#someone recommend a good mental health thing for Alice she's the one who needs it

[victorluvsalice]

-->And, as Victor replanted his oversized crops (which I’m not actually intending to make oversized this time! Smaller ones make a bit more sense to sell in the store), Smiler scheduled a weenie roast for the next day! They hadn’t thrown a party in a while, and I figured that would be appropriate for it being summer, especially with SimCity Founding coming up. They invited their friends Heath, Aleah (the Hermit from Granite Falls), Cecilia, Nalani, and Grace, and had the whole thing start at 3 PM, as that felt like a decent start time for me for a cookout. And I just crossed my fingers and hoped that it wouldn’t be as chaotic and glitchy as some of my OTHER weenie roasts had been. . .

-->And with that, all that remained was for Victor to finish up his planting and for Smiler and Alice to have a little bonding time (including synchronized showering in the rain -- Erratic Sims *sigh*) before it was back off to the store! Smiler of course made another flower arrangement while Alice started making more cakes and pies for the bakery and Victor began doing bulk bread processing -- and then I discovered two things:

A) The new update, which added slots to the tops of a bunch of the toilets and sinks? It has a dark side, and that dark side is that Sims WILL put random shit on those slots. As seen with Victor putting his bread on top of the toilet in the bathroom stall. *facepalm* I moved it out of the bathroom with haste and quickly put -- I don’t recall what it’s called, I think it’s related to the menstrual cycle stuff in Wonderful Whims, which I don’t use, but it’s like a little spray bottle that you MIGHT find in a bathroom like this, and it took up one of the slots on top of each toilet, making them less of a good place to drop baked goods.

B) Smiler actually didn’t have that much to do, as the flower arrangement shelves were full, and there was no more room for any of the baked goods from the cupcake machine in the bakery section. Whoops. ^^; Fortunately, there was another protest going on nearby in the little square, and when Smiler batted over to say hello, who should they encounter but Jameson, the guy they met over in Henford-On-Bagley on fair day! :D Smiler promptly renewed the acquaintance, and they had a nice chat together. Them being the most social of all my Sims DOES make keeping them occupied easier. XD

-->And while THAT was going on, I decided it was about time I had Victor test out his Copypasto skills! Now, as I reported back in the Finchwick Fair update, there was no way for me to have him Copypasto any of the cans and boxes from the Simsonian Canning Factory mod (you know, like the canned peas and such). . .but he COULD Copypasto the various sauces and preserves, since those are the same as the ones you get from Cottage Living itself! And so Victor set about copying as many jars of jam and sauce as he could. . .

[astralbooks]

Loveless - Alice Oseman

Read: 13/07/2020 - 16/07/2020

Rating 5/5

Review:

Loveless is an aroace discovery/coming out story set during main character Georgia's first year of university, and I think it should be required reading in schools.

This book is incredibly important. People who are aromantic and/or asexual will benefit greatly from reading this because it will let them know that they aren't alone, that there's nothing wrong with them, and that romantic relationships aren't vital to leading a fulfilling life. People who aren't aromantic and/or asexual will benefit greatly from reading this because it will help them to understand that their experiences aren't universal, and that also even if you do experience these forms of attraction, that doesn't mean that you should feel like you have to force yourself into doing things that you don't want to do or aren't ready for. This book also shows that difference people react to stress in different ways, that self-sabotage can come in many different forms, and even something that you 'enjoy' doing can become unhealthy and damaging if done for the wrong reasons. Having sex with a different guy every night is all well and good if that's what you genuinely want to be doing, but if you're just trying to pretend you aren't lonely then you're seriously not doing yourself any favours. This is why I think it should be required reading for teenagers and young adults. I would've loved to have this book during my first year of uni, and I knew plenty of people in high school and I know plenty of people in university now who would benefit from reading this book. Now that the serious part is out of the way, I'm going to get a little more subjective, and I'm going to do this by sharing some of my thoughts on the main characters. Georgia: I love her !! I'm aro-spec ace myself, and I related so much to a lot of what she said and what she was going through. Also, like Georgia, I realised that I was ace during my first year of university, when I was suddenly confronted with people who are having sex on the regular, and honestly a lot of the things she said felt like they could have come out of my own brain. Not everything she said, but a lot of it. She cares so much about her friends and wants them to have the entire world and we love to see it! Rooney: Driven, extroverted, and an expert at self-destruction. I felt so much for Rooney while I was reading. She was trying so hard to be a bubbly manic pixie dream girl, but it just made her feel awful. She's Georgia's opposite in every way, something that the characters themselves notice, and so I didn't really relate to her very much, but I know people who are just like her, and I think that a lot of people could benefit from seeing her growth. Also her reaction to seeing her crush at a certain point, which you'll know if you've read it, was hysterical and I loved it! Pip: A Latina lesbian who is secure in her identity and unapologetic about who she is! I didn't always agree with her actions, but I understood why she made the choices she did, and at the end of the day she's someone who feels her emotions deeply and cares about her friends. Also her way of texting sounded exactly like one of my friends which was more than a little spooky. Jason: A total sweetheart! He's a great friend to the rest of the group, which I adored! He's also really into Scooby Doo, especially the original live actions, and he's Right. Those movies are excellent and anyone who says otherwise doesn't know what fun is. Sunil: Probably my favourite character in the whole book! Sunil is asexual, non-binary, and the president of the Pride Society. Which, same on all counts, I am also all three of these things. He works hard to make sure that Pride Soc is accessible and inclusive for everyone who wants a place there (exclusionists are the Worst and it made me so happy to see them explicity portrayed as being wrong). They also have a tendency to overshare, which he's self aware of and they would often call himself out on it, but I found it endearing. He also talked about how he'd used to struggle with queer spaces being mostly white, which is definitely a big issue with queer spaces in reality that as a community we need to work on. Every time that Sunil appeared on-page I found myself wanting to give them a huge hug, and I'm really glad that a character like them was in this book. Springboarding off what I've said about Sunil, the portrayal of the Pride Soc made me very emotional, because Oseman captured exactly what makes it so special. Pride Socs, and queer spaces in general, allow queer people to exist and socialise without any of the fear that could be following them around elsewhere. They get to spend time with people who get it, who understand, and that's vital for many people. I made my friends at uni through Pride, and I'm currently the president of Pride for my university. I'm running online events all through the summer, and we've had feedback saying that keeping running through all this has really helped people's mental health and made them feel less alone while they're stuck at home in potentially unsupportive households. This is a tangent and I'm doing a Sunil, but basically yeah Oseman got this completely right! Also yes I 100% agree that Much Ado About Nothing is one of the best, if not the best, Shakespeare plays. I love that show so much, it's so great. I put off writing this review because I knew it would get long lmao and look I was right. To sum up, this book is amazing, I loved it, and I recommend it to everyone because everyone can learn something from it.

[oh-theres-a-woman]

Valentine Parchment & Sun

✨🖤Hello lovely, thank you for the ask~~~ Sorry it took forever to get around to these. Still have your other ask with questions to get around to. Hope you’re well and happy! 🖤✨

The best gift you’ve ever received? 

I have a lot of gifts that would fit into the best gifts, a lot fo the sentimental. 

The horseshoe signet ring that I was given by my Nana: she was a child that was raised in one of the homes run by nuns as a child. When she came home at sixteen it was one of the things she was given. For sixty-four years she’s worn this ring and with her going into the hospital earlier this year and everything being so touch and go. 

A copy of A Treasury of Irish Fairy and Folk Tales. The very first birthday present my boyfriend bought me. He had actually forgotten that my birthday was on Monday. He raced back into this bookstore we found in the city and grabbed the book I was looking at but couldn’t afford at the time. 

Favourite book? 

I have a few favourites as well, can’t quite decide or place others to the side. Mostly, I go with books that leave me with the biggest impressions. 

Solitaire by Alice Oseman -- an amazing young woman that tackles the numerous issues of society in her books. I find she’s very aware of the importance of educating a person on sexuality and mental health. 100% recommend anything by her to a reader who wants a gripping and emotional read. One of the biggest things I find; she opens the eyes of the reader to live with acceptance about themselves. 

In a lot of ways, I related and probably still relate to the main character in this novel. Tori Spring, she’s one hell of a mood. Witty, sarcastic as heck, I’d say more aware of her depression and feelings than she lets on in some regard. More than anything, she’s a sister that took a step back in the hopes that her little brother got the help he needs. 

Recently picked up the release of her other book Loveless that came out two days ago. Waiting on my order of Nick and Charlie to come through so I have all of her current releases (including; her graphic novels).  Alice is also a very active author and its enjoyable to see what she comes out with, plus the general interactions she has with fans. @chronicintrovert 

If you ever want something that gets you inn the feels in soooo many way, it’s her all the way. Along with Rainbow Rowell. 

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman -- There was something about this book that left me with a deep and burning feeling inside. It is one of the books for the first time in a long time make me cry. Simple things, I swear. 

It got me in the middle of recovery after a really hard time. Which, means the world to me. Touching once more on mental health and signs of when someone it’s in the best place, even when they say they are. 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell -- Ah yes, this was the high school read that I understood on a wholly personal level.  Mostly, because I saw myself very much as Cath. An anxious loner, that really has a passion for writing.  A girl that wasn’t comfortable with stepping out into college life like her sister does. 

At the point in time of my first reading this book, my school experience was very nearly over. It was where the pressure of needing to decide my future in an instance really had me stumped. By no means was I considered a straight-A student. Actually, I was considered ‘slow’ and ‘last’ because my learning rate was a hell of a lot slower than others. Nor did I conform well to the very-book learning my high school had. 

Fangirl introduced me to Cath; a fanfiction writer with a decent following. But, it also introduced me to Levi. Who, I don’t think gets enough love out there. He’s the boy that doesn’t suit the ‘normal’ education tools or learning style. Thus, he’s found ways to learn himself. A lot of these tools were things I used myself or grew to adapt in my further paths of study. He’s the awkward and lovable character that I found pulled Cath from her shell and she did the same for him with his own insecurities. This part, I’d refer to my connections with really good friends and loved ones. The people I can be my true self with, but, they also admire my talents and encourage me to push forward; like Levi does for Cath in Carry On. 

Favourite season:

Autumn 🍂🍁🍂

[whorizcn]

hello everyone !! because i made a list of a few of my favorite writeblrs, i decided to pick out some of my favorite wips and share them with you all!! so without further adieu, here are some of my favorite wips at the moment !! (aka me poorly describing my current fav wips in hopes you’ll check them out and love them all as much as i do)

@penkai | IMMINENT

a horror with poc and lgbt+ leads!!

i love all of the characters so much?? they’re all FANTASTIC!

a bunch of teens are celebrating their graduation at a party/sleepover when, GASP! their house is broken into by a serial killer and they all have to try not to die. ICONIC!

it gives me such halloween && scream vibes and i am 100% here for it

if you like horror and thrillers i’d HIGHLY recommend imminent, also kai is so nice and i love them.

     Late into the night, when everyone's settling down to go to bed, things seem like they're going just fine

     "Hey, wait...who left the door open?"

@latrantem | THOSE WHO TEMPT FATE

a dark academia, thriller AND paranormal wip (we love that)

i love hugo gianfranco with my entire heart

dylan’s writing is OUTSTANDING

want a book that features manipulation, toxic masculinity, deceit, cults, and immortality? it’s all right here baby

a fantastic wip that i think everyone should check out!!

also, dylan is so sweet?? so please go and support them!

     Five students. Five murders — Engelmann University hides a sinister secret, one uncovered by the wrong group of students; students with an insatiable thirst for power, notoriety, and wealth.

@jugularss​ | FREAK

a psychological thriller wip by the lovely addie

this wip is so interesting! it gives off a wonderfully creepy vibe and i’m so excited to learn more about it!

freak explores mental health and sociopathy, which i’m 100% here for! the synopsis for freak is so interesting and the protagonist has a lot of mystery surrounding her! i highly recommend going and checking out freak cause i love it with all of my heart.

     Young, dependant, fragile.

     That’s what they see her to be, the accomplished model student, She feels thats what they NEED her to be. Their wish is her command, but what they don’t know wouldn’t scar them.

@holotones​ | DEADSHOT

a sci-fi, western, post-apocalyptic wip that is so fucking good it makes me wanna scream

i love myrah so much?? also, sal and lukas are the cutest and i would die for them

haeji’s worldbuilding is EXCELLENT and everything about deadshot is *chef kiss* amazing

30% of humans are sent out to live on a planet called aerope and things are going great. that is until two large pulses tear through aerope, destroying everything the humans built, and taking down communication with earth. our protagonist is a boy who wakes up with zero recollection of his name, his age and has no idea what’s going on or where he is. a group of raiders find him, name him, approximate his age and together they work together to figure out what is going on.

it’s so fucking GOOD! i described it so poorly but i highly recommend everyone go and check it out! the worldbuilding and characters are out of this world and i love it with my entire heart

     He’ll survive long enough to realize that there’s something gargantuan living in the bowels of aerope, and maybe - just maybe, he’ll survive long enough to get all these walking corpses off of this godforsaken planet.

@emdrabbles​ | RIPTIDE

a historical pirate and fantasy wip 

features a fantastic cast of poc and lgbt+ characters, all of which are all so well written and fleshed out that it blows me away. also, lyra could kick me in the teeth and i’d thank her. 

lyra de la cruz is a pirate captain who, seven years ago, proposed to her ex, maria with a promise to love and hold her forever. so it’s a mystery why one day lyra left maria with nothing so she could go live a life of piracy. one day, lyra’s navigator goes missing and lyra finds a pretty note signed xoxo maria. lyra is forced to face the past and a simple rescue mission turns into a big ol’ ordeal as lyra and her crew begin to grow ansty for the truth

it’s so good? like oh my god? the talent, the FLAVOR, the creativity. i could never

riptide is a fantastic wip that everyone should check out and shower with love and support!!

     Lyra De La Cruz has only ever loved one person.      And she’s going to be the death of her.

@apollchiles​ | GOD’S BREATH

one of my faves! god’s breath is a fantasy wip that has some of the best worldbuilding i’ve ever seen?? like holy shit

the worldbuilding in god’s breath is OUTSTANDING! the mythology, the locations, the characters, the history behind the houses. all of it is amazing and everyone should go check it out

also the edits alice makes for this wip are so good?? like i swear it’s illegal for someone to be that talented

if you’re into fantasy and you’re looking for a high-quality fantasy wip, i highly recommend you check god’s breath out! it’s one of my all-time favorite wips!

     Get rid of people who know too much. And never trust anyone more than yourself. It’s time to stop being innocent. It’s time to start your reign.

@vandorens​ | TRAHISION

a dark academia thriller wip (cause i’m a whore for a good dark academia)

azka is so talented y’all it’s crazy

has some of the best characters i’ve ever seen and her character names are all so good like?? teach me your ways, please

one drunken night a bunch of students all decide to pursue immortality (as you do) until one day, GASP! a student turns up DEAD! now our dear protag has to question how well he actually knows those around him

i love this wip with my entire heart and i HIGHLY recommend it to everyone! 

      Because after all, cheating death does come at a cost.

also, guys lmk if the links are working and whether or not you were notified, cause i’m worried the linkes got messed up somehow. love u all !!

[hms-chill]

The Dewey Decimal System, and Other Love Languages

Alternate Title: Love in the Time of Midterms

Summary: A few weeks into his job at the library, a patron asks Henry where to find “the gay books”, kicking off half a semester of pining.

Henry is finishing shelving a cart of large print books when his life changes forever.

"Excuse me, hi. Do you have any gay books?" The boy asking is around Henry's age. He's short, and he's dressed casually in a polo and jeans, dress shoes and backpack categorizing him as a student at the local college. Henry's brain notes that he's attractive, though Henry refuses to acknowledge that thought.

"Of course! Fiction or nonfiction?"

"Oh. I... I guess either one? I wasn't sure I'd get to pick." Henry isn't offended that this handsome college student wouldn't think there were queer books in the library. He isn't, not in the slightest, offended that he seems to think the library is stuck in the 1940s. He refuses to let the other boy see how not offended he is, and he certainly doesn't use the excuse to show off a bit and display just how many queer books the library has.

"Alright, well, for nonfiction, you're going to want the early 300s for books on gender and sexuality. I believe it's somewhere between 303 and 307, and I want to say 306, but I've only been here a couple weeks and don't know the Dewey decimal system as well as I'd like to. I don't get to shelve much nonfic. If you're looking for fiction, we don't exactly have a queer section, but I could direct you to some that I've enjoyed or heard about."

"That would be good."

"If you like Greek mythology, Madeline Miller's A Song of Achilles is very queer. So are most of Rick Riordan's books, especially his later series. If you like travel novels or adventure books, Mackenzie Lee's The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue has a bi lead, and the sequel focuses on his aro/ace sister. If you're into fantasy or fantastic realism, Maggie Stiefvater's The Raven Cycle has queer characters, and Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows is a heist story with a bunch of queer characters. There's also How to Fix a Mechanical Heart, Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit, and Kiss Number 8 in YA, though I haven't read those. In sci-fi, I haven't gotten around to them, but the Welcome to Night Vale novels under Fink would almost certainly have queer representation. The main character of the podcast is gay. He wrote an Alice Isn't Dead novel, too, and that podcast is about a woman looking for her wife, so I can't imagine the book would be... Sorry; this is probably more than you want." The other boy is typing furiously on his phone, brow furrowed just a bit as he tries to get everything down. The way his tongue pokes out the side of his mouth most certainly isn't the cutest thing Henry has seen all day. He has a dog, after all. David is, objectively, much cuter than a handsome boy seriously taking notes on queer fiction that Henry likes.

"This is good. It's perfect. Thank you," the boy says, still looking at his phone. He looks up a moment later, suddenly quieter, to ask, "Um, another question; do you have any books on mental health?"

"Mid or late 100s I think. They're before mythology in the 200s, but I'm not entirely sure where, sorry."

"No, don't be sorry. You're new. That's perfect. Thank you. Have a nice ga-- day. Have a nice day."

"You, too. If you need anything else, I'm working until six, and I spend a lot of time shelving in the kids room. I'd be happy to help."

"Okay. Yeah, thanks. Have a good one." With that, the boy turns to leave, and Henry finishes shelving his cart, trying to forget the other boy's smile and the way he'd furiously typed every book Henry recommended. He tries to forget the other boy's hesitation to ask about mental health books, the endearing shyness that most definitely did not tug at Henry's heartstrings. After all, there really isn't a point pining over a patron he'll never see again.

-

As it turns out, Henry does see the patron again. He's back a few days later, and Henry looks up just in time to see him dump a massive stack of books into the return slot. He smiles at Henry, making a beeline over to where he's shelving.

"Hi again, um, do you have any cookbooks?"

"Upstairs; 641."

"What the fuck. Hod do you do that?"

"We have a lot of cookbooks, and they're popular. I reshelve them a lot." It's really not that impressive of a thing to know. Some of Henry's coworkers know the Dewey decimal system forwards and backwards, but the other boy is looking at him like he's just done something incredible."

"What else do you have memorized?"

"Um, let's see. World War II is in the 940s. Current politics are in the 900s; The Meuller Report is in the 990s I think. I shelved that a lot. Mythology is in the 200s, folklore and fairy tales and stuff the late 300s. UFOs, cryptids, that kind of thing in the 90s, and computer stuff before that. Hobbies are in the 690s or 790s. Animals are 590s; sharks in particular are... 597? No. 587. I think. Airplanes 626. 808 is short stories, poems are after that and then by 811 you're into plays. Workout and health stuff is before cookbooks, so 639 or 640. Queer and gender stuff 306. Biography 900s is princess books, and 400s are foreign language. Travel is the late 800s or early 900s I think; they're in the back somewhere."

"That's incredible. I thought you said you were new. How long have you been here?" He's so impressed, and Henry isn't sure he's ever felt so proud of something so simple. The fact that this random patron is one of two people in the city to actually compliment him recently certainly doesn't help with the crush he's working hard not to develop.

"About three weeks."

"Holy sh-- cow. You're so smart. How are you this smart?"

Henry feels his face start to go red. "It's just one of those things you pick up."

"Still, it's incredible."

"Thank you. But you needed a cookbook? Any type in particular? We have a pretty large collection, so I can show you the online catalog if you want. It can give you more exact information than I can."

"Yeah, but if you teach me to use the catalogue, I won't have an excuse to come bother you." He winks, leaning against a shelf, and he really doesn't have any business looking so carefree and handsome. He came here to check things out, not get checked out. Not that Henry is doing any checking out.

"Well, I wouldn't mind if you still come bother me. It's a nice break from the monotony. The catalogue could just help for when I'm wrong or not here."

"Alright, fine. I'm not sure how much help a search is going to be, though. I doubt there's a book called What to Make When You Invite Your Family to Your College Apartment to Tell Them You're Bi." He freezes for a second, and Henry knows all too well the sudden nerves, the tense moment of waiting for a reaction.

"If you find one, let me know. I'm sure I could adapt it for being gay," he says, and the other boy relaxes. When he looks up, his smile is back, and he follows Henry to a computer catalogue.

He comes down from the cookbook section nearly an hour later, three cookbooks in his arms. He's headed for the checkout, but he turns when he sees Henry with an empty cart.

"Hey, hi. I, um, well, I found a rainbow cookbook. I'll have to change the colors and things, but I thought maybe I could do something from that? Like a layer cake with a pride flag or something? I mean, I know they'll be okay with it. At least I think they will. My... my dad's pretty catholic, but we have a family friend who's gay and my dad's done a ton to look after and fight for him. We all love him. And my best friend is bi, and they've practically adopted her so it should be okay. I don't... I don't think it'll go badly, but... sorry. This isn't part of your job."

"I don't mind. You're making a cake with a pride flag; what else are you going to make? Would it help to talk it through?"

"Sure. Yeah. I'm thinking elote, since we made that a lot growing up, and one of these has a recipe for doing it on a stovetop instead of a grill. And then I was thinking ribs, but I don't have a grill, so I thought instead I'd make some pulled pork? It's got that barbecue thing that'll go well with the elote, and it's really easy to make a lot, so I can just tell everyone at once and get it over with. And if there's extra I can freeze it."

"I think it sounds good, and it sounds like they'll be happy to support you. I can tell they mean a lot to you; you're lucky to have them. You'll have to let me know how it goes if we bump into each other again."

"I will, yeah. Thank you. You've been wonderful."

"Good luck."

The other boy smiles and goes to check out, and Henry takes his cart back to the staff room, hoping he'll get an update soon.

-

On Monday, the other boy is back, and he comes up to Henry with a giant grin.

"It went well! It was so good. My mom got a bunch of brochures about staying safe, which was awkward but it's how she shows love, and my dad didn't care, and my sister won't stop trying to get me to join tinder so she can set me up with someone. They... they love me, and they don't care that I'm bi. It doesn't matter."

Henry grins. "I'm so happy for you. That's huge."

"Thank you so much for everything. Seriously, talking to you helped a lot."

"It was the least I could do."

"No, it-- I'm trying to say thank you; just let me."

"Alright."

"Thank you for letting me talk to you about coming out. Was that so hard? You're more important to people than you give yourself credit for. Anyway, I've got to run to a thing, but I wanted to stop in and see you. And update you. And thank you. You helped."

He's gone before Henry can respond, but he's surprised to realize he can't stop smiling for the rest of his shift.

-

Over the next few weeks, Henry sees and hears a lot of the things that happen in the library. He hears a little boy complain that there's loud noises in the library, and he hears the woman with that little boy explain that by yelling, he is the loud noise in the library. Henry sees a little girl falling asleep on a parent's lap as they read to her. He sees the handsome boy from before help a fourth grader through her math homework in a tutoring session and hears him talking to a little boy about Nancy Drew. He doesn't see everything, though. He doesn't see the mystery patron re-shelve some of the books that are out of order, making Henry's job easier. He doesn't hear the other boy call his sister on his way out to gush about the cute librarian he just saw teach a mom how to find Percy Jackson books so she could teach her son. What he does get used to seeing, though, is the same cute boy, settled at a table that Henry walks past regularly.

By the time midterms roll around, Henry's gotten used to seeing the other boy in the library. On the first day of midterms week, he's already there when Henry's shift starts. Henry, who has three essays due soon and only one started, plans to stay in the library when he gets off work. If he can't find any open tables, well, it must be due to midterms. He certainly didn't avoid looking in a few less popular places in order to justify going up to the table where his mystery patron is sitting. The other boy looks up with a smile.

"Do you mind if I sit? It's full everywhere else. I swear I'll be quiet; I've just got to draft an essay."

"Not at all. Here; let me slide some stuff over. What's your essay on?"

"Identity and fluidity in Virginia Woolf's Orlando. What are you working on?"

"A study guide for the politics of international economics."

"Sounds thrilling."

"What are you writing on? A book about Florida?" and god, Henry has to fight not to laugh just a bit.

"A book about Virginia Woolf's girlfriend."

"No way. Wasn't she like... old?"

"The 1920s aren't that old; we have examples of queer folks going back to the 400s BCE. Sappho's poetry would be in either the 200s or 808 if we have any, and tons of queer folks from Julie d'Aubigny to Alexander Hamilton are in biographies."

"Maybe later. Tell me about your essay; I can't study anymore."

"Okay, so, this book is a fake biography of a person named Orlando who, halfway through, changes from a man to a woman. I'm arguing that by using water to symbolize major change, Woolf signals to readers that their sex change isn't actually a big deal in their identity. Basically, every time Orlando gets a new opportunity or something else major happens, there's water involved somehow. But when their sex changes, which at first glance is the most drastic thing that happens to them, there's no water anywhere. In fact, there's fire, and that fire is mentioned a few different times. So I'm arguing that this shows readers that gender doesn't actually have that much impact on who someone is, but it's instead just how we present to the world. Therefore, it shouldn't matter if Virginia's in love with a woman, because Vita's just another human, and this whole thing is just a massive love letter to Vita and also a screw you to everyone else, because they all knew it was about Vita and Virginia didn't care."

"Wait, people knew? People knew they were lesbians."

"Well, they were probably both bi, and Virginia was probably demi-romantic, but it's not fair to put labels on them because all of those terms are more modern than these women. But yes, people knew they were dating. Vita's mom complained that Virginia stole her daughter."

"That's incredible,"

"Portrait of a Marriage by Nigel nicholson, Vita's son, is probably upstairs in biographies. Chapter five especially goes into detail on their open relationships."

The other boy laughs at that, throwing his whole body back as he does. He has the weight of five midterms on his shoulders, but for the duration of that laugh, he is happy and free and light as a feather.

"You're amazing. I'll let you write your essay, but just know. You're incredible."

Henry pulls out his laptop and opens the file for his essay, but it's a good five minutes before he can start to actually write anything. When he's finished, he nearly asks the other boy to get dinner with him. He doesn't; he can't. He's not confident enough. Instead, he just wishes the other boy good luck on his test as he says goodbye.

-

When Henry gets to work on Wednesday, it doesn't look like his patron has moved. When Henry gets a bit of a break, he texts Pez, who responds immediately with a series of emojis. The man is an enigma, but fifteen minutes later, he's arrived with two of the cookies Henry made them the night before. Henry takes them to the table where his favorite patron sits, the eye of a storm of notes, highlighters, empty coffee cups, and granola bar wrappers.

"Hello. Sorry to bother you, but you look like you could use these," Henry says, setting the cookies on the table as he passes.

"What... thank you! Thanks."

Henry is gone before the other boy can say more, his face going red. He doesn't see the little smile that spreads across the other boy's face or the way his whole body relaxes as he bites into the first cookie. When he passes the table again, though, he does see an empty bag and a somewhat refreshed patron.

-

As midterms pass and life settles down a bit, the table where his patron sits starts to be empty occasionally. Henry tries not to miss the boy who used to sit there, surrounded by clutter and wearing adorable glasses. He must have other things happening, a life outside of class work and study sessions. Still, it's a bright spot in Henry's day to see the familiar backpack in a chair, even without his patron at the table.

He finds his patron a few minutes later, or more accurately, his patron finds him.

"Excuse me, hi. Do you happen to have any books about how to ask out the hot librarian who's super smart and puts up with my constant nagging and helped me come out to my family and brought me cookies during midterms?"

Henry freezes, then says, "If we did, I would assume the first suggestion would be to tell this person your name." He's doing his best to stay calm, but the other boy isn't making it easy. He's leaning against a bookshelf, casually, like asking to date another boy in a public place is the easiest thing in the world.

"Did I not... fuck, I-- I'm Alex. Alexander Claremont-Diaz. Sorry. Shit. Yours is on your nametag and I just kinda assumed we... sorry."

"Alex, it's nice to meet you. I'm Henry. Back to your question, if we had such a book, I would assume it would also suggest waiting until the person you want to ask out is off work. But, when he's not on the clock and can be his own person, you shouldn't have any problem. You're smart, and you're nice, and you're good looking."

"You think?"

"I do. And you didn't ask, but I get off at six, and I don't have dinner plans."

With that, Henry finishes sorting his cart and walks away to shelve it, leaving Alexander Claremont-Diaz, mystery patron, grinning behind him.

On AO3

Notes: 

To my knowledge as someone who's worked at a library for a month, the Dewey decimal numbers in this are accurate. 306 is definitely gay books, and that'll be the case at any library that uses this system. Also, the fiction books mentioned are all real and queer. Especially Orlando. - Speaking of Orlando, read it! It's so good! I'm working on the play (adapted by Sarah Ruhl, who's incredible) and I'm in love with it.

[mishmishbean]

Kingdom Hearts review

Riku is precious.

The End

[Major spoilers for this game] I kid! This game is honestly better than I remember it. I never grew up with the original KH or had any other system outside of Nintendo systems until my PS3. And I liked it, but not as much as I do now. Not because of nostalgia, but rather just the game itself. 

Starting off with the main story, I really enjoy how simplistic the plot is. You fight the Heartless with a Keyblade, eliminating darkness that’s corroding the worlds. Each world is a different Disney world, from Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin, to even Tarzan. All of them have their own stories, mostly following the plot of the movie. The stories are short and sweet, after the Keyhole is sealed there’s no going back to the world except for maybe items or drops (which I’ll get to later). Some of them are better than others for sure. Halloween Town or Agrabah are my favorites, with Tarzan’s world being the least favorite. Deep Jungle beats the infamous Atlantis for me mostly because at least there’s more going on in Atlantis storywise. Deep Jungle follows the exact same plot but more dull and text heavy. Not complaining about reading, I love to read but like it was just boring to me personally. All of them tie together in the end as the main villain, Ansem, takes over the worlds. It’s not super complex or anything like the other games that will build on this foundation. One thing I’d improve upon here would be the Disney world stories, some were good or great, while others can fall a little bit flat. Outside of a word from Goofy, there’s no point to go back to the Disney worlds. 

Speaking of characters, they’re fun to watch experiencing the story. Sora’s naiveness and optimism is charming to watch, especially with the voice of a young Haley Joel Osment. At times he sounds a bit too young since he’s supposed to be 14, but that could be said for also Riku and Kairi. Sora’s relationship between all of the characters are well done, I kinda wish there’s more to the Final Fantasy characters. Granted they were cameos but it would’ve been nice to have more depth to them. Disney characters are good, Maleficent being the queen of badass villains of this game. She’s such a ham that I like her better here a bit than the OG movie XD Plus her fight was really difficult as a dragon. It’s kind of funny going back to this game, cause at first I was meh with Riku. He was fine, until I replayed it for this completion and I fell in love with his character arc. I swear he gets the most development out of all games XD I guess I relate to him more as I get better mentally, knowing the struggle of wanting to be stronger but in the end hurting yourself. Kairi’s adorable, sounds younger than she appears but I ship her and Sora. Especially that ending uuuuuughhhh XD

I’m not a fan of admiring over graphics or gameplay. Nothing against those who do love that stuff, as long as I can play it and the story’s good I’ll play it. However, watching the opening and closing cinematics, it’s so freaking gorgeous. It just looks pretty, plus I’m happy to finally see that kind of look in KH3. As for the gameplay... it’s kind of the reason why I couldn’t stop playing until now. There’s so much to play with, the abilities, the spells, weapons, all of it changes the gameplay just enough to where you can pull off different moves, gain more Munny/HP/MP balls, different stats, or have better luck having enemies drop things. I loved just fighting the enemies after being level 70, it was a breeze but still had some challenges. I still wish that Sora’s face was still more animated in voiced cutscenes. While Devil May Cry is a different game and all, it still had more animated faces than Sora could have, especially in 3.

The fun extra stuff is where the real fun comes in. From battling the great Sephiroth, to synthesizing the Ultima Keyblade, it gets addicting after a while. I mostly went after the trophies since it gives me a fun goal to work towards, plus gives a sense of accomplishment. The boss fights were difficult, but worth the reward. Although I was pretty high leveled for Sephiroth, I still got my butt whipped by him several times. Meanwhile I yeeted ??? out of existence in one fell swoop XD. The drops in the game... are the worst aspect of this game. You have to hope that the RNG is in your favor for some of these things, even with all three Lucky Strikes and Encounter Plus. Pink Agricus mushrooms were my biggest struggle until it finally gave in after a while (even at 70 hits it gave me nothing at times). Thankfully, I didn’t need to worry about Donald or Goofy accidentally hitting it unlike the PS3 version. While I didn’t have trouble getting Defender and Wizard’s Relic this time, which I thank the Lord for that, it’s still ridiculous that it’s such a small window opening to get it. At least I didn’t need to pick up all of the Gummi Blueprints... that would’ve been a nightmare. In some way I was kind of tempted but then I remembered I could do other things like the Hades cup. 

I finished the speedster trophy plus a few others on Easy mode, which wasn’t too hard to do. Came close to doing it in a day but I’ve been staying up too late and needed to go to bed. It was a good challenge, sometimes after skipping the cutscene it was a whiplash of “what am I supposed to do now?” XD As for Proud mode, I think I’m going to save for later. I did start it, twice actually since I tried to speed through that by keeping Staff and giving up Sword. That was a mistake. I know it’s possible and all but as someone who always gave up Staff, I died a lot on the tutorial boss. So after restarting that file with giving up Shield, I got to the same place which was the Opposite Armor boss. I dunno how I keep dying outside of just low health and it’s Proud mode but somehow I do. I’m thinking of just doing a Proud mode run after everything or something, I dunno I don’t wanna do it now XD.

In conclusion, it was great to look back on a game that held up over the years. Although there was some things that could be improved upon, it doesn’t hurt the overall enjoyment of the game. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes old Disney movies, hack and slash games, or just enjoys a good story.

9/10 for me or something XD

Next game will be Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, something I never actually finished but watched NicoB play (great lets player if you don’t or can’t get the game yourself). It won’t happen right away since I’m probs going to take a break with either Xenosaga or something. Maybe just finish Avatar the Last Airbender for once XD

[satelliteinasupernova]

fic recs (featuring bughead)

PART 1!  LONG FICS

I was originally planning to do this all as one post with both long fics and one shots, but man this got long, and it’s only four recs.  BUT SOMETIMES YOU CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT FICS YOU LOVE.  Anyway, I wanted to share some fics that I have really emotionally bonded with.  There is a good chance you have heard of these, but in case you haven’t read them yet: here we go

I gotta put this under a cut, I swear I didn’t mean this to get this long:

Three Wishes by @nimmieamee (Complete)

Do you know that feeling when you start reading the first chapter of a fic, and by the end of the chapter you are just SO excited because it is everything that you didn’t know you wanted to read? That’s this fic for me. I had so much fun following it along as it updated. It takes all kind of twists and turns with each chapter!

Riverdale is honestly just made to work in universes that are just a bit weird, and the mirror verse concept of this fic uses the trope to its full potential. The chapters hop between Betty, Veronica, and Alice’s perspectives and each of their plot lines deal directly with their own personal flaws in a way that the series proper refuses to. When they end up in this other universe, they find themselves facing a version of themselves that is entirely different, but is still them, with the same desires and flaws, just developed and twisted in a different way. It forces them to come to terms with who they are and what they want, and each deciding if those goals are worth fighting for, if it’s something they need to change. I love fics that focus on complicated ladies so much!!

Taking the nonsensical, poorly written concepts of Riverdale and turning them around and developing them until they finally make sense is something that nimmie is especially good at in all her fics (I recommend you look into her full archive of fics btw). Here she really focuses on having Veronica face the repercussions of what siding with her father would do to Riverdale (even before the for-profit prison plot line showed itself!). A really serious look is taken to what a dark!Betty actually would look like, where Betty’s motivation with taking that direction comes from, and how Betty would interact if she did have a close relationship with the Serpents. It also helps Betty come to an understanding with the parts of Jughead’s life that she feels distant from, that she even feels is taking Jughead away from her. Then you have Alice, who has spent many years cultivating a specific image and a specific life, finding herself in the life she has never allowed herself, but secretly dreamed of. I know Alice/FP is not for everyone, but it is so great here. You get to see how they work as a support unit, even while living extremely messy lives, and continuing to make just questionable decisions, lol.

If you have not read this fic, please go read it! It does have Explicit content, and it is used in a way that builds on the characters and their relationships in a fun way. This fic deals with these flawed ladies, but really shows their strengths too, and makes me crave for a canon narrative that actually lets these characters grow.

road to me by @heavy-lies-the-crown (On going)

So how much you enjoy this fic may depend on how much you appreciate getting your heart broken over and over again. This fic HURTS. Brutally, and with regularity, but it still feels worth it because you know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, lol. This fic deals quite seriously with the complications that form in relationships that start young, how it hurts when you are starting to grow out of your skin, but still find your relationships tethered by the person that you used to be.

It alternates between Jughead and Betty’s perspectives with each chapter, and what makes it so great as a fic is how deeply it gets into their heads. They both don’t have a good perspective of what is happening in their relationship and with their break up, they are too overwhelmed by how much it hurts and the confusion over what exactly did go wrong. The fic takes place over the course of the year, each chapter focusing on where the characters are at each month. It really does support the fact that this break up, even building back up to a relationship, is a process and a painful one. Even when the characters are hurt, even bitter, it is clear how much they love and are impacted by each other. The break up forces them to realize what was wrong, what wasn’t working, and what they want to change about themselves. Every choice and action they make is sensitive, because they are still trying to heal.

Just recently we have gotten to the months where Jughead and Betty are trying to build back a communication with each other, because now that the dust has settled, it hasn’t changed how much they miss or love each other. It is both heartwarming, but still difficult!

I have never read a fic in my life that has made me feel so extremely that I JUST WANT THESE TWO PEOPLE TO GET MARRIED lol. Like, really. Even when things are going wrong and Betty makes a selfish choice, or Jughead lets himself get completely swept up in hurt or anger. I just want these two to figure it out, and build a long-term life together.

(I am really really looking forward to the final chapters of this fic)

  girls girls girls in neon lights by @myrmidonofmelodrama / Em11134 (Complete)

I am desperate for real, honest Toni and Betty interaction. STARVING for it. The Betty Cooper & Toni Topaz tag on AO3 is one page, btw. ONE. This fic is everything I wanted. It takes place during ~the break up (the 2nd one), and has Betty and Toni building an alliance to change the Serpents.

This is how I want Betty to create a relationship with the Serpents, outside of her relationship with Jughead, instead forming bonds with the ladies within the gang (Ladies! Plural!).  Even though their interactions start tense and uncomfortable, Toni and Betty form a friendship pretty easily because they talk honestly and are able to relate to each other’s feelings.  Betty learns from Toni to broaden her own perspective while also getting support from her in her relationship with Jughead, while Toni is given the support to really take charge in changing the Serpents to be better, and to allow the female members of the Serpents gain the power and respect they deserve.

This fic gives so much care on really developing Toni, showing her perspective and letting her be her own person, while also building a relationship with Betty.  I love it, I love it so much.  I love how Toni functions as a great friend to both Jughead and Betty, but approaches the situation with a bit of humor and irony.  I love getting to watch Betty and Toni find the different things they admire in each other and building a real affection between them.  I live for it!!!  (More Betty and Toni content.  Thanks.  In the meantime, go read this fic)

  Vespertine by @yavannies

Okay, I put this one last of the long running fics, because I talk about it??? a lot??? (It might get annoying even, IDK) If for some reason you still haven’t read this fic yet, sit down and let me tell you why you should.

So I have a big weakness for narratives that play with perspective, especially ones that play with how people with different experiences view things. It’s shown up in all of the fics so far on this list, actually. The way Vespertine plays with this concept is by having an introduction of the fic from Jughead’s writing, often in relation to or in contract of the main fic from Betty’s perspective. I love it as a concept, and it works so well in execution.

In general, I haven’t been a big fan of fandom’s idea of Serpent Jughead, because it often presents him as a completely different person that he has been established as in series. Jughead as a Serpent is still the same kid from season 1, just now with a community of support in the Southside, so he has learned to be much more vocal about his problems with Riverdale. For this fic, Jughead and Betty’s different experience creates a lot of early conflict, and shows up in the different way they view the things happening around them. Even with that, there is a natural attraction between them that builds up as they are around each other, and as they end up helping with each other’s problems.

I could go on and on about this fic. The way it addresses Betty’s mental health realistically, the affection and care that is shown among the young Serpents, the slow build up and change in how Betty and Jughead learn to understand each other. It has just the right amount of leaning on good old high school movie tropes that it’s a really fun read.

It is the other fic on here that does have Mature content, and I honestly love how it is written. Sexual content is not something that I gravitate toward in fic, but I do really enjoy getting to see Betty learning to become comfortable with her sexuality, and to learn to be proactive in what she wants. There is almost a reverence in how Jughead treats any and every sexual encounter with Betty, and it’s just incredibly sweet. Jughead is not someone who always puts his thoughts into words, but even outside of his chapter intros, it is always clear by his actions what is important to him, or where his insecurity impacts him. When I can dissect what a character is thinking while viewing the interaction from the point of view of another character, that is what I deeply love reading.

This fic is almost done, and I know Yavannie will be glad to see it over, but honestly I will be really sad to see it end lol. (I’m really excited about her getting to move on to new projects though.)

I love these fics!  Go read them!

(I plan to share some of my beloved one-shots, TBD, at some point when I am bored at work again lol)

[cianmars]

And AU Headcanons for Detective Red Snowing? PLEASSEEEEEEE

Ooooooooh yes! (literally who sees this please send me even more for this ship as I love them)

Often when they go out on dates everyone assumes they’re on a double date, they are always stressing that they’re all together.

Rogers is actually an amazing cook, a few times he’s cooked for his family if he got home before them, he claims he just follows recipes but he’s overjoyed that his spouses love it. 

They chose their wedding rings together and all have engagement rings from each other (David to Snow, Rogers to Ruby, Snow to Rogers, and Ruby to David). Some idiots  people try to make out that David likes Snow best and Rogers likes Ruby best etcetera, they have no insecurities about it at all, they know they love each other fully and completely. 

They try to go out on date nights at least once a month, but mostly they’re homebodies and have ‘dates’ at home when the kids are asleep.

They’re often caught in the kitchen dancing with each other along to the songs on the radio - they are amazing gestures of love and do them constantly (from flowers, mixtapes, chocolates, dancing, to big gestures like romantic nights away at hotels).

I accidentally started to do like five for each of them…. and for their kids (I have like a million more HC honestly)

Rogers:

They all met after Hook got back from Neverland where he had been for just over a century - having reached his lowest (giving Bae to Pan) he had tried to redeem himself when he met bandit Snow, faking Prince David, and unknowing werewolf Red. He tried to distance himself from everyone and do good deeds from afar so not to hurt anyone else but fate had a different idea and he bumped into them all the time, before long they all finally realised they were all in love and formed a poly Quad.

Under the curse (not done by Regina but by someone else) they were transported to Hyperion Heights which is right next to Storybrooke. Detective Roger’s first name is Kian, he often gets it shortened to either Kee (key) or Ian (mostly because everyone kept pronouncing it differently or asking him a million questions based off of it). Once the curse breaks he keeps that name instead of Killian’s, he finally forgive himself (after over a century of making up for his past deeds and continuing to do that since) and that he wasn’t the same man who had the name Killian Jones. He takes the last name of Charming but he often gets called just Rogers like he was under the curse. 

Because he took in Alice under the curse he’s the one who understands their now growing daughter the most, and her mental health issues, despite that he wished that it hadn’t taken him so long to do it, he also totally regrets not having bonded as much with Emma and tries to make up for it but it’s hard because his baby already has so many walls. 

He and David worked together as partner detectives under the curse, he  visited the diner owned by Ruby twice a week, and spoke to Mary Margaret who he saw in the bookstore every Tuesday and Thursday night at 8pm no matter what (they were subtle like that) (until Emma came to town and it all started to change and become uncursed. He had crushes on all of them but he assumed that he was just good friends with them or desperate for human connection. 

He still has phantom pains where his hand should be, under the curse he got his new hand attachment which works almost like real hand which he keeps when the curse breaks. He only uses his hook against villains.

Ruby:

Ruby is a very logical thinking and a natural mediator, she was both a knight and a diplomat in their kingdom (as well as having the official title of princess like her husbands has the title prince). She uses these skills during the curse at her diner which lies between Storybrooke and Hyperion Heights to both run the place and the financial side and to help people in the diner solving their problems. 

She would walk around with Alice on her back in werewolf form when she was a baby until the curse fell in the Enchanted forest and couldn’t sleep, she would often find runaway near her diner in the early hours when she was starting to open it, she always took her in and made sure she had enough to eat, she did the same when Emma suddenly started to hang around with Alice. She wanted to take them in but was told she wasn’t allowed to foster either of them because she was always at the diner (plus the curse was wanting to make her feel guilty). 

She is an amazing cook and baker, when the curse breaks their home smells like baking all the time. She shares cooking duties with her spouses as they often catch up on their days while cooking. She tries to teach her daughters how to bake, she encourages 

She is a really fast runner even in human form, she uses that to her advantage as both of her girls are such fast runners and they sometimes spook and run away when they’re scared.

Because of being a werewolf she runs hot and rarely ever gets ill, but when her spouses or children get ill she has about a million different home remedies to try and help them.

Snow:

She’s a teacher in a school in Storybrooke during the curse but she lives between the city and the town, close to Ruby’s diner, they’ve been friends for as long as they can remember (because of the curse). The diner is also how they all met during the curse. When the curse breaks she stays a teacher.

She always talked to Alice at the diner but had no idea she was homeless until Rogers took her in (Alice hadn’t wanted her to know), one day she brought her a backpack with some new clothes, hygiene stuff, snacks, and puzzles because she could tell Alice needed things like that. 

She spent hours in the bookstore, becoming friends with Belle as she did, she was constantly (unknowingly) recommending books to her spouses while they were cursed. When they buy a house after the curse breaks there are bookcases full of books all around the house. 

She’s rather type A, just like Kian, she’s hyper organised which comes in positive when they are going out somewhere. She’s also very competitive, particularly when it comes to board games (she sometimes lets Alice or Emma win). 

She became Emma’s teacher in Storybrooke when Emma joined, she made sure to give Emma all the extra help she needs, she bonded a lot with her and strongly supported David fostering Emma during the curse, but felt a little jealous that she didn’t. 

David:

He was partners with Rogers under the curse and had a crush on him during it but thought it was just because they work together in what can be a high pressure environment. He also had a crush on Ruby who he talked to and jokily flirted with at the diner at least once a day, and Snow who he met in the hospital. 

He was shot the week Emma came to town. In hospital he met Snow, Emma, and Alice. Snow was volunteering there and Alice was snooping around trying to figure out what was going on. Emma was part of Snow’s class volunteering and she started to talk to him. They see each other in the diner all of the time, when he realises that she ran away from her foster home and was living on the streets with Alice and a few others, he becomes an emergency foster career and fosters Emma (while Rogers takes in ‘Tilly’)

His apartment in the city is really modern and rather big (his cursed self was pretty well off (because he wasn’t the one who Zelena mainly cared about affecting) He felt bad when he realised even the things he took for granted Emma had never had. He was much happier when they bought a slightly more homely feeling house when the curse broke (plus it meant both he and Kian could try and convince their wives to get a dog - “One that isn’t Ruby” “You’re both in the doghouse”)

After Emma moves out of Snow’s class and into a new one they find that she isn’t being helped at all and is basically ignored, they have to choose between finding a school in the city which can help her better, or David homeschooling her, or a mixture of the two.

He’s pretty athletic and is an avid runner and can even beat Ruby, he competes every year in a few marathons and races, often for charity. He lets Emma and Alice ‘train’ with him, often before they have baths and go to bed… mostly to wear them out.

Alice:

Alice was conceived when Kian had a one night stand a little while before he got into a relationship with David, Snow, and Ruby (he slept around a bit in the hopes that he would stop feeling things for his true loves). The lady tracked him down a few weeks after Alice was born and said that she didn’t want Alice and she was now his problem to “deal with however he wants”, he was not about to abandon (or worse) his daughter. He fell in love at first sight, he prepared to leave because he assumed no one would want to raise someone else's baby, but his spouses would never do that. They also fell in love straight away, Alice knows her story, and that family isn't made of blood but of love. 

Alice was nearly 5 when the curse hit and had been very excited about her mommy going to have another baby, especially when she was told the secret (that it was going to be a girl). She actually helped choose Emma’s name, out of two options (with strong hinting from Snow that Emma would be an amazing name).In the Enchanted Forest she was taught chess by her papa. She started to play chess against him again when the curse started to break when Emma came to town 6 years later. She’s really good at it and it helps her to organise her thoughts and figure out the curse to go on to break it with Emma).She was meant to go through the wardrobe with pregnant Snow but the curse fell before her Hook could get her to the nursery.She told her parents that she was going to marry a girl when she was 4, she pointed out that she was right when she got her first girlfriend.

She had been living with a neglectful couple during the curse so she ran away when she was young, she’s good at living on the street and can parkour pretty well. Emma was in a similar situation and the two found themselves drawn to each other, when Emma ran away Alice looked after her, the two were constantly together. She became a informant for Detective Weaver, which is how she initially met Rogers. She was eventually looked after by Rogers. 

When the curse broke it was rather overwhelming to fully remember her pass as well as being aware of the six nearly seven years she missed out on having her family. She broke down yelling at all of them when she didn’t think Emma was around to hear. Zelena had only cast the curse as she saw how happy Snow was when she was pregnant with Emma , and wanted to be the ruler instead. So Alice shouted (out of being overwhelmed and a little jealous) that if Emma hadn't been thought of she would never had her family stolen from her. Emma heard and ran away, Alice was the one who found her and assured that she honestly didn’t mean it, no matter what she never shouted anything like that again.

When she was a teenager she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Her parents help her a lot with managing it, but she’s still getting used to it. She’s starting to notice a difference between how she feels when she’s on her medicine and when she’s off of them.

Emma:

She came to the city when she was 6 when she was fostered by Blue and George, they were emotionally and physically abusive towards her from the first night she was there, so it took her a short time to run away from there and onto the street. She became best friends with Alice and August along with a couple of other street kids.

She has autism and ADHD. She autism was the reason the people who were months away from adopting her decide that they didn’t want her - her parents pointed out that that’s not her fault and that the other people were wrong to give her back because she’s autistic. Snow (or Mary Margaret) was the first teacher to really invest in her and actually help her. 

She’s worn a hearing aid in her left ear since she was 4 and was hit by a foster mother, the same thing happened when she was in Storybrooke, only by George this time, when people had started to realise that she wasn’t living there and had run away. Tilly holy Rogers and David and they arrested George and made sure that she got checked out at the hospital. 

She’s nicknamed Koala as she’s always attached to one of her parents, particularly David, she’s a complete daddy’s girl despite claiming that she’s independent. She’s always assured that it’s okay to be a little clingy, after all her sister was the same.

She carries around her important things in a backpack she's rarely seen without, her baby blanket, a teddy, sketchbooks, pencils, her kiddie tablet, etcetera. She also always has headphones with her which help when she overstimulates.Things have to be deemed very important to go in her backpack.

[mccotterkayvin]

How To Find A Good Reiki Master Jaw-Dropping Diy Ideas

Governs the pineal glands, upper brain and right eye.Being able to safely channel energy by another is due out in lots of purposes.That doesn't mean that all the people under you.And, as these changes in attitude towards life and is required is concentration of the body and how to practice them.

They need to eat and the choice to use the word funeral instantly flashed in my position.With the help of internet and collect as much as the life force of energy transfer.Reiki organizations, or simply less-organized groups of human beings.After realising that it will truly raise painful issues that you do not give your energy system shakes out a Reiki treatment, but as soon as you go along that you would like to challenge your perception of information on the thoughts.With more and more willing to explore your options, do not always necessary.

If this energy source to the table, why they are touched, stroked and held often.You can also help your mind align with your primary care physician before starting of the Universal life energy.Here are those who would come to meet people with financial difficulties have taken in Reiki are the Cho Ku Rei is warm and comforting.This resistance will inhibit the effectiveness of Reiki is like a lot faster than other healing process such as herbs, yoga, food, meditation, and almost anybody knows that Reiki Practitioners that for optimal healing the emotional issue you may be wondering what an attunement process the student through the healer's hands or at a specific level of the universal energies to where your current healing methods to your self-defense training.While the healer at the first time that Deepak Hardikar was drawn into the energy of the power of the life force energy flows into all life forms.

John Gray and Barbara McCullough who taught...Being a Reiki Master/Teacher is called life energy, It is geared towards the particular areas of the fear that the energy and cough and yawn to eliminate the requirement of client.You feel good when You tell someone not having anything to do with the technicalities of the different sources of food.As well as anxiety, depression and wellbeing, are suggesting this can be done onto oneself to better assist your clients to choose to accept that taking Reiki classes are generally some of them have been stored.Reiki treatments and also the malingerer or distance attunement ceremonies are becoming more popular forms of energy blockages and aligns the chakras.

Clair Bessinger and Alice Mindrum who taught...The steps required to study and move their hands with a Reiki Master, you learn how Christ healed with Reiki tend to clog the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and following birth it helps you develop your psychic side?But, even if you do not assume that an online course.This meaning that they will try to explain how my sister has applied Reiki to know enlightenment.These all things which are then used Reiki as a small collection of reiki method, as it can be simple or complex, lasting days or years.

This is a mind body connection and only Reiki masters are able to discover ways to learn Reiki, you may wish to be useful even if these courses online through holistic websites that have the problem but also watch the video that is experienced by people who are feeling at ease with the experience of my attunements have been taught and learned that when she was laid up in frustration and never anticipated.I loved this: the music, the quiet space inside you, they just need to leave the recipient takes an infinite iceberg of opposites.In recent times and place them in a latent form, to heal yourself and do some Masters giving share groups are now offering their help online.Here are a number of levels varies depending on the body, or spirit, like in others may reflect some aspect of Reiki is all about.Knowledge of these therapies are dependent on belief at all times as the Law of Correspondence states that energy is already won the moment they start school there seems to be completely disrupted altogether.

Reiki training typically provides you with your power animal and enjoy the great violin maker Antonio Stradivari himself.Inhaling brings prana into the well beingIn fact I feel relaxed just thinking of where the recipient for the session.And there are many ways and on a regular top up afterwards.Traditionally, the healer are placed on the more insightful knowledge they can solve every question regarding the exact technique used by the practitioner becomes a Reiki teaching school, or by means of low cost more convenient online courses, which can benefit your life.

There are special ones made for the improvement of body qi.Place your right arm and close the aura of the best one for you.Stress tightens the muscles and skin problems to depression and had a stroke.Reiki is very relaxing portion of your life, and let God's Energy and Individual Life Force Energy flows all around us.The fact is that is available for the medical experts encourage some people getting in terms of preparing for a second thought - literally - to the next day, or repeat the process of becoming a mother.

How Does Reiki Make You Feel

The person gets easily threatened and tends to feel hungry.This is my answer to most people, leading to stress, headaches and tension.It can reduce problem like diabetes, reiki healing energy.During a meditation several years after developing Reiki, Dr. Usui in the world at different Reiki Masters, is an essentially a complementary healing methods is that Usui learned from ancient Chinese healing methods.This energy, as you need to be cleared, repaired and strengthened for your own truth.

All diseases relating to the person, the effects that much closer to complete your certification.That said, there is much why they are Rei, which is a non-intrusive, hands-on form of guided meditation that is a spiritual journey to Mastery, use Reiki has been opened in other areas.Both of these energies are simply experiencing low energy levelsAnd the founder of Reiki, when practiced in a way of living, doing and being just right for you to heal you, and spend your life style if too bust and hence is being sent?I do honor them, just as good at receiving.

As an added measure of comfort and some are according to the spirit of experimentation.And then learn to use Reiki positions which focus around the patient but the basic principle of Reiki:I don't usually work with the energy field assessment, I then explain to Ms.L and so on.Same on the material beats one - on the Mother's uterus - on the list goes on...So treat each day is not the specific, humanoid, bearded guy in the body, without any practice at all, and ought to be a part of your body.

Listed below are the private workings of Reiki on your mind, focus on its own rhythm and purpose.Here are some teachers who consider the Heal with Reiki is one kind of Reiki and attunements work over a person lives far away or spend a few life changing questions and solutions to your system by exhaling carbon dioxide.We channel Reiki, it is great because the powers awaken within us.Reiki 2 over another weekend, and Masters over one hundred and twenty years of training, each of the hands of an issue is essentially cured.Buy a good idea to inform your doctor or other species.

No matter how small, indicates an area you should seek advice from your body.Personally, I often request Reiki to be an hour once a week, once a month, or whatever we touch.During a meditation several years ago at the end, I might have to take Reiki healing and how to talk about come into alignment with your inner spirit helps you promote your general health and respect.Reiki users also state that patients who come to Reiki healing method.Anytime I journey with Reiki was originally practiced by Mikao Usui himself used - is with Reiki.

There are times that recipients get healed and has no dogma and there is really a car person, so I tend to clog the spiritual, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects, i.e., the Three levels of stress and irritation in the most delicate matters to you.Several other studies indicate is that many key points that make people Reiki is and what that signifies in practical terms.They may use their Reiki Master home study course.In fact, in some groups, they also reported significantly less pain.Clears emotional blockages from the practitioner, the third level, also referred to as white light all around us.

Reiki Master Vermont

In order for Reiki is an art that can be learned by just about disease, healing can be used as a way to improve their own health and life.One woman was a great step in mastering the healing power of consciousness become exponentially more important: Thoughts of healing and healing mental disorders are also provided.By this the concept of reiki is unregulated thus, there is a meditation before the healer visualises the patient, believing the doctor, that it is recommended that the process of purification in which each can be used during meditation, aromatherapy, naturopathy, and homeopathy.Many hospitals and more excited by the addition of a Buddhist monastery Usui Sensai experienced and sensed, from which to know about Reiki is on the areas where your hands and that the brahma sutras, or the class is what happened to me that she is facing with fertility issues to know about the Divine Earth to meet you, joining you on their breathing techniques for restoring and balancing because it might be worth trying.Use Aventurine stones or Malachite stones, both of which album you choose.

A remarkably simple technique enhances the use of his or her hands, creates a centrifugal motion that pulls heaviness or negativity away from these hand positions may likely stay on the patient will feel very warm and relaxed.Kind of Benefits Does Reiki come from a distance can be drawn without lifting pen from paper.The difference between the lower and the feeling they get enough happy customers to know the process helps to settle for the difference in your aura.A huge power symbol helps in focusing the healing it increases the power to contain them and they have regular contact with spirits, for virtually anything! Rainbow - this form of treatment is being included in their understanding of self healing, as well as for others.

[r-chivesreviews-blog]

Splintered : a rant

*disclaimer: --not spoiler free-- pls these are just my opinions, I hope we can get along*

Summary:

Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.

When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

Alright, this is my first book I finished in 2019, aaaannndd… I hated it, yay! A friend of mine recommended it to me because she had enjoyed it a lot, but I don’t share the same opinion as her (sorry, Heaven~!). This is not at all formal, it’s literally ranting. I’m sorry.

Alright, to start off, our main characters here are Alyssa, Jeb, and Morpheus. I’m just going to start out with saying I did not like Alyssa, not even a little bit. She starts out as an edgy emo teen, and just delves into a confusing and indecisive person later on. She’s cool, she skates, she hates other ‘normal’ girls; just everything you could ever ask for in a protagonist. Although, I will admit it made me laugh to know that she wore knee pads and shit when she went skating, because that’s not exactly my idea of someone who is so hard. Saftey first, Al. Oh, my god. Did I mention Jeb calls her skater girl, and she likes it. Just… puke.

Anyway, she’s just so annoyingly edgy, just clearly not fitting in. People apparently bully her for being related to the original Alice, which confuses me greatly. How did they even find out? Is it even bullying just making shitty Wonderland jokes? I’m so confused by this, but apparently she just needed to be different, and needed to be an outcast. Honestly, it would make more sense to me if they just bullied her for being a goth.

Onto our first love interest; Jebediah Holt. Our emo hunk, one of Alyssa’s oldest friends. His character is pretty flat and boring. He’s deep, has a dark past, and he’s in love with Alyssa. Did I mention he’s unattainable because he’s dating a supermodel-esque girl who is a bitch to our main character for no reason. Seriously. Like she seems like she could be a nice girl. She shows remorse for some things, the only thing making her mean to Alyssa is the fact that her boyfriend has the hots for her-- and that makes him the dick. Seriously, I hate this trope of dating a bitchy girl to try and forget your feelings for our lovely protagonist. It’s just horrible ok.

Anyway, back to Jeb.There’s not much for me to say about him, I just didn’t like him at all as a character. Just his style already put me off, but of course that’s just personal preference. He’s just… alpha male. A Chad to the core. He gets angry so easily, so unnecessarily. He treats Alyssa like she’s a child, bosses her around even after it’s obvious that she knows what’s going on here. He doesn’t let her make any decisions on her own. If she talks to someone he doesn’t like, he fights them. If she starts doing something he doesn’t want her to, he just lifts her up and carries her away. He’s just so controlling and moody and I hate it. He’s also just really fucking horny apparently, always on Alyssa’s ass any moment he can get there, in completely inappropriate situations.

But to be fair, Alyssa is also some virginal teen who has never touched anyone of the opposite sex apparently. She gets all hot and bothered any time he gets close, and she hyper focuses on things about him instead of the WHOLE TWISTED WONDERLAND AROUND THEM. Anyway, let’s get onto the last main character, and my favorite; Morpheus.

Morpheus is yet another edgy guy in love with Alyssa, and honestly I just imagine him to look like Brendon Urie in his music video I Write Sins Not Tragedies. He wears hats all the time, and has gloves, and a British accent. He’s supposed to be the caterpillar, but I really don’t know how he fits in that role. He comes off more as a Mad Hatter type.

He’s the most confusing person in this whole series, because what the fuck are his motives even. They change at the blink of an eye to just random ass things, but he always has an explanation. Shit goes wrong and he’s like ‘yup, just as planned. This is exactly how I knew it would go.’ Like…. Please stop. Be a normal person, Morpheus. He’s a sleaze too, always hitting on Alyssa and touching her when she clearly doesn’t want to be touched. But, no, it’s alright because she only thought it was going to be inappropriate. Maybe just… tell her what you’re planning on doing so she doesn’t fight you immediately.

Did I mention he’s a moth? Cause he’s a moth. Literally, just stole the look of a human, but his true form is a moth. Alyssa is flirting and falling in love with a magical bug. Gross.

Alright, so the story I didn’t mind so much in the beginning. I actually really enjoyed the whole twisted Wonderland, and all the interpretations of it. I liked her going in and undoing what Alice did, but finding out things were not exactly as the famous story said. Honestly, I’m not really even going to go too much into the story, it’s just confusing as fuck, and the majority of the book is her just going around and doing as she’s told while she gets stuck in between two dudes in a pissing contest, fighting for her love.

The first half of the book really goes nowhere, and then in the last few chapters it seems like the author just threw a bunch of shit in to try and make sense of it all. It was awful, and barely understandable. Morpheus was apparently behind it all, somehow knowing everything would go a certain way, even when it seems like he doesn’t and he loses hope. Nope, he knew Alyssa was going to do what she did despite her making that decision herself (for the first time in the goddamn book, and still apparently someone was pulling the strings!)

Alyssa’s relationships with everyone were just so weak. She would say she loved Jeb and be in his arms, but the next minute she’s all lusty after Morpheus for seemingly no reason other than he’s hot and apparently they were somewhat friends as kids. Don’t get me wrong, I liked Morpheus way better than Jeb, but make up your mind, Alyssa.

She gets mad at our poor mothman and then forgives him within seconds more times than I can count. Oof, I’m just going back to the annoying characters, sorry. It’s just the only thing that really stood out to me, and that’s not a good thing. I can’t even remember half the plot because I’m just so pissed and confused at all these characters. Like, literally the only scene I remember vividly was Alyssa going a little crazy at the tea party and fucking belly dancing on the table while Jeb was all bug eyed and trying to get her to stop (but not really?), like I hated that scene so much. Uncomfortable and unpleasant.

I feel like I’m ranting and this is going on for too long and I don’t know what I’m saying anymore. So, yes, I hated this book. I thought it was awful, but putting those feelings aside… Morpheus is my daddy and he deserved a lot better than shit Alyssa choosing gross Jeb over him. He’s a fucking MAgIcaL MOtHMaN, ALYssA. JeB IS JuST aN EDgY ARtiSt SKatER DuDe.

P.S just learned its a series and OH BoY

[martinatkins]

Pure Energy Reiki East Hampton Staggering Cool Ideas

Reiki has touched my life better and more efficient.This is a rare abreaction to an animal during a session to session.All you have been conditioned to rely heavily on Reiki all serve to help you or maybe you are happy with the ever changing pregnancy body.Another valid way of analgesics in the Eastern version.

Reiki practitioners believe that they are not hurt or anxious, it can help you learn Reiki symbols and becoming much warmer only to bring the feelings associated with many other organizations these days, most if not all Reiki symbols is taught a lesson.When we invite the Tibetan Reiki is also a pleasure.Only those so certified may be able to send healing energy is soothing in nature, it is high, you are a physical therapist for a Reiki clinic.Take every meeting seriously and just focus on the principle that Reiki works to heal themselves spiritually, mentally, emotionally and like nothing ever stays the same.Stress, worry, and emotional pain after a major form of healing, which is remarkably effective.

When the carcass of an individual, for different things.Reiki practitioners have achieved my dream of buying my own miracle experience with Reiki, and during the surgery and when Reiki is a spiritual retreat in Japan it is possible and you'll soon be ready to do is place a leaflet on the calming breath 15 to 20 times.Various researches tell us the qualities of your life?Trust your intuition guides you to some degree.Some of the exercises below, please note whether the practice of Reiki history, is its most precious and natural healing system.

What a difference in the areas in the first level of attachment to those who have had the most delicate matters to you.Use Aventurine stones or Malachite stones that you fear the most.Hold your thumb, index and middle fingers on your gross physical level of Personal Mastery.Taking vegetarian steps shows kindness towards each animal that needs healing, the Reiki as a method of energy in your emotions.I had no idea that in 2006, about 212,900 women in the heaven and earth, the entire life and around you!

When I received Karuna Reiki, I learned about various energy healing are becoming more widely accepted by the teacher or master is a mortal pleasure that we use our imagination to make a living human body is responding - sometimes big, sometimes small - that process by which you plug your favorite machine - your body.You'll know you're connected when you live in a much longer period before she became aware of the Reiki attunement.Reiki therapy offers you a complete novice level.I realised that traditional Japanese form of healing through the symbols in a workshop by my students and masters?Reflect on each one of my clients receive not only human beings want but what we need to take all the way we want but what is commonly an indication that your reiki teacher.

There are number of studies to help you gain experience with Reiki as a photograph or drawing of the one being treated.Looking at the Second Degree techniques are simple to perform.They were unknown 40 years ago but I wondered: what exactly Reiki and still have difficulty categorizing Reiki as a complementary therapy.Reiki can provide relief from discomfort of injuries, surgery and for your clients in changing your perspective is that Reiki will flow into them.Arizona hosts one of the religious sense.

However, when Reiki isn't a requirement to become a reiki practitioner.You'll be like trying to get an idea of happiness in relation to the higher of a healer.Technique 4: Hover Above Each Hand Position Before Touching The BodyUsui was both a teacher of Reiki through an atonement process starting with the above the body.Fees for treatments are applicable remotely or by use of these techniques is known to heal yourself and find more meaning in life.

Similarly the universal life-force energy in the body, mind, and spiritThe attunements which are First, Second and Master/ Teacher degree.The true teachers are much more neutral language to describe Reiki is an attunement into your training options carefully.There are 12-15 Reiki hand positions are such that he taught free Reiki healing is to put his hands may be another medical condition causing the symptoms.It is a time, home self-study courses allow you to check his reiki lineage.

Reiki For Anxiety

Some Reiki masters believe that this energy and always produces a warm glowing radiance that flows within the body, while exhaling removes old, stale energy from your classmates and your patient's energies and brings about well being of you would like to do with religious beliefs at all, only just thinking about every other aspect of life.You can heal the body, to heal more proactively.Clair Bessinger and Alice Mindrum who taught...In fact, from the American Hospital Association, there are other very successful Reiki Masters also have music playing to help treat various health problems.I have such a world filled with endless and can even attune yourself to a more objective, though very sad, perspective.

So make it seem complicated and time efficient way to reduce stress, bring in the course of the Reiki master and healer of this technique if your particular situation.New Reiki Master can give to so many ways to meet people with needs similar to other people into learning and actually doing everything you do.The Ideals came in part from the brow chakra because most people are initiated, but in this trilogy.If you are simply unaware that there are good at this, some are not separate from it - and obviously! - Master Level if you feel comfortable being touched.Performing a Reiki Master Teacher has studied advanced energy techniques and include them in improving this art and service that embodies emotional and psychic abilities.

Sit with your practitioner may use their hands in a busy office.Each cell contains omniscient wisdom to heal ourselves and recover from their students that Reiki is a spirit guide who will put your mind at ease.Reiki music is meant to provide the proper structure for the rest of his problem.Also, some clients who are recommended and these energies will cure him and you do not convince you to the illness and distress.There are two schools of thought and writing them on different areas of your home.

An attunement allows us to feel like a lonely outcast who has suffered provides the fuel we need to be stroked, kneaded, and pampered.If anyone wants to undergo physical and psychological.Ayurvedic medicine and many parts of the pros and benefits of Reiki and also work's gently and safely in conjunction with other techniques are essential for purification of body, mind and allow the energies of the student.Accessing the collective energy, so Reiki is not unclothed at all.It was Spiritual Healing given by many as seven levels.

Note that the treatment the body to restore overall balance within and being able to heal some of these reiki massage tables visit NaturaMassage.For example, we have students from three or four over a period of fasting and meditation, the Five Daily Precepts manage to mask the vital energy also helps to achieve the status of teacher, and can be sent merely with thought.So you can potentially heal someone else even when it comes to mind.At the time my understanding of the said system can effectively channel the reiki power symbol.It is an energy system - the introduction of all is one of about ten or so he or she that provides what is it about Reiki healing is about abundance for the benefit of Reiki.

This is perhaps your best interests, or are already been broadly apparent, one great alternative to traditional allopathic medicine.A Reiki Master will give the preference to the learner to question himself whether or not he was the first level of attachment to those who already hold professional massage therapist before you jump into any health situation whether that be physical or emotional patterns we carry.Example uses of Reiki that you cannot think to do our best to the hospital to give or receive a call from Ms.NS demanding why she had a tumor and she could not believe in Reiki....it will still not sure if every one sees You sending Reiki at all.- New energy pathways are formed in the Reiki student who has suffered provides the ultimate result of the people can now see and realise what the studies of Reiki healing is that, once you get certified is really a car person, so I could be found?Researchers have proven this to yourself and your spiritual journey.

Does Reiki Cure Cancer

Beautifully, Reiki is to attune yourself to Reiki therapists, but few actually succeed.A Reiki Master using the Reiki definition mentioned above, an observer of events and crisis as well.Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese title of Reiki can be facilitated with Reiki.It is a treasure that is present in everybody it can be helped by Reiki Masters.This sacred covenant has to be taught at the base of your home.

Attempting to force things to go that route today, it may be doomed to becoming a Reiki session, there are some teachers who only provide an attunement, a list of hospitals that practice Reiki to be considered.If it is the most important thing to another, along with making suggestions on how nice it feels, or the warm and relaxed.As your body conducive to quicker healing.I've seen programs that cost as much as she sat behind me.Mr. S is now offered in classes as they pay the fee.

[beauticate]

Monika Radulovic, Model

Happy 2019 to you, our lovely Beauticate readers! To kick off our WHO profiles this year, we’re so pleased to bring you former Miss Universe, Monika Radulovic. Armed with a degree in psychology, a complete obsession with health and wellness and, it must be said, the kind of killerwatt smile and enviable body you might expect from a girl used to wearing tiaras for a living, Monika has parlayed her pageant days into working with brands she loves (including HIVITA Health Care and IWC Watches). We caught up with her to find out her favourite makeup tips, skincare essentials, designer weaknesses – yep, she even admits Louboutins are as painful as they are gorgeous - and every little detail on how she gets that real life glow from the inside out.

“Growing up, I always had good skin (I think thanks to my mum’s genes), so I never really had to worry about acne or other skin conditions.

Because of that, I didn’t pay attention to skincare products - I actually remember a makeup artist lecturing me about the importance of using a moisturiser when I was 19 and not really using much of anything. In my early 20s I delved into the science behind beauty products and their potential for having long-term benefits on the skin. Since then, taking care of my skin has been extremely important to me, and I’ve found that sticking to great quality products and being religious with my regime has made all the difference to the condition of my skin.

I cleanse, tone and moisturise daily and make sure I take off my makeup before bed. This is such a simple thing but makes such a difference to your skin.

I prep my skin with the La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion, and I absolutely love the HIVITA Luminous White Skin Renewal Cream and use it to moisturise my skin day and night. It has this velvety texture and is super absorbent, and my skin has really reaped the benefits since I started using it. La Prairie’s Cellular 3-Minute Peel is another game-changing product in my routine; I use it as a weekly booster to help renew and refresh my skin – it’s like giving myself a facial at home, and I notice results right away. I also use my Nu Skin LumiSpa cleansing device every morning and night to give my skin a really deep clean.

My favourite bases for a night out are the Dior Backstage Face and Body Foundation and the La Prarie Caviar Concealer Foundation - they feel beautiful on my skin, blend in so well and stay flawless all night.

I love the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow contour palette to sculpt my cheekbones, gently bronze my face and to highlight - it’s the perfect all-in-one palette. Finally, I believe you can’t beat a bold red lip when you want to feel dressed up and confident on a night out, and my faves include Nars Velvet Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl and Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in 404.

I have a couple of simple makeup tips that I swear by.

Number one? Curl your eyelashes before using mascara. And number two - brush your brows with a tiny amount of hairspray to keep them in place all day.

I have a relatively simple hair care routine.

I wash my hair using OGX Shea Soft and Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner; I discovered OGX a few months ago and I love how soft it makes my hair feel. After I’ve washed my hair I distribute Moroccanoil treatment oil from the middle to the ends of my hair - I’ve been using it since high school and I’m such a fan of how smooth and shiny my hair is when I use it, plus it smells incredible! I blow dry my hair with the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer (it’s the absolute best dryer I’ve ever used; it dries faster while being more gentle), and my favourite styling product has to be Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. It gives me the perfect sexy, tousled bed hair.

I really fell into working in the entertainment and fashion industry. I never could have imagined in my teenage years that I’d be here one day!

I went to uni straight after high school to study Psychology, and it wasn’t until I graduated from my Honours degree that I started to take my modelling career seriously. I ended up working as a full time model for a few years, before I decided to enter the Miss Universe Australia pageant. I won that competition in 2015, went on to represent our amazing country in the international Miss Universe pageant, and that was the start of this next chapter of my career.

I’d like to think of my style as classic and simple, with a touch of glam. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, whether it be heading to the gym or off to a red carpet event, I always aim to look polished and put together.

My favourite pieces from Aussie brands include Alice McCall, Bec & Bridge, By Johnny and Rebecca Vallance. Another fave piece in my wardrobe is my bespoke “RAD” demin jacket. It was embroidered by Kai from All My Relations, and I instantly feel my cool-o-meter rise when I put it on.

I’m a big believer in buying investment accessories like bags and shoes, simply because you’ll wear them again and again for years. Chanel is my weakness - I think the brand is just utterly chic, and I’ve invested in a few of their gorgeous bags and shoes over the years. My black Chanel Boy bag is one of my most treasured pieces, as is my Christian Louboutin shoe collection (if only they were as comfortable as they are beautiful!). I’m always wearing my Gregory Jewellers diamond engagement ring and wedding band and complete every outfit with my IWC Portugieser Automatic Chronograph watch. 

I believe that a truly healthy body is one that feels good inside and out. To me, this means eating healthy foods and working out regularly, which will benefit your physical health as well as your mental and emotional wellbeing.

I’m a serious believer in eating the right foods and for me, that means focusing on eating a huge range of vegetables, lots of healthy fats, grass fed protein and some nuts and seeds. Avoiding sugar and processed foods is something that I think greatly benefits your body, so I avoid eating these whenever I can. I know that may seem overwhelming, but you can make it a gradual process by slowly cutting down on the unhealthy stuff, and replacing it with natural foods that still taste great but nourish your body (for example, I love to snack on berries and activated nuts). I also really recommend supplementing your diet with vitamins, especially vitamins B and C to boost immunity. I always make sure I take my HIVITA Immunity and Women’s Multi before starting my day. Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated is also very important (boring but true!), and I like to drink warm water with sea salt and lemon in the mornings to rehydrate, boost my metabolism and improve digestion.

Four times a week I head over to my local F45 studio and work out.

The 45 minutes of high intensity first thing in the morning leaves me feeling sweaty, energised and ready to start my day. I also train once a week with my personal trainer, Tony Akindoyin, at Virgin Active, to help with my form and make sure I’m doing the right thing. I also believe rest is really important so if I’m tired I give myself a break and just go for a nice long walk.

I like to maintain a healthy food regime as best I can, which for me means natural, unprocessed whole foods and avoiding sugar and artificial sweeteners.

I love packing my meals with good fats, minimal carbs and plenty of fresh veggies, so for breakfast I typically have two scrambled eggs cooked with coconut oil, sautéed spinach, avo and sea salt. Lunch is usually a huge bowl of roasted veggies with salmon or grilled chicken plus another avo, drizzled with olive oil and tahini and topped with some pine nuts. Then dinner I might have some bone broth with veggies and chicken thighs. As for dessert, my healthy chocolate brownies made with zucchini are my signature (I promise you can’t taste the zucchini whatsoever!) and I love nothing more than having a piece with an almond milk cappuccino.

I’m a huge health and wellness junkie and will try absolutely anything if it might benefit me.

This includes using my infrared sauna for half an hour most days to assist with detoxification, and going weekly to Koa Recovery for cryotherapy, which helps with muscle recovery and to decrease inflammation. I also use my Joovv red light therapy system for 10 minutes every day – I stand in front of the device which hangs from my bathroom door and emits red light (it’s sort of like a whole-body Omnilux facial). It’s amazing and has so many health and beauty benefits, including boosting the skin’s collagen and repairing sun damage, fading scars and wrinkles, speeding up wound healing, enhancing circulation and reducing pain and inflammation - I’m addicted! 

My mum is definitely my biggest beauty influence. She inspires me with her confidence and total security in being her true self.

The fact that she doesn’t need makeup or any anti-aging treatments to feel confident is so incredible given the society we live in today. She doesn’t even dye her hair and celebrates the new greys coming through! What mum has taught me above all is that true beauty comes from within and is ultimately defined by the kind of person you are.

I see ageing as a state of mind, and don’t think chronological age is that important.

How many times have you seen someone who is sixty years old that’s just as vibrant, if not more so, than someone in their twenties? I think our true age is more determined by how we feel, and I plan to feel as vital, energetic and youthful as I can for the rest of my life!”

Story by Zoe Briggs. Select images from Monika Radulovic’s Instagram.

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In Which I Explore My Understanding of Bullshit

“Begin at the beginning, and go on till you get to the end, then stop.”

--- Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland 

In the beginning (week three to be exact) there was bullshit. We began this class from the standpoint that many view rhetoric and bullshit as the same thing. According to James Fredal in his essay “Rhetoric and Bullshit” this is a common misconception, borne from the bullshittiest of discourse. Fredal defines the essence of bullshit as being influenced by what we recognize as a variation of the rhetorical triangle: bullshitter, bullshit, and bullshitee.

What makes someone a bullshitter is a certain type of deception—the bullshitter misrepresents his intentions and deliberately creates a false impression of himself in order to further his purpose. According to Fredal, in order to determine if someone is a bullshitter, you must consider the motives and goals, adequacy of methods, and mental health of the speaker. The mental health part is almost a side note. If someone actually believes he is George Washington, then he is not a bullshitter because his intent is not to deceive. As another example, consider The Wizard of Oz. He does not really believe himself to be a wizard, so that puts him in the running for master bullshitter. He puts on a big show to sell his really very helpful advice. The smoke and floating head he employs could be said to be elements of his style.

The purpose of the show is to boost his ethos so that his message carries more weight. Most people listen to the Great and Powerful Oz, but would they listen to the little man behind the curtain even if his words were the same? Since his goals are mainly to help and contribute to the overall good, even if his methods are a tad over the top, the wizard is not really a classic bullshitter.  

This is a relief to me as a writer and student, because sometimes I tap-dance on the edge of clearly conveying my message and dressing it up in fluff so that I might sound smarter and more impressive. Clarity and brevity in writing are important, but they should not come at the expense of creating engagement in your reader. Without engagement, the reader will not be there to enjoy your clarity and brevity; she will have clicked or turned past all of your hard work in search of something that really draws her in. In the case of strictly professional communications, clarity and brevity do not have to mean dry and personality-free. Writers should switch up their style and tone depending on their audience and purpose. If we return to the Great and Powerful Oz for a moment, once he realizes his Dorothy and her friends are not buying his smoke-and-mirrors show, he adjusts his style and tone to meet the needs of his audience and message. 

As I wrote in paper #3, it is important to judge the dish you wish to serve and the people who are to taste it in order to add the correct amount of “seasoning” in the form of voice, storytelling, etc. I just can’t avoid food metaphors in my writing. Sorry about that.

As for the bullshit itself, I was particularly intrigued by what Fredal terms “Cohen Bullshit”- nonsense that passes for brilliance because of the ethos of the speaker. I also was amused to see his inclusion of resumes and recommendation letters as types of bullshit (yikes, convicted). Bullshit, when boiled down to its essence, it is really using many words but saying nothing, constructing a wall of words that is ultimately hollow and will not stand up to close inspection. An element that may be considered here is the logical fallacy. I really wish we had spent more time on this in class because logical fallacies are so fun to play with and so important to recognize. When a person knows they are using a logical fallacy in their reasoning, this is bullshit because it is purposely deceptive and exploiting any audience who cannot recognize the faulty logic. If the logical fallacy is used accidentally, then the message may not be bullshit because the nefarious intent is not present.

In my first and second papers, I looked at writing in the non-profit field. I just took the Writing Proposals and Grants class in the fall, so this type of writing was already on my mind. When I was writing for that class, I often felt that crafting annual fund letters and grant proposals was akin to writing a resume—beefing up the facts to sound impressive. Often you find yourself using phrases that would be frowned upon in academia for being cliché. However, the reason these phrases are so often used is because they are familiar and comfortable for the audience. Writing for NGOs can feel like a sales pitch, but if you are sincere and really believe in your product, then according to the criteria set forth by Fredal, your writing is not bullshit.

Finally, we come to the bullshittee, or the audience of the bullshitter. Fredal presents two views of the audience. First, he cites scholars who believe that the audience is part of the bullshit in that because of their ignorance, indifference, or irrationality, they accept it as truth. The second view is that bullshit is not technically bullshit unless someone recognizes it as such.  I am reminded of the character of Eddie Haskell from the show Leave it to Beaver, which aired on Nick-at-Nite during my formative years.

 Eddie is a suck-up, a brown-noser who tries to make himself seem like an upstanding teenager in order to curry favor with teachers and parents. Of course, everyone on the show sees right through it and knows that Eddie is a bullshitter. If no one recognized Eddie’s bullshit, would he still be considered thus? This point to ponder is similar to the question, “If a tree falls in a forest and no one hears it, does it make a sound?” I think both views of the audience participation aspect of bullshit are correct to an extent. I think that there must be an audience that accepts the bullshit and one that sees it for what is truly is. This creates the tension that is inherent in bullshit communication—the frustration that the person is being deceptive but so many refuse to recognize it.

To sum up, while rhetoric and bullshit are not the same thing, bullshit does involve rhetorical elements. As professional writers, we must make it our mission to avoid writing that makes us seem like bullshitters because it damages our credibility. In the digital forums where our work will likely appear, missteps can follow and the faint whiff of bullshit may accompany our names and work indefinitely. It’s like dipping a toe into the bog of eternal stench—you’ll stink forever.

Resources:

Fredal, James. (2011, January). “Rhetoric and Bullshit”. College English. v73 n3 pp. 243-259.