#insulated party basket

[jennhoney]

I read old messages from my mom to hopefully soften me. I was a grief monster yesterday. So mad at her. She for most of my adult life felt so separated from me and she said some pretty rough stuff especially when I was staying with them during her chemo. Mostly it’s the stuff she didn’t say or try to resolve that I’m having trouble forgiving her for. Because there is no more time. Leaving me alone in a hospital bed in Raleigh is still something I can’t fully think about or I might shatter into a million pieces. That she wouldn’t go to the Golden Girls convention that I gifted her. It was probably unfair of me and I didn’t fully know I was doing it but I would put us in situations where maybe she would pick me, prioritize me (or us), and she never really did I don’t think. I have this issue in my romantic relationships as well 🫠. But I guess she tried the best she could and that was the time we had.

It’s snowing

[jmdbjk]

Bangtan Weekly Report...

So a lot happening in here in the last 24 hours. Joon's appointment took everyone by surprise. Seems legit significant and I wondered if this will affect his military service... not in the fact that he would be exempt because of it... not implying that at all. What I'm wondering is after he completes his basic training, would he just go ahead and shift into some kind of position where he is also associated with this particular activity in the military? Stationed at whichever areas are doing this activity and such...

I think for sure it will definitely add to his future opportunities and influence in the public arena. It’s so exciting for him!

Also: Yoongi headed to Japan. I love that shirt, vacation vibes. I hope he was able to rest a little bit and get something to ease his coughing though. I know he keeps saying don't worry, he's not sick, but something is up because you don't hack up a lung like that after walking a few hundred yards for nothing.

Also today: Tae headed to Japan Spain! He looked dressed for an island party. It's been a while since we've seen him wear earrings. Or, I should say an earring since its only one. AND THE HAIR! I'm not a big fan of the frizzy perm but he is squeezing all he can out of his 20s before enlistment with the ash blonde hair moment again!

How does he even see where he's going? How did anyone recognize him? That hat reminds me of a woven straw basket I used to have in my dining room.

TAKE TWO!!! A new OT7 song coming!!! Soooo excited!!! Maybe we'll get a teaser! Produced by Suga and written by RM and Hobi!!!!!

!!!!!!! NEW GROUP MUSIC!!!!!!!

Also today: someone now pointing out that Kookie discreetly moved a small object out of camera view during his garbage disposer repairman live on Feb. 27 ...

How did I not notice him doing that when I watched the live... so now someone is saying it resembles a car key fob... for a Porsche...hmmm, who do we know that drives a Porsche? ... ummm.... I don't know... it could be, or not? It's got a reflective chrome button looking area on it. It's white and car key fob shaped...

Of course, it could also be a vaper or his own car key fob or something else... a tube of lube (Kookie... please put stuff away after you use it, I know its handy there but still... TMI you know?) ... I need more visual info.

Also today: I see people grumbling (outright bitching) about the commercialization of Festa/BTS... commercialization = selling out...

This is my take on all of that (and probably an unpopular opinion, but anyways...):

People are all for their "sold-out" king when a random t-shirt or shoes they are wearing or an insulated mug sells out, but our guys don't see a penny of that.

And now you're saying official BTS merch would be somehow unsavory... a money grab... even though money from the sale of THAT DOES go into their pockets?... please think through what you are saying...

And commercialization in the form of sponsorships is not good? How is it not good?...Sponsorships are great!

Here's the deal... money makes the world go round... so that exact thing is what will help perpetuate the longevity of BTS, those sponsorships will give BTS a shit ton of money in return for licensing/promotion and underwriting big ticket projects.

It keeps BTS alive in the public eye and keeps the income coming in order for them to do first class work and endeavor to promote themselves and give us great events. Fabulous purple fireworks shows are not free. Sponsors help underwrite the cost of that. And because these events are happening will also indirectly help the many small businesses in those areas because of the influx of visitors to these events.

Turning the city purple creates excitement about BTS and reminds locals that BTS are global cultural ambassadors. Army should be hella proud of that.

What other kpop group is getting news coverage for their 10th anniversary? None.

Deep pockets allow BTS to book stadium tours, so the more chance more of us can see them in-person.

The day the money stops flowing will REALLY be the day BTS retires.

If we are who we say we are and intend to support BTS no matter what happens... IF WE ARE IN THIS BANGTAN SHIT FOR LIFE ... and what we are given right now is merch and purple corndogs, then I will buy a keychain or a book or eat purple tteokbokki, or whatever, along with whatever music is released. If you really are against it, then don't buy anything but don't act like what they are doing is disgusting.

Anyway, its been a full day. We are headed into Festa season for the next two weeks and beyond. The timeline seems focused on positive things. Or maybe that's my imagination. I am going to enjoy it while I can.

[jawhip5]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Insulated Coffee Cup Reusable DAY OF THE DEAD.

[bestarticle-1245]

Introduction:

Father's Day is fast approaching, providing us with the perfect opportunity to express our love and appreciation for the special men in our lives. While finding the ideal gift can sometimes be a challenge, there's no shortage of thoughtful options to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who have made a lasting impact. From personalized keepsakes to practical gadgets, here are some gift ideas to help you show Dad just how much he means to you.

1. Personalized Keepsakes:

There's something truly special about a gift that's been customized just for Dad. Consider a personalized photo frame engraved with a cherished family memory, a monogrammed leather wallet, or a custom-made piece of artwork featuring his favorite quote or mantra. These thoughtful keepsakes serve as a constant reminder of the love and appreciation you have for him.

2. Gourmet Treats: Indulge Dad's taste buds with a selection of gourmet treats tailored to his preferences. Whether he's a fan of savory snacks, fine chocolates, or artisanal cheeses, there's a wide array of delicious options to choose from. Put together a gourmet gift basket filled with his favorite goodies, or treat him to a gourmet cooking experience with a gift certificate to a local cooking class or culinary tour.

3. Tech Gadgets: For the tech-savvy Dad, consider surprising him with the latest gadgets and gizmos to enhance his daily life. From smart home devices and wireless headphones to fitness trackers and high-tech grilling tools, there's no shortage of innovative gadgets to choose from. Select a gift that aligns with his interests and hobbies, whether it's exploring new music, staying connected on the go, or mastering the art of outdoor cooking.

4. Outdoor Gear: If Dad enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, consider gifting him with gear and accessories to fuel his adventures. Whether he's an avid camper, hiker, or angler, there are plenty of practical gifts to enhance his outdoor experience. From rugged backpacks and portable hammocks to state-of-the-art fishing gear and insulated drinkware, help Dad gear up for his next outdoor excursion with thoughtful gifts that cater to his adventurous spirit.

5. DIY Kits: Encourage Dad to unleash his creativity with a DIY kit tailored to his interests and hobbies. Whether he's passionate about woodworking, gardening, or brewing his own beer, there's a DIY kit to suit every skill level and interest. From beginner-friendly starter kits to advanced crafting projects, give Dad the gift of hands-on exploration and creative expression.

6. Ideas t shirts design

Celebrate fatherhood with our "I have two titles: Dad and Papa" t-shirt. Made for comfort and style, this shirt is a perfect gift to honor the special man in your life who wears both titles with pride. Ideal for Father's Day or any occasion, it's a heartfelt expression of love and appreciation

Celebrate a milestone with our "Our First Father's Day" t-shirt. This thoughtful gift marks the beginning of an incredible journey into fatherhood. Comfortable and meaningful, it's the perfect way to honor the new dad in your life

Celebrate your little one's big day in style with our "Dad of the Birthday Boy" t-shirt. This shirt is the perfect gift for the proud father, proudly declaring his role in the birthday festivities. Comfortable and stylish, it's a must-have for any dad who wants to make a statement at the party. Let him wear his title with pride and show the world just how special his birthday boy truly is

Conclusion:

As Father's Day approaches, take the time to honor the special men in your life with thoughtful gifts that reflect their interests, passions, and personalities. Whether it's a personalized keepsake, gourmet treat, tech gadget, outdoor gear, or DIY kit, the most meaningful gifts are those that come from the heart. Show Dad how much he means to you with a thoughtful gift that celebrates the unique bond you share. Happy Father's Day!

[angelhearttreasures]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Wincraft 2 Sided Happy Easter Pastel Can Cooler Coozies Set of Six NWT.

[wholesalecoconutbowl]

Wholesale Bamboo Cups for Worldwide Retailers

Advantages of Bamboo cups

Bamboo cups are eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic or disposable cups. They are made from bamboo fibers, which are biodegradable and renewable. Bamboo cups come in various sizes, designs, and styles, catering to different preferences and needs.

Here are a few key points about bamboo cups:

Material: Bamboo cups are typically made from bamboo fiber, which is derived from the stalks of the bamboo plant. Some cups may also have a small percentage of other natural fibers or binders to enhance durability.

Sustainability: Bamboo is a highly sustainable material as it grows rapidly, requires minimal water and pesticides, and can be harvested without killing the plant. Choosing bamboo cups helps reduce dependence on single-use plastics and contributes to environmental conservation.

Features: Bamboo cups are often lightweight, durable, and suitable for both hot and cold beverages. They may have a natural texture or a smooth finish, and some cups come with lids and silicone sleeves for added convenience and insulation.

Care and Maintenance: Most bamboo cups are dishwasher-safe, but it is recommended to check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Avoid using abrasive cleaning materials that may damage the surface of the cup. Additionally, prolonged soaking or exposure to high heat may affect the cup's quality, so it's best to follow the recommended usage guidelines.

Availability: Bamboo cups can be found in various retail stores specializing in eco-friendly products, as well as online marketplaces. Many brands and manufacturers offer bamboo cups as part of their sustainable product range.

When purchasing bamboo cups, consider factors such as design, capacity, lid options, and the overall quality of the product. It's also important to verify the manufacturer's claims regarding sustainability and eco-friendliness, such as certifications or third-party testing.

Using bamboo cups not only reduces plastic waste but also supports sustainable practices and promotes a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Bamboo Cups Wholesale by Thanhcongcraft

Thanh Cong Handicraft Co., Ltd is a family-owned business located in Hanoi, Vietnam. We are a Bamboo cups wholesale supplier at a cheap price only from $1.5/pcs.

If you're looking for bamboo cups bulk purchase, Thanh Cong Handicraft Co., Ltd can fulfill your needs. As a leading company in Vietnam specializing in handicrafts, we offer a wide range of products like Wholesale Belly Baskets, rattan storage, water hyacinth baskets,...

Our bamboo cups are crafted with care using high-quality bamboo materials. They are not only eco-friendly but also durable and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you're planning an event, stocking your store, or looking for sustainable alternatives for your business, our bamboo cups in bulk are an excellent choice.

By choosing Thanh Cong Handicraft Co., Ltd, you can benefit from our extensive experience in producing and exporting bamboo products. We have the capacity to handle bulk orders, ensuring timely delivery without compromising on quality.

Please feel free to contact us for further information, including pricing, customization options, and any specific requirements you may have. We look forward to serving you and meeting your bamboo cup needs.

We pride ourselves on adhering to industry standards and have obtained certifications such as SMETA, SGS, FDA, and LFGB. These certifications testify to the quality and safety of our products, providing our customers with peace of mind.

At Thanh Cong Handicraft Co., Ltd, we are committed to delivering exquisite handicrafts that combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Join us in exploring our vast range of products and experience the beauty of Vietnamese craftsmanship firsthand.

[limpid-construction]

9 Best Luxury Home Renovation Ideas in 2023

When you’re considering a home renovation, the must-haves are likely the first things on your list. But it may make sense to splurge on a few things as well. Infact, some high-end upgrades are more affordable than you may think!

Bathroom Haven- One of the most popular renovation spaces in the home is the bathroom. And rightly so, it is a frequented area of the house, so if there’s one room you may want to splurge a bit, the master bathroom is a strong candidate, and if you want to make a strong statement, then the powder room is a worthy second.

Must have- Swapping the old pipelines, and rusty fixtures for new ones is the natural first step. So, consider installing new trendy fixtures such as the rain showers, or jazzy hand showers with thermostat settings. Optional Upgrade 1- A more elegant upgrade would be installing matt color fixtures of your choice instead of the regular chrome plated fittings. Optional Upgrade 2- Adding a luxury bathtub

Must have- Functionally glass partitions are a great way to separate the wet shower area from the dry area in the bathroom. Additionally, it gives a high end look & feel to the bathroom.

Must have- Consider swapping the existing tiles for stone slabs of granite or quartz for a seamless look and feel.

Sauna- One upgrade that will set you apart and provide a host of health benefits is a sauna. Home saunas are relatively easy to install and studies have shown that they can improve blood circulation, cardiovascular health, and skin health.

High Quality Kitchen- Kitchen is easily one of the most renovated and upgraded areas of a residence. Upgrades such as changing the counter top, having a range of baskets, trolleys, shelves as per use are routine.

Must have- A semi- modular or modular setup with trolleys, baskets, shelves as per use. A kitchen counter that makes a statement such as marble, quartz, or corian, but it is advisable to double check the pros and cons of each material before finalization & installation. Optional upgrade 1- Top appliances viz. 4-burner gas stove, baking oven, etc. Optional upgrade 2- Under counter or under shelf lighting.

Must have- A lot can be.

Pool- Children love pools, and grown ups do too. A private pool is the perfect way to make a splash. Be it for the children during the summers or to host a party by the pool. Add a statement with this addition in your new renovated home. Optional Upgrade- Consider adding a pool house where you can store toys, towels, sunscreen and other items for you and visitors.

Outdoor seating/ Gazebo- Think of the perfect place to soak up some sun and enjoy your morning or evening tea during the winters. A gazebo overlooking the lovely manicured garden adds to the serenity of your house

Optional upgrade- Solar panels over the gazebo to generate electricity.

Home Gym- You just cannot have enough reasons not to have a home gym. In these uncertain times, a home gym is the perfect place to keep up your fitness goals and be true to your exercise routine. Not just you, but your entire family can be motivated to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Must haves- The right Gym equipments.

Optional upgrade- An additional meditation room.

Home Theater- For all the movie and entertainment buffs, the home theater is the perfect place to binge watch seasons of your favourite TV shows & watch re-runs of your favourite movies. 

Must haves- The right lighting; maybe something that can be dimmed. Comfy seating like plush couches or recliners. Plenty of insulation and soundproofing all to give that real movie theater feeling.

Home Office-  With many people working from home a lot more these days, a home office may be a sensible splurge for your home renovation. Consider whether you want to build out with an addition, build up with an extra story, or build down into a basement, but any of those spaces will work well.

Must haves- natural lighting, internet access, ability to close off the area for privacy, and ways to minimize noise.

Home automation- Over the past few years, home automation has come a long way, from door security systems, to controlling all electronic equipments through an app on your phone you can have it all.

Must haves- Video door phones for security, alexa operated home theater, dimmable lights, automatic roller blinds.

[excuseme-howdareyou]

Birthday Prompt: Jason

@redhoodrage

They did it again. And by 'they', he meant Bruce.

Jason didn't know if he wanted to curse, sigh, or blow up the damn thing. Maybe all three? Either way, the fancy wrapped box sitting in front of his door, done up in shiny gray paper and yellow ribbon was doing way to much to fuel his anger. And the little tag on top, with just a 'B', was a bit much.

He just got off patrol, and all he wanted to do was go home, sleep for ten hours, eat his weight in chili dogs when he woke up, and enjoy an entirely Bat-free day all to himself. Was that too much to ask? So with a grumble and a glare, he nudged the box (probably full of something stupid and expensive and fancy) with his foot a good couple feet to the right.

Once the box was out of the way, Jason unlocked his front door and stepped inside. He left the present sitting outside in the hallway.

A minute later, his door opened back up again and his arm reached out. A yellow sticky note with the word "FREE" was slapped on top, then he retreated back into his apartment.

.........................................

Jason was a light sleeper. He knew this. His friends knew this. Everyone knew this. So who in their right mind would break into his apartment at 4am, when he's only had two hours of sleep, and much more likely to blow someone's head off?!

Cassandra Cain. That's who.

Cassandra and her idiotic girlfriend Stephanie Brown. If Jason didn't have such respect for Cass, he would've called them the Dumbass Duo. But that nickname was reserved for Dick Grayson and Wally West. So it was just Cassandra and the Dumbass.

Cass was the only one skilled enough to get into his apartment at 4AM. Steph was the only one dumb enough to actually do it.

"Fuck off!" Jason roared at them, leaping out of bed with the knives he kept under his pillow for exactly this kind of trespassing. Cass silently caught the knife he threw at her face, but Steph eeped and ducked at the next one that came flying at her.

"Whoa, hey!" she yelled, ducking down behind his dresser," We come in peace!"

Upon realizing that they weren't ninjas/assassins/monsters/Untitled sent to kill him, Jason lowered the third projectile in his hand (his trusty laser-sharpened hunting knife) but did not put it down. "What," he breathed in deep, trying to blink the green away from his eyes," the fuck are you two doing here?"

Cass, still in her all black suit and really not making Jason feel all that better about the two of them breaking into his place in the middle of the night, hauled Steph out from her hiding place. "Umm, happy birthday?" the blonde laughed nervously and held up a purple gift bag. From... somewhere, Cass produced a matching gift bag in pastel pink.

Jason could only stare incredulously at the two of them. "Get out..." he whispered.

Steph blinked," But aren't you gonna-"

"GET OUT!" he roared at them.

They left, leaving the presents on the dresser.

Once they were out of sight, and Jason wasn't seeing as much Lazarus green, he took a couple deep breaths. Then he grabbed the two gift bags, walked up to the window which they exited out through-

-and from the 21st floor, dropped both bags out the window and slammed it shut.

...............................................

"Well of course he kicked you guys out!" Duke groaned, rubbing his eyes with the heel of his palm," What kind of crazy...and at 4 in the.... did it just not occur to you that breaking into someone's bedroom in the dead of night is just kinda this side of creepy?"

Both Cass and Steph had the decency to look ashamed.

"We wanted to be the first ones to wish him happy birthday," came Steph's explanation," He hasn't... I don't think he's had a birthday since he was put six feet under and dug his way back out."

Not exactly a tactful way to say it, especially on such a sensitive matter, but... well she wasn't wrong.

"And it's Alfred's birthday too," Duke murmured thoughtfully," Didn't they use to celebrate their birthdays together or something?"

From across the room, Tim piped up," They used to bake cakes together."

A contemplative silence fell over the room. "No," Tim deadpanned," You're not gonna succeed in whatever you're thinking."

"I didn't say anything!" Steph protested.

"But you were thinking it."

"Thinking what?" of course, Dick chose that moment to walk in, rubbing his wet hair with a towel.

"It's Jason's birthday and Steph and Cass tried to give him a present but he refused to accept it," Duke told him, as it didn't even occur to him to not mention the elephant in the room to the man who loved elephants more than anything.

At the words 'Jason's birthday', Dick froze and his eyes lit up. At the word 'present', a devious smile spread over his face.

"Dick, No," Tim directed his glare over to him.

"Dick, yes!" said man just grinned all the wider," It's Little Wing's birthday, we should celebrate it!"

The energy in the room now sufficiently reignited, both he and Steph smiled widely and bounced ideas off each other.

"Birthday party?"

"Nah, too big. Family dinner?"

"We could make both him and Alfred matching cakes."

"I've already got them both presents."

"So did we. But... Jason threw ours out the window."

"He did what?"

"Well can you blame him?" Tim sighed," Jason's not gonna come to a birthday dinner here at the Manor, Dick." He tried to explain, and wow it was really hard to explain this to a man who looked too much like a kicked puppy," He hates it here, you know that." Jason had made it plenty and obviously clear anytime he was forced to so much as come near the place.

"And he's not going to accept any gifts you guys give him. It's Jason. He's paranoid and temperamental and he's not going to trust anything that comes from us."

Dick thought a moment, rubbing his chin in deep contemplation. Tim didn't like that look. "So you're saying..." Dick hummed thoughtfully," ...that Jason will only accept a gift from someone he trusts? Someone he actually, truly considers family?"

'Oh no,' was all Tim had time to think before both Dick and Steph exclaimed," Challenge accepted!"

"Challenge?"

Oh no, Tim thought again as Damian descended down the stairs with an intrigued expression on his face. "What challenge?" Damian demanded.

................................

Jason straight up buried his head under his pillow when there was a persistant knocking at his door. 'Go away,' he pleaded and tried to fall back asleep,' I'm not here.'

"I know you're in there,  Jason!" came Dick's voice from out in the hallway," You can't hide in there forever!"

'I can, and I will,' Jason grumbled and rolled over.

The knocking continued.

"Fuck off, Dick!" he yelled.

"No, it's your birthday and we're going to celebrate!" came Dick's reply," Now open up or I'm going to come in whether you like it or not."

There was no answer, so Dick waited all of three minutes before picking the lock. (Took a couple minutes more though. Little Wing was getting good at arming electrified locks)

The apartment was empty when he got inside.

.....................................

The day was hot and muggy and Jason loved it. Gotham would probably never feel as warm as the tropics (except during heat waves, but even then those were just uncomfortable) but he liked the warm and if it was sunny and warm, Jason could be found outside soaking it in.

Annoying, persistent Bats aside, not a bad day for his birthday. Last night he'd successfully taken down a small drug ring, got a couple messages on his phone from Roy and Kori wishing him happy birthday, and the Joker was locked up in Arkham. Now all that was missing was-

-Jason stopped dead in his tracks.

Tim Drake stood in front of Jason's favorite hot dog cart, where the owner made the best chili-dogs, with an almost expectant expression his face.

Part of Jason -a large part- wanted to spin on his heel and just march away from Tim and his stupid face and everything else Bat. But his stomach was protesting loudly and he mentally swore at Dick because he hadn't had a chance to grab breakfast before fleeing out his own bedroom window.

"I hate you," he hissed as he passed Tim entirely to get him some chili-dogs.

Tim didn't look too upset about it. "Mmhmm," he hummed, as if didn't believe a word Jason said. "So who's all harassed you so far?" he asked.

"Including you?" Jason added with a glare," Dick, Cass, Steph, and Bruce."

That last one seemed to surprise the brat. "Bruce stopped by to see you already?" he blinked," I thought he was still asleep."

Jason took a bite of one of his three chili-dogs ('The best chili dogs in town.') and very purposely didn't offer one to Tim. "Left a present on my doorstep," he answered and walked away. Tim, the asshole, kept in step with him. Though Jason took a little glee in the fact that for every one of his steps, Tiny Tim had to take two.

"What'd he get you?" Tim asked, genuinely curious," It's always something stupidly practical and mission-related. Last year he got Dick a thermal insulated Nightwing suit with built in heaters."

Jason shrugged. "Dunno. I put a ‘free’ sticker on it and left it outside." So yeah, that had definitely been taken by some stranger already.

"And I heard you threw Cass and Steph's presents out the window."

Finishing off the last of his first chili-dog, Jason turned and gave Tim the stink eye. "And if you try to do anything for my birthday, I'm gonna throw you out the window."

Tim just scoffed; not like it would be the first time. "Sorry, you're not on my list of 'People I Buy Presents For'," he replied," But I suppose I do have some kind of birthday gift for you..."

At Jason's groan of despair and annoyance, he couldn't help but laugh. "Just a warning, you drama queen," Tim added," Dick and Steph sorta... made it into a competition..."

"What kind of competition?"

"The kind where everyone in the family is going to try and get you to accept a birthday gift. The first one you accept is the winner, and you've officially come back into the fold."

"....Fuck."

..........................................

"I hear it's your birthday, ya big lug."

Great. Now he's being harassed while out grocery shopping. Clutching his basket of food closer, Jason prayed for patience before turning around and looking at Harper Row. "Whoever told you that was lying," he said.

Harper looked like she couldn't decide if she wanted to laugh or scoff. "I'll be sure to tell Alfred that," she snarked back and ouch- She really knew where to hit him hard. "Anyways, I already gave Alfred his gift, so..." she held out a little red box with a white bow on top.

"Happy birthday."

Now, Jason didn't mind Harper. Not really. They never really hung out or talked, and as far as Jason knew she hadn't really done anything to piss him off. Hell, she wasn't even a Robin which went miles in his book. But then Tim's warning this morning about the competition rang through his head and Jason would be damned before he lets anyone of the Batfamily think he's one of them.

So without a word, he took the box out of her hand (she seemed genuinely surprised at that) then turned right around and found a little kid about 5 standing a little bit down the aisle.

"Happy birthday, buddy," he smiled widely at the little boy and held out the box," Here's a gift from the Red Hood, okay?" The little boy, staring up at him with wide awed eyes, clutched the red present to his chest before running off yelling," Mommy! The Red Hood gave me a present!"

Jason sauntered off out of the aisle -wouldn't do to have the mom come back and find him- with Harper on his heels.

"You know there was a taser in there, right?" she asked skeptically.

......................................

"Here."

Well, it wasn't the rudest way in which someone's shoved something in his face, but it was pretty far up there. Damian 'Demon Brat' Wayne looked like he'd be anywhere else when he sat down on the city bus with Jason and held out a perfectly wrapped present.

Jason Todd never thought he'd see the day in which Damian would willingly ride public transportation.

"Nope," he said, largely ignoring the present being shoved in his face.

The scowl on the kid's face was highly amusing though. "Just accept the damn gift," he snarled at him.

"Language," Jason found himself retorting before really realizing it," And I'm not taking it. I know about your guys' stupid contest and I'm not having any part of it."

Damian was oddly silent.

Incensed, Jason's scowl was even more impressive. "You guys seriously think you can just buy me back with some stupid things on my birthday and pretend like the past nine years hasn't happened? I know Dick's an idiot, but I expected better of the rest of you."

Damian still didn't say anything and for five city blocks, their bus ride continued in silence.

When they came to the next bus stop, the brat stood up and walked off without another word. 'Huh, not even an argument for once?' Jason thought. It was odd, for sure, but he decided to count his blessings and not dwell on it.

.......................................

All he saw was a hint of yellow, a smidgen of black...

...and the instant Jason saw Signal drop down in front of him, he threw a brick at his head.

.......................................

There was another box sitting in front of his door when he got home. This time, it was big and bright and blue. He didn't even have to look at the tag to know it came from Dick. He sighed, a put upon sigh that rattled down to his bones, and nudged the box away from his door with his foot, just like he'd done for Bruce's.

It was large and bright and had it been just a square foot bigger, he would've half expected Dick Grayson to have squeezed himself inside only to pop out with a confetti gun like some kind of smiley jack-in-the-box.

He really wouldn't put it past Dick.

So he dug his grocery receipt out of his pocket and a marker. And just like he did for Bruce's, he wrote FREE on the back of the paper, shoved it under the ribbon so it wouldn't blow away, and left it there in the hallway.

....................................

Inside his apartment is....

Well, the first thing Jason noticed was the smell of something herbal and sweet. He knew that smell. And he knew for a fact he didn't have any Oolong tea in his cupboards.

"Ah, I see you've returned with groceries, Master Jason," came Alfred's voice from the kitchen," I hope you remembered to get milk. It would appear you are out."

Wide eyed, confused, and just a little bit apprehensive, Jason stepped into his own kitchen. And yep, he wasn't hallucinating. There was Alfred, black suit and all, with a pot of water boiling on the stove, Jason's tea pot sitting on the counter, and a mug of tea in his hands.

Also spread out on the counter was a number of baking ingredients such as flour and sugar.

Jason set his bags down on the table, staring at Alfred. "What..." his voice squeaked and he cleared his throat," What are you doing here, Alfred?"

"It's my birthday, and I have the day off," Alfred answered in his usual no-nonsense tone, as if Jason had asked him what the weather was like outside. Then he poured some tea into another mug that Jason hadn't even realized was there. "Tea?" he held it out to him.

Still baffled, but he did love Alfred's Oolong tea, and well... he did love Alfred, Jason silently took the cup from him.

Alfred waited until Jason took his first long sip before saying," Happy birthday, Master Jason."

"Not you too!" Jason groaned.

There was a smile on Alfred's face as he sipped his own tea before setting the cup down on the counter. "Do you know why I'm here, Master Jason?" he asked. Alfred apparently decided to busy himself with unbagging Jason's groceries while said man tried to come up with an answer.

"Because you're in on this competition too?" he guessed sourly.

Pulling out the milk and a couple cans of soup, Alfred replied succintly," Because what I want for my birthday is to spend the day with my grandson on his own birthday."

..."I'm not really your grandson," Jason mumbled into his tea. His face was red and he felt warm and cozy inside, but he tried to not let it go to his head. He wasn't really Alfred's family. He wasn't really anybody's family. Family's not exactly his forte and time has proven multiple times that Jason Todd's never really been good at the whole thing.

Alfred shot him a look like he wanted to prove him wrong. "And do you know why everyone is insisting on giving you birthday gifts?" he asked instead.

"Because they want to win the contest?"

"Yes and no."

Great, a cryptic answer. Jason's favorite.

"Because they're a bunch of competetive fools who are bored out of their minds, so Dick and Steph came up with this stupid contest that will occupy them for a day, then everyone will go on with their lives like today never happened," Jason haphazarded a guess.

Alfred very nearly rolled his eyes, but they lit up in surprise when he pulled something unexpected out of one of the grocery bags. "Hello, what is this?"

It was a little white box with yellow ribbon, professionally wrapped, and Jason recognized it immediately. "That little brat!" he exclaimed," He must've snuck it into my bag on the bus!"

That would finally explain why Damian left without a fight.

With the knowing little twinkle back in his eye, Alfred set the present down and turned to Jason. "They want to celebrate your birthday because they care, Master Jason," he finally said," Yes, there are sadly few in this family who are any good at actually talking to each other, but you must understand that everyone, Master Bruce especially, do things for each other because it's the only way they can show that they care."

Jason opened his mouth to argue, but didn't dare interrupt Alfred. "They try to give you gifts because they know you won't accept an invitation to a family dinner," Alfred continued," Master Bruce gives practical gifts because he wants all of you to be safe. Master Dick gives hugs because to him, physical contact is how he shows his love. Master Tim doesn't get gifts for people, but he will set aside time to spend with those he cares for. And for this..." He held up Damian's little gift," While yes there is a competition going on, Master Damian snuck this into your bag not because he wanted to win some silly challenge, but because he simply wanted you to have it."

"But even more importantly, you must know this: What is the reward at the end of this contest?"

Significantly cowed, Jason sipped his tea and thought. He never really thought of it in that way. That other people showed the way they cared in different ways.

But it was still a hard pill to swallow.

"Bragging rights?" he replied, more of a quiet question than an answer.

But even still, Alfred smiled at him," No my dear boy. They get you. That's why they try so hard, because they want you know you're still part of the family."

[jennhoney]

I want to see my mom. But I know when I was in GA right in her house for 6 months I barely saw her and when she was here for the memorial and I spent every second I could with her I barely saw her. It’s the nature of our mother daughter relationship. So I called her today and that went okay. We mostly only had medical stories for each other. She’s not doing great and there is an appointment at the beginning of October that she feels like will be bad news. Idk man it’s all been pretty bad news.

[gilded-green]

In celebration of the 10th anniversary, I’ll probably reread GG and send updates/highlight areas and as for commentary. Probably XD

But first. What aspect of Gilded Green was your favorite? What was something you put in a lot of world building for but never got to show either in fic or on tumblr. Who is your favorite character and why, what makes them special in your eyes? Which character has turned into a completely different one as soon as you started writing them? Which part of the fic did you like most when you finished it, do you still like it? Similarly, which part do you dislike most?

Lasty, anything about gg2’s story you want to share/talk about/rant?

-love, the dai li fangirl

Haha, no pressure! But at the same time yes if you do feel free to send me passages for commentary here! <3

What aspect was my favorite? Hmmm. *thinking face* I think, when I first came up with it, I was just thrilled to have these two small things - minor character Lu Ten, overlooked villain organization Dai Li - that I was able to combine into something so big. That was pretty nifty!

As I started developing the story, I think what really caught my attention was the fact that “Wow, all these characters are awful people!” Like. The Dai Li aren’t good.The Fire Nation aren’t good. Lu Ten is a victim but also an oppressor. All off these people have extremely different beliefs and worldviews - Fire supremacist, police state enforcers, classist academic gatekeepers - and all of them think THEY’RE in the right here and none of them are. I think Tien and Hoang might be the only people with a decent, non-oppressive worldview in the story so far. XD I was growing out of the storytelling trope of black-and-white morality at the time, so it was really fun to start experimenting with writing awful people as enjoyable, sympathetic characters.

World building? Hmm. I was just learning how to use my worldbuilding muscles back then. I seem to remember reading up a lot on how brainwashing actually works in the real world and going “I don’t think this is compatible with what we have in ATLA” and just kinda tossing that whole thing out. XD I also recall looking up a lot of stuff for the bits about Jouin, some of which - kalua pig! - has since shown up again in WFFD. I also recall someone on FFdotnet at the time saying “All this chapter did was tell us more about a dead character than the living one” and I was just kinda like -_- yes because he is DEAD and this is your chance to feel sorry about that, we’ll get plenty more of the living one later on account of him still being, y’know, alive. XD

Oh, and Shirong’s personal side projects. I finally got into that a bit in A Meeting of Minds, but the dude DOES have his own stuff going on, which Delun so rudely interrupted to drag him off to see Long Feng about brainwashing a Firebender.

I also did a bunch of research for the birthday party interlude, I think. Mostly appropriate alcohol for such an occasion? And....okay, this’ll sound funny, but.....food containers. I wanted Fen to pack up leftovers for Suyin and Shirong. That’s what my Italian family does after get-togethers, and I assumed that a Chinese family/friend group would do the same! But I also had, like, zero exposure to everyday Chinese life, let alone everyday Chinese life in the 1800s, and I just didn’t have the...idk, cultural osmosis? to figure it out. Like, if you asked me how Victorians would transfer food I’d probably come up with “Idk, wrap it in cloth and stuff it in a basket?” and I assumed people living in modern China would also be able to explain what their people did for food storage/transport 150 years ago but I didn’t have that cultural background, now, did I??? Also this was 10-12 years ago I was looking this up, mind you, the internet was still very different, there was plenty of information on Chinese historical events but not on everyday life objects, CDramas weren’t easy to find if they were translated at all and I certainly didn’t know they existed, and no one was posting beautiful aesthetic videos of life in a rural Chinese mountain village to youtube yet. Eventually I learned that bamboo baskets were a thing, but there wasn’t much info on THOSE either and I wasn’t sure how to describe them, so I just tentatively typed “basket” and called it a day. XD

YOU CANNOT ASK ME TO CHOOSE MY FAVORITE CHARACTER THAT’S LIKE ASKING ME TO CHOOSE BETWEEN MY CHILDREN!!! *shoves Yong off a cliff*

I’m very fond of the Dai family, along with the Trungs and Sais. I’m very proud of how Tuan turned out. I adore Yuan, who you’ve barely met, and Xun, who you haven’t. Huang and Wu Sheng are also definite faves and I can’t wait for y’all to get to know them better.

Characters do usually behave for me in terms of personality development. They surprise me, but they never really turn out to be the complete OPPOSITE of what I was expecting? They just kinda develop organically. Huang and Wu Sheng surprised me, tho, those boys got deep. I knew they had the potential, but developing their backstory actually caused Stingrae and I to develop Ba Sing Se’s socio-political backstory and Long Feng’s rise to power, all because of an inkling I had. That was a very satisfying few years of worldbuilding and story development.

Um, favorite part of the fic....idk, I’m very fond of the final scene, with Azula and her wall chunk from Lu Ten. I’m doubly fond of it because of how it always resonates with readers. Heck, during Azula week last year, I used that chunk of rock as an ongoing theme in Sandstone, and someone commented like “I DIDN’T REALIZE YOU’RE THE ONE WHO WROTE GILDED GREEN” and that made me really happy!

Lu Ten’s time stuck underground - I used the seven stages of grief to get through that one and it was very helpful in structuring that part of the story, and I figured it was deep or something because PSYCHOLOGY.

I’m also proud of myself for getting through the dark brainwashing scenes. So, like, FYI, fanfiction could get...very dark, back in the 00s. People love to play purity police these days and complain about how nasty people get can, but listen. Listen. Do you have any idea how dark FFdotnet got back in the day? Legolas And Aragorn Get Captured By Orcs And Brutally Tortured was an entire genre. I feel like torture fic was actually a lot more common back then, and darkfic in general - I’m sure someone could write a whole thesis on why it’s not so prevalent anymore, I’m gonna guess the fact that fandom is less-insulated and more public now could be part of it, maybe also the fact that the internet is more social media/influencer culture based so people care about their image, and also the purity police which is its own kettle of worms, but I also think that the Bush Administration had something to do with it? You have all these kids who were pre-teens when 9/11 happened, growing up during the Iraq War with an awful presidential administration while everyone was scared and conservative Christianity started to realize that their control over the nation’s “morality” might be slipping and reacted accordingly......yeah there was a lot of darkfic back then.

And I read a lot of darkfic too, but, uh....well, statistically speaking, a lot of writing is bad, okay? A lot of those fics were just weird; you could see where the writer had this idea, and also where they failed to execute it in a way that resonated or made sense. And whatever, writers were young and just wanted to pound out some catharsis, it’s cool, but it still just felt narratively awkward when you could tell how the writer was more focused on LET’S MAKE THIS AS DARK AS POSSIBLE instead of “Let’s tell this as well as possible.”

So the first several attempts at writing the brainwashing scenes, I was nervous because I didn’t want to get TOO dark, and when I finally decided “eff it” and said to Stingrae “I think I need to let this be as dark as it needs to be” I was still nervous because I didn’t want it to end up WEIRD. Idk if that makes sense, but anyway I seem to have done a decent job at it!

As for parts I dislike the most, uhhhhh Iroh’s retreat (I didn’t care, I just wanted to get it over with), Enlai might’ve been promoted too fast? idk, the fact that I came up with Nanyue AFTER I finished publishing GG so I couldn’t work that into the Quy bits, the fact that I was young and innocent and didn’t understand sexual slang or innuendo and randomly chose Dong as the name of the court physician which could lead to some awful puns except no one ever seemed to pick up on that and maybe I’ll regret pointing it out but the man IS going to appear again so I might as well get the first shot in myself. XD

I might have GG2 stuff to talk about but not sure, if I do I’ll make another post on that!

<3

[dailydoseofrumir]

What would they do for each other’s birthdays (with them being on the same day and all :) )

Sorry for the late reply!  I had it written down but the site crashed and I lost everything.

I'm gonna go ahead and say that it's their nineteenth birthday, so exactly one year after the curse lifted.  Also, they haven't gotten married yet because let's be honest, things won't settle down enough for them to tie the knot any time soon.

Amir would spend weeks prior to the day in the kitchen, secretly learning how to make blackberry tarts for Rupert, because that's his favorite dessert.

Rupert would definitely ask everyone for advice because he doesn't know what to do or what to get for his amazing fiance.

Advice ranges from something simple (make something for him!) to complex (do a kingdom wide scavenger hunt!) to, as Kevin Christopher Snipes would call it, quite naughty.  (Cecily's ideas)

Amir also gets some comfortable clothing ordered for Rupert without ruffles.

Maybe he does matching pajamas for Rupert, himself, Fitzroy, and Porridge.

Rupert's still at a loss for ideas until two nights before, when he's helping coordinate the celebration for the one-year anniversary of the curse being lifted.

He gets Chamberlain, Cecily, Joan, and Jamila (Amir's childhood friend) in on it because there's a little bit of scheming involved.

The big day rolls around and they open gifts from their mothers.

Atossa had a new sword forged for Rupert that's actually balanced so he can fight effectively with it.

She sent Amir some sprigs of lavender to plant in the windowsill.  The scent calms his anxiety, plus it makes good tea.

Lavinia gives Rupert new shoes with tassels!  (Because tassels are all the rage now, Rupert, and you simply can't rule while committing a fashion faux pas!)

She gives Amir a cloak with tassels on it for the same reason.  Amir puts it on and struts around the room as a joke and Fitzroy chases the tassels that drag along the floor.

Rupert loves the clothes that Amir gives him!  They're comfortable and they fit well and they don't have any unnecessary decorations on them!

Amir also gives Rupert a soft blanket.  Rupert jokes that Amir actually got himself a new blanket because he absolutely hogs the covers at night.  It's because he has like 2% body fat and therefore no natural insulation.

Rupert gives Amir some new quills and parchment for writing because Amir loves writing almost everything down.  It keeps him focused.

Rupert also tells him that he'll do anything he wants, no questions asked, for the entire day.

Amir keeps it really simple (a kiss, a hug, a back-rub).  The 'biggest' thing he requests is that Rupert read to him during their midday break.  He puts his head in Rupert's lap and Rupert plays with his hair.

Amir doesn't give him the tarts yet.  They're a surprise for later.

The big anniversary party begins.  Rupert and Amir each give a short speech, people drink and dance, normal party stuff happens.

Then about halfway through, Rupert whisks Amir away to the stables before he has the chance to question it.

Their horses are waiting for them, packed and ready.  Rupert tells Amir to follow him.

He takes him to the lake (you know their lake), where there's a picnic blanket and a small fire going.

Amir asks what's going on.

Rupert explains that while he only knew about the curse the day before they broke it, Amir had been training and studying and worrying for it for eighteen years.  So he thought it would be nice if he could give Amir a birthday where the curse isn't at the forefront of his mind.

Amir is, of course, really touched by this.  They open the picnic basket and there's some wine, bread, and the blackberry tarts.

Amir had told Joan about his present and Joan snuck them into the basket.

The tarts are perfect.  Rupert loves them.

They spend the night relaxing, talking, and laughing.

Just before midnight, Amir says, “Hey, I have one last thing I want you to do.

Rupert: “What is it?”

Amir: “Shut up and kiss me.”

Roll credits.

[angelhearttreasures]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Wincraft 2 Sided Happy Easter Pastel Can Cooler Coozies Set of Six NWT.

[h3llostrang3r]

Guardians of the Heir (TRH)

Liam x Sophie Word Count: 2,064 Warning: Just a bit of fluff.  Summary: Pregnant Sophie spends some time with Maxwell, Hana, and Drake. Note: This idea stemmed from “The Queen's Throne.” Here we see what Sophie did during the day. 

The Fun Uncle: 

“Hi there Maxwell Jr.! This is your favorite Uncle… Maxwell! I’ve decided that not only will you have written documentation of your mom and uncle on their great adventures, you will also get to see it first hand via video!” 

The camera is zoomed in close on Maxwell as he attempts to vlog and walk alongside Sophie and her corgis, Lord AppleSeed and Lady AppleBottom, and they make their way to the menagerie. In the background, Sophie laughs and can be heard saying, “Names are still up in the air until the baby comes.” The camera is still on Maxwell, huge grin on his face, he mouths, ‘Maxwell Jr.’ 

“Alright baby, here is your beautiful mommy, Queen Sophie, but you call her Queen Mommy.” 

He pans the camera to her and she waves, her smile bright and freckles highlighted by the sunlight. 

“Aaaand here are your fur siblings! They will give you lots of kisses and hours of entertainment when your Uncle Maxwell isn’t around.” Lord AppleSeed and Lady AppleBottom wag their tails and bark their “hellos” to the camera.

 As they approach the menagerie the two corgis run off in search of Milo and Sagwa, Sophie’s red pandas. The picture is slightly blurry as Maxwell chases after them to catch their interaction.

Milo and Sagwa yawn as the corgis’ barks wakes them. Sagwa untangles herself from her brother’s cuddling embrace and the two climb down to greet their visitors. Sophie reaches out for Milo and he happily embraces her in a hug, while Sagwa circles around the corgis. 

“Alright everyone, are we ready for the most amazing dance video the world has ever seen?” 

All the animals tilt their heads as they watch Maxwell set up the camera on a tripod and adjusts it so everyone is seen in the video. Sophie gets the music ready on her phone, and connects it to the portable speaker they brought along. 

As soon as the music starts playing Maxwell gyrates to the beat and makes his way to group. Sophie laughs infectiously at the site and sways from side to side with Milo still in her arms. He grabs treats from his pockets and uses them to encourage the animals to dance on their hind legs. At the sight, Milo jumps from Sophie’s arms and joins the others. 

“Aww, there goes my dance partner,” she dramatically pouts, but as soon as the words leave her lips she feels the baby kick.

 “I was kidding, baby love, I know you’re still dancing with me.” She cradles her belly as she continues dancing and feels the baby moving around. 

Maxwell begins popping and locking with an occasional spin, while Milo and Sagwa hop on the backs of Lord AppleSeed and Lady AppleBottom. He then makes sure his space is clear before he performs and lands a backflip.

“I am the master of the dance!!” He shouts as he raises his arms in the air. 

The corgis respond with an, “ARooOoOoo.” 

“ArooooOoOoOOo,” Maxwell joins in, then looks to Sophie. 

“Maxwell, a Queen doesn’t howl.” Her face is stern, and her full lips transition into a thin line. 

He doesn’t blink as he continues to stare at her, while simultaneously shimmying his shoulders. 

A smile creeps up and she shakes her head in defeat, “ArooOoOOoOoOooo.” 

As soon as their dancing ends the two corgis and pandas run off with each other, and Sophie finds a quiet spot to sit. 

“That is going to be the best dance video in Cordonia history. Do you think Liam will let me upload it?” 

“Not a chance, Maxwell.” Sophie said, slightly out of breath. “But, it will be a great video to show the baby when they’re older.” 

She places her hand on her belly, the baby still not done dancing.“Maxwell, feel this.” 

She takes his hand and places it on her stomach.“They loved dancing with their fun Uncle Maxwell.” 

His face lit up with joy as he sat next to Sophie, “don’t worry little one, we’re going to have plenty of dance parties together.” 

**** 

The Loving Aunt:

The weather outside was warm with a cool breeze, the flowers were in full bloom and the air was filled with their sweet scent. Sophie and Hana were on the grass adjacent to the gazebo, paint easels set-up, and a picnic blanket laid out with an assortment of goodies they prepared earlier. Sophie wasn’t much of a painter, but she enjoyed the feel of the paint gliding across the canvas. She found herself reaching out for the finger foods as she mindlessly swirled her paintbrush. 

“Sophie, I’m almost finished. How about you get some plates started for us, and I’ll join you on the blanket when I’m done.” Hana giggled, she knew Sophie had been excited to eat since she put the basket together in the kitchen. 

“Oh thank God.” Sophie cleans up her hands then scoots onto the blanket and grabs their plates; adding dumplings , spring rolls, and fruit. From the picnic basket Sophie pulled out two small cups and a thermos. It was filled with an infused tea made up of oolong, and hints of apple and cinnamon.

“Alright, finished. Are you ready to see?” Hana looks over from the canvas, spotting Sophie with a dumpling halfway into her mouth. 

Sophie nods her head with anticipation as she takes a bite of her food. Hana carefully rotates the easel and displays it for Sophie to see. The portrait was filled with bright shades of red, orange, and yellow. She had painted Thornwood’s sigil, the ever rising Phoenix.

“What do you think? I hope the colors are alright, I tried my best to match the ones that you have throughout the duchy.” 

Sophie swallowed her bite, and brought her napkin up to her mouth; attempting to wipe the crumbs and hide that she was about to cry. Sophie was never one to hide her emotions, but since the rise in hormones she found herself crying a bit more than she wanted to. 

“Hana,” the tears started to form, stinging her eyes as she attempted to fight them off. “It’s absolutely gorgeous.” She chokes up, trying to compose herself, but in the end the hormones always win. “It’s going to look fantastic in the nursery.” Her tears begin to fall, and Hana quickly scurries to her side. 

She lovingly wrapped her in a warm embrace, “Please don’t cry. I accept payments from you in smiles only.” Hana squished her cheeks to Sophie’s hoping she would get her to smile and giggled, “you’re going to get salty tears in your tea.” Sophie squeezed back and a gentle laugh replaced her tears. 

Sophie could feel the pressure in her belly shifting to where Hana was. Once she realized what was happening, she grabbed Hana’s dainty hands to where the baby had moved. She chuckled at the sensation, “the baby wants a hug too, Hana.” 

Hana’s smile glowed at Sophie’s words, she found the baby with her hands and leaned down to give it a kiss. “Sweet little baby, I can’t wait for you to see your painting in person. Oh, and for us to have cocoa-parties, I promise to make you my best treats. We’ll have so much fun.” 

“I think they’ll like that very much, Hana. If we’re best friends, I can only imagine the joy and happiness you’ll bring them.” 

“Aww, Sophie.” They embraced again, this time the tears belonged to Hana. 

****

The Whipped Uncle:

“Alright, let’s see what we got here,” Drake grunted as he bent forward reaching for the portable air pump. 

Earlier in the month Sophie ordered new inner tubes for her and Drake. She loved that he would take her around the lake in the row boat, but with the warmer weather she wanted to relax in the cool water. She handed him her inner tube first, as she sat with her legs crossed on the grass she carefully watched his reaction. It wasn’t long before he dropped his head and shook it, when he looked at Sophie he gave her a smirk. 

“Thorn, what the hell did you buy? I thought we were going to be relaxing in the water. Not… role playing the Crown and the Flame.” 

Sophie’s smile lit up as the inner tube inflated more, it was a blue dragon with fire that came out of its large mouth. She bought it off of the show’s website, she always wanted to have a dragon. Sure this one was plastic, but it would do just fine. 

She called out, “Your turn,” as she chucked his inner tube in his direction. He squinted his eyes at her as he turned on the pump. It definitely wasn’t the same as hers, but it wasn’t a plain one either. 

“What should I be expecting, Thorn?” 

A coy smile crept upon her lips, “You’ll see!” 

Drake ran his hand over his face as he came to realize what she bought. He shook his head furiously as he glared her way and shouted, “No way, Thorn. I am not getting in this.” 

“Yee-haw, cowboy!!” She cried out as she pretended to wave a lasso in the air. It was a float in the shape of a horse, a saddle as the backrest, and functional reins.

“Yee-haw, my ass” he grumbled to himself. 

“C’mon Drake, it’s totally you! And it has a cup holder for your whiskey.” She giggled at the sight of his face, he was irate, but she knew he would still sit in it. “Help me up, I’m stuck.” She reached out her hands playfully and with his head still shaking he made his way towards her. 

 His large, calloused hands carefully held on to her soft, small ones and he lifted her up with ease. 

“Why thank you, kind sir. Now let’s grab some drinks and ride off into the sunset!” 

In a small cooler, Sophie had two insulated tumblers - one filled with whiskey, and the other with a virgin pina-colada. They made their way to the lake and she handed off Drake’s drink as she wiggled into her inner-tube. He took a long sip of his whiskey as he stared at the inflatable horse. 

Sophie pushed herself off from the shore, happily sipping her drink as she watched Drake contemplate getting in. “C’mon water buddy, I am floating away and Liam is going to be pissed if I’m stuck in this water all night.” 

He hollers back, “I’m fine with just walking away right now.” 

“Draaaaake, please!” She whines, as she splashes her feet in the water. He takes another sip as he gets onto the tube. 

Time passes as they savor their drinks, and Sophie occasionally singing off-key, “If you like pina-coladas.” They talk about anything that doesn’t involve the royal council or any sort of politics. Just relaxing, laughing, and enjoying the simple moment.

“I’m so excited to take them camping, and fishing, and horseback riding.” Drake’s smile is wide as he helps Sophie to shore and out from her seat.

“They’re going to love it too. I really want them to be able to step away from court from time to time. Just because we’re royalty doesn’t mean we’re not human, we should be able to take pleasure in ‘commoner’ activities.” 

Sophie suddenly wraps Drake in a hug, he’s startled at first, but hugs her back. “Thanks for doing this for us, Drake.” She steps back and rubs her hand over her bump. 

“Any time, Thorn.” He looks to her questionably and she nods in approval. He reaches his hand out to her belly, “Any time for you too, Little Thorn.” He feels a strong kick to his open palm, 

“Hey, Little Thorn’s first high-five.” 

****

The moon and stars were out, Sophie had taken a long and steamy shower, then a delightful dinner with Hana. She discussed tomorrow’s plans with Gladys and responded to a few emails before she started to feel a bit nauseous.

She finally decided it was time for bed. Her feet ached, so one by one she slipped off her shoes. Her hair had been up all day, so down it came. Her breasts were sore, so off came that restraining bra. As she made her way to her bedroom a light peeked out from Liam’s office.

“Oh look, baby love, daddy’s home.”

[tyler13reynolds]

People may think that Tyler’s life changed when he signed his first contract with the Los Angeles Lakers to play professional basket ball, but Tyler would disagree. His life did not change a bit, he was still the same boy with the love for the game, with a little bit of arrogance and a lot of confidence about himself. All he ever wanted was to play, to stay with the greatest and make a name for himself; but signing to one of the most known teams in the world, making millions and moving his life to the east coast come with its curses and blessings and for the two time NBA champion star, the worst part of his lack of privacy. He hated the celebrity status people wanted to come at him as, and for a few years, Tyler found himself completely insulate because of it.

He did not want to leave the house with the fear of having cameras around, being known for having friends that were on the A-list, partying all night and have a drunk moment all over the internet, or make news for standing next to a girl, and god forbid if he ever plays one bad game. It was his personal nightmare. However, it did change when he met Lydia, it became .... worse. She was not just Jamie’s little sister or the Scott’s girl, she was an international model with her career in the rise and as much as they kept their relationship private, the attention above it bothered Tyler. The closeness of the paparazzis as the leave a restaurant or the shouts in the glass window when they were picking their wedding band --- he needed a break.

But it did not came; last week he lost his mind at the worst place possible, the court, in the middle of the play offs game and almost coast the team the place in the finals. Tyler was under so much stress that he was benched after playing his worse game ever and yell at the referee. He did not even want to stay to watch the rest of the game, he went to the locker room and stayed there till he had to go home, no press, but of course he was not able to avoid the guys waiting for him outside the stadium.

With his arms wrapped around Lydia and his head down, he stayed in silent and did his best to shield her from the crowd, but one slightly mistake where he turned to smile up at a little boy on his father shoulder and a paparazzi dropped the last drop to make him lose his mind --- he came too close of Lydia and their baby. Next, Tyler was pulling the guy back on his jacket and trowing him on the floor.

“Don’t ever do that to my family” He yells at the guy with the veins on his neck as if it was about to explode. A bodyguard pulling him back as he dropped his bag to the floor and went to the guy. “Don’t ever put that camera on my baby’s fc --- he is just a child. You fucking prick --- a six months old baby. Do you year me? Asshole” He throws his fists in the air, trying to get ride of the grab of the security

@lydiascottxoxo​

[businesslegalcycl3]

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There are many different types of insurance policies available, so it's important to work with an experienced agent or broker to find the right coverage for your business. They can help you understand the different options and select a policy that meets your specific needs.

When it comes to risk mitigation, insurance is an essential tool for any business owner. Make sure you are properly protected by working with a qualified agent or broker to get the coverage you need.

There are many ways on how to mitigate risk in business, but one of the most important is to have comprehensive insurance coverage. Insurance can help cover the costs of damages or losses that occur as a result of accidents, natural disasters, theft, or other events. It can also provide protection against liability claims that may be filed by employees, customers, or other third parties.

There are many different types of insurance policies available, so it's important to work with an experienced agent or broker to find the right coverage for your business. They can help you understand the different options and select a policy that meets your specific needs.

When it comes to risk mitigation, insurance is an essential tool for any business owner. Make sure you are properly protected by working with a qualified agent or broker to get the coverage you need.

Another way to reduce risk is to diversify your operations. This means having multiple income streams and not putting all of your eggs in one basket. This will help to insulate you from the effects of any one particular event. Finally, always remember to stay calm and think clearly when faced with a potential crisis. By remaining levelheaded, you will be better able to make decisions that will minimize the impact of the crisis.

You can effectively reduce the risk in your business operations. By being prepared and having a plan in place, you can protect yourself from financial losses and other negative consequences. By staying calm and thinking clearly, you can also make decisions that will help to mitigate the impact of a crisis. By taking these steps, you can reduce the risk in your business and protect your interests.

[nathanielfinaudesignthinking]

Week 2: Creative Intelligence

Class 2 (28 July)

What is Creative intelligence to you?

Your ability to come up with things

Piecing one thing

(PowerPoint Presentation on Creative Intelligence)

“Creative intelligence is that which emerges when you combine intellect (mind, ratio, reasoning) with imagination (the ability to conceive something new, see in a different way and make connections) and you start using this for progress and improvement. The combination of these two enables you to come up with relevant new ideas.”

Paper clip activity

This activity was to help us figure out ways to build off ideas into creating more ideas, I'm pretty sure. We had to think of different ways we could use a paperclip in 2 mins.

How many ways to use a paperclip?

Paperclip

Hairclip

Hair tie

Decoration

toothpick

pick

“Convergent and divergent thinking are the two types of human response to a set of problems that were identified" - J.P Guilford (1967)

We looked at divergent and convergent thinking, looking at the multiple and different ideas or information which is divergent and then converge into looking for the best idea or bit of information.

Inspiration Material

Think of the many ways to use this material. (Group Activity)

Packaging

Bag

Furniture Material

Tarpaulin (Coverage)

Curtains

Insulation

Placemat

shade

Clothing

Sushi roller

flooring/mat

Art

the material was revealed to be from a sail of a boat and was discarded, students from AUT used this material to create a variety of things eg. bags, and baskets. The material was too fragile to be used for objects that would be repeatedly touched so they came up with the idea of lamp shade.

Blending Ideas Activity

choosing two random objects from an envelope we had to write down 7-10 keywords we would associate with both of them, selecting one word from both lists we would have to try and come up with and create a new business in Auckland showing the blend strategy.

The objects I picked from the envelope was a telescope and music notes

Telescope

Glass

View

Space

Stars

Nasa

Eye

Extend

Meteors

Planets

Music Notes

Songs

Rhythm

Artists

Genre

Instruments

Lyrics

Events

Party

Business ideas:

Stars/ Artists: A business that creates events, bringing performers to perform eg. Coachella

Eyes/Events: Business that shows different types of art for people to view and listen to eg. Light shows, Illusions, Interactive art, etc.

Reflective Questions

What was the process like for you in generating ideas?

The process of generating ideas was probably the easier part of the activity but I did struggle with trying to come up with more ideas for keywords, I felt that I had done the obvious ones.

Which objects were easier? Which objects were harder? Why?

I thought both of them were fairly the same with both being easy and hard, I had the basic words come to mind and trying to find more words had me stun locked and made me think more hard rather than letting them come to me.

How did you feel?

During the activity I felt calm yet I felt a bit shy because there was a new person on my table that I hadn't talked to or known but this did not affect the activity of trying find words or come up with a business.

What have you learned from this activity that you could take into future creative ideas generating sessions?

I've learned the way of combining ideas to create a better one and the many ideas you can come up with.

Do electronic devices increase or decrease our creative intelligence?

I think electronic devices can both increase and decrease our creative intelligence. Increase by finding new ideas and inspiration through other peoples or interesting images that can add on to your own ideas but then the decrease is electronic devices being distracting and can steer you away from what you are focusing on.

Play dough Activity

We were given play dough and instructed to build a family of an animal we choose working as a group. My group chose whales because we wanted to do something a bit different. We made play dough whales and then we had to make a stop motion film with our play dough for the whales.

Our storyline of the play dough whales was to show three whales (Mother, Father, and child) swimming together in the ocean, the child whale swam off further into the distance meeting a different type of whale (One of our group members made their whale and we thought it looked cute and different so we made that whale a different looking whale who was an outcast) they bonded and soon came the parents of the child whale, meeting the outcast whale they chose to accept the whale as one of their own becoming part of the family and they swam off into the wild together.