#maine backyard photography

[fatsoxmainewildlifeblog]

Northern Cardinal Babies in Molt September 2022 Tenants Harbor Maine

[daily-deliciousness]

Grilled greek chicken with tzatziki sauce

[everythingwecomeacross]

Some visitors

[so-many-breezes]

Liminal

[snakegorl212006]

Move in

“I assure you this house would be the best house you’ll stay at” mr.Crowly said as we entered the mansion  “I see thank you for lending me this place” I replied and he smiled “why it’s not a problem. Sense I’m so generous, I already hired some moving company to handle your things” He said “oh I can’t thank you enough” I smiled “Of Course. As much as I would stay for your delicious tea, I have other business to conduct. You’ll have fun and your stuff will arrive shortly.” crowly said as he handed me the keys to the place and left. I decided to explore. This place is massive. Almost like each wing has a different time period and vibe. 

Wing 1 Heartslabyul

Victorian era

Across from the main house,where I’m staying, is the first wing. Crowly called it Heartslabyul and I can see why. Red was the main theme like the hearts I assume it represents. There were meny references to playing card and roses. There was a vase of fresh roses which had red paint stains. A gambling room which was cool. the kitchen which had some clover patterns on the floor tiles. There was some sort of photography room where things were covered by sheets. Underneath the white sheets were a bunch of couches and one blank canvas. I took the dusty sheets the the laundry room to do later. I continued to explore up the stairs to see a portrait of a young male with red hair looking like madam red’s kid if they survived. Not to say he’s not handsome but he just looked…stiff. I shrugged it off and continued my exploration of the second floor. They’re were tons of guest rooms,like give it 6 or 7, and a master bedroom which was the only room which had a smell of roses. Nothing much happened other than that. 

Wing 2 Savanaclaw 

90’s

Now this place looks wild. Definitely a more familiar rich and famous 90’s look. Velvet couches with tiger stripes. There were some African- like vases and some expensive looking furniture. Yet it looks comfortable. Crowly said out of all the wings this Savanaclaw has the biggest garden. I might check that out some other time. There weren't many guest rooms upstairs, only 2 guest rooms. But there was a gym and a main master bedroom. The kitchen was pretty big but not as huge as Heartslabyul. Maybe most of the budget is used for outdoor recreational purposes.or remodel for convenience. There wasn't much here so I left.

Wing 3 Octavinelle

Roaring 20’s

This place has a large swimming pool and a terrarium garden. Though crowley did mentioned this i haven’t seen any swimming pools outside only the dome garden in the backyard. I can look later. I enter inside only to be amazed by the amount of aquariums and the minimum lighting which creates a almost enchanting atmosphere. Downstairs was a meeting room which looks more like a second living room. There was also a ketchen which was more well lit and has seashell handles for the cabinets which is adorable. Upstairs there was an office, 3 master, and 3 guest rooms. What got my attention was a locked room downstairs. Crowly said all the rooms of the wings are unlocked for me to explore as much as I wish. Perhaps there’s a skeleton key somewhere. I’ll look later. 

Wing 4 Scarabia

90’s+1920’s Mix

What in the middle east. I know he said this was the most expensive wing but i didn’t think everything inside was practically made from gold. Not to say everything was but it’s just expensive looking almost like i shouldn't step in here. But i can’t deny this is the most inviting. There were velvet  couches in some rooms and  floor pillows in lounge rooms. accessories were more middle eastern and had some sort of high end jewelry. The ketches was more casual then others. More mellow and chill. There is an upstairs which had a music room and a treasury which was just left wide open…. Weird.. I looked inside just to be blinded by mountains and mountains of gold gems and a one random carpet. This could pay my rent for years. I closed the treasury and locked it tight so no one could steal it. Which reminds me to install cameras.

Wing 5 Pomefiore

Roaring 20’s

This is the only place which I knew part of the history too. Which also surprised me on how cheap the whole property was. This houses famous actor Vil Schoenheit who passed away from unknown means which includes his assistant Rook hunt and his protege Epel Felmier. Owning the property of who was once the most beautiful person in the world would be a dream come true for most of his fans. The wing was surely beautiful with royal purples. What stood out to me was the golden peacock throne in the middle of the lounge. There was a ballroom as well as a garden. Welp upstairs I go. This place has 3 masters and 2 guest as. One of the masters had a large vanity which had lines of skin care and make-up with a crown carefully placed in the middle.Ya this is definitely his.

Wing 6 Ignihyde

Steampunk

Dark and gloomy with technology everywhere, almost. Yet this place seems secure almost. The dim lighting make the place hard to see but i can tell there’s a tone of blue tents. There were skulls with gears on the walls. Kitchen was just as dark and apparently there was some laboratory in the attic. Which probably explains why there was a large dome on top of the wing. There was only 2 masters and no guest rooms. There was nothing in the first bedroom but in the second was there was a old realistic looking robot. On some broken charging station. Nope nope. I watched too many haunted doll movies. Last wing i go.

Wing 7 Diasomnia.

Medieval

Crowly said this was the oldest and largest wing on the property and he doesn't disappoint. This is like a mini castle which is not even lit by electricity like the others. Even the Heartslbyul was more well lit then this. I turned on my phone flashlight and began to look for matches. The lounge was huge which also had a throne which looked ominous to say the least. I began making my way to the kitchen to look for a match. I looked though the old black wooden covers to find old knifes and dishes yet no match. Then i heard rustling. I looked up to see bats. The whole ceiling is covered in black bats. Are those fruit bats. Ya i gotta get those removed. It’s unsafe for them to be here. I walked out and continued my search for matches. There were three floors to look at vs the usual 2 floors so i have a lot of ground to cover. Across from the kitchen though the lounge was a dining room the largest one i’ve seen. The creepy part was the fact there was a singular lit candle. You know what i give up on that match i have 2 more floors to explore so I gotta go. The second floor had a bunch of different quotrers, assuming for servants and guards. I’m assuming these are the guest rooms now days. On the top floor there was a library a large one 3 more guest rooms and one master room. The master room was pretty spacious yet this feels off. I ignored it. Besides, I’m not staying here. So i left. 

Main house Ramshackle 

present

When I arrived at the main house it was already like 9pm so I must have missed Crowley and the moving crew. I wonder what I need to re-arrange. The main house had 2 floors max with 7 guest rooms and 1 master which is my room. I did a survey and made sure everything is how I wanted. Dining room, office,ballroom, kitchen which is filled with groceries, lounge, and my room. Everything is in order so i should be fine. So i should get something to eat.

I managed to cook some (Favorite food) since I was craving it. There was no point in eating in the dining room so I ate in my room and watched TV, using my PS4 to watch YouTube. Mid video I heard a knocking sound. I paused my vid and headed downstairs with my empty plate. Silence. Then another set of knocking. I put my plate away and peaked through the eye hole. There’s no one there. Confused, I just left to go to bed. I wonder who was behind the door. 

[heartfullofleeches]

Quick Oc Intros

Just putting down junk of my main ocs to get them out there. Subject to change. No design details appearance wise are concrete except height for Elliott and Lee. 

Warning: mentions of death and implied cannibalism  

--- 

The Director 

Name: Elliott Wiltshire 

Age: 26 

Race: Human  

Pronouns: He/Him 

Personality: A cynical and sadistic man in front of anyone besides his darling or in the face of his works.  

Backstory: From a young age, Elliot had a love for film – horror to be more precise. The gorier the better. He wanted to be a screenwriter when he grew up. After reading early scripts he had written, his parents shot down his dreams – disturbed by their child’s craft. They pushed him to take a career path in his hobby; photography.  

While booked for a private shoot, tragedy struck resulting in the death of his client – final moments caught by the lens of his camera. He managed to slip away with the footage; a dark reality dawning upon him. It was a gruesome sight; one most films could not replicate. A horrible memorial for this person’s final moments; a new moment in film history. He could be the screenwriter he so longed to be, the director and executioner in the production of his fantasies.  

How he views you: You’re the only exception to his personal belief that a person’s true beauty comes in their death. The warmth of your smile is too perfect for a video to give off the same feeling. For you, he is willing to change genre in his film – a romantic thriller the perfect choice. Despite his passions, he’s fine with a normal, movie-perfect life. In a truly perfect dream, you’d be right along with him to create more masterpieces. So long as your heart beats he will remain by your side; waiting for the day you both draw a last breath and he sees you in your final glorious moment.  

Trivia: 

Hates most horror remakes. 

The shortest of the three. (5’8) 

If you recognize a character in a movie he shows you, no you didn’t.  

Bit of a masochist in the right moment. 

- 

The Butcher 

Lee Bishop 

Pronouns: She/Her 

Age: 24 

Race: Human…. 

Personality: A kind, soft spoken individual. She around her darling. Cold at times, she disassociates herself from her sins, but when hard pressed will claim then as her own 

Backstory: Raised by a stern business woman and a kind butcher, she grew in a sleepy town. Her father’s affection knew no bounds and her days were filled with smiles; until the accident. While returning home late one evening, a truck collided with their car on his side. Barely conscious, Lee remembers pieces of that day – the sight of her father’s face cracking like porcelain on the steering the only memory that remained.  

From that day forth, he was no longer the same. Cold, distant. His face had been permanently disfigured; body withered from the hospital stay. It was like he’d became a different person entirely. Had Lee been older, she may have realized what really happened that day. Her mother, unable to cope, killed him in cold blood and raised Lee in secret. 

A burglar breaks into her home one day, making it their hideout. They grow close, enough that the criminal takes off their mask for her to see their face. Her mother kills them as well, the stench of their body in the backyard haunting her. The taste of their dirt covered corpse never fair from her lips. She grew up and became a butcher like her father – keeping her mother’s last words close to heart.  

People always hide their true nature behind a mask. 

How she sees you: It’s hard at first to understand her feelings. She’s never felt the way she does about you before. An innocent crush that melts into unknown possession. Wants to be there to kiss your wounds and wipe the tears away, especially if she’s the cause.  

Trivia: 

Doesn’t sleep. Watches you instead. 

The tallest of the three. (6’1) 

The smell of human blood makes her nauseous.  

Knows how to hunt. 

Makes great chili (can’t cook much else.) 

- 

The host 

Name: Host 

Pronouns: He/It 

Ageless  

Race: Unknown 

Personality: Your typical game show host persona. Flirtatious with darling. Doesn’t take too kindly to cheaters. 

Backstory: A nameless entity that developed an interest game shows; dawning a persona to match. An unforgiving force; he toys with the humans he brings onto the show – adding to his adoring audience if they lose. They always do 

How he sees you: The star of his show. You’re unlike any human he’s ever seen; shining so bright. Bends the rules of his games ever so slightly for you much to the disapproval of his audience. You won’t end up like them, however. He won’t let you. No, you’re meant to have a permanent spot on the stage. His lovely little co-host for all eternity.  

Trivia: 

His audience is like a hive mind and not completely under his control. Still calls the shot at the end of the day. 

Willing to share you with them, but never lets them close. 

Second tallest (5’11) [in humanoid form] 

The only one currently with a finished design, briefly mentioned in his story here

[morbidsmenagerie]

Long Overdue Introduction

Hello, I go by Morbid! This is my bug sideblog, primarily about the animals I keep but I want to do more bug walks and practice some collecting techniques in the future. Also practicing photography, I use a TG-7, and it's my first actual camera I've owned. All pictures are mine unless otherwise noted.

I've kept a lot of different kinds of bugs, I had more a few years ago but had to go on a hiatus from the hobby. I've more recently gotten back into it. My main experience and interest is with scorpions, also experienced with isopods. I volunteer at the PDXinsectarium so I take care of other kinds of bugs that I don't personally keep.

I would love to receive scorpion pictures and questions, I also can do ID requests. If I don't know an answer I can probably find someone who does.

This is a bug positive blog!

I promise you I know that not everyone likes certain kinds of bugs. I don't care. I don't care if you have a valid reason or a phobia, I don't need to hear about it on posts I make specifically to showcase bugs I like. I tag animals with as specific an identification I can get and common names if applicable, I will also tag things as #spider, #scorpion, #beetle, ect if you want to blacklist a tag. I don't generally tag things as #arachnid or #insect because it's very broad, nor will I tag things as #arachnophobia because it's not conductive to what I want this blog to be.

If I had one goal of what I want to accomplish with this and what I want to do, it would be to help people appreciate the bugs they have in their area, or the often overlooked bugs that don't get as much attention as things like honey bees, butterflies, and jumping spiders. You'd be absolutely amazed at what you can find in your own backyard, and I hope that I can help show people some of these animals.

Wasp Zine

Making Better State Insects

Brown Recluse Identification Poll/Info

PDXinsectarium website

Best Beginner Scorpions

[dopescissorscashwagon]

Hairy Woodpecker female in Northern Colorado Foothills.

Hairy Woodpecker (Rocky Mountains)(Dryobates villosus)OTHER NAMESPico Velloso (Spanish)Pic chevelu (French)

The larger of two look alikes, the Hairy Woodpecker is a small but powerful bird that forages along trunks and main branches of large trees. It wields a much longer bill than the Downy Woodpecker's almost thornlike bill. Hairy Woodpeckers have a somewhat soldierly look, with their erect, straight-backed posture on tree trunks and their cleanly striped heads.

Look for them at backyard suet or sunflower feeders, and listen for them whinnying from woodlots, parks, and forests.

📸 Dagmar Leo Photography

[simstryingtheirbestok]

The save is indeed glitchy. 😠 Undine got out of the bath dressed like this:

There is a black bolero jacket/pink bustier colorway of this outfit, but this is the one I recolored for Velma (at this point I'd recognize 0xFF4480 anywhere). Undine has made the bold choice here to pair it with sweatpants. 😒

She and Carlos are also sinking through the main floor of the house, which is upstairs, and ending up in either the backyard or in Undine's art studio. They particularly enjoy this activity when I have instructed them to go to bed.

But we persevere! For now, at least.

It's springtime in Sunlit Tides.

Carlos got promoted to level 5 of the Music career. None of these pictures has anything to do with that achievement, unless you want to say that the +30/eight-hour moodlet from the kissing booth helped him get promoted (hey, probably).

The last one is Carlos "contemplating the meaning of meaning," one of those fun Brooding trait activities, and not hatching a dastardly plot to hold a local for ransom. Disappointing.

A Masterpiece sculpture continues to elude Undine, but she's had 3-4 Brilliant ones that have sold well, so their money situation is great now--especially because Undine completed her LTW and took No Bills Ever, along with some other nifty rewards. She's maxed Cooking, Sculpting, and Photography. For challenge purposes I'll have her try to max Painting as well.

With things going so well for the young couple, and Carlos off work the next day for Love Day,

conditions for a romantic evening together at home were absolutely perfect.

[bubblesandgutz]

Every Record I Own - Day 764: Liz Phair Girly Sound to Guyville

I was 15-years-old when Exile in Guyville came out. At that age, I was in a phase where I was fixated on loud, angry punk music and didn’t have much of an appreciation for contemporary singer-songwriters. Furthermore, my knowledge of indie rock was limited to the late ‘80s SST roster. So while I was aware of Liz Phair and her debut album, it didn’t seem pertinent to my interests. And somehow, I managed to go nearly 27 years without ever hearing a note of it. 

And then in the spring of 2020, a younger friend of mine posted something about it online and I found myself thinking “shit, if the younger generation is latching onto it, then I gotta get caught up.” So I pulled up Exile in Guyville on my phone while I was puttering around in my backyard and sure enough... I fell for its charms almost instantly. I think I’d always assumed it was more of a conventional pop record... a solo artist backed by hired gun studio musicians. The cover looked like a cross between a fashion ad and Madonna’s “Justify My Love” video. I knew it was a very “sexual” record, which only reinforced my assumption that it was targeted towards a mainstream audience.

But what I heard in 2020 was a scrappy young musician singing these unadulterated, unflinching, and resilient songs about being a woman in a male-dominated scene. Yes, it was an unapologetically sexual album. And yes, Phair had an eye for visual art, understood the allure of fashion photography, and shaped the aesthetics of her debut album to tap into that enticement. But this wasn’t Madonna. As one critic noted, Liz Phair had the appeal of a friend’s cool older sister---the one that smoked cigarettes, dated older guys, went to shows with a fake ID, played guitar, and let you rifle through her record collection.

The lore surrounding the album is too much to tackle here, but certainly a part of its appeal---the modeling of the track listing off of Exile on Main Street, the signing to Matador off the strength of her bedroom four-track Girly-Sounds tapes, the connections to the thriving early ‘90s Chicago scene, etc. The thing is, it’s a fantastic record even without that context. Songs like “Help Me Mary” and “Never Said” are just bangin’ ‘90s alt-rock pop anthems, even as they tackle the more localized issue of shit-talking and misogyny in the Chicago music community. Phair was obviously an untrained singer and musician, her vocal style being very matter-of-fact and the mechanics of her guitar playing being fairly simple. But when you hear a song like “Soap Star Joe” or “Explain It to Me,” those qualities elevate the power of the music. Like so many great folk songs, the simplicity of song structure and the relatability of the singer give the music its emotional weight. 

Ultimately, there has been no shortage of great writing on Exile in Guyville, and whatever I type out here will in no way match... say... what Gina Arnold accomplished with her entry in the 33 1/3 book series. But even if it’s a fun album to run through the lens of critical analysis or to examine as a reflection of a specific time and place, to me it will always be a great album that I immediately fell in love with in my backyard on an unseasonably warm spring day during an otherwise bleak time. 

It became my soundtrack to the happier moments of the lockdown era of COVID. I listened to it while I basked in the sun in my backyard. I listened to it while I grilled on my barbecue. I listened to it over and over again on two long road trips out to my grandparent’s cabin in western Colorado. It’s an album that feels like a beam of positivity projected out of the darkness, and it consequently felt like a perfect salve during those uncertain days of Spring 2020. It was an intimate, diaristic window into another person’s life at a time when we were cut off from other humans. It’s brash, fun, catchy, brutally honest, and timeless, and as the Northwest has gotten its first few sun breaks suggesting the upcoming arrival of Spring, it’s an album I’ve found creeping back into rotation in anticipation of warmer days.

[toadtrumpets]

Pictures for the second week. At the start of the week I decided that I wanted to try out some nighttime photography. I made 2 attempts, the first being an overall failure. I took many pictures in my backyard, but most of them were just completely black or framed weirdly. I learned from that that some light is still needed for low light photography. The second attempt was a recreation of a long gone photo I took using an old phone in 2017. I wish I still had it to compare. The main problem with the second photo was that it was out of focus. To get the picture at the right exposure, I had to turn off auto exposure, but accidentally turned off autofocus as well.

Another big struggle was just swallowing the embarrassment of being out taking pictures with a big ass camera. It's pretty stressful to go out of my comfort zone and accept looking a bit strange in order to get a good picture, but worth it in the end.

[fatsoxmainewildlifeblog]

I am really proud of these photos of a Red-eyed Vireo taken today 5/23/22 Tenants Harbor.

[architectnews]

Forest Hill Garden and Pavilion, Toronto

Forest Hill Garden and Pavilion, Toronto, Ontario Building and Landscape Design, Modern Canadian Home

Forest Hill Garden & Pavilion in Toronto

4 Jun 2022

Design: Amantea Architects

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Photos: Doublespace Photography

Forest Hill Garden & Pavilion, Canada

Toronto’s Amantea Architects has transformed the landscape of a single-family home in the city’s Forest Hill neighbourhood, clarifying its program while maintaining its lush, layered character. The Forest Hill Garden & Pavilion project comprises a fully redesigned backyard including dining terrace, patio, sports lawn, swimming pool and pavilion—all efficiently programmed within a 560-square-metre space—as well as a new front garden and entryway.

The exterior project began with Amantea’s collaboration on an extensive renovation of the primary residence. The client wanted to preserve elements of the existing landscape—notably the mature trees along the rear garden, which add to the backyard’s leafy seclusion—while extending the material palette and language of the house’s now-modern interior.

The landscape’s focal point is a new 47-square-metre pavilion spanning nearly the entire width of the backyard and pushed as close to the rear property line as permitted. Hovering above native grade on piers to mitigate its impact on the adjacent trees, the pavilion’s linear form is configured to preserve the existing vegetation. Clad in black to contrast with the surrounding foliage while visually receding into the background, the pavilion functions like a screen, creating the illusion of limitless space beyond. The house-facing elevation is an assembly of vertical cedar battens that gradually transition from wide and shallow at the building’s ends, which house storage and mechanical, to narrower, deeper and more widely spaced at its centre. The resulting moiré-like effect is especially striking at night when the pavilion is illuminated like a lantern, with warm light filtering through its screen and full-height translucent glass walls.

These glass panels admit ample daylight, limiting the need for artificial lighting while still providing visual separation; after dark, daylight is supplemented with tunable LEDs integrated into the ceiling. The pavilion’s core, finished with a warm and natural palette of marine-grade ply with cedar veneer and oiled cedar boards, is turned over to a washroom, a change room and a shower next to an opening in the roof that frames a birch tree and a view of the sky—zones deftly partitioned yet open to the surrounding landscape and pool activity.

From the interior of the pavilion, ipe flooring connects to the oiled ipe decks that frame the swimming pool. Mirroring the pavilion’s geometry, the new rectangular pool is lined with Algonquin limestone that extends horizontally on one side to form a deck wide enough for lounge chairs; nearest the house, the same limestone acts as a bridge to the dining terrace. The pool’s remaining sides are flanked by decks of oiled ipe that sit flush with the level of the lawn. The use of continuous walking surfaces throughout the backyard unifies the pavilion with its setting—an effect enhanced by a planted roof that visually extends the lawn to the perimeter vegetation when viewed from above.

Opposite the pavilion, the new dining terrace replaces an existing balcony-like platform framed by a masonry wall and accessed by a narrow set of eight stone steps; now, an extended sequence of wide platforms elaborates the transition from ipe dining terrace to limestone patio below, dispensing with the need for a guardrail and enhancing the feeling of openness. Raised to meet the level of the main floor interior, the new enlarged terrace also includes a generous custom barbecue station set against horizontal black-stained cedar lath with a powder-coated aluminum heat guard.

From dining terrace to pool, the elevation change is managed by a berm—sandwiched between two low limestone retainers, further subdivided by black aluminum planters and densely foliated to negotiate its steep descent—inserting a middle-ground to create a sense of distance between pool and terrace. Here and elsewhere, plantings (selected in collaboration with Tina McMullen) are structured for a modern look that nonetheless retains the loose, shaggy feel of the original garden.

In the front yard, Amantea updated an existing horseshoe driveway and intersecting front walk with new heated surfaces of concrete and limestone. The entrance, too, is modernized, with a new square stoop, orthogonal limestone bench and corresponding planting box framed in blackened metal; here, as in the areas flanking the front walk, a carefully proportioned composition of shrubs and low plantings replaces turf.

Forest Hill Garden & Pavilion in Toronto, Ontario – Building Information

Design: Amantea Architects – https://www.amarchitects.ca/

Site size: 1084 sqm Completion date: 2019 Building levels: 1

Landscape Contractor: Coivic Contracting Ltd. Pavilion Contractor: Niet Outdoors Planting Plan Designer: Bosque Landscape Architecture Structural Engineer: Blackwell

Photographer: Doublespace Photography

Forest Hill Garden & Pavilion in Toronto images / information received 040622

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, North America

Toronto Architecture

Toronto Architectural Designs – chronological list

Ontario Architecture News on e-architect

Therme Canada | Ontario Place, West Island Design: Diamond Schmitt image courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Therme Canada Ontario Place

Edition, 764 St. Clair West, Wychwood-Cedarvale neighbourhood, Midtown Architecture: StudioAC photograph : Double Space Photo Edition’s Second Location

La Belle Maison Mansion photo : Property Vision Media La Belle Maison Mansion

Toronto Architecture

Comments / photos for the Forest Hill Garden & Pavilion in Toronto designed by Amantea Architects page welcome

The post Forest Hill Garden and Pavilion, Toronto appeared first on e-architect.

[gnattyplayssims]

Expressionist Generation Gameplay Rules

Generation Challenges

First Decade - Environmentalism

Second Decade - Rock n' Roll

Marriage and Family

Teen marriages are no longer allowed

All babies born in 70's have one of the following traits: Active, Love outdoors, Vegetarian, Art Lover, Music Lover, Green Fiend, Outgoing

All babies born in the 80's have one of the following traits: Ambitious, Self-Assured, Materialistic, Snob, Perfectionist, Self-Absorbed, Jealous

It is no longer necessary to get married to have a happy ending

Same-sex relationships are allowed but marriage is not

SECOND DECADE: Babies must be born in the hospital

Architecture and Design

Eco Lot and Reduce/Recycle lot traits are now available

New items for the 70's: microwave, dishwashers, plastic furniture/toys, DJ table, solar panels, aqua zip, pride items, observetory

New items for the 80's: Marble floors, cell phones, cheap PC's (including video games), gym equipment (and working out on TV), hot pots, handheld vacuum cleaners, ball pits, music production table, boom boxes

The fridge, stove, shower and sink can now be upgraded (beds in the 80's)

Education and Hobbies

New music stations 70's: NuMusic and Electronic

New music stations 80's: New Age, Backyard, Easy Listening

New TV channels 70's: Romance and civic

New TV channels 80's: Politisim and Sport (No TV from 2a-6a)

Festivals of all kinds are allowed

Lottery is allowed

SECOND DECADE: Hedgehogs are allowed

Juice Pong allowed

Snowboarding is allowed

SECOND DECADE: Teens can join the computer club after school and spas, karaoke bars and arcades are now available

Camping and bowling is all the rage

Career and Money-Making

The following jobs are available to all: Criminal (boss), Doctor, Entertainment, Gardener, Military (officer), Writer, Critic, Culinary (chef), Painter, Detective, Secret Agent, Actor, Athlete, Conservationist, Business (manager), Civil Designer (civic planner), Engineer, Freelancer, Interior Decorator, Law, Salaryperson, Veteranarian

The following jobs are available only for men: Military (covert operations), Politician (politician), Astronaut (space ranger), Business (investor)

The following job is for women only: Politician (charity organizer)

Part-time jobs available for all: Babysitter, Fast Food, Fisherman, Lifeguard, Manual Laborer, Retail

War veterans earn $250 a day

SECOND DECADE: Jobs for all: Criminal (both), Politician (both), Scientist, Culinary (both), Astronaut (space ranger), Business (both), Technology Guru (start-up) NOTE: at least one main sim must be in business career

The following degrees require a university degree: Astronaut (space ranger), Civil Designer (civic planner), Education, Engineer, Law, Scientist, Veterinarian

Special Rolls

All YA sims in the 70's must have an artistic skill that they work on. Roll d10: 1) Guitar, 2) Painting, 3) Piano, 4) Writing, 5) Violin, 6) Knitting, 7) Singing, 8) Pipe Organ, 9) Photography, 10) Your choice or roll again

The sim who is in the business career develops a drug addiction. In 1985 roll d8 for the results of their crisis point. 1/2) Parties themself to death. Change one trait to Dance Machine, Erratic or Slob. Sim dies at end of decade. 3/4) Resorts to stealing to support habit. Change one trait to Kleptomaniac, Paranoid or Non-Committal until end of generation. In 1985 this sim is caught and loses job and is threatened with jail if they don't reform. 5/6) Quits cold turkey. Change three trait to Hot-headed, Mean and Gloomy for 3 years, pick one to keep for the rest of their life. 7/8) Listens to family and friends and goes to Rehab. Move them out of house for 3 years. When they return change one trait to Self-Assured, Neat or Perfectionist.

[goatgodschild]

Gear Acquisition Syndrome in Magen, Entry 1

I am not one of those who believes that, in this day and age, one must or even should gain everything from our own backyards. For one thing, excessive rock collection is a concern in gathering stones (see jade deposits or moonstones at their respective beaches, here in California). This has the potential to be as destructive, in its own right, as the overharvesting of plants or shells. Even with careful harvesting, illegal collecting is still an issue. There are practitioners who primarily or even exclusively use local materials, but I do not think we should all be equally bound to this, any more than all practitioners should be bound to create the sacred furniture of John Dee.

Overbuying of occult items often is an issue for practitioners, from "baby witches" to people who have practiced for decades, leading to anything from space issues and dust to anxiety or even financial trouble. While consumerism is usually blamed for this, or consumerism under another name, I have long felt that this does not cover all angles of this, and that it is not applicable to many practitioners who may very well struggle with this issue.

I was not sure how to get a hold on this, until I saw a Twitter thread written by Dan Olson just after the James Somerton affair. As I was not particularly close to that whole business, I'm not going to comment further on it. But apparently Olson noticed that Somerton had a $4000 camera as his second camera, and his "main rig being a $6000 camera with about $1000 in accessories". Scammers and overspending is nothing new, but it was later tweets in the thread that I found interesting.

"Again, on its own, this says nothing, it's just indicative of poor financial decisions, maybe impulsive purchasing, Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Biblical sins, but not crimes." "Paired with the constantly inflating fantasy scope of the Telos films it was clearly an expression of a very, very common bad filmmaker habit of 'if I just get the right gear then my movie will basically make itself' Buying stuff because it feels like progress."

Seeing this made me feel as though I had gained a breakthough in perspective. Consumerism doesn't explain why someone who isn't dependent on outside attention still finds themselves buying (for example) an egg-size moonstone with shapes on it like a polar storm. If that person isn't making a purchase video, isn't posting #crystalblessed photos or something -- what gain is there if the stone is bought but not displayed, verbally or not?

Consumerism doesn't line up with that scenario, but Gear Acquisition Syndrome does.

I found this article useful, and plan to go over it in a longer form later.

[papishesblog]

CRAFTING TIMELESS FAMILY PORTRAITS: TIPS AND INSPIRATIONS

/ Guide / By sogunde

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Key Takeaway: Capturing family memories is an art. By understanding the perfect blend of attire, setting, and emotion, you can craft family portraits that not only tell a story but become a generational heirloom. A continuation of our Ultimate Guide to Portrait Photography series.

I. Choosing the Perfect Attire: Dressing for Success

Choosing the right attire for your family portrait can transform the photograph from a mondane photograph to an amazing one. Ever wondered why some photos stand out? A lot of it boils down to clothing choices. This handy guide on what to wear for family pictures provides a comprehensive 3-step process. But here’s the main gist:

1. Coordinate, Don’t Match:

Gone are the days when matching white shirts were the go-to. Think harmonious color palettes. Check out some examples over at Papishe Studios where families aced this concept.

2. Comfort is Key:

When you’re comfortable, it shows! Opt for attire that feels good, so everyone’s genuine smiles shine through. No matter how an outfit looks if it is not comfortable it naturally shows in the final image.

3. Consider the Background:

II. Setting the Scene: It’s All About Location

Selecting the perfect location is pivotal. It adds depth, story, and character to your portraits.

1. Home Sweet Home:

Why not in your living room or backyard? The familiarity of an environment can bring out authentic emotions, especially with kids. Need proof? Just look at some of the radiant family portraits at Papishe Studios.

2. Outdoor Extravaganza:

Beaches, parks, or even urban settings can add a dramatic touch. But always remember to match the mood. A formal attire at the beach might look out of place unless that’s the quirk you’re aiming for!

3. Studio Perfection:

For controlled lighting and background, there’s nothing like a studio shoot. Embracing these tips and inspirations will ensure your family portraits are not just photographs but encapsulations of shared moments, love, and history that will be cherished for a long time.

III. Emotional Depth: Beyond Smiles

Sure, clothing and location play a pivotal role in family portraits, but what immortalizes a photograph is the emotion it exudes. A perfectly composed photograph with genuine emotion can easily outshine a technically perfect but sterile one. It can be stressed enough how important it is for the family to be comfortable with the setting, each other and the moment.

1. Natural Interactions are Gold:

Encourage family members to interact naturally. Be it a playful nudge between siblings, a hearty laugh shared by the grandparents, or a loving glance exchanged between parents. These candid moments breathe life into the portrait. Ever noticed the raw emotions in some of Papishe Studios captures? That’s the magic of authenticity!

2. Use Props with Purpose:

Props can be a wonderful addition if they add value or tell a story. Maybe it’s the teddy bear your daughter never parts with or a cherished family heirloom. Just ensure they don’t divert attention from the subjects but rather complement the story you’re aiming to tell.

3. The Power of Postures:

IV. Utilizing Light: The Unsung Hero

Lighting, often underestimated, is paramount in photography. It’s not just about visibility; it’s about creating depth, mood, and drama.

1. Golden Hour Glory:

If you’re shooting outdoors, the golden hour – that time just after sunrise or right before sunset – can offer a soft, warm light that’s just perfect for family portraits.

2. Studio Lighting Nuances:

For those leaning towards a studio setup, understanding lighting setups is crucial. From Rembrandt to butterfly, each lighting pattern can drastically alter the mood of the portrait. Dive deeper into the intricacies of studio lighting with this insightful family photography guide.

3. Play with Shadows:

Don’t shy away from shadows. They can add depth, dimension, and drama to your photographs. A subtle shadow can accentuate facial features and give a three-dimensional feel. It is natural to feel the need to remove shadows but be mindful of this.

Capturing a timeless family portrait is as much about technique as it is about emotion. By intertwining the two, you can create magic, something that resonates with viewers today and generations down the line.

V. Storytelling: The Heart of Every Portrait

At its core, every timeless family portrait is a narrative. It’s about the moments shared, the tales whispered, and the history passed down.

1. Thematic Shoots – A Trend Worth Trying:

Building your family portrait around a theme can not only add fun but also instill it with a deeper meaning. Maybe it’s a recreation of an old family photograph, a nod to your cultural heritage, or simply a shared favorite pastime. It helps in weaving a consistent narrative and gives the members something to bond over during the shoot.

2.��Sequels Can be Better:

Remember that adorable family portrait you took a decade ago at Papishe Studios? Why not recreate it? These ‘then and now’ shots can be heartwarming and underscore the journey your family has been on together.

3. Consult & Collaborate:

Communication is key. Whether you’re a family looking to get the perfect shot or a photographer trying to understand your clients, talking and sharing ideas can lead to an image that truly captures the essence of the family.

VI. Wrapping it Up: The Final Flourish

1. Post-processing Perfection:

The magic often continues after the shoot. Enhancing the color balance, tweaking the contrasts, or adding a vintage filter can often elevate a portrait. However, remember the golden rule – less is more. Don’t let the edits overshadow the natural beauty of the captured moment.

2. Framing & Presentation:

How you present the portrait is equally vital. Whether it’s a classic wooden frame, a modern digital display, or a canvas print, ensure it complements the photograph. Check out 3 steps to creating a what-to-wear for family pictures guide to choose a look that’s perfect from click to wall.

3. Cherish & Share:

With everything in place, all that’s left is to cherish the artwork. Share it with loved ones, display it with pride, and let it be a testament to the beautiful bond your family shares.

Call to Action: Ready to capture memories that’ll be cherished for generations? Connect with Papishe Studios today and let’s create magic together!

Finally, remember to check out our ongoing Ultimate Guide to Portrait Photography