#time working and more in devotion to g-d. it's a beautiful performance by a beautiful performer and one of the true greats of the stage
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starker reclist - AUs
Hey guys! Welcome to the second part of my personal Starker reclist, dedicated to AUs. Last week I posted my canon-based recs, you can find them here.
I tried to incorporate as many tropes as I could, hoping everyone will find something special within their interests. There are a few a/b/o and underage fics, all properly tagged in case anyone wishes to avoid them. I also tried to highlight soulmate AUs because I reckon it’s a somewhat popular trope. Enjoy! ❤️
Last updated: April 25th, 2020. All new fics added will be marked with ***
• 007 AU by @darker-soft-starker (T, 4k, completed)
Summary: Undercover and bored at an art auction, Tony finds entertainment in Peter Parker.
Review: Look, I’m a simple woman. Daniel Craig has owned my ass ever since Casino Royale and I was reading 00Q and Hartwin before I even shipped Starker. Point is, I like spy movies, ok?! So naturally I couldn’t leave this fic out of my reclist. I you need further incentive, consider this quote: “What, a little late night espionage not romantic enough for you?” Peter retorts, whipping a pistol out from his jacket and aiming it at Tony’s chest.
• 3 Times I Told You I Loved You & 1 Time You Said It Back by @starkeristheendgame (E) background Peter/Steve, Peter/Bucky, Peter/Scott
Summary: Peter Parker confesses his love to Tony Stark three times. Once at ten, once at fifteen and once at twenty. Finally convinced that Tony will never love him back, Peter ventures out into a different path, desperate to find the love he seeks from someone else. But you know what they say about star-crossed lovers.
Review: This lovely fic holds a very special place in my heart. I’m so invested I decided to wait until it’s finished so I can read it all in one sitting. Peter’s longing and heartbreak hurt my poor soul but I trust Jensen to give me that promised Starker endgame - I know it will be glorious when it finally comes.
• A Night on the Town by @scarletmanuka1 (G, 2.3k, completed)
Summary: Nightclub AU. Years after the events of Endgame, Tony has hit rock bottom. The Snap left him crippled, Pepper has abandoned him and has taken Morgan with her, and he's feeling old and lonely. Peter arranges a night out at the nightclub that he works at to try and cheer Tony up.
Review: I love get together fics, especially if it involves oblivious!Tony getting his shit together and going after his man. Seeing him bitter and broken after Thanos was hard, but special kudos to IronBros moments because that friendship is true goals!
• Age of Adeline by @starkerforlife6969 (completed) background Harley/Peter, Bucky/Peter, Wade/Peter
Review: I’d never in a million years think about this movie as a Starker AU but gosh, this is everything I needed in my life and it completely devastated me but I loved every minute of it. As a devoted monoshipper, I was surprised to realize that I got emotionally involved with all pairings, even more so with Starker, which totally paid off. Gorgeous, powerful and heartfelt. God bless SFL.
• assume makes ass for u and me by @pretty-well-funded (M, 1.6k, completed) tw underage
Summary: In Tony’s defense, he was sure the kid was a rent boy.
Review: This 1.6k fic caught me completely off guard and now I’m crying because I need MORE. I love the premise, the dialogue is criminally good, their voices are amazing and I can’t get enough of cheeky!Peter charming Tony with his wit and filthy mind.
• Bamf!secretary Peter by @starkerforlife6969 (M, completed)
Review: Who could ever resist some corporate espionage drama with bamf!Peter leaving Tony speechless and horny? Not me. I’d read more 30k of this verse because competent, sassy Peter Parker is such a kink, omg.
• Biker!Tony by @starkerforlife6969 (T, completed)
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Review: Same age AUs are not usually my thing but I can’t resist cute high school sweethearts written by this fandom goddess. Plus, protective!Tony calling Peter “doll” does things to my heart - and Peter’s.
• Breaking Character by @cagestark (E, 8.3k, completed)
Summary: Tony Stark, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, and spy for SHIELD. Working with another SHIELD spy, the infamous Spider, he will take down an infamous human trafficking ring in New York. But the act they have to put on will demand more from Tony than he ever thought he'd have to give. Not that he minds.
Review: The spy trope seriously needs more fic like this one, because I’ll have bamf!Peter lying back to save his country while Tony freaks out any day. Cage hits the perfect balance between plot building, fantastic sexual tension, clever dialogue and the hottest smut sequence. What a ride! (Pun intended).
• Curiosity Killed the Cat by @areluctantsblog (T, 1.5k, completed)
Summary: Peter has been modelling in an art school for years. He's used to strangers' eyes roaming his body - clothed or naked - and he knows that it's not him they are looking at. Not him who they are interested in. He's just a model, a tool for their work. And for a long time he doesn't notice the one pair of eyes that, despite seeing him but rarely, is looking right at him.
Review: Very soft and atmospheric, this fic left me in a bit of a daze and it took me a while to realize it was over. Great writing will do that to you.
• Detective!Tony, Graffiti Artist!Peter by @starkerforlife6969 (M, completed)
Review: Oh don’t mind me, just appreciating this author’s talent at writing from the filthiest smut to the softest “Tony saves Peter in all ways that matter” like this ficlet. We stan.
• Eat at Pete’s by feyrelay + glorious art by @peachbabypie (E)
Summary: Peter gives him an unimpressed look, “If you didn’t do your work, then you wouldn’t be able to earn my time though, would you?” Pfft. “Kid, I have more money than god. I can splurge on your delicious pancakes and attention, trust me,” Tony informs him loftily. Peter smiles that wicked, crooked little smile that's just for him. It's not even and perfect like his the-customer-is-always-right one that's more frequently on offer. “I didn’t say you couldn’t afford it. I said you wouldn’t have earned it.”
Review: How can we ever say no to dom!Peter putting Tony in his place and hopefully on his dick + Tony loving every second of it?? Their dynamics are fantastic and that TASTY COUNTER DIALOGUE KILLS ME. EVERY TIME. Check it out and come scream with me: sub!Tony rights :D
• Fire and Ice by LeafyGreenQueen773 (M, 3k, completed) Soulmate AU
Summary: AU where when someone writes on his or her skin, the same thing shows up on their soulmate in the same place as a Mark that fades away in a few hours.
Review: This was the first Starker soulmate fic I’ve read and it made my heart ache so soft and good. Lovely and bittersweet, quiet and painfully honest.
• Genius, Acrobat, Playboy, Philanthropist by @scarletmanuka1 (E, 28k, completed)
Summary: After Peter's aeriel acrobatics partner, Adrian Toomes is fired from The Avengers Circus Troupe for theft, he is shocked to discover that his replacement is non other than legendary performer, Tony Stark - the man that Peter had hero worshipped since he first learned how to tumble.
Review: After reading this fic I realized I need more Circus AUs in my life. I could read jealous idiots falling in love while doing beautiful acrobatics for the rest of my days. Original plot, nice character development and I really appreciated how the author inserted little canon things here and there.
• Happy to Disappoint by @deaded-blush (M, 60k, completed) tw underage, domestic violence
Summary: Adrian Toomes is in quite deep with notorious mob boss Tony Stark. But when Tony comes to collect the debt owed, he's surprised to discover Toomes has an adoptive son. The chance meeting changes the direction of both their lives...
Review: Hands down one of the best Mafia!AUs I’ve ever seen. Read it all in one sitting and by the end I was SHOOKETH and utterly obsessed with this story. Nothing about it is okay so brace yourself for whump!Peter and lots of h/c. Bonus points for an incredibly satisfying ending that will make you gasp out loud.
• Hey Baby, Slip between my Beta-Pleats and get to know my Alpha-Helix? by @starkerforlife6969 and @darker-soft-starker (E, 37k, completed) A/B/O
Summary: Even though Tony can't tell the difference between Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo, Peter really has no other choice. His heat is around the corner, so even though he loathes the party-going, booze drinking, smug playboy know-it-all that is Tony Stark. He'll just have to do.
Review: I can’t believe life went on as we know it (or did it??) after these two geniuses wrote together. This is the Starker version of “enemies to lovers” we all wanted and deserve, where spoiled-bratty-posh princess Peter finds the perfect balance for his chaotic energy in goofy-unapologetic-charming playboy Tony. Their falling in love is just so tender, so genuine and so good, it’s impossible not to cheer for these two sweethearts through this delightful, carefully crafted story.
• If you let me by @css1992 (E, 12k, completed)
Summary: Peter had tried dating younger guys, but it just didn’t do it for him. They were often too eager, too fast, too rough. Just too young, in general. Not that older men couldn’t be too much, too, Peter learned it the hard way. The man looking back at him from across the room seemed like a good one. He knew he shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but he was gorgeous. Possibly the most handsome man Peter had ever seen in his short life.
Review: I remember the first time I read this fic it hit me in such a powerful way I cried a bit and was too overwhelmed to do words and tell the author just how much I loved it. But I never forgot this fic or the way it made me feel. It’s so evocative, so sexy, so raw, so heartbreaking, so sweet and so gentle. Great atmosphere, even greater characterization and some of the hottest smut I’ve ever read. Treat yourself and check this out right now.
• I’ll be Home by @starkerforlife6969 (M, completed) A/B/O
Summary: The story starts when Soldier Tony comes home for a few days, and is introduced to the love of his life.
Review: Will I ever stop reccing SFL’s works? Maybe, but today is not the day. This gorgeous, breathtaking fic attacked me in my own house during Christmas day and made me cry like a baby. I’m a sucker for reunion stories - the longing, the heartbreak, the power of endurance. This fic reminded me that no matter how long or difficult the journey, love will always find a way.
• Little Spider by @stfustucky (iwillpaintasongforlou) (E, 5k, completed)
Summary: Peter Parker is one of the country's best hitmen, known in the underworld as the Little Spider. He spends his days in the lap of luxury with his billionaire fiance Tony Stark, and his nights doing dirty work for various shady characters. Life is good, right up until someone puts out a hit on Tony and wants Peter to pull the trigger. It... might be time for them to have a talk.
Review: Omg this fic was so deliciously good in a totally surprising and sexy way. Bamf!Peter took my breath away with the perfect balance between his two personas. Tony getting off on that sheer power and confidence is a BIG MOOD and my second favorite thing in this fic. The first being the badass power couple they make.
• love somebody like you (E) by @intoxicatelou
Summary: five times Tony was Peter’s roommate and one time he was his soulmate instead.
Review: Who doesn’t love some forced proximity mixed with the unbeatable soulmate trope? This plot is the hottest take and my heart cannot handle young!Tony with his brilliant mind and sassy charm protecting and flirting with Peter, unfff feels everywhere *cries in Starker*
• Love Thy Neighbour by @darker-soft-starker (T, 2.3k, completed)
Summary: Tony's new neighbour is kinda weird.
Review: I know I keep saying that same age!AUs are not really my thing but I’m the softest bitch for feel-good, cozy domesticity, and I love how this charming story shows that ordinary life become magical when shared with someone special. I could babble all night about how eccentric and confident Peter seduces our man of science that for once has absolutely no idea of what’s going on - but you really should see it for yourself right now :)
• Mafia Boss!Tony Break Up Make Up by @starkerforlife6969 (E, completed)
Review: Man, this fic was so rude to my heart. The heartbreak, the rough sex, the guilt, the hopeful make up, the gorgeous ending. My body literally cannot take the stress, why are Mafia AUs so doomed and beautiful and more importantly, why is SFL so good at writing them???
• Microcosm Series by @bloomblood (M, 32k) tw underage
Summary: Tony and Peter become each other’s heroes after the Snap, saving themselves before they offer aid back to the world.
Review: I haven’t read many post-apocalyptic fics but this series’s raw atmosphere sucked me in. I adore the quiet intimacy, the slow and tentative healing, and all the silent and complex emotions underneath apparent simplicity. Big aesthetic mood, just as its lovely author.
• Musechaser by @nightskygardenia (M, 10.5k, completed)
Summary: Eighteen year old art student Peter Parker is desperately searching for his muse, someone who can bring his creative skills to the next level through inspiration. Lucky for him, his next class just so happens to feature a gorgeous model by the name of Tony Stark, a man Peter's convinced is his muse, to the point of staying after class to ask for private modeling sessions.
Review: Another big aesthetic mood, this fic paints a gorgeous imagery. I love the setting, the slow pace and the building anticipation until the sexual tension finally breaks. Peter is adorable and Tony exudes confidence; their voices are spot on and their chemistry is palpable and intense.
• My Best Friend’s Dad by @darker-soft-starker (M, 17.6k, completed)
Summary: Peter is home for the summer, back from his first year away at college. Having stayed over at Harley's house every weekend since they were fourteen, he never used to think much of his friend’s dad. A few years worth of college experience has Peter noticing Tony in a different way. This time, Tony notices him back.
Review: Turns out that Tony Stark being a dad and a daddy is too much for my body. I worship this fic. I wanna get married to it and have its babies. No words will ever make it justice *sobs* no but seriously, secret relationship is a perfect Starker trope and this one will take you to the edge of your seat until the very end. A+ characterization, lovely build up, infuriating cliffhangers and the wholesome happy ending we all deserve. This is the kind of fic that leaves you a bit depressed once it’s over, because you suddenly realize you’ll never read it for the first time ever again. So get to it and make sure to enjoy every second!
• One Call Away by @readysetstarker (E)
Summary: Tony didn’t need the phone sex gig. He was more than well off, his own sex life was in great shape, but damn, there was just something about listening to someone else get off to his voice.
Review: Omg who could ever resist sex hotline + daddy kink + identity porn? Dev is coming after our own hearts and bodies with this hot combo. I love the balance between their cute chemistry and the hot phone sex, plus the identity porn is deliciously fun. I was so happy to know this fic is getting longer than the author had previously anticipated because I’m definitely not ready to let it go.
• Open Road by @starkerflowers (E, 2.5k, completed)
Summary: It’s not love, but it’s good. TW: implied abuse (not between Tony/Peter); bruises/violence; panic attack.
Review: This refreshing not-quite-a-love-story will capture your heart, make it hurt, make it ache, make it hope and finally, make it heal. This fic is so gorgeously written I honestly cannot rec it enough. Yes, it’s dark and angsty, but it’s also gentle, hopeful and deeply evocative.
• Panty Raid by @starkerforlife6969 (M, completed) A/B/O
Summary: Imagine Tony being forced to do a panty raid as an initiation for his fraternity. So Tony, keeping up his playboy appearances, sneaks into the omega dorms. And he sees sweet innocent Peter who is so alarmed by the alphas raiding their dorm Tony can’t help but comfort him.
Review: Unf this fic is just too charming and cute, my heart cannot take it. Frat stories are so fun they make me forget my preference for age gaps and realize I could read more 50k of protective young!Tony any day, please and thank
• Pete’s Eats by @darker-soft-starker (T, 9.3k, completed)
Summary: Peter has a YouTube channel where he just drinks wine and teaches people how to cook things if they live in a mediocre apartment. While cooking and drinking he just talks about stuff like memes and school and, most importantly, his undying thirst for Tony Stark.
Review: This is legit the funniest shit I’ve ever read, everybody else can go home. I was already sold on Peter being a relatable thirsty dork, but Tony’s A+++ characterization (for a moment I thought it was RDJ on the big screen) and the identity porn side trope killed me for good. And what a way to go. I’m an angst hoe but I could read this forever and would be okay with it.
• pondus, pondera by spqr (M, 9.3k, completed) underage prostitution but not between P/T
Summary: Peter sells his virginity for $5,000 when he’s fifteen.
Review: Ugh I’m so weak for the angsty hooker trope, I just love the potential to simultaneously explore whump, mutual pining and gentle recovery. Trust spqr to deliver it all with a carefully crafted slow burn, god-tier characterization and a heartfelt and satisfying get together. This fic is a gem.
• Powerful by @cagestark (E, 4.6k, completed) SIM!Tony
Summary: After finding out about Peter's abusive ex, Tony privately vows revenge.
Review: This fic took my breath away and made me realize that dark!Tony with a soft spot for Peter is everything I need in my life. Precious Peter being empowered by a viciously protective Tony is now my absolute jam, and it was fascinating to see see their dynamics mutually feeding each other’s nature. This fic is gorgeous, sexy and liberating.
***Red Light District series by @starker-stories (17k, ongoing)
Summary: Everyone knows that Tony Stark is a playboy who has dozens of women passing through his life and through his bed. What everyone doesn't know is that Tony Stark is deeply closeted, longing for something he can't ever have -- a life and a love with another man.
Review: I’m completely in love with this series and not only because it explores the good old hooker trope which I’m very partial to. It’s so well written and atmospheric, if a tad bittersweet and heart-wrenching. Great narrative tension, Tony and Peter’s chemistry is insane, their voices and dialogue are amazing and the smut is looong and scorching hot *chef’s kiss*
• Samadhi by @starkercrossedlovers (E, completed)
Summay: Tony goes to yoga to try and deal with his anxiety and ends up falling for the instructor, one Peter Parker.
Review: Okay so yoga fics are among my guilty pleasures and I can’t get enough of feel-good fics like this one. Peter’s such a sweetheart, so thoughtful and amazing with Tony. I love it when they take care of each other and find solace together, this fic made me soft :’)
• Single dad baker!Peter and lawyer!Tony by @starkerforlife6969 (G, completed)
Review: I’m not usually a fluff girl but this fic is just too wholesome to go by unnoticed. Nothing hits my soft side harder than a cynical character reaching that turning point that makes them start to believe in love. Fuck yes, YOU SHOW THAT MAN SOME HAPPILY EVER AFTER PETE
• Soft Kitty by @ko-fiandfanfiction (E, 33k, completed)
Summary: Peter wasn’t wearing something Tony would call normal, not that there was anything inherently wrong with what he was wearing or anything. It just struck him as…different. To put it plainly. Tony is not sure what to make of this new development.
Review: For those of you who love some occasional feminization, this is the perfect treat. Soft, sexy and sweet, it combines top guilty, pining Tony with oblivious idiots in love, two of my favorite tropes. Amazing slow burn with glorious sexual tension, infuriating dancing around each other and a very satisfying get together. Bonus points for including the “Avengers living together in the Tower” trope, this is the 2012 team building fic we deserved.
• Solitaire by @darker-soft-starker (M, 29k, completed)
Summary: After a traumatic experience, Tony loses his marriage and his business empire in one fell swoop. At rock bottom, it takes real change to pick up the pieces, to dig himself out of the funk he's been living in. It's not pretty. Along the path of healing Tony meets a bright young man, Peter Parker, who makes the entire journey worth it.
Review: Oh man, this was a tough ride on the soul. Few things hurt me like reading whump!Tony but his healing journey is so beautiful it’s all worth it. Top notch characterization, amazing dialogue, FEELS EVERYWHERE, and a gorgeous portrayal of loneliness, friendship, hope and love.
• Someone Who Makes you Happy by tuesday (T, 6k, completed) Soulmate AU
Summary: Peter was born with several marks already marring his skin, including an interlocking AES over his heart. A scar-sharing soulmate AU.
Review: This fic is absolutely stunning and it makes my heart ache in all the right places. Great worldbuilding (I LOVE the scarring concept, so unique and fitting to these characters), A+++ Tony characterization (the wit and the self-hate are so spot on I could weep) and a journey full of longing, until they finally get to be on the same page.
• Splice by Mezzymet (E, 35k, completed) A/B/O
Summary: "He's not...." The doctors polite nature and disposition hadn't been able to mask the odd tone of his voice, like he had been reading someone's death certificate. Only Peter hadn't been on his death bed. "Peter isn't like the other kids.
Review: I keep coming back to this story because it’s such a fascinating and unique take on this trope. Very well thought and put together - the world building is fantastic, the sex sequences are breathtaking, and Tony’s gentle thoughtfulness makes me wanna cry.
• Stopover by @cagestark (E, 10k, completed)
Summary: A stopover is just a break in a journey. Tony is on the run from the organization he used to kill for, and when he stopped for gas and coffee in the small town of Stopover, IL, he had no plans to leave with anything more.
Review: *sigh* this is the mob boss!Tony fic I’ve waited for all my life. Even more impressive than the delicious smut checking all my kink boxes was the phenomenal build up, the overall urgent atmosphere that surrounds those “on the run”, combined with the gentle wonder of stealing a moment in time to find solace in the most unlikely place. Breathtakingly moving.
• Student Body President Election by @starkerforlife6969 (T, completed)
Summary: Tony and Peter are competing for Student Body President and a smear campaign takes things a little too far.
Review: GIMME ENEMIES TO LOVERS AND ALL THE HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA. This ficlet is so fun and adorable it will make your heart smile. Great plot idea and the usual bonus points for protective!Tony being a sweetheart. Will have more 30k, pls and thank.
• Such a Softer Sin by @css1992 (E, 18k, completed) background Peter/Norman
Summary: Tony is a self-made man. Peter is a sugar baby – someone else’s sugar baby.
Review: Another fantastic slow burn that hit me hard in the feels. I love it when fics explore the characters’ personal struggles before they get together, and while the Peter!whump destroyed my heart, Tony’s parallel journey of growth took my breath away. css1992’s talent took the good old sugar baby trope to a whole new epic level.
• Summer Daze by @darker-soft-starker (NR, 4.3k, completed)
Summary: Starker no-powers au where Peter watches construction worker Tony from his bedroom window as the older man works across the street.
Review: Ahh yes, the classic “food as metaphor for love” trope, my absolute jam. This fic is so adorable and endearing, pining!Peter in his wooing mission makes my heart ache and the sweet anticipation is so good. There’s something about this fic that gives me nostalgia; it’s as soft and warm as a summer breeze.
• Tamed by @cagestark (E, 8.3k, completed)
Summary: Tony Stark, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, and spy for SHIELD. Working with another SHIELD spy, the infamous Spider, he will take down an infamous human trafficking ring in New York. But the act they have to put on will demand more from Tony than he ever thought he'd have to give. Not that he minds.
Review: It’s no wonder this is Cage’s most beloved fic. Bad boy!Tony being all soft for Peter is everything we deserve, not to mention a mesmerizing (and HOT AF) first time together. This fic shows how rich and captivating Cage’s writing is - she’s able to transform that old basic trope into something unique and heartfelt. If you need one more reason to read this, please consider: best first bj ever :)
• Teacher!Tony wrong number by @areluctantsblog (T) tw underage
Summary: Peter’s using a replacement phone and mistypes Ned’s number asking for help on a physics problem.
Review: I have such a soft spot for this fic! It was one of the first AUs I’ve ever read and I’m completely in love with their dynamics. Peter’s underage but this fic is carefully written and pretty tame, so I’d rec it to anyone looking for the good old “they probably shouldn’t, but then again nothing’s happening” trope.
• The Bleedover Effect by tuesday (T, 11k, completed) Soulmate AU
Summary: The first time Tony got punched in the face by nobody there, he had a lot of very complicated feelings about it that mostly boiled down to, "I deserve this." A pain-sharing soulmate AU.
Review: Tuesday truly is the queen of soulmate AUs, we have no other choice but STAN. First of all, I adore the concept here - being such a sucker for whump, this could easily become my favorite soulmate trope. As usual, her Tony voice is perfect and his devotion to Peter hits my fragile heart every time. Kudos for the soft and hopeful ending. The series has been discontinued but the sequels are very much worth the read, if you’re up for it :)
• The Catfish Chronicles by @stfustucky (iwillpaintasongforlou) (E, 32k, completed)
Summary: Peter creates a fake profile under the name “Benjamin” trying to catch his scumbag boyfriend cheating. Tony creates a Tinder profile for "Anthony" looking for love late in life. Funny how two geniuses who fight side by side every day can only manage to fall in love after they've accidentally catfished each other. This is... gonna get awkward.
Review: My identity porn thirst might be showing but who cares, I want these two idiots pining after each other in every possible way. This was such a fun and exciting ride! The suspense had me legit freaking out and their get together was lovely and wholesome. I particularly adored how thoughtful and sweet Tony was dealing with Peter’s insecurities, that was handled really well. A treat!
• The Concept of Domesticity by @peters-tofu (E) mpreg
Summary: Tony has accomplished nearly everything he's set out to do, now he wants something different. A family of his own? Sounds easy enough. But he's far too impatient for a relationship, so surrogacy it is. Meanwhile, twenty-two year old college student Peter Parker has just volunteered to be a bearer at an agency.
Review: Can’t say I’m a big fan of this trope but since every rule has its exception, here it is! The only Starker mpreg I’ve ever read is so so good and adorable I can’t help smiling every time I think about it. I just love their dynamics, the soft domesticity, the cute bantering, and the fact that Peter has one baby daddy all wrapped around his little finger but what else is new ;)
***The Date by Neuropsyche (E, 33k, completed)
Summary: Tony has a high society gala and he needs a date.
Review: My favorite fake dating AU so far, this fic is so sweet and wholesome. Confident!Peter is my jam and it was amazing to see their sassy bantering evolving into genuine affection towards each other, not to mention the delicious hot smut with dom!Tony :D
• The Final Heist by @starkerforlife6969 (G, 10k, completed)
Summary: Tony’s only got one more heist. He does this, he can be retired on an island in the Mediterranean in a month. All he needs is a world-class art forger. (White Collar inspired)
Review: Honestly, the amount of times I’ve mentioned SFL in this list is getting embarrassing. I must have done something really good in another life to get such a talented author writing something inspired by one of my favorite TV shows. I feel like this fic was personally crafted for me; it’s original, romantic, sexy, fun, clever and so very atmospheric. I’m a lucky hoe.
• The Heart Benefits of Exercise by @areluctantsblog (E, 14k, completed)
Summary: Personal Trainer Tony and Gym Newbie Peter. Peter can hardly keep it together watching Tony demonstrate different exercises and lift weights. Tony is very much aware of the effect he has on his trainee, and after a session, Peter begs to be shown a whole different array of exercises.
Review: This fic was a lovely surprise, very relatable and entertaining. Love myself an adorable Peter thirsting over Tony (can’t really judge lol), especially if it comes with a good amount of pining and hot, kinky smut :D
• Tipping the Scale by JayPendragon (E, 119k, completed)
Summary: Peter has a rhythm. A system. All runs like a well-oiled machine, engineering pun intended. Every wheel of his life is churning perfectly. He doesn’t expect Tony Stark of all people to throw a wrench in it.
Review: Hooker!AUs are my kryptonite, I’m so here for the “fuck first, talk later” and the general pining + misunderstandings + h/c combo this trope provides. This amazing longfic delivers it all with a well-paced, delicious slow burn told from Peter’s POV, which is always a delight to read and makes you fall even more in love with him. If you also enjoy this trope you’re in for a treat!
• To Catch a Spider by Thekeyandquill (E)
Summary: After the war, Peter Parker left his career as a spy behind to live a simple life in the south of France. But when someone frames him for the theft of plans for a new weapon, he must re-enter his old life and get close to the real thief's likely next target - one Tony Stark. A To Catch a Thief AU.
Review: TKAQ is so skilled their writing should be experienced like fine wine. Amazing research, top notch world building and characterization, and the loveliest atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re inside a movie. Clever, organic dialogue and a sexual tension so palpable you can almost taste it. This is a gem. Make sure to check their other works.
• Two White, Two Black, One Pink by @starkerforlife6969 (E) poly fic: Peter/Tony, Peter/Steve, Peter/Bucky, Peter/Strange
Summary: Peter has three (maybe one day: four) men in his life who mean the world to him.
Review: Ugh, this fic is pure bliss. It has legit ruined me for any and all other poly fics. Words just cannot describe how gorgeous, poetic and unique SFL’s writing is, or how deeply it has affected me. So if you enjoy Mafia AUs, poly fics and soft-but-also-bamf!Peter taking care of Tony AND being taken care of by the men he loves, give this a chance and experience transcending storytelling.
• Uranium Heart by spqr (M, 11k, completed) Soulmate AU
Summary: It’s probably better, Peter thinks, that he doesn’t know who his soulmate is. He wouldn’t want to lie to them about Spider-Man, but he doesn’t think he’d be able to tell them the truth, either.
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Five Mineral Drug
Five mineral powder (or wushi), also known as cold food powder (or hanshi), was one of the most widely used drugs in medieval China. I have read the paper Lebensstil und Drogen im chinesischen Mittelalter by Rudolf G. Wagner and thought that those who can’t speak German might want to know more about it as well. In this, I will explain how it was found and popularized, the people who took this, symptoms, side effects, etc.
So I picked out a few texts and translated the translations from German to English. Keep in mind that the translation had gone from being originally written in Middle Chinese to being translated to German by Wagner, and then being translated by me in English. This is not an official translation, and I don’t want it to be treated as such. I tried finding alternative translations but in the end, I had to resort to translating most of it myself. My translations (which are Wagners translations) are marked with a ・ .
And also for those not bright enough: DO NOT RECREATE THIS TRASH! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CONSUME IT! Jesus
Five Mineral Drug Before He Yan
There is not much known about the History before He Yan’s lifetime, but we have the following statement by Qin Zhengzu in his work Hanshi san lun ・ :
Although the recipe for the cold food powder originates in the Han Dynasty, there were not many who used it. But when the shangshu (He Yan) achieved godly mental abilities (because of the drug), it spread immensely throughout the era.
In Chao Yuanfang’s work Chaoshi Zhubing Yuanhuo [1] which citates Huangfu Mi ・ :
Where the drug came from is not known. Some say Hua Tuo invented it, others say it was Zhang Ji. If one examines the truthfulness on these accounts, it was plausible for Hua Tuo’s talent to invent simple recipes (which does not apply to the five mineral powder). In a text written by Zhang Ji, there is a recipe called Houshi Hei (Black Powder by Sir Hou) and a Zushi Ying recipe, both of those, have a similar composition like the Five Mineral Powder, and the codes of conduct (for the ingestion) are more or less the same. According to those two recipes, the plant-based and the mineral-based, I deduce the origins stem from Zhang Ji and not Hua Tuo.
Remarkable is that Huangfu Mi had to speculate even though He Yan was dead for only 30 years. Rudolf G. Wagner comments that Huangfu’s explanation could ring true because Zhang Ji was known as a doctor specialized in Shanghan diseases (cold diseases). Summarized we know that the drug was probably invented in the Han Dynasty and that it was meant to be used as medicine.
He Yan and the Popularization of The Five Mineral Drug
He Yan (d. 249) was the grandson of He Jin and grandnephew of Empress Dowager He. His mother Lady Yin, who was formerly the wife of He Xian, became the concubine of Cao Cao. Although he was closely affiliated with the imperial clan (through his mother and his wife Princess Jinxiang), he was largely unrecognized by them, Wendi of Wei even calling him a ‘false son'. He stayed out of government until Mingdi of Wei’s death. He Yan cultivated a circle of friends of scholarly interests, on which he exerted influence. His contemporaries include Wang Bi, Xiahou Xuan, Deng Yang, Li Sheng, and Zhuge Dan.
At the regency of Cao Shuang, he and his circle would take great influence in the years from 240 to 249, which was known as the Zhengshi era. He and Wang Bi (226-249)achieved great scholarly achievements in Neo-Daoism, also known as Xuanxue. The cultural, scholarly, and scientific advancements were unparalleled and imitated in later years. But the regime by Cao Shuang and his co-regent Sima Yi (179-251) would prove to be highly unstable. Cao Shuang and his circle came to represent the new elites with Xuanxue as their philosophy, and Sima Yi represented the orthodox Confucian landholders, who would feel threatened by He Yan and his friends who represented in many the new powerholders. Internal strifes in Cao’s faction and Sima Yi’s short retreat from the court would result in a coup d'état against Cao. Cao Shuang, He Yan, his supporters, and their families were all executed.
For a more thorough analysis on He Yan, I highly recommend DaolunofShiji’s A Case For He Yan.
He Yan was described in the He Yan Biezhuan:” His figure and face were of outstanding beauty; when he went outside, for a walk, onlookers would fill the streets; many said he was a genius”. Further, the Weilüe states: “...in all activities white cosmetic powder did not leave his hands, when walking he looked back at his shadow.” As a dandy, outstanding debater, and philosopher, he would dictate the beauty and philosophical trends, of not only his day but for the next centuries. For example, the former standards of attractiveness were in the Late Han Dynasty a warriorlike appearance with great strength to accompany it. Because of He Yan, the standards changed to a more docile and graceful appearance.
As a trendsetter, with no doubt many admirers, he introduced the drug in the Wei elite with his description of the drug cited in the Shishuo Xinyu: “Whenever I take five-mineral powder, not only does it heal any illness I might have, but I am also aware of my spirit and intelligence becoming receptive and lucid.” It’s popularity rose in the Wei-Jin elite as following anecdotes describe:
Chao Yuanfang’s work which cites Huangfu Mi in Chaoshi Zhubing Yuanhuo・ :
In youngest times, the shangshu He Yan devoted himself to music and appreciated sex, when he took the drug for the first time, his consciousness gained more clarity and his physical strength increased. In the capital (of Wei), everyone passed the drug around... After the death of He Yan, those who took the drug multiplied, and it didn’t slow down with time.
The drug not only aids ‘spirit and intelligence’ but also increases the enjoyment of music and sex.
Cao Shuang’s biography in the Sanguozhi [2]:
Shuǎng’s drink and food and chariots and clothing, imitated the Imperial carriage; craftsmen treasures and toys, filled up his house; wives and concubines filled his Rear Courtyard, and he also secretly took the Former Emperor’s Talent concubines of seven to eight women, and his offices and officials, teachers and workers, drums and horns, elite family’s sons and daughters of thirty-three people, all became his performers and musicians. He forged Imperial Order documents, sending out Talent concubines of fifty seven women to Yè terrace, and having the Former Emperor’s Fair concubines teach and practice performance. He usurped the Grand Musician’s musical instruments, and the Military Store’s prohibited weapons. He made cavern residences, fine engraving all around, repeatedly with [Hé] Yàn and the rest meeting inside, drinking liquor and making merry.
Rudolf G. Wagner analysis that this scene is also in correlation to the five mineral powder, mainly being in a ‘cavern residence’ which helps with the side effects of the powder (I will explain the side effects later on). Also, the ‘Talented Concubines’ (who are Mingdi’s concubines), the excessive wine drinking, and the musical instruments indicate that the circumstance has been applied to fit the positives of using the drug and to alleviate the side effects.
Of course, this lifestyle would take a toll on He Yan’s health, as the powder that could ‘heal any illness’ betrayed him. As Guan Lu observed, not only He Yan but also his colleague Deng Yang were greatly weakened. The anecdote is in the Guan Lu biezhuan which you can find in his Sanguozhi biography[3]:
Deng Yang's gait is that of one whose sinews are loosed from his bones, and his pulse is unsteady. When he would stand, he totters as a man without limbs. This is the aspect of a disembodied soul. He Yan looks as if his soul was about to quit its habitation. He is bloodless, and what should be solid in him is mere vapor. He looks like rotten wood. This is the aspect of a soul even now in the dark valley.
Also the He Yan Biezhuan further states:” He had such a weakened constitution, that he couldn’t wear heavy silk anymore.” It is plausible that it is attributed to the drugs, the heavy silk could either produce more heat than he could handle, or it could apply pressure to the ulcers, you get from this drug, (but then again we will talk about the side effects later). Hao Yicheng (1757-1825) commented that if Sima Yi didn’t killed him, that he would have passed away anyway, because of the consequences of his drug use.
He Yan’s Legacy in Relation to the Drug
He Yan was the most important person concerning the rise of the drug in Wei-Jin circles. He was blamed for the moral decay of the elite, and over the centuries, criticized regularly for it. The following memorials bear witness to it:
Pei Wei’s (267-300) (whose father Pei Xiu passed away because of the drug, we will get to that later) memorial, which can be found in the Jinshu 35, criticizes Wang Yan and others for their admiration and imitating the actions of He Yan and Ruan Ji. It is explicitly mentioned that their rolemodels like themselves ran around naked, being unable to follow the rites.
Fan Ning, in the reign of Emperor Jianwen (reg. 371-373), presented in a memorial, which you can find in the Jinshu 75, in which he criticized He Yan and Wang Bi ‘That the faults of He Yan and Wang Bi are greater than Jie’s and Zhou’s faults’. Those two ‘terrible last rulers’ were considered evil, but only corrupted their own generation. He Yan and Wang Bi, on the other hand, exceeded the faults of ‘barbarians’ because their negative influence in all areas, corrupted the elite, the execution of He Yan and the establishment of a new dynasty affecting nothing to the problem. He is also implying that because the Jin elite followed He Yan’s and Wang Bi’s teachings, they couldn’t defend the north from the ‘barbarians’.
Sun Simiao (581-682) wrote in his treatise ‘Declaration of the Toxicity of the Five Mineral Powder’ which is in the Qian Jin Yao Fang ・ :
The revival medicine cold food powder or five mineral powder, according to old reports, were not known to recipe specialists, but (its use) began with the Marquis He after the end of the Han.
Since Huangfu Mi among those, who were tricked by this temptation, there were none, whose back didn’t inflame, whose bones didn’t disintegrate and who didn’t subject themselves to destruction. Since I can remember, it hasn’t struck only one from those who I knew, who came from the capital.
Su Shi (1036-1101) wrote in his memorial ‘The Memorial of Shangyang’ Lun Shangyang the following ・ :
It began with He Yan, that the people took stalactites and wushi (different word for fuzi: aconite), and gave themselves uncontrolled to wine and sex, to prolong their life. (He) Yan was in his youth rich and honored, how should one be surprised, that he took the cold food powder, to satisfy his desires? What he caused with that (that the powder spread), was enough to kill people and to destroy families. Every single day. How awful it is to die from the cold food powder - But what can I alone do? Those who take the cold food powder and whose backs are decaying (are so numerous), that they step on each other's feet!
Yu Zhengxie (1775–1840) wrote in his work Guisi Cungao the following, comparing the five mineral powder to opium ・ :
The nobles and dignitaries haven’t asked themselves if they have an illness or not, but it became fashionable with He Yan to take this drug without reason. The people of Wei and Jin took this drug and were not able to come back to their senses until the end of their lives...
The powder of Wei and Jin and the ‘pill’ of Tang and Song are the worst and are comparable with today’s opium. Under the Jin, Tang, and Song the governments, however, haven’t banned (these drugs), whereas today opium is banned; That’s how one can see that only the present government is handling the problem correctly.
The Recipe
First, we examine He Yan’s Five Mineral Powder Recipe, referenced in Sun Simiao’s (581-682) work Qian Jin Yi Fang, where mentioned in a note that if two components (sulfur and red clay containing silicon) are removed from the Wushi Gengsheng San recipe, you are left with Sanshi Gengsheng, Marquis He’s original recipe. The ingredients are listed here:
Zhongru (stalactite) 2.5 liang
Baishi Ying (milky quartz) 2.5 liang
Haige (oyster shell) 2.5 liang
Zishiying (amethyst) 2.5 liang
Fangfeng (Siler divaricum) 2.5 liang
Gualou (Trichosanthes kirilowii) 2.5 liang
Ganjiang (Zingiber officinale) 1.5 liang
Baishu (Atractylis ovata) 1.5 liang
Jiegeng (Platycodon grandiflorum) 5 fen
Xixin (Asarum Sieboldi) 5 fen
Renshen (Panax ginseng) 3 fen
Fuzi (Aconitum L.) cooked, with the removed shell 3 fen
Guixin (cinnamon tree bark from a smaller branch)
And very important is expensive wine.
As Wagner points out, his list of ingredients isn’t exact, because of the many variables the identification of those ingredients has (pharmacological variables, terms describing the ingredients, the provenance of the plants, etc.). But we can establish the most important ingredients: stalactite, aconite, and herbs such as ginger, ginseng, etc..
In Xi Kang’s (223-262) biography in the Jinshu 49, we see that stalactite could be consumed on its own ・ :
Xi Kang also met with Wang Lie, and together they went to the mountains. Lie found a stone, with the form resembling a sugar hat. Lie took half of the stone and gave the other half to Xi Kang. Both froze and turned to stone.
Donald Holzman, in his book La vie et la pensée de Hi K’ang identifies the ‘stone resembling a sugar hat’[4] as a stalactite, which is in He Yan’s recipe.
Little side note ‘turned to stone’ is indeed comparable with the slang ‘getting stoned’.
Pharmacological Effects
Before we turn to the preparation of the drug, I’d like to point out the fact that we only vaguely know what components lead to the psychoactive effect. Wagner wrote in his paper that he tried to have people knowledgeable in these regards, research with him, but it didn’t work out. If you want to learn more in this regard, I can’t help you.
Preparation of the Drug and Codes of Conduct
According to Huangfu Mi the minerals have to be prepared (I assume grinding it into a powder) and then they have to rest for 30 days. The plants are prepared on the day of ingestion.
The following texts are in Chao Yuanfang’s work Chaoshi Zhubing Yuanhuo and in Sun Simiao’s work Qian Jin Yi Fang ・ :
Those who take the Hanshi powder, take the amount of 2 liang, this amount is divided into three pastes.
At sunrise, he takes with hot, excellent wine the first paste. When the sun has moved one chang (meaning two hours), in turn, he takes the other paste. When the sun has moved a second chang, he takes the last paste, having used up everything.
After a while, he should wash his hands and feet with cold water. When the energy of the drug is working, one will feel numb. Thereupon he undresses and bathes in cold water. When the power of the drug gets stronger and the body is cooled, the mind opens to clarity, and one recovers from the hardships, even for those who lie weakened and suffering in their bed, it will improve before the day ends.
There are people of weak or strong constitution, and there is different tolerability of the drug for many. If the person using the drug is emaciated and weak, he can eat a little before taking the drug. But when the person is strong, he doesn’t need to eat...
One always has to dress cold, drink cold, eat cold, and sleep cold. The colder the better. If the drug didn’t had an effect yet, one shouldn’t bathe cold yet; if one bathes in this situation, it will result in a painful cold, blocking the drug’s effect, leaving the person shivering. Rather (if the drug is blocked) one should drink warm wine, jump, dance, and rub themselves, to achieve the effect, if one starts to get warm, then they should bathe. If the (situation where the drug hasn’t reached the effect) has been dealt with, one should stop and not overdo (the cooling). Also one should eat cold multiple times (a day), not only in the morning and evening. If one refrains from eating and getting so hungry, then it’s causing the person, to get cold, and only if he eats he will warm up.
The ingredients suggest a high content of calcium, explaining the feverish symptoms. For those symptoms of heat, it was also common to just remove the clothes and go around naked.
Further we are informed that 2 liang isn’t an universal dosage, about that Huangfu Mi writes, which is cited in Chao Yuanfang’s work Chaoshi Zhubing Yuanhuo ・ :
As far as seniors and children are concerned, who can’t tolerate (the normal amount, 2 liang) - here you can set the dosage under 2 liang. When the person is robust, you can set the dosage above two liang... Even though this medicine is excellent and can double the strength and spirit, it is indeed difficult to correctly dosage it.
Cao Xi (Yes from the imperial family) wrote also an explanation on the correct codes of conduct, which could criticize Huangfu’s suggestions which is quoted in Tamba Yasuyori’s work Ishimpo [5] ・ :
In general, one has to, when someone is taking the cold food drug, when it becomes too strong, consistently (focus on the condition) of the one taking the drug, and administer (fitting) healing recipes.
The body and liquids of the human flesh are (for different people) differing like earth and wind (as they are different in other places)Although it is said (by Huangfu Mi?), that one should drink wine, there are people who can do that, and those who cannot.
Although it is said (by Huangfu Mi?), one always has to stay cool, there are bodies of people, there are ones who can bear the cold, and those who can’t.
Although it is said (by Huangfu Mi?), one should eat and drink a lot, there are for food and drink different amounts (of digestibility).
Although it is said (by Huangfu Mi?), one should always exercise, there are different stabilities of the bone, ones who are strong and ones who are weak.
Because the people are thick and thin, old and young, have in their bodies illnesses or not, those who have much warmth and those who have much coldness, one cannot treat (the side effects) them with the same method.
A strong rise of the drug has many aspects and produces hundreds of illnesses.
As those symptoms can be useful in identifying anecdotes where someone is ‘under the influence’, as we turn to the next section.
The Stoned Nobles
Yes, Huangfu Mi called them “The Nobles turned to Stone”.
As it is mentioned the drug spread in He Yan’s lifetime and long after that. In the Guan Lu biezhuan there is instance recorded where Pei Hui asked his subordinate Zhao Kongyao why he isn’t looking well, Zhao replied ・ :”I have the misfortune, that no drug-minerals are remaining in my body.”
As Qin Zhengzu writes in his work Hanshi san lun ・:”Those who took (the powder), searched each others company.” The nobles of that time met in ‘drugparties’ which were most of the time called ‘wineparties’. The language describing those gatherings resembled those of wineparties. For example it is mentioned in the Jinshu 35 that Shi Chong (249-300) once wanted to sue Sun Lishu for not having acted according to the rites at his wineparty, but Pei Kai admonished Shi Chong by saying ・ :”You gave someone a wild drug and expect correct ritual behavior - isn’t that wrong?”
Then we of course have the parties by Cao Shuang, being prime examples of drug use. Of course the one mentioned in the Sanguozhi but also the one mentioned in Zhong Hui’s biography for his mother ・ :
At this time the Great General Cao Shuang alone held the goverment; he gave himself daily to wine until he became heavily drunk. The elder brother of Hui, the shizhong (Zhong) Yu told what happened on these parties. My mother (Zhong Hui’s mother) said:’ When they are having their fun, they are just having their fun, but it won’t last long. When those of high rank, aren’t arrogant and follow the rules and regulations, then they aren’t getting themselves in trouble. If they overdo it, a tragedy will happen. (Those who are in the government) have an excessive wastefulness. This is not the way to keep wealth and high positions’.
The seven sages of the bamboo grove were also known to be fond of the drug. We know of course that Xi Kang took stalactites, the other members showed also similar symptoms described in the following texts:
Wang Yin’s Jinshu biography cited in the Shishuo Xinyu ・ :
At the end of Wei, Ruan Ji drank heavily, neglecting himself completely, showed his hair in an unkempt state in public, and sat naked with sprawled out legs.
Liu Ling’s love for wine is well recorded, but we see him naked here as well, indicating of course this is a incident of drug use, it’s cited in the Shishuo Xinyu [6] :
Liu Ling was an inveterate drinker and indulged himself to the full. Sometimes he stripped of his clothes and sat in his room naked. Some men saw him and rebuked him. Liu Ling said, “Heaven and earth are my dwelling, and my house is my trousers. Why are you all coming into my trousers?”
Not only in the nobility was the drug popular, but emperors also took this. Emperor Huidi of Jin once had a party with youths of the nobility, it’s cited in the Jinshu 27 ・ :
Huidi hosted in the Yuankang era (291-299) a wine party with the high ranking and entertainment seeking youths (of the elite), they let their hair down and undressed in front of the slaves serving as concubines. Those who wouldn’t participate in it fell from grace, those who rejected it were criticized. Only a few nobles wouldn’t participate in it because of embarrassment, and they were presented as they would lack reverence (towards their ruler).
Interesting to see that not only the use of the drug only had a small opposition, but those who refused to participate in those drug parties were put under pressure. It was not only Huidi of Jin who used the five mineral powder but also emperor Tuoba Gui who personally beat those to death who argued against his drug use and displayed their corpses in the ‘hall of heavenly peace’.
After the fall of Western Jin the nobles took their drug culture with them south, as it is described in an anecdote with ‘The Eight Da’ which is cited in the Jinshu 49 [7]:
Humu Fuzhi, Xie Kun, Ruan Fang, Bi Zhuo, Yang Man, Huan Yi and Ruan Fu were sitting together naked and with disheveled hair in a closed room; they had already been drinking for several days. (Guang) Yi (Humu Fuzhi’s protege whom they had not seen for years, arrived and) was about to push the door open and to enter, but the guardian did not allow him (to come in). He thereupon stripped himself outside the door, put off his hat, (crept) into the dog-hole and looked at them, shouting loudly. (Humu) Fuzhi was startled and said:’Other people definitely cannot do so. That must be our Mengzi (i.e. Guang Yi)’. He immediately called him in, and together with him they (went on) drinking day and night, without stopping. Their contemporaries called them ‘the Eight da’.
The Five Mineral Drug and Women
Wagner comments on the question if women took the drug as well, that they were only sexual objects or musicians. They were not members of the circle who took them for psychoactive purposes.
But that doesn’t mean they didn’t consume it. Certainly, they didn’t participate in parties like the scholar gentry, but they used it like most as medicine. In Chao Yuanfang’s work Chaoshi Zhubing Yuanhuo [8] it says:
When a pregnant woman catches cold and suffers from serious pain in her body, and she cannot be moved because of her condition, taking a dose of Cold Food Powder in warm wine and having a cold bath can do her good. After this, if she feels numbness somewhere on her body, the area should be washed with cold water, if she feels cold, drink some doses of wine...
Considering the fact that He Yan ignored the drug’s intended purposes, it is probable that not all women of that time weren’t so strict on using it purely as medicine either.
Also worth mentioning is that women took other substances like cinnabar, in the tomb of Wang Danhu 200 pills were found, which contained cinnabar. Cinnabar was mainly used in alchemy to either achieve immortality, or immortality of the corpse (to preserve it). But in the Tang dynasty, it replaced the five mineral powder, for it was also psychoactive.[9]
Five Mineral Drug and the Common People
To clarify, the five mineral powder was a luxury commodity. The powder itself wasn’t cheap and you had to mix it with expensive wine. There were no people who could profit from peasants getting addicted, there was no point in getting someone addicted to a substance he couldn’t even in the slightest afford. The five mineral powder was in every aspect a status symbol.
And because it was a status symbol people who couldn’t afford the powder would feign to suffer from the side effects of the powder. An anecdote from the Taiping Guangji 247 states ・ :
In the Northern Wei under Xiaowendi (reg. 471-500) the princes and high dignitaries, in high numbers, took the mineral drug, they were called the Shifa, for those ‘where the mineral drug is coming up strongly’. However, there were also people, who had a fever but were not rich and high standing, but also claimed they took minerals and that the fever derived from that. Contemporaries frequently suspected that those people imitated the looks from the rich and high standing.
There was once a man who lied down in front of the gates of the market and with all seriousness assured, that he had a fever so that the people congregated around him to take a look at him. When his companion wondered (about his simulation), he told him:’The drugs are coming up strongly (I am a Shifa).’ His companion asked:’When did the high lord take the minerals?’ The man replied:’Yesterday evening I bought rice, in it I found a mineral; That one I ate and now it is coming up too strongly.’ Everyone started laughing (because the effect of the powder starts immediately, exposing himself). Since then there were only a few, who pretended to suffer from the drug.
Effects of the Five Mineral Powder
As mentioned five mineral powder was originally used as a medicine, but through He Yan, it was used as a lifestyle drug. It was recommended to be used for everyone, literally everyone. Embryos, children, adults, seniors, healthy people, sick people, weak people, and strong people. And it seems that it was not just recommended in treating every disease you might have, but also to achieve godly abilities, good looks, a lucid mind, strength and of course using it per se was a sign of extreme wealth.
Shi Huiyi (372-444) wrote, which is cited in the Ishimpo by Tamba Yasuyori ・:
The five mineral powder is among the supreme drugs. One can excellently prolong their life, nourish life, and bring harmony to one's intellect. How could (one say) that the drug can only heal illnesses?
Cao Xi wrote, which is cited in Qin Zhengzu’s work Hanshi san lun ・ :
Those who are in today’s high rank, see the basic recipe of the drug and are calling out:’This is the divine powder, with which you can hold on to your life.’ And then comes the day, where they are taking it, undress, stand in the wind and pour cold water over them.
Side Effects of the Five Mineral Powder
Wudi sent an urgent message, in which he demanded that Huangfu Mi accepts a government post. Mi answered with a submittal, referring to himself as ‘the hidden one in the grass’:
‘Since I am weakened and emaciated, I am unclear about the direction of the way. Because of my illness, I removed my hairpins, my hair is (dense) like a forest... My humble self has nothing excellent about me, I cause catastrophe’s and seek my ruin, in fear of my serious illness. Half of my body is already numb, and my right leg couldn’t support myself for 19 years. I also take the cold food powder drug and missed and confused the codes of conduct; my pain (caused by this), my suffering, my bitterness, and my sorrows last for seven years. Even in the coldest weather, I undress and eat ice, and when summer comes, it is unbearably warm, and I am shaken by the coughing. At times I am exceedingly feverish, at times I have the coldest chills; Pus is running out my ulcers, and my arms and legs are heavy. In the meantime, my suffering only got worse, as I am gasping for my life...
In the Jinshu 51 ・ Huangfu Mi describes his ailings caused by the drug, in a submittal, hoping to avoid office. He took this drug in hopes to cure his old disease (most likely a stroke), but only worsened his overall condition. As Huangfu Mi describes further implications, cited in Chao Yuanfang’s work Chaoshi Zhubing Yuanhuo ・ :
At times hands and feet hurt, and all joints want to loosen(?). On the body ulcers, form and knots raise. One sits at the bed and sits for a long time, without moving. Extreme heat is everywhere on the body and collects on one point. At times there are hard sores. When it gets worse, they turn to ulcers. When one recognizes that, the person has to wash it with cold water and rub a cold stone (over the sores). In an easy case the sores disappear after a short time; In the worst case one has to pour water over it for a few days without pause, and then it will improve. When the person has been watered for a while, he will recover eventually.
But when the bumps are getting bigger and there is no improvement, one should take a knife whetstone and hold it to fire until it glows, then throw the stone in bitter wine. When the stone is in the bitter wine the stone shatters. Thereon one should grind the stone, and apply the stone mixture to the ulcers; When it has been done three times it will improve. Then one takes big worms from the toilet, grind them, and warm them up and apply the mixture to the ulcers, also that is not necessary to do more than three times, and then the healing is improved.
Huangfu Mi doesn’t write where the ulcers form but it is highly likely that they form on the back. Su Shi writes of decaying backs and according to Huangfu Mi, a son of Wang Su (195–256), Wang Liangfu, died because ‘ulcers ate his back away’.
Of course, the well-known side effect is getting feverish but there are far more, according to Chao Yuanfang’s work Chaoshi Zhubing Yuanhuo other side effects include ・ :
Swelling of the stomach, until it wants to explode
Inflamed buttocks
Stabbing pain in the heart, like needles
Dizziness, frequent falling
Pain on all limbs
Difficulty to urinate
Difficulty to defecate
Stiffening of the joints, until one cannot move or stretch
Defecating without knowing
Pain in the eyes, like needles
Tinnitus and liquids exiting the ear
Pain in the mouth, tongue is tensing, and the mouth getting so dry you can’t eat
Rotting of the testicles
Sweating secretion under the arms and ulcers (on the lymph nodes?)
Hypersomnia without being capable to wake up oneself
Swallowing a cough up, leading to an injury to the throat and to bleeding
The feeling of cold and heat change for months
Screaming loudly with a wide openend mouth and with wide openend eyes
Blindness
Insomnia
Stiffening of muscles and skin, until they are dry and feel like wood
Tendency for the eyes to pop out
Some of them can be deadly. But next to the physiological side effects, there are also the psychological side effects. Huangfu Mi writes the following, cited in Chao Yuanfang’s work Chaoshi Zhubing Yuanhuo ・ :
In general, those who take these drugs, when it came up too strongly, even when they are usually intelligent, they are getting dumb. When they are abandoned, they won’t get better. The number of those who died isn’t comprehensible.
In general speaking for the stoned nobles, there are ten wrong attitudes (before ingesting the drug):
1.That they are starring angrily; 2.That they have fears or worries; 3. That they cry; 4.That they suppress defecation; 5. That they suppress hunger; 6.That they suppress thirst; 7.That they suppress heat; 8.That they suppress cold; 9.That they overexert themselves; 10.That they are sitting stiff and don’t move
When one is against these ten wrong attitudes, one has to, when one wants to raise the effect of the drug, but is already stiff, always has to relax and bring harmony to the limbs; also one cannot read bitter things and not think of something worrying. If one is capable of doing that, the drug won’t come up too strongly and everything will better
If you fail in getting relaxed, similar to LSD, you are getting a ‘bad trip’. Huangfu Mi writes, which is also cited in Chao Yuanfang’s work Chaoshi Zhubing Yuanhuo ・ :
One time I felt like that, when I was sitting in front of my food and tears just kept falling. I took a knife and wanted to kill myself, but was unable to go through with it because my family noticed and took the knife away. I retreated, checked myself, and forced myself to eat and to drink cold water, after that the (desperation) stopped. That it didn’t come to a tragedy, hang on a single thread.
Wang Wei (398-425) once treated his brother with the five mineral drug, but he passed away as a consequence. Wang Wei blamed himself and wrote in a letter which is cited in the Songshu ・ :
In the past year, the powder came up too strongly; on the climax tears came to my eyes, day and night without stopping
And of course, we have Tuoba Gui, when he started taking the five mineral drug his reign was considered ‘a bad trip’
Everyone was aware of the side effects, but they didn’t attribute that as an inevitable consequence but as a case of an overdosing. It was considered safe to use as long as it was used correctly. How it was considered safe to use knew no one.
First Aid In Case of Overdose
At times it can happen, that one falls unconscious and doesn’t recognize people or circumstances. If one (wants) to move its mouth, one can’t open it. The ill person doesn’t know himself and relies on the help of others. In this case, it is necessary that one takes hot wine, for it now depends on his life. But if he can’t drink (the hot wine because of the stiff mouth), one has to kick his teeth in and force the wine down his throat. When the throat is blocked, and the wine flows out, one should not stop (pouring it in). When (the wine) flows out again, one should pour it again and repeats it for perhaps half a day. When the wine gets down, he will regain conscience, but if one stops, without the person drinking the wine, one kills the person.
This is a recommendation by Huangfu Mi cited in Chao Yuanfang’s work Chaoshi Zhubing Yuanhuo ・, it is probably self-explanatory that kicking the teeth of another person while unconscious, will at least provoke animosity, especially when the person unconscious is of higher rank like Pei Xiu. Huangfu Mi writes about his death in Chao Yuanfang’s work ・ :
Pei Xiu from Hedong took the drug and missed the codes of conduct. But because he attained the rank of Sangong, no one dared to force him to treat the (side effects of the drug). He was already beyond the stage of confusion, so that he wasn’t able to realize (what should have been necessary to do), and no one in his entourage knew how to help him. The treatment they chose for him was (giving him instead of warm wine, which would have been correct), letting him drink cold water and rinse him with cold water. When they used hundreds of shi of water on him, the cold became too much and, he died in the water.[10]
If one takes ten shi of glowing coal and pours over them 200 shi of cold water, the glowing coal will go out. Although the heat (caused) by the drug was great, it isn’t as great as the fire stemming from 10 shi stone coal. If one pours the person without interruption, the cold will be enough to kill him.
Later his son Pei Wei wrote a memorial, which you can find in the Jinshu 35, urging to correct the scale of the imperial physicians to prevent overdosing. He didn’t explicitly mention the five mineral drugs, but his background and the massive prevalence of the drug should be good indicators.
Lethality of the Five Mineral Drug
Those who survive (the intake) the longest, live for a few decades; those who live the shortest, only for five to six years. Even though I myself still see and breathe, (is that what I say), only the laugh of a drowning man.
Huangfu Mi’s description of the lethality of the drug cited in the Chaoshi Zhubing Yuanhuo ・. He also lists people who died from the drug in the following:
More and more people took this powder and refused to stop, at time, including myself. Although violent effects were not common it could take a man’s life. One of my cousins named Changhu, suffered from atrophy of the tongue almost shrunk back into his throat; Wang Liangfu of Donghai country suffered from ulcerative carbuncles on his back; Xin Changxu in western Gansu Province suffered ulceration of his back muscles; Zhao Gonglie in Shu County of Sichuan lost six of his cousins to it. All these sufferings were caused by taking cold food powder. Among these, some were quite elderly and some still young, only 5-6 years old. Though I have seen this and sighed at it, I am just like a single drowning man, laughing at those drowning. Yet patients will not take a warning from this, and stop themselves.[11]
Notes
[1] All of Huangfu Mi’s works about the five mineral powder, are only existant in citations in the Chaoshi Zhubing Yuanhuo, the Hanshi san lun and the Ishimpo.
[2] The translation of Cao Shuang’s biography was made by @xuesanguo. You can read it here.
[3] This translation I found in Guan Lu’s wikipedia page. It basically says everything Wagner has translated. But I only know for sure in this passage, I don’t know if the rest is correct.
[4] I couldn’t find a whole translation of this passage, but in Google Books the translation for Wagners ‘sugar hat’ (in German ‘Zuckerhut’), is in other versions ‘sweet meat’ or ‘cakelike stalagmite’. I personally think ‘sugar hat’ fits best.
[5] Cao Xi was the son of Cao Hui, Prince of Dongping. After the establishment of Jin he was made Duke of Linqiu. His works about the powder were also lost to time and ony citations in the Ishimpo and in the Hanshi san lun survive. Also to note the Ishimpo, which was written in around the year 984, was the first medical text in Japan.
[6]This translation is in the book World History, Volume 1
[7]This translation is in the book The Buddhist Conquest of China: The Spread and Adaptation of Buddhism in Early Medieval China by Erik Zürcher
[8]This translation is in the book History Of Medicine In Chinese Culture. Important to note is that Chao Yuanfang hasn’t quoted neither Huangfu Mi nor Cao Xi, so it could be his own recommendation, which was then followed in the Sui dynasty.
[9] For more info on Wang Danhu I recommend Entombed Epigraphy and Commemorative Culture in Early Medieval China by Timothy M. Davis, Landadel - Emigranten - Emporkömmlinge: Familienfriedhöfe des 3.-6. Jahrhunderts n. Chr. in Südchina by Annette Kieser, and Emigrantenfamilien der Östlichen Jin-Zeit im Spiegel ihrer Gräber und Grabinschrifttafeln also by Annette Kieser.
[10]The Jinshu says he drank cold wine, not cold water. In this case the Jinshu is correct, he should have had warm wine, but he was given cold wine.
[11]This translation is in the book History Of Medicine In Chinese Culture.
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Review for Trish’s Dream Fic
Trish ( @couragedontdesertme ) said she’d write an epilogue of the elsarik dream Fic if I made a Formal Review of the elsarik dream fic. So here we are.
Please note review should be taken VERY LIGHTLY this is more or less me re-reading the Fic and loudly yelling about things with too many exclamation points. Enjoy Trish.
Ch1
First of all imagine my fucking surprise I didn’t even know you had gotten work done on the dream fic???? Here I was thinking the link you sent me was the next chapter of city of ice and then I click on it and it saYS DREAM FIC???? E X C U S E M E oh my goodness
The first section is just so entirely domestic and beautiful and you can tell how lived in and content they are in their life as roommates. ALARIK (listen my phone autocorrects ALARIK to be in all caps and I’m too lazy to fix it so y’all are gonna have to deal with reading ALARIK’s name as if I’m yelling it every time I type it) anyway ALARIK just bringing her the chocolate croissants she loves so dearly and Elsa curling up with a book and him fretting and worrying over her being there alone all day and later... it’s just SO DOMESTIC. it’s such a small short moment but it’s so domestic and a perfect opposite of the PAIN THAT HAPPENS AFTER!!! And we al know I LOVE READING PAIN
The fact that ALARIK was only home late because he was doing tutoring to earn more money to by Elsa A PRESENT????? Shut up no one speak to me that’s true love but also PAINFUL the guilt he must feel oh my god
Elsa...stops struggling... because she doesn’t want ,,,, ALARIK ,,,, to get hurt. Because she cares for his safety more than her own because he has protected her and he is her friend and she loves him I am going to SCREAM
The fact that you use the phrase ~marching her out of the warmth of the room~ when she just used her magic to like cover the walls in frost makes my Heart burst cause idk if it was intentional or not but I just love the thought that this room has become Home to her it’s become safe and beautiful and lovely and WARM because it is full of love and friendship and companionship rather than the cold loneliness of say her ice palace of her locked room as a child. I like to think Elsa could have covered the room entirely in ice and snow and frost and it would still feel warm to her because of the love that’s developed there thank you for coming to my tedtalk
Ugh fuck hans
I have literally no words other than fuck hans for any section with hans in it I DONT even want to RECOGNIZE THAT HE EXISTS !!! Making Elsa feel like she’s nothing I am going to punch him in the eye
~ALARIK weeps over smushed chocolate croissant. End scene~
I know that it’s such a heartbreaking sad ending for that first chapter but also I really can’t stop laughing about him crying over a stepped on croissant since I know that your like planning note for that last scene was literally just some variant of ALARIK cried over a smushed croissant and that’s just such a funny IMAGE TO ME EVEN THOUGH ITS SAD
I just like to imagine ALARIK cradling the chocolate croissant in his arms like a bébé as he sobs
Ch2
I’m fucking S A D
ALARIK having like NO MONEY and just thinking about that the money he has was going to go to a gift for Elsa and the guard LAUGHING AT HIM LIKE THATS IT THATS ALL YOU HAVE?? Like shut UP HES TRYING TO SAVE HIS BELOVED
P e t t y c h a n g e HE IS TRYING MR GUARD I WILL HAVE YOU KNOW HE WORKED EXTRA TO GET THAT MONEY
ALARIK is so fucking DEVOTED I’m going to run through a goddamn wall I cannot cope. Willing to sell the clothes off his back have you ever seen an idiot more iN LOVE
ALARIK just going willingly cause he has no fight left in him and he just wants to see Elsa even if it means he gets imprisoned too oh my GOD
THE SCENE ITS THE SCENE!!!!!!!!!
STRAIGHT FROM TRISH’S SUBCONSCIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHAT STARTED IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!
ALARIK wanting to hold her hands when her hands are what are chained up and seen as dangerous and what ~make her a witch~ the absolute love and power that holds.
LET ALARIK AND ELSA HOLD HANDS
“I promised to keep you safe” the pain I feel oh mY GOD
“They’ll KILL you” they’re really out here trying to protect each other at all costs oh my god nothing matters more to the other than keeping the other safe and for that I want to cry and love them and also I want to ram their heads into the wall because wHY WONT THEY JUST PROTECT ESCH OTHER TOGETHER
The PARALLEL OH MY FUCKING GOD
the P A R A L L E L of ALARIK stilling and no longer struggling when the guards threaten Elsa’s death in the same way that Elsa stilled and stopped struggling when they threatened ALARIK’s death oh my god that broke me right there
U g h hans fuck that guy
A N N A !!!!!!!!
When I first read this,,, I DONT know why??? But for some reason??? I didn’t think Anna would be in it???? Which like thinking back on that it makes no sense of COURSE Anna would be in the FIC why would I ever think otherwise. But anyway I was so surprised when she showed up I literally gasped and went ANNA??? Out loud because I was so shocked
ALFAFA GERANIUM
ALARIK really is just so bad under pressure who thought this was a good idea
AG FOR SHORT wink wink nudge nudge cough cough
I’ll be thinking about ALARIK shouting alfafa geranium on my death bed let us never forget
“No harm, no foul” is literally the most fucking Anna line I’ve ever heard. She absolutely would say that to someone who was being question for a crime she’d be like “it’s not biggy”
Why is it that when hans says “BUT ANNA!!!” I hear it like he’s wining like a petulant child I read it like “bUT annNNAAAAA” ugh I hate him
“Don’t scream” *ALARIK’s inner monologue* “this ,, is the story of how I died”
ILL HELP YOU HELP HER ESCAPE!!!!! HELL YEA YOU WILL ANNA HELL YEA YOU WILL
Ch3
My dumbass really went “why are none of the children named neta” before remembering that is the child of Anna and Kristoff and these...are the children of Anna ,,, and .... ugh please don’t make me say his name
I would die for these kids though I love them and I want to protect them at all costs 
Johannes at 5 (and a half!!!!) being a fine soldier GOOD FOR HIM
Isak owns my entire heart from the moment he started fake crying for his mother what a star performer a true Actor he’s too good
Arendellian Royal Guards, are they guards? Or are they simply baby sitters? The world may never know
JOAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One of the babies being named JOAN!!! Hang in there Joan!!!!!!!!! That made me cry oh my god J O A N
Bébé Isak lookout supreme with his big eyeballs and smile and goofy lil salute I love him
The fact that Elsa says she felt stupid for being lured into a false sense of security means she felt secure and safe for literally the first time since she was a child when she was with ALARIK and I cannot properly articulate how much that made me cry I love that so much that has to mean sO MUCH TO HER oh my god
“You have to get out!! Do the magic!!” NO ONE SPEAK TO ME ABOUT ANYTHING EXCEPT THIS LINE FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS I LITERALLY WEPT
the use of DO THE MAGIC oh my god AND ELSAS HEART LIKE BREAKING BECAUSE SHE FEELS LIKE SHE CANT
DO ! THE ! MAGIC !
Brave little boy with his mother’s determination saying “be brave. That’s what mama said to tell you” oh my GOD THESE CHILDREN HAVE MY WHOLE HEART OH MY GOD
A rooster crow for the signal COUKD they be more obvious I love these kids they’re ridiculous they are truly the children of Anna
Elsa!!! Chose!! To be!!! Brave!!!
IF SHE TRIED TO SAY GOODBYE TO ELSA!!! SHE MAY NEVER LET GO!!!
SHE HAD NO WHERE TO GO!!! BUT SHE DOES BEVAUSE THERES ALARIK WAITING FOR HER BECAUSE GUESS WHAT
ALARIK IS HER HOME !!!!! HE IS HER HOME !!!! SHE CAN GO TO HIM!!!!
Queue another one of my shocked and delightfully surprised screams as I shouted KRISTOFF????? Because blonde dude driving a reindeer cart
Let’s get you somewhere safe I’m going to cry THEYRE finally together again and they can keep each other safe together as. They. Should.
They are cuddling and my heart is exploding oh my god ALARIK seems so surprised like you big dumb idiot you’re both in love with each other it’s a mutual thing get with the program
SLEEP ELSA! ITS GOING TO BE OKAY! AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PROBABLY FOREVER! IT WILL BE!
Ch4
*queue another gasp* there’s only one bed?????
Yea I saw it coming yea I was just as shocked even so yea I got very excited about it wHAT DID YOU EXPECT
They’re cUDDLING and he went to move away and she DOESNT WANT HIM TO they could’ve been sharing a bed THIS WHOLE TIME AND I JUST WANT TO SCREAM BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY
ALARIK laying all the credit on kristoff and the kids when he’s kind of the one that steamrolled the whole plan into happening because he’s the one who showed up ALARIK please give yourself more credit
“You came back” “of course I came back... I couldnt ...” “why?” And then ALARIK refusing to meet her eyes has me absolutely weeping this is the kind of shit I THRIVE ON this is truly a gift to us all everyone say thank you Trish for these three bits of dialogue I will be thinking about them for all my days
ELSA KISSED HIM!!!!!!!!!
Yeah I do lose my shit anytime Elsa is the one to make the first move you go girl you go
THE SPICE VENDOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bringing in all my favorites I am going to cry thank you Trish I love Darius
I SUPPOSE YOU TWO HAVE FINALLY GOTTEN MARRIED
listen I SCREAMED WHEN HE SAID THAT I SQUAWKED!!!! MARRIED!!!!!!
I had been observing you two and just assumed!!!!! You would assume right mr spice vendor sir if they WERENT so stupid for so long it’s okay we understand
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ??? And Elsa says MARRY US? And ALARIK is going to PASS THE FUCK OUT
He literally got to finally kiss the woman he’s in love with for the first time last night and now they’re getting married poor boy is going to get WHIPLASH from how fast things are progressing but it’s okay im sure he is happy
Elsa’s little vows of just needing each other and keeping each other safe and keeping company and not needing gold or silver ugh TRUE LOVE
And ALARIK hopelessly devoted to her being like I PROMISE
“just you being there no matter what is enough” peak romance true love the devotion the dedication I’m a wreck
LE SMOOCH! LE MARRIAGE! INCREDIBLE I LOVE THEM
~end review~
Okay where is my epilogue please and thank you
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The Not-Dsney-Approved Alphabet Meme - Borra #1
I got two separate requests so you bet your bippity boppity boo you’re getting two.
Borra (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil) x Tundra Dark Fey Reader
A = Aftercare (What they’re like after sex)
Borra’s more tender with you than you imagined he’d be. The warmth of his skin seeps into yours and makes your nerves sing. He kisses the bruises he’s left; if you didn’t know him, you might think he was sorry for the flame-flicker of pain it took to make them, but you do, so you don’t. He rubs the places where his talons bit into your skin, and dusts off your pristine down. If you’re not too tired, if you haven’t gone for too long, sometimes you’ll sneak off for a bath together before you turn in. When you’ve gone for so long that you can barely move afterward, he rests his arm under your head and his hand on your hip, and you let the places you make contact create their own miniscule plumes of steam.
B = Body part (Their favourite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)
Borra loves exposed skin. Since you offer him so little, he fixates on a place at your collarbone that he can mark the best. He rarely lets up before you’re sporting a collar of them like blue-black gems peeking out from behind your snowy hair. You thought his favorite spot to be marked in return was along his neck, on display for anyone to see, but you discovered that it was the marks you left on his hips that he got the most satisfaction from – the ones that were just for him, reminders of your mutual devotion that weren’t performative.
C = Cum (Anything to do with cum, basically)
He always finishes inside you. It’s as much a matter of marking you as his as it is working toward repopulation. You’re not obligated to shoulder that burden yourselves, by any means, but when he fills you with his warmth, sometimes you deliberately lift your hips to keep him there. (You don’t tell him that it’s also because it drives you crazy when he marks you with it, smearing it like war paint on your belly and your thighs before he ruts you again. You’re so slick when he does that you can’t pretend it’s a secret, but sometimes you let yourself think that just because you didn’t tell him, he doesn’t know.)
D = Dirty Secret (Pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)
You have a power kink.
Out of all the things he knows about you, you thought he would learn quickly, but it seems to be the only thing he’s oblivious to. You like strong, commanding men. You like it when he calls branches from the earth to keep you still; you love it when he takes his time with you, makes you keen and writhe and beg. You love coming undone on his tongue before he’s even close to finished with you, and the way his talons bite into your thigh when he keeps them spread for him, when your pleasure hedges on over-stimulation and the way you say his name gets high and desperate. You’ve slipped up and called him sir before. He purred like he liked that, and you carried the memory of his hungry, glinting eyes with you for weeks afterward.
E = Experience (How experienced are they? Do they know what they’re doing?)
You don’t ask about the others he’s been with, nor does he ask you. You know there have been others; you’re no fool. If he cares whether or not you’ve had anyone else, it doesn’t show. He has an arsenal of tricks – things you know he’s learned elsewhere and ones he learns from watching you. He pays attention to your pleasure, maps and measures your every response. He teased you so well with the slow drag of his weight inside you, once, that you frosted the whole interior of his desert nest. (He made a point of fucking you slowly to see if you would do it again, and you did; you never came so hard before or since. You know he’s just waiting for the right time to do it again.)
F = Favourite Position (This goes without saying.)
Surprisingly, his favorite position is when you ride him.
He likes to see you, likes to watch how you’re enjoying yourself while he changes tempo. He runs his hands over you, pretends he doesn’t notice the way your toes curl when it seems he can’t bury himself any deeper inside of you. It always feels like he can, though; all he has to do is shift you just so, boost your hips, change his angle. You’re so soft and so pliant despite the chill of your skin, and his hips snap up to meet yours when you start to quiver around him. He always fucks you through your orgasm, never pausing until you’re well into your afterglow and you feel like you couldn’t get any lighter if you were up in the clouds.
G = Goofy (Are they more serious in the moment, or are they humorous, etc)
You got carried away the first time you two played Hunter and Prey.
You didn’t know why you equated yourself with something as lowly as a snowshoe hare, but you had, and you’d put on quite the performance of falling and hurting yourself to ensure your partner’s metaphorical kill.
It was a momentary lapse in judgment – you forgot how protective of all of you he was – but the severity of his demeanor change warmed your heart immensely. He thought you were hurt, and gathered you against him like he wasn’t ankle-deep in the snow that he complained about so much. You swore the frost on your cheeks must’ve burned his fingers when you apologized.
“No blood, no foul.” You thought he was being particularly calm about the situation until he tossed you over his shoulder like a weighted sack. You yelled and demanded to know where you were going, like you didn’t already.
It would’ve been a walk of shame, going back to the hot springs to wash the dust out of your feathers and your hair afterward, had he not kept you until well into the night. You were damn near orange in spots, and you had sand where sand didn’t belong. If he wasn’t so pretty, and didn’t please you so well, you might’ve considered dropping a pile of snow on him. (You did, and you figured the retaliation would be twice as bad, so you didn’t. But you considered it.)
H = Hair (How well groomed are they, does the carpet match the drapes, etc.)
He has beautiful hair when he takes care of it. You learned that the hard way; you’d never preened anyone so forcefully in your life. It was like a dominance battle, and the only reason you won was because you threatened to make yourself cold on him without warning. His hair is beautiful, especially when woven into thin braids, and you felt lucky at the time that his long, corn-silk hair only grew in one spot.
The rest of him is inhospitable. Sometimes you pretend the decorative cracks in his skin would count for it, but they’re not concentrated in the same places. Certain parts of him are stone and certain places don’t feel like it at all – particularly your favorite one, which might be your favorite because of your ability to cause that change all by yourself.
I = Intimacy (How are they during the moment, romantic aspect…)
Sometimes it gives you mental whiplash, hearing him go from purring praises in your ear to whispering that he loves you, so you and only you can hear.
You really, honestly tried to dismiss him at first – anyone would say that while in the heat of passion, especially someone who particularly enjoyed themselves – but he did it again, time after time, alternating between reminding you how good you felt and how sweet the half-whimpers that crept into your moans were and how deeply he wanted you, how often he thought of you, how beautiful you were (even when you weren’t spread out beneath him).
Sometimes the only thing you can get out while your body’s tight with pleasure are the words you know he wants to hear in return, three syllables of utter devotion that mark you as his and his alone. I love you, Borra.
J = Jack Off (Masturbation headcanon)
When it’s particularly cold, you slip your hands under your blankets and you think of him.
It’s rarely the same fantasy; sometimes you just slip off to the desert in the dead of night. You leave a trail of fur-lined clothes from his doorway to his bed. You climb in with him, feel him twitch and shift at the proximity to your cold skin. You start at his shoulders, kissing him where he is so rarely bare. You trace the little, decorative cracks with your tongue.
Sometimes you imagine how good it would be to be had outside. Really outside, with your knees buried in the soil, turning it winter-hard while he grips you by your neck and kisses you like your touch, in their world, doesn’t cause destruction. But it’s always good. Your fingers are never good enough, but you try. You imagine him, nearly able to recall the physical sensation. Sometimes, you get so carried away that you spread your legs as though he’s there, press your hand over your mouth and pleasure yourself until you’re bucking into the air, practically begging for warmth that isn’t there.
Nights like those drive you right to him afterward. In the morning, when your emotions have calmed and your desire has not.
He takes you when you come to him, purring against his ear that nothing else will satisfy you. He takes you so well that you don’t even have to bother if you’re alone again the next night too.
K = Kink (One or more of their kinks)
He has…security issues.
You know this. You know that he feels responsible for you, in some way; you know that it’s tied to his protectiveness, the good and gentle qualities of his soul that he keeps behind the stone layer of his anger.
You know this because of how often the branches come out when you’re at play. You’ve gotten accustomed to offering yourself up for them, if he feels like he wants to use them. If things are going well, he won’t; if the only thing he can do is wait and plan for the inevitable, he fastens you in place like you’ll be taken from him. Whatever satisfies him, whatever soothes him enough to let you be of help to him, you’ll take.
It’s not like you don’t use them of your own volition, or because you want to, also, anyway.
L = Location (Favourite places to do the do)
The answers change, at first. It depends upon what you’ve done, the mood you’re in. You’ll both deny with tooth and claw that the place you bed most often is in one another’s nests – it’s so common, but it’s so secure.
Things change, after Ulstead.
There is a place in the peaks that overlooks everything. Everything, you think, because you could hardly imagine there must be anything left in the world beyond the Moors. You can see the sea from it, the glittering blue waves kissing the gold-sand shore. You see how it ascends up the rocky hillside into the trees, into the green, and the magical world below. You can almost see to the other kingdom – patches of farmland like a mend on old leather.
It is your favorite place to make love once you do, there. For you both. You feel as though you’re breathing in the clouds and the sun itself is a part of you. You are free, you are safe, and, up there, no one can touch you.
It is where you think you’ll nest, if the time comes. If he’s ready.
M = Motivation (What turns them on, gets them going)
His damned hips and peacock smile broke your resolve.
He danced for you when he wanted you; displayed those massive, lovely wings. You’d had to tamp down the obsessive urge to preen them for months only to have him offer himself up like a mouse to an adder.
You thought you lasted a whole of five minutes before you stood, displaying your thickly-downed, snowy-owl wings in return and reciprocating. You didn’t last that long, but you thought you had. Because of his damned hips. He led with his damned hips. He left nothing to the imagination about what he’d be like as a lover – just as fluid as he was in battle, just as attentive – and you were already attracted to him. The thought of it could’ve driven you into heat if such a thing existed.
You took too much pleasure in dragging him away by the wrapped-front of his waistband, pushing him up against the woven walls of the flight path and kissing him with force. You took just as much pleasure when he settled his hands at your hips and guided yours closer, letting you feel what you had already caused.
That’s why you called them his damned hips, even now, in the privacy of your own thoughts. He led with them when he landed, he led with them when he fought; you knew it had something to do with his center of gravity or some other reasonable, logical thing, but your body couldn’t be reasoned with. It was as though they were made to tempt you.
N = NO (Something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)
He will not hurt you.
The only time he’s ever stopped – mid-tease, called it off altogether – you’d made the mistake of putting his hand around your throat. You thought, the way he liked to be in control, the way he naturally rose to dominance, that he might gently squeeze and take you up on the offer to possess you.
But it wasn’t funny.
Even while you played, you were still an island of refugees. He was still fixed on your well-being, your ability to thrive in the face of extreme and terrible obstacle. You offered to trust him in a way he felt you shouldn’t – it was different from leaving strings of love-bites, toying with branches, even whispering to him about letting him bring iron into the bedroom if he wanted to build his tolerance so much.
It was different because it was too personal, and there were lines that just could not be crossed. You were no slave, you were no whore, your people didn’t have those things. He could grip you, claim you, love you, possess you, but he would never hurt you. Never hit you, degrade you, humiliate you, even if you’d been willing. Even if you asked.
It was the only time he called it off altogether, and you hadn’t minded. You hadn’t felt chastised by his reasons, and you’d stayed with him for company afterward anyway. You pretended not to notice that he fell asleep with his head on your chest and his wings draped over you like a shield. (You pretended, but you did, and you had to admit the depth of your feelings to yourself before sleep took you; the safest place in the world was warm and snug in his bed. Especially for one of you. You were honored to have it.)
O = Oral (Preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc)
You can be terrors to one another.
You love the way it feels when he takes a handful of your downy hair and pulls, all but begging you without words. You love to tease him, and you know he’s not the begging type, so he pulls, and he coaxes, and he tries to keep the upper hand even when your lips are warm from him and you can taste him when you lick your lips. You enjoy working him up, getting him stiff and keeping him that way; you cool your tongue at will just to hear him hiss in pleasure, feel his hips buck. You swirl languid circles around his tip until he finally manages a strangled, “Please,” and then you go down on him in full. It’s smooth and measured, and you always work him up so well that he never lasts as long as he does otherwise.
You swallow and kiss him, first where you let him go, and then over the rest of him. His length, his waist, his hips, his thighs. You apologize for how hard he’s breathing, how glazed his eyes are.
It’s never a true apology; his jaw is the perfect place to rest your tired hips and he takes far too much pleasure in holding you still and making you unravel on his tongue.
P = Pace (Are they fast and rough? Slow and sensual? etc.)
When you began, it was hard. Rough. Ardent. You were animals in need of sating a biological fix, and the only feelings involved were mutual physical attraction. (He’d make a good father for your young, according to your libido, and you had always teased your friends about the male with the biggest horns and the loudest call being the one who got to mate most often.)
That changed.
It depends on your mood now, and his.
He’s come to you with blood still under his nails. He’s seen things. You don’t tell him that being inside of you won’t make them better; you fold your arms around him and press him to you, lose yourself in how good and how sweet and how gentle he can be. You went from making jokes about having his children by accident to genuinely wanting them now, sometimes. Sometimes you’re still afraid that he’ll leave and never return. Sometimes you fear that the day he will, it’ll be the day you know you’re carrying his child. You hold him tighter, now. You want him to stay. You don’t let him up when he’s finished; you kiss him slowly, urge every bit of love inside of you to rise up to your lips and pass into him so he will know how you feel.
There are days when he’s high on victory and he comes to you and you have each other like you’re young again.
You like the days between those best, where it is a mutual decision, wholly unmotivated by an excess of mental and emotional stimulation in need of a physical outlet. Your favorite pace, your favorite rhythm, is the one you make when you build with him slowly, your hips rising and falling against his in proper conversation. It builds to fever, to passion, to need – your fingers in his hair, his teeth in your shoulder and talons in your thigh – but it doesn’t start that way. And you think that maybe it’s the fleeting nature of this unachievable middle ground – you, of the tundra, and he, of the desert; he so readily prepared to engage in battle for the greater good and you with your hesitations still well warranted – that draws you to it most.
Q = Quickie (Their opinions on quickies rather than proper sex, how often, etc.)
Your people don’t know how to abridge physical needs.
You’re not human; you eat when you’re hungry, not at a set time. You fight when you’re angry. He comes to you, or you go to him, whenever the mood strikes you.
Except once.
One time he comes to you, and it’s not even for himself. He tells you nothing. There’s a graze-wound on his cheek and it frightens you; he smells of blood and it’s not human. You’re terrified, and you can’t. You both try, but you can’t. And so he holds your face like you’re made of glass, and he kisses you like he will never see you again, and a droplet of ice falls from your face when he whispers, “Don’t follow me.”
“Why?” is the only word you manage.
“Stay here for me,” is the only answer he gives you. “Stay right here so I can find you.”
You want to search his face. You want to ask out loud what he means, but you know. You know that the war he wanted is upon you, and that it is no longer your choice whether to stay or follow.
He isn’t the begging type, but he asked you to stay.
You kiss him with all the love in your heart. You pour every ounce of yourself into it, every breath of frost, the warmth packed within every snow-bank, and then you let him go.
R = Risk (Are they game to experiment, do they take risks, etc.)
He is more adventurous than you are.
That goes without saying; he leaves the nest of his own volition, you do not. He takes calculated risks, and you have the tendency to take none at all. It is enough for you to go beyond survival – to not only have what you need, but to be loved. Have some measure of peace.
That doesn’t stop him from bringing you up to one of the desert’s high points and grinning at you like an imp. “Don’t you trust me?”
“I trust you significantly less when you ask.”
He learned this from someone else, you realize when you’re already astride him. He relaxes, his wings fanned out below him as though he’s prepared to catch himself if he falls, as though it wouldn’t launch you into the sky with him.
He hovered over the edge of the sheer cliffs, his muscles taut to his hips. It’s a lesson in agility as much as it is in self-restraint; if he moves, he could make you both tumble. You are fully in control of him, and you seize the opportunity to punish him for putting you both in that kind of predicament. (You’re as shy as you are ashamed of your relationship with him, which is to say that you are not, though you aren’t exactly enthusiastic about riding him while he threatens you with tumbling over the edge of an outcropping like you’re helping him hone his skills.)
The real risk he took was making sure you wouldn’t be mad at him afterward.
He didn’t drop you, so you weren’t. But you demanded to start knowing plans before you agreed to them, which he was forced to concede to.
S = Stamina (How many rounds can they go for, how long do they last…)
The way he plans it, you’re almost always the first to finish.
Either it has a biological advantage, or he’s learned that it’s in his best interest to make sure your needs are taken care of. If he goes above and beyond, makes you cum more than once before the first time he has, you’ll be more interested in evening out he score.
You don’t keep track of your rounds; you know there are nights when his sole focus is upon pleasuring you, as though your body and his will train you to endure whatever measures are ahead for your distant-future’s war. You pretend you do not know that it’s because he likes to see you shaking, your breath dancing curls of rime through the air. You pretend that he doesn’t get pleasure of his own from the way you clutch your nest or the tight coil of your muscles and the flare of your wings.
You do your best to match him measure for measure, round for round, but he is the one in control. If he has his way, yours will always outnumber his.
You could love him for it if it didn’t leave you with aching hip sockets and a dull throb at your waist in the morning.
T = Toy (Do they own toys? Do they use them? On a partner or themselves?)
It’s fifteenth century Europe, we’re gonna pretend they weren’t invented yet because I don’t think you want an honest answer about nobility and ivory sex toys.
We are also going to pretend that I haven’t responded to the poachers scene with “I’ve seen enough hentai to know where this is going,” several times in the last five weeks. Five? Six? I don’t know, however long I’ve been here, time has no meaning in the Nest of Origin. Let’s leave the door open and say “they get creative,” and refuse to establish beyond that. That’s for a later and lengthier lemon meringue.
U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)
He is far more patient than you are.
It’s a game of skill; he’s waited for war. He’s waited for poachers. He waits to make sure wrongs are done so he is not spilling innocent blood.
And he waits for you. He waits for you to beg so he can add a second finger to his ministrations; he waits for your low moan to offer permission for him to suck another delicious bruise at the base of your neck, completing another necklace-chain of them that weaves crescents back and forth from the base of your throat along your collarbone.
He waits to let you cum, even when you’ve been on the edge for so long you feel delirious. The pleasure-haze is draped over your vision, your eyes half-lidded, and you rock your hips in uneven, staccato stops and starts.
When he is in control, it lasts an eternity.
When you are, you are brutal. You drag your cold fingers up his shaft from base to tip, wrap your hands around him and stroke him like he likes. Even when he play-growls at you in warning, you make him wait. You make him last. He is more patient than you are, but you can be a sadist; once, you kept him up half the night on edge because you’d learned how he liked to be stroked and refused to get him there.
He had had to beg you, which he disliked, and you let him finish then.
And you had done it again without stopping, and you might’ve even done it a third time, had he not grabbed you by your wrists and sunk back into the nest with you in his arms and a half-hearted apology about how long he’d made you wait spilling from his lips.
He wasn’t, and you knew it, but he did learn his lesson about doing it again.
V = Volume (How loud they are, what sounds they make)
This ask personally attacked my uterus.
Borra is vocal.
He’s vocal about everything; he calls for war, he calls for action, he gives orders.
He also growls, purrs, yells out at the top of his lungs, exclaims in battle and doesn’t quiet himself at anything else.
He is vocal, and he’s tactile, and he’s generous.
You imagined, at first, that he’d be a fan of sweet-talking you, crooning praise and pleasantries in your ear while he moved inside you. You would’ve frosted over if you imagined he’d be filthy – and he could be. His favorite praise was telling you how good you felt, as though you had any control over how well his pieces fit inside yours.
But it’s the other sounds he makes that get you going.
You love the low whoosh of his breath on a sharp inhale. You love the low purr he makes when you’ve pleased him, and the louder one he does as time goes on. You love his breathless laughter and his quiet groans – and the ones that aren’t make your belly flutter.
When you’re able to make him cry out, that’s the greatest source of your pleasure. You could cum from the sound of his half-animal roar. You did, once, but in your defense, you were also close and the circumstances dictated that you had both been patient for much too long.
Still, the sound of it gave you chills, and you refused to dwell on it the next time you heard its aspect in the gravel of his voice when he lowered it for you and you alone.
W = Wild Card (Get a random headcanon for the character of your choice)
When he doesn’t sleep, you make him a tea that you hope he will not suspect. Dandelion root masks the bitter taste of vervain, and you sit beside him while he plans and rub aloe into the cracks on his shoulders. There are places you worry shouldn’t have them, like the flat of his bicep and the open plain of his chest, and you worry over those while he settles back. His head falls to your shoulder, and, as you set the stone cup aside, he says something about just give me a minute, and you kiss his temple rather than tell him that you will give him said minute – but only so you can make sure he’s adequately lost to sleep before you take him to bed and curl your thick, downy wings around him.
You do not tell him that you do this, because you know he’d protest.
But it never takes as long as it should’ve, and you know that the extra hand you’ve given is not going to waste. It might save his life one day.
X = X-Ray (Let’s see what’s going on in those pants)
https://66.media.tumblr.com/390a8df41264b3143c9e3abc50ab06b1/1c252b26d37e5c80-4e/s540x810/b90cf40f20a00f88b26ccfb70c564807d929ff2d.gifv
This is as close as you’ll get and you’ll take it and like it.
Y = Yearning (How high is their sex drive?)
It is his fault you’ve gotten this way.
If he wasn’t so pretty – if he wasn’t so certain about everything he did – (if he wasn’t so protective of you, of all of you; so good to your fledglings and so respectful toward the moor-folk) you never would’ve been in this mess. Aching for him. Pining. The things he did were matters of life and death in a literal sense; if you stole him away, those innocent creatures would be killed. If you stole him away, you risked leaving flaws in his plan and slaughtering your own.
But you saw him from across the room, sometimes; the absent reflex to tuck locks of hair behind his ear and how intently he stared at his rough-hewn map with Ini, Shrike, and the other desert-dwellers. You knew why you loved him, and that it was all a matter of reciprocal devotion, and yet you prostrated yourself across the rocks like a fledgling, and didn’t even notice if anyone else danced in your direction.
Z = ZZZ (… how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)
The contrast of your skin is hard on you both, afterward.
You are a warm-blooded creature, and too much heat makes you tire; he is cooler-blooded than you are, and the opposite is true. You’ve fallen asleep simply because of your proximity to one another more times than you can count, and it’s never an unpleasant experience to wake up as though suddenly, from a dream, and find the man you love sound asleep beside you.
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Virgo Shaka x Reader - N/S/F/W Alphabet
Oh dear lawd, I’ve always found it a little (ok, terribly) difficult to imagine Shaka of all people in a romantic relationship. Out of the twelve gold saints, he’s probably the least likely to be in one. It was already too much effort for my brain to picture him holding hands with anyone, let alone expressing any interest in doing the do, but here I am… writing an adult post about him.
I need to clarify that these headcanons are about Shaka post the Twelve Houses story arc. Honestly, he would have zero interest in anyone before that since he was a little of an arrogant and vain jerk or, if he did, he would be too proud to admit it because how can a god-like figure like him feel that way?? Ludicrous!
Anyways, yes, after the fight with Ikki (what an absolute mad lad that guy is, bless him), Shaka would be more open to the idea of a romantic relationship but I still feel it’d happen under some special circumstances. And he’s going to be a peculiar boyfriend.
This is a very belated birthday gift for an amazing friend because she loves Shaka, ever since I dragged her into Saint Seiya hell ♥♥. Forgive me if it’s terrible *le cri*
Warnings: Sexual content. Possible OoC. Unbetaed. I have no idea how this happened.
* * *
A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex):
Despite his serene appearance, how collected he acts around others, and the way he carefully reins in his emotions to the point he may come off as cold and detached, Shaka can be surprisingly caring and soft with you after an intimate session between the sheets.
Considering he would only do it with someone he deeply cares about and that it’s not a decision he’d take lightly (people just assumed he was asexual until they learned about you and then were confused as heck), you have to mean a lot to him.
So of course he wants to share the warm afterglow of lovemaking with you, lying together in complete bliss.
He may not be very talkative afterwards, but don’t take it as a sign he is troubled or displeased about something. Your most recent experience is still sinking in his mind and he’s not used to feeling so many strong emotions at once.
Little actions such as playing with your hair, kissing your forehead, letting you snuggle against him, or draping a protective arm around you to bring you closer, are ways in which he would show his affection.
He’d also like to make sure you’re both clean and refreshed before a good night’s rest so don’t be upset if he scoops you up in his arms and takes you straight for a warm bath.
Just let him pamper you while he’s in the mood for some touching and cuddling ;)
B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s):
Not actually a favorite part of his body, but he likes it when you gently run your fingers or place feathery kisses across his abdomen. If you tease him and “innocently” draw closer to his cock, he’s going to have hard time resisting you (no pun intended :v) and may turn the tables on you.
Shaka loves everything about you but his favorite part of your body would be your eyes because of the beauty of soul he sees in them.
As a saint who fights to for Athena and justice, he knows there is evil in this world but you are a lotus flower growing in the mud. And it’s because of people like you why the goddess he serves believes humanity is worth saving.
He can easily get lost in them when he’s making love. It’s one of the few times he wouldn’t want to close his eyes and he would gently encourage you not to break eye contact either. He loves gazing into the depths of your soul as you both reach new heights of pleasure in each other’s arms.
Nothing but that moment with you matters to him. When you’re two alone in that room, you’re the only deity he worships in mind, body and soul.
C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically):
Sorry to break it to you guys, but Shaka wouldn’t do cum play or anything of the like.
He’d actually be weirded out if you even suggested the idea to him, and he wouldn’t understand what’s so attractive or exciting about it.
He’s a guy who has always been meticulous and methodical in everything he does given the teachings he’s received from his mentor (the Buddha :o). As someone who has engaged in lots of meditation to clear his mind from fears and doubts, personal hygiene and cleanliness are important to him, so he would prefer to keep the mess to a minimum if possible. So no, he isn’t in a hurry to see you doing stuff with his semen.
Shaka likes coming inside you. It’s the only place he ever wants to be when he makes love to you.
It’s a wonderful, intimate moment and he would hold you tightly against him as your souls mesh together into a single being.
D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs):
It has never interested him before but, after starting a relationship with you, out of curiosity, he might have read some texts on the subject of erotic love. It was for science, tho!
Now now, of course he isn’t oblivious to the intimate affairs of couples, and nobody has to explain to him how babies are made. You can rest assured Shaka knows perfectly well how sex works.
He wants to be a better partner for you but, for all his knowledge and wisdom, he’s aware he’s not exactly the most versed man in such matters.
Despite this, Shaka adamantly refuses to ask anyone for advice, so you bet he’s gonna do the research on his own. He can figure this out.
Shaka would keep it classy, however. Nothing pornographic or vulgar is acceptable. That’s not how he wants to treat you.
Shaka’s approach is purely analytical and educational, and he reads it all with a straight face. The others would never guess what he’s actually up to.
It’s a serious matter for him. He wants to make sure he’s got what it takes to make you happy not only on a physical but emotional level as well.
In the past, the thought of sex wouldn’t have even fazed him. Shaka cared very little about it and honestly he didn’t see what the appeal was.
He still doesn’t much care but when it comes to you, he’s not against the idea.
Fine, he digs it.
But he’s a little embarrassed to admit it.
As someone who has trained to let go of his attachment for sensual pleasures and desires, it baffled him a little that the thought even crossed his mind.
That hasn’t stopped his curiosity for learning more about how to please you.
E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?):
Shaka is a virgin. Don’t @ me.
That’s the real source of his power. Geddit? *fingers guns*
On a more serious note, it is no surprise that he’s not very experienced.
It’s not that he thinks sex is something dirty or bad per se. He just never had the time or any interest in the pursuit of such trivialities. Lust and sexual craving are not traps he would fall prey to. He devotes himself completely to his duty as a saint of Athena, and so he avoids distractions that would hinder the fulfillment of his mission.
You’d most likely get to be the first sexual experience he’s ever had and it’s no simple feat to seduce the man who’s closest to being a god. He believed himself to be above such worldly affairs until he met you and boy…
He was wrong once again.
Finding ecstasy in your arms is nothing short of divine.
Shaka would take his time to be intimate with you, though. He doesn’t do casual sex and needs to be absolutely certain of your feelings for each other first.
However, don’t let his virginal status fool you. He has made his research beforehand (see letter D), he has prepared and knows where to go.
If he doesn’t get it right the first time he’ll try again and again until he has you writhing in pleasure. His own satisfaction is secondary to yours.
F = Favorite position (this goes without saying):
Lotus. I’m sorry for being so cliché OMG.
Pic (NSFW)
He spends a lot of time in this position when he meditates, so don’t be surprised if at some point he wants you to sit on his crossed legs and ride him.
Shaka would enjoy the intimacy and closeness this position provides.
It’s not a position that allows for frenzied love-making, but that’s precisely why he likes it so much.
Buried deep inside your wet core, he can feel your heart beating against his chest in unison with his as he holds you in his protective embrace, and there’s nowhere else he would rather be.
He loves it when you shower small kisses on his face and happily surrender yourself to him.
G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.):
The first times, Shaka would wear a serious expression because he’s concentrating on learning what you like, what makes you tick and curl your toes.
He’s studying you not just on a physical level. Intimacy is beyond simple carnal pleasure for Shaka. It’s a matter of spiritual connection.
He’ll get more playful and cocky (no pun intended) once he learns how to push your buttons.
H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.):
He doesn’t have a lot of body hair and always keeps his face clean, shaven and moisturized.
His nails are well trimmed. His hair nicely brushed and scented. His body devoid of bad smells.
That being said, he’s not very hairy downstairs (he’s got mostly a patch of soft blond hair), but he keeps things well groomed. Shaka doesn’t like sloppiness.
I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect):
It’s gentle lovemaking with Shaka and nothing less.
However, he can get too caught up in the details and in delivering a good performance that it may be a little difficult for him to really get lost in the moment.
He’s too worried about being perfect and bringing you pleasure that he sometimes forgets about the most romantic aspects.
Reassuring him he’s doing a good job will put his mind at ease. Be appreciative of his efforts and give him your undivided attention.
He’ll be the most doting lover ever because sharing his bed and body with you are very special to him.
J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon):
Shaka has an unbelievable control over his sexual urges and, even if he’s in a relationship with you, that wouldn’t change a lot.
He doesn’t usually masturbate, even when he’s been deprived of your touch for long periods of time (which would be when he’s away on missions for the Sanctuary). He can handle it no problem.
That doesn’t mean you’re not on his mind. Shaka always thinks about you with the deepest love and respect.
Masturbating can never compare to the bliss he feels when you’re in his arms. It’s just empty pleasure and would leave him even more frustrated, aching for you.
He would rather show you how much he loves you and missed you the next time he gets to see you.
Mutual masturbation is something he wouldn’t mind doing, if given the chance.
K = Kink (one or more of their kinks):
In all honesty, Shaka is not overly kinky and he’s perfectly content with vanilla sex.
However, he lowkey enjoys being dominated so if you flip him on his back and mount him, he’ll find it a nice game changer.
Ride that boy, seriously. He gets off on being a bottom and the sight of you enjoying yourself so much would drive him to the edge.
Tease him all you want, deny him release or keep him from touching you, he’ll endure it like a good boy.
But if you think you can run the show for too long, get ready because Shaka will get his due.
You’ll have to learn you can’t play dirty and expect him to show you mercy.
Bad girls like you deserve divine punishment ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
L = Location (favorite places to do the do):
He’s a bit old-fashioned, so he prefers the privacy and quiet of his own bedroom. Discretion is Shaka’s middle name.
It’s very practical and convenient too.
There’s no better place than his bed: clean, fresh, comfortable and quiet. He can relax and get in the mood without worrying about anything else.
He also won’t mind doing it on the floor, provided it’s pristine and there’s a plush mat with lots of cushions on it.
If he’s in your place, your bed and environment have to be clean and neat or else he’s not going to feel up for any sexy times.
M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going):
As someone who spends a lot of time inside his head, he needs a stimulating conversation to get him going.
It doesn’t even have to be sexual. You could ask him about his life as a saint or engage him in some philosophical talk. He’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you and will be interested in what you have to say.
Stroke his ego a little but don’t make it obvious.
On the other hand, witty banter turns him on, too. He’s got a sharp sense of humor but if you can turn around his jokes and roast him, leaving him speechless, he’ll want to get even through other means.
And you can imagine how ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Shaka loves foreplay. The more foreplay you have, the more aroused he’ll be. He can spend hours just kissing, cuddling and touching.
A nice bath with him can also get him in the mood. He’ll feel more comfortable if you’re both clean and fresh. It doesn’t matter if you’re about to get dirty again.
If during foreplay or sex you whisper sweet nothings in his ear and praise him, that’s a sure way to turn him on. Praise that boy if he’s doing an amazing job, he’ll try to do it even better.
On the other hand, don’t be shy to tell him if something isn’t working for you. He’ll know if you’re faking it and that will kill his inspiration. He’ll start doubting himself.
He likes it when you talk dirty to him, even if your words make him blush, but refrain from being vulgar. He will find it in bad taste.
N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs):
Anything that involves humiliation or degradation of you or himself.
Any weird kinks.
Don’t ask him to get into hard-core BDSM. He won’t do it.
Edgeplay. Anything that would hurt you is a big no for him. He loves you too much and wouldn’t bear the thought of bringing any harm upon you even if it’s consensual.
He won’t do it in public places.
Poor hygiene will definitely turn him off.
O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.):
He may not be very keen on the idea of oral sex at first, whether it’s giving or receiving. Poor bb is still shy even if he doesn’t want to look like it.
But he may be open-minded about it once he gets more experience with you.
He’ll get there with gentle guiding and reassurance, but don’t rush him if he isn’t ready yet. Let him go at his own pace.
Once he gets past his initial shyness, he’ll be more confident to go down on you.
He won’t mind receiving but he prefers not coming in your mouth or any other part of your body.
P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.):
Let’s be honest. Shaka doesn’t fuck. Ever. He’s not gonna rip off your clothes or manhandle you or use you like his plaything. That’s not his style.
Don’t get the wrong idea. Despite his cool exterior, he’s still a passionate man. It’s just that his passion burns slower than most.
He will take his time to make sure everything’s perfect so you both can take delight in the experience.
His mindset is one of enjoying the build up and the journey rather than desperately rushing to his destination.
He wants to relish in every kiss, every caress and every sound of pleasure you make, he wants to feel all of you— to reach into your soul.
Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.):
Quickies aren’t his thing. Shaka’s sex life isn’t very spontaneous, so suggesting him to pull off a fast one isn’t going to appeal to him.
He can control his urges and expects you to do the same. He can wait until a more appropriate time for intimacy.
Shaka needs preparation to have sex. He wants to be in the right state of mind, he needs to plan the details of that special night with anticipation, he doesn’t want to leave anything to chance or else he’ll find it difficult to be at ease.
Let him have it his way, it’ll be worth it.
Conversely, you can teach him how to be less uptight and not to fret over being flawless.
R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.):
Shaka is game to experimenting as long as you talk about it beforehand, but don’t expect him to go outside his comfort zone. It’s a feat in itself that you even managed to get him laid.
He prefers sticking to what works for you both, so keep in mind he’s not very adventurous.
But he’ll do his best to please you and will be open to suggestions on how to spicy things up in the bedroom.
S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?):
It may not look like it but Shaka has a surprising amount of stamina.
Though he’s a bit slow to warm up, his passion will burn longer.
He won’t tire out easily but if you’re exhausted already he’ll let you rest. If you want to go another round, he’ll be happy to oblige.
He can last for a very long time without releasing inside you, but he’s also learned to have orgasms without ejaculating.
All that meditation and self control stuff? Well, turns out it’s helped him have a wonderful sex life with you :v
Bae can keep going all night long. You’ll sooner get exhausted before he does.
T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?):
He doesn’t own any toys. The only toys he knows are the ones kids use to play.
Blindfolds and restraints are okay. He’ll use them on you if that’s what you want.
He still prefers simple, intimate, vanilla sex. Less is more for him.
U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)
Shaka can be a big tease when he wants to so don’t expect him to be very merciful if you provoke him.
He loves it when you beg him like a god tho.
V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.):
He’s not very loud. Shaka is always restrained about how vocal he is, but you’ll definitely hear him grunt and sigh and moan often.
He prefers listening to the sweet sounds you make.
Once he’s close to an orgasm, he can get noisier and will try to muffle his moans by biting his lips or kissing you.
W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character):
At times when tending to his garden in the house of Virgo, he’s thought about making love to you under the night sky and among the flowers he’s cultivated.
Your hair covered in petals as the light of the universe shines in your eyes is a sight he wants to see in this life.
Though maybe he’ll never have the chance to tell you.
X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes):
Ideal size. Not too big, not too small. Proportional to the rest of this body.
He’s got a pretty cock, honestly. Its texture is silky and when he’s hard it turns a rosy color.
Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?):
Shaka’s sex drive isn’t very high actually and, if it’s up to him, he won’t have sex very often. He’s for quality before quantity.
You may start wondering when was the last time you even had intimacy.
Don’t be surprised if it’s been 84 years.
He might as well look at the calendar and think “we haven’t done it in a while, next week may be a good time to get it on”.
His training taught him not to grow attached to his desires and he’s tremendously disciplined at that.
It doesn’t mean he doesn’t have sexual desires. He just doesn’t let them control him and is not animalistic about them.
Sex isn’t the most important aspect to have a fulfilling relationship. It’s just the icing on the cake, so to speak.
What truly matters is the emotional bond you two have forged.
You’re not an object for him.
He can live happily without any kind of sexual intimacy if that’s what you want. He won’t love you any less for it and you’ll never hear complaints or reproaches from him.
Shaka doesn’t feel guilty about wanting to make love to you. Just don’t expect him to be a sex beast ready to pounce on you any time. That won’t happen.
Shaka would have no problem if you have a higher sex drive than he does. He’ll strive to make you happy.
If you take the initiative and try to get in his pants, as long as he’s in a private and comfortable environment where he can let go, he’ll give in. Otherwise forget it.
Plan ahead if you intend to get naughty with him. Shaka will appreciate the thoughtfulness.
Just don’t take advantage of him because as much as he enjoys sleeping with you, he’ll quickly get bored if all you think about is undressing him when you’re with him.
Don’t reduce him to a sex object for your personal gratification, he won’t be comfortable with it. Respect and love him like he does with you.
Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards):
Shaka doesn’t fall asleep immediately.
He likes cuddling after making love.
He may have his eyes closed but he’s still awake and he’s listening to your every breath, your heart beating, he’s basking in the warmth of your gentle and blissful cosmos.
He can’t believe he has the most wonderful person in the world by his side.
Even if you both know it may not last, that the next holy war approaches fast and he’ll have to fight, you’ve made peace with it. You accept what the future holds in store for both.
However, that thought still keeps him awake at night.
But he’ll never tell you. He’ll just kiss your forehead and stroke your hair until you’re fast asleep.
* * *
Well, that’s it. I can’t believe I did this. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed (?
#virgo shaka#shaka de virgo#saint seiya#knights of the zodiac#shaka de virgem#virgo shaka x reader#the things i do for love#ayyy
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a very necessary guide to SF9
so. let’s talk about these underrated kings. be prepared for rambling. I just love them too much. my favorite boys, 10/10 would recommend stanning them.
some basic information
9 members (5 vocals, 4 rappers, 9 dancers and 9 visuals just stating the facts)
SF9 stands for Sensational Feeling 9
debuted on October 5, 2016 with Fanfare (still a BOP)
currently under FNC Entertainment and actually their first male dance group
their official fandom name is Fantasy (such a good name, honestly) and the official color is Fantasia Hologram (aka the p r e t t i e s t).
debuted after winning a survival show called Dance or Band (they participated as the dance team; the band team debuted as Honeyst in 2017)
7 mini albums so far with RPM being their latest comeback
... now onto the members (buckle up)!
Youngbin
Kim Youngbin, born on November 23, 1993
LeaderBin aka the Dad™
very charismatic, be prepared for some really intense eye contact (two words: stage presence)
rapper (highest rapping voice out of the four of them)
D A N C E R (a former 1MILLION dance studio trainee), so he‘s obviously 1/3 of sf9′s extremely talented dance line
also 1/3 of hyung line
cutest eye-smile (so soft) + cutest giggle™
rocked his red hair and looks amazing with slightly curled hair (do not fight me on this)
is tattooed (very p r e t t y)
threatens everyone’s bias at least once
gives amazing (and unnecessary long) pep talks together with Jaeyoon (just let the other boys sleep, please)
gazes so, so fondly at all his members in pretty much every video (no, I will NOT cry)
Jaeyoon is his roommate and secret wife.
Inseong
Kim Inseong, born on July 12, 1993
the oldest (not mentally) aka the Grandpa™
main vocal (those HIGH NOTES, damn). extremely steady voice.
unique beauty. looks a bit like a desert fox (according to himself and everyone with a pair of functioning eyes).
1/3 of extra line (see and hear three loud idiots in all their videos? yep, that’s him ft. Jaeyoon and Dawon)
also 2/3 of hyung line
v e r y intelligent and educated (holds a degree in Journalism and Communication) but also stupid
owner of an extremely cute smile
t h i g h s i am not weak or biased at all
SF9’s designated English speaker (used to live in London for a year)
amazing winking-ability, 10/10 will leave you weak-kneed
King of Lies. he’ll probably never pass a lie detector test. but it’s okay we still love him.
is left-handed and really good at drawing
married to Jaeyoon (it‘s complicated).
Jaeyoon
Lee Jaeyoon, born on August 9, 1994
3/3 of hyung line
honey voice (aka OST King)
d i m p l e s.
blindingly white teeth. the most beautiful smile (canines!).
very proud of his hips and butt (as he should be).
his actual name is Ethan
likes to work out and is f i t (he ended all Fantasies during rpm promotions, so thanks for that)
King of girl group dances and in charge of sexy (Zumba) dances
a fuc ki ng tease (again, rip all Fantasies during the UNIXERSE rpm stage)
2/3 of extra line (shares one brain cell with Inseong and Dawon. they don’t use it very often.)
had a pink undercut during the Mamma Mia era and probably made people cry with his outstanding beauty. again, i’m not biased at all
seems a bit shy and quiet at first. don’t be fooled. he is loud and will come for you.
married to both Inseong and Youngbin.
Dawon
Lee Sanghyuk, born on July 24, 1995
oh boy... such a bundle of utter chaos.
e x t r a (3/3 of extra line and probably their President™)
hear something loud and annoying in the background? it’s probably (most definitely) Dawon (helped by the other 2/3 of extra line)
a unique and beautiful voice (he needs more lines or else I’ll throw hands) - rapping, singing, screaming, he can do it all.
a fucking tease 2.0 (seriously, he and Jaeyoon need to be stopped)
Bruce Lee impressions on point
has tattoos
such a meme-face but also so handsome, like H O W
looks amazing and so soft with curly hair must protect
had so many different hair styles during their Mamma Mia promotions, rip his hair (and rip to all new Fantasies trying to keep track lol)
actually very soft. cried when Inseong surprised them during their UNIXERSE concert (which our Grandpa couldn’t participate in due to an injury)
likes to bully Taeyang.
Zuho
Baek Juho, born on July 4, 1996
Mr. Deep Ass Voice™
“my nose is my swag“
such a good dancer, definitely underappreciated.
looks intimidating at first, but is actually the softest (d u a l i t y)
the best cat dad (Huru has yet to accept his undying love for him though)
composes/produces own songs (@FNC: please, I’m b e g g i n g you to finally put Champagne on an album) and writes lyrics for a lot of sf9′s songs
didn‘t participate in most of their Enough promotions due to his (still ongoing) back problems (#FNCletZuhoRestChallenge2019)
a dork and meme and honestly just so, so cute and lovable
social butterfly (seriously, he‘s friends with literally e v e r y idol out there)
composed a (love) letter to Fantasy while driving a car with Hwiyoung, Taeyang and Dawon sleeping in the passenger and backseat yes I cried
a scaredy cat (ran away and left his members behind when he got scared by a staff member during their Trip with Fantasy)
Rowoon
Kim Seokwoo, born on August 7, 1996
yes he‘s a Tree™. is made up of 90% unnecessary long legs.
main vocal 2.0
1/2 of actor line
very handsome, I know (but he‘s so much more than just his good looks)
a devoted mom of 8
loves all Chanis and not-Chanis equally
almost had a mental breakdown because he managed to hit Chani’s face with a football which resulted in his precious maknae getting a nosebleed
always hugging and kissing and generally just smothering all members with his endless love and affection (especially Chani)
(t) h o t and knows it (very shy with fanboys though)
has literally only one selfie angle he uses rigorously
his One True Talent™ is staring sexily into the camera and doing nothing else because yes, he’s just that handsome
tries to be funny and fails most of the time, but he‘s cute so it’s okay.
Taeyang
Yoo Taeyang, born on February 28, 1997
undercover main vocal (has almost as many lines as Inseong and Rowoon)
best dancer, period. his entire body is probably made out of water. such. fluid. moves. - 2/3 of dance line, often in charge of choreographies.
also 1/3 of maknae line
speaks in ᵀᴵᴺʸ ᶠᴼᴺᵀ
the literal Sun™, his smile has healing properties.
has great hair and pushes it back a lot during his dance moves
a flower boy (literally. wanted to become a florist before debuting as an idol)
looks a bit like Lee Dongwook aka The Reaper from Goblin
you think he‘s soft? uh, sure, yeah. but is also s a v a g e (the personification of that then perish meme)
has a... unique way of drying his hair (ask Dawon, he‘ll show you. even if you don’t want him to, Dawon will show you)
gets bullied by Dawon. bullies him back. very spot-on impressions of Mr. Extraness (as seen on their Weekly Idol episode)
soulmates and married to Hwiyoung, I don’t make the rules.
Hwiyoung
Kim Youngkyun, born May 11, 1999
rapper and Mr. Charismatic™
yes he is that guy from their Now or Never mv
looks bad-ass but is a certified baby boy (2/3 of maknae line)
cute without trying and is actually a cat
has literally the best gummy smile which he used to hide behind his hands (but his hyungs encouraged him so much and now he smiles openly, I am not crying, you are)
grew up so suddenly and had long hair out of nowhere and left everyone sh o ok (should definitely be in a shampoo commercial)
composes songs. put one on SoundCloud just very recently. writes lyrics for a lot of sf9′s songs.
cried during their survival show when he got scolded for continuing to mess up the choreography and had to be hugged by Youngbin (who really is the best dad™)
King of the Cleopatra game thanks to his dolphin screams should probably be part of vocal line
pretended to not recognize his soulmate and roommate aka Taeyang when he had to guess his members from their hands while wearing a blindfold. Taeyang will probably never recover from this betrayal and is most definitely still whining about it.
Chani
Kang Chanhee, born on January 17, 2000
deep ass voice 2.0
d a n c e r (his little solo dance in Now or Never will forever be superior), 3/3 of dance line
Evil Maknae™ (3/3 of maknae line)
2/2 of actor line (yes he‘s that boy from Sky Castle)
speaks fluent duck
Taemin‘s Nº fanboy (literally knows his blood type, like... wow okay)
can‘t remember any of the members birthdays (he actually thought Youngbin was born in August when his birthday is literally in the middle of Winter. Leaderbin was hurt).
always looks like a smol bean, but everyone else is just ridiculously tall
had bright orange hair once only for about one second though lol
constantly smothered with love and hugs from Rowoon and pretends to hates it
has all his hyungs wrapped around his finger and knows it (they‘re all whipped for him, especially when he’s doing aegyo)
has a lot of hair aka (my favorite) coconut head (#freehisforehead2019)
looks expressionless and tired 24/7 (a whole mood and true gen z)
some videos to watch
all of their mv’s of course
literally every comeback stage
the suit versions of Now or Never and RPM
the ghost prank/horror version of Now or Never (I cried laughing)
this really cute Dingo Music version of Enough
basically all their dance practices, but especially K.O. (we all know they should have gone viral with that choreography)
their adorable pajama version of Different
them performing RPM on a treadmill (Chani is a mood™ and Inseong’s grandpa waddle is so cute)
these stunning acoustic versions of their songs brought to you by 2/3 of extra line + The Tree™
their kcon New York 2019 performance (+ their cover of Love Shot)
their reality show Trip with Fantasy
them dancing to O Sole Mio ft. Ostriches
their episodes on Weekly Idol and Idol Room
their girl group cover dance battle on Weekly Idol (ft. Cross Gene)
Rowoon and Inseong on Masked Singer
Dawon on Weekly Idol as part of the Masked Idol segment
the Now or Never choreography ft. dance line and the 1MILLION dance crew
them covering BTS’ Boy in Luv + EXO’s Call Me Baby
the Idol Dance Cover Challenge of Love Shot (ft. Astro, The Boyz and CIX)
this interview (I mean, that title alone... lol)
those are just a few of my favorite videos - there’s so much more content out there, so you’ll definitely never starve, lol.
I could literally ramble on about these nine incredible men for hours on end.
But this will be the end of my guide (it’s long enough already, lol).
Stan SF9 for (clear skin and good grades) nine hard-working and so, so talented individuals with amazing voices, incredible dance moves, outstanding visuals, chaotic energies and a lot of meme-worthiness.
You won’t regret it, I promise.
(Don’t worry, Rowoon(’s face) is okay).
[masterlist] | [requests]
#sf9#sf9 info#sf9 guide#guide to sf9#Youngbin#Inseong#Jaeyon#Dawon#Zuho#Rowoon#Taeyang#Hwiyoung#Chani#Kim Youngbin#Kim Inseong#Lee Jaeyoon#Lee Sanghyuk#Baek Juho#Kim Seokwoo#Yoo Taeyang#Kim Youngkyun#Kang Chanhee#Fantasy#sf9 Fantasy#kpop guide#sensational feeling 9
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Happy birthday to one of my newest favorite composers! This bio is long but take the time to read it, she led a fascinating life and deserved so much more credit for her amazing music.
Laura Constance Netzel (née Pistolekors), b. 1 March 1839 in Rantasalmi, Finland, d. 10 February 1927, Stockholm, grew up in Stockholm and was both pianist and composer (from 1874 onwards using the sobriquet ‘Lago’). She studied composition under Wilhelm Heintze in Stockholm and Charles-Marie Widor in Paris. For many years she also worked as a concert arranger and orchestral director. Most of her compositions are in late Romantic, chromatic style, with touches of contemporary French music, and her work received coverage not least in French music journals.
Laura Constance Pistolekors was born on 1 March 1839 in Rantasalmi, Finland, the youngest of six children. Her mother Emilia (née Malm) died in childbed soon after giving birth to Laura, and the father, collegiate assessor Georg Fredrik Pistolekors, took the family to live in Stockholm when Laura was a year old.
She showed a talent for music from a very early age. Her musical education began under the tuition of Mauritz Gisiko, one of Stockholm’s most sought-after piano teachers. Later she studied singing under the opera singer Julius Günther and piano playing under the Viennese virtuoso pianist Anton Door, who visited Stockholm for the first time in 1857. That same year, aged 18, she made her public début as a pianist, playing Ignaz Moscheles’ piano concerto in G minor with Hovkapellet (the Royal Court Orchestra). Subsequently she took part in several chamber music evenings and in concerts given by Harmoniska sällskapet (the Harmonic Society).
It was not, however, as either singer or pianist but as a composer that Laura Netzel gradually made a reputation for herself. Her composition tutors in adult years included, for example, the organist and conductor Wilhelm Heintze in her home city of Stockholm and, later on, Charles-Marie Widor in Paris. When, at the age of 35, she made a successful début as composer using the sobriquet ‘Lago’ (later on also ‘N. Lago’) with a couple of unaccompanied choruses for women’s voices at one of the Harmoniska sällskapet’s concerts, many people wondered who the composer could be. The following year she presented the beautiful lied ‘Fjäriln’, which made such an impression at one concert that it was encored and caught the attention of composers August Söderman and Ludvig Norman, among others.
‘Lago’s’ compositions were very popular with assistant musicians performing in between the main divisions of concerts. Her development did not come to a standstill after her début as a composer, but her true identity was not revealed until 23 January 1891, when the women’s magazine Idun carried a picture and biography, introducing its readers to Laura Constance Netzel, née Pistolekors, married since 1866 to the eminent gynaecologist Professor Wilhelm Netzel. In addition, the magazine included a previously unpublished, but twice performed and acclaimed, ‘song at the piano’, namely ‘Morgonen’, to words by Johan Ludvig Runeberg. Idun highlights Netzel as a pioneer among Swedish women composers, declaring her compositions to betray ‘masculine strength of inspiration and craftsmanship’.
Netzel’s grandest works include Stabat mater for choir, soloists, organ and instrument combinations, dedicated to Crown Prince Gustaf. It was first performed in 1890, in Östermalm Church, at a charity concert under the Crown Prince’s patronage. Even if − ‘of course’, according to Idun − it was found wanting by comparison with works by acknowledged male masters, it still demonstrated that it was not impossible for a women to ‘penetrate the deeper shafts of creative musical art’. A year later the composition was given an orchestral accompaniment instead of the organ part. In 1898 it was published by Gounin-Ghidone in Paris and acclaimed, for example, in Le monde musical, Le progress artistique and Journal musical. It was reviewed and greatly commended in Gazette Liège and in Romania musicala (Bucharest), which found it a very remarkable piece, distinguished by ‘melodic inspiration, coupled with genuine religious feeling’, while the vocal part was judged to be ‘executed with much competence and aesthetic taste.’
The period between the disclosure of her identity and some time after the turn of the century proved to be Netzel’s most active time as a composer. Swedish newspapers and the specialised musical press frequently reported favourable reviews abroad, most often in the Parisian press but also in Germany, Spain, England and Romania, where her music was considered bold, original and shot through with a Nordic tone. Her most popular compositions included the violin pieces Feu follet (1892) and Berceuse et Tarantelle (1894), as well as the song ‘Voici la brice’ (1895), betraying the influences of more recent French music.
‘Professorskan’ (professor’s wife) Laura Netzel devoted much of her energy to charity and public causes. By arranging concerts and bazaars she furthered the creation of Skansen, Stockholm’s famous open-air museum. Single-handed or in partnership with others, she launched innumerable organisations for the relief of poverty and distress in the Swedish capital. Together with the French pastor Henri Bach she founded a foundation for homeless women, and together with Maria Wærn she started the Samariten organisation in the Södermalm district of Stockholm.
Starting in 1892, Laura Netzel organised musical evenings and, every Saturday from October to April, music soirées for music lovers among the working class population of Stockholm. The whole thing had to be attractive and beautiful, and she was intent on regaling her audiences with the best possible music, with a new programme for every occasion. First she rented premises in Malmskillnadsgatan, then Sveasalen in Hamngatan and finally the auditorium of Vetenskapsakademien (the Royal Academy of Sciences) in Norrtullsgatan. The ballad singer Sven Scholander took part in the very first concert. The violinists Sven Kjellström and Julius Ruthström joined in later, along with singers Märta Petrini, Signe Rappe and Rosa Grünberg. Conservatory students were sent off to attend the workers’ concerts, and Netzel herself conducted both choir and orchestra. She always made sure that only the public for whom the concerts were intended were actually admitted. She was summoned to Paris to organise similar concerts featuring the uppermost French performers, much to the delight of press and public, but following her return to Sweden the interest died down. The workers’ concerts in Sweden also ended in 1908. To a great extent it was the movie theatres that forced her to terminate these activities.
Netzel maintained an outstanding intellectual and physical resilience well into her old age. As late as 11 February 1925 the youthful old lady played her own compositions from memory together with orchestral leader Kjellström. She died on 10 February 1927, survived by a son and two daughters. Her life was described as full, bright and replete with blessings in the service of art and human love.
In 1895, the Women’s exhibition from past to present in Copenhagen invited women composers in the three Scandinavian countries to submit their works for anonymous appraisal. The entries comprised five cantatas, five violin suites and eight choral collections. The jury consisted entirely of men: Victor Bendix, Peter Erasmus Lange-Müller and Franz Neruda. None of the violin compositions found favour in their eyes, but Valborg Aulin was awarded as prize of 200 crowns for her women’s choruses with piano accompaniment. None of the five opening cantata entries received, Netzel’s among them, was judged worthy of the full 300 crowns prize money, and the jury deplored the inability, due to illness, of the foremost women composers Agathe Backer Grøndahl and Helena Munktell to take part in the competition. Laura Netzel and Elisabeth Meyer from Denmark were awarded the prize of 300 crowns to share between them, by way of encouragement, but although Netzel was commended for ‘superior skill and loftier aspiration’, the exhibition was opened to Meyer’s music, as being ‘on the whole most suitable for performance’.
As a species of compensation for the treatment of her cantata, Laura Netzel’s violin suite was performed at one of the women’s exhibition’s soirées, but the reviewer Robert Henriques termed it ‘at best horrendous’. The Stockholm press, and especially Aftonbladet’s Adolf Lindgren, notoriously pilloried the complexity of Netzel’s music: ‘Lago seems’, he wrote on one occasion, ‘to have a genuine horror of being simple and clear’, and subsequently he found her music ‘too intricate’ or ‘somewhat prolix and therefore none too lucid’. Other, similar reviews of her works reveal the tendency for music reviewers to prefer technical complexity in male, not female composers.
Sometimes ‘manliness’ is ascribed to her works and to performances of the same, a ‘manliness’ which probably clashed with the music reviewers’ attitude to women. We are not readily informed what these ‘manly’ attributes consisted of or which of them ‘Lago’ and other women might possibly use (or desist from using) in order to pass muster. When ‘Lago’ chose to write in a less ‘womanly’ style or in ‘manly’ genres, this was remarked on in music journals and daily papers both in Sweden and abroad. For example, in one review of her humoresques (1890) she was counselled to exert herself in favour of a less contrived harmonic texture, because this impeded comprehension and performance of the composition.
Reference to (lack of) masculinity or femininity served as a highly gratifying strategy in the appraisal of ‘Lagos’s compositions, which, according to the Idun article, were characterised by ‘a modulatory artifice and harmonic garb not commonly found among women composers’. Reviewers daring to defy ‘received wisdom’ by viewing ‘Lago’ in a positive light, even in her bolder styles and grander formats, point to her exceptionality among women composers. In The Musical Courier (New York), the French musicologist Eugène Borrel argued in 1905 that ‘Lago’ encountered difficulties in the cultural sphere due to her being a woman composer, and that a man would have been given quite a different reception. Some of what may be termed the qualitative criteria of the time may, it seems, be bound up with general notions of what constituted legitimate culture and of who was entitled to define it.
The Idun article in 1891 also declared women’s achievements in performing arts as far more brilliant than in the creative arts, while at the same time pointing out that, given the same conditions as those applying to men, women composers would be able to achieve works of art rivalling the best compositions by men. Here sceptics are urged to respond to women composers with open, enquiring minds, and among those composers Netzel is accorded pride of place.
Agradeço ao professor Fred Nable pela sugestão de postagem.
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Season 13 Wishlist
Here we go, following on from last years Season 12 Wishlist, this is a post of all the things I would like to get out of Season 13 of Supernatural! With less that 1 week to go before the season premier. I don’t think I did too badly with the things I wanted from Season 12, here’s hoping Season 13 will be everything we are all hoping it will be.
1. My 'Dean coming out’ episode idea. SO badly. I will continue to desperately pray to the fandom gods for this idea to somehow make it into the show. We need Dean out of the closet in season 13. I want this more than ANYTHING else.
2. The shedding of Dean’s ‘performance mask’ for Sam. This idea comes backed with thousands of words of meta on the topic and is a big one. Because of what we got in 12x22. I would like the continuation of this in the show (also seemingly something we may get following the symbolism of THIS from the promo.) I just want Sam to finally see it too. Maybe get a confession of some kind from Dean to Sam.
3. The continuation of Pining!Dean that we had heavily in season 11. Moments like Dean’s confession in 10x16, Sam’s speech in 11x04, Basically everything in 11x11…Follow your heart Dean… Yeah, I want more of this.
4. Castiel completing his transformation arc. This is important as we need to be able to see clearly where Cas’s story is going. Following his death I want to see the metaphorical phoenix rising from the ashes (and igniting the flames of Luuurrrvve) lol. What WOULD be cool is actually getting a MOTW story with an actual Phoenix since we know they exist and the symbolism would be beautiful. But basically I want the return of BAMF Cas being able to hold his own against the bad guys and beating his depression and PTSD once and for all.
5. Cas facing himself in the Empty and admitting some home truths. Like how he is in love with Dean and wants to be human? Anything that finally starts answering the questions that Cas has had thrown his way since season 8. Cas’s whole story built around this idea of “what are you Castiel, an Angel or a Man?” and “Crack in his Chassis” and everything else that leads to the inevitable decision to shed the chains of heaven and freely let go of his grace for a human life that the show has been building on for ACTUAL YEARS.
6. An explanation for what happened to Cas at the end of 12x19 that makes sense. I really hope that we do find out what Jack did to Cas, because he definitely did something, and all the symbolism and narrative mirrors point to Jack taking control (however briefly) but we certainly didn’t get any answers before season 12 ended.
7. Sam Winchester building relationships outside of Dean. I need this for Sam so badly. I want to see him become his own man, to continue to do what he did in 12x22 – stepping out of his brother’s shadow and leading the hunters to victory. Sam is a natural leader, he just hasn’t realised it all these years. I want Sam to find a true purpose in life and pursue that. Whether that be by continuing to form relationships with other hunters or by taking Jack on as an apprentice and devoting his time to shaping Jack into the polar opposite of Lucifer – which would be truly poetic given Sam’s history.
8. Sam Winchester killing Lucifer once and for all – again a big one for me. I am done with Lucifer and want him dead. I think that the only person who truly should get the pleasure of killing Lucifer is Sam. With the help of Cas and Jack. I want Lucifer dead by season end.
9. Eileen’s return – her death made NO SENSE and was extremely poorly executed. She is sadly another Charlie but this time she deserves redemption from that shitty excuse for an episode. For Sam’s sake as well, I desperately want her back.
10. The total annihilation of the toxic co-dependency – Already basically covered above, but it’s important enough to need its own point. I think we now need an episode that specifically shows how it is destroyed. We need to see the brothers NOT doing stupid shit like selling their souls for each other or taking a bunch of pills just to speak to a reaper to try to bargain for your brothers life, or just generally making terrible choices with horrible consequences to save your brothers life. We NEED an episode where the opposite happens.
11. For Mary Winchester to get a strong and interesting storyline, to realise how her deal was actually a best case scenario given the circumstances of the AU world, and to come to terms with her new life outside of heaven. I do hope that now she has fulfilled her purpose for Dean, they will give her a chance to work on her relationship with Sam, and being stuck in the AU world should relieve some of that guilt, so that when she does return she will be in a better place.
12. Some fun Winchester family moments – it would be nice to get even a few small moments of Winchester family bonding – brother pranks – talks with mum – More “teachable moments” with Cas – just the occasional canon fluff scene since WE ALL WANT IT.
13. WAYWARD SISTERS – I mean hells yes! I don’t really have much on the wishlist for them other than I hope they kickass and are undeniably awesome and PICKED UP FOR A SPINOFF BY THE NETWORK.
14. Dean and Claire to have a conversation about Cas’s death – PLEASE SHOW! Give me Claire grieving over Cas! PLEASE!
15. Jody actually getting the truth out of Dean about his feelings for Cas. I would give anything for this conversation to be an actual thing.
16. It probably goes without saying but MAN PAIN OVER CAS – I mean, I reckon we are gonna get a good helping of this. Maybe not immediate tears but its gonna be pretty damn angsty – if the promo’s are anything to go by. I basically want it to be UNDENIABLE in canon that CAS is the reason that Dean is so broken up and that BOTH brothers are seriously struggling with his death. It has to be OBVIOUS how important Cas was to them and how his death has affected them.
17. The return of the mixtape. BRING BACK THE MIXTAPE
18. DESTIEL – Duh. Do I wish for canon destiel? Every. Single. Year. This one will be no different. Of course I want it. I want a love confession (that isn’t ambiguous). I want a kiss. I want a scene where it fades to black only to show them lying in Dean’s bed the next morning doing the whole pillow talk thing. Give me ALL THE DESTIEL.
19. Bring back Rowena. She didn’t deserve that ending. It was worse than Eileen’s. They better bring her back.
20. Bring back Death and Billy – I kinda still think it would be cool if Cas sees them both in the empty and brings them back with him – even if it doesn’t fit thematically with his story.
21. Cas dressed in anything other than the suit and trenchcoat (what can I say…Misha is a fine specimen of a man and does not deserve to be hidden under ill fitting clothing – I really hope the D&G suit is from the show!)
22. Cas on generic MOTW hunting episodes – ever since Hunteri Heroici I NEED THIS.
24. Witch!Sam - Every year I hope they pick up this story idea and every year they let me down. Let season 13 be that year!
23. Easter Bunny episode – For Lizbob and Mittens :P
That’s it so far. Feel free to add on your own wishlist ideas that I may not have covered! Bring on the season 13 premier! Woop!
#season 13 wishlist#supernatural#destiel#castiel#dean winchester#sam winchester#mary winchester#every other character#season 13#spn speculation#my hopes and dreams for this show#if i get even half of these i will consider this a massive win#bring on friday
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Yuri!!! On Ice Fanfic Recs with Reviews ["J” Authors]
Note: Doing some major reformating of the YOI fanfic rec pages. The pages that include my reviews are now having the posts separated alphabetically by author (see below). I am also creating separate page(s) that allow filtering the fanfics by category. It's a work in progress, but I'm having fun with it.
This page includes my YOI fanfic recs (with reviews) for authors whose names begin with "J".
Note: For any authors whom I don't know the gender, I refer to them with they/them. If any authors wish to correct me, please do so.
AUTHORS REC PAGES: #0-9 -- A -- B -- C -- D -- E -- F -- G -- H -- I -- J -- K -- L -- M -- N -- O -- P -- Q -- R -- S -- T -- U -- V -- W -- X -- Y -- Z
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Refer to this masterlist for all of my YOI fanfic recs.
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Jenrose (@jenroses)
Jenrose is really passionate about LGBTQIA politics, diplomacy, and real-world issues, which is apparent in their writing. It's really refreshing and interesting to read stories focused on these details. Something else really refreshing is their writing style, which is spartan yet adequately descriptive and to the point. It forces the readers to use their imagination more.
Translations on Ice (Series, 10 works)
Lost in Translations
Rating: Explicit -- Words: 10.3k -- Status: Complete -- Summary: Victor Nikiforov was the best jumper in the world, well-used to leaping blind and landing clean in ways no one could match. Falling was for other people. Stumbling was not acceptable. It had been a long time since the wind had been knocked out of him so thoroughly. (The start of "what comes after" the canon series.)
Translations Over Distance
Rating: Gen -- Words: 10.9k -- Status: Complete -- Summary: Yuuri really wants to surprise Victor for his birthday, but there's a bit of a scheduling issue.
Translations: Initiations
Rating: Explicit -- Words: 8.2k -- Status: Complete -- Summary: Someone REALLY wanted Yuuri back in Japan after the gala performance at the Russian Nationals.
Translations: Elongations
Rating: Explicit -- Words: 36.6k -- Status: WIP -- Summary: Yuuri and Victor come back to Japan to a flurry of media and sponsorship offers, in time for the Japan on Ice exhibition.
Translations: Terminations and Transitions
Rating: Explicit -- Words: 54.0k -- Status: Complete -- Summary: Moving is always a little strange. Moving to a possibly hostile country while training hard and preparing for a wedding in less than three weeks? Might not be the best idea they've ever had, but it's better than the alternatives.
Transition: Puberty
Rating: Teen -- Words: 15.5k -- Status: Complete -- Summary: Yuri Plisetsky hits puberty. Puberty hits back.
Transition: The Leap
Rating: Teen -- Words: 41.9k -- Status: Complete -- Summary: Our crew goes to Ostrava for the European Championships. Nothing quite goes as planned.
Transitions: Landings
Rating: Mature -- Words: 10.4k -- Status: Ongoing -- Summary: After the European Championships, the whole crew returns to Japan to prepare for 4CC and for Yuri to have surgery.
Transition: Coming Out
Rating: Gen -- Words: 6.0k -- Status: Complete -- Summary: It's January of 2018, our crew is in New York for publicity, and the Olympic team list for Russia just came out. Victor's name isn't on it, despite a decisive win at Russian Nationals. If there's anything that pisses Yuri Plisetsky off more than losing, it's not having a chance to beat his rivals on the ice. And if there's anything worse than his mentor retiring, it's his mentor being snubbed by the Russian Figure Skating Federation. He's spent too much time fighting to get back on his feet to take this lying down.
Transition: Questioning
Rating: Explicit -- Words: 21.1k -- Status: Complete -- Summary: Mila has been struggling with the move to Hasetsu. Sara has been struggling with her brother. Things come to a head after 2018 Worlds.
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Words: 204.3k
Status: Work In Progress
Relationship: Katsuki Yuuri/Victor Nikiforov
Tags: (Mostly) Canon compliant; Except homophobia exists; Post season 1; LGBTQ+ advocacy
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Review: The series focuses a lot on Yuuri and Victor navigating their relationship within the current political climate in regards to homosexuality. Situations dealt with include performing their pairs exhibition skate at the Russian Nationals, the resulting storm that follows, the many sponsorship deals that follows as a result (for pro-homosexuality despite that not being their intent), figuring out where and when to get married considering their skating season and the political climate, and figuring out where they can live without having to deal with violence but still be able to effectively train. It’s a really, really well-done series, and I’m so happy to see these topics get handled. There’s an appropriate amount of sappiness, romance, and sex between Yuuri and Victor as well, and lots of love and support from their friends, family, and coaches. My personal favorite stories would probably have to be: Translations Over Distance, which deals with Yuuri trying to surprise Victor for his birthday at Nationals; Translations: Initiations, which has a lot of sweet romantic lovemaking on a plane for Victor’s birthday; and, Translations: Terminations and Transitions, which deals with Victor and Yuuri moving to Russia, planning for a wedding, getting married, and then determining if Russia is still the place they want to live. You are greatly missing out if you haven’t read this series, so go do so!
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jinlian (@jinlian)
jinlian has written several Victuuri oneshots, all filled with sweet, warm devotion. They tease each other, they cook early morning breakfasts for each other, they discuss tattoos, they work through miscommunication issues with open honesty. My favorite fic of hers, take me higher, is the angstiest it gets, with some sad Victor backstory and miscommunication hurdles that get worked through, and by the end they're closer for it. If you need a little pick-me-up, definitely check out her fics.
take me higher
Rating: Teen
Words: 13.8k
Status: Complete
Relationship: Katsuki Yuuri/Victor Nikiforov
Tags: Canon compliant; Post-season 1; Victor backstory
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Summary: Victor stares at Yuuri. He wonders if he looks as confused as he feels; and he already looks at least a bit of a mess with his hair mussed from how he’d carefully styled it, his costume twisted and his jacket unzipped. Yuuri stares back. They’re both trying to find something in each other’s faces, searching and asking without words until one of them provides the answer. “What,” Victor finally demands, “does winning have to do with our getting married?”
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Review: "We’ll get married after he wins gold." What if Victor's intention behind the phrase was different than Yuuri's interpretation? I really appreciate jinlian's more melancholic, less idealistic interpretation of what occurred at the end of the series. Her Victor is continuing to skate only due of Yuuri's request - he's tired and ready to move on to the next transition in his life (coaching and marriage). There is a carry-over of miscommunication from the series between Vcitor and Yuuri that they eventually resolve. The scenes between the two of them when they finally clear the air are really beautiful and heartwarming in their honesty and affection. I love stories that have moments when the two have open heart-to-hearts, and this story delivers some of the best. I also really appreciate her writing a Victor who's ready to move on to the next chapter of his life. The sudden desire to return to competitive skating felt a little out of left field during the last two episodes of the anime, opposite of what felt like episodes 1-10 were building up to (Victor gaining purpose and inspiration through coaching Yuuri and having his life and love revolve around that). I don't think it's an unrealistic way to take his character arc, but the rest of the series did a poor job of foreshadowing that outcome - enough that it makes me question whether Victor actually wants to return to the ice or if he's just doing it for Yuuri. This story goes with that interpretation. Overall, a really heartfelt fix-the-miscommunication fic.
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K-Pop Group BTS Reveals Its Biggest Beauty Secrets for Glowing Skin
Last month, BTS, a K-Pop group from Seoul, cemented itself in American pop culture by winning the Top Social Artist Award at the Billboard Music Awards. The second the boy band hit the magenta red carpet, thousands were exposed to the wonders of K-Pop. Since then, people have been quick to call BTS, which is short for Bangtan Sonyeondan (or Bulletproof Boy Scouts in English), the One Direction of South Korea. However, that's just an easy way to give them some context. In reality, BTS is actually completely different. Why? The seven-piece group's performances are complete with flawless choreography, expert rapping, high-fashion looks, and insanely catchy vocals. Oh yeah, and they look damn good while doing so.
No matter where BTS is, their skin is forever smooth and has an enviable glow to it. Their eyes are typically adorned with a subtle smoky eye look, which both Jin and Jimin told me is their favorite part of wearing makeup. Their lips always have that popsicle-stained look that everyone's been craving lately. Their hair colors are constantly changing, too. In 2017 alone, Jimin's hair has been bubblegum pink, platinum blonde, sandy blonde, and caramel brown. If they had to choose just one shade, though, Rap Monster tells Allure that he prefers "ash gray and ash blue because these complement my skin tone well." Agreed. Also, Suga added that his favorite hair color is blonde because "I just need to de-color and that’s it."
The beauty aspect of BTS's fame alone separates them from the likes of One Direction, the Jonas Brothers, and the Backstreet Boys. And their legions of fans, lovingly called A.R.M.Y., live for it. YouTube is filled with makeup tutorials inspired by looks from BTS's music videos. A whole Tumblr account called Dewy Bangtan is even devoted to tracking down the beauty products BTS uses based on screenshots from behind-the-scenes videos.
If the names I mentioned above didn't ring any bells, let me give you a quick summary of each of the seven members of BTS.
Jin
At 24, Jin is the oldest member of BTS, but he doesn't act like it. He has a very specific skin care-related reason for that. In a recent video, he said, "I have a motto of my life, 'If you behave young, your face becomes young, too.'" Noted. His good looks went viral after the Billboard Awards. On Twitter, he was called the "third one from the left", accompanied by dozens of heart-eye emojis. His response? He's "worldwide handsome."
Suga
Many will identify with Suga, one of the group's rappers, on a spiritual level, as I do. When he isn't working his ass off producing, writing, and composing songs, he just likes to lay. Same. Just as his hair color preference suggests, he's the most low-maintenance of the Bangtan Boys as far as beauty routines goes. He's basically a granddad trapped in a 24-year-old's body.
V
V's interests lie in the finer things in life like Gucci, Van Gogh, and photography. The 21-year-old also makes some of the most hilarious facial expressions and has the most velvety voice in BTS. Some consider him to be the most handsome in the group, but I'll let you decide.
Jimin
Jimin is the king of selfies. BTS's Twitter is filled with evidence of this statement. In their music videos, you can pick him out by his sharp dance moves. In a group photos, you can pick him out by his seriously adorable baby face. Don't let it fool you — he's not the youngest. He's 21. And if anyone was wondering, he's what K-Pop fans call my "bias," aka my favorite. His pink hair sealed the deal for me.
Jungkook
Ok, now it's time to talk about the youngest member of BTS. Jungkook, 19, is a classic, hard-working millennial. He can do everything, including sing (in English), dance, and rap, and do it all incredibly well. When not suited-up in a dress shirt or velvet bomber jacket on stage, you can catch him wearing a white T-shirt and Timberlands.
Rap Monster
Meet the leader of the group. BTS was literally built around the 22-year-old. As you probably could have guessed, Rap Monster, well, raps. He's also BTS's mouthpiece. Fluent in English, he usually takes the lead in stateside interviews. (Watching Friends helped him learn the language.) He has a habit of winking in photo shoot and making people across the world melt. Cringe-worthy hairstyles from BTS's debut in 2013 aside, Rap Monster has some of the best looks of BTS.
J-Hope
I'm convinced J-Hope's ever-positive personality is the true secret behind his glowing skin. (More on his actual secrets later.) Also 22, he's like BTS's portable charger, giving them (and fans) energy and encouragement. Watching him dance will give you strength, too. Trust. He's s-o g-o-o-d.
Now that we're all on the same page, here's the best part: BTS took a break from their massive world tour, which has made stops in the US, Australia, and Brazil, to chat with me about their skin care routines. Yup, you're about to find out some of their secrets.
Why is it important to you to take good care of your skin?
Jin: "Skin is what completes my appearance. I value my looks very much, so it’s equally important to take good care of my skin — that’s a pivotal part of my face."
J-Hope: "Taking good care of your skin is the No.1 rule for all celebs. I get to meet a lot of fans face-to-face at fan meetings and similar events, and I’d like to look my best for them."
What’s your biggest skin concern?
Rap Monster: "My skin is dry most of the time, and my biggest concern is keeping it [moisturized]. I get zits from time to time and that concerns me as well."
Jungkook: "I get pimples sometimes, and it’s very stressful."
You guys travel a lot. Do you do any skin-care treatments while you’re on the plane to keep your skin from freaking out?
V: "On the plane, I dampen cotton pads with toner and put on lotion twice as much."
Jimin: "I don’t really do anything extra special for my skin on the plane, but I try to drink as much water as possible."
What are some of your favorite beauty products?
V: "I’ve been looking for my absolute favorite beauty product for a long time because my skin becomes dry and oily relatively fast. I haven’t found the right one, but I’m not giving up! Any recommendations?"
What is your skin routine like?
J-Hope: "[In the morning, I use] toner and face cream. [At night, the steps are] toner, essence, acne care, lotion, cream."
Jungkook: "Toner and cream for night and morning routine."
A lot of people find skin care routines to be a form of self care. Do you agree?
Rap Monster: "I totally agree. My favorite brand is Mediheal, and it has a variety of sheet masks you can choose from after a long day of work."
Jimin: "I do agree because I try to clear my mind by cleansing my face after performances."
Do you have any bad skin care habits?
Suga: "My bad habit is that I don’t take care of my skin."
V: "I don’t particularly have a bad habit, but I’m worried about my skin having lack of elasticity. How can I prevent this?"
Are there any Korean beauty trends that you particularly love?
Jin: "I love sheet masks. I try to put them on whenever I feel my skin is dry and exposed too much to the sun. They help me make up for lost moisture and brighten my skin."
Do you have any go-to skin care tips for clear, glowing skin?
J-Hope: "I try to go to the dermatologist when I have some free time after work."
Jungkook: "I wish I had one! Let me know, and I’ll try."
Excuse me while I send Jungkook my list. If I learned anything from the Bangtan Boys, it's staying diligent with toner, using it day and night (and on the plane). If you need a recc or two, Allure editors are loving the Kopari Coconut Rose Toner and the Milk Makeup Matcha Toner right now.
cr: allure
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Food Insecurity and the Birkat Hamazon: Parshat Eikev
Hi all! Here is the sermon that I gave tonight at my student pulpit. I hope that you enjoy!
Shabbat Shalom! This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Eikev, continues Moses’s epic goodbye speech to the Jewish people. Moses spends much of the parsha reminding the Israelites of the Covenant between us and God, preaching about our devotion to God, and the importance of performing mitzvot... so that bad things won’t happen. It’s as if this is the Jewish version of eternal damnation! Within those commandments, includes the mitzvah of thanking God for our food.
A few moments ago, I read about the bounty of food that the Jewish people will receive upon entering the Land of Israel. Just like we did after our beautiful Shabbat dinner as a sacred community, in Parshat Eikev we are commanded to thank God for what we eat.
It’s no secret that I love food. I love cooking and tasting, and learning how to create new and interesting dishes. I come by it honestly, it runs in my family. My brother and I come from a long line of foodies. Our talented mom passed her love down to us, which was passed down from each generation before her. I’m sure that you wouldn’t be surprised to learn that I love Mahene Yehuda, Jerusalem’s open air market or “shuk”. You can pick up almost anything in the Jerusalem Shuk from strawberries and cucumbers to halava and the gooiest and delicious rugelach.
During my first year of Rabbinical School on Friday mornings, you could normally find me in Mahene Yehuda grabbing my pre-Shabbas falafel, my weekly fruits and veggies, and all of the supplies for Shabbat dinner. Wandering through the Shuk on a Friday morning before Shabbat can be overwhelming at best. Being present in such a holy market, always reminded me of how lucky many of us are to have such an abundance of food in our lives. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel speaks about having “radical amazement” for our beautiful world, and this week’s Torah portion reminds us to maintain this “radical amazement” for the food that we are so grateful to enjoy.
Deuteronomy 8:10 reads:
"וְאָכַלְתָּ֖ וְשָׂבָ֑עְתָּ וּבֵֽרַכְתָּ֙ אֶת־יי אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ עַל־הָאָ֥רֶץ הַטֹּבָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָֽתַן־לָֽךְ׃"
“When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall thank Adonai your G-d”
The rabbis of the Talmud used this verse as the basis of why we as Jews recite the Birkat Hamazon for our bounty of food. Medieval commentator Maimonides argues that "‘you shall eat and be satisfied, and bless’ so you will remember the slavery of Egypt…” Like Maimonides alluded to, this commandment allows us to stop, and be mindful of the challenges that we have endured as a people.
I need to mention the elephant in this conversation. While we blessed God for our food, 42.2 million Americans will to bed hungry tonight. That is more than 1 in 8 people, including 13.1 million children and 5.6 million senior citizens. There are so many people who face malnutrition in the world, that their numbers exceed the populations of the United States, Canada, and the entire European Union combined. That includes 34 million children.
I was recently struck by a letter, from a camper named Esther to her rabbi regarding the Birkat Hamazon. Esther writes:
“Dear Rabbi: The kids in our bunk were having a discussion last night whether or not we should say Birkat Ha-mazon, (the blessing for food), [that] the whole camp chants after every meal at Camp Ramah. Earlier in the day, we had a discussion about the millions of people who are suffering from starvation throughout the world. Thousands die from hunger daily. We, therefore, wonder whether we should thank God, who in the words of the Birkat Ha-mazon, ‘feeds the whole world with Their goodness, with lovingkindess and tender mercy… who provides for all Their creatures whom They have created.’ Can we say these words without feeling hypocritical?” Love, Esther
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַזָּן... אֶת הכלֹ...?
Blessed are you Adonai our God ruler of all, who... feeds all…?
How can we thank God for feeding all of us, when so many people are hungry? Time and time again, our tradition teaches us to help those who most need it. From Abram and Sarai who feed three desert wanderers, to the literature of the prophets who, in the words of Jeremiah, teach that we must do what is “just and right,” and of Isaiah, who reminds us to “share our bread with the hungry.” On Passover, we’re reminded that matza is “the bread of affliction [that] our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt.” We are called upon to “let all who are hungry come and eat [and to] let all who are in need come share our Passover” meal, because, as it is said in Proverbs, “צְדָקָ֥ה תְרֽוֹמֵֽם־גּ֑וֹי,” “tzedakah exalts a nation.” Contributing our time, effort, and goods to help others is a cornerstone, possibly the cornerstone of Judaism.
But Josh, how can we thank God for feeding all of the people of the world, “הַזָּן אֶת הכל,” while every human being does not have enough food to eat? Is this prayer “just and right”? Is the recognition of our “radical amazement” for our bounty of food appropriate when “הַזָּן אֶת הכל,” feeder of all, is so questionable?
I’m curious what you all think of these two different answers:
Answer #1: The Cyber Rav, Rabbi Rafi Rank, from Jewishpost.com, argues that “‘hazan et hakol’ [can be translated] to mean that God feeds us in ways that human beings cannot, that is, God feeds us and sustains us with Torah,” with learning, and with Jewish values. The Cyber Rav argues that because the first part of the blessing talks about God feeding us with goodness, the text isn’t referring to food, but to how we are divinely fed with “understanding, the motivation, [and] the imperative to do what is right and just. This is the whole idea of not living by bread alone. We require other things that are just as important as bread, if not more so.”
The Cyber Rav sees the issue through a metaphorical lens. Does God feed all who recite the Birkat Hamazon with Jewish values instead of food? Is that the “et hakol,” “the all,” of the prayer? Is this just a metaphor?
Answer #2: Esther’s rabbi also has a wonderful response. He argues that because food insecurity is a human-made problem caused by greed and uncompassionate people, it is our job to fix the issue. He believes that if we affirm “God’s goodness in providing food for all, we [will] rededicate ourselves to making that fact a reality.”
The rabbi believes that we should recite our thanksgiving for food “louder and louder, until that blessed day comes, when everybody will be able to say the Birkat Ha-mazon in a world where none will go hungry.” In a way, the rabbi found a loophole where he both urged Esther to continue the tradition of reciting the Birkat Hamazon with her community while cleverly reminding her, and her bunkmates, of the importance of using a loud voice in creating a change. In the task of fixing our world, Tikkun Olam, our voices can have a transformative effect on society.
As a young college student preparing donations at my home congregation’s soup kitchen with my family, I still remember my mom nearly breaking down as she put herself in the shoes of one of the many families that we were helping. My mom imagined what our life would have looked like if she and my father could not feed my brother and I. For my mother who passed her love of food to her children, the holy work that we were doing encouraged her to think about life differently. This moment continues to inspire me to help as many people as possible put food on their tables.
On the New York campus of the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, we host a weekly soup kitchen in our basement on Monday nights. Although I often can’t make it to volunteer due to other commitments, I always tell people about it on the subway, or on the streets when asked for help. Yes, sometimes people blow me off, and often I get strange looks from other New Yorkers, but a conversation that I had a few months ago with an older woman continues to inspire me. As I exited the platform in a rush to get up the stairs and to my next destination, a woman with big beautiful eyes approached me for help. Although I don’t remember much of what we said to one another, the gratitude that welled up in her eyes and on her face was indescribable. I shared with her a very human moment, a very sacred moment, and a moment filled with compassion and respect for one another.
הַזָּן אֶת הכל...God feeds all: This act fed my soul. The beautiful gift of love that I know God has granted all human beings, fed my soul. My soul was nourished because I used my voice to help God feed us all.
Esther’s rabbi ends his letter with the same call that I give to you this Shabbat. In parshat Eikev, we are called upon to thank God for the endless supply of food that exists for all of us. The parsha reminds us to make the world a less hungry place, thus feeding our souls in the process.
Let’s continue this holy work together in order to help others access food in the United States, Israel, and around the world. But also, we must teach others about this grave injustice. If you have a chance, please visit Mazon.org or pick up a flier from me after our Tefilla. “Mazon: a Jewish Response to Hunger” is a Jewish organization which provides educational resources to millions, many of which I used to prepare this sermon. They also create opportunities for Jews to provide their time, labor, and finances to make the dream of “,הַזָּן אֶת הכל”, “who feeds all”, a reality.
The following appears in midrash: When you are asked in the world to come, “What was your work?” and you answer, “I fed the hungry,” you will be told, “This is the gate of Adonai, enter into it, you who have fed the hungry.”
Kein Yehi Ratzon, May it be God’s will.
#parshat eikev#food insecurity#mazon#mazon a jewish response to hunger#birkat#birkat hamazon#camp ramah#ramah#judaism#jewish#social action#social justice#hebrew union college#huc#hucjir#huc-jir#reform judaism#reformjudaism#tikkunolam#tikkun olam#jewish wisdom#wisdom#passover#pesach#prophets#torah#torah study#jewish education#mazon.org#soup kitchen
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K-Pop Group BTS Reveals Its Biggest Beauty Secrets for Glowing Skin (Interview)
Last month, BTS, a K-Pop group from Seoul, cemented itself in American pop culture by winning the Top Social Artist Award at the Billboard Music Awards. The second the boy band hit the magenta red carpet, thousands were exposed to the wonders of K-Pop. Since then, people have been quick to call BTS, which is short for Bangtan Sonyeondan (or Bulletproof Boy Scouts in English), the One Direction of South Korea. However, that's just an easy way to give them some context. In reality, BTS is actually completely different. Why? The seven-piece group's performances are complete with flawless choreography, expert rapping, high-fashion looks, and insanely catchy vocals. Oh yeah, and they look damn good while doing so.
No matter where BTS is, their skin is forever smooth and has an enviable glow to it. Their eyes are typically adorned with a subtle smoky eye look, which both Jin and Jimin told me is their favorite part of wearing makeup. Their lips always have that popsicle-stained look that everyone's been craving lately. Their hair colors are constantly changing, too. In 2017 alone, Jimin's hair has been bubblegum pink, silver, platinum blonde, sandy blonde, and caramel brown. If they had to choose just one shade, though, Rap Monster tells Allure that he prefers "ash gray and ash blue because these complement my skin tone well." Agreed. Also, Suga added that his favorite hair color is blonde because "I just need to de-color and that’s it."
The beauty aspect of BTS's fame alone separates them from the likes of One Direction, the Jonas Brothers, and the Backstreet Boys. And their legions of fans, lovingly called A.R.M.Y., live for it. YouTube is filled with makeup tutorials inspired by looks from BTS's music videos. A whole Tumblr account called Dewy Bangtan is even devoted to tracking down the beauty products BTS uses based on screenshots from behind-the-scenes videos.
If the names I mentioned above didn't ring any bells, let me give you a quick summary of each of the seven members of BTS.
Jin
At 24, Jin is the oldest member of BTS, but he doesn't act like it. He has a very specific skin care-related reason for that. In a recent video, he said, "I have a motto of my life, 'If you behave young, your face becomes young, too.'" Noted. His good looks went viral after the Billboard Awards. On Twitter, he was called the "third one from the left", accompanied by dozens of heart-eye emojis. His response? He's "worldwide handsome."
Suga
Many will identify with Suga, one of the group's rappers, on a spiritual level, as I do. When he isn't working his ass off producing, writing, and composing songs, he just likes to lay. Same. Just as his hair color preference suggests, he's the most low-maintenance of the Bangtan Boys as far as beauty routines goes. He's basically a granddad trapped in a 24-year-old's body.
V
V's interests lie in the finer things in life like Gucci, Van Gogh, and photography. The 21-year-old also makes some of the most hilarious facial expressions and has the most velvety voice in BTS. Some consider him to be the most handsome in the group, but I'll let you decide.
Jimin
Jimin is the king of selfies. BTS's Twitter is filled with evidence of this statement. In their music videos, you can pick him out by his sharp dance moves. In a group photos, you can pick him out by his seriously adorable baby face. Don't let it fool you — he's not the youngest. He's 21. And if anyone was wondering, he's what K-Pop fans call my "bias," aka my favorite. His pink hair sealed the deal for me.
Jungkook
Ok, now it's time to talk about the youngest member of BTS. Jungkook, 19, is a classic, hard-working millennial. He can do everything, including sing (in English), dance, and rap, and do it all incredibly well. When not suited-up in a dress shirt or velvet bomber jacket on stage, you can catch him wearing a white T-shirt and Timberlands.
Rap Monster
Meet the leader of the group. BTS was literally built around the 22-year-old. As you probably could have guessed, Rap Monster, well, raps. He's also BTS's mouthpiece. Fluent in English, he usually takes the lead in stateside interviews. (Watching Friends helped him learn the language.) He has a habit of winking in photo shoot and making people across the world melt. Cringe-worthy hairstyles from BTS's debut in 2013 aside, Rap Monster has some of the best looks of BTS.
J-Hope
I'm convinced J-Hope's ever-positive personality is the true secret behind his glowing skin. (More on his actual secrets later.) Also 22, he's like BTS's portable charger, giving them (and fans) the energy and encouragement. Watching him dance will give you strength, too. Trust. He's s-o g-o-o-d.
Now that we're all on the same page, here's the best part: BTS took a break from their massive world tour, which has made stops in the US, Australia, and Brazil, to chat with me about their skin care routines. Yup, you're about to find out some of their secrets.
Why is it important to you to take good care of your skin?
Jin: "Skin is what completes my appearance. I value my looks very much, so it’s equally important to take good care of my skin — that’s a pivotal part of my face."
J-Hope: "Taking good care of your skin is the No.1 rule for all celebs. I get to meet a lot of fans face-to-face at fan meetings and similar events, and I’d like to look my best for them."
What’s your biggest skin concern?
Rap Monster: "My skin is dry most of the time, and my biggest concern is keeping it [moisturized]. I get zits from time to time and that concerns me as well."
Jungkook: "I get pimples sometimes, and it’s very stressful."
You guys travel a lot. Do you do any skin-care treatments while you’re on the plane to keep your skin from freaking out?
V: "On the plane, I dampen cotton pads with toner and put on lotion twice as much."
Jimin: "I don’t really do anything extra special for my skin on the plane, but I try to drink as much water as possible."
What are some of your favorite beauty products?
V: "I’ve been looking for my absolute favorite beauty product for a long time because my skin becomes dry and oily relatively fast. I haven’t found the right one, but I’m not giving up! Any recommendations?"
What is your skin routine like?
J-Hope: "[In the morning, I use] toner and face cream. [At night, the steps are] toner, essence, acne care, lotion, cream."
Jungkook: "Toner and cream for night and morning routine."
A lot of people find skin care routines to be a form of self care. Do you agree?
Rap Monster: "I totally agree. My favorite brand is Mediheal, and it has a variety of sheet masks you can choose from after a long day of work."
Jimin: "I do agree because I try to clear my mind by cleansing my face after performances."
Do you have any bad skin care habits?
Suga: "My bad habit is that I don’t take care of my skin."
V: "I don’t particularly have a bad habit, but I’m worried about my skin having lack of elasticity. How can I prevent this?"
Are there any Korean beauty trends that you particularly love?
Jin: "I love sheet masks. I try to put them on whenever I feel my skin is dry and exposed too much to the sun. They help me make up for lost moisture and brighten my skin."
Do you have any go-to skin care tips for clear, glowing skin?
J-Hope: "I try to go to the dermatologist when I have some free time after work."
Jungkook: "I wish I had one! Let me know, and I’ll try."
Excuse me while I send Jungkook my list. If I learned anything from the Bangtan Boys, it's staying diligent with toner, using it day and night (and on the plane). If you need a recc or two, Allure editors are loving the Kopari Coconut Rose Toner and the Milk Makeup Matcha Toner right now.
BY: Devon Ableman @Abelwoman June 21, 2017 - ALLURE
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Home Renovation Ideas
Hello, everyone! It’s wonderful to have you on Home Bunch today and I am truly excited to present the impeccable work of this talented builder on the blog. Donatelli Builders specialize in building upscale custom homes and performing luxury renovations in the Chicago suburbs area and it’s an honor to have them here for the first time. Please, keep reading to know more details about this recent home renovation:
“Having spent years in the home they built in 2002, our clients John + Lisa were ready to bolster the overall function and design to better suit their lifestyle. Thoughtfully crafted and curated with the help of local Architect and interior design team Z+O architecture + interiors, the spaces now flow together while still maintaining room definition. The first floor is reimagined and embodies everything the homeowners intended; welcoming, bright, purposeful and a place to gather with family and friends.
No details were left unturned from floor to ceiling. The whole house electrical system has been enhanced, streamlined and uncluttered. Counter top pop up receptacles are installed to reduce unsightly wall outlets, shelf lighting has been added to create ambience and all the controls are programed together to be operated in a convenient phone app. The kitchen windows have been lengthened down to the counter tops to fill the space with light and brightness; easily transformed with automated Lutron window shades fully compatible with the lighting control system. Trim details tie together seamlessly to carry one room into the next in perfect choreographed form and function.
The spaces now have a finish and flow; retiring dated designs and technologies for a thoughtfully composed layout that best suits the way the homeowners live and entertain in their home.”
Photos by Picture Perfect House.
Home Renovation Ideas
As you walk through the front door, centered in the home is the Kitchen. The overall layout now makes sense with distinct work zones and a place for family and friends to gather. Box beams were added to break up the vast ceiling and give definition to each area in the Kitchen, and carefully coordinated lighting align within the pattern of the box beams. The windows were replaced, enlarged and specified in black to create a focal point and add a connection to the beautiful back yard. The knee wall under the window wall was removed so the new windows sit directly on the countertops. Finishes were kept neutral, incorporating elements of interest with the blue cabinets, walnut shelves, brass cabinet hardware and light fixtures. No details were overlooked including adjusting cabinet layouts to allow for perfect tile back splash layouts and never placing switches or outlets within those tiled spaces for the most pleasing look possible. Alignment of shelving and range hood with grout joints and pop-up counter top outlets with wireless charging and USB ports make this exceptionally user friendly with a timeless contemporary look.
Kitchen Shelves
Kitchen shelves are Oiled Claro Walnut shelves handcrafted by Rest & Repine Furniture Studio.
Backsplash
Backsplash is Sonoma Tilemakers, Stellar in Bossy Grey, Glossy.
Other Backpslash Tiles: here, here, here, here, here & here.
Countertop
Counter tops: Colorquartz, Statuario Leonardo.
Island Dimensions
Island Dimensions- 4’6” x 10’ 0”
Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet Hardware: Pulls- Colonial Bronze Straight Shank Pull in Satin Brass – similar here.
Knobs- Colonial Bronze Round Shank Knob in Satin Brass – similar here.
Wall Paint Color
Walls and trim are “Benjamin Moore Light Pewter 1464”.
Kitchen Cabinetry
Cabinet Details: Cabinets by Donatelli Builders, full custom. Species- Hard Brown Maple. Perimeter + Island: “Sherwin Williams SW 7043 Worldly Gray”.
Kitchen Lighting
Island Pendants- Restoration Hardware, Machinist Glass Cloche Pendant in Burnished Brass – similar here & here.
Other Affordable Lighting: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here & here.
Counterstools: Bottega Counter Stool – similar here – Others: here, here, here & here.
Kitchen Ceiling
Ceiling Treatment: Decorative Box Beam Design painted to match cabinetry, Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams.
Ceiling Fixtures- Schoolhouse Satellite with wide cone in Brass/Clear glass – similar here & here.
Perimeter Cabinet Paint Color
Navy Cabinet Paint Color: “Sherwin Williams SW 7602 Indigo Batik”.
Automated Window Shades: Lutron QS Wireless Shades in Basketweave 90, 5% Openness, Oyster/ Pearl Grey.
Kitchen Windows
“The kitchen windows have been lengthened down to the counter tops to fill the space with light and brightness“.
Charging Power Pop Up
Counter Top Accessories- Lew Electric PUR20 with 2 USB/Wireless Charging Power Pop Up.
Sink & Faucet
Kitchen Faucet- Moen Sleek with MotionSense Wave Spot Resist Stainless Kitchen Faucet + soap dispenser.
Sink- Kohler Whitehaven tall apron sink in white.
Laundry Room
Adjacent to the Kitchen, the Laundry Room boasts a wide-open space full of natural light. Originally, the room was narrow and cramped, but now, the previous individual rooms were opened by removing walls with doorways so there is now an open layout that is much easier to navigate while using this space.
Counter Top Accessories- Lew Electric PUFP-CT-20A-2USB with 20amp Duplex Power and (2) USB Charging Ports.
Functionality
The Laundry Room now functions as a work area with plenty of storage where everything has its place.
Faucet- Kohler Simplice in Polished Chrome.
Sink- Elkay Quartz Luxe in Caviar.
Counter Top: Colorquartz, Statuario Leonardo.
Pulls- Atlas Bradbury Pull in Polished Chrome.
Knobs- Atlas Bradbury Knob in Polished Chrome.
Laundry Room Cabinetry
Cabinets by Donatelli Builders, full custom. Species- Hard Brown Maple Finish in Sherwin Williams SW 7043 Worldly Gray.
Backsplash- WOW, SW Lab in Cotton Gloss – similar here & here.
Wall Fixtures- Savoy House Morland 1 Light Adjustable Sconce in Polished Nickel.
Wall Paint Color
Walls &Trim Paint Color – “Light Pewter by Benjamin Moore”.
Ceiling Fixtures- Kichler Silberne Pendant Light in Classic Pewter.
Master Bathroom
The Master Bath is refreshed with a bright open feel and personalized with His + Her spaces. The main focal point is the patterned floor tile surrounded by neutral tones. Recessed medicine cabinets provide additional storage, counter top pop-up receptacles eliminate wall outlets, in floor heating and towel warmers provide warmth and efficiency. Behind the freestanding bath tub, a solid surface window sill has been added to allow placing items on without damaging the paint finish. Impeccable emphasis was placed on the coordination between tile layouts, plumbing fixtures and wall niches to ensure that symmetry is maintained for a feeling of true luxury. Polished nickel plumbing fixtures with hints of brass in the cabinet hardware and light fixtures capture the warmth of the space and overall timeless look.
Cabinet Details: Cabinets by Donatelli Builders, full custom. Species- Hard Brown Maple Finish- Benjamin Moore Light Pewter.
Faucets- Kohler Margaux collection in Polished Nickel.
Wall Fixtures- George Kovacs Tube in Honey Gold.
Counter tops, Window Sill, Shower Parts- Colorquartz, Statuario Leonardo.
Pulls- Lews Barrel Pull in Satin Brass.
Knobs- Emtek Hampton Knob in Satin Brass and Clear Crystal.
Towel Warmer- Amba Jeeves H Straight in Oil Rubbed Bronze.
Freestanding Tub- Kohler Sunstruck in White.
Wall Paint Color
Bathroom Wall Paint Color: “Benjamin Moore Light Pewter 1464”.
Shower Wall Tile
Shower Wall- Sonoma Tilemakers, Stellar in Cloud Dancer Glossy + Sonoma Tilemakers, Stellar in Night Fall Glossy (Base).
Plumbing
Shower Faucets: Kohler Margaux collection in Polished Nickel.
Floor Tile
Floor/Shower Floor- Nouveau Grey in Natural Dark Deco + Land Nouveau Ivory in Natural – Other Beautiful Tiles: here, here, here, here & here.
Game Room
The game room sets a lively mood with mirrored tile backsplash and up-lit display shelves inspired by a Chicago bar. The space will be centered around a large round table and upholstered chairs under the sculptural pendant light fixture, a perfect setting for game nights. The ambiance is made complete by the homeowner’s vinyl collection, played through the enhanced sound from newly incorporated Sonos sound system. The blue high gloss cabinets, brass cabinet hardware and walnut shelves tie the game room and adjacent kitchen together, and the 10-foot ceilings are brought to human-scale by the added transoms. The metallic patterned ceiling wall covering is a bold motif that is repeated in the game room furnishings and contributes textured elements to the vibrant atmosphere of the room.
Walls + Trim- Light Pewter 1464 by Benjamin Moore.
Shelves: Oiled Claro Walnut shelves handcrafted by Rest & Repine Furniture Studio.
Counter tops- Colorquartz, Statuario Leonardo.
Faucet- Newport Brass Jacobean Prep in Satin Bronze.
Sink- Kohler Undertone in Cane Sugar.
Ceiling Wall Covering: Harlequin, Koto in Brass – Other Beautiful Wallpaper: here, here, here, here & here.
Backsplash
Backsplash- Oceanside, Devotion in Antique Mirror Heirloom – similar here.
Cabinet Paint Color
Cabinets are by Donatelli Builders, full custom. Species- Hard Brown Maple Finish in “Indigo Batik by Sherwin Williams”.
Pulls- Colonial Bronze Straight Shank Pull in Satin Brass – similar here.
Knobs- Colonial Bronze Round Shank Knob in Satin Brass – similar here.
Ceiling Fixtures- Elk Boudreaux in Satin Black.
Many thanks to the builder for sharing all of the details above!
Interior Designer: Donatelli Builders (Instagram)
Photography: Picture Perfect House.
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DADA, Duchamp and Readymades
The readymade is a type of art media that is very conceptual that originated in the Dada movement. This movement was born out of the stress of the First World War, started in 1916 in Zurich, Switzerland. It spread out even as far out to America and lasted to 1924. The movement itself was transient and didn’t create a lot of very famous artists with big bodies of work, it was a brief nonsensical creation sparked by the horror of war (Dada and dadaism: history of the Dada movement, Online). This movement was an anti-art, anti-war and anti-bourgeois force created from the discontent the war started in much of the art world (Artstory2, online) and was typically affiliated with the radical left. Many artists fled from either conscription or their countries being occupied, generally to Switzerland as it was a neutral country, so this was a perfect place for the discontented artists to work together. The Dada movement was a rebellion in of itself “Revolted by the butchery of the 1914 World War, we in Zurich devoted ourselves to the arts” (Tate4, Online) and was a genuine reaction to the atrocities of war, rather than an attempt of creating beauty. The name ‘Dada’ was chosen at random when one of the artists at the reading of the manifesto stabbed a French dictionary, it sounds childish and it defies meaning. The head of this movement was Tristan Tzara, a Romanian poet (Bryant, 2007, pg. 320). Dadaist art was very much focused on discarding traditional art ‘rules’ and protesting the World War, theirs was an “art that wants to provoke change” (Bryant, 2007, pg. 320). Despite priding themselves on creating satirical works and non-art, a lot of the art of the movement was in sculptures and paintings, although Dada did also create a lot of poetry and performance pieces also. Most of the artists that were big in the Dada movement swiftly segued into the Surrealist movement as they had similar ideals (Dada and Surrealism, Online).
Marcel Duchamp was a French artist living from 1887 to 1968. He was a heavily influential artist in Dada, and has widely become accepted in recent years as the “father of conceptual art” (Artstory, online) and one of the first to “challenge the idea of painting as the premier medium for innovative art” (Parkinson, 2008, p.6) during his own time however, he wasn’t as well accepted. As an artist, Duchamp explored multiple medias, including painting, sculpture and video art, however he is best known for his sculptures – the readymades (Tate1, Online). Duchamp was also inspired by multiple Modernist art movements in his time. When Duchamp first started out as an artist he was “under the spell of Impressionism” (Parkinson, 200, pg12). Some of his earlier practise that became more famous however was inspired by Cubism and Futurism, as explicitly seen in his painting Nude Descending a Staircase, which combined both styles in an unrecognizable cut up form descending diagonally with lots of dynamic movement. This painting caused a lot of controversy, like many of Duchamp’s works did. Despite being removed from an earlier exhibition (Tate2, Online), Duchamp exhibited it in America where it briefly became a “symbol of the modern in America” (Folland, 2017, Online) at the time. Later in his career Duchamp fell into the Dada movement (1916 to 1924)- although he still didn’t affiliate himself with them formally, and he went on to create many satirical and playful works that continuously challenged the very notion of what art is (Artstory1, Online) and as DADA died out his works then were aligned with the Surrealists, although throughout his life “he steadfastly refused to be affiliated with any specific artistic movement” (Artstory1, Online).
Duchamp’s work moved on from his paintings when he started to question what art was in itself “asking in a note of 1913, ‘Can one make works which are not works of “art”?’” (Parkinson, 2008, pg. 28). The first of Duchamp’s readymades was the Bicycle Wheel (1913), a piece made of a bicycle wheel attached to a white stool, which lacks utility and any sense of an aesthetic; not only stopping becoming a useful object but also confusing the audience to whether it should be counted as art. Bicycle Wheel only lead to creating more of these juxtaposing pieces that were purely found objects that were occasionally altered, he declared to be art and his practise primarily became these readymades after this point. Perhaps the most nonart of all the readymades is Bottlerack, as it was untitled, unmodified, unsigned and not even exhibited- it is purely a found object with nothing changed by the artist (Parkinson, 2008, pg. 47-8).
The most famous of Duchamp’s readymades was Fountain (1917) (Tate2, Online). He made this piece under the pseudonym R.Mutt, and it was only allowed to be exhibited after some controversy- he personally was on the council that decided what works were shown and resigned in defiance of the censorship. Fountain is a sculptural piece made from an ordinary urinal that was placed upside down and signed “R.Mutt”. R. Mutt seems to be wordplay on the part of Duchamp, either referencing Mott ironworks who made the urinal, also a contemporary cartoon strip of the time, Mutt and Jeff (Windmuller, 2011, Online) – this name is playful and mocking, something shocking to the artworld at the time. The work was widely criticized at the time for not being what was considered art. It wasn’t handcrafted, didn’t require lots of time, and wasn’t unique – all elements people considered necessary for art as Parkinson points out, the readymades are created to reject “style, taste, aesthetics” and are meant “to hold as little appeal to the observer as possible”(Parkinson, 2008, pg.28).
Duchamp seemed to see the medium of readymades as higher than some other forms of art, implying that they are harder to understand and perhaps even more important when he said, “They look trivial, but they’re not. On the contrary, they represent a much higher degree of intellectuality.” (Judovitz, 1998, pg. 96). The creation of the readymade and conceptual art like what the Dadaists have created deeply impacted the work of oncoming artists, directly effecting Surrealists artists who took most of the ideals and created even more works. Dada very clearly paved the way for conceptual art and most non-art to come.
Bibliography
1 Tate. UNDATED. Marcel Duchamp 1887-1968 | Tate . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/marcel-duchamp-1036. [Accessed 16 April 2018].
2 Tate. UNDATED. ‘Fountain’, Marcel Duchamp, 1917, replica 1964 | Tate . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/duchamp-fountain-t07573. [Accessed 16 April 2018].
3 Tate. UNDATED. Room 3: Movement | Tate . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/duchamp-man-ray-picabia/explore-exhibition/room-3-movement. [Accessed 16 April 2018].
4 Tate. Undated. Dada – Art Term | Tate . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/d/dada. [Accessed 20 April 2018].
1 The Art Story. UNDATED. Marcel Duchamp Biography, Art, and Analysis of Works | The Art Story. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.theartstory.org/artist-duchamp-marcel.htm. [Accessed 16 April 2018].
Folland, T. 2017. Marcel Duchamp, Nude Descending a Staircase, No 2 – Smarthistory. [ONLINE] Available at: https://smarthistory.org/duchamp-descending/. [Accessed 16 April 2018].
2 The Art Story. UNDATED. Dada Movement, Artists and Major Works | The Art Story. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.theartstory.org/movement-dada.htm. [Accessed 16 April 2018].
Windmuller, K. 2011. What is the meaning of the 'R. Mutt' signature on Duchamp's Fountain? - Quora. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-meaning-of-the-R-Mutt-signature-on-Duchamps-Fountain. [Accessed 17 April 2018].
Dada and Surrealism | Oxford Art. 2018. Dada and Surrealism | Oxford Art. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.oxfordartonline.com/page/dada-and-surrealism. [Accessed 20 April 2018].
Dada and dadaism: history of the Dada movement. UNDATED. Dada and dadaism : history of the Dada movement. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.dadart.com/dadaism/dada/020-history-dada-movement.html. [Accessed 20 April 2018].
Bryant, J., 2007. Art History For Dummies. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.
Parkinson, G., 2008. Duchamp Book: Tate Essential Artists Series. Abrams, Harry N., Inc..
Judovitz, D., 1998. Unpacking Duchamp - Art in Transit. University of California Press.
Nauman, F., Olback, H., 2000. The Selected Correspondence of Marcel Duchamp: Affect t | Marcel.. Thames & Hudson.
Cabanne, P., 1997. Duchamp & Co. Editions Pierre Terrail.
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A Visit to The Temple
Hinduism is one of the largest religions globally. Hindu’s worship in holy places called temples. Unlike other world religions, it is not mandatory to visit the temple for worship. According to Flood (1996), each Hindu home has a small shrine also referred to as the puja room where families conduct daily prayers, excusing them from going to the temple daily for prayers. Hindus mostly go to the temple only during auspicious occasions or religious festivals. Unlike other religious places of worship like churches, mosques or shrines where the place of worship plays a critical role in functions like funerals and marriages, the temple does not play a crucial role in any of those events. Rather it more of a meeting point for religious discourses like chants and devotional songs or bhajans and kirtans (Das, 2014).
I have always wanted to visit India and when the opportunity presented itself, I did not hesitate to pay a visit to one of the most beautiful temples there. The Konark sun temple is a distinct work of art standing out in Odisha, Puri district. Konark, which is a small town in India, is the exact location of the marvel Konark sun temple. The temple stands as a dedication to Lord Sun one of the Indian gods. The temple resembles a carriage that is shaped like a chariot. It has twelve wheels appearing to be dragged by seven horses. At first sight, the temple will amaze you because of the skills used to create it. Researchers believe that the temple was constructed in the 13th century.
The creative mind behind the construction was King Narasimhadeva a legend who lived then. According to Puri (2011), many temples in India are built in connection to legendary figures. The story of Konark temple is related to the legendary Lord Krishna who cursed one of his sons. The curse led to leprosy. To seek atonement, Samba, Krishna’s son devoted his life to worship Lord Sun also referred to as Surya for a decade and two years. After twelve years of seeking penance, Lord Sun healed Samba. Samba was always grateful and indebted to Surya who came through for him during a tough time in his life. As a result Samba devoted himself to make Surya more than a memory. He decided to build the temple to express his gratitude to Lord Sun (Puri, 2011).
Everybody who sees the temple can easily tell that it was a timeless work of art build to last and to impact many generations. The temple’s mesmerizing beauty is nothing short of stunning. In his words Rabindranath Tagore, the exquisiteness of the temple cannot be described in architectural terms asserts Das (2014). My observation during the visit was a lifetime experience. This being the first time for me in a temple, almost everything for me was a learning process. The images on the wall, the architectural designs, the gods, forms of worship, how men and women were dressed, were part of my observation. I learnt so much that I had to record all this details in my travel journal to keep the memories intact.
The first basic thing I learnt about the temple is the sacred value they hold for Indians. The temple is a sacred meeting point for Hindu people to commune and revitalize their energies spiritually argues Flood (1996). Indian temples are shaped in various forms like the rectangular shape, octagon, semicircular with different entry points like gates or domes. Despite all those facts there are six parts of a Hindu temple which resemble all temples regardless of the shape. The Konark temple for example had the Dome and steeple shape. The steeple or Shikhara represents a high mountain peak while the dome shape, a trident shape of shiva. There was the second part which was an inner chamber also referred to as the garbhagriha a scared place where the image or idol of the deity is kept. The place is out of bounds for visitors giving room to only temple priests.
The common place for all to assemble is the temple hall which is meant for the audience to sit. The temple hall also known as the nata-mandira was a hall used for temple dancing traditionally (Flood, 1996). Women dancers would perform their ritual dances while other people use the hall to sit, pray, meditate, chant or watch the priest perform rituals. The hall was decorated with paintings of goddesses and gods beautifully. I sat there to meditate and view the vast region of the hall quietly. The temple also has a front porch, an area where a big metallic bell hanging from the ceiling was kept. This section of the temple is useful as devotees enter and leave through this area. To declare their arrival and departure they ring the bell.
According to Michelle (1988), the reservoir of fresh flowing water is another significant part of the temple. It is used for hygiene purposes, some people perform a ritual birth before getting to the holy temple as well as keeping the floor of the temple clean. Most temples that are not build near natural water bodies have a water reservoir in form of a spring or fall. Lastly, the walkway that includes stair cases that people use to get in and out of the temple through. There are also walkways around the walls of the inner chamber for the deity and devotees to walk around as a mark of respect to the god or goddess of the temple (Michelle, 1988).
My visit to the temple was a wonderful experience. I found the Hindu religion very interesting and gained more experience by being inside a temple. I learnt that the Hindu respect the temple and view it as a sacred place for spiritual duties. Men and women dress decently when going to the temple. While men wear button down shirts and slacks women wear long decent skirts and Indian clothes. When you enter the temple, you have to remove the shoes, wash your feet then start worshipping the deity from the left side. Their form of worship includes holding hands in the middle also referred to as namaste and bowing the head (Flood, 1996). For gods kept away from the wall one can worship them by walking in a circle around them.
At the end of worship also pujas, a priest walks around with a tray which is brushed over one’s head three times. Other times the priest offers fruits to people worshipping called prasadam or may come and mark your forehead with ash, turmeric or kumkum (Michell, 1988). Members greet each other with a warm smile in a kind gesture such as Hari om and a response is given. Temple priests play a crucial role in the temple and are known as pandas, pujaris hired to perform temple rituals. They are respected and were traditionally from the Brahmin caste.
References
Das, R. (2014). All about the Hindu temple, About religion, India
Flood, G. D. (1996). An introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge [England: Cambridge University Press.
Michell, G. (1988). The Hindu temple: an introduction to its meaning and forms, University of Chicago press ed.
Puri, R. (2011). Konark: Temple to the sun, Comic books, strips
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Can Massive Knowledge And AI Fix Our Prison</h1>
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