#and I found out that these were printed in italy lol

[chiosblog]

The other day i bought two of the original A-Team annuals (1984 and 1986) and these are actually a gold mine

Little extra:

Hannibal and the olympic sport of throwing people on other people

And these group photos that I will hang on my wall

[angelfirewalker]

Before my passion became all about Good Omens and a certain Demon , I had other interests...lol.

As a David Bowie and Kate Bush admirer , I was led down the path toward Lindsay Kemp, their mentor.... Lindsay is one of the reasons so much happened in the 70s creatively, as Bowie once said, none of this would of this would of been possible without Kemp.

And Lindsay Kemp really was gayer than a tree full of monkeys on Nitrous Oxide. He is part of Queer Theatrical History.

Once Upon a Time......

The first time I actually saw Lindsay Kemp in the flesh was at The World David Bowie Convention at a massive hotel complex in Hammersmith. I went with a friend who was a massive Bowie freak and as I liked adventures, it wasn't really my type of thing, was never good in big crowds but it was one of best decisions I ever made. It was over a weekend, and I spotted that Lindsay was being interviewed. His interview was very, very popular. There were no seats left, so I sat on the floor.

A photo I found years later. and I am not in it...lol

I knew about Lindsay from both David Bowie and Kate Bush. But at Art School I had been guided towards Textile Design & Print and not done Theatre Design as I originally had wanted to at 16 in my first year at Art School. Natasha Korniloff taught there and she was another part of Kemp co/ Bowie history. I later went back and did the Advanced Theatre course and got taught by her.

Lindsay with Kate Bush, 1993, Natasha Korniloff and David Bowie 1979/80. Lindsay and David Bowie 1970s.

(The Textile design was not wasted, I needed it for the printing of the Kimonos in Onnagata).

I was spellbound and mesmerised by Lindsay, he was effervescent ... my friend had gone to watch some Bowie video / film. Lindsay had captivated me, and I picked up flyers for the shows at Sadlers Wells later that month. I booked for Dream and the 2nd shows of Façade and Nijinsky.

Still have the ticket..

I saw Dream from the back row of the gods.. cheap seats.. they looked like tiny fairies from up there. I was a student with no grant, so my cleaning job paid for everything , including paints and paper. DREAM was AMAZING..... like a moving masterpiece painting.

Photos of Kemp Co, A Midsummer Nights Dream.

The programme.

They looked like tiny fairies from where I sat.... I was hooked, so much so my design work the next day changed over night. We were doing landscapes in Textiles... suddenly mine was Dream inspired... the tutor was like what happened to you?.. I told him I had seen Lindsay and co the night before...' that explains it!' he said. I saw Façade and Nijinsky the following week from the stalls. I was in LOVE.. I had come home.. Yes. that old cliché Lindsay Kemp had changed my life. ☺...most people say that.

But my passion grew and grew and years later, after my path ended up in theatre. After on Talk Lindsay did with David Haughton at the Baylis studio theatre at Sadlers Wells in 1989, I got very brave and offered my skills to help. I was working at a Costumiers in London for 2 years. I was a very shy, timid person (well I still am, I wear a mask/ put on a facade / act to deal with situations ). So, offering to help out was a massive deal.. I spoke to David Haughton (Associate Director / Performer ), I was far too nervous to approach Lindsay and I babbled so much that I made absolutely no sense whatever..... David H made me take a deep breath and repeat everything I had just said.

That was the day I first stepped into a Kemp Company world. And as you say, the rest is history.

If you are interested in learning more about The Lindsay Kemp Company, there is a link in my very 1st post. I am now a bit of a Kemp Co archivist, and there is a wonderful selection of photos about all the shows over the years.

Top Left, Me with Lindsay and his Mum Marie, Roma, Italy 1990, Top Right - Lindsay and I in Yolanda Sonnabends studio. London 1992. Bottom Left, Lindsay and Me, Worthing 2014. Bottom Right Me, Lindsay and Francọis Testory backstage during Flowers in Trieste Italy 1992.

I will write more about my life in the Kemp company another time.

I love how the first time my performance in the Kemp Co matches David Bowie's in the Kemp Co... I love things like that.♡ 35 years in between though.

[josefavomjaaga]

The Lady of the Lake

I always had the feeling that Auguste of Bavaria and her sister-in-law Hortense did not see eye to eye most of the time. In some letters that Auguste wrote to Eugène's old secretary Darnay years after her husband's death, she even makes herself quite clear about this. Fun fact: She refers to Hortense as »la Dame du Lac«, the Lady of the Lake. And I guess that’s precisely how overly romantic Hortense saw herself. Handing out magic swords to random wanderers passing by her castle at Lake Constance? Somebody found her calling.

All excerpts translated from »Auguste Amélie de Leuchtenberg. Lettres au baron Darnay« published by Christophe Pincemaïlle, Editions des Falaises, Rouen 2020

Ismaning, 13 August 1831

[...] It is sad that the Lady of the Lake has put herself in the position of being treated as almost a stranger and feared [? unclear] by those who would have been happy to console her, had she wished to conduct herself with prudence and dignity! I have probably been blamed for distancing myself from her, but I have been convinced for a long time that our principles are completely opposed. She wants to be perceived as an important person, to be talked about at all costs and to make herself famous by her intrigues, while I live withdrawn from the world and its grandeur, I exist only to fulfil the painful task that a beloved husband has left me [...].

Followed by a lot of »Woe is me«, because that was actually a discipline that both ladies excelled in if necessary. But as far as Hortense’s character is concerned and the way Eugène’s sister constantly craved everybody’s attention, absolutely and exclusively, as far as this is concerned I could not agree more. That is exactly the feeling that I get when I read Hortense’s memoirs.

Speaking of which – Hortense actually had some of her adventures published already in 1834 (»La Reine Hortense en Italie, en France et en Angleterre«). And Auguste read them. 😁

Rome, 8 January 1834

[...] I cannot understand the Lady of the Lake and her obsession to have her memoirs printed so that people will pay attention to her. She is incorrigible. Her way of paying her pensions is also something new. […]

Not sure what the novelty was that Auguste refers to in the last sentence. The pensions were probably those of Josephine’s old friends and servants – at Josephine’s death, her children had split up the duty to pay those pensions between themselves. Auguste was still paying those that had been Eugène’s share.

However indignant Auguste was about Hortense's intentions, she seems to have immediately purchased a copy of the book. She read it while still on her trip through Italy, where she also met Joseph Bonaparte's family, Julie Bonaparte-Clary and her daughter Charlotte, who had been married to Hortense's son Napoléon-Louis and had been a widow since 1831, after her husband had died of measles during the Carbonari uprising. Of course, this death also played a big role in Hortense’s book about those days.

Livorno, 2 July 1834

[...] I left the Countess de Survilliers [Julie Clary] still in the same state of suffering, which she bears with angelic patience. [...] It is always with pleasure that I visit these respectable people. Poor Princess Charlotte still feels very keenly the loss she has made. She is a charming person. [...]

I have read the Memoirs of the Lady of the Lake. She would have done better not to occupy the public with her, especially at the expense of others, for her family is not well treated in it, and what she says, among other things, about the illness of the late Prince, is quite untrue, and according to what Charlotte told me, the other facts are no more accurate. She promises us more, God knows what it will be.

LOL. Auguste, immediately fact-checking her sister-in-law! 😂

[1ddiscourseoftheday]

Tues 11 May ‘21

Louis saw us all coming up with wacky theories about what the BMG announcement might mean and came to tell us what’s going on… wait no he just retweeted the same article from yesterday with the partnership wording! Haha, but in seriousness while I know not everyone agrees I think it’s pretty clear at this point that BMG is his new record label. The tweet he posted was captioned with another easily misconstrued statement, THANKS FOR THAT LOUIS, but I will repeat what I said yesterday, which is that by far the likeliest explanation of his announcing to a fandom that’s rabid for label news that he’s joined a label is that- it’s his new label! And all the evidence I see supports that. The post he retweeted said (in the words of Music Week) “After five One Direction albums and one solo LP with Sony Music and Syco, now Louis Tomlinson is officially an independent artist with BMG”. Some believe this means he’s NOT signed to BMG but is putting out his own album and simply using them as a distro; I personally would say it seems pretty clear at this point that that simply refers to the fact that BMG are, as a label that isn’t one of the Big Four, considered an independent label, making Louis, as someone on their roster, an indie artist- like the tweet said. If he’d gone rogue and started his own label there would be articles everywhere about it and that article would have talked about it (instead headlines read “Louis Tomlinson Signs Record Deal With BMG”), plus we have plenty of quotes that would be frankly odd if he weren’t signed to BMG, such as the vice president of A&R at BMG UK, saying "We are delighted to welcome Louis to BMG. He is already busy working on new music, and we are excited to join him on the next phase of his extraordinary career,” a BMG sales manager saying “BMG will have the new album” and referring to the fact that they’ll do promo for it (in a DM conversation that actually appears to be real, unlike SOME going around today), and Charlie Lightening posting “Congrats @louist91 on the new deal with BMG UK excited for LT2, gonna smash it lad”.

More to the point-- why do people want so badly to think he ISN’T signed with BMG? This is GREAT NEWS!! They’re an indie (what everyone has wanted for Louis forever), and they were founded specifically to give artists more control than the majors (after splitting off from Sony; they were more or less founded as a direct push back against Sony’s business model), but they’re big enough to give him the support an artist of his size needs, which would be very hard for him to pull off running his own label-- I’d much rather see him putting his energy into writing songs, touring, making documentaries, and running his management company, rather than doing his own promo and wrangling with distro deals and shit. He should be signed to a label to do that work for him! And BMG seems like an awesome choice! But the weird ideas out there just continue right on-- not just people saying he’s not on a label, but also others, who don’t think him being on a label completely unconnected to Sony will be able to prevent Sony from dropping a piano on Louis’ head like the moustache twirling masterminds they are er sabotaging BMG somehow (the whole point of them being an indie is that this shouldn’t be an issue?), and such amazing takes as “louis has signed to a queer label” (evidence? “we just know that they are queer”; an actual dialogue from tiktok), are unlikely to be affected by any number of facts, as are the twitter folks getting excited about him ‘unfollowing’ accounts he never followed to begin with (Syco etc).

Anyway Louis, on a roll of giving us what we want today, also gave us a VIDEO with his HAT OFF! I don’t even care that it’s a silly ad (for samsung), or that he trimmed his luscious locks a little, it’s Louis! Talking and stuff!! Showing off his still wonderfully long hair all pushed up and back! Gorgeous, amazing, perfect… and yes I am ignoring the slides and socks thank you very much, though I will mention that they are literally exactly the same as Harry’s slides and socks. He also followed BMG, one of his (no doubt many) NFT trading profiles was found (@LT282828, LMAO), and new shows are being added as the tour dates finalize (though ticketmaster showing a Harry date for the same day/place as one of them was a glitch, we don’t have Harry’s updated dates yet)

And speaking of Harry! MP filming was indoors today, so Harry was only seen walking to his car, but he showed up at the Brits!!! In an amazing geometric patterned (or, uh, “macro framed sequence print” I GUESS) brown and tan suit (that clashed just HORRIFICALLY with the neon pastel Brits décor and his award, I fucking love that) and a cute lil handbag and sneakers to accept his AWARD for Best British Single!! (For Watermelon Sugar oddly, but hey a wins a win). CONGRATULATIONS baby and WOW great to see him! He popped in with pal Tomo Campbell, last seen by us when they drove to Italy together last summer. He thanked “my fans, for being so generous to me, always, and everyone in my life who has my back, thank you so much I love you.” Question, did he make the choice to swap out the pink and yellow award he was handed onstage for the blue and green version he had later? Either way, lol. Lots more people will have nice things to say about him now with this high profile win, but even before that people were gushing about him-- Joshua Bassett came out as queer by calling Harry hot (”I guess this is me coming out”), we got Billy Porter on the Brits pre show carpet saying, “I am seeing change! You know Harry Styles on the cover of Vogue Magazine that is change. You’re welcome!” and someone from his recording studio telling us he “was very nice wasn’t he, he brought doughnuts for the assistants and gave everyone a lift home. He came into reception and offered to make everybody a cup of tea,” awww Harry! Lift home from Harry, that’s my new meeting-one-of-the-boys goal.

Niall wished “everyone involved at the Brits” good luck, and Liam wished an NFT creator luck on his sale.

[ahtsumu]

the mystery of love ; kuroo tetsurou

pairing: kuroo tetsurou x f!reader

synopsis: kuroo tetsurou does not believe in soulmates. he believes in science, himself, and sometimes other people. but that doesn’t mean he can’t believe in love.

tag(s): sweet summer lovin’, friends to lovers, inspired by call my by your name, university student!kuroo tetsurou, lab intern!kuroo tetsurou, so much pining lol, fluff, angst, slow burn ; warning(s): profanity, mentions of alcohol ingestion (it’s legal bc they’re in italy!), suggestive themes ; wc: 4.8k

a/n: happy birthday tetsu!! i hope you guys like this. i really enjoyed writing it ♡

Kuroo Tetsurou does not believe in soulmates. He believes in science, himself, and sometimes other people. At least, that’s what he tells you. Sometimes you treat this information as a source of hope; other times, you’re not sure what to make of it.

This, you realise with his shoulder pressed against yours and both your bodies sprawled across his wrinkled bed sheets, is one of those other times. You turn your face to look at his.

“What?” he asks, one side of his mouth curling up in a smile.

For a moment, you wonder what would happen if you just said it. You could blame the alcohol. Get away with it scot-free. While you mull the option over in the dead silence of his room, your brain suddenly registers the music still playing from the living room. The low bass reverberating through the walls. How close your lips are. The sound of his breaths.

“Earth to Y/N?”

And like that, the little what-if that rose in your mind falls back with its tail between its legs. You bite your lip, look around his room like the walls have a script printed on them. Unfortunately, they do not.

“I was just thinking about my shirt.” It’s not great, but it’s the best you can do while still feeling the vodka and orange juice burn in your stomach. And smelling it on yourself.

Kuroo’s laugh booms through the room and you can’t help but giggle along with him. “I said I was sorry!” he says, hazel eyes twinkling with mirth. He pauses and glances at his closet, then nods his head in its direction. “Take a hoodie. Your pick.”

A smile–– one you try to downplay but fail miserably to–– creeps up your face. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Kuroo replies. “You can also shower here if you want. It's the least I can do after spilling my drink all over you.”

When you emerge from Kuroo’s bathroom in one of his thinner hoodies, a lot soberer and drying your hair, he’s not on the bed anymore. Quietly, you step out of his room and look for him through the house. People are crashed everywhere–– on the sofa, over the kitchen counter, even propped up against walls. The floor is covered with plastic cups and mysterious pools of liquid. Wrinkling your nose, you try your best to step around the messes, looking in every corner in the house for the raven-haired boy.

You find him back in his room, actually. He’s back on his bed scrolling through his phone, the light illuminating his sharp features. When he hears you close the door behind you, he looks up, eyes immediately zeroing in on the black hoodie over your torso. The corner of his mouth twitches up.

“Where’d you go?” you both ask at the same time. He chuckles; you grin. Crawling back onto the bed, you tell him to go first.

“I went around to make sure nothing’s broken,” he explains. “Perks of being the only sober intern in the house, I guess.”

A beat passes.

This house is rented. You forgot about that. All his expenses are paid for by your mother’s lab. You forgot about that. He fits in your world so well, like maybe he’s always had a spot there, that you forgot that Kuroo Tetsurou is only here for the summer.

“Right.”

Kuroo raises a brow. “And you?”

“I went to look for you.”

He smiles and holds his hands out like a magician at the end of a trick. “Well, you found me.”

“Yeah,” you muse. “I guess I did.” Aren’t you lucky.

With that, something shifts in the air. A contemplative expression crosses Kuroo’s face. Maybe he’s realised how his words come out sometimes. Kuroo often says things that sound like they have more than one meaning and it used to throw you off, but now you just go with it. You’ve even picked up that habit yourself. “Do you ever wish that you’d met someone earlier? Maybe under different circumstances?” he asks.

Sighing, you fall back against his mattress and stare up at the ceiling. Telling the truth feels easier when you can’t see him. “Yeah. All the time.” A few seconds pass. “Do you think we would’ve been friends if we went to the same college?”

He also lies down. You’re both back in the same positions you were in an hour ago, but something’s changed. “No,” he admits. You’re not surprised–– that’s what you’d expected. “I’d be a junior and you’d be a freshman. We probably would’ve never met. And even if we had, I wouldn’t be caught dead hanging out with a… freshie.” He chuckles softly at the end. “And look at me now,” he adds softly, more to himself than you. You look over at his face. A contemplative smile rests on his lips.

That urge to just say it returns.

“Kuroo, I think––”

“You’re my favourite p–– oh, my bad. You first.”

And it goes away again.

“Um, uh,” you stutter, “how long do you have left here?”

Kuroo raises his brows. “On this planet? Hopefully a while, Y/N.” He sees your unamused expression and drops the front. “Three more weeks.”

Your eyes widen. Eight weeks have already passed. Blood rushes to your ears. Eight entire weeks have already passed, meaning that in three weeks, Kuroo Tetsurou will leave forever. And in four, you will, too. Except you’ll come back. You’ve done so every summer since you were born, probably will do until you die.

But this place will never be the same as it used to. Not after him.

“Y/N?” Once everything comes back into focus, you see the concern riddling his features. “Everything okay?”

“Hmm? Yeah.”

Say it.

“You didn’t have too much to drink, right?”

Say it.

“I just got buzzed. What about you?”

“The only drink I was planning on having all went to your shirt.”

Say it.

“Kuroo.”

“Yeah?”

Not yet.

“Let’s go on an adventure.”

At two AM, everything is different. The streets feel different, the villas look different, and you–– you can’t put your finger on it but Kuroo Tetsurou has changed, too. He sits behind the wheel of your father’s white 1953 Cadillac with the convertible roof down, unruly hair blown back by the breeze, a euphoric grin stretched over his face. In the passenger’s seat, you sit with an equally large beam and your hands raised into the dark sky.

“Where to, Miss?” he shouts over the wind.

“The stars,” you shout back with a laugh. Kuroo’s cat-like eyes briefly flit over to your side profile, lips curving to form a smaller, more tender smile. But you miss that–– your gaze falls on him just a second after his return to the road.

“I heard you say Jack’s,” he says, smirking.

The 24/7 diner sticks out like a sore thumb in the row of sun-baked stucco and stone buildings with its bold neon lights and shiny exterior. During the day, it seems gaudy, way too American for a small town in northern Italy. But at night, this place feels like home. You’ve been stumbling into Jack’s completely shit-faced since you were sixteen. Of course, all those other times had been with the kids of your mother’s coworkers. All those other times, you could hardly remember what you even ordered when you woke up hours later.

But this time, you walk in with Kuroo Tetsurou at half-past-two in the morning, the chemicals running through your bloodstream epinephrine and dopamine, not ethanol; if you’re drunk then it’s on a feeling and your only poison is the boy next to you. You study his face and consider that thought. No, he’s not poison. He’s the antidote.

“Y/N!” the server exclaims, rushing over with two menus. “And Kuroo! My two favourite customers, but together this time!” Giovanni ushers you two to a booth by the window and takes your orders, purely for show, of course. He knows your orders by heart: the Lorenzo for Kuroo and the Quentin for you.

“With fries on both, please,” Kuroo adds, throwing you a wink. “Aren’t I a gentleman?”

“You only did that to have more for yourself,” you reply drily. Having him over at your house for dinner every night made picking up his idiosyncrasies so unbelievably easy. You know them like they’re your own. You know him like he’s your own.

Kuroo clutches his chest and pretends to be offended, then changes the conversation to what happened at the lab today, or rather, yesterday. That your mother and the other researchers are so close to finding a cure for the strain of virus that’s recently hit crickets in southern Italy.

“You should drop by again sometime,” he says. “Last time you came around was, what, two weeks ago?”

Your face breaks in a grin. “Are you saying you’ve missed me? Chemistry getting boring?” you tease, drawing a loud laugh from him.

“Sodium hydrogen, you little shit.” Your mother’s used this one on you before, but hearing it from him makes you giggle anyway.

Giovanni comes back with two plates, each loaded with fries. You both say your thanks and he retreats to the kitchen again, but not before wiggling his eyebrows at your reddening faces. Wordlessly, you grab your fork and knife and transfer at least half of your fries onto Kuroo’s plate. Kuroo stares at you with the slightest smile. That look sends your stomach into flips.

“What?” you question nonchalantly, cutting into your burger.

“Nothing,” he says, mirroring your actions. “Nothing at all.”

It’s hard to imagine that after spending almost every day together for eight weeks straight that there’s still more to learn about each other, but there is. You tell him more about your real home. Your best friend who called you at 3 AM last night because of timezones. Stories from every summer before this one, when you were a different person in the same place you are now.

He tells you more about Kenma, his best friend from high school. How they played on one of the best volleyball teams in Japan. Stories from training camp, literature class, the metro ride home after school–– you listen to every single one in rapt attention. There’s not enough time in the world for all the things you want to know about Kuroo Tetsurou, so you take what you can get. If only you’d known him before you’d known him.

“If we’d met earlier here, do you think we would’ve been friends?” you ask after paging Giovanni for the check.

“No,” he replies, picking up a few remaining fries with his fork instead of his fingers. The corners of your mouth turn up. That’s your thing. He considers the scenario seriously. “I think we met right when we should have.”

“What about the future?” you press, leaning into the conversation. “Let’s say we meet in two years here, instead of now. Would we be friends?”

Kuroo sets his fork down, eyes you steadily. “What’s this about?”

You blink. “What?”

“What’s with all these hypotheticals today?” Perhaps worried that he came off too harshly, Kuroo adds, “I thought I was the scientist.”

“I just… it feels like I’ve known you since forever.” This feels like it was meant to be, you don’t say. And I want to know you forever.

A sigh–– fond, but still a sigh–– blows through his lips. “Don’t tell me you believe in soulmates,” he says with a wicked grin.

“Are you calling me your soulmate?” The question, shamelessly genuine, painfully hopeful, leaves your mouth without you intending it to and you regret it instantly. Because Kuroo Tetsurou has told you many times that he does not believe in soulmates.

Is it so bad to dream, though?

You watch him carefully but he doesn’t say anything, just continues smiling wryly like you’d intended to tease him. Like he knows that you know better. But you don’t.

“Are you?” he suddenly replies. Sharp eyes hold yours, daring you to respond. Do you dare?

At that moment, Giovanni returns with the check. “Who’s paying?” he asks, unaware of the tense exchange that just occurred across the table. Inaudibly, you sigh in relief. Kuroo is about to say that it’s on him when he catches himself in the middle of his sentence, looks your way, then back to Giovanni. He says you’ll go Dutch. You nod in approval.

“So,” Kuroo drawls once you’ve both paid for your meals. “Where do we go from here?”

Good question.

Kuroo Tetsurou has never been to an outdoor club period. And though he’s been clubbing, he has never once gone dancing in his lifetime. You tell him that’s about to change as he parks the car in a lot near the venue. Before him, all your summer nights were spent here.

“You’ve been here for two months and you haven’t been to an outdoor club yet?” you ask while unbuckling your seatbelt. That can’t be possible. If you’d been in his shoes… an attractive college student in a foreign country for the summer, you would have gone wild.

“Nope. I’ve been a little busy, y’know, spending my days in a lab, handling chemicals, studying viruses, washing lab equipment, writing up reports for your mother and her colleagues, working on my own research on the side… the usual.” He flashes you a bright, sarcastic smile.

“Poor baby,” you coo, ruffling his hair. Kuroo laughs while you continue messing with the dark locks. “Was your first full day here the only tourist-day you’ve had so far?” His weekends, you already know, are spent either lounging around cafés, pools, or the great outdoors with you or the interns. But you’d assumed he’d had time to do some exploring on his own.

Kuroo nods. “And my guide wasn’t even that great,” he mutters, shooting you a dark look. “She sped through every attraction and hardly spoke a word outside of the tour to me. I think she hated me.”

You giggle and open the door, letting the music from the outdoor speakers infiltrate the bubble inside your car. “Maybe she was just nervous!” you say as you get out. That’s a lie.

“About what?” Kuroo follows suit, the gravel crunching beneath his feet. “I was so friendly to you and you just brushed me off each time.” He pouts.

But you don’t reply. Instead, you just grab his hands and pull him towards the venue. As you step into the boundaries marked by fairy lights and rustic wooden fences, Kuroo stops in his tracks and tugs on your intertwined hands. You glance down before up, trying to memorise how his hand looks around yours in the few seconds you can steal.

“Y/N,” Kuroo says. The strobe lights paint his skin pink, blue, purple like it’s a canvas. “Tell me why you were nervous.” Grammatically, it’s a command. And yet it sounds like he’s begging.

“What’s it mean to you?” you ask, feeling your heartbeat speed up in your chest. So what if you just… said it? What would happen?

“Everything?” he replies with a cheeky smile. The odds that he seriously means that are slim. But… they’re there. You shake that possibility out of your mind. That’s just the hope talking.

“Depends how convincingly you say it.” You tug on his arm. “C’mon. Let’s dance.” But he doesn’t budge–– he just continues to stand by the entrance of the club with an expectant look on his face. People are starting to stare.

“Fine,” you say with an eye roll. “I’ll tell you." Kuroo smirks, something self-congratulatory ready to leave his mouth, but then you let go of his hand and dance backwards into the throng of moving bodies. “But first, you’re gonna have to dance with me!” 

You allow yourself to be swallowed by the lively music, the people, the moment. Seconds later you’re deep enough into the crowd that you lose sight of Kuroo. Something in you says that he’ll show up soon, though. For now, you let yourself breathe. Forget about the heaviness of what-if’s, the itch to confess, the dread of the aftermath. Feelings are a lot like gravity. Sometimes they keep you grounded, other times, they weigh you down. This is one of those other times.

You dance up to a friendly-looking group of teens your age. Three guys and two girls. You shout your name and follow up with how it’s nice to meet them, hoping one of them finds you nice enough to keep around. Dancing alone in a club is one of the worst things that can ever happen to someone. Luckily, one of the girls–– the one wearing a purple wig–– pulls you in for a hug, drunkenly shouting back, “Bianca!” Bianca pushes you into their circle next to one of the guys and, just like that, you two start moving to the beat, feeling it in your feet, shoulders, hips. At one point, you turn around and take a good look at his face. The guy’s cute enough, but he’s not Kuroo. Still, you say nothing as he moves closer to you and grabs your hand, lifting it up and motioning for you to twirl.

Suddenly, a pair of hands grip firmly onto your waist and pull you out of the circle. “Hey!” You look down, suddenly realising they’re Kuroo’s. A shiver runs down your spine. He spins you around to face him. His lips are set in a firm line, eyes completely devoid of humour, nostrils slightly flared.

“Hi,” you say quietly, testing the waters.

“Hi,” he replies curtly. His hands are still on your waist. Selfishly, you choose not to point that out. Instead, you try to defuse the situation with a light question. Playful tone.

“Where were you this whole time?”

“Looking for you.”

“Well… you found me.” You flash him a sheepish grin. A peace offering of some sort.

“I did.” He doesn’t take it.

“Lucky you.”

Irritation finally seeps through his features. “You just left me on the dance floor!” he snaps. “And then when I find you after searching the entire venue, you’re dancing up on some random guy!”

“It was in good fun!” you retort, wriggling out of his grip. “And I wasn’t dancing up on him.” You want to ask if he’s jealous so badly, but you take a good look at his face and decide against that.

“Fun?” he asks incredulously. “Worrying about losing you, worrying about myself getting lost, then having to worry about that guy after finding you isn’t very fucking fun to me, Y/N!” The words fly out of his mouth like daggers without pause. Once finished, he looks at you with a disappointed gaze, shaking his head lightly, chest rising and falling with each heavy breath.

“I’m sorry,” you say, looking down at your shoes. It doesn’t matter if you disagree with him–– a sort of shame drills itself so deeply into your conscience that all you can think about is making things right again. “I didn’t think my actions through.”

A second passes. You wonder what he’s thinking.

“Hey, look at me.” Kuroo lifts your chin up with an index finger. Your wide eyes meet his narrow ones. Just as a pink beam glides over his face, his gaze softens, falls down to your lips. And then you feel his thumb on your chin, barely grazing the skin of your bottom lip. His Adam’s apple bobs up and down. The revelry in the background fades to dull beats against your eardrums. Suddenly, you register that he smells of, as usual, blackcurrant and amber.

But now you also smell of blackcurrant and amber.

You’re wearing his clothes. You smell of him.

Kuroo’s eyes crawl back up to yours, wide like he’s just been caught in the middle of a crime. You blink expectantly, ignoring the furious way your heart pounds in your chest. Shallow breaths puff through your slightly parted mouth.

“I am.” It comes out barely a whisper. C’mon. Kiss me. Kiss me. Kiss me kiss me kiss me kiss me kiss me kiss me––

You gently touch the hand he has on your chin. Kuroo jolts back like he’s been burned. “I’ll, uhm, I’ll be in the car,” he stutters, looking away from your face. He pushes through the sea of people, leaving you all alone on the dance floor, body doused in blue light, fingers touching the area his thumb had been as if preserving its print.

Kuroo hardly notices you slip into the passenger’s seat minutes later. He’s got his forearms hanging over the steering wheel and gaze fixed ahead into the darkness, mind probably running off to a place he wishes his body was, too.

As soon as you’ve buckled yourself in, Kuroo starts the car.

The entire drive home is silent.

Once Kuroo pulls into your courtyard and parks, he turns off the engine, unbuckles his seatbelt, and steps out of the car. Wordlessly, you follow his actions and meet him by the stairs to your door.

“Hi,” you say quietly. He doesn’t look at you.

“Hey.”

The two of you stand outside your front door in silence as you both consider what to say next. This can’t be the way it ends.

“I shouldn’t have… done that,” Kuroo says first.

“Done what?” You choose to play dumb. Call it selfish, but you want to hear him say it. Maybe then it’ll feel as real as it had been. Kuroo sighs and leans his shoulder against the stone wall, crossing his arms over his chest. There’s no way he can dance around what happened. Perhaps the past two months can be summed up as the development of a strong friendship with skilled doublespeak and metaphors and just enough artistic licence, but this can’t. And Kuroo knows that. He can’t feed you an alternative truth like he’s done so many times before. What’s more, he can’t lie to himself anymore. So maybe it’s better just to not speak at all.

Your eyes burn holes into the side of his face. Fine. You’ll concede first. “I was never nervous.”

Kuroo blinks, turns his head around to look at you. “What?”

“I was never nervous. I was playing it cool because I didn’t want to risk befriending you and getting attached.” I’m still playing it cool, you don’t say. And I’m already attached. “Guess I just came off as a bitch instead.” You laugh. “But can you blame me? You were this cute, older guy. Smart, too, since you were interning with my mom. You were my dream guy.”

An amused breath blows out of his nose. “Were?” he questions, grinning, only remembering the fragility of your platonic relationship a second later. “Um––”

“Are.” It slips out of your mouth without you realising. Fuck. Kuroo stills. It’s too late to take back your words now, so you might as well just keep going. “You still are my dream guy.”

Seconds pass and neither of you says anything. Sweat gathers in the palms of your hands. You start to feel your heartbeat through your neck. The buzz of the cicadas grows louder. Oppressive. Behind Kuroo, the sky is starting to turn pale blue and pink in the horizon. That means it’s almost sunrise. The night is almost over, and, hopefully, so is this awful conversation.

“And… you don’t feel the same.” Funnily, you feel like you’re lying. You’re telling Kuroo how he feels and you think you’re lying. Does that make sense? None of this night even feels real. God, you hope this has all just been a dream. Mustering a soft smile, you say, “That’s okay. Thank you for the party. And the adventure.” It was fun while it lasted. You feel the house key in your pocket and turn to unlock the door. “I hope this doesn’t change anything between us, Kuroo. Can we still be friends?” The words leave your mouth feeling like barbed wire. You know damn well you can’t still be friends.

And suddenly, you feel his calloused hands around your cheeks. Suddenly, his hot breath fans over your face.

“Can I kiss you?” he murmurs.

Your eyes close instantly. “Yes, please.”

And suddenly, his soft lips are on yours.

Kuroo breaks the kiss seconds later. “Fuck,” he whispers, resting his forehead against yours, touching the tips of your noses together. “Y/N, I don’t want to be friends. Fuck.” A dry chuckle leaves his mouth. He pauses to collect his thoughts but decides that that can wait. Instead, he presses another kiss to your lips so fervently that he backs you up against the wall with no space between your bodies. You wonder if he can feel your heartbeat like this, chest to chest. Kuroo’s hands travel down your waist and rest on your hips. His tongue runs across your tongue, your teeth, the insides of your mouth. You gently suck on it, drawing a satisfied moan from him. When the kiss ends, you see that his lips are red and cheeks are swollen. A warm feeling spreads through your chest. “I thought I could be happy just being friends with you but I can’t. I want you so bad it hurts. Not to mention, when I saw you in my hoodie?” His fingers pinch the material. “I thought God was testing me or some shit.”

“Sure didn’t feel like you wanted me that way,” you retort, still breathless.

“In my defence,” Kuroo says, thumbs tracing your cheekbones, “I was very scared.”

“Of what?”

It looks like he’s about to tell you, but he changes his mind and doesn’t answer. He grabs your hand and pulls you back to the car with a cheeky grin. “I’ll tell you only if you tell me where we can watch the sunrise.”

Kuroo holds your hand, stroking your thumb the entire drive there.

After a short hike, you plop down on the grassy hillside, supporting your body with outstretched arms in the back. Kuroo sits down beside you with one of his hands covering yours, fingers intertwined like a honeysuckle vine around a hazel tree. You tell him that you grew up running along this hill with your parents. It used to be your playground. Maybe, you think, it’s time to make new memories here.

“Beautiful,” Kuroo breathes, a wonderstruck look in his eyes. The sun’s just risen halfway above the pink and blue horizon, the saturated orange casting the entire city below gold. It’s not just the city, though. He’s also gold. He’s just as beautiful. You watch him with a soft smile on your lips, noting how his wide eyes and slack jaw return to normal as he stares off into the distance. After resting your head on his shoulder, you fix your eyes on the sunrise ahead. You wonder what he’s thinking so quietly about.

“Penny for your thoughts?” you finally ask once the sun has finished revealing itself.

Kuroo blinks, returning to reality, but continues to stare straight ahead. “I was just thinking about… soulmates.”

You lift your head off his shoulder. “Don’t tell me you believe in soulmates now,” you tease.

“Hmm.” He turns to look at you, the sun turning his hazel eyes the colour of honey. That same wry smirk from Jack’s returns to his face.

“You wanna know why I was so scared?”

“Pray tell.”

“Because I’ve never felt this way towards anyone.”

“That’s bullshit.”

“No,” Kuroo laughs, laying his head down in your lap, looking up into your eyes. “I’m serious. I used to purposely stay away from girls in high school. Same in college. Same all the way until you somehow wormed your way into my life. That’s why we wouldn’t have been friends.” You cock your head to the side.

“Why?” you ask, running your fingers through his hair.

Kuroo’s eyelids flutter shut. He inhales deeply before talking. “My parents are divorced. The years before the divorce were… very ugly.” 

(He spares you the details of the midnight arguments, the smashed plates, the holes in the walls. He spares you the details of how he only ever knew how to fall asleep with his head sandwiched between two pillows, how he hasn’t seen his sister in a decade, how he’ll curse and snap but never yell because he always feels like a child again around the noise. That’s for another time, if you’ll have any.) 

“I still remember all the fighting and yelling. For the longest time, that’s all I knew about marriage and relationships.”

“Did you think all relationships were like that? Fighting and yelling?” you ask.

“For a while, yeah. I’m still a little scared of that, to be honest. Ending up in a relationship where all you do is fight.” Kuroo sighs. “But that’s not the only thing. I thought I wouldn’t know how to love someone, growing up like that.” At that, your fingers pause in his hair.

“Wait,” you say, furrowing your brows. A wave of immense sadness (not for yourself, for him) washes over you. “You think you wouldn’t know how to love someone else?”

“Thought.” Kuroo cracks open his eyes and smiles up at you. “I’m in the process of changing my mind.”

[womenfrommars]

Hi there! I recently read your post about witch burnings being more of a pagan thing. I find that very fascinating and I want to read more into it - do you have any articles and books to recommend to me?

I only studied the European witch trials for my thesis so I don't know much about the topic in relation to other areas. The European trials were mostly carried out in Protestant regions (Germany, Switserland, and Eastern France) in secular courthouses (as opposed to the ecclestial courts from the Catholic Church). Most of them also were not carried out in Medieval times but rather in Pre-Modern Europe, after the Reformation. They mostly occured in politically unstable regions. Think borders or areas where Protestantism competed with Catholicism. Politically stable countries like Italy and Spain has very very few witch trials. I believe in Ireland they only found four documents of witch trials. The idea that the witch trials were in the millions is based on outdated research. A more realistic estimate is 50.000. I also don't believe the Catholic Church was the driving force behind it since it was mostly happening after the Church lost most of its power i.e. after the Reformation. Germany was the epicenter of the witch trials and this is where Protestantism began

One of the most famous handbooks for witch hunters is called the Maleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches). Its author Kramer describes what witches do and look like. For this he draws inspiration from Germanic folklore since he was from Germany himself. There is virtually nothing Catholic about this since the Church maintained it was heresy to believe in witchcraft since only God has the power of creation. The Maleus is written in Latin but some guy translated it into modern English only a few years ago. It has some crazy things into it like the idea that a witch can make a man impotent or make it look like his penis has disappeared. It also describes witches flying through the skies to meet each other in the night (Sabbath) and them having sex with the Devil in person to seal a contract with him

I accessed all the literature through my university library account so these are not open sources unfortunately. I found the sources by looking for relevant search terms and hoping for the best. I had to get all my sources online since at the time the library was completely closed due to Corona. I never touched these books in person lol. I would have to check my thesis for specific authors and names though. I think I have it both printed and on my computer? I will try to reblog this with more info but if I forget, feel free to send another ask

[survey--s]

108.

What was the best thing to happen to you this week?   I got the weekend off and I had a week of pretty much perfect weather. Plus, all the dogs were excellently behaved too! Where do you put your keys when you get home?   They go in the back door as I generally go straight there to let the dog out. Do you prefer hot coffee or iced coffee?   Hot coffee in winter, iced coffee in the summer months. What's your phone background picture?   It’s a purple nebula that I found on the internet. If you could move to any country, what would it be?   Canada or Australia.

Have you ever seen a snake in the wild?   Yes, on holiday in Italy. What's your favourite movie from the 80s?   The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink. Do you have any posters, paintings or other artwork on your walls?   Yeah, some photographs and prints. There are no posters, though. What would your dream wedding be like?   I wanted to get married on a beach but the weather around here is way too unpredictable for that shit, lol. We had a simple registry office wedding and then went out for afternoon tea. It was lovely :) Would you ever take a trip to space if given the chance?   Yes! I would absolutely LOVE to experience all that. Sadly, I very much doubt it will ever happen. How do you cope with anxiety?   I used to take medication but nowadays I make sure I get plenty of sleep and exercise, and make sure I take time to myself everyday too. Are you expecting any phone calls or emails?   Nope, not today. What's the weather like in your part of the world right now?   Cold, grey and cloudy. A typical January weekend, really. What was the last takeout food you ate?   We had chippy for dinner a couple of weeks ago. Who makes you laugh the most?   My husband. Do you know anyone with the same middle name as you?   Sure. Catherine is a fairly common middle name. What did you have done the last time you saw a dentist?   Nothing - I just had a clean and a check-up. I’ve never really had any issues with my teeth beyond impacted wisdom teeth. What does a successful relationship look like to you?   I think depends entirely on the couple - everyone has different ideas about what they want a relationship to be like, after all. What do you like to put on your baked potato?   Cheese, butter and sour cream. Tuna mayonnaise can be good too, or baked beans. What field of science interests you the most?   Psychology.   What's the closest shop or restaurant to your house?   A dog grooming salon called Wags. Do you have any family that live in another country?   Yes, the only family I have in this country are my parents. What colour is your couch?   Gray.   Do you know how to care for plants and keep them alive?   I know how to, but I’m not very good as I just don’t have very much interest in it, I guess. It’s just not something that interests me. What was the most memorable birthday you've had?   I don’t know how old I was, but the one where I went to Rollerbury is the one that stands out the most, or the gym/trampolining party at the leisure centre. Would you rather go to the beach or the mountains?   The beach, but I live surrounded by both.   What do you do for work?   I run my own dog-walking and pet-sitting business. I also sell natural dog treats as a side-line. Have you ever been to see the circus?   Yeah, several times. I love the circus so long as it only involves people, not animals.  Are there any words that you hate or make you cringe?   Sure. What is the best house you've ever lived in?   This one as it’s ours. What was the first CD you ever bought?   2 Become 1 by the Spice Girls. Do you look in the mirror before you leave the house?   Yeah, I always check to make sure there’s no food round my mouth and to make sure my hair is reasonably neat and tidy. What's the most unusual thing you've ever eaten?   Zebra pizza, maybe. It was surprisingly good! Have you ever seen someone quit their job in a dramatic way?   Nope. What movie reminds you of your childhood?   The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Land Before Time, Fern Gully, Matilda. Do you know why your parents named you what they did?   They decided that if I was a girl, my dad would pick the name and he just liked Nicola, I suppose. There’s no emotional connection behind it. Do you have any bills that need to be paid?   Yeah, my tax bill is due on Friday. What do you like to dip your fries in?   Mayonnaise, ketchup or BBQ sauce. Is your house clean or messy right now?   It’s clean. I always keep it clean - mess really stresses me out, lol. I’ve never understood people who can leave dirty dishes and mess everywhere. What was the last email you received?   It was just an advert from Fat Face, I think. Do you know someone who speaks without a filter?   Yes.   Are you in any social groups?   I don’t do being social. How many hours of sleep did you get last night?   About nine hours. Do you believe in alternate universes?   Yes. Whose house did you last visit?   Uh, for work I was at Ruth’s house on Friday. What games do you play on your smart phone?   Klondike, Bingo Blitz and MarioRun. Have you ever been to Los Angeles?   No, I’ve never been anywhere in America. What was the first concert you ever went to?   Spice Girls at Wembley. Do you know anyone who is colourblind?   My granddad was colourblind. What's your favourite season and why?   Autumn - the colours, the scents, the clothing, the cosiness. Are you the youngest, middle or eldest child in your family?   None of the above - I’m am an only child. If you had to make something for a potluck, what would you make?   Uh, potato salad, maybe. What kinds of decorations do you put up at Halloween?   None. I didn’t realise decorating for all these holidays was a “thing” until I read it online, lol. Maybe it’s an American trend. How many tabs do you have open right now? Four, including this one. What's something you've been meaning to do but keep putting off?   I need to make up three treat boxes tonight. What's the first thing you check on your phone at the start of the day?   The time, then my notifications, then I tend to open Facebook. Have you ever flown a kite?   Yes. Why does this question keep coming up all the time at the moment? Who was your favourite music artist when you were 16?   Death Cab for Cutie, Regina Spektor, Dashboard Confessional, Imogen Heap, Laura Marling etc. What are three things you usually always have in your fridge? Milk, fresh fruit juice, cheese.

[ducavalentinos]

Hello ! Could you tell me facts about the life of Cesare Borgia? Thaanks.

So, I really wanted to make this a short list with basic facts, but somehow it ended up becoming a longer, detailed list with my favorites facts alongside facts that aren’t very well known or mentioned, here it goes: - Cesare received an outstanding, carefully planned education. He was brought up at Rome by private tutors until the age of twelve, in 1489 he left Rome to attend La Sapienza of Perugia, where he studied the foundations of law and the humanities, being placed under the charge of the preceptor Giovanni Vera of Archilla, to whom btw, he remained warmly attached until Vera’s death in 1503. In 1491 he continued his studies in Civil and Canon law at the University of Pisa, attending the lectures of Filippo Decio, one of most rated lecturer on canon law of his day. There he also became more acquainted with the Medici family, through Lorenzo de’ Medici sons: Giovanni de’ Medici and his brother Piero. - Paolo Pompilio, a Spanish scholar, dedicated his treatise on verse-writing, the Syllabica, to Cesare, where he praised him as ‘Borgiae familiae spes et decus’  (the hope and ornament of the House of Borgia).     - His father, as Cardinal and Vice-Chancellor, invested a long list of benefices upon him, to name only a few: when he was seven years old, pope Sixtus IV conferred upon him a prebend of the cathedral’s chapter of Valencia. In 1483 he received the title of rector of Gandia and archdeacon of Játiva. Later on, with pope Innocent VIII he was granted the position of treasurer of Mallorca’s cathedral, following that of canon of Lérida, Archdeacon of Tarragona and then treasurer of Cartagena’s cathedral. By 1491, Innocent at last granted him the bishopric of Pamplona. - He learned the art of bullfighting from the Spanish members of his father’s court and it became one of his life passions. Whether in Rome or in the Romagna, at any celebration, there was almost always a bullfight and he was almost always participating himself. - He also loved hunting, so he was always looking for good hunting dogs and falcons. On May 28th, 1497 he even sent one of his men, Enrico, to Germany to request from the Archbishop of Mainz some “well-trained and sagacious hunting dogs; their quality to be more important than their number.” - He was the first person in the history of the Church to resign the cardinalate, eventually becoming commander of the Papal armies. - He was briefly hostage of the Colonna during the conflicts of the French Invasion in 1494, and later on hostage of the king of France, Charles VIII. Although that time, he escaped their camp at Velletri, with the help of a man named Francesco del Sacco, officer of the Podestà of Velletri, who was waiting for him with a horse. Cesare sped back to Rome going to the house of one Antonio Flores, where he stayed for a night and informed his father of his presence. The next day, he withdrew to the city of Spoleto, and remained there until matters cooled off. - In 1497, a sword was forged for Cesare, known as “the queen of swords”, for his visit to Naples as papal legate, to crown the new king, Frederick of Naples. Its design was attributed to many artists including Michaelangelo, but it is more likely that the artist was Pinturicchio. And the blacksmith/sword engraver was Salomone da Sesso (c. 1465- c.1504–21) who after his conversion to Christianity assumed the name of Ercole dei Fedeli. (more details about the sword here x) - Cesare appeared wearing a horned mask in the guise of a unicorn during a theatrical performance, in one of the many festivities held in honor of his sister Lucrezia’s second wedding. Unicorn are known symbols of female chastity, possibly a reference to Lucrezia and her wedding night, but it also shows off Cesare’s own sense of humour, since it was well known to all present that he was anything but a chaste man lol. And the unicorn horn, according to a Greek physician had the ability of protecting people from sickness and neutralizing poison, which could have been another humourous remark from Cesare in reference to his family’s reputation of using poison to dispose of their enemies. - His best known mistress was Fiammetta Michaelis, she was a cultured courtesan from Florence, but who lived in Rome since 1473 most likely. Her relationship with Cesare was such that even after his death in 1507, she continued to sign herself as Fiammetta Ducis Valentini (of the duke Valentino). And her will in the city archives was headed ‘The Testament of La Fiammetta of Il Valentino.” - On May 10, 1499, he married Charlotte d’Albret, and before his departure from France he appointed her governor and administrator of all his lands and lorships in France and Dauphiny. He also made her heiress to all his moveable possessions in the event of his death (a little more about that here x). On December 1501, he personally selected precious gifts to be sent to her acquired from Venice. It included moulded wax, white sweetmeats, fine sugars, syrups, nine barrels of Malvoisie, oriental spices, oranges and lemons and all kinds of cloths. - Under his patronage, the first printing press of any importance was established in Italy. It was set up at Fano by Girolamo Sancino in 1501. One of the earliest works was the printing of the Statutes of Fano for the first time in January 1502. - About his administration staff, also in the year of 1501, we know he had a beautiful young woman from Bologna named Jovanna, working for him in his chancery. She’s described as a “degnissma scriptora”, she wrote letters and maybe did other secretarial duties as well for 14 ducats. - Whether it was treachery or a legit, reasonable move against Guidobaldo's own plans of treachery against him, the fact is that Cesare acquired Urbino without bloodshed in any of the towns, in a brilliant coup that amazed the whole of Italy (and terrified the nobility lol). While leaving a military contingent at Camerino, Cesare road north through the Apennines, between Nocera and Urbino he covered more or less sixty miles in forty-eight hours with a mixed force of 2.000 men. Before anyone else knew, he had already took Cagli, inside the Duchy of Urbino. Simultaneously, two other points were taken too, Montevecchio and San Lorenzo. Di Naldo, one of Cesare’s captains came from the east. These three armies converged towards the capital of Urbino then, where they met with the castilian and the garrison was rendered by him. A few hours later Cesare himself entered the city without any resistence. - The famous Sleeping Cupid by Michelangelo that Cesare gifted it to Isabella d’Este when he took Urbino in 1502 had a history together. He had previously been the owner of this piece. Cardinal Riario Sforza bought in 1496, but apparently when he found out that the piece was a modern piece and not an antique, he didn’t wanted it anymore, so it was displayed across the street of Cesare’s palace and he bought before the end of the year and later on send it as a gift to Guidobaldo da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino. -  A popular canzona of the time, Donna contra la mia Voglia by Filippo de Lurano  (c.1470-c.1520) was Cesare’s favorite song. (There is an excellent version of it too by conductor and composer Jordi Savall). - As another step to secure the unity of the Romagna, Cesare did a reform in legal administration of great importance, he established a supreme Court of Appeal, named the Rota, influenced by the famous Court of the Vatican with the same name. He appointed as The First President, a newly created office, to Antonio di Monte Sansovino, a distinguished jurist with high integrity, and who was universally beloved. This Appeal Court sat in the seven main cities of the Romagna: Fano, Pesaro, Rimini, Cesena, Faenza, Forlì and Imola. If it was necessary, this Court would sit for as much as two months. All expenses were met by a payment from each of these judicial circuits of 200 ducats per annum. - In October 1500 Pinturicchio wrote to Cesare asking for the grant of a well to be put in one of the lands pope Alexander VI had bestow on him and his descendents at Chiusi, a city in the province of Siena, but near Perugia. Pinturicchio went himself to see Cesare at Diruta to request for all the necessary permission. Cesare issued a letter to Alfano Alfani, vice-treasurer of Perugia, making the request and saying that: “he had again taken to his service Bernardino Pinturicchio of Perosa, whom he always loved because his talent and gifts; and he desires that in all things he should be considered as ‘one of ours.” This initial request wasn’t honored so Cesare wrote again to this Alfani reinforcing his wish to be granted within that year. In 1501, Pinturicchio was given an annual payment as Cesare’s personal painter as well. - Cesare hired Leonardo da Vinci as a military architect and engineer in the spring of 1501, he entrusted him with all sorts of projects, in Cesena for example he asked that Da Vinci planned a new quarter of the city with wilder streets, sidewalks, parks, and a functioning sewage system and many other improvements. He also issued papers from the city’s headquarters for the construction in Cesena of a new university building, a palace to house the Rota. - Cesare also commissioned Da Vinci to work on an alterpiece, that is now lost unfortunately, at the Santuario della Beata Vergine del Piratello, outside of Imola. Some scholars agree that Da Vinci at the very least begun this painting, but it was not finished by him. There are some sketches he made that are called: Three views of a bearded man and it’s generally accepted to be Cesare, in what might have become a portrait of him in this alterpiece. - Right after he conquered a city, it was Cesare’s policy to issue a stem proclamation against plunder, guaranteed the property of the citizens. At Forlì he took measures to safeguard the convents, listening to all complaints of ill-treatment or robbery at the hands of the soldiery. On December 7, 1500, he hanged from the windows of his headquarters, two of his own men, a Piedmontese and a Gascon soldier, who had disobeyed his orders against plunder in the town. On the 13th of the same month, other offenders followed the same fate as the first two, which showed his zeal and the level of his commitment for the interests of his Forlivesi subjects. - At Cesena, as in other places in the Romagna, that same policy was applied, the usual disorder was put to an end, and civic automony was fully restored, along with the suppresion of aristocratic feuds, which resulted on econonical security and internal peace. - During the conquest of Faenza, the only city where Cesare met a true resistance, he retired to Cesena through the winter months while the siege kept going there. One night, he was walking around the city when he found a baby girl abandoned in the street, he commanded the baby to be nursed, and settled an ample dowry on the baby’s mother until she was of marriageable age. Afterwards, when the father refused to acknowledge the girl as his own, Cesare himself acknowledged the girl and she was baptized that day. - On March 29, 1501, when he was informed of Beatrice of Naples arrival at Cesenatico, twice Queen of Hungary and of Bohemia, and sister of Frederick of Naples, he send off his staff to greet her and to present her with a 'royal gift'. He ordered his lieutenants to honor her in every city in the Romagna and the Marche region, where she made her way back to Naples. - On 1502, Cesare and his father, Rodrigo went on a boat trip to Piombino and the island of Elba so that Rodrigo could officially take possession of these territories Cesare had recently conquered. Everything went smoothly, and they were on their way back when a violent storm began, hitting them hard. During 5 days they wandered aimlessly. Everyone, but Rodrigo, were quite anxious and scared. At the second day, the crew saw an English ship, and Cesare proposed to go to this boat to request for help, but Rodrigo refused, not wanting to request help from strangers. Eventually they made it back ashore, but it was a close call there for them for awhile.     - After the masterstroke at Senigallia, where he successfully arrested his conspiring condottiere, the city was in total confusion, and a part of Cesare’s infantry were starting to sack the city, so Cesare in full armour and on horseback gave orders for his men to stop the sacking immediately, he then gathered some of his captains and went about the city streets putting a stop to the abuses that were starting to happen, some soldiers however, refused to obey his orders, and they were promptly executed there for their disobedience. - On 25 October, 1506 he managed to escape the Castle of La Mota, in Spain, a fortress that at that time worked as State prison, of maximum security, and where he was imprisoned. With the collaboration of his chaplain, and a servant of the governor's, named Garcia, along with the outside help from Count of Benavente, a powerful lord from the neighbourhood, who visited him regularly, he managed to climb down the 40 meter high tower with a rope, and if memory doesn't fail me, he was the only prisoner to have ever managed to escape this prison lool.

[purplesurveys]

1185

survey by xflirtykaosx

Alphabetti Spaghetti (3/3)

Please believe. - P

How many pages did the last book you read have? I don’t even remember the last time I opened it; but if I have to guess, it’s probably anywhere between 600–800 pages.

What do you like on your pancakes? Soaked in butter, with peanut butter and maple syrup on the side. My dad will also sometimes mix bacon into the batter, and it always turns out delicious.

Do you like small parties or large parties more? I love going to any kind of party, but I like large ones just a little bit more just because it’s easier to blend in and go unnoticed for the most part. I usually feel pressured at smaller parties.

What was the last exam you passed in? I have no idea. Maybe a history exam? I remember taking a Rizal exam right before the pandemic started and I never got the results for that since classes were canceled shortly after. I’ll never know if I actually passed that test haha.

Do you think paw prints are cute? Yesssssss.

How much would you pay a neighbour to do your lawn? We have someone in the village who does that, and my mom usually gives him a tip of I would guess around ₱100.

Ordinary pens, scented pens, gel pens or felt tip pens? Ordinary. The other ones write horribly.

Are you a people person? I’ve grown to be one over the years. I do like my alone time, but I have the most fun with a person or two or ten around me.

Do you put pepper on your scrambled eggs? No. I never use pepper myself, actually.

Who, except yourself, has the nicest pet? Angela’s, at least one of her dogs are. Hailey is super nice and she doesn’t really care what you do with her hahahaha.

What's your favourite piece of clothing? Right now, probably my IVP sneakers since they’re my newest purchase. Other than that, my mom jeans are always super reliable.

What place have you gone to that you never would again? Police stations that I had to visit to cover stories for my journalism classes. Maybe it’s other people’s passion – and I thought it was mine at one point, too – but once I found myself in places like that I slowly realized that I didn’t have the fire for journalism I once thought I had.

What do others seem to have plenty of and you have little or none? Nice photos of themselves. I’m very camera shy.

Is pink a nice colour, an okay colour or icky? I personally love pink, so.

Give me a description of a great film plotline? ...I don’t feel like it :(( I also haven’t watched/rewatched any films in a while, so my memory is a bit rusty.

What do you have in your pockets? Nothing I’m wearing right now has pockets.

Do you listen to podcasts? Not really. I’m part of the minority that finds podcasts a little boring.

Have you ever played Poker? I’d guess I’ve tried playing it one or two times, but I’ve never understood the rules and I probably just did some random moves when I did try it.

Do you have a pond in your garden? No.

How about a swimming pool? We don’t.

Do you like Poptarts? I loooooove Pop Tarts and I wish we had more flavors here :( and that they weren’t so expensive.

Do you write notes on post-it notes? Sometimes; but lately I’ve mostly just been making to-do lists on my laptop. Writing takes too much time considering how hectic my job is.

Quiet darling, shh. - Q

Do you ever use the word quaint? Very rarely. I never really get into situations where that word would be most fitting to use.

Do you know what quantum physics is? I know of the term from watching The Big Bang Theory, but I don’t know what it refers to.

Are you a quiet or loud person? Depends on the people I’m with, my general mood, and my level of comfort.

Do you usually ask a lot of questions? I never do. I feel like that’s a weakness of mine, too. My mind never wanders too far, and I’m only able to recognize good questions when someone else raises them.

What's your favourite quote from a film? “Rome. By all means, Rome.”

Favourite quote from a song? “Now I’m told this is life, and pain is just a simple compromise so we can get what we want out of it.”

Are you quick witted? In what aspect? Not always; but yeah, I guess it comes out sometimes. I’m pretty good at witty or funny comebacks, especially with people I’m comfortable with.

Do you find the word queer offensive? Er, no?

Roses are Red and Romance is dead. - R

Do you listen to the radio often? I used to, since I once drove to school everyday and I liked having the radio on - especially in the morning, since there was a morning program I was hooked to. But now that I’m at home 24/7, I don’t really tune in anymore; I don’t even have the slightest clue what songs are trending rn.

Do you prefer rain or snow? We only get rain, so.

Have you ever ran into someone and injured you or them due to it? Fortunately no, for both circumstances.

Do you listen to rap music? K-Pop groups always have their own rap sub-unit, so yeah I’ve definitely been more exposed to rap these days.

Do you find pet rats gross or nice? Why? I guess it’s cute when they’re pets, since I’m sure they’re harmless. Not so much when they’re big black filthy rats that are house pests and probably carrying a lot of diseases.

Have you ever been to a rave? No. I’d love to experience it once.

Are you somewhat of a rebel? Nah.

How about reckless? Now this hits the spot more, especially when it comes to money lol

Do you prefer red, black or purple dresses? Black, then red, then purple. I don’t wear a lot of the latter to begin with.

Do you know how to reload a gun? I don’t; I’ve never even held a real gun before.

Do you remember your first best friends Mum's name? I don’t think I ever met her mom. Our friendship was super short-lived and didn’t go beyond preschool.

Do you have a good or a bad reputation? Idk, you’d have to ask other people for this I think.

What song do you request most often on the radio? I’ve never requested a song to radio stations.

Do you prefer rice or tofu? I need rice for literally every meal, otherwise it won’t feel filling. I like tofu too, but I only have it occasionally when it comes with some dishes.

Have you ever held a rifle? Nope.

Do you know a Robert? What's he like? I have an uncle-in-law named Robert. He’s very nice, and super intelligent; he’s from New Zealand but currently lives with my aunt and their family in Vietnam. Since he’s from a different country, he has lots of fun stories and different perspectives to share at family reunions, which makes me always want to sit at whichever table he’s at so that I can be part of interesting conversations.

Do you like rollercoasters? No.

Been to Rome, Italy? Nope.

Are Roses your favourite flower? They’re one of them.

So sweetheart, lets fan. - S

Do you feel safe in your neighbourhood? Yeah, I mean that’s kind of the whole point in living in a gated village. I’d be pretty alarmed if I ever hear of a crime happening here.

Whose the Patron Saint of your Country? St. Lorenzo Ruiz. I actually didn’t know that for a fact, so thanks for the Google search and impromptu lesson!

Do you put salt on your fries? Yessssssss, I need my fries to be very salty. Unless it was already seasoned with something else, I’d find it boring if it wasn’t salty enough.

Do you think we are all born the same? In some ways, yes; in some ways, no. I know everyone is born as humans worthy of love and respect, but when it comes to factors like privilege then that’s when circumstances start to get all different.

When did you stop believing in Santa? I never bought it. I used to always get frustrated that I was never allowed to meet Santa (none of my relatives ever played as him), and that he apparently just likes to leave gifts at midnight. Not seeing a Santa made me doubt and eventually I just kinda stopped buying it by the time I was like 5.

Do you think the name Sarah is pretty? Erm, it’s fine but I find it a little common.

Is Saturday your favourite day of the week? Fridays are, but Saturdays are a very close second.

Have you ever watched Saved By The Bell? Opinions? Nope.

What about the Saw films? Opinion? I haven’t, but I know they’re my eldest cousin’s favorite so it must be a good series.

Are you easily scared? In certain ways. I hate jumpscares for one, and I easily get offended by them.

What's your secondary language, if any? English.

Name all the things you can see from where you're sitting? The entirety of my bedroom.

What's the last sentence you spoke out loud? “JAY KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY”

Have you changed your default settings on your computer? Some of them just to change some aspects of the appearance, but I didn’t do a complete overhaul.

What year did you turn seven in? 2005.

How important is sex in a relationship how important is sex from 1-10? For me, probably like a 3 or 4.

What is your favourite shade of blue? Sky or royal.

Shade of Purple? BTS purple, I guess? Hahaha.

Favourite shape? I don’t have one.

Do you know a girl called Sharon? Nope.

How about Shari? Nope.

Do you shave your arms, legs, pubic hair and/or somewhere else? I shave, but not all of these areas.

When was the last time you were sick? May 2020 was the last time I felt like death.

What's the worst side effects you've had due to a medication? I’ve never gone through side effects from a medication.

What does your signature look like? A very lazy scribble of the first and last letters of my whole name.

Do you like silk? What do you own that is silk? It’s okay, but I never actively search for it. I have one set of silk pajamas but that’s it.

Do you sip or drink hot drinks fast? As much as possible I don’t like getting in contact with hot beverages. I wait for them to cool down considerably before I take my first sip.

How about with alcohol? Sure, I like to take them fast so that I don’t feel the nasty burn on my tongue.

Do you have sisters? How many, what ages and what're they called? Nina is turning 21 this year.

Is your grandmother older than sixty five? Both of them are, yeah.

Do you slam doors often? Nope.

Have you ever slapped someone in the face? For what reason? Yes. Because he had slapped me first. I was in so much shock that my first and only instinct was to hit back.

Do you snack a lot or just eat big meals? I like letting myself go hungry then reward myself with a very generous serving to eat in one go.

Do you smile more often, or frown? Smile.

Are you wearing socks? No, I haven’t worn any in a while.

Do you say sorry too often? Yes.

What's a sound that always soothes you? This. I always play it before turning in, or when I need to calm down.

Do you carry a lot of spare change? How much is on you now? Not so much anymore, since I’ve been increasingly going cashless.

Do you own a swimsuit of the Speedo brand? I don’t think so.

Do you like sunflowers? They have a personal meaning to me, so yes. It’s not my ultra favorite, though.

[borisbubbles]

Eurovision 2010s: 100 - 96

100. Kati Wolf - “What about my dreams” Hungary 2011

Ugh I just remembered the Belgian press laughing their asses off at Hungary thinking they could win with Kati Wolf... 😤 Which um... RUDE? What about how she feels?? What about her liiiiiiiiife? Also, WHY COULDN’T WE HAVE HAD THAT OUTCOME INSTEAD??? NO Ellbeast winner and NO Ellbeast hosting AND NO disaster acoustics, let alone NO indentured servitude because the Crystal Arena never gets built! If Kati wins, EVERYBODY WINS!!! 

Having said that, lmfao Kati Wolf was indeed never going to win lolol. She was so inept and I adore her for it. 😍 She is one of the first “universally beloved OGAE favourite screws themselves over with a trainwreck live” type of contestant and easily the most iconic one, so much that we can speak of a “Kati Wolf Award” for the biggest OGAE flop every year. So much for their dreams. 😭 

However, independent from the suckage, I also greatly enjoyed "What about my dreams” live WHOOPS. I mean, I’ll caveat that the Hungarian version is a lot better. Regardless, both are pretty amazing, alternating between melancholy and self-empowerment, even when coated in a hilariously tacky aesthetic. Love the GIANT blue crystal “ring” (hand-bracelet?) and the blacklighted clothes. 😍 She CAN’T hold back. She CAN’T go back. She MUST be...freeeeeee [of good taste]. 

________________________________________________________________

99. Aliona Moon - “O mie” Moldova 2013

What an Iconic Entry. Of course, Aliona’s status as the ~First Growth Dress Ever~ alone grants her that title and for good reason. Six years after the fact it still holds up as a very impressive visual effect:

However, there is more to discuss than merely a display of excellent fashion. “O mie” is also notable for being the rare Competent Moldovan entry. 😲 Normally this is something I do not care about (and secretly “O mie” isn’t *that* competent cf. Aliona choking / the original English lyrics referencing the B’akt’un calendar 😍), but it’s always hilarious when a country with a negative budget/reputation such as Moldova manages to be both innovative AND have jurors eat out their hand while also spending a minimum of money. Of course the song itself is ALSO a great example of orchestral dramedy, courtesy of -who else- musical genius / perfect deity Pasha Parfeny. 😍 LEGEND!

______________________________________________________________

98. Francesco Gabbani - “Occidentali’s karma” Italy 2017

[2017 review here]

Oh look, it’s 2017′s Kati Wolf Award Laureate. 🤭 I feel kind of bad Francesco flopped though. The one time I support an Italian winner during the preshow and then he DOESN’T win??? ugh. 😒

However, that doesn’t take away from the Gabbani journey, which I found to be one of ups and downs, but fortunately mostly ups: The song is a mindblowingly clever parody of internet culture and, similar to how Valentina did it with “Facebook Ooh Oh Oh”, offers critique by simply showcasing everything wrong with internet culture and overendulging in it, in the most annoying fashion. 😍. This was further enhanced by culturally appropriating hindu/buddhist imagery and dancing with a life-sized “gorilla” on the stage. 

However, all the additions + a subpar live performance by Francesco caused westerner’s karma to quickly catch up with him, as his song’s message flew completely over the head of the general European audience and many rejected him FOR being... a culturally appropriating memelord. Oh Francesco. May your incompetence always find a place in our hearts...x

________________________________________________________________

97. Nina Sublatti - “Warrior” Georgia 2015

Omg, how come Eurovision has SO MANY epic Ninae? Sublatti, Zilli, Zizic, Kraljic,... I DEMAND a reality tv season with all of them!!!

Anyway, Nina Sublatti is a magnificent Athenian owlet who is responsible some of the worst English ever on Eurovision. I mean, yes, we’ve definitely seen worse diction (Aram mp3 😍, and Melovin, obv), but these lyrics are legendary in print:

NOT A SHABBY OR A MONEYMAKER WORLD GONNA LIGHT UP IN PEACE NOT A SHADOW’S VIRULATOR NOW YOU JUST YOU JUST GONNA BREATHE VIOLENCE BREAK THE FREE WINGS ARE GONNA SPREAD OUT I’M A WARRIOR OSCILLATING I’M GONNA GET UP AND BE OOOOOOOH I’M WARRIOR STILL STUCKED IN MY MIN-

No seriously, legit. The lyrics literally read “STILL STUCKED IN MY MIND”. Nina writng all of codswallop by herself and NOBODY bothered pointing out it makes no sense... or perhaps some foolish intern did and were promptly oximated. Either way, 😍

Omg and I just remembered that, after screaming those words at Europe for three minutes while pulling owlfaces and getting devoured whole by LOST’s Smoke Monster, Nina somehow believed she would be the best placing Georgian entrant ever and was FURIOUS she finished in ~only~ 11th place. Delusional queen. <3

________________________________________________________________

96. Farid Mammadov - “Hold Me” Azerbaijan 2013

I’ll be honest, for the longest time I didn’t want to like Farid. Obviously, "Hold me” is the usual mass-produced Swedish contraband that gets passed around between Azerbaijan, and Malta (random ESC alliances <3).

HOWEVER, no matter how many reservations I had about the song beforehand, Farid fucking... OWNED? lol. Like, for starters, I’ve spoken about bedroom eyes before and this-

-is actually a very good attempt at them. INSTANTLY WET TYRA BANKS, FIRST CALL OUT, SMYZE. Azerbaijan then followed this up with their now trademark ridiculous eyecatching staging that, as per true Azeri tradition, fits the song’s catch rhythm and ignores its insipid message (<3). GIANT GLASS CONTAINER <3 ROSE PETALS <3 The BEST part though is when the female dancer comes on, wearing a giant, endless spine dress. 💃STYLE ICONS💃

All in all, an excellent entry. I am happy it didn’t win though, mostly because 2013 is also the year when Azerbaijan’s televote fraud AND fixed jury votes came to light, WHOOPS!!! 🤭

[like-twilight]

I’m jus’ gon do this cause why not I stole it from Here.

1: 6 of the songs you listen to most?

According to my last.fm in the last seven days: 1: ATEEZ: Wave 2: ATEEZ: Illusion 3: ATEEZ: Win 4: TxT: Run Away 5: ATEEZ: Precious 6: ATEEZ: Say My Name

Guys. I like Ateez.

2: If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

My sister.

3: Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, give me line 17.

Well I ain’t standin’ up so here’s line 17 from page 23 of Vale which is on my computer.

““Well then, Your Highness,” I say and crouch down, trying to get a look of her face”

4: What do you think about most?

Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad things.

5: What does your latest text message from someone else say?

From a real person that’s not an automated message from a bank or a website it’s from my co-worker from October 26th that says “Ok I’ll do it, print it then I’ll replace it”

6: Do you sleep with or without clothes on?

Well. PJ’s are clothes so.

7: What's your strangest talent?

I don’t think I have any.

8: Girls... (finish the sentence); Boys... (finish the sentence)

Girls not allowed. Boys also not allowed. Leave me alone. (My nb friends can come tho.)

9: Ever had a poem or song written about you?

If I did then the creator didn’t tell me :”D

10: When is the last time you played the air guitar?

I... can’t recall.

11: Do you have any strange phobias?

Frogs.

12: Ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?

Maybe as a baby?

13: What's your religion?

I don’t belieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeve.

14: If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

I’m not outside. But I’d probably be going to work or the store or the post office.

15: Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?

Behind.

16: Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?

Ateez!

17: What was the last lie you told?

“I’m okay!” #deep

18: Do you believe in karma?

god no!

19: What does your URL mean?

It’s a quote from Ateez’s Twilight.

20: What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

I’m very depressed. Strength is probably that I’m still alive? Idk

21: Who is your celebrity crush?

Idk. Find a lot of famous people attractive I-? I Don’t have just like The Celebrity Crush. Jeong Yunho’s cute tho.

22: Have you ever gone skinny dipping?

No.

23: How do you vent your anger?

I throw a temper tantrum.

24: Do you have a collection of anything?

Just a mason jar of my tears. Also every Ateez album released so far.

25: Do you prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?

Neither! Fucking email me, bro.

26: Are you happy with the person you've become?

God no :D

27: What's a sound you hate; sound you love?

Ambulance sirens hate. Fuckin... panflute I love.

28: What's your biggest "what if"?

What if I was a... giraffe.? Or a tardigrade. 

29: Do you believe in ghosts? How about aliens?

I believe in things we can’t perceive scientifically or whatever. Not ghosts per se, like souls of dead people or whatever. Also yes to aliens.

30: Stick your right arm out; what do you touch first? Do the same with your left arm.

Nothin I’m jus sittin on my bed. If I move my arms up and down a bit then my blanket and a bottle of water.

31: Smell the air. What do you smell?

Nothin. Is just my room.

32: What's the worst place you have ever been to?

Uuuh a cemetery?

33: Choose: East Coast or West Coast?

In America? Idk which is less racist in general?

34: Most attractive singer of your opposite gender?

What’s an “opposite” gender? I know you mean male but I refuse to give into the cISSEXIST SCUm. 

35: To you, what is the meaning of life?

I have no idea what that means.

36: Define Art.

the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

37: Do you believe in luck?

Yes. But I’ve never been the lucky one unfortunately.

38: What's the weather like right now?

Uuuh I have to google it. Clear. 8°

39: What time is it?

21:30

40: Do you drive? If so, have you ever crashed?

No. But I probably would.

41: What was the last book you read?

Pfssssshhhh, one that wasn’t written by me? Fucks me, dude. Fault In Our Stars? The Death Cure? I can’t remember, it’s been years.

42: Do you like the smell of gasoline?

Yeah!

43: Do you have any nicknames?

Tia.

44: What was the last film you saw?

Uuuuuuuuhhh... UUUUHHHHHHHHH How to Train Your Dragon 3, it was nice.

45: What's the worst injury you've ever had?

Had a bleeding spine! Kinda miss it tbh.

46: Have you ever caught a butterfly?

I probably haven’t tried, I’ve just tried to get them to land on me.

47: Do you have any obsessions right now?

Uuuh I’m into Ateez these days.

48: What's your sexual orientation?

I’m byesexual.

49: Ever had a rumour spread about you?

Yes.

50: Do you believe in magic?

Again, I do believe things could exist we can’t scientifically explain but idk. Not in the Harry Potter magic way.

51: Do you tend to hold grudges against people who have done you wrong?

No, cause I believe everything is my fault.

52: What is your astrological sign?

Aries.

53: Do you save money or spend it?

I save money TO spend. I think I found a healthy balance.

54: What's the last thing you purchased?

A fukin... bike. That’s like in your room. Not by accident but because it’s meant to be there.

55: Love or lust?

Like.. in what context? Love? Idk.

56: In a relationship?

Love.

57: How many relationships have you had?

None relationships.

58: Can you touch your nose with your tongue?

I can’t.

59: Where were you yesterday?

Like on average? Or 24 hours ago exactly. Cause I was at work for eight hours and then I was just on my bed.

60: Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?

Yeah, my phone case.

61: Are you wearing socks right now?

Ye.

62: What's your favourite animal?

Cat? Idk.

63: What is your secret weapon to get someone to like you?

:DDDD If I had any then people would like me.

64: Where is your best friend?

???? 

65: Give me your top 5 favourite blogs on Tumblr.

I... I dunno? The ones I follow?

66: What is your heritage?

I don’t know what that means. Like what I’m gonna be remembered by? I whined a lot!

67: What were you doing last night at 12AM?

Cried.

68: What do you think is Satan's last name?

Choi.

69: Be honest. Ever gotten yourself off?

Why would I lie about masturbation. Yeah I did.

70: Are you the kind of friend you would want to have as a friend?

Fuck no.

71: You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late one more time you get fired. What do you do?

Save the dog, fuck off.

72: You are at the doctor’s office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. a) Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? b) What do you do with your remaining days? c) Would you be afraid?

a) I am telling everyone. b) Be paralysed by fear and waste all of it. c) Yes, very much.

73: You can only have one of these things; trust or love.

I feel like that’s stupid. 

74: What's a song that always makes you happy when you hear it?

Illusion by Ateez these days. 

75: What are the last four digits in your cell phone number?

4153

76: In your opinion, what makes a great relationship?

I wouldn’t know, buddy.

77: How can I win your heart?

Just be nice to me and I’ll probably be emotionally attached to you for life, sorry.

78: Can insanity bring on more creativity?

I don’t think insanity is the cause for any creativity. If an insane person is creative then they would be creative with a sound mind too.

79: What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far?

Got into kpop, that was nice.

80: What size shoes do you wear?

42

81: What would you want to be written on your tombstone?

“Balled 2 hard lol”

82: What is your favourite word?

There are too many words.

83: Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word; heart.

Kokoro.

84: What is a saying you say a lot?

I don’t think there is one.

85: What's the last song you listened to?

Treasure by Ateez.

86: Basic question; what's your favourite colour/colours?

Pink and yellow.

87: What is your current desktop picture?

A picture of.. Ateez... sorry.

88: If you could press a button and make anyone in the world instantaneously explode, who would it be?

Donald Trump.

89: What would be a question you'd be afraid to tell the truth on?

Uh, I think I’m p truthful, yeah. Ask me anything.

90: One night you wake up because you heard a noise. You turn on the light to find that you are surrounded by MUMMIES. The mummies aren't really doing anything, they're just standing around your bed. What do you do?

Scream. Maybe scramble on the floor and push past them if I can.

91: You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what's even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice! What is that power?

Immortality!

92: You can re-live any point of time in your life. The time-span can only be a half-hour, though. What half-hour of your past would you like to experience again?

Oh geez. I was on a carousel in Italy once, that was awesome.

93: You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?

The one that gave me depression idk which one it was but can it go away?

94: You have the opportunity to sleep with the music-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?

Ehh, I don’t want that. Like... I don’t know those people, they could be Awful in bed or just in general too. Like I need an emotional bond first and they don’t even know me and I only know the persona they show to the public. Plus it could potentially ruin the music for me later on, it’d be weird, no thank you.

95: You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?

UUUUUHHHHH I DUNNO Lyon cause Grenoble doesn’t have an airport. Well, actually my sister isn’t in Grenoble right now. Hm well if I grab my card before I go then I can just find a hotel there until she comes home.

96: Do you have any relatives in jail?

I don’t think so? 

97: Have you ever thrown up in the car?

I had to throw up in a car and then asked the driver to stop the car so I can throw up outside the car.

98: Ever been on a plane?

Yes. Seven times. SEVEN TIMES? Yeah, holy shit.

99: If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say?

Someone help me, I am so so so incredibly in need of help, please. Please. Thank you.

[legionnaireslover]

It's a new year but it's the same old Hater shit!

So the Haters finally found the pix and story that was published in the local Gullane Scotland newspaper about Ben meeting some children and taking a selfie with the young fans. Do they just note it and move on?

Of course not!

To them it's a prime opportunity to spread their particular brand of cynical, hateful bile.

The originator this time was the noxious BTT, who like a number of pompous Haters, thinks that being snide is synonymous for being clever (it isn't; there's no equivalency - the former is easy and lazy, the later is demands mental acuity) but there were plenty of others like Annashitter, who were MORE than willing to jump on board the "BC Hate Train"...

EVERYTHING about this just shouts local person, local news, local paper! But not to the Haters!

It just HAS to be "significant" to their special strain of "reality"!

And...

Yup, these "we're too cool to REALLY care about a celebrity" check DAILY all of social media and are critical of the fact that they seemingly can't trace this back to a "source"!

Except of course the ignore the OBVIOUS!

See what I mean about lack of mental acuity? Any thinking person would be able to figure out that newspaper got the story/pic because it was SUBMITTED by the local person! Happens in countless small community run papers all around the world (yes, Anna, EVEN in Italy!). That's their bread and butter - printing as many as local names connected with something interesting (like meeting a big time movie star). That way more people in the town buy a copy (or click on the site). "Names make news" is a basic tenet that small time papers live by.

And that's not all - those Haters just can't wrap their hatefilled blinkered minds around the concept that ordinary children DO happen to dress in superhero garb and it in no way indicates that they are somehow involved in a HUGE PR "conspiracy" to pump up BC and/or hide his fake marriage from the world!

Really Haters! Picking on little kids because of their clothes... is there NO depths that you would sink to in your hatred of BC and his family?!? Yes, little children STILL like unicorns, Spiderman and Marvel heroes! What's the matter? Bitter because someone teased you about wearing Batman PJs when you were a toddler LAST WEEK?! Leave the kids alone FFS!

And then there is the ever present slagging of the person they profess to be soooo concerned about that they are willing to devote YEARS of blogging trying to "save" him from his SHAM MARRIAGE AND FAKE FAMILY!

They don't approve of his sweaters, his scarves, his diet, the hospital that his family chooses, the places his in-law lives or his SMILE (WTF?)! Wow! And they call us nannies! Lol!

Yeah, Haters, have another "cringe" about BC - just because basically he won't dump his wife and family and meet YOUR DEMANDS.

And Happy New Year!

[mcwriting]

Nico Di Angelo

Lol I spent the plane and train rides to, through, and from Italy reading The Burning Maze (rip my heart) and rereading MOA and BOO (don't have HOH on iBooks, just print) soooo. Yeah. All the feels returned and I was feeling this lol. 

Edit: I just realized I didn’t add ny typical header and word count and background so sorry y’all.

Edit 2: Lord have mercy on me there are probably a million typos

Not Tom holland (sorry not sorry)

Fandom: Percy Jackson and the Olympians/ Heroes of Olympus

Ship: Nico Di Angelo x Will Solace (solangelo)

Setting: Camp Half Blood

Word Count: 683

Warnings: 1 bad word lol

Rating: K+ 

Background: I just really love Nico Di Angelo

After Will calls Nico over to the infirmary, he gets put in an area close to a window (Will wants him to get sunshine). 

Every few hours (or less), Will stops by Nico’s space and checks up on him. Will insists on making him actually lay down for the first few hours and is constantly fawning over Nico’s health. 

Nico is torn between love and hate for the attention. 

After a surprisingly peaceful nap, Nico wakes to find Will standing over him with Gatorade. 

“Electrolytes and salt are good for you right now,” Will insists. 

Nico thought that was only a Coach Hedge thing. 

He sits up and swings his legs around, putting his feet on the ground. Will watches him sip the blue sports drink for a minute before being called to the emergency area (someone just fell and busted his forehead in the arena and needs stitches)

Not long after, Jason appears and takes a seat next to Nico.

“So, uh. Our conversation seemed to get cut short earlier but... I saw you go and, and see, er, talk, I guess to...”

“You don’t have to finish that. But yeah, I decided to clear the air and come out to him. I mean, I’m over him, but I thought he should know, ya know? I figured it was the best way for both of us to become better friends and for me to finally let go.”

Jason put a gentle hand on Nico’s shoulder. 

“You, my friend, are one of the bravest, most incredible dudes I know. I am so happy and proud for you.”

“Come on, Jason. You’re too sappy for me,” Nico jokes, lightheartedly pushing Jason’s hand down. 

“Hey man, I hate sappiness as much as the next guy, but you know I’m always here for you. And if you ever need help getting a guy, just let me know and...” 

“Alright looks like time for another nap for me. Bye Jason see you next week!” Nico says quickly, trying to get out of that awkward situation. 

Jason laughs as he stands up and says his goodbye for the time. 

Nico, on the other hand, was serious. He goes back to bed. 

His second day in the infirmary, Nico is joined by another guest: Percy Jackson.

Nico is sitting up in the stretcher, slowly eating the breakfast Will brought him earlier. Now, Will has opened the curtain once again to announce that Nico has a visitor.

When Percy steps out, Nico doesn’t know how to feel. After yesterday, well, he knew things could be awkward for a little while.

Will gives the other boys space, leaving Percy standing awkwardly with his hands in the pockets of his basketball shorts. His eyes are steely, but expression still light. Nico understands what is behind those eyes. He is one of the only ones who understands what they could have seen.

That’s not the point right now, at least, it doesn’t seem to be.

Nico invites Percy to sit, which makes him relax some more. He won’t meet Nico’s eyes when he starts talking, flustered. 

“So, Nico. I... I wanted to talk about, you know, yesterday and just... well first of all, sorry for my reaction back there. I wanted to say something, but obviously that never happened,” he chuckles, finally turning towards Nico again.

“There really wasn’t anything you needed to say. Like I said, I wanted to clear the air and finally admit it. But also, like I said, that’s ancient history to me.”

Percy nods.

“I’m really, really glad you told me, though. I mean, that had to take some serious guts. And I want you to know that you can always tell me anything. And since apparently I’m ‘not your type,’ you can always come to me for boy advice!” He says excitedly.

Nico rolls his eyes, then smiles. 

“You’re pushing your luck, Perce. But, uh, thanks for being cool about this. I spent a lot of time hiding from myself, and I’m thankful for the friendship and help you’ve extended to me over the years.”

Percy repeats the move Jason pulled yesterday, clapping a hand over Nico’s shoulder. 

“I’m always here. But all seriousness aside...” he leans in to whisper, “Will, eh?”

Nico blushes and gives Percy a joking shove to the chest.

“Alright I think it’s time for you to go, I don’t know, bother Annabeth or something!”

Percy smirks as he rises from the bed. Putting his hands up in mock surrender.

“Okay, okay! I see how it is,” he begins, followed by, “really though, he’s a good guy, just in case you were wondering.”

With that he leaves, and Nico is left to finish his half-eaten breakfast. 

Will returns a while later, making a face Nico can’t quite read.

“So I know I told you you’re gonna have to stay here three days but... I need for you to go...” he starts.

Oh no. This is what Nico was afraid of. Surely the other campers knew he was there and were uncomfortable. What were they saying? Did they request for him to leave? Maybe it’s for the better. Gods, what does Will think about Nico?

“Hey, you don’t have to break it to me. I knew when I’m not wanted...”

“What? Gods, no, Nico! I was just gonna make you go take a shower! Hygiene is one of the best healers, you know!”

Nico is dumbstruck by the son of Apollo once again. Will really did want him around still? The other campers weren’t requesting for his removal?

“Wow. Ohhhh, wow. I really am dense. Yeah, though. I will definitely go clean up some and uh, I’ll be back in a half hour or so?”

He gets up and makes his way to his cabin, then the bathrooms, where a hot shower helps Nico clear his mind, and for the first time in a while, things feel... good.

Nico’s last day in the infirmary goes by too fast. Nico has enjoyed spending time with Will, even though his time often got cut short by other campers’ needs. Whenever Will had a break, he had come in and just spent time with Nico, a strong banter running between the two.

Now Will was standing by the bed, wringing his fingers.

“Soooo... this time I really am kicking you out. Your three days is up, and honestly, you’re way better than I would have expected you to be by now.”

Nico grins.

“Yeah I was expecting this.”

“Here’s the deal though. You’re gonna have to have bi-weekly checkups for a while. I need you to come see me Wednesday at 1. Don’t be late.” Will states firmly, though he’s obviously trying to fight back a smile. 

Nico feels the skeletal butterflies again.

“Of, of course. Yeah. Wouldn’t miss it.”

With that he leaves.

Over the next three weeks, Nico has found himself with Will more. Of course, he’s making new friends and reconnecting with old ones, but outside of his “appointments,” Nico and Will have ended up at the same training sessions and playing games on the same teams.

Maybe it was a coincidence, maybe someone was doing this on purpose, or maybe the two were just on similar wavelengths. 

Either way, Nico can’t stand being around him like this. Spending so much time with Will, he understands the feelings he has, and hopes that Will feels the same way. 

Finally, Nico can’t take anymore.

He heads to another check-up with Will, stomach in knots. He steps to the infirmary extra nervous. Today’s the day. He’s finally gonna tell Will. He’s just not quite sure how he’s gonna do it.

“I see you’re messing with your ring, there,” Will observes as he waits for the blood pressure cuff on Nico’s arm to deflate. “Something on your mind?”

How does he know me so well? Nico thinks. 

“Just a little distracted is all.”

“Bullshit, Nico. I know you.”

Will is too good. 

“It’s just that, these past few weeks, it’s been cool hanging out with you, and...”

“And?” Will grins, removing the cuff from Nico’s upper arm.

This is a lot harder than I expected, Nico thinks, letting out a breath he doesn’t know he’s been holding. 

“You know what? Frick it.” He mutters, standing. 

Will turns around from where he is prepping a thermometer.

“What was tha...”

He doesn’t get to finish, because suddenly Nico has one hand thrown around Will’s back and the other holding his head, and then their lips are pressed together and Nico’s never felt this way before and he doesn’t know if he’s doing it right but somehow, just somehow, everything feels like this was meant to be.

It feels like an eternity before they’ve separated.

“Nico,” Will whispers.

Nico freezes, then quickly steps back, arms recoiled to his chest.

“Oh, gods. I just did that,” he realizes, before putting his hands to his head and further exclaiming, “I just did that! Oh man, Will, I’m so sorry and I need to go and-”

Will steps forward and grabs Nico’s arm.

“Nico, stop. Look at me.”

Nico obeys.

“Nico, do you know how long I’ve been wanting to do that? I had this big plan and I was gonna get you at the bonfire and gods I can’t believe you would ruin my plan like that!” He rambles.

Nico is left in shock, then suddenly the two burst out laughing. 

“I can’t believe you! Hahaha!” 

“And you! Ha, That was amazing how you moved in on me! Totally caught me off guard! Haha!” 

Both boys steady their breathing enough to have a real conversation. 

“You know, Nico, I’ve been having you ‘check up’ with me every week so I can hang out with you. I mean, you really were sick for a while but you’re almost better than ever now.”

Nico can’t believe the lengths this boy went to be with him.

“So I should assume that us being at the same training sessions and on the same teams was part of your plan?” Nico questions.

“Wait that wasn’t you? Because it definitely wasn’t me, although I’m not disappointed that it happened.”

After more conversation and maybe one more kiss, the two decide to show off their newfound relationship at the evening’s bonfire.

With everyone  now knowing about the sons of Apollo and Hades being together, people keep coming up and congratulating them on finally realizing the chemistry between them.

Nico is surprised that so many campers shipped them. What’s more surprising is when Nico is stolen away by Percy and Jason, wanting to hear all about how they got together, though Nico can’t answer when Percy says,

“Obviously my plan to schedule them in the same training sessions worked great!” 

Nico is more surprised when Jason rebutts with

“Well I should take the credit for getting them on the same teams for capture the flag and stuff!” 

Nico can’t help but laugh and clear up the situation.

It’s funny how things work out, he thinks. You believe that no one can accept you or understand you, but maybe things are different. Maybe sometimes family does understand, and maybe, just maybe, you find the one in places you never thought possible. 

A/N: I don’t really like this ending :/ but oh well. Sorry I’m an inactive loser (esp to all my followers who are here for Tom Holland content whoops)

Love y’all 

[karinainitaly]

July 10: Today Leo had try outs for a new football team all day, so I tagged along with Ricky and his friends to a huge outlet mall about an hour outside Asti. The stores ranged from Nike to Gap to Gucci (the two pics of the funky shoes were ones I found in Gucci lol), and although the discounts were actually quite good I didn’t find anything I liked enough to squeeze into my already stuffed suitcase. And so my day mostly consisted of following around Ricky and his friends into various stores since I recognized almost none of the stores other than the big name designers lol. The few women’s stores I did go in were not for me - I find a lot of the style in Italy is very ~extra~ lol, lots of rhinestones and funky prints and glitter. Ricky’s friends didn’t speak much/any English lol, but Ricky would try to include me where he could (bless his heart), translating jokes and/or the conversation into English for me so that I could laugh along with them. Even though we were in and out of AC’d stores all day, it was so hot out, and so even walking to and from stores we were dying. By the time we finally got back to Asti (we left around 9:30 and only got back around 5:30), I was exhausted. The rest of the night was quiet (thank god) and tonight will definitely be an early night for me. Buona notte!

[led123123]

https://youtu.be/EnFM5dxFIm8?t=207

https://youtu.be/HuBSRYBLbTA?t=17

damn..

https://youtu.be/qpH4djIQR70

lol. 3080 is 10GB.. and 3060 12GB

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1teFykf1tLn_F1apvtCkKykjjbyMNo3rG/view?usp=sharing

I found lots of crafting materials

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W9Z7XME_DXc5WQYynASLOK4qaioaEdSH/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AqYPmn_d67AqTNYRutLV0fw4FTFMWnaL/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1teFykf1tLn_F1apvtCkKykjjbyMNo3rG/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NHvmm416SuYH1h7TerqSTmos_FcIZjIg/view?usp=sharing

I like darker circles around eyes

people tell me that I have them too

asdf

what do you think. are they genetic.. or.. they’re because of.. like.. I heard people say that they’re because.. stuff like.. looking at screen for a lot of time

https://www.skinceuticals.co.uk/en_GB/what-causes-dark-circles-under-the-eyes.html

“ Dark circles, also known as periorbital hyperpigmentation, are a commonly encountered condition best described as the darkening of skin pigmentation around the eyes. Whilst dark circles are not usually caused by an underlying medical condition, many people think they make them look tired, sad or older than they are, and therefore can affect their emotional well-being and quality of life1. Let’s take a look at what causes darkness around the eyes. “

“ The darkening of the pigment underneath the eyes can be caused by a number of environmental and biological factors. The reason for an individual’s dark circles may be that excessive pigmentation is simply genetic or hereditary. Other factors which may cause dark circles include allergies, skin laxity, and deep tear troughs, sometimes referred to as tear trough depression. “

“What environmental and lifestyle factors can cause dark circles?Lifestyle and environmental factors are also reasons for dark circles under the eyes2:    A lack of sleep can cause skin to become dull and pale, which allows for dark tissues and blood vessels beneath the skin to show. As well as a result of extreme fatigue – or even just staying up a few hours past bedtime – dark circles can be caused by oversleeping3“

“Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure can cause the body to produce an excess of melanin, causing pigmentation around the eyes resulting in darkening of this area”

but if that was the case.. then.. why all my skin on my face woudln’t be the same..

“ Dark circles are certainly considered to have a genetic basis. Some people are more likely than others to have excessive pigmentation, melanin deposition, or low levels of collagen in the area under the eyes - all of which contribute to the appearance of dark circles7,8. Although hereditary genetics can ensure one individual is more susceptible to dark circles than another, it is also recognised that stress, ageing and a lack of rest can cause pigmentary change. “

people in india also have darker skin around eyes

https://youtu.be/aIEuhYx-p6g

this girl also has circles

she has arabic accent

god.. so little sun now.. like.. I woke up at 2pm.. and at 4 pm it’s.. already dark

lol.. I bought.. one ryzen cpu.. like.. more than a year ago.. and now it costs 50% more than before..

but there’s been a 2nd version of this cpu.. in more compact architecture and better performance.

I’m wearing shorts even now when it’s almost winter.. but.. like.. it’s not that cold..

it used to be colder.. I’m not wearing full pants because.. I don’t want to get swamp ass

https://youtu.be/P2lG3CkULyw

I just checked.. how much old cpus cost.. damn.. everything is expensive as hell. all the old cpus.. so expensive

nothing gets any cheaper

lol when I was buying this cpu.. it was a lot cheaper.

and it was new

now people sell used ones.. I think without cooler also.. for 50% more

I may just auction it.. because.. I need to.. find a buyer now when the prices are high

I need to sell all of it..

I just need to pack it.. and.. check how to use printer.. to print the sticker..

and learn how to order shipping properly.. like.. I know how it works.. more now.. that if I put it on the locker then it costs less

trash hoes

stupid hoes

trash

I cannot see shit it’s so dark at 3 pm

I cannot see where this printer has power on button

it’s too dark

and this trash is gonna start screaming in few seconds stupid hoe

they are quiet.. when I’m not alone.. but when I’m alone she goes ape

https://youtu.be/mdB3Oyd5HtU

https://youtu.be/mdB3Oyd5HtU?t=49

I can auction it.. so.. like.. then I know.. when it’s gonna end..

it’s easier then

easier than checking notifications every day..

some new sauce for pasta..

cheese.. cream, butter, some herbs

I can use.. like.. cream to thicken instead of flour.. this time..

https://cookfasteatwell.com/easy-pasta-sauce-recipe/

https://youtu.be/XS4zojyuzvI

https://youtu.be/XS4zojyuzvI?t=213

I need to get tomatoes in cans

they’re not that expensive

400g each can.. so.. I need like.. 6 cans at least

I like tomatoes

https://youtu.be/XS4zojyuzvI?t=423

careful now

https://youtu.be/05Byne839Pg

https://youtu.be/OH0n_Ew2YDM

https://youtu.be/RWgTveWAzMA?t=79

https://youtu.be/y463g76MFRw

https://youtu.be/q3S8TT56CEc?t=164

I can only fit one tray in my oven. I mean.. I can bake like.. 1 at a time

I had a plan.. to bake.. them.. like.. I need this.. condensed.. milk or caramel..

and then I would put them in chocolate

or I can just.. like.. I don’t know.. chop chocolate.. as use it as chocolate chips

and puffed rice is also really good

I’m not that hungry but I would eat some sweet stuff

but I need like.. caramel and.. like puffed rice

puffed rice and chocolate would be also good

I can just make a cake..

and add preserves inside

but I also want to eat tomato sauce

don’t go crazy with salt. because cheese already has salt

I would also eat some potatoes. because they’re really good

https://youtu.be/WIKqgE4BwAY

cotoreito

they look like these.. and sound like these.. nico girl

https://youtu.be/pBd90XZ6UYg

https://youtu.be/SkgTxQm9DWM

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16Lz9JQnrVA9fh8RvFpzFuffsz4RAIFZn/view?usp=sharing

I think really big downside of this hard drive.. is that it cannot be turned down ever.. it doesn’t ever turn off

there was some song that went.. something something.. 24/7

or something like that

https://youtu.be/uRH7vEqqmFU

https://youtu.be/uRH7vEqqmFU?t=100

I had username 247

something like that.. but I don’t know

this song was different

https://youtu.be/DLRT5tgH6IA?t=56

ja woll. xD

lol if I were to play dota now.. then I use use username like.. “boost” or something. xD

https://youtu.be/DLRT5tgH6IA?t=131

https://youtu.be/DLRT5tgH6IA?t=882

that’s lisa’s voice..

https://youtu.be/DLRT5tgH6IA?t=994

I would probably go wr.. if I were to get back..

I had 80% on wr.. but I lost.. some games.. so now it’s 60+

https://youtu.be/dDHOe6oRir0?t=18

is this electric stove waterproof??

omg.. don’t tell me I have to wake up early tomorrow..

maybe that’s a gas stove..

https://youtu.be/dDHOe6oRir0?t=337

omg. the green apples..

https://youtu.be/dDHOe6oRir0?t=376

popcorn.. I wanted to get popcorn

https://youtu.be/dDHOe6oRir0?t=542

is that her natural hair color?

because her hair look healthy.. not split.. so it doesn’t look like she’d dye her hair

she has really good lighting and her hair look really good in this lighting

her hair remind me of australian model

that I saw on tv

this australian girl.. removed.. all her videos etc.. she’s.. like.. she got married.. and.. maybe she got pregnant..

like.. instagram.. she removed instagram I think.. idk. like..

I wanted to check how her hair look like

lol.. typical australian.. she looks like jess who is also from australia.

I saw her picture.. where she holds a lot of chocolate and makes crying expression that’s why I laughed

like a crying baby holding a lot of chocolate

you know these movie scenes.. I mean.. you know.. if you just.. like.. like in a video.. she said. “if I get stressed I eat”

sydney. that’s australia

I just wanted to check if

that’s a good sauce for pasta.. the one that I was telling you about..

of course.. I mix flour with water first.. and temper it.. before pouring in

https://youtu.be/uTZFwLOoS1U

I’m trying the more red apples from all of the apples.. these ones are less sour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTZFwLOoS1U&lc=UgitjyIJqR5s53gCoAEC

wow her name is similar to this australian

I know that she’s from italy and they make.. tomato sauce there.. she’s good at cooking.

you know. italian cuisine

https://youtu.be/kRaV8w2KK_U

https://youtu.be/E4TygUpWUTQ?t=87

https://youtu.be/E4TygUpWUTQ?t=103

https://youtu.be/E4TygUpWUTQ?t=214

https://youtu.be/E4TygUpWUTQ?t=222

they also have good lighting

https://youtu .be/GdCXwWjzeRg?t=66

https://youtu .be/aXrwjLahUdw?t=8

https://youtu.be/ssR60a7LC1E?t=99

this one dude looks like albralelie

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4pkrqOT0hAhS0yQkJ-jKfQ/videos

https://youtu.be/GkwMJltwVmg?t=1

lol. falling..

https://youtu.be/GkwMJltwVmg?t=26

look where their car landed

https://youtu.be/GkwMJltwVmg?t=44

everyone is falling..

https://youtu.be/GkwMJltwVmg?t=76

yamete

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1teFykf1tLn_F1apvtCkKykjjbyMNo3rG/view?usp=sharing

4:30

https://youtu.be/GkwMJltwVmg?t=179

I fell here

https://youtu.be/GkwMJltwVmg?t=271

he obtained this technique

https://youtu.be/GkwMJltwVmg?t=324

https://youtu.be/GkwMJltwVmg?t=436

retards

https://youtu.be/GkwMJltwVmg?t=481

they jump out..

https://youtu.be/GkwMJltwVmg?t=488

lol that’s like these small bumping cars at an amusement park

https://youtu.be/GkwMJltwVmg?t=506

if don’t jump out.. they didn’t know that.. if you don’t jump then it shoots you into air

https://youtu.be/SFrOAObkwac?t=155

they really play with gold armor and syringes

https://youtu.be/SFrOAObkwac?t=186

lol dome

https://youtu.be/-bIyMCutpxQ?t=252

lol med kits

https://youtu.be/-bIyMCutpxQ?t=275

these windows are good for shooting inside

https://youtu.be/ekKLcHB_TI8?t=58

now all the horizon spells make sense

https://youtu.be/ekKLcHB_TI8?t=516

lol.. my username. I wanted that username

https://youtu.be/DpDYCsA7obo?t=219

oh shit

https://youtu.be/DpDYCsA7obo?t=479

https://youtu.be/AYp8m95hLN8?t=506

why is it not processing my video to 1080p..

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1teFykf1tLn_F1apvtCkKykjjbyMNo3rG/view?usp=sharing

I need to see how it would look in 720p. better than converting 768 to 720p for sure

but there’s gonna be 2 conversions on 1080p monitor..

converting to 720p and back..

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1k0Z2KGvzZPgBTZaHj0ofDHE_szj4X3V6&export=download

ok.. I guess it’s not converting because video is longer than other videos

or takes more space

https://youtu.be/SqXUG3ZYD7U?t=272

https://images.app.goo.gl/DgVfuB4aGPZkB1FG7

на уровне

oh.. damn.. I get it now.. shit.. she got married.. so she changed her last name..

wow. sydney building

“in australia everything is upside down so I have to turn camera upside down”

she has different hair color.. she was blonde before

now she has dark brown

she talks like jess. they’re both from australia

now she has very dark brown hair

her hair look like jess’s hair too

https://youtu.be/hrzY4WBpysM

wow she likes.. she’s obsessed with alice madness returns

ok.. so now the shannon the food critic video makes sense.. because she gained weight

kinda. if you think of it

wow she has obsession with alice.

damn her hair look so pretty

there was one more girl.. who was making me think about.. some one girl

oh.. I actually somewhat remember her username.. I actually know her username

they both have same first name

jesus christ.. not taking just one sleep.. caused me to feel.. really messed up

I wasn’t sure if I would find her.. but I found her.. she had a bit different username.. than I though

omg one girl has really good microphone

so clear voice

so many people follow her

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/434077699?t=0h0m22s

lol coaching was cool lol

coaching was such a meme

in my games at least.. when I heard some dudes in my games.. talking shit.. and I didn’t even know who is talking xD

and you know.. this thing at the end.. when you rate the coach.. so we won game.. but I didn’t know that I was being coached.. and this dude got mad at me that I gave him bad rating..

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/434077699?t=0h3m14s

stray would never get these items on batrider any any hero

but he’s always playing mid.. or jungle

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/314473491?t=0h0m21s

lil feed.

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Maria Ali: Artist Questionnaire

Jenifer Bryan

I wanted to do my Artist interview on Jenifer Bryan, a photographer who enjoys working with her hands, especially with historical processes. She currently resides in Texas, and has a BFA in Fine Arts Photographer, and Communication Design from Texas State University-San Marcos. She states that she has been crafting and working with her hands since she was little, as she spent majority of her childhood sewing, crocheting, and doing embroidery with her grandmother. She works with a wide range of creative mediums, including cyanotype, which inspired me to ahead and interview her.

A few of her works can be seen throughout the page. I hope her works inspire you as much as they’ve inspired me!

More can be seen at her website at: https://www.lucybluestudio.com

More photographs can be seen here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lucybluestudio/collections/72157644329812376

1. Why cyanotype? What inspired you to delve into the world of cyanotype, and how long have you been doing this? I understand it takes 3x the amount of time (taking the photo, editing and printing on pictorico, and finally letting it bathe in the sun), so why go through this tedious process? What about is different from traditional forms photography, do you think?

I didn't pick up a camera until 2003, which to you probably seems like a long time ago LOL but I was in my late 20s and decided to go back to college. My friend wanted me to take the school summer program in Italy with her and one of the credits was for photography so I figured I'd better learn.

The next semester after the trip, I took an Alternative Photography class. Back then, all it did was frustrate me even though it appealed to my need to get my hands dirty. Digital printing doesn't have the same satisfaction even though it can actually take just as much time to get right as any of the historical processes. It's just fiddly in a different way. I was actually majoring in Fine Art Photography and in Graphic Design and my design teachers were insanely picky about prints. I'd argue more than my photography teachers.

Anyway, after that class, I dabbled in cyanotypes at workshops or friends' events but didn't touch anything beyond digital for years. I'd argue that the historical processes are just as traditional as silver prints. They were the stepping stones after all. I think that with cell phones pretty much being cameras now and most images never becoming physical prints, that historical processes offer a lovely balance. I amuse myself when I turn a cell phone image into a cyanotype. Anyway, I ramble a bit but I think I answered that question :)

2. Cyanotype on fabric with embroidery is something I have been delving into recently. In fact, bought 7 new embroidery hoops, 100+ pack of floss, and am using an old bed sheet as fabric. What tips do you have for a newbie with little to no experience in embroidery? What type of fabrics do you personally use in your cyanotype, and through your experience, what works best? I notice you also use felt, have you ever considered incorporating that into your cyanotype works?

My biggest advice starting down the cyanotype/embroidery road is to use natural fabrics. Make sure that bedsheet is cotton. I would also probably spray or soak the chemicals as opposed to brushing. Fabric takes a lot.

As far as the embroidery, I looked up stitches on Pinterest at first. My aunt taught me to cross stitch when I was a kid and my grandmother taught me to sew. I had some basics already. Now I sometimes just wing it. My French knots still have issues if I'm not paying attention. Felt is so easy to play with. I always seem to straddle the line between art and craft. I was actually about to make a cyanotype embroidery with a felt backing as a banner.

3. I notice that you also have so many passions, including embroidery, cooking, jewelry making, and painting. You truly are multi-talented. What made you pick up photography, cyanotypes no less?

ADD. Seriously, I like to learn new things and I hate not being good at something so not mastering cyanotypes, vandykes, gums, tintypes, and the other techniques we learned in class bugged me. I think I answered why I picked up photography in the first section :) Cameras always intimidated me so I wouldn't touch them until I got talked into it. Italy is a great motivator. And for the longest time, I made every excuse I could to only shoot digitally. For some reason, I was already versed in Photoshop and I was convinced film was a pain in the butt. Now, I only shoot digitally when I travel because I have had too many rolls have issues after going through the security machines. TSA agents can get salty when you ask them to hand check your film.

My preference is to shoot with my 1950s Rolleiflex 3.5f. Once I got addicted to film I started noticing other people making prints that were obviously not just a typical print. I hate to say it but the Lomography website had me looking for alternatives to what everyone else was doing. Save me from people that think leaving dust on your negatives and printing it shows "authenticity." Ack.

At this point, I also started going back to Belize to help a friend work on her project. She was recreating the Mayan methods for making pottery. Whole other discussion but as I was helping her grind clay and pigments and going that far into a craft it made me look at my photography differently. I wanted to get into making images at that level. But I didn't start with cyanotypes again like I did in class. Someone posted a salted paper print somewhere and it had this dreamy quality I couldn't get out of my head. That is like chasing paper airplane in a wind storm LOL. So finicky. Even with the same negative, same paper, same chemicals, your prints sometimes just don't work. But wow, they look so wonderful. I wandered back into cyanotypes after needing a break from salt prints. I think salt prints made cyanotypes seem much easier. And at first that was the appeal. But the wonderful thing about cyanotypes is they are also more flexible.

I did salt prints on wood and other substrates, covered them in wax, played with them, but cyanotypes can be worked with wet. That blew my mind. Wet cyanotypes are an addiction of another kind. I've been waiting all winter and now through this rainy season to be able to do them again.

4. I absolutely love your cyanotype portraitures. Any tips on how to get my own photos to look like yours, with the right tonalities? What camera do you use to take your photos (film or digital)? If you use film, how do you develop your them? I have read that it’s important to under contrast your photos, are there any other tips to getting them just right?

I use a light meter with my film camera but once I get a reading or two I kind of just shoot. With my digital I can see what I'll be getting on my screen so I still shoot manually but I can adjust as a shoot easily. I send my film off to get developed. I have 3 dogs. I hate dust. Not a good thing for a home darkroom.

The historical printing can be done here easily but keeping dust off my negatives is too hard if I do the developing, too. I do scan my film negatives myself but photoshop all the dust out. I'm sure some people would be annoyed at my workflow but in the end, the image is all that matters. Everything is just a tool. I mix and match digital and analog to suit my needs. What is "just right" changes. I do what I like and don't worry much about anyone else. But I never stop looking at how to push myself further and learn something new.

5. Do you think from cyanotypes, you could possibly delve into other forms of alternative processes? Are you open to the idea of branching off into, say, photograms or photogenic drawings?   

Technically, a cyanotype is a photogram ;) I've done lumens, salt prints, transfers, wet plate, and liquid light. I need to try gums again. I remember those being particularly difficult for me.

I'll always be trying something new but cyanotypes will always appeal to me. They are so simple, which is why most people start there with alternative processes. But they can also do so much. They are truly only limited by your imagination.

I've dumped almost everything from my pantry onto my prints to add color or tone them. I've layered negatives and found objects, done multiple exposures, manipulated the shape of the chemical application to become part of the image. These aren't original things. I'm in several active groups that encourage sharing and trying each others' techniques. One person does one thing and another takes it and transforms that into something new and the next person takes it further. It's fun to watch and participate in. It's a great substitute for the classroom.