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thomas-mvller · 4 years

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Tag games x 283129

Hello everyone so uh lately i've started to be more active on my music sideblog which means i've been hearting stuff like crazy for the past couple of months aka all the things i've been tagged in has been buried under all that nonsense SO because i hate leaving things undone i thought on doing them all at once and tagging a bunch of people so they can get a little distraction by doing them (as in, not all of them but whichever they might want to do)

Again: you do not have to do all of them, not even one if you don't feel like doing so! there's a game for everyone so hey!

Tagging: @havertsz @foreverbayern @germanynts @sherlockisonfire @debushit @sadiiomane10 @miasanmuller @elishamanning @abcde-fc @bbjim @littletentaclemonster @tamtam-elizabeth @minimalloss @pearfight and whoever wants to do this! if you see it, consider yourself tagged >:))

Alright, here we go:

1) I was tagged by @/tamtam-elizabeth and @/sadiiomane10 to post a capture of my lockscreen, homescreen and last song i listened to. Thank you both <3

I used to be very annoying when it came to changing my lock/homescreen so now i just don’t do that often anymore (previous to that my homescreen was a pic of lfc winning ucl OBVIOUSLY) also i haven’t really been listening to music lately but i did have a depeche mode phase like two weeks ago and this was the song i replayed the most so hey!

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2) “Get to know me” tag

Tagged by the always thoughtful @/tamtam-elizabeth , thank you and i’m sorry for taking so long ;-; <3

Name: Cloud

Birthday: sometime in november

Zodiac Sign: scorpio

Height: 5′4′’ or 1.65 (last time i checked..... which was like seven years ago)

Hobbies: lately it has been sewing facemasks 😂 that aside i like watching movies, random videos on yt, baking and crafting sometimes

Favorite colors: black, red and teal

Favorite Book: don’t think i have one :o

Last Song Listened to: barrel of a gun by depeche mode

Last Movie Watched: currently watching prince of egypt. if that doesn’t count then ben hur 😂

Inspiration or Muse: i really don’t know what to say here 😂

Dream Job: i still haven’t given up to my goal but at this point i just want a job that gives me stability and zero worries

Reason Behind my URL: Thomas Müller (German pronunciation: [ˈtoːmas ˈmʏlɐ]; born 13 September 1989) is a German professional footballer who plays for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich. A versatile player, Müller plays as a midfielde- okay no in all seriousness yess this url is bc of a football player 😂

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3) Ten songs playlist tag

Tagged by the joy that is @/foreverbayern and the always sweetest @/havertsz . thank youuuuu <3

Rules: We’re snooping through your playlist. Put your entire music library on shuffle and list the first 10 songs and then choose 10 victims.

Some months ago I made the mistake of transfering the songs i had in my old computer to my current laptop and there are some stuff that just........ should not be acknowledged so i can’t do shuffle HOWEVER i will choose ten random songs i’ve listened to/discovered this year (technically speaking is the same) so here it is:

art-i-ficial by x-ray spex

sunny afternoon by the kinks

desire lines by lush

paper cuts by incubus

pure love by hayley williams

spirit by bauhaus

no one knows by screaming trees

let’s love by suho

all we need is a dream by cheap trick

cosmonauts by fiona apple

bonus: you’re so close by peter murphy (god i adore this song)

I wouldn’t be surprised if these aren’t your cup of tea tbh 😂

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4) “Core aesthetic” tag

Tagged by @/havertsz - i’m sorry for the delay ;-; and thank you <3

rules: search your name + "core aesthetic" on pinterest, get a moodboard & select a few photos that come up

i can’t really use pinterest so i googled it instead, as you might’ve guessed this is what i got 😂

ps: i’ve been informed not to use pinterest so if you wish follow this post’s indications

ah this is so pretty, i loved doing this!

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Tagged by @/germanynts @/havertsz and @/elishamanning to do this tag, thank you all <3

rules: describe yourself with pictures you already have saved. no downloading or searching for new ones. then tag 10 people.

if you want further explanations for each pic... ask ahead 😂

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6) “bold what applies” tag

Tagged by the always enJoyable @/foreverbayern, thank yoooou <3

rules: bold what applies to you and tag a bunch of people

- Appearance

I am over 5’5 // I wear glasses/contacts // I have blonde hair // I prefer loose clothing over tight clothing // I have one or more piercings (had three...) // I have at least one tattoo // I have blue eyes // I have dyed or highlighted my hair // I have gotten plastic surgery // I have or had braces // I sunburn easily // I have freckles // I paint my nails // I typically wear makeup // I don’t often smile // I am pleased with how I look // I prefer Nike to Adidas // I wear baseball caps backwards

- Hobbies and interests

I play a sport // I can play an instrument // I am artistic // I know more than one language // I have won a trophy in some sort of competition // I can cook or bake without a recipe // I know how to swim // I enjoy writing // I can do origami // I prefer movies to tv shows // I can execute a perfect somersault // I enjoy singing // I could survive in the wild on my own // I have read a new book series this year // I enjoy spending time with my friends // I travel during school or work breaks // I can do a handstand

Relationships

I am in a relationship // I have been single for over a year // I have a crush // I have a best friend I have known for ten years // my parents are together // I have hooked up with my best friend // I am adopted // My crush has confessed to me // I have a long-distance relationship // I am an only child // I give advice to my friends // I have made an online friend // I met up with someone I have met online

- Aesthetic

I have heard the ocean in a conch shell // I have watched the sunrise // I enjoy rainy days // I have slept under the stars // I meditate outside // the sound of chirping calms me // I enjoy the smell of the beach // I know what snow tastes like // I listen to music to fall asleep (i did that for a long time and i sicnerely don’t recommend it) // I enjoy thunderstorms // I enjoy cloud watching // I have attended a bonfire (quick story time: one time when i was 12 my friends and i sneaked into our seniors’ school anniversary activities and they lit this huge bonfire near the football field, it was nuts) // I pay close attention to colours // I find mystery in the ocean (spoopy shit) // I enjoy hiking on nature paths // Autumn is my favourite season

- Miscellaneous

I can fall asleep in moving vehicles // I am the mom friend // I live by a certain quote(s) // I like the smell of sharpies // I am involved in extracurricular activities // I enjoy Mexican food // I can drive a stick-shift // I believe in true love // I make up scenarios to fall asleep // I sing in the shower // I wish I lived in a video game // I have a canopy above my bed // I am multiracial // I am a redhead // I own at least 3 dogs

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my god this is getting embarassing i had stuff long due ;-;

Tagged by @/tamtam-elizabeth. think you for thanking on me when doing tag games, i mean it :-: <3

How old are you?: 24

Surgeries?: one

Tattoos?: none yet ://

Ever hit a deer?: i have never seen one so... no 😂

Sang karaoke?: yeah... years ago 😂

Ice skated?: nope

Ridden a motorcycle?: had the chance but nope

Ridden in an ambulance?: nope

Skipped school?: a handful of times

Stayed in a hospital?: for a few hours

Broken bones?: nope

Last phone call?: i haven’t called anyone in ages 😂

Last text from?: my mom

Pepsi or coke?: coke but i don’t mind having pepsi

Favorite pie?: haven’t had one

Favorite pizza?: chorizo + corn + red pepper

Favorite season?: autumn

Received a ticket?: don’t even know how to drive

Favorite color?: black, red and teal

Sunset or sunrise?: both!

Favorite Christmas song?: don’t think i have one, maybe universe by exo?

Cupcakes or cookies?: uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh good q, cookies?

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8) “find your match” tag game

Tagged by @/tamtam-elizabeth, you’re allowed to punch me in the face at this point

Rules:

Take the test

Reblog this post with what type you got

Tag 7 mutuals to do the same!

I got the Dreamer and my ideal partner would be The Innovator ?)

Seek out opportunities to collaborate with INNOVATOR types, who combine your lofty idealism with a focus on pragmatic solutions. The grounding energy of the INNOVATOR can inspire you to apply your imagination to real-world change.

that’s deep fam 😂 but okay!

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9) “get to know me tag”

Tagged by: @/littletentaclemonster . thank you and sorry for the delay ;-; <3

nickname: cloud zodiac: scorpio height: 5′4″ / 1.65 last movie I saw: can you believe i managed to watch another thing while making this? anyway it was The celluloid closet last thing I googled: block site extension favorite musician: as of right now? depeche mode song stuck in my head: you’re so close by peter murphy other blogs: @/brltpop and @/s-lay-ing amount of sleep: as long as i can get (usually 7 or 8) lucky numbers: don’t think i have one dream job: whatever gives me stability what am I wearing: pajamas favorite food: chinese, mexican and italian language: which ones do i know? spanish and english somewhat. i want to learn japanese and german :c can I play an instrument: nope favorite song: atm is YOU’RE SO CLOSE (8) random fact: my nails usually grow sort of square except for my thumb and index fingers, they grow round for whatever reason describe yourself in aesthetic things: ?????????? idk man, messy room? loose clothes? football? cd’s on a shelf, posters on the walls ?????

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MY GOD WHY AM I LIKE THIS?????????

10)

Tagged by @/littletentaclemonster you too can punch me in the face

Rules: Bold the statements that apply to you, italicize your aspirations, then tag nine people.

AIR: I have small hands • I love the night sky • I watch small animals and birds when I pass them by • I drink herbal tea • I wake to see dawn • The smell of dust is comforting • I’m valued for being wise • I prefer books to music • I meditate • I find joy in learning new truths from the world around me

FIRE: I don’t have straight hair • I like to wear ripped jeans • I play an organized sport • I love dogs • I am not afraid of adventure • I love to talk to strangers • I always try new foods • I enjoy road trips • Summer is my favorite season • My radio is always playing

WATER: I wear bracelets on my wrists • I love the bustle of the city • I have more than one set of piercings • I read poetry • I love the sound of a thunderstorm • I want to travel the world • I sleep past midday most days • I love dimly lit diners and fluorescent signs • I rewatch kids’ shows out of nostalgia • I see emotions in colors not words

EARTH: I wear glasses/contacts • I enjoy doing the laundry • I am a vegetarian • I have an excellent sense of time • My humor is very cheerful • I am a valued advisor to my friends • I believe in true love • I love the chill of mountain air • I’m always listening to music • I am highly trusted by the people in my life

AETHER: I go without makeup in my daily life • I make my own artwork • I keep on track of my tasks and time • I always know true north • I see beauty in everything (sort of) • I can always smell flowers • I smile at everyone I pass by • I always fear history repeating itself • I have recovered from a mental disorder • I can love unconditionally

Water an aether huh, i don’t know what to do with this information 😂

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if you ask me i would very much appreciate it if you do the songs playlist tag bc i need recommendations thanks. Also massive apologies to the ones that were due since last year I had them in my drafts i swear!

Stay safe everyone :D

#ask games #yaay!#FINALLY #THE GUILT........ GONE #well this was fun

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jorjathomas · 3 years

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Aesthetic Research

At the beginning of this project, I was heavily inspired by the first two artists and wanted to base my zine around them. As I've progress with research, my style plan has changed slightly which is why there is two versions of this post. This is the original aesthetic I wished to use.

Originally, I wanted to have majority of my work made digitally as this was my strong point however, as I began to research other artists, combining some of this work with physical art would help my zine feel nostalgic and personal to the reader. This zine will be playful and humorous to remind the viewer not to take things to seriously. I will also be adding personal imagery alongside these inspirational work techniques. At first, I was fairly worried as I knew I wanted to cover a lot of different subjects within and I felt as though I had to keep the overall aesthetic layout similar on every page but a tutor advised me to do as I please as the more different each page would look the more engaging it would be to read. Below are some inspiring artists who may spark some of my layout ideas.

Florence Given- Women don't owe you pretty

I had read Florence Givens book last year, ‘Women don't owe you pretty’ which actually sparked this idea and learning more about feminism in the first place. She not only wrote this book but she also created all the visual identity behind her work. I love her aesthetic which reminds me a lot of the 70s because of her common curved typography. I enjoy her colour palette also as of course there is pink within her book but she also uses orange, red and yellow to add a fiery and informal side to her art. I've previously talked about colour phycology in our group project and I love the combination of pink and red in visual art. The light pink symbolises the generic stereotypes behind a woman and is very feminine just like we are told to be. The red conveys the opposite despite being close on the colour wheel. The primary colour symbolises the fiery presence and confidence that should be the representation for women. I am most definitely will be using this combination throughout this zine as I think the red alongside doesn’t make it look as girly and soft as the light pink alone will be. When creating a zine around this matter, it is hard not use the stereotypical colours that everyone would know and is associated with a women. Although this would catch attention quicker, feminism doesn't like this attachment which is why I will be aiming to use a lot more colours along side pink to wash out this opinion. I think I will use pinks, red and oranges like Florence but also add blues, greens and purples to add as much euphoria as I can.

Natasha Ahmed- Illustrated Wardrobe

Natasha Ahmed is a social influencer and illustrator. She has recently collaborated with a clothing brand with her motivating art which is what inspired me prior to researching more artists. All of her work is drawn digitally which is was sparked my inspiration originally. As I progress, I think I will use digital illustrations to an extent with typography but I have decided to rely on my collaging ideas to provide the main aesthetic for the zine. I will add digital art over the top of existing work to add personality and a ‘diary like’ feel. For example adding pieces like Natasha's or drawing over a image. Nevertheless, I love Natasha's work as it highlights normal life. A lot of her work consists of trendy objects or pictures of her room. She has made a magazine full of illustrations of famous musicians which I was drawn to. The first image above is what inspired me the most as I like the idea of the cluttered objects placed behind a patterned background. This ignited my idea of making it more personal by adding certain objects and imagery that could make the zine look as though it has been placed on a table without any thought. What I mean by this is imagery within the page such as tea-stains, nail polish, eyelashes, jewellery etc.

Below is some artists I began to research after I knew I wanted to add some collaging techniques into my zine. I was given this book by a tutor. The book is called Cute and Paste.

Julian Pacauld- escapism

I had always liked this persons art as I had found them on Pinterest a few projects ago however, the book helped be find the artists name and look further into his work. I always love the abnormality behind collage work like this and wanted to include it into my work some way. Originally, when you look at Julian's work it feels humorous as he places certain images in particular ways that aren't common .He plays around with size and proportions which is where this personality of art comes from. His pieces remind me a lot about escapism and the functions behind a persons mind. It requires a lot of imagination and playfulness to form this which is why I love it so much. I didn't know how I could tie this sort of technique into my work however, the more I thought about my original message behind the zine, I think Julian work fits in quite well. I’d like readers to feel eased when reading the zine as a lot of my content would involve the importance of living present and not overthinking certain life situations. I will use this technique when I try to explain the small severity behind a persons problem. For example; I have recently stressed about silly problems and I have made a conscious effort to remind myself how amazing life is as a tiny human on a floating rock in space. I could portray this message with abnormal collaging imagery as this could help get my message across better than heavy amounts of confusing text.

James Dawe- adding new stories into existing imagery to help portray messages

I believe James has used collaging digitally as this work seems fairly flat. I am unsure yet whether it would be easier to create my collage this way or to print pictures off. Nevertheless James is another piece of art which has inspired me greatly. What I enjoy so much is the layers within the pieces. I believe he only uses one or two pieces of art but multiple copies of them so he is able to get different outcomes with different cut outs. This is a interesting technique to add a new narrative within a image. I hope to do this slightly to some of my images. I may do this with my own personal images to again add a sense of playful into my work or combine two contrasting images together to create a different aesthetic. I am excited to start this process and see what outcomes I could create with James inspiration.

Craig Atkinson- personal touches

This was the final artist which I liked from the book Cut and Paste. Although Craig's background work is fairly simplistic, what adds character is the additional pen lines and mixed media. This is exactly the aesthetic I am going for. Just like Craig, I hope to create the a narrative that makes the reader feel as though they are snooping through someone's diary yet becoming educated at the same time. Using this sort of technique will make a big impact on particular pages and help portray my fun message for a female's life. I am unsure yet how to execute this process perfectly as I've previously tried this technique with the trend lookbook however, there is a difference between physical lines and digital lines. It would be easier to do this digitally on top of pre-existing collaging work however I don't want it to look too clean and pristine and I think digital sketches give off that look.

To conclude, all of these artist have inspired my visual idea. Despite changing my original aesthetic idea, all of these artists has contributed to my new visual layout of my zine and I will make an conscious effort to keep referring to these artists pieces for inspiration when I finally begin to speak these ideas into creative existence.

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soprana-snap · 7 years

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Popcorn Ceilings

Happy really, really, really, REEEEEALLY late Birthday Alisha! @rivendell101

This was inspired by you and B’s Natsu and Gray brotpcop! AU with private investigatorLucy! ...as well as that one fic of yours where drunk Lucy crashed in Natsu’s bathtub!

His wet boot soles screeched on the polished tile, his shoulders tensing at the cacophonous noise. In his grip, the gun shifted, aim dropping lower by inches. “Oops-”

“Quiet, flamebrain.” His partner, Gray Fullbuster hissed at his side, his own pistol still held up and ready. He had his jet black hair greased back, looking more like a misplaced business man than a cop but at least he had a sharp eye and a quick draw. Especially helpful when the power to the building was off, save for a few flickering emergency lights on a generator.

They were both going blind into the hornet's nest so to speak.

“I was quiet!” Natsu hissed back, readjusting his pistol as if his lack of attention never happened.

Gray's lips quirked, but Natsu knew it wasn't from amusement. “I was talking about your yapper. Every time you open your mouth, you're loud...and stinky.” he added as an afterthought, “Do you ever brush?”

What a dick.

“Do you ever hear the stupidity that comes out of your pea brain?” Natsu retorted in a whisper, pausing at a corner to cock his gun up. Gray followed suit on the other corner, the two of them mirroring the other in image and breathing. The first time they were truly silent and one unit.

3...

2...

1...

They moved as one, twisting to point their weapons down the hall in opposite directions. Their eyes scanned and pinpointed all possible threats, index fingers poised to fire.

“Clear.” they both muttered, relaxing.

'Back up just entered the opposite side. If our guys are still dumb enough to be here after we pulled the power, we'll catch 'em.' A voice buzzed from their earpieces, stern and hardened from working the beat.

“10-4 Captain.” Gray murmured into the little radio on his shoulder, unable to hear any reply since it was muted. “We got the first floor almost clear. Proceed to the second.”

“Ass-kisser.” Natsu teased with an emotionless face, although the humor in his tone was hardly hidden.

“Shut it. We got this already bagged. They can take the rest.” Gray snapped, already moving down the right hall, careful not to let his boots squelch on the floor. Down the left hall, a single window offered a glance outside. Rain was still pouring down, keeping the outside light away.

Every so often, thunder rolled, shaking the very walls of the building. It shook Natsu down to the bones too, stirring up the thrill with every quiver.

“Steady. Two more rooms and we can stake at the stairwell.”

Gray huffed, adjusting his grip on the weapon. “Shouldn't I tell you that? You are practically bouncing.”

Of course, he was also thriving with energy, his heel twitching. Not even his partner missed it. They were both ready for action, wherever it may happen.

They sneaked closer, Natsu gesturing to the room on the left with a silent point of his index and middle finger, casting a glance of understanding when Gray tilted his head toward the right. Get in, get out, and don't get shot if there wasn't something nice on the other side.

Natsu shivered when his back hit the wall, his uniform dry by now but everything under it not so much.

If he got sick because of this, his girlfriend would kill him.

Lucy hated getting sick, and if he brought the plague to her, he'd never hear the end of it. Much like his job, Lucy's job as a freelance journalist revolved around actually being well enough to snoop for facts and being where the action was.

Plus, she absolutely hated cough syrup and remained painfully stubborn about suffering rather than just taking it.

Shaking his head clear of thoughts about his girlfriend, he took slow, steady breaths to bring his attention back to the door...and what may lay beyond.

Across the hall, Gray held up his hand, all five fingers splayed out.

One by one, each ticked down until the second they would act.

Natsu felt the coil of his muscles before Gray got to the number one, already twisting and bringing his leg up, swinging it hard enough to strike right by the lock. Silently, he prayed the door was built to open away from him, because he'd have a hell of a time explaining to Erza why he broke his leg kicking a door that was impossible to kick down.

He felt the impact all the way to his chest, hearing the door crack as it shattered just around the lock, flying open to slam into the wall hard enough to break the drywall. Oops, he thought with a cringe. That wasn't quiet.

The room was dark, the only light from a foggy window to the left. Still, he could make out the computer chairs and lecture hall style layout, the desks hollow and easy to see under.

The room was void of anyone he wanted to arrest, sans anyone, actually. Despite that, he felt the coil if his gut trying to tell him something.

He chanced a look over his shoulder, catching sight of Gray squinting into a janitors closet before turning to scowl back at him.

“Really? You couldn't open the door like a normal person? Now the district is gonna have to pay damages. Idiot.”

“Shaddup! It was cool as hell!” Natsu snipped back, feeling the hairs on his neck prickle.

“Cool as hell, but stupid as shit.” Gray agreed with a cocky smirk, making a show of shutting the closet door before patting the functional doorknob.

Before Natsu could retort, it happened again: the hair bristle.

His face must have shown some form of awareness, for Gray's amused grin faded to a serious glower, his eyes darkening to polished coal.

Wordlessly, they crept into the room, holstering their guns for a more close combat setup. Should there be violence, Natsu preferred to grasp it with his hands. Gray followed suit, his breathing quieting, just like a hunter would before making a shot at the prey.

All was quiet.

Crrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeaak

Both cops stiffened, casting each other wary glances.

“That...wasn't you farting, was it?” Gray whispered.

Natsu, for once not laughing at the word 'fart', shook his head.

They listened so intently that their ears might have well as grown three sizes, eyes narrow as they simultaneously fished for flashlights.

With two clicks, both flashlights lit up the room, leaving no shadow safe for long.

“There's nobody-” Gray breathed, resisting the urge to flash Natsu's eyes with his light.

Grrrrrrruuuughhhhh

It was a spine tingling sound, like nails on a chalkboard or a fork on a ceramic plate. It nearly paralyzed them both with how real and how close it came.

From above. That was when they heard a muffled, but very real voice hiss, “Oh crap.”

Natsu took a cautious sidle back, Gray mimicking as they both gazed up as if in a sci-fi film about aliens. The drop ceiling looked simple, the mineral popcorn tiles as plain as they would be in a first grade classroom.

What was odd was the festering bulge right in the center of four ceiling lights, the tiles and the bars that supported them buckling.

It took the pair about two second to realize what that meant in regards to the investigation.

“Incoming.” Natsu said, stepping even farther away just as the ceiling lost the battle with gravity, tiles and bars crashing down to the floor, knocking over computer monitors.

A body never hit the floor.

The flashlights were great, but even they could not stand up to the cloud of dust that plumes through the air, bits of mangles tile still raining down every second or so. Natsu assumed it was dust, although asbestos wasn't too far out of the ballpark. He covered his nose and mouth with his collar flap just to be safe.

The smoggy cloud dissipated slowly, revealing a picture that both cops never expected to witness with their own eyes.

A woman hanging upside down, tangled in wires, and flashing them her panties.

A woman, frantically trying to push down her skirt despite having one leg strung up like a snared animal's, her blonde hair clotted with black soot and other miscellaneous debris.

A woman, much to Gray's sudden amusement and Natsu's shock, that was Lucy Heartfilia in all her glory.

Her pupils shriveled as Gray's light shone true, her nose wrinkling as the hand that wasn't currently trying to spare her dignity shielded her brow. “Lucy?” Gray chuckled, more out of disbelief than anything else.

Her eyes flashed, her petrified expression changing like the wind. “Gray! Nice to see you!” she chirped, as if getting caught dangling out of a ceiling at a crime scene was as casual as Sunday brunch, “How's Juvia?”

The cable that tangled her twisted, in turn twisting her body to circulate and lose sight of Gray, now turning to face Natsu: who had more than enough time to gather his senses at the sudden arrival.

Her cheery face dropped like a stone, a wary smile now in place. “Hey babe~” she breathed, nervously fiddling with the hem of her shirt, the skirt now dropping and revealing pink Hello Kitty panties. Natsu tried not to focus on them too much.

He licked his lips. “No 'Hey Natsu! Nice to see you!' for me?” His tone was borderline bitter.

Lucy flinched, her cheek pinking. “Well...you're going to yell at me.”

He frowned deeper, crossing his arms and raising a brow. “Pray tell, why do you think I'd yell at you?”

Her answer was lost as her body continued to slowly spiral, her eyes now bringing Gray into sight.

“Juvia's good. She loved the cookie recipe you sent to her on Pinterest.”

Lucy sighed. “Good, I was afraid she missed it. She has to make it for Erza's party. I think it will be a great-”

“Oi, pay attention to me!” Natsu's voice squawked.

The woman's face shuttered with dread. “Hold that thought Gray, I have someone on hold.” she said as her body still rotated, bringing her to face her boyfriend again.

“You're gonna be mad that I hid in a ceiling-”

“A ceiling of a building probably filled with criminals? Maybe.” he said with a frown.

Lucy shot him a scathing glare, the force losing value due to the fact that she still was upside down, her hair that was loose hanging like branches of a willow tree.

“Okay, maybe after some perspective this wasn't a good idea, but I needed this story Natsu! The news site is thinking about making me a permanent journalist, so there has to be a good hook!” She didn't get to add on as her orbit brought her twisting back around.

“He's got a point, you know. This is by far the dumbest thing you've done.” Gray quipped when they made eye contact.

“Shut up, Gray.” she hissed, folding her arms and waiting to face the other irate cop.

When Natsu came back into view, Lucy put a pout upon her face. “You know I can't resist writing the perfect article.” she whined.

Natsu scowled deeper. “No. Don't use that face on me. It won't work.”

Lucy flinched, but then pouted harder, her lip quivering. “Natsu~”

Her boyfriend shook his head. “Nope.”

She was turning again, the cable starting to hurt as it tightened, her toes going numb. As a small mercy, Natsu reached out and stopped her orbit, keeping her facing him as he said, “You know how I feel about you investigating crime scenes...when a crime is happening. We've talked about this. Remember the bank robbery?”

Lucy blinked, shrugging. “You mean the robber that somehow knocked out the guards but then proceeded to try and rob the bank with a banana? Sorry, I happened to be at the bank to make a deposit. That one doesn't count.”

“How about the time that lady beat up the other parents of her son's little league team?”

“I did everyone a service by arriving on the scene and taking evidence!”

Natsu sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You're so much trouble.”

Lucy grinned at that. “Oh, am I?” she purred, giving him a sultry look. “You going to punish me?”

Gray gagged. “Okay, maybe we should get back on topic. Why are you in the ceiling?”

The blonde shrugged as best she could, white spots dancing across her vision. “Climbed in from the air duct and found some guys in here. So I hung around and snooped once they left, making sure they didn't see me...and then climbed back into the air ducts and waited for the coast to be clear. But, then you guys showed up and-” she trailed off.

“So we just missed these guys.” Natsu muttered.

Lucy fidgeted with a whimper, drawing all attention back to her as she whined, “Can you guys...get me down please?”

“Oh! Right.” Gray lurched, his hands hovering over her hips, waist, and then bare legs. “Uh-” he groaned, flashing Natsu a hesitant glance.

Natsu frowned, slapping Gray's hands away and set to untangling his girlfriend from the cables. He worked silently, even if there was a hint of a smirk on his lips when her skin formed goosebumps under his touch. Every so often, he'd brush his knuckles along her skin, just to flash her a smug glance when she gasped.

“Guys, I'm still right here.” Gray said, kneeling down and holding out his arms to catch Lucy before she fell headfirst onto the floor.

And she did about a half second later, her head cradled in his hands as the rest of her body began to fall...only to have Natsu catch her by the ankles and gently bring her down.

“Okay, now hand it over.” Natsu ordered once she had blinked away all the spots in her vision, her eyes dazed by the flashlights.

Lucy blinked again, brows furrowing. “What?”

The man held out his palm, curling his index finger every few seconds. “The evidence. I know you found some.”

Gray's jaw slackened, his eyes darting to stare at the stubborn blonde as she turned up her nose. “And what makes you think I found anything?” Her tone was haughty, her lips in a tight little frown. If Gray didn't already have Juvia and didn't know Lucy as personally as he did, he might have thought it a cute display.

But, he knew better-knew her better-and knew she was definitely hiding something.

Natsu, however, voiced it better than he ever could. “Because I know you, Lucy Heartfilia, and I know that you will indeed put yourself in dangerous situations for proof and sources. So, hand it over.”

The pair had a staring match for five seconds, static energy practically sparking to life between their eyes before Lucy sighed and reached into her cleavage. Both men nearly flushed scarlet as she dug in, having enough sense to avert their eyes while she pulled out a small, silver flash drive.

Natsu snatched it, pocketing it over his left bicep. “Alright. Now that's over, Lucy Heartfilia, you're under arrest.” He said, fishing out his pair of handcuffs and quickly making sure he had both of her wrists contained behind her back before she could react.

“What?! Natsu!” She screeched loud enough to make them all cringe. “Are you really arresting me?!”

Gray even rose a brow at him, not expecting his partner's cunning gleam as he helped his girlfriend up.

“Aye. You are trespassing on a known crime scene. It won't stick, so you'll be home by dinner.” Natsu said, a little smile curling his lips.

Lucy had none of it. She scowled and stuck out her tongue. “You're an ass and you sleep on the couch tonight.”

Gray stepped back as Natsu whined, taking in the couple with a huff. Of course, Lucy's warning fell on deaf ears.

“Aw, Lucy, don't be like that. It's all in the name of justice-”

“Justice isn't gonna save you from me, you jerk. Who arrests their girlfriend?!” Oh, she was huffing and puffing, her eyes stony as she glared at the back of her boyfriend's head. If looks could kill, Natsu would be feeling the grip of death on his shoulders.

Gray sighed, watching as Lucy and Natsu bickered back and forth like an old married couple, both too stubborn and probably sexually frustrated. After all, most of the guys did wonder about getting their girls...or guys into cuffs.

Unfortunately for Natsu, Gray thought as his partner escorted a still raging Lucy out of the office, he got it all wrong and would indeed be sleeping on the couch: not next to a dynamite blonde and a pair of well used handcuffs.

#nalu #Natsu Dragneel #lucy heartfilia #fairy tail #my writing

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The Strange And Sweet History Of The Elf On The Shelf

If you’re familiar with The Elf on the Shelf, you likely know it’s something parents love to hate and hate to love.

The popular Christmas tradition involves a storybook and accompanying pixie elf figure. According to the book, the elf is a “scout elf” who sits on a shelf or table or another part of a family’s home to observe the children’s behavior during the holiday season.

Each night, the elf flies back to the North Pole and reports the kids’ actions to Santa Claus to inform his naughty and nice list picks. The elf then returns before the children wake up and settles in a new part of the house, creating a hide-and-seek game each morning.

Scrolling through social media, you can find tweets and blog posts from parents lamenting, defending, mocking, condemning and outright bashing the holiday tradition. Pinterest is filled with both easy and elaborate Elf on the Shelf ideas.

Celebrities like Kelly Clarkson, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mario Lopez, and Busy Philipps have posted photos of their families’ elves on Instagram. And just this week, “The Late Late Show with James Corden” poked fun at The Elf on the Shelf in a segment featuring actor Bryan Cranston.

But where did this tradition come from? And how did it become so ubiquitous?

Courtesy of The Elf on the Shelf®

The Elf on the Shelf is the brainchild of stay-at-home mom Carol Aebersold and her grown twin daughters, Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts.

While some might assume that The Elf on the Shelf is a product of Hasbro or Mattel, it’s actually the brainchild of stay-at-home mom Carol Aebersold and her grown twin daughters, Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts.

In 2004, Aebersold and Bell wrote the poem that would become the product’s storybook. Along with Pitts, they launched their own company the following year to bring the story and tradition to other families across the country.

The Origin

Bell and Pitts told HuffPost that The Elf on the Shelf idea dates back to a family tradition from their childhood in Georgia in the 1970s.

“We had an elf growing up for as long as we can remember. Our elf was named Fisbee, and Fisbee of course would report to Santa Claus at night and be back in a different position in our house the next day,” Pitts explained. “We loved it. It was a chance for us to tell Santa directly what maybe we might want for Christmas, or to do good deeds so that Santa would know about them.”

When Aebersold was a child herself, Fisbee was more like an ornament that stayed on the Christmas tree and didn’t move. But the tradition morphed over time, and when she became a mother, she told her kids the elf would magically fly around at night and mustn’t be touched or it would lose its magic ― likely “to protect it, because we were pretty rambunctious children,” said Pitts.

The idea of a magical elf that flies to the North Pole at night and reappears in a surprise location was “super fun and whimsical” to the twins and their brother, Brandon, Pitts recalled. “It had all of us racing out of bed in the morning to find our elf!”

Taylor Hill via Getty Images

The scout elf tradition dates back to Bell and Pitts’ childhoods. Aebersold says that when she was a child, the elf was just a decoration.

It wasn’t until 2004 that Bell had the idea to immortalize the tradition in a bigger way. At that time, she was a new mom who’d left her job as a reading and language arts teacher to care for her son.

She’d started working part-time for her father, Bob, who owned a small engineering and fabrication firm. “We were broke as church mice, so my dad offered me a part-time job working two days a week where I could take my son and make $180 every two weeks. And I just thought I was rich by making that kind of money,” Bell recalled.

Because the office was about an hour and a half to two hours away from where she lived, Bell and her son would usually spend one night a week at her parents’ house. Meanwhile, her mother was going through a rough time, facing some minor health struggles, empty nest syndrome and issues with their family business.

“It was during that time at home that I looked up and I saw our elf that we grew up with sitting on a shelf,” said Bell. “I was like, ‘Mom, why don’t we write a story about the elf on the shelf?’ I can tell you honestly, at that time, there was no ― and I do mean zero ― intention of starting a business or really doing much of anything other than a fun project for mom and I to work on together.”

Taylor Hill/Getty Images

Writing the story started as a fun family activity for Bell and Aebersold.

Once they’d completed the story, Bell and Aebersold wanted to publish it. Although they found an interested literary agent, they received nothing but rejections from publishers, so they decided to self-publish The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition.

In 2005, Bell and Aebersold invited Pitts on board, and she left her job at QVC and sold her house in Pennsylvania to move in with her parents in Georgia. Bell took out a line of credit, Pitts put forth money from the sale of her house and Aebersold cleaned out her retirement account to start their own publishing house, Creatively Classic Activities and Books. They published 5,000 copies of their book, illustrated by local watercolor artist Coë Steinwart.

“We ended up taking some huge risks financially and for our families, but we all just really believed that this was a tradition worth sharing,” said Bell.

Courtesy of The Elf on the Shelf®

Left: The first product shots taken by Chanda Bell in her parents’ backyard in 2004. Right: The first Elf on the Shelf trade show booth at Mistletoe Market in Marietta, Georgia, in 2005.

Humble Beginnings

For the next couple of years, the women sold their Elf on the Shelf kits at local trade shows and markets. They also sold their product online and appeared at bookstores to share the story of The Elf on the Shelf.

2007 marked a turning point. In November, actress Jennifer Garner was photographed carrying an Elf on the Shelf box in New York. The following month, the “Today” show ran a segment on The Elf on the Shelf. From there, they were flooded with calls and orders, and more bookstores and toy stores started selling their product.

Twelve years after its official launch, The Elf on the Shelf is a global phenomenon. More than 11 million elves have been “adopted” in the U.S. and beyond ― from Mexico to the U.K. to Zimbabwe.

The “adoption” terminology reflects the trio’s dedication to their branding. Although Creatively Classic Activities and Books is based in Atlanta, Bell and Pitts say their company is “in the North Pole” and that they work “for Santa.” They always say the elf is “flying,” and never that someone “moved the elf.”

Taylor Hill via Getty Images

The Elf on the Shelf is a global phenomenon and has appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 2012.

Knee-Hugger Elves

The Aebersold family’s elf was not the only one of its kind. “Knee-hugger elves” were part of American Christmas kitsch in the 1950s and 1960s, reportedly thanks to a company called Yuletide of Japan. The Elf on the Shelf founders are familiar with the trend.

“The small pixie elf dolls ― I know some of them were made in Japan in the ’60s,” said Pitts. “If you look around, eBay has some old vintage ones. They really have a wide-ranging look and feel, and then of course there are plenty that have the pointy ears and stuff like that.”

Looking at the knee-hugger elves and Elf on the Shelf, it’s hard not to see the resemblance.

“I think it’s important in any tradition that it has that sort of timeless sense of feeling,” said Bell of The Elf on the Shelf’s design, which is similar to Fisbee’s look. “It’s very much in a similar vein to the little elf ornament that my mom had growing up.”

“We wanted to make sure that our elf was really sweet, and you could see it being a part of your family,” added Pitts.

Courtesy of The Elf on the Shelf®

“We wanted to make sure that our elf was really sweet, and you could see it being a part of your family,” said Pitts.

Although the pixie elf and knee-hugger elf toys were part of Christmas kitsch, the scout elf holiday tradition wasn’t necessarily common. “Chanda and I were in college when we first found out that other people didn’t have an elf in their home that reported back and forth to Santa,” Pitts recalled. “So it was clear this wasn’t something that most people were doing.”

When they launched The Elf on the Shelf, they were pleasantly surprised to find several people reach out to them to say their families had a similar tradition when they were growing up.

“We’ve had quite a few people contact us and say excitedly, ‘I can’t believe it. Finally! This thing that we’ve been doing in our home for quite some time is available to everyone,’” said Pitts.

The Spin-Offs

The Elf on the Shelf tradition has inspired many spin-off doll and storybook kits ― from products like The Mensch on a Bench and The Switch Witch to funny memes and video parodies like “Trump on a Stump,” Pennywise Elf on the Shelf, and “DeVito on a Dorito.”

The Mensch on a Bench

The Elf on the Shelf tradition has inspired many spin-offs, like The Mensch on a Bench.

Pitts told HuffPost her family enjoys seeing the new ideas they’ve inspired. “Certainly we are familiar with The Mensch on a Bench. I’ve actually had the chance to talk to the founder, Neal Hoffman, on a number of occasions. He has a very gregarious personality. He is a mensch. And we wish him all the best,” she said, adding that they know many Jewish and mixed-faith families who use The Elf on the Shelf as well.

Memes like “Snoop on the Stoop” make them chuckle, she added. “It seems like there’s a new ‘something on a something’ every single day. When we started, nobody had any idea what this concept was,” Pitts explained. “It’s a testament to how we’ve been able to build this brand.”

Fowl Language Comics

Brian Gordon of Fowl Language Comics has drawn comics about The Elf on the Shelf.

The Backlash

The Elf on the Shelf has been subject to criticism over the years. Parents, journalists and psychologists have condemned its “commercialization” of Christmas, “normalization of surveillance” and just plain “creepiness.”

Overworked parents have also complained that the Pinterest-y element has gotten out of hand, as children awake to find their elves engaged in elaborate scenes and creative antics that require serious time and effort to bring to life. The popular practice of posting Elf on the Shelf scenes on social media also adds to the pressure.

In response to this criticism, Bell emphasized that the tradition is what families make it.

“I do think it’s one of those things that really is what works for your family. And I often find that with people who criticize the story, most of them have never read the book, and you can tell that by what they’re saying,” she continued. “The story itself never mentions any sort of crazy hijinks or anything that the elf is up to per se. And it certainly does not set up a way in which any elf behaves or doesn’t behave in your home. It’s a very simple story about a very simple elf tradition.”

The Science of Parenthood

The Science of Parenthood has also presented cartoons on the subject.

Fowl Language Comics

Parents have spoken out about the pressure surrounding the tradition.

“I don’t know why we feel the need as a culture to care what someone else is doing if it brings them joy and happiness. It’s like when the weather man comes on and says on Christmas Eve that they spotted Santa’s sleigh. It’s just fun!” Bell said, adding that people need to “chill a little.”

For Bell and Pitts, The Elf on the Shelf is really about the spirit of Christmas and creating family moments.

“We live in such a busy time. Everything is about instant gratification and immediate information and texting and emails and phone calls. Kids are growing up in a completely different time than we did, and they’re growing up so quickly,” said Pitts.

“Everyone can enjoy The Elf on the Shelf for its general simplicity. It doesn’t need batteries. It’s all about imagination and some Christmas magic in the mix,” she added.

Courtesy of The Elf on the Shelf®

“It’s just fun!” said Bell of traditions like The Elf on the Shelf.

New Traditions

Today, the company has a number of other products in addition to the original Elf on the Shelf. One is Elf Pets, which includes a reindeer and a St. Bernard. Like the original product, both come with their own storybooks. The reindeer story shows how Santa’s sleigh flies, and the St. Bernard story explains where Santa gets his magic ― from “Christmas cheer” resulting from acts of kindness.

Courtesy of The Elf on the Shelf®

They company introduced Elf Pets in 2014.

“As we started the company, we were shocked to see the number of children that were writing us and calling us ― they still do by the thousands,” Pitts recalled. “And they were constantly asking if the elf has pets. Does the elf have pets? What are they? What are they named?”

Bell said they launched Elf Pets as a way to answer kids’ questions about the North Pole and also offer positive lessons for children about kindness and generosity.

“There are really some very big, wonderful talking points for parents because we’re helping imbue what we define as the spirit of Christmas, which is faith, hope and love,” she explained.

Courtesy of The Elf on the Shelf®

The company’s newest product is called Letters to Santa.

Their newest product, Letters to Santa, is also about creating family memories. The activity kit includes a storybook and letter-writing materials. Kids write their wish list to Santa on a full-sized sheet of special paper. Then, with the help of a parent, they bake the paper in the oven so that it shrinks down to elf-size.

According to the story, the family’s Elf on the Shelf gives the letter directly to Santa Claus during that nightly North Pole visit and brings it back in the form of an ornament to hang on their Christmas tree.

“So you can potentially have a Christmas tree that’s filled with the letters your children have written to Santa over the years,” said Pitts. “It’s a way to hold onto them without spoiling the magic.”

Bell is proud of this product and the fact that it turns the letter-writing tradition into more of a family activity. “I imagine what it would be like if I could pull out every letter I wrote to Santa and put it on my tree and talk about it with my kids, how fun that would be today ― without ruining the magic,” she said.

Courtesy of The Elf on the Shelf®

“You can potentially have a Christmas tree that’s filled with the letters your children have written to Santa over the years,” said Pitts.

As the company grows and promotes new products, The Elf on the Shelf remains the cornerstone. The founders wrote and produced a 23-minute animated holiday special that debuted in 2011, and offer a line of clothing and activity kits for the elves and a book of elf scene ideas. They’ve created an Elf on the Shelf birthday edition. And ever since 2012, there’s been an Elf on the Shelf balloon at the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Bell and Pitts say they are humbled by the overwhelming success of The Elf on the Shelf.

“We’re honored to be a Christmas tradition that is now … part of Americana,” said Bell. “You get your Christmas tree, you see Santa at the mall, and The Elf on the Shelf comes. And I don’t think there’s any greater compliment in life than achieving a status like that.”

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