#TO BE CLEAR i love them both and they both serve great functions in the story. i just thought going in

[lesbianpegbar]

i think one thing that’s funny about ajin (aside from everything about it) is that if you only know about it from the anime or general cultural osmosis you think that kai is gonna be a secondary protagonist and our yaoi bait but when you read the manga it’s like no he’s. gone. for dozens of chapters. and then they just drop this other guy who looks kinda like kai if you squint into the narrative and he is Always there and fills that role instead. sorry guys the childhood friend is gone here is this kinda stupid random construction worker instead have fun

[yumeka-sxf]

Was not expecting a Yuri/Yor chapter, but it was a pleasant surprise! First thing I want to mention is the fact that Yor is not wearing her usual Thorn Princess earrings, but instead has rose earrings similar to the button on her red blouse.

I could be wrong, but I believe this is the first time we've seen her with different earrings. Perhaps it's an indication that she's feeling more "at ease" as far as her relationship with her Thorn Princess identity, since we know that her usual earrings function as weapons if needed. Maybe she doesn't feel as much of a need to be "on guard" all the time as she used to be.

As for the bulk of this chapter, it featured great character development for the Briar siblings. What stood out to me the most is how hard it is for Yuri to understand that Yor's happiness truly does come from the happiness of others, plus the fact that she has very few desires for herself, especially materialistic ones that can be bought at a store. It's hard for him to grasp because he spent his whole life watching her selflessly sacrifice her own childhood to take care of the both of them, so he feels he has to overcompensate. But again, because he can't fathom that she actually enjoys taking care of others, the only explanation he can come up with for her lack of wanting things for herself is that the Forgers are "controlling" her somehow (also due to his own bias, lol).

It was amusing how Yuri's attempts to frame Loid and Anya as "brainwashing" Yor failed miserably...it only served to highlight how much she cares about them, especially Anya. I loved the below panel ❤️ She's such a mom.

By the way, this next panel cracked me up the most 🤣 I was curious what the "go at it" part was in the Japanese version, and it turns out to be the verb 絡む ("karamu"). It has several meanings, but mainly it means "to be entangled with" either with physical things like vines or wires, but also to be entangled with a person in a problematic way, such as by quarreling. I can only imagine how Yuri interpreted this 😂

In the latter part of the chapter, Yor finally made it clear to Yuri that he doesn't need to keep pitying her. She states that she enjoyed the time she spent taking care of him, and whatever negative feelings she had after he left her are in the past, so he doesn't have to keep trying to compensate for it.

For a brief moment, Yuri daydreams about the two of them going back to their hometown to live peaceful lives before ultimately realizing that they have responsibilities in the city that they can't just abandon. The emphasis on their respective "real" jobs that they can't reveal to each other, plus the later scene of Yuri lamenting that he feels distant from Yor because he can't show her who he's really become, definitely gave me a feeling of foreboding. Plus the fact that the chapter ends with him possibly being assigned a new job.

Even though the rest of the Forgers didn't appear in this chapter, we did get this precious little panel when Yuri was musing about why he feels so lonely. So thank you for this Yuri and your rolodex wheel of anxious thoughts 😂

I think it's still too soon for any kind of big, story-shattering reveal, but I feel like Yuri's next assignment could be something akin to the mole hunt arc, where something big almost happens...the fandom focuses a lot on a Twilight/Thorn Princess reveal, but a Briar sibling reveal would be just as major in my opinion, which is the vibe I got from this chapter. Since Yuri already had an encounter with Twilight, what if he had some kind of run-in with Garden next? 👀

...or maybe this was just a standalone chapter and we'll never find out what Yuri's next assignment is because it's not important and the next chapter will move on to something else 😅 I'd say it's 50/50 at this point, lol.

[charseraph]

Pardon me, but how the FUCK do you draw machines so well? everything industrial you draw FEELS industrial, and when I try I just get. boxes…

Thank you! And great news! Machinery is made up of boxes, cylinders, and other simple forms intercepting at different sizes, angles, and smoothness.

I suggest looking up clear photos of machines you like and putting them into a drawing file. Vitally, learning what parts of a machine do helps in 1. remembering where/what certain shapes are and 2. drawing believable structures because you are guided by how something meant to serve a function is shaped. Machine design has a ton of intentionality both in aesthetic and function, so identifying (or at least guessing) designers’ mindset for both in a machine is a fun exercise.

Making a machine character/location you love to draw is a great way to jumpstart studying. Play becomes genuine practice.

[justkitkatthings]

You always thought you were used to this life. You grew up in it, after all. Your parents had both served, your grandfathers had both served, and your great grandparents, etc etc.

What you weren’t used to, however, was dealing with it alone.

Just going to the bar real quick, we’ll bring you back a drink. Yeah, right. When your parents went anywhere at a function like this, there was no doubt they’d run into a million people who want to talk to them. Why did you agree to come here again?

Right, the drinks. And the men. But mostly the drinks. Your parents hadn’t even made it to the bar, lovely. It was only a matter of time until-

“Ma’am, can we sit here?” A nice looking woman interrupted your peace.

Can they? You didn’t know. It wasn’t like there were assigned seats, and your parents like to talk to just about anyone.

“Sure.” You smiled and reluctantly set your phone down. You didn’t want to talk to these people, but you had to keep up appearances for your parent’s sake.

The woman smiled and set her stuff down across the table from you, including a drink, which you were eyeing. You’d could really use one right about now, you hoped your parents were at least at the bar and ordering now.

“Would you like a drink?” The woman asked politely, probably assuming you were another spouse or a lonely rookie.

“No, thank you. My parents are getting me one.” You answered with a polite smile, albeit a little forced.

The woman looked a little taken aback for a moment, before realization crossed her face and she gasped. She lightly hit the arm of what you assume to be her husband, breaking him out of the conversation he was having. “You’re the Colonel’s daughter! John, it’s the Colonel’s daughter.”

The man, John (he really looked like a John, you thought), had glanced at you and smiled. He looked like that one really happy animal. It helped take your mind off the lack of drink.

“It appears like it. I’m Captain John Price, I worked with your father a few years back, and this is my wife. It’s nice to meet you.” He held out a calloused hand.

You shook it and introduced yourself, even though you didn’t really need to, which was kind of weird, but you’re used to it by now.

Luckily, that’s when your parents came back, and with your drink. Alcohol and no socializing? Sounds like your kind of night. Except, they had to mess with your plan.

The table filled up with other high ranking couples and you thought you were in the clear. They could all entertain themselves, since they deemed this table the important people table. There was only one empty chair, which you thought would remain empty for the end of the night. But there was a lonely looking man with a mohawk the next table over, and your parents and their coworkers were bleeding hearts.

“Johnny, get over here!” John called out with a wide grin, gesturing to the empty chair. Right next to you. Damn it, you’re going to need another drink.

The mohawk man perked up and refused at first, but he couldn’t really say no to a bunch of stubborn higher ups. So now this hairy tank of a man with a weird haircut (is that even in regs? You’d have to ask your dad later) was sitting right. next. to. you.

“Hi.” You offered him a pursed lip smile and sipped your drink, trying to ignore the chastising swat your mother just delivered to your leg under the table.

Instead of engaging in more conversation, you just decided to listen to the one the officers around the table were having. You didn’t understand half of what they were saying anyways, so you could just sit there and look pretty. Well, at least until you got a few more drinks in you.

Some of your dad’s mentees ordered him a shot, which he couldn’t take since he was responsible and driving home at the end of the night. And who better to offer it to than his daughter in her twenties? Then, the general put a shit ton money on the bar tab, so everyone had even more to drink, including you.

As you were going up to the bar for your umpteenth drink, you bumped into the hairy man again. You narrowed your eyes at him and tilted your head. “Y’know, your haircut’s cute in like… an ugly way.”

“Oh?” He smirked and raised an eyebrow. “Tell me more, bonnie.”

“I don’t know.” You hiccuped and shrugged. “It’s unique, but you’re hot, so it balances out, hairy.”

“Ma name’s Johnny, bon, not Harry.” He countered with a deep chuckle, that you thought you could feel vibrating in your ovaries.

“No, hair-y. Like hair.” You corrected him with a drunk giggle, putting a hand on his bicep and gently tugging the dark hairs there.

“Yeah, I got lots o’ hair.” He agreed with a nod and a very amused expression.

“Like… everywhere?” You asked, your voice barely a whisper.

“Everywhere.” He answered, his voice dropping to match yours. “You wanna see?”

And that’s how you ended up hungover and sore, in more than one way, in a stranger’s bed the next morning. Your parents are going to be pissed.

[happyk44]

Something something Zeus having a panic attack the night before their final siege because what if he fails, what if all his careful planninh becomes undone, what if it's all been for nothing

And Hera catches him, and she's surprised but not too much because ever since they met him the other five has seen the cracks, they've known he was crumbling but too proud, too unwilling, too uncomfortable to ask for help. So she settles up next to him and helps calm his racing heart and soothes him with reassurances. He will be fine. He will win. Everything will work out. She believes in him, they all do. If they didn't, they would have left. But they didn't, haven't, because they trust him, they believe in him.

They love him.

And if it doesn't? If everything falls apart? So what? They'll just try again. They'll save him and they'll run to safety far beyond their father's reach and they'll start over. They'll keep starting over, keep mastering their domains, keep trying - because one day they'll win, and when they do, he'll take the throne and be a great king.

He breathes easy into his wet hands as her words, soft, kind, honey warm, dip into his head and clear away the doubts and fears with every gentle sweep of her head against his hair.

Pulling back, he states at her through wet eyes. She's illuminated by the moonlight beaming in through the open window. She's always been pretty, but he never realized how soft her angular features were. She'd been sharp, a razor's edge, since the day he saved them all and she punched him the face because they knew nothing of his existence and assumed he was trying to stop their escape.

But now her eyes are gentle, and her calloused hands are a comfort, not a weapon. Her words, usually pointing out his mistakes, correcting him, are kind.

She's always been this kind, he realizes. Her corrections are help. He's known, far back in his mind, that this has always been the intention - from all of them. Their ideas and suggestions. It's just been hard to accept them - even when he knows it'll work out better than his, or when they point out the flaws in his own thinking.

Even surrounded by nymphs his whole life, he's felt alone. Working since birth for this moment in solitude. Help has never been presented to him before. Just subservience.

"And even if you struggle," she continues, her fingers threading through his curls, "we'll be there to push you back up. Well, I'll definitely be there. Hestia wants to see the world and Poseidon is so clingy he'll probably follow her. And Demeter has been dreaming about vegetables." She snorts. "And there's no way Hades is moving into the castle. It's too high up and the sun burns him so easily. But I'll be there. I'll be your... second-in-command."

Second-in-command...

"I have a lot of ideas for how we can improve the function of Olympus to the people we serve, and I think-"

"Marry me," he whispers.

Her fingers stop. "What?"

"Marry me," he says, this time louder, clearer. "If we win, if our father finally falls, marry me. Be my queen. No second-in-command, just... In command."

She stares him. Then quirks her lips like he told a funny joke. "You don't handle equality of power very well."

"I know," he says. "But I trust you."

Her face slips bewildered. "You don't trust anyone," she says slowly. "We all figured that out very quickly. It's one of the reasons we don't listen to you."

"I need that," he says. He shifts and grabs both her hands in his. She's always been taller than him, they all are, save for Hestia. It's been a fight to maintain a height above his natural for so long, but now he settles, small and on his knees. "I need you. You... Fight me when I get in my head. You don't listen. You don't obey. I don't want to be our father. You would never let me become him." He pulls her hands to his chest. "And you're a genius. You see the flaws in my thinking and I hate that but..."

How many times did she point out the flaws in his plans and make better suggestions? How many times did she argue with him until his shoulders relaxed and the worries that had been filling his head were gone, only the sound of her voice and the fight of her words willing his mind? About the dumbest things. The silliest concepts. He moved her cup. He didn't take off his sandals and tracked in a small scrape of dirt into the house.

How many times before now had she calmed him without him realizing?

Her voice was always pleasant. He liked to fight with her. She was less annoying than Poseidon and didn't hold her punches. Didn't complain when he struck her in a spar. Just grinned, feral and bloody, and gave back tenfold.

And she wanted to be there. To rebuild Olympus into something better, something new.

"I need it. I need an argumentative asshole who doesn't let me get stuck in my head and calls me out on my shit," he breathes.

"Everyone argues with you," she points out. "And we all call you out when you're being an idiot."

"Not like you," he shoots back. Hades and Hestia approach him like a little kid, soft words, gentle parenting. But he is not their child, he didn't grow up under their thumb, trapped in the dark and humid of a man's stomach. Demeter and Poseidon are petty. Demeter gets grumpy and stubborn, hides her thoughts beneath passive-aggressive behaviour. Poseidon just attacks head on without thought at the slightest provocation.

Hera comes at him with ferocity but none of the teeth. She's stubborn but in his face about it. She doesn't mince her words, she doesn't hide.

She's perfect.

And he needs her. By his side. Forever.

Or he'll choke on his own feats and destroy everything he's worked for.

"Marry me." He's never begged for anything in his life, but he's willing to now. He'll humiliate himself in the quiet darkness of this room, in front of someone who already stares him dead in the eye and tells him he's an idiot. "Please."

"I don't know," she says, but she doesn't take her hands away from him. "I think we'd kill each other. Especially without the others around to mediate."

He thinks about that. Thinks about waking up after a fight, a disagreement about where to put paintings, or what colour rug should adorn the halls. A knife in his chest, or her hands around his throat, and his heart races. Warmth eclipses him.

Yes, he thinks. "I'm okay with that."

She raises an eyebrow. "What if I'm not?"

He falters and she laughs pulling her hands away and standing up. Panic bursts in his heart. "Hera-"

"Beg," she says. "Swallow your stubborn pride and tell me that I am great and deserve to be queen. That you'll fail without me by your side."

He doesn't have to swallow his pride. It's already gone. On his knees with tear tracks staining his cheeks, his most vulnerable moment exposed. Her eyes are cold, her arms crossed over her chest. She regards him and he feels small.

"I need you," he breathes. "Marry me. Please. Be my queen. I can't do it without you." It's not a lie, he thinks, and her icy demeanour slips at the speed to which he confesses it. "You're a bitch, and you drive me up the wall some days, but you're calculating and logical and you'd would be perfect to rule beside me. I'd be stupid not to want you seated next to me for the rest of my life."

She stares at him with wide eyes. Then lowers herself to her knees. She cups his face between both hands. "I think you'd be fine without me," she says softly and he wants to cry. Wants to debase himself to her. "But I accept."

He exhales and out flow all the doubts.

"You will come up with a thousand plans for perfection and order," she hums. She presses their foreheads against one another and he grips her wrists tightly as he closes his eyes. "And I will help you implement the ones that are actually worthwhile." She laughs softly and it's like a drug. "And throw out the ones that are beyond idiocy."

"I am never an idiot."

"You are always an idiot." She kisses the top of his head. "But you have many good ideas."

"So do you," he admits.

She sits back and smiles. He wants to see it for the rest of his days. "I know."

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Joyce Vance at Civil Discourse:

Friday night, the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (who is black) and the Navy's top admiral (who is female) were fired, along with the most senior Judge Advocates General (JAGS) for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., the African American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and an advocate of anti-racism training in the armed forces, has been replaced by Dan “Razin’” Caine. Caine is a retired Air Force lieutenant general, with none of the traditional qualifications for this position and whose return to active duty from retirement will require a legal exemption. Trump made it clear that Caine possessed the key quality he looks for in all of his top-level appointees: personal loyalty. In announcing the selection he recounted the story of meeting Caine in 2018, when Caine supposedly said, “‘I love you, sir. I think you’re great, sir. I’ll kill for you, sir.” Trump claims he then put on a Make America Great Again hat. Laughing, Trump said, “You’re not allowed to do that, but they did it.” It forces the question: Is Donald Trump trying to turn the military into a political weapon, just like he’s trying, and at least partially succeeding, in doing at the Justice Department? The Founding Fathers created a military with civilian leadership to minimize the prospect of a takeover by a military strongman. The principle of civilian leadership of the military is so deeply ingrained in Western democracies that it’s a requirement for inclusion in NATO.

[...] And that’s the heart of it, why dismiss them? Why on a Friday night? Why so many all and once? And why the Judge Advocates General? Members of the Judge Advocates General Corps, for instance, respond to legal questions about rules of engagement, targeting, intelligence law, and detainee operations. They are military lawyers whose core functions involve military justice and law of war. They offer advice on questions including what constitutes an illegal order, what is a war crime, what is a constitutional violation. Replacing their leadership with Trump loyalists could have serious implications for how the military reacts in a number of situations, including assisting with mass deportations and policing protests, which they are currently prohibited from doing by the Posse Comitatus Act. Members of the military take an oath to the Constitution, not a loyalty oath to the president. The idea of loyalty to the Constitution is deeply ingrained in the officer corps and among senior enlisted soldiers. But principles can be undercut, and the concern is that is what Trump and Hegseth are putting into motion.

Hegseth is now making good on the opinions that likely got him the job in the first place. On November 7, 2024, in a podcast interview, he said, “First of all, you got to fire the chairman [of the] Joint Chiefs. But any general that was involved—general, admiral, whatever—… in any of the DEI woke shit has got to go.” Hegseth criticized chief of naval operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to serve as the Navy’s top combat officer, in his 2024 book, where he dismissed her as “another inexperienced first.” Hegseth’s baseless insistence that Black people and women can only achieve high rank by scoring what he characterizes as “DEI points” is despicable. And it’s belied by the fact, that Brown and Franchetti both have military experience that far exceeds Hegseth’s. They also have demonstrated commitment to the Constitution and our national security.

The Trump/Hegseth purges of military leadership on Friday night are about turning the military into a tool that serves Trump instead of the Constitution.

Guess who the ones purged by this military readiness-weakening move?

Mostly women and minorities in leadership roles.

[thecoolerliauditore]

lrb insane post incoming.

Alot of the "jimmy is genuinely incompetent and the taking away of his agency is necessary to keep him safe" reminds me of the discussion surrounding this obscure-ish character from the second season of the telltale walking dead games. This is Sarah. Say hi Sarah.

Sarah is a 15 year old girl with a very protective father. She acts as a direct point of comparison for the main character Clementine in the season -- them both being young girls in the apocalypse, but where Clem has been taught how to survive, Sarah is left helpless due to her father's insistence any exposure to the horrors of the apocalypse would leave Sara "unable to function".

It becomes clear throughout your interactions with Sarah that she too is frustrated with her lack of survival skills, and at one point asks Clem to teach her how to shoot a gun (something her father forbade her from). She's naive, but intelligent enough to know that the other survivors see her as a liability, and wants to pull her weight, but she's never given the chance to prove her own worth because the other survivors have already decided for her that she's incapable.

A lot of players, including myself, became incredibly endeared to Sarah. I personally really wanted to build her and Clem's friendship, especially since a lot of the other characters that season consisted of grown ass adults who, in my eyes, put a ridiculous amount of responsibility on the 12 year old. The multiple opportunities throughout the season to encourage Sarah's independence fed this desire very well.

Another character, Jane, gets introduced mid-season who absolutely Hates Sarah and continuously instructs Clem to give up on trying to keep Sarah alive. It's revealed later that Clem and Sarah's dynamic reminded Jane of herself and her dead sister's. Jane, who is hyper-competent, tells Clem she loved her sister dearly and misses her but her sister wasn't cut out for the apocalypse and she eventually left her to die, unable to bear the burden of taking care of her anymore.

At the time, this revelation of Jane's backstory only cemented to me that everyone was wrong about Sarah and their mindset towards survival as a whole. Jane is traumatized, clearly deeply affected by her sister's death and is now projecting those feelings on to a fucking 12 year old kid and her slightly older friend. That and the actual circumstances of Jane's sister's death being left unclear (FYI I'm not a "Jane killed her sister" believer but I do think it's interesting she frames the story as if her sister's death was her direct responsibility) made me want to see Sarah succeed all the more. To prove Jane wrong, to prove her father wrong, to prove all the other survivors wrong.

But this is TT Walking Dead so Sarah dies regardless of your actions. One death gives you the opportunity to leave her behind like Jane urged you to or slap her to motivate her, which I actually really love. The other, unavoidable death has Sarah just straight up fall into a horde of zombies and die and there's nothing you can do about it. Fuck all that character development and time you spent on her, she's gone.

And this is more of a symptom of TT Walking Dead's bad writing as a whole especially in season 2 and not necessarily unique to Sarah -- but what is unique to Sarah is the amount of people who took her inevitable death as proving Jane and her father Right.

Which is ridiculous to me -- half the cast of season 2 dies without fanfare. Luke, who serves as one of the leaders of the group, can die via just falling into a lake. Sarah's father dies Before she does regardless of your choices.

It's a great example of confirmation bias. A literal rooftop collapsing and sending Sarah falling into a horde of zombies is seen as a consequence of her lack of ability, but when the "competent" survivors die off it's because the apocalypse is "like that" and deaths are "random".

By now this would seem like fandom being fandom especially when due to the genre so many in the audience subscribe to that doomsday prepper, might is right, hyper-competent mindset. (<-- I have more thoughts regarding this and how this also impacts a lot of people's views on Jane, especially when it comes to applauding her for wanting Sarah to die but admonishing her for her "stupidity" when she gets pregnant. But misogyny is another discussion entirely)

But then, in an interview, it's revealed that this was very much how Sarah was Supposed to be taken.

^ full interview here.

Note that the yellow text is the guy from IGN, but I find these lines specifically very telling and the fact that the devs don't challenge these statements even more so.

By now I think I've made a lot of you forget this post started as being about Jimmy Solidarity, so I'll take this opportunity to point out what might be obvious -- the parallels in attitudes here, not only from a fandom perspective but also from a character (and creator!) perspective. Both examples even have people often using the setting as an excuse for Sarah and Jimmy's treatment, stating that there is no patience to be had for them in an apocalypse in Sarah's case or a death game in Jimmy's case.

You could make the argument here about age being a factor but to that I'd like to point out Sarah's comparison to Clem is often used against her -- Clem is 12, younger than Sarah and more competent. Why can't she be more like Clem? Directly using age to shame Sarah, Despite her being only 15. Using Jimmy's age instead would simply be moving the scale, the mindset of "you are older, you should know better" stays the same.

I will also use this as an opportunity to point out another thing that is probably already in the back of your minds -- Sarah being neurodivergent.

Many people -- and I'm talking regular everyday people, not people who usually dabble in autism headcanons -- read Sarah's character as being autistic or otherwise neurodivergent (the other popular ones I've seen are PTSD and extreme anxiety). Here's a reddit thread from five years ago as an example (note how OP and everyone else speaks: "I don't want to offend anyone, but...", these are not people who are typically actively looking for these themes, which I think speaks to how blatant it is)

Disregarding the discourse over whether Sarah acts as Good representation (<-- I don't think she does but I also don't think anything in season 2 is very good at all), her exhibiting traits that the general public widely view as akin to being neurodivergent and those words spoken by the IGN interviewer about her not being "normal" and sentiments like his paints a very grim picture of where people's dislike of Sarah and justifying of her treatment actually originates from.

And I just think it's. Interesting in a fandom as autistic as it is how many times I've seen people echo that sentiment. Note that I don't think Jimmy is autistic-coded the way Sarah is but I do think, for reasons I have previously pointed out, that they are comparable. Of course Scott had to keep Jimmy on a leash, he would've gotten himself killed otherwise or "ceased to function", as Sarah's father puts it.

And while I do think it is true enough to say that neither Sarah or Jimmy were truly given a chance to prove themselves, their incompetency being seen as a personal failing is also something I urge people to question more. Incompetency and being a liability to your peers is in no way a Good thing, I want to clarify, but neither Jimmy or Sarah wanted to be someone else's responsibility in the first place.

A slight aside to the main point of this, but I do must also mention: please check if you're drinking the doomsday prepper, power fantasy kool aid. Many of you have a very propaganda-y view of survival.

I'm not autistic as far as any medical certificates are concerned, however I do write very long essays on Minecraft Youtubers so I feel okay enough saying I probably have a little bit of neurodivergence in me. I have, for my entire life, been confused about the "hesitant to shoot a loved one turned zombie" trope because I think I just lack that specific brand of empathy. It's a zombie dude idgaf if it looks like my mum I'm shooting?? Can we do a show of hands on whether this non-neurotypical trait is Good or Bad in the context of a zombie apocalypse. The footnote is, regardless, "it is not a strength or weakness because zombies aren't real,".

Anyway yeah I don't like Telltale Walking Dead Season 2

[hannie-dul-set]

i had a question, like is it important to give detailed description of the surroundings? like can you give some advice on how to not over do it? i really struggle with the description of surroundings TT (please ignore if you dont wanna answer ^^) have a great day🫶✨

aaahhh this is such a nice question!! i haven't really deeply thought about this, but upon reflection, there are a few ways where describing the setting is/isn't really necessary. i'll be using excerpts from the psychology of strawberries to exemplify!

1. describing the surroundings is NECESSARY when it serves a narrative purpose. in the example below, the setting is important to give a clear picture of the events that have unfolded/the events to unfold (that is, ricky tripping over and injuring himself while taking bathrobe thirst traps 😭).

here, the surroundings are functional, have a direct influence on the story and the scene, so there's a need to describe them vividly.

2. in contrast, IT IS NOT NECESSARY to describe the setting in detail when it does not have a functional purpose. the opening scene of the fic, for example simply mentions that the mc and gyuvin are in a classroom. i didn't describe what the classroom looks like, where they are positioned in the classroom, etc. since it's not really important!

it's just mentioned in passing because, again, the setting doesn't really serve a purpose here. it could even be textually replaced by the courtyard, a park, a hallway— wherever, so there's no need for detailed description.

here's another example! mentioning that the mc is in front of the building is important to contextualize the following events, but the apartment building itself, at this point in time, does not exactly serve a greater purpose, unlike in point #1 where ricky's entire hotel room set-up needed to be described to explicate his accident.

3. describing the setting in detail MAY BE NECESSARY to add to the atmosphere, ambience, vibe of the scene. i do love me some vibey writing HAHAHHA i usually to this when a) it's an emotionally significant scene, or b) when i want to lengthen a paragraph (see my fic writing tips post as to why HAHA.

here, both a) and b) come into play. i could have just said that mc is outside the library, but this is an emotionally, important scene, so setting the environment and mood is important.

the surroundings are also described in detail here. you can see, however, that the architecture isn't really emphasized, and only how rich and fancy and opulent it looks because a) the mc hasn't been described to have a background in architecture or engineering, and b) if she were, it doesn't really serve a narrative purpose. the setting description is really just used to add to the vibe, and in the second section, rather than describing the venue itself, it's more focused on how the rest of the boys are interacting with the surroundings.

here as well, description is used to add to the ambience, and let me enumerate a few tips when it comes to describing settings itself:

describe your scene in relation to how the person is experiencing it. if it's from the reader's POV, correlate the setting to how their senses are receiving and perceiving the setting.

i always imagine my scenes as if they were shot as a move/show, HAHAHAH where is the camera pointing at right now? where is it panning? what sounds are playing? it helps create vividness while avoiding over descriptions at the same time.

describing the surroundings gradually instead of dumping it into giant paragraph can also help with your problem of overdoing it. this correlated to the first bullet point. describe the scene as the POV experiences it, introduce new parts of the surroundings as the POV witnesses it.

only describe the architecture, logistics, and layout of buildings and structures when a) it serves a narrative purpose, and b) when your mc is in the field of architecture, the arts, or literature, (or at least has a background in it that describing such things is a habit for them HAHAH).

really love answering questions like this so i'm always open for other writing related queries. anyway, i hope this is helpful to a degree! have a great day<33

[lurkingshan]

Love in the Big City Part 1: On Friendship

Let me start right out of the gate by addressing one of @bengiyo’s discussion questions: “What are your thoughts on the first major relationship breakup the narrator experiences being with his best female friend?” I have many thoughts about this, and it’s one of my favorite things about this novel. It means a lot to me that this story that takes us through the important relationships and great loves of our narrator (we’ll call him Young) begins not with a romance, but with a friendship. As someone who is long-term single and has been living on my own in a large city since my early 20s, I relate so much to the way Young clung to Jaehee, his hurt when their relationship began to change, and his resigned acceptance after her marriage that it will never be the same. Most of us who have lived through enough seasons of life have experienced this kind of shift in a friendship and know how destabilizing it can be, especially to those of us who do not rely on romantic partners as a primary source of emotional and practical support. 

It’s crucial when considering this relationship to be rooted in Young’s perspective as a gay man in a structurally and culturally homophobic society. As far as he is concerned, there is no possibility that he will fall in love, get married, have biological children, and fulfill the platonic ideal of a successful life that he has been taught to believe in. Young sets himself apart from those expectations and defiantly rebels against them, and he sees in Jaehee a kindred spirit. Both approach life with a kind of wry detachment and sarcastic wit, both are promiscuous and carefree about their sex lives, both care little for the people they date, and both rely primarily on each other for companionship. In their post on Part 1 @doyou000me posited that Jaehee and Young have a queer platonic relationship in which they serve as each other’s primary partners for everything but sex, and I completely agree. The two of them are functionally domestic partners, and for Young, whose sexuality precludes him from ever striving for marriage, this is an ideal set up and one he never wants to change. Though he never explicitly thought about it at his young age, I think he subconsciously hoped that he could live with Jaehee just like this for the rest of his life, seeking out men for sex and romance and otherwise coming home to her.  

The problem, of course, is that while Jaehee enjoys living this way with Young for a time, she was ultimately still raised under the same societal expectations Young is bucking, and her identity lends itself to her eventual capitulation and conformity in a way Young’s does not. So inevitably, she starts dating someone seriously, and everything changes. And here I want to get into one of @bengiyo’s other discussion questions: “The greatest distance between Jaehee and the narrator begins with her outing him to the future husband. For all of the narrator's prior concerns about being outed, why do you think he was so hurt?”

For me, the answer to this is clear: Young was hurt by this because it was a clear signal that Jaehee’s loyalty had shifted from him to her boyfriend. Young is not exactly closeted—we learn much more about this in Part 2, but even in Part 1 he is clearly living pretty openly as a gay man—but he and Jaehee had a longstanding agreement to lie to the people they date about each other’s genders and the exact nature of their friendship, and she broke this agreement for the sake of a boyfriend, which made it clear exactly how serious she was about this guy. Because as we see, the boyfriend finding out about Young is the beginning of the end for the way they’ve been living, as he expresses the expected discomfort with his girlfriend living with a man and begins his campaign to get her to marry him and live with him instead. Jaehee’s decision to break their promise was the first step to her choosing a more traditional lifestyle over their style of companionship—choosing her boyfriend over Young—and Young could feel that shift instinctually. In the moment he found out Jaehee outed him, Young knew that life with her as he knew it was over. He felt abandoned and that is why he was so hurt.

One of the things I love about the nature of this fracture in their relationship is it’s not some big dramatic explosion. Young doesn’t throw a fit and move out and Jaehee doesn’t dump him or really ever stop being his friend. They simply start drifting apart in the natural way that happens when your priorities change. The closeness they once had slowly fades away until they’re more like acquaintances, albeit acquaintances who hold an honored place in each other’s lives. Young and Jaehee continue living together for months after she gets engaged. Young helps her plan the wedding and is given an honored role at the event, explicitly acknowledged as someone important to her. She still invites him to her parties and includes him in her life. But it’s not the same, and Young doesn’t feel comfortable around the (het, conformist) people who now make up her social circle. Young doesn’t want to be the queer curiosity in Jaehee’s straight edge friend group; he wants to be her person, and he isn’t anymore, and that hurts. 

[alwaysfarawayeyes]

GatheringFiKi Trick or Treat event 2023

Trick Prompt: Something in de the Depths

Pairing: Fíli/Kíli

Rating: T

I spontaneously wrote a short prequel to my nearly (!!) finished story called ‘Ripped apart’.

I’ve also posted it on AO3 here. You can read Ripped apart here.

Fíli had seen them looking. They were staring and pointing when Kíli was close to him, when he and Kíli were together, just talking and holding hands. The councilmembers tried to be discreet, but Fíli noticed their scrutiny anyway.

Thorin's new council had formed within weeks of the great battle at their doorstep. The necessity of a council in Erebor had become painfully clear in the weeks directly following the battle. Balin had been run ragged to keep up-to-date on all the rebuilding, trades, cleanup, payments and new citizens, but it was just too much for him and Thorin to manage.

The council had a specific function. Thorin needed them to be his eyes and ears to keep up with everything happening within and around the mountain. They were tasked with researching and advising Thorin on all matters deemed important by them. 

Most of the councilmembers were old, some had even served Fíli’s great-grandfather Thrór.

Most of them were set in their ways, steadfast in their beliefs.

Most of them had rumors of corruption surrounding them, but none of these accusations had ever been proven.

All of them had too much power.

Their staring continued over the weeks that followed. Their whispers stopped when Fíli got too close. Their long documents were quickly hidden away when he walked past them. Something was wrong.

He confided in Kíli first. "They're just old and can't handle the sight of so much love and beauty when they look at us." Kíli joked. Fíli laughed along, but in the back of his mind warning bells were going off. He needed to keep Kíli away from them.

He confided in his mother. She was thoughtful, promising to look into it. 

He did not tell Thorin until he had overheard a councilmember mention Kíli by name while scowling and gesturing wildly. Kíli was no longer safe.

Thorin was busy, he always was, but he generally made time for his nephew. “Come in.” Thorin invited after the knock, putting down a folder of papers on top of a wobbly stack of other files.

Fíli thanked both his uncle and the member of staff who provided them with a cup of tea.

"It was a long day." Fíli sighed after they had both taken their first sip.

"And many such days will follow this one. It is the burden of ruling." Thorin agreed.

"I did not expect to be talking and sitting quite as much as I have been." Fíli confessed.

Thorin laughed. "It is different from our lives in the Blue Mountains and our life on the road." Thorin agreed. "But we can accomplish much more from our seats now than we ever could with our swords."

"It depends on what we want to accomplish." Fíli countered. "A band of orcs can hardly be thwarted from behind a desk."

"Touché."

The fire in the hearth provided a welcome noise during Fíli’s silence. Thorin looked at him expectantly. Everybody knew Fíli rarely visited for purely social reasons. There was always a purpose.

"I wanted to speak to you about the council." Fíli started after a particularly loud pop in the fireplace.

Thorin’s fingers tightened around his cup.

"What about them?"

"Perhaps I've read the situation wrong, but they seem preoccupied. By me and Kíli.”

Thorin frowned, pausing before saying “It seems only natural the council would take an interest in the heir to the throne of Erebor.”

Fíli felt his heart hammer in his ears. Thorin must have said it deliberately. The singular heir. Him and Kíli had always been the heirs, especially since their bond as Ones was publically acknowledged by Thorin.  

“So they are interested in me specifically?” Fíli asked, careful of his phrasing. He gripped his mug to keep his hands from shaking.

“In Kíli as well of course, but you especially. You are the most important Dwarf in the mountain after all. After me of course.” Thorin’s smile was strained. He put his cup down and folded his hands tightly together. “I am afraid our time is up. I want to finish this before I head to bed.”

Fíli nodded as he got up. He tried to smile, but his face felt numb. His suspicions had been confirmed. Something was brewing.

----

Want to know what happens next? Read it here.

[jonfucius]

Great Star Trek Rewatch - TNG Season 1

Originally posted on Twitter 17 March 2021 - 6 April 2021

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1 is up next in my Great Star Trek Rewatch. As with ENT, DSC, STX, TOS, TAS, and TOS FF, mini-reviews will document my progress.

Encounter at Farpoint: TNG's pilot is the weakest of the various series premieres. Saving graces are John DeLancie's fully-formed Q, the McCoy cameo, the visual effects, Patrick Stewart's commanding performance, and the greatest tag line: Let's see what's out there, indeed. 5/10

The Naked Now: This episode would have worked better once we knew our heroes a little better (perhaps after "The Arsenal of Freedom"). Since we're still getting to know them, this rehash of a superior TOS episode is flat on arrival. Fully functional, it ain't. 4/10

Code of Honor: It's a racist piece of dogshit. Next. 0/10

The Last Outpost: Man, these Ferengi that allegedly eat their enemies must be as bad the Klingons or the Romulans! Uh, no. They're bad, but not in the way we've been expecting. The T'Kon Empire is worthy of follow-up. 5/10

Where No One Has Gone Before: TNG’s first great episode. Reality powered by thought is a classic Trek idea. Kosinski and the Traveler are excellent guest characters. I’m not the biggest Wesley fan but I cheer every time he calls out Riker. 8/10

Lonely Among Us: There’s just not enough story here to sustain an entire episode. Also, justice for Engineer Singh, reduced to a wig on a chair in one scene. The Antican and Selay makeup, however, are very well done. 5/10

Justice: 90% of this episode is hot garbage. The remaining 10% goes to Picard’s speech about absolute justice (something governments still struggle with), and Crusher’s grief over losing her son. If the Edo really were this primitive, would Picard have stopped there at all? 3/10

The Battle: Wesley’s smugness (and the weak writing for Crusher and Troi) drags the score down a bit, but this is a fairly good first season effort. Learning more about the otherwise enigmatic Picard through a Ferengi’s quest for revenge works. 8/10

Hide and Q: Q’s return so soon after the pilot tries to do something interesting, but it’s not an engaging story. 6/10

Haven: Lwaxana Troi is a love her or hate her character, and I adore her. Wyatt’s chemistry with Troi makes him a believable rival with Riker for Troi’s affections. The Tarellian ship is a striking design. 7/10

The Big Goodbye: While this episode is responsible (for better or worse) for holodeck malfunction stories, this one has a reasonable amount of tension. The reaction to Whalen’s shooting is an excellent in-universe touch. Redblock is effortlessly malevolent. 8/10

Datalore: I would imagine this was the first time people really took notice of just how damn good Brent Spiner is. Evil twin plots aren’t new to Trek, but this is a good one. Glad to see both villains again at later dates. 7/10

Angel One: It’s a sexist piece of shit. Next. 0/10

11001001: The visuals are striking, as are the Bynars. The holodeck scenes with Picard, Riker, and Minuet are worth the price of admission. A solid mid-season installment. 7/10

Too Short a Season: Fountain of Youth episodes are corny at best. A combination of makeup and casting dooms this one from the start. The Iran-Contra parallels come through loud and clear. 4/10

When the Bough Breaks: The Aldeans' plight is sympathetic. I just get the feeling that there's not enough plot to sustain an entire episode each time I watch this one. It's not objectionable but it's not oustanding, either. It just is. 5/10

Home Soil: Some very subtle commentary on the ravages of colonization gets lost in the "ugly bags of mostly water" scene at the very end. Malencon's death is somewhat gruesome for Trek (at least until the airing of the season finale). 6/10

Coming of Age: An excellent first season effort, with Wesley's exam and Remmick's investigation serving as the impetus for the title. Will we see Quinn and Remmick again? Time will tell. 8/10

Heart of Glory: A strong Klingon episode that sows the seeds for RDM’s sublime “Sins of the Father”. All killer no filler. 8/10

The Arsenal of Freedom: Confining this episode to a soundstage limits the scope and stakes of this one, but I do enjoy Crusher and Picard’s scenes. I especially love the Lower Deckers on the bridge. Some good commentary on the military-industrial complex here. 7/10

Symbiosis: Did Nancy Reagan write this stinker? A bummer that this was one of Merritt Butrick’s final roles before his too-early death from AIDS. It could’ve been a great one, but it’s just mediocre. 5/10

Skin of Evil: The first time a series regular dies��for good. The behind-the-scenes tales are legendary, but aside from the goofy oil slick monster, Yar’s senseless death (randomly, in the line of duty) and touching funeral elevates this episode. 7/10

We’ll Always Have Paris: I don’t know why, but this one works for me. I like the sense of isolation as our heroes track down Manheim; and the time distortions are fun, even if the science doesn’t make sense. 7/10

Conspiracy: This episode's shocking climax still hits hard over thirty years later. The unnerving feel of the episode kicks in from the jump and is sustained through to the chilling tag. A shame that this wasn't followed up in live-action. 8/10

The Neutral Zone: The return of the Romulans is dramatic, but the best scenes for me are in the 5th act and the tag. Picard's speech to the refugees is an inspiring summation of Star Trek, and even after an uneven season, it's hard not to be energized for what's to come. 8/10

And with that, TNG Season 1 comes to an end in my Great Star Trek Rewatch. Final score: 5.84/10. Highest score(s): “WNOHGB,” “The Battle,” “The Big Goodbye,” “Coming of Age,” “Heart of Glory,” “Conspiracy,” “The Neutral Zone.” Lowest score(s): “Code of Honor,” “Angel One.”

[thecrystalcave17]

How to Cleanse and Charge Crystals: 9 Easy and Effective Methods

The practice of using crystals spans centuries deep into ancient spiritual traditions where they serve multiple mystical purposes including healing and manifesting desires. These stones function as powerful energetic devices because they both collect energy and boost its strength while transferring it to the surrounding environment.

The process of absorbing positive and negative energy from their environment makes crystals become energetically blocked. Continued reliability of crystals depends on completing a systematic cleaning process and recharge cycle.

In this guide, we will explore nine simple yet effective methods to cleanse and charge your crystals, ensuring they function at their highest vibrational state.

Understanding Crystals and Their Energy

Crystals establish energetic contact with their environment in order to help people achieve emotional balance while clearing negative energy and promoting individual growth. The crystal’s ability to accumulate unwanted energies reaches maximum capacity because of extended time usage. A proper cleansing procedure removes stagnant energies allowing the crystal to receive charging energy through which it maintains its powerful healing and intention setting abilities.

Crystals You Should Explore

Before we dive into cleansing methods, here are a few beautiful crystals worth considering for love, emotional healing, and self-care:

1. Aroha – Stone of Unconditional Love

Shop Now

This stunning crystal enhances self-love, promotes deep emotional healing, and encourages harmony in relationships.

2. Rose Quartz & Green Aventurine Guasha

Shop Now

A perfect combination for heart chakra healing and beauty rituals, helping to reduce stress and improve skin health.

3. Rose Quartz Tumbler Selection

Shop Now

Ideal for meditation, manifestation, and promoting inner peace.

4. Mini Rose Quartz Heart Pendants

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Carry the energy of love with you wherever you go with these delicate pendants. Checkout the most powerful stone to attract love from our website!

How to Cleanse and Charge Your Crystals?

1. Running Water Cleansing

Crystals can be effectively cleaned using natural running water as one of their most natural cleaning processes. When crystals go under flowing water this action washes out stagnant energy alongside restoring their natural vibrational resonance.

Hold your crystal under running water (preferably natural sources like a river, stream, or waterfall). If unavailable, tap water works too.

While rinsing, visualize any negative energy being washed away.

Dry with a soft cloth and let it rest in a clean space.

Tip: Avoid this method for water-sensitive stones like selenite, malachite, and hematite, as they may dissolve or become damaged.

2. Saltwater Bath

For centuries salt served as a cleaning force in various spiritual traditions. A saltwater bath functions to eliminate harmful energies from crystals while helping return them to their original natural state.

Mix a bowl of water with a tablespoon of sea salt.

Place the crystal in the solution for a few hours or overnight.

Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

Caution: Avoid using saltwater on soft, porous, or iron-based stones like lapis lazuli and pyrite, as it may cause erosion.

3. Smudging with Sage or Palo Santo

Smudging employs sacred smoke through an effective procedure to purify crystals while restoring their natural energy. For many centuries different cultural groups have employed this traditional practice to eliminate negative energy from their space.

Light a sage bundle or palo santo stick and let it produce a steady stream of smoke.

Hold your crystal in the smoke for about 30–60 seconds.

As you do this, set an intention, such as: “I cleanse this crystal of all unwanted energy and restore its natural vibration.”

Why it works: The smoke absorbs and dispels negative energy, making it a great all-purpose cleansing method.

4. Moonlight Charging

Soothing moon energy works as an effective yet moderately strong method for restoring crystal power. The crystal amplifies its natural vibrations through full moon energy because of the powerful lunar forces which make this method one of the top choices for charging crystals.

Place your crystals outside or on a windowsill where they can absorb the moon’s light.

Leave them overnight, preferably during a full moon for maximum energy absorption.

Collect them in the morning and store them in a safe space.

Tip: If the weather is bad, you can still charge your crystals indoors by placing them near a window.

5. Sunlight Charging

Sunlight provides a vibrant and uplifting energy that can recharge your crystals.

Place your crystals under direct sunlight for 2–3 hours.

Retrieve them before midday to prevent overexposure.

Caution: Some crystals, like amethyst, rose quartz, and fluorite, can fade under prolonged sunlight exposure.

6. Burying in the Earth

The Earth is a natural cleanser and can absorb any unwanted energy from your crystals.

Dig a small hole in the ground and place your crystal inside.

Leave it buried for 24–48 hours to allow the Earth to neutralize its energy.

Retrieve your crystal, clean off any dirt, and store it safely.

Tip: Mark the spot where you bury your crystal to ensure you don’t lose it!

7. Sound Cleansing

Best for: All crystals, especially those used frequently.

Sound healing uses vibrational frequencies to break up stagnant energy and restore a crystal’s natural frequency.

Use a singing bowl, tuning fork, or bells.

Play the sound near your crystals for a few minutes.

The sound waves will cleanse and recharge them simultaneously.

8. Selenite or Clear Quartz Charging

Certain crystals, like selenite and clear quartz, have self-cleansing properties and can purify other stones.

Place your crystals on a selenite plate or near clear quartz.

Leave them for a few hours or overnight.

Tip: Selenite never needs cleansing, making it a great investment for crystal enthusiasts.

9. Visualization and Intention Setting

Your thoughts and energy are powerful tools in cleansing and charging crystals.

Hold your crystal in your hands.

Close your eyes and visualize a bright white light surrounding it.

Set an intention for what you want the crystal to help with.

Why it works: Your energy directly programs the crystal, enhancing its effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

Regular cleaning processes together with energy charging allow you to preserve your crystals and their effectiveness. Users can select among methods such as smudging and moonlight and sound cleansing to reset the vibrations of their crystals. Regular cleansing and charging of your crystals allows them to maintain their healing energy alongside their safety protection.

[tomthomasblog]

Finding Your Purpose in the Church

Have you ever wondered what your true purpose is within the church community? It's more than just attending services or participating in events. Understanding your role can transform both your spiritual journey and the lives of those around you. In this article, you’ll discover how engaging with God’s call can elevate your faith and enrich the entire church body.

When you ignore God's call, it can lead to spiritual complacency. Think about it: are you simply going through the motions of your faith without truly engaging? History offers us a clear warning. Take ancient Israel, for instance. Their downfall wasn’t just about turning away from God; it was also a failure to listen to His call. They let their complacency blind them to the path God had laid out for them. By remembering these stories, you can reflect on your own life. Are you attentive to the ways God might be asking you to serve?

The church isn’t just a building; it’s a vibrant community of interconnected believers. Each individual brings something unique to the table, and every role is crucial to the health of the entire body. Just as your body needs every organ to function properly, the church needs each member to fulfill their purpose. This connection is what creates a supportive environment for everyone involved. Whether you have the gift of hospitality, teaching, or encouragement, your contribution matters.

Jesus shared an important mission with His disciples known as the Great Commission. He instructed them to make disciples, baptize them, and teach others to follow His teachings. This mission isn’t just for a select few; it extends to you and every believer. When you commit to this calling, you help promote spiritual growth, not just in your own life but in the lives of others as well. Think about how you can spread this message of love and truth to those around you.

The journey of sanctification—becoming more like Christ—is ongoing and guided by the Holy Spirit. This gradual transformation takes time and patience. Every decision you make brings you closer to understanding God’s will for your life, as well as your unique role within your church community. Embrace the process. As you learn to trust in the Spirit’s guidance, you’ll find fulfillment in your steps toward spiritual maturity.

Moreover, the church plays a vital role in revealing God’s wisdom to everyone, including those beyond its walls and even the heavenly beings. By being active in your community and living out your faith, you demonstrate God’s love and truth to the world. Your life becomes a testimony of how He works in extraordinary ways through ordinary people.

In conclusion, it is essential to heed God’s call in your life. Engage actively in your church community, and don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone. Make a commitment not only to grow in your own faith but also to help make disciples. Consider reaching out to someone who may need guidance on their spiritual journey or sharing your story with others. Let this be your challenge: choose to engage, support, and uplift those around you.

=======================

The Scripture Collection Playlist A compilation of 20 uplifting music videos inspired by a different Bible scripture. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoBTz-QtgDhox4diwLqHBjD4W-CtzM-8v

=======================

I wrote the song "Together in His Light" based on "Understanding Our Purpose in the Church"

unique blend of heavy metal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmtdp1SvupU hard rock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgVB_CZKF1E techno, drumline https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWGeZ0zsbJA

[ivoskulls]

Golden Healer Quartz Skull as the Perfect Gift for Spiritual Growth and Healing

When someone is on a spiritual journey, it's kind of hard and tricky to find the perfect gift for them that's both meaningful and impactful. That's why I finally feel the need to select this lovely golden healer skull, a powerful, meaningful gift encasing beauty and healing properties. Whether for one's self or a loved one, the golden healer quartz skull is more than an ornament is a tool for much deeper spiritual, emotional healing, and personal growth purposes.

What is Golden Healer Quartz?

Golden healer quartz-one of the quartz crystals characterized by its golden or yellow coloration. It owes its color mainly to iron oxide. Its beauty is unbelievable, but it is more than what stands behind its being beautiful. It is said to be a crystal with powerful healing properties that can balance and amplify energy in the body, aid in emotional healing, and help connect the user with their higher self.

The golden healer quartz can also be very symbolic in skull form. The skull often symbolizes transformation or rebirth in many spiritual practices. It represents the connection between the mind and spirit, and therefore this is a great tool to mediate through the healing properties of golden healer quartz.

The Symbolism of the Golden Healer Skull

Most cultures have cherished skulls since their invention. These skulls are usually treated with respect as an idol of wisdom and change, which serves as protection. At some point, a skull can be seen to symbolize breaking loose from negative energies and the starting of a new life in the spiritual world. The merging of healing crystal energy with the golden healer skull symbol makes the experience itself even more intensive. It represents clearing out mental and emotional blockages invites positive energy in one's life and helps an individual to evolve spiritually.

Giving the gift of a golden healer quartz skull would remind someone to open up his life to healing and transformation. It can be a gift to support not just the physical growth of the recipient but also their emotional and spiritual development.

The Healing Properties of Golden Healer Quartz

The golden healer quartz skull is particularly used for emotional healing. It could help one to get rid of old wounds or traumas, as well as negative thought patterns to free way for inner peace and balance in the psyche. Golden healer quartz is said to be a "master healer" because it heals every aspect of the body, the mind, and the spirit.

Physical Healing: Golden healer quartz is believed to work with the physical body to enhance healing processes. It can assist with pain relief, promote vitality, and support the body in overcoming illness.

Emotional Healing: The golden healer quartz skull can help individuals process deep-seated emotional issues. Its healing properties are believed to aid in releasing emotional blockages, fostering self-acceptance, and bringing emotional balance.

Spiritual Growth: It helps guide people toward enlightenment and self-consciousness. The golden healer quartz skull supports spiritual journeys by ensuring the user achieves clarity, strengthens intuition, and connects with higher states of consciousness.

The Golden Healer Skull as a Gift

More than being placed on a shelf, the golden healer quartz skull is a very beautiful gift that symbolizes care, intentions, and even spiritual recognition. It's a perfect gift to be given to a person who's currently on a path of personal development or healing. It could be for a birthday or anniversary or any other commemorative moment in their life. This stone functions as the most meaningful offering given to someone that can impact their spiritual and emotional journey.

For Healing and Personal Development: This might be the right companion for someone in your life working through personal struggles or on a healing journey. It could support the healing process with energies that bring relief and encouragement throughout the journey.

A Gift for Meditation or Mindfulness: Many meditation or mindfulness practitioners feel that healing crystals indeed enhance their practice. Perhaps the golden healer quartz skull might be used to help ground the person and clear mental debris so that inner peace can be accessed in meditation.

A Symbol of Spiritual Connection: For the spiritually motivated, it is transformation and awakening as embodied in the healing effect of the golden quartz skull. The powerful tool reminds them of their higher life purpose, keeping them on track with where they want to be and feeling connected to their spiritual goals.

How to Use the Golden Healer Skull for Healing

To tap the healing energies of the golden healer quartz skull, some knowledge of how to connect to the crystal is required. Here are a few quick tips on how to employ the golden healer skull for purposes of spiritual growth and healing:

Place it in Your Meditation Space: For individuals who meditate regularly, placing the golden healer quartz skull in their meditation space can help create a serene and healing environment. Its energy supports deep relaxation and self-reflection.

Hold it During Healing Sessions: Use a healing session to enhance the effect of the crystal; you either hold the skull yourself or arrange for someone else to hold it for you and then sit in the energy of the golden healer skull focusing on breath or intention, letting that energy clear blockages and restore balance.

Use it as a Focus for Affirmations: Set an intention or affirmation that will nourish your healing or growth and stand holding the golden healer quartz skull while repeating the affirmation. This can build up your intentions and connect you with crystal energy.

More than a beautiful piece of art, the golden healer quartz skull is an effective tool for comprehensive change and spiritual growth. This crystal, given as a gift or to oneself, maybe the most meaningful travel companion on the path to healing and self-discovery. Possession of a golden healer skull activates the deeper healing properties of the crystal, which can promote emotional healing, and spiritual growth, and encourage personal development. A golden healer quartz skull is not just the beautiful object you are passing on; you are gifting him or her with a transformation and positive energy to serve value long after the occasion has passed.

Ready to add a touch of elegance and mystique to your home? Explore the captivating world of life-size crystal skulls in our next article and discover how these stunning pieces can enhance your living space. Keep reading to learn more!

[kopf2024projects]

How I Created WebRaven and Rememble

When I set out to build something new, I don't just aim for functionality—I aim to revolutionize the space. That's exactly what happened with WebRaven and Rememble, two platforms that are changing the way people approach web development and language learning. Both projects started as simple ideas, but with the right mix of passion, innovation, and execution, they've grown into tools that I’m incredibly proud to have built from the ground up.

WebRaven: Smart Web Development, Simplified

With WebRaven, my goal was clear: make website creation smarter and more efficient by combining the best of AI with the flexibility of HTML. Web development has always been a blend of art and science, and I wanted to create a platform that would make that balance easier for everyone—whether you're a seasoned developer or someone building their first website.

WebRaven takes AI-driven design and coding tools to the next level, allowing users to generate stunning, responsive websites in a fraction of the time. Forget about endless hours tweaking CSS or struggling with performance optimization—WebRaven does the heavy lifting with its intelligent features. This project was a personal mission to simplify web development, and seeing how much it's already helped users create fast, optimized websites is beyond satisfying.

Rememble: Revolutionizing Language Learning

Rememble wasn’t just another project for me—it’s the future of language learning, powered by an intelligent Spaced Repetition System (SRS). I built Rememble because I wanted something more than the standard flashcard apps. I wanted a platform that would guide learners with personalized lessons and help them retain information with precision.

The best part about building Rememble is knowing that it’s not just another SRS app—it’s an evolution of how language learners practice and internalize new vocabulary, grammar, and concepts. The guided lessons, multi-sided flashcards, and mobile-first approach make it a game-changer for people serious about mastering new languages like Japanese, Spanish, or German.

What I love most is seeing Rememble in action—users getting better every day because the algorithm focuses on their weakest points and pushes them at just the right intervals. It's a thrill knowing that I built something that helps people achieve fluency faster and more effectively.

Why I’m Proud

What sets both WebRaven and Rememble apart is their focus on innovation. These aren’t cookie-cutter projects; they represent what’s possible when you’re willing to push boundaries, combine advanced technology like AI, and deliver real-world solutions to ongoing challenges.

For WebRaven, it’s about transforming web development from a complex, time-consuming task into an accessible and intelligent process. For Rememble, it’s about making language learning smarter and more engaging with a system that prioritizes retention and real progress.

Being able to build and launch two platforms that serve entirely different needs but still solve real problems is something that makes me incredibly proud. Whether it's someone creating a lightning-fast website with WebRaven or a language learner acing their kanji drills on Rememble, these projects are helping people achieve more—and that’s what drives me.

The Journey Has Just Begun

While I’m beyond excited about what WebRaven and Rememble have accomplished so far, this is just the beginning. There’s so much more I plan to do with both platforms, from integrating new features to expanding their capabilities even further.

And while I could go on about how great these projects are, I think the real testament is how they're empowering users to build better websites and learn languages more effectively. That’s what it’s all about.

So here’s to the future—with WebRaven and Rememble leading the way.

[giftshopfestival]

Cuddle Up with These Cute Valentine's Day Mugs

mug valentine's day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate love than by sharing a cozy moment over a perfect cup of coffee? Whether you are a romantic partner looking for a heartfelt gift, a coffee enthusiast seeking the ideal mug for your morning brew, or a Valentine shopper on the hunt for something special, our selection of Valentine's Day mugs has something for everyone. In this post, we'll explore a variety of charming mugs that are perfect for celebrating love and enhancing your coffee experience.

Latte Mugs, 12oz: The Perfect Blend of Style and Functionality

For those who appreciate the art of a well-brewed latte, our 12oz latte mugs are a must-have addition to your collection. These durable ceramic mugs are designed with high-quality sublimation printing, ensuring that every sip is as delightful as it is stylish.

Features and Benefits:

White Ceramic: Classic and elegant, perfect for any kitchen decor.

12oz Capacity (0.35 l): Ideal size for serving lattes, cappuccinos, or hot chocolate.

Rounded Corners: Adds a touch of sophistication and comfort.

C-Handle: Easy to grip, making your coffee experience even more enjoyable.

These mugs make an excellent gift for any latte lover, allowing them to savor their favorite brew in a beautifully crafted cup that enhances both flavor and presentation.

Ceramic Mug, 11oz: Warm Up with Love

Nothing says "I love you" like a warm cup of coffee in a beautifully designed mug. Our 11oz Love You with Hearts Printed Ceramic Mugs are perfect for coffee, tea, or hot chocolate lovers. These mugs are BPA and lead-free, microwave and dishwasher-safe, and made of durable white ceramic.

Features and Benefits:

11oz Capacity (0.33 l): Just the right size for your favorite hot beverages.

Durable White Ceramic: Ensuring longevity and scratch resistance.

Vivid Colors: Thanks to advanced printing technology, designs come to life with vibrant hues.

C-Handle: Comfortable to hold, making it easy to enjoy your drink.

These mugs make a thoughtful and practical gift, perfect for warming up hearts and hands on chilly Valentine's Day mornings.

Ceramic Mugs, 15oz: More to Love

For those who believe that more is indeed better, our 15oz Love You Signature with Hearts Printed Valentine Ceramic Mugs are the ideal choice. With a larger capacity and customizable design options, these mugs are perfect for those who need a bit more coffee to get their day started.

Features and Benefits:

15oz Capacity (0.44 l): Great for those who love a generous serving of coffee or tea.

White Ceramic: Classic look that complements any kitchen.

Rounded Corners: Adds a touch of elegance.

C-Handle: Comfortable and easy to grip.

Lead and BPA-Free: Safe for daily use.

Microwave and Dishwasher-Safe: Easy to clean and maintain.

These mugs are not only practical but also fun and customizable, making them a perfect gift for your loved ones or a unique addition to your mug collection.

Travel Coffee Mugs, 10oz: Love on the Go

For the adventurous souls who love to take their coffee on the road, our 10oz Love You Insulated Travel Mugs are the perfect companion. With robust stainless steel construction and a clear acrylic lid, these travel mugs are designed for both style and practicality.

Features and Benefits:

Stainless Steel Body: Durable and resistant to dents and scratches.

10oz Capacity (0.3 l): Ideal size for a quick coffee fix on the go.

Stipple Print Texture: Adds a unique touch of style.

Glossy Finish: A sleek and modern look.

Lead and BPA-Free: Safe for everyday use.

Clear Acrylic Snap-On Lid: Prevents spills and keeps your drink hot.

These travel mugs are perfect for those who live life on the go, ensuring that they can always enjoy their favorite beverage while showcasing a bit of Valentine's Day spirit.