#and will definitely get tired operating 2 blogs

[signanothername]

Ngl been thinking of making a secondary blog solely for reblogs with its own tag system to organize this main mess a bit more

This would mean no more reblogs on here, just my own art or rambles

Should i or nah?

[daichiduskdrop]

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚⋆·˚ ༘ *𝙎𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡 ⋆·˚ ༘ *ੈ✩‧₊˚

Chapter 37

Pairing: BTS Ot7 X fem! reader

Genre: A/B/O AU, Fluff, Angst, Strangers to lovers,

Warnings: None! Enjoy!

Words: 3547

A/N: I have added a small part from the book Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman, and all credit goes to the original writer.

Lots of love, thank you for the support

Taglist: @thelilbutifulthings @ilovemoneymorethenmen @singukieee @cherrysainttt @felicityroth @mageprincess7 @lucis-noctiana @danielle143 @osakis-gf @girl-nahh @vintageoldfashionstyle-blog @neverthefirstchoice @juju-227592 @silentreadersthings @i-have-no-life-charlie @everyonehatesshani @iamkookiesforyou @dragons-flare @fangirl125reader @roseidol @frieschan @popcatx0 @liz67900 @exfolitae @plexcaffeinate @strawblueberrys @massivelyfullenthusiast @iimichie

(open)

Previous:

⋆·˚ ༘ *ੈ✩‧₊˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚˚ ✩‧₊˚⋆·˚ ༘ *

Namjoon looked at you gently, his eyes caring. The alpha reached for a book he had been reading for a while now, Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.

The packalpha kept you close as you layed sweetly tucked away with Jimin and Jungkook on each side of you. The youngest alpha layed in front of you, his eyes sweet and caring on your form.

The young man wasn't able to go to sleep; he was far too worried about you to truly rest. Even when your scent has lifted by now and you don't seem as upset anymore, he was still worried in the back of his mind.

Instead, you just seemed tired and yawny and definitely had enough for the day. They all knew well why this happened and that it would be for the best if you would get to rest up for a while longer.

And so, when your hand reached up and nudged against Namjoon's, looking up at the packalpha with those eyes he learned to adore over time. Looking up at him in hope, he couldn't help but coo at you.

„Aigoo, aren't you just the cutest baby?" He said under his breath, smiling softly so that his dimples showed, letting his much bigger hand cover yours.

You squeezed his fingers slightly, letting your interwoven fingers rest next to you as Namjoon got into reading, his calming timber filling the large room.

"The two systems of thought can best be understood as separate and complementary modes of processing information.

System 1 operates automatically and quickly, without explicit attention or conscious effort or awareness. It operates on the basis of heuristics, the mental shortcuts that allow us to process and respond to the world with remarkable efficiency.

System 2, by contrast, is slow and effortful. It operates with deliberate attention, logical analysis, and conscious reasoning. Although we can voluntarily direct our attention and choose to engage System 2, in most instances, we rely on System 1.

The two systems work in tandem, but they do not work in harmony. System 1 often leads us astray because of its tendency to produce easy, quick, and emotionally pleasing responses that we accept without questioning.

System 2, by contrast, is capable of correcting the errors of System 1, but it takes time and effort to do so."

The packalpha's voice was gentle, calming your eyes as you watched Jungkook's rising and falling chest.

You rested calmly, the oldest of the three alphas settling you down even further. All of the plush and comfortable blankets and fabrics you were tucked away into felt comfortable on your skin.

You didn't understand everything Namjoon was reading to you about, but you found comfort in his presence, and while poetry was sometimes complicated with the language for you, you liked it a lot when he would read for you. And so you listened closely.

„Another key aspect of the two systems of thought is that they are influenced by different types of motivation. System 1 is motivated by the desire for immediate gratification and pleasure, whereas System 2 is motivated by the desire for accuracy and logic.

This means that our mental processes are often influenced by our goals and emotions, which can lead to biases and errors in our thinking and decision-making. It is important to be aware of these biases and to use System 2 to correct for them when possible.”

„Oppa?” You asked softly, playing with the packalpha's fingers as the man looked over to you, the book in hand that was borrowed from the library.

While the alpha owned stacks upon stacks of books, full bookcases in his room until he couldn't get any more, just stacking the stories onto themselves on the floor or any space available.

He has enjoyed going to the libraries since forever. He used to go there to study growing up, but he always loved reading, and the relationship developed as he grew older.

The man didn't get to go that often to see new stories as much as he wished he could, but whenever he could, he left with a bunch to read, even though he knew he wouldn't have enough time to read everything.

He loved visiting bookstores, especially whenever they went to different countries. Sometimes, his packmates would get angry at him for his suitcase going over the weight limit (even though he packed less to keep space for the books he would bring home! ).

„Hm?” He hummed softly, looking at you with soft eyes. He leaned closer to brush your hair behind your ear, smiling at you.

„Do you like cupcakes?" You asked almost in a whisper, your grip tightening onto his fingers.

Even when the mall trip didn't go as well as everyone hoped it might, you remember the sweet time you shared with Jimin earlier this morning when you and him baked.

The almond cupcakes with butter cream that you so carefully decorated and prepared with the sweet help of the alpha were still waiting in the fridge.

You weren't sure if any of the alphas had seen them yet or even had a bite or taste of them, but you really hoped that they would like them. They would, right?

„Of course I do, little pup, do you?” The packalpha wasn't sure where the question came from, but he watched you lovingly.

You nodded. The times when you got to have a sweet treat weren't many, but the last time you tasted a cupcake, probably in elementary school in a baking class, was a nice memory you kept.

„M-Me and Jimin-Oppa made cupcakes for every-one." You whispered softly, having Jungkook's sleepy eyes open wider, soon creasing as he smiled, his teeth showing.

Namjoon followed suit, his dimples on full display as he leaned over, leaving sweet pecks on your forehead.

„Really? Awh, babybun!” The youngest gushed, his arms wrapping you closer to his chest, having Jimin grumble lightly from his deep sleep.

The alpha slept calmly, with occasional soft snores leaving him. He felt content with you in his arms, your back right against his chest as he breathed calmly.

The third youngest made sure you were kept warm and cuddly, as during sleep his body naturally turned warmer as a natural reaction to your omega sleepy scent in close proximity for a longer time.

„That's so sweet of you, pup. Should alphas have a taste now?” The packalpha asked gently, not sure if that was what you wanted.

You nodded bashfully; you really wanted to see their reaction. Before you could say anything, Jimin woke up, lightly rising up as he blinked away his sleep.

„Hyung, you didn't tell me about making cupcakes with babybun!” Jungkook grumbled; he wanted to be the first one to cook with you. Though the eldest would surely be even more jealous,..

Jimin hummed, too sleepy to realise what he was necessarily saying, as he ruffled up his hair, looking over at the alpha, who sported a not too deeply meant frown.

To be truthful, the youngest alpha was still far too excited about the promised sweet treats to get really upset at his hyung for keeping away the exciting news, and he wasn't too upset in general either.

„Come on, bun bun, let's go!” The youngest said happily, picking you up quickly before Jimin could realise that you were suddenly out of his arms; he was already on his way.

The packalpha soon followed, chuckling at Jimin, who grumbled out a soft: What? as he watched you be carried away to the kitchen, closing the book and putting it away.

The two alphas who currently stood in the kitchen, Taehyung and Yoongi, preparing spring rolls, looked over, both smiling at seeing your still slightly dazed, ruffled-up state.

Both of the men had aprons on; the older was in charge of frying and preparing the few different fillings, while the younger helped with folding the spring rolls and making the side dishes.

„Hi kitty.” Yoongi said gently, his gummy smile on full display, as he turned back around to take out the crispy spring rolls.

They made three types, one vegetarian and the other two with meat. The first batch they prepared was already finished, with the filling consisting of cabbage, carrots, cilantro, garlic, and shallots with sesame oil and soy sauce, sugar, and a little rice vinegar and sriracha.

Taehyung was good with the folding; the rice paper never folded over itself, and he was clever in making sure to not place any of them too close to one another so when they would stick to one another.

„Babycheeks, do you want to have a taste? We are still making two more types; will you tell alphas which is your favourite?” You nodded sweetly, going over to the alpha, who smiled widely at you.

He picked up the still warm roll with chopsticks, dipping it into a sauce before he fed it to you, smiling as he saw you chew.

It was crispy but chewy, the filling delicious, and the sauce made the flavours pop even more. You nodded vigorously as you chewed, happy to have tasted something so nice.

„Is it a good kitten?” Yoongi asked gently, stirring the pan with the filling for another batch. This time it had shrimp and ground pork in it, along with fish sauce and some other things like cabbage and carrots.

„It's really tasty, oppa!” You exclaimed, your voice uplifted and happy, as you swallowed before speaking. You were very excited for dinner.

„Princess? Where did you go? ” Jimin's raspy voice from sleep mumbled, the alpha coming over to hug you close, letting his chin rest upon your head.

You hugged the alpha back, your arms wrapping around his waist. He kept you close, letting his scent go over you even more than had already happened.

„Hyung, the cupcakes!” Jungkook hoped to see them already, wanting to have a taste.

„Cupcakes?” Taehyung turned around from spooning the filling into the softening rice paper, his eyes filled with questions and a soft smile on his face. Yoongi looked over his shoulder too, but made sure to pay attention to the frying process.

"Yeah, pup and Jimin-ah made cupcakes for everyone this morning, right?” You nodded in response, agreeing with Namjoon's words. The alpha that helped you hummed softly, agreeing.

„You kept it secret, Hyung!" Tae gasped, acting as if Jimin had betrayed him. The older alpha chuckled.

„You don't have to eat them, Tae-ah." At his words, the younger gasped in offence, abandoning the now freshly folded spring roll and turning around, bewildered eyes on the older.

„Hyung!” 

„I'm just joking; don't stress yourself; you'll get white hair."

„You're older; if anyone, you'll be the one with white hair!"

As Jimin went to disagree, your soft giggles interrupted them instead, smiling at them.

„Oppa, look!” You said gently, holding a tray full of the baked cupcakes. Jungkook was already holding one as he chewed on it, and Namjoon was just taking one himself.

Before the two, playfully arguing alphas could realise what was happening, Yoongi himself walked over, praising your work. 

„They look really tasty, my kitten. Can I have one too?” He asked you gently, looking at the sprinkles and edible flowers you decorated the carefully done butter cream on top. 

„Of course oppa!” You said, the man smiling even wider at your answer, leaning over to give you a caring forehead kiss, letting his hands caress your cheeks before he took one of the corner ones too. 

„Bunny you have to bake more often, these are delicious!” Jungkook gushed, happily humming as he chewed, very pleased with the sweet treat. 

The youngest was used to keeping a strict diet in check, but he would always make an exception for you. Gosh, he would do anything if he would get to have such sweet treats everyday. 

It was fluffy, the batter rose so well, and the buttercream was airy and creamy, and overall a great mix of sweet and sour. 

„Oh wow...” Namjoon whispered, tasting the cupcake. Both Jimin and Taehyung bounded over by then, each grabbing one themselves. 

The younger hummed loudly, nodding at the taste, agreeing with everyone. 

„You're so clever babycheeks! Alpha is very proud.” He said softly, letting you set the tray onto the dining table before he hugged you close, his chin going over your head as he gently rubbed your arms. 

You smiled bashfully, not used to getting so many compliments. Just then Jin came inside, freshly showered with his hair only towel dried. 

The eldest packmember's cheeks were tinted pink and he wore comfortable clothes. He was quick to notice everyone in the room eating the sweet treat, looking for the source himself. Before he got to ask though, Jungkook already bounded over. 

„Hyung, have one too! Babybun and Jimin hyung made cupcakes, they are so good!” 

„Really? Aigoo, you're so sweet cub, making a sweet treat for everyone?” He gushed, crouching slightly before you as he pecked your forehead, Taehyung's arms still wrapped around you. 

„Oppa helped a-a l-lot...” You whispered softly, feeling bad that they were constantly complimenting you, but the alpha who helped you so much wasn't as praised. 

„No, no my princess. I only helped with the mixing, you did everything yourself!” Jimin was quick to let you know, as he smiled at you. The cupcakes were really tasty...

„Is that so? Aren't you just the most clever, little pup. Alpha is very proud of you.” The packalpha said gently, pouring himself a cup of water as he gently watched over you, leaning against the counter. 

Seokjin was quick to take one himself, and when he got the first bite of the sweet heaven, his eyes widened, quickly finishing the cupcake in a few bites. 

„Peaches it's really tasty! Let's bake more often baby, did you have fun?” At your smiley nod, he gently combed through your hair, already planning the different cakes and treats he would make with you. 

The alphas had you take a seat at the dining table, talking to you as they prepared all of the cutlery and plates, glasses and various dishes. 

„...Of course you can come with us little kitten, we wouldn't mind. You'll just have to make sure to stick close, okay?” You said an okay, looking forward to when they would take you to their group photoshoot tomorrow. 

The packalpha knew that it would require them being very careful, considering you would most likely be entering a slightly busy workspace, but they would always be close by to make sure you were okay. 

You would get a VIP pass, and would stick close, and surely you would be okay. Maybe, if you would feel like it, they could take a group photo with you too... 

When they would make an announcement, it might come in handy, to have a truly well photographed group picture with the whole pack to post online. 

They haven't really talked about when the news would be released to the public, they would have to discuss it with their managers too and set on a precise date.

Namjoon wasn't truly keen on making a structured, email-like message that would come from HYBE directly to the ARMY. Maybe mentioning it in a podcast or a radio show would be smarter and less in everyone's face.

Even when they hoped with every fibre of their being, there were bound to be people disagreeing with this, and so they needed to be careful with the backlash, especially the one purely directed at you.

He could only imagine how stressful this would be for you, and so as a well-structured pack, they knew it would be best for you to have as much time as needed.

They had to figure out more things beforehand anyway; for example, the den was important for everyone, and it would be sweet and precious to have a nice and calm Christmas and New Year too.

The pack has already planned a few upcoming trips and events with you; some they have discussed more, some left only in the back of their minds as an idea to share in the future.

And Jin had a small idea like this at the back of his head for a little while by now, and so, today while you were away at the mall and in the morning with Jimin, the oldest alpha found a little gap in his busy schedule for it.

He had voice training and dance practices pretty much the entire day and got home earlier this afternoon, but before then, he took a short trip to a few clothing boutiques, hoping to find something he was looking for.

The alpha was planning to buy you a swimsuit, but since he wasn't sure of your exact measurements, after a short discussion with the store assistant, he left the few luxury stores with different sizes and styles, hoping at least one of these would be comfortable enough for you to wear with no worries.

Jin didn't know what colours or patterns you would go for; heck, he didn't even know if you would like to go swimming with them. But surely, since you wanted to go to Hawaii to see the sea turtles, you wouldn't mind the water?

And so, the alpha was left with many decisions to face, but in the end, he chose enough of everything so he hoped to get it all covered.

He could imagine you being way too frightened to try swimwear on in the try-on rooms, and so his best bet was to save the receipts and return any that you wouldn't like and wouldn't fit right.

As you all took a seat at the table, a freshly purchased peach juice they knew you liked and wouldn't upset your tummy in a tall glass before you, all of the pack members dug in.

You had a few neatly placed spring rolls on your plate, along with some side dishes like kim-chi or the sweet radish Namjoon plated for you.

„It's really nice, oppa!” You gasped, having the second oldest who sat next to you show a gummy smile, the man saying a soft thank you.

Truth be told, Yoongi was on his knees for you.

„...And what about the Harry Potter series?” You shook your head at Jimin's question, the man's eyes widening.

„We have to watch it, princess! I think you would love it!” He gasped, and Jungkook and Hoseok, who'd come over to the table as soon as the dinner was served, nodded at his thought.

„How about we watch one of the movies tonight, Sunny Bub?" He asked you gently, taking another fried roll into his chopsticks before he placed it on your table, noticing that you only had about two left.

You nodded happily, smiling widely with your eyes creasing slightly.

„Okay...” You said softly, looking forward to the movie. The dinner continued, with everyone enjoying the well-prepared meal.

„Cub?” You looked up from drinking, your eyes meeting Jin's gaze for a little second before you set the glass down, the alpha's sweet eyes watching over you. You hummed in question, listening.

„Would you like to go swimming with alphas tomorrow? We don't have to if you don't want to,-" though, the older man was interrupted by your vigorous nodding and excited gaze.

You didn't swim in years; honestly, you weren't too good at it, but there was always something about it that seemed so fun and calming to you, unless you weren't in too much of a deep water, of course.

"B-But, oppa, I don't have a swi-msuit..." You mumbled, only now remembering.

„It's okay, baby, I went to look for some this morning. Would you like to see them?” You gasped quietly before you nodded happily, sliding off of your chair before you hurried over to the oldest alpha.

Jin took your hand in his, and the other pack members smiled sweetly at your excitement as they started to clean up the table, happy that your mood had lifted even after the terrible afternoon.

„Are we going swimming in the morning then?” Taehyung asked. They would have to leave by ten in the morning at the latest to go for the photoshoot, and they would most likely come back home late in the evening.

„I think so, yeah..." Namjoon said patiently, loading the dishwasher with the others.

„I'm not going to swim in the ice cold morning hell no-” Yoongi went to grumble. Why would he go swimming when he could be sleeping?

„But Hyung, have you seen Sunny's face? She is so excited!” Hoseok gasped, looking at the older man in disbelief. That would break your heart!

Yoongi sighed, closing his eyes for a little while. Sometimes, he would have to sacrifice his sleep for something—or rather, someone—more important.

„...fine.” 

The alpha grumbled, shaking his head as he left to go to his room and shower, already expecting them to rest once again together. You would probably fall asleep during the movie, as he could imagine.

Truly, he loved to rest and nap with you on any occasion. You were naturally sleepy and cuddly, and so the alpha that was able to fall asleep anywhere loved to keep you company while you rested.

Yoongi has truly gone soft for an omega—something he didn't think could ever happen to him.

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Next:

[hlvrvi]

A Helpful Blog Guide

(By yours truly, the Narrator)

If this seems familiar to you, you probably know about HLVRV. In fact, I was inspired by those daring Admins- I have found my own six candidates to help heal.

Consequently, there are no admins here. I am your main operator, narrator, and host. You may call me the Narrator. My signature color is yellow.

These candidates will be listed in order of how much help is needed, from least to most.

Protagonist No. 1

Nickname: Madden

Classification: The Immortal

AU title: HLVR17776 (Half-Life VR but it's 17776)

Name: Gordon M. Freeman

Signature color: Orange

Found predicament: In a strange universe where nobody dies, ages, or gets injured anymore, a job at Black Mesa would be considered a source of entertainment more than anything. Coincidentally, this version of Black Mesa also exists on the Moon, and defeating the big boss has knocked the whole Science Team into deep space. Though Madden here is kind of a control group, too much time alone will drive all of them insane. Definitely not the most pressing one.

Protagonist No. 2

Nickname: Ozzy

Classification: The Artist

AU Title: HLVRSI (Half-Life VR but the Self-Insert is Self Aware)

Name: Oswald Freeman

Signature color: Cyan

Found predicament: In this universe, on the day of the test, Gordon Freeman got sick, leading his niece to commit identity theft and sneak in on his behalf. Objectively, the ending turned out better than it originally was planned to- Ozzy got along quite well with all of the Science Team, even Benrey, but therein lies the rub- they're all trapped on Xen by G-man, who refuses to let them go until Benrey is defeated. Similar situation to Madden. Not the most pressing either.

Protagonist No. 3

Nickname: Game

Classification: The Objective

AU title: HLVROS (Half-Life VR but the Object Shows are Self Aware)

Name: Controlly Freeman

Signature color: Green

Found predicament: Intersecting universe between the Half-Life and Object Show multiverses. Controlly here is a mix of the original Controlly and Gordon; everyone in this universe is similar. Given that Controlly is much worse at anger management that canon Gordon was, and Gold Ingot is more annoying... things don't bode well. Currently stuck in a rut where he doesn't know why Gold Ingot hates him, and is stuck on Xen until he can beat him. Last of the least pressing protagonists.

Protagonist No. 4

Nickname: Hal

Classification: The Rogue

AU title: HLVR-AISwap (Half-Life VR but the AI Role is Swapped)

Name: Gordon Freeman

Signature color: Dark blue (there is no dark blue on Tumblr, sorry.)

Found predicament: This universe is also a sort of swapped one, though it's quite different from the previous Swap's. Here, Gordon is the only self-aware AI, and Benrey, Bubby, Coomer, Darnold, and Tommy are all players. Gordon doesn't believe he's being perceived as real, given that Benrey is trying to deny feelings for him, and Bubby never takes things seriously, so he is currently trapping everyone in the game and trying to force them to see him as real. Less urgent than the last two in the fact that he can't die, but he definitely needs help.

Protagonist No. 5

Nickname: Joshie

Classification: The Searcher

AU title: HLVRTL (Half-Life VR but the Time Loop is Self Aware)

Name: Joshua Freeman

Signature color: Purple

Found predicament: A complicated universe, set in a timeloop state. Gordon has run through Black Mesa a multitude of times, and in the same timeline that Benrey decides to lash back at Gordon and make him watch as Benrey destroys the timeline, Joshua decides to follow his father into the facility, worried at his tired state. Joshua went through most of Black Mesa running and hiding, only meeting the Science Team halfway, and now he faces his father being used as a puppet by a vengeful AI. Definitely going to need help with this one.

Protagonist No. 6

Nickname: Markiman, Freeman

Classification: The Ego

AU title: HLVRYT (Half-Life VR but the YouTubers are Self Aware)

Name: Mark I. Freeman

Signature color: Red

Found predicament: Universe where Markiplier made HLVRAI instead of Wayneradiotv. Interconnected with the Markiplier egos, where Darkiplier finds Freeman and decides he's worth trying to recruit to his cause. Unfortunately, that means he has been trying to do that by any means possible, and Mark is loyal to his team. Darkiplier takes control of G-man and replaces him, removes the Science Team, even Benrey, and makes G-man the final boss. Before he was grabbed, Mark was just about to give in, due to lost hope and being completely unable to beat G-man and Darkiplier on his own. Either do last or first. Urgent.

[female-hercules]

I posted 42 times in 2022

That's 42 more posts than 2021!

27 posts created (64%)

15 posts reblogged (36%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@justanisabelakinnie

@dolores-and-luisa-stan

@miracles-and-butterflies

@forevertheanimekid

@dragoneyes618

I tagged 35 of my posts in 2022

Only 17% of my posts had no tags

#encanto - 33 posts

#isabela madrigal - 15 posts

#luisa madrigal - 14 posts

#encantober - 14 posts

#mirabel madrigal - 13 posts

#dolores madrigal - 12 posts

#mariano guzman - 7 posts

#dolores x mariano - 7 posts

#dolores and mariano - 6 posts

#encanto fanfic requests - 6 posts

Longest Tag: 46 characters

#and kinda want to write some doloriano content

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Listening to Surface Pressure on repeat is fun!

That’s it! That’s the post!

11 notes - Posted October 28, 2022

#4

I’m writing a new Doloriano fanfic called, “My Heartbeat, Your Heartbeat and a New Heartbeat”, which focuses on Dolores’s first pregnancy but I can’t think of a way to open it. Any help would be appreciated ☺️

13 notes - Posted August 14, 2022

#3

A brief silence made itself apparent before the eldest again spoke up quietly. "Ahora!"

Mirabel nodded firmly. The both of them turned their attention back to Luisa, who still had her back to them.

"BEAR HUG!" they shouted at the same time, launching themselves at Luisa.

Day six: Hugs

"Hey Mira!" Isabela hissed. Mirabel turned to find her oldest sister covered head to toe in leaves and camouflaged well against one of the walls of Casita that was covered in its entirety thick moss. Without hesitation, Isabela latched onto Mirabel dragging her into her hiding spot.

"Isa, what the heck," Mirabel said, turning her head to look at her oldest sister but she was cut off before as Isabela turned her head and forced her to look in the direction of which she was discreetly pointing. At Luisa.

"Operation: attack," was all Isabela stated, definitively.

"Qué?" Mirabel spouted in confusion. She turned her head to look at Isabela again.

"Tackle Luisa into a hug, tonta!" Isabela erupted into a fit of giggles. "Come on, are you a chicken? It's now or never. It's just a little surprise. She's gonna love it!"

Mirabel opened her mouth to respond, but, before she could say anything, Isabela grabbed a tight hold of her hand and pulled both herself and Mirabel out of their moss and leaf covered hiding place. Isabela focused her attention on Luisa, watching her younger sister, waiting for the right moment for herself and Mirabel to sneak up on their sister. And that moment came in a matter of seconds.

"Okay, now," Isabela said, quietly, looking down at her youngest sister.

For a moment, Mirabel didn't seem to say much of anything. She just nodded in response and followed behind Isabela as they began to sneak up behind Luisa. Their sister currently had her back turned to them. A perfect opportunity.

Just a few feet away from Luisa, Isabela stopped Mirabel and glanced down at her again.

A brief silence made itself apparent before the eldest again spoke up quietly. "Ahora!"

Mirabel nodded firmly. The both of them turned their attention back to Luisa, who still had her back to them.

"BEAR HUG!" they shouted at the same time, launching themselves at Luisa.

Luisa whipped around to face her sisters in a split second, a laugh escaping her throat as she was tackled to the ground by Isabela and Mirabel. Her older sister and younger sister had ended up on top of Luisa, both sporting matching amused grins on their faces as they looked down at her.

See the full post

16 notes - Posted October 6, 2022

#2

Mirabel raised an eyebrow. "And you don't want to get out of bed because—"

"Dunno. I'm just tired, I guess." Luisa yawned and turned on her side. Her older sister and younger sister glanced worriedly at one another for a moment then refocused their attention on Luisa.

"You have an off day," Mirabel said, tone confused.

"Yeah, and I want to spend it in bed."

Or: a tired Luisa doesn’t want to get out of bed. Her sisters are both curious and worried as to why.

Encantober day eighteen: Tired

17 notes - Posted October 18, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Doloriano fic Masterlist!

Three Heartbeats

https://archiveofourown.org/works/37709587/chapters/94142773

Mariano’s Foolproof Plan For Getting His Future-Brothers-in-Law to Like Him

https://archiveofourown.org/works/36708553/chapters/91571200

I’m Your Girlfriend, Mariano!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/38532070

And Then There Were Five Kids

https://archiveofourown.org/works/38590833/chapters/96467538

Año-tras-Año (Year-by-Year)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/39015816/chapters/97593333

Earmuffs

https://archiveofourown.org/works/39226008

Isabela and Mirabel’s Over-the-Top Attempt at Making Dolores and Mariano’s First Date Really Romantic

https://archiveofourown.org/works/39279516/chapters/98290710

Quiet as a Mouse

https://archiveofourown.org/works/39625011/chapters/99194160

Dolores is Pregnant With Quintuplets?!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41083992/chapters/102975588

Gifts of Love and Family

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41397114/chapters/103811460

If you would like me to write you a Doloriano one shot, feel free to request one.

21 notes - Posted May 30, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[wirenail]

Wire Nail Making Machine at Best Price in India

Welcome to ASVR Machines Blogs, Are you tired of using outdated and unreliable Wire nail making machine? Do you want to take your nail manufacturing process to the next level? Look no further because we have got you covered! In this blog post, we will introduce you to the best wire nail maker machine in India that is guaranteed to upgrade your production speed and quality.

Say goodbye to manual labor and Hello to efficient automation with this game-changing technology. Keep reading for everything you need to know about upgrading your nail-making process with the best wire nail making machine in India.

Introduction to Wire Nail Making Machines:

A Wire nail making machines are an essential part of any nail-making process. They help to create uniform nails that are strong and durable. There are many different types of wire nail making machines available on the market, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs.

The first thing to consider when choosing a automatic wire nail making machine is the type of nails you want to produce. There are machines designed for both standard and decorative nails. If you plan on making a lot of decorative nails, then you will need a machine that is specifically designed for this purpose. Otherwise, a standard machine will suffice.

Once you have decided on the type of machine you need, the next step is to select the right model. There are many different models of wire nail maker machines available, so it is important to do some research before making your final decision. You should read online reviews to get an idea of which models are the best performers. You can also ask friends or family members who have experience with these types of machines for their recommendations.

Types of Wire Nail Making Machines Available in India:

If you’re looking for a wire nail making machine to upgrade your current nail-making process, there are a few different types of machines available on the market in India.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular options to help you choose the best one for your needs:

1. Automatic Wire Nail Making Machine: These machines are designed for high-volume production and can churn out large quantities of nails quickly and efficiently. If you’re looking for a machine that can handle high production demands, an automatic wire nail making machine is the way to go.

2. Semi-Automatic Wire Nail Making Machine: These machines are perfect for small to medium production runs. They’re easy to operate and require less manpower than an automatic machine, making them a cost-effective option for many businesses.

3. Manual Wire Nail Making Machine: As the name suggests, these machines are operated by hand, so they’re ideal for low-volume production or if you only need a few nails at a time. They’re also the most affordable type of wire nail making machine on the market.

4. High-Speed Nail Making Machine: These machines are designed for high-speed production, suitable for manufacturing large quantities of nails in a short period.

Benefits of Using a Wire Nail Making Machine:

When it comes to making nails, there are a few methods that you can use. You can either make them by hand, which is a very time-consuming process, or you can use a machine. If you want to upgrade your nail-making process, then you should definitely consider using a wire nail making machine.

There are many benefits of using a wire nail making machine. Firstly, it is a very fast and efficient way to make nails. With this machine, you will be able to produce a large number of nails in a short period of time. Secondly, the quality of the nails made by the machine is much better than those made by hand.

The reason for this is that the machine is able to cut the wire cleanly and evenly, which results in stronger and more durable nails. If you are looking for a Automatic high speed wire nail making machine, then you should definitely check out the machines offered by ASVR Machine Manufacturers & Suppliers.

How to Choose the Best Wire Nail Making Machine in India:

If you are in the business of making nails, then you know that having a high-quality wire nail making machine is essential to your success. There are many different models and brands of these machines on the market,

So How do you choose the best one for your needs? Here are a few tips to help you select the best wire nail maker machine in India:

1. Determine Your Nail-Making Needs:

The first step in choosing the best automatic wire nail making machine in India is to determine your specific needs. What type of nails do you need to produce? What production volume do you need? What size and shape of nails do you require? Once you have a clear idea of your requirements, it will be much easier to narrow down your choices.

2. Compare Models and Brands:

Once you know what type of machine you need, it’s time to start comparing models and brands. There are many reputable manufacturers that offer high-quality machines, so take some time to research your options. Read online reviews, compare prices, and look for any special features that might be important to your business.

3. Choose a Reputable Dealer or Distributor:

When you’re ready to purchase your wire nail making machine in India, be sure to choose a reputable dealer or distributor. This will ensure that you get a quality product and service. Ask around for recommendations, or look for online reviews of dealers before making your final decision.

Conclusion: Choose our Wire Nail Making Machine to make a Perfect Wire Nails Products:

In this conclusion, ASVR Machine Making Best Wire nail maker machine, is the leading manufacturer of Automatic High Speed Wire Nail Making Machines. We prioritize customer satisfaction and strive to provide unparalleled customer service and technical support. Our dedicated customer service team is available to address any queries or concerns, ensuring a seamless experience with our machines. We also recognize the importance of regular maintenance and offer the expertise of our experienced technicians to optimize machine performance. By choosing Delhi Wire Products, you are not only getting a high-quality wire nail making machine but also a trusted partner in your wire nail manufacturing journey. Trust us to deliver the best machines and support every step of the way. ASVR Machine is the best wire nail making machine Manufacturer in Delhi NCR at Reasonable or Affordable cost.

Contact information and How to order:

Order Automatic High Speed Wire Nail Making Machines from ASVR Machine Manufacturers, you can contact us through the following channels:

Phone no:- +91-7050008080 Mail id:- asvrmachine@gmail.com Visit our site:- https://www.asvrmachine.com/

[carl-mccarthy]

Maximize Your Energy Savings with These Solar Generator Deals

Are you tired of paying high energy bills every month? Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner planet? Look no further than solar generators! These innovative devices harness the power of the sun to generate electricity, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional power sources. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best solar generator deals available on the market today, as well as provide tips for choosing the right one for your needs. So let's dive in and maximize your energy savings with these amazing solar generator options!

What solar generators are available on the market today

Solar generators are becoming increasingly popular as people search for sustainable energy solutions. There are a wide variety of options available on the market today, each with their unique features and benefits. Portable solar generators are perfect for camping trips or outdoor events where you need to power small devices like phones, laptops, and lights. They usually have a lower capacity but can still provide enough energy to keep your essential electronics running. For larger power needs, there are heavy-duty solar generators that can produce enough electricity to run appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and even power tools. These models often come with bigger batteries and more powerful inverters that can convert DC current into AC. If you're looking for something in between these two options, then mid-range solar generators might be the way to go. They offer higher capacities than portable models but aren't as bulky as heavy-duty ones. Other factors to consider when choosing a solar generator include battery life, charging time (both from wall outlets and through solar panels), weight/portability, noise level during operation, and overall durability/weather resistance.

How to choose the right solar generator for your needs

When choosing a solar generator, it's important to consider your specific needs and requirements. Here are some factors to keep in mind: 1. Power output: Determine how much power you need by calculating the wattage of all the devices you plan on using with the generator. Make sure that the solar generator you choose can handle at least this amount. 2. Battery capacity: Consider how long you will need to use your solar generator without access to sunlight for recharging. Choose a battery capacity that will meet your needs. 3. Portability: If you plan on taking your solar generator camping or traveling, look for one that is lightweight and easy to transport. 4. Charging time: Consider how quickly the solar panels can recharge the battery of your chosen model from empty to full charge under optimal conditions 5. Manufacturer reputation & warranty - Research different brands and their reputations before making a purchase decision and check if they offer warranties or after-sale services By considering these factors, you can select a solar generator that meets both your energy needs and lifestyle preferences while still getting great deals on Solar generators for sale online!

Conclusion

Solar generators are a great way to save energy and money in the long run. With so many options available on the market today, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. However, by considering factors such as power output, battery capacity, and portability, you can find a solar generator that is perfect for you. Don't forget that purchasing during sales can also help maximize your savings. By taking advantage of these solar generator deals for sale now, you can invest in renewable energy without breaking the bank. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast looking for portable power or simply want to reduce your carbon footprint at home or work, investing in a solar generator is definitely worth considering. So go ahead and make the switch to cleaner energy today!This blog contains the following keywords solar generators for sale.

[bonaiindia]

Grader Blades: What Are They, And Why Should You Consider Getting One?

Grader blades are an integral part of industrial operations and are regularly used in farming, construction, and mining. They're designed to grade land, level materials, and move snow, dirt, sand, gravel, and debris. If you’re looking for a reliable way to manage your terrain on any project site or property, then you should definitely consider investing in a grader blade. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what grader blades are and why they might be helpful for your needs. We'll also talk about the different types available and how to choose the right one for your needs.

What are Grader Blades?

A Grader Blade is a specialized type of plow that is designed to level out rough, uneven ground. Grader Blades are often used in construction and landscaping applications, as they can quickly and easily smooth out large areas of land. There are many different types of grader blades available on the market, so it is important to do your research before purchasing one. If you are considering getting a grader blade, here are some things to keep in mind:

1.The size of the Grader Blade: Grader blades come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to choose one that is appropriate for the job you need it to do. If you are working on a large construction project, you will need a larger grader blade than someone who is just leveling their backyard.

2.The type of terrain: Different grader blades are better suited for different types of terrain. If you are working on soft, loose dirt, you will need a different blade than if you are dealing with hard packed clay or rocky soil. Be sure to choose a blade that is designed for the type of ground you will be working on.

3.Your budget: Grader blades can range in price from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget before shopping for a grader blade so that you do not overspend.

How do Grader Blades Work?

As anyone who has ever driven a car knows, the key to a good ride is in the tires. The same can be said of operating a grader blade. Just as a properly inflated tire will grip the road and provide better handling, so too will a well-maintained grader blade provide better results when grading roads.

The first thing to consider is the Width of the Grader Blade. A wider blade will cover more ground with each pass, but it may also be more difficult to control. A narrower blade may not cover as much ground, but it will be easier to operate.

Next, consider the Type of Metal Used in the construction of the grader blade. Some blades are made from softer metals that will wear down over time, while others are made from harder metals that can last for years with proper care. Harder metals are usually more expensive, but they will save you money in the long run by not needing to be replaced as often.

Finally, take into account the Weight of the Grader Blade itself. Heavier blades will require more horsepower to operate, but they will also do a better job of leveling out uneven surfaces. Lighter blades may be easier to maneuver, but they may not provide as much power for larger jobs.

The benefits of grader blades

If you are looking for a way to improve the efficiency of your grading projects, then you may want to consider investing in a grader blade. Grader Blades are designed to attach to the front of your grader and provide a more accurate and efficient way to grade surfaces. Here are some of the benefits of using a grader blade:

1. Increased accuracy - Grader blades can help you achieve a more accurate finish on your projects, as they allow you to better control the depth and angle of your cuts. This can save you time and money in the long run by avoiding the need for re-work or corrections.

2. Faster grading times - The increased accuracy of grader blades also means that you can complete your grading projects faster, as there is less need for multiple passes over the same area. This can free up time for other tasks or simply allow you to complete your project sooner.

3. Enhanced durability - Grader blades are built to last, with many models featuring replaceable cutting edges that can be swapped out as needed. This means that you won't have to worry about replacing your entire blade every time it becomes dull or damaged, which can save you money in the long run.

Grader blade maintenance

As with any other piece of equipment, it is important to keep your grader blade in good working condition. This means regularly checking the blade for wear and tear, and keeping it sharpened.

One way to check the condition of your grader blade is to look at the cutting edge. If the edge is starting to round off, or if there are nicks or gouges in the metal, it's time to have the blade professionally sharpened.

Another thing to keep an eye on is the thickness of the blade. Over time, the blade will slowly wear down and become thinner. When it gets too thin, it will no longer be able to effectively cut through material.

If you notice any problems with your grader blade, don't hesitate to take it to a professional for servicing. With proper care, your grader blade will last for many years.

Conclusion

Bonai India is a leading supplier of Grader Blades in India. Our Grader Blade is a heavy-duty, durable, and versatile tool that can be used to grade, level and scrape soil, as well as remove stones and weeds. With its ergonomic handle, it allows you to work quickly and efficiently. We provide Grader Blades in different cities, Like:

Grader Blades Supplier and Manufacturer in Jaipur

Grader Blades Supplier in Lucknow

Grader Blades Manufacturer in Noida

Grader Blades Supplier and Manufacturer in Delhi

Grader Blades Supplier in Jammu

Grader Blades Manufacturer in Patna

Grader Blades Supplier in Kolkata

Grader Blades Supplier and Manufacturer in Guwahati

Grader Blades Supplier and Manufacturer in Mumbai

Grader Blades Supplier in Hyderabad

Grader Blades Manufacturer in Bangalore

Grader Blades Supplier in Chennai

[atreyadigital]

8 Unexpected Benefits of Hiring A BPO Service Provider Company in Bhubaneswar | Atreya Associates

Do you feel like your business lacks the resources to thrive and develop? Or are you unable to spend enough to manage your core competencies because other divisions demand your valuable time? If so, BPO is the perfect solution for you to handle everything so that you can focus on what’s vital and take your organization to the next level! Not only you find personnel well-invested and dedicated to making your business a success, but you will receive many unexpected benefits which we will discuss in this blog! Keep reading to know why hiring a BPO service provider is the best for your business! 

 Let's Understand BPO First

BPO is an acronym for Business Process Outsourcing which is a system that a company chooses by hiring another company to take care of supplemental business functions, rather than core business functions. As the companies evolve with time and new services are constantly introduced to the market, demand for BPO has risen 10-folds. From the smallest of startups to the largest Fortune 500 companies, businesses of all shapes and sizes outsource processes to help them get ahead of the competition.

So, what kind of services are included in BPO? 

Many! There are hundreds of services that encompass BPO and service providers customize their solutions according to the needs of the company. Services can either be technical or non-technical. For Atreya Associates, a renowned BPO Service Provider Company in Bhubaneswar, our services include: 

· Inbound/Outbound/Blended Calling 

· IVR Services 

· Voice Blast 

· Back Office Support 

· Telemarketing 

BPO helps businesses save money and grow their business by relieving them of the heavy burden of daily tasks that can consume a lot of their time. Given that, they also above the following advantages: 

Unexpected Benefits of BPO

Hiring a BPO company is simply rewarding by itself. These companies are meant to help your business grow, develop and reach a wider audience through various channels of reach and engagement, as well as provide operational support. With BPO, you can: 

1. Focus On Core Business Objectives 

With BPO, you will have more time to focus on what matters the most for your organization by distributing certain aspects of your business to the right talents. So no longer running and wondering if the accountant did their job or the bookkeeper logged in right because the outsourcing agency will do that for you. 

2. Financial Saviour 

Nobody stresses this enough but outsourcing can be such a savior of your business budget! As well as getting the job done more efficiently, third parties save you money by charging a fraction of what it would cost you to complete the same task yourself, and because they specialize in this, you can trust them to be successful!

3. Hire, Fire…No HR Tasks to Tire!

HR tasks can be truly humungous! There is payroll, hiring, managing, follow-ups, and so much more! If you are focused on this part, you will definitely not have enough to look after other vital areas.  But as a result of outsourcing, you will have more time to concentrate on areas that are essential to the success of your company.

4.Flexibility Upgraded 

With the help of outsourcing, companies can manage risk faster and more efficiently by adding new products and services to their customer base. They can also adjust their internal resources to cover more critical functions.

5.Increased Sales 

With a BPO company, your revenue is set to increase many folds because you’ll be bringing in more leads, helping more customers, setting and resolving appointments, and maintaining a constant communication channel with your client that will allow you to grow your business and in turn, increase your sales. 

6.Build Employee Satisfaction 

Let’s hear it, we all have done work we were not hired for at some point in our lives! And dare we say, many employees leave companies because they are overburdened and underpaid? By outsourcing certain tasks, your employees will do what they are hired for and they will absolutely report higher satisfaction. This will build greater loyalty to the company and they will be a part of your organization for a long time, helping you grow your business!

6.Kick-Out the Competition 

This is a competitive business world where everyone wants to be on the top. It becomes important to have an arsenal that sets your company apart from others in the market and gives you that steeled edge to take over the race. With a BPO agency by your side, you can soar ahead of your competitors in no time!

7.Expand a Global Presence 

Finally, go global! Outsourcing services are often multilingual, 24/7 so your international clientele is taken care of by the BPO agency. 

Now that we have learned 8 of the many advantages of a BPO agency, you can understand how important they have become for businesses. Finding the right outsourcing partner will allow you to improve all corners of your organization while concentrating on the operations that demand most of the most attention. If you need any further help regarding any BPO services, you can contact Atreya Associates to get quick, tangible, and visible results!

Reach out to us today to kickstart your outsourcing tasks. Visit us at https://atreyaassociates.com/ to see our apt, adept, and competent BPO Services. If you liked our blog, then don’t forget to like and share. You can further mail us at info@atreyaassociates.com or contact us at +91 7328017573.

[phoenotopia]

The Last Phoenotopia Blog Update

(Date 2021 MAR 01)

I debated how to open this blog post, but perhaps the main crux of this blog post is the best place to start. The blog is being retired.

The purpose of this blog was to be a "development" blog for Phoenotopia, and well, Phoenotopia's development is done. I'll still be doing bug fixes and maintenance on the PC and Switch versions, and playstation and xbox ports are underway (by a publisher). But I'm not going to be making any more major changes to the game. At some point, you put the paintbrush down and say it's done. Blemishes and all.

Recent Events

The game launched on Steam last month, and like any launch, it was hectic. Bugs Galore. This is our first commercial PC launch, so it was a real baptism by fire. Unlike Switch's one configuration, the PC has multiple configurations and factors to account for. The game needed to be able to handle multiple control schemes, screen resolutions, refresh rates, and more! I had a 60Hz monitor going into launch and didn't know anything about Hz (I do now). There was a troublesome stutter that some players were sensitive to that my whole team didn't notice since our eyes compensated it away. There were a few times where in fixing something at one party's behest, it introduced problems for another party. A few times, due to disorganization, I unwittingly rolled back a fix that was meant to be applied. For some, the game couldn't play at all (really glad Steam allows refunds).

It was messy. It was tiring. I.AM.BEAT.

I think the worst of it is over... I'll still be around to do the last updates and bug fixes, but I'm ultimately ready for what's next.

SO what is next?

What isn't next... is Phoenotopia 2. As you may have heard down the grapevine, the game couldn't be what you call successful. No one's earned even minimum wage on it.

Maybe there's hope in the game's long tail. A year or two down the line... maybe. I won't hold my breath though. At some point in the past few months, I finished processing (or grieving) and it's time to move on.

The game has at least earned enough for us to continue our modest operations. As long as we don't expand the team, and we don't take another monster six-year dev cycle like what Phoenotopia took, we can continue. We'll have to be smarter and faster. Perhaps the most valuable thing we gained from all this is experience.

The Experience

It is a dev blog. Here are some of the lessons I've accumulated from this game's development.

- Have a good menu design. Menus aren't just that in-between fluff before you get to the good stuff. Menus are KEY. Your menus need to be robust, expandable, and *understandable* (to you, the developer). Because once the game's out, you will invariably be asked to add more options. And if your menu design is bad, every time you have to add a new menu option, it becomes a whole new pain all over again. Support mouse from the get-go, etc.

- Focus on features that people will actually care about. For instance, I've never seen anyone praise the camera's zoom feature. In practice, people try that feature a few times and then never use it again. But that feature was a constant consideration factor for every level. Run through it multiple times to make sure the level didn't break, think about which zoom levels made sense, resize rooms because they worked at one zoom level but not the other, and so on.

- Don't do boxes that you can move around. Other 2D platformers avoid movable boxes because they're a huge headache to program and they really complicate the game space. Enemies need to respond to boxes you throw in their path and either navigate around or attack it. When you're moving the box, you have to worry about constantly changing your collision size and reconciling when the box gets snagged on the environment. The boxes were also a constant source of bugs because people can manipulate them to soft-lock themselves and more.

- More focused script. Phoenotopia's 100,000+ word script was panned more for being bloated than it was praised for being lengthy. Long scripts take a long time to write and make the game more unwieldy, increasing the costs of translation and upkeep. Every update we're addressing some textual error or mistranslation. There are some highly renowned games (e.g. Hyper Light Drifter) that do without a script at all!

- Be flashy! A bat and a lightsaber take the same amount of work to program, but the lightsaber will draw a lot more attention and interest.

- Slopes, surprisingly! Six years ago when I started, Unity was ill-equipped for 2D games. If you used the physics that Unity provided you'd have a really floaty character that wouldn't adhere to the slope when going downhill. There were a hundred different tutorials saying different things (use forces, use move position, use translation, etc). You can get rectangular collisions done in a day, but to do slopes took weeks. Meanwhile, games can actually get by fine without slopes. Most people won't even notice. Did you know the Phoenotopia flash game didn't have slopes? Neither does Hollow Knight or Rogue Legacy. You can save yourself a lot of work by avoiding slopes.

(big entities look weird on slopes. Bad slope!)

I could write enough little knowledge nuggets like this to fill a book! But I'd rather just make the next game. 

So… what IS next?

As mentioned previously, it's not Phoenotopia 2. Pirate and I are mostly just tossing some ideas back and forth right now. We'll go silent for a year (or two). Our next game's scope will be more modest in some ways, more ambitious in others. It will definitely be more smartly designed. (There will be a map!)

We'll announce it when it's ready for the public. It might be necessary for us to do a kickstarter. I've tried to avoid kickstarters having been burnt on quite a few myself and also because I worry that mismanaging a kickstarter would earn the ire of backers.

But I did keep this blog regularly updated for six years. So I've gained some confidence in my abilities to at least manage a kickstarter well.

Is it really the last Phoenotopia Blog update though?

Okay, not really. There is some news that I'll need to announce, and this blog is one of the game's main outreach channels. Here are the events that will cause me to update the blog:

Announcing the launch of the xbox/playstation ports when they're ready

If a physical edition of the game happens

If a new language is getting introduced into the game (Korean is a high possibility)

When we're ready to talk about our next game

If (BIG IF) we begin development on a Phoenotopia sequel. I do want to do a sequel one day if we have the means and the demand is there. 

Those updates will be more on a "when they happen" basis, rather than me reporting in every couple months.

Fan Art

As always, I'm very happy to see fanart of Phoenotopia. Major thanks again to Pimez for collecting all the artwork from the corners of the internet! Since this is the "last" blogpost, Sir Pimez can finally take a rest from collecting the fanart :P

ÆV made a series of pictures that tell a story. A Pooki is humanely sheared of its wool to create a hat. The Pooki is unharmed. Nice! Gotta love Gail’s expressions.

Amagoo Mazeru makes a stunning landscape shot of a full moon and shooting stars. It’s a sharp and clear vector art. I like the faint glow of the moon and the fire and the subtle gradient in the night sky. Very skillfully done!

Hah hah. I got a chuckle out of this one. I imagine this is how Gail's enemies see her by the end of the game. CaESar made this image based on TerminalMontage's famous youtube videos. Nailed it!

CrownStar drew two pictures of Gail. I'm a big player of JRPGs, so the first shot instantly reminded me of Persona 4's art style. (Hmmm... Phoeonotopia as a JRPG... there’s potential there...) Next, Birdy is shown carried off after her defeat. I really like Birdy's expression here - she just seems mildly uncomfortable.

There's a bit of a story behind the first image. As Firanka shares it, she wasn't able to defeat the Big Eye monster at the end of the flash game, so she believed a tall tale that what awaited after was a 6 armed Kobold boss. Hilarious! The second is a rendition of the lonely Anuri elder. A rare subject. The loneliness is portrayed well here. I feel lonely just looking at it!

Koo_chop draws the clash between Gail and Katash at the top of the towers. I really like this interpretation of the game's art style. It’s faithful to the in-game graphics. And the lighting, from the glow of Gail's bat, to Katash's sword, and the lightning in the background... Amazing!

Lime Hazard shows Gail with a salute pose. Very appropriate for this occasion. I also like how there's a slight tilt in the angle that Gail is portrayed. Those dynamic angles are always hard to get right, and Lime Hazard pulled it off very skillfully. See you next mission!

Lyoung0J with a digital painting of Gail posed sitting on a rock. I like how it almost seems like she was caught in a candid moment - she’s smiling, but also feeling self-conscious. Cute! The art style really pops, and I like how Gail is sporting what I call the old anime style nose. 

MyUesrNameIsSh*t with a sketch of Gail performing a skillful slingshot. I like how Gail is depicted with her tongue out in a mischievous manner, the way all mischievous people with slingshots do.

Niitsu Kentaro returns with a 2021 Happy New Year picture. That happened didn't it? A New Year... Gail's pose gave me a chuckle with how she seems to be waving the bat around as casually as one would wave hello. And "Phoenotopiyear"... Well said! One day we'll have our Phoenotopiyear...

Ochan Nu breaks all records with a stunning NINE pictures in one session :O

There's so many goodies here. My favorite would be the one with Gail staring intently at the screen - it's like she's looking directly at you. You almost feel uncomfortable.

Next, there's an Animal Crossing villager dressed as Gail and sporting her pink hair. It even looks like a house Gail would live in. Gail is a connoisseur of the arts and likes Mona Lisa. Yes :)

There are various comics of Gail pointing out Gail's weird food habits. A picture of Fran looking really cool, and even Gail rocking a bathing suit. (bathing suit image linked here in case NSFW). Wow!

Pimez didn't just collect the arts, he creates them as well! This one, which he aptly named 'The Year 175' is a depiction of when the dragons invaded the towers as told by an elderly Daean woman. Great pixeling skills! I got a good chuckle from the ice dragon leaving with its stuff slung over its shoulder.

Quo made a stunning picture of Gail playing the flute surrounded by the 5 musical notes and the Phoenix logo behind her. The theme seems to be "fire" and it works really well. Gail herself looks awesome depicted in her red suit - it's like she's leading a marching band!

Rai Asuha depicts Gail in the late game with her red suit, and night star bat, and holding a lamp. She looks ready for adventure! I really like the white outline here and Gail's poofy shoulders here - the art style feels reminiscent of Final Fantasy Tactics.

Seri also draws Gail bearing her late game equipment. Unique to Seri's drawing is how all of Gail's equipment is accessible from a pocket on her shirt. I also like how Gail is depicted with her lucky earrings - that accessory is often forgotten.

Treedude depicts Gail with a bat and wearing a funny smirk. She looks like she's ready to hurt someone!

Warotar returns with everyone's favorite Great Drake, Bubbles! It seems so happy to be featured!

I'm really grateful for all the fanart this game has received. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Closing Notes

Pirate drew a picture to mark the occasion. It shows Gail enjoying a hot chocolate with marshmallows and a pumpkin muffin. A rest well-earned...

Goodbye! Until next time!

[naomibeetee]

The Story So Far

Well, where to begin?

No, not in a hobbit hole. And definitely not with “once upon a time.”

A name, maybe?

My name is Naomi Tiessen. I am a writer, a daydreamer, and am a little too awkward for my own good. My main goals in life include turning my brainstorms into books, convincing my husband that owning one cat isn’t enough, and being able to order takeout without having to rehearse my lines beforehand.

I love cats, candy, and creativity. If you talk to me about any of these, be prepared for an instant friendship.

Just kidding. But not really.

And writing? I live for it. It is everything I think about, which can get pretty risky when I’m at work in the Operating Room. Yikes.

I’d talk your ear off about it if I could, which I’m sure you’d find charming and adorable…at first.

Those books I’m brainstorming, I want to share them. No, not just with friends and family and beta readers. As terrifying and panic-attack inducing as it is, I want to share my love of writing with the world. And I’m close! So close I can nearly taste it. And I must say: it tastes good…and expensive.

My current work in progress, a young adult LGBTQ+ love story, His Blue Eyes, is in the early stages of developmental edits. A small step, maybe, considering the grand scheme of publishing — but holy smokes, was it a huge leap for me! I started writing His Blue Eyes back in 2014. It is absolutely mind boggling to think of how far my book baby has come (and trust me, a lot of wine and tears were involved).

In a nutshell:

1. I outlined, outlined, and outlined.

2. I started writing officially in 2014. It was life changing.

3. I managed to write a solid chunk of it until 2016, when my husband and I uprooted our tiny family and moved two hours north. I thought my life was over.

4. I was a little too emotional-y to write much, but the pause made me realize something….my WIP was not great (and that is putting it nicely).

5. I cried. A lot.

6. I drank. A bit.

7. I re-wrote my entire outline. No page was left unscathed. So. Much. Red. Ink.

8. I finished my first (and sorta second?) draft of His Blue Eyes in 2017. Huzzah!

9. I let the manuscript rest, and thennnn tore it to shreds.

10. Another year and rewrite later, and I was onto my third draft.

(Note the smile — still happy, still hopeful. Those eyes, however, are tired).

11. More edits. More outlining. Some beta readers sprinkled in here and there. That was a little scary.

12. 2019 rolls around, and frankly, I’ve lost track of how many drafts I’ve gone through.

(That’s my “this stopped being fun a while ago” face. Needless to say, I also stopped taking pictures)

13. Life caught up to me at this point in time. I had to put my book baby on the back burner so I could focus on adulting…like mild career changes, and buying houses. Yay for responsibilities! I also got into running for a brief, crazy chunk of time. That was fun…and painful.

14. The year is 2021…we made it…sorta. I mean, give me credit — I got the ball rolling again for His Blue Eyes, at least. I sent it to be evaluated, where it got a handful of goods and a solid chunk of bads. On the plus side, I’ll have you know that I only cried once about it.

15. Annnnnnd more editing. I wish I could say the changes were minor. They were not.

16. I did research, found an editor, and shipped off my book baby to be devoured by someone else for a change. Godspeed, book baby, Godspeed.

And now you’re caught up! Ok, so maybe that nutshell is like the size of a coconut, but in a way, I feel like no time has passed since the time I sat at my kitchen table and wrote the first lines of His Blue Eyes. I was just a sad, scared little girl then. I’m significantly less sad now, but still scared. All about those baby steps, right?

So where do we go from here? That’s a story for another time.

But I want to share it with you.

Hence….this blog. Are you shocked?

If you follow my Awkwardly Writing blog, you’ll get the ins and outs of my writing adventures — the goods, the bads, the greats. I’ll post bits and pieces of my writing world with you. My tips, my inspiration, my mistakes could alllll be yours if you wish it!

Tempting, isn’t it?

Also, it’s only a matter of time before I seduce you with my awkwardness. You’ve been warned.

Keep an eyeball out for Writerly Wednesday posts — that’s where you’ll find me. 🤍

Until then,

May your inspiration never cease, and may your ink never smudge.

~ Naomi.bee.tee

[fairybinie]

the lowest its been that i recall was 14* last night at like 3 . . cold but i am used 2 it lmao

& thanku !!! im very very close to bending my knee to 90* and i have a little over two months to get to 120* before my next operation :] my relationship is going v good !!! n rey is oke :3 still just as large and rude , she shoved her way into alonzo's seat when he was literally in it like . bestie u r huge pls spare the child ㅠㅠ i will scream ab aidan to u literally daily if u want , i have a lot of simping to get out bc my mom is tired of hearing it lmfao

i have an essay due for health (why do i have to write an essay for health?????) and i am also bullshitting it so #theyboss me too !!! tmrw off yessss amazing get that break bitch 😩🤌 also same literally wtf?? i am scared to drive but i have 2 sjdjgjd >_> i will b honest i dont know who those ppl are but i will find them for u bby 😩 and a birb is a bird but with a B bc dyslexia (it was not intentional but it works lmfao)

++ also i am not deactivating my main !!! i meant i'm deactivating my old writing blog sjdgjjd

OH WHAT that's so cold omg?? where on the earth do you live if i may Ask .. pls the coldest it got here was like 45 ?? i like the cold i definitely prefer it over the hot weather so :p

ahh well i wish you luck! you'll be good as new eventually ;) curious ,, do you go through like some rehab? i've never had injuries like that before #Blessed but i hear that's what people tend to do to help them recover sooner? BYEE omg i love rey . and GO AHEAD !! i'd love to hear and i'm sure you're mom isn't tired of it <//3 but i'll never get tired of you bestie <3 ;)

ugh i Remember taking health honestly it wasn't bad but i just found it pointless lmao but an esSAY? bye what's it even on .. but yea if it's health then i'm sure you can bullshit through it just be like Yasss health is Very Important smoking Bad vitamin c Good or wtvr LMFAO and me too </3 but hey if i start now at least by the time i get to college i'll be good .. have you started yet? HELP ITS OKAY but i appreciate the effort ;) i will still take The soobin and the hyuka <33 PLSAJHEH hey i think birb is much sexier the dictionary should change the word IMMEDIATELY .

[childotkw]

Hi Jordan!

I loove your fics and I've been following you since a long time! Recently, I've started writing tomarry on ao3 but I've noticed readers don't interact much. Is it because it's a new WIP? I have taken to writing since I've got this muse that won't shut up but it would be nice if readers did comment. Should I post more and wait? Can you please guide me?

Hi, darling!

Reader interaction is a bit of a nebulous space in fanfiction. There is, of course, the idea that with fanfiction, you should write for yourself as much as you write for an audience - and that is something I do believe in. But getting feedback is fun, and incredibly rewarding when it happens, so I do genuinely understand the desire to get that too. And there’s nothing wrong with content creators wanting that validation.

Unfortunately, we tend to live in a world were a lot of readers do just consume and move on to the next piece of entertainment. I understand that struggle too. It can be pretty demoralising when something you put a lot of effort and thought into doesn’t get the reception you want.

Now, I can’t give specifics for your situation since I don’t know much - but I will say that newness is almost definitely a factor. Gaining an audience and loyalty from readers is an uphill battle, and it does take time to generate the type of feedback that you want. I have no doubt that once you get going and the story builds traction then you will start to collect more and more comments.

I wouldn’t say you should wait for the flood to come. If writing the work makes you happy, then I think you should update as you like. It’s almost a ‘if you build it, they will come’ sort of scenario, which is frustrating but kind of how the system operates.

Some ways that you can try and get a bit more reader interaction is to:

1) Have a platform. Whether it’s Tumblr, or Twitter, or a blog of some sort, having a space where you can interact with your followers outside of AO3 will help you to build a more personal relationship with them. It makes you seem a bit more human and approachable, and makes your readers feel more comfortable - and more likely to leave you feedback because they see you as a person, rather than some distant entity in some faraway corner of the world mindlessly producing content. Include links at the end of your chapters and encourage readers to drop by.

2) Ask outright. Sometimes having a little prompt at the bottom of your chapter asking readers what they thought of ABC in your story can be a good way to gently remind readers to leave some feedback. Even something as simple as: “Leave a comment on your way out!” or “What do you guys think will happen with XYZ?” can get some people to drop a review.

3) Be memorable / personable. This could be entirely up to you - but some authors put little fun facts or quizzes or questions in their notes to try and hook some people. It’s a cute way of drawing readers in - getting them to interact with you.

4) Do challenges. This is just a way to get exposure, but you could do a writing challenge, or a gift, or something along those lines. Those challenges tend to get a bit of traffic, so it’s a good way to get your name out and get people interested in what you’re doing.

5) Keep writing. Like I mentioned earlier on, the more you write, the more you will widen your net. If you look at it like fishing, casting a wider net will get you a bigger audience. Bigger audience = more chances of comments and reader interaction.

Sorry, I’m a bit tired at the moment 😅 and this is all I can kind of think of at the moment, but hopefully something in here can help you in some way? Just remember to keep your head up and keep working at it. You’ll get your reward!

[ryuichirou]

What are you going to do after AoT is over?

Well, we’ll most likely move to another title (we used to jump around every 2-3 months, and with SnK it’s been…woah, over a year already!) and start filling up our systems with new characters, new ships and overall new stuff. We’ll still love SnK, it’s one of our absolute favourite titles (well, unless Isayama screws up royally with the finale, then we’ll be bitter lol). And we’ll definitely come back one day to reread everything again. But for now, after the manga is over, it’ll be for the best for us to change the topic and look at something new or rewatch some other stuff we love, who knows. I’m not sure whether the anime is going to keep our interest burning since we don’t really care about the final season.

What does it mean for this blog and our SnK posting in general? Well, I already mentioned that we aren’t really fandom people. This is kind of a new thing to us: posting drawings, discussing AUs, sharing stuff. It is super fun, but it isn’t how we usually operate. If you look at my posts before the SnK craze you’ll see that I used to post like 2 pics a month or two and disappear for a while. That’s how I started things with SnK a year ago too. So yeah, we definitely won’t be posting as frequently as we do now. It’s extremely fun to post every day and it’s very interesting to discuss SnK with you guys, don’t get me wrong. But I think it’d become tiring eventually, either for you or for us.

We’ll understand if you want to leave/unfollow/etc after the SnK finale. No hard feelings here: as I mentioned, we’ll be posting something obscure once in a while and vanish without a trace, just like we used to lol We’re not really interested in gaining the audience the way artists usually do when they have the name, and it’s kinda dumb considering the facts that the only reason most people read me is because of SnK. Why should they bother with following my stuff and liking it when it’s not SnK? It’s understandable, I think the same way lol The only thing I regret is not creating a separate twitter acc for SnK, since I post stuff on my art acc.

But all of it is still a long way off: who knows when the last chapter is coming out? I have a feeling that it won’t end in 2020 like we were thinking lol

[eddiediaz-buckley]

a thank you to my fanfic readers

idk how many of my fanfic readers are here on tumblr, but I just want to say thank you. almost daily, i still get kudos for all my 9-1-1 fics and honestly i can’t believe people are still reading and enjoying them. it really means a lot to me!

eventually I will likely get back to writing for the fandom, but I haven’t had much motivation to create fandom works lately (that includes giffing as well). but thank you guys so much for your support!

gonna make this a self-promo too and link all my 9-1-1 fics below:

1.) Here, Have My Heart (and My Apartment Key)

Words: 4859 | Rating: T | Summary: We all want to know how Eddie got into Buck's apartment during the premiere. This is my imagining of how that was made possible.

2.) Operation Get Two Idiots Alone to Do Stuff

Words: 1917 | Rating: M | Summary: Hen is really tired of walking in on Buck and Eddie in the firehouse and so is everybody else, so she hatches a plan. Basically crack.

3.) Unsubtle

Words: 823 | Rating: T | Summary: Eddie did not hide checking out Buck's ass in 3x04. Hen and Chim absolutely noticed and you bet they will be teasing him for it.

4.) Don’t Be Afraid, I Want This Too

Words: 1777 | Rating: T | Summary: Hen and Chimney really just want Buck and Eddie to kiss. And it's Christmas time, so you know what that means.

5.) Things the 118 Definitely Said

Words: 2450 | Rating: T | Chapters: 8/? | Summary: A series of drabbles based on the incorrect911quotes blog on tumblr! Each chapter will be based on a different incorrect quote. Will be updated periodically and will be ongoing. Tags will be added as needed. This will probably contain a lot of crack, so be warned!

6.) Time Stands Still and It’s Only Us

Words: 1451 | Rating: T | Summary: Just some self-indulgent Buddie fluff.It was a bad day at work and Eddie is in need of comfort. Buck is more than willing to provide that to him.

7.) I get scared when scared (but what else can I do)

Words: 1918 | Rating: T | Summary: 3x08 Coda. Eddie finally talks to Buck about what's been going on after some encouragement from his abuela. Lots of tears ensue.

8.) Be Your Everything

Words: 1348 | Rating: G | Summary: Before Maddie can do anything else tonight, it's time for her weekly "have you told Eddie you loved him yet?" call with her baby bro. This week, Chimney is there to help, and boy does he end up helping.

9.) Work This Out (crossover with S.W.A.T.)

Words: 2147 | Rating: T | Chapters: 1/2 | Summary: Chris and Street are babysitting for the Buckley-Diaz's and the Han's. They both claim they're the best in-law, but who really comes out on top? Chris/Street friendship, reminiscing, and cute kids.

[mal0dramatic]

QUESTIONS FOR MUN - All of them lol

——————–QUESTIONS FOR MUN

1. Who has been your favorite muse to play? Hmm...it kind of changes depending on which mood I’m in. But there is definitely a reason Mal is my main blog. 2. Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what do you like to listen to? 

Answered here! 3. Are there any particular aus or plots that you’d really like to write?

A plot where our muses are stranded on an island together after a plane crash (sort of like on Lost) and they have to work together to survive. I would even be up for using multiple muses in the same thread!

A plot based on that show Westworld! It goes like this: Muse A is a host and muse B is a visitor in the park and falls in love with muse A, but muse A keeps getting their memory wiped so muse B gets heartbroken every time but still comes back to the park anyway and then eventually starts trying to hack the system or something to give muse A the ability to retain their memories so they can escape the park together.

A plot where both of our muses are in a cult, but one of them starts to realize the true nature of the group and tries to get the other one to break out with them and then the cult comes after them.

 4. What are some of your rp pet peeves? When people make every other word bold or italic. I know it’s an aesthetic thing, but it makes it hard to read and know where the emphasis is supposed to be. 5. What is the most difficult thing about writing your current muse? 

I write multiple muses at the same time, but I guess one thing that is difficult is that some are way more popular than others, even though I like all of them. 6. What is your favorite thing about writing your current muse?

Favorite thing about writing Mal: She’s very open and curious, and can be very nurturing, so I can easily put her in any difficult situation and she will just try to help the other muse.

Favorite thing about writing Jack: He’s very calm and understanding, and when I write him I am a lot more introspective and try to empathise with the other muse more, because that’s what he would do.

Favorite thing about writing Holly: She’s quite different from any other female muses I’ve written, she has a lot of inner conflict and her family system operates almost like a little cult, which makes writing her and her reactions to things super interesting to me.

Favorite thing about writing Rusty: He’s basically in love with drugs, while I myself don’t use any. So that’s kinda interesting to write.

Favorite thing about writing Rosie: She’s a very dynamic person, and I like that she’s a bit older than my other muses. She has experience, but it hasn’t made her bitter.

7. Who was the very first muse you ever wrote?

Answered here!

8. Have you ever written a novel? If not, does it interest you? 

No and no, I don’t have the patience haha.

9. Do you write fanfiction, or have you in the past? 

I have, when I was like...15? 16? Anyway it was terrible.

10. Do you like stylized icons and formatted text or do you prefer to keep things simple? 

I like to keep things simple. Small text and medium sized gifs/icons are fine. 

11. When did you start roleplaying? 

At 14. I’m 23 now.

12. Have you roleplayed anywhere other than tumblr? 

Yes! On a Dutch website.

13. Who are five of your favorite characters? (In the rp community or otherwise) 

Answered here!

14. What are five of your favorite ships? (In the rp community or otherwise) 

Mallory x Penny, Holly x Desi, Jack x Emerson, Rusty x Sofia, Jack x Opal, you said five but there are so many more. Oh and as for canon ships, I like Alex x Piper (OITNB), Poussey x Soso (OITNB), Agnes x Elin (Show Me Love), Adèle x Emma (Blue Is The Warmest Color), lesbians in general I just ship them.

15. What sort of muses do you tend to write? 

All kinds, really. They vary greatly in personality/motives.

16. Do you like to queue your replies or just post them when you finish?

Depends on how tired I am lmaooo.

17. Do you prefer winging it or plotting everything out? 

Depends on my mood! But I do like to plot in between writing the thread, coming up with new ideas for it and the direction the story could go in next.

18. What makes for a great roleplay partner in your opinion? 

Answered here!

19. Have you received anon hate? If so, how do you deal with it?

Surprisingly, no. Never have. If I had, I guess I just wouldn’t respond.

 20. If you could tell your muse something, what would it be?

Mallory, pour some of the love you give to animals and people into yourself. Jack, some people don’t want to be saved. Leave them be. Holly, not everyone is out to get you. Some people just want to help. Rusty, lay off the heavy drugs. Rosie, stop running from the past.

[bikeforlife]

Bike Tour Blog

I honestly can’t believe I made it from the Pacific to Atlantic.   This morning I woke up in my own bed for the first time since early February.  Oh my god it felt so good.  If a mattress maker wanted a testimonial, today would definitely be the day to get one from me.   After 45 days straight of being on a bike it feels really good to be home. 

On the first week we made from San Diego to Tucson Arizona.  This section had some significant climbs through places like Alpine CA  and  Pine Valley CA and lots of desert riding in eastern tip of California and the state of Arizona.  We camped in San Dunes CA where ATV’s are very popular and in places like desert view towers that had insane views of the Ko-Pah mountains.   We also slept in a town park in small town in Arizona called Welton.  I did snap my chain in Pine Valley but Tone was right there to help out.  It was also the first time I rode my bike on the interstate and the first time I ever had rode a bike 10 miles straight downhill from the Ko Pah Mountains to Ocatillo California. 

The next few week would take us through New Mexico and the beginning of Texas.  The highlight of this section was the climb through the Gila National Forest on our way to Emory Pass.  This section had absolutely breathtaking views and an abundance of nature.  We climbed to over 8200 feet of elevation at the peak and went through awesome towns like Silver City NM and Hillsboro, NM.  A couple days later we crossed the border into Texas at El Paso. This mammoth state would be approximately 1/3rd of the total miles we would cover.  Many parts of the Us but especially Texas  had recently experience significant weather event with snow, freezing conditions, and a failure of the local power grid.  Fortunately we got to the state about a week after the weather had passed.   

In Eastern Texas a significant portion of our miles would be on US highway 90.  This would feature some awesome small towns like Marathon and Sierra Blanca Texas. The route also had remote areas  of riding where there wouldn’t even be a gas station for 80+ miles.  I found myself having more to think and unwind than at any part of my adult life.   It was also during this stretch that we stayed at some great state parks.  Seminole Canyon State Park and Lost Maples State Park in particular stood out to me.    There is something magical about looking at the stars on a clear night without light pollution.  

Eventually we went through Austin, Texas and I got to reconnect with my friends Jason and Max. After so much time pedaling through remote areas it feels really good to see friends and be in a city.   Austin as a city has grown so much since I was there last.  I ate great food during our off day and found an amazing bike mechanic that help me resolve a derailleur issue that had been lingering since San Diego.  

We would hit a few more state parks on the eastern half of Texas and eventually crossed into Louisiana.  After being in a very dry part of Texas the swamps of Louisiana offered a very different riding experience.  For the most part the terrain was flat and the roads were in good condition.  This part of the tour was special to me because of the amazing friends we made.  During one week we stayed with Mandy in Deritter, LA and Perry in Jackson, LA.  These amazing people took us into their homes and did everything they could to be helpful and make us feel at home.  We were able to take a day off in New Orleans which was awesome.  My friend Chris and his friend Bobby came down from from Jackson Miss and we all got a chance to hang.   It was great to see Chris again after almost a decade of not seeing him.  Hopefully I’ll make it to Mississippi at some point 

The final stretch would have us riding through Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.   During this time we met even more incredible hosts.   Kellie/Mason in Bay Saint Louis and Dave/Stacy in Bagdad, Fl were both incredibly kind and generous.  Thank you for everything.  The ride took us through places like Dalphin Island, Alabama.  I never knew there were islands in Alabama . They are absolutely gorgeous.  

We stayed in a couple more awesome state parks in this stretch.   In Bainbridge Georgia we stayed in the east bank campground operated by the army core of engineers.  They gave us a site right by the water and it was a pretty magical experience.  The final section of the tour featured a massive uptick in the number of bugs in these parks.   I found that during camping were almost always under attack from mosquitoes or being visited by either argentine ants, caterpillars , or bees.  Bug spray can help but sometimes you just have to cover every single bit of skin on your body. 

During the final day push to the ocean Tone and I split up.  The original route that we were using had us going through Jacksonville to Saint Augustine Florida. He wanted to stick to the route while  I made a decision to go directly to Jacksonville which was more direct to the Atlantic Ocean.  For me the final day was filled with a range of emotions and thoughts.  Admittedly even 10 years later I still have some anxiety of my past medical condition.  As i’m riding i’m feeling a huge sense of accomplishment and simultaneous release of anxiety/stress. To be able to survive a full coast to coast tour of the United States on a bike is the kind of proof that the only limitations are the ones I place on myself.  I think about my life with Riana over the past 10 years and how fortunate we’ve been to be able to experience living in larger cities, traveling abroad, and getting to start our own business.  

I think about how grateful I am to Tony for doing this tour with me.  I’ve known him for 15 years and he’s always pushed me to do things outside my comfort zone.  From helping me get first passport stamp, to hosting great events, to now riding through the US on a bike.  Particularly on this tour he went above and beyond.  He help me with mechanical issues which i’m not particularly good at, he lead our route navigation almost every day, he found places for us to stay, and helped lead us through all kinds of unique day to day challenges.  

My tour came to a strange end.  I was on my way to stay at my friends Stephanie’s house in jacksonville when I stopped at a convenience store.  When I came out my bike and all of my gear was stolen.  This included my passport, clothes, tent, sleeping bag, paneers, bike tools, food, journal, and more.  I tried my best to look through the neighborhood and called the police but no luck in recovering any of it.  As unfortunate as this situation is, I'm grateful it happened on the final day of the tour just a couple of miles from my friends house.  I won’t let that person take away my memories and diminish the experience.   They are worth infinitely more than the material value of the bike and my belongings.  

As i’ve had a couple of days to relax before going back to work  i’ve been reflecting on the experience more.  I absolutely would recommend doing something like this to anyone I know for a few reasons.   It’s a great way to decompress.  You have time to actively think and it helps your focus significantly.  The riding is tough but manageable.  I only rode my bike on a couple training rides beforehand.  I was also asked a ton of questions from people about my experience. So I wanted to answer them one by one below.  

What did you eat?  

Being a vegan on a bike tour has its challenges.  I ate a lot of clif bars, peanut butter banana burritos, trail mix, , Fritos chips, subway Veggie Delights without cheese and Impossible burgers from Burger Kings.   Honestly a lot of days on tour it was challenging to find vegan friendly dishes.  Thankfully our hosts made some really nice home cooked vegan meals and every large city we visited had great vegan options.  

Where did you sleep?  

It was a mix of hotels, backyards , rv parks, state parks, town parks , and then random wild camping.   On nights where it was too cold to camp we opted for hotel most of the time.  

What gear did you have?    This was my packing list before the bike was stolen. 

Tools Bag

Park tool Allen key Hand pump Kevlar spoke Back up derailleur  Baby wipes Chain scrubber Degreaser Spare tube x2 3 tire lever adjustable wrench Poncho Hand warmer Head lamp

Food Bag Varies but generally 3 portable camp meals  Clif bars 

Back paneer 1

Extra water plastic jug - Nalgene Sleeping bag (40 degrees) Sleeping bag liner. (10-15 degree etc) Micro fiber Towel Waterproof socks Large winter gloves Small gloves Zip ties

Back paneer 2 Short tech shirts (red and green) Socks (long wool, short cotton Medium wool Blue t shirt

-Toiletries bag

Deodorant dr Bonner liquid and bar soap, bug spray toothbrush toothpaste back up Masks Hand sanitizer

Electronics bag Solar charger Headphone and charger Cell charger Extra water container - 3 liter emergency

Duffle Sleeping pad Wind pants Under armour Long sleeve shirts (grey , black , blue yellow winter Jacket

What was the hardest part?    I suspect every single rider will have a different answer to this .  For me there were two things that probably equally as challenging.  First and foremost there are large portions where people are not wearing masks.  It was very demoralizing to be in situations constantly where people have made a conscious decision to disregard the health of others.  Since the services were so spread out I found myself having to get food from places that have anti mask propaganda on their front door.  

Secondly this tour really taught me that I am more comfortable in cities and around people.  It was charming to spend  days riding our bikes through  farm country in remote roads but eventually it began to wear on me and I found myself crave cities.  Also in cities the percentage of people wearing masks shot up significantly.  

What was your favorite small town?  

I really enjoyed Silver City New Mexico.   It was a quirky mountain with good architecture and really nice people.  There was also a very helpful bike shop, great co-op,  nice motel, and the town was filled with cool art.    

What was the weather like?  

For the most part we had good weather.   I would say were typically 50-60’s during the day on the first half but colder at night.   We were able to avoid some of the extreme weather that hit Texas but still found ourselves that was a little too cold to camp in.    Most of the biggest issue that would we would face would be consistent headwinds.  After a first week full of tailwinds the rest of the tour would almost always deal us 10-25 mph headwinds.   

How many issues did you have with your bike?  

There are always some day to day issues but the most common were flat tires ( I think i had 5 throughout the trip), My front derailleur was a consistent issue.   The fenders on the bike were kind of a pain.   However for an old 80’s bike with an older drive train it held up pretty well.   I would recommend to anyone thinking about touring to consider customizing their bike to their own needs as opposed to buying a brand new touring bike.   There will always be maintenance.    

 How did your body hold up?   

For the most part I wasn’t in a lot of pain on this tour.   Everyone’s body is different.  I found that if I got a majority of my miles during the morning I would do much better.   However on days where we were riding until close to sun down i found myself in a lot of pain near the end of the day.   Most commonly knees, butt, lower back, quads.   Occasionally my hands would be numb on long riding days.   

How long did it take?  

45 days coast to coast.   During that period we took 3 full days off and had a number of short days (30-40 miles).    I’m told that this was a very quick trip as many folks take between 60-70 days to complete this route.  

What would you recommend to someone doing this?  

There are a million things but i’ll try to summarize here.  

If you’re touring with other people try to have honest conversations in advance about things like how many miles you want to shoot for a day.   How early in the morning do you want to start pedaling.   Where you are you comfortable staying.  What kind of timeline you’re under with work?    What food you’re comfortable sharing.   If you’re comfortable deviating off the route to save miles/time.       Ultimately the more you and your riding partners discuss this in advance the less confusion you’ll have day to day.  

With your work I would communicate to co-workers honestly how involved you want to be while away.   Some have traditional jobs that allow them to totally leave work and decompress.  In my case as an entrepreneur I found myself involved on almost daily basis with work.   For me that was comfortable but for others it might take away from their experience.   

I would also make sure that you have a good instinct for eating food even when you’re not hungry.  I had to learn this throughout the tour as my food options were limited with a vegan diet.  

I would recommend that you try to do some level of training in advance.  On my first bike tour I did almost no training and I was in pain almost right away.  On this one I did some cross training and some scheduled rides.  It made all of the difference in the world as far as my day pain levels.   

Would you do it again? 

I don’t personally know if I would do a tour of this length again.   While I enjoyed the experience and the bucket list aspect of it I found myself going through the motions on a lot of days.    I think I would enjoy much more doing a tour of a 7-14 days.   Possibly if I’m ever retired I may feel differently but the looming pressure of my career was a bit hard to get through mentally.