#i have a lot of emotions tied up with the goal of making a career out of it

[aurosoul]

I got some incredibly kind messages today after venting about my thoughts about quitting art this morning and I just want to say THANK YOU to the people who reached out to me and that I love you all 💖💖💖💖 ;__;

I’m definitely NOT giving up, I’ve just been really struggling with anxiety, imposter syndrome, and hinging my self-worth on my income lately and I’ve been losing sight of what brought me to art in the first place.... life remains incredibly stressful to us all, but this was a good reminder to take a breath and be gentle to myself despite everything

[wh0reforcoriolanussnow]

I Know it Won’t Work || Tom Blyth x singer!reader

Summary: You and Tom break up after three years of dating and you perform a song about the truth of the breakup for the first time live.

Warnings: slight age gap, reader is 23 and Tom is 30

Wc: 658

A/n: these r addicting to make lol. Also, changed up some lyrics for the sake of the storyline making sense. 2/4? Fics I’m posting today!

Tom Blyth x singer!reader au masterlist

Divider by @pommecita

You let out a shaky breath, "I left you here, heard you keep the extra closet empty," You sing the first words of your unreleased song to the crowd. "In case this year, I come back and stay throughout my twenties, what if I won't? How am I supposed to put that gently?" You had just freshly turned 23 and broken up with Tom.

You honestly don't know how you ended up here, in-front of a crowd of hundreds in London. Performing in front of people was the last thing you wanted to do at the moment but you had to keep a strong front for your supporters, this show was highly anticipated.

"I've had the thought, tried to work it out through anxious pacin'" Your biggest coping mechanism was writing songs. You never knew how to really express your emotions in sentences to someone, so instead, you write them into songs. Your real feelings and emotions laced into words that in the end, formed a song.

"But it's a lot, all the shine of three happy years fadin'" The crowd watched in silence, partly because it was a new song and they did not know the lyrics to sing along, but also because they were mesmerised. Your voice held so much emotion.

Your fans weren't aware that the two of you have broken up, but a few had already pieced it up. "The whole facade, seemed to fall apart, it's complicated." Everyone viewed you and Tom as the power couple, deeply in love with one another with no flaw or doubt in the relationship

While half of it was true, the other half wasn't. The seven year age gap different had been brought up so many times throughout your relationship. You remember the first time the two of you got together, you were 20 and he was 27.

You both received heavy backlash from the internet but the two of you ignored them all. They weren't the ones in the relationship, they weren't the ones to make the call about whether or not you should be together.

"And part of me wants to walk away 'till you really listen, I hate to look at your face and know that we're feelin' different," As the three years went by, uou hoped you weren't the only one in the relationship that doubted a few things. You didn’t want to admit that other people's comments were getting to you. As the three years progressed with Tom, you felt as if you were just both in such different phases of life.

You were still so young in your early twenties and fresh in your career while it seemed that Tom was ready to settle down, marry, and start a family. He would always mention starting a family and you would listen, not really knowing what to say to him.

But recently, you came into terms with the truth that both you and Tom don't share the same feelings or goals at the moment. "Cause part of me wants you back, but, I know it won't work like that, huh?" You loved Tom, parts of you still do. He never did anything wrong, he was everything you could have ever wished for. You like to think of him as the right person, wrong time.

But nothing was going to change the fact that you two were just in different stages of life. Nothing will change the seven year age gap between the two of you. "I know we cut all the ties, but you're never really leavin'"

Tom hasn't left your mind. It would've been easier if he did. But he just couldn't. "And part of me wants you back, but, I know it won't work like that, huh?" Your voice slightly cracks, a single tear drop runs down your face. Eyes closed, you let it. The dewy stream your tear left—accentuated with the bright lights focused on you—did not go unnoticed.

[cosmoosims]

the beginner's drama challenge by @cosmoosims

*base game only*

Eight generations, each with their own unique storylines and drama-filled tasks to complete! I started making this sometime last year when I had less packs and mods than I do now (I literally only have 4 packs lmao) and I wanted something base-game friendly that also forced me to play emotionally different than I do now.

This is a base game challenge but feel free to use any and all mods/packs/etc to make it your own!

Feel free to play along with me, and post your own images using the tag #bdc :)

GOOGLE DOC

for the goals of each gen, click the google doc above!

Gen One: Evil Mastermind

Backstory Who says all villains are heartless? Despite aspiring to be the greatest criminal the world has ever seen, this Sim can’t help but want to begin a long, fulfilling generation. Being a criminal isn’t the wealthiest career but this Sim vows to give their children everything they want! Now, if only they could keep their evilness in check…

Gen Two: Adrenaline Junkie

Backstory Living with a criminal has turned this Sim into an adrenaline junkie! They crave adventure and anything that will get their heart racing. What better than to become a Secret Agent and work for S.I.M? As well as getting high on life, this Sim loves to make others laugh. Unfortunately, sometimes their jokes can be a little on the mean side, which doesn’t earn them many friends…

Gen Three: Homemade Hermit

Backstory This Sim's parent was always on the go-go-go and now all they want to do is settle down for a quiet life with only their paintings for company. Unfortunately, sometimes their independent nature gets the best of them, causing a rift in both family and friendships alike. Because of this, this sim is seldom happy tied to anyone, and often pushes others away. The only person they want to be with is a ghost they haven’t seen since their childhood…

Gen Four: Villainous Valentine

Backstory After living a sheltered life, this sim just wants to live a little! If that means breaking hearts left and right, then so what? Growing up alone has numbed them to human emotions, including their own. Oh, well! At least they have money to console them, and an increasing pile of bodies…

Gen Five: From the Ground Up

Backstory All this sim wants to do is rise to the top as an Athlete and destroy their competition. After running away from home as a teen, they're more motivated than ever to become the greatest. But their carelessness gets the best of them and soon they end up with too many kids and barely enough money to feed them! Guess it's time to pack up their dreams and crawl back home to a parent they hate…

Gen Six: Style Influencer

Backstory This sim’s parent did the best they could, but growing up with so many siblings really grated them the wrong way. There was no attention left for them! Now they’ve moved out and found their true passion in creating and crafting outfits, but that little spark of jealousy has never left them. Dating taken sims has its ups and downs, but one thing’s for sure; at least this sim is taking attention away from another!

Gen Seven: Ground Control to Major

Backstory This sim’s parent always had their head firmly planted in the ground, but they can’t help that theirs is somewhere up amongst the stars. Everything seems to be going well down on Earth, especially when they marry and have kids with the love of their life, but what could be going on up there on Sixam? What lies in the great expanse of space? This sim has to find out, even at the cost of their family…

Gen Eight: That’s 50’s Show

Backstory Having an absentee sim as a parent has messed this sim up in a big way, but they’re determined to work through it. Sure, a white-picket fence and kids running around the house is a dream for them, but it’s a lot harder to stay committed than it looks. Feeling trapped, this sim can’t help but reach out to someone that isn’t tied to as many responsibilities as their partner is…

[fxirysforesight]

Riize Seunghan's Controversy Reading

If you havent heard by now, (which I'm sure everyone has if you listen to Riize) Seunghan has been embroiled in a conflict regarding his actions pre debut. This reading is solely to gain insight into the truth regarding the matter. Keep in mind that this is based on tarot. Please take it with a grain of salt!

Are The Allegations True?

King of Wands, King of Cups Rx, Knight of Pentacles, 5 of Pentacles

Already the energy is odd.

So for me, this would be a yes. But there's a catch. Some of the allegations are true yes, but some of them are not, or are not as serious as the media is making them out to be. If I would have to take a guess as to which ones, it would be the alleged under-aged girlfriend one, and the smoking one. I do not believe that the bad-mouthing Eunchae one is true and I do not believe that the "unruly" behavior one is completely true either.

Starting with the King of Wands, which is a yes to me. The King of Wands represents someone who is passionate, head strong, and confident. They like to lead, and they like to be at a place or status of importance because it gives them an ego boost. These are people who live life by their own rules, they are usually self-motivated and action-oriented, and they don't allow themselves to be tied down with restrictions which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, the King of Wands also represents someone who is hot tempered and overly proud and arrogant.

With the King of Cups in Reverse also being here, emotions are significant, specifically emotional maturity, which is a huge theme with the King of Cups which interestingly enough also influences that kind of behavior from the King of Wands. However, the King of Cups Reversed is a No, so I do not think that this card is representative of Seunghan like the King of Wands is, rather I believe it is a representation of whomever is extorting him (which is also a theme regarding the King of Cups) I can tell however that he is scared and anxious about this exposure.

With the Knight of Pentacles here this entire thing was likely in the works for a long time. The Knight of pentacles represents things that are slow moving. Things that take time. Things that have been persisted against. This also explains why it is that SM has yet to issue any information regarding this situation, because it came about so quickly and so strongly that it caught them off guard. They didn't have nearly enough time to form a defense or get Seunghan some type of protection, especially since stuff is still coming out.

The 5 of Pentacles is a No. But this is all too far gone for Seunghan to come back from. The 5 of Pentacles is a card of internal pain and suffering. Feeling like the world is against you. Feeling left out in the cold. Aside from alienation and disgracing, a common theme with this card is ruin. Financial ruin, political ruin, social ruin. Which is why I feel as though this entire plan was put into work to destroy his career.

How is Seunghan Feeling At This Moment In Time?

Queen of Pentacles Rx, 5 of Wands, The Fool, 7 of Swords Rx

So as expected Seunghan is feel super ungrounded and insecure about this entire situation. There are feelings of jealous here as well almost like "Everyone does this but I'm the one who gets in trouble for it?" He feels betrayed and immediately started to think the worst after this controversy and it's causing his priorities and goals to drift and dwindle. His focus is no longer on his career or atleast not as much as it should be because with the 5 of Wands here he is in a very combative energy with a few others. He wants to speak up, he wants to talk about it and tell the truth and this may be conflicting with SM's plans for him. He may be having some arguments or disagreements with the other members of the group or with his management team about how to move forward with this because it seems to be causing a lot of chaos.

I think he is ready to come clean though, with the 7 of Swords in Reverse. I definitely feel like he's been warned against taking this route but I don't think he cares honestly. He knows that it will be revealed anyway and would feel better about it coming from his own mouth. With The Fool here, he is hoping that this revelation will pardon him and allow him to start over.

What Will Be SM Entertainment's Next Step Regarding This Situation?

Page of Wands, Death, The Hermit Rx, Queen of Swords Rx

Expect SM Entertainment to put out a letter sometime soon. It may be short, and not as detailed as one would like, and it may not be about this situation at all. They may put out a letter promoting someone or something while simultaneously announcing the departure or hiatus of Seunghan. I'm not seeing that this communication will be very clear or concise, and it may not go over well with fans. I'm also seeing that they may take legal action regarding this situation as well.

[lavendergoddesstarot]

Yes or No (ALL SIGNS)

check for your Sun, Moon & Rising sign

Aries ♈️

Strength: Yes. You'll have a lot of success, courage and strength. This may have been something you wanted but couldn't find the courage to go after but no worries you are going to succeed. You may also have some Leo placements or someone you may have asked about is a Leo.

Advice: The Sun: As advice this card is telling you to stay optimistic. Do what you love with confidence. Yod- Destiny: This is destined to be. 12th House- Escape: This may be something you've been dreaming about and will be like a dream come true for you.

Taurus ♉️

Death: No. You need to make a change and transform so you can transition on move on to things that will better suit you. You may have Scorpio placements or a person you've asked about is a Scorpio.

Advice: 3 of Pentacles r: You should cut all ties with people who don't help you build towards your goals or betterment. Find trustworthy people/friends that have the same mindset and goal as you. Scorpio- Transform: There's a strong message to transform and change. This could be your looks, your actions, negative habits, a mindset, your friend group, etc.

Gemini ♊️

The Tower r: Yes. There may be something or a situation you're trying to avoid but this is an inevitable event. There may be a tower moment that will happen but you'll rebuild something new afterwards.

Advice: The Empress r: You should nurture yourself and your emotions. Make sure to take time to pamper and prioritize your health. 4th House: There is stability and a warm energy coming your way. You may have asked about family, a home or a commitment. You will definitely be building a new foundation after a tower moment.

Cancer ♋️

7 of wands: Yes, but you will have to work for it and stand up for what you want.

Advice: 7 of swords: Watch out for sneaky people around you who don't have your greater good in mind. Mercury- Mind: You will be receiving a lot of mental clarity and possibly genius new ideas about your situation. You may also be communicating a lot of your thoughts and needs.

Leo ♌️

The Hierophant: Yes. Commitment, structure, mentorship and guidance is coming in for. You or someone you've asked about may have Taurus placements.

Advice: 2 of Pentacles: Find balance. You may be juggling a lot or have to make a decision for your higher good. South Node: You are overcoming some major challenges that will set you free Venus- Love: Love and creativity is coming in for you. This may be a relationship, self-love or family. This could also mean you'll be experiencing more luxury and pleasure. Indulge in your luxuries whatever they may be.

Virgo ♍️

6 of Swords: No, but something better is in store for you. Once you leave something behind you'll find calmer waters.

Advice: 8 of Wands: Have fun and enjoy this new exciting phase coming. You are moving towards something stimulating and fun very quickly. This may be a creative venture, a relationship, a trip, etc. Sagittarius- I see: Adventure is in store for you. You may be traveling and exploring new things and places. You may also go through a new spiritual journey. Embrace this, expand your mind and learn.

Libra ♎️

10 of Wands: Yes, but you'll have to work and put in a lot of effort to get it.

Advice: Queen of Cups: Nurture your emotions and self. Make sure to take care of yourself and not to overwork yourself. Virgo- I analyze: You may need to rearrange our daily routine to prioritize you health.

Scorpio ♏️

3 of Cups: Yes. You may be celebrating something soon with friends or others.

Advice: 10 of Pentacles r: You may have to try new methods or ways that may go against family traditions or your usual way of doing things. 2nd House: You may have asked about a possession, assets or something regarding family. You will be celebrating your assets soon.

Sagittarius ♐️

Queen of Pentacles: Yes. You are moving towards stability and security. This may be a stable relationship, a stable job/career, stable mindset, stable resources, etc.

Advice: The Magician: Have a plan. Plan your way to your success and stability and have the confidence to make it happen. 7th House- Partners: A relationship or partnership is coming your way. It will be stable and will require nurturing.

Capricorn ♑️

5 of Pentacles: No, this may lead to suffering or insecurity.

Advice: 10 of Pentacles: Focus on building stability with family or the one's that care for you. Don't be afraid to reach out for support and spend time with family. Sagittarius- I See: Seek higher knowledge and expand your mindset. You may be finding a mentor/teacher that will help you prosper.

Aquarius ♒️

10 of Cups: Yes. You will definitely be getting your happily ever after and dream come true. You are achieving your goal. This may be a higher commitment, engagement, marriage, a promotion, good news etc.

Advice: 6 of Wands: Celebrate your accomplishments publicly. Don't hide yourself or shy away from the spotlight. 2nd House- Owning: Your possessions, assets and earning will be increasing.

Pisces ♓️

Knight of Swords: Yes. Whatever you asked about is happening quickly.

Advice: Ace of Pentacles: Plant a new seed for your future security. Take/Go for this new beginning and let it build up your future life. Gemini- I Think: Make sure to think things trough before making a decision. Think about how every choice will affect your future.

[soft-persephone]

Minx Season 2 Episode 7

(I apologize in advance for how long this is. However, I included markers by character.)

We have had two seasons of this show and even though there’s one more episode left, I’m gonna go ahead and call it it…..

One thing about Minx, the last three episodes are always going to be the best! This show climaxes like no other show I’ve watched before.

But my jaw is simply on the floor, more so than last week.

I always knew Constance was up to something, but as satisfying as being right is, at what cost!

I am in emotional turmoil!

But I’m moving too fast. I’ll come back to that later.

The mommy murder opening was insane!

But Doug and his bird? Hilarious.

No one takes nonsense as seriously as Jake Johnson does. I will always love that about him.

I’m guessing he has no name because everyone just calls him bird or the bird, but in my mind his name is Petey. It’s just a very birdy name.

Richie

Richie’s story arch is tied to his creativity and how he uses Minx to explore that. It’s not just his creativity, but an expression of himself, his sexuality, and his queerness.

At Bottom Dollar, Richie had complete creative control. Joyce didn’t care what these pictures looked like as long as she could write whatever articles she wanted.

But after their success and fame, Joyce is pushing back. She’s pushing more and more to have a say into the magazine. It is very much her magazine so she can do that, but she has a repertoire with Richie. He’s not some random employee, but a friend who’s been there since she started.

There is a right and wrong way to go about things.

Constance tells her about the rumor of gay readers and Joyce relents even though she believes that all kinds of people have the right to be buying and engaging in their magazine. However, Joyce respects and admires Constance, so she’ll be more open to doing what she suggests. If this idea was presented by literally anyone else, we would have gotten the regular Joyce Prigger pushback.

But back to Richie, he takes this opportunity to do what he wants. He does the bathhouse shoot. And I am proud of him for going after what he wants even though this is only going to result in backlash and a fight.

But that’s why we love this show!

The best scenes happen when these characters aren’t exactly on the same page, but we want them to be.

They all have the same goal of wanting to be a part of this magazine and wanting it to work for their careers and personal and professional desires. They can either do it together, or start stabbing each other in the back or disrespecting each other a long the way, like they’ve been doing all throughout season 2.

And when Richie takes away all of the Minx people and goes back into a creative space that probably shows why he probably picked up his camera in the first place, we finally see a glimpse into why he’s been acting the way he has. (If it hasn’t been obvious to some. This show has a lot of subtlety)

And the moment in the end when he photographs the police raid? Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

Shelly and Bambi

Shelly’s character arc has definitely been throwing me through a loop.

Clearly she can’t just cheat on her husband. She’s doubling down and recommitting to him, and then they became swingers?

Just what exactly is going on?

But her decision to come out to her husband completely??

What’s gonna happen now?!?!

Are they gonna get a divorcee? Is he going to be her beard? Is she gonna move to that college Joyce went to and be with professor Miram?

But overall the conversation she has with Bambi was one of the best scenes this episode.

It gives us more insight into Bambi than we’ve had so far and it’s amazing!

Bambi is such a dynamic character!

She’s fun and flirty and her one liners never fail to make me laugh, but it’s very easy to create an idea of who she is than actually dive into the character she actually might be, and the show playing with that idea that we have as an audience and showcasing that in this moment through Shelly is Brilliant!

I love good writing!😭

Because I don’t think we know a lot about Bambi either! All we know is that her and Shelly being together would mean a lot to us as an audience.

Shelly decided on her own that Bambi isn’t a good idea, and in her own way, maybe she’s right.

But it’s not fair to act like Bambi doesn’t have just as many feelings and thoughts about what happened between them.

Joyce and Constance

I’m not gonna lie.

I haven’t fully understood Joyce’s journey this season.

So she’s full of herself now? Is that supposed to be it?

However, I will do my best to bring out something. However, no one please hesitate to tell me off if you thought of something else! I really wanna talk to other people!!!

Joyce has always been a little insecure.

It was her biggest battle in season one. She chose to publish herself through a porn magazine and she couldn’t really handle the backlash or anything that came with it.

But in season two, she’s okay with it, but it’s starting to bleed into other factors of her life.

There are more eyes on her than before, and she now probably in a very deep down secret place, believes being unknown and overlooked was better.

There are more eyes on her than ever. She’s in Rolling Stone. People know who she is, but Joyce doesn’t actually know who she is or who she wants to be. She has idea of that, but her insecurity of herself, leaves her grasping at straws.

When Constance tells her to make sure the magazine isn’t too gay, she immediately ignored her own thoughts and desires out of some respect and admiration, but if it was Doug, she might not have let that happen. She would have pushed back.

When Constance Tells her she’s in control and every decision is hers, she doesn’t push back on Constance giving Tina the job even though she gave it to Doug. It’s safe to assume (maybe? Probably?), that Constance has only given Joyce an illusion of control.

However, if that’s true, it only works because she thinks Constance is her mentor.

And she is!

It’s beautiful to see a successful woman take Joyce under her wing. I don’t think there was any maliciousness or cold hearted business at play when it comes to their relationship.

I think Constance doesn’t want to see what happened to her happen to Joyce, but Constance doesn’t understand the friendship between all these people. She doesn’t understand that they have a bond that used to mean something to each other! That they still have in some ways! It’s just not as strong. Success, money, and fame have left them all a little distant, but I think in the finale, they will all reconnect with that bond and each other.

So when they have that final conversation by the fire, I think it finally sinks in for Joyce (or maybe not completely, but at least a little, ) that Constance might not know everything. That she might not be what she wanted from a mentor.

That she can’t rely on other people’s opinion of her and stand on her own ground a little.

Maybe this in addition to the conversation with her sister and that moment on the plane ,after she hooks up with that guy, will finally help Joyce come to terms with herself and stop relying on outward praise and attention from others.

Doug and Tina

Doug is on the Scneid!!

He said so himself.

It’s been loss after loss after loss.

Constance has taken almost everything from him, and even then she goes for literally everything.

She’s dissolving Bottom Dollar and she might take away Minx altogether!

His life’s work and his first golden ticket!

He confronts Tina and wow do they have a conversation…

Tina has been his secretary for 10 years! She helped him build Bottlm Dollar from the ground up!

And what does she have to show for it?

Nothing.

But a year and a few months with Constance (I’m making up the time skip. I didn’t do the actual math or go back and look at the episodes to figure it out, but let’s pretend!☺️)

And she has the biggest promotion of her life! She gets to go to Europe!

Doug is losing his entire life and the girl.

He might be able to stomach losing his job. He is a natural born hustler. He will dust himself off from this loss and find his next moneymaker. Lord knows this wouldn’t be his first time doing it.

But he can’t lose Tina too. Because she is everything. She gives his life the meaning. Tina is what is actually worth living for.

This will literally leave him with nothing, and it might crush him.

But Tina is getting her first glimpse at everything she’s ever hoped and dreamed for. And as a black woman in the 70s, she has to take it. That’s a no brainer!

After this episode I can’t help to think, that this offer from Constance is her thing. It’s what she’s been working her life towards.

However, she’s always wanted it during those ten years with Doug. She wanted him to give her that shiny life changing offer.

The only promotion he’s given her was to spite Joyce after she walked out on Minx after the talk show.

While she loves Doug, she can’t exactly trust him to put her first.

She’s broken her back, supported him when she knows he’s wrong, and given everything to make sure his thing works out.

But he can’t stand to see the tables turned for once.

I love Tina and Doug, I love the scenes where they smile at each other and they’re happy, where you can’t help but to think of all the ways they love each other.

However, there is something about angst that truly makes them come alive.

Idara and Jake bring out so much more from these two characters when they fight, and I want to see more!

I really hope the next episode doesn’t patch things up with a bandage and big bright bow and give us a 100% happy ending.

I want bottom dollar to be okay, and I want them to get the reigns of Minx from Constance. I also really want the relationship between Tina and Doug to build itself up to the couple they can be.

They are not on the same page. (I’ll make a post about that by itself later.)

This episode was truly something special. Everyone had their acting hats on and they were also in their bag!

I can’t wait to see how episode 8 somehow tops this one.

[curestardust]

Dust Watched: Bakuten!! Movie

Genres: Sports (Men’s Rhythmic Gymnastics), SoL // 1 movie (1h30m) // S01 (x) 

A redemption. We love to see it.

✧  story  ✧

I was, I believe, one of the few people who actually didn’t like the original “Bakuten!!” anime very much. So I was more than ecstatic watching this movie, as basically all of my complaints have been remedied and we got a really nice finale(?) for the show.

The story picks up where the last one left off, a bit before the Inter High Championship. There’s some training and goofing around but red flags are popping up all over the place. Sure enough, when the group was about to give its performance at the Inter High, I checked the time and we were only 20 minutes into the movie. Oof.

A domino falls, and many more follow. The anime’s mood goes into a slow uncomfortable, tense, and depressing downward spiral as nothing seems to be going right. An emotional confrontation where everything just comes to the surface, kickstarts the events that stop our descent into Depression Valley and we get to enjoy the journey of the ascent; the characters finally coming to terms with their situation and feelings, ending us off with a fun final performance. Great pacing all in all.

✧  characters  ✧

I complained a lot about the characters of the senpais due to them feeling like one-gag characters who couldn’t get a second to be *actual* fully fleshed out characters because they had to upkeep a quota of saying a joke X times an episode. And while their goofy ahh designs I’m still not a fan of, this movie GREATLY dialed back the gags which helped a lot. This was essential too, with how character-centric this movie was. The greatest character development obviously goes to Watari, who has the seniority and becomes the new captain with the 3 eldest leaving to start studying for their Entrance Exams. He has no idea what to do and feels horrible about it. Futaba is conflicted and scared while Misato is just silently bottling up his emotions, leading to an incredibly stressful environment. Misato actually barely talks for the first half of the movie so I was kinda concerned that now that his talent isn’t in the spotlight, the story won’t know what to do with him but I was wrong- He is great in the secon half.

And of course, the BasedTM Shiro High members make their (pretty important) appearance too, which was my favourite part from the original season to begin with, so I was happy beyond words.

✧  art  ✧

The movie carries the same quality as the original although with a few... interesting artistic liberties taken. I only wish they had fewer cuts during the performances cause I couldn’t keep track of what was going on.

✧  sound ✧

Again, the music is not my style but goes well with the show and I don’t remember what my problem was with Futaba’s VA in S01 but he must’ve worked it out cause all the VA’s did a great job.

✧  overview ✧

While I quite enjoyed this movie, there was something more that I wanted to congratulate it on. In one scene, Futaba mentions what a shame it is that there’s “no future in Men’s Rhythmic Gymnastics” as you can’t go pro or to the Olympics. This prompted me to look up some info on the sport and read an article that gave me a much greater understanding on the goal of this show.

Not only is what Futaba says true, the sport basically only exists in Japan where it has some ties to Martial Arts.

All sports anime have those “oh no, the senpais are going to College/University, and they might not continue doing the sport” arc but in this case, it hurts more because they don’t quite have a choice. And yet the ending of the anime feels hopeful. That even ifnot in this generation, or the next, but someday, kids will be able to look at Men’s Rhythmic Gymnastics as a viable career.

This show is a love letter to the sport. And I’m sure the creators are hoping for a future in reality the like of what they’ve set-up in the movie. 

My Rating: 8/10

[the-100th-witch]

Update on how ive been doing~

So far, it's been going okay. My moods have been up and down but I think that was bc of my period lmao but the limit i put on social media has helped me stop ignoring shit (due to my anxiety).

Overall, I've been working on my life plan and trying to get shit together. It's slowly forming into a decent plan (I'm planning only up to 3 years bc 5 years is scary) but it's becoming more reachable than before which is nice. It's literally just me inching my way into a solid plan (that I won't changed every fucking day lol) little changes are expected but whole revamping has got to stop if I'm gonna get any where lol

But yea been okay.

(more life stuff about careers and all that woop woop)

As i get back into my hobbies i've been noticing i have a lot more ideas and things I wanna create. I haven't had that in years (yea sure i'll get a creative boost when im in fandoms but i would always lose interest after a while) i'm pretty sure ive been depressed but i don't want to fully lean into that until i talk to a therapist (havent been to one since my masters lol that was back in 2019).

I've been getting back into writing and art and now I've been entertaining the idea of making that a side thing...not a full career of course bc I tend to run out of steam after a short while lol but something I keep up with along side my career goals.

I think the reason I failed at these things (commissions and regular art uploads or me stopping writing altogether (for fun - ive been academically writing for years when I was in school) is that I had no schedule/no plan and so it fell through half way as my attention started to wander to other things. Plus, my perfectionism didn't help lol i tend to think "why bother" if it's not meeting my expectations which isn't healthy at all.

Idk, I want to keep creating and maybe make some money off it (not a full career since again, my art/writing is so closely tied to my emotions and the hint of my moods going down hill really impact my art/writing in the worst way.) but I want to do it also as a motivation. I know the argument is never make a passion as a career but i also don't really create for just myself either??? I love sharing my stuff and I only do that online.

anyways, this is what ive been thinking about in replacement of distracting myself with social media.

ok byee~

[straightfromthetorturedpoetsdept]

one thing i really do like about this new era of taylor's music is that she's definitely gotten more experimental with her themes and storytelling.

like we know taylor's famous for writing those emotional relationship songs about falling in love, being in love or breaking up but like

folklore, nevermore and midnights really emphasized her experimenting with her formula. these albums have stories and arcs and themes.

like i don't think she'll ever really move away from her roots but i like that she's branching out from them. that she's using them as a place to grow from.

i like that she doesn't seem to be stuck in those feelings about past relationships, and that she's using them to tell new stories.

thank you for sending me this ask, anon because I totally agree with everything you just said. I think Taylor realized her storywriting potential during the pandemic and changed career goals a little bit to expand outward from just making music. I think in the past, she's definitely shown interest in doing more than just singing but she's quite a terrible actress. she's not built to act and I think she kind of realized that maybe she could direct or write films instead? that in turn has led her to practice her story-writing skills in her music by making the records just very sonically and thematically tied together.

i remember listening to midnights and thinking that every song sounds very distinctly "dream pop" which idk if its a real thing/genre but thats what the record sounds like. every single track pulls from the same source inspiration, almost like she sat down with a central plot or theme for the album (concepts) and decided to write music centering that one theme or idea. for folklore, it was about the idea of what could've been and for evermore, it was about the reality of moving on from losing that potential future and midnights is about telling a story of the 13 midnights that make up who she is as a person.

i think before the pandemic, every single album had a sense of chaotic energy to it. there was always a point or a run that didnt quite make sense whereas with the last 3 girlies, literally every single song makes sense. you know why she put that song in that position, you can see the link between track 2-5 or 5-8 or 1-4 or whatever. like, there is a lot more potential for her fans to dissect these last 3 albums than there was in the previous ones because the songs themselves are constructed in such a way to keep your attention betwen those songs + their connectedness to one another.

i think folklore was a test for her fandom, to see how they would receive fictional arcs and themes in her music and the response really greenlit her change of focus in her career. I think this is great for her because it allows her to control what the narrative around her life is about. like, of course we do make connections to her past relationships with the new music but theres definitely been a shift on all sides of the fandom where the focus is more on the literary genuis of her music than her personal life.

we talk more about what the lyrics mean in terms of what taylor is trying to communicate with us about life or the lessons she's learned than any other time in this fandom's history and we are definitely not perfect but I do think we are definitely in a transitional period of her career right now where she is slowly changing the norms and traditions of her fandom to focus more on literary themes than anything else.

i just want one of her future albums to be a political album where she talks about other people's stories, because I think she's shown us she's not only ready but willing to take on the task of being more politically aware and fighting for other people's stories to be heard. i would love to see her switch to more of a global perspective in her music because I do think midnights is kind of a perfect closer to the era of her life about herself and her relationships.

like, i dont see her making another album about her personal life in the future now that she's found her person and shes happy with him and thriving in life. like, there isnt trauma there to unpack and i think sh pretty much said everything she had to say with midnights about the last 2 decades of her career/life. i think ts11 could be the start of concept albums and thematic works for taylor and im so fucking excited to see where she is gunna take us.

[funkymbtifiction]

Having to use my inferior function a lot & what it’s like!

Hey! So! I’m ESFJ 2 or 3 and I just finished a really difficult course that heavily relies on Ti that I didn’t do too well in and most of my classmates also struggled. The ones who didn’t are Ti doms or high Te users. My institution is lovely, so lovely, but very Ti heavy and I feel very discouraged whenever I’m confronted with the fact that that’s not my kind of intelligence. I do work in the social and educational spheres and I’ve tried justifying my science and logic failures to myself with that, but my brain always goes, “but there are people who are good at EVERYTHING, you must be one of them or else you’re not good enough,” and I just find it so difficult to appreciate my strengths as an FJ type. Thinking functions stress me out so much that I’d be happy to never have to be placed in a high stakes situation where I have to use them...

“There are people that are good at everything, you should be one of them.” This isn’t true. No one is good at everything. Most people are experts in one or two fields and bad at other things. I wouldn’t ask my “bone doctor” uncle to help me landscape my yard, or my landscaper to edit my book. Lots of people can “get by” in many areas of life, but for every strong talent there is an obvious deficit.

I think it’s time for you to take a breath and consider that your low grade in this class, despite you working your butt off, means that this academic course is not for you (assuming this is a college course). There’s no shame in admitting that you can’t do something designed for TPs. It does not mean you are less of a person, or that you are stupid; it means your talents are better served in a different field, major, or career that requires interpersonal skills, and that you will be much, much happier in another career or studies.

You worked hard and should feel proud of what you accomplished, but it’s time to reassess what you want for your future, take your actual people skills and strengths into consideration, and choose a field that allows you to make good use of them, among other high feeler types. Choose humanities instead of science. Science can be a sideline or a fun hobby or something you read about for kicks, but it shouldn’t be your major if it only makes you feel insecure about your weak Ti. The goal is to come out of college with a degree that will be useful in getting you a job working directly with people, rather than impersonal systems – you would not like that career and would have to work twice as hard to keep up with your thinker coworkers.

Since you have asked me about this before, I know it’s an area of constant stress to you—but the last two times you asked me for advice, you haven’t taken it. I suggest this time you consider talking to a career counselor, who can help you find a career better suited to your strengths. You will also need to build up the self-confidence and desire to take care of your emotional welfare required to admit that this choice was a mistake academically, but has taught you moving forward that your strengths lie in another area. Chalk it up to a learning experience, before you find something to do that fulfills your need to connect and communicate with others.

If this difficult course is "required" -- tough it out until you have the required credits, then drop it and do something else. :)

ETA: This is, assuming, however, that you are from a culture where you are free to make your own academic decisions -- if you are from a culture where your parents are putting a lot of pressure on you to go into a certain technical field (say, if you are from Japan), it will be harder for you to divorce yourself from their expectations both culturally and as an EFJ. In that case, you might try talking to them, appealing to them, and trying to negotiate for a career trajectory that allows you to use your strengths. Go to them with a solid plan / idea of what would work, what would be financially solvent, and how you could achieve this, and that MIGHT make them more amenable to a different career.

[noveltyreads]

Tahira in Bloom by Farah Heron Book Review

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I knew right from the premise alone that I would really enjoy this novel. 

Tahira in Bloom seemingly brought together everything I could’ve possibly loved in a book and tied it up with a ribbon of fashion and garden design. It was cute, deep and emotional and I loved the journey it took me on. The book follows Tahira, an ambitious wannabe fashion designer and style influencer who, after her summer internship falls through, seeks another opportunity helping her aunt in her boutique in small town, Bakewell, Canada. There, she discovers a garden design competition where the winner may have an opportunity to impress the likes of fashion designers at a sister event in New York. However, Tahira knows she would be unsuccessful unless she employs the help of her grumpy gardener neighbour who is less than impressed by her influencer antics. As the two get closer, they begin to realise they're not so different after all.

 For starters, I loved the characters and loved the journey of self-growth they embark on. I love how Tahira, for example, was a completely different person by the end of the book than how she was at the start of the book. She endured lots of self-realisations and self-reflections on the kind of life she wanted to live and what fashion design, the career she dreams of, really meant to her. As a very work-driven person myself, I found myself relating to her ambitious goals and dreams and I found her journey endearing and relatable to even my own relationships with work and future aspirations. There was a lot to learn from Tahira and in a weird way, I found myself discovering more about myself as well. I really enjoy fictional books that help reflect on yourself, your life, your dreams and your future and so I was pleasantly surprised when I started Tahira in Bloom.

At the start of the book, I didn't really like Tahira. To me, she seemed a little self-absorbed but now looking back, I see that it was important for her to appear as so because it meant we could see her character develop and (pun intended here) bloom. At the start, Tahira was focused on growing her online presence on her social media platforms (specifically instagram). With her best friend Gia and boyfriend, Matteo who had common goals with her, Tahira seemed to be on track to a glowing career with internet fame. However, as we see the book progress, Tahira begins to realise that fame was never really what she wanted, rather fashion design for her was all about creating art and stories and sharing that with other people. This book was about finding yourself through passion and ambition and it was a story I found really resonated with me. 

This book was very character focused and for me, who is very much characters over anything else, I absolutely devoured it. I loved Rowan and his sister Juniper and their relationships with Tahira. I also liked the way friendships were portrayed here as two characters realise they want different things out of life and each other. I liked how this book showcased making new friends and learning to let go of past friendships. This book was very comforting in letting you know that sometimes people leave and sometimes you need to leave them. It sometimes hurts but it's often for the best and it's often necessary to do so.

Overall, this book was very solid for me and I would highly recommend it to every reader who enjoys romance or contemporaries. 

ACTUAL RATING: 4.45 STARS

[alyjojo]

Libra Yearly Career & Finance Reading 🪖 2024

Preshuffle: Moon energy, you don’t know what to do, fumbling in the dark, keeping busy at work but mostly paying the right-now things, there could be a lot of outstanding debt that is in the way of reaching your goals. You don’t know how to fix this or if you even can. For some, these debts may be due to a divorce or someone leaving you high and dry, with payments you can’t make, things in your name that weren’t your fault, or other specific things where there’s nothing you can do. You think?

Meditation: You were drowning and I couldn’t even see you. It wasn’t people but waves 🌊 that lifted you up out of the water and into The Sun ☀️ where you could finally rest. It wasn’t about taking action per se, it was survival. Others around you may need to help lift you out of a difficult situation, I heard “get you out of there”. Or again, it wasn’t people, it was Spirit, things may play out in your life to redirect or “save” you. Whether you see that or not idk. You just went to sleep, exhausted from struggling, finally able to. Things will come to you at the right time, could be an offer to pay debt cheaper, could be a friend that goes through it and shows you how, pay attention to things that are too coincidental to explain. And if you get an offer, take it ❤️ It’s like Spirit is trying to get to you, but you may be “fumbling in the dark” or can’t see it because of struggle - understandably. This could be showing a need to separate yourself from your emotions - water. In true Queen of Swords fashion. Into light, clarity, happiness, truth, where we can see you. Some of you may be bringing your struggles to light in a public way, online, writing, music, or just to your own people that don’t know.

Main Energy: 2 Wands

Jeez there’s just something about your energy and readings for this year. They’re potent, powerful, and intense 💯 There’s always one sign that repeatedly stands out in this way, for awhile it was Cancer, but now it’s you. 2 Wands is an energy you probably know well, standing at crossroads, needing to choose a path and then once you do, sticking with it and taking it all the way to the end. Or that’s the idea. You’re planning your future and what you want that to look like. For some, this could be because of some disaster that happened last year, a breakup, a divorce, broken family ties. Doesn’t seem to be a job but could be that too. Your oracles have a message by themselves. Actualization - a 10 - an ending. Something has ended to lead you here in the first place, now what do you want to do with it? 2 Wands, charting your course. Resistance & Collaboration came out together, avoiding people. Understanding why you have to, why you should, or why you have, depending on the situation. 11:11 is here with Resistance and 4 Wands, resisting love, stability, a home?, a deeper commitment, romantic or family relationships, could be “coming home” if you’ve been away. Or you’re wanting to get away 🙏 You’ve not wanted input from others on your life, or you have done that your whole life and now you’re over it. Collaboration shows creative people with energy to inspire & help. Risk follows. For some this is validating you, and for others it’s like “why resist?” You’re going to need to know the Risks involved with each person you collaborate with, but should you resist them all? Being Libra? You guys thrive on Collaboration…maybe it’s just certain people where risk is involved. Many of you are going at it alone, and need to, the reasons will vary. Be honest about the risks, see them clearly, then decide. Or question why is there a risk at all for differing opinions, if you’re confident about the one you’re choosing?

January: 9 Cups & King of Swords

Oracles: Organization

Zodiac Signs: Aquarius, Libra, Capricorn Mercury

You seem to be approaching “cups” topics from an analytical perspective, again probably weighing risk vs reward. It’s because you don’t really know what you want, or what’s possible. Should you continue doing what you’re doing, and that’s the path to happiness, or do you need to switch things up entirely and head down a whole new path? Your hopes and dreams are being considered in a logical way, you don’t want to add any more burden to your plate, but may have to for long-term rewards. An example would be a gym membership, you want a toned butt but it’s gonna cost you time, effort, money, etc., is it worth it? Will you stick with it? Doesn’t have to be life changing, but for some it probably is. Queen & King of Swords are on the table, you could be dealing with an ex, maybe even still want them and that’s what you’re considering. Heal or end it? Mercury Capricorn thinks in terms of rewards, long term, practicality, sustainability and definitely money. You want this thing but aren’t sure if it’s the best thing for you. Could cost a lot. Could be work itself. I don’t see a decision being made this month or for some time tbh, you’re just mindful of how you feel & the facts. Some of you are getting exactly what you’ve wanted and now you’re not sure what to do with it. What comes after? You could fear being judged if this was an impulsive or expensive decision, logic may have been an afterthought, or coming from someone else that you see as judging you. Or you’re worried about judgment at all. Why?

February: 7 Pentacles, 9 Swords & 4 Wands

Oracles: Optimism

Zodiac Signs: Aries, Sagittarius Moon

A home situation has you stressed out. Or someone else and not you at all, could be either. If someone has left a relationship for a lover, moving in together or something, either you’re holding back from people because you’re very upset and this plays on your mind constantly…or other people are upset and have things to say, you could be avoiding them, waiting for them to get over it. Either side of this. Some of you are currently living somewhere that stresses you out, maybe the landlord or the area, you could have heavier crime or something that’s worrying, maybe even keeping you up at night. Safety could be what this is talking about, if you don’t feel safe you can’t sleep peacefully. 7 Pentacles shows you’ve put effort into whatever this is. Better locks, notifying neighbors, putting a wheel lock on your car, I keep getting safety examples. Waiting to see if your effort is worthwhile. You could be saving for a house, but is it enough? Maybe you’re partially there but not fully. 10 Cups on the bottom PEAK happiness, this is what you want, period, have a nice day, no matter who or what says anything about anything you’re standing firm on what you want. Good for you, Queen of Wands energy, she shows up again later and feels like either you or a romantic partner that’s not going to be swayed over an issue, they’ve been patient or have already taken actions hoping for the best, either it works or doesn’t but they/you won’t be swayed from their 10 Cups, no matter the story. 9 Cups in Jan, 10 Cups in Feb, that’s good progress. You have every reason to be optimistic and see things positively, confidently, you want what you want and it’s Justice for you, you deserve it.

March: 8 Swords, 2 Swords, Queen of Swords

Oracle: Escape rev

Zodiac Signs: Heavy Libra, Gemini, Pisces Mars

Nothing is going on this month, either because you’ve impulsively spent everything, or you don’t have the clarity/money/cojones to speak your truth to anyone else involved. You could be not speaking to most people. Like the oracles show, you want to make things how you want them and don’t want other people’s advice, judgements, input, gossip, it’s none of their business. Quietly controlling or insecure, both simultaneously. Not toxic though, not mean, just sure of yourself and easily influenced or malleable in beliefs is kinda what I’m getting. You’re SURE, till someone says something, then you’re not. That’s Libra’s thing, being able to see all perspectives, to the point it gets fkn confusing because what do you even want anymore? They’re all right and wrong. And you’re trapped in indecision…pleasing people most likely. Avoiding even discussing your plans or actions for fear of judgement or what someone might say…afraid to look stupid basically. I don’t think you would but you fear that, you’re questioning things enough and don’t need help with it. 8 Swords is trapped, blocked, stuck in your head, and there’s no escape. Or if you’re trying to leave a home, a job, feelings in some cases, The Star clarifies as a dream or wish - again - but also healing after upheaval. A rest month where idk how much rest you’re actually getting, your brain has been going full force in stress mode for awhile. People who don’t know how you feel probably won’t. You aren’t even sure. If you acted impulsively, now you’re stuck with it. Or someone else is, and you have to heal, but you’re playing things over again and again and maybe can’t, especially is this was a breakup. Work isn’t even shown. Your mind is your focus, where that is taking you, on repeat.

April: Wheel of Fortune & Queen of Pentacles

Oracles: Health

Zodiac Signs: Sagittarius, Heavy Virgo

Help is on the way! That’s what I heard. Two Queens, it’s possible these are two people, friends, family, coworkers, Wheel of Fortune is beneficial, lucky, good fortune upright. Usually. It shows what’s outside of your control or blessings that Spirit are bringing your way for some purpose or another. Next month shows more collaboration. So you’re being supported by at least one other person who has their shit together and can help you create the life for yourself that you want. Health is the topic, that could help describe them, it could be a health crisis that leads you to them or vice versa, it plays a role in getting you out of your head and back in action. If it’s one person, it’s someone that really loves you and wants to help, very generous. This may all happen very quickly or unexpectedly, one of those things you’d never see coming but good grief did it help! You’re being celebrated, validated, or your decision is, you’ll definitely feel more confident and happy this month than you did before ❤️ People at work may support you and try to boost you up, give you more hours, maybe even a slight raise or something, they want to help. If no people at all, then you’re handling this “doing it alone” thing like a boss, you’ve got this and don’t actually need anyone, like you’re proving it to yourself. I don’t see that for most but it’s here for someone. Taking care of your health is the priority in that case, and I do see nurturing self care along with a lot of work, if you’re alone in whatever you’re doing, then you’re doing an amazing job 👏

May: 6 Pentacles & 3 Pentacles

Oracles: Adaptability

Zodiac Signs: Capricorn, Gemini Moon

Does this help come with strings attached? Maybe. Are those strings toxic? I don’t think so, but you could see it that way. How it’s showing up is *mutual*, if someone is helping you out then they expect you to help them in return. Teamwork, friendship, Collaboration 😳 You may be being pointed out as kind of a villain here, expecting things from others but not wanting to reciprocate, essentially using someone/something for what they’re offering and then bolting off by yourself. “I can do it myself!” Well sure, but why do you have to? I’m seeing you don’t, and whatever is being expected of you is fair. Adaptability shows trickster energy, possibly like I said using others or being out for yourself. But that’s the very thing you fear or expect from others, that could be a projection that needs to change. When it comes time to do your part, you may fold, even leaving someone behind in order to prove a point, or just getting away from them/the situation. It’s being said you expect help and then bolt, there’s a lesson here on reciprocity and exchange, you scratch other’s backs too. Weird to be saying that to Libra of all signs, this is kind of your thing, your area of expertise. It could be switched for someone but doesn’t really feel like it. It feels like a case of “gotcha bitch”, which won’t be taken kindly.

Outside of that, for those grateful and trying to put in their effort too, understanding it’s expected of you, you could still be uncomfortable depending on someone/anyone, but you’re trying to do so with a smile because they’re being nice and you may not have a whole lot of options otherwise. If these are just coworkers, maybe they’re giving you rides or something, you hate it but you need it, and wait for the day this will end so you don’t have to feel at the mercy of someone else. Or switch it, maybe you don’t like someone dependent on you.

June: 8 Cups & 4 Pentacles

Oracle: Manipulation

Zodiac Signs: Heavy Pisces, Capricorn, Scorpio Jupiter

The shit 💩 hitteth the fan this month, because of you. Most of you anyway. 4 Pentacles describes your energy, maybe you’re trying to save money, maybe you’re holding back how you really feel, maybe you’re deeply uncomfortable and just going with it because you’re at the mercy of someone else’s kindness. Pride burnsss. That’s going to change though. Suddenly, impulsively, angrily even, you’re going to stop going back and forth on “being nice” and just tell it like it is. You’re done with this, thank you but no thank you. Not having really planned out what to do after the fact, now you don’t have a ride. But you don’t have the guilt of it either. Many of these feelings inside of you - Manipulation is highlighted as one of them - is projected. Not real, but feared to the point of lashing out at someone or something because this is how *you* see this reality. But it may not be someone else’s intent, or even their truth. I’m getting them just being nice. Maybe when they ask you for a favor in return, you lose it? It’s a you problem my dears 🙏 Shadow work.

Now in someone’s case this may be a legitimate concern of feeling manipulated, depends on what’s being asked. Or this is someone’s feelings or actions towards you, feeling manipulated. Is someone nice only to receive something from you? Are you using someone for what you can get? It’s being shown as the concern and being left behind because of this. But it’s not shown as *true*, that’s the problem here. Communication is necessary and needed but after the impulsive action, I don’t see that either. You fear being right or especially - being wrong. Ok, but now what?

July: 5 Cups & 9 Wands

Oracles: Enthusiasm

Zodiac Signs: Scorpio, Heavy Sagittarius

Regret, remorse, sadness. Either for the things you’ve said, done, lost, someone you’ve hurt, pain you’ve caused. It’s possible you acted impulsively and however someone else responded - that hurt. There may be regret for not only hurting someone but doing it *enthusiastically* like you thought you were winning here, now…what did you win? That could be what someone else is saying, a father, boss, spouse, ex spouse perhaps. Or whoever you lashed out at. Some of you are spilling your woes at work, transportation issues is a big deal here. Maybe trying to work at home, see if something can be done, can you be advanced money or work overtime? Maybe you’re trying to transfer somewhere closer or even take vacation time or something - either because you need money and won’t actually vacation, or you just need time to work things out. If you’re messaging a father or authority figure for help, it’s burning your soul, because they’re going to tell you exactly what they think and it may sting. This could be legal too, police, government, if a rule or boundary is broken there are consequences, even if you’re pleading a case, that’s what I see here. Or you could be this way with someone else, could be someone with a sob story. If you have done this already and were harsh or caused pain, now you just feel bad about the events that followed - Wheel of Fortune. There is sadness and regret, focus on what’s been lost and actions taken or words said. Gossip may play into this somehow as well, or what other people say, your pride is wounded.

August: 8 Pentacles & Queen of Wands

Oracles: Acquisition

Zodiac Signs: Taurus

You’re not going to stay down for long! You could be putting more effort into your physical attributes and appearance, aiming for attractiveness and charm to win you favor from those who you still have to face but would rather not - Venus energy lays on the charm and beauty…avoiding aggression, or in Libra’s case, coming on strong to pressure submission from anyone who would dare to speak up - because that’s your real fear. Projecting Aries energy, Libra tends to work in extremes in between finding the balance, it’s a whole life thing. You’re feeling kinda small, extremely insecure and anxious, so you’re overdoing it a little and projecting BIG. Sexy, charming, on top of it, a bad bitch. Nothing wrong with that, except that it’s not really what you’re feeling inside, you can miss out on deeper connections or bonding by wearing a mask, but sometimes that’s needed. You have goals, even if you have to fake it to make it, people do it every day. I heard “Bravado”.

For some this Queen is someone else entirely, could be your ex’s new person and you’d rather die than have to see them, it upsets you, understandably. If you share children, you could be staying in the car, dropping off, and not interacting at all. No thanks, not my business or problem. Does it hurt, yeah. Enough to engage, nah, you’ll just avoid them all like the new plague, and focus on what you need to. Or the opposite, you could attempt to be way more in your face or proudly waving your cute flag in an attempt to make the new/ex lover feel intimidated or some shit. It’s rooted in insecurity either way, it may all be flipped and they may avoid you, because they don’t care and aren’t interested in talking to you…which just makes the anxiety worse. It’s possible some of you are looking for a new job and trying to win favor with attractiveness, possibly going through a lover in order to do that. Like working with them. Is it a scheme, yes, you need something. Will it work, maybe. Acquisition shows you getting *something* or that’s the goal. You could just have the hots for someone at work, and are trying to win them over.

September: Page of Pentacles, The High Priestess & 3 Wands

Oracles: Flattery

Zodiac Signs: Virgo & Gemini Sun/Venus

I’m seeing 222 as I start this month, decisions needing to be made. I’m picking up on some masterminds here fr, y’all plot your objectives well. Or will. You keep your plans very quiet and just wait for them to come to fruition. It’s killing you that they’re not moving along faster. You’d like quicker results and feel kinda trapped or defeated because that’s not happening or you’re having to put in a lot of effort every single day in order to get something. Flattery may get you far, or that’s something you’re trying to use in order to move this along in some way. That could be “killing them with kindness” with whoever is involved. Coworkers. Ex’s. Family. Whoever. If you absolutely have to interact that is. Some of you are going back to school or working towards an advancement, certificate, degree, training, something. Others may be waiting for a contract to end, could be divorce, a lease, anything keeping you from moving as fast as you want. Could be literally moving. More than anything, Flattery shows intelligence and that all of your moves (or inaction) is well thought out and planned ahead, you’re strategically planning a future for yourself, putting in a lot of hard work and effort. But waiting for something to end. It’s boring, when does the excitement come back into this situation? You could need to get out and have some fun and you’re waiting on people that aren’t very fun at all. If you’re into someone, they take it slow, and you’re like omgggg speed up! You could lay it on thick with the flattery, you want them, like quit deliberating and take me out already! If you’re in sales, real estate, etc., someone could take a long time deciding or actually signing a contract, and it eats your soul.

October: The Hanged Man & Ace of Pentacles rev

Oracles: Idealism

Zodiac Signs: Scorpio, Sagittarius, Aquarius

If romance was the thing last month, or attraction anyway, you may lose it for them this month, and chalk it up to missed opportunity. For most, car problems are blocking your progress or opportunities. Maybe you don’t have one, lost one, it’s a beat up old hunk of junk you’ve already fixed 1000 times but alas it doesn’t run. Can’t get passed for inspection. Something like this, it’s eating your money and keeping you from lasting potential. Maybe this has to do with travel, not being able to go somewhere, or not invited for a work trip somewhere actually cool. Maybe you’ve been depending on the help of others and that’s run out, it’s like you’re seeing things as glass half full, or how it could be, and you’re hurt that it’s not that way. You’re missing out on finances in some way, it could be difficult to deal with. A car accident is possible, be very careful, this may show an injury blocking you as well, needed healing and a major loss of money or resources. You keep having to come up creative ways to deal with issues, that’s gotta be exhausting, 9 Wands is exhausted. You could just have a big bill, car payment, insurance, repairs are all highlighted. The daily grind is draining. It’s a burden to be the strong one, or to do it alone. You have no money, none extra anyway, maybe not even enough, and there is no fun, it’s just your own creativity keeping you amused…but it’s enough. For now. Cuz you have to.

November: 8 Wands & 5 Wands

Oracles: Rebellion

Zodiac Signs: Taurus, Sagittarius & Aquarius Mars

Your principles and beliefs are coming into question from others who don’t agree. Could be a King of Pentacles/earth sign that you have a mutual exchange with. There’s an old way and a new way, and you’re fighting for the new way out of rebellion, opposition, feeling the need to compete or prove other people wrong. King of Pentacles is a boss, someone that can be rigid, because they’re responsible, especially with finances. This may be someone who tells you can’t do something, or that you should. You may have done something one way in the past, now they expect it from you and you’re fighting them. Or that’s switched. This could be an ex spouse fighting over children, 6 Cups can show them or this is someone you’ve known, something you’ve done for a long time. Maybe a job you’ve had for a long time. The argument or action is regarding gifts 🎁 either expecting one and not receiving it or giving one that’s like…idk you don’t subscribe to religion and this person gifts you a Bible or some shit, you’re triggered. That may be the intent. Or you’re doing that. You could also be notifying family the holidays are gonna be different this year due to xyz and getting negative feedback from them. You can not afford it honestly, 4 Pentacles isn’t much, but rather than be honest it seems like you’re making it some grand gesture about beliefs or something. Can’t argue over beliefs! I’m suddenly not into holidays, don’t call me and I’m not coming. You or someone else may be venting over things they’ve bottled up for some time and it’s a big dramatic thing. At work, you could be receiving competitive energy, jealousy, or some kind of argumentative behavior because you get a gift or some kind of perk, and another person doesn’t…maybe people, 5 Wands can show several people. If you’re dealing with an ex, you could be arguing over children or maybe a new person’s involvement with your children. Like if they try to discipline your kids you’re gonna have their head on a spike. Could also argue over shared something, resources, contract, whatever involves you and another - created or made in the past somehow.

December: 6 Wands & 3 Swords

Oracles: Power rev

Zodiac Signs: Libra, Scorpio Sun & Moon rev

You’re going to be in your feelings because you feel powerless. Queen of Pentacles. Financially you’re fine, you’re not floundering, but you are having to do things alone, maybe with not much support from another person. If you’re a parent you’re probably the dominant one, and the other shlub may get the glory with none of the work. Or that’s how it seems. Things are outside of your control, and though you’ve tried to manipulate situations in your favor, and protecting yourself from the same thing, it either didn’t work or not how you’d intended. There is heartbreak here, deep burdens, financial burdens that keep coming every month, over and over again. You’re still dreaming of a new beginning, but don’t feel like you can act on that right now. Could also be travel. You can’t for whatever reason. That was probably a plan or agreement, maybe what the argument was about last month. If your ex has the kids, you may not see them on the days you want, or the ex is introducing a new person to the family - your family. You’re resistant, out of control, potentially emotionally volatile and feeling alone. You have no power here and it makes you sad. Someone else getting attention and recognition is a similar burden. Having to deal with this new person forever. Heading towards a new start you don’t even want but have no choice in going back, only forward. Circumstances piss you off and hurt you. The positive is, you will get through this, you will have a new beginning, and 10 Wands shows an end to the burden, but only when you put it down & surrender to the changes happening outside of your control. How you handle this may differ, but the situation itself is major arcana, meant to be. It’s how you deal with it matters. Some of you have enough to live on, but not necessarily spend, gift wise, and you’ll put a lot of pressure on yourself over that, especially with kids. Next year - The Fool, a clean slate, an open door, the feeling that you can do anything & the courage to actually do it. That may be what all this build up has to happen for, to push you in a new direction. Is it easy, no. Is it worth it? It’s probably wait and see 🙏 This year feels like a necessary struggle, on the way to something bigger & better, eventually. It’s more about relational issues, even at work, than finances themselves, they’re just folded into bigger issues. The career is similar energy to the yearly, spiritual practices are probably the best thing for you, focusing on self care through the madness.

[atheisen04]

Musical Theme

Country-If You’re Going Through Hell(Rodney Atkins)

Hip Hop/Rap-Lose yourself(Eminem)

Rock-Whatever it Takes(Imagine Dragons)

Jazz-Over the Rainbow(Judy Garland)

“If You’re Going Through Hell” by Rodney Atkins, “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, “Whatever it Takes” by Imagine Dragons, and “Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland each represent a motivational theme. This theme relates not only to my daily life, but to everyone’s daily life. Everyone needs motivation to get through life’s daily struggles. For me this type of music means a lot because it’s encouragement for me in my daily life. I have many goals set for myself including educational, fitness, health, and career goals. To me, the motivational side of music helps me through these goals, and the setbacks that may come. All in all, motivational music may help through daily struggles or even the biggest of storms. It always gives me a better mindset, and helps me to stay strong when I feel my weakest. “If You’re Going Through Hell” by Rodney Atkins is a song written about getting through the struggles in life. The refrain in this song is a great representation of the motivational theme. The refrain goes as follows, “If you're going through hell, Keep on going, don’t slow down, If you’re scared don’t show it, You might get out, Before the devil even knows you’re there.”  Although the entire song is a great representation of the motivational theme, the refrain best represents this theme. The tone and the melody of this song is also a great representation, as it is very upbeat. The rhythm and the tempo are very high energy. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem also has a very upbeat rhythm and melody, although it is in a different way than the country hit “If You’re Going Through Hell.” Given that “Lose Yourself” is a rap song, its rhythm is the most notable element of the song. The rhythm is very powerful, as if it is a representation of the motive behind the song. In this song Eminem expresses his own emotions and passions. The tone of his voice expresses these emotions very well to the listeners. It is obvious that this song is tied very closely to his own life experiences. Another great example of motivational music is the rock song written by Imagine Dragons called “Whatever It Takes.” This song seems to be focused more on goal orientation than it is about making it through the struggles in life. Ironically, although the theme seems to be a bit contradictory, it is just a different type of motivation that it strikes. This is the type of song that is likely to strike motivation to workout or achieve a goal. It is motivational in both its message and the rhythm. The musical structure of this song has sounds that are repeated and recognizable, this could be referred to as theme and variation. The rhythm of the song highlights the highs and lows throughout the song, as the melody changes with the tone of the singer’s voice. Finally, “Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland is a softer motivational song. The rhythm is very gentle, with a striking message. The song’s message beautifully presents the theme of the song by comparing our struggles and their resolutions to the other side of the rainbow. The song proclaims in the refrain, “Somewhere over the rainbow, Way up high, There’s a land that I heard of, Once in a lullaby.” This is “land” that the writer is referring to the backside of life’s troubles.

[jakeampong]

Being a Stay at Home Dad

Ever since I was a kid, I aspired to have a career eventually. I envisioned working and making enough money to support my family. This includes my in-laws and my parents. Society often frames it so that men have to be the working member of the family, however, it does not have to be that way. As a stay-at-home father, I plan to use the same diligence that I would have in my job but directed at my family.

First, as a stay-at-home father, I would learn how to cook very well. Perhaps, I would take some cooking classes or grind out Youtube cooking videos. Currently, I am not so good at cooking. If I am a stay at home father, I would need to be good at cooking. I think I would like to cook a lot of rice, and make my kids drink a lot of milk so that they could grow tall.

In addition, as a father, I would try my best to be emotionally available for my kids. I believe that my parents did a good job in being emotionally available to me and my brother. One thing, is that I would want to give my children enough space for them to practice autonomy and making decisions for themselves. I think that if parents are too involved in their children’s lives, then the child cannot handle freedom as well. For example, a lot of individuals who grow up with very controlling parents leave their house and let loose. I would not want this to happen to my children. Because of this, I will try to have my own life outside of my children, so that they learn how to live autonomously.

Lastly, as a stay at home dad, I would want to be able to provide emotional support to my partner. Assuming they are brining enough money to support the family, they would probably be dealing with a lof of stress from the work. I would have to be present and help them a lot in order to ensure that they stay emotionally stable. This means that I would also have to find an outlet so that I can stay emotionally stable. I feel like one reason that there are not a lot of stay-at-home dads, because many men tie in their value and purpose to being successful in their job and bringing a lot of money home to take care of their wife and children. I personally feel like I may struggle with being totally dependent on my partner to make money. It might hurt my pride. I honestly don’t know what I would do. I think that dealing with this just comes with being secure with my own value, and knowing that my value does not depend on how much money I make. It all ties in to my main goal in life: be happy, eat, and make sure my family is happy and eats as well. As long as those requirements are met, I’ll be good.

[f1]

Out-going Ferrari boss Binotto opens up on the most difficult moment of his F1 career

Out-going Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto has paid tribute to the “amazing” Sebastian Vettel for his efforts on the track and personality off it throughout his career, while admitting that opting not to renew the German’s contract at the squad was “the most difficult task” he faced in F1. Vettel joined Ferrari from Red Bull as a four-time world champion in 2015 with the goal of returning the Scuderia to winning ways, but despite a host of victories, plus title pushes in 2017 and 2018, they ultimately fell short. ANALYSIS: How Team Principal Silly Season unfolded at Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and McLaren It was ahead of the Covid-delayed 2020 season that Binotto – who took on the team boss role in 2019 – decided to freshen up Ferrari’s driver pairing, replacing Vettel for 2021 with Carlos Sainz as team mate to Charles Leclerc, who had already been tied down to a long-term deal. Binotto, speaking before Vettel’s retirement from F1, explained how making the call, and breaking the news to a person he “loved”, were some of the most challenging moments of his career. Binotto recalled his emotions when he decided to go in a different direction with Ferrari’s driver line-up “First, Sebastian is a great, great driver, and I don’t think it’s myself telling it, it’s really what he has achieved – fantastic, outstanding, amazing,” said Binotto, who will himself leave Ferrari at the end of the year after handing in his resignation. ANALYSIS: Why Binotto's gone now and what’s next for him “As Ferrari, we have been lucky to have him as part of the team and it has been six important years. He brought a lot as a driver, but more than that, I think he brought a lot as a person, and each single Ferrari fan still loves Sebastian. “I think it’s a matter of fact, as each single fan loves Ferrari still, I think we in Ferrari, all the people in Ferrari, are still loving him, and that’s the way we are feeling. They have been incredible years, I think. “[It was] difficult for myself, coming to the end, somehow to announce to him that we will not renew. That maybe has been the most difficult task I’ve done myself through my career. When you love such a person and you really enjoy working with him, it’s always difficult to come to the end. READ MORE: ‘He’s one of the greatest F1 drivers ever’ – Horner picks out the season Vettel reached a ‘different level’ Top 10: Moments of Sebastian Vettel Brilliance “I think it has been an important moment as well for my career itself, because from that… through difficulties you become stronger. But it’s the one that we will remember as the most difficult one.” READ MORE: From Monza magic to press conference laughs – Our writers pick their favourite Vettel moments Asked about Vettel’s comments that he “failed” at Ferrari because he did not add to the championships previously achieved with Red Bull, the Swiss-born Italian stressed that it was a collective effort. “I think he is somehow right, because when he joined Ferrari, he was ambitious, his objective was to win the title with Ferrari, and I think together with himself, it was our dream and our objective as well,” added Binotto. READ MORE: Vettel urges fellow drivers to continue his legacy after retiring from F1 “It has been a failure for him, but it has been a failure all together as a team. He has been very close, or the closest he has been was ‘17 and ’18, so we had a few opportunities. We didn’t get it and I think when your final objective is to do that, and you do not achieve it, it’s a failure.” via Formula 1 News https://www.formula1.com

[firsttarotreader]

Can the cards see if Pedro will do a play again and if he wants to do a play?

Hi! That's a great question and the cards delivered! When I asked if he might do a play again, the card was The Emperor.

This is interesting because this is one of Pedro's main cards in the Tarot, and for this question it represents a YES, he might, but see, he would want to do it in his own terms, he would want to have more control of it, possibly even be a director or something? The Emperor is a leader, and he leads with discipline and kindness, but he calls the shots. So Pedro would want to do it, but he would want to have more control of it in a way.

When I asked for details, the first cards were 5 of Cups, The Moon and The Hierophant, and that started to make things clearer. 5 of Cups represents emotional disappointment, like he put his heart and hope into something and it didn't turn out as he had hoped. This card points to him potentially having some disappointments and regrets tied to his experience in theatre, as if he expected a lot more than what he got. The Moon confirms it by telling us things were not the way he thought they were, there were a lot more hidden things behind the curtains, in the shadows, things that might have been bitter for him to deal with. The Hierophant is about the traditional, the structures and laws of something, and Pedro could have been disappointed because he expected the most "traditional" theatre, he wanted it to be pure in its essence, no detours, no stalling, no games, just the purity of one of the most Ancient traditions in human History.

The next cards were 9 of Wands, 2 of Swords and 3 of Pentacles. So, 9 of Wands shows us that because of all this disappointment with what he saw, he hesitates a lot when it comes to doing plays again, he doesn't feel confident enough about it, and 2 of Swords just tells us how conflicted he could feel about it. He might be weighing his options and considering it, but the choice has not yet been made. 3 of Pentacles is about him considering doing a play if it's with the right partnerships. He would want the right people to team up with and that would be non-negotiable, he would need these right people by his side.

The last cards were The Tower, 6 of Pentacles reversed and Knight of Swords. The Tower is once again pointing to a not so good experience in theatre for him. Of course I am not saying he hated it, we know he had positive experiences too and loves theatre, but we're talking about him being completely different now from who he was when doing plays in the past. There has been a lot of "crumbling walls" in the last years that could have changed how he views theatre now and how he views himself. The idea is followed by the 6 of Pentacles reversed, that could be pointing to him feeling like he gave too much of himself to theatre, but never got the return he expected from it. There could be fear of it happening again. Knight of Swords is about him taking a more rational approach to doing plays now, he would do them if they were genuinely good for him and his career plans, he would do them fiercely, for sure, but only if it it was a goal he wanted to reach, only if it gave him what he wanted.

So, all in all, it looks like he would be open to do a play, but it would be a carefully chosen one and he would like to have a say in it.