#Women in phlegm

[nervousyouthcupcake]

[evature]

[girljpg]

men hacking up their saliva and spitting on the street is the most disgusting thing it makes my skin crawl

[jerma85]

i want to drive a nail thru the skull of this man at work. he broke up with his ex girlfriend but manipulates her into still coming over to HIS apartment to cook and clean for him in the hopes that they'll get back together, but he's just stringing her along so he can get babied by her. also he's obsessively throwing cash at a dancer younger than i am (she's 23, he's 55) and trying to beg her to date him. i hope both women come together and kill his ass.

[sanguineterrain]

restroom attendant | jason todd

Summary: Tonight is the worst night ever--you just got dumped on your birthday, and all you want to do is cry in the restaurant bathroom in peace. That is, until, the Red Hood bursts in. This city just won't cut you a break.

Pairing: Jason Todd x fem!reader 

Word count: 1.7k

Warnings/tags: humor, mild angst, reader's ex-bf cheats and dumps her, jason is such a silly goose, flirting, meet ugly, canon-typical violence, awkward jason, comic relief dick grayson.

A/N: this is probably the silliest fic i've ever written LOL! i hope you guys enjoy it. please support your local jason todd enthusiast and reblog :)

the divider

Tonight sucks. 

With a shaky hand, you attempt to soothe your swollen eyes. You’ve probably been in here for about twenty minutes. Your Uber has definitely left, as has your now ex-boyfriend of three years. 

Yoga instructor. It’s always the yoga instructor. They’re always fucking the yoga instructor.

You swallow a mouthful of tears and phlegm and try not to let the wet sink touch your dress. All you’d wanted was a little class on your birthday, maybe have some wine and play footsie under the table with your boyfriend. But no. That would’ve been too easy for you. 

You’re starting to think this city is cursed.

The door slams open. The force of it shakes the bathroom, rattles the mirrors. You spin around.

A man slides across the floor and smacks his head on the opposite wall. Red Hood appears in the doorway, the eyes of his helmet glowing eerily. 

Yep. Definitely cursed.

"Let's try this again," Hood says pleasantly, reloading his gun with a fresh magazine. "And in the interest of making myself transparent: when I ask you a question, Jerry, I expect a truthful answer."

He stalks over to Jerry and heaves him up by the lapels of his suit jacket. Hood's biceps bulge as he holds Jerry against the wall. You squish yourself against the sink. Water soaks the back of your dress. 

"You're crazy, I didn't do anything!" Jerry shouts, feet barely scraping the floor. 

"Volume, Jerry. People are trying to enjoy their meals.”

“Let go of me, Hood! I wasn’t anywhere near the Iceberg Lounge!”

“Yeah, see, words are coming outta your mouth, but they don't match the fact that I have three people who put you at the scene. How can we remedy this inconsistency? Any ideas?"

Jerry squirms, but he's no match for Hood's strength. Your heart pounds in your chest.

"Don't give me to the cops!" Jerry begs. 

"Cops are the least of your worries right now," Hood snarls. "You're damn lucky Nightwing wants to talk to you, Jerry, or your head would hurt a lot more."

Slowly, you reach for your purse, trying to pull out your phone. Instead, you knock it to the floor. Tears gather in your eyes because this night just can’t cut you a break.

“Motherfucker,” you whisper. 

Hood turns, those frightening white eyes now on you. Jerry also looks at you, legs still dangling.

“Hey,” Hood says without a sign of struggle. “Shit. Y'alright? Did I swipe ya?”

“No,” you say, voice shaky.

His posture softens. “Okay. I’m not gonna hurt you. Don’t be afraid.”

“I believe you. But, um… you're in the women's bathroom.”

Red Hood gives the room a onceover. 

“Huh. So we are. Dunno how that happened.” He shakes Jerry by the collar. “Why’d you run into the women’s bathroom, asshole?”

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Don't kill me!” Jerry wails. 

“Shut it, Jesus. I'm not gonna kill you. Not yet, anyway.” 

“It's fine, I was just leaving,” you say, bending down to get your purse. 

“Hey, no, don't let me push you out,” Hood says. “Sorry. I'll be gone in a couple minutes.”

Hood adjusts his grip so Jerry's face is against the wall, arms and legs restrained. Then he zipties Jerry and sits him down hard on the floor. Hood presses a button on his helmet. 

“Yo, N, I'm at Prescott's. Yeah, with Jerry. No, I didn't tell him to run in here, he did that all on his own! Well, I chased him for ten blocks, so I’d prefer if you’d keep your bitching to yourself. Thank you… Okay, we're in the women's bathroom, so—well, I didn't do it on purpose! No, I’m—will you just come here? There’s a side window.” Hood presses the button again with a grunt. “Dickhead.”

“Are you gonna erase my memory?” you ask. 

Hood jerks, turning back to you.

“What? Hell no, I'm not gonna erase your memory. I don't do that shit, I promise.”

You slump against the sink. “That's too bad. I would prefer it.”

He looks up from Jerry’s last ziptie and pulls it extra tight. Jerry whimpers. 

“How come?” Hood asks.

You shake your head. “It's nothing.”

“Hm. Doesn't look like nothing. If you're in danger—”

“I'm not in danger. I…”

You glance at Hood. You can't see his face, but his body language seems genuine. From what you've heard, Hood isn't known for mincing words or doing things he doesn't want to. And he’s good to Gothamites. Well, the law-abiding ones, anyway. He’s even been endorsed by Batman.

What's the harm in telling him about your disastrous night? Not like you'll see him again. Or Jerry. 

“I got dumped,” you say. 

“Ah.” Hood nods. “Been there.”

Somehow, the idea of Red Hood getting dumped is weirder than him beating up a guy in the women’s bathroom of Prescott’s.

You sniffle, and wipe your eyes with the back of your hand. 

“Yeah, um. It was our three year anniversary today. He took me here, told me he was in love with his yoga instructor, and then left.”

You tear up thinking about it. Hood makes a quiet noise.

“Shit. Well, I haven't been there,” he says. “But I know infidelity. I'm sorry. Dudes are trash.”

“And it's my birthday today,” you blurt, sniffling. 

“Happy birthday,” Jerry says, clutching his stomach. 

“What a fucking asshole!” Hood snarls, and lets go of Jerry, who crumples like a sack of potatoes. He’s out cold in a second, frozen on the floor.

Your brows rise. “Is he okay?”

“He’s fine. It’s his first time in Gotham.” Hood shrugs. “Anyway, where was I? Right, your asshole ex. Like it's not enough to publicly dump you, and then he goes and does it on your birthday? Who is this guy? I'll go talk to him right now.”

You laugh a loud, snorting laugh. It bounces off the tiles. 

Hood tilts his head. “What’d I say?”

You catch your breath and wave your hand. 

“No, nothing, I’m sorry. I’ve just had a crappy night and that’s probably the nicest thing anyone’s ever offered to me.”

“I mean it,” Hood says. “I’ll scare him if you want.”

“As tempting as that is, I don’t want to be an accessory to a crime.”

You also don’t want to put your ex in the ICU, no matter how much he might deserve it. Best to let the universe do its thing.

“You’d be acquitted, don’t worry.” Hood leans against the stall. “I’d never letcha go to jail.”

You smile, your ears growing warm. “You don’t even know me. What if I deserve it?”

“Nah. I got a good sense about people. I can tell you’re sweet. Probably don’t even run through red lights.”

“I try not to,” you say, heat spreading to your face. 

“Yeah, a good girl. I figured as much.”

Your eyes widen. Hood coughs and rubs his neck. Even his coughs sound intimidating through the helmet, but that’s negated by his scrunched-up posture.

“Fuck. Sorry. That wasn’t a come-on,” he says. “I mean, it sounded like one, but I’m realizing what a creep I am, flirting with you in a bathroom with a zip-tied criminal. Sorry.” He shakes his head. “I hate myself.”

You grin. “It’s okay. You made my night better, actually. Thanks.”

“That’s a testament to how terrible your night’s been if I made it better.”

You shrug. “Could always be worse. I bet Jerry had an even shittier night than me.”

“You’d win that bet. But I—”

The window swings open with a clunk. Nightwing pops his head in. He looks at Hood, then you. 

“Uh,” he says. “Evening. What’s going on?”

“What’s going on is it took you almost ten minutes to get here,” Hood says, back in Vigilante Mode. “Did you get lost?”

Nightwing smiles with all his teeth. “I was actually cleaning up your mess at the Bowery, Hood. You’re welcome.” 

He looks at you. “Hi. Sorry about this. I hope we didn’t ruin your night. If there’s anything we can reimburse you for…”

You shake your head. “It’s okay. My night was already sunk. Don’t worry about it. Thanks for keeping Gotham safe.”

Nightwing laughs. “The pleasure is ours.”

“Alright, enough chattering, Dickwing,” Hood says. “Take him.”

He lifts the unconscious Jerry, pushing him up to the window. He does so effortlessly, his jacket riding up to reveal his skin-tight jumpsuit. 

You look away before he catches you staring. There’s definitely something wrong with you. 

Nightwing takes Jerry and waves at you. Then he disappears.

“So, uh,” Hood says. “I gotta go.”

“Oh! Right, of course. Sorry to keep you.”

“Now what’re you apologizing for?” he asks, and it almost sounds like a tease. You wonder what his smile looks like. What color his eyes are.

“Well, I really didn’t mean to keep you…”

“You didn’t keep me,” Hood says, and you can hear the warmth even through his decoder. “This is probably the best arrest I’ve ever made.”

He starts to climb through the window, then stops. He digs into one of the pockets of his belt and pulls out a scrap of paper. 

“This is my number,” he says. “Well, it’s kind of the vigilante hotline. But you can reach me here, in case you ever need help.”

Hood walks over to give it to you. He smells like gunpowder and oranges. He’s even larger this close, the width of his shoulders dwarfing you. 

“Thank you,” you say quietly. 

He nods and backs up, clapping his hands.

“Right. So I’ll go… Bye.”

Hood looks at you for a moment more. Then he hops up onto the window sill and slides out, somehow graceful despite his bulk. The window closes. 

Your dress has dried, which is nice. You walk out of the bathroom. It’s a miracle no one else has come in. 

You get your coat and this time, when you see the empty seat across from yours, you don’t burst into tears, which is progress. You call another Uber and go to wait for it at the front. The hostess approaches you.

“Ma’am?” she says, and holds out a small, plastic container. In it is a slice of tiramisu. 

“I didn’t order this,” you say.

“It was called in and paid for by a Mr. R.H. He wishes you a happy birthday.” 

“Oh. Thank you.”

You’re definitely leaving a five-star review on Yelp.

[johnfkennedaddy]

Walking down the street with a cishet white man:

[leroidefrance]

WOMEN IN PHLEGM 🔛🔝

(not mine)

[crossdreamers]

Have people always thought that gender differences are caused by men and women belonging to different biological sexes?

Not too long ago Europeans believed that men and women were variants of one biological sex. The idea that gender can be reduced to a static and unchangeable "biological sex" is far from obvious.

These days we often find transphobes and anti-LGBTQ activists talk about "biological sex" and the way genitalia, gonads or chromosomes determine our gender and the abilities associated with that sex.

This is a way of upholding traditional gender roles and force queer and trans people back into the closet.

Same-sex sexuality is, apparently, bad because it is unnatural and does not lead to procreation. Transgender people are wrong about their identity because a gender identity follows automatically from their biological sex.

Many transphobes see these statements as self-evident and eternal. It is "the woke mob" that is misleading our youth and destroying God and Nature given facts.

But if this was self-evident, we would expect this belief of extreme gender polarities to be found in the past too, right?

The pre-modern one sex model

No. In pre-modern Europe from Antiquity and up to the Enlightenment and beyond, we find completely different models of sex and gender.

In many parts of Europe you would definitely find strict rules and regulations for how men and women should dress, work, behave and have sex. These were not societies based on gender equality. But that did not mean that they had a model of sex and gender based on biologically rigid polarities.

The four humors

The humor theory of the time stated that a person's personality and abilities were shaped by the balance between the four humors, blood (associated with the element air and dryness) , yellow bile (fire/heat), black bile (earth/cold) and phlegm (water/moisture). 

Men were thought to be primarily hot and dry, while women were most often cold and wet.

But people also recognized that there were men and women with a different balance of the humors. Indeed different proportions of the different elements in the body combined with astrological influences was used to explain why persons behaved the way they did.

In Shakespeare's plays a lot of choler (yellow bile/fire) is seen as valuable in male warriors but a problem in "choleric" women. Hence the need for laws to keep them in line. Men and women with too much black bile would become "melancholic". So it is not nature that dictates the behavior and gender roles of men and women, but men.

The big shift

In the book Making Sex: Body and Gender from the Greeks to Freud, Thomas Laqueur's argues that there was a huge shift in attitudes toward human sexual anatomy during the 18th and 19th centuries.

He argues that doctors before that time had seen the female body as a weak variant of the male one. The relative lack of fire and air caused the female reproductive organs to remain inside the body, but the vagina was, in fact, an inverted penis. Anatomists argued that the labia was a parallel to the foreskin, the uterus to the scrotum, and the ovaries to the testicles. There was only two variants of one sex, Laqueur argues.

There was also a clear overlap in other bodily functions. Doctors accepted that there were men who could lactate, because why not?

A Renaissance sex change

Indeed, as the 16th century story of Germain Garnier tells us, doctors might even argue that a woman called Mary could transform into a man named Germain. This change was induced by an excess of heat caused by some strenuous physical exercise, both Germain and the experts of the time agreed.

Both the doctors and the local Bishop accepted that Garnier had become a "real" man and that he therefore had to follow the laws for men from then on.

The important thing here is not whether this transformation was true or not, but that the "experts" of the time had a model of sex and gender that allowed for it.

What is different with is that some people today think that the extreme gender differences they believe in are "natural", as based in biology, with laws given by nature, while the pre-modern approach argued that the differences were dictated by God and the authorities.

The point here is not to say that the pre-modern view of biology, sex and gender was the correct one. The point is to show that the traditionalist "biology is destiny" narrative is not self-evident or "common sense". It is simply based on a different set of prejudices. For most of history Europeans have believed in very different models.

See also:

A Short History of the Roots of Transphobic Science

William Shakespeare’s Love for a Transfeminine Crossdreamer

Thomas Laqueur: Making Sex: Body and Gender from the Greeks to Freud

Marissa Cranell: Utterly Confused Categories: Gender NonConformity in Late Medieval and Early Modern Western Europe

Illustration of the four humors from the National Library of Medicine.

[thedearidiot]

Morning yawns and today, my father has deleted a daughter, today, he’s blessed with two sons who take after his fire and quicksilver. Today he may be haunted by the grip of a friend who died in his arms, but not the scent of a baby girl he held 37 years ago. Women, he says, and spits out a phlegm- colored ghost. There is plasm, he says, and shrugs–– and then, there is ectoplasm. What is a father who has two sons? Happy

- Cathy Linh Che, Becoming Ghost.

[lunarlianna]

Medical astrology

This article draws inspiration and is based on information found in two notable books: "Complete Practical Astrology" by Edward Lyndoe, published in 1938, and "Complete Herbal" by Nicholas Culpeper, dating back to 1652. It's not uncommon for individuals with a stellium in a specific zodiac sign to experience health issues associated with that sign more prominently compared to those with just one planet in that sign. The concentration of planetary energy in one sign can intensify the characteristics and tendencies associated with it, including health-related aspects.

The history behind it

In early-modern Europe, people held a deep fascination with the connection between celestial bodies and our well-being. This belief traced back to ancient notions of the Four Elements and the Four Humors, forming the basis of humoral theory in medicine. Originating with Hippocrates and evolving through Galen, this theory centered on balancing bodily fluids: blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. Men were seen as hot and dry, while women were considered cold and wet. Dietary choices and flavors were believed to influence humor balance.

These ancient ideas were intricately linked to Zodiac signs, seasons, cardinal directions, qualities, temperaments, and life stages. People believed that our health relied on maintaining a delicate equilibrium among these factors, shaping a complex system that demanded precise language to explain.

As interest in astrology grew in the 16th century, printed books, such as "Planetary Books" and "Folk Calendars," became popular sources of knowledge. These texts provided valuable insights, bridging the gap between celestial and earthly realms. They aimed to empower readers with wisdom about their place in the universe.

Aries: rules over the head, face, eyes, and the brain's cognitive functions, influencing the distribution of both mental and physical energy. This sign is associated with health concerns like headaches, fevers, neuralgia, eye issues, skin eruptions, inflammations, wounds, and accidents. Individuals born under Aries may have an abundance of energy, often exceeding their mental and emotional balance. Many health issues can be traced back to factors such as excessive physical exertion or bouts of intense anger. It's advisable for Aries individuals to prioritize maintaining a sense of balance and inner poise to promote their overall well-being.

Taurus: you should know that your sign is linked to certain areas of your body like the neck, ears, throat, larynx, and tonsils. These body parts might need a little extra care. Your sign is also associated with your ability to recover from health issues. However, it's important to be mindful of diseases that can specifically affect your throat. One thing to keep in mind is that Taurus individuals often have a love for indulgence and comfort, which can sometimes lead to health challenges. Additionally, your tendency to dwell on problems might make you more sensitive to minor health issues. So, remember to strike a balance and take good care of your well-being.

Gemini: For those born under the sign of Gemini, certain areas of the body require attention. Gemini influences the arms, shoulders, muscles, and bones, as well as the respiratory system, including the trachea and bronchi, and even the hands. People with this sign may be more prone to health issues like bronchial complaints, lung conditions such as pneumonia and pleurisy, nerve-related diseases, asthma, and anemia. These health challenges can often be traced back to nervous reactions and restlessness, which are characteristic of Gemini individuals.

Cancer: you have an influence on various parts of the body, including the stomach, breasts, solar plexus, diaphragm, and the upper portion of the liver. These areas are closely tied to matters of nutrition and digestion. Health issues that commonly afflict those born under Cancer often originate from emotional factors, triggered by mental irritants. These emotional disturbances can lead to nervous reactions and a general decrease in vitality. Interestingly, it's been suggested that more often than not, the health of a Cancerian is affected by external factors and the actions of others rather than self-inflicted harm. So, it's important for Cancer individuals to prioritize their emotional well-being and maintain a harmonious environment to support their overall health.

Leo: you have a special connection with the heart, spine, and vital forces carried by the blood. This makes you particularly susceptible to issues like heart troubles and poor circulation. Remember, many of these health challenges can be linked to overexertion or pushing yourself too hard. So, take good care of your energy levels and avoid unnecessary strain to keep your health in top shape.

Virgo: you have a unique connection with your own digestive system, which encompasses your intestines, alimentary canal, and the lower part of your liver. However, it's essential to recognize that individuals born under this sign might also be more prone to experiencing digestive issues and complaints, especially concerning the intestines. For you, these digestive troubles could occasionally stem from nervous causes, potentially leading to discomforts like acidity and other digestive challenges. It's a part of your unique astrological makeup, emphasizing the importance of taking extra care of your digestive well-being and managing any stress or anxiety that might contribute to these issues.

Libra: you are associated with specific areas of the body, including the kidneys, loins, appendix, lumbar vertebrae, and the skin. These are related to the body's liquid processes. Health challenges that often affect Virgos include kidney problems and issues related to the spine. These troubles are frequently linked to nervous exhaustion. To maintain your well-being, it's crucial for Virgos to manage stress and avoid situations that lead to nervous strain.

Scorpio: your zodiac sign governs several vital areas of the body, including the organs of reproduction, bladder, gallbladder, colon, and rectum. These parts are closely tied to procreation and reproduction. Health issues frequently associated with Scorpios involve the organs mentioned earlier. Problems may arise due to excessive worrying and the influence of others on the individual, which can break down resistance. To maintain good health, it's important for Scorpios to find ways to manage stress and emotional pressures effectively.

Sagittarius: you have a  connection to certain body areas like the hips, thighs, and sciatic nerves. These parts are linked to your senses and how you perceive illnesses through your nerves. Health issues that Sagittarians often face include conditions like gout, rheumatism, and sciatica, as well as accidents. Restlessness can be a contributing factor to these problems, and individuals under this sign may have a propensity for accidents and injuries. Therefore, it's essential for Sagittarians to cultivate a sense of caution and mindfulness to prevent such mishaps and maintain their well-being.

Capricorn: you have an influence on the knees, joints, and hair. These are connected to processes related to preservation and conserving energy. Health issues commonly associated with Capricorns include skin complaints and diseases affecting the parts of the body influenced by this sign. Such ailments often have their origins in inhibitions. Therefore, it's important for Capricorns to focus on finding a balance between preserving energy and addressing any emotional or mental inhibitions that may impact their well-being.

Aquarius: your influence goes to the lower legs (calves and ankles), teeth, and blood circulation. These areas are interconnected with the body's circulation and eliminative processes. Health issues often associated with Aquarians include accidents affecting the ankles, as well as complaints related to this part of the body. Conditions such as varicose veins, blood poisoning, and certain nervous diseases may also be relevant. Many of these health challenges may have nervous causes, often tied to the highly sensitive nature of those born under the Aquarius sign. Therefore, maintaining emotional balance and managing stress is crucial for overall well-being.

Pisces your zodiac sign influences specific areas of the body, including the feet and toes. These are related to perspiration and the lymphatic processes within the body. Health challenges often associated with Pisceans include conditions like influenza, colds, and diseases accompanied by mucous discharges. Many of these complaints may have their origins in an overactive or overheated mind, possibly with perceived injuries from others. Additionally, individuals born under the Pisces sign tend to exhibit a high level of physical and mental sensitivity, which can contribute to various health issues. Therefore, it's important for Pisceans to manage stress, maintain emotional balance, and address any perceived injuries to promote overall well-being.

[hchollym]

Percy Weasley & Fleur Delacour Parallels

I mentioned that Percy & Fleur have several similarities in this post, so I figured I would expand on that idea to show how the books demonstrate parallels between these two characters, because I love them both. 🥰

The Basics

They are both feminine (see the above linked post about Percy)

They are both described in similar ways by Harry:

Harry glimpsed Fleur Delacour from time to time in the corridors; she looked exactly as she always did, haughty and unruffled.

&

“I’ve told Mr. Crouch that I’ll have it ready by Tuesday,” Percy was saying pompously.

Neither of them fly/play Quidditch:

“I’m taking Fleur on a thestral,” said Bill. “She’s not that fond of brooms.”

&

Five minutes later they were marching up the hill, broomsticks over their shoulders. They had asked Percy if he wanted to join them, but he had said he was busy. Harry had only seen Percy at mealtimes so far; he stayed shut in his room the rest of the time.

They both sing (though possibly not well):

Shortly after this, Fleur decided to imitate Celestina singing ‘A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love’, which was taken by everyone, once they had glimpsed Mrs Weasley’s expression, to be the cue to go to bed.

&

"...I thought it sounded a bit like Percy singing . . . maybe you’ve got to attack him while he’s in the shower, Harry.”

Family

They are both mother hens to their younger siblings:

Percy, who looked very white and somehow much younger than usual, came splashing out to meet them. Meanwhile Madame Maxime was trying to restrain Fleur Delacour, who was quite hysterical, fighting tooth and nail to return to the water.

&

Percy seized Ron and was dragging him back to the bank (“Gerroff, Percy, I’m all right!”); Dumbledore and Bagman were pulling Harry upright; Fleur had broken free of Madame Maxime and was hugging her sister.

They both were outsiders with the Weasleys at one point (with some lovely name calling):

‘Whereas Bill and Fleur … well … what have they really got in common? He’s a hard-working, down-to-earth sort of person, whereas she’s –’ ‘A cow,’ said Ginny, nodding. ‘But Bill’s not that down-to-earth. He’s a curse-breaker, isn’t he, he likes a bit of adventure, a bit of glamour … I expect that’s why he’s gone for Phlegm.’

&

“We tried to comfort her,” said Fred, moving around the bed to look at Harry’s portrait. “Told her Percy’s nothing more than a humongous pile of rat droppings —”

They both moved past their differences with the Weasleys around the time of a battle that they fought in (Battle of the Astronomy Tower & the Battle of Hogwarts):

‘Our Great Auntie Muriel,’ said Mrs Weasley after a long pause, ‘has a very beautiful tiara – goblinmade – which I am sure I could persuade her to lend you for the wedding. She is very fond of Bill, you know, and it would look lovely with your hair.’ ‘Thank you,’ said Fleur stiffly. ‘I am sure zat will be lovely.’ And then – Harry did not quite see how it happened – both women were crying and hugging each other.

&

Mrs. Weasley burst into tears. She ran forward, pushed Fred aside, and pulled Percy into a strangling hug, while he patted her on the back, his eyes on his father. “I’m sorry, Dad.” Percy said. Mr. Weasley blinked rather rapidly, then he too hurried to hug his son.

Relationships

They both dated a Ravenclaw & snuck around Hogwarts to kiss them:

Fleur and Roger Davies had disappeared, probably into a more private clump of bushes.

&

“Well — Percy’s got a girlfriend.” Fred dropped a stack of books on George’s head. “What?” “It’s that Ravenclaw prefect, Penelope Clearwater,” said Ginny. “That’s who he was writing to all last summer. He’s been meeting her all over the school in secret. I walked in on them kissing in an empty classroom one day..."

Both of them had a partner that was attacked at Hogwarts, and Percy & Fleur were terrified for them:

As Professor McGonagall nodded, Harry felt Ginny move beside him and looked at her. Her slightly narrowed eyes were fixed upon Fleur, who was gazing down at Bill with a frozen expression on her face. ‘Dumbledore gone,’ whispered Mr Weasley, but Mrs Weasley had eyes only for her eldest son; she began to sob, tears falling on to Bill’s mutilated face.

&

Percy Weasley was sitting in a chair behind Lee, but for once he didn’t seem keen to make his views heard. He was looking pale and stunned. “Percy’s in shock,” George told Harry quietly. “That Ravenclaw girl — Penelope Clearwater — she’s a prefect. I don’t think he thought the monster would dare attack a prefect.”

They both act like a lovesick teenager over someone:

‘’E is always so thoughtful,’ purred Fleur adoringly, stroking Bill’s nose.

&

“I’m taking Fleur on a thestral,” said Bill. “She’s not that fond of brooms.” Fleur walked over to stand beside him, giving him a soppy, slavish look that Harry hoped with all his heart would never appear on his face again.

&

“Mr. Crouch?” said Percy, suddenly abandoning his look of poker-stiff disapproval and positively writhing with excitement. “He speaks over two hundred! Mermish and Gobbledegook and Troll . . .”

&

“Mr. Crouch!” said Percy breathlessly, sunk into a kind of halfbow that made him look like a hunchback. “Would you like a cup of tea?”

More About Their Personalities/Flaws

They both tend to brag about their accomplishments:

"...We ’ave all been ’oping to be chosen for weeks and weeks! Ze honor for our schools! A thousand Galleons in prize money — zis is a chance many would die for!"

&

Harry took the hint and sat down next to Percy, who was wearing brand-new, navy-blue dress robes and an expression of such smugness that Harry thought it ought to be fined. “I’ve been promoted,” Percy said before Harry could even ask, and from his tone, he might have been announcing his election as supreme ruler of the universe. “I’m now Mr. Crouch’s personal assistant, and I’m here representing him.”

They both get jealous of Harry having special privileges:

“If anyone’s got reason to complain, it’s Potter,” growled Moody, “but . . . funny thing . . . I don’t hear him saying a word. . . .” “Why should ’e complain?” burst out Fleur Delacour, stamping her foot. “ ’E ’as ze chance to compete, ’asn’t ’e?!"

&

“Madame Maxime!” said Fleur at once, striding over to her headmistress. “Zey are saying zat zis little boy is to compete also!”

&

When Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic himself, arrived, Percy bowed so low that his glasses fell off and shattered. Highly embarrassed, he repaired them with his wand and thereafter remained in his seat, throwing jealous looks at Harry, whom Cornelius Fudge had greeted like an old friend.

They both rant about criticisms of institutions/places:

Meanwhile Fleur Delacour was criticizing the Hogwarts decorations to Roger Davies. “Zis is nothing,” she said dismissively, looking around at the sparkling walls of the Great Hall. “At ze Palace of Beauxbatons, we ’ave ice sculptures all around ze dining chamber at Chreestmas. Zey do not melt, of course . . . zey are like ’uge statues of diamond, glittering around ze place. And ze food is seemply superb. And we ’ave choirs of wood nymphs, ’oo serenade us as we eat. We ’ave none of zis ugly armor in ze ’alls, and eef a poltergeist ever entaired into Beauxbatons, ’e would be expelled like zat.” She slapped her hand onto the table impatiently.

&

Percy Weasley, meanwhile, had much to say on the subject of Sirius's escape. "If I manage to get into the Ministry, I'll have a lot of proposals to make about Magical Law Enforcement!" he told the only person who would listen -- his girlfriend, Penelope.

They both criticize other people on multiple occasions:

‘She ’as let ’erself go, zat Tonks,’ mused Fleur, examining her own stunning reflection in the back of a teaspoon. ‘A big mistake, if you ask –’

&

In his eagerness to help her, he knocked the gravy boat flying; Bill waved his wand and the gravy soared up in the air and returned meekly to the boat. ‘You are as bad as zat Tonks,’ said Fleur to Ron, when she had finished kissing Bill in thanks. ‘She is always knocking –’

&

“Well, Father feels he’s got to make up for his mistake at the match, doesn’t he?” said Percy. “If truth be told, he was a tad unwise to make a public statement without clearing it with his Head of Department first —”

&

“Oh Bertha’s hopeless, all right,” said Percy. “I hear she’s been shunted from department to department for years, much more trouble than she’s worth..."

Silly Extra

On a funny note, when Fleur married Bill, he was the first Weasley sibling to tie the know, but Percy actually had the first reference to marriage out of all his siblings:

“I don’t reckon he’d come home if Dad didn’t make him. He’s obsessed. Just don’t get him onto the subject of his boss. According to Mr. Crouch . . . as I was saying to Mr. Crouch . . . Mr. Crouch is of the opinion . . . Mr. Crouch was telling me . . . They’ll be announcing their engagement any day now.”

🤣

In Conclusion

There's no real importance to these parallels; I just find them interesting! 😊

[zoyasribbon]

THE CLAWS THAT CATCH, THE HAND THAT CARRY

a Peter Sutherland fanfiction | Fandom: The Night Agent. Rating: Mature. Status: Ongoing. Type: Canon Compliant [set before s1]. Tags: slow burn, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, spying, sexual tension, eventual explicit content, character study, mr & mrs. smith vibes, peter sutherland liking his women like he likes his tea: strong and burning hot, this one is for the girlies who have their likes full of peter sutherland edits and fics/imagines, trust me we're together fam, slow updates (tryin’ my best).

FROM A YOUNG AGE, LANELLE WILLIAMS always knew she was meant for more. If working as a phone operator at the White House's emergency line is the stepping stone to reach spy land, she is determined to endure it with unwavering resolve. Diane Farr and Jamie Hawkins were too well aware of her talent. That’s why they offered her the job in the first place by giving her a year and half to prove her motivation.

NOTHING CAN STAND BETWEEN LANELLE and her ambition. However, the unexpected and abrupt arrival of Peter Sutherland seems to throw a wrench into her carefully laid plans. The fact that he is set to replace her means only one thing: she’s back to square one, to the old days of being a night watch officer. Everything about him is strange and awfully irritating to say the least, like the way this job has been offered to him on a silver platter or how easily people, hell even the president, like him.

BUT LANELLE HAS NO TIME to let her emotions disturb her phlegm, not when Farr gives her a chance to get the promotion she’s long dreamt of. She only has one special mission: keep a watchful eye on Sutherland. And despite its rather unofficial and unethical nature, Lanelle is ready to do whatever it takes.

◈ Read the story HERE on ao3.

◈ Listen to the playlist HERE on spotify.

[haggishlyhagging]

Hildegard's repeated envisioning of the Church as Mother and her descriptions of the creative, life-giving aspect of the Church, which she likens to "green-ness" (viriditas), her holistic symbol for the vitality of earth, nature, human life and spirituality, all express her insistence on the unity of male and female principles in the universe, on earth and in heaven. Her theology breaks sharply with the dichotomized categories of the scholastics and with the patriarchal hierarchies embedded in their thought. Hildegard's visions fuse male and female elements, the physical and the spiritual, the rational-practical and the mystical aspects of existence. It is no accident that the illuminations of her visions abound in circles, curves and waves, in mandala-like designs, which avoid any concept of hierarchy in favor of wholeness, roundedness and integration.

It is impossible here to do justice to the richness of her visions, the complexities of her thought and the originality of much of her writing. She was influenced by Benedictine teachings and by Galen's medical theories, which defined 'humors" as leading principles governing nature and humans, and "phlegm" as the main cause of disease. She incorporated principles of folk medicine and popular tradition in her medical work and her cosmology, such as belief in the curative value of minerals and precious stones. Since the Latin translations of Aristotle's scientific writings were not then available in Western Europe, she was not influenced by Aristotelian explanations of natural and biological phenomena. Hildegard was therefore quite original in her medicinal writings and especially in her poetic cosmology. Her careful, often quite accurate descriptions of sexual intercourse and her insistence that sexual activity was beneficial to human beings over and above its function for procreation bespeak an unusual understanding of human nature and a rather liberal interpretation of human possibilities, especially considering that Hildegard had lived since age eight in a cloistered environment. Further, her descriptions of female and male characteristics quite independent of one another and her upgrading of woman's role in various ways in her writing indicate that, despite her acceptance of traditional gender definitions, she integrated some of her life experiences into her writing. Women, despite her insistence on their frailty and inferiority, emerge as active, strong people in her writings.

Hildegard, first of a long line of female mystics and spiritualists, derived her authority and right to speak and to think directly from God. God spoke to Hildegard—of this she was convinced and she was able to convince her contemporaries. From this she derived her enormous energy, vitality and leadership.

In three of the illuminations appearing in her late work, De Operatione Dei, Hildegard has painted herself into the visions. The visions are abstract and interpretative in their subject matter, representing "The Cosmic Wheel," "On Human Nature" and "Cultivating the Cosmic Tree." Each of these illuminations shows a mandala with many circles, representing various aspects of the universe, with a human figure at its center. In the left-hand corner of each of these pictures there is the figure of a seated nun, writing on two tablets shaped like the Mosaic tablets. Her face is lifted up and touched by some sort of radiance. This self-conscious self-representation may very well be the first of its kind for a woman. The repetition of this motif and its placement within the illuminations dealing with the most far-reaching, philosophical themes show that Hildegard had by then transcended the conventional posture of self-effacement and humility. No longer merely "God's little trumpet," she wished to be seen in the act of writing down her visions, in the act of authorship. Wishing to be remembered in her own right, she became the first female inspired by mystical revelation to claim her place in history.

-Gerda Lerner, The Creation of Feminist Consciousness

[theoddcatlady]

What to Expect When You’re Expecting

When I first found out I was pregnant, I really felt like I was in over my head. I mean, me, a mom? I can barely take care of myself, let alone even imagine taking care of a baby. But thankfully for me, I had my boyfriend’s mom was in my corner. My own mom’s a fuck up and none of my girl friends have kids yet, but the moment Amy found out I was pregnant she immediately came through. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her great advice, so I’ve decided to share it with anyone and everyone that I can!  

1. Be prepared for the mood swings.

I’m already an emotional person but jeez. I literally burst into tears over dropping a tomato. My poor boyfriend, hah. Shawn’s a great guy but has no idea what to do when women start crying, so he just backed out of the kitchen. Moments later, Amy came in with a tissue box and some comforting words. She finished up dinner for me too, and lemme tell you, Amy’s a fantastic cook. Taco Tuesday is now her place.  

2. Morning sickness. You’re not ready.

No, really. One, it’s not just a ‘morning’ thing, whoever calls it morning sickness should be taken out back and shot. Two, for me? It’s lasted this whole damn time. I am constantly sick. Doctors felt bad but really didn’t have much to offer for advice. Amy comforted me, saying that she was the same when she was carrying Shawn. Sometimes I just have to grin and bear it.  

3. You can’t do as much as you used to before the pregnancy started.

Can’t eat sushi. Can’t drink alcohol. Caffeine is restricted to ‘practically fucking never’. And going for my regular morning walk in the woods nearly gave Amy a heart attack. She was probably scared I was going to fall or something, but it was still heartbreaking. I love walking in the woods! Walking on the treadmill just isn’t the same. But anything for the baby’s health, I guess. I’m going to take SO many walks when this kid is out of me.

4. Your body’s going to turn against you.

Honestly, you’d think your body would be NICER to you when you’re growing another human being. Hah. No. No, it’s not. Every pregnancy’s different, Amy tells me, and I never knew half the things that could happen while you’re pregnant. Swollen feet, constantly having to pee, I think everyone knows that happens. But spitting up blood and phlegm, nosebleeds so bad I end up lightheaded for the rest of the day, not to mention the marks that keep showing up on my body, like someone’s been scratching me in my sleep… icky! Maybe it’s just me though, I feel so uncomfortable in my own skin. Sometimes I can’t stop scratching until I bleed. Dunno how I scratch my own back though, but you can do weird things when you sleep.

5. Nightmares.

I didn’t find anything on the internet about this, but Amy reassured me that weird dreams are perfectly normal, because hormones or whatever. But my god, I never knew they’d get so graphic!  

I’m not really a horror movie person, or horror anything really. But the things that have appeared in my dreams… it’s really something else. Monsters that look like spiders or scorpions, with snapping mandibles and claws that rip my legs off and tear open my chest… I know you can’t feel pain in your dreams but I scream in agony when they pull out my heart and shred it into little pieces.

When I wake up, I’m usually crying. Shawn comforts me, calms my fears and reminds me that it’s all a dream even if my chest still twinges and aches by the time morning comes. I’m so lucky to have such a supportive partner.

6. Blood.

I had to get over being so squeamish by my second trimester. I brought up the nosebleeds earlier, but I swear I bleed like a stuck pig if I so much as get a paper cut. Maybe Amy was right about not letting me out of the woods, or really too far away from the house- who knows what’ll happen if I get a real injury? Yikes!  

It’s more scary when blood starts dripping from my ears or my eyes, but it doesn’t hurt, strangely enough. Amy’s told me pregnancy does all sorts of weird things to the body, after all, and Shawn seems to think it’s normal enough. So I just have to deal with it until the due date.

7. Overprotective loved ones.

This really isn’t about me, it’s about my boyfriend and his mom. I guess it’s just natural to worry about the pregnant lady. It’s kinda nice, sometimes, even if it can be suffocating. Like I said above, they don’t like me leaving the house too much, they’re afraid I’ll get hurt and before I can get help things will get real bad. I don’t think I’ve left the house since I’ve started the third trimester. It isn’t so bad, Shawn and Amy run all the errands, but I kind of miss my friends… well, they’ll still be there once this is all over, so it’s all for the better!

8. People will not leave you ALONE once you start showing

Everyone has their own pregnancy advice, even if they’ve never been pregnant. And I gotta say, not all of it is good, or even nice. I didn’t even know when I was pregnant when this old crone took one look at me and began shrieking about how I was carrying some sort of ‘corrupt child’. I did initially chalk that one up to complete whackadoodle. But who knows, maybe I was showing more than I thought. But yeah, when I was still going out, people’s reactions varied from judgmental since I was an unwed mom to a little… too supportive. Like this one time I was walking down the street, a guy literally stopped his car, got out, congratulated me on being pregnant, and asked if I was getting enough ‘nourishment’. LITERALLY could not get out of there fast enough. So if you’re wondering why I’m not complaining about overprotective boyfriend and overprotective boyfriend’s mom, THAT’S why.

9. Cravings.

What mom doesn’t know how weird pregnancy cravings get?

Man, I am still so embarrassed to say this. Just before I entered the second trimester, I was cleaning out a room we were going to use for a nursery when I moved a box and saw a giant spiderweb in the corner. Paired, of course, with a big ass spider sitting in the center. Gross, right? I was a total arachnophobic… well, I was.

Spiders, it turns out, actually don’t taste too bad. I didn’t even realize what I’d done until I licked one of the legs off my lips. Granted, I was originally horrified, but Amy comes in for the save by letting me know she’d eaten a litter of ‘pinkies’ when she was pregnant with Shawn- baby mice. That didn’t help at the time, but now I realize that what I’m going through is perfectly normal.  

Thankfully no more spiders have been eaten, but that’s thanks to Amy’s meal plans. I don’t know what she puts in it all, but I don’t find myself going up to the attic to hunt bugs anymore, so I’m not going to ask questions.

10. Nothing will ever be the same.

I’m never alone anymore. Even when Shawn and Amy are running errands, I don’t feel alone. Sometimes I feel like I’m being watched, but then I remind myself that I really am not alone.

I have my baby. He’s moving more and more, I can see his hands press up against my belly sometimes. He’s always with me. And when he’s born, goodbye alone time and goodbye always being free to do whatever I want.  

But I don’t care. I’m so happy to be having this baby. I can’t wait to see how much he looks like his father. And I’m so glad Shawn’s going to help me raise this little one. Next time it’ll be his baby I’m carrying, for sure.  

[gretchenantwort]

the lack of basic decency men have is appalling. they stand right in the path of people exiting trains and subways, including areas designated on the ground that ask for people not to obstruct the way, they see someone moving their direction and do not have the basic instinct of trying to occupate less space so the person can continue unbothered. they manspread all the time, even with no baggage like a backpack taking up the empty space, while others have to endure not having proper leg space. they put their feet on top of bus seats when most buses already have stickers asking commuters not to do exactly that. they spit their phlegm at the ground, they piss in the streets, they yell slurs at whoever slightly inconveniences them.

but women are so worried about looking bad (and by bad that means "not conforming exactly to sexist standards of beauty") that a lot of women take makeup like lipstick and eyeliner to reapply outside of the house and we obsess over clothing choices ("does this make me look fat?" or "am i going to be sexualized in this?" and such). we make ourselves tiny and try to bother no one, even people who are bothering us. just this morning, a woman spent like 5 to 10 minutes beside me applying makeup while the man who was sat opposite to her seat yelled at his phone, not even angrily, just unnecessarily loud.

it's just small things, i guess, but it really goes to show how socialization affects a million different aspects of our lives. it's entrenched in us far too deep.

[wonderingabout]

i have kosher chicken soup in the fridge which i hope will heal me eventually. i am dizzy and full of phlegm and a bit feverish too. made it onto season 3 of house!! i spent precious money i’m not currently earning on puzzles which might arrive tomorrow. i would love to fill out my conversion form or edit my cover letter to apply for an awesome job at a women’s shelter. i probably wont do these things though. i just don’t have the motivation to do them. i’m so glad i’m not smoking! phew.

i am going to put pasta and butter in my soup 🤷🏼