#scouring thrift stores and garage sales

[killemwithkawaii]

Why didn't anybody tell me that, upon the stroke of midnight on my 30th birthday, I would suddenly be struck with the irresistible compulsion to completely refurnish my bedroom???

[hotmentransformed]

Stitches

Max had been searching for a guitar for what felt like forever. He had moved to the big city straight out of college, hoping to find work, but fell in love with music instead. Thus, he was one of the thousands of struggling musicians, working odd jobs to make ends meet, and he dreamed of the day when he could finally afford to buy a guitar of his own. He scoured thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces, but he could never seem to find the right one.

One day, Max was walking home from work when he stumbled upon a thrift store he had never seen before. He decided to pop in, just to see what they had, and that's when he saw it - the most beautiful guitar he had ever seen. It was love at first sight. Max approached the guitar and couldn't believe his luck. It was in excellent condition, and it was priced well within his budget. He felt like it was meant to be.

Max eagerly took the guitar back to his small apartment, and as he walked through the door, he felt his excitement reach new heights. He had always dreamed of owning a guitar of his own, and now, finally, that dream was within reach. He carefully placed the guitar on the floor of his apartment and sat down beside it. Picking it up and holding it to his torso, he got ready to play his favorite song: Stitches. He eagerly began strumming the first chord.

The vibrations of the guitar seemed to echo throughout his body, rippling and causing his body to pulsate. Max closed his eyes; the sounds of the music that he was making felt so good that he was overcome with pleasure. As Max played each chord, his body changed. The first chord caused his muscles to grow, and he felt his biceps bulge as they expanded. His arms became thicker and stronger, his veins popping out from under his skin. The second chord caused his chest to expand, and he felt his pecs become defined. His chest became wider, and his nipples grew larger. The third chord caused his legs to grow, and he felt his quads bulge as they expanded. His legs became thicker and stronger, his calf muscles rippling with each movement. The fourth chord caused his back to broaden, and he felt his lats become defined. His back became wider, and his shoulder blades grew larger.

His face became chiseled and defined, with high cheekbones and a strong jawline. His eyes became deeper set, and his eyebrows grew thicker. Opening his eyes and looking through his new curls, he peered down at his body. His body was covered in hair, and his clothes were tattered on the floor beside him. He had grown too large for them.

Max was in awe of his transformation. He had never felt so powerful, so strong, and so confident. He continued to play the guitar, and with each chord, he felt the magic of the instrument coursing through his veins. Max had become Shawn Mendes, the famous musician, and he was ready to take on the world.

[galpalgoods]

Creating Your Dream Retreat: Backyard Oasis Ideas on a Budget

Your backyard is more than just an outdoor space; it’s a potential oasis waiting to be transformed into a serene retreat where you can unwind, entertain, and reconnect with nature. Contrary to popular belief, creating a backyard oasis doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of creativity and strategic planning, you can turn your outdoor area into a picturesque sanctuary without exceeding your budget. Here are some budget-friendly ideas to help you create your dream backyard oasis:

Define Your Space: Start by defining the purpose of your backyard oasis. Do you envision a cozy reading nook, a vibrant garden retreat, or a space for outdoor gatherings? Once you have a clear vision in mind, delineate different areas within your backyard accordingly. Use elements such as outdoor rugs, potted plants, or decorative screens to create distinct zones for lounging, dining, and relaxation.

Upcycled Décor: Turn trash into treasure by upcycling everyday items into stylish décor pieces for your backyard oasis. Look for discarded materials such as wine barrels, tin cans, and wooden crates that can be repurposed into planters, lanterns, or outdoor furniture. Get crafty with paint, stencils, and embellishments to transform these items into eye-catching accents that elevate the aesthetic appeal of your oasis without breaking the bank.

Thrifty Furniture Finds: Furnishing your backyard oasis doesn’t have to be costly. Shop smart by scouring thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces for budget-friendly furniture finds. Look for sturdy pieces that can withstand outdoor conditions such as wrought iron chairs, wooden benches, or rattan loveseats. With a fresh coat of paint or some decorative cushions, these thrifty finds can add comfort and style to your oasis without draining your wallet.

Low-Cost Landscaping: Enhance the natural beauty of your backyard oasis with low-cost landscaping solutions. Invest in drought-resistant plants and native species that require minimal maintenance and water. Create visual interest with strategic plant placements, varying heights, and textures. Incorporate affordable landscaping elements such as gravel pathways, mulch borders, or decorative rocks to add structure and definition to your outdoor space without breaking the bank.

DIY Water Features: Transform your backyard oasis into a tranquil retreat with the soothing sound of water. Instead of splurging on expensive fountains or ponds, consider DIY water features that are budget-friendly and easy to install. Build a simple bubbling rock fountain using a waterproof basin, a submersible pump, and decorative stones. Alternatively, repurpose an old wine barrel or a salvaged trough into a charming water garden or mini pond.

In conclusion, creating a backyard oasis on a budget is entirely achievable with a little ingenuity and resourcefulness. By incorporating DIY projects, upcycled décor, thrifty finds, and low-cost landscaping solutions, you can transform your outdoor space into a picturesque retreat that reflects your personal style and provides a peaceful sanctuary for relaxation and enjoyment. Let your imagination run wild as you embark on the journey of turning your backyard into your dream oasis without exceeding your budget. For more information, visit us: galpal.net Email Us: Info@galpal.net

[pwrof1]

Affordable Yard Makeovers: Enhancing Outdoor Spaces Without Breaking the Bank

Transforming your yard into a captivating outdoor oasis doesn't have to drain your wallet. Many homeowners dream of having a picturesque yard but hesitate due to concerns about the expenses involved. However, with strategic planning, creativity, and a touch of resourcefulness, achieving a stunning yard makeover is entirely feasible on a budget. In this article, we'll explore cost-effective methods and ingenious ideas to revamp your outdoor space without costing an arm and a leg.

Reimagining Outdoor Spaces

Revamping your yard isn't just about enhancing aesthetics; it's about creating functional and inviting outdoor areas where you can relax, entertain, and connect with nature. By focusing on practicality and creativity, you can breathe new life into your yard without overspending.

Embracing DIY Projects

DIY projects offer a budget-friendly way to revitalize your yard while adding a personal touch. From building raised garden beds to crafting outdoor furniture from reclaimed materials, the possibilities are endless. By harnessing your creativity and leveraging online tutorials and resources, you can tackle various projects without the need for professional assistance.

Incorporating Low-Cost Landscaping Solutions

Landscaping plays a pivotal role in the overall aesthetic appeal of your yard. Instead of splurging on expensive plants and materials, opt for budget-friendly alternatives that offer visual impact without breaking the bank. Consider incorporating native plants, which are often more affordable and require less maintenance than exotic varieties. Additionally, explore creative landscaping techniques such as xeriscaping or using mulch and gravel to cover large areas inexpensively.

Maximizing Outdoor Furnishings

Outdoor furnishings serve as focal points in your yard, enhancing comfort and functionality. To save money, scour thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces for gently used furniture and accessories. With a fresh coat of paint or some creative upholstery, you can breathe new life into old pieces and create a cohesive outdoor aesthetic. Additionally, consider repurposing items from inside your home for outdoor use, such as wooden crates as planters or old pallets as seating.

Embarking on a yard makeover journey doesn't have to be a costly endeavor. By embracing creativity, resourcefulness, and strategic planning, you can transform your outdoor space into a breathtaking retreat without breaking the bank. From DIY projects and budget-friendly landscaping solutions to savvy furniture shopping, there are numerous ways to achieve a stunning yard makeover on a budget.

FAQs

How can I create a visually appealing yard without spending a fortune?

Incorporate DIY projects, opt for low-cost landscaping solutions, and maximize the use of affordable outdoor furnishings to achieve a stunning yard makeover without breaking the bank.

Are there any specific plants or materials that are budget-friendly for yard makeovers?

Yes, consider using native plants, which are often more affordable and require less maintenance. Additionally, explore alternatives such as mulch, gravel, and reclaimed materials for landscaping and hardscaping projects.

What are some tips for finding budget-friendly outdoor furnishings?

Look for gently used furniture and accessories at thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces. With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can transform inexpensive finds into stylish additions to your outdoor space.

[abriapartments]

DIY Furniture Upcycling: Revamping Your Apartment on a Budget

In the world of student apartments in rexburg, savvy dwellers are turning to an innovative and budget-friendly technique to spruce up their dwelling spaces—DIY furnishings upcycling. Transforming tired, antique fixtures into elegant and customized pieces no longer only provides character to your humble homestead but additionally saves you a considerable amount of money.

Unleashing Your Creativity

Embrace the artwork of upcycling by starting with an imaginative and prescient view of your revamped area. Whether you're in scholar housing in Rexburg or another locale, the secret is to allow your creativity to run wild. Imagine the possibilities of giving a new existence to that tired espresso table or outdated chair.

Hunt for hidden treasures.

Begin your adventure by scouring thrift stores, storage sales, or maybe your neighborhood classifieds for hidden treasures waiting to be found. In pupil flats, budget constraints regularly reign supreme, making second-hand furnishings an ideal start to your upcycling adventure. Remember, one individual's trash could be your DIY masterpiece.

Prep and plan

Before diving into your upcycling challenge, ensure that you have the necessary tools and materials. Sandpaper, paint, brushes, and possibly a few decorative elements like stencils or decals are critical partners. Plan out your layout, considering the shade scheme and universal aesthetic you want to achieve.

Sanding Away the Past

Start by sanding down the furnishings to remove any current finishes and create a clean floor for your paint or stain. This step no longer only prepares the piece for a clean appearance but additionally permits your selected paint to stick better, making sure an extended-lasting transformation.

Splash of Color

Inject character into your space with a dash of coloration. Whether you are aiming for a cohesive palette or an eclectic blend, a can of paint can work wonders. For scholar housing in Rexburg, in which a vibrant network prospers, remember ambitious colors that mirror your persona and energize your residing area.

Embrace patterns and textures.

Enhance the visual enchantment of your upcycled furniture by introducing styles or textures. Stencils, decals, or even fabric additions can create eye-catching information. Don't turn away from experimenting with unique elements to achieve a truly specific and personalized result.

The power of multifunctionality

In student housing in rexburg, in which space is often at a premium, make the most of your upcycling endeavors by selecting multifunctional designs. A repurposed cloth cabinet can function as both a garage unit and a stylish focal point, showcasing your DIY prowess.

Celebrate Imperfections

Part of the allure of upcycled furnishings lies in their imperfections. Embrace the quirks and unique characteristics that come with repurposing vintage pieces. These imperfections inform a tale and upload a man or woman for your area, making it without a doubt one-of-a-kind.

Once your DIY fixture upcycling undertaking is complete, proudly show off your creations in your classroom apartment. Share your adventure on social media platforms, inspiring others in student housing in rexburg to embark on their own finances-friendly design adventures.

[fadeandforge]

Office Decor on a Budget: Transform Your Workspace Without Breaking the Bank

Is your office space screaming "sterile" instead of "sparkling"? Do you crave a creative haven but your wallet whispers "nope"? Fear not, budget-conscious comrades! Transforming your drab workspace into a productivity paradise doesn't require a high-roller salary. Embrace your inner interior designer with these clever and cost-effective tips:

Office Decor on a Budget

Wall Woes No More:

Paint Party: A fresh coat of paint is the quickest and most affordable way to change the atmosphere. Opt for calming blues or greens for focus, energizing yellows for creative bursts, or classic white for a clean and airy feel. Hit up thrift stores or clearance sections for paint deals, and grab your friends for a DIY painting bash!

Wallpaper Wizardry: Don't underestimate the power of a bold accent wall. Find remnant rolls or sample packs for a fraction of the price, or unleash your inner artist with stenciled patterns or hand-painted murals.

Gallery on a String: Ditch expensive frames and string up photo collages, inspirational quotes, or postcards using twine and clothespins. It's a budget-friendly way to personalize your space and add pops of color.

Furniture Finesse:

Secondhand Savvy: Scour thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces for hidden gems. Upcycle a vintage dresser into a desk, refinish a rusty lamp, or give a comfy armchair a new lease on life with colorful throw pillows.

DIY Delight: Channel your inner MacGyver! Repurpose old crates as shelves, build a floating desk from recycled wood pallets, or transform an ordinary ladder into a funky bookshelf. Pinterest is your DIY BFF for endless inspiration.

Multitasking Must-Haves: Choose furniture that does double duty. Opt for a desk with built-in storage, a pouf that doubles as a seat and ottoman, or a foldable table that can be stashed away when not in use.

Accessorize with Personality:

Greenery Galore: Houseplants instantly breathe life into an office. Propagate clippings from friends, hit up dollar stores for succulents, or create a DIY terrarium. Bonus points for air-purifying varieties!

Lighting Magic: Harsh overhead lights are productivity killers. String fairy lights for a whimsical touch, add desk lamps with adjustable shades for task lighting, or use vintage lanterns for a cozy vibe.

DIY Decor Magic: Unleash your creativity! Repurpose old bottles into vases, craft decorative mobiles from recycled materials, or frame magazine clippings for a personalized gallery wall.

Remember:

Declutter first: A tidy space is a happy space. Sort through your belongings, donate unused items, and organize what's left. Clutter is the enemy of budget decor.

Personalize your haven: Your office should reflect your personality and inspire you. Don't be afraid to add quirky touches, motivational quotes, or souvenirs from your travels.

Shop smart: Look for bargains, repurpose what you have, and get crafty. Remember, the most expensive decor doesn't always equal the most meaningful.

With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can transform your office space into a vibrant haven for productivity and inspiration. So grab your paintbrush, unleash your inner thrifter, and get ready to work magic on a budget!

Happy decorating!

[synkdup]

Make Money Online as a Teen: Explore Lucrative Opportunities

Are you a teenager looking to earn some extra cash while navigating the online world? The internet has opened up numerous opportunities for young individuals to make money from the comfort of their homes. Whether you want to save for college, buy your dream gadgets, or simply have some financial independence, there are legitimate ways for teens to make money online. In this article, we'll explore these opportunities in detail. 

1. Freelance Writing

If you have a flair for writing, you can dive into the world of freelance writing. Many websites and businesses are constantly in need of content creators. Whether it's blog posts, articles, or social media content, your writing skills can be put to good use. With dedication and consistency, you can build a portfolio and find clients willing to pay for your work. Read detailed article

2. Online Surveys and Market Research

Companies are eager to gather opinions and feedback from consumers, and they're willing to pay for it. As a teen, you can sign up for online survey websites and participate in market research studies. While the pay might not be substantial, it's an easy and flexible way to earn some extra pocket money.

3. Social Media Management

Growing up in the digital age has its advantages, especially when it comes to social media. Many businesses and individuals require assistance with managing their social media accounts. If you're savvy with platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok, you can offer your services as a social media manager. Help create content, schedule posts, and engage with followers while earning a fee for your expertise.

4. Sell Handmade Crafts or Art

Are you a creative teen with a passion for crafting or art? Consider selling your creations online. Websites like Etsy provide a platform to showcase and sell handmade items. Whether it's jewelry, artwork, or custom crafts, you can turn your hobbies into a source of income.

5. Online Tutoring

If you excel in certain subjects or have a knack for explaining complex concepts, online tutoring might be the perfect gig for you. Many students and parents seek online tutors for academic assistance. You can offer your tutoring services via platforms like Chegg Tutors, Wyzant, or even through your social network.

6. YouTube Channel

Creating a YouTube channel can be a fun and potentially profitable venture. You can focus on topics you're passionate about, whether it's gaming, fashion, beauty, or educational content. As your channel grows and attracts viewers, you can monetize your videos through ads and sponsorships.

7. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral. Sign up for affiliate programs related to your interests and share affiliate links on your blog or social media. If someone makes a purchase through your link, you earn a percentage of the sale.

8. Virtual Assistance

Virtual assistants help businesses and entrepreneurs with various administrative tasks. This can include scheduling appointments, managing emails, or data entry. As a tech-savvy teen, you can offer your virtual assistance services to those in need.

9. Online Reselling

Consider scouring thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces for items that you can resell at a higher price. Platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari make it easy to list and sell items. You'll learn valuable skills in entrepreneurship and negotiation along the way.

10. App and Game Testing

Game and app developers often require beta testers to provide feedback on their products. You can sign up for testing opportunities and get paid to play and review games or apps before they're released to the public.

Conclusion

As a teenager, the online world is your oyster when it comes to making money. The key is to explore your interests and skills and leverage them into profitable opportunities. While earning money online as a teen is exciting, remember to prioritize your education and balance your online activities with your offline responsibilities. With determination and dedication, you can achieve your financial goals and gain valuable experience along the way. 

Read detailed article

[dhickey389]

Things to NEVER Buy at a Thrift Store

Buying used is often an easy way to find inexpensive, high-quality, and one-of-a-kind pieces. But in some cases, preowned or old items can be unsanitary, more expensive, and—in worst-case scenarios—dangerous. So the next time you scour your favorite thrift shop (or an antique store or garage sale), think twice about these items. Stuffed Animals ©Tomekbudujedomek – Getty Images Yes, they’re…

[antiquegardenpots]

A Summary Of Antique Garden Pots

There is nothing better than being surrounded by beautiful greenery and flowers. Gardens are a great addition for any home. However, they can also serve as a relaxing and calming space that allows one to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors. You have many options to create a garden that will be noticed by your neighbours, no matter how small or large they are.Greenery is one of the best things gardeners can do to make their garden more interesting. Planting different types and varieties of flowers, shrubs, trees and plants will enhance the garden's beauty and attract butterflies and birds. The garden can also be enhanced by adding a birdhouse to provide protection for birds. Keeping the garden neat and clean is also essential to maintaining its evergreen beauty. The garden will look neat and clean by being mowed regularly, trimming the hedges and weeded. You can keep your plants healthy and hydrated by installing a sprinkler system.Vintage garden items are a great way to add character and charm in your garden. If you are searching for additional details on antique garden pots, browse the mentioned above site.

The beauty and practicality of antique garden pots is what makes them so appealing. They can improve drainage, prevent root rot, and even protect your plants. Terracotta pots are perfect for plants that require a well-draining soil, while ceramic and metal pots are ideal for plants that require more moisture. Antique garden pots are not the only option. Vintage garden items such wrought-iron benches, vintage lanterns, and old-fashioned gardening tools are also available. Garden lovers can scour thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces to find these unique and affordable items. Vintage garden items are more than beautiful. The best part about antique garden pots is that they are made of natural materials. These pots last longer than their modern counterparts.

They can also be reused and recycled, making them more environmentally-friendly. These items can be used to create a personal garden that is unique and reflective of your style. Moreover, they are timeless and can be passed down from one generation to another, making them a cherished family heirloom.Gardens are an essential part any home. There are many different ways you can make them attractive and interesting. You can create stunning gardens that you will enjoy for many years. This includes adding greenery, keeping your garden clean, and incorporating vintage garden items. So, get your gardening gloves on and start creating your own beautiful garden oasis!

[mensnorsevikingjewelry]

Growing Your Boutique Clothing Business With Wholesale Lots

Want to expand your boutique apparel and accessories business but are sick of scouring thrift stores and garage sales for quality items? Rather than paying full price for an item, you can save a tonne of money by purchasing it in bulk from a wholesaler. If you're trying to grow your business, you may find that switching to selling brand-new, wholesale designer goods rather than secondhand goods is the best way to proceed. What happens during liquidation, and what should you expect from it? What you might expect to gain by investing in liquidation lots at a wholesale price is as follows.

The Role of Liquidation Purchasing in the Expansion of a Company

Liquidators save you a tone of money by buying high-quality, brand-new merchandise in quantity. If a large company has unsold stock sitting on shelves, they'll want to get rid of it as soon as possible so they can create a way for new products. Bulk product from high-end retailers and department stores is purchased by wholesale amazon liquidation okc who then divide them into manageable lots for smaller retailers, online marketplaces, and other resellers.

Differentiating New Stock from Pre-owned Stock

Purchasing in bulk removes the guesswork from stocking shelves. You won't need to waste a day (and a tank of gas) going from garage sale to garage sale in the vain hope of finding something of reasonable quality at a reasonable price. Spending a lot of time in musty thrift stores in the hopes of finding something to resell is a waste of time that could be better spent at home offering your stuff for sale.

You can also avoid the allergens and musty or otherwise unpleasant scents that come with buying used goods. Liquidated wholesale lots of new products eliminate the risk of bringing unwanted odors into your home or selling products that have been tainted. The designer clothes that we receive in bulk are in excellent shape and are ready to be sold.

Products that are brand new and still in their original packaging have a higher demand and thus a higher selling price at auctions and on the internet. In this case, you won't have to worry as much about customer dissatisfaction leading to returns or "not as described" accusations because you'll be selling brand-new products. "New" means "New," but "Used" can be interpreted in many various ways, and your customer's expectations may be considerably different depending on how you use the term. By their very nature, new products have less of a chance of disappointing customers or failing to meet their expectations.

Simple Internet Retailing

In a liquidated lot, you can buy many of the same items at once, streamlining the process of cataloguing and storing your stock. If you buy a large number of designer shoes wholesale, you'll be able to select from dozens of sizes and styles. You can resale them in single pairs, in collections organized by designer or size, or even as part of a bigger lot of clothing. Depending on your niche and consumer base, you can stock your store with everything from high-end women's clothing and accessories to wholesale bedding from major brands.

To All the Shopkeepers and Boutique Owners

Even brick-and-mortar boutiques can profit from wholesale liquidation sales. You can save a tonne of money by buying women's apparel in bulk instead of from a vendor. You may improve the quality of your inventory and your bottom line by purchasing fresh, high-end goods at a fraction of their original price.

Promotion and Organizing

Rather than basing your selling schedule on when you could find suitably used goods, you can get a head start by having your merchandise on hand. You can easily estimate how much time you'll need to take pictures and create product descriptions for online sales.

After you know what you'll be selling, you can get people excited about it in your email, blog, and social media. Create a stir by teasing clients with new products, and they will eagerly await the uploading of your listings or the arrival of your inventory on the sales floor. Planning and scheduling your sales in advance can have a significant impact on your home business and personal life if you're a work-at-home mother.

[eunoiakt]

OSBLAINE WEEK: DAY 5

Gifts

I see one of Nick’s love languages as acts of service and him being someone who enjoys using his hands, creating things, being a handyman, a Jack-of-all-trades. In their post-Gilead life, they don’t need much to make them happy, they live modestly and are careful with their finances. For gifts, I can see Nick buying from thrift stores or garage sales and fixing it up because he loves spending time working on projects of love for his family. Maybe June has mentioned in passing that she’d love a vanity for their bedroom so Nick goes scouring flea markets or garage sales looking for the perfect one he can fix up for her. I see him doing the same with Holly. She would love a doll house or a bike so Nick goes about looking for used ones that he can work on and make perfect for his daughter. These gifts are a labour of love for Nick and he takes great pride and joy in being able to do this for his family and seeing the look of surprise and excitement in their faces. “You did this for me?”

[makemycitybreak]

So in regards to your post about finding new interests, this has all worked for me:

-Watch tons of TV and overanalyze it. Make and consume fan content, if you’re into that. I’ve enjoyed Bones, Killing Eve, and Sherlock, to name a few.

-Same goes for books. Go to the library. Scour for cheap books at garage sales or thrift stores.

-Learn or relearn an instrument.

-Have an ironic Twilight phase.

-Join one of your school’s sports teams or clubs as long as your classmates aren’t jerks.

Hope that helps :-)

I hope you know that you are very appreciated and I will now do each one of these obsessivly to forget about my own problems thank you (/gen)

[longitudinalwaveme]

Power Outage

The Flash stars in: Power Outage

Dramatis Personae

The Flash (Jay Garrick), the wise, benevolent hero of Central City

Joan Garrick, Jay’s intelligent, charming wife

Captain Cold, the earthy, practical leader of the Rogues and Central City’s worst villain

Golden Glider, a thrill-seeking, deceptively charming thief and little sister of the above

Weather Wizard, a lazy, dimwitted crook who works with Captain Cold

Script

Act I

(Enter Jay and Joan)

Joan: Honey, I’m worried about you.

Jay: Why? Any particular reason?

Joan: I don’t like how you’ve decided to protect Central City all by yourself while Barry and Wally go on vacation together for two weeks. You’re not as young as you used to be, you know, and I don’t want you to get hurt chasing down supervillains who are half your age.

Jay: Why didn’t you tell me that earlier, honey?

Joan: Well, Barry and Wally seemed so excited to be able to get away for awhile, and you seemed so happy to have a chance to come out of retirement, so I was afraid I would disappoint you if I said anything about it.

Jay: Joan, you know me better than that. Sure, I do love a little crime fighting, but that’s not nearly as important to me as you are. If I’d known that you were that worried about me, I would never have agreed to come out of retirement.

Joan: Well, it’s too late for you to change your mind now-Barry and Wally are already halfway to England, and you can’t leave the city unprotected.

Jay: I’ll be careful, Joan.

Joan: Oh, I know you will, dear. You couldn’t have survived this long as a hero if you hadn’t.

Jay: And you’re sure you’re okay if I go out?

Joan: I suppose. I just worry about you.

Jay: I know, and that’s why I’m so careful. I know that you’re waiting for me, so I can’t take any unnecessary risks. I can’t bear the idea of my dying and leaving you all alone.

Joan: Oh, Jay, I don’t worry about you because I don’t want to be alone-I worry about you because I don’t want you to be hurt.

Jay: Every hero risks that, Joan. It’s part of the job.

Joan: I know, but you’re just so athletic and you love to run. I’d hate to see you get injured and lose your ability to exercise.

Jay: Have I ever mentioned that I’m blessed to have you for my wife?

Joan: Every day, dear, every day-and I’m blessed to have you for my husband.

Jay: Thank you, darling. I love you so much.

Joan: I love you, too.

(Jay and Joan kiss, then Jay’s phone rings and he pulls it out)

Jay: Hello? Hello, Commissioner. Yes, I am filling in for Barry and Wally while they’re on vacation. Yes, I’ll be at work protecting the city soon. Mmm-hmm. Uh-huh. Yes, I’m sure I’m still up to the task. I may be old, but I’m as fast as ever. Oh, it’s no problem, Commissioner. I love Central City-I certainly don’t mind protecting it. Thanks, but that won’t be necessary. I don’t need any money. Mmm-hmm. Uh-huh. Tell your wife happy birthday for me. I’ll be sending her flowers soon. And send Officer Johnson my condolences. No one should lose their wife that way. Mm-hmm. Uh-huh. All right, Commissioner. I’ll be watching for them. Okay. Okay. Good-bye. (Jay puts phone away)

Joan: What did the Commissioner tell you?

Jay: He was just checking to make sure that I was ready to protect the city-and to warn me that Captain Cold broke the Golden Glider out of jail, and that they and the Weather Wizard are on the loose.

Joan: Captain Cold and Weather Wizard I remember, but who is Golden Glider?

Jay: If I recall correctly, her name is Lisa Snart. She’s a former ice skater who apparently got bored with her career and decided to turn to crime-and she’s Captain Cold’s little sister.

Joan: A supervillain who’s a woman? Why, I never!

Jay: Villany isn’t exclusively the department of men, you know.

Joan: I suppose that’s true. How dangerous are they?

Jay: It’s hard to say, but since Captain Cold likes to avoid attention, they’re unlikely to try anything too diabolical.

Joan: Well, that’s one good thing, I suppose.

Jay: Agreed. (Pause)  Well, I’d better get going. Love you, Joan.

Joan: I love you, Jay. Good luck!

Jay: Thank you. Good-bye, dear.

Joan: Good-bye, darling. (Exit Jay) I hope Jay knows what he’s getting into. He’s been retired for a long time, and those villains are young enough to be our children. If he gets himself into trouble, I’ll never forgive myself. (Pause) Well, standing around here and worrying isn’t going to change a thing, so I might as well start making some plans of my own!

Act II

(Enter Captain Cold and Golden Glider. Weather Wizard is asleep onstage, and a doll and a large necklace are sitting next to him)

Cold: Stop trying to peek, sis. You’ll ruin the surprise!

Glider: I’m not peeking!

Cold: Oh, what the heck, go ahead and look.  

Glider: (Sees presents) Oh my gosh! Lenny, you didn’t!

Cold: Happy birthday, sis.

Glider: (grabs the necklace) How did you afford this? It’s beautiful!

Cold: Uh….about that….

Glider: You stole it for me, didn’t you?

Cold: No! I robbed a bank and used the money to buy it.

Glider: How come the Flash didn’t stop you?

Cold: I got lucky, I guess.

Glider: (Picks up doll) And what would this be? Cold: You don’t recognize that?

Glider: No. Am I supposed to?

Cold: Seriously? You asked for that for your birthday and Christmas like every year!

Glider: I did?

Cold: Uh-huh. Don’t you remember? When I couldn’t find it for your sixth birthday, you cried for like ten minutes and then Lewis beat the living daylights out of both of us because you woke him up.

Glider: Lewis beat the living daylights out of us on like every one of my birthdays. That doesn’t narrow things down much.

Cold: It’s still got the tag on it. Maybe that’ll help you remember.

Glider: (Reads) “Lucy”. (Pause; laughs) Lucy? The doll I was obsessed with as a kid? But she went off the shelves when I was eight years old. How did you find this one?

Cold: Well, I’ve been scouring garage sales and thrift stores and stuff for the thing around your birthday every year since you were eight. The odds were in favor of me finding one eventually, especially given how popular the thing was when you were little, and I finally found this one two weeks ago at that creepy Goodwill downtown.

Glider: Are you telling me that you’ve been trying to find this doll for me for 25 years ?

Cold: Of course. Given how much misery the stupid thing caused for both of us, I couldn’t’ve lived with myself if I hadn’t.

Glider: So even though, in the same general time period, you’ve given me 4 different cars, several dozen necklaces, and several thousand dollars in cash, you still felt obligated to get me a doll that I wanted when I was eight just because you couldn’t get me it then?

Cold: Well, yeah. Don’t you remember that I promised you I would get it for you someday?

Glider: Vaguely.

Cold: Well, I finally did! Don’t you like it?

Glider: No. (Cold looks upset, then she hugs him) But I do like you, Lenny.  I’m glad you think so much about me. You’re the best big brother in the world.

Cold: Okay, enough with the mushy stuff. I didn’t break you out of prison just to celebrate your birthday, you know.

Glider: Ooh, do you have a heist planned?

Cold: You’d better believe it, sis.

Glider: Hurrah! This day just keeps getting better and better! What’s the angle?

Cold: I’ll tell you as soon as I wake up Mardon.

Glider: What’s he doing here? Didn’t he win the lottery or something?

Cold:  He did, but now he’s broke-again-and needs a place to stay. Again.

Glider: There’s a shock.

Cold: (To Wizard) Yo, Mardon, look alive! We’ve got a job to pull! (Wizard doesn’t respond. Cold throws a pillow at his head)

Wizard: What time is it?

Cold: It’s two in the afternoon, you lazy bum. Get up- we’ve got a job to do.

Wizard: But I’m still tired, Cold! I just spent two weeks without a roof over my head!

Cold: Yeah, because you spent all your cash on parties, gambling, and cars you couldn’t afford. Again.

Wizard: I was doing it to impress my new friends!

Cold: The friends who skipped town as soon as you ran out of money?

Wizard: Yeah.

Cold: I rest my case. Honestly, Mardon, why I bother to keep you around is beyond me.

Wizard: Because of my charming personality and dashing good looks?

Glider: Definitely not that.

Cold: It’s because you have a wand that can control the weather, you doofus!

Wizard: Uh, about that. I may have accidentally kind of broken the wand a couple days ago.

Cold: HOW?

Wizard: Well, I was robbing a gas station when the thunderstorm I created to short out the power grid got a little out of control. I got struck by my own lightning, and the wand flew out of my hand and into a tree and snapped in half. And, uh, I didn’t even actually manage to rob the gas station, because when the wand broke, the thunderstorm cleared up before it could take out the power. Well, that and I was still recovering from the whole getting struck by lightning thing. So yeah. No more weather powers.

Cold: Can’t you just-you know-fix the wand?

Wizard: No. I don’t know how it works!

Cold: What do you mean you don’t know how it works? You’ve been using it for like 14 years!

Wizard: I stole it from Clyde, remember? He’s the one who built it! I don’t have a clue how he made it or how it actually produces its effects- I just know it works. Er, worked.

Cold: Clyde?

Wizard: You know, Clyde! My older brother who was better than me at everything!

Cold: Okay, then we’ll just ask him to fix it.

Wizard: We can’t. He’s dead, and he was kind of a recluse, so it’s not like he had any partners who were watching him build the thing.

Cold: Are you telling me that your wand is permanently broken?

Wizard: Yeah, that’s what I’m telling you.

Cold: Well, that’s just great. Now I’m going to have to change my plans, and it’s all because the man who had the most powerful weapon in the world was enough of a brain-dead moron to both never learn how the thing worked and to break it!

Glider: And on his little sister’s birthday, too!

Cold: Yeah, and on her birthday, too!

Wizard: Sorry?

Cold: You know what? If you don’t have your wand, then you’re useless to me.

Wizard: You’re kicking me out?

Cold: Not yet. You’re one of us, after all-but you aren’t getting a cent from our heists until you figure out a way to either fix the wand or provide some other asset to them, and if you can’t do that in a month, then you’ll have to find someone else’s basement to live in. I ain’t running no charity here, Mardon.

Wizard: Are you saying I’m not a good thief without my wand?

Cold: No, I’m saying that you were a mediocre thief with the wand and that you are a terrible one without it. Powers or no powers, you’re pathetic.

Wizard: Nobody talks to the Weather Wizard like that! Nobody! (Punches at Cold. Cold catches his punch, and then Glider knees Wizard in the abdomen. Wizard falls to the ground and Cold “freezes” his left leg to the ground with his gun.)

Cold: Well, maybe no one talks to the Weather Wizard like that, but until or if you fix the wand, you aren’t the Weather Wizard, you’re just Mark Mardon.

Glider: And we can talk to an idiot like Mark like that all we want.

Cold: See you after the heist, loser.

(Exit both)

Wizard: (Breaks ice on leg and sits up) How can this be happening to me? A month ago, I was a millionaire and the most powerful crook in the world, and now look at me. I’m broke and my wand is broke and now Cold says I ain’t even the Weather Wizard anymore. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was right about me bein’ a pathetic idiot. (Pause) Oh, who am I kidding? They’re right. Without the wand, I’m nothin’ more than stupid, pathetic Mark Mardon. (Pause) I need a drink or something. Anything would be better than sitting around thinking about how bad my luck’s been lately-or working to try and fix the wand!

Act III

(Wizard is sitting at the bar of a restaurant. Enter Joan)

Joan: Nothing like a nice cup of coffee to take my mind off my worries. (To Weather Wizard) Excuse me, sir, but is this seat taken?

Wizard: Huh?

Joan: I was wondering if this seat was taken.

Wizard: It’s not.

Joan: All right, then. (Sits down next to him) I’m Joan Garrick. Who are you?

Wizard: Name’s Mark. Mark Mardon.

Joan: Are you here by yourself?

Wizard: Yeah. You?

Joan: Well, I normally come here with my husband, but today I’m alone, too.

Wizard: Why? You have a fight with him or something?

Joan: No. He’s just filling in for some friends at work today.

Wizard: Are all your other friends busy, too?

Joan: No. As a matter of fact, after I eat lunch here, I’m going to my friend Betsy’s house to help her sew some clothing for her latest grandchild.

Wizard: Boy or girl?

Joan: Girl. Her name is Maria, and she’s only a month old.

Wizard: Is she cute?

Joan: All babies are cute, Mr. Mardon-just like all brides are beautiful.

Wizard: Not according to my baby pictures!

Joan: Oh, hush! (Pause) So, why are you here alone?

Wizard: Trust me, it’s not by choice. I can’t stand being alone without my power.

Joan: Have you fallen on hard times, then?

Wizard: Yeah. I’m pretty much broke, and my friends have made it pretty clear that they won’t give me any money until I can help them, which I can’t.

Joan: Are you sure these people are your friends?

Wizard: (Shrugs) They haven’t kicked me to the curb yet.

Joan: Don’t you have your own home?

Wizard: Not any more!

Joan: Oh, dear, you are in a mess, aren’t you?

Wizard: No duh, lady.

Joan: Is there anything I can do to help?

Wizard: Not unless you’re a millionaire.

Joan: No such luck, I’m afraid.

Wizard: Too bad. I could use that money. (Pause) You always start conversations with random strangers in restaurants?

Joan: No. You just seemed to need some company, and since I was alone, I decided to provide it.

Wizard: Why? There’s nothing all that special about me-at least not the way I am now.

Joan: Because I know how it feels to be lonely. My husband is wonderful, but he’s also very busy, so I spent a lot of time by myself before he retired.

Wizard: Why do you love him so much if he spends so much time away from you?

Joan: Because he’s a good man who sacrifices himself for me. The least I can do is make sacrifices for him in return. After all, a big part of love is being willing to sacrifice your own desires for the people that you love.

Wizard: That sounds like an awful lot of work, lady.

Joan: Sometimes it can feel like it, I’m afraid-but it’s worth it to experience genuine love.

Wizard: I think I’ll pass.

Joan: How can you say that? Haven’t you ever loved anyone?

Wizard: No-and no one’s ever loved me, either, except maybe my older brother, Clyde-and that was only ‘cause he felt bad for me.

Joan: Felt bad for you-why?

Wizard: Because I was a lazy bum right from the start, that’s why. No ambition-not that there would’ve been much of a point in trying, what with Clyde bein’ a genius and a great athlete and all. Even if I had decided to try, Mom and Pop would’ve liked him better, ‘cause I never coulda been as good as he was. The only thing I was ever good at was getting lucky.

Joan: You sound almost proud of yourself for that!

Wizard: Well, it beats feeling terrible about myself.

Joan: Not if it keeps you from improving yourself.

Wizard: Now you sound like Clyde.

Joan: Well, in that case, I would suggest that you listen to your brother on occasion.

Wizard: I can’t. He’s dead now.

Joan: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.

Wizard: Don’t be. It was a while ago, and I was never real close to him anyway. He was too perfect.

Joan: Aren’t you close to anyone?

Wizard: No one I don’t work with.

Joan: Well, if you don’t mind, I plan to fix that.

Wizard: But you don’t know anything about me!

Joan: I know that you have a dead brother, some questionable friends, and a somewhat self-destructive lifestyle.

Wizard: Oh, believe me, you don’t know the half of it.

Joan: And I won’t pry. Are you up for continuing the conversation?

Wizard: I guess. (Pause) You are the weirdest woman I’ve ever met.

Joan: I know-but I’d like to think I make decent company anyway.

Wizard: You’re better company than my partners, at least.

Joan: That’s always nice to hear. So, is there anything you particularly like to eat?

Act IV

(Enter Cold and Glider)

Cold: Okay, sis, I’ve taken out the alarms. Are you ready for the biggest heist of our career?

Glider: You bet, Lenny! This is so exciting!

Cold: And you’re sure you’re not mad about us doing this on your birthday?

Glider: Of course not! In fact, I can’t think of a way I’d rather be spending my day.

Cold: (Aside) I could think of several ways I’d rather see her spending her day, but if this makes her happy, I can’t refuse her. (To Glider) I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. Now let’s move!

(Enter Jay Garrick)

Jay: Stop in the name of the law!

Cold: Well, well, well. Look who it is. It’s Grandpa Flash. Aren’t you retired?

Jay: As long as criminals like you are roaming the streets, I’ll never be truly retired.

Glider: Wow. You sound like a really bad Saturday morning cartoon show.

Jay: Perhaps that line was a bit hackneyed, but then again, so are supervillainous bank robberies. It’s not like the two of you invented that idea, you know.

Glider: No, we just perfected it.

Jay: I’ll give you one chance to surrender peacefully.

Cold: And I’ll give you the same chance, Grandpa Flash. I don’t particularly want to beat up an old man like you.

Jay: Old or not, I would never surrender to a criminal.

Glider: Okay then, Grandpa-let’s dance!

(Starts “skating” around him)

Jay: (Knocks her down) I don’t dance with anyone but Joan, miss.

Cold: Leave her alone, old man! (Shoots at Jay and misses)

Jay: You’re good, son. It’s quite a pity you decided to waste your talents on crime.

Cold: Don’t call me son! (Shoots wildly and misses badly)

Glider: (Gets back on her feet and tries to hit Jay from behind, but he catches her punch) Let me go, you old geezer!

Jay: Sorry, daughter. I’m afraid that’s a no can do. You’ve violated the laws of our fair nation, and you must pay the penalty for your actions.

Glider: (Aside) Is this guy for real? (Breaks Jay’s hold) Only if you can keep ahold of me! (Captain Cold finally manages to hit Jay while Jay is attempting to recapture his sister)

Jay: Nice try, son, but I’ve gotten out of worse traps than this before! (He breaks free)

Cold: DON’T CALL ME SON! (Starts shooting wildly again as Glider begins to enter the bank)

Jay: (Dodges Cold’s blasts and grabs Glider) Oh, no, you don’t, child.

Glider: (Steps on his foot; Jay screams and releases her) Oh, yes, I do.

Jay: (Aside) As much as I hate to admit it, Joan’s worries may be more valid than I wanted to admit. These younger villains are wearing me down pretty well. (Manages to grab the Glider again, only for both to be hit by a wild shot from Cold, who runs over and smashes the ice around his sister. Jay vibrates free a few seconds later, but both villains have moved out of his way in the meantime)

Glider: (Aside to Cold) How is it possible that this old guy is harder to fight than the other two?

Cold: (Aside to Glider) Never mind that-just get into the bank! (He starts shooting again and Glider moves towards the bank, only to be stopped for the second time by our hero. Cold stops shooting when this happens to avoid hitting his sister again)

Glider: We’ve got to stop meeting like this, Grandpa.

Jay: Well, if all goes as planned, child, you won’t be meeting me for several years.

Glider: Why do you keep calling me child? I’m your enemy, not some dopey little kid.

Jay: Force of habit, I’m afraid. After all, you and your brother are young enough to be my children-though I would have raised my children to have better manners.

Cold: SHUT UP, FLASH! (He rushes at Jay, who dodges him, manages to keep a hold on Glider, and then handcuffs both of them)

Glider: Well, this is turning out to be a lousy birthday!

Jay: It’s your birthday?

Glider: Yeah.

Jay: Then I am sorry that you and your brother were foolish enough to break the law on it, child.

Cold: Stop calling her that.

Jay: Why? It’s not an insult.

Cold: It’s what Lewis used to call her. If that’s not an insult, I don’t know what is.

Jay: Who?

Cold: Our “father”. He treated us like trash. If that’s being someone’s child, I’d rather die.

Jay: (Aside) So that’s why he kept-pardon the horrible pun-losing his cool. When I called him son, it seems I was bringing back some ugly memories. (To Cold) Very well, then. I’ll stop calling her child.

Cold: Good. No one upsets my baby sister.

Glider: Before you take me away, old man, would you mind bringing me something real quick? It was the best birthday present I’ve ever gotten.

Jay: I’m afraid I don’t trust you two enough to leave you alone here. If you want to see it, I’ll have to take you with me.

Glider: (Aside) Well, it was worth a shot- and I do want to see it. (To Jay) Okay, that works. The gift’s in our hideout on Seventh and Main.

(Cut to hideout)

Jay: Which one is it?

Glider: The doll. (Jay hands it to her)

Cold: But I thought you said you didn’t like it!

Glider: Lenny, she isn’t the present-the fact that you spent 25 years looking for her is. Having a brother like you was the best present of all.

Cold: Aww, shucks. It was nothing, sis.

Jay: Now who sounds like a bad TV show?

Glider: It’s still you, gramps.

Jay: Unfortunately for the two of you, you still have quite a debt to pay to society. Let’s get you back where you belong.

Act V

(Joan and Wizard are still sitting at the counter. Joan has a cup of coffee now)

Wizard: And then I got a concussion.

Joan: (Aside) Well, one thing’s for sure: this fellow wasn’t kidding when he said that I didn’t know the half of his self-destructive lifestyle! In fact, I’m slightly surprised he’s still alive. (To Wizard) And this was before you dropped out of high school?

Wizard: Two weeks after, actually.

Joan: I’m starting to think you might need more help than I can give you, Mr. Mardon.

Wizard: Told you. (Pause) And just call me Mark.

Joan: Well, Mark, have you ever considered seeing a counselor?

Wizard: You mean a shrink? No way, lady. I’m stupid, not crazy.

Joan: Going to a counselor doesn’t mean you’re crazy. In fact, a lot of the time, it means that you’re smart enough to realize that you need help to change.

Wizard: Who said I wanted to change?

Joan: No one-but by your own testimony, you’re responsible for the mess you’re in right now, and nothing will get better for you until you decide to change your life.

Wizard: Seriously, are you sure you never met Clyde? Because you sound just like him.

(Enter Jay)

Jay: Hello, Joan.

Joan: Hello, sweetheart. What a pleasant surprise!

Jay: Well, I already recaptured Captain Cold and the Golden Glider, so I decided to stop by and visit my lovely wife.

Joan: Oh, Jay, stop flattering me.

Wizard: Your husband is the Flash?  

Joan: Oh, I can’t believe I forgot to mention that! Mark, this is my husband, Jay Garrick, the first Flash. Jay, this is Mark Mardon. He and I have been having a little chat.

Jay: Joan, get away from him-now!

Joan: Why? He’s not bothering me.

Jay: Joan, Mark Mardon is the Weather Wizard!

Joan: You’re a supervillain?

Wizard: Yeah.

Joan: When were you planning on mentioning that fact?

Wizard: Well, I wasn’t planning on mentioning it at all, because I assumed that you knew who I was. Although, now that I think about it, your not knowing would explain why you didn’t freak out when you saw me. (Pause)  No hard feelings, right?

Joan: I’m not sure what I’m feeling, honestly.

Jay: How long have you been here together?

Joan: About an hour, I think.

Jay: And you never recognized him?

Wizard: Well, in her defense, I’m out of costume and you and I haven’t fought much. There wasn’t all that much of a reason for her to recognize me without my gear.

Jay: And you didn’t realize that she was my wife?

Wizard: Nope. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her before.

Jay: Son, if I find out that you’re lying about that and this was a plan to kidnap her or something, you will regret it.

Wizard: Kidnap her? Why? I don’t hate you nearly enough to do something like that-and besides, I’d have to be crazy to kidnap her now. My wand’s been broken for a week, and I can’t fix it, so I’d have to have a death wish to make you angry at me.

Jay: You can’t control the weather any more?

Wizard: Sadly, no-and that means that you won’t be hearing from the Weather Wizard again. Without the wand, I don’t have the talent to be a supervillain, and if word got out that one of the Rogues was back to picking pockets, I’d be the joke of the underworld. I’d rather quit crime than go through that sort of humiliation.

Joan: Well, while I certainly don’t admire your reasoning, I’d say that quitting crime is the best life decision you’ve ever made, Mark. At the very least, it’ll certainly make the city safer.

Wizard: Okay, so now what happens?

Jay: I don’t know. That would depend on whether you’ve committed a crime since you got out on parole four months ago.

Wizard: Why would I tell you if I had?

Joan: Because if you do, he’ll be a lot less angry than if you lie to him and he finds out later.

Wizard: You make a good point, lady. (To Jay) I tried to rob a gas station by knocking out the power, but before I could actually knock out the power or do anything, I got struck by lightning and my wand broke, so I didn’t actually try to steal anything. Is that attempted robbery?

Jay: I’m afraid we’ll have to let a jury decide that, son.

Wizard: And since I don’t have my weather wand, I ain’t about to get humiliated by trying to escape from a guy with super speed and then failing.

Joan: You know, for a man with such limited common sense, it’s amazing how practical you can be when it helps you save face.

Wizard: Well, considering I already lost a million dollars and my powers, I’ve kinda had my fill of being laughed at and called an idiot for the year.

Joan: So, you can change after all.

Wizard: (Shakes head) Lady, you’re something else. I’m not sure if it’s a good something else or a stupid something else, but you’re something else.

Jay: All right, son, time to go.

Wizard: (To Joan) See you around, lady. It was nice talking to you.

Joan: I suppose I’m glad you appreciated it. Good-bye, Mark.

(Jay exits with Wizard, then returns)

Jay: Are you alright, Joan?

Joan: Yes, I’m fine. He didn’t really do anything to hurt me, after all.

Jay: Oh, thank goodness. If he’d hurt you, I’d never forgive myself.

Joan: See, now you know how I feel!

Jay: Why, Joan, I think you’re right!

Joan: Have I ever mentioned that I love you?

Jay: I’m not sure. You know how our memories get at our age.

Joan: (Laughs) Well, then, Jay, I love you more than you can imagine.

Jay: And I love you to the moon and back.

(They kiss)

Joan: Oh, that reminds me-I need to go to Betsy’s house! My, I can’t imagine what she’ll think when I tell her that I had coffee with a supervillain!

Jay: The same thing that I do: that you’re the bravest, kindest woman on the face of the Earth. (Pause) Do you want me to take you to her house before I go back on patrol?

Joan: Oh, of course!

Jay: Then your chariot awaits you, my lady.

Joan: Oh, Jay, that’s so cheesy!

[fresh-outta-jams]

Plastic Heart - Part 5

Namjoon x Reader Author: Mo Summary: When you get the highly-anticipated BTS dolls for Christmas, your life takes a turn in a way you never could have expected. Note: Here we go, guys! Finally, a real interaction between them lmao. Warnings: None? It’s pretty damn fluffy tho. Word Count: 1.5k

Prologue, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

It hurt Namjoon’s little plastic heart to see you so scared of him. He never wanted this. He never wanted to see you literally quaking in fear, one second away from passing out on the spot.

It was quiet while he thought and you sat there shivering. Yoongi looked to him to say something, anything. He was maybe the only one of them that would be able to talk some sense into you before you threw them into a recycling bin or donated them to a thrift store. The other six, who had moved into an upright position somewhere on the dresser, were all depending on him. So, he did what leaders do, and he gave it his best shot.

“So uh, first of all, we’re not going to hurt you. There are some scary movies that give toys, dolls especially, a bad reputation for that sort of thing, but that’s just a stereotype and it’s mostly ventriloquists and porcelain dolls that are like that anyway.”

“Creepy.” You shuddered.

“Maybe don’t talk about that, genius.” Hoseok shook his head. Of course Namjoon would get nervous talking to his crush. Why would they let him do the talking?

“Right. So, um...I’m sorry, I’ve just...never talked to a human before.” Namjoon rubbed the back of his neck. What was this new emotion he was feeling? This jittery one that made him want to explode?

“W-well, if it makes you feel any better, this is my first...interaction like this too. I mean, when I was little I used to talk to my dolls, but they...well, they never t-talked back…” The fact that you were starting to talk a little more was encouraging. Maybe Namjoon could gently nudge you out of your shell. Baby steps.

“We toys, we, uh, we aren’t supposed to talk to our humans. It usually scares them off...I’m really sorry we scared you. We never meant to. You mean a lot to us.”

“Namjoon wouldn’t be exaggerating if he said our whole lives revolve around you.” Yoongi added, and Namjoon nodded.

“Wait, so, are ALL toys alive?” You asked, eyebrows furrowing. The pieces were slowly starting to come together, this world he was opening you up to. Your fear was gradually fading, being replaced instead with curiosity.

“Yeah, for the most part.” He confirmed, making your heart sink and soar simultaneously. “There are a few exceptions. Board games aren’t alive, neither are playing cards or dice, marbles and bouncy-balls aren’t. The basic rule of thumb is: if it has a face, it’s alive.”

“I feel very guilty all of a sudden.” You sighed, running through memories upon memories of all of your beloved childhood toys. Sure, some of them were still back home at your parents’ place, but most of them had been sold at garage sales, donated to your little cousins, or sold on Ebay. Yikes…

“Don’t feel too bad about it. That’s just how it works for us.” Jin tried to be reassuring, but that didn’t make their grim circle of life any less devastating when you looked at the reality of it all. “We know you don’t mean it. We understand.”

“That makes me feel a little bit better…”

“Again, we’re really sorry for scaring you, (Y/N).” Namjoon smiled softly. “And we’re sorry we kind of just...ruined your whole childhood.”

“It’s okay.”

“I’m really sorry for sneezing.” Taehyung hung his head, letting out a little sigh. If it wasn’t for him, they wouldn’t be in this wild rule-breaking mess. They’d still have their secret and be safe. Now, even though you seemed like you were cool with it at the moment, they were vulnerable, and it was all his fault.

“It’s okay, Tae.” You reassured him. “Really, I…I think I’m going to be okay, I just...need some time to think about everything.”

“If you have any questions, you can ask, alright? I think we at least owe that to you.”

“Do you...you can see and hear, obviously, but, uh, do your other senses work? Smell, taste, touch?”

“Not really. We can’t eat food, so we don’t have a reason to taste things, and we’re made of plastic, so we don’t really feel anything either.”

“We can smell, but it’s pretty faint.” Jimin added.

“Weird.” You thought about what that would be like, to be alive, but not really LIVING. “And so toy stores must be like little prisons for you, right? When are you like aware of everything?”

“For me...I woke up in the toy store. I don’t remember anything about being made or packaged, but I know it must have happened at some point.” Jungkook sounded almost sad when he talked about it, eyes fixed on the floor, not looking at you or any of his brothers. “From then, it was just...lonely every night, hoping every day that someone would choose me, hoping even more that I wouldn’t be alone once someone did.”

You could have about cried. “That’s so sad.”

“Yeah, I...yeah, it is. But that’s just how it is. And then you get a kid and everything is better.”

“I’m sorry you guys didn’t get the full...experience, I guess. I’m not exactly ten years old anymore.”

“And we’re thankful for that, believe me.” Namjoon put his hand on his heart, chuckling. “Dolls like us, especially dolls that are meant to look like celebrities and stuff, we usually get forced into a lot of, uh, romantic situations, for lack of better term. That’s not fun.”

“Oh. Well, I promise I’ll never...put you through that.”

“Thanks.” Yoongi chuckled.

You tried to think of something else to ask them. You were buzzing with questions for sure, or you should have been at least, but none of them would come out; they just stayed inside of you, bumping into one another. For a while there, your fear and excitement and everything had drowned out the symptoms of whatever sickness you’d caught. Now that you were falling back down to earth, though, you were reminded of the pounding pain in your head and the fact that you couldn’t breathe.

“So uh, I don’t know if you noticed, but I’m really sick right now, so I’ll probably be home for a few days, if that’s alright.”

“This is literally your apartment. We’re guests here, not the other way around.”

“Right. Yeah. Anyway, if nothing else, it’ll give us--ACHOO!--some time to *sniffle* get to know each other better. I mean, I guess you already kind of know a lot about me…”

“We’d love to get to know you more!” Jimin smiled, perking up excitedly. “I’m Jimin!”

“I know that, Jimin.” You chuckled, shaking your head as you plucked a tissue from the box and blew your nose. “Nice to meet you. Officially, that is.”

Once the others officially introduced themselves, you got up and walked to the kitchen to scour through the medications you had on hand. You had to have something for this congestion. You ended up taking something to minimize the fluids in your face and then smeared some Vicks under your nose for good measure. When you were healthy, you always took breathing for granted, but you would give anything to be able to take a clean breath right now.

“Are you okay?” It was Jin. He must have followed you out to the kitchen. You turned around to look at him and nodded, offering a weak smile.

“Yeah, I’m alright, Jin. It’s just a cold, I think. ‘Tis the season for that sort of thing.” You shrugged before turning to your Keurig to make some warm tea, which was different from the iced stuff you usually drank, but you needed the steam to open up your pores.

“What are you making?” He asked. You felt him tug on your pantleg and bent down to help him up onto the counter.

“Just some tea. It usually helps when I’m feeling sick.”

“Hmm.” He nodded, contemplating it for a second. He watched as you dipped the tea bag into the hot water, letting the leaves steep and darken the liquid surrounding them. He looked up at you after a long patch of quiet. “Thank you. For in there. Anyone else would have freaked out on us.”

“Luckily for you, I’m not ‘anyone else.’” You chuckled. Once the tea was done brewing, you blew on it a bit and took a few tentative sips, careful not to burn your tongue as you had so many times before. “It’s a lot to get used to, but I think I’ll be okay. I’m just gonna need a few days, alright?”

“Of course. Anything for you.” He agreed. You held out your arm for him to grab on, and he climbed up your extended limb, clinging to your shirt and attempting to give you the tiniest hug you’d ever received. “We all love you so much.”

“And I love all of you, too.” You smiled and used your free hand to reciprocate, gently stroking his little back with your fingers. “Don’t worry, Jin. I promise I’m not going anywhere.”

Tagged: @iie-wakarimasen, @lilgaga98, @demonic-meatball, @backtonormalthings, @kbowen9, @honig-bienchen, @coolcat494, @ffantasylandd, @feed-my-geek-soul, @ayoo-bangtan, @xxqueenwxtchxx, @cap-lu20, @finninpoposu, @coldbookworm, @sitkafay

[orbemnews]

Tonganoxie woman makes it easier to score vintage items TONGANOXIE, KS (KCTV) — Days of scouring thrift stores and garage sales for the perfect vintage item are taking new form. Elizabeth Daniel – Decor is bringing “old-fashioned” to life online and making it easier for customers to shop those unique finds. Since she was a teenager, Elizabeth Daniel has had an interest in items others see as old or dated. “I started collecting state t-shirts, like vintage ones, at thrift stores and garage sales,” says Daniel. A self-proclaimed extrovert, she’s showcasing her creativity through a special artform. Her small online business, Elizabeth Daniel – Decor, gives quaint items justice through photography. Every Friday, Daniel sets up a magazine or movie inspired set in front of her garage. All of the pieces in her photo of the week are up for grabs in an auction-style sale, without the bidding. Days of scouring thrift stores and garage sales for the perfect vintage item are taking new form. Loyal customers set their alarms for 4 p.m. to be first in line to claim an item they love. “I start by posting the picture at 8 a.m. and then I give people all day to take a look at it, zoom in on items, ask questions, and make comments. Then from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. I break it down and sell the item individually,” explains Daniel. Items for sale vary every week. For Daniel, it’s all about a vision and making sure every item complements the other. Some items have been in storage for nearly two years before landing on the Facebook group for sale. Daniel says the next step is saving up enough money to have a space where she can sell vintage pieces along with her original paintings and other creations. KCTV5.com is now with you on the go! Get the latest news updates and video, StormTrack5 weather forecast, weather radar, special investigative reports, sports headlines and much more from KCTV5 News.  >> Click/tap here to download our free mobile app.

[jerryterrifying]

I haven't been on a good old fashioned game hunt in I don't know how long.  It's not garage sale season and I don't have the luxury of time enough to crawl through thrift stores so I had an idea.  I made up a list of NES games $10 and below.  Then I looked them up and decided which ones I want to keep an eye out for at the used game shops.  Here's the first of my new haul.  Astyanax's cover art always looked lame to me and I've never heard anyone really talk about it but looking at it on youtube it looks pretty promising.  As I get out there and scour the game store I'll post my new mediocre finds.   What are some $10 and under NES games you would recommend?  #astayanax #astayanaxnes #retrogaming #gamecollecting #gamecollection #gamehunting #videosofacquiredgames #retrocollective #gameroom #classicgames #consolecollection #gameshelf #mondocoolmunity #mondocooltv #nintendo #nes #nintendoentertainmentsystem #supernintendo #supergameboy #supergameboy2 #snes #nintendo64 #n64 #nintendogamecube #nintendowii #wii #nintendowiiu #nintendoswitch https://instagr.am/p/CLdMMPKnTC4/