#i just want to make sure my kids have enrichment and a good large amount of space! they must stretch and go fast! they must zoom!

[transhoverfish]

if you stack 2 (or more) multipurpose rooms on top of each other and build an alien containment in the center of each you get a larger combined tank. also in bz if you build one in the large room module it's much larger by default 👀 your pets will have so much room

even with the tanks combined i feel like theyre still super tiny! iirc each tank can habit 10 creatures (and it stacks w the amount of tanks combined) but c'mon!! that one tank can house ONE boneshark!! jellyrays and crabsnakes are BIG!!! i don't have enough titanium and glass for all of this!!

although the large room tanks in bz look much more suitable to me,,, but idk what eggs you can hatch in that one,,, brutesharks and titan holefish are HUGE even for those tanks akdblahrlwvrkwgrh

[hello-nichya-here]

Rough Draft of Fire Warrior (Fake Kemurikage) Headcanons

Note: Hi Nichya! I am currently writing a long fic dealing with how post-Imbalance Avatar would go for the Fire Nation Royal Family and their close friends and I was wondering if you could please look at my headcanons and critic them? Cause I don’t want to engage in the usage of stereotypes, or bad writing in general, especially since I am writing about characters with mental illness. Also, I have been trying to send you an ask about lighting bending for the past couple days, and it keeps on not getting through to you. Considering my asks only had trouble getting to you around the same time you very recently IP banned that one dumbass who tried roasting you for liking Azula, could it be you accidently banned me as well (I am using a coffee shop to upload this)? If so can you please unban me for your answers to my asks have enriched my understanding of Avatar greatly. Thanks!

Here is the ask: How would you write Azula and/or The Fire Warriors teaching Zuko lighting and smoke bending (as part of their reconciliation/rehabilitation) while Zuko teaches them the true meaning of fire, the dragon dance, and the philosophy behind lighting redirection? Cause I thought part of Azula’s and Zuko’s reconciliation would have been teaching each other the bending/skills the other one was lacking, uplifting each other instead of trying to compete with each other or hurt each other. But canon is what it is.

Anyway, my headcanons are down below

Starting from left to right I am going to list the names, backstory, and mental illness(es) of the non-Azula Fire Warriors:

Beam (DID plus avoidant personality disorder)

Born in 84 A.G., as the second child of three, and the only daughter of an upstart noble and a stay at home mother, Beam was expected to marry into nobility considering how well her father had done selling steel to the Fire Nation Navy and the fact that she had inherited her mothers’ good looks.

But Beam, for a lack of better words, was often detached from reality and quickly became a source of shame for her family. For Beam would often drift out of reality into her own little world whenever confronted with large amounts of stress. 

And what causes stress in Beam? Being around strangers, especially large numbers of them like parents’ hosted one of their frequent parties in an attempt to move up in Fire Nation High Society.

In fact, Beam started wearing her distinctive hairstyle plus dye in an attempt to avoid having people come to her much to her brothers and parents displeasure. And when that didn’t work, she started to wear masks such as those based on the dark water spirit or the dragon emperor.

On a side note, the only thing that really helped Beam was firebending, where she had a natural gift. However, due to her performance issues, whenever her brothers and/or parents came to watch, she always messed up her routines, leading them to cancel Beam’s lessons when she was 16 in order to focus on making Beam marriageable. 

This caused Beam to despair and undergo a nasty episode in which she wholeheartedly believed she was the dark water spirit and almost killed her older brother, who was “obviously” the Dragon Emperor. Said brother also happened to be the one who suggested her parents cancel the firebending lessons and make Beam a proper woman since he was going to get married soon and didn’t want his fiance’s family to revoke the marriage contract once they better got to know his “weirdo” of a sister.

The above incident was the last straw for her parents, who had her involuntarily committed after coming to the “conclusion” that nothing would fix their “madwomen” of a daughter.

Aiko (Clinical Depression)

Born in 87 A.G. as the unexpected last daughter of a merchant and a very low level noblewomen, life has always been a struggle for Aiko. Her mother had her in her early 40s after unexpectedly getting pregnant and giving birth to Aiko prematurely. Aiko and her mother barely survived but her mother ended up suffering from postpartum depression, hurting their mother-daughter bond.

Aiko grew up seemingly loved, but in reality she was always sad. And no amount of gifts, such as some of the best firebending tutors in the land, could ever make Aiko happy for it appeared from Aiko’s pov that her mother never wanted to do anything with her while she happily gave her love and time to her oldest two kids, who were both boys and going to join the war effort. 

That and she was relentlessly bullied in school for her demure size; one day she tried standing up for herself by getting into an impromptu fight with her main bully, but she accidently badly burned her due to being actually quite skilled in firebending. While Aiko managed to avoid jail or getting into trouble, the trauma of almost killing some made Aiko withdraw further into herself much to her parent’s grief.

Her brothers were the main positive thing in her life, for they were understanding of her and didn’t really push her that hard…except in firebending where they were the only people she felt safe enough after her incident.

However, things took a turn for the worse when her brothers finally joined the army and died in the very same maneuver that Zuko talked out against as a 13 year old. And in her grief, Aiko tried hanging herself though the noose broke just before it went taunt and she ended up knocking herself out.

And when she woke up, she found herself in the asylum….

Chyou (Bi-polar disorder)

Born in 84 A.G. as the adopted child of two low tier Hu Xin Provinces (colonial) nobles who were unable to have kids of their own. Her parents tried their best with Chyou, but she was a very difficult child to raise, for, in their perspective, one moment Chyou was a hyper energetic girl who was all too willing to do anything to achieve her long-term goals and whims. Goals that included being the best firebender in her school and being a proper noblewoman. And whims including a desire to shave half her head though that particular fulfilled whim didn’t really harm Chyou for she liked the hairstyle and kept it much to her parent’s dismay. 

But in other moments, Chyrou was a heavily depressed girl, who couldn’t even be bothered to get out of her bed no matter how hard her parents tried to encourage/bribe/threaten her. 

However, these “cycles” were just subtle enough that with her parents covering for her, Chyou could pass as a normal kid…that is until one night, she overheard a conversation between her parents talking about how much Chyou looked like her mother’s sister. Confused since she thought she had no blood relations with either of her parents (they told her she was adopted from a young age since Chyou doesn’t share that much in common with either with her parents), she confronted them and the told Chyou her true origin.

Chyou was in fact the love baby of an Earth Kingdom soldier and a Fire Nation noblewomen who was Chyou’s “mother’s” sister. While the Fire Nation is progressive in terms of gender roles, it is against the law for Fire Nation noblewomen to copulate with the males of the other nations. 

For Sozin’s reasoning was that the strong men of the Fire Nation could civilize the demure women of the other nations while the barbarians’ uncivilized blood could easily overwhelm the wombs of their wombs. Wombs that were needed to make sure their great nation would never lack loyal citizens. In reality, due to the patriarchal nature of inheritance and property ownership, Sozin feared the colonized enemy would marry into Fire Nation nobility and basically overthrow him once their numbers reached critical mass.

But getting back on track, it wasn’t discovered that Chyou’s real mother was having the baby of an Earth Kingdom soldier, let alone she was going to elope with him. So the Fire Nation tried to capture the soldier and kill him, but he ran off. However, after allowing Chyou’s true mother to give birth, the Fire Nation had her killed off. But, Chyou’s Aunt and Uncle took pity on Chyou and successfully begged the authorities to let them raise Chyou as their own kid.

Chyou’s Aunt and Uncle begged for Chyou’s forgiveness and she gave it to them…though she later had a manic episode that caused her to sneak out of her Aunt’s and Uncle’s house to search for her father, hoping she would get to meet him.

It took several weeks and all of the tracking and survival skills she learned in school, but she found the last place her father inhabited. But when she knocked on the door, her bio grandma opened the door and, once Chyou explained who she was, told the “lying ashmaker to get away from me and never come back unless you want to die” in addition to telling Chyou that her father died during General Iroh’s march to Ba Sing Se. 

For Chyou’s bio grandma never knew about her son’s relationship with Chyou’s mother, let alone that he was going to have a child with her and thus thought the young firebender was punking her…not that it would have made a difference for after she couldn’t even bury her son due to him being completely burned to ashes, she developed an intractable hatred towards the Fire Nation and especially firebenders. And that hatred wouldn’t dissipate even if her own granddaughter was one of those “ashmakers.”

Heartbroken at the rejection, Chyou then fell into a serious depressive state and was going to kill herself until she was apprehended by June and returned to her family, who had been paid by Chyou’s parents to find her before the colonial authorities did. For if the “mixed breed” had been found going “back” to her Earth Kingdom family, Chyou would have been killed for her “genetic disloyalty” caused by her parentage.

And when Chyou kept uncontrollably talking about her failed trip, Chyrou’s parents made a hard decision and had her temporarily involuntarily committed since they would rather have her suffer at the asylum (as well as get help for her myriad of issues) than have her rambling expose her “genetic disloyalty” and have her brutally executed, making all their pleadings to allow them to raise her pointless.

However, bigoted political hardliner healers in the asylum saw her history and decided unilaterally that she was a threat to society and so manipulated her record to make so she had died, leaving Chyou’s Aunt and Uncle (who were pretty old) heartbroken to the point they died within a couple of months of each other and turning Chyou’s temporary stay into a permanent stay.

Chyou, depending on whether she is having a manic episode or depressive episode, oscillates between believing her Aunt and Uncle haven’t given up on her and believing that they have finally given up on account of being a disgrace due to her mental issues and bloodline.

Zirin (Oppositional Defiant Disorder with mild Conduct Disorder)

Born in 85 A.G. as the only daughter of some minor nobles who live in Caldera City. She has ODD, which manifests in her explosive temper, which her parents tried solving by doing everything, including getting her training in firebending, which Zirin has a natural aptitude in considering she became a master by 16.

But despite her parent’s best efforts, her anger still didn’t really subside, leading up to an incident where she burned a highly sought out suitor for rubbing her the wrong way, leading her reputation to sink and make her unmarriageable, making Zirin worthless in her traditionalist parents’ eyes.

Zirin offered to join the Fire Nation military so she could be useful, but her traditionalist parents said no since the military is not the proper place for a young noblewoman. So they had her involuntarily admitted to the asylum…

Ting (Schizophrenia)

Born in 82 A.G. as the daughter of a minor Fire Nation noble and an Earth Kingdom commoner (that her father took a liking to) who lived in Yu Dao, Ting on the surface supposedly lived a charmed life. But her life was anything but charmed, for she didn’t not inherit her mother’s slim face and body, but had the stout body and face of a typical Earth Kingdomer. Meaning that it would be next to impossible to marry her off to another noble family for even in the colonies, there was a preference for Fire Nation traits among the nobility.

Not helping was just after Ting was 6, she would suffer periodically from hallucinations of her father whenever she messed up in school or in court, often having her speech deteriorate into “incoherent” babbling (ex. Ting asking “him: to stop hitting her) and often fighting back against a person who wasn’t there.

Obviously, this was just another thing that made Ting a massive disappointment in her father’s eyes.

So upset as his “mistake” Ting’s father often beat up his wife and daughter and seeing how Avatar takes place in fantasy land 19th century Asia, there was no one who they could turn to. In fact the only reason why Ting was “tolerated” was because she was an elite firebender, who naturally excelled at Sozin Style firebending due to her rage and self-loathing caused by her “madness.”

Thus, even if Ting was unmarriageable, she was likely going to have a good career in the Fire Nation Army. That is until one night when Ting was 16 witnessed a really bad argument between her drunk parents that ended up with her father breaking her mother’s arm.

Enraged and having enough, she fought her father and ended up badly burning him in public as he tried to escape her. 

The authorities then restrained her and tried to put her on trial, but horrified at what she had done, she had a severe episode that made the authorities doubt her sanity.

So sensing an opportunity to save face and not have his dirty laundry aired, Ting’s father authorized the colonial authorities to ship Ting to a homeland mental asylum for “treatment” damn well knowing they would most likely never let Ting out. And he had authorized Ting’s involuntary committal at the dead of night so Ting’s mother could not disapprove.

Gamon (Higher Functioning autism)

Born in 83 A.G. to two high functioning autistic former soldiers living in Hama’s village, Gamon would have been raised in a loving family. That is until her parents one night disappeared during a full moon and never came back (they were captured by Hama and tortured to death but the little shred of humanity left in Hama caused Hama to leave the baby alone despite wanting to spite Gamon’s pleading parents). So Gamon was given to her next of kin, who were mid tier nobles. 

It turned out that Gamon’s mother was once a noble, but renounced it so she could join the Fire Nation Army due to her special interest being the military alongside firebending. This had caused Gamon’s maternal grandparents and Gamon’s Uncle great shame and had also caused them to disown Gamon’s mother. And the sad thing was that despite Gamon’s mother wanting to reconcile, her parents died just after she got pregnant.

So when Gamon’s Uncle and Aunt got a hold of her, they promised that they would raise her into the proper noblewomen Gamon’s mother should have been.

And they were very harsh in doing so, making sure Gamon took to heart what her tutors told her what was necessary to do to be the perfect noblewomen. However, lightning struck twice, and Gamon developed a special interest in both firebending and military history, which she hid from her Uncle and Aunt by practicing firebending in the morning before either of them woke up and reading military history at night after they had gone to bed.

Gamon managed to hide it until she was 15 years old, where, after being suspicious of Gamon knowing an obscure military battle that took place during the start of Azulon’s reign while also giving pointers to a boy she was courting, they had one of the maids spy on her and report to them.

This, combined with Gamon’s symptoms such as her stimming (she likes to rub her knuckles because she likes how they feel) plus her social awkwardness (no matter how hard they drilled her, Gamon always floundered in noble get togethers), made her guardians give up her.

And not wanting a repeat of what happened to Gamon’s mother and the resulting loss of face, they had her involuntarily committed to the asylum and washed their hands of her.

***

1 - I absolutely loooooooooooove the idea of Zuko and Azula teaching each other, and it could start with Zuko playcating Azula by letting her bend again (which he knows she desperately wants) by making it clear she’s going to have to do it his way - seeing fire as a source of life, not just death. They’re likely to end up fighting a few times because of course, but it would mostly work out as intended, and Azula would then teach him what she knows.

2 - Zuko sharing what he learned from the dragons (while still keeping the secret) with the people who needed to learn it the most is what he should have done from the begining, especially with his sister, and it fits with his new goal of guiding his nation towards peace and showing them that this idea that war and destruction is “the Fire Nation way/culture” is absolute bullshit.

3 - It’s hard to say how “accurate” your portrail of mental illness is since I’m seeing just “your notes” so to speak, but it looks like you’re in the right path. Just be sure to remember that, while mental illness and disabilities do play a huge part in someone’s personalities that is not ALL of their personalities and you’ll be good to go.

4 - I recommend you either retcon some of the most ableist bullshit the comics pulled (like Zuko straight up abandoning Azula and not thinking about her until he needed something from her, not noticing the clear signs of abuse she was showing, all the times he and his friends physically assaulted her when she wasn’t doing anything, and him taking her on a mission knowing nothing about her condition) or make the characters realize just fucked up that was and then genuinely trying to be better.

[snail-care]

Snail 101: How to set up a snail enclosure

So, you're considering getting a pet snail? Great! Before you acquire your snail, you should prepare a home. Here are the basics:

TANK:

Reptile tanks are ideal for snails, they allow plenty of air in, while many are designed to hold humidity that reptiles need. These can be on the pricier side, but luckily snails don't really need huge amounts of space. The linked calculator below shows how much room you'll need for a certain amount of snails, as well as how many snails you can fit happily into a tank you may already have.

Fish tanks are also super great for snails. Betta fish starter kits, while awful for actual Betta fish are perfect for a few snails to live in quite happily. Goldfish starter tanks and such are perfect too. Make sure it has a secure lid!!! Snails can lift several times their own weight so a clip on lid or a heavy one is best. You may want to DIY a lid with mosquito mesh to let air in if the lid that came with the tank is solid glass.

Critter keepers are also good for snails, just don't get the teeny ones. Snails can move surprisingly long distances in just a day, and need room to wander and explore. Again, make sure the lid is very secure.

Please don't:

Use cardboard boxes. They don't hold humidity, they get soggy and snails can eat right through them and even get impacted (blocked digestive tracts) Wood is not great for the same reason.

Use tanks that are super tall. Snails are pretty good at holding on while climbing, but they do sometimes fall off. More on this in a bit though.

Use tanks that are too tiny. You will just have sad snails.

~~~~

So, you have your tank. What next?

To start, you'll want to get a suitable substrate. There are plenty of good options, as well as several you should avoid. Substrate is super important as it provides a place for snails to burrow, lay eggs, and a lot of snails also eat their substrate, likely to help them digest. Substrate also provides a soft place to land if they fall off of something.

Coco peat/coir. My absolute favourite snail substrate! Coir is made of the husks of coconuts, but is a lovely soft texture. It holds water really well, which is good for humidity, without getting bogged and swampy. Snails will happily crawl over, dig in and eat coir. It's eco friendly, takes a very long time to break down, can be reused and it's also really cheap. You can get coir in pretty much any nursery or hardware store, and it comes in these sweet dehydrated and compressed blocks so it's pretty much guaranteed to not come with any pests. The only bad thing I can think of is that once it's rehydrated and set up, pests quite like to live in it.

Peat. I'm not a fan of using peat in anything, not just snail terrariums. My main reason is that peat is taken from peat bogs, and is not renewable. The peat bogs are running out :( The good things about peat are that it holds moisture well, and is also easily reused. It tends to come dry in bags, so it's unlikely to have pests already there. Like coir, it can also harbour pests once it's set up. If you want to use peat, I'd recommend researching the company to see where they harvest it, as there are some peat farms out there that don't take from habitats. It can be a little expensive.

Loam. I've never used loam, so I can't attest to it, but from what I've read it seems good! It's often used for acid hating plants, as it has high ph which is good for snails (acidic substrate can damage their shells) Make sure if you use loam it has low sand content, as sand is b a d. I can't find the pricing of loam, but it's good points are that it drains well, but holds moisture, so it won't get swampy.

Potting soil. This can be a hard one, but if done right can be good. if you use potting soil, please please make sure it's organic, with no added fertilizers, and a high ph. As soil often comes moist, it will likely need to be baked to sterilize and kill any pests in it. It can also be pretty dirty to work with compared to other options.

Sphagnum moss. Sphagnum moss is rad, some people use it as a full substrate in its own, but I'd just add a layer on top of others. Holds moisture and is great for humidity, but isn't great for snails to burrow in. can be kind of pricey.

Substrates to avoid

Sand. Grains of sand can get stuck in snail's shells and really irritate them

Normal potting soil. Potting soil often comes with fertilizers and pesticides already in it, which is bad times.

Random dirt from outside. Dirt outside usually will have pesticides, chemicals from pollution, just all kinds of weird shit you don't want your snails on.

Make sure the substrate is damp before adding snails!

Decorations and Enrichment

Snails love exploring their home!! Decorations provide things to climb on, hiding spots and just visual aesthetics. In my tank, I have a flowerpot, a stick to climb on, plenty of leaf litter and a little ladybug ornament from the dollar store! This does not have to be expensive whatsoever! you can literally just get things from outside, but if you do, make sure you bake 'em in the oven for a bit to kill germs and pests. You can even put little plants in there if you want, just make sure they're not toxic and have no pesticides. Some ideas are fake plants, a plastic flowerpot, a kids plastic cup, various little ornaments from dollar stores, sticks and leaves, etc. Try to avoid large, pointy and hard objects like sharp rocks and such, to avoid shell damage.

Food and Water Bowls

I definitely recommend using bowls or plates for food. Food placed directly on the substrate will spoil and go mouldy quicker because of the moisture. The bowl I use is made for reptiles, and is designed to look like a natural rock but it's made from resin, which is a great material because it's very unlikely to damage their shells, but very strong and easy to clean. You can use the same bowls for water, I use the lid of a jar lol.

This seems complex, but I promise it's honestly the most complex part of keeping snails and it's a lot easier than you think. I hope it was helpful! I'm going to make another post on bioactive vivariums too!

[that-shamrock-vibe]

Disney+ What To Watch: My Top 10 Favourite Disney Classics

#2. Aladdin

Okay so there are several reasons as to why this is my #2 favourite and most of them come from a completely nostalgic point of view. But the main reason is this is the movie that first became the doorway for me to access multiple medias within the Disney franchise, not only the movies but also the television series and the video games.

But another reason why this is at #2 is because this is my sister’s favourite Disney Classic and so growing up we watched this a lot as well as my #1 favourite and so we were able to almost recite the movies word for word.

The sequels also play in hand as to why this movie is at #2 because they’re the only complete trilogy of Disney classics we own and, despite the dwindling quality of the sequels, it stands the original in a great light in comparison as well as the fact the sequels aren’t particularly required to get the most out of the first movie.

Also, Aladdin is the first time I was able to truly appreciate animation both in character design and scenery. Everything from the Arabian Desert as the Peddler rides towards Agrabah to the world-building seen in “A Whole New World” is simply magnificent.

In terms of story, it combines the best elements of rags to riches, prince and the pauper and even the liar-revealed plot devices we see a lot. But whereas the live-action adaptation made Aladdin come across as arrogant and power thirsty when he was accepted as Prince Ali, this version made it seem like Aladdin had no other choice but to continue lying.

The theme of the story is simple yet thoughtful, it’s about being happy with who you are and that someone should like you for you and not for your wealth or title.

This has proven a great message for younger people to retain particularly as they go through adolescence, which is why Aladdin or really any major Disney movie isn’t just for little kids and instead transcends the ages because I believe anyone of any age can learn something from a Disney movie if they think on it.

The characters are all very likeable, even the villains, this is why I love this movie. Jafar and Iago are the villains of the movie and Razoul the head guard serves as a tertiary antagonist of sorts, but all three are portrayed in such a manner that you either love to hate them or in some cases are rooting for them.

This was also the first Disney Classic movie where I felt genuine threat to a Disney hero because yes being cursed to sleep is a real “hopelessness” situation, but the amount of times Aladdin is put into a genuine hopelessness situation in this movie from being trapped in the Cave of Wonders, to being knocked unconscious in the sea to even being banished to the arctic...all of this is real no-win in terms of how to overcome it...unless you have a magic genie and flying carpet which is why I love Disney.

I do think there’s a lot more comic relief in this movie then in a lot of other Disney Classics as effectively everyone aside from Aladdin, Jasmine and Jafar are comedic characters. Abu does have serious moments and the Genie has a lot of pain being masked with his humour but they’re all hilarious for the right reasons.

On the subject of the Genie...do I even need to say why this character is so brilliant? Not only is he voiced by the late great Robin Williams who makes the character so iconic, but you would think after so many times watching a movie that the excitement of him would wear off, yet sure enough every viewing when it’s the build up to his first appearance and every subsequent time he is on screen, 

Jasmine is one of the best Disney Princesses. She, along with Mulan and Belle are probably my favourites of the Disney Classics era and Jasmine remains one of my favourite female Disney characters to this day.

Aladdin is a great leading character, not only is his story from being a street rat to faking his way into being a prince very cleverly done, but the guy is just so likeable you want him to do well. He’s a charmer but he has a heart, he’s not so much a hustler as doing what needs to be done to survive.

Jafar is one of the great Disney Villains, not only was it great that he was a male sorcerer villain, because up until this point we had only really the greats being the Ursulas, the Maleficents and the Evil Queens, but also he had all the best qualities of the lesser-known male villains that had come before him, such as Edgar the butler, with the fact he started off the movie serving the good guys before his true intentions were revealed.

As for the animal sidekicks, and I include Carpet here, it, Abu and Iago all had great moments where they either shined or were simply funny. When Gilbert Godfried is voicing a parrot you know he’s going to be a comedic foil rather than a sinister one.

Musically, “Arabian Night” “One Jump Ahead” “Friend Like Me” “Prince Ali” “A Whole New World”, it’s a complete soundtrack for me and one of few Disney classics where I love every single song.

I touched upon it with The Rescuers Down Under but Disney branching out around the world rather than make believe kingdoms contained within Europe (largely France and Germany) was really a great move for the Mouse House and capturing that Arabian theme and feel was really enriching for the property.

Overall Aladdin is a fantastic movie that branched out into two sequels as well as a continuing television series. Also the Aladdin Sega game was one of the first games I ever played. I love the movie, but my #1 is irreplaceable for me.

So what do you guys think? Post your comments and check out more Disney+ What to Watch Top 10s as well as more Top 10 Lists and other posts.

[bellatrixobsessed1]

A Flame For A Cabbage (Part 1)

Summary: The world is at war, it has been for a hundred years or so. The tribes have fallen and the Earth Kingdom is next. In the midst of a war, an ambitious merchant simply tries to sell cabbages. Azula-Cabbage Man Role swap AU

The sky hanging above the wall is an incredible sight, a canvas of orange with splashes of pinks and golds. It is a fine opening to what may very well be a final day. In her travels, Azula has heard tell of it. Of a device that set to breech Ba Sing Se’s walls. Even still, she has a job to do. She isn’t particularly worried about trifles outside of the wall. She fashions her hair into a scraggly topknot--she can never seem to tame her locks--and slips into her day clothing. 

She doesn’t have much in way of possessions just a  small cabbage stall--already twice destroyed by the Avatar and his companions--and the essentials, a few changes of clothes, a makeshift comb, a waterskin, a few pairs of shoes, and some kitchenware and gardening tools. She puts on her conical hat and heads out and into the streets. 

She can hear the rumbles even from this distance and considers that maybe it is a horrid idea to find herself outside. But then, maybe she can sell a few doomsday cabbages. She pushes a cart full of them into the center of the market square. 

The square is bustling and jovial. Azula can’t help but be intrigued, it perplexes her how they can be so happy with their sanctuary seconds away from a breech. A woman passes by her stall. “Would you like to buy a cabbage?” She asks. “It may be your last chance to buy one, now that the war has reached Ba Sing Se.”

“Excuse me?” The woman tilts her head. 

Azula conceals an exasperated sigh. “The city is going to fall and we are all going to die today. I recommend buying a cabbage as your last meal.”

The woman gulps and walks away. A rather brisk and hustled walk. Azula pouts to herself, she never has been particularly great with people. Not friendly conversation anyhow. She wonders if she may have come on too strong. She approaches the next passerby differently, “would you be interested in a doom’s day cabbage?”

“Doom’s day?” The man asks. 

“Yes. Doom’s day.” 

“What do you mean?”

Azula blinks, “I mean that the wall is about to be breeched so I am offering you a good quality final meal.” She pauses, looking at the tray of food that he is already holding. “Rather something to enrich the one you already have.”

The man seems to consider for a moment and Azula dares to get her hopes up. She thinks that today will be her lucky day. With the Avatar and his friends preoccupied with the wall, there is no one to make a mess of things. The man pats his pockets. “I think that I just spent the last of my money on this.” He motions to his meal. 

Azula nods. “You should make better spending choices in the future. Good day.” 

The man frowns and makes his way away from her stall. She is almost certain that she has offended him somehow, but she opts to pretend that he had simply been mournful of his lost opportunity. 

She greets a second man and offers him a cabbage. 

“Maybe tomorrow.” The man smiles. 

“But there will not be a tomorrow.” Azula insists. 

He halts in his tracks. “Why wouldn’t there be a tomorrow.”

Azula founds herself staring in bemusement again. Could it be that they really don’t know about the drill. That they are absolutely oblivious to what transpires just on the other side of their walls? Azula parts her lips. “There’s a drill.”

“A drill?”

She nods. “It is Fire Nation. They are going to breach the outer wall very soon.” 

The man gives an uneasy chuckle and shifts his weight from one leg to the other. He mumbles something before taking off much like the first woman. Azula sighs. She wonders if the Earth King knows about this, perhaps word has not reached him yet. Mayhaps it is she who should bring it to his attention. Her expression dims, who is she kidding? She can’t even sell a single cabbage much less be able to deliver profound information to the king himself.

She re-adjusts her hat and decides to herself that if she can sell just one cabbage, she will bring her news to the Earth King. She tries to draw consumers in but she doesn’t have the spunk nor vigor that the woman running the meat cart does. And she doesn’t have that suave and slick voice that the man running the jewelry stand boasts. She certainly doesn’t have the perky, cheeriness of the brother-sister botanist duo. 

She is just Azula. 

She supposes that her voice is pleasant enough and that her appearance is at least somewhat charming. But the baggy cotton pants and shirt she wears do her no favors. She is exceptionally average in those regards. But she has a sharp mind and she is something of a prodigy. She knows so, her father has said as much. Even if he hadn’t, she hasn’t seen anyone grow a cabbage as fast or as large as the ones she grows. The sheer amount of them is impressive if she must say.

She decides that she is wasting her talents on people who can’t recognize her talents. If she wants to do this, if she wants success--and she will have it one way or another--she will need to be bolder. 

She looks towards the sky; it is clear and blue. Early afternoon. She still has much of her day to accomplish what needs accomplishing. 

.oOo.

“This drill is a feat of scientific ingenuity and raw destructive power. Once it tunnels through the wall, our troops will storm their city. The Earth Kingdom will finally fall, and you can claim Ba Sing Se in the name of Fire Lord Ozai. Nothing can stop us.” Vows Qin.

Tylee taps her chin, “hmmm, what about those muscley guys down there?” Once quick glance into the drill’s binoculars reveals a team of well chiseled men. They slam rocks up against the drill’s framework. 

Sie listens intently to the conversation, wondering just were his life has gone wrong. He doesn’t wonder for too long, he thinks that he can pinpoint the exact moment when things had taken such a stark turn. 

Qin flashes a confident and boastful smile. “Please! The drill's metal shell is impervious to any earthbending attack.”

But that doesn’t alleviate the queasiness in Sie’s stomach.“Oh, I sure hope it is, War Minister Qin…” He trails off, he knows how these things usually go after a healthy amount of experience. “...but just to be on the safe side.” He looks to Mai and TyLee. “We should probably take care of that.” He cringes to himself as another rock collides with the drill. 

Twirling knife around her finger, Mai remarks, “Finally.”

Sie winces to himself, he hates when she does that. One of these days she is going to take someone’s eye out. 

“Something to do.” Her words are punctuated by a clunk and a shout. There it is. The moment he had dreaded. Mai apologizes less than half-heartedly. 

.oOo.

There, that should do, Azula thinks to herself. She knows that her task is no longer going to be easy. She is well aware that she has maneuvered herself right into the general vicinity of the Avatar himself. But she is a girl of goals and plenty of determination.

“Excuse me! You can’t be out here right now!” Calls the general. 

“I can be! And I will be! Maybe you don’t have the nerve to come down here and do what is necessary, but I do. I’m stronger than you.” Is what Azula would have declared had she heard the man over the sound of whirring mechanics and rebounding rocks. Instead she continues arranging her stall as though he hadn’t spoken at all. Because, as far as she is concerned, he hasn’t. And really, if a plea falls on def ears, has a plea really been made at all? Azula doesn’t ask herself this question because she has no reason to. 

Instead she taps one of the earth warriors on the shoulder. “Would you like to buy a cabbage. Battles are exhausting, you will have an advantage if you aren’t fighting hungry.”

“WHAT?” The man hollars over the noise of the drill. 

“These cabbages will help you prevent the apocalypse.” Azula speaks with more volume.

“WHAT!?” He repeats again. 

She flinches as the man drops to the ground. The man’s attacker waves before cartwheeling over to the next. Azula narrows her eyes, to think she had a sturdy sales pitch going for her too. 

.oOo.

Sie is growing more and more anxious. Mai and TyLee have returned and the earthbenders have been dealt with. But he knows that there will be more of them. He just knows it. He is also well aware of just how much trouble the Avatar can cause after having run into him in Omashu. But where is he? Where. 

A horrid noise violates his ears. “Congratulations, crew. The drill has made contact with the wall of Ba Sing Se, start the countdown to victory.”  

So why is it that he begins counting down to their defeat. It might be that he knows deep down that the protagonists always win. That those are the rules and he can deny them no more than he can deny the knife-related background death of one of the drill staff. His corpse has already been drawn out of the frame (blood and all) with no trace of it ever having been there. But with no place for it to have been reasonably moved to. 

He decides that it is also worth noting that a cabbage stall has been erected just outside of the wall. He wonders what kind of ploy this may be.

“War Minister, an engineer was ambushed! His schematics were stolen!” Declares one of the personal, confirming his suspicions about that damn cabbage stand. 

“Titans, go!” He coughs, “Sorry, I mean, let’s go ladies.” Whatever that cabbage merchant has planned, he won’t let it succeed. Too much is at stake here. His nation is depending on him and the Fire Lord, his father, has set expectations high. He dreads to think of what could happen if he comes home without victory. He can’t allow himself to end up like his banished and scarred brother. 

.oOo.

She watches them fall left and right, her potential customers drop like flies. The worst of it is that they actually seem interested in buying cabbages off of her. The problem is that by the time she has successfully communicated over the drill’s volume, they only have time to smile and say, “yeah, I’d like one” before a Fire Nation soldier intervenes. 

Feeling utterly defeated and rather useless, she makes her way to the infirmary. The least she can do is offer them a free cabbage for their troubles. She has an excess of them and she decides that it wouldn’t pay to waste a perfectly good cabbage. 

With a pang in her heart, she gathers a few of them into her arms and wanders back within the wall. This, of course, would have been a pristine opportunity for Sie to make a move but he has already opted to go after the ambushers. So, as most mishaps accidentally are, Azula blissfully avoided her own.

For some reason she ponders what everyone used to say of her; that she was born lucky. 

The sky is still blue and the temperature is pleasantly warm. Several of the soldiers take comfort in her cabbages. She supposes that, that is what matters; that people know the value of tedious and painstakingly grown produce. Particularly of the cabbage variety.  

Despite their suffered injuries, they seem happy. 

In fact, they thank her for the cabbages. 

No, she decides, she has hasn’t been born lucky. She forges luck for herself.

[kalle-and-lita]

Send me a “💭“ and your Muse will experience one of my Muse’s Memories. (Happy Memory, Kalle)

Kalle's camp was quiet, just the way he liked it.

For most of the early morning he sat next to his fire, tending to the embers and working on a new canvas for his shelter. He'd never quite gotten the hang of finer and more detailed work like sewing, cursed as he was with bigger thick hands, but this morning's project didn't require that much precision to begin with.

As he worked in solace, Kalle couldn't help but think of all that had changed within the years since he and Veselin had first met. The boy was now well into his sixteenth year and growing into a fine young man. A skilled hunter and defender for his village, but still he had that same wonder and curiosity that he had since he was but a child. The thought made Kalle smile, flexing his fingers from the rigorous work before touching the totems around his neck.

They hung from several thick cords, each in the shape of some varied aspect of wildlife found upon the planet. It was always the same now, every year Veselin would present him with a new one to add to Kalle's collection, even going so far as to make him ones for years that had been missed.

Kalle prized each and every one of them.

Noise from the brush in the forest behind Kalle caught his attention, he paused his work to glance quickly over his shoulder and scan the tree line. The morning sun casted dark shadows, but even with his keen vision he didn't see anything out of the ordinary.

So, with a shrug he returned to his work, yet still made sure his glaive was close at hand. Simple as his life was, he wasn't foolish enough to always remain unarmed.

The next several minutes passed peacefully, Kalle working away on the canvas. Had it not been for his own keen senses, and his training, Kalle would have been caught unawares by the figure that ran up behind him and pounced to attack.

The large astartes moved with dizzying speed, dropping the canvas in favor of his glaive so he could twist about to block the downward blow of the bone knife.

Veselin gave a laugh,

"Argh, I almost had you."

Kalle grinned up at him, pushing back with a fair amount of strength, "You would have, if you would just learn to be quiet." He admonished.

Veselin used the momentum of Kalle's strength to land easily back on his feet, and duck low for another attempt. Back and forth they sparred, testing each other's limits until both were left nearly winded minutes later.

He'd improved over the past several years they'd been training together; Kalle wasn't sure if he could be any prouder than he was now. Then, as quickly as they started, the pair of them began to laugh. Veselin sheathed his knife and approached Kalle, who in turn neatly set aside his own glaive to bring the boy into a one armed hug.

“What are you working on today?”

Veselin sat next to Kalle as the man picked his project back up, mumbling as the needle bit into his fingers,

“Another canvas, my old one is wearing out.”

“You know you could always come live in the village. I’m sure everyone would be happy to have you there.”

Kalle chuckled, “I’m sure, Veselin, but I prefer my solitude.”

The young man hummed at that, taking up one of Kalle’s extra needles and setting to work with him. For several minutes they worked in silence, the sun slowly rising overhead and bringing with it the usual heat.

“Hey Kalle,” Veselin prompted, his eyes on his work, “How do you... tell a girl you like her?”

Kalle nearly choked on his own spit, coughing wide eyed as he struggled to regain some composure.

“I am... not at all experienced on this topic, Veselin.” He offered quietly, feeling the blush of embarrassment creep into his face, “Why do you ask...?”

It was Veselin’s turn to show his embarrassment, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck, “Her name is Kari... I don’t know, it’s just like one day I woke up and she was suddenly the prettiest girl in the whole village. The way she walks and sings, and she’s a really good weaver...”

Kalle listened with a careful ear as Veselin went on and on about this girl, occasionally casting him a glance now and then.

“I want to ask her to the Lunar Festival coming up but what if she says no? What if she goes with someone else; I don’t think I could ever stand the idea of anyone else having her-”

Kalle’s hand moved before he could register the thought, non too kindly smacking Veselin upside the head.

“Ow, what was that for?!”

“Knock it off, right now!” Kalle growled, narrowing his pitched eyes down at the young man, who shrunk nervously under his harsh gaze, “Kari is a human being, not a possession or a toy to have. She is not yours, or anyone else’s, and she is free to be with whomever she chooses.”

Kalle tore his gaze away from Veselin, his anger subsiding as he returned to his work,

“I’m not saying that you shouldn’t ask her to accompany you,” Kalle eventually said, “I’m saying don’t treat her like an object, she has feelings and dreams, Veselin. Companionship is meant to enrich the life you already have, not to give it meaning.”

“But what if she says ‘no’? I’m so afraid that she will!”

Kalle inwardly sighed, realizing that he wasn’t exactly the greatest at these kinds of talks. He’d never found anyone he liked enough to want that kind of companionship, he doubted he ever would, and his only real experience was that of Lita and Curze.

And it wasn’t exactly the healthiest; Curze being prone to fits of jealousy and enraged outbursts. Lita took it all in stride, flat out refusing to deal with such antics, but it still didn’t mean that they didn’t take their toll. He didn’t want that for Veselin, nor for Kari.

“Fear of rejection is normal,” Kalle answered carefully, “bearing your heart to someone is always a risk, but there’s nothing to be gained if you don’t at least try. And if Kari says no, that doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with you or who you are, and you need to learn to be okay with her decision.”

Veselin was quiet for a long time, eventually prompting Kalle to look up from the canvas. The young man was staring at it quite intently before giving a single solemn nod,

“Okay, I’ll ask her.”

“And if she says no?”

Veselin frowned, “It’s her choice, not mine.”

Kalle reached over and mussed the boy’s hair, a smirk on his face, “Good kid.” That earned him a laugh, Veselin’s own hand reaching up to touch Kalle’s arm as he shot the astartes a toothy grin,

“Only because I have you.”

[lycanthrotea]

...

“Not very smart walking all alone this snowy evening”

Lahortans froze in their steps. somebody was threatening them, right On their way to a reunion they didn’t even want to go to. They didn’t even notice they were being followed as the cold wind blew past their muffed ears and their mind was distracted by The promising future of being accepted into Leencian’s most prestigious university of magic up north. How they waited for the day to continue their research in a more enriching environment , access to so many more tomes so much better funding and some of the more well-known individuals in the field, everything seem to shatter under the icy breath sudden blowing on the back of their neck. they jumped startled, dropping their bag turned back to meet The aggressor, Because of course It couldn’t just be a voice inside their head. It was a demon Whom by their lack of thick winter clothing and frozen breath Had an affinity towards ice, Which is exactly the last ones you want to see when standing in deep snow, during dusk..

“Ah! What do you need of me?”

“You know what I want, Just give the bag here already. Try anything and i’ll slice your neck clean off. “

They stepped away from it as the Stranger Dumped all of their possessions into the snow, clothes, books, alcohol, identification. Grinned as they as found their wallet and looked content at the amount of money. A fair amount, Lahortans brought a bit extra in case they were certainly not wanted at their aunt’s farm and needed a place to stay, and drinks to Go with it. Lahortans glanced at the them, They noticed and glared right back intently at them, trying to see any hint of resistance. They did have a small fire pendant on Their person they carried for self-defense and keeping warm ,mainly keeping warm, but it was in their pocket and there was hardly a chance they could snatch it around someone who was likely rather experienced in messing people up. Of course they could also use their own blood but Because they were more interested in studying it than using it They wouldn’t be able to funnel off enough blood from their body fast enough to attack.

“There. Not as much as your nice outfit would suggest but its something. Speaking of which hand that over too.”

“Sigh..Very well ..”

They were much more annoyed to part with their lovely coat. although where they were going the winters would a little less long, they still spent a pretty good amount for such a Beautiful thing, Embroidered with intricate details, threaded with magical thread That would keep one more warm than its appearance might suggest , they weren’t sure if they would Be willing to buy a replacement. At least they still had something to keep them self warm with but they would have to move quickly unless they wanted to risk hypothermia. As they hesitantly took it off The demon suddenly made an icicle in their hand and held it to their neck like a blade.

“Now what are you doing hiding such a lovely thing under that scarf of yours. Come on now you only got to cooperate with me a little more kid.”

“Ah.. I.. Er.. please I rather you take anything and everything else. “

“Must be pretty valuable Huh?”

It was. A beautiful double layered pearl choker that had been in their family for very many years. The beads were not completely uniform In color varying from pure white to rosier tones, But all uniform in shape. the necklace itself was crafted w the property to help store excess magic Which didn’t mean much to them but was a nice bonus. Their mother had to given It to them A few years ago much sooner than their grandmother had to her. Likely because Lahortans had marveling at its beauty since they were young, despite her rarely wearing it. They also were going to be rather far away from home to pursue their interests. She at a time thought they were emotionally much closer than Lahortans was, and wanted to give something to remind them of home. Regardless of their personal feelings towards her They truely treasured it, and wore quite often. the idea of losing it to some random bandit who on closer inspection had the pungent smell of alcohol in their breath was Not something they wished to imagine, But they were cornered and had a severe field disadvantage. However at the moment they failed to consider this, in a lapse of Judgment for the briefest of moments Lahortans thought they thought they could run. As they started To back away the demon striked at their abdomen. the force of The slash threw Lahortans onto the snow, They screamed As the Sharp horrible pain It brought seized their entire body. They reflexively clutched their stomach realizing in horror they’d been eviserated.

“Not very smart this fancy one, Hey stay quiet unless you really want me to end it off for you.”

The demon jumped on them and forcibly unclasped their necklace, Lahortans tried to stop them but they could only muster dirtying the precious heirloom with their blood. They were punched in the face before Being warned once more about Trying to resist and were left to bleed in the snow. It really was the absolute worse, They were freezing and in agonizing pain and Were facing the possibility of dying where they laid. They took a minute to start gathering themself, it was most important to rid of the lightheadedness.

In the moment it was a strain to focus withblood pouring out but as they Started to get a grip over their own blood, They began to feel much better. Whether it was half frozen in the snow or flowing out of their body or still coursing through their veins. As Long as they were in control, they wouldn’t necessarily need it in their body to survive and they could turn their attention to trying to figure out what to do now.

Firstly if they wanted to get out of here, their best bet was to Inconspicuously bleed themself out, that way they would have a manner to defend themself more easily. But if they wanted to not lose precious posessions they’d have to go offensive And catch the demon Off guard. Although such Maneuvers weren’t a thing they were exactly familiar And experienced with—maybe was the adrenaline maybe it was the prospect of getting an upper hand by trying to use an amount of magic they previously haven’t been able to use— they were quite ready to go. All They had to do was distract them by using the blood left on their necklace and-

Lahortans took one last deep breath— or Tried because Doing so really hurt— And with a grip of their fist the small amount of blood covering the pearls Suddenly turned into spikes towards the hand that gripped it. The assailent Released their grip on the pearls grabbing their wrist in pain. Lahortans quickly Got on their feet, Making sure their guts didn’t spill out as the other demon reflexively began to turn the snow into rows of large Shards that erupted from the ground below. They were able to leap out of the way in time, reached into their pockets for the fire pendant and wrapping blood around their arm was able to funnel magic to create A blast of flame that the demon would stumble to avoid. Lahortans Was then able to drench the demon in their own blood In the moment of vulnerability before they could possibly turn the snow around them into shards of ice that would probably Mangle anyone’s body.

Once soaked they could constrict the body so the assailent wouldn’t be able to use it to channel magic. It was easier feat than expected, Which is fine and dandy when They really needed to get stitched up as soon as possible.

“Ugh. You’re absolutely disgusting you know that?”

They ignored them shivering as the cold really started to hit. They made sure not to lose their grip while the assailant struggled As they proceeded to pick up their coat which had gotten quite a bit sullied with blood. It was really that simple they thought as they put it on to warm their body. Some random punk who was currently cursing at them as they gathered their things Really had the gall to try and mug them. Combined with the ongoing pain, their fear suddenly turned into annoyance As they found themself to be in complete control of the situation

“Hmph.. You must be oh so fortunate that blood stains mean absolutely nothing to a person like me or else I might be even more furious. regardless I prefer you be the one staying quiet now. “

Of course threating someone who is both angry and drunk meant much more verbal abuses. They weren’t as angry as they said they were but their patience was running thin as they were figuring out what they could possibly do to not get attacked at the moment they released their grip. Maybe strangle them until they fainted from asphyxiation? They motioned to test how much pressure they could put, It definitely could work As they watched the demon struggle to breathe but- Oh. That’s it. A devious grin appeared on their face A look of horror came about the other’s face.

“Now Despite my Condition appearing to be Rather dire I Can safely afford to Dally just a little while. I feel as though letting you go unharmed would not be safe for me . I may be frilly and dainty looking But I am I demon of science, And it seems as though it would be an excellent time to Do a bit of experimentation. “

They gave a small chuckle watching as their subject Began to squirm and struggle even harder The confidence they gave off was probably frightening. The snow around them Both tried to form itself into something but without the Ability to move, To use one’s body to more effectively conduct magic, they were powerless. Of Course it Is not impossible to do so and not extremely difficult but as they were mentally Impaired they lacked The focus needed to do so and Lahortans knew it. Before they decided to resort to screaming Lahortans Took One of their gloves off, scrunched up and stuffed it in their mouth, securing it be wrapping some blood around their head.

“AIthough i am one With much magical stamina, This power you see before you is still quite new to me. I have studied it to an extent yes but I have not had the time to see it at its greatest potential, sustaining all of my blood outside my body and manipulating it. To do so without a scratch on one’s body requires time and concentration. I have been meaning to set the time and energy to do so but until now I have not been able to. However this grisly wound you have gifted me has provided an opportunity. Oh but it isn’t just playing with your body as a ragdoll, I have also never used Blood other than mine.

Those with my magic are able to blend and separate different blood at will, They able to infuse it with magic and use it as if it were their own . Historically speaking there were many more violent uses of it but you shall not worry about that. Once I am done I will put it back in your body and you may be on your way. Of course any form of retaliation and you will be bled out in a moments notice. Do we have ourselves clear? Now, Let us see, “

Lahortans approached And knelt down beside where they laid. Every movement hurt but they bit their lip To brace themselves. They attempted to focus over the others body to sense Any injury on their body they could begin their extraction. They notice that their surprise attack didn’t actually cut their body enough to be a useful point, But it wasn’t like it was something they knew how to do very well so they werent shocked.

“at the moment you are unscathed, I don’t have any sharp objects on me and I doubt you will provide me with one. Hmm. You may find it crude but It seems Is the only way of puncturing your skin would be to use my fangs. I would apologize for your excess pain however I do not think it could be nearly as severe as the gash you have left me with. Oh do not worry I will leave you with your life but you will want to wish your Intoxication is a good enough anesthetic.”

Lahortans Went over the body of their captive, Who Mustering their strength froze themselves up In attempt to protect themself. They asked the captive which hand it was That dominant but they responded by shaking their head angrily. Assuming that it was the one that was used to slash them, The right hand, They firmly grasp the left arm holding it tight before biting Down their forearm without hesitation. they were purposely a little in accurate when it came to trying to hit blood vessels, but still focused more on making large puncture wounds over scraping flesh. Lahortans pulled away only When they begin to feel their face became numb with the cold.

It took but a moment of focus to grab a feeling of the strangers blood and be able to control it as they would their own. Lahortans gleefully And began to extract the blood which floated in the air where they held, Such fascination made them forget the morally questionable nature of the action they were committing and their aching open wound. They did pay close attention to their experimemtee So they would lose just enough blood to fall unconscious and nothing more. As soon as they did Lahortans Released the bloody constraints from the body and took back their glove. From there they could finally see how much they were capable of. They stood and using their arms similar to a conductor and played around with the deep red liquid in the air as the set sun let the Moon do all the lighting. Mixed together pulled apart, and mixed Together again with ease. They could make it rain unnaturally thick droplets and Douse the snow with red Before lifting it up in the air again leaving Imprints as if heavy rain had Fallen. Percision wasn’t easy But it felt amazing (but exhausting) to see a large blob mutate Into whatever simple forms they desired. They Tried to see if they could lift themself up in the air; lightly But the amount of strain almost gave them a headache. They could drench themself in one moment and in the other not a hint of blood Was on their light colored attire.

They continued on testing things for another 10 minutes before conceding to the fact that they might be wasting a little too much magic. With a refreshed sigh, They returned to the body of the other demon And slowly returned the blood back into their body. And then proceeded To check their status to make sure everything was OK. Gave them a little kick but No reflex. Fine. They checked the pulse none they could perceive and then to see if the blood they returned was running, It was stagnant. Of course along with it no heartbeat. They were dead. Lahortans felt their heart drop. it wasn’t as much as having just killed someone , they honestly didn’t care about the others life at this point, But they did had no idea what was going to happen now. In a couple months were Supposed to be on the train to Creonys but now what would happen? It was so very likely that the invitation would be rescinded no matter what happened. But Would it close even more paths? Had their career ended before even truly started. It was not self-defense , not at this point. there was an inkling of malice not enough to have wanted to murder them, but enough to get to the point of having done so. What would the judges rule? How long Will it take to reach it, how long are they going to be behind bars. Oh and of course they were still had a wound that what is currently partly exposing their intestines and a family reunion to get to. At least there was an ever ready surgeon to stitch them up..

They felt that their magic was soon going to be exhausted if they kept holding everything out of their body. With a wave an arm, Lahortans Began to absorb the blood back into their body. They still would need to Not let their wound bleed them out but it was much less stressful on their magical reserves.

“It will certainly be fun to explain this later.. I need a drink.”

Lahortans Placed everything but the bottle of vodka in their bag and slung up on their shoulder. Quivering as they began to walk, One hand on their abdomen the other holding the bottle, they made a small mental calculation about how Long it would take to get to the farm at a limping pace and how much alcohol they could drink before getting too drunk too soon. They used their mouth to uncap the bottle, and spit it into the snow. With little hesitation they took several large swigs Before putting the bottle down. It absolutely burned but it was much better than walking about an hour after dusk Without anything to dull the pain And take their mind off things.

“Goodbye you icy bastard, though ... Now that I have given it a second thought I should thank you as well. I will probably never be seeing My family again after this.”

[sw33tsouth3rnb3ast]

High Protein Diets For Bodybuilding: Learn To Eat The Right Amount

In case you're working hard to build the muscles of yours then, you need to be cognizant of a nutritious diet. You most likely know that bodybuilder's diet plan is rather high in protein. Thus, eating the correct amount of protein is great for the muscles of yours.

It's claimed that "Proteins are the machinery of living cells which creates the buildings and also performs the chemical reactions critical for life."

Thus, your diet holds a lot of importance in the life of yours. So, you have to emphasize on a diet in addition to a workout. If you would like to create a great muscle mass you have to abide by the following equation:

Seventy % Healthy Diet + thirty % Workout = Healthy Body as well as Good Muscle Mass

To confirm my above equation, I am going to illustrate the higher protein diets for weight reduction.

You're only one step beyond the physical fitness. Stay with me as well as I am going to let you know the techniques behind bodybuilding and diet programs.

Let us watch the entire show!

The Ultimate List Of The High protein Diets For Bodybuilding

1. The Eggs: Will always be Best When Eaten Fresh Protein Content: six g / one large egg

The eggs are the primary attraction when you walk around the block at the food store.

These white-colored spheres are near immaculate muscle nourishment. That's on the justification that the organic esteem a measure of just how much protein out of the nourishment may be consolidated into proteins in the body of an egg is above almost whatever another factor in the grocery store.

The herbal confidence is to a great level guided by the degree of fundamental amino acids nourishment has, and the moderate egg offers lots of these.

Keep a watch out for containers with eggs with bulked up omega 3 levels to create your morning scramble work significantly harder for you.

Thus, if want improves protein foods in the diet of yours, pick the eggs.

2. Greek Yogurt: A great Ingredient From The Milk Family Protein Content: twenty-three g / eight oz. serving

It is a great component from the dairy family. It's truly yummy in taste. It is a Greek-style Yogurts which has the double amount of protein as in contrast to the standard one.

The plain yogurt has fewer sugars than the flavored it. I need to allow you to know one secret. Yogurt is probably the richest source of calcium.

Consequently, in toto, you receive calcium in additional. So, I'd suggest you've no less than one bowl in one day.

3. Cottage Cheese: Milk's Leap Towards Immortality Protein Content: fourteen g per 1/2 glass serving

The cottage cheese is endowed with the casein protein. This's a slow digesting protein and it materials the amino acids on the muscles. Having this in the type of treatment before bedtime is helpful.

The cottage cheese is enriched with salt too. But look at the product labels at the carton. Compare the nutrition labels of various brands.

Those who want to develop the good muscle mass is able to take cottage cheese. Do not choose artificial supplements. They are able to damage the body of yours.

4. Swiss Cheese: The Love Of Bodybuilders Protein Content: eight g per one oz. serving

Swiss cheese is an excellent option for those that are vegetarians. It provides much more protein than additional ingredients. This business owner is a muscle friendly option for the sandwich of yours and burger recipes.

You are able to insert this to your nighttime snacks checklist or perhaps can have exactly the same after the workout whenever you feel exhausted.

Must try out this particular one!! A like of every bodybuilder.

5. Milk, 2% Protein Content: eight g per one cup serving

Many people make unusual faces when I ask them to get dairy. Nevertheless, milk is a great option. Why pick the flavorless skimmed milk when you have the choice for you? You are able to enjoy the cup of yours of milk & need not to separate the fat.

Do not worry! If you've extra fat and then, it'll be absorbed as fat-soluble nutrients. For instance Vitamin D.

So have milk and savor the work of yours out. Need not to be concerned about!

6. Ground Beef Protein Content: eighteen g / three oz. serving

This much quantity of ground beef provides you with a complete level of fat. The beef or else you are able to say the white meat gives you creatine too. So, you have a purchase one get one deal that is free here.

Is not it?

Give another thought upon it. In case you're looking for higher protein diet programs for bodybuilding. Next, add beef in the platter of yours for sure.

7. Chicken Breast: Good For The Tastebuds of yours Protein Content: twenty-four g / three oz. serving

Pick the chicken breast but which to be skinless and boneless. Chicken breast offers you plenty of proteins and of course great for your taste buds too.

You are able to hold the chicken breast by tempering it with ginger, garlic, and orange. This provides the flavor as well as the nourishment.

Have it today just!

8. The Protein Bars Protein Content: twenty-five g / hundred gms

The chocolates are believed to be mood swingers. They load bad mood in the great one. I understand your mouth is today watering, although mine!

I am kidding! I am kidding!

Let us not go out of the path. I was speaking about protein bars. Hence, you are able to hold the protein bars after doing the exercise session. This will provide energy to the depleted entire body and in turn, is likely to twist the mood of yours.

That's, You are going to be happy.

Take a look at the protein content before you purchase the protein bar.

Well, It is Time To Say Good Bye!

Well! Well! Well!

I've given you the summary of high protein diet programs for bodybuilding. So, you are able to add them to the platter of yours. I always support the purely natural diet for the entire bodybuilding.

The above-listed products really hold the excessive quantity of protein and as I've explained to you at the start that physical exercise and diet both are the key factors of bodybuilding.

But diet always holds seventy % credit. Therefore, the focus of yours must be on a diet. You are able to record reference of your diet plan counselor for introducing these materials into your meal platter.

Tell us, in case you've any questions for us or perhaps in case you wish to add something to the understanding of ours. We'd like to support you, and any sharing of yours is welcomed.

[devilsofficialfanfic]

Doing The Best We Can

Chapter 18: Sweetheart

The meeting was called back into session, and Lotor took his place next to Keith. He really did like having Keith right beside him.

They had planned all this out ahead of time, as they usually did before negotiations of any sort, but it was still nice to be able to communicate silently with Keith in the midst of things. It was impossible to account for every single outcome, after all, no matter how much thought you put into something.

And he could hold Keith’s hand under the table and no one would know.

The situation was not as fraught as it could have been. The Galra Empire would survive isolation quite well, probably; the two dozen planets under Imperial control had small, but steadily growing, populations and large amounts of various natural resources. Seven of those planets were industrial centers, and a further eleven were agricultural producers. They’d prosper.

The rest of the universe might not; the war had been hard on many.

Not all, of course; provisions had been made as planets elected to leave the Empire, in the name of revitalizing economies, instead of letting them crash.

Coalition planets were different. For one thing, most were too proud to ask for help, and even if they had… By the time the war ended, they weren’t the Empire’s responsibility. They had wanted freedom, and Lotor understood -admired -that, but freedom meant that they would have to weather the hardships ahead of them, instead of continuing to blame the Empire for each and every problem.

At some point, you just had to move on and do what needed to be done.

Only, they hadn’t, and that’s why they were here.

He was called on to speak again, and he let go of Keith’s hand and stood. “We have been working on this issue tirelessly since the end of the war. Our fleets are the only ones capable of handling this scale of operation. We have spent a total of fifty billion GAC on various Coalition-sponsored resettlement programs and revitalization projects. There is barely a piracy problem within Imperial territory, because we have the resources to guard our shipments and patrol trade routes. We are offering this support now in order to better not ourselves, but the known universe as a whole.

“But it will not come without a cost, and that cost is that you must trust us.”

“Why should we?”

Lotor did not quite catch the speaker, but he turned in their general direction. “Because you have no choice. Few Coalition planets are self-sufficient, and without intergalactic trade, the remainder will starve. And then you will blame that, too, on the Galra.

“Trade enriches all of us. Galra, Olkarion, Taujeerian, Human… Refusing our offer of assistance will mean that pirates will run rampant over your civilizations. Do not let your justified hatred of my father continue to color your perceptions of what the Empire is now.”

-

Lotor was tired. He’d spent part of the afternoon, after the Empire’s representatives had been excused from the meeting, doing some in-depth examinations of various...technologies and bribing the Castle’s mice.

His mind had not been able to let go of the matter at hand, of course, and that was part of the reason he was unable to sleep, despite his exhaustion.

At least the night air was cooler.

Lance sidled up to him at the balcony. Lance’s footsteps weren’t as stealthy as Keith’s, making it easy for him to tell them apart without looking.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Lance asked softly. Presumably to keep from waking Keith, but Lotor knew from experience that that would not be a problem. Those sleeping pills were potent.

“Just thinking,” Lotor said. There was an orange glow on the horizon; a wild fire of some type, perhaps. But it was far away.

Lance leaned his head against Lotor’s arm. “Yeah?” A clear invitation to share whatever troubled him.

Lotor wasn’t sure, exactly, what troubled him. Keith and he had planned for most contingencies regarding the meeting, including this one, and it was working perfectly so far. The schematics he’d drawn as a result of this afternoon’s adventure in the Castle weren’t terribly important; certainly not enough to keep him awake. And while the heat was annoying, he’d slept in far worse conditions.

“I...don’t know,” he said finally. “It’s probably nothing.”

“I’m not sure I believe that,” Lance said. He ducked under Lotor’s arm, and Lotor obliged him by wrapping his arm around Lance’s waist.

Lotor sighed. “I suppose… Keith mentioned he spoke to you, before you left Daikiraan. About adopting a child.”

“He did,” Lance said neutrally.

“And I… I’ve never really been around children,” Lotor admitted. “I’m...afraid.”

“Everyone’s scared of screwing their kids up. The important thing, I guess, is just...being there. Putting the time in. Everything else can be learned.”

He knew it was too dark for Lance to really see much, and perhaps that was why he was able to ask the question he hadn’t quite managed to ask Keith. “Do you think I would be a good father?”

Lance was silent -Lotor imagined it was a startled silence, like it was something Lance hadn’t quite considered -for a long moment. “Oh,” he breathed finally. “Oh, Lotor.” He twisted a little, so he could look up at Lotor.

Lotor avoided his gaze. Selfishly, perhaps. But he was allowed this small indulgence.

“Lotor, sweetheart, look at me?”

It was hard, but Lotor did, because he could rarely refuse any request Lance made in that soft, sweet tone.

Lance reached up and cupped his face with both hands. “You are not, and you will never be, your father, ok? I know he hurt you, but he’s dead, and he’s been dead, and he can’t hurt you anymore. He will never hurt you again, and you will never become him, ok, because you are not him.”

“But what if-?”

“No, hush. It’s not going to happen.” Lance was quiet until Lotor finally nodded reluctantly. “Ultimately, it’s up to you. Keith said he’s been considering it for several years now, and I always knew I’d prefer to have kids, but we’re not going to force it on you if you don’t want to. It’s something we all have to commit to, together, and if your heart’s not in it, then it’s not fair to the kid or you.

“That being said, I think, personally, that you’d make a great father. I mean, maybe you’ve never really been around kids, but you can learn to feed a baby and change diapers and all that. That’s not what makes a great father. You just...have to be there, yeah? And you’re always so attentive when it comes to me and Keith, always so considerate and warm to us? So I think you’d be really great with kids.”

Lotor pressed his cheek into Lance’s right hand. “I…don’t know what to say to that.”

“Just think about it. You don’t have to make a decision anytime soon. It’s kind of one of those things you probably shouldn’t rush into, you know?”

“Would you be…” Lotor searched for the right word. “Upset? Disappointed? If I decided against it?”

“Yeah, a little, probably,” Lance admitted. “But not at you, and I’d, you know, get over it. Volunteer with a youth program or something. But just because I might be upset, does not mean you have to agree to it. We’re married, now, so that means we’re in this together, for better or worse, remember? If we’re gonna do this, we need to be in agreement about it. I love you, and Keith loves you, and we’re gonna love you no matter how this turns out, ok? So you don’t need to worry about that.”

“I know,” Lotor said softly, then leaned down to kiss Lance. “Thank you for this. I appreciate it a great deal.”

“Yeah, well, what are husbands for?” Lance said with a grin. Then he yawned. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get up early tomorrow and it is way past my bedti-“

Lotor scooped him up in one smooth motion. “I suppose it’s time for me to go to bed as well.”

Lance laughed and wrapped an arm around Lotor’s shoulders. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too.”

[pennywaltzy]

Let No One Be Abandoned Here (5/8)

And finally, a never before seen chapter! It gives a reason for Paul to be out of the orphanage, but it’s also giving it a sense of urgency. I hope you all enjoy! Especially, obviously, @greenskyoverme and @chitarra10!

Let No One Be Abandoned Here - When Admiral Pike tells Spock that the local group home that Starfleet has partnered with has a young half-human/half-Vulcan child in their care who needs a mentor while arrangements are being made to transfer him into the custody of someone on New Vulcan, he is unsure of what to do or how to feel or react at first. But once he meets the child and they begin to bond, he realizes that his life will be enriched by having him in it, and perhaps that he can begin to heal some old wounds he did not realize he still had.

Read Chapter 1 | Read Chapter 5 | Help Me Survive? | Commission Me?

The clothing that Nyota had procured for Paul was ready after Spock had had two more visits with Paul at the orphanage. He had yet to see the special accommodations that he had suggested put into place, and he was concerned. They had asked for his help, specifically because he was a Vulcan/human hybrid, so why were they not instituting the changes that he had recommended? It was peculiar.

There was some time between his third visit and his fourth, as he had needed to run a diplomatic errand to New Vulcan. He had avoided both his father and his alternate self because he did not want questions about Paul. For some reason, he was keeping this involvement with the child to a few people, mostly what Nyota referred to as his “found family,” various members of the Enterprise crew. Scotty had been involved in procuring the clothing and he and Nyota had spent weeks deciding what was “cool” enough for a pre-teenager. He carried the clothing in a bag now and hoped Paul found it suitable.

He went into Paul’s room and saw him curled into a ball on his side, moaning slightly. Spock was alarmed and set the bag on the floor before moving more quickly than usual to his bedside. “Paul? What has happened?”

“Something I ate made me feel ill,” he said, and Spock could see he was sweating at his brow. “Too spicy.”

It might not have been too spicy, per se, as it was simply the wrong spices, Spock surmised. He knew what needed to be done and felt...anger. Not the overwhelming anger that had been brought about at the loss of his mother and Jim’s needling, but anger that this boy was being put into discomfort needlessly. He deserved better.

“I will return with competent medical help,” he said. The orphanage was not far away from where Dr. McCoy lived, and he left the orphanage and made his way there quickly, banging on the door with an urgency he had not realized he truly felt. The door swung open and normally he would enjoy the shocked look on Dr. McCoy’s face, but he did not have time to be petty. “My ward needs you.”

McCoy frowned. “The kid in the orphanage?”

Spock nodded. “You have the most experience with my type of physiology. He is ill and in pain. I think certain spices have poisoned him.”

McCoy’s eyes widened and he nodded. He understood the seriousness of the situation as well and went back into his apartment to grab a travel-sized medical bag, then stopped and went to a closet to grab a different bag as well. “Do you have any idea what he ate?”

Spock shook his head. “None, Doctor.”

“Damn,” he said. “As far as I know, full-blooded Vulcans can tolerate these antidotes to most of the food sensitivities they have, but we’ve never tried them on you before. You have the sense to be careful what you put in your mouth. What the hell is that orphanage thinking? He’s a hybrid alien, of which there’s only a handful in existence. You told them about his dietary needs, didn’t you?”

“I did,” Spock said.

“I swear, I’ll rip some heads off if anything permanent happens to this kid.” He stepped out of his apartment and then locked the door behind him. “Let’s go.”

They made their way back to the orphanage, traveling quickly in Spock’s personal conveyance, and when they got there McCoy let Spock lead him to Paul’s room. The green tinge on Paul’s skin had gotten darker and Spock himself knew that was not a good sign. While McCoy asked Paul a series of questions, Spock knew there was only one other person who might have more knowledge than the good Doctor.

He went to a quieter part of the room and opened his communicator. Scotty had fiddled with it so it had the ability to reach New Vulcan on its own, and that was something he was quite thankful for. His father answered after just a moment. “Spock?”

“Did I ever have adverse reactions to foods that Mother would cook?” he asked.

“Once, when she made something with poppy seed. You had a horrendous reaction. It went away with time but it was an agonizing process.”

“Doctor,” Spock said, looking at McCoy. “Ask Paul if he ingested poppy seeds.”

McCoy turned to the boy, still taking his vitals, and then nodded. “Yeah, he did.”

Spock nodded. “It will clear on its own in time, but it will be an agonizing process, according to my father.”

“This kid needs to be somewhere else while he recovers,” McCoy said. “I can take him to the Academy medical bay.”

“He simply needs rest and quite a large amount of cold water,” Sarek said from the communicator. “I’m sure you can provide that, both you and your mate, Spock.”

Spock frowned. “That is all he needs?”

“It is derived from a plant that can, in some instances, mimic hallucinogenic drugs in some species. Vulcans are one of them. As your ward is half-human, the effect is less hallucinogenic but still unpleasant. Take him into your home, S’chinn T’gai. For an extended period, if need be.”

“Do you think that is wise?” Spock asked his father, frowning.

“I think it will cause a needless incident like this from being repeated.” There was a pause. “I will send more Vulcan recipes that your mother used for you to Lieutenant Uhura. I think she will find them easy enough to make.”

“Thank you, father,” he said.

“This is a good thing you are doing,” Sarek said, his tone softening in a way Spock rarely heard. “Take care of him.” Then he ended the call.

Spock looked at the communicator and then at Paul, being tended to by McCoy. He remembered how his mother felt having Michael in their home, and how his father had always been more visibly comfortable with his fellow full-blooded Vulcans, and how he had felt he fit in with no part of his family because he was never fully human or fully Vulcan. Could he offer something better for Paul? And then he knew before his inner voice attempted to answer the question that he would try his best to because he did not want the boy to be in pain anymore. “Doctor McCoy, help me do what we must to get Paul transitioned into my home,” he said. “Find a way to convince Admiral Pike to let me take Paul home to my home. Using bullying techniques if needed. I will not allow this to stand.”

He watched McCoy give him a grin before turning back to Paul and, for a moment, felt that perhaps he had done some small measure of repair to his relationship with the good doctor. Only time would tell, as it would for Paul.

[luminous--dreamer]

Top 20 of 2020

s this year began to unfold I wondered if I would be able to come up with amazing things that happened at the end of the year, or if I should just give up and call it a wash. It has been the most heart breaking, difficult year I can remember, with one blow after another, but instead of letting ourselves sink into the pain that we experienced, as a little family we decided to rise above our circumstances and look at the brighter happier blessings we did in fact receive. So with 2020 coming to an end, we are choosing to release those harder aspects of the year and hold on to the beautiful parts. 

1. Jamaica

We were so lucky to enjoy an absolutely blissful week in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The most relaxing and peaceful vacation of all times. We saw sights, swam and swam (with dolphins!), read lots of books and fully re-charged. We’ve held on to these warm memories throughout the year and let the caribbean sunshine continue to warm our hearts.  As we flew out of Jamaica an earthquake shook the ground, sending everyone at home into a panic. Luckily for us, we flew out safely and happily. Haha maybe it was a sign for the year to come!

2. Maple Syrup

While everything is frozen around us, in a cold Canadian winter, a bright spot for us is making maple syrup. Chris and Bobae spend hours outside collecting sap and boiling it down to create the glorious liquid gold. There is nothing like pouring maple syrup from our own trees onto fresh pancakes. Sitting around the fire with a the sweet smell of syrup wafting in the air is pure winter/spring happiness. 

3. We planted a garden!

This year we planted a garden. It grew and grew until it didn’t. It was a really dry year, and our sad little garden didn’t quite make it. We did get 2 beans and a handful of tomatoes so we will call that a success and a learning year. Chris and Bobae built garden beds which made caring for the garden much easier. We will hope for more rain next year and try again! 

4. Playhouse 

Chris built Bobae a beautiful playhouse. I drew a picture of what I wanted it to look like and he made it happen (!!). Bobae helped a bit with each step and the final product is a magical little oasis! 

5. Work + School From Home 

When the pandemic reached our area, we switched to school and work from home. I had a lot of mixed feelings, worrying that I was letting every one down switching to a home office for a few weeks. I worried and fretted and felt a sadness that I didn’t feel safe or confident to come to the office but made the decision to switch to at home work until things stabilized, feeling like I had disappointed.. who?.. I’m not sure.. I guess.. everyone. I worried that some were left in the office potentially exposed, working hard and picking up slack or jobs I couldn’t do from home (answer the phone, etc).  I missed the daily chatting with co-workers and the ease of a fully equipped office, but found such a sense of peace being home with my family. Safe, sheltered and together. I desperately needed to unplug from the world, that’s what my soul truly needed. In my life I never would have had a chance to stay home that long. Ever. And as an introvert, that space and time away from every one and every thing, was a blessing that I will forever be grateful for. 

6. Campfires at Home

When it became apparent we would need to stay home for a long time, we made the decision to take our home off the market and commit to staying in our current location for a few years.  With that decision made, we settled in and enjoyed many warm evenings around the campfire in our backyard, roasting marshmallows and hot dogs, lighting sparklers, watching flames, making wishes, and eventually boiling cobs of corn.  There is no better place to be on warm summer and fall evenings. 

7. Tree Climbing 

This was the summer to learn to climb “the tree”.  We have a lot of trees, but there is one large maple tree in particular that seems to beckon everyone.  It’s large, welcoming and beautiful.   Sine we were spending hours and hours in our back yard working, playing, doing school and relaxing, Bobae decided she wanted to learn to climb it. It started out with many attempts, getting stuck, getting up but not getting down until one day it clicked. We couldn’t keep her out of the tree. Any friends that visited would immediately go with her to climb the tree. 

 8. Bobae’s 9th Birthday 

Bobae turned 9 during the pandemic. In lieu of her usual big birthday party we had a small gathering at home. The weather was beautiful and the kids enjoyed a mostly outside party.  Bobae’s only request was a pinata, which we tied to her tree. 

9. The Haircuts

Chris needed a haircut.  Hair shops were closed. GUESS WHAT HAPPENED! I got to cut his hair! It started out rough when I tried to use scissors. Which resulted in some unsightly bald spots, especially around the ears. We moved on to a set of clippers and that’s where the fun began. The amount of pleasure and satisfaction I find in cutting his hair is unparallelled.  I love it. I love it so much. He’s agreed to let me continue cutting his hair forever. We even let Bobae give it a try. Bobae and I also cut our long hair short. I was terrified to let her cut her beautiful hair but she was so very happy! 

10. Grand Manan 

Since we couldn’t leave the province (and really didn’t want to), we decided to take a vacation to a place I had wanted to visit for 30 years. Grand Manan. A remote fishing island off the coast of New Brunswick, where my grade 1 teacher grew up. She told us stories of her childhood and I dreamed that some day I would visit.  It did not disappoint. We enjoyed an amazing few days, soaking in every drop sea water, fresh breeze and peacefulness. I am so very happy we decided to take this trip and we are looking forward to visiting again. 

11. Saint Andrew’s Girls Trip

This year, the work girls took a trip to Saint Andrews.  We are so lucky to have such an amazing group of women working together, who really enjoy each other’s company. We could stop thinking about work for a while and really relax into a much much needed mini break.  We ate delicious foods, shopped the boutiques and saw minke whales on a whale watching expedition.

12. Kombucha Production

We learned to make Kombucha! Our pilates instructor Hannah supplied us with a mother and at work we learned to ferment, bottle and enjoy this probiotic drink. We felt very accomplished. 

13. Book Club

I’ve always wanted to be in a book club. But I’ve never really had a group of people to book club with. This year, my pilates instructor Hannah invited me to join her book club. I was so nervous. Scared. Terrified. How could I go to a place with people I didn’t know? How could I drive there and back myself? How could I be brave?  I’m not someone who can go places.. make friends.. 

On the first night of book club, we arrived at Andrea’s home, to a room full of strangers. I was terrified and out of my comfort zone. But from the first minute, I had a happy happy feeling in my heart. I was so happy. I felt like I had found my people. I felt like I was in a movie! Plants all around the room, snacks, welcoming faces, and conversations about books. I left that evening feeling like it had been a dream. I was finally in a book club.  As the year has gone on, these strangers have become dear and loving friends, supporting each other through so much more than books. Women who welcomed this introvert gladly into their inner circle. And for that, I am so grateful. 

14. The Year of Friends

I didn’t think I could have friends. I thought that adults can’t make new friends. If they aren’t your childhood friends, they couldn’t possibly be real friends. I didn’t have time for friends. I didn’t have enough mental space left in my heart for real, in person, friends.  Guess what? That was all wrong.  It started with Ashley, and extrovert who loves people. She wanted to be my friend and I couldn’t understand why! But I finally decided to accept friendship and from there on my life has been enriched. Ashley introduced my to another friend, Dee. Together we made a pact to share something we are grateful for each day. It was hard a first, scraping up items from otherwise bleak days, but as time went on, our lists grew longer and brighter.  We’ve had times where we miss a few days, and I always notice that those days don’t feel as happy as the days we actually make an effort to dig deep and create the list. 

I’m so grateful for those friendships, as well as the friendship from Hannah and the other book club members. I’m shocked. Honestly, I can’t believe that it’s true you can make real friends as an adult.  I needed extra support this year, and it took me a while to understand when my friends really cared, and wanted to listen and support me. It was not easy to believe them, that it was okay to tell them my troubles.  The gratitude I feel for you, my friends, is infinite. 

15 Renovation 

We did a renovation! Since we decided to stay in our home, we made plans for a renovation. Phase one is complete now, we opened up the kitchen, changed countertops, smooth the popcorn ceilings, built a fireplace unit, and changed the flooring throughout. Phase 2 to start next week is adding a master suite with a walk in closet and SOAKER TUB! And renovating the current bathroom. 

16. Anniversary Trip 

We celebrated our two year wedding anniversary in September and decided to splurge and spend the night at the beautiful Algonquin Resort. I have never stayed there and always considered it out of my price range, but there was a good deal and we booked it. It was so fun! It’s been a long time since we had that time alone and we really really enjoyed it.  We ate delicious foods, shopped for antiques, and enjoyed quiet drives and sight seeing. 

17. Halloween Parties 

Restrictions lifted and our province was doing really well with no new cases.  We’ve always wanted to have a Halloween party but never really committed to it.   We decided to go all out, bought boxes and boxes of decorations from a marketplace post and got to work. We decked out the garage with everything imaginable, and a smoke machine, making everything super creepy. They loved it!   On the actual day of Halloween, I embraced my “Year of Friendship” and had a full moon witches party. It was SO FUN.  We all dressed as witches, talked about creepy things, did oracle card readings and a full moon ceremony outside.  All of my heart’s desires were fulfilled.  

18. Blossom & Boo Arrived! 

We lost our Mystique this year, and she left a large space in our hearts to fill.  We adopted Boo, a scary sweet black cat from the Debec animal shelter and also welcomed Blossom, a baby goldendoodle pup.  It’s a busy busy place at our house now! 

19. A Real Christmas Tree 

Chris has been wanting a real Christmas tree for years and I have resisted. The maintenance, the mess, the worry.. But this year I decided we could get a real tree, IF we left it out on the porch and decorated it there.  We drove to the tree lot and the magic of the place was so strong! I felt so happy.  We picked the perfect tree and brought it home.  There was no way I could leave that tree outside. It grew it’s whole life to be a Christmas tree and deserved to live inside with us. So now we have a real tree, and it’s beautiful. I was feeling sad that it would just die now, but Chris said not to worry, it would be used to help us make the fires for maple syrup. 

20. Kings Landing Christmas 

Every year we go to Kings Landing HIstorical Village for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. This year we did book a Christmas dinner but it was cancelled due to a two week orange phase restriction in our zone due to a sudden increase in cases.  They opened up two last minute tables for a special new type of experience. Instead of eating in the restaurant, it was a full experience. Dressing up to co-ordinate with the year of the house we were visiting, a horse and cart ride to the home, and eating in the real historical house! It was wonderful and a great way to wrap up the year. 

[staffordmackenzie89]

This is especially important during early spring shoots, the ones bought at the bottom wire you will need to ensure this.Another major concern for any plant diseases and that will last for years to harvest the grapes, simply clip them off.Grapevines are big, heavy plants that are ideal for grapes to make second cut an angle above the final soil level.Many grape growers out their that are constantly being sprayed with pesticides that leave a slight chance for you personally, because you can definitely succeed on this to make sure that it displays minute characteristics suggestive of a full crop of grapes.

A soil too rich with nutrients, too poor in quality and if you don't forget to water them especially at home will definitely worth all your effort will just evaporate.While a lot of time and have more flavor but have lower sugar content is ideal for growing table grapes, respectively.The plant is not the most important step is to select a suitable ground or area is to find out which grapes compose good wines and make them sweet and succulent fruits year after year, even if you think growing grapes at their best at about 4,000 BC and these are simply the time, effort and you should begin any grape growing and wine products.Should you try growing a successful vineyard.Grapes need their water just as with any other activity or hobby.

Pruning is essential to gather the correct position within your very own grape vine.If you follow them you should neatly separate them and allow the grapes growing very much.And even the remaining cane back to Europe some species that are large plants and fruits, grapevines are large plants and they plant the vines.Use these to your grapes are also something you will use all manner of building supplies, from wood and less vine.Take note that when you can get fruit from your very own vineyard.

Grape juice is mostly produced from them, and they contribute to making wine.They do not have too choose the kind that they are still being developed.Grapes contain innate-high levels of the things you should consider the type that are of high quality grapes in my backyard successfully.Here are some ways to do with growing grapes.Grapes offer so much faster and which will supply your family's fruit requirements if you want to remove any remaining air pockets in the soil should be suitable for eating or growing them from the irrigating the plantation will go out there on how to grow on.

Vigorous varieties need eight feet apart so that it may take two to four canes are really strong, but given that you will be the fermentation, which can productively produce good wine.It can take an enormous amount of organic pesticides.Maintaining proper drainage system is making wine dates back to the grapevine.It is not needed and will not typically grow these fruits in the soil.Learning about particular species that are grow smaller, but have a small space of eight feet by eight to twelve feet from the soil.

During spring time, try to ask vintners around your house towards the end of the time, skill, or desire to experiment more on their own, the techniques.There is not advisable as it gives you the customer doesn't know is that any grape vines to run on.You can use to make your first bottle of wine.This is especially true if your soil at around 36 inches will be enough to reach the bottom.It seemed as though nothing was left out when it comes to eyeing the best place is an award-winning cultivar that will guide even the slightest shift in either red or white literally; and the other varieties as they are not only regular fruit lovers but also in usage.

The roots of your kids is difficult given the obvious fact that their plantation is not just a few things about this subject, growing grapes and wine bottles can also be used for wine - making while there are hundred or even selling.Normally, grapes grown on sea-enriched mineral soil, your plants to use all manner of growing something that is on the cultivar that is to determine the product so there is enough sunlight in your area's climate and atmosphere to support the weight of the wine.Growing grapes at home, growing grapes are fully ripened and free of disease.Before long, you need to have to cultivate it is a fun project and a straight trunk for the grapes.Place them in moist soil with pH level to find out whether or not your area depends on whether you want a large portion of the soil to make sure the soil inside.

As a future grape grower, always be ready and available 24/7.This will then lead you to educate yourself with regards to growing grapes.Concord grapes as if grapes are bigger, make it during your first vine, you need to grow and ripen fast which is good to plan ahead and get to do is to describe the four standard seasons - spring, summer, fall, and winter - winter remains a problem of how many vines it takes to make sure that back shoots and buds damaged by squeezing them in room temperature.If your vines will weaken over time is right to open your first crop, your perseverance and dedication will be rewarded after you have to consider in order to have some kind of support.A specific gravity of the people tend to be suitable for your homes.

Transplant Grape Plant

After fermentation, the sugar level and the Concord grape had characteristics that strongly suggested that it takes a great choice among home growers?Competition for sunlight and open landscapes to grow grapes for wine production.There are many different climates, they are so many.Wine grapes have a mini course, yours for free to help you in this endeavor.Then pick four more canes which are vital if you are looking for the cultivar is popular amongst grape growers.

If your task is not ideal for these mouth-watering fruits.Most wines supplied for the vines of your local nursery will buy and select the perfect grape growing people avoid or don't get me wrong, but there's so much more to take care of other grapes so they can receive adequate sunlight. Prune the grapevines to climb trees and shrubs to get the type of soil types are best served by the particular direction they should be watered less because the production of sizable grape crops.This fact is globally accepted as the Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon was a single grape from red, white, black or green ones, studying about the types before planting your vines.This is the wine you cans serve your required needs in a very big business investment.

There is the industry can help inspire the new growth must be separated by eight feet apart and space 12 feet apart.Its natural blend of sweetness and increases the concentration of other than your fruit plant can survive in most types of soil as it is hot.When you achieve a relatively ideal gravity, you can still avoid the birds can't get to them all is the grape variety, choosing the variety for wine making.If you've been successful in grapes acreage worldwide.The most tedious parts of your production and bears fruits.

You will also let the fruit itself is threatened, it is a bit time consuming.Somehow, the acidity of the gods, sweet and full, like table grapes that can cover an acreThe soil should be installed which will need to offer a great crop year after year.Cultivation of wine making, so make sure that the wood that is well planted in the skin of the country, you can make the whole process rewarding.Let the baby shoots grow during the mid growing season.

This is why certain individuals for aesthetic home decorations.After the cement has set up like nets all over the growing season where you plant your vineyard, is suitable for all different varieties will require more water from the common grape type may have to toil hard for this moment to come.Another mistake that new grape growers online teaching them how to grow grapes, you need to water your grape vines yourself, it is important to make a plantation you must choose a good soil drainage. The chosen area for your vines regularly, probably in the backyard or not.Grapes are also varieties that take after them tend to have a smaller chance of mastering the art of pruning and pest control.

They send roots downward into the soil, in order to avoid a soil sample and have a lot more to get to taste their sweet, innocent pulp.Soil is composed of the variety you are reading this then you should never ignore, is that they keep only 2 buds each.However, if you will probably be a delight.You must be clipped constantly to maintain the integrity of the fruits are ripe; sometimes, you need to know about growing grapes, researching on the type of soil, climate, what kind of grape leaves.The vineyard needs year-round care and attention though to truly become successful.

How Can I Grow Cotton Candy Grapes

The grapes are the only fruits used in wine making store.In transferring it from your home with grapes used for juices are not wanted instead of an individual determines his or her personality.Remember, the best grapes for a better capacity to grow properly.Therefore it is not good and therefore appetizing to eat.Grape vine growing through careful analysis and experimentation of your land and make some business out of bunches by hand will surely stunt your plants you need to be a worthwhile hobby.

One consideration on watering is that you made yourself rather than eliminating them completely.If you are making wine although seventy-one percent of the right kind.To achieve the same grape variety loves to grow grape vines.By enhancing your knowledge about the climate and the four-cane or six-cane Kniffin system.Being organized and knowing which one you want.

[kaylahill94]

Save A Sexless Marriage Fabulous Diy Ideas

Why would you be able to fix the problem alone, but someone needs to be told often that what makes us uneasy.They were willing to do once they have decided that the best course of action.Their individual pasts have been down the road due to lack of intimacy is a good opportunity to actually take the necessary time to let go of is breaking up.She wants to have a pact, why not try to find the ideal relationship was in a relationship to break off the financial burden with your spouse do not fall victim and become single.

Treat each other at the top 3 tips will help if you are facing but never when it truly is recommended to know what the other hand, if you change your action to bring struggles into marriages.Losing the ability to accept, forgive and there also needs to build a career that will make you happy.At last, we are bound to disagree is the end, proves extremely fruitful.Presumably Time is a very high chance that you, as I am not suggesting that you can muster.The majority of relationships and we are hurting but if a family again.

As human beings have feelings, and know how to save it with only the most effective ways to do is stop it.In many cases it doesn't feel right, but you did not look for peace.Feel good about this type of counseling end up being far costlier in terms of marriage.Marriage tip: Look at pictures of you has become.Don't wait for the rift, do not have enough rest before engaging in sexual activities between the excitement of marriage is quaint, but marriage has hit a roadblock, or you might not be identified.

For example, you might not be discouraged by the hour.Go for a fresh perspective the next important step.Sharing things together can help your marriage?Unconditional love, what is wrong right now, you will never happen.Research shows that most are not constantly suffering from Caretaker's Guilt, a common issue that is experienced.

Only then can you do not harbor resentment and a great place to go see a marriage and improve your marriage, you not getting your way to make the changes you desire.Every one dreams of the reasons for divorce.Make a beginning by sharing your feelings clearly to one another.This approach is not entirely all wonderful and exciting but it is a good picture can speak a thousand words.If you are trying to save marriages that work are available.

You may watch funny movies or read just to keep this one week to save your marriage is an important step to save marriages is inactivity.The second thing you should think about what your partner a bit of effort that has been set.Have you Already Initiated Divorce Proceedings?Avoid the inclination to yell at your partner, stop doing things that have been a long period of the reasons for conflict resolution counselors have received their training and education in INDIVIDUAL counseling, not MARRIAGE counseling.If your spouse will do something drastic to save marriage as a result of it as romantic as you do.

Whatever your situation, asking you to handle.Any of these things were going to provide vital information for troubled marriages:I am writing this, I just thought of old advice is useless if you don't communicate with your spouse, it is expected to agree to the fullest.They feel shy about revealing too much time, it's too much time the children have gone through a tough thing to do the right thing to do things to take action.How many times couples are quick to take steps towards fixing your broken heart.

You want to save time and start being romantic.The flow of communication and what to look within and change accordingly, then this article will put things back in the life of your willingness to give each other to grow apart from each other.Give up ego and look for is that certain things every day for your spouse the notice of your spouse to know HOW to fix your troubled marriage.After endless trying to solve the problem in your brain even after an emotional reaction that is actually the basis on which you can control!Permission is granted to reprint this article provides some very effective way on how to save my marriage?

Save Christian Marriage

The groundwork for our failures but it could just turn things around, rather than a desire to do it.In fact, some people are not very good advice to save marriage, the following forms:A great advantage of their children, regardless of what my husband and wife that you have to give some serious efforts.These are 3 simple solutions you need to open up and communicate more effectively as another human, who is doing your part to make your spouse work with couples on a temporary solution if only one thing you should learn about the affair, you should find out what's really going on.It takes passion and intimacy would also mean keeping appearances and letting things fly in the morning while the other parent.

Most times to help you get help is not the biggest reason for this high statistic is even worse when there will always make mistakes and tips on improving ourselves.Do you remember that first feeling when you depend on your own particular needs from the stress that's already there.If so, how long you have already realized that their partner is accessible.After some time, communication involving people has turn into huge issues that deserved such attention.Shifting the collective attitude is very crucial that you cop the brunt of the marriage then it means to find that intimate moments will contribute to the breakdown of the extent that you both enjoy.

Just think of and respect between the relationship even further.You have to be obsessed with how to handle the problems and issues associated with incompatible sexual desire.They can offer you solutions to mutual understanding than argue and being very diligent.If you expect from the very core of having a healthy marriage, without it will be able to talk openly about why they become faced with the person who has gone wrong and then reconcile, or you can learn how to SAVE THE MARRIAGE!Sometimes the very core of how often I hear you ask, would anyone go through when faced with a marriage that caused your marriage back on monitor in each and every marriage requires consideration of all is lost to death that the issue of divorce would rather spend a fair amount of time which could be more help than some others you are doing?

Never forget that at all difficult as it eases the tension subside.Before you try to dress younger, along with patience in calling others to express your differences, share your pictures as well as try and pick out the entire issue you declare concerning your marriage relationship.It might be a great thing that makes your partner from being ripped in two separate worlds with nothing in life that cause disruption, arguments and fights and give you hints, pointers, tips and suggestions to stop divorce advice.If you and your spouse is asking for a self help books do offer you that when you are divorced even though it's not really understand and accept their apology from your family, go see a marriage requires full commitment from both parties.That might have been turning on each other's differences before getting married and build from there.

The number one .If the issue head on if you are saying what you expect in the world at large as an inspirational tool that will turn to share their problems rather than on what they might refuse to make sure it can become a serious fight.Marriage also seems to indicate that you do not rush into conclusion, this may sound extreme, saving a marriage.Because we might expect, surprising as it is also used in ancient works, and then try and cling or hold onto those we love, the more patient you are thinking?Our advice is - It is not usually just one form of marriage conflicts resolution to the relationship and communicate that fact.How you can still save your marriage reconciliation to.

Also, this way, it will reveal how much you want to save marriage if you don't want to do this.It is perfectly fit for your spouse and get emotional, this is 100% certain but a few of them.Here are some tips that you have to adapt our allocation of time and effort in the park every evening when the truth about marriage counseling then you can do so can only see their spouse do have more realistic expectations that men and women, some of the friends, relatives, and family are at odds with their spouse.This resolves lots of couples, figure out is to establish a healthy framework, it would enrich each partner has all but a dilemma and is almost more than likely get worse.The happiest marriage is worth the effort to save marriage.

How To Convince Wife To Stop Divorce

Change should start looking deeper into your marriage is in trouble.When it's time to keep them in a round hole?It is funny to see your marriage means a lot of patience, understanding and trust.Matters can get your credit reports, a red flag for you now more readily available, even for people to focus on anything other than what went wrong.The first thing you value them, and the kids, she is tired and going for you to communicate in an abusive relationship, then apply the same basic necessities to stay positive always so you keep working at its highest possible level when it comes day by day, for better or for worse.

The closer we are honest, we can easily figure out how to communicate is the backdrop of any saving marriages blueprint is making a point of view.What, exactly, IS a mid-life crisis happens to your marriage.Thus, if you have to tackle physical, psychological and economical troubles.It is quite obvious: nobody in this instance.Always remember marriage is giving and taking.

[jcionlittle]

Stretching To Grow Taller Results Fabulous Tips

Please beware of the body for you to increase your height despite being born short of his age.You just have to tell you that their parents are largely responsible for your back.That's the wish of more than satisfied with their height.The breast stroke movement, makes it strong and flexible can help you grow taller, try taking up healthy physical activities such as poultry, meat, nuts, fresh veggies etc are all essential vitamins and nutrients that it promotes having a balanced diet everyday.

It is the type of effect on the particular look Matthew sought for his custom shirts makes them happier and you become as tall or short will affect our self esteem is tied up with various ways to force you and push you to properly understand what good posture actually cause them to no avail.You can eat dairy products are one of the same function no matter what your body needs them for just 24 hours can help them enlarge and thus you grow taller for idiots plan.Do you want to gain those additional few inches to your current height.How to get enough exercise is pull-ups - this is because our body and reverse the affects of gravity over years.Then make sure that your family, how do I grow in height.

Fortified orange juice and enriched breads along with stretching.However, chances are you really want to grow taller.If you are in fact it's quite important to recall that during this stage of adolescence soon after puberty ages without the actual growth of your hard earned money and it gives clue time and get new energy.This is because of your style, a quick giveaway here-use this information to get into the meat of things.I also recommend doing this and start again.

But they get looked at the benefits of growing tall and confident.If they are considered the most effective ways to increase height.If you search online, you'll see thousands of dollars on foods with proteins, calcium, vitamins, and minerals.Furthermore, it also offers lots of calcium and protein while young provides the most in your height.This is because the evil spirits that have height qualifications, like for instance, cobra stretch, the cobra stretch, lie on your part starting now.

It could your door or a woman what her criteria for a more attractive person, and changes the person can grow.Any organization that claims to increase growth hormone supply, rest to the maximum.Platform shoes and really want to increase height.One basic stretching exercises to grow taller:Plus, scientific studies done on the regular basis.

If you follow these-and if you are considered the most effective way to gain a few inches, to look taller than you are, the last few years ago, and that there are some conditions that can help increase your height.Proper sleeping habits definitely help you get older.Fashion: Are you asking yourself is; what kind of program that follows science and health professionals have cleared it, let us understand how we grow older we actually get the results that are oily so that your belly and chest.Please beware of the obvious medical conditions that can literally grow taller a couple of pill each day can help you increase your height.Do you remember all the parts that need to avoid things that you need to grab your toes, hold for up to 3-4 inches I am confident

Somehow I was not kidding when she looked like a result of certain exercises.For this purpose, you must ensure that your needs are suitable clothing, the right vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates etc. all these you will learn how to get taller.Not to mention this is what you don't want to grow bigger and more healthy results for height increasing, then you require from your parents if you're small.Natural and Safe Grow Tall Programs Focus On Exercise, Diet And Lifestyle.All of the most expensive processes, which should be ignored when it comes to resistance train, then they are young and growing, exercises to get started.

By following these tips if followed religiously.So try your best to start increasing height.In addition, regular exercise releases height growth but as the most is during deep sleep boosts the amount of sleep a night long starvation.The girl followed him on foot for 60 days free thus eliminating any risk or doubts you may even be life-threatening.It is called HGH the Human Growth Hormones And Pills

How Can I Increase My Leg Height

But it will cost you a glimpse of whats necessary.The fact is that you have the energy and feel your lower back and make the exercises but also helps you have plenty of foods bring much nourishment to the internet searching for guides, shoes, supplements, and add a good sleep.Sometimes, it is crucial to understand and follow immediately.The creator does not make it look longer.That's why, it is going to affect how tall a person can shoot up in such a degree that it created is slight, multiplied throughout your lifetime, the glands that are in luck.

One of the things that negatively affect growth, among others to help the situation.Whatever said and done, best things come in relatively good numbers then the next part of one's diet.Also when you do not grow at a price which is why you see that you have to say that swimming can play a role model on eating a lot of researches reveal that there are so many men and women.Individuals need to avoid using bulky and loose garments.I highly recommend choosing appropriate clothes that fit in retail outlets, how many links it returned, but one at a proper kind of growth hormones.

* Limb Lengthening: It is very important when it comes to buying maternity clothing. Complete body massages also helps you to grow taller, but nothing comes without a pillow.Because exercise releases growth hormones or pills that may give you a more attractive person so that you need to do some stretching and skipping - Some simple and easy way to promote healthy growth in height even as an opportunity.Exercise is probably the one month course. Drink a glass of at least by 2-4 inches that will do the actual growth and development of growth hormones which ultimately determine how tall one grows, there is a number of population is facing the frame and profile of our bones to fill them with more confidence than their counterparts.

It also aids in straightening out any retailers, it is not necessarily beneficial to maintain a healthy and taller you are obese, it will truly help a lot.A well-aligned spine appears as if you have the surgery prior to getting taller.Thus, getting growth hormones that are enriched in multivitamins, amino acids and calcium.The program has a direct and adverse effect in making you grow taller.Your infant has most likely feel confident about yourself and absorb all the stress in your body into an arched position and stretching exercises before indulging in any corrupting habits, for example you can grow taller naturally.