#i'll try to be more active too with the freebies

[supersources]

hey, guys! things have been difficult lately so i'm sorry for the scarce posting, but i'm opening my commissions again! i accidentally left my phone in the rain and i need to get the touch screen replaced which i can't afford, but most importantly i desperately need to take one of my dogs to the vet. i hate to do this so much, i feel so embarrassed to ask for help but if i weren't desperate i wouldn't. here's a link to my ko-fi, and thank you so much for taking the time to read this. if you're interested in commissioning, please, message me. there's more information on my carrd.

[my-shields-are-down]

Chenford + Chris Returns..

Please note - this is not part of the one word prompt series. I'll be posting more of those tomorrow.

===================

"Well Chris is back from visiting his family in Chicago. I saw him outside the station as we came back after that op. He looks tan and relaxed. We nodded at each other."

Lucy looked up from the carton of noodles she was currently stuffing in her mouth and tried to speak but ended up sounding like a parent from a Charlie Brown special.

Tim chuckled and said, "Babe, please finish chewing and drink some water before you try to speak. We don't need me to do the Heimlich again , do we?" He was gleefully referring to the lunch services the other day when he performed the life-saving procedure at their favorite noodle place. The restaurant patrons gave him a round of applause (freaking applause!) after a chunk of shrimp shot out of the woman's esophagus. Lucy shook her head at the memory. She would have given him more grief about it, but the restaurant took his picture and put it on the wall and gave him a GOLD card which meant free noodles for life. She wasn't about to complain about that perk.

They still paid for their noodles (cops don't get freebies!) like the spicy kung pow ones was shoveling into her mouth now.

With her mouth finally clear, she asked, "Do we want me to tell him about "us,” you know be up front about it like grown ups? So he doesn't hear it from the grapevine? Better to control the narrative?"

Tim sighs. While he loves Lucy's perpetual optimism, he doesn’t see her more recent ex responding well to her moving on within an hour after breaking up with him. Tim is not sure anyone could spin that narrative in a positive way.

Instead he simply says, "it's your call. But i would expect everyone to know after he finds out. Our sneaking around bubble will have burst. Are you ok with that?". I will have a back up plan in place if anything goes wrong, ok?

Lucy grabbed his hand and said, "I'm not going anywhere and honestly, I don't care who knows that."

====

Lucy doesn't actively seek Chris out, so it's a few days later that she sees him come out of an interrogation room with Wesley. Wesley, who along with Angela were two people in the "need to know" circle she was about to blow apart.

Chris looked over at Wesley to figure out why he stopped walking and saw Lucy. Their eyes met and while Lucy started to smile and move forward to say hello, Chris takes a step backwards and puts up his hands to stop her, saying "Lucy- please don't make this any more awkward than it already is. You broke up with me remember and no, I don't want to get back together."

Lucy stares at Chris. Her mouth opens and closes a few times but no sound comes out. So she squeaks out, "Oh?"

Chris turns to face her fully and said, "I saw Gloria - my college sweetheart - when I was back home and we decided to give it another go. Our parents are great friends and we fell back into one another easily. She's moving out here later this month."

Lucy's smile grows and she steps forward again to say, "Oh Chris, I'm so excited for you. I remember meeting her when she came to visit last year and I really liked her. Congratulations."

Chris could tell Lucy was genuine and not pretending when she told him congratulations. He wonders at that. "How are you doing?" he politely asks. Hoping she'll say she is missing him and wants another chance, that she wants him to toss Gloria aside and be with him like he really wants.

Lucy blushes and says, "Well, actually, I'm dating a great guy. We got together shortly after you and I broke up and I've never been happier. Which is why I'm so glad you are happy in your new relationship too."

Chris is stunned but not surprised that Lucy is dating someone; she hasn’t really understood how much of a catch she is and it sounds like someone took advantage of her newly singledom to make her theirs. "Anyone I know?" he asks cheekily, running through a list of possible suitors in his head.

Lucy looks at Wesley and takes a deep breath, "Yes, actually. The new Metro Liaison Sergeant and I are dating. I've known him for several years and he asked me out as soon as he knew I was single."

"Yes, I heard there was a multi-departmental promotion-shift resulting in a new serg - wait.... isn't Tim the new Sergeant for Metro? Are you dating Tim? (Lucy's smile broadens and Wesley takes a step back). "WHAT THE FUCK LUCY?! WHAT. THE . ACTUAL. FUCK?" Chris is shouting at Lucy and Wesley steps in between as Chris starts to charge at her, red-faced and menacing.

At that moment, Wade Grey steps forward and sees the shock on Lucy's face along with hearing Chris's expletive filled yell, grabs each by an arm and forcefully leads them into his office - where Percy West - the head of Internal Affairs - and Tim Bradford, Lucy's boyfriend and Senior Metro Liaison Sergeant are standing. Percy and Lucy smiled at each other quickly, and then Commander West uses his Church Deacon voice to speak to Chris with authority.

"ADA Sanford - you will no longer address Officer Chen. You will address me - Commander West. Are you paying attention?" Not waiting for Chris to respond, Percy says, " For the record, please state your issues with Officer Chen. I'd love to hear them."

Chris, seething with resentment and hurt, glances around the room to find four people staring at him. Waiting for an explanation.

Lucy had moved to stand next to Tim and was holding his hand. Chris lashes out again towards Lucy, 'YOU CANNOT BE FUCKING SERIOUS RIGHT NOW - HE IS YOUR BOSS. YOU CANNOT BE HOLDING HIS HAND." Tim makes a movement forward to address Chris directly, until Commander West holds up his hand and stops him.

Percy again says, "ADA Sanford - I repeat - you will address me and not Officer Chen. I will not give you another warning. What are your specific accusations towards Officer Chen?

Chris turns to face Commander West and sneers at Lucy, saying “Officer Chen is a disgrace to the uniform. She fucked her boss and had a secret affair with him while she and I were dating. She withheld affection, and love from me, knowing I was in love with her. Everyone sees the way they look at each other. How she pants after him and he pines for her. Both of them are disgusting and should be punished.”

Commander West says “Is that it?”

Chris replies, “isn’t that enough?”

Percy walks to Sergeant Grey’s desk and says, Mr. Del Monte? Did you get all that? I wanted to reiterate to you that Officers Bradford and Chen’s relationship was investigated more thoroughly than normal because Bradford was her training officer. As I mentioned to you earlier this week, we found no evidence of any wrong doing by either of them. Unsurprisingly, they maintained a professional relationship while in the office and have noted their change in relationship status. Additionally, Officer Bradford moved out of Officer Chen’s chain of command as soon as he was able to do so. IA and HR are fine with their relationship status change.”

DA Delmonte from his office across town, speaks up and addresses Chris directly, “thank you Percy. That matches our findings as well.

ADA Sanford, effective immediately, you will no longer be managing cases based out of mid-Wilshire and are being transferred to downtown Ventura traffic court. Your recent promotion has been revoked and you only still have a job because both Officer Chen and Officer Bradford spoke so highly of you. Please take the remainder of the day to clean out your office here and report tomorrow to DA Simpson at the Ventura courthouse at 8 am.”

The call was disconnected. Percy walked over to Lucy and gave her a hug before leaving. Tim leans down and kisses Lucy as if his life depends on it. He then shook Wade’s hand and left. A blushing Lucy smiled at Grey and said, “thank you” before turning to Chris a final time. “Good luck with Gloria. I hope everything works out for you both.” She nodded at him and headed out as well.

Chris stood there shocked. He turned around and saw Sgt. Grey glaring at him.

“Son, get the fuck out of my office before I throw you out.”

———

[lord-squiggletits]

For the fanfic writer emoji ask: uuuuh I'm super curious about everything!!! But mainly

💖 What made you start writing?

❌ What's a trope you will never write?

👀 Tell me about an up and coming wip please!

🤗 What advice would you give to new fanfic writers that are just getting started?

💖 What made you start writing?

I read a book called Julie of the Wolves by Jean C. George for an assignment in elementary school and basically became a wolfgirl when I was like 7 years old. But, basically I became really obsessed with wolves and nature-like stuff and I decided I wanted to try writing my own stuff like that, especially since I was further influenced by stuff like the Redwall series and Tamora Pierce's The Immortals quartet and I really wanted to write my own "magical archer girl with animals as companions" stories ahahaha. You wouldn't guess it from the fact I write Transformers (science fiction) but I'm actually a fantasy writer through and through.

❌ What's a trope you will never write?

Already answered this in the ask right before this one, but a trope that I actually can't stand in romance fics and would never ever write is "I'm mad that the person I like is dating someone else, so I'm gonna date/have sex with this other person to try and make them jealous and want me." It's just so immature and I can't see any of my favorite characters doing that, much less it actually working.

I was thinking of saying "infidelity" but honestly, I could see myself writing an infidelity fic if it was something like "one character is in an arranged marriage with another, but they meet their true lover in secret" because I like the vibes of tragedy involved in that. But like, I would never find it appealing to write a monogamous pairing where one of them cheats on the other even if they end up working through the drama and going to therapy or whatever and staying with each other. That's just not the kind of thing I come for in my romantic fantasy fanfic :( not to mention that for the ships I write, it would be out-of-character/I'm not interested in writing for scenarios where it might be in character.

👀 Tell me about an up and coming wip please!

Mmmmmmm I'll give you a freebie about a fic that I haven't posted yet: I'm planning to write a silly, stupid Pharma-centric fic in which he teaches sexual education to a class of MTOs. It'll feature a lot of valveplug worldbuilding, Autobot high command being very concerned about soldiers having safe/sane sex, and the MTOs behaving similarly to teenagers giggling about their teacher saying "spike" and other similarly immature antics.

Also, Pharma accidentally awakening a sexy doctor fetish in more than a few students.

🤗 What advice would you give to new fanfic writers that are just getting started?

Uploading prolifically is a good way to get more subscribers/kudos/comments if you feel that getting more attention is important to you, which I won't lie, is a validating part of starting out on AO3. People will be more likely to become a "fan" of yours if they notice that you're always uploading new fics/updating multichapters. It'll make it seem as if you're an active author who can be talked to, as opposed to posting one fic and then disappearing and people wonder if maybe you already left the fandom and aren't interested in writing more or talking about it.

I wouldn't worry about posting one-shots versus multichapters, or worrying about whether it's too short or too long. Frankly, I admire people who can regularly write things <1,000 words long because I always end up making stories really long even when I intend to be short lol. Just make sure that if it's a really, really long oneshot (like... there's not really a specific rule for this, but maybe 10k words? or if your oneshot has a lot of different scenes and a convoluted plot), split the oneshot into at least two chapters. Some people's browsers don't save which part of the page they stopped reading on if the tab reloads, and I've heard many people complain about fics that didn't have chapter breaks to make it easier to save their location or take a break while reading.

If you want to get popular, it's better to post things that make you happy/entertained and create a niche for yourself than it is for you to try and write the most popular pairings/tropes/etc. Or rather, I would say that having a unique niche with a small but dedicated audience is far more rewarding than trying to pander to popularity. I kind of feel like my more niche stuff may not have as LARGE numbers as the more popular stuff, but it seems to get more comments and detailed feedback than stuff like PWPs. And the more I post niche or very specific fics that are tailored specifically to my interests, the more people who ALSO have niche tastes come out of the woodwork and go "holy shit I didn't think anyone else liked this" and we end up becoming good friends! And maybe one day your niche takes will make people notice how passionate and well thought out they are, and you can start new trends in fanon and headcanoning!

[academic-weapon]

SwampCon

word count: 639 words 04.01.23

I have been to five (5) cons, ever, and it never gets less exciting. This was my first time as an active staff member, though. If I can, I'll continue to volunteer in the future. There is just something really nice about getting to speak with cosplayers without having to gather the courage to approach them first, since they're the ones that need something from staff.

Although I didn't ask to take pictures with anyone, regrettably, my aunt did lmao. Cosplay is a form of self-expression and art, alright— a lot of time, effort, and creativity goes into these costumes, and it's great to see them confidently put all of this on display. I know that to many, being asked to take pictures is an acknowledgment of their hard work. I hope my aunt made those Sailor Moon and Genshin cosplayers happy with her requests.

I grew up thinking enjoying manga and anime... was taboo, almost. I get it, there may be social stigmas associated with people who enjoy anime because anime and manga have historically been associated with certain genres that are seen as inappropriate or immature. Genshiken covered this— your average otaku isn't always socially awkward or obsessive. They just are. But now, as the medium becomes more mainstream, it is also more broadly accepted. It's great to see.

That being said, conventions provide a space where people who love aspects of otaku culture can come together and bond over their shared interests. It isn't always easy to find like-minded folks, and the con does just that. It also offers a wide variety of vendors selling neat merchandise that won't really be available at your typical store at the mall. I'm frugal at best and terribly cheap at worst, but even then...

... it had to be done.

I try to justify the purchase by saying that I may never again find the artists I got the prints from, and I really did fall in love with the art you guys. I had had the chance to check out the con prior to my shift starting, spoke with the artist some, and... walked away. My shift supervisor was kind to let me escape briefly to run up to the Artist Alley and grab a couple prints before they closed. Gladly advertising them here because they're so very talented.

And I guess that's kind of the thing. I wouldn't have had the chance to meet that artist or get introduced to the art if not for events like this con. It's about building a sense of community and fitting in seamlessly.

Merch tax right here. Freebie con shirt that staff members and some lucky con-goers were allowed to get, my three prints (terrible picture, but it's Naruto, Chainsaw Man, and Hunter X Hunter, in that order), My Hero keychain, and a handful of freebie stickers. Better than the experience itself... is the stuff you can get out of it.

While I know that I definitely engaged in sharing art and media by ogling art and cosplay and whatnot, I didn't really have time to explore the panels. I was out of town for most of the event, and really only showed up for my scheduled shift. I think that attending panels is a good method to learn more about what makes up Otaku culture; you're exposed to new ideas and perspectives that way, and also new fandoms.

I did get the chance to witness this drag show that was going on, but only briefly. Not to get too political here, guys, but I don't think activities like these "appeal to prurient, shameful, or morbid interests," or whatever. It certainly looked perfectly healthy in there! Amusing to watch, too.

I'm glad I got to attend, and I look forward to being part of more events like these in the future!

[apocalypticanuyushi]

Pinned Post

I feel like it's about time I stop lurking and actually try so uh, pinned post here we go!

🌺Name: Anuyushi (Feel free to call me Anu) 🌺Age: 22 🌺Gender: Transmasc 🌺Pronouns: He/Him 🌺Sexuality: Demisexual/Androsexual 🌺Relationship Status: Taken/Monogomous 🌺Interests: Writing, history, video games, IT and tech support 🌺DNI list: IRL porn blogs, content thieves or people that support selling AI art, pro-kill shelter or pro-euthanasia of healthy pets, anti LGBT, racist or sexist

🌺Askbox rules: Don't harass or send dicks I guess 🌺Socials:WattpadQuotevAo3TwitterFacebookTiktokInstagram

🌺A bit about my blog: I primarily keep it SFW but I often like or reblog NSFW animations to support artists. I'd say minors stay off but I can't really control you, so kindly be warned of that and don't scroll my blog if you're uncomfortable with that. I'm a SFW person though, so minors are free to send asks or engage with my personal posts. Not comfortable with flirting, innuendos, or sexual visuals. I talk, not debate or fight. If you want to talk, keep it civil and I'll show the same respect. The moment name-calling or harassment is sent, you will be blocked and I will no longer respond. 🌺Main Fandoms: Danganronpa, Homestuck, South Park, Batman, Resident Evil, Miraculous Ladybug, Sonic 🌺Commission information: Currently closed until further notice. Answer these riddles three and inspire me for a free comm. 🌺When commissions open, here are my details:🌺 One chapter: $5 Multiple chapters: Free first chapter, $5 for each additional chapter If you change your mind after the first chapter is done, refunds will not be given, I will instead continue to the following chapter for no charge and continue $5 to the chapter after that one. If I go OVER this on my own accord, you won't be charged and it will be considered freebie content. You can choose to have me edit it back down, or accept it longer. I do NOT accept payment before the chapter is done and the client is satisfied. If you do not pay when my work is completed, the commission will be posted on my own accounts and I will claim sole ownership. One chapter is considered 5-10 pages in Quotev's writing system, NOT GOOGLE DOCS OR MICROSOFT WORD. This is because I do not USE those programs, I use Quotev. Due to this, the word count may be slightly different if your commission is moved to either of those. I don't know the difference in how they count their pages, but you will receive your commission through the Quotev editor count. If you commission and claim you didn't know this, I will not take that as a proper excuse, because it was said right here in my pinned post and commission information. I will write: 🌺Shipping 🌺Romance 🌺NSFW 🌺Gore 🌺Angst 🌺News articles for fantasy settings 🌺OC profiles 🌺Character backstories 🌺Chatlogs/Text fanfics I will NOT write 🌺Nonconsentual situations 🌺Illegal or morally disturbing topics (Such as any sort of philia) 🌺Polygamy fanfics (Nothing against it, but juggling romance between three or more characters in a restricted time is too difficult for me) 🌺Your homework assignments 🌺The Declaration of Independence 🌺Stories for you to post on your own profiles to claim you wrote them 🌺Anything not in English (It's the only language I can speak) 🌺Drama posts, responses to people for you, or just generally anything that involves my work reaching your circles negatively and is not an actual story or genuine commission As I said earlier up, my comms are closed but I was serious about inspiring me. If I like your idea enough to divert from all my current activities and work, you've earned a free one.

[belladoesmakeup]

Hi guys,

Recently I have been seeing so many people on Tik Tok review products from Maybelline which is a drugstore brand I used to adore! I haven't bought anything from them for quite awhile but when I kept seeing the same 3 products being reviewed by everyone I decided this pale girl needed to see what the all hype was about. So today we chatting about my mini Maybelline haul.Luckily when I went to Boots they have 3 for 2 on all Maybelline products so I actually got the conceal free which was even better.

I'm going to chat to you about each product in the order I used them so let's start with the Maybelline Instant Anti Age Perfector 4-In-1 Glow , £12.99. Now this product is a multi purpose product so not only does it add glow but it is also a primer, concealer and a highlighter. I picked up the shade 0.5 which is Fair Light Cool, basically the palest shade for me. Like their famous concealer it also has a cushion applicator you have twist and apply. When I used this I rubbed it in with my fingers because I wanted my skin hydrated before putting a powder foundation on. Straight away you could see my skin had a healthy sheen to it but it didn't make my skin look too glowy and oily which I thought would happen. First impressions I really like it but I'll keep testing it with other products too.

Next up we have the Maybelline SuperStay Active Wear Concealer , £9.99 (my freebie in the 3 for 2). Like the matching liquid foundation this concealer is designed to be full coverage and last up to 30 hrs. This matte concealer was not what I expected (in a good way) because the formula is so lightweight it doesn't feel like anything on your face. I got 05 Ivory to use this concealer as more of a highlight / brightener for my under eyes. I love the finish, the packaging and how well it's been lasting on my eyes, I need to pick up shade 10 for my blemishes next.

Lastly and arguably the most viral makeup product at the moment we have the Maybelline SuperStay 24H Hybrid Powder Foundation , £11.99 shade 03. I saw this product everywhere and knew I had to try it out myself. I got the palest shade to play it safe but I probably could of got shade 05 too if they had it. This powder foundation is unlike anything I have tried before, it is designed to be a medium - full coverage, long wear, soft matte foundation. Now what I find most unique about this powder foundation is that it has super resistant hybrid technology, so unlike other powder foundations it doesn't cake or transfer. The first time I used the powder I was so surprised at the coverage! With one swipe of product almost half my face was covered which I didn't expect especially from a drugstore powder foundation. Loving it so far and will be testing out more in the next few weeks, I also want to get 1 shade darker to see the difference.

If you want to check out the products I mentioned, they are all linked above!

Lots of love

Bella x x

[retphienix]

Finally beat Prey after like 50 hours of gameplay.

That game is like a 10/10 experience throughout, with like a 4/10 ending that I hold no truly negative feelings towards and actively applaud for some aspects of it.

But before I ramble (shortly) about that in a readmore, gameplay is really just a blast. I didn't know I needed a "system shock 2 but modern" game, but I did and this was that!

Solving exploration "puzzles" like how to enter an area or the safest way past an obstacle or "Where's the keycard" via tracking personnel from the area or turning on and off power for stuff- just all of it and more, exploring the facility was a blast from start to literal finish.

Fighting stuff was fun even though I did do a human only run because they warned me about the turrets and I thought "But turrets are so helpful right now!" and that legit was my only reasoning even after I got hacking maxed and a billion ways to fight without turrets lmao

It's wild to think I missed out on half the game's combat options, hell I didn't even unlock and use combat focus until the last like 10 hours.

I like how you really do have to play 'smart' for most of the game because you really are the prey around here. (Normal difficulty).

After a while you learn how to do things a bit better and the power dynamic shifts but that's a given when you hoard stuff like I do- by the end I had like 4000 Q-gun ammo and could instantly melt whatever I wanted for fun- hell even from the "start" of being terrorized by the Nightmare I had so many recycler grenades saved that I was able to handle him like that for most of the game (until the end game where I could just slow time and melt him with my pistol instead lol).

But yeah, you feel reasonably outmatched in a way that encourages using your ingame tools intelligently and I liked that!

Good story that I loved exploring, good characters that I liked a lot, a plethora of world-building/scene-setting background stories through logs and the like that often made me sad :( (good!)

Oh, and I knew about the twist before playing, and my take is that the hints throughout the game are really fun- like genuinely! Not gonna focus too much on if they were too heavy handed because I'd say like 80% of them were not heavy handed and then some were just smacking you to try and get you to notice- but overall I really liked the build up to the after credits reveal!

The reveal itself, when you already know, eeeeh, fine I guess.

So the ending lol (I'll be short)

Loved the game! Thinking I might mess around in mooncrash since I think it was included in the epic freebie? Or maybe NG+ but IDK, plenty of other games I could play instead of doing a NG+ run just to try out the psy powers :P

Kinda feels like a narrative, with an intended twist, that would be challenging to really get a "good" or "great" ending out of it, so I don't blame them. Leaning on implications for prey 2 (maybe) is fine, but it pretty much just goes "BOO! Shocking TWIST! Okay good bye." eeeh.

As is, I think the shock of the twist could have risen the score a few points, but I already knew it so I didn't experience THAT ending, and also I think if the shock is 100% necessary for that then is it REALLY worth the extra points? Especially when I just said I loved the BUILD UP of the reveal, that stuff was 10/10 great stuff, but then the ending is kinda "fine".

I do really enjoy a nice rundown of everything I did as it's judged. That's where the bulk of my enjoyment of the ending comes from.

But then closure? No. Reasonable satisfaction despite being an ending that can't grant direct closure? Also no.

You kinda just get judged (which I like) and then the screen goes black again, yippee.

Hold his hand and you get told to come up with your own ideas until prey 2 exists.

Kill him and get the "be evil for evil's sake" vibe and nothing more because that's really it, it's just "HERE'S THE TWIST!.... okay thanks for playing." which didn't really give me satisfaction since I already knew it, ah well.

I really liked prey :) I always suspected I would, but finally sitting down to play it, oh buddy I loved it a lot :) Exploring this place and finding my solutions to stuff and figuring stuff out and just alllll that? Loved it!

Ending was just kinda "Hm. Well alright then." since I already knew the twist part which sucks, but hey, the buildup was nice! Good game :)

[softlittleheartsandsparkles]

how do you start a hobby like the one you do? I'm scared to try something like that and mess it all up...

If this is more like psychological fear, I'd say just take it slow... Like my first one I've ever done was really rough. (It was a seahorse who's body portions weren't right... He was huge compared to the piece of aida I was working on. I was suppose to have room for 3. >.> he was a big boy. There wasn't room for three. lol) I think when you try something new, and your learning a new skill, it's better to just do the activity as a journey/experience rather than trying to focus on it looking "perfect". Like think about a MMO or something were your doing a quest, your new to the game. The experience is finding the item the npc requested, it doesn't matter how you go to it or how long it took you to find the item, you return the quest & You had the experience that makes you wanna keep playing. Crafts to me are similar, only you have no npc on the other end waiting. It's easy to criticize what your doing, or even become paralyzed with fear and not try it because your worried about it not looking right. But I think sometimes reframing the thought as rather then this is a artsy- craftsy, I gotta be good at this sorta thought. Just think of it as this is just an experience, and I wanna see where it goes. My first project as I mentioned was pretty rough, but I really liked cross stitch. (I love looking at peoples finished works) and cause I have some experience doing other crafts (drawing, painting) I do try to use the thing I mentioned before which is try to recognize when I'm new to something, I'm *new*, so I try to remind myself I'm not going to be as good as someone who's been doing cross stitch for 10 years, or someone who was taught as a wee one & there now a fully grown adult in whatever stage of life. Its not fair to compare myself or hold myself to those standards. I'm also not actually comparing myself properly cause I can't see there original (first) works. Why compare myself to someone who's mastered something - and me someone whos a novice. Thats not fair to either party & it also puts unnecessary stress no one else is applying to me. What I do instead is pick out aspects I like about cross stitch & try to notice when I feel confident/happy. I also find noticing how cross stitch makes me feel (the activity) really makes it more benfictional compared to just being 'oh i'm sorta better at it now". & what I mean by feel is I mean like, for me cross stitch helps me tap into that mindful/relaxed feeling. I find it enjoyable, even the ripping up stitches aspect. (meaning I don't view this as a 'ugh. *hates this aspect of the craft so much I'll abandon it*' aspect.) I also like that its a hobby I can pick up a lot and keep adding too it, compared to like drawing where there's a point when you feel like you gotta stop, or in water color, a point to where the paper is like 'no more water please!' 'Oi! I don't think you heard me, anymore water and i'm about to no longer be paper!' xD Sorry I started rambling. I'd say if your nervous, just try it, you can find really easy (small) freebies online, DMC, kofi, there's designers who will offer out freebies for different holidays. (Shannon Christines does really nice easy looking freebies for holidays. Just the pattern, you have to get the supplies yourself.) Viewing stuff as an experience or journey has helped me a lot more, rather then tips like: trying to ignore my feelings/attempt to push thru them. Cause it can affirm your fears or hesitant if you do "mess" up or you are unhappy with how you finished. If I can pick and pull apart aspects I like even if my first project wasn't the "best", and that leaves me feeling satisfied or even better it helps me create a goal, or drives my interest to keep trying. I like that a lot more. :3

[themackenzieboydchronicles]

Noah: Guess what I saw yesterday? Mackenzie and Meena in the field by the pavilion, both stark naked and Mackenzie going at it like Moira's prize bull.

Sarah. Oh wow! Did you film it?

Noah: No, of course I didnt.

Sarah: Noah you lightweight, think of the fun we could have had uploading it to the internet.

Noah: They knew I saw them as Mack had a panic attack when he saw me watching. Meena has promised me free chocolate for life to keep quiet.

Sarah: Just wait til I tell granny Faith.

Noah: You cant Sarah. I promised.

Sarah: You promised, but I didnt!

Faith: Mack you really must be careful where you take your lady friends for fun and games. I know Al Fresco is very exciting as I've been there myself, but what young Noah saw yesterday could have scarred him for life.

Mack : I thought Meena sorted him. She promised him free chocolate to keep quiet.

Faith: Well it was Sarah that told me. But dont worrry Meena's promised her free milk shakes.

Mack: Thanks for telling me Faith, much appreciated. Think I'll stick to indoor activities only from now on.

David: Cathy and Heath have just been in with a cock and bull story about you and Mackenzie Meena. The kids these days eh! Trying to get free sweets to keep quiet. That Cathy is a crafty little minx. I reckon it's her that's stalking poor April on line. Macks in no state to do half what they were suggesting. In fact it's a physical impossibility.

Meena: The trouble with the kids these days David is they watch too much filth on the internet......... Meena Thinking: Thank goodness David believes everything I tell him. He's so gullible. All the kids in this village must know about me and Mackenzie now, well if they all think they are getting freebies they are wrong. I've got much more important things to think about like sorting that Victoria out. Just cant believe how much the story gets taken out of context. We did nothing they were suggesting, so dont know how Moira's bull got brought into it.

They've all got twisted minds, not surprising though with the parents they've got.

Charity: Are you sure about this Noah, You actually saw them? Right leave it with me, and you can forget about the free chocolate.

Noah: Please dont mum, I promised I wouldnt tell.

Charity: Well it's a good job Sarah did then isnt it.

Charity: You dirty little tart. Bribing my boy with chocolate to keep your dirty secret. God knows what damage you've done to him.

Meena: When were you so squeaky clean? Dont you come here and start shouting the odds at me. At least I dont charge and your precious son is a liar, He's making it up. He even sent Cathy and Heath round to blackmail David, the apple doesnt fall far from the tree does it Charity. Now get back to your dodgy dealings and teach your kids some manners.

Charity: You havent heard the last of this lady.

Meena: Oh I think I have. Now get lost.

Mack: Please dont shout Charity, my nerves are bad and I'm shaking. Manpreet has prescribed something to settle my nerves. I'm a wreck and at the moment a remote monastery sounds very appealing..

Charity: The only thing making you shake is all the alcohol in your system. What do you think you were doing taking part in outdoor pursuits when the kids are off school? What if the younger ones saw you. You're lucky I'm not reporting you.

Mack: I'm sorry Charity but Meena is right, Noah's got it wrong. I havent got any emotional strength to argue with you Charity, I'm done.

Charity: Ok I'm not gonna argue, but you need to take a good look at yourself and sort yourself out. You haven't heard the last of this. Just watch him Ryan, he's lethal.

Ryan: What did I tell you? You walk blindly into situations without a thought of the consequences. You're so easily led, and Meena's got you exactly where she wants you.

Mack: Jeez, how many more lectures? Oh look, I've gone and missed Loose Women now. Stacy Solomon was on today as well, she's my favourite, I came back from the pub early to watch it. Only went in coz I owed Bob some money, and had a right lecture off Faith, then Charity and now you......... RYAN: Oh please Mackenzie, don't turn the water works on again. You're as bad as Aaron..

Tomorrows Spoiler: Victoria's Secret.