#and i am very happy that unhinged steven is back
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Shane hugging Ryan while telling him nobody cares about his Disneyland opinions somehow feels like a very good summary of their entire friendship.
#watcher#too many spirits#ryan bergara#shane madej#i love this season so much#it was so fun#and there were so many moments of ~frandship~#and ricky is so cute#and i am very happy that unhinged steven is back#because i love unhinged steven#sad the season is over#excited for the next show (and possibly one-off?)
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Overdue introduction post
She/Her • bi/pan • AuDHD non-monogamous lady • professional tinkerer • this year I’m gonna be unstable unstoppable
If you like anything I write, please leave a comment. I do my best answer each and every one made :)
I don’t usually take requests because I came back to writing in order to let my AuDHD run wild like a toddler with a pair of scissors, completely unbound by earthly restraints. However, I do take suggestions, if you’d like to send one in my Asks.
Pen name and meaning: Tsukime Fuku or Fuku-Chan. I wanted something to resemble the owl I feel like, most of the time (I have terrible sleeping issues). Fukurou (梟) in Japanese means Owl, so I just decided to shorten it in katakana (フク). I wrote Tsukime in kanji (疲明) mixing up the gloomy and tired aspect from “Tsuki” with the bright one from “Me”. I’m a tired, gloomy, somewhat optimistic millenial owl.
My letters from the LGBTQIAP+ community: B for kissing multiple genders and A for demisexual (I can’t spell, sorry). Also, I’ve got a wife.
Where I’m from: A country well known for being God's wild random sandbox experiment 🇧🇷 For that reason, English is not my native language (you can communicate with me in Portuguese, Spanish and English. If by any chance you say something in Italian, please make it three-year-old friendly).
Current fandoms: Jujutsu Kaisen (main) and Hazbin Hotel (secondary).
Former or everlasting fandoms: Death Note, Fullmetal Alchemist, flanaverse, Bojack Horseman, Rurouni Kenshin, Avatar (both The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra — I’m a Korra stan), Sherlock (books, stories, and BBC Series), Steven Universe, House MD, Supernatural, and other things I’ll add as I remember them.
Favorite genres of fiction: murder/mystery (b1tch! grew up reading Sherlock), terror, horror, drama and millennial comedy / dark humor. Currently, I’ve been getting into smutty fiction and rather enjoying it. I also want to write some chick lit stories, so...
Fun(?) facts about me I had enough time to come up with, instead of nervously sweating in the middle of a date thinking about them (this might get updated regularly, but probably won't - most recent will be at the bottom of the list):
Yes, I’m a criminal defense attorney. I love and hate my job multiple times a day.
I have a deranged type of humor (it's because of my inner demons. They have many voices. One of them is Carol)
I am unhinged and shitpost like a hell spawn. That's not a fun fact, it's a warning
I'm controlled by a monkey with a typewriter that lives inside my head. It feeds off of my anxiety during the day, then gives it back to me at night. It's lovely.
My writing process goes about like this: I get an idea. It plagues my every waking moment. If I don't write it, I realistically believe it might consume me into oblivion. So I write. Should I write because it's fun? Sure. Do I write to quench the thirst for dopamine of my inner demons (that have many voices, one of them is Carol)? Absolutely.
I got diagnosed with ADHD in my early 20's, and autism in my late 20's. These were definitely my roaring 20's, and we don't talk about it.
I try to be a kind person when I can. As a lady in her late 20's with some life and trauma experience involving mental illnesses, addiction, grief, and much more, you can always DM me if by any chance you need to talk about anything. I don't bite (much).
I realized I've been chatting with an online acquaintance that lives with a 12+ hour difference. That's how fucked my sleep schedule is — you can't fuck up your sleep schedule if you have none, amiright?
I need a soundtrack for everything I'm doing. It makes talking to people in real life very difficult.
I never know what day of the month it is. It's led me to receive happy birthday's unannounced and feel very confused at the people congratulating me on "my special day". I had done nothing special. It made no sense.
I tend to write very fast. It's the monkey's fault.
My most unpopular opinion: HIMYM ending was the correct choice, and made perfect sense for Ted and Robin.
My favorite quotes in English are the ending to The Great Gatsby (“so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past”) and a tidbit from Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest (“Truth is rarely pure and never simple”).
My favorite poem of all time is "Tabacaria" by Fernando Pessoa.
Something you’ll NEVER see me writing in love stories is romanticized jealousy and possessiveness. Everyone has their thing, but that’s really not mine, and I don’t enjoy writing it. When I DO write about jealousy, I like to explore the underlying insecurity and pain behind it.
I’m here to spread the non-monogamy queer agenda.
If you read this through the end, thank you, and I'm slightly concerned for your mental well-being. Come on over and have a cup of tea.
🦉
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I took a look at some of my favorite ships across TV and movies, and I discovered that apparently there is a very specific type of ship that I like, which all feature the same two character molds and have striking similarities with each other:
Character A: Snarky/moody boy with daddy issues
Is emotionally damaged/hardened to the world, but underneath has a heart of gold. Has trouble opening up and trusting people. EVERY one of them had their dad leave them and it fucked them up, which they reacted to in various ways. Probably never thought they'd find someone who loved them. Bonus points if he's the "cool guy" but the cool guy act is actually a complete front. Absolute soft boy on the inside.
Chandler Bing (Friends)
Barney Stinson (HIMYM)
Steven Hyde (That '70s Show)
Eddie Miller (House of Anubis)
Jonathan Byers (Stranger Things)
Character B: Unhinged bossy girl who can kick his ass
Has a VERY strong personality, knows what she wants, often is very loud. She is In Charge and the boy is okay with that. Most of them are independent, some are career-driven, and most are out here girlbossing. All of them have probably been referred to as a bitch and every single one of them is high-strung and at any time is moments away from snapping. I'm fairly certain they've all gotten into some kind of physical alteration at some point. Do not give her a weapon for your own safety.
Monica Geller (Friends)
Robin Scherbatsky (HIMYM)
Jackie Burkhart (That '70s Show)
Patricia Williamson (House of Anubis)
Nancy Wheeler (Stranger Things)
Of course not all these relationships are the same. Some of these are friends to lovers, some are enemies to lovers. Three of them involved secret relationships, three of them are two prongs of a love triangle. They don't all last thanks to terrible writing decisions (imo) and have different journeys. But at their cores, they all feature two fucked up people who find each other, and they all embrace the weirdness and let each others' freak flags fly. The guys challenge, soothe, and understand their girls, and the girls whip the guys into shape (well, most of them do, at least). The girl is the light of the cynical moody guy's life and opened up their hearts (save for Eddie and Patricia who I would argue is the other way around), and the guy is happy to stand back and let the girl give you the what-for.
I could go on and get into the details and cite specific moments of similarities in many of these relationships but I'll leave it there. All this to say I was kinda shocked when I realized there were so many similarities in some of my favorite ships. Evidently I have a type. And tbh I don't know what it says about me and my interests or personal desires that I am apparently drawn to this type of relationship.
#some of these i had to stretch just a little#but in general all these characters fit under the character molds#and these relationships all fall under the same umbrella#tbh katniss and peeta could maybe very loosely fall under this too#but loosely#and this is not just about me and the ships i enjoy#this is also a fun comparison between all these sitcoms and other shows#idk it was fun to lay all these out and pick them apart#mondler#chandler bing#monica geller#swarkles#jackie x hyde#peddie#patricia williamson#eddie miller#house of anubis#jancy#jonathan byers#nancy wheeler#tbh there are maybe a few other things i ship that could possibly fit under this umbrella#but these are the ones i felt fit best#i spent WAY too long putting this together but i had fun#it was also impossible to pick what mondler photo i wanted to include
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17 and 39. hope ur feeling better!!
Thanks! I'm trying. It's hard work. Getting nervous now that it's evening/night because that's when my symptoms are worse, but with the IV steroids back in my system I should be okay.
17. name 3 things that make you happy
My nursing assistant for the night drew a heart next to her name on my care team board.
I've been feeling at least a little well enough to be unhinged about Supernatural on main.
I have a new pajama top that's basically just purple fuzzy blanket material and it cups around my neck, and it's so cozy.
39. youtuber you’ve been obsessed with and why?
I don't go on youtube that much, but I'll have to say Matt & Abby. I have no idea why. Maybe because they have what I want in life: being married young and having just had a new baby. They're kind of funny, I find their lack of understanding of pro-choice while still being wholly pro-choice very intriguing, and tbh, there's information there for when I do become pregnant and am ready to give birth. In all rights I should be obsessed with Steven He because he just comes up with hilarious skits all the time and works really hard and is top quality dating material.
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Episode 8: "i have never been so alone in the game"—Astyn
In this round: Tony, Champ, Colin, Raffy, and Kolby win Family Feud, leaving everyone else in danger of being eliminated at tribal council; half the tribe loses their vote; Astyn is voted out; and Steven wins on Purgatory and re-enters the chat after tribal council
Eman
I've gone back to feeling a bit adrift . . . I feel like I am in a good position, very close with a number of people - but I don't think I'm anyone's number one. (In fairness, I don't know that I have a ride-or-die either, just a lotta people that I really like and would be happy to continue working with.
Interestingly, I will say that I've seen a bit of negative chatter re: Astyn, and I'll come right out and say that I like them! They were one of the first people to welcome me post tribal switch and they've just been plain *nice* to me and I see no reason not to reciprocate. Maybe the two of us could somehow get a whole UTR thing going I'd be down for that.
Also finally chatting with Alex more - I broke and addressed the elephant in the room first (we now only have one extra vote between us and should strategize on how to use it at some point) and I'm reasonably certain (it's SO hard when you can't read body language) that he appreciated that.
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Oh how the worm squirms . . .
I suspected Zee, now I'm close with Zee.
I was close with Kolby, now I'm finding Kolby's actions suspect.
AND I CAN'T MAKE A FREAKIN' PLAN cuz I don't know how anyone beyond my immediate group did all because Raffy was milliseconds faster on hitting enter than I was (and I'd actually like to send off to New York for a replay because there's NO FREAKIN' way that he wasn't hitting enter before the hosts were done talking. That's all I gotta say.
But I think Raffy also knew he was in danger, so I can't fault that. I'm probably in danger too (or I'm paranoid; I'll give it even odds) for being too freakin' old and too freakin' likeable (and too freakin' opinionated, but right now only my diary/the confessional booth knows that latter part).
Anyway, I'd really like to stop thinking about the game and instead go back to obsessing about other things . . . so more later.
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What kinda game am I playing?
I ONLY WISH I KNEW.
Fly by the seat of my pants, what feels right in the moment, dear god I hope this doesn't come back to bite me in the ass in the long run, I wanna be likeable, but not too likeable, I wanna be smart, but not too smart, god-freakin-dammit, this is too hard, gosh-freakin-darnit this is so much fun.
That's what kinda game I'm playing.
And I am also obviously growing increasingly unhinged as time goes by.
Tony
Champ and I fuckin killed that challenge and I’m stoked that we’re in an alliance together! I’m not nervous for tribal but am torn because it feels like folks are gonna be gunnin’ for Michael. I’m gonna do my best to protect him but only hope it pays off.
Zee
We hit the merge! And my my my, I have so much shit going on it's crazy. I realized the only people I haven't really spoken to before merge were Michael and Raffy, but since the merge I kind of have just been talking about yellowjackets with Raffy, still haven't gotten around to talking with Michael but that's alright. I'm hoping that I'm on the winning tribe for this family feud thing, because I feel like there's a target on my back(put there by Raffy) and I'd really like it if I didn't have to feel like I need to play it so early on. I still don't trust anyone, of course, but right now I'm vibing the most with Kaleigh and Champ, and also with MH(Eman). The edgic definitely is super interesting, I'd like to think that I'm this under the radar player that people keep talking positive about, but I also have no idea, since it seems like(since last time they got UTRP5) that they are being talked about A LOT, by everyone, but in a positive way. So maybe it is me, who knows.
I also am majorly stressed about tribal council, to a point where it's almost unfun to actually play due to the anxiety. Why, you ask? Well, I got the read receipts on disadvantage in like....my first Idol hunt I think, which goes into effect in my next tribal council. Except the problem is, I NEVER WENT TO TRIBAL, so it's never been used. However, Trinica and AJ said they're only able to tell me how it messes up my game, AFTER tribal council, which makes it all the scarier. Can I calculate my moves based on what it does? Nope. So basically I have an advantage I know virtually nothing about now (insert yikes face here). I do know that if Raffy isn't safe, it seems like the smartest move to vote him out.
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So Champ and I just had like an hour and a half call(and we're probably gonna call more later to talk about things) and like.....I don't wanna say I trust her but I really want to trust her. Like we out here vibing and I just hope she stays loyal bc I genuinely want to work with her so I think it's really good if she wants to work with me too. I feel like it would be wise to call w/Kaleigh at some point as well, just to get on top of things, but genuinely Kaleigh and Champ are the two people I want to be sitting at the end with. And I know, I know, you have to take goats along so that your game seems better and blahblahblah. Whatever, sue me. Also I genuinely don't know who is allied with who right now, but I do have theories. I think Kolby is probably in Alex's pocket, and if Alex is smart(which he is, in a very mischievous and tailored way) then he's definitely aligned with Raffy. I know MH might be close with Kolby as well, but maybe they won't tell him anything, if we(or I) stress the worries that I have surrounding that. Chances are that whatever we tell Kolby, makes a beeline right to Raffy, or at least to Alex, both of which aren't good. I definitely also think that Colin and Astyn have made their way back to Raffy, and also Colin apparently has a rather big mouth, so it's not wise to tell him anything of substance.
Champ and I also talked about who we'd want to get out, and the list as it stands is Raffy, then Alex, then Colin, in order of threat level. As it stands, the plan could be this: Kaleigh and I, and at least Jack don't have votes. There's a large possibility that more people than that don't have votes. But let's talk about what we are almost positive of. Kaleigh and Jack don't have votes, and neither do I. So, valid votes without extra votes are 9. If I use my extra vote, and Champ uses her extra vote and her normal vote, and MH votes with us, perhaps we'll be able to bring in Tony too, that gives us 5 votes. If we're lucky, the other votes will be scattered. If not, we'll either have majority, or go to rocks. At least that's the goal. I have no clue what's happening challenge wise, but we'll see. Stay tuned for more folks.
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Ok so let’s get one thing straight. I still don’t trust none of these bitches. Especially since ya bitch doesn’t have a vote. HOWEVER, I think I’m making a plan. Most of the people in the Mystery Machine group(those of em w/votes) seem to want to vote Astyn, especially is good if MH can convince Tony to vote w/them. I’ve also heard Michael’s name from people like Kolby, and Colin seems to want to vote for Michael as well. Sooooo, if I’m lucky, the votes will be split somewhat between Michael and Astyn, sending one of them home. I don’t want to use my idol, because that will break the trust of everyone, so I just have to hope that tribal goes my way. Also, EVERYONE is coming out of the woodworks to talk w/me, I also have been trying to talk with others as well lol, since I kinda got a bit lax and didn’t do much talking for a bit. So I just have to stay on top of my social game more.
Colin
FUCK YEAH I'M SAFE
that challenge was so chaotic. glad we made it thru.
I haven't heard anything about the first vote yet, which is fun because I know it's going to turn out chaotic, but at LEAST I'M SAFE so I don't have to worry about it. Zee also put together a chat with me, Jack, and Champ and I suppose it's going to be an alliance. I'm excited for it, but there's not a ton of loyalty there, there's other people I wanna work with more. This group only formed because we played the codenames challenge together. I think I'm gonna try to reinstate the power rangers alliance with Raffy, Jack, and Astyn. BUT I also really wanna work with Eman and Alex, so I need to lay ground work there because we haven't been on a tribe together before.
I have nothing else to confess about so here's a power ranking of everyone on the tribe, ranked by how much I wanna work with them
1. Alex
2. Eman
3. Zee
4. Raffy
5. Kaleigh
6. Jack
7. Astyn
8. Champ
9. Kolby
10. Michael
11. Tony
will confess later when tribal starts triballing.
Jack
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side note: I love Michael and would not throw him into the firing line unless it’s a last resort option but I was HELLA frustrated with his answers screwing us in the challenge
Kolby
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Michael
We have tribal council tonight, I've heard from pretty much everyone that the vote is Astyn. Just makes sense at this point. So I'll go that way.
Raffy
I do not really have much to say. I haven't really been socializing well with my tribe, so I have no idea where the vibe is. Apparently, Kolby and Zee are leading the charge against Astyn which I hate. But I can't do much about it because I don't even have a vote. I could use my idol on Astyn, but to take out who? There's no one whose eligible that I really want gone. I wish the target would change from Astyn to Michael. If it has to be someone from OG Calypso, let it be someone I was never in an alliance with, you know? I just hope I can find my footing because I feel a bit lost right now.
Kaleigh
broooo i got a knowledge is power advantage holy shit. it stresses me out bc i’m like well maybe i should save it but i dont wanna be one of those ding dongs who leaves the game w an advantage that could have saved them. uuuuuuugggggggh.
lmao zee asked to chat and casually was like “i lost my vote in an idol hunt but i have that other vote from before,” as if she had told me about it, i was like hmm what vote? she was all “DID I NOT TELL U?” baby i c u!! u know u didn’t tell me hun. either that or the bimbo alliance is more aptly named than i thought. anyway so i'm not sure if champ told her i knew (rude) or if she just decided that she wanted to lock in w me. either way... NOTED!!!!
okay what is new what is newwwww. i’m vulnerable at tribal (i just typed TRIBLE LMFAO) , alex lost his vote in the SAME IDOL HUNT THAT ZEE DID!!! i wish i had told him not to go down that path but i didn’t know how to w/o telling him zee lost her vote. which NOW… i wish i j had cuz zee has suddenly gone extreeeemely messy. OR IS IT ME WHO’S BECOME MESSY? AM *I* THE DRAMA?!?!? zee wants michael out (probably bc he is the person she’s spent the least time talking with) and i want astyn out (for the same reason and also they are allied w raffy who is not allowed to get far in this game!!). so zee asked who we should vote and i said astyn and she was like “or we could stay soca strong and vote out michael.” LOL voting out astyn would be soca strong??? what r u talking aboutttTTT!!! and alex said after he threw Astyn’s name out to zee and zee said michael, five minutes later colin told alex that kolby was the one who mentioned michael’s name , not zee LMAOOO she is just… doing a lot. these sentences are so confusing even to me. ANYWAY.
alex and i are pipe dreaming about whether or not there’s a way to get zee out tonight - i havent told him (or anyone) about my advantage, j bc i’m kinda scared he’ll target me, but honestly i like alex and it feels like he’s been pretty forthcoming with me about stuff, AND he’s usually available for a phone call which is like everythinggg. like i like playing w him. we also figured out michael and tony might be irl friends bc alex noticed a familiarity when tony said something to trinica in the scavenger hunt challenge and michael told me yday he’s friends w trin and that’s why he’s in this game. AGAIN… something steven was correct about - he had said that he chose michael to be on that second soca formation bc he wanted to separate michael and tony bc they were both in texas and might know each other. genius! i miss steven!! but michael and i talked game finally (phew) and he seems to want to work with me and also alex which YAY. he said he and tony are voting astyn. i wish it felt like there was an easy way to get zee out this round cuz her gameplay is giving CONFUSING. and i dont like it LOL i haven’t gotten to talk to champ at all since the results of the challenge came out, and i’m kind of nervous about that. i thiiiiink we can get astyn out but zee is making me very wary cuz she’s j not rly replying and knowing that she’s trying to orchestrate some weird michael vote out is just creeping me out. ANYWHO… not much else to say. i might tell alex that zee lost her vote the same way he did to see if he can come up with any ideas to get her out tonight but i j dont think i feel it. might be too big a move rn or too divisive or alienating to ppl who aren’t in on the vote. or maybe it would just fail LOL who knows!! astyn feels like a safe vote rn but who knows what will happen before/at tribal. not me :) part of me is like, vote me out so i can have my life back!!! and the other part is like, if i get voted out my life will be over!! which is… truly out of touch with reality!!
Alex
It's fascinating seeing everyone keeping their cards so close to their chest for this first vote. Kolby and Zee both straight up asked me who I was thinking without any buildup but when I spun it back on Zee she was like "I don't have any big thoughts." Like, I know you suggested Michael to Kaleigh so you definitely have thoughts, you just suddenly don't want to share them with me? I know Eman and I will talk game today but we're at least having conversation outside of the game, too. Kaleigh and Michael are the two I feel genuinely solid with right now, and Champ, she's just hard to reach already and it makes me worried going forward. Kaleigh and I were thinking Asytn because they're one of the only two we haven't really met yet, and when Kaleigh floated it to Michael Michael floated it to me. So I think we're all solid as a trio, we just don't have a group chat or anything to make it official like Champ, Kaleigh, and I do. Jack it sounds like is also on board, at least for Astyn, but I don't know if it's because he and Michael are close or because he's just going along with what keeps him safe. Colin and I are dancing around giving up any information to each other and since he's tight with Zee I'm trying not to make the first move. Raffy and I haven't talked since before the challenge even kicked off, so I don't know where we stand, and Tony and I haven't talked since pre-merge but whatever.
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LMAO I just remembered I don't even have a vote for this. Idol hunting is a nightmare and I'm half-considering stopping hunting entirely so I don't get hit with something else.
Astyn
This round been so quiet for me. I feel like my time has come to an end in this game. I was so excited to make merge. But i have never been so alone in the game. People I thought I was working with with aren't talking to me.
Tribal Council
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Votes
Lost Votes: Alex, Kaleigh, Zee, Raffy, Jack, Astyn
Colin: Michael (I don’t think you’re going but unanimous votes are boring!)
Tony: Astyn (nothing personal, we just didn’t have time to connect)
Michael: Astyn (At this point it just makes sense for my game, hope you have a good one!)
Champ: Astyn (OPE OPE OPE)
Eman: Astyn (I hate voting for an enby during Pride month, but to do otherwise would be tokenism.)
Kolby: Astyn (they’re super sweet and i’m sad about this but everyone just wants an easy vote and i don’t want to rock the boat this early in the merge!)
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My RECAP: Brian Stokes Mitchell and Seth Rudetsky with South Shore Orchestra at Madison Theatre at Molloy University, March 31, 2023
[Brian Stokes Mitchell performs with Seth Rudetsky and the South Shore Orchestra at Madison Theatre at Molloy University in Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York on Friday, March 31, 2023.]
Road trip to Long Island
This was our first Stokes show of 2023 (and hopefully not our last). We were hoping that a miracle would happen and that some tickets to the Ragtime Reunion Concert would materialize for us, but alas it was not in the cards. Not to worry though, because we had this Stokes show lined up for just a few days later. So, me and my bestie hopped in the car for the 2-hour drive to Long Island soundtracked by Little Steven's Underground Garage on SiriusXM because our tastes are eclectic even when driving towards musical theater royalty.
The last time we saw Stokes with Seth Rudetsky was almost a year ago to the day, on April 4, 2022 at The Town Hall in NYC (x). At that show, they sang and talked around a single piano with no other accompanists. This time around, Seth and Stokes were joined by a full orchestra, The South Shore Orchestra, so once again, we were treated to a slightly different configuration that made this show another really special night. It's hard to explain how multiple shows with very similar set lists can feel so fresh and alive and different, but this is just always how I feel after going to see Brian Stokes Mitchell - granted I am that goofy nerd that will listen to a song on repeat for days and get goosebumps every time and find an element of it I've never clocked before on like listen number 72. Side note: please consider listening to these two Leonard Cohen songs back-to-back on repeat for like 14 days straight to prove you are a normal functioning adult human person.
Happy birthday to me? And the president plays guitar
The pre-show butterflies were real when we were sitting in the seats in this really beautiful venue and chatting with the retired women in our row, looking out at the stage with all the instruments resting near the chairs and highlighted by that purple glow all venues seem to have. The show was preceded by some remarks by members of the university brass (the people in charge at the fundraisers not the horn players). At one point, the president of the university got up to speak and mentioned that he was going to be filling in on guitar with the orchestra. We saw him in the lobby after the show and told him he did a great job, which was a fun, wholesome little moment!
Another fun moment (also terrifying?!) happened about halfway through the show, when Seth suddenly said "Where's Dana?" and when I tell you the adrenaline rush that went through me was no joke. Now for those of you that don't know, my name is Dana, but Seth was not talking about me, apparently the university president's wife is also named Dana and it was her birthday. Anyway, I got to hear Stokes and a whole auditorium sing "happy birthday" to Dana, so I'll take that as a win for me personally and will play that for myself next January.
Turns out songs sound super cool with a full orchestra
The rest of the show was fun and moving and sounded really amazing with the full orchestra. There were songs we got to hear with the full orchestra for the first time that we had only ever heard with a small band or just piano before. Some full orchestra highlights were "This Nearly Was Mine," "A Wizard Every Day" (apologies to everyone for the unhinged shoutout, but it's like our fave), "Feeling Good," and "Getting Married Today." Stokes did his Methuselah bit in "Ain't Necessarily So," which honestly, I never get tired of seeing because the goofiness of it all. And to cap things off, at the end of the same week of the very emotional Ragtime reunion, Stokes asked Seth to sing Audra's parts on "Wheels of a Dream" and it was everything.
Here's the full set list:
I, Don Quixote
How to Handle a Woman
Stars
Ain't Necessarily So
Happy Birthday (to Dana)
This Nearly Was Mine
A Wizard Every Day
Feeling Good
Getting Married Today
Wheels of a Dream (Seth doing Audra's parts)
Impossible Dream
Who has CDs anymore (hint: it's me)
This show was at a theater on a college campus and it was inside a bigger campus building and so they didn't close down after the show was over. We ended up hanging out for a bit, which is when we got to chat with the guitar-playing-university-president and other Dana of birthday fame, but we also had the opportunity to briefly meet Stokes too. So, one year after being incoherent at the stage door of the Town Hall show, I actually was able to say words this time.
Earlier in the night, Seth opened up the floor for a few questions and people were very interested in what Stokes might be up to next, including my best friend who had the courage to raise their hand and ask about plans for the Plays With Music re-release. Like Stokes has said before, the album will be re-released soon along with both of his other albums. He made a joke about the fact that you can only listen to it right now if you have the CD, and who has CDs anymore. He also mentioned that the Ragtime Reunion concert was filmed and to keep an eye out for information on that by visiting the Entertainment Community Fund website.
So, I managed to say "hi" and ask Stokes to sign something. When he saw the Plays With Music CD in my hand, he enthusiastically said "You had the CD!" and I said "I had the CD!" which honestly made my night. He signed my CD and took a selfie with both of us and that was that. We walked off into the chilly, early spring night feeling that spiritual renewal that only your favorite music can bring you.
#brian stokes mitchell#musical theater#broadway#seth rudetsky#greater stokes awareness#greater stokes awareness: my recap#greater stokes awareness: author's note
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Chapter 4
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(Y/N) spent about an hour showing Spinel around the small town, giving the pink gem a rundown of the tiny metropolis. At some point Spinel stopped processing the words the short girl was saying since her brain seems to be on the fritz as alarms went off in her head. Because at this very moment (Y/N) was holding her hand. She was holding (Y/N) hand. They are holding hands! This was all she could think about for the last hour; they're laced fingers locked together. It felt nice. However, as a means of distraction from the hand holding, the pink gem began to pay attention to (Y/N) facial expressions. The taller gem admiring every smile line whenever she smiled, or the way her eyebrows knitted together or the way her cute nose scrunches up! This isn’t helping. Spinel averts her eyes when the (Y/G) would glance up at her. She could feel her cheeks glowing pink. Shit she was almost caught staring! Little did Spinel knew, she was, a few times, and it only made (Y/N) smile as she walked closer to Spinel; their arms brushing against one another every so often.
"Ok, I think it's time for us to take a break. I'm going to take you to my favorite ice cream shop! They have the best (F/F) ever! It's so creamy and sweet, I know you'll love it." She sighs softly ready to have her favorite frozen treat.
"There it is!" The (C/G) gem calls out happily, (Y/N) picks up her pace as she tugs the pink gem along. Spinel grins to herself eagerness; she had a feeling she has to get used to the idea of her arm possibly be dislocated. And she was ok with that. The two approached a cute yellow shop with a large neon sign reading "Scoops". Before the two made it to the door, the tall gem used her stretching abilities to open the door and gestured for (Y/N) to go first.
"After you ." Spinel says softly.
"Thank you." Y/N replies as she walked into the chilly shop. The two made their way to the front, standing at the register was a short teal Opal gem, she waves at them politely as she glanced at the familiar (Y/G)
"Would you like your usual Ms. (Y/N)?" Opal asks getting ready to punch in the order.
"Yes!" the (Y/G) answers nearly rocking in place, eyes wide with childlike wonder. The teal Opal looks over at Spinel and asks her for her order too.
"I'll take a raspberry cone please." The magenta gem orders. The list was huge so she just called out the first one she could see. Food wasn’t her thing but she enjoys sweets.
"Ok, your total will be $7.45." Opal confirms with a bright smile. Spinel reached into her sweater pocket to pull out her money, Steven had given her some for the outing. The slim gem then glances over sees (Y/N) pulling out her wallet from her dress pocket. Um no? She was not about to let this cutie pay for her, not on her watch. With a heavy sigh, Spinel begrudgingly releases the short gem's hand. The pink gem stretches her arm around (Y/N) and swipes the wallet from her grasp. (E/C) eyes widen as they followed the hand as it springs back to Spinel. The pink gem tucked it away in her sweater for safekeeping.
"Spi-"
"I gotcha covered." She says coolly giving the cashier the proper amount of money.
"But you're my guest; I'm supposed to treat you." The (Y/G) explains as she pouts gazing up at the pink girl. God, she's too damn cute for her own sake. It wasn't fair on how big of an impact (Y/N) has over her already. Spinel averts her eyes away as she rubs the back of her neck.
"It's the least I could do for you for being so nice to me." Spinel informs as she gives (Y/N) a shy smile. (Y/N) chest tighten as her cheeks lit up. This was the first time she has seen Spinel smile! And it was so cute! The (E/C) eyed female could feel the gem on her neck grow warm as she memorized the wrinkles by Spinel's eyes. The short gem hums thoughtfully before taking the frozen treats.
"Fine, but next time I'm treating!" she says, playfully bumping hips with the taller gem. Spinel's left brow quirks up as her orbs followed her retreating figure. Next time? She wanted to ask what she meant by that but decided against it. Maybe when they were lone.
................................
The pair made their way across the street to a large park in the middle of Little Homeworld. They sat on a bench as they finished their frozen treats in a comfortable silence. Spinel watched as other couples wander the park enjoying the warm weather. Her eyes spotted two gems holding hands as they sat on the swing beside each other. Her eyes drifted down towards (Y/N) petite hands that rested next to hers. Feeling warm under the collar, Spinel tried to summon the courage to touch her hand, but she couldn't do it! The pink gem was in an internal war with herself as she trembled in her spot wanting to have physical connect with her again. UGHHH why was she so pathetic!
"Spinel?"
"Yes!" the pink gem shouts nervously startling (Y/N).
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean t-to shout." (Y/G) waves it off as she leans in closer into Spinel's personal space.
"Don’t worry about it, I just wanted to make sure you were having.” (Y/N) hums sweetly as she swings her short legs, her feet barely touching the ground.
"Y-yeah, I'm having f-fun, but I've b-been meaning to ask y-you something. S-something that d-doesn't make any sense." Spinel informs, her voice trailed off at the end. (Y/N) stops swinging her feet and turned her body to let Spinel know she has her full attention.
"Sure, what is it?" Spinel could feel every atom in her body shaking with fear, her chest constricting tightly with each second that goes by. Relax, she needed to....relax. The pink gem took in a deep breath holding it for ten seconds and slowly releasing it. Ok, she could do this. Spinel lifts her head higher as she shifts her magenta orbs to look directly into (E/C) eyes.
"At the ice cream parlor you said, you’ll be treating next time. What did you mean by that?” (Y/N) blinks her eyes several times as she tilts her head to the side.
“Well it means I would like to hang out without with again.” The curvy gem answers like it was obvious. Or at least she thought SHE was being obvious about her crush towards Spinel.
“See thats what I don’t get? Why do you want to hang out with me again?” Spinel quips anxiously back needing more clarity. Why would she want to be around her! Spinel knew (F/N) and everyone in Little Homeworld knew who she is! They have to know what she has done! And if she does why does she wants to be even near her!!
"Because you're nice." (Y/N) answers simply as she waited for the slender gems reaction. The (Y/G) didn’t understand why this was so important to Spinel. It seems like she wants a life altering answer on why she wants to be spend time with her but she doesn’t have one.
The dots were not connecting for the pink gem and it was beginning to irritate her. Spinel sat unmoving on the bench as she stared down at the (Y/G), her expression completely unreadable. (Y/N) began to shift her eyes around growing nervous under the magenta hues. Did she say something wrong? Before (Y/N) could speak, Spinel started chuckling to herself, it gradually got louder and it threw (Y/N) completely off guard. It was not a happy laugh either, it was a laugh empty of joy and filled to the brim with bitterness.
"W-what's so funny?" (Y/N) asks meekly. Spinel quicks her laughing then snaps her attention back to the short gem as she frowns in disdain.
"You. You're what's funny!" she responses mockingly. Ok? The short girl's eyes widen with confusions as she grips the hem of her dress in firmly completely confused what is happening. Spinel resumes her spiteful laughter as she leans forward placing her elbows on her knees. The pink gem felt like she had completely crashed and could not help the uncontrollable laughter that erupted from her form. Spinel has spent the majority of the day thinking about why a talented and beautiful gem such as (Y/N) wanted to hang around her? A gem that is twisted and completely unstable! And to hear her say it was because she thinks she is nice! What a joke! Where on earth would she get that idea from? Spinel hasn't done anything nice in her life! All she has ever been was a burden!
The self-hatred laughter died down, she then sharpens her eyes in a scowl. Her teeth gritted down as the pink gem felt the fire of distrust burn within. Was she toying with her? (Y/N) has to know who she is and what she has done, right?! Of course, she knows! She is friends with the Crystal Gems! Maybe this was a setup! Was she using some form of reverse psychology? Maybe this was all some elaborate plan to see if she is still as unhinged as the day she left.Why else would she be gaslighting her like this? Paranoia floods her mind drowning any rational thought she had left. Spinel felt her eyebrows twitch uncontrollably as she let her insecurity devour her.
"Did you hit your head or something? Or are you always this full of shit? Why would you think that? I know you heard about me and what I've done. I gave you no reason to believe I am nice. Was it because I bought you ice-cream, mmhm!? If that's your only proof then you set the standards for yourself pretty damn low! It's sad really! If that's all that it takes for you to consider ME nice to consider hanging out with me, I can’t imagine what I have to do to get between your legs." Spinel cracks with a sadistic grin.
(Y/N) eyes widen in anger as she stood up from the spot on the bench, her hand glowing a bright (F/C) as she reeled it back as far as she can and swung it forward with all her might. She refused to let anyone talk to her like that.
SLAP
Spinel head swirls around from the powerful impact as she hisses in pain. Damn, that really hurt, she knew it was going to leave a nasty bruise. The pink gem unwind her neck as she cupped her injured cheek, her eyes meeting teary (E/C) ones. (Y/N) breathed heavily in anger as her tiny hands shook with rage.
"You are such-"
"A bitch? Asshole? Monster?!" Spinel suggested with a crooked smile. The pink gem felt her figurative heartbreak knowing this was her defense mechanism trying to protect her. Protecting her from any more pain. The hatred that she harbors for herself had completely overruled Spinel's hope for any potential relationship with (Y/N). She knew she was already attached to the (Y/G), and it scared her on how quickly it happened. The magenta gem refused to let anyone have that kind of hold on her again.
(Y/N) seethed in rage as her fists glowed once more, angry tears building up in her eyes.
"To t-think you...you...fuck!" (Y/N) growls under her breath, choking on her tears. How did this happen? How did this day take a wild one eighty!? (Y/N) saw a crowd begin to form and it took everything inside her to ignore the stares.
"To think what? That I was NICE?" Spinel snaps as she reaches over and grabs (Y/N) wrist.
"Oh I'm a swell gal alright. I'm sooooo nice that I brought an injector to earth filled with Bio-Poison to kill your precious Steven! To completely wipe him out from existence right along with the planet and his friends! YOUR friends! So please tell me what it is that you?!” Spinel demands as she glared harshly at (Y/N). The furious gem began to tower over the (G/C) girl as she grabs her other wrist to yank her closer, staring directly into (E/C) hues trying to figure out what her aim is.
"ANSWER ME!" She screams into the short gem's face, panic laced within her words.
"To think you were the one that found me!" (Y/N) roars back into the Spinel's face refusing to let the pink gem intimidate her. Spinel's face contours in confusion when her words-processed in her head. Found her? What did she mean by that?
(Y/N) growls as a blinding white light consumed her form, this startled Spinel as her grasped loosen around her wrist. The (G/C) gem latched her hands onto Spinel's forearms keeping her in place.
"Let go of me!" Spinel yells frantically trying to escape the iron grip of the short gem, but no dice. The light then creeps up onto the base of Spinel's forearms and spread to the rest of her body. This kicked her into panic mode as her eyes dilated in fear, feeling her skin heating up.
The two then vanished into thin air.
#spinel#spinel steven universe#steven universe#cute#fanfic#love#reader#spinel x reader#su#spinel x self insert#spinel x you#spinel x fanfic#spinel x y/n
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a covidsation with mary claire
For the first Covidsation for autumn quarter, here is an interview I did back in May with Mary Claire, my dear friend and one of my favorite local artists. Mary Claire is a singer-songwriter based here in Seattle who makes “sad girl rock” (see: Mitski, Angel Olsen, etc.). I first met them through the DIY scene and was lucky enough to book them at the finale Red Room show, a house venue I used to live at and help run. As evidenced by the picture below taken that very night, seeing Mary Claire play live is a magical, mesmerizing, captivating experience. Often accompanied with minimal, but tonally-rich instrumentals, their powerful and hauntingly stunning voice paired with visceral, poetic lyrics transport you into another realm. I *highly* recommend listening to their album Phantom Limb, which you can find on your streaming platform of choice or you can snag a physical copy at Everyday Music on the Hill like I did! Last month, they also just released an incredible stop-motion music video for their song off PL called “I Don’t Like Drinking”, directed, edited, and animated by Barb Hoffman, which you can find here! Thank you Mary Claire for these thoughtful responses and for creating such vulnerable, beautiful art <3
Lola Gil: Tell me about your project. How has it evolved? Which artists are you most inspired by? How would you describe your sound?
Mary Claire: Hi hi I’m Mary Claire. I was never someone who was playing music since they were a little kiddo, it was something I picked up my senior year of high school. But pretty much everyone in my family has some amazing and weirdly specific aptitude for music, so I think being surrounded by that kind of allowed me to gather an eclectic, personal understanding, appreciation, and internalized feeling for music, so I never really took lessons or anything like that. I enjoyed and still enjoy that from the start, I was okay with the fact that I didn’t know “academic” theory and I just played with what feels and sounds right. And I still do that. So I played around with all those youthful punk feelings and had an angsty band in high school that was not bad for small town Sacramento. I think I learned so much from that and it gave me a flood of unhindered and unhinged confidence for recording, performing, maneuvering stage mechanics and technicalities, etc. Also it introduced me into the world of songwriting that I did for that band and for myself that just immediately poured out of me, which led me to what I’m doing now. I am extremely lyrically-focused and write mostly about lived personal experience that I surrender to and make extremely overly-wordy. I went from a solo act, to a bigger full piece crunchier band, to me and a piano player, back to a solo set, so I’m really just kind of evolving with my resources, the songs I’m currently living in and playing, and with what would bring everything to life most fully.
I’m inspired by everyone, even if I don’t necessarily sound like them or listen to them all the time. Like, my adoration for incredibly angry punk music is what got me started in the creation of my own music, so that foundation will never leave me. Even though I won’t sound like IDLES or Shame or Pissed Jeans, their point of view and their devotion to cramming so many words into one breath is a place I also come from. We execute similar feelings in different ways. And though I currently am not anything like Yves Tumor, King Krule, or FKA Twigs, the layers in their stuff sends me so far. But I think lyrically and melodically, I pull inspiration from and sink most into Mitski, Sasami, Angel Olsen, Palehound, Big Thief, Bella Porter, Darci Phenix, Fiona Apple, Sufjan Stevens, Izumi, and Weyes Blood.
Someone once said my tunes are “sad girl rock” and I think that sticks in a fun, quick way, so that’s what I tell people. But more recently, the stuff on my upcoming album I think is like a sad, fucked up, incredibly fast-paced nursery rhyme book (lol). I’m really excited for this album I wrote, more than anything ever. Also my good friend and twin flame Francis is helping me record it and is giving me a lot of knowledge and challenges and affirmations and inspiration. I owe a lot of this second album’s production and complexity him. There are a lot more people involved in the recording of this one, so it’s a lot fuller in a new and exciting and scary way.
LG: As an artist, how have you been affected by the pandemic? I saw most of your tour you had booked was unfortunately cancelled-- are you planning on rescheduling?
MC: Rescheduling feels so completely beyond me right now, so I am just considering it to be cancelled until things in the world really start to settle down to some degree of safety and responsibility. However, the silver lining in all of this ‘rona stuff is that it has given me a ton of time to recenter myself with my music and devote my own energy into recording and feeling the core of my upcoming album. I think when the world is moving so fast, it’s easy for me to feel like I’m behind, like other people are getting shit done faster and in a more “impressive way”, in a way that matters more or has more inherent value. So when we are all forced to stay at home with ourselves, not only does it remind me that all of those insecurities are completely not real and are in fact a delusion borne from a capitalistic-productivity-equals-artistic-worth-framework, but I also get time to actually enjoy and fine tune what I otherwise might have just thrown out into the ether desperately and prematurely in hopes to be current and up to date and ~with it~.
LG: Have you been working on writing any new tunes? Have you been involved in any other creative projects recently?
MC: When I was recording Phantom Limb, I wrote the majority of my next upcoming album, so while those songs don’t feel incredibly new, there is a ton of stuff I have yet to share and that I am so eager to scream to the world. It feels like some of the stuff I am most proud of making in my entire life.
But since I left for Berlin to study abroad last fall to when I came back to Seattle this January, I really hadn’t written anything new. I think I had been going through a lot of personal and immense change and hard growth that wasn’t particularly inspiring, it just sucked and was intense and necessary, but sometimes all that bad stuff is not something you can just make art out of. Plus I had to just do something totally different and invest and surrender to techno and being a gross city Eurotrash gremlin and let that out cathartically. But recently, I wrote my first super new song in what feels like ages, and I’m so happy. I was afraid maybe I’d forgotten how to do it, but it’s pouring out of me again and I feel like me again. I have also been working a bit back and forth with a friend from the project World Peace. We just keep sending clips back and forth and weaving our separate projects together a bit, which is something I’ve never done and I’m having a ton of fun, especially because our music is so different. Besides that, I have some plans to work with another good friend Izumi after having adored them the moment I moved here.
LG: How have you personally been dealing with the pandemic and the craziness that is 2020? What has your quarantine experience been like so far?
MC: I went home to Sacramento for a month and watched more TV than I had probably in my entire life. It was really good to see my family and siblings who I miss so much. But I came back to Seattle in April and since then have just been spending my days in a limbo of online school weirdness. But I’m so fortunate that I live with so many people who are all so unique, all of whom I feel are my best friends. So I definitely don’t get too bored:)
LG: What music have you been listening to during quarantine? What has been your go-to isolation album?
MC: Okay to be honest, when I begin to think of my next album and what it feels like inside of me, I make one single playlist with like hours and hours of songs on it and it’s the only thing I listen to for like a year. So I’m prone to listening to the same stuff perpetually forever and always, but I think I’ve always sort of been like that. It makes the feeling familiar. But since I’ve felt close to the sounds of my upcoming album for a long while now, I’ve actually pretty much been listening to what is my ~album 3~ inspo playlist, because I already feel that beast growing inside of me. I’m a planner.
Most of the artists on those playlists are the ones I listed above in regards to who I feel are my biggest inspirations. But right when quarantine started though I would pretty much only play Man Alive!, I would just go through the whole thing and then restart immediately. When I was in Sacramento, my family had a rule I could only play it with headphones because it was literally nonstop, that’s just how I consume things; I take a bath in them until I feel every single part of what was made. But other than that, I’ve been bumping Peter Campanelli’s Pesto Baby and crying a lot about it, Darci Phenix’s (my best bud from Sac) Juniper Street which is some of the best songwriting literally ever, and Francis Farmer’s Bruised Fruit which is SO expertly recorded and thought out, I am so lucky he is my friend and wants to record my upcoming album with me.
LG: Arethere any spring shows that you were particularly looking forward to attending that got cancelled?
MC: Pretty much all of them imaginable.
LG: How do you think the Seattle music scene is going to be like post-COVID?
MC: Hopefully, this can recenter us and remind us we’re all really really and truly in this together. It’s up to us to lift each other up and get each other on bills and spread the word and create community for those who need it most and for those whose lives rely on this art. Seattle seems like it is really good at that on a small scale, but once it gets to a little bit larger stage, it’s easy for people to forget where they came from, who supported them, and what should be at the forefront of our radars. I think shedding this cool guy persona and getting back to why this shit is so important and listening to/PROMOTING smaller artists who are making The Best stuff is something everyone could be reminded to do.
LG: In this funky era of social distancing, how do you think artists can support each other during these weird and difficult times? How do you think social media is facilitating and/or inhibiting connection within Seattle’s overall creative community?
MC: I think people’s ability to make what seemed like such an immediate switch to social media music promotion and shows was really amazing. However, it makes me feel a bit hopeless and dystopian and sci-fi in a weird way. That being said, trying to resist the change has only proven to be detrimental to me and kind has come back to kick me in the ass. Like, I should not be turning down opportunities just because livestreams kind of freak me out in how foreign and disconnected they can appear to be. I’m no better than them, and it’s important I think to accept things where they’re at instead of pretending they’re not happening.
That being said, I think everyone has been maneuvering with such grace and empathy and compassion for others in a way that I can really feel, and I hope that sticks around forever.
- Lola Gil
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Broken but not Shattered Ch3
As the small pink gem opened her suitcase she was greeted by clothes, lots of clothes. White Diamond really enjoyed seeing her in earth clothing but Spinel didn't mind it though. She also saw her hair brush and a small note from Yellow Diamond.
'I made sure they packed your hair brush for you. You have pretty hair Spinel. I just hope you can brush it whenever you have time.' -Yellow Diamond~
Spinel could feel her face flush a light rose pink as she blushed at the compliment. She never thought that Yellow would say such a thing about her but the compliment seemed to make the young gem happy as she continued to dig through her luggage finding more clothes and ladies underwear and bras which were nice while wearing earth clothes and as Spinel kept digging through her suitcase she blushed again as the small pink gem pulled out a pink stuffed teddy bear. It was so, so soft and smelled sweet. The stuffed bear had cute pink eyes and nose a white nuzzle and adorned a pastel blue bow. Spinel could feel her face burn a light red; she didn't think the three pearls would pack this? Oh but that wasn't the end of it, as the pink gem glanced down at her suitcase her pink eyes stared at a soft baby pink blanket. It was soft, so soft, warm and cozy. Spinel however wondered why she would need something like this. There was a nite on the blanket which was written by Blue Diamond.
'Steven has told us that he could teach you a thing on earth called "sleeping." It's beneficial and allows you to feel more energized and refreshed. It may even do you some good. Those bags under your eyes is starting to worry us.'
Spinel looked down at the note feeling guilty.
'Your such a burden.' Her mind hissed.
Spinel sniffed looking away and roughly whipping her eyes as she continued reading the note.
'So I found out that humans use soft objects cand calming books to help aid them in sleep. Hopefully these should help aid you into sleep and maybe you might start "dreaming." as they say.. Steven says you dream while you sleep and that its quite pleasant.
May all your dreams be sweet and pleasant my beloved Spinel.' -Blue Diamond~
Spinel stared down at the message and smiled she was so close to tears by the thoughtfulness of the diamonds who came to love her. Spinel hummed nuzzling into the blanket which was so soft. Maybe she could do this, there came comfort from reading Blue's nite a small sense of comfort that seemed to ease the pink gem a little. As Spinel continued digging through her luggage she saw ...she saw..
Her medication.
Spinel stopped and stared down at her antidepressants and anxiety medication. It had become so quiet in the room you could hear a pin drop. Spinel swallowed a lump in her throat as it tightened and it felt hard to breath for a moment. It was as if the oxygen was being forced out of her lungs. It hurt....it hurt a lot. Spinel looked down her eyes were bubbling with tears that threatened to spill, she didn't even understand how she managed to read the note as her eyes were getting gradually blurry from her unshed tears.
'Dear Spinel, this shouldn't come as a surprise . I want to make sure you take your medication. Last time ...something happened and Blue, Yellow and I were terribly worried and...I am worried we don't want what happened to happen again. Anyway Starlight do remember to call us when your feeling sad. Have a wonderful time on earth Sponel. -White Diamond~
Spinel bit her lip trying to suppress her tears back. She felt so terrible right now.
'Your such a disgrace for a gem.' Her mind taunted. Spinel looked away from her medication it was just another harsh reminder of her mentally unhinged mind and her failed shattering attempt. Spinel choked back a hiccup, she had indeed attamept to shatter herself by pulling in her gem.
Pulling, pulling, pulling. She welcomed the pain. The harsh aching stinging feeKing that was being registered throughout her whole being. She couldn't help it. She just needed the numbness to stop. This was possibly her way of dealing with the numbness she was feeling. Was it right? Absolutely not, in no way shape or form. Spinel thought in that spare moment that she felt so numb that she thought it was the best thing to do. So when Blue found her in her room almond lifeless with her gem out of its place had caused all three diamonds to panic. Blue had wept so much it was beginning to concern Yellow. White managed to heal Spinel and place her gem back into its place again. It ended in Whute looking for medication to help Spinel and Yellow keeping a much kneeler eye on the pink gem. Spinel stood up hiding her medication
She didn't want any of the crystal gems finding out about what she had or what she had done. That would make things so much worse so the small and very much afraid Spinel decided to keep it to herself. Spinel gasped hearing Steven call out for her.
"I'm coming." She called back getting up and heeding downstairs to join everyone.
Everyone seemed to be here the crystal gems Steven and Steven's dad UmGreg. Steven smiled patting a spot between him and Amethyst. At first the small pink gem seemed hesitant but eventually she reluctantly sat beside them.
"We're having potato bacon soup tonight." Steven said to her with a calm smile.
"Soup?" Spinel asked, confused yet curious.
Amethyst grins.
"It's really good earth food." She chimes.
Spinel looks at the purple gem and listens.
"It's a really good food I think you'll like." Steven tells her.
"We normally eat it around cold times but Pearl thought it would be a nice recipe to try out." Steven said.
Spinel nods and remains white listening somewhat to the purple gem and the hybrid diamond talked. However that was when Steven noticed that Spinel was really quiet.
"Hey Slinel everything okay?" He asked.
Spinel had looked at Steven when called her name she had probably been lost in her own thoughts before hearing him.
"H-huh?"
"Everything okay? You seem to be real quiet." Steven says.
"I am? Sorry. I guess I was just thinking." She told him.
'Don't let them see how much you're falling apart. They'll never want to hang out with a broken gem like yourself.' Spinel's mind hissed.
Spinel forced a smile as Steven stared at her.
"Do you want to talk about it?" He asked.
'No! If you tell him he'll never want to talk to you ever again.' Her mind screamed.
Spinel looked at him and shook her head.
"N-no I'm fine." Spinel lied.
Steven looked at Spinel and could tell something was wrong, she was keeping something from him but didn't want to push any further thinking that it might upset her. Spinel shifted in her seat as dinner was being served. This seemed to almost ease Spinel a little since everyone would be eating which was a good thing since the small pink gem didn't want to talk all that much but she did listen carefully on what everyone was talking about.
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Steven Lim, cocktail maestro
I knew I missed Steven Lim content but I did not know how much until the new bonus episode of Too Many Spirits (Ryan and Shane Get Drunk and Read Your Worst Nightmares) came out. I really really missed unhinged Steven, and just Steven in general.
So here is a little appreciation post.
First of all, why is this guy so fucking funny. It’s so highly entertaining to watch him and he keeps outdoing himself. Like, his segments of Too Many Spirit are pure gold.
I don’t always think that being loud = comedy but Steven Lim yelling “Scorn!” into the (very real) forest is really funny to me.
I also had to chuckle at him first denying Ryan the blueberry and than throwing it at him. And I loved that little pause when he had to figure out how old he will be in 80 years.
“Imagine when I am dead in 80 years. I’ll be a hundred and... eleven. And I’m kissing you. And that is this drink.” Absolutely love the energy here.
It’s also delightful that he messed up the name of the drink several times and that the only thing he was certain of was that he needed a glass lol.
I also always find it extremely endearing when he drops the bit for a second to laugh with Ryan and Shane. It’s beautiful. And then he gets right back into his Scorn voice or whatever he was doing before, and it delights me every time.
This moment here. It should not be this funny and yet it is. Maybe even made funnier by Ryan and Shane finding it funny too - and Steven finding it funny himself. They just seem to have such a good time together. :D
Shoutout to Brittney for letting him use as much vodka as he wants to.
Putting the spiritcam under Ryan’s beanie. Love those little random moments, they make an already amazing episode even more hilarious.
I fucking LOVE this shot. He gets so close to the spiritcam and it is chef’s kiss. (And he also has extremely beautiful eyes but I am not getting into that here. He just has pretty eyes.)
So in conclusion - Steven Lim makes Too Many Spirits better than it would be without him, he steals the show whenever he is on screen and I am very very happy that we got to see this bonus episode. <3
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2020 Movies
Batman: Under The Red Hood
Pump Up The Volume
A Country Wedding
Cool As Ice
Surprised By Love
Life With Mikey
True Romance
All of My Heart: Inn Love
Absentia
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Tell Me Who I Am
Sweetheart
Growing the Big One
All Things Valentine
Step Up All In
Love On A Limb
Love Struck Cafe
Drop Zone
Girl on the Third Floor
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Streetdance
Malevolence
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Midnight Masquerade
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Dinner for Schmucks
Fractured
Nightmares in Red, White and Blue
Testament
The Unauthorized Beverly Hills 90210 Story
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Countdown
Joker
I See You
Satisfaction
Grease 2
Terminator: Dark Fate
Ghost
In Fear
Sister Act 2
Grease Live
Gretel and Hansel
I Know My First Name Is Steven
Mother, May I Sleep With Danger
Hostile Advances
Hidden in Silence
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Doctor Sleep
Grave Encounters
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Sister Act
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102 Minutes That Changed America
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31
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Monday at 11:01 am
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Kemper
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To Hell and Back: The Kane Hodder Story
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Mom’s Got A Date With A Vampire
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Knowing
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Hamilton
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Edge of the Axe
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Rabid (2019)
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That Was Then This Is Now
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Open 24 Hours
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Defenseless
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Children of the Corn: The Gathering
Children of the Corn II
Widow’s Point
Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror
Children of the Corn 666: Issac’s Return
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Dolly Patron: Here I Am
Conspiracy: The Trial of the Chicago 8
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Unhinged
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Absence of Malice
6 Souls
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13 Hours
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A Stranger Among Us
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No Escape
A Country Christmas Story
Dolly Patron’s Christmas Coat of Many Colors: Circle of Love
Smiley Face Killers
Death of Me
Detective Pikachu
One October
The Broken Hearts Gallery
A Cheerful Christmas
Head Count
Hamilton: One Shot To Broadway
Fire in the Sky
Fade to Black
Children of the Corn: Revelation
Children of the Corn: Genesis
Children of the Corn III
Blind Faith
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Gushing over my current favorite song, don’t mind me
WARNING: FANGIRLING
You’ve been warned.
My favorite song in the SU show proper is “It’s Over, Isn’t It?” I find that song pretty much perfect, with excellent lyrics and gorgeous vocals. I still remember the first time I heard it. I was blown away. I credit it, and Mr. Greg in general, for renewing my interest in SU when I was moving on from it. I STILL consider it one of the best episodes of the show, and adding that significance to it just made me love that song more. I thought that the show’d have a hell of a time trying to top it, and if it ever DID, it’d be outstanding.
Well, it took them three years, but.....th-they did. Hoo BOY, they did.
How do you top a technically perfect song to me? Well, by appealing to my specific interests, of course!
Enter “Other Friends” from the movie, and....y-yeah, I never stood a chance. >/////>
Now, one of the things that can REALLY make a musical number is context. Sure, a musical number can be awesome on its own, but it can also be made even better when you put it in context of the story. If I heard “Other Friends” for the first time completely by itself, just the audio, with nothing else attached, I wouldn’t have loved it NEARLY as much.
I’m grossly biased towards this song, not gonna lie. B-but...I can’t help BUT be! Keep in mind, that when you have a character you’ve never seen before, and they introduce themselves by singing a song, then that song will be forever associated with that character. It’s a thing that happens a lot. That song was the audience’s first impression of the character, so it makes sense! So, if you end up loving the character to death, then your opinion of their intro song goes up by a lot....a loooooot....
“That’s right, I heard the story over and over again~!”
Spinel is the best. To me, she’s the single best character to come out of this series. She is SO COOL I can hardly stand it. Her character design, her unique animation style, her voice....ESPECIALLY her voice....everything about her is just pure gold!! I love watching her! I love listening to her talk! She’s just....SO entertaining!
Lemme tell ya, if there’s one character type that I tend to gravitate towards above all others, it’s this: Charismatic, showy, villains. Villains who are intelligent and competent, yet fun. Where you can’t justify their actions, but you want, you YEARN, to see more of them. And Spinel is all that and more. She manages to be super cool and fun while also being very complex. (However, at this point in the movie, I didn’t know that part yet) And it was so unexpected for me! I NEVER thought I’d get that type of character from Steven flipping Universe! Usually, the villains in this show are nothing like that! Usually they’re all very serious, self-righteous “I believe I’m doing the right thing” types! In this show, it’s the heroes that are usually the most fun...But not this time!
I knew I would like her from the very beginning, when she said “Lemme get a look at the menagerie~” and her rebuttal to Pearl recognizing her, but I had no idea of just how bad I’d get it. And then she started singing. And I just about LOST MY MIND. The villain song, this early? And from a character that looked so flipping cool already? Count me in!
It should come as no surprise that I love music, so when a character I love sings and sounds good, I’ll usually flip out. XD And this song exceeded ALL my expectations....The song itself AND the scene...
Where to even start with “Other Friends”...Well, I guess I can say that, if you don’t like Spinel as much as me, or at all for some reason, then I feel so sorry for you because this is a song that will take up permanent residence in your head and will not care how much you want to evict it. Even removing how much I adore the character singing it, this is a WILDLY catchy song! That beat is addicting! I didn’t even know I LIKED electro-swing until this (I mean, I guess there was “Still In Love With You” from Eurovision 2015, which I liked?? But that’s it), but now I’m actually curious about the rest of the genre! And it’s an absolutely perfect way to introduce Spinel, because it’s a style that’s perfect for her! It’s retro, like she is, and is very bouncy, like she is! It fits with her playfulness! But that part’s obvious by now...
And then...there’s the vocals. Holy crap, I flipping loooooooooove her voice! I’m not that familiar with Sarah Stiles (I’ve heard the name, but haven’t seen anything else she’s been in), so I didn’t know what to expect, but man oh MAN did she flipping KILL it as Spinel! I can see clearly why she’s a big deal now! She has soooo much energy, and she really got into the character! Spinel’s unhinged personality clearly shines through...the way she just....switches between playful and threatening....stuff like that, I’m a real sucker for....It’s good stuff. Good. Flipping. Stuff.
I even notice the small things about her voice....like her slight accent...a-and the small growls....
And while the song is going on, we get confirmation that this is a villain NOT to be trifled with, as she utilizes her strange powers to “play” with the Crystal Gems as they’re unable to touch her once. All the while she’s acting all playful (the little flick to Pearl’s nose), and seems like she’s having a blast picking on them, untiiiiiiil.....crap hits the fan when she finds out Pearl didn’t tell them about her.
She becomes menacing.
“Who am I!? Who am I!? What are you even saying!?”
And then, just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, she whips out her Rejuvinator! We have a really awesome unique villain who’s singing a really awesome catchy song while beating up the main characters with a smile on her face, and now she’s got a flipping SCYTHE!! And at this same time, we also get the best part of the song, where her voice gets even BETTER as the intensity rises...
“Let’s play another game, this time I get to win~
Lives on the line!
Winner takes all!
Ready or not, LET’S BEGIN!”
And she’s just twirling her weapon like she’s Ruby Rose or something, and it’s become SUCH a spectacle! At this point, I could not stop grinning. I’d been smiling throughout the whole song, but NOW, I can’t get it off my face. It’s stuck there. I think, in that moment, that this has officially become a love letter to me. I’d never enjoyed SU THIS MUCH before, and I already liked it! But now....it felt like I’d sold my soul to it...or at least, to her.
The song ends on that perfect note....that “OOO-THEEEERRRR....frieeends~” as she poofs three of the main characters in a single blow. Still with that smirk on her face....
I was slightly bummed that the song was over, but I wasn’t for long. Yeah, my favorite part of the movie is not just the song, but actually Spinel’s whole intro scene. That whole thing.
She proceeds to attack Steven, just giggling, giggling maniacally, before outright taunting him. And we get more of her great expressions and incredible line delivery....
“Your human half won’t stand a chance against my Injector...not after what I just did to your geeeem~”
“You weren’t always a powerful hero, were you~?”
Then Steven manages to get the jump on her, and slices her across the face. Her response? More giggling. That didn’t matter to her. Her job was done.
......And then....it was over.
I was left just....wanting to scream at how cool that was. I was almost in disbelief...my heart was beating so fast.....There was no going back. I was doomed.
And that was my first experience with “Other Friends”, the song that still makes me squee every single time I listen to it. Yes, it still gets a reaction outta me even now...It’s been years since I’ve heard a song that gets to me this flipping much...Sure, it might be because of the character, and the context....but it’s become something that I just can’t take away from it.
____________
Then we learn about who she used to be....what she was created to be. And it only made the current her even cooler in my eyes. She was only supposed to entertain, being essentially a jester, nothing more. Just tell jokes, make everyone smile, basically a Gem Pinkie Pie. And yet, much like Pearl, she went against that purpose and became someone much more...She’s smart, and she can fight. And that wasn’t supposed to be natural for her! How cool is that!?
We do find out that the reason she became like this was extremely tragic...but, to me at least, that didn’t make her any less entertaining. Sure, she’s sympathetic for sure, but she’s more than that. She’s not just angst, angst, angst. She’s still one of the most dangerous opponents the Crystal Gems have ever faced! After we learn her backstory, she still has great moments and great lines. I didn’t....want it to end....
Spinel was an outstanding villain. Cool and fun, yet sympathetic. She wasn’t an “innocent bean that can do no wrong” (like she was before she snapped), no, she was still a villain! She was trying to kill Steven, despite knowing he had nothing to do with her trauma! She just wanted someone to take her anger out on! She was NOT in the right! But you still wanted more of her....h-her devious smirk, her voice....her attitude from “Other Friends” was still there....You still felt sorry for her, but not in a way that made her hard to watch. It’s the perfect balance....
And “Other Friends” was the perfect introduction to such a character, and nothing can take away from that song. With her good and her bad, she stole viewers’ hearts, and it all started with that.
Sure, a part of me is worried about what Future could possibly do with her now that she’s redeemed, but I’m gonna try to go in optimistic. Sure, she’s happy, but...All I want is for her to not be made boring, or exactly like her past self. But knowing SU, there’s a chance that shades of the cool Spinel COULD possibly still remain (I mean, they did keep Peridot entertaining after HER redemption, so maybe?)
But even if that ends up not being the case.....heck, even if she ends up just being just a cameo.....at least we have this movie. This excellent, excellent movie....
And “Other Friends”.
For a few glorious minutes, I got everything I ever wanted. So I’m not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth.
#HOOOOOOLY CRAP THIS IS LONG#IM SO SORRY#but it feels good to get that all out#I CANT BELIEVE I ACTUALLY DID IT#hopefully the next time i go on about spinel it wont be to THIS EXTENT#since ive basically summed everything up now here and in past posts#and i dont wanna repeat myself too often XD#opinions
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skeptics and true believers, ch.4
Ryan decides to pay more attention.
[AO3] [Wattpad]
Ryan was probably going crazy-- at the very least, he felt crazy. That he was actually giving credence to the idea that his crush was a werewolf made him feel fucking insane.
But it made sense. All of the strange occurrences that seemed to follow Shane pointed to werewolf. The theory, despite its initial lunacy, gradually gained credibility in Ryan's mind.
He decided to start paying closer attention.
--
Ryan was the first to sit down at his lunch table, but was quickly joined by Shane, who slid into the seat across from him. Ryan mumbled hello before laying his head down on the table; the late night research was beginning to catch up to him.
Shane had no problem hearing his quiet greeting over the loud chatter of the high school cafeteria and tilted his head quizzically at Ryan.
"What's wrong, Ryan?" He asked, peering down at Ryan in concern, "Did the ghosts keep you up?" If it had been from anyone else, the attempt at humor would have failed to make him laugh-- but it was Shane, and Ryan couldn't help but crack a small smile.
Even the thought that he might be a werewolf couldn't make me like him less, Ryan thought as he looked affectionately at Shane.
"Just couldn't sleep last night," Ryan said, neglecting to add 'because I was doing research to determine whether or not you're a werewolf'. He wanted desperately to look Shane in the eyes be honest, tell him that all the weird shit that's been happening lately has led Ryan to come up with unhinged theories.
The stupid werewolf theory wasn't the only thing Ryan wanted to blurt out to Shane; Ryan wanted to confess the feelings that swirled around in his head, the feelings made him feel dizzy with happiness whenever Shane was with him. He wanted to look Shane straight in his eyes and tell him that he had fallen for him, hard.
Ryan would do neither. He was a coward in every sense of the word; he was scared of ghosts, wolves, the ramifications of speaking his feelings aloud. Staring at Shane right now, Ryan wished he could simply take a deep breath and release his anxiety, exhale and finally be able to face his fears for once in his fucking life.
He couldn't. He wouldn't.
With a sigh, Ryan came back to the conversation. Shane was looking at him with a worried expression.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Shane leaned forward, and Ryan was struck with a sudden and inexplicable to close the gap between them and kiss him; he stayed still, but longed to know what those lips would feel like against his own.
"I'm great," Ryan replied, ready to shift the focus off of himself, "Where's everyone else?". He sat up and looked around the cafeteria.
Shane glanced around as well. "Safiya's over there," He gestured to across the lunch room, where Saf and Freddie were talking with each other, then turned towards the entrance of the cafeteria, "Brent's about to walk in with Steven." Sure enough, Brent and Steven rounded the corner a few moments later.
"How did you know that?" Ryan asked, staring at Shane in disbelief. Shane turned back around and shrugged indifferently.
"I've got good hearing, and Steven talks pretty loud." Shane said candidly, giving Ryan a wide smile, "Seriously, that's the most enthusiastic guy I've ever met."
Ryan wanted to say one thousand things in that moment, from 'It's literally impossible for a normal human to hear someone talking from that far away in a room as loud as this' to telling Shane 'Please stop doing things that play into my dumb conspiracies'. Ryan almost opened his mouth to say something, but Brent and Steven sat down and started talking before he mustered up the courage to mention it.
Ryan rested his head back down on the table, not feeling up to engaging in conversation with everyone. His head distracted him from their exchange, and he sat and thought of wolves with yellow eyes for the rest of the lunch period.
--
"People in this town are so nice," Shane said as they walked down the steps of Brent's front porch. It was a Friday night, and Brent had invited their entire friend group over to his house to hang out. Saf and Freddie had left earlier on in the night, as had Steven and Andrew; Shane and Ryan were the last two to leave.
"What do you mean?" Ryan asked, looking at Shane quizzically as they got into Ryan's car, "I just thought people here were... normal, I guess."
"Well, I moved from L.A.," Shane told him as Ryan pulled out of Brent's driveway, "People there were always really vapid. The school I used to go to had a lot of rich assholes in it and they were complete narcissists." He looked out the window, where a slight drizzle made the streets shine, "No one ever just had laid-back hang outs with their friends. Suffice to say, not many people liked me back there." He laughed.
Ryan glanced at Shane for a moment, loving how his friend looked when he laughed. He wanted to tell Shane 'I can't understand how anyone could dislike you' but the sentence caught on the tip of his tongue and refused to leave his mouth. He really couldn't fathom how anyone could dislike Shane; he was funny, genuine, and very, very attract--
"Brake!" Shane yelled, and Ryan slammed on his brakes, tires squealing against the asphalt moments before a large deer darted across the road. Ryan stared at the road in shock, then shifted his gaze to Shane, who seemed shaken up by the sudden stop.
"What... how did you see that deer coming?" Ryan asked, dazed and incredulous. Shane glanced nervously at the dark woods, then back at Ryan. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"I saw it in the woods over there right before it jumped out," He said, not meeting Ryan's eyes, "Whatever, what's important is that we didn't hit that deer and we're both okay."
"...Okay," Ryan still stared at Shane in confusion, but went ahead and started the car forward once again. He glanced out the window at the forest and noted that it was far too dark to see anything within the trees.
For the rest of the ride an odd tension hung over them, Ryan not bothering to say anything and Shane staring out the window in anxious silence. When Ryan pulled into his driveway, Shane gave him a short goodbye before hurrying into his home.
On the drive back to his house, Ryan thought back to what he had learned about werewolves. Superior sight and hearing, great night vision... even in human form. The nearly full moon seemed to stare down at Ryan as he drove home in silence.
What am I going to do? He thought as he pulled into his driveway. For a few minutes, Ryan just sat in the quiet of his car contemplating. Does he go into the woods the night of the full moon to try and find a werewolf? Does he just flat-out ask Shane? What's the etiquette of asking your friend if they're a fucking werewolf?
With a long, exhausted sigh, Ryan got out of his car and went into his home. Despite all the confusion, there was one thing he was absolutely certain of: he was fucking tired.
--
The full moon fell on the next Monday morning, and as he walked into school, Ryan hoped that he would see Shane's face and have this all put to rest. If Shane came to school on the day of the full moon, case closed. He's not a werewolf and Ryan can finally let this go.
"Hey Steven," Ryan greeted his friend, who was eating breakfast in the cafeteria, "Have you seen Shane?" Steven shook his head no, then resumed his conversation with his boyfriend, Andrew.
Morning came and went, but Ryan held out hope that Shane was just coming in late; at lunch, he inquired his friends about Shane's whereabouts once again. Nobody knew where he was.
Ryan felt conflicted for a few moments. Brent was looking at him curiously, before a look of realization dawned on him.
"Why do you care so much?" Brent asked, smirking slightly. Ryan felt his face flush, and he dropped his gaze to the lunch table.
"Don't be an ass, Brent," Ryan said, trying to sound annoyed, "I'm just worried about him. I couldn't get in touch with him all weekend.”
"He's fine," Brent rolled his eyes, "You're getting all worked up over nothing, Ry." Ryan shrugged, and went back to pushing around his food with his fork. He didn't feel like eating right now.
"I'm skipping so I can go check on him," He said finally, looking back up at Brent. His friend rolled his eyes once again.
"Go ahead and go see your boyfriend, Ry," Ryan spluttered in response to that, but Brent ignored him, "But I'm not covering for you when the teacher calls roll in history." Ryan was about to tell Brent that Shane was not his boyfriend that's ridiculous, but instead opted to just release an annoyed sigh before pushing his lunch tray forward and getting up from the table.
The drive to Shane's house was spent in a contemplative silence. I probably am just being ridiculous, Ryan thought as he sat at a red light, tapping his fingers pensively on the steering wheel, He's probably just running a fever or some shit.
Ryan was beginning to feel like a paranoid idiot by the time he pulled into Shane's driveway, but curiosity drove him forward. He parked and turned off his car, then sat for a moment in his car. This is absurd, he thought, biting his lip in anxiety. With a deep breath, he got out of the car.
Shane's house was far back from the road with a long driveway, behind it a wide expanse of forest. Ryan could tell it was old, the green paint chipping around the edges of the front door he now stood in front of. He knocked three times, and a few seconds later, a middle-aged woman opened the door.
"...Hello there," She smiled at him kindly, but confusion was clear in her expression, "Who are you?"
"I'm one of Shane's friends, Ryan," He said, and Shane's mom nodded, "I just hadn't heard from him in a couple of days and was wondering if he was, um, alright." His voice had gotten quieter as he continued talking, feeling sheepish.
"Oh, yes, he talks about you a lot," A look of genuine warmth dawned her features, "I believe you're the 'cute one who believes in ghosts'?"
Ryan's face flushed. "I--Um," The word 'cute' resonated in his head for a couple of moments, drowning out his other thoughts. Shane thought he was cute? He shoved all that aside and recalled why he had come here in the first place.
"That's me, I guess," He laughed awkwardly, "So, is he okay? I'm a little worried about him."
"He's caught a stomach bug and hasn’t been feeling well for a couple of days," she told him, "Right now he's asleep." Shane's mother gave him an apologetic look, but there was a note of something in her expression that Ryan couldn't figure out.
"Oh, alright then," Ryan couldn't help but feel a little disappointed; he really had hoped to see Shane and put his anxiety to rest, "Thank you for letting me know."
"No problem, sweetie," Shane's mom offered him one last smile before quickly shutting the door, leaving Ryan standing on Shane's front porch by himself. With a sigh, he turned around and headed back to his car.
As his shoes crunched against the gravel of their driveway, Ryan swore he heard a howl as he climbed into his car.
--
Ryan stared up at the white ceiling of his bedroom. Sleep wouldn't come to him-- he kept hearing howls, but couldn't determine whether they were real or a product of his overactive imagination.
Bright moonlight filtered in through his blinds, and Ryan wondered if Shane was looking up at the same moon right now. Perhaps with unnatural yellow eyes. As he stared at the place where the light met his floorboards, he thought he heard another howl in the distance.
He rolled over and picked up his phone from where it was charging on his bedside table. He stared at his contacts list for a moment before making a decision.
[ryan] Saf I need to ask you something. Just to make sure I'm not going crazy.
The reply was almost immediate.
[saf🖤] whats wrong? are u okay?
[ryan] I'm fine, just feeling kind of insane at the moment.
[saf🖤] we all do sometimes. what's on your mind?
[ryan] Do you think werewolves could exist?
A few minutes passed before Safiya responded once again.
[saf🖤] yes. have you been hearing the howling too?
A weight felt as if it was being lifted from Ryan's chest. He wasn't going nuts.
[ryan] Yes, oh my God. I thought I was the only one.
[saf🖤] freddie's noticed it too.
[saf🖤] i think it's a werewolf too but she thinks that's ridiculous.
Ryan sat back against his pillows and released a deep breath. This is what he needed at the moment; direct and friendly reassurance that he wasn't completely insane.
He picked up his phone as it lit up with another notification.
[saf🖤] dw ryan, i don't think you're crazy
[saf🖤] i'm going to try and get some shut-eye, u should too. sleep tight!!!
Ryan let the phone drop back onto the night-table. He felt so much better about, well, everything. People other than himself heard the howls, had considered werewolves as a possibility for everything weird happening.
His head fell back against the pillows and his eyes fell back upon the light shining in through the window. Slowly, he drifted off to sleep with visions of wolves and yellows eyes dancing in his head.
--
Ryan entered Mr. Peretti's history classroom with a plan and the knowledge that this meeting of the supernatural club would be atypical.
Shane smiled at Ryan from where he sat talking to Brent and Safiya; his heart may have skipped a beat. Shane's appearance was messy again, just like it had been last full moon, and, once again, his eyes shone an odd amber color. Ryan wondered why he was so helplessly attracted to someone he figured was probably a werewolf.
"Okay, today's meeting is exciting," he announced as he sat down next to his friends, "I'm going to find proof of the supernatural in our very own town."
Shane scoffed. "How do you plan on doing that?" He asked sarcastically, smirking at Ryan, "There are no 'haunted' buildings around here for you to trespass in."
"I'm not talking about ghosts," Ryan replied calmly, "I'm talking about werewolves."
Ryan watched as Shane tensed up. Safiya leaned forward, intrigued, and Brent raised his eyebrows skeptically.
"Is this why you were asking me about the howling last night?" Safiya asked, and Ryan nodded.
"Next full moon," He explained, "I'm going to spend a night in the woods and try to find the source of that howling and get evidence of it." He looked at Shane from the corner of his eye; he was watching at Ryan with a disapproving expression.
"You're crazy," Shane said aggressively, "There's more shit in the forest to be scared of then your make-believe werewolves, Ryan. Like actual wolves, or coyotes. You can't do this. It's too dangerous."
"I kind of agree with Shane on this one, Ry," Brent looked at Shane questioningly, not understanding where the hostility was coming from, "Even if werewolves are real, there's other stuff in the woods you need to look out for." Ryan rolled his eyes.
"It doesn't matter what either of you say, I'm still going to do it," He said, crossing his arms, "I need answers. So much weird shit has been going on lately and I need to find the source."
He met Shane's gaze, and they stared at each other in silence for a couple of beats. Ryan could hear his own heartbeat in his ears, nervous to finally be confronting this in such a head-on way. Shane's expression was a mix of emotions that Ryan couldn't sort out.
"So..." Safya's voice broke the tension, "Did anyone see the new episode of Ghost Adventures last night?" Brent chimed in that, yes, he had seen it, and the group discussion shifted onto that topic.
Neither him nor Shane contributed much to the conversation, which went on until the bell rang and the group migrated into the parking lot of the school. Ryan stood talking to Brent, but could still feel Shane's gaze on his back.
After Brent left, Ryan walked towards his car; Shane stood waiting for him.
"You absolutely cannot go spend the night in the forest during the full moon," Shane leaned against the driver's side door, blocking Ryan's way. There was a note of desperation in his voice.
"I can and I will," There was an edge to Ryan's, and the 'there's nothing you can do to stop me' was clearly implied. Shane looked frustrated, and ran a hand through his hair restlessly.
"Ryan, please, just listen to me, for once--"
"Why should I listen to you, Shane?!" Ryan asked angrily, taking a step closer to him, "You've done nothing but be cryptic and defensive and I-- I have no reason to trust you! At all!"
Shane said nothing in response to Ryan's outburst, only staring at him with a look of conflict clear on his face. He bit his lip, then rested his head in his hands with a long sigh of frustration.
"You're being very difficult," Shane finally said tiredly.
"What the fuck is going on? What are you not telling me?" Ryan demanded, fed up with the having so many questions go unanswered. Shane gave him one more long, exhausted look, before turning and gesturing to where his car was parked.
"C'mon," Shane said, walking towards his car, "Let's go back to my place."
"What?" Ryan asked, confused but still following Shane across the parking lot, "Why?"
Shane glanced at Ryan from over his shoulder.
"To give you some answers."
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off the rack #1189
Monday, November 20, 2017
Ottawa ComicCon put on a special edition Holiday con this past weekend so I went to check it out because it was FREE admission. Still had to pay $8 to park at the EY Centre though. The main reason I went was to pick up the book D&D&D (D)ungeons & (D)ragons & (D)oodles The Tabletop Fantasy Art of Tom Fowler since Tom was there. Much to my surprise Craig Taillefer was sitting next to him on one side and Ronn Sutton was on the other. I spent a happy half hour geeking out and swapping stories with them. After Tom signed my copy and generously drew a sketch inside I walked around the venue checking out the booths. It's been years since I've attended a con and I was impressed by some of the set-ups. Still, the comic vendors looked like the ones that sold stuff 30 years ago. Same tables of long boxes and makeshift walls for the wall books. I saw a lot of old Snail customers that I haven't seen in years. Some I recognized and some that I didn't. They all knew me though. The reaction of some folks was "what is he doing here?" looks that made me grin. I ended my sojourn hanging out with my Jee-Riz partner Chris as he helped at a friends booth. I can't say that I'll go to another con but I'm glad I went to this one.
Action Comics #991 - Dan Jurgens (writer & breakdown art) Viktor Bogdanovic (pencils) Viktor Bogdanovic, Trevor Scott & Scott Hanna (inks) Mike Spicer (colours) Rob Leigh (letters). "The Oz Effect" concludes with the question of whether Mr. Oz was Jor-El or not left unanswered. Throw in a mysterious super powerful villain and it's more than enough to keep me reading. I liked Viktor's slimmer Superman. He looks more natural than the muscle bound version that Nick Bradshaw & Brad Anderson drew for the cover.
Runaways #3 - Rainbow Rowell (writer) Kris Anka (art) Matthew Wilson (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). It's time to catch up with Karolina Dean as Gert tries to get the team back together again. Karolina used to be one hot mess but she's a lot better now thanks to therapy. I am really looking forward to next issue when the gang goes to find Molly, my favourite Runaway.
Wildstorm: Michael Cray #2 - Bryan Hill (writer) N. Steven Harris (pencils) Dexter Vines (inks) Dearbhla Kelly (colours) Simon Bowland (letters). Michael's first assignment is to kill Oliver Queen. Yep, that Oliver Queen, the Green Arrow guy. His next assignment is to target another well known name. These characters are bad guys in the Wildstorm universe and I think that's cool.
Spider-Man Deadpool #23 - Robbie Thompson (writer) Chris Bachalo (pencils) Tim Townsend, Al Vey & Richard Friend (inks) Chris Bachalo (colours) VC's Joe Sabino (letters). Spider-Man tries to arrest Deadpool and mindless mayhem ensues. So a typical issue of Spider-Man Deadpool. But wait, what's with this lovely art that looks like the old Doctor Strange comic book? Why yes, it's Chris Bachalo. I am so happy and will be ogling the rest of "Arms Race" with glee.
Star Wars #38 - Kieron Gillen (writer) Salvador Larroca (art) Guru-eFX (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). "The Ashes of Jedha" starts here. We've got Luke, Leia and Han trying to contact fighters against the Empire on the planet Jedha. That's where the Empire wants to strip mine the planet's Kyber crystals. The partisans appear to not want to play nice though. We'll see how the gang gets out of this fine mess.
Not Brand Echh #14 - It was difficult finding every issue of the 13 issue run of the original series on the spinner racks back in the late sixties but I bought and read every one that I could. This title made fun of my favourite Marvel comic books back then and this latest issue doesn't spare the House of (sometimes bad) Ideas. It got a couple of genuine chuckles out of me so that's about $2.50 Canadian per chuckle. Here are the comedy sketches and their creative teams. Secret Empire Abridged: Nick Spencer (writer) Scott Koblish (art) Nick Filardi (colours). Better Than Canon: Katie Cook (writer& art). Gwenpool Absorbs the Marvel Universe: Christopher Hastings (writer) Gurihiru (art). Marvel Behind the Scenes: Nick Kocher (writer) Brian Churilla (art) Chris O'Halloran (colours). Love Can Be Nuts: Ryan North (writer) Erica Henderson (art). The Not Next Issue Page: Chip Zdarsky (writer & art). Forbush Man Returns parts 1 to 4: Jay Fosgitt (writer & art). The whole issue was lettered by VC's Clayton Cowles (letters).
Batman #35 - Tom King (writer) Joelle Jones (art) Jordie Bellaire (colours) Clayton Cowles (letters). "Rules of Engagement" concludes with a terrific sword fight between Catwoman/Selina and Talia, Batman's ex. The verbal repartee was great and just as great was the one between Damian and Dick. My question is "where the heck did Holly come from?". I hope that this family adventure theme continues because I really like having Selina, Damian, Dick and Alfred around.
Maestros #2 - Steve Skroce (writer & art) Dave Stewart (colours) Fonografiks (letters). This is a beautifully illustrated Game of Thrones and Wands with wizard warriors plotting against each other. There's a rekindled romance and a shocking twist that makes reading the next issue a must.
Champions #14 - Mark Waid (writer) Humberto Ramos (pencils) Victor Olazaba (inks) Edgar Delgado (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). Worlds Collide part 4. He's no Blue Fairy but the High Evolutionary pulls a Pinocchio on Viv Vision and all seems lost. The heroes fight through but there's still a ways to go to prevent total destruction. We'll find out what happens when Avengers #674 hits the racks on December 6.
Aquaman #30 - Dan Abnett (writer) Stjepan Sejic (art & colours) Steve Wands (letters). Atlantis Uprising. The revolution starts here. Orin joins the rebel forces and King Rath becomes more unhinged. Meanwhile, Mera is in deep water. I am enjoying this book again. You should give it a try.
Mech Cadet Yu #4 - Greg Pak (writer) Takeshi Miyazawa (art) Triona Farrell (colours) Simon Bowland (letters). It's all-out action as the four cadets and their robos fight against giant alien crabs and orders from their superiors. The General is not pleased. Let's see what happens to keep them in their mechs and not get kicked out of the program.
Deadpool vs. Old Man Logan #2 - Declan Shalvey (writer) Mike Henderson (art) Lee Loughridge (colours) VC's Joe Sabino (letters). This issue tells us why the two heroes are teaming up. Makes sense. I like these straightforward good guys versus bad guy stories with witty repartee that don't tax the brain pan too much.
Superman #35 - Patrick Gleason & Peter J. Tomasi (writers) Travis Moore, Stephen Segovia & Art Thibert (art) Danei Ribeiro (colours) Rob Leigh (letters). Hey, I thought Lex's armour was mostly green. The battle for the throne of Apokalips continues with Lois and Jon's lives still hanging in the balance. I still think that Lex will save the day in the end.
American Gods #9 - Neil Gaiman (writer) P. Craig Russell (script & layouts) Scott Hampton (art & colours) Rick Parker (letters). This is like reading the novel again but better. The art enhances the story so much.
Defenders #7 - Brian Michael Bendis (writer) David Marquez (art) Justin Ponsor & Paul Mounts (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). This is the funniest comic book on the racks for the week. Yes even funnier than Not Brand Echh #14. Brian has a great sense of humour. I'm wondering now if all the great artists that he works with are also going to work for DC. That would be ideal for me because he really clicks with David Marquez and Sara Pichelli. The five page fight scene between Elektra and Iron Fist is the best I've ever seen. Just as good as watching Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon.
Wonder Woman Conan #3 - Gail Simone (writer) Aaron Lopresti (pencils) Matt Ryan (inks) Wendy Broome (colours) Saida Temofonte (letters). Some sorcery is added to the swords this issue.
Mighty Thor #701 - Jason Aaron (writer) James Harren (art) Dave Stewart (colours) VC's Joe Sabino (letters). I must have missed Mangog's origin story back when Jack Kirby first drew him but Jason recaps it very well here. Mangog isn't the only long unseen character to pop up. The Odinson's best buddy reappears too. This issue is one awesome battle. The visuals are so striking I could feel each punch. What a great fill-in by James Harren.
Super Sons #10 - Peter J. Tomasi (writer) Jose Luis (art) Scott Hanna (inks) Hi-Fi (colours) Rob Leigh (letters). I like the contrast between Jon's youthful enthusiasm and Damian's grim cynicism. The three year age gap feels like decades but each one is subtly influencing the other. This issue sets it up so that the two lads will be spending even more time together learning how to be heroes. This is one of my favourite comic books on the racks right now.
Amazing Spider-Man #791 - Dan Slott (writer) Stuart Immonen (pencils) Wade von Grawbadger (inks) Rain Beredo (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). I am enjoying this point in Peter Parker's life where things are going well for him. His relationship with Mockingbird is sweet and chaste. His new job is challenging. The super heroics aren't too over the top and he comes out a winner this issue. I know the good times won't last but I will feel good while it does. My fanboy crush on Bobbi Morse is even bigger now because of the way Stuart and Wade draw her. Sigh.
Incredible Hulk #710 - Greg Pak (writer) Greg Land (pencils) Jay Leisten (inks) Frank D'Armata (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). Return to Planet Hulk part 2. Hulk has to survive a gauntlet to save lives and he smashes admirably. It looks like next issue swipes scenes from the Thor Ragnarok movie. I am looking forward to that guest appearance.
Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #297 - Chip Zdarsky (writer) Adam Kubert with Juan Frigeri (art) Jason Keith (colours) VC's Travis Lanham (letters). Totally different Peter Parker. Totally different life from Amazing. The two titles aren't even trying for continuity and that's okay. I just want to read a good story and this one where Peter and Spider-Man are being pursued by the authorities is a good one. Throw in recent revelations involving Jonah Jameson and this fan is anxious to see what happens next. According to the next issue tease T'Challa will come calling.
Star Wars: Darth Vader #8 - Charles Soule (writer) Giuseppe Camuncoli (pencils) Daniele Orlandini (inks) David Curiel (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). We are witness to some Jedi rage this issue along with finding out what the stakes are for the good guys. Wondering what Vader is going to do keeps me coming back.
Weapon X #11- Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente (writers) Marc Borstel & Ibraim Roberson (art) Frank D'Armata (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). The Hunt for Weapon H concludes. Will Hulkverine be a good guy or a bad guy? The jury is still out on that. I like this team and am enjoying their adventures so far.
Spider-Men II #4 - Brian Michael Bendis (writer) Sara Pichelli (art) Elisabetta D'Amico (inking assistant) Justin Ponsor (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). Miles's search for his evil twin takes a terrible turn but he's got the Amazing Spider-Man helping out now. The two webslingers should be able to figure things out but you never know.
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2017: #13-VACATION FROM HELL, PART 3: THE GREAT ESCAPE
I was not surfing over hot lava, but my vacation from Hell continued. The date was Sunday, July 9th, 1989, and I was sitting in a Greyhound bus in Reno, Nevada close to 8 pm. The bus continued on its journey to San Francisco, and we were rapidly approaching the California border! It was looking like we would make it to California with no more mishaps! The trip then became rather exciting as we crossed into California. The bus began slowly ascending up a mountain road in the darkness. My ears started popping, and the oxygen started to feel thinner. The dark mountainous highway was lit up by an endless sea of headlights. We stopped at Truckee but could see little since the darkness devoured the view. I stared at the dark California highway as we progressed down from the mountains and west: Alta, Auburn, Sacramento, and Vallejo. The bus soon rolled into the San Francisco Greyhound station at 2 am, and then I rolled out of the bus, with quarts of quarters I won in Reno jingling in my pockets.
The San Francisco Greyhound station appeared to be clean but was covered with a thin layer of grease everywhere. I found a pay phone and a Yellow Pages, so my phone calls to motels and hotels commenced. There were no vacancies anywhere in San Francisco! I used most of the quarters I won in Reno during the hour I called. One friendly motel told me that there were vacancies at the Strip Motel, but in order to stay there I would have to strip… Most motels could not be reached at such a late hour, so I decided to try in a few hours after dawn... That meant waiting in the bus station overnight with my luggage…
Fu Man Chew and I claimed a well-worn wooden bench. Sleeping was truly a nightmarish experience, but the thin layer of grease kept us sticking to the bench so we did not fall off. Even better, there was a witch-like lady who haunted the bus station. She could be heard wailing in the distance, and her main preoccupation was loudly complaining to herself (see 2017: #2-WITCHES). Occasionally a uniformed man would patrol the bus station attempting to drive her away from her bench. She yelled and called him a Nazi. After he finished belligerently berating her, he wandered in our direction. I remembered Monty Python’s training on How Not to Be Seen, and I slowly compacted my body on the shadowy bench. Luckily, the vigilant Nazi did not approach our bench. This scenario reoccurred frequently, and the whole night just gave me a dull persistent headache and about six minutes of sleep (see 2015: #4-THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT).
At dawn the purifying rays of sunlight seemed to melt some of the animistic grime from the area like it was a dissipating ghostly ectoplasm. Me and my headache staggered to the pay phone that previously ate my riches from Reno. My calls for lodgings resumed as I once again consulted the trusty Yellow Pages. I finally found a hotel in Chinatown that could take us at 8 am. Things had continued to improve! It sure seemed that whatever curse which was dooming this vacation was surely over... But, I was so terribly wrong about thinking that. The bull, the car flipping upside down, stuck at the Bates-Medusa sisters motel, and even being stranded in the desert: these experiences were happy joys compared to the horror that was to come…
Shortly before 8 am we delightfully departed the bus station and entered a taxi. The driver had a tumbleweed of frizzy hair and vaguely resembled a doubly-disheveled Steven Wright clone with gritty glasses. He provided us with the reason why there were no vacancies last night: the San Francisco Marathon was this morning. This marathon was starting now, and traffic was rerouted in San Francisco, drivers were confused, and he was confused what route he would take. As we sped to our hotel, we passed through an intersection at the base of a super-steep hill. I was sitting on the left side in the back seat, and I sleepily gazed out of the left side window to see a car coming down the steep hill at a fast speed! It went through the red light – and hurtled directly towards our taxi! It was a green four door car with a driver who was long-haired, blonde, professional, female, and close to 40 years old. It only seemed to be one second after it went through the red light that the car was three inches from our car – and speeding at least at 40 mph! Bang!!! A moment of hyperrealism then occurred, a minute of one’s life that seems to go in slow motion…
The green car crashed into the left side of the taxi with so much force that our taxi was lifted on its two right wheels... Another flip over? For a long second the car teetered on two wheels and almost flipped over, but it fell back down. Boom! A large portable stereo in the back seat hit Fu Man Chew and myself in the ribs a few times violently during this crash. We felt like we had bruised ribs. I started laughing at the absurdity of yet another accident. But then Steven Wright jumped out of the taxi and staggered erratically, nearly falling over. His arm was bleeding profusely at a fast pace. The blood came spurting out with force, streaming rapidly all over the street. He was in shock. I looked over at the green car to assess if there was a greater emergency than Steven Wright bleeding to death all over the streets of San Francisco. Ms. Carcrasher in the nearby green car was hysterical and crying with her windshield now cracked down the middle with her head a minor bloody mess. The blood flow for her head was not anything like Steven Wright’s Niagara Falls of blood gushing which was spraying all over the street. I hopped out of the taxi and ran over to Steven Wright. I really produced my same white handkerchief that I tied on the car antennae when trapped in the desert a few days previously (see 2017: #12-VACATION FROM HELL, PART 2: STRANDED IN THE DESERT). I provided emergency first aid and tied the handkerchief tightly over his badly bleeding arm and sat him down. Soon an ambulance was in sight, and Fu Man Chew and I removed our luggage from the smashed up taxi, mainly ignoring the inconvenience of yet another accident. The taxi company sent another taxi, for free, that took us to our hotel. We laughed in the second taxi, and the driver looked at us like we were utterly unhinged, for laughing about a car accident.
Arriving in San Francisco’s Chinatown, we made our way to the Obrero Hotel on Stockton Street. It was known for its oxtail soup, and I do not think bulls were involved. It was managed by a short, silver-haired, black turtlenecked lady named Bambi, but I do not think any deer were involved either. We logically avoided the oxtails like the plague. We then started visiting locations in San Francisco as far from those oxtails as possible. People were so very friendly! I was offered $300 to sell my dayglo painted, winged Mercury hat with Krang from Dimension X on top. I still have that hat, still not sold. We went to the Presidio and saw the James Bond film, License to Kill (see 2017: #4-SPIES). We devoured burgers and shakes at the 1950’s themed Mel's Drive In. We saw the Golden Gate Bridge and viewed Alcatraz through timed binoculars for pay. We wandered through Golden Gate Park including the wondrous Japanese Tea Garden. The California Academy of Sciences planetarium thrilled us with an astonishing laser show. San Francisco was fun even though our ribs hurt horribly.
I walked all over San Francisco by myself, from Divisadero Street, Haight Street, Castro Street, and through North Beach. I tried to take the BART public transportation train system, but I could not understand how to get through the automated station. I succeeded in setting off an alarm in the empty station, and I barted away. I walked on the beach at sunset on Ocean Beach and looked at the violent, cold, and wavy Pacific Ocean. I had to touch the ocean, and I saw in the sand lots of strange clear gelatin. I picked up a stick and investigated the dozen square feet of unknown clear gelatin. Was there some sort of spill from a boat? But due to the wind, I kept dropping the stick in the gelatin and picking it up. Soon my hands went numb and I realized that the clear gelatin were scores of mushy, formless jellyfish washing up in the cold water. After sensation returned and I survived attack of the jellyfish, I wandered across town into the City Lights bookstore and bought the last Sigmund Freud book to complete my collection. I was rung up at the register by the business owner, Beatnik poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti. I wonder what he would have said knowing I would be in touch with Allen Ginsberg two years later (see 2012: #2-THE HOWLING POET). But the most exciting moment occurred when we went looking for the fan club address for the mysterious music group, The Residents.
While we suffered in that Bates-Medusa motel room in the mountains, we frequently listened to the Heaven? and Hell! cds by The Residents. In 1989 there were very few cds released. With the cds was a slip of paper with the fan club and a business address for the band. Was it a record store? That was my hope, to find a San Francisco equivalent of Wax Trax, an independent music store that ran the fan club. The business address on Grove Street had a bust of a famous music composer in the window with large spiders painted all over it. We then went looking for the fan club address, and we lost hope when we ended up on a residential street with a steep hill. We found the address, but it was a home. There was a driveway with what looked like a Mercedes, but it definitely appeared to be the wrong place. I decided to ring the bell to ask if anyone knew of a nearby music shop since I thought I had the wrong address.
A man with mesmerizing black curly hair answered the door wearing a Ralph Records t-shirt (see 2016: #3-BLOODY MESMERISM). That was the record company for The Residents. I explained to him our story including the car accidents, and he let us in. He was watching a football game, and I somehow instantly knew that he was not one of the secretive band members. He led us to the basement where I soon saw enormous stacks of records. He had to take his dog outside, and he told us to shop around. So we picked out a cd or two, a poster, but mainly observed this strange place. There was postal equipment here; this was a primary location for Ralph Records. Original Residents poster artwork was laid out revealing some of their iconic images to be collages. I looked up at one point and saw images of four faces squished on a photocopy machine, most likely the faces of the unknown band members. We left quite happy, and I saw the curly haired football watcher at two of the band’s performances in future years.
We needed to spend an extra day in Frisco before returning to Rapid City, South Dakota. We hoped to return to Rapid City on the day KITT would be fixed. So we went to a theatre on Market Street that showed old science fiction films all day. The theatre was packed with quite the cast of characters. The audience was loud and fun. Fu Man Chew felt as if he had descended into the “armpit of humanity.” And to be fair, I am sure there were odors. In between movies, a man brought onto the stage a ridiculous lottery wheel and he commenced the Ten-o-Win. All patrons of the theatre were given tiny tickets when they bought anything at the theatre. These tickets had numbers for the Ten-o-Win. He spun the wheel three times, and you could win free popcorn or money: $1 up to $10. People were dancin’ in the aisles if they won! It was quite festive and reminded me of when I went to the Woods Theatre in downtown Chicago and enjoyed similar happy times watching Fred Williamson flicks.
The next day we departed San Francisco on a Greyhound bus to Rapid City, South Dakota. The journey would last forty hours, with one change late at night to a non-Greyhound bus. The only problem was that we ran out money. This only problem proved to be a big problem. There were no more quarters in my pockets from Reno. As the bus stopped for lunch, we barely could buy anything and watched glutinous monstrous children eat an entire McDonalds into nothing but dust. Fu Man Chew turned red and hated the world from hunger. I Zenned out, and we arrived in Rapid City at 2 am. This time the bus station was just closing, so we had to wait outside in an adjacent park with our luggage. We were hungry. We literally had a total of 38 cents. It was getting cold out. So I made the logical decision to pitch pennies in the dark and we succeeded in losing most of them. Sleeping on the park bench resulted in being covered in a cool morning dew and shivering.
The bus station opened, and I waited there with our luggage. Meanwhile, Fu Man Chew visited the local insurance office, and he cashed out for the third time his emergency cash policy. Soon we had a motel room, and we scampered off like famished ghoulish fiends to the nearest McDonalds to glut ourselves after not eating for two days. It was a demonic gorging of monumental proportions. We then smiled and slowly sauntered back to the motel room. It is not wise to glut oneself on McDonalds-anything after not eating for a few days. As we walked our digestive systems started echoing out horrendous sounds. It was only a matter of a minute before we were running back to the motel because a tsunami of diarrhea was about to hit Rapid City! The motel was a few blocks away down the highway, and I recall having to hold my bursting backside as I ran down the street in a dignified gait, dripping with cold sweat. I flew into the motel room a minute before Fu Man Chew. Shortly later, I was drained and collapsed in a chair. Fu Man Chew exited the bathroom white as a ghost, and then there was a knock on the door. It was a sheriff. He handed Fu Man Chew documents and rapidly vanished. Had we committed some sort of feces malfeasance? We soon discovered that there were indeed legal problems – the vacation from Hell continued!
Van Heusen was the used car salesman in Rapid City who had rented us a rotten red car that completely died in Evanston, Wyoming. He legally demanded mucho monies from Fu Man Chew for leaving the car in Evanston. He was insisting that a boot be put on KITT so we could not leave Rapid City until he received loads of cash. We soon saw a lawyer resembling John Goodman in Rapid City. He explained that Van Heusen, who incidentally resembled Paul Lynde from Hollywood Squares, was a known used car salesman con man. Van Heusen owned six car lots with hundreds of cars for rent, yet he rented us his worst car; it was a set up! While Goodman worked on our case, his wife took us to an American Indian museum. She recommended that we go to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology before we leave the area because of a dinosaur dig we could join. We finally picked up KITT, but there was a problem. One of Van Heusen’s dreaded dictums remained that we could not leave the state until he was paid. Goodman recommended that we not get stopped by the police while fleeing South Dakota. The Great Escape then commenced!
The next morning we sped away from Rapid City very discreetly, carefully, and quietly. Outside of town we coincidentally approached the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, so we visited it. We parked and I approached students to ask about the dinosaur dig. They looked at me in fear and ran away! No one would answer our questions, there was major weirdness, and everyone went inside, some staring out the windows at us and KITT. What was going on? We left quite puzzled, and later I found out the reason for this mystery. The dinosaur dig was for the Tyrannosaurus rex known as Sue which is now located in Chicago’s Field Museum (see 2017: #7-TENTACLES). There was a FBI raid on the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology campus the previous day in which all involved in the excavation were arrested for digging up a dinosaur and stealing it from Indian property (see 2010: #3-CURSE OF THE TYRANNOSAURUS REX). The students thought we were the FBI! We zoomed out of there and through South Dakota. It was surreal as we drove towards a huge blood red harvest moon near the horizon. We crossed the South Dakota border at nightfall. We escaped! We quickly headed back to Illinois the next day through Minnesota and Wisconsin, arriving in Chicago in the evening. Fu Man Chew was feeling fatigued by the difficulties and legal issues from this vacation from Hell and soon returned to Florida. As for me, I started planning my next vacation, and maybe it could be a bit more wild…
Pandora’s Box is now closing – and its hinges sound horrible. They’re breaking. It will reopen only one more time. In eleven months on October 1, 2018, the first of the thirteen final Halloween Tales will be released. Next year we shall examine such topics as great horror film actors and supervillains (see 2018: #1-GREAT HORROR FILM ACTORS and 2018: #12-SUPERVILLAINS). And I almost forgot! Goodman said that Van Heusen had to travel to Evanston to drive the red car back to Rapid City. So Van Heusen was the one who must have found that enormous, nasty, horrible, terrible piece of skin that fell off my foot in the desert since it was on the back seat. He probably added wheels and a stick shift to it and rented it. Happy Halloween!
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