#both of which can have some gorgeous natural dark tones

[cold-neon-ocean]

Started watching Physical 100 on Netflix bc some friends recommended it and you can imagine the marid of ideas I’m having~

#Matsu Blogging #[ glad my friends know what kinda content I need ] #also reaffirming my choice in Baatar's skin tone #I do base primarily base his features as Korean when I draw him #and sometimes I wondered if the tone I picked for him was too dark #but nah in fact I could probably make him darker #and I kinda want to~ #I put a lot of thought into his and Kuvira's skin tones based on my headcanons for them #I want to take another pass at Kuvira because usually she's colored very pale #in the few pieces of art where I've colored her she was lighter than Baatar but still pretty tan #I wanna see how dark with her I could go without looking like a redesign #the ethnic features I reference for her are Thai and Indian #both of which can have some gorgeous natural dark tones #I'll probably always be keeping her lighter than Baatar but I wanna revisit her #yeah yeah the muscle show got me somehow thinking about my favs #trust me it's not the most out of nowhere connection I've made to them LOL ]

[mykneeshurt]

Can u PLEASE write me a little drabble abt Simon with his wife (me)?? Maybe some fighting, ft. Some makeup sex??? Thanks bestie 🫶🏻

Bestie am so sorry this has taken months. It’s been half done in my notes for ages. But it’s done! I hope you enjoy ❤️

Mine

Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley x F!reader

Warnings - 18+, minors DNI, explicit smut, jealous behaviour (we do not like this in relationships irl)

Gaz sat opposite you, smiling as he nursed a pint of Guinness. The busy hum of the pub buzzed around you both, the joyful laughter of jokes shared, the clinking of glasses and the gleeful rowdiness of patrons enjoying their time together. This was your favourite pub, built in 1800, dark beams adorned the ceiling and a gorgeous stone fireplace hugged the corner.

You sipped your wine, the warm hug of alcohol coursed through you as you allowed the tangy taste wash over your tastebuds. This was your fourth? Fifth glass of wine? You were waiting for the rest of the boys to turn up, to celebrate a mission well done. Soap was going to be late, of course, and the Captain was on his way. No word from Ghost though, something you were used to.

Gaz glanced down at the sparkling band on your left hand. ‘How is married life then?’ Smiling you shrugged ‘exactly the same.’ He let out a hearty laugh ‘well that’s a good thing! Just goes to show a piece of paper doesn’t mean a thing. Is he just as allusive at home as he is in work? Ghost by name Ghost by nature?’

‘Actually no, and he’s not that allusive in work. He just likes to get the job done. And anyway…’ you smirked as you tapped his knee ‘I don’t kiss and tell.’

Gaz rolled his eyes, blinding you with his dazzling smile. If Ghost hadn’t have made a move on you, you would have definitely asked Gaz out. You worked for the intelligence sector, which is how you met Taskforce 141. Laswell introduced you during a briefing and the rest was history. You gelled well with the team, dishing out the banter just as well as you took it. Calm, collected and logical, you were an asset to them and they knew it.

‘So…’ you asked inquisitively ‘how’s your lady friend? Is it still going well?’ Gaz dropped his shoulders before he lowered his gaze. ‘Nah, we split up last week. I’m ok though.’

‘Oh Gaz! I’m so sorry! What happened?’ You asked as you pulled him into a hug. ‘Eh. Just wasn’t meant to be. Plenty other fish in the sea. I’ll be fine. Promise.’ While you believed him he still looked crestfallen, you knew how much he liked her.

Before long Soap and the Captain joined you, pints in hand as they scooted around the table. ‘Know when he’ll be joining us?’ Soap asked as he took a long sip. ‘No idea, you know what he’s like. He just materialises out of no where. Still does it to me in the house, can’t hear the fucker’ you giggled. The boys followed suit, laughing into their drinks at the expense of your husband.

Your husband who had been watching you from a small corridor next to the bar. Having felt the hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention you gazed around the room. Until your eyes connected with his, a devilish twinkle illuminating within the darkness. He stood leaning against the door frame, arms crossed, biceps bulging beneath his black t-shirt.

With a swift ‘excuse me gentleman, need to use the ladies room’, you scurried to the toilet. But before you could enter he pinned you against the wall. ‘How the fuck do you do that?! You just fucking appear!’ Your tone was half playful, half annoyed. He ran his thumb along your jaw, ‘not here.’

Pulling you through a door he very hastily led you to the cellar. Dull lightbulbs barely lit the damp and musty cellar, plenty of dark corners amongst the barrels and crates of alcohol. ‘What are you doing?’ You huffed as you skipped wooden steps to keep up with him. His hand gripped your arm tightly. Almost possessively. ‘Simon for fucks sake!’

He swung you round a corner and pushed you up against the stone wall, both hands placed next to your shoulders as he crowed you in. ‘Havin fun with Gaz eh? Didn’t think he was your type.’ He chewed his jaw, lips pressed into a tight line. ‘You better not be implying what I think you are’ you spat back.

‘You tell me. Patting his knee, hugging him for everyone to see.’ He lowered his lips to your ear, breath tickling the fine hairs on your neck, ‘you’re mine.’

Raising your ring finger you waved it in front of his face ‘I told you, till death to us part, and that will be here much sooner than you think unless you take it back.’ Holding your ground you stared up at your husband, daring him to imply something else. ‘Now can we go?’

As you went to leave he gripped your hair, pulling your neck back forcing you to look at him. This time against your will. ‘I take it back sweetheart, but first I think you need reminding of who you belong to.’ A wicked grin spread across his lips, that glint in his eye you knew all too well twinkled in the low light of the cellar. ‘Don’t you?’ He cocked his head to the side as he narrowed his eyes.

Hovering his lips barely above yours he whispered ‘I’m gonna fuck you. You’re gonna thank me. And you’re gonna sit next to Gaz with my cum dripping out of your beautiful pussy. Understand?’ Every word was perfectly spoken, his tongue hitting the roof of his mouth with every syllable.

Your mouth suddenly went dry, all moisture having suddenly evaporated. Pressing your thighs together you desperately tried to relieve the ache in your groin. But it was no use. ‘Yes’ you barely managed to whisper back ‘please.’

With an arrogant scoff he smiled as he placed his lips on yours. His kiss invaded your senses, his taste; a weak sting of bourbon, his smell; a mixture of fresh linen and sandalwood, his touch; firm, soft but demanding. Coaxing your mouth open he slowly worked his tongue into it, rolling it on top of yours, leading the dance between them. Making you deepen the kiss before he snatched it away, his kisses moved to your jaw, to your neck, to your ear. ‘Bet you’re fuckin soaking’ he muttered before nipping your ear.

And soaking you were.

A small moan escaped you which only confirmed his statement. With one hand on his shoulder you kept the other on the cold damp wall, something to try and keep you grounded. The muffled sounds of conversation upstairs penetrated the floorboards, reminding you how close you were to every Tom, Dick and Harry. You couldn’t lose yourself here, not like you wanted to.

With your mind being lost somewhere in between nirvana and reality, you hadn’t even noticed that he’d undone your jeans and was gently working his hand towards your pulsing core. Before any words of objection could even be spoken he’d moved your panties to the side and swiped a finger along your slit. A whine, much louder than you’d wanted slipped past your lips. Causing him to place a firm hand over them. ‘Shhhh sweetheart. Don’t wanna be caught do we?’

Shaking your head you tried desperately to keep composure as he slipped his fingers inside. Slowly but firmly he began to work up to a rhythm he knew you loved so well. Rolling your hips closer to him your chest heaved, his fingers filled you perfectly, they reached every spot you needed them to. The palm of his hand rubbed against your clit, adding a welcome wave of pressure as he continued working your cunt with one hand.

He removed his hand from your mouth, instead muffling your moans with his lips, his tongue, inhaling every sound with each kiss. Your mouths moved together in unison, deep and passionate.

This was exactly why you married him.

You allowed yourself to give into the pleasure, to feel every movement, every inch of his skin on yours. So much in fact when the door to the cellar opened you jumped, instantly trying to push him away. But he relented. Staring at him, eyes wide with panic he carried on, but slower. The person came down the rickety stairs and began searching for something. All the while Simon was knuckle deep in your cunt, feeling now tight you were getting.

The thought of getting caught was turning you on.

He kept going, adding more pressure to your clit. Your breath staggered, chest tight with anxiety or adrenaline you weren’t sure. But you were close, that you knew for certain. The person moved closer and closer to your position, which only spurred him on further. You could see their outline creeping further and further towards you. Again you tried to stop him, but he relented, instead placing a finger to his lips. Your hips squirmed beneath him, you high creeping closer and closer. That tightly wound spring ever so close to snapping. The walls felt like they were closing in, your hearing was replaced by white noise as tiny prickles of light invaded your vision.

He shook his head, knowing full well you were about to cum. Within the panic you faintly heard the person leave the cellar, the door closing with a click. ‘Fuck sake Simon!’ You panted, ‘that was so fucking close! We need to leave.’ Nipping your neck once more he spun you in one fluid movement, so you were now bent against the wall. Cheek pressed firmly into the cool stone. He snaked his hand through your hair forcing you to arch your back. ‘Not till I see my cum dripping outta that divine cunt love.’

A pathetic whine left your throat.

Pulling your jeans and panties down he held you in place with one arm. His belt and jeans rustled behind you and with one push he bottomed out inside you. Both of you released a breathy gasp at the very welcome feeling. ‘Si … oh fuck’ you moaned, voice cracking under the pressure. ‘Shit’ he muttered under his breath as he began to thrust. Calculated thrusts, firm, demanding and possessive, just like his kisses. You knew he was sending message, and it was clearly received.

You were his.

He was yours.

‘Touch yourself. Cum on this cock sweetheart’ he drawled, voice slurred and thick. You dropped your hand and began to play with your clit, your lost climax suddenly rushing back. He kept his pace, thrusting deeper into you with each movement. The sound of your pussy devouring his cock echoed in the cellar. ‘Fuck you’re so good. Pussys made for me eh?’

You tried to answer but no words would materialise. Eyes rolled back in your head, hair tussled and pussy dripping as he expertly brought you closer to euphoria. Instead small broken cries filled the silence in between thrusts. ‘Fuck … gonna … cum Si … don’t stop’ you barely managed to whisper. ‘That’s it, just like that sweetheart, lemme feel it.’

With a final stroke to your clit the white noise returned, the walls closed in and your breath caught in your throat as you came around him. A strangled yet muffled cry oozed from you, you bit into your arm to stifle the noises. ‘Good fucking girl’ he praised, you could hear the smirk in his voice. Cocky prick.

He wasn’t far behind, his thrusts suddenly became longer, sloppier, messy. To help him along you arched your back further, tightening your pussy around him. He choked out a moan as he fell over the edge. You felt him cum inside you, filling you completely. Looking over your shoulder at him you met his gaze, slight disbelief at what you’d just done, but filled with so much love and adoration.

‘Have you got a tissue?’ You asked whilst trying to catch your breath. With a light spank he hit your bare ass, ‘I meant it love. You’re gonna sit next to him with my cum dripping out of you.’ Scoffing at him you braced yourself as he pulled out, but not before he placed a tender kiss on the small of your back.

#call of duty #simon ghost riley #cod mw22 #ghost x reader #ghost x you #simon riley #fan fic smut #modern warefare 2 #call of duty ghost simon riley #simon riley fanfic #simon riley smut #cod mw2 ghost #simon ghost riley x female reader #simon ghost riley x f!reader #simon ghost riley x you #simon ghost riley fic #simon ghost riley smut #simon ghost riley x reader #call of duty fanfic

[bluebirdsboi]

Nascent | Miguel O’Hara x Male Reader

Fandom: Spider-verse

Genre: Fluff | Florist/Tattoo Artist AU

Paring: Florist!Miguel O’Hara x Tattoo Artist!Male Reader

Warnings: Needles

Word Count: 933

Requests are open

GIF From: geamering (tenor)

The streets of Nueva York seemed bustling even in the evening. The warm light streaming through the window provided peace of mind as you drew up new flash designs while listening to music. 

As time went by, you naturally became increasingly tired and you already finished with your sessions for the day, so you told your coworkers that you're heading out early. While walking down the sidewalk, you noticed a flower shop just two buildings down from the tattoo parlor you worked at. They weren’t closed yet, so you decided to walk in and browse. The designs you drew were almost always of flowers or an ornate design that somehow incorporated flowers, which is why you took the opportunity to find some inspiration.

The inside of the building was adorned with a multitude of beautiful flower arrangements. You were captivated by all the different types of flowers and different pigments, but there was one arrangement that had you completely enamored. It was an arrangement that had a Blue Spider Lily as the main flower. “That one’s one of my favorites.” A deep voice spoke from across the room. You looked up at its owner to see a tall man with dark brown pushed-back hair, and gorgeous, deep brown eyes. “Oh, yeah, it’s a really pretty piece.” A flustered chuckle accented your response. “I appreciate it. I’m Miguel, by the way.” His tone was warm as he extended his hand. “(Y/n).” As you shook hands, you could feel the callouses that formed on Miguel’s hand, but he was still gentle with you.

The following interaction between you two seemed to flow almost effortlessly, with you eventually admitting that you are a tattoo artist and you were perusing for inspiration. You just couldn’t help how easy it was to talk to Miguel, hanging onto every word he spoke. He shared some arrangements with some of his favorite flowers, which coincidentally were also some of your favorites, only drawing you more into him.

After leaving, you made a mental note to visit the flower shop on your days off or whenever you could leave the tattoo parlor early, both for inspiration but now with an added motive of seeing Miguel. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Weeks went by from when you first stopped by the flower shop, growing closer to Miguel with each visit. Seeing his smile always had its way of brightening your day, no matter how stressful it may have been. Miguel also made his efforts to connect with you by extending your conversations as long as he could, letting you stay a few minutes after closing to sketch, and even bringing you a mini bouquet when he stopped by the tattoo parlor.

One day, you were in the flower shop, with Miguel sketching another arrangement as the store was about to close when he made a lighthearted jab as you were drawing. “How many times have you come in here just to not order anything?” A small smirk tugged at his lips as he leaned against the counter with an eyebrow raised. You couldn’t deny the truth, as a breathy chuckle left your mouth. “Okay, how about this? I can give you a free tattoo to make up for it.” You knew Miguel didn’t mind your drawing and flower observing too much, but you still wanted to compensate somehow. The tattoo didn’t have to be an extravagant one, just something to show your gratitude. “Deal.” Miguel patted your shoulder with a smile on his face as he walked to the back of the store. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next evening, you took it upon yourself to close the tattoo parlor, letting your coworkers leave a little earlier and drawing up more designs to pass your alone time. 

Around ten minutes before you closed the parlor was when Miguel walked in. Welcoming him, you let him settle into the tattoo bed while you gathered all of your materials. Once you were done, you transferred a flash design of a Spider Lily onto his shoulder and started your tattoo machine. The constant drone of the needle became background noise as you worked on Miguel’s arm. You could feel the finer details of his rather large shoulder under your gloves and the subtle warmth radiating from him. A faint heat crept onto your cheeks from the intimacy of the situation. Neither of you were uncomfortable, though. Miguel settled into your touch, stealing glances while you worked. 

As a comfortable silence fell over you two, a question kept nagging at the back of Miguel’s mind. He’d grown fond of you over the past weeks and didn’t want to limit your interactions to whenever either of you were in each other’s shop. “Hey, can I ask you something?” Miguel felt vaguely nervous as he waited for your response. “Go for it.” You kept your focus on the tattoo while answering. “You’re a really great guy. I was gonna ask if you wanted to go out one day?” A tentative sigh linked Miguel’s sentences to prepare himself for a “no”. You removed the needle from his skin and sat upright to look at him for a moment. You had no idea if he shared the same feelings you had for him, and yet here he was asking you on a date. However, there was no doubt in your mind that you liked Miguel. “I’d love to.” Your disbelief peaked through your words and was shown by the somewhat shocked look on your face. With that, small chuckles escaped both of you as you returned to your work on Miguel’s shoulder with fond smiles decorating your faces. 

- End- 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: Hey guys. So, first things first, I apologize if this fic isn’t that great. This is my first time writing for this AU (and really any AU in a long time) and I tried to keep Miguel as in character as possible, but I still think he’s an OOC. So overall, I’m sorry if this fic isn’t great, but in other news, I’m now writing for Triple Frontier so you can request fic for those characters. Also similar to my second blog, I’m opening a taglist, so if you want to be tagged in any future fics for any fandom, just send me an ask of a DM so I can add you. 

That’s all for current updates, so as always, thank you for reading <3

#fanfic #fanfiction #Spider-verse #across the spiderverse #ATSV #x reader #x male reader #spider-verse x reader #spider-verse x male reader #miguel o'hara #miguel o'hara x reader #miguel o'hara x male reader #spiderman 2099 #spiderman 2099 x reader #spiderman 2099 x male reader #au

[distortedclouds]

MAPPA didn’t make the characters ugly, it’s Wit that made everyone too beautiful - Let me explain!

By far, one of the biggest complaints thrown around when season 4 part 1 of Attack on Titan first aired was how MAPPA made all the characters—especially the female characters—ugly. There’s some merit to that complaint, but not in the way most people were coming at it

Not sure if it’d been said before, but I think the only reason MAPPA’s aot looks “ugly” is because Wit went out of their way to make every too beautiful—unnaturally so

I have a case to make here and will be going over it one element at a time

Colors

Let’s first look at how each studio picks their colors. This is the most apparent in the flashback shots were MAPPA basically reanimated whole scenes in their style

Both studios use three basic “shades” for every same-color surface

For Wit that’s the base color, a darker variation for shading, and then a highlight, used generously on the characters’ hair and faces (sometimes they add a darker shade, but not often)

MAPPA uses a base color, a darker tone for shading, but they also add cross hatching to emphasize the even darker areas, usually around the eyes and under the neck

MAPPA also very rarely use highlights—only in cases where there’s bright light to actually reflects off of the high points of a character’s face and hair

The same can also be seen in the color choices. Wit’s color palette is overall brighter. They almost never go with true black tones for things and texture that are meant to be black

Characters like Mikasa and Levi, who’re meant to have black hair, they’re given either dark gray or a shade of dark brown that looks black compared to everything around it

MAPPA’s color choices are darker, more somber, this includes the hair colors

Another example is Armin and Annie’s hair colors. In seasons 1-3, the colors are so bright they could almost be considered yellow hair, but MAPPA tones it down, giving them more “natural” blond tones

This is applied all over, from clothes to backgrounds

Proportions

To keep things on the less complicated end, I’m dividng art styles on a scale from “realistic proportions” to “chibi” with the first being closer to the sizing and variation of a human body and the latter focusing on bigger heads and bigger eyes compared to everything else

MAPPA’s style, despite still being solidly Anime, is significantly more realistic leaning than Wit’s, which is more “cute”

Starting with the faces, Wit’s faces are less angular and more rounded. They’ve also given the characters bigger and brighter eyes, along with smaller noses and mouths—especially when the character isn’t talking

Meanwhile, MAPPA has a more realistic approach to facial proportions, therefor, less cute

When it comes to body proportions, it’s harder to compare all the main cast members

There's a 4-year time skip so I'll be sticking to adult characters for obvious reasons

The difference in proportions is immediately obvious. Not only are their shoulders wider compared to their heads, but their limbs are also fuller, when Wit kept them lanky. Their arms, legs, and waists feel like they have more weight to them in MAPPA’s style compared to Wit

(I would've done Annie but I couldn't find official full body art from MAPPA)

Effortlessly Gorgeous

It’s perfectly normal to have attractive anime/manga protagonists. They attract a wider audience and they’ll sell more merch if they’re pretty, handsome, or sexy

I think the main problem with Wit is that the characters are made to always look beautiful. Even at their worse: fighting titans, getting thrown off and rolling on dirt, almost dying- doesn’t matter, they’re always made to look gorgeous with glistening hair that's never out of place

This is most apparent in the characters aot presents as being the most beautiful: Mikasa and Annie

In the middle of battle, their hair always falls back neatly into place. They can have dirt or blood on them but never too much. Not to mention, the lip gloss shimmer that almost every young female character in the anime has

MAPPA…

not so much.

This is partially thanks to the cross hatching they use in shading, gives the character’s expressions a more raw appearance rather than elegantly crafted like some Hollywood film

It's not really just a matter of different art styles, it's a bunch of factors coming together that makes something less "cute" and more grown up looking

How do the styles compare to the manga?

It’s really hard to give a straight answer since Isayama’s style changes drastically over the source of 139 chapters

I’d say Wit was able to take more creative liberties with character designs and the style of the artwork simply because Isayama’s style itself wasn’t as developed/refined during the first few dozen chapters

While it’s hard to say about the colors since the manga is in black and white, any colored covers we do get are more muted, even compared to MAPPA. As for shading, Isayama goes strong on cross hatching and I think MAPPA does him justice in that regard

So when people throw a tantrum online that MAPPA made Annie and Mikasa ugly, then, yeah, sure ugly as in less polished and less baby-like, but only compared to Wit

The manga is generally more gruesome in its portryal and Wit, I feel, leaned too much into the style of the late 2000s early 2010s

#attack on titan #shingeki no kyojin #Studio MAPPA #Wit Studio #Mikasa ackerman #Annie Leonhart #Eren Yeager #sasha braus #Levi Ackerman #Hange Zoe #Armin Arlert #Annie Leonhardt #for the personal opinion bit: i'll always have a special place in my heart for Wit studio #but seeing as I'm invested heavily in my crushes on the murderous women of the show #i'm more inclined to say I appreicate MAPPA's style more

[thebearemoji]

I had some thoughts today about why I still gravitate to children's media as an adult. Why i still have opinions on them. And why they still maintain at least a small plot of real estate in my heart to this day. I realized that many of the cartoons I consider to be classics from my childhood (avatar the last Airbender, Danny phantom, teen titans, and later in life, star wars clone wars as a few noteworthy mentions) are a coincidental combination of the things I seek most when searching for media.

Much of a medias first impression can be tied to aesthetics. The appearance/tone/setting of a show can determine whether someone stops watching halfway through the first episode, or remembers the content for life. So what was it about those shows that stuck with me?

The least helpful description I can give of my aesthetic preferences is "escapism". I want to engage with a universe that is so compelling that it distracts me from the reality of day to day life. It can be enormous fantasy, fascinating sci fi, or just a place more fun than reality.

In addition to that, I like character designs and scenery that are colorful. There are so many drab live action shows that you can take a still image, and it would be completely indistinguishable from a thousand other shows. Good cartoons don't have that problem, they are loud to the point of iconic. It makes sense, designs from children's media are meant to sell toys. But it turns out that designs that are marketable are also often memorable. If only shows like succession were pitched with the intention to sell a line of action figures with different vibrantly colored suits /s

Looks alone don't make a series memorable. I assume I'm not alone in knowing I've watched a few GORGEOUS anime or other properties because I liked the art style, and yet when I reflect on them, I remember few if any details of the actual content. What the shows I listed above do is two-fold. Both retaining my goldfish level attention span with their visuals and entertaining me with the stories they tell.

As I said previously, I engage with media to forget my troubles. And as a result, I don't enjoy watching properties that take themselves too seriously. I need time to breathe, relax, and sometimes laugh when watching content. And cartoons have humor baked into their DNA. A bunch of silly lil guys doing animated things very naturally becomes amusing. So funny (or at the very least light-hearted), and colorful. That can describe plenty of cartoons, but the final trait is what makes my favorite truly exceptional to me.

Nothing invests me in a media like in depth character examination. I want to see those little shits emotions on full display as they face impossible odds. I want to see them scream and cry and struggle, in a way the toxic masculinity that has infested Hollywood won't allow a lot of popular properties to do. I want to take a break from marvel one liners and block buster explosions and silent dark brooding that fills every movie and every show to LOUDLY FEEL SOMETHING!

I often see people imply that continuing to hold affection for cartoons as an adult is immature. And you know what? If that's what I have to be to enjoy what I enjoy, then that's alright. There's worse things I can be then immature.

I wanna laugh and cry and forget for a little while. That's all. I mentioned clone wars above specifically because I didn't watch that show until i was in my 20's, but during its best episodes it made me feel the same way i did watching the cartoons from my youth. There's also the spiderverse movies, which are in a league of their own as far as exceptional animated content, I was captivated watching them. So I dont think nostalgia is a factor for me, i think i just... like good cartoons. And I'm done allowing other people to decide for me that I shouldn't.

#me long post #atla #danny phantom #teen titans

[alchemists-eve]

The woman finally broke the silence. "I'm Josi by the way." 

You pushed through mud and foliage. The forest around you closed in as you soldiered on. Twigs crunch underfoot. You were reminded of the impact of humanity. Much of the nature you’ve experienced hadn’t been naturally occuring, the concrete world carving a little slice of nature apart from which everything else was demolished. You wonder thoughtlessly whether the forest you found yourself in was an extension of this. Was it truly always there, was it a product of human intervention. Is there a meaningful distinction between the two? 

Was crushing the leaves underfoot something that helped them or hurt them? Was this the weak caving under your mighty boot? Or was it interference from a force conscious enough to care? Does consciousness oblige you to care? Does obligation to care mean it’s the best thing to care? You were locked in a cage, and it can be hard to fully understand and accept whether its appropriate to kill a plant in the context of having just been locked up in a fucking cage.

Your hands quivered, and the meandering thoughts helped keep you occupied as you stumbled heel over foot behind your saviour. You looked at her from behind, and it was all but impossible to understand who or what she was. You saw a person. Well, you saw the back of a person. Dark hair, maybe black, tied up and plated into a braid which crept its way down her back. She wore a jacket of some kind. You suspected it was made from tanned leather, but it was all but impossible to tell in the dark light. 

Who was she? Josi, apparently. But who or what is a Josi?

You quivered, "I'm Erstwhile."

On the flip side, a part of you was completely absent. The events of the last few days had left you empty. The left half of both your eyes focused on the woman and path before you, the right side of both let your gaze linger. You felt the bags under your eyes. You felt the fatigue in your legs. You felt her hand scratch absently on your hand as she held on tight.

She asked. Her tone sounded desperate as she tried to keep you going. "That's a gorgeous name. Let me guess. Your mum picked it!?" 

It had been a while since you’d eaten. It had been a while since you’d slept. It had been a while since you’d felt comfortable and the taste of your dream the night before was still on your tongue. 

"Actually I chose it." You replied, trying to reassure her that you were okay. "How far?"

"We're nearly there,” she replied. “You’ll be safe."She looked at you with eyes that reflected the stars. "But if you're having trouble walking…” she trailed off, looking you up and down. “Yeah, you're pretty scrawny. How about I carry you?"

The sudden offer for help was more than you’d been prepared for. Your knees buckled under your weight. The underbrush was soft. You couldn’t remember crying but tears ran down your face. 

Josi sat down with you and did her best to comfort a perfect stranger. “It’s okay. You’re okay now. Not far now. Just a little further.” She said in that way people do when they don’t know what’s going on. You were a mess, and sounds that weren't quite word trickled from your lips. You tumbled and withdrew, trying to get your bearings as the world spun and spun and spun.

'Settle yourself,' you thought, 'use the counting trick. Five things you see. Four things you feel. Three things you hear. Two things you smell. One thing you can taste.'

But it didn't work. Feelings continued to well, and the forest closed in on you. You grabbed hold of Josi as hard as you could and pulled yourself in, desperate never to let go of someone again. 

An "Oh god" escaped her lips. She grabbed and held you tight. "I'm so sorry." Her voice was alive with righteous fury. 

"How much further?" You sob.

"See that light up ahead," she pointed through the brush. You squeeze a peek, your face still buried in her jacket. Deep though the canopy and foliage you spied a dull glow.

******** 

Don't forget that Alchemist's Eve is now on Instagram. If you've enjoyed the story, please reblog and tell your friends

***Next Part******Previous Part***

[artingabout]

The Queen’s Thief themed nook-book made as a gift for @meganwhalenturner​

Behind the scenes:

My materials:

ae woodene booke

much paper in many layers and shades

craft knife

scissors

foamy-tape-stuff (technical term)

acrylic paints

brushes and roller

pens & coloured pencils

PVA glue

faux gold leafing

resin

metal ruler and cutting mat

milliput

fimo

wire

craft foam boards

card

black tissue

wooden dowels

chalk

This one, I’ve been planning for a while. Originally I was going to do a standard book nook, but then remembered these gorgeous wooden books I’ve had just lying around waiting for a purpose and BEHOLD!

Because I can never keep things simple for myself, I wanted to try different craft styles for each section so I’ll go through them one by one.

Phase 1 was challenging because it’s the shallow left side. I decided to do one of the iconic scenes that stayed with me long after I read the books for the first time in cut paper, because it would let me play with layers and the illusion of depth while also... y’know. Paper. It’s thin.

First off I made a background to add some perspective and depth to the box, so it looked much deeper than it is.I painted on a sky effect and then dug out this gorgeous paper that has a kind of marble texture to it and made the buildings.

Next I did a base sketch of the faces to get the sizes right and snipped out Gen since he has more layers because his arm is foreground.

I didn’t remember to take a picture of the paper I textured for his skin tone, but basically various shades of pinks/reds/browns/whites applied to watercolour paper in erratic layers to get some texture and depth. It’s sort of visible on the hand (which was the first piece I cut out and it strikes me as ironic that it’s the piece I kept losing because I was working on my living room floor 😅)

For Attolia, I picked different papers/cards to use, specifically a rather nice handmade off-white paper with dark red rose petals imbedded in it to serve as her alabaster skin with the smudge of blood.

Nothing says love like floating heads, amirite? I added some layers to Attolia’s hair and coiled the strands of the ringlets around a cocktail stick to get the curls. The crown and earring are both faux-gold-leaf card with slivers of resin as rubies. So much gold-leaf everywhere. SO MUCH. Details were added with a fine-tipped pen and some shading with coloured pencils.

The layers. So many layers. I think Gen has about 15 separate pieces to him. For his sleeves, I added some texture by using a rubber patterned stamp and copper ink, then splatted paint all over it :D

And to add even more depth to a 1cm deep space, I used thick double-sided foam tape (I have no idea of technical terms. Foamy squishy stick string) to elevate them off the background. A wee glimpse of it is visible just under Gen’s collarbone

Phase 1 complete!

Phase 2 was another beast entirely. Originally, I was planning on doing the scene from The Thief when Gen steals Hamiathes’s gift, but realised that would mean an image of Hephestia that looked very much like the image of Attolia I had already done. Plus I was planning to use The Return of the Thief’s cover which is also red, so I wanted to do something less red.

Pheris was kind enough to give me some beautiful descriptions of the half-built temple of Hephestia in TRotT and I love me some forced perspective :D And naturally, I had a slightly deeper box to work with this time (omg a whole 2-3cm! Luxury!) so of course, it had to be 3D.

"I studied the Great Goddess, shining in the darkness. The treasury was new, but her statue was much older; the wood from which she was carved showed through the gold leaf. The pillars supporting the dome were tree trunks, smoothed of their bark and inverted, so they were wider at the top than at the ground"

First up, the Goddess herself. Fimo on a wire armature with a throne made of balsa wood . Since the statue is described as old with wood showing through the gold, I figured she could look a little crudely-carved and rough. Also, she is smol and I have sossige fingers.

I cut dowels to size to serve as the inverted-tree-trunk pillars and add an illusion of depth. My art teacher would be so proud.

The altar was the easiest piece of the whole thing: chopped up foam board, some card for stability, cut and shaped and decorated with milliput to add the Hephestial Mountains, coated in black tissue to give a nice strong black base to paint. I used drybrush to get a nice stone effect (see a bit further down)

And conveniently, the entire background of the scene is black, so I added the dome for More Optical Illusions! Because hey, if it worked once, do it again :D And also started layering up milliput for the tree-pillar bits.

And the last and messiest step before fixing the pillars and everything in place. Gold. Leaf.

The last bits to get done were the pillars, which I fixed in with milliput and glue.

Once they were set and painted, I glued everything in place and gave Hephestia her orb and behold, phase 2 complete!

And both sides together.

Finally, phase 3 - the cover. To keep things (relatively) simple, I went with the blood-red cover for Return of the Thief. Gave it a nice red basecoat, sketched on the design in chalk because lol, who uses tools to draw lines? Not me!

No in-progress pictures because I did it all in one run while listening to a webinar.

And as a special treat, more gold leafing!! I love the shininess of the figures on the cover of the book and thought “hey, that’s a sensible option that won’t leave you finding gold bits in your kitchen for days!” :D

Note to self: do not do this on wood again, it is very very likely the leaf will cling to the wood and require some repainting. This is a lesson. Do not forget (this memory will self destruct within 10 seconds of leaving this post)

For comparison before I did some touch-ups because of the stupid leaf going rogue

And behold, it is done :D

#arting about #craft #art #the queen's thief #megan whalen turner

[neonlight2]

The Moon’s Smile: chapter 4

T/W: again, Dumbledore. We only except slander here.

Chapter 3

It was a winter colder than any I had seen before. A cold that seeps through your skin to chill your bones. But by Merlin was it gorgeous.

The trees were barren of leaves and flowers, but the contrast of their dark bark and the pure white snow was something to behold. Sometimes if you looked straight ahead you could even see the delicate patterns of a snowflake before it lands on your nose. Each made your skin tingle from the burning frost. The repetitive droplets would eventually make anyones nose and cheeks pink. Almost as if they had been pinched my a clinging grandmother visiting in the holidays.

Which I guessed fit with the timing.

"One day you are going to get cold, and catch one— and on that day I don't want to here a word. A word!"

"You'll end up getting an ulcer if you keep worrying about these things Minerva."

"Well if you worried more about yourself I wouldn't have to."

"Sounds like an excuse to worry to me. You know I don't get cold."

"The hell you don't. Half of the time you feel like a icicle... you wonder why I don't hug you as often."

"Fine. I don't feel cold."

"Would you please just put on the robe?"

"Alright... but only cause you're my favorite."

•______________________________•

"So what am I really doing here?" I ask, sitting comfortably on one of the two leather seats in front of Dumbles oversized desk.

Naturally I sat with my back and legs facing either arm rests, dangling my feet with a simple sway. All while my hands stroked lightly against the fluff and velvet of Fawkes' feathers. He had taken his place at my side the moment I had wandered about five feet from his stands, and then migrated with me to the chairs so he wouldn't loose any attention. Needy little Phoenix he can be, but I suppose he's still cute enough to get away with it.

He's regenerated recently. Still in his prime stage right now no doubt.

"As much as we would like to pretend..." I drag out the sentiment enough to gesture to both of them. "This isn't just some sappy reunion filled with giddy giggles."

When I receive a sharper expression for Minerva my face turns apoplectic for a few seconds before hardening once again.

"Not that I wouldn't want that Nirvana, but you know I'm right."

Albus sits taller in his chair, clasping his hands in from of him while glancing briefly at Minerva. "You are."

Narrowing my eyes at him, my hand halts momentarily, which causes Fawkes to nudge at it with his beak. "Okay..," glancing at both of them I try to cut through the thickening atmosphere. "What is it exactly."

"I think that you know most of it. Of... what's been happening as of late." He answers, emphasizing the last part.

Swallowing slowly I nod. Of course I knew. Everyone that was like us had heard. No one in the witching and wizarding world could escape the brutal, savage truth of what tragedies had struck.

The blood split.

On both sides.

"The deaths have increased at a pace that the board had never expected."

My jaw clenches at that. So it was a number that was upsetting?

"I have tried my best to convince them to hire the proper safety needed, but as you know... the ministry is more worried for..,"

"Their own kind." I grit out, knowing very well it's what he was going to say.

Visibly sighing in dismay he concurs with a nod.

Scoffing with no remorse, anger festers deep within my gut— furiously wanting to explode like a volcano. "What a wonderful system we have." I remark with blatant distaste. Looking pointedly at him I continue. "Don't we Albus?"

He pays no mind to my accusing tone and rather continues on with a pointed gaze of his own. "We need your help."

Gulping once more, I feel my nose flare slightly as I shake my head. I try to focus on the grooming of Fawkes feathers, but he gives me no peace.

"Nyx, you know I wouldn't have asked if you weren't truly needed. I understand your contempt with me, and I do not judge you for it, but you mustn't let something like that sway your decision—,"

"Bloody hell, Dumbledore." I growl, lifting Fawkes off me. Luckily, he can take a hint —unlike his owner— and he takes flight to return to his perch as I massage my temples.

"This isn't about you! Children are dying for the love of Merlin! Of course I have to take a damn second to breathe." I exhale forcefully as I stand to my feet, flailing my arms out towards the door before I lean against his desk to look at him directly.

"We have a fucked up hierarchy in our government, which means a bunch of pricks decided that keeping other witches and wizards safe isn't worth their time. Just because they have muggle parents! And don't even get me started on how much of a pushover Cornelius Fudge is. I swear I wish I had never listened to you and let Gellert take him out years

ago—,"

"Nyx—," his tone is filled with warning but I will have none of it.

"Do not interrupt me. This time I'm serious Dumbledore." I counter with a deadly finger raised. "None of this would have even happened in the first place if everyone has just listened to me! But no!" I scream dragging out 'no' as far as my lungs will allow.

"It's not like I can see the future of anything!"

The room goes silent after the last word leaves my lips, which trembles with rage. My breathing was the only thing that could be heard, having become overwhelmed after the outbreak.

Closing my eyes, I calm myself by steadying my breathing and soothing the ache in my throat.

"I'm sorry Minerva." I whisper tapping my fingers closer to where she stands still.

When my eyes open I don't look at her at first, not really ready to if I'm honest with myself. It's been over a decade since I've seen her, and the first she sees of me is a raging breakdown. Not something I'm necessarily proud of.

No, my eyes go back, fitting back into the contact that I had just had with him. However, this time his held guilt that I had never seen before. Which is what scared me most.

In the same whisper I had before I ask, "What do you need from me?"

His eyes lower, opening the drawer next to him. And after I get a glimpse of what's in his hands I can't help but let my mind wander at the possibility.

"I need you to be a student again."

#marauders era #marauders #harry potter #hogwarts #slytherin #gryffindor #hufflepuff #ravenclaw #fuck dumbledore #dumbledore slander #wolfstar x reader #wolfstar #dorlene #lily evens #professor mcgonagall #minerva mcgonagall

[yieldfruit]

Beauty advice, links included. I am someone who has used high-end luxury products (Chanel creams, $60 foundation, $50 shampoo, etc.) and I am honestly more pleased with very inexpensive products that have given me better results. Some products I still use are more expensive (my perfume, my hair cream) because I like their results, but many times you don't need to spend more. Sharing below what I use regularly:

First advice is first of all, being kind, thoughtful, and gracious. Best "beautifier" for any human soul.

skin: Trader Joe's Almond Ginger Scent Oatmeal Exfoliant Bar in the morning bath ($3). I personally sleep in my makeup. / baths over showers whenever possible / don't over cleanse, natural oils are good, which is why I just wash my face 1x a day and it's just in the morning. / Retin-A cream (prescription, maybe $70+, but it'll last a long time - think 1-2 years). This is really all you need for your face (cures wrinkles, sun damage, acne, whatever you can think of - this is the top tier stuff even celebrities use, it doesn't get better than Retin-A). Use 1-2 per week at night on cleansed face. / body: Nivea 48-hour Cocoa Butter lotion ($8) I specifically put on feet, knees, elbows, hands before bed to soak in throughout the night. In the morning I'll use it if I shaved my legs or wherever else I want it to be supple. / use a silk pillowcase (not satin) for your pillow.

hair: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner ($8 for both shampoo & conditioner). Again, I have used $50 keratin shampoo even and nothing comes close to this one. It is so inexpensive and works for my hair the best, I always come back to it even if I try others at times. I have mixed hair: straight, wavy, ringlets - all 3 in 1 and susceptible to humidity living near the beach and this smoothes it the best. / My moisturizing cream is more expensive ($52) Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Hair Cream. / I have been every hair color: I'm naturally medium-light brunette/blonde as a young child, I have been dyed dark brunette, blonde, brunette with highlights, balayage, and natural. I've never been black, red, or unnatural colors (i.e. pink, blue). My advice is to not dye your hair, perhaps just do balayage or some natural-looking "summer hair" highlights, but overall, natural hair color is the best. It is shiny and healthy. You can go all over blonde if it suits your skin tone or if you are naturally blonde, but overall I find it's so frying it doesn't always look that great if you're not a natural at least dark blonde-light brunette. If you have really dark hair (black) then your hair is naturally gorgeous as well, and highlights just look a touch artificial when I've seen it. I really like natural and there's always time to dye your hair when you go grey if you don't wish to be grey.

makeup: Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin with SPF 15 ($12) the best, again I will stray and use other products at times - like really nice ones - but I always come back to this. It looks natural, has SPF (I don't use sunscreen on my face when I am wearing this and it protects me from burns), and lasts. It just looks best on my skin, hands down. It looks like I am not wearing any foundation which I like. I am Sand Beige, but in the summer I add some dark concealer to the foundation when mixing on my hand before applying because I am often a bit more tan. / concealer: generally I would say NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer ($30) , but I'm equally impressed with if not more so Milani Conceal + Perfect Longwear, Vegan, Cruelty-Free Liquid Concealer ($10). / mascara: Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara ($10) because it stays on throughout the day and is easy to take off the next morning with soap and water. If I want extra drama for a special occasion I would do MAC Macstack Mascara Superstack ($28). I used to love Essence I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara ($5), but I find that although the results are gorgeous the product itself has changed a bit and it kind of travels a bit, i.e. smudges easily and through the day I find it darkens my under eye area. It looks like they have added new mascaras to their lineup that might stay up better, so worth looking into to see if they stay on better because the results for the lashes were incredible when I used some of their mascaras. / blush: Burt's Bees Blush with Vitamin E in Shy Pink ($10) natural, flattering color, stays on better than other blushes I have tried. Other items I recommend: Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Hydrating Lip Plumper in Bubblegum Yum ($29 - this actually works and I believe does make your lips stay a bit plumper over time even, if you're into that thing. I don't do any fillers ever and this lipgloss works just fine for me). Chapstick (I use chapstick all the time throughout the day and before bed): PEPPERMINT ZUMBO KISS STICK although I find mine at CVS around Christmastime and stock up for the whole year by buying 2-3 of them, they are huge chapsticks not small ones. Lipliner (I don't use lipstick): Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner - Pillow Talk Collection ($24). The "Pillow Talk" color is the best and most universally flattering and the liner will last you probably 9-12 months. I use the Too Faced lip injection first thing when I do my makeup, let that work for a few minutes, wipe it off when it stops tingling/working, then I apply a bit of chapstick, then I line with the Pillowtalk and keep chapstick + another Pillowtalk in my purse throughout the day). I focus on lining especially a little (slightly) at the very top of my lip line for my top lip, filling in the Cupid's bow a bit, and I like the corners of my mouth to have more color so I line in there as well and it gives a nice, natural full look without even looking like you're wearing anything.

#personal #beauty #makeup #hair #skin #big sister stuff to share

[firespirited]

Visit went really well, L is very nice with solid sense of self and determination. She's a carer on the local hospital alzheimers/dementia ward and has a refreshing positive approach that's neither infantilising nor pitying. I straight up told her how rare and special that is, psych carers who don't see their patients as full people piss me off so someone who actually enjoys their job and likes the patients? Yeah, gonna celebrate that.

She hates paperwork, keeps close ties to home though daily video chat but lockdown was rough until they found a place that had a garden, smaller space but less confining. Her husband's doing great, he's found a niche hooking up local restaurants and businesses with local produce. His psychosis was high level cannabis induced and waned as he detoxed in long mental hospital stay to make sure it wasn't the beginnings of something else. He was going through a depression found weed and got groomed by extremists in his paranoia. He's very lucky to be white, well spoken and have a mother who went to bat for him to not be criminalized but get mental help instead. I can't help but wonder how many second chances he got that my ex neighbours his age and less messed up didn't get for being poor and half north african though nearly passing physically, they never nailed that proper 'respectability' tone and body language.

Elisa, 4, was utterly adorable, whip smart, self assured and very at ease. She spends a lot of time with her grandma our friend J and is thriving. Baby Jack fell asleep a few minutes in, he's huge for 5 months and both kids have the most gorgeous big dark brown eyes. Elisa had insisted on the visit so she could meet the doggies and another Elisa(beth). This was Talia the chihuahua's first encounter with a child on home turf in close quarters and it went well until things got a little loud and Talia snapped just the once at Lily the dog as a way of releasing stress so I lifted Talia out of the little girl's way so she could refocus and come back if she wanted to engage. Within 10 seconds the wild fearful look was gone and she gradually returned to look at Elisa and let herself be petted but keeping an eye on an exit. Lily is the most chill dog I've ever had so she just lay next to the little girl and had a fisher price phone put to her ear and her back lump palpated just completely unbothered.

With L we were able to talk about culture shock and switching languages (mostly because i was thinking in English again and having to mentally translate which is the stupid way instead of brain switching to full french), island culture... though her island is considerably larger and more complex than the UK obviously. Then her and sis bonded over being little sisters and the joys of annoying big sisters. She's considerably younger so we're not really the right peers, I do hope she meets some nicer folks her age, maybe at kiddos preschool.

It's hard to tell if it was a pity visit or curiosity or if she made a new point of contact in town. Kiddo had a great time and our full attention. It's hard to tell when you're disabled until people follow up.

Talia passed the "multiple people including an inquisitive child" test without having a freak out so that's an excellent sign, it's odd seeing her wrestle with her very strong protective and fearful instincts. I've had dogs fight their prey drive, Lily is food obsessed to the point she'll forget everything else which is why I still have to test her on food theft regularly but Talia's natural state is like fight or flight and you can see her little brain whirring about all she's missing out on by being fearful.

We decided to unmask since we were all vaxxed and the windows were open and I'm really glad to have been able to lip read as L's french was dialectical (dialectic?) Keeping an eye on dogs and listening to lil Elisa chat away made it very hard to tune in properly to her mum. It helps the plague anxiety that her work took PPE and distancing very seriously from the start. I felt less uncomfortable than I have with most neighbours who have a "qué séra, séra" approach to illness (except for the three months after Granny M got covid and realised it was as nasty as her former husbands emphysema... then forgot) . I don't want to live in fear but I can't shake the memories of putting sis on the cpap 24/7 for a week and the first time I looked at myself and was yellow. Oh I had fructose sugar and real sugar today, we made low sugar gluten free chocolate cake - we'll see how well that went tomorrow.

#saf #Visitors #My_dogs #Training a teenage unsocialized chihuahua #Somebody get netflix to do french dubs that actually line up with mouth movements so i can reset my brain to french mode #I heard futurama in English for the first time today that was wierd anf uncanny. #Long post

[homeimprovementway]

What Color is Cedar Wood? Discover the Enchanting Shades of Cedar.

Cedar wood is typically reddish-brown in color. It has warm tones and a natural beauty that enhances any space. Cedar wood is known for its reddish-brown hue, radiating warmth and natural beauty. This distinctive color adds character and charm to any space, making it a popular choice for furniture, flooring, and other interior and exterior applications. The reddish-brown shade of cedar wood not only complements a wide range of aesthetic styles but also brings a sense of rustic elegance to any setting. Whether used indoors or outdoors, cedar wood's rich color creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. So, whether you're considering cedar for a cozy cabin interior or a picturesque deck, its warm reddish-brown color will surely enhance the overall ambiance.

Credit: windywoods.co

The Natural Color Of Cedar Wood

Cedar wood is known for its beautiful natural color, which adds warmth and character to any space. The rich hues and unique patterns make it a popular choice for both interior and exterior applications. Understanding the natural color variations in cedar wood can help you choose the perfect shade for your project. In this article, we will explore the variations in color and the factors that influence the color of cedar wood.Variations In ColorCedar wood exhibits a range of colors, from light tan to deep reddish-brown. The exact shade of cedar can vary due to several factors, including the species of cedar, age of the wood, and environmental conditions.Here are some common variations in cedar wood color: - Light Cedar: This lighter shade of cedar wood has a pale tan hue that adds brightness to any space. It is often used in contemporary designs to create an airy and modern feel. - Medium Cedar: With warm golden-brown tones, medium cedar brings a sense of coziness and natural beauty to any room. It is a popular choice for rustic or traditional decor styles. - Dark Cedar: The deep reddish-brown color of dark cedar creates a rich and sophisticated ambiance. It adds a touch of elegance to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Factors Influencing ColorThe color of cedar wood is influenced by various factors: - Cedar Species: Different species of cedar have distinct color characteristics. For example, Western Red Cedar tends to have a reddish or pinkish hue, while Eastern Red Cedar is known for its deeper reddish-brown color. - Age: As cedar wood ages, its color can darken or develop subtle changes. The exposure to sunlight and natural oxidation processes contribute to these color variations. - Moisture Content: The moisture content in cedar wood can affect its color. Dry cedar tends to have a deeper and more intense color, while cedar with higher moisture content may appear lighter. - Finish: The type of finish applied to cedar wood can alter its natural color. Clear finishes or stains can enhance or modify the wood's hue, providing even more customization options. By considering the variations in color and the factors influencing it, you can make an informed decision when selecting cedar wood for your next project. Whether you prefer a light, medium, or dark shade, cedar wood's natural color will bring warmth and charm to any space. Credit: www.facebook.com

Gorgeous Hues Of Cedar Wood

Cedar wood is renowned for its stunning color variations that add natural beauty to any space. The different species of cedar wood offer unique hues that can range from warm reds and rich yellows to subtle whites. In this blog post, we will explore the mesmerizing colors of three popular types of cedar wood: Red Cedar, White Cedar, and Yellow Cedar.Red CedarOne of the most sought-after variations of cedar wood is the Red Cedar, known for its deep and captivating reddish tones. Its vibrant hues are the result of natural pigments and oils present in the wood. Red Cedar boasts a warm and inviting color that enhances the aesthetic appeal of any interior or exterior space. Whether used for furniture, decking, siding, or other applications, the distinctive reddish hue of Red Cedar immediately catches the eye and imparts a sense of elegance and sophistication.White CedarUnlike Red Cedar, White Cedar features a softer and lighter color palette that offers a more subtle charm. Its pale cream or yellowish-white shades bring a timeless beauty to various wood projects. White Cedar's versatility extends beyond its captivating appearance; this wood type also offers excellent durability and weather resistance. The mellow and neutral hues of White Cedar make it a preferred choice for crafting outdoor furniture, interior paneling, and even rustic architectural features like pergolas, arbors, and fences.Yellow CedarA distinct cedar wood species with a truly exceptional color is Yellow Cedar. As its name suggests, this wood showcases a range of captivating golden-yellow hues. The warm and radiant tones of Yellow Cedar make it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. It is widely used in construction projects, furniture making, boat building, and even artistic carvings. The natural color variations of Yellow Cedar add depth and character to any space, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Enhancing And Preserving Cedar Wood Color

Cedar wood is prized for its beautiful natural color, which ranges from light brown to a rich red hue. Enhancing and preserving the color of cedar wood helps to maintain its aesthetic appeal and durability. In this article, we will explore effective methods for enhancing and preserving the color of cedar wood, ensuring it remains an attractive and long-lasting material for various applications.Treatment And FinishesApplying consistent treatments and finishes to cedar wood can play a significant role in preserving and enhancing its natural color. One popular method is to utilize clear sealants that protect the wood from moisture and UV rays, thus preventing color fading and weathering. Additionally, semi-transparent or transparent stains can be applied to accentuate the natural color while providing an extra layer of protection.Maintenance TipsRegular maintenance is essential for keeping cedar wood looking vibrant and pristine. Simple practices, such as regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris, can prevent discoloration and ensure that the wood retains its natural beauty. Fresh applications of sealants and stains as needed are also vital for prolonging the wood's color and overall integrity.

Credit: www.homedepot.com

Applications Of Cedar Wood In Interior Design

Are you looking to add a touch of warmth and elegance to your interior design? Look no further than the applications of cedar wood. Cedar wood, with its distinct reddish-brown color, is a popular choice in interior design due to its versatile nature and stunning aesthetics. In this article, we will explore two common applications of cedar wood in interior design: furniture and paneling, as well as ceiling and flooring.Furniture And PanelingOne of the most popular uses of cedar wood in interior design is for furniture and paneling. Cedar wood's natural reddish-brown color brings a sense of sophistication and warmth to any space. The unique grain patterns of cedar wood make each piece of furniture or paneling one-of-a-kind, adding visual interest to your home or office. - Choose cedar wood furniture for your living room, bedroom, or dining area to create a cozy and inviting ambiance. - Panel your walls with cedar wood for a rustic and natural look that enhances the overall aesthetics of your space. - Cedar wood furniture and paneling can be combined with other materials such as glass or metal to create a modern and eclectic style. Ceiling And FlooringIf you're looking to elevate the look and feel of your interior, consider using cedar wood for your ceiling and flooring. Cedar wood ceiling adds a sense of height and spaciousness to a room, creating an open and airy atmosphere. The warm tones and natural beauty of cedar wood flooring add character and charm to any space. - Install cedar wood ceiling planks to give your room a cozy and rustic look, reminiscent of a log cabin. - Cedar wood flooring can be stained in various shades to match your overall interior design theme. - The durability and natural resistance of cedar wood make it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, ensuring your flooring remains beautiful for years to come. In conclusion, cedar wood's rich reddish-brown color and unique grain patterns make it a sought-after material in interior design. Whether used for furniture, paneling, ceilings, or flooring, cedar wood adds warmth, elegance, and a touch of nature to any space. Consider incorporating cedar wood into your interior design to create a truly stunning and inviting environment.

Exterior Uses Of Cedar Wood

When it comes to choosing wood for exterior applications, cedar wood is often the top choice for homeowners and builders. With its natural beauty, durability, and resistance to rot and decay, cedar wood brings a touch of elegance and longevity to outdoor spaces. In this section, we will explore two popular exterior uses of cedar wood: decking and fencing, and siding and trim.Decking And FencingCedar wood is commonly used for both decking and fencing projects, thanks to its remarkable qualities. As decking material, cedar wood creates a warm and inviting ambiance, perfect for enhancing outdoor living areas. Its unique color variations range from pale yellow to reddish-brown, giving decks a natural organic feel.When it comes to fencing, cedar wood stands out for its durability and resistance to weather elements. The natural oils present in cedar wood help protect it from decay and insect damage, ensuring a longer lifespan for your fence. Additionally, cedar's beautiful colors add an aesthetically pleasing touch to any outdoor space.Siding And TrimAnother popular use of cedar wood is for siding and trim on buildings and homes. Cedar siding provides an attractive and timeless look, enhancing the overall curb appeal of a property. Its color variations and unique grain patterns add character and beauty to any structure.The natural resistance of cedar wood to pests, rot, and decay makes it an excellent choice for siding and trim. This means less maintenance and upkeep for homeowners, saving both time and money in the long run.When using cedar wood for siding and trim, it is essential to properly seal and maintain it to ensure its longevity and beauty. Regular staining or painting, along with periodic cleaning, will help preserve the wood's natural beauty and protect it from the elements.

Frequently Asked Questions For What Color Is Cedar Wood

Is All Cedar Wood Red? Not all cedar wood is red; there are different types, such as red cedar and white cedar. What Colors Look Good With Cedar Wood? Cedar wood looks good with earthy or neutral colors like beige and brown. These colors create a natural and harmonious look with the warm tones of cedar. Additionally, shades of green and blue can also complement cedar wood, bringing a refreshing and calming feel to the space. Is Cedar A Light Or Dark? Cedar can come in both light and dark shades. What Color Stain Matches Cedar? Cedar is best matched with light to medium stains like honey or cedar tones. These colors enhance cedar's natural beauty.

Conclusion

The color of cedar wood can vary from reddish-brown to light yellow. Understanding the natural hues of cedar wood is essential for matching it with other elements in your space. Whether you're choosing cedar for outdoor furniture or interior accents, being mindful of its color characteristics will ensure a harmonious and visually appealing result. Read the full article

[omibbeauty]

Henna Lips

Welcome to the world of henna lips! If you’re looking for a way to stand out and make a statement, this is it. Henne lips are taking over social media and becoming increasingly popular amongst beauty enthusiasts all over the globe. As a permanent makeup artist at OmiB Beauty, I want to share with you why henna lip art is worth exploring.

The beauty of this type of lip art lies in its semi-permanent qualities that allow people to express their true selves without making any long-term commitments. It gives them an opportunity to be creative and let their individual style shine through while still maintaining some control over how they present themselves to the world. With that freedom comes a sense of belonging – something we all desire subconsciously on some level.

No matter what your aesthetic preferences may be, there’s sure to be one henna design that will suit you perfectly; from bold colors and patterns to subtle natural hues, there's something for everyone. So if you’re ready to take your look up a notch and jump into the trendiest new form of self-expression around - read on!

What Is Henna Lip Art?

Are you looking to spice up your look? If so, henna lip art is the perfect way to make a statement. Henna lip art involves creating intricate designs with semi-permanent henna and using it as an alternative form of lip tinting. It's not only beautiful but also lasts longer than traditional lipstick or glosses!

At OmiB Beauty, we specialize in providing our clients with unique and dynamic henna lip designs that reflect their personality. We use 100% natural plant-based ingredients for our henna lip applications which guarantee long-lasting results on both light and dark skin tones. Our team of experienced permanent makeup artists will work closely with you to create a custom design that fits perfectly within your desired aesthetic. Whether you're looking for something subtle or bold, we can help bring your vision to life!

We understand how important it is to feel comfortable in your own skin and confident when expressing yourself through beauty products. That's why at OmiB Beauty, we take pride in helping enhance our client’s natural features by offering safe and high quality henna lip stain services. Each set of lips are unique and deserve attention – let us help you find yours today!

Benefits Of Henna Lip Art

Now that you know what henna lip art is, let's take a look at some of the benefits it offers. Henna lip art provides natural-looking color to your lips while still allowing them to breathe and stay moisturized. The semi-permanent makeup won't smudge or fade like traditional lipstick and can last up to 5 days! It's a great way to get more mileage out of your favorite looks without having to worry about constantly reapplying makeup throughout the day.

Not only does henna provide beautiful results but it also hydrates and nourishes the skin with its moisturizing effects. Our safe skin dye helps protect against sun damage while providing lasting coverage that won't irritate sensitive areas around the mouth. Whether you're looking for subtle enhancement or something bolder, OmiB Beauty has got you covered! We pride ourselves on delivering quality services that will make you feel confident in expressing yourself through beauty products. Let us help bring your vision for perfect pouty lips to life today!

The Process Of Applying Henna To The Lips

The process of applying henna to the lips is a simple one, but it does require some special techniques and precision. Here at OmiB Beauty, we have perfected our methods for creating beautiful lip art that will last up to 5 days! From prepping your skin with nourishing oils to carefully layering on each color, our permanent makeup artists are experts in giving you gorgeous results.

Our process involves:

Prepping the Lips: We start by gently exfoliating the lips before applying any henna dye. This helps remove dry or flaky skin while also priming them for even coverage. We then apply gentle oils like almond oil or castor oil to moisturize and protect against sun damage.

Applying Color: Once the lips are ready, our artists use their expertise in different blending and shading techniques to create custom looks that best suit your individual needs! Our formula contains natural ingredients like indigo powder and hibiscus flowers which provide vibrant colors without irritating sensitive areas around the mouth.

At OmiB Beauty, we understand how important it is for people to feel confident in expressing themselves through beauty products. That's why we make sure every detail of our henna lip art services meet high standards so you can be sure that you'll get stunning results every time! Whether you're looking for subtle enhancement or something bolder – let us help bring your perfect pouty lips vision come true today!

Aftercare Tips For Henna Lips

Now that you’ve got your beautiful henna lip art, it’s important to take proper care of them for the best results. Here at OmiB Beauty, we recommend a few simple aftercare tips that will help keep your lips looking stunning and vibrant!

First, always make sure to moisturize your lips regularly with hydrating products like shea butter or coconut oil. This helps protect against any dryness or cracking which could lead to color fading prematurely. Additionally, try to avoid direct sunlight exposure as much as possible - wear SPF 15 lip balm whenever you're outdoors. It's also important to be extra gentle when exfoliating the area around mouth while removing makeup or cleansing skin – rubbing too hard can cause irritation on delicate areas.

Overall, taking good care of your henna lips doesn't have to require much effort – just follow these simple steps and enjoy showing off your gorgeous pouty look! Our team is here if you ever need advice about maintaining healthy skin so don’t hesitate to reach out anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Henna Lip Art Last?

If you’re considering getting henna lip art, then one of the most important questions is how long it will last. Here at OmiB Beauty we specialize in permanent makeup so let's get into how long your beautiful new look with henna can stay!

The duration of a henna lip art design can depend on several factors such as skin type and lifestyle habits. Generally speaking, if taken care of properly and maintained regularly, henna lip art designs typically last up to two weeks but there are ways to make them even more lasting: • Moisturize lips daily – this helps keep the pigment locked in longer • Avoid scrubbing or exfoliating around the area for best results • When possible opt for stain-resistant products that don't fade quickly • Refresh your color every few days by applying some extra pigment over any faded spots

You deserve to feel good about yourself and having long-lasting henna lip art from OmiB Beauty gives you just that. Whether you want a bit of added sparkle or something bolder, our certified professionals have what it takes to create a timeless look that lasts. Plus, our team always keeps things clean and safe when helping clients achieve their desired looks. So go ahead – give us a call today and start expressing yourself through your own unique style!

Is Henna Lip Art Safe To Use?

When considering permanent makeup, safety is always a key concern. It’s no different when it comes to henna lip art. From concerns over the ingredients used in products to understanding the risks of this type of body modification, there are many questions around henna lip art safety that people have.

At OmiB Beauty, we understand the importance of safe and reliable practices when it comes to any kind of beauty service - especially those involving body modifications such as henna lips. All our artists use only premium quality materials with medical-grade hygiene standards for every client. We also ensure that each artist has been trained in optimal techniques for applying henna lip color safely and accurately. This helps us guarantee an enjoyable experience along with peace of mind for everyone who visits us for their desired look or treatment.

We take pride in being able to provide our clients with both exceptional results and safety assurance when it comes to henna lip art services. Our team will be happy to answer all your questions about henna lip safety concerns so you can feel confident and secure knowing that your health is taken care of while achieving beautiful results from our experts!

Are There Any Potential Side Effects Of Henna Lip Art?

When considering permanent makeup, it's important to think about potential side effects of the procedure. This is especially true with henna lip art, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. As a professional permanent makeup artist at OmiB Beauty, I'd like to take this opportunity to talk about what might happen should you decide to go ahead and get your lips done.

The most common side effect of henna lip art is skin irritation or burning sensation during application. While these are usually mild and temporary reactions, they do occur quite frequently so it's something that needs to be kept in mind when making the decision. Additionally, there have been some reports of adverse reactions such as dark discoloration and scarring in more extreme cases; however, these occurrences are very rare compared to the typical inflammation from use.

It's essential for anyone wanting to try out henna lip art to first consult with their aesthetician or doctor before proceeding any further. That way, if any complications arise after treatment – no matter how minor – someone can help guide them through the process until everything returns back to normal. Ultimately, by taking all precautions beforehand and understanding the possible risks associated with henna lip art, one can make an informed decision on whether this kind of procedure is right for them or not.

Is Henna Lip Art Suitable For People With Sensitive Skin?

When considering permanent makeup treatments, many people with sensitive skin are worried about potential reactions. At OmiB Beauty, we understand this concern and want to make sure our clients feel safe throughout the entire process. That's why it is important to know if henna lip art is suitable for those with sensitive skin.

First of all, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of any kind of reaction or sensitivity-related issue when getting a henna lip treatment. You should: 1) Make sure you only use high quality henna products that have been tested in laboratories; 2) Have your practitioner test the product on your wrist before applying it to your lips; 3) Discuss any allergies or medical conditions you may have prior to starting the treatment.

At OmiB Beauty, we’re committed to providing our clients with an unparalleled level of safety and comfort during their unique beauty journey. We prioritize proper education and communication so that everyone understands the risks associated with henna lip art - from allergic reactions to mild irritation - as well as how to mitigate them through careful selection of materials and precise application techniques. Our experienced team has extensive knowledge regarding types of sensitivities related to henna lip treatments, such as redness, swelling, itching and burning sensations due to possible exposure allergens like PPDs (para-phenylenediamine). Rest assured knowing that at OmiB Beauty we will always go above and beyond to provide a safe service tailored specifically for each individual client’s needs.

How Can I Remove Henna Lip Art If I Don't Like It?

Are you not a fan of the henna lip art that you applied? Don’t worry, we have your back here at OmiB Beauty. It's totally possible to get rid of it if you don't like the look. Let me tell you how!

First things first: breathing in and out slowly and deeply can help reduce stress levels so that this process is easier for you. You'll want to start by gently rubbing away at the henna lip design with warm water and a soft cloth or damp cotton pad until everything starts to dissolve. If necessary, use some natural oil such as coconut or olive oil which will further assist in dissolving any remaining product on your lips. After wiping off all of the color, there may be some residue left behind – just rub an exfoliating scrub over your lips and apply a hydrating balm afterwards for extra nourishment.

Removing henna lip art doesn’t have to be daunting; instead, think about this experience as a way to experiment with different looks! By taking off henna lip art, it allows us to create something new - whether that’s trying out a bolder shade than before or even going bare-lipped from time to time!

Conclusion

My clients are often curious about henna lip art. I'm here to tell you that this temporary lip tattoo is an amazing way to spice up your look! It can last anywhere from one to four weeks and it's very safe for use on lips, even those with sensitive skin.

That said, there are a few potential side effects including irritation and staining of the skin so make sure to test it in a small area before doing anything more extensive. The good news is that if you don't like the results, it's easy enough to remove using oil-based cleansers or makeup remover wipes.

So if you're looking for something unique, why not give henna lip art a try? With proper application and care, you'll be rocking some fabulous lips until they fade away naturally. And who knows - maybe you'll love them so much that you want them back again soon!

The post Henna Lips See more on: Omi B

Originally published here: https://omibbeauty.com/henna-lips/

#Omi B Beauty - Permanent Makeup and Hair Care - Feed

[hossam-hassan-eg]

The Best Eyeshadow Palettes of 2023.

Fortunately, there are some reliable eyeshadow palettes that provide a variety of shades and finishes. For example, the Urban Decay Naked palettes are a classic, offering a range of both warm and cool tones that are perfect for creating everyday looks. If you’re looking for something with more of a statement, Dormi Day & Night Palette is a great choice, providing a mix of warm and bold shades that are great for creating dramatic looks. For those who want a little more sparkle in their life, The Queen Nefertiti Eyeshadow Palette is a great option, offering a selection of 20 shimmery shades that will bring some sparkle to your look.

No matter what your needs are, there’s an eyeshadow palette out there that’s sure to make you look and feel your best. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start, but with a little research, you can find the perfect palette for you.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall The Queen Nefertiti Eyeshadow Palette

The Queen Nefertiti Eyeshadow Palette from Dormi is the perfect way to bring out your inner royalty. This ultra-pigmented, waterproof, and smudge-resistant palette has 20 carefully chosen colors inspired by the beautiful Queen Nefertiti and the unique colors of ancient Egypt. With long-lasting wear and a soft texture, these shades will make you look and feel like a true queen. Get the perfect look and make a statement with this stunning eyeshadow palette

Best Drugstore Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette

The drugstore boasts some excellent makeup goodies, but we’d be lying if we said they have endless options of high-quality eyeshadow palettes. This one, however, is a great palette that you can snag at an affordable price. It contains twelve neutral shades that range from light to dark, which allows you to go subtle or build up the intensity of your look.

Best for Everyday Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette Pillow Talk

When applied, the rose shades create a beautiful blush finish on the cheeks, while the browns can be used as an eyeshadow or a brow powder to frame the face. The combination of the two shades gives you the ability to create a range of looks, from a soft, romantic look to a sultry, smoky eye. Whether you’re looking for a natural or dramatic look, this palette has you covered!

Best for Soft Glam Urban Decay Naked Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette

The shades have a creamy, soft texture that applies easily to the eye and blends like a dream. The pigmentation is good across the board, and the colors are buildable, so you can customize the intensity of your look. The shades look beautiful when layered together and can create a variety of looks from subtle to bold. We also love the inclusion of matte shades for depth and dimension.

Best for Special Occasions Pat McGrath Labs Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette: Huetopian Dream

The Pat McGrath eyeshadow palettes are truly masterpieces; each one is a work of art, crafted with a perfect balance of shimmery and matte eyeshadows. Not to mention, the pigmentation and blendability of each shade is unparalleled — making it easy to create looks ranging from subtle and natural to intense and dramatic. The packaging is also gorgeous and luxurious; each palette comes in a sleek, gold-accented black case, complete with a mirror and double-ended brush.

Best for Bold Looks Juvia’s Place Warrior III Palette

The shadows are buildable, meaning you can easily layer the colors to create a variety of looks, from subtle and natural to bold and dramatic. The shadows have a smooth texture and blend effortlessly, allowing you to create your desired look without having to worry about patchiness or fallout. The shadows come in a range of finishes, including matte, satin, and shimmer, so you can create a look that’s unique to you. The palette also comes with a dual-ended eyeshadow brush and a mirror, making it easy to apply the shadows on the go.

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[kennyparrots]

The Best Secrets To Caring For A New African Grey Parrot

Parrots are on of the most sought after pets on account of their astonishing skill to mirror and talk works. They draw in various individuals with their astounding tones and social characters.

One of the most gorgeous types of parrots at any point found is known as the African Dim Parrot. This sort of bird has an incredible talent for figuring out how to express human words. Truth be told, it is viewed as the best student of discourse of all parrot species. This kind of parrot can have better correspondence with its proprietor since it is so astute. Their capacities are for more evolved than most different birds, which makes them so amusing to have as pets.

The Cheap african grey parrot for sale comes in two distinct sorts of species. The main classification is the Congo African dim, and the second is the Timneh African Dark. The perspective that incredibly recognizes these two from each other is the shade of their plumes. The Congo Parrot has a really red tail and the body is a grayish variety. The Timneh Parrot varies in that the dim on its body is much more obscure and the tail is a dim maroon. The two kinds can grow up to 14 inches long.

The main distinction in the females and guys is the way that they have an alternate body structure. The male have a more extensive head and a more extensive neck, while the females have thin and smaller highlights. The guys will quite often additionally become somewhat bigger than the females, in spite of the fact that they once in a while are the very same size.

These birds need a tremendous responsibility from their proprietors on the off chance that they will flourish like they would in nature. An appropriately focused on African Dim can live for a long time if the proprietor regards it as an individual from the family, rather than simply some pet. The climate you put them in ought to be huge enough that they experience no difficulty opening their wings, playing with their safe toys, and moving around. A parrot that has no space to move might depend on pecking at themselves to keep occupied. This could make significant harm the bird and it is another explanation that you ought to constantly cooperate and play with your parrot so it doesn't get exhausted. They need a climate that is exceptionally intuitive and a proprietor who can comprehend how to deal with their necessities.

African Grays are typically very polite pets, yet likewise with some other creature, they need explicit preparation and much persistence is required. On occasion, they might be surly and chomp at you or chew on things around it to keep occupied. Since they effectively get propensities, you should be mindful so as to show them positive routines rapidly and make a good attempt to leave out the persistent vices.

These birds are fantastically amiable. They love to cooperate with individuals and are very hyper on occasion. They will set you feeling great on even your most obviously terrible day. These parrots love to be pet and scratched similarly as. In any event, when they live in the wild, they love to collaborate with their group. The birds will likewise return the affection by really spewing or attempting to kiss you! Relax however, both of these demonstrations are indications of genuine fondness. Despite the fact that, on the off chance that your bird attempts to kiss you it is proposed that you don't let your mouth close to it as your spit can truly hurt the bird.

Similarly as with some other creature, these parrots love consideration. They won't live as lengthy without it, as a matter of fact. Ensure you never disregard your parrot and treat it as you would a your relative. It will be significantly in an ideal situation and will live to its maximum capacity. African Grays become forlorn without friendship, so in the event that you are by all accounts running short on time enjoyed with your bird, you ought to contemplate purchasing a second one to stay with it.

Additionally, this will hold your parrot back from doing wicked things, for example, gnawing and biting.

The best way to really figure out how incredible parrots are is by making them another expansion to your loved ones. You won't ever lament the things learned and the new companion that you have. They are astonishing creatures and are so shrewd, you may simply wind up conversing with your parrot more than the remainder of your loved ones!

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[glassvines]

Thoughts On 2022 Favorites

TV Shows 1. Severance: My absolute favorite new live series in years. Great premise with a unique (and ironic) visual look that perfectly matches the tone of the series. The opening credits are just. So!! *chef kiss* 2. Wednesday: This was a lot more fun than I was expecting. While I felt so-so on some aspects of the show (the cgi and the teenage drama especially), the style of the series and Jenna Ortega's portrayal of Wednesday was fantastic. 3. Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities: New Halloween favorite! The overall series is a combo of spooky and pretty. Particularly enjoyed The Viewing and The Outside. 4. 1899: Enjoyed the heck out of this show, which is weird considering I didn't like Dark. It's Lost but actually coherent. All I could ever want out of a character-driven sci-fi series.

Animation (TV & Films) 1. Amphibia: Perfect series, with a perfect (and surprisingly bittersweet) ending. A new Disney favorite. Hope it gets a bluray release like Gravity Falls did. 2. Lego Monkie Kid: The animation blew me away in this series but it's also great story and character-wise despite being so short in length. 3. Rise of the TMNT Movie & TV series: The Rise movie proved I'll never be fully over comic book/superhero genre films despite feeling very burnt out on them overall. It’s a fairly old franchise, but it hasn't grown cynical over time. I think this is key to keeping franchises going indefinitely. It still has so much heart to it, and the Rise movie was my favorite new film released this year. Made sure to watch the series in it’s entirety as well and now wish I had checked it out earlier. 4. Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio: This story has never really connected with me (even when I watched the Disney film as a child), so I was a little surprised at how much I liked this one. (Which I should not have been - this is Guillermo del Toro after all!) Gorgeous animation and very unique compared to all the other various versions of the story that seem to be released every freaking year (I'm looking at you Disney). 5. Wendell & Wild: While I wasn't super enthused with the (kind of bloated) story, I adored the animation and character designs. Always nice to see something new from Henry Selick.

Anime (TV & Films) 1. Demon Slayer: Was curious to see if the hype was real and am pleased to say it's worth watching. Incredible animation and a likable main cast. 2. Spy x Family: The premise is what hooks you, but the character moments (paired with great music) is the heart of this series. Just a super solid comedy/action anime series. 3. Shadows House: Still need to finish the second season, but I'm enjoying this one a lot! An intriguing, underrated mystery series. 4. Perfect Blue: I believe this is the final Satoshi Kon film I had not watched up until this point, and I'm more sad than ever that he died so young. It was a prophetic, horrifying film.

Video Games 1. Cozy Grove: Probably the game I played the most this year? I'm finding that I love this kind of gameplay a lot (Animal Crossing-esque), so I'll probably look for more games like it in the future. 2. Little Witch in the Woods: Fantastic pixel-art aesthetic in this one. 3. Machinarium: Ever since playing Samorost 3 Amanita Design has become one of my favorite indie game companies. This one's an oldie but goodie. 4. Genshin Impact: I don't plan on ever dropping any money on this game but I do like the graphics and gameplay. I can see why it's so popular now that I've played it a bit.

Live Films 1. Under the Silver Lake: Unexpected new favorite. I just have a deep love for surreal movies that shit on Hollywood culture. Hoping to see more from David Robert Mitchell. 2. Nope: I don't know man; I just think Jordon Peele gets me lmao. I have loved all his movies thus far, and this was no exception. Creepy, atmospheric and thoughtful commentary on humanity’s relationship with both nature and fame. 3. Mandy: I need to watch this movie a few more times to fully absorb the visuals/plot/message, but on a first-watch basis it dazzled me.

Honorable Mentions 1. Cursed Princess Club 2. Inside Job 3. Barbarian 4. The Legend of Hell House: this movie was on my Halloween watch list and I loved it so much. The conclusion was fucking bonkers.

Things I’m Looking Forward to in 2023 1. I might actually (willing) watch a few Marvel/DC movies next year. 2. Clone High Reboot: Not sure if I'd say I'm looking forward to it, but I'm very curious to see how the new series turns out. 3. Second season of Good Omens! 4. Nier Automata anime series!! 5. Movies: Barbie, the new Seth Rogan TMNT movie, John Wick 4, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and Disappointment Blvd. if it's actually released next year.

Some Creative & General Goals for 2023 I would just like to get back into the grove of drawing regularly again. These days I only have time for photography, but I really want to get back into a headspace where I can prioritize drawing again. Maybe take up painting and nature sketching too.

#New Year's #some comments #glassvines gets irl #animation

[martianbugsbunny]

OUAT Thoughts Pt.46--Episodes 5-6

I have watched through S5E6; spoilers DNI. Also, spoiler warning for those further behind than I am.

—Before we started episode 5, my mom and I were discussing (I say discussing, but it was more like a collective brain-crash) which was our favorite character and which was the one we most vibe with. Neither of us came up with a vibe, although I’m sure I could and would end up very annoyed with myself for the result, but her favorite is Regina and mine is Rumple. These two episodes have only cemented it. He’s just so terribly well-written that I can’t help adoring him. I’d love to know other people’s opinions on either of those, but with my usual caveat: if it involves spoilers for future seasons, I’d still be happy to hear it, but only after I’ve gotten past that point myself.

—That faceless Dark One was a bomb-ass design. That mask was amazing.

—Merlin is gorgeous. I was expecting some old beardy guy, but I much prefer the Sorcerer who actually showed up. And his cloak is awesome. I’m a sucker for cool embroidery.

—Speaking of good clothes and gorgeous people, Regina got a new red dress in Camelot that I am absolutely loving. It’s a different fabric, the shade of red is different (I actually think it’s a shade that’s better suited to her skin tone), and the embellishments are laid out differently. She’s fr not my type in Storybrooke or in any Evil Queen clothes except the outstanding riding habits, but in Camelot she just hits different.

—When Henry set up that date with Violet at Granny’s, I spent the scene thinking about how good her costuming is. My mom’s main takeaway was, ‘if he really liked her, he would’ve poured her Coke instead of Pepsi.’ Which is true. Ain’t no soda like a classic Coke.

—At the midpoint of…episode 5, I think? I thought Henry and Violet were going to be a cool example of how different circumstances could inspire different relationships between the same people—but no, it was so much worse. I’m still waiting to find out what Emma’s motives or goals are, but if she’s justifying hurting Henry for them, she’s definitely up to no good.

—Swaggy that the Charmings know not to trust Arthur in Storybrooke. I was starting to get worried about how long they would be ignorant.

—Also, at this point the Charmings may from time to time include Regina (and Robin; she gets a plus-one) and Hook.

—Emma’s dreamcatcher garage is a scary place.

—When Rumple was reunited with Belle, that stuff he said really got to me. This is legitimately beyond words for me, but suffice it to say I do believe one person can be enough to keep you in the world. Whoever wrote what Rumple said about not letting go because he heard Belle’s voice must believe that too, because you can’t write words that real without one or both of experience and belief.

—Merida. Honey. Sweetheart. Light of my life. That splitting the arrow trick is cool, but you can’t reuse those. Conserve your ammo.

—Okay, so there’s some new backstory for Merida that works better than just the other clans not wanting a queen. Having her fight in a war alongside her father is a cool story bit, and the fact that her aim wavering on the battlefield is what led to the other clans doubting her is a stronger concept.

—She should’ve been a ginger bear. ✨for the vibes✨

—Kinda sad that the teacup is broken. That thing’s been important to me almost as long as it’s been important to Rumple and Belle.

—You know what, Belle has gotten mighty picky. She doesn’t like Rumple when he’s the Dark One, she doesn’t like Rumple when he’s his natural self, and yet around other people she goes on and on about how she’s not giving up on him. Yes, he’s probably his best self now that he’s faced up to his fears, but at some point Belle might want to consider that she doesn’t truly love him. Barely any version of him is good enough for her, which I think says more about her feelings about him than it does about those other versions of him.

—For a while I’ve been debating with myself about whether I’ve wanted Rumple to change so he could be with Belle (which you’ve seen some of the results of already in this review), and I’ve finally reached my major conclusion. I want Rumple to change for himself—not because I particularly dislike him one way or the other or because I don’t think he’s good enough in my opinion or someone else’s—but because I want him to be a person that *he* can be proud of. I want Rumple to be able to look himself in the mirror and like that man. That’s why this personal journey is so satisfying; I’m invested in him for his sake, not for the sake of the people around him.

—I got so many goosebumps when Rumple pulled Excalibur! 😍 *weeps with joy* And I think the best part is that he made a deal with Emma for someone else. Instead of just pulling Excalibur, or refusing to pull it, he only did it in exchange for Merida’s freedom. That is a beautiful counterpoint to the Dark One he used to be and I am entirely here for it.

—Y’all, I think this might be the version of Rumple I’ve wanted to see since the fourth season. He fierce.

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