#filling my watering can with water to water the plants i planted in the planters...

[hedgehog-moss]

forgive me for the possibly foolish question, but what kind of care do the fish in the aquaponics require? do you have to feed them to a certain point where the plants then supply their diet, or do you continuously care for them? merci! i love your blog 🌱

The plants don't feed the fish, it's the other way around :) The plants use the fish poop as natural fertiliser (with the help of useful bacteria that break it down), and in doing so they clean the water for the fish. Here's a little diagram

Since my system has towers over the fish tank rather than grow beds, the fish do nibble on the plant roots that dip in the water but that's just an illegal snack, fish food is their main diet. Also when I find little insects on the plants, I shake them so the insect falls in the water where the fish give it an enthusiastic welcome. Some aquaponic gardeners farm insects to feed their fish (and they feed the insects with some of the plants so they have a complete symbiotic system) but I haven't tried that yet. I used to successfully breed dynasties of stick insects in a terrarium in my bedroom as a kid, so maybe someday.

The fish part of the aquaponic system is very low-maintenance—I don't clean the tank since the plants absorb the fish waste, I just have to adjust how much I feed the fish depending on how many plants there are, so the water doesn't get dirty, it's a bit of a balancing act. The main other thing to watch for is the water pH, for plants it should be around 6 or 6.5 (ideally) and for fish around 7 or 7.5, so I try to keep it between 6.5 and 7 to keep everyone reasonably happy. Rainwater has a lower pH and my spring has a higher one, so when I fill up my watering can in the tank to water outside plants, I look at the pH meter and top up the tank with rain or spring water depending on what's needed.

You just have to be careful not to pick up a hitchhiker fish in your watering can as you go to water other plants!

[cottonlemonade]

A Simpler Life [Part 1]

word count: 1585 || avg. reading time: 7 mins.

pairing: post-time skip Kita x chubby!Reader

genre: fluff, slice of life, mutual pining, slow burn

warnings: spoilers

synopsis: In pursuit of a calmer, simpler life you flee the city to move to the countryside - only to fall in love with your neighbor.

____________________________________________

When you decided on a clean break and moved to the little country home, you finally got your long harbored wish of a manageable veggie patch as well as a few fruit planters, breathing clear fresh air that the city life had you only dream about for so many years. At first, of course, the people were suspicious of the newcomer - the foreigner-city girl who came to their part of Hyogo with no clear intention but when you greeted each of them warmly around town and offered an open door if anyone ever needed help, they soon treated you as one of their own. The grandmothers of the neighborhood soon kept an eye out for any eligible bachelors because “it‘d be such a shame if a pretty girl like ya would be all lonesome in that house of yers“ but while grateful for their concern, you were happy on your own.

Although, that didn‘t stop you from falling for your neighbor as soon as you met him.

Your first impression of Kita was that he was polite, caring and warm but maybe a bit shy. He bowed his head with a smile when he passed by your front yard in the evening heading to his house, looking exhausted but satisfied. You wondered if he lived alone, too, because no one else seemed to be going in or out of the modest traditional nouka.

You were privately looking forward to the evenings when you could catch a glimpse of him and bask even for just a second in the sunshine of his smile.

This went on for a week or so of you two simply exchanging nods, waves and smiles until, “Good evenin‘.“, he greeted.

The buzzing of cicadas filled the air. You were tending to your garden, having opted to weed in the milder evening rather than the afternoon sun. A straw hat on your head, muscles already straining from the unfamiliar work, you straightened, trying to suppress a groan. “And to you.“, you replied, using the back of your hand to wipe the sweat off your forehead, smearing some soil on your skin in the process.

“It‘s really comin‘ together.“, he noted and nodded towards the healthy green surrounding your ankles.

Don‘t blush, you told yourself. “Thank you.“, you beamed, “I am worried about my tomatoes, though. They look a bit peaked.“

You pointed to some sad little plants on the end of your veggie patch.

With professional eyes he wandered along the fence to inspect them.

“Oh, yea, they might have had a bit too much sun and not enough water. Don‘t worry, happens to all of us.“, he smiled, “I have some extra starters in my greenhouse. Ya can have a couple if ya like. I always grow more in case bugs get to ‘em.“

“Oh, really?“

“Sure, come by tomorrow to pick ‘em up.“

“Thank you so much!“

“What else have ya got here?“, he now leaned on the fence post, examining the rest of the plants. You listed the few you had.

“Ya might wanna add sugar snap peas. They‘re easy to grow and the yield is really good.“

“Noted! But I might have to wait until next season, I don‘t think I have enough space for any more.“

“Ya can grow ‘em nicely in planters. I can build ya one. It‘s not difficult.“

Your heart did a little jump. “Are you sure it‘s not too much trouble?“

“Neighbors gotta stick together, right?“, he grinned and stood back up, “I‘mma let ya get back to it.“ and he made to leave.

“W-wait!“

He turned back to you.

“One of the grannies in town gave me a bunch of fresh greens and tofu today. My fridge doesn‘t work yet so I‘m worried it’ll go bad. Would you like to join me for dinner?“

He blinked. For a moment you weren‘t sure if you hadn‘t been too forward but then Kita nodded and walked around the fence to your gate. Oh my, somehow the fence had underplayed his handsomeness. As he stood right in front of you, arms tan and taut with lean muscles from a day‘s work and a towel tied around his neck you forgot to talk for a second.

“This way.“, you gestured to the front door.

“Don‘t ya wanna finish up weedin’ first?“

“But…“

“I‘ll help ya.“

“But…“

And he got to work. Of course, his practiced hands got the job done so much faster than you and where you had only managed a fourth of the patch he finished up the rest in no time.

Kita knelt on a seating pillow you had laid out around your coffee table, patiently waiting for you to plate up the hearty stew alongside some grilled tofu and rice. You figured he must be starving after all that hard manual labor. But to your surprise he ate slowly, chewed carefully and seemed to savor the taste.

“It‘s delicious.“, he said and let out a small content sigh, “I usually don‘t have much energy to cook in the evenin’s. This is great, thank ya.“

So he did live alone. How the masses of overzealous grandmothers in town hadn‘t flocked together to feed this man yet was a mystery to you.

In all honesty, Kita didn‘t agree with the people in town who said you were “pretty“. “Pretty“ didn‘t do you justice. He thought you were breathtaking. Because that‘s how he felt when he talked to you for the first time. Like his breath was stuck somewhere in his throat. Your genuine smile when he complimented your cooking now had a permanent place in his mind - framed it hung at the very top where he could always admire it throughout his day. Where his thoughts were usually busy with plans for the following morning or simply quiet, while his hands moved automatically through the water in the fields, they were now interlaced with you. Your twinkling eyes when he told you he would build you a planter, your cute protests when he offered to help you weed that tiny little veggie patch as if it was the most daunting task ever encountered and your voice, bright and lively as you told him about yourself upon his request. His grandmother had told him many stories growing up, about right and wrong, patience, kindness and fate. She told him when two people were meant for each other, their souls would recognize it and be drawn to the other by some unseen force. Back then, young Kita wasn‘t exactly sure what to make of it. It sounded very fantastical and without any data to back it up he thought it was another one of his grandmother‘s folktales. Now he wasn‘t so sure anymore because you were his first and last thought of the day.

He doubted that someone as beautiful and worldly as you would consider him as a match but he was merely glad to know he could be of help and make your life a little easier. After dinner the previous night he had told you he had some business in the city the next day and you could please wait for him at his place in the afternoon to collect your promised tomato starters. He had spent the morning making sure the little plants were in top shape, selecting the very best of the bunch. He was eager to get back home but as per usual, city traffic had other ideas.

Every couple of seconds he glanced at the clock on the truck‘s dashboard, hoping he didn‘t make you wait too long.

When he finally pulled into his driveway he spotted you sitting on his porch, his black and white dog lounging in your lap, getting his ears massaged.

A bundle lay next to you.

The dog‘s tail thwacked on the wooden porch as he approached.

“Ya look comfortable.“ He had meant it to his (guard) dog but somehow it seemed like your full cheeks got a bit of color.

“I hope I haven't kept ya waitin‘.“

“It‘s fine.“, you said simply, “I had great company.“ You petted the dog's head again who let out a happy huff.

Kita grinned and looked towards one of his greenhouses. “I‘ll go grab the tomatoes.“

You were brushing some dog hairs off your pants when he returned. Without meaning to, he searched your hands for an indication of a wedding band but shook his head when he caught himself.

He held out the tray with the starters.

“Thank you so much! They look great. And here.“, you bent down to exchange the tray for the bundle, “Since you said you wouldn‘t accept any money for them I made you dinner instead.“

His eyes widened. “Ya didn‘t have to.“

You shrugged. “I know, but it wouldn‘t feel right otherwise. And it‘s not like it‘s even close to an equal trade once these start producing.“

He was a little disappointed. After all, he had practiced inviting you to have dinner with him his entire drive back, but having more of your cooking was the next best thing, he supposed.

The following morning you found the bundle neatly wrapped on your doorstep, the large square bento box inside had been thoroughly cleaned and a note replaced the food “It was really delicious. Thank you very much. - Kita“.

Your heart stumbled when you stared at the neatly written words and grinning so hard your cheeks started to hurt, you pinned it to a little cork board next to the door.

____________________________________________

a/n: thank you so much to @makkir0ll for helping me hatch this ostrich-sized brain egg 🌟🫶🏻

art: coloring done by @keiko-chan

[part 2]

[musings-of-a-rose]

I have a request. Im going deaf and use asl. Can you write a fanfic with Joel or Frankie or Javi or Marcus or Pedro being married to a deaf woman? Falling in love dating and marrying? Post outbreak? It can be trying at times for me to date. And I love the smut and fluff 😜 thanks

For You

Pairing: Javi G x ofc Ally

Word Count: 2700+

Rating: Mature - 18+ ONLY!

Warnings: Just like ao3, “creator chooses not to use warnings.” If you click Keep Reading, that means you agree that you’re the age to handle mature themes. Also by clicking Keep Reading, you understand warnings may not be complete in order to avoid spoilers for the story. 

Notes: I got a request from @jedi-in-crocs : I have a request. Im going deaf and use asl. Can you write a fanfic with  Joel or Frankie or Javi or Marcus or Pedro being married to a deaf woman? Falling in love dating and marrying? Post outbreak? It can be trying at times for me to date. And I love the smut and fluff 😜 thanks (Ally)

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**Reader is not described

Main Masterlist

Javi G Masterlist 

Market day in Mallorca was always a beautiful affair. Rows and rows of tents adorned the streets, bursting with vibrant colors of fresh fruits and veggies, various paintings, clay jars and mugs, the smells of homemade snacks and treats filling the air as people bustled past each other, lightly bumping shoulders with each other as they set their eyes on something they want. 

But Javi's favorite row was for the flowers. Beautiful blooms and plants bursting from various pots and glass jars, some massive and sitting in large pots on the ground, other small and dangling in the air at the end of macrame chains. He stops to look at each and every one, touching some of the petals or leaves and smiling to himself before moving on to the next. 

But today is different. As he nears the middle of the row of tents and tables, he notices a new vendor. Her area was smaller than the others, but the plants and flowers she had were breathtaking. Bright colors and green leaves strategically placed on a couple of shelved hand carved wooden tables created this ambience of tranquility despite the bustling crowd. But this was nothing compared to the woman in front of him, straightening up from placing the last of her pots on the ground, gently dabbing at her brow to rid her skin of the few beads of sweat that had accumulated. She turns and jumps when she sees Javi staring at her. 

"Oh!I'm sorry I didn't see you. Welcome! Is there anything specifically you're looking for?"

He's momentarily speechless, her green eyes shining up at him, her face framed by her auburn hair, the sun catching it at the right angle and making it glow. 

"I… I don't.." Why can't he speak? She's staring at him, a friendly smile on her face as she studies him. 

"That's ok. Are you looking for a gift for someone? Your mom or significant other?"

"Oh, no. My mother has passed and I am not… I mean, I don't have…" Javi sighs. "I am single."

Is he imagining the slight flush to her cheeks at his answer? Her eyes flick away from his for a brief moment before returning, her cheeks still a slight shade of pink. 

"Well then.. are you new to plants?" Javi nods, trying to regain his composure. "Ok great. Then may I recommend…" She looks around for a few moments before reaching for a plant with green oval shaped leaves cascading down vines out of a small hanging planter. She turns and holds it out for him, his breath catching in his throat when their fingers touch briefly at the exchange. She clears her throat a moment layer, shaking her head. 

"I uh… this is a pothos. Very easy to take care of. Water once a week or so and make sure they get some light. They're pretty sturdy."

"Th-thank you, miss…"

"Ally." She extends her hand and Javi shifts the pot into his left hand, extending his right to shake hers, his body nearly shaking when they touch. He hears her breath catch as well. Could she feel the same? 

"I-"

"Hey lady! Do you have any monstera?" A large man pushes his way past Javi, nearly knocking him over to stand in front of Ally. 

"I uh…yes. Right here." As she shows him the plants, he proceeds for tell her some long winded tale of his own garden, her eyes flicking back to Javi apologetically. After several minutes it becomes clear that he won't be leaving soon and Javi had to head home for a meeting. He sighs, pulling out some money and setting it on the table for her. At the last minute he decided to write a little note, taking the pen and paper she had set there to make notes about plant care for people. 

I hope this is enough. I'll be back next weekend to make sure.

Javi leaves the paper and makes eye contact with Ally, her small, sad smile and nod indicating she saw him leave the money. 

Javi can't stop thinking about her all week. 

—----

Javi returns every weekend for 2 months. At first, he makes up excuses for coming, looking for plants, what does a slight discoloration mean, anything he can think of to talk to her. He's never been very good at flirting or picking up signals, but she laughs at all of his jokes, blushing whenever he compliments her, and he swears he's caught her more than once checking him out. 

One weekend, Javi decides enough of enough- it's time to ask Ally out. Mayne just for coffee so if she says no, he can cover it up as a just as friends coffee. Or a thank you coffee. Something. 

Javi walks to her stand, waiting a moment to watch her, back to him as she moves about arranging her plants, her fingers lightly brushing against petals and Javi imagines what it must feel like to have those same fingers brush against his skin, digging into his arms as they meld their bodies together…

He shakes his head. Now isn't the time for lewd thoughts. It wouldn't help his nerves. Javi stops at the entrance to her booth, giving her space to move about. 

"Hi Ally. Got anything new today?"

She doesn't turn around, still moving about her plants. Javi clears his throat a little louder than he normally would. Still, she doesn't move. No turning to give him her brilliant smile that warms him up. Did he do something wrong? Say something wrong? His brain works fast, playing through all of their interactions. Nothing seemed amiss. Could he have misread something? 

"She can't hear you." The vendor next to Ally says as she comes to stand next to Javi. 

"What?"

"Her aids are being repaired so she doesn't have them today."

His eyebrows pull together. "Aids?"

"Hearing aids. Did you not see them?"

He hadn't. He was too taken in by her sweet words and gorgeous eyes, her obvious love for the plants she so lovingly cares for. When he doesn't reply, the woman turns more towards him. 

"She's losing her hearing. It'll be totally gone one day, I think. At least that's what she told me. She taught me some basic signs too in case she didn't have her aids. Lovely girl."

Javi watches the back of Ally, still tending the plants she loves so much. "I have to go. Can you tell her 'Javi has some work to do but he'll be back soon?'" 

The woman nods and Javi thanks her, turning promptly on his heel and heading straight for his car, pulling out his phone to call his assistant to help him with his task. 

—----

A month later, Javi nervously approaches Ally's booth. What if she's mad at me? I hope I did not distress her too much. He swallows hard, taking the last few steps to her booth, watching her brush dirt from her hands, fingers rubbing gently on the gardening apron she always wore. She turns and sees him, eyes locking on his as she freezes, her eyes studying him, her focus slightly upset. She opens her mouth to speak but before she can, Javi raises his hands, willing the nerves to leave him as he starts to move. 

[Signed]"I am sorry I have not come. Your neighbor-" He points to the lady in the next booth over. "- told me about your hearing and how you use ASL-"

Her eyes well up. [Signed] "You know ASL?"

Javi shakes his head. [Signed] "I didn't. I spent the last month starting to learn it for you."

Pure shock flashes across her face as she points to herself. [Signed] "For me? Why?"

Javi takes a few steps towards her, closing the distance between them. He brushes a short strand of her auburn hair from her face, the sunlight glinting slightly off of the tiny tube connecting her hearing aids to the ear mold and he smiles, meeting her eyes. 

[Signed] "Because I always want to be able to talk to you, hear your thoughts. Anything you have to say."

Their eyes lock onto each other and he glances down at her lips, slightly parted. He brings his hands up slowly to cup her cheeks, giving her every chance to pull back. Instead, she grips his shirt, pulling him closer as their lips meet, soft and wanting. He wraps an arm around her, pressing his tongue to her lips as she eagerly responds. After several seconds, the lady in the booth next to Ally clears her throat and Javi pulls back, glaring slightly at the woman. Ally follows his gaze and looks at the woman, who is now smirking. Javi puts his finger on Ally's cheek, turning her head back to his. 

[Signed] "Will you have dinner with me?"

Ally smiles wide, brightening the entire area and warming Javi up as she nods enthusiastically. "I'm free tonight?"

Javi chuckles. "I'll pick you up at 8 for dinner."

—-----

Javi thinks he's never seen someone more beautiful than her. The dress she wore fits her perfectly, enhancing her physical features, but it's more than that. As Javi listens to her talk about cross pollination, he watches her confidence grow with her excitement about her plants, a non stop stream of words and he drinks in every one, his chin leaning on his fist as he watches her, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. 

"And oh my God I've been talking the whole time, haven't I?" She blushes, hiding her face behind her hands, elbows propped on the table.

"No, no. Please continue. I love watching you talk."

She lowers her hands and looks at him. "Watching me talk?"

"Yes. The way your passion for what you do pours out of you, touching anyone near you." 

Her face heats up more and she fans herself for a moment. "You flatter me too much, Javi." 

He catches her eye and signs. "That's because I really like you."

As dinner continues, he learns more about her. Her childhood, how she ended up in Mallorca, how her illness is causing her to lose her hearing, eventually a total loss. So she wanted to spend time listening to the small sounds, the way the wind moves through pine needles, the way water splashes against the leaves, the way grass flows against the breeze. 

"Can I show you something?" Javi asks as he nervously offers his arm to Ally as they exit the restaurant. She takes it almost instantly, leaning into him and making his ears feel warm. 

"Of course. Anywhere you'd like to go, I'm there."

Javi helps her into his jeep, driving back towards the compound. The guards let him in and he drives down the winning dirt road, turning down a nearly hidden path. He follows it down until it clears a little, overlooking the water. He reaches behind him, grabbing a thick blanket from the backseat before getting out of the jeep, walking around to offer his hand to Ally, helping her out of the jeep. Their fingers lace together as she follows him towards a small, clear space where he puts the blanket down, spreading it out. He offers his hand again, grinning at Ally as she sits, laying down next to him when he lays down. 

"You see those stars there?" He points to the sky and Ally follows his fingers, squinting at the rapidly darkening sky. 

"Yeah I think so."

"That's the Scorpius constellation."

"Really?"

"No idea."

She laughs, turning her head to him and finding him already looking at her, a faint smile on his face. She watches him back, eyes roaming over his handsome face, with his prominent nose and curls you just want to touch. She leans in and Javi meets her halfway, their lips crashing together as she slides her fingers around his head, tugging at the curls at the back of his neck. Javi feels his pants tighten even more and he pulls back, his eyes moving between hers, his eyebrows raised in question. She replies by gripping his shirt, pulling him to her as she unbuttons his shirt, sliding it off his broad shoulders, only breaking the kiss for Javi to toss his shirt somewhere over his shoulder, both of them giggling as he lays her back, slotting himself between her spread legs. 

He holds himself above her, his soft lips pressing to hers as he grinds himself against her, feeling her heat beneath his pants. Then her fingers are at his pant line, fumbling to open his button and the kiss breaks, his forehead pressed to hers as she manages to open the button, sliding his pants down just enough for him to spring out, hard and wanting. He pulls his head back just enough to look at her, his own lust echoed in the depths of her eyes.

[Signed]”Are you sure?”

She nods. “Yes. Please, Javi, I need you.”

He slides his hand up her bare thigh, pressing his fingers between her thighs and moaning as he feels how wet she is for him, her own moan at his light touch mixing with his. She grips his hand, showing him how to touch her, his thick fingers sending jolts of pleasure out from where he touches her. But then he pushes her panties aside, Ally silently grateful for wearing a dress as he touches her, his skin on hers, sliding his fingers and touching her how she showed him. Her release comes from nowhere, a loud gasp and moan coming from her as her back arches, her body tensing with pleasure. Her back lowers, her chest heaving as she looks up at Javi, his eyes nearly black in the low light and she wraps her legs around him, trying to get him to move. He smiles and presses his hips forward, slowly pushing into her as he watches her face contort with pleasure at the feel of him stretching her open, small pants puffing out into his face until he bottoms out. Javi stays like that, pulling out only a little before pushing in, just to give her a moment, until he feels her hands grasping at his back, her heels digging into his ass and he gets the hint. He sets a comforting pace, not too rough and not too light, adding in his signature thrust that has her pulsing around him, his name tumbling from her lips as he comes with her, unable to resist the feel of her engulfing him. 

They stay like that for several minutes, her fingers lightly tracing a mindless pattern across his sweaty, bare back, their breathing syncing together. Slowly, Javi pulls out, a hiss on his lips as he pats at the ground for his shirt, helping to clean her up with it before himself. He chucks the shirt on the ground again, laughing lightly with Ally before laying back down, pulling her close to him as he feels her hand on his chest. He presses a kiss to the top of her head as they watch the stars. 

6 months later, they get married, happy to spend the rest of their days with each other, thankful that Javi stopped in the market that day.

—----

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[ryanscabinlife]

I have been swamped these past couple of days outside and it's been extremely invigorating! Here are garden updates and some of the things I'm currently working on

First is the garlic! it's looking fantastic, they're just about 2 feet now and some are starting to get really thick.

Yesterday I planted my tomatoes. I specifically did not even bother starting seed for these guys, coz first of all we don't really have the indoor space, and also we had such great luck last year so we just repeated what we did. We just bought some from our local garden centre. Last year, we had 6 roma tomatoes (our favourite tomato variety) and it fed us throughout the summer and we've even managed to can over a dozen mason jars that we enjoyed in the winter. This year I have 30 of them! Last year, we had 2 cherry tomatoes, this year we planted 6.

Since our property is not big enough to have a well, the garden is 100% being watered by rainwater that we collect. Unfortunately for us, it's been a bit dry lately, hoping for more rain in June. Due to this circumstance, I decided to mulch what I could, in the hope that it will contain the moisture in the ground.

Shawn claimed a corner to turn into a place to relax and read books and god knows what. I will leave that to him but I was tasked to create a border to kinda separate it from the rest of the garden. I want to use some logs, terracotta pots, and other recycled things in our yard. So far this is what a have :(. I have been checking Facebook Marketplace every day for big planters but so far no luck. What's up with people wanting $100 for stuff that they don't want anyway?

I direct seeded a ton of things in the long beds where the trellis structure is including the snow pea I started indoors just a couple of weeks ago

Most of the potatoes are out! I've never grown potatoes before so this is a little too exciting for me

It turns out we have an apple tree and she is blooming! I don't exactly know what she is, my guess is some sort of crabapple. I'm so glad I didn't let Shawn chop her when we were building

And finally, the big project that's keeping me busy. My 42 feet border. This is the part where I don't know what I am doing. I've never planted ornamental flower beds before so it's kinda scaring me. Most of the things planted in this bed are perennials and few annuals on the front. I also broadcasted wildflowers all over. I'm really hoping for a cottage garden look for this one. Can't wait to see it in the summer when it's all filled up (hopefully)

25-May-2023

[wastelesscrafts]

I have a gardening tip for your followers! I love to garden but it is so expensive to get started. I repurpose old boxes and disposable/fast food cups as planters (just poke holes in the bottom for drainage and set them on top of a towel) and I made a small watering can out of a bottle with holes poked in the top. It works great because I don't need a massive watering can in my apartment. Gardening at home can be super cheap and easy!

[ID: a cardboard box that has been turned into a planter containing soil and seedlings. A plastic water bottle stands beside it and has holes poked in the top to serve as a watering can.]

Gardening and makeshift planters

Thank you for the tip! Gardening can seem quite daunting if you've never done it before, so asks like these are nice ways to show people it doesn't have to be all that complicated.

I wholeheartedly support DIY containers! Is that a cardboard box in your picture? Doesn't it get soggy? Or did you put in some kind of lining? Love your bottle watering can!

Gardening options:

Most people imagine a vegetable plot with annual plants and crop rotations when they think about gardening. This type of garden definitely has its merits, but it's not the only option. A garden can be as complex or as simple and as big or as small as you choose to make it.

[ID: a white bowl filled with small woodland strawberries. The bowl sits on a gray stone pathway next to a patch of wild strawberry plants.]

Backyard:

If you've got the luxury of having a garden in which you can do whatever you want without landlords watching over your shoulder, you're super lucky! There's so much good you could do!

Your garden can be a massive boon to your local biodiversity and wildlife. Even just planting native wildflowers or adding some wildlife garden elements will help. Make sure to look up local resources when planning a garden like this!

Your garden can also help to make your surroundings more comfortable. For example, trees and bushes will cool down their surroundings and can improve air quality. Gardening can even be used as a tool for carbon sequestration. And who doesn't like watching flowers bloom?

You could also try your hand at growing your own food. You could start a plot with kitchen herbs, grow a few vegetables or edible flowers, put in a few fruit bushes, and trade excesses with friends. Don't be fooled by Pinterest though, your chances of being able to live off your own produce are minimal.

Combine these different functions, if you can. For example: I've planted a wild strawberry patch in my garden. It functions as a ground cover and keeps my soil moist, provides me with the occasional snack, offers pollen to bees, and whatever berries I don't pick serve as food for the wildlife in my garden.

Keep things safe and easy:

Start out small! Don't get overwhelmed.

Figure out how much sun your plot gets before planting anything.

Use perennial plants instead of annuals if you have limited energy.

Trade seeds and seedlings with fellow gardeners, or learn how to propagate plants to keep costs down.

Look into lasagna gardening if you're unable to dig, or raised beds if you struggle with mobility.

Mulch your plots to save on water and weeding time.

Use localised information when planning your garden.

Avoid pesticides, especially if you plan to eat what you're growing.

Get your tetanus shots up to date, watch out for ticks, leave wild animals alone, and be careful if you have allergies.

Don't eat plants unless you're a 110% certain of what they are. Foraging can be fun, but you really don't want to mistake lilly of the valley for wild garlic.

Be mindful of your neighbours and housemates. Living near an allergen sucks, and certain plants can be dangerous to small children and pets.

Mint. Don't do it. It's a trap. It'll take over both your garden and your nightmares. Put it in a container if you really want to grow some.

If you've got a lot of space, you could look into permaculture or agroforestry.

Community plot:

Don't have a yard? Check if your neighbourhood has a community garden, or start one yourself. Shared gardens are a great way to get to know your neighbours.

Container garden:

If you don't have a lot of space, you could try container gardening. You can use pretty much anything to grow plants in as long as it's water tight, non-toxic, has drainage holes at the bottom, and is large enough for the type of plant you want to put in it. If you lack surface space, vertical gardens are also an option.

Note that container plants need more frequent watering and rely on you for nutrients.

The size of your garden project won't effect just how meaningful it can be. A native plant on a balcony can be an important spot for local birds or butterflies. The flowers in your vertical wall garden might be the only available pollen source in your neighbourhood. That potted basil on your window sill will give you a well-deserved sense of pride over keeping it alive every time you pick a few leaves for your pasta.

[renaerys]

Indulgence (ItaIno)

Written for the June 2023 Flash Fic event happening over in the Ino Supremacy Discord server.

Prompt: “That ass is highly unprofessional.” ItaIno

Summary: "The look in Ino’s eyes is a temptation he has unfortunately trained himself to reward, rather than resist. Indulgence has always been his understanding of love."

Rating: M

Read it on AO3 here

Full fic under the cut

Sometimes, he thinks she does it on purpose. 

“Where are we with the interrogation?” Itachi asks. The concrete halls of Torture & Interrogation are chilly and forbidding, but the high interrogator’s office is an uncanny proliferation of tropical green. He cannot move three steps in here without running into a hanging planter overflowing with vining philodendrons or strings of pearls. 

“It’s coming along.” Unlike Itachi, Ino moves fluidly through her office. She runs her fingers over a striped calathea in a ceramic, blue planter that likely weighs more than she does. “I’m having Gin work on him.”

Itachi considers himself a patient man, by all accounts. It is sometimes endearing and more often rankling to find himself impatient when it comes to Ino. He doesn’t know what to make of the way she unbalances him as she moves around him taking up space in her office as if he is one of her plants and she his fastidious keeper. “I’d prefer that you do it yourself. Shisui reported back today on movement at our northern border. That intel is critical.”

Ino is at the window now pushing her long hair aside as she waters the box of lilacs. Itachi can smell them now, their nectar a delicate tincture that nonetheless fills the entire space. They’re a fitting choice for Ino, he thinks. “Is that an order, Lord Hokage?” She doesn’t look at him as she tends to the flowers, but Itachi can hear the goading shape of her mouth when she speaks. 

Itachi pulls at the collar of his shirt. It is oddly stifling in a room full of so many breathing plants. “You could argue everything is an order by virtue of my station.”

Ino hums and slowly straightens, something she is sinuously good at. Itachi averts his attention to a nearby bromeliad clinging to a wall planter. 

“I take it that’s why you came all the way here,” Ino says. She is closer than she was before. Itachi admires the bromeliad’s yellow fronds as diligently as if they are Sasuke’s baby teeth and Itachi is ten years old checking them for cavities. “Instead of summoning me to your office.” Closer. He will not turn to look at her. He will not reward insubordination. He only has to outlast her. “Or did you just want a moment alone?”

Itachi is sure he can feel the fire symbol emblazoned on his back begin to burn at her proximity. “We have work to do, Ino. This provocation is highly unprofessional.”

“That ass is highly unprofessional,” she says as she squeezes his ass through his robe and catches his earlobe in her teeth. 

Itachi has her pressed against the wall in a flicker. The bromeliad he was forcing himself to admire shudders precariously with the force of it. The look in Ino’s eyes is a temptation he has unfortunately trained himself to reward, rather than resist. Indulgence has always been his understanding of love. “My love,” he says in that deep-water voice he knows works on her every time, “the sooner you get me the intel I need, the sooner I will fuck an heir into you.”

It is a dirty thing he does, tempting her into obedience with the promise of stuffing. But Ino has never been above playing dirty herself when it suits her aims. “My lord Uchiha,” she croons, and the endearment (along with her hand) goes directly to his cock. “I’m your loyal subject, always.”

Itachi does not groan (that would be unprofessional, and technically they are working), but he does press himself harder against her offering hand. “Then I suggest you work quickly, my lady Yamanaka. That is an order.”

Ino finishes the interrogation herself in twenty minutes. She transfers the memories she’s mined directly into the brain of one of Itachi’s crow summons that he shares with Shisui, and within the hour Shisui has the intel at the boarder and Itachi follows Ino back to the home they share to make good on his promise. 

Nine months later, Yamanaka Inoe screams her first cry in his arms.

[notblue-bandit]

hi bestie, I can't remember ur plant account @ but I got me a plant question.

okay so I'm gonna start a mini herb garden with one of those like mini multi-pot planters that look like totes almost? it'll be kept outside so maximum sunlight and rain water but is there anything I should do for the specific herbs?

I'm growing spearmint, chives, broad leaf sage, green pearl parsley, Greek oregano, thyme, big Italy parsley, Genovese basil, rosemary, and cilantro (I know it's alot sorry, I just know you like plants) also if there are any other herbs you think I should include, lemme know!

omg plant questions heheheh <3 🌿 (btw my Horticulture blog is @blooming-horticulturalist )

that sounds exciting!! are you planting from seeds or plugs (already sprouted seedlings)? If its your first time i recommend going with plugs from the store, BUT if youve already bought seeds you can make your own plugs :] you can do this by buying plug trays, filling them with soil, and putting the seeds in the trays. you'll want to start them in a controlled environment, which can be a screened in porch, or inside with a grow lamp. make sure that when theyre young you water them daily!! especially if you live in an especially warm climate.

as for your selection, id really recommend growing basil and mint AWAY from the rest of your herbs, theyre both pretty aggressive plants and especially mint will spread wherever it can and destroy your garden. if you dont want to spend the rest of your life trying to eradicate it, plant it in a seperate planter, and have it off of the ground— maybe an outdoor table or something— so that it doesnt spread into your patio or yard etc. because IT WILL. basil is a bit less aggressive but its still something to be careful about, plant it seperate as well so it doesnt kill your other herbs

everything else is p much standard, water everyday, dont let it dry out— except for rosemary, which really likes to be dry. i would be careful not to OVER water it, but still make sure youre soaking it when you do water.

[peterhollandkait]

When Sunny Met Frankie - An Everything I Know Leads Me Back to You Drabble

Pairing: platonic!Frankie x Reader, platonic!Santiago x reader

WC: 502

Warnings: Tooth-rotting fluff, be warned.

A/N: This is dedicated to the lovely anon who messaged me tonight about how much they love Frankie and Sunny ❤️

EIKLMBTY MASTERLIST

33 years ago

You and your mom were in the backyard, covered in dirt as you worked in the garden. The sunflowers were your favorite out of everything that littered your yard, and you took extra care of them. Any time a weed popped up, you were out in the yard pulling them before your parents could blink. 

Your overalls were dirty at the knees from kneeling in the dirt, little gardening gloves snug on your hands. Once the flower seeds were planted in a new planter your mom had purchased, you got up with your little watering can and headed toward the hose to fill it. Just as you were reaching the faucet, a soccer ball was kicked over the fence and right into your leg, causing you to wobble.

“Sorry!!!” Your kiddie corner neighbor, Frankie, came tumbling over your short fence to retrieve his ball. 

“Hi Frankie, be careful please!” Your mom called from behind you, watching him carefully as he climbed over the fence. He was 8, and the fence really wasn’t that high, but she worried nonetheless. 

He waved to her before picking up the ball at your feet. “Sorry about that...I hope it didn’t hit you. It’s all Santiago’s fault anyway. He kicked the ball too hard and-“

You giggled, interrupting him. “You didn’t hit me. I was getting water for my sunflowers!”

Frankie grinned and looked over your head at the sunflowers growing across the garden. “Those are really pretty. Do you know how to say sunflower in Spanish?”

You shook your head no. “Can you teach me?”

Frankie nodded. “Girasol means sunflower. Y eres mi girasol.” 

“Huh?”

“Oh, uh, I said ‘You are my sunflower…’” Frankie mumbled, looking down at his feet nervously. 

“Can you say it again,” you asked, tugging on his wrist. 

“Eres, which means you are. Mi, which means my. And girasol, sunflower. Eres mi girasol.” Frankie watched as you put the pieces together in your brain, your face lighting up when you finally understood it. 

You grinned then. “I love it! Thanks Frankie!” You wrapped your tiny arms around him in a hug before running back to your mom. “Mommy Frankie taught me Spanish!!”

When Frankie climbed back over the fence, Santiago was sitting on a rock near their makeshift goal drinking from a water bottle Frankie’s mom must have given him. “Where have you been?”

“Oh uh, Girasol, she distracted me, sorry. Ready for another round?” He dropped the ball onto the ground and gently kicked it back toward Santiago.

Santi looked at him confusingly. “Girasol?”

Frankie blushed, looking away from his friend. “My kid neighbor…It’s just a nickname I gave her.”

“Does she want to play too?” Santi got up and passed the ball back to his friend. 

Just as Frankie opened his mouth to answer, your little high-pitched voice came from over the fence. “Frankie? Can you teach me other flower names?!”

Both him and Santiago glanced at each other, smiles growing on their faces. “On my way, mi girasol.”

TAGLIST: @meveispunk @chaotic-mystery @i-own-loki @harperdoodle @wildemaven @tightjeansjavi @wonwoosthetic @im-the-daddy-here-5 @fckinel @aruthlessblackthorn @angelseye

[credince--writes]

One of my favorite scenes in Jitters

For some of my wonderful followers who have been ride-or-die since the start of Jitters, I'd like to reshare one of my favorite scenes from the entire book.

From MacLovin':

"Walk fast." Jitters eyes were wide, striding past Ghost in one of the pathways between slot machines.

He didn't question it, turning to follow her and keeping up a striding pace pretty easy.

"Hey! Hey you- Stop!" A security guard tries to keep up with them, but with Jitters weaving in and around people, and Ghost naturally causing people to veer away from him, the two quickly navigated away.

"What'd you do?" Ghost leans forward- just enough to shift his shoulder forward as if he were ready to shield with his body as she passed in front of him.

She pulled him off to the side, behind a wall to some kind of exit. "Technically? A felony. No problemo' tho. I got one of these." She held up a golden card, engraved with the casino's logo.

"And that would be..."

"It's a bottomless drinks card." She grins. One of those evil, youthful, get so drunk it fucking hurts grins.

"How'd you manage that?" He asked.

"Do you really wanna know, or do you wanna go get a drink."

The two, did indeed go get a drink. Many drinks, to be exact. The copious amounts of alcohol the two consumed was a monumental peak in Simon's life. He couldn't remember the last time he had gotten this drink under good pretenses.

"It's free!" she whisper yelled to him.

"Have another one!" She whispers and laughs as she wiggles the card at him.

They were somewhere- apparently, the fucking place had an aquarium. Build into the hallway to the hotel.

"We should get to bed." He comments.

"God what are you my father?" She asked, sitting down on and ledge and staring at the aquarium across from her.

"Someone has to fuckin act like it." He grumbles, fidgeting with the hem of the mask rubbing against his neck

"You know." She slurs.

"Know what."

"You look like you could hold up a convenience store." She glances at him.

"Who's to say I hadn't?" He slightly slurs back.

"You're too much of a softie." She replies back. "Like a sponge."

"Sponge?" He echos.

"Yea. Fuckin' sponge. Or one of those explodey-fishes."

"The fuck are you goin' on about?"

"Uhhh. Puffy. Puffing? No. No. Pufferfish. You're a pufferfish." She agrees with herself.

"I am a man. Not a fish."

"Nah. You're a fish." She keeps going.

"I'd say you're somethin' like a dolphin but they rape baby seals to death."

"What?" He asks.

"Brutal bastards." She agrees.

"Hm."

"Betcha I could swim in there." She comments.

"I'd let the dolphin get ya'."

"Fuckin' brutal."

"Alright, Get up." He says, standing up.

"We going to beddie-bye?" She asks.

"You are, at least." He says, softly leading her towards the elevator with his arm.

"If there is a woman, that isn't me, in my bed. Or any bed, for that matter, when I get into that room. I'm gonna jump."

"Just go to my room."

"Don't know your number."

"546."

"I'm not going to rem. Rem." She pauses. "Gonna puke."

His eyes widen slightly, looking around.

No trash can- no bathroom.

There's a large planter, next to the start of the fish tank.

He all but picks her up, carrying her 6 large long steps to the panted to where she grabs the rim of the planter, and throws up- violently- into the planter.

"Smells like sex on the beach." She comments, rubbing her mouth.

"I've seen worse."

"Just doing my duty to fertilize the plants, Spook."

"You should take up gardening."

They made there way to the elevator, Ghost punching in the floor, slinging her arm around his shoulder while he dragged her to her room. Digging her card out of her pocket and scanning into the room. Pushing the door open and finding a silent, empty room. He dragged her into the bathroom, filling up a cup of water and forcing her to at least wash out her mouth before she went to sleep.

"You'd make a great dad." She comments, after spitting the water out into the sink.

"Why's that."

"You've even got the shitty jokes."

"Hm."

He leads her to the bed, removing her shoes and laying her down on the bed.

She was essentially already out cold. So he glanced around, trying to find a pen. When he did, he grabbed for it, lifting her deadweight arm and writing his room number and floor down on it.

And with that, he turned off the lights and left the room.

[fantasyinallforms]

Okay you HAVE to do “First thing you should know…it was an accident.”

The last prompt of the March Madness Fotfics event! Thank you, @sunnyrosewritesstuff! It's fitting that the last prompt I do for this event is the one I went a little crazy with.

Also, find this and my other work on A03! https://archiveofourown.org/works/46128451/chapters/116124325

bagginshield {G} 3217 words

Title: Happy Accidents; part 1

There were many things you could say about Dis Durin. Chief among them was that she loved her boys with her entire being. She especially loved spoiling them whenever the occasion arrived, and this week there was an occasion. It was Fili and Kili’s 11th birthday, and Dis had a small catalog in front of her filled with places she could take them. The boys sat on either side of her, eagerly throwing their opinions into the mix. 

“Thorin! What do you think of this one?” Dis called to him as he walked inside from his shop. Thorin peered over the table to read what she was pointing at. 

“Plant and sip? Isn't that where you build terrariums and sip on wine? You might be about ten years too early for that one, sis.” 

“They have non-alcoholic parties.” Dis rolled her eyes. “What do you think, boys? You get to build a terrarium for a cactus or succulent.” Yells of excitement flooded the house for the next few moments as Dis got a clear answer to her inquiry. 

“Alright, we’re going next Saturday at 2pm. Thorin, make sure you’re free.” Dis commanded matter of factly. Thorin put down the cup of water he was drinking to cock an eye at his sister. 

“What makes you think I’m going? I have a black thumb. I’m good at building things, not growing them.” 

“It’s not about being good at it! The boys want to spend more time with you. Do it for them” As if on queue Fili and Kili abandoned their excited conversation about cacti and rushed Thorin’s legs. 

“Please, uncle! Please, please, please! It’s really hard to kill a cactus!” The boys refused to stop hopping around his legs until he eventually gave in. 

“Fine! I’ll go!” Thorin shouted, running his hands through his hair in defeat. He glared and rolled his eyes at the pleased self-satisfied smile Dis was now sporting. 

A week later, he was pulling up to a barn-style building with a wooden sign hanging from it called ‘The Sipping Plant. To the right of the building was a long greenhouse. It was a locally owned place, not a chain. That actually made Thorin a little happier. Being a small business owner himself, he understood the struggle. He waited for Dis to arrive, and they all walked in together. The inside had a distinctive boho vibe to it. The front seemed to be a store. There were shelves lined with pots, trinkets, and various plants. As well as some handcrafted wood-based items like birdhouses and pre-made planter kits. An older man wearing overalls and gardening gloves greeted them just inside.

“You must be the Durins! Go ahead and get settled in the back party room, and I’ll direct your guests through as they come in. You’re expecting 14 people total, correct?” The man asked. 

“Yes, 14. Are you the owner?” Dis asked. 

“Me? No, no. I just work here. Name is Hamfast Gamgee, but that's a mouthful, so you can call me Gaffer. Owner is Bilbo, and he’ll be leading the terrarium building” Gaffer led them to the back room. Beds of plants lined walls, and wide tables with matching wooden benches sat in neat rows facing another table on a raised platform at the front of the room. The room had been decked out in balloons and ribbons, and the chalkboard at the front read ‘Happy birthday, Fili and Kili!’ in pretty loopy handwriting. Strung between 2 very tall cacti was a banner that said ‘WELCOME.’

Dis sat them all at the front middle table, and they waited. Soon the room was filled with Fili and Kili’s friends and a few parents. The room was a buzz with voices, and Thorin was wondering how this mystery instructor was going to get everyone to quiet down. Just as he thought that, the lights in the room turned off, then turned back on again. The noise died down as everyone looked toward the door. In walked a short man (thought that was relative to Thorin, who was 6’6ft) with curly honey-brown hair. He wore jeans and a ruffled yellow shirt covered by a green gardening apron with large front pockets. He had a round face, an adorable button nose, and his ears were just slightly pointed. His mouth fell open as he watched the man walk across the room and take his position behind the table.  

He stopped in front of the chalkboard and surveyed the room before addressing everyone in a pleasant tenor voice. Perhaps it was wishful thinking, but he could sware the man's eyes lingered on him just a tad longer than the others in the room.

“Welcome! My name is Bilbo. Raise your hand if it’s your first time here.” most of the room raised their hands. “Wonderful, thank you for being here. I know this is in celebration of two very special birthdays. So let's start with making sure our birthday boys stand out!” He approached the table they were sitting at and knelt down. “Looks like I have two queen bees today” He handed them a pair of bee antennas. The boys took them hastily and put them on their heads. 

“But wait! We’re not the queen! Mama would be the queen! Can we be prince bees?” Kili asked excitedly. Bilbo looked at Dis, who seemed a little flustered but gave a small nod. He returned to the table, got another pair of antennas, and handed them over. 

“Prince bees and their mom, the queen bee it is. But what about your Dad?” Thorin paled immediately

“I’m their uncle, not their dad.” Thorin quickly rushed to say. He really wanted this man to know that he was very much not taken. Bilbo nodded and returned to the front. He instructed everyone to get a drink from the coolers in the corners of the room and walked them through the different materials they would be working with. They each chose a pot and two succulents from the plant beds Bilbo pointed to. When they sat back down, Bilbo laid out rocks, a bucket of soil, and some decorations at each table. The rest of what Bilbo said was lost to him. Enchanted, he watched small, nimble hands dirty themselves in the soil and expertly transplant the succulent from the temporary pot it was in into the more permanent one in front of him. How could a person be this cute? 

“Alright, now it’s your turn. I’ll walk around if anyone needs any help.” Bilbo announced. Shit. He hadn't been paying attention to the actual words the man had been saying. He grabbed the little trowel in front of him and layered a big scoop into his pot. Before he could start taking the nursery pot off his succulent, Bilbo picked up his pot and dumped out the soil. 

“It looks like you might have missed a step. Rocks first for drainage, then soil.” Thorin failed to keep the blush off his face as he corrected his mistake. Eventually, they made it to the final decoration stage. They were instructed to decorate their pots and soil however they wanted. The boys seemed to be having a blast decorating theirs with little plastic dinosaurs and spaceships. The artist in Thorin liked this part a lot himself, although he was going for a less busy aesthetic than his nephews. He was deep in concentration when he heard a stool pull up beside him. Sitting on the stool, Bilbo was at eye level with him. From a distance had thought the man had brown or maybe even dark blue eyes, but now that he had a good look at his face, he saw that his eyes were, in fact, a deep shade of green. Deeper than emerald but far more mesmerizing.    

“That looks amazing! Most of my adult clients are usually pretty tipsy by this point in the process. Is that a crow?” Bilbo asked enthusiastically.   

“It’s a Raven. I’ve always really liked ravens.” Thorin replied sheepishly. 

“As you should! They’re smart, beautiful birds and more helpful in a garden than you would think. It's very detailed. I wish I could draw half as well as you.” Bilbo giggled, and Thorin couldn't help but smile at the sound of it. He felt like a kid that got the attention of his crush, and he didn't want to lose it.”           

“I’m good with my hands!.... I mean, it’s my profession using my hands… Building things! I build things. Mostly out of metal but also wood. So you could say I have a lot of practice being creative.” He wanted to bury his head in his hands in embarrassment. Luckily he was rescued from his torment by another table asking for help. 

“You should get his number after this!” Dis hissed in his ear, causing him to jump. Thorin shot her a slightly incredulous look. “I’ve known you my entire life. I can tell when you get heart eyes for someone, and you practically ogled the man on his way into the room.”

“Chances are he’s not even gay!” Thorin hissed back 

“I forgot your gaydar is hopelessly broken. There are two pride flags in this room, Thorin. Which means if he’s not gay, which I would bet money he is, he at least won't take offense to the question.” Thorin looked around the room to find the flags he clearly missed. One was sitting right on the desk in front of him, nestled in a jar of sharpies. The other took him longer to find, and it wasn't until he looked back at Bllbo that he saw the flag pinned clear as day to his apron. Well, it wasn't sure proof, but it definitely boded well.

 It had been a few years since he had tried his hand at the dating pool. He valued his space and his solitude and wasn't willing to give that up for just anyone. One look at Bilbo's, though, and he was considering it. Surely he was being silly. He had met this man an hour ago, but something about him radiated like sunshine through thunderclouds, and it made Thorin want to try.

 The formal part of the party ended, and the room was left to them for cake-cutting and unwrapping gifts. The boys were over the moon with all of it. Thorin was particularly happy with their reactions to the wooden swords he made and painted for them. Soon after the last package was unwrapped, guests started filtering out until, finally, it was just Dis, the boys, and himself. He took the antennas off the boy's heads and whispered to his sister.

“You get the boys home. I’m going to hang back for a moment.” Dis’s face lit up, and she pushed his nephews out of the door, sparing him a wink before she left. He wrestled his nerves and turned back towards the party room. Bilbo was wiping down the chalkboard and humming an unfamiliar tune. In all his nervousness, Thorin's approach set off an unfortunate chain of events. He went to step onto the raised platform and underestimated the ledge causing him to trip. In an attempt to break his fall, he absent-mindedly grabbed the saguaro cactus standing to the side of the chalkboard. This caused him to jump back in a jolt of pain, again, forgetting the ledge. Thorin fell backward off the raised platform and crashed into a table. The table's legs snapped under the weight of the impact, sending it and him to the floor with a bang. 

His head swam for a moment, and there was a light ringing in his ears as the world came back into focus. It was a very pleasant focus as Bilbo's face was now inches from his. 

“Mr. Durin, are you ok! Gaffer, help me get him up, then go grab the first aid kit!” Thorin felt his body get pulled into a sitting position, and finally, he fully regained his senses. 

“First thing you should know…it was an accident. Second thing is that I will definitely make you a new table,” Thorin mumbled, clutching his head. He winced when he realized one of his hands was covered in cactus spines. 

“I’m not worried about the table! Do you need me to call an ambulance?” Bilbo fretted. He was kneeling on the floor in front of Thorin, one hand supporting his back and the other resting on his chest.

“No, no, I’m sturdier than I look. I might need help getting these spines out of my hand, though.” 

“Yes, I can help with that. Here lean on me, and I can help you up.” Bilbo braced himself so that Thorin could lean on him instead of his injured hand. 

“No offense. Are you sure you can help me up? I’m twice your size.” 

“I’m stronger than I look, but to be safe, make sure you lean into your other hand.” It was a little bit of a struggle, but Bilbo was able to help him stand up and get seated on a proper bench. A short time later, Gaffer came running back in with a first aid kit in hand. Bilbo took it and pulled a chair to him so close that their knees interlocked. He held out his hand, motioning for Thorin to hand his over. When he did, Bilbo took it in a firm but gentle grasp. 

“I am so sorry, but this next part will sting a lot, and the pain will likely ache the more spines I take out. Are you sure you wouldn't rather have urgent care do it?” Bilbo met his eyes with a worried expression. Thorin put his hand on Bilbo's knee. 

“No, I’m fine. Like I said, I’m sturdy.” Thorin enjoyed the little blush that crossed Bilbo's face at the casual touch, but he retracted his hand, not wanting to overstep. Bilbo started plucking the spines out in silence. He wasn't wrong; the more spines came out, the worse it hurt. Sensing Thorin’s discomfort, Bilbo tried to strike up a casual conversation. 

“So, what were you on your way to ask me before all of this happened?” Bilbo asked, still concentrating on his hand. 

“I was returning the antennas, and I was going to say thank you. The boys had a lot of fun.” He winced as the last of the spines came out. “Is that all of them?” Thorin asked

“No, I have to get the fine hairs out next, then clean it. This next part won't hurt as bad, but it will feel weird. Bilbo pulled out a little jar of glue and coated Thorin’s hand in it, then placed a few gauze pads over it. “The glue will dry and pull the little spines out. So were you just coming to return the antennas, or did you want to ask me something…else?” Thorin’s head snapped up to look a the bashful smile spreading across Bilbo’s face. 

“Well, I should probably ask for your number. You know, just in case I decide to put my hand through another cactus. You do definitely seem to know what you’re doing.” Thorin tried to flash a cheesy grin, hoping his attempt at being smooth wasn't as horrible as it sounded in his head. To his delight, Bilbo started laughing. 

“I’ve had a lot of practice bandaging accidental cacti wounds. I’ve never had someone break a table, however, so I will get to add that to my list of firsts.” Bilbo looked him right in the eyes with a sweet smile and ripped the glue-soaked gauze off his hand in one clean motion. Thorin wrenched his hand back in a yelp of pain. 

“You said that wasn't going to hurt as much!” Thorin grumbled, rubbing his hand

“I lied, sorry! I needed you to not tense your hand. I’m sure it feels much better now. I just need to clean it with some peroxide, and we’re all done.” Bilbo gingerly wiped his hand down. When he was done, he gave the back of his hand a little pat and got up. Thorin was sad to see him move away. He was also sad to realize that Bilbo had never actually given him his number. Thorin pulled the car keys out of his pocket and scratched behind his head in a nervous gesture. 

“I appreciate the help, and again, I’ll make sure you get another table. I guess I should probably head out.” He started to turn around for the door when Bilbo called him back. 

“Wait! You just crashed into a table; there is no way you should drive home! Y-you could have a concussion or… something. Let me drive your car home, and Gaffer can follow behind us to take me back.” Thorin was not about to question getting to spend a little more time with this cactus-loving gardener. 

“I live about 30 minutes away so as long as you're sure. My truck is a stick shift. Is that going to be an issue?” 

“Not at all! I love driving stick!” Bilbo seemed oblivious to his double entendre, then turned a wonderful shade of scarlet. “I mean, I drive stick all the time! Wait, no I… just give me the keys….” Bilbo swiped the keys from his hand and quickly walked out the door, not making eye contact. Thorin stared after him with a lopsided grin and fond eyes. He had known Bilbo for all of two and a half hours, and he already wanted to kiss the man silly.

The car ride was comfortable. They listened to a few songs off their playlists and then swapped stories about their jobs and hobbies. All too soon, they pulled up to Thorin’s house.

 “Wow! Your house is way nicer than I thought it would be! Not that I thought it would look bad or anything! It just doesn't match up to the aesthetic I thought you would keep.”  Bilbo put the car in park and stepped out. Thorin did the same. He walked around to the side of the car Bilbo was standing on to continue the conversation.  

“That’s because my sister picked the house. Most of what makes me, me is in a workshop around the back. You should see it sometime. I know you do projects of your own I think you’d like it.” Thorin hung the second bid for more time together out in the open, hoping Bilbo would take it. 

“I think I’d like that,” Bilbo replied, blushing. Thorin held his breath as those deep green eyes looked through lases up at him. Bilbo stood comfortably in the shadow of his broad frame and heaven above; he looked like he was meant to fit there. The air hung heavy for a moment before Bilbo rolled up onto his tiptoes and planted a chaste kiss on Thorin’s lips. “I have to go but… you should call me!” He felt him slip something into the breast pocket of his flannel shirt, then turn and walk away. He stared in shock as he watched Bilbo’s pleasant form disappear into a yellow Volkswagen. When he checked his pocket a moment later, it was a business card for The Sipping Plant with a heart drawn around where Bilbo’s number was. 

[dollsonmain]

Long rambly.

Got a little too enthusiastic to get those remaining ponies clean and now there are too many ponies in each station and I can’t move anyone forward until I clear out the later stations.

Got a few more ponies in the soup, and a few more ready to go in the soup when that batch is done. No other progress can be made until more soup is done.

I don’t go up and down the stairs to take photos unless there are a bunch of ponies to photograph. One or two more soups should do it.

-

I just spent over an hour fighting with extremely hydrophobic potting soil and I am annoyed. (Also looks like I wouldn’t have been mowing today anyway, it’s raining.)

It was the bottom of a bag of dirt that’s been here long enough to dry out completely, and that got me thinking that maybe a lot of fine particles settled to the bottom and that’s why it can’t rehydrate. Which I understand but can’t explain.

Anyway, I ended up aggressively straining it with water at the sink, effectively rinsing the dirt part of the dirt and likely most of the nutrients out. I do have a fresh bag of dirt that I’ve topped it off with, so it’s not totally devoid of dirt-dirt and nutrients, and I have that bone, scale, feather, and blood fertilizer.

Anyway I finally said fuck it and made That Guy pay full price for two more of those little face planters at Target. I got the dark one on clearance last summer but the others never did go on clearance. They have some of the baby succulents I’d propagated in them, now. One is the PERFECT size for a pudding cup I had, so I used that one as a cache pot, and the other I had to fill with dirt completely because I don’t have a suitable plastic cup to use as an insert.

I suppose I could move the larger plant from the darker pot to the medium pot and then use another pudding cup in the darker pot with the small baby succulent, but I don’t know if I have the patience for that at the moment.

I’m getting really annoyed with That Guy regarding my plants, though. He gets agitated every time I prune them, separate them, or move them to more suitable containers. When I said I was going to make friends for the older one he begged me not to “hurt” it.

It’s no wonder his pepper plant is struggling.

I also rinsed and strained the dirt the sad, soggy, Happy Bean plants are in because it was from the bottom of the same bag of dirt and equally hydrophobic.

I want to order more silicone trays. They’re great for keeping the windowsill clean while also allowing further drainage from the pots. I do let them sit in the sink on a grate to drain after watering, but sometimes there are still some dribbles.

-

And then my stomach was like “You skipped breakfast and I’m going to hurt you, now.” so I’m sitting down and having some breakfast.

I wish I could stop being angry at myself when I drop food. It’s not something I can do anything about and I drop things constantly, but it infuriates me regardless.

-

16 years we’ve lived here next month and we’re still getting junk mail for the previous owners. We’ve also lately been getting mail for a Charlie and Karen Rose whom we’ve never heard of.

When their dad died, we were getting mail for That Guy and his sister as though they were married, which was weird. Their dad did some paperwork magic when he was about to lose the house when they were little and made them the owners, and the owners being minors meant it couldn’t be taken by the bank, or something like that, so as soon as their dad died the WE BUY HOUSES AS-IS vultures started sending postcards here.

-

I’m getting to the point that I’m ready for Son to leave in the mornings because the noise videos he likes are so horrible that they cause me physical pain. Some sounds do.

That Guy said that as soon as Son has his license he (That Guy) is going to get him an application at one of the local grocery stores that we don’t shop at, and I’m like... Did you ASK Son if he wants to work there? If he doesn’t want to work there he will cause trouble on purpose.

Also, why not me? Why not help ME get a job?

Because then he won’t be 100% in financial control, and if I have enough money to leave him, I will.

[mtap-comics]

Here comes the next fill in for my Bad Things Happen Bingo Card:

Fandom: My time at Portia

Pairing: Arlo x Female Builder

Summary: Elenya's day got off to a bad start, but then revealed a wonderful, albeit surprising, twist for her.

Word count: 4972

Prompt: Vertigo

Author's note: I apologize for the long wait, but I was attacked by the mean monster called Writers Block and couldn't get a decent sentence out for a while.

Warnings: Vomiting (It's not graphic, but it's there), you may get cavities again

Read on AO3: Link

How To Not Deal With Dizzy Spells - A Demonstration

On a warm spring day, Arlo sat on one of the benches in their front yard, admiring once again what his wonderful wife had done with the once small and rusty workshop from her pa. It’s been 3 years since Elenya arrived in Portia and life has been so much better since then. His life was so much better. He still didn't know how he was lucky enough to be able to marry this wonderful human being.

With a gentle smile on his lips, he let his gaze wander over the garden. Over the flower beds, arbours, and the little merry-go-round that Elenya insisted on. He found it a bit unnecessary at first, but just hearing the happy laughter from her was worth dragging it into their garden. What he liked most, though, was the big fountain, which was right in front of him. The splashing of the water had a calming effect and emitted a pleasant atmosphere.

But his relaxed mood was clouded by concern for his little builder. Elenya had not been feeling well in the last few days. She slept much more, had no desire to eat, and moved much more sluggishly than usual. Just yesterday she had bumped into a door frame, and although she was clumsy, she was not that extreme. He suspected she was having dizzy spells and just didn't want to tell him.

Arlo tried to get her to rest more, to take it easy for a few days, but just as he knew, she kept working because she didn't want to let anyone in town down. And while he loved her for her kindness, he wished she would take a little better care of herself sometimes.

Even today, she couldn't quite stop working. She had agreed to take a day off with him and enjoy the warm weather, but she still wanted to take care of her plants. Right now she was removing weeds from the apple and apricot trees that stood right next to the fence.

Concerned, his eyes kept wandering to her, but didn't try to linger too long. She didn't like it when he was hovering too much, but it was hard to suppress his protective nature. He tried to distract himself with the thought of what else they could do today.

Maybe he should prepare a nice picnic? She would surely like that and maybe she could relax for once.

Arlo was about to turn to Elenya to tell her about his plan, when a distressed "Woah" sounded from her. He immediately jumped up, but he wasn't fast enough. Horrified, he had to watch her sway in place before her right leg buckled and she fell limply to the ground.

He immediately knelt down next to her. Elenya was lying motionless on her side and carefully, he turned her onto her back. His gaze fell directly on the wound on her forehead, blood running down her face and his eyes darted briefly to the planter box in front of him, finding a matching patch of blood on it.

Damn! He knew he shouldn't have let her out of his sight.

Worried, he patted her cheek lightly. "Elenya, sweetheart, can you hear me? Please, open your eyes..."

At first she didn't respond and fear started to eat through him, but then a pained groan escaped her and green flashed from under her eyelids.

Relief washed over him.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Fuck, why did her head hurt so much? And why was she lying on the floor?

Dazed, Elenya opened her eyes and blurry she could make out a head above her. It took a moment, but when her vision cleared, she was met by worried blue eyes.

"Wha...?" She tried to ask what had happened, but her tongue wouldn't quite cooperate. Thankfully, Arlo understood her the same anyway.

"You fainted and hit your head on the planter box. Please, tell me what's been going on lately. I'm so worried about you, darling." His eyes swam with concern.

She fainted? That had never happened to her before…

Through the headache, Elenya tried to remember what had happened moments before, and slowly the memories came flooding back. She had been kneeling in front of one of her apple trees, clearing the weeds, and just wanted to stretch her back out a bit. But as soon as she stood and raised her arms above her head, her circulation completely collapsed and her vision went black.

This had happened to her several times in the last few days, but she had never fainted. Usually she got dizzy for a short time, and then it passed again. She knew that Arlo had noticed that she was not doing so well and was worried, but she had still tried not to let anything show. Obviously, she couldn't do that any more.

"I'm sorry, Arlo… I always black out for a second lately when I get up too fast, but it's never been this bad." Apologetically, she looked up at him and his expression darkened with even more concern. "Can I finally take you to see Dr. Xu now? You're not feeling well and we need to find out why."

His right hand gently rested against her left cheek and surrendering, she nuzzled into his warm palm. “Yeah, I will go.” By now, she was also worried about what was wrong with her.

"Thank you, sweetheart. Do you think you can sit up?" "Yeah, I think so." She propped herself up on her elbows and carefully raised herself up, but that turned out to be a serious mistake. Immediately a sharp pain shot through her head and she felt terribly dizzy. With a painful groan, she let herself fall backwards again. 

"Elenya!" Horrified, Arlo just managed to catch her head before it collided with the floor again, and tried to capture her gaze. It took a moment for the pain to subside enough for her to think again, and another groan escaped her. "God, my head ..."

"Let me see." Gently, he turned her head to the left to get a better look at her wound and drew in a sharp breath. "Damn, that looks worse than I first thought. I hope you don't have a concussion. Please lie still and I'll quickly get something so we can bandage your head. It's still bleeding really bad." He stroked through her hair once soothingly and then quickly disappeared into the house.

Exhausted, Elenya closed her eyes. Nausea had joined the headache and she feared that a concussion wasn’t unlikely. Time blurred before her and it felt like just a second had passed when Arlo returned.

A gentle touch on her cheek made her open her eyes again, pain clear in them and soft blue eyes looked down at her compassionately. "Hey, I'll just quickly bandage your head then we'll take you to Dr. Xu. He can give you something for the pain, okay?" His voice was soft, for which she was very grateful, as it didn't aggravate her headache.

"Okay." Arlo worked as carefully as he could, however, every little movement stabbed like knives into her head and she couldn't suppress every whimper. "I'm sorry, honey. I'll be done in a minute." Gently, he quickly wiped the blood from her face and then put the bandages back in the first aid kit.

"I'll just get Spacer and we can be on our way. Please try to stay awake for me, okay?" Full of concern, Arlo looked down at her. Her brain was getting foggy and she was struggling to follow what he was saying.

"Okay." Elenya wasn't quite sure what she was agreeing to, but she trusted Arlo. He would never do anything to hurt her.

The next 20 minutes passed in a blur. The only thing she was aware of was pain, nausea and Arlo. Arlo's warm chest against her back, his strong arm around her waist and his warm voice whispering soothing words in her ear again and again.

The next thing Elenya really noticed was when they stopped in front of the clinic and Arlo carefully lifted her off Spacer. Once she was safely in his arms, she buried her head in his neck with a soft whimper. The light of the midday sun had been piercing her head like nails the whole time and she wanted nothing more than to escape the pain.

"Shh, it's all right, sweetie. You'll feel better in a minute." Arlo squeezed her tighter for a moment and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, then walked with careful steps towards the clinic.

With a well-aimed kick, he opened the door and she couldn't suppress a small smile despite the pain, as she could still remember her first encounter with Arlo as if it had been yesterday. That she would eventually marry the handsome door-kicking man was definitely something she would never have dreamt of back then, but she wouldn't give him up again for anything in the world.

A startled exclamation told her that Dr. Xu hadn't expected anyone to kick down his door, but he seemed to regain his composure quickly, because only a short time after their entrance she could hear his hurried footsteps and concerned voice.

"Arlo, Elenya, what happened?"

Elenya kept her face buried in Arlo's neck, the bright light of the clinic almost worse for her head than the sunlight, but fortunately neither Arlo nor Dr. Xu expected an answer from her.

"She fainted and hit her head on her planter box. The wound is pretty deep and I'm concerned she may have a concussion." Arlo's voice was tense and full of concern, his grip around her tightening.

"She fainted? That doesn't sound good. But I'll take a look at her head first, then we'll deal with the cause of it. Please set her down carefully on the bed here." Dr. Xu also sounded very concerned, and guilt spread through her. She hated it when other people had to worry about her.

Arlo carefully set her down on the hospital bed and reluctantly she broke away from him. She didn't want to part from his warmth and protective darkness, but reason prevailed over her muddled brain.

Elenya must have made a protesting sound anyway, because Arlo gently hushed her. "It's all right, darling. I'm not leaving."

Supporting her head, he gently laid her down. But as soon as she was horizontal, she was overcome by such dizziness and nausea that, with a stifled groan, she reached blindly for Arlo's shoulder to pull herself up against him with the last of her strength.

The quick movement, of course, only made everything worse and, uncoordinated, she fell against Arlo's chest. The world continued to spin behind her eyelids, blood rushed in her ears, and only with difficulty did she keep the nausea at bay.

Oh God...

Again, her sense of time left her and she couldn't tell exactly how long it took until the roaring in her ears finally subsided and she was able to register something around her again.

She was still leaning sideways against Arlo's chest, his right arm wrapped tightly around her shoulders, while his other hand stroked her arm soothingly. She could hear his stressed heartbeat under her left ear, and apologetically she raised her trembling hand to his and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Sorry... I'm... okay. Just... awfully dizzy..." At her soft words, his grip around her shoulders tightened and he gently took her hand in his.

"There's nothing to apologise for. Just focus on yourself. Dr. Xu is getting you something for the pain and nausea right now, and you should feel better in a minute." His words were gentle and punctuated by a loving kiss on her head.

As if on cue, Dr Xu's calm voice rang out. "Here, this is a new mixture I have developed with the help of my master from Seesai. It helps with both pain and nausea." A small vial was pressed into her free hand. "Can you try to open your eyes for me, Elenya? I would like to look at them."

She really didn't want to, but it seemed she had no choice. Hesitantly, she opened her eyes and after her vision cleared a little, she was met by a softly smiling Dr. Xu.

"That’s good. I will now quickly shine a light into your eyes, which will be very uncomfortable, I’m afraid, but it will be over in a moment. After that, you can take the medicine and I'll take care of the laceration, okay?" 

Before Elenya could react, a small lamp was held in front of her eyes and she involuntarily flinched to escape the stabbing pain. Arlo, however, held her upright and squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"Okay, it's over already. You're welcome to close your eyes again if you like." Elenya didn't need to be told twice and closing her eyes, she let her head fall exhausted against Arlo's shoulder. Every heartbeat throbbed uncomfortably in her head and she could hardly wait to be back home in her bed.

With Arlo's help, she took the honey-sweetened medicine and let the rest of the procedure pass in silence. Fortunately, the head wound did not need stitches and Dr. Xu was able to close it with a few butterfly plasters after cleaning it thoroughly. A rectangular compress was applied to protect it, and then at least her head was taken care of.

After a short conversation with Arlo, he also took some blood from her, but she couldn't say exactly what they had talked about. Arlo had held her upright the whole time, stroking her arm and back reassuringly, and she just concentrated on his closeness and smell. He always had such a calming effect on her that she could forget the pain and fog in her head for a moment.

~~~~~~

15 minutes later, Elenya sat with Arlo on the edge of the hospital bed. His right arm was still wrapped around her shoulders and her head leaned against his shoulder. The medicine was not yet completely helping against the pain and she still felt light-headed and exhausted. Her eyes were still closed against the harsh light of the clinic, and Arlo was gently running his other hand through her hair. 

"So, I have some good news and some bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?" At Dr. Xu's words, her eyes opened lazily and she looked up into the doctor's ever-calm face. Arlo took the decision from her.

"The bad one first, please." He squeezed her shoulder lightly and with a tense face, he looked toward the doctor. "So, Elenya has a mild concussion. She should rest for the next 2-3 days and definitely not do any heavy work. The best thing would be to sleep a lot and not strain her eyes, then it should pass without any problems." 

Dr. Xu spoke about her as if she wasn't there, and while that would normally bother her, she was grateful right now. Thinking was still hard for her and she was quite happy to leave that to Arlo. The latter also promptly pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head and pulled her a little closer to him. "Damn, I shouldn't have let you out of my sight. Then I could have caught you and this wouldn't have happened." Guilt resonated in his voice and with a sigh she lifted her heavy head to look him in the eyes, exasperated.

"You know as well as I do that I wouldn't have let that happen. I have only myself to blame. If I had listened to you and snuggled up with you on the bench, this wouldn't have happened either." "But..." "No buts. It's not your fault, honey. You can't..."

"Now do you still want to know the good news?" Dr. Xu interrupted her mid-sentence. He had been watching the exchange with a fond smile. He knew the spectacle well enough, it was, unfortunately, not the first time Elenya had been hurt and the two always "fought" about the same thing afterwards.

Apologetically, Elenya looked up at the doctor. Her headache had become more bearable and her brain cleared up a bit. Arlo also turned back to Dr. Xu and they both looked expectantly at him.

"Well, the reason you haven't been feeling well for the past few days is..." Dr. Xu actually paused dramatically and confused, Arlo and she looked at each other.

She wasn't feeling well and Dr. Xu called this good news?

Arlo was already opening his mouth to probably ask the same thing when Dr. Xu finished his sentence with a smile. "You're pregnant."

Surprise rippled through her. She was... pregnant?

That announcement drove the rest of the fog from her brain and thinking hard, she tried to remember when her last period was. And sure enough, she was already a week overdue.

Why hadn't she noticed? Along with her symptoms, she should have figured it out for herself. The fatigue, the recurring nausea and the dizzy spells. Everything pointed to a pregnancy.

Elenya looked up at Arlo with big eyes and he looked back with just as big ones. Wonder was written all over his face. They had talked about starting a small family a while ago, but then both got overwhelmed with so much work that they didn't have time to plan further. And now she was pregnant!

She joyfully jumped up to embrace her husband, completely forgetting about her concussion and directly paying the price for it. Pain shot through her head, black dots danced before her eyes and her legs buckled.

"Woah, careful!" Arlo quickly caught her and pulled her protectively against his chest. Dr. Xu took a startled step toward her as well, but was able to drop his arms again in reassurance. "Hey, I'm just as happy as you are, but don't try to crack your brain open again right away, okay?" Arlo's voice was laced with both concern and joy, and after the dizziness and pain subsided a bit again, she snuggled happily against him.

"Sorry..." She let Arlo hold her weight for a while longer, until her legs were halfway stable again. Then she detached herself from him slightly so she could finally look him in the face properly. His clear blue eyes looked at her with a mixture of concern, disbelief and joy. "We're having a baby." He whispered joyfully and pressed a long, gentle kiss to her lips.

"Yes, we are." She whispered back just as happily after they broke away from each other and then rested her head against his shoulder, exhausted. The joyful adrenaline rush quickly left her and immediately Arlo's arms tightened around her.

"I think it's time to take you home, sweetheart. You need to rest." He pressed another gentle kiss to her head and a happy sigh escaped her.

"I agree. I think it's best if you come back in a few days so I can have a look at your head and so we can discuss what to do about the pregnancy. The dizziness and nausea will stay for a while until your body gets used to its new task, so please be a little more careful. As I'm sure you've noticed, getting up quickly in particular causes problems for your body, so keep that in mind." Dr. Xu rummaged in one of his cupboards for a moment, then handed them a bag filled with the vials of the same slightly greenish liquid she had just drunk.

"Here, for the headache you'll be feeling for the next few days. Don't take more than three a day, please. Otherwise the effect could be reversed. But now I'm dismissing you and remember: No hard labour for the next three days.” Dr. Xu's gaze was gentle yet stern and, sheepishly, Elenya hid her face a little more in Arlo's chest. 

Building was her passion, she couldn't just get out of her skin. But as miserable as she felt at the moment, she would voluntarily take a few days off. Not to mention that Arlo wouldn't let her out of his sight, of course.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of that," came from him right away, too, as expected. He quickly tucked her medicine into his waist bag and then she was in his arms again. "Thank you very much, Dr. Xu. We'll come by again in a few days."

"No need to thank me. However, if her headache worsens or any other symptoms come up, please come back to me directly, okay?" Dr. Xu waved them both off and with a final thank you from her as well, Arlo carried her out of the clinic and got her back up on Spacer.

~~~~~~

Once home, Arlo carefully helped Elenya off Spacer again and lifted her up into his arms. Exhausted, she immediately buried her face in his neck and let his familiar scent envelop her. The excitement of the last 2 hours had completely drained her.

She still couldn't believe she was pregnant!

It felt so surreal that there was a little creature just starting to grow in her belly. That the concussion still hampered her thought processes didn't help either. She tried not to let it unsettle her, though, since she had Arlo by her side. Her wonderful, strong husband who always took such loving care of her and whom she loved with all her heart.

Who also just carried her straight to the bedroom and gently put her down on their bed. 

"Here we are, darling. Would you like something to eat or would you rather try to sleep a little?" Arlo's right hand gently cupped her cheek and tenderly he caressed it with his thumb. 

With a soft sigh, Elenya nestled into his palm. "I don't think I could eat right now. I'm still feeling slightly nauseous." Dr. Xu medicine had helped well, but her stomach still felt queasy and she wanted nothing more than to sleep right now.

"Okay, but you should at least drink some more water. You haven't had anything to drink since this morning." His words left no room for argument.

He quickly fetched her a full glass of water from the kitchen and made sure she drank it down to the last drop. Indeed, the water helped her stomach to settle down a bit and with relief she laid down.

"Hey, I know you're tired, but don't you want to put on something more comfortable?" Arlo's soft laugh sent a warm shiver down her spine, but she still couldn't help an annoyed grumble.

She didn't want to change, she wanted to sleep!

Another laugh came in response. "Come on, I'll help you. You'll feel a little better in it."

Before she knew it, she was dressed in warm sweatpants and a simple T-shirt, the covers pulled up to her chin, and Arlo's hand gently running through her hair lulling her into a light sleep.

For the next few hours, she alternated between a light sleep and dozing while Arlo read a book next to her, leaning against the headboard. When it was time for dinner, he cooked her crepes with fruit sauce at her request, since she had no appetite for anything else. In general, he made sure she had everything she needed and was as comfortable as possible.

Every time she woke up from her light slumber, he greeted her with a gentle kiss. Either on her lips, forehead or even the back of her hand. And when it was also time for him to go to sleep, he gently pulled her to his chest and started massaging her head until she actually fell into a deep sleep.

Unfortunately, the sleep didn't last as long as she would have liked. It was early morning, the sun not even up yet, when she was rudely roused from her sleep. Dr. Xu's medicine had worn off by now and her head was pounding terribly, but that was not what had awakened her. No, her stomach rebelled awfully and she quickly realised that she would not be able to hold back the nausea this time.

Luckily, she had rolled away from Arlo during the night, so she was able to get out of bed quickly. However, the world around her immediately began to spin, worsening her nausea, and blindly and uncoordinatedly she stumbled toward the bathroom. She fell to her knees in front of the toilet just in time for the first wave to hit her.

Sharp pains coursed through her head as her stomach contents emptied into the toilet, and tears leaked from her eyes. Cold sweat trickled down her forehead and back and she shivered.

God, she hadn't felt this miserable in a long time.

Outside the bathroom, the light came on.

"Elenya, are you all right?" Arlo's concerned voice rang through the half-closed door, but before she could answer him, the next wave overcame her.

"Oh, sweetheart..." A large, warm hand rested on her back and another took her hair from her hands, which she awkwardly held back. Another wave rolled over her and this time she couldn't hold back a light sob.

She had always hated throwing up, but now together with the concussion it was almost unbearable.

The hand on her back began to stroke soothingly up and down and Arlo's warm voice whispered soft words in her ear. After a fourth wave, her stomach finally seemed to have had enough and exhausted, she let herself fall against his chest with a whimper. Immediately his arms closed around her and half pulled her onto his lap. It had to be quite uncomfortable for him, but he didn't acknowledge it, instead wiping the last few tears from her cheeks with a gentle touch.

"I'm so sorry you are feeling bad, sweetie. Do you think you're done?" With one hand, he gently lifted her head and his blue eyes looked down at her lovingly. 

She nodded. Her stomach still hurt, but the need to vomit was thankfully gone.

"That's good. How about you brush your teeth and I'll get you a vial of Dr. Xu's medicine. Then you should feel better soon, okay?" He waited for her to agree before closing the lid of the toilet and helping her sit on it. Quickly, he flushed the toilet and then handed her her toothbrush.

Getting the nasty taste out of her mouth helped her feel a little better and by the time she was done, Arlo was standing in front of her again, said vial and a grey bundle in his hand.

"Here, I also brought you my grey sweater. I saw you shivering and I know how much you like it." A loving smile graced his lips and she perked up at his words.

Oh, she loved that sweater! 

It was soft, warm and always smelled of Arlo as she made him wear it regularly. It was almost as good as a hug from him. Eagerly she raised her arms and with a warm chuckle Arlo complied to her silent request and pulled the sweater over her head.

Momentarily forgetting her discomfort, she snuggled into the warmth of the jumper before accepting the opened vial of medicine from Arlo. She quickly emptied the bottles contents and was surprised to find that her stomach accepted the liquid without protest.

"Come on, let's get you back to bed." This time without waiting for her reply, he lifted her high into his arms and she snuggled happily against him. She would never admit it openly, but she loved it when he carried her in his arms. There she felt safe and secure and knew that nothing could happen to her.

After only a few steps, they were back in their bedroom. Gently, Arlo set her down on the bed and then helped her to lie down. He himself laid down on her right side, propped himself up on his elbow and cupped her cheek with his right hand. His gaze was filled with such tenderness and love that tears welled up in her eyes.

Damn hormones!

"I love you so much. Thank you for carrying our child, sweetheart. You’ll be a wonderful mother. I'm so glad we're taking this step together." Through her tears, she smiled up at her wonderful husband. 

"You big sap. Don't thank me yet, though. You get to deal with my whining and mood swings for the next nine months."

Laughing softly, he pressed a quick kiss to her lips. "Don't worry, it's worth it. I'll look after you both, I promise." A single tear escaped her and touched, she replied, "I know. You always do."

Gently, Arlo wiped the tear away and captured her in a tender kiss. "You should get some more sleep, if you can. It will do you good."

"Will you stay with me?" She looked up at him with pleading eyes. The sun was rising by now and the time Arlo usually got up was approaching. She was still miserable, though, and didn't want to be alone.

"Of course, you don't even have to ask. Sam and Remy can manage without me for a few more days. You're much more important right now, especially until your concussion heals. I'll stay as long as you need me." "Thank you..."

Carefully, she turned on her side and Arlo immediately snuggled against her back. He gently slid his left arm under her head so she could use it as a pillow, and his right hand came to rest protectively on her stomach. It was nice and warm and helped her stomach relax a bit.

She still felt nauseous and her head hurt, but in Arlo's arms she felt safe and loved and exhausted she fell into a restful sleep.

(And because that game is so fucking cute:)

[butts-for-days]

garden 2024

Time for plants!! :D

My strawberry seeds finally came!! But my excitement is tempered by the knowledge that it’ll take 3-4 weeks for them to even germinate. I don’t wanna have to be patient :( But the sooner I plant them the sooner they’ll grow. If all goes well and I don’t have a giant depressive episode and neglect all my plants in the middle of the growing season, I should have seventy plants ready in May. Which should be enough for…

The tall boy planter! It’s built from PVC pipe, and it’s six feet tall, with an 8” diameter, and 45 nooks for plants. It has a central pipe for watering, which I intend to hook up to a RasPi controlled fountain pump. I built it to make the most of the limited space and abundant sunlight on my balcony. Here’s hoping I am blessed with many delicious fruits :)

I have an automated watering setup planned for that planter—a Raspberry Pi controls a fountain pump in a water tank that pumps the water six feet up to the top of the planter. Why a tank and not a hose? Because alas, my apartment does not have an outside faucet. This means I will need to haul buckets of water to fill it, but honestly, it’s not that much more work than using the watering can I already have. I have all the parts for the build, but the software isn’t there yet. Fortunately there are a few open source projects on github for exactly this sort of application. I haven’t done a coding project for myself in ages. I’m kind of looking forward to it.

Also planted: herbs, petunias, tobacco, lettuce.

Current planting schedule:

feb 15: start peppers, impatiens, vinca, marigolds

march 1: start tomatoes, coleus

april 1: plant carrots, peas, lettuce outside

may 15: everybody outside! also plant nasturtiums, beans, sweet peas, anything else that’s not frost-hardy

[albertfinch]

NURTURING THE CHRIST SEED WITHIN

Mark 4:26-29, "This is what the Kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.

All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." Some have Divine seeds within their hearts they have nurtured for years, not knowing when their yield will come to fruition. What farmer would plant, without fully intending to see a mature crop as the fruit of his labor? The planter and the waterer can rejoice and anticipate the gathering, as in Psalms 126:6, "He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." Our great expectation is securely founded upon the promises of God. After all, the Scriptures proclaim God DOES make things grow, not God might make things grow.

Taking action ends dormancy, stirring up the life process hidden beneath their protective covering.

SOAKING THE SEEDS

Do we nurture Christ, the seed within us, realizing that as we are transformed into His image through affirming and meditating on His Word, and as the seed reaches maturity, we are the will of God "on earth as it is in Heaven?"

Or, does our flesh yet willfully contend for our own harvest?

Seeds soaked in hot water germinate very quickly.  After soaking in hot water, the sprouting and growth phase will accelerate. There can be a "suddenly" resulting from our yielding, to the ways of the Harvester.  The more we yield--the more we will yield (produce). And may we remember that purification often takes place in the desert where it seems dry and desolate. But, in truth, God is always "reigning" even in the desert where the Spirit may have led us. Rejoice, for "the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will burst into bloom." Isaiah 35:1 But as we go on our way, seeds can be choked by life's worries, riches, and pleasures, and they will not mature without soaking in the Living Water (Luke 8:14)..

WE NEED TO BE ASKING OURSELVES:

Do I really want growth?

Have I become dormant in the process of seeking my own comfort?

Do I remain inert, safe within my shell, because I know that growth most often creates tension? Remember, the enemy's purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. Some seeds may be sluggish, complacent, or inactive, indicative of a slow death. The devil is coy and won't just kill the seeds instantly. Rather, he takes years deviously trying to mutate seeds of the righteous. However, the Good News promises Jesus has come to give life abundantly!

THE FIELDS ARE RIPE The Heavenlies are seeded with revelation on advancing God’s Kingdom NOW. The fields are ripe and harvest time is near. Are you parched? Do you feel dormant? The rain is coming--soak the seeds!

Turn away from anything that would take preeminence over God’s PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE. Allow Him to uproot anything in your garden that hinders the growth of your calling in Christ. Jesus provides water from His pierced side and again, as He promised, "You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Living Water, "reign" down on us!

Our Father promises in Revelation 21:6, "I will give to the thirsty the springs of the Water of Life--as a gift!" He says only to those who are thirsty will He give that gift. God never forces His Living Water on anyone. But, He does promise to fill those who are thirsty (Matthew 5:6).

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[nightshadereaper66]

Here's a description I wrote a couple of months ago. My prompt was "inner peace."

Windows line one side of the small room. The ceiling is sloped there, connecting the floor to the top of the opposite wall. The sun’s rays dance across the hardwood floor; dappled by the tree branches outside and swaying with the wind. The sunlight strays farther, creating twinkling beams that dance through the water of the fish tanks. Light spills out from lamps that sit above each one, delineating the bounds of the glass. The room resonates with the low hum of the hidden filters and bubblers, their echoes muffled by the fluffy floor rug. Pothos plants cascade over the tanks’ lip, falling down the wooden stands as fish drift among their submerged roots. Each tank is unique, grounded by pieces of driftwood and dragon stone and livened by vibrant plants. The motion of the fish attracts my eye. Some weave in and out of the greenery in schools while others rove across the bottom. A few swim alone, regally flicking their fins to float in place. 

Two walls are lined with shelves filled with books. There are paperbacks and hardbacks, comic books, novels, and everything in between. Planters hang from the walls and ceiling, a monstera plant climbs up one wall, and a fig tree stands in the corner. One of the short sides of the room has a built-in desk and shelf. Boxes of tea sit on one side, next to the electric kettle and two mugs. The shelf is filled with snacks, both sweet and savory, ready for late-night raids and movie marathons. A laptop is charging on the desk’s surface. Its screensaver is active, multicolored ribbons drifting across a dark background. A phone sits next to it. It’s in silent mode; no one can reach me. I’m shielded from obligations and requests as I rest on the large beanbag chair that sits in the corner. It’s next to the slanted roof; sunlight warms my stomach. Thoughts wander my mind as I drift away from reality.

Thanks for the support on my previous post! You are inspiring me to share my writing more!

[pigeonfancier]

I had like a ten+ paragraph being outraged over my father challenging me on gardening shit, but honestly, do I need ten paragraphs for that? No.

TL;DR: I love geology, I love gardening, I love plants, I love my region. I can talk off people’s ears about soil composition in my area, pre-Columbian farming practices vs. post-Columbian, past vs. current plants and the impacts on our soil, etc, etc. And I have! I am a little obsessive about it!

So there is something so thoroughly bombastic about my father looking me dead in the eye, and trying to sincerely, earnestly say: oh, no, I’m confused! Don’t I know that rain gardens are fake? Plants don’t actually help store water, and the only way to keep an area from getting muddy is through just adding even more soil until it stops getting wet.

I’m going to drown him in a mudflow of his own creation. No jury could convict me.

In other news: the soil in my area is gross and I refuse to use it. I’ve got concrete planters, wooden planters, and hanging planters, which has all felt very extra at points, especially when I’m paying to get them filled.

But I was moving shit around in the flowerbeds, which do grow in the soil, and there’s nothing quite like seeing some bright yellow worms, wtf-ing, and looking it up to find out.. oh, okay, that’s linked to arsenic contamination, that’s just great. What the fuck is going on in my soil again?

Geologic and soil processes are to blame for significant baseline levels of arsenic in soil throughout Ohio, according to a study published in the May-June 2014 issue of the Journal of Environmental Quality.

The analysis of 842 soil samples from all corners of Ohio showed that every single sample had concentrations higher than the screening level of concern recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Everything! I love Ohio!