#little mix glory days tour

[legendofthe3divas]

She’s such a vibe on stage

[ot3mix]

like or reblog if you save

[jadesmycure]

Perrie Edwards Icons, like or credit jadesmycure if you save/use!

[themurphyoccult]

i need a part two of the nolans niece and cillian fic that was insane

Hey bookie so glad u asked I wanted them to fuck so bad

Here’s pt. 2, not heavily involved but somewhat a ‘what happened next’

Ok also I kinda feel like there’s a sexual tension between uncle Nolan and the reader which wasn’t intended but sexy nonetheless. Incoming threesome??? (Kidding unless u aren’t)

The screening - pt.2 // Cillian Murphy x Nolan’s Niece

Pairing: Cillian Murphy x Nolans Niece

Summary: A few weeks after Cillian Murphy came to your Uncle Nolans house for a private screening of Oppenheimer, he’s become frustrated with your absence and is willing to do everything he can to claim you completely as his own.

Warnings: age gap, p in v, public fingering, overstimulation, aftermath of pt.1, vouyerism, lack of aftercare, he’s a little selfish in pleasure, nothing to do with Cillian IRL

Notes: happy late birthday to our daddy hope his stomach was full and balls were empty by the end of his night

Part 1 here

——————————

“Did you enjoy the film?” Your uncle groggily asks as you sat eating breakfast in the kitchen. Your eyes stayed glued down onto the tabletop as you gulped the last bite of cereal down.

“Um… yeah.” You flash him half a smile. Considering what happened on the sofa as your uncle laid unconscious next to you, it’s reasonable to say you don’t really remember much of the film you watched last night. The remembrance of how Cillian had rolled his digits into the soft spot inside of you, leaving you squirting and trembling under his touch all over the plush, expensive sofa in your own uncles house and the way his groans sounded as your lips popped around his tip flashed before your eyes.

“Something wrong my love?” Uncle Chris turned with a coffee in his hand, leaning on the counter. Only if he knew the star of his film had you bent over dry humping you just the night prior on the very same counter he was up against, he would be less than thrilled.

“Just tired I guess… did you enjoy the film?” Standing up, you walked to the sink and placed down your bowl.

“I’d be telling a lie if I said I remembered any of it” he chuckled rubbing his forehead “I most definitely drank too much wine.”

“Will… Mr.Murphy be coming back- you know for dinner, any time soon?” Your eyes were glued to your hands washing the dish, your heart thumping as you asked what you thought was a risky question.

“Not sure darling, he’s a very busy man with Oppenheimer coming out soon” He tilted his chin to look at you. “You didn’t mind his company?” You cleared your throat at his question.

“It was cool to meet him, he’s nice enough I guess” you said bluntly, a pulse resuscitating in your panties remembering how his cock tasted on your tongue.

“Well, when the press tour has finished he’s more than welcome to come back… I’m glad you two got on then.” His eyebrows raised as a slight grin covered his face. He brought his cup to his lips again and you turned the sink off and made your way upstairs.

The next few weeks would be a blur of sunbathing, swimming, sleeping and touching yourself to try and replicate how the actor had made you feel. Much to your dismay, you never being able to quite find the same spots his thick, rough fingers found within you. As you laid there facing the ceiling with your arms and legs spread, you couldn’t help but wonder how deep his cock would be inside of you in this moment, if only he were here.

——————————

Laying in your sweet, tiny, white bikini you lay in the sun and soaking all of it’s glory. The sizzle of the heat vibrates against your skin mixed with the cheap oil you lathered onto yourself to reach a perfect burn that makes you glow in all lighting. Occasionally huffing against the heat of the sun, you hear your uncle scream a “hi!” You haven’t heard in so long. You sit up on the sunchair with your elbows as you squinted to wonder who on earth was coming round on this very day. A silence fills the house and you assume the guest wasn’t welcomed in, or for worse, unaware you were in the house as well.

You continued to lay in the sun, absorbing all it wants to give you. A tingle ran against your spine and your eyes shot open, a sense of discomfort immediately overtaking you. Sitting up once again on your elbows, you glance up to the second story window and see the man you had been dreaming off since he fucked you stupid with his fingers on your uncles sofa. Mr.Murphy stood leaning against the window frame with a smirk, semi hard cock and a gaze that pierced your soul.

Of course, your heart began to thump the lustful rhythm you felt when you first met the man, but now it was only growing. How long had be been there? What had he seen? Chuckling to yourself at the smugness of catching his attention half naked, you turned onto your stomach and reached your hands around to untie the knot of your bikini top. At the sight of your ass glowing in the sun in a little string, Cillian moaned and felt his crotch tighten with the view of you.

Your delicate fingers unwrapping the tightness of the knot behind you, your tits fell out and hit the chair beneath you. Slipping the rest of the top over your head, you obviously threw the thin piece of material to the side and exposed your bare back. At the sight, Cillian swelled in his pants and remembered the feel of your mouth on his cock, bobbing like the little slut you were for a man more than double your age. He remembered the grip of your scalp, the sound of you gagging on him and how his load shot through the smallness of your throat. Grunting in pain as your sounds filled his mind, he began to palm himself as he watched you sunbathe in nothing but that slutty, tiny fabric you called a bikini bottom. Occasionally glancing to the material that was thrown on the floor, he wondered what it would be like to grasp your tits and massage you till you bruised.

Turn around for me honey.

Continuing to palm himself at an increasing sped, you sat up on your elbows on your stomach and exposed the arch your spine come become. Glistening in the heat, Cillian had started panting at the friction of his palm against his clothed erection. The sight of you so vulnerable, so bare, so hot, made him want to rip his hair out, craving how your soft hands felt stroking him only a few weeks prior.

Let me see those pretty tits.

As if you could hear his thoughts, a wave of bravery passed through you as you turned onto your back as your tits hit the sun. At the sight, Cillian whimpered like a good boy who finally retrieved his treat and felt his cock twitch and leak an angry, pulsating pre-cum down his thigh. Rolling his eyes to the back of his head and swinging his head back, he stood much to obviously in front the window as he aggressively palmed his cock in front of you.

Catching sight of this, you chuckled as your thong bikini warmed up with your arousal. The sight of him touching himself to a distanced view of your much younger, plump body turned you on like nothing else. This was it… after three weeks? You hadn’t even heard from the man, nevermind knew he was coming over to your uncle’s place.

Thinking about your touch, his desperation for your youthful, soft hands had driven him wild. He even had another set of interviews to do, which of course you weren’t aware about, but here he chose to cancel just to see your doll face once again. Snapping his head back down to the sight of you, your eyes stayed glued onto his as you admired the view of his desperate dick begging to be stroked. He furrowed his brows as he began to grasp his shaft, keeping his eyes glued to yours. You slightly opened your knees and ran your fingers down your torso, stopping just above your groin and smirking in pride at the affect you had on the man.

A tear began to swell in his eyes as his blood filled cock thumped against his pants in desperation to be touched by you again, palming as fast as he could as his balls tightened around his body, asking for his sweet relief.

“Darling!” You heard your uncle scream. “We have a guest!” Pretending to be in shock, you grab your bikini top and cover your erect nipples. Walking inside the house in nothing but the bare material, your uncle meets you with a big gleam and sparkle in his eyes. “Cillian has come for dinner my love, considering how you liked him last time, I’m sure this will be a wonderful evening.”

A smirk grew on your face in a false surprise, you grinned at the excitement your uncle held towards the actor, not to dissimilar to what you felt towards him. “I’m sure it will uncle Chris. I’ll get ready for dinner.” Your legs couldn’t move up the stairs fast enough, zipping past the room he was in into yours as you ripped the bikini off. Staring down at the translucent white that had covered your bikini bottoms, you were beyond excited to know that the man who made you cum only a few weeks ago had arrived back into your house, nevermind that he was the Cillian Murphy and you knew you’d be getting more than his prior visit.

————————

“Dinners ready!” Your uncle had screamed through the house, his voice echoing through the halls as it hit you and your heart began to thump.

“Coming!” You screamed back, lathering the lip gloss on your lips and admiring the way you looked before making your way down.

The dinner table had been set beautifully. Bottles of wine, a white sheet, candles, floral decor. The table was magnificent. Sitting yourself proudly at your usual seat, uncle Chris glanced at you and smiled at your appearance.

“Dressed lovely tonight doll.” He gleamed as he rubbed your hand in his.

Cillian made his way and surprisingly, sat besides you. This was the first time you’d seen him all day since the incident when you were sunbathing, furrowing your brows at his bold move of placing himself next to you for dinner. Uncle Chris grabbed sight of this, clearing his throat as he gave a half smile to Cillian.

“Comfortable there?” His tone was slightly sarcastic.

“Very- thanks Chris. Dinner looks delicious.” Cillian spoke normally for the odd seating choice, your uncle not taking much notice before raising his brows and digging into the food.

“So.. how’s the press tour coming on then?” No matter what, your uncle was so sweet, so genuine, cared so much about who he hired.

Feeling a hand sneak along your upper thigh, you gulped the food down rhetorically and inhaled a large breath.

“You know… same old same old. Fans are nice, press is boring, tired and bored to be honest.” Cillian chuckled as his grasp around your thigh tightened, his one hand holding onto his fork as he ate while massaging your flesh in the meantime.

Beginning to heavy breath, you sat further down into the chair as you felt his digits dig into your thighs. Leaning further into your back as you subconsciously wanted to feel more of him, his eyes remained glued onto his plate as your spine arched for his touch.

“I bet… still got ladies running after you at your old age?” Your uncle joked and Cillian grabbed your thigh roughly in response. A slight whimper fell from your lips as you coughed to cover up your sounds of pleasure. Your uncle looked at you and raised his brows in concern, you flashed him a smile while rubbing your chest to assure him you were okay.

“You could say so…” He chuckled, pinching you harder between his grasp. Moving his hand up, he grazed your slit through your panties and felt the slight wetness of your arousal seeping through your cotton underwear. As you felt his touch, you leant further back into the chair and opened your knees for him to have access into you.

“Anyone you’ve met recently you’ve liked?” Your uncle asked knowingly. As you sat back enough, Cillian began to slowly caress the nub on your mound and remained innocent looking toward uncle Chris.

“Not really. It’s all Hollywood whores y’know. Nothing better than a one night thing.” He chuckled, chewing onto his fork with one hand as his fingers on the other picked up speed against your clit.

Attempting not to moan at his touch, you grabbed his hand with one of yours as you tried to stop the friction he was giving you.

Sneaking past your underwear and slipping his fingers under your clothed groin, you felt the cold air hit your pussy and your eyes widened in realisation as to what was going on. Grabbing his wrist the strongest you could to tell him “no”, he shook off your grasp and placed a singular digit on your entrance. Without warning or hesitation, he struck his finger into you below his knuckle and you inhaled a deep breath before attempting to wiggle out of his grip. Your uncle never took notice of this and continued to eat as he dug into his meal. Cillian had seemingly done the same as his fist grabbed a fork but his finger began rolling within you. Feeling the caress off his finger stroke the inside of you made you want to moan, his touch much needier and desperate than what you had felt a few weeks ago.

“Everything alright my love?” Your uncle asked, asking genuinely as he was concerned with your sounds.

“I-Uh… yeah. I’m-I-I’m okay.” You struggled to speak normally as Cillian kept rubbing your soft spot, picking up his speed as each second went by.

“Is dinner okay?” Your uncle Chris said, breaking you out of the blank slate Cillian’s touch had brought you in.

“Delicious.” Cillian said, shoving now a second finger into you and feeling the bones of his knuckles attack your soft insides.

“It’s so- good uncle Chris. My god, so good.” You squirmed in your seat as you felt Cillian’s knuckles force themselves deeper inside of you.

“Love to hear it darling…” your uncle said as he looked at you and winked, you flashed him a small smile to prove your innocence.

Rolling his knuckles two fingers in, your hand began to squirm onto Cillian’s fingers, feeling your wetness coat his digits as you began to unravel. A knot began to form in your lower stomach, the heat you his prodding fingers and your aroused pussy making the most stinging feeling you’d know within your walls and caused you to clear your throat and shift in your seat uncomfortably. Staring at you, Cillian had picked up the pace of his stroking and glued his eyes onto you as you came all over his hands, coating his hands in a pearlescent white that looked like glue on his hands.

Your orgasm came over you, walls clenching and breath taking. You pulsated around his fingers and you could’ve sworn you heard him groan as you began to vibrate. Cillian’s breath began to deepen, huffing and grunting under his breath the best he could under his breath without your uncle notice. Luckily your uncle remained on his food, asking Cillian useless questions that he answered as he abused your hole to his liking. Unraveling yourself into a mess into his hands, he pulled his fingers out and chuckled under his breath at the residue you created onto him.

The rest of the dinner was decent, occasionally feeling the cold, wet stain you left on the chair you sat on, shivering in embarrassment at your public display of sexuality in front of your uncle and embarrassed at how easy you were for the actor.

Picking up all the dishes, you left the dinner table with a stained pair of underwear and a growing sense of impatience as you washed the dinner parties plates and cutleries.

—————————

Laying in your plush, soft bed as your eyes stay awake and stare into the white ceiling, remembering how Cillian’s fingers ran into you at dinner and how hard you came around his knuckles in front of your uncle, your clit began to pulse and you wished he was there next to you. Cillian had too much red wine at dinner, asking your uncle if he could stay at the house for the night, not wanting to drive back under the influence. Of course, uncle Chris said yes, guiding him to the guest room as he made himself comfortable within your uncles walls and tucked himself into the thick, white sheets.

12.03AM

You couldn’t sleep, I mean how could you. Mr.Murphy was in your house… what was he doing? Was he asleep? Was he touching himself at-

Your thoughts got cut short by the sound of footsteps down the hall. Hearing the thumps through the corridor, you sat there, up on your elbows in your slinky white night gown watching in fear of the worse. The footsteps stopped right outside your room and you felt your heart boom in your chest for an escape. The door handle twisted slightly and you gasped in fear as to who was on the other side.

“Mr.Murphy?” You asked, seeing his silhouette outline your doorframe.

“Hi, babydoll.” He whispered, walking into the doorframe and closing it behind him.

“What are you doing here?” You asked, basically scream whispering at this time as his appearance had shocked you like nothing else. He chuckled and continued to walk towards you. He mounted you in your bed, both hands placing themselves strictly alongside both sides of you to lock you in, glaring down into your soul as his body pressed against yours.

“What do you think? I need you honey… Let me fuck you” His voice trailed up into a whine, you staring up at him in disbelief. A smell of red wine left his lips but god, it only made him more attractive.

“I wanted so badly to come in here to finger you again, feel you come undone on my hands once more. But thinking about it now, I’d rather feel your tight cunt cum around my cock instead.” He glared at you and smirked with his filthy words, pouring the blues of his eyes into yours. He slowly began rubbing his erection onto your blanketed pussy, attempting to feel as much of your mound as he could without touching you.

Furrowing your brows, you opened your knees and allowed him access, feeling his crotch press against your hips, ever so slightly lifting yourself to feel more of him on your slit.

“Yeah?” You said, staring into his baby iris’s as his mouth turned into a grin, he nodded at your question and you giggled in response. “So… why don’t you fuck me Mr.Murphy?”

He grunted and started circling his against your clothed heat in a furious fashion, feeling his hard cock rub against your wet slit as you internally begged for him to fuck you. His mouth fell open ajar as he further pulled your legs apart, digging his clothed erecting further into you.

“You shouldn’t be in my room so late… you shouldn’t be here at all.” You said, whining through the way he was humping you.

“Sh,sh,sh,sh,sh…” Cillian began to furiously hump into you, wrapping his hand around your throat. Opening your legs even wider, you accepted him into your proximity and began twitching your hips in anticipation.

“I need you to be quiet for me…” he said, rolling his cock into your clothed mound. You nodded your head submissively which he seemed to approve of. “Good girl.” You felt the shape of his cock cover your pussy, feeling all of him through the material he was humping you with.

Lifting your hips and feeling his fingers hook under your shorts, getting you out of your bottoms, he looked down at your exposed lower half and licked his lips.

“Oh fuck..” he grabbed your hips and massaged them as his crotch pressed against yours in his boxers. “So fucking sexy…”

Your hips twitched as your pussy pushed against his clothed cock, rubbing your innocence around his experienced dick. Watching as you struggled beneath him, he removed his cock from his underwear and began stroking his length as he kissed your neck. Feeling the way his tongue attached onto your skin, his lips suctioning around your neck, leaving purple marks and his groans that proved he was there, you arched your back as tip rubbed against your slit.

“You gonna stay quiet for me?” He moaned against your ears. The moonlight had sunk into your room, filling your walls with a beautiful blue you couldn’t describe.

“Yes, Mr.Murphy.” You moaned into his ears.

“Oh fuck..” he began to press his tip into your entrance. “You know how I feel about that…” he groaned as the tightness of your walls covering his cock. You arched your back in pleasure and barely made out a moan, being shocking from how good his dick felt in you. “Don’t call me Mr.Murphy” he grunted against your ear as his hips rolled into you.

Arching your back, your hands grasped his and your nails dug in deep, leaving him grunting in pain at the feeling of your hands.

“Fuck-fuck… oh my god.” He groaned as his head fell back. He snapped his head down and looked down at you, eyebrows furrowed and mouth open at the breach of his tip. He continued to push himself into you, breathlessly groaning as his cock breached your pussy more.

Grabbing your hips with both hands, Cillian forced his cock all the way into you. Feeling his tip at the back of your spongy wall, you arched your back and moaned loudly at the sensation.

“Oh… no” he said, flinging his palm to your mouth. As he continued to pump furiously into you, you began to clench in a rhythmic pattern around his cock.

“Fuck-fuck-oh fuck… you’re so tight.” He whimpered, still keeping his palm around your mouth. Fucking you deliberately and deeply, his hips rolled into the back of your cervix and fucked you as hard as he could.

“Oh fuck… yes- squeeze me like that.” He fucked you selfishly, using your pussy for what you had. As his hips slapped against the backside of your thighs, his groans, pathetic whimpers and moans filled your dark room. As he held his hips into yours, you felt him shake and his cock twitch as his hot load shot inside of you. Shaking, trembling and panting as he removed his vibrating hips from yours after coating your insides with his semen, he grabbed your hips and pulled you into a hug.

“Fuck.. I’ll have to come back again” he breathlessly said as you laid there under his control, orgasmless and twitching.

“Yeah..” you moaned, your pussy in pain from his aggressive thrusts.

He looked down at you and pulled you into a hug, feeling the warmth of his body as you slowly fell asleep. You felt his warmth, continued to breath in his scent and even kissed his skin, rubbing your finger tips on his bare chest as he gave a breathless chuckle and loosened his grip on you. Drifting off to the scent of him, you fell asleep to his breath.

——————

The heat of the sun woke you up, you twisted as you went to see if he was there. Not much to your surprise, Cillian had gone, leaving you naked in your bed as you wondered where he had left to, the sun pouring in and seducing your skin as it had the day before. Sitting up and looking at yourself in the mirror, you pet your hair and smiled at the purple mark you had on the side of your neck, touching it with your fingers as you smiled and giggled at the feeling of him against your skin.

[jovenshires]

endless au edits: the battle of the bands au nobody asked for pt 7

battle of the bands 2024: an honest op-ed by jeremy elder the six entries to battle of the bands 2024 have finally been announced. not only will we be seeing sad men in their 30s's favorite new band the chosen, known for their appearance on the netflix reality show 'up & coming,' but also four other groups who desperately wish they were as famous. this includes: ftc, renowned alternative-indie sad-girl trio; kolivition, known for making the music your mom turns off every time she walks into the room; coventry, the punk girl group equivalent of that pinterest quote 'we are the granddaughters of the witches you could not burn'; and let's do this, who... no, that's it. who? anyway, it's not like any of that really matters, because i've yet to mention the smosh reunion, aka the wet dream of every millenial who asks for a veteran's discount after surviving warped tour. a clear favorite to win, smosh is coming in with an army of fans and a near-decade of experience on these guys. good luck to what little competition they have. in addition, i am thrilled to report that we now know the final lineup of judges. diehard battle of the bands fans - all two of you - will be thrilled to know that rhett mclaughlin and link neal of mythical will be back to judge yet another thrilling year of mediocrity. after winning ten years ago, those guys just won't let go of their glory days. (or maybe it's the other way around. blink twice if you need help, guys.) on the bright side, though, they've also introduced surprise judge jackie uweh. known for being one of the greatest performers of our generation, it will be uweh's first time judging a musical competition. i don't know what she's doing here and i highly suggest that she runs. and runs fast. the three will be the wonderful, charming, and dutifully impartial judges to this year's competition, and definitely will not be just handing it to smosh as a reward for their long-awaited reunion. (because ian hecox definitely wasn't signed onto the mythical label as a solo artist. it's not unfair at all.) finally, the emcee and host of the event will be newcomer to the rap scene, trevor. if that name doesn't ring any bells for you - don't worry, it doesn't for the rest of us, either. the 24-year-old rapper was apparently responsible for mixing the beats on mythical's latest and edgiest album, which, due to the power of nepotism, made him a natural choice for this year's emcee. known for his "meme rap" (i am being so serious right now), trevor auditioned for the battle of the bands but, fortunately, did not qualify. thus, he will not be competing nor, allegedly, performing. though i have my doubts. i reserve the right to run screaming for the hills the moment they hand him a mic. the soundcloud musician (that's right - don't bother looking him up on spotify, you won't get anywhere) will be hosting the battle of the bands and the series of live shows leading up to it. what does all this mean? well, it looks like this year is no different from the last, and predictable set-ups have means to predictable ends. nevertheless, i, your faithful and humble local reporter, will be making the trip to la with an all-access backstage pass in hand and reporting on the entire thing from start to finish. no rehearsal, live show, or, most importantly, complete disaster of a finale will escape my sight. rest assured that you have at least one decent and reliable eye witness to the whole fiasco. tomorrow marks my trip down to la - i'll be reporting live from the road. until then, i bid you adieu. may the best smosh - i mean, band - win.

[dustedmagazine]

2022: Patrick Masterson

Photos by Patrick Masterson

I.

We filter in slowly. Given Sleeping Village is a stroll down the block, it’s inevitable I’m on the early side, but the place is already humming with anticipation by the time I walk in. I order a beer and head to an open booth tucked away in back, where I’m greeted one after the other by guys I call friends and co-workers, an agreeable mix of dudes from two generations. We do some bridge-building as they appear, figure out a couple of us have been to the same shows over the decades and not realized it, y’know, the usual time-killing.

As if this table weren’t proof enough, I look up at one point and note who’s loitering around the bar area: Though a modest youthfulish contingent exists, tonight’s a veritable Post-Punk Dads’ Prom, which in March of 2022 indicates one of two things — and since Wet Leg already came through at the beginning of the month, it could only mean we’re here to see Yard Act play the final date of their first U.S. tour.

Evidently, nothing unites Former Cool Guys on a drizzly night out like a little “angular” guitar and a chatty Loiner with a chip on his shoulder. In a year that would turn out to be studded with top-tier post-punk throwbacks, Yard Act are already ahead of the pack at this point with The Overload’s January release. Coming off a string of Rough Trade-endorsed singles, an EP and a full-length establishing James Smith’s wry, politically minded verbosity over the complementary supporting trio of Ryan Needham’s bass, Jay Russell’s drums and Sam Shjipstone’s guitar, the band is confident rolling into their final stateside set. Just a few days before, they’d played Fallon and announced their arrival to whatever audience still cares about late night TV. I have no idea who that is because I haven’t had cable since 2008 and can’t think of anyone else who does, either, but all the same, it’s sold out.

It comes out in varying degrees depending on the song, but the major takeaway from a live Yard Act set is just how fucking funny they are — more so even than on record. Bands that have decent between-song banter are pretty rare in my experience, usually limited to mumbled thanks or obfuscated in-jokes. Not these guys: Arriving to the stage juiced on whatever the rider offered backstage and clearly fixing to close this tour out in a blaze of minor glory, Smith’s amicable observational prodding immediately endears him to the crowd. Between riffs on deep dish, American candy and overly long, underexplained stories from the road, the band kills, rifling through a grab bag of choons from their limited discography. They’re tight when the music’s going and loose when it’s not. The natural rapport between Needham and Smith is evident as the former keeps the latter — ever more glassy-eyed and garrulous as the set carries on — in check. Years put in with the likes of lesser NME fodder like Post War Glamour Girls and Menace Beach make plain this is not their first rodeo. They can handle us — and do, playing everything everyone wants to hear at just the right levels of volume and sneering, smirking aggression. It’s a thing of beauty. No one leaves unhappy.

I walk home thinking I might’ve just seen my favorite show of the year — and were it not for Yves Tumor the very next night, I’d be correct. I have some spring in my step now, too, and not just on account of the season: I’m about to embark on a massive project at work that got dumped on me the month before and I’m dreading it, but that aside, my personal life slowly feels like it’s crystallizing and I’m having a great week, a great month, fuck, I’m having a great year. How many people can say that in 2022? How many people are riding this kind of high right now? How many people can look up at the sky and feel like the stars are aligned, each one exactly in its right place burning back at them?

It’s hard to be cautious when everything feels like it’s slowly making the sense you always thought was there, but I keep trying to talk myself down from the ledge of this good mood anyway. Still: How real it feels, how unyielding the truth of it seems.

II.

It’s not that I wouldn’t have believed you without seeing it for myself, but there’s something both viscerally funny and viscerally stupid witnessing with your own eyes how we really did fuck it up: Iceland is green and Greenland is ice. That’s what’s running in and out of my head on the second leg of a return journey from Helsinki, where I’ve just been for an extended early August weekend because I’m an idiot who’s wholly incapable of taking a nice, normal, relaxing vacation somewhere with beaches and 500-page books you can read in two nights and big meals wearing bad shirts with bogus floral prints. No, my idea of a good time is winging it in a country where I don’t speak a lick of the language — don’t even pretend to understand how declensions work there, frankly — and all the words on the signs are too long and I don’t like seafood so I’m probably never going to be a good fit for the place even though it may as well be Michigan for how it looks and I realize too late my SIM card doesn’t work but Instagram still does for some dumb reason and what the fuck am I paying T-Mobile, an international conglomerate that recently bought out Sprint and changed my bill but not my capability, all this money for every month, anyway? Why did I have to rely on an old high school acquaintance, who’s really my brother’s friend’s brother, to get around via e-scooter in Estonia? Why can’t I just shut up and take in a scenic mountain or the quiet crash of an ocean view like a normal person?

On this plane, it feels less draining to imagine Iceland and Greenland are called opposite things. That I can handle.

Before I boarded back in Finland, where I managed one last European pint at the airport bar that was alarmingly close to my gate, I sent one of the longest text messages I’ve ever written, one I spent practically the whole summer composing. Through visits to new breweries, a jaunt to Indiana to check out the Bob Ross museum and set a Guinness record applying a new coat to the world’s largest ball of paint, discovering I hate driving Teslas, Wisconsin, wherever, there it sat idling on my phone — fully formed coming out of my dreams every morning, unfinished in new and unique ways every night before bed. I’d read the fragments over and over again, sleeping on hidden arcs and previously unconsidered angles, gradually edging toward some kind of conclusion, if not resolution. You can’t know what happens after you push send, but I’d been here before; I’d sent almost this exact same message before, in fact. A hideous Hail Mary, a prayer to God, the best I can offer. What I had the moment I sent it were my words.

The weekend before I was slated to leave for this trip, I took it upon myself to sneak in some internal reviews for the radio station I’ve been volunteering at as long as I’ve been in Chicago, 15 years, Jesus, who knew I’d last that long in any capacity as an adult? There’s no great mystery to it: An enormous Google spreadsheet lists all the records we’ve imported but don’t have a review and FCC profanity notes on. It sounds silly and it’s invisible work to a listener, but these short blurbs help DJs sound more informed on air and guide them on what (and more importantly, what not) to play, a system founded in college radio and still alive in the select places they still allow for this kind of thing.

I chance upon TV Priest’s My Other People on account of some very hasty notes from whomever imported it, throw it on, let it run for a bit. I leave it through “Slideshow,” through “Bury Me in My Shoes,” both of which I find pleasantly catchy on a cursory listen. I leave it on some more as I catch up on the news. I leave it on so long, in fact, that I finish the record and immediately feel the urge to play it again from the top, something I’d been missing in music for large chunks of 2022. I think to myself after a first run through that, hey, this is pretty good; I think halfway through a second spin, listening much closer now, that, hey, this is really good; and by the time I’m finished with it again, I think this is improbably my favorite album of the year. I check to see when they’re touring next and practically burst out laughing when I see they’re in town at Beat Kitchen down the street the very next night. In less than 48 hours, I’ve gone from never having heard of this band before to enthusiastically walking out the door of their first Chicago tour date.

Here’s a theory I turned over in my mind that weekend: TV Priest is the band everyone thinks Idles is. I don’t mean any disrespect to the latter; they’re a fine band and if that’s your thing, good on you and them both. But there’s an element of gravitas to the London quartet — an almost Morrissey-like flair for the dramatic in Charlie Drinkwater’s soaring-and-roaring baritone, Nic Bueth’s leaden bass and Ed Kelland’s drumwork that may as well be actual anchors, and the tones Alex Sprogis takes with his guitars — that to me feels more weathered, more adult, a brusque tenderness shaved off in Idles’ more pitched punk. (Not for nothing, but I also saw four guys separately walk into Beat Kitchen behind me with Idles shirts on.) It’s a perfect blend of Associates and Fugazi, brutal and beautiful post-punk elegance ensuing from the end of an empire. I must’ve played “House of York” 200 times if I played it once in the days following the show and that one didn’t even make an album. Many are working in this vein right now, but hardly anyone did it better in 2022.

I am thinking that as “Sunland” plays again and the shine of the real thing above off the white expanse below blinds me. Who’d have thought I’d end up directly next to a guy who was also meeting his brother from New York City in Helsinki for the weekend? Incredible odds. Life is funny like that sometimes. A weekend fueled by croissants and a free upgrade to an automatic-equipped Volkswagen Passat and sun, always the fucking sun up there, they weren’t kidding about that, either, there were more than a few times during this trip when I thought maybe I just wouldn’t come back. Fuck a SIM card, anyway. It’s all just reformed elements, it’s all just numbers on numbers, it’s all just someone else’s profit, right? It’s all just some pointless collapsing star.

Slumped toward sunlight with my head against the fuselage watching infinite white topography shimmer as it passes — Greenland is ice, I promise you that really is it, there’s nothing else down there — I’m playing TV Priest on a busted old iPod and making mental preparations to be apart for an unknown period of time again, stuck in a familiar loop with the voices in my head rolling over the same old questions years long from different angles, chewing on emotional errata and heated fragments past, phrasing the most basic mysteries in different ways and pointlessly expecting some kind of clarity to fall from the flaring, to rise from the ice and reveal itself. The self-interrogation never stops: When do I finally stop being so stubborn about everything that matters, stop taking the harder road, stop thinking too much and feeling too much more? Why am I like this, why can’t I ever see the answers until I’ve asked the right questions a fraction too late? Why am I too slow to understand the truth when it’s not explained to me? Why do I bother believing in anything?

I shut my eyes for a moment, the skin of my lids carry a familiar heft. Honestly, I’m tired of thinking and I’m ready to leave all of this; I’ve never been more ready, maybe. The plane never shudders skeptically, but still I’m there in my seat alone in a metal tube suspended 30,000-plus feet in the air hurtling through space, through life, at 500 mph wondering: What if this is it, what if this is all there was? What happens back home, back there, that place I don’t love enough to want to return to but can’t seem to leave? What am I going to do when my words finally, inevitably fall short, when the best I offer is rotting roses and garbled prayer and a Hail Mary read all wrong? And what if I settle for what happens after that, what if this isn’t all there was? What if good enough is good enough?

Patrick Masterson

[x--daughters-of-darkness--x]

Leah announces new album "The Glory and The Fallen"

Story

Hello! Thank you for stopping by to check out my Kickstarter campaign. I’m a homeschooling mother of five, entrepreneur, and independent artist from the Vancouver area of BC, Canada.

For as long as I can remember, music has been my passion and my escape.

Two years ago, I could feel new music blossoming in my heart, trying to break free - a calling I couldn't ignore. Despite the chaos of life's demands, I had to answer. I poured my soul into creating “The Glory and the Fallen”: a symphonic metal album infused with fantastical themes of epic battles, angelic warfare, and overcoming darkness.

Music has always been my reprieve in a noisy world. As a young mom, touring wasn't an option so I found a way to build my music career from home. It was far from glamorous.

Late nights composing after the house fell asleep, my days spent homeschooling my five kids and fighting through rejections from labels who said I'd never succeed without touring.

There were times I wanted to give up. Moments of seeming defeat where the obstacles seemed too vast. But your support kept me going and ignited!

With each album, my fanbase grew, and a vision emerged: to create music that transported listeners to other realms, gave them hope in times of struggle, reminding them they weren't alone. Your belief in me and my music made that possible.

For this album, I poured heart and soul into crafting an epic metal experience.

Tales of humanity's triumphs and failures. A call to rise up in hard times. A reminder of the light that is all around us.

This music was born from my life's passion and your unwavering support. Now it's ready to take flight. I hope you'll join me on this journey and help give voice to this musical story. Your pledge means the world. Let's launch this album together!

🎵 THE MUSIC 🎵

This album is a musical portal into fantastical realms of epic battles, angelic warfare, and overcoming darkness. The 12 tracks weave symphonic metal with Celtic, folk, and world music influences for a sound unlike anything I’ve created before.

Each song was born from visions that came to life in my studio—otherworldly times and places I felt called to explore. I hope this music transports you to those realms as it did for me in creating it.

The tracks on this album include (not in official order):

Archangel

Sleeping Giant

Before this War is Over

Victory

No More Fear

Little Stars

Speak to Me

Dream Voyage

Wings of Time

Revive

Glow

Unshakable

In addition to these 12 tracks, this Kickstarter campaign will feature an additional instrumental version of this album PLUS an additional album of multiple tracks that have been specially arranged for an ambient/non-metal version. 

We didn’t simply mute guitars & drums; we actually created brand new arrangements for each of the songs so they flow beautifully and in a new fresh way.  On the production/orchestration side for these non-metal versions, Oliver Philipps said, "In several cases, this was more work than the original song!"

Years of work have led to this outpouring of my heart and soul. I hope you'll join me on the journey of launching this album. Your support is what gives this music wings—together, let's bring these songs to life.

Album Credits

All songs written by Leah McHenry

Mixed & mastered by Tom Müller of Flatliners Studio

Produced by Oliver Philipps

Vocal Arrangements by Leah McHenry & Oliver Philipps

Artwork & layout by Giannis Nakos

Line Up & Guest Appearances

Lead vocals & keys: Leah McHenry

Guitars & Bass: Timo Somers

Drums: Sander Zoer

Orchestrations, programming, additional keyboard & guitars: Oliver Philipps

Harsh vocals on ‘Sleeping Giant’ & Bonus version of ‘Unshakable’: Mark Jansen

Additional violin on ‘Victory,' ‘Dream Voyage,’ and 'No More Fear': Dagda (Celtibeerian) 

Vocals on ‘Unshakable’: Elektra, Victory, Geneva (Leah’s daughters)

Vocals on ‘Victory’: Oliver Philipps & Timo Somers

Vocals on ‘Revive’: Syr

ALL INFORMATION IN HERE.

[innaneramblingsofamadman]

Chapter 3: A Little Late on the Draw

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14200223/3/A-New-Alliance

Chapter 3: A Little Late on the Draw

Today the Sinclair’s would arrive, and gears would be put into motion at last. For Wednesday it felt as though the machine were destiny, and it marched ever forward without rest or warning to those in its path. It seemed she’d been caught unaware while her back was turned and she had been focused on other things. After spending the whole night in the library, the closest grasp of new information she could find was that one could use dognip mixed with peppermint in an incense to addle a werewolves mind without alerting their heightened senses, yet they did not make them prone to suggestion as she had hoped. Thing had remained in her room all night as instructed, and reported only finding a small tunnel that led outside the house in case of emergencies. A house without any secrets? Where’s the fun in that? She frowned.

Wednesday set about getting ready for the day, tying up the familiar twin braids with practiced ease. Her wardrobe offered up a simple outfit for her today, black riding pants and hiking boots paired with a charcoal sweater and white undershirt. Not very inspired, but she figured there would be a tour of the property sometime today anyway, so going with her usual morbid and eccentric style may not fit. It fit her like a tomb, but was excellent at bracing against the wind this area was infamous for.

Outside the day seemed to be just getting started for the rest of her family. Dark clouds blanketed the entire sky, an omnipresent shroud veiling the world from above. Gomez and Morticia were taking in the beauty of the bleak gray next to the lake as they walked arm in arm, with eyes locked only on each other as they strolled just past the reach of the water, never stumbling or faltering despite the rocky terrain. Pubert lay in the grass with his sketch pad, taking his time to capture each little detail he could manage as he shaded in a drawing of the mushrooms in front of him. Lurch stood nearby, waiting with a pitcher of water and glasses on a tray. Corvus and Pugsley seemed to be missing for the moment, but that was fine. Wednesday looked down at her watch and sighed. It’s just a quarter past eleven now, I’ll find them and follow Corvus to greet the others before they arrive.

“Lurch, please inform my parents I’ve gone to welcome the Sinclair Pack whenever they finish defiling this marvelous day with their longing.”

“Uuurgh”

She turned on a heel and began stalking to the back of the house, expecting to find her cousin and brother there. She was right, of course. Corvus and Pugsley were in the process of throwing hay bales onto the back of a large flatbed truck and arranging them as though they were seats in neat rows with blankets over the tops. A tour indeed, one free of walking, thank the seven hells. Corvus spotted her first and paused in placing another bale, then tapped her mammoth brother on the shoulder and pointed to her.

“Hey Wednesday,” Pugsley called, “wanna come with? We’re gonna drive the wolves to the old house.”

“I’d be delighted actually, it’s always a good thing to know where the enemy sleeps.” Wednesday crossed her hands behind her back as she approached the truck and inspected the stacks before her. “Though perhaps I could be on something else? You and Corvus can take the truck for your own glory.”

“Care to see the stables? Something in there might grab your attention,” Corvus suggested as he hopped down to the earth. “Just walk down the road and it’s on the left past the rise. All the saddles are kept in the building next door, we’ll meet you there in a few minutes and I can help if you can’t decide.” She thought for a moment, stock still, and then looked up into his empty eyes.

“Do you have anything black?”

“As a matter of fact, I might have just what you’re looking for.”

Corvus strolled inside the stable and turned to his right, walking down a short stone ramp to a set of reinforced steel barn doors, he explained that the more hostile creatures were kept down here both for the safety of all the other horrifying wonders upstairs, but also for training and disciplining. All three of them walked up to the door and entered into the dungeon where, locked behind iron bars, paced more dangerous breeds of mount. Including the Mares of Diomedes in a larger pen on the left hand side. The keeper walked the stalls, running his fingers along the bars without any worry at all of being attacked. These creatures were restless, but not untrained, not unbroken. If he could make such monstrosities bend the knee, Wednesday had the ability as well. At the third pen from the end he stopped and crouched down, reaching through the bars and petting whatever rested inside. Wednesday and Pugsley waited by the door per his instruction, and couldn’t see what it was.

“You wanted black, he’ll more than account for that. But I think he’s an attention grabber anyway, come say hello,” Corvus waved her over and gestured for her to kneel next to him. Behind the bars all she could spy was a pair of simmering green eyes that pierced like a javelin through her soul, and as the creature within began to shift and lift off the floor she at last got a full view. “His name is Asmodeus.”

A muscle bound panther squared off against her, as tall as she was, with claws and fangs glittering in the torch light, and the long tail that extended behind twirled in the air as the barbed tip remained pointed at her. Wednesday stood slower than a man at gunpoint, eyes affixed to his. It was a contest of wills now, whoever broke first lost, and Wednesday Addams did not lose.

“Open the door and let me in,” she commanded. Corvus did as she said, unlocking it with a quick rune and opening it for her with the same bow he had offered last night.

“Maybe that isn’t a great idea!” Pugsley shouted from the doorway.

“Hush now and watch a prodigy at work.” She stepped inside and continued the staring contest with the ominous wall of darkness before her, holding a hand out with her palm up to its nose. His concentration had been broken for the moment as the large black maw lifted up and chuffed at her hand a few times, but the moment the guard had been dropped Wednesday placed her hand between his eyes and ran her hand along the thick skull to the base, where a simple pressure point allowed her to drop the panther like a sack of rocks. Dust and hay littered the air as it hit the stone flooring, a dazed mewl escaped past the sharp teeth as it looked up to her again. She reached down and placed the hand between his eyes again, but this time began to rub and smooth gentle patterns along the creature's face before running the other hand along the sleek pelt that adorned his back. “Tell me, what is he?”

“A simple bounder from around these parts, but Asmodeus suffers an excess in melanin, causing his fur to be black. Most of them wander the hills around here and look almost the same as a large mountain lion,” he grinned and walked away, “I’ll grab his saddle, you and Pugsley get him brought outside.” Well, that was going to take a bit of finesse, but it was a fair price to take power of such a handsome beast as this. After a minute or so of stopping and walking Wednesday discovered the large feline followed her every move and never strayed more than ten feet from her, so it was an easy matter of walking back up the stone ramp and out into the clouded day. Asmodeus took advantage of his new freedom and began to roll in the grass and dirt as he covered his  entire body in dust while emanating a deep purr. Wednesday resisted the urge to smile but only managed to tone it down into a quiet smirk. As her new companion continued to roll and chuff on the ground, Corvus emerged from the side building hauling a strange looking saddle with a large silver ring at the front and straps that looked as though they would wrap around the bounder’s shoulders and another loop that cinched around the midsection.

Her older cousin began to instruct her on how to secure it so it was steady enough to not slide, but not so tight on the creature as to impede movement or breathing.  Within a couple minutes both Corvus and Pugsley watched as Asmodeus began to rise after the saddle had been secured to his powerful frame, with a smug looking Wednesday perched atop with her hands affixed to the metallic ring. The clouds rolled overhead without a whisper as she situated herself a bit more, rising up and back down several times before nodding to no one at all.

“How does it feel to be taller than me for once?” Pugsley’s attempt at a joke was met by a hard glare that he waved off. It felt good, but not quite right…Wednesday could feel something small within herself resisting the enchanting black pelt and murderous power of the beast. The rest of her brain decided it was uncertainty at something so new, and she waved the thought off as Pugsley had dismissed her gorgon’s stare.

“Adequate,” she answered. “Come along now boys, we have new friends to intimidate.”

~30 minutes later~

Enid had been stuffed into the backseat of the tiny rental car with her older brother Malachi, and had spoken less than maybe 10 words in the last 3 hours of the drive. When her parents had delivered the news that their family would represent the pack at the Addams meeting she’d been ecstatic, because there was absolutely no way people with that much money were going to meet them anywhere less than a five star hotel, in her mind at least. Sure it might have been haunted or whatever, but she could handle that. What she couldn’t handle was that wherever they were going was in the middle of LITERALLY nowhere, and she’d lost cell service more than twenty minutes ago now. So much for updating her blog. Malachi had made some remark about it being good that she couldn’t spend the entire trip on her phone, but she’d barely heard him over the wailing of her own self pity. The GPS in the front seat pinged at last, signaling her dad to turn right. Down another dirt road. Yay.

The dark clouds swirling over them did little to improve her mood, and the tree line they were about to drive straight into only added to her anxiety because was it her or did she see something move behind that bush?

After a few more minutes of following the road through hanging branches that scraped the roof of the car, it opened up again to a small clearing where the road forked. Waiting in the middle of that fork sat a beat up truck and two men leaning against the hood as they talked, the one on the left looked skinny and short but that might have only been because he was standing next to the tallest dude Enid had ever seen. Their car pulled off to the side into a grassy area and parked.

“Now remember everyone,” her mom started, “best behavior, we’re here to make a good impression and make it stay that way.” Malachi and her dad nodded, sticking to their usual silence as Enid rolled her eyes. She doubted it would be hard to make a good impression on people who were regularly known for their cultish behavior. Esther let out a deep sigh and patted her husband’s knee twice before opening her door and stepping out as the rest of the family followed suit, the man on the left was strolling up to their rental with a relaxed ease, hands tucked into his vest pockets.

“Welcome to the Addams Family Reserve everyone, I trust the journey was as long and arduous as always," he smiled. Oh my god, his eyes are all black, that’s so freaky! And he smells like rot. Enid’s nose crinkled as the scent hit harder with a gust of wind, it was like she’d just found a body in the woods months after it had been left there.

“Oh no, it was lovely! So scenic and gorgeous! Right Mur?” Esther had stretched out a hand and shook his, Murray offering another nod and smile. “My name is Esther Sinclair, this is my husband Murray, our oldest Malachi, and our youngest Enid,” she pointed them out each in turn. Behind the man speaking to her mom, the boy who had been leaning against the truck also walked over, fidgeting with the cuffs and collar of his suit the whole time.

“A pleasure, my name is Corvus. The giant behind me is my cousin Pugsley, his parents are preparing for this evening and could not join us, unfortunately. Somewhere around here though,” Corvus narrowed his dark eyes and began to look around. He frowned and turned to Pugsley. “Where did she go?”

“I don’t know, she said she’d be right back five minutes ago,” his eyes darted around the clearing, filled with sudden panic, “do you think she’s okay?” Behind Enid something rustled in the trees and the sound of twigs snapping put her on alert.

“I assure you, nothing out here could kill me even if it sacrificed itself in the process,” a deadpan voice echoed across the clearing. Enid could have been standing only feet away and it still would’ve carried the same volume. From out of the trees a massive panther lumbered up to them all, green eyes all aglow and the scent of a fresh kill on its breath. Resting on its back was a woman about her age, with dark hair in braids and eyes so intense they pierced all her walls. Corvus offered a small bow and held up an open hand, helping her off of the saddle and onto the ground next to him.

“Allow me to introduce the next matriarch of our family, Wednesday Addams.” Her eyes scanned each of them in turn from head to toe, pausing on Enid for a second longer than the rest and Wednesday held a hand out to Enid alone.

“The displeasure is all mine,” she said. But at that moment Enid’s mind had already broken, all the mechanisms were just spinning and whistling as a record played over and over in her head, hot goth girl hot goth girl hot goth girl.

[hagerkamal]

Egypt is a country of beauty

 Egypt has the picturesque shores of the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, where it is characterized by its beauty and splendor of its landscape with its sunny climate. In fact, Egypt possesses a beautiful desert nature in the Eastern Desert, where there are unparalleled mountains and plateaus that border the Red Sea, and oases, especially Siwa Oasis in the Western Desert and its eyes Sulfur, pure and healing from diseases.

Get amazed by the Egyptian tourist attractions through theGiza pyramids and the Egyptian museum day tour from Cairowhere you will see the most important sites like the Giza Pyramids and its sphinx as well as the largest collection of Egyptian masterpieces. Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea on thisday trip from Cairo to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the temple complex of Ramses II and Nefertari. Duringa day tour to Abdeen Palace and Giza pyramids, you will be able to see the building of infinite value in Egypt's modern history and Visit the most important attraction in Cairo the pyramids of Giza. the2 days Luxor and Aswan trip from Cairoyou will visit the most visited spots by tourists all over the world and it will also shed a light on the majestic places in Luxor and Aswan also Don't waste the chance to visit the most important landmarks in Aswan and also get closer to the city where the ancient Egyptians lived, and discover their temples and tombs throughAswan and Abu simple trip from Cairo. Spend two wonderful days from Cairo to Luxor and the powerful temple Abu Simbel, and enjoy seeing the greatness of the ancient Egyptians. Taking ahalf-day tour to explore Cairo by the subway is the perfect fit for you. You'll get to see all the highlights of Cairo's historical sites and monuments, while also learning about local culture and traditions. Spend a full-day tour of the Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo, and Old Cairo to discover more about Egypt and see the unique and fascinating artifacts dating from prehistoric to Greco-Roman times. To discover more about the pyramids in Egypt you have to try the Giza Pyramids, Memphis, and Saqqara day tour from Cairo. Enjoy the main tourist attractions in the city of Cairo during your Stopover at Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, and Khan EL-Khalili while you wait for your flight the Cairo Airport. Take a short break through 2 days city tour in Cairo to visit Coptic and Islamic Cairo which includes a stunning tour of the ancient and modern monuments such as the Great Pyramids, Coptic, and Islamic Cairo.Visit Memphis, Saqqara, Dahshur, and Sphinx in a day tour to see the Giza Pyramids and the sphinx, and visit the ancient city of Memphis to discover the ancient tombs there, as well as your visit to Saqqara to find the first step pyramid. you can visit Giza Pyramids and Sphinx on a half-day tour from Cairo and don't miss riding camels while touring around the pyramids. Isolate yourself from the crowded city of Cairo and take a tour to Bahariya Oasis and the White Desert where you can live the Egypt desert life and breathe the fresh air while esteeming the stunning view of the night. explore the city of the great temples and ancient tombs through aday tour from Cairo to Luxor attractions by plane to see the glory of ancient Egyptians mixed with the skills of modern engineers, including the world's largest open-air museum beside the temple of Karnak, the temple of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. you will ride alongside the pyramids while enjoying the sunset views over Cairo and the vast desert. during a Camel ride tour of Giza Pyramids from Cairo on one day trip.2 day trip to Bahariya Oasis will make you feel happy to see the pure and beautiful desert and discover more about the traditions of the bedouins and their culture. Have a little relaxing time and travel to the bride of the Mediterranean, the city of alexander the great during aday trip to Alexandria from Cairo. you will be amazed during the Sound and Light show Pyramids which is the most attractive activity that can be done in the pyramids area. you can enjoy the sunset and some of Cairo's attractions during the Felucca ride on the Nile in Cairo. you will have an unforgettable time on the Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo and get ready to take some amazing memorable photos. Try riding quad biking around the Giza Pyramidsby choosing a bike and touring with your friends around the Giza pyramids space. if you are searching for adventure so Mount Sinai tours from Cairo where you will climb the mountain of the prophet Moses.

[legendofthe3divas]

OMG I’M IN LOVE!!!

There’s a sped up version of between us (the album) now on spotify!!! When did this happen?!?!

I’m now listening to it on repeat!!!

All of the songs are sped up and there’s also other versions like ‘the experience’ and ‘the mixers edtition’.

Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?!?

[lilymoonstars]

How Do I love Thee?

Chapter 4 - He's Beauty, he's danger

Note - Thank you all so much for your support so far with this story! I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate it all. I was a little disappointed when I heard there wouldn't be a second book, I feel like there are so many missed opportunities to explore this wonderful world and characters they created. So, I decided to funnel that energy into this story and mix in a few of my own ideas too! I hope you continue to enjoy, now on with the story!

As a quick aside, there is a tiny scene of violence towards the end.

“Parker! Hurry up, don’t be late on your first day. I made breakfast.”

That meant you weren’t having an aneurism and that was burning that you smelled drifting upstairs from the kitchen. Rolling out of bed, you walked in to see your mum flitting about the kitchen. Dashing between the stove, the toaster, and the coffee machine.

“Mum, do you need a – “

“I’ve got it!” she shouted, holding up her spatula. Dodging stray egg that was flung your way, you carefully took a seat at the breakfast bar, wary of disturbing the sea of papers laid out om the countertop. Inching to look closer, the clippings were swept away by a plate of scrambled eggs.

“Voila! What’s wrong?”  she asked.

“Just checking for burned bits,” you smirked over at her.

Sticking her tongue out she poured herself some coffee. “I have no idea what you’re talking about they’re chefs’ kisses”

“Keep that up and you’ll be recording my death next. Second hand embarrassment.” Groaning around your mouthful of food.

“Well, we can’t have that. Not on my baby’s first day as a senior!” She squealed, pinching your cheeks in excitement.

A few of the clippings had scattered over the floor beneath your feet. Slowly scanning the article, your suspicions raised as you read the heading, “Bodies found.” The rest of the clippings varied in date, but all covered the recent attacks in the areas. “What’s this?” You asked, pushing it toward her. A wave of silence greeted you as she guiltily fiddled with her jacket sleeves. “Great. Mum, we talked about this! You promised not to go snooping.”

“I just thought, I could be a fresh pair of eyes, you know?” she said abashed

“Mum. You are a med-i-cal examiner, not a detective. We’re not in the city anymore, you can’t afford to upset anyone.” In your best parent voice, you told her, “Terri Rees, look at me. Repeat after me ‘I will not go into the big, scary woods where horrible murders have been happening.” You waited.

Crossing her arm, her features set stubbornly with a pout, she grumbled “I will not go into the big, scary woods where horrible murders have been happening... mum.”

“With great age comes great responsibility.”

“Well, little miss responsible, get that butt in gear or you’ll be late for your first day!” Swooping down, she planted a kiss on your head and hurried out the door.

Nerves swirled in your stomach as you padded up the stairs. The first day jitters were strong as the reality of the day set in. Taking the red crop top and jeans you figured that if you didn’t feel confident, you could at least try to look it. Grabbing your leather jacket and with a last swift nod to the mirror, you braced yourself for the day ahead.

***

“Here you have it, Crimson Beech High in all its glory.”

You and Gabe walked up the entrance stairs, watching the passing students file slowly and steadily through the front doors, trying to cling to the last moments of the summer. Two or three stopped to greet Gabe as you passed through the halls.

“Wow, Mr popular, however did you make time for little old me?”

“AS good student council president makes time for his people,” Gabe said with mock arrogance. “Now, Ms Reese, I must ask that you keep interruptions to an absolute minimum for the duration of the tour. It has been known to take upwards of ten minutes to complete and we have a lot of sights to see. Ah! Take this vending machine, for example. Circa 2010, it’s a rare, vintage model and if you look very carefully, right at the back you’ll see a mouldy chocolate bar still in its original wrapping.”

Stifling your laughter, the two of you walked the central grounds on your way to the admin building.

“This is the main quad or ‘hangout,’ it’s a popular spot for free periods and lunch. We have picnic benches on the South side of campus if you enjoy a quieter spot.” A nearby group of girls chattered excitedly about the latest episode of America’s most Eligible.

“Where the most important topics are discussed too.”

“LOOK OUT!” A boy with glasses cried through the courtyard. Out of the corner of your eye, a football was spiralling through the air on a direct path to your face. This was it. Your worst nightmare. A notorious dropper, public humiliation was 20 metres away. Weighing up your options, you decided to commit to the catch. It was either eating a football to the face or potentially become a hero on the first day. You raised your hands, but long arms snapped around you to make the save.

“Parker! Are you ok!?” Gabe gasped, his face crumpling in concern.

“Apart from going full Stefan on me and stealing my glory, sure”

He didn’t look convinced, but he relented. “Come on then, there’s one more thing I want to show you.” A large, glass cabinet stood outside the principal’s office. A golden statue of a woman donned in a trench coat and a crossbow strapped across her back, encased inside.

“Remember when I said people believe this town was founded by vampire hunters?” Gabe said over your shoulder, “I wasn’t kidding. If you believe the stories, Crimson Beech was overrun by vampires feeding on humans and savaging them.” A forlorn expression you didn’t quite understand settled over his face. “Hunters took it upon themselves to save humans and protect the town, eradicating the vampires within.”

“Neat. Vampires do fit in well with the small-town aesthetic. I’ll be on the lookout for fog and crows too.” You joked, trying to lighten the mood.

It worked as Gabe chuckled back, “duly noted, as long as you stay inside the town limits, you’ll be safe from any blood thirsty vampires.”

Doors ricocheted off the walls, echoing down the corridor as Cas slammed them open. A hush followed him down the corridor. Freshmen and seniors alike were quick to part in droves before him, each eager to avoid his murderous gaze falling upon them. In a futile attempt, Gabe was the only one brave enough to step forward to stop Cas on his warpath. “Cas, take it easy.”

Barely breaking his stride, Cas yanked his arm away sharply. His face contorted in fury, “where is he?”

A chorus of sniggering answered his question, several students pointing in his direction. “See? I told you he was a psycho,” one of them muttered snidely.” In a split second, Cas brutally slammed him into the lockers by the throat.

“Come on man, it was just a joke.” He said hoarsely, the confidence that fuelled him earlier was fading fast. His own hands weakly trying to prise away the fingers on his neck. Malicious glee spread across Cas’s face as he took in the pitiful attempts.

“Does it look like I’m laughing Danny? If it’s a joke, then laugh!” Cas demanded, slamming him backwards a second time for good measure. Danny’s feet were kicking uselessly against thin air, completely at Cas’s mercy. “You keyed ‘psycho’ into my locker, didn’t you? How about I show you what a psycho can do?”

Danny’s eyes widened in fear. Survival instincts kicking in, he swung wildly at Cas’s face, catching him square in the jaw. You gave a sharp gasp whilst Cas stood there unphased. One arm kept Danny pinned in place, he looked directly at you other his shoulder, his eyes never leaving yours as he wiped blood from his mouth. Forgotten, Danny fell to the floor in a heap.

“New Girl, I’ve died and gone to heaven, you look positively delicious. Are you here to kiss me better?”

“If you want to kiss me that badly Cas, just ask next time. No need to be so dramatic.” Whispers grew to a steady buzz, but you ignored it all. Everything from his sparkling brown eyes to the sharp lines of his jaw drew you in. He was beautiful danger.

“Cas Harlow!” An angry voice bellowed. A woman dressed all in black strode in his direction. Whatever had remained of the crowds quickly dispersed in hopes of avoiding her fury.

“Good morning principal Yao!” Cas greeted nonplussed.

“My office now!” She said, spinning on her heel and taking Cas with her.

“Parker, you promised to stay away from the Venandi’s, they’re dangerous.” Gabe said accusatorily.

“I know I did but what does that have to do with Cas?”

“Cas is a Venandi. Scott and the others, those are his siblings.” The morning bell sounded overhead as Gabe walked you to your first class. “Before I forget, are you free tonight? We usually throw a party in the woods to celebrate the start of school, you should come and meet everyone.”

“Oh, um,” you hesitated, “I’m not sure. I promised my mum I’d stay out of there.”

“Those attacks were way outside the town limits. I promise you’ll be safe.” Gabe assured.

Considering for a moment, you nodded, your mum had asked you to enjoy yourself. If everyone else was going it had to be ok, safety in numbers and all.

***

“To be absolutely clear, you aren’t leading me to my impending doom, right?” You asked Gabe, hopping over a particularly large branch.

“Parker, you’ll be fine, we’ve been holding this for 6 years and no one has died yet. Trust me.”

“That would be a lot easier if you hadn’t said yet.” Ignoring Gabe’s eyeroll, you carried on, “I’m just saying that this is textbook slasher flick stuff. The charming class president, the campfire, the deep, dark woods. Then bam, you reveal you’re a serial killer and everyone else is dead.”

“Aww you think I’m charming.” Gabe sang.

Shoving him, you trekked deeper into the forest. Distantly, music echoed through the trees. Fairly lights twined in the branches above, guiding you to a small clearing. Lanterns were placed around a small circle of chairs, emanating a soft glow. Gabe’s friends stood at the drinks table, waving you both over. A girl with shoulder length brown hair met you half-way, encompassing you in a bone crushing hug. “Parker! I’m so glad you made it! I was worried Gabe was going to keep you all to himself.” She smiled brightly. You’d only briefly met everyone at lunch, but you had the feeling that Libby wasn’t the best with personal boundaries. Luckily, Jade was there to rescue you.

“Libby! You’re going to crush her!” Jade said, dislodging her.

“Just because you hate any form of physical contact Jade, it doesn’t mean everyone else does.” Libby sulked.

“Libby’s got a point Jade. We need to make the most of it. Who knows when Gabe will let her out again,” Aiden joked.

A pink blush coloured Gabe’s cheeks “Shut it Aiden. I’m class president, it’s my responsibility to make sure she’s ok.”

“A responsibility you’re taking very seriously.” Aiden sniggered.

Wedging herself between you and Gabe, Libby threw her arms over your “shoulders, come on, we just finished setting up musical chairs.”

“Isn’t that a kid’s game?” You asked unsure,

“Not how we play.” Jade said mischievously, pushing Aiden into a chair, “in our version, the chairs are already occupied.”

“A game? I’m always up for a little friendly competition.” Stepping through the trees, Cas made his way down, someone else hot on his heels. Everyone froze at the sound of his voice, unsure what to do. The warm atmosphere frosting over. He was either completely oblivious or enjoyed this immensely. In the brief time you’d known him, you assumed it was the latter.

“I don’t remember you being invited Cas.” Gabe said. He was usually so warm that the ice in his voice unsettled you.

Cas stretched out in his seat, folding his arms behind his head. “That’s funny, I could have sworn this was a party for the start of school for all students. Now, I’m no straight A, teacher’s pet like you Adalhard but even I know that include me.”

“And I thought to celebrate going back to school, you had to turn up in the first place.” Gabe said through gritted teeth. Cas’s Cheshire cat grin spread even wider before his gaze landed on you.

“As thrilling as I’m sure your monologue on the architectural integrity of the library was, someone, aka me, had to make sure New Girl didn’t die of boredom. What do you say?” He asked, patting his lap.

“Why don’t you bite me instead Cas.”

Surging forward in his seat, he curled his hand behind your neck, drawing you closer. “Is that an invitation?” He spoke softly into your ear. His fingers slowly threaded through your hair, brushing it aside from your neck. Your eyes fluttered shut at his closeness. “I think you’ll find I have more than enough bite.” Snapping his teeth, he relaxed back into his seat.

“Cas, you need to leave,” Gabe barked, fury coating his words. Cas’s playful demeanour extinguished immediately. He’d been angry at Danny this morning but the tension between him and Gabe was palpable.

“Calm down Golden boy, no need to be so protective over your new pet. I promise not to do anything to her, that she doesn’t want me too at least.” He said, winking at you. Aiden caught Gabe before he got any closer to Cas.

“Don’t let him get to you, we want to make sure Parker enjoys the party, remember?” His words eased the tension from Gabe’s shoulders.

The music started up and you felt Libby follow behind you. “Damn Parker! How did you get Cas Harlow’s attention?” She hissed in your ear. “He never gives anyone the time of day! I mean he’s definitely hot if the whole asshole vibe is your thing.” She was doing her best to sound casual, but you caught the lingering look she gave Cas over her shoulder. Her mouth curved into a sly smile, “Gabe’s also pretty popular and he’s definitely interested in you. I don’t know if I feel sorry for you, or I want to be you.”

The music cut out away before you could answer. Gabe was too far behind, and Aiden’s lap was already occupied. He gave you a sympathetic smile as you bit the bullet and made your way over to Cas. Perching on top of his thighs, his hands snaked around your hips, pulling you flush against him. Tingles erupted over your skin where his fingers grazed your waist. “Does this bring back memories for you too?” You tried to laugh him off, but you sounded breathless to your own ears. One look at him told you he noticed. “I was wondering when I’d get me hands on you again, especially with Golden boy stealing most of your time. Don’t tell anyone though, it doesn’t really fit with ‘the whole asshole vibe.’”

“How did you-. “ You wondered as your stomach dropped. She might be Gabe’s friend, but you wanted the ground to swallow her whole.

“I have my ways,” he hummed into neck with faux innocence, twirling his fingers around your curls. Being this close to him made your head spin.

“Looks like you have competition Gabe,” Jade jeered from Aiden’s seat.

“I’m not too worried, the night isn’t over yet,” he replied stonily, tracking Cas’s every move.

“Oh, but you should be,” Cas muttered silkily from your shoulder. His palms gliding over your stomach as you rose to your feet re-joining the circle. Separation helped slow the spinning inside your head, yet as the music slowed for the second time, and you orbited the chairs you found yourself back with Cas.

“We have to stop meeting like this, especially when we have company.” Studying his face, you caught the tiny cut at the corner of his lip. “My offer still stands.” He said, hands squeezing your hips. Curiosity buzzed inside you; he wasn’t expecting you to take the bait. You were just the scared girl who needed saving from the dark. Playing with Cas was going to burn you, but you were prepared to dance in the flames. Carefully tracing his cut, you brushed your lips at the edge of his. For a second his eyes flickered with surprise before quickly darkening to something else entirely. “Don’t look now but I think Golden boy is two seconds away from hulking out.” Sure enough Gabe was glaring daggers into Cas’s back. “Calm down, you can have your toy back,” he carelessly shouted over his shoulder.

Toy? Of course, this was a game to him, well two could play it then. He was using you to get at Gabe, you couldn’t fool yourself about his intentions.

“The night isn’t over yet Cas,” Gabriel snapped.

“You really can’t stand not being first choice for even a second, can you?” Cas snorted derisively.

“For crying out loud, I am here you know. Whatever is going on between the two of you, leave me out of it.” You snapped. Gabe at least had the decency to look embarrassed, Cas just stared at you intrigued but for once didn’t say anything further.

“What did you do to those guys Parker? They’ve always gone back and forth but tonight they’re going for the jugular!” Libby exclaimed.

Unfortunately for Libby, your patience was wearing thin tonight. “So now this is my fault? How am I supposed to know? Cas and Gabe are both big boys Libby, I’m not responsible for them.” Libby was dumbstruck as Gabe pulled you down onto his lap. “I don’t think you understand the rules of this game,” you said.

“I’m sorry about earlier,” he said forlorn, “I was acting like a total jerk. He just really knows how to get under my skin.”

“Then why do you let him?”

A trouble look clouded his face, “just some old wounds that haven’t healed yet.”

“How pathetic Adalhard. The only way you can get her is to take her hostage.” Cas said, something dark in his tone. Libby looked slightly put out, forgotten in his lap. Slowly and deliberately, you draped yourself over Gabe. Every inch of you pressed against him and Cas watched you liked a hawk.

“Gee Cas, what’s wrong? If you ask nicely, Gabe might let you play with his toys.” You suggested innocently.

“You’ve been in my arms all night long; I don’t need to ask nicely for anything. If you’re real patient though, I’ll show you a good time real soon.” Nodding to his friend, Cass tipped Libby off of him unceremoniously, “let’s go, I’m bored.”

Chatter slowly picked up again after his exit and you excused yourself to warm up by the campfire.

“We all know what’s causing these murders.” A blonde said obnoxiously over the crackling of the fire. “Demons,” he revealed after a long pause. The others shared a look of disbelief but made no move to challenge him.

“Have you actually seen any of these so-called demons?” You asked.

“W-well no,” he stuttered, “but I still wouldn’t want to be in the woods at night.”

Dramatically turning to the left, then the right and back to him, you said, “Don’t look now then but that’s exactly where we are.”

Laughter erupted around you, “she got you there Tyler!” as his face flamed.

“I meant alone. If you’re so brave, I dare you to go for a stroll down that track for five minutes.” There was no light at all along the path, the darkness growing the deeper it stretched. You’d already broke your promise to not go in the woods alone, if your mum found out about that, she’d be worried sick.

“Aww is someone scared?” Tyler mocked.

“I’m not scared. Not of you, your stories or anything else in these woods.” Striding past him you propelled yourself down the path before you could second guess yourself. After the first few minutes, the path was getting narrower and narrower whilst the canopy got denser. Panic began to cloud your brain. Taking several deep breaths, you took out your phone and switched the flashlight on, carrying on further. A loud snap sounded between the trees making you swing the beam wildly before spotting a broken twig under your shoe. Laughing to yourself, there was no need to be scared, it was just the woods. At night…. Where people had been murdered. Oh God, what the hell were you doing?! Getting yourself killed to prove a point! You needed to-

“HELP!! HELP ME, OH GOD PLEASE HEEELLLLPP!” A blood curdling screech tore through the forest. Branches tore at your face and hair as you ran towards it. For a single moment you were alone, eyes darting trying to find whoever caused the commotion. A solitary figure stumbled through the treeline ahead. The sight was enough to make you vomit. A girl swayed on her feet, her front stained heavily in a deep red, a river of blood pouring from her neck. She was trying to stem the flow with her hands, but it was no use. Whatever attacked her had shredded her throat to ribbons. Strands of flesh dangled between her fingertips. She was halfway towards you when a shadow appeared behind her, slamming her into a tree. “Please help me,” she begged, the words gurgling from her throat.

“Shut up!” The shadow growled. Finally, they stepped into the moonlight enough that you could make out bright silver eyes, long fangs, and lilac silver hair. Cas!? No way was this real. What Gabe told you were just stories, right? It had to be a prank because you were the new kid. Stumbling backwards over some tree roots, you hit the dirt with an audible “Ooof!”

Dread curled around you like a vice as Cas whipped his head towards you. His face was unrecognisable, contorted into a visceral snarl, giving you a front row seat to just how sharp those teeth were. Teeth that less than an hour ago had been inches from your own neck. “Goddamn it, what are you doing here?”

“Cas? W-what are you d-doing? We n-need to get her to the hospital,” you stuttered in shock.

“No can-do, I’m gonna need you to come with me.” Clawing yourself back to your feet, you sprinted across the clearing. An inhumane roar blasted your eardrums, “get back here!” You could hear his footsteps getting closer, you weren’t getting out of here. Hopefully, you could buy that girl enough time to find help. Screwing your eyes shut you waited for the inevitable when suddenly he was sent flying backwards.

“Get away from her!” Gabe yelled, cracking a branch against Cas’s ribs. Shoving you ahead, he sprinted with you back up the track.

“Gabe, wait! That girl was hurt, we have to help her.”

“Parker, listen to me,” Gabe said seriously, “there is nothing we can do for that girl, but we can get you to safety. Now you need to come with me and do not stop until we get to your house.”

At your doorstep, Gabe brought a gold chain out of his pocket. A small, jewel encrusted charm hung from it as he clipped it around your wrist. “No matter what DO NOT take this off, please. If it warns you something is here, hide until I can get back to you.”

“But Gabe, what was that back there?”

“There are real vampires in this town Parker. That charm will tell you when one is near who wants to harm you. Now get inside, it isn’t safe.” Shoving you through the door, you watched as he ran back to the forest. Wasting no time, you bolted every door and window, checking in on your mum who was sleeping soundly.

For the last several hours you had been tossing and turning. Everything from the past few hours playing on repeat in your head. Vampires were real and living in Crimson Beech? Did everyone know? A burning sensation interrupted your thoughts as the talisman seared your wrist. Your bedroom door opened softly. “Hello Parker. I wish the circumstances were better, but I am so glad to see you again.” A streak of movement stopped at your side before a sharp whack landed across the base of your skull. The last thing you saw before the world faded to black was a piercing pair of silver eyes.

End note : As always, you can also follow the story on my Ao3 account: How do I Love Thee? - Chapter 1 - MemphisBelle - Choices: Immortal Desires (Visual Novel) [Archive of Or Own]

[jadesmycure]

Leigh Anne Pinnock Icons, like or credit jadesmycure if you save/use!

[buscandoelparaiso]

Hey Anna, so che non c’entra nulla con la canzone di Perrie ma volevo sapere se secondo te lei e Zayn stavano veramente insieme o è stato tutto pr visto che entrambi erano sotto la syco con le band?

Ho sempre pensato che la storia fosse nata come un palesissimo PR stunt per attirare l'attenzione sulla band del momento (1d) e spingere l'ascesa delle little mix. perrie e zayn erano la coppia perfetta dal punto di vista pubblicitario: lei inglessisima bionda occhi azzurri lui bad boy anglo-pakistano che veniva dalle case popolari e disegnava sui muri, 'na roba uscita da wattpad che per gli anni in cui e' successa era l'apoteosi del marketing musicale. Poi penso che col passare del tempo avessero iniziato a frequentarsi veramente fino al break up. Non mi addentro su come la cosa sia poi stata gestita per generare ulteriore pubblicita perche senno dovrei aprire il capitolo Management dei 1D e non e' il caso di parlare di quelle scimmie da circo. Tutto quello che ruotava intorno alla relazione e' poi tornato ad essere PR e anche la proposta di matrimonio a mio avviso era finta e fatta solo e per generare articoli, pubblicita etc in concomitanza con i vari tour e uscite di album. in realta' erano una bella coppia a meta' tra il vero e il falso, poi oggettivamente il breakup ha giovato alle little mix perche' glory days e' stato probabilmente quello che ha venduto di piu (e a ragione! iconico album dopo Salute che era irrangiungibile per l'epoca in cui venne creato)

[apexart-journal]

Mvelo Mahlangu in NYC, Day 18

This morning, I woke up, checked out at 11 am and luckily because I packed light, just carried my backpack with me everywhere. Today I was going to the National Mall and doing a self guided tour. Seeing the Capitol building in the distance, I realised that time felt different here unlike NY. Walking 30 min in NY for me feels like 15 minutes. But 30 min in DC feels like 40 min. I took the bus down to the national mall and started off on my tour. Before following starting the guide given to me online, I made a stop at the National Museum of the American Indian. I intentionally made this stop because I had never seen or interacted with anything on native Americans expect for online. At school and through the years, I’ve always learnt so much about the construction and colonial occupation of the US but never formally learnt much on the indigenous people and life before. To say the least, I walked out of there feeling extremely emotional. Extremely emotional and frustrated. I absolutely hate the idea that the progress of a lot of our societies to what it is today meant the culling and exploitation of indigenous people, indigenous customs and indigenous knowledge. And I say this as an African. But alas, let me not open those can of worms. 

My next stop was the Smithsonian National museum of Natural History. I was so excited to see fossils. But when I got there, it was packed to the brim. I experienced complete sensory overload as I tried walking through the building and marvelling over preserved remains of history while also keeping an eye out for time as I still had to make a bunch of different stops which were walks away. I could only stay inside for about 30 minutes. I then made my way to the National Museum of African History and Culture. It made me so happy seeing a structure dedicated to preserving archives on black culture from sports, to music, to art and film/performance. Again, I was quite overwhelmed by everything I wanted to see but also keeping an eye out for time. Walking to see everything had cut out so much time. I moved onto my next stop which was the Washington memorial park. At this point, my face and fingers were frozen. The thing I realised with DC or at least this particular region in the Capitol Hill was that, since there were no tall buildings and just flat land, the wind was brutal. That mixed in with the temperature and sho, I was going through it. Seeing the memorial tower was incredible though because I had only seen it in cartoons and films. And there it was, in all its glory in front of my eyes. I then made my way to the Martin Luther King  memorial which was so beautiful. From the stone carving to the lake. It looked so peaceful. I sadly couldn’t say long because of time and had to make my way to the Lincoln memorial. With my times, I was running about an hour over time. Making it to the m emorial, I could only stand there for about 5 minutes, because there were so many people. Looking aback at the view from the Lincoln memorial was incredible. I then made my way over to my last stop on the self guided tour at the Vietnam memorial, which was constructed beautifully. There was definitely a sombre atmosphere around as I could see there were people who were placing photos and flowers in front of some names, obviously for people they knew.  I then made my way to the nearest bus stop, waiting for it to pick me up and take me back to Union Station for my bus out of DC. I was in a little bit of a panic with time because the bus was not coming, I was cold, and also extremely hungry because in the rush of walking around, I forgot to sit down and have lunch. Since the bus was not coming, and there was a problem with my uber app, I had to walk to Union Station which was an hour away from where I was. Once I got to the station, I finally got something to eat and drink and reflected on the days events. 

While I enjoyed parts of my experience, I felt a bit disappointed at how my day turned out. In a place surrounded by so much history, knowledge, art, and things I’ve never seen before, I barely felt as though I got to truly experience any of it. And I say this without the intention of sounding ungrateful. This put into question the agency I have over my own experience within this program. Do I try doing everything on the calendar to say that I did it? Or do I immerse myself into an experience as best as I can to say that I understand it? Or rather how do I balance the both? It’s hard for me to say because to be in a new environment, all I want to do is see everything and do everything so i'll push myself knowing that I might not get another chance anytime soon. But then at what cost?

I finally got onto the bus and this time, someone sat next to me. I tried sleeping for the first hour of the bus ride, but was too uncomfortable, so could not sleep at all. The person sitting next to me, Rishard, started talking to me and we immediately hit it off! We spoke the entire way from Baltimore to NYC, 4 hours straight. He told me about his background growing up half Jamaican and half Nigerian, his reconnection to his Nigerian identity, growing up in NY but then working in DC, his career successes and extensive travels. It was so refreshing speaking to a young, Black, Queer and Successful individual working their way through the corporate construction and banking world. Of the many things we spoke about, we spoke about the politics of America, and I was shocked again at just how intense the cost of living has become. We spoke about Roe v. Wade and overall voting in the upcoming elections for both South Africa and America. One last thing we spoke about was him encouraging me to come back to DC. We arrived back in NYC almost an hour after the scheduled time, and rode part of the subway together. I got off first, and got to the apartment at 1:30am feeling so happy that I was back. Over the last couple weeks, this apartment has felt so homely and also been such a comforting space that I’ve been happy to return to everyday. 

I couldn’t sleep properly from body chills and could only get to sleep at 4:00am.

[jakesexy1]

Little Mix - Power (The Glory Days UK Tour DVD)

[ajoytobeheld]

Pick n mix

August 13th, 2009

A couple of days ago people starting playing their tour mix cd’s in the van, a routine tour manager Joe established on our last promenade around America. Everyone must sit and listen to an hours worth of music you select and then clap politely at the end.

For this reallllllly long drive we are all  listening to Gareths. I am very much enjoying it so far, including the little musical interludes from Frank Sidebottom who is a personal hero of his.

Mine was yesterday and here it is in full with brief annotations.

O Soundtrack my heart – Pivot 

Five Seconds (featuring Odd Nostom) – Peeping Tom (In retrospect I don’t think this song was well placed and is more of a third to last album track)

Hot N Cold – Katy Perry (our guitar tech Avel loves her work and her bum)

I Want You – Elvis Costello & The Atrractions (my friend Matt put this on a mix cd for me for my birthday, and I am a little bit obsessed with the melodrama of it)

Pot Kettle Black – Tilly & The Wall

You Oughta Know – Alanis Morisette (A trip down memory lane for us all. When I put this on in the car I use to try coughing over the swearing so my mum wouldn’t make me turn the CD off.)

Half Half & Half – Oxes

Oasis – Amanda Palmer

Animals – CocoRosie

And the Hazy Sea – Cymbals Eat Guitars

Growls Garden – Clark

Open Sky – The Distillers (in honor of her past glory days rather then the disappointment that is Spinnerette)

Howl – Florence & the Machine 

how it ends – DeVotchka (by this point the cd started skipping but it seemed to add to the overall ambience of this track. It’s that one off the Gears of War advert)

In conclusion it seems I chosen a lot of bands who use & in their names.

On a side note, I was told about a idiotic psychological experiment last night in which small children were put in a room with a single marshmallow.

They were told they could eat it straight away OR they could wait ten minutes without eating it and get two. The ones who ate it straight away all went to jail and failed at life, but the ones who waited it out now run all the countries. I think that’s the stupidest marshmallow based psychological experiment I have ever heard about.

Ellen x