#am i going to the VandA later?

[punkrockgirlalmighty]

History...huh?

[fics-of-my-mind]

Trust - Chapter III.

Where are you now?

home

LA

Isn't it like 4 AM there?

yeah...

Are you OK?

just stressed a bit I guess

You said you needed to vent?

I did

can I call you?

Warnings: mature content, BDSM content Pairing: Nick Jonas / Other Female Character This fanfiction can also be found on Wattpad by fnntth

I don’t own Nick Jonas or any other recognizable characters. This fanfiction is completely fictional, its only purpose is entertainment.

Chapter III. - It’s four AM and I think I might lose it

Nick’s texts are bold

Milla’s texts are italic

The whole 'let's be venting buddies' idea seemed nice, up until the point when ten minutes later I realized, he didn't give me his number. I felt disappointed and a little bit mad at myself. Now I had no real proof that my mind wasn't playing wicked games with me and I, in fact spent the night running around in Barcelona with Nick Jonas himself.

I didn't tell the girls where I've been when Vanda opened the door with her tired eyes at 6:23 in the morning, not wanting to seem crazy. They've both known about my fangirling habits, but there was no point of telling them something that even I wasn't sure really happened. I just fell into my bed and slept until noon.

After returning home, I couldn't find my place. I went back to work, met up with friends, went shopping and even went for lunch with my family, but something was missing. It felt stupid – missing something that I've only had for like seven hours tops.

I tried doing something useful, that could actually have a good effect on my non-existent love life, so I downloaded Tinder. Then, after a day I deleted it. Honestly, I was more than fed up with our generation's dating culture. I couldn't embarrass myself to meet up with complete strangers and have sex – I kind of envied the people who could do it. I guess, it wasn't coded into me.

I was almost 25 years old, and I've never had a proper boyfriend. I blamed the series I watched growing up for my high expectations in men. But really, was it too much to ask to be taken out for a drink or dinner before having a one night stand? I would've had no problem with that, or at least I don't think so. But when a guy messages you on Tinder and his second sentence to you is 'wanna have sex', it kind of just kills the mood for me.

I've watched some of the videos I made during the concert, and every time I could feel my stomach clench. Even if we take my night with Nick out of the equation, it was still one of the best nights of my live, and definitely one of my best concerts. It was my teenage dream come true to watch them perform.

It took me two weeks to get back to normal. By then, my mind was mostly focused on my friends, my job, my colleagues, whom I adored and not on the lack of reaching out from Nick. I kind of let it go – I only thought about him on sleepless nights. I had much more on my mind, with the coronavirus setting its foot in Hungary, and Amalia being in quarantine for it.

In early March, they closed our office and we were forced to work from home, which I handled pretty badly. I loved being home and I loved being alone, appreciating the time with myself. But normally, I had people around me during the day, I was going somewhere, not just sitting from the couch to the dining table, then back to the couch.

At least I had my dog, Milo with me to help me get through the quarantine period. My daily routine consisted of walking him three times and going to the grocery store every few days. That's all, otherwise I was completely alone. I hated it, and I was feeling so bad, that I've had at least one mental breakdown a day.

That's when it happened. In the middle of a Wednesday, just as I was scrolling through my emails on the company laptop, my phone went off.

so, I kind of need to vent...

It was all the message said, yet I knew who it was from. My stomach clenched instantly, and I could feel my heart beating against my chest really hard. Here it was, my proof that I wasn't just hallucinating that night. I took my phone into my hands and typed my reply.

Well, hello to you too, Mr

hi. :)

Hi :) :)

sorry I've been MIA

just needed to get back to the states

do a few interviews

I smiled softly. I had no idea why he felt the need to apologize. He was busy, he was important, he was famous. I knew well that he had responsibilities. He was also married, so he also had a wife to take care of.

It's OK.

Where are you now?

home

LA

Isn't it like 4 AM there?

yeah...

Are you OK?

just stressed a bit I guess

You said you needed to vent?

I did

can I call you?

I quickly checked my Outlook calendar. Nothing else was in it for the rest of the day, so as long as my coworkers didn't want to chit chat on a Teams call, I was okay to talk to Nick. More than okay, in fact, I wanted to hear his voice.

Yes.

It didn't take more than a few seconds for my phone to ring, startling me, even though I've expected the call. My hand was shaking as I reached to my iPhone, and even though it was a reaction of a twelve-year-old fangirl, I couldn't calm myself.

'Hey.'

'Hey you,' I heard his deep voice, and suddenly all my nerves were gone. He once again had the same effect on me, as back in Barcelona, instantly calming me. I couldn't quite place this.

'So, what's up?' I asked, clearing my troath.

'Are you at work?' he asked, probably checking to see if anyone could hear me.

'Yes and no,' I said. 'Since Monday, we are forced to work from home. Sooo... I'm home.'

'Do you live alone?' It was kind of ridiculous. We've barely known each other (except for the fact that I did knew a lot about him), and the fact that he had no idea about my living situation just confirmed this. We still weren't any more than strangers, yet he was calling me from the other side of the world.

'I do. Well, I live with my dog,' I shrugged, even though he couldn't see it. 'Where are you? And what are you doing up at 4 in the morning?'

'I'm home. In the music studio.' So the walls were soundproof. Smart, if you don't want anyone to hear you talking on the phone. For example, your wife. 'Couldn't sleep.'

'Why?' I asked.

'There's just a lot on my mind, I guess,' he answered, his voice sounding really tired. I was concerned for him.

'Things like...?' I tried asking him again. There was a reason he's called me. There were things he needed to talk about and I quite enjoyed hearing him talk. His voice calmed me, and I felt much closer to him than just some fan.

'We probably have to cancel our Vegas residency due to COVID.'

'That's understandable. You shouldn't feel bad about it. You can't really control it.'

'I know,' he said, staying quiet for a few seconds. I waited for him to talk again. 'Just don't like to disappoint anyone, I guess.'

'You aren't doing this, Nick,' I said softly. 'The virus is. Fans will understand. You will make it up to them."

'Yeah, I guess you're right.'

'What else is on your mind?' There was a long pause before he spoke again.

'Have you heard Demi's new song?'

'I have,' I nodded to myself. It was quite fresh, just a few days old. 'You and her used to be friends, right?'

'She was my best friend,' he corrected. I searched my memories, I did know that they went on tour together and did Carpool Karaoke and other things together. I had no idea when that ended and why. I knew about Demi's OD, but nothing else.

The fangirl in me, who wanted to know everything desperately wanted to ask him about what happened. The person in me that was supposed to be his 'vent buddy', knew that this probably wasn't the right time to ask the questions. Luckily, this side was saner.

'But she isn't anymore,' I declared the obvious. 'And you are hurt by her video clip, where she just walks by you, right?' I asked, trying to decipher how he was feeling at the moment.

'It's not like I don't deserve it,' he said quietly. I didn't really know what to say.

'It is okay for something to hurt, even if you deserve it, you know.'

'Thank you,' he said even quieter. 'I think I needed to hear that.'

'Is there anything else that's bothering you?'

I could almost see him bite his bottom lip before answering.

'No, nothing really.' I knew he lied, but didn't press it. 'I just can't really talk with anyone else about Demi. Well, probably except Joe, but he's home with Sophie, so I didn't want to nag him.'

'Okay,' I nodded. This was weird, talking so naturally about things with him. Talking about his life, about people in his life... It was just crazy.

'How are you doing?' he asked, sounding genuinely interested in the answer.

'Fine, I guess.' I was doing just fine – minus the mental breakdowns, and the fear of this whole situation.

'Now tell me the truth,' he commanded, and my breath caught up in my throat. I wasn't surprised that he noticed my lie, I noticed his too. I was shocked that he did in fact call me out on it, in a very commanding tone. Like he expected me to tell him how I was really feeling.

'Why do you think I'm lying?' I asked, raising my eyebrows.

'You are, aren't you?' he asked. 'This venting thing can only work if we both trust each other with our problems. This has to be a two-sided thing.'

I did get where he was coming from. He had a lot to lose with trusting in me, but he did it anyway. Me telling him about my own problems meant that I also trusted him, that I also put my secrets and my fears into his hands. He wanted to be assured that he wasn't making a fatal mistake by opening up to me. Not that I had any intention of selling him out, but I understood that we were practically strangers to each other.

'I'm worried,' I said finally.

'About what?'

'This virus. About my family falling ill. About losing my job.'

'Why would you lose your job?' he asked, and it wasn't just a rhetorical question, he really did want to know about my concerns.

'I was just hired, you know. Just in the beginning of last month. Before that, I was an intern for a year, and I've worked my ass off to get a permanent position. But if thanks to the virus, the financial crisis hits and they start to fire people... I'm just worried that last one in means first one out,' I explained.

'Did your boss give you a reason to worry?' he asked.

'Not really. My boss is amazing. Really, she's more of a friend than a boss.'

'So if you two have a great relationship, and she managed to make you permanent part of her team, don't you think that she'll do everything in order to keep you?'

I stayed quiet for a minute.

'I don't like it when you are being reasonable,' I said jokingly.

'Sorry,' he chuckled. 'But really, why worry before you actually have the problem?'

'I guess, I just worry a lot about non-existent things,' I shrugged. 'It's always better to be prepared for everything.'

'Hmm, is it?' he asked, clearly amused about the things in my head. 'What else is bugging you?'

'I'm lonely,' I said quietly. I hated to admit this, because I was the person that always told everyone that I was doing more than okay on my own, and I didn't need a man to make me feel whole. Now, as I was alone in the apartment all the time, I started to realize that having some company would've been nice.

'What about your friends? Where are they?' he asked.

'Most of them went home to their families when the state of emergency hit.'

'Why don't you go home to your family then?'

'I'm kind of afraid to infect them. I mean, I'm the one living in the big city. If anyone caught the virus without noticing, it would be me. And I wouldn't feel comfortable knowing that I may give it to them,' I explained.

Nick stayed quiet for a while. My inhibitions of talking to him about my life were long gone. It kind of felt nice to say the words out loud, to share with someone that I was in fact, feeling lonely. Even if that someone was on the other side of the world.

'You don't have a significant other?' he asked eventually, as if it wasn't clear already.

'No, I don't have a boyfriend.'

'Why?' Came the next question. I bit my lip and contemplated telling him the great answer on my mind, that I was thinking for years now.

'I'm just not the type of girl that guys fall in love with.'

'You do know that's bullshit, right?' he replied, sounding irritated.

'No, Nick, really. I never had a real boyfriend, only guys that I've hooked up with, or that led me on to believe that here was something more going on, when there wasn't,' I said, and even though I didn't feel perfectly comfortable talking about my love life, or the lack of it, somehow I couldn't stop myself from speaking. 'And I got tired of that a while ago. It's still better to be alone than not being appreciated and having to make compromises.'

'What do you want from a guy? When is he worth the compromises?' he asked, and I could hear the curiosity in his voice.

'Quite honestly, if he makes an effort, he's probably worth it.'

'An effort like a big romantic gesture?'

'No,' I chuckled. 'I don't really like cheesy things. If he brings me flowers or takes me out for dinner, it's more than enough. But it's not like any of those things happened.'

'C'mon, you must've gotten flowers from guys. They must've taken you out to eat.'

'I did get flowers from guys. Just not flowers that were of any romantic origin. I got flowers for my birthday or international women's day, but that's about it. And as for dates... Nobody really ever took me out for dinner or lunch or whatever.'

'How?' he asked, sounding doubtful.

'Well, I must repulse all the men,' I laughed bitterly. Sometimes I did believe in that.

'Don't be stupid,' he said quietly.

'I'm not. I mean... Here I am, almost at 25, never been in love, never even been on a proper date. And honestly, I have no idea why it never happened, but nobody has ever asked me out,' I shrugged to myself. 'There must be something seriously wrong with me.'

Even though I tried to play it cool, these concerns were real for me. I thought about it a lot, how it has never happened. Maybe I expected too much. Maybe I wasn't pretty enough. Maybe it was written on my forehead that nobody should ever date me.

'There is nothing wrong with you, trust me,' Nick said, and there was something in his voice.

'I don't want you to feel sorry for me.'

'I don't, Milla, I just can't quite comprehend how you've never had a boyfriend,' he explained. 'You're beautiful, smart, hard-working. You care about people. You're witty and funny, and I've only talked to you twice in my life and I already know this.'

'C'mon, Nick,' I could feel myself blush. 'You're just saying those things to make me feel better.'

'I'm really not. I just don't like that you think so low about yourself, like you think something is wrong with you.'

'But what if there is?' I asked, opening up about one of my biggest concerns. 'What if I expect more than I deserve?'

'Trust me, wanting to get flowers and being taken out on a date, aren't that huge, earth-shattering things.'

'Well, I'm still alone, aren't I? Maybe I scare people.'

'Or maybe,' he started about a deep sigh. 'People around you don't deserve you and they know it.'

I stayed quiet for a bit, biting my lip again. After some time I sighed, not finding the energy to fight with him about this anymore.

'Damn you for always knowing what to say.'

[androgynouswombatsweets]

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Released: 2020-12-24

Runtime: 0 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Stars: Hana Vagnerová, Petra Hřebíčková, Sandra Nováková, Gabriela Marcinková, Jakub Prachař

Director: Sandra Nováková, Vojtěch Moravec, Vanda Zaplatílková

Obsah Filmu Matky  : Po mnoha sklizních… Honza (Kryštof Hádek) a Klára (Tereza Ramba) se stali rodiči dvojčat a majiteli vinařství. Všední starosti je však odcizily a momentálně žijí odděleně. Toto je příběh renesance jejich lásky v překrásné krajině jižní Moravy. Pro Kláru s Honzou nastává rozhodující čas vinařského roku — vinobraní. Honza se za dramatických okolností po letech setkává s kumpánem Jirkou (Lukáš Langmajer). Ten se nadšeně hrne do návštěvy Moravy, aby pomohl se sklizní, které samozřejmě vůbec nerozumí. Zatají přitom Honzovi, že svého pubertálního syna Kubu, který cestuje s nimi, unesl, a k tomu utíká před dluhy, které stihl nasekat za dobu, co se neviděli. Honza s Klárou mají sami problémů nad hlavu. Vedle manželství řeší, jak pomoci krachujícímu vinařství a zamezit krádežím ve vinicích. Klára navíc bojuje s úklady zaměstnance Humpla a předsudky okolí, které nevěří, že coby žena může dělat kvalitní víno a překročit stín svého otce (Václav Postránecký).

ŠTITKY : Matky  cely Film Matky  plného Filmu, Matky  plného Filmu Sledujte Matky  HD v Film Online Matky  plný Film online Sledujte Matky  plný anglický Film Matky  : pryč z domova plný Film volný datový proud Sledujte Matky  plnopodindonésie Sledujte Matky  plné titulky Filmu Sledujte Matky  plné Filmové spoiler Matky  plné Film tamilštiny Matky  plné Filmové tamilské stahování Sledujte Matky  plný Film todownload Sleduj Matky  plný Film telugština Sledujte Matky  Full Movie tamildubbed stáhnout Matky  plný Film ke sledování sledovat plný Film Vidzi Matky  Full Film Vimeo Sledujte Matky TAGY : Matky  celý Film (2020) zdarma ke shlédnutí, Matky  cz dabing online ke shlednuti, Matky  Film Česky a Zadarmo, Matky  online ke shlednuti, Matky  Informace o Filmu, Matky  online cely Film, Matky  Sleduju Online, Matky  online bombuj, Matky  online, Matky  online Film cz, Matky  Bombuj, Matky  bombuj cz, Matky  online ke shlédnutí, Matky  Filmové Novinky, Matky  celý Film česky, Matky  Filmové premiéry, Matky  celý Film cz dabing, Matky  zkouknito, Matky  sleduj Film, Matky  online cz titulky, Matky  Program Film, Matky  CZ HD Film o Filmu, Matky  CZ dabing Zdarma Matky  celý film online Its somewhat ironic that a movie about time travel can’t be reviewed properly until your future self rewatches the movie. It’s bold of Nolan to make such a thoroughly dense blockbuster. He assumes people will actually want to see ~Matky more than once so they can understand it properly, which some may not. This movie makes the chronology of Inception look as simplistic as tic-tac-toe. Ergo, it’s hard for me to give an accurate rating, without having seen it twice, as I’m still trying to figure out whether everything does indeed make sense. If it does, this movie is easily a 9 or 10. If it doesn’t, it’s a 6. It’s further not helped by the fact that the dialogue in the first 15 minutes of the movie is painfully hard to understand / hear. Either they were behind masks; they were practically mumbling; the sound effects were too loud; or all of the above. The exposition scenes are also waayyy too brief for something this complex — a problem also shared with Interstellar actually. (Interstellar had this minimalist exposition problem explaining Blight, where if you weren’t careful, you’d miss this one sentence / scene in the entire movie explaining that Blight was a viral bacteria: “Earth’s atmosphere is 80% nitrogen, we don’t even breathe nitrogen. Blight does, and as it thrives, our air gets less and less oxygen”). I guess it’s a Nolan quirk. Hopefully, a revision of the film audio sorts the sound mixing out. I do like the soundtrack, but it’s too loud initially. I liked all the actors. You think John Washington can’t act at first, but he can, and he grows on you as the film progresses. And Pattinson is his usual charming self. Elizabeth is a surprise treat. And so on. Its worth a watch either way. See it with subtitles if you can. And definitely don’t expect to fully understand whats going on the first time around. Its one hell of a complicated film. It will be very hard for an average viewer to gather all the information provided by this movie at the first watch. But the more you watch it, more hidden elements will come to light. And when you are able to put these hidden elements together. You will realize that this movie is just a “masterpiece” which takes the legacy of Christopher Nolan Forward If I talk about acting, Then I have to say that Robert Pattinson has really proved himself as a very good actor in these recent years. And I am sure his acting skills will increase with time. His performance is charming and very smooth. Whenever he is on the camera, he steals the focus John David Washington is also fantastic in this movie. His performance is electrifying, I hope to see more from him in the future. Other characters such as Kenneth Branagh, Elizabeth, Himesh Patel, Dimple Kapadia, Clémence Poésy have also done quite well. And I dont think there is a need to talk about Michael Caine Talking about Music, its awesome. I dont think you will miss Hans Zimmer’s score. Ludwig has done a sufficient job. There is no lack of good score in the movie Gotta love the editing and post production which has been put into this movie. I think its fair to say this Nolan film has focused more in its post production. The main problem in the movie is the sound mixing. Plot is already complex and some dialogues are very soft due to the high music score. It makes it harder to realize what is going on in the movie. Other Nolan movies had loud BGM too. But Audio and dialogues weren’t a problem My humble request to everyone is to please let the movie sink in your thoughts. Let your mind grasp all the elements of this movie. I am sure more people will find it better. Even those who think they got the plot. I can bet they are wrong. ~Matky is the long awaited new movie from Christopher Nolan. The movie that’s set to reboot the multiplexes post-Covid. It’s a manic, extremely loud, extremely baffling sci-fi cum spy rollercoaster that will please a lot of Nolan fan-boys but which left me with very mixed views. John David Washington (Denzel’s lad) plays “The Protagonist” — a crack-CIA field operative who is an unstoppable one-man army in the style of Hobbs or Shaw. Recruited into an even more shadowy organisation, he’s on the trail of an international arms dealer, Andrei Sator (Kenneth Branagh in full villain mode). Sator is bullying his estranged wife Kat (Elizabeth Debicki) over custody of their son (and the film unusually has a BBFC warning about “Domestic Abuse”). Our hero jets the world to try to prevent a very particular kind of Armageddon while also keeping the vulnerable and attractive Kat alive. This is cinema at its biggest and boldest. Nolan has taken a cinema ‘splurge’ gun, filled it with money, set it on rapid fire, removed the safety and let rip at the screen. Given that Nolan is famous for doing all of his ‘effects’ for real and ‘in camera’, some of what you see performed is almost unbelievable. You thought crashing a train through rush-hour traffic in “Inception” was crazy? You ain’t seen nothing yet with the airport scene! And for lovers of Chinooks (I must admit I am one and rush out of the house to see one if I hear it coming!) there is positively Chinook-p*rn on offer in the film’s ridiculously huge finale. The ‘inversion’ aspects of the story also lends itself to some fight scenes — one in particular in an airport ‘freeport’ — which are both bizarre to watch and, I imagine, technically extremely challenging to pull off. In this regard John David Washington is an acrobatic and talented stunt performer in his own right, and must have trained for months for this role. Nolan’s crew also certainly racked up their air miles pre-lockdown, since the locations range far and wide across the world. The locations encompassed Denmark, Estonia, India, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, and United States. Hoyte Van Hoytema’s cinematography is lush in introducing these, especially the beautiful Italian coast scenes. Although I did miss the David Arnold strings that would typically introduce these in a Bond movie: it felt like that was missing. The ‘timey-wimey’ aspects of the plot are also intriguing and very cleverly done. There are numerous points at which you think “Oh, that’s a sloppy continuity error” or “Shame the production design team missed that cracked wing mirror”. Then later in the movie, you get at least a dozen “Aha!” moments. Some of them (no spoilers) are jaw-droppingly spectacular. Perhaps the best twist is hidden in the final line of the movie. I only processed it on the way home. And so to the first of my significant gripes with ~Matky. The sound mix in the movie is all over the place. I’d go stronger than that… it’s truly awful (expletive deleted)! Nolan often implements Shakespeare’s trick of having characters in the play provide exposition of the plot to aid comprehension. But unfortunately, all of this exposition dialogue was largely incomprehensible. This was due to: the ear-splitting volume of the sound: 2020 movie audiences are going to be suffering from ‘~Matkyis’! (LOL); the dialogue is poorly mixed with the thumping music by Ludwig Göransson (Wot? No Hans Zimmer?); a large proportion of the dialogue was through masks of varying description (#covid-appropriate). Aaron Taylor-Johnson was particularly unintelligible to my ears. Overall, watching this with subtitles at a special showing might be advisable! OK, so I only have a PhD in Physics… but at times I was completely lost as to the intricacies of the plot. It made “Inception” look like “The Tiger Who Came to Tea”. There was an obvious ‘McGuffin’ in “Inception” — — (“These ‘dream levels’… how exactly are they architected??”…. “Don’t worry… they’ll never notice”. And we didn’t!) In “~Matky” there are McGuffins nested in McGuffins. So much of this is casually waved away as “future stuff… you’re not qualified” that it feels vaguely condescending to the audience. At one point Sator says to Kat “You don’t know what’s going on, do you?” and she shakes her head blankly. We’re right with you there luv! There are also gaps in the storyline that jar. The word “~Matky”? What does it mean. Is it just a password? I’m none the wiser. The manic pace of ~Matky and the constant din means that the movie gallops along like a series of disconnected (albeit brilliant) action set pieces. For me, it has none of the emotional heart of the Cobb’s marriage problems from “Inception” or the father/daughter separation of “Interstellar”. In fact, you barely care for anyone in the movie, perhaps with the exception of Kat. It’s a talented cast. As mentioned above, John David Washington is muscular and athletic in the role. It’s a big load for the actor to carry in such a tent-pole movie, given his only significant starring role before was in the excellent BlacKkKlansman. But he carries it off well. A worthy successor to Gerard Butler and Jason Statham for action roles in the next 10 years. This is also a great performance by Robert Pattinson, in his most high-profile film in a long time, playing the vaguely alcoholic and Carré-esque support guy. Pattinson’s Potter co-star Clemence Poésy also pops up — rather more un-glam that usual — as the scientist plot-expositor early in the movie. Nolan’s regular Michael Caine also pops up. although the 87-year old legend is starting to show his age: His speech was obviously affected at the time of filming (though nice try Mr Nolan in trying to disguise that with a mouth full of food!). But in my book, any amount of Caine in a movie is a plus. He also gets to deliver the best killer line in the film about snobbery! However, it’s Kenneth Branagh and Elizabeth Debicki that really stand out. They were both fabulous, especially when they were bouncing off each other in their marital battle royale. So, given this was my most anticipated movie of the year, it’s a bit of a curate’s egg for me. A mixture of being awe-struck at times and slightly disappointed at others. It’s a movie which needs a second watch, so I’m heading back today to give my ear drums another bashing! And this is one where I reserve the right to revisit my rating after that second watch… it’s not likely to go down… but it might go up. (For the full graphical review, check out One Mann’s Movies on t’interweb and Facebook. Thanks.) As this will be non-spoiler, I can’t say too much about the story. However, what I can is this: ~Matky’s story is quite dynamic in the sense that you won’t understand it till it wants you to. So, for the first half, your brain is fighting for hints and pieces to puzzle together the story. It isn’t until halfway through the movie that ~Matky invites you to the fantastic storytelling by Christopher Nolan. Acting is beyond phenomenal, and I’d be genuinely surprised if neither Robert Pattinson nor John David Washington doesn’t receive an Oscar nomination for best actor. It’s also hard not to mention how good Elizabeth Debicki and Aaron Johnson both are. All around, great acting, and the dialogue amps up the quality of the movie. The idea of this movie is damn fascinating, and while there are films that explore time-travelling, there’s never been anything quite like this. It has such a beautiful charm and for the most part, explains everything thoroughly. It feels so much more complex than any form of time-travelling we’ve seen, and no less could’ve been expected from Nolan. Oh my lord, the score for this film fits so perfectly. Every scene that’s meant to feel intense was amped by a hundred because of how good the score was. Let me just say though, none of them will be found iconic, but they fit the story and scenes so well. In the end, I walked out, feeling very satisfied. Nevertheless, I do have issues with the film that I cannot really express without spoiling bits of the story. There are definitely little inconsistencies that I found myself uncovering as the story progressed. However, I only had one issue that I found impacted my enjoyment. That issue was understanding some of the dialogue. No, not in the sense that the movie is too complicated, but more that it was hard to make out was being said at times. It felt like the movie required subtitles, but that probably was because, at a time in the film, there was far too much exposition. Nevertheless, I loved this film, I’ll be watching it at least two more times, and I think most of you in this group will enjoy it. I definitely suggest watching it in theatres if possible, just so you can get that excitement. (4/5) & (8.5/10) for those that care about number scores. At first, I want to ask Christopher Nolan one question, HOW THE HELL YOU DID THIS? Seriously I want to have an answer, How did he write such as this masterpiece! How did he get this complicated, fabulous and creative idea? What is going on in his mind? The story is written and directed perfectly, the narration style was absolutely unique. I have no idea how can anyone direct such as this story, that was a huge challenge, and as usual Nolan gave us a masterpiece that we’ll put beside (Memento), (Inception) and (Interstellar) The movie is so fast-paced in a good way, there was no boring moment. The chemistry between John David Washington and Robert Pattinson was great and funny and both of their performance was really good. Elizabeth Debicki performance was the best in the movie because she had the chance to show her acting abilities and she cached up that chance and showed us an A level acting. The music wasn’t unique and distinct as the music of Interstellar for example and I think this movie needed the touch of Hans Zimmer, I’m not saying that Ludwig Göransson failed but Hans Zimmer in another level. If there was something I’d say that I didn’t like it in the movie would it be that Nolan discarded any set up or characters backgrounds except Elizabeth Debicki dramatic story but it wasn’t that bad for me, I didn’t care about that, the exciting story didn’t give me the chance to focus on it. But the actual problem was the third act, it was really complicated and I got lost and I convinced myself to discard the questions that were in my head and enjoy the well-made action sequences and Elizabeth Debicki performance. I think this kind of movie that gets better with a second and third watch. I honestly don’t quite know where to begin with ~Matky. I love Christopher Nolan’s work but I have never seen a more complicated film (and I understood Memento). ~After nearly three hours, I came away from ~Matky not knowing myself, my mind reduced to nothing more than piles of ash. Was there time travel involved? Hmm, there was definitely something about time inversion. I mean, does Nolan even understand what he wrote? Look, I give credit to the director because he’s one of the few directors left who knows how to create a compelling and intelligent blockbuster. ~Matky is full of Nolan trademarks — the gratuitous Michael Caine cameo, a loud, really loud score, complete with stunning cinematography and slickly inventive action set-pieces. This time around however, Nolan has finally managed to ‘out-Nolan’ himself: the palindromic plot, whilst creatively ambitious, is simply far too complicated for its own good. ~Matky is overlong, overstuffed, pretentious and too exhausting to comprehend in its entirety — it makes Inception and Interstellar look like Peppa Pig by comparison. I’m aware of the technical wizardry and creative mastery in this film and lord knows I’ll have to watch this again. For those who want a puzzle, ~Matky at least provides a unique cinematic experience. But to actually enjoy solving it Nolan wants you to work very very hard.

[foggedgrief]

hello, hello, hello ! here is the last of my babies for now, ofelia beatrix mae sharpe. i am undoubtedly in love with her, the absolutely menace and icon in one. you can find some basic info on her here !

be warned ! before you click that handy dandy little read more, the following triggers will be discussed. no major details but themes of : embezzlement, divorce, and affairs are present !

soft  now  while  she  sits  in  the  sunshine  to  breathe  in  the  day  and  exhale  the  night,  this  is  a  woman  more  god  than  man  but  aren’t  all  women  this  way  ?,  crave  salvation  all  you  want  sweet  dove  but  someone  will  find  it  between  your  legs,  pour  out  the  blood  of  christ  for  he  is  not  worthy  of  your  lips,  and  sing  the  songs  that  call  to  your  heart  and  they  will  set  you  free. 

a more recent addition to the town, still not a thorough member, ofelia sharpe is an acquired taste of a woman. inherently understanding someone like her requires a lifetime of social pressures that don’t exist in a town like pine haven but critiquing her for the way her nose seems to constantly be upturned, never a hair out of place, and for wearing shoes more expensive than six months worth of rent comes easily. 

born in savannah, georgia, ofelia beatrix mae sharpe has all the social graces of a southern belle and the accent to match. an imaginative child, ofelia spent most of her time playing the part of someone else. from the age of three when she was asked what she wanted to be, ofelia would proudly declare i’m going to be an actress and true to form once she set her mind to it, there was no stopping her. 

ofelia’s first time on screen was for a television show that aired on nickelodeon when she was thirteen. she stared with guest episodes and eventually became a lead when she was seventeen for the last season. the show ended about a week before she was eighteen. not one to pass up an opportunity, when a new show dropped into her lap less than a month later, she was immediately on board. 

some people might actually recognize her from this role ! it was actually about kiah blackwood’s life. she played his younger sister, a fictionalized version of rebekah blackwood who she maintains a good relationship with now. the show ran for two seasons but ofelia was only in the first as the second was totally fictionalized and ofelia was ,,, Not about that life. 

after leaving television at nineteen, she pursued the theater and moved to new york. her fame from television quickly translated to a year long stretch as wednesday addams in the addams family and served as vanda in venus in fur as part of the limited broadway run. a few other roles followed both on stage and screen. the final project she worked on was a major blockbuster that many thought might catapult her career into the attention of studios like marvel and disney. 

after working for almost eight years straight, ofelia decided to take a break ( this, of course, has nothing to do with the incredibly public divorce that her parents went through or her mother’s ejection from the daughters of the american revolution, an organization that ofelia is also a part of, for embezzling funds, or her father’s mistress getting pregnant ) and after throwing a dart at a map, she started driving through maine and stopped in the first town she needed gas in. that was pine haven. 

ofelia came in with the kind of money that people declare eat the rich about. she drove in with a brand new suv, with luggage branded louis vuitton, heels with blood red bottoms. not a god damn thing about her screamed empathy, compassion, or sincerity but ofelia has always had a particular habit of being a polarizing personality. either you loved her or hated her within the first five minutes of meeting her and she never much cared about what other people thought. 

but she did ( and does ! ) believe in generosity, though. money can buy you damn near everything and in this town she’s known for leaving tips with hundred dollar bills and she helped bring the theater into 2020 ( she also typically tends to lead but you can’t blame a girl for it — she does have talent after all ).

she bought a house near the center of town and has had it almost completely redone inside and out, sure that it was something she’d be proud of seeing, just as she did with the theater. she’s mellowed out since she’s arrived to town but there’s a distinct kind of air that surrounds ofelia whenever she’s out and about. less self aggrandizing and just a true confidence that comes from knowing that she brings something to this town by being here and feeling as though she’s influential in the community without feeling like she has to broadcast her life to her eleven and a half million followers on instagram ( she still does though ). 

[captainofthekryptonspacemarines]

Scarlet Vision Idea (Pilot)

After Tony Stark is reported dead, he is horrified to see the joy of the world at the news of his death. In the spirit of Alfred Nobel, Tony used his inmense fortune to create Horizon Labs, where the best and brightest pursue their passion projects with a blank check and the best living accomodations in the world.

In Horizon Labs works Dr. Paulus “Vision” Sehen, the top researcher in Quantum Computing. His breakthroughs in the subject have placed him alongside the likes of Alan Turing. His fatal flaw, however is that all he knows of computers is matched by all he doesn’t know about people.

Wanda Maximoff is probably the smartest person in Europe. She was invited to work with Dr Sehen by Tony Stark himself after she made a top-tier computer out of the remnants of ancients monoliths of the Dawn of Techonology. 

In her time as Dr. Sehen’s assistant, she’s seen a whole new world outside the simple, conservative aspirations her parents wish for her; but her parents will hear nothing of this and want her married and pregnant sooner rather than later.

“So, allow me to see if I understand the logic correctly-“ Dr. Sehen was not irate. His face and voice were as plain as ever “Your parents mentioned they had acquantainces in the US Sokovian community and have been seeking to see you married since you were in Junior High School. Out of fear of being coherced into an arranged marriage, you told them over the phone that you had married me, thinking that because of me being German, they would disapprove.” A hint of disgust was clear but Wanda couldn’t tell if it was due to Dr. Sehen’s disgust with anything World War II related or disgust at used in such a fashion “This theory was based on the hate Sokovians have for Germans due to what the Einsatzgruppen did to them, which was so horrifying they are boogeymen in your people’s folklore.”

“That and some other things. But it’s besides the point, which is that I am-“ Wanda was stopped dead on her tracks by Sehen holding up a single finger.

“You seeked to procure yourself time and assumed they would leave you alone and then later on you’d be able to say you divorced me once you were ready for marriage.“

“Yes, that is correct“

“But now, Sokovia has been thrown into yet another civil war-“ Dr. Sehen was almost amussed and Wanda could remember his joke of Civil Wat being Sokovia’s main export “And now they seek to come to the US. Tony Stark cannot be bothered with this for you are underling who was invited, not hired into his golden cage of personal absolution and you have somehow convinced Dr. Banner’s cousin to help you for free“

Wanda was already shaking as she saw what came next coming her way

“She has informed you that it’d be easier to spare them of the horrors of war if we actually were married and you have decided to ask of me such a thing because you think I would. Based on?“ Dr. Sehen’s dominion of his facil features struck Wanda as the legend of the ‘Cold, Heartless German’ made flesh.

“I’ve seen you look at me. I know you don’t find me...unatractive.“ Wanda felt a cold shiver run up her spine as the next words came to her. Yet, for her family, she’d go this far. “Do this and I’ll be yours“

“As much as you wish me to be that German stereotype your people are so fond of-“ Dr. Sehen’s eyes somehow pierced through her even thoguh nothin had changed. His face, voice and eyes were their plain, usual selfs. “I am not such a man, Wanda. I’ll help you but I need you to sign a pre-nup as well as-“

Wanda’s brain stopped working. In a moment she went from mentally facing rejection to actually having what she wanted. And had he just implied he wouldn’t touch her?

“What?“ was Wanda’s spoken reaction.

“A Pre-Nupcial Agreement that will state you will not ask a penny of mine if divorced, so when we do get divorced, we can go along without issues. I have to cover myself in such a way, I hope you understand why.“

“So you’ll help me...and you won’t-you won’t-“ ‘Take me‘ Wanda’s mind finished what her mouth couldn’t say.

“That is correct, Wanda“ Her mind, in one of those funny instances of hyperattention, was more entranced in how Wanda came out as ‘Vanda’ even after all the years Dr. Sehen had lived in the US “You see. You’re atractive, both mentally and phisycally, but I’d never take advantage of you in such a way. You need help and all it costs me is a signature...and the expense of the lawyers doing the agreement but that is beyond the point. If I can easily give it, I’ll gladly do so. However I do hope that they don’t live at my house given I-”

Whatever was going to be said next was lost when Wanda pounced her about-to-be-husband and kissed him joyfuly. It took her a moment to realize what they were doing, the fact the kiss had been deepened and tongue was now involved, as well as the fact that he was a great kisser.

“Sorry...husband“ Wanda said with the giddyness of a schoolgirl, going as far as twirling side to side.

Hi! This idea has literally not let me work for the past week. I decide write out this bit to see how well I can write them. Let me know your thoughts and ideas you’d like to see as well as any ideas for a plot outside of “Fake Marriage to avoid an arranged marriage”, “Humanizing the person that could as well be a robot” and “Rebel grows wiser after lots of talking to people”

[squadron-of-damned]

37 38 and 43 plz

37: Oh yeah, plenty of snowmen. When I was younger, it used to snow (far more than it does now and far earlier than it starts now). Me and my sis held competitions who could build a bigger snowman. Sometimes when there is snow and I am waiting on the bus stop in the morning, I make small snowmen, too. The biggest small bus snowman was the size of my forearm, the smallest like my thumb.

38: It’s cold, so I pulled out my fluffy once-were-white-now-ivory with green and red stripes. Doesn’t look as Christmas-y as it sounds.

43: A few, yeah, but no big ones. There is this one on my toe I have no idea how it happened. Another on my head where they removed me a birthmark from hair. There is this one I got as when I was four and scrapped my knee by falling in a really idiotic way on the pavement.My personal favourite is in my right eyebrow - I had fallen on the ground form chair (don’t rock on chairs, pals) and cut my eyebrow with a hair clip. I was 2 and half. Dad panicked, mum came home a bit later, saw me and dad crying, ordered dad to take a medicinal shot of gin, put me in front of the mirror and said: “Look at yourself, Vanda. You have a battle wound... Like a hero from Baldur’s Gate!” And in that moment I stopped crying, everything was fine, I was all very cheerful and proud of myself, because I was like Jupait (Minsc) from Baldur’s Gate and a brave hero. Calmed down dad took me to the hospital (on they way a policemen stopped us for crossing the speed limit, but I smiled at them from my back seat and said “Don’t worry, daddy. This is a good man, he protects people!” and the policeman looked at me and saw me covered in blood and was all like “okay, sir, go, go, go.”), they sewed my eyebrow back together with green thread, later pulled out the stitches, the end I got a properly sew-cause scar, my only one.I don’t remember anything from this story and know it only second-handedly from my parents. Luckily their versions don’t differ much. The only thing I remember is the hospital waiting room which had benches painted in red and green and yellow. Apparently, the hospital had never any waiting room painted in bright colours, so people tend to doubt that.

[thedreamingdinosaur]

Directed by: Patrick Marber

Cast:

Vanda- Natalie Dormer Thomas- David Oakes

‘And the Lord hath smitten him and delivered him into a woman’s hands’

A critically acclaimed Broadway hit, strikes at the heart of London once more! Over the last few years we have had our fair share of shows make the jump over the pond to share talents beyond our belief. With the smash hit Hamilton due to begin later this year, as well as Dear Evan Hansen recently making the leap, it is nice to see a none musical production make a transfer with such flare and originality. The play I am referring to, of course, is Venus in Fur.

The play came into talks following the final few episodes of ITV’s Victoria and a canceled Shakespeare class on a Thursday morning in October. How I hear you ask? Well this is down to David Oakes and his Prince Ernest. His heart throbbing and what can only be described as tragic character, captured the hearts of my fellow English thespian Catharine, and myself. So when we heard that he was to star in a new show in London, we simply had to take the opportunity up. Along side him would be one of the biggest names of the 21st century, Natalie Dormer. Having recently stared in Game of Thrones, Elementary and Mockingjay Part 1 and 2, Dormer’s talents have allowed us to see her appear in more and more entertainment over the last few years.

Now normally this is the point where I would write a small synopsis about what the play is actually about, however I’m not going to do that this time. Instead I shall give you the blurb from the script that I purchased while at the show.

Blurb

Enigmatic actress Vanda Jordan appears unannounced for an audition with director Thomas Novachek. She’s determined to land the leading role in his new production- despite seeming wrong for the part. Over one evening in downtown Manhattan their charged meeting becomes a seductive dance to the end. Intoxicating, erotic, highly charged, Venus in Fur is a dark comedy about desire, fantasy and love.

A 2 person show is something you rarely see in the West End now a days. With more shows having cast number’s exceeding the 30’s, it is nice to see one with a very limited cast. And to go with such a tiny cast, was a beautiful theatre too. Currently making it’s home in the Theatre Royal Haymarket, Venus in Fur has a perfect intimate auditorium for a very intimate play.

Our seats were allocated at the back of the stalls in row M. Normally I would steer clear of sitting near the back of the stalls, due to previous shows where I have had very poor seats and have hardly been able to see anything, does not help that I’m blind as a bat! But I was not disappointed at all! The set itself was very impressive. For what looked like a small stage, the crew had managed to transform it into a spacious Manhattan apartment. Each detail was well though out and interesting to see. There was not much use of lighting or sound effects, besides that of a thunderstorm, however this did not take away from the overal brilliancy of the show!

Before this show came into talks, I had never heard of Venus in Fur. The term ‘masochism’ had propped up in some analysis of books back in the first and second years of University but I had never truly understood it until now. From the images of rehearsals that had propped up on Twitter and Whatsonstage, I was able to have a guess what it would be about and safe to say I was very nervous.

David Oakes’s character explores complicated feelings and emotions it seems through the course of the play. Struggling with casting as well, it is clear that the stress of this play has begun to get to Thomas. This is no problem for Oakes though. It is clear that his understanding of the character has come from numerous hours of research, reading and rehearsing. He captures the struggle and stress of casting, re-writing and producing a performance with such accuracy, any new writer, caster or produce could totally relate too!

A play within a play can sometimes be hard to grasp, causing confusion within the audience, but he delievers a performance which show clear barriers between this ‘real world’ and the play. Although a man potentially set in his ways, Oakes gives us someone who will be swayed by pleasure and pain. Having only previously seen his inspirinig skills in Victoria, I was not disappointed by his perfomance in this at all! The techinique that David gives us is nothing but impressive. He show’s us his ability to change accents so easily, I was litteraly sat there with my mouth wide open at one point! I certainly cannot slip from a Manhattan accent to a German to a British one with such ease! His use of the space around him has been thought through clearly, as well as prop usage too. Although rehearsing with Vanda, Oakes shows us the man behind the writer behind the actor observing his potential employee. David Oakes is nothing but a first class actor of this generation, inspiring many with his abilities and true talent.

It is no secret that Natalie Dormer is an extremely talented lady in the 21st century. She has proved herself with her roles in Game of Thrones and Elementary, giving us very different characters. We see this come through once again in this show.

Initially, we see Vanda as your typical girl who wants her big break in the city. Eventually, Dormer takes you on a journey, exploring a very different character. It cannot be easy being an actress and having to portray an actress. Although I have never done it myself, Natalie holds nothing back and gives it her absolute all! Each moment in the play provides us with a new exciting twist in her character(s). I will say however, I do feel sorry for her in that very revealing costume in the autumn/winter period! She must be freezing the poor love! Nevertheless, the stockings and knee high boots do not hold her back. From what seems like a very innocent Manhattan girl, to a goddess, we see different light’s to Dormer compared to her other roles. Her emotion and use of stage are just like Davids, STUNNING!

All in all this play was truly something! Exploring a sexy new world I was very debious about, it seduced it’s audience into a world of pleasure. If you are nervous like I was then please do not fear! Oakes and Dormer will take your concerns and worries and chuck them away, giving you something to talk about for a long time! To top this show off, I was lucky enough to meet these two amazing stars at stage door after the show. I would like to thank them both for taking time out of their extremely brief lunch break to sign programmes, take photos and accept birthday cards after a tiring and energetic performance.

★★★★★

By Natalie Midwinter

Check out this great interview between Jasper Rees and David Oakes on the play here! Get ticket’s for the last few shows here MUST END DECEMBER 9TH 2017!

Don’t mess with the Goddess

Don't Mess with the Goddess. Directed by: Patrick Marber Cast: Vanda- Natalie Dormer Thomas- David Oakes 'And the Lord hath smitten him and delivered him into a woman's hands'

[loveisblindfanfiction]

Chapter Twenty-One

With the new year brought the arrival of someone new to my life; Koko.

Koko was my seeing eye dog. I had wanted a dog for as long as I could remember and a seeing eye dog ever since I had gone blind. Now with my regular inflated pay cheques I could finally afford one and the moment I met Koko I was in love.

Paul however, was not as enamoured.

“He sheds all over the carpet. He leaves his black hair everywhere!” he complained.

“But he’s so cute.” Cooed James.

I was at home, done with my appointments for the day so I let Koko off his leash to signal to him that it was time for him to relax.

“The dog is stupid! Look at this, Koko! See? Where the fuck is he going?” said Paul pointedly.

I laughed as I sat down on the couch.

“This house is not big enough for a dog that size!” he complained.

“Well it’s a good thing we’re moving to a bigger house soon.” I replied.

“Why can’t you have a seeing eye Chihuahua? A hairless one.” Complained Paul.

“Those things look like skinned rats.” Said James pointedly.

“She’s already got a rabbit! A rat makes more sense than a dog.” He said, “I don’t suppose either of you care that I am actually allergic to dogs.” He said grumpily.

“How can you not like dogs? Dogs are amazing and far cuter than babies.” I replied.

“I agree. Dogs are so loveable.” Said James.

“I said allergic. Not that I didn’t like him. But for the record I don’t.” said Paul.

“How can you not like him? Look at those big brown eyes.” Cooed James.

I felt a wet nose come and nudge my hand and I knew Koko was at my side. I leaned down and gave his head a good scratch, “Who’s a good dog?” I asked, my voice almost a coo, “Who’s a god dog?”

“It’s you.” Said James, actually cooing, “You’re a good dog.”

“You two are ridiculous. See? He’s knocking everything off the coffee table with his tail!” complained Paul.

So that’s what that clattering sound was. I’d been too caught up in patting Koko to notice.

“Relax. We’ll be in the bigger house next week.” He said pointedly.

“He’s right. I finalized all the paperwork today.” I told him. Thinking of the two story house I had that as right next to a park yet still central enough to London that I didn’t have to travel far to work.

“Speaking of which, have I told you about my colour scheme?” asked James.

“Yes, black and white with splashes of colour.” Said Paul sounding bored.

“No babe, you have to say ‘splashes of colour’ with jazz hands otherwise you’re missing the whole point.” Said James, “It’s going to look great. You’ll see.”

“I really won’t.” I replied.

                                                 …

Despite my saying that Koko would be my date to the 2017 Golden Globes, James and Paul played rock, paper, scissors to see who would accompany me; James won.

I wore a pink Michael Kors long dress with Badgley Mischka Radiant ‘T’ Strap sandals. I paired it with a  Dolce and Gabbana Vanda shoulder bag.

James enjoyed the red carpet more than I did. He loved having his photo taken and from what I could hear, he was photobombing all the other celebrities having their photo taken.

With Koko, I was a lot more independent at these kind of events so I didn’t need James with me as much, which was nice for the both of us. I didn’t feel crowded and he was able to run amuck like he wanted.

Having Koko with me, feeling more independent and not so reliant on people, I felt a lot more confident. I knew Kit was going to be at the Golden Globes, Game of Thrones was up for Best Drama Series, so I had my guard up; I was ready for him to try and talk to me like he had every time we’d been in the same room as each other.

But it was not Kit who approached me when I was sitting at the table, it was someone else.

“Excuse me, are you Gertrude Trinket?” asked a female voice.

“Yes, I am. And who might you be?” I asked as I stroked Koko’s head.

“I’m Emilia. Emilia Clarke.” She replied.

I felt as if a bucket of ice had been thrown over me, but I fixed a smile on my face and held my hand out for her to shake, “Nice to meet you Emilia.” I said, formally.

“Like wise.” She said as she shook my head, “Do you mind if I sit down?”

Given the circumstances, yes, I did mind. I expected her to start yelling at me any moment to ‘stay away from my boyfriend’ but her voice had been so bright and happy that there was no malice behind it. So I really had no reason to refuse her.

“Please.” I said simply.

I heard her pull the chair next to me out and sit down. There was a moment of silence when I was sure that she was going to unleash a string of verbal abuse towards me, or demand to know what history I had with Kit, but she didn’t.

“What’s your dogs name?” she asked politely.

“This is Koko.” I told her.

“Can I give him a pat?”

“Sure.” I said, feeling a little bemused.

“He’s adorable.” She cooed.

I didn’t know what to say so I simply stayed silent. This was one of the weirdest moments in my life. Kit’s current girlfriend was sitting with me, his ex-girlfriend, chatting pleasantly about my dog. None of this made any sense.

“You looked amazing in the Victoria Secret show.” She told me.

“Thank you.” I smiled. Things were getting weirder.

“I could hardly believe it was you when I came over here, I’ve heard so much about you from Kit of course.” She said.

And there it was. She had heard all about me from Kit and now wanted to see me for herself to form her own nasty opinion. I knew it. Her niceness was just a façade.

“I can’t imagine he would have had many good things to say.” I commented, ready for her to spew forth all the horrible things he had said about me.

“No, on the contrary. He speaks very highly of you.” She disagreed immediately.

“Really?” I asked, disbelief colouring my voice.

“Yeah. He’s really proud of everything you’ve achieved. Not just with your modelling but your music. He made everyone in the Thrones cast buy your album.” She told me.

I blinked in shock; Kit was proud of me?

“He’s actually the reason I came over here to talk to you.” She stated.

I shifted uncomfortably, this couldn’t be good.

“He has no idea I’m over here by the way, so I’m speaking my own mind.” she began.

“The mind of a girlfriend.” I interrupted.

“Girlfriend?” she asked in shock, “Oh no. Kit and I aren’t together. I mean, we hooked up a few times in the early days but nothing like that anymore. We’re just friends.” She explained.

I blinked in shock, “Oh.”

“So it’s as his friend that I’m going to tell you that he is a good guy.” She said seriously, “He’s a good guy and I think you should give him a break.”

“A break?” I asked in disbelief, how on earth could she be saying this to me? She wasn’t a part of our relationship. She didn’t know what happened.

“Yeah. He feels terrible about the way things turned out.” She told me.

“Turned out? Do you even know what happened?” I asked angrily.

“I know enough.” She assured me, “And if I was in Kit’s position I would have done exactly the same thing.” She said simply.

I felt my jaw go slack in disbelief. I couldn’t believe she was saying this to me.

“Surely you can understand now that your famous how hard it can be to trust people. To know whether their intentions are good or bad. With you, there was never any doubt in Kit’s mind that your intentions were pure and that was why he fell in love with you. Why he’s still in love with you.” She explained.

I couldn’t believe that Kit still loved me. My mind couldn’t process that kind of information right now. But she had a point; I now knew far too well how Kit must have been feeling. I was inherently suspicious of all new people in my life now because they all wanted something from me. Even people who I did know, the way they treated me had changed.

It would be nice to meet someone who I never had to worry about using me for my fame.

“That doesn’t mean what he did was ok.” I reminded her.

“I completely agree.” She said, catching me off guard, “He knows he did a shitty thing. Why do you think every time he sees you he tries to apologize?”

I kept my mouth shut. I knew I’d never really let him apologize to me because I thought the words would be meaningless. But now I wondered, if I actually heard him apologize, would that make it easier to forgive him?

“He’s a good guy Gerty. As your friend, I think you should give him another chance.” She said.

“Oh, we’re friends now are we?” I asked, picking the word out with interest.

“I feel like we’re friends. I’ve heard so much about you.” She said happily, “The two of us have so much in common, I think we’ll become best friends.” She said.

I laughed happily.

“Besides, two girls that have as amazing eyebrows as we do, kind of have to be friends.” She told me.

“Yes, you do both have some pretty epic eyebrows.” Agreed a voice.

“James.” I smiled, “When did you get back?” I asked, I wanted to know how much of the conversation he had heard.

“Like two seconds.” He told me and I felt him sit in the chair beside me.

“I’ve never plucked my eyebrows.” Said Emilia.

“Me neither. My mum told me never to do it.” I replied.

“Mine too!” she said happily.

“You guys should have an eyebrow off!” declared James.

“An eyebrow off?” asked Emilia.

“Yeah, I’ll post it on Instagram and people can vote for who has the best!” he said happily.

“Ok, what do we have to do?” I asked.

“Show off how great your eyebrows are.” He replied.

Emilia must have pulled a face because a moment later I heard the click of James’s phones camera. Then I pulled a face and he snapped another picture.

“Alright, its on!” declared James, “Let the internet decide who is the eyebrow queen.”

“Well your already mother of dragons, I think I should be eyebrow queen.” I said.

“No way! I’m adding it to my title. Queen of the Andals and Eyebrows, thank you very much.” Said Emilia.

I laughed loudly.

“Oh, the show is starting.” Said James.

“I better go. But we should exchange numbers.” Said Emilia.

“Definitely.” I replied as I grabbed my phone and handed it to her.

“There. Speak to you later.” She said as she handed me back my phone, “Bye.”

“Bye.”

There was silence for a moment as she left and I felt utterly bewildered about what had just happened.

“Well,” said James after a moment, “That was weird.”

“Tell me about it.” I agreed.

“Kit’s ex-girlfriend making friends with his current girlfriend. Perfectly normal.” He said.

“She said she’s not his girlfriend.” I told him.

“They break up?”

“No, she said they were never together.”                                                    

“Oh. And how do you feel about that?”

My brow creased as I thought about his question, “I’m not sure. Relieved I think.”

“Relieved?” he questioned.

“Yeah.” I said, feeling firmer in my statement, “if he hasn’t moved on it means that what we had was real.”

“Were you doubting that?” he asked.

“Yeah, I guess.”

The program started but I paid no attention.

Once again it had taken a third party to make me see my situation with Kit in a different way.

I knew what I had to do. When there was a break, I turned to James, “Where’s Kit?” I asked quietly.

“Over at the bar. Why? Where are you-” he began but I didn’t listen to him as I grabbed Koko’s leash and headed over to the bar.

I didn’t know where it was at the bar, so I figured I needed to grab his attention.

“What can I get you?” asked the bar tender as I leaned against the bar, his voice clear with innuendo.

“Yeah can I get a banana smoothie?” I asked.

The bar tender seemed confused, “Ah, what?”

“With honey, coconut and kale?” I asked, smiling at my own joke.

“We only do alcoholic drinks.” He said.

“Well in that case, I’ll have a Malibu and coke.” I replied.

“Coming right up.” He replied.

I counted in my head. It wouldn’t take long. Three, two, one…

“Banana smoothie to Malibu and coke; pretty big leap.” Said a voice that I knew all too well.

“Well, they both have coconut in them.” I replied as the bar tender placed the drink down next to my hand, “Thank you.” I told him before I took a sip.

“Barely.” Replied Kit.

“Congratulations on your win.” I said. The sixth season of Game of Thrones had won best drama series for the night.

“Thanks.” He said, then after a moment he said, “Where’d you get the dog?”

“Harrods. They’re a big fashion accessory now. Everybody wants one.” I told him.

“Right. And what do you call yours?”

“Koko.”  

There was a moment of silence where I took a sip of my drink, waiting.

“Can we talk?” he asked quietly.

“Sure.”

He seemed stunned by my agreeance because he didn’t automatically try to talk to me or take me anywhere. So I prompted him.

“Lead the way.” I instructed as I grabbed Koko’s leash.

Koko followed Kit, as I knew he would. I had no idea where we were going but from the way all the noise was suddenly dulled, I thought we must have been out in the lobby.

“I’ve rehearsed this conversation so much in my head, now that it’s here, I’m not sure what to say.” He revealed.

I fiddled with Koko’s leash. I too had thought about this moment a lot and now that it was finally here, I was a little nervous to hear what he had to say. I was also very aware that for the first time in what felt like a long time, the two of us were alone and I was very aware of how my body reacted to his.

I felt the hairs on my arm stand up on end and my chest felt hot. I subconsciously pressed my thighs together under my dress. My lips felt dry and I resisted the urge to flick my tongue out and wet them.

“I wanted to say,” he began, taking a deep breath in, “That I know what I did was wrong. There were so many times where I wanted to tell you. Every day I promised myself that I would but then I’d see you and the way you looked at me, I didn’t want that to change. It was selfish of me and I’m sorry.” He said.

I felt as if a led weight had been dropped into my stomach. I felt the weight of his words drag me down into the depths of despair.

“I’m so sorry Gerty. I shouldn’t have lied to you. Not a day goes by where I don’t regret it. Not a day goes by where I don’t think of you and wish we could start over. I wish we could get back what we had but I know I’ve done too much damage for that to ever happen.” He said seriously, “I know it can’t change anything but I need you to forgive me.” He said as a note of pleading came into his voice.

The weight of each word he said pulled me a little deeper into that pit of despair. But instead of letting it bury me, I chose to rise above it.

Letting Koko’s leash slide from my wrist, I placed it over my elbow as I stepped forward, searching with both my hands. They eventually found Kit’s chest and I felt his hands grab my wrist. I wasn’t sure what I was about to do was the right thing, feeling him touching me filled me with an emotion I couldn’t name; anticipation? Fear? Nervousness? Perhaps all three.

Sliding my hands up the smooth material of his shirt I came to rest them on his shoulders. I knew then that I was staring him right in the eye, like I wanted to. His body was tense under my hand as he waited for me to speak. But I didn’t.

This one thing, just this one thing I would allow myself.

Pressing up on the tips of my toes I gently pressed my lips to his cheek, which was once again covered in facial hair. I let my lips linger on his skin for just a moment, in that moment I could breathe in his signature scent and feel how his body responded to mine by relaxing, his ace turning ever so slightly so his nose could skim the shell of my ear.

Everything melted away between us in that moment and there was only the two of us. No past, present or future. Just the two of us in that moment.

But it was only a moment. The only one I would allow myself.

Pulling back, I felt Kit lean forward in an attempt to prologue our touch but I wouldn’t let him. Staring straight in his eyes I spoke, “I forgive you.”

And just like that, the weight I had been carrying around with me ever since I’d stepped out of that taxi was lifted and I felt so light that it was as if I was walking on air.

Taking hold of Koko’s leash, I walked back into the theatre alone. Leaving a still stunned Kit in the lobby.

[jewelcrisis]

EPISODE 14

‘Dan… Are you okay?”

‘...’

‘Answer me, please!’

‘Well, I AM talking to you right now, so…’

Yes, he’s talking to her, she thought. He’s awake and can talk, so it cannot be that bad, right? He sounds a bit… shaky. Maybe he’s just nervous? Bewcause he likes her so much, haha… no. Stop.

She asked it anyway.

‘No, I mean… How… are you?’

Silence.

‘Please, say that you are okay...’ she said quietly.

‘I’m… fine...’

‘Great, then you can stand up and jump here and we can go, right?’

‘...’

‘RIGHT??’

‘I’m not sure...’

‘Dan, please, tell me you can...’

‘Okay, don’t worry, it’s not that bad...’ he started. ‘Great, then you can...’ ‘...but no, I can’t stand up. I’m... sorry.’

‘WHAT?!’

‘Listen, I’m still not sure how… bad it exactly is, but I won’t be able to stand up right now. Just... give me a minute, okay?’

She waited patiently.

‘So...’ Dan started. Vanda looked up to his direction anxiously.

‘I don’t know how deep we fell… But it couldn’t have been that bad, because I fell on a rock yet I’m alive. Probably just a few metres. But I still.. was hit pretty badly...’ ‘How bad?’ ‘I’m not sure. One leg is definitely broken… So I can’t walk… nor climb, nor jump.’

‘B-but… What am I supposed to do now?!’

‘MAYBE JUST STOP WHINING FOR A SECOND?!’

Vanda’s breath stopped for a second. She covered her mouth with her hands and turned away. How could he scream at her like that?

Then she realised.

‘I-I’m sorry Vanda, I didn’t...’

‘No, you are right.’

She just realised how patient Dan is. She just realised, despite being poor in her whole life, how spoiled she was when it came to the way people treated her. She had been whining all the time, maybe thinking it’s cute that she can play the damsel in distress for him. As if she wasn’t the main character... But now Dan is the one who’s injured and in pain and he definitely has the right to whine, complain and scream as much as he wants, and he definitely doesn’t need to apologise. ‘You are the one who’s in trouble right now… It’s just… I really don’t know what will I do without you now?’

‘Don’t be so dramatic, you’re okay.’

‘Yes, yes, you are right, you are always right.’ She smiled, both inside and outside, and felt relieved.

‘But yes, it seems you will have to go on without me… for a while at least...’

The previous passing feeling of relief disappeared instantly. Without him? For a while? She almost opened her mouth to complain again.

‘NO...’

But went another direction.

‘I’M NOT LEAVING WITHOUT YOU.’

‘Huh…?’ The same sentence from her could’ve sounded whiny, too, but the determined tone of voice really surprised Dan.

‘It’s my time to do something after all the help you gave me. I’m going back for you.’

‘But how? You’re already on the other side.’

‘I’ll try to cross the same way you wanted to. I will climb until I find a spot where the other side is in jumping-range.’

‘Are you… sure you want to climb after all this?’

‘YES.’

‘You might fall deeper. You’re already on the other side, just go on.’

‘I know you’re creeped out by how I behave nowadays. But don’t even wish I’m leaving you behind. You can’t get rid of me.’ she winked and blew a kiss.

Dan chuckled but in ended in a painful hiss. Vanda was scared hearing this but it also made her more sure she made the right decision. Also, no way he’s not dating her after all this.

She grabbed the nearest protruding rock on the “wall”. Then another. The she took a step. Another higher. A few second later she was already higher than her own height. She almost looked down into the dephts but tiny feathers pushed her chin upwards.

‘Chick’! You’re alive?? Oh wait, of course, you can fly...’

She continued climbing, with the little bird’s guidance. She finally reached a larger rock that seemed like a good place for a jump. She was still below Dan, and couldn’t see him from this angle at all, but she knew she was close. It seemed like a dangerous jump, she would have to grab some small rocks on the other side really hard, and start climbing immediately, but it didn’t seem impossible. She looked down, and took a deep breath…

[rathertoofondofbooks]

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It’s open for anyone to join in and is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

A similar meme is run by Lipsyy Lost and Found where bloggers share This Week in Books #TWiB.

What I’m reading now: 

Sweet Little Lies by Caz Frear

I only started this last night but I’m already gripped. I love thrillers where the past has something to do with what’s happening in the present so this is my kind of book!

You Let Me In by Camilla Bruce

I’m reading this one on the Pigeonhole app and am really enjoying it. It’s not what I was expecting it to be but I’m so glad I got to read it because it’s so good and I’m so keen for the next part to be released so I can find out what happens next!

The Recovery of Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel

I’m still reading this one and still very much enjoying it. I’m intrigued to know how things are going to play out between this mother and daughter!

  What I recently finished reading:

Second Life by S. J. Watson

I’ve had the ebook of this ever since it was first published but I finally started it this week when I got the audio book from BorrowBox. I’m sad to say that I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the author’s first novel. I do love his writing though so would always look out for new books by him.

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager

I treated myself to this one and read it right away as I’ve got into a bit of a reading slump recently. I’m not feeling well at all and so my reading is suffering but this book grabbed me from the off and I really enjoyed it.

Notes to Self by Emilie Pine

I picked this up as it was short and being as it’s essays I thought I could dip in and out of it. As it turned out I devoured it! I’ve seen that this has got a lot of negative reviews but I loved it, I could identify with a lot of what the author has been through and it made me feel seen.

  What I plan on reading next:

Containment by Vanda Symon

I’m on a blog tour for this one later this month so am really keen to start reading this one in good time. I adored Vanda Symon’s previous books so have very high hopes for this one!

Dead Wrong by Noelle Holten

I’m also taking part in the blog tour for this one and am so looking forward to reading this one. Noelle’s first novel was excellent and I feel sure this one will be every bit as good!

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

I’ve read some fab reviews of this book this week so it’s made me really want to read it so hopefully I’ll be able to get to it this week!

  What have you been reading this week? I’d love to hear. And if you take part in WWW Wednesdays or This Week in Books please feel free to leave your link below and I’ll make sure to visit and comment on your post. 🙂

WWW Wednesdays! What are you reading at the moment? WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It’s open for anyone to join in and is a great way to share what you’ve been reading!

[finding-fluency-blog]

L'acceuil ERASMUS

It’s been a while since I last checked in! I’ve got a lot of things to talk about, some good some not so good, but it’s about time I updated!

The last time I checked in I had just started to settle in a bit more in my new life here in Clermont-Ferrand, talking more French and making a few friends. Well I went to the Welcome talk the following day and that’s when things started to happen. The talk itself was about as average and mundane as and introductory talk could be, there was a lot of information to digest as well, but afterwards there was a special social event organised for the ERASMUS students to go to.

It turned out to be very fun! I wasn’t expecting much since social events back home by Cardiff University didn’t tend to be that good, but as this is France there were lovely hors-d'œuvres accompanied by white and red wine. I am one of those who finds it easier to socialise after drinking some alcohol, so the wine was really good for breaking down whatever social anxieties I had.

At first I lingered around the English students, meeting mostly girls from Ireland and Scotland and chatting about how we’d been spending our time here since arriving. It was fun but as usual I a bit sidelined since there were some big characters I couldn’t compete with.

Then by chance a girl approached with her friend and said hello, so we started talking. I found out she was German and her name was Betül - it took me a few tries to pronounce it correctly. She and her friend Anja were both very nice, so after a while I broke off from the English girls and hung around with Betül. Slowly more German girls joined our conversation and it suddenly became a game of “make Sarah say the difficult German word!” But this was totally fine since I love learning languages!

The event ended at around 7.30 and we decided to grab a drink at a bar together, it was super busy though since Thursdays are apparently the big night out for the clermontois. Nonetheless we had a good time and I had made some friends. I eventually spent more time with Betül the following day, getting our ability test and timetabling done.

-

I spent the next day not really doing much as I had some issues with my timetable that couldn’t be resolved until Monday (today - though it’s still a WIP). During the day I had sent a friend request to an English boy called Toby to whom I hadn’t had the time to say hello at the social evening. We got chatting a bit and come 10pm that night we were off for a drink.

On our way there he bumped into 2 German guys he had befriended on Thursday as they were waiting for a couple friends to get drinks with too - it was a Saturday night after all. So we decided to go together and they were also very nice and fun to talk to. Eventually a Slovakian girl called Eva joined (their friend), her English was not as good but that did not stop her from being very entertaining! She invited me to go on a cycle trip the following day along with Christian, Luka, Toby and others I hadn’t yet met. I quickly said yes - any chance to make friends I will take!

Towards the end of our drinking outing Toby had been invited to a nearby club called Baraka, where the infamous Robert or “Robbish” was partying with a fellow Irish friend. So, crazily, we joined them - I thought to myself ‘I am finally going on my first night out in France’. It was different to the clubs that I’m used to in Cardiff but it wasn’t bad at all - I had stopped drinking alcohol at this point so I would have some kind of energy for the bike ride. It was nearly 2:30am when we finally left - although Toby was having all kinds of fun with the two Irish lads, so much fun that he would not be present for the bike ride after getting home at 7am...

-

So Sunday arrived, and I set off to meet Christian and Luka and the others at a C-vélo station (C-vélo is the bike renting service in Clermont-Ferrand). Just €2 for half an hour, with the first half hour for free, it was a pretty good deal. The others arrived and we exchanged names. Eva was there obviously, she brought her friend Vanda from Slovenia, Ana from Spain and Yu En Cheah, a Malaysian who studies dentistry in the University of Dundee. We were quite a diverse bunch, but it made for funny conversations later on.

It was a bit of a slow start due to difficulties in hiring our bikes with codes not working and bikes being broken, but we finally set off about half an hour later than planned. We were cycling up hills in about 25 degree heat, it was not easy at all. I had drunk almost all my water before even arriving at the Parc du Montjuzet (our destination).

Sweaty, red faced and tired, we made it too the Parc, only to be met with another 10 minutes of trekking up some more hills. I was suffering in the heat, not used to doing much physical exercise in such heat. I soldiered on though and eventually we made it to a suitable place in the shade where we could finally rest. The view of the city was stunning, the mountains including the Puy-de-Dôme were a majestic backdrop to this petite city that seemed to be encircling the dark shadow that is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption.

We spent maybe an hour resting and joking around, sharing stories and experiences, it was really pure. Yu En made us all laugh with his bad French and the funny things he said about his celibacy.

This is where Luka used his camera to take the photo in this post. He and Yu En are budding photography enthusiasts, Luka is especially good. Maybe he should sell some...

We did some more exploring of the park and found a small van selling crêpes, so I bought a crêpe sucré - with just sugar. French crêpes are great.

Funny story about crêpes though, after we cycled back to the town to leave the bikes, Luka invited us to an event where we would be eating more crêpes and galettes! It was basically a group of people who open their small apartment to French and foreign students looking for a way to socialise and have fun. They put on dinners every weekend with food based on different countries - I’m guessing this time it was French.

I discovered that I am not a fan of galettes (savoury crêpes) as there was a strange taste that did not sit well with me. I felt a bit rude for not finishing it all but I really couldn’t force myself. The rest was nice though, but we were all feeling quite tired from our day out, so after signing up for the rest of the events, which no one was really sure what they were, we said goodbye to the hosts and guests and made our exit. I later found out that it is a Christian society, but that they welcome those wanting to know more about their faith. I don’t think I could or even should pretend to be a Christian, but I am always open for thoughtful and construction conversations about these kind of things!

Needless to say, I slept like a baby last night, completely exhausted, or épuisée. So today I could finally make some progress on getting my timetable sorted out, and although it is still not completely done, I’ve at least been given my carte d’étudiant. Tomorrow I will have my first lesson and I’m slightly nervous but I will be as brave as I can.

-

I’m feeling a lot happier now, after having spent meaningful time with people and getting to know them and the city better. I don’t feel so alone, but the fear of being left behind is still there. I hope they won’t get bored of me even if I am slightly quieter and awkward than them.

Long update but, an update nonetheless!

A bientôt!

[inquiringquilter]

I Wish You a Merry QAL - Block 6

Welcome to the I Wish You a Merry QAL! Today is a big milestone! With the release of Block 6, we are now halfway through! Woot!

You can join us. Really. It's not too late because to enter the quilt along giveaway, all you need to do is make the current block and post a photo of it. Click here to learn more about the quilt along and the patterns for blocks 1 to 5.

Continue reading to learn more about the current block, Block 6.

For my blocks, I’m using the Shiny Objects in Holiday Twinkle collection by flaurie & finch for RJR Fabrics.

Block 6 in our quilt along was designed by Sandra @ Sandra Healy Designs and it’s called Hanging Stars Angel. Here’s my version.

For the background of my block, I chose #3023-05 Scarlet, 3022-07 Tannenbaum, 3023-07 Crystal, 3026-05 Tannenbaum, 3163-03 Radiant Crimson, 3163-05 Seafoam, 3164-02 Radiant Crimson, and 3164-06 Tannenbaum from the Holiday Twinkle collection. I used 3023-06 Sugar for the stars. For the angel, I chose 2792-12 Snow, 3022-06 Seafoam, and 3163-05 Seafoam. I also used brown, pink, and white scraps to complete my block.

Tips for making this block

As a QAL host, I’m here to help you achieve success with this block. Here are my tips for success:

First, I pieced together the block background using a variety of reds and greens. Then I squared the block to 12-1/2". Here's how I pressed the background.

I wanted a light pink for the angel's face but didn't have any so I created my own by fusing a scrap of solid white on top of a pink scrap. I then applied fusible to the back of the pink fabric and cut out the face for fusing.

This block is both pieced and appliqued. If you need a refresher on applique techniques, click here. I decided to fuse the angel together on my Teflon pressing sheet, then move her to the block as a single unit for final fusing. To help me assemble her, I traced the back side of the Angel template page (remember, the template page is a reversed image of the angel). I then placed the tracing under my pressing sheet, and used the markings to help me place and fuse each part of the angel. Pay attention to what part goes on top or goes under the other parts so you get her assembled correctly.

I fused my angel about 1" from the top of the block, and about 3/4" from the bottom. This will make her centered once I sew the block together. Her left foot was about 1 3/4" from the left edge, and her hand was 1/2" from the right edge of the red striped square.

Likewise, when fusing the stars on the smaller squares, keep in mind that you need to allow for that 1/4" seam allowance along the perimeter of the block if your goal is to center the stars.

To finish up your block, you can use French Knots for the eyes. I make my angel's eyes blue--DMC #827. To make a French Knot, you come up from behind, then wrap the floss around the needle three times (just like a quilter's knot). Next, you come back down in the same spot you came up, and while holding onto the thread, you pull from behind very slowly and a knot forms.

I love that Sandra recommending fusing a stabilizer to the back of the block to keep the knots from unraveling. I don't know that I'd heard of that before, but I don't embroider much. I definitely think it's a terrific idea! I didn't have any fusible stabilizer but I did have some fusible interfacing so I used that.

Don't forget to edge stitch your applique shapes. I used a straight stitch. For my block, I used Aurifil 50 wt. #2835 Medium Mint around the angel's dress. I gave her ballet slippers instead of bare feet, and to glam them up, I used Sulky Metallic #7007 Gold. I even created small bows on her slippers with the gold thread. In addition, I used the gold to edge-stitch her hair. Around her wings and the stars, I used Sulky Metallic #7007 Silver. To make her face pinker, I edge-stitched it with Gutermann #40 wt. #2538 Pink.

I'm planning on placing a button in her hair as the pattern suggests. I found this beautiful snowflake in my stash, so that's what I'm going to use. However, I'm going to wait to attach the button later, after quilting. For now, I've pinned it to the block so I won't lose it.

You may have noticed that the angel's blue dress shadows through her white wing. I could have faced the wing to prevent that, but I wanted her wings to appear ethereal and transparent, so I chose not to do that.

Be sure to drop by Sandra’s blog to get your free block pattern. Also, don’t forget to visit the other quilt along hosts to see their versions of this block.

Abbie at Sparkle On April at JANDA Bend Quilts Becca at Pretty Piney Bobbi at Snowy Days Quilting Diane at Cwilt Jennifer at The Inquiring Quilter Karen at Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts Sandy at SandyStar Designs Sherry at Powered by Quilting Vanda at Quilt in Piece

Be sure to enter the giveaway!

To enter the Hanging Stars Angel block giveaway, you must make the block and post it in one of these three places by Monday, October 9th at 11:59 PM EST.

On Instagram, with the hashtag #iwishyouamerrychristmasqal

In our private Facebook group

To the linky on Sandra's blog

If you post your Hanging Stars Angel block by the deadline, you might win this wonderful prize package—a fat quarter bundle from the Blushing Blooms collection by Island Batik and a PDF pattern of your choice from Sandra!

My special offer continues!

To celebrate the release of my Christmas Memories block earlier this month (it was Block 4), I am offering a pattern discount of 20%, good until the end of the month in my shop. Just use the code MERRYQAL20 to receive the discount.

Share what you're working on!

If you like show and tell, I'd love it if you'd also share what you've been working on lately in my weekly Wednesday Wait Loss linky. We have a great group of quilters and the projects are inspiring! I also have giveaways from time to time on my Wednesday Wait Loss so the atmosphere is fun and encouraging.The currently linky is open until midnight EST tonight, then on Wednesday, another linky starts.

Come back for the next block!

On Tuesday, October 10th, be sure to come back here for the next two blocks in our quilt along--Block 7 and Block 8!

You can follow me on social media or sign up for my newsletter if you’d like a reminder when the next block is posted. You’ll find all the ways to follow me at the top of my sidebar. If you have any general questions about the quilt along or would like to see the complete schedule, click the I Wish You a Merry QAL tab above.

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[quiltingwithvanda]

I want to believe X Files Quilt

Geek alert! As you know by now, I am love my Geek, Fandom and Nerdy stuff. So when this gorgeous Quilt and Stitch Along started last year, I just could not resist, it is called the I want to believe X Files Quilt.

And I love this quilt so much.

I just finished the quilt top and will be hanging out with my other UFO’s will be quilted later. UFO! Whahaha, how ironic.

Oh Yes! You want to see what it looks like.

Here is my quilt top

And some close up photos of the blocks.

In this quilt, there is 3 paper pieced blocks and many embroidered blocks.

You can find all the patterns FREE at Fandom in Stitches.

The designer is a fellow quilter and friend, Jennifer Ofenstein. Her own personal blog is Sewhooked. Go and check out some other amazing patterns available at either Fandom in Stitches and Sewhooked.

So, with this quilt top, I have completed 3 UFO for the year so far, so I am on track with my list. Now for no. 4

What’s cooking?

There are several BIG things coming up this year.

Fantastic Beasts Quilt Along 2 starting in September this year.

“MY Favorite” Fandom quilt along next year (I am working on the patterns this year)

2017 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop now in April, date will be announced.

LOADS of new patterns.

Till next time. Have a happy sewing week.

LLAP

Vanda Chittenden

�� I want to believe X Files Quilt I want to believe X Files Quilt Geek alert! As you know by now, I am love my Geek, Fandom and Nerdy stuff.

[jenmedsbookreviews]

This past weekend I have been on my travels again. After a fairly sedate week at work, where I spent most of if trying to work out what day it was thanks to the Bank Holiday, Mandie and I have headed oop north, very far up North as it happens, to Stirling in readiness for the launch of Bloody Scotland 2018, which takes place today at the Golden Lion Hotel. Excited muchly? Yes. Yes I am.

As if this wondrous happening wasn’t enough, we also booked out trains, hotels and accommodation for Bute Noir in August. this is the first time I have been off mainland Scotland and while it may not be the furthest away island I am still a touch excited and totally looking forward to it. Much of my holiday time is being spent exploring parts of the British Isles that I have either not experienced before or not visited in years. You would think with my job I’d be bored with travelling the UK by now but you’d be wrong. Have you actually stopped and taken time to look around you lately, or perhaps a little further afield. Our island, small, waterlogged and generally poo on the weather front as it may be. is actually a pretty bloody fantastic place to visit and there are so many parts I have yet to explore. Bring it on. Despite this being the fifth time in a smidge over two years that I have been to Stirling, this is the first time I’ve been to the Wallace Monument so there is always the chance to do something new, no matter how many times you go somewhere.

On the bookish front, it was all rather quiet again until mid week when I received a package from the lovely Karen at Orenda Books. Copies of Big Sister by Gunnar Staalesen, The Lion Tamer Who Lost by Louise Beech and Overkill by Vanda Symon. I also received a copy of the next Leigh Russell Geraldine Steel title, Death Rope from publishers No Exit and How Far We Fall by Jane Shemilt from Penguin. I also received a digital arc of A Steep Price by Robert Dugoni from Thomas and Mercer. Super tidy book week for me then 🙂

One Netgalley ARC this week which is one I have been looking forward to. I picked up The Thieftaker’s Trek by debut author Joan S. Sumner. I met Joan on the Crime and Publishment course in March and we had a really good talk about her writing. It turns out I have a little knowledge of the area in which Joan has set her books, if not of the era in which she has written them, but I’m really excited to read it and find out more.

So … last week I was on a bit of buying slump. Yeah … that’s over. 😀 I bought the following: The Defence, The Plea, and The Liar (also on audible) by Steve Cavanagh, The Lion Tamer Who Lost by Louise Beech, After He Died by Michael J Malone, The Girl With No Name and Her Mother’s Grave by Lisa Regan. I also took the liberty of ordering the US cover of Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh as it is very pretty (Not out until 2019 but I can wait …) and Death Rope by Leigh Russell.

Normal service has resumed. Yay. (For Amazon anyway).

Books I have Read

Ultima – LS Hilton,

The shockingly audacious conclusion to the international bestselling phenomenon that began with Maestra. If you can’t beat them – kill them

First there was Maestra. Then there was Domina. Now – there is Ultima.

Glamorous international art-dealer Elizabeth Teerlinc knows a thing or two about fakes. After all, she is one herself. Her real identity, Judith Rashleigh, is buried under a layer of lies. Not to mention the corpses of the men foolish enough to get in her way. 

But now, caught in the murderous crossfire between a Russian Mafia boss and a corrupt Italian police detective, Judith is forced to create an even more daring work of art – a fake masterpiece she must take to the world-famous auction house where she used to be a lowly assistant and sell for $150 million.

For Judith the prospect of putting one over her loathsome former employer and the world’s art establishment is almost as thrilling as the extreme sex she’s addicted to – especially when the price of failure is a bullet in the back of the head.

But exposing her new identity to the glare of the spotlight puts her at risk of an even greater danger. Like a beautiful painting stripped of its layers of varnish, something altogether different could be revealed. 

A truth about her past even Judith might find shocking.

Yes. I know. I surprised me too. But you know what? I actually enjoyed this. Slightly steamier than your average thriller, there was a great story and really strong characterisation behind this book and as this was the final part in the series, I’m actually looking forward to going back and reading the first two. You can read my review here and purchase a copy of the book here.

…

Follow Me Home – DK Hood

‘Don’t you agree Detective? That some people deserve to die? I’ve killed the first. I’ve killed the second. Now will you catch the others, or do I have to kill them too?’

The body of Amos Price lies in a pool of blood on the polished floor of an otherwise empty house. With no signs of a break in, and no clues left at the scene, Detective Jenna Alton is at a loss.

But as the team begins to unpick the life of the reclusive victim, they discover a disturbing link between Amos and the disappearance of several young girls in the county going back years. 

Days later, another brutally murdered body is found, in a remote motel on the outskirts of town. Ely Dorsey was killed in a frenzied attack and Jenna fears not only that the murders are connected to the missing girls, but that the killer hasn’t finished yet.

As Jenna tries to work out who will be next, the killer suddenly starts sending her deputy, David Kane, messages. Is she being taunted? Or does the murderer want to be caught? And will Jenna discover who’s behind these killings before more people die?

An absolutely nail-biting thriller with plenty of twists, Follow Me Home is perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni, Karin Slaughter and Rachel Abbott.

The third part in the Kane and Alton series sees them on the hunt for a vicious killer who seems to be extracting their own kind of justice for truly heinous crimes. The subject matter is tough to read but carefully handled. The murders are brutal and varied. You’ll be able to read my review as part of the tour and can order a copy of the book here.

…

First to Die – Alex Caan

A DARK AND EDGY CRIME THRILLER FOR FANS OF SARAH HILARY, KATERINA DIAMOND, ANGELA MARSONS AND ROBERT BRYNDZA.

SOMEWHERE IN THE CROWD IS A KILLER 

Bonfire Night and St James’s Park is filled with thousands of Anonymous protesters in a stand-off with the police. When a cloaked, Guido Fawkes mask-wearing body is discovered the following morning, Kate Riley and Zain Harris from the Police Crime Commissioner’s office are called in.

The corpse has been eaten away by a potentially lethal and highly contagious virus. The autopsy reveals the victim was a senior civil servant, whose work in international development involved saving lives. Why would anyone want him dead? 

THEY WILL STRIKE AGAIN 

As the research team looking into the origins of the deadly virus scramble to discover an antidote, first one, then another pharmacist goes missing. Meanwhile, a dark truth starts to emerge about the murder victim: he was an aggressive man, whose bullying behaviour resulted in the suicide attempt of one of his former staff members.

AND TIME IS RUNNING OUT . . .

With thirty lives potentially at stake, Kate and Zain have their work cut out for them. Can they find the two missing pharmacists in time, or will they too end up dead?

Gah. You have no idea how long I have wanted to read this book. I have had several false starts, plus some emergency blog tour reads which demanded my attention but have finally been able to finish what I started and boy am I a happy bunny. Uncannily topical this book had me hooked from start to finish. Oh how I have missed Zain. You’ll be able to read my review around publication day (not long now – 14th June) but can preorder a copy here.

…

Three books. Not bad considering I got distracted by Bute Noir and spent half a day driving to Stirling. I am actually half way through another audio book as well so I am still being productive if not effective. Blog wise, I have no idea but here is a recap.

Ultima by LS Hilton

Guest Review: Six Stories by Matt Wesolowski

Absolution by Paul E. Hardisty

Summer at the Little Cottage on the Hill by Emma Davies

When the Waters Recede by Graham Smith

Okay. So not so busy, Well I did say i was slowing down … This week I have blog tours today for Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh and on Friday for Big Sister by Gunnar Staalesen. If you stop by on Sunday, I may have a bit of a surprise for you all too.

Funny old week this week. I’m only actually in the office for two days (yippee) because I have a two day leadership conference to attend at Alton Towers of all places (less yippee) and of course today I am in Stirling. Then I am off work for a whole week so no office for me. Cannot wait. I may even remember to put my out of office on the email this time as well. Whoops.

Have a fabulously bookish time this week folks. I’m sure you’ll be hearing from me again very soon as I let you know all about this year’s Bloody Scotland line up. I am so excited.

If anyone wants to know why I blog and why I travel the country so much then this … this is why. I am super privileged to be in a position where I can do this kind of thing, where I am offered the chance to be part of something really special and where I am trusted enough to help to spread the word. You can keep the free ARCs, I am lucky enough to be able to afford my own books (as this weeks purchases will confirm). I appreciate being trusted with the books, I truly do, but they are not why I do this. What drives me, what I love about blogging, is being given the opportunity to support, champion and shout out about the bookish community that I love. What a gift.

Speak soon.

Jen

Rewind, recap: Weekly update w/e 03/06/18 This past weekend I have been on my travels again. After a fairly sedate week at work, where I spent most of if trying to work out what day it was thanks to the Bank Holiday, Mandie and I have headed oop north, very far up North as it happens, to Stirling in readiness for the launch of Bloody Scotland 2018, which takes place today at the Golden Lion Hotel.