#messmate

[lumberfurniture]

Beautiful Paris #Messmate #diningtable created for Teresa and Daniels beautiful home. Paris Dining Table Size: 1.12m W x 2.4m L Information link https://www.lumberfurniture.com.au/product/paris-dining-table/ #interiordesign #madeinmelbourne #reclaimedfurniture #customtimberbed #diningroom #customfurniture #liveedgeslabs #liveedge #interiordesigner #liveedgefurniture #furniture #buffet #custombed #liveedgetable #recycled #roundcoffeetable #diningtable #interiordecorating #consoletable #timberfurniture #reclaimedwood #newhome #entrywaytable #madeinaustralia #recycledfurniture #interiorstyling #timberconsoletable (at Moorabbin, Victoria, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqZ7kY0LMcC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fluentisonus]

thinking about it again (saturday night at sea by george cruikshank)

[i-give-you-a-fish]

Could you spare a silly fish?

So many silly guys to choose from

You get a Dragonface Pipefish

Corythoichthys haematopterus

[weirdanimal-tournament]

Round 1 Match 11

Messmate Pipefish weirdness: "Such a silly thing, it looks like if you straightened out a seahorse, or like if those worm on a string things were an actual creature [the wormstring things are not at all worms idc what theyre called they just aint]"

Stalk-eyed Fly weirdness: "love to pump air into their heads until their eyes pop out like a cartoon wolf going awooga"

[jakstimbervic]

Unveiling the Natural Beauty: Exploring Messmate Timber Flooring in Melbourne

When it comes to creating warm and inviting spaces, few materials rival the timeless appeal of timber. In Melbourne, a city known for its architectural splendor and appreciation for natural elements, Messmate timber has emerged as a favored choice for flooring. With its distinctive grain patterns, warm hues, and exceptional durability, Messmate timber flooring adds a touch of elegance and charm to any interior. In this article, we delve into the world of Messmate timber, exploring its unique characteristics and the popularity it enjoys in Melbourne.

The Allure of Messmate Timber Flooring:

Messmate timber, native to the forests of Australia, possesses a natural beauty that is hard to resist. Its warm tones range from pale browns to rich reddish-browns, creating a sense of warmth and sophistication in any space. The distinct grain patterns, featuring beautiful swirls and gum veins, add character and depth to Messmate timber flooring. Whether in a contemporary setting or a traditional home, Messmate timber brings a sense of timeless elegance, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Durability and Resilience:

In addition to its visual appeal, Messmate timber flooring offers exceptional durability and resilience, making it a practical choice for Melbourne's bustling households. Messmate timber is renowned for its strength, ensuring that the flooring can withstand heavy foot traffic and daily wear and tear. With the proper care and maintenance, Messmate timber floors can retain their beauty and luster for decades, making them a long-term investment in both style and functionality.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing:

In a time where environmental consciousness is increasingly important, Messmate timber stands out as a sustainable flooring option. Timber sourced for Messmate flooring in Melbourne comes from sustainably managed forests, ensuring responsible practices and minimizing the impact on ecosystems. Additionally, many suppliers in Melbourne adhere to ethical sourcing standards, ensuring that the timber used is legally harvested and traceable. Choosing Messmate timber flooring allows homeowners to enjoy the beauty of nature while supporting sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.

Versatility in Design:

One of the remarkable qualities of Messmate timber flooring is its versatility in design. Whether you prefer a contemporary, minimalist look or a rustic, traditional ambiance, Messmate timber can adapt to various design styles. Its warm hues and distinctive grain patterns effortlessly blend with a wide range of interior aesthetics, allowing homeowners and designers in Melbourne to unleash their creativity. From sleek urban apartments to charming suburban homes, Messmate timber flooring adds a touch of natural elegance and complements any décor.

The Melbourne Connection:

Melbourne, a city renowned for its architectural grandeur and design-forward mindset, has embraced Messmate timber as a popular flooring choice. Many homes and commercial spaces in Melbourne boast the beauty of Messmate timber flooring, elevating the interior design and creating a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment. Melbourne's appreciation for natural elements and sustainable practices has made Messmate timber a sought-after option for those seeking a perfect balance between aesthetics, durability, and environmental responsibility.

Conclusion:

Messmate timber flooring is a testament to the enduring appeal of natural materials in interior design. With its unique grain patterns, warm hues, and exceptional durability, Messmate timber enhances the beauty and functionality of any space. In Melbourne, where architectural splendor and sustainable practices thrive, Messmate timber has found a special place. From its timeless allure to its versatility in design, Messmate timber flooring has become a symbol of elegance and a testament to Melbourne's commitment to embracing nature's beauty in every aspect of life. Let us celebrate the captivating charm of Messmate timber flooring and continue to appreciate the harmony it brings to Melbourne's interiors.

[ltwilliammowett]

The ship's cat of the H.M.S. Centurion (or Malaya?) obviously had a rough night with its messmates, early 20th century

[jamesfitzjamesdotcom]

James 'The Frenchman' Fitzjames meets Terror

His messmates called him the Frenchman because he was fluent in French.

[warrioreowynofrohan]

Les Misérables - Madame Victurnien Spends Thirty Francs on Morality

One thing about this chapter that I hadn’t noticed before hit me really hard on the reread.

And there was one old gossip who went to Montfermeil, talked with the Thénardiers, and said on her return: “For my thirty-five francs, I have found out all about it. I have seen the child!”

We know that this gets Fantine fired and leads to all her misery that follows, and that is horrible enough. But on top of that: “I have seen the child!” What has she seen? Thisis the description of Cosette at the Thénardiers’ from an earlier chapter:

Her clothes being gone, they dressed her in the cast-off garments of the little Thénardiers, that is in rags. They fed her on the orts and ends, a little better than the dog, and a little worse than the cat. The dog and cat were her messmates. Cosette ate with them under the table and in a wooden dish like theirs.

…Cosette was made to run errands, sweep the rooms, the yard, the street, wash the dishes, and even carry burdens…It was a harrowing sight to see in the winter time the poor child, not yet six years old, shivering under the tatters of what was once a calico dress, sweeping the streetbefore daylight with an enormous broom in her little red hands and tears in her dark eyes.

This, more or less, is what Madame Victurnien saw. She did not saw anything about this. She did not do anything about this. She did not care anything about this. The ‘scandal’ for her was that Fantine had a child, not that the child was being horrifically abused and neglected. She knew that Fantine cared about her child - the cause of her ‘investigation’ in the first place came from the fact that Fantine wrote to the Thénardiers regularly. But Madame Victurnian’s ‘morality’ doesn’t include one particle of consideration for the idea that something should be done to help an abused child.

That may be the worst irony of all. Someone going to Montfermeil to ‘investigate’ could have been a boon - could have brought the crucial information that all the money Fantine was sending was doing nothing at all to benefit her child. The outrage that focused on Fantine being an unmarried mother coild instead have focused on the fact that Cosette was being mistreated, and on getting her away from the Thénardiers and to her mother, and enabling both of them to live decently. But Madame Victurnien didn’t care enough to even mention it, and people who would have cared - Fantine about her daughter, and Madeleine about both Fantine and her daughter, if he had known - were never told.

[lumberfurniture]

Stunning #messmate entertainment unit created for Patrick and Karen https://www.lumberfurniture.com.au/product/soho-entertainment-unit-floating/ #interiordesign #livingroom #entertainmentumit #entertainment #livingroomdecor #livingroominspo #interiorstyling #tvunit (at Moorabbin, Victoria, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CppGaUKLFbv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kaelma]

Linnaeus, a scientist: A whale is not a fish, because it has warm blood, lungs, and the mothers make milk.

Ishmael: Um, actually, the whale is a fish because it lives in the water. It's just a special kind of fish. My messmates, who have seen whales, agree with me, so.

[ianthe-is-a-bitch-and-i-love-her]

It's just, Kyr loves her messmates! They're her team, her family, she dedicates so much of her time and effort to trying to help them thrive on Gaea, and they fucking hate her! And she has no idea! It clobbers her in the face when she hears "I never liked you" said as if it were obvious. And it should be! Valkyr Marston is the worst! Her best idea of how to express love is to act like a god damn drill sergeant! She reduces Lisabel to tears repeatedly and thinks nothing of it! Hell, I've known people like Kyr, people who have twisted and contorted every part of themselves around a dogma, an institution, who filter every single one of their impulses through that lense, and they're always so god damn smug about it! Even ignoring the way it warps her good and kind impulses, she just radiates fragile, violent pride. How else could she function? How could she tolerate the harm she's done herself on behalf of Gaea except to treat it like a test that only she was strong enough and brave enough to pass, and to hold herself above everyone else who doesn't meet the invisible standards she judges herself by.

And fuck is it satisfying when she is finally able to see herself through her messmates' eyes. The sense of loss is palpable. But she makes the effort! She tries to do better by them! And we get to see that they were ready to love her, to embrace her, to be her friends. All she needed to do was act more like a person and less like a fascist ideal.

[focsle]

I was wondering if you've picked up any information on items like wedding rings or other love tokens among the whalers that you study. I've read your essays talking about domestic scrimshaw items, which are fantastic but -- I dunno! Wedding rings don't necessarily make sense for men doing hard work with their hands (and I know they go in and out of fashion) but I'm curious if there was something of the sort! Thank you for your aaaart and haunted whale men.

I feel like so many of those domestic items ARE the love tokens! Especially the yarn swifts that had so much labor poured into them, and the busks that, in addition to being an intimate object worn close were carved with all sorts of entreaties of love and remembrance to the woman it was made for. That so many of these scrimshaw pieces were these incredibly intricate domestic items (that would mostly be used by women at this time) that demanded so much patience and artistry speaks to the craftsman’s love. There are so many emotions carved into those things—ugh, I find such poetry in them.

I haven’t come across any wedding rings myself, but that isn’t to say there never was one! Here are some scrimshaw rings—they were likely just adornments, but who knows, they may have been love tokens too!

Men wearing wedding rings wasn’t a common phenomenon in the US until the 20th century. But whalers still remembered their loved ones left ashore in varying ways. Usually in the form of daguerreotypes, once the technology existed.

I always think of 2nd mate of the Arnolda, Benjamin Boodry writing on the May Day tradition of hanging a basket of flowers on the door of a sweetheart (in his case, a woman named Helen):

“I wish I was there to hang her a May Basket. I believe I should get into a 2 bushel basket and hang myself if she would take me in. here I set in my state room the door shut and my whole family of Daguerreotypes around me and my Accordion in my hand and I try to imagine myself in old Mattapoisett.”

Another mate, John Wilson, of the Wave talked about how his wife’s miniature gave him solace.

“it is hard and I still trust we shall yet get something if it is Gods will and far from home and far from home but the Image of my Wife is my only Consolation. The Island of Fyal [Fayal] Bearing E. NE. good Night. Lat 38 25.”

He mentioned sometimes speaking to his wife’s portrait while on the voyage. Whalers would hang them in their bunks so they’d be able to look upon them when they woke up. I’ve come across logbooks that had a portrait of the keeper’s wife pasted in the front cover, or poems about her. I came across a logbook keeper who held on to a cake a woman had baked him before he left, and was dismayed to find it spoiled when he finally went to eat it on his birthday. There were captains that brought some of their wife’s belongings with them, and talked about burying their face into them and weeping. Most of the ways I’ve seen whalers remembering their wives were less tangible than the scrimshaw tokens they made for them, but man did they still think about them. Physical token or not, their minds continually turned back to those they left behind.

Letters were some of the most prized objects of affection. Silliman Ives, of the Sunbeam, wrote about the importance of receiving letters.

“Speaking of letters leads me to remark that of all the people in the world, it seems to me that a sailor prizes a letter the most. Expected letters form the subject of many conversations for weeks before the ship goes into port. How many each one thinks he shall get, and who will be the writers. Speculations are rife as to the health of those from whom they are awaiting news. And if it is known that Jack, or Ben, or Dick were paying particular attentions to any certain young lady, previous to sailing, or if they are supposed to be engaged to get “spliced” when the voyage is concluded, many jokes are cracked at their expense, and numerous are the wishes of their messmates that they “may get good long ones, and chock full of love.” 

Nothing plunged a fellow into greater despair than coming into port after months at sea and receiving no letters, and nothing seemed to make him happier than when a letter did arrive (that is, if it brought good news). Old letters were clung to, sometimes from seasons’ past. They’d be read over and over again. There was even a market for selling the love letters they got to men who didn’t receive one, as whaler Ezra Goodnough once described:

“I sold a letter I received from a young lady of Salem and the only one to that I have received this voyage for two heads of tobacco, it being a very scarce article.”

Whoof, this was a long way of saying I haven’t come across any wedding rings yet, men likely wouldn’t be wearing them at this point, but they really did cling to their pictures and papers!

[weirdanimal-tournament]

Round 2 Match 6

Messmate Pipefish: "Such a silly thing, it looks like if you straightened out a seahorse, or like if those worm on a string things were an actual creature [the wormstring things are not at all worms idc what theyre called they just aint]"

Sailfin Dragon: "Agamids are a family that includes, among other things, bearded dragons, moloch lizards, gliding lizards, and spiky-tailed uromastyx. With a lineup that diverse (and those are only some of the better known ones) I could be here all day just submitting various agamids."

[seagulls-paradise]

in 1862, an artist sketched sailors on USS Huron lining up to collect their last ever ration of spirits. Until Congress discontinued the practice during the American Civil War, a daily alcohol ration was a staple of U.S. Navy service for nearly 70 years. One sailor lamented the ban going into effect on September 1st with a humorous song:

“Farewell to Grog”:

Come, messmates, pass the bottle ‘round

Our time is short, remember,

For our grog must stop and our spirits drop

On the first day of September.

Farewell, old rye, ‘tis a sad, sad word,

But alas! It must be spoken,

The ruby cup must be given up

And the demijohn be broken.

[handfuloftime]

Have they, you know, been messmates, and intimate together?

[ltwilliammowett]

Lucky Charms for a Sailor

Luck was something that every Sailor on board needed and held on to in order to bring him home safely. That's why there were so many items that could help. Here is a small list.

Personal items:

What brings you the most luck - when it comes from your loved ones. And then you gladly took a locket with strands of hair and you just didn't have any available then just fingernails leftovers or even teeth. But it was great if you tattooed a rooster and a pig on your feet to prevent you from drowning.

A found coin, not only to bring you luck but also to bring money into your pockets. A loadstone was also good, not only because it was magnetic and was used to charge the compass needles (which later became superfluous due to the further development of the compasses themselves), they were also regarded as magical and thus served as a lucky charm.

The caul, which remained on the child's head at birth, was the ultimate protection against drowning and was therefore highly prized.

Religious objects:

Even though religion was such a thing on board and priests were very much avoided, as they were simply associated with death, many carried a rosary or images of saints.

These were seen as protectors and some people believed they would bring them luck, even without religious belief. Hope with her anchor or an anchor alone was also a symbol of hope and was often carried around.

Parts of animals:

There were animals that you simply didn't want to have near you, but parts of them promised good luck. Like the infamous rabbit's foot, but never the whole rabbit. This was the long-eared beast and was not allowed on board because, according to legend, rabbits once sank a ship because they had nibbled on the rigging and everything else. But a paw was considered a lucky charm.

It was similar with sharks, nobody wanted them near them and so many hung a shark fin on the stern to keep them away. To make sure nothing happened to you if you accidentally went overboard, many wore a shark's tooth around their neck to protect them from attack. A custom that originated in the Caribbean and Polynesia, as the people there wore shark teeth as a symbol of masculinity, strength and protection from the gods. Europeans wore them to bring good luck and protection.

In one case, they preferred to have the whole animal with them and that was a black cat. These sweet velvet paws were reviled on land as servants of the devil, but on board a ship they were an absolute lucky charm. Not only did they catch rats and mice, but they were also said to be able to tell the weather, they were also a popular mascot that had to be looked after and if one behaved well with them one was also rewarded with cuddles if one was lucky.

People:

Children born on board were considered lucky charms for the whole crew and the ship, and if you didn't have one, the comrade with the gold earring was a popular hammock neighbor and messmate. Because his proximity alone was enough to protect you from disaster.

A naked woman at the bow was also a good idea to ward off disaster. But please don't run off now and undress the captain's or lieutenant's wife and put her up front. That would only cause unnecessary annoyance - from her and her husband. Leave that to the Figurehead, because she was enough to calm the sea.

Protection for the ship itself:

Well, not only the crew needed a bit of luck, but also the wooden lady, so they liked to nail an upturned, worn horseshoe to the mast to catch the luck and keep it inside. Otherwise, the coins that were worked in under the mast were also regarded as lucky charms and, according to my theory, also as payment for the ferryman.

What was also good was if you painted a few eyes in a small area, usually near the bow. They were supposed to foresee dangers and conjure up good fortune, just as they had once done in ancient times, where they were painted on the bow as forerunners of the Figurehead.

Hexmarks (engraved or painted circles) were also considered lucky charms and protection against dark forces, who knew where the next witch was up to mischief and therefore had to protect themselves.