#Lush Grape Clusters
Text
Woman Amidst Swirling Vines & Lush Grapes on Women's Premium T-Shirt
Embrace timeless elegance with our Enchanting Elegance T-Shirt. This captivating design features a graceful silhouette of a woman amidst swirling vines and bountiful grape clusters.
#Enchanting Elegance#Woman Silhouette#Swirling Vines#Lush Grape Clusters#Allure and Radiance#Timeless Elegance#Hoor Symbolism#Flowing Dress#Organic Shapes#Seamless Visual Flow#Captivating Design#Grace and Charm#Nature-Inspired#Beauty and Allure#Ethereal Beauty#Harmonious Fusion#High-Quality Materials#Poetic Inspiration#Feminine Grace#Vineyard Vibes#Elegant Symbolism#Visual Harmony#Enigmatic Allure#Symbolic Silhouette#Nature's Beauty Showcased
1 note
·
View note
Text
It's The begining of the New Year for Me and my daughter Lily🦄; there are new adventures to embark on and new reasons to smile and new winter adventures await!🐻❄️
Our style at this moment is inspired by the super vintage, candy-colored ode to winter The Grand Budapest Hotel.
For anyone who isn't familiar with the pink and peculiar film of Wes Anderson then I'll explain in a pastel pink Mendls bakery box tied with a ribbon. The quirky caper of comedic errors and stylish silliness takes place against a beautiful backdrop of a wintry hotel wonderful that's as visually stunning as it is incredibly vintage.
The vibes at the Jean Gorges Tin building at the soul street seaport have the same vibe. Walking distance from Michaeli's bakery ( the sweet apple raisin babka that almost tastes like rustic stollen pastry is incredible) and nestled amongst the most stylish ships is the most incredible ode to vintage visuals that I have ever seen in NYC. Maybe it's the glowing art deco globe lights that dot the golden ceilings almost like golden clusters of grapes or maybe it's the attention to detail that's so Impeccable there isn't a napkin holder that doesn't reference a richly vintage European era of cafe society...but this building is cinema at its best.
To chill in such a lush building one needs to wear something statement making. Lil and I chose candy pink. To match the vintage candy shoppe all pink and gold and white and magical. My pink vintage trench by French brand apostrophe is vintage and a gift from one of my best friends. My light pink sweater, also vintage, and glasses-warby Parker are also a reference to mid-century sophistication that is as polished as it is Parisian. My daughter Lil also wore all pink and to usher in a sweet new year we had candy and coffee and marveled in the magic of the place.
We definitely recommend visiting the south st seaport and if your feeling really grand wear a conversation piece something vintage something and something unexpected.
64 notes
·
View notes
Text
“Fruitful Perspectives”
When I stepped into the Panublion Museum in Roxas City, I expected to be greeted by the usual array of exquisite artworks, each vying for attention with its vivid colors and intricate details. However, what truly captivated my attention were not the fancy-looking masterpieces but rather a humble collection of art made with oil pastels on sandpaper. What made these pieces stand out was not their grandeur but rather their simplicity and shared subject: fruits.
As I approached the collection, I was struck by the diverse interpretations presented by different artists. Each piece depicted fruits in various forms, from lush, ripe oranges bursting with color to delicate clusters of grapes nestled among other fruits. Yet, despite the common subject matter, each artwork conveyed a unique perspective, inviting viewers to see the familiar through fresh eyes.
What struck me most about this collection was not just the beauty of the individual pieces but the collective narrative they wove together. Each artwork offered a glimpse into the artist's unique perspective, shaped by their personal experiences, emotions, and artistic vision. Some pieces exuded a sense of abundance and vitality, while others conveyed a more subdued mood, hinting at deeper layers of meaning beneath the surface.
As I lingered in front of the artworks, I couldn't help but marvel at the boundless creativity and imagination of the human spirit. Art, I realized, is not just about skillful brushstrokes or eye-catching colors; it is a reflection of our shared humanity, a mirror that reflects the myriad facets of the human experience. In a world often characterized by division and discord, art has the power to unite us, reminding us of our commonalities and celebrating the beauty of diversity.
Leaving the museum, I carried with me not just memories of beautiful artworks but a newfound appreciation for the richness of perspectives that surround us. In a world where differences often divide us, art serves as a bridge, connecting us across boundaries of time, culture, and geography. And in the simple act of admiring a collection of fruit art, I found myself reminded of the profound truth that beauty truly lies in the eye of the beholder.
2 notes
·
View notes
Text
DON’T PANIC
In this week’s Torah portion, Sh'lach, Moses sends twelve spies, one from each tribe of Israel, into the land of Caanan. They return forty days later carrying a huge cluster of grapes, a pomegranate and a fig, and describe the Promised Land as lush and bountiful. Caleb, the leader of the tribe of Judah, confidently states that ���We can surely go up and take possession of it.” (Num. 13:30) Joshua, from the tribe of Ephraim, agrees. However, the other ten spies are not so optimistic. They declare that the inhabitants of the land are giants and “we are unable to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” (Num. 13:31) This negative report causes the Israelites to panic. They cry to Moses and Aaron that they will “fall by the sword, our wives and children will be as spoils.” (Num. 14:3) They say to each other, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt!" (Num. 14:4)
Even though God brought them out of slavery, provided for them in the wilderness, and promised them the land, they have no faith that He will help them to conquer it. God punishes the Israelites by decreeing that their entry will be delayed forty years, until the entire generation of former slaves dies out. Why are they punished so severely? Isn’t it natural to be afraid of the powerful Canaanites? An answer can be found in the last line of the spies’ report, describing their fearsome foes: “In our eyes, we seemed like grasshoppers, and so we were in their eyes.” (Num. 13:33)
The Midrash explains that God would have forgiven the Children of Israel for comparing themselves to insects. Their mistake was projecting their own feelings of insecurity onto others. We humans often feel frightened or vulnerable, and we can’t always control those negative emotions. However, it is important to separate the way we feel from the way we think. Our emotions don’t necessarily reflect reality. The ten pessimistic spies and the panicked people knew that they felt scared, but they had no way to know what the Canaanites felt about them. They made a reckless assumption, and we all know what happens when we assume….
May we all remain calm in stressful times, and allow our heads to rule over our hearts!
Image: 1600 year old mosaic depicting two spies carrying a cluster of grapes (image credit: Jim Haberman)
Accidental Talmudist
10 notes
·
View notes
Text
In Full Bloom: A Zen Pinktober with Azaree was a multisensory art experience to celebrate nature and women’s wellness. Pinktober events are typically centered around fighting breast cancer, but we decided to host an evening highlighting the healing effects of being in nature, stimulating nature photography and the nurturing essence of sisterhood and female friendships, a cherished part of our culture that we very much like to hold dear. After all, we’re lovers not fighters.
As an immersive art experience, Theia Coffee house couldn’t have been a more perfect venue. Nestled in a corner of airport residential area surrounded by lush grape vines, it felt like we had been transported to a healing garden, the source of wellness itself. Framed within the exhibit were captivating photographs showcasing the beauty of yellow, vibrant tickseed flowers, flaming red hibiscus, striking fuchsia dahlias, a cool orange rose, a bright yellow sunflower, and the bold Egyptian star cluster. Arranged within metallic grids adorned with interlaced green vines and fresh yellow roses, the display itself was a masterpiece, setting a perfect backdrop for capturing fabulous photos throughout the entire evening.
The event began with a nostalgic coloring session using crayons and color pencils. We collaborated with our very talented artist, Aba Wallace, and created a vision board inspired art work. It included a variety of goals any modern woman dreams of achieving: physical and emotional wellness, financial success, healthy family bonds, and the virtues of spiritual and mental wellbeing. The ladies dived into coloring these dreams, forging new friendships while subtly imprinting these aspirations. Who knew coloring could be a gateway to both new bonds and goal-reaching power? Well psychology did, and we listened!
Following the coloring, we delved right into a thrilling mix and sip session. Here, the ladies learned the art of crafting their own cocktails; armed with fresh homemade honey, mint, sliced kiwi, zesty lemon, and a medley of juices like watermelon, pineapple, and orange. They created their own delicious, all-natural mocktails! This session was so immersive and the girls loved every bit of being mixologists for the night. Proud of their masterpieces, we were totally delighted to have been a part of such a unique and creative experience.
Finally, we had a cozy and incredibly insightful conversation with some of the ladies, focusing on diverse holistic methods to enhance our health and overall well-being. Kicking off the panel was Ivy Enyonam, an avid plant lover. Our chat centered on the surprising similarities between our lives and plants, highlighting how tending to them can mirror our self-care practices. Indoor plants go beyond mere decoration! They purify our air, enhance our breathing and sleep quality, and even bring a soothing touch to our mental and emotional balance. Our simple advice? Start with a small potted plant and witness the positive impact it can have on your life – it's a gentle step towards a healthier lifestyle!
We had Sharon, a dietitian, and Maame Yaa, a medical doctor and aesthetician, join our panel to dive into discussions about healthy diets and proper skincare. They emphasized the importance of hydration and shared some very practical tips. They suggested drinking around half a liter of water every two hours to maintain good hydration, totaling around 3 liters daily. Sharon also shared a nifty trick to check hydration levels: pinch the skin on your arm, if it bounces back, you're good to go! But if you're regularly sipping your water and minding your business, then I don’t think you have anything to worry about!
We also had an in depth conversation about healthy eating and to summarize, a simple way to envision a healthy plate, would be to think of dividing it into four equal parts: one for grains, another for vegetables, one for protein, and the last for fruits. In terms of skincare, we learned to prioritize good hygiene, avoid harsh oils and skin-lightening products, and always conduct thorough research before trying new products. Understanding the impact of genetics on our skin also helped us ease up on unrealistic expectations and potential damage. Oh, and never forget: sunscreen is your friend!
Finally, we had Ama, our fit and flexible yoga instructor, who enlightened us about the phenomenal mental and physical benefits of regular body movement and stretching. Our bodies thrive when they're in motion, and even simple stretches during our workday can make a remarkable difference in our overall health.
It was an incredible Pinktober event, radiating vibrant feminine energy through the sea of pink hues and flowing silks. Throughout the night, we absorbed a wealth of knowledge, shared laughter, and felt rejuvenated. The focus on holistic living, guided by discussions with the experts left us eager to embrace healthier, cancer-free lifestyles while nurturing our connections and friendships. It was a delight to witness everyone enthusiastically embracing the journey toward wellness and forming stronger, more supportive bonds with one another in this empowering all-women event.
#nature photography#pinktober#allwomenevent#coloring#mixandsip#yogainstructor#holosticliving#plantmum
2 notes
·
View notes
Text
Under the rays of late September's sun,
That sicken me and satiate with heat,
Where fruits and flowers and odors oversweet
Burden the earth with weight of all things done,
When old loves end and new are not begun,
I linger in the garden with slow feet
And wait for hours that once I ran to meet.
Of new love's vigor there is now left none,
But love is like the garden now and vine
That's laden with too heavy fruit of love,
With clustered grapes too purple and too hot
That, overfull of sickening sweet wine,
Hang heavy, lush, from arbors high above,
Sink swiftly, strike and leave spilt juice to rot.
Clustered Grapes by Helen Burwell Chapin
4 notes
·
View notes
Text
The Rich Tapestry of Turkey: A Guide to Historical Sites, Travel, and Cuisine
Turkey, a land where the echoes of history resonate through its ancient streets, offers a captivating blend of historical marvels, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. From the majestic ruins of ancient civilizations to the bustling streets of modern cities, Turkey beckons travelers with its diverse attractions. Let's embark on a journey through the historical places in Turkey, delve into essential travel tips, and savor the delights of Turkish cuisine.
Historical Places in Turkey:
Turkey boasts a wealth of historical sites that bear witness to its rich past. Among these, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites stand out as remarkable testaments to Turkey's cultural heritage. One such site is the stunning Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, a marvel of Byzantine architecture that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires over the centuries. Nearby, the Topkapi Palace offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Ottoman sultans, adorned with intricate tile work and lush gardens.
Venturing further afield, the ancient city of Ephesus beckons with its well-preserved ruins, including the grand Library of Celsus and the imposing Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In Cappadocia, surreal landscapes dotted with fairy chimneys and cave dwellings transport visitors to another world, while the ancient city of Troy, immortalized in Homer's epic poems, invites exploration of its legendary walls and artifacts.
Turkey Travel Guide:
Navigating Turkey's diverse landscapes and cultural offerings requires careful planning and an adventurous spirit. Istanbul, with its blend of East and West, serves as an ideal starting point for many travelers. Be sure to explore the historic Sultanahmet district, where the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace are clustered together, making sightseeing convenient.
For those seeking natural beauty, the turquoise coast of southwestern Turkey offers idyllic beaches, ancient ruins, and charming seaside villages. The resort town of Antalya is a popular base for exploring the nearby ruins of Perge and Aspendos, as well as the breathtaking landscapes of the Taurus Mountains.
In central Turkey, the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia beckon adventurous travelers with hot air balloon rides over fairy chimneys and underground cities waiting to be explored. Meanwhile, the ancient cities of Pamukkale and Hierapolis in the Aegean region boast stunning white terraces and well-preserved Roman ruins.
Turkish Cuisine:
No visit to Turkey would be complete without indulging in its sumptuous cuisine, a tantalizing fusion of flavors influenced by Ottoman, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean traditions. Start your culinary journey with mezes, an array of small dishes featuring ingredients like hummus, eggplant, and stuffed grape leaves, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
For mains, don't miss out on traditional delights such as kebabs, gözleme (stuffed flatbread), and pide (Turkish pizza), each bursting with savory flavors and aromas. Seafood lovers will delight in fresh catches from the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, prepared simply yet deliciously with olive oil, lemon, and herbs.
Save room for dessert, as Turkish sweets are renowned for their decadence. Indulge in baklava, layers of flaky pastry filled with nuts and sweetened with syrup, or try künefe, a delightful combination of shredded pastry, cheese, and syrup that melts in your mouth.
Turkey offers a treasure trove of historical wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights waiting to be explored. Whether you're drawn to ancient ruins, vibrant markets, or simply the pleasure of savoring delicious food, Turkey promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
0 notes
Text
FEATURES
This gothic chasuble is tailored from premium polyester fabric exclusively for ordinary season.
It is embellished with intricate embroidery, enhancing the overall appeal of the vestment.
The centerpiece of the design is a designer cross surrounded by lovely foliage and lush grape clusters. Underneath the centerpiece are clusters of golden wheat grains and bunches of grapes, representing the richness and abundance of spiritual nourishment.
A matching stole is included in the set (50'' Long, 6'' Wide)
OPTIONAL:
The collar type of the chasuble can be made from any of the following collar options with no additional charges.
Cowl
Pullover
Standup
Zipper
The Chasuble is made with no lining but it can be made lined for an additional $15 only.
Matching mass set is optional for an additional $42 only and it comprises:
Chalice Veil (20'' X 20")
Burse (10'' X 9'')
Chalice Pal (8" X 8")
0 notes
Text
EXOTIC PLANTS
Exotic Plants: A Journey into Nature’s Wonderland
When we think of plants, our minds often conjure images of familiar green leaves, blooming flowers, and perhaps the occasional cactus. But what about those botanical wonders that defy convention? The ones that transport us to distant lands, where colors are more vibrant, shapes more intricate, and scents more intoxicating? These are the exotic plants, and they deserve a spotlight in our horticultural adventures.
What Makes a Plant Exotic?
Exotic plants are not native to a particular region but have found a way to thrive there. They might have been intentionally introduced or arrived accidentally, carried by winds, birds, or human travelers. These non-indigenous species bring a touch of mystery and allure to our gardens and homes.
The Enchanting World of Exotic Flora
Let’s embark on a journey through the lush foliage of exotic plants:
1. Black Baccara Rose (Rosa ‘Black Baccara’)
Price: ₹480.001
These velvety, almost black roses evoke a sense of drama and elegance. Their petals absorb sunlight, creating a mesmerizing play of shadows.
2. Dwarf Mango Tree (Mangifera indica)
Price: ₹349.001
Imagine plucking juicy mangoes from a compact tree right in your backyard. The dwarf mango tree brings tropical delight to any space.
3. Echeveria and Other Succulents
Price: ₹749.001
Succulents are the rock stars of exotic plants. Their fleshy leaves store water, allowing them to thrive in arid conditions. Echeverias, with their rosette shapes, are particularly captivating.
4. Gandharaj Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
Price: ₹399.001
The Gandharaj Gardenia, also known as Cape Jasmine, emits a heady fragrance reminiscent of jasmine. Its pristine white blooms are a sight to behold.
5. Drosera Derbyensis (Carnivorous Plant)
Price: ₹175.001
Carnivorous plants are nature’s quirky creations. The Drosera Derbyensis lures insects with its sticky tentacles, then digests them for nutrients.
6. Sansevieria Kirkii (Snake Plant)
Price: ₹599.001
The Sansevieria Kirkii boasts sword-like leaves with striking patterns. It’s a low-maintenance houseplant that purifies the air.
7. Dwarf Grape (Vitis Vinifera)
Price: ₹309.001
Yes, you can grow grapes even in limited space! The dwarf grape plant yields sweet clusters of fruit, perfect for snacking.
8. Tropical Palm Tree (Artificial)
Price: ₹36.99
Not all exotic plants need soil. An artificial palm tree adds a touch of paradise to your living room.
9. Drosera Pedicellaris (Carnivorous Plant)
Price: ₹165.001
Another carnivorous wonder! The Drosera Pedicellaris traps unsuspecting insects, proving that nature’s designs are both beautiful and deadly.
Cultivating Exotic Dreams
As gardeners, we’re explorers. We seek out the extraordinary, the unexpected. Exotic plants invite us to step beyond the ordinary and embrace the wild. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a cozy balcony, consider adding a touch of exotic magic. Let these botanical marvels weave their stories, whispering secrets from distant shores.
Remember, in the world of plants, the extraordinary often hides in plain sight. So, keep your eyes open, your soil fertile, and your heart ready for the unexpected bloom.
Happy gardening! 🌿🌺🌴
0 notes
Text
Discovering the Enchanting Tastes of Mount Towrong Vineyard: A Journey into Wine Wonderland
Greetings, wine enthusiasts and adventurers! Today, we invite you to join us on an extraordinary expedition to Mount Towrong Vineyard, where the magic of nature and the artistry of wine-making unite to create a truly unforgettable experience. Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills and lush vineyards, this hidden gem promises to transport your senses to a wine wonderland like no other.
At Mount Towrong Vineyard, we believe that every sip of wine tells a story, and our passionate winemakers are the master storytellers. With meticulous care and an unwavering commitment to excellence, they cultivate grapes that capture the essence of this unique terroir. From the moment the vines burst into life under the golden Australian sun until the grapes are harvested at their peak of perfection, each step of the winemaking process is a testament to our dedication to crafting wines that are as extraordinary as the land from which they originate.
As you embark on your journey through our vineyard, you'll be captivated by the sight of sprawling vine rows, adorned with vibrant clusters of grapes. Take a moment to appreciate the symphony of colors and textures, as the changing seasons paint a breathtaking canvas that evolves throughout the year. From the vibrant greens of spring to the fiery hues of autumn, the vineyard never ceases to amaze, providing a stunning backdrop for your wine exploration.
But what truly sets Mount Towrong Vineyard apart is the unwavering focus on sustainable practices and a deep respect for the environment. We believe in nurturing the land that nurtures our vines, employing organic and bio dynamic principles to create a harmonious ecosystem. As you wander through our vineyard, you'll discover thriving biodiversity, from blooming wildflowers to the cheerful songs of birds, all working in tandem to create an environment that enhances the quality and character of our wines.
Of course, no visit to Mount Towrong Vineyard would be complete without indulging in the flavors that await you in our welcoming cellar door. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are eager to guide you through a curated selection of our premium wines, each one a testament to the unique characteristics of the region. From crisp and refreshing whites to bold and velvety reds, there's a wine to suit every palate, and our team will ensure you find the perfect match for your preferences.
As the day draws to a close, you may find yourself lingering at our picturesque outdoor seating area, with a glass of your favorite vintage in hand. Breathe in the tranquility of the surroundings, as the setting sun casts a warm glow over the vineyard, painting the landscape with hues of gold and amber. It's in these moments that the true essence of Mount Towrong Vineyard reveals itself—a place where time slows down, worries dissipate, and the simple pleasures of life take center stage.
So, dear wine lovers, we invite you to join us on an enchanting journey to Mount Towrong Vineyard—a destination where nature's beauty, meticulous craftsmanship, and the allure of wine converge. Come, raise your glass, and allow the symphony of flavors to transport you to a realm of pure bliss. Cheers to unforgettable experiences, shared laughter, and the timeless art of winemaking!
0 notes
Text
____________________________A great fire
blazed on the hearth and the smell of cedar
cleanly split and sweetwood burning bright
wafted a cloud of fragrance down the island.
Deep inside she sang, the goddess Calypso, lifting
her breathtaking voice as she glided back and forth
before her loom, her golden shuttle weaving.
Thick, luxuriant woods grew round the cave,
alders and black poplars, pungent cypress too,
and there birds roosted, folding their long wings,
owls and hawks and the spread-beaked ravens of the sea,
black skimmers who make their living off the waves.
And round the mouth of the cavern trailed a vine
laden with clusters, bursting with ripe grapes.
Four springs in a row, bubbling clear and cold,
running side-by-side, took channels left and right.
Soft meadows spreading round were starred with violets,
lush with beds of parsley. Why, even a deathless god
who came upon that place would gaze in wonder,
heart entranced with pleasure. Hermes the guide,
the mighty giant-killer, stood there, spellbound
...But once he’d had his fill of marvelling at it all
he briskly entered the deep vaulted cavern.
Calypso, lustrous goddess, knew him at once,
as soon as she saw his features face-to-face.
Immortals are never strangers to each other,
no matter how distant one may make her home.
Odyssey, Homer, ca 8th c. BC | trans. Fagles, 1996
0 notes
Text
Vineyard Rendezvous
Venti x gn!reader
Genre: Fluff
Word count: ~300ish
Warnings: None!
Summary:
One day, Venti will take you on a normal date. It sure won’t be this time around, though.
Stifled laughter fills the air one night in the Dawn Winery orchards. A hushed whisper from a wary figure encourages their companion to keep the noise down, but in the quiet night and the gentle breeze the request falls on deaf ears. Chasing through rows upon rows of the expansive vineyard, you’d have lost sight of Venti long ago if he wasn’t firmly grasping your hand in his own.
“Right this way, my dear!” He chimes, stopping abruptly to make a sharp turn to the right through an opening in the rows. You stumbled a bit at the sudden change of direction, but Venti caught you before you lost your balance completely. This guy… He was leaving you breathless in a very literal sense. In lieu of words (as you were too out of breath to speak,) you sent him a look that conveyed your fond exasperation for him.
“Hehe~!” Venti adjusts his hold on your hand and places an arm around your waist to lead you the last distance at a more reasonable pace.
“You promise these grapes are worth the trip? And the scolding we’ll receive from Diluc too?” You question, having finally caught your breath a little. Venti had expressed to you earlier in the day that he believes this year’s grape harvest will yield the most wonderful wines, and had convinced you to come join him... Eh… “sample” the crops.
“Absolutely. Master Diluc’s disappointment won’t last nearly as long as the taste of these delectable fruits!” Venti lets go of your hand for a moment and picks a small cluster of grapes off the bunchstem. He holds a lush indigo grape up to your lips and urges you to taste it.
The moment the sweet juice of the grape hits your tongue, you’re won over by Venti’s earlier statements. This year’s harvest will absolutely be a great one.
“Wow… These are really good. But you still shouldn’t sneak around out here and I will not back you up if we get caught.” You try your best to keep a serious expression, but it proves difficult in this silly situation.
“Eh!? But my love, with such a charming smile on your face, dare I believe you quite enjoyed the chase?”
#venti x reader#venti#genshin venti x reader#venti x y/n#venti genshin impact#venti x gn!reader#genshin x reader#genshin impact x reader
103 notes
·
View notes
Text
Ghost in the Garden❁ཻུ۪۪
Sypnosis: In our most vulnerable moments, reality makes us remember who we have lost. In which Diluc sees you and grieves.
Characters: Diluc x gender neutral reader
Warnings: Major character death.
Format: drabble.
Genre: Angst.
Word count: 459
He saw you.
Wreathed by air and light, diaphanous and translucent. Draped in haze and blur.
But still you.
Twirling between vineyards, with the grace of the stars, youthful and uncaring.
How much Diluc wished he could see you one more time. See your perfect smile, your radiant eyes, and your welcoming embrace. Be able to feel you, solid in reality and not as memory in mind. But when given the possibility to make it come true, you hesitate. Alas, you have to understand a wish for what it is; a desire, not practical nor factual.
And yet, seeing you there, for what looked so real and natural. It felt like being drenched in cold water, feeling breathless, the roots of the world enmeshing his legs. And he couldn't do anything but stare, frantic and apprehensive. Be a blink, and you'd disappear.
Ceasing your dance, you stopped in front of a particular lush grapevine. You crouched down, staining your white gown, hands hovering over the cluster of ripe grapes, a smile flourished on your lips, delighted by that year's harvest. Thus far, too focused or too unconcerned, you didn't see him.
Your eyes diverted towards him, no, not him, through him. It made him wonder if he was the illusion? Desperation and insomnia induced hallucination of the love that was ripped from him. A man hardened by years of loss and grief finally lost it to the person who took his heart with them to the afterlife.
Your eyes crinkled at the corners, directing an earnest smile... to him? Could you maybe see him? Was he wrong, and you actually saw him?
A beam of hope sparked in his chest, spreading through his entire being. It entangled and burned him- like his flames that burned bright and destroyed with famine, enkindling all possible reasoning and logic.
Standing up, you went to him, gown swiveling in harmony with the zephyr. At first, what was a leisure step mounted up to a jog. And in a heartbeat, you were running towards him, laughing wholeheartedly.
Reaching his arms in reflex, when he made contact with your gelid skin, you faced through, disappearing into threads of mist and a gust of air. He wanted to feel you. He couldn't. Not when you were still air and a memory slipping between his fingers like sand.
He fell to his knees, the weight of reality too heavy to bear. It dawned on him, you really weren't coming back. Be a product of his mind, a mirage so sincere, you were gone. He leaned over to veil the vulnerability he displayed for all of Mondsadt to witness. And when the bell tolled, and the world fell silent, he wept.
For a bygone future and lover's tragedy.
Guess who’s back? Back again. Me with my tomfoolery.
Hello! I return and I return with angst.
Kinda to honor spooky season, but also I am planning to write a halloween-y Childe drabble and maybe a Kaeya one too.
But anyway, this drabble is not very proofread and there will probably be inconsistencies, but I’ll fix them tomorrow, I’m tired lmao.
Again inbox is open and it is encouraged to send stuff!
See you later!
#genshin imagines#genshin impact drabbles#genshin impact#genshin impact angst#genshin impact x reader#genshin angst#genshin oneshots#genshin x reader#diluc ragnivindr x reader#diluc ragnvindr x reader#diluc x reader#turron writes
93 notes
·
View notes
Text
vyn RRG card story, part two
this is when i really started to feel like i had to translate this card
same disclaimer and notes from part one.
youtube link to Hikari Sherry Gaming‘s video of the card story
links to other parts: one
do not repost
[PART TWO]
(8:25) Autumn Greenhouse
I followed Vyn to the greenhouse and couldn’t help but feel a bit stunned – rather than a greenhouse, it was more like a glass castle.
Dozens of grape trellises were stood in neat rows, the tip of each branch crowded with plump purple or red or green grapes, varying in depth and intensity of color.
Throughout the frame of the grape trellis, there were roses of every color, and interspersed between the petals were meticulous stone carvings.
MC: It’s so pretty. I don’t even know if I should call this a grape garden or a flower garden.
Vyn: This design is partially the owner’s preference, partially a necessity.
Vyn: The way that roses and grapes are grown, and the way that they catch disease, are the same. In addition, roses are more fragile than grapes.
Vyn: Therefore, grape growers will also grow many roses to serve as an early warning to prevent and cure diseases in the grape vines.
MC: I see.
Vyn and I walked among the trellises and admired them as if we were going for a stroll.
Each trellis had a digital sign standing in front of it. It not only indicated the variety of grape vine and its age, but also its soil composition, irrigation amount, and other data.
MC: Dr. Richter, is all this data really necessary to grow wine grapes?
Vyn: In winemaking, there’s a saying that goes “70 percent grapes, 30 percent brewing”.
MC: So it means the key to high quality wine is high quality grapes?
Vyn: That’s right. Sunlight, temperature, rainfall, soil, and the age of the plant are several important factors in determining the quality of the grapes.
Vyn: Put simply, sunlight affects the development, coloration, and maturity of the grapes, and the magnitude of temperature difference between day and night controls the accumulation of sugars in the grape.
Vyn: Too much rainfall during harvest season will cause the grapes to have a weak flavor, and the resulting wine will also be tasteless.
MC: Then what about the soil? In the winetasting video, they often said things like the wine had the fragrance of proper soil, so did that have to do with the soil?
Vyn: Correct. The deeper the roots of the grape vine, the more minerals it can absorb, and the more complex the flavor of the wine that’s made from it.
Vyn: And if you want grapes to grow deep roots, the soil needs to be relatively poor. Also, older grape vines have more well-developed root systems.
MC: So in other words, the quality of wine is basically determined by natural conditions.
Vyn: In general, that’s true. However…
Vyn smiled and halted his steps, looking up at the abundantly fruitful grape vines in front of him.
(10:25 animation)
Sunlight spilled in through the sky, unevenly illuminating the lush green leaves into different hues.
The rays of sunlight filtering in between the leaves were like a sky full of stars, falling on Vyn, his whole body glimmering.
Vyn: Sunlight, temperature, rainfall, these factors we discussed just now, are all meticulously controlled in a greenhouse.
Vyn: The same goes for soil.
Vyn: The conditions that various wine grapes need: soil quality, degree of incline, soil fertility, drainage amount, pH value, depth of soil layer… everything is perfectly calculated and arranged for.
Vyn: These grapes can practically be considered the most consistent and highest quality grapes there are.
I looked at the intensely-colored grapes on the trellis and couldn’t help but feel curious.
MC: Then do the grapes here taste better than the ones elsewhere that grow naturally?
Vyn laughed softly.
Vyn: If you’re curious, why don’t we pick a cluster of grapes from each kind and try them?
MC: I just want to know if there’s a difference in flavor between wine grapes and normal grapes.
MC: I saw online that wine grapes don’t taste that great, there’s not much pulp and its skin is thick.
Vyn: That only considers the surface.
Vyn: Although wine grapes are small and thick-skinned, they have extremely high levels of sugar. Therefore, their flavor is richer and more delicious than normal grapes.
MC: Dr. Richter, you know so much. Have you grown wine grapes before?
Vyn: I haven’t, actually. But for this visit, I do want to grow one.
He paused for a moment, then invited me with an extremely gentle voice.
Vyn: Would you like to plant a grapevine with me?
MC: Okay.
Vyn: Then it’s decided. I hope you won’t back out after a while.
Why would I want to back out? I looked at Vyn in confusion. He didn’t respond to me, the amusement in his eyes deepening.
Then, he raised his hand and cut down the cluster of grapes in front of him.
Vyn carried the grapes with him to the basin.
He first submerged the entire cluster of grapes to rinse them, but then probably thought they weren’t clean enough and picked a few grapes to gently rub clean one by one.
Then, Vyn brought those grapes over to me.
Vyn: This is Cabernet Sauvignon, the most widely-planted red wine grape in the world.
Vyn: The skin of the grape is rich in tannins, a key component in the flavor of wine. That’s why I didn’t peel it for you.
I nodded and reached out take them, but Vyn directly raised his hand and put grape up to my lips.
Vyn: Open up.
There was a hint of enticement in his gentle voice, and I couldn’t help but open my mouth.
Wine grapes were much smaller than normal grapes, only as large as the pad of a finger.
Therefore, when the wet grape slipped into my mouth, the tip of Vyn’s finger also lightly brushed past my lip.
For a moment, it was as if an electric current had touched my lip, making me feel a bit numb.
MC: …
Vyn: How does it taste?
MC: !!!
Only then was I able to react, and hurried to chew the grape in my mouth.
The ripe grape was soft and plump, and once the skin broke, the sweet flavor of the juices filled my mouth.
The grape’s skin was a bit thick and slightly astringent, but it perfectly mellowed out the flavor of the flesh, making it sweet but not overly sweet.
MC: It’s really good!
MC: I used to think that just like how persimmons are sweeter after the first frost, grapes that are exposed to the elements out in nature are the tastiest.
Vyn: Many winemakers and wine tasters have similar views. However, I disagree.
Vyn: It’s true that grapes must experience wind, rain, and sunlight to grow.
Vyn: If that can be arranged by nature, then why can’t it be calculated and mediated by humans?
Vyn: Create rainfall when rainfall is needed, utilize sunlight when sunlight is needed.
Vyn: Rainfall, sunlight, soil composition – there is no inherent difference in these key elements, the difference lies only in them being changed by someone in control.
Vyn: And with enough skill, grapes grown under artificial intervention are more controllable than those grown in nature.
Vyn: They don’t require large amounts of fertilizer, and the amount of pesticide needed is also reduced to a minimum.
Vyn: Based on the results, don’t you think the latter is more “natural”?
MC: …You have a point there.
MC: Then Dr. Richter, do you prefer wine made from grapes that were grown in a greenhouse like this?
Vyn: Not necessarily. A method is merely a way to accomplish a goal.
Vyn: Whether the raw ingredients come from a greenhouse or the great outdoors, as long as the resulting wine is of outstanding quality, I will gladly accept it.
Vyn: …
Vyn: However, it’s a different situation if it’s something I planted myself.
Vyn: Should we try some other varieties of grapes?
MC: Okay!
Vyn walked me through the other types of grape vines. As he plucked grapes for me to try, he explained the differences in winemaking for each variety.
Once I had tried every kind of grape in there, Vyn and I had also arrived at the end of the greenhouse.
Behind the glass door was a passageway that was several meters long. Across the passageway was a rather small greenhouse, similarly filled with grapes and roses.
But as opposed to the lush leaves, dense vines, and overflowing fruits in this greenhouse, the grape vines in the greenhouse opposite us was in full bloom with delicate white flowers.
MC: Dr. Richter, what’s with the greenhouse across from us?
MC: Just like the grape vines outside, they’ve only just begun to bloom. Since they’re not out-of-season grapes, why are they specifically being grown in a greenhouse?
MC: Could they be a special variety that must be grown very carefully?
Vyn: You could say that. That over there is another one of Feilu Winery’s traditions.
MC: What tradition?
Vyn didn’t answer me directly, instead deliberately keeping me in suspense as he pushed open the glass door in front of us.
Vyn: Go and look.
(15:21) Spring Greenhouse
Vyn and I entered the other greenhouse.
Only then did I realize that it wasn’t just the season that was different here. The way that the grape vines were planted in this greenhouse was also distinct.
These weren’t planted by the trellis, but rather as individual plants. Moreover, each grape vine had a sign in front of it.
The age of the plants varied widely as well. Some were well-established and flourishing, and at a glance it was obvious they were quite old; others had fine, slender stems, and were probably only several years old.
MC: Dr. Richter, are these grape vines a special variety? Why is there only one plant of each kind?
Vyn: These were all specially planted by frequent visitors of the winery, and left to the winery’s painstaking care.
I followed Vyn’s gaze to the sign in front of the grapes, a thin silver nameplate inlaid into a wooden base.
Written on the nameplate wasn’t the name of the plant variety, but rather the name of two people.
Vyn: Do you know the history of Feilu Winery?
MC: I’ve heard of a bit of it. Apparently hundreds of years ago, a Barosk nobleman bought it and it’s been passed down ever since.
Vyn: Feilu Winery was remade into a grape garden in the middle of the sixteenth century, but the Tuer* family that initially owned the garden didn’t care much about it.
Vyn: In the middle of the seventeenth century, Count James Feilu, a member of a local illustrious family, bought this tract of land and castle from the Tuer family.
Vyn: He and his wife both loved wine and believed that this land had unlimited potential.
Vyn: Under their combined efforts, Feilu Winery’s reputation gradually grew, entering a golden age and eventually becoming a well-known first class winery.
MC: That couple must have loved each other very deeply.
Vyn: Indeed. The same year that the husband and wife bought the winery, they planted a grape vine in the courtyard, which today is the place we’re in right now.
Vyn: Every autumn, the couple would add fruit from that vine into Feilu wine, making a special wine to commemorate their love.
Vyn: The year that Feilu Winery became a first class winery just happened to be their fiftieth wedding anniversary.
Vyn: At their golden wedding banquet, the Feilu husband and wife shared the fine wine that symbolized love with all of their guests.
Vyn: Very soon, this wine became famous.
Vyn: From then on, planting a grape vine with your lover at Feilu Winery also became a symbol of romance and love.
Vyn: And Feilu wine made with the fruit of this grape vine has a unique meaning, even more so when it’s drunk for special occasions.
Vyn’s voice was soft, like water, or a song. As he told the story, his tone had a sense of sentimentality to it, making one feel infatuated.
I suddenly recalled that just now he had asked me if I was willing to plant a grape vine with him.
My heart thumping wildly, I tried to search my disorderly thoughts for something to say that wouldn’t leave me at a loss at what to do.
MC: It sounds like our country’s story about “Zhuangyuan red” and “daughter’s red”.**
Vyn: Oh? What kind of story is it?
MC: In ancient times when a girl was born, the parents would make fine wine, then enclose it in a painted stone vessel and bury it underground.
MC: When the daughter got married, they would dig up the vessel of wine and drink it together with friends and relatives.
MC: Wine prepared for daughters was called “daughter’s red”, and for sons it was called “Zhuangyuan red”.
Vyn: Yes, there are similarities. They’re both types of wine that are specially prepared for an important day.
Vyn lightly bent over and leaned towards me, the gentle smile at the corners of his mouth practically brimming over.
Vyn: Speaking of, we also came to the winery to try making our own wine.
Vyn: In that case, why don’t we copy the tradition?
MC: Huh…
Vyn: Actually, I really wanted to first plant a grape vine with you, then when it came time to harvest, use our grapes to make wine together.
Vyn: What a shame. All the wishful thinking in the world still can’t change time.
Vyn: If we make wine together, then pick an important day to taste wine together, I feel like it can make up for some of it.
MC: …
I thought about the grape vine story that Vyn had just told, and my heart felt a bit of anticipation, but also a bit of worry.
MC: But, is this month too late for planting it?
MC: (If the grape vine doesn’t grow well…)
Vyn seemed to have guessed my thoughts.
Vyn: You don’t have to worry about that.
Vyn: With the proper methods and meticulous care, it is certain to grow better than any other grape vine out there. I guarantee it.
His tone was calm and certain, allowing me to have a moment of distraction.
[END PART TWO]
[PART THREE]
* Tuer图尔 (Tu’er)
** 女儿红and 状元红：These are real stories from Shaoxing in the Zhejiang province of China (famous for their Shaoxing wine, a rice wine used for drinking and cooking in Chinese cuisine). It’s pretty much as MC explains it, but if you want to learn more, search “shaoxing wine stories” – there should be a pdf from Stony Brook University that includes more detailed information about Shaoxing wine traditions and stories.
35 notes
·
View notes
Text
With seating for 50, including an outdoor area, Little Beast Brewing opens their newest taproom October 9th.
Press Release
Clackamas, Ore. … Little Beast Brewing, known throughout the Pacific Northwest for its wild and fruited ales, is excited to announce the grand opening of its second location—the Little Beast Tasting Room—on October 9, 2021. The Little Beast Tasting Room is located at 11517 SE Highway 212 in Clackamas, Oregon, and initial open hours will be Thursdays and Fridays from 4:00pm-9:00pm and Saturdays from 1:00pm-9:00pm.
Founded in 2017 by Brenda Crow and Charles Porter, Little Beast Brewing gained immediate notoriety thanks to Porter’s two-decades of brewing experience, especially with Brettanomyces and mixed culture beers. In 2018, the couple moved the brewery’s production site to Clackamas and opened the year-round Little Beast Beer Garden in SE Portland.
“Ever since we began brewing beer in Clackamas we knew we wanted to open a tasting room so people could drink our IPAs, lagers, and barrel aged mixed culture beers direct from the source,” said Head Brewer, Charles Porter. “After focusing on growing our production, and getting our canning line up and running, we’re excited to open in an area that doesn’t have much brewery representation. Plus, as an avid outdoorsman, I love that our Tasting Room is en route to the beautiful Clackamas River and majestic Mount Hood National Forest.”
The brewery will pour eleven of its own beers, including limited barrel aged beers, and a local cider. It can seat 50 people, including outdoor seating. While there will be no food service on site, guests are encouraged to bring their own food, or order in from nearby locations.
The Clackamas location is also the heart of Porter’s mixed culture and barrel aging experimentation. The Tasting Room will therefore have an extensive list of vintage bottles that have never been available to the general public and will not be sold at the Beer Garden in Portland. The list of 20 bottles includes beers that have been intentionally cellared and aged, and will be served for on-site consumption only. A sampling from the list includes:
Sherry Brandy Barrel Aged Black Cap - Foeder ale aged for a year in a Sherry/Brandy with huge amounts of native black cap raspberries
Best Life - Double Cherry Coconut Mixed Culture Ale
Game of Patience - Saison racked into French oak barrels. Rhubarb picked on Mt. Hood was
added and left to age two years until perfection.
Winsome - Saison aged for two years in barrels with foraged linden blossoms
Pequeño Gigante - Mixed culture ale racked onto whole cluster Tempranillo grapes and aged in a 12-year Elijah Craig barrel for six month
Members of Guardians of Funk will receive an invitation for a special preview of the Tasting Room.
###
About Little Beast:
Little Beast Brewing is a family owned, small-batch brewery that was founded in 2017 with a passion for innovation, an appreciation for uniqueness, and an obsession with quality. Inspired by the “little beasts” that transform water, barley and hops into beer, they specialize not only in mixed culture fermentation, fruited, wild and wood-aged beers, but also in mastering classic styles for a consistently enjoyable and always approachable experience. Their year-round southeast Portland beer garden welcomes guests to enjoy their beer in the distinctive setting of an old Craftsman home, with a lush patio, front lawn and relaxing front porch.
from Northwest Beer Guide - News - The Northwest Beer Guide https://bit.ly/3Fiprpq
1 note
·
View note
Text
chapter eleven: speak spanish or get the hell out
Sam set down her suitcases on either side of her before she locked the door. She had her sunglasses perched upon the bridge of her nose and she had changed into a little pair of bright yellow shorts. She recalled what Cliff had told her the month before, and thus she cleaned those shorts the week before and kept them hidden away at the bottom of her dresser drawer before she left for upstate New York.
The past few weeks have shown to be quite the contrast to dry, windy summers in Southern California: whenever Sam lay down to fall asleep, she would have to push off the covers despite having opened her window. When she took her seat at her desk to draw something, the heat from the hot summer sun beamed through her window: a single sliver of it next to her onto her desk was enough to make her sweat while she drew something for herself in her journal. A step out of the shower and she began to sweat at the mere feeling of the mist from around her.
And there she stood outside of her front door, with her key in hand and her things ready to go: she was to hitch a ride with Marla and Charlie to their hotel room up in Poughkeepsie. For all she knew, it would be the only hotel room they would be staying in for the duration of the tour: the two nights before, Scott had told her that they would go all over New York and then Pennsylvania, and the tour would just barely end in time for her and Marla to start school the first week in September. She hadn't told her parents about the tour at all, but she knew she would have to tell them about her life on the side to art school, especially since the last date took place up in Canada.
“I'll jet pack you both from Toronto back here if I have to,” Charlie vowed to the two of them.
“Jet pack and then run like holy hell,” Scott added.
Moreover, she remembered that she would be seeing Marla with a brand new color about her hair. When she called the night before, she told Sam that she didn't want to ruin the surprise but she hinted at it with the word “jewel”. Sam dropped her keys into her purse, right next to her brand new passport, and she nudged it back a bit from her hip. She scooped up her bags and made her way down the stairs, where she noticed that Emile's front door stood wide open. He sat on the couch, right within her line of sight, and he leaned over a book on the coffee table.
She strode over to the doorway, and set one of her bags down, and took off her sunglasses, and knocked on the door panel. Emile raised her head and showed her a smile.
“Oh, hello, Samantha,” he greeted her. He lowered his gaze to her suitcases. “Oh, that's right! You're goin' on tour.”
“Not necessarily,” she clarified. “I'm like one level below a producer. I have to be with them, though. Apparently they're gonna do some things and their manager wants me to be a part of it all. Me and also my friend Marla, who's with their drummer.”
“Just a little cluster of kids hangin' out,” Emile remarked. “At least, that's what it sounds like to me. When should you be back?”
“Some time before school starts,” she replied. “But I'll still get rent to you, though. I'll be getting some money from this that—I won't have to sweat it for a little bit.”
“But since you won't be home, I'll give you a little leeway with the power and the water,” he told her.
“Oh, good, thank you!”
The front door swung open and Charlie poked his head into the front foyer. She turned around to face him.
“Hey!” she called out to him.
“Hey!” he retorted as he took off his sunglasses. “You ready to go?”
“I was born ready,” she answered, and her heart skipped a few beats. She returned to the apartment as she perched her sunglasses back onto her nose. “Okay, I'll see you later, Emile.”
“Have fun, young lady,” he said with a warm smile upon his face. “Have fun an' don't stay up too late.”
Charlie held the door for her and Sam padded out of the building into the hot New York sun. She wondered how the next month would fair for all of them as she made her way down the stairs to the car parked at the curb. She reached the passenger side to find that Marla had a head full of rich deep violet hair, the color of royalty.
“Oh, wow!” Sam declared: even inside the car, the violet shone under the glow of the hot mid summer sun like a tapestry. “That's an excellent color for you, Marla!”
“I was wanting it to be more of a light purple,” she explained as she pushed her big black sunglasses up her nose, “but it's more of a grape color. I think it came out too dark.”
“I like it, though,” Sam said as she opened the door.
“Do you need any help?” Charlie offered her as he scurried down the stairs.
“Nah, it's just my clothes and things I can't live without,” she told him as she stashed her bags onto the floor of the car.
“Like your journal?” Marla asked her.
“Like my journal, yeah!”
Without another moment's hesitation, Sam climbed into the back seat right behind Marla so she could look at that helmet of rich dark violet all the way up the road to Poughkeepsie. She wondered if she could see Joey again up there, especially since she hadn't seen him in well over a month, not since the Anthrax and Legacy show at L'Amour, although Aurora did call him in at one point and Sam caught a glimpse of him. However, she hadn't exactly interacted with him since that show.
She hoped he had taken it easy on the alcohol since then because the last thing he needed was more bad nights such as that.
Despite the hot summer sun that hung high in the sky, Sam and Marla kept their windows rolled down as they wound away from the City and pressed onward to the upstate part of the state. Charlie put up with it even as he strove to talk a bit all the way up the vast parkway.
“We're gonna be supporting Motorhead and the Plasmatics,” he explained in a loud voice, “we're just gonna go nuts with the whole shocking thing.”
“Shock and go nuts,” Marla clarified with a gesture of her hand. “Like shock and then go nuts.”
“Or go nuts and then shock,” Sam called out.
“Both!” Charlie replied as they drove past the spot on the shoulder where Sam and Joey broke down. Even a few months later, she could still make out the sight of a burn mark on the sliver of pavement next to the guard rail. She rested her arm on the top of the door, and the wind fluttered her dark hair back from her head. The lush trees hung over them to protect from the hot sun, but she could still feel it upon her skin and her head.
It would be another hour before they reached Poughkeepsie given Charlie drove a little bit slower in comparison to Joey, and he also had no idea where their hotel was at first.
“I forget where we turn off at,” he confessed as the signs for the other sides of town came within their line of sight.
“I think it's over here, Char,” Marla told him over the roar of the wind; she rolled up the window so he could hear her. The handle squeaked every single time; but Sam meanwhile, kept her window down to relish in the whole experience. She sighed through her nose and closed her eyes: the hot sun beat down on her head and arms, but she didn't care. It was another new adventure her, to gain a taste of the tour life.
Charlie and Marla bickered in the front seat like an older married couple, or rather like her parents. She didn't tell her parents about any of her adventures over the past few months, at least since they visited her and met Frank. It felt a bit liberating, but she realized she had gone into unknown territory with that. She was close with her parents, and thus when she kept her lips sealed with it all, it almost felt like a betrayal.
And yet, since she kept her lips sealed, it felt as though she had it all to herself. Her best kept secret, her life with the speed metal music scene before she started school and launched into the art world. Two worlds at the same time, and her parents only knew of one.
Lucky for them, they reached the little hotel on the eastern side of town: the place needed a paint job on the outside and the stairs creaked under Marla and Sam's feet as they made their way up to their room. Even when they made their way towards the door, the latter could tell the room was barely going to be big enough for the three of them plus whoever Charlie invited along with them. Sam could see the chips of paint at the bottom of the door as they came within view, and she could also see that the door hung open just a little bit. It swung open and—
“Oh, hey, Zelda!” Marla declared. Sam recognized her head of jet black hair and she showed them a big warm smile.
“When I said I'd race ya,” Charlie started as he reached the top of the stairs, “I didn't mean literally.”
“Hey, you and I both said we'd be bunking in the same room,” Zelda pointed out, and she stood out of Sam and Marla's way. The room was small, with nothing more than two queen sized beds and a heavy but faded nightstand all pressed up against the left wall. To the right stood a tiny television atop a table that looked as though it would topple over if an earthquake struck. No dresser, and the closet on the far side of the room looked to be part of the bathroom.
“Absolutely no privacy,” Sam stated as she set her suitcases down on the hard, faded carpet, right next to the bed closest to the window.
“If you go in the bathroom, though,” Zelda pointed out. “Although, I'm gonna tell you guys this right now—the shower in there kind of blows.”
“Does it work, though?” Marla asked her.
“Yeah, it works. It's just—here, lemme show you.” Sam and Marla followed her into the cramped bathroom: even though the two of them stood in the doorway, it felt so crowded in there given the sink basin hung right next to the doorway and Sam could envision Charlie banging his shoulder on the edge of it when he stood to his feet. She and Marla stared on at the shower head, about the size of a bottle of water color paint and the grayest of gray colors she had even seen.
Zelda turned the dial for cold water and the head spat out a fine mist at first, and it followed with a fine narrow stream of it.
“Oh, my god,” Sam proclaimed.
“Yeah,” Zelda said as she turned off the water. “I hope you ladies don't use a lot of soap to wash your hair because that's rough. Last hotel I was in, the head was about the size of my hand and it felt so good hitting me in the head after a hard night of banging around and makin' lots of racket.”
“I'm not worried about us as much as I am about Charlie,” Marla confessed with a bit of a chuckle. “All his thick, lush curls and everything...”
There was a knock on the door and Sam peered over at the other side of the room, and the sight of Scott and Billy as they poked their heads into the room.
“I wonderin' when you guys'd get here 'cause we were all supposed to be here by three,” Scott confessed. “We couldn't've found a worse hotel, either.”
“Blame the promoters, Scott,” Charlie pointed out as he took a seat on the edge of the bed closest to the bathroom. “Jon and Marsha wanted us to be in a nicer place about a block from here but I guess that was too much.” He shrugged at that last part.
“Second time in a row we got fucked around by promoters,” Scott said with a shake of his head; Sam and Marla ducked out of the bathroom to let Zelda out.
“Hey, Zelda!” Billy called from the doorway.
“Hey, Billy!” she returned the favor. “Where you guys stayin'?”
“Right next door,” he replied with a gesture of his head. “Frankie's with us, too. What were you all doin' in there?”
“Showing Sam and Marla the shower.”
“Damn, at least you girls have a shower.” Billy folded his arms across his chest, to which Scott shook his head.
“I can't believe we're being dicked around like this,” he moaned. “It's all so fucking stupid!”
“Zing,” Billy replied with a straight face.
“Needs a double zing, Bill,” Charlie added. “'Cause we already got a record and a limited press out, too.”
“As Anthrax, though,” Billy pointed out. “Not as Stormtroopers.”
“Still doesn't really make sense, though,” Zelda said as she leaned against the wall and folded her arms across her chest. “I'd understand if it was Legacy or my band but you guys have done a bunch more than all of us, though. It'd be like Exodus making it big and then getting relegated to sump'n like this.” Sam knew she did that because of Zetro's departure. She looked over at Sam and Marla with a thoughtful expression on her face.
“So how're we gonna sleep tonight?” she asked them.
“I'll sleep closest to the window,” Sam suggested.
“And Marla—I assume you're gonna sleep with your boy here?”
“I might as well,” she replied with a chuckle.
“You wanna do head to toe?” Zelda asked Sam. “I've done it with Rosita a few times before. She tells me I sleep like a board.”
“Yeah, let's do that.” She might as well go along with it given the smallness and dinginess of the room. Scott looked up at Billy, who still stood there in the doorway with his thick arms crossed over his chest.
“Gonna be fun with us,” Scott proclaimed.
“Yeah, you, me, and Frankie,” Billy laughed.
“At least my girlfriend isn't with us...” Scott's voice trailed off, and he turned his head for a look over at the three girls posted up on the side of the room.
“You ladies wanna go and walk around?” he asked them.
“Don't see why not,” said Sam.
“And the three of us plan on lookin' around for a shower, too,” Scott told her.
“Oh, come on, you're men!” Zelda joked.
“We're men but we're with you girls, though,” Scott insisted with a bit of a laugh. “When we go to the next town, we gotta be good as a means of separation from the act of Stormtroopers.”
“Sharp dressed men spewing out a bunch of shit,” Billy said as he moved out of the way for them.
“Squeaky clean but your mouths tell a different story,” Marla followed along in a singsong voice. Sam adjusted the strap on her purse even with it slung across her chest, and she put her sunglasses back on even though they stood in the shade for a moment.
“Remember, we're number seven,” Zelda declared with a gesture to the faded brass number next to the door frame.
“Lucky number seven,” Sam added; meanwhile Billy leaned his back to the inside wall and Scott made a joke about Philly cheese steak.
“Hey Sam, check it out,” Zelda pointed across the street. She turned around and followed her gesture to an art glass shop there nestled in between a book shop and a haberdasher shop.
“Oh, cool!” she declared and her heart skipped a few beats.
“There's a whole bunch'a those over in Providence,” Zelda explained, “I dunno about California but—those are so common over there. They're real cool, too.”
Quickly, Sam made her way down the creaking stairs and she reached the hot crumbling blacktop first. She was eager to reach the sidewalk first, and she awaited Zelda and Marla, both of whom slowly walked against the hot, bright sun.
“Born artist here,” Marla remarked with a grin on her face, and Sam could hear her over the low noise of the traffic. The three of them hurried side by side across the street to the shop; Marla held the door for Sam and Zelda, and they were met with a blast cool air from the vent on the ceiling.
Sam glanced about the front bright room as if she was a kid in a candy store. On the right side stood a vast row of shelves, all of which were full of sheets of glass consisting of all colors of the rainbow. Before the shelves stood a series of glass making tools, from cutters to pliers to pieces of lead to make windows with. Meanwhile, on the left side of the room was a gallery of blown glass. She recognized the head of lush, dark hair down past his shoulders as he stood before a sculpture that looked like a sunflower close to the wall.
Sam made her way over to him while Zelda pointed to something on the right side of the room. She stood next to him and he turned his head towards her.
“Hey, Frankie,” she greeted him.
“Hey!” Frank grinned at her, and she spotted a piece of gum tucked next to his lower teeth.
“Funny to see you here,” she admitted, “given Charlie's the art guy.”
“That's not to say I don't have an interest in art myself,” he pointed out. “I mean—you did draw us after all.”
“True. And you wanted me to get into art school, too.”
Frank returned his attention to the glass sunflower on the wall. Sam looked on at it with him: the head of the flower consisted of layered dark red and orange fused glass, while the petals were a rich amber color. She eyed the points of the petals all around the head, but then she lowered her gaze to the stem, a braid of three different green glasses fused together.
“Damn, look at the workmanship on this,” she told him.
“Yeah, it was the first thing I saw when I walked in,” he said as he chewed that piece of gum some more. “I was like 'wow. That's absolutely incredible.' I hope you and Marla do something like this at some point. Also—” He peered behind him to ensure they were alone on that side of the room.
“There are two things that are going through my mind right now,” he lowered his voice to a near whisper. “The first thing is I can envision you cock blocking you someone with your artistry—”
“Frankie!” she hissed, but he kept going.
“—and the second thing is you getting something here for your parents.” And that stopped her right in her tracks.
“You know.” Frank turned his head to her. “I kinda miss your parents. I only saw them that one time but I miss 'em, though. Ruben and—Esmé, is her name?” She nodded at him. “Do you miss them?”
“Yeah, of course,” she replied as she thought about how she didn't tell them about the tour. “You know, I'm way the hell over here on the East Coast and they're still back out west, too.”
“You know, I didn't really have a father figure growing up,” he told her in a low voice. Sam gaped at him. “My dad left all five of us kids when I was real little. And Charlie didn't have a dad, either: his died when he was a five year old.”
“No wonder why you guys are like brothers,” she stated.
“Exactly. Our moms moved heaven and earth for us—I was talkin' to him about it yesterday and we both came to a conclusion that that was why we like you so much.”
“Why didn't you say anything before, though?” she asked him. “Especially since you guys embrace your female fans so much.”
“'Cause we're boys—we aren't really obliged to talk about feelings,” he confessed with a shrug of his shoulders. “I also wanted to tell you that once we got to know each other better. All my dads were metal bassists.” He shrugged his shoulders again. “So—I say get something for your dad. Both your dad and your mom. Given we're in a place full of just absolutely beautiful glass, I know he'll love it and you know—and it'll make me real happy, too.”
He winked at her when he said that. She then snickered, and he looked at her confused.
“What?”
“I'm just thinking about that first thing you said,” she confessed.
“Cock blocking someone with your art?”
“Yeah.”
“I dunno who—but I can see it happening, though. Just seducing someone with paint or glass or—something. But I can just feel it in my bones.”
Sam dropped her gaze to a pair of fused glass white doves on a lower part of the wall. The olive branches tucked in their beaks made her think of serpents, given the leaves actually resembled to the heads of snakes. She reached for the doves for a second look: their wings and tails twined over each other. Her fingers tingled over the milky white glass. It made her think of both of her parents and everything they had done for her.
“Oh, that's cool!” he declared, and she turned it over to check the little tag at the bottom of their extended wings.
“I got money now,” she said as she lifted her head to him. “I brought all my clothes with me, too, especially my sweaters.”
“Protect that thing with one of those,” he advised her. “It's only gonna be a handful of dates, but still.”
“It's gonna be strewn across two states,” she added.
“Exactly!”
Sam doubled back to buy the doves, and she had no doubt she made a good choice. Even though the two of them walked out of the glass shop empty handed, Zelda picked out a wide brimmed black hat for herself at the haberdasher next door. She angled it towards the very top of her head.
“Reminds me of Rosita's hat,” she said as the brim accentuated her bangs.
Once they returned outside, Frank peered down at his watch and grimaced.
“Shit, girls—we gotta get goin'!”
“Scott said we had to be here by three, too,” Marla recalled. The four of them sprinted across the street to their shabby hotel to fetch Scott, Charlie, and Billy. Sam had no idea where they were headed but she placed the glass doves in the drawer of the nightstand with any sort of protection aside from her purse.
“I won't drink tonight,” Billy promised her as he eyed the milky smooth glass before it went into hiding.
“I won't, either,” Zelda vowed. “Well, I don't really drink anyway, but I'll protect that with my life, though.”
“Thank you, Zelda,” Sam said with a grin at her, and they headed out to the venue.
It wasn't too far from the hotel but she thought it to be in a whole other world altogether. The dark floor felt as though it wasn't nearly as big enough for everyone in there. Sam and Zelda pinned themselves to the wall, right next to each other, off to the side from the stage so they were out of sight from the audience. The foul smell of alcohol made Sam's eyes water.
“Jesus, this is nuts,” she muttered.
“This reminds me of the Cherry Suicides' biggest show,” Zelda told her in a loud enough voice; she reached up to fix her hat. “We played in a club in Naragansett and they oversold the place such that we had people coming on stage with us.”
“Oh my god,” Sam gaped at her.
“Yeah.” Zelda raised her eyebrows at her. “It was—just crazy. I was ready to start throwing people off of the stage but Min was like 'let's get out of here—they're gonna torch the place.'”
“Did they?”
“Oh, no—but the four of us just bolted, though. Some creep grabbed my ass before we got out of there, too. I didn't see him, though, otherwise I would'a punched him.”
Something out in the dim lit room caught Sam's eye. She lifted her gaze to that familiar head of jet black curls near the front of the crowd.
“What's up?” Zelda asked her as she took a glimpse for herself.
“Joey!” she shouted. “Joey!” Sam darted past Zelda and she surfaced from the side of the stage, past a bouncer. Joey, who held a glass of stout in hand, turned his attention to her and showed her a friendly lopsided smile. The dim light of the club made his skin appear darker than normal, but she knew it was him.
“Hey, girly,” he greeted her and he put his free arm around her to embrace her.
“I wasn't expecting you here,” she said in a loud enough voice for him to hear.
“I'm here with some friends,” he told her. “I told 'em that Stormtroopers were gonna be upstate for a few weeks before they go to Pennsylvania so—here I am!”
“You gonna be at the Buffalo show?” she asked him.
“I just might be at that one plus the one out in Ithaca, too,” he replied as he brought his glass closer to his body.
“We get two days around that one.”
“Yeah, so I might take ya to Finger Lakes, too.” He winked at her as he took a sip of the stout. Someone behind him called his name.
“Ah, shit, I gotta go,” he told her. “I'll be waitin' for ya in Ithaca.”
“I'll look for you!” she promised before she headed back to Zelda at the safe spot next to the stage. The bouncer then stopped her in the tracks.
“I'm a very important person,” she insisted. “You saw me go over to him.” But the guy shook his head and folded his arms at her.
“I'm with the band,” she declared.
“I am, too,” a guy next to her added with his hands pressed to his hips. The bouncer nibbled on his bottom lip as he glanced between the both of them; Sam looked to her right to a tall dark skinned man with long black curls. For a second, she swore it was Joey, but he was quite a bit heavier.
The bouncer then nodded and stepped to the side to let them into the safe spot next to the stage. Sam rejoined Zelda but she returned her attention to the mysterious man.
“Who are you?” she asked him.
“I'm Chuck,” he replied as he flicked a stray curl back from his brow. “Legacy's new singer.”
“Chuck Billy!” Zelda declared.
“How'd you know about me?” Sam asked him.
“Aurora and also just the guys all told me about you,” he explained. “I heard about this show and this little tour with Motorhead, too, so—y'know, I wanted to join in on the fun. Jon and Marsha invited me to come along.” He showed them a friendly little smile: Sam could tell that he, too, had some Native American blood in him from those thick dark curls and that sun kissed smooth brown skin. He lacked those large hands that Joey had but he had that same serious, stoic expression in his dark eyes.
“Sounds good,” Sam told him as she pressed her back to the wall. Chuck pointed at Zelda.
“Zelda Carr, right?” he asked her.
“Carmichael,” she corrected him as she and Sam both tucked ear plugs into their ears.
“Carmichael, that was it! Zetro told me about you, and I've only just heard of the Cherry Suicides so I'm still learning names—totally dig the hat, by the way—”
He was cut off by Charlie already thumping his kick drums, and he nestled up against the brick wall next to Sam.
“Never noticed how rough their lyrics are,” Zelda remarked as Billy barked into the microphone. “Really, it's—it's—it's kinda funny, actually. It's like punk in its truest sense. It just doesn't give a shit.”
Speak English or Die.
Sam thought about a spin off to that, called “Speak Spanish or Die.”
“Hey, how's this sound—'Speak Spanish or Die',” she suggested.
“'Speak Spanish or Get the Hell Out,'” Chuck quipped, and the two girls burst out laughing at that. She had no idea if it was the new venue, but Stormtroopers sounded louder and stronger than they did back at L'Amour. Billy's vocals seared through the room like a lightning bolt and Scott and Dan were tight like woven corduroy. Charlie's drumming felt like that of a machine. They couldn't hardly hear anything, even with the plugs nestled within their ears. The crowd to their right pulsated in sync with their power and their devil may care lyrics.
It was overwhelming this time around.
“This is fucking nuts!” Sam shouted over the wall of sound, even if Zelda and Chuck couldn't hear her.
#chapter 11#fanfic#fanfiction#anthrax fanfic#anthrax#stormtroopers of death#fever in fever out#fever in fever out fanfic#frank bello#charlie benante#scott ian#billy milano#chuck billy#deadly nightshade#book two#writing#text#also on ao3
3 notes
·
View notes
Last Seen Blogs
whoedibledtheorphans
Edible Orphans
whatsnewalycat
regional cryptid
luclipse85art
Art of Mine
portbru23
Portfólio Bruna Micaele.
horyia
Horyia