there is something so chilling about how many times someone screamed “I need the time back!” or “I need 30 minutes back!” while going for a kill. they’re all determined to get a kill now, but what about when their timer runs out? how many people are going to run out of time mid chase? how many people are going to yell “I need more time!” and just. die right in the middle of yelling it? when do they start turning on each other in order to survive?

when does “I need time!” become something screamed in pure desperation, pure agony as they all become relentless, ruthless in their killing in a need to survive?

It doesn’t matter what you start with — just get started.

What makes it hurt the most is the mouth they’re coming out from.

.

.

Image credit to Farzin Tolouei

from Unsplash

I'm gonna be serious for a moment and beg y'all to please please please be careful with the words you say. You may not realize it, but at some point, there's going to be a moment where you don't realize you've messed up, but someone has lost their trust in you because of it.

Something I just realized about Good Omens. One of the (MANY) reasons I love the story.

In the southern US, it's fairly common to hear things in double speak. We're moving away from this with younger generations, but it's still relatively common. Think about the phrase "bless your heart." On the surface, it's a positive statement. But it can be used in so many ways, many negatively.

My aunt once sent me a card which read :

"I had such a great time taking your kids to the ballgame the other day." Which meant "you're welcome even though you didn't send me a thank you note."

I replied with:

"yes, kids are wonderful and should be cherished and protected." Which meant "I have not forgotten the abuse of my childhood and I will never let you treat my kids that way. You should be grateful I let you take them to the game."

Now, how this pertains to Good Omens. The two main characters have been using double speak for literal millennia. BUT, they use it to show love. By Aziraphale's carefully worded phrases and Crowley's little actions. By Crowley's halting conversation because he can't face his feelings. They aren't really able to even acknowledge it themselves, and YET we can read between every line some integral inner meaning of "I love you", "I care about you", "you matter to me".

We, as a fandom, have done that in many many posts.

It's healing to see double entendre used for a positive light. It's absolutely beautiful and heartwarming. It makes me think perhaps there's hope.

As many have said, there's little difference between positive reinforcement and censure depending on context.

Words, as we have seen especially in this fandom, have power. Be careful how you use them.

Show love.

Casting Spells: The Power of Words and Beliefs

Shaina Tranquilino

January 28, 2024

Words are powerful. They have the ability to shape our reality, influence our thoughts, and impact those around us. Just as ancient sorcerers used spells to manifest their desires, we too can harness the same power through the words we speak and the stories we tell. By consciously shifting our narratives from lack to abundance, victimhood to empowerment, and complaint to gratitude, we become alchemists casting beautiful spells that attract positive experiences into our lives.

1. From Lack to Abundance: The first step in casting beautiful spells is transforming our perception of scarcity into one of abundance. Instead of dwelling on what we lack, focusing on abundance opens doors for opportunities and possibilities. By affirming statements like "I always have enough," "The universe provides for me abundantly," or "Opportunities flow effortlessly towards me," we begin to reprogram our subconscious mind and invite prosperity into our lives.

2. From Victim to Empowered: Playing the role of a victim disempowers us and restricts personal growth. However, by embracing a mindset of empowerment, we tap into our inner strength and resilience. Our words hold immense power in this transformational process. Affirmations such as "I am in control of my own destiny," "I possess all the resources I need within me," or "Every challenge is an opportunity for growth" help us shift from victimhood to empowerment. As we believe these statements, they act as spells that empower us with confidence and determination.

3. From Complaint to Gratitude: Complaining breeds negativity while gratitude cultivates positivity and attracts more blessings into our lives. When we complain about circumstances or people, we unknowingly invite more reasons for dissatisfaction. By consciously practicing gratitude in both thought and speech, we transform complaints into appreciation for what is already present. Expressions like "I am grateful for every lesson life offers me," "I appreciate the love and support I receive daily," or "Thank you for this beautiful day filled with endless possibilities" become spells that manifest joy, contentment, and abundance.

4. Casting Beautiful Spells: Once we have shifted our own stories from lack to abundance, victimhood to empowerment, and complaint to gratitude, we can then extend these beautiful spells to others. Our words carry energy and intention that can influence those around us. By consciously speaking positively about others, acknowledging their strengths, and encouraging their growth, we cast spells of inspiration and upliftment. The ripple effect of these beautiful spells can create a harmonious environment where everyone thrives.

The power of words cannot be underestimated; they possess the ability to shape our reality and attract more of what we believe. By shifting our personal narratives from lack to abundance, victimhood to empowerment, and complaint to gratitude, we cast beautiful spells that transform our lives for the better. As we speak positively about ourselves and others, our words become catalysts for change, empowering not only ourselves but also those who come into contact with them. Let us remember the incredible power within our voices and use it wisely as we embark on a journey of intentional living through casting beautiful spells.

BLOG POST #2 (An Introduction to Poetry)

For this blog, I am charged with reflecting on meaning, talent, and what it actually means to be a poet. I think that a poet is a creative… a creative that uses experiences, vision and imagination to express feelings, display emotion, and tell stories. Our textbook tells us that talent refers to the use of words. Because words have power, poets rely on said power to create. I admire poets, such as Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez, Ralph Ellison and others for having the courage to speak to issues that were important to them through their words.

I view Hip-Hop music as art, very similar to poetry. Hip-hop music celebrated its 50th anniversary on August 11th of this year. At the time of its conception back in the summer of 1973, critics believed that the art form would be a passing fad or phase.

Had artists such as Chuck D, of Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, KRS-One, and Queen Latifah not believed in this form of expression then the art form probably would have died and not been as popular and relevant as it is today.

Listening to music allows me the freedom to escape and experience many thoughts and feelings. I want to have a relationship with poetry and prose similar to my relationship with music. I want to get to a point where words flow naturally through me spiritually, emotionally and physically. I ultimately want to use poetry as a sense of expression and escapism.

My words have power!

✌🏾🖤⚡️

My doctor a few monthes back: "Sounds like you'll be broke in August"

Me in August: lost 2 jobs in a span of two weeks

.... I'm not saying she cursed me but I'm also not not saying it. Words have power yall

I'll take any and all support till I find another job

Etsy: BailingsApothecary

CashApp: $BailingLue

Instagram: bailinglue_art

Open for art commissions and paid readings

Support my spouse by listening to their music anywhere: The Euphologist

I began writing poetry to ease my lonely heart, but instead of healing, the fire burned higher.

Some words stay in your head long after they’re spoken.

Robin Roe, A List of Cages

Time is the most valuable currency and information is a well whet battle axe. With enough time, one can gather the information required to win any war, decidedly and finally. Q

Penny For...

Why can I not take The advice I dish out

Instead it Leaves my mouth And my mind

The words have power Over the ears they fall on But somehow not my own

Words are a such fickle things.

Words only have power because they have meanings and definitions assigned to them, but, ironically, the meaning of words change over time and so does the power they have. People use words to communicate, but if any party involved in communicating something doesn't know what a word means, then that qord has lost its purpose. Words only have as much power as we allow them to have, and yet they bind us. They bind us through contracts and laws, they bind us through promises and wishes, they bind us through grammar and etiquette, and they hold power over us in so many more ways.

Yet all of this power is only there because we gave it to them...

I have a friend who made a promise that they would only ever tell the truth unless they would be endangered because of it. In his religion, promises hold as much power as an oath, and he believes that he will be punished in the afterlife if he breaks his promises. His promise holds power over him because he assigned it meaning through his faith. Because of this he always tells the truth, yet at the same time, he has gotten good at telling half-truths and obscuring what the truth is. He had made a promise to tell the truth, but he didn't make a promise not to decieve. Every word he says is the truth, or at least partially true, because that is the meaning and power they have been given.

If we all decided that a word has a different meaning, then it has a different meaning.

For long-lived creatures who's lives and power are bound to promises and thereby words, this is an awful predicament. If humans just one day decide that a word means something different, does that affect how thise creatures would have to keep their promises? Surely not, even if words have fluid meanings, promises and contracts should be kept according to the meanings of the words as when they were written or uttered.

All thus us to say: when I promised all those thousands of years ago to give bread to the poor every year, I did not promise to give them money.

Is love no longer love because you deem it so?

Yes, yes we have power deep within our bones

Power we sometimes seem to forget

We say this is this and that is that

We create even if we do not mean to

We destroy even if we do not mean to

BLOG POST #1 (Introduction)

Greetings,

I am a graduate student presently enrolled in poetry writing class. I am very excited to dive deep into poetry writing. I think it is a great escape and form of expression.

A few things about me: I am an Atlanta native, a kidney transplant recipient and foodie. I enjoy traveling, live music and concerts, cooking, Cosplay, DJing, hip hop music, learning about Black history, watching movies (especially horror movies), volunteering, mentoring youth, positive energy and spending time with friends and family. If you decide to follow my page, then you’ll see me blogging and writing poetry about some or all of those things.

Some of my favorite poets include Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Claude McKay and Paul Laurence Dunbar. One of my absolute favorite poems is Invictus by William Ernest Henley. I had to learn this poem and recite it many years ago for a special project that I was involved in. For that reason, it has deep meaning to me.

Because I am huge music lover, I also enjoy music artists who use and have used their platforms to create poetry. Some of those amazing talents include Tupac Shakur, Jill Scott, Kate Bush, Kendrick Lamar Gil Scott Heron and Joni Mitchell.

I plan to keep a pen and pad, my cellphone and other devices close, as I never know when I’ll be inspired to write.

Thanks for reading!

Wishing you peace, love and good energy.

✌🏾&🖤&⚡️