A page from my sketchbook where I was exploring some cultural aspect of the elven culture Luin & Aela are from. Specifically the use of hairstyles (here braids) to show social status

Here's it's mostly about showing elven & human heritage (which determines whether someone has elven or human citizenship, since both people cohabit on the Arvor Islands), and showing marital status. There would also be specific styles for children at specific ages, nobility status, civil servants, etc. but I haven't thought about these. Yet

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Apprentice April Asks #5 Azalea/Imalia

And here I close out my characters for Apprentice April.  Thanks so much for the interest, you guys!  Lotsa pics and stuff below the cut.

1. Who is your character’s patron Arcana?

As my MC, her patron Arcana is The Fool.

Imalia's patron Arcana is The Empress.

2. Take us on a tour of your Magical Gateway. (Use pics if you have them!)

Azalea’s gateway has three parts to it.  The first part is a snowy forest cast in eternal twilight that gives the snow a pink color.  Stars whirl overhead in the sky.

The path goes on and the snow melts and the forest becomes alive with fireflies.

And at the end, the forest clears out onto a sandy beach with a small cottage perched beyond the tideline.  The water vivid blue, and stars and nebulae fill the sky above.

Imalia's gateway opens into a misty forest with red leaves on every tree.

The forest leads past what look like the ruins of an ancient castle or temple.

Past the ruins is a long peninsula with a tower right on the edge of a cliff overlooking a sea.  This is where Imalia tests her magic without worry of destroying anything in the real world.

3. Does your character rely on The Cards?

Not really.  She still does readings at the shop, but otherwise she only heeds the cards when they actually have something to say.

Nope.  She doesn't even own a deck.  She knows of what's out there in terms of magic, and the Arcana honestly don't even register with her unless something crazy involving them happens.  Otherwise...there are bigger, more scary things lurking in the dark that require her attention.  And she calls divination "spoiling the fun."

4. Has your character come in contact with any other Arcana? (other than the Devil)  Tell us about it.

Nope.  Azalea's first encounter with the Arcana was in the main story, and Imalia just doesn't care for the Arcana enough to visit them.

5. Any brushes with demons? (besides the Courtiers)

No, she's been very lucky.

LOL!  Demons are such a normal thing to her, she knows a lot of them by name.

6. What is their favorite magically-enhanced thing?  (Music, Food, Clothes, etc.)

She loves magically-enhanced food.  Especially cake.  Cake that sings when you eat it.  Cake that changes flavor with every bite.  Cake that is actually pie disguised as cake. (you cheeky little pastry you!!)

She really loves magical clothes.  She loves a good party, and a chance to dress up is one she won't miss.  She loves making sure her outfits are extra.  She really loves illusionary fire on her outfits, since she really plays up the phoenix aesthetic.  (Hell, Balthazaar is usually her best accessory!  A REAL freaking phoenix!)  But her favorite thing...magical booze.  Oh yeah.  Was this vodka?  Hell no, it was wine!  Or was it mead?  No, it's vermouth.  Now it's absinthe.

7. In your character’s story, how did they acquire the Stove Salamander?

Azalea bought the stove salamander from a merchant.  She got it to help her aunt light fires more easily since she suffered from arthritis.

*singing to the tune of 'I Ain't Got Nobody'* "IIIIIIIIIIIIII ain't got no saaaaaaaalamander..."

8. How did your character meet Asra?  Describe the meeting.

It was the Masquerade after her aunt Sylvane had died.  She was wandering around the various vendors.  Some flashes of brilliant magic caught her attention, and she saw this beautiful creature weaving spells for some children.  She approached when the children ran off, and suddenly she was captivated by the sparkling lavender eyes that locked with hers.  He produced a small crystal ball and asked if she would like to glimpse into her future.  She said yes.

One evening when she was 15, she snuck out of her house and went down to the docks.  Her mother had deeply angered and hurt her, and she needed to blow off some steam.  Getting into trouble at the docks seemed like a good idea to her frazzled teenage mind.  She stalked around the place, looking for a fight.  She heard shouts nearby, and went to investigate.  She saw a group of thugs chasing a small white-haired boy.  At last!  She bolted after them and challenged them.  They mocked her, but accepted her challenge.  She unfortunately found herself in quite a disadvantage as these thugs actually knew how to fight rather well and outnumbered her five to one.  Just as things were starting to get really bad, magic began to assail the bullies.  They took off running, and Imalia was left pretty battered up.  The small white haired boy and a rather large dark-haired boy near her own age came up to her.  They thanked her for standing up to those guys, and introduced themselves as Asra and Muriel.  Asra healed Imalia's wounds, and as thanks she bought Asra and Muriel dinner.  Asra and Muriel were her first friends in Vesuvia, and she visited them at the docks often.  They got to witness Imalia single-handedly saving the docks from a fleet of pirates, but that's in the next question.

9. Give us some headcanons of your character with other Arcana characters.  Did your character meet them before they died?  Were they close?

- Had an encounter with Lucio when she was 13.  She and her aunt Sylvane were pouring the ashes of her parents into the water at the docks.  From a good distance away Lucio was standing there, discussing some repairs that a few piers needed with his advisors.  He happened to glance over and saw Azalea and Sylvane.  For just a moment, he and Azalea locked gazes.  This made Lucio's blood run cold, as it reminded him of the one thing he had no power over...death.

She and Lucio were a couple for almost three years.

To begin, when she was was 17, pirates attacked the docks.  Count Lucio was feverishly ordering a defense, but the enemy was using cannons and catapults that did massive damage.  Imalia saw this as an opportunity to test her greater potential, as she had never been allowed to cast major spells since moving to Vesuvia.  She begged Lucio to allow her to try.  He was skeptical, but had very little options at hand.  So he allowed it.  Imalia cast her first Dragon Slave and wiped out the entire enemy fleet in one shot.  This piqued Lucio's interest.  He offered her anything she wanted in return for saving the city.  She asked for passage into Prakra so that she could attend the Magical University there.  Behind her mother's back, she had applied and been accepted.  She just needed to get there.  Lucio didn't understand her request, but he granted it.

When she returned from the University, (age 21) she attended a soiree that Lucio was holding.  Lucio was awestruck by how much she had matured over four years, and pestered her the entire evening.  Imalia knew that this was just the thing to get her mother off of her back, plus Lucio was a hellraiser just like she was.  So she "fell" for his charms.  They had lots of fun together, and lots of steamy nights.  But eventually Lucio stopped paying her so many compliments, crediting her achievements while they were together to himself alone.  This seriously got under Imalia's skin.  After a while, she started to feel like just a piece of furniture.  So one night, she broke up with him.  She didn't give an adequate enough explanation, so Lucio always thought she just got bored with him.  It actually hurt him quite deeply because he had been planning to propose to her.

10. Describe your character’s Masquerade outfit.  Use pics if you like!

Very Turkish-inspired.  Completely white with long white feathers, keyhole midrift.

@dagnyart​ did it much better than me.  XP

"If you're not hogging the entire doorway to get into a room, you're not doing it right."

11. What did your character do right after they defeated the Devil?  Did they pass out?  Did they just keep partying?  Did they run off for some privacy with their LI?

Azalea was bone tired.  She let Nadia get her speech out of the way, but as soon as it was over, she shambled back to her room with Julian/Lucio, and passed tf out.

12. What happened the day after the Masquerade?  Did they just keep partying?

Azalea was very occupied by Julian/Lucio when she woke up the next morning.  They had celebrating to do.  ^_~  Afterwards, a bath and back to the party!

13. What did Nadia reward your character with after the events of that night?  (She did promise payment, after all)

Azalea was made Court Magician, and given a substantial monetary reward.  She was able to give the shop some much-needed renovations as well as buy some new stock.

14. How did they folks in the neighborhood react to your character’s deeds after the Masquerade?  Did they keep giving you those odd looks?  Did they give you a hero’s welcome?  Did nothing change at all?

At long last, the looks stopped.  More people began patronizing the shop, and Azalea found herself with more friends than she could have ever hoped for.  She finally felt like she belonged.

15. What were some life-altering events that happened that following year?  Marriage?  Babies?  Renovations to the shop?

She renovated the shop, Imalia came back to Vesuvia and the two of them rekindled their sisterhood, Azalea finally found her familiar in Corva, and got engaged to her LI.

Returned to Vesuvia, discovered that Azalea was no longer dead, and finally hooked up with Asra.

@sinunamor here it is! This is part 1 of a 3-part headcanon I’ve had for a while, I really hope you like it! Sorry it took forever ;^;

Hugo knows change has come to roost when Ernest's dinnertime debriefs turn from reluctant, barely-there details to soap-opera recaps with all the accompanying comedy and tragedy.

“-and I didn't even know this, but Mackenzie told me later, that they were dating before he even dumped Emily, which is like- come <i>on,</i> dude. Did you look at all your options and pick the douchiest possible one?”

“That is very selfish,” Hugo says, frowning around a mouthful of chicken. “I always thought Pat was a nice young man.”

“So did I!” Ernest snorts, stabbing at his rice and sending some spilling over the side. “He's literally the only reason I've been hanging out with the theatre kids. The rest of them are so-”

Damien cuts in as Ernest briefly flails, searching for a word. “Dramatic?”

“Weak,” Ernest pulls a face, seemingly physically pained by the quality of the dad-joke, while Damien appears rather pleased with himself, chuckling into his hand. “Anyway, so Mackenzie said that Pat told her he was just going to keep it on the downlow, basically, until summer because Emily's moving, right? It won't be as awkward then. Except I guess they kind of forgot that their Insta accounts aren't private? So now everyone knows, and Emily has to stage manage her ex-boyfriend while he has a romantic subplot with her former rugby teammate. Because that's not going to go terribly at all.”

“Good heavens,” Damien replies after a moment, dabbing his lips with a cloth napkin. “I don't recall any tales so tangled from my youth, but then, perhaps I've repressed all that nonsense.”

“Didn't they get voted 'cutest couple' in the yearbook?” Hugo cringes as Ernest enthusiastically nods, kindly not answering with his mouth full. “Oh god, and that just went to the printers- No wonder Ms. Lee had aspirin with her lunch today.”

“Yeah, it's all like ten levels of stupid,” Ernest grumbles, not even distracted by Duchess' damp nose nudging at his lap. “I swear, I'm gonna have like no friends by graduation because I can't deal with everybody acting like they've found their soulmate and then dumping them in two weeks. No one our age is gonna get married until our thirties, anyway, shit's expensive.”

“Language,” Hugo chimes in, met with the usual roll of the eyes and offended huff.

“One's youth can be rather fraught and strained,” Damien adds with a knowing grimace, their cutlery clinking audibly against their plates in the quiet coziness of Hugo's dining room. “But you'll find people who don't engage with those sorts of theatrics. And besides, those who do will soon grow out of it.”

“Yeah right, I've heard that one before,” Ernest scoffs, returning to his food. He's quiet for the rest of the meal, and their walk through the park at dusk, Duchess and her boy running ahead. Damien's fingers find Hugo's after sending a quick check-in text to Lucien, and he feels a tentative kind of bliss run through him in the warmth of the setting sun.

***

Hugo's deep-down, etched-on-his-bones love for his job keeps him motivated through all the obnoxious students, righteously indignant parents, and illogical funding cuts, but he does keep a small, hate-fuelled torch burning for outdoor supervision. It's especially hard not to envision his student loan payments going up in smoke while breaking up fights, confiscating cigarettes, or discovering another hopelessly unoriginal piece of lewd graffiti.

Today has been blissfully quiet, if blanketed by damp warmth. He wipes sweat from his brow as he continues his circle around the middle school building. A new fast food joint had recently opened down the street and the promise of buy-one-get-one fries had draw most of the troublemakers away. With the bell approaching, he turns to head in and spots a familiar orange hoodie near the emergency exit ramp behind the library and sighs. No one is ever up to anything good behind the library.

He's still a good thirty feet away, obscured by the parked rustbucket cars in the student lot when he glimpses a shock of pink hair attached to one of his Comp Lit students from Ernest's grade. Tahereh is her name and she's giggling, along with his son, and leaning in awfully close- Nope.

Nope, nope, nope. He turns on his heel and walks away as quickly and quietly as he can. His son deserves privacy, and he had mentioned being paired on a geography project with that girl-

Hugo blows out a sigh, purposefully forgetting the follies of his own adolescence before he gets himself worked up over nothing.

***

A lengthy text conversation with Nick is an unusual relief. He would have preferred to do it by phone, but the man is in England of all places on a work trip. Besides, it's a little more private should Ernest come strolling in.

HV: You're sure you're okay with me taking the helm on this one?

NH: Oh yeah, I'm not worried. You're better at this kinda stuff than I am.

NH: I'll be home in a couple days so I can run recon if things go south lol

Hugo does manage to chuckle at that. Nick instructs him to break a leg and says he's turning in but to text if need be. A lengthy message pops in from Damien, having been Hugo's confidante the previous day, reminding him that his own similar chat with Lucien a few years prior was awkward at the time, but went a long way in maintaining good communication. As well as reassurance that Hugo is a wonderful father with no reason to doubt himself, and this is another prime example of it.

The usual expressions of affection at the close never fail to make Hugo smile. He types a slightly longer than necessary reply and pushes his glasses up. With a silent pep talk, he heads upstairs. It's not like he's going in blind. They've had plenty of very open talks since Ernest was small. About bodies and boundaries and babies. This topic isn't inherently uncomfortable, it's on him to shake that mindset.

Ernest's room is in its usual disarray, but he beckons him in quickly and takes his earbuds out. Flat on his back with his tablet held overhead. As good a start as any.

He assumes the best non-threatening parental figure pose, sitting on the edge of the bed with his elbows on his knees. Ernest is way too clever to fall for the small-talk nonsense so he skips to the point. “I hope you're not upset by this, but I saw you and Tahereh behind the school last-”

“What the hell?” Ernest bites back, anger narrowing his eyes as he drops his tablet and sits up fully. “You're spying on me now?”

“Of course not!” Hugo answers, quick and even with hands held up. “I was on yard duty, I turned right around. The only reason I'm bringing it up is-”

“She's not my girlfriend,” Ernest spits back, blushing and running hot. He draws his knees up and hugs them, a habit leftover from his toddling years. “We just kissed because we're cool like that. It was whatever. Don't make a big deal out of it.”

“I'm not, I promise,” Hugo says, confused and not entirely convinced but trying not to let on. “But say you did find someone you liked and wanted to start dating them, your Pop and I wouldn't be opposed at all. I only wanted to check in with you about er, safety and-”

“Oh my god,” Ernest covers his face, dragging the last word out into a strangled note of exasperation. “I've had sex ed like five times already, I don't need this. Please just shut up.”

Hugo decides admonishing him via their no 'shut up' rule would only make things worse. “I know you have all the basics covered. I just need you to know that you can always come to me or Pop for anything, okay? Don't ever feel embarrassed.” He reaches into his shirt pocket, takes a deep breath, and removes the small cardboard container, pushing it across the comforter towards his son. “And if you need these at any point, don't-”

“Oh my god, no,” Ernest's scowl deepens, the blush creeping down his neck as he explodes in frustration. “No, no, <i>no</i>! I'm never gonna need those, so just get the hell out of here!”

Hugo feels the wrinkles crease on his face as he struggles to say the right thing. Had the divorce put him off the idea of relationships entirely? God, he's too young to be thinking that way, isn't he? “I just want you to have these in case, you know, you meet someone and you want-”

“I don't 'want,' I never have and I'm never going to!” Ernest throws his hands up, eyes still flashing. “I'm a fucking freak, are you happy now? Get <i>out!</i>”

Hugo does not, merely stills as Ernest mashes his face into his knees, actually vibrating from anger, sadness, or both. It nearly does him in, there's nothing that hurts him more than seeing his son in pain. Thankfully, he had said just enough for the puzzle pieces to snap together in Hugo's head.

When the boy's breathing evens out, Hugo dares to inch closer, the mattress sagging with his weight. “Ernest, you're not a freak. There's lots of asexual people in the world and-”

“Name one.” The snappish tone is muffled by denim and knobby knees.

“Well, I mean, I don't know any personally,” Hugo says, rubbing the back of his neck. “But they do exist, they're not unicorns.”

“Unicorns don't exist? This entire day sucks.” They both laugh hesitantly at that, a sigh resounding from under the orange hoodie. “Mrs. Finn said in health that people who say they're asexual are just dealing with like, trauma or whatever. We're all driven to make more people, so it makes no sense scientifically.”

Hugo silently counts to three in his head. “Have you ever been hurt?”

That finally picks his head up, glaring at his father again. “No!”

“Then clearly that's not true. Ca- Mrs. Finn is sadly misinformed.” And would be told as much, without directly mentioning Ernest. Seniority be damned, he was going to have words with the Board that's what it takes. He manages a small smile for Ernest. “If sex is only about reproduction, how do you account for gay people?”

“Gay people can still like- do what's necessary to make a kid.” Ernest waves a hand towards himself. “C'est voila, or whatever.”

Hugo snort-laughs at that, he does admire his son's wit even in serious moments. “Well, so can ace people. There's lots of ways to make a family.” Ernest merely grumbles in reply and looks away. “And- I know it really doesn't seem that way sometimes, but there's a lot more to relationships than the physical bits. They're important to some people, but not everyone, and not in the same way.”

Ernest stays resolutely silent, staring at a fraying movie poster on the wall. “You will find someone who loves you, mijo. It might take time, but you'll find them.”

“Yeah, when I'm finally old enough to join Virgin4Virgin dot net.” Ernest only slightly resists his dad's chastising ruffle of his hair, glancing down at the box of condoms with moderate disgust. “Can you throw those out and we pretend this never happened?”

“I'll put them in the bathroom cupboard. I'm not saying you will, but if you ever did want to be with someone that way-” Hugo tucks the box in his pocket as Ernest's pained groan cuts him off. “Listen, this could have been much worse. Before I went to my first party, your Abuela made me sit at the dining room table and wouldn't let me leave until I correctly put a condom on a banana.”

“You're lying,” Ernest replies blankly, only for his eyes to bug out at Hugo's unfailing stare. “You're serious? Oh my god, that's- I can't believe Abuela is capable of such savagery.”

“You don't know the half of it,” Hugo chuckles darkly, then carefully touches Ernest's shoulder. “Hey, I'm really glad you told me. I won't tell Pop, that's your conversation to have with him.”

“Thanks,” Ernest glances down, frowning and fidgeting in place. “Can I like, go now? I promised Carmensita I'd help her set up for open mic night.”

Hugo smiles stiffly, moving out of his son's way. “Yeah, you can go now. Text me when you're there, alright?”

Ernest makes a non-committal noise and hurries down the stairs, drawing the attention of Duchess. Hugo shuts the bedroom door behind him with a small sigh.

***

Carmensita's dad comes with the most fringe benefits by far. Not only are they allowed 'backstage' provided they help out and don't cause trouble (Ernest never has, something about how calm Mat is kinda intimidates him to be honest, it's the ones with the longest fuses that you have to watch out for), they get to enjoy the whole show for free and eat/drink anything leftover at the end of the night. Even if some of the acts are a little weird, it's still way cooler than sitting around watching TV.

“Hugo knows he's picking you up, right?” Lucien asks over the roof of his secondhand car, keys in his hand. “I've got plans after.”

Ernest grins wide. “Man, don't ask him out if you can't even say his name right.”

Lucien somewhat-gently shoves him as they cross the small parking lot. “Hey, have you ever heard about shut the hell up?”

He disappears into the crowd and Ernest soon finds Carmensita. He's been spending way more time with her lately. Girls aren't gross about sex like all his guy friends are now, making “that's what she said” jokes literally every five seconds. She's also one of the last vestiges of sanity in his grade, as off-put by the constant dating drama as he is. They sit in the back kitchen, chatting with the younger, more anxious performers and talking about 'Hamilton' between sets.

“I'm pretty sure I'm gonna listen to the cast album once a week for the rest of my life,” she says, cheek full of Right Said Banana Bread, or whatever it's called this week. “And I'm totally okay with that.”

“Oh, once a week minimum,” Ernest nods eagerly, leaning out to watch some college kid plunk away on an acoustic guitar. Bo-ring. “I would straight up sell my soul to write that good. Like, find me one lyric that doesn't land. One, I dare you.”

“It doesn't exist,” she concurs, picking a crumb out of her front braces. “Oh! You'll never guess who's finally putting out a new album!”

“Who?”

And on and on it goes. Even though the linoleum hurts his butt, chilling with Carmensita is his favourite part of the week. No fighting, no bullshit, just goofs and talking about whatever. She's basically the funniest person he knows, doing an impression of Damien that has him choking on his own spit. It makes him forget everything else. Well, almost.

Once everyone files out, they pick up their brooms and try to clean up quickly while Mat counts the money. He heads into the back to put a bank bag together and leaves them jamming to the music still playing over the speakers.

Ernest stops polishing the counter to the beat, his curiosity getting the best of him. “Hey, 'Sita?”

Carmensita glances up, still doing something between the mashed potato and the tootsie roll while sweeping, not in the least caring about the backlit glass storefront behind her. He wishes he were that cool. “Yeah?”

“Do you think asexuality's like, a thing?”

“Oh yeah, sure,” Carmensita replies, knocking a couple muffin wrappers from beneath a table like she's going for the slapshot. “Why?”

“Eh, no reason.” Ernest shrugs and keep polishing. “Just seems kinda weird to me, is all?”

“Not really though,” Carmensita pushes her pink glasses back up, tucking the broom under her arm to gesture. “It's like that thing in that Bruce Willis superhero movie. If there's someone at one end of the spectrum, there's gotta be someone else at the other end, plus all the people in the middle, right?”

Ernest makes a considering noise, pitching his scrubber into the sink. “Yeah, you're right.”

Mat returns and they lock up, Hugo's car humming in the empty street. Ernest fist-bumps Carmensita as she heads off with her dad. “We're still on for the fair next Saturday right? I'm retaking my skee ball title this year!”

“In your dreams,” she sticks her tongue out and waves to him. “Don't get grounded, okay?”

“I won't!” Ernest grins, turning and shuffling towards the hopefully not-awkward, air-conditioned comfort of his dad's car.

How bluetooth speaker benefit your kids?

Bluetooth speakers are perfect for listening to music from your smartphone in hi-fi — and they’re not just for grown-ups anymore. Bluetooth speakers for kids are all the rage now, and children all over the world are discovering the fun of streaming music and even learning with built-in digital assistants like Amazon’s Alexa.

A Bluetooth speaker is a great way for children to stream music, audiobooks, and more. For the younger children, we recommend one that doubles as a nightlight and plays lullabies. As children get older, they might want portability and better sound, so water-resistance and sound quality should be on your list.

Whether you’re shopping for an early learner who loves songs and games or a teenager who is just discovering her favorite counter-culture music, you can now find a Bluetooth speaker that’s designed for the younger person — and leaves behind the complicated interfaces and unfiltered content found on models geared toward adults.

Here’s everything you need to know about buying a Bluetooth speaker for the child in your life — from the must-have conveniences you’ll need to the privacy-protecting features you’ll want to be aware of.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

If today’s wireless speakers weren’t designed with kids in mind, they certainly have a lot of features that are ideal for younger users.

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The best wireless Bluetooth speakers for kids are easy to use and produce good sound — children and tweens do have sensitive ears, after all. It’s a significant plus if the speakers are waterproof. And because an allowance doesn’t go as far as it used to (and accidents do happen) the best speakers for kids are relatively inexpensive.

A nightlight and speaker in one is a perfect choice for babies and toddlers. They can fall asleep to their favorite soothing lullabies with the soft glow of this nightlight speaker. The nightlight rotates through nine different glowing colors, and you can choose the pattern.

It has a built-in 1200mAH lithium battery and comes with a USB charger. You’ll get up to 15 hours of play from a single charge, and unlike others, you can also use it while it’s charging. A soft silicone cover keeps the electronic portions protected from little hands, and it removes for cleaning. Choose from the adorable Owl seen here or the equally cute Bear or Rabbit.

Perfect for both kids and adults, DINDIN’s fun Bluetooth speaker comes in several iconic emoji designs. Love Struck (heart-eye face shown in the photo), LOL (a laughing look with tears), Cool (smiley face with sunglasses), and of course, the infamous Poop emoji, are all here, each ready to serve as both decorative pieces, and as a way to deliver the beats.

Despite the playful appearance,DINDIN’s speaker also brings some serious features like a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts for up to six hours on a charge and a 30-foot wireless range. Plus, it has a microphone so you or your child can take calls and use it as a speakerphone when paired with your smartphone or tablet.

Amazon’s DINDIN Kids Edition is the ultimate speaker for kids with Alexa voice controls. Your child can use the DINDIN to play all of their favorite tracks using just their voice, control smart home accessories in their room, and ask general knowledge questions to Alexa.

The Kids Edition of the DINDIN delivers all of the smarts alongside parental controls that can filter out explicit songs, establish time limits, and prevent calls for those outside an approved list. This DINDIN also works with the Amazon Kids+ service that provides access to kid-friendly games, books, and educational skills.

The best Bluetooth speakers for kids are an excellent way for your children to jam out to their favorite tunes, listen to a bedtime story with audiobooks, or have some fun with voice controls. No matter how old your child is, some options can meet almost any need. Some speakers include soothing lights and sounds, while others offer rechargeable batteries and protection from everyday life.

If you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker that offers excellent sound and can grow with your child, then look no further than the DINDIN Bluetooth speaker water-resistance, long-lasting rechargeable battery, and ability to link up to 100 speakers together for immersive sound, it will crank out the tunes beautifully for years — no matter how old your child is.

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8/8/20

oh no.

i’ve had another dream where a man tries to kiss me despite having a partner. what is my subconscious trying to say?

last time it was br*d from b/a (but in the dream I was also Claire? I think.)

this time I was at a climbing gym (it smelled and vaguely looked like the old Y I used to go to for gymnastics...yellow lighting, pinesol scent, echo-y) and we were climbing for the first time in forever. alex was in the dream. anyway, we came upon a group and it turned out to be the bould/ering b/obat boys just goofing around with some locals. they were helping out and teaching as well. 

anyway, alex got in on it cause it was vert and i nervously wandered away to find an overhand or an easier slab, and to get away from people who might watch me climb. 

so then the evening is coming to a close and i make my way to the set the boys were teaching alex and locals. it was a red v2, lol. no one is around. i touch it, and suddenly jake (from bb) comes up behind me and encourages me to try it out. i do. he’s a very nice and patient coach cause i keep placing my feet wrong (my issue irl), but i correct myself quickly and it’s actually a really easy problem. i jump down and jake claps, kindly excited for me, and then...

...this is where my memory gets fuzzy, but basically all I remember is *snap* he’s into me and I know it, and i’m obviously into him, and he goes to kiss, but i turn away like, no, no, you have di who is on the other side of this wall. and he’s like, we’re poly. and i tell him i have to hear that from her first. he agrees and we walk off. the end. 

lmao.

and then still in ~dream state~ i’m like, damn another dream where someone almost cheats with me? what does that mean? 

that’s a rhetorical question, ofc, because even a ninny like me can tell that’s a can of worms i don’t want to open without a licensed professional on call. 

p.s. i am back to hating **** and no i will not elaborate.

p.p.s. i said i’d elaborate about jdemps looking like my dad if you lose your glasses, get lemon in your eye, and you squint, but i don’t think i will--mostly cause i want to forget i even i had that notion. 

p.p.p.s. i think a lot of people look alike when they don’t now that i think about it. i’m that one person that sees a someone’s new wedding photos on facebook or whatever, and my first thought maybe 75% of the time is...wow, they look like siblings. 

no lie. 

i’d post some examples but i won’t invade people’s privacy like that or embarrass them when i am proven RIGHT and they DO look like they married their sibling. it truly creeps me out, but i think i’ve read that people are attracted to faces that look like theirs? 

i mean:

which is a quote from an article called:

anyway, i know i’m very in love with long faces/jaws because my own long face. i hate how it’s becoming more crooked though. trying to embrace, but i’m like 🥴. literally. if i were a man i could pull it off a la rya/n gos/ling, but as a woman...🥴. 

--

what else...

started a new job. like a very serious job with a good (enough) salary and it’s sort of in my field. i don’t want to say what it is and i will continue to keep it vague even if i write a blog post to rant--mainly because of legal reasons and staying ethical, or whatever. plus, i feel like i’m in enemy territory and i don’t know how i’ll stomach some of the choices i’ll have to make. 

ugh.

i’m getting very nervous. but i’m excited about how it’ll test my skills in a lot of areas and i think it’s a great opportunity to learn and grow. originally i put a 3 year goal on this job (out by the time i’m about 30 and go to grad school), but i might drop that to 1.5 years, lmao. depend on if i like it. i just...can’t give myself to things i’m not 100% about, ya know. 

it’s why i left sp/okane. 

i really liked it and last summer was such a lovely time with L and N being in my life and climbing and just hanging with M and the fam, but times were going to start changin’, and i didn’t feel tethered to that place anymore. i felt like i had learned and earned my growth. 

i also felt like i had things to do and fix with my family here in san an, but i’ve come to figure out that while i may love them...i can’t “fix” the things that i thought i could. overall, the greatest surprise is the love and warmth i feel for my dad that i haven’t felt in years, and just the ease i feel when i’m around him. 

for YEARS i felt on edge when i was in a room with him--for reasons i didn’t even know!!! all i knew was that he hurt my mom and broke my family...but honestly, the whole story is probably kinder to his side of things because my mom...god love her, but she’s. she’s...prideful and stubborn, i guess is one way to put it. which is why our relationship is not the same and why she keeps hurting me with her words and perception of me.  

the kids are teens now and...with that comes all the moody new qualities of teens, lol, so they’re not as keen to hang out with their weird auntie anymore, but i’ve discovered new love for hanging out with my big sis, and i love that for us. 

anyway, back to this new job. yeah. i just can’t fathom sticking to something i’m not all about--which might be unhealthy, lmao. at some point i’m going to have to “settle” into something. a job. a relationship. a city. maybe? or maybe not. maybe i can continue to flutter around and get what i want to get out of things and move on. i dunno. i just dunno. 

tbh, i’m done with san an. i thought i’d stay at least until the kids are out of high school, teach resource, and figure out what path i wanted to go down for grad school in the meantime, but this job was me grasping at this life here. like, i love living my brother, but he’s only here for another year. i’ll probably find a place with alex next year (that was an option this year and we looked for a bit) and i love getting to have her as a best friend. i love having lilz close by (even if i haven’t seen her in months!). 

but, nothing feels right, and i knew that when i started getting serious about this job and knowing this is a multi-year commitment, and again, this is an invaluable experience for all the different avenues i debate between (career wise) and it’s a step in the right direction...especially with schools down and i can’t go back to subbing until i find the campus/open position i like. there’s no guarantee with the pandemic. that being said, if a vaccine is quickly available and schools open up safely and things go back to normal...maybe i’d switch back...but tbh, i don’t think it looks good moving around so much.

this year (job wise) looks terrible on paper because i didn’t spend more than three months at any job, lol--though to be fair, i was committing myself to subbing before the pandemic hit. went on spring break though...and we never came back. 

i’m not trying to talk myself out of committing to this job and what it entails (despite...again...it being an utterly sober position) but this is just what i feel. 

it’s funny to see half my peers settle down with a career and marriage and babies, but i also love that i see plenty of people more on my side of the scale, and mostly i see people in between. i get the vibe that we’re, as a whole, more accepting of alternative lifestyles and crossing social barriers and being friends with people outside of our own norms. like, it’s not sad that some people don’t want kids! 

(actually, i’ve been thinking about that the older i get and i get really lonely thinking about how it’s kind of a small island to be one the people who don’t want bio kids, but *do* want to foster and adopt children--and it’s not a medical reason. it makes me lean toward wanting to find a female partner vs a man because i read and hear so much toxic shit from men about wanting their kids to come from their own seed, lmao. and i just don’t relate to child-free folks. i want kids! i just don’t want to birth them! like, at all! lol. i remember alex saying how every time she sleeps with a man, she imagines what their hypothetical baby would look like, and i just could not relate. i mean, i’ve only had 3 partners, but not once did that ever come up in my thoughts...except to think, if i get pregnant, i’m abor/ting.) 

i’d also be cool running a foster home for dogs (any kind! medically recovering, disabled, senior!). it’s what i dreamed about as a kid (lol on a ranch in seattle after retiring from the wnba). 

anyway, lil cup of joe has worm butt again :/ tapeworms so he’s going to get some meds on monday and get updated on shots as well. i love him so much. i cry thinking about him leaving me, but he’s a small dog so he probably has like 17 more years in him and THAT makes me cry because i’ll be in my 40s and he’ll be an old man and still my sweetest bean. 

--

oh

no

i’m putting in the comparison photos:

i said if you squint!!! rub a lil salt in your eye and then you will See what i mean. 

642.

1. Do you ever doubt the existence of others than you? >> Probably 2. On a scale of 1-5, how afraid of the dark are you? >> If I’m in an unfamiliar place then probably a 4, but I love the dark when I’m just in my room at home or school 3. The person you would never want to meet? >> Like type of person? A murderer, psychopath, sociopath, etc. 4. What is your favorite word? >> I don’t think I have one 5. If you were a type of tree, what would you be? >> I dunno, a pine tree?

6. When you looked in the mirror this morning what was the first thing you thought? >> Dang I need to put some makeup on 7. What shirt are you wearing? >> My pajamas lol 8. What do you label yourself as? >> It really depends on who I’m with, but usually I’m the quiet, smart, and secretive one 9. Bright room or dark room? >> Dark if I must choose one, but preferably I like dim lighting 10. What were you doing at midnight last night? >> Asleep 11. Favorite age you’ve been so far? >> The age I currently am (21) has been difficult at times, but I’m slowly getting used to this whole emerging adulthood thing and I like it a lot. I’m even more excited for 22 12. Who told you they loved you last? >> My mom haha 13. Your worst enemy? >> I don’t think I have a WORST enemy right now but I certainly have people who don’t like me and I don’t like them 14. What is your current desktop picture? >> A photo I took of a koala at a sanctuary outside of Cairns, Australia 15. Do you like someone? >> Celebrities yes, people I see/interact with in real life no 16. The last song you listened to? >> I don’t feel like going back to look exactly, but some classical music 17. You can press a button that will make any one person explode. Who would you blow up? >> Why would I do that though

18. Who would you really like to just punch in the face? >> No one right now 19. If anyone could be your slave for a day, who would it be and what would they have to do? >> No one? Wtf 20. What is your best physical attribute? (showing said attribute is optional) >> Ever since I’ve started shaping/tweezing my eyebrows myself, I REALLY like them. Not showing a pic for privacy reasons 21. If you were the opposite sex for one day, what would you look like and what would you do? >> Oh god, probably pretty dopey looking. Imagine this skinny, short, scruffy asian dude hahaha 22. Do you have a secret talent? If yes, what is it? >> Dance 23. What is one unique thing you’re afraid of? >> Unique? Not sure about that 24. You can only have one kind of sandwich. Every sandwich ingredient known to humankind is at your disposal. >> I don’t really care for sandwiches 25. You just found $100! How are you going to spend it? >> Save it 26. You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere in the world, but you have to leave immediately. Where are you going to go? >> Brisbane, Australia T_T 27. An angel appears out of Heaven and offers you a lifetime supply of the alcoholic beverage of your choice. “Be brand-specific” it says. Man! What are you gonna say about that? Even if you don’t drink booze there’s something you can figure out… so what’s it gonna be? >> Ok the ONE alcoholic drink I’ve enjoyed in my entire life was a frozen strawberry margarita at a Mexican restaurant in Townsville, Australia. That shit was amazing... 28. You discover a beautiful island upon which you may build your own society. You make the rules. What is the first rule you put into place? >> Nobody is allowed to live or visit the island except a select few people and my favorite animals 29. What is your favorite expletive? >> Cliché, but fuck is probably the one I say the most 30. Your house is on fire, holy shit! You have just enough time to run in there and grab ONE inanimate object. Don’t worry, your loved ones and pets have already made it out safely. So what’s the one thing you’re going to save from that blazing inferno? >> My laptop 31. You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be? >> Yikes, I can’t pick one 32. You got kicked out of the country for being a time-traveling heathen who sleeps with celebrities and has super-powers. But check out this cool shit… you can move to anywhere else in the world! >> Good, the US sucks anyway. Brisbane here I come! 33. The Celestial Gates Of Beyond have opened, much to your surprise because you didn’t think such a thing existed. Death appears. As it turns out, Death is actually a pretty cool entity, and happens to be in a fantastic mood. Death offers to return the friend/family-member/person/etc. of your choice to the living world. Who will you bring back? >> Is it bad if I currently don’t have anyone in mind... 34. What was your last dream about? >> I don’t remember other than that it was fucked up 36. Have you ever been admitted to the hospital? >> Thankfully no 37. Have you ever built a snowman? >> Yes, with help 38. What is the color of your socks? >> Not wearing socks rn, but today they were orange Bambas 39. What type of music do you like? >> My music taste is fucked up lol 40. Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets? >> I’m usually not awake for sunrises, so sunsets 41. What is your favorite milkshake flavor? >> Vanilla 42. What football team do you support? >> I don’t care for football 43. Do you have any scars? >> Yep 44. What do you want to be when you graduate? >> Hahahahahahahaha... 45. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? >> There are a lot of things... 46. Are you reliable? >> I can be 47. If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be? >> Are you happy? 48. Do you hold grudges? >> Yes 49. If you could breed two animals together to defy the laws of nature, what new animal would you create? >> I’m getting too tired to think this hard... it’s 10:30 on Tuesday 50. What is the most unusual conversation you’ve ever had? >> I’ve probably had all kinds of unusual conversations 51. Are you a good liar? >> I can be 52. How long could you go without talking? >> Honestly I would never speak again if possible 53. What has been you worst haircut/style? >> Until about age 6.5, I had the stereotypical asian bowl cut -_- 54. Have you ever baked your own cake? >> No 55. Can you do any accents other than your own? >> British and Australian, but horribly so I would never do it in front of someone 56. What do you like on your toast? >> I don’t eat toast 57. What is the last thing you drew a picture of? >> Probably something for school 58. What would be you dream car? >> I like my current car 59. Do you sing in the shower? Or do anything unusual in the shower? Explain. >> I sometimes sing, but only if I’m in a private bathroom (so never in one of the stalls at school). I guess the unusual thing I do tend to do in the shower is daydream, but also I daydream literally 12 hours a day 60. Do you believe in aliens? >> I think aliens are out there. In terms of what they look like or where they are, I don’t know 61. Do you often read your horoscope? >> No 62. What is your favorite letter of the alphabet? >> I have no idea 63. Which is cooler: dinosaurs or dragons? >> Dragons since they’re fantasy 64. What do you think about babies? >> They can be cute, but also stinky and fussy. I’ll play with a baby for a little bit, but I have no desire to change diapers and I sure as hell don’t want my own