#seriously if you're reading and you worked and helped this project in any way

[alukardtheabysswalker]

This might be lost in the sea of praise but I still want to say my piece:

@re-dracula is SO GOOD. Like ON SO MANY LEVELS. It is expertly crafted and we'll thought out.

The acting is incredible, like hands down you can hear how everyone is on top of their game, and yeah with many of these performers we already knew how good they are but this new adaptation brings the best in them. And we still have so many more to hear yet!

That brings me to my second point: the directing is so precise, the way the text is interpreted and laid out makes you reconsider stuff about the source material you had never thought of before! From the directing in the soundscaping to the acting there's clearly a vision of what to bring to the audience and it is so well executed!

The soundscaping, editing and music are *cheff kiss* at every moment that you could think a sound to be pertinent it is there! The wolves howling, a struck match, a door, everything is of an incredible quality and you can clearly see(listen) that it was planned and executed to perfection. And the music is just sooooo good they both set the mood perfectly.

And so many little details like the sensitivity and inclusivity stuff they do, the casting was on point, you can very clearly see that this is a work of love. Dracula Daily already made an impression in all of us and made much of last year so enjoyable but you can see(again, listen) that everyone involved here is so in love with the idea, the source material, the work that's needed for a podcast like this.

I am just so enamoured with this, not only do I believe it is perfect for a gothic horror novel to be adapted to audio because as a medium it works so well! But it is also SO WELL DONE.

Just, incredible work, INCREDIBLE work on the part of EVERYONE. If this post gets to anyone on the team please let as many people that were involved in the show (production, cast, moral support, anything and everything!) To know that we are ALL so thankful for everything that you've done and our lives are richer (if only simply as entertainment 💜) by what's a labour of love and you all deserve so much praise!

[vigilante-3073]

Helping Hand

Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Summary: Putting together a bookshelf becomes a lot more complicated without the help of a super-soldier.

TW: Fluff, girl construction, mild flirting.

Y/N sat on the floor in the middle of the living room. Various wooden pieces were scattered around the floor along with a singular pink bowl filled with screws.

Y/N had bought a bookshelf to put up in the nearly empty apartment that she lived in with Bucky. The place could definitely use some decor in order to start feeling like an actual home.

She sat on the floor in front of the television as it played some overly dramatic reality show that Bucky insisted he loathed, but secretly loved.

Y/N put the screws into the wooden pieces with the backside of a metal nail file as the door opened.

"Doll, you home?" Bucky called, tossing his keys into the dish on the table by the door.

"In the living room!" She called without looking up from her project.

Bucky made his way into the living room, bright eyes finding the chaos that had unfolded while he was out.

"How was therapy?" Y/N asked, tightening one of the screws.

Bucky looked around the room slowly "What the hell are you doing?" Bucky questioned.

Y/N looked up at him, "Building a bookshelf," She stated plainly, turning her attention back to the pieces.

"We don't have any tools. What are you using?" Bucky asked, looking around for evidence of a recent trip to the hardware store.

"This," She said, holding up a nail file proudly.

"What is that?" Bucky asked, making his way over to her.

"My building nail file," Y/N said.

"You're seriously using a nail file to put together a bookshelf?" Bucky asked incredulously.

"Yeah, it's worked out well for me so far," Y/N stated, looking down at the book of instructions.

"Did Steve let you put together stuff with that thing?" Bucky asked.

Y/N dropped her hands to her lap with a huff, "No," She admitted reluctantly.

"He always did it for me, but I swear I can do it myself," Y/N said, looking up at him.

Bucky sighed, squatting down beside her "What kind of screws are they?" He asked.

"I have no idea. They have a little 'x' on top," She said.

"I'm gonna run to the hardware store and them I'll help you put the rest of it together, okay?" Bucky questioned, she nodded.

...

Bucky lifted the bookshelf, sliding it back against the wall of the apartment. He took a step back, standing beside Y/N as they admired their handiwork.

It had taken Bucky under an hour to put together the rest of the shelf with the appropriate tools.

"Now that the shelf is put together, I bought you a little something to put on it. Wait here," She said, rushing out of the room.

She returned quickly with a blue gift bag, white tissue paper sticking out the top.

"You didn't have to buy me anything," He said.

She waved her hand, "It's a gift. Now, c'mon, open it," Y/N said, holding it out to him.

Bucky sighed, taking the bag from her hand and pushing aside the tissue paper. He reached into the bag and pulled out a boxed set of books.

His brow furrowed as he turned the plastic wrapped books in his hand, "This is The Lord of the Rings," He stated.

"Yeah, Sam told me that you read them when they first came out and I thought you might like to have a copy of your own," Y/N said.

Bucky stepped forward, tossing the gift bag onto the couch before placing the boxed set up onto one of the shelves.

He stepped back again, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her body close to his side. Bucky pressed his lips to the crown of her head, "Thank you for thinking of me, doll," He said softly.

"I always think of you," She stated, wrapping her arms around him.

He ran his hand over her back gently, "I do have to say, you did a pretty good job with that nail file," Bucky said.

"That's girl construction, for you," Y/N smiled.

[sharkboywrites]

Floyd With an Autistic S/O Who Loves His Hugs

A/N: ohhhh boy this is my first fanfic and I'm kinda nervous aaaaaa anyways this is an idea I've had on my mind for MONTHS because pressure therapy go brrrrrr

Male/gn reader, autistic reader

Floyd has probably never had anyone in his life who enjoyed his hugs

His special ability is to squeeze a person to the point of being almost paralyzed, clearly people were way to terrified to even get close to him let alone let him touch them

That was until a peculiar student showed up at Night Raven College

Everyone else like Ace and Deuce had already gotten the memo to stay FAR away from the 6'2 giant that was Floyd Leech after the Octavinelle incident, just the threat of him squeezing them made people shiver

Except for you

Something about you was different, the way you couldn't seem to pick up on the fact everyone else was afraid of him caught him off guard

You didn't scream or run from him, nor did you seem to care about how we was "Scary". All you ever really did was make a comment about his heigh the first time you had met and that was it

The first time he had grabbed you, he had really expected you to scream and finally be afraid of him

But that wasn't what happened

You had both been assigned to work together on a project. Crewel had put you two together because you were the only one who wasn't deathly afraid of him

While you were focusing on trying to get the potion just right, Floyd decided it would be fun to tease you

"Your focused face is so funny shrimpy! I could just squeeze you right now!"

And he did just that. He picked you up almost like you weighed nothing and squeezed

But to his surprise, you didn't scream or cry, instead you relaxed, almost melted, into his hold

The feeling just felt so comforting, like a weighted blanket or your favorite hoodie. That indescribable feeling of comfort and joy, almost enough to make you start jumping up and down, started to bubble up

After that day you two became much closer

Floyd was so overjoyed that he had found someone who didn't think of him as scary or a monster, someone who loved his hugs and he could squeeze when he needed

As your relationship went on he learned more about you and about your mannerisms, how his hugs helped you just as much as they helped him

He managed to pick up on when you were feeling down or understimulated. When it all became to much he knew his hugs were just the thing that you needed.

He was just like a weighted blanket that would help you calm down after a rough day

He also learned when you didn't want to be touched, he understood with his own mood swings exactly how you felt

While others may few the two of you as odd or weird because of the things that make you both "different", you're the perfect match

Floyd wouldn't have it any other way

ohhh my god ok first fanifc down honestly I CANNOT take myself seriously writing these but who knows maybe I'll get more comfy as I keep going. Ty for reading and have a nice day!

[mizu-nights]

# enemies to lovers

★ — char ; akito

★ — notes ; HIIII I'M DOING WELL I HOPE U ARE TOO!!! and tysm hehe i'm glad u like my theme <3 HOPE YOUR WEEK WASNT THAT BAD ^^ i've never written enemies to lovers before but i hope you enjoy nonetheless! also tgswiiwagaa pfp ... i haven't read it in a while but hai i love mitsuki :3

★ — notes (2) ; set in kamiyama/academic setting , not really enemies , open ending (?) , this ended up being a lot longer than expected ( T T )

★ — requested by ; @toadistoast

★ shinonome akito :

the reason why you're 'enemies' in the first place is just because of a terrible first impression of each other. akito tends to have another side to him when he's in front of new people, and unfortunately, that slipped when you two met.

then you were both convinced that one hated the other. i mean, why be friends with someone that dislikes you, right?

that was until both of you were paired together for a group project. you could literally hear the most annoyed groan ever from across the classroom once it was announced.

which you quickly returned with a similar pissed off scoff. neither of you tried to hide it, either.

it really didn't help that your friends would always tease you about how akito secretly has a crush on you.

"[name], akito has been staring at you a lot since it got announced you were partners... mayb-"

"oh, shut up... have you seen the way he looks at me? it's pure hatred!"

surprisingly, while working on the project together, you two... tolerated each other. turns out akito wasn't as bad as you thought—you were even willing to befriend him now.

"...are we friends now or-?"

"don't finish that question."

though, that little smile on akito's face was a good enough answer.

you still had your moments, though.

"jeez, this is so tiring..."

"...jeez, this is sooo tiring..."

"are you seriously mocking me right now."

as the days went by, the both of you ended up bonding. you learned about his dreams, his friends... plenty of things about him. he was actually rather admirable, maybe even charismatic?

you even found yourself missing him a bit once the project was over. nothing was stopping you from continuing talking to him, of course—you just didn't know how. there wasn't any reason to since the project was over.

you even took a bunch of horrible photos of akito just to piss him off. some of his forehead, some of him doing dumb things... and yet he still looked good in them. how unfair.

eventually, after a few minutes, you figured out that maybe, just maybe, admiring someone's photos like this might not be normal. or platonic at that.

scratch that, you were missing him a lot. not only that, but you might even have a crush on him now. how amazing.

and it seems like akito felt the same way since your phone randomly flashed open with a call notification from him, asking you to meet him at weekend garage tomorrow.

"oh? miss me already, akito? are you asking me out on a date?"

"...you're insufferable."

"yeah, yeah... i'll be there at 2pm."

if you listened closely, you could even hear a small chuckle from the other side of the phone.

as much as you hate to admit it, you really couldn't wait for tomorrow to arrive... how silly—it's only been a few days since you last 'hung out', and yet you can't wait until you see him once more.

love truly makes you feel peculiar things, doesn't it?

[writingquestionsanswered]

Hello! I have ADHD and autism and lots of ideas. Once I sit down to write a story, I get overwhelmed by the need to plan and write and edit and write and edit and write and... You get the idea. Is there any suggestion you could think of to make the process easier?

Streamlining the Writing Process When You're ND

I think this is something a lot of neurodivergent writers struggle with, and to a degree so do a lot of neurotypical writers, because it can take a long time to work out a writing process that works for you.

Planning - It may be worthwhile to sit down and think about how much planning/what planning tools you feel you need before you sit down and start writing. Like, if you feel you could probably write the story with just a beginning to end summary, make writing that summary your one planning item, and move on to writing. Or, maybe you want to do an outline/summary, character profiles, and a map. Make yourself a list somewhere for each of those things--maybe even breaking it down into the necessary sub steps, and deem yourself done when you've finished them. You may still have an urge to do more, but reassure yourself that you don't need to. And, remind yourself that you can plan as you go to fill in the gaps.

Writing - It might help to think of your first draft as a "zero draft." Or, in other words, a very rough draft that is just really there to help you get ideas down in a semi-cohesive manner. Write it beginning to end, and then check this off your list.

Editing and Revision - This is where you can get caught in a bit of a whirlpool, but this is where it's useful to think of your drafts as revisions. Read through the zero draft and make notes of things that need to be changed, added to, rearranged, or polished. Make it a list, then go through the list and complete the tasks. Once the list is done, that revision is done. Now, do it a second time, but this time only mark down things that are a genuine problem. Try not to listen to your nagging doubts or your brain being wishy-washy--look for things that are actual fixable problems. Make another list and complete the tasks. When that list is done, that revision is done. Then, if you feel it's necessary, you can do another read through specifically looking for typos, spelling errors, etc. Make another list and go through it. When it's done, it's done. And you can check off this story as finished.

You might even streamline my suggestions in a way that works for you. Also, if you haven't seen it yet, there's an app called Goblin Tools which is amaaaaazing for when you get overwhelmed by projects that have a lot of tasks. You basically put in a task like "write novel" and you can set how detailed you want the task list to be, then it generates a list of tasks you can complete to get the project finished. It can be really, really helpful in getting things done. :)

I hope that helps!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

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[flanaganfilm]

Good morning/ evening! My name’s Sam and I’m currently a film student hoping to get into freelance writing. I’ve got a couple questions if you don’t mind (hoping you haven’t already answered them and I just missed them).

When you first starting making your own films, did you have already have thick skin for any critics/ bad reviews? Or is that something you grew over time?

Also, for your production company, do you hire interns and PAs or do you prefer filmmakers with more experience?

Thank you!

To your first question, I do not have a thick skin in that area AT ALL and never have. I don't know many people who do.

I'm often approached by fans who will talk about what a project of mine means to them, or I find a review or think piece online where the author really connected with my work. I want to let that feedback in, because it's validating. But letting it in means letting ALL of it in, even the negative. I don't really get to pick and choose. Once I decided to let myself react emotionally to other people's feedback, those gates are open I've got to accept whatever comes through.

I take my work very seriously, and tend to pour my heart and soul into it. We make these things because we love them. It can literally take years of daily work to do. When people love it, it feels great. When people don't, it hurts. There's really no way around that.

Film criticism has, like a lot of things, devolved over time. I was a massive fan of Robert Ebert, who was thoughtful and sophisticated in his critiques (most of the time), and tried to approach each movie he watched on the film's own terms - from the perspective of "how successful was this at achieving what it set out to do?" I see a lot of criticisms today that don't do this, and instead are lamenting what a movie is or isn't, saying things like "I wish this was more..." or "This isn't good because I wanted it to be something else."

"I wanted a ________ and what I got instead was ______ so it sucks."

The other issue is that loud, sensationalized vitriol gets more clicks. Negative reviews, especially brutal and callous ones, get more attention than positive ones. I've gotten to know and befriend some professional critics over the years, who have all told me that the positive reviews don't generate the audience reaction quite like the negative ones. People enjoy watching things get beat up. We reward the wrong kind of discourse, and that isn't unique to film criticism - it's everywhere. That's just a symptom of our culture.

One of my great frustrations is how we assert our opinion as objective truth. There's nothing more dangerous than tweeting "I liked ______ movie!" The comments flood in about how you're wrong, how it sucks, blah blah blah. People think their own taste is somehow factual. If someone says "I had a fantastic steak dinner last night and I loved it," we don't say "you're wrong, steak sucks". We understand the concept of taste when it comes to other things we consume, but when it comes to entertainment each one of us thinks we're the ultimate authority.

For myself, my producer and my wife have long discouraged me from reading reviews. I still can't help it. It's not healthy though. I can scroll past a dozen positive ones, and they evaporate in my mind, but I read one scathing thing and it sticks with me for days. There is one particular review of MIDNIGHT MASS that is one of the most baffling and frustrating things I've ever read, as the author appears to have misunderstood just about every aspect of the series, and drawn the angriest, most misguided, most erroneous conclusions. I read it with my jaw on the ground... "but they're objectively wrong. That isn't what happens, and that isn't what the show is even about." But what can I do? Who am I to say their experience of the show is invalid? They feel how they feel, and that's fine. That's okay. It has to be.

So your skin doesn't get thicker, it is a bizarre emotional experience to put something personal out there into the world and see the gamut of reactions. But at a certain point you have to remind yourself that it's impossible to please everyone, and that these projects don't belong to the filmmaker - they belong to the audience, and each and every one of those experiences is unique and valid. Perhaps there are lessons to be learned, and perhaps the critique can help you grow as a filmmaker.

I have similar feelings when I see someone trashing someone else's work I happen to love - for example, I remain baffled by people who didn't like EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, but that doesn't mean anything. It didn't work for them, that's all. Nothing works for everyone.

I have found over the years that I respect and appreciate analyses and criticisms that take this more personal point of view, and talk about their own interaction with the work as opposed to just dismissing it outright. When someone says "this movie didn't work for me," or "I didn't connect with it," or "It just wasn't my cup of tea," I have a much easier time taking it seriously. It's changed how I talk about my own reactions to movies or shows that I didn't respond to. And I found that it's made it much easier for me to enjoy things even if they aren't quite for me. Instead of being reactive and saying "it sucks" or "I hate this," I've gotten better at realizing it's not a binary experience - I can look at what DOES work for me, and I can appreciate it, even while other elements might not.

It makes for a much more nuanced discussion, and helps me grow. Sometimes, though, it's just the wrong thing to watch on the wrong day, and that's fine too. Maybe that makes it a little easier. If I step out of something and just really don't enjoy it, it helps remind me that it's not personal. Clearly, other people DO enjoy these things, sometimes I'm very much in the minority. And when that happens, I can say "oh, it's not so bad if someone hates a movie I made, or a show, or whatever. Life's too short."

But I long ago decided I'd never say anything negative about someone else's work in public. I know too much about what it takes to make a movie, and I'm not a critic. I'm a filmmaker. This town is too small, and there is zero upside in dragging another filmmaker's efforts. On the rare occasions when I do see another filmmaker indulge in that behavior, it is always a terrible look. And it can have real-world consequences - there are a few filmmakers who I've seen publicly slag off other people's work, and I quietly decided never to hire them. Like I said, it's a small town... and most of us read what people say about our work.

We should get back to that work, remember how lucky we all are to do this for a living, and leave that kind of thing to the critics.

[distantlaughter]

Formel Vorne

Originally published June 2022 by Sven Michaelsen for DB MOBIL (x)

Always close to the racing line: this is how Nico Rosberg became Formula 1 world champion. But what does it take to lead start-ups to the top in Germany? In the cover interview with DB MOBIL, the tech investor talks about his flair for perfect green ideas, his speed-reading course and how he is trying to beat his cell phone addiction by making music.

The man seems impressively experienced in the media. When Nico Rosberg sees the first pictures taken by the photographer at the 25hours Hotel in Cologne, he asks: "Could I get more light from below?" At the beginning of the subsequent cover interview, the former Formula 1 professional wants to know: "How have you perceived me in the last hour?" Anyone in the public eye does a lot of Hollywood, says the 36-year-old, who will open the Greentech Festival, which he co-founded, in Berlin on June 22. New ideas for a sustainable lifestyle will be presented there. Nico Rosberg believes that image is work: "And I've always taken it very, very seriously."

Mr. Rosberg, you became Formula 1 world champion for the first time in 2016. Five days later, you announced your retirement from racing, much to everyone's astonishment. What was going through your mind?

I had meditated a lot and worked with a psychologist. At the start of the last race, I knew that if I didn't make any mistakes, I would be world champion. When I crossed the start line, I thought: Nico, this could be your last race ever, try to enjoy it a little. That gave me the calm I needed to win. When I crossed the finish line, I knew it was over! That's it for you and Formula 1.

Wife, parents, team boss: Who did you tell your decision to first?

In the evening, there was a party where we celebrated at full throttle. The morning after, my wife and I woke up totally hungover. In my bathrobe, I said to her: "By the way, I've decided to quit." It was a total surprise for her.

Did she react with enthusiasm or dismay?

She was completely neutral. On the one hand, she had been an enthusiastic supporter of my career, but on the other hand, she saw first-hand how racing had taken over me to such an extent that I often seemed absent at home. Her only comment was: "Follow your instinct."

Your father Keke Rosberg was Formula 1 world champion in 1982. How did he find out about your decision?

After I announced my departure, I wrote a WhatsApp message to my mother: "Mom, you never have to worry about me again. That was my last race. Please tell dad." If I had told my dad in advance, he would have said: "What are you doing? This is a huge mistake! You're giving up the top spot in Formula 1 without needing to and giving up 100 million euros in revenue over the next few years. That's stupid."

Did he make a scene for you?

No, but he was shocked and didn't understand at all at first. He was my biggest fan and was already looking forward to the next racing season. I then explained to him that I had reached my goal in life and was no longer prepared to give 110 percent every day for racing. That was a very nice moment.

What career options did you have?

None at all. We had our little daughter, and a few weeks after I left, my wife got pregnant again. It was clear that I didn't want to live off my savings in the long term and that my next job should be less ego-driven. In Formula 1, everything revolves around you. This extreme self-centeredness had made me unhappy and led to a disbalance within me. I wanted to become more positive and self-confident. For this reason, I made a promise to myself: In your next life, don't focus on your ego, but on dedicating yourself to projects that help others.

You are investing in sustainability and green mobility today. How many people work for you?

There are almost 20 of them, some of which are involved in investments in green start-ups, others in our annual Greentech Festival, where we bring together the most innovative minds. Then there are our partnerships with companies that are driving forward electromobility.

How many companies have you invested money in?

About 20, with another 100 through investments in funds.

How many start-ups are pipe failures?

50 out of 100. 30 float along so-so, 10 are better off, 10 become really successful.

Your biggest scoop?

Our early investment in the e-scooter company "TIER".

Your most spectacular failure?

A financial services provider in Sweden. Our money was gone.

How high is the proportion of women among founders?

Under 20 percent. The entire tech scene is still a male domain. We can only hope that this will change very quickly.

A founder wants money from you: Do you look at the person or their idea?

First of all, I look at the person: are they driven by an intrinsic passion or is someone just trying to make as much money as possible in as short a time as possible? I need to sense passion in a founder and an incredible fighting spirit, which I recognize immediately because of my past as a professional sportsman. You can modify ideas, but not people.

Two years ago, you predicted in an interview: "The first commercial flights with air cabs will take place in 2022."

It will probably take a few more years after all. We have invested in the German air cab companies Lilium and Volocopter. Commercial flights are due to start in 2025. I predict that a decade later there will be a kind of Netflix for mobility. For a monthly flat rate, you will be provided with all the means of transportation you need to travel within Europe: E-scooter, self-driving cab, hydrogen-powered air cab that lands on the roof of your train station, high-speed train.

CEOs today are supposed to be moderate, approachable, inclusive and politically correct. Successful people like Mark Zuckerberg or Jeff Bezos, on the other hand, are polarizing and egocentric. How do you explain this contradiction?

Many former employees of Elon Musk complain that it is a horror to work for him. I assume he has people on his management team who balance out his stubbornness and ensure empathy. Otherwise, every company will blow up in your face at some point. It is probably extremely rare for visionary founders to also be nice team players. Being uncompromising is part of every great career.

The controversial, billionaire investor Peter Thiel writes in his book "Zero To One": "Of the six men who founded PayPal, four made bombs as schoolboys." Do founders have to be out of the ordinary, have to have a chip on their shoulder?

Genius founders are extreme characters. They focus their lives on implementing their ideas with extreme dedication and tenacity. With some of them, you might think that their successes are revenge on the people who humiliated them in their youth. Toto Wolff, my team boss at Mercedes, said that every great success is compensation for a painful childhood trauma. The appreciation you didn't get as a child is supposed to bring you success in your career.

Peter Thiel asks people who apply to him: "Which of your beliefs would few people share with you?" How would you answer him?

I would so fail this question. Six years ago, I would have come up with an answer: Electromobility. I'm an investor and shareholder in Formula E. When my father heard about it, he said: "You're completely crazy!" He now sets his alarm clock for every race. But wait, I just thought of an answer to Thiel's question: I'm convinced that a psychologist can help each of us enormously in becoming more successful, happier and a better relationship partner. During my time in Formula 1, I worked with a qualified psychologist for two hours every other day. That was more intense than any driver training course.

What did the man do to you?

He helped me to understand myself better: Why am I nervous? Why am I afraid? Why am I jealous when my wife looks after another man without any deeper intention? When it comes to our emotions, we are all so in the dark. They guide our behavior without us understanding how and why. With the help of a mental coach, you can control your reactions much better because you learn to react rationally instead of emotionally. This triggers a snowball effect that changes your whole life for the better. In addition, the psychologist taught me to proactively train my brain with meditation, visualization and repetition.

An example, please.

If I visit a person 100 days in a row and tell them they are an idiot every time, they will eventually believe me at least a little. We often do the same with ourselves. We make the same assumptions about ourselves over and over again until we end up mistakenly believing them to be facts. If I visualize this mechanism again and again in meditation, I can break through it and achieve a more positive self-image.

You also had a coach for speed reading.

Because I don't read enough, I wanted to learn to read faster. Bill Gates reads 100 pages per hour thanks to a coach. A simple trick is to follow along with your finger while reading. This helps the eye to recognize the words and increases reading speed.

A world-famous father, a childhood in the decadent, affluent paradise of Monaco: you could just as easily have become a spoiled good-for-nothing with a drug problem.

I don't believe that children from wealthy families need to have a problem with their ambition. My best friends in Monaco grew up with money. One of them now manages 300 million euros, the other two are among the luminaries of their profession as a lawyer and dentist. All three decided early on that they didn't want to live off their parents' money. Their incentive was to achieve something similar. I was ambitious and thrifty from an early age and never thought about my parents' money. I wanted to do my own thing.

You are bringing up two daughters, aged four and six. Can children's ambition be fueled, or is ambition a kind of natural destiny, as natural as a birthmark?

I think 70 percent is genetics, 30 percent can be influenced by the parents. For me, this 30 percent is the biggest challenge there is in the world. My wife and I attend parenting seminars to develop our parenting skills. Of course we want to encourage our children's motivation, but above all we want them to be happy.

What about your gift for happiness?

My mother is naturally happy and motivated. I find that more difficult. Without rationality and discipline, for example, I would look at my cell phone for twelve hours a day and be knocked out after two days. I have to manage my life with a lot of energy and thought. Otherwise I would make myself and others unhappy.

What are you like when you lose?

My nature makes it extremely difficult for me to lose. When I played tennis against my father when I was young, I left the court crying almost every time. I cried when I lost and I cried when I won because I thought he had let me win. We didn't speak to each other again until the next day. This extreme in me was really bad. In Formula 1, my psychologist then taught me that defeats don't just hurt, but are an opportunity to grow.

What can we learn from you?

Dedication, persistence, not letting go. I recently wanted to meet Richard Branson - which is not easy. I wrote to his secretary, called her and had a friend write an email recommending him. And so it went on and on until I finally got the acceptance.

Have you had any Formula 1 freak-outs like tennis stars hitting the umpire's chair with their rackets?

I'm not the impulsive type. I tend to be very thoughtful, sometimes too much so. I've never shouted at anyone in my life. I'm practising this with my children because they seem to expect it from me. But it's not my nature. I have to force myself to do it.

How do you teach your children ecological awareness?

There is a series of children's books with stories about famous people who are committed to nature. Last night I read the book about Greta Thunberg at home. We also explain why we drive an electric car and try to avoid plastic.

What have you learned from your children?

I bought myself a guitalele, a miniature guitar, so that I don't have to reach for my smartphone every free second. It's in my hotel room. It was my children who inspired me to play an instrument. I'm fascinated by how motivated they are to learn new things. Then I think: Nico, you've become so lazy! Because I'm ambitious, I'm even taking guitar lessons now. I want to become good.

Charlie Chaplin said about the Christmases of his childhood: "I only got one orange - in good years." How do you deal with the lack of scarcity when raising your children?

My wife and I try to exemplify certain values because mere theory is not convincing for children. When we return from an expensive family vacation, I say: "Be careful in your stories not to hurt anyone who can't afford this kind of vacation." Only at Christmas do we break the dams. That's when we overdo it with presents. You can't do everything pedagogically right. And who should stop grandma and grandpa from giving presents?

[psychelis-new]

pick a pile: "Where are you in your healing process?"

take a breath and choose the photo or number that calls you the most to read about how is your healing going and how things may evolve from now on in that field. thanks @narisachan for the suggestion.

don’t take the reading too seriously. only take what resonates with you and leave the rest. if you're not called by any pile, let this reading slid as it may not hold messages for you. if you're called by more than one, there may be messages in each of those piles. remember that is a general reading and some things may not resonate with you. energies can change and readings are based on present ones (as you read); you're always in charge of your life.

(photos found on unsplash)

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1 2 3

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pile 1

I think something new is coming towards you. You're probably "giving birth" to something, may it be a new idea, a new project, a new job, a new way to see things or enjoy life, a new point of view, a new perception... a child for some ofc, but even a new way to see yourself and love yourself. Mostly this tbh. It's something that comes from within first. It's like a butterfly finally spreading its wings from inside of you. A change that took place within and it's now helping you change your environment and approach to the outside as well. You are probably leaving something in the past, bringing closure to yourself or to some old behaviour or mental pattern that kept you in a certain cycle. There's a bit of nostalgy but also a lot of hope for the future. This butterfly, wants to fly away too: spreading its wing is not enough.

Yup I think you have been working, like shadow working, on your inside for a lot now. And you may have reached a point in which many things seem more clear. You have liberated yourself from something too. You have also gained a lot more control on your thoughts and, even if you may have fallbacks, you know it's okay and you can confront them and your fears in a more stable way, from a much more collected place. You have learned a lot, you have learned how strong you actually are and how a simple change in perspective can really make things look better and easier to get through. I think not just your thoughts process but also your communication has also improved a lot, the way you stand up for yourself and how you confront with others. You welcome them, but you don't let them step over you anymore. I also think you know that something is coming soon. You can feel it as well. Now, whatever that is, remember to give yourself accolades for your work and to enjoy it properly. You may need to walk this road of healing for some more kms, but you have already done a great job. Self luv first!

song: love | keyshia cole

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pile 2

I think you are coming out of your shell and letting others see you for who you are now. You are coming back in the world. You are no more scared of being seen, flaws and whatever else that comes with being human. You take pride in whatever makes you you and honestly this is amazing. Your energy is so bright and pure atm, you treat yourself with lot of kindness now and don't worry about what has been. I think your heart has been through a lot of pain, but you have forgiven yourself and others too. You are moving on, or at least you are trying to (on your best days in particular). You know you weren't aware, you know it all was a lesson. And now you are taking those lessons to the next step: not letting them closing you off from the world, but bringing them with you in the world, to enjoy new experiences. Maybe new love and relationships too.

Yeah, you're being bolder, more stable and balanced, nurturing, understanding... you're following your heart more, despite still taking care of it. You're being true to yourself. You know you had to heal your heart first, to take care of you, and now you can start enjoying again all the warmth and joy that come from sharing with others. You have learned your lessons, you know now it's time to get out of your comfort zone and move towards new experiences. Even if it feels scary at times and you may wonder if you're really ready. But you have kinda been working for that for a lot now, healing all your scars and learning to trust your guts. Even if you weren't aware. A very bright, warm energy. Maternal, I'd say. You're more complex than you can imagine. You are more in tune with yourself than you give yourself credit for. Remember you have the power to realize your dreams, you can be your own superhero. And... trust Universe and your Guides, they'll know when it's time. Keep focusing on you and clearing your mind from occasional self doubt. Your energy still has ups & downs, try to keep working on balacing them. And on trusting more, even when you cannot see for sure, even when it feels unsafe and scary. Trust yourself.

song: heart of glass | blondie

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pile 3

Are you working with your inner child? I am getting a huge amount of childlike energy here (not naive, just plain happy-child-running-in-a-field type of energy)! It feels very good. I think you have come back to your roots, to your past, to whatever used to make you feel happy (hobbies/passions especially) and you're working with that anytime you can. And it's working for you, which is even more important tbh. It's helping you going through stuff, especially when things become too overwhelming. Your mind goes fast, this is for sure. I cannot keep up with your thoughts (and messages are coming in different languages too welp). And probably running, drawing, dancing, moving... whatever that is, helps you free yourself from the overload of this energy that your continuos overthinking creates. You have a very imaginative mind too. Are you writing stories?

You're probably finding your happiness now. It's still a work-in-progress maybe, but you're getting there. And you're not shying away from whatever that is that makes you happy inside out. You're trying to put things into perspective, to worry less and enjoy more. To just act accordingly with your inner guidance. I think you have reached a good point in your healing process, it seems at least you have found a way to balance the pain with something that feels good to you, that comforts you. And you are using it to unwind. Ofc this is good as I said, just remember that only unwinding, cannot work to heal you. We also need to stop and try to realize what is going on. But I think you know that, at least most of you: it's probably only a phase, like you need a time out from healing and its heaviness, and this is very good to do. You need and deserve to be present and enjoy, not just work on what is not going well: if you only did that, you would only lose your mind and energy. Yeah, you're just finding outlets, creative ones especially, maybe even simply journaling, to express your feelings and emotions and it's helping you a lot too. Well done!

song: shout | tears for fears

[icarusignite]

Hey! I don't know if this is the proper format (still kind of new here) but I'm sending in this prompt for an Alfred × Reader fic. There's this idea for him that was stuck in my head a couple months ago. So…

It's set either S2 or S3 but it fits better in S3 or the break between 2 and 3. Alfred is really ill which isn't unusual for him, but this time he's taking a lot longer for him to heal and he's deteriorating more seriously than he normally would.

People in court start looking around for new healers and remedies. Alfred is also kind of desperate because he doesn't want to die before England is complete or Edward is ready to take over.

Reader, who is a healer, comes to court with the intention of helping Alfred. She's neither Dane nor Saxon, if you're comfortable with it she could be of Asian or African origin/descent (eg Father Benedict in S5). She's either Muslim or Christian, either way she's well read and a bit of a scholar (if you've seen Vikings: Valhalla S2, there's a female character that might ring a bell). She's also able to reassure him, like Iseult, that she's treating him with nature's bounty and nothing sinister.

Because she's a scholar (also maybe a Christian), Alfred is comfortable that she's not practicing witchcraft so this helps him accept her more easily. It also helps them bond and they become really close friends over the course of the months she spends treating him. They have fun banter and he's able to feel like Alfred, the man around her instead of King Alfred. Then he realizes that he has feelings for her.

At this point it could go any way really. Does Aelswith factor into it much or not? Does reader reciprocate his feelings or not? If she does, would she be comfortable giving into them and being a mistress? Is Aelswith even in the picture or is this a slight AU? Do they have a sad, happy or bittersweet ending? Idk

For extra spice, Reader could also be good friends with Uhtred or Finan which makes Alfred a little jealous but also sad because he thinks that she'd probably prefer the charming, handsome, potentially single, strapping man to whatever measly affection he could offer her.

Ideally, it would be fluff or smut but whatever you're comfortable writing is fine! Sorry if this is too long but I wanted to be as clear as possible 😅. I also understand if this is too much for a oneshot and you forego the idea entirely

Alfred the great x POC! Fem! Reader

Word Count: 4.6k

A/N: Heyy, so sorry this took literally eons to finally write. Thank you for your lovely request and also thank u for your patience <3 Hope you enjoy what I've done with your idea, and dw this will have another part where I'll explore their chemistry more. I watched a bunch of Alfred edits to get in the mood and ngl I'm lowkey in love with him now lmfao. 

Disclaimer: there might be some (a lot) historical discrepancies because I didn't line up the dates exactly but I did find out that the Golden Age of Islam overlapped significantly with the dates that the last kingdom spans so the reader is a prominent scholar from Baghdad. Also, Aelswith is dead (I'm sorry T_T) cuz I don't love a cheating trope even when it is sort of historically accurate. So we have single dad Alfred lol. 

The only heaven I'll be sent to is when I'm alone with you

Entering King Alfred's throne room, your senses were immediately awakened by the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and scents of Wessex. The room itself was a stark contrast to the opulent palaces and grand courts of Baghdad that you were accustomed to. The room was spacious, yet its decoration was surprisingly humble and simple, adorned with rough-hewn wooden beams and modest tapestries that depicted various scenes of English myths and prominent events. With a flash of triumph, you found that you recognized some of them from your studies of the English culture. A faint scent of burning wood from the hearth permeated the air with an earthy aroma.

You observed the nobles in attendance, or the ealdormen as they were called here, their attire markedly different from the splendid silks and jewels of Baghdad's court. Here, the people wore simpler garments made of sturdy wool and linen, in the dark colours of the earth as opposed to the the vibrant clothing the people of your home favoured.

Your gaze then turned to the throne itself. It was a robust wooden chair, its design austere yet imposing, lacking the grandeur of the magnificent thrones you had imagined English kings liked to occupy. King Alfred's regal figure atop the throne created a dignified presence. His clothing, matched the style of his ealdormen, long simple robes of a dull grey. The seat next to him was empty and you briefly wondered about his family. The chronicles you had read stated that a king's wife usually took her place beside him when he held court, but you did not know much of Alfred's wife.

Your fingers itched for your writing instruments, yearning to document all your observations and the happenings of the court. You seldom went anywhere without them, but now they remained tucked away in your satchel as you waited for the king to acknowledge your presence. You knew he had seen you enter, his eyes briefly meeting yours, even as he conversed with his ealdormen. Eventually, your thoughts began to wander and you couldn't help but reflect on the stark contrast between the scorching heat of Baghdad and the chilly bite of autumn in Wessex. your flowing linen tunic and trousers, so comfortable in the sweltering desert of your homeland, felt inadequate against the cold English air that seeped through the cracks in the stone walls.

You discreetly rubbed your tingling fingertips together, trying to generate some warmth, as the fire blazing at the hearth did little to banish the chill that had settled in your bones. Your longing for the warmth of the caliphate's sun was keenly felt in this unfamiliar and frigid environment.

Impatience welled up within you as you glanced around the chamber, noting the courtiers' stoic expressions and hushed conversations. The king's deliberations seemed to stretch on endlessly, and you found yourself yearning for the moment when you could finally present your credentials and seek the audience you had travelled so far to obtain.

King Alfred's voice finally called out your name, his voice echoing through the chamber.

"Esteemed lady, I welcome you to the court of Wessex."

The ealdormen, accustomed to the formalities of their court, were taken aback when you did not bow or curtsy as was expected. Instead, you offered a polite smile and tipped your head in a gesture of respect.

A murmur of surprise and disapproval rippled through the assembled courtiers. Some whispered that your behaviour was disrespectful, a breach of protocol. They exchanged curious glances, wondering how their king would react to this departure from tradition.

However, King Alfred took no offence. With a gracious nod, he signalled for you to speak.

"Thank you, your grace. It is an honour to be here."

Your accent was soft, lending your words a foreign intonation, and each syllable was carefully enunciated. You had spent months learning the language, and you weren't about to embarrass yourself now by messing up your pronunciation.

"I extend my deepest gratitude to you for undertaking such a long and arduous journey at my request. I hope the discomfort of the voyage did not prove too taxing."

"Your Majesty," you replied, "it was a journey of great honour for me, and I hope to make myself useful here."

King Alfred nodded appreciatively and then turned to a servant standing nearby.

"Please, ensure that the lady is provided with comfortable quarters and all the amenities she may require during your stay in Wessex."

The servant bowed in acknowledgment and stepped forward to escort you to your residence within the royal palace. You thanked the king once more for his hospitality and assistance before following the servant out of the chamber.

As you left the throne room, your observant nature couldn't help but take note of King Alfred's condition. Despite his attempt to appear at ease in his chair, you had perceived the subtle signs of discomfort. His favouring of his left side, indicating pain or injury to his right, and the unusually pallid complexion for an Englishman raised concerns in your scholarly mind. That was your purpose, after all, to try to diagnose and hopefully cure the ailing monarch.

Just when you were gone, the noblemen of King Alfred's court wasted no time in flocking around him, their curiosity piqued by the arrival of the enigmatic woman. They bombarded the king with questions and voiced their concerns about the unfamiliar customs you had displayed.

One nobleman, his voice dripping with skepticism, remarked, "Your Majesty, did you see that? She didn't bow or curtsy as she should have! It's as if she has no respect for you."

Another, eyeing your unusual attire and complexion, chimed in, "And her clothing, Your Grace! It's unlike anything I've ever seen in Wessex. She's clearly not from anywhere near England. What could she possibly want here?"

The murmurs of disapproval and suspicion spread among the courtiers, as they exchanged perplexed glances. To them, your arrival was an anomaly, and your behaviour had raised eyebrows and questions.

King Alfred, his countenance calm and measured, raised a hand to quell the growing unease.

"I understand your concerns, but there is nothing to worry about" he began, addressing their concerns. "The lady you have just met is a prominent figure from Baghdad. She has travelled from a distant land to be here and she is not here to defy our traditions or customs. She is a scholar seeking to further her studies in Wessex. Her journey to our land is a great honour, as it reflects the recognition of the importance of our own intellectual pursuits."

His tone left no room for further skepticism. He also did not mention the other reason you were there, as he did not wish to reveal the truth of his declining health. As the nobles filtered out of the room, somewhat still unsatisfied by his answer, Alfred couldn't help but remain still, his mind going over the recent developments. When he had first written to the Abbasid Caliphate to request that he be allowed to host a medical scholar at his court, he had to admit he was not expecting a woman, and certainly not one so beautiful.

The next day, Alfred summoned you to his private chambers for a consultation regarding his health. As you entered the room, he couldn't help but notice the change in your attire. Gone was the flowing linen tunic and trousers, replaced by a sturdier, more practical woollen English dress. The deep blue gauzy veil, however, was still draped around your head and flowed down your back.

The English clothing seemed to complement you, accentuating your elegance in a way that was both unexpected and captivating. The king, not for the first time, found himself admiring you, though he kept such thoughts to himself, mindful of the formal context of your meeting.

You, ever the professional scholar, maintained a polite and formal distance as you began your examination of the king. You inquired about his symptoms, listening attentively to his description of the pain and discomfort he had been experiencing. Your deep knowledge and keen medical insight were evident as you asked probing questions and conducted a thorough assessment.

After a careful evaluation, you began to discuss your observations and your initial diagnosis with the king. You explained your thoughts on the potential causes of his discomfort and suggested a course of treatment. King Alfred was grateful for your expertise, and couldn't help but be struck by your intellect. He had a thirst for knowledge himself and he appreciated the quality in others when he saw it. In you he recognized a passion for learning and documentation, one he held himself as well. After the medical examination, he extended an invitation to you to remain in his chambers and share a cup of tea. Initially hesitant, you eventually agreed, recognizing the value of the opportunity to engage in conversation with the English monarch.

Seated in the warmth of the chamber, Alfred began to share with you the rich history of England, its struggles, its triumphs, and its cultural tapestry. He spoke of the challenges of the Anglo-Saxon period, the battles against the Danes, and the enduring spirit of the English people. As he narrated the history of his land, Alfred couldn't help but notice how your eyes lit up with a deep fascination, even though you attempted to contain your enthusiasm. Your questions flowed naturally as you probed deeper into the history and culture of Wessex. You asked about the Anglo-Saxon kings, the legends and folklore, and the development of the English language.

You kept diligent notes in your little notebook, your hand swiftly capturing every detail of the conversation. Your keen intellect and insatiable thirst for knowledge were evident, and your genuine interest in Alfred's words warmed his heart. It had been quite a while since anyone had paid such rapt attention to what he was saying, and he found himself rejuvenated by your exchange.

As a lull settled over your conversation, Alfred's curiosity got the better of him. With a twinkle in his eye, he leaned forward and said, "My lady, I must admit, I'm quite curious about the contents of that notebook of yours. What sort of information have you been documenting to take back to your homeland?"

You smiled, your demeanour more relaxed than when you had first come in, "Your Majesty, you need not worry. I promise you, I haven't written that the English are fire-breathing trolls."

Alfred felt a grin tug at his lips, but he suppressed the urge, keeping his hands folded placidly over his stomach.

"Well, you know, if we English could breathe fire, we might have an easier time dealing with our enemies!"

"There is a trick that performers back home use, to give the illusion of breathing fire. The science behind it is quite fascinating. Perhaps I shall explain it to you sometime."

"Ah yes my lady, you have filled your book with our tales, but have yet to share yours. Do you have any secrets from the East that you'd like to share with us humble English folk?"

You couldn't help but smirk at his words, "I'm afraid some secrets are best left in the lands where they belong, your grace. We wouldn't want you to start brewing Persian tea incorrectly, now would we?"

"I doubt it can compete with our tried and trusted English tea."

"You only think that way because you haven't tried Persian tea yet. Trust me, once you have, there's no going back."

"I suppose you make a fair point! Although, I must admit, the thought of trying to decipher the intricacies of Arabic calligraphy is rather tempting."

You paused, your light-hearted nature urging you to make another joke but you strictly reminded yourself that you were in the presence of a king. It would do you no good to offend him with an ill-timed statement. You were already apprehensive about your earlier comment about the Persian tea, although you were grateful that he chose not to see it as a slight. As if sensing your hesitation, Alfred sat up in bed and leaned forward.

"You are free to speak my lady, do not hold yourself back on my account," he reassured with a wave of his hand.

Still, you settled for a polite smile, "I was just going to remark on the difficulty of calligraphy but I am certain that if anyone would be able to master it, it'd be you, Your Majesty."

A small furrow appeared between Alfred's brows as if that wasn't the answer he expected from you. He could see you pulling away, going back to your polite, almost cold professionalism. Eventually, he nodded thoughtfully at you.

"I would be ever so grateful if you could perhaps show me the technique someday, my lady."

You breathed a sigh of relief and nodded with a small smile.

"Now, about that notebook, if you would allow me to take a look?"

"Ah yes, of course," you handed over the small leatherbound journal to him quickly without further complaints. "But I must warn you, my handwriting isn't at its most legible."

Alfred accepted the notebook with a nod of appreciation. As he leafed through its pages, his eyes quickly fell upon your meticulously written notes. Your thoughts were inscribed in your native language and although he did not understand the words, your elegant looping script impressed him.

He raised an eyebrow and turned toward you expectantly, pointing toward a specific passage, "And what does this say right here?"

"It is a description of the English weather, your grace."

Alfred leaned closer, his finger tracing the inked lines on the page.

"Ah yes, English weather. It was raining when you first arrived, wasn't it? What do you think of our English rain then, my lady? I've heard it has a certain charm."

"Well, I believe your rain can be quite persuasive. It insists that one should stay indoors and read a good book."

Alfred's lips twitched again, fighting back a smile. It seemed that the new scholar shared his interests as well.

"A wise perspective, indeed. Perhaps our English rain is simply encouraging a literary lifestyle."

"Yes, your grace."

"My lady" he continued, a note of genuine admiration in his voice, "I must tell you, your handwriting is truly exquisite. Tell me, just how many languages have you learned."

You felt a blush creep into your cheeks at his compliment. There was something sincere in his eyes as he waited for your answer, looking at you like your accomplishments were the greatest thing in the world. You opened your mouth to respond but then a loud knock sounded on the door and a priest entered.

"Yes, Father Beocca," Alfred seemed irritated at the interruption.

Father Beocca's eyes glanced from you to the king, and despite the fact that you were sitting in a chair quite some distance away from him, you felt a strange flash of awkward embarrassment run through you.

"My king, Uhtred is here to see you," the priest finally stated.

Alfred sighed and turned toward you with an apologetic smile, "Shall we continue our conversation another time then, my lady? It seems that I am needed elsewhere."

"Yes, of course, your grace."

You quickly took your leave then, choosing to take one of your books and go read in the garden. You had just settled yourself into a comfortable nook when loud boisterous laughter caught your attention. Turning your gaze towards the source of the commotion, you spotted three men, two of whom were dressed in the attire of warriors. Their boisterous behaviour was evident as they playfully teased and shoved the third man, who was clad in robes that resembled those of Father Beocca. However, a leather breastplate adorned his monk's attire, hinting at a surprising duality of roles – priest and fighter.

The two warriors were engaged in a lively exchange with the monk, their laughter echoing through the garden. You couldn't help but smile as you watched the scene unfold. Their camaraderie and jesting reminded you of the Caliph's sons back home, when your father would take you to visit the palace.

One of the warriors, a bearded man with broad shoulders and a hearty laugh, clapped the monk on the back.

"Come now, Osferth," he said between chuckles, "surely your devotion to the Lord could use a bit of levity now and then."

The monk, Osferth, grinned in response, "Aye Finan, it is said that laughter is the best medicine, is it not?"

The other warrior, a lean and quick-witted fellow, joined in with a jest, "Well, if that's the case, Osferth, then Finan here will live to be a hundred and you shall die tomorrow!"

Osferth elbowed the tall man in the ribs, "Not before I knock some sense into you Sihtric."

Their jovial banter and good-natured teasing continued, creating a lively atmosphere in the serene garden. You couldn't help but be amused by their antics and the familiarity of their interactions, watching them for quite some time.

The trio of men eventually noticed your presence, and with their laughter dying down, they made their way over to you. As they approached, their expressions revealed a mixture of curiosity and surprise.

The broad-shouldered warrior, Finan, whose eyes twinkled with mischief, was the first to speak. "Well, what have we here?" he said with a grin. "A traveller from foreign shores, I presume?"

"Yes, I am from Baghdad, my lord."

The warrior, clearly taken with you, couldn't resist a flirtatious remark.

"Lady, I must say, you are a wondrous addition to our English garden."

You snorted at his attempt at flirtation.

Meanwhile, the monk with the leather breastplate maintained a more respectful demeanour.

"Greetings, lady, I am Osferth," he said with a nod. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. May I ask what brings you to our humble Wessex?"

You found the monk's polite curiosity quite refreshing.

"Greetings to you too, Osferth. I've come to further my studies here. Wessex has much to offer in terms of knowledge and history, and I hope to make the most of it."

"Well, my lady, if ever you wish to explore our English shores, I'd be delighted to be your guide," it was Finan who spoke again and you could not help but laugh at his words.

"Thank you, kind sir. Your offer is most gracious."

“Call me Finan, my lady.”

Your change continued as they asked more about you and your hometown and you asked about theirs. You found out that they were a band of warriors who followed some fellow named Uhtred, the very same Uhtred who was currently speaking to King Alfred. As the conversation flowed, you discovered that you enjoyed speaking with these men. Their witty banter and friendly demeanour made you feel at ease, despite the foreignness of your surroundings. You shared stories of your travels, your scholarly pursuits, and the cultural nuances of your homeland. The men, in turn, regaled you with tales of their own adventures.

As you continued to engage in playful banter with the warriors, you remained oblivious to the presence of King Alfred and Uhtred, who had ventured outside and were observing the lively exchange.

Eventually, with a confident stride, Uhtred made his way toward your group to make his introduction and Father Beocca approached the king with his concerns.

"Your Majesty," he began cautiously, "I must admit, I have reservations about entrusting your treatment to a foreigner, especially one from so distant a land. We must be cautious of witchcraft and unfamiliar practices."

King Alfred turned to Father Beocca, his expression thoughtful but resolute, "Father Beocca, I understand your concerns, but the lady is no ordinary foreigner. She hails from Baghdad, a city known for its innovative medical advancements and a center of learning in the Islamic world. She comes as one of their finest scholars, sent by the Caliph himself."

"I see, your grace."

"I have read extensively about the great Islamic civilization, and its contributions to science, medicine, and philosophy. I believe we have much to learn from her, not only about medicine but also about fostering understanding and collaboration between our cultures. They have succeeded in uniting several lands under one caliphate, so perhaps we might learn how we may unite England as well."

Father Beocca, though still cautious, nodded in understanding, "Your Majesty, I trust your judgment. It is my fervent hope that the lady's presence here will indeed lead to beneficial knowledge and that she will uphold the values of wisdom and compassion."

"Thank you, Father Beocca. Let us have faith in this unique opportunity for cultural exchange and enlightenment. Her presence is a bridge between worlds, and I believe it is a path toward a brighter future for Wessex."

Over the course of the next few months, you became familiar with the routines of the Wessex palace. King Alfred allowed you to shadow him throughout his day, believing that you could provide valuable insights into his own activities. It was a decision that would lead to a profound connection between the two of you.

Every day, you diligently prepared poultices and medications for the king’s ailments, and often you’d recite the recipe to him and explain the purpose of each herb and plant that went into it. He found that he trusted you completely but he was still comforted by your transparency and the efforts you took to explain things to him. Sometimes he would insist on accompanying you on walks and you would point out the various native English plants and their counterparts back home. You also documented the king's activities and observations in your notebook. At times, he would request to see your notebook, often just to admire the beauty of your script. He marvelled at the graceful lines of your writing, and the intricate calligraphy that adorned the pages.

Your interactions went beyond the formalities of your initial meeting. King Alfred, always eager to learn, would occasionally ask you to translate certain passages from your native language and over time, your bond grew stronger. King Alfred began to look forward to each day, eager to see your bright and colourful veil, a striking contrast to your plain English gowns. He would wonder which hue you would choose, and it became a delightful anticipation in his daily routine.

Your conversations transcended the realm of duty and scholarly pursuits. The two of you shared your favourite books, discussing the nuances of various works and debating the merits of different translations. Your insights challenged Alfred's own understanding, and he cherished these moments of intellectual stimulation.

As the days turned into weeks and then months, Alfred realized that you had become an important fixture in his life. your presence was a source of inspiration, a reminder of the power of knowledge, and a testament to the potential for understanding and collaboration between different cultures.

He found himself thinking of you when he was apart from you, reminiscing about how your eyes would dance with mirth as you argued with him about the inaccuracies of translated works, or how your laughter would fill the palace corridors. You had not only enriched his pursuit of knowledge but had also touched his heart, becoming a cherished friend and confidante in the process.

Alfred could still vividly recall the way you had looked at him with genuine wonder and appreciation when he had shown you his humble library. He knew that compared to the great libraries of Alexandria and Baghdad, his collection was modest, but you had delighted in it all the same. Your eyes, filled with curiosity and admiration, had swept over the numerous scrolls and manuscripts, taking in the wealth of knowledge contained within those walls.

In that moment, as you softly murmured your thanks, Alfred felt his breath catch. He was struck not only by the beauty of your physical presence but also by the grace with which you carried yourself and the genuine enthusiasm you displayed for learning. Your voice had a melodic quality that lingered in his memory. It was a voice that seemed to breathe life into the ancient texts that surrounded you and the king found himself quite enamoured with you. The two of you spent many a late night pouring over scrolls together, and although he always kept a respectful distance, Alfred found himself wanting to brush away the stray strands of hair that fell across your forehead, having escaped the tightly bound coil you usually kept your hair in.

Tonight was one such night as the dim light of the candle burned low, and after a lively discussion on herbal medicine, you had fallen asleep on one of the ancient manuscripts. Alfred, his mind still buzzing with the echoes of your conversation, fought against the pull of sleep. Instead, he watched you slumber, his heart filled with a mixture of admiration and tenderness.

In the soft candlelight of the library, you appeared even more enchanting. Your thick eyelashes brushed against your cheeks as you slept peacefully, your features serene. Your form rose and fell with each gentle breath, a rhythmic reminder of the tranquil cadence of sleep. Alfred couldn't help but be captivated by your beauty in this unburdened state. The play of shadows and light highlighted the delicate contours of your face, and the soft glow of the manuscripts around you lent an almost ethereal quality to the scene. You looked like a vision from a dream.

As he watched your slumber, a sudden, unexpected urge welled up within him. He was struck by the temptation to lean in and kiss you, but he quickly banished the traitorous thought. What an absurd thing for a king to do, to force his affections on a guest in his home. Especially when he had no way of knowing if you returned his feelings. He would have to content himself with the simple act of watching you sleep, his heart filled with a deep and unspoken longing.

He also found himself wondering if you were betrothed, for you couldn’t possibly be married and still be here. What man would not accompany you or let you out of his sight if you were his wife? Although you had discussed many things, you did not stray close to personal topics such as family. You were only a few years younger than him and surely you had to have someone in your life. And even if you didn’t, what could you possibly want with an ailing man like him when a woman as accomplished as you could have anyone in the world?

Such melancholy things plagued him as he eventually drifted asleep on the table across from you, his final thoughts fixating on what it might feel like to have your lips against his. 

[sgtmickeyslaughter]

“What do you want?” Mickey asked, voice uncharacteristically even, careful and restrained in a way that sounded so, so wrong. “Iggy told me you went over to Terry’s fuckin’ house. Seriously, what the fuck is wrong with you, why’re you stalking me man?”

“Mickey, you know why,” Ian whispered back.

“No, actually, I have no fucking idea,” and that really gets Ian, because in what fucking world does Mickey not know, in what world would Mickey not tell him he’s been back for over a year.

“Because I love you,” Ian offered honestly.

Mickeys expression shifted just slightly. His eyes widened enough for Ian to see his disbelief, “You love- Jesus Christ Gallager, please tell me you’re joking.”

“Nope,” Ian shrugged, feeling weirdly calm and confident, now that he got to the point he should have started with at the bar. He should have said “Hi Mickey, I love you.”

Mickey had been out of prison for 2 years and Ian never would have known until they ran into one another on a random night in May, Ian fights for the love they shared while Mickey fights for the life he built. As they both struggle with shame and guilt from their shared past it becomes clear that they cannot help but be drawn to what is bright and beautiful between them. 

Chapters: 8

Word count: 82k

I know I said I was going to try to post this weeks ago, but life has been fun and hectic and busy so In Your Love got posted a little late, but it's here now!!!

Please give it a read if you're interested and leave any comments/thoughts you have, I've been reading and writing fan fic for a decade now but this is the first time I am actually publishing something so it is a weirdly big moment for me

happy reading!

[drbased]

i've been reading your symbolic states tag and i'm both fascinated and relieved. i too am trying to live more in the real world and less in my head. a spark was struck when i read that i should be looking forward to the work of living, rather than dreaming of the symbolic sense of achievement i want.

do you have any tips/advice on getting out of that state? i find myself slipping back to it after a few days/weeks. how did you get out of it permanently?

i also want to hear your thoughts on social media's impact on us with regards to the symbolic state. social media is a literal continuous symbolic state that we are now all expected to participate in. how might we do it without succumbing to living/thinking symbolically?

actually, i would go so far as to state that social media has contributed directly to the current boom and celebration of unreal/symbolic ideals.

thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

Thank you so much for this message 💖

This is, in short, my process:

learn to recognise what makes you feel uncomfortable. mentally trace back to recognise what has made you feel sad, angry etc. The more specific and granular and embarrassing you can recognise as the source of your negative emotional response, the more you're learning about your actual self and not some idealised version of you.

from that, start getting to know yourself. once again, the more granular and specific you can get, the better. instead of thinking 'I am smart', recognise 'I have good analytical skills that I developed during childhood because of x experience' etc. this will help you to stop categorising yourself as a certain type of person and instead will help you to have a healthier relationship with the traits that make up who you are.

before doing an activity, is your mental picture of yourself in the first or third person? because if it's the latter, try imagining yourself in the first person. if this feels humiliating and embarrassing, and the activity seems boring, you've learned something about what you actually like doing. get used to recognising that picturing yourself in the third person is a warning sign. the more you recognise the warning signs, the more you learn about yourself, and the more you can act authentically.

with a better picture of who you are, you're better at recognising what you actually want in the moment. I specify in the moment, because it's very easy to categorise yourself - I spent over a decade doing things because 'drbased would like this activity', as if I'm forced to behave according to someone's OC character sheet of myself. For example, when doing art projects, I feel as if I'm supposed to do a specific design because 'that's the kind of design drbased likes' - which actually makes the activity the opposite of creativity because I leave myself no room for the spontaneity of the human spirit; everything I do has to fit into a category. Recognising that I can just exist in the moment and not as part of some wider narrative has helped me immensely

learn to trust yourself - or, at least, humour yourself until you trust yourself. learning to humour myself is where this all started. I took myself and my point of view seriously, and as such was finally able to stop being embarrassed at being a human being. I approach everything from my own point of view now, and it's wild that I finally understand that that's what being human, being alive, existing is all about.

and here's the big one - or, rather, one continuous and contiguous chain of small ones - I have to actually do what I want, moment to moment. Since I lost the ability to recognise myself as a human being existing in the chain of cause-and-effect, I have to re-establish my relationship with said cause-and-effect. I have to re-attach some neurons, and the best way to do that is with consistent behaviour. I feel something I want to do, I have to do it instantly. The more of a gap I leave, the harder I make it in the long run. I still feel the tug of obligation stopping me from doing what I want to do instantaneously, so this is a long, perhaps a life-long journey for me. but I want that, no matter how exhausting it can get, because every moment I get to show myself love and prove just how serious I am about mending my relationship with myself. One very existentially terrifying thing I've learned is that the medium is the message - the very fact that you're making these gestures to yourself is something that your brain registers. And the simple fact, is, reality feels a lot better when you're directly engaging with it. It's tough, but it's incredibly rewarding and makes life better - remember, you only ever exist in the moment - so thinking of yourself as anything other than in the moment is a form of death of the self. Reinforcing yourself as part of the chain of causality is telling yourself you're alive and want to live.

Make no mistake: I am not completely out of it. I seriously damaged my relationship with my own self-hood and I am sure that I will always be struggling with this for the rest of my life. But how I frame my response to life's struggles is entirely different now - I am making this decision to engage with what I once percieved as the humiliation of mundane life because I can now recognise that for better or for worse, I'm the one living it. I'm the one feeling the feelings and thinking the thoughts and doing the actions. I am the center of my entire perception of the universe, this life is literally my own. I used to think of myself as having some obligation/responsibility to other people and the universe itself - but now I recognise that responsibility is, like, an actual real thing, instead of just getting marks on a test. If I do something bad, that actually hurts real people; and likewise, doing something nice is good because real people benefit. The 'responsibility' comes once again from the equally comfortable and terrifying realisation of my place in the chain of cause-and-effect. As part of that chain, I may have caused irreparable damage to my psyche, but I'm not part of a narrative where I must seek to 'fix myself' - I'm just a human being, and I want to live the best life I can because feeling good feels good, and that's what I want for myself because I care about myself. If I have to spend the rest of my life constantly asking 'what do I actually want right now?' then so fucking be it - because the alternative is a low-level hell of depression and PDA.

I will talk about social media and symbolic states in a reblog of this another time. But I hope this helps - I'm getting better at writing down the stages of what I did to help myself, and it's incredibly gratifying, and the responses I get are validating.

[softie-rain]

Hehe if you are taking requests could you do one w peter maximoff where he finds his s/o stressed out and anxious due to examinations? I'm burnt out and really need some peter to help lol ty love your work so much!!! <3

Stress Relief

pairings: peter maximoff x gen!reader

warnings: non fluff uwu

summary: finals can be extremely hard, and Peter just wants you to forget all about it

a/n: hey! thanks for the request, and sorry if this came out so late 😭 also you didn't specify the gender so i went with neutral :) Also i know i said i was taking a break from x reader stories, but this was an old request and i wanted to finish it.

Any spam likers will be blocked. If you like what you read, REBLOG.

"Peter?" You called in the dark, after hearing wind moving your hair. "Damn, how did you know it was me?" He asked faking shock, hugging you from behind.

You chuckled, closing your arms around his. "Instinct."

"What are you doing?" He observed the papers on your desk, where you were currently sitting at. Last weeks of school, that meant final exams. Completely useless, if you were asked, who's only purpose was to give you stress, all the time.

"It's almost midnight, you can't seriously still be up studying." He commented. You rolled your eyes at him. "Yeah well, I have to make a plastic of the cell and for now I have only studied the components, and still have to do the whole thing. Plus Mrs. Kelly wants this ready for tomorrow, so either I do this now or I fail."

Peter looked at you with sympathy. You were so stressed over school work lately, withou taking any break. And yes, maybe you had the time to do one. But you knew that if you stopped, then starting again would be way harder. Especially at midnight.

"I can do it for you, if you want." You started laughing, even if you knew he was dead serious. "I appreciate it love, but I'm fine."

"You're clearly not. And if you don't want me to do your work, then let me help you forget your stress for an hour.

Or two."

You rolled your eyes. "Peter, no. I can't have any breaks now- Peter!" He completely ignored your protests and grabbed you bridal style. "Ready?"

You knew anything you would have said could never brought Peter to stop his actions, so you just shook your head and said "I never am." And then clinged into him as he sped out of your room.

He brought you in the forest, laying you on the fresh grass. "And now?" You asked. He smiled and layed down next to you. "Now you look up and admire the stars."

You did as he told you, and smiled widely. The sky was simply beautiful, and living outside the city without light pollution made it even better.

"That is the Big Dipper, there, you see it?" He said, pointing his finger up. After a few seconds you spotted it, and nodded at Peter. "And more on the left the Little Dipper. It's a bit harder to spot, but without all the lights you should be able to see it."

It took you a full minute to find it, but finally yoi saw it too. And so you spent the time like this, between Peter pointing out stars and planets as you tried to find them, and awful pick up lines.

"Y/n, you know what's more beautiful than the sky?"

"If you finish that sentence I'm breaking up with you."

"I was gonna say me but ok."

Almost one hour and half later, you were fast asleep. Tired from the exhausting day and with Peter's voice as a sweet lullaby, sleep came over you pretty easily.

When you woke up next morning, panic washed all over you.

The project. You haven't finished it yet.

You rushed over your desk, maybe you could still finish it, somehow.

But at your desk, you saw the project done, perfectly closed in a box, ready to be brought at school. Next to it, a note.

I know what you said, but you were exhausted and I didn't had the heart of waking you up. I love you, good luck with the project <3

You smiled and brought the note to your heart. "Love you too, Peter."

[writingquestionsanswered]

Any advice for writing with brain fog? I get it from some of the meds I take and when I try to write there's just... nothing there.

Writing Through Meds-Related Brain Fog

A few ideas you can try...

1 - Find Your Clearest Time and Write Then - With a little time and tracking, you may be able to figure out the time/s of day when your head is the clearest and make that your typical writing time. For example, if you typically have a few hours in the afternoon available for writing, try writing at different points during that span on different days and see if you can determine whether you're clearer-headed at the beginning, middle, or end of that span. Or, if your schedule varies, try writing at a different available time each day and see what time/s work best. That way, when you have that span of time available on a given day, you know that's when you should be writing.

2 - Try a Little Exercise Before Writing - Physical activity can help to clear brain fog, so try taking a walk or doing a workout before you sit down to write.

3 - Step Away from the Screen for a While Before Writing - Some people find that screen time (looking at your phone, watching TV or movies, doing things on your computer, playing video games, etc.) exacerbates their brain fog, so try stepping away from your screens for an hour or so before writing. Find other activities--preferably ones that are low-key for the brain--you can do instead, like a puzzle, an easy craft or art project, sitting outside, yoga, taking a laid back walk, etc.

4 - Exercise Your Brain - In much the same way as physical activity can reduce brain fog, sometimes mental activity can as well. Doing things that get your brain going like reading, crossword puzzles, playing a trivia game, and doing brain puzzles are some good options.

5 - Talk to Your Doctor - If nothing else seems to work, try talking to your doctor about other things you can try. Dietary changes, medication changes, and other things the doctor can help you with might be the best solution.

I hope something here works for you!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

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[psychelis-new]

pick a pile: "How can you succeed?"

take a breath and choose the photo or number that calls you the most to read about what you can do or work on in order to succed in your career or school/studies. The reading's aim is to help you by giving you suggestion that may lead you to find your path or to reach your goal/s, according on your situation.

don’t take the reading too seriously. only take what resonates with you and leave the rest. if you're not called by any pile, let this reading slid as it may not hold messages for you. if you're called by more than one, there may be messages in each of those piles. remember that is a general reading and some things may not resonate with you. energies can change and readings are based on present ones (as you read); you're always in charge of your life.

(photos found on unsplash)

- ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ -

1 2 3 4

- ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ -

pile 1

Things aren't probably too easy for you, your path may have some twists and turns you need to take, but don't give up. It's all for you (even if I know at times it seems it's all against you: it's never a punishment, whatever happens is for you to grow more aligned with yourself inside and out). You're called to evolve and grow a lot in your journey, even through obstacles and others impediments (and not all of them are to block your path: learn to recognize when a sign means no and when it's only atest for you). Maybe even try different endeavours, different jobs or schools/studies fields, before really finding out about your call. It will happen when you'll be ready, so try to not rush things and come in between yourself and what you need to learn and experience. Divine timing, despite it can be annoying. Remember though that nobody is rushing behind you, you have time. Learn whatever you feel you need to learn at any given time in your life. Follow your own path and be proud of it. You need to learn how and where to go accordingly with your heart, especially if you tend to obey others and live a life that please others: you're not here to live for anyone but yourself, so you can even start working and studying something you like. Learn how to communicate your needs and wills without fearing others' reactions: I know can be hard in particular if you had to grow up in a very strict and tough environment where your caregivers (especially masculine figures) had been ordering around everyone and everything or someone that has anger/control issues. Even if on a certain level you may be scared of them still, just remind them that your happiness is their happiness too. Learn how to reach for them through words or other means: nobody is completely unreachable, especially when it comes to their kids (no matter what we think or are made to think by their actions, no matter how much they are projecting on you. And if you only find a wall... ask for help in breaking it). You're caring, loving and you deserve to live the life of your dreams, so keep dreaming and dream big. You can reach your goals with learning how to be in your power (masculine energy), standing your ground, and working towards what you want to get. Cause you will get it, even if now you don't know it for sure (and it's okay).

song: bust your kneecaps | pomplamoose

- ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ -

pile 2

Your path is kinda protected and safe, somehow. It feels like you're guided from above and you have to do something here, like helping and guiding others through your light (and it can be in many different ways). I'm not saying it's easy cause despite what I mentioned in the beginning of your reading, no path is really easy, and you too will have to learn a lot in order to be able to provide the help, guidance, warmth and kindness you need to give, but... you'll probably be helped as well through a specific guidance (be it downloads through dreams or through your intuition or other signs). "Clarity" is the word for you, both in your path and in what you need to bring around you. Number 11 as I'm typing: totally a confirmation about your high intuition, sensitivity and awareness. You will probably have to make one or more important decisions in your life, very difficult ones, that may prove you or make you wonder if you're doing the right thing. But especially in these situations, you need to rely on what is that you have inside of you, the help you were given and probably have discovered (or will discover soon) which is your intuition and possibly your connection with your spirits. Trust your guts, what they tell you, and make decisions accordingly, even when they seem too hard to be made. Or impossible, or... stupid. Even when you may fear others judging you. Even if you might have to disappoint someone. You need to change the way you look at things inside, to be more grounded and balanced. You probably went/are going/will go through many transformations or tower moments in your life (how you wanna call them, "dark nights of the soul"), but each of them will help you gain more balance and knowledge about yourself and your strenght. And will help you connect with your intuition and your spiritual side more, which is probably what you need to do most. So don't be afraid, and keep pushing. Despite the tough path, the results will be amazing. You're gonna be happy, and make others happy too if this is what you need to do. Disclaimer: your path won't necessarily be a spiritual one, it can be also something else, but still in a field that can help others (think medicine/psychology, for example), but you may need to rely on your spirituality too for it to be really fulfilling or realize.

song: in my arms | kylie minogue

- ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ -

pile 3

Your journey may be a bit long and tough too, but filled with some beautiful experiences and people or signs that will give you help. If you're open to notice... I think you give a lot of importance to what goes wrong instead of what goes right, while you will have to learn to be more balanced in how you perceive things, to be more objective. Your life isn't going to crumble if one thing is going bad. All you've done before and still can do isn't useless or worthless, if you fail once or twice now. You seem to be very strict, you put a lot of importance in how you look and how you are seen... which isn't bad if done in the right way, do not misunderstand me: it's just that sometimes you give too much importance to how you are seen by others and what they think of you, and you lose the focus on you, on how you perceive yourself, and on what is the good stuff that you have inside and have done. Stop comparing with others and what they have done now and how... you're you, you have your life and it's okay if it's different from the others' (how boring if we all had the same type life!). I'm seeing someone stepping upstairs very slowly, but also standing kinda straight and... very afraid to make the following step. They even grab the railing while walking. You seem to walk on eggs. I'm not sure if this is what you've learned while growing up, how you had to grow and "save yourself" or if it's something that came out later on from any other experience you had, but it's not good for you... nor your health. You need to let go. Take baby steps, take your time, but start to let go a bit. Even if you don't really know or see where you're going. Trust yourself, trust your guts, trust that you won't fall from these stairs. If you only fear making the wrong move or taking the wrong step, you won't be able to really know what you want to do and how to get there. Sometimes we discover stuff (and we always learn) when making mistakes. When "failing", when doing things we think we want to do but realize we don't like after doing them. Being wrong, making mistakes, aren't things to be ashamed of. We are humans, you are human, we are wrong sometimes, we do make mistakes, and we can change our minds... that's how it is. So, to succeed, I think you need to learn to let go of this fear of being wrong, of this perfectionism, of this insecurity, and just... live. Be there for you, instead of leaving yourself out in the cold. And be open to receive from people that only want to give you help and support. Let them in, let them help you... not everyone is there to hurt you: even criticism is good when done the right way, as it gives us different points of view on things we may not be able to see properly.

song: mikrokosmos | bts

- ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ - ’ -

pile 4

You may have a lot of different possibilities in your life. I think you also may have a connection with your past life (one of them), so you may be here to finish something that you started then. The road to success is about finding your connection with your roots, your stability, with what it is that keeps you safe despite all the obstacles you may find on your path. It's like... you need to explore (even mentally) a lot, before realizing what you need to do. And heal something through this exploration. Probably not just you, it may even involve the people you have to live with or you will encounter in your life, or end cycles with them. As said, I think you are pretty connected with a past life. Probably there's some karma to heal too. I think there will be a lot of annoyances in your path: nothing very serious but maybe disappointments or things like that. Do not worry, those are part of the path that will lead you to succeess. Again, imagine this explorer in a wild forest: they do not stop, they make a path using a machete and keep going... try to do like them. Try to adapt, to not give up. To find your way out. To create your own path. And remember to stop and think/meditate about what it is that is going on and how you can get out of these situations (if you need). You probably are an overthinker/overanalyzer of situations and talks... you may have some type of social anxiety or just don't feel okay in talking with others; maybe your throat chakra is a bit blocked, like you think something but when it has to come out of your mouth, it comes out not so very good (like I'm doing in your reading...). Try writing down, try collecting daily thoughts on paper: focusing on writing may be of help at first, so that then you can focus on collecting and organizing thoughts when speaking too. Try to filter your thoughts! Here it is. But this said, it's nothing to worry about as it may just be more your fear than something real. You don't have any real problem, you only need to calm yourself and start thinking more calmly and... relax. Stop fighting against yourself (again, many of the annoyances I mentioned are thoughts you create in your mind, more than something real). Keeping your thoughts in control will help you be more grounded and realize what you can do to succeed in your life. Do not fight against you, do not run against you (do not let your thoughts run too wild and go faster than you can afford: it only leads to overthinking). Be your own friend, and if you cannot make it alone to filter your thoughts, ask for help and support from others. [meeh you made me start from a totally different thing to get to the fact that you need to stop overthinking/creating fake unreal scenarios and focus more, please :'D ..whatever ily]

song: running mate | lemolo

[tadpoles-and-daydreams]

hi! I love your blog, do you have any tips for a baby witch!

Hi, and thank you! I won't lie to you, seeing this ask made me laugh (not AT you, but at myself) because I feel like I'm barely out of the crib in terms of "baby witch." I know that's not quite true, I've been around witchcraft my whole life and been actively practicing for about four years, but it still was a shock lol.

I hope you don't mind that this is a huge post, I'm prone to overexplaining! I figured this sort of post was better "too long" than "too short."

I do have lots of things I wish I knew when I first started. I have more stuff I'm working on that might be helpful as well, when I post them.

There is no right way to be a witch. No, seriously. There isn't. People say this, and then you see everyone doing things a certain way, and then the first message gets completely trampled over; but it's true. Some people say you have to learn and master the basics before contacting deities/entities for safety reasons, some people don't really think it matters. Some people are very formal, some aren't. All up to you! Do your own research and figure out what fits your path.

You don't need to do deity work. It's valid to be interested, but if you aren't, don't force it. You also don't need all the tools of the craft and the shiny little trinkets. They're fun, but not needed. All you need to be a witch is yourself. These are similar to the first one, but these specifically I feel need to be said separately.

Don't go all to one source. This was my mistake as a beginner. I used a single discord server because I found research overwhelming, and their list of resources was curated to their specific views on what a beginner could and couldn't do. This led to me feeling like I was doing things wrong.

Pay attention to appropriation. A lot of very common things are appropriated (see; white sage, chakras) and it's generally just a good idea to look into what not to do for the sake of being respectful. This doesn't have to be hours of research- just a quick check before you implement something new that it's not appropriative.

Above all else, do what calls to you. There's so much information, and it's so overwhelming. Go at your own pace, and pick things you feel drawn to! It's not going to be fun if you're not doing what you're interested in.

Join witchy spaces. This has been the biggest help to me. Books, articles, etc. are all helpful... but my biggest help has been other witches sharing anecdotal experience and what witchcraft looks like and feels like written in non-academic language. It could just be the auDHD showing, but I learn better listening to someone infodump than reading a book. Plus, books don't tell you the dumb funny stuff that happens as a witch, in my opinion.

Last but VERY not least; if you are using tools and such, practice safety. Look into what crystals are water/salt/sun safe and such, candle/fire safety, pet safety if you have any, etc. etc. (I have a section on this in my google doc project already, but I'm no expert AT ALL.)

[bettsfic]

Hi betts, I would love any advice please 💜 I've been writing original fic for myself for many years and it's been fun. But I want to publish my writing, and now I've got 2 issues: 1 - I have never stuck to an idea once I decide to write something that others will see. It's like stage fright and I'm throwing away idea after idea. And 2 - I'm literally not used to "trying" to write well anymore. There are moments in my writing that are much better than others, just a flow or getting into the zone, whatever, but I don't have to try. It's easy to write 10-15k words a day without the pressure to do it well, but now it's grinding and fussing over every sentence and paragraph, the pressure chokes it and my writing reads strangely no matter what I do or tell myself. I studied writing at university and always seriously choked when showing people my work then, too.

Would drafting/editing practice help this at all? Publishing fragments to loosen up and "test the water" before attempting a finished story? I'm a perfectionist and am rarely if ever vulnerable with others, which has me questioning why I even put myself in this position!! I'm so demotivated and wondering whether I'm a writer who really wants to do this, or just an escapist. Thank you for reading 💜

hmm, perhaps i'm missing something. if you've been writing original fiction for yourself for years, at 10-15k a day, that means you have a portfolio of work. a large portfolio. you don't have to make anything new. i would just go through what you've already written through the lens of an audience seeing it--which will suck and feel awful--and pick out the stuff that has merit. somewhere in there has to be something you can punch up. find the piece or excerpt or chapter that you feel is the least terrifying for someone else to see, then go through the revision process with it. identify the weakest sentences and play around with them. do some major developmental revision and rewriting. i don't think you have to start from scratch.

churning out 10-15k a day is an insane feat. even if you think the writing isn't any good, it is an exceptional skill to even be able to generate that many words. my 10-15k days are pretty rare and i usually have to sleep 9 hours to get my brain back. the thing is, the process from down draft to up draft is a slow one. you might be able to *revise* 10k in a day, and that might look like one good paragraph, and that's just the way of things. if you have a 100k project you wrote for funsies, it's possible that maybe 5k of a subplot may end up developing the premise of a different story that you end up fully rewriting anyway. but it's a lot easier to give yourself the task of revising an existing idea for an audience to read, even if you're embarrassed by it, than it is to generate a completely new one.