#study nard

[janeshifts14]

୭ INTRODUCING my . . .

The Office ❛📋❛ DR

──────────── Realidad Deseada .ᐟ ─────

DISCLAIMER / AVISO: First part is in English, the second in Spanish || La primer parte esta en inglés y la segunda en Español

──── About Me

Mila Jane. Scorpio. November, 18.

Face Claim : Ana de Armas

I was born in Argentina and grew up there till i was 18 and then moved to USA with my parents. There i met Jim Halpert, my neighbour. We became friends real quick and formed a strong friendship. Thanks Jim i started working in Duner Mifflin where i also met my current fiance, Tom, who works in the warehouse.

I work as a type of secretary, and i say type of beacuse i think i invented a job lol. idk i just scripted in detail what my job is about, what i do and that i work in the same desk with Pam.

──── My Friends

୭ Jim and I met when i was 18 and since then we became inseparable. we have a strong sister-brother like bond. Therefore we trust each other a lot and we tell each other everything.

୭ Pam and i are really good friends since we are desk partners. I have a good relationshop with Oscar, Kelly and Meredith, we are not exactly friends but we get along pretty well. With the rest of the office i have a normal relationship.

୭ Can't wait to met Erin omg i lovee herr. I scripted that a few weeks after i start working in Scarnton again Pam will became a salesman, therefore i'll meet Erin. We'll become best friends i can tell you we're soulmates.

୭ S/O: Andy Bernard ( The Nard Dog!!!!! lol )

During a period of time i wasn't working on Scranton 'cause i scripted that in that period of time i went to study something related to cinema (like Pam did with art school). In that period of time Jim left Scarnton after Pam's rejection, met Karen, came back to scranton, Karen left scranton and Jim stayed. Basically all season 3.

The reason is because when i come back from the cinema school (when i shift) and start working in Scarnton again i want to meet Andy and start our friendship/relationship from zero!

Also, i kind of stole Pam-Jim-Roy subplot. What happend in the show between them also happened in my dr and now Jim and Pam are dating. But i want to have the same plot with Andy, withoutthe affair lol, thats why i scripted i have a fiance (also let's heal some trauma 'cause who didn't identified with Pam season one at least once loll).

PD: i hope we start dating before the episode 'dinner party' beacuse is such a funny one i want to be there

───── My Vibes

─── Acerca de mi

Mila Jane. Escorpio. Noviembre, 18

Face Claim: Ana de Armas

Nací en Argentina y creí ahi hasta los 18 y me mude a EE.UU. con mis padres. Ahí conocí a Jim Halpert, mi vecino. Nos volvimos amigos muy rápido y formamos una fuerte amistad. Gracias a Jim conocí a mi prometido, Tom, quien trabaja en el warehouse.

Trabajo como una especie de secretaria y lo digo porque creo que me invente un trabajo lol. No sé, yo solo escribí en mi guión a detalle de que trata mi trabajo, que tareas hago y que estoy en el mismo escritorio junto a Pam.

──── Amistades

୭ Jim y yo con conocimos cuando yo tenía 18 y desde entonces nos volvimos inseparables. Tenemos una fuerte relación de hermanos, por ende, nos tenemos mucha confianza y nos contamos casi todo.

୭ Pam y yo somos muy buenas amigas y nos volvimos unidas ya que trabajamos en el mismo escritorio. Con Oscar, Kelly y Meredith tengo una buena relación, no somos amigos como tal pero nos llevamos muy bien. Con el resto de la oficina tengo una relación normal.

୭ No puedo esperar a conocer a Erin, puse en mi guión que unas semanas despues de volver a trabajar en Scranton Pam va a trabajar como salesman y por ende voy a trabajar junto a Erin. La adoro. Vamos a ser mejores amigas se los digo desde ya somos almas gemelas.

୭ S/O: Andy Bernard ( The Nard Dog!!!!! lol )

Durante un período de tiempo no trabaje en Scranton porque escribí en mi guión que en ese período de tiempo fuí a estudiar algo relacionado al cine (como Pam cuando fue a una escuela de arte). En ese período de tiempo Jim se fue de Scranton después de ser rechazado por Pam, conoció a Karen, volio a Scranton, Karen se fue y Jim de quedo en Scarnton. Básicamente la temporada 3

La razón es porque cuando vuelva de la escuela de cine (cuando shiftee) y vuelva a trabajar en Scranton quiero conocer a Andy y empezar nuestra amistad/relación desde cero!

Además, robé la subtrama de Pam-Jim-Roy. Lo que paso en la serie entre ellos también paso en mi rd y ahora Jim y Pam estan saliendo. Pero yo quiero tener la misma subtrama con Andy, sin la infidelidad lol, por eso escribí en el guión que tengo un prometido (a sanar traumas hermanas porque quien no se identificó con Pam en la primer temporada en algun momento de su vida loll).

PD: Espero que empecemos a salir antes del episodio 'Dinner party' porque quiero estar ahí, ese episodio es muy gracioso.

[greenwitchcrafts]

Lavender

Lavandula officinalis

Known as: Elf leaf, nard, nardus & spike

Related plants: A member of the mint family Lamiaceae, there are genus of 47 known species of lavender. It includes well known plants such basil, mint, rosemary, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano, hyssop, thyme, lavender, and perilla, as well as catnip, salvia, bee balm, wild dagga & oriental motherwort.

Parts used: Flowers

Habitat and cultivation: This flowering plant is native to the the Mediterranean

Plant type: Perennial

Region: Most are hardy from Zones 5 to 9 | Spanish Lavender (L. stoechas) is only hardy in Zones 7 to 9.

Harvest: You can harvest all the budding spikes or flowers on your plant during the growing season but avoid cutting into woody growth. Don't want to take more than 1/3 of the plant at this time & limiting your harvest to flowers and buds should keep you within recommended limits. As first frost approaches, snip off woody, leafy stems & branching. You can safely take up to 2/3 of the plant at this time. Harvesting too early can stimulate more growth which you don't want since the lavender is moving into winter dormancy.

Growing tips: To grow lavender successfully it needs well-drained soil, full sun & may be a good idea to check the PH beforehand because soil too acidic may kill off your plants. It survives well in dry conditions, so you'll only have to water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Plant lavender in spring, once all chances of frost have passed. This beautiful, fragrant herb is a great addition to raised beds, in-ground gardens, and growing in containers spacing plants 12 to 18 inches apart.

Medicinal information: Taking lavender products by mouth, including teas and a specific oil supplement or inhaling lavender oil as aromatherapy, seem to reduce symptoms of depression & anxiety. Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal & burns & bug bites. Some studies suggest that consuming lavender as a tea can help digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach, & abdominal swelling. A study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology found that lavender oil could be effective in combating antifungal-resistant infections. Using it as aromatherapy can also reduce colic symptoms & menstrual cramp pain.

Cautions: Lavender essential oil is possibly safe when inhaled as aromatherapy, but applying products that contain lavender oil to the skin is possibly unsafe for young cis males who haven't reached puberty. The oil seems to have hormone-like effects that could disrupt normal hormones & in some cases, this has resulted in breast growth.

Lavender might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking lavender with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Lavender might slow down the central nervous system. If used with anesthesia and other medications given during and after surgery, it might slow down the central nervous system too much. Stop using lavender at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Magickal properties

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Deities: Aradia, Elves, Faeries, Hecate & Saturn

Magickal uses:

• Place in sleep pillows to encourage peaceful sleep

• Wear as a perfume to attract a new love

• Rub on paper when writing love spells or notes for added power

• Add with rosemary to a satchet for preserve chastity

• Scatter around your home to invite protection & purifying energies

• Use in a ritual bath to lighten feelings of depression or sadness

• Wear or use in an amulet to discourage cruelty from a spouse

• Drink lavender tea before bed to aid in astral travel or dream magick

• Burn as an incense for meditation or spirit work

• Use in spells to strengthen friendships

• Purify your ritual candles & tools with a drop of oil to release any negative energies contained within them

•  Hang above your door protect against evil spirits , for home blessings & to cleanse all who enter

• Rub the oil on to the base of the skull or temples to help cure the nervous exhaustion that sometimes happens after intensive magickal workings

[yuugimoto16]

The Ruler

Yeah alright I was going to post chunks of chapters and then disappear for about half a years so that I could study. Then life decided to kick me in the nards so now chapters get uploaded when I'm done and my proof reader says just do it wimp.

So here is chapter one. Still posting on Ao3 after work and I finally figured out how to format page breaks!

All the thank @twost3ps for allowing me to touch this au and keep posting

Awakening from the dust, man opened its eyes to the wonders of the creation of God. Soon after another man though of a different shape arose and opened their eyes. As they took in their surroundings, beings of light took shape as they descended from the sky to land on the earth. There were nine beings in total with the one towering over the others taking center focus, eyes shining down onto the new beings that graced creation.

These things while looking like the man, with limbs and standing as the man was, looked almost like him. Almost but not quite. There was something about them these strange creatures that man was not able to grasp. Looking like him but a little off aside from the strange appendages on their backs that man belatedly realized he did not have. Though there was little time to dwell on that as the shifting of the dirt stirred and swirled to take a form a bit more like his but not quite.

The being that rose up fresh from the soil looked to him as well, taking in the scenes around them. Noticing the beings of light, their off-ness then man himself. Observing and studying as him as he did to her, taking in all the differences between them that made them stand apart yet somehow the same as one another.

As they continued to silently study each other, a sudden presence became known and both man and woman had the urge to bow their heads.

Submission.

All nine beings looking on at them and studying also bowed their heads as a light suddenly shewn throughout the clearing greater than before. Whatever strangeness that man felt in relation to the beings faded away as they were all humbled by the majesty of the light. They just could not possibly compare to the overwhelming presence felt in the air, from the ground, to even the dust used to create both man and woman.

It was then that this being spoke without words. A silent voice that was calm and even, yet boomed across the land with the weight of the decree.

“From the dust you have arisen my most favorite creations, humans” The voice stated calmly. “To you man I shall bestow upon you the name Adam.”

With this decree the man, no Adam! felt himself be imbued with a sense of presence. As if this very being acknowledging his mere presence and stating a title upon him brought him into the sharpness of reality. As if no matter what happened, Adam would be a staple to reality.

“You on the other hand shall be the other half of man, woman” God stated to the woman “Your name shall be Lilith”.

Adam could see the tensing in her shoulders along with the deep sigh she released and knew that somewhere inside of his being she felt the same way as him. Fully tethered into reality by this being just stating her name.

The being spoke once more after a pause to let them both be acclimated to the sensation “With this you both shall have dominion over this land to care for and nurture, so says I”. The voice said once more, but in those proclamations the other strange creatures that looked like them, human but not quite, bowed even lower.

“In your domain you shall fulfill your duties. Lilith you shall be given to task to name all the plants in the garden and you, Adam, shall name all the beast that may in the land” God decreed. “A duty you shall both have as both husband and wife are to be fruitful and multiply, populating the land with humans.”

With God’s words, Adam felt a sense of purpose in him. Not just for the being that gave him a name but also the honor to give others the sense of purpose he felt when he was given a name. While the second duty gave him pause, before looking over at Lilith.

She met his gaze with an expression that he hoped would be as determined as his was. Though he could not say for certain.

However, there was no time to analyze as his attention was drawn back to God “You may do anything you wish, this garden has no dangers, along with fruit and drink a plenty” God said be before stating gravely “but I have one singular taboo. You must never eat from the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil.”

With his words an image popped into Adams mind about this plant that God had stated was a tree. A tree with a singular fruit on the stem that looked so tasty, but as soon as the image was there it was gone, and Adams sight returned to the clearing.

“With your duties out of the way, I will introduce you to your guardians” as God stated this one of the winged beings shorter than the others had lifted himself off the ground with strange appendages on his back and landed in front of Lilith before bowing to her and then a breath later to Adam.

He had blue eyes and blue cheeks with a glowing thing just above his head. His strange skin shifted as he moved.

“This is Lucifer, my most favored angel and the guide for both of you as you fulfill your duties” God said. And Lucifer gave a smile for both as he bowed his head to them.

“I welcome you to the Garden of Eden. A kingdom for which you will both rule over as equals.” Was God’s final decree as he and the other being vanished from view, leaving only Lilith, Adam, and Lucifer.

~~~~~~~~~~~#########################~~~~~~~~~~~

I felt so happy with Lilith in the beging, and I thought felt she was the same with me.

It had been some time after God left, and it was exactly as God said, they were made for each other. They practically did just about everything together. They shared a clearing, ate gathered fruits together, played together, discovered together, and even did their duties together.

My Lily. She’s so beautiful when she smiles while naming another plant, a hippocampus she calls it. Such a fun name on the mouth. I love her smile even when it isn’t at me. So why then?

Why is it that I feel this emptiness in me?

It started a bit small, the glances away every now and then were fleeting at first but now I feel it.

“Hello Lilith! Adam!” the voice of Lucifer called from above as he descended onto the soft grass, tucking his wings behind his back as he looked over at Lilith. “How are you two today?”

“Hello Lucifer! Good morning!” Lilith responded cheerfully. “I’m doing well this morning! How about you?”

Just like that Lucifers eyes also shew like stars had just erupted in them, “I’m doing amazing! I just got through the meeting with a council discussing about the new creature to be placed in the garden! I know that they’ll finally see what my ideas can do!” His wings fluttered rapidly at the thought.

‘I’m so happy’ Adam thought, ‘that they might actually accept this new idea. This “dragon thing that” that he has gone on and on about would be a wonderful addition.’ But even as Adam thought this, it still made him nervous about the newer things Lucifer never steered them wrong when it mattered. Suddenly he couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“I’m so happy for you Lucifer! I’m glad that you’re getting on but don’t get your hopes too high, remember that thing you had before? the Craigias.” Adam stated. He hoped to bring to the garden and try not have Lucifer be so disappointed like before, so why did it suddenly feel so wrong?

There was a pause where both Lucifer and Lilith gave me this strange look and suddenly, I felt like I had a great amount of ice in my stomach, but as soon as it was there it was gone, and the clearing felt a little lighter though there was still a heaviness that lingered a bit on the edge. I didn’t want to feel it.

“Well, I’ll meet up with you both later, there’s still plenty of chores to do!” I stated with a false cheer, it felt like the words were getting stuck in my throat before they came out of my mouth.

~~~~~~~~~~~#########################~~~~~~~~~~~

It had been some time since both Lilith and I had been created from dust and given our duties. At first, they both were excited to look around and find the names the befitted all the creatures. Lucifer their chaotic but loyal notifying them how each name was engraved into the cosmos to represent their shape and ability.

It was such a fun going through all the weird sounds both could make so that each creature no matter what their own unique entity could be. Or at least Adam had fun.

In time I noticed Lilith started to begin acting strangely. She started trying to push renaming some of the animals that had already found them. It didn’t really bother me too much because I always loved her contributions. Though soon she wanted to just name things without me, saying that the original names were foolish.

It was a pretty lonely time back then when I felt her drift further and further away from me, but its also how I met another angel named Sera the Seraphim.

God had sent her down to make sure everyone stuck to their duties and it didn’t feel to wrongs. Though I  did think she was too harsh when scolding Lilith for barging her way into the my tasks.

Though I couldn’t help but agree with her that it was wrong for her to take me from my task. That was the wrong call.

Now Lilith wouldn’t even talk to me, and Lucifer is nowhere to be seen as he is always consoling Lilith’s cries now. I think this was the break, what made our clearing filled with somewhat fragile warmth be subsumed into an icy tundra of tension.

While this did leave me lonely, I always had the animals by right by my side to keep me company, even as Lilith grew cold and distant. The only meeting with she had with me after the scolding were to tell me that chores were beneath her and I should name the plants in her stead before walking off.

Thus, this started my tasks of naming all the things in the kingdom and caring for all in it.

I started with the land naming the animals and plants in all the biomes on it. From the wolves and bears that could be found playing side by side and expanded from there. The forest, sandy and grassy plains where the cacti and Lions lived, oceans, and ice I named all within the biomes.

I helped the birds that tweeted at me incessantly and consoled them. I could felt their worry for me though for what I didn’t know, but I consoled them by allowing them to travel with me wherever I may roam.

This seemed to settle the birds, so that what I continued to do. Some other animals picked up on this and traveled with us so that they may also explore the sights with me. I made sure to gather grains and fruit to share with everyone, and we lived like that for a time.

The birds, wolves, bears, bunnies and many more visiting in shifts with a particular bird he named a falcon being a constant companion.

They bore witness to my arguments Lilith and stayed with me through all of it to console me through all my troubles. I promise to be forever grateful for his animal and plant family in the garden, but even in all this companionship, I still felt so terribly alone.

~~~~~~~~~~~#########################~~~~~~~~~~~

“I can’t do this anymore Adam. I think its time that we separated” Lilith said with that cold tone of hers. I think I felt a little piece of me rip away, though I knew this day was coming.

“As long as your happy Lilith, then its fine but please let me gather some fruit before I move” I requested timidly.

“Fine. But I want you out by sunset” She stated coldly as her eyes looked at me with only the coldness of a stones walls that once made me feel so happy. And suddenly I couldn’t help myself, I just needed one straight answer.

“Could you at least tell me why? Why can’t you even stand to be near me now. We were so happy once. Weren’t we?”

She paused for a moment, and I think I broke through to her what she was discarding before she smiled. Though it was not the beautiful smile of my lily. “You ask me why when I’ve told you time and time again as if you will listen this time? You are but a slave to the whims of both God and the angels. A slave doing useless chores and then begging for praise” She smiled mockingly before frowning down at me. “But I’m not as weak willed as you. I refuse to be tied to a kingdom where I’m just another subject and a king who can’t even see the gilded cage he’s in. That’s your explanation.” She growled.

She didn’t even shed a tear. Just staring at me with those same cold eyes that made me feel so small. “Now I will be away until the sun sets and when that time comes you best begone from this cave as its not yours anymore.” And with that she turned away no longer my sweet lily, but a stranger named Lilith.

I think the wolves and birds were the only things that could make me move as I gathered my precious things. Keepsakes from the animals of my kingdom and a couple of fruits for the journey for a new home. The tomatoes, dragon fruit, kiwis, and apples that made up our little clearing before it was time to move to a new home.

We traveled for 60 sunrises and 60 sunsets before we finally found a clearing, and I have to say that I think I like it a lot better than the old one. It had accommodations for a lot of my kingdom. A lovely stream where the sea creatures seem to flow too and from the land. Dense forests for those who like the cover of green leaves and strong trees with plenty of fruit. 200 paces to the back of the clearing was the start of a vast ocean for larger creature of the sea with its soothing waves and glistening beauty. Another 300 paces to the left were a savanna with its lovely sand and creatures who always packed together from the mightiest of elephant down to the smallest of frogs. But the best part was the clearing, it circled around the lake perfectly with out a tree out of place so that all my ariel friends be it angel or otherwise could land comfortably.

All in all, I think I can really make this place a kingdom. And maybe then after all is said and done I wont feel this loneliness.

[ayurzenith]

Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science of Indian Spikenard

Introduction

Nardostachys jatamansi, commonly known as Jatamansi, Spikenard, or Indian Spikenard, is a highly valued medicinal herb native to the Himalayas. Renowned in Ayurveda, Tibetan, and Unani medicine, this plant is prized for its aromatic rhizomes and diverse therapeutic properties.

Nardostaychs jatamansi - roots

Botanical Profile

• Nardostachys jatamansi is a perennial, aromatic herb native to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, including India, Nepal, China, and Bhutan. It typically grows at elevations between 3,000 and 5,000 meters and reaches a height of 10–70 cm.

• The plant is characterized by its long, woody, greyish, rhizomatous rootstock, covered with reddish-brown hairs or fibrous remains of withered leaves. Its flowers are small, pink or pale blue, and bell-shaped, arranged in dense cymes.

Family - Caprifoliaceae (Valerianaceae)

Nardostaychs jatamansi (Indian spikenard )- flowering plant

Medicinal Uses:

• Nervous System: Used for insomnia, anxiety, epilepsy, hysteria, and mental weakness due to its calming and neuroprotective effects.

• Digestive System: Treats indigestion, flatulence, colic, and gastritis.

• Cardiovascular System: Exhibits cardioprotective, hypotensive (blood pressure lowering), and hypolipidemic (cholesterol lowering) activities.

•Skin and Hair: Promotes hair growth, treats skin diseases, and is used in cosmetic formulations.

• Liver Protection: Demonstrates hepatoprotective effects, aiding in liver health.

• Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses, supporting immune health.

• Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: Protects cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.

Other Uses:

• Perfumery: The essential oil (nard oil) is used in perfumes and incense due to its intense aroma.

• Religious and Cultural: Spikenard oil has historical and spiritual significance, mentioned in ancient texts for anointing and rituals.

Key Phytochemicals

• Jatamansone (Valeranone): Main sesquiterpene, responsible for many therapeutic effects.

• Nardostachone, Actinidine: Other important bioactive compounds.

• Coumarins, Terpenoid Esters: Contribute to the plant’s medicinal profile.

• Alkaloids: Such as actinidine, with potential neuroactive properties.

Scientific Evidence and Pharmacological Activities

• Antidepressant and Anxiolytic: Modulates neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, helping with stress and mood disorders.

• Neuroprotective: Protects brain cells, improves memory, and may have nootropic effects.

• Anticonvulsant and Antiparkinsonian: Shows promise in managing epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

• Antimicrobial and Antifungal: Inhibits growth of pathogens such as Candida albicans, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Klebsiella pneumonia.

• Cardioprotective: Reduces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the heart.

• Hepatoprotective: Lowers liver enzymes and protects against toxin-induced liver damage.

• Radioprotective and Anticancer: Early studies suggest potential in protecting against radiation and inhibiting cancer cell growth.

Dosage and Safety

• Forms Used: Powder, decoction, oil, capsules, and extracts.

• Common Dosage: 1/4–1/2 teaspoon of powder with honey, once or twice daily, but dosage may vary depending on preparation and condition.

Precautions

Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication.

Conclusion

Nardostachys jatamansi is a remarkable Himalayan herb with centuries-old use in traditional medicine and growing recognition in modern pharmacology. Its wide range of benefits-from calming the mind to protecting vital organs-makes it a valuable natural remedy. However, due to its endangered status, responsible sourcing and conservation are essential for its continued availability and ecological survival.

[technology-business-world]

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[sins-of-the-sea]

//This just in: Gio was a biter when he was a kid. And puncher of nards.

I'm trying to look for the story post of when Jordi threatened to drag Josep back to Barcelona from Venice and Giovanni responded by kicking Uncle Jordi in the shins, but fuckit, he either bit him or hit below the belt.

Though given Jordi and the relationship the Frances had with the Vespucci, I just want to say Antonio was laughing his ass off privately in his study after that incident.

[supernova-151]

blog update

hey everyone!

so as you might’ve already seen by now, i’m becoming suuuper inactive here. i haven’t answered asks in a really long time, i take a lot to write back and finishing chapters, not to mention drabbles (can you believe i haven’t written a drabble for my collection since JANUARY. HUH), i’m not keeping up with mutuals’ blogs/fanfics (it takes a while to read new chapters too)

life has been. A MESS lately. i never like to talk personal stuff here so i’ll keep it very very vague: work and social life have been taking the BIGGEST toll on my mental health and i’m barely finding the time to do the stuff i like in the first place, like watching movies, drawing, writing etc. basically, i never have proper time to myself and when i do i either a) get overwhelmed by the fact i’m not doing something productive or b) am way too tired to focus on anything and take an afternoon-long nap. :( it’s mostly physical health too! the italian sun is literally killing me im constantly tired and my pressure is scarily low and i need to take my vitamins but i keep forgetting !!!hejrkflgkf!!!

i’m so so so glad i’m spending time with my family and friends, a thing i obviously can’t do when i’m studying in dublin. but you know what i CAN do when i’m there since i have no friends? HAVE TIME TO MYSELF!!!! play video games!!! go to the cinema!!!! DO REWATCH POSTS YIPPEE

so what i’m trying to say is i have never said it officially but it’s been pretty clear since around may, anyway ill say it now once and for all: i’m going on a hiatus! i just feel it’s what’s best for my mental health cause when im not writing im stressing about not writing and when im stressing i don’t write as well as i can (i’ve been generally dissatisfied with the last chapter of apigp, though i think the quality has dropped since like chapter six probably but shhh). life is kicking me iN ThE NaRDS and i feel i need a moment to sit down and let my nards rest! this doesn’t mean that i’ll completely disappear from tumblr, i’ll still reblog games and stuff and maybe get around to answer a few asks, and lurk around my mutuals’ posts every once in a while!! and when i’m back in ireland around end of september/october i’ll go full swing again! i’m talking rewatch, apigp, drabbles, sketches, uhhhhhhstuff you like about my blog i guess! (plus i hope the rewatch reignites my love for violetta cause it’s dying down a bit and my new hyperfixation (you might’ve guessed it by now hehe) has pretty much got NOTHING to do with it and yeah)

DO NOT WORRY MY FRIENDS I SWEAR SWEAR SWEAR I WILL NOT DISAPPEAR ITS JUST A SEE YOU LATER NOT A GOODBYE!!!! plus if you like private message me like “omg iris i need to talk to you RIGHT NOW it’s SUPER IMPORTANT” i’ll!!! check it out i swear!! eventually! (i think i turned off notifs for tumblr i need to verify that) but like, if you wanna like actually talk to me, just ask for my discord it’s much easier to talk there :)

tl,dr: i’m super tired and overwhelmed and am going on a proper summer hiatus. see you back in full swing in october!

[doing-something-unholy]

*i sit on the floor between your legs, my hands still resting on your thighs, my eyes never leaving yours as i let you focus on the words, let you read the verses in peace before i rub your skin over the fabric of your trousers with my thumb*

Do you read this one often Father?

*i ask, my lips now parted slightly, my hands slowly beginning to move back and forth on your thighs. i tilt my head to the side slightly waiting for your answer.*

Do you think about the words? “For your love-making is sweeter than wine”?

*i quote. bitting my lower lip softly i breathe out a little lough at the way your body reacts when i move my hand dangerously close to the buldge in your pants.*

Tell me, Father, what do you think about when you read them?

*pushing your legs apart some more i rest my cheek against your thigh. my fingers brushing over the bulge softly as i watch you attempt to think of a response. your breath is shaky again as i toy with the button on your trouser for a moment before letting go*

Can you keep going? Or should i leave?🖤

I- uh, I do seem to keep coming back to this chapter. It's such a beautiful story, a meeting of lovers, and where else in the Bible can you read such flower-y smut?

[I have to try very hard not to push my hips forward into your touch, your hand so close to where I'm half-hard in anticipation. I almost miss your next question.]

I... I think about God's love made physical and shared between two people, sharing that feeling of joy and pleasure with each other.

[A slight whine escapes me when your hand falls away from the button.]

Please, keep going. You can- I can keep going.

"LOVER: I compare you, my love, to my mare harnessed to Pharaoh's chariot.

Your cheeks show fair between their pendants and your neck within its necklaces.

We shall make you golden earrings and beads of silver.

DUO: -While the king rests in his own room my nard yields its perfume."

[I'm skipping a few lines ahead, I'm sure you won't mind me trimming the dry parts of this story. We both know we're not here to actually study the Bible.]

[kattartsblog]

Rated: M

Warnings: Angst, Implied Depression, Swearing, Violence, Invasion of Privacy, and Implied Bullying

Formaggio and Illuso found Ilona’s journal on their night stand and decided to read it out loud. Hopefully Ilona doesn’t find out.

“Formaggio, what are you up to?” Formaggio was spooked but sighed in relief to see that it was only Illuso.”Just checking on Ilona, I usually do that.”

“They’re out on a hit with Pesci and Prosciutto.” Formaggio opened Ilona’s room door and went to sit on their bed, “Oh, then they probably wouldn’t mind if I waited for them here. Besides, this bed is way more comfier than the one in my crib.” Illuso rolled his eyes but then saw a small spiral notebook on the nightstand. “What do we have here? Seems as if little Ilona has been writing things.” Illuso grabbed the notebook and opened it up. “Whoa, how do they write with those big goofy cat paws?” Formaggio asked. Illuso shrugged, “Let’s find out.”

“Wait, we really shouldn’t be doing this.” Illuso raised an eyebrow at Formaggio, who then cracked a cocky smile, “I’m just playin’ with you.” Illuso shook his head and turned to a random page in the notebook.

17/9/9X

I constantly have to remind myself that I’m not the only one with a stand anymore and that I’m not a freak. In Morioh-cho, Japan, I studied there as a foregin exchange student. I already stood out as a foreigner, but on top of that my hands had undergone a horrific metamorphosis. I now know that my stand’s awakening was to blame. Having flowers being placed on my desk, people calling me a freak, and then… the accident that made me drop out.

“Holy shit… that got dark real fast.” Formaggio said while taking the notebook away from Illuso, “Let’s try something lighter.” He flips through the pages and finds one written in glittery pink gel pen.

14/6/9X

I know this is going to make me sound like a wuss if I ever said this out loud, but Prosciutto hurt my feelings. So FUCK HIM! He was like “You need to control how emotional you get because it’s tied to your stand.” Wow, way too fucking go, you pissed me off throughout this entire hit! Of course I’m going to be upset! You keep telling me that I’ll never amount to anything, that I will be less than a person, or that I am an uncontrollable monster. YOU WANTED ME TO BE, YOU PUTTANA! But no, I gotta suck it up! I’m sorry, I’m sensitive! If that bitch ass blondie weren’t my superior I would have kicked his nards and yelled back! But here I am crying like the weakling I was am.

“Yikes, so much for that. maybe we should stop.” Formaggio said as he put the book down. Illuso grabbed it and reopened the book. “Maybe we could find some sort of secrets, don’t you want to know if these said anything about us?” Formaggio looked at the door frame of Ilona’s room then back at Illuso. “Fine, only because I want to see if they diss you out next.” They turned the pages for another entry. This one was written in purple crayon.

1/1/9X

I met a young man by the name of Bruno Buccirati at the Passione New Year’s party. He was a really nice guy, I kind of want to take him up on his offer for a nice lunch but I don’t think Risotto would approve of me going to hang out with him. He may be part of la famiglia, but in Risotto’s exact words “He may be a charmer but you don’t know if that’s a facade.” I think that in his own personal way, Risotto really does think of me as part of his team. Even if he doesn’t show it, I think that’s ultra sweet.

“What are you two doing?” A voice calle out,, it was Melone. “This is a new low, even for you Formaggio. Really, going through someone’s private journal?”

“Oh yeah, and that makes you morally superior?” Illuso questioned, “I bet you want to know if Ilona’s really in love with you.” Formaggio nodded in agreement. “Oh I already know about their feelings, I’m just waiting for them to spit it out already.” Formaggio and Illuso shook their heads, classic Melone. “Whatever, let’s see if there’s anything written about you, Formaggio.” Illuso eagerly turned the pages and found an entry written in red pen.

15/4/9X

I totally blew my chances today. I wanted to confess to Melone, but I got too embarrassed. Formaggio entered the car before I could say anything. What is this, a romcom where I’m failing at being the love interest? Formaggio did ask me how it went, and I told him that I failed. He seemed relieved for some reason. I don’t want to call it, but maybe he’s interested in me? I feel kind of bad, Formaggio is my best friend and I don’t want our friendship to be ruined by a romance that couldn’t blossom.

Formaggio slumped in disappointment, Illuso started laughing and teased him more, “Wow, rejected.”

“Whatever, let’s just put the book back before Ilona comes home.” Illuso tossed the notebook back on the nightstand and the 3 left Ilona’s room.

[jeeperso]

D&D Quotes Without context

Miscellaneous Edition, for those quotable lines from between sessions

"All I wanna do, is fork a giant woman! A giant woman!" "Jonni, I'm pretty sure she is some type of undead, probably a vampire. Are you sure that is a good idea?" "If I don’t get turned into a blueberry it won’t be my worst date." "Okay, but if you have to defend yourself just don't burn the place down for once." "Oh, Nyx. Sweet summer child. I never make promises we both know I won’t even try to keep." "Jonni, if I wake up to my bed surrounded in flames again I'm short-sheeting your next bed every night for at least a month." "I know you're trying to score here, but Lady Dimitrescu's daughters are literally vampires AND bugs. I can overlook one, but as a Paladin, it is my sacred duty to burn this place to the ground and stir the ashes."

"We don't let Marshall make breakfast anymore." "Those waffles are well-fortified." "I'm going to be charitable and call it hardtack." "We can use these waffles as melee weapons." "Well if we need to deflect siege engines they'll be good to have." "This is still carbon based and digestible by human systems without any poisons." "I can't serve this. It'll cause ... death." "Marshal we've been over this. This Pizza has 10% less of a lethal amount of grease." "Plus they signed the waivers when they bought a ticket. It's fine." "And don't forget to push the Cakeon." "Cakeon being slices of cake wrapped in bacon." "The special sauce is a mixture of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, ranch, horseradish, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and anything unfortunate enough to fall into the mixing vat."

"You do have a copy of the legal code I requested in my letter? As landed gentry you should actually have legal avenues to... I'm sorry did you say Burning child?"

"First I'm going to nail a crossbow bolt through your heart. Then I'm going to mount your balls to walls on opposite sides of this chamber." "I need Three Barrels of Butter" "Are you serious? Those Claws could crush an elephant in full plate!" "You're Right!" *Turns to first person* "We might need more than three barrels of butter."

"So Ioun is the patron of poor college kids. that scans "

"its hardtack or a mug of molten cheese-fried... something in a woven mug of bacon. your choice."

"Welp, all this coke ain't gonna snort itself..."

"Right hand me that dress and the bail money. I'll get Jonni." OOC: Well I mean they allow men in the city. Its just no men live in the city. "I stand by my statement. I'm allowed to look pretty every now and then." OOC: And dragons are the most unprejudiced lovers of anyone after bards.

OOC: Well I mean come on, its Ravenloft: saying a place is of death and madness is like making the observation the day ends in y. "Going out. Getting laid." "Jonni, she’s a werewolf." "Going out, forking a werewolf." OOC: Well Lycanthropy isn't usually sexually transmitted. Its just that Mercedes is a biter. OOC: ...I don't have an appropriate response to that.

"You seriously think I’d turn on my friends for a pile of gold?!?" "sigh I’ll show you my tits. "Hot damn, let’s get these murders done!" "No, Jonni, stay good. Besides, there are plenty of other girls who will do that without asking you to murder us." "Hmmmm… this is the moral quandary of my life…" "I’ll give you five bucks." "Scales tipped!" "Phew, I thought I was going to have to cover her next trip to the topless bar." "No, no, I have the bail money right here."

Nyx: So what’s the inside of Jonni’s head like? Edmund (with thousand yard stare): Imagine every ladies only smut magazine you’ve ever heard of going on forever into infinity while everything is on fire. Food was good though.

"It’s cool. They stole it." "And you know this how?" "Magic." “90% of Ravenloft deaths are mysterious vanishings.” "Why does everything come out covered in glitter and … is that …" "Lube. I’ve got a few theories." "Please don’t share them."

OOC: This is a plan that ends with Strahd having fewer brides, his castle is in flames, and he’s lost his cape.

OOC: Our team consists of a horny pyromancer, a gnome who can fillete you in five seconds, an HP lovecraft protagonist with actual magic backing them up, a literal slab of iron with a face, and a guy with a "I went to the eternal city of Ryleth and all I got was PTSD and this lousy T shirt". Gorbash smashing his shield into their face: "Have! You! Considered! Therapy!" OOC: Good news is you guys will no longer be the most conspicuous guys at the masquerade now. Jonni: Challenge accepted! "Nyx, the bounty on stealing his fake mustache is still on."

"Vanilla is the king of flavors. What does it say about society where vanilla is considered just 'regular'?" "That they have a lot of vanilla." Lash: "Don’t you want wishes?" Jonni: "Do I need wishes to get to see you naked?" Lash: "No?" Jonni: "Fuck ‘em." Vesh: "Oh dammit its my arranged fiance." Pit Fiend: "Milady." Vesh: "An extra wish to whoever punches this douchecanoe in the nards." Jonni: "I wish…for Bigby’s clenched fist of nard punching."

Soth: "Oh, gods, why am I on fire and why is Immigrant Song playing?" Jonni: "Take a guess." Hazlik: "Okay, so its a partridge, stuffed inside a chicken, stuffed inside a duck, stuffed inside a turkey, and the whole thing is fried on a stick. Congratulations, that's the most horrible thing I have ever seen, and I once crossbred an elephant and an owl." "I give him the 'itis, and we run like we stole something." OOC: ...weirdly Curse of Strahd has stats for Strahd zombies but not Strahd Skeletons. Or Strahd's skeletal Steed. Strahd once went to a branding seminar hosted by Bane and it changed his life.

"Are we on a high enough floor that if I throw him through the window he'll be killed by the fall?" "Oh, but when I say stuff like that it’s all 'Jonni, murder is wrong.'" "When they say pick your battles they don't mean to pick all of them. That's too many battles Jonni. Put some back." OOC: He's technically already got a symbiote. OOC: They can get married. Gorbash: "I'm increasing the rent." Venom: "Can I keep the pool table?" Gorbash: "I'm not a monster." Giant Brain: "Jonni… I have summoned you here for… WHY AM I ALREADY ON FIRE! PUT ME OUT! PUT ME OUT!"

"Hello We're the party-crashers. This is Jonni, she's here to steal your women and burn your shit down. That's Nyx, she's going to repatriate certain items from the premise. Marshal over there, is here to studiously ignore our shenanigans. This is the New Guy. He seems pretty chill. I'm Gorbash... and I have been distracting you."

"Will you walk into my parlour?" said a spider to a fly. Jonni: "Hold up. Trying to sex a spider." Nyx: (throws her hands up) And then Jonni wakes up with a spider venom hangover webbed to a wall waiting to be eaten. Jonni: "Eh, I’ve had worse one night stands. I’m not a fucking blueberry." OOC 1: Hey, where does your weed elf grow [her] crops? OOC 2: She probably just grows them in the room she hasn’t paid rent on. OOC 3: Because I was also considering a circle of spores druid tortle. OOC 2: We could be partners! We could turn this into road to el dorado staring Cheech and Chong. OOC: Wait, I just realized five people are hanging out in a pirate bar, and none of us are rogues. We are gonna need someone to get thieves tools. OOC: We have a barbarian with a big stick.

"Are we Foxhound now? Blunderbuss Octopus." OOC1: You want to put the stoner in charge of food. OOC2: Eyup. OOC1: I see no way this can go wrong! OOC3: We need the four basic food groups. Beans, Bacon, Whisky, and Lard. “We pray to Almighty Darkseid! Give us a sign! Thumbs up, for the triumph of the human spirit! Thumbs down to begin the everlasting reign of darkness!” “Where did you find this guy?” “Me? I thought you hired him.” OOC: Yup, nature, arcana, history, investigation and religon at +6. MJ got baked and watched the Discovery Orb a lot. Tordek: "But we have a cleric, Jozan, over there." Strahd: *sigh* Snaps fingers, and suddenly one of Strahd's brides sucks Jozan out the window, cue screaming. "Oh look, you suddenly have an opening, how fortunate." Tordek: "We also have a druid...." Vadania: "SHUT UP, TORDEK!" Edmund: "I think the first order of business may be to discuss your Human Resources strategy..." Strahd: "I have a guy for that too."

"When someone as smart as him talks with himself, it's not crazy...They call it monologing." "I thought it was soliloquy?" "No, soliloquy is when you're talk at someone else when your talking to yourself." "Most people would run from a demon, you run towards it to study it." Professor: "THIS IS ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING! A FROGHEMOTH, AND RIGHT UP CLOSE, IT WILL BE AMAZING TO SEE THIS PERFECT KILLING MACHINE IN ACTION." OOC: Also note the Professor is Lawful Good, Archie is Chaotic Good, so collectively they balance out to Neutral good. OOC: That's good. "The incinerations will continue until morale improves!" “You never incinerate the women!” “Because I’m fucking them!” “I… was not expecting you to be so honest about that…”

"You got what you wanted....but you lost what you had...." "Yes, I'm familiar with how capitalism works."

OOC: Dragons are like, “That’s Krandor the shiney. He only fucks other dragons. Weirdo.”

Gorbash: "D'awww, so tiny... perfect size... FOR PUNTING!" *boots tiny mind-flayer into the horizon*

"Dracula hasn't been spotted in almost recently. Whats he gonna do, destroy all we know and love like he definitely can?" "... my god you people are too stupid to live." "What are you doing in my house?" Gorbash: "...well Edmund has been reading your books, I've been sorting through your armory, Nyx and Irost has been going through your other shinies, Marshal has been cleaving anything monstrous that gets too close, and Jonni has been lighting things on fire to stave off boredom." Gorbash: "Okay Marshal, Jonni. Rock, paper, scissors over who gets [to kill] the bishop."

Jonni: "Did you really think this would make up for what you did?" Nima: "I… killed everyone you grew up with." Jonni: "Yeah, and I’m still not forgiving you for what you did to Eddie." Nima: "I am missing some key context here…" Nima: "Also I committed identity theft on you by having my new undead army tell everyone you are running the show." Jonni: "Oh, no. You’ve fooled the boar tribe. Who still haven’t figured out shitting in a hole." Nima: "Yeah I noticed that. I ruined two pairs of shoes attacking their camps."

[samieejodavis]

Asking God for a life of solitude with the exception of unisolating myself from my friends and family.

I'd like to genuinely focus on my studies and write literature, poetry and novels, like Edgar Allen Poe and Jane Austin and informational texts on plants, rocks and Jesus.

I'd love to be Wiccan and worship Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savoir and serve him and complete his will with all that I do. As I ask that all that is bound to Earty be bound to Heaven and all bound to Heaven be bound to Earth, I ask to reap what I sow and sow as I reap.

I'm a born and raised Baptist Christian and I would never turn my back from my family or Jesus as he is the Father, I hold tight the Christian customs and to the Bible. My conflicting desires are why I'd like to major in Theology and discover the root of religion in hopes of creating my own which would have the origins of Christianity, Wicca and Buddist while not frowning apon Christianity practices or Buddist customs, though I have yet to fully study them-

I believe plants, rocks and minerals are key to the future of this Earth as within them are compounds that can cure future plagues and illnesses. The science behind my studies I want to support the belief and fact that Jesus is Lord and through him we find the Father God who will save us from our misery and tragedies.

I believe that Mother Nature, whom I'm going to be studying through the studies or Agriculture, Geology, Theology and Witchcraft once took the form of Mary Magdalene, when Mary sacrificed her life time of earnings, Nard, to cleanse Jesus's feet as they took comfort in her and her sisters home in Bethany, she showed a kindness that could only come from the Godess herself in a way such like this, allowing me to believe Jesus is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Now, I'm very spiritual and I love my freedom. I have the soul of a gypsy and want to consitrate better during my meditations so I can focus better and exercise my brain for the best of myself.

Patience is virtue and I appreciate being blessed with the technology to express all that I'm trying to publish into reality.

I've read How To Ride A Broom Stick and read how to work with other God's and Godess's, and read not to beg and now I understand as I only beg to the Father Jesus Christ when I'm in dire need and I'm on my knees asking him for salvation, help, anything and everything that I can think of that could save me and or others, that I talk to Jesus about.

There's other books such as "The Green Witch" & other books by Silver Raven Wolf I'd love to read and study but as I practice literature and Theology and learn I'd like to craft/write my own texts for not just the younger generations of witches and those whom practice magic but for all age readers who may have a passion for the art of divination.

I would love to incorporate green magic with my knowledge of Geology and Agriculture and all that I know as a Christian raised Wiccan with the peace and soundness that comes through the sense and knowledge of Buddism.

I think it would be amazing to have one of the tents at festivals as my own and sell texts and crystals along with card readings and fortune telling. I think traveling would be fun as well.

I'd like to have my own shop one day where one could come in and purchase insents, sage, lavender, Amethyst, Jasper and Jasmine, Crystal Balls, tapestries and tools, rugs, wind chimes and other herbs and crystal, along with different texts of my own that can guide or assist one with anything their magical heart desires. Like self love books, how to books, empty journals and an Encyclopidea of Magical Creatures and other inspiring texts that I've found/been given through out my life.

Can you imagine my own little spot called "A Witches Brookstick" with all natural everything...

I'm so blessed to have been raised by Chasity Davis where my imagination and magical essence can be so free. I love you mom. ♡

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Devotional Hours Within the Bible

by J.R. Miller

The Fame of Solomon

Solomon's fame spread widely. Everywhere flew the stories of the splendors of his kingdom, and his great wisdom. It was not the fame of his piety and godliness that men heard, his generosity and kindness, his courage and heroism. His fame was rather that of the material splendor of his reign, than of fine personal and moral qualities. He sought to do brilliant things.

We are not to understand that Solomon did not contribute in any way to the good of his kingdom, that all his work was sensational. He did a great deal that was substantial. He gave his people a place among the nations which they had never dreamed of attaining. He made Jerusalem a great city in its beauty, its wealth, its brilliance. His wisdom, too, became famous. Wonderful stories of it were told near and far. From other countries, people came to see Solomon and his great buildings, and to hear his words, and to pay homage to him.

Of all his visitors, the queen of Sheba seems to have made the greatest impression. She was a much more important personage than the kings and princes of the near-by tribes or nations who came to see Solomon. She came from afar, from "the ends of the earth." She came in great state with a majestic splendor that excited much attention. She had heard the strange stories about the Israelitish king, and came to see for herself what foundation there was for them. "I wonder if these reports are true?" she began to ask. She would go and see for herself. The distance was great - but her curiosity and eagerness overcame all thought of the hardship of the journey.

Jesus taught us one use to make of this story, "Behold, one greater than Solomon is here!" He said, referring to Himself. In every way He was greater than Solomon. He was the eternal Son of God, Solomon's Lord. His wisdom infinitely surpassed Solomon's. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are attributed to Solomon. There is a great deal that is practical in these books. Proverbs contain much that is helpful in common life. But the wisdom of Christ's teachings far surpasses the best that Solomon ever spoke! Christ's ability to enlighten and help excelled Solomon's, as divinity excels humanity. If, then, one woman came so far, at such cost, to see Solomon and hear his wisdom - the whole world should come to see and hear Jesus!

We have ever fresh illustrations of the same lesson. In every age, in every country, there are men and subjects who attract attention and draw people from far and near - to see and study them. Yet all the while, there stands One among us whom many men know not, nor desire to know - who surpasses in interest and wisdom - all the objects of attraction in the world. People throng to see and hear the scientist, the novelist, the explorer, the discoverer, the orator, or the singer - but only a sparse few gather about the blessed Divine Teacher! Men are interested in the questions of the day, in politics, in railroads, in inventions; but how few sit down to study the profound and eternal truths of Christ's redemption! They think these things suited only to children and women, and to the old and the dying, forgetting that they are the things which the "angels desire to look into."

The queen of Sheba came with "spices, and very much gold, and precious stones." Solomon need not in every sense be regarded as a type of Christ - yet this visit of the queen furnishes an illustration of the way we should come to Christ our King. We should bring presents to Him.

A tourist in Southern California tells of looking with much admiration at the wonderful flowers which grew about a fine residence. The lady of the house, seeing the visitors, came out and spoke to them very cordially, asking them questions about their home and their tour. Then taking a pair of scissors, she snipped off a fine handful of flowers, which she gave them. They noticed, however, that the flowers she cut were all past ripe, and when they turned away they gently shook the bouquet, and the petals nearly all fell to the ground.

That is the kind of gifts too many give to Christ. But we dishonor Him when we bring Him our fading flowers. This queen did not give trifles of little value - but the richest things she could find in all her kingdom. We should bring to Christ not the poorest and least things we can find - but the best - the most precious hours of our time, the finest gold of our youth, the sweetest fragrance of our heart's love. Nothing less than the best - is worthy of Him. Thus the wise men when they came from the Far East, brought their treasures and laid them at the feet of the new-born King. Thus Mary brought her alabaster box of precious nard, broke the box, and poured the ointment on the head and feet of her Lord. So should we all do.

The queen of Sheba brought spices, gold, and precious stones as a present to Solomon, and "behold, one greater than Solomon is here!" Solomon was rich and did not need the queen's gifts - yet he accepted them. Christ is infinitely rich; He owns all things, the gold of the mines, all the gems of the world. Yet He gladly accepts our smallest gifts. Even the poorest things, if they are our best, and if given with love - He will receive with joyful acceptance. The widow's two mites - He takes from the offerer's thin, wasted hand, with blessed words of recognition.

A gentleman worth millions accepted a bunch of withered flowers from a ragged child in a mission Sunday-school, and could not have manifested more real pleasure, if he had received from a jeweled hand the choicest flowers from the florist. Thus our blessed Divine Lord accepts our poorest gifts - if they are prompted by true love for Him and are indeed the best we can bring. He wants our best, however, and is worthy of our best. The queen brought spices and much gold and precious stones to King Solomon. We should bring to Christ - the sweetest fragrance of our heart's love and the richest jewels of our life!

The queen of Sheba brought to Solomon all her questions, her problems - and he answered them all. "She came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her." She seems to have had many questions to ask the wise king. Some of them may have been mere silly puzzles with which she sought to test his wisdom; others of them may have been real questions, concerning which she wanted answers. To every question she asked, Solomon gave her patient and satisfying answer.

We should learn to take all our questions - to our Heavenly King. No matter what it is that troubles or perplexes us, whatever we cannot understand, we should carry it to Him. Nothing can be too small, and nothing too great - to lay before Him, for He condescends to our least affairs and has wisdom for the greatest. Perhaps we are too formal and restrained in our secret prayers. It is better that we should break away from all forms - and just talk to God as a child talks to its father or mother, telling Him everything that is on our mind or heart, all our worries, our needs, our temptations, the things that vex and try us, the matters that are mysterious to us and hard to be understood, the questions that arise in our reading and conversation and thinking. In a word, we should commune with Him of all that is in our heart - and take His counsel about everything.

Then He will always answer all our questions. Ho will do this in different ways. Some of our questions He answers in His Word, and we have to search there for what we seek to learn. Some of them He answers through wise, loving, human friends, whom He sends to us to counsel and advise us. Sometimes our difficulties are met by words that we hear, or by books that come into our hands. Some of our questions, He solves in His Providence by opening or shutting doors for us, if we quietly go on in duty. He will always find some way to answer our questions, if we will do His will as it is made known to us - and wait His time.

"When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed. She said to the king - The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes! Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard!" (1 Kings 10:4-7)

Here again we have an illustration of the experience of those who come to Christ. People often doubt when they read or hear about Him and His love, whether the reality can be so wonderful as they are promised it shall be. They think that at least, His friends must exaggerate the greatness of the blessings which He bestows upon them. But when they come and see for themselves, when they have experienced the riches of Christ's grace and love, they learn that instead of the reports being too highly colored - that the half has not been told!

No one is ever disappointed in coming to Christ. We need never be afraid to say to those who doubt or question, "Come and see for yourselves!" If they will only come and try Christ, accept His friendship, experience His love, let His grace into their hearts, trust His promises - they will find that the truth far surpasses the report! It will be the same also of heaven's glories - when we come to enjoy them. We read wonderful things about the blessed home which Christ has gone to prepare for us; but when we reach it - we shall find that the half was never told us!

The queen's witness to Solomon, as she concluded her visit and turned homeward, was very complimentary: "How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness!" It is a privilege to be among the friends of any good and wise man. There are people whose close companions we may almost justly envy. They live near to the godly, the wise. They hear their words, they see their life, they have their friendship.

We may think of the disciples of Jesus, who had the privilege of being with Him continually, hearing the wonderful words which fell from His lips, seeing the sweetness, gentleness, purity, and holiness of His life and witnessing the wonderful works which He did. What a privilege was John's - leaning on Jesus' bosom, and Mary's - sitting on a stool at His feet, listening to His teachings! It is a privilege to be a member of a godly man's family, living in the midst of refinement and culture. It is a far greater privilege to be a Christian, a member of the Heavenly Father's family. "A greater than Solomon is here!"

[thestrawberrynight]

why, for example, does the smell of incense set people up mystically, and does gray amber ignite passions? why does the aroma of violets wake up memories of dead love, musk fogs the brain, and champak returns the imagination? I want to have a greenhouse where I can study the effect of various odorous roots and herbs, fragrant flowers at the time of maturation of their pollen, fragrant balsams, rare varieties of fragrant tree, nard, which relaxes, hovenia, the smell of which can be insane, aloe,which is said to heal the soul from melancholy

[aion-rsa]

Reading beyond the veil: Paranormal book Recommendations From the Pros

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Don’t cross the streams. Never take your hands off a Ouija board without first saying “Goodbye.” The undead has to be invited in. Kill it with fire. Shoot it in the head. Wolfman’s got nards.

When it comes to the entertainment of the unexplained, or paranormal pop culture, humans live in a world(s) populated by all manner of preternatural, supernatural, otherworldly, and extradimensional phenomena. But entertainment also tells us there are rules that bring order to the abnormal – whether it’s a ghost or demon, alien or sasquatch, werewolf or vampire, or even a troll or fairy.

Yet behind every silver bullet solution that makes it into a script, there is typically a wealth of academic study that’s both complicated, and sometimes contradictory. From folklore to grimoire, anthropology to parapsychology, researchers have attempted to document and take a serious look at topics slightly askew from the norm. They are the real-world counterparts of Dr. Spengler, Dr. Van Helsing, and Father Merrin.

(And, perhaps unlike those fictional “experts,” many researchers would likely tell you the more they read up on these topics, the clearer it becomes there is more unknown than known, and more theories than rules.)

With that in mind, we reached out to a few notable figures and esteemed colleagues within the paranormal community to offer reading suggestions that go beyond what pop culture tells us about the unexplained. The following list is a guide for those inspired by the movies and TV shows to take a longer look through the veil, under the bed, at the stars, and into the forest.

Amy Bruni

(Host/Executive Producer, Travel Channel’s Kindred Spirits; Author, Life With The Afterlife):

ESP, Hauntings and Poltergeists: A Parapsychologist’s Handbook by Loyd Auerbach

“While I think it’s highly important to have a library of paranormal books, and to form your own research and investigative methodologies, I almost always recommend Loyd Auerbach’s ESP, Hauntings and Poltergeists: A Parapsychologist’s Handbook as a must have. 

It was published in 1986, and is widely cited as one of the books that inspired many of today’s most well-known investigators to investigate the way they do. A good number of Loyd’s methods and theories still ring true, as well as his healthy dose of skepticism. It’s not the type of investigation you see on television, that’s for sure, but it’s got some great ideas to help distinguish between what could be an actual haunting vs a perceived haunting.”

Grant Wilson

(Host/Executive Producer, A&E’s Ghost Hunters):

Morphic Resonance & The Presence of the Past: The Memory of Nature by Rupert Sheldrake

“Rupert Sheldrake, Ph.D., and former research fellow of the Royal Society, guides us through his journey to discover if our memories exist outside ourselves, and how that idea could affect our view on how the entire universe operates. Sheldrake gently opens the mind to this idea with solid thinking, educated speculation, and sound experimentation. More than just a mental exercise, his theory proposes that all self-organizing systems, from crystals to human society share a common memory which guides their collective form and behavior. Basically, the more people learn something, the easier it is for others to learn. Which, if true, would have huge implications in the field of paranormal research, not to mention the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology. If our memories are collectively shared and stored outside our own brains, are ghosts simply some sort of manifestation of shared memories? I recommend this book to anyone looking to draw their mind out of the box we so comfortably live in and reshape how we think about well, pretty much everything.”

Jeff Belanger

(Author, Writer/Researcher, Ghost Adventures; Host, New England Legends podcast, and TV series):

Confessions of a Ghost-Hunter by Harry Price

“Published in London in 1936, this is a must-read to see how far paranormal investigation has come (and how little it’s actually changed in almost a century). In the book, Harry Price (1881 – 1948) explores some of his favorite cases, how to test a spirit medium, spirit photography, and he delves into his methods of investigating including equipment, trigger objects, interviews, and theories. Harry Price is the original ghost hunter.

Read it for free online here: https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.218596/page/n9/mode/2up

Ghosts: True Encounters with the World Beyond by Hans Holzer

Parapsychologist Hans Holzer (1920 – 2009) helped usher the paranormal into the mainstream with his many books and media appearances. Originally published in 1997, Holzer profiles some of his favorite cases and the first-hand experiences encountered by the witnesses he interviewed. By 97’, Holzer had reached the age and point of his career where he believed he pretty much had everything figured out. Though I don’t agree with all of his theories or ideas on the afterlife, I tip my hat at his confidence on spelling out the unknown.”

Bryce Johnson

(Actor; Co-host, Bigfoot Collector’s Club podcast):

Where the Footprints End, High Strangeness and the Bigfoot Phenomenon Volume I: Folklore by Joshua Cutchin and Timothy Renner

“What in the hell is really going on with Bigfoot? Is this just a flesh & blood creature like most think, or is there something more “paranormal” taking place? It’s a great question, and one that Cutchin and Renner (both outside-the-box thinkers) tackle head on. It’s hard to deny that these guys are onto something, and after having read it, I don’t think that I can ever go back to thinking that Sasquatch is just an unconfirmed North American Wood Ape. Instead, what if the big guy/gal is more like a wilderness poltergeist? A “Wildnesgeist” if you will. A term coined by the authors. And while the term does not exactly roll off the tongue, it certainly could help explain the strange lights and orbs, sudden dematerialization, telepathic mind-speak, and the countless varieties of size, shape and colors reported with Bigfoot sightings. Books like the aforementioned are an integral piece of the puzzle if we ever wish to get to the bottom of what is really taking place on this strange planet of ours, and perhaps what Vallee did for the UFO phenomenon, Cutchin & Renner could do for the Bigfoot Phenomenon. Overall Rating 4 Bigfeet out of 5!”

M. Belanger

(Comparative religious studies author, The Dictionary of Demons; Paranormal Investigator, Paranormal State, Portals to Hell):

Poltergeist by Colin Wilson

“For those doing research into ghosts and the paranormal, Colin Wilson should be on your bookshelves right next to Hans Holzer. In addition to his landmark eponymous survey, The Occult, Wilson produced numerous books exploring psychic and paranormal phenomena over his decades-long career. My personal favorite is Poltergeist, which explores the concept of destructive hauntings. Extensive, cross-disciplinary research is a hallmark of Wilson’s work, and this book is no exception. Poltergeist includes theories about what these “noisy ghosts” really are, explores psychological and supernatural implications of their manifestations, and recounts numerous documented cases of the phenomena from the ancient through the modern world. Throughout the book, Wilson blends perspectives from psychology, anthropology, folklore, and mythology together with dedicated reporting of modern experiences. I keep my copy next to Harry Price’s book on the same subject.

The Phantom World by Augustin Calmet

“For a deeper dive into the folkloric roots of many of our modern beliefs about ghosts, hauntings, and even vampires, it is worth the search to score a copy of Augustin Calmet’s treatise on the apparitions of spirits and on vampires, often titled simply The Phantom World. This chunky tome covers a wide variety of hauntings, retelling experiences as they were relayed to Calmet himself, often through other members of the clergy. As a French Benedictine monk, Calmet was viewed as an authority on the supernatural and the miraculous, and although he does not apply much in the way of critical analysis to the stories he receives, the fact that he was able to record and publish these tales at all makes up for what modern readers might consider a fairly superstitious nature. As with Glanvill’s Saducismus Triumphatus, it is important to keep in mind that clergy effectively filled the role of paranormal investigators during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, collecting, verifying, and disseminating the accounts of their parishioners. Without their writings, credulous as they may in hindsight seem, we would have little access to any record of these strange and frightful encounters. Calmet’s work is of special value because it is one of the fist treatises to collect a wide variety of European vampire encounters, including some of the stories that have proven seminal to vampire folklore as we understand it today.

Demoniality by Lodovico Sinistrari

The final volume I would recommend for modern investigators is a slim treatise produced by another member of the European clergy, this time a Franciscan priest by the name of Lodovico Sinistrari. Sinistrari is arguably where we derive most of our beliefs about incubus and succubus demons, and he collects both his theories on these creatures and several compelling tales in his book, Demoniality. It is a quick and fun read — if, like me, learning about demons is your definition of fun.”

Margee Kerr, Ph.D.

(Sociologist; Author, Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear):

On Monsters: An Unnatural History of Our Worst Fears by Stephen T. Asma

“Hailed as “a feast” (Washington Post) and “a modern-day bestiary” (The New Yorker), Stephen Asma’s On Monsters is a wide-ranging cultural and conceptual history of monsters — how they have evolved over time, what functions they have served for us, and what shapes they are likely to take in the future.”

Richard Estep

(Author, Haunted Healthcare; Travel Channel’s Paranormal Night Shift):

This House is Haunted by Guy Lyon Playfair

“In a field that’s chock full of sensationalist books, Guy Lyon Playfair’s This House is Haunted is a breath of fresh air. One of the few comprehensive accounts of a poltergeist-type haunting that runs from the very first incident through to the end, Playfair’s book is a masterclass on how to investigate the paranormal. There’s no drama, no theatricality; seasoned investigator Playfair and his partner, Maurice Grosse of the Society for Psychical Research, examine the strange goings-on in a small house in Enfield with a critical eye, always seeking out rational explanations and debunking whatever they can. This House is Haunted works as a page-turning narrative, but also contains a wealth of information for today’s paranormal enthusiast. As such, it deserves a much wider audience.”

Brian J. Cano

(Paranormal Investigator; Travel Channel’s Paranormal Caught on Camera):

The Encyclopedia of Ghost & Spirits by Rosemary Ellen Guiley

“To me, this is a must-have in any serious paranormal library. It references an impressive amount of material, and I use it often. There may be a name or concept that sounds familiar to me and when I need a refresher, it’s the first tome I reach for. Invariably, as I turn the pages, I get sucked in, and end up delving into many other entries.  It’s like an academic supernatural “choose your own adventure”!

How to Hunt Ghosts: A Practical Guide by Joshua P. Warren

“This gem of a guide is perfect for anyone looking to get their feet wet in paranormal investigating. It is thoughtful, comprehensive and delivers the necessary information for anyone to begin doing the work while walking the fine line between skepticism and belief. I’ve recommended it many times over the years and the guide has held up to this day.”

Buy How to Hunt Ghosts: A Practical Guide on Amazon

Ryan Sprague

(Author, Podcast Host, Somewhere In The Skies; Co-host of Mysteries Decoded on the CW):

Communion by Whitley Strieber

“In the 1980s, author Whitley Strieber was best known for his horror novels such as The Hunger and Wolfen. But below the surface of his fictional works was a story so visceral and bizarre, that it would change the course of his career thereafter. This was the 1987 best-seller, Communion. Many are familiar with the now-famous book cover of a beige-colored alien with big, black orbital eyes. But the contents of the book is what truly stays with readers. The story of a man struggling with fractured memories of being taken in the night by what he calls “visitors” and experimented on. The raw and traumatic string of events is what packs the biggest punch in the book. But even stronger are the bigger questions to be asked of this supposedly true story: If we are not alone, and we are being visited, what do these visitors want, and to what lengths will they go for their true agenda? Communion is well written, brutally honest, terrifying, beautiful, and profound in the most alien of ways. It ushered in the alien abduction controversy for many years to come and has ingrained itself into the annals of both pop culture and UFO history forever.”

Buy Communion on Amazon

Lynne S. McNeill, Ph.D.

(Folklorist; Author, Legend Tripping: A Contemporary Legend Casebook):

Aliens, Ghosts, and Cults: Legends We Live and Lucifer Ascending by Bill Ellis

“These two books present a folklorist’s perspective on the kinds of traditions and phenomena that paranormal investigators are interested in. His perspective highlights that folklorists aren’t looking to debunk or prove anything — they simply want to understand the cultural role that these ever-popular topics are playing.”

Buy Aliens, Ghosts, and Cults: Legends We Live on Amazon

Ty Gowen

(Paranormal Investigator, Haunt ME):

Ghost Hunter by Hans Holzer 

“This may not be an obscure text in paranormal circles, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Holzer existed in a liminal time for the paranormal, when the obscure community was in the direct center of a century-long shift between the popularity of the Spiritualism of the late-1800s, and its Hollywood resurgence in the mid-2000s.

This book chronicles some of Holzer’s cases while researching in NYC, as well as providing his commentary. This commentary is particularly important to those studying the field. We’re able to get a snapshot of what early research and curiosity were like, before it was tainted by the entertainment industry. It can be a bit dry, but that is part of the appeal; the book isn’t meant to dazzle or secure ratings. It might not be for everyone, but it was definitely a gateway book for me.

Honorable mention (because it’s fiction) is Ghost Stories by Roald Dahl. He read 749 short stories and narrowed it down to 14 for his book, and they’re great! Who knew the guy who wrote BFG was so macabre!” 

Buy Ghost Hunter on Amazon

Aaron Sagers

(Creator, ParanormalPopCulture.com; Paranormal Journalist, Paranormal Caught on Camera, Paranormal Lockdown; Co-Executive Producer/Host, Paranormal Paparazzi; Co-Host, NightMerica Podcast):

The Mothman Prophecies by John Keel

“Journalist John Keel remains a giant in the paranormal field, and for me personally, he was the first person whose work I discovered that connected the dots between multiple phenomena. He’s described by some as a UFOlogist, but I think he’s so much more. Before it was a 2002 movie that did wonders for the Chapstick brand, The Mothman Prophecies was Keel’s 1975 book that documented strange sightings around Point Pleasant, West Virginia – which culminated with the lethal collapse of the Silver Bridge in 1967. Yes, this book discusses the winged thing (Cryptid? Demon? Alien? Ultraterrestrial?) eyewitnesses described in Point Pleasant, and gives historical and folkloric context to it, but Keel goes deeper into the story. Though he does have his own conclusions, the author’s journalistic approach, and open-mindedness, served as an inspiration and starting point to me within this strange world. For a second helping of Keel, I’d recommend Operation Trojan Horse.

Buy The Mothman Prophecies on Amazon

A History of Ghosts: The True Story of Seances, Mediums, Ghosts, and Ghostbusters by Peter Aykroyd

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Notice that last name? Yes, Peter Aykroyd is the father of Dan Aykroyd, aka Ray Stantz, Ghostbusters co-writer, UFO aficionado, and entrepreneur of the metaphysically themed Crystal Head vodka. Dan inherited his love of the paranormal honestly, coming from a family of prominent Spiritualists, and in this book, his father discusses the Aykroyds’ role in the belief system popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Though it can be a dry read at times, and is not a collection of spooky ghost stories, History takes the reader on a tour of an era of living room seances, mediums, charlatans, eccentric characters, and famous names. I also think there are a lot of parallels to the age of Spiritualism, and the one we’re in now, where reality-TV paranormal programming continues to be a popular genre, and many people seek life answers in the supernatural world.”  

Buy A History of Ghosts: The True Story of Seances, Mediums, Ghosts, and Ghostbusters by Peter Aykroyd on Amazon

The post Reading beyond the veil: Paranormal book Recommendations From the Pros appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[alo-piss-trancy]

We've Got a Long Way to Go My Dear

(( Reblogging an old fic or two while I finish up drafts but I'm making a post for it in my new format for the Aesthetic (tm)

Also this is lowkey Witchy's fault for dragging me straight back into umbrella hell and reminding me I wrote this lol. Expect more fics once I clear some from my plate bc I still have drafts in my files

'Things haven't gone according to plan, but Har/old believes he can salvage it. All he and Van/ya have to do is get through the journey from the hospital to the cabin in the woods. Unfortunately, it seems life is a sadistic fuck who's determined to throw as many bumps into the road as it can, just to piss him off.

But what else is new?

And anyways, aren't hardships what drew him and Vanya towards each other in the first place? '

~~~

No one asked for a Ha/rold Jenki/ns character study/missing scene disguised as a Vany/a omo fic but that's what I have to offer lmao. There's not really anything to say besides that. ))

PREVIEW: Vany/a took a breath, cringing. "I'd like to go to the restroom." she confessed, her face flushing a lovely shade of pink.

He couldn't help cracking a smile, if only to avoid rolling his eyes. "You'd like to, or you actually need to? There's a difference there."

"Leo/nard..." Van/ya groaned, burying her face in her hands.

"Sorry, sorry. I couldn't help teasing you a little." He reached over to rub her back with one hand, and after stewing in her embarrassment for a moment, she carefully shrugged him off and glanced back up at him, returning her hands to her lap and interlacing her fingers.

"So, can we stop somewhere soon?"

Honestly? He didn't want to bother. Even if he'd been willing to get the shit kicked out of him, that didn't change the fact that his entire body was killing him. Every breath felt like it was impaling his ribcage, his lungs and chest ached, his head was pounding, and his eye socket was throbbing like a bitch. And despite what he'd told her earlier, he really was tired. Physically, and also tired of dealing with her shit. Va/nya was a lot of work, and even if it was work he'd gladly taken on, and would be willing to take on all over again, it was draining. 

If he could go through all of this, then surely she could suck up this miniscule inconvenience in comparison. Van/ya needed to learn the meaning of willpower anyways. She had such a habit of giving up, cowering under pressure... this little test would help strengthen her.

"You know, we'll be back at the cabin in about forty minutes..." he mused, glancing at the dashboard clock. "Can it wait?"

Van/ya's eyebrows flicked up in the mirror, and she shifted in her seat. Whether that discomfort was from her urges or the patronizing question he'd just asked her, he didn't know. Frankly, it didn't matter. "Um, I mean..." That clearly hadn't been the answer she was expecting from him, and she tried to work through her shock. "I can if we have to, but... if we're already gonna be passing stuff anyway, couldn't we just-"

"I don't think it would be a good idea to stop." he interrupted, scanning the road around them. With a grunt, he leaned out the window to adjust the outer mirror, finally catching the metallic gleam of a grill and pipes. Far behind them, a half-semi truck was chugging along. Their first visitor in many miles, but of course, Va/nya had been too distracted to notice anything during the drive so far.

"Why not?" A hint of skepticism he would soon snuff out before it had the chance to bloom. There was never any reason for V/anya to question him, and he wasn't going to let that start now.

"Do you see the truck behind us?"

"Way in the back?"

"It's been tailing us for the last twenty minutes."

Read it on AO3 through THIS POST

[howcanibebetter2]

I had a meeting about the money distribution and money raised in the church tonight and how it is used.

It is faithbuilding to see the london church exceed our 91k target and birmingham church exceed its 11k target.

We really really wanted to save the souls of many people. Don't want quarantine to be what stops us from giving sacrificially to God.

A scripture that is shared to us by Victor is John 12:3

Then Mary took about a pint a of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume

What Mary did was sacrificing perfume that would have been worth her pension on Jesus. If I ever spent this amount of money on a man who would be killed on the next day, I would be stupid. However, Mary knew who Jesus was and would sacrifice her perfume for Jesus so that everyone else could smell/ see the effect of Jesus' heart for her. Equally as a modern day disciple, I should have the heart for sacrificial giving so that God's word can have an effect all across the world.

Message me for bible studies or visitwww.londonchurch.org.uk