#Wardrobes Gold Coast

[vipcabinetss]

VIP Cabinets - Bespoke Joinery

If your home features some old and rare woodwork that has started to decay, you may need a bespoke joinery service to restore it. These services are specialised in creating or repairing specific wooden features and can replicate the original aesthetic as closely as possible.

Cabinet makers can also help you squeeze more functionality from the smallest spaces in your Ipswich, Suffolk, UK home. Browse our listings to find the cabinet maker who best fits your needs. To know more about Custom Joinery Ipswich, visit the VIP Cabinets website or call 0736204888.

VIP Cabinets provides bespoke joinery services such as furniture making, window frames, door installations and decking. Their team is based in Ipswich, Suffolk, UK and has been operating for many years. Their portfolio includes projects like kitchen cabinets, built-in wardrobes and custom book shelving.

Bespoke joinery is tailor made timber products designed to fit specific dimensions. It can include internal bespoke furniture such as built in wardrobes, shelves and innovative storage solutions, stair builds, doors, windows and porches. It can also include external bespoke timber structures like sheds, garages and roof framing.

Develop your practical skills for working in the construction industry and earn a recognised trade qualification with this practical course. Learn to process timber, construct and install wall framing, and hand craft intricately detailed handmade furniture. You’ll be able to turn your passion for carpentry and joinery into a successful career.

If you’re looking for a new kitchen that will truly be a work of art, a bespoke joiner can make it happen. They can create custom cabinets, shelves, and other innovative storage solutions that will optimise space in your home. They can also design and construct timber structures, including roofing frameworks, porches, and front doors.

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It’s important to find the right fit when choosing a cabinet maker, so search Houzz’s directory for local Ipswich, Suffolk, UK joiners and cabinet makers to get started. You can browse their latest projects, read reviews from other homeowners, and message them directly to discuss your project. Then, when you’re ready to move forward with your bespoke furniture, they’ll provide all the drawings and plans for you.

[bellaswan2003]

surfers paradise

[fatehbaz]

[M]onk seals continued to live in large herds along the largely unexplored Atlantic seaboard of northwest Africa. It was not until 1434 that Portuguese explorers landed on these [supposedly] untamed coasts, and discovered thousands of monk seals. Almost immediately, an intensive and lucrative trade in skins and oil was established [...]. Constantly vying with Spain [...], Portugal was determined to increase its sphere of influence in Africa. While Spain eventually became preoccupied with Columbus’ elusive vision [...] [and] his celebrated 1492 expedition [...] Portugal’s colonial influence in Africa was reaching its height by 1500. The first expeditions to Africa’s Gold Coast were recorded for posterity by an official chronicler, Gomes de Zurara [...]. In his book [...] he relates how the Portuguese Infante [royal prince], eager [...], dispatched explorer Afonso Gonçalves Baldaya in a cargo vessel to make contact with the mysterious “moors” or “pagans” who were believed to inhabit the region (Zurara, 1437).

“But these are people, no matter how beastlike they may be,” proclaimed the Infante, “and they need to be governed... I command you to penetrate this land as far as you can and that you work in order to learn about those people, perhaps taking one captive, so that you may become acquainted with them.”

It was in “the year [...] one thousand four hundred and thirty-six” that Alfonso set sail [...]. [T]he barinel eventually reached the shores of the Gold River, the Rio de Oro, situated at the Bay of Dakhla in the western Sahara. [...] Afonso and his crew sighted their first seals. Literally thousands were suddenly in their field of vision. [...] “Upon seeing on a reef at the mouth of the river a large number of sea-wolves,” relates Gomes da Zurara, “which, according to the estimates of some, amounted to five thousand, he ordered killed those that could be killed and had their furs loaded onto the ship [...].” Despite the windfall in skins and oil, Afonso was still dissatisfied, having failed to take captive any of the elusive natives. He therefore ventured a further 50 leagues “to see if he could capture a man or at least a woman or child in order to satisfy the will of his master.” [...]

---

[In] 1437 [...] another Portuguese ship was dispatched to the Gold River to fill its hold with the furs and oil of the sea-wolves. [...] In 1441, [...] the Infante ordered his young wardrobe keeper, Antão Gonçalves, to captain a small ship and return to the Gold River. [...] “[T]he reason for this voyage, as instructed by his Lordship,” writes da Zurara, “was none other than to load that ship with a great quantity of hides and oil from those sea-wolves.” It appears to have been a lucrative undertaking. “ [...]

Antão Gonçalves had fulfilled the command of his master, his ship’s hold brimming with hides and casks, but the young man was eager to pursue his adventures rather than return home as ordered. He assembled his 21-man crew on deck, and addressed them with a rousing speech: “Friends and brothers, our cargo is complete, as you can see, so the principal aim of our mission has been accomplished, and we could well return should we wish to limit our toil…” He then proposed an adventure that would gladden the men’s hearts, providing relief from the laborious and tedious task of hunting, skinning and melting-down seals - a hunt for native slaves [...].

---

These first tentative expeditions to the Gold River paved the way for hunting on a more intensive, industrial scale, with 15th century Portuguese explorers dividing their time between lucrative massacres of seals and the equally profitable slave trade [...].

Indeed, within a few years of the sea wolf discovery, a purpose-built installation to process seal hides and oil had been constructed on Ylha de Lobos [...] in the estuary of the Rio de Oro [...]. Around Cap Barbas [...] no less than three sites once bore the name of the sea wolf [...]. [T]he [French and British] colonial plundering of the region [in the early twentieth century] [...], like [...] [Portuguese] conquest before them, were also portrayed as essentially idealistic endeavours. Just as the conquest of the Rio de Oro by massacre and slavery [...] “proves anew that the pursuit of disinterested geographical knowledge [...] were never the only motives of colonial conquest, so the slaughter [...] [today] would today be called “rational exploitation” [...]”,

---

All text above by: William M. Johnson. “Monk Seals in Post-Classical History: The role of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in European history and culture, from the fall of Rome to the 20th century”. Mededelingen 39. The Netherlands Commission for International Nature Protection. 2004. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Presented here for commentary, teaching, criticism purposes.]

[cecilysass]

Tonight We're Gonna Party Like It's 1999

An epilogue to The Boy on the Beach. Read The Boy on the Beach on AO3 or on Tumblr. Read this epilogue on AO3. Tagging @today-in-fic

In the other multiverse.

Baltimore, Maryland February 23, 1983

“Sweetie.” Her mother’s face appeared in the crack of the door. “Do you think you’re almost ready? You’ve made Marcus sit down there with your father and Charlie for twenty minutes now. And our reservation is at seven, so we really can’t be too much longer.”

“Yes,” Dana said. “Almost finished.” In the mirror she peered into her own eyes, which were smudged with black. Her eyeliner was as heavy as she dared for dinner with her family, which truthfully wasn’t very heavy at all.

In Dana’s imagination her entire wardrobe was going to have been transformed in college. She would have been edgier, harder, swathed in black, jagged corners. A semester and a month in, and that hadn’t really happened. Her forays into rebellion had been modest and disappointing. A few band T-shirts, leather bracelets, scarcely noticeable.

Tonight she wore a new dress. Dark detailed lace, a dramatic ruffled neckline. She purchased it at a shop near campus because she thought it had a drastic, punk rock feel. She’d expected a few raised eyebrows when she arrived at her parents’ house tonight. Instead, her mother had smiled and told her she looked lovely. Looking at herself now in the mirror, pale face, dark dress, gold cross at her neck, she realized why. She looked like she could be taking holy vows.

“You know, you’re just sitting there,” her sister observed with amusement. She was lounging on Dana’s bed, already dressed. She had a torn denim jacket, feathery hair, makeup as dark as night. Missy’s forays into rebellion had always been fearless. “You’re not getting ready. You are ready.”

“I’m checking over my make-up.”

“No, you’re stalling. You’re making us late to your own birthday dinner on purpose.”

“What are you talking about?” Dana sighed wearily, examining the jawline of her uninteresting baby face again.

Missy sprung to her feet and leaned over Dana’s shoulder, looking at her reflection in the mirror, whispering playfully in her ear. “You’re waiting for something.”

“Oh yeah? What am I waiting for?”

“You should be ashamed of yourself, with Marcus down there making conversation with Dad,” Missy said. “Boring little Marcus.”

“Marcus isn’t boring.”

“Oh, Dana,” Missy laughed. “You’re such a faker. I see right through you.”

“I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about,” Dana said, rolling her eyes.

“You want to wait around here just in case you get your birthday phone call.”

Dana moved to blot her red lipstick without betraying any real expression.

“From your childhood soulmate,” Missy added knowingly. “Your personal Kennedy.”

“He’s not my childhood soulmate,” Dana said primly. “He’s not a Kennedy.”

“Your dark prince of Massachusetts.”

“He’s not in Massachusetts,” Dana said in a contrary tone. “He’s in college in England.”

Missy folded her arms. “I suppose you haven’t thought about his call at all today.”

Dana sighed again. “Fox does normally call on my birthday, but I’m not exactly sitting around waiting for that.”

“No?”

“Actually, I doubt he will call now—it’s late there. I’m honestly just trying to finish getting ready.”

“Okay.” Missy seemed to be biting back a smile.

Dana pursed her lips and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, but met her sister’s amused eyes in the mirror.

“You make everything so over dramatic, Missy.”

Missy just raised an eyebrow.

“Fox and I shared a strange childhood experience,” Dana said. “We’re friends. Pen pals. He’s an interesting person.”

“Very interesting,” nodded Missy.

“His sister writes to me, too, you know,” Dana pointed out. “And I haven’t seen them in ages. Not even since we moved back to the East Coast.”

Missy reached over Dana’s shoulder and over the vanity table, fishing out the snapshot of Fox on a beach that Dana had discreetly slid underneath her jewelry box. She held it up in front of Dana’s face like it was damning evidence.

Dana kept her expression disinterested. “What? He sent a photo from college.”

“Mmmm, I see that,” Missy said, looking it over. “You’re keeping it pretty close at hand.”

“What’s your point?”

“Look, Dana,” Missy said, sounding exasperated, “he saves you as a kid, he tells you you and he are bound together by fate, he writes you letters, he calls you every year. It’s romantic. You’d have to be made of stone not to see that. I don’t blame you. Nobody in the world would blame you. You don’t have to hide it.”

Dana didn’t say anything, her eyes on the photo in Missy’s fingers. He actually didn’t save her from anything, at least not according to him. According to him, the hero of the story was someone else.

Her. Her, but not her. An unrecognizable version of Dana Scully. Some superhuman, unattainable adult version.

Dana herself doesn’t remember what happened that week in 1973. She only remembers finding herself on a fairy tale beach with two fairy tale children who insisted she had a special destiny and gave her a letter from herself that seemed to confirm it.

The story has always been convoluted, and she’s always been partially sworn to secrecy.

“And holy fucking fuck.” Missy was looking hard at the photo, shaking her head. “You can’t tell me you haven’t noticed your little soulmate turned out smoking hot. That’s a nice favor for fate to do for you.”

Dana had noticed, actually. She still hated Missy’s characterization of her relationship with Fox, hated it for so many reasons.

“Enough, Missy.” She reached behind her and snatched the photo out of her sister’s fingers. “Let’s go downstairs now.”

“I could stall them downstairs for a few more minutes,” offered Missy, her tone softer. “I could say I feel sick?”

“Really,” Dana said. “You’re misreading the situation.”

“Am I?”

“Yes.” Dana set her lips in a line.

“Okay,” Missy shrugged.

“Okay.”

“Then let’s go put our game faces on,” Missy said. “Prepare to eat large steaks and avoid talking politics with Bill.” She put her hands on Dana’s shoulders. “You look amazing, by the way. I like your dress.”

“Thank you,” Dana said, her face warming into a small smile in the mirror. “I don’t look like a nun?”

“Maybe a little. Like a hot nun,” Melissa assured her. Dana slapped her hand in jest.

On the way downstairs, the phone didn’t ring. But that was okay. That was fine. She wasn’t waiting for it. Not really.

*** Later, after they arrived back from dinner, after Dana had opened her presents, after they had eaten angel food cake topped with chocolate whipped cream icing and nineteen candles, after she had kissed Marcus a sweet but surprisingly chaste good-bye outside at his car, promising to call him soon (once she was back in her dorm, maybe on the weekend), the phone did ring.

She was standing at the bathroom mirror brushing her teeth, wearing an oversized tee of Bill’s from high school. Everyone else had already gone to bed, although she suspected Charlie was still awake because she could hear the Clash playing faintly from his room.

The phone rang and she froze, her toothbrush in her mouth. Then she flung it down and raced down the stairs as fast as she could, trying to get there before it woke up her parents.

She made it in two and a half rings. “Hello,” she said breathlessly as she picked up the kitchen phone.

“Hello?” It’s funny how familiar his voice was, considering how relatively few times she had actually spoken to him. “Dana…?”

“Yeah,” she said, still breathing hard from her little sprint. “It’s me. Sorry. I just ran from upstairs.”

“Did I wake you?”

“No,” she smiled, biting her lip. “No, I’m awake.”

“I almost missed it. I’m too late.”

“You’re not late,” she assured him quickly. “It’s still my birthday. But isn’t it the middle of the night there? Shouldn’t you be asleep?”

He laughed a little, and she noticed for the first time he was keeping his voice down. “Yeah,” he agreed. “I probably should be.”

Dana pressed her back against the kitchen wall and slowly slid down until she was sitting on the floor. She brought her knees in towards her, hugging them, winding the phone cord around a finger.

“So,” he said. “Dana Scully. Nineteen years old. How does it feel?”

“Much the same.”

“How’s college?”

“It’s…” Dana selected her words carefully, always too aware of what he thought about her. “It’s amazing. I love it. The work is so much more interesting than high school. The conversation is at a higher level.”

“So you just study, all day and night, and that’s Dana Scully’s whole life at University of Maryland?”

“I do take my work seriously,” she said, stiffening. “I know it’s not Oxford, but I take challenging classes.”

“Of course you do,” he said, his tone gentle. “I just meant to ask what you did outside of class.”

“Right,” she said. She knew she was too sensitive. He had never given her any reason to feel so, but she felt self-conscious, her modest, budget-minded state university education versus his elite international schooling. “Well, I have a job working at the library. I, uh, play intramural volleyball.” She swallowed. “I was going to try for a job in a lab for next year.”

“You’re studying science?”

“Yes.” She pressed her eyes closed, anticipating the next line of questioning.

“Do you know your major yet? Is it… do you know what you want to do?”

She knew what he was thinking—because this is what he did, Fox. He asked her a question, and he seemed deeply and intensely interested in her, but he actually was thinking about someone else. This woman, this stranger he and Samantha called Scully: a woman she had never met.

“Not really,” she said.

There was a little pause. “It’s probably too soon to worry about your major. That’s what’s good about American universities—you can explore different fields of study.”

Dana decided to change the subject. “Your sister sent me something for my birthday.”

“Wow. Really?”

“Really. It was wrapped and everything.”

“I’m offended. She didn’t send me anything for my birthday.”

“It arrived in my school mailbox the day before yesterday.” Dana was smiling, wrapping the phone cord around her wrist.

“What was it?”

“A record,” Dana said coyly. “A single. No card or note—besides her name, obviously.”

“A record? You’re kidding me. What record?”

“Prince.”

“Prince?” He paused. “Why would she—” He stopped. “1999, right?”

“Bingo.”

She could hear him laughing on the other end, trying to keep his sound muffled. “Shit. She’s … such a weirdo,” he breathed. “But that’s funny. I wish I had thought of that.”

“As it happens, I like the song.”

“Sam has great taste and a subversive sense of humor, but she’s really baffling my parents,” Fox said. “I think it’s not all sunshine and roses in the Mulder household since I left. We can’t all be well-behaved first children. But only one more semester until she’s off to college, too.”

“Does she want to go to Oxford?”

“She wants to go to Berkeley,” Fox said. “In California.” He hesitated. “According to her, there was something 99 Me and 99 You said about a scientist there who studies neurology, which somehow mysteriously leads to time travel. I hadn’t quite heard all of the details of that before, but Samantha is adamant.”

Dana took that in.

Unlike Fox, Samantha had always been slower to talk about the events of that week in November 1973. Her story had always come out in fragments, little tantalizing mentions that emerge unexpectedly, sometimes years later.

In some ways this was frustrating, as Samantha had the most information. She was the person who met both 99 Dana and 99 Fox, who actually saw them interact with one another. She spent the night in a beach house with both of them. Fox had only met 99 Dana, and Dana met neither of them, unless you counted the letter.

“So what did you do for your birthday?” he asked.

“I went to dinner with my family,” Dana said. She hesitated a half second. “And with my boyfriend, Marcus.”

“This is the same boyfriend? From high school?”

“Yes,” Dana said. “He’s—yes.”

“He goes to your college?”

“No,” she said. “He goes to UVA, but he drove over for dinner.”

“Oh,” Fox said. “That’s nice of him.” He didn’t sound insincere, but he didn’t exactly sound warm either.

“I guess so.”

“You guess so?”

“It was nice. But I think I’m going to break up with him.”

He paused. “Why?”

“I don’t—“ She didn’t know why she was telling him this. “I don’t think about him when I’m not with him.”

“Ah,” he said.

“Does that make sense to you? As a reason to break up with someone?”

“It makes perfect sense to me.”

“It seems like you should think about someone you’re with. Even if you’re not with them at that precise moment. If the relationship is important.”

“I’m not exactly an expert, but I think that’s probably right,” he said.

There was a pause.

“Are you dating someone?” she asked.

“No,” he said. “Not any more. I was, until fairly recently.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. It was amicable.”

“Tell me about her.”

“She was smart, funny. Her name was Aine. She was—she’s really involved in the anti-nuclear movement here, protesting against Margaret Thatcher.”

“Were you involved with that, too?”

“Yeah,” he said. “Especially while I was dating Aine. She’s very … persuasive. Dedicated.”

“What does she look like?”

There was a pause.

“She’s beautiful.”

Dana found herself fairly certain Aine had red hair.

It was overwhelming, really. She didn’t know what to make of him and his early-minted taste for heroic redheads. She wished Samantha had never mentioned it.

“It feels weird to talk about it with you, Dana,” he said softly. “Even though I know it shouldn’t.”

“Why would it feel weird?”

“You know why.”

Because sixteen years from now she would supposedly be the love of his life. Sixteen years from now she supposedly would love him so much that she would go to some dire lengths to save him.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I always seem to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“No, you don’t,” she replied. “I just sometimes worry … “

“What?”

“That I’m not the person you want me to be.”

“I want you to be yourself.”

“I think you want me to be someone you met when you were a kid.”

“You are Scully,” he said. “You can’t help but be her.”

Another little pause. She cleared her throat.

“I’ve been doing a little research on the camera,” she said. “Do you want a report?”

“Of course I want a report.”

When they left, 99 Dana and 99 Fox had left behind an intriguing artifact from the future: some kind of headset that 99 Dana told Fox and Samantha was a camera, although it no longer seemed to work. Fox and Samantha had spent years tinkering with it, but had sent it to Dana last year at her request.

“I’ve been going to some local technology clubs. Personal computing. Like at Radio Shack.”

“Oh yeah?” He sounded amused. “What’s that like?”

“Well, I’ve had many offers of help,” she said diplomatically. She didn’t want to affect his view of her, but really it was amazing what you could manifest as a college girl walking into a Radio Shack with pigtails, Jordache jeans, and your younger brother’s too-small Atari T-shirt. Offers of help from every direction, really.

“And?”

“You can learn quite a bit there, and I’m getting pretty good at it. I’m thinking of taking a programming class next semester, actually.”

“Computer programming? Wow.” He sounded perplexed.

“The camera is a type of computer, or it has computers in it,” she explained. “It’s beyond what anyone has seen now though. I’ve had a lot of help—some experts willing to look at the camera with me, analyze it closely. Right now it’s probably not working because it’s out of batteries, but its power source is totally different than what we have.”

“Huh,” Fox said. “What if you could get it to work again?”

“I think it’s possible,” she said. “Someone helping me—this man Melvin—he says he knows people in California, in Silicon Valley, who would know more. I was wondering if somehow I could take it out to show them this spring or summer, on one of my breaks.”

“That would be great!” Fox exclaimed. “If it worked, we could take pictures of our own. Messages, maybe.”

“Not right away. Maybe eventually.”

“I wonder where the pictures would go.”

“Back to 99 Dana and 99 Fox’s universe, I suppose,” Dana said. “That’s where her pictures were going, right?”

“Yeah. But it’s been ten years,” Fox said. “It must be 2009 there now, if time moves forward in the same way. I wonder if they even have a way to receive the pictures any more.”

“It could be more time until I can make the camera work,” Dana reminded him. “There’s still a lot to figure out. The power source on this camera, it’s tiny. And the part of the camera that is actually a computer? Fox, it is so impossibly small, like a whole Apple computer shrunk down. It’s fascinating.”

“Do you enjoy it?” he asked. “Trying to figure it out? Solve the puzzle? It sounds like you do.”

The question surprised her, in part because she hadn’t thought of it quite like that. She enjoyed trying to help Fox and Samantha, and she found the computers part much more interesting than she thought she would. But the answer to his question was unexpectedly clear to her.

“Yeah,” she said. “I do. I really like the challenge of it.”

“I’m glad,” he said. “That’s really good.” There was something in his tone that made her worry, like he was comparing her to Scully again, but the conversation took a different turn.

“Dana,” he began, sounding hesitant. “I, uh, got a call. From someone from the F.B.I., asking me if I would be willing to talk to someone in their recruitment office about a possible career in profiling after I graduate, or while I do graduate work in psychology.”

“Oh.” She breathed in. “That’s—“

“It seems like that’s the beginning of … how it’s supposed to happen.”

Dana let that sink in. “Profiling. As in dangerous criminals? Is that what we did in 1999?”

“I never heard the exact area of the F.B.I. we worked in. I know you were a doctor. For me, profiling does make sense, based on what I have been working on in school.”

She didn’t say anything for a moment. She had weighed the idea of medical school eventually, but it wasn’t the only thing she considered. Lately, she had thought more seriously about computer science. “Do you think all of this happens no matter what we do? That it’s fated, somehow? That our choices don’t matter?”

“Do you think you wouldn’t choose the F.B.I.?”

“I don’t know,” she said sincerely. “I just think I would like to be able to make the choice.”

A pause on the line. “I guess that’s what I really wanted to talk to you about. I’ve been thinking about that, too.”

“About which part?”

“About whether it has to be set in stone.”

She was faintly surprised. She assumed Fox always wanted to chase after a future that he thought got him as close to what Scully described as he could.

“The call from the F.B.I. isn’t the only call I got,” he explained. She heard him rustling around, like he was shifting position. “I got another offer. Something badly paid and probably not very smart. My friend Miles is an old classmate who’s already graduated and has been working as a counselor in a clinic. He’s in San Francisco, doing grief work and end-of-life counseling with men dying from this new disease, this epidemic. You probably know about it.”

“AIDS,” supplied Dana. “Probably viral. No one knows for sure.”

“Yeah. Whatever it is, it’s a lot of young people dying too fast, often alone, and there’s a huge need for counselors and therapists to help them. Miles says he works sometimes 20 hours a day, but the work is really worthwhile. I was thinking that might be something I could be good at. I’m sometimes good at helping people think through bigger questions.”

“So you’re wondering if you should do that instead.”

“I guess I am,” he said. “I could do it for a while and think about whether I wanted to continue graduate studies in psychology, or go straight into the F.B.I. … or something else. Plus, if Sam is at Berkeley, it’s right there in the Bay Area. I could keep an eye on her.”

Dana was silent for a moment. “It sounds like you already know what choice you want to make.”

He made a stifled half laugh. “Of course I don’t.”

“You sound more excited about the counseling in San Francisco than about the F.B.I.,” she commented.

“That’s true,” he said really softly, like this was a realization. “I am, I guess.”

“But you’re still…?”

“Scared,” he said. “Because if I choose something different, I worry that I…” He stopped. “Well, I worry.”

She didn’t speak either.

“The relationship 99 Dana had with 99 Me—that wasn’t the kind of possibility you could see in your future … and just ignore,” he said. “I can’t see just tossing that away, Dana.”

“Can you explain to me why?” she asked in a small voice.

“I don’t know if I can, except that … here I was, this lonely kid, and the way she talked about us being partners...” He laughed quietly. “I’ll never, ever stop thinking about being her partner.”

“Yeah,” Dana whispered, feeling tears spring in her eyes.

“But I get it,” he said. “I know it might not ever work here, the way it did there. Too many variables have changed.”

“It doesn’t mean you couldn’t be happy in other futures,” Dana pointed out. She twirled the phone cord around her finger idly. “With other people.”

“I guess,” he said. He seemed to let out a long sigh. “You know, right before the holidays, I was in London with Aine.” Dana slumped against the wall a little, closing her eyes, trying to picture what he was saying. “We went out to this club with her friends. They got me all dressed up—that whole New Wave look, you know? Eyeliner and ruffly shirt and all the shit in your hair to make it poufy. It’s not my normal thing, but it was fun. People seemed to like it.”

Dana thought about the photo on her dressing table and imagined it. She thought she could guess why people might have liked it.

“So we’re in this place, and it’s crowded, and there are all these colored lights, strobes, and they’re playing that Duran Duran song, the really popular one. Hungry Like the Wolf. And Aine was talking to me about her Christmas plans, and my eyes just sort of drifted away from her, losing focus into the crowd. All these bodies, dancing. Trying to just connect with one another. Scent and a sound. Juices like wine. Hungry like the wolf. And I thought… why am I here? Why am I doing all of this? Why am I pretending to be looking for someone else, trying to make these futile, fleeting connections, when I already know my perfect other exists?”

There was a pause on the line.

“But…” Dana blinked, stunned. “I’m not your perfect other, Fox.” Her body was rigid; she gripped the phone with white knuckles. “I’m not your perfect anything. I’m just some … girl from Maryland. Some girl who likes to spend most of her time studying and has never even been to a club like you’re talking about.”

“That’s not all you are,” he replied.

“I don’t even know if I really am Scully.”

“You are. I told you. It’s not something you can—”

“No.” She was surprised at how fiercely she spoke. “No, please hear me on this. I need it to be okay with you … if I’m not. I need to be free not to be.”

A tense beat.

“Oh,” he said. “Right, yeah.”

“I’m sorry,” she said.

“No,” he answered, his voice subdued. “I’m sorry.”

In the hollow silence that followed, Dana’s mind raced. She could practically feel the weight of his disappointment through the phone.

Would this be the end of his interest in her? Would the calls end? What possible appeal could she hold without the promise of a secret agent future? Maybe it would be better to say goodbye, she considered. Maybe this childhood fantasy had gone on long enough. Didn’t it only ever make her feel like she was a lesser Dana? Why did she need that? She could live her own life and never feel that way again.

If it weren’t for Scully’s letter, she might have heeded that impulse.

Instead, she reconsidered. And found herself taking hold of a wild idea, something she could hardly believe she was going to propose.

“Fox,” she said, “maybe you should go to San Francisco and see the clinic for yourself. Before you decide what you want to do.”

“Maybe,” he said, sounding glum.

“Maybe you should come with me when I take the camera to the Bay Area. We could go together.”

It took a moment to sink in. “Together?”

“We must have some overlapping school breaks at some point. We could fly out, investigate the camera together, visit your clinic. You could ask all the questions you need to.”

She again could hear the rustling sounds indicating his squirming. “That’s… an interesting idea.”

“I think it would be a good opportunity for you… to gather information for yourself. Firsthand.”

“Firsthand,” he repeated. “Yeah.”

“You’d probably think of other questions to ask about the camera, too. Things I wouldn’t think of.”

“I’ve never been to San Francisco,” he said. “Maybe we could … walk across the Golden Gate Bridge while we’re there.”

“Okay,” she said. “If there’s time.”

“Or go see a giant redwood.”

“The to-do list grows longer,” she said wryly.

“Or ride a streetcar. Or eat seafood. Or go see that one really crooked street. I always wanted to do that.”

Dana smiled, stretching her legs out in front of her. She couldn’t tell if he was responding entirely seriously or not, but she felt a little giddy that she had summoned enough courage to invite him, to shift the conversation in this direction.

“You know,” he said suddenly and earnestly, “it’d be fun to drive, not fly. I’ve always wanted to drive across the continent. I have this amazing old station wagon that could probably make it. I could pick you up in Maryland.”

“That’s a much longer trip,” she commented, but her face was warming with pleasure. He seemed very serious. “It would be fun though.” She imagined Bill and Maggie’s expressions, watching their daughter climb into a car for a cross country road trip all alone with the strange boy they had met ten years ago on Martha’s Vineyard.

“If we could make it work, matching up the school breaks, would you really consider it? Going with me, I mean? You’re not just saying that?”

And she was struck by the vulnerability in his voice.

“Yes,” she said crisply. “Of course.”

“I’m not as strange as I come across in these phone calls,” he promised. “If we went, you could get to know me better.” A little intake of breath. “Just me. Nothing else. No expectations of anyone being anyone else, like you said.”

She was so used to thinking of him as her mysterious fairy tale boy, someone who dropped into her life simply to check to see if she had grown into someone she was not. It surprised her to realize he was anxious for her approval, too. That he was worried about how she viewed him.

“Sure,” she managed. “And you know, I’ve always wanted to tour Stanford, too.”

“Then it’s settled,” he said. “Let’s make it happen.”

“Do you have a calendar of your school schedule?”

“I’ll go get one,” he said.

She listened as the phone dropped and he made thumping noises to run off, presumably to his room. He sounded so… eager. Dana smiled to herself, wondering what it would be like to drive in a car with him across the country. If he would drive her crazy with his peculiar energy. If he would insist on driving off the interstate on little side trips. If he would make them camp or stay at cheap motels. She found herself insatiably curious.

*** They stayed up too late hammering out a rough plan before finally saying good-bye, and Dana padded speedily back up the stairs to her bedroom, her heart still thumping, her mind still buzzing.

She flew straight into her closet and yanked the drawstring to turn on the overhead bulb. Her eyes ran over the shelves, looking for what she wanted, until she spotted it: the old cracked leather box. She lifted it from the shelf and took it to her bed to examine.

Inside the leather box were letters, filed carefully in reverse date order starting from 1982, last year, going back to 1973. Fox and Samantha’s handwriting alternated, the penmanship getting increasingly rounder and younger as she flipped farther back in time.

She found what she was looking for. The very first letter, which wasn’t from Fox or Samantha. It was preserved in its original envelope.

Dana. said the lettering on the front.

The handwriting was adult and female. She now could see what was not apparent to her as a nine-year old—that it was, in fact, her own handwriting. Or at least that it looked enough like her handwriting at age nineteen to be recognizable.

Dana sat cross-legged on her bed and read the letter for the thousandth time: the letter that had changed her life, the letter that continued to change it.

Dear Dana,

I have never been in a situation like yours, but I imagine you’re very scared. As strange as this may sound, the person writing this is you, Dana Scully, age 35. I traveled from the year 1999 back to your year. When I arrived, you vanished. Now that I have left again, you’ve returned, and you are ready to begin to live your life again. I’m truly sorry that I had to disrupt your life in this way.

I will try to limit this letter only to what is most important. First, it’s not a good idea to believe anything a stranger tells you, so I’ll try to give you some proof we are the same person, and tell you something only you know: In Mass sometimes, you daydream that Father Joplin will one day leave the priesthood and marry you instead. I hope that is enough to convince you. I’ve never told that to anyone. He never will, I’m afraid.

Second, your family has missed you very much, and they have been very worried. Be kind to them once you see them again. Especially Melissa. Always be close to Melissa.

Third, the two children you are with—Fox and Samantha—will act like they know you because they know me, but you won’t know them. Listen to them. They can explain the full story of what happened to you. They will be able to give you most of the answers you want. I imagine they may seem like strange children. But you can trust them, always, especially the boy.

Finally, about the boy, Fox Mulder. I know him as a man very well, but I don’t know what it would be like to know him as young or for as long as you will. If I had to predict, he will be persistent in keeping in touch with you.

His friendship can be difficult at times, but it’s also been something powerful and hard to explain, something big and overwhelming and wonderful. I suppose my advice about Fox Mulder comes down to this: when it comes to him, don’t ever lose sight of yourself. But in the end, he is worth it. He is always worth it.

Yours, Dana Scully

[hello-eeveev]

How to Rest: Director's Commentary—Chapter 1

| Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 |

Hello and welcome to How to Rest Director’s Commentary! I’ve decided that I have so many thoughts that I cannot express in the end notes or replying to comments, so I must dissect my own fic here. And I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss the fic as a whole now that it's finally finished—my thought processes, stuff that got cut, and parts I really like, the way certain things relate. I love it so much and I just want to tell you all about it!!!

We’ll go chapter by chapter, so first up is chapter 1!

(spoiler warning for the entirety of How to Rest)

“Eve, what was your goal for this chapter?”

I mean, I’m half-kidding. It’s mostly sweet, but Essek and Caleb are both awkward people and dating is awkward, so I decided to lean into it and have fun :)

The sun was just the tiniest sliver on the horizon. Its light could not reach Essek from where he stood on the hill, but it set the river below and Feolinn just beyond ablaze with reds and golds.

I chose Feolinn for a few reasons: 1) that’s where the wine Essek brought to the Xhorhouse in episode 91 is from, 2) I think Feolinn is a pretty sounding word, and 3) the Menagerie Coast seems like such a romantic location (especially if you are avoiding the two other major governments on Wildemount)

Not more than ten seconds had passed when he felt a magical shift in the air around him. He discreetly checked his timepiece and smiled. Right on time. “Hallo, my friend,” came a warm, familiar voice from behind.

For the lols I decided to roll Caleb’s teleport, and he got a 32 and then a 96, so mishap for 17 damage and then on target. I don’t think this actually happened, but it’s funny to think about Caleb getting all dressed up for this date and showing up a little bit scuffed up because Teleport isn’t fully reliable.

Also, “my friend.” This is important to me and will be a recurring theme throughout these chapter commentaries.

Essek couldn’t pretend like reaching for Caleb’s hand was something other than what it was, and the vulnerability was simultaneously frightening and exhilarating. 

Something something Essek doesn’t know the rules for physical contact now that they are like… together. He barely knew the rules for physical contact before! Now Caleb knows that Essek has feelings involved with any physical contact and that’s really scary, especially if you’re not used to feeling those things, much less expressing them to another person. 

But Essek knows his feelings are reciprocated, so even though it’s still scary, it’s something scary they are doing together and thus it becomes rewarding and worthwhile.

Caleb appeared to be going through a similar mental battle, if the way he hesitantly raised his arms was any indication. But Caleb had always been braver than Essek, and he pulled him into a hug.  It was a brief embrace. Essek barely had time to return it before Caleb pulled away, only to cup Essek’s face in one hand and press lips to his cheek. Essek froze, and he felt heat rise in his face.  “Hi,” Caleb said. He dropped his hand to Essek’s shoulder, his cheeks flushed a bright red. “It is good to see you.”

They’re both so nervous and so awkward. Like blushing schoolboys. It’s adorable. 

But let’s be real. Caleb is the first person Essek has felt so strongly about, and not only is this Caleb’s first relationship since he was 17 and since his life uhhhh changed drastically, it’s also Caleb’s first relationship that is intentional in its development. Blumentrio was a flash fire and this has been a slow burn, and Caleb is navigating the difference. We’ll come back to this next chapter.

“I thought it would be a good idea to start building a professional wardrobe now if I am aiming to teach next fall.”

*Essek will remember that. 

I plan on going into where each part of the Chapter 6 outfit is from when I discuss that chapter, but I’ll say now that Essek got the idea from Caleb mentioning that he needed professor clothes and purchased the shirt from Feolinn pretty much the next day. 

Essek’s eyes flicked between the bear claw and Caleb, unsure if Caleb meant for him to take it or eat it from his hand. Essek considered both these options and quickly realized how very poorly either could go.

Local wizard capable of manipulating gravity and time gets stunlocked by his crush handing a pastry to him. More on this at 11. 

Really, what happens is that Essek is faced with the possibility of mimicking one of the popular romantic images and feeling unsure if that’s what’s expected of him, but also worrying that not participating would be seen as a rejection. You ever misread someone’s body language re: physical contact (i.e. going in for a hug when they weren’t, or the reverse) and then the situation becomes very awkward? Essek is trying to avoid that while also dealing with romantic awkwardness.

Essek was not keen on most fruit, but he did have a particular fondness for blackberries. 

I had intended to return to this in a later chapter where Essek would bring up the time Verin filled his book with jam, but unfortunately, that ended up getting cut. But one of the reasons Essek likes blackberries is because they remind him of Verin and his childhood.

But as the raspberries popped in between his teeth, Essek grimaced.  The sickly sweet and acidic flavor shot straight up his nose and ended in a dull ache between his eyes. It took every ounce of willpower not to give in to the childish impulse to spit it out.  […] “It is like eating a headache.”

In The Shadowhand Becomes a Baker I had to describe so many foods I dislike in a positive light. This was my chance to express exactly why I dislike raspberries :)

“I am not a very picky eater; that is not a luxury I was ever afforded. When your next meal is uncertain, you will eat whatever you can get your hands on.”

Caleb’s had to eat so many unsavory things—mostly while he was on the run, but also eating food that he didn’t like as a kid because that was all his family had—that he’s rather desensitized to food that he doesn’t like. It all kind of levels out into a neutral “I’d rather not, but hey it’s food, so it’s really not that bad.”

“But in this case…” Caleb continued, as if what he had just said wasn’t deeply concerning. He popped the rest of the tart into his mouth and grinned. “I just like raspberries.”

The heathen. But that’s okay, Essek is also a heathen.

Caleb fumbled around in the dark and eventually found a rock roughly the size of his palm, which, after a gesture and an incantation, shot off into the air and tumbled down the hill.

To change the transmuter’s stone’s buff, you need to cast a 1st level transmutation spell, so I scoured Caleb’s spell list for one that seemed the most appropriate/least inappropriate for the situation: Catapult. (His only other options for 1st levels were feather fall or expeditious retreat.)

“Ah, there we go,” he said, turning back to Essek with a smile. “I can see you much better now.” Essek blinked, not understanding what a flying rock had to do with seeing better. “Oh! Your transmuter’s stone,” he said as it clicked. “It can grant you darkvision, can it not? That will be useful for seeing the stars.” Caleb nodded. “That too.”

He’s fliiiirrrrtinnnng ehehehehe

I feel like panicked!Essek defaults to very logical thought processes (and I have written it as such). So he’s thinking about what the practical, material benefit is to Caleb using a first-level transmutation spell to switch his transmuter’s stone to darkvision, and the answer is fairly straightforward: they are stargazing, which one can do more effectively if they can see more stars more clearly. 

And this is true, but it’s only part of Caleb’s purpose here. The stars are great to look upon with fondness and admiration. But Essek is too. And in my interpretation of them, Caleb is more ready/willing/able to flirt (which isn’t saying much bc hi look at them) and definitely more likely to keep his wits about him in one-on-one, interpersonal situations (hello 16 charisma), which he can utilize to flatter Essek.  

(This isn’t to say that Essek is inept when it comes to navigating social situations, he’s just the reverse of Caleb: he’s better at a distance when there are lots of eyes on him, like an actor on a stage. They’ve got two different flavors of social anxiety.)

The end result was Essek rudely baring his teeth at Caleb and brushing his lip against Caleb’s thumb, despite all his best efforts. Essek pulled away quickly and covered his mouth while he chewed. Caleb just smiled at him.  “Your thoughts?” he asked. 

This leads us into the first instance of cut content! I like this deleted scene! I think it’s really funny! But it was cut because 1) it doesn’t match the vibes of the rest of the chapter, 2) the flirtation is far too forward and doesn’t match the feeling I wanted there to be between Essek and Caleb at this point, and the reason I haven’t shared it separately 3) I was worried people would find a more sexually suggestive undertone than I intended, would assume I had intended it, and comment/banter about it accordingly. Which is a hard boundary for me. Please don’t do that. At least not in my comments/notes. Thanks :)

With that disclaimer out of the way, I really do hope you enjoy:

Cut content “fangs”:

“I forgot you had fangs.” “Yes?” Essek said. “So do you?” “Not really. My eye teeth are so short compared to yours.” “And mine are short compared to a bugbear’s, but it is still the same kind of tooth and it serves roughly the same function.” “True enough,” Caleb conceded. “But in my experience, at least with how the word is used colloquially, humans do not have fangs. Tieflings and goblins have fangs, orcs and half-orcs have tusks, and humans just have slightly pointed teeth.” “Interesting. Is it just humans that have such a low opinion of their teeth? Or does everyone agree that human fangs are too minuscule to be worthy of the moniker?” “I don’t know. I don’t often find myself asking others’ opinions on my teeth.” “You said that you consider tieflings to have fangs, yes? Let’s ask Jester.” Caleb smirked at him.  Essek arched an eyebrow back at him and cast Sending without breaking eye contact. “Jester, would you consider Caleb to have fangs?” “Um… no? Not really. Human teeth are too short and blunt. Why do you ask?” She gasped, and dread pooled in Essek’s stomach. “Wait, are you interested in Caleb’s fangs? Have you been—” Essek buried his face in his hands, blushing so furiously that he was sure even Caleb would be able to see it in the dark. “Do I want to know?” Caleb chuckled.  Essek shook his head. “Only that there is at least one opinion in your favor.” [assume some time passes, more conversation is had, etc.] “Hey, Essek! You should know that Mama said humans are still good at kissing even though their teeth aren’t sharp! Okayiloveyouhavefunonyourdate!” The end was less of a sentence and more of a garbled string of noises that Essek could understand only because he had received so many Sendings just like that.  “Thank you, Jester,” he responded. “But it was an intellectual discussion, nothing more. Sorry to disappoint.” “Well…” Caleb said to the night sky.  Essek rolled his eyes and carried on with his response to Jester. “You were right about Menagerie Coast bear claws. They’re very good.” Caleb turned to face Essek with a rakish grin.  Essek simply raised his eyebrows, refusing to give Caleb the satisfaction of flustering him. “Was I wrong?” “Not exactly. I do find your fangs very charming, though, and I don’t think that can be classified as purely intellectual.”

It just makes me smile every time. We get some worldbuilding/cultural discussions, some banter, a Jester Sending, and flirting. Very fun little scene to write.

This kind of closeness—physical and emotional—was new. He had never known people so… forthright in their affections until the Mighty Nein, much less been trusted with the fragile parts of someone else. It was overwhelming to say the least. And yet, it filled a space in his soul that he hadn’t known was empty. There was warm kindness where before he had only known cool niceties, and the companionship Caleb offered warmed him in a way that none else had. It was unsettling at times, this thing between them—untrodden and raw and vulnerable—but it felt good. 

We’ve talked about Essek’s struggles with his own vulnerability, but having someone else be vulnerable with him is also a lot. It’s a huge responsibility, and one he’s never had before. And he cares and he doesn’t want to mess it up again. But the Mighty Nein and Caleb have been so good to him that he’s actually not too scared that he will. Which is also new! Ahhh!

Good to have someone see the foolish and terrible things his hands had done and still consider them worthy of being held.

I just really like this. It reminds me of the scene in Fullmetal Alchemist where Ed tells Winry that her hands weren’t made for killing. 

Obviously, the context and conclusion here are very different (Essek/Caleb is more Hawkeye/Mustang-coded, let’s be real), but it leads into one of the main thematic elements of shadowgast: that people who have done terrible things in their pasts can do better and they can find people who help them grow and learn. They don’t have to continue the violence and pain; they can be kind and gentle. 

I mean, really it’s just the “you were not born with venom in your veins” speech again. It just set out the path for how their relationship would develop. (It was also my oh moment for realizing the potential of shadowgast and that it could be a ship I vibe with.)

Episode 97, my beloved, my guiding light. 

Essek didn’t put faith in the gods, and he wasn’t sure if he believed in fate, but whatever it was that bound lives together, he was grateful his was entwined with Caleb’s. Glad that, in spite of everything that might have pushed them apart, they were here, in this moment, this tiniest of stitches in the fabric of space and time, and chose to be together.

I had heard Matt Mercer in several roles before ever getting into Critical Role, but the role that really made me a fan of him was Chrom from Fire Emblem: Awakening. Chrom is my actual real life husband and I love him more than anything. In Awakening, Chrom says a line to the player character that I’ve always loved: “If we are all bound by these invisible ties, I thank the gods it’s with you.”

This section is both an homage to and a slight twist on that line. Essek is not a gods-person and I imagine that dunamancy somewhat trivializes the concept of fate while also… idk making it tangible? So there’s probably a weird relationship to that there. 

Regardless, there were a million different ways that Essek and Caleb could not have wound up as close as they are, and even if fate had some involvement, their choices are ultimately what led them here. And isn’t that kind of beautiful? 

“Well,” Essek said as he tucked the blanket into the basket, then turned towards Caleb.  “Yes,” Caleb said with a nod, mouth pressed into a tight line.  “I suppose this is goodbye.” Essek smiled and hoped it didn’t look as awkward as it felt.  “I suppose it is.” Neither of them moved.

Ohhh the eternal struggle of recognizing that the social event has ended but there’s still something you want to say or do, but you don’t know how so you just kinda stand there. In this case, they both would like to kiss again, but they're not sure how to broach that again since there’s no longer that huge tension of having never kissed. And then there’s the fact that goodbyes are like, a thing, which makes it more intimidating. 

Which reminds me of this cut exchange:

“There don’t have to be rules.” “But there are still rules.” “There can be, if they are useful to you. If they are not”—he shrugged—“why bother?” Essek furrowed his brow. “Why does anyone bother with them then?” “I’m not really sure myself,” Caleb laughed. “But from my observation, it is social shorthand—a way of conveying intent and expectation indirectly.” “Ah, so it is just more politicking. Wonderful.”

This one goes out to all my fellow arospecs and/or neurodivergents out there! What’s a societal expectation? Why is it so important to follow? Why is this strange, uncomfortable ritual the price I must pay for companionship???

I am very in love with the wizards doing their own thing at their own time. It’s romantic and it’s not.

“You have a crumb of something, ah—here.” Caleb took Essek’s chin in one hand and brushed something from the corner of his mouth with his thumb. “There we are.”

Does Essek actually have a crumb on his mouth or is this a ploy to touch Essek’s face? If you’ve read Miss You Dearly, you may know that Caleb is not immune to telling a little white lie for love. But in this case it’s up to you. There isn’t a right answer because I think it’s all cute :)

[lorenfinch]

hey! this is chance & here’s the prompt for week 6. what are your oc's bedrooms like? messy? neat? carefully designed? or a collection of their favorite things? you can verbally describe or use photos, whatever you think is best.

Hi Chance; thank you for sending this!

Ren and Styx don't currently have their own bedrooms so they will be left out of this one.

Erevan's bedroom is...sparse. Without giving away too many spoilers, he lives in a tower and his room is very minimal. Stone walls with a circular window, a small chest with some clothes, a bed that's moreso a cot than anything, and a shelf with three books and a couple of star charts.

Vince is the exact opposite. Maximalist royalcore with rococo style decorations, a plush king-sized canopy bed in royal blue, a mahogany wardrobe filled to the brim with luxurious outfits, a chaise lounge with velvet cushions and a frame plated in gold, etc. Even his coffin is mahogany and plated in gold. Vampires in this setting don't use coffins, especially since they have no gravesites, but the superstition is there and thus, hearing Vince didn't have one, some rich suitor of his took it upon themselves to have a fine quality one built for him. Vince turned down the suitor, like he tends to do, but kept the coffin and uses it to store most of his instruments. He collects framed oil paintings of his homeland, Levanois, particularly the southern coast, where he used to live, and proudly displays his collection on the walls. His marble vanity lacks a mirror for obvious reasons, but there's room for more than one person so sit around it so they could help each other out with hair and makeup, and I'm thinking him and his friends use the long-abandoned servants' passages to get to each other's rooms in secret.

Most of the Night Terrors' bedrooms are fairly small due to the nine of them all living in the same lighthouse, and many of them share rooms. Amaryllis and Dahlia share a room; Amaryllis' side contains a shelf full of books and alchemical ingredients while Dahlia's side is closer to the window so she can observe the whales and dolphins that sometimes come by the sea. Being girlfriends, Belladonna and Tansy share a room, and I think they decorate it like a little cottage. Vlastimir and Eirik share a room, as do Aramour and Norwyn (and those two have opposite personalities so that's fun. Aramour sometimes leaves stuff lying around, while Norwyn is much neater). Mirko has his own room since he's the baby of the group, and it's completely lined with finished model kits, mostly of ships.

[tweedheadsaustralia]

Fantastic Family Entertainer

[seebora123]

With a love for both, classic and evergreen styles, our jewelry designers from India founded Seebora in 2015

The jewelry brand was later re-established in Gold Coast, Australia to create a global community of women and share the fine craftsmanship of Indian artisans with the world. 

Seebora aims to tell a story of a dream. A dream that keeps growing every single day and believes that accessories truly exude personality. The goal was to create pieces that each individual could interpret and wear in their own unique way. 

We strive to create luxury pieces that perfectly blend modern trends and techniques with our rich cultural heritage, resulting in pieces that will last a lifetime in your wardrobe.

[c4rved-pumpk1n]

moon, sculpture, afternoon tea, tweed, exam

Moon - are you a morning person or a night owl?

I hate waking up and getting up but I love the feeling when I'm the only one awake. If it was physically possible for me I'd be up every morning qnd 4:30 so that I could do all my stuff with no one being awake

Sculpture - guess my physical appearance and I'll tell you if you're right

You give me 5'3" vibes idk, and I think you have semi short brown hair and I feel like you'd have hazel eyes

Afternoon tea - favorite teas?

Vanilla chai and green tea

Tweed - does your clothing style follow an aesthetic?

Not rn but I wanna slowly transition my wardrobe so that it does, like ripped black jeans, graphic cropped tees, gold thin-chain necklaces, curled pony tails and messy buns, etc.

Exam - ask me something you've wanted to know you make an assumption about me

Have you ever been to the west coast of the us?

[mysterymirrors]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: NWT Abercrombie & Fitch Ivory/White Lace Satin/Silk Bodysuit - S.

[vipcabinetss]

Custom Joinery in Stapylton

Custom Joinery is the art of creating joints that hold pieces of timber together. It is a skill used to build furniture, cabinets, and other items.

Bespoke joinery solutions can optimise storage capacity, enhance functionality, and complement your existing decor. They can even improve the value of your property. To know more about Custom Joinery, visit the VIP Cabinets website or call 0736204888.

Bookshelves are a versatile and convenient way to store your books, decorations and other items. They can be used in a bedroom, home office, living room or anywhere you need extra storage space. When building custom shelves, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they will be sturdy and attractive. First, choose the type of wood you want your shelves to be made from. If you prefer a natural look with knot holes and grain textures, consider Alder or Pine. On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner look, you can opt for Maple or Walnut. You should also decide how deep you want your shelves to be. USM shelving is available in a variety of sizes and finishes to fit any space and style.

Plywood is the industry standard for bookshelves because it’s inexpensive and very strong. However, it’s not very pretty and must be covered with a trim to make it presentable.

When your existing entertainment unit has reached capacity with DVDs, books and other items, or you simply want to modernise your living room, consider a custom joinery solution. Custom entertainment units can be designed and built in an alcove, flat wall or as freestanding furniture. Bespoke solutions offer space optimization and can enhance your home’s value. They can also blend with any style and decor. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.

A custom built wardrobe offers both storage solutions as well as a focal point in your room. It can be positioned in the corner of your bedroom, centered behind or to the side of a bed or filling an entire wall. This closet system can also include drawers, a tack board and shelves for shoes. To know more about Custom Joinery, visit the VIP Cabinets website or call 0736204888.

PAX only comes in 3 widths so it can be difficult to get a true custom fit in your home. IKEA hacks can be used to make your PAX look more custom such as putting a piece of trim in the back to cover up the seam where the wardrobe unis meet (see pictures below). Another trick is to put small VARIERA plastic plugs on the holes that are visible in the back of the wardrobe when it’s installed. This makes the doors look finished and less like you just installed IKEA furniture. It’s a cheap and easy fix that will add that finishing touch.

[fashioneditswebsite]

Tommy Hilfiger’s nautical NYFW show makes a splash on a Staten Island ferry

Tommy Hilfiger presented his spring/summer 2025 collection on the unusual location of a decommissioned Staten Island ferry. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tommy Hilfiger (@tommyhilfiger) For his latest New York Fashion Week show, the American designer paid homage to the nautical lifestyle that has inspired the brand for almost 40 years. He took guests to the John F. Kennedy boat, which served as a Staten Island Ferry until decommissioned in 2021. Pete Davidson and Colin Jost, both New York natives, bought it the following year with other investors. The collection had nautical accents such as anchor motifs and Breton stripes (Charles Sykes/AP) Hilfiger's love letter to the East Coast of America extended to the Empire State Building, lit up in the label's colors. The show's invitation was a Tommy-fied version of a brass Staten Island Ferry token, a remnant of New York history. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Empire State Building (@empirestatebldg) The New York-born designer unveiled his second collection since returning to the NYFW schedule with a further refined luxury aesthetic. The pieces were classically Tommy: navy captain’s blazers and trench coats, cricket sweaters and cable-knit V-necks, pleated prim dresses, and capri pants. The nautical theme ran throughout, with anchor motifs and Breton stripes aplenty. Hilfiger made the classic styles modern through contemporary tailoring (Charles Sykes/AP) “It’s the New American Prep wardrobe, fusing vibrant Ivy League style with everyday coastal functionality,” the label said in a statement. Hilfiger wanted to “live within our brand codes: Stripes, red, white, and blue, nautical and collegiate preppy.” Modern silhouettes, crinkled cotton, and fabrics encompassing sportswear's fluidity energized the signature looks. “Today, it’s updated and remixed for 2025,” said Hilfiger. “The look has the ease of effortless summer style, but with a confidence that feels ready to step off the ferry and back into the city.” The collection featured classic Breton and Ithaca shirting stripes, regatta jackets, and utility trousers made from sail-cloth nylons. Celebrities in the front row included Gen V actor Patrick Schwarzenegger, 30, who recently became the brand’s face. In a herringbone tweed suit jacket and nautical-striped shirt, View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tommy Hilfiger (@tommyhilfiger) Schwarzenegger embodied the brand's quintessentially preppy aesthetic. Schwarzenegger was accompanied by Blackpink’s Jisoo, 29, who noted Hilfiger’s hip-hop influence of the Nineties in a leather baseball jacket and beanie. Others in attendance included actor Brooke Shields, who watched her daughter, Grier, on her first Fashion Week runway. “I got very emotional,” Shields said. “It was her first show and this is something she wanted to do. And I said, ‘You’ve got to go to college, but it’s a Sunday, so it’s OK.’” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gabby Thomas (@gabbythomas) Sports stars were out in force – including Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter Gabby Thomas, who wore a herringbone double-breasted blazer over a white mini dress, and gymnast Sunisa Lee in a classic belted trench coat. Romee Strijd, Noah Beck, Tinashe, and Wu-Tang Clan members enjoyed a surprise performance at the event. Tommy Hilfiger demonstrated that the brand is as much part of the city’s iconography as the ship that hosted it. It is a true American classic. Read the full article

[pulsdmedia]

The Week Ahead 9/9-9/15

A September to remember in New York City? We have everything you need to make that happen, so upgrade your schedule, round up your crew, and celebrate the dawn of a new season while summer still hangs on...

$59 Jazz, Drinks, & Bites Experience For Two In LES

The New York Times, Eater, and The Infatuation - everyone adores Only Love Strangers, and for good reason. Score this $59 Jazz, Drinks, & Bites Experience For Two that includes 2 Glasses of Bubbles, 2 Specialty Cocktails, 1 Mezze Platter, and a Nightly Live Jazz Music. Sips, sounds, and savory nosh - sit back, sip, devour, and delight in every moment...

NYFW at Rockefeller Center

A mixture of livestreams and recorded runway shows will be screened Sept. 6th through 11th exclusively at Rockefeller Center, with the viewing screen prominently located at The Rink. The partnership makes Rockefeller Center the only centralized hub — physical or digital — where the public will be able to view NYFW shows.

$29 Summer Spritz Series: Rooftop 3 Hour Open Bar With Food

"La vita è bella" in NYC - you'll find it at Simona rooftop, a jewel of Italian coastal beauty that pays homage to the Amalfi coast by way of fresh greenery, bohemian rattan, brights lemons, and a splash of neon to keep it Manhattan, of course. Crunch into crisp Fritto Misto, devour delectable Lemon Sorbetto, drinking endless spritz cocktails in between every bite. We're obsessed...

NBA Champion Jayson Tatum Book Launch

Join Barnes & Noble - Union Square in New York City on Tuesday, September 10th at 6PM as they welcome Boston Celtics 5X NBA All-Star, multi-time All-NBA First Team selection, and an Olympic Gold Medalist Jayson Tatum for his debut picture book BABY DUNKS-A-LOT.

The Moroccan Nights Experience At Elsie Rooftop

How about an end of summer getaway to Morocco for under $30 a person? We can give you that, and more, with our Moroccan Nights experience at Elsie Rooftop. Just $59 gets you a Rooftop Moroccan Nights Immersive Experience For Two that includes 1 Appetizer, 2 Mains, and 1 Spiked Teapot filled with tea-infused cocktails - think Jasmine Petal Tea Cocktail, Tamayokucha Green Tea Cocktail, and more infused with a premium tipple! And then there's the spectacular show...

Officine Générale Sample Sale

Since founding the label in 2012, Pierre Maheo has committed to building a brand for men and women that is grounded in continuity. An elevated, intentional, and real-world wardrobe that maintains a modern classic style from one season to the next.

[lustrumlane]

Aurelius ; revelation [ RE: Lacunas ]

The tap of a cane, a presence behind him. Fine hairs raise along the back of Aurelius's neck; at first, it's from fear. But soon after? Excitement. An incoherent timeline begins to knit itself into something more reasonable, and he can't stop a smile from pulling across his mouth.

"I see! That's very helpful. Thank you, Mr. Lacunas." Then, he turns to face the others. "If I may, I'd like to propose a timeline, alongside establishing everyone's alibi."

Aurelius walks to the center of the room; it's clear he's excited, weight shifting subtly from foot to foot. With a flourish, he spreads his arms, claws glinting.

"So! The establishing scene! Around 10:30 PM, Upsilon's killer buys the murder weapon. Assuming it has one, they enter the bar via the backdoor, purchase the pistol, and then leave soon after. They undergo whatever preparations are necessary, setting up that magic circle and procuring a change of clothing."

A turn of the heel, the flash of gold in his mouth. "Then! Sometime around 11:05 to 11:10, the pot by the entryway breaks. It's hard to say if our killer was responsible for it, but Coronis is seen nearby. Perhaps it's linked to the omen she warned me and Uroro of, and goes to perform some sort of ritual to stave it off. But, speaking of rituals," he looks to Uroro, "someone else is well underway with one. Uroro rushes around the same area, procuring materials for that which he prays will save us. Items are collected, placed within the effigies we saw on the beach—chief among them Maya's camera. Another Chekov's gun in our grisly tale."

The pain in his hip is ignored. "An hour later, at 12:10, the bloodied clothes become wet. But not with sanguine, that comes later. We can assume this is when the killer made their wardrobe change, and most likely when they set out to meet Upsilon, braving the storm to enact their terrible plan. And that plan blossoms around 12:32, in quite the explosive fashion. Upsilon is shot through the chest," finger pistols with one hand, miming the taking of a shot, "and falls into the water, which pools in her lungs for some time post-mortem."

Aurelius talks with his hands throughout his speech, gestures animated and near-giddy. "And then: fire! A collapsing building! The lightning might have been a coincidence or cosmically ordained, but one thing is certain: the killer was prepared for a fire. Perhaps knocked over from the beam which passed through Upsilon, trees fencing the Respite from the bookstore fall over, giving them a neat route through the wreckage. Having possibly doused themselves in flame retardant prior, they move recklessly through the inferno. So recklessly, in fact, their undershirt snags on some debris, leaving behind a singed scrap at 12:37. Kit, in his trapped state, at least manages to catch some details: blonde hair, short or restrained as to not catch alight, minimal clothing, and a held hat."

He pronounces debris wrong, like how it's spelled. Deb-riss.

"Given the state things are in, we're all forced to take the long way around to reach the wreckage. Meanwhile, our killer is in a race against time. At 12:51, they're caught on camera by Coronis. Perhaps she saw them making their way across the coast, attempting to dispose of the murder weapon by throwing it into the Depths. So, mayhaps she takes a photo, tries to catch them in the act, but she's spotted. A scuffle ensues, causing her scrapes and bruises, before the killer grabs the camera, concussing her with it and taking their leave. They leave their clothes in the lighthouse, switching into something less blood-soaked, just in time to rush back to the scene of the crime. At 12:55, we discover Upsilon's body and save Kit from the fire."

Breathless, he looks around the room. "If anyone has any corrections, I'm more than open to them. But I think we can definitively narrow down our suspects now, don't you agree? First, let's start with those who aren't, the ones with definitive alibis. Dante and Kit are the most obvious, they were together prior to the murder and were inside the bookstore when it occurred. Myself, Anisha, and Rui were preoccupied in the plaza. Uroro was preparing his ritual. Victor, Lacunas, and Packet remained inside the manor for the whole evening, and Elena, Emerson, and Matt remained a cohesive group. And finally, Coronis was incapacitated."

Aurelius realizes he's shaking; is this what it feels like to pass judgement? His head is swimming. "That leaves several people without a verifiable cover, either because they have not spoken up or because their claimed activities were undertaken solo. We can narrow the list further going off the description Kit provided. Maya, Edith, Venetia, and Mikhail are all innocent, by virtue of being nowhere near blonde. Thus, we are left with only two suspects."

All he can hear is his own hearbeat. Excitement wanes into something manic.There's no comfortable place to rest his tongue; it drifts listlessly in the confines of his dry mouth.

"Ephemerael and Dahlia. The former has already given her testimony, so I'd like to hear from Ms. Wu, if possible."

[hipposfashion]

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[catchasta]

The Ultimate Guide to Acting Headshots on the Gold Coast

In the vibrant world of acting, where first impressions are paramount, an exceptional headshot can be the key to opening doors to new opportunities. For Actors Headshots Gold Coast, a headshot is more than just a photograph; it's a powerful tool that conveys personality, professionalism, and potential. At Catch A Star, we understand the significance of a great headshot and are dedicated to helping you capture that perfect image that will leave a lasting impression on casting directors and agents alike.

Why Acting Headshots Matter

Acting Headshots Gold Coast are the cornerstone of any actor's portfolio. They are often the first thing casting directors see, and they need to stand out in a sea of submissions. A professional headshot showcases your unique look, character, and versatility, giving industry professionals a glimpse of your range and talent. On the Gold Coast, where the entertainment industry is flourishing, having a standout headshot can make all the difference in landing auditions and roles.

What Makes a Great Acting Headshot?

Several elements contribute to an outstanding acting headshot:

Professional Quality: A high-resolution image with excellent lighting and clarity is essential. It reflects your commitment to your craft and ensures you are presented in the best possible light.

Authenticity: Your headshot should look like you on your best day. Avoid heavy makeup or overly styled hair. The goal is to capture your natural essence and unique features.

Expressive Eyes: Your eyes are the windows to your soul, and in a headshot, they should convey emotion and depth. Make sure your eyes are well-lit and engaging.

Neutral Background: A simple, uncluttered background keeps the focus on you. It should enhance, not distract from your face.

Versatility: While you may want a specific look, having a range of expressions and styles in your headshots can showcase your versatility as an actor.

Choosing the Right Photographer

Selecting the right photographer is crucial to getting the perfect headshot. Here are some tips to help you find the best match:

●       Portfolio Review: Look at the photographer’s previous work to ensure their style aligns with your vision.

●       Experience: Choose a photographer who specializes in acting headshots and understands the industry standards.

●       Comfort Level: It's important to feel comfortable and relaxed during your shoot. A photographer who can make you feel at ease will help you produce the most authentic images.

●       Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from other actors to gauge their experiences and satisfaction with the photographer's work.

Preparing for Your Headshot Session

Preparation is key to a successful headshot session. Here are some steps to help you get ready:

Wardrobe Selection: Choose clothing that reflects your personal style but avoid busy patterns and logos. Solid colors often work best, and bring a few different options to the shoot.

Grooming: Get a good night's sleep before your shoot, stay hydrated, and avoid any new skincare products that might cause reactions. Ensure your hair is clean and styled naturally.

Practice Expressions: Spend some time in front of the mirror practicing different expressions. This will help you feel more confident and prepared during the shoot.

Relax and Have Fun: The best headshots are often the result of a relaxed and enjoyable session. Trust your photographer and enjoy the process.

After the Shoot: Selecting Your Headshots

Once your shoot is over, you’ll need to select the best images to use. Here are some tips for making your final choices:

●       Get Feedback: Show your headshots to trusted friends, agents, or coaches for their input.

●       Variety: Choose a range of expressions and looks to showcase your versatility.

●       Professional Input: Consider consulting with your agent or manager to ensure your headshots align with your branding and marketability.

Headshot Maintenance

Your headshot should be updated regularly to reflect your current look. Changes in hairstyle, weight, or overall appearance warrant a new headshot. Additionally, if your career is evolving and you’re branching into new roles, consider updating your headshots to match your expanding portfolio.

Conclusion: Your Path to Success

A great acting headshot is a blend of professionalism, authenticity, and artistry. At Catch A Star, we are dedicated to helping actors on the Gold Coast capture their true essence and stand out in the competitive world of entertainment. By investing in a high-quality headshot, you are taking a significant step towards achieving your acting dreams.

Whether you are an aspiring actor just starting or a seasoned professional looking to refresh your portfolio, our team at Catch A Star is here to support you every step of the way. Visit our website at Catchastar.com.au to learn more about our services and book your headshot session today. Your journey to stardom begins with a single snapshot – make it count with Catch A Star!