#even a single flower picked up from a park would suffice

[sappho-favourite-pupil]

I'm so fed up right now.

If a lesbian wants to show up at my door with a bouquet of flowers- I'm just saying- 🤭

[blueparadis]

➺ 5O5 〜 Wakasa Imaushi

+pairing : wakasa & shinichiro x f-reader

+cw: fluff, soft smut, indication of death, mention of anxiety-attack; hurt & comfort.

+type: oneshot | 1k Special Event Post

+synopsis: You & Shinichiro were always together. Taking care of clumsy Shinichiro, giving him a pep talk is what you always did. Though Benkei & Akashi were quite frank with you, wakasa's interaction always ended up with stares. Later, after Shinichiro's death , wakasa turns up at your doorstep; what a cruel twist of fate it is!

navigation links.

"Could you please visit her, Wakasa? She has been calling me for past few days but-" Benkei lets out a deep sigh staring at the blinking screen of his phone. "I'll go and try looking for Takeomi,bet she tried contacting him too." Wakasa, dressed in a black tuxedo, fluffy hair hanging down to his nape was busy in registering the fact that of all people he's going to visit you. 'How could Benkei ask him to do this?is he aware of my -' his trail of thoughts ended as Benkei exclaimed,"I'll call when I can find Takeomi." The sound of his bike faded as he went out of bounds in a vivid hurry. Wakasa stood bluntly yet all his senses were wide awake by now, aware of the fact how annihilating you would be to have the news of Shinichiro's death.

I'm going back to 505

If it's a seven hour flight or a forty-five minute drive

In my imagination, you're waitin' lyin' on your side

With your hands between your thighs

As he drove the bike ,all he could think about was you, your smile, the way you slightly tug your hair when you're smiling, the way you scold Shinichiro for being cloddish with himself and what not. His Adam's apple bobbed as he realized all these evocations of you are caved with Shinichiro. He can't remember a single memory where you're only in his presence. He halted at a void traffic signal just a few walking steps from your home. His eyes locked onto a florist shop before heading towards your home. He picked a bouquet of white roses, parked his bike to the opposite side of your home and finally he stood infront of your home. Before tapping on the doorbell, he buttoned his suit, adjusted his collar & let out the shortest sigh he could ever exhale.

As you opened the door, his translucent orbs met yours. He handed you the bouquet of roses and softly asked with his bold tone, "Can I come in?" to which you simply nodded in approval. He followed you into your room without much further talk. It wasn't much surprising but it sure was unexpected for him to visit you in that attire. The flower bouquet made it's way in the vase that was kept upon the corner-bed table. "Sit here!" You exclaimed by tapping on your bed. As he sat, his hands travelled slightly backwards resting his upper body in a slant.

Before you could enquire him about this mysterious visit his lips parted & his words spread like wildfires down to your velvet bones. "Listen, I know we don't talk much but I wouldn't come here if it wasn't necessary; so I'll be very blunt about it." he paused , rubbed his hands; let out the longest exhale of regret and finally let out the heavy burden that he has carried all the way within his heart, "I came here from Shinichiro's funeral."

You noticed that his eyes were closed while he spoke followed by a long deep sigh trying to calm his volcanic senses. You were baffled at his words. As you tried to find your voice a burning sensation perforated through the walls of your throat. He became hazy, his movements lagged as you felt warmth upon your cheeks. It felt like you were drowning in the sea of unfathomable sadness trying to grasp onto something; anything : at that dissolving momentary lapse even a frail twig would suffice. As the agony resonated into your soul a pair of hands cupped your face, gently absorbing the ache away as it wiped your cheeks.

Stop and wait a sec

When you look at me like that, my darlin', what did you expect?

I'd probably still adore you with your hands around my neck

Or I did last time I checked

Wakasa pulled your face in his embrace unable to comprehend what exactly can he do to calm the erupting chaos. You adjusted yourself to his neckline while his hands wrapped around your waist. You were exhausted, irregular gasping breaths, burning eyes. He was gently caressing your back to ease up your breathing pace. After a while as you became aware of your senses again, you realized your nose was aligning with the pulse of his neck.

It was matching with yours; maybe a little bit faster yet you were in no position to comprehend his indolent personality. Your hands that rested aimlessly on his thighs travelled around him to feel his racing pulse, around his shoulders. Releasing a heavy deep breath you adjusted your face aligning with his cheeks. His side profile became visible to you. He seemed unfazed. You stared at his tender pale lips. Your eyelids gave up for a flickering moment and when your eyelids parted again you noticed him , his eyes staring at you as if you're the crimson dawn that laved his life with light.

You turned away your gaze burying your face upon his neck again. Your mouth tasted a bit salty, enough to make you realize it was your tears not his warm skin. He was still running his hands on your back trying his best to ease your pain. "Wakasa" you said with an exhale while his hand movements stopped. "Hmmm?" he cooed. You tilted your face slightly & sucked onto his pulse. At that moment, you felt his strong firm grip on your arms despite his slim stature overpowering his slothful spirit. His hands grabbed you in order to push you away because it was wrong, wrong to have you like this.

Not shy of a spark

The knife twists at the thought that I should fall short of the mark

Frightened by the bite, though it's no harsher than the bark

The middle of adventure, such a perfect place to start

He looked at your face & within a blink of your eyes he was able to pull you onto his lap, legs along a side. He buried his lips into yours pressing your back. Lips danced against each other. His constant sucks and licks was declaring his irresistible yearning that was buried somewhere in the corner of his heart, all these years. Tears trickled down your cheeks soaking his mellowed skin. With an intent of breaking the kiss you arched back while he swiftly laid you on bed. He buried his face along your shoulders while your hands clenched around his back, grasping, trying to soak all his sadness within the exploding fragility of your stagnant emotions.

"This is a why I didn't want to visit! "he whispered and you felt a soft peck on your temple before his hands left your side. "Don't ! Please." , you murmured as you recognized his gestures of retreat. How could he possibly decline your feeble plea? He couldn't; he wouldn't. His hands made it's way again under your back again squeezing you in his embrace. His hair brushed against your cheeks, neckline ; until he pulled back his posture to face you. His exhaustive pupils watched your digits, your face that have always been beautiful to his eyes, even now. He gently kissed your lips, taking your bottom lip in between his. Your hands dived through his hair making his hold around you tighter. How could he possibly take off your sadness if not by sinking into it?

I'm going back to 505

If it's a seven hour flight or a forty-five minute drive

In my imagination, you're waitin' lyin' on your side

With your hands between your thighs

Before leaving your room he took a rose from the vase. He tucked it into your hair-bun and went down on his knees ,near your feet. You simply watched him. There was nothing you could talk about. You've never seen this Wakasa before; nobody ever has. "I really didn't want to remember our very first moments of togetherness like this" he spoke as he took your hands into his, rubbing the back of your palm. "Please, be safe for me. I'll come back to you if I can". He kissed your hands before leaving.

The sound of closing door reached your ears. While your heart screamed for him to stay , it went unheard. Before, starting the bike he covered his face with his hands and your face flashed onto his mind, when you were in his embrace. He swallowed a gulp, a gulp of sin that intertwined his soul with yours. Your eyes watched the man in black through the window as his presence faded in the empty streets.

But I crumble completely when you cry

It seems like once again you've had to greet me with goodbye

I'm always just about to go and spoil a surprise

Take my hands off of your eyes too soon

With a beeping tone on his phone, he paused to motionless at a corner of the lane. "Wakasa, found Takeomi" read the message; while it remained unattended as the sound of the bike deafened his ears thinking how will he ever come back from all these labyrinth of emotions.

I'm going back to 505

If it's a seven hour flight or a forty-five minute drive

In my imagination, you're waitin' lyin' on your side

With your hands between your thighs and a smile

By @blueparadis :: do not alter and repost elsewhere.

[lizaloveslevihan]

my big mood today is an au where levihan is living the west coast life and going to the city to buy good bread and go biking next to the sea-side and maybe crossing the bridge as they the weather is so cold but they feel so warm from the exercise and each other's love <3

A Day Well Spent

He kneeled at the bedside, already dressed for the day with every intention to drag her out of the bed. However, as he stared into her sleeping face, the words died down his throat. 

Her messy brown hair was everywhere, and she snored, mouth slightly agape, tiny hints of drool slipping from her mouth. He had already allotted himself time this morning to watch her for a couple of minutes before he got up and prepared breakfast, which was already waiting for them in the dining room. He had been incredibly tempted to just stay in bed with her all day, but he had already agreed with her plans, which, ironically, she had to be reminded of herself.

He carefully tucked a handful of hair behind her ear and traced his hand towards her bare arm, shaking it lightly. “Oi, four-eyes. Wake up. We’re gonna be stuck in rush hour.”

Hange groaned in her sleep. She lifted her arm and started waving her hand around until it finally smacked against his face. Levi sighed and took her hand in his, squeezing it lightly. 

“Five more minutes, clean freak,” she yawned, “five more minutes.”

“It’s already nine, for fuck’s sake,” Levi said firmly. Hange huffed and squeezed her eyes, even more, crumpling her face a bit. Levi shook her again with a little more force. “You were the one who kept bugging me about going out today, so stick with your plan.”

Hange groaned louder and draped an arm over her eyes, shifting her body so that it was facing away from him. “It’s not my fault you’re so good in bed,” she complained, “I’m still exhausted as fuck.”

Levi sighed again, knowing that he now had to stick to his initial plan. He stood up, cracked his knuckles, and tore off the blanket that covered her bare body. Hange let out a loud shriek in surprise but had little time to react when he swiftly picked her up and carried her towards the bathroom. 

The position was rather awkward, given their height difference, but Levi had already done this multiple times whenever she refused to take a bath herself. Hange normally didn’t complain, but this time, she was swatting his arm and growling like an animal. “I would have gotten up in five minutes you kn--”

She didn’t finish her sentence as Levi plopped her right into the bathtub. 

“What the fuck?!” Hange screeched, feeling the water envelop her skin. She yelped, spilling some of it on the floor. 

“I didn’t want to have to do this, four-eyes, but you left me with no choice,” Levi said as he crossed his arms. “Now you better hurry up or I’m leaving your ass in thirty minutes.”

Hange huffed. Of course, he’d already prepared a bath and everything. However, the annoyance she felt slowly died down as she noted the warmness of the water and the strong scent of lavender. She poked at some of the bubbles and felt her frown turn into a wide grin. 

Levi scoffed and raised an eyebrow. “The fuck are you so happy about?”

“Oh, nothing.” Hange sang as she eased into the tub, feeling her muscles relax. She sighed comfortably and looked at him. “Just how much I love you.”

She grinned even wider as he was visibly taken aback, an unmistakable blush dusting his pale cheeks. “Just hurry up and wipe your ass,” he grumbled, suddenly turning shy and looking away. “I don’t wanna be stuck in traffic all day.”

“Aren’t you going to do it for me?” Hange pouted. She did her best puppy eyes, knowing it always had at least a fifty percent chance of working on him.

“Nice try,” Levi said as he swiftly walked out of the room. “Save your begging for later.”

As he shut the door behind him, Hange couldn’t help but giggle. He really was something else.

--------

The weather was finally turning cooler after months of excessive heat, so she was glad to finally be able to wear that soft, yellow sweater Nanaba had gotten for her on her birthday. She finished dressing, leaving her damp hair to dry first, and went out of the bedroom. She found Levi in the kitchen, sipping his morning tea. 

Levi glanced up as he heard her walking in, and Hange observed how he stared at her a second longer before glancing down and taking another sip. “Took you long enough.” 

Hange then noticed the plate of eggs and toast on the dining table, as well as her usual mug of coffee. “Thanks for breakfast, Levi!” she happily exclaimed as she took her usual seat, Levi joining her afterward. 

They took their breakfasts quickly, seeing as they had a couple of places they needed to get to that day. In twenty minutes, they were already on the freeway, and much to Levi’s pleasant surprise, the traffic wasn’t as bad as he thought. The whole ride would have been perfect if only Hange didn’t control the music. Hopefully, she’d let him play his playlist when they drove to their next stop. He didn’t know if he could handle listening to her rap “My Shot” from the Hamilton soundtrack seven more times. He appreciated the music, but what he didn’t appreciate was her screeching every. single. word. 

They got to the Farmer’s Market before noon and Levi managed to secure a parking spot by her favorite pastry stall. “Remember, we’re getting bread and fruit. Don’t you dare buy a fucking fish like last time.” He reminded Hange as they got out of the car. He walked around and met her eyes, already seeing the excitement in them. 

“But that was so fun!” Hange complained. She immediately hooked her arm to his and started dragging him to the first stall. 

“I went to the bathroom for ten minutes and the next thing I know you made your own campfire in Santa Monica and tried cooking an actual fish in it,” Levi emphasized. They stopped right in front of her favorite shop where she glanced at all the decadent options that laid in front of her. “You were fucking lucky that Arlert kid worked there and helped cover it up, otherwise, they would have probably arrested your shitty ass.”

Before Hange could reply, the old woman who managed the store finally saw and greeted them. “Oh, how nice to see you again Dr. Zoe! Mr. Ackerman.”

Levi nodded at the woman while Hange gave her a big wave. “Hi, Kate! We’ll have the usual. And maybe a box of these blueberry tarts. Thank you!” She smiled brightly. 

Kate instantly returned the smile. “Of course. Half a dozen of chocolate croissants and a box of blueberry tarts coming right up, dear.”

Hange finally glanced down at Levi as Kate was busy grabbing the pastries. “Isn’t Armin such a sweet kid? He also works so hard at the lab, even if he’s an unpaid intern. I already promised him a superb letter of recommendation when he graduates, which makes us even I guess.”

Levi rolled his eyes. She was definitely shaping up Arlert to replace Moblit, should he finally die from stress from making sure she doesn’t blow herself up at work. Even though he never showed it (and never will) he was grateful for those two for taking care of her when he couldn’t. 

“You need to stop watching those survival shows on Netflix,” Levi said as Kate started wrapping up their purchases. “Next thing I know, you’re gonna attempt to eat your own shit.”

Hange let out a large bark of laughter. She then bumped her shoulder against his. “My shit would probably taste really good though, you gotta admit.”

“Here you go, sweetie,” Kate said as she handed Hange a paper bag. Levi started to take out his wallet when the old woman stopped him. “Oh, don’t worry about it. It’s on the house today!”

“But Kate--” Hange started to protest. The old woman placed a hand on her shoulder to silence her.

“You two come here every Sunday, and it always warms my heart to see how sweet you are. That’s very rare for couples these days.” Kate smiled, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll let you pay next week, alright?”

Hange then gave her a big hug which made the old woman chuckle in delight. She returned the gesture and glanced at Levi, who nodded his head in gratitude. 

They eventually pulled apart, and before they exchanged goodbyes, Kate walked up to Levi and whispered: “Take care of that one, okay? She’s a keeper.”

He glanced discreetly at Hange, drinking in her appearance and fighting the small grin that threatened to appear on his face. He returned his gaze to the old woman and spoke quietly: “You have no idea.”

It was after they purchased more food from the other stalls did Hange finally ask what the old woman told him. 

“Oh, nothing.” Levi responded, the bright flower shop at the end of the hall catching his eye, “Just how much your shit would taste good.” 

Hange laughed out loudly, gaining the attention of the people near them. Levi finally felt his lips turn upright at the sight of her happy face. 

“I knew it.”

-------

They reached the beach after an hour-long drive that mainly consisted of fighting over playing yet another Hamilton song or Levi’s alternative rock and classical playlist. They eventually came up to the agreement where Hange was allowed to sing one Hamilton song and listen quietly to the rest. If she failed to do so, then she had to play Levi’s music. Suffice to say, Levi was finally able to enjoy at least some parts of the drive.

There was a park that was situated exactly next to the beach which was the perfect spot for lunch. Hange normally persuaded him to have a picnic in the sand, despite the obvious discomfort he had, but after seeing all the trouble she put him through last time with the fish situation, she was more than okay to eat at a picnic table at the park. 

Hange felt herself instantly relax as the cool, salty air entered her lungs. She stretched out her limbs after being cooped up in the car for so long and closed her eyes, enjoying the breeze. 

As much as she loved her job and the people she worked with, she was glad to have these nice days off -- especially with Levi by her side. 

“Oi, instead of standing around like an idiot, why don’t you help out shitty glasses?” Levi called out as he opened the trunk and grabbed some of the bags of food they had bought. 

Hange broke from her trance and did exactly that. They found a nice table and Levi got to working with placing a picnic blanket over it as Hange started to pull out and prepare the boxes of food and bottles of beverages. As they worked, Hange couldn’t help but discreetly glance at Levi as he neatly arranged the other boxes of food, his strong figure visibly relaxed, and his face calm, even though it had its usual stoic expression. The breeze picked up a little, slightly ruffling his dark locks as he concentrated on making sure nothing flew away. 

“Take a picture, it lasts longer,” he said without looking at her. Hange couldn’t help but laugh at being caught, and she shrugged before sitting down, her hands making its way to the first box of pastries. “Eh. I already have too many photos of your constipated face on my phone. It almost makes me look like a stalker. Though that would be an interesting concept.” She bit into the croissant and sighed at its wonderful flavor.

Levi scoffed and sat across from her before grabbing a sandwich. “It’s not hard to imagine. I bet you already have some weird fucking shrine of me in your lab or some shit.”

Hange gasped, a couple of crumbs falling from her face. “How’d you find out?! I thought I hid it so well.”

Levi pursed his lips in amusement as Hange grinned at him. They ate in silence for a bit before falling into an easy conversation about their respective work and what they had missed talking about the past week. Hange excitedly talked about the new developments in the lab and the experiments she was thinking of proposing soon. In turn, Levi updated her on how he and Erwin were close to securing a deal with one of their potential investors.

They finished their food and after cleaning up and putting some of it back in the car, they proceeded to walk together by the seaside. Levi wasn’t keen on stepping into the sand at all this time, and Hange conceded. It wasn’t long before their hands were firmly clasped together as they walked, and they went on, passing by surfers and other beachgoers who also enjoyed a rather gentle sun and cold breeze. They inserted some personal commentary on each person they found interesting -- which varied immensely from a street performer to an old couple who wore swimsuits that left little for the imagination. 

“Look, Levi!” Hange stopped and pointed to a bike rental stall. “Can we go?” 

It wasn’t as if Levi had much choice, so he simply agreed. 

After paying the rent (and sanitizing the handles on Levi’s part), they rode their bikes and followed the convenient trail specifically made for them. Hange, with her strong and long legs, obnoxiously went faster than him. “Oi, Hange! Slow down will you?” Levi called out. “It’s not a fucking race!”

Though he commended the effort, there was still no way she could outrun the man who actually had a fixed gym schedule. “The fuck, four-eyes?” he said as they finally pedaled side by side.

“Why, I thought you’d actually appreciate looking at my backside, short stuff,” Hange said, not bothering to look at him. “Your loss, I guess!” she called out.

She smiled smugly to herself as Levi took the bait and slowed down behind her. After a few seconds, she called out again: “Take a picture! It lasts longer!”

-------

They left the beach an hour before sunset, and this time, the drive to their last location was a calmer one -- Hange filling the air with more comments about the people and things they observed.

Levi glanced at her from time to time, the colors of the sky lighting her face. She went on and on about the man on the beach whose lover looked more like his daughter, about Kate and how they should give her something special next week as a thank you present, about her work agenda tomorrow and how she wanted to set up Moblit with Nifa, and what their plans were going to be next Sunday. Levi took it all in -- the sound of her voice, how she chuckled and laughed, her thoughtfulness towards others -- he took it all in and felt an overwhelming amount of happiness just by being there and listening to her. 

Hange couldn’t help but do the same. Every time she sprouted something, she looked at his reaction and was pleased to see his amused expression. He looked positively gorgeous there behind the steering wheel, and she knew that he was listening to her every word despite it being nonsense to him. The moment he placed his hand in between them, she grabbed it immediately. Though he said nothing, she knew he was as happy as her.

They had gotten to the Observatory by the time the sun started sinking, and they pulled up near a bench with an incredible view of Los Angeles laid out in front of them. Hange immediately went down and sat, but Levi had other plans as he mysteriously went to the trunk and took out something from a bag. Hange stared at him in amusement as he closed it and presented her with a bouquet of sunflowers that matched her sweater perfectly. 

“You haven’t studied these yet, right?” Levi asked. Hange smiled warmly and took it, admiring its beauty. He then sat down next to her, his face neutral. 

“They’re beautiful.” Hange noted, “and yep. I haven’t yet.” She loved to study flowers and plants as a hobby, and Levi almost always provides her with them, even if he constantly argued he got them for free somewhere.

“They were giving them out in the market while you were in the bathroom.” Levi shrugged, keeping his face expressionless. “Thought you’d need something to work on in your free time.”

Hange hugged his side, giggling at his obviously constipated face. He draped an arm around her and they stayed that way for a good amount of time. 

“You’re too kind, Levi,” Hange said, her voice muffled against his shoulder. “And you’re also a terrible liar.”

“Shut the fuck up, shitty glasses.”

Hange laughed again -- she seriously couldn't stop laughing when she was with him -- and pulled away, placing the flowers onto her other side. “So.” she started, now looking at the view that laid in front of them. “What are we doing next Sunday? I believe it’s your turn to pick.”

Levi already had the answer to that question. “We’re staying in.”

Hange raised an eyebrow, “Again? Don’t you want to try out that new tea place downtown?”

Levi shook his head and thought about how he seldom had the time to just laze around in bed with her -- especially given their often hectic work schedules. He thought about this morning, her calm and serene face, the drool from lips, her messy hair -- and he knew he wanted to bask in that silence, to stare at her face for as long as possible. Though today, he had to admit, was also a day well spent. 

Hange understood and smiled softly. They wrapped their arms around one another, the cold air unable to penetrate the warmth from the love they deeply shared. 

It was a day well spent indeed. 

[ofieugogyshz]

Booth: Boogiepop Tarot

“I'm not sure I understand why you couldn't wear what you normally wear...”

“It's for the aesthetics, Mr. Champion. I'd expect you of all people to understand the importance of presentation!”

This exchange happened at one very visually appealing stall, between two people who were at work, setting it up in the hours before the festival opened to the public. The stall had a quaint, yet mystical atmosphere to it, a subtle otherworldliness to it. There were no skulls or symbols implicating something demonic or magical in nature. But the black, wine red, and purple color scheme, the layabout crystals and candles, the stars that hung from the tent poles which glittered in the day and glowed in the dark; fairy lights that would be visible at night, but during the day were hidden in the rafters, covered by flower chains and vines; the occasional witch's ladder hung in various spots, ending with bottles of herbs, powder, or glitter as a means to catch a wavering eye... All this had been an assortment of things that appealed to the one running the booth. They had desired something that gave a very mystical, almost magical vibe, but didn't buy directly into a gothic vibe or skirted the spring theme that they had to work with. Perhaps it had been a bit overdone, but it all added up to an intriguing and unusual display.

The person running the booth was a non-binary individual signed up under the name of “Boogiepop”. Naturally, this wasn't the actual Boogiepop. But the tarot reader who had set about organizing the booth certainly had taken it upon themselves to look the part.

They wore a long cloak that covered their entire body, hiding their heavyset form under shapeless navy blue. When visible, the inside of the cloak was lined with a nebulae pattern in a reddish hue. A long, stove-pipe shaped hat adorned their head. What looked like miniature knobs and trinkets littered the front of the hat, as it was held down by a chain across the crown. Brown hair was tucked under the hat, except for two strands that framed their face. From their ears dangled gold stars along gold chains of varying length; they wore a large wire ear cuff that had stars on it, beautiful and simple. This Boogiepop wore black lipstick that glittered in a mysterious way, adding to the intrigue that the individual hoped to bring.

Across their shoulders was a rather long belt that ended in a large yin-yang symbol in the middle, seeming to hold it up. It had a black and white zigzag pattern. Shorter belts, in a plain brown color, seemed to be worn as bracelets and anklets, though these were only visible when the cloak was thrown open, or a hand was reaching across to turn a card or position a crystal. Solid black nail polish coated their fingertips, a stark contrast to the shimmer and shine of the booth itself, and the rest of the adornments that the reader had added to their costume.

There was a certain image that this person had in mind for their stall's display, and they definitely strove to bring it to life.

“Besides,” they continued, as they reached into a box and pulled out various crystals and gems to adorn their tables and display, “I'm not always about pink and sparkly cheer! I mean, sure, this would have been the perfect opportunity to go ham on that with whatever I've got in my closet, but I don't have to!! There's nothing wrong with a little black now and then; spring sprouts from the dead of winter, the end of a beginning! Oh, don't give me that look,” they said, cutting themselves off in a huff as their husband stifled a laugh at their words while he helped make sure that the poles for the stall's covering were secure.

He stopped where he was working, covering his mouth with his fist as he chuckled at the overanalyzing ramble his wife went on, the attempt to make an excuse to wear that particular costume, but they had already noticed it and puffed out their cheeks in a pout.

“I'm sorry; you're just so cute when you ramble on like that.”

Their cheeks flushed red and they turned away sharply, quickly busying themselves with putting decorations down at another table.

Nearby, a Pikachu helped decorate. A small, traditional-styled witch's hat was on the Pikachu's head, as her long ears poked through the brim of the hat so as to keep it in place. The reader glanced up from their work to look at their Pikachu's progress. She ran across the front crying about happily as she helped place flowers and crystals down.

“Ahh! Pika, try not to put too many flowers down. I know it's a spring festival, but I want the gemstones to be noticeable, too...” The trainer watched as their Pikachu nodded, and sprinted away with a mouthful of the flowers it had just sat down, placing them gently back in a small bucket that housed many other flowers that were being used to decorate. The festival had supplied these, so as to help encourage the spring vibes for each of the people who had signed up for a stall.

When this stall's “Boogiepop” had heard about the festival, they had hurriedly signed themselves up as a vendor, completely ignoring the fact that part of the importance of the festival was for families and couples. ...Which was part of the reason why they had initially been drawn to the Spring Festival. But when they saw their niche interest listed among one of the potential booths that one could hold, their mind instantly changed gears as hyperfixation took hold. What went from a planned, simple date outing with their spouse instantly became a frenzied, excited need to make up a huge display and share something that they rarely got to share publicly. And now, they had roped their husband into helping them set up and keep them company between patrons.

But that was not an issue at all. The two did not get nearly enough time together recently, so any excuse would have sufficed. “Boogiepop” looked over at their husband, smiling as they remembered this.

When everything had been laid out, the last thing they did was put out the divination decks. Carefully, they set down five deck boxes of varying sizes on a table along the side of their reading table. They were spaced out a certain amount, as though to give each deck room for themselves. Three more decks were placed down on the much larger center table, which would be the working space for any potential clients. A large reading cloth covered the circular, center table. It showcased constellations across the night sky, naming each one that appeared. There was the casual adjustment of a nearby crystal, or some other trinket that added to the visual, aesthetic appeal of the whole booth.

Their husband watched as his wife picked up each deck individually, closing their eyes for a moment, whispering a few words before they put it back down and picked up the next deck. They had done this for each of the eight decks that they had brought. Though he didn't understand much about how tarot reading worked, or why his wife felt such a pull towards it, it didn't matter. He loved watching them focused on something. He loved the excitement that they got as everything started to come together during the time they had spent setting up together. He loved watching them.

Incense was lit as the festival attendees had begun their stroll inside the festival park. It was a very earthy, grounding blend that helped gave a sense of calm to any passersby that smelled it.

The tarot reader finally sat down at their center table. Tarot cards had been kept in their boxes for the time being, though the reader themselves longed to begin shuffling. Maybe just a single card, to get their mind focused and at ease...?

“You know, your costume doesn't seem very spring-like at all,” commented their husband, breaking the silence immediately.

They let out a sigh. It was much better to let their hyperfixation rest for the time being, so they wouldn't burn out early. They'd hate to have spent all this time and energy setting up, only to be unable to focus on a reading after an hour or two.

“Yeah, well,” they started, turning to look at their husband. “I'm surprised that you didn't come in uniform for once,” they said, pursing their lips in a mock-pout. They rested their elbow on the table as they spoke, putting their chin in their hand.

It was true. Their husband was normally seen in much more dramatic clothing, usually accompanied by a cape. Today, however, he had gone for something more simple. A black turtleneck shirt  with long sleeves, and khaki pants. “Boogiepop” had half expected their spouse to look no less jarring amongst festival goers than they did themselves in costume, as his typical outfit was iconic of his position, and only felt slightly dismayed that they were now the one overdressed. They scanned him up and down, from his spiked red hair all the way down to the shoes he wore, and back up, meeting his blue eyes.

“Are you cold-blooded or something?” they asked suddenly, a critical eye on his outfit. “It's the beginning of May. Aren't you hot in that?”

There was only a brief pause as their husband considered his response, looking down at what he wore.

“Well. If we were to ask your 'twelve-year-old self', apparently the answer would be yes.” He gave them a teasing grin, earning a huge eye roll and sputtering fluster from his wife.

“Oh. my. Fucking. God. – I can't. I can't even with you right now. – No, no. You know what?” they said, grabbing a deck like they were brandishing a weapon. They quickly rifled through the cards. When they found what they were looking for, they slammed the deck back down on the table, and held out the card to their lover.

“Just for that--! The Tower! Everything falls to ruins, because you just ruined it,” they declared, cheeks still flushed hot red from embarrassment.

--

Had the reader's booth caught the eye of any passersby, maybe they had heard part of this conversation. Perhaps they even watched as it occurred. Or maybe it was the playful teasing, the banter and fluster, that caught one's interest, and the surrounding booth, with all its decor, finished drawing them in.

Regardless of how one approached, there would be a Pikachu in a witchy hat to greet you cheerfully, running alongside you as it tried to bring you in. And the tarot reader and their husband would look up from whatever they were doing when they heard that Pikachu.

“Welcome,” began the tarot reader, as they gave their best monotone impression. “If it interests you, you may ask me any question you seek to know. You may find yourself learning information about yourselves that does not please; or perhaps it was information you already knew? Do you wish to go back to the beginning, to find the root of all causes? Or do you simply wish to watch the here and now? Feel free to seek, but do not be afraid of the answer--” and there was a pause, as though they were forgetting their lines.

“Ahh, forget it. I'm doing single card readings if you're interested. What do you wanna know? Please make sure to mind the rules posted by the entrance. Oh, and don't mind the husband, he's just here because he loves me,” they will say, as the two will look at each other and smile. “Tell me your question, because I know the cards will have a lot more to say to you if you don't.”

[casual-eumetazoa]

i’m a perpetually broke grad student so instead of buying gifts for Christmas and birthdays i write fanfics or short stories for friends. Christmas 2019 i asked my best friend to pick up to three genres for his gift story and he told me political drama + classical literature + self-help. i added steampunk sci-fi to that and took that as a challenge...

--------------------------

A Yule Anthem

(or how to end the monarchy and overthrow the government in twelve* simple steps)

a memoir by Erasmus Waynard Smith, a once royal circuit keeper

 *

Season’s greetings to you, dearest reader. Although I have no way of verifying this, it is quite likely that you are starting this book on the dawn of a Yule, as this is the date my memoir is set to be released. If that is the case, then happy holidays! I wish you all the best. May the spirits of old Earth guard you and support you in all of your endeavors in the upcoming cycle of the Suns.

It is with an unsteady hand that I begin this story, for I have never intended for it to be heard. Indeed, the book you are projecting onto your cornea as of this very moment would not exist if it wasn’t for the efforts, diligence, and, if I may be so frank, stubbornness of a certain someone.

Thirteen months ago, you see, I was approached by Theodosia Pruce – a talented and perceptive lady from the distant, exotic shores of the planet Zanzibar. Miss Pruce was the one who convinced me to put my memories into words, for the sake of future generations. And although I do not give as much as half a bitcoin for the future generations, I was, nonetheless, swayed, by the most generous offer of a personal mansion on a resort world and a fully paid pension for the rest of my physical existence. And so, I am sitting here now, a tall glass of rapidly cooling Roomas juice by my side, and a touchscreen quill pressed tightly in between my fingers, trying to jolt my memory and produce exactly as many words as I was asked for, not a word more, not a word less.

Conveying all the truth and nothing but the truth about these events is an earnest challenge for me. I am an old man of a hundred and fifty now, dearest reader, and 2237 seems centuries away from the present. Back then, I was a young lad of hardly forty, and my mind was full of foolish desires, far-reaching ambitions, and cotton candy. I worked as a royal circuit keeper in her majesty’s planetary servers - a skillful but simple and honest occupation - and, like so many before me and around me, dreamed of preposterous things. Dreamed of success, and money, and love, and a glorious revolution…

Lean back, dearest reader, adjust your mindscreen settings, and let me bring you with me on a trip to the past and tell you how to accomplish what I have somehow accomplished.

step 1: identify your project

This story begins on a dark, uneasy, snowy evening, on the first day of Yule of 2237. The shifts down at the factories and the river banks were rolling to the end, and the work hours just came to a close for all the royal employees. I – your faithful servant – had only about arrived at my usual spot, the Drunk Mongoose pub, when a roar of thunder shook the ground and shattered the glass in the liquor cabinet.

-The forecast didn’t say no thunder snowstorm. -  Said my best friend Arabella, as she fell down into a lumpy seat beside me. – I left Boy outside. If he will get struck by lightning again, I’ll never get the money to replace his burned-out batteries.

-Chill. – I advised, and took a generous sip of my drink. – It don’t seem to be a big one.

As if to disavow my word, the thunder crashed again, with twice as much strength this time. It pulsed through the floor, crackled in the walls and shook the roof above our heads.

-I ain’t likin’ it. – I whispered.

The lights and sounds of the pub were starting to flicker.

-Same. – Arabella retorted, clutching the rackety table with utmost strength.

Side by side, we watched as every single candle and kerosene lamp in the building lingered and died, blown out at once by a rush of electromagnetic wind. A low, irritating murmur reached my ears, and I realized that the entire holographic engine must have gone caput. For the second time this lunar cycle.

-Not again! – Came the exasperated moan of Octavius, the pub owner.

I sighed, and forced myself out of my seat, intent on helping the man with the machine.

-The entire network’s down. – Arabella informed, pointing at the blank projected screen of her pocket watch. – I’m so sick of this, Ersh. They’d promised to fix this back during the wet season!

-Sick of the government? – Yelled some drunken gentlemen from the other side of the pub. – Sick of his majesty’s empty promises?

-Yeah! – Another random visitor of the establishment supported the man enthusiastically.

-Well big mood, I tell ya. – The first man snorted. – Everyone hates them, but ain’t no one gon’ do a thing about it. So get back to your work.

Now I cannot put my finger on why that simple remark had such a profound effect on me… Was it the man’s voice, so full of despair and apathy and subdued anger? Was it my own exhaustion, the quiet rage at the thought of coming back home by foot, through the howling thunder and snow, in the absence of a sky bus? All in all, something must have short-circuited in my mind, as a sat back down, looked Arabella in the eyes and said, in a voice most confident:

-You know what? Let’s overthrow the government.

 step 2: define goals and objectives

On my way home, I was drowning in feverish frenzy, drunk without wine and hopeful beyond reason. Oh, for how long I have dreamt of this! Many a morning I have spent imagining what it would be like to live on a planet fair, unburdened, free from the thralls of corrupt government and incompetent king. I knew that I wanted it, and I knew that every one of us wanted it, and, somehow, despite all common sense, I knew that I could do it.

I stumbled out of the pub and wondered on unsteady feet towards the docks. The snow swirled and raged around me, and my blurry eyes struggled to focus on my surroundings. I stopped at the slope of the northern canal and gazed into the clouded sky, feeling the snowflakes land on my eyelashes and the wind slash my face. I cannot tell you why, dearest reader, but I felt so utterly happy.

-How much for an uber these days? – I announced cheerfully as I approached the line of carriages waiting by the canal.

-Three fifty for a mile. – Echoed one of the drivers – an older lady, who was stroking the head of a white, shabby-looking horse.

-Steep. – I whistled, and swung myself into the carriage. – Hampton Hall please, down at the cross of Richmond and Westby.

She nodded at me, and pushed the minute counter switch. One word to the horse, and I could hear the sound of its metal hooves striking against the cobblestone. I half-sat, half-laid in my seat, staring at the hole-ridden ceiling of the carriage, and listening to the sounds of the dreaming city.

‘Alrighty then’, I thought, pulling out my notebook. It had hardly any charge left, so the bleak night mode would have to suffice.

“Tasks for tomorrow”, I noted down, and drew a flower on each side of the line. “Destroy the government from the inside. Make King Edmund step down from the throne. Profit”.

 step 3: define tasks

It was only at noon next day when the realization of what I just committed myself to hit me like a bolt of lightning. I was enjoying my Roomas (the good kind – they don’t grow it right anymore) with my colleagues at the servers, and suddenly it dawned on me – I was going to take this planet apart, bit by bit. So powerful that was, so profoundly terrifying, that I had to excuse myself and sit in a locked bathroom stall, wheezing, my heart pounding in my chest. A few girls and a man must have heard me, as I was asked repeatedly whether I was okay.

I was not, but I was going to be.

I went straight home after the workday was over. I forced myself to gather my thoughts, and look rationally at this situation. This task, though ambitious, no doubt, could surely be accomplished. I knew this planet, knew it through and through. I knew politics too – it was the first thing I ever studied in university, and I hated it, I’ll admit, but it was useful nonetheless. All I needed was to sit down, think it through, and draft a plan.

And that is precisely what I did.

 step 4: build your team

We met in the abandoned park by the lakes at dawn the next morning. The air was bity with cold and static electricity, and the seven of us could not help but shiver as we walked towards our gazebo. It was buried underneath a thick layer of snow, and I laughed as Arabella pretended to push the fluffy heap onto my head.

-Good morning, everyone. – I greeted, inviting them inside before myself.

-Skip to the important bit, please.  -Arabella yawned, and took her seat at the table.

-Fair enough.

I took a deep breath in and gazed upon my freshly assembled crew. Arabella, a fellow circuit keeper and the fastest hacker I have ever met. Ambrose, a talented but not extensively successful journalist. Cecilia, an up-and-coming politician herself, but currently a secretary to one of the most famous politicians on the planet. Wilhelmina, a social media manager with hundreds of contacts at her fingertips. Josiah, an artist and designer, currently one of the official dressmakers to the king. Euphemia, a policewoman in the past, now a social activist and respected public figure. Matthew, a writer and a poet, who happened to be the lover of three separate government figures, all of different genders, all filthy rich. And me, a humble sysadmin with a dash of organization skills and arrogance to spare.

-Esteemed guests, - I said, and paused to clear my throat, - you all know why we are here. Now allow me to explain to you exactly what we will do.

 step 5: create a timeline

-This is flippin’ insane, Ersh. – Wilhelmia exclaimed, glaring, and I was forced to shush at her.

-Quiet. – I reminded, and she swallowed hard, remembering that anyone in the building was at liberty to overhear us.

The upcoming revolution was now two days old. On the surface, we continued to lead normal lives, working, complaining, gossiping, and counting the minutes to the end of the shift. In truth, we were right in the middle of action. Meeting all over the city – in undiscovered pubs and inns, in unguarded computer cellars, on the rooftops of nuclear boilers, and in the dead-ends of dark alleyways. We communicated over quantum radio and made sure to burn all of our transmissions after every call. We were brave, and vigilant, and determined, above all else, to bring this to a close as soon as possible.

-But that is too fast. – Wilhelmia insisted in a hoarse whisper. – You don’t seriously believe that this will be over before the Yule ends, do you?

-Indeed, I do. – I replied, and had the displeasure of being poked in the ribs. – What’s more, it is the only way to accomplish what we set out to do.

-How so? – She questioned.

-Conspiracies are short-lived. – I elaborated, and shifted in my tight, deeply uncomfortable sit.

The server ventilation shaft was far from a pleasant place to be inside of.

-The longer it goes on, the more likely it is to fall apart. Especially as we begin to bring more people into it.

-But ten days, Ersh! – Wilhelmia repeated. – How would that ever work?

-Simply and elegantly. – I smiled. – Remember, my friend – I am brilliant under tight deadlines, especially when said deadlines are self-inflicted.

Wilhelmia chose not to argue with me – for she knew, deep down, that I was right.

 step 6: adjust your plan accordingly

I did not get a wink of sleep on the fifth night of the revolution. The visions of failure haunted me like vicious yet intangible ghosts, and I tossed and turned in bed until the second moon grazed the sky. Giving up on sleep altogether, I got up, mixed up a glass of dehydrated water, and turned on the radio. I expected to be lulled back into calm by its soft, crackling static – but instead, I had my anxieties validated.

-Thank heavens, Erasmus. – The voice of Josiah erupted from the speaker. – I’ve been trying to reach you for hours!

-What is it? – I asked, and slumped down to the floor, my head dizzy all of a sudden.

-It isn’t working. – Josiah confessed, and I could practically taste his desperation. – Not a tad. He is listening to me, but he doesn’t believe me in the slightest, I fear.

-Okay. – I said, though I was as far from okay as one could be. – It’s fine. – It was not, in fact, fine. – Roadblocks happen. Let’s talk. We’ll think of something, I am sure.

And, unlikely as it was, we did.

 step 7: be flexible

The sixth day flew by so fast; I hardly noticed the night arriving. Eleven pm, and I found myself on the top floor back row of a double-decker, moving smoothly on its set path, the electric engine buzzing and murmuring somewhere far below. Outside, the snow was replaced by a thick fog, with neither of the moons in sight. The bus was almost empty and deathly quiet. I sighed, turned to my left, and met eyes with Matthew.

-How many in total? – I inquired, my voice down, still aware of the potential danger of being overheard.

-Forty-seven. – He informed, and the hint of a smile touched his lips. – Which makes it almost a third of the entire government.

-Not enough. – I shook my head, unsatisfied.

-Not enough? – He pouted.

-Time is not in abundance. – I said, and he looked away, avoiding my gaze. – We need to accelerate. Do you agree?

He sighed, but nodded.

-Good. – I glanced sideways, and drew a spiral on the mist-covered window. – You know what to do, Matthew.

-Yeah. – He said, smirking. – Unleash them memes.

 step 8: communicate with your team

All of us gathered together again on the afternoon of the seventh day, in a tacky, brightly lit and empty tea room. The forecasts mongered another thunderstorm, and the atmosphere was heavy still, but, somehow, it did not bother me in the slightest. I smiled as the maid droid placed a tray in front of me, and the smell of cinnamon and lemon zest reached my nose.

-We’re on the right track. – I proclaimed confidently, and took my acai rice pudding bowl and a steaming hot cup of Earl Gay off the tray. – Cheers.

-Cheers. – The team echoed, and we clanked our china cups together.

We spent the hour discussing the current affairs, congratulating each other, chatting, laughing, and feeling oddly optimistic about the whole endeavor. My step was light as I was leaving the tea room. We had a few challenges ahead, sure – but, overall, everything was going according to plan.

 step 9: address any problems before they occur

Then the eighth day arrived, and, all of a sudden, nothing was going according to plan. News rushed in through the radio one by one; they piled all on top of each other, and right as I was leaving the server maintenance room to enjoy my well-deserved Roomas break. I felt drops of sweat form on my neck and roll down my spine as I scrolled through the message feed of my wristwatch. Nothing terrible has happened so far, I admitted – but it could. So shaky. So many opportunities for it all to go to hell – and in rapid succession. Three seconds later, and I was overtaken by fierce, unwavering panic.

It must have been twenty years at least of sitting in the memory cube closet, hugging myself and trying desperately to remember how one was supposed to breathe, when someone knocked on the door. The first aid droid, I realized.

-I have detected alarmingly high levels of adrenaline and cortisol. – The droid’s voice sounded even sillier than usual, obstructed by the door. – Would the gentlemen like some treatment? I can offer morphine drops or deep brain stimulation.

-No. – I yelled back through the closed door. – No, thank you.

-Very well, sir. – The droid responded. – If you will need me, I’ll be at my re-charging station.

-Yes. Fine. Now leave me, please. – I groaned, and gently bumped my forehead against the wall.

I cannot tell you why, but somehow, that brief exchanged kicked some sense back into my mind. I let go of my shoulders, took a deep breath in, and told myself – “think”. Yes, the opportunities for disaster were plenty. Yes, we were on shaky ground now, even more so than before. Nevertheless, not all was lost. In fact, nothing was lost yet, I realized. You see, dearest reader, the benefit of having anxiety is that you can foresee potential problems and overcome them before they arise.

Fifteen minutes later, I had a solution for every single issue that could occur in the last phases of the plan. I thought about it further over my Roomas (with just a few drops of morphine), then found an excuse to leave the server buildings for a brief pause. Outside, it didn’t take me long to find a kid aimlessly wandering the streets.

-Any spare change, sir? – The kid asked, big blue eyes full of sadness. – I am all out of coins to buy Fortnight mods.

-Just your luck, your little rascal. – I smiled, and ruffled the kid’s curly hair. – I’ll give you a tenner – if you can bring this, - and I handed him a memory stick, - to lady Euphemia O’Malley. You will find her somewhere in the city center, most likely close to the town hall.

-Alright, sir. – The kid said, and snatched the memory stick out of my hand even before I transferred the payment. – I sure will try.

I nodded, said my farewells, and felt completely tranquil at once. Whether it was the effect of having dealt with the problems, or the morphine kicking in, I had no clue.

 step 10: learn to say ‘no’ and accept help

I took a break on the ninth day, knowing that the revolution was beyond my grasp at that point, and all I could do was step back and watch the dominos fall into place. I ended the shift early, and went to the ice rink up at Thatchley Square. It was full of preschoolers and noisy beyond tolerance, which prompted me to push my airpods deeper into my ears. I would take the majestic, sophisticated sounds of Ed Sheeran, Gwen Stefani, and other classics over the offensive modern chaos they played in public places any day.

Half an hour of skating back and forth across the artificial crystalline surface, and my muscles were starting to betray me. I sighed and leaned against the nearest wall to rub my aching thighs and ankles. Alas, I had not been built for physical labor. I was about to leave the rink, when something – no, someone – rammed into me at subhuman speed, making me cry out in shock and stumble backwards into the snow.

-Oh lord, - the someone exclaimed, - I am so sorry!

And I mumbled something incomprehensible in response, for there, in front of me, covered in snow and helping me get up from the ground was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Tall, lean and bright-eyes, she had bubblegum pink hair and a pierced nose and a tattoo of a rose on her neck. And she was staring at me… goodness me, she was staring at me as if she knew me.

-Erasmus Smith? – She asked, frowning, and my face lost all colour.

-Shush. – I said, immediately on guard. – Come to the dressing room with me.

We sat there, talking and drinking those awful food machine concoctions out of cellulose plastic cups, and she told me everything she knew about the revolution, and how she came to know of it. It brought me concern at first, but soon enough it left my mind, for I was told that she had no intention of upsetting our plans. And what’s more, she even wanted to join in – and take it up a notch.

-Out of the question. – I responded immediately, once she had laid out her scheme for crashing the entire political system. – We are not risking the original plan on a dare.

-But… - She protested.

-No. – I shook my head. – We’re sticking to our goals.

-Oh well. – She sighed. – It was worth the shot. Say… can I help you out, at least?

I considered it for a moment, then gave her a singular nod. It made her eyes glow with excitement and pride. Such a stunning smile she had…

-I have a different proposition for you, though. – I found myself saying. – What do you think about going to the holographic theater next week? With me.

-Oh. – She looked away, and a soft shade of blush touched her cheeks. – I’d be honored.

And thus, the exchange was not all in vain.

 step 11: write tomorrow’s task today

On the dusk of the tenth day, all – now as many as fifteen – of us gathered together by the docks, next to the roaring powerplant, where the moons were shining, making the freshly fallen snow glow and sparkle. We drank warm beer, talked, and watched the dodo birds and the pterodactyls play and chase each other on the canal slopes.

-All set to run. – Arabella concluded, after we revised every minute step over and over again. – Shall we?

I paused, took in a full lung’s worth of fresh cold air, and said yes.

We followed the first sparks of the fire on social media, observed as politician after journalist after king’s man turned all against each other, throwing accusations, spilling dirt, and digging political graves for each other – and we thought it lit. I did not wish to stay there at the docks for the entire night, so I brought the meeting to a close.

-One last thing before we go. – I announced, just as the people were turning to leave. – Write down a tweet for me, people.

“All political parties on the planet have fallen apart. The entire government has resigned. King Edmund is stepping down from the throne to marry a commoner. Bitches, let’s party.” I finished, and every single one of us cheered.

 step 12: celebrate milestones and victories

And bitches did, indeed, party the next day – party day and night as the biggest scandal of the century shook the planet to its core. I do not recall where I was for most of the Yule Tide. All I know is that by midnight I ended up in the town hall, which was utterly wrecked and overflowing with people. I came to my senses sitting on the floor, wearing nothing but booty shorts and an undone tie, and smoking weed through a pipe. It was the most splendid party I had ever attended in my life.

-To the revolution! – I shouted it, and half a hundred people – most of whom I have never met in my life – joined in cheerfully.

-All hail Ersh, - Ambrose added, - for without him, this wouldn’t have happened.

-All hail Josiah, - Arabella interrupted, - for if he hadn’t sucked the king’s dick, this wouldn’t have happened either.

-Oh leave it. – Josiah dismissed. – I’ve always wanted to do that anyway.

-When are you gonna tell him? – I asked. – That you aren’t marrying him after all, I mean.

-Well. – He shrugged. – I think I might actually like… do that.

-Wouldn’t that be funny, - Euphemia said, - if Josiah became a prince.

-Anything is possible now. – Arabella pointed out.

-Yeah. – I agreed. – Anything’s possible.

And that’s when yet another crucial realization dawned upon me, and made me instantly sober.

I have accomplished my goal – no question about that. Brought down the government, destroyed the monarchy, did away with every major political party – all like I had imagined. But the more pressing question was – what are we going to do now?

 And here comes *step 13, dearest reader, which no one had the courtesy of warning me about. The step is to ask yourself: what in the name of holy fuck you are doing in the first place, and why.

I advise you to complete this step before all the subsequent ones, for it took me all but twelve days of the Yule to bring my entire planet into chaos, and more than twenty years to carry it out of it and back into order.

Which is why I always say to the young, overly ambitious people who seek my wisdom – before you fuck some shit up, you better come up with a plan of how you will unfuck it – or do not go fucking it up in the first place, my child.

 Signed, Erasmus Waynard Smith.

[gods-rising]

February Post - Valentine’s Day

How would the cast of Gods’ Rising celebrate Valentine’s Day with their loved one? (not necessarily romantic, despite the holiday name)

Main protagonists first, then minor protagonists, then main antagonists, then minor antagonists. Background characters not included. 

Jakob Sullivan - Jakob would offer a simple picnic, perhaps not even outside in a park, and would make treats such as chocolate covered strawberries and fruit kebabs and even shape them into cute, though perhaps deformed, hearts. If outdoors, he’d then offer a game of some sport that can be done in the area. If indoors, he’d put on a film to watch and use the picnic blanket as an actual blanket. 

Zlatko Jones - Zlatko would buy a bouquet of flowers, trying to pick one out with his loved one’s favourite colours and/or flowers and even put them in a specially bought vase. He would also make a special dinner - most likely his Eban-approved spaghetti and add special ingredients to make it extra special for Valentine’s Day - followed by a dessert, usually an experimental dish to mix it up a bit. 

Charlie Parker - Charlie would take her loved one to karaoke and sing their favourite song, and then would force them to join her midway the song or the next song she sings. She would also buy matching customised shirts for them, or at least something more obvious than a bracelet unless she doesn’t have enough money - then she’ll make them a bracelet using their favourite colours of threads.

Alex Wilson - Alex would take his loved one to a place he loves, whether because it’s secluded, full of good memories or beautiful. He would tell them stories about the place, about his family, his childhood, anything that came to mind. Then he’d tell them how much they mean to him. How happy he is they’re in his life. He’ll make sure they never forget it, but he dedicates Valentine’s Day to this alone.

Kenna Collier - Kenna will meticulously plan the entire day, making sure she has enough money for anything that involves buying things, choosing the best outfit, making sure whatever she buys is at its best - she plans everything. Of course, she cannot plan spontaneity but will (albeit reluctantly) take it all in her stride - she just loves being around her loved one, even if her plans don’t go quite go to... plan.

Klara Lullay - Klara doesn’t show her sorcery to just anyone, you know, so when she uses it to make a special night even more magical for her loved one, you know that she trusts and even admires them. As for what that night actually holds, she’ll cook with them, perhaps even a bit of a food fight, and eat the concoction too with them as well while binge-watching anything they want to, shows or films.

Eban Jones - Eban would enjoy a walk with his loved one. Any time he can get away from his racist town, he’ll take, but Valentine’s Day is special because, when he was younger, his mother and brother would take him on this special hike to a beautiful view every Valentine’s Day. There’s surely not single a better place to show his loved one - a family tradition - that will show that they’re part of the Jones family.

Grace Smith - Grace will take her loved one to the cinema. She’ll sneak in their favourite snacks but still buy the cinema popcorn, as big as she can afford, as well ice cream, if they have it and she has enough. As well as saving up, she’ll beg and plead her dad to give her more money and probably ask her twin brother too. Whatever they watch, probably something easy to make fun of, she’ll enjoy it with them.

Kai Smith - Kai loves simple stuff that is cheap or even free. He’d love just to hang out... but he’d especially love to stargaze with his loved one. Usually the weather is terrible though, so he doesn’t often get to. If he can't, he’ll just sit up by a cliff and look out at the view with his loved one. If he has enough money, he’ll buy ice cream - Ben and Jerry’s, duh - and a bunch of cans of Coke to share, whatever they do.

Maddie Eyighes - Maddie would rather go on a jog with her loved one or go cycling or swimming or literally anything else that keeps her active and out of her foster family’s house; she’d be grateful for the excuse to leave! She’d take her loved one down her favourite routes, whether it’s because of special memories or beautiful sights or because it’s longer and she wants as much time as she can get with them.

Nastasia Lavisco - Nastasia isn’t into affection or gifts. She’d rather give something that matters to her loved one, something she believes they can use. This usually means survival training, something she thinks everyone should have but only Dark Worldians truly need. This may come in form of building shelter, learning how to withstand pain, stitch up injuries. She actually taught everything to Aidan.

Aidan Lavisco - Aidan would try to be as unique as possible. He wants to make a impression, after all, so he’d pay attention to the desires of his loved one. They want to go ice-skating? He’ll take them ice-skating. They want a dinner? He’ll make them what he can. They want to go stargazing? Hell, he’ll take them stargazing. He’ll try to be the best he can be for his loved one - they’re his loved one for a reason.

Valeriya Jones - Valeriya would show that she trusts her loved one by letting them be around her as she works and perhaps even help. She’s not very romantic, preferring conversations, deep talks and working on projects together over big dramatic shows of affection, but she’ll certainly take the day to show them her appreciation by using her time to make a treasured, one of a kind present for them.

Kyle Smith - Kyle doesn’t see himself as having any particular talents but, if it’s a romantic loved one, he’ll write a song or poem to perform for them; he’s also a sucker for holding a stereo above his head and playing music. Even if it’s not romantic, he’ll try show how much he knows about them - play their favourite music, watch their favourite film, eat their favourite food, etc.. One thing is guaranteed - dad dancing.

Tyler Brae - Tyler much prefers to be around his family, so his loved one will usually find themself surrounded by the chaotic group; and so, it should be a nice change of pace on Valentine’s Day when Tyler takes them out on a (mostly) completely secluded meal and a small shopping spree. Ice cream will come after, of course, and then a little chat about how the days, weeks and months before have gone.

Shadow - Shadow... well, kudos to his loved one for gaining that status. He’ll make sure to show how much you matter and just why they’re his loved one. Not one for big shows of affection, Shadow would much rather just make small memories. Maybe a drinking game with others he considers important to him or small feasts, or a trip to a local restaurant with an all-you-can-eat-buffet to enjoy the night away.

Mehmun Salton - Mehmun, in all honesty, doesn’t have a lot of experience with appreciation, whether giving or receiving it. He’d fret for weeks about what to do and probably only calm down with some guidance from said loved one, so in the end, it’ll really be their decision. If they give no help, he’ll buy a gift and a film that he hopes they’ll enjoy. Maybe even watch the film - but only if the loved one wants to.

Preston Sin - Preston seems like he’d have his shit together for Valentine’s Day but, alas, he does not. He would offers beautiful flowers and then panic, worrying if they give off sexual, or at the very least romantic, intent, especially if the loved one receiving flowers is not so romantically. He’ll take them out on a shopping spree and would definitely make an outfit for them out of whatever they bought.

Maggie Snare - Maggie seems to be able to read her loved ones’ minds. Well, not quite, but she knows that flowers, chocolate covered strawberries and a trip out (to a shopping centre or a bar or a club) tend to go a long way. Sure, she’ll give gifts that won’t see the next sunrise but Maggie knows that those blended perfectly with memories that’ll last a lifetime and longer will certainly make for a fun time.

Ezekiel Fortunato - Ezekiel may seem to be sex-and-romance-oriented; while he is and may seem to prioritise them, he is also just as fond of familial and platonic relationships. If faced with a loved one who cannot be given gifts that could be perceived as romantic, he will joke that 'him being there' is the reward before giving them something like a homemade item of jewellery or a scrapbook - something very Ezekiel.

Luke Fortunato - Luke is an avid believer that a picnic in a beautiful location is just as good as any material item. He will make small versions of favourite meals of his loved one for the picnic and bring all sorts of other goods to appreciate. Once they've used the sights as much as possible, he'll drive them along a long, scenic route to a store and buy the two of them ice cream to eat as they drive home - well, Luke will have to wait.

Kiyoshi Kornai - Kiyoshi, for the most part, isn't used to affection - giving or receiving. So when the holiday comes along, all she can offer is freedom. She knows how liberating it can be to be outside, unconstrained by societal norms, the claustrophobic buildings and people's expectations, so she'll take them as far away from the world as she can. Perhaps a drive along the beach or swim in the sea will suffice.

Amber Miller - Amber will trash talk the holiday every other day but the day itself? Will aggressively go all out as much she can, if it's affordable or possible. She'll definitely want to show her appreciation for her loved one. She'd achieve this by meeting them in town and going shopping, buying food and drinks and sightseeing. She'd document the entire day in pictures and look at them whenever she's sad. 

Johnny Miller - Johnny will be too nervous to go all out for their loved one. They'll organise a meet-up but won't go as far as their twin. A cinema trip to watch a bad film and then to a coffee shop for a good coffee and a long chat. They'll happily talk about anything, whether it's a sweet, simple topic about a cute dog or favourite cat breeds or something more serious like politics or the news, and will just be happy for the company. 

Damien Roth - Damien does not think he has a loved one. Most of the time, anyone at his side as an ally is a means to an end - a vessel, a vessel turned soldier or someone he has made a deal with to get his way. Most 'loved ones' are pawns, but he understands that bribery and behaviour training may be necessary. So he will pay attention and reward allies, especially on this holiday, and customise their reward. 

Ayla - Ayla knows she, despite best efforts, is in a vulnerable place - as a tyrant, she wears a target on her back with arrogance but also knows that if she treats her guards and servants well, they will be conflicted and unlikely to listen to her enemies, let alone join them. She will give clothes and accessories as materialistic gifts amongst wealthy food and luxuries. They may not be loved ones, but she'll let them think they are. 

Loki Lullay - Loki has not had a loved one for a while, as he gave no reason for them to stay. In his saner days, and even for a short while after, he cared a lot more. He would teach his loved one to sing or play his mother's guitar, giving tips and demonstrating what to do next, indulging his loved one in the Lullay history of music and song. But those days are long gone along with his mind and any thoughts unfocused on revenge. 

Malcolm Gull - Malcolm is not a callous man, though now there are few he truly cherishes outside his group of Magic Hunters. He’ll treat them to a morning of hunting and then an afternoon of relaxation - eating by a fire, singing songs and sharing campfire stories, whether it's real or fiction (when you've nearly abandoned civilised life to kill sorcerers, it's harder to tell). An evening will go similarly, but with lots more booze!

Nico Angel - Nico no longer trusts loved ones, but he also understands that what made him not trust them was his fault. If he was still in contact with his former loved ones, on Valentine’s Day he would treat them well. He would show them he cared by taking them on an adventure, their own personal little trip into the unknown and explore with them. But now, he is alone. He has no loved ones to explore the world with.

Davey Sullivan - Davey has a rather warped sense of love. He doesn't conform to conventions because no such conventions were established to him in his sheltered, controlled childhood and life. He expresses love through a similar control, which may cause belief that he doesn't trust his loved ones. It's true. He does not trust them to make their own decisions in life, because he was never trusted to make his own.

Aerron Yelad - Aerron grew up with two types of love - breaking love and beneficial love. But he has been welcomed into a new love - love itself. On this day, he will try to give back the love he has been given back. He will make small but meaningful presents that reflect who they are to be gifted to in a way, and they will also be given to those who have given him a bad love. It's fair, after all, to at least try.

[saligiare]

a prayer for a life time (Pt. 2)

» Evergreen

There would come a time in the life of every king when he could feel the last of his days leaving his body; like stone breaking out of an old castle until but ruins were left. When he knew, with an almost frightening certainty, in his bones and in his flesh and in the slowly dwindling light of his eye, that the his last battle was about to begin. The roaring sea that had been washing up the shores of his realm for much to long would soon send a wave too great to escape, and it was going to take him away from everything he was and everything he knew.

I had always rested assured that this moment would arrive for me as well, one day. Then I would turn around and overlook the kingdom that I had built, spread my arms and close my eyes to bask in the light of all that I had created, and all that was mine. My life - and every last second within it - would spread out one last time for me to gaze upon it, knowing that there could have been nothing greater, nothing more wonderful. I would leave it behind to face the wave and do so with a sad smile; for it had all been worth it, and I did not wish to part from it just yet.

Never had I thought that I would welcome the end With open arms Like I thought I would embrace the world That was about to disappear.

Big city lights. Neon signs. Music blaring from a teenager’s phone. The scent of rain on hot concrete in the summer. The desperate shout of a man missing his train to work. Steam rising from the hot dogs sold by an old man by the corner. Laughter coming from a group of girls at a cafe. Car engines. A swarm of pigeons landing on a town square. Taxis picking up new customers from the side of the road. The half faded painting of a street artist. Kids dashing down the road on skateboards. Vehicles honking at them for a warning. An old couple sharing a park bench. Garbage men pushing big containers over to their cars. A young man riding a bike. Women selling cut fruit and strips of meat on the sidewalk. Two dogs barking at each other as their owners cross paths. Overflowing trash cans. A child clutching the hand of its father as they cross a traffic light. An abandoned scarf that somebody lost in front of the mall. School kids with colourful backpacks making their way home. Somebody yelling at them out of a car window to get off the road. Police sirens. The sad melody of a street musician playing the violin. Two happy looking people holding hands.

But also..

The scent of a wild rose. Raging seas. Sunlight breaking through green leaves. Dry earth cracking open. Jagged mountain tops. A bird singing. The gush of a streaming river. Drops of water falling off trees. Icy wind blowing across empty landscapes. Lightning and thunder. Dusk. Roaring waterfalls. Spider webs. Howling wolves. Air flimmering over hot sand. The dazzling aroma of a wild flower field. Insects buzzing. Stars glittering in the night. A sleeping mammal covered in freshly fallen snow. Sandy shores. Steam rising after the fall of rain. Frogs croaking in the swamp. A thirsty tongue drinking from a puddle. Scorched trees hit by lightning. Fish jumping from the waves. Blood dripping from the maws of a successful hunter. Liquid stone bubbling inside a vulcano. Flies on a corpse. The aurora. Storms shaking entire forests. Tiny plants growing from crevices high up, stretching towards the sun. Wandering dunes. A lost cub crying for its mother. Dawn. Baby elephants learning how to walk. Seaweed swaying with the currents. A sensitive nose digging through fallen leaves. The moon. Colourful feathers. Reflections on the frozen surface of water.

On and on. A list of every little thing on Earth that was there to be descovered. There was no end in sight, no way of ever summing up all the tiny details, all the mesmerizing sights and sounds and scents and tastes that this world had to offer. And if you had all the time in the universe to spend, you still couldn’t possibly experience all of them. You couldn’t possibly ever reach the bottom of that list. It was like asking where the sky ended when you stood below a dark starry night and tried to count all the stars.

Well.

But I did.

I’ve reached the end of the list. I’ve reached it over and over and over again.

I’ve seen it all, I’ve done it all before. After that was over I went to see it a second time, and a third, and a fourth, and a fifth - just in case I had missed something, could find something new. Again and again and again.

You could say, being stuck for a month with only one single song playing on repeat every day drives you mad. Two songs would unnerve you after just a little longer. Three or five might even last you three months without conjuring up a deep hatred for themselves. Ten might suffice for a year, if you are strong willed. But eventually the mere mention of them is going to drive you crazy. Our minds always hunger for new stimulation. It is not within our nature to be satisfied with the very same thing for the span of a long life.

A very long life, in my case. A very, very, very long life. Far longer than I had ever expected it to last. Nobody had ever given us a date for the big bang to end all bangs to occur, and yet I will admit that I had somehow thought it would be sooner. That I was running out of time, that there would still be so much more to do. That Amduscias still would have so many more songs to compose that would never see the light of day. That Beelzebub could have created endlessly more lethally delicious dishes still, that nobody was ever going to eat now. That there would have been countless new colours for my eyes to gaze upon if not for this inevitable cut.

I had thought that there would never come a time when I could grow tired of the world.

But here I was. Bored. Unimpressed. Burnt out.

I had heard the songs of too many birds way too many times, I had watched the sun rise and fall until I had grown sick of seeing the same thousand arrangements of colour over and over again. And I had tasted the same sweat of the same billion people so often I could distinguish its flavour by hair colour. There was nothing, not a single thing out there, that was still new to me. Nothing I had left to explore. Nothing that could have sparked my excitement. Nothing worth investigating. Just the same thing, over and over like a record caught on loop.

Some of them dealt with it alright. They had been caught in ther miserable little lives still repeating the same actions when I had already been out there to be fascinated by whatever came my way. They didn’t notice that the world around them repeated itself as well, so they did not care. But I noticed, and I cared. As did others. I am never going to forget the look on Amduscias’ face when he realised it, too.

That it was over.

Over before the actual end.

It has burned itself into my head and I cannot seem to get rid of it. I suppose it might have been the very last thing that had still left any sort of impression on me, for I had never seen it before. But after that, the entire list had been ticked off. No matter where I looked, all I saw were the same patterns, the same repetitive schemes and motions, ideas, personalities, thoughts, arrangements and fragrances. Maybe there were differences in details, a few combinations that did not occur quite as often as others. Yet I could not help but identify the underlying model beneath all of them and yawn at such a lack of creativity. A life time after a life time after another lifetime, and none of them any more stimulating than the other. It was slowly but surely driving me crazy.

So yes. As I am standing on the edge of my existence now, I do not dread that this is going to be the end. I welcome it. No matter what happens, anything was better than this. Better than a prince of Lust who had lost all his lust for living. Better than the sad parody of the great Asmodeus that did not find it in himself to raise his voice for a single song. The world was still beautiful, that I could see. And yet I was touched by absolutely none of it.

Now, the only thing still left to escape this monotony... was death.

[emhghtn]

Foraging Information

To be included in small booklets on each page.

Foraging Tips

Wild Leeks (Allium tricoccum)

Features

Large, dagger shaped green leaves

Red and white stem

White bulb with roots in the ground

Onion-y aroma

Habitat

Grow among hardwoods, need some sunlight

Cooking Notes

Edible raw or cooked

Look a-Likes

Lily of the Valley – Thicker, waxier leaves, no onion smell, eventual white hanging flowers with floral odour, poisonous – do not ingest

How to Harvest

Ramps take seven years to grow from seed to mature plant, and because of this slow growth the improper harvesting of ramps has decimated populations in some areas. To sustainably harvest ramps, dig slightly into the ground and cut the bulb off right above the roots, leaving the roots intact and in the ground. This allows them to regrow the following season. Even more sustainably, just cut off one leaf from each plant. Never harvest more than 10% of the plants in one area.

Fiddleheads (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

Features

Bright green, tightly curled sprouts of the Ostrich fern

Multiple fiddleheads grow out of one crown/mound on the forest floor

Covered in a brown, papery coating that falls off with age

Deep, U-shaped groove up the stem

A dead, brown fern frond often remains on the crown throughout winter

Habitat

Hardwood canopies near rivers or stream beds

Moist areas but not submerged

Grow best in shade or dappled lights

Cooking Notes

Must be thoroughly cooked, steamed, or blanched before eating

Look a-Likes

There are many types of ferns that are not edible. Do not eat any that are furry, or the brown papery coating is difficult to remove, or there is no or only a slight groove in the stem.

How to Harvest

Harvest fiddleheads while they are between 6-15cm, only picking while fiddleheads are tightly coiled

Can be cut or snapped off

Only harvest 1/3 of the fiddleheads from each crown, or else it is possible the plant may be damaged or die and not regrow the following year. Do not harvest from crowns that have less than 4 fiddleheads growing from it.

Morels (Morchella sp.)

Features

Cap colour ranges from blond to black

Caps are fairly uniform, with ridges and inward pits (honeycomb-like)

Hollow inside from the tip of the cap to the bottom of the stem

Cap is attached directly to the stem

Spore print is light coloured, cream to pale yellow

Habitat

Grow in areas where there are ash, aspen, elm, oak, and apple trees

Grow naturally in pastures, meadows, and orchards, and often appear the spring after a forest fire

Cooking Notes

Cook thoroughly before eating. Avoid soaking or cleaning with too much water, a brush or damp cloth will suffice.

Look a-Likes

Verpa Bohemica – cap is not attached directly to the stem, cap hangs over stem like a skirt. Stem is filled with a cotton-like fluff. Edibility is debated.

Gyromitra species – convoluted cap but no real pits, more wavy. Wider than it is tall. Cap is red, stem is not hollow. Edibility is debated.

Verpa Conica – small, only slightly ridged cap. Cap has skirt-like attachment to stem. Questionably edible.

How to Harvest

Pull or cut from ground (cutting is cleaner).

Daylilies (Hemerocallis fulva)

Features

4 parts of the daylily can be eaten: shoots, tubers, buds, and flowers

Shoots are green, sword shaped leaves that unite in a cylindrical shape at the bottom

Tubers are under ground, small, light brown, whitish flesh

Buds appear before the flower, green, yellow, orange, and cylindrical

Flowers are orange, funnel shaped, growing from an unbranched stem. 6 ruffled petals are mainly orange but also show red and orange.

Habitat

Grow in cultivated habitats, gardens, roadsides, riverbanks, parks, open woodlands and meadows.

Avoid picking daylilies that are next to busy roadsides, as the plant can absorb chemical runoff from the road.

Cooking Notes

Chop up shoots and saute

Cook tubers like a potato

Steam, boil, stir fry or pickle buds

Flowers can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked.

Warning: some people experience intestinal distress when eating daylilies, especially raw, so always sample a small amount first and wait before consuming larger quantities

Look a-Likes

Tiger Lily (Lilium tigruinum) –flowers are spotted, and stem bears many leaves. Do not ingest

Iris shoots may resemble day lily shoots, but the iris leaf arrangement is much flatter and the plant does not have tubers

Cultivated daylilies have many genetic variants to produce different coloured flowers, and edibility is questionable. Stick to the common orange flowers.

How to Harvest

Young shoots (less than 10cm) can be cut off just above soil level to be eaten.

Tubers can be dug up from late fall to early spring. Don’t remove all tumors from a clump if you would like the plant to come back.

Buds can be picked while still green, closed, and firm.

Flowers only last one day, and can be cut and used while open

Black raspberries (Rubus occidentalis)

Features

Berries ripen from green to red to deep purple/black

Smaller fruits than blackberries

Hollow core (like a raspberry) when plucked off the stem

Grow on large, thorny brambles

Leaves have whitish underside

Habitat

Grow in disturbed areas—logging roads, open woods, edges of meadows, streams, lakes, trails, and roads

Cooking Notes

Can be eaten raw

Look a-Likes

Raspberries, blackberries, thimbleberries, and dewberries all look similar to the black raspberry, but fortunately for us, all these berries are edible  

How to Harvest

Wear long pants and if you can tolerate the summer heat, long sleeves. Berries can be extremely thorny.

Pluck berry off stem, should be able to be removed easily if ripe. Collect in a bucket

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)

Features

Upright, cone shaped fruit cluster, with small, fuzzy dark red berries

Branches are covered in light, velvety fuzz

Large (1 to 2 feet), green, compound leaves, with oppositely placed leaflets. Leaflets have serrated edges

4 to 15 feet tall, highly branched

Habitat

Hardy, grows in open areas –roadsides, forest edges, clearings

Full sun, tolerates most soil types

Cooking Notes

Can be dried like any spice, or made into a tea or syrup

Look a-Likes

Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) – should not be touched, let alone eaten. Key distinguishing feature is white-green berries.

How to Harvest

Cut off fruit clusters at their base with a knife or sheers

Do not harvest immediately following rain, as flavour diminishes

To find the best drupes, flavour can be tested by rubbing berries between fingers and licking fingers

Do not harvest from highly trafficked roadsides

Riverbank Grapes (Vitis riparia)

Features

Climbing, multi-stemmed, woody vine with forking tendrils and sticky discs that can envelop trees and bushes

Grape vines are thicker and higher than most vines

Deeply lobed, dark green leaves, similar to cultivated grapes. Heart shaped at base. Leaves should also taste like grapes

Fruits grow in hanging clusters that are blackish, dark blue, or purple, often with a powdery coating

Habitat

Grow along roadsides, fences, trail edges, and riverbanks. Need sun to grow.

Cooking Notes

Grapes and leaves can be eaten raw or cooked

Grapes contain large seeds, so they are generally more pleasant to juice or make into jelly than eaten whole

Look a-Likes

Moonseed (Menispermum canadense) – similar leaves, however fruit contains a single flat seed, instead of a round seed like the grape. Grows in shaded areas, and tendrils do not have sticky discs. All parts of this plant are poisonous.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus sp.) – has compound leaves with 3 to 7 leaflets on each leaf, instead of single leaf like the grape. Not poisonous, but not pleasant.

How to Harvest

Grapes have sweetest flavour after the first frost. Cut bunches off tree right above fruit cluster, removing any bad/old/wrinkled grapes

Apples (Malus sp.)

Features

Deciduous tree growing 6 to 15 feet tall

Leaves are alternatively arrange, simple green ovals

Fruit can be 1 to 4 inches in diameter, ranging from yellow to green to red

Habitat

Well drained nutrient rich soil and moderate sunlight, can stand alone on roadside or in groups in forest groves.

Cooking Notes

Can be eaten raw, however many wild apples are very astringent and better suited for cider

Look a-Likes

None

How to Harvest

Remove apple from tree by twisting fruit

Fallen fruit may be harvested from the ground, as long as not too old and rotten

Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sp.)

Features

Bright orange, fan shaped bracket fungi, often growing in a shelf formation

Smooth or wrinkled

Yellow or white underside, no gills, just small round pores

Flesh is thick and soft

White spore print

Habitat

Grows on dead or dying hardwood trees, commonly oak but also cherry and beech

Cooking Notes

Must be thoroughly cooked

Some people experience intestinal distress when eating, so sample small amount first

Look a-Likes

Few look-alikes, ensure underside is yellow or white with pores

How to Harvest

Use a knife to cut fungus off tree

Remove tough stem part

Older specimens may be entirely tough and not pleasant to eat

[lizethgraefe-blog]

Choose A Wonderful 14 Days Itinerary Package To Sri Lanka With The Best Tour Operators Like Trip Lanka Tours

Trip Lanka Tours Offers The Best 2 Weeks Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary

Day 01 – Airport / Kandy

Elephant Orphanagescared

Tooth Relic

Site Seeing(Bicycle ride)

Dance show in Kandy

Trip Lanka Tour’s representative pick up you from the airport and proceed to kandy the last kingdom for sri lanka the proud city which hide among the hills,the city is waiting for someone to explore her beauty which she is covering with green scarf,,,It is hard to enter the city through mountains,you will see beautiful views which make you to forget to pull your eyes out. This city established in the 15th century was the last royal capital where 2500 years of royal rule ended , Sena Sammatha Wickramabahu was the first king of the Kingdom of Kandy and Sri Vikrama Rajasinha was the last ruler for this great king dome Kandy is a major city in Sri Lanka located in the Central Province and It is Lying 115 km from Colombo, Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second biggest city and the capital of the central province. The busy town is situated in a valley at an elevation of 600m, inside a wide loop of the Mahaweli River and is surrounded by hills covered with tropical vegetation.Famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other temples the city could be called the cultural capital of the island. Kandy is also a popular stop during July/August when the annual Esala Perehera (holy festival) takes to the streets of the city. On your Way Trip Lanka Tours takes you to visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage where you can find a huge number of Asian wild elephants in one place.This shelter for elephants established in 1975 by Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation.Orphanage was established to feed, nurse and house young elephants found abandoned by their mothers and for diseased or wounded elephants.You will be able to see how elephants are enjoying there bathing time in the river and Here you can feed milk to a baby boar and watch they are wondering around and enjoy their play times.

Places to Visit In You Trip With Trip Lanka Tours At City Of Lights

Day 02 – 04 – Kandy / Nuwara Eliya

Royal Botanical Garden

Adam's Peak

Horton Plains

Seetha Amman Kowil

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, the finest of its kind in Asia, the largest of the botanical gardens of Sri Lanka, couldn't be better located. In the Mediterranean climate of Kandy, the gateway to the Central Highlands, the Gardens, at an elevation of 500 meters above sea-level, were tightly bounded on three sides by a loop of River Mahaweli (Great sandy river), the largest river of Sri Lanka.This garden has a very long history ,The origins of the Botanic Gardens date as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya . Thereafter, the groundwork for a botanical garden was formed by Alexandar Moon in 1821. He used the garden for coffee and cinnamon plants. The very same British Colonialist rulers of Ceylon established the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens that contribute, today, towards the enlightenment of concepts of floriculture conservation, bird life conservation, butterfly conservation, biodiversity and sustainability of the island of Sri Lanka: 5% of the school children of Sri Lanka visit the Peradeniya gardens every year. Nuwara Eliya is a city in the country hills of central Sri Lanka in other words the tea empire of Sri lanka.The town Centre is small enough to walk around. To visit sites further afield, take a bus or hire a three-wheeler. Within the town itself there are a number of interesting sights. The Post Office is a very unusual building - a remnant of the colonial era. The mountains in the central province of Sri Lanka and near to Nuwara Eliya are adorned with many picturesque waterfalls including Dunhinda Falls, Take a walk up through the tea plantations south-west of the town to the top of Single Tree Mountain for a splendid view over Nuwara Eliya. You can also explore the tea plantations and factories and stay at one of the colonial bungalows near the plantations for easy access and special tours.

Day 05 – Ella

Ravana Falls

Nine Arches Bridge

Down Rock Temple

Little Adam's Peak

Ella Rock Hike

Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province,Ella in Sri Lanka is a small laid back town surrounded by the beautiful greens of tea. There are a lot of things to do in Ella. Take one of the most beautiful train rides from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. The climate is one of most temperate in Sri Lanka and sits at a steady 26 degrees with a gentle breeze daily. The skies are usually blue and everyone that lives in Ella is proud of the beauty and tranquility that the village provides. The panoramic views it provides with mist and cloud covering the area, especially in the early mornings and the late evenings are something you should witness and that would suffice enough to say that you visited Ella. Sri Lanka is home to many wonderful and amazing walks and hikes among those places Ella Rock is the best place to choose. Walk up to Ella's Rock, about 2 hours along the railway track and through the tea plantations, for stunning views across the countryside.The views through Ella Gap are stunning, and on a clear night you can even see the subtle glow of the Great Basses lighthouse on Sri Lanka’s south coast ..Total time for climbing up and down is 4 hours.It sounds like a long journey. But the way up there is with full of diversity. If you are starting form Ella train station, you would enjoy the rail walk, and soon as you started climbing up, you will be passing a waterfall, the rubber tree forest and tea plantations. The other main Place in ella is Ravana Falls, In the misty mountains of Sri Lanka, the wide Ravana falls gushes down a height of 82 feet falling from an oval concave rock. It takes the form of a drooping areca flower during the peak season of its water flow, but its size is reduced dramatically during the dry season.This waterfall is the source of many legends and secrets.

Day 06 – Tissamaharama

Tissamaharamaya

Wirawila (Bird Watching)

Yala Safari

Tissa wewa

Tissamaharama used to be the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom of Ruhuna as early as the 3rd century B.C. Which also known by the name of Mahagama in the ancient times was founded by Prince Mahanaga. During the era in which the monasteries flourished in the ancient Rajarata of the north central plains, many similar monasteries and dagobas were built in Mahagama, the capital of the southern region of Sri Lanka. Three ancient stupas and two ancient irrigation reservoirs make Tissamaharama worth touring in yout 14 days tour with Trip Lanka Tours. On the northern side, the town is bounded by lovely expanses of paddy fields. Tissamaharama is visited mainly in view of it being the gateway to the Yala National Park,Yala National Park is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka. On 1 March 1938, Yala became a national park when the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance was passed into law by D. S. Senanayake, the minister of agriculture. Yala is situated in the lowest peneplain of Sri Lanka, which extends from Trincomalee to Hambantota. The rocky outcrops scattered over the park provides vantage points to enjoy the sprawling areas with Sri Lanka’s dry zone landscape: low scrub and woods. This National park is home for total of 32 species of mammals like The threatened species include sloth bear , Leopard , elephant , water buffalo, Wild boar, spotted deer , sambar and golden jackal and It has a variety of ecosystems including moist monsoon forests, dry monsoon forests, semi deciduous forests, thorn forests, grasslands, marshes, marine wetlands, and sandy beaches Apart from all thses you can enjoy the evening breeze at tissa wewa which was built by king Devanampiya Tissa (3rd century BC) in order to increase the water supply to his capital city of Anuradhapura.

Day 07 – Tssamaharama / Udawalawa

Yatala Wehera

Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Udawalawe Safari

Udawalawe is the best place in sri lanka to watch wild elephant and for bird watching in your trip with Trip Lanka Tours you can find this precious place on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces,The park is situated just south of the Central Highlands, of which escarpment brings about an enrapturing backdrop. At the center of the park lies the Udawalawe Reservoir The entrance to Udawalawe National Park is located near 11km post between Timbolketiya and Tanamanwila on Pelmadulla-Timbolketiya road. Udawalawe National Park established in the year 1972, with the objective of protecting the catchment area of Udawalawe reservoir,which provides water for agriculture and hydro-power generation spreads over an area 30,821.And was established on 30 June 1972. Before the designation of the national park, the area was used for shifting cultivation. The park is 165 kilometers from Colombo. Udawalawe is an important habitat for water birds and Sri Lankan elephants. It is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the country. Udawalawe Safari is something you should not miss if you are holidaying in Sri Lanka,In this safari you will see many thing which you can't see in any other safari, Keeping company to the herds of elephants, the main attraction of the park are the Water Buffalo, Wild boar, Spotted Deer and more apart from all these Jungle cat would be a bonus. Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places to see Raptors in Sri Lanka and afford excellent opportunities for photography. Endemic birds include the Sri Lankan jungle fowl, Sri Lanka spur fowl, Sri Lanka green pigeon, Sri Lanka grey hornbill ect. Satin trees in the park attract butterflies: beautiful Papilio crino, Delias eucharis, Euploea core and many species of ‘Yellows and Whites’ Papilio polytes.After ll these The Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home, It is an Elephant orphanage located within the Udawalawe National Park. Established in 1995 by the Department of wildlife Conservation, it is home to over 40 orphaned elephants.

Adventurous Trip In Greenly Forests In Sri Lanka On a Two Week Tour

 Day 08 – Udawalawe / Sinharaja

Gem Mines

Trekking Sinharaja

Sinharaja Rain Forest the last viable remnant of Sri Lanka’s tropical lowland rainforest spanning an area of 18900 acres is located within Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces of the south-west wet zone of Sri Lanka. Sinharaja is bounded by rivers on three sides. On the north, Sinharaja is bounded by the Napola Dola and Koskulana Ganga. On the south and south-west are the rivers Maha Dola and Gin Ganga. On the west are the river Kalukandawa Ela and river Kudawa Ganaga. When you are traveling with Trip Lanka Tours you will notice that,In the boarder of the sinharaja forest you can find few villages which are well integrated with the forest the people in these villages are spending their day today life with this huge trees and animals.These people collect herbal medicine, edible fruits, nuts, mushrooms, other non-timber forest products including bees honey and a sugary sap collected from a local palm species of the genus Caryota. In addition, the crystal-clear water coming from dozens of streams is the main water source for all people living around the reserve. For generations, local people trekked through the forest from south to north to make their annual pilgrimage to the Adams Peak. Sinharaja Rain Forest is home to numerous indigenous birds such asthe Ceylon Hanging Parrot , the Ceylon Grey Hornbill , the Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush , Layard’s parakeet , the Jungle fowl , the Spur fowl and ect.19 of Sri Lanka’s 20 species of endemic bird species in Sri Lanka are found in the Sinharaja Reserve.Conservation Value Sinharaja is the last extensive primary lowland tropical rain forest in Sri Lanka. It holds a large number of endemic species of plants and animals, and a variety of plants of known benefit to man. En-rought you can visit Gem mines in rathnapura,rathnapura is the city of gems, you will able to experience the work load of a person who has to do to insert a shiny little stone in to your jewels.

Day 09 – Sinharaja / Galle

Galle Fort

Historical Mansion

Unawatuna Beach

You can start your beach tour today onwards with Trip Lanka Tours you can enjoy in sri lanka beaches and explore the beauty of the southern boarder of sri lanka. Galle was known as Gimhathitha in ancient times. The term is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese term meaning "port near the river Gin". It is believed that the town got its name as Gaalla in the native tongue as a result of the large number of bullock carts that took shelter in the area, following the long slow journeys from remote areas of the island. Before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. Today’s town has grown greatly and spreads into the surroundings but the Fort is the slow beating heart of Galle‘s history. The walled city has stood since the early sixteenth century, through the Colonial periods of the Portuguese, Dutch and British and in our present times is proclaimed as an Archeological Reserve and has been identified as a living World Heritage Site. Galle is home to the Galle International Stadium, which is considered to be one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world. The ground, which was severely damaged by the tsunami, was rebuilt and test matches resumed there on 18 December 2007. Important natural geographical features in Galle include Rumassala in Unawatuna, a large mound-like hill that forms the eastern protective barrier to Galle Harbor. Local tradition associates this hill with some events of Ramayana, one of the great Hindu epics.

Things To Do In Beautyful Sandy Beaches Of Sri Lanka In Your 2 Weeks Tour With Trip Lanka Tours

Day 10 -11 – Galle / Hikkaduwa

National Museum

GalleHikkaduwa beach

Trip Lanka Tours will take you to one of the most beautiful beaches in sri lanka and this beach has the most tourist attraction.The name Hikkaduwa is thought to have been derived from the two words Ship Kaduwa, with Ship being the shorter version of Shilpaya which refers to knowledge in Sinhalese and Kaduwa which means sword. It is believed therefore that the name Hikkaduwa means sword of knowledge. The beach of Hikkaduwa is situated 98 km from Colombo towards the south of Sri Lanka. This fun coastal town, 14 km away from Galle was the first of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches to be discovered by tourists. Snorkeling and diving in the clear waters are a major past-time along this stretch and is the most environmentally friendly way to see the colorful fish that dart around. The coral sanctuary found along the coast of Hikkaduwa is a large shallow body of water enclosed by a reef, decorated with layers of multi colored corals, and is home to countless numbers of vibrantly colored fish.Hikkaduwa beach is the second best surf spot in sri lanka, the reason why so many visit Hikkaduwa is blatantly clear. It is a beautiful beach where you can relax, enjoy the sun and have the option of surfing, snorkeling or scuba diving and Glass bottomed boats are available for you to admire the wonders of the deep while keeping their feet dry! After a short distance southwards from the Centre of the reef, it diminishes and starts a wider sandy bottomed beach with good waves ideal for board surfing and body surfing. Hikkaduwa is also well known for its upbeat night life and delicious roadside cuisine which presents a fusion of Sri Lankan and western food. The extraordinarily attractive beach of Hikkaduwa is a place of fun and excitement and always has something for everyone.

Day 12 – 13 – Bentota

Breif Garden

Water Sports

Kande Wihare

Another day of beach relaxing with a historical touch in your 14 days tour to Sri Lanka with Trip Lanka Tours .Benthota is a historical place described in ancient messenger poems. The Galapatha Viharaya is one of a cluster of five ancient temples in the region.In the 17th Century the Portuguese built a small fort at the mouth of the Bentota River , which in Sinhala was called Parangi Kotuwa, meaning the fort of the Portuguese.This city is a coastal town in Sri Lanka, located in the Galle District of the Southern Province. Bentota is a tourist attraction place , with a local airport. It is a destination for watersports. Bentota also delivers an ancient art of healing called Ayurveda. Bentota is famous for its toddy production, an alcoholic beverage made out of coconut nectar. It also has a turtle hatchery, located on Induruwa beach. Bentota is famed as the prime beach resort of the south-western and southern coastal belts of Sri Lanka. South of the city of Colombo, the city of Kalutara with its fine beach is the gateway to south western and southern bay beaches.Calm seas during the season from November to April make Bentota Beach ideal for snorkelling, diving, sailing, wind surfing, water-skiing and deep-sea fishing on a traditional outrigger canoe. Bentota enriched with safe swimming conditions in the season combined with fun water sports and exciting excursions that set up an ideal background for a relaxed holiday in Sri Lanka, is an attraction for families. River Bentara, the legendary river at Bentota, flows into the Indian Ocean forming a lagoon at the last section of the river. The River Bentara and the lagoon set up the widest array of water sports among all the beach resorts of Sri Lanka. Jet-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing or enjoying a romantic river safari along the clam waters are some of the activities that are well known in the area.

Day 14 – Bentota / Airport En-rought you will be able to visit

Madu River Safari

Cinnamond Island

Diamond Mine

Ref : https://travelsrilankablog.weebly.com/home/choose-a-wonderful-14-days-itinerary-package-to-sri-lanka-with-the-best-tour-operators-like-trip-lanka-tours

[romanphillips-blog]

Choose A Wonderful 14 Days Itinerary Package To Sri Lanka With The Best Tour Operators Like Trip Lanka Tours

Trip Lanka Tours Offers The Best 2 Weeks Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary

Day 01 – Airport / Kandy

Elephant Orphanagescared

Tooth Relic

Site Seeing(Bicycle ride)

Dance show in Kandy

Trip Lanka Tour’s representative pick up you from the airport and proceed to kandy the last kingdom for sri lanka the proud city which hide among the hills,the city is waiting for someone to explore her beauty which she is covering with green scarf,,,It is hard to enter the city through mountains,you will see beautiful views which make you to forget to pull your eyes out. This city established in the 15th century was the last royal capital where 2500 years of royal rule ended , Sena Sammatha Wickramabahu was the first king of the Kingdom of Kandy and Sri Vikrama Rajasinha was the last ruler for this great king dome Kandy is a major city in Sri Lanka located in the Central Province and It is Lying 115 km from Colombo, Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second biggest city and the capital of the central province. The busy town is situated in a valley at an elevation of 600m, inside a wide loop of the Mahaweli River and is surrounded by hills covered with tropical vegetation.Famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other temples the city could be called the cultural capital of the island. Kandy is also a popular stop during July/August when the annual Esala Perehera (holy festival) takes to the streets of the city. On your Way Trip Lanka Tours takes you to visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage where you can find a huge number of Asian wild elephants in one place.This shelter for elephants established in 1975 by Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation.Orphanage was established to feed, nurse and house young elephants found abandoned by their mothers and for diseased or wounded elephants.You will be able to see how elephants are enjoying there bathing time in the river and Here you can feed milk to a baby boar and watch they are wondering around and enjoy their play times.

Places to Visit In You Trip With Trip Lanka Tours At City Of Lights

Day 02 – 04 – Kandy / Nuwara Eliya

Royal Botanical Garden

Adam's Peak

Horton Plains

Seetha Amman Kowil

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, the finest of its kind in Asia, the largest of the botanical gardens of Sri Lanka, couldn't be better located. In the Mediterranean climate of Kandy, the gateway to the Central Highlands, the Gardens, at an elevation of 500 meters above sea-level, were tightly bounded on three sides by a loop of River Mahaweli (Great sandy river), the largest river of Sri Lanka.This garden has a very long history ,The origins of the Botanic Gardens date as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya . Thereafter, the groundwork for a botanical garden was formed by Alexandar Moon in 1821. He used the garden for coffee and cinnamon plants. The very same British Colonialist rulers of Ceylon established the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens that contribute, today, towards the enlightenment of concepts of floriculture conservation, bird life conservation, butterfly conservation, biodiversity and sustainability of the island of Sri Lanka: 5% of the school children of Sri Lanka visit the Peradeniya gardens every year. Nuwara Eliya is a city in the country hills of central Sri Lanka in other words the tea empire of Sri lanka.The town Centre is small enough to walk around. To visit sites further afield, take a bus or hire a three-wheeler. Within the town itself there are a number of interesting sights. The Post Office is a very unusual building - a remnant of the colonial era. The mountains in the central province of Sri Lanka and near to Nuwara Eliya are adorned with many picturesque waterfalls including Dunhinda Falls, Take a walk up through the tea plantations south-west of the town to the top of Single Tree Mountain for a splendid view over Nuwara Eliya. You can also explore the tea plantations and factories and stay at one of the colonial bungalows near the plantations for easy access and special tours.

Day 05 – Ella

Ravana Falls

Nine Arches Bridge

Down Rock Temple

Little Adam's Peak

Ella Rock Hike

Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province,Ella in Sri Lanka is a small laid back town surrounded by the beautiful greens of tea. There are a lot of things to do in Ella. Take one of the most beautiful train rides from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. The climate is one of most temperate in Sri Lanka and sits at a steady 26 degrees with a gentle breeze daily. The skies are usually blue and everyone that lives in Ella is proud of the beauty and tranquility that the village provides. The panoramic views it provides with mist and cloud covering the area, especially in the early mornings and the late evenings are something you should witness and that would suffice enough to say that you visited Ella. Sri Lanka is home to many wonderful and amazing walks and hikes among those places Ella Rock is the best place to choose. Walk up to Ella's Rock, about 2 hours along the railway track and through the tea plantations, for stunning views across the countryside.The views through Ella Gap are stunning, and on a clear night you can even see the subtle glow of the Great Basses lighthouse on Sri Lanka’s south coast ..Total time for climbing up and down is 4 hours.It sounds like a long journey. But the way up there is with full of diversity. If you are starting form Ella train station, you would enjoy the rail walk, and soon as you started climbing up, you will be passing a waterfall, the rubber tree forest and tea plantations. The other main Place in ella is Ravana Falls, In the misty mountains of Sri Lanka, the wide Ravana falls gushes down a height of 82 feet falling from an oval concave rock. It takes the form of a drooping areca flower during the peak season of its water flow, but its size is reduced dramatically during the dry season.This waterfall is the source of many legends and secrets.

Day 06 – Tissamaharama

Tissamaharamaya

Wirawila (Bird Watching)

Yala Safari

Tissa wewa

Tissamaharama used to be the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom of Ruhuna as early as the 3rd century B.C. Which also known by the name of Mahagama in the ancient times was founded by Prince Mahanaga. During the era in which the monasteries flourished in the ancient Rajarata of the north central plains, many similar monasteries and dagobas were built in Mahagama, the capital of the southern region of Sri Lanka. Three ancient stupas and two ancient irrigation reservoirs make Tissamaharama worth touring in yout 14 days tour with Trip Lanka Tours. On the northern side, the town is bounded by lovely expanses of paddy fields. Tissamaharama is visited mainly in view of it being the gateway to the Yala National Park,Yala National Park is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka. On 1 March 1938, Yala became a national park when the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance was passed into law by D. S. Senanayake, the minister of agriculture. Yala is situated in the lowest peneplain of Sri Lanka, which extends from Trincomalee to Hambantota. The rocky outcrops scattered over the park provides vantage points to enjoy the sprawling areas with Sri Lanka’s dry zone landscape: low scrub and woods. This National park is home for total of 32 species of mammals like The threatened species include sloth bear , Leopard , elephant , water buffalo, Wild boar, spotted deer , sambar and golden jackal and It has a variety of ecosystems including moist monsoon forests, dry monsoon forests, semi deciduous forests, thorn forests, grasslands, marshes, marine wetlands, and sandy beaches Apart from all thses you can enjoy the evening breeze at tissa wewa which was built by king Devanampiya Tissa (3rd century BC) in order to increase the water supply to his capital city of Anuradhapura.

Day 07 – Tssamaharama / Udawalawa

Yatala Wehera

Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Udawalawe Safari

Udawalawe is the best place in sri lanka to watch wild elephant and for bird watching in your trip with Trip Lanka Tours you can find this precious place on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces,The park is situated just south of the Central Highlands, of which escarpment brings about an enrapturing backdrop. At the center of the park lies the Udawalawe Reservoir The entrance to Udawalawe National Park is located near 11km post between Timbolketiya and Tanamanwila on Pelmadulla-Timbolketiya road. Udawalawe National Park established in the year 1972, with the objective of protecting the catchment area of Udawalawe reservoir,which provides water for agriculture and hydro-power generation spreads over an area 30,821.And was established on 30 June 1972. Before the designation of the national park, the area was used for shifting cultivation. The park is 165 kilometers from Colombo. Udawalawe is an important habitat for water birds and Sri Lankan elephants. It is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the country. Udawalawe Safari is something you should not miss if you are holidaying in Sri Lanka,In this safari you will see many thing which you can't see in any other safari, Keeping company to the herds of elephants, the main attraction of the park are the Water Buffalo, Wild boar, Spotted Deer and more apart from all these Jungle cat would be a bonus. Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places to see Raptors in Sri Lanka and afford excellent opportunities for photography. Endemic birds include the Sri Lankan jungle fowl, Sri Lanka spur fowl, Sri Lanka green pigeon, Sri Lanka grey hornbill ect. Satin trees in the park attract butterflies: beautiful Papilio crino, Delias eucharis, Euploea core and many species of ‘Yellows and Whites’ Papilio polytes.After ll these The Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home, It is an Elephant orphanage located within the Udawalawe National Park. Established in 1995 by the Department of wildlife Conservation, it is home to over 40 orphaned elephants.

Adventurous Trip In Greenly Forests In Sri Lanka On a Two Week Tour

Day 08 – Udawalawe / Sinharaja

Gem Mines

Trekking Sinharaja

Sinharaja Rain Forest the last viable remnant of Sri Lanka’s tropical lowland rainforest spanning an area of 18900 acres is located within Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces of the south-west wet zone of Sri Lanka. Sinharaja is bounded by rivers on three sides. On the north, Sinharaja is bounded by the Napola Dola and Koskulana Ganga. On the south and south-west are the rivers Maha Dola and Gin Ganga. On the west are the river Kalukandawa Ela and river Kudawa Ganaga. When you are traveling with Trip Lanka Tours you will notice that,In the boarder of the sinharaja forest you can find few villages which are well integrated with the forest the people in these villages are spending their day today life with this huge trees and animals.These people collect herbal medicine, edible fruits, nuts, mushrooms, other non-timber forest products including bees honey and a sugary sap collected from a local palm species of the genus Caryota. In addition, the crystal-clear water coming from dozens of streams is the main water source for all people living around the reserve. For generations, local people trekked through the forest from south to north to make their annual pilgrimage to the Adams Peak. Sinharaja Rain Forest is home to numerous indigenous birds such asthe Ceylon Hanging Parrot , the Ceylon Grey Hornbill , the Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush , Layard’s parakeet , the Jungle fowl , the Spur fowl and ect.19 of Sri Lanka’s 20 species of endemic bird species in Sri Lanka are found in the Sinharaja Reserve.Conservation Value Sinharaja is the last extensive primary lowland tropical rain forest in Sri Lanka. It holds a large number of endemic species of plants and animals, and a variety of plants of known benefit to man. En-rought you can visit Gem mines in rathnapura,rathnapura is the city of gems, you will able to experience the work load of a person who has to do to insert a shiny little stone in to your jewels.

Day 09 – Sinharaja / Galle

Galle Fort

Historical Mansion

Unawatuna Beach

You can start your beach tour today onwards with Trip Lanka Tours you can enjoy in sri lanka beaches and explore the beauty of the southern boarder of sri lanka. Galle was known as Gimhathitha in ancient times. The term is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese term meaning "port near the river Gin". It is believed that the town got its name as Gaalla in the native tongue as a result of the large number of bullock carts that took shelter in the area, following the long slow journeys from remote areas of the island. Before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. Today’s town has grown greatly and spreads into the surroundings but the Fort is the slow beating heart of Galle‘s history. The walled city has stood since the early sixteenth century, through the Colonial periods of the Portuguese, Dutch and British and in our present times is proclaimed as an Archeological Reserve and has been identified as a living World Heritage Site. Galle is home to the Galle International Stadium, which is considered to be one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world. The ground, which was severely damaged by the tsunami, was rebuilt and test matches resumed there on 18 December 2007. Important natural geographical features in Galle include Rumassala in Unawatuna, a large mound-like hill that forms the eastern protective barrier to Galle Harbor. Local tradition associates this hill with some events of Ramayana, one of the great Hindu epics.

Things To Do In Beautyful Sandy Beaches Of Sri Lanka In Your 2 Weeks Tour With Trip Lanka Tours

Day 10 -11 – Galle / Hikkaduwa

National Museum

GalleHikkaduwa beach

Trip Lanka Tours will take you to one of the most beautiful beaches in sri lanka and this beach has the most tourist attraction.The name Hikkaduwa is thought to have been derived from the two words Ship Kaduwa, with Ship being the shorter version of Shilpaya which refers to knowledge in Sinhalese and Kaduwa which means sword. It is believed therefore that the name Hikkaduwa means sword of knowledge. The beach of Hikkaduwa is situated 98 km from Colombo towards the south of Sri Lanka. This fun coastal town, 14 km away from Galle was the first of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches to be discovered by tourists. Snorkeling and diving in the clear waters are a major past-time along this stretch and is the most environmentally friendly way to see the colorful fish that dart around. The coral sanctuary found along the coast of Hikkaduwa is a large shallow body of water enclosed by a reef, decorated with layers of multi colored corals, and is home to countless numbers of vibrantly colored fish.Hikkaduwa beach is the second best surf spot in sri lanka, the reason why so many visit Hikkaduwa is blatantly clear. It is a beautiful beach where you can relax, enjoy the sun and have the option of surfing, snorkeling or scuba diving and Glass bottomed boats are available for you to admire the wonders of the deep while keeping their feet dry! After a short distance southwards from the Centre of the reef, it diminishes and starts a wider sandy bottomed beach with good waves ideal for board surfing and body surfing. Hikkaduwa is also well known for its upbeat night life and delicious roadside cuisine which presents a fusion of Sri Lankan and western food. The extraordinarily attractive beach of Hikkaduwa is a place of fun and excitement and always has something for everyone.

Day 12 – 13 – Bentota

Breif Garden

Water Sports

Kande Wihare

Another day of beach relaxing with a historical touch in your 14 days tour to Sri Lanka with Trip Lanka Tours .Benthota is a historical place described in ancient messenger poems. The Galapatha Viharaya is one of a cluster of five ancient temples in the region.In the 17th Century the Portuguese built a small fort at the mouth of the Bentota River , which in Sinhala was called Parangi Kotuwa, meaning the fort of the Portuguese.This city is a coastal town in Sri Lanka, located in the Galle District of the Southern Province. Bentota is a tourist attraction place , with a local airport. It is a destination for watersports. Bentota also delivers an ancient art of healing called Ayurveda. Bentota is famous for its toddy production, an alcoholic beverage made out of coconut nectar. It also has a turtle hatchery, located on Induruwa beach. Bentota is famed as the prime beach resort of the south-western and southern coastal belts of Sri Lanka. South of the city of Colombo, the city of Kalutara with its fine beach is the gateway to south western and southern bay beaches.Calm seas during the season from November to April make Bentota Beach ideal for snorkelling, diving, sailing, wind surfing, water-skiing and deep-sea fishing on a traditional outrigger canoe. Bentota enriched with safe swimming conditions in the season combined with fun water sports and exciting excursions that set up an ideal background for a relaxed holiday in Sri Lanka, is an attraction for families. River Bentara, the legendary river at Bentota, flows into the Indian Ocean forming a lagoon at the last section of the river. The River Bentara and the lagoon set up the widest array of water sports among all the beach resorts of Sri Lanka. Jet-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing or enjoying a romantic river safari along the clam waters are some of the activities that are well known in the area.

Day 14 – Bentota / Airport En-rought you will be able to visit

Madu River Safari

Cinnamond Island

Diamond Mine

Source : https://travelsrilankablog.weebly.com/home/choose-a-wonderful-14-days-itinerary-package-to-sri-lanka-with-the-best-tour-operators-like-trip-lanka-tours

[peachhplum]

The Real Reason I Learned To Appreciate Home

// Sponsored by State Farm (my social media fee was donated to Habitat for Humanity) and all views are, as always, my own.

“As I built my house, I built myself.” – Habitat for Humanity Homeowner

Since I started blogging almost a decade ago, I’ve been asked countless times where my love for design and the home came from. I’ve always answered that it stemmed from discovering an issue of a British design mag, Livingetc, at a petrol (gas!) station while my mum filled up the car with fuel. I was twelve years old, and completely captivated with all things décor and design from that first issue onwards. I remember it like it was yesterday. However, it wasn’t in that moment that I learned to love and appreciate my home. That story starts differently.

It was a cold winter Saturday, early in 1998, in the midst of a British winter. I was eleven years old, Titanic was dominating, well, just about everything, and I had woken up at a friend’s house. I had stayed over the previous night following a visit to the movies to see, you guessed it, Titanic. I remember my friend being upset with his parents because they wouldn’t let us head out to play football (I was secretly relieved because I hated playing football!). Instead, his parents said we had to drive me back home. I didn’t think much of it as I just figured they had things to do as a family that day. Plus, no football so, hey, I wasn’t complaining.After 45 minutes, we pulled up to our family home (pictured above as it is today under new ownership; I don’t have a digital picture of the house because it was the days of disposable cameras) and I immediately spotted my gran’s car parked in the drive. My gran and I have always been very close and so to see that she was unexpectedly visiting filled me with excitement. “Way more fun than football,” I thought to myself as I said my “thank yous” and jumped out the car, rushing as fast as my feet would take me to the front porch. Key in the door. Shoes kicked off by the doormat. Through the hallway, past the flowers on the entry table and into the kitchen…That’s when my excitement was immediately crushed. I saw my mum hunched over the apron sink sobbing.

The previous night while I’d been at the sleepover, her husband of twenty years and my dad of eleven years had decided to leave our family so he could start a new life with his mistress, the woman with whom he’d been having an affair for six months. He hadn’t even had the courage to say goodbye to me; we didn’t see or hear from him again for six months.

It had been a shock to us all, as there were no signs that my parents were unhappy. We were fortunate enough to lead a very privileged life: my mum and dad worked hard to afford to send us to good schools, we enjoyed a week-long family holiday every year in Europe, Christmases were spent as a family by the inglenook fireplace, and summers were spent playing tennis on the lawn. It was as idyllic as it sounds.The house was located in a charming village deep within the English countryside. My bedroom window overlooked rolling fields, mooing cows and there was often the distant, comforting hum of a tractor, dog barking or flock of birds tweeting. Gran would come to stay and we would walk her dog, Bruno, for hours down country lanes and across the fields. Despite being nearly sixty years apart in age, we would laugh and chat for hours on end. When she was staying I would run downstairs to her room every morning and jump under the covers to chat and I would pretend I liked drinking coffee so I would feel more grown up! I look back to those times – the unaltered, naive bliss of childhood – with misty-eyed warmth. I treasure those memories and realize just how lucky I was to live in such a safe and loving environment during those early years of childhood.

But, and with the sincere hope it won’t sound melodramatic, that winter Saturday in 1998 when I arrived home to find our family broken apart, that was day that my childhood ended. It was that day that the calm and comforting place I had known as home changed forever. Lying in bed that night I remember shivering at the unknown that lay ahead.The years that followed were turbulent to say the least. My poor mum was, understandably, wracked with grief and my teenager brother was old enough to escape the house and deal with the emotions in his own way, in his own time. As a pre-teen I was confined to the house. As a result had to grow up super-fast and learn to deal with lots of situations that even now as a thirty-year-old adult, can be hard to think about. It’s not my place to share the full details of what happened over those tumultuous years, and arguably there would be little to be gained from doing so, but suffice to say that home was not the safe sanctuary it had been.

Yet, despite all the challenges and heartache of that time period in my life I still had a physical home to go to. And you know what? I should have been more grateful for that. I should have acted out less; been more grateful for what I did have. I feel as though I took for granted just how fortunate I was to have a physical space to protect me.As the years passed, I grew older, gained independence, (came out, but that’s a whole other blog post!), moved to a new city to attend university and that’s where I met my now husband. Since we graduated we’ve moved a lot (not least to a whole new country!) but I’ve always placed a big emphasis on creating a homely, welcoming and calm space for us both to call home. From the memories of my early childhood years, I knew how great home could feel when it was a happy, loving and safe space. I finally had the opportunity to recreate that feeling of true contentment and security by creating a home with the love of my life.

I now realize that over the twelve years my heartmate and I have lived together, we’ve not just been building a home together but I’ve been building myself, too. The physicality of ‘safeness’ that comes from having four solid walls to call home is so much more than the obvious physical security the home itself affords you. It’s also the emotional bedrock that comes alongside the physical security of your own home brings. The knowledge that you always have somewhere safe to return. It’s a space filled with the fabric of your life: the things and the people you love. There are ups, there are downs, but through it all there’s one constant: the security of your home.I found myself recalling the memories I’ve shared here as I sat at the recent Habitat for Humanity dinner in NYC listening to Clive Rainey, HFH First Volunteer, recall a conversation he had with a Habitat for Humanity homeowner. She was a single mum who was raising her son living in a domestic abuse shelter: her husband had beaten her and said she was useless. She said that the moment she first picked up the hammer on the site of her Habitat for Humanity home she was helping to build, she realized she had the power to change her future, and build a life and safe sanctuary – a home – for her and her son. “As I built my house, I built myself,” she said.

As I heard this story, I reflected on my own experiences and how beyond fortunate I feel to have found the man I adore, to live in the city I love and to have spent the last twelve years creating and building my own safe sanctuary – our home. (I’ve shared pictures from some of those homes throughout this post.) And I thought about how moved I was to do more to help their cause to bring safe and secure homes to people in local communities in New York City. As well as donating my social media fee from State Farm to share my experience of being part of Neighborhood of Good®, I’m going to be volunteering my time to makeover a community center in New York City in time for the holidays.The story of that single mum who, despite all of her horrific experiences, found renewed spirit and opportunity to create a home for her and her son, was thanks to the amazing work of Habitat for Humanity and their volunteers. I sat at the dinner and thought to myself how privileged I have been to re-discover the joy of those early childhood years and build a happy, safe home of my own as an adult. Now, I have the opportunity to play a small part in bringing that priceless feeling of ‘home’ to others in my community. And you can too. Please join me in getting involved and consider signing up to volunteer at your local Habitat for Humanity chapter, or donate to support their amazing work. I’m, looking forward to sharing lots more of my experiences volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in the coming months, too!

// Photography by Will Taylor, bar images 1, 4 & 5 which were taken by Andrew Boyd for Bright.Bazaar

[squaremaguk]

The Real Reason I Learned To Appreciate Home

// Sponsored by State Farm (my social media fee was donated to Habitat for Humanity) and all views are, as always, my own.

“As I built my house, I built myself.” – Habitat for Humanity Homeowner

Since I started blogging almost a decade ago, I’ve been asked countless times where my love for design and the home came from. I’ve always answered that it stemmed from discovering an issue of a British design mag, Livingetc, at a petrol (gas!) station while my mum filled up the car with fuel. I was twelve years old, and completely captivated with all things décor and design from that first issue onwards. I remember it like it was yesterday. However, it wasn’t in that moment that I learned to love and appreciate my home. That story starts differently.

It was a cold winter Saturday, early in 1998, in the midst of a British winter. I was eleven years old, Titanic was dominating, well, just about everything, and I had woken up at a friend’s house. I had stayed over the previous night following a visit to the movies to see, you guessed it, Titanic. I remember my friend being upset with his parents because they wouldn’t let us head out to play football (I was secretly relieved because I hated playing football!). Instead, his parents said we had to drive me back home. I didn’t think much of it as I just figured they had things to do as a family that day. Plus, no football so, hey, I wasn’t complaining.After 45 minutes, we pulled up to our family home (pictured above as it is today under new ownership; I don’t have a digital picture of the house because it was the days of disposable cameras) and I immediately spotted my gran’s car parked in the drive. My gran and I have always been very close and so to see that she was unexpectedly visiting filled me with excitement. “Way more fun than football,” I thought to myself as I said my “thank yous” and jumped out the car, rushing as fast as my feet would take me to the front porch. Key in the door. Shoes kicked off by the doormat. Through the hallway, past the flowers on the entry table and into the kitchen…That’s when my excitement was immediately crushed. I saw my mum hunched over the apron sink sobbing.

The previous night while I’d been at the sleepover, her husband of twenty years and my dad of eleven years had decided to leave our family so he could start a new life with his mistress, the woman with whom he’d been having an affair for six months. He hadn’t even had the courage to say goodbye to me; we didn’t see or hear from him again for six months.

It had been a shock to us all, as there were no signs that my parents were unhappy. We were fortunate enough to lead a very privileged life: my mum and dad worked hard to afford to send us to good schools, we enjoyed a week-long family holiday every year in Europe, Christmases were spent as a family by the inglenook fireplace, and summers were spent playing tennis on the lawn. It was as idyllic as it sounds.The house was located in a charming village deep within the English countryside. My bedroom window overlooked rolling fields, mooing cows and there was often the distant, comforting hum of a tractor, dog barking or flock of birds tweeting. Gran would come to stay and we would walk her dog, Bruno, for hours down country lanes and across the fields. Despite being nearly sixty years apart in age, we would laugh and chat for hours on end. When she was staying I would run downstairs to her room every morning and jump under the covers to chat and I would pretend I liked drinking coffee so I would feel more grown up! I look back to those times – the unaltered, naive bliss of childhood – with misty-eyed warmth. I treasure those memories and realize just how lucky I was to live in such a safe and loving environment during those early years of childhood.

But, and with the sincere hope it won’t sound melodramatic, that winter Saturday in 1998 when I arrived home to find our family broken apart, that was day that my childhood ended. It was that day that the calm and comforting place I had known as home changed forever. Lying in bed that night I remember shivering at the unknown that lay ahead.The years that followed were turbulent to say the least. My poor mum was, understandably, wracked with grief and my teenager brother was old enough to escape the house and deal with the emotions in his own way, in his own time. As a pre-teen I was confined to the house. As a result had to grow up super-fast and learn to deal with lots of situations that even now as a thirty-year-old adult, can be hard to think about. It’s not my place to share the full details of what happened over those tumultuous years, and arguably there would be little to be gained from doing so, but suffice to say that home was not the safe sanctuary it had been.

Yet, despite all the challenges and heartache of that time period in my life I still had a physical home to go to. And you know what? I should have been more grateful for that. I should have acted out less; been more grateful for what I did have. I feel as though I took for granted just how fortunate I was to have a physical space to protect me.As the years passed, I grew older, gained independence, (came out, but that’s a whole other blog post!), moved to a new city to attend university and that’s where I met my now husband. Since we graduated we’ve moved a lot (not least to a whole new country!) but I’ve always placed a big emphasis on creating a homely, welcoming and calm space for us both to call home. From the memories of my early childhood years, I knew how great home could feel when it was a happy, loving and safe space. I finally had the opportunity to recreate that feeling of true contentment and security by creating a home with the love of my life.

I now realize that over the twelve years my heartmate and I have lived together, we’ve not just been building a home together but I’ve been building myself, too. The physicality of ‘safeness’ that comes from having four solid walls to call home is so much more than the obvious physical security the home itself affords you. It’s also the emotional bedrock that comes alongside the physical security of your own home brings. The knowledge that you always have somewhere safe to return. It’s a space filled with the fabric of your life: the things and the people you love. There are ups, there are downs, but through it all there’s one constant: the security of your home.I found myself recalling the memories I’ve shared here as I sat at the recent Habitat for Humanity dinner in NYC listening to Clive Rainey, HFH First Volunteer, recall a conversation he had with a Habitat for Humanity homeowner. She was a single mum who was raising her son living in a domestic abuse shelter: her husband had beaten her and said she was useless. She said that the moment she first picked up the hammer on the site of her Habitat for Humanity home she was helping to build, she realized she had the power to change her future, and build a life and safe sanctuary – a home – for her and her son. “As I built my house, I built myself,” she said.

As I heard this story, I reflected on my own experiences and how beyond fortunate I feel to have found the man I adore, to live in the city I love and to have spent the last twelve years creating and building my own safe sanctuary – our home. (I’ve shared pictures from some of those homes throughout this post.) And I thought about how moved I was to do more to help their cause to bring safe and secure homes to people in local communities in New York City. As well as donating my social media fee from State Farm to share my experience of being part of Neighborhood of Good®, I’m going to be volunteering my time to makeover a community center in New York City in time for the holidays.The story of that single mum who, despite all of her horrific experiences, found renewed spirit and opportunity to create a home for her and her son, was thanks to the amazing work of Habitat for Humanity and their volunteers. I sat at the dinner and thought to myself how privileged I have been to re-discover the joy of those early childhood years and build a happy, safe home of my own as an adult. Now, I have the opportunity to play a small part in bringing that priceless feeling of ‘home’ to others in my community. And you can too. Please join me in getting involved and consider signing up to volunteer at your local Habitat for Humanity chapter, or donate to support their amazing work. I’m, looking forward to sharing lots more of my experiences volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in the coming months, too!

// Photography by Will Taylor, bar images 1, 4 & 5 which were taken by Andrew Boyd for Bright.Bazaar

The post The Real Reason I Learned To Appreciate Home appeared first on Bright Bazaar by Will Taylor.

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[sunshellz-blog1]

three words: last world

Day of choir performance:

Yesterday was my choir performance at the Trinity Episcopal Church! 

The show’s starting time was 7:30, but Vinsun and I planned to meet around 7 at the entrance so I can give him my free ticket. 

While I’m rehearsing, I realize it should almost be 7/almost past 7 and he still hasn’t entered the church. He’s always punctual, so I check my phone because I just knew he must be having trouble finding parking -- and yup, he texted me before 7 that he was having trouble finding parking. So I manage to get off stage during rehearsal and go outside to meet him. Oh jeez, my heart was beating so fast!! Still nervous every time before meeting him. Looking for a bb blue dress shirt, since we chose that outfit together earlier that day. And all of a sudden, I see it! flash of light blue walking towards the church. We fast walk/jog to each other and embrace. My friend from KCCC, Gloria, and her two friends see us and she introduces herself to him, and o boy hahaha is Sunny NOT a talker!! I would say I’m definitely the chatterbug of this relationship. 

I then rush back to rehearsal because I’m not supposed to be out lol, but then shortly after I realize I forgot to give Suns my phone so he can record parts of the choir show!! I text him to meetup again (this time inside the church) and he says “oh shoot. okay, i’ll meet you soon.” Wondering why he’d say “oh shoot,” I find out shortly after he enters the church: he’s holding flowers, and he meant to surprise me after the performance! Old white lady next to us called him out on it haha! But it made me like the flowers and him even more -- the whole scenario made me laugh. 

Showtime! I’m up onstage, and shortly before my choir and I start to sing, I see Vinsun carrying my camera, recording us vertically... so I try to gesture him to change the orientation to landscape repeatedly until he finally does. Oh my! HAHA. So cute. He records us the entire time, and in my head while singing, I felt bad because I wanted him to enjoy at least some of the parts without having to record us! I should’ve mentioned that even just one song would suffice. But he got every single song, and there were probably 6+. Oh, gramps. 

Anyway, afterward, he meets some of my other friends/acquaintances, and we finally take our first picture every together!! :) After our mini photoshoot, we walk towards his car, and I ask if he wanted to have “the talk” (something he’s been waiting to tell me for so long, but apparently had trouble opening up about. I got my first anxiety attack when he mentioned he had something to tell me that might hurt me through text. He reassured me though that it didn’t have to do with us breaking up or anything, so I held my nerves until this day.) However, he apologized and said he didn’t feel comfortable talking about it at the moment... I was so curious at that point, almost wanted to push him into telling me, but tried to understand and said we can just chill in the car and think of something else to do. So once inside the car, his stomach growls (hahaha), and I realize I’m super hungry too... So we yelp side by side, having trouble finding something to eat, and just talk for a bit while doing so. Then we look at each other. And then, of course, kiss. 

He decides he doesn’t feel like eating anymore and would rather cuddle at the backseat of his car, and so I laugh and we get out of the front seats to meet at the back. We sit side by side and look into each other’s eyes. He keeps whispering “you look so beautiful...” and then as things get a lil’ more hawt... transitions to comments like “how are you so effin’ hot” LOL! Well, without the censorship. I kiss him and tell him how attractive he is to me too, because dayum. I get more attracted to him every time I see him. :) 

Didn’t have sex**

And then our stomachs keep growling..... lol, so we just pick the nearest available sushi restaurant “Edomasa,” basically the only late night sushi bar available in state street. As we sit there and eat, we talk about things like our parents’ personalities, our dreams as kids, and our dreams currently. We both agree maybe someday we can live in the middle of nowhere, since there a lot of physician jobs available that give good incentive to do so, and as for me, I just always wanted to live somewhere random for a bit with someone special.

After the restaurant, we drive to my apartment in Isla Vista to watch a scary movie together downstairs! He’s never been inside before, so I was pretty darn excited. Also, just excited to be with him.

However, turns out my roommate and her friends/my club fam were pre-gaming there since it was a Friday night. So Sunny and I back away from all the loudness inside and walk around Isla Vista instead. He sees the all the little food places I would talk about when we were texting ~ He said he found the concept of seeing in person the things I would talk about with him interesting. LDR (we’re blessed right now though... imagine when he goes to Vegas. :()

We pass by the random nature park area that I sent pictures of before -- it’s a really pretty route that I always take to the nearby food cooperative for groceries. It has trees everywhere, tall grass, a little river, and a mini red barn/windmill-looking object. Nearby, there’s a tree and a bench underneath it. We sit there for a moment and just talk about our past, and how we’re each other’s first loves, and how I’m his first girlfriend. After awhile, I ask him about the “thing” he’s been wanting to tell me all this time, and he would try but it wouldn’t come out... So I kept guessing. My guesses to what this secret was about (other than the first guess of him breaking up with me, but he reassured me that it wasn’t that at all):

him:

- having leukemia 

- being infertile 

- dropping out of med school (which wasn’t going to be a dealbreaker though at this point or anything) 

... and then he said it was a “physical” matter, not an abstract one/action, so:

him having:

- an extra toe

- a growing tailbone 

- a third nipple

- both male and female genitals 

- baldness 

- a hole somewhere in his body

- webbed feet 

He kept saying it has nothing to do with him growing something external, but I just couldn’t think of something physical about him that would be so “scare-worthy.” I admit, I kept saying before that I respected his privacy and wanted him to share when he was comfortable. But at that point, I just knew I would overthink it and not stop being able to guess the worst things possible until he told me. 

And then I felt his arms. And asked, “oh, does it have to do with your arms? This is the only body part I didn’t ask about.” 

So FINALLY, after an hour or so of this, he said, “fuck it, I’m just going to say it.” And then he told me. My reaction was literally, “Oh.. that’s it?” 

Even though no one reads this blog, I want to secure his privacy in this matter since it’s really personal to him. But basically, it’s a light skin condition that most people have. My sister and I both had it growing up, and it faded off with diet and healthy habits. Nbd. Him opening up about it made me love him even more. 

Okay, so around midnight or 1 am, we walk back to my place, and hey ~ everyone’s gone! The pre-gamers have gone out to party and whatnot, while upstairs everyone else was asleep. So we had my living room to ourselves, where we set up a scary Korean movie “Muoi.” However, of course, we end up getting very distracted by each other and kiss haha. A bit later, I relax on his lap as he sort of plays with my hair. I look up at him, and he looks at me too.. and says, “I love you.” 

Ahhhhhhhh..... I asked him, “Wait, what did you say?” And he said it again. I can’t describe how I felt at that moment.. But it was a mixture of excitement/disbelief/relief/pure happiness/gratefulness. I knew we implied it through text all the time, but hearing it then at that moment and in person for the first time was definitely something so special to me.. I told him I loved him back, and we kissed. :) 

Ahh. Didn’t want him to leave, I was falling asleep on him. But he had to drive an hour or so back to Lompoc.. So we said our goodbyes outside my house. Wasn’t going to be seeing him for another week. 

But it was a beautiful night :)