#this one is a rendering exercise experiment practice thing also

[flovverbun]

horse hrt

[grandwitchbird]

A bunch of people who never read the novels are already crawling out of the woodwork to share their opinions(tm). But “I know the legend of the Witcher and the Witcher girl,” and I got you.

Consider this a highly specific explainer of some of what makes The Witcher novels interesting for those thinking of jumping into W3 or the novels now that 4 is in the works. My interests lie in what stories are doing and how, so this is analytical and not just a summary or reference guide. Wikis exist for that, and if you want to experience the characters you gotta go read the books. No real spoilers because I’m not focusing on plot here.

The Witcher novels are a very cool exercise in dual protagonists driving a convergent narrative operating on two distinct literary frequencies.

Geralt spends most of the books chasing Ciri in some capacity. He’s the man on the ground, getting stuck in personal problems and more ‘realistic’ situations and intrigues (sometimes your friends are also vampires; don’t be weird about it). His world overlaps with the mythic realm, but the sense is that he’s a regular person who keeps ending up in mythic situations. He approaches problems like the professional he is. He’s our guy. But he’s basically just a guy. When he tries to be a hero things tend to go really badly for him.

Ciri is a child of prophecy who befriends unicorns and gets roped into space elf dynastic disasters and visits camelot. She’s also trying desperately to get back to Geralt and Yennefer, her very normal parents. Her world overlaps with the mundane because she’s Geralt’s daughter by choice. She has to study swordplay with her Witcher family and practice magic discipline with Yennefer, but her problems are operating in the realm of myth and folklore. She’s perceived as the holy grail by men who want her power for themselves, a vessel to own and fill with a child. This is a misrecognition, and she remains beyond their grasp because Ciri is really the noble hero Geralt always wished he could be. When people forget that, things go very badly for them.

These two are also a split reference to Elric of Melnibone’s personas. Geralt is the White Wolf and Ciri is the dimension-hopping champion eternal. Their shared role is very consciously designed. Also just about everything is some kind of literary metaphor here.

The Narrative World

Let’s look at what the world-as-narrative is doing and how Witchers function in it.

The Continent exists on a fantasy world where realities have converged, and it greatly resembles Central Europe in its cultures, conflicts, and references. We’re talking Germany/France to the Russian border. This is an area that’s been repeatedly invaded from all sides for millennia. The convergence of spheres operating metaphorically as waves of invasion and overlapping cultures does quite a lot for the story in terms of conflict and setting up an interplanary reality. It also means that everyone is aliens.* Which is objectively the funniest way to do things in addition to providing a pretty fascinating moral bedrock. There’s no 1:1 fantasy race being mapped to real life groups here, though the series is strong in its references to concrete human evils in the real world. Everyone is people. Except monsters. Except when monsters are people too.

Witchers are people who are like monsters. Witcher is also a profession. They’re something that doesn’t fit into any neat category, and that’s the entire point of them. The ones who survive the trials that make them into witchers go on to live brutal lives killing monsters for coin or children to make new Witchers (the trials render them sterile; this is a real thematic beat. I’ll get to it). Witchers are the ‘other’ you’d expect to be scared of in a more conservative fantasy. But in this series, we see this world through the eyes of two Witchers, and we hear the exaggerated stories about their inhumanity, and we know they’re actually people with distinct experiences and perspectives and desires. We know how they feel, and that they’re not doing anything weirder than what everyone else in this world is doing to survive. So we know everyone else is people too. And that lends a very real layer of horror to the fact that by the time we meet our Witchers, most Witchers have already been massacred in a pogrom.

This isn’t as simple as ‘we’re the real monsters’ navel gazing. Over and over we see the different angles of everyone. One moment you’re looking at a strange and alien fae, the next a broken addict. The kindest man you meet is a vampire, and he’s done monstrous things he describes with philosophical eloquence. You’re asked to see the strange and uncanny and ‘other’ in everyone so you can also see the humanity. People are both, always. And the loss of one is the death of both. The novels enforce distinct narrative perspectives to this effect. Everything we know, we know through subjective and limited perspectives. This is a good series for folks fond of Bakhtin.

And if the fact that there are real monsters who aren’t sentient and are absolutely dangerous seems unfair. There’s also mad dogs and people who are beyond all reason and help too (the church is pretty fundamentally evil here and tends to instigate the pogroms. Wonder where a Polish author got that). The text doesn’t shy from the implications.

*except maybe gnomes. That might be a running joke. Nobody knows.

Btw if you’re here from my Dragon Age posts. Yes this is exactly what BioWare tried to immitate but ethically dropped the ball on by doing the exact thing the Witcher resists doing.

Witcher Family Planning

At the heart of this story is a family by choice and maybe destiny.

Geralt is a Witcher who survived an extra round of trials. A mutant among mutants. He’s an extraordinarily competent professional whose sense of justice and soft heart tend to cause him problems. He’s not nice. He’s kind of a boor. He’s very sulky. He loves deeply.

Yennefer is an outrageously overpowered sorceress who really regrets her inability to have children. She’s ambitious even by sorceress standards. Yennefer does things exactly the way she wants to, and that tends to cause her problems. She’s not nice. She’s imperious. She’s very petty. She’s ride or die for anyone she likes even a bit.

These two are the love of each others lives. This is a relationship, and I’m directly paraphrasing here, where two people who don’t know how to be soft try to be soft to each other. They’re bad at it. They keep trying.

Ciri is the lost Scion of every royal line on the continent. She’s also a Witcher. And a child of prophecy. And a dimension-hopping superhero. She’s also about 15 for most of the time we know her in the novels. She’s survived war, led a life of crime, been a gladiator. She’s clever and strong and rebellious and has an innate nobility that shames kings. She has Geralt’s compassionate heart, and she’s honed it to Yennefer’s cutting edge.

Gender & Power

I touched on this up at the top. Over and over again in these books, and in W3, we watch the patriarchal norms of the continent run smack into an interesting reality of the setting. Women tend to be the ones who are ‘first’ in power. There’s a lot of Mists of Avalon happening here. Sorceresses outdo their male peers. All these powerful men think they can have Ciri’s power for themselves by getting a child on her. They ignore that it’s the women in her line who have and wield the gift. They really ignore that her grandmother didn’t even need the gift to bring men like them to their knees. Patriarchy is a kind of willing blindness here. The desire to own and control makes the men of the series into fools who can’t see the obvious. That this isn’t their story.

Amongst Witchers, girl children are usually traded to the dryads for boys. This is left notably vague (another patriarchal blind spot? More likely than you think; there’s hints of female and nonhuman Witchers in the cat school) because by the time we meet our Witchers, the real secrets of their process have been lost. Ciri herself does actually take some of their potions and trials, which seem to potentially interrupt her puberty. Our Witchers are reluctant to subject her to what they went through, so she’s never put through the final trial. But this literally results in the reinforcement of Ciri’s gender by external forces. She is a woman, so that’s actually helpful under the circumstances. But. Fascinating stuff.

Sterility and Reproduction

Briefly. The novels constantly undermine the ‘replacement fear’ of dominant groups set on finding scapegoats for unsolvable problems. Witchers can’t reproduce, so they functionally adopt. Sorceresses may often be sterile too. Elves are particularly slow to reproduce. Women who aren’t mothers and men who live together and adopt and ‘others’ who are probably jealous and stealing our children… And just when you think this is a clumsy metaphor, the text smacks you with the fact that nobody reproduces as fast as regular old humans. This is explicitly about providing zero foundation for any of the bigoted anxieties around ‘nonhumans’, and the presence of sterile humans is here to complicate that very border. The text refuses to cede any quarter to attempts at justifying paranoia-fueled hatred and violence.

The Hero

Ciri is the unique point around which the novels’ tensions cohere. She loses her magical abilities in the books only to awaken to new and greater power. She’s human and nonhuman. A witcher who never completed the trials. Noble and criminal. She’s a woman who literally can’t be physically contained by this patriarchal setting. She’s entirely her own person in a world designed to break her. She’s a hero that eludes a hero’s limits over and over.

Nobody should be surprised that she’s The Witcher.

Novels in order:

Blood of Elves

The Time of Contempt

Baptism of Fire

The Tower of Swallows

The Lady of the Lake

Next Up:

I’ll do a write up with some grittier explanation for what happened between these novels and W3. The games are messy, so we’ll get into it now that you’ve got some themes and angles to roll around.

I may or may not touch on the short stories. Part of the wide misreading of the series is due to folks who’ve read a few of the stories and think that’s what it’s all about. This was also the problem with the show. Well. One of the problems.

[mediaevalmusereads]

Civilizations. By Laurent Binet (trans. Sam Taylor). Picador, 2019 (English trans. 2021).

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Genre: alternate history

Series: N/A

Summary: Freydis is a woman warrior and leader of a band of Viking explorers setting out to the south. They meet local tribes, exchange skills, are taken prisoner, and get as far as Panama. But nobody ultimately knows what became of them.

Fast forward five hundred years to 1492 and we're reading the journals of Christopher Columbus, mid-Atlantic on his own famous voyage of exploration to the Americas, dreaming of gold and conquest. But he and his men are taken captive by Incas. Even as their suffering increases, his faith in his superiority, and in his mission, is unshaken.

Thirty years later, Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor, arrives in Europe in the ships stolen from Columbus. He finds a continent divided by religious and dynastic quarrels, the Spanish Inquisition, Luther's Reformation, capitalism, the miracle of the printing press, endless warmongering between the ruling monarchies, and constant threat from the Turks. But most of all he finds downtrodden populations ready for revolution. Fortunately, he has a recent bestseller as a guidebook to acquiring power—Machiavelli's The Prince. The stage is set for a Europe ruled by Incas and Aztecs, and for a great war that will change history forever.

***Full review below.***

Content Warnings: violence, child death, animal death, incest

Overview: My book club picked this novel as our subject for November, so here I am, writing a review. I didn't know what to expect going in, but the premise intrigued me; after the first few pages, however, I was fully immersed and impressed by the author's understanding of history. While I wouldn't recommend this book if you're not a history lover, I would absolutely recommend it to those who are interested in historical thought experiments, such as what would have happened if the European colonization of the Americas was unsuccessful.

Writing: I'm reading the English translation of this novel, and since I don't have the original, I can't comment on whether or not Taylor renders Binet's prose faithfully. But I do think Taylor did a great job of making the text feel like the historical sources it was imitating. The novel is written in a somewhat plain, unadorned style that is common to things like sagas and chronicles, and though there were some modern expressions here and there, I think that on the whole, Taylor and Binet succeeded in infusing the prose with historical flavor.

I also liked the repeating imagery that held the disparate parts of the text together. For example, the color red shows up a lot, as does vultures, condors, and other birds that seem to signal auspicious moments. It made the book as a whole feel more literary, and it created through-lines that helped sell the idea that we were reading a continuous "history."

Lastly, I appreciated the ways in which this book defamiliarized things like religion by presenting Christianity from the Inca's point of view. There were a few moments when Binet would be describing something about religious custom and I wouldn't quite understand what was going on until the Inca overheard a key term (like "inquisitor"). The practice of considering what Christianity might look like to other people was a valuable thought exercise, and I think it did a good job of exposing some of the inherent cruelty of the 15th-16th century religious conflicts (and politics).

Plot: There isn't a plot to this book so much as there is a narration of an alternate history, but I'm also the kind of reader that finds history fascinating, so this narrative was highly entertaining for me. I really appreciated the level of historical knowledge required to write this book; one can see through all the details that Binet has a pretty extensive understanding of 15th-16th century Europe, and I loved seeing how the author imagined all these pieces working differently had colonization not happened.

I'm not sure, however, if the author had an equal understanding of the Indigenous peoples that are featured in this book. On the one hand, I can understand the purpose of wanting to imagine what a history of Europe might have looked like if the Inca had sailed to Spain and created a new empire there; on the other, it seems like the Indigenous peoples are a little less nuanced than their European counterparts. Maybe that's due to the fact that a lot of these peoples and cultures (along with their histories) were wiped out, so I don't know how much I can fault the author.

Characters: There are a lot of characters in this book, so I'm only going to focus on a couple of key players and broad themes.

Part 1 of this novel follows Freydis, daughter of Erik the Red, and imagines what would have happened if she and her followers had reached as far south as Panama. I really enjoyed how Freydis was fashioned to be the leader of the Viking band, rather than a mere instigator as in the sagas. I also liked that her story contained several nods to the literary conventions of Norse-Icelandic sagas, and it imagined interactions with Indigenous peoples that were more complex than just open hostility.

Part 2 follows Christopher Columbus and his failed expedition, imaging him as becoming a captive of the Tainos and living his life as something akin to a court jester. I appreciated the way Binet wrote Columbus as something of a religious fanatic who doesn't quite give up his faith, even when it's clear he lost. Binet also succeeds in presenting the Tainos not as cruel, but as rightfully defending themselves from a group of would-be colonizers who believe in their own superiority.

Part 3 follows Inca ruler Atahualpa as he sails to Spain and establishes a new empire in Europe. This is by far the longest section of the book, and I enjoyed the way Atahualpa was presented as both ambitious and generous. His advisers, too, were varied in their personalities which made them feel like real people (and not stock characters), and the relationship between Atahualpa and Princes Higuénamota was complex and fascinating, portraying a deep level of love and respect that felt different from a romantic or king-adviser relationship.

Part 4 follows Miguel de Cervantes as he navigates Europe after Atahualpa's death. I personally didn't get a much out of this part, and Miguel wasn't as interesting as his companions, but it was a nice snapshot of the empire, so I can't complain.

TL;DR: Civilizations is an impressive reimagining of history and constructs a complex view of what Europe might have looked like if the colonization of the Americas failed. The level of historical knowledge required to write this book is sure to satisfy history lovers, as well as the prose style, which imitates real-life historical texts.

[corvidquartz]

A Brief Glance At Goddess Oonagh: The Celtic Queen Of The Fairies

As mentioned in a previous post, one of the more recent deities that have entered my space is the Goddess Oonagh; also known as Queen of the Fairies. Wednesdays are the day I typically dedicate to her, and it recently came to my attention that she isn't spoken about much on Tumblr; at least not in a deity work sense. I've found her mythology really interesting, so in honor of Oonagh, here are some basics about her mythology and little tidbits I've found out about her while researching, working with her and actively communicating with her.

Basic Mythology: Goddess Oonagh, also known as Una, is a prominent figure in Irish and Celtic mythology, revered as the queen of the fairies. She is connected to the etherial realm, fairies, the mystical aspects of nature, animals, love, and relationships. Her symbols include butterflies (she LOVES butterflies) plants, silver, and dew. She's an ancient Irish Queen of the Fairies and a powerful Goddess of magic. Legends describe her as a faithful wife to Finvarrva; the fairy king of western Ireland (despite all the cheating he did to her, she never stopped being loyal to him. "No Way" from Six is on her playlist for a reason). It was said that she was incredibly beautiful in a way that caused mortal men to be rendered speechless; with long, silky blonde hair and a robe of silver and dew that was often mistaken to be diamonds. She is a very smart woman and has a wit that can be left unmatched. There is a legend that tells of how she saved her husband from a giant by using patience and assurance in her own plan; knowing that if she took her time and didn't rush in, she'd get the results that she wanted. Rather than using brute force or strength, she was able to simply talk down the giant that was threatening her husband; changing his mind bit by bit by using her natural charm and cleverness in order to convince him to stand down. She is a lover of dance and movement for physical and mental health, as the peaceful, accomplished energy that comes afterwards is incredibly healing and allows for her to better communicate with her followers now that they are closer to the high energy her kind typically has (Fae folk). She is typically called upon to help find true love and achieve romantic happiness, but she also is a wonderful deity to call upon for assistance in finding happiness with one's self and in finding patience when it comes to problem solving. Personal Experience (So Far): In the experience I've had with her thus far, she has struck me as a mischievous, fun, kind, and nurturing deity that seems to have never let go of her child-like wonder for the world and for other people. She wants people to experience love and happiness in every form possible; whether it's romantic, platonic, for yourself, or just love and wonder in general for what's around you.

She has been nothing but patient and understanding with me in the time we've worked together thus far; helping me with developing a better relationship with how I view myself (which has been a MAJOR help against the beast that is Dysphoria), a better relationship with exercise and moving around, and in helping in reminding myself that just because I'm imperfect and flawed, it doesn't mean that I'm not worthwhile. She has such a nostalgic and energized presence. The best way to describe it would be the feeling you had as a child when you would jump through puddles in the rain or get excited to spot a rainbow after a summer shower. She wants to help people see the wonder in what's around them and find love in even the smallest things; and that kind of influence in my practice has made me feel better and better about myself and life in general with each passing day.

Offerings: Through the research I've done and also from what I've been able to find out via communication with her (she prefers communicating via pendulums), here are some common offerings that can offered to her:

Flowers: White or light-colored flowers are often associated with Oonagh's purity and connection to the natural world. She prefers flowers like lilies, roses, or daisies.

Butterflies: Butterflies are closely associated with Oonagh, symbolizing transformation, beauty, and the ephemeral nature of life. As mentioned before, she absolutely LOVES butterflies! Butterfly themed objects and offerings have made her incredibly happy.

Candles: Lit candles can symbolize illumination, guidance, and the ethereal nature of Oonagh's realm. She prefers white, silver, or light blue candles to evoke her essence. Even light green can work as that is a favored color by Fae folk.

Jewelry/Trinkets: Offering delicate silver trinkets, jewelry or accessories can be a way to honor Oonagh's beauty and elegance. I have a dish filled to the brim with silver charms, bits of jewelry, pins, and other trinkets on her altar and she was over the moon when she received it (her pendulum was practically a lasso when I checked with her XD)

Reflective Surfaces: Mirrors, crystals, or other reflective items can be offered as symbols of Oonagh's otherworldly allure and the hidden depths she represents. I have a tiny hand mirror sitting on her altar at the moment that I had been meaning to let go of for over a year before meeting her that I could never bring myself to part with. I can see now why that was. ^^;

Favorite Stones: While her stone collection on her altar is a bit sparce as of right now, I've been able to find out some stones that she likes that I hope to slowly work into her altar space as I find them:

Rutilated Quartz: Stimulates one's problem-solving capabilities, transmuting negative thoughts and emotions and releasing blocks. This stone helps the immune system function more effectively, slows aging, and prevents depression. This stone is a perfect embodiment of what Oonagh is all about, and is her absolute favorite.

Staurolite: Commonly known as the Fairy Cross, or Fairy Stone. This stone not only brings luck but also helps in connecting with elemental beings, such as the fae, in a positive way.

Moonstone: Moonstone is often linked to the energy of the moon and intuition. Given Oonagh's connection to the mystical and ethereal realms, moonstone could symbolize her influence and guidance.

Rose Quartz: Rose quartz is associated with love, beauty, and emotional healing. It can reflect Oonagh's benevolent and nurturing nature as well as her role as a representation of beauty and magic.

Amethyst: Amethyst is a stone of spiritual insight, protection, and transformation. It can align with Oonagh's mystical attributes and her connection to the transformative aspects of the fairy realm.

Labradorite: Labradorite is known for its iridescent play of colors and is often associated with magic, intuition, and transformation. It could symbolize Oonagh's enchanting qualities and her connection to the fairy world.

Clear Quartz: Clear quartz is a versatile stone often associated with clarity, amplification, and healing. It might symbolize Oonagh's role as a guiding presence and her ability to amplify magical energies.

Opal: Opal is a stone of inspiration, creativity, and spiritual awareness. Its shimmering colors could resonate with Oonagh's connection to the magical and luminous aspects of nature.

Fluorite: Fluorite is known for its variety of colors and is often associated with protection, intuition, and clarity of mind. It could reflect Oonagh's multifaceted nature and her role as a guide. Conclusion: Of the information I've gathered on Oonagh, what I've listed here is what she and I deemed to be the most important. I hope that this was an interesting read to anyone that has either been interested in Oonagh, has wanted to work with her, or have just been wanting to learn more about her! I encourage you to do further research into her if you found anything on this post intriguing and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night. Blessed be!

[professionalwhining]

On Yoga

Struggling with chronic back pain, almost a year ago, I signed up for a yoga class in the canal. 

For the past year, I’ve lived (more like survived) all different kinds of physical afflictions. all the way from my feet to my neck, I was in constant pain. In June last year, I went to 4 different specialists (several times) to figure out what was wrong with me (plot twist: the problem was not what seem to be the problem. It never is). So, after months of taking pills, seeing different doctors, and going weekly to the chiropractor, I finally decided to, as the receptionist put it, “try this yoga thing”. You know I’ve never been much of a joiner, or a group player (joined only once a gym under strict recommendation from my parents when I was young) so “exercising” with a lot of people in a closed room was already set up to be one of a kind experience for me. I was a runner (and you will always be a runner,  even after you stop running; if you are not sure, ask your knees). 

So I joined a class on a random day in the summer of last year. I spare you the physical inconveniences, alien language, chanting, and confusion between left and right. I will tell you though, that it was not unlike running… except for everything. 

First of all, there was something so soothing about the place. The dim lights, and the soft music playing in the background. For me though, it was the walking barefoot that did it. The clear instructions (I guess like that scene from Fleabag and the Father, I just wanted someone to tell me what to do), the promise that everything will be all right if you just breathe. One breath at a time. It was the definition of longing in a place. There was also the fact that despite the clumsiness of your movements there was so much dignity to be felt on top of that (sweaty) mat. 

Even in that first class, I knew that what was happening in that room was definitely something I have only experienced in solitude. 

And you know, ever from that first practice, I’ve tried to tell people what I’ve felt: the connection, with myself and all these random strangers breathing loudly and sweating profoundly, the joy, the frustration, the peace. But, almost like poetry, the whole experience seemed to have a divine quality. There was something that rendered it almost sublime. Impossible to talk about. 

I’m a romantic we both know that. But I’m also a social science bitch. 

Cause, listen, the clothes these girls were wearing (I obviously also got my Lulus on sale because have you felt the fabric on them leggings??? They also fit like a glove, so don’t judge me… even though I am judging them), the price of the classes, the teachers, the whiteness and the maleness in yoga, was something I could definitely talk about. 

So what did I do? I went and did a little research on the topic (instead of researching for my thesis naturally). And what I found was as beautiful and raw as well as synthetic and disappointing. And that’s fucking normal I guess. 

The thing is that

As much as I was practicing (six times a week until this morning. Excuse me for being better than you). I was reading on the subject. I was (am) drunk on the experience. The sense of belonging, of community, the strength I felt (and feel) I was gaining. It felt life-changing, and it is. But it felt… how could I put it… problematic?

And it is. It turns out yoga is kind of a cult. I mean, a lot like a cult. cultish even. which is why you need to read “Cultish” by the genius Amanda Montell (more on that later). 

So reading “The Politics of Yoga” by Farah Godrej, as you do, I worried I was becoming a Neoliberal yogi. The article, which I found a bit rad for my taste was as subtle as a gun (like Margaret):  

“Contemporary postural yoga offers the modern consumer a dizzying variety of choice in terms of the possibilities for practice, while allowing her to construct her own identity in keeping with market logic and consumer culture (…) Like diet and exercise, postural practice becomes one more way in which neoliberal subjects can become governors of their own selves (…) More insidiously, yoga can function as a complete preoccupation, a choice which perpetuates the fallacy that one is doing something meaningful.  In pursuing yoga, many may see themselves as making a lifestyle “choice” which seems to supply a seemingly benevolent ethical content. Practicioners of yoga may imagine that they have discovered a broadly palatable ethics that feels exotic and countercultural.  But in actuality, this choice may function to displace politics, by pacifying the subject in a measure proportional to the extent of her preoccupation with deviating from the apparent default lifestyle choice.  The larger the lifestyle “choice” looks, the more it may preclude her from having the energy to explore more radically democratic solutions.  Yoga can become a visible outlet to soak up resources in a way that will not truly destabilize the dominant system, an elaborate preoccupation that absorbs the time and money which could be directed toward challenging political structures.  It may provide the illusion that one is taking a drastic step away from the dominant system, while simultaneously consuming the resources and effort required to explore truly radical alternatives“

Ehm. 

Harsh. 

But, I mean, she does have a point. 

And this bitch doesn’t even rant about cultural appropriation, colonization, and capitalism. 

Yoga (or the one I used to practice) felt like an escape. An escape from myself, from the outside world, almost like books (and it is, don’t get me wrong) but it could be so easy to get lost in someone else’s world. And very hard to find a way out. As long as cult goes, it is not a shitty one. Still. it’s cultish. 

And it is not yoga. At least not the one I want to practice. 

As Susanna Barkataki, eloquently wrote in her book “Embrace Yoga’s Roots” what yoga offers us “is a pathway to know within ourselves the root cause of so many of these harms: separation. (…) when we mistake yoga for a workout routine, reduce it to physical fitness or even practice some of the deeper practices without an eye to the whole system of liberation it offers, we rob ourselves and each other of the potential of this practice….”

“In yoga there is no separation only connectedness” 

And I believe that shit.  

I recommend that you do not do like me, go read the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita before buying 120 euros leggings (they’re expensive even on sale). There is more value in the books. And they’re cheaper and longer lasting. 

These days I’m practicing Ashtanga. In Ashtanga, I found everything I’ve always identified with: order, discipline, repetition, effort, control and pain. And you know, as a virgo, its the only thing that gets me going. I told you I was better than you. Jk.

Ps. I found this totally random but very interesting article on “Plato and Yoga” by John Bussanich if you were thinking like me: in what do the Platonic dialogues resemble South Asian texts. You can find that in the book : “Universe and Inner Self in Early Indian and Early Greek Thought” or the article directly in Jstor. 

Xoxo 

Lena. 

[learnspanishinmexico]

Mastering Spanish in Mexico City: An Immersive Language Experience

Imagine yourself meandering across Mexico City's energetic streets, where rich history, culture, and life abound at every turn. Speaking in Spanish lessons in Mexico becomes not just a talent but also a portal to more deep experiences as the smells of street cuisine permeate the air and the sounds of street musicians fill the environment. Learning Spanish in Mexico City is about embracing culture and relating with its people, not only about picking up a language. This paper investigates the advantages of Spanish courses in Mexico and the need to learn the language in this energetic city.

Value of Learning Spanish in Mexico City

Anyone hoping to engage with the local culture must learn Spanish in Mexico City. The city is a mingling pot of customs where modern influences meet old Aztec legacy. Speaking Spanish creates chances to interact with residents, grasp their cultures, and value their different points of view. Moreover, Mexico City provides many cultural activities, celebrations, and art shows that are more valuable when one can interact in the native tongue. This immersion improves the vacation experience and strengthens close relationships across language barriers.

Discovering the Rich Cultural Landscape

Learning Spanish in Mexico City can help students effortlessly negotiate these challenging surroundings. Speaking Spanish improves every visit, from seeing modern art in the Museo Jumex to touring the ancient Teotihuacan ruins. Spanish-guided trips offer a closer understanding of the city's history and importance. Learners learn the cultural fabric that distinguishes Mexico City by interacting with local guides and artists, generating lifelong memories.

Mexican Spanish Lessons: Their Advantages

Spanish courses in Mexico accommodate diverse learning environments and objectives by providing a disciplined language development method. Mexico City's several language schools and institutes offer customised courses ranging from informal conversation seminars to serious ones, these courses centre on vocabulary and grammar as well as useful communication techniques relevant to daily life. Having experienced teachers who grasp the subtleties of the language guarantees that students get individualised attention. This approach increases confidence in speaking Spanish and speed of fluency.

Selecting Correct Spanish Courses in Mexico

Maximising the learning opportunities depends on choosing the correct curriculum for Spanish courses in Mexico. Among the things to consider are course length, instructional strategies, and student count. While intensive programs might provide a more hands-on approach, smaller class numbers frequently result in more customised training. Certain schools also include cultural events that improve language acquisition by offering contexts, such as cooking courses or dance sessions. Using research on several possibilities and reading reviews, one can identify the ideal suit for personal learning preferences, thereby guaranteeing an interesting educational path.

Combining Education with Daily Life

Including daily life with Spanish courses in Mexico would help one improve their learning most effectively. Real-world learning opportunities abound when one speaks with residents, reads street signs, or orders food in Spanish outside of the classroom. Participating in local events or volunteering offers chances to apply the language in context. This helpful exercise speeds up fluency and supports what is acquired in the classroom. Learning a language is enhanced by a vivid backdrop created by immersing oneself in Mexico City's everyday rhythm, rendering the practice effective and fun.

Conclusion

Learning Spanish in Mexico City is a life-changing event that connects one with the rich culture and opens doors to understanding its people. Combining official education with practical experience, the city provides a unique setting for learning languages. Learnspanishinmexicocity.com offers excellent tools and advice to those ready to start this road to guarantee a successful and enriching educational experience. Learning the language of this energetic city improves travel and creates lifetime relationships.

Investigate our site for more information.

spanish course in mexico city

spanish classes in mexico city

[bagwaninursery]

Expert Tips for Hiring the Best Landscaping Services in 2024

As the demand for beautiful, practical, and sustainable out-of-door spaces continues to grow, selecting the proper landscaping provider is crucial for hotel owners, lodge managers, health facility directors, park caretakers, and farmhouse owners. Whether you’re trying to create a serene lawn for your guests, a chilled park for sufferers, or a vibrant doors area to your lodge, locating the proper landscaping company could make all of the difference. Here are a few professional recommendations to guide you in hiring great landscaping offerings in 2024.

1. Assess Their Experience and Portfolio

Experience is paramount in landscaping. Look for an agency that has a strong portfolio showcasing lots of projects much like what you envision for your private home. Whether it is large-scale motel landscapes or intricate lodge gardens, their past work needs to mirror creativity, great, and the capacity to address projects of your scale and complexity.

2. Check for Relevant Certifications and Licenses

Ensure that the landscaping organization holds all vital certifications and licenses. This now not simplest ensures a stage of professionalism and know-how but additionally ensures compliance with neighborhood policies. Certifications from recognized bodies, along with the Landscape Industry Certified Technician (LICT) or the Indian Society of Landscape Architects (ISOLA), can be robust signs of an organization’s credibility.

3. Read Reviews and Get References

Customer reviews and references are helpful. Look for testimonials on the business enterprise’s website, social media pages, and 1/3-party evaluation websites. Additionally, ask the agency for references from previous clients, particularly individuals who had similar necessities. Speaking directly to beyond customers can offer insights into the corporation's reliability, painting ethic, and capacity to fulfill cut-off dates and budgets.

4. Evaluate Their Knowledge of Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a key subject in cutting-edge landscaping. Ask ability landscaping agencies approximately their approach to sustainable landscaping practices. This can consist of water-efficient irrigation systems, native plant selection, soil fitness control, and eco-friendly renovation exercises. An employer that prioritizes sustainability permits you to create an environmentally pleasant and powerful landscape.

5. Consider Their Range of Services

A comprehensive landscaping service issuer can handle the whole thing from design and installation to ongoing maintenance. This continuity ensures consistency and great over the long term. Check if the enterprise offers an extensive range of services inclusive of garden design, garden care, tree planting, pest management, and seasonal cleanups. This can save you time and money by having an unmarried point of contact for all of your landscaping needs.

6. Review Their Design Approach

A precise landscaping business enterprise will have a solid layout approach tailored to your specific desires. Discuss your vision with them and spot how they translate it into a layout plan. They must be capable of providing sketches, 3D renderings, or fashions to help you visualize the final final results. Their layout method��ought to also encompass an intensive website analysis, thinking about factors together with soil pleasant, climate, and current flowers.

7. Ensure Good Communication Skills

Effective verbal exchange is important for a successful landscaping assignment. The agency needs to be responsive, transparent, and open to your ideas and remarks. They should provide clean timelines, and regular updates, and be willing to address any concerns directly. Good communique allows for avoiding misunderstandings and ensures the challenge stays on course.

8. Get Detailed Estimates and Contracts

Before beginning any paintings, reap specific estimates from some one-of-a-kind organizations. The estimates need to encompass a breakdown of all fees, from substances and hard work to renovation plans. Once you select an enterprise, make sure that each aspects of the venture are mentioned in an in-depth contract. This ought to cover timelines, charge schedules, warranties, and scope of labor, offering a clear framework for each party.

9. Inspect Their Equipment and Team

A well-prepared employer with present-day gear and a professional team can execute your mission efficiently and to an excessively well-known. Ask approximately the device they use and the qualifications of their crew individuals. A business enterprise that invests in exceptional equipment and ongoing education for its team of workers is probable to supply advanced results.

10. Consider Long-term Maintenance Plans

Landscaping isn't a one-time undertaking but requires regular upkeep to stay stunning and purposeful. Ask approximately their preservation plans and how they can help hold your panorama in top situation year-spherical. Regular protection offerings can consist of lawn care, pruning, fertilization, pest management, and seasonal cleanups, making sure your outside area stays vibrant and healthy.

By following these expert tips, you can hire a satisfactory landscaping service that aligns with your imaginative and prescient needs, ensuring a stunning and sustainable outdoor space for your motel, hotel, hospital, park, or farmhouse. At Saharanpur Nursery, we are committed to remodeling landscapes with creativity, knowledge, and a dedication to sustainability. Contact us today to discuss how we can help carry your landscaping goals to life.

For any queries please contact us or visit our website.

Phone: 7252802950

Email: bagwaninursery.in@gmail.com

Website: bagwaninursery.com

[h2yoga]

Prenatal Yoga Trainer At Home In Gurgaon: Benefits of Yoga During Pregnancy

Prenatal Yoga Trainer At Home In Gurgaon: The experience of a woman's life during pregnancy is unique. The balance of body, mind, and spirit is the most important thing to keep up. One of the best practices to provide a new balance is prenatal yoga for pregnant women.  Yoga has merits during pregnancy, and it is a proper way to support a woman in every way.

Expecting mothers looking for prenatal yoga trainer must try H2 Yoga classes. H2 Yoga provides guided home yoga classes in Gurgaon. Our reach is not restricted to retail clients; we also provide corporate and online services.

Women During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a stressful body. Numerous hormonal changes take place within the body. Nausea, acidity, backaches, and difficulty during laying down - are some common issues that add to the discomfort. Surprisingly, issues are not restricted to the body. Expecting mothers get hell lot of advice from others.

The worry about life change and the safety of their unborn child - all keep them on their toes. In such a situation, keeping the mind and body calm is necessary. Here, Yoga plays a crucial role.

This blog highlights the benefits of regular yoga asanas that pregnant women can achieve by indulging in Yoga activities. Let’s understand them better.

Benefits of Yoga During Pregnancy

There are numerous benefits that prenatal yoga can provide during pregnancy period. Hence, it can segmented into physical and mental or emotional benefits. They are as follows:

Physical Benefits of Yoga During Pregnancy

● Improves Flexibility and Strength: Pregnancy usually causes several physical changes and discomforts. Yoga practice maintains and improves muscle flexibility. Some yoga poses challenge the pelvic and abdominal muscles and flatten the back, which provides physical support.

● Reduces Aches and Pains: Backaches, sciatica, and aches are unfortunately common during pregnancy. Yoga postures such as cat-cow stretches, pelvic tilts and gentle twists are performed to relieve such discomforts and help the blood flow around the body better.

● Ensures the Body is Ready for Labour: Yoga helps a pregnant lady concentrate on breathing, endure, and relax, which is very important during labor. Exercises such as squats and hip-opening movements can assist in having a more effortless labor time during birth time.

Emotional Benefits of Yoga During Pregnancy

● Decrease stress and anxiety: Pregnancy is frequently associated with stress and anxiety. In fact, these two things are often the result of labor. Yoga is a meditation-integrating and deep breathing exercise that reduces body stress.

● Impacts positive effect on mood and sleep: Many yoga techniques can help in sleep recovery, particularly during pregnancy. Gaining more sleep will lead to a more balanced temperament and better emotional stability.

● Strengthening the bond with the baby: Prenatal Yoga helps you to be more aware and mindful and to take you deeply to the point of contact between your body and your child. With gentle motions and focused inhaling, you can make a better association with your unborn child.

To Sum Up

Yoga provides multiple advantages that are beneficial during pregnancy, including sustaining both the physical and emotional health of the mother. For expecting mothers, Prenatal Yoga Trainer At Home In Gurgaon make the process easier, and it is important to add this useful practice to their daily lives.

From the beginning to the end of the pregnancy period, have the privilege to avail yourself of home yoga classes in Gurgaon and experience the favor that yoga can render during this magical period of your life.

Source of this contents: https://www.h2yogawellness.com/blog/prenatal-yoga-trainer-at-home-in-gurgaon-benefits-of-yoga-during-pregnancy.php

[n0ts0phism-art]

There is an accompanying story made for this piece, which I'll include after the break:

October was rough.

In short order, I was forced to leave my job, my father’s health began to sharply decline, and perhaps worst of all, we made the decision to put one of my dogs to sleep. So many negative experiences led to intense emotions stirring within me, and while I can’t say it was proving to be too much, it was definitely holding me back from doing what I love. I thus devoted all my energy to other important matters, namely gaining support for my disabilities that will help me land a new job and attending therapy sessions.

Unfortunately, the former required a lot of waiting. The department I contacted is understaffed and was dealing with system outages that impeded progress on their assessment of me. Nevertheless, I was ultimately approved, and I shall be receiving support starting next year. It’s quite a victory; objectively speaking, I feel I’ve made more progress seeking their support than just toughing out the job market on my own…

But it still felt like a hollow victory. Sure, I was ultimately able to accomplish these important tasks, but it felt like it was at the expense of my hobbies. I had been abstaining from them, simultaneously wanting to commit to them but acknowledging them as distractions that I shouldn’t commit to, lest I end up leading an unsuccessful life. Even though I continued drawing, I kept all of my art after a certain point private, as most were simple exercises to test my rendering. I did not want to publicize a lot of it, and I feared I was losing touch with my hobby. But because I still felt passionate about it, I felt broken and unaccomplished, incapable of following my dreams despite shooting for the stars.

Eventually, December arrived, and I still hadn’t improved. In fact, in some ways, it felt like I had gotten worse. By the time Christmas Eve came around, family had dropped by to catch up and exchange gifts. I kept mostly quiet, knowing that I couldn’t hide how depressed I was but trying to make myself feel better with my family’s presence… But it didn’t work. I couldn’t even bring myself to be happy during what many people call the most wonderful time of the year. That night, I sat alone with my thoughts for a long few hours, trying to pinpoint why this family meetup didn’t help me. I played the year’s events back and forth within my head… And I realized that a lot of them seemed to be building up to what happened in October. Or, rather, every year of my life had built up to this moment.

It finally hit me: through the days I had been so focused on obtaining vocational rehabilitation support, I hadn’t properly grieved for my dog. After a few weeks, I assumed I had already healed from the emotional wounds, but I had simply started to ignore them as other matters came up. I still have time to challenge those emotions, work through them, and fully embrace them. From there, I began reevaluating how I had been spending my free time up to this point. Despite me never publishing some of those practice sketches I did, that did not discount their value. It was thanks to them that I had my style and rules for illustration down to a science. It was also thanks to my dedication to seeking help for employment that I had potentially secured myself a more stable future.

I wasn’t broken. I was restrained. And even with these limitations, I still found ways to work around them. With a clearer mind and a repaired resolve, I realized it was now time to completely break free. Thinking back to a coping strategy I heard about in passing, I pulled up a piece of vent art I made in the month everything went down, staring at the monster that embodied everything weighing me down. I imagined it restricting my mind and body, taunting me every second of the way as it suckled on my dog’s spirit… And with a primal, paternal fury I never felt before, I screamed. I declared that this thing was not only going to experience sheer terror for the first time in its life, but it was going die by my hands the second I made peace with my dog’s death.

The nights in which I worked on this illustration became some of the most emotionally intense experiences I ever had. I wanted this piece to be the best it possibly could be within my current skill set, and I was not going to let my negative emotions get in the way of that. I made speeches, I yelled some more, I released battle cries, and basically did anything I could to get my emotions going, to guarantee that I’d be putting my all into this project. I was going to be damn sure that this project would reach completion by the end of the year, and that I could end 2022 on the highest note possible.

This wasn’t just the final piece of the year. This was a battle. A battle to cement my worth as an artist and a person, and to definitively challenge my grief, my anger, my depression, and all of my other burdensome feelings. It may not be a perfect illustration—the line weight is all over the place, the brindle fur isn’t the best, perhaps the colors could be a little better, and I’m fairly certain the collar is screwed up—but it was meaningful. And for that reason, it’s safe to say that I emerged victorious.

Sleep well, Tiger. It may be too anthropomorphic a description to say as much, but I hope this piece makes you proud. I hope that I continue to make you proud as I continue fighting the good fight and doing what I love.

Goodbye. I shall continue loving you forever.

I’ll start off this page with my last piece from 2022. It is a commemorative piece in honor of my dog, Tiger, who sadly passed away on October 5th of that year.

It’s not perfect; had I done it now, there are a few things I’d do differently. But it was extremely formative to my development as a person, and I admire it for capturing such a critical moment in time.

[abookisafriend]

writing manuals

creating short fiction, bird by bird, writing down the bones, and on writing

--

creating short fiction, by damon knight: four out of five spaceships

did you feel the need for a writers' guide that comes from your corner, a place where they respect the fantastic? damon knight is a seasoned scifi writer with skills and vision, and he translates his craft as well as he can into a short, concise volume. there are examples and exercises designed to help you build your writing muscles.

especially in his analysis of one of his own stories, he focuses in on the craft with a level of concrete detail that makes the book genuinely useful, in my opinion. the only reason that this book has a lower rating than bird by bird is that i was able to easily finish bird by bird, reading with excitement, whereas damon's book is not one that i return to often and i haven't actually ever finished reading it cover to cover. it is one that i use in class, though, and there are specific sections that i highly recommend -- again, his analysis of his own story "semper fi". he also has fantastic advice on writing with the subconscious. that alone makes it worth the read.

--

bird by bird, by anne lamott: four and a half out of five torn-up manuscripts

bird by bird is, in my opinion, a justified classic. it's a writer's manual with straightforward advice and examples to lift your spirits, encourage you, and guide your practice. you won't find so many analyses of examples of fiction as in damon knight's creating short fiction, but you will find encouraging and experience-based guidance on creating a long-term writing practice. the writing is very engaging and the book is a bit of a page-turner; lamott does know what she's doing. summing it up here, there are fundamentally three main principles: you have to write a shitty first draft to get a shiny final draft; write every day; it can be as little as three hundred words. when i finished the book, i felt that i knew anne lamott.

--

writing down the bones, by natalie goldberg: four and a half out of five notebooks

this is a concise, accessible writer's manual with brief chapters you can read in an idle moment at any point in your day. it's very conversational and written with an easy manner, although the topics that the writer broaches can be quite serious. she is focused on memoir writing, but much of her advice applies generally to any narrative form. as with bird by bird, i really felt that i got to know the writer through this book. her writing is very enjoyable to read, and i would recommend the book on that basis alone. also like bird by bird, this book is enjoyable to read just as an experience in its own right; the author really does know how to write. my rating may be off a bit, however, as i haven't completely finished the book.

--

on writing, by stephen king: four out of five blood-curdling screams

i stopped reading stephen king books because he is too good at what he does and i didn't really want to be that scared. this is a good one, though.

it is half memoir and half writing advice. i would almost recommend it more for the memoir than the advice, but advice from someone like king, who is not only a skilled writer but someone who has thought about his craft, has to be worth something. he adds one thing that the other writers mentioned here generally do not: bone up on your actual mechanics and vocabulary. in other words, the basic stuff of english class.

this book takes a bit of the fear out of approaching writing and renders it a little more accessible. "remember," he will tell you, "i got rejected a hundred times before i sold my first work." his main advice, like lamott, is to write every day. i seem to recall that he even writes on christmas.

[touchmycoat]

Liufang headcanon: Bai Zhan senior disciples have to have experience with a FOD situation and dual cultivation before they can take solo missions, since there are so many FOD possibilities in their environs. So Qian Cao has a FOD garden for BZ disciples to get practical experience and for the QC disciples to practice their dual cultivation skills to cure them afterward.

wc: 920

"Peak Lord Linghu," Qian Cao Peak Lord Zhang Qiancan said loudly, throwing her arms up in exasperation, "will you please tell your disciple that this is not an obstacle course."

"No," Linghu Qianyan answered without her attention swaying once from the display mirrors. Mu Qingfang was quietly impressed by the complete lack of apology even while his Shizun rolled her eyes.

"He's destroying my garden.”

“Plant a new one.”

“Oh and you’ll pay for it?”

“Sure.”

The thing was, Shizun liked Peak Lord Linghu, and if Mu Qingfang were any less of a respectful student, he might even say that Shizun had a crush on Peak Lord Linghu. For all of Peak Lord Linghu’s deadpan and stony focus on her head disciple moving violently through the Wild Spring Garden, Peak Lord Zhang was thoroughly enjoying her attempts to get a reaction out of the Bai Zhan Peak Lord.

“Don’t forget, Peak Lord Linghu.” Uh-oh, Mu Qingfang definitely spotted that little peek at him. Shizun liked shoving him in the middle of every potentially difficult social situation; she said she was training his bedside temper. “This is also my head disciple’s qualifying exam. Your disciple is going to blast through the entire course, decimate my garden, and render my disciple unable to practice what he’s been training to do—”

“He won’t,” Mu Qingfang interjected quietly. Politely! Yet two pairs of eyes were on him instantly, his tiny statement more effective at getting Peak Lord Linghu’s attention than all of his Shizun’s prowling and (physical as well as verbal) jabbing.

Under the dual attentions of Cang Qiong Sect’s greatest healer and greatest killer, Mu Qingfang back instantly straightened, grip tightening infinitesimally on the bag of equipment at his shoulder.

“Oh? Xiao Fang has this in hand?” At least the sharp tease of Shizun’s challenge was familiar. Mu Qingfang gave a nod and a faint smile.

“I’ve had the honor of sharing some classes with Liu-shixiong back in the day, and so I...took a few infrastructural precautions in anticipation of his methods.”

Right on cue, Liu Qingge tripped the trap into the dead-end zone Mu Qingfang had prepared just for him. Mu Qingfang had even dipped into his personal gardens for some of the rarer specimens. They all watched as Liu Qingge got simultaneously pelted by spore clouds and pollen clouds, splashed with nectar and pheromones, lashed at by vines and spines, and jumped by several species of parasitic worms.

And Mu Qingfang almost laughed in awe when he nearly got back out of the dead zone without suffering any infestation or injury. Unfortunately, a thorn nicked an ankle on his way out, and Mu Qingfang immediately started counting down the time Liu Qingge had until the toxin got into his heart and core. He bowed, hefting the equipment bag once more.

“This disciple will be heading out.”

“Well done,” Peak Lord Linghu said, observing the set-up of the traps and approving of them with a single nod. Peak Lord Zhang slapped Mu Qingfang hard enough on the back to make him stumble.

“Well done indeed.” She meant it because now she got to flaunt her head disciple’s victory over Peak Lord Linghu, never mind that moments ago she’d been the one insisting that this exercise was not an obstacle course. “I’ll be waiting for your results.”

The mirror displays would go off as soon as Mu Qingfang entered the garden for privacy, but Peak Lord Zhang had already set up numerous ways for her to keep tabs on what was happening inside without visuals. While Mu Qingfang had gone above and beyond in setting up the garden like this, his actual exam started now, and with a nervous swallow, he nodded again.

In the relative privacy of the large leaves shielding the garden entrance, Peak Lord Zhang took Mu Qingfang by the shoulders and smirked.

“The dosage was good. Godspeed Xiao Fang, I hope that horrible little disciple of Shijie’s can appreciate all the care you’ve put into setting up his test.”

Mu Qingfang’s pulse sped slightly and he cleared his throat.

“As much care as any good healer should show a patient, surely.” It wasn’t beyond reason that Mu Qingfang painstakingly picked out most of the toxin-storing fruits on the thorny vine he’d planted, nor was it ridiculous that the amount of aphrodisiac he’d left in any singular vector of infection was calibrated to Liu Qingge’s precise physical makeup (something that took Mu Qingfang several all-nighters to perfect). Mu Qingfang was just that dedicated to being an ethical healer.

His Shizun looked his devotion to medical ethics in the eyes and snorted, arms dropping away.

“Yeah, extra credit for your sacrifice kid.”

Because at the end of the day, Mu Qingfang would now and forever (until the moment of his own ascension) be personal healer to Liu Qingge and all the rest of the Peak Lords, and healers could do whatever they want with patients provided it didn’t compromise the nature of the trust the patients were supposed to have in them.

“Thank you, Shizun.”

So Zhang Qiancan could flirt all she liked with Linghu Qianyan, but the day that Linghu Qianyan flirted back, according to her teachings, she would have to firmly and politely turn down the returned affection.

(Sometimes Mu Qingfang thought that was precisely why his Shizun was so attached to Peak Lord Linghu—because Linghu Qianyan would never actually like her back. It was the closest she could get to consistent romance with a trusted peer.)

“Now go do your job.”

Mu Qingfang bowed for a third time, proper and succinct.

“This disciple thanks Shizun for her teachings. I will endeavor to carry them forth in my practices.”

[lozislaw]

HELLOOOOO, I LOVE YOUR ART 💗💗💗💗 but I want to know if you have some tips for anatomy??? CUZ I WANNA LEARN TOO, or do you know some artists that may have some tips for anatomy? 🥺especially HANDS cuz omg they’re a total pain 😩😩

I love you btw 🖤

Oh god oh jeez. I have no idea what advice I could possibly give that wouldn't sound like a goose trying to learn English with a parrot translator. But goddammit I'm gonna try my way.

This is embarrassing because I'm literally in art school and I'm lacking fundamental advice for anatomy like those incredibly clever art-tips you see online. But I've picked things up along the way I swear. Maybe not exactly what you're asking for (probably definitely not - so I apologise in advance), but I think they're good to know anyway. Bear with me as I vomit them out.

Firstly, I'm gonna play a broken record to you on repeat here, which is the most important thing when it comes to improvement. You guessed it: PRACTISE (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

I know - Trust me I know it sounds tiring, and the idea is much easier than actually picking up your tool and doing it. But there's no way around it. Not even the most talented and incredible artists in the world become that way at the moment of birth; they're spending their lives practising and learning new things. Whether professionally or not, you don't become amazing overnight. It takes effort; and whether you want to treat that effort as work, or fun, is completely up to you. Being one or the other doesn't change your skill - it only changes the way you view your practise. Personally; I view my practise as fun, because it feels like more of an achievement when I make something I'm proud of. It's a win-win. Also because fanart is extremely fun always XD

If you keep practising - even if you hate your work at first and want it burned, I fucking promise you it'll pay off, even if it takes years. The best part about it is looking back on your progress and thinking: wow, I'm so proud of myself. For example here is my own evolution, one from August 2020 - to September 2021

(I was brand new to digital art with a purely traditional background, so I was extremely naive about the whole concept. Looking at multitudes of fanart is my only education XD)

This is the evolution of practice and studying the shit out of other peoples art; experimenting like crazy and teaching yourself from the basics to the advanced. Spend one week practising curls and nothing else. Spend another learning how to render skin. And another doing nothing but hands and fingers and wrists galore. Draw a hand using a photo, even trace over it. Learn your shapes first and then you can advance to the next step. Dip your toes in and you won't get overwhelmed <3

I know this isn't exactly nitty-gritty anatomy tips, but at the end of the day any advice is just more education; it helps all around. I'm gonna give you something else - a much more specific tip; an exercise. It's fun I promise, because there's no such thing as a bad result, they're all equally bad XD Shit - I can hear my teacher scowling, I meant good.

You can do this digitally if you prefer, but I like using simple pencil and paper, it feels more fluid. There are two ways to practise accessing the right-side of your brain (the creative side). Or in a less pretentious way to say: how to stop giving a fuck about being perfect.

The first way is called blind continuous line-drawing. It’s pretty self-explanatory: you either use a reference in front of you or just on memory, and draw it without ever lifting your pencil up. But you don’t look at your paper at all, you’re letting your hand and your memory guide you. The more you practise this, the more you stop worrying about making it neat and perfect, you can fucking let loose. Make music that sounds like cats shoved into a washing machine. This exercise will follow you on your other art pursuits, even if you don’t realise it. Remember, practise baby~

Next exercise, and my personal favourite is loose line sketches. They’re similar to continuous line in the way that you’re encouraged to let your inhibitions go and make a mess. You can lift your pencil, and you can look at your paper, and essentially it’s like sketching... if your sketching was like an ice-addict having a seizure. Which is beautiful! And unique, and dammit you don’t need to feel embarrassed, but none of these are meant to be perfect.

See the heavy loose lines that I use sparingly in the sources of light, and condensed in the spaces of darkness. I put away that little devil telling me to be perfect and concise, and just have fun and go bonkers. It teaches you about form and light without spending 5 hours trying to make it photorealistic. These all took less than 5 minutes, that’s how little I gave a fuck about making them perfect. And goddamn it helps. Give them a try, spend no more than five minutes on them, and see how you go <3 It works digitally too!

Okay this answer is so long and I’m so sorry, I don’t even know if I’ve answered your question at this point, I’ve gone off the rails. Hands... okay hands. Hands are the most difficult thing for me to draw, which is just cruel irony because they’re also my favourite aside from faces. The most I can offer at this point is that practise will save your life. Observe other artists and how they draw, take the time to notice things about their art that you wouldn't at first glance. The highlights and source of light? The length of their fingers? Are they thick or delicate? Are they anime hands and fucking massive? Is that body slender or thicc? Where are they putting the curves, fat and muscle on their person (or furson, furries are welcome here ❤). Decide through this observation and your own practise what kind of style you aspire to have out of your art. Do what makes you proudest, what you find the most enjoyable, and as I've said, stop giving a fuck about anyone, including yourself. You have your own unique take on reality and it's beautiful <3 You can draw blob hands and it's okay, because they're your blob hands :3

And anon? I love you too ;3;

[bevioletskies]

dream a little dream of me

summary: Ryunosuke had never been one for gloomy, rainy weather, had always preferred the comforting warmth of a clear, sunny day. When a particularly heavy rainstorm keeps him and Kazuma in bed for hours on end, he finds himself slowly starting to think otherwise.

word count: 2.4k | read on ao3

a/n: For @asoryuu-week, day four of seven (prompt: "domestic"). This fic takes place post-Resolve; mild spoiler warning for Adventures and Resolve, where events may be alluded to but not described in detail. All names and honorifics are taken from the official localization, with the exception of Sherlock and Iris.

Fic title is from the song Dream A Little Dream Of Me by The Mamas & The Papas.

“Remind me, Ryunosuke, what is it they say about a heavy head? Because yours is certainly making it harder for me to breathe.”

Ryunosuke sighed, lifting his supposedly heavy head from his partner’s chest to level him with a sleepy glare. “Good morning to you, too. Must you demean me before we’ve even gotten out of bed?”

Kazuma’s warm, slightly raspy laughter soothed Ryunosuke somewhat, though he still couldn’t help but feel slightly irritated. “Well, it’s hardly my fault you’re so fun to tease. No one else reacts quite like you do.” Then, Kazuma cupped Ryunosuke’s jaw in one hand, running his thumb across Ryunosuke’s mouth. “And I mean that in all manner of things, if you get my meaning.”

“You’re terrible,” Ryunosuke informed him, though he allowed Kazuma to kiss him anyway, grunting slightly when Kazuma rolled over to straddle him, sinking his entire body into Ryunosuke’s, fingers digging into his sides. “Mm...Kazuma, th-they’re waiting for us downstairs - ”

“Let them wait,” Kazuma murmured, playfully nibbling Ryunosuke’s bottom lip. One of his hands had now moved to Ryunosuke’s thigh, caressing him teasingly. “It’s been too long since we’ve had some time to ourselves.”

“You were only here two nights ago,” Ryunosuke said breathlessly; Kazuma’s mouth had quickly made its way from his neck to his collarbone, leaving a heated trail of kisses down the length of his throat. “Remember? That’s when I finally agreed to - ”

“Ry-u! Kazz-y! Won’t you be joining us for breakfast?”

“Damn,” Kazuma muttered, reluctantly climbing off so he could smooth out the front of his jinbei. Despite Ryunosuke’s continued annoyance at Kazuma’s insatiable nature, if he wanted to put it kindly, he also couldn’t help but admire how flushed Kazuma’s ears, neck, and chest had become in the last few minutes alone. “We’ll be right there, Iris, sorry for keeping you!”

“That’s okay!” Iris called back, her footsteps already beginning to fade away. “Just as long as you’re both properly dressed, alright?”

Ryunosuke groaned, dropping his head into his hands. “This is all your fault, you know that?” Kazuma merely scoffed, rifling through his bag so he could find the fresh set of clothes he’d packed for his overnight stay. “Though I suppose nothing will ever be as bad as the time you pulled me aside in the middle of an investigation and - ”

“I thought we both found that to be a thrilling and memorable experience, but fine,” Kazuma said with a dramatic sigh. “I’ll see to it that we won't try anything that adventurous ever again.”

“We almost got caught!” Ryunosuke exclaimed, agitatedly flapping his shirt in Kazuma’s face. “Don’t you realize how much trouble we would’ve been in?”

Kazuma stared at Ryunosuke in complete and utter disbelief. “...Ryunosuke, you’ve committed treason. You’ve implicated so many government officials, exposed so many government secrets - ”

“...all the more reason not to take a chance?” Ryunosuke offered sheepishly. “Anyway, let’s get dressed before they come looking for us again. I swear I can hear Susato-san’s footsteps coming up the stairs.”

A little over an hour later, Ryunosuke, Kazuma, and Susato returned to the attic, pleasantly sleepy from the generous meal that Iris had prepared for everyone. The rain was still thumping against the windowpane, an erratic tap-tap-tap that filled the entire room, rendering the three of them barely able to hear themselves or each other.

“I know you were planning on returning to your own flat, Kazuma-sama, but I would advise against it in a storm like this,” Susato mused, momentarily brushing the curtains aside so she could look out over the soggy, sorry state of London’s streets. “And I’m sure Naruhodo-san wouldn’t complain if you stayed.”

“I’m sure as well, though Ryunosuke is clearly in no position to answer either way,” Kazuma said dryly, gesturing in Ryunosuke’s direction, where he was currently curled up on the floor by Susato’s tea set, half-asleep and hugging his daruma to his chest. Susato watched, giggling, as Kazuma walked over to gently prod Ryunosuke in the shoulder with his foot. “Come now, Ryu, don’t make me carry you back to bed.”

“We both know you’d like that,” Ryunosuke mumbled. Susato only just managed to refrain from rolling her eyes at them - she’d been privy to far too many of their supposedly private conversations for her liking - instead electing to pat Kazuma on the arm.

“I think this is the perfect weather for a nap, personally,” she said, looking at him meaningfully. “If you plan on returning to bed as well, I can let Iris and Mr Holmes know not to disturb any of us until dinner.”

“That would be great, Susato-san, thank you,” Kazuma said sincerely, though he secretly suspected she just wanted to leave them be. Once she disappeared back down the stairs, he looked down at Ryunosuke with an irrevocably fond sigh. “Ryunosuke…”

“Yeah, yeah, ‘m getting up,” Ryunosuke yawned, reluctantly pulling himself to his feet. “Bed?” Grinning, Kazuma wordlessly took Ryunosuke by the hand and led him towards his bedroom - their bedroom, really, given how often he stayed over these days. Moments later, they clumsily tumbled back into bed, having changed into their sleepclothes once more.

“You’ve still got a bit of egg on your face,” Kazuma observed, wiping Ryunosuke’s cheek. “How does this keep happening to you?”

“Eat too fast,” Ryunosuke murmured, turning to kiss the palm of Kazuma’s hand. “Food...good.”

“Your grasp of both the Japanese and the English language is incredible,” Kazuma drawled, carding his fingers through Ryunosuke’s hair. He then pulled him closer, burying his face into Ryunosuke’s neck. “I thought you went back home to finish school, did you not? Surely you can do better than ‘food good’.”

“You’re so mean to me,” Ryunosuke said, sighing, letting out an exaggerated exhale directly in Kazuma’s face. Still, he turned over so he could wrap his arms around Kazuma’s waist, snuggling contentedly into his chest. “I really should just kick you out and make you go home.” Laughing, Kazuma kissed the top of his head.

“Not in this weather, you wouldn’t,” Kazuma replied. As if to illustrate his point, there was a loud, thunderous crack that practically shook the entire room. “If this storm keeps up, I might have to live here indefinitely.” Ryunosuke merely grunted in response. “Well, you don’t have to sound so pleased about it.”

“Oh - no, it’s not that,” Ryunosuke reassured him, sitting up somewhat so he could look Kazuma in the eye. Despite Kazuma’s typical brusque, yet affectionate nature, he could tell that Kazuma was slightly hurt. “I was just thinking about how much I dislike storms. Rain is fine on occasion, but...it seems as if London is in a permanent state of misery sometimes, you know? And it makes us miserable all the while.”

Kazuma’s clouded expression cleared up instantly. “It’s been ages since we’ve had sunshine,” he agreed, now dropping his head to rest on Ryunosuke’s shoulder. “It would’ve been nice to go for a walk together before I leave...whenever that is.”

“Like we used to do before class,” Ryunosuke said quietly, nodding. “You could never convince me to join you during your morning exercises, though.”

“Forget morning exercise, I had to literally drag you out of bed sometimes,” Kazuma snorted, tangling their fingers together. “I hear Susato-san hasn’t had any luck with getting you to exercise more, either.”

“I exercise enough,” Ryunosuke huffed, pinching Kazuma’s side; much to his dismay, Kazuma merely laughed in response. “I do plenty of pacing up and down during trials, you see.”

“I do see,” Kazuma teased. “I should look for permanent scuff marks behind the defense bench and the witness stand the next time we’re in court. You have a tendency to drag your feet, after all.”

Rolling his eyes, Ryunosuke made a show of yanking his hand out of Kazuma’s grasp and turning over with his back to him, pulling his side of the blankets over his head. “...I’m really starting to think you have nothing nice to say about me at all.”

Even when he wasn’t looking at him, he could tell Kazuma was smirking. “Oh, I think I praise you plenty. But in case you were wanting to hear it…” In one quick motion, Kazuma swept the bundled-up Ryunosuke into his arms, Ryunosuke’s back pressed against his chest, his breath ghosting the shell of Ryunosuke’s ear. “...I love you, Ryunosuke. And I’ll say it as many times as you’d like; all you need to do is ask.”

“Wonderful, now I just sound needy,” Ryunosuke said, sighing yet again, though he craned his neck to kiss Kazuma anyway, tossing the blanket around his shoulders so they were both enveloped in its warmth. Kazuma slowly lowered him onto his back, onto the mattress, knees braced on either side of Ryunosuke’s hips, fingers digging into Ryunosuke’s waist.

“You can insult me back, I don’t mind,” Kazuma murmured, sucking a bruising kiss along the crook of Ryunosuke’s jaw. Though they’d crawled back into bed for a nap, Ryunosuke was starting to feel more and more alert by the second. “Do your worst.”

Ryunosuke hummed, thinking. “...sometimes, you try too hard. You need to relax more, Kazuma. There have been some jurors and witnesses who’ve been intimidated by you, even though you aren’t trying to be malicious.”

“Fair enough.” Kazuma’s voice was low, raspy, sending shivers up Ryunosuke’s spine. “Anything else?”

“You have a bad habit of interrupting people,” Ryunosuke continued, prodding Kazuma in the chest with an accusatory finger. “Even Iris seemed annoyed with you last night, when she was asking us about our latest trial. I know you think you were helping, but I can speak for myself just fine. We’re not in school anymore.”

“...ah.” Kazuma looked humbled, almost remorseful. “I...I’m sorry, Ryu, I didn’t realize. I honestly thought we were just telling them about what happened together.”

“And you need to stop biting me like I’m a piece of meat - ”

“No one can see them!”

“Kazuma, you're doing it again - ”

“Doing wh - oh.” Kazuma burrowed his face into Ryunosuke’s chest, cheeks burning hot with shame. Ryunosuke couldn’t help but laugh; it wasn’t often that he got to embarrass Kazuma and render him speechless. “I...see that I’m not quite the partner I’d thought or, or hoped I was.”

“Last, but definitely not least - ” Ryunosuke abruptly took Kazuma’s face in one hand, squeezing his cheeks until his lips puckered “ - you don’t need to be quite so dramatic, either. I still love you all the same, Kazuma.” He smirked. “And I’ll say it as many times as you’d like; all you need to do is ask.”

Kazuma stared down at him with wide, imploring eyes. Then, he cocked his head to one side, his frown melting into a warm, radiant smile. “...again.”

“I love you.” Ryunosuke kissed Kazuma’s cheek, then the tip of his nose, then finally, his lips. Beaming, Kazuma kissed him back, a little sweeter this time, a little less sensual. “Especially because you’re a little needy, too.”

They fell silent for a few minutes, save for the steady sounds of the rain and thunder and wind whistling past their window, exchanging slow, languorous kisses and simply enjoying one other’s company. Though Kazuma spent more nights at Baker Street than not, in a way, it still felt as if they had months, even years, of lost time to make up for, even though they hadn’t been apart - or a part of each other’s lives, for that matter - for that long. It was times like these that Ryunosuke found himself reminiscing about their university days, the early days of their companionship, when they’d have spirited debates that ended in spirited laughter and meandering conversations about nothing in particular.

“I can hear you thinking, partner,” Kazuma murmured, brushing Ryunosuke’s hair out of his eyes. “Something wrong?”

“No, not at all,” Ryunosuke said, pulling away momentarily to yawn. “Only that we were supposed to be taking a nap, and instead, we spent the last ten minutes poking fun at each other. Though I suppose that’s just an extension of the way we speak to each other in court at times.”

“Susato-san has been scolding you about that as well, has she? Perhaps we do need to - I need to be more careful,” Kazuma corrected hastily when Ryunosuke leveled him with an impressively Kazuma-like glare. “Though we’d be in even more trouble if I were to, say, openly comment on how handsome you looked in court just last week, when your hair was a little bit longer in the back. I thought it suited you.”

“Why do we need to be in trouble at all?” Ryunosuke retorted, elbowing him a little harder than necessary. “I’d rather we do our jobs like the proper lawyers that we are - ”

“Well-behaved schoolboys, you mean,” Kazuma teased.

“ - and come home at the end of the day, where we can do as we please,” Ryunosuke finished.

Kazuma looked at him consideringly, his gaze impossibly soft. “Ryunosuke Naruhodo, are you implying you’d like me to move in someday?”

“What? I - ” Ryunosuke stared at him, momentarily stunned. Then, he relaxed, his head dropping back to his pillow, where Kazuma followed him down, their eyes still locked. “I, er...I thought that was a given. Though I worry that...that people might talk, as they’re wont to do.”

“Professor Mikotoba lived here with Mr Holmes for some time, did he not?” Kazuma pointed out. “Besides, even if people talk, why listen? All that matters is what we think of ourselves, as trite as that might sound.” He leaned in close, pressing a lingering kiss to Ryunosuke’s forehead. “So, just know that whenever you decide to ask, you already have my answer.”

“Then I think I’ll make you wait for just a little bit longer before I do...if only to get back at you for two nights ago,” Ryunosuke added with a smug smile, laughing when Kazuma glared daggers at him in response.

“And you think I’m the cruel one,” Kazuma muttered, pulling Ryunosuke into his arms once more so he could hold him rather possessively, their legs loosely intertwined beneath their mess of blankets. “You told me you enjoyed yourself.”

“I did, believe me,” Ryunosuke grinned, blushing faintly at the sudden vivid memory that had come to mind. “But just this once, I’d like to have the upper hand.” He then leaned in to kiss Kazuma’s exaggerated pout. “Anyway, we really should be getting to sleep now, or it’ll be time for dinner before we know it. I can barely keep my eyes open at this rate.”

“Agreed,” Kazuma said, yawning. He shuffled closer, dropping his forehead down to rest against Ruynosuke’s. “Good...morning, Ryunosuke.”

Ryunosuke shot him one last sleepy, fond smile before letting his eyes drift shut. “Good morning to you, too, Kazuma.”

_____

a/n: Welcome to my fourth entry for Asoryuu Week 2021! We've moved on from sad Kazuma hours to semi-horny Kazuma hours, I guess? Blame it on Kazuma talking about getting Ryunosuke off and holding his hand over a hot plate and finding ways to shut him up; you can't tell me he's not doing this at least a little bit on purpose. Anyway, I always love writing plotless cuddling fics where they basically talk about nothing. I could've made this way, way longer, easy, but we've still got three more days to go!

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed! Likes and reblogs would be much appreciated, and I hope you're all safe and healthy and doing well ❤️

[jjkpls]

crayons ‘hana’ (PG)

> genre : fluffy fluff, light angst, comedy

> pairing : kim namjoon x reader

> words : 4.5k

> warnings : none (except a rusty quill)

> Y/N, a primary school teacher, is way too soft for the quiet, timid new child in her class. Little did she know, the adult version, who engendered this cutie, is even more charming.

> next

**words in italics are spoken in Korean

It's a grey day.

The Sun is acting up. As if It had been vexed deeply and now, no matter how loud the kids are calling after It, It just won't budge. Hidden behind the thick clouds, not hinting a tiny ray through the heavy shower, It won't show the tip of Its nose today, you have no doubt about that.

It takes some time to persuade the kids of that fact though.

The better half of recess is spent arguing, they just won't admit that for today, the break will be taken in class. It renders most of them gloomy, unable to accept the harsh reality, even if they've lived before -back in the beginning, when you were still too lenient, letting yourself drag into endless quarrel leading to stupid and quite irresponsible compromises- the traumatizing experience of standing in the middle of a storm. You still remember the awful concert of cries and the race to pick every kid somehow induced in a panic paralysis, one under each arm, to bring them to safety in urgency -thank god, Jeon Jungkook had been there, with his stature, able to stack up five of them at the same time, incredibly useful, pretty much life-saving. What you remember even better is the severe scolding you received from the principal, who thought -as you should have- that no matter how bad the children insisted, they shouldn't be playing outside in the rain.

You knew that. They just wouldn't believe you and you thought that, maybe, they just needed practical proof. No harm was supposed to be engendered. And quite frankly, none occurred. Children sometimes just enjoy being dramatic and it was the perfect, quintessential occasion to do so, especially if the principle is in earshot -which she was.

In any case, you learned your lesson. However, they did not.

Charlotte, standing on her pretty polished pearl white shoes -that you know, for a fact, that you'll get in trouble if her mother comes to pick her up to find them ruined by the terrible weather-, chin up high, hands tucked to her side, won't stop arguing with you as the main spokesgirl for the class. Apparently, it's “unfair”.

And it is unfair. Weather is not meant to be fair and you have not a single take on it. Try to explain that to a five-year-old.

“Ok, everyone, listen up!” Everyone's little heads swing forward like those car bobbleheads, wide eyes ogling you with burning impatience and clear, obnoxious delusion. They're all waiting, expecting you to open the door and let them free into the wild. “Let's make a deal, alright? Who wants to make a deal?” And everyone, even if they, for the most part, have no clue what's going on, wants to -except for Charlotte who's eyeing you with a suspicious glare and for Jimmy who's hiding in the corner, a sad scowl on his face. “You know that I don't have any power over the rain. But I do have powers over how long recess will last.” You act smug as you say that, their little impressed faces adding to the effect. It becomes painful to conceal the giggles blooming in your chest. “Since you already wasted half of your time, I have a proposition for you. You'll stay twice as long on break, meaning until it's 3:45,” You explain, pointing on the big clock hovering your desk where the long hand will be standing when the break ends. “if you can stay calm in class, ok?”

The announcement sends them in a fury, the simple idea of having a longer break overwhelming them with hysterical joy. So much for staying calm and collected.

Fortunately enough, I've been gifted with overall sweet children. It doesn't require more than a collecting "shh" and a reminder of the term of the bargain for them to quietly divert into groups, colonizing different lots of the classroom. Some ask for books, for paints or crayons, for the plushies and the toys they brought along to school -even though they're not allowed to- and a tranquil atmosphere rises and sets itself upon the room.

It's very nice, even for you. Sitting at your desk, watching over them with a distracted eye, you wonder if you'd be allowed to spend the rest of the day like so. They're talking, laughing and creating, sharing, being kind to each other and this whole ambience, slower than usual, calmer, more peaceful seem greatly beneficial for them. They don't feel any kind of pressure from having to learn, having to follow a predesigned, normative rhythm. It's pleasant and healthier than usual. Even if you try your best, constantly, to render every single day as filled with positivity through the required productivity as you can, you can't help sometimes stress and tension from blooming. It suffices one Kevin to come to class, sleepy and upset from a bad night, triggering a Charlotte who ends up scowling and nagging at everyone all day, and then everyone is in a terrible mood. Exercises are a pain to go through. Keeping their attention on you a quasi impossible challenge to overcome. Bringing their spirits up an unreachable, delusional aspiration.

But here and now, spending their time and energy on what they want with their chosen friends, in the comfortable warmth of the safe classroom, with the rain gently drumming on the windows, you can sense peace and joy and it fills your heart with content to the brim, or, almost to the brim.

Your heart could be spilling out with joy if it wasn't for this one, tiny pout adorning one tiny chubby face. Jimmy hasn't budged much from earlier. He had to leave his own desk to relocate at the very end of the room because a few girls decided to set up their library on the adjacent table.

His posture is the same though. Sitting quietly, his back pressed into the corner, hands tucked together against his belly, his big dark eyes are observing his classmates attentively. You read fear but also curiosity that's eaten up by something else, maybe sadness. It's a heartbreaking sight you're unfortunately too used to witness.

Jimmy arrived two months after everyone else. You don't know much about him. Because you haven't had the occasion to meet his parents yet, but mostly because he hasn't spoken a word since his arrival. His pouty mouth, shaped like an adorable button, hasn't opened once. Not even that one time you tried to have him participate and had him tearing up and crying, overwhelmed as he felt under the attention. He just sat silently, eyes drawn downwards, munching on the inside of his cheek, while tears ran down his round cheeks while all the other kids watched, as bewildered as you.

You almost quit your job that day. Certain you were not cut for it, somehow, finding out only now, at 26 years old, that you were a horrible, cruel person and your vocation and higher call were just all a blatant lie.

It doesn’t come as a surprise that today, once again, he’s hiding in his corner. You've tried a few things before. You didn’t just watch, waiting on time to operate and break his thick shell on its own. You've consulted the principal, colleagues, the internet. You've looked for clues, for tricks and after having tried quite a few, with little to no success at all -you've made him look up to your eyes, a thing he had been incapable of before-, you've decided to lay off a bit of that zeal.

You were getting too invested, even as this child’s teacher and you knew it wasn’t a good idea to pursue. As for him, you didn’t want to harm him in any way. No matter the benevolence and kindness and softness you put in every single one of your interaction, you thought, he seems so wounded already, you could break him, without meaning to, by simply trying too hard to smother his hostile edges.

You calmed down.

It tastes like defeat, coating a heavy layer in your throat, it never ceases to remind itself to you each time your eyes fall upon the sad pout and curious eyes. 

Today is no different.

Everything would be perfect if only, for once, he could mingle with his peers and if you could, for the first time, see the shades of his smile. If he even knows how to smile. 

Rising from your chair, you pick up a few pencils from your personal collection -the precious ones, unbitten at the top, unbroken at the tip, tall and seemingly unused. You don’t ever lend those to the kids as you know they’re not mature enough, and they won’t be for a long time to come, to care for your stuff the way those crayons need to be cared for-, a few white sheets and a sharpener and quietly make your way to him. He catches you and your intention from afar, his gaze fixed on you as you get closer.

He doesn’t utter a word, nor adumbrate a movement as you crouch next to him, soft smile, soft gestures. It’s a bit hurtful to think about it this way but it’s like approaching a wild tiny, tiny helpless creature -you're terrified to see it flee away.

“Hey Jimmy,” You say kindly, ignoring pointedly Charlotte who’s watching you (you can see her from the corner of your eyes) so that she knows to not interrupt or try to interfere in any way. “Would you like to draw a little?” You lay the material in front of him. His whole attention is offered to you and while you're glad you’ve reached that point where he can actually look at you, you can not help but wish he’d look away as his heavy stare suddenly makes you feel anxious. “Those are my personal crayons. I’m sure I can trust you to take care of them well, right?” He doesn’t say anything. Doesn’t blink, doesn’t smile. You're not sure if he’ll even pick one of them up. You know he won't in front of you anyway and not wanting him to feel cornered and pressured, after another sugary sweet smile, you wave him goodbye and let him be.

The afternoon goes on, calmer than usual. It's as if they were brought to a state of peace so deep, they're now willing to accept any unfairness the world has in store for them. When the school bell rings, the children quickly run to the racks, grabbing their coats and little bags. A few of them start piling up at your feet, whining for the teddies and toys and lip balms they brought to school this morning and that you had to hold hostage as they are not supposed to bring them to school.

“Could we have another recess like today, miss? Tomorrow?” You see the shimmery eyes, the pressing pouts and impatient wiggling of the butts, waiting as patiently as they can for an answer. You're glad they had a good time today, still, a part of you can't help but regret it all. That part, conscious from the start, of how it'll all come back to bite you in the arse. No matter how cute they are, those little monsters always end up munching your arm up to the shoulder if you only do as much as tend an open hand their way.

“We'll see.” You say, waving them off. You don't mean to be so misleading but there's no way you're sending those kids home crying hysterically because they haven't heard the answer they were looking for.

Quickly they're all out of the class, seen outside to their carers by Adrianne, the lovely woman who helps out you, along with all the other teachers, with the kids every day.

There's only you and a little mess that you're able to tidy out quickly. In the corner, lay the little pile of papers and the crayons that had been obviously unused. Your heart squeezes briefly uncomfortably but you were not expecting any different from him. Since he arrived, two months ago, Jimmy has only drawn or traced letters or painted or built anything when the rest of his classmates were doing it too. You assume it's because he feels like he can't refuse to do something everyone else is doing. When it's just about him, when it doesn't concern directly the course, when it's just for pure personal entertainment, he simply would not do it.

You notice something. If he didn't draw anything on the sheets, he touched the crayons. They're piled very neatly, all tips turned the same way, one next to the other on top of the papers. What a sweetheart.

What a lovely, lovely kid.

It sends a rush of hope and determination back into your heart. You're not utterly desperate. It might take time. Maybe you won't be able to make significant progress until the very end of the year, when you'll have to say goodbye to him once he changes classes, but you don't despair to reach him, eventually.

And maybe that's all the universe needed -the conviction that you're not holding into this kid in pure vain- to offer you a generous little push. The magical manifestation comes in the form of Jimmy himself, escorted by Adrianne whose hand hovers few centimetres atop of his dark mop of hair, standing in the doorway, eyes drawn to the ground as if he's in trouble.

“Jimmy's father is running late and I-” She winces a little, grimace accentuating the lines carved on her face around her easy smile.

“You want to ask me something, don't you?” You tease knowingly. She looks embarrassed until she catches your wink, understanding she's probably fine to ask you anything.

“It's Felicia's birthday and I promised I'll be home early...”

You have to contain yourself, to not sound as ecstatic as you feel, to not drop to the ground, hands held high in gratitude towards the sky, settling for a simple: “Okay, I'll stay with him.”

“Are you sure?” She asks because she's nice and considerate but she's already turned her body towards the hallway. It doesn't take much more convincing to have her disappear.

It's only Jimmy and you now.

You're giddy but anxious. He doesn't even raise his head once she's gone. He just stands there, little raspberries tinting his cheeks and you're filled with a fondness tightly intertwined with sadness because he shouldn't look this guilty when he's done absolutely nothing wrong.

“Come have a seat.” His black eyes raise high enough for a split second, just to see where your hand is patting before quietly, he makes his way to the chair adjacent to yours. You've laid the papers and the crayons you'd picked up from the ground, an idea had come to you. There's no chance you'll have him draw something for you but you could draw for him.

You don't know if it'll have the same effect as it does on the other children. It's this special, unique teacher power that turns every single one of your shitty doodles, gifted to one of them, into a priceless, beautiful gift. It's the funniest thing and one of your favourites. The feeling is like the one you get when they fight and have to make serious arguments and deals to decide who will be the lucky one to hold the teacher's hand today.

Surely it's ridiculous but it does flat your ego grandiosely.

You're not expecting this kind of reaction from Jimmy, you'd just like to create some sort of contact, an interaction. Staring down at the white sheet, you're left speechless, nervous. It's been a while since you've sat in front of one of those, with no clear indication of what you were supposed to lay on it. Quite frankly, your crayons you only use to grade. The feeling is terrifying and you realise, gulping, that you didn't miss it. Maybe that feeling is the reason why he didn't pick up a pencil to draw himself. Was he filled with the same irrational paralysis that comes with the fear of the unknown?

“I'm not really good at drawing, to be honest with you... Do you like cats, Jimmy?” His big eyes watch you carefully. No answer. He simply munches on his lips, waiting for you to fill in the silence. “You probably do. Or, I hope you do because cats are what I draw best. Let's see.” You mumble, picking up a blue pencil to start -another consequence of the unusual anxiety you're feeling, suddenly picturing cats being blue.

It takes him a hot minute to open up the slightest. Actually, it takes about half an hour. Half an hour of you talking on your own, making conversation for the both of you; of you struggling to draw the cat you were certain you knew how to draw; of stopping every now and then to go over the basic body shape of a cat. It starts in the form of him snorting discreetly -you almost miss it- when you almost curse, fishing your cellphone out of your back pocket to look for the ugliest but easiest drawing of a cat you can find online for reference, tired of erasing and redoing the same damn curve of the cat's neck and messing up each time. It continues with him accepting to chose the next colour for what you keep calling “our cat”. He picks a deep purple for the back of the kitty, a bright yellow for the paws and apple green for the eyes. It's kind of funny looking but in a way you've done it together and your heart is filled to the brim with happiness. When it's done, sort of, you're ready to grab a new paper, hoping that maybe, on this one, he'll feel comfortable enough to grab a pencil himself and leave an actual mark on his own but the universe taps gently but firmly on the tip of your fingers, reminding you to be thankful for what happened today but not to be too greedy.

It's the tall and dishevelled man, stumbling loudly through the door that interrupts and determine the end of today's progress. Jimmy raises on his seat on reflex, running into the man's -you assume to be his father- legs. The man seems a bit uneasy, with his trench coat poorly buttoned, his dark hair messy with a thick strand sticking up to the roof, forehead crossed with worrisome lines. He reaches for the little boy, carrying him up to his chest, smacking a big kiss on his forehead; Jimmy's short arms are reaching far, far away, wrapping as much as he can around his father's neck and the previous wrinkles simply fade away.

“I'm so terribly sorry!” He apologizes, voice remarkably low, sounding lovely somehow even through the tension straining it. “I had this meeting that just lasted forever, I'm so, so sorry. It won't happen again.”

“No it's totally fine, don't worry about it!” You might be screaming a little bit because the big, impressively built man is now bowing with Jimmy draped around him like a koala and you feel so embarrassed because 1) no one has ever bowed to you, 2) you sincerely didn't mind staying a little bit later (especially given it happens more often than not) and 3) you were glad, you feel fortunate for the chance you just had to spend more time with Jimmy and see a spark of something you've never seen before. The reason you made a good improvement, you believe, is because the circumstances were favourable. Having a class filled with twenty-five other rambunctious kids that require great attention, at all time, doesn't, ever, allow you to bond with the boy. “Please don't, it's fine.” You insist, forcing him with wide gestures to stand up straight again. “Jimmy is one of the sweetest kids of my class, honestly, it was no bother.”

The dark eyes, perfect imitations of the ones Jimmy carries, display a lovely glint at my comment. He attempts to look at his son who’s snuggling in the crook of his neck, smiling softly.

“Is that right, Jiminie? My good boy.”

Jiminie. Without knowing what he says, the sonority of his words sounds so gentle and lovely, you can tell why the boy turns all sheepish.

There's a loud kiss pressed to his cheek and you can hear a high giggle, shy but sweet, as Jimmy squirms a bit in his dad's arms, pressing a hand to his ear. The scene is so, so adorable, you would cry if only you were not too worried to give off a terrible portray of an unbalanced and ugly-crier of a teacher to this father.

Father that you’re meeting for the first time.

And this fact, lost in the middle of a storm of agitated thoughts, manages to find his way to the surface after a little while of just awkwardly standing there, not really knowing what to say.

“Mr Kim, actually, I'm glad you're here. I meant to- meet and maybe have a little conversation with you, I don't know if Adrianne told you-”

“Yes, yes, she did. Of course. I apologize, I was supposed to get back to her with a date but work has been pretty- hectic. I've just changed job and-” You nod, genuinely understanding. If you don't know much about this man, nor this family in general, you can tell from the layers of fatigue that even the tender smiles he generously grants his son can't diminish, that he's not having the best of times. “It's not that- I don't want you to believe that I'm not invested in my son's education, it's really not the case-”

“Oh no, I don't believe that!” Quite frankly, you'd say that to any parents that come to you with these kinds of doubts, it's probably the worst thing you can do to a parent to criticize their parenting, their love, especially when you know from experience than most, even the ones that mess up and scar, don't commonly mean to. Parents are just adults and adults are just humans. Trying to figure shit out and actually not knowing jack shit about much. As a teacher, of children that young too, you owe to help them turn their progeny into the best versions they can be, as a team.

But this dad, standing there, distress and something akin sadness shading so much of his face, there's so little room for softness, a hand tenderly massaging the back of his boy's hair, you have no doubt, whatsoever, that it's not the case. That he tries and probably struggles, with whatever their circumstances are, but means the best. “I really don't. It's just I'd really like- I mean, I need, to have a little meeting with you. I receive every parent at the beginning of each year, it's important for me to understand better the child...” You would point out that in Jimmy's case, it's absolutely necessary given his behaviour but you don't want to say it in front of him. You've been reassured before by the principle that you weren't to worry too much. Jimmy was not, in any case, in any kind of danger at home, she had made sure of that after you first came to her with your concerns.

It's supposed to be a case of extreme timidity. It's confusing. Still, you were ready to accept this as the plain simple explanation if only you could talk to his father, have him confirm it and validate with your own personal impression. “I understand that you're working and don't have much time to yourself and that it's a bit- I mean, even as adults, no one likes to have to attend a teacher's meeting,” Only the corner of his lips twitch a little, yet you gladly accept it as a win. “Would it be possible for you to make just a little slot in your schedule for me? I won't take too long, twenty minutes at most? Whenever you can! Before class if you want or after, in the evening, sometimes I'm still here until 7. Or at lunch! Absolutely whenever is good for you.”

“That's very kind.” Is all he says.

You don't know what to say to that. You're not sure he is right. You are especially invested in your work and your pupils. You've been told before that, maybe, you should lay off a bit -you're told each time you cry at the end of a school year, thinking about all the faces you adore but won't be seeing every day anymore. But most teachers are, you want to believe. Min Yoongi, from first grade, wouldn't be as generous with his time, that's for sure. He'd probably come up with a date that'd fit his agenda and if possible inconvenience the most the parents' schedule and demand that they do make the time and be present, guilty-trip them if they seem reluctant. But that's just him, being a lazy cynical asshole. You want to believe he's an exception and any other teacher, in your shoes, would act the same way.

That being said, the way he's saying it, wide eyes sort of laced with a certain confusion, serves to thicken the compliment.

“Whenever is fine.” You repeat, lacking a direct response to his words. There's a tiny curious eye, picking from the collar of the trench coat, observing you attentively. You smile to Jimmy, picking up the drawing of the cat you've drawn earlier and handing it to him. “I'll let you off now, Jimmy is probably starving.”

After a few seconds of just staring at it, Jimmy sneaks a hand out to accept the drawing, face instantly burying further in the fabric of his dad's clothes, all shy and embarrassed.

“Thank you. Thank you very much for today and for any day really. I promise I'll make sure to meet you very soon.”

“Sure, perfect. Jimmy, see you tomorrow?”

“You say goodbye, Jiminie?”

He mutters something you don't quite catch, enshrouded as he is in the fabric adorning his dad, but his father and you decide that it's the answer you were waiting for. A wave and a stumble down the hall later -one that nearly gives you a heart attack as the prospect of the man actually eating shit with tiny Jimmy still in his arms hit you-, they're gone, out of the school and on to their way home you assume.

You're entirely alone now. Giddy as a school girl overly excited about something mundane that doesn't require this type of enthusiasm. You're not precisely sure why. It's a storm. Again. An overwhelming storm of emotions. In the mix of it all, you can decipher the loud, brilliant thoughts regarding the tiny shy little boy, and a future brighter than the one you used to picture for him. One where he's not scared of everyone, where you can hear his voice and see him giggle without his dad for him to hide behind. And something else.

You're not sure.

You don't suck at your job, you decide, as you think back about the adorable chubby finger pointing shyly at the crayons he wanted you to use.

A/N : as always, a lot of love send your way, thanks so much for reading, i hope you enjoy it :)

[zac5358373]

Week 9 Blog

This week we had to make our Olay bottles in digital form. After lasts weeks exercise I had a few different ideas of how I could start making it. I wanted to make a more round shape and so I made a sphere and scaled it vertically to make this shape. I also applied an FFD modifier to edit the shape more. I liked this model but I wanted to explore better ways to make it.

The next way I tried was to make a box and up the segments to make it easier to model. Changing it to an edit poly made it easier to manipulate the vertices to change the shape. I didn’t want to try and match both sides separately so I tested the symmetry modifier and was able to apply this to both the right and left side as well as the front and back. To make the object even more smooth I applied NURMS to the object and this made it look much nicer. I made a few copies and used this model as the basis for my other designs. I experimented with this and made a few other designs

To make the lid I used spline modelling after watching the auto desk tutorial I made a 28x28 cube and used the line tool to draw half the shape. After that I applied the lathe modifier and made a seperate sphere that I joined to the top of the lid.

The next thing I did was to figure out the materials. I watched the tutorial on auto desk and it was quite helpful. The basic materials were easy enough to figure out and I didn’t have too much problems. I tried to figure out how to render out my models and came across a few challenges. I looked at a few different tutorials which used renders like vray which I didn’t have so wasn’t too helpful. I decided to just try and figure it out myself, which ended up taking a while. Though it took a while it helped to learn different functions of the different lights and cameras etc. I changed the lighting configuration quite a bit to try and make it look good and this was the best I could do. I think the render looked pretty decent but could still be better. If anyone has lighting/rendering tips that would be appreciated.

This weeks task had me spending quite a lot of time in 3ds which was quite frustrating at times but overall satisfying in the end. It was good practice in developing better modelling and basic rendering.

Model making case study - Cup

In Andrews video where he discusses the uses of models in the development of a cup I noticed a few similarities and differences. Interestingly he used wood in his sketch model as a way to imitate weight. This aspect was important in the design and could only be truly tested by a physical model. In my model making I just used foam which wouldn’t be a true representation of the weight of the product. This is another aspect to the design that one would have to think about. Similarly he had an idea for a handle on the cup. Making this digitally would not give you enough information to know if it would actually work and benefit the user. Only through the physical model could Andrew test how the handle felt and if it was able to benefit the function. In the making of my physical olay sketch model I noticed things that I didn’t think about in the digital/ sketching process. Physical modelling is an important part of the design process.

[bagwaninursery]

Expert Tips for Hiring the Best Landscaping Services in 2024

As the demand for beautiful, practical, and sustainable out-of-door spaces continues to grow, selecting the proper landscaping provider is crucial for hotel owners, lodge managers, health facility directors, park caretakers, and farmhouse owners. Whether you’re trying to create a serene lawn for your guests, a chilled park for sufferers, or a vibrant doors area to your lodge, locating the proper landscaping company could make all of the difference. Here are a few professional recommendations to guide you in hiring great landscaping offerings in 2024.

1. Assess Their Experience and Portfolio

Experience is paramount in landscaping. Look for an agency that has a strong portfolio showcasing lots of projects much like what you envision for your private home. Whether it is large-scale motel landscapes or intricate lodge gardens, their past work needs to mirror creativity, great, and the capacity to address projects of your scale and complexity.

2. Check for Relevant Certifications and Licenses

Ensure that the landscaping organization holds all vital certifications and licenses. This now not simplest ensures a stage of professionalism and know-how but additionally ensures compliance with neighborhood policies. Certifications from recognized bodies, along with the Landscape Industry Certified Technician (LICT) or the Indian Society of Landscape Architects (ISOLA), can be robust signs of an organization’s credibility.

3. Read Reviews and Get References

Customer reviews and references are helpful. Look for testimonials on the business enterprise’s website, social media pages, and 1/3-party evaluation websites. Additionally, ask the agency for references from previous clients, particularly individuals who had similar necessities. Speaking directly to beyond customers can offer insights into the corporation's reliability, painting ethic, and capacity to fulfill cut-off dates and budgets.

4. Evaluate Their Knowledge of Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a key subject in cutting-edge landscaping. Ask ability landscaping agencies approximately their approach to sustainable landscaping practices. This can consist of water-efficient irrigation systems, native plant selection, soil fitness control, and eco-friendly renovation exercises. An employer that prioritizes sustainability permits you to create an environmentally pleasant and powerful landscape.

5. Consider Their Range of Services

A comprehensive landscaping service issuer can handle the whole thing from design and installation to ongoing maintenance. This continuity ensures consistency and great over the long term. Check if the enterprise offers an extensive range of services inclusive of garden design, garden care, tree planting, pest management, and seasonal cleanups. This can save you time and money by having an unmarried point of contact for all of your landscaping needs.

6. Review Their Design Approach

A precise landscaping business enterprise will have a solid layout approach tailored to your specific desires. Discuss your vision with them and spot how they translate it into a layout plan. They must be capable of providing sketches, 3D renderings, or fashions to help you visualize the final final results. Their layout method ought to also encompass an intensive website analysis, thinking about factors together with soil pleasant, climate, and current flowers.

7. Ensure Good Communication Skills

Effective verbal exchange is important for a successful landscaping assignment. The agency needs to be responsive, transparent, and open to your ideas and remarks. They should provide clean timelines, and regular updates, and be willing to address any concerns directly. Good communique allows for avoiding misunderstandings and ensures the challenge stays on course.

8. Get Detailed Estimates and Contracts

Before beginning any paintings, reap specific estimates from some one-of-a-kind organizations. The estimates need to encompass a breakdown of all fees, from substances and hard work to renovation plans. Once you select an enterprise, make sure that each aspects of the venture are mentioned in an in-depth contract. This ought to cover timelines, charge schedules, warranties, and scope of labor, offering a clear framework for each party.

9. Inspect Their Equipment and Team

A well-prepared employer with present-day gear and a professional team can execute your mission efficiently and to an excessively well-known. Ask approximately the device they use and the qualifications of their crew individuals. A business enterprise that invests in exceptional equipment and ongoing education for its team of workers is probable to supply advanced results.

10. Consider Long-term Maintenance Plans

Landscaping isn't a one-time undertaking but requires regular upkeep to stay stunning and purposeful. Ask approximately their preservation plans and how they can help hold your panorama in top situation year-spherical. Regular protection offerings can consist of lawn care, pruning, fertilization, pest management, and seasonal cleanups, making sure your outside area stays vibrant and healthy.

By following these expert tips, you can hire a satisfactory landscaping service that aligns with your imaginative and prescient needs, ensuring a stunning and sustainable outdoor space for your motel, hotel, hospital, park, or farmhouse. At Bagwani Nursery, we are committed to remodeling landscapes with creativity, knowledge, and a dedication to sustainability. Contact us today to discuss how we can help carry your landscaping goals to life.