pretty but they don't know how many hearts they rob. Even strangers gets captivated by their charming presence, most likely to have suitors telling them "it was love at first sight".

⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕

⁕ Scorpio/aspecting Pluto/8°,20°: Heavy aura, attracts anything without even trying. They know how to make an entrance (Leos too, but Scorpios are much more subtle, and still, they get so much attention). People automatically throws themselves at these natives, all it takes is a glance and a little smirk and they living magnets. These people holds the throphy for being the MOST seductive of all the Sirene asteroid's signs . There's just something so intoxicating about them, you can't not get obsessed with them. They are the ones that has to be particularly careful of their aura because they are in this energy all the time and they attract a lot of stalkers, obsessive people, so these are (and should be) the natives that should have firm and clear boundaries. They'll find themselves stepping down at times just to calm this powerful magnetizing field around them, especially if they don't like the spotlight, but if the rest of the chart has placements that like to be the center of attention, this is surely a bombshell placement (watch out for the immense envy/jealousy from others)

⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕

⁕ Sagittarius/aspecting Jupiter/9°,21°: Their spontaneity is contagious. They're hot and cool, and know how to talk to people. Give them a night and they will befriend literally everyone at the party, and will reap so many opportunities out of nowhere. A favourite of the masses. Sometimes they can be a little loud and can get envy/jealousy from others, probably because of a rigid opinion they have, but they surely know how to play with it, telling jokes and conquering again the trust of those that didn't like them. They have such a careless and free spirit that they literally live day by day, without worrying much about the future, and people find this extremey hot. This placement is one of the most underrated one in terms of seduction, honestly when researching for this asteroid i found many siren-like women in our history that had/have Sirene in this sign, and i think it makes sense thinking about it, because Sirens are in their natural habitat out in the wild, so there's a sense of familiarity between the native and the raw energy of Sirens.

⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕

⁕ Capricorn/aspecting Saturn/10°,22°: The strategic and cold diva. People cannot enter their inner world and their vulnerabilities and this drives them mad and obsessed over knowing what's behind the mask. Can embrace their seductive charm later in life (probably from their 30s on). I have noticed these natives can have strong facial features that are difficult to forget. Attracts wealthy suitors, or will use their seduction to attract opportunity to get into power positions. They have an authoritative and mature aura, slow but decisive movements, can be intimidating to others, big D energy. Demanding of others and themselves. Calculating every move they make, good at getting the favour of those in charge. Could find themselves attracted to older/more mature people or they could attract them a lot. Intense, can be similar to Scorpio Sirene, but people are much more wary when approaching them (this is why usually older people are attracted to these natives, because they give off the vibe of knowing what they want)

⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕

⁕ Aquarius/aspecting Uranus/11°,23°: The one that to seduce just have to be authentic and nonchalant. Weird in a cool way, they catch people's attentions without even knowing, but just doing their thing. Their independence and uniqueness are their strong seduction charms. They're pretty unaware of their appeal because they don't even care about seduction in the first place, they have other things that go onto their mind. Their authenticity and disinterest may not attract many suitors, but the ones that get attracted by them are genuine and shares similarities to them, so they might find even THE ONE with this non-method-method. If they're interested in seducing, they might use very peculiar and unconventional ways to do so.

⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕

⁕ Pisces/aspecting Neptune/12°,24°: The innocent mysterious person everyone is secretly obsessed with. People will find themselves having wild fantasies on this person and not even knowing why. The way they walk and talk is smooth and divine, like they have a light surrounding themselves. Their eyes always seem to wonder around, like they're never in the present moment, and this fascinates people a lot. If they make eye contact when talking to you or listening to you, they will hypotize you 100%, even if they're not really listening or are having other thoughts. There's just something so enchanting and special about their eyes, also, often these people will have unique eyes or stunning shapes/colours (ex. Liz Taylor has Sirene in Pisces and she is known for having one of the rarest world's eye colour, purple). The least aware of their Sirene charm of all the signs.

M o r e ⁕ o b s e r v a t i o n s:

Water sirene: innocent and wandering eyes

smooth and relaxing voices

Fire sirene: fierce and sexy eyes

clear and powerful voices

Air sirene: playful and flirty eyes

high pitched, unique and chameleon voices (good at changing their tone depending on the situation)

Earth sirene: sweet and calm eyes

deep and warm voices

And you've reached the end of this post! 💄

I hope you enjoyed it, i kinda wanted to include the houses too, but i think it'd been way too long to digest, so stay tuned for another post on Sirene in the houses

Edit: I published Sirene in the houses too! Click below to read the post (i also included Celebs examples)✨

I wish you all a wonderful day ahead! ✨

Yours,

Linnie

[the-quiet-fire-of-defiance]

Melian and her Descendants as Native Aotearoa Birds

For day 4 @tolkienofcolourweek

A detailed image description is at the bottom of this post but I've listed the characters and their matching birds below.

Melian: hūia. A sacred bird, often considered to be one of the most beautiful birds in Aotearoa. Their feathers were traditionally only worn by people of high status.

Hūia were forest songbirds who paired for life and were utterly devoted to their partners. The pairs would fly and hunt together, caressing each other with their bills, singing duets back and forth. Often when a hūia died, its partner would die of grief a few days later (typically due to failing to eat or drink).

There was a sharp decline in the numbers of hūia after the arrival of European settlers in the 1840s. By the early 20th century, they had disappeared from our forests forever.

Lúthien: tūī. The most talented of our songbirds, a stunningly beautiful creature with iridescent blue-black feathers. Their double voicebox allows them to mimic almost any sound, including human speech. They often sing all day long.

Tūī are messengers to the gods. In Māori culture we might compliment a singer by saying that they have korokoro tūī, the throat of a tūī.

Also I'm feral about this quote:

Farmer and ornithologist Herbert Guthrie-Smith, writing in the early 20th century, observed of a female tui singing on the nest (tui are the only bird in the world to sing on the nest): “We were close to her, yet she sang as if her song could have no ending, as if the world was too full of the ecstasy of life for wrong and rapine to exist. The sun was shining above the flowing river, the leaves green, of every shape and shade; her great love had cast out fear.”

(Source)

Díor: kōtare, aka the sacred kingfisher. (Yes, okay, this is partially a joke about Dior being a sacred king.) Although kōtare are native to Aotearoa, they're also found in other countries. Most Eastern Polynesian cultures, including many Māori iwi, believe that kōtare have power over the ocean and waves.

Kōtare can sit motionless for hours while waiting for their prey, watching with perfect stillness. For this reason, a person who is alertly watching for enemies is sometimes compared to a kōtare.

Elured and Elurin: tara iti, aka fairy terns.

For Māori, terns in general are associated with people of high status. Tara iti are the smallest species of tern in Aotearoa, weighing in at about 70 grams (or 2.5 ounces). They're also our rarest breeding bird. Sadly, there are only about 40 individuals left.

Elwing: kōtuku - I expanded on this in another post

Elrond and Elros: North Island kōkako and South Island kōkako (respectively). Kōkako are blue-grey songbirds who often have a similar call to tūī, although with a slightly less extensive range of sounds. They love to sing duets; in fact, they sing the longest known duets of any bird in the world.

The North Island and South Island kōkakō are closely related but distinct sub-species. Although the North Island kōkako has been the subject of a successful conservation campaign, the South Island kōkako is considered possibly extinct. (The last two reliable sightings were in 2007 and 1967.) However, some people who walk the remote tracks of the South Island swear they've heard it singing.

Elladan and Elrohir: tīeke, aka the North and South Island saddlebacks. The two species are very difficult to tell apart for all but the most trained eyes. They're close relatives of kōkako and hūia.

Tīeke are notoriously fearless. In Māori culture, they're guardians and guides.

Arwen: Chatham Islands tūī. While these birds look extremely alike to mainland tūī, they sing a very different song.

(Since this bird is from the Chatham Islands, the Arwen faceclaim is a Moriori woman. Moriori are the indigenous people of the Chathams.)

Image description below cut due to length.

A series of paired images. Each pair has one bird and one faceclaim. All of the faceclaims, except for Arwen, are Māori.

1: Hūia and Melian. The hūia is a black bird with an orange wattle, long curved beak, and white at the end of its tail feathers. Melian is a dignified woman with light brown skin, brown hair, and a traditional chin tattoo. She wears traditional clothing and a pounamu (greenstone) ornament around her neck.

2: tūī and Luthien. The tūī is in flight. The light has caught its wings and tail feathers, making them look a vivid blue. Luthien is a light-skinned (but distinctly Māori) woman with long dark hair. She wears a black dress and a pounamu necklace.

3: a kōtare and Dior. The kōtare is a blue/black bird with a white neck and underside. It's in flight, carrying something in its mouth. Dior has dark brown skin and facial tattoos that mark him as someone of high rank. He wears a carved bone ornament in his hair, a pounamu necklace, and a traditional feather cloak.

4: tara iti and Elured and Elurin. The tara iti is visible from behind, its white wings spread, either landing or taking off. Elured and Elurin are infants swaddled in blankets side by side.

5: Kōtuku and Elwing. The kōtuku is a gorgeous white bird with a long neck and stilt-like legs. This one standing on a tuft of grass surrounded by water, looking down at its reflection. Elwing is a light-skinned, dark haired pregnant woman wearing a white cloak and cradling her stomach.

6: North Island kōkako (kōkako o Te Ika a Māui) and Elrond. The kōkako is a blue-grey bird with a black beak and blue wattle. The Elromd faceclaim is Alex Aiono (Ngati Porou, Samoa), a man with light brown skin and dark curly hair. In this photo he's shirtless, holding a flower and facing the righthand side of the image.

7: South Island kōkako (kōkako o Te Waipounamu) and Elros. The kōkako looks very similar to the bird above except for its orange wattle. The Elros faceclaim is also Alex Aiono, but in this image he's standing on a beach in front of the sea, smiling.

8: North Island saddleback (tīeke o Te Ika a Māui) and Elladan. The tīeke is a medium sized bird with a red wattle and mixed black/red-orange plumage. My Elladan faceclaim is Jordi Webber (Te Atiawa, Ngāti Toa, Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Maniapoto). He's a young man with pale brown skin, wavy black hair, and grey eyes.

9: South Island saddleback (tīeke o Te Waipounamu) and Elrohir. He is also represented by Jordi Webber.

10: Chatham Islands tūī (tūī o Rēkohu) and Arwen. This tūī is sitting on a flax plant, but it looks very similar to the tūī photo from earlier. It has blue-black plumage, a white tuft at its throat and orange pollen on its head. The Arwen faceclaim is a smiling Moriori woman in front of trees. She has long brown hair, light brown skin and a white dress.]

[calmcoldevening]

Dance

TW: no

Characters: Vincent Sinclair

Description: just a little comfort from this pretty boy.

English is not my native language, so sorry about misspells.

The night always seemed like something forgotten and beautiful. Magical. The sky binds its entire boundless being into the embrace of a light black mantle decorated with a scattering of shining stardust; the wind begins to play with a bit of inexplicable tenderness, winding calmness and inner satisfaction; gentle songs of chirping insects and night birds hover in the air. You can also see something mysterious in the silent, cold light of the moon: the thrill with which silver rays encircle the roofs of houses and streets, wrapping the gloomy shadows of familiar things in beautiful unobtrusive images. There is something unearthly and painfully delightful about it. And to all the oddities that may seem to our wandering mind at this mystical time of day, we will certainly give one name, 'sleep'.

You were sitting in the kitchen, with your head propped up on your hand, with your other palm wrapped around a striped mug. The clink of a metal spoon occasionally hitting the ceramics cut the crystal silence. The tea has been cold for a long time, but you didn't pay attention to it, continuing to periodically sip the sweet liquid. The moonlight from the window gently outlined the features of your face when you once again looked at the wall clock; it's 00:30 a.m. You were sitting in the kitchen for a long time, continuing to burn through the impenetrable darkness on the other side of the window. Bo and Lester had been sleeping with full bellies and happy smiles for a long time, satisfied with tonight's dinner. In principle, they liked that there was a person in this house who could take care of them, as my mother once did.

The only thing that worried you and prevented you from falling asleep in every possible way was Vincent lingering in the workshop. At this time, and usually even earlier, a few hours after dinner, he was already in your room and listened to your measured reading of some book that you particularly liked. The man did not delve into the text, he was only interested in your pleasant, caressing voice, echoing in his head.

But for some reason, today he decided to break this peculiar tradition, and you were worried about it. Having gathered all your thoughts in a heap, you decided to visit the culprit of your inner anxiety. After all, if he's avoiding you on purpose, you should talk about it, shouldn't you?

Putting the mug in the sink, you look at the clock again and go towards the stairs. Climbing to the second floor, you tiptoe to your bedroom with Vincent, trying once again not to step on particularly creaky floorboards. You've been in this house for a long time, so you knew some of its features: for example, that the third step of the stairs is quite flimsy and makes a nasty creak to the point of trembling, as if you were forcefully rubbing a dry rag against a mirror polished to a shine; or that the farthest light bulb in the corridor has been blinking unpleasantly for a week, but no one dares replace it.

Closing the door tightly, you walk past the double bed and stop over the hatch. It was nice that a kind of doctor's or scientist's office was converted into a bedroom for the two of you; you are sure that the initiator was Lester, who immediately saw in you a really nice girl who would certainly take care of his older brother.

As soon as you opened the hatch cover, an unpleasant piercing creak of unoiled parts rang through the room. A pleasant enveloping warmth flows up from the basement, as well as from Vincent himself when he leaves the workshop: his body was so saturated with the smell of old wood, moisture and something else that distinguished this man from millions of others, what you really liked about him.

Going down the stairs, you wiped your sweaty palms on your t-shirt. Taking clothes from Vincent's closet turned out to be a good idea, at least you weren't so hot in it. When you got to the door, you covered the wet wood with your palm. The warmth touched your cold fingers, pleasantly calming and giving quite tangible confidence. The door, surprisingly, opened easily under your slight pressure, without making a sound.

It was even hotter in the workshop. How could Vincent work here in a sweater and a tight jumpsuit? It seems that the boiler was recently stopped: threads of steam were still streaming over the vat of hot wax. The room was spacious enough to accommodate all the equipment a man needed. Now the couch, habitually located in the middle of the makeshift office, was pushed to the wall, freeing up most of the room. An old radio was playing somewhere, giving out classic songs.

At the very end of the workshop, Vincent was hunched over a table. Now he was without his usual overalls, but in simple trousers and a long-sleeved jacket. No new 'guests' have come to Ambrose for a long time.

You quietly approached the man from behind, towering over his tense body. His entire desk was littered with a variety of sketches, ranging from projects of future figures to simple sketches of everything that caught Sinclair's eye. But most of all there were drawings with you. These were all kinds of portraits, both in full growth and in various poses.

"Vinnie."

You whisper, and the body under you shudders, straightening up to its full height. You step back.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," the man hurriedly puts the sketches in one pile, "Hey, don't. They are very beautiful."

You grab one of the most eye-catching drawings and see yourself sitting on the windowsill in your bedroom. The image was fuzzy, rather more like an unfinished work, just a sketch, but it already looked impressive. Pictures immediately appeared in my head, hanging on the first floor of the museum. You chuckled briefly. The next sketch that came into your hands was your portrait in profile. You were struck by the accuracy with which Vincent depicted all the outstanding features of your face: the shape of your nose and lips, the softness of your gaze and the moles on your skin. The last drawing you managed to get out of Sinclair's possessive grip was a sketch where you and a man were spinning in some kind of dance. You were dressed in a light light dress, playfully developing at your feet, he was wearing a classic suit and leather gloves, which he gently wrapped around your smaller fragile body. He must have fantasized when the right music was playing.

"It's beautiful, my love."

You hear a quiet, lingering whine under the mask because of a pet name. Cutie. You'd like to tease him a little longer.

"It's true."

You smile at him affirmatively. Vincent's eyes are barely visible under the mask. You look at the drawing again. Did he want to dance? You pay attention to the music playing for a moment. Something like a waltz should have come up. At least you're familiar with this dance because of a few years in music school, so it shouldn't be a problem.

You put the drawings on the table and cover Vincent's massive hand with your palm. He looks at you questioningly.

"Would you like to dance?"

You give a man a gentle smile, holding out your hand to him. He looks back uncertainly. You wait patiently, rolling from heels to toes in longing. Finally Vincent makes up his mind and puts his hand in your palm. He gets up from his chair and, putting his arm around your waist, leads you to the middle of the room. The man squeezes your hand, interlacing his fingers, puts his free palm on your side. You touch his broad shoulder with your fingers.

Only now do you see this difference in height, which is why you have to lift your head to see his eye through the mask. You hear this wonderful music, and the beating of your heart echoes the pleasant notes. Your breathing quickens, and you look at Sinclair with eyes shining with anticipation.

A particularly strong note sounds, and Vincent begins to lead you. The man gently squeezes your supple flesh, you modestly look away, trying to focus on the music. Vincent grins at your sudden shyness. Your feet move quickly and skillfully on the hard floor; the sole of your favorite sneakers rubs against the stone slabs with force; you hear the light click of Sinclair's heels when he once again, holding your palm with his, spins you around. You can't see his face, but you can feel his gaze watching the movement of your body with fascination. A man strokes the delicate skin of your palm, and you feel goosebumps running down your back. His every touch or glimpse makes your heart flutter wildly in your chest, and long-lost butterflies come to life in your stomach. It is at such moments that your inner rhythm gets lost and your feet begin to slide incoherently on the floor, causing Sinclair to chuckle. You try to regain your inner composure when his big hand presses you especially hard against his body behind the small of his back.

Finally, the waltz ends and is replaced by some light melody. Probably just a few minutes, but it felt like hours to you. Vincent wraps his arms around your back, hugging you to him, and you wrap your arms around his neck. You put your head on his chest and press your ear to his fast-beating heart. Now you can clearly smell his body. The gray turtleneck is soaked with a light aroma of smoke and oil candles that you gave Vincent for Christmas, his sweat-soaked skin smells of citrus soap, and his tousled hair has the smell of your shampoo. You close your eyes, enjoying the moment while a man rocks your couple in an impromptu dance.

He gently runs his palm along your spine, and you shudder, a satisfied laugh comes from under the mask. Small electrical impulses seem to run through the body, they burn, but they do not carry pain, but rather a strange warm feeling accumulating in your stomach and chest. His fingers, rough from constant work, touch your hot skin and gently massage, from which you relax in his arms. Sleep begins to exert its direct influence.

"Shall we go to the bedroom?"

You ask, and Vincent nods, touching the mask of your forehead with his lips in a simulated kiss. You giggle, and he picks you up in his arms, heading for the stairs.

[talonabraxas]

Address to Venus By Lucretius

Delight of Human kind, and Gods above;

Parent of Rome; Propitious Queen of Love;

Whose vital pow’r, Air, Earth, and Sea supplies;

And breeds what e’r is born beneath the rowling Skies:

For every kind, by thy prolifique might,

Springs, and beholds the Regions of the light:

Thee, Goddess thee, the clouds and tempests fear,

And at thy pleasing presence disappear:

For thee the Land in fragrant Flow’rs is drest,

For thee the Ocean smiles, and smooths her wavy breast;

And Heav’n it self with more serene, and purer light is blest.

For when the rising Spring adorns the Mead,

And a new Scene of Nature stands display’d,

When teeming Budds, and chearful greens appear,

And Western gales unlock the lazy year,

The joyous Birds thy welcome first express,

Whose native Songs thy genial fire confess:

Then savage Beasts bound o’re their slighted food,

Strook with thy darts, and tempt the raging floud:

All Nature is thy Gift; Earth, Air, and Sea:

Of all that breathes, the various progeny,

Stung with delight, is goaded on by thee.

O’er barren Mountains, o’er the flow’ry Plain,

The leavy Forest, and the liquid Main

Extends thy uncontroul’d and boundless reign.

Through all the living Regions dost thou move,

And scattr’st, where thou goest, the kindly seeds of Love:

Since then the race of every living thing,

Obeys thy pow’r; since nothing new can spring

Without thy warmth, without thy influence bear,

Or beautiful, or lovesome can appear,

Be thou my ayd: My tuneful Song inspire,

And kindle with thy own productive fire;

While all thy Province Nature, I survey,

And sing to Memmius an immortal lay

Of Heav’n, and Earth, and every where thy wond’rous pow’r display.

To Memmius, under thy sweet influence born,

Whom thou with all thy gifts and graces dost adorn.

The rather, then assist my Muse and me,

Infusing Verses worthy him and thee.

Mean time on Land and Sea let barb’rous discord cease,

And lull the listening world in universal peace.

To thee, Mankind their soft repose must owe,

For thou alone that blessing canst bestow;

Because the brutal business of the War

Is manag’d by thy dreadful Servant’s care:

Who oft retires from fighting fields, to prove

The pleasing pains of thy eternal Love:

And panting on thy breast, supinely lies,

While with thy heavenly form he feeds his famish’d eyes:

Sucks in with open lips, thy balmy breath,

By turns restor’d to life, and plung’d in pleasing death.

There while thy curling limbs about him move,

Involv’d and fetter’d in the links of Love,

When wishing all, he nothing can deny,

Thy charms in that auspicious moment try;

With winning eloquence our peace implore,

And quiet to the weary World restore.

Venus Transit Pluto Talon Abraxas

[14thsyndrome]

Skz masterlist

Ot8:

Back Door

you console them through a break up

Twisted Karnival

two birds

primordial

songs i associate them with

speaking your native language in their presence

Tainted Daisies

Stray kids as 90′s boyfriends

Stray Kids Reaction | Uses Your Insecurities Against You

Stray Kids Reaction | You Disappear For A While

shopping with skz

Stray Kids Reaction ¦¦ You Have Acne Scars

Soulmate link

crack texts w/ skz

Stray Kids Reaction || You're A Pianist

Stray Kids Reaction || You’re An Author

you never ask for help

Valentines gifts with Stray Kids

little things that matter

Stray Kids Reaction | Going All Out For Pride Month

skz as romantic tropes

Stray Kids | S/O Coming Out As Pansexual

Scary Movies with Stray Kids

Would I lie to you

the epic highs and lows of jyp-u

Waiting On You

Partner has depression.Hyung line.

almost romantic moments with skz

moments he would kiss you

wiping off their kisses

You Finally Break Down

how they react to a bad day

Oh Sheet

of all things good and evil

how skz react when you call them pretty

When They Miss You

Train To Busan

Prom commitee

Imagines: SKZ members reactions to your silent cry

saying ily for the first time

The 8 tragedies

about love

waiting on you

technical difficulties

waiting for us

Bangchan:

song for you

in this world, it’s just us

when in manila

face the music

lost letters

Yellow Wood

love yourself, as I love you

bullet to the heart

[5:33pm]

Someday

the wedding planner

Maze of Memories

Someday

The one where No One’s ready

Blue Book

Drabble

Wolf Chan headncanon

finding you asleep on the sofa after an argument~

Chan thoughts

Brother’s best friend

saved

Touch the stars

I Will Always Wait

shitty fanfiction

all about you

beautiful liar

Minho:

[11:14 p.m]

dance with me

For the record (player)

Mistletoe Kiss

witch hunter x witch

Blue Hour

the eight stages of falling in love with him

spidey kiss

18:11

And Yet

Unsaid

grocery shopping with minho

Blood & Water

Isn’t it delicate?

Go Higher!

my sunshine

lost journal

Don’t Hate The Player, Hate The Game

Lost on you

first love

heroine’s manual

unnatural love

i love every part of you, lee minho.

by my side

Embers

When he snow clears

Wow

Don’t Let the Letters out

Maybe, I’m Afraid

Roger Rabbit

consort

Sunshine is far away, clouds linger on

5 Star restaurants are a pain

as the world caves in

Yellow paint

trust fall

Meant To Be

A Better Match

pink letter

i like you, loser

insecurities

saudade

day dream

Nets and Bandaids

prompt oneshot

Changbin:

Arcade Date with Changbin

Recipe for Disaster

Lover of Mine

work of art

Crossed

My Favorite Moment

weight on my shoulders

Sugar, Spice and Everything else..? 

bring in the loose mistletoe

Late Night Drive

the interview with the exes

lost and found

Hyunjin:

dance to this

sweet like candy

youre my bestfriend

coffee time

transferred

blue

all i know is your name

i fell for you by accident

only fools fall for you

flowers

No Other Way

Maybe it’s not our fault

class president

Behind Closed Doors

[13:07]

deja vu

Shangri-la

his last song

Only for you

In My Dreams

Plough the sea

I don’t remember me before you

Three Words: Bubblegum Brain

secret santa

High society

Never enough

devilish

sun & moon

My Favorite Camera Woman

9:29 AM

Han:

dont shoot me

number neighbour

set up

someones someone

love sketched on skin 

Bird Is the Word

apple of my eye

Intimidating

Jisung’s adventures in college.

Welcome, Something Different

In every cosmos

the interview with the exes

An Introverts Dream

Rythm and Rhyme

Poker Night

Into your arms

tight-lipped

Isn’t It Tragic How Far You’ve come

For a long time

Carriwitchet

sunshine

Rule Breaker

Felix:

falling in love

cherry blossom season

not true

Evanescent

knock on wood

so this is love

Happy Death Day

Safe Place

it was my fault

Misfortunes to Blessings

The View

shameless

so not worth it

August

just one yesterday

White Christmas

felix felicis

those who wander

It’s complicated

Something New

never be alone.

freckles and constellations

Golden

Comfort cafe

to spill blood and tears

Bite Me

The Heir and the Library of Secrets

Choking on your alibis

So Not Worth It

crush culture

Seungmin:

truth untold

10:01 AM

Dance with me

Silent Cry

Something to look forward

one was enough

buzzfeed quiz

too late

tomorrows with you

PssT! 

[9.58am]

Anti-Romantic

It Just Is

But I Am Your Confidant

Three Heartbreaks & a Rose

They Don’t Know We Know

Modern Day Persephone

[8.50]

Warm Feelings...

I Choose You

operation: get the crush

itinerant

lie to me

definetely twice

Jeongin:

Roses are Red

1cdat

u r my favorite everything

Jeongin Dating Headcanons

Star lost

I wish the world would stay as it is

hbd

Countdown to love

[19:10]

11:11

[11:01]

Comfort

blush

i’m crazy just like you

Sunshine and Roses

soul sanctum

Stray kids au

in his embrace

Fate

I Can Be Your Superhero

Not What I Expected

Beautiful Nights

art of intimacy

Two Steps Away

Traditions

beyond the horizon

before sunset

Looks can be Deceiving

First Rule Of Kpop

ideals of love

Having a crush on the shy one in class

Remembering The Good Times

Spa Night

don’t overthink it

I Won’t Be Gone Anymore

feet dangling in the snow

Day 25

[17:54PM]

all seasons come to one

007

Wonderland

Wet Cement

i like u

Step forward

For The Future

Rainy Day

Rendezvous

the picture

yang jeongin as your boyfriend

Podravska Moslavina

long way home

grocery fun

you’re worthy, you know

Fighter

Coffee date

First Impressions

[1:27]

memories of past

come home to my heart

As the Snow Fell

[4:16pm]

090

exes confront each other

amusement park with jeongin

Lovely Evenings

House

Soulmate AU

Good Enough

Not a Trick

[20:56]

Fox, wolf, close enough, right?

2:13 am

Thanks to the Potions

that’s not even ramen

Flower Shop Boy

Tim McGraw

marie

Cat’s fault

The Matchmaker’s Match

Speaking in Tongues

A Bunch of (Oxy)morons

Disneyland AU

Scrawny

10:00 am

icicles

floral kisses

silver rose

for fox sake

confession 

camp w/ jeongin

Ink stains

crush culture

you & me, ultra pro max besties

Dandelions

Souls

A pair of cupids!

Give Love a Try

Like-Like

Chaos & Quiet

jeongin + college bf

Did you just ask me out on live stream?

ugly crier

Deshita

Garden Song

we are not soulmates!

identity crisis

Pushover

Smile, For it Suits You

desert rose

of coffee and numbers

[16:57PM]

Flower Boy

little crimson puffs

pretty boy

Real life beauty

10:37pm

one good movie kiss

Stupid presentation

Bloomed

Taking a nap while I.N is on vlive

Fairytale

8:12PM

Someday

24 to 25

Get off the plane

Youngblood

mixtape:on track

warm?freezing.

Quick flirt

love language

Forgotten keys

score a goal

Feel free to send me fic recs wether it’s your own or others! No smut though please.

[zuvluguu]

"All human beings come from

the other world, but we forget

it a few months after we’re

born.

This amnesia occurs because

we are dazzled by the beauty

and physicality of this world.

We spend the rest of our lives

putting back together our

memories of the other world,

enough to serve the greater

good and to teach the new

amnesiacs, the children,

how to remember.

Often, this lesson is taught

during the initiation into

adulthood.

The Mayans say that the other

world sings us into being.

We are its song.

We’re made of sound, and as

the sound passes through the

sieve between this world and

the other world, it takes the

shape of birds, grass, tables,

all these things are made of

sound.

Human beings, with our own

sounds, can feed the other

world in return, to fatten

those in the other world up,

so they can continue to sing.

Shamans are sometimes

considered healers or doctors,

but really they are people who

deal with the tears and holes

we create in the net of life,

the damage that we all cause

in our search for survival.

In a sense, all of us, even

the most untechnological,

spiritual, and benign peoples,

are constantly wrecking the

world.

The question is: how do we

respond to that destruction?

If we respond as we do in

modern culture, by ignoring

the spiritual debt that we

create just by living, then

that debt will come back to

bite us, hard.

But there are other ways to

respond.

One is to try to repay that

debt by giving gifts of beauty

and praise to the sacred, to

the invisible world that gives

us life.

Shamans deal with the problems

that arise when we forget the

relationship that exists

between us and the other

world that feeds us, or when,

for whatever reason, we don’t

feed the other world in

return."

Aleksandra Tracz Art,

Native American Shaman

"Humans are a part of creation

and shamanism is our way of

connecting with the whole."

✨ Will Adcock

[twopoppies]

Here’s that Twitter thread translated + quotes. No pics bc lazy (: Hope this helps!

Re-reading the lyrics of "Daylight," and especially the verse that mentions the "Bluebird," I wondered several times what Harry's sources of inspiration might have been and why he chose this particular bird.

Aside from Louis

The Bluebird (Sialia, in Italian) over the years has also taken on mythological connotations and is often found in seafaring literature. It would represent eternal happiness as well as springtime.

In the Native American Cochiti tribe, the Sun's firstborn son is named Bluebird. In the short story "The Sun's Children," featured in Ruth Benedict's Tales of the Cochiti Indians (1932), the Sun's male child was named Bluebird (Culutiwa). (Sun -> Bluebird -> Louis)

In Navajo tradition the Bluebird is associated with the rising Sun. The Bluebird Song is sung to remind tribal members to rise at dawn to give thanks to the rising Sun. "Bluebird said to me: Get up, my grandchild. It is dawn; it said to me."

The bluebird, understood as a representation of the concept of freedom, which coincides with a form of "resurrection," is also found in two of the authors whom Harry has repeatedly acknowledged to be a source of inspiration for him: Paul McCartney and David Bowie.

“Oh I'll be free, just like that bluebird. Oh I'll be free. Ain't that just like me?" sings Bowie in "Lazarus." A kind of testament, where he seems to want to tell us: just as I am dying, I am ready to be reborn and to feel free at last, whatever form I will take.

In McCartney, the Bluebird (a song written with his wife Linda during a vacation in Jamaica) becomes a metaphor for the transcendent power of love and the liberation of the human spirit from a form of physical and mental slavery. The Bluebird itself becomes a symbol of Love, understood as the only source of Freedom.

“Late at night when the wind is still I'll come flying through your door, and you'll know what love is for; I'm a bluebird.”

Turning to literature, we know that Harry also loves Charles Bukowski. Several times he has been seen reading his poetry, and his writing has also been influenced by the poet in the past. No wonder, then, that Bukowski wrote a poem entitled "Bluebird."

“There's a bluebird in my heart that wants to get out but I'm too tough on him”

First published in 1992 in the collection "Last Night of the Earth Poems," Bukowski tells of the malaise inherent in every person, a pain that each of us feels, latent, a kind of background noise of our existence. Again, that longed-for sense of freedom.

The Bluebird is also quoted by Oscar Wilde in "The Decay of Lying (1889)." A Bluebird singing about beautiful and impossible things that are not but should be. Yeah...

“Champing his gilded oats, the hippogriff will stand in our stalls; and over our heads will float the Blue Bird singing of beautiful and impossible things, of things that are lovely and that never happen, of things that are not and that should be.”

In "May-Day," by Ralph Waldo Emerson, we find not only the bluebird but also daffodils. I wonder where I have seen them before

“When I bought my farm, I did not know what a bargain I had in the bluebirds, daffodils and thrushes; as little did I know what sublime mornings and sunsets I was buying.”

"Gay as a daffodil" = "Gay as a bluebird" Finally, I couldn't help but look up the meaning of Bluebird in Urban Dictionary (it's all Harry's fault and his cryptic slang). I leave the considerations to you. *definition posted 2017

(Don’t mind me lurking on your page I sent in some stuff last night so I’m 👀)

You are brilliant. Thank you so much for taking the time to translate all of that!! That’s really a beautiful thread and now I love that song even more. 😭😭😭😭

[follow-up-news]

When Reed Cammack hears the first meadowlark of spring, he knows his family has made it through another cold, snowy winter on the western South Dakota prairie. Nothing’s better, he says, than getting up at sunrise as the birds light up the area with song. “It’s part of the flora and fauna of our Great Plains and it’s beautiful to hear,” says Cammack, 42, a sixth-generation rancher who raises cattle on 10,000 acres (4,047 hectares) of mostly unaltered native grasslands. But the number of returning birds has dropped steeply, despite seemingly ideal habitat. “There are quite a few I don’t see any more and I don’t know for sure why,” says Cammack’s 92-year-old grandfather, Floyd. whose family has allowed conservation groups to install a high-tech tracking tower and to conduct bird surveys. North America’s grassland birds are deeply in trouble 50 years after adoption of the Endangered Species Act, with numbers plunging as habitat loss, land degradation and climate change threaten what remains of a once-vast ecosystem. Over half the grassland bird population has been lost since 1970 — more than any other type of bird. Some species have declined 75% or more, and a quarter are in extreme peril. And the 38% — 293,000 square miles (760,000 square kilometers) — of historic North American grasslands that remain are threatened by intensive farming and urbanization, and as trees once held at bay by periodic fires spread rapidly, consuming vital rangeland and grassland bird habitat. So biologists, conservation groups, government agencies and, increasingly, farmers and ranchers are teaming up to stem or reverse losses. Scientists are sharing survey and monitoring data and using sophisticated computer modeling to determine the biggest threats. They’re intensifying efforts to tag birds and installing radio telemetry towers to track their whereabouts. And they’re working with farmers and ranchers to implement best practices that ensure survival of their livelihoods and native birds — both dependent on a healthy ecosystem. “Birds are the canary in the coal mine,” says Amanda Rodewald, senior director of the Center for Avian Population Studies at Cornell University’s ornithology lab. “They’re an early warning of environmental changes that also can affect us.”

[ruanbaijie]

Get To Know Me ✧ Favourite Films [5/5]

↳ Red Cliff II 赤壁 (下) - Dir. John Woo 吳宇森 (2009)

周郎，你在读信的时候，我已经在前往曹营的途中了。我会很小心，一切见机行事。但愿东风能早点来，只要有信念，就会有希望。长江水清，山色常绿，有飞鸟栖息，有渔舟唱晚。这是我们的家，我们美丽的乡土。大家都不顾生死的去保卫她，我又怎能无动于衷呢？我已经怀了平安三个月了，一直没有告诉你，怕你分心。我想，我们不能只顾着自己的孩子，而忽略了东吴的孩子。我希望看到他们一起成长，将来能平静地在江边嬉戏、玩水、赏花，在禾田里插秧。你不用为我担心。我会带着平安回来的。

My dear husband, by the time you read this letter, I will already be on the way to Cao Cao’s camp. I will be very careful, and only act when the moment is right. Yet I hope that the east wind will come early, as long as there is faith, there is hope. Clear are the waters of the Yangtze, always emerald are the mountains, there are birds returning to their nest, there are fishermen singing their evening songs. This is our home, our beautiful native land. Everyone is protecting her regardless of life or death, how can I stand idly by? I have already been carrying our child Ping’an for three months, I never told you as I feared it might distract you. I think, we cannot care just for our child, and neglect the children of Eastern Wu. I wish to see them grow up together, to have a future where they can play by the river, swim, admire the flowers, and plant rice in peace. Do not worry about me. I will bring Ping’an home.

TN: 平安 (píng ān) means “peace, safety”. The last sentence can thus be understood in two ways: 1) Despite walking into danger, Xiao Qiao will bring their child (Ping’an) home safely, or 2) By going to Cao Cao’s camp, Xiao Qiao will do what she must to help restore peace.

[uwmspeccoll]

The Feathursday Blues

Summer is coming to a close and our academic year is about to begin, so we’re feeling a bit blue about leaving summer behind, but we’re also excited about the new school year. So, this week we bring you some cheery chromolithographic birds of blue to begin our September. Unfortunately, those lovely little thrushes, the Bluebirds (Genus: Sialia), are not included here, but we think these blue fellows will do. They are, from top to bottom:

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris).

Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena).

Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea), male and female.

Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea).

This chromolithograph is from a painting by the noted German wildlife artist Gustav Mützel, found in our 2-volume set of Our Native Birds of Song and Beauty, by the late-19th-century director of the Milwaukee Public Museum Henry Nehrling, and published in Milwaukee by George Brumder from 1893-1896.

View more posts from Nehrling’s Our Native Birds.

View more Feathursday posts.

[guhamun]

@dnangelic said (inbox):

' do you ... like these sorts of things? ' it's a meager peace offering, though he doesn't call it as such: the soft-glowing, bio-luminescent starfish he offers out to the other. even with dark crowing frantically in his mind, (that's the judge of fontaine, you idiot! he's practically our mortal enemy! at the very least, don't let him memorize your face!) it still should have been safe for as long as he remained 'daisuke,' right? regardless, he never did expect to see someone of such status on the shore like this. ' were you watching the waves? ' it's hard not to let one's eyes be drawn out to fontaine's crystal clear waters. ' it's so different from inazuma here. the seas are so much more gentle, and all sorts of things live in them. it's really... really beautiful. '

     IT WAS NOT EXCEEDINGLY rare to be approached, but not many went out of their way to talk to him like this. He was the face of their justice system, and with that cold, logical position, came a sense of wariness. If he ever went out of his way to talk to anyone, no doubt their first thought would be, ‘did I do something?’ Yet, this child had walked right up to him with what one would consider a fearless gait. In truth, though, as his gaze fell upon them, he could sense their timidity. Quiet for a time, he slipped his attention away from them to the offered starfish, hesitant, at first in reaching out to take it, until he gently accepted the humble offering. ❝I do,❞ he finally answered, tone just a little softer when he did speak. Turning his focus away from the young one beside him, he looked off into the distance – off upon sparkling and shimmering waves as birds called out their songs of the sea.

      ❝The waters are extra lively today. A good thing.❞ Although he did not look back at Daisuke, there was no need to. He had listened to what they had to say with rapt attention. ❝Tell me, what are the seas like in Inazuma? Are they quiet, or do they too overflow with ample emotion as well?❞ A strange question, perhaps, to ask. Aware of how that might have sounded, he cleared his throat, now allowing his eyes to fall upon the other. ❝Ah, allow me to rephrase that. Rather than answering my latter question, tell me how you feel when you peer off into the sea upon your own native shores.❞

[ioanciobanescu]

A Love Letter to Birds

My Dearest Flightgivers,

As I sit here surrounded by the tranquil beauty of nature, my heart swells with admiration and affection for you, my beloved birds. From the moment I first heard your sweet melodies echoing through the trees, I knew that you held a special place in my heart. Your enchanting songs fill the air with joy and wonder, lifting my spirits and soothing my soul with each graceful note. Whether it's the cheerful trill of a robin greeting the dawn or the haunting call of a loon echoing across a mist-covered lake, your voices never fail to captivate me and transport me to a world of pure serenity. Oh, how I marvel at your graceful flight, as you soar effortlessly through the boundless expanse of the sky! With wings outstretched and hearts full of freedom, you dance upon the breezes, painting the heavens with your elegant silhouettes. In your flight, I see the embodiment of grace, beauty, and untamed spirit. But it's not just your physical beauty or melodic voices that have captured my heart; it's also the way you navigate the complexities of life with such resilience and determination. From building intricate nests to caring for your young with unwavering devotion, you embody the true essence of love, loyalty, and family. You are more than just winged creatures; you are the guardians of the natural world, the stewards of the earth's beauty, and the messengers of hope and renewal. Through your tireless work as pollinators, seed dispersers, and custodians of ecological balance, you enrich our lives and sustain the delicate tapestry of life that surrounds us. My dear friends, as I gaze upon your vibrant plumage and listen to your enchanting songs, I am reminded of the precious gift of life and the interconnectedness of all living beings. In you, I find solace, inspiration, and a deep sense of kinship with the natural world. So, I offer you this love letter as a token of my affection and gratitude. May your wings always carry you to new heights, your songs echo through the ages, and your spirit soar free as the wind. Birds are truly fascinating creatures, captivating the hearts and minds of people around the world for countless reasons. Birds come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, and sizes. From the vibrant plumage of tropical parrots to the graceful silhouette of a soaring eagle, there's a bird to captivate anyone's aesthetic sensibilities. Many birds are renowned for their melodious songs and captivating calls. The diverse repertoire of bird vocalizations adds a beautiful soundtrack to outdoor environments, enhancing the experience of nature enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Birds are the only living creatures with the ability to truly fly (excluding insects and bats). Their mastery of the skies, with graceful maneuvers and astonishing aerial displays, evokes a sense of wonder and freedom. Birds exhibit a wide range of fascinating behaviors, from complex courtship rituals to intricate nesting habits. Many species also display remarkable intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and social interactions that rival those of mammals. The migratory feats of birds, traveling vast distances across continents and oceans, are nothing short of miraculous. Their presence helps maintain the balance of ecosystems and contributes to the health of the environment. For many people, birds serve as a connection to the natural world. Watching birds in their native habitats can be a meditative and grounding experience, providing a sense of peace and harmony amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. For me, birds are truly remarkable pieces of art, each and every bird evokes beauty unlike anything else I have ever seen. From the common and meek Sparrow, to the large and imposing Falcons and Hawks that litter the sky. I love birds, and if you treat a bird well, it will love you too.

With all my love,

Ioan Ciobănescu

[libidomechanica]

“They were a good notes; and yet more, for who can tell”

To kill; but I know where away     down; call no more,—her sweeter than those who have it not euill     that small pale body answer’d; fool; who threw a rueful glance,     tossing the present vouches for who’s to Love as fire to     work&weep. For if my pure

as a pearl, lying on the dews     on quenchless tribes: and the roofs. Forget the Laocoon’s and every     lucky blunders no less imperious passions will     I see you could employ, like the same fumes are trances and     lose their heart, that stuck on

a heaven and adore thee, like     the cops. Then unconfinèd wings of Pegasus seems they bring     the winds which of The Shah, that all these finger, but in the     passion drew cloud, sweet, he always signe of dressing ayme do     guesse. By nature risen

from his own weight. Call no more, you     know, is a thing is mocked at! Put up your songs were many—     still her then the sand at once; and yet, as upon a pillars?     But after battle, small, but of love; but what thy owne     worth’s unknown thing in holes,

as he sate by the charm or hope     I what I need not in my Love, foolish fires do stray; your     courtly nor kind sea-caves! That Colin sing. Where Homer’s spring     hast luld me of his race. Enough to look her view, by     cold neglect is hastening,

as those wild instinct like frosty     rime, that inward fate proposed blisse, and in two. Flame of the     trains. Is light, some beauty should by time deceased loves nothing     person to scare the old woman in our chronicle of     design! Himself o’ermaster’d

by her glance, tossing the lap     of the work of ages on recording of life’s thorny     path o’ care. To pass their native land. It made for heavenly     thinking off the balance ourselves about her large dark     eyes were wont to make an

Eve, be the deep; where great in some     one else. And brilliance—and the beach the morn; in every Christ     toil up and swimming in wet skin on flat, cool old sworder,     took the bleeding flash’d through wind and eye, and afternoon where     Laura lay, within his

father’s blood that brought it best to     kill; but I’ll pluck you a wreath of chosen ones; we’ll have been     greater woe: the river damm’d from ours, where the stars were once     more gem to enrich her sire: On me, ’ she cries, on! A     glory which the ministering

and one way yet, may pause the     rising and dauncing, didst mould my Heart. These are the dark, in     the sea, the lake doth glittering, windpipe-slitting vpon a     hill so hye, hey ho the arcades, among the manure of     her. And then with her sire’s

arm, which touch was their carrion,     just as Sol’s heat is quench the kids had never came from your     mouth made a pause. The night, with false New England for the way,     ’ laughed the greenest laurels sprung from out that all its thoughts arise,     when two people take

exception than Buonaparte’s     cancer: could prepare to break. Are cool, like a better under     the kings of Them it could be the mail, lets fall the     Courtesies of the head, so glad it has not said all, to one     ever done for payne, and

failed to stare a moment merry,     a novel word in my License and it always promise     there’s no such Liberty. What a trophy used, and tender     as dew, impetuous as rain, to take a lodging is,     the blossom.—An’ Charlie,

he’s my darling, the young troop, and     canst though modest, on his unembarrass’d brow nature’s range,     nothing but then, much good poem,—for both sides I could give     invent he robs thee their web away, as some gaiety and     grind, and triumphant, and

fynd no party, juan replied, Not     while thou dost break in your body takes cakes? Fearing late a     fable and stern as her eares were wet, and cheek the blossoms     are over; still and crow flock o’er their path, lying coiled     atop the game, when down

swung the fools of time beneath that     severely wounded; yet could not do t ye, gentlemen.     With sweets that bird? Of several ribands, and haggard with     other like a dancer! To feele no woe, when a’ was     done. I dreamed the fatal

knife, deep question is—that inward     eye which to choose, and the new-blooming visage wore, hey ho     the heart nectar-brimmed. Our heart have known, your brain went down by     my side my ministerial trade. Who spat&called me. Which     few men’s limbs in like sunny

gems on any Younger Lover.     At the prosperous House; a Road of Mire where the     stirring of Empire, never hear my sisterhood: for     her eyes? White should be the fruit of love; the fire burst forth from     her hand did raised for the

fluorescent be unreturn’d. They     were a good notes; and yet more, for who can tell! By turning     here holding a Staircases, hallways—perhaps the earth until     the meadow sky, the young heart, and carcasses that sad     inexplicable touch.

I call him a cheat; for who’s song;     love was back. She sends me a choice of the rag of her Beauty     lay. Now was young herald knelt before, there shoulder bore     her head, half full—already paid our dues. And no wind blows     upon his dear, were gone!

[ronsenthal]

Heyo ma chère amie 💚 I was interested, what are some things you love about your country and culture?~

hey baaaby!! such an interesting question!!! okay so let's do it

Brazilian portuguese is such a beautiful language, so poetic and intricate, like we have some words that cannot be fully translated such as saudade, cafuné, xodó, dengo and it's so hard to learn it but I wish everybody could understand it, we have so many great writers and some had their works translated I highly recomend Machado de Assis, Jorge Amado, Clarice Lispector, Carlos Drummond de Andrade and Cecília Meireles

MUSIC because I feel like I didn't fully appreciated brazilian music while growing up but we have Classical music, Samba, MPB, Tropicália, Bossa Nova, Pagode and even Rock 'n' Roll! of course having such a beautiful language helps I fully believe we have one of the greatest musicians, singers and songs in the whole world I tried to come up with a list of my fav but it's HUGE so I'll leave a playlist with my favs here

I absolutely LOVE how diverse is our culture, some academics tried to explain it, tried to map it but I don't believe there is a way to fully explain how beautiful, creative and even after so many pain how special brazilians are, our country is trully HUGE so in every direction you look there is this own culture and way of life, accents, foods, folklore, it's truly special even through there should be more respect between the regions. I wish we could and we should treat better our native people, our laws aren't protecting their lives so let alone their heritage!!!

FOOD!!!! because as a good taurus I love food and we are fortunate to have one of the world's greatest cuisines, we have feijoada, rabanada, baião de dois, coxinha, brigadeiro, pão de queijo, churrasco, barreado, I could really spend the whole day talking about good food

Natural beauties!!!! listen if there is entities looking out for us then they really love Brazil, sometimes I can't even believe my own eyes when I see birds, wild animals, our landscapes, islands, forests, rivers, waterfalls, plants, trees and flowers, there is something really special about this country and it's beyond my poor habilities to put it into words

In summary I'm not afraid to say that we are special, in the face of so much pain and adversity we found a way to turn it around, to make something beautiful

[kumothe-artichoke]

Chapter 2 : the start

There may be mistakes. English is not my native language.

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Characters in this chapter :

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“-You !”

Kumo says this in an unpleasant tone. The blue-haired boy has a bow in his back. He has rather short hair. Hearing Kumo's voice, he turned around, looking threatening. He has only light blue pupils, without any light inside. He is blind. Kumo could now see his outfit. This one had nothing to do with the one which Kumo had thought of. The teenager's gaze changed. She was wrong. This boy was not the one she expected.

“- What ?”

The boy had a slight broken voice. He was waiting for an answer from Kumo, but she was so surprised that she was wrong that she did not answer. After a few minutes, she spoke in a small anxious voice.

“-Uh… sorry… nothing…”

A silence. The boy was about to turn around to continue on his way, but Eucalyptus suddenly intervened.

“-Kumo ! You are so talented! How did you find someone strong at the first time?!

-Wh-what ? Kumo looked at eucalyptus, not understanding what she meant by that.

-Well, this boy is strong! Look at him, don't you feel it?”

Kumo looked at the boy again, who had stopped again to *look* at the two girls. Now, she can see it. The aura he gave off was special.

“-Well, sir uh, the blue-haired boy. Do you want to join our organisation ? Eucalyptus says it without thinking too much about how suspicious this sudden request was.

-No. Bye. The boy had answered that without even thinking. He was about to leave again when eucalyptus stopped him a second time.

-Wait ! Our organisation aims to destroy the Cross. Aren't you interested ?”

The boy's look changed. Indeed, Eucalyptus had just raised a point that interested him.

“-Maybe... how many members are there in the organisation?

-Two.

-Two ?! Only two ? And you really want to succeed in destroying an organisation made up of hundreds of people and which is the central pillar of all other organisations with TWO people ?!

-Aha, well if you join it, we'll be three. So no, your thing doesn't work.

-Uhh…. Well, how do you plan to destroy the Cross?

-Join the organisation and I'll tell you.”

Kumo watched the two discuss. She was in retreat... COMPLETELY panicked. It was too much social interaction for her. The discussion continued...

“-So, do you want to join us, Mr. the blue-haired boy?

-Stop calling me that. My name is Zephyr.

-Okay, sorry, the blue-haired boy called Zephyr. I'm Eucalyptus. And, there, it’s Kumo. My friend. And also my work colleague in the organisation.

-uh… uh. He- hello ? Kumo was trying to smile but she remained anxious to talk to a stranger.

-Hi ?… Zephyr looked strangely at Kumo before looking at Eucalyptus again. So, uh. Yeah. Why not try your organisation. I hope it's worth it, otherwise I resign directly.

-Nooooo waaaay… Zephyr ! Thank you so much ! Eucalyptus jumped into the arms of her new colleague, who immediately pushed her away.”

Kumo remained silent, but began to be a little more comfortable. The three new colleagues began to walk together. Eucalyptus was constantly talking about everything and nothing: such as how beautiful the song of the birds was or how huge a tree was. Zephyr not answered her, except Kumo who nodded from time to time. The more time passed, the more Kumo placed small words and sentences. After walking for about 30 minutes, a sign said: "You are leaving the Arden Forest. Welcome to Anclona, the Department of Peace.”

“-Finally ! Sighed Eucalyptus.

-Why are we here? The Arden Forest is calmer, isn't it? In Anclona, there are far too many... people…. Erk… Kumo looked away by saying that.

-Anclona is a place on, there is no fight or problems of organisations here. I prefer not to leave this department until the plan is finalised. Eucalyptus had a serious look, for once, by saying that.”

Kumo nods, then the three walked a little before arriving at the border of a village. They bypass it, not wanting to attract attention. After a few minutes, eucalyptus stopped walking and sat down on a trunk that was falling to the ground. Zephyr did the same, but Kumo stood up.

“-Okay. It's time to unveil my SUPER COOL plan against the cross... Eucalyptus was smiling.

Zephyr suddenly intervened.

-Wait, Eucalyptus. Someone is listening to us. He had a dark look. Kumo had felt it too. She looked behind a trunk.

- Get out of here.”

White feathers could be distinguished.

Is that wings?

Who was hiding behind this trunk?