new shoes btw. again

Hello! Can I get MCU, The Hobbit, and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. ship? 💚

Appearance: She/her. 179,5cm tall, rectangle body shape. Fair skin complexion with quite a few birthmarks. Dyed brown with honey-red highlights, shoulder-length, straight hair with bangs. The left eye is a mix of two colors – a smaller portion of (darker) greyish-blue and a larger portion of hazel; while the right eye is just a (lighter) greyish-blue. Heptagon face shape with two dimples on the left cheek and one on the right cheek (only visible while smiling). A gap between the upper front teeth.

Personality (good and bad traits): Ever since I was a kid, I was always quite mature for my age – I identify myself as an old soul. I come off as polite and well-mannered to strangers, yet I tend to keep it to myself by being reserved. But, that’s because I have social anxiety and I’m nervous and shy when meeting/talking to people. The only people I’m comfortable with being with my inner circle – closest friends and family. I am usually more “open” with my friends than with my family. With my friends I can be my “truest-self” – I smile more, I laugh more, I feel more accepted and understood. I am the mom and the fashionista of the group. Don’t get me wrong, I am fiercely protective of my family, especially of my mother and younger sister. But, lately, I’ve been feeling like the “black sheep” of the family, Cinderella who’s been taken advantage of. I express my affection for the people I care about in little, but practical, ways. I can be a little stiff when it comes to open, gushy displays of affection. Others turn to me for help and advice. I’m kind-hearted and generous, always ready to help a person in need. Always have been motherly towards children. Very awkward at keeping small talk (usually with people that I’m not that close with). Absolutely, hate speaking in front of a public, and if I do, because of my nervousness, I tend to mess up my words and/or I practice whatever I’m about to say in my head at first. I appreciate the simplicity and am often most comfortable when I’m not getting too much attention from the world. I am sensitive – both to criticism and to others’ feelings (I sponge up the feelings and moods of people and the environment around me). Have a hard time saying no or expressing my true thoughts, feelings. I get influenced by other people’s opinions/thoughts quite hard (I take everything to the heart), that is why I tend to keep a lot to myself (may come off as a little bit tense, secretive, mysterious). I avoid the harsh reality by daydreaming (almost every day) – imagining myself in situations far from my current circumstances. Sort of like a self-escape. I worry a lot and overthink almost everything. I am easily distracted and my attention span can be quite short. I have an internal struggle between my needs and wants. I can lack focus and be indecisive as a result – when I decide on one route, I am pulled in another direction at the same time (“But what if…”, “on the other hand...”). That is why I’m having a bit of a struggle with deciding what I want to do in the future (career-wise). I am easily overwhelmed by pressure and stress. There is a self-destructive side to me (self-critical, lack of self-confidence) that I’m working on by confronting my fears (coming out of my shell). Don’t like taking pictures, or other people taking pictures of me. I feel most content when I’ve straightened out all the details of everyday life. I have a routine, that I follow by mostly every day, and if something small changes in that routine, I start to have a small internal anxiety attack. Also, I like to do things my own way, like, when it comes to cleaning the house or organizing stuff, etc. I get triggered even if people don’t do the laundry the way I do. I guess you could describe me as a perfectionist, clean/control freak. In triggering situations I can be impulsive, spontaneous, quick to act. Quick flare-ups of anger/annoyance when being provoked on my patience. Even when I’m feeling low, I manage to find humor in life and have fun with whatever I do have. Although I tend to bottle things up, I am an emotional person and my emotions are genuine – I love and care deeply and passionately and wish no ill will upon anyone, yet it hards for me to imagine someone falling in love with me or just liking me.

Hobbies, likes: My hobbies are cleaning, writing (re-writing song lyrics, making small notes, writing stories), listening to any type of music, catching up on my favorite films and TV shows, hanging out with friends, going to the cinema, or the club, being out in nature, reading, traveling. I like history, cooking, fashion magazines (or fashion in general), road trips, spirituality, mythology, books, orange juice, previous decades, cottage-core, dark academia.

Overall: Hufflepuff. INFP-T. Bi-sexual. Pisces-Aries cusp sign. “Looks like could kill you, but is actually a cinnamon roll.” A feminist, support LGBTQ+ community. That’s it, thank you!

hey @pataim ! thanks so much for sending in your request, and thank you so much for your honesty about yourself. like it takes a lot to air yourself out like that, and I admire your strength for it. but also fINALLY a 'Man from U.N.C.L.E' ship! I love that movie and attempt Illya's accent all the time, so this will be fun :)

For the MCU/Marvel - I ship you with Steve Rogers/Captain America ! 

no one can tell me that Steve doesn’t have a set routine honestly, so let me just get that out there 

he seems intimidating at first, esp as a public figure and Avenger, but Steve is nothing but passionate about what he does. so it may clash w your lack of direction, but I could honestly see him envying that a lil bit, like it’s not that you don’t have direction, it’s the fact that you still have a choice in the matter. 

your love of history put you in a museum, here you bumped into Steve in a horrible disguise. he struck up the conversation first, and once you got past the whole “holy crap that’s Captain America”, you could actually engage with him in the material and boi was he smitten 

he would love to join you when your rewatched your fave things, bc not only is he catching up on more media he missed out on, he’s also getting to know your interests in a way that’s comfortable with you. it avoids all the small talk, but leaves room for discussion after the film/show ! 

since you tend to sponge up a lot of what other people believe, it’s totally Steve who actually tries to question what you think and what you feel about things. he’s someone who encourages you to have your own opinions and to stay true to those thoughts. so while with him, you can rely on him to learn about yourself, you also gain skills for independence

overall, Steve is super patient, and despite his chaotic job as Cap, he takes comfort in his routine, and would find comfort incorporating a partner’s routine into his life. and as you grow in a relationship with him, he’s patient about teaching you how to be your own person, and helping you learn more about yourself. and while it’s uncomfortable, you grow stronger throughout being with him :) 

For The Hobbit - I ship you with Bilbo Baggins !

Bilbo is the definition of introvert, and you're right there with him

not that introversion is ever a bad thing, bc it isn't. but Bilbo is quite content to sit in his little hobbit hole and vibe. like Gandalf had to come find him, ya know. dude disappeared from his own bday.

but anyways. it's not that Bilbo lacks purpose, it's just that he's more content with a quieter life. and it seems like his quiet life would balance you out well! like the Shire is so so chill, and there doesn't really seem to be a lot of pressure on the hobbits to pick a profession. like they just genuinely do what needs to get done.

similarly, Bilbo is the type who seems a little bothered by mushy displays of affection. exhibit a: disappearing from his own bday. like he's much more the type to refill your tea when y'all are reading by the fireplace, which he would totally do w you

it will probs take you a little while to warm up to each, given just how introverted you both are. but when he explains that he has set ways of doing things, then if they're compatible w your ways of doing things, then it doesn't take you long to open up to him

like it'll be a little jarring, but he takes comfort in his routines too. and it'll be an event trying to incorporate both of your ways of life together, but he's willing to do it

overall, yours is a very quaint partnership, built on deep respect for one another. neither of you are going to push the other to do things you aren't into. and y'all just live your best lives together tbh :)

For The Man From U.N.C.L.E - I ship you with Illya Kuryakin !

I love my big Russian spy so much, so this is fun for me

so Illya is the epitome of reserved and generally quiet, so it might take a while to really break down his walls and talk to him. and he's not quite sure what to do with you once you join the team

but, he's playing his game of chess alone, and when you sit down and ask to play with him, he opens up a little more after that

if you're one who get sent out on mission with the team, get ready, bc sometimes those missions require a lot of improvising. but you'd probably be at whatever 'base' was, helping run operations from a more secure place. but Illya and Napoleon improvise a lot, leading to a lot of headaches for you and Waverly

Illya has small bursts of anger, but similar to Gaby, most times, you can intervene and he doesn't get violent. or when he does, he tries to make sure it isn't in front of you. but bc you care so deeply for him, you're there for him in the aftermath. and that's how you show your love for him.

by patching him up if he gets cut, by talking him down when he's angry. and just generally trying to take care of him. and he totally does the same for you, especially if you get sent out into the field

and much to Illya's dismay, Solo doesn't refrain form making jokes about you. but if you can take them in stride, then Solo welcomes you into the team just as well :)

Time is Irrelevant (1/?): The Mystery of Psychology

Pairing: Eleventh Doctor x Female!Reader 

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1.7k 

Part Summary: Y/N is an undergraduate student double majoring in history and English. While she’s cramming away at her research paper she’s approached by a rather peculiar man. 

Masterlist

“History, like love, is so apt to surround her heroes with an atmosphere of imaginary brightness.” 

                                            - James Fenimore Cooper, The Last of the Mohicans

I’ve never imagined myself as one of the greats. They’ve lived before my time and their legacies will outlive me long after I’m gone. The greatest task I can accomplish is do them justice by telling their stories. I must immerse myself in their lives and hope to influence others with their work. I’m merely the surface that the puzzle of history rests upon. Over time, I’ve collected facts from as many historical periods as possible and have memorized them.

I’ve always found history easy to retain. I believe it to be a blessing. Once I’ve heard, read, or watched any kind of information about history I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. My gift made the subject easy for me in school. I also excelled in English. Words resonate with people for generations, they’re needed to retell history. A simple sentence or everyday speech may end up in every history book across the country. Words are equally as influential to our history as our actions. Hence why I’m a history and English double-major. With history comes life lessons, valuable lessons that can only be learned from past experiences. English, words, can impact an entire generation or many, thus influencing history. By telling the stories of the past, I hope to better the future.

___________________________________________________ 

As I review the archives on the Crusades in front of me, my fingers tap against the table to the beat of the music coming from my earbuds in the otherwise silent archives. Many of my friends have never understood how I’m able to read and listen to music at the same time. What can I say? I’m talented. Disregard the fact that I’ve read this book fifty times over so I could practically recite it from memory. I’m kinda mixing wars here by listening to Hamilton while reading about the French and Indian War. Oh well, there are no rules against the action. 

Suddenly, there is a tap on my shoulder. I assume someone must be able to hear my music and is asking for me to turn it down. I close my book as I remove one of my earbuds and peer over my shoulder. I lift my eyes and meet the gaze of a rather handsome individual. 

“I’m sorry is it too loud?” I apologize. 

“Not at all,” he assures me with a gentle smile and I take note of his accent. “I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of information on the French Revolution?” 

The gentleman is lucky, an average person wouldn’t know the archives by heart. I’ve spent nearly every day up here since the early days of freshman year. 

“You’re on the right floor so good job.” I joke and point my finger towards the proper section in the middle of the room near me. “Most of the books on the French Revolution that I’ve been able to find are over there but there are more throughout the library upstairs. Nonetheless, those should be a good start.” 

He grins, pausing for a moment as he stares me in the eye.  “Thank you.” His focus travels to my book sitting on the table. “The Last of The Mohicans, good choice.” 

He leaves, as quickly as he appeared, towards the section I suggested. That man is something else entirely. He’s likely a professor considering he’s down here and his considerably formal attire. Only a professor would wear a bow tie. Then again, he appears awfully young. A TA perhaps? That wouldn’t explain his accent though. He could be a visiting professor. Plus, oddly enough, he knows of my book, not many people I know do. 

I pop my earbud back in and dive back into reading. The whole interaction was short but interesting nonetheless. I’m not sure what it was about him but he was different than most. It could be that he had this awkward charm and I’m not used to people being so polite. For a young man, he seemed old fashioned. His wording was more articulate, could be because he’s British. Normally a guy would say ‘uh hey so like, could you…. um…  show me where the books are for the French Revolution or whatever it’s called? If they have an audiobook or DVD that’s cool too!’ 

Okay, that’s it, I can’t focus after that guy talked to me. I’ve read the same sentence five times over. It’s best just head home, it’s getting late anyway. 

The sun is setting as I make my way back to the apartment. I take the more scenic route by the original brick buildings from the colonial era. Mainly because I like the brick path, especially now that it’s fall and the leaves coat the ground. I’m not surprised to see some boys playing football on the lawn in the center of campus. My first thought is how American they appear, with the crisp leaves scattering the ground, everyone in their duck boots, and playing football. I feel as if I’m in a Lands End catalog.

On the way home, I stop by the student union to fetch a late dinner to take home. I shuffle through the music on my phone, trying to find the perfect playlist for the walk back. I approach the door to the building and the person ahead of me holds it for me as I stare down at my phone. 

“Thank you” I mumble absentmindedly. 

“Oh well hello again!” 

I look up and believe it or not it’s the same man from before. I take notice of his exquisite eyes, their long lashes, and his multicolored uniqueness. I’ve never seen anything like them before. They’re like marbles. A warm chestnut shade toward the cornea but then fades into a ring of emerald that transitions into a deep ocean blue. He has every possibility in one. 

“Oh hey!” I respond politely, “did you find the book you were looking for?” 

He shows me the hardcover book in his hand. “Yeah, thank you so much for your help earlier!” He holds out his hand for me to shake, “it’s nice to meet you...” 

“Y/N,” I answer, accepting his hand. “It’s nice to meet you too!” 

I’m not the kind for such formal introductions. In this day and age, there are rarely introductions just frequent run-ins until everyone becomes acquainted. 

The gentleman stares at me for a second, visibly deep in thought. He continues to hold my hand, but I’m too awkward to remove it. Then, snaps himself out of it, parting from my hand. “Beautiful name,” he compliments, charmingly.

Normally, I would imagine girls swoon over a compliment from a man with his foreign accent. American girls love a pretty English accent. Yet, his attention makes me feel on display. I’ve never been fond of physical compliments. I never know how to respond to them. 

“Are you meeting someone?” I ask.

He looks confused but realizes I’m referring to the building. “Oh! No, no I’m here to get something to eat.” 

 This was nice, but now I’m over being polite because I’m starving. Plus, I’ve been in the archives practically all day working on my research paper for Medieval History for I’m beyond tired. 

“Oh okay…” I stumble over my words, “well, it was nice to you!” I nod, preparing to walk away.

“Would you like to join me?” He asks abruptly before I’m able to escape. 

It’s ironic, I’m a mess and he’s wanting my company. The image of me schlepping around this ten-pound backpack wasn’t off-putting to him, really? 

 “Awesome!” He declares, not giving me the chance to decline his offer before he ushers me inside. “I’ll meet you over there after you get your food!” He adds, pointing over to a specific table. 

I was really looking forward to eating in my bed at home, but I can’t decline anyone and risk hurting their feelings. Sticking to my word, I head over to where he instructed after I grab my usual sushi order. Sure enough, he’s already seated at the table. I notice the fact we’re in the far back corner separated from the workers or the other few eaters this time of night. I place my bag next to me on the floor as I get situated. 

“You like sushi?” He inquires. 

I sway my head from side to side, “Americanized sushi. The traditional raw fish I’ve never tried.” 

He chuckles lightly, “one day you’ll have to try it. It’s surprisingly not as bad as one might assume.”He speaks so smoothly. Does it come naturally or does he have to work at it? 

“One day,” I sigh with a smile. I would love to see the world and experience everything it has to offer. Yet, I’m a poor college student with responsibilities. 

“What’s your major?” He asks, creating casual conversation. 

“I’m a double major, English, and history,” I nod. 

He raises his eyebrows, appearing amazed. “Impressive!” 

“What about you? What do you do?” I’m purposefully vague enough with my questions because I still don’t know whether he’s a student or a professor. He could pass as a graduate student and that’s what has me stumped. 

“Oh uh...” he stammers, rubbing his hands together in his lap. “I’m a doctor.” 

He’s a professor then. I’m having a social dinner with a professor... is this allowed? “Oh okay,” I try to remain unfazed. “What is it that you teach?” 

I’m assuming he must teach history considering the search for the French Revolution book. Then again, I don’t know of any English professors in the department. The topic isn’t really one for some light reading. He could be required to take a history course, though I doubt it. 

“Psychology,” he rushes out an answer. 

Do I ask or is that too bold? Then again, I’ve never really cared about superficial social standards. 

I lean forward in my chair, resting my arms on the table as curiosity appears on my face. “If you don’t mind me asking, why were you looking for books on the French Revolution earlier?” 

He hesitates as if he’s evaluating my question. His features go blank then shift to sternness. Did I say something wrong? Was I not being polite when I asked that? 

“I was picking it up for a friend,” he answers plainly, questionably. 

I don’t believe him, not for a second. I’m no expert in psychology but his eyes glanced to his right while his voice went up a little at the end of his sentence. He’s lying. My heart quickens and I do everything in my power to remain calm. I’m going to play along and act oblivious. Perhaps, he has a good reason for lying.

“I was just wondering because you said you were in Psychology,” I say light-heartedly, waving my hand to dismiss the matter. 

He sighs deeply, placing his napkin on the table. “They said you’d be hard to fool.” His eyes meet mine with a smirk as he leans back in his chair. “You don’t miss a thing do you?” He snickers. 

His words are so ominous they make my breathing hitch as I drop my chopsticks. 

“What?” I calmly question, reaching for my back slowly. 

In a swift movement, he grabs my hand on the table and points a metal shiny thing at my face. I attempt to yank myself free, but he just squeezes tighter. I look into the light radiating from the buzzing object. Then, suddenly, my sight goes dark. This can’t be good.

_____________________________

Masterlist

A Soulmate for Christmas - 3

< Previous

"Dupain-Cheng. We need to talk."

Marinette stopped breathing, sinking deeper under the desk. 

Chloe groaned and took a few steps away. "Don't make me get down there and drag you out. And next time, make sure you aren't hiding right in front of a mirror. Be thankful I didn't out you to Adrien."

Marinette glared at her reflection peeking out from a corner of the mostly covered mirror she’d failed to notice. 

"I suppose you want my gratitude for your generosity?" she huffed, climbing out of her hiding spot to face her old nemesis.

"I’ll do without, but let’s make one thing clear—I did it for Adrien, not you."

"Oh really? I fail to see how this benefits him since, you know, he wanted to find me."

Chloe smirked and looked Kagami’s way. Marinette followed her gaze, only now noticing how intently Kagami was watching her. 

"So, this is her?"

"Unfortunately."

Matching smirks on their lips, Kagami’s eyes held restrained curiosity. Chloe’s? Disbelief. 

Marinette could feel the weight of their judgement increase with each passing second. She scoffed. This crap was tiring to deal with back in the lycée. Now it wasn’t even worth the fight. "Listen, I doubt either of you want me to come in and mess up whatever thing you three have going on, so how about you tell Adrien you mistook me for someone else, the waitress he spoke to was not Marinette Dupain-Cheng, and we all walk our separate ways?"

Kagami folded her arms over her chest, arching an eyebrow. "What about Adrien?"

"What about him?"

"He’s your soulmate."

"He’s engaged to you."

"Did you hear anything we said here?"

"Didn’t have much of a choice."

"Then, you’re aware that we’re faking it. There is nothing but friendship between us."

"So I’ve heard."

"And you still want to walk away?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"She’s always been weird," Chloe snipped. "Adrien deserves better."

Marinette scoffed. "No one deserves a soulmate who humiliates them in front of the whole country."

"You can’t really pick your soulmate, you know," Kagami said. 

"But I can walk away from one who respects neither me nor our bond. Fake or not, he chose to be with you. I’m not going to interfere. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back work." 

Kagami grabbed Marinette’s hand before she could take a step. "You don’t understand. It’s not something he’s doing because he doesn’t respect or want you. Adrien’s practically saving my life with this, risking everything he ever wanted to do so."

Marinette almost laughed. "How is fake dating saving your life, Mlle Tsurugi? Fake dating is for fiction, a good book for a lonely evening or a movie to laugh with friends about. In the real world, in our modern society, it's irrelevant. And especially for someone as powerful and influential as you. You don't need to fake date. You can just say a word and all your problems will float away."

Kagami’s grip on Marinette’s hand tightened as she seethed through her teeth. "You have no idea what you’re talking about."

"Oh, don’t I? I’ve spent enough years in the same class with Chloe to see how people in your circle solve their problems."

"You shouldn’t put everyone in the same basket." Chloe stepped in, wrapping her arm around Kagami’s shoulder. She leaned closer to Kagami, their cheeks starting to glow at the contact, Kagami’s with a bee mark, Chloe’s with a dragon. 

To say Marinette was surprised was an understatement. 

"Just because we live in different circles doesn’t mean our lives are easy or that our problems always go away with a snap of our fingers," Chloe continued. "If you want to think of me like that, fine. Whatever. But not Adrien and certainly not Kagami." 

"I still fail to see the reason why someone would need to fake date." 

Before Chloe could start talking, Kagami cut her off with a wave of her hand. "Marinette, would you mind hearing me out? If you still want to walk away after what I have to tell you, neither of us will stop you."

Perhaps, this was the quickest way to get this over with. Maybe, she was curious herself as to what was going on between the three of them. Whatever it was, Marinette pulled up a chair, sat down and waited.

Kagami settled on a couch while Chloe leaned on its arm. "I was born and raised in Japan in a very conservative family where traditions were the law and whoever broke them was excommunicated forever. When I was fifteen, my mother and I moved to France, and I got to know the more liberal approach to life the French follow. I met Adrien through our parents’ business dealings. We became friends, and for the first time ever, someone could understand me, the life I was living, and the feelings I was suppressing. He wasn’t in any better of a situation at the time, but at least I was allowed to attend a private school. Adrien was kept locked inside his mansion. Later, I met Chloe and discovered the soulmate bond we shared. I was happy for the first time in my life. That is until my mother decided I had to marry one of her business partners’ sons for the sake of the family’s interests."

"A much older male," Chloe scoffed, scratching her nose. "Disgusting."

"Fifteen years older," Kagami confirmed. "And he lives in Japan which meant I would be forced to move back and lose not only my friends but also my soulmate. I would be expected to be an obedient, silent wife for the rest of my life, confined to looking after the house and birthing as many children as my husband wished."

"Ridiculous!" Chloe huffed. "Utterly ridiculous."

Kagami patted Chloe’s hand in a comforting gesture. "Perhaps if I’d never moved to France I would have gone along with her plans without complaining. However, after I had a taste of freedom and saw how happy I can be, I knew I couldn’t give up all of this. Give up Adrien and Chloe. Give up my dreams for the future. So, I panicked and said I was already secretly dating someone and didn’t tell her only because I wanted to make sure it was serious. Mother would’ve never agreed to let me stay if that person wasn’t from her list of approved potential spouses. A list made up of very influential and wealthy people. Adrien was one of them."

"He’s on the list of every Parisian mother." Chloe huffed. "Sucks to be him."

"I couldn’t say Chloe’s name," Kagami continued. "Mother isn't against same-sex relationships, but she considers them just ‘practice’ for the ‘real ones’ because, apparently,  I need a man as a life partner."

"As I said, ridiculous."

"So, I said Adrien’s name, then begged him to play along. We never thought it would get out of our circle. We even developed a plan for how to get me out unscathed and free. Adrien and I were supposed to only play a couple until my birthday in November when I became a legal adult by Japanese law. When that happened, I started transferring my funds to accounts my mother had no access to so I could walk away freely. But that takes time, and two weeks ago she found out and demanded an explanation for the transactions. She threatened to send me back to Japan immediately if she didn’t approve of what I had in mind. The transfers weren’t done yet and she had enough influence to stop it.

"I freaked out again and said Adrien and I were getting married, so I was gathering my personal funds into my own account that I planned to join with my husband’s after the wedding. I told her we were waiting for a special occasion to announce the engagement. She wasn’t buying it. She gave me a week to prove my words. She put a hold on all the transfers until then. It was Adrien who suggested we take it to the media. That way, she wouldn't doubt us, and she’d be somewhat pressured to let me stay in France, at least for the time being. Once the article was out, my mother released the funds, and as of last night, I’m a free woman.

"No one was ever going to announce an engagement. My things are being packed as we speak while my mother and I are out of the house. I won’t be going home with her. I’m moving in with Chloe, and, thanks to Adrien, I’m not doing so without a penny to my name. Adrien never meant to hurt you. He never looked any other woman's way. All he wanted was to help a friend." 

There wasn’t much Marinette could do but remain frozen in her seat, stunned at Kagami’s words. Her defences down, she hated to admit that everything Kagami had said made sense. There was a reason. A reason good enough to justify this whole thing. She couldn't hold this against Adrien. Heck, if any of Marinette’s friends were in Kagami’s shoes, she’d be fake proposing to them too. So, if everything that Kagami had told her was true, then…

"Marinette," Kagami spoke more gently, watching her with a lot less hostility. "For as long as I’ve known Adrien, every summer, every vacation he got, he was travelling to Milan, attending every fashion show and just wandering the streets in hopes of finding you. He painted over and publicly revealed his soulmate mark only because he’s desperate at this point. His father’s been pressuring him to date for publicity for years. He gave him a break when he thought we were a couple, but that ends tonight. And let me tell you, Gabriel Agreste is not the person to care for Adrien’s feelings and desires. He’ll make his life a living hell if Adrien continues to refuse to comply. Please, Marinette. Give him a chance. He deserves it."

"I’m giving him your number as a Christmas present tomorrow," Chloe spoke up. "You have until then to think about it. Let’s go, Kagami. It’s time to set Adrien free and show the world who your soulmate truly is."

"Right." Kagami stood up, giving Marinette one last glance. "The choice is yours, but you’d be a fool to walk away from a man like him. They don’t come as kind, loyal and loving as he is these days."

The door behind the pair closed, leaving only the sound of Marinette’s heart echoing in her ears. She could hardly move. If everything she’d just learned was true, she owed Adrien an apology and, if he wanted one, she owed him a chance. Because while she would definitely want a chance with the man Kagami had just described, she had to wonder if she deserved one at all. 

With a sigh, she stood up and headed back towards the kitchen. 

Later. She’d find him later. First, she had a job to finish and sweets to serve. The rest would have to wait. They’d waited for years. What would be another few hours?

Next >

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The Piano

Notes: My Camp NaNoWriMo Project for April 2020.  A Rumbelling of the 1993 movie 'The Piano'. Has 15 chapters, all are written. I’ll post one every few days. Some dialogue is taken directly from the film and from 'Once Upon a Time'. No copyright infringement intended - I'm just having fun. The film is gorgeous, if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend that you watch it.

Summary:  Belle French and her daughter arrive in New Zealand to an arranged marriage with Gaston LeGume.  Gaston shows little interest in her or her piano and books. However, Mr. Gold is fascinated... 

Rating: E (for future chapters) Also available on AO3.

Prologue

The voice you hear is not my speaking voice, but my mind's.

I have not spoken since I was six years old. No one knows why, not even me. My father says it is a dark talent and the day I take it into my head to stop breathing will be my last.

Today he has married me to a man I've not met. Soon my daughter and I shall join him in his own country. My husband has written that my muteness does not bother him.

I hope he has patience, for silence affects everyone in the end.

The strange thing is I don't think of myself as silent, because of my piano. I shall miss it, and my books, on the journey.

Chapter 1

Belle looked down at the sand between her feet. It rushed away from her and back again in the cold seawater. Poor Tilly hunched over, ill from their turbulent journey in the small boat from the ship to the beach.

The rough sailors unloading their cargo dwarfed diminutive Belle. She watched them, concerned for her books and piano. She was less interested in the other boxes and valises that held her trousseau and other household goods. 

The men complained bitterly about the heavy trunks and the awkward crate. Their language was shocking. Perhaps they thought her deaf too? It wouldn't be the first time. Belle struggled to keep a smile on her face.

She could relax now that her three most precious things were ashore: her daughter, her books, and her piano. Full of curiosity at her unfamiliar surroundings, she did not know where to look first. She had read about New Zealand before they left. The descriptions of the flora and fauna, and the Maori people, fascinated her. She gazed about the desolate beach and the rocky cliffs in the distance, topped with verdant green foliage. The wind tugged at her hair. This was her grand adventure. She would be brave for herself and her daughter. Maurice, her father, hadn't given her much choice in the matter, but it was an adventure nonetheless. There weren't many opportunities for women back home. Perhaps it would be different here.

During the long days of their journey, she had spun endless tales with her hands. Of heroes and beasts, of princesses meeting princes and epic quests. Would a prince be waiting for them? She didn't know. But Tilly loved stories and would embellish them with details of her own, a habit she also indulged in as Belle's interpreter.

A few of the men were hesitant to leave tiny Belle French and her nine-year-old daughter alone on the beach. Their group was not yet there to meet them. She wanted them and their rough words gone. She signed to Tilly, who told them, “She says, 'Thank you for bringing our belongings. We will be fine here. Please leave us. We insist.'”

With that, the seamen left, pushing their boats across the sand and back onto the waves. Belle and Tilly were alone on the vast expanse of shoreline. They arranged their possessions around the piano and trunks of books. She sat down on one of them with Tilly's head on her lap. A plank of the large crate that held her piano had split. She pulled at it and reached her hand inside to stroke the smooth keys. She played a tune one-handed, bringing them both comfort.

After Tilly rested, Belle got her favorite book from her satchel. She had kept ‘Her Handsome Hero’ with her for the journey. The rest of her books waited, wrapped in their waterproof canvas inside her trunks. Tilly read their favorite chapter aloud.

Belle felt the first gnawing of concern for their safety alone on the beach when the sun sank golden on the horizon. But she made it into a game for Tilly, finding dry wood to start a fire and fashioning a makeshift tent from her crinoline cage and petticoats. Inside the little cocoon, Tilly interrupted Belle's story of a beautiful princess and a dark sorcerer. Grabbing her hands, she said, “Mama, I've been thinking. I bet he's not a prince. He's not even here. I'm NOT going to call him Papa. I'm not going to call him anything.”

Belle stroked her daughter's face, refusing to be drawn into a disagreement. Tilly quieted and soon sleep claimed them.

 -

In the forest's dampness traveled eight Maori men, an old woman, and two European men. Gaston Legume walked stiffly, his manner one of disdain for the surrounding vegetation. He had been living in New Zealand for several years. He had made himself some money right away, logging his property of valuable large trees used to build masts for ships, but now it was a constant fight to keep the land clear. Unlike the Maori who walked with grace through the underbrush, Gaston had an axe to beat it away. Nature, like some people, needed a firm hand and confidence.

He knew he was handsome, with his height and ebony hair, and took pride in his appearance. This morning he had taken pains with his dress and was resentful of the humidity that was ruining his look. He wanted to be at his best to greet his new wife. He stopped to comb his hair and took a moment to study the photo he had of her. Belle French was beautiful. She looked calm and sounded reasonable in her letter. She would be a worthy companion. After all the waiting, he would meet her soon.

Mr. Gold was the other European man of the party. None of them knew his first name, which was how he wanted it. Names were important. They had power. The Maori respected him for it. The settlers saw it as more proof of his misanthropic nature. 

Gaston had asked for his help with the Maori, needing assistance to carry his new bride's possessions. But Gaston did not speak their language and did not deign to learn it. Gold was fluent (another strike against him in the settler’s minds). So he went along to fetch the woman and her daughter. And Gaston now owed him a favor.

With the aid of a walking stick, he was more graceful than the lumbering Gaston. Gold was slight where Gaston was broad, quiet and observant where Gaston was brash and stubborn. Gaston was well-liked. At least, he appeared to be. Gold was not. Except by the Maori and Granny. Granny had left the settlement and joined the Maori people, learning their language and customs, after her husband died and no one else did anything to help her. He didn’t care about the rest of the settlers, there wasn’t a genuine one in the bunch. They came to this new land and expected it to bend to their will, to change into the same society they had left. Gold had no patience for them. They resented him because of the property he owned, the money he had and the influence he wielded over the locals.

The group continued on through the vegetation and reached the sand below. In the distance, they could see a collection of boxes, a crate, and trunks. A tiny figure appeared to be dancing about. As soon as she noticed they had company, she ran to a woman sitting next to the largest crate.

Belle watched the odd group come toward them. There was a tall, well dressed man and natives attired in all manner of eccentric clothes adorned with feathers and beads. One even wore a top hat. A slight man and an old woman with a crossbow brought up the rear. She stood up. This was it.

Gaston approached his bride. She was small, tiny actually. Barely larger than the child she had with her.

“Miss French. I am Gaston Legume,” he said with a bow.

Belle smiled politely and curtsied. He was too tall. He towered over her. But it wasn't fair to hold that against him. He did have the face of the prince Tilly hoped for.

“I have men here to carry your things,” he continued. He knew she didn't speak, but he expected her to show some excitement. “CAN – YOU – HEAR – ME?” His tone brought to mind that of a man speaking to a dim-witted child.

Belle nodded, keeping her smile firmly fixed on her face and smothering her irritation. This was not the most auspicious of beginnings.

Gold watched these first interactions from a short distance away. Of course she could hear. Anyone with a brain could see she was listening to everything that was going on. Her blue eyes sparkled with intelligence. How long would it take this girl to figure out she was married to a conceited fool?

---

End Notes: A huge thank you to the Rumbelle Writers' Realm at Camp Nano- I couldn't have done it without your encouragement: @emospritelet @peacehopeandrats @eirian-houpe @blueboxesanddeerstalkers @kelyon @worryinglyinnocent @jackabelle73 @avatoh @reolf @mrs-stiltskin. Special thanks to @jackabelle73 and @blueboxesanddeerstalkers for beta reading!

I find the intersections of cultures interesting, specifically the intersections of cultures we are born into and the cultures in which we choose to participate. These chosen cultures may speak to us on many levels, be they emotional, intellectual or even subconscious. We may not know why we are drawn to something but we feel an innate pull to be involved. The free will of humans leads to the most interesting combinations of birth and chosen cultures, which furthers the breadth of manifested identities in the world. Because of my own life experience, I decided to investigate other people of color who choose to be artists and identify as alternative, goth or punk.

During this project I had the privilege to meet, photograph and interview some stellar human beings. People who are unafraid and unapologetic about their artistic choices in this world. I am so inspired by each and every one of you. Thank you for being you and giving me a glimpse into your world.

Ashley - “I just do what I think is fun!”

I met Ashley Norman at school, I remember the day well. She had on a really bright outfit and her makeup was weird and fun. She had drawn wispy lines around her eyes in white eyeliner, like an abstract Picasso portrait – each eye different than the other. I thought it was so unique and I was impressed by her call to push her style in a different direction than her peers. When I met back up with Ashley recently, I asked her, what was her inspiration and the pull to identify as an alternative artist? She said only this: “I just do what I think is fun!” Ashley said she is also inspired by her diverse background. For her, being Black, Korean and Dominican gives her much to pull from historically and artistically.

Selena - “I think the hardest part was me finding my tribe, my kindred spirits. You can’t always spot someone who is alternative all the time, just by looking at them. Sometimes it’s highly internalized and you would never know.”

Selena is an illustrator, whose artwork is centered around themes of alchemy and the occult. She expressed that her drawings of demon girls with detached limbs, reflected her inner feelings of being disconnected from her identity sometimes. I asked her when she started to identify as alternative and for her it was in middle school when she realized that music was so important to her but that she felt little connection to Rap and Hip Hop. “It’s kinda like, when you’re Black, you kinda assume that you’re supposed to like these things, and you kinda do, but…it doesn’t feel like it clicks. Whereas for me rock and alternative music clicked for me, I was more able to relate to the subjects in the songs. I was 14, rap music was not helping me cope with what I’m going through. With Rock, we are talking about anger, feelings, things I could better connect with. From there on out I wore all black and listened to My Chemical Romance.”

Roxas - “It’s totally 100% possible to thrive and be yourself.”

Roxas Timmons was my classmate at LaGuardia in the photo program. I remember the first day I saw them and thinking how committed they were to their style. As I got to know Roxas over the past two years, I have learned of their interesting origin story growing up in the conservative Midwest. Roxas likes to be fluid in their identity and although they mostly identify as goth, they also enjoy dressing as a clown, a ghost, punk, alternative and anything in between. They talked a lot about how music and fashion influences their photography, which is primarily driven by self-portraits. They recounted how they started dressing alternative little by little in high school and after graduating, fully went for it. “I meet a lot of people who always say to me ‘I wish I could dress like that’. I want people to know that they can. They can have a successful career and make their way in the world dressing like this.”

Jacqs - “The art that I give to the world is my self expression. Serving looks.“

Much like many of the people I interviewed for this project, Jacqueline Chavois is a total stranger to me. Stumbling across her Instagram account, I was immediately struck by her incredible style and the collections in her house, where she regularly photographs herself. I asked her about her split tongue and why she would choose to make such a drastic choice of body modification. “I feel like it connects me to my African ancestry because the body modifications – these painful rites of passage, I feel that my African ancestors were doing that. It annoys me when it’s seen as only a White thing. Definitely has indigenous, African, tribal roots.”

Shola - “The aesthetic I want to give off is to live that best version of myself and let it be reflected in the work that I do.”

Shola Aurora is a first generation Nigerian singer-songwriter, born and raised in New York City. He performs an hybrid of rock, metal, and industrial goth music. He is heavily influenced by Japanese culture, having traveled to Japan several times. Anime, video games and Japanese fashion are all major inspirations and play out in his artistic choices. I interviewed him in Saint Marks Place, an area where he was able to truly express himself as a young man growing into his identity. Shola talked about how he came to his own style by being exposed to Visual K, a Japanese branch of glam metal. “Visual K showed me that performing is more than just getting up there and singing a song, you can create a world or an experience. It inspired me to live the best version of myself that I could. It left my mind open in terms of what I was interested in doing. As someone who grew up in Brooklyn in the hood, as a black male, the idea of doing feminine things or wearing makeup is unheard of. It took a lot of personal growth for me to break through to that side of myself.”

Xero - “Everyone needs a little bit of fantasy.”

Xero Gravity is a 24 year old biracial Black/Jewish cosplayer and digital content creator who centers herself around diversity and inclusion in the horror and sci-fi realms. I asked her to speak about why these genres are so important to her. “I feel horror is the best lens through which to look at society’s fears as a whole. What people are scared of at a certain time says a lot about what people are going through. When you look at the history of horror, it doesn’t really look good for Black and Brown people like us. We have a very complicated history with the horror genre. I always bring the discussion of horror and Blackness back to Birth of a Nation, the first feature film. It features a white woman in ‘peril’ being hunted by a white man in blackface. Woodrow Wilson screened this in the White House and endorsed it as factually correct. At the end the ‘black man” is hunted down and killed by the KKK, putting the KKK in a favorable light. No one talks about how this is the scariest film ever if you’re a Black person.”

Uny - “My art is fashion. My art is clothes, my art is expression. The way I dress is a total expression of the way I view my world through my lens.”

Unyquee Loretta Ortiz is a seamstress and cosplayer who identifies as Black and Latinx. Born and raised in the Bronx, she spoke about how her heritage plays into her stylistic choices.  “I often wear a lot of African prints because I want to be connected to Africa in the best way that I can do it. I was raised around my Latinx culture so I go out of my way to make my Black heritage more visual. A lot of people don’t look at me and see Latinx because my skin isn’t as fair or olive, but I feel very connected to that side of myself because I grew up around it. Sometimes I think people tend to push that aside and want it to not be there because of how I look.”

5.22: aka the original ending, back in the day when SPN was being written as a tragedy. (thank heck they moved on from that mindset...)

(at least Baby gets a starring role in saving the world)

Dean truly demonstrates his trust in Sam...

SAM: You're gonna let me say yes? DEAN: No. That's the thing. It's not on me to let you do anything. You're a grown – well, overgrown – man. If this is what you want, I'll back your play. SAM: That's the last thing I thought you'd ever say. DEAN: Might be. I'm not gonna lie to you, though. It goes against every fiber I got. I mean, truth is... You know, watching out for you... it's kinda been my job, you know? But more than that, it's... it's kinda who I am. You're not a kid anymore, Sam, and I can't keep treating you like one. Maybe I got to grow up a little, too. I don't know if we got a snowball's chance. But... But I do know that if anybody can do it... it's you.

I mean, Sam doesn’t really WANT to do this, but he sorta feels he HAS to do this.

(This is how tragedies work, after all. If he was marching willingly and cheerfully to his death, and there were no sense of loss or sacrifice, it wouldn’t be a tragedy...)

We learn how very little of Dean’s experiences in 5.04 he’s actually told ANYONE about. Bobby had no idea of the detail that Lucifer had told Dean that Sam would say yes in Detroit, and Bobby’s response to Dean’s insistence that that’s where it’ll go down is:

BOBBY: Really? As far as foreboding goes, it's a little light in the loafers. You sure?

(Light in the loafers: Refers to a male who is perceived to be gay or homosexual. Specifically a man that has fashion sense, and a cheerful disposition. Loafers refers to shoes. It is implied that the individual is about to fly away like a fairy. x)

>.>

Meanwhile Cas is sleeping in the back seat of the Impala on their way to Detroit. Dean gets precious for a moment, ironically calling him a “little angel” when sleeping is not an angelic thing to be doing...

Sam asks Dean to make THE ABSOLUTE WORST PROMISE he will ever make... half of which Dean never intends to keep (i.e. not poking the cage trying to get Sam back), and half of which he really tries his damnedest to keep (i.e. going to Lisa and living a normal life).

DEAN: You can't ask me to do this. SAM: I'm sorry, Dean. You have to. DEAN: So then what am I supposed to do? SAM: You go find Lisa. You pray to god she's dumb enough to take you in, and you – you have barbecues and go to football games. You go live some normal, apple-pie life, Dean. Promise me.

(not only is the horrendous fallout of this promise dealt with in s6, I’ve already written ACRES of words on the subject...)

(but the tl;dr of it is, this is truly one of the most selfish things that Sam will ever ask of Dean, because it left Dean with nothing from his former life, nothing to fall back on to cope with Sam’s loss, none of his previous support network-- including Cas and Bobby who both stayed away from Dean, lying to him for OVER A YEAR that Sam was “back” from the cage, and now I’m already irate about how broken Dean is when he learns all of this in 6.01... okay back to 5.22...)

SAM: Take care of these guys, okay? CASTIEL: That's not possible. SAM: Then humor me. CASTIEL: Oh. I was supposed to lie. Uh... Sure. They'll be fine.

(and dammit this is why Cas stays away from Dean, because that was how Sam wanted Cas to “take care of” Dean-- by letting him live that normal life without interference from the supernatural. It’s why Cas turned to Crowley instead of breaking his promise to Sam. and crap sorry getting ahead of myself again... Have I mentioned how awful a promise that was that Sam had asked from them?)

Their ace in the hole, the fact they have the Horsemen’s rings-- Lucifer already knew they had them. So much for their ace in the hole...

SAM: So he knows. Doesn't change anything. DEAN: Sam. SAM: We don't have any other choice. DEAN: No. SAM: Yes. 

Dean tries to help Sam up and into the cage, but Sam’s not Sam anymore.

(and I assume this is where Crowley picked up Nick’s corpse and put him in cold storage until s12... because “Nick” is already dead here. Probably long dead...)

LUCIFER/SAM: I'm inside your grapefruit, Sam. You can't lie to me. I see it all – how odd you always felt, how... out of place in that... family of yours. And why shouldn't you have? They were foster care – at best. I'm your real family. SAM: No, that's not true. LUCIFER/SAM: It is. And I know you know it. All those times you ran away, you weren't running from them. You were running towards me. This doesn't have to be a bad thing, you know. I let Dean live, didn't I? I want him to live. I'll bring your folks back, too. I want you to be happy, Sam.

Lucifer goes on to show Sam that he’d always been watched over by demons. Demons were EVERYWHERE in his life-- friends, teachers, people he’d known his entire life, were all demons planted by Azazel to influence him all along the way. So no wonder Sam always felt out of place in his own family. He’d been targeted from the moment Azazel bled in his mouth, MADE into something dark by a lifetime of manipulation. And even NOW, with Lucifer inside his mind, he still resists and fights for himself (because Dean’s lifetime of fighting for him gives him something to fight back against Lucifer with)

Meanwhile Dean still wants to stop everything, but Cas is resigned.

DEAN: Well, there's got to be something that we can do. CASTIEL: I'm sorry, Dean. This is over. DEAN: You listen to me, you junkless sissy – we are not giving up! Bobby? Bobby? BOBBY: There was never much hope to begin with. I don't know what to do.

(the whole Chuck thing, Mistress Magda, all of it... we’ve talked it to death after 10.05 and 11.20 and... yeah woo this episode takes on a lot more weight with the certain knowledge that he was God all along... beginning with the fact that he hadn’t been expecting Dean’s call here. Which means that Dean Humanity Winchester has been fully activated, and is officially going off script. I think Chuck is encouraged by this, because he didn’t want the world to end... but there was nothing he could really do to stop it other than rely on Dean continuing to exercise his free will in the defiance of destiny)

DEAN: Did you see where the title fight goes down? CHUCK: The angels are keeping it top secret – very hush-hush.

(he gave Dean one last chance to just let destiny play out... but then)

CHUCK: But I saw it anyway. Perks of being a prophet. It's tomorrow, high noon – place called Stull Cemetery. DEAN: Stull Ceme-- Wait. I know that. That's – that's an old boneyard outside of Lawrence. Why Lawrence? CHUCK: I don't know. It all has to end where it started, I guess. DEAN: All right, Chuck. You know of any way to short-circuit this thing? CHUCK: Besides the rings? No. I'm sorry. DEAN: Well, do you have any idea what's gonna happen next? CHUCK: I wish that I did. But I-I just – I honestly don't know yet.

And he honestly didn’t know, because whatever happened next still hinged on Dean’s choices, Dean’s actions (and Cas’s, and Bobby’s and Sam’s... for once it was Humanity writing the script instead of God or the angels, and yes Cas is HUMAN for all intents and purposes at this point. He has absolute free will, in contrast between Michael and Lucifer who “have no choice.” They have NO free will.

Lucifer, after getting a peek inside Sam’s head, offers Michael an out, suggesting they could both walk away from this fight. That they didn’t have to play their roles as God had written for them.

LUCIFER/SAM: What I did? What if it's not my fault? MICHAEL/ADAM: What is that supposed to mean? LUCIFER/SAM: Think about it. Dad made everything. Which means he made me who I am! God wanted the Devil. MICHAEL/ADAM: So? LUCIFER/SAM: So why? And why make us fight? I just can't figure out the point.

He wanted to just walk away from this. Because despite the influence of a lifetime of Azazel’s demons nudging Sam into playing this role as Lucifer’s “perfect vessel,” Sam had always resisted it. But Adam only wanted one thing. He didn’t want any part of the Winchester family. He has no reason to walk away from this fight because he’s been promised everything he asked for if he plays his role. And he gets it (if Adam hadn’t already been gone at this point in fulfillment of that promise, he’d certainly be gone after Cas burned him up with holy oil).

MICHAEL/ADAM: You know, you haven't changed a bit, little brother. Always blaming everybody but yourself. We were together. We were happy. But you betrayed me – all of us – and you made our father leave. LUCIFER/SAM: No one makes Dad do anything. He is doing this to us. MICHAEL/ADAM: You're a monster, Lucifer. And I have to kill you. LUCIFER/SAM: If that's the way it's got to be... Then I'd like to see you try.

Cas shows up with Bobby, and in retaliation for interfering with their fight, for sending Michael away, Lucifer snaps his fingers and explodes Cas (for the SECOND time), and I think the only reason Dean doesn’t freak out about that even more is because Cas HAS ALREADY BEEN RESURRECTED FROM THAT SORT OF TRAUMA BEFORE. Even if Cas IS ACTUALLY COMPLETELY HUMAN and already the sole occupant of his vessel at this point.

(Can I tell you how much I hate Michael’s unwavering loyalty to fulfill his “destiny?” And why I would NEVER want Dean to say yes to Michael for any reason? No wonder Michael’s been reduced to a puddle of goo in the cage. His sole purpose for existence, his unwavering belief in his “destiny” went unfulfilled, and Dean who was once Michael’s true vessel has become something so much more powerful that Michael ever was.)

DEAN: Cas, are you God? CASTIEL: That's a nice compliment. But no. Although, I do believe he brought me back. New and improved.

(I know when this originally aired people were excited about this, thinking that ooh maybe Cas got a promotion in power level, or maybe he was an archangel or something now... but “new and improved” I think just referred to his renewed ability to heal and resurrect that he’d lost after 4.22 and his original explosion by Raphael. Chuck brought him back that time, but with a serious DECREASE in power level. He’s just been restored to what he was before. Because Cas needed to have free will, needed to be closer to humanity to make all the choices he did in s5)

DEAN: Wow. God gives you a brand-new, shiny set of wings, and suddenly you're his bitch again. CASTIEL: I don't know what God wants. I don't know if he'll even return. It just... seems like the right thing to do. DEAN: Well, if you do see him, you tell him I'm coming for him next. CASTIEL: You're angry. DEAN: That's an understatement. CASTIEL: He helped. Maybe even more than we realize. DEAN: That's easy for you to say. He brought you back. But what about Sam? What about me, huh? Where's my grand prize? All I got is my brother in a hole!  CASTIEL: You got what you asked for, Dean. No paradise. No hell. Just more of the same. I mean it, Dean. What would you rather have? Peace or freedom? 

(Cas boops off to heaven-- abandoning Dean, Dean leaves Bobby behind and goes to live with Lisa-- because of Sam’s sickening promise that is still haunting Dean’s nightmares most of a year later... okay, moving on to 6.01 so I can rant properly about all of this...

at least they’re still working on finding a better way... because seriously if the series had ended at this point I never would’ve rewatched it. It would’ve been an interesting yet ultimately forgettable little story.)

Wisdom Five  CHOOSE THAT VERY SPECIAL ROUTE THAT IS DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU “A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd” ~ Josiah G. Holland I can’t forget what happened in my grade ten. I was ignorant of this very fact; to follow the path meant for me and not the path meant for someone else. My mother just like every good mom wanted the best for me, she supported me the best way she could, but she was not literate. In grade ten I was confused; I was not sure if I was meant to join the science or the art class, I was good in both. I asked my bosom friend as at that time where she would like to be and without a second thought she said “science class of course”. I was still yet to ask the reason behind her decision when she continued, “I would like to be a nurse and I will study and work abroad”. I was almost shaking because it was like my friend has her life all figured out and am the ‘dummy’ that does not know where I was headed. The next thing I heard was my friend’s voice. She asked; “why are you silent?” I said “wow! I will join the science class too because I’ll love to study medicine”. I knew deep down that I was simply deceiving myself because I came up with that answer right there. I didn’t think it through and was not sure it was truly what I wished to become. We joined the science class and ‘yes’ we were two out of the best three in the science class. I was so dedicated and studious because I enjoyed being one of the best. But then I knew I’ve followed the wrong path, I made a wrong choice. I was offered admission to study Physics in the university, instead of medicine or pharmacy which were my first and second choices.  All through the four years course I paddled the ship of my academic excellence to safe landing. I never enjoyed it as I should because I felt wrongly placed, although any knowledge acquired can always be put to good use, a truth that kept me safe.  As a teenager we sometimes value the opinion of others more than we value our own views. There is no one that can tell you about you more than yourself though you must discover yourself first to be able to self-direct. If you have parents that understands and can guide you, that’s very fine, but allowing your friends or any person dictate the course of your life based on sentimental values could be disastrous.  Don’t be in a hurry to impress anyone. To conclude my story, my friend actually did study nursing abroad. But on the contrary, I’m not in the hospital as a doctor neither I’m I a professional engineer or a physicist because it all wasn’t my true calling. I figured out myself along the line and today I’m doing what I love most; public speaking and mentorship. The person exerting influence over your life today may not be around or be considered a close friend months or years from now. Your clique of friends will change over time. Therefore, you must be certain to make choices that are right for you for the long term, not necessarily right for your friends of today. Sometimes it may feel like others have found themselves and you are just the only one left, that is not true. It is important for you to know that almost everyone around you is trying to figure things out just like you are doing. So, you have to be careful about letting these people give you insight into your own life and how it should be lived. Be aware too that your prowess might not be evident in academics but in other life endeavors. Be smart enough to disengage from friends that want you to follow route that is not for you. At 10, I had a friend way older than I was; she was thirteen years old at the time. She almost messed with my head. Everyone warned me against being close to her but I couldn’t totally avoid her because they were family friends. Her siblings were friends with my siblings and that was the basis of our friendship. One day she came to me and said, “Let’s get a boyfriend”, at first I was confused but she continued “don’t worry I will get one for you”. Call it instinct or whatever I told her that I was not going down that lane, and as if that was not enough she tried to deceive and lead me to visit her own male friend. I was very convinced that this was not the route specially designed for me. It was certainly not what I should be found doing at that stage of my life. Luckily for me, I never yielded to her persuasion and subsequently my family relocated out of the city. I can go on and on explaining how many times I have been tempted to do things against my will but in all I stood tall because that was not my route and I knew it. The reason for this chapter is to encourage you to be an independent thinker, to differentiate the right from wrong. And always choose the right path of life. Kindly Support me to make more copies, that would be given to those that can't afford this book, a copy is $8. We can also ship it to anyone/school  you want it distributed. We are all a product of influence but you have a choice, you either choose to be influenced positively or negatively. There are some influences that are very necessary and beneficial such as learning etiquettes, how to combine colors, learning skills. These kinds of influence are good and will never take away your originality instead it will add value by getting you more refined. I might like the way Sarah weaves her hair and I decide to do mine like that, that is influence right? But does that make me look like Sarah? Certainly not! But if I admire Sarah and the way she frolics around men and I join her; will I end up like Sarah? The answer could be a ‘yes’ and possibly even worse because Sarah might know her way around such matters more than I do. Like we discussed in the first chapter, we have a choice, we are in control. Therefore things should not control us. To help you digest what I’m saying; answer the following questions; Do I dress in a manner that is suitable and portrays my personality or I’m I following the social trend so that people don’t say I’m backward? Do I have boyfriends/girlfriends because I was called a small naïve girl/boy? Is it the route I truly want to take now? Do you smoke and drink to impress some friends? Do you use languages, just because it’s a trend? I noticed that “people flow with trend even more than water flows out of the sink.” Following the crowd will get your life crowded. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a woman that has proved that women can be admired beyond extravagant fashion sense, body-shape and size. She is a literary giant, a woman that has always been modest in her speech and appearance. She recognized that the glam and glitz that many clamor for is not all she has to offer and she has proven it over the years by doing amazing and wonderful things in the literary world.  There is a life compass for each and every one of us. If you use someone else compass you might end up in the wrong destination. There are much better ways to plan your future, it might not be clear to you right now. Be calm and listen to your ‘Wise mind’, you will have special understanding on how to go about things. As surprising as it might seem right now, you’ll need to listen to that intuition (Wise mind) to determine the best course and direction for your life. In fact, it might have made you become interested in certain subjects at school, or start enjoying certain extracurricular activities. Probably it disagreed with some of the ways you dress and that was the reason you told your friends ‘I don’t feel comfortable on this outfit’. Your ‘wise mind’ may have urged you to go apologize to someone you hurt, that’s why you never had peace until you did. If you’ll pay attention to this intuition and make good choices along the way you will come to understand what you should do with your life. I love this quote and will like to share it here. “Before I can tell my life what I want it to do, I must listen to my life telling me who I am. This does not come from a voice ‘out there’ calling me to be something I am not. It comes from a voice ‘in here’ calling me to be the person I was born to be.” ~ Parker Palmer “Choose not the easy way, or what other people do. But choose that very special route that was designed especially for you”. Kindly Support me to make more copies, that would be given to those that can't afford this book, a copy is $8. We can also ship it to anyone/school  you want it distributed. Thanks for your support, it means alot to me, as an author that would want to succeed. TABLE OF CONTENT Wisdom One:  HOW WISE MINDS MANAGE EMOTIONS Wisdom Two:  LET’S TALK ABOUT CRUSHES, ADMIRERS, DATING AND SEX Wisdom Three:  STOP DEPENDING ON OTHERS TO GIVE YOU VALUE, YOU’RE ENOUGH Wisdom Four:  BOREDOM IS EVIL Wisdom Five:  CHOOSE THAT VERY SPECIAL ROUTE THAT IS DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU Wisdom Six: DRESSING FANCIFULLY IS GOOD BUT DRESSING FROM ‘INSIDE OUT’ IS BETTER Wisdom Seven:  CONNECT TO YOUR CREATIVE SIDE Wisdom Eight:  BECOMING SOCIAL MEDIA WISE Wisdom Nine:  SAY NO TO SEXTING Wisdom Ten:  HANDLING PRESSURE Wisdom Eleven: UNDERSTANDING-LOVE-DATING-COURTSHIP Wisdom Twelve:  REASONS NEVER TO RAPE Wisdom Thirteen:  KNOWING AND LIVING UP TO YOUR VALUES Wisdom Fourteen:  BLOSSOM WHERE YOU'RE PLANTED Wisdom Fifteen:  MISTAKES ARE NOT BAD AFTER ALL Wisdom Sixteen:  HABITS AND ADDICTION Wisdom Seventeen:  START PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE Wisdom Eighteen:  BE EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT Wisdom Nineteen:  NINETEEN GEMS OF ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF Advice 1: Think before You Talk Advice 2: Understand Your Environment Advice 3: Practice Hygiene Advice 4: It is wrong to take what is not yours without Permission Advice 5: Social Media Advice 6: Who You Look Up to either Makes You or Breaks You Advice 7: You don't have to follow the crowd Advice 8: Don’t Allow Anyone Destroy your Self-esteem Advice 9: Respect All Advice 10: Communicate Positively With Your Parents Advice 11: Dwarf Your Obstacles Advice 12: Share with and Hold Your Siblings in High Regards Advice 13: Aim to Draw Attention with Your Abilities Advice 14: Secrets Advice 15: The Power of Negative Assumption Advice 16: How to Overcome Negative Assumptions Advice 17: Singleness is Not a Taboo Advice 18: Making Impact  Advice 19: Always remember we are all under the Same Sky

http://www.royalqueen607.com/2019/03/choosing-right-path-for-you-wisdom.html

Wisdom Five  CHOOSE THAT VERY SPECIAL ROUTE THAT IS DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU “A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd” ~ Josiah G. Holland I can’t forget what happened in my grade ten. I was ignorant of this very fact; to follow the path meant for me and not the path meant for someone else. My mother just like every good mom wanted the best for me, she supported me the best way she could, but she was not literate. In grade ten I was confused; I was not sure if I was meant to join the science or the art class, I was good in both. I asked my bosom friend as at that time where she would like to be and without a second thought she said “science class of course”. I was still yet to ask the reason behind her decision when she continued, “I would like to be a nurse and I will study and work abroad”. I was almost shaking because it was like my friend has her life all figured out and am the ‘dummy’ that does not know where I was headed. The next thing I heard was my friend’s voice. She asked; “why are you silent?” I said “wow! I will join the science class too because I’ll love to study medicine”. I knew deep down that I was simply deceiving myself because I came up with that answer right there. I didn’t think it through and was not sure it was truly what I wished to become. We joined the science class and ‘yes’ we were two out of the best three in the science class. I was so dedicated and studious because I enjoyed being one of the best. But then I knew I’ve followed the wrong path, I made a wrong choice. I was offered admission to study Physics in the university, instead of medicine or pharmacy which were my first and second choices.  All through the four years course I paddled the ship of my academic excellence to safe landing. I never enjoyed it as I should because I felt wrongly placed, although any knowledge acquired can always be put to good use, a truth that kept me safe.  As a teenager we sometimes value the opinion of others more than we value our own views. There is no one that can tell you about you more than yourself though you must discover yourself first to be able to self-direct. If you have parents that understands and can guide you, that’s very fine, but allowing your friends or any person dictate the course of your life based on sentimental values could be disastrous.  Don’t be in a hurry to impress anyone. To conclude my story, my friend actually did study nursing abroad. But on the contrary, I’m not in the hospital as a doctor neither I’m I a professional engineer or a physicist because it all wasn’t my true calling. I figured out myself along the line and today I’m doing what I love most; public speaking and mentorship. The person exerting influence over your life today may not be around or be considered a close friend months or years from now. Your clique of friends will change over time. Therefore, you must be certain to make choices that are right for you for the long term, not necessarily right for your friends of today. Sometimes it may feel like others have found themselves and you are just the only one left, that is not true. It is important for you to know that almost everyone around you is trying to figure things out just like you are doing. So, you have to be careful about letting these people give you insight into your own life and how it should be lived. Be aware too that your prowess might not be evident in academics but in other life endeavors. Be smart enough to disengage from friends that want you to follow route that is not for you. At 10, I had a friend way older than I was; she was thirteen years old at the time. She almost messed with my head. Everyone warned me against being close to her but I couldn’t totally avoid her because they were family friends. Her siblings were friends with my siblings and that was the basis of our friendship. One day she came to me and said, “Let’s get a boyfriend”, at first I was confused but she continued “don’t worry I will get one for you”. Call it instinct or whatever I told her that I was not going down that lane, and as if that was not enough she tried to deceive and lead me to visit her own male friend. I was very convinced that this was not the route specially designed for me. It was certainly not what I should be found doing at that stage of my life. Luckily for me, I never yielded to her persuasion and subsequently my family relocated out of the city. I can go on and on explaining how many times I have been tempted to do things against my will but in all I stood tall because that was not my route and I knew it. The reason for this chapter is to encourage you to be an independent thinker, to differentiate the right from wrong. And always choose the right path of life. Kindly Support me to make more copies, that would be given to those that can't afford this book, a copy is $8. We can also ship it to anyone/school  you want it distributed. We are all a product of influence but you have a choice, you either choose to be influenced positively or negatively. There are some influences that are very necessary and beneficial such as learning etiquettes, how to combine colors, learning skills. These kinds of influence are good and will never take away your originality instead it will add value by getting you more refined. I might like the way Sarah weaves her hair and I decide to do mine like that, that is influence right? But does that make me look like Sarah? Certainly not! But if I admire Sarah and the way she frolics around men and I join her; will I end up like Sarah? The answer could be a ‘yes’ and possibly even worse because Sarah might know her way around such matters more than I do. Like we discussed in the first chapter, we have a choice, we are in control. Therefore things should not control us. To help you digest what I’m saying; answer the following questions; Do I dress in a manner that is suitable and portrays my personality or I’m I following the social trend so that people don’t say I’m backward? Do I have boyfriends/girlfriends because I was called a small naïve girl/boy? Is it the route I truly want to take now? Do you smoke and drink to impress some friends? Do you use languages, just because it’s a trend? I noticed that “people flow with trend even more than water flows out of the sink.” Following the crowd will get your life crowded. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a woman that has proved that women can be admired beyond extravagant fashion sense, body-shape and size. She is a literary giant, a woman that has always been modest in her speech and appearance. She recognized that the glam and glitz that many clamor for is not all she has to offer and she has proven it over the years by doing amazing and wonderful things in the literary world.  There is a life compass for each and every one of us. If you use someone else compass you might end up in the wrong destination. There are much better ways to plan your future, it might not be clear to you right now. Be calm and listen to your ‘Wise mind’, you will have special understanding on how to go about things. As surprising as it might seem right now, you’ll need to listen to that intuition (Wise mind) to determine the best course and direction for your life. In fact, it might have made you become interested in certain subjects at school, or start enjoying certain extracurricular activities. Probably it disagreed with some of the ways you dress and that was the reason you told your friends ‘I don’t feel comfortable on this outfit’. Your ‘wise mind’ may have urged you to go apologize to someone you hurt, that’s why you never had peace until you did. If you’ll pay attention to this intuition and make good choices along the way you will come to understand what you should do with your life. I love this quote and will like to share it here. “Before I can tell my life what I want it to do, I must listen to my life telling me who I am. This does not come from a voice ‘out there’ calling me to be something I am not. It comes from a voice ‘in here’ calling me to be the person I was born to be.” ~ Parker Palmer “Choose not the easy way, or what other people do. But choose that very special route that was designed especially for you”. Kindly Support me to make more copies, that would be given to those that can't afford this book, a copy is $8. We can also ship it to anyone/school  you want it distributed. Thanks for your support, it means alot to me, as an author that would want to succeed. TABLE OF CONTENT Wisdom One:  HOW WISE MINDS MANAGE EMOTIONS Wisdom Two:  LET’S TALK ABOUT CRUSHES, ADMIRERS, DATING AND SEX Wisdom Three:  STOP DEPENDING ON OTHERS TO GIVE YOU VALUE, YOU’RE ENOUGH Wisdom Four:  BOREDOM IS EVIL Wisdom Five:  CHOOSE THAT VERY SPECIAL ROUTE THAT IS DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU Wisdom Six: DRESSING FANCIFULLY IS GOOD BUT DRESSING FROM ‘INSIDE OUT’ IS BETTER Wisdom Seven:  CONNECT TO YOUR CREATIVE SIDE Wisdom Eight:  BECOMING SOCIAL MEDIA WISE Wisdom Nine:  SAY NO TO SEXTING Wisdom Ten:  HANDLING PRESSURE Wisdom Eleven: UNDERSTANDING-LOVE-DATING-COURTSHIP Wisdom Twelve:  REASONS NEVER TO RAPE Wisdom Thirteen:  KNOWING AND LIVING UP TO YOUR VALUES Wisdom Fourteen:  BLOSSOM WHERE YOU'RE PLANTED Wisdom Fifteen:  MISTAKES ARE NOT BAD AFTER ALL Wisdom Sixteen:  HABITS AND ADDICTION Wisdom Seventeen:  START PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE Wisdom Eighteen:  BE EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT Wisdom Nineteen:  NINETEEN GEMS OF ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF Advice 1: Think before You Talk Advice 2: Understand Your Environment Advice 3: Practice Hygiene Advice 4: It is wrong to take what is not yours without Permission Advice 5: Social Media Advice 6: Who You Look Up to either Makes You or Breaks You Advice 7: You don't have to follow the crowd Advice 8: Don’t Allow Anyone Destroy your Self-esteem Advice 9: Respect All Advice 10: Communicate Positively With Your Parents Advice 11: Dwarf Your Obstacles Advice 12: Share with and Hold Your Siblings in High Regards Advice 13: Aim to Draw Attention with Your Abilities Advice 14: Secrets Advice 15: The Power of Negative Assumption Advice 16: How to Overcome Negative Assumptions Advice 17: Singleness is Not a Taboo Advice 18: Making Impact  Advice 19: Always remember we are all under the Same Sky

http://www.royalqueen607.com/2019/03/choosing-right-path-for-you-wisdom.html

Wisdom Five  CHOOSE THAT VERY SPECIAL ROUTE THAT IS DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU “A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd” ~ Josiah G. Holland I can’t forget what happened in my grade ten. I was ignorant of this very fact; to follow the path meant for me and not the path meant for someone else. My mother just like every good mom wanted the best for me, she supported me the best way she could, but she was not literate. In grade ten I was confused; I was not sure if I was meant to join the science or the art class, I was good in both. I asked my bosom friend as at that time where she would like to be and without a second thought she said “science class of course”. I was still yet to ask the reason behind her decision when she continued, “I would like to be a nurse and I will study and work abroad”. I was almost shaking because it was like my friend has her life all figured out and am the ‘dummy’ that does not know where I was headed. The next thing I heard was my friend’s voice. She asked; “why are you silent?” I said “wow! I will join the science class too because I’ll love to study medicine”. I knew deep down that I was simply deceiving myself because I came up with that answer right there. I didn’t think it through and was not sure it was truly what I wished to become. We joined the science class and ‘yes’ we were two out of the best three in the science class. I was so dedicated and studious because I enjoyed being one of the best. But then I knew I’ve followed the wrong path, I made a wrong choice. I was offered admission to study Physics in the university, instead of medicine or pharmacy which were my first and second choices.  All through the four years course I paddled the ship of my academic excellence to safe landing. I never enjoyed it as I should because I felt wrongly placed, although any knowledge acquired can always be put to good use, a truth that kept me safe.  As a teenager we sometimes value the opinion of others more than we value our own views. There is no one that can tell you about you more than yourself though you must discover yourself first to be able to self-direct. If you have parents that understands and can guide you, that’s very fine, but allowing your friends or any person dictate the course of your life based on sentimental values could be disastrous.  Don’t be in a hurry to impress anyone. To conclude my story, my friend actually did study nursing abroad. But on the contrary, I’m not in the hospital as a doctor neither I’m I a professional engineer or a physicist because it all wasn’t my true calling. I figured out myself along the line and today I’m doing what I love most; public speaking and mentorship. The person exerting influence over your life today may not be around or be considered a close friend months or years from now. Your clique of friends will change over time. Therefore, you must be certain to make choices that are right for you for the long term, not necessarily right for your friends of today. Sometimes it may feel like others have found themselves and you are just the only one left, that is not true. It is important for you to know that almost everyone around you is trying to figure things out just like you are doing. So, you have to be careful about letting these people give you insight into your own life and how it should be lived. Be aware too that your prowess might not be evident in academics but in other life endeavors. Be smart enough to disengage from friends that want you to follow route that is not for you. At 10, I had a friend way older than I was; she was thirteen years old at the time. She almost messed with my head. Everyone warned me against being close to her but I couldn’t totally avoid her because they were family friends. Her siblings were friends with my siblings and that was the basis of our friendship. One day she came to me and said, “Let’s get a boyfriend”, at first I was confused but she continued “don’t worry I will get one for you”. Call it instinct or whatever I told her that I was not going down that lane, and as if that was not enough she tried to deceive and lead me to visit her own male friend. I was very convinced that this was not the route specially designed for me. It was certainly not what I should be found doing at that stage of my life. Luckily for me, I never yielded to her persuasion and subsequently my family relocated out of the city. I can go on and on explaining how many times I have been tempted to do things against my will but in all I stood tall because that was not my route and I knew it. The reason for this chapter is to encourage you to be an independent thinker, to differentiate the right from wrong. And always choose the right path of life. Kindly Support me to make more copies, that would be given to those that can't afford this book, a copy is $8. We can also ship it to anyone/school  you want it distributed. We are all a product of influence but you have a choice, you either choose to be influenced positively or negatively. There are some influences that are very necessary and beneficial such as learning etiquettes, how to combine colors, learning skills. These kinds of influence are good and will never take away your originality instead it will add value by getting you more refined. I might like the way Sarah weaves her hair and I decide to do mine like that, that is influence right? But does that make me look like Sarah? Certainly not! But if I admire Sarah and the way she frolics around men and I join her; will I end up like Sarah? The answer could be a ‘yes’ and possibly even worse because Sarah might know her way around such matters more than I do. Like we discussed in the first chapter, we have a choice, we are in control. Therefore things should not control us. To help you digest what I’m saying; answer the following questions; Do I dress in a manner that is suitable and portrays my personality or I’m I following the social trend so that people don’t say I’m backward? Do I have boyfriends/girlfriends because I was called a small naïve girl/boy? Is it the route I truly want to take now? Do you smoke and drink to impress some friends? Do you use languages, just because it’s a trend? I noticed that “people flow with trend even more than water flows out of the sink.” Following the crowd will get your life crowded. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a woman that has proved that women can be admired beyond extravagant fashion sense, body-shape and size. She is a literary giant, a woman that has always been modest in her speech and appearance. She recognized that the glam and glitz that many clamor for is not all she has to offer and she has proven it over the years by doing amazing and wonderful things in the literary world.  There is a life compass for each and every one of us. If you use someone else compass you might end up in the wrong destination. There are much better ways to plan your future, it might not be clear to you right now. Be calm and listen to your ‘Wise mind’, you will have special understanding on how to go about things. As surprising as it might seem right now, you’ll need to listen to that intuition (Wise mind) to determine the best course and direction for your life. In fact, it might have made you become interested in certain subjects at school, or start enjoying certain extracurricular activities. Probably it disagreed with some of the ways you dress and that was the reason you told your friends ‘I don’t feel comfortable on this outfit’. Your ‘wise mind’ may have urged you to go apologize to someone you hurt, that’s why you never had peace until you did. If you’ll pay attention to this intuition and make good choices along the way you will come to understand what you should do with your life. I love this quote and will like to share it here. “Before I can tell my life what I want it to do, I must listen to my life telling me who I am. This does not come from a voice ‘out there’ calling me to be something I am not. It comes from a voice ‘in here’ calling me to be the person I was born to be.” ~ Parker Palmer “Choose not the easy way, or what other people do. But choose that very special route that was designed especially for you”. Kindly Support me to make more copies, that would be given to those that can't afford this book, a copy is $8. We can also ship it to anyone/school  you want it distributed. Thanks for your support, it means alot to me, as an author that would want to succeed. TABLE OF CONTENT Wisdom One:  HOW WISE MINDS MANAGE EMOTIONS Wisdom Two:  LET’S TALK ABOUT CRUSHES, ADMIRERS, DATING AND SEX Wisdom Three:  STOP DEPENDING ON OTHERS TO GIVE YOU VALUE, YOU’RE ENOUGH Wisdom Four:  BOREDOM IS EVIL Wisdom Five:  CHOOSE THAT VERY SPECIAL ROUTE THAT IS DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU Wisdom Six: DRESSING FANCIFULLY IS GOOD BUT DRESSING FROM ‘INSIDE OUT’ IS BETTER Wisdom Seven:  CONNECT TO YOUR CREATIVE SIDE Wisdom Eight:  BECOMING SOCIAL MEDIA WISE Wisdom Nine:  SAY NO TO SEXTING Wisdom Ten:  HANDLING PRESSURE Wisdom Eleven: UNDERSTANDING-LOVE-DATING-COURTSHIP Wisdom Twelve:  REASONS NEVER TO RAPE Wisdom Thirteen:  KNOWING AND LIVING UP TO YOUR VALUES Wisdom Fourteen:  BLOSSOM WHERE YOU'RE PLANTED Wisdom Fifteen:  MISTAKES ARE NOT BAD AFTER ALL Wisdom Sixteen:  HABITS AND ADDICTION Wisdom Seventeen:  START PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE Wisdom Eighteen:  BE EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT Wisdom Nineteen:  NINETEEN GEMS OF ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF Advice 1: Think before You Talk Advice 2: Understand Your Environment Advice 3: Practice Hygiene Advice 4: It is wrong to take what is not yours without Permission Advice 5: Social Media Advice 6: Who You Look Up to either Makes You or Breaks You Advice 7: You don't have to follow the crowd Advice 8: Don’t Allow Anyone Destroy your Self-esteem Advice 9: Respect All Advice 10: Communicate Positively With Your Parents Advice 11: Dwarf Your Obstacles Advice 12: Share with and Hold Your Siblings in High Regards Advice 13: Aim to Draw Attention with Your Abilities Advice 14: Secrets Advice 15: The Power of Negative Assumption Advice 16: How to Overcome Negative Assumptions Advice 17: Singleness is Not a Taboo Advice 18: Making Impact  Advice 19: Always remember we are all under the Same Sky

http://www.royalqueen607.com/2019/03/choosing-right-path-for-you-wisdom.html