#but we need plastic serotonin

[the-s1lly-corner]

craving some more fluff serotonin in life, can we please have some promts of kissing/first kiss with the TADC cast? (caine will be....something lmao)

Kissing hcs w/ TADC cast

gonna format this kind of like the hugging hcs post! also reminder that requests are still closed, i am answering requests that were sent before this morning! any requests sent after are going to be deleted due to me trying to clear my inbox; please hold onto your requests until i announce requests are open again! if in doubt refer to my bio!/nm/not targeted

CAINE:

this man would not be shy about giving you affection, he would kiss you as soon as he felt it was right and you were giving him the cues and all that. he understands that teeth arent ideal for kissing so similar to kinger (who i wrote first for this post) he gently presses himself into your mouth. weird feeling but hes careful not to bite you or get too harsh, i give him a 6/10

POMNI:

very short you might have to kneel or pick her up so she can reach you if you're taller than her.. very timid and awkward, quick peck on the lips. pomni does not know what she is doing!! who let her cook! 7/10 though, pomni as a whole is soft, its kind of like kissing a marshmallow... actually she kind of tastes like one too, weird... give her some time and she'll be more confident!

RAGATHA:

soft but not as soft as pomni, instead of kissing a marshmallow its like kissing one of your dolls... i think it depends on what kind of material ragatha would be made out of... assuming the digital world gives her textures and give and all that.. hmm...her mouth is odd, i personally hc that its just. 2D. like pomni has a proper mouth, you can see the depth of it. but ragathas mouth is like, stop motion... 7/10 simply because she probably holds you close and her hugs are amazing so it just adds to the experience

JAX:

similar to caine, i think! we never see jax actually.. open his mouth, its just teeth. personally i think thats just how his mouth is, he cant open his teeth. so... teeth kisses... though caine can actually open his mouth, jax just has. the wall of teeth... odd... kiss the teeth wall i promise he brushes his teeth/j i give him a 6/10, i think its something you have to get used to

KINGER:

i said it a few times but kinger would need to hype himself up before kissing you for the first time. or alternatively, if a tense moment just happened where say.. one of you guys almost got hurt (or as hurt as you can get in the digital world,) he would probably kiss you me thinks... no mouth how will he give kiss kiss :(? gently presses where his mouth would be to yours. hard and cold, 5/10 but he still tries to be gentle so its not like hes clacking himself against your teeth

ZOOBLE:

similar to kinger but also not because of how zoobles head is shaped... maybe you guys can assume the space between their eyes is where their mouth would hypothetically be. its like putting your mouth against those plastic foods.. cold, their head feels hollow like some of the plastic food toys.. not noticeable unless you press hard against them.. 4.5/10

GANGLE:

you see this one i can work with since i have already written characters with masks getting kisses! just kiss where her mouth is and you're golden! sure the mask is also her face and shes like ragatha in regard to the 2d mouth thing... but hey its better than zooble, i think! similar scoring, i think, 7/10 also i think she would put her hands on your cheeks while you two kiss

[butterflyintochains]

Starset Bridges I'm Very Normal About

This band owns me, I swear to God.

Transmissions

My Demons

Take me over the walls below. Fly forever, don't let me go. I need a saviour to heal my pain, When I've become my worst enemy. The enemy.

Vessels

Frequency

Castaway - My cries are blocked by the horizon. Suffocate - I was doing this all for you. I'm in the shallows. Stuck in the gallows. I tried to save you now I'm swallowed. You wanted war. I am the war. I alone.

Ricochet

All these broken souls. They never make me whole. They don't, they don't know my heart. They don't know my heart. All these broken souls. Each one more beautiful. They don't they don't know my heart. They don't know my heart. I'll send out my soul. To worlds more beautiful. They won't, they won't know my heart. It's the darkest part.

Gravity of You

To fall in the star is to be nothingness. To escape is to be empty. Fall into the star and then we won't exist. Or escape into the nothing. To fall in the star is to be nothingness. To escape is to be empty. Fall Into the star and then we won't exist. Or escape into the nothing. Your sky, the beauty alone is worth it. I, I will risk it all to own it.

Bringing It Down

Silly me, I thought I had it. I came so close this time. I knew your heart was plastic. I still thought I could make it mine. Surrender you my mind. Your creature is inside, devouring. Devouring me alive.

Unbecoming

Now, I await. This metamorphosis. All that is left is the change. Selfish fate - I think you made me this. Under the water I wait.

Monster

My heart's an artifice, a decoy soul. I'll lift you up and then I'll let you go. I've made an art of digging shallow holes. I drop the darkness in and watch it grow. My heart's an artifice, a decoy soul. Who knew the emptiness could be so cold? I've lost the parts of me that made me whole. I am the darkness, I am a monster.

Divisions

Manifest

Is my fate silver lined? I always was the optimist. But I never thought of this. Stuck in this stare, misaligned. Trapped inside the looking glass. Tell me, when will all this pass? Oh, how I hate the silver line. Never could taste your life. Never my place and time. Left behind. Never your state of mind. Never in phase with mine.

Where The Skies End

We left our chains, we left them below. We are all rising above, we were not born to stay low. Show me your strength, it's more than you know. You'll never know what you're made of. Until you set foot down the road. We knew this day, was set long ago. And when the sharks smell the blood, They will all see it's their own.

Telekinetic

I'm a fool again, you got inside. It's gonna pull me in. I fell for this lie. Serotonin - I'm coming down from this high. A puppet inside. And you're the reason. You take my control - mind, body, and soul. In this lie.

Other Worlds Than These

Is it all an oddity? Are we flakes of empty dust, spinning on a ball of rust? Maybe. But the light is ours to see. You had eyes, but sewed them shut. But, that feeling in your gut, won't fade. Is it all a tragedy? Are we flashes in a rut, going in and out of luck? Maybe. But, the answers will not change. Even when they're covered up. All these questions in your gut, won't fade.

Diving Bell

In my mind, endless sea. Calling from the bottom, but you don't hear me. Send your line, down to me. Meet me on the surface, I will never leave. In my mind, endless sea. Calling from the bottom, but you don't hear me. Send your line, down to me. Meet me on the surface, I will never leave. Just one time, all I need. Calling from the bottom, but you don't hear me. Stuck in time, stuck in me. Broken on the bottom like a refugee.

Horizons

Otherworldly

I wanna become lucid. Clear, just like a window. I tried so hard to open up, and show you what's behind it. But, you didn't need to hear me. Because you were supraliminal. Knew me without an uttered word. You always seemed to know me. An ethereal feeling. That I cannot describe. Something that I cannot hide. How you illuminate. In a profound way, I feel your space. I can't explain this place you're taking me.

Earthrise

They said that we both were too different. That all of the shine would fade away. But I wish that I'd never listened. 'Cause you pulled me through the gray.

Devolution

Convoluted lies - it's the end that you prophesize. And it's all pretend. From a bargain Darwin, and you're inside the plan. And the lord of flies is opening its maw. And the wolves are taking out their claws. You still eat straight from the paw.

Annihilated Love

The tragedy of the war we made. Was that I just couldn't surrender you. The casualty was only ever me. Still, I run through the flames for you. Evacuate, I'm a target marked. Bullseye on my broken heart. I amputate, I'm torn apart. And you got what you wanted.

Disappear

Sometimes I still slip, and start to question if it was only in my mind. It's hard to come to grips that you still exist. When it feels just like you've died. So, come one and all. Step right up and I'll perform a trick before your eyes. I'll evaporate, gone without a trace. Off the radar, out of sight.

Infected

One if by land, and two if by sea. Maybe it's both and we all get lucky? Got to the end, man. Don't quit on me. Get what you wanted - anarchy.

Something Wicked

Out of myself I can feel it crawling. How can I tell if this is the ending? Out of myself, it began evolving. I am not well, repent, I'm guilty! How can I tell if the sky is falling? How can I fix what there is no mending? How can I tell if I am not well? I've lost myself - I have come undone. And all of the horses. And all of the men. Won't put it back in place. Or bury it where it had been. When all of the forces have been overrun. You'll whisper: serpent tongue: What you fear you have become!

Observations (my placeholder name)

Brave New World

The bigger the lie, the further it goes. It's all fun and games 'till the overthrow. When it gets inside and it starts to grow. Then, say goodbye, 'cause that's the deathblow. But I'm not giving up that easy. I'm not giving up my mind. 'Cause the more that you try, the more that they need. There's nowhere to hide. When they break out the guillotine.

TokSik

Zoomers and boomers and fascists and groomers. And commie consumers, And lions and tigers and bears - oh, my! Oh, my! Dunning and Kruger are your real abusers. You are a product and I say its buyer beware. I think that they have you so afraid. You say what they think, you don't really think what they say. Killed off religion and made up a new one, Where no one can question at all if it's ever your fault. Hey, what's that called? I can't recall. Oh, yeah! You're in a cult!

Tell me if there's any I'm missing! Dustin, marry me, please!

[aaronthomasglesenkamp]

Chemical

Because you’re my sweet chemical reaction

That natural release of serotonin

Absent of any substance or potion

That: has me- not I, for it- mastered

Your love…

The one thing I did right with the law of attraction

Finally, something that isn’t a disaster

The beauty through a personal breakdown, that feels like it’s been nothing more than tragic

You’re that pink sky in the morning

That makes you forget all mourning

And that rainbow that reminds me when I wake up and get out of my tent for the day

That there’s more to life to fight for, more that merely waking up and worrying about scoring in the morning

The type of love that takes all the pain away

Without believing you need “black” in your veins to subside the pain

The type that reminds me that its all going to be okay

Reminding you that you only need to believe in you, to get to Me at night or day’s end

The one thing I can’t let go of

The thing I want, have, need, and think of

And can’t wait to come home to at the end of any type of day

No matter what they say, or if they think my writing is plastic or fake

It’s not plastic because we both feel it, and it’s obvious it’s something because they’ve got something to say

So, I can’t let go, because the evidence of both means it’s meant to be and we have it

So, I’m turning disaster into opportunity by writing it down

Letter for letter, word for word, and page by page

Because your love is timeless, like the words I make for You not me

So enough of my use, enough of hatred, whether its self-created or self-induced

This world’s hard enough with one let alone two

 Enough of my own personal abuse

The only thing I should be focused on is giving back in any type of way to be closer to being and getting closer to You

Enough tragic, more natural serotonin reactions, to the harmonic and melodic magic

Only type I’ve been dreaming of my entire life, and the only type of magic I need in these veins

I can’t let go, it’s chemical

Please, no longer

Don’t make me wait

Because the natural chemical reaction of your love is like symphonies as it metabolizes through my heart, ears, and veins

So, I hope these words can compare

At least I’ll make them try, although they don’t nearly

Don’t nearly describe what You do to me

Or anyone for that fact

But I’ll try to define the crazy divine beauty of You, in any type of way

This Poem Written By: Aaron Thomas Glesenkamp

Written to the track “Chemical” by Post Malone

(Adds to the effect while reading)

[kayleegibsons]

Revitalizing Mental Health: Ketamine Therapy in Buena Park

In the ever-evolving field of mental health treatment, innovative therapies are continually reshaping the way we approach and manage mental health disorders. Among these advancements, ketamine therapy buena park has emerged as a revolutionary option, particularly for individuals who have struggled with conventional treatments. In Buena Park, ketamine therapy is offering a new pathway to mental wellness, providing hope and relief to those who have not found success with traditional methods.

The Promise of Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine, originally known for its use as an anesthetic, has recently gained attention for its potential in treating mental health conditions. Unlike conventional antidepressants that primarily target neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, ketamine works through a different mechanism. It affects the glutamatergic system, which is involved in neural communication and synaptic plasticity. This unique approach allows ketamine to produce rapid and significant improvements in mood, offering a promising alternative for individuals with treatment-resistant conditions.

How Ketamine Therapy Works

The efficacy of ketamine therapy lies in its ability to rapidly alter brain function. Traditional antidepressants often require weeks of use before noticeable effects occur. In contrast, ketamine can lead to substantial mood improvements within hours or days. This quick onset is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing severe and debilitating symptoms. Ketamine influences the glutamatergic system, promoting the growth and strengthening of neural connections. This process helps reset abnormal neural circuits associated with depression and other mood disorders, resulting in significant improvements in mental wellbeing.

Ketamine Therapy in Buena Park

In Buena Park, ketamine therapy is becoming increasingly available for those seeking effective treatment for their mental health conditions. The therapy is typically administered in specialized settings where trained professionals oversee the process. There are several methods of administration, including intravenous (IV) infusion, nasal spray, and intramuscular injection. Each method offers its own set of advantages and is chosen based on the patient’s specific needs and the treatment protocols of the facility. The goal of the therapy is to provide rapid relief and long-lasting improvements in mood and mental health.

Addressing Treatment-Resistant Conditions

One of the most significant benefits of ketamine therapy is its effectiveness for individuals with treatment-resistant conditions. Many people with depression or anxiety do not respond to traditional antidepressants or psychotherapy. For these individuals, ketamine therapy offers a new opportunity for relief. The therapy’s rapid onset and profound effects can be life-changing, providing hope where conventional treatments have failed. Beyond depression, ketamine has also shown promise in treating anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The ability to quickly alleviate symptoms makes it a valuable option for those struggling with these challenging conditions.

The Therapeutic Process

The therapeutic process for ketamine treatment typically involves a series of sessions tailored to the patient’s needs. During each session, ketamine is administered under careful supervision, and patients are monitored for any immediate effects. The experience can vary; some individuals may feel a sense of relaxation or mild dissociation during treatment. These effects are usually temporary and subside as the medication wears off. The goal is to achieve significant improvements in mood and overall mental health. Continued treatment may be necessary to maintain these benefits and support long-term mental wellness.

Safety and Considerations

As with any medical treatment, ketamine therapy comes with considerations and potential side effects. It is crucial for patients to discuss their medical history and current medications with their healthcare provider to determine if ketamine therapy is appropriate. Common side effects may include dizziness, nausea, or temporary dissociation. These effects are generally mild and resolve on their own. Healthcare providers closely monitor patients throughout the treatment process to ensure safety and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Personal Success Stories

In Buena Park, many individuals who have undergone ketamine therapy have reported positive outcomes. Success stories highlight the therapy’s potential to provide relief for those who have long struggled with mental health issues. Patients have shared experiences of significant mood improvements and a renewed sense of hope. These personal stories underscore the transformative impact that ketamine therapy can have, offering a new path to mental wellness and revitalization for those who have not found success with other treatments.

Conclusion

Ketamine therapy represents a significant advancement in mental health treatment, offering new possibilities for individuals who have struggled with traditional methods. In Buena Park, this innovative therapy is making a meaningful difference, providing rapid and effective relief for those battling severe depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. By influencing the brain’s glutamatergic system, ketamine therapy offers a unique and promising approach to mental wellness. As awareness of this therapy continues to grow, it holds the potential to transform lives and improve mental health outcomes, helping individuals in Buena Park and beyond reclaim their mental wellbeing and achieve a renewed sense of hope and balance.

[ameliawilson0245]

Managing Social Anxiety: How Ketamine Therapy Can Help

Social anxiety can be a debilitating condition that affects many individuals, making it difficult for them to engage in social interactions and enjoy everyday activities. If you're struggling with social anxiety, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available, including ketamine therapy. In this blog post, we will explore how ketamine therapy can help manage social anxiety and improve your overall well-being, specifically focusing on its application for anxiety treatment in Orange County.

Understanding Social Anxiety

Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is a common mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of social situations. Individuals with social anxiety often experience excessive worry and fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social settings. This fear can lead to avoidance behaviors, isolation, and a significant impact on their quality of life.

Traditional Treatment Approaches

Traditionally, social anxiety has been treated with a combination of therapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs associated with social situations. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed to help manage anxiety symptoms.

While these treatment approaches can be effective for many individuals, some may not experience significant relief from their social anxiety symptoms or may experience unwanted side effects from medication. This is where ketamine therapy can offer a promising alternative.

Ketamine Therapy for Social Anxiety

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used for decades in medical settings. In recent years, it has gained recognition for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating various mental health conditions, including social anxiety.

How Ketamine Works

Ketamine works by targeting the brain's glutamate system, which is involved in mood regulation and anxiety. It acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, leading to an increase in glutamate release and the production of neurotrophic factors that promote neural plasticity and synaptic connections. This mechanism of action is believed to contribute to the rapid and robust antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of ketamine.

Anxiety Treatment in Orange County

If you're seeking anxiety treatment in Orange County, Renew Ketamine Infusion is here to help. Our clinic offers ketamine therapy as a safe and effective option for managing social anxiety. Led by board-certified physicians with extensive experience in ketamine-assisted therapy, our team is dedicated to providing individualized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.

What to Expect

During your ketamine therapy sessions, you will receive a carefully monitored of ketamine in a spa-like environment. Our compassionate and experienced staff will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the process. The therapy sessions typically last for about an hour, and you may require multiple sessions for optimal results.

Pricing and Consultation

At Renew Ketamine Infusion, we understand the importance of accessible and affordable mental health care. We offer competitive pricing options for ketamine therapy, and we also provide a free consultation to discuss your specific needs and answer any questions you may have.

Conclusion

Social anxiety can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, making it challenging to engage in social interactions and enjoy everyday activities. Ketamine therapy offers a promising alternative for managing social anxiety, providing rapid relief, reducing avoidance behaviors, and enhancing therapy outcomes. If you're seeking anxiety treatment in Orange County, Renew Ketamine Infusion is here to help. Our experienced team of board-certified physicians is dedicated to providing safe and effective ketamine therapy tailored to your unique needs. Take the first step towards managing your social anxiety and renewing your outlook on life.

[govindtbrc]

Addressing Obsessions and Compulsions: OCD - Drug Pipeline Landscape

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform. It affects millions of people worldwide, causing significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. While existing treatments such as therapy and medication can help manage symptoms, there remains an unmet need for more effective and better-tolerated therapies. In this article, we explore the evolving landscape of OCD drug development, highlighting promising treatments on the horizon.

The Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) drug pipeline is a dynamic and evolving space, with researchers and pharmaceutical companies exploring a range of novel therapeutic targets and approaches to address the complex neurobiology of the disorder. These approaches target various neurotransmitter systems, brain circuits, and molecular pathways implicated in the pathophysiology of OCD, with the goal of developing treatments that can provide rapid and sustained relief of symptoms.

One area of active research in the OCD drug pipeline is the development of medications that target the serotonin system, which plays a central role in regulating mood, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly used as first-line treatments for OCD, but many patients do not respond adequately to these medications or experience intolerable side effects. Researchers are exploring novel SSRIs, SNRIs, and other serotonergic agents with improved efficacy, tolerability, and specificity for OCD symptoms.

Request the sample copy of report @ https://www.globalinsightservices.com/request-sample/GIS31242

Another focus of research in the OCD drug pipeline is the development of medications that target the glutamate system, which is involved in regulating excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity in the brain. Dysregulation of glutamatergic signaling has been implicated in the pathophysiology of OCD, and researchers are investigating novel glutamatergic agents such as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor modulators, glutamate reuptake inhibitors, and metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists as potential treatments for the disorder.

Additionally, there is growing interest in the development of medications that target the endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in modulating mood, anxiety, and stress responses in the brain. Preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that cannabinoids may have potential therapeutic effects in OCD by modulating neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammation. Cannabinoid receptor agonists, allosteric modulators, and endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitors are being investigated as potential treatments for OCD, although further research is needed to elucidate their safety and efficacy profiles.

Furthermore, the OCD drug pipeline is exploring innovative approaches such as psychedelic-assisted therapy, deep brain stimulation, and neuromodulation techniques that target specific brain circuits and networks implicated in the pathophysiology of OCD. Psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin and MDMA have shown promise in early clinical trials for their ability to induce mystical experiences, enhance emotional processing, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with treatment-resistant OCD. Deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation are non-invasive neuromodulation techniques that involve delivering electrical or magnetic pulses to specific brain regions to modulate neural activity and alleviate symptoms of OCD.

In conclusion, the OCD drug pipeline is a promising and rapidly evolving field that holds hope for individuals living with this debilitating disorder. With advancements in neuroscience, pharmacology, and clinical research, researchers and clinicians are making significant strides towards developing more effective, targeted, and personalized treatments for OCD. While challenges remain, including the need for larger, well-controlled clinical trials and the identification of biomarkers to guide treatment selection, the collective efforts of the scientific community offer optimism for the future of OCD treatment and management.

[a-simple-spiders-oc-dump]

The Kiddos From Universe 1 At Calypso Water Park

so one of my favourite character-building exercises I like to do is figure out how my OCs would act going to the theme park I used to go to a lot when I was in high school - Calypso Water Park. and while I've done this for the Realm Kiddos before, I haven't done it RECENTLY, and especially not since the canon shift. so fuck it!! we ball!!

Lydia is very much the Mom Friend of the group. She's the one who makes sure everyone's brought everything they need before heading out, and the one who pesters everyone to put on sunscreen (on Trinity's behalf). She's not the biggest fan of a lot of the slides, but she'll go on the smaller ones, especially if they're two-person slides and only one member of the group wants to go on 'em. Otherwise, she spends the day relaxing in the lazy river and spending time with Trinity to make sure she feels included. Probably gets a stomach ache from eating ice cream and then immediately getting roped into going on slides.

Sinclair is ADAMANT about going on literally every single slide in the park, probably bragging the whole time that these slides are child's play for them. In reality, they're fucking terrified of slides like Adrenaline (basically a straight drop), and completely chicken out at the Aqua Loops. They do get very competitive during races the group have on the Fast Track, and eventually it's just Sinclair and Sydney doing the ride over and over again until one of them is the definitive victor. The two bond afterwards over their bruised stomachs and somehow managing to steal the entirety of their meals (because both of them decided the food was super overpriced and thus it was stupid to pay for it).

Cynthia is largely just trying to keep track of everyone, since that's just instinct for her at this point, but after some time she starts to relax and do what she wants. I think the wave pool would be her favourite attraction, and she'd spend a bunch of time there just seeing how long she can last against the waves in the deep end of the pool (probably having a friendly competition with Dylan to see who can last the longest at least once.) She doesn't care too much for the slides, not because she's scared of them - they just don't really interest her. Still has a relatively good day against all odds!

Dylan is going fucking EVERYWHERE. He's doing Fast Track races with Sydney, Sinclair and the twins. He's going on Canyon Rafting with as much of the group as he can gather in one place. He's lounging in the lazy river. He's surviving the wave pool with Cynthia. He's eating a big hot dog and then immediately going back into it and then needs to rest on one of the lounge chairs in front of the wave pool because he gave himself a stomach cramp. Dylan is in his element here and he's having the TIME OF HIS LIFE. I think he might end up going into a bit of a funk for a few days afterwards because he got so much serotonin from this trip that he simply cannot get in his daily life. Plans on making this an annual event the second they leave the park at the end of the day.

Morgan loudly complains the whole time everyone is planning this excursion, calling it a waste of time, saying it's dumb baby shit, asking to stay home... But then everyone gets to the park and they learn that Morgan has a well-hidden thrill-seeking side. Sinclair TRIES to go on every slide in the park, but Morgan SUCCEEDS. Although, this comes with a downside... There are multiple slides that require two people that only Sinclair, or worse, Sydney are willing to go on with her. She definitely bullies Sinclair over being scared of the Aqua Loops and rubs it in their face when she does it, like, "see? I survived the big scary plastic slides. coward." Sinclair will probably seethe over this for the next week.

Sydney. is. fucking. ELATED. You just brought the Realm's biggest thrill-seeker to a water park that claims to have the fastest slides in the world! Peak enrichment!! Much like Dylan, she's absolutely everywhere, and it's really hard to track her down. Much like Morgan, she also goes on every single ride in the park, minus a couple because she got so caught up with the Fast Track bullshit. She and Sinclair get to do crime together too, which is just a nice bonus. She does get some weird looks due to her extensive scars, because sometimes people suck, but Sydney Could Not Care Less About This, There Are Slides To Be Conquered And Friends To Compete With Over Stupid Shit.

Trinity is deathly afraid of heights. This means basically every slide is off-limits for her. Additionally, she's pretty self-conscious about her death scar on her neck, and this doesn't help her social anxiety much. Mostly just sticks to Lydia, Dylan, Cynthia or Morgan's sides for the majority of the trip, watching everyone else have fun, but after a bit Bianca and Troy coax her to come with them to Pirate's Aquaplay and she starts to really enjoy herself. The three of them go under the bigass bucket there together (because when you go to Calypso you HAVE to step under the bucket) and the twins keep her from getting knocked over by the water, and it's the loudest anyone's heard Trinity laugh before.

Bianca desperately WANTS to keep up with Sydney but. holy shit. that's a LOT of slides. Her paranoia kinda ebbs and flows throughout the day regarding Troy, because on one hand, More People = More People Who Could Hurt Him, but on the other hand... who'd kill a kid surrounded by so many people?? (The latter reasoning is mostly her trying to fight that shit off with a metaphorical stick for the sake of actually being able to enjoy her day. It... only kind of works, much to her own chagrin.) And, at the very least, the two spend most of their day with Sydney, who Bianca full-heartedly trusts. (Maybe not to keep them safe from over-exertion, but at least to keep them safe from anyone who might try to hurt either twin.) She joins Troy in his gremlin antics at Pirate's Aquaplay, and is the one to suggest that Trinity come and join them to experience The Bucket. She heads to the gift shop early while Troy and Sydney are hanging out and gets everyone surprisingly thoughtful souvenirs from the day.

Troy is that little shit who goes to Pirate's Aquaplay and dumps the mini-buckets on kids' heads when they pass under it. I know this, because I was that little shit when I was a kid, and I know it's exactly the kind of thing Troy would love. A lot of the slides scare him more than he's willing to admit, and he especially hates any of the covered slides because they make him feel claustrophobic, but the big exception to this is the Turbo Lab. Partially due to the theming, partially due to the fact that they aren't super fast or tall slides, and partially because the ones he likes best are ones he can go on with his friends. By and large, though, he's mostly just following the group and joining in on activities like Canyon Rafting and Fast Track races. I like to think he and Bianca also make a bet on whether they can last more than five minutes in the kiddie pool without being kicked out. They barely even last a minute.

Gamma got volunteered by Alice to be a chaperone. He fucking hates it. Not just because it's REALLY hard to keep track of nine humans when they're all going on different rides on different ends of the park, not just because there are more people in the park that day than Gamma's seen in his entire life, but because Gamma has a secret phobia of drowning/being underwater. Being around this much water? That's hell to him. Either Alice or Sinclair has to explain the concept of a "lifeguard" to him to keep him from spontaneously combusting out of stress, and he can't look at the wave pool without his stomach twisting up in knots. Also? He refuses to wear swimwear. He's still in his fucking suit. He only vaguely understands why he's getting strange looks from everyone. Needless to say, Gamma does not have fun, but the humans had a great time and no one got seriously hurt, and once it's all over, that's all that truly matters to him. (He still needs to take a day or two to recover tho, because being hyper-vigilant for that long is fucking exhausting. And by 'take a day' I mean he spends a little more time than usual reading between patrolling the woods and making sure his siblings do their jobs, because Gamma doesn't understand that he can take a sick day without everything exploding, so there's no way he's taking a mental health day voluntarily.)

Alice would fucking LOOOOOOVE to go, but because of the Mechanics Of How Realms Work, she physically cannot. (The humans obviously can't go back to their homeworld, so they have to go to a different Reality in order to go to Calypso, and Alice is shackled to her Realm and the Reality it branched off from. I'm torn between it being a "if I leave I die instantly and I Do Not Want That" situation or "yeah I've got a built-in aversion to leaving this place that's kind of like a primal fear and I'm Not Fucking With That" situation. Could be both!) She still makes an adorable swimsuit for herself just for fun and watches everyone's day through portals while eating popcorn. She also spends a good amount of time talking with Gamma over his communication device whenever he starts getting overwhelmed by the. fucking EVERYTHING happening that day. Absolutely gets him to bring her back a souvenir from the park. (Oh, also, the group circumvents the money issue via Alice basically creating counterfeit money. Hey, they're only there for a day! What are the cops gonna do, track them down across time and space for a couple of forged twenties?)

[cbrand-artg210]

Summary 03

Erik Spiekerman explores the debate of design and its uses and usefulness. He expresses that even though design has many aesthetic uses, it is also very necessary in the practical world, too. Spiekerman uses the example of emergency exit signage - they must be placed the correct place to avoid potential harm in case of a fire, not placed in places that will maintain the “aesthetic”. Though graphic design is at the most general level, a business, it is in our hands as designers to choose who we work for, how we work, and what impact and influence that we want to have on the industry. 

Berman’s manifesto lays out guidelines to inspire and motivate designers to do good for themselves and the industry. His manifesto has a common theme to resist the negative, such as corporations and messages that try to pull you into consumerism. It is not necessary to fall into consumerism to feel good - though buying a new pair of lululemon’s may fast-track that serotonin to your brain, it is possible (and also necessary) to find good and happiness in the simple, plain aspects of life that you encounter daily. Simplicity is necessary, and by enjoying things that may appear ordinary or expected in life, life becomes much more inspiring and exciting. Berman ends his manifesto with encouragement: “Design your better future, then help us all design ours”. This is so important, because you cannot help others until you know your own truth and help yourself create a life that inspires and motivates.

Berman’s 3-step pledge lays the foundation for success and fulfillment in this profession, which is the following: 

Be true to the profession

Be true to yourself

Contribute at least 10% of your professional time helping repair the world

Not only will helping people and businesses that already contribute to the good make you feel good, but it will also encourage others to do the same. 

In Design to Renourish, Benson and Perullo discuss the topic of sustainability and the value of systems thinking. Systems thinking considers all parts of a system - this is especially important in design, as it helps us explore and understand who, what and how will our audience/environment/client/etc., be affected or influenced by our work? As designers we should be aware and educated on how biological/ecological systems work “and follow their lead” when making decisions in our work. Benson and Perullo call this process of informed decision-making “biomimicry”, where designers let nature be their guide in sustainability.

Dieter Rams explores answers to the famous question: “what is good design?’. Like many designers, Rams believes that design should serve a purpose before it serves aesthetic, however, he understands that both are equally important in making “good design”. Function should always come before aesthetic, however, aesthetic is just as important when it comes to getting products flying off the shelves. The functional aspect of design should make a product innovative, useful, long-lasting and understanding - this is what makes a consumer fall in love with a product. Lastly, Rams states that “Good Design is as Little Design as Possible” - in other words, less is more. It is better to focus on the essential aspects so that the products are not obstructed or burdened with the non-essentials.

The feature-length documentary, Objectified, interviews numerous designers and their thoughts and processes in relation to sustainability. Designers such as Chris Bangle and Dieter Rams believe that all design should be honest and authentic, that its visual appearance should not distract or deceive the user. Jonathan Ive agrees with this notion, stating that we need to “get design out of the way” and keep the emphasis on the usability of a product. Good design should FEEL undesigned - like Rams and Ive explain, design should be unobtrusive, like the product is just meant to be how it is. Karim Rashid confronts the idea of mass production and plastic waste, exclaiming, “why on earth does anything have to be built to be permanent?”. As we know most of the designs that we create are destined to end up in the landfill, that is why it is so dire that we make informed decisions as designers from start to finish of each project. We cannot be ignorant to the potential harm that our designs can create, and try our best to maximize the good that we do within the industry.

TAKEAWAYS:

Where do YOU draw the line?

Let it resonate.

Let nature be your guide

Connect with your collaborators

Maximize your positive impact.

Education encourages change

Mass communication before mass production

October 10, 2022

[secondliferehab]

Adolescent and Young Adult Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Risks and Consequences

Many teens regularly come upon health risks that can purpose intense physical problems and horrible effects on their intellectual development. With the freedom to make their non-public choices, more youthful humans need help from professional dependency treatments in India that might look at the intense effect of medicine and alcohol in every case. A professional diagnosis that examines any underlying high-brow health problems along with the pattern of substance abuse is crucial for formulating the maximum truthful treatment opportunity for each individual. 

It is most effective after that initial movement has passed, at the age of 25, that an individual's personal development reaches its top for their society's norm. Adolescence is characterized by a manner of cognitive changes that encompass every non-public and physical trait at some point of puberty until absolutely after adulthood is reached. Seeking help at an early level from Rehabilitation Centre in Delhi can save lives and keep future substance abuse problems in teenagers at the same time as they are vulnerable to eating or taking capsules, it could help them to avoid these items later in life. 

Neurotransmitters are the chemicals liable for relaying indicators from one neuron to another. Dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin are three neurotransmitters that help shape mood, behavior, and plenty of special factors of human life. The thoughts' plasticity at some point in youth lets in for better cognitive functions further to excellent and horrible emotional expressions. With appropriate interventions collectively with the exquisite Rehabilitation Centre in Delhi, the behavioral changes can result in developing lifelong interests and talents further to becoming extra adaptable over time! When a person uses capsules, the chemicals withinside the substances enter into their bloodstream and obtain the thoughts. 

However, if a drug is overused, the thoughts' chemistry can exchange promptly and negatively. This also can moreover make it hard for the thoughts to release fine chemicals, collectively with dopamine. With continued drug use, a person may be now no longer capable of reveling in gladness without their drug of choice. The severity of the dependency determines how long it takes for a person's thoughts to head lower back to its every day in India and it wishes to be treated via way of means of De-Addiction Centre in Delhi. 

Nasha Mukti Kendra In Delhi 

If you're seeking out the main Rehabilitation Centre in Delhi to get out of addiction, be a part of Second Life Nasha Mukti Kendra in Delhi. We provide you the pleasant centers at the maximum low-priced prices. Whether you're seeking out a domestic-like consolation or a steeply-priced 5-star luxury facility, we have got the whole lot in place. 

Addiction is one of the maximum extensive sicknesses that our society is stricken by. It is so painful to look at your family stricken by dependency, in the long run ruining their lives. 

So, one of the pleasant answers is to take a step and pop out of habit. All you need to do is touch us, and our crew gets in contact with you. 

We have 24 hours helpline assist device that will help you in case of any query. Our crew participants are relatively supportive and cordial and make certain that each affected person receives the remedy they deserve. Make your life snug at some point of the dependency adventure with our de addiction centre in Delhi. 

With the best facilities, we've earned a call and popularity withinside the marketplace as Delhi's pleasant de-addiction centre. We make certain to make your life snug and make certain you get a domestic-like remedy. Our crew participants are to be had 24X7 so that you can fast touch us in case of any emergency. We are in your pick-up and drop carrier 24, hours strolling ambulance carrier, and immediate response.

[furnitureshoppingonline]

How to Decorate Your House With Spot Spot Lights

Design is indeed defined by light and shade. Light can adorn the atmosphere of your home by elevating the mood, calming your soul, and making you the most productive version of yourself. The role of Spot Lights is increasing in interior designing since with a simple flick of a switch, it can transform a basic home into a space worth featuring in magazines.

Do you know the secret of a smartly lit interior? You need light fixtures that are smartly chosen by paying attention to minute details so that you get the perfect lighting for each space in your home. The types and placement of those Spot Lights, if done aesthetically, can define your mood when you step into a room.

Revel Into Nature By using exterior glazing like windows, doors, and sky Spot Lights, you can bring abundant natural light into your home. Sunlight helps in enhancing serotonin, the happy chemical, which makes you active and rejuvenates you. Natural light works magically to make space look less confined and slightly larger.

To ensure sufficient natural lighting for your home, make sure to install windows. The choice of colours for walls, ceilings, furniture, and curtains also plays a vital role in circulating sufficient sunlight in the house. The brighter the colour, the more lit up space.

Soothing Ambient lighting is used to brighten up space uniformly, preferably used in the area where we perform our daily activities. Such lighting options are perfect for living areas where we spend time together to watch our favorite shows.

Task Lighting

Task lighting provides desired illuminance for the performance of certain tasks like study, office works, cooking, or baking activities by providing the desired illuminance. Proper task lighting helps us by maximizing visual aid by putting less pressure on eyes along with reduced magnification. The spotlight in your kitchen top or your wardrobe and the table-led lamp on the study tables are the best examples of task lighting. Raising Mood To beautify your favourite corner, mood lighting is used to make the space inviting. Mood lighting can boost your mood after a tiring day by relieving stress and increasing motivation. Color-changing Spot Lights, led strips, fairy Spot Lights, etc., can be used to create the mood by circulating good voices through a beautiful pattern of Spot Lights.

For the Bedroom The bedroom is the multitasking room for most of us. Apart from sleeping, it’s the nook for many to binge-watch web series to read, and even do office work. A lamp, pendants, wall sconces can be used to allow the desired light as per the required activity in your bedroom. Tape light and recessed Spot Lights are great options to add visual embellishment to your bedroom décor. Flush-mount fixtures are the contemporary preference for many where the light stays directly against the ceiling. Most preferred among them are the light bulbs covered with a decorative glass or plastic bowl-shaped cover. Spot Lights can add a big splash in your bedroom, hanging down from the ceiling on a chain or a long rod. Interior lighting is more than just about Spot Lights; it’s about the right choice of colors, incorporating accessories at the right place for the light to penetrate through the area where it is needed. Bringing your personal touch, along with the needs of your family through lighting, is a trickier task. At Pepperfry, we take care of each of the minute details with a promise of delivering good health and positive vibes while designing your home sweet home with the perfect choice of lighting.

Share this Blogs & your thoughts with us in the comments below!

[firespirited]

Top photo is the dolls with hard to find skintones who got bodies from the lovely @musicalmeowsandcandiedlemons, second is the dolls who got bodies (some already custom, some futher customized) thanks to @cosmomoore! 

Then there’s the moment I fell hard for Licca-chan and friends and decided to go for it even though I couldn’t find perfect bodies: Maria, Orie-san, Sakura Brunette and Licca teal (not pictured: Sakura blonde from 2019). I blame you all for that.

Then there was the foray into larger dolls with a potential BJD in mind but i’ve decided to stick with playline. Gayle is a mishmash of a doll (yeluoli 1/3 body shrunk and bootlegged, Shibajuku head sans hair or eyes) who somehow lucked into having tons of character, her middle finger is permanently up and she’s pure chaos. She barely holds together. Azul is a dream hinge jointed doll made from wonderwoman 18″ and a Rainbow surprise head that was super backrooted. I don’t have the space or clothes for her but I love her anyway.

Lucking into Star Darlings factory rejects about a year after falling for @dollsahoy‘s Sage led to a rainbow: 3 full reroots, 2 partial, 2 more reroots to go with help and inspiration from @jupiternames. They are from left to right Scarlet, Lavender, Sage, Juniper, Vega, Anisette, Mint, Leona, Libby and not ready yet: Cinnamon in blood red and Annatto in peachy orange.

I paid for most of my doll stuff this year by konmari-ing my Bratz and Monster Highs and working on those I really wanted to keep (expanding my space angelz, creating the punk Sasha I would have loved Bratz to make and rerooting glue headed monsters).

New and not so new dolls that sparked joy were Novi Stars and Rainbow High even as I muddled through figuring out eyes for those odd shaped sockets.

Every single large toy company manged to show their racist arse spectacularly in some form or other this year and distribution to france remains bottom of the barrel or double price. If i’ve managed to convince anyone to fix up a factory reject straight from the workers or pirate shows from behind the monopoly paywalls I’d be well proud (No i’m not over “the vault”). So here’s hoping Freshdolls make it to europe, we get non smirky Moana and Raya dolls and Kida finally gets into the princess line. As for Barbie, there are multiple dolls I would have bought this year if they weren’t grainy: make better choices mattel. As it is I have a dozen more projects on my list to work through on mostly older models so i’m set for a while.

I had to learn that instagram makes me feel like a “have not” when it comes to both the new shinies and the skills so avoid that explore button and tag following. And expand my energies locally and personally when it comes to activism and donation. Same with the news: it’s so out of my league, out of my control: just gotta check in with friends when news that affects them comes up and do whatever little I can to keep my loved ones as safe as possible. I’d love for USA postal customs to start functioning normally but M4A first because as much as I miss trading, I’d love to know my ‘ricain friends are safe more.

Here’s to plastic rainbows and you folks giving me too many cool ideas =p

[boba-beom]

❥ whisker dimples | choi beomgyu

pairing: beomgyu x fem!reader genre: fluff, crack | oneshot warning(s): mentions of food, beomgyu’s a simp hehe, a kith or two is shared 👉👈, not proof read (i’m sorry) wc: 1.5k note: this may or may not be a little something for one of my favourite bamtoris 🥺 @scintillasofbeomgyu happy birthday again my love, I wish you the best for everything and in anything you do, it’s not much but i hope you like this hehe have a splendid day ♡ 

During the past few weeks you felt like you needed to change your appearance, and in that case you were in dire need of a haircut — or well, that’s what you thought. Was there a reason? Not really, but must there be a reason for this spontaneous hair cut?

Indeed. Choi Beomgyu. He’s the reason.

It was fair to say that since he grew out his hair, and gradually obtained his now-signature wolf cut, he has been thriving with this sudden aura. And perhaps you wanted to try that out too, or maybe a little part of you just wanted to match with him.

Your contemplative thoughts were unexpectedly interrupted by the sound of your phone ringing, looking down at the screen to see that it was Beomgyu calling. You almost immediately answer it just from one glance.

“Yaaaaahhh!” You flinch your head away from the speaker of your phone, retracting your arm practically an arm length away from your face. “Can we meet today? I miss you and it’s been so long since I last saw you. I don’t even know when the last time was. I don’t think I even remember what you look like anymore.” You chuckle at his sudden outburst of exaggerated remarks.

“Gyu, you’re silly~ but hmm... I don’t know if we can meet...” Beomgyu senses the deliberate pout in your voice and he huffs at your response.

“Y/n~ I’m literally picking up tteokbokki right now, unless you don’t want to share, then I guess I’ll just have it all for myself-”

“OKAY! Okay, we can meet at the park. You’re lucky I like you.” Your voice hushed at the end of your sentence, immediately blushing even though you’ve told him plenty times over how much you liked him. It’s just a matter of time when you’ll be hearing the same.

Beomgyu chuckles over the phone, it was breathy and you were thankful that it wasn’t a video call otherwise he’d notice your flustered state. “Sorry, could you repeat that last part? I didn’t quite hear you.”

“Don’t push it.” You listen out for his laugh once more before ending the call to go and get your hair cut.

You arrive first at the park, knowing that no matter how early he says he would be he’d still end up arriving later than you. It didn’t take you long to lay out the picnic blanket with your bluetooth speaker on one corner and your tote bag on the other corner; holding it down from being blown away by the slight breeze.

It’s been a few minutes since you sat down, even finished your daily social media scroll, and you were about to text him. “Hi stranger.” Your head shoots up to meet with his tapioca pearl-like eyes, glistening with mirrored admiration. One hand is carrying a plastic bag with what seems to be a large tub of tteokbokki, but in the other was a red rose intertwined in his fingers.

“Beomgyu? What is this?” You receive the rose as he sits beside you and opens up the tub in front of you both, laying out two pairs of chopsticks for you both.

“It’s a rose, silly.” He shakes his head, sarcastically rolling his eyes at you until you lightly tap his head with the fragrant flower. Again, his chuckles were an immediate boost of serotonin. “I just thought I’d give some copy cat a rose for effort. You know, for trying to copy my hair style.” Beomgyu playfully sticks out his tongue at you, throwing his head back and laughing once he received the expression he was looking for. You bite the inside of your cheeks, apprehensive to let him see that you want to laugh with him.

Your eyes scan his bright complexion, his eyes slightly creasing on the outer corners, nose slightly scrunched and his smile reaching from ear to ear, but this other adorable feature of his drew your attention away quick enough — his whisker dimples. His laugh seems so heartfelt that you couldn’t help but to let out a slight chortle.

“I mean, I think I look better with this hair cut than you do.” You nonchalantly shrug your shoulders. All you hear from Beomgyu on the other hand is a click of his tongue, an attempt to seem unbothered, but realistically he was pleased that you think you look good.

You’re sitting cross legged, palms beside you as you lean back slightly. The slight breeze is once again present from the way the hairs framing your face cover up a little more than Beomgyu liked. “You know,” he began, his fingers collect the stray hairs and tuck them securely behind your ear. “My girl is so pretty— hell, she’s beautiful.”

He leans back, mimicking your position but still searching your face for some sort of reaction. But you were stunned. My girl. Beautiful. It wasn’t all the time you get to hear your crush, never mind your best friend, say those words to you. Eventually, you shut your eyes briefly to recollect your breathing pattern.

“I like you. A lot. You’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever laid my eyes on, and I don’t regret taking that last tub of tteokbokki.” At this point it was difficult to not crack a smile, the apples of your cheeks start to form after he reminded you of the first time you met, when he took the last tub that you were reaching out for, but he felt bad at some point and asked if you wanted to share it.

Though you’ve been together and almost behaved like you've been attached by the hip since then, you were the first to voice out your feelings toward him but you didn’t want to force an answer out of him instantly. Yet here you are, sitting on a picnic blanket that you’ve used plenty of times to eat the same snack that’s become both your favourites, and Beomgyu confessing to you like you’ve daydreamed of.

You shuffle in your place, adjusting to sit up and face him directly. “I’m so glad you took that last tub,” leaning forward, you lay a hand on his cheek and placed a short, chaste kiss on his lips. They were so soft, so gentle. You hear him let out a sigh once your lips disconnected, watching his eyes widen at you as he traps his bottom lip between his teeth, daring to not let the smirk show through but failed miserably.

“Do that again, I wasn’t ready.” He puckers his lips, making exaggerated kissy noises as you nudge him. Your cheeks were burning and you thought that might just have been the boldest thing you’ve done. Your eyes travel to the two soft lines on either side of his nose as he laughs at your response, admiring the way it fades but returns from when he laughs too hard.

For a moment, his laugh turned into a quiet chuckle. His eyes focused on one of yours, watching his lashes feather downward as they flicker to glance at your lips, tracing the outline of your cupid’s bow and back up to your other eye. You were, for some reason, too hesitant to lean it again. You could hear your heart pounding in your ears that the Choi Beomgyu is yours, and you are his.

He leans in, slowly snaking a hand behind your neck and the other at the small of your back, bringing you closer towards him. “Be my person?” Only mere centimetres away from each other’s faces you nod slowly until your foreheads touch, and that was Beomgyu’s cue to proceed with his actions. His lips moved with in sync with yours, lasting a little longer than the first kiss you shared, taking advantage of the very little space between you, he drags you swiftly onto his lap.

A sudden soft moan was let out between you and for all you knew, that sure wasn’t you. Your arms are draped over his shoulders as you disconnect for the second time, hearing Beomgyu whine ever so slightly as you lean away from his third attempt. “You’re so cute. You’re getting a little too into it, and we’re at a park.”

“I don’t care, you’re a good kisser and now I think my most favourite thing about you are your kisses.” You glare at him and push at his shoulder with no strength, thinking that’s all you were to him. He cleared his throat feeling your stare pierce right through him. “I mean, after your personality, of course.”

“I thought so.” You break a smile, watching him replicate yours before resting the side of his head at the base of your neck. Today was a good day, and you felt like you could stay sitting like this forever, because what did you have to lose? Beomgyu’s arms wrap around your waist, hands alternating in rubbing minuscule circles on your back that seemed so relaxing.

Once again, you hear him clear his throat, feeling the slight vibrations through your chest.

“Hey, Y/n. I think the tteokbokki’s cold.”

[katy-l-wood]

Rebinding paperbacks into hardbacks: a tutorial

I promised a tutorial about how I’ve been doing this, so here we go! First though, I must stress that I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL. I am making this up as I go based on several hours of research for a single project about ten years ago. But I needed a serotonin boost from a project I didn’t have to buy anything new for, so I decided to just throw myself back into book binding.

Are there people out there with better advice? Yup. Am I doing parts of thing wrong? Probably. But I’m also having tons of fun. So goal accomplished.

Just...don’t do this with any books you adore/rare books without digging deeper into the more professional side of this. Just for fun, okay? Okay.

This will be a pretty long post, so most of it will be under a cut!

First up: Supplies.

Your book! For this tutorial I’m using a copy of The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater because I’ve ended up with three copies of it, so it’s perfect for this project.

Some clean scrap paper.

A cutting mat. If you don’t have one you can use some scrap corrugated cardboard (probably best to have a couple layers, if you do it this way), however the mat is nice because it has angles marked on it which will be important for later.

Rubber cement. (Technically, spray glue would probably be better, but I didn’t have any spray glue so it would’ve violated my rule of “do not spend anything on this project.)

Craft glue.

Ruler.

Scissors.

Creasing tool. Alternatively, a pen with a flat, slightly rounded bottom edge can work well too.

Sandpaper.

Pencil

Water cup.

Ribbon, if you want to do a bookmark.

Papertowels.

Paint pallet you don’t mind getting glue on. A sturdy paper plate works fine too.

A charm for your bookmark, if you want one.

Some kind of book board to form your covers. You can use a lot of things for this including thick, sturdy, non-corrugated cardboard, cereal box cardboard glued together in layers, wood, or actual book board that you purchase online. I am using some chipboard that was used to stabilize and protect something I ordered online. It works FANTASTICALLY. I always hang onto this stuff when I get a package that has it.

Some brushes you aren’t afraid to ruin with glue.

Heavy duty box cutter (if you’re using wood, you may need some sort of saw).

Exacto knife.

Something to form your spine. Again, you have a lot of options here. I am using some faux-leather I had laying around, which I’ve found works best. If you use a regular fabric you’ll have to hem it, and use a fabric friendly glue that won’t come up through the fabric, which is not covered here.

3-4 sheets of scrapbook paper. Thicker cardstock papers work best for their sturdiness, but you can use lighter weight papers as well, you just have to be careful how you glue things so the lighter papers don’t warp.

Letter stickers if you want to do a title on on the cover. There’s lots of other ways to do titles, though, so it’s up to you.

(sorry, forgot to add this in the picture) 6 small binder clips. Like, the half inch sized ones.

(No picture again, sorry!) Something heavy to set on top of your book while it is drying. I just used a box of acrylic paints.

Whew. Okay, onto the actual tutorial.

Step one: Measure and cut your boards.

Measure your book, and then add 1/8-1/4inch to each side EXCEPT the spine. So, if your book is 5x8inches, you’ll want to measure out 5.25x8.5inches. The 1/8-1/4inch part is up to you. I prefer to do 1/4 inch because I like to see a bit of the endpapers even when the book is closed.

Cut out two of these rectangles from your cover material using a ruler to guide the cut and your boxcutter. With chipboard, this will likely take several cuts. I put about half an inch between each rectangle just so that if I mess up a cut I’ll only ruin one of the rectangles, not both.

Congrats, you now have your two covers! Sand down any stray bits on the edges from cutting and you’re good to go. At this point, you can do whatever you want to the things. Paint them. Collage on them. Paper them. Woodburn them. Totally up to you. Just remember, at least half an inch of the spine side will be covered by your spine material, and the insides will be covered by your endpapers, so don’t put anything important there! For this tutorial we’ll only be covering the paper wrapping method, but you really can do whatever you like.

Step 2: Wrap ‘em in pretty paper.

If you are using lighter paper, you’ll use rubber cement for this step. If you are using thicker cardstock, you can use craft glue, but it MUST be watered down (about 1part glue, 2parts water in your paint tray). If you have a printer that is big enough for scrapbook paper, you can also print titles onto the paper before you attach it to the boards. This is what I did for Hunger Pangs. If you do this, you just have to be very careful with your positioning when placing the board so that your title lines up properly!

Take your first sheet of cover paper and lay it face down. Then, take one of your cover boards and apply an even coat of glue all across one face. Plop that down on the boring side of your scrapbook paper, with a couple inches of room on each side, and press it firmly for a couple minutes.

Next, trim down your paper with the exacto knife so it is even on all sides. I honestly just lay my ruler against the edge of the board, then cut along the other edge of the ruler. Quick and easy, no measuring required, and it will be exactly the same every time.

Now trim off all the corners at a 45degree angle, leaving about 1/8inch between the corner of your board and the cut. This is where the cutting mat comes in handy, since it already has these angles marked for you. If you don’t have one, you can just measure out the angles on your own.

Now, use the smoothing tool of choice to carefully and gently fold over each of your edges. Emphasis on gently. Then, using the same glue you used to secure the front side, glue down the edges one at a time. You’ll probably have to hold them in place for a minute or two to make sure they stick.

Congrats on completing the first cover! Now repeat the process for the other one. Again, you can do whatever you want to it at this point. I added a second layer of paper feathers to mine because, well, it’s the Raven Cycle. Feathers and trees.

Step 3: Attach the book.

Lay your backcover down in the proper position, and coat it with watered down craft glue (not rubber cement). For this you want your glue a little thicker, so about 1part glue 1part water. Don’t go quite all the way to the edges, except on the spine side.

Apply book. Make sure it is centered top/bottom, and the spine of the book is lined up with the spine side of your board. Press firmly, then put your weighted box/other books/whatever, on top and let dry for at least fifteen minutes.

Next, apply glue to the front cover of the book, and attach your new cover on top. Again, make sure everything lines up properly, then press firmly for a few minutes before putting your weights on top. Let dry for an hour.

Step 4: Give it some spine.

You can work on this during the hour your book is drying. I’m doing this with faux leather (which, I know, evil plastic, hissssss. But it was what I had laying around in my art hoard from before I knew how crappy faux leather is. Better to use it than throw it out).

Measure the width of your book with the two new covers included. Then add 3/4inches to the width on each side. Measure the length of your book, and then add 2x whatever you added when you cut out your boards to each end. So if you added 1/4inch to each edge in that step, add 1/2inch at the top and bottom each in this step. If you added 1/8inch in that step, add 1/4inch in this step.

Cut that baby out using scissors. (You can also add more than 3/4inches to the width of your new spine, it just depends on the look you’re going for. You can also have fun with the edges, rather than making them straight, as long as you keep that 3/4inches as your minimum and expand out from there.)

Once you’ve given your book its hour of drying time, remove the weights. Using a line of pure craft glue, secure the first edge of your spine in place. Make sure it is centered with an even amount hanging over the top and bottom. Only about 1/2inch of the long edge of the leather should be in contact with the book. Put the weight back on top and let sit for about fifteen minutes.

If you want to attach a ribbon bookmark, now is the time, after that 15 minutes of drying. Cut out your ribbon about 4 inches longer than your book, apply the charm if you want to, and then glue about two inches of it to the outside of the paperback’s original spine using pure craft glue.

Flip your book, and glue down the other side of your new spine the same way, making sure it is even with the front cover. Don’t pull it too tight, or it will keep your book from closing properly. Place it back under your weight and let dry for an hour.

Once dry, apply a line of pure craft glue to the little bit hanging off one end. Don’t make it too thick! Just enough to cover the leather well.

Now fold over the leather so it wraps around to the inside, and use the binder clips to hold it in place. Wipe off any excess glue that gets pushed out, then let dry for an hour.

Step 5: Endpapers!

While that’s drying, cut out your endpapers! You’ll likely only need one piece of scrapbook paper for this, but it depends on the size of your book and if you want to do anything special with the pattern you’re using. Again, if you want to you can use your printer to put text on these.

If you want to have your endpaper covering BOTH the inside of the cover and the first page of the book (and the last page/inside of the cover for the back) you’ll have to do some careful measuring to cut things out and you will need two pieces of scrapbook paper for this. But I like to keep things simple and just cover the insides of the covers, not the first/last pages too, so I just use two simple rectangles. You’ll want to cut them about 1/16inches SHORTER than the measurements of your new covers.

Once the spine is done drying, remove the binder clips and check that your endpapers fit properly and aren’t hanging over the edge. You may have to trim them slightly. Once the size is right, glue them into place using rubber cement. Use your smoothing tool to press down the edges. Do this for the front and back. Put back under weight for another hour.

You’re done!

Congrats on your new book! Enjoy it.

[ameliawilson0245]

Ketamine vs. Traditional Approaches: A Comparative Guide for Depression Treatment in San Clemente

When it comes to treating depression, individuals in San Clemente have a range of options available to them. From traditional approaches like psychotherapy and medication to newer and innovative treatments like ketamine therapy, it's important to explore and understand the different paths toward finding relief and improving mental well-being. In this comparative guide, we will delve into the world of depression treatment in San Clemente, specifically focusing on the intriguing potential of ketamine therapy and how it compares to traditional approaches. By examining the mechanisms, benefits, and considerations of both ketamine therapy and conventional methods, individuals can make informed decisions about their treatment journey, ultimately aiming to regain control over their lives and achieve lasting happiness.

Understanding Depression

Before delving into the treatment options, it's essential to have a basic understanding of depression. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It can significantly impact an individual's daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Traditional approaches to depression treatment typically include psychotherapy and medication.

Traditional Approaches for Depression Treatment

a) Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, involves working with a trained therapist to identify and address the underlying causes of depression. San Clemente offers a wide range of psychotherapy options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic therapy. These therapies aim to help individuals develop coping strategies, improve problem-solving skills, and foster healthier thought patterns.

b) Medication: Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are commonly prescribed to manage depression. These medications work by balancing certain chemicals in the brain that are associated with mood regulation. In San Clemente, individuals have access to psychiatrists who can prescribe and monitor the use of antidepressant medications.

Ketamine Therapy: An Overview

a) Mechanism of Action: Ketamine is an anesthetic medication that has been used for decades in surgical procedures. However, in recent years, it has gained attention for its potential in treating depression. Ketamine functions by targeting the brain's glutamate system, specifically the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. It is believed to promote the growth of new neural connections and enhance the brain's plasticity, leading to improved mood and reduced depressive symptoms.

b) Administration: Ketamine therapy for depression is typically administered via intravenous infusion, nasal spray, or oral lozenges. The dosage and frequency of treatments vary depending on the individual's needs and the clinician's recommendations. San Clemente offers specialized clinics and medical professionals who are trained in administering ketamine therapy.

Comparing Ketamine Therapy to Traditional Approaches

a) Treatment Speed: One significant advantage of ketamine therapy is its relatively rapid onset of action. While traditional approaches like psychotherapy and medication may take weeks or even months to show noticeable effects, ketamine therapy can often produce significant improvements in depressive symptoms within hours or days. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing severe depression or those who have not responded well to other treatments.

b) Treatment Resistance: Another crucial aspect to consider is treatment resistance. Some individuals may not respond adequately to traditional approaches to depression or may experience treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine therapy has shown promise in treating treatment-resistant depression, offering an alternative option for those who have not found relief through other methods.

c) Side Effects: Like any medical intervention, ketamine therapy does carry some potential side effects. These can include temporary dissociative experiences, dizziness, nausea, increased blood pressure, and elevated heart rate. However, these side effects are generally mild and transient, and they can be effectively managed by experienced medical professionals. On the other hand, traditional antidepressant medications may have their own set of side effects, such as sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and gastrointestinal issues. It's important for individuals to weigh the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option.

d) Treatment Accessibility: In San Clemente, both traditional approaches and ketamine therapy are accessible options for treating depression. Psychotherapy services are widely available, with a range of therapists and specialized clinics throughout the city. Similarly, there are psychiatrists who can prescribe and monitor medication for depression. However, ketamine therapy may require specialized clinics or medical professionals who are trained in its administration. It's important for individuals to consider factors such as cost, insurance coverage, and availability when choosing a treatment approach.

Collaborative Approach and Personalized Care

When it comes to depression treatment, it's crucial to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each individual's experience with depression is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's recommended to adopt a collaborative approach between the individual, their healthcare provider, and mental health professionals to determine the most suitable treatment plan. This may involve a combination of traditional approaches, such as psychotherapy and medication, alongside ketamine therapy if deemed appropriate.

Conclusion

Depression is a complex condition that requires comprehensive and personalized treatment. In San Clemente, individuals have access to a variety of traditional approaches, including psychotherapy and medication. However, ketamine therapy has emerged as a promising alternative, particularly for those who have not found relief through traditional methods or who are experiencing treatment-resistant depression. By understanding the mechanisms, benefits, and considerations of ketamine therapy, individuals in San Clemente can make informed decisions about their depression treatment. It's essential to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable approach based on individual needs and circumstances.

[andrewsleftknee]

for you @kazzyboy <3

——

summer was creeping closer, and while the upperclassmen told them about their experiences at fairs, Neil mentioned that he’d never been to one. they really shouldn’t be shocked at this point, but the upperclassmen were floored upon hearing this.

“we need to take you this summer! it’ll be so fun.”

and that’s how Neil and the monsters were dragged to the local fair.

there was a lot to take in. they decided to go around seven in the evening so the families with small kids would clear out and it wouldn’t be as loud, but the sounds of the rollercoasters and carnival games and teenagers talking with the bright lights everywhere and the strong smell of fair food was still overstimulating. Andrew was right behind him, bringing his hand up to the back of Neil’s neck to ground him as the upperclassmen went to pay for their entry. Neil looked over to Andrew who stared blankly straight forward. Neil smiled to himself, which he guessed Andrew picked up on by his not-so-subtle eye roll and the removal of his hand on the back of his neck.

something about Andrew calmed Neil in a way he couldn’t explain. he assumed it was because Andrew could read him better than himself sometimes. or that he knew Andrew would always be there.

the upperclassmen gesture form the monsters to join them a few minutes later once everything is paid for. Aaron, Kevin, and Nicky start walking, but Andrew stops Neil from walking forward. Neil met his eyes and nodded. right now he was okay. Andrew nodded back and held his hand out for Neil to hold, which he accepted.

they walked past the booth and through a wide arch and met back with the rest of the group as they approached a large tent with a wooden sign with “Petting Zoo” painted in bold black letters.

“we have to go in!” Nicky exclaimed. “last year they had baby goats. Baby goats, Kevin! stop looking at me like i’m crazy i need to petthe baby goats.”

“Nicky,” Kevin started.

“sorry i can’t here you over the serotonin i’m getting from the baby goats,” Nicky responded, walking into the opening in the tent. Allison and Matt followed him, practically on his heels, and Renee and Dan followed a few beats after.

Kevin looked disapprovingly over at Andrew, and when Andrew didn’t say anything, he looked to Aaron.

“go somewhere else if you don’t want to go. i don’t want to hear you whine,” Andrew stated looking between the two of them. he looked at Neil where he stood beside him and quirked his eyebrow in silent question. Neil tilted his head toward the tent. “we’re going with them. find somewhere to go.”

Kevin groaned and turned around, grabbing Aaron by the arm and dragging him further into the fair. Neil didn’t worry about them. he figured they’d split off into smaller groups eventually.

Andrew and Neil followed the group into the petting zoo tent and walked over to where their friends stood to the side of the tent. Neil engaged in the conversation they were having while Andrew stayed silent by his side.

“Allison! look!” Nicky suddenly exclaimed. “baby goats! baby goats! oh my god look at them!” he knelt down in front of the goats and Allison joined him. he reached out his hand so the goat could decide if it wanted his attention. when it walked closer and nuzzled into his hand, Nicky let out a loud shriek and his eyes became glassy.

after about thirty minutes of the group playing and petting the goats, they eventually dragged Nicky and Allison away to find Aaron and Kevin by the array of food stands and picnic tables. when the group found them, they were sharing a slightly melted frozen lemonade and funnel cake. the cup had two plastic straws that spiraled instead of staying straight and the funnel cake had a fork resting in a place where the cake had already been eaten.

Andrew walked over at the sight of his brother and Kevin in front of a half eaten funnel cake and sat across from them. he picked up the fork, quirked his eyebrow up, and Aaron nodded in response. Andrew began to use the side of the fork to cut out a small piece of the treat before piercing it with his fork and bringing it ti his mouth.

“what kind of psychopath eats funnel cake with a fork?” Dan asked after Andrew took his first bite. Andrew looked at her for a brief moment before cutting himself another piece and piercing his fork through it.

“Andrew, i guess,” Matt said when Andrew didn’t respond.

“keeps his fingers from getting dirty,” Aaron offered, knowing that was the reason. he had mentioned that to Neil when they were planning on going to the fair. he said that Andrew hated getting food on his hands, so he ate fried dough and funnel cake with a fork. Neil didn’t know it was considered psychotic, or at least it was to Dan. he probably would have eaten it the same way for the exact reason that Andrew does.

Neil walked over to sit next to Andrew on the bench. he took the fork out of Andrew’s hand and followed what he did: using the side of the fork to cut away a bite sized piece, piercing the bite with his fork, and bringing it to his mouth. Dan rolled her eyes in a way that Neil understood as a joke and she sat down beside him on the bench.

a few of the others went around to the various food stands and came back to the table with an assortment of food. corn dogs, three small trays of fried oreos, several containers of cotton candy, a large basket of curly fries, and a drink each for the seven Foxes without them. they set everything out on the table and they ate and conversed as the sun set behind them, the bright lights from the rollercoasters changing different colors. red, purple, blue, green, and over again. others were the same white they were when they walked in, but Neil’s attention was focused on the color changing ones.

he was pulled out of his trance by Andrew grazing his hand against his spine. the others had stood up and started walking towards the line of the closest rollercoaster.

“i’m not sure if i want to do rollercoasters today,” he said when he and Andrew went to follow the others. “the lines look long,” he added. it was one of the first days the fair and as open, so the lines were still bordering ridiculous.

Andrew nodded and pointed just past the rollercoaster the rest were walking to towards stands with colorful tents with different games that Neil was almost sure were rigged. the lines were pretty short as well.

they walked past the upperclassmen and let them know they were going off on their own and started for the multicolored tents. Neil held out his for Andrew to take as they walked, and Andrew gently put his hand in Neil’s and intertwined their fingers.

Aaron and Nicky have told Neil how good Andrew is at carnival games, but seeing it in person was a different story. he won almost every single certainly rigged game. rings clanged against bottles, darts popping balloons, ping pong balls gently splashing into water. he could win any of the games they had, and he did.

Neil looked at the game behind the ring toss-type game they were currently at and a flash of bright orange caught his vision. a massive fox plushie sat in a basket hung from the top of the tent with a sign that read “10,000 points.”

Andrew turned around from the round he just won and saw Neil eyeing the massive Fox. he strode across the path to the game, handed the ticket to the teenage girl behind the counter, and listened to her explain the rules.

“the aim of the game is pretty simple: you throw your balls at the face of the clowns to get points. there are lights in front of the clowns that represent different point values. yellow is fifty points, green is one hundred, and purple is one hundred fifty. if you hit a red one you get one hundred deducted from your score, and if you hit a blue it adds ten seconds to your total time. got all that?” Andrew nods and reaches for a ball. “the amount of points you get determines the prize you win. are you ready? you get sixty seconds,” Andrew nodded again and she counted him down.

when the timer started Andrew started aiming for all of the greens and purple clowns throwing a ball with each hand, picking up another as soon as they left his hand. his score skyrocketed very quickly, getting 1,000 points in the first ten seconds. he kept that pace for the entire game, amassing a total of 6,200 points when the timer ran out.

“damn,” he said under his breath. “to get the 10,000 i’ll need to hit all of the blues i see. i think that’s how to do it.”

he handed the girl another ticket and she counted him down. he kept the same pace he did before, managing to end the game just under what he needed.

“third times a charm?” Neil questioned as Andrew handed over another ticket and the countdown started and the balls started flying.

just under two minutes of constant throwing thanks to the time he got. just under two minutes got him 10,950 points. Neil cheered as Andrew’s score flashed above them. the girl behind the counter clapped for Andrew before reaching up to pull the basket with the fox down. she handed the fox over to Andrew who immediately passed it to Neil.

“he’s so soft!” Neil said as he squeezed the plushie against his chest in a tight hug. “thank you so much! i love him.”

“whatever,” he responded. Neil knew his intention wasn’t to come off as rude even though it probably sounded that way to everyone else. “it’s almost ten, we should all towards the gate to meet everyone.”

“okay,” Neil said with a smile. “i had fun.”

“would you want to come back when it’s less crowded?”

“yeah, i’d like that,” Neil said. he leaned into Andrew’s side as they started walking back towards the entrance of the fair.

[poisoned-peppermint]

Incorrect quotes that show clear favoritism, like No dirt on the glass at all like none totally clear

It’s Bad, Bad is my favorite. I’ll die for that man

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Skeppy creeps up on Bad, who’s asleep, to try to give them a scare]

Skeppy, leaning closer to Bad: [screams]

 Bad, waking up calmly: [blinks twice] [slaps Skeppy in the face] [goes back to sleep]

~~~~~~~~~

Skeppy: Pleeaaase please kiss me again I promise I won’t say poggers afterwards this time 

~~~~~~~~~

Bad: Are you okay???

Skeppy: Yes.

Bad: Are you hurt?

Skeppy: No.

Bad: THEN WHAT WERE YOU THINKING, KNUCKLEHEAD?!

~~~~~~~~~

Stuffed animal: [has fur covering its eyes]

Tommy: [gently fixes it]

Tommy: There you go, you can see!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Skeppy: How did you find me?!

Bad: I was merely lucky enough to have heard you shouting about going to the seaside.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bad: Who are you to stand against Badboyhalo, destroyer of empires?

Skeppy: Skeptical, robber of ATMs!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bad: Okay I'm back, thanks for waiting. I just had to commit an act of senseless violence to satisfy a primal urge in me that I do not understand and cannot resist, what were you saying before?

~~~~~~~~~~

Tommy: If I had a girlfriend I would eat cereal with her

~~~~~~~~~~~

Skeppy: I need some serotonin 

Bad *Stands up*

Bad *Sits back down*

Bad: I didn’t remember what serotonin was until after I stood up so I was totally about to go get you some

~~~~~~~~~~

Bad: The eagles won last night

Dream: oh did you watch the game

Bad*covered in blood and scratches*: what game

~~~~~~~~~~

Karl: I'M TOO HOT

Karl *points at sapnap*

Karl: :D

Karl: :D

Karl: :D

Sapnap: *sighs*

Sapnap: *monotone with a deadpan expression* Hot damn

Karl: CALL THE POLICE AND THE FIREMAN 

~~~~~~~~~~

Karl: What are you doing?

Sapnap *hanging upside down from the monkey bars* Trying to kiss you?

Karl: You’re gonna fall. 

Sapnap:

Sapnap: Shut up and kiss me, asshole, I’m getting lightheaded 

~~~~~~~~~~

*Fighting*

Skeppy: Fuck you!

Bad: Later, now listen here you muffin head!

~~~~~~~~~

Skeppy *hugs bad from behind*

Skeppy *tucks his hair behind his ear*

Skeppy *whispers* Eat all the frosted animal crackers again and we’re fucking done

~~~~~~~~~

Bad *drunk laying in bed with skeppy*

Bad *kisses him on the neck and whispers in his ear* I could beat the shit out of you

Skeppy: I know

~~~~~~~~~~

Tubbo to Ranboo: Hold my fucking hand, loser. We're using the buddy system for the rest of our lives!

~~~~~~~~~

Bad: I love sleepovers

Ponk: This isn’t a sleepover, you’re in the hospital 

Bad: Then why do I have this nightgown

Ponk: That's a hospital gown

Bad: Truth or dare  :)

Ponk:

Bad: 

Ponk: dare

~~~~~~~~

Skeppy: Did you have to hit me with a corpse’s leg? Was that really necessary?!

Bad: Necessary, no. Hilarious, yes.

~~~~~~~~~

Ranboo *calls*

Tubbo: This better be important. I’m busy at work.

Ranboo: Bees don’t have lungs.

Tubbo *long pause* Tell me everything.

~~~~~~~~~~

Tubbo: No offense but who the fuck do you think you are?!

Michal:

~~~~~~~~~

Skeppy: My husband is so much better looking than me that the cashier just put a plastic divider down in the middle of our groceries…….

~~~~~~~~~~

Bad: “hot girl summer” no dummy it’s anguished woman autumn so are you coming to wander the moors with a lantern and a nightgown in the pouring rain or not because we leave at 8

~~~~~~~~~~~

now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to go scream because some people who I fallow and really enjoy their content just re-blogged my art