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alwaysmarilynmonroe · 4 years

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Today is a very special day, it’s Marilyn’s Birthday! Can you believe that if she were still alive, Marilyn would have been turning 94 years old today – just two months younger than the Queen herself! With each year I always try and write a special post about this amazing woman, who has helped me so much and achieved more than anyone could have imagined in her 36 years. Therefore, I decided to write 94 facts about the Birthday Girl – some you may know, some you may not, all in the hope that genuine things will be learnt and the real Marilyn will be more understood and appreciated.

Gladys and baby Norma Jeane spend some quality time together on the beach in 1929.

Little Norma Jeane, aged seven, in 1933.

Norma Jeane photographed by David Conover whilst working at the Radio Plane Munitions Factory in either the Fall of 1944 or Spring of 1945.

Norma Jeane by Andre de Dienes in late 1945.

Marilyn by Richard Miller in 1946.

Marilyn on Tobey Beach by Andre de Dienes on July 23rd 1949.

Marilyn by Ed Clark in Griffith Park in August 1950.

Marilyn attends a Party in Ray Anthony’s home, organized by 20th Century Fox on August 3rd 1952.

Marilyn filming The Seven Year Itch on location in New York City by Sam Shaw on September 13th 1954.

Marilyn by Milton Greene on January 28th 1955.

Marilyn by Cecil Beaton on February 22nd 1956. This was her favourite photo of herself.

Marilyn attending the Premiere of The Prince In The Showgirl at the Radio City Music Hall on June 13th 1957.

Marilyn by Carl Perutz on June 16th 1958.

Marilyn by Philippe Halsman for LIFE Magazine in October 1959.

Marilyn attends a Benefit for The Actors Studio at the Roseland Dance City on March 13th 1961.

Marilyn on Santa Monica Beach for Cosmopolitan Magazine by George Barris on July 1st 1962.

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1. Stood at a height of 5’5½”

2. Born in the charity ward of the Los Angeles County Hospital at 9:30 AM on June 1st 1926.

3. Married three times;

– Jim Dougherty: (June 19th 1942 – September 13th 1946) – Joe Dimaggio: (January 14th 1954 – 31st October 1955) (Temporary divorce granted on October 27th 1954) – Arthur Miller: (June 29th 1956 – January 20th 1961).

4. Suffered two confirmed miscarriages; an ectopic pregnancy on August 1st 1957 and miscarriage in December 16th 1958.

5. Suffered with endometriosis very badly, so much so that she had a clause in her contract which stated she would be unable to work whilst menstruating.

6. Starred in 30 films – her last being uncompleted.

7. Favourite of her own performances was as Angela Phinlay in The Asphalt Jungle (1950)

8. Winner of three Golden Globes; two for World Film Favourite – Female in 1954 and 1962 and one for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for her performance as Sugar Kane in Some Like It Hot (1959) in 1960.

9. Her idol was the first Platinum Blonde Bombshell, Jean Harlow.

10. Amassed a collection of over 400 books in her library, ranging from Russian Literature to Psychology.

11. Favourite perfume was Chanel No.5

12. Had two half siblings; Robert “Jackie” Baker (1918 – 1933) and Bernice Miracle (1919) – the former she would never have the chance to meet and Bernice was not informed about Marilyn until she was 19 years old.

13. Former Actor and 20th Century Fox Studio Executive, Ben Lyon created the name Marilyn Monroe in December 1946 – Marilyn after fellow Actress, Marilyn Miller and Monroe after Marilyn’s mother’s maiden name. Ironically enough, Ben starred with Jean Harlow, in her breakout movie, Hell’s Angels (1930).

14. Legally changed her name to Marilyn Monroe ten years later, on February 23rd 1956.

15. Attended The Actors Studio.

16. Third woman to start her own Film Production Company – the first being Lois Weber in 1917 and the second being Mary Pickford in 1919.

17. First had her hair bleached in January 1946 at the Frank & Joseph Salon by Beautician Sylvia Barnhart, originally intended for a Shampoo Advert.

18. Contrary to popular belief, she was technically a natural blonde, not a redhead or brunette. She was born with platinum hair and was very fair until just before her teen years. Her sister described her with having dark blonde hair upon their first meeting in 1944.

19. Another myth debunked – she had blue eyes, not brown.

20. Was one of the few women in the 1950s to use weights when exercising.

21. Wore jeans before it was considered acceptable for women.

22. Her famous mole was real – albeit skin coloured, so she emphasized it using a brown eye pencil.

23. Was a Step-Mother in two of her three marriages to three children – Joe Dimaggio Jr. and Bobby and Jane Miller.

24. Found out she landed the lead role in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) on her 26th Birthday.

25. Another huge myth dispelled – only actually met President Kennedy four times from 1961 – 1962. Three of them were at public events, with the last being her performance at Madison Square Garden. One of them was at Bing Crosby’s Palm Spring house with various people, so at most (which again, is very unlikely) they had a one night stand – nothing more and nothing less.

26. Was the first Playboy Cover Girl, although she did not actually pose for them, nor give permission for them to be used. Hugh Hefner bought the photograph from a Chicago Calendar Company for $500 and the two never met.

27. Speaking of Playboy, the photo was taken by Photographer Tom Kelley on May 27th 1951 and Marilyn made a total of $50 for the photo shoot. The most famous photo then went on to cause a national sensation after being sold to the Calendar Baumgarth Company and became known as, “Golden Dreams“.

28. In 1955 it was estimated that over four million copies of the Calendar had been sold.

29. Favourite singers were Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

30. Attended the Academy Awards Ceremony only once on March 29th 1951 and presented the award for “Best Sound Recording” to Thomas Moulton for All About Eve (1951) which she also starred in.

31. Performed ten shows over four days to over 100,000 soldiers and marines in Korea in February 1954 – she actually ended up catching pneumonia because it was so cold.

32. Was one of the few Stars who had Director Approval in their Contracts. Some of the names included were, John Huston, Elia Kazan, Alfred Hitchcock, George Stevens, William Wyler, Joshua Logan and Sir Carol Reed.

33. Was pregnant during the filming of Some Like It Hot (1959) – filming finished on November 7th 1958 and she miscarried the following month on December 16th.

34. Featured on the cover of LIFE Magazine seven times during her lifetime;

– April 7th 1952 – May 25th 1953 – July 8th 1957 (International Edition) – April 20th 1959 – November 9th 1959 – August 15th 1960 – June 22nd 1962

35. Favourite bevarage was Dom Perignon 1953 Champagne.

36. By the time of her death, her films had grossed over $200 million, when adjusted for inflation that is the equivalent of $2 billion in 2019.

37. Designer, William Travilla dressed Marilyn for seven of her films, two (*) of them received Oscar Nominations in, “Best Costume/Design, Color“;

– Monkey Business (1952) – Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) – How To Marry A Millionaire (1953) * – River Of No Return (1954) – There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954) * – The Seven Year Itch (1955) – Bus Stop (1956)

38. Spent 21 months of her childhood at the Los Angeles Orphanage, from September 13th 1935 until June 7th 1937.

39. Was one of the first Stars to speak out about child abuse, with her story appearing in movie magazines as early as 1954.

40. Fostered by her grandmother’s neighbours, Ida and Albert Bolender, for the first seven years of her life.

41. Lived in England for four months, during the period of filming for The Prince and The Showgirl (1957) from July 14th 1956 – November 20th 1956.

42. Her Production Company, Marilyn Monroe Productions produced only one film, The Prince and The Showgirl (1957) based on Terrance Rattigan’s play, The Sleeping Prince.

43. Was photographed by Earl Theisen in October 1952 wearing a potato sack dress after being criticized by the press for her outfit choice at The Henrietta Awards in January 1952. A journalist wrote that Marilyn was “insignificant and vulgar“and “even in a potato bag, it would have been more elegant.“

44. Was a huge supporter of LGBT+ rights, saying the following quote about fellow actor and friend, Montgomery Clift to journalist W.J. Weatherby in 1960,

“I was remembering Monty Clift. People who aren’t fit to open the door for him sneer at his homosexuality. What do they know about it? Labels–people love putting labels on each other. Then they feel safe. People tried to make me into a lesbian. I laughed. No sex is wrong if there’s love in it.”

45. Her measurements were listed as the following by her Dressmakers; 35-22-35 and 36-24-24 by The Blue Book Modelling Agency. For the majority of her life she weighed between 117-120 pounds, with her weight fluctuating around 15 pounds, during and after her pregnancies (1957-1960), although her waist never ventured past 28.5 inches and her dress size today would be a UK Size 6-8 and a US Size 2-4 as she was a vintage Size 12.

46. Her famous white halter dress from The Seven Year Itch (1955) sold for $4.6 million ($5.6 million including auction fees) on June 18th 2011, which was owned by Debbie Reynolds. The “Happy Birthday Mr. President Dress” originally held the record for the most expensive dress, when it was sold on October 27th 1999 for $1.26 million. It then went on to be resold for $4.8 million on November 17th 2016, thus regaining it’s original achievement.

47. Was discovered by Photographer, David Conover, whilst working in The Radio Plane Munitions Factory in the Fall of 1944 or Spring of 1945, depending on sources.

48. Now known as the, “Me Too” movement, Marilyn was one of the first Stars to speak out on the, “Hollywood Wolves” in a 1953 article for Motion Picture Magazine entitled, “Wolves I Have Known”. The most famous incident being with the Head of Columbia Studios, Harry Cohn, who requested Marilyn join him on his yacht for a weekend away in Catalina Island. Marilyn asked if his wife would be joining them, which, as you can imagine – did not go down well and her contract was not renewed with the Studio. Marilyn made only one film with Columbia during her six month contract, this being Ladies Of The Chorus (1948) which was shot in just ten days!

49. Loved animals dearly and adopted a variety of pets over the years. These included a basset hound called Hugo and parakeets, Clyde, Bobo and Butch with Husband Arthur Miller. A number of cats including a persian breed called Mitsou in 1955 and Sugar Finney in 1959. Her most famous pet was gifted to her in March or April of 1961 by friend, Frank Sinatra, a little white maltese named Maf. His full name was Mafia Honey, as a humorous reference to Sinatra’s alleged connections to the Mob. After Marilyn’s death, Maf went to live with Frank Sinatra’s secretary, Gloria Lovell.

50. The book she was reading at the time of her death was Harper Lee’s, To Kill A Mocking Bird.

51. One of the movies she starred in was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture and won, this being All About Eve (1950) at The 23rd Academy Awards on March 29th 1951. It ended up being nominated for 14 Oscars, a record at the time and has only been matched by Titanic (1997) and La La Land (2016).

52. Her first magazine cover was photographed by Andre de Dienes in December 1945 for Family Circle, released on April 26th 1946.

53. Joined The William Morris Agency on December 7th 1948.

54. Was right handed, not left as often believed.

55. Third Husband Arthur Miller wrote the screenplay for Marilyn’s last completed film, The Misfits (1961) which was originally written as a short story for Esquire Magazine in 1957. After the tragic ectopic pregnancy Marilyn endured in August of 1957, friend and Photographer, Sam Shaw suggested to Miller he alter his short story specifically for her. Ironically the making of this film culminated in their divorce and Marilyn stating,

“He could have written me anything and he comes up with this. If that’s what he thinks of me then I’m not for him and he’s not for me.” 56. Was Author, Truman Capote’s original choice for the role of Holly Golightly in Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961) however, she was advised to turn it down by her Acting Coach, Paula Strasberg, who did not think the role of a prostitute would be good for her image. Writer George Axelrod, who wrote the Screenplay for Bus Stop (1956) and the play, The Seven Year Itch, ironically ended up being the Screenwriter for this movie.

Capote said this regarding Marilyn,

“I had seen her in a film and thought she would be perfect for the part. Holly had to have something touching about her . . . unfinished. Marilyn had that.”

57. Second Husband Joe Dimaggio had The Parisian Florists deliver red roses on Marilyn’s grave twice a week, for twenty years, from August 1962 until September 1982. Marilyn had told him how William Powell used to do this for Jean Harlow after her death and he reportedly vowed to do the same after their Wedding Ceremony. After the 20 years he then donated to a children’s charity, as he thought it would be a nice way to honour her memory. They also created the flower arrangements for her casket at her funeral.

58. The following five Directors directed Marilyn in more than one movie;

– John Huston; The Asphalt Jungle (1950) and The Misfits (1961) – Richard Sale; A Ticket To Tomahawk (1950) and Let’s Make It Legal (1951) – Howard Hawks; Monkey Business (1952) and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) – Billy Wilder; The Seven Year Itch (1955) and Some Like It Hot (1959) – George Cukor; Let’s Make Love (1960) and Something’s Got To Give (1962)

59. Was an illegitimate child, which unfortunately was attached with a lot of stigma in the 1920s. Her mother, Gladys, listed her then husband Edward Mortenson on the Birth Certificate, although it is commonly accepted that her real father was Charles Stanley Gifford, as Gladys left Edward on May 26th 1925. Gladys had an affair with him, which ended when she announced her pregnancy and he never acknowledged or met Marilyn, although she tried multiple times over the years to speak with him.

60. Stayed in a number of foster homes during her childhood,

– George and Emma Atkinson; February 1934 – September 1934 – Enid and Sam Knebelcamp; Fall of 1934 – Harvey and Elsie Giffen; January 1935 – March 1935 – Grace and “Doc” Goddard; April 1935 – September 1935 and June 1937 – November 1937 and end of 1940 – February 1942 – Ida Martin; November 1937 – August 1938 – “Aunt Ana” Lower; August 1938 – End of 1940 and February 1942

61. Had her hand and footprints immortalized in cement at Graumans Chinese Theatre on June 26th 1953, with Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) co-star, Jane Russell. Marilyn would place a rhinestone in the dot of the letter “i” as a reference to her character, “Lorelei Lee” but it was sadly stolen. This was an incredibly special moment for her, as she often talked about placing her hands and feet in the many prints there, when she spent her weekends at the Theatre as a child, especially in 1933 and 1934.

“When I was younger, I used to go to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and try to fit my foot in the prints in the cement there. And I’d say “Oh, oh, my foots too big. I guess that’s out.” I did have a funny feeling later when I finally put my foot down into that wet cement, I sure knew what it really meant to me, anything’s possible, almost.”

62. The famous gold lamé dress worn in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) and designed by William Travilla, was deemed too risqué by the censors. Unfortunately for fans, this meant that the musical number, “Down Boy” was cut from the film and we only glimpse a few seconds of the dress from behind, on screen.

63. Due to the censors, the original, “Diamond’s Are A Girl’s Best Friend” costume was changed to the now iconic pink dress with black bow. Originally it was to be a diamond encrusted two piece, which was extremely daring for the then Motion Picture Hays Code.

64. Loved Erno Lazlo Skin Cream, Vaseline and Nivea Moisturizer.

65. Had she completed Something’s Got To Give (1962), Marilyn would have been the first Star in a major Motion Picture to appear nude on film. As she passed before it was completed the achievement went to fellow Blonde Bombshell, Jayne Mansfield in, Promises! Promises (1963).

66. Met Queen Elizabeth II in England at the Empire Theater in Leicester Square whilst attending the Premiere of, “The Battle Of The River Plate“ on October 29th 1956.

67. The Misfits (1961) was both Marilyn and Clark Gable’s last completed films. Clark died 12 days after filming finished, on November 16th 1960. The film was released on Clark’s would be 60th Birthday, February 1st 1961 and Marilyn passed 18 months later.

68. As Marilyn died before the completion of Something’s Got To Give (1962) it ended up being remade with Doris Day and James Garner, entitled, Move Over Darling! (1963). The film was originally intended to be a remake of, My Favourite Wife (1940) which starred Cary Grant.

69. Signed a recording contract with RCA Records on September 1st 1953. One of her songs from River of No Return (1954) entitled, “File My Claim” sold 75,000 copies in its first three weeks of release.

70. Was admitted to the Payne Whitney Psychiatric Clinic on February 10th 1961 by her then Psychiatrist, Marianne Kris. Originally thought to be for rest and rehabilitation, following her divorce from Arthur Miller and the strain of filming The Misfits. However, Marilyn was placed on the security ring and held against her will. Thankfully, she was able to contact ex Husband, Joe Dimaggio, who stated he would, “Take the hospital apart brick by brick” if she was not released and after three days of emotional trauma, she left.

71. Visited the following Countries;

– Canada – (July – August 1953) – Japan (February 1954) – Korea (Feburary 1954) – England (July – November 1956) – Jamaica (January 1957) – Mexico (February 1962)

72. Purchased her only home, 12305 Fifth Helena Drive on February 8th 1962, where she would tragically pass just under 6 months later.

73. The home had the following tile located on the front paving entrance saying, “cursum perficio” meaning, “my journey ends here.” The title is still there to this day.

74. Her final interview was published in LIFE Magazine on August 3rd 1962 and was written by Richard Meryman.

75. Aside from her millions of fans, had a staunch group of supporters affectionately known as, “The Monroe Six” who followed Marilyn around New York during her time there. Their nickname for Marilyn was, “Mazzie” and they became so acquainted that Marilyn actually once invited them for a picnic at her home.

76. First married at just sixteen years old, this was to avoid returning to the Orphanage she had spent almost two years in as a child.

77. Supported numerous charity events, most famously riding a pink elephant in Madison Square Garden, to support the Arthritis and Rheumatic Affections Association on March 30th 1955.

78. Left 25% of her Estate to her then Psychiatrist, Marianne Kris and 75% to mentor and friend, Lee Strasberg. For reference, her Will was last updated on January 1961 – a month before she entered the Payne Whitney Hospital on the advice of Marianne Kris.

79. At the time of it’s release, The Misfits (1961) turned out to be the most expensive black and white movie ever made, costing a budget of $4 million dollars.

80. The Premiere of The Seven Year Itch was held on her 29th Birthday, on June 1st 1955, she attended with ex Husband, Joe Dimaggio.

81. Laid to rest at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery on August 8th 1962 at 1:00 PM, with friend and mentor Lee Strasberg delivering the Eulogy.

82. Although so often associated with diamonds, actually wasn’t that fond of jewellery stating, “People always ask me if I believe diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Frankly, I don’t.”

83. Spent her 36th Birthday filming Something’s Got To Give (1962) and then attending a Charity Event for muscular dystrophy at the Chavez Ravin Dodger Stadium, which also happened to be her last public appearance.

84. Whilst recovering in hospital from an appendectomy in April 1952, Marilyn asked long time Makeup Artist and friend, Allan “Whitey” Snyder to do her makeup, should she pass before him. She gave him a gold money clip with the inscription, “Whitey Dear, while I’m still warm, Marilyn” and he did fulfill this promise to her.

85. Converted to Judaism for third husband, Arthur Miller on July 1st 1956.

86. Despite appearing in 30 films, she only actually dies in one, that being her breakout movie, Niagara (1953) where her character Rose Loomis, is strangled by her Husband George, played by Joseph Cotten.

87. Moved to New York City in 1955 and attended The Actors Studio, after breaking her Film Contract with 20th Century Fox. This was for a number of reasons, mainly years of low pay, unsatisfactory scripts and lack of creative control. A new contract would finally be reinstated on December 31st.

88. Repurchased a white Baby Grand Piano that her mother, Gladys, owned during their time living together in 1933. After Marilyn passed it would then be sold at the Christies Auction of her Estate in 1999 to none other than, Mariah Carey for $632,500.

89. Wore long hair pieces in River of No Return (1954) and a medium length wig in The Misfits (1961). The first I can only assume was due to the time period and setting of a Western and the second was due to the bleach damage her hair had suffered. After the filming in 1960, she wore the wig a couple of times in public events and then reverted back to her normal hair.

90. Like all students, it was tradition to perform in front of each other in The Actors Studio and on February 17th 1955, Marilyn acted out a scene from “Anna Christie” with Maureen Stapleton. Although it was an unwritten rule that students were not meant to applaud one another, an eruption of cheers and clapping happened after Marilyn had finished.

“Everybody who saw that says that it was not only the best work Marilyn ever did, it was some of the best work ever seen at Studio, and certainly the best interpretation of Anna Christie anybody ever saw. She achieved real greatness in that scene.”

– Actor Ellen Burstyn, on recalling Marilyn’s performance.

91. Used the pseudonym, “Zelda Zonk“, when trying to remain incognito.

92. Marilyn’s mother, Gladys Baker, suffered from Paranoid Schizophrenia and after various stays in institutions, was declared insane on January 15th 1935, when Marilyn was just 8 years old. After 10 years she was released and managed to retain various cleaning jobs and had developed an intense interest in Christian Science. However, by 1951 she was back in various institutions and would stay in the Rockhaven Sanitarium until 1967. Even after death, Marilyn continued to cover her mother’s care payments and Gladys would go on to outlive her for 22 years.

93. Favourite photograph of herself was taken by Cecil Beaton on February 22nd 1956.

94. Last professional photos were taken by Bert Stern, famously known as “The Last Sitting” for Vogue Magazine on June 23rd, July 10th and 12th 1962. Allan Grant took the LIFE Magazine interview pictures in her home, on July 4th and 9th 1962. Whilst George Barris took his photos for Cosmopolitan Magazine, the previous weekend on the 29th and 30th of June, until July 1st 1962. ______________________________________________________________________________

To those of you who took the time to read through all 3000+ words, thank you! It truly means more to me than you know and I really hope it’s shed some light on the truly special person Marilyn was and made you hold a good thought for her on her big day.

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Happy 94th Birthday Marilyn! Today is a very special day, it's Marilyn's Birthday! Can you believe that if she were still alive, Marilyn would have been turning 94 years old today - just two months younger than the Queen herself!

#1940s #1950s #1960s #angel #blonde bombshell #classic hollywood #hollywood #icon #legend #marilyn #marilyn monroe #norma jeane #norma jeane baker #old hollywood

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osdd-1bitch · 3 years

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#1: Emily's introduction:

Hallo, I guess I’ll be the first to do a little entry thing! The Computer explained it to me, and said it wanted some basic things first, so I suppose I’ll start with an introduction.

Salut! I’m a member of the Astral Assembly-or well, that’s our name for now..? It’s, well, pending approval and there’s some others that have been suggested. I personally like that one the best though.

My name is Emily! I’m a physical caretaker, though I do occasionally help out with the kids. I’m and I’m in my mid to late 20s, a cassgender girl (she/they), and a semi-frequent fronter. Though it’s all pretty fluid nowadays…

My favorite color is green, my favorite animal is butterflies, and I really like cake when it’s cold. I love drinking tea, mystery and nonfiction novels, and hiking! I’m arospec, and sapphic.

I used to be a part of the Anonymous Enclave area, and avoided that layer shift, as well as the one with the JM, so I’ve stuck with the main fronting group for a good while. My best friend is Cookie, a gatekeeper, but she is a little hard to reach right now.

I know the most French out of all of us-though that isn’t much anyways-and really love doing my/our nails! I do the showering stuff, telling people to eat, that sort of stuff! I’m not anyone super important internally, though I was an ‘honorary gatekeeper’ for a while and helped Cookie, and that was really fun. Lanuages, like I said before, are also really really fun to learn!

I mostly hang out with Sia, Mia, and Nia when I can get down there, other than Cookie of course. I’m probably closest to Mia, though all of them are nice. Nia’s just a bit loud and Sia and I just don’t have much in common.

I’m probably the most human of the system(s) to be honest. Well there are technically humanish people around, they are mostly varying levels of humanity. Claws, teeth, extra appendages, the works. I’m just a normal human person though, but I don't mind. It probably has to do with my role, well I don’t really look like the body I certainly have more in common with it than most. And since my whole job is taking care of it, it’s pretty useful to be comfortable in it, helps me stay intune and not tap out and miss something.

About the new era, I..don’t know 2co that well, I’ll be perfectly honest, but I know ACI pretty well. 2co seems like a good match to balance it out, so I hope they’ll do well working together! Things are looking up, though it's going to be a rocky road for a while. Mmm...rocky road ice cream...

I live in a sort of secluded area of the headspace, in the Cosmic Sea. It’s this weirdly moving sort of galaxy with floating islands. Mine’s a tad lower than the rest and in a place without many of the brighter stars, mostly blue ones and dwarves.

Mine’s mostly woods, with my house! Basement, kitchen, it’s pretty quaint and cozy if I do say so myself.

The woods are pretty, and the seasons change randomly. Rivers, and birds, that sort of thing!

Or well, the general ambiance of birds, since i never actually see any, so it might just be for the aesthetic.

The Cosmic Sea is part of the Plane, but it’s only connected through a big tunnel that used to be a hub, but it’s not really very active now...it’s sort of strange to walk through that place, it’s gigantic. There’s rooms full of papers, big signboards, chairs, and doors upon doors. Most are locked nowadays. I hope it comes back into use someday, I know it’d be a great help with comms, but we need to get better at that to even start using that place again...ugh.

But it’s a very scenic trip! I walk everywhere, which most people don’t bother, but it really is beautiful. I love taking in the time to appreciate it whenever I can!

I tend to follow my routes though, so i can't really tell you much about the furtherest corners of our headspace or anything like that.

I don’t front for fun much, most of the time there’s something that's been neglected that I should take care of. But I really don’t mind, I do love my role and I don’t blame anyone. Mental health is screwy, and quite a few members are pretty clueless about how the body works.

I’ve been outside of a specific subsystem, cluster, or layer for a long time now. I suspect I’ll probably keep free floating in the future. I’m unsure why there hasn’t been any other physical caretakers, since there are repeats of every other role (I think) but things are weird.

I don’t have very many outside hobbies. I would love a cat or pet, and feed some strays. Otherwise, I’m pretty easy to miss.

Some random questions I found looking around:

-Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?

Mia calls me Emmie, and a few people call me Em or just M. The last one has caused some confusion since my name starts with a E, not a M.

-What is your favorite book? Least favorite?

My favorite genre is poetry, though I love older classical books! Sheil Silverstiens collections, Jane Austen, Red Fox, Call of The Wild and White Fang, lyrical works or written in older styles. The flow of it is just beautiful and so rich with ambiance! I don’t think I’d be able to choose a specific one….

But unrelated to those two genres, I read the works of a certain mystery/horror novelist who was wonderful in crafting pretty interesting characters and dynamics of trauma and such, and doing nothing with it. Oh, and there was an incredibly frustrating lack of action, by action I mean plot important things. The mysteries had little to no build up, and if answers were given it was randomly at the end of the book if not at all. Oh, and the cleverly set up problems and things for the characters to deal with magically vanish at the end. Like, no.

It was incredibly frustrating to read, but I fell in love with the characters and the world. They deserved better plots though, it was painful.

-Favorite food?

Oatmeal cookies and tea! I could eat them forever, way better than chocolate chip. It’s not really a meal, but it’s certainly healthier than other types of cookies.

I do really love cake though, but refrigerated! Broccoli is delicious too. Ice cream is a guilty pleasure.

-Least favorite food?

Oatmeal by itself, red meat, and carrots are all gross. I don’t like most candies, they taste of chemicals or are too sweet for me.

-If you were stuck on a deserted island, what one thing would you take with you, and why?

Would a survival kit count as one thing?

If not, one of those person-sized books about survival and animals and stuff you’d drag out of the library at age 3 and read for hours.

I can make my own fun, but well I am a physical caretaker, I certainly don’t know enough survival skills to live on an island for who knows how long!

-If you were a superhero, what power would you have?

Some sort of mind control, since it’s the easiest and most nonviolent way to keep the peace. If I can just suggest people to stop doing stuff, no need for punches. It’d also be way more efficient and I would have more time to myself, and could just mindwipe anyone who saw my real identity.

Though, that’s if I needed one. I could just brainwash people well casually hiding somewhere, rather than have to learn what spandex feels like. Seriously, I understand the want for a good aesthetic, but some of these costumes are shamefully ugly...I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing outside underwear in public, thank you very much

That’s all for now I guess. Next time I want to call up some of the other caretakers and do a bit of an introspective, maybe I can get a hold of Cookie too..

And probably find Scatter, we have a bit in common in our exclusion from the normal laws of syssics (system physics)!

I've actually posted here once or twice if you would believe that! Maybe I'll sign some posts? Either way, see you!

Emily (9/11/21)

(Ooh, bit of an ominous date.... Well, cant be helped I guess.)

(Partially transcripted by Liam)

#+emily #+1 #+about #+relation #+quirks #+role #+introduction #personal #mental files #txt

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luthien-t · 4 years

Text

Resurfaced Memories. Chapter Eight.

Summary: Being the goddess of Victory, Sigyn. You Devoted your eternal love to Loki, but ever since his reveal of being the Jotun, Odin decides to separate you both to prevent all chances of him seizing the throne. Casted -More like banished- to Midgard with no memories of your previous life, you believe you are the same as the ones around you, the midgardians. You gave yourself the name Y/n. With plenty of help and guidance you finally have a life, what will it be of Loki when he finds you during his trips with his brother?

warning: swearing, angsty? messy grammar.

A/N: Hello! This is a bit of a slow chapter and not much happening in it, im currently stuck between two alternatives in the next chapter so ill just post this one here thank u very much. I also just realized that the taglist wasnt working from my side so im so sorry for that

1.2+K

A loud sigh left Lokis lips as he stared at Heimdall. “Perfect timing.” He forced a venomous smile on his lip, watching Heimdall locking the Bifrost. “How you were capable to pass by me, without my eyes seeing is beyond me.” Loki smirked and walked away from him.

“I see Odin requested me?” Loki held his hands behind his back as he stalked towards the gate of the Bifrost, ready to leave.

He was furious, anger was burning inside him, just when the answer was at the tip of his fingers, his so-called father found a way to take it from him.

His mind was analysing everything, this only confirms his theory even more. The answers are just piling up in front of him from his fathers doing.

Heimdall remained silent, watching the guards approach Loki with their weapons out and handcuffs ready. Loki only smirked and walked towards them, readying himself for the words Odin has prepared for him.

You were sitting on your couch, a soft sob escaping your lips. You were overwhelmed by this, none of it made sense. Why would he leave when he was finally getting what he wanted? And why were disappointed at all of this? You collected your stuff and walked out of the house, practically jogging back to the shop, wiping your tears quickly on the way.

Linda saw you from the windows and rushed to you when you walked into the shop, her arms open towards you and her face carried a heavy frown. “Oh sweetheart” And just like that, her comforting nickname brought tears into your eyes, the whole day you have been trying to keep yourself collected and calm, but the minute he left you just couldn’t hold this facade anymore. “Would you like to talk about it?” She said as she led you to a seat, and as if luck was on your side, the shop was empty with only a few costumers seated, doing their work while minding their business. You looked at her, a concerned frown was on her face and you took a breath in, trying to stop crying.

“He left again, Linda. He was going to” Your hands were around you mimicking what a magician would do and then continued “but he left.” Your voice broke in the end, another sigh leaving your lips as she rested a hand on your shoulder. You know Linda wouldn’t understand what you meant but that didn’t stop her from being angry at him. “Fuck him, he’s just messing with you, I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt but now he’s just messing.” She said, you can hear the anger drip from her words and you shrug. “He’s gone now, I shouldn’t worry much, but why now? I mean if he just continued to ignore me that would’ve been enough” You say. If he hadn’t returned, you wouldn’t be feeling this way, your life would go on normally and you would proceed without any worry.

But now? Everything he said was in a loop, stuck inside your head. Linda offered to give you the rest of the day off but you shook your head, you’re not going to let a small hiccup ruin your day.

“Was my presence missed, Odin?” Loki chuckled, clicking his feet together as he stared at Odin, a silent reaction was all he got. The tension was getting thicker in the throne room. “Couldn’t leave me be for a day, my dear father?” Loki smirked up, his hands clamped together while his wrists were chained. “You have abandoned all meetings, disrespected me and now disobeyed my orders, for a mortal?” Loki swallowed and the expressions on his face were now still, he watched as Odin sat up from his throne and tighten the grip on his staff. “So you do know?” Loki asked, exposing half a smirk through his harden demeanour. “Does mother know? Does she know if your little trick of sending my love away?” Loki whispered up at Odin, noticing how his knuckles turned white around the staff while his face remained calm.

“Guards, take him to his cell.” That was all he said, that was all he needed to say for Loki to furrow his eyebrows. “I have done nothing wrong, it is you who should be rotting in a cell!” He screamed at his father while the guards pulled him away. Odin gave no reaction as he watched Loki leave the room.

Loki huffed and walked with the guards to whatever dungeon they are taking him to, he saw his mother on the way, how her smile fell at the notice of the shackles and guards, he watched her feet pick up the pace towards the throne room and rolled his eyes, readying himself for longer days.

Has it been days? Weeks? Loki wasn’t aware of how long he has spent in this wretched cell, his mother always sent him books and changed the interior of the cell for his liking but never saying a word to him, Thor never visited and he always watched the guards introduce new criminals every couple of days. Thinking of an escape plane was useless since everything was used against him in here.

“Have you lost your mind?” A voice brought him back to reality and he turned his head towards it, it was Thor. “Define lost.” He replied. “Father just informed me of your actions… for a mortal?” He chuckled. “And to think, you’re the same person who ridiculed me for loving Jane” A smile was still printed on Thors face as he looked at Loki through the electric glass. “Are you here to mock me, brother?” Loki sat up from his bed, his head down but his eyes on Thor. “I thought you enjoyed our little banter!” Thor beamed and Loki rolled his eyes. “No but on a more serious note, I am here to understand.” Loki raised an eyebrow at Thors sudden change and looked at him, really looked at him.

“Understand what? I went to see her, Heimdall brought me back here and that is it.” Thor held his chin, he always does that when he is in deep thought.

“Even when father ordered you not to?��

“Oh but he didn’t” Loki smirked before laying back down on his bed.

“I just simply read between the lines.” This time he shrugged, casually.

“Loki? You barely know her.”

“Brother, I am sure of it, Odin wouldn’t go to this extent to stop me unless he is hiding something! Just when I was close to finding out, I find myself back here? And in shackles!” He ran a hand through his hair and sighed, all of this keeps adding more and more confusion to him, he is sure of it but why would all of this happen? Why would Odin even do this? He understands that his father was never really proud of anything that he did but why stop him?

“I will fix this, Loki.” Thor broke the silence and looked at Loki one more time before walking away and Loki sighed, knowing that nothing Thor will do is going to fix this. All he can think about is how to prove his innocence to you.

taglist: @jessiejunebug , @hellethil , @lady-loki-ren

#Loki Laufeyson #loki #loki odinson #loki fanfic #loki fic #loki x reader #loki x you #loki x y/n #loki x female reader #loki x sigyn #Loki Laufeyson x Reader #loki laufeyson x you #loki layfeyson x reader #loki odinson x reader #loki odinson x you #loki odison x reader #loki of asgard #loki oneshot #loki of jotunheim

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soulbiind · 3 years

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Carol Susan Jane Danvers AKA Captain Marvel - #2 hero in America

Past Aliases: Ace, Binary, Carol Daniels, Captain Whiz Bang, Cheeseburger, Major Danvers, Ms. Marvel, Warbird

Carol Danvers was born and raised in a Beverly suburban community to the north of Boston, Massachusetts. She was the youngest of three children after Stevie and Joe, Jr.. Her father was physically abusive to her half-brothers. When her father built their Cape Cod summer home, Carol insisted on working as hard as her two older half-brothers, trying to appear equal in her father's eyes. A voracious reader, she dreamed of becoming an astronaut and traveling to distant planets; as a teen she even hitchhiked to Cape Canaveral to view a launch there. Her father, however, could not accept women as men's equal, and when financial troubles meant he could only send one child to college, he chose Steve despite Carol's superior grades. He also dismissed her need for a college education and wanted her to find a good husband instead.

She turned 18 just a few months later, and the following day she turned her back on her father and joined the Air Force, intending to be a pilot and to get a college degree via the military. Her brother Steve's death in military action would eventually draw Carol back to her family, but she still never felt truly accepted by her father. She quickly rose to the top of her Air Force class, taking the call sign "Cheeseburger". While flying an experimental jet through Arabic air space, however, Carol was shot down and captured by a man named Ghazi Rashid, who tortured her for several days. She managed to escape (despite a broken leg and serious injuries), reach a CIA safe-house in the area, and provide key information to the intelligence community.

The traumatic experience set off a chain reaction and over the next few weeks her quirks manifested. She was sent into intense training to learn how to control her quirks and afterwards joined a group called The Avengers. The military background played a key role in not only her training but her popularity as she quickly rose to the number two spot in America. With the state of the American Hero Systema she’s uprooted herself and moved to Japan to help with the rise of activity there. She’s also taken up a teaching job at U.A. High to help train the next generation of Hero’s. She helps with both combat training and teaching English.

Quirks:

Enhanced Physical Abilities

Superhuman Strength: Carol is super-humanly strong, though her specific level of strength has varied over the years. She is currently listed at a normal level of roughly Class 50, half her original strength as Binary. However, since she is able to absorb and manipulate various types of energy, she can use this redirected energy to temporarily increase her physical strength to near-Binary levels, or Class 100+. Currently, her strength level at its resting rate allows her to support well over 100 tons, as she was able to support the weight of dead Celestial as one fell to Earth.

Superhuman Stamina: Carol's musculature produces considerably fewer fatigue toxins during physical activity than an ordinary human. As Binary, she could physically exert herself at peak capacity for about 24 hours before fatigue began to impair her. She was reduced to roughly half this capacity after losing her Binary powers. However, she is capable of channeling absorbed energy to further increase her stamina to higher levels

Superhuman Durability: The tissues of her body are considerably harder and more resistant to physical injury than those of an ordinary human. She is capable of withstanding high caliber bullets, great impact forces, falls from great heights, exposure to temperature and pressure extremes, and powerful energy blasts without sustaining any injury. While channeling the energy she has absorbed, her body's resilience is extended to an even greater degree.

Superhuman Agility: As Binary, Carol's agility, balance, and bodily coordination were enhanced to levels significantly beyond the natural limits of the human body.

Superhuman Reflexes: As Binary, Carol's reflexes were heightened to the point of being virtually instantaneous.

Flight Carol is capable of propelling herself through the air and the vacuum of space at tremendous speeds. Although her top speed is unknown, she flew at three times the speed of sound for several hours, so it is likely she can go much faster.

Space Flight: As Binary, Carol was capable of surviving unaided in the vacuum of space for indefinite periods of time. After first losing her Binary powers, Carol proved incapable of achieving orbit or surviving unaided in space. However, she was highly intoxicated when she attempted to do so, which may have hampered her progress. She has since proved capable of surviving and fighting in the vacuum of space, only requiring an air supply to do so

Flash Precognition (a.k.a. Cosmic Awareness/Hyper-Cosmic Awareness): As Ms. Marvel, Carol was subconsciously able to anticipate the moves of her opponents, though this power activated randomly, making it unreliable. After Rogue robbed her of her powers, she was subsequently transformed into Binary. After her Binary powers faded, it seems that Carol's Seventh Sense returned.

Regenerative Manipulation: Captain Marvel boasts a healing ability which she can consciously push to an extant, boasting a healing factor supplemented by absorbed energy. A facet of which was gifted unto her when part of the central nucleus of a techno-organic alien named Cru had physically merged with her. This facility also bolsters the potency of her metabolism, allowing her to quickly regenerate from catastrophic wounds such as nuclear detonation, genetic disruption even brood infection. Her newfound recovery abilities had the added bonus of restoring lost biophysical facilities; like her ability to shift between Binary and Carol at will.

Contaminant Immunity: Carol's regenerative powers are so potent that she has a greater degree of immunity to toxins, diseases and/or poisons. Even being able to resist embryonic infection by the brood after a second attempt by one of their queens.

Decelerated Aging/Conventional Immortality: Dr. McCoy brought up how these new healing abilities put those of Wolverine to shame. Stating that her regen powers would keep Ms. Danvers in her prime forever.

Healing: Like her accelerated healing factor, Carol is able to rapidly heal others by focusing different forms of energy into their body, thereby greatly boosting their healing processes.

Energy Manipulation: Much like her namesake predecessor, Captain Marvel can control, absorb, and manipulate various types of energy to be discharged however she sees fit. Over the years, Carol has become an expert at modulating the various aspects of re-purposed energy at her disposal, even learning some new tricks from her alt. counterparts during her life as a super heroine.

Energy Absorption: Her body is capable of absorbing various types of energy for the purpose of temporarily enhancing her own physical attributes. She can augment her strength and energy projection up to the force of an exploding nuclear weapon. If empowered by enough energy, she can assume her Binary form again temporarily.

Photon Blasts: Carol can fire powerful concussion blasts of photon and stellar light energy from her hands and fingertips.As with a doppelganger of hers, Ms. Marvel can potentially discharge her energy from the eyes as well.

Molecular Manipulation: By channeling the absorbed energy, Carol is able to manipulate and alter matter and energy on a molecular level. She can use absorbed energy to transform her regular clothing into her costume and vice-versa. (This is an ability she once possessed as Ms. Marvel. Carol did not demonstrate the ability as Binary, it only resurfaced after her powers were reduced and she began going by Warbird.)

Matter Transmutation: By using her molecular manipulation, She is able to alter and reform matter and energy around her.This allows her to create and absorb matter and energy, shape, and rebuild it into anything of her choosing.

Energy-Construct Creation: As Captain Marvel, Carol has used her energy powers in more creative ways: She was able to create an energy barrier around a blast cannon which choked up the works until its internal structure violently ruptured from the inside out.She can even shape her stored energy into more practical shapes, like razor blades of pure energy to slice and sear with.

Self Sustenance: Captain Marvel proved time and again she can survive without need for eat, sleep, breath or rest by thriving the ambient energies within her surroundings. Capable of thriving perfectly within the cold recesses of deep space with little to no discomfort at all.

Abilities

Experienced Spy: Carol is an experienced spy, having worked various undercover operations for Air Force Intelligence.

Multilingual: Carol is fluent in English, Russian, Japanese.

Master Pilot: Carol is an accomplished pilot, having extensive experience with USAF planes.

Master Combatant: She is extensively trained in armed and unarmed combat through military combatives.

Talented Journalist: Carol is a talented journalist excelling as a freelance writer and magazine editor

#.° ☾ °. carol danvers ‹ ch study. ›

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keybored-spame-cooper-blog · 4 years

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a Disney princes

Roman has always and always well love Disney when he was little he wanted nothing more than to be like his favourite beautiful brave and smart Disney princess his mum and dad would always call him there little prince but something about that never felt quit write with him it always felt of. He wanted to be a princess. When roman was 10 years old around Halloween him and his brother Remus where talking about their Halloween costumes “I hope mum and dad let me go as sum think scary this year!!” Remus said loudly

“Well this year I want to go as a Disney princess” roman said almost shyly Remus pause for a second then sad “cool what one!!”

“Merida!”

“Cool lets go tall mum!!!” said Remus excitedly they jump of the couch and run to the kitchen where their mum was there making dinner. “Hey mum can I go as a zombie for Halloween this year!!?!” Remus almost screamed, whit out looking away from what she was doing she calmly stated “yes dear you can” roman a bit more nervously Roman sad “can I go as a Merida from brave this year” his mum pause then trend around take a deep breath and started yelling at him saying “you are a boy you need to act like one” and “where the fuck did you get that idea form” and names like “stupid” “useless” and “fag” , roman was crying at this point her run to his room Remus chasing after him having witness the whole thing, but roman was quicker then him, he made it to his room. roman hared a soft knocked on his door he quietly sad go away to however was there Remus said in a sing song vice “I heard a com in~” Remus looked at Roman crying on his bed “hey don’t listen to mum ok she a fucking bitch anyway” Remus sad as he sat done next to his brother roman looked at him they had the same brown hair and freckle but there eye were differ colours his where a deep brow his brothers bright green not to machine Remus was always dirty or cover in pant or mud. He smile slightly knowing his brother hade his side. It was now the day of Halloween Remus was a Zombie. The boys had formed a plane, you see they were got to their friends Logins house with their friends Patton, Virgil, Janes and Tomas. Remus sad he brooded a Merida costume for a friend but let’s be real her he probably stole it. They securely poet the costume in there bag and went to their friends house, they knocked on the doer login opened it, Remus hug him so hare he feel over on him they all began lathing. Sone there parent’s had left Roman and Remus tale the other about there plane and sone Roman was in his costume and they whet trick or treating went home and played truth or dear together. Sum highlight from the game include a dear for Remus to slip with login theta night (he did) Roman to dance with Virgil (Virgil refuse to dance so Roman did it by himself). At school Roman would mostly play “girly” games like princesses and princes but he wanted to be the princesses instead of a prince people would make fun of him Remus would stand up for him, but around the age of 11 he decided to “fit in” he played more sports and for a while it worked he “fitted in” but around the age of 15 he got his first phone he discovered social media he code be however he wanted he also discovered the word transgender roman realised that he likes she/her pronouns she doesn’t know what to do she know that her parent’s won’t accept her so she decides to tell her brother Remus. So one night when she and Remus are home alone and up late playing video games Roman say “you know how I have always wanted to be a Disney princess”

“Yes”

“well….”

“you what to be a girl…”

Roman starts to cry and node “well you well always be my sister” sad Remus hugging her

“Thanks”

“So when are you going to tell are parent’s”

“I don’t know”

Remus looked down “Remus” said Roman

“You tilled me a secret so I’m going to tell you a secret”

“ok?” sad Roman confused

“I’m gay….”

“I know it!!”

“Oh”

They both started lathing “so what do you want me to call you?”

“I don’t know”

“Ok how about…. Rose!”

“Yer I like theta”

“Ok then Rose”

When they were 16 they decide to come out together and if there parents didn’t accept theme, they were going to move in with their boyfriends so one nightie at diner, Remus said “mum dad I’m gay….”

“There was silent”

“I’m trans” said Rose

“out” sad there dad

“W-wh-at” said Remus

“OUT! GET OUT! GO PAKE YOU ARE NO LONGER WELCOME HEAR!! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!!”

Rose got up whit out saying a word “fine” said Remus that nigh they packed there bag and left they moved in with their boyfriend’s. Rose tell her boyfriend Virgil she’s Trans he accepts her father that Rose and Remus never saw their parent’s again.

#sander side #trans roman #trans girl roman #sander side intrulogical #sander sides prinxiety

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fantasmagoriie · 4 years

Text

Carol Susan Jane Danvers AKA Captain Marvel - #2 hero in America

Past Aliases: Ace, Binary, Carol Daniels, Captain Whiz Bang, Cheeseburger, Major Danvers, Ms. Marvel, Warbird

The traumatic experience set off a chain reaction and over the next few weeks her quirks manifested. She was sent into intense training to learn how to control her quirks and afterwards joined a group called The Avengers. The military background played a key role in not only her training but her popularity as she quickly rose to the number two spot in America. With the decline in villain activity in the United States she’s uprooted herself and moved to Japan to help with the rise of activity there. She’s also taken up a teaching job at U.A. High to help train the next generation of Hero’s. She helps with both combat training and teaching English.

Quirks:

Enhanced Physical Abilities

Superhuman Agility: As Binary, Carol's agility, balance, and bodily coordination were enhanced to levels significantly beyond the natural limits of the human body.

Superhuman Reflexes: As Binary, Carol's reflexes were heightened to the point of being virtually instantaneous.

Healing: Like her accelerated healing factor, Carol is able to rapidly heal others by focusing different forms of energy into their body, thereby greatly boosting their healing processes.

Abilities

Experienced Spy: Carol is an experienced spy, having worked various undercover operations for Air Force Intelligence.

Multilingual: Carol is fluent in English, Russian, Japanese.

Master Pilot: Carol is an accomplished pilot, having extensive experience with USAF planes.

Master Combatant: She is extensively trained in armed and unarmed combat through military combatives.

Talented Journalist: Carol is a talented journalist excelling as a freelance writer and magazine editor

#☾ ━ .*. my hero academia verse » ( carol danvers. )#my page is messed up for some reason???#I need to fix the links not showing up #but also for now just have a page with her hero verse

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keepingupwithfundies · 5 years

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BuB 816: A Very Medieval I Love You Day

It’s “I Love You Day” for the Bates family, and a ski trip and gender reveal are featured during the weekend.

-T

It is Valentine's Day, and Alyssa and Kelly are cleaning the kitchen of a cabin talking about games. Josie is pregnant, Carlin is engaged, and there is a lot going on. Whitney, her kids and Carlin arrive at the cabin. Alyssa says it is a special time to come home and catch up with everyone.

The couples dinner will be upstairs in the cabin and will have traditional Valentine decor. Downstairs will have a castle theme. Kelly reminds us that they do themes to remember a lesson, and recalls the Farm theme (family focused, particularly honoring the grandparents) and the "growing old together" theme. This year she has decided on chivalry. The boys are focused on the knights and Robin Hood as well as treating ladies with class.

There is a skii trip with the family but Whitney, Alyssa and Erin want to stay with their kids. Carlin says Evan is coming and it never gets old anticipating his arrival. Carlin is 100 days out for the wedding and Carlin is grateful for her long engagement to give her time to get stuff done. She does not have a venue yet, and Erin says that churches are cheaper but venues are prettier. Carlin agrees that a venue is the right fit for her.

The girls set up tables and discuss Michael moving back. This weekend they will look at a house they found back in the area. Erin is excited since they were so close growing up. There is a rumor going around about Trace seeing a girl who might surprise them this year. They expect Trace to surprise them at the couples dinner. The sisters agree Trace is quiet and there is a chance there is something going on there. They conclude set up.

Josie and Kelton are having their sex reveal ultrasound and they will not be finding out. Josie has convinced him to have a gender reveal party during Valentine's Day since everyone will be in town. The tech will write it in an envelope. They see a 4D picture of the baby and hear the heartbeat. Josie asks Kelton to guess and he says he doesn't know. Josie thinks it's a boy; Kelton isn't sure. Gil and Kelly are looking forward to all finding out together at the party.

As part of the celebration, a crew heads to North Carolina to go skiing. The Bates family has been enjoying these trips more often these days. At the rental store, most of the boy choose snowboards. Nathan picks skis, and Lawson tells him "real men" use boards. Trace agrees, and calls it "sissy". Nathan sticks to his guns, and says they'll see who is at the bottom first. The Bates family takes to the mountain and has a blast. John is nervous the whole time he boards since he has his girls depending on him.

Nathan and Lawson are actually having a race, and they head down the mountain. Lawson says he was disadvantaged by his snowboard with no sticks. He makes excuses about how the odds were against him going into this race.

At lunch, they chat about the Couples Dinner and reminisce about when Nathan dressed as a girl for the couples table. This year they won't do this. Trace declines to comment, and then they prepare to go back out on the hill. They have a good day skiing, and it will be a new tradition, they conclude

The couples dinner is underway, and the couples prepare to cook together. It is chicken night, and there will be chicken parm and one pot chicken. Perdue has GRACIOUSLY sponsored the Bates with some pre-breaded chicken for the chicken parm. They are super easy, they gush, and probably saved one hour. Zach does the one pot easy chicken. There is also more pre-diced chicken which Perdue has BLESSED the Bates family with, which is so easy, and Zach goes to work. Erin and Carlin make skillet chicken artichoke dip. Carlin is trying to learn to cook before her wedding. Carlin is struggling with the dip, and Zach adds more liquids to save the day. Carlin is still proud of her efforts as they complete the dish and go get ready.

The other couples arrive as they finish cooking and Evan is amazed by Carlin in her red dress. The dip is a hit. Everyone is waiting to see if there is a surprise addition to the party. Kelly kicks off the dinner by reminding them about the costume contest tomorrow. You can come "dressed or not dressed" Kelly says, causing her children to laugh. She meant, of corse, in costume or not in costume, but now I'm said there wasn't a nudist appearance.

Michael and Brandon arrive late after their drive, and everyone is thrilled to have them home. There were no surprises, and Kelly says she will surprise them next year by inviting someone for them.

It is "I Love You Day" and the costumes are out and about. Everyone looks a little different but and they take lots of photos. Michael made her dress, and her family is duly impressed and supportive of her. Lots of pictures are taken, and Trace does indeed show up with a girl. Trace says he did surprise the family with a friend. Her name is Chaney, and they met in Colorado skiing and have kept in touch since. Kelly says this is a sweet time of year to bring someone to meet the family. They ask Taryn, the photographer, and Chaney to judge together. Trace is nervous about Chaney as a judge, worried she will make enemies. Papa Bill and Mama Jane go first, and then Zach and Whitney- he is inspired by Mark Twain to be a cowboy in medieval times. Michael really wants to win as she never wins. Alyssa also thinks she is best dressed, and Evan and Carlin are also a big hit. Evan is fully in character. Taryn and Chaney are in a big situation, and they pick prizes. Michael ends up winning, and she is so happy. Trace is impressed with Chaney's judging.

It is time for games. Costumes are removed, and the guys "joust" or hit each other with large, inflatable sticks which immediately break and they move on to the cookie face game, where you put a cookie on your forehead and have to get it to your mouth without using your hand. Then, girls have to shoot an apple off their SOs head with nerf arrows. There is a lot of "ows" and laughter during that game. It was a great time, and always nice to have a new addition.

The next day, at the clubhouse at Josie & Kelton's apartment, everyone is guessing. They're a lot of boy guesses, but Jackson wears a bright pink blazer to show his guess. The little girls think girl, the little boys agree. Evan says boy, Carlin says girl. Everyone writes their guess on the board. Kelton says it is hard to be the focus of attention at this party. The ballon comes out, and they are nervous.

Josie holds the balloon, and Kelton guesses girl, Josie says boy, and Kelton prepares to pop the balloon. Everyone is ready to know. Kelton pops it, and it is pink. They hug, and everyone cheers. Josie is shocked it is not a boy, but she is excited to have a girl. The family reacts, but overall they are excited for their new addition. Everyone guesses the name based on the letters in a bag. Carlin gets it: Willow Kristy. Kelton says Willow means "graceful" and Josie loves it and Kristy is after his mom. Mr. Balka is very touched, and so is the entire family. Kelton and his dad embrace, and then he gives Kelly and his grandparents a big hug. It is a very sweet moment. Kelly says God has big plans for this special little girl. Gil says this weekend has been full of joy, and he is so glad everyone was back together.

Coming Up the Season: Katie is flying a plane, Tori is moving back home, Carlin tries on dresses, and gets married.

#BuB Season 8B #recap #Bringing Up Bates

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californiadreaminghq · 5 years

Photo

Oh good, you made it!

Did you guys know Mandi was coming? She brought Carmen Ridley, The Night Flyer! And just on time! Grab a drink, find a spot, and make sure you finish everything on the checklist. The band is just getting started – you have 24 hours to send in your account! We’re so glad you’re here!

I. OUT OF THE STUDIO

NAME/ALIAS: Mandi

AGE: 21

PRONOUNS: She/Her

II. ON STAGE

NAME: Carmen Ridley

FACE CLAIM: Katherine McNamara

AGE: 25 (will age up to 26 if Jane Levy ends up being the FC)

TITLE: The Night Flyer (From Fly by Night by Rush)

DREAM: Carmen’s dream is to join a band or even establish her own. She’s a bit of a musical genius, having mastered the guitar and cello from a young age, and going on to discover her love of singing and the bass. After leaving her sleepy hometown in rural Pennsylvania, Carmen is on the hunt for any opportunity to showcase her musical talent.

OCCUPATION: Crew member of Violent Vale. Has a part-time job at Wichita Wishes.

III. INTERVIEW

Answer the following questions in your character’s voice:

If you could do anything in the world for a living, what would it be?

“Play my music and tell my stories. I don’t care if I have to start a band on my own from scratch, sitting in some garage and living a starving artist’s life. Hell, I’m already a starving artist. Give me a stage and a voice and I’ll sing for the world.”

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

“Oh, Rome would be awesome. Just think of all the art and culture. That’s where the Colosseum is, right?”

What is one thing that makes you different than anyone else?

“I get things done. I’m not like all those people who sit around and refuse to let their dreams carry them. I left everything behind and risked it all just for a chance at success. I’m not there yet, but wait a few years and I will be.”

IV. BACKSTAGE

BEHIND THE MUSIC: Carmen Elizabeth Ridley was destined to be a musician from the moment she was born. Her mother had played piano for their church every Sunday since she was a teenager, while her father played guitar in a bluegrass band. Her older sister faithfully studied the violin, her younger sister chose the piano, and Carmen was trained on the cello from the moment she could hold a bow. She grew up in Tionesta, a sleepy town in northwestern Pennsylvania with a mere 700 residents and little to occupy her time. After begging her father to teach her guitar, Carmen began to save up her meager allowance until she could afford her own child-sized guitar. Music was Carmen’s first love and greatest passion, though she also enjoyed painting, often on the back of her family’s barn where only the cows could witness her talent. Though she excelled in music and art, Carmen was a poor student whose mind wandered during class and whose sharp tongue landed her in detention frequently. With two model daughters headed straight for college and one who barely finished high school, Carmen’s parents could only shake their head at their middle child, wondering what went wrong.

Carmen had no interest in higher education or fancy degrees, instead opting to work at the town’s hardware and gun store where she met John. His calm, reserved nature drew her in and the two became friends, then something more. The couple shared a love of the outdoors, a passion for guns, and they even attended the same church across the street from where they worked. At last, Carmen’s parents appeared to approve of something she had done. John delighted them and put the hope of a future marriage on the table, but Carmen cringed at the thought. Though she adored John, every time he spoke of building a house for her and their future children where they could live for generations, a restless feeling emerged in the pit of her stomach, though she didn’t understand why.

After years of being unable to make friends, Carmen found herself being welcomed among John’s friends. Though she remained committed to John and was very much in love with him, Carmen found herself growing close to Shawn, an oddity among the mechanics and farmers of the group. Shawn owned a record store in the next town over and allegedly, was attempting to start a metal band, garnering Carmen’s interest more than she would dare admit. She was content with John and the ordinary life they shared, even as she found herself tolerating him more than she enjoyed him. His love of cars was downright dull, his country music paled in comparison to heavy metal, his chewing tobacco disgusted her, and he was always a little too…conventional for her taste. It was then that Carmen began to spend more time with Shawn, not in a romantic sense, but as the brother she never had. The two collaborated on a number of songs, with Shawn composing the lyrics while Carmen put them to music. The legendary summer of ‘69 was the happiest one Carmen had experienced thus far. After a long day of work where she and John would sneak off behind the dumpster during breaks, she crept off to join Shawn in his garage, drowning out the sounds of the crickets at night with wailing guitars loud enough that the neighbors complained.

Then the news arrived that Shawn and Carmen’s favorite band, Violent Vale, was moving to New York City. Though Carmen’s family detested “the devil’s music” and couldn’t determine Led Zeppelin from Judas Priest, the Ridley household was abuzz. Carmen’s estranged uncle worked as the stage manager for Violent Vale and, at last, would be back in the States for the first time in years. As her family sat around the dinner table and questioned why her uncle would involve himself with a satanic cult of British druggies, an idea began to come to her. Just a week before, John had proposed to Carmen with a ring and a promise of a hopelessly ordinary life in Tionesta until they had enough babies to fill the house he had built for her in secret. She panicked, seeing no way out except to head to New York, find her uncle, and beg him for a job. It was only a few hours of a drive, and if working with the stage crew flopped, she and Shawn could build enough connections to turn their band into something worthwhile. After bringing it up to Shawn, he declined, refusing to run off with his friend’s fiance even if there was nothing between them. An argument broke out and ultimately, Carmen stormed out, grabbing only her guitar and leaving to find John, but not before returning home to smash her cello in the front yard with a hammer. She asked him to drive her to New York, claiming her aunt was sick in the hospital and it was a dire emergency. John obliged, unknowingly driving his fiance to her new life where she would never turn back to him.

With only the clothes on her back, a few hundred dollars in cash, and her guitar, Carmen asked John to drop her off at the doors of Bellevue hospital. When he asked if he should book a hotel to wait for her to return, Carmen responded that he shouldn’t bother. She never would return. She slipped the ring off her finger, pressed it into John’s hand, and ran off into the streets before he could follow her.

After a search through a phonebook for Craig Ridley, Carmen met up with her uncle at a pizza place and explained her situation, then offered her skills as an artist and a musician. Anything he would have her do, she was willing. At last, after what seemed like hours of pleading, Craig reluctantly agreed to find work for his niece at barely above minimum wage, only because he didn’t have the heart to leave her homeless in New York City. The crew placed Carmen where she was needed, whether it was repairing guitars, running to the store for more duct tape, cleaning costumes with mysterious stains, and so on. As time progressed, she began to use her artist’s eye to weigh in on lighting and stage decor, and she would often be the one to sit in the stage wings during shows to quickly change a broken string. Though she dearly missed John, and perhaps Shawn even more, Carmen felt that she had found where she belonged. But she wasn’t there yet, no, not until she was the one in the spotlight instead of the one hiding behind the speakers, waiting to carry out orders at the whim of the band.

When Vital Noise made the decision to send Violent Vale off to the West Coast division, where other people could attempt to manage their vices, Carmen eagerly awaited the change. That is, until her uncle quit his position, claiming he was tired of moving around until the band found someone willing to put up with them. He had established a life in New York and refused to give it up, though he urged Carmen to move west with the band. With her last connection to her family now severed, Carmen boarded a plane to California, bid her aunt and uncle farewell, and began another new life.

Some time has passed since Carmen’s arrival in Los Angeles. Nothing much has changed, with the exception of her working under a new stage manager and living in her own apartment, and she fit into the west coast lifestyle with ease. Her patience, however, is running thin. The work was exhausting and paid so little that she had to pick up a part-time job at a record store. She had grown tired of taking orders and, if she had it her way, she would be the one calling the shots. But although Carmen could sing and play, her songwriter was on the other side of the country in a sleepy Pennsylvania town. Whatever chance she had of making it big was overshadowed by the Violent Vale, and only time will tell if she can step out from under them.

V. ENCORE

https://www.pinterest.com/amalorgos/the-night-flyer/ (A poorly organized pinterest board)

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5da3KFiA1qM7b0KRYJgnhb?si=UFT3Sq4TTkqOq1Ip8HfAqA (A short playlist)

#accepted

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peakanss · 5 years

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A Simself TAG

I was tagged by @literalite and someone else that I forgot :(( Thank you!

I tag @enismald, @caacti, @peryllium, @nightvy, @sammmi-xox, @ouikala, @fussysim, @unflirtytrait, @starry-eyed-simss, @sadb0ysims, @faunakii, @vatorey, @cakeiko, @bearcula, @cowplant-pizza, @scrumptiousfries, @kaydandthesims, @dyoreos and anyone who wants to do this, just say I tagged you!

Traits: hot-headed, slob, active

aspiration: public enemy i think

1. What is your full name? Valerie something something som

2.What is your nickname? Val

3. Birthday? Feb 24

4. What is your favorite book series? The mortal instuments. THE SHOW SUCKS HAHAGASEHLFZ

5. Do you believe in Aliens or Ghosts? Despite my supernatural obsession, no.

6. Who is your favorite author? I like Leonard S. Marcus and Cassandra Clare

7. What is your favorite radio station? yeet

8. What is your favorite flavor of anything? Blue raspberry

9. What word would you use to describe something great or wonderful? yes

10. What is your current favorite song? Generation why- Conan Gray or Pussy is God- King Princess

11. What is your favorite word? fuk

12. What is the last song you listened to? Why do I still?- Neiman ft. May Angeles

13. What TV show would you recommend for everyone to watch? HAHAHAH ok: Supernatural, Shameless U.S (MA), The walking dead (MA), Jane the virgin, Total Drama Island, Teen Wolf, NARCOS (MA), and How to get away from murder.

14. What is your favorite movie to watch when you’re feeling down? Deadpool, Spider man Homecoming, or Thor Ragnarok.

15. Do you play video games? Well YES

16. What is your biggest fear? Hetero Keith

17. What is your best quality in your opinion? my dik. Or my eyelashes ig

18. What is your worst quality in your opinion? My weight and inconsistency

19. Do you like cats or dogs better? omg don’t make me choose T-T

20. What is your favorite season? autumn

21. Are you in a relationship? nop

22. What is something you miss from your childhood? My cat.

23. Who is your best friend? my dog or my demon! Annabel

24. What is your eye color? Dark brown. Don’t let my simself fool u

25. What is your hair color? Brown with auburn ombre

26. Who is someone you love? Dean Winchester

27. Who is someone you trust? my dog. everyone in the background: shut yo lonely ass up

28. Who is someone you think about Often? Austin Porter from PRETTYMUCH

29. Are you currently excited about/for something? Supernatural season 14 to come out on netflix.

30. What is your biggest obsession? Boy bands. Specifically PRETTYMUCH not so much for their music but the friendship they have with each other c:

31. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW AS A CHILD? Total Drama island, Johnny Test, and A.N.T farm.

32. Who of the opposite gender can you tell anything to? My friend Monty

33. Are you superstitious? not really

34. Do you have any unusual phobias? hetero keith

35. Do you perfer to be in front of the camera or behind it? Neither tbh

36. What is your favorite hobby? Track and feild.

37. What is the last book you read? Geomerty textbook LOL

38. What is the last movie you watched? Kung Fu Panda >:) jk idr

39. What musical Instruments do you play, if any? I used to play the baritone..

40. What is your favorite animal? duk

41. What are your top 5 favorite tumblr blogs that you follow? I don’t have top 5′s lol

42. What superpower do you wish you had? INVISIBILITY

43. When and where do you feel most at piece? At home.

44. What makes you smile? my dog on some dumb shit

45. What sports do you play, if any? TRACK & FIELD

46. What is your favorite drink? Arizona green tea

47. When was the last time you wrote a hand-written letter or note to somebody?

Probably my brother’s birthday.

48: Are you afraid of heights? YES DEATHLY

49: What is your biggest pet peeve: Lily singh or lele pons. Hehe but on a real note people who say they do track and cant even keep a good pace while running laps at school LOL.

50. Have you ever been to a concert? Yeah 5sos and PRETTYMUCH. Can you tell how much i obsess over boybands lol.

51. Are you vagan/ vegetarian? naw

52. When you were little, what did you wanna be when you grew up? I think a chemist lol.

53: What fictional world would you like to live in? The sims bc Yuki Behr is my baby momma and I just wanna love her T-T

54. What is something you worry about? Failing exams or getting kicked off the track team.

55. Are you scared of the dark? In my room when I’m walking in the dark cuz I don’t wanna step on my dog or a thumb tac or something lol

56. Do you like to sing? hell ye

57. Have you ever skipped school? Yes in 6th grade.

58. What is your favorite place on the planet? At home or anywhere with my best friend.

59. Where would you like to live? Canada or Michigan.

60. Do you have any pets? 3 DOGS omg

61: Are you more of an early bird or a night owl? morning bird.

62: Do you like sunrises or sunsets better? Sunset.

63. Do you know how to drive? yes

64. Do you prefer earbuds or headphones? earbuds.

65. Have you ever had braces? ew yes

66: What is your favorite genre of music? r&b, soul, and ‘rock’

67: Who is your hero? Tom Hiddleston aka loki aka best man alive.

68: Do you read comic books? hell yeah.

69: What makes you most angry? prank channels

70. Do you prefer reading a book on an electronic device or on a real book? Real book unless it’s webtoon sksksksk

71. What is your favorite subject in school? lunch. haha I’m so funny

72. Do you have any siblings? An older and younger brother and a stepsister.

73. What was the last thing you bought? Either one of those giant arizona tea cans or v bucks for my little brother agsfkfasv

74. How tall are you? 5′3

75. Can you cook? I can bake. can’t cook.

76. What are three things that you love? Austin porter, my dog, my fam and friends. that’s 4 but OK

77. What are three things you hate? Push-up bras [those shits are uncomfortable], hetero keith, and hetero keith.

78. Do you have more male or female friends? I don’t have any friends. I’m jp female.

79. What is your sexual orientation? Idk pffff I think bi-curious. Is that a thing orr

80. Where do you currently live? Floridaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

81. Who was the last person you texted? My friend lehla.

82. When was the last time you cried? when charlie di*** in spn which was a while ago

83. Who is your favorite youtuber? Gay helmet- I mean Gabe helmy

84. Do you like to take selfies? Depends if I’m feeling myself or not but usually no.

85. What is your favorite app? Huji cam, netflix, discord etc.

86. What is your relationship to your parent(s)? I don’t like either of them but I would die for them . My mom let’s me go out more often so <3

87. What is your favorite foreign accent: OMG I LOVE THEM ALL but if I had to choose, Portuguese.

88. What is a place that you’ve never been to, but you want to visit? Windenburg :p

89. What is your favorite number? 69

90. Can you juggle? kind of???

91. Are you religious? I mean I believe in jesus but that’s about it lol

92. Do you find outer space or the deep ocean to be more interesting? OUTER SPACE

93. Do you consider yourself to be a daredevil? nope I’m a wuss

94. Are you allergic to anything? furries and their weird costume fetish shit.

95. Can you curl your tounge? yeah

96. Can you wiggle your ears? no

97. How often do you admit that you were wrong about something? neverr

98. Do you perfer the forest or the beach? beach.

99. What is your favorite piece of advice anyone has given you? I’m already tracer.

100. Are you a good liar? yes

101. What is your Hogwarts house? Gryffindor

102. Do you talk to yourself? no lol

103. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? introvert :D

104. Do you keep a journal/diary? no

105. Do you believe in second chances? depends

106: If you found a wallet full of money, what would you do? Keep it. duh

107. Do you believe that people are capable of change? obviously

108. Are you ticklish? yes

109. Have you ever been on a plane? yep

110. Do you have any piercings? 3 on each ear

111. What fictional character do you wish were real? UGH LOKI OR THE WINCHESTERS

112. Do you have any tattoos? I have a stick n’ poke on my chest.

113. What is the best decision you’ve made in your life? Adopted the little scared white dog at the adoption center :>

114. Do you believe in karma? no

115. Do you waer glasses or contacts? glasses

116. Do you want children? I don’t know yet man.

117. Who is the smartest person you know? This robot in my class. Let’s call him bob.

118. What is your most embarrassing memory? Getting my assed whooped in a cruise in front of thousands of people.

119. Have you ever pulled an all nighter? Doing one rn sis.

120. What color are most of your clothes? idk I have an explosive wardrope but mostly grey or yellow.

121. Do you like adventure? I guess

122. Have you ever been on TV? Yep I was the spokesman for my track team and I answered like 2 questions while I was sweaty and gross. I’ll try to find the link lol

123. How old are you? Rather not say but I am 14-18 range.

124. What is your favorite quote? don’t know sis.

125. Do you prefer sweet or savory foods? savory.

#This took an hour of my miserable life #it was fun though so thank you!#simself #ts4 tag #tag

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fardell24b · 2 years

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A Variant Lawndale - Beach Party Invitation - Part 1

Beach Party Invitation

Daria Morgendorffer approached the counter with trepidation. She didn’t know what the cafeteria staff were serving up today. “Uh! I hate it when the trays are wet,” Brittany Taylor said beside her.

“‘That which does not kill us makes us stronger,’" she said quoting Nietzsche.

“Is that from a song?” Brittany asked. “Hey, thanks for helping me out in Art.”

“No problem.”

“Maybe I could help you out in something.”

“Well, you could show me how to twirl hair around my little finger and look vacant,” Daria snarked.

Brittany did just that. “I don’t think that’s something you can teach. I know! You can come to my backyard beach party Saturday afternoon.”

“Backyard beach party?” Daria asked.

“Yes,” Brittany responded. “We had a pool with a wave machine put in. There is also a lot of sand around it, so it’s kind of like a beach!”

‘I see,” Daria said. ‘Of course, the Taylors would want of show off how wealthy they are!’

“But just this once of course.”

“Gee, Brittany. I'm overcome with emotion.”

“You need a napkin? Anyway, I promised the other cheerleaders that I wouldn't invite any more really attractive girls.”

“Now I'm especially flattered.”

Daria was still thinking about the invitation as she arrived at her friend Jane Lane’s house that afternoon. When she entered Jane’s room, she saw her friend looking through a sketchbook.

Life drawings? She didn’t know Jane did life drawings! She said so.

“I did them last summer. Want a look?”

“Sure.”

“You’re really bursting out of the picture plane here.”

“Yeah. That particular model was quite bursty. I think she had her bursts done.”

“Speaking of which,” Daria began, although she wasn’t sure of what Brittany’s deal was in that department. “Brittany invited me to her party.”

“No kidding, are you going?”

“A backyard beach party? For teenagers? I’d rather swallow glass. Why? Do you want to go?”

“Oh, no, I'd much rather stay home and listen to my brother practice the opening to Come as You Are. I bet I could get some great sketches there...” Jane said.

“Well, I'm sure there'll be plenty of people posing. If you want to go, just make believe you're me. When you're popular, all unpopular people look alike anyway.”

Jane then pretended to be Daria, by wearing her glasses and speaking in a montone, but concluded that it wouldn’t work, as her face was too expressive.

Quinn Morgendorffer was looking through her clothes for something to wear to the party. Sure, it was three days away, but one didn’t leave such things to the last minute. She had already determined that she would need new swimming costumes. She held up a few skirts. “Sheer, semi-sheer, or opaque,” she mused. “Textured!” she decided.

“Isn’t one of you enough?” Daria asked from the door.

“Go away, I’m concentrating. I’m invited to a party Saturday afternoon and I have to choose the perfect outfits!”

“Countdown: only 66 more hours to go. Might this party be Brittany’s Backyard Beach Party?”

“Yes, and might you go away now?” Quinn stopped. Something didn’t add up. “Hey! How do you know about it?”

“I'm invited, too... but I haven't decided if I'll go,” Daria answered.

“You can’t go! You’ll ruin everything!”

“You know, I really should broaden my social horizons,” Daria said.

Quinn ran out of the room. “Mom! Dad! Daria is ruining my life again!”

Helen Morgendorffer was annoyed at her daughters rivalry. She wondered if history was repeating, that Daria and Quinn would end up like her and her sisters. ‘Not if I have anything to say about it!’ she thought, not for the first time.

“Tell Daria she can't go to Brittany's party. My popularity is at stake,” Quinn said.

“Now, don't begrudge your sister a chance to expand her circle of friends,” Helen said.

“Maybe now she’ll have two,” Quinn commented.

“Touche, Quinn,” Daria responded.

“And don’t think that you’re confusing me with that French. You should ground her because… her room is a mess!”

‘That’s a stretch,’ Helen thought. Daria was the more organised of the two.

“If I go down for that one, I’m taking you with me,” Daria added.

“Wait!” Quinn interjected again. “Here’s something worse…” She started before she was interrupted again.

“Lawn gnomes going missing across Lawndale!” Jake said as he read from the paper.

Helen glared at him.

“Who would steal lawn gnomes?” Jake continued.

“Um, no idea,” Quinn said quickly and then gave a nervous laugh.

“Jake!” Helen said as Quinn laughed. She turned back to her daughters. “I think it’s great that you’re going to be spending time together. Dad and I would be happy to drive you to the party and pick you up.

“No!” they both said simultaneously.

“Thanks, but I’ll find some other way to get there,” Quinn said before leaving the kitchen.

“Daria, I’d like it if you would keep an eye on Quinn at this party.”

“I don’t know what I did, but it couldn’t have been that bad.”

“It's my way of saying if you won't do it, I'm sending you both with a babysitter.”

“I'll take that as a ringing declaration of parental approval.”

“Just the way it was intended, sweetheart.”

Daria sighed as she left the kitchen.

Saturday came too quickly as far as Daria was concerned. Then there was the fact that she realised that she had a crush on Jane’s brother, Trent. ‘He’s too old!’ she thought as they pulled up outside Crewe Neck.

“I’ll let you off here. I have a problem dealing with authority,” Trent said.

“Sure, you don’t want to crash?” Jane asked.

“A high school party? Please. Don’t you think I’m a little mature for that?” Trent responded. “Besides, I don’t have a surfboard.”

Daria and Jane got out of the car.

‘Don’t do anything I wouldn’t,” Trent said before driving away.

“Bye,” Daria said.

“Nice conversational skills.”

“I hate you.”

#brittany taylor #daria #daria morgendorffer #fanfic #helen morgendorffer #jake morgendorffer #jane lane #quinn morgendorffer #the invitation #trent lane

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inmyblindspot · 6 years

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blindspot fanfic: (updated) master post

Thought I would update my fanfic master post - there have been a lot of new ones since I last posted it! An enormous thank you to everyone who has ever read, liked, commented or reblogged one of my fics - your support and feedback means the world to me and keeps me writing! This fandom is a wonderful, wonderful place and I am so very grateful for all of you. So, below the cut are links to all 174(!) of my Jeller fics and drabbles so far, with many more to come. I have to admit that revisiting theses fics reminded me of why I fell in love with Jeller in the first place. These two are destined to be together and they will find their way back to each other soon.

what i never knew i always wanted i think i wanna marry you starlight hope what i never knew i always wanted wheel of the world in your atmosphere closer (rated: M) tangled up (in your atmosphere) (rated: M) a dream of our own hello, you beautiful thing a little light in the dark golden little miss perfect [part one] | [part two] | [part three] | [part four] (rated: M) the little things tiny dancer intuition sunshine and paper crowns sweet night light sweet medicine all that glitters is gold “lub” for you a week late six days four days quiet time welcome to the family change of plans let it snow a merry little christmas i’ll take care of you at home in my heart big girl bath time with oggie best christmas sunday mornings nothing better suspicious teamwork on pointe puzzling make room ketchup sneaky little one company everything [will be alright]

friendship stubborn love

fluff + romance home where i want to be (rated: M) all i want is to stay us, to stay with you now and if my heart should somehow stop one sweet love stay for a while (or forever) give me your hand and i’ll give you my heart ready to be happy with you so very beautiful in the light [make me feel] good (rated: M) turn around more than i can ever say have a little faith hearts don’t break around here shine everything can’t get enough (rated: M) fall for you together under the stars rising tide (rated: M) yoya with mama jane “like you” my love “do you want to build a snowman?” i’ve got you the rest of our lives footsies milk flowers thankful you get my love finding a new way catch me if you can (rated: M) this christmas ready unconventional to the point a lot, a lot puddles and fred angst lighthome (rated: M) long way from home we always find each other (rated: M) all i see [is you] yours “mama jane” silent promise hold on we fixed it but it’s broken take me back to the beginning where do we go on my mind [we’ve been] lost lately in my mind a place called home just us here, my love try

hiatus countdown fics nine days eight days one week | one more week | a week late six days five days four days three days two days one day today [i see clearly]

#bspromptchallenge: 30 days day 1. battle/battlescars/wounds/injuries: the shape of you day 2. team/family: someone to watch over me day 3. friends/enemies: criminal-ish day 4. past/history/memories: long way around day 5. redemption: i will be your remedy day 6. war/peace: canvas day 7. love: you might break my heart [but i’m still yours] day 8. anger/angry: son of sorrow day 9. betrayal/lies/trust: enough for now day 10. in memoriam/death: [find me] in the shallows day 11. humor/comedy/laughs: surprise me day 12. tears/heartbreak/sadness: i wonder if… day 13. future: when i wasn’t looking day 14. food/drinks: 41 flavors day 15. hurt/comfort: somewhere, somehow [we’ll have another chance] day 16. undercover: lover, come back to me day 17. interrupted/cockblocked: all the luck bonus!fic: cake day 18. outfits/wardrobe/costumes: i looked up and you were gone day 19. men vs women/ men/women: if you ask, [yes] i’ll answer day 20. trains/planes/automobiles + day 21. children/babies/parents: how long do you want to be loved [is forever enough?] day 22. locations/landmarks: hold on to hope, love day 23. new york city: this love is ours day 24. guests/parties/gatherings: …over the rainbow day 25. languages/international: wanderlust day 26. puzzles/games: i found you [and you] day 27. hair/beards: simple as it should be day 28. locker room/patterson’s lab/kurt’s office/meeting room/the nyo: do you think about me [like i think about you] day 29. home/house/apartment: it could be everything day 30. tattoos: hello, world bonus!fic: when i fall in love [it will be forever]

#bsABCchallenge: A-Z allies/alliances: after the storm badass: beginning cia: the captain dress: delicate elevator: electric fights & felix: feels just like it should gord enver/rich dotcom: give a little bit hirst: here ian kruger aka roman: in a world, in the world jane: just a little while longer kurt: know you better loss: lost and found mayfair: matter of time nightmares: new heights oliver: on our way patterson: punishment questions: quickly, quietly, completely rebellion: remember when sarah weller: somewhere out there terrorism: this time underground: undiscovered vests: valor weapons: we found love x-ray: xoxo years: you make it real zapata: zero to one hundred

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arnoldjaime13 · 3 years

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Blog Tour- BALLET ORPHANS by @ClassicalGrrl With An Excerpt & #Giveaway! @RockstarBkTours

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the BALLET ORPHANS by Terez Mertes Rose Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Book:

Title: BALLET ORPHANS : A Prequel (Ballet Theatre Chronicles Book 3)

Author: Terez Mertes Rose

Pub. Date: January 2, 2021

Publisher: Classical Girl Press

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 372

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, TBD, Bookshop.org

Read For FREE With A Kindle Unlimited Membership!

It's 1990, and New York soloist April Manning is trying to rebalance her world in the aftermath of her parents’ deaths. An offer to join the struggling West Coast Ballet Theatre as a principal dancer seems like the perfect opportunity for a fresh start—a new life in San Francisco, an exciting step up in her career, and the hope of a redefined sense of family. But the other dancers are wary, clannish and tight-lipped, particularly about an incident that hastened the departure of their beloved artistic director, leading to the arrival of his replacement, the young, inexperienced Anders Gunst. And no one wants to talk about Jana, a former company member who defiantly walked out rather than work under Anders. It is Jana herself who offers April hints, and even friendship, where she reveals a loneliness and hunger to belong that newly orphaned April well understands. But there is something troubling about Jana, and what April doesn’t know could prove deadly.

A prequel to the Ballet Theatre Chronicles, BALLET ORPHANS explores the work and sacrifices required to arrive at the highest tiers of the professional ballet world, coupled with the primal, universal desire to belong, to love and be loved, and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we call family.

“A stimulating and entertaining tale in which passion and art intermingle.” — Kirkus Reviews

Excerpt:

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”

— Jane Howard

October 1989

New York City

Chapter 1

Bad News from Omaha

The bad news arrived backstage at the New York State Theater, seconds before curtain. The timing couldn’t have been worse. My partner Mick and I had already settled in our opening pose onstage, the orchestra cued, when the in-house phone next to the monitor rang. Everyone knew only emergency calls came through during a performance. Alarmed, I glanced over at the stage manager as he listened with a few terse “uh huh” replies. He looked up and met my gaze. His face was impassive, but I knew, right then.

It was bad. And it involved me.

There was no time to think. The curtain began to rise, giving me no choice but to freeze in our couple’s pose, smile brightly, await our music cue, and dance. Which was fine in the end, because when something very bad is occurring in real life, it helps to switch over to performing life. My adrenaline had been triggered, because I knew, I knew, that something terrible had happened, and my biggest question at that point was, “Is my mother alive or dead?” I tried to tell myself it was simply a knee-jerk response after hearing of my dad’s death in the same way, two and a half years earlier.

The opening section’s lightning-fast pace, our arms moving as busily as our legs, required all my attention. A partnered arabesque en pointe flowed into a rapid pivot to the other direction, and a 3

Terez Mertes Rose

cartwheel-like lift that planted me on Mick’s other side. The blinding lights from the side booms cast the stage manager in shadow, mercifully obscuring him and his news. Our downstage right exit, however, brought us right to him. As Mick, panting, loped over to the table that held his water bottle, I approached the stage manager.

He’d swiveled away from his monitor to face me, headphones askew so he could hear both me and his crew.

“Just tell me this,” I said. “Do I need to catch a flight to Omaha tonight?”

He hesitated. “You should.”

Which meant my mom was still alive.

“How bad is she? It’s my mom, right?”

He nodded reluctantly. “She’s had a stroke. She’s in intensive care. Your aunt called. She said your mother’s condition is critical but stable, and for you to come when you can.”

“Please, can someone find Vincent and tell him the news?”

Vincent was my boyfriend and an ABT—American Ballet Theatre—

company principal. I paused to steady my shaking voice. “Ask him to get me a seat on a flight departing from JFK any time after ten.”

“All right,” the stage manager said, and nodded to his assistant, who sped off.

Vincent arrived backstage while I was finishing my solo. He was in costume, performing in the night’s third ballet with Natalia.

Natalia, like me, was a soloist with the ABT although five years younger. Russian-bred and Bolshoi-trained, she was sublimely talented, eyeing the promotion to principal that all the female soloists wanted. More disconcerting, of late, she’d been eyeing Vincent with the same hungry expression. But now Natalia was the least of my concerns.

Vincent enveloped me in a smothering hug the instant I stepped offstage.

“Oh, April!” he exclaimed in a tragic, theatrical voice, over and over until I pushed him away. It was cloying. It seemed to be more about Vincent showing everyone how caring he was, rather than Vincent aching with genuine compassion.

“Did you get me a flight?” I asked.

“I did. There’s a long layover; nothing gets you into Omaha until early morning.”

“That’s all right. I expected that. Thank you.”

“How are you doing—” he began, but I held up a hand.

“I can’t talk about the rest now. I’m sorry. I need to focus.” I turned abruptly away from him and stepped to the upstage right wing, alone, to await the next cue. But by now, others knew about the news. One wing down, two male corps dancers were discussing it, unaware of my presence nearby.

“Didn't this already happen to her? Wasn’t her mom dying a couple years ago?”

“That was her dad.”

“Shit. Did he die?”

“Yeah.”

“Shit. Now her mom?”

“Yeah.”

“Is she dead?”

“Nah. But maybe dying.”

“What a drag.”

“Seriously. Hey, wanna go grab dinner tonight?”

“Sure. As long as I can ice my knee while we’re eating.”

“Antonio’s will bring you an ice pack if you order a full meal.”

“Sounds good to me. Where’s my towel? I’m sweating like a pig tonight.”

Mick appeared by my side. Unlike Vincent, he knew how to handle my news. He gave my hand a supportive squeeze and we stood without talking as the ensemble dancers waltzed off the stage and the music shifted from energetic to contemplative. Once onstage, we began our pas de deux. Midway, Mick lifted me high overhead. From this elevated view, I could see all the way out to the furthest tiers of the theater’s seating. Little ovals of light punctuated the darkness throughout, reflections of people’s eyeglasses, that right then seemed mystical. Like miniature celestial beings. Fairies. Spirits of the departed.

Spirits like my dad.

Please, God, not Mom, too.

Mick’s grip on my hip tightened, letting me know I’d hesitated a millisecond too long. I lowered my gaze, straightened my body and slid down his, making up speed so that I ended en pointe, in arabesque, right in time with the music.

My focus returned. Mick’s hands, sure and supportive, guided me through the trickier passages, and now I was able to remain in the zone, where only the dance mattered. Even my mom’s situation faded to a different sphere of existence.

Oh, to stay in this place forever.

When my dad died, he’d been weak, the cancer winning after a protracted battle. My mom and I had seen his death coming, watched it grow closer, step by ominous step, and yet, when the end came, it managed to surprise us all. In retrospect, it was as if he’d harvested a burst of energy to offer me one last gift, an illusion of well-being, so that I’d remember that delightful day, his warm smile, his lucid, even witty banter, and not the memory of his decline, that gaunt, bony face, his body as light as a boy’s, all bones and sinew and mottled skin. From Omaha, I’d flown back to New York City, confident I could finish the ABT’s current performance run and return home four days later. But he’d gone into cardiac arrest and passed away the next evening, precisely at curtain time. He’d died at age 74; my mom currently was only 65. She was supposed to have been the one to last long, like her own mother, living into her nineties, and like her three older sisters, still going strong in their late 70s. She wasn’t supposed to die. She hadn’t yet, I reminded myself sternly, as my plane departed that evening from New York with a shuddering roar.

Strokes could be managed.

Except that upon arrival at the hospital early the next morning, I learned a second, worse stroke had robbed my mother of most of her speech and right-side movements. Numbed by fatigue and the newest bad news, I pulled the chair close to my mom’s bed and sat. It was dim in the room, weak morning light filtering through the half-closed shades. The cool, sterile air and mysterious noises of the ICU

ward both soothed and jarred me.

My mom stirred finally. I reached over and took her thin, frail hand, its skin only now starting to speckle with age. Her golden-brown hair, its color and thickness in earlier years identical to my own, was now liberally laced with silver, but still long, in its customary braid. My mom had never been one to follow fashion trends, and her long braid remained eternal proof.

“I’m here, Mom.” I tried to sound confident, matter of fact. “I love you.”

In response, she clutched my hand. Her eyes transmitted all the feelings she couldn’t express through words. Anxiety. Fear.

“Don’t worry,” I soothed. “It’s okay. I’m here now. How about some more light in here?” Without waiting for her response, I adjusted the blinds. I spied a hospital toiletries bag that held the essentials—toothbrush and paste, comb and brush—and gestured to it. “Why don’t I brush your hair? Redo the braid. That would be nice, I’m thinking.”

The action of gently unbraiding and plowing the brush’s plastic bristles through her hair seemed to relax us both. As I brushed, I told her about the latest goings on at the studios, the theater, light-hearted foibles and adventures in my life as a New York ballet professional.

She always loved hearing my stories, first and foremost, before bringing the conversation around to how things were in Omaha. I described the challenging yet fun lifts Anders Gunst was incorporating into the new ballet he was setting on Vincent, Natalia and me. “Anders is the co-artistic director of Dance Theatre of Brussels, but he used to be our colleague at the ABT. A principal, like Vincent, except he’s younger, only twenty-nine. Latest news, though, is that Anders has been selected to take over directorship of the West Coast Ballet Theatre in San Francisco. That’s huge! Did I mention he’s Danish? You can’t tell when he talks—he speaks perfect English.” I knew I was chattering and that she couldn’t possibly follow everything, but I also knew it would upset her more if I treated her like the dangerously unwell patient she was. Best to converse as I always did. “The West Coast Ballet Theatre is a big company,” I continued cheerily. “Nothing like New York, of course, but still.

Anders is dynamite. I was so proud he picked me for his new ballet, alongside Vincent and Natalia. Those two are really good. It’s going to be fantastic—I can’t wait for you to see the performance in the spring.”

My mom made a muffled groaning sound. I stopped brushing to look at her face. The slack nature of her right eyelid, the way her mouth drooped on the right side, seemed more pronounced now.

She clearly wanted to speak, but was having trouble getting words out.

“Mmmgh. Rrrrg.”

I studied her, mystified.

My mom’s body tensed. “Sssss. Sorry.”

“You’re sorry,” I repeated, and the anxiety in my mother’s eyes lessened.

“Mom, don’t be sorry. About anything. Please.”

What had I been thinking, bringing up the performance, the future?

“Ssss. Nnnn fmmm.” My mom still wanted to speak. It became like a macabre game of charades.

Sorry? Sorry no foam? Okay. Sounds like film? No, like fan. Like fam.

Family? Yes, family! Sorry no family.

After a minute of this, I finally figured it out. “You’re sorry that I’ll have no family once you’re gone.”

Bingo. Her straining body slumped back into the pillows.

“Oh, Mom. Whatever happens, I’ll be okay. Please don’t worry.

I have the company—they’re my family. I’ve known them, spent so much time with them. For eight years now.

“And there’s Vincent,” I continued. “Who knows? Dancers frequently marry dancers. They spend so much time together, and all, and understand the life of a performing professional. Maybe someday, Vincent and I…” I stopped. The words sounded absurd, even to my ears. My mother tried to speak again, and this time her words were clear and easy to understand.

“Nnnn. Not. Him.”

Which hurt to hear. I’d brought Vincent home the previous summer, certain my mother would be as dazzled as everyone else. He was a star, after all, as an ABT principal. And even though he was a little too aware of his good looks, and, okay, a little too flashy, I firmly believed Vincent was a good person, deep down. He’d grown up in working-class Ohio, and although he scorned his roots and considered himself a New Yorker at heart, I saw that humbler, likeable boy in him from time to time. I would have thought my mom had seen that, too. But looking at her expression now, I could tell Vincent had not won her over.

A memory from last night reinserted itself back into my brain.

Seeing, from across the stage, Natalia standing close to Vincent, all but pressing against him. Vincent not moving away. And while rehearsing Anders’ new ballet the previous week: watching Vincent and Natalia as he flung her up, caught her, cradled her tenderly, reluctant to let go.

The chemistry, the abandon the two of them had exhibited—I’d assumed it was simply great dancing by two brilliant dancers.

The instant the darker idea arose, I dismissed it. Vincent was not just my lover but my friend. He’d resist the advances of someone like Natalia, already notorious as a man-eater type who discarded as freely as she acquired. Vincent was smarter than that.

And yet.

Stop being paranoid, I commanded myself. “Why don’t I read to you?” I asked my mom. “Remember all the years you did that to me when I was a kid? I loved that.” I rummaged in my bag and pulled out the novel I’d brought for the plane. “I know Jane Eyre is pretty old fashioned, but for some reason, I’ve had an appetite for the classics of late.”

She made a noise of assent and I began to read.

Disruptions abounded. Doctors made their rounds, offering prognoses that boiled down to a “wait and watch.” Nurses and assistants bustled in and out. When a nurse returned to attend to my mother around eleven o’clock, I slipped away to the bathroom, to wash my face and comb my hair, apply moisturizer, niceties I hadn’t considered since leaving the theater the night before. The nurse left and silence fell over the room. The peace was short-lived. I was applying lip gloss when I heard my aunts arrive.

Aunts Irma and Sally. Much older than my mother, they had grandchildren closer to my age than their own children. The extended family had been kind enough to me, the “caboose” niece, just as my own mom had been the caboose of four daughters, born twelve years after the other three. But she and I remained oddities within the family. My mom had been a spinster, a mild-mannered librarian who’d shocked all by courting and marrying my dad, an older physics professor, in scandalously short time. I was born ten months later, when she was a month shy of forty-one. Add my early signs of talent as a ballet dancer, my elite training far from home, my father’s eccentric brilliance, and this completed the image of differentness for our little family of three. I made the effort to spend time with extended family whenever I visited Omaha, especially after my dad’s death, but visits and events were more dutiful than pleasurable. Like an interrogation, albeit one with refreshments, everyone eyeing me warily.

I was about to call out a hello to my aunts through the closed door when Aunt Sally spoke.

“I see she hasn’t arrived yet.”

They were talking about me. I looked down at my travel bag, there in the bathroom with me. My coat and purse had been stowed away, out of view, to keep the hospital room neat.

“She was performing when I called,” Aunt Irma replied. “It was late. She probably took the morning flight out.”

“It’s approaching noon, and still no sight of her.”

“Maybe she took a later flight so she could sleep in,” Aunt Irma suggested.

Silence. I could almost see them eyeing each other in mutual disapproval. They were Nebraska women, farm-raised, hard-working, plain-spoken. They thought what I did for a profession was all glamour and frivolity.

“Priorities.” Aunt Sally allowed a note of scorn to creep into the lone word.

A snort from Aunt Irma seemed to echo the sentiment.

A wave of new weariness and sorrow came over me. My aunts were good people; they would be mortified once they realized I was in the room, overhearing them. But what they’d revealed couldn’t be unheard.

I sucked in a slow breath, reached over, and flushed the toilet.

The conversation stopped.

I ran the water faucet, a pantomime of washing, pulling a paper towel as if to dry my hands. And now the conversation outside the bathroom took on a fake brightness, so that when I stepped out, we greeted each other with exclamations, awkward hugs and pecks on the cheek. We all marveled aloud at how good the other looked, and other polite falsehoods that you did to maintain pleasant family relations, but through it all, I felt the aching truth behind my mother’s concern.

You’ll have no family once I’m gone.

The three of us grew silent as we studied my mother. She looked worse; her cheeks had taken on a greyish pallor, casting doubt on any illusion of a positive end result. Terror flared up in me again, a breath-stealing child’s fear at the prospect of losing my last parent.

Aunt Irma turned to me, her expression kinder. “You’ve been here a while?”

“Since eight o’clock.”

“Poor dear,” Aunt Sally said, her sympathy genuine. “That’s early.

You must be exhausted.”

“I’m fine,” I lied.

“Why don’t you go get yourself something to eat?” Aunt Irma said. “There’s that Denny’s, less than a block away. It’s much better than the cafeteria downstairs. We’ll be here with your mom.”

“Thanks, that’s a good idea. I won’t be long.”

“Take your time. Your mom isn’t going anywhere.”

The brisk Omaha air made me wrap my coat more tightly around myself, but the walk to the restaurant served to ground me. All physical motion did. It always had, since my earliest memory of dancing in the living room, any time my dad put on one of his classical recordings, which was almost every evening. Leaping around in the backyard by day whenever my mom ordered me outside to

“burn off that incessant energy of yours.” One time I’d politely announced to the extended family that “my incessant energy exhausts my mother.” I’d been three and a half at the time, and, according to my mom, everyone had stared at me as if the doll I’d been clutching had done the speaking.

“Those are some big words from such a little girl,” Aunt Irma had managed, and my librarian mother had nodded with pride.

I was hungry; I’d had no time for dinner the previous night in my haste to catch my flight. I ordered a plate crowded with two kinds of breakfast meat, two kinds of carbs, a mass of eggs. It was dense, greasy and satisfying. Once I’d finished, I spied a payphone and glanced at my watch. Good time to call the ABT, to update them. I called and spoke with Ron, the associate artistic director, relayed the situation, and afterward asked about Vincent’s whereabouts. Ron had someone pull him from his rehearsal and put him on the line.

“Sweetie, how are you?” Vincent exclaimed. “I’ve been thinking about you all day.”

“I’m okay. My mom’s hanging in there. Critical, but stable. My aunts are with her right now.”

“How soon are you coming back?”

“I honestly don’t know. If her condition deteriorates, that’s a different scenario from if she stabilizes and improves. I told Ron I’d touch base as soon as I knew more.”

“Good. Good. Stay as long as you need to.”

Was it my imagination or did he sound relieved? Something about it rang false. Even when my father was dying, Vincent had cautioned me to “watch how much time you take off,” because it came around to affect your reputation with the artistic director, the choreographers, the répétiteurs.

Vincent hesitated. He nervously cleared his throat before speaking again.

“There’s something you should know. It’s about Natalia.”

My body grew still. Please don’t let this be that he’s leaving me for her. The possibility, indeed, the probability overwhelmed me, choked me of a reply. “What?” I managed.

“She got promoted to principal after last night’s performance.”

An instant of relief was eclipsed by a great roar of disappointment, even though I’d seen it coming. I knew the odds had favored Natalia.

That they would always favor the Russian defector who dazzled audiences and made them clamor for more. The Bolshoi dancers were impossible to compete with. In spite of Natalia’s youth—she’d just turned twenty—from the day of her arrival at the ABT the previous season, the writing had been on the proverbial wall.

It would always be this way at the ABT. I would forever remain soloist rank there, a prospect that would have filled me with happiness and comfort four years earlier, as a corps de ballet dancer starved for something bigger.

“Wow.” I didn’t know what else to say, how to best sum up this feeling of terrible news atop catastrophic news.

But this still didn’t explain Vincent. He loved sharing thrilling, titillating news, even if it was painful for the listener to hear.

“Is that why you’re relieved I’m not there?” I blurted out, surprising even myself.

“What are you talking about?” he stammered.

My suspicion built. “I can tell. I know you.”

“That’s a terrible thing to say! I’m worried about you. I’m worried about how you’re coping, there in the hospital, with your dying mother.”

“She’s not dying.” My voice shook.

Vincent fell silent, and in his silence came the painful truth.

Yes, she is. Your mother is dying.

I brushed away the terrifying thought. “Did you and Natalia go right out and celebrate her good news?”

“April! What is going on with you?”

How stupid of me, to have opened this Pandora’s box, during this most vulnerable time. Had I kept my mouth shut, my suspicions unvoiced, I could have glossed right over this uncomfortable supposition and left it there, throbbing in the outer recesses of my mind. Instead, now, there it was. The chill of the hallway where the payphones were located made me start to shiver, spasms that increased in intensity until I wasn’t sure how long I could remain there, holding onto the phone, staring at the tightly spiraled chrome cord that connected Vincent’s voice to my ear.

“I am so worried about you,” Vincent was saying. “You’re not sounding like yourself. Should I come out? I’ll tell them this is an emergency. Vasilio can take the final performance. You need me there.”

I remained mute. To conjure up further dialogue, with its tricky twists and invisible side avenues seemed beyond my abilities.

“April?”

“I don’t need you.”

“Well, gee, thanks.” He sounded hurt.

“I’m sorry. I mean, I don’t need you to come here. But thank you for offering.”

“You’re welcome. I care.”

“Thank you.”

“By the way,” he said, his usual buoyant tone instantly replacing the hurt one. “Anders came backstage last night after the show. He was looking for you.”

Could anything worse happen on this terrible day? “I hope he’s not planning to pull me from his ballet.”

“Of course not, silly! Don’t give that a second thought.”

This time, at least, his words sounded truthful, unrehearsed.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t about trying to poach you,”

Vincent mused. “He already hit me with a request to join him in San Francisco.” Here, he chuckled. “Don’t go doing that, April. Sid Hauser was artistic director there for way too long, way past his prime. And since he left, the West Coast Ballet Theatre has been this sinking ship. They may have some strong dancers, but they’ve got issues far beyond what our young Anders Gunst can handle. They literally ran Sid’s replacement out of town. The guy resigned, in the middle of last year’s Nutcracker run, and the dancers themselves took over. So messed up. You can bet Anders wants dancers he knows and can trust. But if he fails, any dancer he brought over will go right down with him.”

The thought made me wince. “I thought you liked Anders.”

“I love the guy! He’s amazing. His choreography is fresh and superlative. He and Sabine are doing great things with their Brussels company. He’s young; if I were him, I’d stay put, right there, for another three to five years, and only then consider something like the West Coast Ballet Theatre. That is, if it hasn’t gone under.”

“Did you tell Anders where I was?”

“I did. He was very kind about it. Asked me to extend his condolences. Said not to worry, that he’d get in touch with you once you were back in New York.”

The mention of New York, of Anders and his support, calmed me. I still had this—a soloist position with one of the best dance companies in the world. A choreographer and artistic director of rising power who believed in my talents. My art. My cloistered world in NYC.

Why did it all have to come with the price tag of losing my family?

“Look, I’ve got to run,” Vincent said. “Rehearsal.”

“Sure. I’m glad I caught you.”

“Me too. Love you, sweetie. Talk soon.”

“Love you, too. Bye.”

I paid my bill and returned to the hospital. In the ICU, I trudged down the hushed, ghostly corridor to my mother’s room. Aunt Sally was alone there with my mother, who, in her sleep, looked more dead than alive. Fear clutched at my heart and didn’t let go.

Aunt Sally looked up as I approached. Her smile was less determinedly optimistic. It dawned on me that I’d never seen my aunt look discouraged before.

“Where’s Aunt Irma?” I asked.

“She went for a coffee downstairs,” Aunt Sally said.

We stood there, watching the slight rise and fall of my mother’s chest as the machines nearby hissed and sucked. Atop the beige blanket, one frail hand rested, which I covered with my own. My mother didn’t stir.

“Everything all right, back there in New York?” Aunt Sally asked finally.

I paused to consider the question. “Things will turn out as they should,” I said, and was rewarded by an approving nod from my aunt.

“There you go. That’s the attitude.”

“What’s going to happen next?”

It was a rhetorical question, one I didn’t realize I’d vocalized until Aunt Sally nodded and pointed to me, as if my words had taken form and affixed themselves to my chest.

“Things will turn out as they should.”

About Terez:

Terez Mertes Rose is a writer and former ballet dancer whose work has appeared in the Crab Orchard Review, Literary Mama, Women Who Eat (Seal Press), A Woman’s Europe (Travelers’ Tales), the Philadelphia Inquirer and the San Jose Mercury News. She reviews dance performances for Bachtrack.com and blogs about ballet and classical music at The Classical Girl. The author of the Ballet Theatre Chronicles and A Dancer's Guide to Africa, she makes her home with family in the Santa Cruz Mountains. She loves good food, good wine, great books, and a good (but not too hard) adult ballet class. She's proud to announce that Outside the Limelight, Book 2 of the Ballet Theatre Chronicles, was named a Best Book of 2017 by Kirkus Reviews.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

Giveaway Details:

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Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/4/2021

JaimeRockstarBookTours

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1/5/2021

BookHounds

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1/6/2021

Jaime's World

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1/7/2021

Two Chicks on Books

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1/8/2021

I'm Shelf-ish

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Week Two:

1/11/2021

She Just Loves Books

Review

1/12/2021

Pick a good book

Review

1/13/2021

Hurn Publications

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1/14/2021

Fire and Ice

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1/15/2021

Lisa Loves Literature

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Week Three:

1/18/2021

Books and Zebras @jypsylynn

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1/19/2021

The Obsessed Reader

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1/20/2021

Books a Plenty Book Reviews

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1/21/2021

Books A-Brewin'

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1/22/2021

@more_books_yes_please_

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Week Four:

1/25/2021

Three gals and plenty of books

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1/26/2021

@minnesota_mailer

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1/27/2021

Jotted by Jena

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1/28/2021

Pine Enshrined Reviews

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1/29/2021

Two Points of Interest

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dukereviewsmovies · 4 years

Text

Duke Reviews: Spider-Man Homecoming

Hello, I'm Andrew Leduc And Welcome To Duke Reviews, Where Today We're Continuing Our Look At The Marvel Cinematic Universe...

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By Talking About The First Outing With The Wall Crawler Himself, Spider-Man, That's Right I'm Talking About Spider-Man Homecoming...

This Film Sees Spider-Man (Played By Tom Holland) Trying To Balance His High School Life With Being Spider-Man While Also Facing Off Against 3 New Enemies In The Form Of The Tinkerer (Played By That Guy In Men In Black 3 Who Gave Will Smith The Time Travel Device) The Shocker (Played By Nobody I Know) And The Vulture (Played By...Batman?)

Will Spider-Man Defeat Them?

Let's Find Out As We Watch Spider-Man Homecoming...

The Film Starts Following The Battle Of New York As Tony Stark (Played By Robert Downey Jr.) And The Federal Government Create The Department Of Damage Control To Deal With The Rest Of The Aftermath Of The Battle That A Salvage Company Owned By Adrian Toomes (Played By Beetlejuice) Was Dealing With...

Putting Them Abruptly Out Of Business, Toomes Decides To Not Hand Over The Chitauri Technology They Have Over To The Government But Instead Uses It For Their Own Diabolical Ends...

(Start At 0:07)

By Turning Adrian Into The Vulture And His Partners Jackson Brice Into The Shocker And Phineas Mason Into The Tinkerer...

8 Years After Civil War, Peter Resumes His Studies After Tony Tells Him That He's Not Ready To Become An Avenger. While At School, Peter Quits The School's Decathlon Team So He Can Focus On The Stark Industries Internship Which He Uses As A Cover For His Activities As Spider-Man...

Suiting Up In A Alley After School We Get Some Scenes Of Spider-Man Stopping Crimes And Being Awesome Including Our Stan Lee Cameo For The Movie...

Stan Lee Cameo!

Later That Evening, Spidey Stops Some Of Toomes Guys Who Are Wearing Avengers Masks...

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(End At 1:55)

Calling Happy Hogan Afterward, Only To Tell Peter To Stay Away From Anything Too Dangerous....

Returning Home, Peter Starts To Unsuit, Only To Discover That His Best Friend, Ned Leeds Is There With His Lego Death Star. Promising To Explain Everything To Him The Next Day At School, Ned Leaves...

The Next Day, Peter Answers All Of Ned's Questions However Overhearing Peter's Crush, Liz Say That She Has A Crush On Spider-Man, Ned Tells The Rest Of Peter's Friends That Peter Knows Spider-Man, Which Leads Flash Thompson To Challenge Peter Saying That If He Knows Spider-Man To Have Him To Liz's Party Tonight...

He Doesn't Say Spider-Man Will Be There But Peter Does Think Of The Possibilities...

Being Dropped Off At The Party By Aunt May, Peter Decides He Can't Do This But Embarrassed By Flash Thompson Peter Decides To Suit Up But Before He Goes In He Sees A Blue Explosion In The Distance, Which Forces Him To Leave The Party And Look Into It...

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(End At 2:42)

Returning To Adrian's HQ, He Is Pissed At Brice For Nearly Screwing Up Their Operation So Pissed He Kills Him When Brice Threatens To Tell Adrian's Wife How They Make Their Money...

Giving Another One Of His Associates, Herman Shultz, Shocker's Equipment He Kills Him...

Great, It Belonged To Him Anyway...

Retrieving A Chitauri Device From Where He Was Talking With Tony, Peter Works With Ned To Remove The Core Of The Device But After Planting A Tracker On Shultz When He Attempts To Get The Device From School, Peter Tracks Him To Maryland Only Problem Is It's 300 Miles Away So How's He Going To Get There?

By Rejoining The Decathlon Team, Of Course!....

Boarding A Bus For Washington (Which Isn't Too Far From Maryland) Where The Nationals Are, Working With Ned At The Hotel, Peter Disables The Tracker In His Suit And Unlocks All The Special Features In His Suit Includes An A.I. (Played By Jennifer Connolly)

Using The A.I. She Tracks Shultz And Mason To A Gas Station Where He Practices Using His New Capabilities But He Needs A Little Practice...

Eventually Finding The Vulture On Board A Truck With Devices From Damage Control, Spidey Gets Overpowered By The Vulture Who Traps Him Inside Of A Truck That's Headed For The Damage Control Deep Storage Facility...

Getting Out Of The Truck, Spidey Finds Him Trapped There Which Leaves Him One Option: To Wait Until Someone Opens The Door So He Can Get Out, Taking This Time To Figure Out How To Work The Suit's New Abilities And To Talk With The A.I. Who He Names Karen...

I Would Have Gone With Sarah, But I'm Just A Labyrinth Kind Of Guy...

Eventually Getting It Open, Peter Misses The Decathlon But Discovers That The Core Him And Ned Have Is A Bomb, Tracking Ned To The Washington Monument, Peter Arrives Just In Time To Save Ned And His Classmates From Plummeting Into The Twilght Zone...

Returning Home After Detention For Skipping The Decathlon, Spidey Finds The Person Who Tried Buying From Brice Named Aaron Davis (Played By Apparently The Best Thing In Solo: A Star Wars Story) Who Tells Spidey That He's Going To Be At The Staten Island Ferry Where He's Going To Be Doing A Deal With A Friend Of His Named Mac Gargan...

Wait A Minute...The Vulture, Shocker, The Tinkerer And The Scorpion? Boy, Sony And Marvel Are Really Pushing Toward That Sinister Six Movie...

Getting On-Board The Ferry, Peter Captures Gargantuan But Botches An FBI Attempt To Arrest Toomes And His Gang...

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Mad At Peter For Being Reckless And Nearly Killing Thousands Of People, Tony Feels That Peter Can't Be Trusted And Demands The Suit Back. Upset At This, Peter Decides To Distance Himself From Being Spider-Man And Live His Life For A While To The Point That He Asks His Crush, Liz To The Homecoming Dance...

Going To Her House The Night Of The Dance, Peter Discovers That Toomes Is Liz's Father...

Unfortunately, It's True...

Peter Maintains His Composure, However Overhearing On The Drive Over To The Dance, That Peter Went Missing When Spider-Man Was Around, Toomes Deduces Peter's Secret...

Which Is Actually Pretty Clever As The Only Members Of Spidey's Rogues That Have Ever Deduced His Identity Have Been Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus And Venom...

But Telling Peter That He's Not Going To Kill Him As He Saved Liz, He Does Give Peter A Warning Saying That Interferes Again He'll Show Him No Mercy...

During The Dance, Peter Realizes That Toomes Is Planning To Hijack The Stark Cargo Plane That's Transporting Weaponry From Avengers Tower To Their New Headquarters. Unable To Abandon His Duties, Peter Dons His Original Homemade Spider-Man Costume To Go After Toomes...

However He Is Soon Confronted By Schultz...

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(Start At 1:13)

Arriving At Toomes' Lair, He Attempts To Persuade Peter To His Side...

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(Start At 0:38, End At 2:42)

Overcoming His Self Doubt, Peter Escapes So He Can Intercept Toomes On Board The Stark Cargo Plane...

But Damaging The Plane During Their Fight, Peter Has No Choice But To Steer It Toward Coney Island...

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Leaving Toomes To The Police, We Fast Forward A Few Days Later As Peter Discovers That Liz Is Moving To Oregon And That Michelle Jones Or MJ Will Taking Over As Decathlon Team Captain...

How Dare You Have This Michelle Jones Call Herself MJ!? That Honor Belongs To The Real MJ And By That I Mean Mary Jane Watson! Spider-Man's ACTUAL Love Interest!...

Until They Do Bring Her In, PLEASE Call Her Michelle Jones Because Calling Her MJ Is Just Insulting As She's Nothing Like Mary Jane...

Invited To Visit The Avengers New Facility, Stark Congratulates Peter For Stopping Vulture

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(Start At 1:22, End At 4:12)

Returning Home, Peter Discovers That Tony Returned His Upgraded Suit Which He Tries On Only To Be Seen By Aunt May Who Now Knows His Secret...

We Have Mid Credits Scene That Takes Place In Prison Where Toomes Talks With Mac Gargan Who Is Putting Together A New Team To Get Vengeance Against Spider-Man, Pressured By Gargan To Tell Him Spider-Man's Identity, Toomes Denies Having Such Knowledge And Walks Off...

We Also Have An End Credits Scene Involving Captain America (Played By Chris Evans) But It's Not Really That Important That It's Worth Talking About...

Anyway, That's Spider-Man Homecoming And It's A Good Movie...

The Story's Great, The Characters Are Well Written And The Villain Is Fantastic And Aside From My Problem With People Calling Michelle Jones MJ When She's Not, I Say See This Movie...

Till Next Time, This Is Duke, Signing Off...

#spider man homecoming #tom holland #robert downey jr #zendaya #Michael Keaton #MCU #marvel cinematic universe #marvel

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