#chamberlain square

[wolftown]

Birmingham 2 Chamberlain Square

I created this design based on the colours of Birmingham’s 2 Chamberlain Square as seen in 2022. It is unrelated to any events that may or may not be currently occurring and is unofficial in any way.

#Birmingham #Chamberlain Square #2022

[womentiespoolhouse]

(via Wednesday Wisdom: Support Systems)

#Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham #Tracy Higginbotham #United Airlines NYC Half Marathon #March 17 2024 #Manhattan #Times Square #Debra Halliday Mills #261Fearless #NYC #Support Systems #Wednesday Morning #Wednesday Wisdom #business advice #life advice #YOLO

[astrosky33]

Astrology Observations by Astrosky Part 18

✧. ┊Your 11th house can give insight on careers you can make the most money from. Example: An Aquarius 11h can mean you’re most likely to gain wealth from careers involving technology - more here

✧. ┊There is no astrology placement that can make you fat, ugly, scrawny, ab*sed, etc. Don’t pay mind to people that post observations like that. They’re very harmful to people with ED’s, body dysmorphia, etc. and incorrect, even astrologically speaking

✧. ┊A 28° Ascendant in Composite Charts indicates a couple that’s wealthy or two people that can make lots of money together easily

✧. ┊Everyone’s Ascendant squares their Midheaven in Whole Signs System. For this reason it’s not a rare aspect and is very common

✧. ┊Love stelliums in Composite Charts can indicate marriage or a long term relationship. It also indicates a deep spiritual connection between the two of you

✧. ┊An 11th house stellium in Composite Charts can mean that you want the same things in your relationship which can lead to better compatibility. This is because the 11th house rules over desires, hopes, and wishes for the futures

✧. ┊Emma Chamberlain and Jack Harlow’s Composite Chart Ruler is in the 11th house. They met while being filmed at the met gala which is a social event. The 11th house represents social events/socialization and film. It’s also at 17° and in numerology 17 represents fame, they were at a celebrity event -> more about first meeting based on composite chart rulers

MY MASTERLIST - SUB TO MY PATREON

© 𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐤𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝

#astrology observations #astrology observation #astrology notes #astro community #astrology #zodiac #astro placements #astrology tumblr #astro chart #birth chart #composite charts astrology #composite charts #composite chart #compatibility charts

[citieskyes]

astro observations

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

💫 sun square mars people clash with others frequently because they’re very competitive and impulsive.

💫sun conjunct mercury always think they’re right. good luck trying to change their opinion on anything

💫moon square mercury love gossiping omg. they also may find it hard to express themselves because their emotions (moon) are often at odds with their communication (mercury).

💫Leo Venus can act like you don’t exist if you do them dirty.

💫I always see hype about Scorpio mars being the scariest mars sign and I honestly don’t agree. They’re vengeful but in silence, they’re not the type to actively seek revenge. Imo the crown goes to Cancer mars.

💫Most common CEO’s and billionaires have heavy cardinal in their chart, namely Cancer and Libra.

💫Gemini risings can talk at a million miles an hour. They also like to talk with their hands.

💫Scorpio risings are the mysterious and private stereotype that people like to give to Scorpio suns.

💫I find that Sagittarius sun men when undeveloped can have a huge ego complex when it comes to their thoughts and ideas, like they’re the type to mansplain.

💫Water mercuries are very emotionally intelligent and are able to sense what’s hidden underneath.

💫Neptune in the 5th house may be drawn to artistic or creative endeavours. They may have a keen sense of beauty and a great enthusiasm for literature, music, and the arts. This placement is often seen in actors/actresses, musicians etc

💫Taurus moons can be very materialistic but this energy is selective. They may love to spend huge amounts of money on handbags, makeup, clothes etc but then get stingy over buying a $10 moisturiser.

💫Usually vloggers have Gemini in their chart ex Emma chamberlain. People just like to watch what they do in their day to day life. Could be due to the fact they’re very talkative and fun.

I do $15-20 birth chart readings so message me if you want yours done x

#astrology observations #astro observations #capricorn #taurus #libra #neptune #virgo mars #taurus moon #scorpio rising #gemini rising

[hairybirthdayclown]

i. asteroid notes

*(not a pro. just for fun)

• natives with Ceres[1] (garners agriculture, nurture, nourishment, food etc.) in scorpio might feel guilty for what they deem as 'overnourishment' towards themselves instilled by their caregivers. their guardians could've told them to use small amounts of their lotions, eat less portions of food etc. so that they don't run out too quickly because money was always unstable. from what i've noticed, these natives might be picky eaters & are consistent with the type of food that they eat.

• Nike[307] (shows where you're victorious) trine/sextile/conjunct the Sun/MC could have an easier time obtaining power over others. whether it be their influence on others or falling into positons of power like being a CEO of a company.

Mark Zuckerberg has Nike conjunct the Sun in his natal chart & he's a CEO. Emma Chamberlain has it conjunct her MC & she owns a company. despite both receiving backlash & other hindering factors.

• Pholus[5154] (represents a small catalyst of decisions yielding in massive results) in transit conjunct Mercury in your natal chart is where you should be careful with your words. nonetheless, the results could be positive like posting on your socials & becoming viral.

Mercury also rules over vehicles. during this transit, i decided to take a short walk & ended up getting hit by a car lmao.

• Eros[433] (IMO represents both love & passion towards yourself & externally) square Mercury could indicate that you don't flirt or don't know how to without cringing. these natives could also have trouble with words of affirmation towards themselves & feel uncomfortable when others flirt with them especially if they don't like them.

• i checked Iris[7] (represents intuition) in celebrities charts who said they've always knew they were going to be well-known and all 3 (Jim Carrey, Oprah Winfrey, Lil Nas X) have leo degrees on their Iris. very cool observation if i do say so myself :D

(i'm aware some of these are dwarf planets)

thanks for reading :)

15/05/23

#asteroids #asteroid eros #astrology notes #pholus #astrology #iris astrology #ceres

[fanhackers]

#writtenbyawoman

A couple of years ago, BookTok and BookTube - the literary subcultures of TikTok and YouTube - started a meme, #writtenbyawoman.  The idea of the meme was that men, as written by women authors, were–well, terrific! Wonderful! Kind, gentle, considerate! To say a man was “written by a woman” was to give him the ultimate compliment: to put him in a category with men like Mr. Darcy, or Laurie from Little Women, or the Hot Priest from Fleabag. This complement has moved past fictional characters to be applied to real men (as in, “OMG he’s amazing, it’s like he’s written by a woman”), as well as to celebrities (e.g. Harry Styles, Timothee Chalamet. Hozier.) 

This is one of those cases where fandom’s hit on an idea that academia has also explored. In the introduction to her 2017 book, Heartthrobs: A History of Women and Desire, historian Carol Dyhouse notes that: 

“The icons of romantic literature — Mr Darcy, Mr Rochester, Heathcliff, or Rhett Butler — were mostly, in the first instance, products of the female imagination. Movie stars and rock musicians acquire and cultivate images that in many cases have little to do with their ‘ real ’ selves. Many of the most successful ‘ romantic leads ’ in the past — Montgomery Clift, Rock Hudson, Dirk Bogarde, Richard Chamberlain, for instance — have been gay. Their performances nevertheless conjured visions of maleness which had women weak at the knees: how do we make sense of this?” 

Dyhouse continues:

What we now refer to as the ‘alpha male’ hero, rugged, square-built with a strong jawline, has never held indomitable sway over feminine emotions. Sensitive types, moody aesthetes, and men exuding androgynous charm have featured equally prominently in the cultural landscape of desire. (1-2)

Even early heartthrob’s like Rudolph Valentino’s character of “The Sheik” were #writtenbyawoman - did you know that he comes from a bestselling novel, The Sheik (1919), written by E.M. Hul (that is, my girl Edith Maud. :D  You go, Edith!) 

Dyhouse’s purview extends from soulmates to vampires to pop stars and of course to David Bowie as the Goblin King. Not a fandom book per se but well worth checking out if your areas of interest include, say, pirates, Adam Ant, or Lord Byron.  

References:

Dyhouse, Carol. Heartthrobs : A History of Women and Desire, OUP Oxford, 2017 

–Francesca Coppa, Fanhackers volunteer

#writtenbyawoman #of course :D #fanhackers #author:FrancescaCoppa

[eretzyisrael]

by Jack Engelhard

So this time it’s not 1,000 for one. Well, that’s an improvement. This time it’s 150 Arab terrorists in exchange for 50 Israeli hostages.

To some, that’s considered a win. Hey, look, we didn’t cave completely, only partly.

Did you get back all the hostages in this deal? That would have been something. But you didn’t. Abraham was also a lousy bargainer. Maybe that’s where this starts.

Frankly, I had intended to write something upbeat, especially when my IDF brothers in arms are fighting like lions inside the belly of the beast. (My guys were the Navy.)

But like you, dear reader, I am so damn depressed. Literally, where’s the light at the end of the tunnel?

I hardly hear any talk of victory any more. Mostly, the talk I’m hearing is about those “innocent Gaza civilians” and how Israel’s NUMBER ONE priority is to keep them safe.(Not Netanyahu and the government, thank G-d - they promise to go on to the end of Hamas and called its leaders "dead men walking" just last night.)

That’s the ballgame?

Secretary of State Antony Blinken thinks hardly about anything else, which is why he keeps traveling to Israel…to press the point.

There he is again this week…also to put the squeeze on Israel for “the day after,” which is a column for later.

He’s getting ready…with Biden, and the State Department…to swamp Israel ought of existence through another two-state solution, only this time with MORE land for the Arabs.

You heard that right. More land and THIS TIME they will be happy campers. Blinken is betting on this, with Israel’s money.

Which Israeli government will push back and resist? Or will it always be back to square one?

I am not confident. History tells us that leftist elements in Israel are always ready to concede for the “sake of peace in our time.” Per Neville Chamberlain.

Will it constantly be the same merry-go-round?

Nor can I forget the peaceniks who gave us Oslo, and the man, Ariel Sharon, who brought us to this pass when he gave this good Jewish land over to the Arabs. Hence, Hamas.

In earlier columns we proved that there are no innocent Gazans. They are all the same. One part does the killing, the other part does the cheering.

Dear Israel…how often will you let them play you like a fiddle? The enemy seems always a step ahead of you. Certainly the case Oct 7. Thereafter, as well.

We’re supposed to be so smart. They never produced an Einstein, and we have won 214 Nobel Prizes to their ZERO…all for what, when it comes to our survival.

Yet so often they outsmart us. We’re told that the 150 terrorists being released are really good terrorists. Quite harmless. Yet among them, we are learning, there exists car rammers, knife stabbers, suicide bombers, and outright murderers. BUT…they have been koshered by the government because they are only 99.9 percent like Hamas, not 100 percent. They did not succeed in their plans to murder Jews.

So, as of this writing, the deal is on…that is, for this group of 50…200 more to go.

Why art thou downcast O my soul? (David)

Because I know what’s coming. Hamas is going to drag this along for two years…one gift at a time…five, 10, maybe 20 hostages incrementally.

I so terribly hope I am wrong.

They can play this game down to one hostage left to taunt us with a Shalit all over again.

Meantime, the IDF will be stymied, the leadership, stalemated.

Let it not be so.

Hamas has this all figured out. Do the Israelis? How is it that Hamas gets to call the shots? Yes, Israel should have insisted on the release of all the hostages at once.

Or else, fire and brimstone of Biblical proportions. It’s what Churchill would have done…and did. Victory at all costs.

After all that, there is this: my niece Miriam, whose children live in Beer-Sheva…anyway, Miriam sends me the talks given by the Rebbe.

I listen to them every day…and they do uplift, give strength, and optimism. There shall be no despair. Israel…the Jewish People…will prevail.

Heck, I’m trying to be upbeat. Work with me.

#arab terrorists #hamas #gaza #hostages #idf #israeli hostages

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ WILLIAM'S YEAR IN REVIEW : MAY ✧• ─

3 MAY - William opened James' Place in London.

4 MAY - William held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace.

5 MAY - He received Admiral Sir Antony Radakin (Chief of the Defence Staff)

6 MAY - William attended a SportsKey session at the Doug Ellis Sports Centre in Birmingham where he was received by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of West Midlands (Mr. John Crabtree).

8 MAY - William appeared in a video address at the 2022 Bafta Television Awards as he introduced a special segment highlighting “Planet Placement".

10 MAY - William visited the the Palace of Westminster along with Cahrles and Camilla in his role as the Counsellor of State for the State Opening of the Parliament where they were received at the Sovereign's Entrance by the Marquess of Cholmondeley (Lord Great Chamberlain) and the Duke of Norfolk (Earl Marshal). Later in the afternoon, he and Catherine attended the opening of the Glade of Light Memorial in Manchester where they were received by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester (Sir Warren Smith).

11 MAY - William and Catherine were received by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire (Colonel Peter McCarthy) as they visited St. John's Primary School in Port Glasgow. They later visited Wheatley Group in Kennishead where they were received by Mr. John McLeod (Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Glasgow). They subsequently visited the University of Glasgow.

12 MAY - William visited Heart of Midlothian Football Club at Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh where he was received by Mr. Kingsley Thomas (Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh).

13 MAY - William and Catherine took part in the 2022 Mental Health Minute as they took over the radio staions for a special 60-second broadcast. He later invested Mrs. Deborah James with the insignia of a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

14 MAY - He attended the FA Cup Final between Chelsea Football Club and Liverpool Football Club at Wembley Stadium.

15 MAY - William departed for the United Arab Emirates from Heathrow Airport in London.

16 MAY - William was recieved by The Queen's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (His Excellency Mr. Patrick Moody) as he touched down at Abu Dhabi International Airport. He paid his Condolences to The President of the United Arab Emirates following the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan before flying back to the United Kingdom in the evening.

17 MAY - William held an Investiture at Windsor Castle in the morning. Later in the afternoon he presented new Colours to 1st Battalion Irish Guards.

18 MAY - William was received by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire (Mr. Ian Dudson) as he unveiled a new Submariners Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas.

19 MAY - The Duke of Cambridge recieved The President of the Republic of Colombia. He and Catherine were received by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London (Sir Kenneth Olisa) as they attended the Royal Film Performance of "Top Gun: Maverick" at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square.

24 MAY - William paid a visit to Royal Marsden Hospital in London. Later in the evening, he attended a Reception at the Cavalry and Guards Club in Piccadilly.

25 MAY - William and Catherine gave a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace along with The Earl and Countess of Wessex, Princess Beatrice and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

26 MAY - William held a Meeting for the Earthshot Prize.

27 MAY - William received the Lord Hague of Richmond and Mr. Simon Patterson (Chairman & Vice Chairman, The Royal Foundation).

28 MAY - William took the salute at the Colonel's Review of The Queen's Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade.

30 MAY - William was spotted at the Houghton Horse Trials supporting Zara who was competing in the event.

#year in review : william #year in review : 2022 #review 2022 #william review : may #british royal family #british royals #royalty #brf #kate middleton #royals #catherine middleton #duchess of cambridge #royal #princess of wales #the princess of wales #princess catherine #prince william #prince of wales #the prince of wales #uae condolence visit 22 #the duke of cambridge #duke of cambridge #duke and duchess of cambridge #my edit #my photoset #year in review

[lloyddavis]

Wednesday, 13th December 2023

On. Those. Trays. Oh Basil! # The Chamberlain Memorial and Birmingham Town Hall, from a car park between Chamberlain Square and Gt Charles St, showing the partly demolished buildings believed to be the Mason Science College (later to be the site of the 1970s Central Library) Tony Davis, 1964, I think. # Birmingham City Centre, 1964-ish I spent a little time in Flickr today, and it reminded…

View On WordPress

[ratkingszarr]

"I think they're rather pathetic." On the subject of the few living humans that, by choice, decided to serve under Cazador's rule, Astarion had a mouthful to say. But was only willing to share a small morsel of that. "Honestly, you're never going to turn them-- not into spawns, let alone fully blown vampires." A sigh, more habit than necessity, escaped the spawn as he fired another dagger at the dummy from across the room. Even Cazador, like every other vampire lord, seemed to crave private company on occasion. And far be it for Astarion to deny his master that. Not to say he hadn't tried-- and regretted it. Dearly. "They're hopeless idiots, the lot of them." The spawn scoffed, his lips curling into a crooked smile, all irony and no humour, that creased slightly at a single corner. "Prophets in hell looking for a spider's thread to haul them out of it and pull them into heaven." Helping himself to a second dagger from the nightstand's tray, Astarion, once again, launched it at the dummy-- striking it square where one would have hoped to stake a vampire through: its chest, slightly to the left, where the heart was.

@sanguisarcana

Cranky, incorrigible little brat with a wagging tongue. Perhaps a tightening of his leash was in order. He recalled not asking for the spawn’s opinion, especially on matters of newly acquired familiars. The mortal slaves that came crawling, begging, and pleading to his doorstep. Some willing, but all of them under the thrall of a vampiric charm. The promise of his gift baited in front of them like a hunter with his prey. They’d all end up dead. Either locked down, down below in the cages for his greater ambitions. The fortunate few buried burnt and charred in an errant ditch by their replacements.

They had their uses. The guards at the tower. The housekeepers on the floors. The chamberlain running the errands. All in giving the illusion of an outstanding, but reclusive noble title attributed to Cazador.Fingers fastened the buttons of his doublet. An appearance straightened as he left his most boisterous spawn alone in the bed to whine and prattle as he so oft did. A droning Cazador suffered for a century and more.

The rush of air as the dagger flung past him and into the target dummy. The compulsion kept him safe from any of Astarion’s more deadly, but foolish ambitions. This transgression. This threat would not go unanswered. A swift, but elegant flick of his wrist the vampire lord grasped the dagger’s handle. Ripped the blade free. In a movement too quick to be natural pierced the dummy over it’s non-existent lips.

A soft glow settled behind his irises as he turned. The red belayed a magic of command beneath its surface. “I scarcely recall asking for your opinion on the matter, whelp. They are mine. Same as you are mine.” A few steps and he traversed across the room. The distance evaporated between them. “Want a new sibling to join the family? The decision is not yours to make.”

“I brought you here to me not for that head of yours. Empty as it is. You’d do well, boy, to learn the meaning of silence.” It wasn’t an order. Not yet, but a threat to make it one. To snatch away those pretty little words and wit of his second created. Leave him with his dreadful, little thoughts and his sweet, little screams.

#sanguisarcana #verse: lord of the gate

[ailendolin]

Thanktival 2022 - Day 3 - Yonderland

Title: The Offer [AO3]

Characters: Mojo, Wizard Bradley & Boo

Prompt: One-Off Character

Summary: Bradley and Mojo give Boo a place to stay on Thanktival.

A/N: Young Charlie at the end is, of course, Larry's chamberlain who I named Charles in my fics and little Belladonna is that lovely Elder lady that can often be seen in the background of the Chamber scenes.

————

The Offer

Mojo groaned and stretched his arms above his head.

“What a day,” he said from where he was perched on Bradley’s right shoulder – the perfect vantage point to keep an eye on the whole square. “I can’t wait to get home and escape all this Thanktival craziness. If I hear one more person begging us to – hey, old man, are you even listening?”

Bradley hummed in absentminded acknowledgment.

With an annoyed huff that ended up becoming a vicious sneeze, Mojo turned to see what he was looking at. The square was emptying all around them but there on the other end one person stood still in a rolling sea of people, looking slightly lost. Even from this distance it wasn’t hard to recognise Boo with his white face and bright hair. He’d become a regular performer at the square these past few weeks and despite a rocky start had managed to win over the crowd’s hearts with his bright, innocent smile and rather charming clumsiness. He made people laugh with his funny nose in the same way Mojo and Bradley made them gasp in awe with their magic, and Mojo respected that. He’d grown to like the guy, awkward as he might be, and he knew Bradley had a soft spot for him as well.

Which would explain the troubled look on his wizard’s face as they watched Boo hang his head and turn to go, every now and then glancing up at the warmly lit windows and the happy families behind the glass wistfully. He looked sad in a way he never did when he performed, and terribly lonely.

“I don’t think he has anywhere to go,” Bradley said quietly.

Mojo knew exactly where this would be going when Bradley looked at him, silently begging him to understand, to agree. As if there was even the slightest chance that Mojo wouldn’t. They both knew what it felt like to have no one to turn to. The Great Wizard Hunts had robbed them of all their friends and after that they’d lost sight of each other as well, too hung up about petty things that ultimately hadn’t mattered at all.

Mojo would never wish that terrible feeling of loneliness on anyone, least of all someone who spent his days bringing joy to other people and making them laugh.

“Come on, then,” he said softly. “Let’s offer him a place to stay.”

Bradley smiled at him, all crinkly and grateful, and gently knocked their heads together. “You’re the best, Mojo.”

“I know,” Mojo replied good-naturedly before he turned his head away to cough.

They crossed the square – well, Bradley did – and managed to catch Boo just as he was turning into one of the side streets. He looked surprised when they called his name, and just a little apprehensive when they stopped him. “Mr Bradley? Mr Mojo?”

“Hi Boo,” Bradley said breathlessly, sounding a little winded from the brisk walk. Mojo, feeling another coughing fit coming on, opted for a wave. “And please, it’s just Bradley and Mojo. No need for such formalities, Boo. We’re all friends here, aren’t we?”

Boo ducked his head shyly. “That’s very kind of you to say, Mr – Bradley.”

The lad was trying, bless him, Mojo thought as the tickle in his throat became too insistent to ignore. He coughed once, twice and then a third time. Boo looked at him with a rather worried expression. “Are you quite all right?”

Mojo waved his worries away. “Just a cold. I promise I’m not contagious. Not to humans, anyway.”

“Good thing too because he’s been coughing and sneezing my ear off all day,” Bradley said with a smile that let Boo know he hadn’t minded one bit.

“Well,” Boo said. “I hope you’ll feel better soon. It’s a shame to be sick on Thanktival.”

That was the opening Mojo had been waiting for. “Speaking of which: we were actually wondering if you’d like to join us for dinner before the song contest tonight? The old man here has made enough to feed a whole army.”

Bradley had, in fact, spent the better part of the morning making potato salad – their traditional Thanktival dinner dish and something Mojo had found himself missing terribly last year when they’d been separated.

“Oh, I couldn’t intrude on a day such as this,” Boo said at once, wide-eyed . “It wouldn’t be right.”

“Do you have other plans, then?” Bradley asked, obviously not planning to give up just yet. “Someone to spend Thanktival with?”

Boo glanced down at his feet and shook his head. “Sometimes, Mr Bojangles lets me sit by his fire but I think he’s busy this year.”

It was one of the saddest sentences Mojo had ever heard. It also confirmed his and Bradley’s suspicions that Boo had no friends, no family – not even a real home by the sound of it.

“I heard he’s participating in the song contest,” Bradley said. “Coaching the Elders’ Youngers.”

“Oh,” Boo breathed and his whole face lit up with a smile. “That must mean he’s finally overcome his fear!”

He looked so genuinely happy for Bojangles in that moment that Mojo couldn’t help but wonder how such a kind-hearted person could possibly find himself all alone on a day like Thanktival. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t fair.

“Why don’t you go and watch the performance with Bradley later?” he suggested.

Bradley nodded but Boo shook his head. “I wouldn’t want to distract Mr Bojangles. His music’s important to him, you know? Even if it’s been a long time since he’s played any.”

“Then at least join us for the evening,” Bradley gently urged once more. “We have more than enough food to share and between you and me, I would feel a lot better about going to the song contest if I knew Mojo wasn’t alone while he’s sick.”

The last part, said in a lowered voice as if sharing a secret, was clearly added for Boo’s benefit. Bradley knew very well that Mojo neither minded him going to the song contest or being on his own for a few hours. He had a cold, not a life-threatening disease.

“But I have nothing to give to you in return,” Boo said, very quietly.

“Yes, you have,” Mojo said and hopped onto his shoulder. “Your company – which I would appreciate very much.”

“It would be more than enough,” Bradley added.

For a moment, Boo looked at a loss. Then, visibly battling with his emotions, he whispered a heartfelt, “Thank you. You’re being very kind.”

They spend the rest of the afternoon and evening eating, laughing and singing together. It was one of the merriest Thanktivals Mojo could remember ever having and when Boo fell asleep on their sofa just shortly after Bradley returned from the song contest, he turned to Bradley and asked, “We won’t make him leave in the morning, will we?”

“No,” Bradley said and draped a blanket over Boo with gentle care. “He’s welcome to stay for as long as he likes.”

Mojo could tell by the look in his eyes that Bradley was hoping Boo would stay forever. He wouldn’t be the first kid they’d given a home to over the years. He still remembered quite fondly when young Charlie with his injured leg and dashed dreams of becoming a knight had lived with them, and the day little Belladonna who had lost her parents and wasn’t wanted in her uncle’s home had completed their little family. She now held a seat on the Council of Elders and would be coming over for lunch tomorrow with Charlie – a Thanktival tradition of theirs Mojo was looking forward to very much after last year’s rather dreary and lonely festivities. And maybe, just maybe, Boo would be there as well, lighting up the room with his smile. He might not realise it yet but he was part of their family now. It was an odd one, granted, but Mojo wouldn’t trade it for the any of the twelve realms.

#12 days of thanktival #wizard bradley #mojo #boo #yonderland #my fic

[womentiespoolhouse]

(via Monday Motivation: Full Circle Magical Moments)

#261Fearless.org #NYCHalfMarathon #Kathrine Switzer #261Fearless #Debra Halliday Mills #Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham #Tracy Higginbotham #Adam Higginbotham #NYC #Manhattan Bridge #Times Square #Say Yes #Boston Marathon #Women Can Marathon #running #female runners #women who run #Times Square Running #Times Square NYC #running friends #Medal Monday #Motivation Monday #Monday Motivation #fitnes

[chthonicavalon]

Day 1 - Envoy

“Thank you for asking to meet, Ogawa-san,” Haruka said.  Her voice was her usual semi-monotone, bearing no emotion as befitting a samurai.  However, lordly intent filled her being, both in the cadence of her words and the emphasis on sharper consonants, as well as the intense gaze and squared shoulders.  Despite this, the Lady of the Southern River Valley bowed to her guest.  Not extravagantly so – her guest wasn’t the Ogawa lord, after all, and after what the Ogawa had done, they deserved nothing more than the slightest nod toward courtesy.  Her formal regalia, the red and black kimono and hakama with overcoat, clung tightly to emphasize the effect, made complete with the ancestral sword that was held to her side with the traditional broad sash.  Sometimes, it paid to rely on ceremony.

Ogawa Nakayori bowed more deeply.  “Thank you, Lady Uesugi,” he said.  Calm and composed, he wore similar – if simpler – garb in his clan colors, and he bore no sword despite his rank.  It was a sign of peace and respect, a sign of what they’d done to Uesugi lands in the recent past.  Indeed, the lack of a weapon on the Ogawa diplomat and the message that he was being sent was the only reason he wasn’t cut down, either by her guard or by townsfolk.  Her people had lost friends and family in that fateful attack.  Many still held grudges.

Haruka gestured toward the pillow waiting across the table that separated them and sat on her own.  Meeting in the council meeting hall provided them with a central location where both their guards could eye one another in peaceful hostility while the talks proceeded.  Braziers and crystalline lanterns provided plenty of light to see by, well enough to read and write.  Sheets of paper were set upon the table, complete with inkstones and brushes.

“I admit, I did not think I’d be meeting with you personally,” the Ogawa representative said as he knelt.  “I normally meet with a chamberlain or at times the head of the clan military.”

“I thought this important enough to handle personally.  After all, there is much to discuss.”  The Lady’s voice was steely even behind her Doman respect.  

Ogawa visibly shrank a little.  Wincing, he took a deep breath.  “Yes, well, after what occurred between our clans, my Lord will appreciate knowing you take peace so seriously.”

It was a backhanded comment, one made by someone who thought they didn’t bear responsibility for death and destruction.  Haruka bristled internally, but it never showed.  Her eyebrow didn’t even twitch.

“Of course, Ogawa-san.  After all, there remains the reparations for what was done to our home.”

Such a forward thrust left the representative on the backfoot.  He wasn’t used to such bluntness.  “Reparations, my Lady?”

“Indeed.  Your clan attacked our home, occupied our lands.”

“The Ogawa clan was answering a call for help, Lady Uesugi.”

Only then did Haruka allow herself to show emotion.  It was calculated, a vision of the simmering anger underneath.  As the wyrm inside her howled for blood, a brow finally rose.  “Truly?  We have evidence to the contrary.  Shiba?”

A door opened, sunlight shining through and glaring off the table.  Nakayori grimaced in the brightness, lifting a hand to shield his eyes.  The door was shut soon enough, however, and they were joined by a man with salt-and-pepper hair, wearing the red-and-black of the Uesugi but whose kimono bore two crests: one the twin sparrows of the clan, and the other of his family.

“Ogawa-san,” Haruka said politely.  “This is Shiba Tanemune, my magistrate and retainer.”

Ogawa dipped his head, but Shiba didn’t return the gesture.  Despite his upbringing, he let his calm anger show distinctly on his demeanor.  The attack had been on his home, which had finally known not only peace, but some semblance of normalcy.  He thumbled the pommel of his katana as he glared at the representative.  His other hand bore a dozen sheets of paper.

It was Haruka who continued.  “In our possession are the letters sent between various individuals – the clan your family swears fealty to, the headman of your family, among others – that show that such a stance is not only a falsehood, but that you were promised a portion of Xiatien for your own.  You would take our home.”  

Shiba tossed the papers onto the table where Ogawa gazed at them.  His breath caught, nerves in his eyes.  Slowly, a hand reached out and took a sheet and he read it.

“The top sheet is most damning, I would say,” Shiba muttered, his voice like stones rolling down a hill.

“So, when I say reparations, I do mean that the Ogawa – and your masters, I hope – will be ensuring that there is recompense.”

“How did you get these?” Takayori said, his voice strangled.

Haruka’s expression was stoney again.  “The loom of fate happened to bring them into my hands, and now yours.”  It was a covert threat.  If the Ogawa envoy understood who might be the weaver of said loom, he’d know his family was on thin ice.

It was also a bluff, even if a safe one.  Haruka wouldn’t give away that she had her own network of spies.

If Takayori understood, he didn’t show it.  Instead, he spoke in a much more even voice.  “The commander of the forces who came here was killed, reportedly by your wife using some profane spell.  What more could we do?”

Haruka nearly reached out and grabbed the man’s kimono.  He had the audacity to accuse Reenah of consorting with vile practices.  But again, nothing showed, her mask whole and unbroken.

“He was killed by blade, not spell, Ogawa-san, in combat for the sake of the Takko’s defense.  I trust you will clear up such misconceptions.”  It wasn’t a request, even if Haruka’s tone had become conversational.  “But to answer you more directly, your clan will share a part of your crops with the Uesugi to help with the unseasonable storms the Valley has been dealing with for some time now.  This will be the start of the reparations made by the Ogawa to the Uesugi.  And if shipments do not begin swiftly,” she gestured toward the papers, “I am reasonably certain some individuals would find all this a rather enticing read.”

The representative paled.  Slowly, he nodded.

Nodding, Haruka smiled, showing a hint of teeth.  Had she fangs like her wife, it would look genuinely vicious.  “Good.  That can be the start of the official declaration.  Now, let us speak of what else can be done.”

#haruka #haruka journal #ffxivwrite #ffxivwrite2023

[scotianostra]

August 25th 1819 saw the death of the engineer and inventor James Watt.

Born in Greenock overlooking the Firth of Clyde, Watt suffered from poor health and did not attend school regularly. Instead, he spent time in his father’s workshop, learning engineering skills and making models. He trained as an instrument maker and in 1756 the University of Glasgow employed him as an instrument maker, providing him with lodgings and a workshop.

Watt styled himself as ‘Mathematical Instrument Maker to the University’. In this role Watt was exposed to the vibrant community of experimenters and theorists in Enlightenment Glasgow. The Professor of Natural Philosophy was John Anderson, who would later go on to found Anderson’s College, which ultimately became the University of Strathclyde asked Watt to repair the University’s Newcomen steam engine and he then identified how to improve the efficiency of this machine while out walking. But as it was a Sunday, and the strictures against working on the Sabbath were still very prevalent, he had to wait till the next day before he could write it down. His idea was to separate the condenser from the cylinder and enclose the cylinder in a steam jacket.

Although Watt patented his idea, his early business had production problems and he sold the patent to a Birmingham entrepreneur, Matthew Boulton, and went into partnership with him. This proved to be highly successful and Watt retired a wealthy man in 1800.

Watt never stopped inventing right up to his death and he created a steam locomotive, a chemical document copier, advised Josiah Wedgwood on pottery processes, surveyed the Caledonian and Forth and Clyde Canals and deepened both the rivers Clyde and Forth. He also gave his name to the Watt unit of power and introduced the term “horsepower”. But it is Watt’s development of the steam engine, which was the springboard for the Industrial Revolution for which he is rightly famous.

I never realised there were so many statues to Watt until now, they are, in order, at George Square, Glasgow, The Hunterian, Glasgow, Heriot-Watt’s University Edinburgh campus, William St, Greenock, Leeds, Yorkshire, and my fave with his partner, Matthew Boulton, and subject of my post last week William Murdock, at Broad Street, Birmingham, Birmingham also boasts a second statue at Chamberlain Square, there is another in front of the People’s Palace at Glasgow Green, and one in Edinburgh in the National Museums of Scotland .St. Paul’s Churchyard, London and Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester. Further afield we have another at Montevideo Railway Station, Uruguay.

There are also busts of Watt in The National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh and The National Wallace Monument. If I have missed any out please let me know!

You can read more of James Watt’s life here

#scotland #scottish #history #inventor #engineer #industrial revolution

[gatheringfiki]

The following ficlet was written by @i-am-still-bb based on this photoset.

Britchell, Teen.

Warnings: Mentions of chronic illness and future death

You might also be able to read this story on AO3.

If you’ve enjoyed this story, please leave a comment either in replies or on AO3. :)

Ellipsism

---

Anders pulled the blanket tighter around his shoulders. The old castle was cold and damp. Ice formed fantastic patterns on the glass paned windows. He pressed a hand to the cold ice and glass. The frost melted beneath his palm and dripped down, leaving trails in the design before puddling wetly on the stone sill. He pulled his hand away to see the cold-reddened skin there. The rest of his skin was almost the color of the freshly fallen snow outside. Even to his own eyes his hands look thinner than they were only a few months earlier.

He wiped his hand on the heavy fabric of his waistcoat trying not to notice how the fabric sagged loosely around his waist. His rapid physical decline had been all his brothers could talk about when they were out from London for some hunting. Ty had tried to convince him to come to court on account of the doctors there. When Mikkel would not allow it, given that he was the one who had sent Anders away from court and back to their home in Westmoreland, Ty had insisted on staying until Mike’s orders prevented him from doing so. Anders told Ty that he was alright, that he was just under the weather, and that Ty really did belong at court. To be away from court meant risking the king’s wrath and even though the king favored their family (especially the Axl, the baby of the family) it was best to do everything they could to stay on the king’s good side.

And Anders had his own reasons for staying away. He touched the cool, clear stone that hung around his neck. A gift. The letters strewn across the desk by the window came from the same person.

A strident cry pulled his attention back to the window where he saw the castles’ crows circling and cackling at some sudden movement in the courtyard that Anders could not see. The crows left for the spring and summer, but always returned several weeks before the Christmas season began. They particularly enjoyed the south facing stone courtyard and not just because Anders had servants throw the old bread out there for the birds’ enjoyment. They had been spending time in that courtyard for as long as Anders could remember.

Raised voices came from the hall. Anders looked towards the shut door. The voices came closer and he recognized the voice of his chamberlain who was hotly protesting some intrusion. 

“Is he here?”

“He’s resting, milord, you can’t—”

“I will!”

The door was thrown open with James, the chamberlain, forcing himself between the opening and the intruder only to be shoved aside. A cold breeze came in with them. Anders’ shivered and pulled the blanket tighter.

“James, it’s alright,” Anders said. “He’s—” Anders’ words dissolved into a coughing fit. Hand pressed to his chest and voice hoarse he continued once he had caught his breath. “He can stay.”

“Milord, you’re meant to be resting and he—”

“I will still be resting if I have company,” Anders reprimanded sharply. 

James looked from Anders to the intruder skeptically. He squared his shoulders. “Do you require anything, milord?”

“Mulled wine,” Mitchell ordered. 

James stiffened.

Anders repeated the order, his throat constricting with the effort it took to not cough.

“I will bring it,” James said before leaving the room.

Anders reached for the cup of wine, chilled from sitting out, and drank deeply before addressing his guest. “What brings you here? You did not mention a visit in your last letter.” Anders looked to the letter where it lay open on his desk.

“Your brother told me that you were very ill.”

“I am not that ill,” Anders protested. He sat down on one of the wooden chairs that faced the fireplace; one hand kept the blanket in place and the other still held the cup of wine.

Mitchell frowned. He shed his black overcoat and flung it over the back of another chair. He was dressed all in black and his dark hair was wild from the ride and the wind. “Then you are the picture of health,” he said caustically, running a hand through his hair.

“It is just a cold.” 

“Anders…” Mitchell dropped into a squat in front of Anders. “You,” he rested a hand on Anders’ forearm, concern marred his face when Anders’ winced and pulled his arm away.

“Is it me?” His face closed off. “I shall leave.”

“No!” Anders dropped the blanket. “I want you here! I feel much better now that you are here.” This was a lie. Anders could feel his strength leaching from him even now, but he would never admit that. He needed Mitchell here. The pain of being apart was not worth living longer. Mitchell’s presence drained Anders, but Anders did not know if Mitchell knew of it. His concern indicated that he did not know what his presence did to others; he did wonder aloud why sickness seemed to follow him even though he never fell ill.

“I will stay, but you must lay in bed. I want you better so we can go hunting and so you can come back to court when your brother allows it.”

“I think you just want me in bed for other reasons,” Anders teased while Mitchell helped him to his feet.

“Not until you are well.”

“And if I never get well?” the words slipped from his tongue before he could stop them.

A crack in Mitchell appeared then and it broke Anders’ just a little bit more to see that. “You will get well. If you don’t I will burn everything down until someone can tell me why.” 

Anders sat on the edge of the bed. 

“Legs,” Mitchell ordered, pulling back the bed clothes.

“Only if you join me.”

“I think your chamberlain will be scandalized.”

Anders snorted. “He’s seen far worse.

“Now off.” Anders started working on the buttons of Mitchell’s waistcoat.

“Only if you promise to rest,” Mitchell said firmly, but he was already working on the button starting at the top and working down until his fingers met Anders’. 

Anders pushed the waistcoat from Mitchell’s shoulders. 

“Let me get my boots off,” Mitchell said softly, pushing on Anders’ shoulders until he was lying down. 

When James came back with the mulled wine he found them talking quietly and curled around each other in the bed. He put the tray down and left without saying a word. 

Anders’ very skin hurt. Even the gentlest touch made him want to pull away. But being there in Mitchell’s arms was more than worth not seeing the future, not seeing his brothers grow up, grow old, seeing their children. He would trade his entire future for more time with Mitchell even if it was that time that was killing him.

#Gathering 12 Days 2022 #Britchell #Anders/Mitchell #The Almighty Johnson #Being Human (UK)

[kingwilliamv]

The Duke of Cambridge’s Court Circular entries for May 2022

Total: 24 engagements

Solo:

Public: 8

Private: 9

Joint (w/ Kate and/or BRF members):

Public: 7

Private: 0

Breakdown:

May 3: Opened James’ Place, 20 Bunhill Row, London EC1

May 4: Held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace

May 5: Received Admiral Sir Antony Radakin (Chief of the Defence Staff)

May 6: Visited a SportsKey session at the Doug Ellis Sports Centre, Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham, and was received by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands (Mr John Crabtree)

May 10:

Travelled to the Palace of Westminster this morning to open the Session of Parliament and were received at the Sovereign’s Entrance by the Marquess of Cholmondeley (Lord Great Chamberlain) and the Duke of Norfolk (Earl Marshal)

Attended the opening of the Glade of Light Memorial, for victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombings, and were received by HM’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester (Sir Warren Smith)

May 11: (3)

Visited St John’s Primary School, Mary Street, Port Glasgow, and were received by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire (Colonel Peter McCarthy)

Visited the Wheatley Group, Kennishead Avenue, Thornliebank, Glasgow, and were received by Mr John McLeod (Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Glasgow)

Visited the University of Glasgow

May 12: Visited the Heart of Midlothian Football Club, Tynecastle Park, McLeod Street, Edinburgh, and was received by Mr Kingsley Thomas (Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh)

May 13: Invested Mrs Deborah James with the insignia of a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

May 14: Attended the Cup Final between Chelsea Football Club and Liverpool Football Club at Wembley Stadium, Middlesex

May 16: Paid his Condolences, on behalf of The Queen, to The President of the United Arab Emirates following the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

May 17: (2)

Held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace

Presented new Colours to 1st Battalion at Windsor Castle

May 18: Unveiled a new Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, and was received by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire (Mr Ian Dudson)

May 19: (2)

Held a meeting with The President of the Republic of Colombia at Kensington Palace

Attended the Royal Film Performance of “Top Gun: Maverick” at the Odeon Luxe, Leicester Square, London WC2, and were received by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London (Sir Kenneth Olisa)

May 24: (2)

Visited the Royal Marsden, 203 Fulham Road, London SW3

Attended a Reception at the Cavalry and Guards Club, 127 Piccadilly, London W1

May 25: Gave an Afternoon Party in the garden of Buckingham Palace

May 26: Held a Meeting at Kensington Palace for the Earthshot Prize

May 27: Received the Lord Hague of Richmond (Chairman) and Mr Simon Patterson (Vice Chairman)

May 28: Took the salute at the Colonel's Review of The Queen's Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade, London SW1

——————————————————————————

Current total for 2022: 98 engagements

#cc:may2022 #cc2022 #prince william #duke of cambridge