#Cultures 2: Northland

[marlinspirkhall]

When I was 10, there was only one woman hero in the viking video game I used to play, but she got kidnapped on episode 4 of the campaign and then you had to rescue her. Anyway, on the night she got kidnapped I went to the piano and composed a song promising to go and save her and my dad opened the door and looked at me like 🤨

#Cultures 2: Northland #Northland #Cyra

[zweetpea]

Contracts or Biddability (part 1 of 2)

cw: Pg13, innuendos and vulgar language, and so much cringe, some pop culture references too.

“The end.” The cryo abyss herald closed the book.

“That was a really sad story.” You said as your eyes glazed over. The Abyss order had kidnapped you and held you captive for a while now. You weren’t sure how long you’ve been down here but the food was good enough and they’d borrow enough books from the surface to keep you entertained.

“I’m sorry. We weren’t been able to borrow anything else because of the security around the Favonius library.”

“Well, you could just let me go and I can find something on my own.”

“No! We need you here to further our plans!” He panicked.

“What plans? What happened to Dvalin? What’s the deal with Andrius?”

“Just calm down my liege. All will be revealed in time.” He patted your head and walked away.

“I want to go home.” You curled up in a ball.

“Aaaaahh!” Someone yelled. That ear piercing scream roused you from your sleep.

‘Should I shout for someone?’ You thought. ‘What if somebody broke in? But if it’s a fire and they don’t know that I’m still here…’

“Help! Help me please! I don’t care who! I just want to see the Sun again!”

The door squeaked open and you thought that maybe your pleas would be recognized, until you saw that the man who walked in was a Pyroslinger Bracer. “Why is the Fatui here?” You whispered meekly.

He raised his rifle towards you head. “Wait, please! Don’t kill me! I wanna live, wanna live!” He shot, but the bullet bounced off of your skull and fell on the ground. “Well… that was anticlimactic.”

He shot you again 3 more time. “Ow! That hurts, dickhead!”

“How are you alive?”

“Hehe. We’re immortal Buffy we can do anything. Oh yeah? Clap.”

“My name’s Vincent.”

“Oh for shucks sakes.” You roll your eyes.

“I’m sure the Doctor will be very interested in you. For now I’ll take you back to Childe though.”

“Ew! Dottore needs to back the F up before he gets smacked the F up for what he did to Collei.” Vincent bound you hands, then grabbed your arm and pushed you through the Abyss. “Hey real quick for my internal monologue I need to know what pronouns you use. My names Gen with a G apparently. I’m gender fluid and I go by they/them.”

“…uh, Vincent Powers and I’m a man.”

“So… he and him?”

“Yes? I’m so confused why you’re confused.”

“Well, I didn’t want to assume.”

He brought you back to the surface and it felt wonderful. Then he placed you in the back of a cart and you two and the rest of his squad set sail for Liyue.

It’s been maybe two hours since the Fatui captured you and you’re finally at Liyue Harbor. They’ve taken you to the Northland Bank to meet Tartaglia. Vincent threw you onto the ground at Childe’s feet.

“What the Abyss is that thing?” His presence is all consuming.

“That “thing” said that they’re name is Gen with a G.”

You look up and see the red head eying you up with disgust. You return the glare and proclaimed, “I finally get to meet my rival. I swear to you, I’m going to seduce Zhongli and get his cock!”

“Excuse me?” He looks at you even colder than before.

“You heard me! I’m willing to take him up my ass if he’s gay.”

“You are vulgar and repulsive.” He pressed his water blade things against my throat and sliced across it. You fell back onto your butt at the pressure.

“Ow. Yeah, um—Mr. Tartar sauce—that’s not going to work. I’m kinda immortal, somehow.”

“How dare you insult me! Do you know who I am!?” He grabbed you by the top of your head to look him in his eyes.

“Honestly if you look at me like that more often I’d let you have a piece of my ass any day. I just assumed that you were a bottom but I’ll let you creampie me if you become my sugar daddy.” His face burst into crimson. He threw me onto the ground and stomped on my throat. “This is turning me on.”

“Get this thing out of my sight.”

“Hey I’m a person! I have feelings you know!”

“But what about Dottore? Wouldn’t he like to examine them?”

“Dottore will have both of our heads if we bring him this thing.”

“I’m not an object, I’m a person! You see, this is why Zhongli will never love you.

“You know what? Since you’re so obsessed with Mr. Zhongli, why don’t I just send you to him?”

“You’d do that for me?!” You shouted excitedly.

“Sure. If it get’s you to leave me alone.”

“But Childe, they’re immortal. You don’t come across something like that every day.”

“Hey can I have a delusions? I don’t have power over the elements but I don’t think I can die so a delusion shouldn’t be a problem for me.”

“Fine!” He threw a delusion connected to a chain at you. “NOW GET OUT! TAKE THEM TO SEE ZHONGLI IF THEY WANTS TO SO BADLY!!”

“Hey! This one’s broken!” You yelled at him as you were being dragged away.

“You never specified if you wanted a working one or not!” He smirked back at you.

Ugh this sucks! You still have nothing to defend yourself with! You can at least tie the stupid thing around your wrist.

“Mr. Zhongli? Is Mr. Zhongli here?” You asked someone at the Funeral Parlor.

“Hm? Did someone call for me? I was just about to head out.”

“Hello Mr. Zhongli. I’m Gen Z, spelt with a G.” You extended you hand to shake his.

“Hello Gen.” He took your hand and shook it. ‘His hands are so big.’ You thought. ‘Heheh, dirty mind dirty mind dir-dir-dir-dir- dirty mind!’

“Excuse me. Why is your bracelet glowing?” He asked. You look down and see that your delusion has started to glow yellow. “Huh?”

‘Have I resonated with geo?’

#sagau #sagau genshin #sagau x reader #genshin sagau #genshin impact sagau #sagau cult au #genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #self aware genshin #tartaglia #childe #childe tartaglia ajax #genshin #zhongli #tartaglia x reader #tartaglia x y/n #tartaglia x you #tartaglia genshin impact #zhongli genshin impact #zhongli x reader #genshin zhongli x reader #zhongli x you #zhongli x childe #genshin impact zhongli #liyue #geo #ajax x reader #childe x reader

[probablyfunrpgideas]

The Graveyard Book

Shout out to Divinity: Original Sin 2 for having a graveyard that contains different burial practices for the different cultures. What a neat way to show off the depth of your worldbuilding! And each one also has things for the player character to interact with, so they're fairly memorable.

In my world of Tephra, humans usually are cremated while family and friends tell stories of their life. Usually, they ask for their remains to be buried on the site of a new endeavor - beneath their granddaughter's first shop, or scattered in the orchard their best friend is planting. Orcs are buried facing east, into the sunrise. If they die of natural causes, they are are buried with a weapon so their spirit will not be defenseless. In Estier, the grave goods may include a protective magic amulet made from quartz, while the orcs of Dorend prefer to leave a bone flute or whistle. The burial practices of the gnomes could fill a dozen books, but for simplicity's sake, family ties are paramount. A gnome's body must be returned to someone who knew them or was a relative (through blood, marriage, or choice) so that they can be remembered on special days of the year at the family shrine. For the sake of hygiene, this means skeletal remains are kept in almost every gnomish home, though some wealthy families have the means to keep up magical preservation spells in a mausoleum of some sort.

Halflings are buried at liminal spaces, the edge of a grove or a crossroad or a shoreline. In the south of Estier, they usually plant a tree where the body lies, and discern the age of a village by the size of their grave-forest. In the northlands, there's a tendency to make reference to the local earth spirits in an epitaph or ceremony. Some outsiders say that dwarves value the community more than the individual, but a dwarven cemetery is a testament against that. Some outsiders also say that dwarves turn into stone when they die, and this is a more understandable mistake. For in that peaceful cavern or quiet field, life-sized statues stand over each grave. The sculptors who work on these are usually masters of their craft, capturing facial features and showing the subject's role and personality. Rare is the Elf who leaves anyone behind to think of their burial. They are so solitary and long-lived that most end up returning to the life cycle of the Forest. One famous exception is the Lavender Flame, a magical knight-errant who asked her noble paramour to build a splendid tower when she finally fell in battle. This tomb still stands in the town of Flamerest, where the steppe rises into the Shield Mountains.

Goblins seem to decompose very rapidly, and it is unclear whether their kin on the airships have a meaningful ceremony for the remains. They claim to be unconcerned with death, but avoid it as much as anyone else does. Shoalsali (or Lizardfolk) keep written records of all the family and apprentices who have been part of their tribe, but they leave the bodies for birds or fish.

#idea #d&d #tabletop rpgs #d&d 3.5 #d&d 5e #worldbuilding #tephra #tw death

[lvnesart]

Do you have any more information about childe's banker husband? He seems like a neat guy! Rip Zhongli in that au lol

Some fun info I may sketch out!

- He is actually Snezhnayan born to Liyuen parents and went back to Snezhnaya to 1. reinterpreted himself into his parents culture and 2. pursue economics in a city like Liyue

- Was in fact working at the Northland Bank when Childe and Zhongli met but left for Snezhnaya before that whole Osial incident ever happened

- Never actually met Childe properly since Not Zhongli isn't fatui (because i assume the bank has at least a few civilian employees)

- They met a few years after Childe leaves Liyue. Hilariously, Liyue followed him home in the form of a banker with a little too much knowledge on economics (he just got too into it. He wasn't trying to appear suspicious lol)

- Childe both 1. was still stinging from whatever happened between him and the LAST liyue man he crushed on (cough Zhongli,,,) and 2. didn't think he was going to slapped in the first place when he tried confronting Not Zhongli

- He has a vision, but hardly uses it, more of paperweight than anything. He may be a dendro visionholder because he Can be sturdy but (like most dendro users we've seen lol) he tends to be very demanding of what he wants and needs sdsgs

But if I could be convinced, I can make him Geo for the laughs lol

Also, any name suggestions I'll happily accept!

#asks #childes banker husband

[fernmaddie]

introduction

hey folks! i wanted to give a little introduction to myself and my work, as this is my first time presenting myself publicly on tumblr. this is going to make me sound rather professional, but i promise i'm just here to do the regular ol' tumblr things: be silly, gush about things i care about, and not take myself too seriously. i hope you'll join me. :)

i'm fern maddie (she/her), a queer experimental folk artist, multi-instrumentalist, and balladeer based on abenaki land. through folk balladry and original writing, i perform songs and stories exploring themes of grief, trauma, and renewal.

***please note: my approach to folk music is adaptive, interpretive, critical, queer-feminist, and inclusive. white supremacists, "folkish" nationalists, terfs, or anyone who engages with english-language folk literature as a tool of western cultural "purity" will be blocked***

buy my music on bandcamp

listen on spotify

watch some performance on youtube

more about my work below the cut....

past projects

ghost story - my debut album, released in 2022. ghost story was named the #2 best folk album of 2022 by the guardian, and one of the top roots albums of the year from npr music. across 10 tracks, it explores the stories we inherit from the dead -- both our personal dead and cultural dead -- through a queer-feminist lens. includes a critically-acclaimed interpretation of the ballad "hares on the mountain" (roud 329), as well as the ballads "the maid on the shore" (roud 181), "northlands" (roud 21) and a queer re-framing of the scottish shepherding song "ca' the yowes."

north branch river - my debut EP, released in 2020. across 6 sparse tracks and spry banjo-playing, it explores the intimacy and pain of our tenuous relationship with the natural world. includes a re-interpretation of the ballad "the elfin knight" (roud 12), and the original song "two women," inspired by selkie folklore.

of song and bone - of song and bone is a short-lived podcast i produced a few years ago. there are only 3 episodes out, but they illustrate some of my scholarship about folk balladry and my own relationship to balladry as a literary tradition. FYI: i would probably frame a few things differently if i were re-recording the podcast today (ideas and language evolve!). perennially thinking about making more, but we'll see.

currently in development

way to live - way to live is my second studio album, currently in production. as of this writing, way to live includes 8 tracks, and similar to my previous work, combines original songs with folk ballads, though with a greater share of personal storytelling than my earlier records.

said the false nurse - this is a piece of adaptive short fiction i'm currently developing. it's a deeply sinister queer re-telling of the horror ballad long lankin (roud 6), set in the 1620s in the north of England. stay tuned for process updates!

adult children - this is a full-length original novel and associated concept album i'm developing. it's set in contemporary rural vermont, and focuses on a group of adult siblings, their dying father, their failing farm, and the new arrival who threatens their co-dependent bond. the associated rock opera will be written in a folk-rock style with digressions into folktronica and country.

#folk music #traditional folk music #folk balladry #dark folk #folk noir #folk horror #historical fiction #ballads #child ballads #roud index #fern maddie #singer songwriter #folk lore

[salonshop]

A.A.M. Bos, Carole Prentice, Dr P Colonial Road 20 April – 2 July 2023 Pah Homestead 72 Hillsborough Road, Auckland Tuesday to Friday, 9am – 3pm Saturday and Sunday, 8am – 5pm Ever wondered what’s at the end of Colonial Road? It’s not a carpark or failed monument to imperial ambition but more a surprising, self-determined community of seabirds living in sight of the city. A.A.M. Bos’ film Colonial Road (2020) is an intimate, uncensored, harbourside view of the lives and crimes of The Real Shags of Chelsea Heritage Estate. Colonial Road is a three-artist exhibition including new work by Northland-based painter Carole Prentice, exploring family history and personal connection with place. Featured on the ground floor in the elegant Conservatory is another indoor garden landscape by Dr P, where, this time, her non-standard domestic exterior imagines an avian Breakfast Room just prior to the arrival of the morning mail. ‘The most well observed, sensitive and compassionate picture imaginable’ – Ted Coubray, Romantic and Sea-Girt North Shore (1928) Please note: The exhibition by Dr P in the Conservatory is open for three weeks only, closing Sunday, 14 May 2023 Colonial Road is accompanied by an exhibition catalogue, co-published by Mokopōpaki and Pah Homestead Colonial Road (2023) ka puta mai i Colonial Road (2020) ki Mokopōpaki, Ākarana

A.A.M. Bos lives in Auckland. His work investigates marginal urban ecosystems and habitats. Although the artist loves and admires the birds he photographs, A.A.M. Bos does not tweet. Or do Facebook. Mokopōpaki exhibition history: Colonial Road, 2020; Domestic #3: Ahimaru, The Dutch Embassy, 2019; WARY—A Survey, 2018; Whio: Blue Duck, Other Perspectives, 2017. Carole Prentice is a baker’s daughter from Panmure. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2001 from Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland. Her paternal great grandfather, Jean-Baptiste Grondin, from the French overseas territory of Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean, arrived in Auckland in 1884, the same year Chelsea Sugar Works began operating a refinery on the North Shore. Carole says her love of ‘something a little sweet’ is inherited from her exotic French ancestor and their shared cultural passion for patisserie and all matters choux. Mokopōpaki exhibition history: Colonial Road, 2020; Household Hints: Ahikaea, 2019; Nīkau Delicatessen, 2018; Korekore Whakapiri, Other Perspectives, 2017. Dr P aka Cushla P is not a doctor or a dentist. Disregarding her mother’s sound career advice, she is neither a lawyer nor a plumber. Dr P is an occasional writer, indoor landscape garden designer and General Secretary of the Mokopōpaki Exhibitions Committee (MMPK). Mokopōpaki exhibition history: Colonial Road, 2020; Domestic #3: Ahimaru, 2019; This Joyous, Chaotic Place: He Waiata Tangi–ā–Tahu, 2018. Image: A.A.M. Bos, Avian Shits, 2023

#aambos #caroleprentice #drp #colonialroad

[thebooknearme]

Heathen: The Complete Series Omnibus Edition

About The Book:

Title: HEATHEN: The Complete Series Omnibus Edition

Author: Natasha Alterici & Ashley A. Woods (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: May 17, 2022

Publisher: Vault Comics

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 336

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/Heathen-The-Complete-Series 

WOMAN. WARRIOR. VIKING. HEATHEN. OUTCAST.  THE GODS MUST PAY… Born into a time of warfare, suffering, and subjugation of women, and exiled from her village for kissing another woman, the lesbian Viking warrior, Aydis, sets out to destroy the god-king Odin and end his oppressive reign. She is a friend to many as she is joined by mermaids, immortals, Valkyries, and the talking horse, Saga. But she is also a fearsome enemy to the demons and fantastic monsters that populate the land.  Heathen – The Complete Series Omnibus Edition trade paperback collects the entire twelve-issue series. Soon to be movie directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight, Red Riding Hood, & Lords of Dogtown) Perfect for fans of Monstress, Helheim, and Northlanders.

Reviews:

“These declarations of self from women and queer characters fit so elegantly into the mythology Alterici uses to weave her tale, it reminds us that these narratives belonged there all along.”- The Mary Sue

“I want epics with female leads, and fortunately HEATHEN fulfills that desire in a big way, while also adding its own unique touch with themes that are as contemporary as they are timeless.”- Women Write About Comics

“One look at the cover and I knew this book was right up my alley. If you are into Norse mythology and aching for a lesbian angle, then this book is for you. If you want a love story that is more than a romance, a heroine that is truly honourable and fierce, then I urge you to pick this … up.”- The Lesbian Review

“Natasha Alterici's Heathen, has single-handedly redeemed the disaster that pop culture has been making of Norse mythology. It’s a smart, funny, feminist, queer and sex-positive take on the Viking world; one with a wide cast of diverse and endearing characters. Heathen is a must-read for comics (and mythology) lovers of all sorts and those in quest of superb queer and feminist comics in particular. RATING: 10/10”- Pop Matter

About Natasha Alterici:

Natasha Alterici is a writer and artist living in Tulsa, OK who has been working as a freelance artist for over ten years. Works include Heathen (Vault Comics), Dinosaur Project, Gotham Academy: Yearbook, Grayson Annual, The Lez Film Review, Mixed Signals, Lovers and Other Strangers, Transcience, and a number of others. When not drawing, she enjoys watching cooking shows with her wife and their two cats, Cheshire and Louise.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

About Ashley A. Woods:

Ashley A. Woods is a comic book artist, writer, & creator from Chicago known for her work on the "Niobe", "Ladycastle" and "Tomb Raider" series. She got her start through self-publishing her action-fantasy comic series “Millennia War” which led to her career in comics and TV. After earning her degree in Film and Animation from IADT, she traveled to Kyoto, Japan where she presented her work in a gallery showcase called, “Out Of Sequence”. Recognized for her female illustrations and designs, her most prominent work is "Niobe: She is Life" with Stranger Comics. Her latest work can be seen on HBO's "Lovecraft Country", DC’s “Wonder Woman Black & Gold 2” and "Jupiter Invincible" with Pulitzer Prize winning author Yusef Komunyakaa which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival June 2021.

Website | Twitter | Instagram

What was your inspiration for writing your graphic novel?

Heathen began with a simple Ren Faire costume design, I wanted to go as a barbarian, and the outfit I came up with wasn't far off from what Aydis wears in the book. After that I found myself drawing it again and again, and realized it was developing into a character. So the next steps were obvious; give her a horse and then write her a story. 

List your favorite graphic novels or comics from when you were a child and talk about how you see them as an adult.

I never got the chance to read any comics as a kid. I was too busy obsessing over a different Eyewitness book every month and then later Mary Higgins Clark mysteries and Lurlene McDaniel romance books. I got into comics in college after my English Comp teacher assigned Maus, and from there I sought out the classics like V for Vendetta, Persepolis, and some Sandman. I've always been a seasonal kind of reader, sometimes I'm devouring everything I can, other times I almost forget books exist. Just how I'm wired I suppose. 

List your favorite graphic novels this year and why you like them.

I've honestly only read one so far this year, but it was a great one! Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell. It's so refreshing to read about queer characters who are neither role models nor tragedies (both are perfectly valid, just oversaturated). They're just normal kids with normal relationship problems that they have to learn to navigate. I really enjoy down-to-earth stories like that. 

Talk about your favorite kind of character to write about

I love messy flawed characters, the kind who want to be better but aren't quite sure how to go about it. I also love writing flirty characters, they're hands down the most fun to write. And if a flirt happens to be messy and flawed themself, well that's the perfect combination. 

Talk about your least favorite kind of character to write about

This is a difficult one, because if I were to describe the kind of character I don't like I'd inevitably be describing the kind of people I don't like  and I try to find the likable part of anyone I'm writing. Otherwise it's hard to empathize with them, and empathy is the most important part. I guess I'd say I find it hard to write about people who find joy in being cruel. 

Describe your ideal writing space.

Comfy chair with a foot rest, view of the forest or a field, music playing, unlimited access to some kind of sweet treat like peach rings or twizzlers, and plants to fuss over while I run through scenes and dialog in my head. 

Describe your ideal home library.

I'd love to have floor to ceiling shelves, with one of those rolling ladders. Everything is organized by Library of Congress call number system (I worked as a university librarian for a while), and it's dust and mold free somehow. And there's a big pile of cushions and pillows to lay in to read. 

What are some of your favorite video games?

I'm really into Ark: Survival Evolved right now, I enjoy finding and taming all my favorite dinosaurs and building things. I also play Phasmophobia, Minecraft, Katamari, House Flipper, and I like colony sim games like Oxygen Not Included and Banished.

#rockstarbooktours #thevaultcomics #vaultcomics #graphicnovels #comicbooks #paranormal #scifi #horror #chillingholidays #blogtour #bookstagram #booktok #hivesocial #booktube

[officialvirago]

More details of the Museum of Northern British Columbia (part 2) - a museum in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada. The museum is housed in a large cedar wood longhouse where it collects and exhibits the culture and history of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. It was founded in 1924 and now houses thousands of artifacts, maps, photographs and other material. It also organises archaeological and historical tours such as a visit to the Tsimshian village of Metlakatla. Located a short walk from Northland Cruise Terminal, where the Ruby Princess was docked today. Museum of Northern British Columbia, 100 1st Ave W, Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada. Source: museumofnorthernbc.com & Wikipedia #travel #wanderlust #globalgypsy #portofcall #details #godisinthedetails #wandering #wander#cruiseship #thedevilisinthedetails #awesome #adventurist #adventure #princerupert #BritishColumbia #Canada #ypr #MuseumofNorthernBritishColumbia #museum (at Prince Rupert, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce4VvWIPv8P/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#travel #wanderlust #globalgypsy #portofcall #details #godisinthedetails #wandering #wander #cruiseship #thedevilisinthedetails #awesome #adventurist #adventure #princerupert #britishcolumbia #canada #ypr #museumofnorthernbritishcolumbia #museum

[tfenvs3000]

Nature Interpretation through the Arts

The arts are an important medium through which people can express their interpretation and experiences in nature. For this reason, it can be an important tool in the field of nature interpretation; nature-based art can help people learn not only about natural areas, but also about themselves and how they feel about the idea of wilderness.

In my view, there are two primary forms of art which can be effectively used to help interpret nature. The first is, of course, the visual arts. Painting and drawing different parts of nature, including plants, animals, and natural landscapes, is a practice as old as mankind itself. It is an important shaper of our cultural history, and has had tremendously important impacts in the biological, social, and medical sciences.

(A painting by Charles Darwin's artist-in-residence, Conrad Martens, on his voyage to the Galapagos. From: Smithsonian Magazine)

The visual arts can also demonstrate the power and beauty of nature, by capturing a moment in time; this is how it can be a helpful tool in a nature interpreter’s toolbelt. Creative, colourful works of art depicting natural settings are unique in that they capture a still shot of the ever changing, ever complicated natural world, done in a style which reflects the vision of the artist himself/herself. By doing so, it can evoke feelings of humbleness, graciousness, and connectivity to the natural world for the person viewing it, helping them to connect to nature on a deeper level (which is the whole purpose of nature interpretation!).

This also helps the viewer to appreciate the so-called “gift of beauty” (Beck et al. 2018). Meaning, the next time they are in nature, they will realize that it is an experience different and more meaningful than could ever be captured in a painting or photograph, and they will begin to develop their own vision and idea of nature for themselves.

(Tom Thompson's painting, titled 'In The Northland'. From: Wikipedia)

However, not all artists feel the same way about nature! As with anything else, there is always someone with a different opinion on what they are interpreting:

(A reportedly haunted painting by Edward Landseer, titled 'Man Proposes, God Disposes'. From: WIkipedia)

I think being exposed to all different views (the good, the bad, and the ugly) of nature demonstrates its variety, its complexity, and it's intricacy,  all of which makes it so appealing (at least to me).

The second form of art through which nature can be interpreted is music. I feel as though music doesn’t exactly demonstrate the beauty of nature, per se, but rather the feeling of being in nature. This feeling is multifaceted, of course, but in general I would say that its a feeling of wonder, and of being a part of something greater and grander than yourself. This is expressed through atmospheric, echoeing tones, as well as the lyrics of the songs. People who have not experienced this feeling will probably not recognize it; but those who have felt it will likely know to what I am referring.

One of my favourite albums that gives off these "outdoorsy vibes" is Strange Trails, by the artist Lord Huron. Definitely give it a listen if you have the time - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlHVrYRcPvE

Thanks for reading,

Ty 🐛

References:

1. Tom Thomson. (2021, January 15). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Thomson#/media/File:Tom_Thomson_In_the_Northland.jpg

2. Man Proposes, God Disposes. (2021, January 30). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man_Proposes,_God_Disposes#/media/File:Manproposesgoddisposes.jpg

3. Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a better world. Urbana: Sagamore Publishing.

#nature #wilderness

[archaeopter-ace]

and we’re off with another tag meme!

Tagged by @eurazba​, thanks!

1. Are you named after anyone?

Not exactly, my mom did have a friend with my name, but that was more like just exposure, ‘oh, that’s a nice name that exists.’ 

2. When was the last time you cried?

I finally got around to watching past season 1 of The Dragon Prince and I know for sure I teared up a couple times at unspecified moments, but as for a deep, cathartic, not-in-control-of-myself crying? Last November. There was a family medical emergency, that was honestly the most scared I have ever been in my life, but fortunately he’s recovered and doing better than before.

3. Do you have any kids?

Nope. Do I plan on having kids? Nope. I feel like the odds of me suddenly awakening to having parental feelings are about as likely as me suddenly awakening to having feelings of sexual attraction, which is to say, not likely at all.

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

I’m... not sure. I think I use it more in person than in writing, and mostly deadpan snark, which I consider a form of sarcasm but maybe English majors disagree

5. Eye color?

Greenish 

6. Scary movie or happy endings?

Why not both?

7. Special talents?

I have a knack for stippling, and I like to think I’m pretty good at writing. Oh, and hoola hooping - I can hoola hoop for over three hours without stopping

8. Where were you born?

In the cold northland of my mother

9. Do you have any hobbies?

Yeah, though since a lot of them are fandom-related, whenever I get asked this question in real life I feel like I have to censor my answer and I trot out the usual suspects: reading, knitting, bird watching. When actually, I spend most of my time reading fanfic, writing fanfic, lurking in libraries, and swanning around on tumblr (not so much lately, but I want to get back to this place). Like, right now I’m editing videos for work since I’m stuck at home, and I wasn’t sure if there was a way to admit to my boss that the reason I have an editing program on my computer and know how to use it is that I’ve done fanvids in the past, without me having to go down the rabbit hole of what ‘fandom’ means. 

10. Do you have any pets?

I tend to claim my mom’s dogs as my own, since if I say “I don’t have a dog” it sounds like I don’t want or can’t have a dog (though my understanding is this is more a USA thing, where there is more cultural expectation that ‘all children who are able to should have a dog, it is their right as Americans, hoo-rah!’ Elsewhere in the world people are much more reasonable about dog ownership, and not quite so many spur-of-the-moment dog purchases from mall pet stores, wtf). So, I have two dogs, and they are adorable, even if Nina most strongly reminds me of a fruit bat. Fruit bats are also cute.

At the moment, I am also in possession of four frogs (and a tank of crickets) since my work is closed and all the animals had to go to our homes

11. What sports have/do you play?

I played soccer up until 3rd grade, when I started karate, but I haven’t done that since high school

12. How tall/short are you?

I am the shortest of all my siblings by half an inch. This was not always the case - for much of my life I was the second-tallest

13. Favorite subjects in school?

Biology. Had a really great social studies/language arts teacher in 4th grade, loved that. Drawing for Non-Art Majors. Woodshop.

14. Dream job?

I... think I might have it? I’ve only had this job since October, but back when I was still going in to work, I often looked forward to the end of the weekend so I could return

15. Tag 15 mutuals

Do I even have that many mutuals? I follow less than a hundred people...

Totally, 100% optional, no pressure guys! And if I didn’t tag you and you want to do this anyway, you can pretend I did and @ me regardless

@luvtheheaven , @autumnalfallingleaves , @peppersandcats , @im-the-king-of-the-ocean , @kalajorn , oh gosh it’s been so long since i’ve been on this site regularly, i forgot who my usualy suspects are

#tag meme #about me

[marlinspirkhall]

There will always be a part of me that wants to finish videogames in my first playthrough, with the perfect run- no backups, no autosave- because I feel bad for the worlds I create and abandon, all the people who are exist in a failed save state.

#strategy games #Cultures 2: Northland #savescumming #Existing In A Failed Savestate

[lillelund09mcmahon-blog]

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#New Zealand campervan hire

[hartsbloodcampaign]

Setting Notes: Imperial Realms of Man

The three Imperial Realms of the Eborn Reaches are ruled by one royal family. They were once one people that overtook the land from the few Halflings and Dryads who made it home. The land was populated quickly and eventually split into three separate countries. Centuries later they were united by a single royal marriage (A queen born to the royal families of Brevna and Calimshar – only a distant heir to her mother's country and yet by tragedy she inherited both. In one great political maneuver, it was arranged that she marry the prince of Netheril and the realms were reunited. Tensions stir, and there is talk of one realm splitting from the Empire, with rumors of a royal usurper. Currently ruling are King Torall Far Eborn the Fifth and his Queen Elavraine of the Imperial Realms, with four living children – the eldest which is married and currently named official heir. Each realm is ruled by aHigh Governor, who reports to the monarchy but is given much freedom to rule their people.

Veladorne, City-State of the Imperial Realms, Neutral Territory. Formerly a trade city where politicians from the warring realms would meet on neutral ground, it was the natural choice as the seat of the Royal Family of the Imperial Realms. Many noble families close to the crown moved in after The Unification. This is also the seat of the King's Guard, the King's Armies, and the King's Shadows (The spy network). The city is a combination of cultures from all three realms, with a heavy class divide. Trades: A major trading hub, no exports other than educated nobles and artisan creations. Many wealthy imports. Appearance: Varies, individuals from all the realms gather. Preferred Classes: Any Religions: Equal respect is given to the Panethon, The Three, and The Four Elements. That said. The Pantheon is much more common -as that is the faith of the royal family.  City Minister: Vice Duke Denthar Belgrim Geography: North of the continent. Winters are harsh, summers moderate.  Races: Humans:86% Dwarves:8% Elves:2%s Halflings:2% Other:2%

The three Realms:

Netheril, Capital City is Thaye Netherin regard themselves as strong, skilled people forged by their harsh environment. They put much emphasis on community and cooperation, banding together to survive the environments they dwell in. They tend to view southerners as decadent and over-indulgent, but Netherin practicality is fairly willing to find exceptions. They have less class divisions, considering such artifices as an example of the weakness inherent in southern cultures. It is the most inclusive and varied in its races and faiths. Religion is strictly separated from government. They have a skilled population, but a lower economy. Their cities are spread far apart from one another, scattered sparsely over all corners of the north. They have more holidays than any other people, with boisterous parties to help them through their hard-working lives. They are artisans of wood and stone, with comfortable homes and inns that bring much pride and comfort to the foggy summers and frigid winters. Their buildings are decorated with vibrant colours to remind them of summer. They retain some of the oldest traditions from the ancient times, and the best kept histories of the three major cultures of their realm's past. They are home to some of the oldest pieces of Imperial history: fortresses, sculptures, and temples. Some of their nomadic traditions have carried forward into the present, making a people who value travel (they have the best sailors and navy of the realms). A voyage entering adulthood is common practice, and Guests Rights are sacrosanct – regardless of class if a guest eats or drinks under the roof of a host, no harm may come to guest or host. Receiving traveling guests is a common occurrence. They have the smallest population of the three realms, but is the largest expanding with many new trades opened with far-off lands and the recent influx of refugees from dragon-ravaged islands.

Trades include timber, hunting, fishing, mining, smithing, and carpentry. Appearance varies – though generally tall, fair to medium skinned, fair to dark hair. Full range of eye colours. Tattoos are sometimes done in the ancestral fashion to commemorate a major life event or accomplishment. The coastal cities also have a fair amount of merfolk compared to other realms. Preferred Classes are Ranger, Fighter, Druid, Mages specializing in wind, ice or water Religions vary widely, from local spirit worship, The Three, The Four Elements, and The Pantheon. Temples are ancient, and carefully preserved. Modern worship is done through smaller shrines. Religiousness in general is less common than Brevna but more than Calimshar, deities more respected than worshiped. High Governor: Lord Lohmark Othyran, the Silverhand. Geography: Northern area of the Continent. Winters are harsh, summers mild.  Races: Humans:60%  Dwarves:11%  Elves:8%  Halflings:2%  Other:13% Merfolk:3% Other:6%

Brevna, Capital City is Rogard Found in the south-west, the Brevnans are an exacting and disciplined people. They take much pride in their customs, and greatly value education. Although their fighters are widely known across continents, they also have skilled inventors. Many new contraptions can be traced back to Brevna or an individual that studied there in one of their many universities. They have the largest population of the realms, and the second most wealthy. Their view on magic is often that it should be used in combination with something material and concrete, their average magicians are more likely to enchant objects than craft illusions. There is more of a distrust for magic in this realm than the other three, and mages have more restrictions here. Often they are paired with non-magic folk to help reign them in. They have a superstition that magic can lead to addiction or madness. That said, Battle Clerics are greatly respected and valued. They believe in individual accomplishment, and earning your place. There is a strong class divide, where the nobles are often investors and politicians. Nobles are heavily concentrated on ancestry, and do at least a small stint in the military or government. Aristocrats and the Government are very closely linked. Religion also has more power here than any other realm, influencing laws. The realm is heavily divided between the scholars and the pious. These citizens make more eye contact than either of the other realms, sometimes coming across as aggressive or intrusive. Likely this came about through their tactical warrior culture. Honor is prime among their beliefs. They view life as an unending series of tests or challenges to be faced and overcome. They place an intense emphasis on strength, whether it is physical strength among the folk or mental fortitude. Contests of strength or intelligence are a common past time.

Trades include weaponsmithing, inventions, jewelcrafting, writings, agriculture – especially grains. Appearance varies – A range of heights, but often well-built. Many citizens shave or closely crop their hair either for heat, pious, or martial arts reasons. Others will wear it heavily plated and out of their face. Medium skintones, more sunned than their northern counterparts. Preferred Classes are Paladin, Cleric, Fighters (berserkers, monks, etc) Religions The most religious of the realms. Primarily The Pantheon, but The Three and sometimes The Four Elements can be found as well. Temples can be found all over the cities of Brevna, shrines even in the smallest towns. Unlike the other realms, they outlaw the worship of some gods. High Governor: Devoted Lord Baeris Agrenmor Geography: South-east of the Continent. Climate is moderate. Much of the land is forest and fields, with a fair amount of farmland. Rivers snake across much of the landscape. Races: Humans:83%  Dwarves:6%  Elves:2% Halflings:4%  Other: 5% Calimshar, Capital City is Venaza Occupying the south east of the Empire, the realm is known for its Mages. Merchants and the Arts are also prized culturally. It has the wealthiest economy of the three realms. It also has the most varied landscapes, with much flora and fauna used as magical ingredients. More convergences of ley lines than the other realms. Thus there makes for dangerous magical entities in the wilds. Elves, half-elves, and “magical” races are viewed as objects of wonder, curiosity or jealousy by many. It is second only to the northlanders for variations in races and faiths, but all are subjected to classicism and an unbalanced preference towards mages. Being a country of heavy merchant trading, citizens are fairly well versed in the affairs of other nations. They have some cultural arrogance, especially in regards to arts, magic, philosophy, and their wealth. They view the other two realms as brutish, barbaric, and stuck in their ways. Calimshan politics change frequently and often in extremes, especially because their noble houses can be “bought into” by the wealthiest and older merchant houses. Of the three realms, it has the highest crime rate and a history of more instances of corruption and organized crime. They have a reputation for having the best magical marvels and academies. However they are also known for their volatile emotions, extreme divides, laziness and moral liberty. In truth most of the citizens seek a lifestyle of comfort, arts, and good company – though greediness or escapism will sometimes stem from those roots. Their love of money is in their aim for idleness and creativity. Their cities have some of the most beautiful and opulent architecture, murals, sculptures and gardens, but also the worst slums. Trades include magical objects/ingredients/tomes, fabrics and fashion, general merchant trade, precious metals, spices, produce, wines  and liquors. Appearance –  Hair and eyes are almost always dark, the people often wear elaborate hairstyles or headpieces to show off their wealth or stand apart. They almost always have long hair, regardless of gender. Beards are fairly common, but artfully groomed. They are shorter and of a slighter build than the other realms. They tend to wear colourful fashions and jewelry. Tattoos, piercings, and makeup are often worn for purely aesthetic reasons. Preferred Classes are Mages (Any), Bards, Rogues, Clerics Religions Primarily you will find The Four Elements or the Pantheon casually worshiped, the solemnity of The Three being more rare. High Governor: Her Lady Eminence Invari Damara Geography: South-west of the continent. Summers harsh and winters mild. From the dense forests to western shores, to the swamps in the east and plains in between, Calimshar provides a range of environs. Deserts are found only at the southern-most area. Races: Humans:76%  Dwarves:3%  Elves:6%  Halflings:4%  Mix-Bloods:11%

#resources #locations

[mariacalirfs-blog]

Goodbye New Zealand!

And just like that, it’s done. My 4 months in New Zealand have come to a close. Three weeks in Thailand await, and then back home. Feels both like it’s been ages and like it’s been only a second, but I think that’s just how these things go. 

After Howard and Sandra’s, I rolled around the vastly remote East Cape, and popped up to the Coromandel for a quick soak at Hot Water Beach and a lovely stroll down to Cathedral Cove. If I remember correctly, last time we were at Hot Water Beach, it was quite chilly outside of the water, and we didn’t have a shovel to dig a hole so we just used our feet to get in as we could. Toasty warm feet, quite chilly bodies. But a fun experience with the very hot water just a few inches below the sand (I’ve loved all the ways I’ve experienced NZ’s geothermal activity). 

I then headed up to Northland, where I wwoofed for 5 days in Whangarei. Pretty cool that my uncle Joby was here many years ago! This was my first wwoofing with other people, and it was fun to have the social group of the 4 other girls while we worked and when we were off having fun. 2 from Germany, 1 from Singapore, and 1 from France. This was also the first time I was really doing organic farming. Nye, the host, runs a vegetable farm called Starlight Organics, about a 25 minute drive outside of Whangarei city. I dived right into the work, starting at 4:30 for the Saturday farmer’s market after a Friday evening arrival. Energy was always high at the house, the work varied (harvesting, weeding, stacking firewood, transplanting banana trees, and digging clay), and the company entertaining. Nye took us all sorts of cool local spots. We hiked a mountain, saw glass blowing and other art galleries, walked to a giant Kauri tree, and saw a two man show touring from Northern UK that’s a modern twist on the Greek legend of Orpheus and Eurydice involving a Bruce Springsteen sing-a-long (was actually quite a cool piece of theater). We cooked together every day, played many games of cards, and had a good time. 

When I left Nye’s, I headed up further North, enjoying the coastline and small fishing towns, eventually ending up in Kaitaia, homebase for my next day’s bus exploration. I took a tour to 90 mile beach and Cape Reinga lighthouse. Pretty cool to have been at the most southern point of the country a few months ago, and now at the tippy top north. My driver was a local who shared all kinds of stories as we drove the area, pointing out the bridge where he used to fish with his dad, and the campground him and his siblings would hang out at every summer. It was nice to be driven for once, and be able to sit back and fully enjoy the sights and the cool histories, personal and otherwise, that the driver shared. Turns out 90 mile beach is actually only 55 miles long, but named so by European explorer Abel Tasman who thought that the average horse walks 30 miles in a day so the three days it took by horse must mean 90 miles. Cape Reinga is a stunning lookout over the water, and you can see the place where the Tasman sea meets the Pacific Ocean. It’s also the spot where Maori believe souls depart from, moving on fully to the afterlife. 

I am now back in Auckland, and have been for about 6 days. I successfully sold my car, despite showing up to the car fair woefully unprepared, being the only car quite caked in dirt. I also had dinner with one of my friends who I worked with at the hostel in Dunedin. So, so good to see her again and catch up on all that’d been happening. I am now finishing up the last bits and pieces of preparing to head off to Thailand. Flight departs at 6 am, so an early morning for me. It was cheaper to come back to Auckland and stick with my original departure ticket rather than leaving right from Bangkok, which means I am able to leave unneccessary items here, like tent, sleeping bag, winter coat (100 degrees and humid in my future). Also means I’m not bringing my computer, so may be a bit until next blog post. You can always check out instagram or send an email where I may be more active. 

All in all, I am really glad I took this trip. New Zealand has been great to me in many ways. I’m proud of myself for taking this leap and sticking it out when things were challenging. I’m grateful for all the people and animals and landscapes who brightened my days and shared stories with me and helped add to the experiences of this trip. I’m excited to know that while travelling solo may not always be my first preference, I’m totally okay doing it again if I want to go somewhere, and I know now that it opens up doors I wouldn’t think to open if I was with someone else. And I’m also really eager to fully enjoy Thailand (ready for a cultural change, and super amped for the food), and looking forward to coming home. Love to you back home. 

Cape Reinga lighthouse

Boogie Boarding down sand dunes

View from Mt. Manaia

Cathedral Cove

Wwoofing friends!

[xanican-exile]

Nations of Theldin: Xanica

Part 2: The people.

Physical Description

Centuries of intermingling with the now scarce Leyndine has left its mark on the people of Xanica, and their blood flows stronger in the Xanicans than anywhere else in the northlands. On average, Xanicans are fair haired and fair skinned, taller and stronger than most other peoples, and Xanican’s born with the Leyndine “Royal eyes”-silver, gold, or purple- are seen as blessed at birth with good luck. These traits are stronger in southern Xanica, while the people living in the north tend to be shorter, with dark hair and dark complexions like the tribes that inhabited Xanica before the coming of the Leyndine. Men and women alike tend to wear their hair long, with long braids being common among women, though wealthier women occasionally wear it free; a sign they don’t have to worry about it getting in the way while doing work. The men tend to have thick beards, aside from a few noble houses that attempt to cultivate the clean shaven “civilized” look to the south.

Culture

Living in the shadow of the Wyrmswood and its wild magics has made the Xanicans a superstitious people. Strange and sometimes inexplicable things are accepted as a part of life, and they see signs of it in almost everything. Ravens are considered to be lucky animals, as legends state that it was ravens that guided the Leyndine through the Wyrmswood when they first came to Xanica centuries ago. Seeing one circle above you is a sign of particular good fortune, and having them perch on your roof is an even greater sign. Other tales say that the Leyndine were able to find safe passage through the wilderness by light of the two moons Talak and Nysh, and it is for this reason that Xanicans believe themselves specially blessed by the twin gods of magic, an ironic quirk of history for a people descended from those incapable of using magic. A black wolf is commonly seen as a sign of death, and it is common to burn incense to ward off curses, disease, and, incidentally, insects. The presence of the Wyrmswood has affected even the vocabulary of the people in northern Xanica. People who rush headlong into clear danger are said to be “Following fae lights.” When somebody has narrowly avoided a life threatening situation they’ve “Left the Wyrmswood.”

Xanicans living on the coast- especially in the cities aren’t as accepting of magic as the people in the heartlands or on the northern border. Not living in constant contact with it, and holding more closely with the traditions of their aether atrophied forebears, they tend to openly deride many of these superstitions, while quietly and simultaneously continuing to adhere to them. The southern Xanicans, like their Leyndine predecessors, also cultivate a reputation as skilled sailors, though the connotations of raiding and plundering foreign coasts are a thing of the past, this history of seamanship is still a mark of pride.

The rangers of Xanica are viewed with suspicion and derision in the southern regions. The dangers of the Wyrmwsood are far away from these people, and they often question why one would risk the danger of allowing the sons and daughters of Xanica’s dregs to be in charge of protecting their borders. In the north, where contact with them is more common, they are treated with a wary respect, not quite welcomed as part of the community, but appreciated for their constant vigilance in protecting their lands, and usually given aid when needed.

Nobility

Noble families in Xanica come mainly in two broad strokes. Those who can trace their lineage back to before the breakup of the Leyndine Kingdoms, and those who can’t. Being able to trace your family tree back to a famous Leyndine king or hero is a mark of great pride among the nobility, and those that are able to hold great respect among their peers. Somewhat paradoxically, the northern nobility, whose lands are mostly inhabited by the descendants of the original Xanicans, are mostly of the Leyndine descended breed, while those in southern Xanica, where Leyndine culture has taken root more strongly than in the north, tends to be made up of younger houses.

Southern Nobles

Later coming noble houses, usually formed in the founding of Xanica proper, tend to be well connected with the various merchant and shipping guilds and unions, and this is, naturally, the source of much of their wealth. Typically seen as cunning, scheming, and soft by the northern nobility for their lack of “traditional Xanican values” who bought their titles with foreign gold. The Southern elite have undeniably gained great influence in recent decades, and tend to have more progressive, open minded outlooks than their northern kin.

Northern Nobles

The older, more traditional noble families tend to be the landowning elite in the central and northern regions. As one would expect, they tend to have more Leyndine blood in their heritage than the common folk of these regions. So the difference between the tall, pale, blond or red haired northern nobility, and the shorter, darker, black or brown haired Xanican commoner is usually very clear. While a point of pride for the Leyndine descended nobility in the northern regions, this fixation on physical differences is the source of much derision among the southern Xanicans, where Leyndine traits are far more likely to appear in common citizens as well.

Religion:

As stated earlier, worship of the twin gods of the moons Talak and Nysh is very prominent in Xanica. Cethnera, god of the sea, is also commonly venerated in both the south and the west. For the people of the north, however, it is the Great Wyrm himself who commands the most respect. The gods of the other nations have no place here, they say, this is the Wyrm’s land, and it is to him that they must look to for guidance and protection. This is one of the rare examples of dragon worship to be found west of the divide. The elusive rangers are typically seen as irreligious, though just as, if not more, prone to superstition as most other Xanicans. They acknowledge the Wyrm as master of the land they call home, and- rare for a warrior society- respect Taloth in his aspect as the god of wanderers and outcasts.

#ooc #world building

[moonchildmystic-blog]

Moving To Flagstaff, Arizona

Literally surrounded by seven natural wonders, Flagstaff, Arizona is often called the “The City of Seven Wonders” because it sits in the midst of the Coconino National Forest and is surrounded by the Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater National Monument, and the San Francisco Peaks.

How Flagstaff obtained its name has several versions, all having to do with stripping a lone pine tree and making it into a flagpole. The spring and its small settlement underwent several names beginning with Antelope Spring, then Flagstaff, and then Old Town. 

By the time the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad (now the Santa Fe) came through in 1882 there were ten buildings in Old Town, but they soon moved closer to the new railroad depot. In no time at all, Old Town was almost deserted and when a post office was established near the new train depot, it assumed the name of Flagstaff. With the new railroad, the lumber and cattle businesses began to thrive, assuring the growth of the community.

Lumber quickly grew into the main industry in Coconino Forest, making some entrepreneurs very rich in the process, notably lumber magnate Michael Riordan, whose legacy is well preserved in his mansion at Riordan State Historic Park. The man also gained some notoriety for being one of the first known pot-hunters, exploring and looting the Walnut Canyon ruins until local citizens became alarmed at the extent of the destruction wreaked on the cliff dwellings. The Chamber of Commerce, now acknowledging the tourist value of the ruins, denounced the mutilation in 1891, and in 1904, the site became part of the San Francisco Mountain Preserve.

While timber still remains one of the backbones for Flagstaffs economy, and the county provides more than half of Arizonas domestic sheep, tourism has now become the citys most important enterprise. Located at an altitude of more than 7,000 feet, in close proximity to the Grand Canyon in cool, fresh mountain air, Flagstaff has long attracted health seekers as well as people from around the world eager to explore its natural beauty. Today, the town is much more than just an overnight stop for tourists on historic Route 66 en route to the Grand Canyon. Inhabitants of the megalopolis of Phoenix, just a two hours drive to the south, frequently come here to escape the stifling summer heat of the Southern Arizona deserts.

At the heart of the Flagstaff community for over 50 years, their efforts advocating for progressive improvements included educational facilities such as the Normal School, which grew into today's Northern Arizona University and the creation of Coconino County with Flagstaff as its county seat.

In addition to the numerous public schools, there are several charter schools operating in the Flagstaff area including Flagstaff Junior Academy, Northland Preparatory Academy (ranked No. 52 in USA News's America's Top 100 Best High Schools), the Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy , Pine Forest Charter School, BASIS Flagstaff (ranked No. 2 in The Washington Post's America's Most Challenging High schools) and the Montessori Schools of Flagstaff.

Though the year-round population of the city sits comfortably at around 67,000, when the NAU students leave for the summer, the overheated desert tourists come streaming in. Combine that with the leaf peepers in the fall months and snow bums in the winter and it's easy to understand how the cars of 5 million annual tourists have a tendency to congest local roadways.

n 1992, the city hired a new manager, Dave Wilcox, who had previously worked at revitalizing the downtown areas of Beloit, Wisconsin and Missoula, Montana During the 1990s, the downtown area underwent a revitalization, many of the city sidewalks were repaved with decorative brick facing, and a different mix of shops and restaurants opened up to take advantage of the area's historical appeal.

Downtown Flagstaff lies immediately to the east of Mars Hill, the location of Lowell Observatory Streets in the downtown area are laid out in a grid pattern, parallel to Route 66 and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Rail Line , running east-west through the city.

One day may not be enough time to do and see all the one-of-a-kind attractions, activities and restaurants in Flagstaff AND fully adopt the mountain town attitude and culture; but if you jam-pack your visit using the following suggestions, you're sure to go home with treasured travel memories and stories of northern Arizona's mountain town jewel.

In the summer, visitors can enjoy many activities such as riding on the Scenic Skyride chairlift, which affords a stunning view of the Grand Canyon some 70 miles away and hiking on trails such as the Humphreys Peak Trail, which leads to the highest peak in Arizona.

As a result the International Dark-Sky Association named Flagstaff the world's first International Dark-Sky City.” So when you find yourself outdoors at night in Flag, look up and take it all in—you'll likely see more up there than ever before.

If you're moving to Flagstaff to join their current residency of more than 60,000, you and you're new home will be located at 7,000 feet elevation near the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau and along the western side of the Ponderosa Pine Forest. Many Discount Moving Companies frequent the area do to its ideal location along the southern U.S. boarder and as a result many good moving deals are to be had.