narilily

[narilily]

Which really, should be the goal, anyway? We should go through life wanting to make ourselves and all of the people around us as happy as possible, and if that's through fashion, or through compliments -- honestly, whatever it takes. I think you should, too! Do you think you could still do all the dances that kids do these days? I don't know that we would know the music, that could be kind of embarrassing. Although you… probably would be more in touch with it all than I would.

If we keep working to make other people feel beautiful, we will never, ever have to feel sadness in our lives again. Well, no one thought that when it was time for me to go to prom, so I think I should get to do a redo after all of these years. That's right, I look forward to getting old to have all of the beest moments of my life.

#talking with arturo

[narilily]

We're magnets for weird people, you know? The ones that you really don't want anything to do with, but somehow they just find you and it's like they sense that you just want to be left alone… and that makes them be all the more persistent. It really is never ending with some of those people. It's true! We go back to our comfort foods, it's like we have those few adventurous years where we want to do something new and exciting and then… nope, chicken nuggets. I feel you! It was nice, I feel even more ready for all the good weather now, it's been beautiful today.

That's usually the type of people that become like that, yes, with very few exceptions. And no one wants to be around them, and yet we always seem to end up entrapped by them and their bad humor and actions. Old people and children really do eat about the same foods when you think about it, it's kind of comforting to know that I will like pudding again some day. I felt sunny and warm after last week, honestly.

#talking with amina

[narilily]

APRIL 28 - MAY 5

Do you get the paper? Digitally, or a physical copy?

Digital! I'll grab a physical copy if there's something in there that I want, like coupons or what not, but I'm alright with reading the paper on my tablet in the morning, or on my lunch break if I had a rush-around kind of morning.

#all about nari #merrockfunspot

[narilily]

"Everyone needs a wine angel in their life," Nari said with a wide smile. Although she loved anything to drink, there was always something special about a good bottle of wine with a friend, and somehow, it managed to elevate a picnic setting that much more. Letting out a laugh as Tasha called her Mary Poppins, looking around at the food that she had scattered on the blanket. "You know… you're not entirely off base? I should have brought an umbrella to really complete the vibe!" It would have made everything all the more Disney movie. Or maybe she was just that good at packing picnic lunches. "I think so, too. The last thing you want to do is go on a picnic and realize that you're starving with nothing to eat, right?" And then you had to hope you could bum off of someone else, which was a gamble. "Crazy good, hopefully! How's James adjusting to small town Merrock?" Nari asked, genuinely curious. It could be so much different than living in a city. "I'm good! Ditto on crazy at work, this is the start of the nursery's busy season."

Smiling, Tasha sat down next to Nari and pulled out the bottle from her bag, handing it over to her friend. "A little wine angel? I like the sound of that," she giggled, crossing her legs like a pretzel and taking off her sunglasses. Tasha watched as Nari took out all the food, her eyes getting big and wide at the selection. Whistling, she then chuckled, "okay Mary Poppins," she teased, as the food had just kept on coming. "This all looks amazing! And nah, it's better to be over prepared instead of under prepared." She nodded confidently as she picked up one of the plates. "Hm, not too much. Having my brother in town has been great. And work is crazy. But how about you?"

#writing with natasha #natasha 002

[narilily]

Grinning as Elliot mimed what it would be like to listen to music, nodding her head eagerly. She righted herself a little bit, too, moving her head forward and back, closing her eyes, tapping her fingers against her side in a rhythm of a song that wasn't really playing, but she could pretend was ringing through her head and then o pened her eyes to look at Elliot again, bright smile on her face. "Perfect!" No one would ever be any wiser to the fact that he was only pretending to listen to music. Nari tapped her temple at his story about backpacking, wearing headphones, knowing that it was pretty smart. "I never bother people with headphones, so that's smart!" If they looked closely enough, they would see that he was enjoying music, might not feel as inclined to tap his shoulder to try to talk, or take him away from what he was doing. "I bet that trip was so wonderful, though," just getting to see so many different things, people, places, it would be magical to be able to take one of those adventures. When he admitted that the gardening gene hadn't made its way down to him, she couldn't help her laugh, brushing a lock of hair back. "Then maybe the community garden is a good step for you. If that urge ever hits, you can come here, grow a bean."

Like this? Elliot asked with a grin, straightening up some, moving his head a bit side to side, swaying his shoulders some to go along with it. Does it look convincing enough? He added a few seconds later with a slight raise of his eyebrows, feeling a laugh vibrate in his chest before he gave a shake of his head. Not gonna lie, before I started Nursing school all those years ago, I went on a month long backpack hiking trip through Europe and I bought headphone so people didn't think I was being rude when I didn't tell them hi back. Elliot gave another laugh, his attention going back to the planting for a few seconds more, digging another hole to put one into. I bet that's amazing though! But no, no gardening for me. That gene stopped at Kellan and Cage I think. I can barely keep house plants alive, let along an entire garden. Though he had thought about it over the years, liked the idea of having one but didn't trust himself to keep from everything dying that he planted.

#writing with elliot #elliot 004

[narilily]

APRIL 21 - 27

What is one thing that you try to do regularly to help support planet earth?

Planting, planting and more planting! I try to keep my place almost overgrown with butterfly and bee-friendly plants, I never cut down trees, and mowing my lawn? Not necessary until it's jungle-like qualities! Always create a nice atmosphere for the bugs and animals that live there.

#all about nari #merrockfunspot

[narilily]

I'm all about avoiding sadness and focusing on happy, good things! There's enough sad in the world, why would we go out of our way to invite more in, you know? You do deserve to win prom king, you look so good in a crown! It's like you were made to be prom king. That's very true, it just feels like that one blip of our life is the most important time, but truth be told, so many of the big, important moments are yet to come. We just have to be patient.

And the sad thing is the thing we really, really want to avoid. That's all I ask, honestly, is that for once I get to be the Prom King and someone else is sad about a boy in the corner. I was that sad person for four years, after all. It makes sense, you're like sixteen and you don't realize that adulthood is so much bigger and usually better, because it's all you really know.

#talking with arturo

[narilily]

They really are! Do you think they had the kind of parents that told them that everything that they did was beyond amazing, even when it was actually just mid at best, so now they think they're god's gift to the earth? Because those people are honestly the worst people. All the way around. It's true! It's kind of an old person food, or like, kids in school who are still packing lunches. Basically! Gardening and hiking and cleaning and picnicking, I'm so looking forward to all of it.

People who are not funny and then act like you're supposed to find them funny? Nightmares. And most of them have never been told they're not funny, which is really unfortunate. Not a lot of people seek out pudding by itself, let's be honest there. It's just not that appealing on its own. That's kinda what earth week is about, right? Running to live with the earth?

#talking with amina

[narilily]

Nari let out a loud laugh at Elliot's idea of a disguise, almost wanting to make a remark about a mustache not cutting it until she saw what he said about the AirPods. For anyone else, a poor excuse of a disguise. For Elliot, well, it was kind of genius. The sort of thing not many people would think to pull off. 'Bob your head to music, too,' she suggested, tapping her ear after typing on the phone, and then typing once more, 'and make sure you snap your fingers, so it looks like you're really into the music.' Doing a little dance always sold it. Maybe this would start rumors about Elliot's evil twin, traveling through the town to ruin lives, namely his brother's, making his every moment a living hell. Although throwing another Newman brother into the mix might not work all that well. Focusing on her little cherry tomatoes, Nari carefully planted the first few, making sure to tuck them in the way that they should be, spacing them just so, before turning her attention to Elliot once more and nodding her head eagerly. "I love it!" she said, again choosing her wording carefully, but speaking freely, "I have a big garden, fenced in and all. Keeps the chickens out… and the deer. They can be real pests. Think you might try your hand at one this year?"

The tap to his shoulder got his attention and Elliot looked up to where Nari was pointing, noticing all the cameras that were around the place. Not that he was all surprised that the community garden would have them up. He made a rather playful face as he grabbed for his phone, laughing as she mentioned a disguise. I’m going to come in here wearing a fake mustache and AirPods, then no one will suspect that it’s me. Laughing even more as he turned his phone back around to face her. He shot her a playful roll of his eyes before he was typing yet again. Just figured it would be easier for you not having to worry about typing back to me while trying to plant. Yes, it was much easier for him to read things typed on the phone but he didn't mind lip reading every now and then as well. Especially when it was something like this. He gave a nod as she said that it was cherry tomatoes, flashing her a thumbs up that he got what she had said. Elliot's attention turning to the dirt for a moment, digging a hole as well to place the flower in, covering it up, and putting down the soil with the small spade he as using. Waving a hand to get her attention once more. So, is gardening your thing? Do you have one at home and all of that?

#writing with elliot #elliot 004

[narilily]

Doing her best to hide a smile, Nari, tapped Elliot's shoulder gently, and then pointed up to the corner of the fence… and then the other corner… and then the other corner, making note of the cameras positioned there, recording everyone's action in the garden, and raised a brow, her smile showing through. 'So are you going to come and garden in disguise?' Which actually was kind of funny to imagine, Elliot showing up with a hat on his head, glasses obscuring his face, baggy clothes so no one could see how tall he was or what his build was like. Maybe not the smartest idea, but definitely a funny one, she couldn't deny that. 'Oh, here I was planning on smearing dirt all over my phone… darn,' she typed back, before laughing and shooting him a more friendly smile. 'Truly, whatever works for you.' She pulled out a couple of her own plants, looking them over, and deciding that they were worthy of planting in the ground, nodding to herself. "Cherry tomatoes," she said, carefully enunciating the words, but not overly so to patronize him, either. Pulling out her digging tool, she began to form a perfect spot in the ground to place them, dropping the plant in and carefully tucking dirt around it, as though tucking it in for a nap.

Oh, if the plants die, I was never even here. No idea who planted them. He typed back with a laugh, knowing he would have to make time to stop by and make sure they were at least doing alright. Maybe this would be the kick he needed at actually gardening. I think these are just some kind of flowers- He typed before pointing to one of the many things that lined his small tray. And carrots and peppers. It wasn't much but it was a start at least. I’m good with reading your lips if it’s easier for you since we’ll be getting dirty. Elliot added after a second, knowing it could be a lot between planting and trying to type on the phone all the while. And they were close enough that he should be okay with following along with what she was saying. Giving a nod towards her tray. What about you?

#writing with elliot #elliot 004

[narilily]

Once Elliot had scooted over, Nari easily knelt down, making herself comfortable next to him, her little flat of vegetables ready to be planted in the box. Looking over at Elliot to read his phone as he typed, she grinned, understanding what he meant completely, especially if he wasn't the kind of person who gardened regularly, but maybe just wanted to give it a try, see what he could shake out. Pulling her own phone out of her back pocket, she typed quickly. 'If you come by and the plants are dead, you can just blame someone else, claim that you came by and watered everything super regularly, right?' Sort of like how Nari blamed the chickens for pulling her plants out when things went wrong in her garden… although that admittedly did happen every now and then. Typing again, she turned the phone towards Elliot, nodding towards his plants with her chin. 'So, what are you planting right now?'

While gardening wasn't exactly his thing, it was still fun to get out and do something a bit out of his comfort zone. Especially knowing that he wouldn't have to be the one keeping the garden alive. So with his plants and vegetables in hand, Elliot found a spot, and began to dig into the soil, letting the almost mindless task sweep him away from everything else. Putting a flower into the dirt, Elliot was covering it up when he felt a nudge, turning to look with a grin. One that seemed to grow in size when he saw that it was Nari. Watching her lips, he gave a nod at her question, scooting over a bit to make sure she had enough room to get in next to him. Wiping his hands off on his pants, having worn older ones that he didn't mind getting dirty, Elliot grabbed for his phone. Figured it was this was the safest kind of gardening for me, I'm not the one that has to keep them alive.

#writing with elliot #elliot 004

[narilily]

"You're an angel," she grinned when Natasha mentioned bringing a bottle of wine, dropping down to sit on her knees on one side of the blanket, opening up the basket and beginning to pull out sandwiches: all different types and varieties, cut neatly down the center, stacked in reusable containers. Then came the fresh fruit, cut neatly, tossed into a fruit salad with a delectable syrup to add a little sweetness, plus some sliced vegetables and dip. And of course, some pasta salad, crackers, cheese -- "okay, I really did overdo it, but, everything should be out," she laughed, gesturing to the spread in front of them and setting out two plates. "So, while we dig in! What's new in the world of Natasha?"

Tasha loved picnics. Ever since she was little, she loved packing up a basket with a bunch of goodies, spreading out a blanket, and just enoying the weather. So getting to do just that as an adult, in Merrock AND on picinc day, it was a three for one special in her mind. After stopping for a bottle of wine and some snacks just in case, though she knew Nari probably had enough food to feed an army, she headed on over to meet her friend. "There can never be too much food for a picnic!" Tasha replied back with a smile, as she settled in on the blanket. "Though I couldn't help and not bring a bottle of wine to share, she said as she gently waved the bottle beside her.

#writing with natasha #natasha 002

[narilily]

WHO: Nari & @elliot-newman

WHERE: Community Garden, suburbs

WHEN: Earth Week (April, 2024)

Hands dirty, heart happy, that was Nari's vibe for the day. Any time Merrock had events that involved getting out into nature, planting flowers, cleaning something, anything at all that involved being outside, Nari was all for it. And even though she fully planned on having her own garden at home that year, there was nothing wrong with spending some time over in the suburbs, planting carrots and tomatoes and whatever else would grow up and produce good fruits and vegetables come summer time. And clearly, everyone else had the same idea. Seeing an open spot at the big, community plot, Nari gently nudged Elliot, breaking into a smile, "mind company?" she mouthed, nodding towards the spot next to him.

#writing with elliot #elliot 004

[narilily]

LOOK-ALIKE DAY; april 20, 2024.

#goodbye to the lows | nari

[narilily]

WHO: Nari & @tashamadams

WHERE: Paradise Gardens, countryside

WHEN: Earth Week (April, 2024)

Any day was a good day for a picnic at Paradise Gardens, in Nari's opinion. But getting to do that during Earth Week, and on picnic day, made it all the more special. And tasty, somehow -- or maybe she was just hungry after a long day of picking up trash at the beach. Either way, by the time Nari was shaking out the picnic blanket and putting her basket down on top, she was beyond ready for a relaxing, easygoing afternoon. And thankfully, she had good company for it, too. "I packed a little bit of everything," she said to Tasha, a bright smile on her face. "Probably too much of everything, actually."

#writing with natasha #natasha 002

[narilily]

I know what you mean, those dreams where you wake up and genuinely have to lay there for a while, wondering if it was something that really happened, or you were just sleeping and your brain was being extra creative. Been there, done that! Well, with kids, I can understand that. Chickens, they can get in there and help gather eggs when they're small, but cows are pretty big. Goats, though! They would be fun, would you get those fun ones that faint all the time? I always fall down a rabbit hole of watching videos of the little tiny goats that like, bounce all over. Oh, that does actually sound good… maybe I'm going to have to go to the store and see if I can find a bag of those and give them a try!

I mean, it wouldn't be far off! I've had really vivid dreams before where I couldn't tell if I lived them or if they were something my brain made up while I was sleeping. I have chickens, too! I like getting fresh eggs every morning, but I don't think I could manage having a small farm with cows. Maybe goats when my kids get older, but I'm fine with just having chickens. Exactly! Plus, you'd have to milk them and do more maintenance. Yeah! It's kind of a bait-and-switch type of situation. Everything sounds good in theory, but no one can execute it correctly. I think the only thing that I've ever tried that was actually good was Lays and their flavor of chips that were fried pickles with ranch. I kind of dug those.

#talking with augustus

[narilily]

"Big city, big events," big everything, to be honest, it wasn't like the city ever did things in a small way. Not like Merrock, where the events were more suited for a small town. Sure, the carnival might have a line for the ferris wheel, and you may wait in line for drinks at the bar when attending a Gala, but it was much more manageable, something that people didn't mind so much, mostly because you would probably be standing next to your best friend while you were waiting in line. Bonus. "I'm a little biased, but I think you're better off enjoying the winter market here in Merrock around Christmas time than heading down to New York City." There were a lot of the same ideas, but on a smaller, more intimate scale, benefiting local businesses and people that you saw and worked with every single day. Maybe that was why she always loved getting involved in things around Merrock. "How many people do you think can honestly say that they have a blinged out pair of sweatpants from me?" she pressed a hand to her chest, breaking out into a bright smile. "Not many, I can tell you that!" Plus, she was pretty sure that she could customize them, make them extra special, just for Sam. "Eh… as long as they're potential tears," she agreed with a lopsided smile, taking another sip of her drink and watching him. "I bet he goes home with someone. Even if it's just for cuddles."

"That's why, 'big' events," he said with a chuckle, waving his hand in a random gesture. Based on things he watched or the stories he heard, it did feel like there would always be an event in New York City. At least now he had confirmation that he should expect a crowd when he did decide to go and visit NYC. "And no visiting New York City around Christmas. Got it." Christmas anywhere would be somewhat crowded anyway, in his opinion. Though he supposed Merrock's crowded and NYC's crowded, or San Francisco's crowded for that matter, were a bit different. Still didn't stop him from picking up extra shifts around Christmas and New Year. Less crowds at the station. "I mean, I'll still say 'please don't' but that'll probably be, well, preferable, I guess. I'll still have my pairs to survive Merrock. If nothing else, it'll be one heck of a present," he said, laughing. Whether he would actually wear them or not would be a different matter entirely. Then he let out a soft chuckle, nodding. "Quite embarrassing. For both of us. I'm just trying to avoid awkwardness here," he grinned, glancing at the man again. "He looks like he's doing okay for now, potentially in tears aside."

#writing with samuel #samuel 002