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[galigyal]

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[pigeonpeach]

I’m sick right now so the brain fog combined with writersblock is kicking my ass creatively :(

So enjoy cat parent drabbles once more

Chiori’s latest “pet fashion line” was seemingly inspired by the various dressed up poodles and pooches of Fontaine catering to owners who wanted to take photos of their kitties dolled up as well. But in reality a local cat that had taken a liking to her shop just seemed so perfect as a mannequin. Perfectly sat and arched, paws together as it would watch her work on her sewing machine and fuss through fabrics and matching threads. Well it had been a slow day and her gaze had turned to the very cat that had been her moral support recently. She occasionally fed the little kitty but it just seemed to like her work more. She knew it had a owner by the collar on its neck, but maybe she could try her hand at “pet fashion.”

This led to you being very confused about the random little dress your kitty came back in. Although it was a nice dress.

Neuvillettes kitty was given to him as a gift a concerned employee who worried about the constant rainfall as of late. They gifted to him a extra kitten of theirs as a gift and since then it had been clear sunny skies! Neuvillette is fond of small creatures with big beady eyes and big personalities. He initially thought all cats were introverted and independent. However his kitty despite having outgrown the kitten rank, still clings to him like a baby. Greeting him everyday with loud meows. The kitty itself is a beloved resident of Fontaine, guards keep a close eye on it, recognizing it by its collar, so no that no criminals may seek to get back at him. However his kitty may be a little criminal. Responsible for the poor potted plant massacre on the street nearby, and the robbery of a local fish stand. However its antics are amusing to the locals. How ironic is it that the very beacon of justice owns a most mischievous cat. In the end he paid for new pots and for the fish, deciding to keep his kitty firmly indoors, taking it out on occasional walks to satiate its adventurous tendencies. Often the melusines will “walk” the kitty or baby sit the kitty. They’re very fond of the kitty and the kitty is also fond of them because they tend to spoil it with extra fish.

Scaramouche is surprisingly a cat magnet. His hat is umbrella for many creatures in the rain sure. But he genuinely has no clue why the kitties of Sumeru seem to just like him. He has checked to see if catnip is somewhere on his person but there is none. Its not the fabric, he hasn’t fed them. They just simply like him. Oh well. It is nice because they are rather pleasant company. They aren’t annoying with their questions or usual student issues. A cat simply meows at him to get his attention. Easy. Although he rarely admits he actually does enjoy their company and has started to feed them.

Xiao also doesn’t own a cat but the cats at the inn recognize him. Specifically Gold’s Tuxedo kitty. It seems to wait for him next to his plate of Almond Tofu and sits there as he eats. He isn’t sure why it does but he doesn’t mind its presence. He is too worried his karma will taint the kitty if he pets it however so he rarely does pet it. Lucky for him it isn’t the affectionate type and seems to like just staring off into the scenery next to him.

Cloud Retainer is most certainly the type to take in animals. So when she notices a stray kitten looking skinny and lonely she immediately takes it upon herself to take it in. Unsuccessfully tries to locate its mother. Deciding to raise it herself. Besides, shenhe and ganyu are old now and don’t visit her as often as she’d like, it’d do her some good to have a little companion to deal with her empty nest issues.

The skinny kitten becomes a very very very chonky cat nowadays. She has several gadgets dedicated to help the kitty work out so it isn’t quite lazy or overweight… but she can’t help but prepare plenty of food for the kitty. Specially crafted dishes specifically to appeal to a feline diet. It is a very friendly cat, known for greeting guests with a deep meow and a demand for affection. They say that petting the cat is a way to get on her good side!

That’s all for today I’m now going to cough my lungs up u

[bapydemonprincess]

Another Knitted Gift

Mey Rin has another sewing idea.

This time it requires a tiny bit of help, using the local shop owners in London as well as even Lau to locate and purchase something.

Next comes the actual sewing process!

It takes longer than the original first work, considering it's more than just a handkerchief, but finally the maid manages to finish her little project.

Inserting the smelly ingredients into the tiny knitted creatures and then sewing them up properly.

The next evening Sebastian discovers a curious scene when he approaches the door to his personal quarters.

There's a line of tiny knitted rodents against the bottom of the door.

And the butler can clearly make out the loud meowls and demanding scratchings of his feline room mates as they've already caught wind of the smell of the catnip inside the tiny awaiting toys by the door.

Sebastian cannot help but chuckle, shaking his head a little.

It seems it's about time he properly payed the maid back for these little delightful knitted gifts of hers...

...before she thinks of something else that'll get the little beasts more wound up!

[butts-bouncing-on-the-beltway]

I'm trying not to do any daydreaming related to a specific house right now because that's a recipe for heartbreak, but the only way I'll stay motivated is if I do SOME kind of daydreaming about the future we're going to have once we get settled in a couple of months. I need to be able to create the path I'm going to be on in order to not just show up there in December and flounder aimlessly. So. Daydreaming under the cut I guess.

I've been thinking about making kitty climbers and a tree for them when we get to the new place from scrap wood, rope, fabric, and other supplies. The wifey and I have been imagining a sort of whole house jungle gym that allows the kitties to scumble around the walls of the house away from the dogs whenever they like, and get some fun kitty exercise, as well as to hide lil packed treaties around for them to hunt for enrichment. They've recently taken to "hunting" the dog's treat pack overnight and stealing all their treats lol, so clearly they could use they stalking time.

I think it'll be really good for all of us to not be so squished up together in such a small space, but adding levels for the cats so they can travel around in places where the dogs can't reach at all should be extra soothing for them, especially Taako who may take a while to adjust to climbing but I think will take to it beautifully once he learns how much freedom and privacy it offers him. Lup loves to climb things and go for adventures already so I expect as soon as she sees a new surface to climb on and smells the catnip on it she will be all over that shit.

I think I might tuck little potted catmint plants around the platforms too for them to nibble on at their leisure. Maybe silvervine for Taako too if I can find it. He can take or leave catnip but he LOVES silvervine. Apparently, it grows trellised, so I may see about growing it on wall mats or in a little window box for them. It'd be great to not have to source our kitty fun time plants from elsewhere anymore.

I want to also try my hand at constructing some sturdy bed crates for the dogs and making my own mattresses for them, rather than buying dog beds. That way each of the dogs can have their own nice little individualized space in the house, a bed, a food bowl, a waterer, and a snuggly. I want to get back to learning crochet soon because it's definitely a skill I want, and I figure a couple of doggie blankets are a perfect practice project. Maybe some easy crochet stuffies for Jaxxie to chew on and Tobi to snuggle with. That ought to be a good number of projects for me to work on too, as I'm settling in and trying to find my routine in the new place.

Between these, painting, establishing the garden, and finding furniture for the place at thrift shops, we should have enough on our hands for a good year of projects for the household. That'll give us time to start making connections, settle into the area, get to know our neighbors, and establish our routines. Year two is hopefully where things really get going.

First of all, in year two, I'm going to be taking on a much bigger role at work, including a title change, a pay increase, and a shift in the type of work I am doing. So financially, we'll be in much better shape, in an area where the cost of living is half what it is here, and with an established garden covering probably about a third of our food costs. If we're lucky, this is the point where we'll be able to get chickens, shifting our food costs down a smidge further (eggs is expensive and we go through a lot) and post up a little "take what you need, give what you can" farm stand with produce and eggs to give away excess food and start collecting a cash savings in addition to our normal one.

Regardless, year two is the absolute latest of when I expect that we'll start working with local food banks and community fridges to donate regular produce boxes for their patrons. My hope is that we can use this as a starting point to get involved with the local mutual aid scene and see what's needed and how we're best equipped to support that need, whether it be financial donations, volunteering our time, resource donations, logistical work, or other legwork. Wifey plans to make a career out of organizing at this point, and I'm happy to say that we're about to be very well set up to support (and finance) that as soon as these last few logistical puzzle pieces fall into place. My career is looking to be in great shape as well, and while I need to keep taking strides and putting in the work to keep it on track (there are definitely places where I am falling down on the job but it is largely due to either a) my brain is still doing a lot of avoidance that I am working to overcome via meds and therapy and b) oh god advancing your career in my field is so fucking expensive and right now i am stretched to my absolute breaking point just getting us through to house-get. I can't even think about CEUs and certifications. But once I'm done with all the deposits and inspections and paying rent I can't afford, I need to make sure that my first priority is getting my tf-cbt certifications and getting as close to emdr certification as I am allowed at my level. I should also really get started on some broader CEUs too, though I can probably find at least one or two good free ones between now and then. I have a couple in my files I can upload to my tracker already I think (hope I remembered to save those certificates!) and at least that would show I didn't completely ignore them for a year after graduation lol. Anyway maybe I'll find one to do this weekend so I can at least have a start on things.

One of the things I'm really looking forward to about being settled is getting to having the space to exercise again. I'm planning to start doing a morning pilates routine and a mid day strength training routine now that I'm going to have a real office and can leave space for myself to have a little exercise corner. I'm hoping that between the structured workouts and the functional work of gardening, I'll finally start to build my body back up now that I seem to be regaining health. I want to feel like I felt during the years I was doing daily pilates and strength training in college, like I used to feel as a kid. Strong, in tune with my body, capable. Not.....like I have been feeling for so long. I can't keep living like this. I need my body to be right, and that means HRT, that means top surgery, that means getting stronger, that means for once in my life not apologizing for my body but reveling in it. I want to get tattoos after top surgery, not to cover my scars, but to go where my nipples would be, cuz like. Why graft nipples back on when you could have cool tattoos, am I right? And I figure, once I have fun nipple tattoos, the world is my tattoo oyster from there lol. That tattoo artist is my tattoo artist for life if they were cool about that project and did a good job. Which works cuz I have like. Three tattoo designs in the works and once we're settled, and I'm making moves on HRT and shit, I can start sourcing queer tattoo artists in the area who might dig the idea of working with me on my ink.

Starting to get tattoos would be step one of allowing the reality of me to exist divorced and separate from professional me. I don't plan (yet) to get tattoos anywhere that would be seen on camera, so while professional me would exist as they always have, up close and personal me would have a different vibe.

Step two is clothes. It's time for me to stop wearing things just because "it fit and I can afford it". With a little luck my office will be big enough for three things: my work station, an exercise corner big enough for a yoga mat, and a sewing station with a sewing table and dress form matched to my body and a tuck away ironing station. I want to start making my clothes from scratch so I can have outfits I actually feel comfortable in. I think I also need to knit myself a good pair of long socks and buy myself an actual quality garter belt. I'm planning on wearing my boots from now on, because they're actually good shoes, but I have to wear socks with them, and in order to keep the socks from rolling down to my goddamn arches at some point during the day because god forbid the sock just stay put nooooo, my leg has to be shaped like the world's best slip n slide. So until I learn more about leatherwork, I'll have to be picking one up. The garters I have never actually keep the goddamn sock because they're just meant for shitty lingerie. I also want to grab a good pair of suspenders. I plan to be the world's classiest goddamn dyke.

Year two should see me in good shape to start doing that, because my body will probably be in a less dramatic state of flux after being on hormones for a while. Obviously the dramatic change of no titty will probably be yet to come, but I can probably bind, or get a good set of corsetry to manage that in the meantime.

Step three of making me again is hair. I gotta figure out this hair thing. I can't just keep letting it growing out completely wild and then hacking it off in a passion only to do the same thing all over again. I need to actually learn how to cut my hair properly into a hairstyle I'll like. I'm gonna give this one another go today because I think I have an idea of how to fix it up a little, but I'm a bit anxious that I fucked it lol.

[kagedbird]

TESSDE AU (+ Taliesin) Continuation from this

Allora: *hanging out with Inigo, checking out the local Khajiit traders outside Whiterun for the first time* So many cool things... I certainly wish you could set up shop inside the walls. Ri'saad: This one does as well. It would not be very enjoyable, however, to deal with the racism that follows from others inside. Allora: I am not them, but I apologize on their behalf for their behavior, for what it's worth. Perhaps I could talk to Jarl Balgruuf in your stead? Ri'saad: That is very kind of you to offer, stranger. This one will not stop such a kind heart, but do not put yourself in danger for it. We will survive regardless. Allora: *smiles and bows her head* I'll do what I can for kind souls in return. *stands up, looking at Inigo* Find anything you like? Inigo: *sniffing a container in curiousity* I am unsure what this is, but it smells good. Could you tell me? Ri'saad: That is a very interesting plant, found along the border of High Rock and Cyrodiil. It is quite lovely to smell, but is unlike such things as Moon Sugar. Allora: May I? *takes the offered container, carefully opening the cork to sniff and blinking in surprise* Oh. It's Catnip. That's funny. Ri'saad: You know of this plant? Allora: Yeah, we grew a lot of it back home, actually. It's a simple aphrodisiac to cats, but it's not something you can overdose on. It just awakens the brain in cats that signify 'playtime'. It's a type of mint. Ri'saad: You are very knowledgeable. This one thanks you for the information. Allora: No problem! Did you want it honey? Inigo: Hm... it will not effect me like Skooma? Allora: Not in the least. This is very safe. Inigo: Then yes! I would like it. How much? Ri'saad: Hmm... how much does it normally go for in your homeland? Allora: *unsure how to calculate dollars to gold* Uh... does seventy-five work for you? Normally it's very cheap, simply because it's there and ready. But you've traveled for it, no doubt. Ri'saad: *holds out his hand, taking her gold with a smile* This one accepts. Thank you for your business. Allora: No problem! Do you have any teas as well?... *** Kaidan: *walking through the front door after training with Vilkas and Farkas, watching as Inigo gave Allora a languid lick along the side of her face* What in Oblivion-?! Allora: I can explain- *pushed down onto the couch as Inigo purrs loudly* Inigo please- ack-! Taliesin: *walking through the front door behind Kaidan, blinking in surprise* Oh. Having fun are we? Allora: *smothered underneath her very high friend* He's heavy!

[Next one here]

[providencepeakrp]

SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA VENDORS

Frederick’s Farm - Frederick has always been a household name in Bighorn Hills and his farm? Even more so. Ever so generous and kind, Frederick will have a petting zoo set up all week long and while he always accepts charitable donations, meeting and greeting with the animals is free of charge! Feel free to stop by, say hello, and meet some cute farm animals! Lucky Joe's - From subpar coffee to the best dang bagels you'll likely ever have the pleasure of putting in your mouth, Lucky Joe's will be offering free tastes and bagels and coffee for purchase each day of the spring market. Stop by and check them out and, if you're lucky, you might even score a meet and greet with Lucky Joe's son himself! Humming Bee - Join Thalia Clark for sunrise yoga each morning in the park at the center of the market. Regulars or first timers are always welcome with Humming Bee! Remember to catch the puppy yoga session at Barks and Recreation's adoption event this week as well! Fine Arts Club - Taking the art from their gallery to the streets of Providence Peak, take a walk through the park and find yourself in the middle of the Fine Arts Club's latest outdoor art installment. Allow yourself to become immersed in the local artists of Providence Peak and the amazing work they can do! Good Pets - The extravaganza isn’t just for humans! Good Pets has the chance for your furry friends to enjoy the season as well. From bandanas, to treats, to catnip blankets, they have it available all week long at their downtown vendor space. They’ll also be partnering with Barks and Recreation and showcasing some of the rescues adoptable dogs and cats each day of the festival! The Vinyl Countdown - Recently, the store has found itself overflowing with used and gently pre-owned vintage records. To make some space in their backroom, they’ll be set up during the festival with boxes of records for the city to choose from for just $5 a piece. 96.8 The Peak - The Keola & Mya in the Morning will have their coverage van strolling around downtown and at each of the daily events, reporting the ongoings to their viewers who are listening to the station. They will also be offering an opportunity to spin their wheel for a chance to win some free merch like t-shirts, drink tumblers, pens, and even a few $50 gift cards from local businesses such as Blooming Dale’s, The Burger Joint, and Room Service. Seek them out and test your luck to win something fun! The Grape Escape - Who doesn’t love free wine? The Grape Escape will have a tent set up during the extravaganza downtown with free wine tastings (with ID of course) with the goal to sell their new spring flavor of housemade wine. The tastings allow one sample per flavor per day. Below Zero - Whether your favorite flavor is chocolate, vanilla, or rhubarb, Below Zero has your back. The ice cream shop will have a stand set up in the midst of the festival so they can offer the event-goers a free scoop of ice cream as a cool way to welcome in the spring season. Providence Peak Memorial - Be sure to stop by the first aid tent the local nurses and EMTs have set up downtown during the festival for a free first aid kit and a quick lesson on emergency bandaging technics - just in case! Claret Public Library - The library, who’s main hub is in the neighborhood of Claret Park, will have a lending library set up downtown. Come and pick out some books to take home, bring some books to donate, or do both! While you’re at it, feel free to sign up for a library card with the local librarians hosting the booth. Wonderwell - The science museum will have a booth set up with interactive science experiments and one big presentation per hour to display the many topics citizens of Providence Peak can learn about in their exhibits. They encourage both kids and adults alike to mess around their their hands-on experiments and learn to have fun with science!

[just-eyris-things]

Not my cat, but here is Lewis (local garden shop cat). Or it could have been his twin brother Clarke. The two of them were chilling really by the checkout registers when I went shopping.

Oh my god???? I didnt get a notification for this ask so im only seeing it now, WOW.

Lewis or Clarke, ily, ily both. I hope they plant catnip in that garden shop for you.

[luxaofhesperides]

[got inspired by this prompt, changed a few things so he just works at a local coffee shop, and started thinking about how he would first interact with the bats. this was meant to be short. it's almost 6k lmao. lol. whoops.]

"Can you really talk to ghosts?" his latest customer asks in a hushed whisper, leaning over the counter.

Danny sighs, taking care not to make eye contact with the ghost frowning at him from behind his customer. He's been getting this question a lot more lately, and he's sure it's because the old ladies who come in every Thursday morning are huge gossips. In his defense, he didn't know that one of them was dead and just hanging around because they had promised to all move on together after they died. She was the first to go, just a year before, and the empty chair the group always pulled up to their table was for her.

So naturally, she sat in it, and when Danny set out their order, he looked directly at her and asked if she was going to order anything.

The women were clearly caught off guard, confused, glancing at the empty chair and Danny. He realized it too late before the old woman asked, "You can see me, my dear? Now, that's a surprise."

He had closed his eyes, wondering if this was his last day working in this particular coffee shop, and valiantly stopped himself from groaning loudly and unprofessionally.

"Sorry," he had said, turning his attention back to the group. "I thought I saw a moth on the chair, is all. So? Will this be all for now or is there something else I can get you?"

One of them, a woman with dark purple curls, easily one of the coolest senior citizens Danny's ever seen, waves him off with a smile. "Oh, we're all right for now. Thank you, dear."

Danny beat a quick retreat and hoped it would end there.

It didn't.

They stayed for hours, chatting and laughing. Danny had to refill their drinks three times and serve them some pastries while trying to ignore their surprisingly sharp gazes and the very chatty ghost trying to get him to respond.

They waved him over before they left, pushing their empty cups and plates together.

"We want to give you a tip," Purple Haired Grandma had said, "But only if you answer this question honestly: was there someone else sitting with us? Someone with long hair and perhaps a chain of daisies on her glasses?"

Danny blinked, looked down at the wad of tens in her hand, and decided that he is, indeed, a sell out because he would give up his secrets for a hefty tip.

He looked at the ghost, who matches the description, and nodded. "I can see her," he said.

The ghost brightened "Tell them my name! It's Lucinda!"

"Lucinda, right?" he confirmed with the group, who gasped and clutched each other, tears welling up in their eyes.

"My," Purple Haired Grandma had said, a hand over her heart. "So she kept her promise after all. Thank you, dear. Here, take all of it." She shoved the wad of cash into his hands, wiped a tear from her eye, and ushered her two other friends out the door, all of them calling out promises to be back in a week.

And they were. For the past month, this group of old women have been regularly visiting and always speak only to Danny. His coworkers have started teasing him about being grandma-bait, saying his Midwestern charm is like catnip to old people. He just laughs awkwardly and goes out to do his job, because no matter how weird it is, talking to a ghost in front of a trio of delighted senior citizens, they tip so well and Danny does like having some spending money left over after paying rent.

What he didn't account for was other people picking up on this and coming in with their own ghosts.

However, until the Grandma Group, they don't offer good tips, so Danny looks them straight in the eye and lies to them without remorse.

"Why would I be able to see ghosts?" he asks his latest customer. They sigh, then lean back and give him his personal space back.

"Really?"

"Really," he says. "Is this all for your order?"

"I guess." They walk off to get out of line and find a seat, shoulders slumped. He'd feel a little bad about bringing down their mood, but they didn't tip at all so he doesn't care, actually.

Listen, he's a 20-something year old trying to make a living for himself. He doesn't have time to care about other people's feelings when he's still trying to figure out how to be an independent adult (and isn't that crazy? He kind of thought he'd be a teenager forever).

He passes on the order to Riko, the coworker he's been sharing a shift with all month, who gets to work at the espresso machine. She sets a clean mug down, ready to fill to the top, and gets started on frothing the milk to make some latte art. She's their resident expert at it and always finds some way to make some insanely detailed foam art that delights the customers. She allowed the owner of the coffee shop to use it for promotion on the condition that she doesn't have to take foam art requests and can make whatever she wants.

The owner is chill, so she allowed it, and Riko gets free reign to show off her skills as she pleases.

"How many is that now?" she asks, pitching her voice over the hum of the frother, "Four today?"

"Six," Danny responds flatly.

She cackles a little, then grabs the mug now full of coffee and gets to work making his disappointed customer their drink. "At this rate, you'll be turning into our latest attraction."

"Not like we need anything else to draw people in," he mutters. For a local coffee shop, it does really well even with competition from the chain stores just a street over. The place is always busy, filled with people quietly reading or working on their laptops. They certainly don't need to know about his ability to speak to Gotham's ghosts in order to be enticed into stopping by.

"What are we doing to draw people in?" asks the owner, Sheridan, popping out of the back, trying her apron around herself.

"Offering Danny's alleged ghost speaking abilities as a treat for buying from us," Riko answers before Danny can try to move the conversation into a new direction.

Sheridan's eyes glimmer, always excited at the prospect of a new way to get the coffee shop some publicity. "October is coming up," she says thoughtfully, and Danny considers how unprofessional it would be if he slammed his head into the counter right then and there so he could get sent home for his concussion. Would it get him fired? Possibly. Sheridan is a cool boss, but customer service is brutal and he doesn't want to risk it when pay day is coming up.

Better not then.

Danny sighs instead of enacting violence on himself and wishes that a customer would come up to put an end to this conversation.

"Maybe we could do something spooky," Riko says, "Like 'Scones and Séances' or 'Espresso and Exorcism'."

Sheridan claps her hands together in delight. "Oh, I love it! Scones and Séances. That's just perfect."

Riko steps away for a moment to call out the customer's name, setting the cup down on the pick up counter. When Danny glances at it, she's made a foam ghost.

Maybe he should get a new job.

"Of course, only if you're okay with it," Sheridan continues, turning to face Danny. "Even if you can't talk to ghosts, it would be fun to pretend, you know? We could just talk about spirits and I could finally use that good tea set that's been collecting dust in the back. We can even do a once a week after hours event to make it extra spooky!"

"I don't know..."

"You'd be paid for overtime, of course."

"Should we do Friday nights throughout the month?"

Riko coughs, pressing a hand against her mouth. She's clearly trying not to laugh but Danny doesn't have more than a moment to glare at her before Sheridan is grabbing his hands in delight. "That sounds great! We'll make it RSVP only so we can limit the number of people each week, make it real exclusive. Riko, would you mind making the flyer for this? I can take over back here for you."

"Sure thing, boss." Riko salutes Sheridan and wastes no time in disappearing into the back, no doubt heading straight for their surprisingly large and well kept break room to pull out her laptop and get to work. Danny looks longingly at the door through which she disappeared, wishing he had an excuse to hide back there as well.

He doesn't get his break for another two hours. Life is cruel.

The bell above the door jingles cheerfully as a new customer enters. Danny pastes on his customer service smile. "Hi! What can I get for you?"

"Caramel mocha and two chocolate chip cookies, please," they say. "Also, not to like, sound weird or anything, but I heard rumors about someone hear who can talk to ghosts."

I need the paycheck, Danny tells himself sternly. Do not pretend to drop dead and traumatize the customer.

"I'm afraid I can't say much about that," he replies cheerfully. "Will that be all for today?"

Kill me now, he doesn't say, but he really, really wants to.

. . .

Danny thought he left the mess of Amity Park behind when he moved to Gotham after graduating from college. Admittedly, he graduated from the local community college and is saving up to finish his bachelor's degree at the moment, but he still finished some higher education!

This was supposed to be a new start to his life, his chance to reinvent himself, to become something more than a Fenton, a freak, a halfa.

Gotham was like a breath of fresh air (despite all the pollution) and Danny loves it. Honestly. He does.

Sure there's crime and rogues and constant danger, but there are heroes around to take care of that so he doesn't need to worry about it. He can just focus on getting his life together.

"Found you, Fenton," Agent K snarls, kicking the door to the coffee shop open.

Apparently, the GIW also want to continue focusing on his life.

"Hi," he sighs, "What can I get for you today?"

Agent K marches up to the counter and slams something down. Danny blinks at the man, seething with rage, and looks down at the flyer for their upcoming Scones & Séances event.

"I always knew you were trouble," Agent K spits, "I should have expected that you would try to make a profit from your nonsense. A séance? Promising to speak to dead relatives when the only dead boy around is you? I never thought ghosts would go so low as to make money from people's grief. I'll enjoy taking you in for this."

Danny is tired. He's so tired, okay?

He can't do anything but sigh.

Riko shoulders him aside roughly, and suddenly he doesn't have to do anything.

"Hi!" she greets so cheerfully is borders aggression. Her smile is knife-sharp, bloodthirsty, her eyes dark and dangerous. "Are you a paying customer? No? Then why don't you get our special today of Get The Fuck Out paired with a nice Go Fuck Yourself? I'll make it for you myself."

"Do not interfere, girl," Agent K says, turning his attention back onto Danny. "This is official business."

"And this is officially your last warning to move your sorry ass out of the premises."

Agent K draws himself up, no doubt trying to intimidate her. Riko stares him down, unimpressed, and Danny has never loved her more than he does in that moment.

"I have orders to apprehend Fenton, passed down from the head of the GIW himself. Step aside and do not interfere any further."

"No."

"Excuse me?"

Riko grins. "You're excused."

Agent K stares at her, eyebrows raised high enough that they're fully visible above his sunglasses. He goes to open his mouth and someone else from a nearby table yells, "Get the clue and get outta here already!"

A few other people call out agreements, using their Gotham charm to insult the agent into leaving faster.

Danny watches, awed and more than a little touched, as Agent K turns an unattractive red. He points a finger at Danny and says, "Don't think this is over, Fenton. I'll get you one of these days." And then he turn son his heel and stomps out the coffee shop.

"You're my hero," he tells Riko.

She grins, bashful, and pats his shoulder. "It was nothing. If that asshole comes by again, let me know and I'll drag him outside for a fist fight, alright?"

"I don't think you'll ever need to, but thanks."

A few customers come up to check in on them, make sure they're alright, and offer their own threats. He's especially fond of the offer to run the agent over with a car.

It does, unfortunately, bring more interest into the Scones & Séances event and before he knows it, the limited seats are filled up for the first three weeks of the month.

Sheridan is ecstatic when she comes in to let Riko take her lunch, crowing about how the event is sure to be such a success. She's decidedly less happy about their confrontation with Agent K, but that's mostly because she wanted to be there as well to defend Danny. 

Customer service may suck, but Danny's scored the lottery for best boss and coworkers. They definitely make all the pains of this job worth it.

And when Agent K comes in the next day to try again, Sheridan is quick to shove Danny beneath the counter so she can square up with the GIW agent and let the world remember that before she started up this coffee shop, she was one of the best street fighters on this side of Gotham.

. . .

When Danny steps out for his full hour of a lunch break on the day of the first Scones & Séances event, the Signal is waiting for him.

"Hi," he greets, surprised into autopilot, "How can I help you?"

The Signal smiles. "No need for the customer service voice. I'm here to help you, not the other way around."

"Uh..." Danny wracks his brain for anything he might need a vigilantes help with. Rude customers? The crushing weight of existence? The inherent loneliness of adulthood in a post-capitalist landscape? Really, it could be anything.

"Heard you've been being harassed by some guy in white," the Signal prompts.

"Oh, the Guys In White," Danny nods. "They're not a problem."

"Are you sure? It sounds like a big enough problem that I've been flagged down by multiple people this week who are concerned that you're a target for harassment by some gang member. One of your coworkers even made me agree to be your bodyguard today before you do some spirit talking."

Riko went out of her way to get the Signal to look out for Danny? That's so kind. Also a little annoying.

Is there something about Danny that screams 'defenseless innocent, please protect'? He's never had this problem before. Usually he gets people squaring up to kick his ass just because they felt like it.

"That's really not necessary."

"Are you turning me away after I put in all the work to close up my active cases so I could be here today?"

Ah, damn. The guilt trip is so effective on Danny. He folds so fast it's embarrassing. "You really don't have to," he mumbles, averting his gaze. "I'm just going to get lunch, then come back to finish my usual shift. And I doubt you'd wanna stick around until midnight when we end the event."

"I've already called in a few favors to make sure someone's around during your séance, so no need to worry about that."

How many people have to be involved in this? It's just a work event. If he knew it would have gotten this troublesome, he would have shut it down when it was first brought up.  Overtime pay isn't enough to make him think it's a good idea to have literal heroes waste their time sitting outside while he pretends to be a proper medium. 

"Great," Danny says weakly. "You hungry? I can buy you lunch if you're going to be hanging around."

"You don't need to."

"Please let me, I'll feel bad otherwise."

The Signal laughs. "Sure! I'm not going to turn down free food if you're offering. Where to?"

Danny leads them to his current favorite lunch spot: a small restaurant two blocks over serving the best Indian food he's had on the East Coast. They get their orders to-go and the Signal grapples them up to a rooftop to eat. It's both surreal and familiar: he's eating lunch with one of Gotham's vigilante, but it feels just like when he shared snacks with his friends back in Amity Park on top of the Ops Center. They spend the time chatting about nothing in particular, carefully steering away from topics that have to do with powers, ghosts, and the Signal's day to day life.

The lunch hour flies by and Danny hates to see that he has to go back soon. They've finished eating ages ago, but neither made any move to leave the roof, content to keep talking as the day carried on.

He lets the Signal grapple him back down because he figures he owes the guy more courtesy than giving him a heart attack by just jumping down to the street. Instead of parting ways there, the Signal insists on walking Danny back to the coffee shop, which he accepts with more ease after their hour together.

They turn the corner and run directly into Agent K because the universe hates him.

"You!" Agent K shouts. "I'll be taking you in today no matter what!"

He pulls out a gun, and suddenly it's not a situation where Danny can safely roll his eyes. His first instinct is to move in front of the Signal, blocking him with his body. The armor he has on will probably keep him safe from the blaster, but Danny knows any weapon modeled after what his parents made can pack a hell of a punch on both humans and ghosts.

Danny raises his hands, palms out, ready to shoot out some ice to disarm him. "I really think this is unnecessary."

"I will not let you go through with this séance to allow ghosts to possess people!"

"Woah, when was that ever a concern?"

"I can see through your lies, Phantom!" Agent K jabs the gun closer and Danny holds himself carefully still, all too aware of the Signal behind him. "Your reign of terror ends here!"

"I think you need a nap," the Signal interrupts. "Good night."

And a giant shadow swells up behind him and slams down on Agent K's head like a cartoon anvil. The agent drops like a brick, white suit gaining some dirt scruffs from the dirty sidewalk.

Danny blinks down at the unconscious body of Agent K. "Wow."

"I'm starting to think that you downplayed these guys a bit," the Signal says lightly. "Like, just a little bit."

"Yeah, this was a surprise. He's usually more put together than this. Less unhinged."

"Riko was right about you needing a bodyguard, though. That could have ended badly. You alright?"

Danny puts on a reflexive smile. "Yeah, of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Dude, he just waves a gun around in your face."

"He didn't do anything else though, so it's fine."

The Signal gives him a long look, then sighs. "Sure. If you say so. I'll take care of this guy. Try not to get jumped going back to the coffee shop."

"You got it!" Danny gives him a two-fingered salute, then continues on his way. At least Agent K is dealt with, so there shouldn't be any more problems popping up today. All he has to do is get through the rest of his shift, take a nap, do some shopping, then head right back to do his little séance scene with Sheridan.

That sounds easy enough.

He says as much to Riko, who is apparently buddies with the Signal and had been making him text her updates while he was off for lunch.

"Are you sure you don't want me there?" she asks again as she gets ready to clock out. "I could totally get Sheri to approve some overtime for me so I can be here and kick out anyone who causes problems for you."

"It'll be fine," Danny says, shoving her towards the back, "Quit worrying so much. I thought you were a native Gothamite? Aren't y'all supposed to be used to these things?"

"Yeah, we're used to this. You're a Midwest transplant who still smiles at people on the streets. You can't blame me for being worried about you."

Danny rolls his eyes. "I promise you I'll survive the night. Now get out of here, I know you got a thing going on later."

"Alright, alright, I'm going! But seriously, if you need me here, just text me. Okay, take care, bye!" Riko throws the last few words out from over her shoulder, rushing away so she can get to her monthly book club meeting on time. Apparently they've been going through translated webnovels and she has a whole lot of opinions she can't wait to share, hence the rush. She tried to talk to Danny about it a while back, but none of it made much sense to him and she patted his back for being a good sport and went back to their game of making up opera-worthy dramatic stories about the customers in the shop.

Despite her worries, the rest of his shift is calm and normal, if not al little lonely. Sheridan popped in from time to time to make sure there wasn't a rush she needed to help with, but was otherwise busy preparing for the séance.

This is fine, he tells himself every hour as the day marched on into evening.

This is fine, he tells himself, lying on his couch staring up at the ceiling in despair. He can see ghosts, yes, but beyond that, what is he supposed to do for a séance? Sam would probably know, but there's also a 50/50 chance that she would mix it up with a summoning ritual for dead souls, which would cause a whole lot of new problems.

This is fine, he tells himself as Sheridan gleefully presents him with a rented tux for him to wear, to really 'bring the vibe together', as she said.

Everything is so totally fine, Danny lies to himself, sitting at the round table rolled into the middle of the coffee shop. Sheridan had come in a few hours earlier to rearrange the space and set things up, leaving a large area surrounded by plants for the séance to take place at.

She really went all out: velvet tablecloth, crystal ball just for display, her fancy tea set finally in use complete with a tower of small cakes and the promised scones, purple and black beaded strings draped artfully across the windows. She even ran the fog machine to make the shop a bit misty for ambience.

"It's almost time to open our doors!" she says, fluttering around to straighten things up. She's a walking bundle of nerves, both excited and apprehensive. "We're not forgetting anything, right?"

"Even if we are, I think we can manage without it," Danny says, pulling at the dark red bowtie fit snug around his throat. 

The suit isn't the most comfortable and the pants are a little short, but it wouldn't be all that bad if he didn't have the bowtie on. It does pull the look together, but it's uncomfortable and he's not sure he can pretend to be the mysterious, all-known medium leading the séance before he rips the wretched thing off of himself and tosses it away without thinking. Danny knows himself. He knows he'll do it. It's a matter of when not if.

The clock in the back chimes as it hits the hour. Sheridan shuts off the lights by the counter to make the coffee shop look spookier, then hurries to the door.

Most of tonight's group is already gathered, waiting to be let in.

Danny tunes out Sheridan's bright, bubbly voice welcoming everyone in. He takes a deep breath from his seat at the table, preparing himself for the next hour of talking to ghosts and being weird and spooky for other people's entertainment. And then he'll have to do it again for the second group coming in at eleven.

Sheridan leads the customers through a little ceremony to light tea candles, each one held in the cupped hands of the customers. She lowers her voice into a low whisper, drawing them all into this ghostly atmosphere she's done her best to create. Danny keeps his eyes closed, trying to get into character. Plus, if it looks like he's meditating, that'll make him look extra mysterious. He stays statue-still, breathing slowly and deeply, listening to the group approach the table.

Only once he hears everyone is seated does he open his eyes, ready to begin, and--

Is that the Grandma Group?

It is. It is indeed the Grandma Group smiling at him, excited, as Lucinda circles around the table be next to him as there are no extra chairs.

"Hello again dear," Purple Grandma greets, "I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was to see that you would be doing this! It's certainly much better than pulling you away from your work for a few words."

"It's nice to see you too," he replies, slipping back into customer service voice. "Hey, Boss, can we pull up another chair?"

"Sure. What for?"

"For Lucinda. She should get to sit." Danny gestures at the space next to him, where, to him, Lucinda is standing and waving to the rest of the group, but is empty air to everyone else.

"How sweet," Lucinda coos, reaching out to ruffle his hair. Two of the grandmas gasp, watching his hair fluff up and move on its own. "If only my own granddaughter had been as thoughtful. Then I might have sent her more than a few hundred dollars for Christmas."

Danny starts wondering if he could ethically be adopted by this dead grandmother to get her money. Like a platonic sugar baby situation. It's not like she needs the money anymore, assuming it hasn't gone to the rest of her family.

Sheridan drags a chair over and plops it down by Danny. Lucinda sits with a relieved sigh and adjusts her glasses.

"I suppose we'll be talking to Lucinda tonight," he says to the rest of the group. Between the dim lights and the tea lights on the table in front of everyone, throwing flickering light dancing across the planes of their face, they all look strange, almost like beings from a dream. There are two people here who aren't part of the grandma group, a blond girl just a few years older than him, if he had to guess, and a guy with black hair and blue eyes, a strangely familiar face--

That's fucking Tim Drake.

Danny hates his life.

And his job. But mostly his life.

Whatever, he decides, Tim Drake is none of his business. If the guy wants to come to a silly séance in a coffee shop, that's on him. Who is Danny to judge him? He's the one leading the séance. Stones and glass houses, he's keeping his mouth shut.

Looking away from Tim Drake and taking in the rest of the table, he opens the séance. "This is not going to be a traditional, old style séance. Mostly because I don't know how to do those. This is just a time to eat some snacks and talk to a willing ghost, and you're all in luck tonight because one of our regular ghosts is here with us now. Lucinda, if I could have your hand?"

The thing about ghosts is that Danny's spent most of his high school and early college career dealing with ectoplasmic ghosts. Dead people fueled by ectoplasm, a physical substance that can be studied and interacted with. Ectoplasm is what gave them form, let them retain their hearts and minds and personalities after death. Ectoplasm molds itself into the shape of its host, sinking into every piece of them, making them different from the usual ghosts found in horror stories who can only wail and slam doors shut.

Danny is used to ectoplasmic ghosts. He's half of one himself.

But Amity Park is really the only place to have ectoplasmic ghosts.

Gotham's ghosts are fueled by magic. He doesn't know why, or how this difference came to be, but it's a very clear difference. No longer can Danny tell someone is a ghost by their glowing eyes or blue skin, but solely based on a carefully developed gut feeling and the weak ping of his ghost sense. Gotham's ghosts look like anyone else so long as they're not left in the shape they were when they died in a terrible man-made catastrophe. It's easy to tell someone's a ghost when they walk around with half their intestines spilling out of their gut. It's harder when they look like anyone else. 

Amity Park and Gotham ghosts may be made from different things, but that doesn't mean they're incompatible.

With just a quick boost from his ecto, Lucina becomes visible to the rest of the table.

 The blond girl startles, knees jerking up to hit the bottom of the table, making the cake stand wobble. Tim Drake goes very, very still, staring hard at Lucinda.

The Grandma Group, on the other hand, are overjoyed, clapping their hands together in delight, speaking over each other to get their old friend's attention. Lucinda laughs, leaning over the table to take hold of their hands. She glows in the dim coffee shop, ethereal and otherwordly. Danny discretely shakes some leftover ecto off his hand and leans back in his chair, resisting the urge to yank his bowtie off.

Lucinda seems content to just chat with her friends, which leaves Danny, Tim Drake, and blonde girl to sit off to the side by themselves awkwardly.

Sheridan, thankfully, saves the night by popping in by their half of the table with plates of snacks Danny's never seen served here before.

"Here," she says, "We're not just here for the séance, right? I was also hoping to use tonight as a test run for some new seasonal treats I've been working on. Give them a try and let me know what you think!"

Tim Drake thanks her politely while blonde girl yanks her plate closer to her, inspecting it.

"Ooh, look!" she says, smacking Tim Drake's arm. Are they friends? They must be. "It's got strawberry jam blood!"

On her plate is a cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting and strawberry jam on it, dripping down in a way that's reminiscent of blood. A small knife, likely made from a cookie, is stabbed into the top. Tim Drake got the zombie cookie; a mix of black cookie down and green, with white chocolate chips, to look zombie-fied. And the treat Sheridan's put down in front of him is a cupcake with white frosting that looks like a ghost.

"Really?" he asks her.

She grins and pats his shoulder. "I thought it was fitting. And funny."

"Why do I still work here..."

"Because you love me!"

"This is so good!" blonde girl interrupts, holding up a hand to cover her mouthful of cinnamon roll. "I'm definitely coming back for this."

"I'm glad to hear it!" Sheridan replies. "The frosting isn't too strong, right?"

"No, no, it goes perfectly with the strawberry. Best cinnamon roll I've ever eaten in my life."

"Yeah? I've got another new one in the kitchen if you wanna try it out for me."

Blonde girl lights up. "In what world would I say no? Hand it over, I'll eat anything you make."

Sheridan laughs and takes one step away from the table when the front door is kicked open.

"Ghost!" shouts Operative O, and Danny groans, pushing himself up to stand. "We knew you were up to no good, Fenton!" And then he pulls out a blaster gun and Danny is moving away from the table a whole lot faster. He means to put himself between the agent and the others, shielding them with his body, but he doesn't get far before Tim Drake and blonde girl are flinging their empty plates at Agent O. Their cheeks bulge from the food they just stuffed in their mouths, puffed out like chipmunks, but their glare is all danger.

Lucinda glows even brighter, standing from her chair enraged. "You," she intones, pointing at Agent O who lowers his hand from his face, shielding himself against the plates, "You and the others in your stupid white suits. How dare you cause trouble for Danny?!"

"I've got this, Luci," Purple Grandma says, pulling a handgun out of her purse.

"What," Danny says. He stops the question there because he's not sure he wants to know, actually.

Even Agent O has blanched, blaster lowered like he forgot he had it in the face of one angry senior citizen with purple hair.

Not how Danny was envisioning this night to go. Apparently, it's no longer Scones & Séances but GIW vs. Grandmas and Danny knows who he's putting his bets on.

"You should probably leave now," Danny tells Agent O helpfully. "Before they decide to escalate."

Agent O looks at each person around the table, glaring at him. Tim Drake and Blonde girl have their fists up, ready to physically throw themselves into a fight. Sheridan has a hand on her hip, looking more intimidating than he's ever seen her before. Behind Purple Grandma and her handgun are the other two grandmas, holding their purses up as makeshift weapons. Even Lucinda looks ready to pick up her chair and to turn this into a brawl.

Agent O puts his blaster away and wisely decides to cut his losses. "This isn't over, Fenton!" he shouts, "I'll get you one of these days!"

"Scram!" Sheridan shouts back. "You and the other white suits aren't welcome here."

Agent O scowls, but turns and leaves without trying to get the last word in.

Huh.

That was... easy? Is this what it's like to have a community backing him up? He can't help but be touched; he's not particularly close to anyone here except Sheridan, but no one hesitated from getting ready to throw down for him. Gotham's best feature really is her people.

"You good?" Tim Drake asks.

Danny nods. "All good. Thanks, everyone. You didn't need to get involved." Everyone starts voicing their protests at once, so he raises his hands in surrender. "Okay! Okay, sorry, I won't say that again. Thank you, seriously. Why don't we get back to what we came here for?"

After a few wary glances at the door, now shut, everyone sits back down and settles in.

Danny spreads his hands flat on the table and leans in with a mischievous grin. Now that the worst part of the night is past, he doesn't have to worry about how this event can go wrong. He can finally have some fun with it.

"What do y'all really know about ghosts?"

Danny is a coffee shop owner in Gotham and is repeatedly attacked by the GIW. Danny can (mostly) handle his own but he’s in the Bats’ city.

The help is greatly appreciated. The vigilantes have incorporated his small business into their patrol path. They even stop in to grab some coffee or a pastry. He thought he’d get to know this cities heroes as Phantom but instead they become friends with Fenton

[repelprotect]

Cockroach Control in Nairobi: Effective and Affordable Solutions

Are you battling persistent cockroach infestations in your Nairobi home or business? These resilient pests can be particularly troublesome in our city's warm climate. Fortunately, effective and affordable pest control in Nairobi is readily available to help you reclaim your space from these unwanted visitors.

Understanding the Cockroach Problem in Nairobi

Nairobi's tropical climate creates ideal conditions for cockroach proliferation. These adaptable insects thrive in our warm, humid environment and can quickly establish colonies in residential and commercial buildings alike. Common species found in Nairobi include:

German cockroaches (small, light brown)

American cockroaches (larger, reddish-brown)

Oriental cockroaches (dark brown to black)

Beyond being unsightly, cockroaches pose significant health risks. They carry bacteria that can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, and other illnesses. Their shed skin and droppings can also trigger allergies and asthma attacks, especially in children.

DIY Cockroach Control Methods

Before calling professional pest control in Nairobi, you might consider these do-it-yourself approaches:

Maintain impeccable cleanliness: Eliminate food sources by promptly cleaning spills, storing food in sealed containers, and disposing of garbage regularly.

Seal entry points: Cockroaches can squeeze through tiny gaps. Inspect your property for cracks around pipes, windows, and doors, then seal them with caulk.

Natural repellents: Some locally available substances like neem oil, catnip, and diatomaceous earth can help deter cockroaches.

Boric acid: Available in many Nairobi shops, boric acid powder sprinkled in cockroach-hiding spots can be effective when used carefully.

When to Call Professional Pest Control in Nairobi

While DIY methods can help with minor infestations, severe cockroach problems require professional intervention. Consider contacting experts when:

You spot cockroaches during daylight (indicating large populations)

DIY treatments haven't reduced the infestation after 2-3 weeks

You notice cockroach eggs or nymphs.

The problem affects multiple rooms or areas.

Professional pest control in Nairobi use integrated pest management approaches that combine chemical treatments with environmental modifications to ensure lasting results.

Choosing the Right Cockroach Control Service

When selecting a pest control provider in Nairobi, consider:

Reputation and reviews from other customers

Certification and licensing status

Types of treatments offered

Safety measures for children and pets

Guarantee or follow-up policy

Many reputable companies offer free inspections and quotes, allowing you to compare options before committing.

Preventing Future Infestations

After successful cockroach elimination, maintain these habits to prevent re-infestation:

Schedule regular professional inspections

Continue rigorous cleaning practices

Address plumbing leaks promptly

Keep outdoor garbage bins away from your building

Monitor previously infested areas regularly

By combining professional expertise with preventative measures, you can maintain a cockroach-free environment in your Nairobi home or business throughout the year.

Remember, effective cockroach control is an investment in your health and property. With the right approach and professional support when needed, cockroach problems can be successfully managed, even in Nairobi's challenging climate.

[cuddlyspetsupply]

Discovering Cuddly's Pet Supply: Your One-Stop Shop for Pet Essentials

Finding the perfect pet supply store is crucial for pet owners who want to ensure their furry friends have the best care and products available. Cuddlys Pet Supply has emerged as a top choice for pet lovers, offering a wide range of high-quality products and exceptional customer service. In this blog, we'll explore what makes Cuddly's Pet Supply stand out, the variety of products they offer, and why it's the go-to destination for all your pet needs.

Why Choose Cuddly's Pet Supply?

Quality Products: Cuddly's Pet Supply is committed to providing only the best for your pets. They offer a carefully curated selection of products from trusted brands, ensuring that every item meets high standards of quality and safety.

Wide Range of Items: Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, fish, or small mammal, Cuddly's Pet Supply has you covered. Their extensive inventory includes everything from food and treats to toys, grooming supplies, and accessories.

Expert Advice: The knowledgeable staff at Cuddly's Pet Supply are passionate about pets and are always ready to offer expert advice and recommendations. Whether you need help choosing the right food or finding the perfect toy, you can count on their guidance.

Customer Service: At Cuddly's Pet Supply, customer satisfaction is a top priority. They strive to create a friendly and welcoming shopping experience, both in-store and online. Their commitment to excellent customer service ensures that you and your pet always receive the attention and care you deserve.

Product Categories at Cuddly's Pet Supply

Pet Food and Treats: Cuddly's Pet Supply offers a wide variety of nutritious and delicious food options for all types of pets. From premium kibble and canned food to raw and organic options, you can find the perfect diet to keep your pet healthy and happy. They also carry a range of tasty treats that are perfect for training and rewarding your furry friend.

Toys and Entertainment: Keeping your pet entertained is essential for their mental and physical well-being. Cuddly's Pet Supply stocks a diverse selection of toys, from interactive puzzles and chew toys to squeaky toys and catnip-filled delights. There's something for every pet, no matter their size or play style.

Grooming Supplies: Regular grooming is vital for maintaining your pet's health and hygiene. Cuddly's Pet Supply offers a comprehensive range of grooming products, including shampoos, conditioners, brushes, nail clippers, and dental care items. You can find everything you need to keep your pet looking and feeling their best.

Health and Wellness: Ensuring your pet's health is a top priority at Cuddly's Pet Supply. They carry a variety of health and wellness products, including supplements, vitamins, flea and tick treatments, and joint support. These products are designed to keep your pet in optimal health and prevent common ailments.

Accessories and Apparel: From stylish collars and leashes to cozy beds and fashionable apparel, Cuddly's Pet Supply has a great selection of accessories to enhance your pet's comfort and style. You can find the perfect items to make your pet's life more enjoyable and convenient.

Why Cuddly's Pet Supply Stands Out

Community Involvement: Cuddly's Pet Supply is more than just a store; they are an active member of the local pet community. They regularly host events, workshops, and adoption drives, helping to support pet owners and animal welfare organizations.

Sustainable Practices: Cuddly's Pet Supply is committed to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. They prioritize eco-friendly products and packaging, ensuring that your purchases have a minimal impact on the planet.

Convenient Shopping Experience: With both a physical store and an easy-to-navigate online shop, Cuddly's Pet Supply offers a convenient shopping experience. You can browse their extensive inventory, read detailed product descriptions, and place orders from the comfort of your home.

Conclusion

Cuddlys Pet Supply is the ultimate destination for pet owners who want the best for their furry friends. With a wide range of high-quality products, expert advice, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Cuddly's Pet Supply stands out as a top choice for all your pet needs. Visit their store or explore their online shop to discover the perfect products to keep your pet happy, healthy, and thriving.

[disease-danger-darkness-silence]

I'm imagining a Gotham sandwich shop (The Gallery) that exclusively does villain sandwiches to piss off the rogues gallary. The owner is a super. The staff are also metahuman. It is a strictly-enforced neutral territory. No villain or hero can do their business there. Cops who try to use the shop to plan raids or arrests are not allowed in.

The "Joker" sandwich is a basic bitch baloney and American cheese on white sliced bread, all dyed green. It gets a few orders a week because the Joker forces his goons to go eat it. He's INCREDIBLY salty about it.

Everyone else has phenominal sandwiches. Rye with Swiss and fancy turkey, everything branded with question marks? The Riddler.

Mr. Freeze is what they call their delicious in-house brand gelato. The vanilla is as white as they can get it, with a hint of blue at the edges.

Two-Face is a cibatta roll with half ham, half turkey, and three kinds of cheese, served open-faced with a bowl of the soup of the day (or a salad).

Your traditional Italian-style hoagie with pepperoni, salami, ham, provalone? The Harley Quinn (that Brooklyn accent, yanno?). It comes held together with toothpicks shaped like giant sledge hammers.

Their best vegan salad wrap is the Poison Ivy - it has delicious, locally-sourced herbs, spices, and three different kinds of lettuce, with tomato, raw mushrooms, onion, and olives, chopped together and wrapped in a vegan tortilla. It's served default with a spicy mustard, no mayo, but if you want mayo, they make it in-house with eggs from pampered pet chickens, so it's as cruelty-free as possible. (Ivy likes the spirit of it, even if they're... Basically eating her cousins.)

(When Harley and Ivy became a thing, they ran a BOGO deal on those two sandwiches, and cheered the girls on in their social media. Harley and Ivy love the place, and frequent there for lunch dates.)

The tuna salad on wheat is the Catwoman. It comes with fresh catnip and fries as a side, which is actually quite complimentary to the sandwich. If you order it to-go they seal the wrap with little diamond stickers.

They have a variant on that that uses open-sea fish and crab that's called The Penguin. Instead of catnip fries, it has a small order of fried shrimp. They seal it with dollar sign stickers.

Bruce Wayne is a frequent customer and never orders the Joker.

Don't ask about the Bane sandwich because you will not be told what is in it and you will not be the same after you eat it.

You own a sandwich shop in the heart of a superhero city. After gaining customers by making sandwiches based on heroes, you decided to try making some based on villains. Today, a villain stopped to review theirs.

[homesmartdevices]

The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Pet Shop

Running a pet shop can be a rewarding and fulfilling business venture. It's a place where animal lovers gather to find everything they need for their pets, from food and toys to grooming services and medical supplies. However, to succeed in this competitive industry, it's crucial to optimize your online presence using the right keywords. In this guide, we'll explore how to do just that, helping you attract more customers and grow your business.

Understanding the Importance of Keywords

Keywords are the words and phrases people use to search for products or services online. In the context of a pet shop, these could include terms like "pet supplies," "pet grooming," "pet food," "dog toys," "cat accessories," and more. By integrating these keywords into your website content, blog posts, product descriptions, and social media, you can improve your search engine ranking and attract more visitors.

Essential Keywords for a Pet Shop

Pet Supplies: This is a broad term that covers everything you sell in your store. Make sure to include specific items like "dog food," "cat litter," "fish tanks," and "bird cages."

Pet Grooming: If your pet shop offers grooming services, this keyword can attract pet owners looking for professional grooming for their dogs, cats, or other pets.

Pet Food: Different types of pet food, such as "organic dog food," "grain-free cat food," and "live fish food," can be key search terms.

Pet Toys: Highlight the variety of toys you offer, such as "interactive dog toys," "catnip toys," "chew toys," and "bird toys."

Pet Accessories: Keywords like "dog collars," "cat harnesses," "pet beds," and "aquarium decorations" can help you target specific product searches.

How to Optimize Your Pet Shop's Online Presence

1. Website Content

Ensure that your website is rich in relevant, high-quality content. Write informative articles and blog posts that answer common questions pet owners might have. For example, you could write about "How to Choose the Best Pet Food," "Top 10 Must-Have Pet Accessories," or "The Benefits of Regular Pet Grooming." Use your primary keywords naturally within these articles to improve your SEO.

2. Product Descriptions

Your product descriptions should be detailed and keyword-rich. Instead of simply listing a "dog collar," describe it as a "durable, adjustable leather dog collar perfect for all breeds." This approach not only helps with SEO but also provides customers with more information to make informed purchasing decisions.

3. Social Media

Social media platforms are excellent for engaging with your audience and driving traffic to your website. Use keywords in your social media posts, hashtags, and profiles. Share tips, promotions, and customer testimonials to keep your followers engaged and informed.

4. Local SEO

If your pet shop has a physical location, optimizing for local SEO is crucial. Include your city or region in your keywords, such as "New York pet shop" or "Los Angeles pet grooming." Claim your business on Google My Business and other local directories, and encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews.

5. Backlinks and Partnerships

Building backlinks from reputable websites can significantly boost your SEO. Partner with local animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and pet bloggers to create guest posts, product reviews, or collaborative content. These partnerships can provide valuable backlinks and introduce your pet shop to a broader audience.

Tracking and Adjusting Your Strategy

SEO is not a one-time effort; it's an ongoing process. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your website's performance. Monitor which keywords are driving the most traffic and adjust your strategy as needed. Stay updated with the latest SEO trends and continue to refine your content and keyword usage.

Conclusion

Running a successful pet shop requires more than just a love for animals; it demands a strategic approach to online marketing. By optimizing your website, product descriptions, and social media presence with the right keywords, you can attract more customers and grow your business. Remember, the key to success is continuous improvement and staying informed about the latest trends in the pet industry and SEO.

Whether you're a seasoned pet shop owner or just starting, embracing these keyword optimization strategies can help you reach a wider audience and provide excellent service to pet lovers everywhere.

[catpeek]

10 Clear Signs You're Truly Addicted to Your Cat

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1486530555807-11f29d0dff36?crop=entropy&cs=srgb&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w2MzMwNDR8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyMnx8Y2F0fGVufDB8MHx8fDE3MjIzMDAzNzV8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=85 Are you head over heels in love with your feline friend? 🐾💖 Sometimes, our affection for our cats can reach a level that’s hard to ignore. If you find yourself constantly thinking about, caring for, and cherishing your furry companion, you might just be an "adoring cat parent"! Here are ten unmistakable signs that prove you might be addicted to your furry friend!

10 Unmistakable Signs You're Addicted to Your Feline Friend 🐱✨

1. You Prioritize Their Comfort 💤

Every cat lover knows how important it is to create a cozy environment for their kitty. Whether it’s a plush bed or a sunny windowsill, you ensure your cat has the comfiest spots in the house.

2. You Have a Cat Photo Album 📸

Do your friends and family often roll their eyes at the endless stream of cat photos on your phone? If you have an entire album dedicated to your kitty, you might be a little too hooked!

3. Your Cat Has Their Own Social Media Account 📱

You’ve taken it to another level if you’ve created an entire Instagram account for your feline friend! Showcasing their daily antics and posing in adorable outfits? Totally normal for a dedicated cat parent!

4. You Buy Them Gifts 🎁

Your shopping list undoubtedly includes cat toys, gourmet treats, and stylish collars. You love spoiling your furry companion, and you’re always on the lookout for the perfect gift!

5. Cat-Related Decor Adorns Your Home 🏡

From cat-themed artwork to quirky knick-knacks, your home is a true testament to your love for cats. You can't resist those cute feline decorations!

6. You Throw a Birthday Party for Your Cat 🎉

Who says you can't celebrate your furry friend? If you throw an extravagant birthday bash complete with treats and toys, you're definitely basking in the cat love!

7. You Talk About Them Non-Stop 🗣️

Your friends can't help but know every single detail about your cat, from their latest zoomies to their naughty antics. You can't seem to stop sharing cat stories!

8. You Schedule Playdates 🐾

Whether it's with your friends' cats or at a local cat cafe, you ensure your kitty has a vibrant social life. Playdates enhance their happiness and yours!

9. You Have an Emergency Cat Kit 🚑

If you’re prepared for any situation—cat hairball emergencies, catnip shortages, and the occasional veterinary visit—your love for your feline is quite apparent!

10. You Consider Your Cat Family 🏠

At the end of the day, your cat is more than just a pet; they're a part of your family! You prioritize their happiness just as much as your human relations.

If you resonate with these signs, it’s clear you have a special relationship with your feline friend! 😻 Ready to dive deeper into the signs of cat addiction? Check out our detailed guide on the ten unmistakable signs you're addicted to your feline friend! 🐈❤️

[smallerplaces]

Emma Dreams, my last remnant of 99 Cents Only

Back in April, when 99 Cents Only broke my heart by announcing all stores would close, I went to my local store on the day before the going-out-of-business sale was scheduled to start. It was jammed with distraught shoppers who'd followed similar logic in figuring a clearance sale would be even crazier. I picked up a couple things that had been on my "maybe" list for quite a while, and one small doll to remember the chain by.

My collection hints that I'm more fascinated by "little sister" dolls of various ages than with the main 11.5" dolls. While I resisted buying any from my dd's Discounts trip last fall, there's just something charming about this 4- to 5-inch civilization where toddlers drive motor cars and run businesses. That made Emma Dreams the obvious pick from the wreckage of my discount-store shopping.

While I usually buy the Black option, there wasn't one available. Emma Dreams is thus one of two recent purchases where I went with the doll who looks most like I did as a child.

That brand, Kids'N Play, traces to KNP LLC in Boca Raton, Florida. They're an importer that seems to have no depth to the brand at all. This is common with discount brands, but it'd be more fun to have some lore or even a sense of the product lines.

Here's Emma on her backdrop but out of the display box. It was taped shut with firmness that led me to tearing the box.

The cat is so small, it could nap in its bowl. It could swim in its bowl. Presumably the bone is a catnip toy chosen for irony.

We can imagine the convo between the buyer and the factory in China.

"It is a dog-themed set. You saw it on Alibaba. It is dog-themed." "Just throw in a cat. People love cats." "It is dog-themed. It has dog bones. The package copy uses the word 'puppy.'" "Puppy, schmuppy. Give it a cat, and it's cat-themed."

Getting Emma herself out of the box involves a packaging wrestling match worthy of MGA in its prime. This includes the dreaded Sewn-in Hair Strip.

It's been so long since I've dealt with a sewn-in strip that I forgot how to get it off. Once gone, it hardly seemed worth having. Emma's hair is rooted all over her head and acceptably thick for her size, but cut in ridiculously random layers. Since I don't believe in little girls having floor-length hair, I gave her a quick haircut to about knee-length. That matches my childhood long-hair fantasies while not interfering with her ability to sit.

Speaking of sitting, here she is! I don't expect much range of motion in a doll this size. At least she can sit with her legs out straight.

Since Emma is visibly huskier than a typical Kelly, I pulled out Evi Love as the obvious comparison. To my delight, Evi can wear Emma's shoes (though where am I to get any more of those?). In fact...

Emma is an Evi Love knock-off. I don't think it's quite the same mold, but it's so close that I'm not 100% sure. Evi looks a little more finely detailed and realistic, though that can be a result of how old the actual molds for each doll were.

While Emma can obviously wear the same dollar-store clothes as Evi, I put her back in her original outfit because there were only two summer dresses in my case of Evi-wearable clothes. I wanted the pink one for Evi so she could wear shoes for a while, and the other dress looked frumpy on Emma. I could have sworn I had two or three more little dresses, so I guess I'm not as organized as I think I am.

New outfits or no, Emma and Evi are now BFFs.

[lizseyi]

How Can You Prep Now For The Perfect Christmas Hampers - Shredded-Paper

Yes, we know what some of you are likely thinking: isn’t it still slightly early for us to be providing homemade festive-season hamper advice? That may seem the case, but with the cost-of-living crisis having reportedly led many Britons to spread out their Christmas spending over a longer period than they might have once done, we don’t think it’s too early at all. 

In any case, it can be good to prepare as early as possible for certain things – especially if you are interested in assembling your own Christmas hampers, and therefore need to gather a lot of essential materials together. You won’t want to risk finding yourself short of certain crucial items at the last minute. 

Below, we have outlined some of the steps that the Shredded-Paper.co.uk team would advise you to take now, in order to ensure your homemade hampers make the right impression on 25th December. 

Decide on themes for your Christmas hampers 

We’ve included this tip first, for the simple reason that the theme you choose for a hamper will inform and guide you with the rest of your hamper shopping and preparation. Plus, a big part of the point of putting together your own Christmas hampers is surely the opportunity to personalise them in special ways for the intended recipient. 

The actual theme that you choose for a given hamper doesn’t have to be something overly complicated. If you’re assembling a hamper for someone who loves their four-legged furry friend, for instance, a dog or cat-themed hamper could do the job nicely. Or if the intended recipient is on the green-fingered side, a gardening-themed hamper is sure to be well-received. 

Start getting together the items to include in the hamper 

Even if you’re merely grabbing a few products for now rather than trying to purchase everything that will go into a given hamper, doing so at a relatively early stage will enable you to have some fun with it. As part of this, you will be able to be opportunistic in grabbing some quirky items or bargains from places like the local Sunday market. 

And as we touched on above, the theme that you decided on for each hamper will guide you. A hamper for a garden lover, for example, could contain the likes of a hand tools gift set, some garden gloves, and some seeds and bulbs. Or a hamper intended for someone who adores their cat could feature a catnip toy and some well-chosen cat treats, among other feline-related offerings. 

Stock up on the materials that will protect the contained items 

So much of skilful Christmas hamper assembly is about knowing how to get the protective packaging elements right. You might choose to put each item into a small cellophane bag, for instance, and tie it up with jute twine. Other products that are to be included in the hamper, you may arrange to have wrapped in brown paper, with a colourful bow added. There are just so many fun possibilities. 

And of course, our own shredded paper can play a big role, too. In fact, our Yuletide store at Shredded-Paper.co.uk is already open. This means you have the chance right now to replenish your supplies of Christmas hamper kraft filling paper in more-or-less any colour or cut you like. 

The shredded paper in our range looks great – adding to the presentational quality of your hamper when the recipient opens it – and is an excellent all-round protective packaging material. It is tougher than tissue paper, for example, but also an environmentally friendlier option than bubble wrap. 

So, when you are on the lookout for the optimal Christmas hamper kraft filling paper over the coming weeks and months, why look further than our own online store? It’s worth remembering, too, the free delivery that we offer to most UK mainland postcodes. 

[reasonsforhope]

More details below. Thanks for posting, OP!

--

"An organic seed company with national reach has surprised its supporters by announcing it will end sales and give hundreds of varieties away, declaring “we can no longer commodify our beloved kin, these seeds, or ourselves.”

The Cocozelle zucchini, now $14.25 per 100 seeds? No charge. Catnip, kale, the rampant mint? All free.

Petra Page-Mann and Matthew Goldfarb, the couple who run Fruition Seeds in upstate New York, said they’re letting go workers, stopping sales on Aug. 27 and relying on public goodwill — donations of money, talent and effort — to grow and distribute seeds on a $76,000 budget.

That’s a dramatic shift for a company with a budget of over $1 million in 2022 and a profile high enough that it’s among a handful of seed companies featured in the New York Botanical Garden’s shop.

“The call is simple enough: Seeds are gifts. Gifts are shared,” the couple said in a long and searching announcement weeks ago. They’ve thought about barriers to access and what they call the indignity of the dollar. Burnout, too, played a role. “We’re weaving a new fabric together, Friends.” ...

Next year, instead of shipping seed packets, they plan to give away seeds by hosting events and visiting cities around the Northeast. It’s a radical extension of their work with seed libraries, seed swaps and community harvests.

The announcement noted Fruition’s decision during the COVID-19 pandemic to face painful economic losses and make their online growing courses, featuring the exuberant Page-Mann, 40, free for all. There was joy in giving.

Now they hope others feel the same. They have begun listing their own needs, from financial donations and legal expertise to items like printer paper and Mason jars. “I trust, like air, what is present – though not yet visible – will carry us all,” Page-Mann wrote...

Goldfarb and Page-Mann aren’t saying others should stop selling seeds. They’re looking into forming a nonprofit. They admire the collective work of the not-too-far-away Amish and Mennonite communities. But there is no definite plan.

“We’ll have different answers tomorrow. I hope,” Goldfarb said.

About 40% of the seeds that Fruition has sold have been produced by partners. One of them, Daniel Brisebois with Tourne-Sol farm in Canada, said he was excited to see what would happen now. Others didn’t respond.

Page-Mann and Goldfarb said the most excruciating part of their decision was taking it without the collective consent of their 12 employees.

“Simultaneously they were very gracious, like, ‘This makes sense for you and your lives,’ and also, ‘This sucks,’” Page-Mann said.

One worker told the AP that while they respect where Fruition’s founders are coming from, “so far this transition feels like a big missed opportunity to learn how to minimize harm in the process of trying to transform systems, especially harm toward workers.” The worker, who is looking for new work, spoke on condition of anonymity.

At the bunkhouse under construction on the Fruition farm, local mushroom producer David Colle, 49, said the thinking behind the transformation — a purpose bigger than the individual -- drew him to help build.

Some in the community have said, “I won’t do business with these people anymore,” Colle said, but “you have to have people willing to explore the edges to learn what’s possible.” He’s as curious about Fruition’s future as anyone. He’s given away mushrooms but doesn’t see how to do it full time and still pay the bills.

And he wasn’t completely volunteering his time. “I need money,” he said, sweating in the afternoon heat, and acknowledged: “We’re all walking paradoxes.”

-via August 14, 2024

8/14/2024

Next year, instead of shipping seed packets, they plan to give away seeds by hosting events and visiting cities around the Northeast.