#february birthday gift for women

[johnnydany]

February Is My Birthday Yes The Whole Month Funny Birthday Girls Women T-Shirt

Get yours styles: https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/47747575-february-is-my-birthday-yes-the-whole-month-funny-

[aetherdoesthings]

hi, I was wondering if you could do a romantic x reader oneshot on Roronoa Zoro for Valentine's Day!

hi! sorry this took a while, but made it in time for valentine day before it ends!

forethoughts: remember that aforementioned crush i had? yeah really felt lonely while writing this bc ain't no way she's into girls 😭. anyways enjoy :,). also no i still haven't talked to her yet i still get anxiety when i open the chat because 🤷. sorry if the pacing is fucked i was in a rush trying to get this out before valentine's day ends (i'm still at my grandpa's house) so yeah.

notes: fem!reader, valentines day

February 14 was rolling around the corner and time was ticking. You had spent the 13th worrying about what to do on the next day with your boyfriend, thinking about what to do on your first Valentine’s day after confessing to each other at the beginning of the year. Sure, it had been only a month of getting to know each other better and being comfortable around each other, but to the two of you (or to you at least) it felt like years. 

With the sun already halfway through its shift, you started to panic even more, as a ‘perfect Valentine’s day’ itinerary still has not been formed. Seeing you in such a manic state, Nami and Robin had whisked you away, quite literally carrying you by the limbs off the ship and into town to grab something to eat. You insisted that you did not need to eat anything and you needed to think and prepare, but with Nami’s glare and Robin’s arms threatening to incapacitate you, you reluctantly sat on the wooden chair across the two women as food was served to your table. You picked up your fork, taking a bite as you swallowed. Immediately, you were reminded of how depraved of food you were, and engulfed the entire plate within minutes. 

“Has planning your day tomorrow really stressed you out, dear Y/N?” Robin remarked, giving you a napkin to wipe the corners of your mouth.

Your cheeks flushed red as you took the napkin, wiping your mouth before nodding your head. “I just want to have the perfect day with Zoro… he means the world to me, and I just want to have a good Valentine’s day with him…”

The moment you had confessed to Zoro, you had basically confessed to the whole crew since Zoro loved to brag about you being his girlfriend in front of Sanji. Naturally, everyone was supportive of it (Sanji as well after a few weeks) and it was common knowledge you and Zoro were dating.

Nami chuckled. “Still, it feels like you shouldn’t be putting in that much work into one day just by yourself. Do you know if Zoro is planning anything to do tomorrow?”

Your mouth was open, but no words came out. You sighed, shaking your head. “He’s been silent for the past few days. I tried bringing up Valentine’s day to him, and he just said ‘what’s that?’”

“So you’re putting this much thought and stress into planning out the perfect day with him but he’s not putting any effort into tomorrow?” Robin said.

The claim Robin made was like a bitter pill you had to swallow. It was true; while you spent your day stressing about Valentine’s day, Zoro was probably asleep or drinking or training in the gym like it was another Tuesday. 

“Come on, don’t sulk.” Nami flicked your head, prompting you to get out of your trance as you looked at the two women with a defeated look.

“Perhaps Zoro is planning on surprising you tomorrow.” Robin spoke out.

“Zoro can’t surprise me. I mean, he can, he’s just… not good at giving gifts. I love him, but sometimes I don’t want a bottle of sake for my birthday.”

“Didn’t the two of you finish that bottle in one night?”

“No we didn’t!” You shook your head adamantly. “Still, even if he’s going to surprise me… I just hope he doesn’t get me a dead boar again.”

“Hey, it’s the thought that counts, alright? At least he’s planning on surprising you.” Nami smiled. “It’s better than him just forgetting about you completely.”

“Why not just spend the rest of the day relaxing? You’ve spent the whole morning trying to plan for tomorrow. Just take a break; I’m sure tomorrow will be a great day regardless.” Robin suggested.

“We could go shopping together! I saw some really good shops near this cafe!”

You chuckled at Nami’s words. “Alright, alright. Sure.”

So you went shopping with the women of the Straw Hats, until the sun finally retired. The entire time you were still worried about tomorrow, but with Nami and Robin’s constant and unwavering encouragement and determination to make you not worry, you soon forgot about tomorrow and spent the rest of today shopping for clothes, watching Nami argue with a clerk for the price of a dress, and going inside libraries with Robin to check out books for Chopper and herself.

Since you had spent yesterday relaxing, you had nothing planned whatsoever for today. You had gotten into bed with Zoro, asking him one last time if he had anything planned for today. He simply grunted ‘go to sleep’. So you did.

The moment you woke up, you immediately noticed the Zoro-shaped hole in the mattress, your hand placed on the hot surface. Zoro must’ve gotten up a few minutes before you. You let out a sigh, forcing yourself to sit up as you rubbed your eyes. Zoro always woke up before you; he liked to train in the morning and get his morning workout done before the crew woke up. 

So today is a normal day after all… You thought to yourself. Even though you were disappointed that there wasn’t going to be any grand plan or event that was going to happen with you and Zoro, you were still determined to spend the rest of your time today with him. 

To your dismay, you had spent your entire day in fact trying to find Zoro on board the ship that was nowhere near land, since Franky had raised the anchor last night. Frustrated and tired, you had locked yourself in your shared room with Zoro, looking at old pictures of the two of you together, not a shred of love or romance beating in your heart.

You didn’t know how long you were moping for when the door to your room suddenly burst open. The green haired swordsman was standing there, wearing a shirt you had never seen before. His swords weren’t strapped to his side, his bandanna still tied to his shoulder. He ripped the blanket off your body, grabbing your hand. “Come on.”

It was already dark out, your legs wobbly and shaky from not moving the entire day. A mix of emotions surged to your head, your mind deciding what you should feel. As that was all happening, Zoro had swung you over his shoulder, as he ascended to the crow’s nest, plopping your body next to his. 

“What-” You were sitting on a bunch of cushions and pillows, while Zoro took a blanket for himself. There were treats and food littered around your makeshift seat, all foods that were your favorite. Candles were lit and scattered haphazardly around, placed by Zoro’s boots and your barefoot, away from the blankets and easily flammable cushions. The swordsman’s swords were placed beside him, one hand on all three hilts. His other hand was already gripped onto the neck of a bottle of sake, as he began to chug it slowly.

“What is all this?” You finally spoke after your mind had finally processed everything.

“Did you really think I forgot about Valentine’s day, dear?” Zoro let out a low chuckle, looking at you as he wrapped his arm around your neck. “Look.”

He removed his hand from the swords to point at the vast sea. Suddenly, red sparks colored the air, then orange, yellow, coloring the dull sky with bright cheery colors. You sat there in your comfy seat, jaw agape as you stared at the fireworks like a baby, your ears filled with the sound of cracks and wind of the fireworks launching into the air. The show lasted longer than you expected, the last firework forming a heart shape.

Zoro planted a kiss on your forehead, looking you in the eyes with love and affection, compared to the dull and lifeless ones he gave you yesterday. “Happy Valentine’s day, Y/N.”

[callmewrinkles3]

Deuxmoi Submissions, 2023

January

Spotted: Daniel Riccardo and his long-time girlfriend Emma on a romantic date at a restaurant in Perth. Weird thing was this time his manager was also there side by side in company of a blonde girl.

-

February

Subject: Twins

Email: whatever@gmail.com

Message: saw Daniel Ricciardo and his manager on a double date. One of the women was definitely Ricciardo’s girlfriend (and I think I saw a ring????) the other looked like her sister?

-

March

Spotted: Daniel Ricciardo’s fiancée flower shopping with a group of women. Is the wedding happening?

-

April

Spotted: saw like four F1 drivers (Charles LeClerc, Max Verstappen, Lance Stroll, and Esteban Ocon) getting off planes at Perth airport. I work the private terminal and there was a load of extra jets in. Is the F1 Royal Wedding happening?

-

May

Message: what Met gala attendee had a meltdown because her dress didn’t fit her chest an hour before her red carpet time? She didn’t get a lot of attention but she’s got a couple of high profile places to be this month with her husband, let’s see if it’s just her chest expanding.

-

June

Subject: wait WHAT

Email: reservebells@gmail.com

Message: ok I could be wrong but I think I saw everyone’s favourite Australian who isn’t doing his usual job leaving a maternity hospital in [removed for their privacy] with his wife. Both looked delighted, he was the happiest he’s been in years

-

July

Spotted: I work at a high end baby furniture shop and a high profile athlete and his wife came in. No clue how nobody knows she’s pregnant, it’s pretty obvious. Happy for them, they’re very in love and he couldn’t keep his hands off the bump

Update: yeah it was Daniel Ricciardo and his wife, also the tip they gave the furniture delivery bought us all takeout.

-

August

Saw Daniel Ricciardo and his wife in the same restaurant as me in Faenza. They’re too cute and he wasn’t drinking wine because she can’t thanks to her pregnancy.

*

Spotted: Em Ricciardo is a sweetheart! I was lost in Milan trying to find the train station with no phone signal, she speaks what sounded like fluent Italian and got the directions for me!

September

Subject: bundle of joy

Email: forthebees@gmail.com

Message: Got to see the former Red Bull teammates at Formula Nurnburgring, but the highlight for me was watching Sebastian Vettel giving Emma Ricciardo a giant hug and a gift bag. It’s really obvious that they get along well, she was there cheering him in his car. His wife was there too, saw her and Emma chatting.

—

October

Spotted: Daniel Ricciardo out for dinner with his wife, his manager, and what looked like his wife’s friend? It was his manager’s birthday and they sang happy birthday, but they did a toast later.

Spotted: Em Ricciardo looking so proud at her husband’s contract announcement. Red Bull got Dan a onesie for the new baby, it was adorable.

—

November

Spotted: Daniel Ricciardo running through LAX to catch a Qantas flight to Sydney. Someone mentioned his wife is due soon, is the baby coming?

Spotted: Em Ricciardo in Perth airport, looked like she was collecting Dan from Vegas. She’s still pregnant! #F1BabyWatch

—

December

Subject: flowers

Email: fakeyfake@fake.com

Message: I work in a florist and we had 22 bouquets sent to one room in [redacted] hospital in Perth. Most of the calls came from UK and European numbers. Looks like F1’s latest baby has arrived!

[inevitably-johnlocked]

VALENTINE'S DAY FICS (Updated Feb 2024)

Well, I never got an ask for an updated list and I WAS going to reblog my own V-Day Fic list from a few years ago, but it's pitifully small compared to all the other lists I have come across. Instead, I decided to update it with all the fics I have on my MFL list as well, so I hope you guys enjoy this brand new list for Fic Rec Wednesday! Please add your own V-Day fics if you have them! Enjoy!!

See also these Other Peoples' Lists:

Valentine’s Day (Alexx)

Clean Valentine’s List (Alexx)

Mystrade Valentine’s (Various)

Cupidford’s Valentine’s Fics

Valentine’s Day + Update 2022 (SwissMiss)

Be my Valentine - Johnlock Collection (AO3 Collection List)

Atrium by kali_asleep (T, 3,460 w., 1 Ch. || 5 and One, Valentine’s Day, Fluff & Schmoop, First Kiss) – Five times Sherlock gave John his heart, and the one time Sherlock got a heart in return (literally).

Lingerie by Sexxica (E, 4,135 w., 1 Ch. || Valentine’s Day, Lingerie / Women’s Underwear, Mildly Public Masturbation, Picture Texting / Sexting, Bottomlock, Body Worship, Anal Sex / Fingering, Rimming, Orgasm Delay / Denial, Est. Rel.) – It's Valentines Day and Sherlock is taking John to Angelo's for dinner. Sherlock also happens to be wearing a garter belt, stockings and a rather small pair of women's underwear under his clothes. There's no dessert at Angelo's because John needs to get Sherlock home just as quickly as he can before they both lose their minds entirely.

How To Give Your Boyfriend Who Doesn't Know He's Your Boyfriend the Best Valentine's Day Ever by unicornpoe (T, 9,832 w., 1 Ch. || Valentine’s Day, Fluff and Crack, Soft Sherlock, POV Sherlock) – Sherlock is pretty sure that John Watson is his boyfriend. He's also pretty sure that John doesn't know it. But with a little help from a magazine, some friends, three crepes, five dates, one awesome CD, and a stalker van, John is bound to realize just in time for Valentine's Day.

MARKED FOR LATER

Hope is sweet by Lock_John_Silver (T, 2,977 w., 1 Ch. || Post S4, Parentlock with Rosie, Valentine’s Day, Developing Relationship, Pet Names, Friends to Lovers, First Kiss, Classical Music, Idiots in Love, Endearments, POV Sherlock) - Sherlock wants to be more than John’s best friend. Has wanted it for ages, truth be told. So, when Molly comes up with an idea, that to some extent involves three year old Rosie, Sherlock doesn’t hesitate.

Worth Its Weight by philalethia (E, 2,986 w., 1 Ch. || Sugar Daddy AU || PWP, Daddy Sherlock, Daddy Kink, Service Domination, Gift Giving, Unsafe Sex, Sex Toys) – “Remember,” John said, “when we talked about you not buying me extravagant things?” Basically: a little bit of Valentine's Day daddy kink. Part 2 of All the Rest 'Verse

The Importance of February 14th by cypress_tree (T, 3,156 w., 1 Ch. || Fluff, Humour, Valentine’s Day) – Sherlock was born on Valentine's Day. John doesn't know this and invites him out on a date. Sherlock assumes it's a birthday celebration and believes so right up until the moment John kisses him.

Dinner and a Murder by vintagelilacs (T, 4,210 w., 1 Ch. || Alternate First Meeting || Valentine’s Day, Online Dating, Mutual Pining, Confessions, Getting Together, POV John, Oblivious John) – Reluctant to spend Valentine’s Day alone, John joins a dating app only to realize he’s already living with the closest thing to a soulmate he’s ever going to get.

The Best Idea by SatanDrankMyCoffee (T, 7,252 w.,  5 Ch. || Valentine's Day, Bubble Bath, Hair Washing, People-Watching, Anxiety, Domestic Fluff/Bliss, Texting) – Gift giving is something Sherlock is usually quite good at but when the parameters change, he becomes unsure of himself. Which gift idea is the best idea? Part 3 of A Year in Occasions

Daddy's Darling by distantstarlight (E, 7,747 w., 1 Ch. || PWP, Daddy Kink, Valentine’s Day, Smut, First Time) – Disguises are part of the package when you work as detectives, there was nothing new about that but one day Sherlock goes undercover with his best friend and they discover more than the answer to the crime.

Valentine’s Night Out by CarmillaCarmine (E, 10,120 w., 5 Ch. || ASiB Canon Divergence, Valentine’s Day, Established Relationship, Fluff and Smut, Breath Play, Butt Plugs, Deep Throating, Humour, Orgasm Delay / Denial, Anal Sex) – John and Sherlock have been invited to join their friends at a pub for Valentine's Day. Sherlock has plans to spice the evening up a bit. Part 4 of the The Johnlock Holidays and Celebrations Series

The Heart of the Matter by prettysailorsoldier (T, 13,427 w., 1 Ch. || Teenager AU || Secret Admirer, Secret Crush, Texting, Valentine’s Day, Fluff) – It's the annual Valentine's Week fundraiser, carnations, conversation hearts, and singing telegrams (oh my!) making their way around the school corridors, and Sherlock Holmes has quite happily never received any of them. So, when he gets a box of conversation hearts containing a message from a secret admirer, his first instinct is that it's an elaborate practical joke, but, as he and his mystery suitor begin texting, he starts to wonder if there might be something to this Valentine's Day lark after all. There is, however, the entirely unrelated problem of one John Watson to contend with before he can be sure. Part 3 of 221B Mine

Not this year by Imjohnlocked87 (E, 16,293 w., 4 Ch. || Alternate First Meeting ||  Friends to Lovers, Valentine’s Day, Fluff and Smut, Implied / Referenced Drug Use, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Food Sex, Wall Sex, Angst with Happy Ending) – One month after leaving the rehabilitation centre, when Donovan asks Sherlock if he will be alone on Valentine's Day this year too, he replies he will be spending it with someone special.The only problem is that this someone doesn't exist.Because who would want to have Valentine's date with Sherlock Holmes? 

Quo Fata Vocant by prettysailorsoldier (E, 18,115 w., 1 Ch. || Unilock / Teenlock ||  Librarians, Bisexual John, Flirting, First Time, Tattoos, Valentine’s Day, Secret Admirer, Matchmaker) – Sherlock is enamored with one of the employees at the university library, wiling away hours of his days just to catch a glimpse of the dynamic John Watson: captain of the rugby team, event manager for the LGBT society, and third-year medical student. Of course, being only a first-year, it's unlikely John will ever notice him. At least, until fate (and a little well-intentioned meddling) intervenes.

[pettybourgeoisculturalreform]

Happy Birthday to one of the greatest historians, and the most profound Marxist in US history, Dr. W.E.B. Dubois. Born February 23, 1868.

Author of Black Reconstruction, three autobiographies, The Souls of Black Folk, numerous articles in The Crisis, and countless poems and encyclopedia entries for Britannica and other collections.

The first Black doctoral graduate of Harvard, founder of the NAACP, member of the Communist Party of the USA, winner of the Lenin Peace Prize, Pan-Africanist, and very high on the US government's shit list until his death in 1963 in Ghana, a guest of Nkrumah.

He supported women's suffrage (support that was infamously not reciprocated by the white leadership of the women's movement), was a major teacher of Lenin, and helped articulate and aid the efforts of colonized peoples across the world to find freedom and dignity in their own nations.

"We should measure the prosperity of a nation not by the number of millionaires, but by the absence of poverty, the prevalence of health, the efficiency of the public schools, and the number of people who can and do read worthwhile books."

"When I became head of a department at Atlanta, the engagement was held up because again I balked at leading in prayer ... I flatly refused again to join any church or sign any church creed. ... I think the greatest gift of the Soviet Union to modern civilization was the dethronement of the clergy and the refusal to let religion be taught in the public schools."

"A system cannot fail those it was never meant to protect."

"The honor, I assure you, was Harvard's."

[adreamareads]

2023 Fanfic Wrapped

Thank you for the tags @inexplicablymine @hgejfmw-hgejhsf @littlemisskittentoes !

Idk who else hasn't yet done this so @onthewaytosomewhere and OPEN TAG TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO DO THIS!

I actually wrote a lot this year! Many of them surprised me. I'm usually an outline writer - I make notes for the stories and then that tells me where to take the story. However, several of these were kind of "let's just write and see where it takes us!"

It got long so here's a cut to save your dash. 💜✍️✍️

Watch it All Unfold (a collection of drabbles)

40 chapters added in 2023 at 100 words each

That's 4,000 words!

Over the course of the entire year; I won't be breaking it out into individual months

February:

Nora and Tu B'Shevat - 1300 words, focused on June/Nora, part of the series Nora and the Holidays. Last year, I was chatting Nora with some other fans and I mentioned that I write Nora celebrating her holidays. Someone commented (half-joking) "Tu B'Shevat fic WHEN??" I replied "When Tu B'Shevat happens!" so I wrote this little fic, dedicated it to them on Ao3, and they haven't read it. Still happy I represented for the trees 🌳 though.

June surprises Nora on her holiday with plans and a gift. Happy new year for the trees!

March:

March Book Club - 2 chapters, total 17,388 words. Rated T. Focuses on Alex/Henry and the Henry-June friendship

working title: henry gay english major

A kid at Henry's shelter inspires him to pick the Little Women series for his book club with June. Meanwhile, Alex is there, by his side, supporting him always, and Henry starts thinking more about their future in all the good ways.

Blanket Fort - 600 words. Rated G.

Alex is anxious during a storm, and so is David. Henry has a late night at the shelter.

July:

of fathers and sons - 7651 words. Rated T. Focuses on Alex/Henry and the relationship between Oscar and Henry.

Henry’s been working on the new LA shelter for months. He’s had countless conference calls with investors, contractors, city council, and more. Now, they’re ready for the final touches before opening, and Henry needs to be hands-on, literally. He knew this time would come, but he hates being away from home. He’s on the phone with his assistant, discussing hotel options, when Alex interrupts. “Why do you need a hotel in LA? My dad lives there. Stay with him. He’d be thrilled to have you there.” Henry stays with Oscar Diaz his father-in-law while he's getting the new LA shelter up-and-running. It's a bit of an adjustment, but it's actually nice. He even picks up a few new skills in the kitchen to show Alex!

October:

June and Weddings  - 1216 words. Rated G. A little something I threw together for June's birthday.

5 weddings June is in + 1 time it's her own

November:

talking about feelings is a sapphic cliche - 1200 words exactly. Rated G. Another one that just happened quickly.

Nora nods. She knows June’s telling the truth, but she also can tell there’s something more. “And?” she prompts. “And,” June continues, a hint of a smile on her face, and Nora knows it’s for her, that June appreciates that she knows her so well. “I’m nervous.” “Okay,” Nora says, shifting so she’s sitting cross-legged across from June on the bed. “Specifics. Let’s hear it. You know how this goes: you tell me what you’re worried about and we’ll talk about it logically.”

December:

Christmas Visit - rated G. 3525 words. This was originally a drabble, and then people demanded more, and it actually worked.

It's Christmas Eve at Kensington. Alex's niece tells him about the ghost she saw the other day. Then, in the middle of the night, Alex sees him too.

Untitled New Year's Eve story - to be posted December 31

Total: 36,889 words over 7 new works + new chapters for 1 existing work. Does not include word count for New Year's story.

[thefreakymunson]

Leather and Lace, Chapter 1

Taglist: @aysheashea @sidthedollface2 @fuckmeupeds @xcatnapsx @benztripp @eddiemunson95 A/N: Welcome to a new story! I'm very excited for this one, a lil nervous, too (reviews are welcome and appreciated!) As always, if you'd like to be added to the tag list, please let me know by shooting me a message! This will be a very sexy, fun, angsty story that will be updated once a week. I hope you enjoy!

It was a cold February night. The kind of cold that made Eddie shiver despite the multiple layers of clothing he had on. Smoke billowed out from his mouth as he stomped his cigarette out on the sidewalk and glanced over at Gareth.

Today, Eddie turned 20. Old enough to get into a strip club, but still not old enough to drink their beer. Which was fine. He had done a little pregame before Gareth picked him up. As he looked up at the flashing neon sign that read "Girls, Live, Now", he felt a bit of uneasiness in the pit of his stomach.

Eddie had never been to a strip club before. He never found a reason to go. Hawkins didn't have one and the closest one, Lusty Ladies - which is where they were, was two towns over. He didn't know what to expect other than naked women and drunk men. He followed Gareth up to the queue and sighed when he saw the rest of the men standing in front of them.

Old, hairy, probably perverts. That's exactly what Eddie felt like.

“Gareth-“

“Eddie, shut up.  It’s your birthday and we’re both of age now, so I can get in here too.” Gareth glared at his friend over his shoulder, “How much pot have you lent me over the years, man?”

“Too much,” Eddie snorted.

“Exactly.  So let me treat you out for the evening, yeah?” Gareth stopped walking and clapped a hand over Eddie’s shoulder, “This is my birthday gift.”

They queued up in line and Eddie leaned back against the building, crossing his arms over his chest.  He wasn’t never big on strippers – he could admire a pretty girl any day, but strip joints weren’t usually his thing.  Gareth, on the other hand, used his birthday as an excuse to finally be able to HAVE an excuse to get into the only one within a twenty-mile radius.  Eddie was staring out at the parking lot when he noticed a familiar car – a small beat-up Pinto of a car.  It wasn’t the car itself that stood out.  It was much more the Hawkin’s High Chemistry textbook sitting in the passenger seat that peaked his interest.

“Do you know that car, Gareth?” Eddie nodded towards the car that was situated a few feet from where they were standing.

“Eddie, we’re about to see titties – real live titties and you’re worried about if I recognize a car?” Gareth snorted, “Jeez…and here I thought I was the only virgin of the two of us.”

Eddie shot him a glare that would’ve killed him if looks could kill.  Truth be told, Gareth WAS the only virgin between the two of them.  Eddie had lucked up with an older woman from the trailer park and a couple of girls who wanted to buy weed but didn’t have the funds.  A true tradesman if you will.  Gareth couldn’t catch a break let alone a girl.

“There’s a Hawkin’s textbook on the front seat,” Eddie nodded.

“Okay? And? I’m sure it’s just some dancers kid’s book.” Gareth shrugged, “Not a big deal.”

And Gareth was right.  It wasn’t a big deal but it certainly peaked his interest.  Was he getting ready to get a lap dance by someone’s mom that he knew? What the fuck was even Indianna at this point?

Once they were in through the doors, Eddie immediately felt uncomfortable.  It wasn’t the loud music or the darkened room or even the scantily clad women.  It was the fact that they were easily the youngest two people in here.  Men that looked like perverts flocked to the stage or to the booths.  The music thumped loud enough that he could feel the vibrations through the soles of his shoes as they walked further in.  He turned to tell Gareth something but when he turned around, he realized he was standing alone in the middle of the crowd.  Gareth was nowhere to be found. 

Being a twenty-year old man in the middle of a room with gorgeous women never felt so awkward. 

“This your friend?” He heard come from behind him and he turned around to see Gareth strolling up with two girls.  They were both tall, thanks to their six-inch heels, and he glanced at Gareth when the dark haired one stepped closer and gripped his hand.

“That’s him.  It’s his birthday.”  Gareth said with a sly grin.

“Birthday boy, hm?” The dancer smacked her gum as she walked closer.

She was hearing a pink half-bunny mask which had been bedazzled and sparkled in the lights that bounced off of the lights from the stage.  Her fingers curled around his large wrist and she smiled at him, dark red lips parting to reveal a beautiful smile.  She tugged him back towards the back of the building, her hips seeming to sway to the beat as she walked.  She pushed the beaded curtain aside and pulled him into her lounge before she shut the door and smiled at him.

“This your first time at a strip club?” She smirked.

“What gave me away?” Eddie laughed.

“The fact that you’re still standing and not spread out on the couch.” She laughed softly, “You’re cute, Eddie.  My name is Iz.”

“How do you know my name?”

“Your friend told me,”she said, trying to shrug it off nonchalantly, her heels clanking as she walked over to him.  The room suddenly felt too quiet and way too small as he got a good look at her in the brighter room. 

The corset she was wearing cinched her waist in tight, pushed her chest up high, and the panties left little to the imagination.  He could see two big green eyes behind the mask lined with a thick coat of black eyeliner.  From what he could make out, she was beautiful.

“Sit,” she said, pushing him backwards.  The chains on his pants rattled as he flopped down onto the oversized chair, “Loosen up, birthday boy.”

“So are there rules?” Eddie asked, watching as she pressed play on a stereo system in the corner of the room.

“Your friend paid well,” Iz said as she smacked her gum yet again, “Paid for our deluxe package, but I don’t do any happy endings.  If you get off, that’s on you, and on you to clean my chair up, too.  You don’t get to undress me…you’re really not supposed to touch me, but…I let the cute ones touch me sometimes.  It’s our little secret…just don’t touch in between my legs.”

“So your crotch?”

"Mmm, that’s such a sexy word,” she snorted as she looked over at Eddie, “But yes, exactly…and my mask stays on.”

“Got it,” Eddie nodded, “No crotch and the mask doesn’t come off.”

“Good boy,” she grinned at him, white teeth shining behind her dark lipstick.

The music started playing and Eddie sunk down further in the chair, watching as she walked closer to him.  Bon Jovi filled the room and he groaned in distaste. 

“Sorry, we don’t have any Dio on deck,” she said as she nodded to his vest that was thrown to the side of him on the chair, “We don’t have any of the good shit.”

“The good shit, hm?” Eddie smirked, holding a hand out to help her step up onto the small stage. 

“Yeah, the good shit.” Iz smiled, “No Ozzy, no Sabbath, no Metallica…just hair bands.”

“Hair bands aren’t bad,” he said, watching as she climbed up the pole on the stage and flipped upside down, “Just repetitive.”

“Eddie?” She asked softly.

“Yes?”

“Do you always talk this much about music when someone’s trying to dance for you?” She laughed, reaching a hand out to playfully stroke his cheek.

“Well," he huffed out a laugh, "It's safe to say you’re the first person to ever dance for me, so I’m not up to date on stripper etiquette.” Eddie shrugged.

She slid down the pole and smiled softly as she made her way over to his seat, knocking his legs open wider.  She turned her back to him, sitting down on his lap as he watched, hands stuck to his sides, which she found adorable.  A soft laugh escaped her mouth as she reached down and gripped his hands, sliding them up and over her lap, the thick chunky rings leaving a run in her stockings as she moved his hands up over her legs.

When she leaned back against him, the scent of her perfume filled his nose.  She smelt like strawberries and vanilla and something else he wasn’t able to put his finger on.  It was intoxicating and he felt himself growing hard as she ground herself down against him, no matter how hard he tried to stop it.  She turned around to face him as she reached behind her and untied her top, letting it fall down her body and into his lap.  His eyes were glued to her tits, staring at her in disbelief. 

Her hands slid down over her body and his eyes caught a tattoo on the side of her wrist.  A tiny heart and a tiny star.  His hand reached out and his thumb ghosted over it, catching her off guard and she stopped grinding herself against him to turn and look at him.

“You’ve got a tattoo?” He nodded, “It’s cute.”

“Yeah,” She laughed softly, “I do.  It’s my only one so far…you’re hard to dance for.”

“Why?” He laughed, shaking his head slightly.

“Because you keep distracting me!” She laughed.

“My bad,” he gave her a small smile, “I’ll stop.  Continue.  Please dance for me.”

Thirty minutes later, she had finished her dance and was in the process of getting dressed when there was a knock on the door and a guard stuck his head in through the door, alerting them that time was up.

“Um..am I supposed to pay you or something?” Eddie chewed on his bottom lip.

“No,” she gave him a small smile, “Gareth paid and tipped nicely.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” She gave him a small smile.

“What’s your name?”

She thought for a second on if she should be truthful or not.  She knew him.  She had seen him around town plenty of times and at school when she showed up.  She could ruin her fun, let him in – it wasn’t like Eddie Munson had hundreds of friends to go blab that she was dancing two cities over. No one talked to him unless it was to buy drugs anyway.

“You can call me Iz,” she gave him a small smile.

“Is that your real name?”

“It’s real enough for you,” she patted his cheek before she walked over to the door and glanced back only once, “See ya around, Eddie. Happy birthday!”

On the drive home, Eddie was silent which was unusual.  Gareth cleared his throat and looked over at him sitting in the passenger side of the car.  He had his head resting on his hand that was propped up on the car door.

“You alright, man?”

“Hm? Oh, yeah.” Eddie nodded, “Hey, did you tell that dancer my name?”

“I didn’t tell her your name, man.” Gareth shrugged, “Just told her to call you the birthday boy.”

“Then how did she know my name?” Eddie sat up straight in the seat and glanced over at him in shock.

“I don’t know, man.  She could’ve just overheard me say it.” Gareth shrugged, “Did you at least have fun?”

“Yeah, I had fun.” Eddie nodded, “Thanks for the present.”

“Good…because it doesn’t look like you had fun.” Gareth laughed, “Jesus…you just had a gorgeous girl all over you and you look like someone just killed your dog. 

“She just seemed familiar, ya know?” Eddie shrugged, “Like I knew her from somewhere.”

When Gareth dropped him off that night, Eddie went in long enough to grab a beer and change into a bit more comfortable clothes before he walked out to the larger porch attached to his trailer and lit his cigarette, taking a long comforting drag.  He never done anything for his birthday.  His uncle tried to throw parties when he was younger, but it just left him feeling disappointed when no one would show up.  Now, he settled for a birthday dinner with his uncle and maybe one of his friends would come over to hang out. 

Eddie Munson wasn’t popular – that was for sure.  But the fact that “Iz” knew who he was meant something…it meant a lot, actually.  It made him feel seen when he often felt so very invisible.

The next morning, he was sitting in the cafeteria as the other kids ate their breakfast as fast as possible.  He was going over the newest plans for the newest campaign.  He had been working on this one for ages and he was excited to finally be able to start The Cult of Vecna.  He was being his usual theatrical self when he slipped backwards and bumped into a group of girls by accident.  He laughed it off, apologizing profusely and stepping back to usher them forward when he realized he hadn’t hurt anyone…until he the scent of a familiar perfume filled his senses and he stopped dead in his tracks.  There was four different girls in the group…but he would know that perfume from anywhere. 

He knew one of those girls was his “Iz.” 

“Eddie, are you even listening to me?” Gareth clapped loudly in front of him, snapping out of his gaze, “Jesus, who are you staring at like that?”

“No one,” Eddie shoved it off, “What did you say?”

“You sure you’re alright? That stripper didn’t fuck you up too bad last night, huh?” Gareth laughed.

“Stripper?” Dustin piped up, “You guys saw strippers?”

“Shut up,” Eddie glared at Dustin, “Jesus man, could you be any louder?”

*-*-*-*-*

The alarm sliced through the quiet trailer, causing her to groan as she reached an arm out and slapped it silent.  She hated everything about school – getting up early, having to go and be even more invisible in the crowd, and then she’d work the rest of the day. 

She would raise her hand when they called her name, Luna Fern Adams – which by far had to be the worst name in the entire school.  Her parents were certified hippies and she could vividly remember walking into school each morning with the stench of weed clinging to her like it was a second skin.  Often times, she was made to change clothes from something out of the lost and found bin in the office.  School life had been hell for her before she really even stood a chance.  She drifted into the background, blending in with the rowdy crowd as much as she could. 

First period was her favorite for more than one reason.  She got to sit behind the only guy that had ever truly been nice to her since she came to high school, but that was three years ago, and he was still there, taking his senior year for the third time which put them in all the same classes.

Ms. O’Donnell’s class was the hardest.  Chemistry wasn’t her strong suit, and apparently it wasn’t Eddie’s either.  He didn’t talk much, but neither did she, and it was a shared comfortable quietness when the teacher would force everyone into pairs.

After the bell had rang and the students were all accounted for, Eddie turned to face her for a moment and then just blurted the question out quietly.

“Can I borrow a pencil?” He asked slyly, “If I ask the fucking quack that’s teaching this class, we both know she’s going to chew my ass out.”

“Here,” Luna laughed softly as she slid one out of the pouch.

“Lifesaver,” he said, clutching the pencil to his chest as if he had just been handed the mightiest sword in all of the land, “I shall defend you in battle.”

“Mmm, if by battle you mean helping me pass the final, then I accept.” She snorted.

“Yeah, don’t count on me doll, you’d be fucked.” He said, squinting his nose up at her before he turned back around in his seat.

She admired the patches on the back of his vest.  Bands she knew of because of that vest, having spent nearly every day memorizing them.  To say she had a small crush wouldn’t be too far out of the picture.  There were times she wanted to flirt – ask him out on a date or even just to come over and study after school.  And she would if she wasn’t ashamed of her home life.

“All right, everybody.  Let’s split up into pairs and head down to the lab.” Ms. O’Donnel announced, causing everyone to groan.

Luna clutched her books to her chest as she followed everyone else down the hallway, keeping towards the back of the crowd as they walked.  Eddie was even further behind, bringing up the rear of everyone. 

He stared at her the entire way, wondering if he should just ask. It had been bugging him for the past two days now, rattling around in his brain, but he couldn’t get the words right to say it out loud.  Luna would think he was a freak for asking.  He cleared his throat and took three long strides to be in sync with her steps before he could stop himself.

“You’re friends with that new girl, right? Elizabeth?” Eddie asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

She looked up at him, a bit in shock, but nodded anyway, “Yeah.  Elizabeth’s cool.”

“Uh…is she single?” Eddie shrugged, “Seeing anybody?”

His words stung.  Luna clutched her books a bit tighter and nodded, trying to keep the crestfallen look off of her face as she spoke, “Yeah, I think she’s single.  We’re not best friends, but I haven’t heard her say anything about seeing anyone.”

“Cool,” Eddie nodded, “I’ve been trying to find the time and place to talk to her, but we never seem to cross paths.  I was wondering if you’d give her my number?”

“Sure,” she mumbled.

“Look at you being my lifesaver twice,” Eddie snorted, “Thank you.”

Lunchtime couldn’t come fast enough.  Eddie’s number scribbled on a torn piece of paper was burning a hole in her pocket and adding a thick layer of jealousy towards a newer friend. She walked into the cafeteria and straight to the table, slipping the folded paper in front of her.

“What’s this?” She asked.

“Eddie’s number,” Luna shrugged.

“Who?”

“Eddie Munson,” Luna said, scanning the cafeteria for the rowdy metalhead, “There.  With the jean vest on.”

“Why would I want his number?” Elizabeth laughed, “I’ve never even really talked to him.”

“He’s a nice guy,” Luna frowned, “You should give him a call.”

“Yeah, I’ll jump right on that right after work.” Elizabeth snorted.

“Don’t you get off at like 4 AM?  He’d prob- oh…you were being sarcastic.” Luna snorted.

“Exactly,” Elizabeth said as she patted her head and went back to her tray of food.

Luna wished she could be more like Elizabeth.  Easy going, carefree, and beautiful.  She was beautiful and all the guys in school were realizing that.  Soon the new girl would forget the small group of girls that took her in in the first place and she’d be in with the popular crowd.

The school bell rang, signaling the end of the day and Luna released a pent up sigh.  She sulked down the stairs and was rounding the corner to go out to her car when she was stopped by non other than Eddie himself.

“Did you give her my number?” Eddie asked, his eyes wide and curious.

“Yeah but she’s pretty busy today, so I wouldn’t sit by the phone waiting.” Luna shrugged, not wanting to let him down.

“Oh, I won’t. I’ve got plans anyway. Hey, we have a spot available at Hellfire tonight.  Do you want to play?” Eddie shrugged.

“I can’t tonight,” She bit back a frown, “Working a double shift.”

“Bummer.” Eddie sucked his teeth and sighed, “Thanks for being my wingman – er, woman…thank you, is what I’m trying to say.”

“No problem,” she offered a small smile and then was back on her way out to the parking lot. *-*-*-*-*

11PM came quicker than Iz thought.  She slid her mask down over her face, tightened her corset a bit tighter, and adjusted the garter on her thigh.  She bent forward and applied the lipstick that matched her pink bedazzled mask, her prized possession and the only slice of protection she had to keep her identity safe. 

She soothed the ripples in her leather boots as she stood up straight, checked herself over once, before turning and walking out on the stage.  She was the opening act tonight, her thirty minute set would be followed with a prebooked private session, and then she’d work the side stages for the rest of the night.  Luckily, opening acts garnered the most tips on Friday’s.

Ratt’s Round and Round started playing as she took the stage and immediately, she spotted him.  He was leaning back against the bar with his eyes glued to her.  Her playboy from the previous night.  Eddie.

A smile crept onto her face when she finished the dance and the workers raked her earnings in.  They’d put it back in her locker for her.  She still had cash to make and about twenty minutes to spare before the quiet room.

“Come back so soon?” She asked, leaning on her arms beside of him on the bar, “Did ya miss me?”

“I’m just curious,” he shrugged, “How do you know who I am?”

“Hmmm,” she shrugged, “We run in similar circles, I guess.”

“I know everyone in my circle and I don’t recognize you,” Eddie smirked as his eyes roved over her body, “I believe I’d recognize you.”

“Similar circles,” she repeated, popping a cherry into her mouth from the drink the bartender placed in front her.

“How old are you?”

“Nineteen,” she nodded.

“You walked by me the other day,” Eddie nodded, “Well, I bumped into you when you were walking past me.”

“Did I?” She smiled behind her mask, “How do you know?”

“Your perfume,” he nodded, “I’ve never smelt it before and then I got a hit of it when I bumped into that group of girls.”

“Did you apologize for bumping into them? That’s not very gentlemen like if you didn’t, Edward.” She glanced over at him, “Do you want a dance tonight?”

“No,” Eddie shook his head, “I just came to see if my mind was playing tricks on me or not.”

“What was your conclusion?”

“I don’t think it is,” Eddie shook his head, “I think it’s you trying to play games instead.”

“Games?” She laughed softly, “Eddie, I’m not playing a game.  I’m just protecting my identity.”

“As if I have a lot of people to blab to,” Eddie nodded, “You’re so right about that.”

“You’re so cute when you’re being passive aggressive.” Iz smiled and stood up, “If I can’t dance for you, what is it you need from me tonight?”

“Nothing,” Eddie shrugged, “Just thought we could be friends is all.”

“You’re in a strip club looking for a friend?” Iz snorted, “You’re not that hard up for friends, Eddie.  You have people clambering all over you all day, especially in the cafeteria and after school-“

“After school is different.”

“How?”

“Because that’s when I sell.  You should know that if you know me so closely.” Eddie shrugged.

She leaned in close to his ear and smiled, “I’ve been one of your customers, Eddie…have a good night, handsome.  Come find me if you want a dance later.”

She left him there at the bar, even more confused then when he came in, completely speechless...just like the night before.

[opera-ghosts]

Carolina Östberg was one of the most famous and beloved singers of all on the Swedish opera stage during the last decades of the 1800s.

Carolina Östberg was born in Stockholm in 1853. She was the daughter of the master barber surgeon Johan Ludvig Östberg and Beata Ulrika Wallberg. Even as a child, Carolina Östberg showed that she was naturally musically gifted. It was however not until she was about 16, and accepted as a pupil at the Royal Swedish Academy of Music, that she was given the opportunity to develop this talent further. Carolina Östberg studied Christina Nilsson’s and Zelia Trebelli’s singing methods thoroughly when they visited Sweden, but she considered that she had her singing teacher, Professor Joseph Günther, to thank for her highly developed singing technique.

After three years of studies, she made her stage debut at the Royal Theatre, nowadays the Royal Opera in Stockholm, when she entered the great stage in the role of Anna in the opera Der Freischütz, on 15 December 1873. The critics wrote that this unusually talented debutante had a soprano voice with a fresh, clear and pure timbre and that she also showed evidence of careful training in coloratura. The year after, she had yet another achievement in the male role Carlo Broschi in Daniel Auber’s opera La Part du Diable, and was given a contract. During her three years at the Royal Theatre, she created important Mozart roles such as, among others, Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro and Papageno and one of the genies in Der Zauberflöte. For each new performance, Carolina Östberg won ever greater recognition from critics and audiences alike.

When her contract ended in 1877, Carolina Östberg planned to educate herself further in St Petersburg. However, the journey was cancelled since instead she married the wholesale dealer Moritz Horwitz the year after, and chose to leave the stage to the audience’s great disappointment, apparently permanently. The prevailing period of depression in Sweden meant however that her husband’s income was very meagre. Carolina Östberg decided to return to the stage once more. Her unexpected return in 1879 as the title role in Franz von Suppé’s operetta Boccaccio on the stage of Nya teatern was such a roaring success that it created total Boccaccio-fever in the capital. The acclaimed performance sold out time and again and Carolina Östberg was paid a staggering fee of 100 kronor per evening. Her engagement at Nya teatern lasted until 1885 and she played the main role in among other works Charles Lecocq’s opera Le Petit Duc, Madame Favart by Offenbach, and Charles Grisart’s Les Poupées de l’Infante. During her years at the theatre, Carolina Östberg gave guest performances at many other theatres, for example in Denmark in 1880, Germany and the Netherlands in 1882—1883 and Norway in 1885.

When Carolina Östberg once again was given a contract at the Royal Theatre in 1886, this was considered a triumph for the audience who had demanded her return to the great dramatic stage for a very long time. Apart from a break for touring America in 1892—1894, Carolina Östberg belonged to the permanent ensemble at the Royal Theatre until 1906 when she resigned to work as a private singing teacher, an enterprise that she had carried on parallel to the theatre for several years.

In 1897, Carolina Östberg was elected to be a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. She was awarded the medal Litteris et Artibus in 1891 and on King Oscar II’s birthday in 1900, Carolina Östberg received from his hand the unusual medal Litteris et Artibus decorated with diamonds. Carolina Östberg was a member of Idun’s women’s academy for a while, along with – among others – Selma Lagerlöf, Agda Montelius and Karolina Widerström.

Carolina Östberg died on 27 February 1924. She lies buried at the Northern Cemetery in Solna. Her voice has been preserved on nine gramophone recordings from 1905.

[noelcollection]

May & Mother's day

The month of May can be associated with the end of the academic year and start of summer cookouts. It is also the month of mental health awareness, Jewish heritage, and national clean air month. May is also named after one of the Greek fertility goddesses, Maia. Though early May is also known for an honorary weekend called Mother’s day.

This is an American holiday that began in the 20th century as a special service of worship at a Methodist Episcopal Church in West Virginia. However, there have been other cultural celebrations of the title “mother” and the concept of motherhood. An earlier variation of mother’s day can be traced to the Greek deity Rhea, the cult of Cybele, and the Roman festival of Hilaria. These earlier traditions and celebrations were marking revitalization and bringing forth life. The modern perception of the Americanized holiday is often considered to be too commercialized. The advent of Mother’s Day was originally known as “Mothering Sunday” as a way to give a broader definition to the world. 

The first mother’s day service was held in 1907 and organized by Anna Jarvis; it would be also adopted by the United States until 1920 when greeting card companies, like Hallmark, began to produce cards for the occasion. Jarvis would then organize boycotts for Mother’s day because of its commercialization, claiming that gifts and tokens meant to honor motherly figures should be handmade. Jarvis would later be arrested for disturbing the peace with her speeches and protests in 1925. 

The notion of a special day to honor motherly figures of one’s life did not fall to the wayside but rather it grew and was adapted by other cultures in modern times. However, the occasion is not always observed on the second Sunday of May. The Eastern Orthodox tradition and also the United Kingdom, celebrate Mothering Sunday as being the presentation of Jesus Christ to the temple (this is February 2nd on the Julian Calendar). Many Catholic countries have reserved the occasion as Virgin Mary Day. While other countries simply observe International Women’s day, like Russia. 

There is no denying that all people deserve respect and to be honored on a special day, this is typically done on birthdays, anniversaries, and now major holidays. However, what kind of material could the James Smith Noel Collection maintain for an occasion like Mother’s day? There are various famous mothers throughout history that have been written. Though it is not the mothers of history that we are showing today. To honor the concept of mothers, mothering, and motherhood, we are showing a sermon. After all, American mother’s day was started as a special religious service. The document is 16 pages long which boasts of her son’s devotion to her because of what a devoted mother she was to her son. The eulogy would have been read aloud before the collection of people that knew Judge Story and his family. There is a brief explanation of who Judge Story’s mother was just past the title page. She was born as Mehitable Pedrick and was the second wife of the surgeon Elisha Story who participated in the Boston Tea Party. Her son, her oldest child, was Judge Joseph Story and served on the supreme court during James Madison’s administration. Metitable only outlived her eldest son by two years after his death.

The Mother’s Law: a token of respect to the New England mothers of the last century, a sermon occasioned by the death of the mother of the late Judge Story, by Chandler Robbins was published in 1847 (https://bit.ly/3HyagLt).

[cordeliaflyte]

Books I enjoyed in 2022

Inspired by the legendary @gaudigf 🌷!

Memorial: an Excavation of the Iliad by Alice Oswald (read in February). Potentially the most influential poem I've ever read + where my blog title comes from! Just look at the scene of Hector's death:

And HECTOR died like everyone else

He was in charge of the Trojans

But a spear found out the little patch of white

Between his collarbone and his throat

Just exactly where a man’s soul sits

Waiting for the mouth to open

He always knew it would happen

He who was so boastful and anxious

And used to nip home deafened by weapons

To stand in full armour in the doorway

Like a man rushing in leaving his motorbike running

All women loved him

His wife was Andromache

One day he looked at her quietly

He said I know what will happen

And an image stared at him of himself dead

And her in Argos weaving for some foreign woman

He blinked and went back to his work

Hector loved Andromache

But in the end he let her face slide from his mind

He came back to her sightless

Strengthless expressionless

Asking only to be washed and burned

And his bones wrapped in soft cloths

And returned to the ground

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh (reread in March). This shaped my identity fundamentally. A wonderful intermingling of comedy and tragedy.

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison (read in April). My favourite Toni Morrison! A touch of magic realism. No-one names characters as skilfully as Morrison.

The Iliad as translated by Caroline Alexander (read in May). What is there to say even.

The Horse, the Wheel, and Language by David W. Anthony (read in May). Genuinely fascinating read about the spread of Proto-Indo-European. Would recommend it wholeheartedly!

The Old Arcadia by Philip Sidney (read in July). Bucolics + cross-dressing, what's not to love?

Fun Home by Alison Bechdel (reread in September). Wonderfully constructed familial bonds.

Devotions on Emergent Occasions and Death's Duel by John Donne (read in September). So much rot and putrefaction!

Dancing in Odessa & Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminsky (read back to back in October). Mesmerizing poetry collections would recommend wholeheartedly.

The Absolutist by John Boyne (read in November). Your typical WW1 drama. The first page was crafted in a lab to enthral me. A traumatized man returns from the trenches haunted by his dead best friend who he had an ambiguous relationship with on a train to return letters said friend had received from his sister… When I saw this premise I gasped because I am 100% earnest this has been one of my little daydream scenarios for years.

Selected Poems by Rainer Maria Rilke (translated by Susan Ranson and Marielle Sutherland, read in November). Got it for a friend's birthday but naturally had to read it as well to ensure quality. Especially enchanted by the Duino Elegies.

Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake (read in December). And recommended by Medli Gaudigf! Mushrooms. Written in a beautiful and informative way.

Poet in New York by Federico García Lorca (translated by Greg Simon and Stephen F. White, read in December). Got this for my birthday :) my first Lorca, gifted by a friend who knew I wanted to get into him, influenced by my infatuation with Leonard Cohen. Beautiful. This edition also includes some letters to his family, they're sparkling and witty and filled with warmth.

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque (translated by Arthur Wesley Wheen, read in December) read on a flight. More dying horribly in the trenches :D.

[cinderpresss]

[johnnydany]

I'm Not Just A February Woman I'm A Big Cup Of Wonderful T-Shirt

Get yours now: https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/39661153-im-not-just-a-february-woman-im-a-big-cup-of-wonde

[coochiequeens]

Today for Women History Month we honor the birthdays of two women in the arts, Janet Collins and Amanda Gorman

Janet Collins (March 7, 1917 – May 28, 2003) was an African American ballet dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She performed on Broadway, in films, and appeared frequently on television.[1] She was among the pioneers of black ballet dancing, one of the few classically trained Black dancers of her generation.

Janet Faye[2] Collins was born in New Orleans, and at the age of four moved with her family to Los Angeles, California, where Collins received her first dance training at a Catholic community center. She studied primarily with Carmelita Maracci, Lester Horton, and Adolph Bolm, who were among the few ballet teachers who accepted black students. She also had fond memories of studying with Los Angeles dance teacher Dorothy Lyndall.

Amanda S. C. Gorman[1] (born March 7, 1998)[2] is an American poet and activist. Her work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization, as well as the African diaspora. Gorman was the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. She published the poetry book The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough in 2015. In 2021, she delivered her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden.

Her inauguration poem generated international acclaim, and shortly thereafter, two of her books achieved best-seller status, and she obtained a professional management contract. In February 2021, Gorman was highlighted in Time magazine's 100 Next list under the category of "Phenoms", with a profile written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.[3] That same month, Gorman became the first poet to perform at the Super Bowl, when she delivered her poem "Chorus of the Captains" at Super Bowl LV.

Born in Los Angeles, California,[5][6] Gorman was raised by her single mother, Joan Wicks, a 6th-grade English teacher in Watts,[7] with her two siblings.[5][8] Her twin sister, Gabrielle, is an activist[9] and filmmaker.[10]Gorman has said she grew up in an environment with limited television access.[11] She has described her young self as a "weird child" who enjoyed reading and writing and was encouraged by her mother.[5]

Gorman has an auditory processing disorder and is hypersensitive to sound.[5] She also had a speech impediment during childhood.[12][13]Gorman participated in speech therapy during her childhood and Elida Kocharian of The Harvard Crimson wrote in 2018, "Gorman doesn't view her speech impediment as a crutch—rather, she sees it as a gift and a strength."[14] Gorman told The Harvard Gazette in 2018, "I always saw it as a strength because since I was experiencing these obstacles in terms of my auditory and vocal skills, I became really good at reading and writing. I realized that at a young age when I was reciting the Marianne Deborah Williamson quote that 'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure' to my mom."[1] In 2021, Gorman told CBS This Morning co-host Anthony Mason that she used songs as a form of speech therapy, and explained, "My favorite thing to practice was the song 'Aaron Burr, Sir,' from Hamilton because it is jam-packed with R's. And I said, 'if I can keep up with Leslie in this track, then I am on my way to being able to say this R in a poem."

[ogdencollegerp]

FEBRUARY 5TH - 18TH

INVESTIGATION NEWS

The recent news story that broke in the past week explaining the investigation team believed had Penny been murdered due to awareness of why Greer left had everyone on campus shaken. Not only was it now public knowledge that someone on campus had overheard such a thing, they also knew someone had mentioned Greer’s potential trip to Portugal - and in all likelihood, neither of these people were even the same person who had thrown Link under the bus with the mysterious G, something that was seemingly only known to students. The list of people Ogden College students could trust was growing shorter and shorter. Even THE GOLDEN GIRL, who had held so many of their secrets in her hands couldn’t be trusted, if what had been reported about her time capsule video accusing her own boyfriend of steroid use could be believed. And who knew what else that video contained ?? If only someone - other than G - could get their hands on the full thing. 

ooc; if your character wishes to report something, they may do so in an ask to the main.

CAMPUS NEWS & EVENTS

Police presence has again increased, likely due to the belief that Penelope Klein’s death was not an accident. 

Ogden’s Winter Wonderland is being set up during the first week of February - check out the quad for small booths with hot chocolate, hot cider, as well as some warm snacks and desserts !!! A small ice skating rink will be set up, as well as stations for sled rides and tubes to enjoy the snow. And of course, the best part of the tradition will be on Saturday the 11th, where an informal snowball fight always takes place. 

The infamous Ogden College quiz bowl team is hosting a meet on February 7th for anyone who wants to attend the intense competition !!!

ATHLETIC GAMES

MEN’S ICE HOCKEY - Friday evening, February 10th

SWIMMING & DIVING - Sunday afternoon, February 12th

INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD - Wednesday evening, February 15th

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL - Thursday evening, February 16th

SOCIAL EVENTS

VALENTINE’S COCKTAIL HOUR

WHAT: Swing by the commons for school hosted Valentine’s goodies - buy flowers or candy for your loved ones (with proceeds fully donated by the school), as well as enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and music with your classmates

WHERE: The Commons

WHEN: Tuesday evening, February 14th

TRI DELTA VALENTINE’S SOCIAL

WHAT: A decidedly less classy and school approved event than the Valentine Cocktail hour - stay tuned for the event post !!!

WHERE: Tri Delt House

WHEN: Friday night, February 17th 

EVENTS IN TOWN

Light Festival - The town of Ogden takes down the lights adorning trees and public buildings every year on February 15th, and it’s become a tradition the weekend before that date to take a stroll and enjoy all the lights before they are put away for the year !!! Street vendors typically have snacks, drinks, arts & crafts, homemade goods and the likes, with light shows taking place as the evenings get darker - not to mention, a great place to pick up a last minute Valentine’s gift if you forgot !!! Don’t worry, we won’t tell. 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

none !!!

[btsrkv]

These Are BTS Members’ Birth Flowers, And Their Symbolism Will Make You Soft

Some of these are surprisingly spot-on.

In Korean culture, every day of the year has a flower connected to it. Whatever day you were born on, that flower is your birth flower! Unlike in other cultures, where there is often just a flower connected to each month, this makes each person’s birth flower much more unique. And, since every flower has some kind of symbolic meaning, your birth flower could say a lot about who you are. Here are the birth flowers of each member of BTS, and what they symbolize.

1. Jungkook

Birthday: September 1, 1997

Flower: Tiger Flower

Many people already know about Jungkook’s birth flower due to one of his many tattoos! The tiger flower represents positivity and pride due to their bright, vibrant coloration and orange hues. Not a vain type of pride, but the kind of pride that has a positive connotation in being self-confident in oneself!

The “spots” on the petals symbolize wealth, since they can be seen as “coins”, so the more spots on a tiger flower, the better! Jungkook is definitely proud and positive, and of course quite wealthy, so this flower fits him well.

2. V

Birthday: December 30, 1995

Flower: Carolina Allspice

There isn’t a lot of symbolism and lore behind this flower, though it is a beautiful deep red flower with a lovely, spicy fragrance. Women also used to wear them in the bodices of their dresses for the beautiful appearance and alluring aroma.

V has both gorgeous visuals and an alluring kind of charisma, so him and this flower do have that in common!

3. Jimin

Birthday: October 13, 1995

Flower: Spirea

Spirea, also known as meadowsweet, has important symbolism in Celtic culture. It stands for grace, refinement, and elegance, and is often used in weddings due to it’s lovely, delicate appearance, and for its meaning to cherish and honor whoever you are gifting it to.

Jimin is known to be incredible loving, so this flower suits him well in that regard. His dance style is also just as graceful and elegant as this flower would predict!

4. J-Hope

Birthday: February 18, 1994

Flower: Buttercup

Three words that buttercup flowers represent are neatness, childishness, and charm. The fine lines and organized petals symbolize neatness, the bright color and size of the flower symbolizes child-like nature, and if you are attempting to charm someone, it’s said that this is the flower to do it with!

Overall, it is a flower filled with joy and happiness, which ARMYs know their sunshine, J-Hope, is all about. He has tons of endearing child-like charm, making this the perfect flower for him.

5. RM

Birthday: September 12, 1994

Flower: Clematis

Clematis’s main symbolic meaning has to do with mental beauty and prowess. The flower is a clever one, with a stubborn nature in climbing up trellises and walls, giving it this feeling of wit and determination.

RM is certainly known for his intelligence, which makes this flower perfect for him! He’s just as determined and clever as the plant itself.

6. Suga

Birthday: March 9, 1993

Flower: Larch

This unique flower is all about motivation and trial and error, and pushing through challenges even if you may fail a couple times. It encourages you to keep trying, and that unsuccessful trials are a part of life, rather than something to completely destroy yourself over.

Suga has gone through many hardships in his life, and yet he never gave up, and is now an incredibly successful artist. This flower is perfect for him and his determination and tenacity to get to where he is now.

7. Jin

Birthday: December 4, 1992

Flower: Rumex

This flower symbolizes affection, matrimonial tenderness, and (ill-timed!) wit, though the affection aspect is its most common symbolic meaning. This unique flower is undeniably pretty, even though it has a somewhat unusual appearance.

Jin is definitely affectionate with his fellow members, and the “ill-timed” wit symbolism is quite hilarious, given his dad jokes! The matrimonial tenderness won’t be seen until he actually gets married… But he would likely make a wonderful partner.

[softly-potter]

Still Friends | Chapter 11: Permission

Summary: After a chance encounter at a party, Wanda and Bucky find they have more in common than they realized.

This fic is heavily inspired by 'Friends' by my lovely friend Poppy. She is aware of this fic and I've been given permission for this marvel-version retelling! If you haven't read her dramione fic 'Friends', I HIGHLY suggest it. I fell in love with the story and couldn't help but wonder, what if it was Wanda and Bucky instead of Hermione and Draco? Thus "Still Friends" was born. Enjoy!

Pairing: Bucky X Wanda

Word Count: 33,068

Warning: smut, drug use, depression

A/N: Find the rest of the chapters here; Chapter 1: Greetings | Chapter 2: Unloading | Chapter 3: Cherries | Chapter 4: Worth the Wait | Chapter 5: Books | Chapter 6: Grief | Chapter 7: Unlikely | Chapter 8: Happy Birthday, Solider | Chapter 9: A Christmas Moment | Chapter 10: The Best Holiday | Chapter 12: Revitalize | Chapter 13: Backstabber | Chapter 14: Luck of the Dead | Chapter 15: Pain Reliever | Chapter 16: Apologize | Chapter 17: Specially Gifted | Chapter 18: New Day

-

February 14th, 2028

Bucky has found that loving someone means you never stop thinking of them, not truly. It means you give all of yourself to them, your body, your thoughts, even your future.

He never thought he’d love someone like that, never thought he’d have a chance. He hadn’t ever pictured a future that wasn’t with Hydra. A future without a gun in his hand never seemed to be in the cards.

It’s jarring to see how different his life had become ever since she’d walked in. It was complex, oozing uncertainty but it was also full of color. A color so bright it blinded him sometimes.

He loves her and it's a fact.

The national day of love was something he’d used to get girls in his younger years. Never actually enjoyed it. Most girls had been simple; they wanted flowers, and to be told they were pretty. And he’d done it, sometimes he’d take two girls on Valentines day dates, and if he was lucky and nice and said just the right things, they’d let him put his hands up their skirts or his tongue down their throats.

That Bucky was such a different man from the one today that carefully wrapped a box in flowery tissue paper.

He absolutely adored Wanda. She had started working a day-job, some office in town where she put data into spreadsheets. Originally she tried being a saleswoman, making cold calls and selling insurance, but too many people recognized her, too many blamed her, and they found it was easier for her to work behind a desk at SWORD headquarters, lightly shaded from the public. She’d made a few friends, two women that didn’t know much about Westview or the snap, and while Bucky was certain you had to live under a rock to not know about either of those events, he was happy she was being more outgoing. While she would dress, he had started packing her lunches as he packed his own, and she spent more and more time at his flat, returning to hers every so often.

It was normal and they loved it.

Quietly completing his wrapping, he listened carefully by the door to make sure she was still in the kitchen. Knives scraped as she placed them back into the drawer, and he tiptoed from the bathroom to his side of bed, slipping the wrapped box into his side table drawer.

“So, what does my lovely lady want to do tonight?” He asks, entering the kitchen. “I was thinking either dinner at that new Chinese place, or we get take out from old reliable El Lobo, and make a spread on the floor, binge some Full House.”

He smiles broadly, he’d thought about how they could spend valentines day all weekend, and he was anxious to get started. He expected her to laugh, or roll her eyes in amusement at his velocity. What he didn’t expect was to see her cellphone pressed to her ear, hand clenched in a fist, sitting stony-still at his dining table. Her eyes were shining, lips pressed tightly as she listened.

“Mhm. Mhm, ok thanks.” She dropped the phone to the table, hands fisiting and letting out a frustrated groan.

“Something up?” Bucky asked, pulling his chair out and sitting down.

“That was Layla,” she said, and when he gave her a confused look, she added. “From work. Her fiancé dumped her.” Bucky nodded sympathetically.

“That's tough.” He said, and Wanda nodded vigorously.

“Yeah, it's horrible actually.” She hollered, pushing her chair back and marching to the front door. She grabbed her jacket, slinging her purse over her shoulder.

“Uh, where are you going?” Bucky asked, clearing his throat.

“Going to her,” Wanda said, dipping to pick up her sneakers. “She’s not doing great and we’re gonna help her take her mind off things.” straightening, she looks at him. “I’m going to sleep at mine tonight because I’ll probably be there really late.”

“I thought, uh, we’d spend the day together.” He murmured, fiddling with the sleeve of his shirt. “Today's valentines day.”

“Oh shit…”

He doesn’t look at her, doesn’t trust himself when his throat tightens. He’d been looking forward to today so much, specifically tonight.

“Buck, I didn’t realize.” She sighs, dropping her purse and walking back to the table. “I haven’t celebrated today in…ages. I forgot, I’m so sorry.”

He wants to tell her it's ok, that it's not a big deal, but it was a big deal. It was the biggest deal.

“It’s alright,” he clips, standing. “Have a good night, little witch.” He walks into his room, shutting the door slightly, and sits on his side of the bed, elbows on his knees.

He was glad that she had friends, that she was healing and beginning to move on. She’d gained a little weight, and was eating more. She was growing, expanding. It isn’t her fault she’s all that he has.

Bucky isn’t sure how long he sits like that, digging his elbows into his knees with his hands clasped in front of his mouth, balancing his chin before the door creaks as it's being pushed open. He shuts his eyes, taking a breath. A hand reaches for him, tries to pull his hands from his lower face. He attempts to resist, but she’s adamant and its fucking humilating.

“Bucky…”

He looks away from her, instead looking over her head, then down to his covered feet. He’s acting childish, he knows and he blinks rapidly, forbidding the hot tears to leak. This isn’t the kind of reaction this situation warranted, this was an over exaggeration at its finest.

If 40’s James could see him now. He cringes internally.

“Don’t be angry with me,” she whispers, pushing herself onto her knees in front of him, taking his face between her hands. “I’ll come back tonight, and we can do whatever you want.”

Pressing a kiss to his nose, Wanda tries to smile.

He doesn’t reply, focusing only on the evenness of his own breathing, because he will not fucking cry over something like his.

“I’ve hated this day ever since…well, for a while.” She says, her fingers light on his skin. “So I really just forgot. You didn’t mention wanting to celebrate.”

She’s right. He thought springing it the day of would be romantic, make her feel special. But now he’s blubbering like a fucking child and the humiliation is creeping up his neck.

She continues to hold his face, pressing a kiss to his nose or mouth or cheek every so often, and it grounds him.

“I wouldn't leave if it was important, Buck.” Her breath fans his face.

“It was just for dinner, don’t worry.” He attempts to console her. He doesn’t want her to feel bad, his reaction isn’t her responsibility.

“When I get back, let's get some take out, yeah?” Another kiss pressed to the corner of his mouth.

He shakes his head, and kisses her palm. “Let's just do it another day.”

She frowns, stroking his cheek with her right hand. “I’ll make it up to you ok?”

“I have a gift for you.”

Her eyes sparkle. “And I’m sure I’ll love it. Can I get it when I get back?”

He kisses her, shushing her gently, and hoping he can contain his excitement. Because it isn’t just a gift. It's a life changing moment. No flowers or jewelry.

Well, a type of jewelry anyway.

And that's how he ends up on a very familiar farm, knocking on the screen door. It’s old, the paint chipped and there were small holes in the screen. He can hear kids screaming, the static of the tv playing from somewhere in the house.

He puts his hands in his pocket, hoping to warm his flesh hand as the February air nips at him. Leave it to the family man to keep him waiting.

A few more minutes pass, and he knocks again, this time with more urgency. The door inside the screen door finally opens, a short woman looks at him through the screen. Laura Barton was a lot smaller than he remembered, but yet again he’d only seen her a handful of times and all at a distance.

“Well look who it is,” Laura scoffed, but her eyes are gentle. Bucky gives her a cautious smile, nodding. “Clint said you called.” She leans back, her head disappearing behind the door frame and screams. “Clint!”

Her face reappears, and she presses against the screen door, opening it to him. “Come on in.” Bucky enters the Barton residence slowly, taking in the surroundings. One look around and you could tell a family resided there; a happy, large family. Two young boys are resettling on the ground, scattered toys and puzzle pieces laying on the carpet as they roll. Kate is sitting cross legged on the couch, cheering loudly.

“Come on Nathaniel, get him!”

“I see you’ve finally taken an interest in visiting.” Clint says, jogging two steps at a time down the stairs. He gives him a teasing grin, holding out his hand. Bucky scowls, taking the hand to shake and both men shrug at one another. Laura rolls her eyes.

“Men and their communication skills,” she huffs, turning her back to pick up a few toys. “more like lack thereof.”

“Well what brings you by,” Clint asked, gesturing for Bucky to follow him. They walk past the living room, and Kate gives him an excited wave. He nods at her, ducking out of sight quickly. “I haven’t heard from you in ages.”

“Oh come on, you know I’m a busy man.” Bucky chuckles, shrugging. They enter a back room, what he can assume is Clint's office, and sit on two island chairs by a desk. Clint reaches forward, gripping an arrow that lays on the desk. “Sorry if I interrupted your work.”

“No apologies,” Clint replies, inspecting the arrow. He grabs a tiny screw, prodding it. “just working on some repairs for Kate.”

“She living with you now?” Bucky asks, and Clint shrugs. He had heard about the events with the Kingpin from Wanda, and they’d visited Barton once while he was healing, and Kate always seems to be nearby.

“Well after her mom, I tell her she’s welcome wherever.” Clint says, leaning over the arrow. Bucky goes to open his mouth in reply, but Clint cuts him off. “Are you still seeing Wanda?”

The question catches him, and he can only stare at Clint, surprised that the words would leave his mouth.

“Well, yeah.” He says after a few moments. Clint pauses, eyes trained on the arrow before he nods.

“So, what can I help you with?” Clint asks, and Bucky welcomes the change of subject. He doesn’t want to talk about her when she isn’t there, it feels wrong, feels shallow.

“I think I…no, I know I am,” Bucky says, clearing his throat. He inhales deeply, trying to steady himself, hoping to act calm instead of how he’s really feeling which is absolutely panicked. “I’m going to ask Wanda to marry me.”

Clint freezes, his jaw tight.

Bucky clenches his fists within his pocket, breathing sharply through his nose. The surprise on Clint's face is completely hidden, aside from the slight twitch in his cheek. The twitch gives everything away.

“Listen, I know you care about her, I think you’re the closest thing to a dad she has, but I love her and I don’t care if you don’t approve,'' Bucky panics at his own words, but continues. “I know I don’t deserve her, but i-i’ll try. I’ll fucking try to be everything she wants.”

Clint turns slightly, dropping the arrow before placing his hand on the table. “I know you will.”

His words surprise Bucky, and the air is thick with something he can’t quite identify. They’re quiet for a few moments, Bucky's eyes on the wall to his left and Clint's eyes on bucky.

“That's wonderful news, Buck.” Clint smiles, but his voice is strained and his mouth is too wide.

Bucky sighs, starting to stand so he can depart. To say he’s disappointed is an understatement because he wants Clint to understand. He loves Wanda like Clint loves Laura. He’s seen them together, saw how they reunited after the snap. That's all Bucky wants to give her.

He brushes his thighs off, bitterness encroaching him. It feels awful and heavy, and he wishes he’d just stayed home. His legs drag him through the hallway, past the living room with its screaming kids and to the front.

He can hear Clint calling after him, his footsteps echoing. Clint mutters something to Laura but he can’t tell what was said as he grips the doorknob. “Buck, come on, man. I’m just surprised that's all. I’m happy for you.”

Bucky stops turning the knob, looking slightly over his shoulder. Clint stands beside him, nodding slowly. “You would make… a wonderful husband to her.”

Swallowing, Bucky mutters, “Thanks.”

“Yeah, and as her step-daddy I grant you permission.” Clint says and Laura gags, rolling her eyes.

“Oh gross.” Kate said, walking into the room “Laura, you can’t be kinky in front of the kids.”

“I didn't say that- get back in there.” She demands, pushing Kate. She gives Clint a look that Bucky can’t decipher and pushes Kate into the living room.

“Well for what it's worth,” Bucky sighs, sticking out his hand. “Thanks.” Clint shakes it with a smile, gripping his hand with both of his. Bucky wants to squirm at the physical contact.

Anything for his little witch.

“Can I ask you about something SHIELD related, now that we're past that?” Clint laughs, releasing Bucky. The super soldier nods, but all he can focus on is the relief flooding his body.

He was going to marry her; he was really going to do it.

“What about?” Bucky asks. Laura steps back into the room, her arms crossed over chest. Clint looks between Bucky and his wife and clears his throat.

“It’d probably be better if we just showed you. Down for a drive?”