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heliotrope-journey · 5 months

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Darkness Continues to Loom After All Saints' Day

Good evening, vampire hunters.

The boys' hike to Baudelaire City in the twilight takes them through the alluring ruins where Frederick and Eforie found Clément looking around for scrolls in their childhoods. Our heroes were fortunate back then, but with only the full moon to illuminate the night sky, Frederick and his confidante, Sidiyq Qadim, must be ready to knock down any bat that lunges at them. Even the blink of an eye can leave an unsuspecting traveler with a bite mark on their neck. Many bites from vampire bats do not cause vampirism, but since they are under direct orders from Dracula to bequeath this curse to Frederick, it's hard to tell if the silhouette of a bat is a harmless. It's best for Stellaluna to say clear of their path for tonight. *shudders.*

Now fast-forward to Treyton's era and he's still dealing with the three solomonari-in-training vying to take Vlad the Impaler's place as the Dark Lord. He and his new friends have nearly lost the Philosopher's Stone to Hedi in last year's chapter. She is close to claiming it from the restrained Treyton and the vacant position will soon be hers. The boy's quiet defiance will not save him, but at this point, what can? Will this be the beginning of a new Dark Age? Read this year's chapter to find out. Photo by Jaakko Kemppainen on Unsplash.

Index of Treyton's All Saints' Day Quest for Readers That Aren't Caught Up;

Chapter 1 (2020), Chapter 2 (2021), Chapter 3 (2022)

Treyton swung his sword at three cherubs charging at him. The impact caused them to fly backwards and break in half upon colliding with a column. “Three less to worry about.” He turns around to see six more coming toward him. He throws an energy sphere at one and slices another three in half with his sword, though the remaining two dodged his attacks. Treyton aims his sword at them and takes a step back. Before he could strike, a third cherub grabbed his shirt from behind him. Treyton scarcely had time to react. The other two grabbed his arms immediately, delighting Hedi. “You made a bold mistake thinking you could survive that swarm and not break a sweat.” She approached him and pointed her dagger at his chest. “Last chance to fork over the stone before your bones turn to ashes.” Fearful for his life yet refusing to surrender, Treyton closed his eyes and said nothing. “So this is how it will end.” Hedi crossed her arms. “A starving boy too weak to continue. It’d be kind of me to leave you here for dead, but I wouldn’t have my stone.” She raises her dagger toward Treyton’s heart, but before she could stab him, brown, withered-colored vines materialized from the floor, tangling her up. A teenage girl with spiky hair and a purple pinafore dress dashed toward Treyton and sliced the cherubs restraining him in half. She helped the boy off the floor, gave Hedi a defiant glare, and enchanted the vines to cover her eyes. The girl quickly escorted Treyton back into the hallway. Hedi’s muffled screams filled the room as she struggled to cleave the vines from her body.

“The boys you were with ran into that room.” The purple-clothed girl told Treyton. “We can hide in here.” “We didn’t defeat her, though.” He sounded confused. “We can’t walk away until we kill our enemy.” “Slaying a novice solomonari is not as simple as it looks for an average vampire hunter.” The girl responded. “Catching her off-guard gave us a head start to flee. It didn’t guarantee your victory.” Treyton looked away from her and walked toward the door. The girl opened it for him, but without a word, he stepped inside the room. She followed him before closing the door behind her. Treyton was greeted by Mitica drinking from a golden chalice. Miron put his hand on his shoulder as if to comfort him from something painful. “What are you guys drinking?” Treyton looked cross. “Am I interrupting something?” Miron looked guilt-ridden while Mitica walked toward Treyton and gave him a long hug. “It’s just a Roy Rogers, kiddo.” He smiled. “I’m okay, but I’m glad you’re safe too. We thought that the witch killed you.” “So you decided to drink flavored soda from a fancy cup to numb the fact you’d miss me?” Treyton raised an eyebrow and lightly chuckled. “Yeah, pretty much.” Mitica smiled back at him. “That was the only cup I could find in the room. Treyton’s smile widened and pats his back. The embrace was interrupted by the sound of the purple-clothed girl locking the door.

“I’m sorry for coming out of the blue like this.” She said. “I couldn’t bear to see the solomonari-in-training shove her blade deep into the redhead boy’s heart.” “We were fine before.” Treyton gruffed. “Turning the cherubs into rubble is good exercise for me.” “I sure am glad one of us had fun in that chamber.” Mitica panted. “We should’ve known the solomonari would beat us to that chamber.” The purple-clothed hair girl tightened the lock and muttered a sentence in Enochian that caused it to vanish. The boys pointed their weapons at her, assuming she had trapped them in the altar room. “You’re alright.” She assured them. “I bought us time. A locked door will draw suspicion.” “Then I assume you know the way out.” Treyton curtly responded. “You aren’t lying, young man.” The purple-clothed girl took out a mahogany-colored pouch and approached the boys. “I’ve been exploring this chapel every opportunity I could get for centuries. But before I show you, you’ll need your strength should that wench and her schoolmates show their faces once more.” She held out her palm and shook her pouch. Three pieces of candy wrapped in red and yellow-striped paper fell into her hand. “Like one?” “I can’t eat sweets.” Miron solemnly told the girl. “The sugar might weaken my senses.” “I understand your discomfort. Don’t worry.” She handed the young vampire a piece. “They’re made with human blood. The taste is not ideal even for me, but some of us learn to make the best out of anything we can get our hands on.” She awkwardly smiles as Miron sucks on the piece. He slightly smiles back at her, but Treyton and Mitica made faces when they tasted theirs. Treyton was particularly disgusted by the taste. The girl lets out a relieved sigh. “That went well…” She mutters.

“Say, your manners are lacking.” Treyton continued making faces as he sucked on his piece. “You never told us your name.” “I can argue the same about your gratitude. You didn’t say thank you, but I’ll bite.” The girl frowns. “I’m Amanda, a harvest witch and candy extraordinaire. I can brew batches of chocolate that can give an eccentric top-hatted entrepreneur a run for his money. I can build a house to reel in unsuspecting kids like a drunkard hunter to a mug of beer. I can flavor cakes with herbs to change small children into animals to give them a better life. I have a lot of time on my hands, but the targets on your back have cut it short this year. You’re carrying a dangerous object that made these kids see fit to stalk you. Would you care to tell me why?” “The elixir of life curbs my friend’s blood lust without turning on an innocent life.” Mitica answered. “I keep a philosopher’s stone with me so I can keep brewing him that potion. He keeps his paranormal abilities without succumbing to his bestial urges.” “I’m surprised the elixir provides your vampiric companion that benefit.” Amanda examines the votive holders on the altar. “It’s only supposed to work on creatures that are still alive.” “At least, I don’t look like some skeletal-looking old man like mortals that abuse the elixir do.” Miron swallowed his piece. “To a creature of the night, it works just like ambrosia.” “How often would you need to drink it compared to a mortal?” Amanda takes a tall candle and shakes her head before putting it back. “Dusty old men need to drink it eight times a day.” Miron approached her. “If I’m not exposed to the sun, I need it just once a week.” “Anything to delay Azrael for another hour.” Amanda replied dismissively and took another candle.

Treyton looked at her curiously and approached her. “Do you rely on the elixir yourself?” He brashly asked her. “You’re young enough to be my older sister and you implied you know every nook and cranny of the chapel after centuries of looking around. Why aren’t you a walking skeleton?” Amanda looked more annoyed at Treyton than she did when she handed him his candy. “If you’re going to be a son of a bitch to me, I won’t save your skin next time the solomonaris-in-training have you at their mercy.” She glanced at him. “I didn’t have to get involved! I care about people and the world. I’m only allowed one month a year up here and this is how you tell me you’re grateful? It’s like you were raised by priests.” She turned back around and put the candle back. Treyton got up, but Mitica put his hand on his chest to indicate that he said enough. “If you’re the only one that can help us, we’ll keep him from doing and saying anything brash.” He told Amanda. She closed her eyes, put the candle back, and took one at the top to examine it. “I have little patience to dwell on it, kid.” She touched the flame with her top finger. “The solomonaris-in-training will exploit these heated emotions when they get the chance to divide us. Anyone that worships the Dark Lord can understand that once they know what breaks us, they can use that piece to make us do anything they ask.” Amanda shakes her head and puts the candle back. “Some vampire hunters work alone to curb their worldly attachments. Without a heart, they can slay creatures of the night more effectively.” “Okay, we know you’ve been through something horrible.” Miron sounded uncomfortable at the thought of being alone. “We won’t pry, but know we’re with you for the remainder of the time you have left for the year.” He approached Amanda and looked at the votive holders himself. “Thank you.” She said with a hint of hurt in her tone.

“Alright, I’m sorry.” Treyton groaned. “Forget I said anything.” “It doesn’t work that way, but it’s whatever.” Amanda took a candle in a votive holder on her left. Treyton breathed his nose and sat on a broken column. “I just want to know what you’re doing here now.”

“I came to Teodosie to replenish my supply of ingredients to make more pieces of that blood-flavored candy, but when I left the farmer’s market, I saw the students chasing the two of you and I wondered why they were permitted to leave the school before their graduation.” Amanda takes an orange-colored candle from a votive holder. “I followed you without becoming a target myself, but since I intervened, that’s no longer possible. They’re going to hunt for me too and request Satan to revoke my stay here.” “So why is our predicament with the Solomonaris your business?” Mitica asks Amanda as he holds his hand out for another piece. “If it’s true that the Veiled Nocturne is actively looking for new leaders,” she answers. “It could mean they’re preparing for war. The Philosopher’s Stone will make whoever wields it impervious to old age and disease.” “We could still kill them, though.” Treyton clenched his fists. “Immortal or not, I’ll be the one to deliver it.” Amanda looks at him solemnly and then at the sorcerer’s stone in Mitica’s possession. “It’s true that the elixir does not grant its drinker invincibility and their bodies physically weaken as they age. Even if you send the students to hell, the Scholomance will select more candidates.” She sighed. “You will be hunted for life as long as the Philosopher’s Stone is in your possession. Crushing it to dust will ensure your safety.” “No, we can’t do that!” Mitica shouted. “Without the stone, my friend will turn into a bloodthirsty killer and I would only be prey to him.” Miron continues to look and feel uncomfortable. He takes a candle from the holder in a tight space that touched the wall and everyone heard the noise of bricks crumbling. “What is happening!?” Amanda panicked. “They’re closing in! We got to find a chest to hide in!!!” She gets inside a wooden trunk with the boys. Treyton, however, stands still. He watches as the wall behind the altar fell apart and pile up on the floor. The hole it made revealed a long, dark hallway glistened by dark blue crystal chandeliers that hang from the ceiling.

“We won’t have to hide.” He puts his hands in his pockets. “I think it might be a way out.” “Do you recognize this tunnel, Amanda?” Miron asked her when he stepped out of the trunk. “Do you trust it?” She closed her eyes and nodded. “I was looking for the candle needed to open it so yes.” She finally answered. “It will bring us to a fjord six miles from Teodosie. I can’t guarantee we can avoid the solomonaris-in-training when or if we reach the end, but they will have to return to the school. They can’t chase us continuously.” “Why do I get the feeling they won’t be the only danger we’ll be facing?” Treyton takes a candle from the votive holder to provide him with additional light. “You won’t be wrong, kid.” Amanda cautioned him. Two glowing armblades comprised of vines materialize from her back hands. “If you still have your sword, now would be a good time to arm yourself.” Treyton nodded and pulled out his sword. “These crystals contain an abundance of self-sustaining light magic. These will be useful if we encounter the solomonaris-in-training again. Why don’t you collect a few to enhance your sword?” “There won’t be much of that light if I take them from the chandeliers.” Treyton said. “I’ll have better luck searching the chests and the Beleuchten Drones.” “The mention of the presence of drones in the hallway is interesting.” Amanda softly smiled. “They have a tendency to blend in with the crystals in the chandeliers. I’d try looking up every minute. Drones are highly aggressive elementals that will attack the if you’re anywhere near them. Hesitate and you’ll go blind.” Treyton chuckled and looked at Amanda. “Don’t worry, my eyes will be just fine.” He smiled as well. “I just noticed your manners are lacking too.” Amanda walked ahead. “You never told me your name after I told you mine.” “It’s Treyton.” He followed her. “Is all forgiven between us?” “I’ll let you know when you get there.” Amanda turned around. “You didn’t think that your promise to take my advice will absolve you from calling me a walking skeleton, do you?” “We’ll be leaving two of them behind.” Treyton sighed through his nose. “Remember one of them has the Philosopher’s Stone.” Amanda noticed that only Miron was rushing toward her and Treyton when they stepped into the hallway. “Is your friend coming along?” She asked him. “He’s feeling a bit chilly so I took a moment to search for a drape in one of the trunks.” “You’re a good vampire.” Amanda reassured him. “And don’t feel bad about him calling you a bloodthirsty killer. I’ve known quite a few that retained their humanities without the stone.” “It’s not that I’m worried about, but it’s best not to think about it now.” Miron looked toward Mitica. “The solomonari bitch might have heard the bricks falling. I can’t wait any longer.” “That’s good to hear, Miron.” Treyton shrugged with a smile. “We were just about to explore that hallway. Come on.” Miron followed him and Amanda down the hallway. Mitica shivered and covered his body in the drape Miron handed him. He touched the back of his hand to warm his hand up for a bit and proceed to follow his friends down the hallway. Newly craved bricks materialized from the ground and covered the hole. The altar room was empty once more.

Thank you for playing the games and supporting the series as always. We'll be back later this week for a Thanksgiving update. :)

Sincerely,

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jojo-0-o-deactivated20231228 · 1 year

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The wooden floorboards creek and croak under the clickety clack of your newly acquired gilded leather boots as you make your way up to the deck, over vast hordes of fortune, past engorged piles of gold and spice, doubloons and silks, navigating mazes of stacked chests brimming with books and boundless scrolls. You tip- toe around your comatose crewmates, satiated by plunder and ransacked stores of rum, to the mast of your ship, and look out onto the horizon.

Heliotrope hues of dusk creep up behind the melting sunset, calming the raging gusts of the sea to caresses of the breeze. Wisps of ghostly silver swirl hazily amongst sporadic speckles of spangling starlight like a stewing soup in the sky, its delicate marbling mirrored on waves that twinkle under the moonlight. Skull and crossbones whip in the wind and the ship rocks lazily as if lulled to sleep by the cradle of the sloping sea. You sigh, contented, and pray to avoid a watery grave for many moons to come.

or, Books Master list:

A Series of Unfortunate events by Lemony Snicket, 1 through 13(Epubs)

Tales of Dunk and Egg by George R. R. Martin 01-03, 1, 2 & 4(Epubs)

A song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, 1 through 5, including 4.5, A World of Ice and Fire, and Fire and Blood(no.1 is a PDF, the rest Epubs)

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, 1 through 4(Epubs)

All For The Game by Nora Sakavic, 1, 2, &3(Epubs)

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery, 1 through 8(Epubs)

The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer, 1&2(Epubs)

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer, 1 through 8(PDFs)

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell, 1, 2, &3(no.3 is a PDF, the rest Epubs)

Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness, 1,2 &3, including 2.5 and snowscape(snowscape is a PDF, the rest Epubs)

Chronicles of Alice by Christina Henry, 1&2(Epubs)

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab, 1,2 &3(no.1 is a PDF, the rest Epubs)

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, 1&2(Epubs)

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu(Epub)

Heaven's Official Blessing by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu(PDF)

The Scum Villain's Self Saving System by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu(Epub)

Discworld by Terry Pratchett, 1 through 41(Epubs)

Divergent by Veronica Roth, 1,2 &3, including 0.5(Epubs)

Earthsea by Ursula k. Le guin, 1 through 6(Epubs)

The Farseer Trilogy by Robbin Hobb, 1,2 &3(PDFs)

Fence by Sarah Rees Brennan, 1&2(Epubs)

Folk of the air series by Holly Black, 1,2 &3(Epubs)

Harry Potter by J K. Rowling, 1 through 7(Epubs)

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, 1, 2&3(Epubs)

In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan(Epub)

Tears waiting to be Diamonds by Sarah Rees Brennan Parts 1&2(PDFs)

Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini, 1 through 4(Epubs)

The History of the Middle Earth by J R. R. Tolkien, 1 through 12(Epubs)

The J R. R. Tolkien collection: Bilbo's Last Song, Tales from the Perilous Realm, The Children of Hurin, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Hobbit, the Hobbit(enhanced edition), The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun, The Letters of J R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings (collection) Illustrated by J R. R. Tolkien; Alan Lee, The Lord of the Rings (collection), The Return of the King, The Silmarillion, The Silmarillion(illustrated) by J R. R. Tolkien; Ted Nasmith, The Two Towers, Unfinished Tales(Epubs)

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, 1 through 5, Including 3.1(4&5 are PDFs, the rest Epubs)

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan, 1, 2&3, including From the Nine Worlds and Hotel Valhalla Guide to the Norse Worlds(Epubs)

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Garber Stephanie, 1&2(Epubs)

Percy Jackson by Rick Riordon, 1 through 5, including 4.5, Camp Half Blood confidential, Demigods and Monsters, Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo, Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, and Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes(Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo is a PDF, the rest Epubs)

The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan, 1 through 5, including The Demigod Diaries(Epubs)

The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan, 1 through 5, including Camp Jupiter Classified(Epubs)

The Demigods of Olympus - An Interactive Adventure by Rick Riordan(Epub)

Shades of Magic by V. E. Schwab, 1,2&3(PDFs)

The Dark Artifices by Cassandra Clare, 1,2 &3(Epubs)

The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare, 1,2&3(Epubs)

The Last Hours by Cassandra Clare, 1&2(Epubs)

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, 1 through 6(Epubs)

The Eldest Curses by Cassandra Clare 1(Epub)

Shadowhunter Chronicles extras by Cassandra Clare, including An Illustrated History of Noble Shadowhunters and Denizens of Downworld, Ghosts of the Shadow Market, The Bane Chronicles, and the Shadowhunter Codex(Epubs)

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, 1&2(Epubs)

The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, 1,2&3, including 1.5 and the Darkling Prequel - Demon in the Woods(Epub)

Skullduggery Pleasant by Derrick Landy, 1 through 14, including 1.5, 2.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, &13.5(Epubs)

The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan, 1,2&3, including The Kane Chronicles survival guide, and Demigods and Magicians(Epubs)

The Locked Tomb by Tamsyn Muir, 1,2 &3, including 0.5 and 2.5(Epubs)

The Magesterium series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare, 1 through 5(Epubs)

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater, 1 through 4, including 4.5(Epubs)

The Dreamer Trilogy by Maggie Stiedvater, 1&2(Epubs)

The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski, 1 through 6, including 0.5 & 0.75(Epubs)

The Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie Stiefvater, 1,2&3(Epubs)

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, 1 though 7, including 0.5(Epubs)

The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins, 1 through 5(Epubs)

Unwind Dystology by Neal Shusterman, 1 through 4, including 1.5 and 4.5(Epubs)

The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice, 1 through 12(Epubs)

The Warrior cats series by Erin Hunter :The Prophecies Begin 1 through 6(PDFs), The New Prophecy 1 through 6(Epubs), Power of Three 1 through 6(PDFs), Omen of Stars 1 through 6(PDFs), Dawn of the Clans 1 through 6(PDFs), Vision of Shadows 1&2(PDFs)

A discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness(Epub)

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz(Epub)

Blindsight by Peter Watts(Epub)

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson(Epub)

Dune by Frank Herbert(Epub)

Elantris by Brandon Sanderson(Epub)

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell(Epub)

Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton(Epub)

How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu(PDF)

I Am Still Alive by Kate Alice Marshall(Epub)

I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver(Epub)

Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami(Epub)

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera(Epub)

One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn(Epub)

More Than This by Patrick Ness(PDF)

The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness(Epub)

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey Mcquiston(Epub)

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepytis(Epub)

The Adventures of Charles, the Veretian Cloth Merchant, Captive Prince Short Stories Book 3 by C. S. Pacat(Epub)

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak(Epub)

City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty(Epub)

The Martian by Andy Wier(Epub)

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern(Epub)

They Both Die at the End - Adam Silvera(Epub)

The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo(Epub)

The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang(Epub)

The Song of Achilles by Madison Miller(Epub)

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern(Epub)

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zerin(Epub)

Torture Mom by Ryan Green(Epub)

Where I End and You Begin by Preston Norton(Epub)

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman(Epub)

Message me, or make a request in the notes, and I’ll send you a copy(via email)

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auburniivenus · 4 months

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In that fateful instant, Orihime was rendered veritably agog by the stupendous tableau before her. Ichigo, adorned in frosty filigree amid a halo of orange locks, bore cradled in his grasp an assemblage of heliotrope blossoms. This curious sight betokened PASSION suffused with an unadulterated bashfulness, which caused her heart to palpitate with ineffable enchantment. The unforeseen proposal not only cemented their mutual destiny but inaugurated an annual ritual to revisit in remembrance the sanctified winter's eve that metamorphosed their lives. Heliotrope flowers—the ultimate emblem of immortal devotion—boosted their garden. Orihime, endowed with peculiar talents, availed her abilities to make sure these harbingers of amorous sentiments flowered plentifully even in winter's chilled EMBRANCE.

Each recurrence of their proposal's anniversary encased them in a temporal cocoon to relive that serendipitous moment. Exchanging symbols of heartfelt affection, they wandered through the snow-kissed avenues and pondered upon the odyssey that brought them together. As the cycle of seasons wheeled apace, it became their custom to craft quaint ornaments for their Christmas tree, each an embodiment of milestones traversed on love's labyrinthine path. Laden with these vivid mementos, the evergreen manifested as an evolving chronicle of amatory evolution and deeds shared between this devoted pair. Thus flourished their love like the spiraling dance of galaxies coalescing around a common center, and each holyday season marked another occasion for reflection, gratitude, and gleeful anticipation of winters yet unborn spent side by side as a married couple.

Canon Ichigo - @orangeshinigami

#( — .:｡✿*┆ headcanons ❀ ❞ )#( — .:｡✿*┆ her happy ending: ichihime ❀ ❞ )

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adamwatchesmovies · 1 year

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The Secret of Moonacre (2008)

While I didn't enjoy this film, that doesn't mean you won't. No matter what I say, the people involved in this project did it: they actually made a movie. That's something to be applauded. With that established...

No one has ever read a truly terrible book and thought “I could fix this by making it a movie!” This means The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge - the inspiration for the 2008 film The Secret Moonacre - must be great. You couldn't tell from this snooze-fest but I have to believe it.

After her father's death, Maria Merryweather (Dakota Blue Richards) inherits a book titled The Ancient Chronicles of Moonacre Valley. It tells of a curse cast upon two feuding families by the Moon Princess (Natascha McElhone). Sent to live with her estranged uncle Benjamin (Ioan Gruffudd) along with her governess, Miss Heliotrope (Juliet Stevenson), Maria begins exploring the grounds of the castle she now calls home. There, she begins wondering if the story she's read is based on some truths.

Seemingly pieced together from bits of other fantasy films and obviously released to capitalize on the Harry Potter craze, Moonacre is profoundly dull. The only "original" elements of this story are scraps the bigger franchises rejected, such as the Capulet and Montague-like feud between the two families - a quarrel that makes little sense. On one side is uncle Benjamin and the handful of servants he employs. On the other is the de Noir family and their soldiers - all of which looks like they come from the Middle Ages, despite the film being set sometime in the 18th century. At least I think that’s when it’s set. There are a number of historical anachronisms which clearly indicate the story is set at some point in the past but when? Who knows? Anyway, the villains have this huge army and aren’t above murder as their skull-filled dungeons clearly prove, so why haven’t they just taken Moonacre Valley by force? We’re probably not meant to wonder such things, as this film is meant for children and children alone, but you can’t help it. None of the characters are interesting and the magic is as captivating as the protagonist. You just kind of sit there, waiting for it to end so you can walk away while averting the eyes of anyone else who had the misfortune of seeing the film too.

This is a terrible-looking picture. The special effects are so lousy I assumed the engorged moon in the sky was unintentional until it’s revealed the celestial body is on a collision course for Earth - part of the curse set by The Moon Princess. It’s obviously a low-budget production so more forgiving reviewers might be kinder to it but not this one. There is too much time wasted on useless characters such as the possibly magical cook (who I was thought was some kind of elf creature based on the DVD cover) to think even a big budget would've saved this project. While we’re on that subject, take a look at the quote on the back! “The Little White Horse was my favourite childhood book” says J.K. Rowling. That’s the best they could scrounge together for the home release? Merlin’s beard. Did I really pay $5 to see this?

The best thing about The Secret of Moonacre is that its instantly forgettable. If someone ever decided to properly adapt it, no one would ever say "oh, they're remaking that movie again? no thanks!" No one - not even those who acted in the film - will remember this adaptation exists. I can’t picture anyone saying they enjoyed the film - even ironically. (On DVD, January 25, 2019)

#The Secret of Moonacre #movies #films #movie reviews #film reviews #Gábor Csupó #Graham Alborough #Lucy Shuttleworth #Ioan Gruffudd #Tim Curry #Natascha McElhone #Juliet Stevenson #Dakota Blue Richards #2008 movies #2008 films

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brookstonalmanac · 6 months

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Holidays 10.27

Holidays

Big Bang Day (London, UK)

Boxer Shorts Day

Černová Tragedy Day (Slovakia)

Cliche Day

Crack-Nut Night (a.k.a. Nut-Crack Night)

Cranky Co-Workers Day

Dress Purple Day (Ontario)

Etiquette Day

Good Bear Day

Heliotrope Day (French Republic)

Infantry Day (India)

International Be More Toddy Day (UK)

International Day of Text Corrections

International Mentoring Day

International Panda Day

International Religious Freedom Day

Kashmir Black Day (Pakistan)

Mishinden (Mouse Feastday; Bulgaria)

National Black Cat Day (UK)

National Civics Day

National Day of Action Against Antisemitism

National Electricity Day (Indonesia)

National Henry C. Ramos Day

National Hostage Awareness Day

National Mentoring Day

National Tell a Story Day (Scotland)

Navy Day (unofficial) [also 10.13]

New York Subway Day

Occupational Therapy Day

Radio Broadcast License Day

Read for The Record

Scanderberg Commemoration Day

Sylvia Plath Day

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (UN)

World Occupational Therapy Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

American Beer Day

National American Beer Day

National Cheese Toastie Day (UK)

National Potato Day [also 8.19]

Sandwich Day

4th & Last Friday in October

Bring Your Jack-O-Lantern to Work Day [Last Friday before Halloween]

Education Communication Day [Last Friday]

Frankenstein Friday [Last Friday]

Global Champagne Day [4th Friday]

International Champagne Day [4th Friday]

Mokosh Day (Ukraine) [Last Friday]

National Bandanna Day (Australia) [Last Friday]

National BETA Founder’s Day [4th Friday]

National Breadstick Day [Last Friday]

Nevada Day (Nevada) [Last Friday]

Red Friday [Friday of Last Full Week]

World Lemur Day [Last Friday]

World Teachers’ Day (Australia) [Last Friday]

Independence Days

Mount Henadas (Declared; 2011) [unrecognized]

Saint Vincent & Grenadines (from UK, 1979)

Soda (a.k.a. Bicarbonate of Soda; Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]

Suverska (Declared; 2013) [unrecognized]

Wyvern (Declared; 2009) [unrecognized]

Feast Days

Abbán (Christian; Saint)

Abraham the Poor (Christian; Saint)

Buffon (Positivist; Saint)

Clam Sauce Day (Pastafarian)

Diwali, Day 4 (Hindu, Jain, Sikh), a.k.a. ...

Day of Cowdung (Krishna)

Day of Oxen

Day of Self (Newar)

Gobardhan Puja (Krishna)

Goru Puja

Goru Tihar

Mha Puja (Newar)

Elesbaan (Christian; Saint)

Festival of the Conspiracies (Church of the SubGenius)

Frumentius (Roman Catholic Church)

Gaudiosus of Naples (Christian; Saint)

Kaleb of Axum (Christian; Saint)

Lee Krasner (Artology)

Mary Moser (Artology)

Mice Wedding Day (Pagan)

Namatius (a.k.a. Namace; Christian; Saint)

Nekhebet’s Day (Pagan)

Oran of Iona (Christian; Saint)

Quackers (Muppetism)

Roy Lichtenstein (Artology)

Silly Walks Day (Pastafarian)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Sakimake (先負 Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [50 of 57]

Premieres

All Quiet on the Western Front, by Erich Maria Remarque (Novel; 1928)

The Americanization of Emily (Film; 1964)

Andersonville, by MacKinlay Kantor (Historical Novel; 1955)

Back to Black, by Amy Winehouse (Album; 2006)

Barbara Broadcast (Adult Film; 1977)

Buddy the Woodsman (WB LT Cartoon; 1934)

Come See About Me, recorded by The Supremes (Song; 1964)

Crocodile Rock, by Elton John (Song; 1972)

Don't Give Up, by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush (Song; 1986)

Foyle’s War (UK TV Series; 2002)

Fun with Mr. Future (Disney Cartoon; 1982)

The Gathering Storm, by Robert Jordan (Novel; 2009) [Wheel of Time #12]

Godzilla (Film; 1954)

The High King, by Lloyd Alexander [Chronicles of Prydain #5]

Jesus Christ Superstar (Soundtrack Album; 1970)

The Last Ship, by Sting (Musical Play; 2014)

Leaving Las Vegas (Film; 1995)

Lego DC Comics: Batman Be-Leaguered (WB Animated Film; 2014)

The Matrix Revolutions (Film; 2003)

The Moonspinners, by Mary Stewart (Novel; 1962)

National Velvet, by Enid Bagnold (Novel; 1935)

1989, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2014)

1999, by Prince (Album; 1982)

Rebel Without a Cause (Film; 1955)

Rescue Squad Mater (Pixar Cartoon; 2008)

Romeo + Juliet (Film; 1996)

Skylarking by XTC (Album; 1986)

Stand By Me, recorded by Ben E. King (Song; 1960)

Waiting for the Barbarians, J.M. Coetzee (Novel; 1980)

Wideo Wabbit (WB MM Cartoon; 1956)

You Bet Your Life (Radio Series; 1947)

Today’s Name Days

Christa, Sabina, Wolfhard (Austria)

Nestor (Bulgaria)

Bartol, Florijan, Gordan, Namat (Croatia)

Šarlota, Zoe (Czech Republic)

Sem (Denmark)

Eila, Eili, Häili, Hälli, Heili (Estonia)

Hellä, Helle, Helli, Hellin (Finland)

Emeline (France)

Christa, Sabina, Stefan, Wolfhard (Germany)

Louppos, Nestor (Greece)

Szabina (Hungary)

Delia, Fiorenzo (Italy)

Irita, Lilita, Lita (Latvia)

Ramojus, Sabina, Tautmilė, Vincas, Vincentas (Lithuania)

Sture, Sturla (Norway)

Frumencjusz, Iwona, Sabina, Siestrzemił, Wincenty (Poland)

Dimitrie (Romania)

Sabína (Slovakia)

Bartolomé, Florencio, Sabina, Vicente (Spain)

Sabina (Sweden)

Nestor (Ukraine)

Cale, Caleb, Feodor, Isaac, Isaak, Issac, Izaac, Kaleb, Ted, Teddy, Teodor, Theodora Theodore (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 300 of 2024; 65 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of week 43 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Gort (Ivy) [Day 25 of 28]

Chinese: Month 9 (Ten-Xu), Day 13 (Wu-Wu)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 12 Heshvan 5784

Islamic: 12 Rabi II 1445

J Cal: 30 Shù; Nineday [30 of 30]

Julian: 14 October 2023

Moon: 98%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 20 Descartes (11th Month) [Buffon]

Runic Half Month: Hagal (Hailstone) [Day 1 of 15]

Season: Autumn (Day 34 of 89)

Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 4 of 29)

Calendar Changes

Hagal (Hailstone) [Half-Month 21 of 24; Runic Half-Months] (thru 11.10)

#Holidays

0 notes

brookston · 6 months

Text

Holidays 10.27

Holidays

Big Bang Day (London, UK)

Boxer Shorts Day

Černová Tragedy Day (Slovakia)

Cliche Day

Crack-Nut Night (a.k.a. Nut-Crack Night)

Cranky Co-Workers Day

Dress Purple Day (Ontario)

Etiquette Day

Good Bear Day

Heliotrope Day (French Republic)

Infantry Day (India)

International Be More Toddy Day (UK)

International Day of Text Corrections

International Mentoring Day

International Panda Day

International Religious Freedom Day

Kashmir Black Day (Pakistan)

Mishinden (Mouse Feastday; Bulgaria)

National Black Cat Day (UK)

National Civics Day

National Day of Action Against Antisemitism

National Electricity Day (Indonesia)

National Henry C. Ramos Day

National Hostage Awareness Day

National Mentoring Day

National Tell a Story Day (Scotland)

Navy Day (unofficial) [also 10.13]

New York Subway Day

Occupational Therapy Day

Radio Broadcast License Day

Read for The Record

Scanderberg Commemoration Day

Sylvia Plath Day

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (UN)

World Occupational Therapy Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

American Beer Day

National American Beer Day

National Cheese Toastie Day (UK)

National Potato Day [also 8.19]

Sandwich Day

4th & Last Friday in October

Bring Your Jack-O-Lantern to Work Day [Last Friday before Halloween]

Education Communication Day [Last Friday]

Frankenstein Friday [Last Friday]

Global Champagne Day [4th Friday]

International Champagne Day [4th Friday]

Mokosh Day (Ukraine) [Last Friday]

National Bandanna Day (Australia) [Last Friday]

National BETA Founder’s Day [4th Friday]

National Breadstick Day [Last Friday]

Nevada Day (Nevada) [Last Friday]

Red Friday [Friday of Last Full Week]

World Lemur Day [Last Friday]

World Teachers’ Day (Australia) [Last Friday]

Independence Days

Mount Henadas (Declared; 2011) [unrecognized]

Saint Vincent & Grenadines (from UK, 1979)

Soda (a.k.a. Bicarbonate of Soda; Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]

Suverska (Declared; 2013) [unrecognized]

Wyvern (Declared; 2009) [unrecognized]

Feast Days

Abbán (Christian; Saint)

Abraham the Poor (Christian; Saint)

Buffon (Positivist; Saint)

Clam Sauce Day (Pastafarian)

Diwali, Day 4 (Hindu, Jain, Sikh), a.k.a. ...

Day of Cowdung (Krishna)

Day of Oxen

Day of Self (Newar)

Gobardhan Puja (Krishna)

Goru Puja

Goru Tihar

Mha Puja (Newar)

Elesbaan (Christian; Saint)

Festival of the Conspiracies (Church of the SubGenius)

Frumentius (Roman Catholic Church)

Gaudiosus of Naples (Christian; Saint)

Kaleb of Axum (Christian; Saint)

Lee Krasner (Artology)

Mary Moser (Artology)

Mice Wedding Day (Pagan)

Namatius (a.k.a. Namace; Christian; Saint)

Nekhebet’s Day (Pagan)

Oran of Iona (Christian; Saint)

Quackers (Muppetism)

Roy Lichtenstein (Artology)

Silly Walks Day (Pastafarian)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Sakimake (先負 Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [50 of 57]

Premieres

All Quiet on the Western Front, by Erich Maria Remarque (Novel; 1928)

The Americanization of Emily (Film; 1964)

Andersonville, by MacKinlay Kantor (Historical Novel; 1955)

Back to Black, by Amy Winehouse (Album; 2006)

Barbara Broadcast (Adult Film; 1977)

Buddy the Woodsman (WB LT Cartoon; 1934)

Come See About Me, recorded by The Supremes (Song; 1964)

Crocodile Rock, by Elton John (Song; 1972)

Don't Give Up, by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush (Song; 1986)

Foyle’s War (UK TV Series; 2002)

Fun with Mr. Future (Disney Cartoon; 1982)

The Gathering Storm, by Robert Jordan (Novel; 2009) [Wheel of Time #12]

Godzilla (Film; 1954)

The High King, by Lloyd Alexander [Chronicles of Prydain #5]

Jesus Christ Superstar (Soundtrack Album; 1970)

The Last Ship, by Sting (Musical Play; 2014)

Leaving Las Vegas (Film; 1995)

Lego DC Comics: Batman Be-Leaguered (WB Animated Film; 2014)

The Matrix Revolutions (Film; 2003)

The Moonspinners, by Mary Stewart (Novel; 1962)

National Velvet, by Enid Bagnold (Novel; 1935)

1989, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2014)

1999, by Prince (Album; 1982)

Rebel Without a Cause (Film; 1955)

Rescue Squad Mater (Pixar Cartoon; 2008)

Romeo + Juliet (Film; 1996)

Skylarking by XTC (Album; 1986)

Stand By Me, recorded by Ben E. King (Song; 1960)

Waiting for the Barbarians, J.M. Coetzee (Novel; 1980)

Wideo Wabbit (WB MM Cartoon; 1956)

You Bet Your Life (Radio Series; 1947)

Today’s Name Days

Christa, Sabina, Wolfhard (Austria)

Nestor (Bulgaria)

Bartol, Florijan, Gordan, Namat (Croatia)

Šarlota, Zoe (Czech Republic)

Sem (Denmark)

Eila, Eili, Häili, Hälli, Heili (Estonia)

Hellä, Helle, Helli, Hellin (Finland)

Emeline (France)

Christa, Sabina, Stefan, Wolfhard (Germany)

Louppos, Nestor (Greece)

Szabina (Hungary)

Delia, Fiorenzo (Italy)

Irita, Lilita, Lita (Latvia)

Ramojus, Sabina, Tautmilė, Vincas, Vincentas (Lithuania)

Sture, Sturla (Norway)

Frumencjusz, Iwona, Sabina, Siestrzemił, Wincenty (Poland)

Dimitrie (Romania)

Sabína (Slovakia)

Bartolomé, Florencio, Sabina, Vicente (Spain)

Sabina (Sweden)

Nestor (Ukraine)

Cale, Caleb, Feodor, Isaac, Isaak, Issac, Izaac, Kaleb, Ted, Teddy, Teodor, Theodora Theodore (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 300 of 2024; 65 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of week 43 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Gort (Ivy) [Day 25 of 28]

Chinese: Month 9 (Ten-Xu), Day 13 (Wu-Wu)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 12 Heshvan 5784

Islamic: 12 Rabi II 1445

J Cal: 30 Shù; Nineday [30 of 30]

Julian: 14 October 2023

Moon: 98%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 20 Descartes (11th Month) [Buffon]

Runic Half Month: Hagal (Hailstone) [Day 1 of 15]

Season: Autumn (Day 34 of 89)

Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 4 of 29)

Calendar Changes

Hagal (Hailstone) [Half-Month 21 of 24; Runic Half-Months] (thru 11.10)

#calendar #Holidays

0 notes

wishfulthinking29 · 4 years

Note

All the asks 🤗

jasmine; what mythical creature do you wish actually existed?

mermaids!

lavender; soundcloud or vinyls?

soundcloud

primrose; what book does everyone right now need to read?

The Traveling Cat Chronicles

lunar mist; do you like wearing other people’s shirts/jackets?

yes! primarily one persons, they know why they are :)

bird of paradise; what was the best thing that happened to you this month?

:) :) talking to that one special someone again.

gardenia; what’s a promise you’ve recently made to yourself?

to love myself more. or at least to try

lion’s fairytale; would you rather be the sky, the ocean or the forests?

the ocean

whirling butterflies; would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

i don’t want to but ://

marmalade skies; do you plan your outfits?

no i don’t, I just pick out whatever and get ready in like 10 minutes lmao

apricot drift; how do you feel right now?

happy!

everlasting daisy; what’s the last dream you remember having?

it was weird... i was in prison?? with my coworkers??

queen’s cup; what are you craving right now?

CHINESE FOOD, ALWAYS

lavender dream; turn ons/offs?

turn ons? honestly, loyalty, and communication.

turn offs? argumentative people, people who complain all the time but never do anything to fix their problems

water lilly; when was the last time you cried? why?

probably in the car today?? i didn’t like CRY cry, but just a lil bit lol.

lily of the valley; did the one person who hurt you most in your life apologize?

yes but it was a fake apology.

winterberry; do you bite or lick your ice cream?

LICK, I’M NOT AN ANIMAL

honey perfume; favorite movie ever?

Snowglobe

desert rose; do you like yourself?

depends on the day you ask me lol. today? ehhhh maybe but I’m working on it

snapdragon; have you ever met or seen in person a celebrity?

unfortunately nooooo

night owl; how many countries have you visited?

none :((

heliotrope; have you ever been in a castle?

noooo

creams and sky; what’s the craziest/bravest thing you’ve done?

I’m not really a crazy kinda person but?? i guess sex in public?? lmfao

lantana; what’s on your mind right now?

her :) :) always

pumpkin patch; what’s your zodiac sign?

cancer :( i’m a crybaby lol

tulip; name 5 facts about yourself.

1. I’m so kind people take advantage of me.

2. I love animals!! so much!!

3. I love cooking!

4. I love reading!! even though I haven’t read much lately :((

5. I’m scared to drive or be in a car anymore.

daphne; do you believe in karma?

yes, a million times yes

queen of the meadow; ever been in love?

definitely. and not just “love”, i mean the true, real, raw kinda love you see in movies :)

wisteria; whom do you admire and why?

her. because she is so brave, and caring, smart, loving, and forgiving and so so beautiful. so gorgeous in every single way.

angel’s face; what was your favorite bedtime story as a child?

i had so many!!

remember me; did you make someone laugh today?

i hope so

iris; do you believe in ghosts?

omg yes to the point i get afraid to walk in a dark room.. or a light room lmao

lilac; if you could go back in time which time period would you visit?

THE 60s. PEACE LOVE (and drugs lmao)

caramel kisses; would you want to live forever? why/why not?

only if it were with her

primula; what makes you sad?

a lot of things.

rain lily; was today typical? why/why not?

yeah, I usually go to the grocery store on my days off

queen anne’s lace; who do you trust the most?

my grandma and my aunt

lady’s slipper; what did you have for breakfast today?

cold pizza

forget me not; do you have any regrets looking back in your life?

too many

lunaria; what’s your favorite fictional universe?

Harry Potter!!

violet; favorite tv show?

Breaking Bad or The L Word are my all time favorites but I have so many!!

sunflower; share a favorite quote.

i’ll reblog it after I post this

snowdrop; what does your ideal day look like?

it would consist of absolutely fucking nothing lmao, just laying in bed, watching netflix and CHINESE FOOD

tiger lily; do you have any hobbies?

i used to

peony; share a small random book passage that means something to you.

there’s too many :(( but it would most definitely be from Milk and Honey

tea rose; what’s something you always wanted to do but were too scared?

cut people out of my life lol

honeysuckle; do you usually date people your age or older/younger?

older bc folks my age be playing lol

sweet pea; who means the world to you? why?

her because she’s always been there for me, always loved me and cared about me no matter what and even after years of not talking at all. she’s my soul mate

love in the mist; best books you’ve ever read?

there’s so many, but probably anything from the Thoroughbred series. Or Indefensible.

foxglove; who is your favorite cartoon character?

Bobby Hill

magnolia; coffee or tea?

tea of course!!

crown imperial; would you rather be extremely rich or extremely loved?

extremely loved

snowflake; are you a dog or a cat person?

both, i can’t choose!!

bell flower; what is your biggest addiction?

my biggest addiction will always be cutting. i can get away from drugs and the people who gave them to me but i can’t get away from myself and my own thoughts

cosmos; do you ever think about the galaxy?

yes, definitely

moonflower; what’s your favorite color?

crimson!! or any dark red

freesia; do you have a good relationship with your parents and siblings? why/why not?

lmaooooo not really

sundrop; are you a morning or a night person?

night, all the way. the moon has my heart

poppy; have you ever dealt with a mental illness?

yes, every day

clover; how would your friends describe you?

hopefully that i’m kind and loving and caring..

dandelion; do you consider yourself and extrovert or an introvert?

introvert

lilly; what’s something you love watching/reading but you are too embarrassed to admit you do?

straight porn lmao

anemone; describe yourself in 3 words.

loving, caring, smart

lotus; best memory as a child?

any trip to Hilton Head Island. Or my grandma singing “you are my sunshine” or my aunt singing that song “zippity do da, zippity a, my oh my what a wonderful day“

angelonia; what is your eye and hair color?

my eyes are blue and my hair is like blonde/brownish

dahlia; do you like crystals?

yes!

buttercup; if you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

all the hate and racism going on

baby’s breath; what’s your hogwarts house?

Gryffindor

calendula; biggest pet peeve?

messy people lmao

blanker flower; would you rather go to a cocktail party with your best friends or stay home and read a book/watch a movie with your pet?

stay home!!

blazing star; share a secret.

but if i shared it, it wouldn’t be a secret now would it??

carnation; would you rather live longer or happier?

happier

petunia; who’s story is your biggest inspiration in life? why?

i don’t knooooowww

bluebell; do you wear glasses?

yes bc i’m blind as fuck

nymphea; forest or river?

river

orchid; do you like exercise?

depends on the day lmao

pansy; do you like poetry?

yes, a million times yes

morning glory; any special talent that you have?

hmmm.. idk if this counts as a special talent but i’m really good at giving head lmfaoooo

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ao3feed-malec · 4 years

Text

NFWMB

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2XuUXLC

by wirewrappedlily

Alec pressed his eyes closed, only then realizing how tired they were, "I miss home."

Words: 7805, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 4 of Heliotrope

Fandoms: Shadowhunters (TV), The Shadowhunter Chronicles - All Media Types

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Relationships: Magnus Bane/Alec Lightwood, Simon Lewis/Isabelle Lightwood, Alec Lightwood & Isabelle Lightwood, Magnus Bane & Isabelle Lightwood, Alec Lightwood & Andrew Underhill, Magnus Bane & Maryse Lightwood (mentioned), Maryse Lightwood & Alec Lightwood (mentioned), Jace WAyland & Alec Lightwood (mentioned)

Additional Tags: BAMF Alec Lightwood, BAMF Magnus Bane, Domestic Magnus Bane/Alec Lightwood, Protective Alec Lightwood, mentions of panic attacks/ptsd, Magical Bond, Author is a madwoman, don't ask just read it, POV Alec Lightwood

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2XuUXLC

#malec #IFTTT #ao3feed #fanfic #shadowhunters

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hedgewitches · 5 years

Text

ocs + associations.

🧜‍♀️RULES: Repost and fill in the answers you most associate your character with to each question.

i was tagged by ever glorious @braithwaites

i’m tagging @sofiaboutellla @saader @saschaduncan @clizzy don’t ignore me you boobs aaaaaand anyone else who wants to do it because i feel like i’m super late to this party i always show up fifteen minutes late with starbucks

H A D E I R I T H Y L L 🕊️ | high chaos squad — [chaotic neutral]. trickery domain cleric. aasimar. eldritch-sized ex boyfriend problems.

ANIMAL: lark.

COLOR(S): pastel pink, cream, gold.

MONTH: may.

SONG(S): “big god” by florence and the machine

NUMBER: 3.

DAY OR NIGHT: day.

PLANT: orchid.

SMELL(S): champagne, myrrh and frankincense, amber.

GEMSTONE: diamond.

SEASON: spring.

PLACE(S): on a beach, underneath a clear, blue sky, a busy tavern

FOOD: strawberries and pomegranates

ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: leo.

ELEMENT(S): air.

DRINK: white wine. champagne. vodka.

K A T A R Z Y N A M I K H A I L O V N A A L O Y K H I N 🗡️ | the seraphim chronicles — [chaotic good]. half-elf thief. kleptomaniac. of the ancient and noble house aloykhin. mommy issues.

ANIMAL: arctic fox.

COLOR(S): purple, hazel, copper.

MONTH: december.

SONG(S): “feeling good” by apashe x cherry lena

NUMBER: 13.

DAY OR NIGHT: night.

PLANT: daisy.

SMELL(S): petrichor, campfires, old lace.

GEMSTONE: heliotrope.

SEASON: winter.

PLACE(S): city roof tops, underground passages,

FOOD: honey, sweetmeats.

ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: sagittarius.

ELEMENT(S): earth.

DRINK: alabama slammers, tequila, lemonade.

R Á N 🧜‍♀️ | future dnd campaign — [neutral evil]. man-eating mermaid. mistaken for a goddess. cursed with legs. in love with a star.

ANIMAL: sea lion.

COLOR(S): teal, aquamarine, deep blue.

MONTH: august.

SONG(S): “storm song” by phildel.

NUMBER: 7.

DAY OR NIGHT: day.

PLANT: lily of the valley.

SMELL(S): saltwater, ocean mist, blood.

GEMSTONE: lapis lazuli.

SEASON: summer.

PLACE(S): tropical beaches, shallow waters, shipwrecks,

FOOD: meat, particularly steak.

ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: scorpio.

ELEMENT(S): water.

DRINK: gin and tonic.

#braithwaites #sofiaboutellla #saader #clizzy #saschaduncan #megan plays dnd #character: hade irithyll #character: katya aloykhin #character: ran #oh boy this took so much longer then it should have #i couldn't decide if i should do bethesda ocs or bioware ocs #and then i decided to do dnd ocs bc at least those were made in the last years #versus the ones i've been rocking for the last five years #i haven't even PLAYED ran but she's a murderous lesbian mermaid so she's my best girl

20 notes · View notes

llovelykenobi · 5 years

Note

I love plants and you. So - pansy, carnation, baby's breath, lily, magnolia, lunaria, lilac, and heliotrope?

AHHHHHH Rebecca I love you too!!! Thank you so much for the ask!!!

pansy; do you like poetry? Yes! I don’t often read it and I’m even worse at writing it, but I am a fan!

carnation; would you rather live longer or happier? Happier. I don’t care about living a ridiculously long life, I just want to be happy.

baby’s breath; what’s your hogwarts house? Ravenclaw and proud!

lilly; what’s something you love watching/reading but you are too embarrassed to admit you do? Oh shit. Uh. Probably the last Twilight Saga movie? (I promise I’m only excited about Benjamin lmao)

magnolia; coffee or tea? I actually don’t drink either of them!!

lunaria; what’s your favorite fictional universe? Oh dang. Either Harry Potter, The Lunar Chronicles, or Night at the Museum? Or just Disney fairytale stuff.

lilac; if you could go back in time which time period would you visit? Currently? 1970s London and hang out there until like 87 or something.

heliotrope; have you ever been in a castle? Uh, do the ones at Disneyland and Walt Disney World count? Because, if so, yes! If not, nope.

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heliotrope-journey · 2 years

Text

Good afternoon, vampire hunters.

Chapter 3 in Book 1 Scars of the Past for The Heliotrope Chronicles is now available for download. Our heroes are nowhere closer to Baudelaire Village. Dusk is slowly approaching and a femme fatale has eyes on Frederick. It is not certain if she is acting on Dracula’s orders, but it’s best for him not to hang around the waterfall for too long to find out. Many vampires have a way of masquerading as allies to lower the guard of their targets and generally, their intentions only come to light when escape is uncertain. Photo by Jaka Škrlep on Unsplash.

A new feature we added in case you literally get stuck is that you can press the R button to return the last saved checkpoint so you can continue your adventure uninterrupted. We'll add a tutorial sign for that to the game in a later update.

An enormous thank-you goes out to Stephanie Klepacki for supplying the team with two of her breathtaking photographs of Jemez National Recreation Area for the backgrounds, Gabriel Limp for arming two enemies introduced in this chapter with two new swords, and last but obviously not least, Joy Luna for composing three atmospheric tracks that are pleasing to the ears for those that have a taste in gloomy music. If you’re fan of American McGee’s Alice, you won’t want to miss this chapter in Frederick’s tale.

To play the latest chapter, be sure to download The Heliotrope Chronicles Book 1 (Version 3) when you click the link in this post. We’ve hidden another version in a zip folder in case you’re blocked from opening the game directly.

Meanwhile, I have completed my redesign of the florist in Snowdenburg and I'm working on a fifth character. The florist's name is Sabrina. She studied photography in Amherst University and after graduation, she planned a trip to Ukraine to put together a collection of architectural photos for her first exhibition. The day she was supposed to travel there, Russia launched an invasion on the country and Sabrina was forced to forgo her trip. Since then, she took up work as a florist at the Pellow Market to keep her finances afloat.

Snowdenburg is a real city in Massachusetts, but it is a name that local witches and wizards have given it in honor of a school teacher that divulged allegations that government officials are delivering magically gifted children to the Veiled Nocturne. The city's real name will remain a secret, but it is a short drive away from Stockbridge where Michaela's story will begin.

Thank you for your support as usual and have a good weekend!

Sincerely,

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likeathunderbolt · 6 years

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jasmine; what mythical creature do you wish actually existed? the fée, I'd go live with them in the forest and dedicate my life to practicing supernatural hijinks and fucking shit up for the humans.

lavender; soundcloud or vinyls? I suppose soundcloud gives artists an easier method of sharing with the world.

primrose; what book does everyone right now need to read? The Cooking Gene by Michael W Twitty.

lunar mist; do you like wearing other people’s shirts/jackets? They're always too small for me because I am a frost giant.

bird of paradise; what was the best thing that happened to you this month? I went to see one of my all time favourite artists with one of my oldest friends.

gardenia; what’s a promise you’ve recently made to yourself? To really mean it this time.

lion’s fairytale; would you rather be the sky, the ocean or the forests? The Ocean.

whirling butterflies; would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Sure, why not?

marmalade skies; do you plan your outfits? Not really, I just make sure my clothes are washed and ironed.

apricot drift; how do you feel right now? Gross from eating too much junk food.

everlasting daisy; what’s the last dream you remember having? My friends at a barbecue and for some reason everyone had superpowers but it was completely normal and no big deal so we just had this full on X-Men cook out.

queen’s cup; what are you craving right now? Water and a clear head.

lavender dream; turn ons/offs? On: Confidence, inner peace, knowing what you want. Off: Control, agendas, “white” lies.

water lilly; when was the last time you cried? why? I was given a gift and a note both of which were very very heartfelt, referencing years’ worth of actions I had no idea had left such an impact.

lily of the valley; did the one person who hurt you most in your life apologize? The person who hurt me most is me, being self sabotaging fool, I practice my apology every day by trying to be better.

winterberry; do you bite or lick your ice cream? Lick, biting ice cream sounds very odd to me.

honey perfume; favourite movie ever? I love the Ghibli films, ハウルの動く城, 千と千尋の神隠し, 魔女の宅急便, 風の谷のナウシカ, etc.

desert rose; do you like yourself? I'm working on it.

snapdragon; have you ever met or seen in person a celebrity? I'm not sure if this counts but I had lunch with Carla Bruni once, and twice I shared a fruitcake with Kofi Annan.

night owl; how many countries have you visited? I have actually genuinely lost count and don't want to miss anyone out.

heliotrope; have you ever been in a castle? I'm British, we can't move for castles.

creams and sky; what’s the craziest/bravest thing you’ve done? Moved to Toulouse on my own? Decided to actually look at myself and how much I was contributing to my own unhappiness? Trying to take responsibility for my self and be a better human?

lantana; what’s on your mind right now? I left my peppermint tea at work but water was a close second anyway.

pumpkin patch; what’s your zodiac sign? Earth sign, Taurus.

tulip; name 5 facts about yourself. 1. I love water; I'm a water baby, island child. Water is my favourite beverage, swimming is my favourite exercise, I love lakes, rivers, streams seas, oceans and waterfalls. Rainy days make me feel calm. Water is in my soul. 2. I love cooking; when I was a wee child my nan had a lodger from Hong Kong who was a chef, and he used to let me "help" him in the kitchen. So I grew up learning how to cook authentic HK/Cantonese cuisine. He actually runs a quite successful restaurant now too. 3. My first job was a Junior Librarian in a Grade 1 listed building; it had a variety of secret passageways and hidden rooms that I still think about a lot. Taking a hidden staircase up to a secret turret to repair books in the dusty sunlight is soul therapy. 4. I'm quite ambiverted; almost painfully shy with people I don't know very well, especially if I'm not feeling very confident that day. I have known this shyness to be mistaken for rudeness on occasion which has spurred me on to be more open a friendly even when I feel vulnerable, which has gone a long way to helping deal with the shyness. 5. As of the day after my birthday this year, I am now an uncle.

daphne; do you believe in karma? Yes, karma or the karmic rose by any other name. queen of the meadow; ever been in love? With humanity, life, the future.

wisteria; whom do you admire and why? Kind people. Anyone who has kept a warm heart through the hard times.

angel’s face; what was your favourite bedtime story as a child? The Jolly Witch.

remember me; did you make someone laugh today? My cats made me laugh, not too sure if I returned the favour just yet.

iris; do you believe in ghosts? Yes, or something of the sort we don't fully understand.

lilac; if you could go back in time which time period would you visit? Pre-Roman Britain.

caramel kisses; would you want to live forever? why/why not? No, I want to eventually move on.

primula; what makes you sad? Missed opportunities, being unable to help, misunderstandings, injustice.

rain lily; was today typical? why/why not? Yes and no, I spent a lazy Sunday with my family playing games so it was fun, but a typical day usually involved more work, working out, etc.

queen anne’s lace; who do you trust the most? My loved ones.

lady’s slipper; what did you have for breakfast today? Boiled rice with shredded veg & chilli sauce.

forget me not; do you have any regrets looking back in your life? I would like to have learnt certain lessons sooner and I am sorry for upsetting people.

lunaria; what’s your favourite fictional universe? I love so many, I think Tolkien's Middle Earth just wins it for me though, I have so many great memories both reading alone and playing or discussing with friends as a child, a teen and even now.

violet; favourite telly show? Of all time: I have a soft spot for the OC in all its ridiculous glory. Of the last year or so: Ugly Delicious. Honorary mentions: Supernatural, Springwatch, Summerwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch.

sunflower; share a favourite quote. Again, so many: "You're as good as you reciprocate." from Light's Everybody Breaks A Glass. "To be rather than to seem." is also one that means a lot to me, I think the good people of North Carolina may agree with me on that one too.

snowdrop; what does your ideal day look like? Waking up in a bright, comfy room, good hearty breakfast, swimming, spending time with loved ones, working on passion projects, cooking for everyone, relaxing under the stars.

tiger lily; do you have any hobbies? Swimming, cooking, reading, yoga, painting, writing, and outdoor activities. I love skating either board or blades and ju jitsu too, but I can't really do impact stuff anymore.

peony; share a small random book passage that means something to you. So many from Terry Crews Manhood and Anna Akana's So Much I Want to Tell You. I don't have the energy to go get them and type them out though because it would take me half an hour to even pick which passage to use. I'm already thinking of more books that mean a great deal to me.

tea rose; what’s something you always wanted to do but were too scared? I really wanted to move to Japan for a while to be with my friends, who are from Osaka, I went as far as to get necessary qualifications, studied Japanese and secured a job before I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that meant I needed ongoing treatment at home, I was terrified of moving to Japan because it is literally the other side of Eurasia but once the opportunity was taken away after all that work, I was devastated. I always imagined that doing these things that scare me would make me a better person and now I'm scared I'll never have a chance to right that missed opportunity.

honeysuckle; do you usually date people your age or older/younger? I operate on the 5 year rule usually; no older or younger than fiver years from my age, but I suppose I'd waive that for the right person?

sweet pea; who means the world to you? why? My loved ones, because friends really are the family you choose and there is no greater blessing than having friends who are your family and family who are truly your friends.

love in the mist; best books you’ve ever read? Again, too many, off the top of my head: Mineko Iwasaki's Geisha of Gion, Jung Chang's Wild Swans, Anhua Gao's On the Edge of the Sky, Jo Rowlings Harry Potter series, Tolkien's Entire works, particularly Beren and Lúthien. I also really love Michelle Paver's Chronicles of Ancient Darkness and Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. I also read Nigella's cookbooks like novels. I literally just sit and read them. I could write whole books on books I love and why.

foxglove; who is your favourite cartoon character? The entire cast of Pokémon is my childhood.

magnolia; coffee or tea? Tea please.

crown imperial; would you rather be extremely rich or extremely loved? Love is richness.

snowflake; are you a dog or a cat person? Why is the word or in this sentence? Unless your allergic or afraid I don't trust people who don't like animals.

bell flower; what is your biggest addiction? Junk food. Easily.

cosmos; do you ever think about the galaxy? It fascinates me endlessly, I love watching Professor Brian Cox.

moonflower; what’s your favourite colour? Brown, blue and orange.

freesia; do you have a good relationship with your parents and siblings? why/why not? I think we communicate well and they are some of my best friends.

sundrop; are you a morning or a night person? Learning to be a morning person, definitely still more of a night person. I was born with starlight in my eyes and that was my first love.

poppy; have you ever dealt with a mental illness? Yes, from both a point of view of concern for loved ones and from the point of view of not even realising how bad my own mental health was. If you want to talk about mental health either yours or that of a loved one, no matter who you are please feel free to reach out. I'm here.

clover; how would your friends describe you? You'd have to ask them, but I really hope they'd say kind.

dandelion; do you consider yourself and extrovert or an introvert? I'm an introvert that has learnt to be ambiverted.

lilly; what’s something you love watching/reading but you are too embarrassed to admit you do? That's hard, I don't really feel ashamed of things like that anymore. Two people I feel are criticised a lot, sometimes rightly so, but who I still love because I'm aware humans, including myself, are fallible (and those throwing the stones are invariably living in glass houses) are Taylor Swift and Jo Rowling.

anemone; describe yourself in 3 words. Striving for better.

lotus; best memory as a child? Any time I was having fun with my loved ones.

angelonia; what is your eye and hair colour? Blue and a really dark auburn.

dahlia; do you like crystals? They're pretty I suppose? And they feel nice and cool.

buttercup; if you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? More love and compassion.

baby’s breath; what’s your Hogwarts house? Slytherin according to Pottermore. My friends had me pegged as a Ravenclaw in the pre Pottermore days.

calendula; biggest pet peeve? When people give it that "Gotcha!" thing as though they're irrefutably in the right, but they're still completely wrong and then they proceed to act like you just can't let an argument go, when all you are doing is refusing to be walked all over.

blanker flower; would you rather go to a cocktail party with your best friends or stay home and read a book/watch a movie with your pet? Both of these sound like great nights, I'd say the latter most of the time and the former for a change every now and then. Friday night I didn’t get home until 2am I wound down by sitting in bed with my cats watching The X-Files and eating chicken nuggets.

blazing star; share a secret. If I did, it wouldn't be a secret.

carnation; would you rather live longer or happier? Happier. Happiness is such and important thing to share.

petunia; who’s story is your biggest inspiration in life? why? So many people; I really admire my loved one because I know their struggles and still see first hand their kindness and compassion every single day.

bluebell; do you wear glasses? I do not.

nymphea; forest or river? I love both but I'll go for river.

orchid; do you like exercise? Exercise releases endorphins, for which I am very grateful.

pansy; do you like poetry? Poetry is great. I love it.

morning glory; any special talent that you have? You mean other than eating two entire tubes of pringles to myself in a single day? I can make icing flowers from scratch and bake a cake to put them on, thank to my nan.

#anon #asks #please do the lot #lol #thank you

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kibuto · 7 years

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About

Rules: answer these questions, and tag 20-10 followers that you would like to get to know better.

Tagged by: Borrowed from @smokespun-ooc

Name: Ki

Nickname: Ki, Kibu, Cam, Riski

Zodiac sign: Pisces sun, Sagittarius rising, Gemini moon

Hogwarts house: Ravenclaw

Height: 5′6″-5′7″ depending on who measures

Orientation: Pan

Ethnicity: Caucasian

Favourite fruit: Raspberries, strawberries, kiwi, cherries, plums, grapes, clementines, peaches, apples... I love fruit. The only kind I can’t abide is all types of melons for some reason.

Favourite season: Autumn

Favourite book series: “The Chrestomanci Chronicles” by Diana Wynne Jones, and “The Parasol Protectorate” by Gail Carriger.

Favourite fictional characters: (In no particular order): Camus (Suikoden II), Tir McDohl (Suikoden), Hervey (Suikoden IV), Demyx (Kingdom Hearts), Terra (Kingdom Hearts), Yakushi Kabuto (Naruto), Zack Fair (FFVII), Zidane Tribal (FFIX), Seishirou Sakurazuka (Tokyo Babylon, X/1999, Tsubasa Chronicle), and I’ve gotta stop there or I’ll never stop.

Favourite flower: Dark red (as near to black as possible) roses, forget-me-nots, spider lilies, amaryllis, buddleia, hyacinth, heliotrope, lavender, stargazer lilies, sunflowers, jasmine, honeysuckle, again another list I have to stop or I won’t!

Favourite scents: Lemon, lavender, lavender/lemon verbena (best candle), jasmine, stargazer lily, wood smoke, food grilling in summer, oranges, my wife, late afternoon in the woods when it’s sunny and warm and the air is heavy with evergreen and wild fruit and flowers and an indescribable warmth and nature that touches your very soul.

Favourite colour: Purple, black, silver, green, blue - especially in saturated jewel tones.

Favourite animals: Cats of all kinds but most especially snow leopards.

Favourite artist/bands: Vertical Horizon, Lindsey Stirling, Fall Out Boy, Pentatonix, Linkin Park, Goo Goo Dolls.

Coffee, tea, or hot cocoa?: Unfortunately I’m allergic to coffee and black tea. I love cocoa and hot cider though.

Number of blankets I sleep with: One or two depending on how cold it is.

Dream trip: I’d like to go back to Japan. I also want to visit Scotland, and I have family in Norway. And I know a trip to Italy would make my wife super incredibly happy!

How many blogs do I follow: 80

Number of followers: More than 100, less than 200

What do I usually post about: All kinds of stuff on this blog! Almost all my FFXIV stuff gets put on my FFXIV character blogs though.

What is your aesthetic: I like a whole lot of different things so... eclectic? My very very favorite aesthetic is Glowing Shit on a Dark Background. So like the entire aesthetic of Tron: Legacy is absolutely and totally wonderfully my jam.

Tagging: Whoever wants to do this!

#the weirdo behind the username

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francothegochishipper · 7 years

Photo

Here’s me wishing a very happy birthday to @bountifulberries who’s sims I’ve always loved from the first moment i saw Ichor on my dash just over a year ago exactly. I remember when you first reblogged from me and you said that it was like the perfect birthday gift that someone used your sims. I thought it was cool that i managed to somehow pull that off. xD

To celebrate not only the day of her birth but also celebrating the anniversary of discovering her blog i wanted to so something special. But i couldn’t do it alone. So with the gracious help of @alovelikesims, we’ve come together to make you this: Customs paintings of pictures I took and edited featuring all paintings that features Kasey’s sims. (Y'all still with me? Ok? Ok!)

And these lovely pairings are:

Silver Spring and Roja Strawberry - From The Radiant Springs Rainbowcy Ichor Luz and Addison Marlboro - Also from Unwelcomed Damask Tangerine and Calvert Firestone - From Ana On Her Own Kaya Brookland and Candyfloss Tangerine - From the Halloween Picture Challenge 2016 Tallow Tangerine and Adriana Dupont - From Contestant Bureau Confessions Heliotrope Tangerine and Laurel Loving - From The Laurel Chronicles Ichor Luz and Zeira Blanc Strathmore - From Unwelcomed

Anyway I know this isn’t much and i know you’ll get even better gifts from your better, closer and more talented friends but i adore you and your blogs so much and I’m so glad we’re friends!

Pictures taken and edited by me. Put on the mesh (as well as the Creator of the border and previews pics shown here) by @alovelikesims (Thank you soooo much for the help!) Mesh by b5Studios (http://www.b-5studio.com)

Do not Re-Upload, NO paysites or adfly

Enjoy!!

~Download~

#s3cc #ts3cc #custom paintings #happy birthday gurl #ily❤#also guess who finally got on the sfs bandwagon #this girl

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archiveofprolbems · 6 years

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On the Concept of History by Walter Benjamin (1940)

It is well-known that an automaton once existed, which was so constructed that it could counter any move of a chess-player with a counter-move, and thereby assure itself of victory in the match. A puppet in Turkish attire, water-pipe in mouth, sat before the chessboard, which rested on a broad table. Through a system of mirrors, the illusion was created that this table was transparent from all sides. In truth, a hunchbacked dwarf who was a master chess-player sat inside, controlling the hands of the puppet with strings. One can envision a corresponding object to this apparatus in philosophy. The puppet called “historical materialism” is always supposed to win. It can do this with no further ado against any opponent, so long as it employs the services of theology, which as everyone knows is small and ugly and must be kept out of sight.

“Among the most noteworthy characteristics of human beings,” says Lotze, “belongs... next to so much self-seeking in individuals, the general absence of envy of each present in relation to the future.” This reflection shows us that the picture of happiness which we harbor is steeped through and through in the time which the course of our own existence has conferred on us. The happiness which could awaken envy in us exists only in the air we have breathed, with people we could have spoken with, with women who might have been able to give themselves to us. The conception of happiness, in other words, resonates irremediably with that of resurrection [Erloesung: transfiguration, redemption]. It is just the same with the conception of the past, which makes history into its affair. The past carries a secret index with it, by which it is referred to its resurrection. Are we not touched by the same breath of air which was among that which came before? is there not an echo of those who have been silenced in the voices to which we lend our ears today? have not the women, who we court, sisters who they do not recognize anymore? If so, then there is a secret protocol [Verabredung: also appointment] between the generations of the past and that of our own. For we have been expected upon this earth. For it has been given us to know, just like every generation before us, a weak messianic power, on which the past has a claim. This claim is not to be settled lightly. The historical materialist knows why.

III

The chronicler, who recounts events without distinguishing between the great and small, thereby accounts for the truth, that nothing which has ever happened is to be given as lost to history. Indeed, the past would fully befall only a resurrected humanity. Said another way: only for a resurrected humanity would its past, in each of its moments, be citable. Each of its lived moments becomes a citation a l'ordre du jour [order of the day] – whose day is precisely that of the Last Judgment.

Secure at first food and clothing, and the kingdom of God will come to you of itself. – Hegel, 1807

The class struggle, which always remains in view for a historian schooled in Marx, is a struggle for the rough and material things, without which there is nothing fine and spiritual. Nevertheless these latter are present in the class struggle as something other than mere booty, which falls to the victor. They are present as confidence, as courage, as humor, as cunning, as steadfastness in this struggle, and they reach far back into the mists of time. They will, ever and anon, call every victory which has ever been won by the rulers into question. Just as flowers turn their heads towards the sun, so too does that which has been turn, by virtue of a secret kind of heliotropism, towards the sun which is dawning in the sky of history. To this most inconspicuous of all transformations the historical materialist must pay heed.

The true picture of the past whizzes by. Only as a picture, which flashes its final farewell in the moment of its recognizability, is the past to be held fast. “The truth will not run away from us” – this remark by Gottfried Keller denotes the exact place where historical materialism breaks through historicism’s picture of history. For it is an irretrievable picture of the past, which threatens to disappear with every present, which does not recognize itself as meant in it.

To articulate what is past does not mean to recognize “how it really was.” It means to take control of a memory, as it flashes in a moment of danger. For historical materialism it is a question of holding fast to a picture of the past, just as if it had unexpectedly thrust itself, in a moment of danger, on the historical subject. The danger threatens the stock of tradition as much as its recipients. For both it is one and the same: handing itself over as the tool of the ruling classes. In every epoch, the attempt must be made to deliver tradition anew from the conformism which is on the point of overwhelming it. For the Messiah arrives not merely as the Redeemer; he also arrives as the vanquisher of the Anti-Christ. The only writer of history with the gift of setting alight the sparks of hope in the past, is the one who is convinced of this: that not even the dead will be safe from the enemy, if he is victorious. And this enemy has not ceased to be victorious.

VII

Think of the darkness and the great cold In this valley, which resounds with misery. – Brecht, Threepenny Opera

Fustel de Coulanges recommended to the historian, that if he wished to reexperience an epoch, he should remove everything he knows about the later course of history from his head. There is no better way of characterizing the method with which historical materialism has broken. It is a procedure of empathy. Its origin is the heaviness at heart, the acedia, which despairs of mastering the genuine historical picture, which so fleetingly flashes by. The theologians of the Middle Ages considered it the primary cause of melancholy. Flaubert, who was acquainted with it, wrote: “Peu de gens devineront combien il a fallu être triste pour ressusciter Carthage.” [Few people can guess how despondent one has to be in order to resuscitate Carthage.] The nature of this melancholy becomes clearer, once one asks the question, with whom does the historical writer of historicism actually empathize. The answer is irrefutably with the victor. Those who currently rule are however the heirs of all those who have ever been victorious. Empathy with the victors thus comes to benefit the current rulers every time. This says quite enough to the historical materialist. Whoever until this day emerges victorious, marches in the triumphal procession in which today’s rulers tread over those who are sprawled underfoot. The spoils are, as was ever the case, carried along in the triumphal procession. They are known as the cultural heritage. In the historical materialist they have to reckon with a distanced observer. For what he surveys as the cultural heritage is part and parcel of a lineage [Abkunft: descent] which he cannot contemplate without horror. It owes its existence not only to the toil of the great geniuses, who created it, but also to the nameless drudgery of its contemporaries. There has never been a document of culture, which is not simultaneously one of barbarism. And just as it is itself not free from barbarism, neither is it free from the process of transmission, in which it falls from one set of hands into another. The historical materialist thus moves as far away from this as measurably possible. He regards it as his task to brush history against the grain.

VIII

The tradition of the oppressed teaches us that the “emergency situation” in which we live is the rule. We must arrive at a concept of history which corresponds to this. Then it will become clear that the task before us is the introduction of a real state of emergency; and our position in the struggle against Fascism will thereby improve. Not the least reason that the latter has a chance is that its opponents, in the name of progress, greet it as a historical norm. – The astonishment that the things we are experiencing in the 20th century are “still” possible is by no means philosophical. It is not the beginning of knowledge, unless it would be the knowledge that the conception of history on which it rests is untenable.

My wing is ready to fly I would rather turn back For had I stayed mortal time I would have had little luck. – Gerhard Scholem, “Angelic Greetings”

There is a painting by Klee called Angelus Novus. An angel is depicted there who looks as though he were about to distance himself from something which he is staring at. His eyes are opened wide, his mouth stands open and his wings are outstretched. The Angel of History must look just so. His face is turned towards the past. Where we see the appearance of a chain of events, he sees one single catastrophe, which unceasingly piles rubble on top of rubble and hurls it before his feet. He would like to pause for a moment so fair [verweilen: a reference to Goethe’s Faust], to awaken the dead and to piece together what has been smashed. But a storm is blowing from Paradise, it has caught itself up in his wings and is so strong that the Angel can no longer close them. The storm drives him irresistibly into the future, to which his back is turned, while the rubble-heap before him grows sky-high. That which we call progress, is this storm.

The objects which the monastic rules assigned to monks for meditation had the task of making the world and its drives repugnant. The mode of thought which we pursue today comes from a similar determination. It has the intention, at a moment wherein the politicians in whom the opponents of Fascism had placed their hopes have been knocked supine, and have sealed their downfall by the betrayal of their own cause, of freeing the political child of the world from the nets in which they have ensnared it. The consideration starts from the assumption that the stubborn faith in progress of these politicians, their trust in their “mass basis” and finally their servile subordination into an uncontrollable apparatus have been three sides of the same thing. It seeks to give an idea of how dearly it will cost our accustomed concept of history, to avoid any complicity with that which these politicians continue to hold fast to.

The conformism which has dwelt within social democracy from the very beginning rests not merely on its political tactics, but also on its economic conceptions. It is a fundamental cause of the later collapse. There is nothing which has corrupted the German working-class so much as the opinion that they were swimming with the tide. Technical developments counted to them as the course of the stream, which they thought they were swimming in. From this, it was only a step to the illusion that the factory-labor set forth by the path of technological progress represented a political achievement. The old Protestant work ethic celebrated its resurrection among German workers in secularized form. The Gotha Program [dating from the 1875 Gotha Congress] already bore traces of this confusion. It defined labor as “the source of all wealth and all culture.” Suspecting the worst, Marx responded that human being, who owned no other property aside from his labor-power, “must be the slave of other human beings, who... have made themselves into property-owners.” Oblivious to this, the confusion only increased, and soon afterwards Josef Dietzgen announced: “Labor is the savior of modern times... In the... improvement... of labor... consists the wealth, which can now finally fulfill what no redeemer could hitherto achieve.” This vulgar-Marxist concept of what labor is, does not bother to ask the question of how its products affect workers, so long as these are no longer at their disposal. It wishes to perceive only the progression of the exploitation of nature, not the regression of society. It already bears the technocratic traces which would later be found in Fascism. Among these is a concept of nature which diverges in a worrisome manner from those in the socialist utopias of the Vormaerz period [pre-1848]. Labor, as it is henceforth conceived, is tantamount to the exploitation of nature, which is contrasted to the exploitation of the proletariat with naïve self-satisfaction. Compared to this positivistic conception, the fantasies which provided so much ammunition for the ridicule of Fourier exhibit a surprisingly healthy sensibility. According to Fourier, a beneficent division of social labor would have the following consequences: four moons would illuminate the night sky; ice would be removed from the polar cap; saltwater from the sea would no longer taste salty; and wild beasts would enter into the service of human beings. All this illustrates a labor which, far from exploiting nature, is instead capable of delivering creations whose possibility slumbers in her womb. To the corrupted concept of labor belongs, as its logical complement, that nature which, as Dietzgen put it, “is there gratis [for free].”

XII

We need history, but we need it differently from the spoiled lazy-bones in the garden of knowledge. – Nietzsche, On the Use and Abuse of History for Life

The subject of historical cognition is the battling, oppressed class itself. In Marx it steps forwards as the final enslaved and avenging class, which carries out the work of emancipation in the name of generations of downtrodden to its conclusion. This consciousness, which for a short time made itself felt in the “Spartacus” [Spartacist splinter group, the forerunner to the German Communist Party], was objectionable to social democracy from the very beginning. In the course of three decades it succeeded in almost completely erasing the name of Blanqui, whose distant thunder [Erzklang] had made the preceding century tremble. It contented itself with assigning the working-class the role of the savior of future generations. It thereby severed the sinews of its greatest power. Through this schooling the class forgot its hate as much as its spirit of sacrifice. For both nourish themselves on the picture of enslaved forebears, not on the ideal of the emancipated heirs.

XIII

Yet every day our cause becomes clearer and the people more clever. – Josef Dietzgen, Social Democratic Philosophy

Social democratic theory, and still more the praxis, was determined by a concept of progress which did not hold to reality, but had a dogmatic claim. Progress, as it was painted in the minds of the social democrats, was once upon a time the progress of humanity itself (not only that of its abilities and knowledges). It was, secondly, something unending (something corresponding to an endless perfectibility of humanity). It counted, thirdly, as something essentially unstoppable (as something self-activating, pursuing a straight or spiral path). Each of these predicates is controversial, and critique could be applied to each of them. This latter must, however, when push comes to shove, go behind all these predicates and direct itself at what they all have in common. The concept of the progress of the human race in history is not to be separated from the concept of its progression through a homogenous and empty time. The critique of the concept of this progress must ground the basis of its critique on the concept of progress itself.

XIV

Origin is the goal [Ziel: terminus]. – Karl Kraus, Worte in Versen I [Words in Verse]

History is the object of a construction whose place is formed not in homogenous and empty time, but in that which is fulfilled by the here-and-now [Jetztzeit]. For Robespierre, Roman antiquity was a past charged with the here-and-now, which he exploded out of the continuum of history. The French revolution thought of itself as a latter day Rome. It cited ancient Rome exactly the way fashion cites a past costume. Fashion has an eye for what is up-to-date, wherever it moves in the jungle [Dickicht: maze, thicket] of what was. It is the tiger’s leap into that which has gone before. Only it takes place in an arena in which the ruling classes are in control. The same leap into the open sky of history is the dialectical one, as Marx conceptualized the revolution.

The consciousness of exploding the continuum of history is peculiar to the revolutionary classes in the moment of their action. The Great Revolution introduced a new calendar. The day on which the calendar started functioned as a historical time-lapse camera. And it is fundamentally the same day which, in the shape of holidays and memorials, always returns. The calendar does not therefore count time like clocks. They are monuments of a historical awareness, of which there has not seemed to be the slightest trace for a hundred years. Yet in the July Revolution an incident took place which did justice to this consciousness. During the evening of the first skirmishes, it turned out that the clock-towers were shot at independently and simultaneously in several places in Paris. An eyewitness who may have owed his inspiration to the rhyme wrote at that moment:

Qui le croirait! on dit, qu'irrités contre l'heure De nouveaux Josués au pied de chaque tour, Tiraient sur les cadrans pour arrêter le jour.

[Who would've thought! As though Angered by time’s way The new Joshuas Beneath each tower, they say Fired at the dials To stop the day.]

XVI

The historical materialist cannot do without the concept of a present which is not a transition, in which time originates and has come to a standstill. For this concept defines precisely the present in which he writes history for his person. Historicism depicts the “eternal” picture of the past; the historical materialist, an experience with it, which stands alone. He leaves it to others to give themselves to the whore called “Once upon a time” in the bordello of historicism. He remains master of his powers: man enough, to explode the continuum of history.

XVII

Historicism justifiably culminates in universal history. Nowhere does the materialist writing of history distance itself from it more clearly than in terms of method. The former has no theoretical armature. Its method is additive: it offers a mass of facts, in order to fill up a homogenous and empty time. The materialist writing of history for its part is based on a constructive principle. Thinking involves not only the movement of thoughts but also their zero-hour [Stillstellung]. Where thinking suddenly halts in a constellation overflowing with tensions, there it yields a shock to the same, through which it crystallizes as a monad. The historical materialist approaches a historical object solely and alone where he encounters it as a monad. In this structure he cognizes the sign of a messianic zero-hour [Stillstellung] of events, or put differently, a revolutionary chance in the struggle for the suppressed past. He perceives it, in order to explode a specific epoch out of the homogenous course of history; thus exploding a specific life out of the epoch, or a specific work out of the life-work. The net gain of this procedure consists of this: that the life-work is preserved and sublated in the work, the epoch in the life-work, and the entire course of history in the epoch. The nourishing fruit of what is historically conceptualized has time as its core, its precious but flavorless seed.

XVIII

“In relation to the history of organic life on Earth,” notes a recent biologist, “the miserable fifty millennia of homo sapiens represents something like the last two seconds of a twenty-four hour day. The entire history of civilized humanity would, on this scale, take up only one fifth of the last second of the last hour.” The here-and-now, which as the model of messianic time summarizes the entire history of humanity into a monstrous abbreviation, coincides to a hair with the figure, which the history of humanity makes in the universe.

A (Addendum)

Historicism contents itself with establishing a causal nexus of various moments of history. But no state of affairs is, as a cause, already a historical one. It becomes this, posthumously, through eventualities which may be separated from it by millennia. The historian who starts from this, ceases to permit the consequences of eventualities to run through the fingers like the beads of a rosary. He records [erfasst] the constellation in which his own epoch comes into contact with that of an earlier one. He thereby establishes a concept of the present as that of the here-and-now, in which splinters of messianic time are shot through.

Surely the time of the soothsayers, who divined what lay hidden in the lap of the future, was experienced neither as homogenous nor as empty. Whoever keeps this in mind will perhaps have an idea of how past time was experienced as remembrance: namely, just the same way. It is well-known that the Jews were forbidden to look into the future. The Torah and the prayers instructed them, by contrast, in remembrance. This disenchanted those who fell prey to the future, who sought advice from the soothsayers. For that reason the future did not, however, turn into a homogenous and empty time for the Jews. For in it every second was the narrow gate, through which the Messiah could enter.

Translation: © 2005 Dennis Redmond; CopyLeft: translation used with permission, Creative Commons (Attribute & ShareAlike); Original German: Gesammelten Schriften I:2. Suhrkamp Verlag. Frankfurt am Main, 1974; Transcribed: by Andy Blunden.

Translator’s Note: Jetztzeit was translated as “here-and-now,” in order to distinguish it from its polar opposite, the empty and homogenous time of positivism. Stillstellung was rendered as “zero-hour,” rather than the misleading “standstill”; the verb “stillstehen” means to come to a stop or standstill, but Stillstellung is Benjamin’s own unique invention, which connotes an objective interruption of a mechanical process, rather like the dramatic pause at the end of an action-adventure movie, when the audience is waiting to find out if the time-bomb/missile/terrorist device was defused or not).

Source: https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/benjamin/1940/history.htm

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bethanneyellow · 7 years

Text

2016 was quite the year.

So many new experiences, lovely people, and lots of changes. I traveled around the Utah desert (in the summer why), traveled to Los Angeles, California, Las Vegas, Nevada, and went to Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota. Overall I learned a lot about myself. Loves, fears, vulnerabilities, all the like. There WAS a lot of stress in 2016, but I don’t want to focus on that. As I counted down the new year with friends I found there was much to celebrate. Most recently: Bear’s Ears was declared a National Monument (thanks, Obama)! A victory indeed. Anyhoo.. I wanted to make a list of books I read in 2016. I enjoy reading and I intend to read more going forward. I read some pretty great books. The order listed is the order I read them in.

The Language of Flowers - by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Harvest for Hope - by Jane Goodall

The Terminal Man - by Michael Crichton

The Fellowship of the Ring - by J. R. R. Tolken (I only read half of this but I intend to finish it at some point; the library wouldn’t let me renew it after a while so I brought it back and didn’t end up checking it out again right away. NOT planning on finishing it out of spite because one of my friends said it’d be ‘hard’ for me, said I wouldn’t like it, and basically called me stupid but I’d like to finish it instead because I enjoyed reading it when I was. . but also maybe wanting to finish it out of spite)

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie - by Ayana Mathis

The Other Einstein - by Marie Benedict

Carrie - by Stephen King

I didn’t include books I read for school or any where I didn’t get to the halfway mark. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but for school + work + stress + family drama I’m good with this list. My favorite book genre is Science Fiction. I usually pick SciFi to read as a safe bet that I’ll enjoy it but I’d really like to expand my reading into other genres, although, I would like to read more SciFi with female authors/characters/influence.

Stephen King and Michael Crichton are my favorite authors and each book I read by them this year did not disappoint. I read The Terminal Man by Michael Crichton whilst in the desert. I had to get up super early for work every day, yet I stayed up really late to finish this one because it was just so good. I believe I was camping outside of Cedar City when reading this gem.

Carrie by Stephen King never had a dull moment. I was fully engaged in every page. Carrie also had an interesting layout where Stephen King would write from the perspective of interviews and other books on the subject matter which I found intriguing in the scenario that was put about. I usually stay on the safe realm of King’s books because I know they’ll scare/haunt me and I’ll think about them when I don’t want to, so reading Carrie was a bit out of my comfort zone but I’m glad I did read it. This book was magnificent and he’s called the ‘King of Horror’ for a reason. I recently found out that he went under a pen name for a bit to publish more books! I also find it interesting to read his books while recognizing it in the timeline of his own life. As a Stephen King fan I wanted to read one of his more iconic books and man.. it was good.

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis was absolutely phenomenal. I read this beauty by Oprah’s recommendation when I was working in the desert and holy tears! I was a bit worried as time went on about this book revolving solely around religion but it was so thoughtfully executed. The way everything tied together in the end WAS GENIUS. I cried. so. much. My co-workers on my last day of work actually let me stay back to finish this book while they scoped out a location because I would not stop talking about it. Also because I was completely drained by the end of the summer and they could definitely tell. We were camped near Heliotrope Mountain when I had finished reading this.

Moving forward I’m going to re-read a book that has always spoken loudly to me which is Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech. I haven’t read it for a very long time and I KNOW it’s going to make me cry. I’ve had a similar experience with family scenarios as the main character in this book has. She lives in Ohio with her mother in Idaho and I used to live in Iowa with my mother in Utah. Although, when I read this in 6th grade or so my mother hadn’t moved yet so I think it’s interesting how it stuck with me so hard. I remember my mom trying to tuck me into bed but I wouldn’t sleep because I was absolutely bawling over something that had happened in this story. I’m hoping reading this now that I’m a bit older will help me see more that I hadn’t before. I’d like to read The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. I can’t really explain the itch to do so. I’m highly considering reading the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. My mother wouldn’t let me read these books as a kid and I feel like I’ve missed out. #Hufflepuff fo lyfe! The Dark Tower Series, Under the Dome, and Desolation by Stephen King are also on my list as well as 1984 by George Orwell. I’ve also wanted to read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou for a very long time. Since I want to try expanding my reading more, I have a few more fantasy books and historical fiction on my list. I haven’t decided specifically which ones I’d like to read first because there are quite a few to choose from. I’m not sure if I’ll finish everything that I’d like to but I thought writing it out would help me hold myself accountable. . Also I wanted to talk about some of the great books I’ve read ;). I’m sure my roommates are sick of hearing about them.

I’m hoping that reading more will help me improve my writing as well as mental health. I love the feeling of being engaged in a great book. I also love talking about books with people! I had been considering finding a book club but I think right now with school I need to read at my own pace and of my own choosing. Maybe that can be something to look forward to later.

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