#CAPTURED HER POWERFUL EXPRESSION BEAUTIFULLY
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Color me - Malleus draconia x reader
[Y/N] spent many late nights walking in the woods with Malleus, and as a result, she received an abundance of gifts from him with love. Wanting to reciprocate his tender gestures, she decided to express her love by painting a portrait herself. However, her efforts were met with unexpected interference from a curious onlooker.
When it comes to the formidable Malleus Draconia, some may worship him, while others quiver in fear at his mere presence, some foolishly cling to their hatred towards him. But for [Y/N], her adoration for him burns with an intensity that rivals the brightest of stars. As she and Malleus grew closer, spending countless late nights together walking in the woods, she found herself the recipient of many treasured gifts from him. From a beautifully crafted hairpin to plush stuffed animals, a painted music box to a towering 5 meters long gargoyle that now proudly adorns her Ramshackle dorm, each “small” token of his affection was a testament to their deepening connection and the passion that coursed through his veins.
Though [Y/N]'s heart brimmed with joy at each gift bestowed upon her by Malleus, an overwhelming sense of guilt weighed heavily upon her. She yearned to express her love for him in the same grand gestures he so effortlessly displayed, yet found herself unable to reciprocate in kind. Despite her attempts to voice her feelings, Malleus would always reassure her, telling her that these tokens of affection were mere trifles compared to the boundless love he held for her. He urged her to accept them with an open heart, and relished in the delight they brought her. But despite his words, [Y/N] couldn't help but feel that she should do more for Malleus, to show him the depths of her own devotion.
Driven by her love for Malleus, [Y/N] poured every ounce of her being into her latest masterpiece. Though she lacked the means to lavish him with extravagant gifts, she knew that with each brushstroke and stroke of color, she could create something that would touch his heart in a way that no material item ever could. Day after day, she toiled away, putting her heart and soul into the canvas, determined to create a painting that would capture the essence of her love. With each stroke, she imbued the work with the passion and adoration that she felt for Malleus, hoping that the finished piece would bring him even a fraction of the joy and happiness that he had brought to her.
After what felt like an eternity, the final stroke of [Y/N]'s brush fell upon the canvas, and with a deep sense of satisfaction, she knew that her painting was complete.
She carefully placed the oil painting in a serene corner of her Ramshackle dorm, leaving it to dry in solitude. As she stepped back to admire her creation, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her.
After completing her masterpiece, [Y/N] decided to take a relaxing bath. As she gathered her things and made her way back to the bathroom, she was suddenly interrupted by a high-pitched voice. It was Grim, appearing out of nowhere and demanding her attention like a mischievous toddler.
"So, you've finally emerged from your cocoon, [Y/N]? What took you so long?" he exclaimed, his frustration evident. "You spent months in there! What was the amazing me supposed to do without my minion?"
[Y/N] let out a weary sigh, rolling her eyes in exasperation. "I was working on something," she replied, trying to placate Grim's curiosity.
"Working? What could you possibly have been working on for so long?" Grim inquired, inching closer to [Y/N]. "Now you've got me intrigued. Is it something for the great and powerful me?"
Despite her weariness, [Y/N] couldn't help but smile at Grim's childish antics. She shook her head and chuckled softly, knowing that Grim would never change.
"I didn't paint something for you this time, Grim," [Y/N] declared, a slight pink hue creeping onto her cheeks. "I actually made something for Tsunotarou. I've been wanting to give him a gift for a while now and thought that painting something would be a nice idea." She spoke softly and shyly, hoping that Grim wouldn't make a big deal out of it.
But to her dismay, Grim's expression turned angry. "You dared to not paint me first, [Y/N]!" he exclaimed. "If you wanted to spend your time painting something, you should have been working on a masterpiece for me! However, I suppose I can let this offense pass if you show me what you painted."
[Y/N] firmly shook her head. "Absolutely not. This painting is meant for Tsunotarou only, and I won't show it to anyone without his consent," she declared. Grim continued to protest, "Don't be so stingy, just show me the painting!" [Y/N] sighed and replied, "Grim, no. This is not something I want to share with you. If you behave and leave my painting alone, I promise to paint something for you in the future."
Grim wore a vexed expression, but couldn't resist adding with a sly grin, "Very well then, I will let this slide, but on one condition - you must paint me wearing a crown, seated above all of my minions! Hehe!" Exhausted by Grim's antics, [Y/N] reluctantly agreed to his demands. As Grim left, [Y/N] turned back to him and warned sternly, "And don't even think about trying to sneak a peek at the painting, Grim. I've already told the ghosts not to let you in."
Grim scoffed and muttered under his breath, "Of course I won't peek, [Y/N]. Don't be so paranoid." But, as expected, [Y/N]'s following days were filled with keeping Grim away from her painting room. Grim, being the sneaky devil that he was, made it challenging for [Y/N] to prevent him from sneaking a peek at the painting.
After days of patiently waiting for the paint to dry, [Y/N] felt a sense of excitement and joy, knowing that the painting was finally ready to be presented to Malleus. She wanted to make this moment special and unforgettable, so she decided to plan a picnic in the garden. With great care, she wrapped the painting in a beautiful cloth, eager to reveal it later that night. As she left her dorm room, she felt a sense of relief as she locked the door, knowing that Grim would not be able to get in.
However, despite her efforts to keep Grim out, [Y/N] underestimated the determined little asshole. Grim managed to create a tiny opening in the ceiling and sneak into the room unnoticed. As he gazed upon the painting in awe, he couldn't help but express his surprise. "I knew [Y/N] liked painting, but who would have known that she was so talented?" he mused, approaching the artwork. "She really sees Tsunotarou as a prince, huh? So cheesy~ Nyahahaha!" But then, in a moment of excitement, Grim made a grave mistake. He reached out and touched the painting, leaving a mark where his paw had been. Grim's face went pale as he realized what he had done.
Grim's forehead glistened with sweat as he exclaimed in distress, "Oh no!" He tried to act nonchalant by insisting that it was just dirt and nothing to worry about. Using his other paw, he attempted to rub off the mark he had left on the painting, but to his horror, it only made things worse. As his anxiety rose, he made every effort to clean the painting, but with each attempt, he only seemed to worsen the damage.
Frantically searching the room for a solution, Grim's eyes landed on the oil paints. "If I can't remove the dirt, I could just paint over it," he thought to himself, confident in his painting abilities “I mean how hard could it be for the boss of the dorm” . Without a second thought, he began brushing strokes of paint onto the canvas. After some time, he stepped back to admire his work and chuckled to himself, "See, it's like nothing ever happened. [Y/N] will never notice the difference, nyahaha!" He covered the painting once more and left the room, leaving no trace of his entry.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the gardens, [Y/N] felt her heart flutter with excitement. She had spent the entire day preparing for this special moment, determined to make it a night to remember. With delicate care, she packed the picnic basket with delectable treats fit for a king, ensuring that each item was lovingly selected with Malleus in mind. As she arranged the tablecloth and utensils, she couldn't help but smile at the thought of sharing this romantic evening with her beloved.
But that was not all. For [Y/N], this night had to be perfect, and she spared no effort in creating an atmosphere that would leave Malleus breathless. She had placed candles all around the picnic area, creating a soft and intimate ambiance that would make the stars themselves envious. And as she cooked the dinner, the enticing aroma wafted through the air, tempting her taste buds and heightening her anticipation.
But the real pièce de résistance was the ice cream cake, a dessert so exquisite that it could only be described as heavenly. [Y/N] had spent hours preparing it, pouring all her love and affection into every delicious layer. She knew that Malleus would be impressed, and the thought of seeing his reaction made her heart race.
Finally, as the last rays of sunlight disappeared, [Y/N] put the finishing touches on the picnic and waited for Malleus to arrive. She could hardly contain her excitement, eager to share this romantic evening with the one she loved.
The night was starry, and the moon shone brightly in the sky. Malleus arrived, dressed in a sharp suit that made him look even more dashing than usual. [Y/N] couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat as he took her hand and led her to the table. He pulled out her chair and helped her sit down, making her feel like the most special person in the world.
As they sat down to dine, [Y/N] had prepared a feast fit for royalty. The succulent aroma of the food filled the air, making Malleus's look tenderly into her. They started with a light and refreshing salad, followed by a succulent main course that left them both feeling satisfied and content.
The conversation flowed effortlessly between them, their eyes locked in a gentle, loving gaze. They talked about their dreams and aspirations, their likes and dislikes, and their future.
As the night wore on, the air was filled with soft music that added to the romantic ambiance.
Everything seemed to fall into place, and [Y/N] felt as if she were living a fairytale. The ambiance was perfect, the food was divine, and the company was enchanting. It was in this idyllic moment that [Y/N] decided to take things to the next level and add a touch of magic to the evening. With a delicate blush adorning her cheeks, she reached for the painting she had poured her heart and soul into.
Her eyes sparkled with an ineffable love as she spoke softly to Malleus, "My dearest Tsunotarou, you've always told me not to worry about repaying the gifts you gave me. But I simply couldn't resist the urge to create something special for you. I may not have much to offer, but I've worked tirelessly on this painting, it is my sincerest hope that you adore it as much as I adore you."
A hush fell over the garden as both of them stood frozen, transfixed by the sight before them. Not a single muscle could stir as they took in the defiled painting that [Y/N] had poured her heart and soul into. A maelstrom of emotions churned within her - despair, anger, disappointment, and a gnawing worry about what Malleus might be thinking of the painting. She cast a troubled glance at Malleus, whose stoic expression was as inscrutable as ever.
Anxiety gripped [Y/N] as she fretted over the possibility of having offended Malleus with the botched painting. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as she summoned the courage to speak, "Mal, I'm so sorr--"
Before she could finish her sentence, Malleus interjected with a deep, resonant voice, "Oh, my child of man. You have no idea how this painting makes me feel." He let out a wistful sigh and slowly closed his eyes before continuing, “This painting is the most exquisite masterpiece I have ever beheld.” The words tumbled out of him like a cascade of pure adoration, his love for the painting - and for [Y/N].
[Y/N] stood there, utterly stunned. All she wanted was to come clean and confess that the painting before them was not the one she had worked so tirelessly on. She longed to lay the blame at Grim's paws.
But as she gazed into Malleus's adoring, bright eyes, something within her shifted. She couldn't bear to shatter his illusion, to reveal the truth and tarnish the moment they were sharing. At that moment, Malleus was so utterly enraptured by the painting that [Y/N] knew she could not take that joy away from him.
And so, with a heavy heart, she swallowed her words and kept the truth locked deep within her. She knew that she would have to deal with the consequences of calling this painting hers eventually, but for now, she simply wanted to bask in the warmth of Malleus's love and the beauty of the painting they both watched.
“I’m really glad you like it”.
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Fun facts
Proudly hanging in the grand hall of Diasomnia, the painting stands as a symbol of beauty and artistry. Every student who sets foot in the dorm is met with its stunning visage, suspended majestically above them.
Whenever someone inquires about the painting, Malleus's heart swells with pride. To Malleus, the painting is more than just a work of art; it is a reflection of the bond he shares with [Y/N].
Upon seeing the painting, Sebek almost died. However, as soon as Malleus professed his love for the artwork, Sebek became its most ardent defender. He vowed to protect the painting at all costs and to confront anyone who dared to speak ill of it.
Lillia was immediately drawn to the new and exciting "Impressionist" art movement, shortly after he was eager to commission [Y/N] to paint them a family portrait.
Silver actually enjoys the painting, as it brings forth a warm and cozy feeling within him.
Author's note
Hi there! I also enjoy drawing, and I actually created both portraits specifically for this fanfic. Although I must admit, I can't quite draw Malleus as spectacularly as Yana-sensei does, but I hope that my artwork brings a touch of humor to the drabble.
#malleus x y/n#twst malleus#malleus draconia#malleus x reader#malleus fluff#twsited wonderland#disney twisted wonderland#twst fanfic#disney twst#twst fanart#twst wonderland#twistedwonderland#twisted wonderland malleus#diasomnia
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Use the title of the last song you've listened to + post-Cosmic Fury; Javelia~
I… have written two.
(First song was in Hindi, so i took an alternative~)
[The Song]
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Sahiba~
That was the title of the— very very ancient, very vintage, and equally fascinating— DVD Javi’s mom had given him, to burn the contents into the computer for safekeeping, because the DVD players were running out of time, and it was one of his mom’s favorite records.
The music was… fascinating, to Javi. He didn’t understand a single word spoken in the song, but there was something in the tunes that drew him to it. The beats of the song, the instruments he didn’t recognise, the rough, raw, emotional voice of the singers, it spoke to him in a way very few songs ever had.
So he had his mom translate it to him.
And at that moment, he knew the song was for Amelia.
But the question was, how to get it to her, without her feeling awkward about him yelling at her about something he related with, in a foreign language, that neither of them really actually understood. A part of him wanted to bring her home, sit her down, and make his mother translate the song for her, the way she’d done for him, but another part of him told him that this… was a very dumb idea.
Google gave the some of the dumbest translations. “Oh respected woman, come where the respected man is standing”. Javi had to drink water to stop laughing, after reading that— not to mention spitting it out when he read the next line, “my heart is wounded, oh respected woman, my heart has become tiger”.
So imagine Javi’s surprise, when he saw a little piece of paper tucked under his pillow, when he plopped onto the bed, after staying at the studio for far too long, one evening, and opened it to find his favorite words from his favorite song, written there, transliterated beautifully, capturing the exact essence that he had needed to convey to Amelia, in all his thoughts, the past few weeks.
“When you aren’t around,, every breath cuts through my throat like it’s broken glass”
“When you aren’t around, all that’s left of me, is ash”
“The way the strings of my heart are now tied to you, they pull me
And it was signed “Sahiba”
Javi felt his heart coming up in his throat. Then Amelia walked into his line of sight, with a beautiful smile on her face, she was wearing a pretty red and pink bathrobe, and possibly nothing else... She walked closer to him, placed her hands around his cheeks, her fair falling over his face like a dark waterfall, eclipsing him, and cutting him off from the world, her scent engulfed him, and he felt at ease. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and made her straddle him, his lips parting in surprise and awe, as she leaned in to kiss him passionately.
"Did you write these?" he asked, with a broad smile, waving the paper in front of her, as they broke away for a breath of air.
"I called in some favours" she winked. She watched his confused expression, and smiled to herself. He thought she didn't notice every single action of his, every single emotion he was feeling, but she did, but she did. “I don’t need fancy words to understand what you feel, Javi, but I know you love things like these, and that you wanted me to feel what you were feeling too....”
“How did you know…”
“Do you really think I don’t listen to every single song you’re humming when you’re right here, next to me?”
[The Song]
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....For the Sahiba song, if you got any um. questions. hit me up~
#power rangers#power rangers dino fury#amelia jones#dino fury#javi garcia#javi x amelia#cosmic fury#power rangers cosmic fury#fanfic#my fic#fanfiction#prompts
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kth1 Wip Poll (221108)
Here is where tumblr user, kth1, is requesting feedback and interest in their list of active floating wips I have running around in my documents and head. Please, if you have the time and patience, follow through the poll and fill out the necessary areas!
Thank you so much in advance and Happy Reading! 🧡
i completely cut down on a handful of wips too... like seriously... a handful! (honestly, like I cut about 9 fics) full descriptions and ideas aren’t labeled due to laziness and other reasons. please don’t take the ideas i have laid out. but if something inspires you, like we could totally work together and make a lil mini collab. bet. hit me up!
Below the cut are the list of fics I am currently ready to elaborate more on! The poll is located at the end of the post!
total wips: 11
Amalgamation [MYG]
⁀➷ Idea: Beautifully based off the Underworld film series. Events are very similar but more in the OC perspective! Like, I can’t express this anymore. Yoongi is basically Selene in this and OC is Michael.
⁀➷ Pairing: Vampire!Yoongi x Fem Human!Reader
⁀➷ Themes: fantasy/supernatural, action, thriller, romance, smut
To Find the Sheep [JJK]
⁀➷ Idea: Based off of Red Riding Hood film (2011) which is adapted from the original Little Red Riding Hood fairy-tale.
⁀➷ Pairing: Jungkook x Fem Reader
⁀➷ Themes: fantasy, angst, mystery, romance, smut
Power Hour [KNJ]
⁀➷ Idea: OC works at the HYBE gym and falls head over heels for the beefy hunk who works out routinely every week. They develop a nice little crush on another (kind of) and then they... well... you know.
⁀➷ Pairing: Namjoon x Fem Reader
⁀➷ Themes: strangers to lovers, smut
Safe Haven [PJM]
⁀➷ Idea: Jimin is a royal guard for your family. Proving his loyalty and dedication to you once your family gets attacked by rebels. This one I do have coming out in a collab in 2023! But please give royal guard jimin a chance to sweep you off your feet and save you from the rebels! He’s got the moon sequence tattooed down his back!
⁀➷ Pairing: Royal Guard Werewolf!Jimin x Fem Princess!Reader
⁀➷ Themes: semi-modern day au, forbidden love au, smut
Game Point [KTH]
⁀➷ Idea: Basically, OC is the new assistant coach for the Korea men’s national volleyball team. She quickly learns that someone on the team was one of her last drunken hook ups, but it unfortunately isn’t the handsome ambidextrous right side hitter by the name of Kim Taehyung. This one is scary for me to write and I come back to it ever so often. I love volleyball and would love nothing more than to see Taehyung in a volleyball setting. I just don’t know if anyone else would care.
⁀➷ Pairing: Volleyballplayer!Taehyung x Fem AssistantCoach!Reader
⁀➷ Themes: strangers to lovers, smut
Haven’t Had Enough [KTH]
⁀➷ Idea: When things begin heading down the rocky path of bad behaviors and habits while on the road to success, the two of you struggle to keep the heartwarming connection you once shared. Where countless reminders of not having another serves you every single second in each others presence. Even though the two of you collectively agreed to the split in the first place, neither one of you are comfortable enough to give up on another. Apart of a future collab! Yes they break up but they get back together.
⁀➷ Pairing: LeadSinger!Taehyung x Fem MerchManager!Reader
⁀➷ Themes: established relationship, angst, smut
Feeling Frisky [PJM]
⁀➷ Idea: Hybrid!!!! Jimin purposely hunts oc for fun, a casual encounter between the two of them. The thrill of the hunt and capturing his prey is always arousing. ;) Snowy mountain caves with secret hot springs are the thoughts here. Just a nice little frisky fun loving.
⁀➷ Pairing: SnowLeopard!Taehyung x Fem BlueSheep!Reader
⁀➷ Themes: fwb, fluffy, smutty
Lessons Learned [KTH]
⁀➷ Idea: Aight, here me out. Pokemon themed. Taehyung runs an Eevee/Pokemon daycare/breeder facility and OC is trying to get her Eevee to evolve! So OC and Taehyung work alongside another to help OC’s Eevee become comfortable to change. Blue hair Taehyung is the need. I won’t ruin the innocence of Pokemon here, I promise!
⁀➷ Pairing: Taehyung x Fem Reader
⁀➷ Themes: pokemon au, strangers to lovers, fluff, smut
Pursuite to Articuno [PJM]
⁀➷ Idea: Surprise, another pokemon themed one! This one is basically Jimin as a trainer, looking to collect himself an Articuno so he travels to the Seafoam Islands in hopes to battle and capture one. However, the one he finds already has a trainer. OC. Purple hair Jimin is the vibe.⁀➷ Pairing: Jimin x Fem Reader
⁀➷ Themes: pokemon au, strangers to lovers, fluff, smut
Velvet Voice [JJK]
⁀➷ Idea: Uprising lead singer Jungkook has never had a problem finding himself a nightly companion to share a bed with. What he doesn’t expect is that he finds himself with a true nightly companion after his set. Yes, oc is a vampire in this one.
⁀➷ Pairing: LeadSinger!Jungkook x Fem Vampire!Reader
⁀➷ Themes: supernatural au, strangers to lovers, smut
No Title* [PJM]
⁀➷ Idea: Jimin is attached to a very rare and exotic flower which OC ends up buying to spice up her apartment decorations. Throughout the days, she begins running more and more into this very seductive, beautiful man which she never had met before.
⁀➷ Pairing: Incubus!Jimin x Fem Reader
⁀➷ Themes: supernatural au, strangers to lovers, smut
I am very willing to chat a little more about each fic, but I will not give the whole run down on what I plan on doing with them. Me asking for your feedback is me looking for reassurance and hope. Interest and excitement. I don’t normally reach out like this, but I am willing to try and see exactly what some of you guys may be looking forward to seeing!
Just shoot me an ask if you have any questions!
Other than that: HERE IS THE POLL FOR THE FICS
#mb#kth1 wip poll#dont steal my ideas either because literally most of these fics all got something towards them and imma throw elbows#i really did cut so many wips because i even couldn't find myself to liking them enough right now hahaha#i will be self reblogging this here and there
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DANCE HALL OF BEAUTIFUL RADIANT THNGS
[This is an event that my son hosted in 2014]
Passion and desire mix with propriety and restraint when we create the '20s/'30s dance hall.
Which side will you be on? Will you keep a spot open on your dance card for the comely stranger across the room? Or will you sweep into the arms of a willing taxi dancer, knowing that a dollar a song is all you are to them?
We will teach you to slow dance (something appropriate for any level of dancer) and provide you with a card to arrange your prances for the night. Wallflowers beware: our roving matrons will match you up.
A bevy of Taxi Dancers will also be in attendance. Who, for a dollar a dance, will "teach" you slow dancing for one song. (and feel free to inquire about our 'private classes" behind the screen.)
Doors at 7:30. Arrive early. Start filling your dance card. Music begins promptly at 8:00, with intermissions between songs. Music ends at 11:00. Slow dancing lessons provided throughout the night.
RSVP so others can start filling in your dance card. Tickets are limited.
About the name "Dance Hall of the Beautiful, Radiant Things"; with regards to Emma Goldman - http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Emma_Goldman
+
“If I can’t dance I don’t want to be in your revolution” is probably Emma Goldman’s most quoted phrase. And it’s easy to see why. It beautifully captures an anarchist vision of freedom, full of joy and vibrancy. But did Emma Goldman actually speak these words? Alix Kate Shulman explores the origins of this famous anthem of anarchism in her article “Dances with Feminists.” She reveals that it in fact sprung from a passage in Goldman’s 1931 autobiography Living My Life and was later condensed into the quote we see today. The quote still holds as a powerful expression of Goldman’s free spirit, but here are Goldman’s original words, detailing an incident at a dance party:
“At the dances I was one of the most untiring and gayest. One evening a cousin of Sasha [Alexander Berkman], a young boy, took me aside. With a grave face, as if he were about to announce the death of a dear comrade, he whispered to me that it did not behoove an agitator to dance. Certainly not with such reckless abandon, anyway. It was undignified for one who was on the way to become a force in the anarchist movement. My frivolity would only hurt the Cause.
I grew furious at the impudent interference of the boy. I told him to mind his own business, I was tired of having the Cause constantly thrown into my face. I did not believe that a Cause which stood for a beautiful ideal, for anarchism, for release and freedom from conventions and prejudice, should demand the denial of life and joy. I insisted that our Cause could not expect me to become a nun and that the movement should not be turned into a cloister. If it meant that, I did not want it. "I want freedom, the right to self-expression, everybody’s right to beautiful, radiant things.” Anarchism meant that to me, and I would live it in spite of the whole world–prisons, persecution, everything. Yes, even in spite of the condemnation of my own comrades I would live my beautiful ideal.”
[Living My Life (New York: Knopf, 1934), p. 56]
For the rest of the article, visit
http://ucblibrary3.berkeley.edu/Goldman/Features/dances_shulman.html
#dancing#taxi dancers#events#Dance Hall of Beautiful Radiant things#Emma Goldman#revolution#quotes#joy#dance#purpose#freedom#freedom from convention and prejudice#Living My Life#women#feminism
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Echo #10 and #12
Rate the level of stupid they reach in their pining
Heyyy, they’re so dumbbbb (otp: bumbling horny morons), anyways on a scale of [1-10] Max is sitting at a solid 9. I mean this guy sounded so creepy stalkerish/serial-killery during his first “I love you” only his sincere tone of voice and soft sad puppy eyes carried him through. But mostly, he’s been pining for two decades in the pilot and still doesn’t know how to verbalize his feelings until the pressure is put on him. Liz is sitting at a solid 3, she’s less “stupid” and more careless. I mean “this town makes her {stupid}” and she wanders into the desert/creepy-ass cave with a pretty guy who just left a glowing handprint on her boob. Like- come on babe, better self protection techniques (ik Max looks safe and cute- but you don’t know him- not really). But outside of the practical “I knew this guy a decade ago and he didn’t seem dangerous” she handles her emotions very well. Immediately applying distance and keeping herself from acting on feelings/lust because she knows he’s lying etc etc
About three of the scenes that make me have feelings and (if available) find gifs that underline my point
This isn’t gonna be in order and it obviously fluctuates (cause I’m me) but we’ve got the 1x04 goodbye/confession. Liz telling him about her armor, that she feels terrified, that she doesn’t want to believe anything more than he didn’t hurt her sister, the way his voice shakes when he asks her for a “real answer- please”. Ruins me everytime.
The scene from 1x09 on the swing set, the way they just both opened their hearts up. Max about how much his powers scared him and Liz about how she was finding a way to forgive him for lying. It was heartbreaking and beautiful, and the connection between them was so beautifully played out. I mean- Max asking her if she really believed not saving someone was different than killing them, and the half heartbroken smile she gives him when she says “I’m trying to”. The way she tells him she doesn’t believe people are inherently good, but she thought he was and somehow still does.
And 2x06 the gynecologist scene! Cause it captures their playful and sweet energy so well, all while displaying exactly how much Max had reserved himself in trying to get with Liz in s1 due to the Rosa complications and her express desire to leave again.
fandom asks
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Viewing Response 2
In a gripping scene from "El Ministerio del Tiempo," the power of Mise-en-Scène and cinematography brilliantly underscore the revelation aligning with Victor M. Pueyo Zoco's analysis of the Ministry of Time as the "police of history."The visual storytelling takes center stage as the protagonist realizes the woman from the ancient era is, in fact, a modern-day time traveler. The most striking visual cue is the woman's attire: she wears a bra from the modern world beneath her historical clothing. This incongruity becomes a symbol of the clash between the past and the present, mirroring Pueyo Zoco's idea of preserving an unchanging ideology across time. The camera becomes a powerful tool to convey the emotional turmoil of this revelation. Through tight close-ups on the protagonist's astonished expression and corresponding shots of the woman, the camera highlights their shared emotional journey. This technique beautifully captures their confusion, awe, and curiosity, deepening our connection to the characters and their struggle with the complexities of identity and history. This scene masterfully uses Mise-en-Scène and cinematography to reinforce Pueyo Zoco's analysis. The presence of a modern-world artifact within a historical setting challenges the Ministry's mission to preserve the past's ideological middle ground. Meanwhile, the camera's movement between the protagonist and the woman effectively immerses the audience in their emotional discovery, prompting reflection on the intricate relationship between identity and the passage of time.
#oxyspeculativet@theuncannyprofessoro
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EMMALEEN: ‘The Sun Will Still Shine When You Die’
~Doomed & Stoned Debuts~
By Billy Goate
As regulars know, we feature a lot of heavy music in these pages. Sometimes heaviness shows up in the least expected places. Would you believe in a banjo? EMMALEEN will make a believer out of you.
Her new album 'The Sun Will Still Shine When You Die' (2023) is beautifully bluesy music with notes of melancholy and sorrow, but also hope and peace. Music for a cloudy day, if you will, and we're getting right into them now. Emmaleen's haunting, oaken voice is warm, hearty, and strangely soothing, even while singing sad songs about sad situations. It is, after all, witchy blues and Gothic folk. I call it downright enchanting.
There's a macabre air to songs like the swampy "Timesickness." I envision long, lonely days and nights spent on 19th century prairies waiting for loved ones, waiting for the weather to change, and plenty of time to stew on the grim reality of things.
The eleventh hour is here
The world is over run and underpaid
The smart instrumentation makes each song captivating, whether brisk and up-tempo or slow and unhurried (those bass drum drops on the opening "Wailing Trees"). The recording captures the experience with great clarity and presence. I felt as if she could have been playing my piano across the room during the dark, dreamy "Ballad in Blues."
I really appreciated the "Interlude," with its spontaneous singing and spontaneous noises from the band. When "Forever and Ever" started immediately following, I was all ears. Story time! Emmaleen convinces you of every verse, painting a word picture that is vivid and easy to sympathize with. In the most amazing and unexpected way, the mood changes to a bluesy country folk that transports us to a time before all the sound and fury of this present age.
"Sun and Moon" follows and it's a bouncy, pleasant number, with the bass drum rejoining us for moments. You can feel your cares starting to lift. By the final song, "Lullaby For Lonely Nights," you can really float away. True to its name, it is gentle and reassuring, starting with banjo and voice and then appropriately timed appearances by the harmonica, bass, bass drum, piano, and guitar.
The Sun Will Still Shine When You Die is recommended for fans of Tom Waits, Jim White, Odetta, Karen Dalton, Son House, Diamanda Galas, 16 Horsepower, and Billie Holiday. And if some of those names are new to you (as they were to me), it presents an opportunity to explore a genre that still finds power and relevance in our busy, sick, and haggard world. Emmaleen has tapped into one of the powers innate in all of us, and that is the outlet of song, giving release to our burdens and expression to our joys. Out in digital format on October 20th (pre-order here).
Give ear...
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LISTEN: Emmaleen - 'The Sun Will Still Shine When You Die'
SOME BUZZ
Born in 1991 in Namibia, Emmaleen Tomalin is a force to be reckoned with in the world of independent music. As a solo artist, she has crafted a unique and enchanting niche in the realm of witchy blues and gothic folk. Following the success of her debut album 'Songs from the Unseen, the Unsaid and the Unborn' in 2022, Tomalin has continued to captivate audiences with her evocative storytelling and haunting melodies.
In February 2023, Tomalin unveiled 'The Other Side,' a mesmerizing recording from 2015 that showcases the artist's early mastery of her craft. This release served as a tantalizing prelude to her upcoming full-length album, 'The Sun will Still Shine When You Die,' scheduled to be released on October 20, 2023.
The journey into the shadows continues with the release of the first three singles from the upcoming album. 'Wailing Trees,' 'Sister Sister,' and 'Timesickness' were unveiled in August and September 2023, giving fans a taste of the ethereal landscapes and mystical narratives that await them. These singles set the stage for an immersive experience that transcends conventional musical boundaries.
'The Sun will Still Shine When You Die' promises to be an inner journey into the realms of magic realism and spiritual introspection. Emmaleen's time-traveling witchy blues and gothic folk songs transport listeners into another dimension, where bone-chilling moments coexist with raw vulnerability. The album's slow pace, haunting vocals, resonator guitar, banjo, and sparse percussion create a sonic tapestry that is as unique as it is bewitching.
Recorded and engineered by Ruan Vos (Sonic Nursery) the recording process took four days - nine hours a day of live recording and overdubbing. All songs were recorded live with guitar, banjo or piano and vocals in two to four takes. Emmaleen wrote the bass lines during the recording process on acoustic bass. The percussion was improvised with handmade instruments and a kick drum.
Being the only guest musician, Lliezel Ellick performed cello on 'Wailing Trees'. It was Emmaleen’s intention to keep the music as clean and natural sounding as possible with an analogue 'hands on' approach. The process still allowed room for spontaneous creativity in the moment.
Emmaleen chose to record very quickly to capture a small window in time of focused energy. “If I became too self-aware my performance would suffer - having a tight deadline gave me no time to think and forced me to feel my way through. We purposely left in certain sounds we liked such as; clearing my throat or the sound of my shoes shuffling. This being part of the music and the nature of live recording.” She comments.
The album serves as the next chapter in Tomalin's artistic evolution, an amalgamation of old styles giving birth to something both timeless and fresh. In a deliberate departure from instant consumer culture, 'The Sun Will Still Shine When You Die' invites audiences to embrace the deliberate and savor the nuances of a musical journey that defies the ordinary.
Brace yourselves for a musical experience that transcends the ordinary and takes you on a spellbinding adventure.
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"Third Day of Navratri Wishes": A Symphony of Joy, Courage, and Compassion
Navratri, a jubilant festival revered across the Indian subcontinent, honours the divine feminine energy embodied in Goddess Durga. On the third day, the Goddess's incarnation as Chandraghanta takes centerstage. In sharing "Third Day of Navratri Wishes" with our loved ones, we come together to celebrate the power of compassion, wisdom, and courage.
Welcoming Goddess Chandraghanta
Goddess Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga, epitomizes grace, harmony, and serenity. She is also a fierce warrior known for eliminating evils and uniting opposites. With "Third Day of Navratri Wishes," we invoke her calm yet courageous disposition, seeking her blessings to ward off obstacles while keeping our hearts brimming with love and compassion.
Celebrating Cultural Profusion
Navratri gracefully transcends narrow divides, embracing diverse cultures and religions through its overarching themes of unity, love, and strength. The "Third Day of Navratri Wishes" beautifully expresses this amicable embrace, as they enable people from all backgrounds to participate in the festival's joy and spiritual enrichment.
A Unifying Force
India is a treasure trove of unique customs, traditions, and regional festivities during Navratri. However, the "Third Day of Navratri Wishes" serves as a connective thread that brings forth the shared essence of devotion, unity, and love that breathes life into these multifarious celebrations.
Delight in Personalization
Navratri is more than just the rituals and prayers, as it nurtures relationships and fosters deep human connections. Personalizing the "Third Day of Navratri Wishes" adds warmth to the heartfelt sentiments they encompass and touches our loved ones' hearts with tender care.
A Beacon of Positivity
"Third Day of Navratri Wishes" can brighten our spirits and instil hope, enabling us to remain resilient during difficult times. Like Goddess Chandraghanta, who harmoniously balances peace and courage, these wishes symbolize the equilibrium between inner tranquility and outer strength that we all aspire to achieve.
Bridging Cultures and Communities
The transcendental nature of "Third Day of Navratri Wishes" creates a tapestry of emotional connections beyond regional, cultural, and linguistic barriers. These positive messages foster understanding, respect, and empathy among diverse communities, reflecting the global camaraderie that Navratri seeks to champion.
Encouraging Togetherness
Sharing "Third Day of Navratri Wishes" cultivates closeness among families and friends—both near and far. This act kindles feelings of unity and love, infusing warmth into our relationships and underlining the togetherness that the festival is known for.
In conclusion, "Third Day of Navratri Wishes" capture the spirit of devotion, peace, and courage associated with Goddess Chandraghanta's blessings. They remind us of the inextricable bonds that connect us beyond cultural, linguistic, or geographical constraints. As Navratri celebrations continue, let's cherish these heartfelt wishes as vessels of wisdom, compassion, and unity—they are the foundation upon which the divine grace of the Mother Goddess is honoured.
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Being a woman is beautiful.
I watched the new Barbie movie, written and directed by Greta Gerwig, and it couldn't have captured the essence of femininity more perfectly. 5 days after release, here are my thoughts:
Going into the film I expected to experience a fantastical, over-the-top depiction of Barbie where I would be greeted with a light-hearted story. Instead, whilst also laughing at the absurdity of all the Ken's, I was hit with a wave of emotions in reaction to the didactic message which tackled the hardships of womanhood. Greta Gerwig cleverly incorporated hard-hitting topics relevant to females in a blanket full of light pink, mojo dojo casa houses and beach offs. This movie also emulated the beauty of girlhood and what it means for a mother to watch that blossom (and also be tarnished by men).
What really hit home for me, and probably for most women reading this, was when Barbie entered the real world and was instantaneously hit with ludicrous catcalls, a man groping her and members of the police not taking her seriously; all because of her looks. Oblivious to what was happening to Barbie and how uncomfortable she was, Ken of course enjoyed nothing but respect. It was Barbie's reaction to what was going on around her that pulled on some heartstrings as she was left confused and overwhelmed: the real world is clearly not the same as Barbieland, where women live in peace. Ultimately, it made me ponder on catcalling in our society and how it's one of the examples of how our girlhoods first experience a tarnish made from men. As women, we should be able to freely walk (or roller blade) down the streets without feeling like we're being looked at or being called horrible names regardless of what we wear and how we look. It. Should. Not. Matter.
I also want to shed light on America Ferrera, who played Gloria, and her heart wrenching monologue which beautifully captures how impossible it is to be a woman. Some of my favourite lines include:
"we always have to be extraordinary, but somehow we are always doing it wrong"
"You have to answer for men's bad behaviour which is insane, but if you point that out you are accused of complaining"
"I'm just tired from watching myself and every single woman tie themselves into knots so that people will like us"
"if all of that is true for a doll just representing a woman, then I don't even know"
As the cinema fell silent during this scene, I looked around to see everyone wearing pink including myself and realised that we are all connected. We have all felt the same pain Gloria expresses. We all just need the love that heals us from that pain. At this point, I completely broke down into tears where I grasped how institutionalised misogyny is in our society; we know it's there, but not many care that it's an ever lasting problem. Of course we have gained more rights as time has progressed but clearly it is not enough as Greta Gerwig has shown. Yes, I am proud to be a woman but I am not proud of its hardships and the male audience that has watched Barbie has only seen a glimpse of what it's like.
Speaking of men, I cannot go without mentioning the meaning behind Ken which was effortlessly played by Ryan Gosling. He perfectly captured the dopiness of Ken which was incredibly hilarious however I wasn't expecting Ken to be depicted as a villain. In the film, Ken's adventure in the real world consists of discovering the patriarchy and how men have power rather than women unlike Barbieland; he understands how he can gain purpose. Unsurprisingly, Ken (like any other man who tries to gain power) takes over Barbieland and makes it a Kendom. He completely ruins what all the Barbies have worked for yet it's excused as his overwhelming love for his Barbie, wonderfully played by Margot Robbie. This triggered my second breakdown when after all of Barbieland is restored, Barbie is still obliged to apologise to Ken and helps him to find his purpose without Barbie. If this isn't a true depiction of the real world then I don't know what is. In no way was Ken's downwards spiral concerning the meaning of his existence Barbie's responsibility. He could've built a separate world to Barbieland which would instigate equality between the lands, but he had to ruin Barbie's creation for his own enjoyment. This is exactly what it's like to be a woman today. We have to apologise for men's behaviour. We have to tell the truth but if it's not the truth that men want to hear then we're deemed as bitches. Is that fair? The answer is resounding: no.
Despite having the impossibilities of a woman being hurled at you left, right and centre, one can clearly see that being a woman is beautiful at times. Through the interaction with Barbie and an old woman where she calls the woman beautiful. Through the montage of all the videos of the female cast when they were young with Billie Eilish's song 'What Was I Made For'. And of course through Gloria and her daughter Sasha rekindling their relationship, all of these are moments that we imitate in our lives that what makes being a woman so precious. So, Barbie is not just about the hardships of being a woman. It's about being a mother, experiencing a girlhood and being surrounded by those you love. Tarnished by men and their nature to get what they want out of us, we forget about the beautiful things that make us who we are and those precious memories that follow with it.
I will definitely be watching Barbie again as it has taught me many valuable lessons which will aid me to navigate through life as a woman. This film is definitely an Oscar worthy performance.
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It’s time to reconvene The Asker’s Studio™️ because I’ve got questions!
It is my exceedingly good fortune @blackmonitor that you are reading @myevilmouse Conflicting Aesthetics at same time I am, so that I reap the benefits of your artistic talents. In chapter 3, Mouse drops a heavy paragraph relating the frustrations that our artist, Seta, is experiencing whilst sketching Thrawn:
It wouldn’t be perfect. That was the problem with truly fascinating subjects. Capturing his aura was the best she could hope for. Thrawn, even half-naked, exuded command. The sense of power, a demeanor of authority was prevalent, almost but not completely camouflaging a latent vulnerability. Not self-consciousness, something else. Seta could see it, imagined Thrawn would deny it existed, but wouldn’t be content until its flavor was imbued in the lines of her art. It was the sum total, everything wrapped in a charismatic fog of mystery, emphasizing the thing that made him most alien—which also made him intriguing and attractive beyond the physical.
I asked the omniscient Mouse if she was 1. An artist 2. If she was, was this description from experience? The answer was No on both counts. WHUT?! I am not satisfied with this answer. I need to know MORE!
So my dear honest to goodness real artist: Could you please reflect on the paragraph above from an artist’s point of view.
Hint: short answers are not acceptable (jk) 🤣
For those of you who have not seen the portrait that Seta was frustrated over, @blackmonitor has done us the great favour and rendered it for us, exquisitely. (Check out all of her work - it’s pure gold yummy greatness)
Portrait courtesy of @blackmonitor
As always: you have the floor. Thank you for the generosity of your time and talent!
Welcome! Oh wow…
Let me just…
“So my dear honest to goodness real artist...”
Oh yes, that paragraph! That was chilling! And I had the opportunity to read it as a lost artist who didn't draw anything for YEARS, and now, as someone who brought joy to many people with my silly drawings. In both cases, it touched something in my soul.
First of all, let me talk about the method of my drawings - not the technical details I already described here.
So art, for me, is about communication - communicating something to the viewer, even in a portrait or anything. It should tell a story, an emotion, or just some vibes to the viewer. Otherwise, it has no point (according to my point of view, but this is highly subjective, so forgive me if yours are different).
For example, take my first Thrawn portrait.
Before I started to draw it, I wondered what I should draw - how to draw him. Back then, I read the first Ascendancy book, so it was obvious that I wanted to see him in that uniform. So when I found my reference from the comic, I changed it to communicate what I wanted - a man destined for greatness who failed.
But how? Well, my method is this - in mind, I became that person (like writers do it). I imagine how he would act, what he would feel… general things. And when I can see that back from my display, I'm happy. Like Seta, I always put my interpretation of the character into the drawing - the posture, the expression, and emotion. @myevilmouse did a beautiful work of describing all those things and the struggle!
The overall vibes and emotions are always superior to the technique or realism in my art. I want to communicate basic understandings in a pleasant form. Sometimes this works better, and sometimes it's not. But I always worked like this even before I did fanarts. So for me, Seta's struggle is real! But I never tried to reach hyperrealism 🤭 That's not for me. Swift projects, maybe a few days on them, move on to something different.
Similarly, in writing, @myevilmouse wrote down beautifully the struggle of sketching someone sitting in front of you, and you know almost nothing about him. In cases like that, I usually use my imagination. Fill out the gaps. I have a basic knowledge of personalities which I use these times. And while I am drawing someone, I'm always thinking about them - not necessarily them in the picture, but other different situations - filling those gaps in my mind.
The goal for me is to put something into the picture. When that something is "looking back to me," I'm happy. Maybe it's something only I can sense, Idk. But that's my goal, similar to what Seta felt as @myevilmouse described it.
For me, Thrawn is a fascinating individual to draw - because he is a great character! And there is so much potential in him.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my thought about this exciting subject!
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The Heroines
Author: Laura Shepperson
First published: 2023
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Somebody else said this felt more like a fanfiction rather than a serious literary retelling and I have to agree, while I also add this particular fanfiction was super sub-par and messy. There is a plethora of characters who all sound exactly the same. ALL the men are awful. ALL the women are abused EVERY night by ALL these men. And ALL the characters are absolutely unbelievable within the context of the myth. These are yet again, 20th-century people.
Furthermore, I was bothered by the usage of expressions like "madam", "land ahoy" and "ex-husband" in what is supposed to be an ancient Greek myth. And the Viking culture, from one of the minor characters, is supposed to come..... did not exist at the same time as the Ancient Athens.
So bad.
The Pearl: A True Tale of Forbidden Love in Catherine the Great's Russia
Author: Douglas Smith
First published: 2008
Rating: ★★★★☆
There are very few books in English that focus on Russian nobility (while there are plenty on the tsars). Douglas Smith wrote Former People: The Final Days of the Russian Aristocracy in which he showed how that nobility was systematically wiped out after 1917, however in The Pearl he plunges right into what was probably the most spectacular time for that same privileged class. The unusual story of a nobleman and a serf getting married serves the narrative as a sort of Ariadne´s yarn, as the book provides quite a detailed and fascinating description of the phenomenon that was the serf-theater. The author does not paint the affair as a romantic fairytale, acknowledging facts like Praskovia being figuratively her lover´s property, the age difference (which, back then, was not really seen as an issue), and the power dynamics. I found the subject very interesting and the writing clear and infused with enough poetry of language not to be dry and academic.
Matilda
Author: Mary Shelley
First published: 1959
Rating: ★★★★★
In spite of the lack of action and being very, very wordy indeed, this book held me completely captive thanks to the beautiful language and especially the psychological depth. This ladies and gentlemen, would be a stunning candidate for a re-telling in a proper novel form.
The Fair Botanists
Author: Sara Sheridan
First published: 2021
Rating: ★★★☆☆
The greatest enjoyment I had from this book was walking the Edinburgh streets in my mind because I had visited the city last year and fell in love with it. However, even though the writing is very good, the storyline failed to capture my attention and seemed, indeed, rather boring.
The Tres Riches Heures of Jean, Duke of Berry
Author: Jean Longnon, Raymond Cazelles
First published: 1440
Rating: ★★★★★
Stunning presentation of a remarkable book. Besides beautifully drawn biblical stories some of the plates show life in medieval times, almost like a time capsule.
House of the Spirits
Author: Isabel Allende
First published: 1982
Rating: ★★★★☆
If I should compare this book to something, it would be to a lovechild of Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman and books by Vaddey Rattner (though the pain in the latter´s books is inflicted by the exact opposite side than the one in this). While Isabel Allende´s style is not exactly to my taste, the family saga she wove in this book is fantastic from beginning to end, with its weird, unique, and, yes, even downright awful people. However, the sexual musings of the men were uncomfortable and unnecessary.
The Agency for Scandal
Author: Laura Wood
First published: 2023
Rating: ★★★☆☆
This is a great book when you just want something sweet and to relax. Full of tropes (including there was only one bed), and a little basic when it comes to the plot (the idea of a Victorian secret society of undercover lady agents made me want much more than what was delivered), but charming in the way it is uncomplicated.
Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar
Author: Simon Sebag Montefiore
First published: 2003
Rating: ★★★★☆
Very impressive biography of a terrible person. I have not read much on Stalin (though I have researched the lives of ordinary people of Russia under his regime) so I have little to compare this to in terms of accuracy. However, the author, as always, never fails to present everything as the golden truth - including the mental aerobics of maniacs. Perhaps some skepticism and doubt would suit his over-confident narrative.
A Gathering of Shadows
Author: V.E. Schwab
First published: 2016
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
This felt as long as a 30-year war. The first 300 pages are a painfully slow set-up, that is actually so elaborate (and full of passages that just did not need to exist, because they were extremely repetitive) that when something actually does happen near the very end, there is no surprise or twist at all. I mightily disliked most of the main characters (Lila is insufferable) and the villains had the actual best motivation out of everybody. Also, I felt that considering that the whole book kept talking about the Elemental Games, the games themselves had very little to do with the actual plot and left no impact whatsoever.
I need to think on whether I even want to read the third book - but knowing myself I probably will, because I am a completionist.
Divine Rivals
Author: Rebecca Ross
First published: 2023
Rating: ★★★★☆
If you loved Lovely War, you will love this one. The romance is impossibly sweet and well-paced, and by the end of the book, you feel that the happiness or tragedy of your two protagonists is really your personal business. I loved the medium of letters and found the atmosphere of war slowly but surely marching on to you believable and realistic. I really, really liked this - and was bummed out to realize this is not a stand-alone! I want the second book now, please!
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The Arno river shimmered with the lights from the Ponte Vecchio, but Nico saw nothing but the brilliant green of Isobel’s eyes as they walked the cobblestone bridge after the symphony orchestra’s concert.
“It’s beautiful out here,” she said, turning her face to the glow and resting a beautifully manicured hand against the stone edge. “Nicky, I’ve had a really good time.”
Nico stood beside her, looking out over the river. She was thinking of the concert but his thoughts were elsewhere.
“Isobel,” he said quietly. “I need to tell you something.”
She raised an eyebrow as she tilted her face up at him. “Oh? That sounds serious.”
”It is. A little.”
“Well, I’m all ears. What’s bothering you, Mr Morrisini?”
He couldn’t help the twitch of his mouth when she called him that. In anyone else’s mouth, the title was laden with respect but in hers, it dripped with a gentle mockery. The first time he had been incensed, the second he decided he enjoyed her irreverence. She wasn’t afraid of him, of his name, even if whispers told her she should be.
“I haven’t been fair to you.”
A small frown line appeared between her brows. Genuine confusion. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
He took a breath, running a hand over his scalp. The prickle of his buzz cut spiking his palm was a welcome distraction to the unease flutter of nerves in his gut. Fuck. How did he express this? The churn of his emotions breaking through seals he had once thought he’d locked away forever. He hadn’t been looking for this but she had found him anyway.
Izzy watched him pace warily, her beautiful green gaze ever patient. Behind them on the bridge, other couples walked hand in hand, and tourists snapped photos. Nico was aware somewhere of his men keeping a watchful distance but all he could see was her and she didn’t even know the power she had over him.
At the concert, she had been a vision. She’d been a joy to have on his arm, beautiful and charming the socialites in the polite circles Nico needed to work and effortless in the less polite circles he needed to keep under control. But then the curtains had gone up and the music had started, and he realized she hadn’t been there just for him. Her face, as she gazed at the stage, was one of rapture, the brush of her long lashes against her cheeks as she allowed the music to wash over her and fill her. She watched the stage but he watched her.
And then after, giddy from the exhilaration of the music still coursing through their blood, she had taken his arm and leaned against him as they walked and he had never felt so at peace in a moment.
Somehow, that made this all the much harder to say. He was so close and one misstep could mean ruining it all.
It had been a long time since Nico had stakes this high in anything and in the life he lived, that said a lot.
He raised his eyes to hers, solemn and bracing for the worst. “I have been… testing you.”
Her smile dimmed slightly. “Testing me?”
“Si. Yes. I… I wanted to be sure.” He couldn’t help himself. She was too far away, he needed to touch her. He reached out and touched her lip gently with a brush of his thumb, then captured her chin. “Before we did this. Before I did this…” he followed the touch with a slow brush of his lips against hers. “I needed to be sure.”
He dropped his hand, expecting her to be.. what? Disappointed? Angry? Disgusted? He wasn’t sure and she moved away before he could catch a glimpse of her eyes in the shadows. Even with his heart thumping wildly in his chest and his stomach dropping, he was mesmerized by the way of her hips as she walked further along the bridge trailing a thoughtful fingertip over the stone edges.
After a moment, she looked back over her shoulder. “So you needed to be sure I wasn’t a gold digger?” she asked.
He looked away. He needed to be sure she was real. But he didn’t know how to tell her that. “Yes.”
She started to trail back, her hips still swaying. “Or perhaps,” she said, a seductive, teasing lilt to the rest of her words. “An assassin? Or maybe a spy? Or-”
Her playfulness surprised him and gave him a hope he wasn’t sure he deserved. He tried to guess what she was thinking but he couldn’t see through the haze of his own heart in free fall. “Aren’t you angry?”
The smile fell from her face. She stopped just out of his reach and he couldn’t guess what that meant. “No. And I can give you all the time you need.”
Silence fell, stretching between them.
Then, “I don’t need any more time,” he growled, storming towards her and gathering her up in his arms.
#he wouldn't shut up about this#idk if it makes sense my brain is still mush but he insisted on this#*hides*
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"W.O.T.H," is an exquisite piece of music that explores the depths of love as a concept, both in its lyrical composition and sonic production. Throughout the verses, he expresses loneliness and longing for connection with another person, punctuating these emotional outbursts with anthemic choruses that emphasize the universal power of love to connect us all. By using vivid imagery - like water in a desert or feathers on birds - he paints a clear picture of desperation without straying too far away from his underlying message about personal relationships and their moral implications.
The instrumental accompaniment carries this theme forward through a dynamic mix of drums and softened strings, each designed to capture the alluring beauty that comes from loving someone else deeply enough to be vulnerable to them. Toward the end of the song, the bridge then adds an interesting new angle to the track, speaking to how love often opens us up to worlds we otherwise couldn't enter - both metaphorically and literally entering her world with your eyes closed - all while being fully alert and conscious of what you're getting yourself into.
In short, it is difficult to express Tamino's feelings regarding love in any better way than W.O.T.H does it is truly one of his best tracks yet and succeeds at expressing why we should believe in this concept despite its risks.
As listeners, we gain comfort knowing we are not alone in our desire for physical closeness as well as true understanding; it's especially refreshing coming from an artist like #Tamino who deals so beautifully with questions of deep human emotion throughout his work
#tamino#tamino amir#TaminoAmir#artists on tumblr#indie#nostalgia#purple#art#writing#lyric analysis#lyrics#song of the day#songwright#love songs#song#Love#drawing#imagery#interpretation#W.O.T.H#WOTH#W O T H#amir#AmirAlbum#Amir Album#Sahar#SaharTamino#Sahar Tamino#AmirTamino#Spotify
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Why It Worked: Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron
Introduction: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is an animated western film produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by DreamWorks Pictures. Directed by the late-great Kelly Asbury with Lorna Cook serving as co-director, the film stars the voice talents of Matt Damon, Daniel Studi, James Cromwell, Chopper Bernet, Jeff LeBeau and Frank Welker; with musice provided by Hans Zimmer and Bryan Adams. The film was released on May 24, 2002 and while it didn’t do great at the box office (only making $122.6 million worldwide on a budget of $80 million), it recieved fairly positive reviews with 69% out of 127 reviews aggregated by Rotten Tomatoes giving an average rating of 6.4/10. In the 20 years since its release, it has gain a cult following as well as a spin-off show on Netflix called Spirit Riding Free. The show became so popular that is spawning a standalone sequel to the film called Spirit Untamed, released on June 4, 2021. I’ve always really liked this film and it stands as one of my favorite films by DreamWorks Animation. I’m so glad to talk about why I adore this film and what makes it stand out from animated films before or since its release.
The Plot: Set in the American old West, this film follows the journey of a yellow mustang who’s taken from his herd and must find his way back home. Along the way he meets a young Lakota man called Little Creek, an American Paint Horse called Rain, and a calm yet authoritaritve Colonel. Right away the film hooks the audience with an amazing 3 minute shot of an eagle flying threw a canyon with Hans Zimmer’s score beautifully caputring the majesty of the West. This is just the tip of the iceberge as this film as it maintains that majestic tone throughout the film. Even though the film is 84 minutes long, it makes every second count by having scenes devoid of any dialogue and just let the moment speak for itself. Scenes like Spirit and Rain getting to know each other and Spirit and Little Creek making a mighty jump across a canyon are all the more powerful due to the lack of dialogue. In addition to that there are a good number of funny moments, which feel natural and also really funny. Spirit messing with Murph, the blacksmith, and Little Creek getting doused in face paint are amoung the funniest moments in the film due to how well timed and executed they are. The animation plays a crucial role in making the story so grand. The horses are designed wonderfully with strong builds, accurate anatomy (without drawing any of the undercarriages due to this being for kids) and very expressive faces. The humans all have natural yet appealing and distinctive designs, with the military having strong blue uniforms that makes them distinct from the native Lakota tribe. The characters have natural movements to them with excellent running and trotting animation on the horses and more subtle movements from the humans. I also really like the backgrounds as they make the film look like a painting. The colors are bright and vibrant, the textures are well detailed and the 2D and 3D elements complent each other beautifully. The story of this film can best be described as awe inspiring because of how well they made this world feel timeless.
Cast and Characters: There’s really only 4 characters that play key roles in the film, but their lack in numbers does not negate their importance. Starting with our titular hero, Spirit is a curious, brave and determined horse who want to get back to his herd after he’s captured. While on his journey, he shows that he’s unselfish and caring by freeing military horse whenever he gets the chance. Little Creek is a young, clever and determined Lakota man who Spirit meets at the military camp. They don’t get along at first, but Little Creek’s determination impresses Spirit and they eventually grow to respect each other. Rain is a smart, stubborn and well mannered mare who has a good relationship with Little Creek. Her and Spirit start off at odds, but the more time he spends with her, the more they fine that they were mean to be. Then there’s the Colonel, the main antagonist of the film and the antithosis to Spirit’s ideals. While Spirit values the beauty of freedom, the Colonel is all about order and control. The Colonel is calm and collected, yet he’s full of authority and his men obey his whim without question. The supporting cast is even fewer than the main cast, but they still have their importance in the story such as Spirit’s Mom, Esperana, taking care of the herd while Spirit is away, the eagle that Spirit races with, and Murph who Spirit messes with much to the audience’s amusement. The characters are brought to life by the stellar acting and sound design on display. While Spirit himself doesn’t speak, his narration is provide by Matt Damon, who give his voice a brash yet wise and honest tone. Daniel Studi did a great job voicing Little Creek, making him sound so confident and clever. James Cromwell did an excellent job voicing the Colonel, making him sound calm yet fully of authority. They did a great job implimenting real horse noises into the film as they give Spirit and they other horses such a wide range of emotions. Jeff LeBeau, Chopper Bernet and Frank Welker also did really good jobs as Murph, the Sargent and the eagle respectively. I’d be remissing myself if I didn’t give credit to young Meredith Wells (daughter of Prince of Egypt co-director Simon Wells) for her adorable delivery of “Bye Bye horsey!” as the little Lakota baby. That was so adorable that it was used in trailers to promote the film. The cast may be small, but what they lack in numbers they make up for in great importance.
Songs and Music: Hans Zimmer and Bryan Adams made an absolutely killer soundtrack with this film. Hans’ score incorperates some great piano cues and heavy uses of brass instruments and a string orcastra, Bryan Adams sings 6 songs in the film that act as a secondary voice for Spirit. Here I Am perfectly introduces Spirit as a curious young colt who’s so amazed by the world around him. You Can’t Take Me captures his worry as he’s captured and his longing to go home. Get Off of My Back is a banging rock song that capture’s Spirit’s cocky attitude towards the soliders trying (and hilariously failing) to break him. Sound The Bugle is a somber track that describes Spirit’s defeated state when he’s captured again. Then there’s I Will Always Return, which serves as a celebratory ballad of Spirit returning home with a newfound appreciation for his freedom. The final song that plays during the credits is a beautiful duet with the late Sarah MacCallan called Don’t Let Go, which is a love ballad describing hanging on to this tender moment between lovers. The soundtrack really makes this film standout and it would feel empty without it.
Where It Falters: 👆 Yeah this one comment is this only critque I have with the film. Casual sexism is not okay and we shouldn't excuse comments like this. This is yet another example of what NOT to say to/about a woman. Scoffing at a woman for being protective and impling all women are like this is definitely sexist and should not be tolerated. I'm glad we're smarter now and are putting in more effort to respect women.
Conclusion: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is an absolutely fantastic film that holds up really well after 20 years. With an epic story, fantastic soundtrack, wonderful animation and a really strong cast of characters, this film remains one of the highlights of DreamWorks Animation's history. If you haven't seen it yet, definitely check it out. And if you're a fan of Spirit Riding Free or Spirit Untamed, then you should definitely check this out. Thank you so much for reading and I'll see you soon ;)
#reblog#share#like#follow#animation#dreamworks animation#spirit#spirit stallion of the cimarron#kelly asbury#lorna cook#western#hans zimmer#bryan adams#matt damon#daniel studi#rain#why it worked
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Art-appreciation: one sign that you’ve become a grown-up?
I’ve ever heard that, one of the signs that you’ve become a grown-up or grown mentally is: you become more interested with the artwork. Didn't know before I would eventually come at the phase where I am deeply into contemplating piece of art. How ‘bout you? Have you come at this phase?
Visiting museum and seeing photographs or paintings hanging on the wall, or any other forms of art placing on its display or show window are some of my favourite activity. Like any other people, I like taking pictures in front of it and just see it pass by. What has changed is that if I was before more like taking pictures of myself with the artwork, now I like taking picture of the art without me on the frame.
There is no other reason, beside, I have been busy and drowned to think about what it really means. I really want to know the story or the meaning behind the piece of art. I would ask to the people nearby, "what is this about?" or simply google it to gain more information to understand it.
There should be a wondrous inspiration or interesting story behind the creation of an art. And it hasn't always been something big. Since what is simple and ordinary also the thing that could open our eyes which is failed to notice. Every time I know the meaning of an art, I would like to say to the artist, “You really nailed it when delivering it to us!”. Like the art of Nyoman Nuarta named 'Orange' which’s portrayed his love towards his wife. He captured the form of love from the habitual activity of his wife when peeling an orange that somehow reminds me of my own mother. We really owe such generous love, don't we?
An art has the power to make the unseen things become seen. Like this Orange sculpture that has explained the implicit love of a wife and a mother.
When you’re already a grown-up, you would start not seeing only from what the eyes could see. You become interested with the process because you know there is something hidden that influences the results. An art is a form that has been resulted by knowledge, thoughts, and feelings that has been rooted from human's experience. As self-expressions is one thing matter for an artist, you may sense the thoughts, knowledge, and feeling from the artist from their work. Art is abstract, you may freely interpret it and relate it to the your personal experience.
In summary, an art could tell something that is very personal to be accepted universally, or vice versa.
Like the work of Rita Widagdo, her astonishment to the various forms of plant found in Indonesia that is different from where she lived in Europe has given bunch of inspiration for her to make an art in dynamic form like plant in Indonesia. Indonesia which has tropical season has been blessed with the rain forest. There are various plants that could live here, one of them is a climb tree called ‘Liana’ which is the source of inspiration of Rita Widagdo. She ever captivated by its beauty, and with the art, she’s captured the phenomenon beautifully to allow us to enjoy it with her altogether.
Some of the work of Rita Widagdo inspired by the dynamic form of 'Liana': the wooden plant that can climb!
Art also could tell the spiritual journey of human being. From the eyes could see, the artwork by Sutjipto Adi looked like the paint of colour coordinated line. Meanwhile on the catalog book, it was written that his works could talk about spirituality, space, and boundaries. With a question mark on head, I was honoured to have a slightly talk to discuss with him about his artwork during one of the exhibition.
Had drowned on my own mind to think, where is supposed the spiritual aspect found?
He said that spirituality has been within every individuality that it relates to feelings. Like how he is dragged by his feelings when painting. This had surprised me, as I thought that should be started with a quick sketch to result such good composition and colour coordinated picture. And he also added, "there is vertical and horizontal line portraying how we should maintain the good relationship with the God and human being. And the wave lines on the picture could be interpreted that, as we live, there would be coming many tests in our life.”
Didn’t know before I would come at the phase where discussing about piece of art could be this interesting. The piece of art we see indeed has a long story behind its creation. It's like seeing only a ship from the surface of deep blue ocean, but if you dive into it you would know there is so much that can be seen. Journey whether to the museum or art-exhibition now is more pleasant and more memorable. Beside I get the photographs, I could get an endless inspiration to write on some more paragraphs.
Central Jakarta, 31st July 2022 | ©Hairatunnisa
This post was originally written almost one year ago when I had visited NuArt Sculpture Park and Selasar Sunaryo Art space in Bandung. But I could only finish it just now, with adding some insight I’ve found when visiting Art: 1 New Museum. I would be exciting to see more art work!
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Sara W has recently released a new single titled “Injustice,” featuring Trevor Laake.
Sara W is a singer and songwriter who has developed a unique sound reminiscent of the late ’90s and early 2000s indie pop scene, while also capturing a more modern edge with contemporary influences.
The song begins with an electric guitar chord, spiced up with some distortion that matches the intensity of the vocals right off the bat. Soon after, a piano part joins in, immediately enhancing the ambience and texture of the track. The electric guitar returns at around 27 seconds in, bringing more punch to the track and highlighting Sara W’s energetic approach, without compromising the melodic structure of this ethereal yet catchy composition.
There is a really cool musical stop at about 55 seconds in. After that, Trevor Laake comes in with a verse, creating a beautiful contrast with a “call and response” effect that makes the song even more lively and easy to relate to. The chemistry between the featured artists on this track is undeniable, and they showcase their synergy in a very unique way, doing a really great job of it. It gets even better when the two actually harmonize together, as their voices merge beautifully, creating a nice harmonic wall of sound that makes the main vocal parts sound huge. The section at about one minute and 45 seconds in is very impressive for the many vocal layers that interlock together, creating a wonderful backdrop of different voices interacting and creating a fascinating fabric of sounds that makes the song special. It is the perfect way to build up to the conclusion of the track, which ends powerfully with the phrase “This Injustice.” Not only is this a nod to the actual title, but it is also the very first word sung in the track! What a fantastic way to bring the song full circle.
Overall, the production of the song is excellent. It makes for a lush, dreamy vibe, weaving intricate layers of instrumentation. Sara W’s vocals are deeply expressive, adding a theatrical flair to the song. Her dynamic delivery draws listeners into the narrative, making them feel like they’re experiencing a captivating stage performance. She obviously has a lot of vocal control and power, and she knows how to use her singing as a way to truly build the intensity of the song on an emotional level. Speaking of which, the lyrics of “Injustice” explore themes of struggle, resilience, and overcoming challenges both on a personal level and in relation to the tension we’re experiencing in the world right now. We’re living in an era of unprecedented uncertainty and anxiety for the future, and every single time we read a headline or turn on the news, it seems that imminent doom might be upon us. This song is a reminder to fight back against the pressure of such things in the influence of toxic people and events.
Find out more about Sara W and listen to “Injustice,” her collaboration with Trevor Laake. The track is currently available on Spotify and other streaming services.
We also had the opportunity to ask the artist a few questions. Keep reading for more!
1. Can you share the inspiration behind “Injustice” and how the song came to fruition?
I was inspired by the Sanda Dia case in Belgium. Sanda died during a hazing ritual caused by an elite fraternity. Their sentence was a joke and left me stunned. It was an example of how the system and the court here really works. A lot of people were angry and disappointed. It triggered me to write injustice. To be clear, the song is not about that case in particular. But about injustice in general.
2. How did you approach the collaboration with Trevor Laake on this track, and what do you feel he brought to the song?
This is actually funny. I envisioned him singing ‘Injustice’ for quite some time. The song was written in April 23 but is not quite finished. I wanted my message to sound powerful and was looking for a male voice to join me. I came across Trevor’s Instagram. He sings mostly metal, but his range is amazing…I knew he would be perfect for ‘Injustice.’ So I contacted him back in September ’23 and said: ‘Hey, can you sing with me? But the song is not finished yet. I also warned him that it was an original song, which was, of course, no problem. It was an honor to have him on my track.
3. What was the most channeling aspect of recording this song as a collaborative track?
It was my first collaboration ever. Trevor lives in the States and I’m from Belgium so all communication happened online. Because I knew since last year that he would join me I left some space in my track. I gave him some instructions about the harmonies and he added some really cool freestyle stuff.
4. The vocals in the song are incredibly expressive. Can you elaborate on how you achieved such a theatrical quality with your delivery? Do you have a musical theater background?
Glad you noticed. Even though you can’t see me sing you can hear the expression. I am classical trained and I sang for many years in a choir as a soprano. So I learned how to use my voice effectively. I can’t explain it myself but I do believe that my experience with classical performances helped me to be aware of my expression in order to capture the audience’s attention. Trevor has also experience with musicals.
5. If you can share, was there any personal experience or influence that inspired the lyrical themes?
Definitely. Injustice has many forms. Even in daily life we get confronted with people who play with us and get away with it. Let’s say I’ve had my share. There’s also weird stuff happening with social media. When I open my newsfeeds I see some shocking videos or stuff that I thought about and suddenly it pops up. I had to sing about it.
6. The vocal layering in the song is expertly done. How did you approach creating and arranging the harmonies to enhance the overall sound and impact of the track?
Thank you! I guess I have an ear for it, so it comes naturally. Like I said earlier, I know how it will sound in my head, I just have to get it on paper. I love to create mash-ups because I recognize certain chords, progressions and transitions which translate into creating these layers. Sometimes I even have to hold myself back not creating too many layers because I can make it as complex as I want. It’s all about balance.
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