#stardew is self-care

[oursecretways]

Is this what you call self-care?

Felix × Reader note(s): I am at the point where I feel like playing 72 hours of Stardew Valley is perfectly reasonable, so I hope u enjoy my first fanfic. Also, idk about you, but I feel like he would def enjoy some Zelda 😌… also, this isn't the longest fic out there, but it is a short story after all. Enjoy!☻ genre(s): fluff, silce of life word count: 1,795 warning(s): light cursing Just a chill day with Felix, while you’re trying to make progress with your uni work

masterlist

It was a regular Saturday for you, waking up at 6 AM and feeling your boyfriend's arm around you. After you turn your alarm off, you turn to look at him, smiling. His long, blond hair fell into his angelic face. It is so hard to not say fuck it and stay in bed with Felix, but you—with the smallest of movements to not wake him—get out of bed, making your way to the bathroom to get ready. After you get yourself into some comfy stay-at-home-and-study clothes, you brew yourself a cup of coffee with some coconut milk.

You've been researching for your midterm paper for a while now. It wasn't the worst topic, but selecting what's important and what isn't is where you were hopeless.

After restarting it for the hundredth time, you heard movements from your bedroom. You peeked out of the study/gaming room to see Felix's tired face, which filled your heart with warmth. "Good morning, love. How did you sleep?" He looked back at you while he grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. "I slept well until some gremlin left from next to me way too early this morning." A smile crept up his face, reaching out for your hand so he could pull you in for a hug. He kept you close with one hand, resting his face on your head while you hid in the crook of his neck. His sweet scent filling your nose. "How's your university work going?" you scrunch your face, not even wanting to think about the research and writing your essay. "Well, I read a lot, but I do not know where to begin or what things are the necessities to put into my paper." You felt yourself wanting to throw a tantrum like the 5-year-old who you are at heart. He kissed your forehead, then put his pinky out. "Okay, I have a trade offer; once you're halfway done, we can play on our farm together." Your eyes lit up. You've been pretty hooked on Stardew Valley for a while now, especially since the new update, and you got Felix to play with you on his days off. Sadly, they've been pretty busy with their comeback, so you couldn't hang out as much. He usually got home by the time you were asleep, and you went to class or to the library to learn before he woke up, since it was soon time for your final exams. You only have one year back from your university, and you don't want setbacks, so it is important to get a good grade. Your parents would be pleased as well since you flew to another city to learn specifically there, so you want to make them proud. You link your pinkies together to form an unbreakable promise. "Okay, but no distractions! If you want to play, please play in the living room; we both know I won't ever finish my assignment with you distracting me." He chuckles and nods his head in agreement. You happily made yourself another cup of coffee, then went back to the study to work on your task. You still cannot believe it that you somehow snagged such a perfect man: he is supportive, understands your concerns, and can always accept your compromises. He openly talks to you about how he feels and bravely tells you if something bothers or concerns him. You honestly can't believe these past couple years have been real.

You've made a bit of progress; it helped that you talked with your old dorm roommates—you moved in with Felix about half a year now; you two realized that it would be the easiest since you went over any given chance anyways. They gave some good suggestions. Once you caught up with each other, you four said your goodbyes, since all of you have a lot of work to get done by the end of this month. After some time, you smelled a sweet scent coming from the kitchen. The door opened before you could sneak out to have a peek. Felix brought in your favorite cookies; it was a mixture of his classic chocolate chip and your oatmeal cookies recipe. You two perfected it while he got some time off, and you didn't have school just yet. His brown eyes looked at you proudly behind the plate of cookies with milk in his other hand. "How's your progress, baby?" He bent down to give you a peck on the lips. You waited until he put the plate and the cup down, then patted the ground next to you, signaling for him to sit down. He didn't waste any seconds, and plopped right next to you, happy that he could sit beside his girlfriend. Felix didn't want to make you feel pressured; he just wants to spend as much time as possible with you before he has to go back to endless dance practice, content creation, etcetera. You both know he loves doing what he does, but it can get overwhelming sometimes. They got cussed out a lot for the smallest of things, getting bullied and going as far as getting death treats. He was grateful for being able to work his dream job, and he is also happy that you understand what this kind of life comes with.

Felix watched you type your thoughts out in your document and started to play with your hair, which made you relax instantly. You couldn't help but melt into his touch. You leaned onto his shoulder, feeling exhausted. "I am almost done with half of my assignment; I just need another page, but I feel like my brain cells are giving up on me." He chuckled, placing a kiss on your head. "You got this; I believe in you." He started giving kisses all around your face, which soothed your tired thoughts. Felix eventually kissed your lips; the kiss was sweet and made you feel like you're under the sun at the beginning of the spring. You reciprocated immediately, feeling as though time had stopped—no tasks, no school, no pressure—just you and him tangled together in a complete state of Nirvana. Before it could get heated, Lixie pulled away, holding you firmly, so he kept up his strenght to not distract you further. "Is it okay if I play Zelda while I lay in your lap?" You saw a hint of pink on his face, making you smile. "Well, I am close to finishing it, so why not? I don't think it can cause any harm." Felix got up excitedly to get his switch with his headphones. He laid down and got comfortable, then started playing his game. He has been quite into it lately. The game was beautiful, and there were a lot of things to do. The excitement in him got you into playing it, asking for his help in some harder situations.

When you got done with half of your paper, you looked down and saw a sleeping Felix with a gaming console on the ground next to him. He looked so peaceful like this: his pink lips parted, his eyelashes casting shadows on his face, and his freckles painting constellations onto his features. You can't help but start connecting the dots on his face with your fingers, making his eyes flutter as he awakens. "What are you doing, gorgeous?" You lean down to kiss him as a response. You feel like you're going to explode with all the feelings inside your chest. "I am done with half of my paper; I didn't want to wake you, sorry." You pout just a little, earning a smile as he reaches for your face to caress it. "That's my good girl. Are you ready for some farming time?" You nod, knowing that you're going to end up either playing until the sun gets up again or none at all and will end up cuddling in bed.

You two made some lunch and plopped down besides each other. Your desks have been set against one another, his PC taking up one desk while yours is cluttered by notes and books for your university courses; you just keep pushing it back each time you take your laptop out instead of organizing it. Felix tried to reason with you or help with that mess, but that's how you were, looking unorganized yet knowing exactly what is where, always on point. That's what your grades always reflect: perfect or almost perfect scores, even though you procrastinate until the last minute. He smiled to himself, knowing how he and the boys wished they had this superpower.

You put on your two's favorite chill playlist and booted up the game. We made a lot of progress, stopping to occasionally show physical affection for each other or taking a quick bathroom or snack break. I didn't even notice how the time flied until you looked down on your watch, seeing that it had passed five a.m. "Yongbok, we have a problem. Have you checked the time?" He has been so into the game that he almost looked up into the corner to see the in-game time, realizing that this might become a problem in the future. "Oh shit, I didn't notice when it got this late. I mean, I am going to be okay; I won't work for a couple of days now, but when do you need to send this assignment in?" he asked, knowing damn well that you have a habit of sending in your tasks with one minute left on the clock, giving him a scare. One time, Chan got to see your study progress and felt his soul leave his body. He still remembers how he and Han watched how their leader scolded you about your academics and your attitude towards your learning, painting a picture of an overworked father lecturing his rebellious daughter, who—no matter what she's doing—will always be his treasure. It never got said out loud, but you became the younger sister of the group, with all the older members looking out for your happiness and safety. And Felix isn't sure that if you two ever break up—which, let's face it, is highly unlikely—he wouldn't get the shorter stick and wouldn't get scolded.

Once you two saved and logged off for the day, got ready for bed, you snuggled close to each other leaving sweet kisses on one another, fighting the strong urge to sleep. When he heard your breathing change, he knew that you were fast asleep, what he waited for all along. It makes him happy and calm, knowing you are asleep. He pressed a light kiss on your forehead.

"Good night, my love," and with that, he dozed off to sleep as well.

[arson-09]

Man, Rhysand was never the dreamer in that god awful series. It was always Tamlin

Tamlin is the one who has always done everything he can do to stop injustice. Protecting mortals, always accepting fae from other court in his land, trying his damnedest to find a way to break the curse instead of stealing a mortal. He has always dreamed of a safer and more just world and has always tried to make that come true. Even after loosing so much he always did whats right and true in the end.

but hes doomed by the narrative. His good deeds and genuine soul over shadowed by the biases of the narrator. Hes the age old tragedy of wanting to be the best he can and do the best he can.

[sreppub]

me and the little video game guy im projecting on

[nudibutch]

i was finally able to have the house to myself for a bit today... brought all my dirty dishes out of my room and was able to tidy up a little bit without feeling weird

[thetickledpickle]

my jellycats

[duckydrawsart]

What is it about Shane do you like and does he even get a job when you marry him?

Not me listening to Heart Worth Breaking while drawing Shane and then receiving this ask hours later lolol

For starters, he is the Ideal Shape (round tummies my beloved). And I found it charming that he's cold towards the farmer but you see him attend every town event, dance at the flower festival, hang out at Gus' bar every night (when he could just as easily drink alone at home) and even dress up at Emily's silly fashion show. It gives me the impression that he's actually quite warm and social once he gets attached to someone (you’re not fooling anyone buddy!) And his relationship with Jas and his love for chickens - precious!! my endearing little guy!!!

His story is also very moving. I think anyone who picks themselves up from a very dark place are incredibly strong and admirable. I know Stardew is kinda a silly little game but Shane's story genuinely encourages me to work more on myself.

As for work, I like to imagine him getting back into stuff like video recording and editing (he helps on the farm too but prefers less physically-laborious work lol). Plus recording really helps him recognize the beauty in simple things. Maybe he uploads some videos of the chickens online and they pop off!

[genesisfirefly]

cozy summer night

[waywardsalt]

While Ganondorf is busy as king of the Gerudo and Linebeck is often out at sea, they hardly manage to find time to spend together- but with the right timing and allowances, find time for a bit of desert exploration.

-

ganonbeck fic complete!!

here's a new link to chapter 1, and chapter 2 is finally up as well.

FanFiction.net version: X

[fakerobotrealblog]

Title: Cultivating Joy: Exploring Stardew Valley's Impact on Farming Sims and Cozy Gaming Culture

Introduction:

In the world of gaming, few titles have captured the hearts of players quite like Stardew Valley. Developed by ConcernedApe (Eric Barone), this indie farming simulation game has garnered widespread acclaim for its charming gameplay, captivating storylines, and emphasis on relaxation and creativity. As we delve into the rich tapestry of farming sims and the evolution of cozy gaming culture, let’s explore how Stardew Valley has carved out its own niche and left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape.

The Rise of Farming Sims: A Growing Genre

Farming simulation games have a long and storied history, with classics like Harvest Moon paving the way for modern iterations. These games offer players the chance to escape to idyllic countryside settings, where they can tend to crops, raise livestock, and build relationships with virtual villagers. However, it wasn’t until the release of Stardew Valley in 2016 that the genre experienced a renaissance.

1. Depth and Customization: Stardew Valley distinguished itself from its predecessors with its deep gameplay mechanics and extensive customization options. Players can design their farms, choose from a variety of crops and animals, and even explore caves and mines for resources and adventure.

2. Narrative Depth: Beyond farming, Stardew Valley weaves a rich tapestry of characters and storylines, allowing players to form meaningful connections with the inhabitants of Pelican Town. Each villager has their own personality and backstory, adding depth and emotional resonance to the game.

3. Endless Replayability: With its open-ended gameplay and dynamic seasons, Stardew Valley offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether players want to focus on farming, fishing, mining, or romance, there’s always something new to experience in the world of Stardew Valley.

The Cozy Gaming Revolution: Finding Comfort in Virtual Worlds

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards cozy gaming – a genre characterized by its emphasis on warmth, comfort, and relaxation. Games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Cozy Grove, and Spiritfarer have captivated players with their soothing gameplay and inviting atmospheres. Stardew Valley, with its rustic charm and gentle pace, is often cited as a cornerstone of the cozy gaming movement.

1. Stress Relief and Self-Care: In an increasingly hectic world, cozy games offer players a much-needed respite from the stresses of daily life. The meditative gameplay of Stardew Valley provides a welcome escape, allowing players to unwind and recharge in a peaceful virtual environment.

2. Community and Connection: Cozy games also foster a sense of community and connection among players, who often share their experiences and creations online. Stardew Valley’s vibrant modding community, fan art, and fanfiction showcase the game’s enduring impact on players’ lives beyond the screen.

3. Creative Expression: One of the hallmarks of cozy gaming is its emphasis on creativity and self-expression. Whether players are designing their dream farm, decorating their virtual home, or crafting intricate stories for their characters, cozy games empower players to unleash their imagination and embrace their inner artist.

The Evolution of Gaming Culture: Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity

As gaming culture has evolved, so too has our understanding of what it means to be a gamer. Stardew Valley’s inclusive approach to gameplay – which allows players to choose their own path and play at their own pace – reflects a broader shift towards diversity and inclusivity in the gaming industry.

1. Accessibility: Stardew Valley’s accessible gameplay and intuitive controls have made it a welcoming entry point for players of all ages and skill levels. Its cross-platform availability has further expanded its reach, ensuring that everyone can experience the joy of farming and community-building.

2. Representation: In addition to its inclusive gameplay, Stardew Valley also features diverse characters and relationships, including same-sex marriage options and non-binary characters. This commitment to representation has resonated with LGBTQ+ players and allies, who see themselves reflected in the game’s virtual world.

3. Community Building: Through online forums, social media groups, and streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube, gamers have forged vibrant communities centered around shared interests and experiences. Stardew Valley’s supportive fanbase exemplifies the power of gaming to bring people together and foster connections across borders and cultures.

Conclusion:

Stardew Valley stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of farming sims and the transformative power of cozy gaming. Its immersive world, heartfelt storytelling, and emphasis on relaxation and creativity have made it a beloved classic and a touchstone for the cozy gaming movement. As gaming culture continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the joy of cultivating crops, forging friendships, and finding comfort in virtual worlds knows no bounds.

[thepostburningash]

i have done absolutely fuck all the past 4 days so it’s time to lock in again and get out of the pits of the stardew valley escapism. i am not a farmer, i have an exam in 2 weeks in a whole diff lang that i barely speak.

加油 i guess

[raggydraws]

I've been playing a lot of farm sims lately...So have a gaggle of Tabbys! (Basically a self insert, living the dream...)(Tabby uses They/Them btw)

[love3velyn]

Spring Reset 🌷💌🌿🧸

Hello everyone! The past few months have been difficult since I moved to university. I've been feeling so run down and not myself recently but spring is a time for new beginnings! I'm back home for the easter holidays so I'm looking forward to spending the next few weeks relaxing and taking things slowly. I wanted to share a few ways I plan to spend some time on myself and reset for spring!

Spend time in nature

Spring is such a beautiful time, with daffodils appearing and trees blossoming. With the weather warming up it is the perfect time to take a gentle walk or ride your bike. Even spending time in a park or your garden can make all the difference on your mood.

Reading

I find getting involved in a story is such a lovely way to unwind from daily stresses. Recently I've been reading the Once Upon a Broken Heart series and I've been loving it so far! I also enjoy reading self-help books to get out of a rut and feel motivated again. Atomic Habits has been my current read and it's helping me plan new routines.

Set/check in on goals

Take this time off to reflect on how the year has been going so far, have you been keeping up with your New Year's resolutions? if not don't worry it's the perfect time to set new goals. It's never too late! Taking time out to slow down and reflect can be so helpful to realign yourself with who you want to be. I like journaling prompts and watching goal-setting videos on YouTube to help guide and motivate me!

Create a vision board

Following on from the last suggestion, creating a vision board is a lovely way to check your goals and create a vision of your dream life. I think it's such a fun and creative way to motivate yourself! I like to use Canva and Pinterest for my vision boards and I will look for quotes or pictures that I feel represent how I want my year to go. I find being very intentional about what you include makes them more meaningful. This year I am trying to make one for each season.

Plan quality time with family and friends

Since moving to university I have treasured time with my friends and family even more. This easter I am making time for my loved ones and catching up with old friends. Some of my favourite plans are watching a film/series together, playing board games or going on a walk. Taking time away from screens to properly catch up can be so important to show how much you care. If you are far away from friends or family arranging a call, sending a letter or playing a game online can be just as thoughtful! I would recommend Stardew Valley to anyone looking for a cosy spring game to play with friends.

Re-arrange/ decorate your room

A spring clean can be a lovely way to refresh your environment and feel motivated again. Life can be so busy that we forget to take care of our environment too. Taking out some time to declutter or rearrange your space can be so nice and give a new sense of energy to your room without having to spend lots of money.

Reset my sleep routine

I have some bad sleeping habits I've picked up over the school year so each night I am gradually pushing forward when I go to sleep and when I wake up by half an hour to gently get back to sleeping at a reasonable time.

Take time for yourself

It's important to remember that a holiday is there for a reason! It is so important to have time to relax and do whatever you enjoy, whether having a lay-in, a movie night or playing video games! Not everything you do needs to be productive and having downtime can bring so many benefits like reducing stress and making you more productive when you start working again.

I hope this post could give you some ideas for your own spring reset and I hope you have a lovely easter!

Love, Evelyn x

[transcendencepheonix]

Stardew valley and a gallon of Baskin Robins ice cream

[chaosciaran]

I quit my job, today is my last day, I’m sat in chat with a customer for way longer than I should’ve (but it’s my last day and I am technically helping her) and I’m terrified? But I need a mental health break and honestly: I can’t wait to read books and play Stardew Valley all day

[euoiabloom]

🌟Vacation 🎀🫧🌿🎐

[turbomnstr]