Fuck it I’m making a Paw Patrol human au. All of them Attend Goodway Middle School and are in 6th grade. They live in Adventure Bay California.

Marshall grow up with first responders parents his father fire marshal and mother is a paramedic. His siblings are much older then him, his brother is away in the military and sister is at university but comes home once a month. Marshall really wants to be like his parents and loves to help others and hates how his siblings baby him

Rubble is the child of divorce. He lives mostly with his dad but spends two weekends a month at his mom’s. His dad owns a construction company and he wants to own it himself when he grows up. He’s not the most athletic but he loves to skateboard

Chase’s dad is the captain of the local police. He’s a Boy Scout and wants to become the youngest Eagle Scout ever. He has a laundry list of allergies and is asthmatic. His mom is a stay home mom and is over bearing

Rocky’s dad walked out on the family when he was small. His mom remarried another woman. So he lives with his mom and stepmom. He love’s tinkling with his stepmom and is finding ways to reuse every day items. He’s afraid of water because he nearly drowned as a small child. He’s also Jewish

Zuma lives near the beach and loves to surf. He tries to surf at least twice a week. When he’s not surfing he’s skateboarding. He lives with his parents and two younger sisters

Skye comes from a large and wealthy family. Although she comes from the wealthiest family in Adventure Bay she struggles with getting her parents attention. She does gymnastics and loves it. She loves aviation and idolizes female aviators like Amelia Earhart and Bessie Coleman. She either wants to be a professional gymnast or a pilot when she grows up

Everest just move to Adventure Bay from Alaska due to her dad’s job. She’s Indigenous Alaskan and is adjusting from living in a community with her tribe to being the only Native American in her class. She loves the outdoors, skateboarding, hiking, snowboarding, boating and just being outdoors.

So here are their humans/last names

Marshall Vatroslav

Rupert ‘Rubble’ Slater Jr.

Chase Schermer

Richard ’Rocky’ Cohen-Feldman

Zuma Seaver

Skye Wright

Everest Denali

15 questions 15 mutuals

*loud gasp* Thank your for including me, @frogsmulder)!!! :DDDD

I am not responsible for any grammar/spelling mistakes because I'm shooting from the hip and leaving the body wherever it drops.

15 questions 15 mutuals

1. Are you named after anyone?

My first name is a feminine version of my dad's name (and one my paternal grandmother wanted to use for a girl), and my middle name Susanne is a derivative of my maternal grandmother's name (I misspelt it as Suzanne for a year? in middle school because... I forgot how it was spelt, I suppose.)

2. When was the last time you cried?

Almost teared up at Craig Ferguson's eulogy for his dad tonight (catching up on his content on YouTube.) But I did tear up at his eulogy for his mom this morning (also on Youtube.)

3. Do you have kids?

No... but one day I will.

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

No, surprisingly-- mine is more bemused mockery (very like Mr. Bennett in Pride and Prejudice... but not the 2005 one. Not that Mr. Bennett. Never that Mr. Bennett.)

5. What sports do you play/have played?

...None. I felt that Olympic champion part of my soul wither and die away; so thanks for providing me that experience. (That was mild and playful sarcasm-- guess I do use it sometimes~.)

6. What's the first thing you notice about other people?

Probably how much space they take up-- not in a bad way, just in a way to gauge them as a possible threat? (I dunno-- don't think that 5 foot nothing woman who could have been blown away with an east wind was much of a threat; but maybe my brain thinks so.)

7. What's your eye color?

Brown. Reddish brown. (Bond accent included.)

8. Scary movies or happy endings?

..................HAPPY ENDINGS. But not cheesy ones-- give me Pride and Prejudice over Hallmark any day.

9. Any special talents?

I have an awe-inspiring ability to effortlessly make delicious food; BUT the magic happens when I make desserts that taste pretty good without wheat (even without flour in a pinch), without any granulated sugar (even without ANY sugar but fruit), AND without eggs (use 2-4 Tbsp seltzer water.) ...It was a dark, but necessary time in my life (someone else's health was affected, etc.) Can't make soup, though.

10. Where were you born?

California, US. I was there for... two months? before my fam hit the road. Two years later we left the mainland.

11. What are your hobbies?

Making amazing X-Files fic compilations, meta analyses, and my newest passion: absolutely spectacular AMVs (that I call Musicals.)

12. Do you have any pets?

Not currently-- I had a fish in second grade; then two outdoor rabbits through late elementary to early high school.

13. How tall are you?

5'5" (I'm your height, @frogsmulder! ;)))))

14. Favorite subject in school?

Literature-- loved learning about the technicalities behind writing and composing poetry; and I loved reading most of the required material. Math was great, but I missed a lot of errors. My interests failed once we left algebra and approached geometry/calculus.

15. Dream job?

Writer. I know deep down that I don't have that ...artistry? to create fiction-- which is fine (I do better with poetry-- though it's very untrained and pretty rough around the edges-- and, I think, critical writing.) I did write a "legal" document to my landlord when I was in middle school asking him to buy me a shih tzu puppy and he was impressed that I, a small child, wrote it as professionally as I did (I can't remember a word it said. XDDDD)

Time to tag everyone-- I'm going to tag everyone who's active on Tumblr right now, so this'll be cool to look back at years later as an piece of archived history: @baronessblixen, @suitablyaggrieved, @dd-is-my-guiltypleasure, @demon-fetal-harvest, @mondfuchs, @thebeautifulfantastic, @the-spooky-alien, @dreamingofscully, @annablume, @scullyeffect, @medicaldoctordana, @thatfragilecapricorn30, @starwalker42, @90stvqueen, @mulderscully, @onlyonechoice77, @ghostbustermelanieking, @pianogirlxf, @gabby-msr, @sonictacocat, @kiivitaja, @msmissymd, @tossingmyglossymane, @borogirl, @perpetually-weirdening, @unremarkable-house, @thescullyphile, @hamster-on-fire, @two-microscopes, @agentbluefox, @herdingcats12, @leonardbetts, @mulderwearingglasses, @catsandcoffeeandchemistry, @tiredpeterparker, @mollybecameanengineer, @adrianne68, @enigmaticdrblockhead, @albanyparkavenue, @thetigerisout, @samucabd, @invidiosa, @enigmaticxbee

(I added a few more than necessary; but I want to know people's answers.)

Respond only if you want~

20 Questions Tag

Thanks for the tag @captain-kraken! See their post here.

Tagging (gently): @lynnedwardswrites @autumnalwalker @crowandmoonwriting and anyone else who'd like to do this!

Are you named after anyone?

Nope!

When was the last time you cried?

Yesterday.

Do you have kids?

Nope!

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Me? Never!

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

Their hair! A hairstyle (or lack thereof, no judgment here!) says a lot about a person!

What’s your eye color?

Dark brown 😭 I wish it was more interesting.

Scary movie or happy endings?

Happy endings all the way! I am such a wimp when it comes to anything scary 😅

Any special talents?

No, I don't think so.

Where were you born?

I spawned in the middle of Southern California without warning. The world hasn't been the same since.

What are your hobbies?

Oh, I have so many! Writing, running, weightlifting, and yoga are the main ones tho!

Do you have any pets?

Yes! Two kitties name Boba and Mochi.

What sports do you play/have you played?

I think running and weightlifting technically count as sports, even though you don't really play them. In the past, none. I was not an outdoor child.

How tall are you?

5'1" 😢

Favourite subject in school?

Science!

Dream job?

It has changed so much, and it keeps changing, but for now, I have the brain worm of being an editor someday!

Home and Hearth and Hunger

A lyrical essay on growing up in the suburbs of Southern Orange County, California, and the piece that I think really solidified my love for coyotes in my writing.

I think I was off the mark when I tried to describe home. I was right in places, of course, because home wouldn’t be home without the smell of smoke, but I can’t help but feel like I missed the bullseye, like I danced around the truth of it all. Home is fire, and home is hot, and home is the choked I-5, and home is hungry. Even for all the suburban trappings, even with the over-manicured muzzle we tried to put on her, home is hungry. 

Built right against the dead and dying foothills of southern California, my town has played stomping ground to coyotes my whole life. Bane of the small dog, scourge of the outdoor cat owner, I only ever saw one in my whole seventeen years there: standing in the middle of the canyon road, eyeshine brighter than any star, staring back at me. We held like that for a few seconds, its eyes finding mine even through the glass and steel of my dad’s car, before it limped back off into the brush. I didn’t get a sense for just how hungry home was until I got older, until I could take out my wanderlust on the well-paved asphalt that connected town to town to suburb. Some streets just end, I found out. 

They don’t loop around, they don’t somehow go further than the map says. They just end. For any number of reasons, of course, but for us it was because there was nowhere else for road to go. Antonio ran right up to the hills, spat you out at the foot of a neighborhood built at the edge of home’s bound jaws. The 241 North cut through a long stretch of wild, rolling hills covered in the golden dead of spring, eager kindling swaying in the wind. I wonder, often, if that’s where I got it from. Mom and Dad moved there, transplanted themselves in favor of an understandably desirable stillness, but home was in the delivery room with me, was on the drive home, was running alongside the car when I was little, bounding from streetlight to streetlight. I wonder if my teeth aren’t hers, if that pit in my stomach that I just can’t quite fill isn’t hers. I’ve always been hungry. 

Even as a kid, I had a bottomless stomach. An unending appetite for more than just food, I came to realize: I tore my way through school libraries in my youth, ripped through tomes several magnitudes above my “expected reading level.” I rent them apart time after time and still found myself desperate for more. 

Is that home? Even when reading was hard, when the words were slippery and hard to pin down and my mind whirled and spun and thrashed in my skull, I turned my ravenous gaze to television, to animation, to movies and short films and videos about who even cares. I devoured it all. 

That must be home, right? As time wore on and my teeth began to ache with a need for new things to sharpen themselves against I started to come up short. I started to drink from wells marked “poison,” “radiation,” “anguish.” I drank greedily of my friendships and when they started to dry I drank of my own self-loathing. 

This, I am sure, is home, because I am sure that home does not love me. Why would she? Home is wild, home is hills scorched by flame, home is coyotes cackling in the canyon, home is roadkill and circling hawks and snow far, far off on the saddlebacks. 

Far away from the streets I would roam there dreamt snow on the mountainsides. 

Home has been muzzled, her rolling jaws have been bound by toll road and service street, parkway and avenue. Even in the shadows of her teeth there lie houses built in the shape of each other, cookie cutter shades of beige and brown spiraling in their gated labyrinths. Why would she love me? Maybe she cares- I can almost believe that, almost did believe it as I growled through the canyon in the still early morning- but I doubt that she loves me. It's looking out at the Sound, here in this place so vibrant and green and lush that I am affirmed in my stance: wherever home feels for me is not love because love feels like this. And home has never felt like this. 

I still see coyotes, sometimes. They seem out of place, even if this is part of their habitat, so far flung from the broiling gold of home. Why are you here, I ask one as it scampers out of the road. It asks me if I’m not hungry as it bounds away, small and thin and with eyes like molten stars, and I don’t let me foot off the gas for the rest of my drive that night. Aren’t I? Aren’t I hungry? Is that a bad thing?

Groundwork: Laying the Foundation

As we mentioned in our last post, we're building a chicken coop to add some life to our orchard and keep Bobcrow company. In this post we get into some of the details around laying the foundation - which as it turns out, is more than just digging some holes.

First we had to figure out how big we wanted to make the coop. A quick dive into resources like Almanac.com and The Feather Brain equipped us with essentials for space requirements: 4 square feet indoor and, at least, 4 square feet outdoor, per chicken.

The run was a pre-existing 20'x6' space. For the coop, we decided on a 16'x6' foundation using pressure-treated 4x4 corner posts. Twenty-four chickens, let's go!!

One challenge was leveling on uneven ground and getting square corners. A bit of high-school geometry and the 3:4:5 ratio came in handy here. As for placing the posts, we chose the time-honored method of burying them (which is apparently a debate) and setting them in Quikrete, considering our California location and the nature of the wood we picked. Some guidance we picked up: dig your hole at a depth 1/3 the height of your post, with a radius of 3x the post's width, and add another 6-inches for a gravel layer for drainage.

Some research led us to opt for 2x10 rim joists running at 8-foot spans between six posts—four at the corners and two in the middle. These rim joists would be fortified with 2x6 floor joists at 16-inch centers, all pressure-treated and ground contact rated, creating a robust flooring structure. The floor itself would be of 3/4" plywood so it was nice and sturdy atop the joists.

After laying down the foundation, we stood back and realized—wow, this coop is going to be massive! Twenty-four chickens would have made for quite the bustling community, almost too much for our lone sentinel, Bobcrow, to manage.

Up next, we'll explore our clever solution to this delightful dilemma, along with how we tackled the framing of the walls. Stay tuned!

tell me about childhood friend guy and hal!!!

i know i can always count on you, thank you!!

i used the ‘what if’ idea because hal & guy are for me cemented in their current dynamic, met once as adults and got along as friendly acquaintances before the ring messed up their relationship on both sides and it took decades to slowly and very painfully pick at it work out something better, this hard to bear ‘self-recognition through the other’ dynamic where they both see and know the worst of the other because they’ve been it. so this idea, it’s trying to see what could have happened, how it would have gone if they met as kids and befriended each other, how they might have influenced each other’s life for better or for worse

it boils down to two lonely and misunderstood kids finding kinship with one another, growing up together and feeding into each other both good and bad, crashing away and meeting again multiple times. and im thinking of both a no power au and a canon divergence where they both end up green lanterns because can you imagine how gut-tearing it will be for guy to learn that hal, his friend, was chosen over him? that he spent years already struggling with self-esteem irt to hal and comparing himself to him finding out he wasn’t good enough? that he’s the second choice? after spending years after years being so close to him? and for hal, the weight of the guilt and grief! the what ifs! if he didn’t get the ring, if guy wasn’t made his second, his he didnt use his battery to charge, if sinestro hadn’t tried to use him to get to hal, if, if, if… then he wouldn’t have lost his best friend, because guy now is nothing like the guy he’s known his entire life and it’s because of him, he hurt someone else again and ther’s nothing he can do to make it right

but my favorite out of the two is the non power setting:

hal is born in middle to upper middle class, his family has a second house in their family near baltimore they use as a vacation house during summer

that’s how he and guy meet, guy is younger than hal but they still hang out together a lot jack is already a lot older than hal and has things he wants to do and jim wasn’t born yet, so hal finds himself alone a lot, and guy is already spending as much time as he can outside his house to avoid his father and mace

showing this new kid around, being looked up to and feeling important is something guy will seek out with hal. hal just doesn’t want to get bored, and the kid who can be goaded into showing him risky places with an easy ‘you’re too much of a pussy to do it’ is his best bet for finding cool spots

still they get close on their personality: stubborn and smart and distant big brothers and loving being outside. guy shows him his favorite activities outdoor while hal talks about planes and what his beach looks like, they compare notes

for a few years that’s how it goes: hal and guy hang out for a few weeks in summer until hal goes back to california. they string up a strange friendship that feels timeless, the years go by and they just pick it up from where they left it when they meet, even though they are both changing and quickly, with new things to say to the other

then hal’s father dies when he’s barely a teen

then living in coast city gets harder with each passing day and hal won’t stop going to the tarmac and obsessing over flying and their family house has no one to take care of it anymore so his mom moves the family to maryland, hal sulking and hating everything about it

by now it’s gotten bad enough at home that guy has taken to spending as little time as possible there, roaming the streets of baltimore and all the remote spots he knows. still he keeps hoping to impress his father, to find what will make him love him

they meet up at their usual hang-out spot by pure dumb luck, guy escaping his house and hal running away from his mom and brothers for a moment. they find out they live in the same city, and even though they don't go to the same schools and are pretty far from each other, they grow close and closer and make an effort to meet up as often as they can

they take the bus until hal gets himself a car and start driving them around, picking guy from his school to go to parties, by now both families knowing of the friendship, hal’s mom encouraging it and guy dodging the questions about it

they are remarkable friends, able to get into the worse screaming matches and fist fight and a minute later being best buddies laughing and scheming together, they know the shameful family secrets and they know their fears and shames, ripped out confessions on lonely nights they meet up and confidences made out of trust. hal encourages guy to calm down while guy gets hal to talk out loud more

and, going for a romantic direction, maybe they’re their first gay thoughts, and how badly they deal with it, growing up in not the most accepting places. the looks, the touches, the thoughts, the moments alone and the shared spaces when in public, it’s spread out over weeks and months and years, culminating in a kiss during a party where they’re not even drunk enough to put it on the alcohol

and they both like it, maybe a bit too much, and they both hate themselves for it, and it breaks something between them. hal represses it hard while guy tries to ignore it and they both hate themselves for not conforming to what their fathers would want out of them

guy gives up on his family, just like hal does, and they talk about it. guy hardly find solace in that when hal tells him he’ll leave as soon as he can

and then hal leaves maryland for good and goes back to california, hitchhiking there to enroll in the airforce in his home state. he’s only thinking about the future, about what he’ll get, about flying again like he so desperately wants to

and that breaks guy a bit more, because it feels like hal is leaving him behind in the dirt to get something better, something without him while he’s left rotting in his hometown. he goes into this downward spiral of crime and anger, and mace tries to get hal because he knew they were close but hal doesn’t even pick up, too busy with his own career, and he’s left alone to straighten up guy

this leaves a dent in their friendship, they don’t really see each other, both too busy. hal flies, and guy studies, and they both get somewhere. the occasional phonecalls and beers they exchange every once in a while cannot make up for what broke between them, it just hurts to prod at the bruises

im conflicted about emerald dawn I and II, but the potential here cannot be overlooked, them meeting again by pure luck once again, hal in a bad place despite leaving to become great and guy turning out the best of the two, with a good career and standing. it hurts hal’s ego and brings guy back to bad memories.

afterward, hal gets back to ferris, trying to make things right, and guy gets angry again so he goes to school, to teach kids and be helful

until he gets hit by the bus, goes into his coma, wakes up with the consequences of his brain injuries. until he realizes that he cannot teach anymore, not while he was thrust back to his worst years, out of control, angry, confused and anxious and buzzing with all of that at all time

it hurts even more that no one in his family went to visit him

hal visits until he can’t stand seeing guy like this, not understanding what seeing kari by his side means when bile rises in his throat, not understanding why they’re kissing until kari says she cant, and he leaves him alone because he can't stand any of it

the next fortuitous meeting is a traveling hal stumbling unto guy working small jobs to keep rent. by now guy is angry at hal for leaving him behind, for ruining his shot at a better life by stupidly getting fired from the army and ruining what he had at ferris. and hal is just shocked at seeing guy like this, and hurt to see what he missed, that guy changed so much. it’s like seeing a stranger wearing his friend’s face, finding this young and hurt boy who would show him around the docks when they were kids, so angry and shutting out the world

they get into this circle of bringing out the worse for a while, hal making guy think of what he lost and who he isn't anymore and guy brings proof of hal slowly but surely losing control over his life, made worse by the fact that they end up working for the same company and seeing each other a lot

it's the fights, both verbal and with fists, made worse because they know exactly where to hit to hurt

from now on it’s them dancing around each other, around this baggage they have, what was lost, and following what GL 1990 and the 90s had going for them, guy slowly working at being better once he realizes how low he's sunk while hal gets worse until he crashes and guy is there to pick him the pieces left of him

guy is fired from their company after yet another fight between, and he realizes he doesn't want to be angry anymore, so he works on himself again, like he did when he went to college at 20, and he opens his bars and gathers new friends

while hal overworks himself and has a massive burnout and causes a big accident, and then it's seeing as guy made himself better and doing this too, going to guy for advice. its at nearing 40 years of age that they manage to salvage what was left of their relationship

all of this to say: i want a scene where they get sloshed at guy’s bar warriors and guy closes and keep hal there to talk, and he says he still thinks about their kiss so many years ago, and hal admits that he does too. and they’re both old, graying and with aching knees and many regrets on their shoulders, and they decide right there to not add another one to the list, to give this a shot to whatever has been brewing between them for so long

567.

Do you know a James? I do, but he’s never been known as James and I’ve known him since we were two, lol. I actually forgot that was his real name for a second.

Have you ever been to Australia? If not, would you like to? Yeah, my family all live in Australia so we visited a lot when I was younger. I haven’t been back in around a decade though as flights are so expensive and I can’t really afford to take all that time off work.

Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental illness? Yes, depression and generalised anxiety disorder.

If you had to choose to have a different accent than the one you have now, what accent would you choose and why? I love Australian and Scottish accents.

New York or California? I’d prefer to visit New York I think, but I wouldn’t want to live in either place.

Have you ever or do you currently live in a Gated Community? Nope. They’re only really a “thing” in big cities here.

Who was your last text from? Suzanne.

Do you know how to use a DSLR camera? No.

If you had to choose one instrument to perfect, what instrument would you choose? Piano.

Have you ever owned an Axolotl? I haven’t.

What has been the longest amount of time you’ve spent on a plane? The longest individual flight was something like fourteen hours, but whenever we used to fly to Australia it was about 23 hours flight-time in total.

How often do you use Snapchat? Never.

What does your last text say? I can’t be bothered to check.

Have you ever played Habbo? Aww man, I remember HabboHotel lol. I did used to use it sometimes but I preferred other websites.

What about Runescape? No.

Have you ever heard of the band Mumford & Sons? If yes, do you like their music? Yeah, I quite like them but they’re one of those bands I need to be in the right mood for, otherwise I just find them annoying lol.

Have you ever kissed anyone starting with the letter A, C, N, T or K? A,C and N, yes.

Have you ever used Valium before? No.

What time is it where you’re from? It’s currently 11.34am.

Have you ever adopted an animal from an animal shelter? No. Purrlock was a rescue but it was via a private source. Our other cats have all been farm kittens and Archie was from a breeder.

Where do you usually find Surveys from? If there are none on my dashboard, then I normally look through someone’s archives until I find one I feel like doing.

Australia or New Zealand? I’d prefer to visit New Zealand as I’ve been to Australia multiple times.

Have you ever missed a flight? No, thankfully not.

What is your best friend’s middle name? He doesn’t have a middle name.

How do you feel about the passing of Aretha Franklin? I mean, it’s not something I ever really thought about. People die - it’s never really something I’ve got too upset about, especially when we’re talking about total strangers.

Did you enjoy any of her music? RESPECT was a good song but I don’t really know any of her others.

What is your favourite film from your childhood? The Land Before Time.

Kanye West or Drake? I’m not a huge fan of either.

Do you know anyone who is named after a state? I used to go to school with a girl called Montana.

What was the reason for your previous doctor’s visit? To get a sick note.

Have you ever been to an outdoor cinema? No, they’re not really a “thing” here as the weather is hardly the most predictable lol. It rains far too often.

Have you ever had a “bad trip”? If yes, what happened? No.

How often do you use Instagram? Most days, but I scroll more than I actually post.

Have you ever smoked a cigarette? Yeah.

If so, do you still smoke? No.

What are you up to tomorrow? I have no plans for tomorrow yet. It’s supposed to rain (again).

What type of questions do you like being asked during a survey? Ones that require a bit of thought, or ones that are about your day-to-day life so that you don’t just give the same answers all the time.

Adam Sandler or Jim Carrey? Jim Carrey.

What is your favourite Ben Stiller movie? I’ve just looked through his filmography and none of them really stand out to me as being any good, lol.

What is your favourite Spotify playlist if you have one? I don’t have a favourite - I just make a load of them and pick one at random.

Firefox or Chrome? Chrome.

Do you enjoy learning about conspiracy theories? Yeah, I find them pretty interesting and I honestly think a few of them have some merit.

If so, what is your favourite? I like random theories about various crimes etc.

Do you find hand tattoos attractive on your preferred sex? I’ve never found hand tattoos particularly attractive on either sex.

If you had a baby boy, what would you name him? I have zero desire to ever have a baby, but I like the name Harrison for a boy.

What is your favourite Netflix original series? A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Have you ever owned a Tamagotchi? Nope. I was never allowed stuff like that growing up.

Do you have a favourite “survey blog” on Tumblr? If so, who? No, I don’t really pay attention to them, in all honesty. I just take surveys off my dashboard that look interesting.

Would you rather be 10 minutes late or 20 minutes early? 20 minutes early. I’d just sit and read or play on my phone.

If you could be a member of any TV-Sitcom family, which would it be? The Foremans from That 70s Show. Kitty is the best. <--- yes! 

Tell me about the 6th person in your contact list: I have no idea who that is.

Are you waiting for a text back right now? Nope.

Would you rather be able to control fire or water? Water.

LENNON KING: bio + stats.

click here for stats read below for bio.

traits: independent, friendly, overly sensitive, opinionated, clumsy, adventurous, passionate, selfish, creative, stubborn, hot-headed, egotistical, talkative, brash, fickle, righteous, charming, affectionate

aesthetic: afternoon wine, redwood trees, sundresses, farmer's markets, curly hair, summer camp, mommy issues, scribbled notebooks, conspiracy theories, japanese cherry blossoms, airplane windows, lemon printed everything, mountain tops, passport stamps, old poetry, religious trauma, field of poppies, hiking boots,

(tw: mentions of abortion, image issues)

Lennon Cecilia King was born in Hoboken, New Jersey with one absolute thought instilled in her: she did not belong in Hoboken, New Jersey. She grew up with the perpetual middle child syndrome and often found herself feeling like an outsider within her community and her family. Her mother had always been slightly cold, closed off, and a bit rigid. Lennon couldn’t have been any more different - she was a loud child, so aggressively opinionated, and all too often seeking validation that would never come from her mother. Their relationship had always been complex, and often the cause of family fights during holidays. Whether it was raging hormones and the sheer concept of adolescence, Lennon often found herself doing just about anything to get away from her family. 

The Kings sent their children to summer camp at Stokes State Forest nearly every year. Whether it was an attempt to give their children a good summer or an attempt to get Lennon out of the house, they would never confirm. Lennon always suspected it was the latter, however. Funny enough, she didn’t mind it. It was eight blissful weeks away from Hoboken and away from her mother she so often fought with. Camp became the only thing she really cared about as she grew up. As they got older and her siblings had the option to stay home or go, she always chose to go. She became a camp counselor in her teenage years and it was always the best part of her youth. 

Lennon never saw eye to eye with her peers at school. She of course had a handful of great friends, a few brushes with romance, but was often teased and subject to bullying. Lennon struggled with image issues, and her brutally honest mother didn’t help.She had a sensitive heart, unlike the others in her family. She supposed she got it from her father, who often kept his cards close to his chest these days, but always gave a glint of kindness and warmth that couldn’t be found in her mother. 

Lennon grew into a fiercely independent young adult and created a game plan that would allow her to escape the city she was born in. Despite her rambunctious teenage ways, she became determined and applied for any and every scholarship she could find. Her parents wanted her to attend community college considering she hardly knew what she wanted to do with her life, but Lennon couldn’t stay a second longer. 

With some scholarships under her belt, she was accepted into San Francisco's State University. The West had always been on her mind since she was a little girl, so she practically chose a school that was the farthest away possible from her hometown. The only hard part about leaving New Jersey was leaving her siblings who she did love completely. However, they were never going to be enough to keep her there. Lennon moved to California and decided to study environmental science. Her love for summer camp, nature, and the outdoors pushed her towards a career that dealt with the subject. Towards the end of her college career, the travel bug within her bit her hard and she decided to study abroad in Japan. 

As she traveled and immersed herself in a whole other culture, Lennon was beginning to feel more like herself. She became confident in her own skin, maybe even to a fault, and beamed with life. She fell in love with another student studying abroad and their relationship blossomed into something beautiful. College came to an end and with a degree under her belt, she was still unsure what she wanted to do with her life. She took up a park ranger job at Yosemite and it wasn’t long after that she and her boyfriend decided to elope. Life seemed good, or at least she was following that game plan she once set for herself. Far from New Jersey, well traveled, in love - what else could she ask for? 

The day she found out she was pregnant, something shifted. Lennon was so terrified of becoming a mother - of becoming her mother. Without telling her husband or even considering another option, Lennon got an abortion. She made the decision alone and went through it alone. Whenever her husband inevitably found out, he was hurt that she didn’t tell him. Yes, he wanted children of his own, but he was more hurt that she did it all alone. She didn’t allow him to be there for her and he feared she’d never let him. Lennon was too fiercely independent, emphasis on the fierce. The situation was too complicated for her liking, so she did what she did best and ran away from it all. She filed divorce papers and headed north. 

It was a cliché. She knew it was a cliché, but she didn’t care. After divorcing her husband, Lennon went to hike the Pacific Northwest Trails alone. It was the most grueling, exhilarating, and beautiful experience. Most nights were full of tears and the pain of the trip seemed to heal something in her. Lennon returned to San Francisco and decided to be a Park Ranger at some of the Redwoods parks nearby. She has grown to embrace her complexities and boldness, something she was often shunned for. Though she does her best to stay away from New Jersey, she still keeps in contact with everyone - even her mother. She’ll find herself occasionally missing the woman, though after a ten minute phone call she’ll change her mind. 

Lennon may not have everything in her life figured out, but she has certainly made her younger self proud.

( camila mendes  ,  cis woman,  she/her  ,  twenty-five )   a  little  birdy  told  me  CLÁUDIA "DIA" RIBEIRO  just  moved  to  sunset  hills  .  have  you  met  them  yet  ?  i  heard  them  driving  down  the  street  playing  PEOPLE COME PEOPLE GO  by  DEEP SEA DIVER  ,  they  sounded  a  little  pitchy  but  they  had  the  spirit !  must  be  their  favorite  or  something  .  hey  …  it  looks  like  they  just  moved  into  DUSK DRIVE  .  have  you  heard  about  what  they  do  for  a  living  ?  someone  told  me  they’re  a  SURF INSTRUCTOR  ,  but  who  knows  if  that’s  even  true  .  guess  we’re  just  gonna  have  to  wait  and  see  .  nervous  ?  don’t  be  ,  i  think  you’re  gonna  get  along  just  fine  !  i  can’t  wait  to  see  what  they  get  up  to  .

hi honeybees ! i’m phoebe ( aka pb to avoid confusion with character phoebe ) and i haven’t rped in a group in SEVERAL long months because of graduating c*llege. and dia’s a brand new character so bear with me while i get my rp sea legs back... anyways, here’s my baby: 

dia’s a relative newcomer not just to sunset hills, but to the united states — a 25 year old brasileira from rio de janeiro who graduated university three years ago with a bachelor’s in leisure and tourism ( at her university in são paulo, it’s an interdisciplinary degree blending natural sciences, sociology, arts and culture, education, etc, all up dia’s alleyway without pigeon-holding her to one subject ), her first taste of california was through the study abroad year she did at sunset hills university as a junior

there’s basically nothing else to say about her backstory because im in my flop era and didn’t think of anything worthwhile ❤️ the main points to note are that her family’s upper middle class, her father has american citizenship, and i think she has a younger brother

what followed her university graduation was a sense of aimlessness while still wanting to do something big — getting a job at a bureau of tourism wasn’t quite what she was itching for, so dia took a leap of faith and decided to return to sunset hills, having loved the californian beach culture and overall vibe of the city. wanting to be outdoors, she quickly found a job as a surf instructor and has been in the position ever since.

i’m thinking the position is with a surf school ( also affiliated with summer camps for kids, perhaps...??? ) but she also does some private lessons for friends or anyone else referred to her on the side because who’s gonna stop her

moving out of her home country and away from her family was... not necessarily an impulsive decision, considering dia’s always had a travel bug — it’s why she did the study abroad year in the first place — but it was a little fiscally irresponsible of her. she’s generally someone who values experiences over material goods and has never been able to build up proper savings because what’s money when something can bring you happiness? that being said, she’s fortunate to have parents who are financially comfortable enough to occasionally help her out in a tight spot ( though she tries to prevent that as much as possible, also valuing taking ownership for her own decisions and any complications that might come with them; she may have been a little starry-eyed at 22, but at 25, she knows better ). in the present day, dia’s trying to be a little more frugal, considering she’s building a life for herself in sunset hills and has moved into dusk drive, a step above midnight park.

overall, she’s adventurous, generous, and warm, more than happy to invite people into her home and life — but to a point. dia is, bless her heart, incredibly non-committal when it comes to anything beyond friendship. part of it is a fear to be vulnerable but much of it is driven by the thought in the back of her head that she’ll one day return to brazil so developing a real connection feels futile. she’s prone to going on a couple of dates with people and drifting, or one night stands that very seldom repeat. regardless, she’s one of those people that seems to strike up conversations with people wherever she goes so those reservations certainly don’t apply to her friendships whatsoever.

incredibly independent, and sometimes to a fault. like, the type of independent where she’ll be sick and still refusing to be babied, or defensively asserting that yes, she can carry all of the grocery bags from trader joes, thank you for offering, but then everything ends up spilling out of the bag anyways. another thing she’s trying to work on but isn’t quite successful at — in a lot of ways, dia keeps trying to prove she’s capable of being on her own, given the many reservations her family had when she said she wanted to move to the states and do something unrelated to her degree, but she hasn’t fully realized she already proved as much a long time ago and can start to let go of her sometimes fatal determination.

her personality does have a bit of a sarcastic bite to it, but only when warranted; she’s got very little patience for snobs in particular, especially since she loves making the most of her life and can’t fathom having things to whine about or wanting to deny others joy, even if it’s not quite “intellectual” enough. like grow up!!! this type of holier-than-thou attitude also grates her coming from another culture and being on a learning curve when it comes to certain aspects of the united states. not everyone knows everything all the time, or knows what’s “cool”, so give them some grace! it’s this kind of life experience that definitely informs dia’s living by a “be kind but take no shit” mantra. 

some other tidbits: she’s a fan of psychedelic rock ( bands like o terno, the brian jonestown massacre, the black keys, pond ), she’s a gemini, she’s openly bisexual, beer is her alcohol of choice, and she’s a mango MONSTER, so beware if you serve it anywhere because she will scarf it all down with no regard for anyone else like a woman possessed. also pretty athletic, if you couldn’t already tell by the surfing, but she also enjoys beach volleyball ( despite being 5′2 ), soccer, swimming, and taking walks. 

a good character comparison would be donna sheridan from mamma mia but hopefully without the three baby daddies LMFAOOOOO  

finally: dia energy

NAME : Jakai Holden Alexus NICKNAME : Jak, Kai, Jai AGE : 30, almost 31 BIRTH DATE : May 31, 1992 GENDER : Male ORIENTATION : Bisexual NATIONALITY : Australian LOCATION : Los Angeles, California{2010-Present}, Thousand Oaks, California{1996 - 2010}, Sydney, Australia{1992-1996} PROFESSION : Professional Surfer, Acts and Works at Disneyland on the side ZODIAC : Gemini SPECIES : Human SPOKEN LANGUAGES : English HEIGHT : 6′3¼" WEIGHT : 201 lbs HAIR : Blonde EYES : Blue TATTOOS : A Few PIERCINGS : None SCARS : None FACE CLAIM : Chris Hemsworth

Biography

Jakai Holden Alexus was born May 31st at 12pm in Sydney, Australia to Landen and Cordelia Alexus. He has a younger brother named Rye Dimitri Alexus, who is three years younger than him. For the first four years of Jak’s life he was raised in Australia and then he moved to Thousand Oaks, California. It was during his first day of Preschool that he met his best friend, Chase Chambers {@fiercehearts​} and every since then they have been practically inseparable.

As time went on, the stronger their bond had gotten. Spending every other weekend at one of their homes, promising to always be friends no matter what happens and no matter where life leads them. Became so comfortable with each other that they’d sometimes experiment on the other, in fact they were each other’s first kiss. Which had sparked something in Kai but in that moment he wasn’t ready to admit he was beginning to develop feelings for his best friend, plus he didn’t want to risk his friendship so he kept it to himself. The first time he’s kept something from Chase, well at least something that wasn’t meant to be a surprise.

It was only a few weeks into junior high school that Jakai started gaining attention of his peers, however he didn’t really show any interest in popularity until college. Rather focus on having fun than all that nonsense, although he did go on dates. He wasn’t an complete dumbass, plus the more he slept around the more it didn’t hurt seeing Chase with Katie Roger. Don’t get him wrong, he adored Katie, she was like a sister to him but he couldn’t deny he was a bit jealous of her. But it wasn’t like he was a total player, he didn’t go out and fuck every night. Hell most of his attention went towards his love for adventure and his love for outdoors, especially for surfing, hiking, and camping, which began when he was a child. Thanks to his parents decision to spend the a few weeks or more having fun as a family, which luckily for him they always invited Chase’s family to tag along with them. He just didn’t want anything to serious right now so he went on dates and slept around when he was in the mood for that kind of intimacy. 

It was the middle of his junior year in high school that Jak finally got into a serious relationship with a girl named Gisella Russo, the first person he found himself having serious feelings for. Ella and Kai dated all through high school and into college, they were even planning on getting married after they both graduated. However as fate would have it, Gigi and Jakai ended up going their separate ways in their second year of college due to long distance and her ridiculous jealousy over Chase ❪ as Jai would call it ❫ that lead her to cheat on him. Yet much to his best friend’s advice, they remained friends. But afterwards the male decided that he wasn’t going to get in another serious relationship after that or at least for a while, just focused on having fun again, which consists of dating and sleeping around but not letting it get too serious. 

After college Jakai pursued his life long dream and became a professional surfer, getting to travel the world to do so was amazing. However being apart from Chase sucked but he was busy chasing his own dreams, busy making a life with Katie so he wouldn’t come in between that. After a few years has passed, Jak gotten into acting on the side. Something to do when he wasn’t surfing, something to bring in more money. Only taking a break to be there for Chase on those important days, like his wedding and the birth of his child, plus holidays as well. Well to be honest, Kai saw his best friend almost every night when he wasn’t away on work because he’d show up at the bar he worked at, sometimes with a date, yet most of the time, without a date because he wanted to hang with him and maybe bug him. 

By the time the male was thirty, life had been pretty great. He had pretty much everything he could ask for, well almost because there are just somethings he knew he’d never have but he couldn’t complain because it could be worse. But then one fateful night changed everything, now his life consisted of helping his best friend raise his kids after the death of their mother.

CALEB MAJHI

Full Name: Caleb Majhi 

Nicknames: Cal

Pronouns and Gender: He/Him, Cis Male

Age and Birthday: 38 years old, August 14th

Birth place: Pacific Grove, California 

Sexuality: Pansexual

Occupation: Mechanic/Part-time tow truck driver

Education: Master's Degree

Residence: Fisher's Cove

Time in Aurora Bay: Six years

Face claim: Rahul Kohli

tw mild racism mentions, mild violence mention, parental illness mention

— HISTORY:

Caleb was a college-graduated mechanical engineer who was as stubborn as he was proud. Convinced that he was invincible and that he was capable of practically anything. He believed that with enough hard work he could provide a great life for not only himself, but for mother and father, and if it were ever in the cards for him, a stable future to build a family on.

Originally born in Pacific Grove, an only child to immigrant parents, the early portion of Caleb's life started with a struggle. Caleb maintains that it was uneventful, forgoing the struggles of having to make ends meet while handling some level of intolerance in not only the work field, but in their own community. His father decided to move their family out to Oakhurst when he turned five to give them a fresh start, away from the judgmental gaze of their neighbors.

Caleb barely remembers the scent of the sea salt, the dry air and palm trees, and how the sky was invisible under a thick sheet of smog. If asked, it is the oaks and cottonwood trees, crystal clear lakes in the summer and snow drifts making him shiver in his boots in the winter.

Caleb fit in there for the most part even if he didn’t keep many long-term friends. Those he did make were fleeting with each year, never kept through the summers because he wrapped himself up in helping around his home. His father bought a garage with a second floor home attached to it in Oakhurst and that was where Caleb spent his after-school hours. From this grew his love for mechanics.

The elementary school years came and went, and Caleb entered middle school with his fists raised. His first day he was backed into the lockers, but he refused to be the type to roll over and take it. He lost miserably, but his left that scrap with pride intact for standing up for himself. It wasn’t his last time in the principal’s office over antagonistic behavior either. No matter how many scornful stares he got from his father or disappointing frowns from his mother Caleb did little to remedy that behavior.

Making friends was off the table for a while there. It took until a few months in until he met his one and only companion. Reluctant at first because all this time he had been pretty much on his own, the two began to lay down the foundation for a friendship to last a lifetime. And Caleb found a focus that kept him in line. Enough so that his grades started to remarkably improve as truancy was less of a problem.

This made it easy for Caleb’s parents to say ‘yes’ whenever he would ask them with the biggest, most desperate ‘pretty please’ to join his best friend and his father in camping trips. Caleb would never love the outdoors as much as his best friend, but it came pretty damned close to how much he liked working in the shop. It was peaceful out there, and what was there not to like?

'What about that one?' he had eagerly asked, his hand quickly shooting into the air to point. 'Oh... no, what's that one?' Pointing to stars and learning constellations. Another lesson that he learned, another question that was answered. Fresh air, beautiful scenic views, and spending weekends with people he found comforting familiarity in. He learned to fish, build fires, pitch tents, all that fun survival stuff that gave him this feeling of self-sufficiency he never wanted to let go of.

High school was another journey all its own where Caleb did start to widen his social circle. Just acquaintances made after he joined the football team on which he earned a scholarship. He left everything shallow not wanting to bind himself to anyone or anything with plans for a future in mechanical engineering. His childhood pal was the only friend he kept true to, and whose side he remained at through thick and thin. He tried to at least when he was given the chance.

When graduation came, class of 2001 hanging across the banners in school Caleb was ready to step forward into his future. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was his dream school, but the tuition was far too much for a family just getting by. The scholarship aids he earned from football and his improved grades earned him enough credit to settle with the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The only things tying him to Oakhurst were his parents who would forever be there, manning that garage, and his best friend who took to the road. College felt lonely at times without no one by his side.

Caleb pushed through with his studies with nothing in mind other than the full belief he was capable of it. He could do it, would walk that stage with a Bachelors without a single obstacle deterring him. That was about when he decided to forgo any potential relationships, stuck to anything casual and short-lived, and kept any ‘friends’ at an emotional distance. He had a goal in mind, and nothing was going to stop him.

When he bypassed his goal and obtained a Masters degree Caleb hit a home-run as salutatorian, landing a job fresh out of college in engineering the wind farms taking over the Palm Springs and Coachella Valley areas and even out to La Jolla.

Life became a blur as he buried himself in his job and earning himself a decent enough income. He lived comfortably, but never overtly luxuriously, and had enough in excess to send back to his parents on a monthly basis. His job left him too busy to pursue a relationship, but ‘one day’ Caleb would tell himself without a care. Maybe one day, if he ever felt that desire.

2016 came around and his father had started to get up in age where it raised a concern in Caleb, and his mother had recently fallen ill. She recovered, but it left her too weak to help his father around the garage. It took some mulling over, but Caleb inevitably left his job in Palm Springs to return to Oakhurst to help out. However, the decision had ultimately been made for them to sell the garage and use the money to settle into a smaller home.

With that fear of nearly losing his mother, there had been a startling realization in Caleb about how he dove too much into work and carelessly let time slip by. He lost months to years of time to spend with his parents. This pushed him to not return to his previous employment, and instead, he settled down in Aurora Bay. He took a part-time gig at Pit Stop, and on the side runs a tow-truck. His free time is spent fishing on the docks behind his house in Fisher's Cover. He's slowed down plenty, but he still finds he has a tendency to get lost in his work.

TRAITS.

+ Loyal, hard-working

+/- Confident, subjective

- Tunnel-visioned, brittle

HEADCANONS.

⊹ Caleb's favorite go-to snack when he works in the garage or anything mechanical is jerky. It is why it is one of the first things he makes when he's hunted a deer.

⊹ While Caleb is a decent hunter, he much prefers fishing. It requires more sitting and ruminating, and it is more peaceful.

⊹ While he had a bad temper as a kid, it's settled down into his adulthood. Not enough so that when he is frustrated he can keep his voice level, his patience is terrible. However, he won't swing so easily.

⊹ Caleb's biggest pet peeve is when someone has too many questions.

⊹ Caleb always wanted a family, but his job ate up most of his time. His ambition prevented the ability to meet someone and to build something, and when he returned home to help his parents, the problem of no free time persisted.

CONNECTIONS.

♡ @leomlarson - one of caleb's past camp kids while he worked the summer camp in Michigan during his college years, he has to say Leo had been one of the kids that made it worth it.

♡ @zoeybelmonte - what had been intended as a blind date with their friends setting them up turned into... well, to be honest, Caleb can't determine what kind of mess it was, but he will insist it wasn't his fault it'd ended badly.

♡ @priyaxdesai - distanced cousins, not by choice. the traditional way priya's family raised her wasn't widely accepted by the family as a whole, specifically caleb's parents, so he wasn't around much while she grew up. he is relieved to see her living her life freely now that she's back in aurora bay.

♡ @tba - xxx.

LINKS

⊹ pinterest.

⊹ inspo.

⊹ music.

@aurorabayaesthetic

San Diego, CA, Has An Excellent Educational System

I'm not surprised that many families prefer to raise their children in San Diego. San Diego, CA, is known for its exceptional educational system that attracts many students worldwide. The city's public schools are operated by independent school districts, most of which fall under the San Diego Unified School District. This district consists of 11 K–8 schools. It has 107 elementary schools and 24 middle schools. Apart from this, 13 alternative schools, 28 high schools, and 45 charter schools. Then, the University of California, San Diego, the largest university in the area, offers various undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines. With such an impressive educational infrastructure, San Diego is no wonder a popular destination for learners of all ages.

Apartments in Mission Valley

If you're looking for an apartment in Mission Valley that offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience, look no further than Vora Mission Valley in San Diego. This stunning community boasts an impressive list of amenities that will make you feel like you're living in a resort. Everything you need, from the controlled-access garage to the 24-hour fitness center, resident kitchen, and executive conference room, is at your fingertips. When it comes to leisure, Vora Mission Valley has you covered. Spend your weekends lounging in the private media room or socializing in the cyber or open-air lounge. You can catch up on your favorite shows in the SMART TV lounge or dip in the outdoor pool. And if you're a pet lover, you'll be pleased to know that Vora Mission Valley is pet-friendly, complete with a dog park and pet-washing station. Call now at (844) 950-3289 and discover if you qualify for up to six weeks free. 

San Diego Museum of Art

The San Diego Museum of Art is a remarkable institution showcasing an extensive collection of exquisite artworks from around the world. This museum offers visitors a unique and immersive cultural experience with its stunning architecture and meticulously curated exhibits. From ancient masterpieces to contemporary works, you can find them here at the San Diego Museum of Art. It's where you can see a vast array of extraordinary artworks spanning diverse periods and cultures. The breathtaking architecture and mesmerizing exhibitions combine to create an unparalleled experience that will leave visitors feeling enriched and inspired. San Diego is truly a city that offers a wide range of artistic treasures. Enjoy over 35000 collections!

Outdoor restaurant dining spaces extend until 2026

The Encinitas City Council in San Diego, CA, extended the temporary outdoor restaurant dining spaces until July 2026. This was confirmed during a council meeting held last Wednesday. The decision came after considering dozens of public comments, where restaurant owners pleaded with the council to allow them to keep the temporary parking and even consider making it permanent. The restaurant owners claimed that the extra dining space was vital for their survival during the pandemic. The council also plans to work on a permanent ordinance for outdoor dining. This move is expected to benefit the restaurant industry in Encinitas, providing them with a much-needed boost during these challenging times.

Link to maps

The San Diego Museum of Art 1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92102, United States Get on CA-163 N from Presidents Way 4 min (1.1 mi) Continue on CA-163 N. Take I-8 E to Fairmount Ave. Take exit 7 from I-8 E 7 min (6.4 mi) Follow Fairmount Ave and Mission Gorge Rd to your destination 3 min (0.6 mi) Vora Mission Valley 4440 Twain Ave, San Diego, CA 92120, United States

A 12-year-old boy in southern California has died after his gym teacher told him to run in triple-digit heat. Yahshua Robinson, a middle school student from Lake Elsinore, California, arrived to his gym class on Tuesday in the wrong clothes, Amarna Plummer, Robinson's aunt, told NBC Los Angeles. In response, Robinson's gym teacher made him run outdoors during high temperatures, Plummer said, describing what Robinson's fellow students had relayed to her. "He was reaching out to the teacher, saying he needed some water. He said he couldn't breathe. He was telling the kids this," Plummer told the outlet. The LA Times reported that the Lake Elsinore United School District has confirmed Robinson's death.

Random Facts About My Favorite OCxCanon pairing Niac.

My OTP is a OCxCanon pairing set in the MTV Teen Wolf universe between a Jersey Devil named Nigel Leeds and Isaac Lahey. I have been rocking this pairing for a long time and just feel the urge to share some random facts about them. It's all below the read more if you wanna read random stuff about a random ship. Maybe something will make you smirk?

Height Differences: - when Nigel is in human he's six inches shorter than Isaac - Isaac loves to play that up in cute ways - in his monstrous form Nigel is a little over three feet taller than Isaac - monster form Nigel has carried Isaac under his arm on more than one occasion The Outdoors: - Nigel introduced Isaac to camping who at first was rather resistant but he falls in love with it almost immediately - sometimes he and Nigel talk about their messy fucked up family lives for hours without realizing how much time has past - at other times they just quietly enjoy the other's company - Isaac comes to the realizes he desperately needs both - it allows him to actually let loose in a way that is safe for him and others when the wolf needs to run or life has been exceptionally hard for him - Isaac developed claustrophobia due to the freezer and sleeping outdoors is some of the safest, most comfortable sleep he gets - Isaac loves sleeping outdoors so much that he doesn't sleep in the tent unless absolutely necessary sometimes enduring what he calls 'light weather' to stay outside if he's comfy - and yes camping out in the middle of nowhere does allow them to 'let loose' in other ways. Sometimes you just want to be able to not hold back without worrying about noise complaints or well-meaning welfare checks - the first couple of times they slept outside though Isaac was worried a bear could come up on them. Nigel assured him that would only happen if the bear was very sick or very stupid. If sick they were doing it a service, if stupid he'd show Isaac how to make bear bacon the next day Family: - though Nigel has had children through surrogate mothers they all celebrate Isaac on Mother's Day - Isaac apparently has a crazy 'mother bear' mode - when they find out their daughter is now hanging out with a werewolf in high school Nigel tries to warn her away because 'werewolves are nothing but trouble' to which she reminds him that Isaac is a werewolf. Isaac's response? "No, your father is right." - they end up with four children, two boys and one girl are fathered by Nigel, one boy is fathered by Isaac - the three Jersey Devil siblings are very protective of their werewolf brother given (apparently) how 'fragile' werewolves are comparatively Isaac's Career: - Isaac's love of the outdoors plus his desire to help Nigel establish his California clan of devils allowed him to find what would end up being his perfect job Park Ranger - during Nigel's post secondary studies Nigel works 12-18 hours a day, every day for a little over 2 years without complaint to ensure that Isaac has everything he needs without having to go into debt - the connections he develops in and around the National Park is what allows them to land their home at the park's edge without too much stress Misc: - yes Isaac is willing to drop a peck on Nigel's muzzle when he's in monstrous form. He loves Nigel just as much whether he's man or beast - despite his love of the outdoors and generally rustic lifestyle Isaac never stops loving fashion - Nigel tries his best to spoil Isaac in the ways he thinks Isaac will like, new fancier jacket, a trip into town for a day of shopping and 'fancy eating', that sort of thing whenever he can though life makes it not happen super often

Discover the Eichler Homes of Rancho Verde, Sunnyvale's Hidden Gem

Nestled in the heart of Sunnyvale, California, the Rancho Verde neighborhood offers an idyllic setting for residents who appreciate the beauty and tranquility of indoor/outdoor living. Known for its beautifully remodeled atrium Eichler homes, Rancho Verde combines classic architectural features with modern amenities to create a serene and sophisticated living experience. In this blog post, we'll explore the history and charm of this sought-after neighborhood, as well as its top-rated schools and convenient access to Silicon Valley's leading tech companies.

A Glimpse into Rancho Verde's History: Rancho Verde, located within the 94087 zip code of Sunnyvale, owes much of its charm and distinctiveness to the iconic Eichler homes that grace its streets. Developed in the mid-20th century by visionary builder Joseph Eichler, these homes are characterized by their open-air atriums, floor-to-ceiling windows, radiant heat, exposed wood beams, tongue and groove ceilings, and original globe lighting. The neighborhood's prime location and distinctive architectural style have made it a sought-after destination for families and professionals alike.

Living in Rancho Verde: The Rancho Verde lifestyle is defined by its harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living. Residents can enjoy the lush landscaping, fresh lawns, and mature trees that adorn the neighborhood, while still benefiting from the privacy and tranquility of their Eichler homes. Inviting front entrances with offset walkways welcome visitors and create a sense of warmth and community.

Rancho Verde's homes boast bright living and dining areas, which often feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows flanking cozy brick fireplaces. Stunning kitchens are equipped with quartz countertops, an abundance of Euro cabinetry, and breakfast bars that open to inviting family rooms. Master suites offer tastefully updated bathrooms, walk-in closets, and sliding doors that lead to private backyards with side patios, fruit trees, and sparkling pools.

Top-Rated Schools in Rancho Verde: The Cherry Chase/Rancho Verde neighborhood is served by a trio of award-winning schools: Cherry Chase Elementary, Sunnyvale Middle, and Homestead High. These schools are renowned for their academic excellence, dedicated faculty, and commitment to providing a well-rounded education for students. Families in Rancho Verde can take pride in knowing their children will receive a top-notch education within their own community.

Convenient Access to Silicon Valley's Best: Rancho Verde's prime location allows residents to enjoy easy access to Westmoor Village, Challenger School, De Anza Park, and Mango Parks. Commuters will appreciate the neighborhood's proximity to Highways 85, 280, 237, 101, and Fremont and Sunnyvale/Saratoga roads. Just minutes away from Apple Spaceship, Google, LinkedIn, and other Silicon Valley giants, Rancho Verde offers a perfect balance of work and play for its residents.

Rancho Verde is a hidden gem in Sunnyvale that combines the best of mid-century Eichler design with modern amenities, top-rated schools, and convenient access to the heart of Silicon Valley. For those seeking a tranquil and sophisticated living experience within a close-knit community, the Rancho Verde neighborhood is the perfect place to call home.

The Rain It Raineth Every Day.

Norman Garstin, 1889.

I was just about to get ready to go on my early morning walk when it started blummin' chuckin' it down. I couldn't find a painting on the Internet to adequately match my mood, so this one will have to do, due to the art history factor.

Acc. to Wikipedia:

Norman Garstin (1847-1926) was an Irish artist, teacher, art critic and journalist associated with the Newlyn School of painters. This was an art colony of artists based in or near Newlyn, a fishing village adjacent to Penzance, on the south coast of Cornwall, from the 1880s until the early twentieth century. The establishment of the Newlyn School was reminiscent of the Barbizon School in France, where artists fled Paris to paint in a more pure setting emphasising natural light. These schools, along with a related California movement, were also known as 'En plein air'. Plein-air painting is the act of painting outdoors. The painting depicts the seafront between Newlyn and Penzance in windy and rainy weather. The use of negative space shows influence from French painter Edgar Degas, whom Garstin met when studying in Paris. Garstin sent the painting to the Royal Academy in 1889 but it was not selected for exhibition, possibly because the jury considered it was "too French" in style. The artist donated the work to Penzance Town Council, but it was not exhibited for some time after it was acquired, due to concerns that tourists would not wish to see Penzance in the rain.

I'm not massively interested in most art or history after the end of the 16th century, to be honest, but it has to be covered if I am to learn about the history of all civilisation from day dot. I tend to ignore Oriental art and history for the same reason - not my cup of camomile. Just personal preference, that's all. In a nutshell, just to be clear, my real interest lays in the art, history and religions of ancient and medieval Europe, Russia and the Near/Middle East. And cheese, which I am about to have for my breakfast on a slice of toast.

Thanks for reading and I hope you all have a nice day, even if it is blummin' raining and scuppering your plans like it is mine!