#i turned 23 yesterday so being 20 was officially several years ago now

[kazz-brekker]

so strange to read an adult fantasy novel where the main character has an important job and is younger than me. what do you mean dinios kol from the tainted cup is 20, that's a baby!

[littlemissgeek8]

I posted 216 times in 2021

21 posts created (10%)

195 posts reblogged (90%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 9.3 posts.

I added 150 tags in 2021

#reblog - 23 posts

#d&d - 21 posts

#dnd - 17 posts

#my art - 15 posts

#dungeons and dragons - 14 posts

#nacl d&d art - 13 posts

#nacl d&d - 13 posts

#halfling - 12 posts

#d&d jemima appleblossom - 11 posts

#halfling bard - 11 posts

Longest Tag: 134 characters

#also the thing about the beanie baby sound is oddly fitting to the official max plush because he's got beans inside to weight his butt

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

Being a halfling in a world sized for much taller folks isn’t easy, especially when everything is just out of your reach. I think I might need to get Jemima a step stool, or maybe some stilts so she can reach things without help...

Inspired somewhat by a recent trip to visit my boyfriend and his family, and discovering that nothing in that house was designed for someone under five foot tall. I couldn’t even hang up my coat without help. ;A;

28 notes • Posted 2021-04-12 20:41:08 GMT

#4

Here’s a little sketch from our most recent NaCl D&D episode, episode 100. For those who haven’t kept up, our party ended up basically adopting a bunch of war orphans, who are all simultaneously adorable and little chaos gremlins. The fun part of this, however, was that Edan’s been hibernating for the last several days and has no idea we now have five kids under age 15 running around. 

However, after Jemima lost her memory due to a cursed mirror (long story,) Gineye decided to bribe the kids with calling Jemima “mom” to her face. This lead to the youngest of the kids, Joe (a gnome who’s well on his way to being a combination con-artist and druid) decided to toddle off to make everything even more awkward by waking up Edan and calling him “dad” and asking when “mom” would be okay again. 

Needless to say it got a big laugh from the whole group, and I couldn’t resist drawing Jemima and Joe because they’re absolutely adorable together.

28 notes • Posted 2021-01-15 00:31:21 GMT

#3

Not gonna lie, 2020 was really sucky for my motivation to draw, so I really haven’t posted things in months. However, last night I finally sat down and scanned the few things I actually got drawn in the last few months, so heres one of the pieces I worked on last year. 

I was in a Cluefinders mood for a while there and just really, really wanted to draw some art for it, but couldn’t think of anything fancy to draw. So it just kinda boiled down to drawing a little action pose with Joni. She’s probably on her way to full-body tackle the bad guy or something, who knows? Knowing Joni, she’ll figure out what she’s doing about halfway through running there (and then need Santiago to bail her out when she screws up.)

34 notes • Posted 2021-01-11 19:49:51 GMT

#2

A few sessions ago, our party had an early morning meeting with our local arificicer, Jonah. And for whatever reason, Gineye decided the proper way to get Jemima out of bed that morning was literally hauling her out of bed in her nightgown and carrying her under his arm, across town, to the shop we were meeting in. Needless to say she was less than pleased about being out in her nightgown without a robe on or anything, but at least it gave me an excuse to draw a fancy nightgown for her? XD

35 notes • Posted 2021-01-19 20:02:01 GMT

#1

Another sketch from artwork I scanned yesterday. During our D&D sessions, we discovered that our Aasimar Druid friend, Edan, sometimes “hibernates” for a week or so as a bear and I kind of loved that idea. So, here we have a cuddle pile of one large sleepy bear, and one sleepy halfling bard. Because when your boyfriend can turn into a bear, why wouldn’t you have a cuddle pile like that?

39 notes • Posted 2021-01-11 20:16:57 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

[lalka-laski]

Have you ever hugged someone for over a minute? Oh yes, especially in Glenn’s family. Those hugs last for eternity!

Would you ever get a tattoo on your collar bone? No way. My collar bones are my favorite body part so I want them to stay front and center. 

Would you take the 3 minute beatdown to be in a gang? Uh no Do you check your texts right away when you receive them? Most of the time. Although that doesn’t mean I reply right away...

Has the last person you texted ever been mad at you before? She’s my sister so I mean, of course. 

Have you ever searched for your house on Google Earth? Mhm! I don’t know why that’s so fun for some reason 

How old do you look? Definitely much younger than I am. Maybe early 20′s tops.

Do you like movie nights? Love them! Just this past weekend Kathleen, Allie & I watched all three Hallowteen movies (accompanied by loads of snacks) and it was a blast! 

Is there a trampoline in your backyard? Nope

Does the thought of having children scare you? Well, sure. I worry about the potential complications and of course, all the hardships of pregnancy, delivery and parenting. But the prospect excites me just the same! 

Are you nice to everyone? I think so. I’ve been told that even when I try to be mean, I’m nice. 

Would you rather date someone older than you or younger? Well Glenn is 12 years older than me, so...

Are you excited for anything happening in the next week? Quite a lot! We have a fun-filled week. Tonight we have a bonfire with Glenn’s cousin, tomorrow we have dinner with his two friends, Thursday we have dinner with my sister, her new boyfriend & my parents, and then Saturday we’re attending his sister’s gig! Busy bees! 

What will you be doing in the next 2 hours? I’ll be here at work for the next 9ish hours. I foresee a LOT of surveys in my future...

Who did you talk to on the phone last? A client 

Does it make you uncomfortable when you receive a compliment? I thrive on compliments. Just one “small” compliment can have me beaming for the rest of the day. 

When you are home alone at night and hear strange noises, are you afraid someone is going to break in? UH YES. 

Do you wake up cranky? Almost always, yep. I just love my sleep! 

What is on your wrists right now? Nothing.

Are you a beach, country, or city person? Hmm.. I guess I’m more suited for city living but I still love me a good day at the beach! The country is not quite my cup of tea though. 

Are you an official couple with the last person you kissed? We are an ENGAGED couple, in fact :) 

Looking back, did you ever think you would be where you are now? Never ever. I never thought I’d have this kind of love and I certainly never thought I’d have this ring on my finger! But here we are. 

Do you like someone? Ha, you might say that :P 

Are you happier now or three months ago? NOW! 

What’s the greatest thing that happened to you today? Well, it’s only 7:23 am and all I’ve done today is get up and come to work. Not much “greatness” happening here.

How old do you think you will be when you finally have kids? Well, I’m going to be 30-31 when I get married & I anticipate kids a couple years after that. 

Are you waiting for something? I want to say I’m waiting for this day to be over but it’s way too early to even mention that. Sigh... 

If you could change your eye color would you? I love my eye color, actually. It’s one of the few features on myself that I *wouldn’t* change. 

What was the weather like today? So far it’s a crisp, fall day. My ideal weather! 

Do you think you’ll be married in ten years? I can confidently say I WILL be. 

Does your ex still love/like you? I know one of them has feelings for me but that’s not my problem. 

Are you stubborn? Just the opposite, actually. I’m too easily swayed. 

Do you tend to hold a grudge? Now that I can do! 

Where were you at 9am this morning? It’s only 7:30 now, so yes I will be. 

How has the week been? Pretty damn wonderful! Well, aside from my digestive issues and the puking I did last night and this morning. 

Did you go out or stay in last night? We went out for Moe’s and then spent the rest of the night cozy at home. 

Something you do a lot? Worry

How many states have you lived in? Just one

Can you commit to one person? I am currently, and will be for the rest of my life 

Who was the last person to hold your hand? Glenn

How many chances do you tend to give people before enough is enough? Probably way too many. I can be a bit of a pushover and a self-blamer.  Do you think you and your best friend will be friends in 10 years? I know so 

What do you miss most about your ex? Not one single thing. Funnily enough, I just had a convo with Glenn last night about how I don’t understand what the appeal of my last relationship was. Nothing about it was good. 

Are you attracted to the last person that kissed you? I sure am! 

What’s a fact about the last person you kissed? He’s an extremely skilled musician, martial artist and acupuncturist. Yeah, I got me a well-rounded man!

Something you really want right now? I wouldn’t mind being home and back in bed

How long have you liked the person you like? About 3 years, give or take! 

Does any part of your body hurt right now? My tummy, slightly 

Did anyone see you kiss the last person you kissed? Nope

Can you recall the last time you liked someone? Right now 

Are you happy with the way things are going? ABSOLUTELY 

Do you think you will be in a relationship 3 months from now? Of course. After all, we are engaged. Have I mentioned that?? I will never stop mentioning that! 

What plans do you have for tomorrow? I have the day off from work so I’m hoping to do a little laundry and cleaning, then Glenn and I have dinner with some friends. 

Has a friendship ended recently that you wish hadn’t? Not recently 

Have you ever given your ALL to someone who walked away? Mhm. But now I see that it all served a greater purpose.

Have you ever kissed the last person you texted? Not a KISS kiss

Do you and your last ex hate each other? I don’t care for him but I don’t think I’d say I HATE him. Although I’d be entirely justified if I did.

When was the last time you were sick? Well I puked a little bit this morning so uh.. does that count? 

Are you one of those people who are always cold? I’m always overheated 

Do you tend to waste a lot of money? Nah, I’m pretty good with my money

Have you ever regretted kissing someone? Ohhhh yes

When was the last time you got a haircut? A few months ago. I’m overdue! 

Did you sing at all today? Not as of yet.

Would you rather be able to control the weather or control traffic? The weather 

Do you own any articles of clothing with skulls on it? Nope, that’s not really my style. 

Are you faster at text messaging or typing on the computer? I’m freakishly fast at both 

If you won a trip to a nude beach would you go or give the trip away? I’d go just for the experience! Besides, I’m comfortable with nudity.

Tongue piercings - cute or trashy? They’re not my style but I don’t think they’re trashy. They can look cool on the right person. 

When it comes to jeans: skinny, flared or boot cut? Skinny jeans/jeggings ONLY

Would you rather be a star ballerina or a star break dancer? I don’t have the figure to be a ballerina so I guess I’d choose break dancer? Ha, could you imagine! 

When it comes to Baseball would you rather be on the field or in the stands? In the stands, no doubt. Baseball games are actually quite fun! 

I’ve got to know, who do you prefer: Mario or Luigi? No preference 

Have you ever changed clothes in a public area (not a dressing room)? Many a time

How many months apart is your birthday from your best friends? I have several best friends. And actually, a few of them have birthdays very close to mine. 

Yes or no: Techno music? Nah

Yes or no: pigtails? On a little kid? Sure. But on myself? Creepy 

They say diamonds are a girls best friend; what do you say? This pink sapphire and diamond band on my finger are my new best friends! 

Has anybody ever told somebody one of your secrets? Mhm 

Have you ever kissed anybody who had a mustache? I do daily

If you were famous do you think you could handle the popularity? No way. I could never handle the scrutiny, the criticism and the lack of privacy. 

Have you ever kissed someone whose name started with a letter P? I don’t think so actually

Did you talk to one of your best friends today? What did you talk about? I’m talking to my sister right now 

Do you get on better with funny or serious people? Eh, that’s hard to say

Do you have mood swings around the time of the month? I have them even when it’s not the time of the month

Have your friends met the last person you kissed? A lot of them have but there’s still several who have yet to meet him. We’re hoping to have an engagement party so everyone can do so there! 

What if you saw your best friend holding hands with your ex? None of my friends would ever 

Your last relationship, who dumped who? He dumped me. But it turned out to be a great blessing! 

How old were you when you had your first boyfriend/girlfriend? I was 17 when I had my first actual relationship 

Is your hometown nice? I think so. It’s considered one of the “shoddier” suburbs of my city but I love it and much prefer it to the wealthier suburb that I moved to as a teen. 

What if you got stuck in a lift with the last person who Facebook messaged you? He’s my fiance so I’d be more than ok with that. (I’d need him there to keep me calm, actually) 

When/where did your last hug take place? Yesterday in my bedroom 

Do you consider yourself mature enough to make your own decisions? You would think at my age I would be buuuut, it’s questionable

Have your parents ever told you about their love lives, and any previous relationships they had before they met? I actually don’t know as much about their lives before us as I’d like to. They’re both kind of reserved with that information. 

You get a text from someone saying that they want to hang out - who would you most like it to be from? Kathleen, I’m sure 

Do you and your friends have any inside jokes? Way too many 

Do you think someone has feelings for you? Are these feelings returned? I have a pretty good feeling Glenn does ;)

What if the last person you texted were to ask you out? That would be disturbing on multiple levels

Do you believe in love at first sight? Explain. I believe in fate so I do think you can feel a life-changing connection with someone just from locking eyes for the first time. But that’s just me. 

Would you prefer to be somewhere else right now? If so, where? And why would you prefer to be there? I’d like to be in bed. But when don’t I? 

Can you remember what you dreamt about last night? I remember some snippets of it

What’s one thing about today that you didn’t like? I don’t like waking up this early and I certainly don’t like vomiting on my way into work. 

Who is the last person that you said i love you to, besides family members? Glenn 

Are you mad at anyone right now? Nope

Is there one thing all of your ex’s had in common? Not really. I’ve dated quite a range of dudes and have never had a particular “type” 

What’s a compliment you receive often? That I’m sweet and kind 

Have you ever had a friend that got a bf/gf, and then completely ignored you? When we were young and didn’t know how to balance relationships and friendships

Would you ever go back to any of your past relationships? NOT A CHANCE

Who was the last person to comfort you when you were upset or crying? Glenn. I had a panic attack last Saturday and he was so gentle and reassuring. He gives me all the time and space I need to feel better.  Do you prefer to text or talk on the phone? Texting all day 

Do you know anyone that’s gotten an abortion before? Uh huh

Do you think you could forgive someone for cheating on you? I stupidly have before. I’d like to go back in time and smack my younger self upside the head!

Have you ever been arrested? Nope

Who’s the last person that gave you roses? I actually don’t think I’ve ever received roses. 

Do you still talk to the first person you kissed? No way What if you had a baby with the last person you kissed? Well we plan to in a few years time

Do you have a picture of you kissing someone? Mhm

Who was the last person to comment one of your pictures? Who knows. We got a flood of comments on our engagement posts/pics. 

Have you learned from your past mistakes? Hardly ever. But wouldn’t it be great if I did? 

Who’s the last guy you texted? Glenn 

What about the last girl? Kathleen 

Who was the last person to make you cry? Glenn, although they of course were happy tears

What is one quality that you really appreciate in a person? Compassion

When was your first real relationship? Didn’t I just answer this? 

Have you ever cried over an ex? That’s pretty much all I do when I’m going through a breakup 

Do you ever think about your ex and cry? Not anymore. I look back with gratitude (and some confusion). 

Is there anyone in your life who you won’t ever want to lose? All of my loved ones  Have you ever snuck out of your house? Yep 

Have you ever snuck someone into your house? Sort of 

Have you ever kissed someone of the same sex? Yep 

How many people have you kissed? I’ve never counted 

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done on a dare? I almost always choose “truth.” Not that I have played Truth or Dare recently by any means 

Have you ever cussed someone out? Yep 

Have you ever had a friend-with-benefits? Yep Have you ever spread a nasty rumor about someone? No, but I have been on the receiving end of that

Have you ever broken someone’s heart? So I’ve been told 

Have you ever been physically abused? Arguably 

Is there something really bad that you’ve done, that only YOU know about? Hm, there’s at least one other person who knows about all the bad shit I’ve done 

Does it take a lot to make you feel guilty? Not at all 

Have you ever broken a really important promise? Yes

Have you ever gone out with a best friend’s ex? No way

Have you ever made out with someone who was just a friend? Yes 

Have you ever cheated on a test? Yes, these questions are boring me 

Have you ever told someone’s deep, dark secret? I don’t think so. I HOPE not. 

Do you ever lie to make yourself sound better? I guess we all have at some point

Have you ever made up a false rumor to get back at someone? Nope 

Have you ever gotten in a fist fight? Nope

Have you ever purposely hurt yourself? Yeah 

Have you ever caused someone major embarrassment? I’m sure I have 

Have you ever pushed someone into a pool? I don’t think so. Maybe as a kid 

Have you ever got in a fight with someone and never made up? I don’t think I have any lingering bad blood with anyone. But who knows

Have you ever copied someone else’s homework? I’m sure at some point

Have you ever skipped school to do something more fun? I wouldn’t say “fun” but I’ve skipped school to stay in bed

Have you ever skipped school to get out of a test? Nope 

Have you ever kissed someone the same day you met them? Yes

What’s under your bed? We have drawers full of clothes and blankets

What’s on that way top shelf or in the very far back of your closet? There’s an assortment of stuff in boxes: mostly seasonal clothes, purses and jewelery that I don’t wear 

Do you have a super-secret hiding place and what’s in it? I do not 

Have you done something recently you hope no one finds out about? Uhh kinda 

What is your last thought before you fall asleep? ANXIETY 

Have you ever you shop lifted? Sort of

[gatorjbone]

GASPARILLA DISTANCE CLASSIC – February 22 & 23, 2020

Just when you think your favorite race weekend could not get any better, the bar is raised to a point that would be hard to beat.  I’m getting a little ahead of myself, so let me start from the beginning.

One of the classes I teach at FIU is Multimedia Production I (RTV 3531).  An assignment the students have to do is to record and edit a chroma key segment, also known as a green screen.  I always provide them an example to follow, so I recorded and edited one myself.  My segment was called “I Am a Runner” (catchy title, just like this blog).  I talked about my favorite race weekend, so no script was necessary.  In fact, I actually “nailed” it on the first take.  Once it was edited and posted on YouTube, I sent the link to the race director Susan; I thought she would get a kick out of it.  Boy…was that an understatement.  Susan called me and said the video was AMAZING.  “And when I say amazing, I mean amazing in all caps.”  Not only that…she also asked if she could post the video on the landing page of the race website.  I was thrilled and honored, and told her I would help with any videos she may need in the future.  I sent her the link to this blog, in which she replied: “You continue to amaze me with your lovely words about Gasparilla.”

While Running the Mayberry Half Marathon, I convinced Elaine to enter Gasparilla; it would be her first time.  Lindsey was on the fence for the weekend, mostly because Miami was moved up one week this year.  After twisting her arm for several months (and taking care of her race entry and airfare), she succumbed to my pressure.  Elaine also helped in turning up the heat.  Mary and Doug were all in as well, and we then got word of a special guest appearance by Pam.  THE BAND WAS BACK TOGETHER AGAIN!  This would certainly be a weekend to remember.

Everyone would be arriving around the same time on Friday except Elaine.  Her flight was coming in at 10pm (she could not find a direct flight any earlier 😩).  The host hotel this year was the Embassy Suites Downtown Tampa, which is connected to the convention center where the race expo is held.  This is the first time since I’ve be doing this race weekend that I would be staying here; boy…it did not disappoint!  Lindsey, Mary, Pam and I grabbed lunch, as Doug was still in route.  He met us at the restaurant, and we made our way to the expo.  I called Susan in the hopes of meeting her in person, but obviously she was super-busy (I would continue to pester her throughout the weekend; I’m really sorry for being such a noodge Susan).  I really liked the race shirts this year.  They were very colorful and a departure from previous years.  The challenge jackets were colorful as well, but I miss the windbreaker style from four years ago.  Asics was now providing the official merchandise for the races, replacing Under Armour.  They were selling really snazzy looking compression sleeves, but ran out in the first few hours.  I hope they eventually replenish their supply.  This is a great expo, with lots of good vendors, and plenty of room to walk around (Miami Marathon…please take note). 

The weather for this weekend was pretty cold, which was great for me, but a bummer for Lindsey.  As we made our way down for supper, the temperature was around 51˚, and extremely windy.  On top of that, our dining experience was extremely unpleasant (I won’t mention the name of the establishment, as that’s not really the purpose of this blog.  I’ll say it was a sports bar, and leave it at that).  Besides waiting 30 minutes to be seated, we also waited one full hour until our food was served.  Our server acted nonchalant (as if it were her first day on the job), and the manager didn’t really seem to care.  He gave us 50% off the bill, but we felt as if he should have not made us pay anything at all.  On a positive note, the food was very good.

Hereis the breakdown for all four races:

5K       12,022

8K         4,723

15K       5,480

Half       5,050

A total of 27,275

As we met in the lobby at 6:30am on Saturday morning, there were two “medical updates.”  First, Mary had deferred her race entries, and would not be running this year.  Second, Lindsey had been having knee pain, due in part to a tight ITband.  Her status for the Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge (15K on Saturday and Half Marathon on Sunday) would just have to unfold.  It was 41˚ at the start of the race, with not very much wind at all.  The running strategy was as follows: Pam would run with me, Elaine would run with Lindsey, and Doug would do intervals.  The gun sounded at 6:45, and we were off.  It was great to do a race with Pam again, as we always have the best conversations when we run.  I had recently purchased a percussion hammer, and worked myself over for about 20 minutes before the race. Wow, did it make a difference!  This race was effortless for me, and I only needed to stop twice to pee.  This may be a PPR (personal piss record).  The wind was at our back for the first part of the race, which was a good thing.  As it became warmer towards the end, it was good to have that cool breeze in our faces.  My time was pretty slow, but extremely enjoyable.  As we met the others at the finish line, Lindsey told me her knee started to hurt after the first mile, and she had to walk the last two miles (sadly, she still finished ahead of me).  I was saddened to hear that she would have to skip the half marathon on Sunday, but I’m sure she was bummed out more than any of us.

                  We made our way back to the hotel for breakfast…and what a breakfast it was!  You name it; they had it (and it was included in the price).  Jen drove up for the day to spend some time with us, and she got there just in time for a cup of coffee.  Lindsey, Elaine, Doug and I moseyed our way to the after-party for a well-earned beer and live music.  They had really good looking coffee mugs, but you needed to finish in the top ten-percent of your age group to get one (I guess I’m going to have to bug Susan one more time).  Just in case you were wondering, I did see Meb once again in the elevator; this makes six years in a row.  I told him my video was on the website, and I was trying be more Gasparilla famous than him.  Lindsey told me back in the room that I am embarrassing.  After a shower, we went back to the expo, since Elaine had not been able to go on Friday.  Lindsey and I each bought a medical-grade massager (and by “each bought,” I mean I foot the bill for both of them).  It looks like something you would buff your car with, but it really digs deep into your muscles.  We did an early supper at Columbia Café (where else?), and were joined by Jen and Jay (Pam’s sister and brother-in-law).  The food was excellent, and the service was even better.  Back at the hotel, we were in time for happy hour (also included in our stay).  I had a glass of wine for the road, and was in bed by 8:30.

The half marathon was starting at 6:00am, and I woke up around 4:15.  I went to town on the percussion hammer, and met everyone in the lobby at 5:30.  The weather at race time was 52˚, so no jacket was needed.  I wore compression sleeves and a short sleeve shirt.  Pam informed me that she would be running with Elaine today, so I would have to fly solo.  It was probably a good thing, as I didn’t expect my bathroom good fortune from yesterday to hold up again.  True to form, I had to stop and pee after one mile.  Lindsey had told Elaine to look for the iconic saxophone player around the two-mile mark; as anticipated, he was there.  They must have shuttled him ahead, as I saw him jamming out again four miles into the race.  The sun was out in full force after five miles, and I was able to take off the compression sleeves.  I was not sore at all, but I did stop at almost every port-o-potty.  Truthfully, it was more because I was running “lone wolf,” as opposed to really having to go.  I saw Elaine and Pam after their turnaround, so they ran with me for a few steps (what a magnanimous gesture on their part).  My pace was actually quicker than the 15K, and the weather was outstanding.  The course is beautiful, and I truly felt blessed to be there.  I even stopped to take a photo with some of my closest Star Wars friends.  We all met up at the finish line, and the medals were outstanding (as always).

                    Breakfast back at the hotel, a quick stop to Publix for Pub Subs for the road, and off to Tampa Airport to drop off Elaine and Lindsey.  Elaine loved the weekend, and plans on entering again next year.  I had asked Susan to consider me for race ambassador for next year; she told me I am already an ambassador.

How can you top greatness?  The Gasparilla Distance Classic always seems to know how.

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[bountyofbeads]

News From Here Doesn’t Go Out’: Kashmir Simmers Under Lockdown

There have been daily protests since August 5, when the Indian government revoked the region’s special status.

FAHAD SHAH | Published August 18, 2019 8:19 AM ET | The Atlantic | Posted August 18, 2019 11:20 AM ET |

SRINAGAR, India—A loud voice brings a speaker installed on a mosque’s minaret to life, calling for the young to come out of their houses and stop the police from entering the neighborhood. Within minutes, a crowd gathers in the narrow streets of Soura, which lies on the banks of Anchar Lake here in the capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

This has been the scene every night since August 5, when the Indian government revoked Kashmir’s special status, downgraded its position as a state, and gave New Delhi a more direct role in its governance.

Amid the anxiety, the Kashmir valley is under an official lockdown: The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has suspended all communication channels, including the postal service. The streets are manned by paramilitary forces. Violence has been mostly restricted to dozens of stone-throwing incidents, though many protesters have been injured by pellets fired by security personnel. Kashmiris are anxious and enraged by the situation—and the communication blackout that has left them cut off from the rest of the world for the past 14 days.

In Soura, after the entreaties made on the mosque’s speakers, young men emerged from their multistory mud-brick houses to prepare their own cordon. They set up barricades at all entry and exit points. Overnight, they gathered logs, tin sheets, stones, and bricks; a few roads were dug up to stop police vehicles from entering. Residents took turns to keep vigil at night. On Monday, when Eid was marked, and then on Friday, residents marched around the local shrine and dispersed peacefully. A few days earlier, a similar protest march was met with tear-gas shelling and pellets.

The Hindu, a respected Indian newspaper, reported 140 incidents of stone throwing in the first eight days following the abrogation of Article 370, the provision of the Indian constitution that granted Kashmir special status. But reports of protests from other parts of the region are difficult to ascertain because of the government-imposed communication blackout.

“News from here doesn’t go out,” Shabir Ahmad, 28, who runs a business selling handicrafts, said. “They [the Indian media] are showing whatever they want to. People outside don’t get to know about the situation here … Parents don’t know whether their children are safe or not.”

Many Kashmiri Muslims fear that New Delhi wants to change the demography of the region by moving in more Hindus. (The state’s once robust Hindu minority was driven away in the 1990s by militants.) They believe that this decision, rather than drawing Kashmir more deeply into India, will alienate it further.

“They will soon start settling non-Muslims in Kashmir,” said Muzamil Bashir, a 23-year-old college student, in downtown Srinagar. “We won’t have any choice—and we can’t oppose it either. We are slaves now.”

The outrage is simmering among Kashmiris, but hasn’t yet, barring few exceptions, found an outlet. Gowhar Nazir, 28, a lecturer at the University of Kashmir, said it stems from a sense of betrayal.

“We’ve been betrayed by the Indian government,” he said, adding, “It is a blot on democratic India, and the blackest day for India and Kashmir.”

Read more: Democracy at risk across the region

Indeed, a few days before India’s decision, the government ordered all tourists and pilgrims in Kashmir to leave the state, citing an imminent security threat. Kashmir’s political leaders were taken from their homes to a temporary detention center, where they remain incommunicado.

With chaos and rumors filling Kashmir’s summer air, the communication blackout compounded the frustration and anger. Ahmad, the businessman, said everything was shut; there is no contact with family or friends, and no way to get help.

The crisis has hit Kashmir’s already fragile economy. Tourism, the lifeblood of the region, is at a standstill.

“They forced tourists to leave, so how can our business function?” Ahmad asked, looking at the shut doors of his handicraft showroom near Dal Lake. “They should have asked Kashmiris what they want. They kept Kashmiris silent at gunpoint and forced this upon us.”

Abid Ahmad Kuchey, 26, who had worked at Aegis, a call center, for three years, was fired. “They told 180 employees, all Kashmiris, to quit, and the reason given was that the company can’t function in the current circumstances.”

“The communication blockade has pushed us to the Stone Age,” Areeb Ashraf, 26, a civil engineer, said. One of his uncles was hospitalized, he said, but his family doesn’t know which facility he’s in. Another uncle, he was told at the hospital by a relative, had died four days ago.

“Whatever is happening in Kashmir right now is heart-wrenching,” he said. “This shouldn’t happen anywhere … This is not the way of integration. If you want to be my friend, you have to offer friendship. It doesn’t happen through military attacks and communication blockades.”

A government spokesman told reporters yesterday that the curfew is being eased in a phased manner, and that communication will be restored eventually. Primary schools and government offices will reopen tomorrow, he said.

The roots of New Delhi’s decision this month lies in the period called partition, when British India was cleaved into Muslim Pakistan and Hindu-majority, but officially secular, India. Kashmir, which at the time was a Muslim majority princely state ruled by a Hindu king, ultimately opted to join India with conditions. In return, it was offered special status that, among other things, barred Indians from the rest of the country from buying land or property in what became the Jammu and Kashmir state. Over successive decades, government corruption, political malaise, and support from neighboring Pakistan, which also claims Kashmir, metastasized into a full-blown independence movement and insurgency in the late 1980s. India’s government, which is run by the Bharatiya Janata Party, believes that the main reason for this rebellion is Article 370. The government maintains that the provision’s removal will allow investment to pour into Kashmir and integrate it more fully with the rest of India. This position has broad support in the rest of India—even if the government has been criticized for the manner in which it is dealing with the region.

Read more: The latest step in undoing Nehru’s vision

Paramilitary forces have set up concertina-wire barricades to limit movement. Kashmiris can be seen with ID cards, prescriptions, curfew passes, and expressions of helplessness. Among those detained was Irfan Amin Malik, a reporter with the local daily Greater Kashmir, who was picked up from his home on Wednesday night. No reason was given, though he was freed later that night, after paying a bond. Several journalists said they were beaten or disallowed from moving around during restrictions.

Still, journalists gathered in the Soura neighborhood Friday to cover a protest march. Some Kashmiri youths asked all the people with cameras where they were from, ensuring that they weren’t from Indian broadcast media, which is widely viewed as biased.

“I won’t tell you my name … You don’t need my name,” said one woman who took part in the protest. “There is oppression going on right now in Kashmir … Modi says he will give buildings, factories, jobs, but what do we do with that? … We want our children to live in a peaceful and free Kashmir.”

[purplesurveys]

200

I wish I had a grander survey for my 200th, but meh too lazy.

1. If you could pick one person to fall in love with you, who would you pick?:  Gabie, over and over again. 2. Ever had a run in with the police? How did that go?: Yeah, with the traffic enforcers once. I was merely one month into my license, and I was tired and crying and hysterical, so he let me go. 3. Name three things you want to do before you kick the bucket.:  At least be able to travel to India, see snow, and have my own place. 4. Do you think Trump will be assassinated, or will he survive his term?: I don’t care much for US politics but the former sounds like a terrific idea. 5. Last time you felt suicidal?:  Last night.

6. Do you think we’ll have another ice age?: Yes. Isn’t that a natural cycle on Earth? 7. Last time you had butterflies?: If you mean butterflies in my stomach, then yesterday noon. 8. If you could be any animal for a day, what would you chose?:  I guess a bird. I want to travel the world for free hahaha. I remember wanting to be a bird when I grow up :(((( 9. Who is one person who always understands you, no matter what?: Gabie is amazing. I don’t know how she manages my mental health issues so patiently and perfectly. 10. What time is it?:  7:05 PM. 11. Who always keeps you on your toes?:  Org people. My profs. 12. Biggest asshole you know?: My uncle (mom’s sister.) Never forgave him for his wrongs in the past and he is invisible to me whenever he unfortunately shows up in family reunions. 13. What color skin do you have? Do you tan or anything?: Tan. I don’t have to. 14. Ever wrote a really sick poem/song about someone or something?: Sick as in messed up or sick as in fucking awesome? Either way, no. 15. If you were a god, what are some of the things you’d do?:  Not make people suffer. 16. Who is a lot like you?: I don’t think anyone is. 17. Ever used that sunscreen that turned your skin purple or green or whatever?:  What. No. 18. Where would you like to live after you move out?: I’m not eyeing anything specific for now but I just want to get out of this quiet part of town and move to the city, although I’m aware that the cost of living is going to be quite the bitch. 19. What’s one thing that’s stressing you out right now?: I go back to school in five days...ugh, this week-long break went by in a flash. Then we’d be dumped with so much workload, which I’m already dreading. 20. Do you think you’d survive in the army?: I don’t think so. 21. When was the last time you really got under someone’s skin?: Last Friday. 22. How’s your heart lately?: It was unbelievably heavy last night. My chest went through several pangs of pain and I cried all evening until I fell asleep. Thank you, depression.  23. What’s one thing someone told you they’d do but they never owned up to?:  Hang out. The past few weeks have been very hectic even for me so I understand why it never happens. 24. Last person to take your breath away? My girlfriend. 25. Do you think everyone has an unavoidable destiny, or do we decide our own future through choices?:  Life can play with you through situations you have no control over but it’s up to you if you want to make the most of them or not. It’s always a little bit of both. 26. When will be/was your eighteenth birthday?: 2016. 27. Are you Christian?: No. Gave it up nine years ago. 28. Last time you parted ways from someone (either a break-up or stopped talking to someone)?: I stopped interacting with Athenna shortly after my birthday. It’s a shame I even invited her. *gags* 29. Last time you gave/received a blowjob?: Neverrrrrr. 30. Do you prefer to settle things peacefully, or do you think war is necessary?: I never saw war as a necessary option. 31. Last time you had sex?: Last week. 32. Spit or swallow?: :) 33. What’s one thing you dislike about your physical appearance?: I’m hairy, and I have to constantly take care of my skin every day (every half-day if we’re being honest) if I want to be smooth. Such a hassle. 34. Ever dated someone overly clingy?: Gabie’s very clingy but I never saw it as a problem. 35. Did you ever believe that your heart was really heart shaped?: Of course, I was a kid. 36. Ever been stabbed? Whether it was by a knife or something else?: Ohhh my goodd no no nope nope no that is the nightmare of all my nightmares.   37. Ever placed a “kick me” sign on someone’s back, or had it done to you?: No. Again, not a thing here. 38. Do you know anyone who is currently battling cancer?: I mean possibly but if there was anyone, I wouldn’t know about it. People don’t really like to throw the c-word around here, it’s a sensitive topic. 39. Do you believe in a higher power?: No. 40. Do you have an open heart or are you careful of who you let in?: A little bit of both. I’m open with everyone, but I only let very few people to penetrate even deeper layers of me. 41. Do you hate anyone?:  I hate lots of government officials. 42. What’s one scary nightmare you had when you were little?: I didn’t have any nightmares at the time. They only increased starting when I was I think 14. 43. Last person you wrote a song/poem about?: I don’t write poems for people. 44. Ever did “sexual things” at a public place, like a playground?: The farthest we’ve gone in terms of place was still pretty mild, a bathroom stall in my friend’s debut.  I don’t like the idea of going too crazy in public. 45. Last time you did something you really didn’t want to do?: HAHAHAHA I did schoolwork for the first time this week a few hours ago. I was miserable. 46. Who has changed your life for the better during the past year?: People from my now-future org!!! I’ve always been wary about potential friend groups and shut myself off the moment I find myself being closer to someone, but I’m so comfortable with these people and I’m SO happy I found them and I’m really glad I decided to apply for the org at the perfect time. 47. Do you know anyone in a wheelchair?: No. 48. Did you ever leave someone because you know you’d hurt them?: No. 49. Last thing you bought?: Lunch from last Thursday. 50. Were you a planned child?: I never thought to ask my parents that, actually.

[trans-hunter-truther]

Ask me: all

JESUS answers under the cut hopefully bc holy shit [[READ MORE]]1) What images do you have set for your desktop/cell phone wallpapers?I'll do cell phone since I'm on it right now: lock screen is a duck and her ducklings, home is sylveon2) Have you ever had a crush on a teacher?Nope3) What was your last text message?Tbh something personal to my friends expense so not gonna copy and paste 4) What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?I'd like to be helping my communities. I have several dreams... Photoshoots for trans kids, bringing ASL further into the spotlight and performing musicals in asl, making clothing lines for plus size and trans people5) If you could be anywhere else right now, where would you be?Cuddling in bed in some gay ass nerds arms 6) What was your coolest Halloween costume?Lmao I never really had 'cool' halloween costumes but the funniest definitely was this year where my friends and I all went as different aesthetics/ tropes- "emo" "hipster" "jock" stuff like that and then "space gay" "plant gay" and I was manic pixie dream girl 7) What was your favorite 90s show?"Friends" or "Freaks and Geeks" 8) Who was your last kiss?Ex and he forced me lmao so it was uncomfortable and my friend had to intervene9) Have you ever been stood up?I've been on like two dates in my life so no10) Favorite ice cream flavor?Chocolate with brownie chunks and fudge- so basically chocolate on chocolate on chocolate 11) Have you been to Las Vegas?Nop12) Your favorite pair of shoes?My Converse I hand painted a galaxy on 13) Honestly, have you ever cheated on your significant other?Nope. One time someone grabbed me by the hair at the back of my head and kissed me and I shoved them off but I've never been an instigator 14) What is your favorite fruit?Pear or apple, I'm boring :v 15) Have you talked to anyone on tumblr that you could see yourself dating/having sex with? If possible?I already did that twice so... yes16) Are you into hookups? Short or long term relationships?Nope I'm Demisexual so hookups aren't a thing for me. Long term typically, but if I know it's really not working out I'm not afraid to end things. 17) Do you smoke? If so, what?Nop18) What do you do to get over your anger?Bike, mediative breathing, kick boxing 19) Do you believe in God?Eh? I believe in several deities and powers and ideals 20) Does the person you're in love with know it?I mean I'd hope so I've said it a million times 21) Favorite position?Cowgirl 22) What's your horoscope sign?ITS THE AGE OF AQUARIUS, THE AGE OF AQUARIUSSSSSSS- AQUIRIUUUUUUSSSSSSSSSSS...... AQUIRIUSSsSsSsS 23) Your fears?Being manipulated, being raped, someone breaking into my house, being followed, running into past people who have hurt me 24) How many pets do you have? What kind?Right now I just have Luna my cat who doesn't meow but just yells really loudly 25) What never fails to turn you on?Grabbing or biting 26) Your idea of a perfect first date?Seeing a movie, walking on the boardwalk and going to a fun restaurant (good food, not stuffy and fancy) and walking on the beach feeling the water and sand on our feet 27) What is something most people don't know about you?That I suffer/ed from an eating disorder and I'm mostly recovering 28) What makes you feel the happiest?Laughing with my friends 29) What store do you shop at most often?Does Amazon count or...? 30) How do you feel about oral? Giving and/or receiving?I think it's a way of showing you care about your partner and their pleasure so I'm for it; I like both 31) Do you believe in karma?I think that people should strive to do what they believe is right without harming others, but I don't think the universe goes around righting wrongs considering so many who do wrong never face punishment32) Are you single?Not really? I'm not officially in a relationship but I'm also not looking33) Do you think flowers or candy are a better way to apologize?I think that either one can serve as a good way to apologize in addition to an actual thought out apology; provided the flowers or candy are thought out 34) Are you a good swimmer?I've swam since I was like 6 months old so yes 35) Coffee or Tea?Depends, I love both though. Typically I only like homemade tea and cafe made coffee 36) Online shopping or shopping in person?Online shopping I hate irl shopping 37) Would you rather be older or younger than your current age?If I had to choose, older 38) Cats or Dogs?Both? I guess cats if I had to choose because I like cuddling 39) Are you a competitive person?Yeah but I try not to be by avoiding competition40) Do you believe in aliens?Definitely 41) Do you like dancing?Fuck yes I'm always dancing 42) What kind of music to you listen to?Honestly I listen to a really wide spread I like a little bit of everything, only thing I can't always get into is screamo and similar genres 43) What is your favorite cartoon character?Marinette maybe? I have many 44) Where are you from?Florida 45) Eat at home or eat out?Depends what I have st home lmao 46) How much more social are you when you're drunk?Don't know don't drink 47) What was the last thing you bought for yourself?Rainbow boxers yesterday st pride! 48) Why do you think your followers follow you?Memes 49) How many hours do you sleep at night?Typically 6 50) What worries you most about the future?Succeeding in my field 51) If you had a friend that spoke to you the same way you speak to yourself, how long would you be friends?I would drop them so fast fuck 52) Are you happy with yourself?I think mostly I am 53) What do you wish you didn't know?Knowledge is power so I don't regret that, I only wish certain things hadn't happened perhaps 54) What big lesson could people learn from your life?Recognize when you're being manipulated and stay true to yourself 55) If you could live in any home on a television series, what would it be?Maybe the Gilmore house from Gilmore girls? It's such s beautiful house and I love the aesthetic of the town 56) What's your favorite Website?Shopmissa if not a social media website 57) What's the habit you're proudest of breaking?Cutting58) What was your most recent trip of more than 50 miles?I think Gainesville s few months ago for my sisters graduation 59) What's the best bargain you've ever found at a garage sale or thrift store?2.50 blazers at good will 60) What do you order when you eat Chinese food?Dumpling soup, egg rolls, crab Rangoon 61) If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?I already am sort of, kali and cali(fornia) if not I guess Dakota? It's a pretty name 62) If you had to teach a subject to a class, what would it be?History, psychology, sexed, or any kind of art lmao? 63) Favorite kind of chips?Sour cream and onion or plain salted kettle cooked chips 64) Favorite kind of sandwich?Turkey, muenster, honey mustard etc 65) Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?Dictionary 66) Have you ever been stung by a bee?Nope I've never been hurt by any animal67) What's your favorite form of exercise?Dance or swimming 68) Are you afraid of heights?Maybe a little but not really 69) What's the most memorable class you've ever taken?Informal geometry it was a fuckin messssssss 70) What's your favorite breakfast?Waffle, eggs, toast, hash browns, coffee, bacon. Aka what I get every time o go to Waffle House 71) Do you like guacamole?Fuck yeah72) Have you ever been in a physical fight?Not really no, I've been hit though 73) What/who are you thinking about right now?Not gonna lie I'm just thinking about how periods suck but I'm so glad I'm not pregnant 74) Do you like cuddling?Most of the time yeah but I have to be very comfortable with that person 75) Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?Probably I have a lot of trauma 76) Have you ever experienced one of your biggest fears?Almost all of them77) Favorite city you've been to?Gainesville, it's so beautiful 78) Would you break the law to save a family member?Depends on the law and depends on the family member- maybe for my older siblings 79) Talk about an embarrassing moment?Oh god I had one yesterday. So I was with friends and I was taking a bunch of pictures and my friend next to me and I starting goofing around and I took a bunch of silly pictures of them and after they grabbed my phone and deleted them and then went to my deleted photos and I was screaming for them to give back my phone and like I'm 99% sure they saw my personal photos I had in there sooo I wanted to die 80) Are there any causes you strongly believe in?LGBT rights, Deaf rights, Autistic and Aspergers people's rights, Black lives matter 81) What's the worst injury you've ever had?I had to get a really shitty surgery in an emergency hospital for an abscess on my labia minora and I was screaming in agony with no anesthesia as doctors flooded in and out. It was really traumatic and painful 82) Favorite day of the week?Saturday. I get to sleep in, be productive in the morning, hang out with friends, have time for myself, and it's very stress free 83) Do you consider yourself sexually open minded?Very, even though I'm Demi once I am comfortable with someone I'm open to try anything almost and I have a lot of kinks 84) How do you feel about porn?I think that while the industry is fucked up and corrupt I support sex workers and sex work in general as a form of entrepreneurship 85) Which living celebrity would you like to know?Maybe Emma stone? 86) Who was your hottest ex?I haven't dated a lot of people really but someone who isn't quite an ex? 87) Do you want/have kids?Not sure. I've gone back and forth but I know I want to experience my life first before I do anything. 88) Has anyone ever told you that they wanted to marry you?Yes89) Do you get easily distracted?YES90) Ass or titties?titties all the way 91) What is your favorite word?Prejudice 92) How do you feel about tattoos?I think they're a beautiful art form 93) Do you have any pets?Yes 94) How tall are you?5'2 and a half 95) How old are you?17 96) 3 physical features you get complimented on a lot?Eyes, boobs, ass 97) Is there anything you're really passionate about?Activism and cosmetology 98) Do you have trust issues?Yeahhhh a little bit not gonna lie99) Do you believe in love at first sight?No not really? I think that you can have attraction but you have to get to know someone to love them 100) What are some words that you live by? Why?Everything happens for a reason. Because while shitty things happen in our lives we can learn from them to make the world a better place. I've had a lot of shitty things happen to me and they have only driven me further in life to help others.