#wrapped ted a cookie ... probably chocolate chip.................

[coachbeards]

my reminder to everyone that since we saw ted toss beard his blt from his backpack, this "HAPPY SURPRISE SANDWICH FRIDAY!" bag was.........................made by beard. he brought this to work for ted. and he even wrapped ted a cookie!!!!

[djpurple3]

Observant.

Logicality oneshot, 1,402 words. Patton is tired and having a horrible day. Logan notices. Logan notices a lot about Patton, and he’s only just realised that it might just be because Patton matters to him. And he wants to make Patton feel seen, even if that’s all he can do.

@leiasolo77 @merlybird500 (I believe you were having a bad-ish day? and if this can help i gladly offer it) @musical-nerd18 @luna-teller @magpiemorality @broadwaytheanimatedseries @oh-theatre (i know you’re not on right now but if you do see this, it’s dedicated to you).

---

Logan knows Patton like the back of his own hand. He isn’t sure when he became so familiar, but one day he notices that Patton ins’t quite as happy as those smiles were trying to convince them he was, and Logan then immediately moved to make Patton’s favourite kind of hot chocolate in his favourite mug, and it hits him. He knows Patton well. Well enough to know that his favourite mug is the one that’s completely plain and un-patterned (or should that be patton-ed?), and also happens to be nearly the size of a small bowl. It has a chip in the rim and a crack in the handle, but it’s the mug that Patton’s been using for years. As Logan adds a stupid amount of cream, just the right amount of sugar in Patton’s opinion, and three marshmallows, he finds himself wondering when he noticed so much.

He supposes it’s his function, to notice and store information away like this. And sure, he knows which mug is Roman’s and that Virgil likes Earl Grey tea, but he doesn’t know how they make it, what they like. Like he knows that Patton uses a different fabric softener than them, because the scent is more subtle and otherwise the texture of his blankets means he can’t sleep. He knows that the reason Patton’s patton-ted cookie recipe tastes extra good when Patton makes it rather than whenever Roman tries is because, despite Patton saying that the secret ingredient is ‘love’, Logan knows that the secret ingredient is actually a teaspoon or two of coffee to enhance the chocolate. Well, and maybe a bit of love, too.

Look, Logan tells himself, it doesn’t matter how much he actually knows. Probably. Maybe. Maybe it’s weird. Maybe it’s just Logan. But Patton’s actually sad. And Logan carries the hot chocolate over to him with a couple cookies to boot and sets it down on the coffee table in front of him. Patton jolts, like he’d been spaced out until the sound jarred him out of his own head, and that is a second warning to Logan that Patton isn’t as well as he is claiming.

[The rest is under the cut]

Patton smiles up at Logan in wordless thanks, and slips off the couch to the floor to have better access to the coffee table. After a moment of hesitation, Logan joins him. Patton is warm, in that steady way that Patton is, and Patton is surprised to see Logan sitting with him, but Logan is quiet and persistent. “Patton?” “Yeah, Logan?” “Are you…?” Logan scratches at his temple, trying to think of how to ask the concerns that are hiding under his tongue. Patton watches him with wide eyes, almost like he’s realising the charade is up, and something seems to die a little behind those glittering browns of his. Logan sighs, and draws his knees up to his chin, wrapping his arms around himself and trying to think of how to say it. “Lo,” Patton says, and it sounds like he’s so tired. He sounds like he’s begging for something, but Logan doesn’t know what. Is he begging him to stop? Beginning him to continue? “I see you, Patton,” Logan says instead, before his mind properly catches up with him. “I see you, and I see you are having a… rough day.” Patton’s eyes grow bright, and he latches onto his mug to give him something to keep his hands steady. “I want you to know that you are… seen,” Logan repeats, running a hand through his hair in the frustration that he can’t find the words Patton wants to hear. “And that you are… loved?” He says the word so strangely, almost foreign on his tongue. By his own admission, he doesn’t ‘do’ feelings. But he knows there must be a reason why, because he isn’t so observant for anyone else. Patton’s hands are shaking, and he sets down the mug again after he spills some hot chocolate on his pyjama bottoms. His lip is trembling. Logan wilts. Once again, he’s said the wrong thing, hasn’t he? He goes to stand, but Patton catches his arm, keeping him from getting up. “Please don’t leave,” Patton whispers, and… Logan sees. It’s Patton asking for help, even if it’s so painfully quiet that a soft breeze could probably whisk it away it if it so chose.

Logan sits back down firmly, closer this time, close enough their thighs are pressed together, and he ends up wrapping an arm around Patton and gently pulling him closer until Patton gets the hint, and rests his head on Logan’s shoulder. “It’s okay to ask,” Logan reminds him, and Patton smiles in a way that is a lot more genuine than anything else Logan has seen out of him today. “And I will stay. As long as you need me for.” Patton is quiet for a moment. He has his hand on Logan’s chest, and he starts playing with his tie. “I always need you,” he admits quietly, almost ashamed, and the mighty crack in his voice heralds the tears that start to leak down his face. Patton goes to pull away, like he thinks Logan won’t want to see this ugly outburst of emotion, but Logan doesn’t let go. “Please don’t leave,” Logan tells him softly. With that, Patton just slumps back against him, trying not to sob into his shoulder and failing miserably.

Logan had been trying to keep an eye on Patton for the past few weeks. And unfortunately, this overflow of emotions is… not completely unexpected.

Logan pulls him in tighter, hugging him close, and soon Patton is practically curled in his lap, head against Logan’s chest, and Logan encourages Patton to put his ear over where Logan’s heart is, to listen to it beat, and remind himself that it means that Patton’s not alone. And Patton does. And slowly, the tears stop. And slowly, Patton nods in and out of sleep, mumbling an apology every time. “When was the last time you got enough sleep?” Logan asks, and he slowly, with time for Patton to tell him to stop, slides his hands up to Patton’s hair to gently card his fingers through his soft locks. The way Patton practically melts against him with a sound not unlike a contented groan tumbling out of his throat clues Logan in to how much Patton likes it. “I have slept recently,” Patton mumbles, and he’s obviously trying to keep himself from settling against Logan and drifting off. “That wasn’t my question, dear,” Logan reprimands, and absolutely catches himself out with the ‘dear’ that slipped past his lips. Thankfully, Patton seems enough out of it to do no more than sleepily blush. “What I did ask was when the last time you slept well was.” Patton yawns widely, and leans into Logan’s gentle petting of his hair. “Maybe… Thursday? Wednesday?” That is nearly a week ago. “You’re exhausted,” Logan hums in sympathy. “You should sleep. It’s nine o’clock, anyway.” “That’s still early,” Patton tries to argue. “No,” Logan argues back with a raised eyebrow, “it really is not.” Patton giggles a little, and finally seems to let himself relax, snuggling into Logan’s arms and letting his eyelids briefly flutter shut. “As long as you stay with me…?” Patton trails off at the end, like he isn’t sure if Logan will take it well. Like he’s afraid of being needy, or clingy. Logan makes a decision. He leans down and presses a kiss, soft and tender and all for Patton, into Patton’s forehead, and murmurs against his skin, “for as long as you’ll have me.” Patton sighs happily, wetly, and lets his eyes close. “I don’t think you’d want to stay with me forever,” he mumbles sleepily. “But I’d like to think you might.” “If you asked,” Logan smiles, and he drags up the courage to place another kiss into his hair. “I think I would.” Another tear slides down Patton’s cheek, but it’s only one, and it isn’t sad. That much, Logan can tell. “I love you,” Patton murmurs as he sinks into the embrace of sleep. Logan pulls Patton close, and rests his chin in Patton’s curls. “Reciprocated,” he merely says in reply, but it’s more than enough.

They’re found like that in the morning, fast asleep in each others arms, and happier than anyone seen either of them in a long time.

[garintzabar-blog]

Garin Tzabar

The First Lone Gunman Soldier

A household man and a soldier make for a lonely combine. Being away from your family at vacation time and particular dates like birthdays and anniversaries is dangerous enough. However if you find yourself used to the tastes of dwelling and are given rations which can be merely sustenance every day every chew can carry on a state of melancholy.

One lucky soldier serving in Bagdad lately acquired a welcome package from home. It appears that evidently his loving household, who're originally from Italy and now reside in America, have enjoyed the delicacies of My Little Style of Italy for generations. When the owner, often known as Mama Gloria, traveled along with her household to the previous country to go to her grandparent's villages, her ardour to bake and serve authentic cookies and desserts from her heritage was ignited.

The two families, from Italy, met in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at an Italian-Presbyterian Church in the early 1900s. The pastor of that church, Italian himself, worked tirelessly to provide a haven for Italian immigrants the place they could hold on to their roots and traditions whereas studying the language and the ways of their new house in America.

When World War II broke out Gloria Mount's father became a baker and cook for the US Army. After which the household moved to Whittier, California, where in 1961 they opened D'Eliso's Bakery. The second family settled in Spokane, Washington. All through the years the families have remained shut and now the fourth generation Italian households have pulled together for the sake of their soldier son.

As a single father of a valuable 4 year outdated son, being away during the holidays is particularly tough. What Frank (as I shall call him to guard his complete platoon from begging him for a bite) obtained was a special, delicately wrapped, package deal of true Italian biscotti. When you've got by no means loved this earthly delight you've got by no means tasted true biscotti. Frank states that, "it is not the laborious cookie that American's know, but reasonably a agency, but comfortable, flavorful cookie.

While the unique taste is pine nuts and anise, together, Mama Gloria and her daughter Liz, have discovered a strategy to incorporate some extra Italian flavors in her mix. Once I contacted them to find out what they'd up their sleeve Gloria knowledgeable me that since Frank particularly enjoyed his previous country deal with, she has created two new flavors that she will probably be packaging in a very unique method for Valentine's Day supply.

This new providing is available in two flavors; the Grand Marnier dipped in wealthy, Italian chocolate, and their Spumoni flavored biscotti drizzled with the same. For those that wish to add a little bit spice to the combo, one more twist to an outdated favourite has been created. Florentine cookies have been given an entire new zing with the addition of chocolate chips, espresso beans and cayenne pepper to the usual slivered almonds. This various Valentine special has been aptly named "Sizzling Mommas" and is bound to spice up your loved ones life.

What units My Little Taste of Italy aside is not only the true outdated world recipes however the added contact created by their special presentation. Their Valentine bundle, I am advised, can be packed in with an assortment of fun gadgets like wedding favor bubbles and wax lips. "I'm sure this present pack will spark the fireplace in the one you love this Valentine's Day," states Gloria.

She further informs me that now that she has examined the waters with overseas transport she will likely be creating other special, soldier friendly, delicacies to delight our combating forces each at home and abroad. I'm sure that Frank and his soldier buddies will all admire hearing that reality. Not solely is My Little Taste of Italy creating such unique presents for our preventing forces, however they ease the burden on the family at home by together with the transport in the associated fee so that the family does not need to foot that further expense when transport to their members of the family serving overseas.

Plenty of troopers returning home from wars have become alcoholics. It's true that the loneliness as well as the pressure while out within the battle field makes soldiers resort to consuming sprees, alcohol dependency and sometimes drug dependency.

Soldiers should remember though that the abuse of alcohol as well as the misuse of medicines or medication may result to dangerous and risky behaviors that embrace however will not be limited to pub fights, spousal abuse, even unexpected deaths so it's a must to have interaction in responsible ingesting. Under are some suggestions that might help one drink responsibly:

Before consuming and in the midst of consuming, ensure that your stomach has meals as a result of eating food with starch and high protein will decelerate the speed of the effects of alcohol hitting you.

Drink slowly but certainly as quick consuming will make the drinker more intoxicated. Ingesting no a couple of drink every hour will outcome to the drinker not being drunk quick

Strive ingesting non alcoholic drinks in between your consumption of alcoholic drinks as this may end result to alcoholic drinks not having a better impact on you.

Keep in mind this HALT! That is simple to remember and stands for "Never Drink when you have the next emotions: Hungry, Offended, Lonely, or Drained."

And naturally, allow us to not neglect (although it could be a cliche, it may possibly save lives). Don't drink and drive. Always guantee that the one that can be driving the vehicle is sober, in any other case, simply take a cab or any other public transportation.

Following the following pointers will show you how to (soldiers) avoid alcohol abuse as well as symptoms or illnesses partnered with alcoholism similar to: PTSD. PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Dysfunction when coupled with alcoholism will robotically cause a lot of bother. It's a sort of tension disorder that normally results from trauma that comes from bodily damage, a serious risk of loss of life or the demise of somebody shut. As early because the sixth century BC, PTSD has been noticed in war veterans.

It has been noticed that folks with PTSD have a greater danger of developing alcoholism and most alcoholics are even diagnosed with the stated disease. Round eighty p.c of struggle veterans undergoing treatment for PTSD have been detected with alcohol abuse disorders. These individuals have a tendency to commit suicide as soon as they grow to be depressed especially if they're over the age of sixty five. Binge drinking can also be a frequent activity in soldiers/veterans as it's used as a instrument to overlook traumatic recollections for a brief time period.

Alcoholism additionally disrupts your relationship together with your partner and may lead to violence as it is evident in spousal abuse committed by intoxicated soldiers. Except for conflicts, problems in intimacy have additionally been observed. PTSD symptoms are stimulated extra with alcoholism. The results of Lone Soldier PTSD treatments are also lessened by alcohol abuse. Soldiers amongst all professionals have the great duty of avoiding alcoholism. It's a must to observe ideas in avoiding too much drinking not only for your safety but in addition for the security of your family members and the people who look as much as you.

Lone Star is one among my all time favourites from the New Wave of British Heavy Metallic era. Arguably not strictly NWOBHM nonetheless they had been around at the time and they rocked so that's good enough for me.

Heavy riffs, strong melodies, hovering keyboards, funky bass and rock strong drumming. Plus the emerging talent of Paul "Tonka" Chapman and John Sloman. Just a brief two album profession - however what fantastic two albums they were. Not a weak track on both and the Bells of Berlin/Ballad of Artful Jack opening salvo on Firing On All Six (second album) still makes the backbone tingle.

So who had been Lone Star? Nicely they came out of Wales in the mid-70s. Vocalist Kenny Driscoll, the dual guitars of Paul Chapman and Tony Smith, Pete Hurley on bass, Rick Worsnop on keys and Dixie Lee behind the drums.

That was the line-up who lower their debut self-titled offering produced by the legendary Roy Thomas-Baker and issued on CBS. Great stuff it was too - some notably crunching (yet melodic) riffs on cuts reminiscent of Spaceships, Lonely Soldier and Flying within the Reel for example. Completely top notch stuff though I never really took to Driscolls singing model. Approach too excessive. Nonetheless a 5 star album and I would wager their's by no means been a more unusual cover of a Beatles track than Lone Star's cover of She Said She Stated.

That debut saw some success making the UK album charts and a spot as support to Mott the Hoople and a tour with "Uncle" Ted Nugent.

Better was to comply with with Firing On All Six. This noticed the departure of Driscoll to get replaced by John Sloman. Such a powerful voice full of range. Not in contrast to Robert Plant in many ways for my part. And it was a positive launch.

As above, the Bells of Berlin/Crafty Jack opener is quite exceptional. Thumping drumming/keyboard lead intro when Sloman hits high gear for an epic. This melds in to The Ballad of Artful Jack and away we go. Eight basic cuts all a combination of the heavy, melodic and funky. Ahead of its time.

The success didn't arrive in the bucketloads it should have although regardless of main vital recognition. Chapman got the call from UFO when Michael Schenker wobbled and though work began on a 3rd album it never noticed the light of day and Lone Star was no more.

Chapman and Sloman loved excessive profile careers and the remainder gigged here and there with various bands though the basic Lone Star were lost. Chapman did "uncover" the demos of what was supposed to be the third album and this was released beneath the title of Using High.

Is it credible that a twelve year previous lady would be despatched to a reform faculty for aiding and abetting a warfare felony killed during an escape after having been harbored secretly in garage hideout? Is it conceivable that two parents could possibly be so hateful towards one daughter and not the other? Is it possible that grandparents could be so diametrically opposite the dad and mom of their grandchildren with no logical cause?

Is it believable that a mum or dad could so savagely beat his youngster with out struggling some repercussions even from a viciously repugnant small-city society identified for its close-knit household ties? Is it so acceptable for a twelve 12 months outdated to have the ability to lie so simply that the consequences of those lies are allowed to dictate patterns of habits? These situations are highly unlikely in any realistic depiction of life even within the early twentieth century.

The isolated emergence of the Boy Scouts as a viable force in such a important state of affairs dealing with nationwide security is laughable. Ms. Inexperienced must have thought so, too, as a result of they weren't talked about again. In the identical ludicrous vein, the concept of parading a troop of POW's right into a city already deeply sensitive and risky with roots replete with racial hatred seems actually inconceivable. Despite these issues, the story does clearly tackle the conflict Patty Bergen endures in attempting to find out whether she must be true to her personal emotions or acquire the a lot deserved consideration she craves from parents who seem incapable of being something however abusers.

Patty displays the natural tendency to love her youthful sibling, Sharon, and exhibits genuine anger from the frustration of understanding Sharon is extra cherished and appreciated than she is. However, love is stronger than hate. Even at her tender age, Sharon shows these traits true to the behavior of the manipulative child who knows the way to use her position to the greatest advantage. But, she is merely a supporting character as the main focus stays on Patty, her dedication to righteousness, and the seek for reality.

The irony is punctuated by the lies which get Patty into her difficulties in addition to out of them.

Ruth is the safety web with which Patty is ready to overcome the complexity of her difficulties. She is actual with the sensitivity that must be attributable to at the least one of many mother and father. Her deep perception guided Patty by ordeals to be expected solely of older kids. The proliferation of lies ought to have resulted in more extreme consequences thereby delineating the truth that lies, even when advised for noble purposes, mustn't result in beneficence. Such a lesson was never discovered.

It took seven chapters before prompting the escape of Anton via an unlikely ploy utilizing manifest greed for a supposedly precious nugatory bauble. However, the sudden transition Anton underwent to turn out to be a harbored POW instead of escapee under the spell of a pre-teenager baffles me. It is comprehensible why Patty desired Anton, however it is delusional to think that Mr. Reiker could presumably be persuaded by someone as young as Patty to place themselves in the type of hazard so grievous it killed him. It's apparent that Anton was created more to show Patty lessons of life somewhat than to profit from her indiscretions. It appeared such a waste to have Anton die without a resolution to Patty's emotional upheavals.

Charlene Madlee gave direction and purpose to Patty, however she only served as a refreshing sip where a stifling thirst demanded greater than the sporadic gems of sagacious epigrams that emerged nearly as if on demand and on cue. Patty miraculously survives the cruel beatings that permeate the text relentlessly begging for a respite not forthcoming. But, after eighteen chapters, the theme is lastly expressed too late to be effective. The truth that her loyalties induced her issues does not clarify how teenagers ought to deal with their difficulties. Too much time was spent beating the child quite than the child beating her problems.

Bette Greene had good intentions to address problems of unfounded hate learned by youth from their households and atmosphere. But, too much emphasis was positioned on parental abuse with out excuse and the benefits of mendacity for good reason. Patty's ethical fiber was too strong to must suffer by means of such a desolate denouement the place only wicked, immoral antagonists ought to be doomed to endure such lonely unfulfillment of the lack of household, mates, and future.