#san andreas ca

[the-hometown-aesthetic]

[clairity-org]

Andrea della Robbia, Virgin and Child with Putti, ca. 1490-1495, 11/23/22 #legionofhonor #artmuseum by Sharon Mollerus

[carloskaplan]

Andrea Vaccaro: San Sebastián (ca. 1635)

[sniperct]

Rewatching San Andreas, I legitimately love this movie but man, they focus on San Francisco at the end because that was the bulk of the action

But there's the implied apocalypse part they don't talk about.

The entire CA coast is wrecked, LA and SD are likely as bad off as SF. The loss of life is apocalyptic.

The cities of Laughlin, Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City in NV/AZ were wiped off the map when Hoover Dam collapsed. Like they're GONE gone. Plus huge swaths of farmland in CA is also likely wiped out.

Las Vegas and indeed a good part of AZ and southern CA are kinda fucked with Lake Mead gone as they all depend on that water.

In fact the entire United States is several layers of fucked. Setting aside the economic catastrophe (CA is like, the 5th largest economy in the world), there's the fact CA supplies a lot of food to the rest of the US.

[geekynerfherder]

Modern Eden Gallery presents 'Boreal', a group art exhibition that focuses on the wild flora and fauna inhabiting the Boreal Forests and the coniferous trees that offer sanctuary for wild nature.

Selected art by Andrea Guzzetta, Bob Doucette, Pamela Mower-Conner, Aunia Kahn, Mary Esther Munoz, Julia Jenkins and Jana Brike.

The opening reception is on Saturday January 13 from 6-9pm PT and will be on display until February 1 2024 at Modern Eden Gallery, 1100 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109, and on view at the Modern Eden website.

[rabbitcruiser]

Bixby Bridge, CA (No. 3)

Over 300,000 board feet (700 m3) of Douglas fir timber, used to build a 250-foot (76 m) high falsework to support the arch during construction, was transported from the railroad terminal in Monterey over the narrow, one-way road to the bridge site. The falsework, built by crews led by E. C. Panton, the general superintendent, and I. O. Jahlstrom, resident engineer of Ward Engineering Co., was difficult to raise, because it was constantly exposed to high winds. Some of the falsework timbers were 10 by 10 inches (250 mm × 250 mm).[18] It took two months to construct the falsework alone. When high waves threatened the falsework foundation, construction was halted for a short time until winter storms abated.

The crews excavated 4,700 cubic yards (3,600 m3) of earth and rock. Eight hundred and twenty-five trucks brought in 600,000 pounds of reinforcing steel. Sand and gravel were supplied from a plant in Big Sur.

Construction required 45,000 sacks or 6,600 cubic yards (5,000 m3) of cement which was transported from Davenport, near Santa Cruz, and from San Andreas. Crews began placing concrete on November 27. The concrete was transported across the canyon on platforms using slings suspended from a cable 300 feet (91 m) above the creek.

The bridge was completed on October 15, 1932, although the highway was not finished for another five years. At its completion, the bridge cost $199,861 and, at 360 feet (110 m), was the longest concrete arch span on the California State Highway System. The bridge was necessary to complete the two-lane road which opened in 1937 after 18 years of construction. The completion of construction was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dr. John L.D. Roberts, who had conceived of the need for the road.

Source: Wikipedia

[thekristinhersharchives]

Throwing Muses. Kristin Hersh photographed during an in-store performance at Tower Records in San Francisco, CA, on January 25th 1995.

via Andrea on Twitter

[roadsidepeek]

The killing moon Will come too soon Located in a town on the southern San Andreas fault line and in an area expected by many to feature California’s largest earthquake in modern history is the Ski Inn. Famous for its dollar bills with guest names plastered all over, the Ski Inn at 223 feet below sea level has been featured in shows such as The Mentalist. Bombay Beach CA #roadsidepeek #roadside #ski #inn #bombaybeach #cali #worldinmyeyes https://www.instagram.com/p/CobR435rM3J/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[citrine444]

character basics ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅

Abril Valdivia picked up her key from the front desk two months ago. The twenty-four year old uses she/her pronouns and is a Graduate Student and Tattoo Apprentice at Caos Tatoos on the Catalina from Tijuana, Mexico. According to her apartment application, people have told her she looksa lot like Andrea Chaparro and the character they identify with most is Eleanor Shellstrop from The Good Place. Santa Moneda gives you a warm welcome, and we hope you enjoy your stay. (sophie, 24, she/her, gmt - 8)

-- Basics

full name: abril sosa valdivia

hometown: tijuana, mexico / san diego, ca

sexuality: pansexual

birthday: april 9th

zodiac: aries sun, gemini moon, cancer rising

height: 5'6"

languages spoken: spanish, english

relationship status: single

traits: witty, creative, resourceful, protective, loyal, defensive

-- Background (tw death, addiction)

abril was born in tijuana, mx to loving parents maria elena and antonio. life in her formative years are remembered fondly, as she grew up with two supportive parents who offered her the best experiences they could. however, tragedy struck just days after turning eight, when abril unexpectedly lost her mother to a rare heart condition, leaving her and her father heartbroken.

abril's father, overcome with grief, sought solace in the pursuit of wealth and success for him and his only daughter. what began innocently with weekend trips to the casino soon escalated into an all-encompassing gambling addiction. his relentless pursuit kept him away from home for days on end, chasing one get-rich quick scheme after another.

as days turned into nights, her father's absence became routine for abril. with no siblings to rely on, abril was left to live with her ailing grandmother. working at the local laundromat, commissioning her doodles, performing chores for neighbors, and even seizing opportunities to pickpocket became her strategy for survival.

although not particularly fond of school, abril was encouraged by her grandmother to pass her classes in hopes of forging a new path for herself. a diploma meant a ticket out of the city that reminded her of her parents. years of mourning the loss of her mother in isolation, coupled with the neglect of her basic needs, led to the resentment towards her father for the choices he made a desire for a stable future. once she graduated high school, she attended university in san diego, ca. during her senior year of school, her grandmother passed away. she never got to see her graduate. even after receiving her degree, the city's proximity to her home town served as a constant reminder of the life she wanted to escape. she needed a fresh start.

following graduation, abril decided to pursue a graduate degree in psychology in a valparaíso. abril is determined to seize the opportunity for the new beginning she craved. however, years of maturing at an accelerated rate have set her up to make some reckless choices as a young adult with newfound freedom.

-- Personality

abril operates primarily in her self-interest, and her demeanor is marked by a sense of self-assuredness. she tends to be judgmental of others and their choices as she has a history of being let down by those she loves and trusts. her fear of commitment manifests in a tendency to engage in casual relationships, and her dry wit, though sharp, can be occasionally off-putting to those around her. despite these qualities, abril possess a scrappy resilience that has served her well. her loyalty to the people she loves is unwavering, and her street smarts make her a resourceful and trustworthy companion when things get hard.

-- Headcannons

loves art, doodles and paints in her spare time. sometimes she takes commissions from shop owners to add street art to the walls of their businesses.

tattoo apprentice

chases a good time (gimme one margarita)

loves astrology and crystals

is very financially conscious

has a cat named flora

commitment issues queen

-- Connections

short-lived romances: abril does have some, how do u say commitment issues. i'd love to see her forage an enemies-to-lovers type of situationship. enemies with benefits if u will.

the best friend from childhood: abril moved to chile after finding out a childhood best friend of hers lives here and is thriving. i'd love for her to have a connection with someone she can let her guard down around!

caos tattoos: u have been promoted ! any of her friends who work at this parlor that she practices tattooing, gossips with, or goes out to party with after her shift.

the unlikely duo (taken): it's hard to imagine abril in an established friend group, but i'd love to see her befriending someone with a sunnier personality! perhaps they bond over a shared love for art <3

shop owner (taken): someone to commission her to do street art on their building for tourists

queer girl romance (taken) &lt;3: abril's queerness is going to be something that she is going to explore now in the city (denile is a river in egypt). i'd love for there to be a queer woman or nb person in her life that she secretly adores and just can't seem to figure out why (she needs them biblically) .

[elizabethplaid]

Gerard, wearing Pullip Assa’s jumpsuit

saved from my flickr archive - Sept 7, 2009

2009ish, I went a bit crazy for doll-sized jumpsuits. Pullip Assa and a certain Petworks Momoko were the biggest reasons. No hope of getting the Momoko, but I managed to get some of Pullip Asa's stock outfit. I got the long-sleeved shirt, the jumpsuit, and her bag.

I'm still fascinated by these (screen printed?) "patches", with English phrases. (Pullip is made by Groove Inc, formerly Jun Planning, and is based in Korea, afaik.) Alas, this series of pics got cut from my flickr page, amid the purge.

Photo descriptions below the cut.

1- Gerard is a playline action figure that I acquired through a Canadian friend. (I regret trading my repaint and her awesome wig, but I still really love this guy.) At the time, I thought he resembled actor Gerard Butler. Aside from his great (almost too many!) joints, I really love his beard.

I think the line is called World Peacekeepers. (Maybe “Power Team”?) Andrea @dollsahoy knows that they're a very good line for customs. And yes, he's standing on his own, without shoes.

This jumpsuit is purposely baggy. It's even baggy enough to fit my "broad"-sized Ken. The striped shirt underneath is from an early-2000s Ken fashion pack, iirc.

Please note the backwards "music" design on the right-hand lapel. Or it could be a stylized "wazic" upside-down.

2- Portrait view. On the left-hand chest, a curved banner with the text "American" (all caps). On the pocket, a smaller version of the circular logo that's on the back of the jumpsuit. At this size, you can read PubblP Pullip in fancy lettering. The web address isn't easy to read.

3- A broad view of the legs. The close-ups in the next images show the designs better.

4- Right hip area. Above the waist line, near the side-seam, "Beach Deli 125[?] Pacific Coast Hwy Holister CA". Tiny letters are tough to read, so that might not be the correct number.

Below the waistline, there's a curved banner that follows the opening of the hip-pocket: "pullip" (all caps).

5- Along the outside seam, between the hip and cargo pockets, there's a strap-band thing? Idk, I think it's supposed to help hold Assa's tools in her pocket.

Just above the knee is a large cargo pocket. There's a pink-and-white star ribbon "tag" sewn in a loop on one side. The pocket's "patch" looks like a sign. "Neighborhood Watch" with a lady holding a surfboard. "Community of Hermosa Beach" at the bottom. All the text is in caps again. I just hate reading all-caps.

6- Left leg, viewed from the front. Below the hip pocket is a black cow (with udder; odd detail) on a yellow background. Next is a yellow square: "get wet" in large letters; "feet in san diego" in smaller text below that.

I can't read this next one. Tiny text, then "great takers?" in larger text. Can't figure out what that splotchy design is supposed to be.

"Best Male Performance", with a goateed guy in sunglasses.

Thin cargo pocket at the bottom of the pant leg, likely to hold Assa's screwdriver. "Trust me... I'm a director", again in all-caps.

7- Right sleeve. A blue number 6, no background. In black text, "t-shirts are played" in all caps, also with no background.

8- Backside, broad view. Guess I didn't photograph the "patch" on the left sleeve, oops. Back-torso design shown in next image. On the left butt-area, another number 6 and "want some action?"

9- Back torso. Shoulder banner with a "stitched" border and military chevrons. "082 N'ENG basic style"

Two curved bits above the circular logo, both say "American" but in different colors.

Circular logo says "PubblP" "Pullip" in fancy script. Middle circle is a stylized photo of Asa herself. Underneath is a web address, likely defunct by now:  www.yrmania.com

[werklie]

Lorsque tu m'as répondu et que nous avons recommencé à parler, tu as dit une phrase qui m'est restée longtemps en tête.

"J'ai aimé sa persévérance"

Je me souviens m'être senti blessé parce que je l'avais fait aussi. J’ai persévéré aussi longtemps que je le pouvais, faisant tout ce que je pouvais dans la position dans laquelle je me trouvais. Tu ne peux pas imaginer que le fait de ne pas avoir de lien direct avec ta vie m'ait gêné. J'avais persévéré mais tu avais rendu toutes mes tentatives vaines et presque méprisées. Les autres non.

Je pense que je n'ai trouvé la réponse que maintenant. La réponse à la raison pour laquelle ma persévérance cette fois-là, tout comme cette fois-ci, se terminait davantage par un harcèlement non désiré, plutôt que de persévérer comme vous le souhaitez. Ma persévérance s’est accompagnée à maintes reprises d’un comportement incorrect, peut-être pire que le précédent.

J'ai compris que la persévérance n'est utile et appréciable que si elle s'accompagne d'un meilleur comportement que le précédent, de bonnes intentions, d'une envie de s'améliorer.

Tu sais, j'ai toujours eu ce désir, mais je n'ai jamais pu l'appliquer, et je m'en excuse.

Je me suis promis de ne pas m'excuser une seule fois dans ce post, car j'imagine que tu en auras désormais marre de mes excuses, mais je n'y peux rien. Chaque partie de moi veut te le demander, en espérant qu'au moins une partie de toi veuille sincèrement me pardonner et me donner une autre, énième chance.

Je ne sais même pas comment espérer que tu liras tout cela, j'espère juste que le destin ramènera ta attention sur moi et nous permettra d'avoir cette amitié que j'ai trop souvent risqué de détruire.

Je ne sais pas combien de fois je vous ai dit que j'avais changé et différent, mais le temps passe, ma vie est à nouveau différente et je suis à nouveau différent. J'adorerais avoir une conversation paisible avec toi, sans mon ego et sans tes murs. Je m'en soucierais beaucoup.

Tu peux toujours me trouver ici.

Je t'ai écrit tout cela en français parce que c'est la langue de mes sentiments les plus sincères et tu m'as dit un jour que c'était l'une de vos langues les plus expressives. J'espère que c'est toujours le cas.

Je t'aime bien, Andrea, non Aner

[18thvariation]

2022 annual review

What can I say... except that I’m feeling defeated amidst the storm of eugenic gaslighting and COVID minimization constantly swirling around us. It is a dark time to be in public health, but it’s even more devastating when your own field turns against its own alleged values. To those still holding the line and speaking our truths, I echo your defiance.

I’ll continue to show up day after day and do my best.

Notable Happenings

Long-awaited reunion with Quag - skating in North Van

Monkeypox vaccine campaign

J+K wedding in Tofino (Wickaninnish Beach)

Expanding my teaching practice :) 

Camping with Lady @ Sproat Lake

Norcal trip: Monterey, Big Sur, Napa/Sonoma, San Francisco

Highlights: McWay sunset, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Asian Art Museum, Legion of Honor

Influenza vaccination campaign

Adopting Goose! (@thecutestgoose)

Books that influenced me:

What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma (Foo, Stephanie)

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent (Wilkerson, Isabel)

Border and Rule: Global Migration, Capitalism, and the Rise of Racist Nationalism (Walia, Harsha)

All the Living and the Dead: From Embalmers to Executioners, an Exploration of the People Who Have Made Death Their Life's Work (Campbell, Hayley)

All That Moves Us: A Pediatric Neurosurgeon, His Young Patients, and Their Stories of Grace and Resilience (Wellons, Jay)

The Inevitable: Dispatches on the Right to Die (Engelhart, Katie)

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory (Doughty, Caitlin)

Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival & Hope in an American City (Elliot, Andrea)

On Fire: The Burning Case for a Green New Deal (Klein, Naomi)

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowkedge, and the Teachings of Plants (Kimmerer, Robin Wall)

No Is Not Enough: Resisting Trump’s Shock Politics and Winning the World We Need (Klein, Naomi)

The Emergency: A Year of Healing and Heartbreak in a Chicago ER (Fisher, Thomas)

Dear Life: A Doctor’s Story of Love and Loss (Clarke, Rachel)

The Vaccine Race: Science, Politics, and the Human Costs of Defeating Disease (Wadman, Meredith)

The Facemaker: One Surgeon's Battle to Mend the Disfigured Soldiers of World War I (Fitzharris, Lindsey)

A Good Time to be Born: How Science and Public Health Gave Children a Future (Klass, Perri)

The Magical Language of Others (Koh, E.J.)

Chinatown Pretty: Fashion and Wisdom from Chinatown’s Most Stylish Seniors (Lo, Andria)

Favourite Movies/TV series

SPY x FAMILY

Crash Landing on You

Twenty-Five Twenty-One

Hospital Playlist

The Farewell

Favourite foodie experiences

Brasserie Coquette (Kitsilano)

Sushi Time (Kerrisdale)

MELLO (Kerrisdale)

Esteban (Monterey, CA)

Palette Tea House (San Francisco, CA)

California Fish Market (San Francisco, CA)

[jade-escobar]

Behind the Curtain | Jadrigo+

Featuring: Jade Clark, Rodrigo & Emiliana Escobar; mentions of Khamani Smith & Jeanette Shapiro Location: Jade’s work place, Cannon’s birthday party, and Jade & Clover’s apartment, San Francisco, CA Time Frame: April 30, 2023 throughout the morning & afternoon Notes/Triggers: Mentions of physical & emotional/psychological abuse

Jade

Jade was pulling up to the park where she'd be dropping off the cake. She didn't want to be the one to do it. In fact, she very nearly begged Andrea to do it. But it made zero sense to pull her or the other two crew members from their prep and cooking to do a delivery. So she secured the sheet cake in her van and made the trip to the park. Her mind was so full of dread and anxiety that she'd not given too much thought to her outward appearance. Her work clothes were still relatively clean and her waist apron had some flour and dyed buttercream smeared on it but, but she was baking that morning and had sweated some of her make-up to a thin layer. She'd pat-dried some of it and let the A/C in her van cool her back down but otherwise hadn't had the chance to re-apply anything.

When she reached the park, she sent a text to Khamani asking him to meet her near the van. She suspected that, because of his relation to Luna, that Rodrigo and possibly his mom would be at the birthday party. Before this past Wednesday, Jade had planned on attending the birthday party as a guest herself and arriving with the cake. But she'd quickly busied herself with work following the call with her mother, and a follow-up visit in person two days ago. Khamani approached her and Jade mostly kept her gaze down but her expression polite, friendly as she handed off the boxed sheet cake. She passed on her birthday wishes to his son and kept their interaction short before the tall man started back towards the festivities. Drawing in a shaky breath, Jade chanced a glance up, only to feel her heart drop and her stomach lurch at the sight of Rodrigo approaching her.

Rodrigo

Rodrigo was glad he was invited to Cannon's birthday party. It would serve as a distraction and he got the chance to catch up with his cousins again. He really did owe it to Luna and Khamani's wedding for having the opportunity to get to see everyone again and being so active in their lives. After some family drama, seeing his cousin's children and the people he grew up with in Mexico was refreshing.  Still, even with all the chatter and banter, he couldn't help but check his phone a few times. The conversation with Jade the night before was strange and distant and then there was nothing that morning. He'd be lying if he said he felt okay about all of it. Something was definitely wrong and he hoped he'd have the chance to at least talk to her in person today.

And as if a greater being had been listening into his innermost thoughts, he saw his girlfriend talking to Khamani. A sigh of relief fell over him now that he figured she'd stay for the party but when she turned to leave, he handed his drink to his mother and he jogged over to Jade to catch up. Since they began dating, he had come through with his personal promise to stop smoking and he was able to do this with ease even with Jade being so fast. "Jade! Hey!" Rodrigo caught up to her and offered her a smile. "I know you said you were busy. I thought maybe you'd stay a couple of hours. I haven't seen you all week. I miss your face." He admitted, leaning in to kiss her.

Jade

Jade's mind was racing between turning and hurrying back into her van and staying put. The latter won out even though her heart was now beating fast and hard in her chest. She tucked her lips into her mouth and clamped her teeth down on them, eyes not meeting Rodrigo's once he was near. When he leaned in for a kiss, she shook her head and swiftly stepped back, "No, I can't stay. I told you I'm really busy. I was just telling Khamani I have to get back but I wanted to make sure Cannon got his birthday cake." There was an ache in her chest from wanting to be held by him, to have met the kiss and just touch him. But with each thought and desire came flashes of fresh memories with her mother, or her mother's words echoing sharply as though Jeanette was hissing them in her ear right there and then. "You should get back to the party. I really do have to get going."

Rodrigo

When she shook her head and stepped back, it stung in a way that Rodrigo couldn't properly place. He had never felt such a painful rejection. It wasn't his pride that hurt. It was more than that. It felt like Jade was slipping away and what made it worse was that he didn't know why. Did he do something wrong? Was it something he said? Something he did? Something he didn't do? "I know but we talked about the party before so I thought this was just part of your schedule...." His words drifted and he also took a step back to give her space, to survey the situation, to take a deep breath because he couldn't believe just how hurt he felt. "You're acting very different...I--" He looked up at her face. She looked exhausted which made a lot of sense. According to Jade, she had been working very hard, getting orders out. "What's wrong?" And before he could anything else he noticed a bruise on her cheek. It looked insignificant from where he was standing but he recognized a make-up-covered bruise. He had helped his mother cover up many of her own. "Hey...what happened to your cheek?"

Jade

"It was, but work ended up getting busier than planned and I don't want to leave everyone else to handle it while I'm here. I want to set a good example," she argued weakly. It was something that she tried to do--leading by example for her staff, but she had originally freed up her schedule to be present for the birthday party. Jade still hadn't looked Rodrigo in the face; if she did, she was almost certain that she'd burst into tears. When she heard him ask what was wrong, there was something in her, tugging at her chest as though telling her to be honest with him--to apologize for not letting him in on this part of her life and to tell the truth. When it came to her mother, that was the one and only thing she hadn't been completely candid with him about yet. But a lump in her throat was keeping the words from forming.

And then he saw it.

Jade's head snapped up before she could even try to be subtle with her reaction. She'd lifted a hand to the exact cheek he was eyeing. Her knee-jerk reaction was to lie as she'd done before if anyone ever asked her about something relating to any injury she'd had, be it a limp, a bruise or a wince. But lying to Rodrigo hurt. Instead, she turned away and repeated, "I have to go," while starting back towards the driver's side of her minivan.

Rodrigo

He nodded as she spoke. "No, you don't have to explain yourself. I just didn't know...I, it was stupid." He smiled again, trying to ease the obvious but confusing tension. Rodrigo wasn't the type to ever be at a loss for words but he found himself completely lost in this conversation. Something inside of him just wanted to get her to laugh, wrap his arm around her and kiss her goodbye so she can be on her way but he was struggling with all of that.

"Wait... hold on. I know you have to go and that's okay. I just...hey...Jade...please stop." He walked beside her just as quickly as she did and gently tugged her arm. "Who did that to you?" He had lived through this with his mother for years. Rodrigo didn't want to assume it was a bruise inflicted by another person but he just knew. "What happened?" Was this why she was so distant? Did she get into an argument with someone? A client maybe? Whomever it was, he was going to handle it. "Just give me a name, and I'll take care of it. It's okay..."

Jade

Jade shook her head, "It's fine, it wasn't the original plan..." she trailed off, thinking about how true that statement was prior to her mother's text and the call, and how she wished she'd just let the text message sit. Or how she wished she had the courage to just tell Rodrigo the truth about her mother.

Even now as Rodrigo followed her to the driver door and stopped her. She felt her eyes stinging with embarrassment and her emotions bubbling up in her chest and throat, trying to push past the lump. With her free hand, she reached in her pocket for her keys and quickly wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand "It's nothing," she spoke with about as much firmness as a plastic measuring ruler. With another shake of her head, Jade told him, "It's fine, I'll be fine. I'll heal. Just..." She'd sounded more like she was trying to convince herself but her voice dropped to a weak whisper, "Just let me go, Rodrigo."

Rodrigo

He watched his girlfriend wipe her eyes and he felt useless. “Hey, we don’t have to talk about it now, okay? Okay?” Rodrigo reached for her other arm and placed his hands on both sides. “But it’s obvious this isn’t nothing based on your reaction. And if you’re not to tell me, I understand but please tell someone. Baby, if there’s someone hurting you or even if this was a one time thing, it is not okay. No one should be putting their hands on you. I don’t care who it is. Okay? That’s not okay.” His own eyes filled with tears. “I don’t want to let you go but I know I have to. When you’re ready to talk or just want to be together , I’ll be here waiting ,okay?” He moved his hands to cup her face. “ you deserve all the great things. Please remember that.”

Jade

Although Jade felt close to breaking down and telling Rodrigo the truth, it was the fresh interference from her mother that kept them locked up. She listened to Rodrigo, feeling too ashamed of herself to look up at his face. Even when he cupped hers with his hands, she shut her eyes and curled her fingers at her sides to keep from returning his touch. If she did, she wouldn't leave. If she did, she would give into the voice screaming for release. And if she did all of that, she had no idea to what extent her mother would escalate everything. The last thing she wanted was for Rodrigo to be dragged into all of it. Drawing in a shaky breath, she finally whispered an, "Okay," to the last thing Rodrigo said and then gently stepped out of his hold on her face. "I have to go," she repeated with just as much quietness, brushing tears from her eyes again. And she turned to reach for the van handle, letting herself into the already unlocked vehicle, starting it up, but not shifting out of 'Park' until her vision was clear enough for her to see the road.

Rodrigo

He managed to brush away a tear before Jade pulled away from him and Rodrigo was left confused and angry. His girlfriend was obviously going through something and he it was because of someone else. Not knowing who and most importantly, not being able to help her rendered him useless. "okay..." He whispered, deciding to let her go even though every fiber of his being wanted to chase after her. He'd watch her leave but knew that's not what she wanted or needed and Rodrigo didn't want to upset her even further. Maybe everything of whatever was going on was too fresh in her mind and it would be too much for Jade to divulge into. That he could understand but oh how he wished she'd let him in, let him at least comfort her. He pushed his hair back with his hand, taking a few steps back and then stuffing his hands into the pockets of his jeans. "Love you." He mouthed those words as her windows had been rolled up in hopes that she'd at least remember that today and always.

Jade

There was an internal screaming match going on the entire drive back to work for Jade. One voice was admonishing her for not being more careful and not having had the bruise covered up. She should have known better. This wasn't the first time and she's been reckless. The other voice, which had been trying to battle past the lump in her throat, was the one that had wanted desperately to throw caution to the wind and tell Rodrigo what had happened, recently at least, consequences be damned. Because she really, really wanted him. She loved him, despite bending to her mother’s abuse. His love and comfort had become to vital to her now that pushing him away felt like breaking her own heart.

Barely keeping herself together, Jade returned to the kitchen space and made a beeline for the tiny office. She was there long enough to sort everything in there out, gather her belongings and call it an early day for herself. She pulled on some large sunglasses that mostly covered the bruise and then put on a polite smile before heading out and going home. Her phone went on silent and once at home, she found some gratitude in being there alone. She showered alone, cried alone, made herself some tea and was prepared to sleep the rest of the day away.

Rodrigo

From a distance, Rodrigo watched his girlfriend leave. He was uneasy about the whole situation. The worst part of him wanted to chase after her and insist she at least let him be around her but his pragmatic side knew better and knew it would only make matters worse. There was something, someone that was hurting Jade and even though she wouldn't tell him, he was going to find out. He wouldn't leave Cannon's party but he decided to go off for a walk to see if he could figure out his next move. He hadn't realized his mother had come after him with a small plate for Jade when she caught some of the conversations and made herself scarce.

Emiliana

It wasn't like Emiliana to meddle. She tried not to insert herself in certain situations, especially in her adult son's relationship. However,  this was about Jade. The look in her eye, the bruise on her face, and whatever Emiliana was able to make out, was enough to push her to speak to her son who confirmed her fears. Jade's face had been struck and she needed someone to talk to. Packing up some food for the young woman, she climbed her truck and made her way to the woman's house in hopes she'd be received well. Once arriving at the apartment, Emiliana took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

Jade

Jade thought she had been well and truly wrung out after crying in the shower and a little bit afterward. She was just about to retire to her room that afternoon to sleep when she heard the knocks on the front door. Flinching, Jade considered not answering but if it had been her mother or Rodrigo, they would have seen her minivan and have known she was home. She went to the door and, after checking the peephole, widened her eyes a fraction in surprise to find Rodrigo's mom on the other side.

Thinking she was going to be alone and sleeping, Jade hadn't applied make-up of any kind and could feel her body reacting to this fact the moment she realized it. She could count on less than 2 hands the number of people she knew who had seen her without make-up and now she had her bruise on full display. Remembering that she couldn’t pretend not to be home, Jade brought a hand to her cheek trying to cover as much of the bruise as possible, and unlocked and opened the door halfway so she could lean on it for extra coverage. Forgetting about her bloodshot and puffy eyes from crying, she put on her best smile and said, "Ms. Emiliana, hi. I wasn't expecting you, but I thought you would be at Cannon's birthday party." Or with Rodrigo, Jade thought to herself, not wanting him to be alone after their encounter.

Emiliana

When the door opened and Jade appeared, Emiliana tried her best not to react too suddenly.  The girl looked so distraught and her concern rose immediately. After working with Jade in Mexico and getting to know her over the last couple of weeks, Emiliana had grown a soft spot for the young woman. Not only was she Rodrigo's girlfriend but she could also tell that she was the type of person that needed kindness. It was easy for her to see and up until now, she couldn't quite figure out why that was. Emiliana felt as if they had some sort of common ground and after what she heard and after her son disclosed some information about their conversation, she was convinced this was some sort of abuse situation.

"Hello, Jade. Mija..." She frowned, noticing the bloodshot eyes. "I know you had a very busy day, I won't keep you for too long. I brought you some food I had prepared and I was hoping I can borrow a couple of minutes of your time. I promise I come in with peace and love."

Jade

Jade didn’t want to be rude to Emiliana. While she knew it wasn't a coincidence that Emiliana was here right now, she really was the kindest woman, the kindest mother Jade had ever had the pleasure of meeting. She adored and admired her for multiple reasons. And while Jade couldn't know how much Rodrigo may have told her after she left the birthday party, there was enough of her that was compelled to let the older woman in without a plethora of excuses tumbling out of her mouth.

She'd turned from the door quickly, widened it to invite Emiliana in and went to the kitchen with haste. With her back to the older woman, Jade said, "I made tea earlier. I can heat more water if you'd like some."

Emiliana

"Oh no, mija. I will take a glass of water though." She walked in, following Jade into the kitchen to set the Tupperware on her counter. She could tell that Jade was trying to hide and Emiliana knew she had to tread carefully. If Jade didn't seem receptive, she would know to withdraw. Having gone through some hard times years ago with her husband, speaking to Aera, and joining support groups, Emiliana already knew how to approach situations like this. "But thank you. I was sad to see you leave Cannon's party but also so glad to hear work is booming for you!"

Jade

Jade listened to Rodrigo's mother while reaching in one of the upper cabinets for a glass and then moving to the fridge to get some ice and then take out the filtered water pitcher from inside. She poured Emiliana a glass while listening to her comment about Jade leaving the birthday party. Gathering that Emiliana had seen her for herself, she frowned a bit to herself and then kept her gaze to the kitchen floor as she said, "Thank you. I wasn't feeling very well though so I left early and came home not that long ago." She turned and handed the glass of water to Emiliana while still trying to keep her face turned with her bruised side away from Rodrigo's mom. Drawing in a deep breath, she admitted, "I was actually going to go lie down for a nap when you arrived."

Emiliana

Emiliana took the glass of water from Jade and nodded at her words. "Oh, I see. I won't stay much longer. I know you're tired. You look exhausted." She took a sip of her water, weighing out her options and what she'd say next. Rodrigo may kill her for being here or he might not. It all depended on how this would go down.  "Mijita, Rodrigo hasn't said anything to me aside from the fact that you didn't feel like yourself. But I'm not here to discuss him. If I am overstepping, please let me know. I am worried about you...." She searched her face for a reaction. "And I'm here to offer you an ear. Anything you tell me is safe between you and me. I have grown to love you like a daughter and as a mother, I just know when something is off. What do you kids say? The vibes are off?" She smiled at the woman. "I'm sorry for interjecting. But I needed you to know that you are no alone."

Jade

After inviting Emiliana to sit at breakfast bar and pulling out a stool for her, Jade joined her. "It's okay. I don't want you to feel rushed." Unfortunately, she fully believed that she looked exhausted. She'd felt exhausted, knowing she hadn't slept well at all ever since her call with her mother; worse after her mother's in-person visit. But she listened to Emiliana's words and could understand what Emiliana was getting at without outright stating it. And it made Jade frown again, openly this time. "Thank you, Ms. Emiliana," she whispered, gaze lowered shamefully. "I..." she tucked her lips in, hand still resting gently over her bruise as she spoke. "I'm just so used to keeping this to myself. And I don't want to hurt Rodrigo, or for him to get pulled into this when I haven't handled it. I tried avoiding it and just being with him. It worked for about a month but then... somehow... it backfired. And now I'm afraid if I try to do that again, it'll just get worse for us as a couple, or that he'll get hurt or become resentful."

Emiliana

Emiliana listened intently, her worst fears creeping up as Jade confessed there definitely was a situation at hand.  She waited until the young woman was done and sighed softly. “If that is your fear, well I can assure you Rodrigo isn’t going anywhere. He is head over heels for you and he is very concerned but it’s okay because that’s what happens when you care about someone. I’m sure it would be the same if the tables were turned. In a relationship, you have to sort of open yourself up to possible hurt whether it’s with malice or not. Of course one must be hopefully it’s always without. Rodrigo is an adult and he gets that. I don’t like to speak for him but it’s easy to see he is above the clouds when it comes to you and his relationship with you.  I don’t think this, what you’re going through would be enough to drive a wedge between you. But he also understands the concept of giving you space and understanding. So please do not feel pressured to share. Just… do not shut him out. I think it would be good for you to lean on one another.” Emiliana noticed the hand on Jade’s face and could see where the blood would pool. The bruise was a day or two old probably. At least she was sure there’d be a bruise under there. “Is it an ex boyfriend? We can get a restraining order.” She frowned. “May I see it? It’s okay…” she pulled up her right sleeve and showed Jade her scar on her forearm. “Window. Because I didn’t cook his steak the way he liked it.”

Jade

Jade listened to Emiliana and the longer she listened, the more she struggled to maintain her resolve. Tears crested in her eyes. Emiliana was right; of course she was, the woman knew her own son. And Jade knew Rodrigo too. Selfishly, she hadn't fully listened to her mother and given a clean break from Rodrigo. She couldn't because she loved him too much and she wanted him in her life still. But she had tried to create some distance in hopes that it would buy some protection and stave off her mother's wrath and involvement in her life. Fighting her battles alone, or with very, very few people in her corner hadn't gotten her that far though. For some reason, when Emiliana told her not to shut Rodrigo out and encouraged them to lean on one another, the words resonated with Jade--enough that the tears cresting in front of her lashes spilled down the corners of her eyes. She shook her head when Emiliana guessed that it was an ex and then finally lifted her eyes to look at the other woman. Jade wiped her eyes and looked at the scar being revealed to her. Her existing frown deepened and she slowly shook her head. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, lowering her hand away to reveal the bruise in full.

It was two days since her mother's visit so the bruise had only just appeared that day and was tender to the touch, but Jade finally admitted, "My mother," just above a whisper. "She doesn't want me dating Rodrigo." And through slow, ragged breaths, Jade began confessing to Emiliana. She shared the events from the past week with her mother and went through other, major incidents throughout her life and how Jeanette raised her, what Jeanette expected of her and what sort of consequences awaited her if she didn't meet those expectations. Finally, she tied it together with the announcement of the twins, her overdose, the shift from her mother, yet Jeanette still remaining involved, judgmental and influential in Jade's life, to this day as was apparent.

Emiliana

Did she hear that right ? Did Jade say it was her mother? Somehow, this made it worse. Emiliana shook her head and pulled down her sleeve, choosing to give Jade her undivided attention.  She couldn’t help but frown the entire time Jade was speaking, a big part of her wanting to give this woman a piece of her mind. How could any mother do that to their own child? She waited for Jade to finish and quickly reached for the girl’s hands, placing her own hands on top of them as if she was fiercely protecting her own. “Well. I have a few words that are just at the tip of my tongue to describe your mother and the things she has done to you but I will refrain out of respect for you. Jade, there is no reason for you to endure this anymore. It doesn’t matter who she is to you. She obviously doesn’t care so why should you? You’re an adult and you deserve so much more.  I know you want to date Rodrigo and so you do what your heart tells you to do. Do not rob yourself of a life or love that she will never provide for you. She sees you as her cash cow, some trophy not as her child. She no longer deserves your attention or your pain. Don’t give her the satisfaction. I will speak to her if you want me to. We will get a restraining order, whatever it takes. She will think twice before putting her hands on you again.” Emiliana squeezed Jade’s hands. “ oh sweetheart, you have to break away from this cycle. I will help you out.”

Jade

Jade had wiped her tear-filled eyes a few times while telling her story to Emiliana, careful of the bruise when she swiped the one side of her face. She listened to Emiliana, hearing her make some similar comments as Jasper had when it came to  her mother. Deep down, Jade knew that her relationship with Jeanette was unhealthy and abusive, but she had been terrible at standing up for herself and taking firm stances against her mother. Time and time again, Jade yielded to her mother, cowered to the woman and let her influence her decisions.

Holding Emiliana's hands, she’d had her gaze lowered in shame but she lifted it when the older woman offered to speak to Jeanette. Jade quickly shook her head, unable to help herself or the knee-jerk reaction of wanting to protect her, much like she had been wanting to protect Rodrigo. "Thank you, Ms. Emiliana but you don't have to talk to her. I... I will look into what it would take to get a restraining order. My older brother is a lawyer. I know he would be happy to help out with that part." Taking another deep breath, she said, "And, I'll talk to Rodrigo. Soon. Today. I just need a nap first, and then I promise, I'll reach out."

Emiliana

Emiliana gave Jade's hands another gentle squeeze and nodded at her response. "Keep me in the loop as much as you're able. I'm here if you want to talk or speak to a professional. The woman I see is very knowledgeable and kind. And take your time with all of this but keep that woman far away. Don't worry about Rodrigo. He was raised to be a very patient man." She sighed and then reached for her glass to take a long sip. "We're going to get through this. I'm never too far away if you ever need someone to speak to." Emiliana stood up and smiled softly at Jade. "You're going to get through this and you're going to come out stronger. I promise. I love you, Jade. Take care of yourself, ok?"

Jade

More grateful than she could express, Jade nodded back to Rodrigo’s mother at keeping her included, now that she knew what was going on in the younger woman's life. It was tough for her to accept the complimentary words but she gave another silent nod and then listened on. Jade appreciated the assurance about Rodrigo, especially when she knew she'd been pushing him away, being distant in texts, not calling him or spending time with him. She owed him an apology and an explanation, and she desperately wanted to wrap her arms around him and be held by him. Staying focused on the present though, she fought what was left of her tears and stepped in to hug Emiliana. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling comforted in that moment by her boyfriend’s mother. "I'll do my best." It was the most she manage at the moment, and the most she was ever able to offer throughout the majority of her life. When she drew back, she said, "Thank you for coming by, Ms. Emiliana. I really appreciate it." She would have liked to have more of Emiliana's time but her body and mind were fighting the exhaustion. Thankfully Emiliana was understanding, and Jade was able to kindly see her to the door. "We'll talk again. Soon, I promise."

[carloskaplan]

Andrea del Sarto: A Virxe co Neno entre San Mateo e un anxo (ca. 1522)

[shallowseeker]

Cas’s type:

Mean-ass sarcastic ppl who are also actually big dorks or hiding a tragic vulnerability. Bonus points if their communication style is baffling and needs to be puzzled out. Bonus points if they have beautiful glittering, rapidly shifting emotions that are just this side of childish and are intellectually stimulating.

Dean, Meg, Balthazar (the frog joke omg), Rowena (she flusters him), probably Eileen (if hell trauma and trust issues emphasized), Anael, probably Lily Sunder (post loss of her child), Bela Talbot, Mary (he approves of her fierce warrior bullshit don’t tell me differently), Andrea but when she’s a self-hating vampire, Noah the Gorgon maybe but he might be too verbose and smooth talking and get Crowley-zoned, Adam Milligan maybe!, that anchor lady that shifts between gentle and cold as the story needs it, Bobby Singer

I think Bela is a top contender here. He’d crack through her and tell her she’s good and it’s not her fault what her father did, and she’d crumble and it would be another big ship of all time.

Not Cas’s type:

Sweetie pies & library nerds

Hannah 💔, Kelly Kline, Sam, Mick, Charlie, Gadreel, Samandriel, Donna (almost but she’s just not mean or difficult/challenging enough), Muriel, Benjamin, original Lily Sunder sans revenge, Garth, Jimmy Novak, Anna Milton

Cas’s personal NOTP’s:

No explanations needed, mostly

Crowley (another almost; like he should, Crowley wants him to, but Cas doesn’t and it’s kinda hilarious; killing Meg didn’t help ofc; compared with Balthazar and even Rowena, Crowley is lacking in adorableness which is why Crowley tries playing this up later by being singsong and cutesy and it’s hilarious because it still doesn’t work; yes it drives Crowley nuts that Sam and Cas are more attracted to Rowena than to him tyvm), Benny, Ketch, probably Dumah, Metatron, Naomi, Belphagor, Michael, Gabriel, Billie the reaper/Death, Amara (like with Crowley it should work but it doesn’t because it’s off)

It’s hilarious to me the fine line b/t Cas finding someone adorable instead of annoying. Balthazar? Adorable. Belphagor? Annoying. Meg? Adorable. Crowley? Annoying.

Cas’s actual besties:

The meanest of the mean

Uriel, Sergei, I could see Ruby, Cas also gets along a little too well with Lucifer, probably Rufus

Cas loves mean friends because they’re BLUNT and although he is charmed and romantically stimulated by baffling ppl that need to be worked out like a puzzle… he likes his actual besties to be blunt like hammers and just say what they really think outright

Not Raphael though because Raphael is too fatalistic and Cas does not enjoy that bullshit he’d rather get up to chaos

Sam would be Cas’s bestie except they only do dumb dangerous shit because it’s all they have in common. You can’t tell me Sam’s face doesn’t fall when he learns Cas likes trash TV, doesn’t enjoy library research and case files, and doesn’t like computers/tech. Sam is a whiz kid and Cas is a grouchy old man and Sam is offended that Cas’s smarts go to waste. Also, Sam is too nice.

[klausstastic]

SANTIAGO ANGÉL CORTES

nicknames: santi, san, titi

age: 29y (season 3)

sexuality: queer (unlabeled)

occupation: police - detective

family: carmen cortes † (mother), gabriel cortes (half-brother), andreas garcia (stepfather)

love interest: evan "buck" buckley

best friend: cassandra osborn

seasons: s2 (one episode), s3 -

faceclaim: danny ramirez

CASSANDRA LUCILLE OSBORN

nicknames: cassie, cas

age: 31y (season 3)

occupation: police - detective

sexuality: asexual

love interest: n/a

faceclaim: sophia bush