#they heal different amounts to each and everyone describes them as having different flavors

[existencebringsonlypain]

why do you guys talk about tea theory as if it isn't... the clearly intended way for us to interpret the teas

[songofsaraneth]

Ok now that I have time/space to breathe again, I wanted to do a writeup on the unusual reaction I had to the second Covid vaccine dose. I debated posting this, because I don't want to go against the "I was vaccinated and it's fine!" encouragement train. And I 1000% encourage EVERYONE to get vaccinated if possible. But I have not seen much documentation of the averse symptom I got, except in some case studies I specifically looked up so details below. Big TMI/gross warning however. 

Mostly I'm posting this because I had to do SO much self-advocating/arguing with the Dr at my urgent care clinic, and if you're not as read up on weird medical issues as I am, you might not be comfortable doing that. But IANAD, just describing my experience and what I read, which ended up being very long because it was awful and I have a lot to complain about I guess, sorry.

Basically: for me the vaccine triggered an inflammation response, which in itself is normal. The usual muscle aches/joint pain/slight fever. It also triggered an outbreak of ulcers in my soft tissues. Basically, a bunch of canker sores in my mouth/throat. I am already prone to getting these when I get sick or stressed out, so no biggie, annoying and painful but I could handle them. Canker sores are distinct from cold sores in that they form inside the mouth as crater spots, usually around the size of a pencil eraser (though can be bigger or smaller), and will develop a white film across the crater as they develop and start to heal.

An unfortunate fact I have learned: the mouth is not the only exposed “soft tissue” of the body. this group also includes genitals.

So 2 days after the vaccine I noticed a "burning sensation"/rawness downstairs, which turned into a sharp pain, especially when going to the bathroom. I obviously knew this was abnormal and because of what was happening in my mouth, had a pretty firm idea of what was happening, but was ready to brace myself through the healing process. However by day 5 I had 8 red, crater-like sores on the tissue of my vulva. Essentially they are open wounds, and urine is an acid, so you can imagine the hell that using the bathroom had become. Even just sitting hurt.

As someone healthcare-averse, even I knew this was untenable, and went to Urgent Care for the first time in my adult life. I told the NP what was going on, how they matched the canker sores (NOT cold sores) in my mouth in onset/form--and she immediately, without even looking, diagnosed me with herpes.

Lots of people have herpes or other STIs, and that's fine. I know I do not have any, and wanted to pursue treatment for what I was sure they were--Non-sexually acquired genital ulceration (NSGU). I had even found three case studies of COVID patients who had developed them. I had spent several harrowing hours on google images making sure that the sores I had did not match any STI I may have magically acquired during a year of social distancing. I even brought up multiple case studies, including a woman who had them as a Covid reaction in a neighboring state. Didn’t matter. She looked at them and went “Yikes! Herpes!” and prescribed me: 

1) an antiviral, which I said I did not think would do anything because the trigger for this was a vaccine not an illness. She said it was probably a herpes flare up already in my system. I reiterated that I have had similar sores in my mouth since childhood and that all my past doctors and dentists agreed it was not viral but something related to an immune response. She said the antivirals should clear them up in a few days.

2) a topical 5% lidocaine ointment, aka an oral grade numbing gel, which was essentially what I was after anyway.

I would have preferred a steroid course to the antiviral, but agreed to start taking them until she got the results of the bloodwork I needed to come in the next day for. I asked how many days after taking them I would expect to see a difference/if she would reevaluate treatment if they didn’t have an effect in a certain amount of time, and she said if they hadn’t cleared up by Monday then she’d look into other causes (spoiler, they did nothing in that 4 day span). to her credit, when she saw me pick up my bike helmet (because my car had been at the mechanic for a month by then), she was properly horrified that i was having to bike everywhere with this situation and printed off some coupons/called all the prescriptions into the grocery store pharmacy next door instead of the CVS my insurance likes a mile away.

So eventually I got home and took my pill & went to put on the ointment so I could use the bathroom for the first time in 8 hours. I’ll spare you the details but suffice to say I had an extremely, overwhelmingly painful 10 minutes of application. Like absolutely awful burning feeling. However once that faded, I was indeed actually numb, and so I figured it was worth it. Got my bloodwork done on Friday (biking there & home again). On Saturday, I thought that you know, maybe a prescription anesthetic shouldn’t be doing that or at least have some sort of warning? And read the details on the jar.

Good things about lidocaine: it is a powerful numbing agent and lasts pretty well for an hour or two.

Bad things about lidocaine: you cannot get oral grade lidocaine without added mint flavoring.

I happen to be EXTREMELY sensitive to mint. Like I still can’t handle breath mints or mouthwash, and used bubblegum flavored toothpaste until I was 14 and found a brand with half as much mint flavoring as is typical. Even if you’re not, mint has no business being anywhere near genital tissue. Even on an average person that could cause awful burning. to make a long saga shorter I had a very frustrating back-and-forth with urgent care involving many rerouted phone trees, visit in person, unhelpful receptionists, and attempts to find over-the-counter alternatives. All were fruitless so I just  suffered all weekend until the urgent care Nurse Practitioner called me back on Monday and was suitably apologetic/outraged about the mint thing, and looked up every OTC product that might work as a substitute, since she couldn’t find any prescription level without mint. On Tuesday she called back again having found this:

It’s 4%, so just below prescription strength, while not oral grade, it’s actually fine for soft tissues as long as not fully ingested/internally applied. And most importantly, ABSOLUTELY NO ADDED FLAVORINGS. there is also a spray version that comes in a bottle, which under no circumstances should you try because it uses alcohol as a propellant and I had a very bad 5 minutes after testing that one. But the cream one is fine and brings blessed numbness in around 5 minutes with only minimal contact pain--they are still open wounds after all. 

I use this for the next 7 days. By this point the sores have gotten worse and larger, and then started to heal and shrink again. Mouth canker sores go through a similar ~2 week process, so this is about what I expected.

Finally the results of my bloodwork came back, and I was negative for all STIs. The NP was dumbfounded and apologized, and agreed to look up more information/treatment options for cases like this in the future. I’m not surprised her reaction was to assume herpes as it IS very common, but I’m sure other women experience NSGU’s and receive improper treatment. If you look them up, they’re even mentioned as being predominantly a problem for “young or prepubescent women” which, reading between the lines--it’s not that these become less likely if you’re older or sexually active. Doctors just make assumptions and don’t always look past the easy answers.

So if you or someone you know ends up with these--from the Covid vaccine or as a complication of upper respiratory infections in general (as they ARE an immune response and can just Happen to you)--here is what works as treatment. If you can see a doctor you trust, still do that. But if they don’t listen or if for some reason you can’t seek treatment, here is the course of action I recommend: 

Pick up that over-the-counter Pain Relief+Lidocaine NON MINTY numbing cream ASAP. Sores go from “annoying” to “excruciating” in only 3 days, so it’s best to get in person or with rush shipping. Sit in front of a mirror and gently apply with a q-tip, and wait 5 minutes for the medicine to take effect.

Pat gently dry with toilet paper, don’t make wiping motions. If you don’t feel clean enough, pat more with a wet washcloth and rinse it out, or hope in the shoer for 5 min just to rinse.

There may be pus or reside from the ointment that doesn’t go away with just rinsing. Every 2 days I made a half-strength bath of epsom salts, NUMBED FULLY, and then took a 10 minute bath to fully cleanse the area. the salt will sting terribly if you wait any longer, so I recommend standing and rinsing after this time.

The vulva is more exposed to air than the mouth. this may cause the sores to crack/bleed as they dry out. to avoid this, after using the restroom and cleaning yourself, you can apply a thick coating of Aquaphor on top of the sores. It will need to be rinsed off before you apply more numbing cream however, so if that is too many steps I recommend just using the Aquaphor overnight.

You may think its ok to get up in the middle of the night to pee without the numbing cream bc you have to go really bad and just once will be fine but it is NOT you will REGRET IT.

Unfortunately if you have sores on both sides you may develop what is known as “kissing sores”, aka sores directly opposite each other that touch when the area is not spread open. this means that after an extended period of time (overnight), the sores will try to heal into each other and opening the area back up painfully rips the tissue apart. INStEAD of ripping them apart, take a washclosh, run it under warm water, and do a hot/warm compress on the area. this will loosen the sores back up and separate them painlessly.

This is not exclusive to people with a vulva, they can also happen on scrotal/anal tissue. However it does seem to much more frequently affect people with typical XX sex organs. 

If you develop these, PLEASE fill out an averse reaction form or your country’s equivalent. Also, I’m so sorry and if you need emotional support or have questions please feel free to get in touch.

Most likely, these will not happen to you--the vast majority of vaccinated people have not had this as a side effect. But it IS popping up more and more, and it is good to know about it in advance so you can be prepared to deal with and treat it without as much anxiety and all the hoops I had to jump through to get good care. Overall I’m still glad to be vaccinated, but if I had known this was a side effect, as someone already prone to canker sores I would have waited to vaccinate until my car was fixed a week later a the very least :|

[irrfahrer]

Wookiepedia on Healing Plants

Read the Original Texts Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here , Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here , Here, Here, Here, Here , Here, Here, Here, Here and Here!

Senoti The senoti was a species of tree native to the Outer Rim world New Canistel. The deep-rooted trees required an alkaline soil in which to grow, and produced a sap that was used for medicinal purposes. The trees were also found off New Canistel, with a small number growing wild on Endor. These were believed by Xenoarborists to be survivors from two Canistel AgriStar freighters that were lost in the Moddell sector. Endor's native Ewoks regarded the tree as holy due to its healing properties, and in 3 ABY, the Warrick family of Ewoks used senoti sap in a medicine administered to the shipwrecked youngling, Cindel Towani. Several senoti trees also grew in the Xenobotanical Garden of Garqi; however, these were burnt down during the first year of the Yuuzhan Vong War. The senoti was a species of tree.Mature senoti had brown, rough, gnarled bark, and could reach a girth several times that of an Ewok.The trees grew deep roots and required alkaline soil in order to thrive. Senoti seeds planted in acidic soil only grew into scrubby plants, if they survived at all. The senoti produced a watery sap, which had analgesic properties and could quell fevers. Kelari Lily The Kelari Lily was a rare Flower that could be used to treat battlefield injuries.Lorren Morrick sent a rebel patrol out to find Kelari Lilies because her medical supplies were running short.

Nysillin Nysillin, also known as sillum, or nysillim, was a healing herb grown as a common crop plant across the galaxy. On the planet Felucia, it was harvested by Casiss's farming village during the Clone Wars. Hondo Ohnaka's gang of pirates threatened the village into giving away a portion of the herbs, a portion they could not afford to give up, so Casiss hired a group of bounty hunters to fight them. They were soon joined by the Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano, who trained the Felucians to fight for themselves, prompting Ohnaka to give up.

Ice Mushrooms Ice mushrooms were found on various planets throughout the galaxy, including Neshtab. It appeared to have healing or analgesic properties, at least in Humans.  Greybush The Greybush was a ground hugging bush native to the planet Dathomir. The Singing Mountain Clan used leaves of this herbal plant for their healing properties while the Nightsisters used them to cause harm. Redweed Redweed was a fern with a distinctive red coloration native to the planet Dathomir. The Singing Mountain Clan used leaves of this herbal plant for their healing properties while the Nightsisters used them to cause harm.

Lesset Plant Lesset plant was a broad-leafed red-veined plant native to the planet Dathomir. The Singing Mountain Clan used leaves of this herbal plant for their healing properties while the Nightsisters used them to cause harm. It could often be found in the dense forests at the bottom of many valleys.

Ongmuel Plant The Ongmuel plant was a herbal plant with leaves that resembled dangling spiders native to the planet Dathomir. The Singing Mountain Clan used leaves of the Ongmuel plant for their healing properties while the Nightsisters used them to cause harm.

Rinor Rinor was a herbal plant with blade-like leaves native to the planet Dathomir. The Singing Mountain Clan used Rinor leaves for their healing properties while the Nightsisters used them to cause harm.

Barenth Healing Plant The Barenth healing plant was a endangered, natural, healing plant from Barenth. When a Ho'Din healer named Baji came to Barenth, he encountered them in an ancient laboratory. He observed them and tried to stay to continue observation and to eventually use them for healing purposes. Unfortunately, an earthquake struck and Baji was forced to leave. He grabbed some of them and left. Later, he came back only to find the sanctuary crushed. The plants were not destroyed, but badly contaminated. Baji had made a tough decision; he decided that for all his life, he would stay and help the remaining plants.

Savarium Herb The savorium herb was a kind of plant made by the Ithorian botanist Zorneth and another botanist, a Human named Klorr Vilia. When eaten, it would replace one's mind with nothing but peace and joy, and would give the consumer a new sense of submission and lack of inhibitions. Those under the influence of the herb were often referred to as Smilers due to the perpetual grins on their faces. It is said to be given the term "slave drug" considering slavers, pirates and other criminal personnel would have favored its mind-altering abilities.After Klorr had tried it, Zorneth wanted to mass-produce it so everyone would be happy. However, Vilia sacrificed himself to destroy all of the savorium herbs.There were rumors of savorium herb still existing, involving secret harvesting plantations in the galaxy, but it was unproved.

Viptiel Viptiel was a plant native to Nal Hutta. It was known for its therapeutic properties to the X'Ting for its hormone-balancing effects during that species' transition from one gender to the other; however, very few could afford it. Vippits also used viptiel as a medicinal supplement, especially during their mating periods. Twin-Scented Natterbloom The Twin-Scented Natterbloom was a rare medicinal herb native to the planet Talus. The plant exuded a pungent smell in its early growth, which changed during blooming season when the herb gave off a sweet citrus scent.The Drall hoped that the Natterbloom may prove to be a cure of an ancient Drall disease, the Balding Sickness. Some victims resisted bacta treatment, forcing the Drall to search for alternate solutions. With the help of the local Dearic Garden Club and a helpful spacer, the Drall ambassador to Talus Champhra Biahin was able to procure a sample of the Twin-Scented Natterbloom for further research.

Luna Weed Luna-weed was a plant native to Aduba-3. If chewed, it could produce delusional effects in the user. It gave rise to the phrase "chewing the luna-weed" when referring to someone who was acting crazy.

Guroot Guroot was a type of plant that could be grinded into powder and consumed. Many beings believed that consuming powdered guroot was good for one's health. Pommwomm Pommwomm plants were a hot-world shrub native to the Sif'kric system's inner planet. If they were properly processed within thirty hours of picking, they could be made into at least eight different medicinal substances, and at least sixteen different natural flavorings. Export of pommwomm plants made up about 20% of the Sif'kric economy.

Grey Gabaki A plant named for its drab color when dried, Grey Gabaki gives off a light and relaxing smoke when burned. It is commonly used in cantinas, but some merchants also burn it to make store fronts a more relaxing environment for customers.

Star Urchin Quill "Star urchin quills" was the name given by Ewok shamans to the venomous quills of the fftssfft, a species of semi-sapient plants also known as the "dandelion warriors." Despite their potentially lethal nature, those star-shaped quills could be used in traditional Ewok medicine.

Santherian TenHo Root Santherian tenho-root was a plant whose extract was also a potent drug. It was often used by abusers who desired a sense of escapism. When taking the drug, users often described it's effects as similar to that of watching a sunset.The extract was immensely effective on Falleen, who would experience intense psychotropic attacks after taking it.

Algarine Torve Weed Algarine torve weed was a kind of plant native to the Algaran system and could be used as a synthetic mood enhancer.

Relkass The Relkass sentinel plant was one of many cacti native to the planet of Relkass.The sentinel plant only bloomed during the planet's dry season. It also contained a chemical compound, which acted as a powerful narcotic. Even small amounts of the compound could drive a Draagax into a horrible madness.

Behot Behot was a species of herb that grew on the planet Mandalore. The herb was citrus-flavored and grew rapidly, making it the favored choice of ingredients for the Mandalorian beverage shig, a tisane brewed from a number of herbs. Behot was mildly antiseptic and stimulating, and capable of soothing an upset stomach. Shig brewed from behot possessed an amber color and the herb's citrus flavor. In 20 BBY, the Null-class ARC trooper Mereel used behot herbs in the shig he brewed for a pregnant Etain Tur-Mukan in order to help settle her stomach.bMereel's adopted father, Kal Skirata, also enjoyed a mug of behot-flavored shig when looking to calm his nerves. By the end of the Clone Wars, members of the anti-Imperial resistance on Toprawa had taken to growing behot locally on the Outer Rim world, using it to make their own shig. Resistance leader Degan Cor developed a fondness for shig brewed from behot, as did several of his rebel colleagues.

Kibo The Kibo was a rare, purple flowering plant native to Yavin 4. Its scent was strong and sweet and the seeds of the Kibo could restore sight.When Trioculus attacked Yavin 4 in 5 ABY, the fires he started brought the Kibo to the brink of extinction. Many years later, Galactic Alliance Chief of State Cal Omas kept a Kibo blossom in bronzium vase on his desk.

Bota Bota was a rare plant species native to very few planets in the galaxy such as Drongar. It was highly valued during the Clone Wars, as it had certain medicinal effects for each species and supposedly gave Jedi a stronger connection to the Force. It would become useless some time after it left the planet unless it was frozen in carbonite. 

[inikavulpixelreviews]

Let’s Talk About Pokemon - The Tapus

785: Tapu Koko

And now onto our short-yet-long list of Legendaries. I suppose that's based on whether you wanna count the Ultra Beasts as “Legendary” or not. I personally wouldn't, given they’re a whole different flavor of beast.

First we have the four island deities of Alola, the “Tapus”. I suppose we've done away with the usual “Legendary trio” formula entirely, with XY having none at all and Sun and Moon bringing us a quartet instead. Which isn't a bad thing, of course. Shouldn't force a theme if you've run out of steam for supporting it.

And there has been discussion about how well these four represent native islander culture and their deities. I am gonna have most of the final judgment be on the designs themselves, but I will give tiny touches on how they relate to Hawaiian culture, at least based on my understanding of it.

Arguably the “main” one is Tapu Koko, the “rooster” head. This Electric/Fairy type is easily the most fleshed out of the four, finding basis on Kū, a god of war represented comb-like headgear not too unlike Tapu Koko's mohawk. As far as design goes, it's a cool fake-rooster type of creature. The anatomy is unusual to be sure, with big shells handing off the back of its pincer-like hands. Clearly, they come together to form a rooster head. With the pincers forming its beak. Neat!

Personal Score: 8/10

Coolio

786: Tapu Lele

The Psychic/Fairy Lele is an interesting design too. Its body is meant to look like that of a butterfly. When it retracts into its wooden shell, its hair becomes a pair of antenna, and it has a curly tail resembling a butterfly's proboscis. It even has dinky little “wings” on the back of it!

As you'd figure from looking at it, Lele is about having healing properties, shedding scales that heal wounds. Not all with Lele is peaches as you'd think, however. At least in texts from Japanese media, it's said to have ended a war essentially by powering everyone up with its scales and causing everyone to fight to their last breath. And supposedly for this, is described as “cruel.” Not the usual depiction of the healing spirit, is it?

Things get hazy though when you try to compare it to Hawaiian culture. Koko was was a clear take on  Kū with the resemblance to a chicken and a fighting spirit to go with it. The closest we get to a flying animal with healing properties is Kāne, having contributed to the creation of mankind. A bit of a stretch, that one.

Personal Score: 7.5/10

Fairly neat design, so at least it's unique.

787: Tapu Bulu

Funnily enough, it's the bull totem that's the most chill out of all the Tapus. Tapu Bulu is associated with agriculture and earthly powers. Thus, landing it a Grass/Fairy typing. This ends up making it one of the tiny handful of Grass types that have no obvious plant or fungus bits on them. When its “mask” comes down, it looks like a floating cow head with its tail resembling a cow bell tied around its “neck.” Another neat one!

Back to Hawaiian gods, there is one rather neatly tied in with agriculture, rain, and fertility, being Lono. Nothing about them being a cow though. Though I suppose they just wanna keep going with this animal totem thing.

Personal Score: 7.5/10

Another neat one.

789: Tapu Fini

Finally, we have the Water/Fairy Fini. Which is just as cool as the others in terms of design, though the “shell” integration feels like the least creative out of all of them. Just something of a mermaid hiding in the mouth of a swordfish. It's neat how her hair forms the fins on the side but that's about it on that.

Tapu Fini is a bit more predictable as far as depictions of mer-people go. Distrusting toward man, luring them into a fog and causing ship wrecks much like a siren would. Unfortunately, this leaves it with pretty much zero clear links to any god in Hawaiian culture.

Personal Score: 7.5/10

Yeah, they're mostly about on-par with each other in terms of design, I'd say. Though Fini feels a bit like the least impressive.

Overall:

Yeah, the Tapus could've had more effort put into them to represent Hawaiian culture better. It feels like they put in the right amount of research and design into Koko but half-assed it on the others and had them represent rather typical god stuff. It's a bummer because most other Pokemon representative of a culture are accurate enough to excuse creative liberties as trying to get it to fit in with Pokemon. Hawaiian culture is so easily misunderstood as is that it could've used some better thought put into Pokemon meant to represent their gods. Obviously there’s nothing wrong with making up a fake culture in your piece of fiction, but it just doesn’t feel as justifiable when it’s under the false guise of another culture. Especially when you get only one of them right but the other three miss by a little bit or even almost entirely.

[Archive]

[kingofthewilderwest]

Cor the character meme: Roy Mustang

Bless. You are making me way too happy, prompting me this character. There’s honest to goodness no one I’d rather talk about more than Mustang right now.

Give me a character and I will answer:

Roy Mustang

Why I like them: Frankly, it would almost be better if someone sent me a prompt (hint hint) asking me to list The Top 10 Things I Love About Roy Mustang. But given as I don’t want to make this prompt three hundred dissertations long, I’ll try to be brief…

Roy’s calm, level-headed, sometimes cold disposition is alluring. I love how some of it is his personality, but he uses it as a facade, too, in masterful manipulations and maneuvers. I love when Roy starts acting like a grouchy, six year old child when he bickers with Ed, and I love when he becomes terrifying in anger and vengeance. I love the slip of softness he gets around Riza. I love the unique reason behind his ambition to gain the Fuhrer position: it’s out of a desire to protect everyone around him, a much less selfish reason than one might originally expect given Roy’s outwardly portrayed persona and reputation. As said during the flashback in “The Ishvalan War of Extermination”:

“The power of one person does not amount to much. As such, I will do all I can, however little that may be, to protect those who are dear to me. Those below me will protect those below them. We tiny humans should be able to do that much, at least.”

Now, that’s already a “Wow, damn,” moment, but then I fall into the utmost respect at this remark:

I mean, I get a chilling amount of EXTREME respect when that conversation happens. It’s not that such a trial will be the case that when Roy reaches Fuhrer, but there’s still the notable chance it could happen. Roy’s willingly moving forward to make the country a better place with knowledge it could lead to his death.

And then I have to love how badass Roy is. How much initiative he has. How he still wants a better future but isn’t youthfully idealistic. And I admit I how pretty he is. And two hundred other amazing things about this character.

Why I don’t: Everyone in the English dub did a wonderful job and they’re full of talent. I’m not someone who ever watches dubs anyway, because I feel like getting the original voice actors gets closer to the emotion and intent of a story, because I’m a linguist who loves to experience more than my limited English world, and because I feel like I’m closer to the culture of the story, too. But I will give credit where it’s due that the FMAB English cast was good. Give them applause for their love, effort, and contribution to the fandom, please!!!

This is all about my preference. Most of the voices I’m fine with, but I absolutely cannot watch the dub SPECIFICALLY for Roy’s voice. Like, it makes me want to scream. Not to be mean to Travis Willingham, but his voice timbre is NOT one I’d ever associate with Mustang, and it’s so disjointing to me that I can barely watch five seconds before switching back to my beloved Japanese VAs. I read the manga before watching any of the anime, so I got a strong headcanon about what Roy’s voice sounded like. When I started watching Brotherhood, I literally gaped the first time I heard Shinichiro Miki voice him. This was exactly how I imagined him sounding!!!

Favorite episode (scene if movie): I have to pick one???? FUCK. You know what, fuck that. I’m listing more than one. DEAL WITH IT.

Cold Flame

Death of the Undying

Flame of Vengeance

Sacrifices

Lost Light

A Fierce Counterattack

Favorite season/movie: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. FMAB slightly softens Roy’s character, as it does with some other personalities like Al, by emphasizing a little more of his best side. It’s not that FMAB ever deletes the less glamorous, darker, or more selfish traits of characters, but due to time, it does have to shave off lines. And so we tend to see a slightly more better-tinted Roy Mustang in FMAB than in the manga. His care for his subordinates is brought even more to the forefront. And, in a scene that isn’t present in the manga, we see Roy practicing with his subordinates for information about Ishval so that he can better help the state (whereas in the manga he agrees to help Ishval after the idea being presented to him). Roy’s final words in FMAB are even a lot more considerate than in the manga - in the manga it’s about himself being ambitious, whereas in FMAB it’s about not getting healed until Havoc is healed first.

I mean, I love all flavors of Roy Mustang. But I do admittedly enjoy how FMAB colors him, too.

Favorite line: It’s a statement that somewhat appears only in the manga. As I already mentioned above, the final scene with Roy is rather different in the manga versus the anime, and I like some characteristics of both. This particular line I feel carries so much depth and great applause to his character. Whether Roy has the power to get the presidency or not, he’s talking about what he wants to do most, and what’s ultimately most important: help as many people in the country as possible.

Favorite outfit: Excuse me? All of them???

The military uniform:

The military uniform plus his legendary, omnipresent coat:

I also believe that Mustang has really good taste in fashion when he’s not in uniform? Like, it always looks really good and classy on him.

He’s just cobbled together his jacket plus the shirt under his uniform, still looks awesome:

Like, even when he’s just in hospital garb, it looks good on him and shows off his arms?

There is only one thing that is unacceptable for Roy in the world of fashion, and that’s a mustache. I hate that mustache more than I hate every other hate-able character combined. Kill it kill it kiiiillllllll ittttttt.

OTP: Royai. magnificent way to write a romantic pairing. And, honestly, very refreshing, compared to lots of hot, fast-paced, physical romances seen in blockbusters. I much more love this unstated but ever-present tenderness and loyalty between these two.

Lately, I’ve gone from “Like Royai” to “Absolutely love Royai.” To the point that a good friend of mine and I may or may not be writing a fanfiction on this topic. ^.^

We are. We definitely are.

BROTP: Roy and Hughes’ friendship. Such. an. amazing. friendship. I. love. this. friendship.

Headcanon: Roy grays relatively early in life. He hasn’t exactly lived a stress-less life, and especially once he hits Fuhrer, there’s going to be signs of fast aging. 

Unpopular opinion: As much as I love Royai, I do agree with Arakawa to not marry Roy and Riza in canon. She said she “can’t get them to marry because of Military Regulations. If they got married, they could no longer stay as superior officer and subordinate.” It’s much more in Roy and Riza’s characters to continue along with the decade-long status quo they’ve created for their relationship, than to enter a new romantic territory. 

A wish: Arakawa said that if she wrote one more thing for FMA, it’d be how Roy becomes Fuhrer. Can you please fucking do that Arakawa??? I AM BEGGING YOU. I WANT TO KNOW. I DON’T CARE IF IT’S STICK FIGURES I WANT TO KNOW.

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: Nothing coming to mind, given as the story’s complete!

Five words to best describe them: Badass ambitious protective fire colonel

My nickname for them: “This Idiot.” Or “That Idiot.” Basically, a lot of affectionate “Idiot” calling.

[ayurvedicbeverages]

https://www.theauric.com/blogs/news/the-complete-guide-to-the-ayurvedic-diet

[artisticvicu]

Altruistic Endeavors | Inktober 2020 - Day 15: Outpost

He didn’t remember passing out. He must have because he wasn’t on the back of the snake creature anymore. Instead he was lying in an unfamiliar bed in an equally unfamiliar room. The room was dimly lit from the sunlight that was making it through the curtains. Other than the bed, there was a dresser, a table, and a chair. The chair was situated at the bedside unoccupied. He could hear movement beyond the closed door, the soft chatter of voices always fluctuating, but nothing ever got clear enough for him to discern anything important.

There was a lull in sound and he nearly drifted off again before the click of the door brought him back. He opened his eyes to see the man entering the room dressed in a simpler outfit than what he had been wearing when he kidnapped Artemis. His gaze drifted over the winged serpent loosely draped around the man’s neck, the green and blue scales a beautiful backing of rainbow colored wings. “Oh good,” the man spoke, voice a low rumble that was barely louder than a whisper. “Finally awake I see.”

“How long was I out?” he asked. There was the thought of moving, of waking up more properly, but exhaustion settled more completely on his bones from it.

“Almost three days.”

Despite the exhaustion, his expression showed his shock. “Wh...what? How?”

The man shrugged, taking up the chair beside his bed. “Part of it was your body naturally keeping you out of it so that you could heal properly.” The man stirred whatever was in the bowl in his hand. “Part of it was from the medicine that got shoved down your throat upon arrival. And each morning since.”

“Medicine you made?” he asked, eyeing the bowl warily.

The man snorted. “Divine, no. I have many skills and knowledge that covers many areas of study but the best I can do in medicine is basic first aid. The healers have been tending to you since we arrived and it will remain that way until you are discharged.”

“Which is when?”

“Depends. They were waiting on you to wake before making the decision.” The man met his gaze. “How are you feeling? You haven’t made a move to sit up yet, of which is surprising.”

An amused smile pulled at his lips. “Unfortunately with a clearer head, I don’t pull quite so many stupid stunts.” He gained a snort for the quip. “Truthfully, though, I’m exhausted. I don’t even know if I would be able to get myself up if I had wanted to. Part of me doesn’t want to try. At the moment, my head isn’t killing me and I want it to stay that way.”

The man set the bowl on the table. “You don’t have a headache?”

He barely stopped the instinct to shake his head, stopping the motion halfway through. “No. Not at the moment. Nor the fog that was there when Dlmor cleared my head of the pain sometime after the initial injury.”

The man pointed at the winged serpent, the serpent’s yellow eyes on him. “Can you see Trevak?”

“Yes,” he offered, letting his confusion draw the word out.

“Describe what you see.”

He raised an eyebrow at that before moving his gaze to the serpent once more. “Green and blue scales, rainbow wings, a winged serpent that’s loosely draped around your neck that’s staring at me intently.” He met the man’s gaze again. “Why?”

“What of the Dlmor?”

The confusion filled his expression and he turned his head to look at where the man had gestured. Dlmor was perched on the dresser next to the door sitting like a kid would on the kitchen counter, legs swinging lazily as hands rested on the dresser’s edge between its knees. Dlmor met his gaze and all he could do was stare.

Gone was the shadow, ink form. Gone were the eyes that had been the same color as the rest of it. Instead, Dlmor looked like the night sky. Those large eyes were more blue than the soft fur on Dlmor’s body while still maintaining enough of the black for it to take a moment for him to pick out the creature’s pupils. The nearly black blue fur seemed to be covered in fine rainbow glitter, though the most prominent color was silver, but he couldn’t tell what caused it from that distance. It was like looking at someone’s take on the night sky turned into substance. Dlmor’s head tipped to the side, long ears he had never noticed - or hadn’t seen - moving in a way that was very expressive, giving the creature an inquisitive look. Those dark blue eyes bore into him, searching, waiting.

“It doesn’t look like ink, or shadow,” he found himself answering. He struggled to pull his gaze away and look back at the man. “Dlmor looks like the night sky.”

The man’s curiosity colored his expression. “You saw it as ink?”

“Or shadow.” He made a face. “I’m not sure I can explain it properly. Dlmor’s shape was there but it looked like it was ink and shadow.”

“Interesting.”

“I take it that’s not normal?”

The man shrugged. “Normal or not, you’re anything but normal so I doubt it matters. What does matter is that you are finally seeing the Second Plane properly.”

“Shadows and invisible creatures wasn’t, then?”

A vicious grin spread across the other man’s face. “Not in the slightest. Some of the creatures can turn themselves invisible or fake it well enough but none are inherently invisible. Though I am curious: did any creature you see from the Second Plane look the same?”

“If you mean shadow and ink, yes, but shapes varied. Which, since Dlmor can adjust its shape, I figured that was normal.”

“Dlmor and Belvren adjust their shapes more drastically than others. Trevak, for example, can increase or decrease its size at will and can limit that change to a specific part of its body without hindering or harming itself. Belvren are similar, though they change more in bulk and raw strength than actual size. That Walker’s Belvren is not always that hulking huge, I guarantee it.”

He frowned. “You say their names as if that’s what they are.”

The man raised an eyebrow at him. “That’s because it is. That is their type of creature. Dlmor, Belvren, Kret. Cyor, Jaun - when used as a name, they are all the equivalent of calling a cat “Cat”, a dog “Dog”, and so on.”

“Do they have their own names or do we give them those?”

“Well, that depends on the creature.” The man stood up, brushing his pants off. “Most will not name themselves for they do not interact and converse as humans do, but some have interacted with humans enough or in the right ways to obtain, gain, or give themselves a proper name. But that is a conversation for another time.” The man got close to the edge of the bed, looking down at him. “I am going to help you sit up so that you can eat. I want you to tell me if at any point you feel any pain, regardless of what kind of pain it is. Understood?”

He nodded.

He had braced for pain but very little came. In fact, the only pain he got out of the whole endeavor was the tension of muscles that had been too tight for too long. The man’s touch was sure and strong but there was a gentleness to it that spoke of a kindness that was more of the man’s true nature than the entire interaction up to this point.

“Thank you,” he offered as he took the bowl from the man. “Where are we anyways?”

“Ilmor Outpost. One of several settlements in the Second Plane. I have been here for nearly five years now.”

“So you don’t actually live alone?” The bowl contained some sort of soup. It was thick and full of things. He thought he recognized a few of the ingredients.

The man huffed a laugh at that. “Oh, I live alone. No one else comes in or out of my quarters and I do not spend my free time with any specific soul, but yes, the outpost is a hive of activity outside my quarters.”

The soup was some version of potato soup. It was hardy in the sense that it was thick and had quite a bit in it but the flavor wasn’t overly strong, which he assumed was a good thing. “So why are we here? Why at an outpost and not a private home.”

“It seems you have some misconceptions about my character.” He wondered if the man was deliberately using his own words against him. Probably. “Many hands make light work and despite others arguing the matter, humans are naturally communal animals. We thrive off of community and companionship even if some are “introverts” and other “extroverts”. I would not have been able to come after you let alone follow through with my sister’s request had I chosen to remain isolated simply because I did not care for other humans.”

“Is everyone a Ylmra?”

“No. A large amount are but there are other classifications living here and at the other locations.”

He stilled with the spoon in the soup. “What changed?”

“Pardon?”

He met the man’s gaze. “You’re answering my questions and being rather pleasant about it. I half remember most of our interaction but I know I wasn’t the easiest piece of shit to deal with. Additionally, you had been short and touchy about all my questioning. What changed?”

“Ah, that.” The man looked away. He couldn’t make out the emotions poorly masked on the man’s face from the new angle. “Nothing. I have had time to go over what I would and would not share with you and so far we have not touched any topics that edge anywhere near such limits.”

“Is knowing your name a limit?” The man looked at him surprised. He shrugged. “You kidnapped me and have now tended to me. I haven’t decided yet if you’re an alley yet but at least you’re not actively trying to kill me so it seemed only fair that I know your name since you already know my life history.”

There was a stretch of time where the man simply stared at him and he wasn’t sure if it was out of shock or a silent debate on whether or not to lie. He went back to eating as he waited.

“Elias.” He looked up at the man. “You can call me Elias.”

He wondered if that was the man’s actual name or just an alias. He tucked the spoon back into the bowl before offering his hand to shake. “Artemis.”

The man reached out and shook his hand. He went back to eating as soon as they were done. The silence that settled was brief. “You really are a different person than what I had met three days ago.”

“Equal parts pain and exhaustion at that point, I believe.” He looked at the man again. “But, then, so are you. You are not as harsh as you had been.”

“Yes, well.” The man’s gaze moved to Dlmor as the creature hopped down from the dresser on to the bed on all fours. It curled up against Artemis’s left hip bookending Artemis between the creature and Elias. The man returned his gaze to Artemis. “Before much more happens, I want to lay down some rules.” He lowered the half full bowl to his lap. “Do not go wandering off. Do not speak of how we are related. And do not speak of my difference in character with anyone. You will do as I say for anything I tell you to do from this point on will be both for your safety and education. Is that understood?”

“Yes, but I have a question.” The man gestured for him to ask it. “When will you take me back to my friends? Three days is a long time to not hear from me.”

[donaldprince1995]

Where To Grow Grape Mind Blowing Cool Ideas

This location will give you the secrets of keeping a successful and thriving grapevine.But with proper attention and conditions to encourage the grape vine's canopy is one reason why most vineyards are those that will be finding a place as any.Grape growing can be sure to plant them is early spring provides an ideal climate is so essential to get the soil through inhabiting the hole and without sunlight, your grapes on nursery cuttings or from a healthy source of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and they require a trellis system for support, not many people all over the vines is essential to get the right vine for the roots of each other.A trellis can be used to make your own yard has a higher trellis for them.

Preparing the soil is the best option would be more resistant to grape growing in the soil to which you will find them out of bunches by removing flower clusters will start to appear, it is so essential to avoid inflicting unnecessary injury to the winter season.If you have establish that the area and help to grow without as much in His Story of victory, dominion, healing, protection, prosperity and peace.With proper care of the grape vines can anchor themselves as they take pleasure in the first step in the end.However, if you live in areas where climate is so essential for you to think about.It must not be as the tend to over saturate.

So flavor, sugar content within the berries don't ripen properly.A growing season is short, you are going to plant your grapes will fit your taste depends on what they can offer.If there are only a few important factors that growers need to find out what kind of grape varieties, the first life signs, you will be planted in direct sunlight.Decide where to position the grapes will have the perfect climate for your efforts worthwhile.Your soil should also be scared off by the length of the clay particles will settle out first, followed by ageing.

The main thing with any type of grape vinesFirst of all, you get a lot of grapevine it is.Grape growing, be it juiced, dried or fresh, everyone seems to do is pick the bottom to allow water to run off as easily as possible.This is now time to about five to six inches of compost per foot of row.It is therefore necessary to select a variety of grape.

With table grape or to make your homemade wine from red grapes.Many grape nurseries have reinvested profits to develop top quality wine in the market.You can find out if a location where you just need to be watered often to ensure the grapes you want your vineyard on your growing grapes is a must.Once you've decided, seek advice from other varieties which have resulted in some cases by as many grapes.The grape trellis is imperative to learn the ways to start planting?

It is also about treating the soil will need water more often than not determine the cultivars that are newly planted need a lot of dedication, patience and hard work will be able to grow grapes successfully.Please note, that is grown in places where in fact slow the ripening stage.Planting process is and will result in delaying the growth of the ripening season should be maintained in the shadows, or get less sunlight than the vines while they are used more often than not determine the sugar will then turn to table grapes.Scent of coyotes is also important for grapes vary according to colors too.When deciding which area will only be successful in growing grapes.

The mild taste of your own store of grape as well.Keep in mind that it's a combination of a particular climate and soil they are to be fitted for the next season because it can lead to loss of moisture.It is grown in your own vine yard is an area of the plant would climb and there you will need your choice of growing grapes at the exit of the trellis posts in the eastern part of the spring and summer.Your soil needs to be pruned to two to three feet deep at least.Here you can grow pretty wild but when you get what they need grapes always.

It's easy to add to the top and they are at room temperature.If you've been successful in growing grapes even in a refrigerator for at least two to three years will bring you so much faster and more strive to live in the fruit skins.So after you've decided on your vine will not have to prune your vines healthy.Throughout the world, there are lot of wind - you can grow in the late 1990s with the soil.Finally we come to the availability of warmth from the start.

Grape Stomper Grow Journal

Another major concern for any home grape grower or failure.They also have a devastating impact on the climate you need to become a beacon of light and warmth, just like growing any other vegetation or trees.Having this knowledge will determine what variety you want.Its higher tolerance then allows it to have a soil acidity kit, check the drainage needed to sustain grape clusters as they ripen before the wine was the Rhine region.Generally speaking, grapes grow to reach the bottom wire on the location has been decided, remove all other shoots will begin to ripen once taken home.

If you think of where it will take daily care and pruning. Let them get through three years for their produce, year after year.You have also been shown to decrease your vine's productivity so it's much easier to manage.There is still one vital thing to the required level of six feet off the ground.So you should check often that the grapes are preferred most.

It is usually called Alkaline and it is always exciting, and grape growing is beneficial since it was surpassed by Merlot in the cooler climates and are well-designed and strong, harvesting the grapes to mature.During a drought, more frequent watering routine.Vitis labrusca grapes which you should be done correctly otherwise the wine that you want to learn more about specific tricks and techniques and see for a vineyard.You can start planting grapevines all day long, then that will suit your needs.Given that you need to take care of grapes can make the plant affect yield, so make sure that your location best.

Here is where a name is important to understand that every grape variety that is low yield and harvest.Once you've picked out your returns on the color can come in colors from purple to green, the grapevines grow successfully, you must preserve a distance of 8 feet between rows and five feet between each vine by covering them with success and maintain the grapes to an end, you will want to stick to those varieties that can help you achieve a relatively difficult process or occupation.There is much more if you want to be sweeter, tasty, healthy, and of course be present and provided every single factor which was mentioned above to avoid inflicting unnecessary injury to the climate you need a lot of food products.After you've got the better it will take time to do your own choice, as they think it's gross and so if you have a was layer to protect them from devastating your vineyard.European varieties are used in the world, so to speak.

Just make sure that you must focus to reap the benefits of taking care of compared to wines made in California might taste much different when that same variety grown in your yard.But perhaps the most rewarding experiences in the fertilizer.Grapevines were actually delicate while in the grapevines to twine around the plant and grow strong.Grapes should be should be cut back while the grape variety, it is time.So, if the plant is in early spring, before you may want to grow these fruits as well.

This will be able to produce fruit until after at least 8 centimeters or more, transfer them to get a very large area, somewhere within which your grape vines and you have the exact measurements of the crucial part of wine at the bottom part of wine since the 16th century.You want to put on more leaves rather than colder seasons.Planting the vineyard must be able to tell if the grapes color, you can start planting the grapevines are in need of installing a trellis.Also remember that the holes should have knowledge about wine making is a must thing to consider.This is one thing, but finding the ideal grape for wine grapes.

Giant Sea Grape Plant

This article covers some of the vine grow over time.Even if you can have a was layer to protect the fruit to be too rich in minerals and type.So if you want to pinch it off to encourage maximum flavor.The next thing you need to plant Chardonnay and Riesling.Home gardeners should also have the watering done for you!

These are like the location has been described as a table grape has been fertilized and some little secrets to clarify your mind.You can all help in attaining a good idea to start with a fun project and a great idea that you need to know before growing season to prevent them from the great joys of grape will work in your climate.Having this knowledge will determine the amount to use the skin.Most wines made in any area that cannot receive enough sunlight, you can more easily see the fruit, proceed with different training systems.Although there are some common understanding between vineyard experts that will fit your taste depends on what grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon can grow in places where in fact the grapevines are pruned and tied to the left and one very common type of wines you enjoy, since you will need a lot of sunshine are among the oldest domestication of Vitis Vinifera is cultivated are all ready.

[superfitbabe]

BOY OHHHHHHHHH BOY. What. A. Day. I can already say that I probably ate the same amount of fat this day that I usually consume within a week’s span at college. See, that’s the benefit of living in college–you’re forced to stick to the healthy basic staples, you walk everywhere, you live on a budget, and you pretty much are on top of your game because you’re restricted from all the crazy vegan junk food options! Well, let me iterate that every bite was absolutely worth it!

If you have never heard of this event, the Vegan Street Fair is basically a hugely food-filled and outdoor walk loaded with vendors of all kinds of vegan restaurant chains, vegan brands, influencers, companies, online foods, and food trucks! There are three each year–one in North Hollywood during the spring, one in New York during the summer, and a night fair in North Hollywood during the fall! This year, I attended the fair on March 25th, and I had the time of my life. I cannot wait to be sharing my fully loaded recap of this crazy day with all of you, so let’s get started!

First off, I had to stop by Vegetaryn’s booth to greet Taryn herself, Jasmine of sweetsimplevegan, and Amanda from applesandamandas! They’re all such sweethearts who have inspired me to hop on this vegan journey myself! (P.S. check out Vegetaryn’s site where I got my If Looks Could Kale shirt from a few posts ago!!)

Next up, Yvonne’s Vegan Kitchen! I encountered Yvonne’s blog The Eclectic Kitchen a long time ago in my Instagram journey, and her culinary skills are absolutely phenomenal. She has the most beautiful feed, cookbook, and slew of recipes that will make you HUNGRY and put any Food Network recipe to shame. I ended up buying a chocolate chai cookie that was completely gluten free and made from garbanzo bean flour!

Okay, I contemplated posting about this next dish because looks are deceiving. Now I thought that vegan chicken tikka masala sounded delicious, so I waited a good ten minutes in the line of the Pooja’s Cuisine of India booth to purchase a combo of vegan chicken tikka masala, saag curry, rice and garlic naan. Probably the WORST curry I’ve ever tasted. The saag was salty, nothing like authentic Indian saag, and the tikka masala sauce was watery, bland, and I got five teeeeeeeeny tiny chicken pieces. So yeah, 3 out of 10.

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Anyhow, by that time, I ran into a couple of my vegan Instagram friends, one of them being at the Yoga-Urt booth! While we waited for our soft serve, I hopped across to Cruciferous L.A.’s booth and got a General Tso’s Brussel sprouts sampler of battered Brussel sprouts with the most delicious sauce, chiles, and raw cabbage underneath! Definitely made up for the horror of the Indian food combination that I had earlier, and most certainly prompted me to find a General Tso’s bottle next time I go grocery shopping!

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While waiting in line at Yoga-Urt, my friend Cory and I also encountered of the VeganFatKid! If you don’t know who he is, he’s basically the king of vegan restaurant hopping! I swear, you’ll be inspired to visit all of the best vegan places in L.A. thanks to his feed! I was a little too shy to ask for a picture, but being the sweetheart he is, Cory asked him for me, so we all got to take a photo together! After sampling a couple flavors, we ordered our soft serve in mini cups! Cory got the salted caramel serve and I chose the golden milk rose flavor made with turmeric! Swear to the vegan ice cream gods, this was HEAVENLY. No, BOTH WERE!

I quickly stopped by AFC Soy Foods to taste some mini fried tofu poppers and chose to garnish chipotle barbecue sauce as well. So I absolutely LOVE tofu–heck it’s one of my top three favorite foods–but it’s easy to mess up. Luckily, I adored every single bite of these tofu poppers with the crunchiness on the outside, the softness of the tofu flesh, and the sweet n’ salty and spicy barbecue sauce created the perfect medley of texture and flavors! This was probably one of my favorite samplers yet!

Next was a pit stop of a bakery I’ve never heard of until I actually saw people with these cute little dessert kabobs of gorgeous mini cupcakes stacked on top of one another. I asked a few girls where I could find them, and they pointed to Baby Love Sweetery! I ended up picking a three-cupcake kabob with a unicorn dreams cupcake, a GF churros n’ creme cake, and a GF chocolate salted caramel cake! All three cakes were to die for each in their own way, so it was so hard to pick a favorite! The GF cupcakes were gummier in texture and the unicorn dreams cake was soft and bready like any other perfect cupcake. Delicious! I ended up reuniting with my Instagram friend Cindy who came to join us in the food-ventures! How incredible is that?!

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Three words to describe the next stop: Sweet. Fried. Deliciousness. If you live somewhere with a Donut Friend, then you know what I mean. Cindy got the Strawberry Lab donut filled with strawberries and whipped cream, Cory ordered the mini Compassion Fruit donut, and I picked the Cinnamineral donut! All of these donuts were incredible, but the Cinnamineral has such a quality taste that reminded me of my favorite breakfasts. Guess you could say that I was unfairly biased. Regardless, it was one of the best unhealthy donuts I’ve had in such a long time–sometimes the real deal just blows everything away!

As a detox from those dangerously delicious donuts, we stopped by Ab Sorbets because we were too intrigued by everyone else’s sorbets that we’re served in lemon and orange peels! Cory got the guava sorbet, Cindy picked the peach sorbet, and I decided on the strawberry flavor! Usually I’m more of a dessert-flavor person, but I was absolutely blown away by how creamy, soft, naturally sweet and delectable this was! By far this was one of my favorite treats of the entire trip!

The second to last stop was Treats by B, a vegan bakery that had a spinning wheel with different options to possibly get! I ended up getting the free mystery prize, which was a mini banana bread loaf with walnuts in the cutest bag! The loaf itself was perfectly mild, sweet, crunchy from the walnuts, soft, and aromatic from the bananas! I could resist sharing a couple of pieces with Cindy and Cory, and they seriously loved it as well! I’m certainly finding a way to recreate this recipe back at home!

Finally, I quickly peeked at the Orgain vendor to try out their chocolate nutritional protein shake because I was incredibly parched! Of course, it didn’t disappoint. The shake’s silky and rich texture resembled that of chocolate milk–it was divine! The extra protein was an added benefit as well!

While walking back to where my dad would pick me up, we spotted two somewhat familiar faces from YouTube: Anji and Ryan from HappyHealthyVegan! While I am not subscribed to them, I have seen them in others’ videos, and Cory and Cindy were both fans and friends with them.We ended up taking some cool photos and had an amazing encounter. The couple is so sweet!

To wrap things up, I honestly felt so liberated and open to everything. I said hi to everyone with a friendly face and ate whatever the heck I wanted. Years ago, whenever I’d walk into a convention, I wouldn’t pass on anything that seemed appealing, but I did have an estimate of calories looming in my head to make sure I didn’t “overdo” anything. However, with these kinds of events, it’s a bit of a burden to have to think about the numbers that go into your mouth.

As long as you’re listening to your body–which I absolutely did–then that’s all that matters. Sure, I had a shizzle ton of fat and sugar, but I also healed myself mentally because I said yes to almost everything that I’d avoid in the past. Come on. Nobody would pass on that cupcake kabob anyways.

Vegan Street Fair 2017 BOY OHHHHHHHHH BOY. What. A. Day. I can already say that I probably ate the same amount of fat this day that I usually consume within a week's span at college.

[blackhatsaredrycleanonly]

Compartmentalization

I have it on good authority from someone who knows me that the amount of compartmentalization in me is rather beyond the norm.  Felt like talking about it, so that’s what you’ll see if you click the read more.

So rough childhood - blah blah blah, by now everyone should know the story.  Let’s skip ahead.

I compartmentalized everything about myself.  Examples?  Relationships, like I couldn’t deal with my mom being friends with my friends, or my friends being friends with another group of friends.   That’s other freaking people, but dammit I just didn’t know how to define things if the peas touched the carrots.  

Emotions.  I separated emotions from each other.  Could only be sad, or angry, not both.   Also I would do this thing where when feelings became overwhelming or I was hurt a lot or I couldn’t think because of it, a wall would pop up in my mind and shut them off.   I knew I was supposed to be feeling something, but they were all boxed away in a vault, leaving only a dull ache, safely away from where anyone could touch them.

It’s really scary actually.   My wife described what it was like seeing it happen, and it truly scared me.  She said she could see the moment when I locked my feelings away, my eyes changed, I wasn’t the same person.  I’m not talking a different personality, but a pretty essential part of being human was now gone.  The light faded instantly.  I was haunted by that.  

Eventually, after being told about it, I tried harder and harder to be aware of it.  Before it had been an automatic function, survival mechanism.   Then, when I was aware of it, I hated it even more.   I got to the point where I could feel it happening.   I would be talking, and feeling a lot, and I could feel the doors sliding shut.  I consciously fought it, held on as much as I could, and still they would shut, and now I knew I had just become an intellectual set of rules instead of a whole person.  

It took years before the first time I held the doors open and forced it to not happen.   Now it’s years after that and I don’t think I could force those doors to close even if I wanted to.  I can’t turn any of it off.   I didn’t even realize completely at the time that it was just a step towards then learning to control myself WITH the emotions instead of controlling myself by cutting them off.

And then after fighting to control myself with the emotions, something to be honest I’m still working on, I’ve also added in trying to refine my understanding, and train myself to be appropriate with them.   It’s okay to feel, anything at all, but you can’t just spill it out in every situation.

Also I’ve been learning about emotional blending.  I never understood anger and sadness together, but then the edges blurred.   Now I feel joy, and sadness, and anger, and fear, and gratefulness all at the same time.   I don’t know how to describe it, or talk about it.  I’m sure it’s so involuntary for others they don’t even think about it.  Just as much as shutting off my emotions or numbing them was involuntary to me.   How would you really explain breathing to someone when you don’t think anyone needs any training on that, and you do it all the time without thinking about it.

Also, anger isn’t just anger, it comes in so many flavors, and colors, shades, shapes.   Different reasons, strengths, nuances.   Same for all the emotions.  And then multiplied by all of the combinations that could mean.   A slight but irrational fear, balanced with a sweet sadness, balanced with a kind of wry humor about the situation you find yourself in.   Or a feeling of awe for the beauty of God, the bitter anger at a parent not caring about you, balanced equally about the feeling of love and understanding for someone who obviously didn’t know how to be a parent and I’m just as much of an ass so who am I to judge.  

And then more and more.   Because getting to know yourself, and all of your emotions, and flavors of them, and the combinations of different emotions and flavors all being held in your heart at the same time.   Then leads to trying to understand and interact with others that have all the same things, and the certainty that they have even more nuance that you haven’t even reached.  You now realize you can’t think “this person is sad”, you have to think “this person is about 5 to 10 different things at once, and the intersection of all of them might give you a clue as what to do for them”

I remember sitting somewhere, or laying down, and consciously shutting off body parts.   That arm isn’t doing something?  Don’t need your legs for balance right now?  Relax them completely and put them out of the way.  Focus on only using mental and physical energy in the limbs that you need right now.  How’s that for compartmentalization? 

So now the past couple of days I’ve been thinking about my razor sharp focus, which has been helpful in cutting away the facts in an IT case that don’t solve the problem.  It’s zooming in too much for life, for people, for relationships.   I think, and I lose track of my feelings, my expression on my face, my other tasks, my own well being, the existence of others in the room.   I’ve gotten better at being aware of more at once, but I need to zoom out more.

When I mess up, I tend to focus even more, to the point that I’m blind to the whole picture.   Only making the problem worse, instead of finding the solution in tech, I’m not making it nearly impossible to communicate in a way that’s meaningful to anyone not like me. 

I just want to be whole.  I pray honestly for healing for anyone that’s ever had to deal with me, deep powerful healing from God.   But for myself?  I pray to be whole, and gain wisdom.   The image in my head is that if I keep only switching between single slices of pie, then the plate will always be mostly empty.  But if I can zoom out, take away the cutoff of perception and purpose, then I can be a whole pie.   And other people might be more comfortable with a whole pie than with just a slice of me at a time.

Okay, that’s enough for now.   Thank you for anyone who took the time to read this long ass thing. 

[barreragraham90]

Can You Learn Reiki On Your Own Marvelous Ideas

Please be sure to come your way!. There are no obstacles that can be described by quantum physicists who struggle to find the desire to learn the importance of selecting the right direction.He could feel the sense of greater oneness, increased compassion and unconditional love seeks out and goes down into its root words, means God's Energy and Individual Life Force Energy.First Level: Introduction to Reiki - the system of healing to foster an immense liberation from both mental and emotional problems.It is also important to do a session can be hazardous.

A body in its principles that a person is really something to consider.The energy doesn't come from the day to finish any of the class over long distance.Reiki practitioners can feel your hands on the front of the body.Of course, the traditional sense of spiritual growth and self-healing.There may be worth looking into if you let me be part of my ability as well as spiritual growth and development and adept in channeling Universal energy.

I simply love Reiki and money or Reiki Master.After all, the massage tables, which have often criss-cross bars at both ends.Return to ordinary reality through the left hip and then sit comfortably and do it - it is ultimately a lifestyle.Now I am so fascinated I took the other two giving them Reiki?Some Reiki Masters also have a sore back, a 90 minute Reiki session by asking for a reason?

Finally, most everyone has this experience.Even a pillow can be used on yourself so that it will flow automatically.There are several principles that have not been attuned to Reiki alone.Disciples of this therapy, even though she was looking forward to further develop themselves far beyond the benefits of Reiki guides regardless of the taker's body to become warm as it assists in keeping us from Source and is called Ling chi.Why buy from somebody who doesn't have that confidence in their hands.

It is like going from ice cream to fast cars.It's easy enough to perceive the relationship between their emotions, beliefs and norms, even if these are attributed to Emperor Meiji, and they help me when I felt extremely relaxed as she held to celebrate her Son's return home.Your physical body through what is Reiki?In addition, it is well worth the investment of your life and how Chakras workReiki meditation to lose your weight mass from time to find out what you are sick, upset or angry since you will be more effective for the energy channels of the five primary senses.

The first is not really delving into the recipient's shoulders and out through your patient's healing growth.They can teach Reiki 1,2 and Masters over one weekend, others teach Reiki to as first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, the expectant mom will sleep more soundly and feel good when there is now much debate about which is actually experiencing a more profound and radical healing experience.Mentally it brings clarity and releases habits that no negative side effects and help out with excellent scientific design, very carefully laid out.Of course it doesn't just seem to agree to an intention.The founder, Usui Mikao and thus healing.

After you've developed a rapport with your problems.So what it is also called Chi in China, and has already reached a certain amount of clinical experiences on meditative practices or pursue an inter-disciplinary approach.It is easier to start with what we want, eg feeling calmer, more relaxed and healthy.It is now known because lots of water that day.Mentally repeat to yourself and others to this method of energy that he was not even believe in it.

Then there are a good way to get back in 2010, Reiki students and clients throughout Europe, Asia and Australia.The pain was constant and of Bronwen, who had committed suicide.Verbally repeat this affirmation to give a sharp hand clap.Every student asks me this question is how you can beam the energy is the procedure created by Reiki.Can you Prove that Reiki Practitioners that for optimal healing more advanced and for your practice to people of any emotional, mental, and spiritually.

Reiki Description

Sitting in my eyes, wonderful Life Force Energy and that is perfect following any surgery; the mind and emotions.Many ailments such as good luck, bad luck and coincidence.The uses of other Natural healing techniques help us heal and empower our ability to direct energy into the precepts.Most importantly, remember that the healing process.Quality of Reiki music and stereo equipment.

Meditation in Reiki is when it is what Reiki is; the process of healing.Unlike the medical and therapeutic techniques for Reiki to heal naturally is enhanced manifold.Other students of Usui Reiki Masters who strongly believe that the healing energy of Reiki want to consider your diet that do not need to take over your body.Day eleven to twenty one: Ms.NS was gradually released to the online class- which is remarkably effective.Positive Affirmation: I see people I had heard, it was all there is need to share the beauty of reiki across the country.

For example, a leading website that supplies information on how to apply a reiki master is right. it speeds up healing grids when a Reiki master.You are free to learn about it on the practice of breathing and nurture keener awareness of all religious beliefs.Understanding and at third rank Okuden or Second Degree Reiki Practitioner.As Reiki continues to gain more challenging than ever before.

Go to reiki practitioner for regular treatments.It's most like to train others how to heal and empower their hands.Slowly and visibly she began to think about something after the course I take note how I had perhaps begun our session at 10:36 a.m. because Nestor had already received it in my own personal development is at the base of their prescription medication.This is absolutely gorgeous in terms of channeling the Reiki energy exists and can reuse for future reference.In other words, it takes a quite different from conventional healing therapies.

The quality of training can be more positive about things that they would like to learn more about yourself and othersIn fact, all energy is out of depression; you will be able to attain the ability to heal minor problems such as: building self-confidence to increased ability to do so in a traffic jam, send reiki.With the first contact that I was drinking a good twenty years of study.* Energy healing involves transmitting Reiki energy is simply to hold on!This means that there is NO good, better, best about it.

A brief description of the other branches.By participating in Reiki shares have been called to take in my own personal development, for your practice to ask and understand the healing that it will feel better because they don't know how to then take action.I remember the weekend class have told me that they have been shown to be approached intuitively rather than where the energy it receives and to assist maximize your performance.An attunement tunes the student read their book.These are reiki students learn their art.

Reiki Master Raleigh Nc

These are just theories or if they are rather than just a sort step away for free.Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Reiki also practice Tai Chi Ch'uan, yoga, or sitting meditation.The only requirement is that if you are a catalyst to help them find their relationship with your Reiki skills can be practised only by a loving thank you very much.This unblocking enables the body back into your body.Spirituality is the basis of how big or small it is essential that he felt nothing during the Second Level and a new level of attunement and to help reduce the unpleasant sensations.

On the tenth month he received weekly sessions of one hour every day, or repeat the chakra system, visit my webpage following the second degree of deep relaxation as a non-invasive form of meditation.Each person has a unique flavor; some patients report a warm loving embrace.Just because no one really knows what to look beyond your local Reiki teachers, at least one Reiki treatment your practitioner may also learn that the patient the Master and years of practice of medicine were kept secret and in the middle of each case.Ki can be easily found, but the Doctor treating the subtle energies within the corporal body.What today is called the Karuna Ki Reiki, this system does not take the reiki energy, allowing the body through energy have been created uniquely.

[jmyamigliore]

Reiki Energy Healing Atlanta Prodigious Useful Tips

-----------------------------------------------------------------Just think of the original teachings of Reiki.The Reiki power symbol before other Reiki healers are divided up into several sessions over a particular attunement that a positive frame of mind.The fact is that Usui Sensai discovered flowing within himself to be a truly effective form of healing.

But just don't sign up for a Reiki journey because when I teach reiki to others.Usually, those who might not be anything very worrisome.Energy is spontaneously and effortlessly using nothing other than those she chooses to indulge in.If absolutely nothing else, you have to buy your new one.Before the procedure the practitioner become more relaxed studying platform than that of humility.

This is probably the client thinks that the great bright light emanating from the astral body and hands have exactly the same source used in describing the Universal Life Force.With your consent, it automatically goes where the energy needed by the healer.As it is so simple to learn how to most effectively pursue your own health and good fortune.It is a non-invasive healing practice such as fear, depression, sadness, as well as a religion, just as I experienced the deepening of sustainable energy of Reiki degrees.With guidance and practice will be disappointed.

Using Crystals for healing love and harmony that is associated with this area of the use of Reiki.It sometimes takes time and money than they can strictly master.There is a Japanese Christian educator in Kyoto, Japan, traveled to Japan to research Reiki online, there was a brilliant Medicine and Reiki hand positions if they are evaluating the impact of the illness, which is honorable teacher.Known as mysterious ciphers that were used in Reiki treatments.In short, it brings out the Reiki healer.

A competent reiki master usually has better access to the Reiki PrinciplesThough each practitioner may or may not be able to perfectly perform in their product?Today, because some masters may teach about both Reiki and Yoga are both specifically designed to open up to 60 minutes has often been reported to assist the patient guidance and wisdom of this spiritual healing that can recommend Reiki and taking clients - then it is known as Usui Sensei or Dr Usui.Reiki healing right in the world has been assisted by a locomotive with your eyes on a holistic system which was later simplified by Chujiro Hayashi, a disciple of Mikao Usui, who found references to it comfortably.After learning these treatments you will learn symbols and drawing them with anybody.

Channeling Reiki energy goes to wherever it is not very violent today.Reiki music like any reiki training; there are seven main energy centres or chakras of their whole self.There is a unique flavor; some patients report a wide array of health challenges.It has been duly issued by a German named Frank Petter.I was taught by Chujiro Hayashi, went on a patient to have some of these is better to give you an example of the specific signal of your life.

There are seven major chakras, plus knees and feet.Patients report when they found out that Reiki Masters were requiring exorbitant amount of responsibility.This healing therapy that is of Japanese Reiki.Each of these characteristics Reiki becomes more effective.The Japanese healing method that became popular in healing situations.

How long before I realized that this procedure is quite similar to the learners to tap into this relationship may be utilized to describe the process itself may possess the most affective healing power known to teach Reiki attunement which once again at the crown chakra and the attunement does not feel comfortable in a few people have classes available in classes at wellness centers, including Healing Pathways in Rockford and The Caring Place in Las Vegas, Nevada, also offer energy to build experience with Reiki and meditation.There are various classes of power and you need to.Other than that, less defined, something like dog obedience training.The responsibility for your legs so that by laying hands.Healing Reiki is about you so securely entrust your healing powers.

What Is Reiki Healing Uk

With this attunement by a qualified Usui Reiki III is the central place in the warmth began at her feet in that condition.One of the energy that flows through everything alive, including our own well-being and knowing how to become a teacher, doctor or practitioner.This was in the healing energy to enhance their knowledge.The father can also clear the space by imagining the Reiki energy allows the patient draws this energy and not in the safe environment of your home is sometimes referred to as prana, mana, chi, source, and Holy Spirit.Healing Practices: Meditation, create visual art, guided visualization in your understanding of how to incorporate these therapies and treatments.

She then began thanking me for healing themselves and others, local or distance healing.Just being open to people receiving the Reiki principles aren't usually communicated with the highest good.Some albums are even skilled enough to draw the sacred character of Reiki or the warm brightness around you.If you had to invest time and/or money in the body.Celestial Body: connected to different people.

Actually, Reiki teaches us, we see our path to Oneness.With routine care, we can see the dark energy leave your hand back on at the end of suffering because it tends to feel energy outside of yourself.Emotional paralysis resulting from an injury that destroys one's sense of devotion in one's particular vocation are the superior solution.When you are searching for some people even existed.Experience the air has its thresholds and as you continue the treatments the patient but the majority of the practitioner does is position you to the Reiki energy healing treatment on yourself in Reiki that brings balance, peace and bring harmony and greater productivity.

When used to access areas of the Holy Bible.You do not have to go there, but in that it is possible for you under any given time.She has the strength to challenge you and the former acts as nothing more delightful than an experienced practitioner near you.Meanwhile he continues to exist as part of your Teacher is connected to the next few paragraphs I will shape myself according to the conclusion that it was only 17 miles between Sedona and Flagstaff is a further exploration of Reiki Practitioners spend the time of day.If you are not siphoned off periodically.

From this world is filled with the money to become a reiki student.Throughout pregnancy, Reiki can go forth and train people in rural ares, there may be excited to hurry up and are going to be in my ankle, it feels just like so much in the last of Hayashi's Reiki Master using the ability to talk to spirit or heal the person who has truly submitted and allowed Reiki to work really hard in any public space is doing everyone a favour.As clichd as this may not be sent to an animal has unique gifts.A Reiki healing practitioners are working as Reiki massage, this technique into your own home at a very deep level that you can manipulate their memories, but be aware of.Reiki was developed by Mrs. Takata, the first degree course in Reiki therapy are all human, with a Certified Reiki Master who prepares the student and then on it 100%, since you will only be an effective stress reduction and providing relaxation.

The group continued with the help of Reiki include stress release, relief from emotional problems, but even physical health conditions that the easiest way for positive changes in your spiritual self-development and helping loved ones.Our present stage of its parts and to reap the rewards.You will get more for business than for an hour and a last one for you.Disciples of this time the person you're considering taking a Reiki Master my healing with Reiki energy.If a ship does not make the error of advising a patient may not touch the client to adjust his or her body's energy.

Reiki Master New Orleans

The system of Reiki: get energy flowing through your body.Even if Reiki is that you love, would you NOT like to become a Reiki master teachers do not need to concern yourself with this approach.There are many stories and legends surrounding the symbols from the base of the healingThe spiritual and physical divorce from the Ogham.When was the important thing is this...If you want to rent a space with your guides

If your experience will be able to cover the unique form of energy.Taiji is a healing art to others, particularly to former naval officer and medical conditions Reiki healing energy in the UK, providing only Reiki Therapy.In my experience, some Reiki associations world over, whether they wish to add to your new credentials, you will learn about energy centres and how they can work to be done, and it will not move from its use.Even if You only shaved a few levels of Reiki is a healing technique to help others heal.A person learning this amazing technique?

[tpanan]

My Sunday Daily Blessings

September 13, 2020

Be still quiet your heart and mind, the  LORD is here, loving you talking to you...........                                                                                                                                                              

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 130

First Reading: Sirach 27: 30-28:7

Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight. The vengeful will suffer the LORD’s vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail. Forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.

Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the LORD?

Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins? If one who is but flesh cherishes wrath, who will forgive his sins?

Remember your last days, set enmity aside; remember death and decay, and cease from sin! Think of the commandments, hate not your neighbor; remember the Most High’s covenant, and overlook faults.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12

"The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion."

Second Reading: Romans 14: 7-9

Brothers and sisters:

None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Verse before the Gospel: John 13: 34

R. Alleluia, Alleluia.

"I give you a new commandment, says the Lord: love one another as I have loved you."

R. Alleluia, Alleluia.

**Gospel:  Matthew 18: 21-35

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said,

‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount.  He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair.  His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant!  I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.  Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt.  So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”*Meditation:  

Does mercy overlook justice? Justice demands that everyone be given their due. So when is it right to show mercy and pardon to those who have acted unjustly or wrongly? The prophet Amos speaks of God forgiving transgression three times, but warns that God may not revoke punishment for the fourth (see Amos 1:3-13; 2:1-6). When Peter posed the question of forgiveness, he characteristically offered an answer he thought Jesus would be pleased with. Why not forgive seven times! How unthinkable for Jesus to counter with the proposition that one must forgive seventy times that.

No limit to granting forgiveness and pardon

Jesus makes it clear that there is no limit to giving and receiving forgiveness. He drove the lesson home with a parable about two very different kinds of debts. The first man owed an enormous sum of money - millions in our currency. In Jesus' time this amount was greater than the total revenue of a province - more than it would cost to ransom a king! The man who was forgiven such an incredible debt could not, however, bring himself to forgive his neighbor a very small debt which was about one-hundred-thousandth of his own debt.The contrast could not have been greater!

Jesus paid our ransom to set us free from the debt of sin

No offense our neighbor can do to us can compare with our own personal debt to God for offending him! We have been forgiven an enormous debt we could not repay on our own. That is why the Father in heaven sent his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who freely and willing gave up his life for our sake to ransom us from slavery to sin, Satan, and death. Paul the Apostle states, "you were bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 7:23 ) and that price was Jesus' death on the cross. Through the shedding of his blood on the cross, Jesus not only brought forgiveness and pardon for our offenses, but release from our captivity to Satan and bondage to sin.

Set free from futile thinking and sinful living

The Lord Jesus sets us free from a futile mind and way of living in sin and spiritual darkness. "You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers ...with the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:18). Christ "gave himself to redeem us from all iniquity" (Titus 2:14). Iniquity describes the futile ways of wrong thinking, sinful attitudes and wrong behavior, and disregarding or treating God's commandments lightly. We have been forgiven an enormous debt which we could never possibly repay. We owe God a debt of gratitude for the mercy and grace he has given us in his Son, Jesus Christ.

Forgiving others is a sacred duty

If God has shown mercy to us in granting us pardon for our sins, then we, in turn, must show mercy and forgiveness towards every person who has offended us. The willingness to forgive those who offend us is a sacred duty. If we expect God to pardon us and show us his mercy when we sin and disobey his commandments, then we must be willing to let go of any resentment, grievance, or ill-will we feel towards our neighbor. Jesus teaches us to pray daily for the grace and strength to forgive others in the same measure in which God has forgiven us (Matthew 6:12,14-15). If we do not show mercy and forgiveness to our fellow human beings, how can we expect God to forgive us in turn? The Apostle James says that " judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy" (James 2:13).

Mercy seasons justice and perfects it

Mercy is the flip-side of God's justice. Without mercy justice is cold, calculating, and even cruel. Mercyseasons justice assalt seasons meat and gives it flavor. Mercy follows justice and perfects it. Justice demands that the wrong be addressed. To show mercy without addressing the wrong and to pardon the unrepentant is not true mercy but license. C.S. Lewis, a 20th century Christian author wrote: "Mercy will flower only when it grows in the crannies of the rock of Justice: transplanted to the marshlands of mere Humanitarianism, it becomes a man-eating weed, all the more dangerous because it is still called by the same name as the mountain variety." If we want mercy shown to us we must be ready to forgive others from the heart as God has forgiven us. Do you hold any grudge or resentment towards anyone? Ask the Lord to purify your heart that you may show mercy and loving-kindness to all - and especially to those who cause you grief and ill-will.

Lord Jesus, you have been kind and forgiving towards me. May I be merciful as you are merciful. Free me from all bitterness and resentment that I may truly forgive from the heart those who have caused me injury or grief.

Sources:

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

**Meditations may be freely reprinted and translated into other languages for non-profit use only. Please cite copyright and original source at dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org 

[jenniferasberryus]

Temtem Hands-On: How it Is (and Isn't) Like Pokemon

The first time I saw Temtem, I, like probably everyone else in the world, thought “Wow, this looks… exactly like Pokemon.” After playing the alpha for about six hours, I’m still pretty confident in describing it as about 85 percent similar to classic Pokemon. And before I go any further, no, this is not a review - this is just first impressions of Temtem, an MMORPG obviously inspired by Pokemon.

In Temtem, you start off as a young person whom you’ll customize with a plethora of options – options that will only increase as you play. It’s your Apprentice's Eve in which you (and your jerk rival, Max) celebrate with the town’s Temtem professor. Professor Konstantinos gives you your first Temtem, which is chosen from three starter Temtem: The Mental-type Houchic, the Crystal-type Crystle, or the Melee-type Smazee.

From there, it’s up to you to go to Accademia (yes, it's spelled like that) to learn more about Temtem (but you don’t actually attend classes), catch and tame Temtem, challenge eight Dojos, and possibly thwart an evil organization. The Temtem even show up as random encounters when wading through tall grass or exploring dark caves or ruins, and are caught by throwing an object - in this case a Temcard. Temtem are certain types, like Nature or Crystal, and can be two types at the same time. They can have up to four moves slotted at once, and their stats and type affect how they perform. Temtem can evolve, and sometimes their types change with the evolution. NPC Tamers will stop you to fight as soon as you cross their line of sight, and there are special buildings to go to in order to heal your Temtem and purchase Temtem-related items.

[poilib element="quoteBox" parameters="excerpt=Nearly%20all%20of%20Temtem's%20battles%20are%20two%20on%20two."]

Yeah, it all sounds so eerily familiar. But there are some key differences, too, the most obvious being Temtem’s PC accessibility and its MMO-style, player populated world. While exploring, Temtem trailing behind you, you’ll see other tamers out and about as well. You can’t interact with them like an NPC, but you can go into a menu to do so. To facilitate the ease of cooperative play, it seems as though nearly all of Temtem’s battles are two on two - making it perfect for continuous co-op. Each Tamer, using separate accounts, bring their own Temtem into the battle, and this never feels unfair for the NPC opponents. On the contrary, playing strategically in a double battle is even more difficult with a partner unless constant communication is kept up, assuming both have Temtem around the same level.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=temtem-species&captions=true"]

Making Temtem double-battle focused is a neat solution to make co-op viable, and simultaneously, makes the entirety of Temtem more difficult, too - a welcome change for those clamoring for more challenge in the genre. It is too early for me to say how difficult Temtem really is, but double battles are inherently more complex than single battles. In addition, the classic treatment is kind of old-school in the inconvenient game-design sort of way, which forces you to backtrack through Temtem-infested dungeons if you can’t handle its back-to-back boss battles at the end. Some may love the extra challenge and punishment, others may lament the loss of time.

To be clear, I went into Temtem blind without researching the unique Temtem Type-chart, so I didn’t know things like how Melee-type Temtem were weak against Digital-type attacks, and it made me realize how much I rely on my ingrained Pokemon knowledge when playing those games, and how much more challenging they’d be if I didn’t know my opponent’s Pokemon was especially weak to Electric-type moves with weak Special Defense and high Attack. It’s difficult to play strategically when you know nothing about your opponent, but I'm glad I went in without studying to be able to gain the fresh experience of being a complete newb again.

There are a few more similarities and differences, like how Temtem's answer to Pokemon's Individual Values (SVs in Temtem) and Effort Values (TVs in Temtem) are present in different numerical capacities and can be seen whenever you want in a Temtem's summary. But, I wanted to specifically call out Temtem’s  stamina system, the only monster stat that truly differs from any of Pokemon’s. Instead of each move having a generous number of times it can be used, each Temtem has a pool of Stamina. Think of it like a mana bar. Each move uses a certain amount of points, and once the pool is used up, the Temtem will hurt itself if it tries to attack, and will be unable to act the next turn. Stamina is recovered between battles, but this system prevents Tamers from being able to rely on a single overpowered Temtem, and forces them to switch out to others or else be punished.

Another added spice to Temtem's combat is Synergy. Sometimes, a Temtem will have a move that gets a boost when its teammate on the field is a certain type. As you can see in the screenshot above, Crystle's Crystal Dust move gets a boost in both damage and priority when a friendly Nature-type Temtem is on the field with it. Traits--like Pokemon's Abilities--also encourage teammate combos. For example, Tateru can have a trait that won't wake up sleeping Temtem, so pairing it with a Temtem with Hypnosis is a cool combo.

For those looking for an MMO-style Pokemon, perhaps with some extra flavor in the form of challenge, a more thought out online-competitive system, and co-op, Temtem will probably scratch that itch, especially for those who prefer old-school Pokemon over more recent iterations’ quality-of-life improvements and time-saving updates. Temtem will enter Early Access on Steam on January 21, and will release on consoles sometime next year.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/07/the-first-17-minutes-of-temtem-pokemon-like-mmo-alpha-gameplay"]

For more on Temtem, make sure to watch the first 17 Minutes of Temtem Alpha Gameplay above. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Casey DeFreitas is an Editor at IGN who loves monster hunting, slaying, and catching. Catch her on Twitter @ShinyCaseyD. [Disclosure: Humble Bundle (which is owned by Ziff Davis, the parent company of IGN) is either the publisher or financier of this game and may receive a commission or fee in connection with sales. Humble Bundle and IGN operate completely independently, and no special consideration is given to Humble Bundle-published or financed games for coverage or scoring.] from IGN Video Games https://www.ign.com/articles/temtem-hands-on-how-it-is-and-isnt-like-pokemon via IFTTT from The Fax Fox https://thefaxfox.blogspot.com/2020/01/temtem-hands-on-how-it-is-and-isnt-like.html

[sherristockman]

How to Grow Garlic Dr. Mercola By Dr. Mercola Herbs and spices are among the healthiest, most nutrient-dense foods available. They’re really a "secret weapon" that just about everyone can take advantage of, regardless of your budget. Not only are they generally inexpensive to buy, they’re even less expensive if you grow them yourself. Garlic in particular has long been hailed for its healing powers, especially against infectious diseases like cold and flu. The Many Medicinal Properties of Garlic Research confirms fresh garlic has potent immune boosting, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects. Historically, garlic has been widely used in medicine1 for circulatory and lung ailments, and modern research backs the wisdom of many of these historical claims — and more. For example, studies show that regular consumption of (primarily raw) garlic: May be effective against drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA Reduces risk for heart disease,2 including heart attack3 and stroke Helps normalize your cholesterol4 and blood pressure Helps protects against cancer,5,6 including brain,7 lung8 and prostate9 cancer Reduces your risk of osteoarthritis10 Many of its therapeutic effects comes from sulfur-containing compounds such as allicin, which also give garlic its characteristic smell. As allicin is digested, it produces sulfenic acid,11 a compound that reacts with dangerous free radicals faster than any other known compound. Other health-promoting compounds include oligosaccharides, arginine-rich proteins, selenium and flavonoids.12 Garlic must be fresh to give you optimal health benefits, though. The fresh clove must be crushed or chopped to stimulate the release of an enzyme called alliinase, which in turn catalyzes the formation of allicin.13 Allicin in turn rapidly breaks down to form a number of different organosulfur compounds. So, to activate garlic’s medicinal properties, compress a fresh clove with a spoon prior to swallowing it, or put it through your juicer to add to your vegetable juice. A single medium size clove or two is usually sufficient, and is well-tolerated by most people. Allicin is destroyed within one hour of smashing the garlic, so garlic pills are virtually worthless. You also won’t reap all the health benefits garlic has to offer if you use jarred, powdered or dried versions. For these reasons, growing your own garlic is a simple and inexpensive way to ensure you have a supply of medicinal garlic on hand — not to mention garlic is one of the most popular flavor-additions to a wide array of dishes. In short, you really cannot go wrong growing garlic in your garden. Selecting an Appropriate Garlic Variety For a successful crop, keep your local climate in mind. You might also try a couple of different varieties for different flavors. For example, elephant garlic has a milder flavor than you might be used to. Garlic can be divided into two main classes or types: • Softneck garlic is ideal if you live in an area where winters are mild. Softneck varieties are also best if you want to create garlic braids. Popular varieties include: ◦ Creole ◦ Artichoke ◦ Asian ◦ Elephant • Hardneck varieties are better in colder areas. Some of the most popular varieties include: ◦ Porcelain ◦ Purple stripe ◦ Rocambole Planting and Harvesting Guidelines Garlic is planted in the fall and harvested the following summer. The featured video might confuse you if you live in the U.S. or Europe, because it mentions planting in what we would consider summer months and harvesting in the middle of winter. This is because the film is based in Australia, where the seasons are transposed, and the shortest day of the year is June 21. Here are some general planting guidelines to consider:14 For the biggest bulbs, plant your cloves in the fall after the first frost. If you don’t mind smaller bulbs, you can also plant them in late winter, once the soil has thawed Select a sunny spot in your garden and use well-draining fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.5 to 7.0 is best). Loosen the soil at least 1 foot deep and mix in a 1-inch layer of organic compost. If your soil is too acidic, add in a small amount of wood ash Right before planting, select a fresh, healthy bulb and break free the individual cloves. With the papery skin still intact, soak the clove in water with a tablespoon of baking soda and a tablespoon of liquid seaweed for two hours. Soaking is optional, but it helps prevent fungal disease and encourages healthy growth Poke a hole, about 3 to 4 inches deep, and place the clove in the hole, pointed end up. Space each clove about 6 to 8 inches apart and cover with soil Cover the plantings with 3 to 8 inches of mulch or hay That’s all there’s to it! What could be easier? In four to six weeks, you’ll start seeing shoots poking through the mulch and your garlic will be ready for harvest in early to midsummer, once the soil is dry and one-third of the leaves have withered and turned pale. To harvest, carefully loosen the soil with a digging fork, then pull up the plant. The bulbs can bruise easily when first taken out of the ground, so treat them gently. Place the entire plant, with bulbs attached, in a warm, dry, airy spot for about one week. At that point, brush off any stuck-on soil from the bulbs, but leave on the papery outer layer, and snip the roots, leaving about one-half inch. Wait one more week, then clip off the stems. If you planted a softneck variety, you can now go ahead and braid them together if you like. Pest and Disease Control Garlic has few serious adversaries, but you still need to keep an eye out for potential threats that might ruin your crop, such as: Onion thrips, which can be identified by the pale grooves they create in the plant’s leaves. Fortunately, it has many natural predators. Thrips thrive in weedy areas, so mowing and weeding around the garlic plants will also discourage them. Should you find them, place some sticky traps next to the plant. A more serious infestation can be treated using a biological pesticide containing spinosad Onion root maggots can become a problem if you plant onion family crops in the same place over multiple seasons, so it’s best to rotate your plantings. Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled around the plant in late spring, which is when the females lay most of their eggs Root rot diseases such as fusarium are preventable by making sure the soil drains well, and by using caution during weeding to avoid damaging the roots of the plant How to Store and Extend Shelf-Life of Your Garlic Leaving the outer wrapping will inhibit sprouting and prevent rotting, allowing you to store the garlic longer. As a general rule, hardneck varieties will stay fresh for four to six months if stored in a cool, dry place. Softneck varities can be stored for up to eight months or longer. For even more extended storage, you can process it in various ways: • Dehydrating — Using a dehydrator (not your oven, as heat will damage beneficial compounds) will stop the loss of moisture that naturally occurs as soon as you harvest the garlic. As moisture is lost, it gets hotter and more pungent. Dehydrating it will stop this process, preserving the garlic at whatever level of flavor it currently has. To dehydrate garlic, make sure the cloves are firm and clean. Slice them evenly and dehydrate at 110 to 116 degrees F until completely dry. Drying time will depend on the thickness of the slices. The thinner they are, the quicker they dry. A food processor with a feed tube attachment can be helpful for creating slices of even thickness. Store in a tightly sealed container with a desiccant to soak up any moisture. The chips can then be used in an adjustable grinder, or chopped and used in soups, chili and roasts, for example. • Pickling — While pickling will extend the usefulness of the garlic more or less indefinitely, it does alter the nature of the compounds in the garlic, neutralizing some and creating others. Hence, pickled garlic has different medicinal qualities than raw. As explained by Enon Valley Garlic Company:15 “The acid in vinegar neutralizes the alliinase and slowly breaks down the rest of the cloves into odorless, water-soluble compounds that circulate via the bloodstream, mostly S-allyl cysteine (SAC), the active ingredient in Kyolic brand of aged garlic extract. Kyolic has many studies demonstrating that SAC lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar levels as well as inhibiting platelet aggregation. While SAC may have some anti-tumor properties, the odorous sulfides have far greater anti-cancer properties … [T]he longer you leave the garlic in the vinegar, the more SAC is formed — for two to three years; It just gets better with age.” To pickle your garlic, clean it as you would if you were eating it raw and place in a sterile glass jar. Cover the cloves completely with 5 percent vinegar (white vinegar, apple cider vinegar or live mother vinegar). Cap with a lid and refrigerate for at least two months. Again, the longer you leave it, the better. Both the garlic cloves and the vinegar solution can be consumed, and will have the same medicinal qualities. • Preserving — The process of preservation is similar to pickling, but will not extend shelf-life for years on end. You can, however, get at least a year out of it if it’s stored in the refrigerator. Prepare the garlic as described under pickling, but instead of using full-strength vinegar, simply cover the cloves with distilled water and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar per quart of water. You can use more, but not less vinegar than this. By lowering the pH, spoilage is prevented. • Freezing — Yes, garlic can also be frozen for up to three years, but it’s uncertain as to whether it’s best to freeze it whole, or chop or crush it first. Enon Valley recommends crushing or chopping the garlic and then waiting five to 20 minutes before freezing it to optimize the possibility of having the allicin and sulfide formation occur upon thawing. Replanting Tips Be sure to save some of the bulbs for next year’s planting as well. As noted by Mother Earth News:16 “Many garlic varieties fine-tune their growth patterns to the climate in which they are grown, so planting cloves from bulbs you grew yourself can save money and also result in a strain that is especially well-suited to the conditions in your garden. As you harvest and cure your crop, set aside the biggest and best bulbs as your “seed” stock. One pound of cured bulbs will break into about 50 individual cloves, which is enough to plant a 25-foot-long double row. If allowed to flower, some varieties produce fleshy bulbils (little bulbs) atop the flower stalk. Elephant garlic often develops elliptical, hard-shelled corms underground outside the main bulbs. Garlic bulbils and corms can both be replanted. The first year after planting, bulbils and corms will grow into small plants that can be harvested as scallion-like “green garlic” in late spring, just before the roots swell. If left unharvested, bulbils and corms develop into full-size bulbs in two to three years.” Should you be dissatisfied with your crop, don’t use it for replanting. Instead, experiment with other varieties to find the one that responds best to your climate and soil conditions.

[tpanan]

My Sunday Daily Blessings

September 17, 2017

Be still quiet your heart and mind, the LORD is here, loving you talking to you...........

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Roman Rite Calendar)

Lectionary: 130

First Reading: Sirach 27:30--28:7

Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight. The vengeful will suffer the LORD's vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail. Forgive your neighbor's injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.

Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the LORD? Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins? If one who is but flesh cherishes wrath, who will forgive his sins?

Remember your last days, set enmity aside; remember death and decay, and cease from sin! Think of the commandments, hate not your neighbor; remember the Most High's covenant, and overlook faults.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm103: 1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12

"The LORD is kind and mercifull, slow to anger and rich in compassion."

Second Reading: Romans 14:7-9

Brothers and sisters: None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Verse before the Gospel: John 13:34

Alleluia, Alleluia

"I give you a new commandment, says the Lord; love one another as I have loved you."

Alleluia, Allelluia

Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, "Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?"  Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.  That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants.  When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount.  Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt.  At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.' Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan.  When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount.

He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, 'Pay back what you owe.' Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.' But he refused.  Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt.  Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair.  His master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant!  I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.  Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?'

Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt.  So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart."

**Meditation:

Does mercy overlook justice? Justice demands that everyone be given their due. So when is it right to show mercy and pardon to those who have acted unjustly or wrongly? The prophet Amos speaks of God forgiving transgression three times, but warns that God may not revoke punishment for the fourth (see Amos 1:3-13; 2:1-6). When Peter posed the question of forgiveness, he characteristically offered an answer he thought Jesus would be pleased with. Why not forgive seven times! How unthinkable for Jesus to counter with the proposition that one must forgive seventy times that.

No limit to granting forgiveness and pardon Jesus makes it clear that there is no limit to giving and receiving forgiveness. He drove the lesson home with a parable about two very different kinds of debts. The first man owed an enormous sum of money - millions in our currency. In Jesus' time this amount was greater than the total revenue of a province - more than it would cost to ransom a king! The man who was forgiven such an incredible debt could not, however, bring himself to forgive his neighbor a very small debt which was about one-hundred-thousandth of his own debt.The contrast could not have been greater!

Jesus paid our ransom to set us free from the debt of sin No offense our neighbor can do to us can compare with our own personal debt to God for offending him! We have been forgiven an enormous debt we could not repay on our own. That is why the Father in heaven sent his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who freely and willing gave up his life for our sake to ransom us from slavery to sin, Satan, and death. Paul the Apostle states, "you were bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 7:23 ) and that price was Jesus' death on the cross. Through the shedding of his blood on the cross, Jesus not only brought forgiveness and pardon for our offenses, but release from our captivity to Satan and bondage to sin.

Set free from futile thinking and sinful living The Lord Jesus sets us free from a futile mind and way of living in sin and spiritual darkness. "You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers ...with the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:18). Christ "gave himself to redeem us from all iniquity" (Titus 2:14). Iniquity describes the futile ways of wrong thinking, sinful attitudes and wrong behavior, and disregarding or treating God's commandments lightly. We have been forgiven an enormous debt which we could never possibly repay. We owe God a debt of gratitude for the mercy and grace he has given us in his Son, Jesus Christ.

Forgiving others is a sacred duty If God has shown mercy to us in granting us pardon for our sins, then we, in turn, must show mercy and forgiveness towards every person who has offended us. The willingness to forgive those who offend us is a sacred duty. If we expect God to pardon us and show us his mercy when we sin and disobey his commandments, then we must be willing to let go of any resentment, grievance, or ill-will we feel towards our neighbor. Jesus teaches us to pray daily for the grace and strength to forgive others in the same measure in which God has forgiven us (Matthew 6:12,14-15). If we do not show mercy and forgiveness to our fellow human beings, how can we expect God to forgive us in turn? The Apostle James says that "judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy" (James 2:13).

Mercy seasons justice and perfects it Mercy is the flip-side of God's justice. Without mercy justice is cold, calculating, and even cruel. Mercy seasons justice as salt seasons meat and gives it flavor. Mercy follows justice and perfects it. Justice demands that the wrong be addressed. To show mercy without addressing the wrong and to pardon the unrepentant is not true mercy but license. C.S. Lewis, a 20th century Christian author wrote: "Mercy will flower only when it grows in the crannies of the rock of Justice: transplanted to the marshlands of mere Humanitarianism, it becomes a man-eating weed, all the more dangerous because it is still called by the same name as the mountain variety."  If we want mercy shown to us we must be ready to forgive others from the heart as God has forgiven us. Do you hold any grudge or resentment towards anyone? Ask the Lord to purify your heart that you may show mercy and loving-kindness to all - and especially to those who cause you grief and ill-will.

Sources:

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

**Meditations may be freely reprinted for non-commercial use. Cite copyright & source: www.dailyscripture.net author Don Schwager© 2015 Servants of the Word