#and it's been so wonderful to find my creative spark once more

[borderlinebelle]

🗣️🧠

Has anyone ever taken a stimulant for ADHD and it cured your manic mess but simultaneously erased your creative joyful childlike wonder at the world and your interest in the people you share it with?

💊

Am I cured or broken indefinitely to better suit “adulthood”?

🙃

As I wade through the vibrant and manic mess that was the BEFORE STIMULANTS and I look out onto the starkly dull and muted tones of the AFTERS STIMULANTS… the pendulum swings and I violently and obediently bend with it.

🫡

I can balance my budget now. Proficient in punctuality and productivity. Finishing work projects that used to take weeks? EASY. Calculating and efficient, I am almost unemotional as I smash through barriers that once kept me at a stand still for weeks.

🥇

The counter balance to these super abilities is glaring:

👀

1. I find it difficult to produce an ounce of creativity.

2. I am colder, more calculating.

3. I find empathy over other people’s emotions a far off tingle of familiarity I reach for and only brush.

4. I find even accessing my own emotions to be difficult.

5. I find little pleasure from completing tasks just a dull and far off ✅ that reminds me of pleasure but has none of the organic material.

6. I lack spark behind my eyes.

🗣️🧠

In conclusion, the video I filmed for today’s YOUTUBE launch felt… soulless and lacking. It felt disingenuous. I wasn’t talking to YOU, my mental health friends. I was just … talking.

😪

TO BE BRUTALLY HONEST: I’m unsure how to proceed with the channel, with my content… with my identity outside of MANIC PIXIE DREAM GIRL … I feel really really defeated if I’m honest. I’ve spent my entire adult life in survival mode and for the first time, on this new medication, I can see dozens of strategies to LEAVE SURVIVAL and CHASE AFTER THRIVE… but I didn’t think it would COST ME… my personality, my creativity, my identity.

🔎🤷🏽‍♀️

Idk but, I guess .. that’s the way with these things. Mental health, medication, stabilization…

🫥

Mental health isn’t “pretty and punctual” so said my producer tonight. It can ALSO be “imperfect and valuable”. Nothing is a perfect science, everyone is just doing their best I guess.

😮‍💨

Fighting your own brain 🧠 daily, hourly, weekly, monthly, yearly is exhausting work. I’m so deeply proud of everyone out there choosing to fight another day. I hope to continue being as brave and resilient as you all are.

🫣

It’s 12:00am. I’ve officially missed the “NEW VIDEO EVERY SUNDAY” standard I set for myself and I have to admit I’m taking it very poorly and I feel pretty defeated, but I had to come let the few who support my cross platform… that I’m sorry I couldn’t get there today.

🫀

Returning to YouTube after being run off by a parasocial making very real threats years ago, has been a delicious dream of mine for so long.

💭

I just deactivated both my Instagram and Facebook as they were both just reminding me of this missed deadline, of this empty channel, of what feels like a failure. In the age of comparison and competition, TO BE A HUMAN IS NOT EASY.

😬

So I’ll regroup, recoup, lean into coping mechanisms, touch base with my therapist + psychiatrist… and keep trying to find a way through.

💙

Thank you for your interest in my content.

🥸

I appreciate you deeply.

🫶🏽

I anticipate that this hopefully … won’t be the end.

🖊️ xoxo borderlinebelle

#BorderlineBelle #mental health matters #mentally drained #personality disorder #actually adhd #stimulants #recovery #personal #embarrassing #i want to crawl into a hole and rest for 100 years #i want to wander away #adulthood is a scam #failure #bpd shit #bpd vent #bpd thoughts #bpd feels #rage quit #numb inside #love that for me #Texas here I come #youtube creator #mental health is health #mental health is messy

[fabdante]

so i've been thinking about a conversation i had with my girlfriend a while ago, especially after a few conversations i had since, and i was wondering what other creatives thought.

often my creative process is not driven by love of the process but by a desire to see it done. i find this the most satisfying part for the most part. even with my favorite part of the process, line art, the biggest drive for me is seeing the line art done, if that makes sense. i love doing all the little details because i like to see all the little details finished so on and so forth. another example being like, i don't like any step of making comics but i love finishing comics more then anything. what drives me to finish comics is the simple act of having the comic done and out of my head. it's incredibly satisfying to me.

surely there's nuance here, as much as i like seeing stuff done i also love mindless, repetitive tasks. but what sparked this conversation was discussing the difference between loving the process and loving the result and some theorizing on why a certain animation director who keeps wanting to retire keeps not wanting to retire. which has got me thinking like what is more common, the love of the process or the love of having something done? also is it different for different art forms, different projects, so on and so forth. do other people not think about this much at all have i just been thinking about it too much this past like week and a half?

no 'i don't create' option because we all have created in our lives at least once, i ask of you to think of that time and what was the best part for you and if you truly hated all of it just pick the last option fghjklasdfghjk

also leave anything you want in the tags i love hearing about other peoples process and thoughts behind creating stuff so i'd love to see it!!

#im not tagging this with anything really special dfghjkl #polls #im just curious if this swings out of my circle that'll be interesting but like im not expecting much

[h0ney-gl0ws]

Hi! Just found out in the Greek mythology, Hypnos had 3 sons?? So I was wondering if you could write hcs of Hypnos being a dad to triplets T.T I think it’d be really cute,, Ty!

Omg yes of course I can! This IS a really cute idea! I did a bit of research of my own on the subject and obviously got a lot of different information on his sons, so I’m gonna do what I do best which is headcanons lolol and take some creative liberties with these cuties.

Anyways, thanks for requesting, your patience, and enjoy reading!

Word Count (approx): 744

Hypnos! Parenting headcannons!

Three kids that are all the same age are quite a handful, especially when they are equipped with omnipotent powers

So whenever he is in a bind with the young ones and doesn’t know quite what to do, he turns to the greatest parent he knows. His mom :)

Seriously, Nyx, has so many kids and she has experienced having three young ones at once as well. Practically the same situation. And while she may not have been the best parent to Hypnos he still loves her with all of his heart.

Alright, let’s address the cuties separately starting with, Morpheus, the eldest of the triplets. He has the ability to manipulate the dreams of gods and men. Because his powers are very potent he is the loudest, and the most rambunctious of the triplets.

Hypnos finds his son’s energy a bit hard to deal with when he’s awake, but he has such a kind soul, and gives Hypnos the most pleasant dreams. He just adores how cheery Morpheus is, though, it’s refreshing to have someone else smiling around the house.

Often times Hypnos will pass Morpheus over to Zagreus to watch for some time. Zagreus does not have the ability to sit still for more than a few minutes, and has no trouble keeping up with the eldest of the triplets. In fact, Morpheus returns to Hypnos tuckered out from spending the day/night running around attempting to keep up with the Prince. How ironic.

Overall, Morpheus really loves his father, and Hypnos loves Morpheus in return.

Next is Phobetor, he is a timid yet mischievous kid. He is the personification of nightmares, and he appears in dreams in the forms of animals and other nightmarish beasts.

Phobetor often hides away, he’s not as energetic as his elder sibling, and is more similar to Hypnos in that matter. But Hypnos has to be weary of falling asleep when he is around.

Phobetor is unsettling, and since he’s so quiet he uses those abilities to his advantage by playing little “pranks” on people around the house by giving them a “little” scare.

Dusa, honestly, almost turned him to stone once from how bad he got her. Hypnos had to give a lecture on not messing with the staff after that incident.

Phobetor gets along really well with Uncle Thanatos. Thanatos can also seem pretty scary due to his outward appearance and somber attitude. So most children shy away from him, except Phobetor. Phobetor finds him to be tolerable, unlike the loud prince who is unbearably cheery. So, Phobetor was kind of drawn to his uncle. He’s mesmerized and very curious about his uncle’s line of work, knowing that while it is unintentional he sparks fear into the hearts of the mortals. He likes to listen to Thanatos’ stories of the mortals that he brings in, the way they died and such, it gives him inspiration for his next big “prank”

Last but definitely not least is Phantasos. Phantasos is the god of surreal dreams, he appears as inanimate objects in prophetic dreams.

Phantasos is calm, and wise for his age. He’s pretty cryptic as well though. Hypnos finds it hard to understand his youngest son all the time, but with some help from his mother they are usually able to figure out what it is he’s trying to say.

Phantasos is nearly always talking with his grandmother Nyx, he’s enthralled with his three aunts, the fates, and uses Nyx as a sort of bridge of communication between them. Nyx often has messages for the youngest triplet from the fates themselves. They give him glimpses of things yet to come, so that he may tell humanity through the means of the dream world.

Hypnos is a pretty good dad, much to everyone’s surprise, for the most part his kids are polite, friendly, and are mindful of their responsibilities to the house. And while Hypnos isn’t the best parent around, he has people to help him get back on track when he falters. 7/10 parenting :D

#hypnos hades #headcanon #request #thanatos hades #zagreus hades #nyx hades #dusa hades #h0ney gl0ws works!

[windvexer]

Thanks for answering my last ask, because well… I’ve been going by the book for literally EVERY CARD, pulling muddled readings 60% and then pulling more cards when cards don’t make sense to me, and I’ve been wondering where I went wrong. *obviously I know the whole “your personal method works best” but in this case it’s not working for me* But yeah, thank you chicken, it was really helpful bc I’ve been hitting a wall for a while and I think I needed to hear this.

Here is one way of reading tarot as a simple oracle which does not use spreads.

As far as I'm aware this is my original system. For me, it provides sterling omens that can be arrived at simply enough (once you are used to it) without using the book meanings.

The problem with book definitions is that sometimes they are very difficult to associate to any specific problem, and not everyone can read intuitively.

So perhaps you'd like to try elemental dignities. First, assign each card one of the four Western elements (earth/air/fire/water). This is easily done for the suits. The task is more difficult for major arcana. Lists of major arcana elements can be found.

Or, simply take all the major arcana out of the deck.

Next, assign a few qualities to each element. These qualities may be ones that also make sense for spellwork or other rituals, but remember that here our goal is divination, and it's fine to assign qualities that only make sense for divination.

Here is a starter list if you'd like to use my qualities:

Fire (wands): Very fast (the fastest). Passion and desire (carnal and otherwise). Intensity. Aligns with questions of want, creativity, and fulfillment. The spark of life and what makes us "glow." Force to get the job done quickly.

Air (swords): Fast. The mind and intellectual pursuits. Knowledge, rationality, objective truth. Matters of learning, education, and skills. Aligns with questions of knowledge, truth. Deceit and betrayal. Cleverness to get the job done precisely.

Water (cups): Slow. The heart, subconscious, and the current that runs underneath things. Feelings, poetry, and subjective truth. Matters of emotions, relationships, and bonds that tie. Aligns with questions of motivation, feeling, and wellbeing. Wisdom to get the job done best.

Earth (pentacles): Very slow. The physical bodies of things, and the institutions and structures that we use to care for and manage bodies, and create physical things. Labor, money, wealth, debt. Matters of physicality (a friend being present in body, versus in spirit). Discipline to get the job done completely.

Alright. Now, if you don't work with elements very much, you may actually need to spend some time getting on the same page with them. That's alright - it's part of the fun! (and good exercise if you want to expand your elemental sorcery)

Because next, what you've got to do is assign an element to your question.

I can't remember if you said or not what your original spell was about, that you were reading on.

But let's say that it was a job spell. To me, that would be an Earth question. If it was about a person discovering a career path that they're passionate about, maybe that would be a Fire question. If it was about discovering a career path that is best for their wellbeing, perhaps that would be a Water question.

There is a lot of ambiguity here (is a question about a friend who is a suspected backstabber in the workplace an earth, water, or air question?) but all you've got to do is pick the element you think works best for your question.

Alrighty. So we've cast a Fire spell, let's say, and we need to know how it will go. All the major arcana have been taken out of the deck. Now, find the Wheel of Fortune and shuffle it back into the deck.

Shuffle shuffle shuffle.

Hold the deck face-up, so the pictures are facing you. Pick up cards one at a time and set them aside until you find the wheel of fortune.

The card on top of the wheel of fortune is the best possible outcome for the spell.

The card beneath the wheel of fortune is the worst possible outcome for the spell.

Here is how you judge the omen:

A card that matches your question's element is a very good omen.

If my top and bottom cards are both Fire cards, that is great for my Fire question.

A card that opposes your question's element is a very bad omen.

Earth and air oppose each other

fire and water oppose each other

If my bottom card is Water, that means the worst possible outcome for my Fire question is very bad indeed.

A card that neither matches nor opposes your element is a decent omen.

Earth and water are good friends with each other

Earth and fire are just buddies

Air and fire are good friends with each other

Air and water are just buddies

Suppose my question is will this business deal go well? Which I have chosen to be an earth question.

I shuffle. The cards are as follows:

On top of the Wheel of Fortune (best possible outcome): Cups card

Beneath the Wheel of Fortune (worst possible outcome): Swords card

Now I can see that the watery cups card is good friends with my earthy question, and the best possible outcome is just fine - not perfect, but a good deal.

Unfortunately, the airy swords card opposes my earthy question - the worst possible outcome is very bad indeed.

Perhaps now I'd like to know how to prevent against this worst outcome - I may perform the operation over again, this time instead of the Wheel of Fortune using a card related to victory or protection (perhaps for a business deal I'd choose the Emperor or the Chariot), and choosing new meanings for my top and bottom cards. Perhaps this time the top card will be "best thing I can do to prevent a bad business deal" and the bottom card will be "worst thing I can do."

Because if you'd like a little more detail, you can start accounting for the elemental meanings and the card numbers.

Now, here is a note - if you are just asking for outcomes, it is easy to apply the "opposite element = bad outcome" rule. But if you are asking for guidance, opposing elements can begin to function more as warning signs than bad omens. Let's see this in action below:

Now I ask an airy question - what is the best way to stop this business deal going bad?

And instead of the WoF I choose to use the exact same swords card that was my bad omen the first time around.

I shuffle the deck and find that swords card.

On top of the swords card (best action to take to prevent a bad deal): Page of Pentacles

Underneath the swords card (worst thing I could do; would make the situation worse): Nine of Cups

Well heck! My most positive card is enemies with my question's element. How may this be resolved? To answer that, let's take a look at what to do with the card's position in the suit.

I guess you can use numerology if you want, but we're after something a lot more simple.

Aces may be high or low (that is, an ace card may be weaker than the 2 or stronger than the 10 -- choose for yourself)

Cards gain intensity as their numbers go up (the 6 card is twice as intense as the 3 card)

Furthermore, the court cards gain the following attributes (courts can be tricky, so feel free to remove them from your deck entirely):

Pages function as novices, learners, observers, students, and apprentices; lowest on the social ladder; outsiders looking in

Knights function as competent workers, people who get the job done, the person who goes out and does things; middling on the social ladder; involved in the situation

Queens function as leaders, middle managers, and delegators. The person to talk to in order to get the go-ahead. The person with many answers. Higher on the social ladder; managing the situation.

Kings function as bosses, executives, and rulers. The person who sets the game plan that the queens abide by. May be out of touch or even have fewer pragmatic answers than the queen. The person with the vision. Highest on the social ladder; controls the situation.

Let's mash a couple of things here together to try and understand why being a Page of Pentacles will help stop this Airy situation from going bad.

Because of the element traits of earth (discipline, jobs) and the significance of the page (novice, learner, low on the social ladder), I can determine that in this situation, the Page of Pentacles represents as behaving as a humble student of business is a great outcome for me.

Because of the element traits of water (feelings, connection, emotion) and the high intensity of the number nine card, I can determine that in this situation, the Nine of Cups represents me behaving in an intensely subjectively emotional way, perhaps to try and force a friendship with that business person.

I know that the Page of Pentacles card must reflect something positive and helpful (it is the best thing for me to do!) and that is how I derive the more helpful meaning.

I know that the Nine of Cups must be something unhelpful and perilous, which is how I derive the less helpful meaning.

How do I resolve the Page of Pentacles as being the opposite element of my airy question?

Here, I determine that my ideas of what it takes to succeed are backwards. The way I am seeing this situation is upside-down - by behaving as if I am so friendly to this business person, I would ruin the deal. What they want to see is that I am ready to learn the ropes and be easy to work with.

Well, anyway. I could go on and on as there are many nuances to this method.

If you've made it all the way to the end, now you can have an extra tip! If assigning an element to your own question is too difficult at this time, make the oracle even more simple. Fire is the best possible outcome, air is a good outcome, water is a fine outcome, and earth is the worst outcome.

Interpret only one card - either on top of, or beneath the Wheel of Fortune (as this variation is so simple that drawing 2 cards often doesn't make sense).

#answered #tarot #elemental oracle #tbl

[heliosrisingheroesimagines]

Would you be willing to do the Venus Signs for the Yellow West too? I loved reading the previous headcanons so much! - from a fellow astrology geek 💖💫

(Me not doing this for the groups with my top 2 fave characters..... for shame

For Junior's I imagined him a little older and little more mature, when he'd be more invested in romance than as a baby like he is in canon rn lmao)

WEST SECTOR VENUS SIGNS

Dino Albani:

Pisces Venus. Dino has always been a highly intuitive person, not to mention emotionally intelligent, so it’s only natural that the connection you felt with him was almost instantaneous. He’s a partner who wants to have fun, finding creative ways to bond and experience life together. You’ll never experience a love more unconditional than the one Dino displayed for you, though his Aries sun makes him rather direct so don’t think he’ll allow you to run from any problems you might have.

Faith Beams:

Aries Venus. Faith is someone who needs that excitement, that thrill, a real challenge since people throw themselves at him with reckless abandon. He wants a person who can keep him on his toes but isn’t annoying about it, still displaying an interest but making it known they won’t let him give them anything less than the world. He naturally takes the lead but it always sparked his interest when you decided to take the reins, trusting you not to lead you both to your demise.

Keith Max:

Scorpio Venus. On the surface, Keith doesn’t seem to fulfill the ‘Scorpio Venus’ stereotype of ‘obsessive’ or pro-active but he’s a person who loves deeply. He wants to know you intimately and that includes knowing the negative parts of you, the ones you’d be embarrassed or horrified for others to see. His vices are on display for all to see, which he hated, but it didn’t quite feel right if he didn’t know what your weaknesses were too. Ultimately, he wanted to know and love the real you, which meant having to dig a little deeper as frustrating as those conversations may be.

Leonard Wright Jr:

Taurus Venus. Ever the hard worker, Junior is motivated to work twice as hard to provide you a life that you deserve. Loyalty was a serious thing to him, and there’s no one else that would catch his eye after he determined you were the one for him. He doesn’t get people who cheat or those who have a partner yet still flirt with others, because he felt no inclination from the moment he set his heart on you. You find that he’s a true romantic, always trying his hardest to set up nice dates for you to be alone together (and he even wrote a song for you once, but he’s too embarrassed to bring that up later in your relationship).

EAST SECTOR VENUS SIGNS

Asch Albright:

Leo Venus. Asch is a man whose lived in luxury his entire life, so it’s only natural he wants to give his partner the same life he had. He will not let you accept anything less than extravagant and he will complain if you try to make him tone it down, wondering if you just don't know what it's like to be loved by someone like him. He liked when you looked good together and would be even happier if you were considered a power couple, thinking the name fit you both perfectly.

Billy Wise:

Gemini Venus. You’re in for a ride with Billy, if you couldn’t tell from what you know of his personality already, but you’ll never have a dull time. He can run hot and cold but not because his feelings for you fluctuate, but because committing wholeheartedly to a person makes him nervous. Giving your heart away is a big deal, and making friends was far different than falling in love, though the pain of losing that might be equal in his mind. You’ll have to earn his friendship first and even then it might take time, but Billy’s constant flirting and allowing you to get closer to him than he’s ever let someone get before.  

Gray Reverse:

Cancer Venus. Gray needs some security and affirmations, even with his confident (very slowly) building up; he needs to know he’s not a burden on you, that his faults aren’t deal-breakers, and that you’ll love him despite the great amount of patience it requires to be with him. He’s naturally thoughtful and intuitive, knowing what you need before you even know, and there’s a part of you that wanted to tease him on what an expert boyfriend he was. He truly loves you unconditionally, to the point it’s almost worship, which can throw others off but you know better than to take advantage of your loving boyfriend.

Jay Kidman:

Sagittarius Venus. It goes without saying that Jay was a difficult man to pin down, something that might be odd for a man who had a wife at one point, but he admitted to being swept up in the adventure of it all when he was young. He tries to take romance a little more seriously now which is why he doesn’t ‘commit’ to long-term arrangements often, a man who fully enjoyed his singleness as he focused on being a hero. He’s someone who needs the space to be who he is but once you show you not only support him but seek out a life and adventure of your own, he’s more than happy to change what could’ve been a temporary connection into something more permanent.

#Helios Rising Heroes #Helios Rising Heroes x Reader #Helios Rising Heroes Imagines #HeliosR #Helios Rising #Helios Rising Imagines #Helios Rising x Reader #Keith Max #Dino Albani #Faith Beams #Leonard Wright Jr #Asch Albright #Billy Wise #Gray Reverse #Jay Kidman #Venus Signs

[greenerteacups]

Hello! I wanted to let you know how amazing your fic is, it seems my life now revolves around Friday mornings. I think it may be one of my favorite series ever, not just fics, your stuff is better than most published works I have read. I really could go on and on. Suffice to say, thank you x1 million for just putting this out there for us.

I had a couple curiosities! Is it ever hard to restrain yourself and just post 1 time per week? Or is that necessary for your creative process?

Also, your fic is rapidly growing in popularity, do you ever get worried about how that might change your audience?

Thank you again for the amazing thing you've written, I feel super lucky to be reading it in real time because I know this is going to be one of those legendary classics.

Thank you so much! You're wonderfully kind, I really appreciate it, and I hope I can live up to your expectations!

Weekly posting: Posting once a week is actually something I started for my own sanity — posting it regularly/serially is better for audience response, so there's a natural incentive to do it, but it also gives me more time to write ahead. And having all of a book prewritten in advance is really important for me creatively, not only so as to avoid the possibility of cliffhangers, but also to feel immune from the pressure to change the story based on what audiences want.

Growing audiences: Oof, it's been wild. I've been sort of boggled by the response to my little fic; it was entirely unexpected and the most I can do is work hard to deserve it. For the most part, an increasing audience has been a wonderful, wonderful thing, and I've been so grateful for everyone who's been offering support and praise. I'm seriously insanely lucky. My only point of frustration is that, in general, as a fic grows, readers seem to perceive increasing distance between themselves and the author. For instance, people in my comments have increasingly started to address each other instead of me, or have left comments seemingly without the expectation that I'll read them. But when someone comments on the fic, they're still sending that message directly to the author, and I think that some people might... well, they either don't know that, or they don't care. Like, the audience/author distance might be greater than it is for a fic with only 300 hits, but it's not like I'm a showrunner, or some other media production bigwig who'll probably never see 99% of the feedback generated by fans; it's still my pet project that I read basically every scrap of feedback for.

And sometimes (rarely — most of my comments are just so wonderful, and I don't want to sound ungrateful, but) people do say weird or unnecessary things. One comment for the last chapter read, "if krum dies im gonna drop this fic ngl," and that just irritated the hell out of me. Like, if that's your opinion, cool. Your reading habits are none of my business, and I sincerely encourage everyone who needs to take a break from Lionheart — or, hell, even loses interest — to go find something that sparks joy instead. Reading fic should bring you pleasure. No hard feelings, swear to God.

But my frustration with that comment, in particular, was: you do realize that you've sent that message directly to my inbox, right? You realize that was the first thing I read when I opened my comments section after a long afternoon of writing? Someone directly informing me, the author, that a narrative decision (which, either way, I already made about 4-5 months ago) will lose me a reader? And how does this person expect me to react? "Oh, no! I have to go back and rewrite 90,000 words of the story — God forbid I lose you, Single AO3 User Who Left No Other Comments! How can I live with myself if you're not here??"

It's just a bit frustrating. And, to the point — I say this politely, with respect — but if you seriously can't handle seeing characters die, then maybe don't read the fanfiction that's rewriting a series where very many characters die. Just a thought.

#someone left a similar comment after I posted Chapter 30 #which just made me roll my eyes #these clowns act like they're the author's personal muse #'unfortunately i am no longer enjoying your fic and i must stop reading' ok? have you mistaken me for your book club president? #anyway. thank you for a kind ask sorry it got salty at the end

[kasieli]

somewhere in the shadows | chapter one

Some initial A/N: Hello my near and dear friends! Welp, here it is — my new spark of creativity. I’ve been playing Hogwarts Legacy and there was just a sudden urge to write a fanfic, ya know, so here I am. I have more detailed and important author’s notes at the end, but I just wanted to paste a little blurb here. Anyways, please enjoy this short and sweet introductory chapter! (And once again please make sure you read my other notes at the end!)

***

Eleanor Laverne learned first hand that pleasant morning that there were, indeed, 142 stairwells in Hogwarts castle. Even though she woke up at the crack of dawn to brew some tea and prepare herself in her overwhelmingly blue common room, she felt like a first year frantically dashing through all the hallways and corridors and stairwells in the maze that was her new school.

Wonderful — her first day, and she’d show up to class after it already finished with her legs feeling like pudding.

To be fair, it was technically her first year here — she was just starting on the fifth year curriculum. Still, she was sure that someone of her 16-year-old stature looked quite appalling racing through the halls in comparison to that of a puny first year. Well…on the bright side, at least she could out run them and their short, stubby legs.

She glanced around, positively sure she passed the same portrait of a lady in an impossibly puffy pink dress who was, at this point, snickering at her valiant efforts of getting spectacularly lost. The watch on her wrist read 8:13, her first class began at 8:15, and at this point, she might as well have admitted her defeat on getting to class on time. After all, she had absolutely no clue where in the castle she was. She could have been on the opposite side of the school for all she knew.

She must’ve been rushing forward with her head on a swivel for a moment too long because she abruptly met something before her with a thunk. In doing so, all of the books that were, moments ago, held safely in her grip, splattered gracefully over the stone floor.

Splendid. 

She was already late — she didn’t need obstacles, either.

But the obstacle turned out to be another person as she heard a surprised, “oof!” and the sound of footsteps plummeting forward.

She shook the dizziness from her head and steadied herself, only to find a brunette boy peering over at her with a wince. “What was that for?” he asked, and she wanted to laugh as if her sprinting spree was intentional.

“Sorry,” she grumbled, bending over to reach for the book closest to her. 

8:14. Bloody hell. On her first day.

“Wait,” the boy began slowly as she heard the click of his shoes against the floor nearing her. “You’re the new fifth year, aren’t you?”

His statement beckoned her gaze, and she soon found herself gaping at this obstacle-turned-boy who happened to be a Slytherin student with quite possibly the sweetest face she’d ever seen. She didn’t believe in stereotypes but…for a Slytherin…he looked too…nice.

He reached out to hand her a few books he managed to pick up before someone called, “Seb! Come here! Defence Against the Dark Arts is about to start!”

She didn’t think her eyes could get any wider.

Defence Against the Dark Arts! That was the class she was looking for! Meaning…this lovely-looking Slytherin student that so happily picked up books for her after she nearly knocked him flat on his nose…was her classmate. What a truly memorable first impression — on her hands and knees picking up books and papers because she couldn’t simply watch where she was going.

“I suppose this is your class, too,” he said, offering her a hand to get up. She took it without any thought and stilled at the difference between his warm touch and the cold marble floor.

“It is.” She quickly released his hand and brushed off her robes.

He chuckled, and she noticed a sprinkle of freckles over his cheeks as he smiled. “Got a tad lost, did you?” 

“Perhaps,” she huffed, “let’s go.”

His bright smile was disarming. “After you.”

Never, in her whole life, would she ever expect to feel glad for nearly running someone over. But here she was, her heart racing at a surprising speed perhaps by her brisk morning jog or by downright embarrassing herself in front of her new charmingly freckled classmate, letting out a satisfied sigh as she found her very first victory this morning.

She checked her watch. 

8:15. Brilliant.

She was on time.

***

A/N: Alright folks, strap in because you’re in for a ride. I’m just kidding, but there are quite a few creative liberties that I have chosen to take, one of which is age. I have chosen to have Sebastian and Anne get held back a year before starting Hogwarts due to their parent’s death, while also raising the default age by 1 — so first years would enter around 12, and 7th years would be 18-19 by the time they graduate. (To be honest, having a 15 year old take something as life altering as the O.W.L.S seems crazy to me). Also, the way Hogwarts Legacy modeled their characters makes it seem like they’re at least 17-18, so, you know, with my unbridled creative liberty, I did just that. 

This makes Seb 17 at the beginning of the year, while most of the other students are 16. I don’t know their actual birthdays, but I imagine Sebastian to be 18 before the term ends, and the MC 17. Listen, I know it’s completely wrong, but just bear with me for the sake of this story.

Other things to note: this goes pretty much in line with the main plot of the game, and, because of that, I’ll probably skip writing scenes like the beginning dragon attack, etc. etc. but it will be referenced. Also, I know that this technically takes place in the late 1800s but this is a fan fiction and I know nothing of the wizarding world (or anything, really) in the late 1800s, so most likely it’ll read like the current writing it is and there may be contraptions or what not in this fanfic that might not have even existed in the 1800s. I dunno.

Lastly, Sebastian and the MC have so much witty banter between one another, and if there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I love witty banter. Plus, I think that there are some options that could have been taken towards the end that could have…(positively?) affected the ending of his relationship questline. At the end of the day, I am truly just imagining an alternative ending and what could have happened, had they given Sebastian a different path. Plus, you know, some innocent romance, too, because why the hell not. Don’t tell me you didn’t ship your MC with him. He’s so flirty! Also, if you would like me to post this anywhere else like fanfic or wattpad, let me know! Anyways, I’ll stop rambling now. Thank you for reading and see you next time! Xoxo ~Cass

#Hogwarts legacy #Hogwarts legacy MC #sebastian sallow x mc #sebastian x mc #sebastian sallow #fanfic #fan fiction #alright folks here’s a hashtag rant #I hope y’all enjoyed it #I know it super short but I just wanted to gauge interest #I just had written too many self indulgent pages that I was like #fuck it let’s post it #anyways please let me know what you think! #And ya there’ll probably be some fanart too #lmaoooo the author’s notes are longer than the actual chapter itself #sorry I’m a rambler

[arrolyn1114]

August 16

I am listening to Aloha From Hawaii as I sit down to write this tribute, my favorite of Elvis's live performances. I have read some other tributes and all of them have been so beautiful. This made me pretty emotional to write not gonna lie.

This date definitely carries more weight with me this year for so many reasons. As many already know, I was an Elvis fan before the movie last year but I wasn't as involved in the fandom as I am now. Back in 2002 when "Lilo and Stitch" came out, I took my then 7 year old niece to see it and she did enjoy it, but it was me the adult in her 20s who walked out obsessed with it. Since then, I've honestly felt like it was just me and my homegirl Lilo who appreciated Elvis and since she's a drawing I can't have a conversation with her. Elvis kind of fell to the wayside for me, in the background but still appreciated.

I admit I was skeptical about the movie last year when I first heard about it. I was like "Who the hell is this Austin dude who's playing Elvis? And Baz is directing it? Interesting. Ok, well I guess I'll give it a watch and see." And I'm so glad I did because they blew me away and re-sparked my interest in Elvis. I love how the movie introduced so many new people to Elvis and now there's all these new fans to talk to. I've made all kinds of new friends in this fandom. I hadn't really been using my Tumblr much but I went on it last year to see if I could find other fans to talk to and it turned out to be the best thing because I was invited to join the best Discord channel where I have met some truly wonderful Elvis fans of all ages from around the world. One of the things I love about the Elvis fandom is how supportive and inclusive it is. There's so much toxicity in so many fandoms these days but it seems to be an extremely rare thing in this fandom and that is so refreshing.

Elvis also helped me break through a long drought of writer's block. Prior to the movie last year, I hadn't been doing much writing, just some short one shots for my other fandoms and I was struggling, thinking I'd never write something long or substantial. I had little faith I could write a long story with an intricate plot. After the movie rekindled my interest in him he busted right through that block and I ran with the idea that popped into my head. It started as a one shot and quickly grew into a novel length story. I just posted chapter 35 the other day and it's still ongoing. I admit I was nervous about posting it at first, I often suffer from self doubt and imposter syndrome and I worry my writing is not good enough to share. But I'm so glad I shared it. I had no idea it was going to be as loved as it is now. I have so many devoted readers who have left me kudos and given me amazing feedback for which I am so grateful. And new readers continue to discover it all the time which brings me even more joy.

Little by little I am starting to get over my insecurities and self doubts about my writing. I am getting much better at battling imposter syndrome and letting my creativity flow. It feels SO good to be writing again, when you've gone through a long bout of creative block to finally be back at your craft is one of the most amazing feelings in the world. So thank you Elvis, thank you for helping me.

In December of this year, I will be visiting Memphis and Graceland for the very first time. I'm a runner who loves to look for destination races so I can plan a trip around a race so I am doing the Memphis St Jude half marathon on Dec 2 and I am going to cosplay as Aloha Elvis. I have an American Eagle jumpsuit onesie to wear for the race. I also plan on ordering a multi pack of leis which I will wear and hand to the volunteers at the aid stations when they hand me Gatorade and I will thank them for aiding my gator. It will be overwhelmingly emotional for me to run on the same streets Elvis once walked. Me and my significant other are staying the week after the race to do Graceland and other tourist things in Memphis. I am so excited.

I hope that wherever Elvis is in the afterlife that he knows how loved he still is and how he's still positively affecting people all these decades later after he passed.

This ended up being a pretty long piece and if you read the whole thing, thank you. I leave you with some pics of my favorite Elvis, Aloha E: my man of many leis. ❤🌺

#elvis presley #elvis #elvis fandom #elvis fandom is the best #sweet remembrance #rip #rest in peace elvis #august 16 #elvis fanfiction #elvis presley fanfiction #elvis fanfic #fanfic is a community activity. its stories by a bonfire #why can't you see what you're doin' to me #writing #creative writing #fanfic authors #fanfic writers #memphis st jude half marathon #memphis #graceland #running

[davidfarland]

How Burnout Made Me A Better Author

[by Michelle Pennigton]

Burnout. Few words spark such dread among writers. Avoiding it, surviving it, and recovering from it are each the focus of many articles, blogs, podcasts, books, and conference classes. Still, most of us have or will find ourselves grappling with it. This struggle resembles a hiker who has fallen off an unforeseen cliff and now clings to the sheer rockface with desperate, failing fingers, unable to pull themselves up.

I speak from experience.

While attempting to write at the very edge of my abilities and capacity in an effort to release rapidly and reach a six-figure a year income, I ran headlong into the pandemic. All at once, I found myself—an introvert—constantly around my family, needing to manage virtual school for four children, and facing an onslaught of mental health dilemmas between the six of us. My daily word count became a determined slog until just thinking about writing flooded me with resistance.

My publishing schedule and sales took a massive hit while so many of my close author friends and community connections were successfully writing and earning at dizzying rates. It was impossible not to feel like a failure.

That is the two-pronged attack of the burnout monster. It injures both your productivity and your self-esteem. The tailspin of frustration, resentment, jealousy, and dejection is not easy to break out of. So, yes! Avoid it at all costs if you can.

However, if it should happen to you, don’t despair. For me, burnout proved to be a blessing in disguise. In fact, I am emerging from it as better author, and so can you.

Burnout saved me from myself.

Like so many other authors, I rushed headlong into the swiftly flowing waters of rapid releasing without taking stock of my capabilities or the strength of the current. As a result, I enjoyed more commercial success than I had previously dreamed possible, but at the same time, I suffered personally in ways I hadn’t expected. The dangerous part was that I didn’t realize the beating I was taking as I was carried along in the rush of success. Who knows how great the toll would have been if burnout hadn’t dragged me out of the water—unwillingly—before I drowned.

Only once I’d been stranded unceremoniously on the shore while everyone else continued on without me, was I able to take stock of myself. My stress, back pain, a chaotic household, disconnection in my relationships, toxic absorption in my work, a skewed perspective on success, and depleted creative energy all became painfully apparent.

Burnout made me rest and replenish.

At first, the resistance I felt toward writing felt like the death of my career. But since pushing against it made things worse, I gave in and simply took it easy on myself. During this forced period of rest, I discovered Asian dramas—especially Korean, Chinese, and Japanese dramas. With new languages to hear, cultures to explore, and story-telling structures to follow, I was able to simply immerse myself in the experience.

I realized later that I had been expending all of my creative energy without refilling it. I had become a dry, thirsty sponge, and dramas were a fountain of living water. Here was a new source of wonder and magic that demanded nothing from me and gave until I was filled and longing to write again.

Burnout forced me to question everything.

As hope and desire to write returned, I realized how delicate my creative health was. Unwilling to put it at risk again, I had to determine what had gone wrong so I could protect myself going forward. The most basic questions brought surprising answers.

What makes me happy?

As I sorted through my cluttered soul, I pared my answer down to peace and connection.

While I had been chasing after sales for financial peace of mind, I realized that most of the things that brought me actual peace didn’t require money: time spent with my family, nature, music, spirituality, and solitude. Of course, paying the bills and being able to travel made all of those things easier, but I now saw that there was a tipping point at which my business pursuits had gone from supporting my needs to distracting me from them. I saw that the more time and effort I put into chasing success, the more it impacted my relationships and health.

These answers led to another question. What does success look like for me?

Burnout took me back to my roots.

Getting caught up in the author rat race had also stolen the joy of writing from me. And that was not something I could allow to continue. In trying to discover how that had happened, I realized that I’d severely neglected my inner artist. So, in order to reclaim that part of me, I went back to the beginning. Who was I as an artist before my business-self took over? Both roles are important, but they needed to be equally yoked together.

As I thought back to my early days as an author, I was surprised at how many important parts of my creative process I had abandoned along the way in order to write faster. My craft had improved enough that my writing was still strong—perhaps better than ever—but the process of writing was not as satisfying or fulfilling. The ideal creative process will renew your energy instead of draining it.

For me, that meant I needed to go back to creating music playlists and vision boards for my projects. I needed more scope and space for daydreaming. Being more grounded in real-life experiences and soaking in the world through my senses had to become intentional again. While I was still capable of describing a thunderstorm from my desk, standing in the rain first would provide an immersive, detail-rich experience that would benefit both me and my readers.

Burnout led me to a better way forward.

Instead of being the end of the road, burnout helped me find a better path to follow. Sure, I have battle scars that will likely impact me for a long time to come, if not forever. Instead of being able to reliably produce five to eight thousand words a day, my new reality is being thrilled with two thousand. My sales are down and my fans are either impatient or forgetting me. I must battle demons of comparison that won’t stay down no matter how many times I beat them back into their cages.

But this is only a moment in time, not my whole career. That’s the perspective that I’d lost before. I hope to have thirty years or more ahead of me, so all of my struggles are just part of the journey instead of being a dead end.

Because of my detour through burnout, I now have wisdom and experience to serve as my compass. Instead of haphazardly chasing after success fireflies, I am determined to stay on my path. I may not know the exact destination, but I trust that my new guiding principles will take me somewhere meant for me. Those are:

Joyful Writing

Work/Life Balance

Sustainable Growth

Let me be clear: Rapid-release strategies and ambitious financial goals were not the problem. Writing to market doesn’t exclude writing for love. I am not denouncing any of them. In fact, I believe in them and will still apply them throughout my career. However, I learned the hard way that an author’s capacity for workload, stress, and creative output varies by person and the circumstances they find themselves in at any given time. The problem is not with any single tool, method, or strategy. The problem comes when we are not mindful enough of our core needs. And nothing will remind you of them faster than burnout.

So, if you find yourself clinging to the side of a cliff or drowning in a raging river—or whichever of my mixed metaphors resonated with you—rest assured that while burnout may break you, it also has important lessons for you to learn. It won’t be easy. At times it will feel like a heavy, suffocating black hole. But you can emerge from it stronger, wiser, and more equipped for the journey ahead of you than you ever would have been without it.

About Michelle Pennington

Michelle Pennington is a USA Today Bestselling author of clean romance. Because she was never good at making decisions, she writes contemporary, young adult, historical, romcom, and fantasy. The genre might change but her characters will always be falling in love. When not writing, she spends her days quoting movies with her husband and making messes faster than her four kids. She used to have a lot of hobbies, but then she got addicted to k-dramas. Michelle also teaches and supports other authors as one of The Writing Gals.

Visit her website: https://www.michelle-pennington.com

Join The Writing Gals’ Facebook Group.

Watch The Writing Gals’ YouTube Channel.

#writing tips #writing tips and tricks #writeblr #writing help #writing reference #burnout #fanfic

[rickie-the-storyteller]

Smoke & Fire

(Creative piece based on this song:)

Our love was like... running. Running into a burning building.

In the beginning, our love blazed with an intensity that rivalled the most searing inferno. It was a reckless, all-consuming passion that left no room for caution.

You and I were two souls entwined, sprinting headlong into the heart of a burning building. Flames danced around us, their fierce embrace a testament to our fervour. We laughed in the face of danger, fueled by the adrenaline coursing through our veins. Every kiss was a spark, every touch a flame, igniting a conflagration of desire that seemed unstoppable.

I felt as though no one else on earth could connect with me the way you did. Others didn't get it, though. At least, that's how I felt at the time.

The world around us watched in shock, awe, fear, and disbelief as I recklessly put everything on the line and ran into the fire with you. Friends and family tried to pull us back, warning us of the imminent danger, but we paid them no mind. We were invincible, or so we thought, intoxicated by the ecstasy of our so-called "love". The crackling of the flames almost had a rhythm to it... it felt like a symphony, a haunting melody that underscored our audacity. It perfectly accompanied the hard pounding of my heart like a funeral drum.

But as all things must, the fire of our love began to wane.

The cracks began to show. The damage, that perhaps had always kind of been there, was finally visible. And the longer we tried to avoid it, the harder it was to ignore it. The flames that once burned so brightly began to flicker, their brilliance giving way to a cold and eerie glow. The fire had consumed everything in its path, leaving behind only smouldering ruins and the bitter taste of heartache and regret.

My folks still make comments and remarks about it. How they're surprised that we even lasted as long as we did. How we were always doomed to fail. How you're probably seeing someone else now. Rumours and whispers everywhere I turn.

And as the embers of our love continue to fade into nothing, I find myself slowly growing colder. The thrill of running into fire with the person I love has been replaced by a hollow, unshakable aching... a feeling of longing for something I'll probably never experience again.

I miss you. I miss what we had.

It's weird. Almost ironic, really. After all the pain you put me through, how bad things got in our relationship... I never thought I'd miss being with you. At least, not this much.

I never thought I would miss that feeling—the feeling of running headlong into danger, of defying all odds, of embracing the chaos and uncertainty. But now that it's over, I find myself yearning for the rush, for the adrenaline, for the all-encompassing passion that once consumed us. The memories of our fiery love haunt me like a ghost, a constant reminder of what once was and what can never be again.

I mean... it's for the best. I know that.

I can't help but look back. I can't help but wonder if the price we paid for that fleeting moment of ecstasy was worth the inevitable aftermath. Our love was like running into a burning building—dangerous, exhilarating, and ultimately destructive. And now, all I have left is the bittersweet memory of a love that once blazed brighter than the sun.

I've been listening to Sabrina Carpenter a lot more lately... I've been loving this song in particular. Very nostalgic. Inspired me to write this little piece real quick. Let me know if you want me to do this for other songs!

#rickie-the-storyteller #writing #creative writing #my music #sabrina carpenter #smoke and fire #Spotify

[shsl-fander]

Our Secret-A logince oneshot

Pairing: Logan x Roman

Au: None/Canon Universe

Tw: Food mention, Implie nsfw at very end

Word Count: 1226

Summary: Roman and Logan have been trying to hide their relationship, however they realize soon they must find a way to tell the others

@spacedouterri @autisticlogankin

Quick small glances across the room. A shy reach of a hand underneath a table, whispered breaths behind closed doors. It certainly wasn't the relationship Roman was used to, but it was a happy one nonetheless.

It had started as a one night stand, Logan had been extremely frustrated about Thomas's work which eventually led to an argument between the two of them that night, as usual. However, there are alot of emotions that develop during an argument, especially with someone who you know you don't hate and they just know how to get you fired up. Eventually the gap between them began to shorten the closer they got to each other. And soon before he knew it, Logan felt himself gasping for air as his lungs began to ache, his lips pressed against Roman's soft lips.

And plus, the two had naturally been getting closer for a while as well, not that they hadn't always been close. They always had been, an odd little duo but it worked quite well, prince and teacher, creativity and logic, red and blue, drama queen and voice of reason, Logan and Roman. Even Thomas himself had voiced that he believes they work as an amazing team. It was the small things that Roman loved about Logan and vise versa, how they could bond over poetry and nerd out together, how Logan could SO EASILY infuriate him and yet he could playfully tease him nearly minutes after. They had a dynamic that just fit, whether it was because they were so opposite or because hidden deep down they were actually extremely similar, who knows. All they knew is they had had repressed feelings for each other for lord knows how long.

However, one night soon turned into many, which eventually molded into a full relationship. Now, Roman snuggled up next to Logan under his covers, beauty and the beast playing faintly in the background as the two chomped on popcorn.

Roman hummed, struggling to keep his eyes open he could feel the weight of his eyelids causing him to blink them closed repeatedly. "Mmm I love you," he breathed, head resting on Logan's chest.

Logan gently stroked Roman's hair, smiling down at him fondly. He opened his mouth to whisper a response when he perked up due to the sudden knocknon his door.

Roman yelped, jumping up from his position with a quiet gasp.

Logan however, just shook his head. "Stay here," he ordered, quickly pecking Roman's forehead before getting back up. Logan sighed, running his fingers through his hair. He knew Roman wanted to be more open about their relationship, but Logan just wasn't sure if he was ready for that amount of vulnerability quite yet.

Roman scoffed, adjusting his sitting with a huff, his bangs blowing out of his eyes, "Wowww you ordering a prince around?" he teases jokingly, before burrying himself under Logan's blanket.

Logan slowly inched his door open, blinking in surprise when he saw Virgil on the other side.

"Uh sup Lo, I was just wondering if you've seen my eyeliner? I can't find it and I would ask Roman because he wears makeup but I can't find him- sorry to bother you, " he mumbles, hands in his pockets.

After a few minutes of casual chatting, Virgil scurried off and Logan slowly closed the door once again, waiting for that comforting click.

"Now, where were we?" Logan asks, climbing back onto his bed before placing a soft peck against Roman's lips. He could feel the slight give Roman's lips had to them, and even if the contact was brief it sent a chill down his spine. Roman's lips were soft and plump, coated in a familiar strawberry lipgloss that Roman applied almost daily. Logan loved the feeling of them against his own, the spark that appearened whenever they kissed.

Roman's breath hovered over Logan's lips once he pulled away. "Uhm excuse me? One quick kiss? That will not do, Teach," he scoffs,"Especially for a prince? " Roman adds teasingly, leaning himself closer towards the other, reducing the gap between them.

Logan sighed, rolling his eyes,"You are so needy, Prep, " he counters, smiling tenderly at his boyfriend. "You're lucky I love you," he whispers leaning in to initiate the kiss. Logan arms draped around Roman's neck, melting into the contact. He could feel the tension in his body begin to melt away and the two shifted their position. Logan allows his eyes to blink closed and to move his hands away from his neck and to his side, softly rubbing at Roman's hips as they kissed.

Roman slowly pulls away with a gasp, panting as he attempted to regain his breath. "We're gonna have to tell the others at some point Nerd," he points out, "I mean we can't keep it a secret forever," he admits.

Logan simply nods, connecting their foreheads together with a sigh. He exhaled, "I know Roman, surprisingly you're being smart right now, which is unlike you," he replies.

Roman scoffed, he stammererd, "ignoring your JAB AT ME MICROSOFT," he gawked, "we should probably tell them soon, maybe tonight at dinner?" he offered, slowly ghosting his hand over Logan's befor intertwining their fingers.

Logan squeezes Roman's hand, he leans his head against Roman's shoulder and he can feel his boyfriend gently rub his thumb over his hand.

Roman sighs, "I know its hard for you," he starts, "but I promise you we can still take it slow if thats more comfortable for you, and honestly I want to tell them. It's EXHAUSTING not being able to scream to the ENTIRE WORLD that you're mine and that I'm your prince!" he exclaims dramatically.

Logan opened his mouth to speak when their moment was cut short by Patton's yelling from the kitchen.

"Dinner Kiddos!" Patton calls out, placing four plates around a small circular table.

Roman glanced over at Logan, "are you ready Specs?" he asks softly, his voice quiet and tender. Roman wanted this so badly, but he didn't want to force Logan into anything.

The dinner table was loud as usual, constant chatting between the four of them as they all scarfed down the food Patton had made them. However, Roman could tell Logan was deep in thought as he ate. Roman himself even could notice the thoughts spiralling around his head.

Roman fidgeted with his food, gripping his fork tight as he just moved around his pasta around the plate. Which was odd for him, since pasta was his favorite food.

Roman inhaled, clearing his throat, "I wanted to tell you guys something," he announced, eyeing Logan across the table. "Well actually, we wanted to tell you something," he corrects, gesturing towards Logan.

Silence lingered in the air for a moment as eyes darted to focus on Logan. Logan swallowed the saliva building up in his mouth, "We're dating. Roman and I have been together for months now," he explains.

Patton and Virgil made eye contact, Virgil biting his tounge in attempt not to laugh.

"Oh Kiddos, "Patton starts,"We already know. You two aren't as secretive as you think you are. "

Virgil rolled his eyes, huffing,"The walls also arent necessarily quiet, and I stay up late, " he narrows his eyes, eyeing them up and down.

"And clearly so do you two, "he smirks, amused with himself as he noticed Logan's glasses begin to fog.

#sanders sides #sanders sides fanfic #sanders sides fanfiction #logince #logince fanfiction #logince fanfic #roman sanders #logan sanders #tssides #ts sides #ts sides fanfic #logince fluff

[magpienoises]

Rings of Power brought magic back into my life that hasn't been there in a long time.

My father read me The Hobbit when I was wee (and yes, he did voices!), and switched to the trilogy when I started reading college level pretty young, perhaps 6 or 7. It was a place of comfort, wonder, awe, imagination-- and so much more. Mom recalls it took us years, at a chapter a night, to get through the trilogy. (She read to me too, of course, but I apparently preferred dad.)

When the trilogy came out while I was a bullied nerdy goth kid in high school, I naturally fell in love with Lord of the Rings all over again. I knew how to sew pretty well from my mother, who is a costumer herself, and made beautiful costumes from fabric we happened to have on hand, and some fabrics we went and found. I found myself so utterly inspired, like I felt as a kid.

Life, of course, is life. I was in an abusive relationship for some years, and that person isolated me from every friend I had by spewing lies to me, and to them. Even my staunchest friends became distant when I refused to believe I was being abused. Fortunately for me, that person became bored of me and moved on. I warned who I could.

My parents helped me immensely, and Lord of the Rings once again tethered me to the world while I was finding myself again. Learning how to even be friends with someone again. My friends waited for me with open arms, and many sabotaged friendships were able to be healed.

Somewhere along the way, I lost that magic again. Medical diagnosis' and various other things, of which I shall not go into, pushed it away. There were flickers here and there, but I stopped even rewatching the movies. I misplaced my books, even, and have a suspicion I gave them away along with some other comfort reads such as Redwall.

Along came the whispers of Rings of Power. I was intrigued, but soon forgot what with the pandemic and being immunosuppressed. Still, I had their social media followed and began to see teaser images. It looked amazing, at least to me. Then came the trailer, and I shared my excitement with my mom and dad (long divorced, but still amicable.) They were both excited as well. I remembered that I had asked my dad if I could have his replica decorative Witch King sword, since he hadn't had a place to display it in years.

Usually, I wait for a show being aired weekly to be fully out to binge watch it. I knew I could not with this one. I watched each day at release while my mom (who I live with) slept, and watched it again with her the following night. A shared bit of magic.

I'd end up texting with my dad about it, excitedly, like a teenager all over again. Perhaps it's even more magical to me now because I am a metalsmith, of the jeweler variety. My parents find it charming, and share in my wonder and encourage the creativity it sparked. Friends as well, of course, though I try to keep my exuberance to a few.

So, to the cast and crew, to everyone who helped make Rings of Power, I thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. You have given me a priceless gift, lifted me from a creative stasis I didn't even know I was in. I am dreaming again.

#lotrrop #amazon rings of power #rings of power #cast and crew #thank you #oh to dream once more #magic #lord of the rings #tolkien #tolkien estate

[maiji]

Hi Maiji! My Lenormand question: what could I do to spark some creative energy when I feel like I'm running on fumes with all my projects?

Numbers: 8, 32

Thank you for this question, I really feel this in my creative and multitasking soul! Also, I know you're familiar with this deck and its symbols already ❤️ so you may have some thoughts once you see the cards pulled, and again some of these ideas are likely not totally fresh or new. But hopefully there are some ideas that may shine today under a new light, and be helpful in some way!

#8 was The Mice, and #32 drew the Key!

The Mice can represent things, often little things, that eat away at us, steal our resources (energy?), wear us down. Meanwhile, The Key can be a sign of something that needs our attention.

For anyone reading this, this is an example of a case (that can come up quite a bit, to be honest) where the cards drawn don't seem - at first glance - to provide a path to answers as much as they seem to be simply describing the situation or problem you already know. Which can initially be like "Wow! Amazing! Such immediate relevance!" but then the next feeling can be, "OK, that's great that it's obviously reflecting my issue/concern back at me, but what can I do about it?"

In instances like this, I personally find it helpful to remember: the reason it may seem so stunningly relevant in describing the issue at hand is because of ourselves. It's so clear to us because it's what been weighing on our mind, possibly blocking us from seeing solutions. So the next part is where it gets trickier - and funnily enough in the context of this question, calls on us to stretch our creative muscles to dig deeper. To hunt for potential insights, to try to look at things from different angles. Which, as an activity in and of itself, can sometimes be helpful just to get you going in terms of considering something else, and then to start noticing those things and those opportunities as you go throughout your day.

The Key can also represent a key. A solution, or a missing piece to unlock a puzzle. I wonder if we can look again at the symbols and associations of The Mice to find some ideas, or at least something to help us shift our perspective.

The Mice can also represent things that need to be repaired/fixed - something to be taken care of. Maybe the Key is pointing out that if these things can be addressed, that could be a solution - hopefully something more long term than a band-aid. Some other thoughts:

Mice are small but numerous, and sometimes it feels like our problems are that way too, that they keep growing and proliferating and building up.

But is that purely the domain of negative things? Could positive things not do that too?

Is creativity only something that can be done in massive sustained bouts? Is creative energy only something that exists in giant fireworks? Or can our creative sparks and moments and work also be like little mice? A little nibble here, a little nibble there. Letting all the little things build up and gnaw at what may seem like an immense pile over time, and recognizing that there's power in that too.

Maybe they'll hit a tipping point and snowball, but if not could this be workable too?

Perhaps we can look at how we are tackling our projects - not just from the tasks we are doing, but the emotional investment we are pouring into them. Can we ease the power, passion, focus? Not that this means diluting it, but spreading it out and being gentle with ourselves (as the very cute small furry creatures we can imagine ourselves to be), so that we don't burn out?

In my overview document, I note that the meaning of the Mice cards in Lenormand is rooted in a particular perspective. In Chinese culture, rats and mice are seen much more positively. There's a reason the first sign of the Chinese/Eastern zodiac is a rat/mouse! It's a clever creature that can size up the situation and untie tricky knots. Actually, as you may know, the way the rat/mouse got into first position was through a bit of offloading of work. Depending on the version of the story, the approach varies, but usually it tricks or piggybacks off of the efforts of another animal. Not saying that I'm condoning cheating or tricking other people, but I wonder if there are things you could do to "trick" yourself into being able to feel like you're making more progress, to make "work work" feel more creative or support/feed creative labour and be more fun, or assessing the work so that something you're doing could be used for/to further multiple projects.

And the ability of mice to hoard things is also seen as a positive - creating an abundance of wealth, maybe storing up an abundance of ideas that you can return to later. Or just recognizing maybe we need to save for that rainy day when it comes to our creative energy as well. If you need to rest, recognize that too.

Earlier I mentioned the Key can represent a missing piece. If we took that idea literally, and extended it to an actual puzzle - a game - is some kind of diversion in order? Our brains do a lot even when we're not actively thinking about a project. From personal experience, I've definitely had a lot of times where I just took a "vacation" - stopped working on something, let the juices percolate in my subconsciousness and the seeds sprout without me constantly working the soil... and then one day it manifests, and I'm at it again with refreshed insight, inspiration and enthusiasm.

One last thought - rereading my overview document, I notice I commented that "ancient Chinese keys are pretty utilitarian and mundane looking". It does remind me of my own feelings about how creative work can feel like a slog when you're doing it, and sometimes that is the reality that I cannot escape from. But I also reminds me I can be practical about that - after all, the key is in my own hands. If everything I turn to is becoming 100% a slog, that's probably a sign that this is not sustainable. At the very least, a good nap is probably in order, and perhaps a bigger break or a reset of some sort.

I hope there was something to spark an idea. Sending you a lot of good wishes for creative energy!

---

Thanks for requesting a limited time free reading to celebrate the new edition of the Fortune Lenormand oracle/art deck!

Want to dive deeper?

Fortune Lenormand oracle/art deck - there's a free downloadable overview of card meanings!

humangray.com/lenormand - more info and resources/links!

(Note: these readings are being done with my old card deck from the original printing. There's not much difference with the new edition available in the link above - the biggest one is that the new edition has a custom box ooh ahh!)

#lenormand #readings #fortune lenormand #ancient-trees #reply #replies

[faysalahmed]

Embracing the Blogger Within: My Tumblr Journey Restart

Hey there, dear readers!

It's been a while, hasn't it? I confess, I haven't been as active as I'd like to be on this platform. Life got busy, and, well, the motivation to sit down and write just slipped away. But hey, guess what? I'm back! I've hit the reset button, and I'm ready to give this blogging thing another shot.

A Lazy Blogger's Revelation

If you're a Tumblr user, you might understand the ebb and flow of enthusiasm that comes with blogging. For a while, it's all about the ideas, the creativity, and the excitement of sharing your thoughts with the world. But then, life intervenes, procrastination kicks in, and before you know it, your once-beloved blog has cobwebs.

I'll be the first to admit that I fell into the trap of laziness. The excuses piled up, and my blog became a ghost town. But recently, something sparked within me—a desire to revive this creative space and rediscover the joy of sharing my thoughts and experiences.

Turning Over a New Leaf

Restarting this blog means turning over a new leaf. It means challenging myself to break free from my old habits and embrace a renewed dedication to writing. Yes, it might still be a struggle to combat laziness, but I'm determined to make a change.

Setting Realistic Goals

One key to overcoming laziness is setting achievable goals. I've set a schedule for myself, allocating specific time each week to write a new blog post. It doesn't have to be a lengthy piece; the important thing is consistency.

Finding Inspiration

Inspiration can be elusive, but I've realized that it often comes from the world around us. Whether it's a beautiful sunset, a captivating book, or a heartfelt conversation with a friend, these moments can fuel the creative fire and motivate me to put pen to paper, or rather, fingers to keyboard.

Engaging with the Tumblr Community

The Tumblr community is incredibly diverse and inspiring. Engaging with fellow bloggers, sharing experiences, and appreciating each other's work can reignite that passion for blogging. The interactions and feedback can be incredibly motivating.

Encouraging Words for Fellow Lazy Bloggers

If you're in the same boat as I was, feeling lazy or uninspired to write on your blog, take this as a gentle nudge to restart. Don't be too hard on yourself. Remember, blogging is about expressing yourself and sharing your unique perspective with the world.

Set realistic goals, find inspiration in unexpected places, and engage with the wonderful blogging community that Tumblr offers. Together, we can rediscover the joy of blogging and bring our creativity to life.

So, here's to new beginnings and embracing the blogger within! Let's make this journey one filled with inspiring stories, creative insights, and a lot of fun.

Stay tuned for more updates, and until then, happy blogging!

Yours in creativity,

Faysal Ahmed

#Blogging #Tumblr #Writing #creativity #RestartingMyBlog #NewBegining

[oh-no-my-hand-slipped]

Hello, friend!

I have been holding onto the last prompt you sent me for far, FAR too long and I'm sorry to have let our prompt exchange die. I assure you, that is my first priority after Sicktember, now that I have cleared out all the other asks!

As a peace offering, I come bearing another prompt, since I saw you asking for inspiration. Without further ado:

Picture this: an incorrigible, lovestruck dandy, standing out in the rain to serenade or otherwise woo his beloved. (Is that person indifferent to him or do they favor him also?) He gets very ill for his troubles, coming down with a raging fever. His mates have you wrestle him into a tepid bath for his health while he continues to spout sonnets of love for his dearest.

Does the loved one come to take care of him? Or do his mates end up saving the day? Something else? Up to you!

I miss your work, and even if this prompt doesn't spark something or suit your fancy, I hope to see your writing on here again soon!

All the best to you.

Oh, my dear, dear friend! My snz companion! My rare and very much missed muse!

This is a wonderful idea. I love every bit of it. Now, that being said, don’t feel like you have to use my prompt soon, or at all! Just because I’m using yours doesn’t mean you have to “repay” me. Your creative, mental, and physical health comes first.

Now, without further ado, may I proudly present:

Love’s Sick

Length: Ficlet - Fic

Rating: 13+

Genre: Caretaking, Fever, Sickness, Emotional

Content Warning(s): Crying, Nightmares, Strong Language

*************************************

“I don’t believe in magic

No stories or fairy tales

No hidden gold, or a talking stone

Or dwarves drinking their weight in ale

But if there is no magic

No mermaids in the ocean blue

Then why am I charmed into your arms

Under this spell for you?”

Simon tried to move on to the chorus, but the strings of his lute scraped as he coughed roughly into his elbow. He looked up at the duchess’s window, hoping to see her eyes peeking out through the curtains. But, though he had been there for several hours, he was completely alone in the manor’s front garden.

“Nothing wrong with…a small intermission for m’lady…” Simon rasped sitting down against a nearby cherry tree.

Sweat slicked the back of his neck, and his chest heaved with effort. Without a handkerchief or a rose or even a loving gaze to keep him going, his bard’s heart sank along with him. With a cold gust of wind, Simon felt a few raindrops fall onto his forehead.

He looked up at the swirling gray clouds. He knew he should probably find more shelter than the leafless cherry tree, but he couldn’t bring himself to rise. With a pounding head, Simon closed his eyes, letting the pattering of rain lull him.

He began to drift in and out of sleep, hearing the howling wind raindrops against the branches. But he could not rest - her eyes watched him wherever he went, teasing him with her beckoning gaze. Simon tried to reach toward her, but his body felt of lead. Even when he began to hear familiar voices tripping over each other around him, he couldn’t lift his eyes.

“Of course, on the day he decides to rest himself it rains! His empty skull is surely so flooded one could catch fish.”

“He has never fallen asleep before, not even after several pints of mead. Is he…?”

“Oh, you weeping ass, of course not! See how his breast rises? He most likely found a tavern to his liking and had a few rounds.”

“A slave to the drink, not he. He isn’t a servant to mead. But out of this gloom, we must away soon, and then we may very well see.”

“Martin’s right. We can ask him once we find shelter from the storm - he doesn’t look well.”

“I certainly hope he isn’t. Perhaps then he will learn not to trot after wealthy heirs like a slobbering lapdog.”

“Zeal…”

Simon heard Zeal sigh.

“Oh, alright. He shall receive a proper scolding once we return to the cottage. Now, you take his legs, Martin, and I his shoulders…Ferdinand, clear a path. Now, on three. One…two…”

Simon drifted off again, not waking until he felt someone’s hands feeling his face and neck as the rain poured on a thin straw roof.

“Oh dear, he’s burning up. I knew he didn’t look well - he didn’t seem himself last night either.”

“Serves him right, for making us drag him through this tempest. A chill will cull his ever-burning heart. Perhaps that will keep him out of noblewomen’s windows and the rain.”

Simon’s heart squeezed, and he felt hot tears streaming down his cheeks. Even in his sleep, he knew. His temptress laughed tauntingly. Ferdinand began to shush him, running his hands through his dampened hair.

“Shhh, Simon, Simon, it’s alright. You’re back at the cottage. We’ll draw you a bath - oh, Zeal, look what you’ve done!”

Zeal clicked his tongue in annoyance, but said nothing else. Simon heard water being poured into a pot.

“Make sure not to boil it,” Ferdinand fussed. “He needs to be cooled. Martin, you’ll hold him up, won’t you? He could drown…”

“Gah!”

Simon cried out as the shock of cold water pooled around his body. He trembled, his chill only made worse by the frigid bath. His eyes finally blinked open.

His fellow bards were scattered around him. Ferdinand, with his large, brown eyes knelt next to the tub, hands clasped over his mouth. Zeal was at the table, leaning back in their only chair, reading - or pretending to read - a pamphlet he had gotten from an up-and-coming scholar. And though Simon couldn’t see Martin, he could feel his strong arms under his own, keeping his limp body from sinking any further into the water.

“S-so…c-c-cold…” Simon chattered, his naked body trembling. His soaked clothes had somehow been made into a pile on the floor next to the tub. Zeal snorted, closing his pamphlet.

“Shall I get the scullery maid?” he murmured, only just loud enough to make himself chuckle.

Ferdinand gave Zeal one of his reproachful looks, then looked back at Simon.

“We must cool you off first,” he said. “Then we’ll wrap you up nice and warm.”

Simon was going to protest, but a sting in his nose stopped him in his tracks. Martin’s arms moved further around his chest, keeping him steady.

“hih…hiiii’YESHOOOO!”

The sneeze made the bathwater ripple around him, spraying a few droplets into the air. His nostrils ached, still twitching. Ferdinand already had a piece of cloth in hand, setting it over Simon’s nose.

“Blow.”

Simon did as he was told. By the time he was finished, his chest was heaving from the effort. He had begun to warm up again - not even the tepid water was providing any relief. His eyes closed again, the dull light from the window hurting his eyes.

“Could it be a witches curse, or a-” Simon rasped before a ragged cough overtook him. His head pounded to a beat he could no longer follow. He felt himself being lifted again, but not with Martin’s ease. He heard bed springs squeak as he was laboriously set down.

“He really is a dandy, isn’t he?” Zeal said, his voice much closer now. “Even now, he sings for one he’s never met.”

Blessedly cold hands cupped his face, and Simon sighed with relief.

“If this fever doesn’t kill you, I will myself. You lovesick fool.”

Simon shivered, and, with a resigned sigh, a soft quilt was laid on top of him.

“And then I’ll kill whomever weighs upon your heart. That gigglesome goose was most likely hiding behind the curtain, drinking up your misled affections. But she’ll sing for thee, alright - a swan song!”

Zeal flew into a passion, his namesake.

“I’ll hang her from the rafters!” he proclaimed. “With a sign announcing her misdeeds written delicately with a bitch’s blood - quite fitting, I think!”

Simon would have laughed if he had the strength to. Zeal continued, quoting Othello’s final speech, describing in detail Judith’s murder of the general, and even taking a moment to wonder aloud where he would store the body after it had taken its last breath (the forest next to an abandoned road, he reasoned, would be best).

Zeal then went a bit into fever himself, and sat down at the table to rest.

************************

It wasn’t long before Martin and Ferdinand had come back, burlap sacks over their shoulders. By then, Simon had opened his eyes, but could barely turn his head without wincing. Every bone in his body ached, and it took all his strength to move even a finger.

“What did get from market today, market today?” Zeal sang, whispering the rhyme as the Martin and Ferdinand came in. “What did you get from market today, oh please tell me do!”

Ferdinand set down his burlap sack, replying without pause as he emptied it. He was quiet as well, glancing at Simon.

“A witches finger, two shillings off, the broom that kept her hide aloft! A silver tray, and may I say, it looks to me quite new!”

“The devil’s eye,” Martin replied, “to future seek, a bucket that has sprung a leak, a phoenix feather, tied and tethered, to my leather boot!”

Simon opened his mouth, but nothing came out. There was a pause, until Zeal sputtered.

“Ahem, er - that’s what you found at the market today, market today? That’s what you found at the market today, treasures far and few?”

Zeal clicked his tongue sharply against the back of his teeth.

“It’s alright,” Ferdinand said, already chopping what they had really bought. “It is a bit…different this time.”

Martin cleared his throat.

“The rhythm of life falls short - the tune is missing a chord. But as all the best, our friend must rest…for he has much endured.”

“You mustn’t be so dramatic,” Zeal said, flipping to another page in his pamphlet. “You talk as if he has one foot in the grave.”

Simon’s breath caught, and he began to cough. Martin’s large hands lifted him by the underarms and sat him up against the bed board, patting him on the back. His head swam from the blood rushing to it, and he could swear he heard a woman’s tittering.

“Diana?” he mumbled, before starting to cough again. Martin held him up with one hand, and felt his forehead with another.

“Should we draw another bath?” Ferdinand asked, the vegetables long forgotten. “Or perhaps light the fire? Oh dear, he hasn’t eaten since this morning, has he? Aren’t you supposed to starve a cold?”

Simon could almost see her feather fan, her sharp eyes only just peeking over the edges. Her gown shimmering like the night sky around her thin frame. Her ruby lips pursed as she whispered to the others.

What a beautiful nightmare.

A chill overtook him, and his entire body shivered - from fear or fever, he couldn’t tell. He made a strangled sound, almost collapsing in on himself.

“Simon!”

His chest heaved in what little breath he could, and began to cry, tears pooling down his red cheeks. She was so close, and yet so far. Yet again, his heart had been dropped.

And this time, it had finally shattered.

A cloth began dabbing away at his face.

“The fever is only getting worse,” Ferdinand said. “We can’t go to town - not in this storm! He won’t make it that far!”

Simon grasped at Martin’s shirt. He couldn’t be alone. Not now.

Suddenly, Simon felt himself being shifted to the side, then up. He came to rest on Martin’s chest.

“This chill isn’t caught from the rain - it’s an ill of a love ungained. With the warmth of a friend, and a soft hand to tend, his health will soon be regained.”

It wasn’t long before Simon’s chill subsided, and he calmed from Martin’s steady breaths. A squeak of the bed springs, and Ferdinand joined them, his arm only barely able to reach Simon’s side.

There was a silence, then yet another sigh from Zeal.

“If I awake with a single sniffle…”

The threat was left unfinished, and they were soon comfortably curled around each other, quilt only just fitting the three of them.

The rain fell much into the night - and even then, the musicians slept, their only sound a soft snoring.

@perfectpaperbluebirds

#ohnos fics #snz #snz kink #snzblr #snezblr #snz things #snzario #snez kink #snz scenario #snezario #whump #I’m sorry this is so short #I feel especially bad because it took me so long to finish it #I hope you still enjoy it anyway :) #I made up for it by making it very fever centric #just like you like it

[little-red-rabbit]

Lord-of-Innistrad here! I've never sent one of these out before but here we go. What would your magic the gathering oc be like if they had/hadn't sparked? If you're up to it, design a card based on that concept!

First of all I want to both thank you for sending in such a wonderful ask. I so really receive anyone showing any interest in my ocs let along a ask, so I am always thankful when I revive one.

Secondly I'm so sorry it took me so long to get to this ask @lord-of-innistrad I suffer from a chronic condition that's destroying my body. It is hard to feel up for being creative when your in pain.

Sadly most of my walkers would ether be dead or have simply gone on living the same life they had before.

Marcel sparking was a tragic tale of the acts one takes in desperation. His liege, the closes thing he had ever had to a father, was laid low by a beast while on a hunt. This beast inflicted upon the Duke a curse that was slowly draining him of both the warmth of life and his humanity. Nothing Marcel did helped his lord, or even eased his suffering, so at his wits end he sought help from the only ones who might know what magic his lord suffered from. Marcel sought help from the witch of the malfaisant wood.

The Beldam, one of Floramore most infamous witches, taught Marcel a ritual to stipe his lord of his affliction. What Marcel did not know was this ritual was one of blood lines, it had not cleansed his lord of what ailed him but simply transferred his ailment threw his lineage. To his only son and heir, a boy who's life Marcel had once saves, who he had been raised beside as a ward of his noble father. Who Marcel now found with his teeth in the neck of his governess.

Marcel dose not know what happened neck, only that the boy now lay dead at his feet. Here in this sad tale would Marcel have sparked, finding himself with a church upon Innistrad. Here he would learn of what truly attack his lord and the threat it posed to his home.

But in this tale there is only fear, fear and panic. So he runs. Until the alabaster castle he had called home since he was a child vanished over the horizon. Until the sun of which the new kingdom of men was named after was swallowed up by the twisting canopies of the fair wilds. For when the greatest huntsman in generations has causes for your life, there is no amount of land you can put between you both.

Marcel life is now one of fear for he he never knows when the bolt that will end his life with come, but it is much more then that. Rumors begin to spread of the wicked fae that had tricked its way into the Lord court, only to leave his cursed and his son dead. So as the fear from this rumors spread across the land, Floramores magics transformative in nature and ever driven by emotions began to take hold.

His hair once the color of liquid starlight, and his personal pride, now faded to dark blood red. Spilling around his body like someone had opened a wound upon his head. His hands that once only healed became black and gnarled like a dying tree. Yet the specks of blessed silver still remained in his deep green eyes. A reminder that even as his outward appearance became more monstrous, Marcel was still the same man he was inside.

#thank you so mcuh #Lord-of-Innistrad #ask #oc #mtg #mtg fan card #mtg oc #fanwalker #Marcel