#walkway entry gate

[urbanscenarios]

Foyer - Traditional Entry

White walls and a white front door are featured in this entryway's medium-sized traditional red floor design.

[panela-na-janela]

Grand Rapids Pathway Design suggestions for a sizable traditional stone garden path in the summer.

[rockawayrecordfairs]

Pathway Landscape Grand Rapids Design suggestions for a sizable traditional stone garden path in the summer.

[raindrop-valley]

Contemporary Landscape - Front Yard

Photo of a large contemporary front yard concrete paver landscaping.

[hibernas]

Wood Exterior Idea for a medium-sized, two-story, traditional brown home with a shingle roof.

[dawnnaomidesigns]

Driveway - Driveway Inspiration for a tiny stone driveway in a coastal front yard.

[deisegal]

Inspiration for a mid-sized mid-century modern front yard stone formal garden.

[karaloza]

Legend of Zelda Theme Park - Castle Town (UPDATED)

As guests move along the walkway at the back of the Welcome Plaza, the noncommittal park ambience is gradually overtaken by facades of old-fashioned half-timber houses, and then masonry castle walls. Finally they arrive at a grand archway with ornate double gates flung open to welcome visitors. Atop the archway sits a picturesque train station, and beyond it is a bustling medieval(-ish) market square of cobblestones, storefronts, gaming booths, and more. In the center is a large marble fountain bearing a sculpture of the Triforce, and on the far side of the square, opposite the entry point, is Hyrule Castle at the end of an avenue lined with trees and statuary. To the right of the castle from the point of view as you enter the area, a cathedral-like structure can be seen rising behind the rooftops. The area music loop consists of a collection of “main town,” shop, and minigame themes from across the franchise.

Castle Town, besides having plenty to do in its own right, serves as the “hub” area of the theme park, with walkways leading directly to three of the other areas (besides the Welcome Plaza) and indirect paths to the others via a ride.

Attractions

Spirit Train Grand Central Station: The Spirit Train is a handy and scenic way to get around the theme park, encircling the central portions on an elevated track, with several stops along the route. Some of the sights in Hyrule can only be seen from aboard the train!

Carnival Games: Most of the central portion of Market Square is occupied by game booths, evoking the numerous “mini-games” found in most LoZ titles. The games themselves are of fairly standard types, but the paraphernalia are all themed like items from the franchise—as just one example, instead of throwing a mere baseball at a target, you throw a “Cucco” (even if it is just a baseball with a chicken face and wings printed on it). Rather than paying cash to play, guests pay “rupees” from a debit card they can get from a vending machine, and the more you put on the card, the more bang for your buck you get—say, five dollars gets you 100 rupees, but twenty gets you 500, and higher amounts net further price breaks. The games themselves cost anywhere from 25 to 100 rupees per play. Prizes are the usual small plush toys and cheap trinkets you would expect, but you can bank wins on your “rupee wallet” card and redeem them for better things if you so choose.

Link and Zelda Meet-and-Greet: What theme park would be complete without an opportunity to meet the star characters? The Hero Link and Princess Zelda can be found in dedicated meet-and-greet spaces on the ground floor of Hyrule Castle. Both characters have undergone many design changes over the course of the series, but by default they appear in something close to their classic, iconic looks. Link gets his green tunic and stocking cap, white leggings, and brown leather arm guards, with a bright but not glaring color palette and more fine detailing than most video game hardware can consistently render. Zelda’s look varies a lot more from game to game, but common features include a white underdress and pink or mauve pinafore-like outer layer with gold embroidery, as well as long blond hair and a distinctive tiara. The objective is to present the theme park itself as an installment in the franchise, with its own story (that you, the guest, create as you go) and details, and its own incarnations of the Hero and the Princess.

Hyrule Castle Gardens: Across from the meet-and-greet spaces, archways lead out into a peaceful courtyard space of flower beds, benches, fountains, and topiary sculptures of familiar creatures from the games, backed by a soft music loop of leitmotives for the game series’ many princesses, love interests, and other gentle, feminine characters. This attraction serves the vital function of relaxation, giving guests an opportunity to take a load off for a while in a tranquil setting.

Temple of Time Theatre: In the back corner of Castle Town, alongside one of the walkways leading to Death Mountain, is a sizable performance venue. The daytime program consists of 30- to 45-minute plays summarizng the plots of actual games, both for entertainment and so non-fans can get some idea of what the big deal is. “Here at the Temple of Time, we can see all across the history of Hyrule and beyond and tell you the legends as they actually happened!” While waiting for the show to begin, guests can enjoy a musical playlist alternating the Temple of Time theme with the score from various “telling a story/recapping a legend” cutscenes. In the evenings, some of the seating area is converted into a dance floor and the plays are traded for mini-concerts by local folk rock bands (and of course, each set includes a cover of at least one iconic LoZ score piece).

Shops

6. Pictobox Shop: If you got your picture taken by a park employee near the main entrance, you can swing by here later in the day to buy prints, perhaps in a nice souvenir frame, or installed in a commemorative keychain.

7. Curiosity Shop: The one in Clock Town may be an outlet for goods of shady provenance, but here, it sells a variety of interesting knickknacks and curios, all guaranteed to be above board.

8. Coro’s Lantern and Oil Shop: This cozy shop offers a selection of wax and LED candles, oil lamps and fuel, scented oil diffusers, and even a unique line of Legend of Zelda-inspired scented soy wax jar candles.

9. Enchanted Kingdom Treasures: Another knickknack shop, this one more targeted to fantasy fans. Some of the items here, from dragon figurines to sword-shaped letter openers, are LoZ-branded, while others are more generic.

10. S*T*A*R*S: Inspired by a minigame in Twilight Princess, this dimly lit tent sells a number of light-up souvenirs, laser-cut crystal sculptures with LED-illuminated stands, and similar tchotchkes.

11. Madame Couture’s: Hytopia’s #1 couturier has her own shop branch here, where guests can buy anything from a simple souvenir tee-shirt to a luxurious fantasy gown, and much, much more!

12. Happy Mask Shop: Named for the innocuous shop in Ocarina of Time that became the founding premise for an entire sequel game, this shop sells licensed masks, hats, and other costume pieces to enhance each guest’s heroic adventure.

13. Badge Market: A shop to buy and trade collectible enamel pins, based on the one of the same name in in Hyrule Warriors. Rather than the endless rows of character images one might expect, pin designs in this theme park focus on iconic emblems from the game franchise, such as the royal crest, symbols of the different peoples of Hyrule, medallions and shields, etc.

Eateries

14. Food Stalls: Interspersed among the game booths in the central portion of the square are booths selling the kind of quick bites you can find at carnivals and farmer’s markets.

15. Potion Hut: A juice and smoothie bar/service counter. Choose from among a wide array of bottled beverages—from common soda brands, water, juice, tea, etc. to unique blends labeled as “health potions,” “energy elixirs,” and other in-universe concepts—or have your own favorite mix made to order!

16. Stock Pot Inn: A buffet restaurant with a menu of hearty soups and stews and flavorful salads.

17. Royal Banquet Hall: An elegant table-service restaurant located on the upper level of Hyrule Castle. It’s pricey and requires a reservation, but it’s worth it for the Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom-inspired menu served in a regally appointed dining room with spectacular window and balcony views of the park. The interior décor features tapestries, paintings, and stained-glass windows depicting iconic LoZ scenes rendered in genuine medieval and Renaissance art styles.

Miscellaneous

After dusk, the Triforce fountain in the center of the area puts on a little light show every 15 minutes.

Paths to the other themed areas in the park can be found in the side alleys encircling Market Square, but that’s not the only reason to explore them! They contain many secrets, some of which are related to the phone app-based minigames.

[quickdeaths]

@nijimx continued from here

"Ah, I see." She wasn't sure whether Miss Niijima had simply failed to notice the rain in the first place, or whatever was on her mind was so consuming of her that she'd chosen to ignore it. Neither could they speculate on what could be the source of her wandering mind - being in the position that she was, it could be any number of things. It was Shinobu's personality, then, seldom to offer her advice unsolicited, nor to be unnecessarily pushy when it came to the personal matters of others. Miss Niijima had a number of classmates that she was close with, besides.

After a moment's pause, the archer gave a small nod in return. "Well, good luck with it, Miss Niijima," she offered with a small bow, before continuing on past the courtyard in the direction of the school gate. After switching her school shoes for her regular ones, she readied herself for the walk through the rain, only to notice that the small, knee-high box at the door had one single umbrella handle sticking out. "Ah..." Truthfully, they'd not expected any to be left at all, given the weather, and how late it was. But, only one, however...

"Miss Niijima?" Having changed back into her school shoes for a moment, Shinobu stood in the roofed walkway beside the courtyard, connecting the entry lockers to the school proper, closed umbrella in her hand and her backpack and her archery gear slung over her shoulders. "Ah, you're still here. I'll not insult your intelligence by suggesting that standing in the rain will cause you to catch a cold, but it is rather unpleasant, isn't it?" Or perhaps she preferred the rain. That would be unusual, perhaps, but not excessively so.

She gestured to the umbrella. "Regrettably, this is the last umbrella in the service box." There was no thunder or lightning - yet, at least - but mostly-outdoors like this, she could hear the sounds of rain upon the grass and dirt, and atop the school's roof. At least it wasn't windy."I'd prefer not to put you in a position to deal with this weather without one, so if you planned upon leaving soon, would you like me to walk you to your station?" Her reasons were less altruistic than they perhaps seemed, of course. Anything that would waste a few extra minutes before Shinobu's own arrival home was of benefit to her, especially given the foul mood her father had found himself in as of late.

[daisiesonafield-blog]

Info for Faith In The Future World Tour COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - JUN 17 2023

With special guests THE SNUTS & ANDREW CUSHIN!

Important Times:

6:00 PM - Doors Open

7:10 PM - Andrew Cushin

8:00 PM - The Snuts

9:00 PM - Louis Tomlinson

Parking always open

Times are all approximate and subject to change.

General admission (pit tickets):

THE WHOLE VENUE IS GENERAL ADMISSION ONLY.

Stir Concert Cove is an outdoor, standing room only, venue.

Rain and thunderstorms expected, prepare accordingly!

OVERNIGHT CAMPING WILL NOT BE PERMITTED!

8AM: WRISTBAND LINE PERMITTED TO FORM AT MAIN GATE. WE WILL HAVE 2 LINES: REGULAR GA (YELLOW) AND PARTY PIT/DECK (PINK)

9AM-11AM: SEQUENTIALLY NUMBERED WRISTBANDS WILL BE PUT ON GUESTS' WRISTS UPON ARRIVAL ON A FIRST/COME FIRST/SERVE BASIS FOR THE FIRST 600 GUESTS (PER LINE) OR UNTIL 11AM. GUESTS MUST HAVE A VALID TICKET TO RECEIVE A WRISTBAND. ALL GUESTS IN THE PARTY MUST BE PRESENT.

4PM-5PM: GUESTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO RETURN AT 4PM TO QUEUE FOR ENTRY USING THE SAME LINE AS THEY DID FOR PICK-UP! SECURITY WILL HONOR WRISTBANDS FROM 4PM-5PM.

AFTER 5PM, GUESTS WILL JOIN THE LINE ON A FIRST/COME FIRST/SERVE BASIS.

If you arrive to park before 8am, please stay in your vehicles. No overnight parking.

Subject to change. Check the venue’s socials for updates!

⚠️ HYDRATION REMINDER ⚠️

Hydrate before the show, while waiting in line and during the show

For optimal hydration drink something with electrolytes such as Gatorade or LiquidIV

Rain and thunderstorms expected, prepare accordingly!

Eat well!

Here are important policies:

Anyone under the age of 16 needs to be accompanied by an adult at all times

Parking: Parking is free and located North of the venue. Handicap parking is available West of the venue near the Harrah's main entrance.

ADA: You will only need a general admission ticket and may enter prior to the public through the VIP gate. We have a handicap section on the east side of the venue at the end of the walkway to the left of the stage. Ask any employee for help. For ADA accommodations, please email Stir Concert Cove at stirconcertcove@caesars.com

Cameras: No professional cameras with zoom lenses are permitted inside Stir Concert Cove. This applies to any video cameras as well. No flash permitted.

Chairs and blankets allowed but subject to search.

Ponchos/Rain Coats allowed

Binoculars allowed

NO umbrellas

NO picnic blankets

NO smoking or vaping inside the venue; you may smoke outside the gates in the Smoking/Vaping area.

NO outside food or beverages

NO Animals (except service animals)

NO Marijuana or any cannabis products

NO drugs

NO Coolers

NO Glass, Metal, or Hard Plastic Containers

NO knives, firearms, Brass knuckles, Tasers & mace/pepper spray or weapons of any kind

NO Fireworks

NO Laptops

NO Selfie sticks

NO Laser Pointers/flashlights

NO In-line or Roller Skates, Skateboards, Scooters, Bicycles

RE-ENTRY: you must use the exit only gate and re-enter the venue through the entry gates. Upon exiting, you must have your ticket scanned out to be able to re-enter. You must have a ticket to re-enter.

VIEW VENUE MAP 

VIEW SEAT MAP

*This list is not exhaustive. Items not appearing on the list may still be prohibited at the discretion of Security

For more details click here and here

Bag Policy:

Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bags permitted after search.

Anything above a 4.5x6.5 clutch must be clear

Small or clutch-sized purses or wallets, not exceeding 4.5 inches tall by 6.5 inches long

One-gallon, clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar).

No large purses, bags or backpacks will be allowed inside Stir Concert Cove.

Banners, signs and flag policy:

Flags smaller than 18x24 in are ok

PLEASE NOTE: this venue was impossible to contact and provided minimal information online. If I have more info I will update this original post. Check back for updates, or ask the venue in person if you have more questions.

Contact:

For additional questions please call the venue at 712.329.6000. You can also access their website. Email: stirconcertcove@caesars.com Check their IG here or Twitter here or Facebook here for updates. Address: Stir Concert Cove-Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel. 1 Harrah's Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

[eivor-thorne-ffxiv]

He was an amalgamation of rage. He always had been. There was nothing kind about Eivor when someone had incurred his wrath. While he and Cordelia would deny up and down that there were no feelings involved and his connection with the woman was one of an owed debt, he personally couldn’t deny the pang that had swelled in his chest upon learning that Damien Gray had laid his hands on Cordelia. While Eivor had been assured that Cordelia had done significant damage to the little lord, it didn’t placate the hulking Ala Mhigan who had been away from the estate to tend to Cordelia’s business. 

It had been several days on the return journey and Eivor had traded out a lighter selection of armor for the thick furs and leathers that he wore underneath protective layer of plate armor. Despite the abundance of chocobos in Ishgard, the large man had still favored a horse and his dappled gray steed led the pack that had swiftly made their way through the large iron gates and up the gravel pathway that led to the large doors of the estate. Eivor had not wasted any time in jumping down from the saddle and handling the leather reins off to another armor clad individual as he made his way through the large doors.

“Where?” He grunted in greeting to the female attendant that had rushed to the door to greet whomever it was. “Her room,” was all that was offered in response as the sound of his thick leather boots stomped against the stone walkway and he recounted the familiar path to her quarters. He hadn’t bothered to knock as he twisted the handle and allowed himself entry to the doorway. “Where is he?” Eivor asked as he drew in a large breath which had made an evident rise and fall to his muscular shoulders.

 “His estate.” Her voice was low, the tone holding little emotion as her attention kept to the reading.

“And you’ve no drive to wipe that pathetic estate off of the maps of Ishgard?” Eivor asked with an infuriated tone as he had stepped further into the room.

There was a pause in his demeanor as she had seemed so…plain regarding it. Where Eivor was bottled rage waiting to combust, Cordelia had found herself to be composed and idle. He would’ve brought the sky down upon Damien and not thought twice about it though the woman seemed to not be bothered by the situation.

It may have been a surprising sight to find Cordelia lounging comfortably within a large chair that was settled before the fireplace within her chambers. The loud echoing footsteps gave Eivor’s approach away and despite her knowing of his arrival, the woman remained focused on the book in hand. Ebony locks fell unruly over her shoulders compared to how she typically kept it up off her back. “Did you acquire the shipment? We are set to have everything manufactured and inventoried to be sent to Lady Cress’ ship to be sold and I want it all to be done smoothly.”

He had brought himself further into the room so that he could move to stand before the chair that she had comfortably in. “You have no need to question the status of the shipment and yet you do. Everything is moving ahead as planned and does not require your attention yet you give it weight when you should be dealing with other things.”

She allowed him to speak, her gaze still tracing the words on the parchment of the book, flipping the page once to allow for the time he needed to continue. Once it was clear he was done, Cordelia inhaled deeply with slow intentions and gently closed the book. Great care was given to this particular tome, having only recently received it from Vahalia during their visit and setting aside to the table next to her was done so just as carefully. The breath was released with a soft huff as she finally looked up to Eivor, the events of her altercation with Damien still evident on the blemishes of her skin that she hardly attempted to hide now. “My attention is exactly where it should be. My energy will not be wasted on Damien Gray. He is being handled in my own way.”

“Handled in your own way?” Eivor asked in disbelief. “You let the little lord and his staff just walk out of here with all of their belongings unharmed and now he’s in the safety and comfort of his estate. None of us know what he’s planning or who he means to rally.” Eivor had offered a flippant wave as he had huffed in annoyance. His ire for Cordelia would be misplaced but it was evident that her lack of emotion with the situation was a source of frustration for him. His ice colored hues had taken note of the marring to her facial features as his tongue clicked against the roof of his mouth in frustration.

As he continued on, Cordelia’s own frustrations began to grow and upon his final word, she pushed forcefully from her chair. “Apologies, Eivor, when did you become lord of this house? Who made it so that the intricacies involved you and your opinion on what I should be doing?” Her voice had raised a bit now from her prior calm demeanor, but even still she was a far cry from the anger that had boiled over a few nights before.

It mattered little that she stood, though, their height difference still required her to crane her sore neck to keep his gaze. Eivor’s gaze had narrowed down at her. He was a hulking statue of a man and rigged in a full display of armor would only lead him to be more intimidating to the regular passerby. Cordelia was not a regular passerby and it was clear that he had forgotten his place of servitude within her circle.

“I have eyes watching him, the information will be fed back to me when it is learned, if you must know. And for the record-" she paused, pushing by him to cross the room to her bedside table where a carafe of water sat. Pouring the glass, she brought it to her lips, allowing it to linger there as she finished her thought. “- he hardly left unharmed.”

He’d not reply to her and simply turned to watch her traipse across the room as he folded his large arms across his chest. The metal scraped against one another in an obnoxious scratch. “The missive made me aware that Lord Gray had been harmed as well.” He’d note with a clenched jaw. “But it seems as though I’ve misplaced my need to care for your wellbeing and should only focus on the wellbeing of your wealth until my debt has been paid.”

“Your care can be placed where ever you wish for it to so long as it does not get in the way of my work.” Her words came out in ice as she set the now emptied glass back to the bedside table.

It was rare these days that Eivor wound up on this side of her ire though it was clear that no one was free of the blast radius that Damien had created. “Then I needn’t get in the way of your work.” He’d reply with a flat tone as his arms uncrossed.

“You were brought here to settle a debt, to aid me as repayment for the items you stole from us. Do what you will with your emotions or need for feeling protective but do not forget that your place here is not as Lord of this house, for I do not need one."

He’d eye her for a moment beneath knit brows before he would inhale sharply and make his way towards the door of her quarters. “I’ve no need to be a lord. Hell, this wealth like this means fuck all to me. I’ll see myself to the quarters with the rest of the servants.”

Cordelia sighed heavily, walking toward the door as he did so though with a bit quicker pace in attempts to beat him there. When she did so, despite only barely, a hand lifted to press on the door to deny Eivor the ability to open it. “I didn’t say you had to leave.” She dropped her hand, adjusting now so that her back leaned against the wood. A long silence fell between the two as she simply stared up at him, her calm exposure returning.

An exhaled huff of frustration would come from the man’s frame as she had moved to beat him to the door and block his exit. While Eivor was entirely capable of moving Cordelia out of his way should he choose to exit, he instead allowed her to place her body against the wooden door to prevent him from moving forward. He’d not respond to her comment about leaving and instead clenched his jaw as his nostrils flared in slight annoyance. The change from his usual life to one within the Gray Estate was one Eivor still was adjusting to. He was used to living his life on a ship. Air or sea mattered little and he’d spend his nights under the stars. He couldn’t fathom the idea of sleeping under the stars in this dreadfully cold landscape. He had no love for the frozen tundra of a city.

“What would you have me do? Expel unnecessary resources to get revenge on him? I’ve taken steps to have him watched so, if my connection does his job well, we won’t be taken by surprise. I have no interest in wasting more time dedicating my attention to Damien Gray.”

“Myself and another man or two could make quick work of Damien Gray and his lackeys,” Eivor gruffly offered. “You’re sitting on a hope that your connection does his job well. No guarantee that he will.”

“Do you not see the issues that could arise from taking this head on in such a way?” She asked him, her head tilting just slightly, gazing up with an expectant look on her features. Arms rose to cross over her abdomen as she released a heavy sigh.” Not everything needs to be handled with brute force, Eivor. Some instances require tact, and this is one such instance.”

“What issues?” He’d quip back in a hastened manner. “Damien Gray attempted to take your life. A very clear attempt was made by the marks on your neck and when you defended yourself with the means that were near you, he beat you. I don’t know many that would refute that truth.” Eivor had offered a gruff rumble in follow up as he afforded himself a step back to fold his arms over his chest once more.

“The issues of too many eyes looking at me when I need them to be looking elsewhere.” Cordelia took a deep breath, her chest rising slowly as she attempted to ease her frustration that he wasn’t understanding. Whispers swept through Ishgard in waves following Ambrose’s death and while they had quietened for the most part, Cordelia still received the occasional sideways glance when she ventured outside of the estate into the city. “The rumor mill can be vile and work well against our favors, which is something I am trying to avoid and doing more harm to Damien Gray by my hands or by my command would hurt me more than help.”

Eivor couldn’t entirely understand her fixation with the rumor mill. There was little need for such things on ships. Sure, sailors gossiped but they were also just as likely to send a fist across the side of your face as a means of hashing things out instead of creeping behind someone’s back to spew malice and discontent. His icy hues would remain on her as his eyes rolled slightly. “I don’t understand this society,” he’d admit with a slight scoff.

She lifted a hand to his cheek, patting gently with the flash of a smile that faded as quickly as it showed. “Respectfully, dear, you don’t need to.” Maybe she was right. Maybe he didn’t need to understand it and maybe he didn’t want to understand it but that didn’t mean he was free from frustration. His brows would relax as his gaze followed her from the door to her place on the edge of the bed. He hadn’t moved from his spot near the doorway but he also hadn’t reached for the handle. “You need anything then?” 

Her hand fell back to her side as she pushed from the door to return back to her bedside, finding herself perched on the edge of the bed. With a heavy sigh, Cordelia held his gaze plainly as she weighed her options. Slowly her steel hues moved along the height of him down his body before lifting to look back at him again. “Not with you in that armor.” She stated coolly before laying back on the bed, never breaking her connection to him.

collab writing with the lovely, @promethea-silk

[bluenpinkcastle]

20240122: the History of LEGO Castle day 022. 6074-1 / 10039-1 Black Falcon's Fortress (1986 / 2002, 429 pieces, 93 different parts) The Black Falcon's Fortress was the largest Black Falcon's castle released until the Creator 3-in-1 Medieval Castle in 2021, and it's only slightly bigger than 6073-1 Knight's Castle. The Black Falcon's Fortress is a light gray castle with two towers in the front on either side of a front gate with a black drawbridge. The front towers use the new 3x3x6 corner wall, as do the back corners of the castle. The second floor of the castle has a small covered walkway with the brand new yellow 2x5x6 castle wall panel with black lattice work and a black sloped roof. This is also the first non-symetrical castle so far. The "Yellow" Castle (375-2 / 6075-2), the Knight's Castle (6073-1), and the King's Castle (6080-1) have all had a front gate tower and two matching towers at the right and left corners of the castle, but the Black Falcon's Fortress has the two towers in front making up the larger front gate and the off-center alcove in the rear. The set comes with six Black Falcons minifigures. Four of the minifigures have the standard blue Black Falcon torso with black arms and the silver and black halved falcon pattern on a triangular shield outline with plain black legs and black helmets, though two are archers and two spear wielders. The other two minifigures are both knights, one with a black torso and black arms with the silver breastplate print and one with a blue torso and black arms with the silver breastplate print, and both have black legs with red belts. The knights each have one horse, so one white horse with a red saddle and one black horse with a blue saddle. Unique parts in this set include the blue 2x2 hard plastic Black Falcons flag and the yellow 2x5x6 castle wall panel with black lattice work. The light gray corner wall with dark gray stone print was only found in two other sets, 6062-1 Battering Ram (1987) and 6077-2 Forestmen's River Fortress (1989). While the original 6074-1 was released in 1986, the LEGO Group decided to re-release it as part of the Legends theme in 2002. The only real differences between the sets are: the shiny dark gary sword becomes dark gray swords, switching out the 1x1 plates with thin U clips to thick U clips, and switching out the one clip blue and red saddles for two clip saddles. Probably my absolute favorite part of this entire castle is how this is the one castle so far with an entry gate the carts up until this point will actually fit through, as the drawbridge is wider. Overall, though, this castle is such a beautiful design. It's fun to play with and very easy to close, pick up, and move around. I truly enjoy that about these early castles - how easy they are to move, so you can adjust your kingdom much easier, or even move the castle from active play to a shelf. Inventory lists for this castle can be found on BrickLink or Rebrickable and a free download of the instructions can be found at ToysPeriod. If you want to know more about the designer, Daniel August Krentz, BrickSet did a really nice tribute and has a full list of everything he designed. Additionally, 10039-1 was included in a LEGO Legend Castle Collection (K10039) from 2003 alongside 10000-1 Guarded Inn (re-release from 2001) and 3739-1 Blacksmith Shop (from 2002).

[allhallowsthemepark]

All Hallows - Pumpkin Acres

Moving clockwise around the entry plaza, the next gate from Trick-or-Treat Village leads to Pumpkin Acres, a tiny agricultural town somewhere in the American Midwest (or is it the South, or Appalachia, or...?) during the fall harvest season. The gateway is asymmetrical, with a white fence bordering a cornfield on one side and a small green bearing a painted wooden sign welcoming visitors to the town on the other. The base of the sign is heaped with fall produce—not only pumpkins, but baskets of apples and flint corn, squashes and gourds, and sheaves of wheat.

The walkway leads directly to the town square, which is designed in a typical “historic downtown” style, with buildings reflecting a countrified version of the architecture of the early 1900s. The colors tend toward earth tones with white trim, and some of the buildings are very obviously converted barns. Every storefront window display is decorated with simple jack-o-lanterns, autumn leaf garlands, and other seasonal accents.

Near the center of the square is an old-fashioned message board. Attentive guests can peruse the board to pick up on some of the area lore (see Characters, below).

On the far side of the square from the entry point is an open field in which a “Harvest Fair” has been set up, with a few simple carnival rides and game booths.

The “period setting” of Pumpkin Acres is wholly contemporary, but the town is a bit behind the times in many ways. Everything looks at least somewhat old, but carefully maintained to last. The ambient music loop consists of country-western, bluegrass, and blues music, some of it explicitly Halloween-themed while other tunes are merely dark and somber in tone.

Characters

The characters of Pumpkin Acres are just plain folks...or are they? The key players are as follows:

Granny McGillicuddy: By any measure the matriarch of the town, Granny is pushing 80 but still spry and working her pumpkin farm, which produces some real monsters every year—one just won the top prize at the County Fair and can be viewed on her property as part of the Pumpkin Acres Haunted Hayride. She also owns the town's biggest restaurant, although she leaves the running of it to younger relatives these days.

Harry Palmer: The local kook, who recently spent the night in the drunk tank for an unspecified offense (again). He runs the petting farm and loves his animals so much you might well suspect him of being one of them!

Woody Braxton: The young man who runs the bookshop (and the public library), Woody is a self-certified expert in cryptids and other paranormal mysteries. Not that he believes any of that stuff, mind you—he just finds it a fascinating topic!

Jeannie Braxton: Woody's younger sister (late teens/early 20s), who does believe that stuff and is constantly getting into mild scrapes trying to prove it's real.

Attractions

Harry Palmer's Petting Farm: Come on in and meet Harry's beloved animals! There's Elvira the black sheep, Beelzebub the Manx Loaghtan goat, Midnight the Ayam Cemani chicken, and quite a few regular critters as well. For a small fee, you can even feed them, and despite some of the nastier rumors in town, they do not eat the souls of the living.

Swamp Boats: One of the more peaceful rides in All Hallows, a simple outdoor boat ride through a swampy landscape. There's eerie mist, mysterious sounds from distant sources, and some of the trees look a little like threatening monsters, but there are no overt jump-scares or other frights—the horror here is whatever guests bring with them and project into their surroundings.

Pumpkin Acres Haunted Hayride: The signature attraction of Pumpkin Acres, a track-bound dark ride with “haycart” vehicles that seat about 30. The haycart travels past scenes of fields and wooded spots containing tableaux implied to be built by the town residents for the occasion. They start out benign (cute scarecrows posed with farm equipment, obviously fake graveyards with ghost and skeleton props), but as the ride progresses, the tableaux become eerier and evidence mounts that something genuinely supernatural is going on. The climax of the ride occurs in Granny McGillicuddy's field, when her prize pumpkin suddenly lifts up off the ground as the head of a massive spirit-possessed scarecrow!

Corn Maze: A traditional corn maze—just a winding path through the stalks, with a motion-activated bogeys in strategic locations. Of course, if real corn were used then the maze would only be available in the appropriate season, so the actual structure is artificial cornstalks backed up by painted fencing to give a similar visual impression.

The Pumpkin Acres Town Fair: This is the name given to a collection of small attractions at one end of the town. There are simple carnival rides, the sorts of things that can be folded up and transported via tractor-trailer: a Tilt-a-Whirl with seats that look like caramel apples (the stick is the backrest), a “Witch's Cauldron Bounce,” a miniature spook house, and a pony ride. There are also some equally simple carnival game booths and a small stage where guests can sit on bales of hay and enjoy a bluegrass band.

Shops and Eateries

6. Pumpkin Patch: During the fall, guests can get their pumpkins for carving right at the theme park! As with other unwieldy purchases, they can be reserved and paid for up front, and then picked up on the way out. Decorative gourds, flint corn, and other attractive fall produce items are also available.

7. Country Costumes: The Pumpkin Acres costume shop offers costumes based on a variety of rural and farm archetypes. Some of these include: Cowboy/cowgirl, farm animals of various types, farmer, fruits and vegetables, granny/grandpa, pumpkin, ragdoll, redneck, scarecrow (friendly and scary varieties), and werewolf.

8. Sewing & Craft Shop: On the other hand, guests might prefer to get the supplies to make their own costumes. Due to space limitations, the stock of fabrics is not as large as it would be in a standard fabric store, and the actual bolts are not kept on the sales floor but in a cutting room in the back, with guests making their selections based on sample swatches. Patterns, notions and Halloween-themed craft kits can be taken right off the shelves.

9. Braxton Books: A small bookshop focusing on paranormal subjects and horror novels. Includes a reading nook for those who want to peruse before buying.

10. Granny McGillicuddy's Pie Barn: A counter-service restaurant with country-style cooking—fried chicken and chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy, and several flavors of pie, including pumpkin, apple, and boysenberry. Steamed vegetables and other less-heavy dishes round out the menu. Beverages include the standard array of soft drinks, bottled beer (limit one per customer), and hot apple cider.

Other

The back corner (on the right side, from the perspective of someone heading in from the entry plaza) of Pumpkin Acres is thickly planted with trees and shrubs, with a path that ultimately leads into Goblin Woods. (Marked on the map with a *.)

[pertinax--loculos]

OOOPS. 🙃

(Approx 1200 words, if you're in the mood to read. ^_^)

NOW --- Amelia

“How do you feel about coming back?”

Ready isn’t exactly the right word. But it isn’t the wrong word, either. Progress.

I reach out and brush my fingers against Lyndon’s arm, and the buzzing inside my skin dulls and then dims, a faint echo of insects crawling along my bones.

“Good,” I say, and if it isn’t the truth, it’s not quite a lie, either. “I feel… determined.”

“Determined is good,” he says, throwing me a quick smile before he looks back to the road.

I tap my nails against the slick sheen of paint on the outside of the door. Lyndon doesn’t drive fast, but with the top down my hair flicks around my face anyway, strands catching in my eyes before they’re whipped away by the wind.

I can taste the salt on the air. It feels like home as much as it feels like a threat.

The flat fields around us started to change a while ago, and now houses start to peek out from behind the rolling hills we’re headed towards. It’s hard to make out anything but peaks for a few minutes, before we crest the last of the high land and the Beachfront spreads out in front of us.

Some of it is grass, green and manicured and cultivated. Off to the right is a cluster of buildings that makes up the main street, snaking back inland for a while before they dare to rise to more than one storey and risk blocking the view. But the scenery is dominated by the houses.

Hulking mansions and sprawling ranch-style dwellings. Squatting bungalows and a few more modern facades, perched on tiny elevations or sunken in between dunes. Too far apart to rightly be called neighbours, with gates barricading private access roads and tall poles marking out private beaches.

We head left, take a couple of turns that brings us onto an unfinished road. The wheels kick up dust and stones in our wake, and I wince at the tiny pings that each represent a chip or imperfection in the rich crimson paint.

Lyndon doesn’t care. He probably doesn’t even have to ring anyone to take care of it. They know he’s heading to the Beachfront, and they know what that entails.

We pass by a few private roads, all signed and named as though this is a real town and not a society borne only of wealth. State Street, Kingsman Drive, Fleur Boulevard. Less lies than a charade that everybody buys into.

And they do have to buy.

The house we’re headed for doesn’t look like it got the message, however.

It’s perched precariously on a series of spindly legs; noticeably smaller than every other property surrounding it, a stretched rectangle of wood weathered until it’s nearly white. Two modest storeys, with a staircase wrapping around from the front door, disappearing into coarse and persistent sand. At high tide the stairs are more than half hidden; to get out of the house you need to take the walkway that spears off a few steps down, a bridge lifted with the same long-legged stilts that curls over the dune set too many metres behind it and leads to what was once probably a small parking area.

If someone knew Lyndon, they might be surprised that he owns the house. They wouldn’t be surprised that he owns the garage.

It’s a modern behemoth, all long lines and sharp angles, stark blacks popping against stark whites. To gain entry to the perilous walkway visitors have to be buzzed through a small antechamber at the far right of the garage; it’s either that or brave the low but dense brush and reeds cluttering the dunes to either side. The alternative is to circle around wider, but to avoid the worst of it one risks entering the properties on either side, the ones pruned and fought and beaten into submission so a lone person straggling through would be noticeable at best and highly suspicious at worst.

Past the antechamber are five doors, ones that lift on hinges like the fourth one does when Lyndon brushes his fingers over his phone, sitting in its cradle on the dash.

He pulls in to the cool darkness of the garage, settling the crimson sportscar between two of its brethren, black on one side, pastel green on the other. Crouched like predators ready to spring into action. To my far left is a huge four-wheel drive that looks like it’s never seen anything other than bitumen in its life. Knowing Lyndon, it’s hard to tell whether that’s manufactured fiction or designed truth.

“You okay?” he says, when the snarl of the engine has faded to a false echo in my ears.

I turn a grin on him. “Never better.”

That gets a roll of the eyes and a brief brush of his fingers on the back of my hand, the buzz that had grown almost unnoticed in the back of my mind fading once again. He pops what passes for a trunk in this slim and flat excuse for a vehicle and hauls out a suitcase that carries close to an entire life inside it, and then he lifts out mine.

To exit the garage he flicks at something on his phone screen again. The wooden walkway creaks and groans beneath our feet and the wheels of the suitcases.

From here, the house looks quaint, antique, unprotected. But there’s a small black panel just to the right of the faux-wooden door, and when Lyndon taps his phone to it something heavy clunks inside the frame.

The security system is state-of-the-art. I should know. It took me over a day to break in the first time, and that was exploiting a loophole that has since been closed. With prejudice.

"Your phone is on the security system,” Lyndon says as he steps through the doorway.

I glance at the panel. The light turns red when I step through, until Lyndon acknowledges some notification on his phone.

“Do I get visitors?” I say.

He sends me a grin. “You’re approved for three. If you wanna hold any raging keggers, just let me know in advance.”

My second eye roll is lost as he turns back and sweeps into the centre of the room.

The interior of the house looks like someone went to an interior decorator and said make it look like a proper beach house, which is probably exactly what happened. Though I’m not complaining. Black and white photographs on the wall, seashells and other beach-themed accoutrements aplenty, and an off-white couch with crocheted blankets brightening its arms placed a few feet from the floor-to-ceiling windows that make up the entire wall that looks towards the ocean.

Even if it’s synthetic, it’s cozy.

Lyndon abandons his suitcase in the middle of the room, somewhere between the couch and the door to the kitchen and laundry room. His eyes are on his phone as he makes his way to the staircase leading to the upper level.

He hesitates at the foot, throws a smirk over his shoulder. “Make yourself at home.”

He disappears upstairs, and I leave my suitcase by his and flop down on the couch. Scan the horizon, the creeping waves, and revel in the carefully preserved illusion that we’re a million miles from civilisation.

I let my head drop back and close my eyes. The swell of the ocean fills my ears.

Summer has started.

It’s time to find a murderer.

[babblish]

💞, 💝, 🤍, 💌!

Thanks for the ask crow!

💞what's the most important part of a story for you? the plot, the characters, the worldbuilding, the technical stuff (grammar etc), the figurative language

I mean yes these are all very important elements I am completely normal about at all times, but I think when it comes to it, the thing I value most is the thread tying everything together to create a balanced end product and satisfying journey rather than... a cake that's straight up gonna give you vanilla extract poisoning.

💝what is a fic that got a different response than you were expecting?

Technically all of them, but I have been shocked, shocked to see Primordial Awakenings do as well has it's done. It's currently my most kudos'd fic I've ever written and so goshdarn close to breeching 1000 hits.

🤍what's one fic of yours you think people didn't "get"?

Uhl fic, I think. 🤔 Perhaps I shot myself in the foot with this one but I think that most people don't realise that it's less about fleshing out An Single Character and more about fleshing out the entire setting and exploring the internal logic using Uhl as an entry point, Sam (the OC) as the narrative wire cutters to break my way in, and sitcom tropes as the lens of choice.

It's fine if people don't like it, I know it's an extremely niche concept and your mileage may very on my execution, but I feel like people probably have given up on it before I really hit my stride.

💌share something with us about an up-and-coming work (WIP) that has you excited!

I'm afraid, as I got precious little done in ToA land in February, this will have to be from Web of Starlight.

This is from the first draft of Chapter 19: Hot Springs Eternal; (CW: nudity, bathing, comparing scars and past injuries)

The little gate closed behind them and Web was alone with Bariz. To the nearest wall was a basin of running water atop polished stone, and a tiny garden surrounding a constructed pool, steam rising gently to meet the foliage of the singular tree that bathed the area with soft shadows.

Bariz took no time at all to remove his clothes, and sat on rock smoothed with centuries of use with his eyes closed, contentedly listening to the bird peeping above them in the foliage.

Web felt his cheeks burn, backed into a situational corner, frozen with his hands on his shirt. He undressed with the hesitant efficiency of a prisoner and carefully folded his clothes, placing ear pieces atop. He stood awkwardly, staring at Bariz’s clothes, wondering if it’d be a transgression to do the same to his.

There was a wet sloshing as Bariz dunked his feet into the constructed pool, and he winced audibly as he slowly slipped in.

“Come on in,” Bariz said. “It’ll feel good to wash our horrible journey from your skin.”

Web approached him, sitting across from him on the walkway, legs clamped together and arms crossed over his chest. He eyed the water nervously, not trusting the way the whole place smelled, too much like deep underground places devoid of breathable air at all. At least he was in the shade.

“Look we can compare scars!” Bariz grinned, gesturing at a slash on his arm. “I got this one when I fell out of a tree. It’s a funny story really, I didn’t know dogs could even get that high!”

Web smiled awkwardly, deigning a single laugh, and then in a gesture of good will, pointed at what remained of ear. “I slipped when I was scaling a cavern wall, tumbled like a pebble on the sharp rocks before I could find my footing again.”

Bariz whistled. “Impressive!”

[duragreenlighting]

Illuminate Your Space: A Guide to Outdoor Home Lighting

Outdoor home lighting not only enhances the beauty of your property but also boosts security and functionality. The right lighting setup can transform your yard, garden, or patio into a welcoming space after dark. Whether you want to highlight landscape features, provide safety along pathways, or create a cozy atmosphere for outdoor gatherings, outdoor lighting plays a critical role in your home’s exterior design.

Here’s a guide to understanding outdoor home lighting and how to choose the best fixtures for your space.

Types of Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting comes in various types, each serving different purposes:

Pathway Lights: These low-level lights are used along walkways, driveways, and garden paths to ensure safe passage. Path lights typically have a soft glow, providing enough illumination without overpowering the surroundings.

Spotlights: Spotlights offer more concentrated light. They are used to highlight specific features, like trees, architectural details, or garden statues. They also serve as a security feature, brightening up dark areas that could otherwise hide potential intruders.

Floodlights: Floodlights cover a wide area with a bright, intense light. They’re ideal for illuminating large outdoor spaces such as driveways, backyards, or the area surrounding a garage. These lights are often motion-activated, offering both security and convenience.

String Lights: For a more ambient feel, string lights are a popular choice. They’re perfect for setting the mood during outdoor dinners, parties, or relaxing evenings. String lights can be hung across patios, pergolas, or trees, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Deck and Step Lights: These are smaller lights designed to enhance safety by illuminating deck areas, stairs, and patio edges. They not only help to prevent tripping hazards but also add a stylish touch to your outdoor space.

Choosing the Right Light Fixtures

When choosing outdoor lighting, consider both form and function. The fixtures you select should enhance the appearance of your home while serving practical purposes like providing adequate illumination and improving safety.

Consider the Style of Your Home: The lighting fixtures should complement your home’s architectural style. For example, modern homes may benefit from sleek, minimalist fixtures, while traditional homes might look better with lantern-style lights or fixtures with intricate details.

Energy Efficiency: Outdoor lights are often left on for long hours, making energy efficiency an important consideration. LED lights are a popular choice due to their long lifespan and low energy consumption. Solar-powered lights are also an eco-friendly option, charging during the day and automatically turning on at night.

Durability: Since outdoor lights are exposed to the elements, it's essential to choose fixtures that can withstand rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Look for weatherproof, corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic.

Lighting Placement Tips

Proper placement of outdoor lighting is key to achieving the best results. Here are some tips for optimal lighting placement:

Highlight Landscaping: Use spotlights to showcase large trees, shrubs, or flower beds, creating a dramatic effect with shadows and light.

Illuminate Entrances: Placing lights near doorways or gates helps visitors find their way and adds to your home’s security.

Path Lighting: Install pathway lights along walkways or driveways to guide guests and ensure safety.

Balance Lighting Levels: Avoid over-illuminating areas, which can create glare and discomfort. Instead, aim for a balanced distribution of light across different areas.

Enhancing Security

Outdoor lighting can play a significant role in boosting your home’s security. Motion-activated lights are an excellent option, as they deter potential intruders by illuminating when motion is detected. Installing lights near entry points, such as doors and windows, also increases safety and makes your home less attractive to burglars.

Creating Ambiance

Beyond practicality, Outdoor Bollard Light sets the mood for your yard or garden. For example, soft, warm lighting can create a relaxing, romantic atmosphere, while brighter lights are ideal for family gatherings or outdoor parties. Mixing different types of lighting, such as path lights, spotlights, and string lights, allows you to customize the ambiance for different occasions.