heresluck: (Default)
[personal profile] heresluck
Thinking of absent friends as the moon turns full and the year turns to winter.

Death and the Moon

                        (for Catherine Marcangeli)

The moon is nearer than where death took you
at the end of the old year. Cold as cash
in the sky's dark pocket, its hard old face
is gold as a mask tonight. I break the ice
over the fish in my frozen pond, look up
as the ghosts of my wordless breath reach
for the stars. If I stood on the tip of my toes
and stretched, I could touch the edge of the moon.

I stooped at the lip of your open grave
to gather a fistful of earth, hard rain,
tough confetti, and tossed it down. It stuttered
like morse on the wood over your eyes, your tongue,
your soundless ears. Then as I slept my living sleep
the ground gulped you, swallowed you whole,
and though I was there when you died,
in the red cave of your widow's unbearable cry,

and measured the space between last words
and silence, I cannot say where you are. Unreachable
by prayer, even if poems are prayers. Unseeable
in the air, even if souls are stars. I turn
to the house, its windows tender with light, the moon,
surely, only as far again as the roof. The goldfish
are tongues in the water's mouth. The black night
is huge, mute, and you are further forever than that.


— Carol Ann Duffy
from Feminine Gospels
patrokla: I know writers who use subtext and they're all cowards! (Default)
[personal profile] patrokla posting in [community profile] yuletide
Here we go. Please watch this post! We will update here as each batch goes out:

Candy? COMING SOON (probably last)

Drinks? SENT (twice, lol) as of 6:51 PM PST!

Books? SENT as of 6:39 PM PST!


INSTRUCTIONS & REMINDERS )


SENDING DEADLINE: Friday, November 21, 2025


Extensions/Defaulting: Pre-research your post office/courier service hours, and plan to send as early as you can! BUT if your best-laid plans fail, and you need an extension -- we get it! Please bypass the shame spiral and email us ASAP. We want to know what's going on but rarely hesitate to grant brief extensions, especially to historically reliable swappers.

And, of course, if you need to default for any reason, the above is doubly true!! Life happens, but if you let us know as soon as it does, we can help out your recipient AND probably have you back next year with minimal anxiety.


One More Time: don't forget to check in at Swaps Central! And a safe, merry Swapstide to all!

Current FAQ and very old resources post here, for anyone who needs them. Questions and comments here or via email, as always.

Kat & Livi & Helen

Tears and conversation

Nov. 3rd, 2025 06:28 pm
flamingsword: We now return you to your regularly scheduled crisis. :) (Default)
[personal profile] flamingsword
When was the last time you cried in front of another person?

For me it was on the phone with my friend [personal profile] nyyki when Ghost decided to go basically no-contact with me in the beginning of September. (In my estimation, phone conversations absolutely count as crying in front of someone.)

I’m over the emotional immediacy of the feelings of bewilderment, abandonment, and betrayal. I still miss him and I really desperately miss the kitties sometimes, but I can deal with having been lied to about whether we would stay friends. I can deal with having given someone six months of space and had them instead of telling me that that wasn’t enough space just decide to cut contact completely. I can deal with not understanding why Ghost decided to stop growing or changing as a person. It’s not ideal, and I don’t deal well with not knowing important things that affect my life, it makes me neurotic and overthinky but it’s … well, it’s not fine, but it’s more disappointing and aggravating at this point and less the emotional equivalent of a freshly-broken toe. (Broken toes also make me cry. I can bear bad fibro flares like an adult, but broken toes make me tear up like an overstimulated toddler when something feels unfair.)

Thanks for sticking with me so far.

Relevant YouTube link behind the cut for folks whose screen readers may still be borked: Read more... )

So really: when was the last time you cried in front of someone? Feel free to comment here or to DM me or to ping me on other contact platforms. Anywhere you like, if you want to have a meaningful discussion about who you are, or what we have in common, etc..

(no subject)

Nov. 3rd, 2025 10:13 pm
wychwood: Catholic socialist weirdo (gen - Catholic socialist weirdo)
[personal profile] wychwood
The most obvious thing about visiting Mum is how much better she is than last time. You can tell, because instead of lying on the sofa snoozing she kept coming in to stare at me, poke things in my vicinity, remind me of things I agreed to do several hours later in the day, and generally manifest an almost physical aura of PLEASE HANG OUT WITH ME. I did my best, but between work, online social things I already had scheduled in my calendar before this visit was agreed, and my desperate need to spend some time On My Own In The Quiet With A Book, it definitely was not enough. Hopefully my brother will do a better job now he's there.

Anyway, I came home and unpacked, caught up with as many delayed chores as I could bring myself to face, and plunged straight back into ordinary life. The laundry is going to be a couple of weeks to get caught up, I can see already...

Work is not exactly quiet, but mostly the sort of normal where I can hope to catch up with some of the lurking to-do list. I'm still three months behind on the reporting (technically four, but there's only about half-an-hour left on July) but I am feeling much less out of control about everything. At least, unless I think too hard about all of the ongoing items in my 121 action tracker.

I've taken the opportunity to book a couple of days off, at which point I'm hoping to make a start on Christmas planning. I didn't have my usual too-early panic this year because September and October did not have enough time for extra panics, but now it's November and I need to get on with it. The year zooms past, my personal to-do list app accumulates overdue items, and the last international posting date is looming, or will once they announce it.
fox: my left eye.  "ceci n'est pas une fox." (Default)
[personal profile] fox

Longtime readers may remember that my father died 13 years ago (in fact I lit his yahrzeit candle last night ❤️) and that my mother took up with a widowed family friend not long afterward and told us, my brother and me, about it in a manner so astoundingly insensitive that our relationship never really recovered. (The description at that link says he, the um-friend, invited her on the European river cruise, but in fact I learned some time later that inviting her hadn't been his intention; he'd mentioned it in a way of saying it would have been nice to have been able to plan something like that with company and she went ahead and invited herself to join him, because it turns out this woman may never have seen a boundary worth respecting in her entire life.) I'm not going to go hunting for the exact email at this time, but I have a pretty clear memory that it included the assurance "I would never do anything to hurt you" and that in the conversation the three of us had in which the two of us said we were unhappy about the suddenness of the seriousness of their relationship, the message we got from her was you're going to need to deal with those feelings. It wasn't exactly "I would never hurt you" / "This hurts us" / "I'm going to do it anyway" but it wasn't a million miles off.

So naturally a person withdraws from that kind of thing. I'm confident the um-friend thought we, or at least I, hated him, which was never true. I liked him fine, but I found it very difficult to be around him—or around them together, I guess—for a very long time because his presence was a stark reminder of how my mother had mishandled things. I was actually never angry at him about it; she's always been the one I've judged. I remember telling my sister-in-law that the only solution I could see was to give my mother as few opportunities as possible to hurt me. I know my mother asked about inviting the um-friend to our wedding and I went into some sort of fugue state. Himself had an email exchange with her that to this day I don't know what he said or how he talked her out of pressing the point. (In any event the um-friend had grandchildren graduating from either high school or college that weekend so he wouldn't have come anyway, but my man convinced my mother to drop it because he is a hero.)

One time she finally asked me, "So did you want me to be miserable and alone for the rest of my life?" and I said "No, Mom, I wanted you to have meant it when you said it mattered what we thought." But it hadn't then and it apparently still didn't, because she still didn't understand until I explained it that saying you don't want to hurt someone and then doing the thing they've said will hurt them is, in fact, hurtful. I can't actually remember if she has ever apologized for having done that, but if she has I can't believe she's meant it, can you? because she still doesn't get it.

Or didn't. And then she had a stroke. And now she's got progressive dementia as well. Which means the odds she even remembers any of these events or conversations are dwindling by the day and if there was ever any point in my talking about any of it with her ever again in the hope of her appreciating anyone's feelings on the subject other than her own, there isn't anymore. For example! Look, widowed parents go on to have subsequent partners. As a concept I am and have always been fine with that. Witness my consideration of other people's feelings. Telling your children you're going to Europe with your new boyfriend six weeks after you've all buried your husband/their father is less considerate of other people's feelings. As it happens, my mother had never been meaningfully alone in her life before my father died; she'd gone from home (where she was the middle child) to college (where girls always lived in dorms in those days) and got married the summer after graduating. Other people married to their high school or college sweethearts include EVERYONE ON THAT SIDE OF THE FAMILY EXCEPT ME, which I mention because speaking as the only person in three generations of this family to have spent any time single or alone, I find it extremely offensive to imply that fear of Such A Fate is an acceptable reason for doing something you know—because they have told you themselves—will be hurtful to your children.

So a couple of weeks ago, my mother, who is more and more confused, called me to tell me she'd just spoken to her um-friend, who was not doing well and was saying good-bye to everybody. And I said "Oh, I'm sorry, Mom." Because I was. She's losing her mind, and he's been important to her, and she's my mother, and I love her. And she said she couldn't talk to him anymore, but I could call him to say good-bye. And I said "Oh . . . you know, the shape he's in, probably he's got all the phone calls he can handle." Quite good, I thought, thinking on my feet. And she said but I could call and talk to him for her. And finally I said "That isn't the relationship that he and I have." And she still wouldn't let it go. She said well, but that's the relationship you have with me, isn't it. So she made me say it. I said "Mom, I'm here for you, and I'm glad you got to talk to him, but I'm not going to call him myself."

My brother, whom I texted about all of this afterward, agreed with me from top to bottom on the whole thing, including not having said mother, it is the anniversary of the time Dad spent in hospice, what in the world makes you think I want to speak to anyone at all right now, least of all . . . anyway, the next day we got a message from the um-friend's son saying they'd begun hospice care and she had called crying so many times that they'd had to ask her to stop calling, which cast "can't talk to him anymore" in a different light and made me feel even better about not calling when she asked me to; I wasn't going to do it when I thought she was saying I could have one more Moment that I didn't need, but if it was actually "they asked me to stop, so will you do it instead" that's obviously an even harder no, because see ALL OF THE ABOVE re: boundaries and my mother's inability to observe them even when her brain was whole.

Anyway. The old man passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon. He was a nice guy. He saved my mother's life at least twice. He was a product of a time and a place that may have been responsible for his having some attitudes that I didn't always care for, but you know, what can you do. Mainly, he was important to my mother, which was fine, but I was never able to forget that he'd been more important to her than our feelings were, which was not. I'm very sorry for his children and grandchildren. I myself will not miss him. I'm not going to pretend there was never any such person or anything, but a small selfish still-hurt place inside me hopes that now that he's gone, my mother will think about him less and less.

30 in 30: Transformers G1

Nov. 3rd, 2025 12:07 pm
senmut: Autobot symbol (Transformers: Autobots)
[personal profile] senmut
AO3 Link | When They Met (200 words) by Merfilly
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Transformers G1
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Jazz/Optimus Prime
Characters: Jazz [Transformers], Optimus Prime, Spike Witwicky
Additional Tags: Double Drabble
Summary:

Sometimes Jazz isn't smooth



When They Met

"So how did you two meet?" Spike asked. To his surprise, Optimus laughed while Jazz reached up and rubbed the back of his neck, a mannerism he'd picked up from Spike's dad.

"Ratchet and Wheeljack did most of the vetting of who would be in the unit closest to me," Optimus began, voice rich with joy and amusement.

"Ratch cornered me when I popped in to drop some intel," Jazz admitted. "I'd already heard stories about Prime, ya see. He was larger than lfe just from the first fight he saved us all in! And I was curious, but… still not really where I thought a Legend like that should be meeting those of us who were doing the dirtier work of spying."

Optimus brought his hand over to Jazz's backplates, and Spike grinned a little, seeing the shape of it.

"Ratchet brought him to interview with me, and I was completely fascinated by all the people Jazz had met before the war, all the stories he had, using them to try and distract me from getting to know him."

"What can I say, Prime? You were YOU, and I was intimidated!"

"I am very glad you got past that."

osprey_archer: (books)
[personal profile] osprey_archer
Last week, I expressed some disappointment about Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, as I had hoped to be catapulted into a new obsession, but once I accepted that the obsession wasn’t to be, I actually did enjoy the book a lot. And it was super interesting comparing it to the 1994 movie, which Anne Rice wrote the screenplay for and apparently LOVED - like, “she took out a full page ad for the movie in the NYT” level of love.

Many of the changes are just streamlining. For instance, in the book both Louis and Lestat start out with living family members, who no longer exist in the movie (also movie Lestat is IIRC supposedly much too old to have living family members at all), and there’s also a section where Louis and Claudia go to eastern Europe searching for vampires but find only mindless undead bloodsucking revenants, which is cut in the movie to send them straight to Paris and Armand.

But there was one significant change I found fascinating: spoilers )

Many people have told me they liked The Vampire Lestat more than Interview with the Vampire, so I plan to read that next Halloween. Then possibly Queen of the Damned the Halloween after? Although let me know if you think I should either stop after The Vampire Lestat or else extend my purview to include any of the later books.
runpunkrun: combat boot, pizza, camo pants = punk  (punk rock girl)
[personal profile] runpunkrun posting in [community profile] fandomcalendar
Moody photograph of the ocean from an outlook. In the foreground, two dirty hands claw their way up over the edge toward the viewer. Text: Mystery & Suspense, at Fancake.
[community profile] fancake is a thematic recommendation community where all members are welcome to post recs, and fanworks of all shapes and sizes are accepted. Check out the community guidelines for the full set of rules.

This theme runs for the entire month. If you have any questions, just ask!

Purrcy; Walter Jon Williams

Nov. 3rd, 2025 09:08 am
mecurtin: tabby cat pokes his cute face out of a box (purrcy)
[personal profile] mecurtin
There was a Costco delivery, so that means: the best kind of Purrcy box shenanigans! They're in the kitchen! They have holes! They're sturdy enough for a rumpus! Made for cat, clearly

Purrcy the tuxedo tabby, on his back inside a large cardboard produce box, is waving his paws, his eyes wide and fangs showing slightly. He is rambunctious!



I've been doing too much doomscrolling again, but I've also been reading a LOT of books. So I'm going to try to use my morning Happy Light Time to write up reviews of what I've been reading lately.

Days of Atonement, Walter Jon Williams: first published 1991, set in the early 2000s New Mexico. The protagonist, Loren Hawn, is the police chief of Atocha, NM, who prides himself on on never having shot one of his people. He just wants to make sure Atocha stays *nice*, you know? And if he gets really, *really* angry with people who don't support that, and uses his fists to show them the error of their ways, well, that's part of the old-school Western lawman tradition. As is his part in Atocha's tradition of civic bribery.

I gotta hand it to WJW, this is the very, VERY rare police procedural that's aware that ACAB, including the protagonist. The reason it works is, first, the antagonist is *worse*; second, there's no-one seriously trying to clean up the town. The *threat* of cleaning up the town is there, but it's an empty threat, no-one actually means it. If the old order of corruption is swept away, it will be replaced by a new, less local one.

I can see why the book didn't really "break through" as WJW hoped: the protagonist is *not* a Good Person you can root for whole-heartedly, he's not very nice and he doesn't understand himself very well, though he does grow and learn in the course of the novel. The ending isn't altogether happy and triumphant, either. It's a fascinating and complex book, I'm glad [personal profile] james_davis_nicoll recently reviewed it, I missed it when it was new.
spikedluv: (fall: caramel apples by candi)
[personal profile] spikedluv
I rewatched Top Gun (1986) and Top Gun: Maverick recently, thinking that I might be able to write a fic in the fandom for [community profile] fandomgiftbasket. That didn’t happen, but it did make me think about the movies (and germinate my own plot bunny).

Top Gun (1986): I was a 20-year old college student when this movie came out and I loved it to pieces. This is the first movie I saw in the theater more than once. I probably saw it half a dozen times. My main takeaway from watching this movie again 30+ years later is that Maverick sure was one cocky son of a gun and I think Charlie could’ve done better.

more back here )


Want to talk about the movies or my fic idea?!!

The Day in Spikedluv (Sunday, Nov 2)

Nov. 3rd, 2025 06:18 am
spikedluv: (fall: caramel apples by candi)
[personal profile] spikedluv
Guess who forgot to set the clocks back before they went to bed? I went right back to bed when I realized the mistake, but Pip had already been up long enough to be too awake to go back to sleep.

Somehow I hurt my eye while I was sleeping. I wear a sleep mask, so I’m not exactly sure how I poked myself in the eye. The sciatica only bothered me for a couple of hours in the evening. Mildly. It was weird how it just appeared and then disappeared.

I did a load of laundry, hand-washed dishes, went for a couple walks with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, changed kitty litter, placed an online order, and showered. I grilled Italian sausage for Pip’s supper.

I watched an HGTV program and later had Secrets of the Zoo on in the background. I didn’t get any new words written, but I did read over what I had already written.

Temps started out at 27.9(F) and reached 52.0. It was sunny and there was no wind, but it was still cool.


Mom Update:

Mom looked really good today. more back here )

how is it November already

Nov. 2nd, 2025 11:49 pm
kareila: Seraphim uses her laptop. (laptopangel)
[personal profile] kareila
(I blame baseball)

My entire weekend (well, the part of it that wasn't watching Game 7) was eaten by my mom finally deciding to replace her iPhone 8, which was stuck on iOS 16, because its battery was starting to overheat. She bought an iPhone 16e running iOS 26. The transfer process went about as smoothly as could be expected under the circumstances, but the inevitable Oh No Everything Is Different reactions are harder to manage when I haven't updated any of MY devices to version 26 yet. Before I do that, I feel like I should upgrade my primary laptop from Ventura to Sequoia. It just never seems like a good time to do anything that disruptive.

I have another busy week coming up with 5 health appointments in 4 days (including kids, not just me), but then I will be rewarded with another library book sale and then a return to D&D after a three-week hiatus for Beethoven and baseball.
settiai: (Sim -- settiai (TriaElf9))
[personal profile] settiai
In tonight's game, the rest under a cut for those who don't care. )

And that's where we left off.

Didn't look closely enough

Oct. 31st, 2025 03:30 pm
conuly: (Default)
[personal profile] conuly
picked out a pair of glasses I just cannot stand. Sending them back, getting a better pair. I do have another spare pair if this one gives out entirely.

emotional support fiber

Nov. 2nd, 2025 06:56 pm
yhlee: Alto clef and whole note (middle C). (Default)
[personal profile] yhlee
weaving WIP

I slightly less half-assedly fixed the warp on the Clover Sakiori loom (Japanese).

weaving WIP close-up

I didn't bring a comb for the weft and was using a tapestry needle, but catten remains unlikely to mind imperfect weaving.

Also, further adventures in dyeing wool yarn. I'd like to test on dyeing combed top for cotton, ramie, and silk (mulberry/bombyx, eri, tussah, and maybe a small sample of my treasured stash of muga); and then try some on alpaca or mohair after I've processed some more.

dyed yarn

Later in the season, in natural dyes, I might experiment with the traditional hoary old standby of onion skins; rose hips (several of my roses shrubs produce them); and find out if windfall figs from the no-longer-quite-so-baby fig tree do anything interested as dyes. Osage orange, common madder, true and false indigo, hibiscus, and elderberry grow in Louisiana so making a dye plant plot might be entertaining. That or I sacrifice e.g. a bunch of beets lol. For personal use, I don't care about consistency (I prefer chaos ball colors) and I'm not that fussed about reliable fastness. "Throw it in a pot and also an ~appropriate mordant" for personal experiment promises to be very entertaining.
dewline: (canadian media)
[personal profile] dewline
I'd prefer Trudeau, Carney, Davies, Angus, May and Freeland as a team on the current polycrisis. However, I'm not going to get that. Yet, if ever.

So I'll have to put up with some things and complain as needed.
musesfool: a loaf of bread (staff of life)
[personal profile] musesfool
Some Sunday sundries...

- Baby Miss L was sick for Halloween, but I did get a lovely picture of her from the previous weekend where she, her mother, and my sister were all dressed as witches. <333

- I made another pot of garlic and bread soup this evening and it's so good and my apartment smells like garlic and olive oil (in a good way).

- However, for the first time ever, cutting scallions made my eyes tear up like cutting onions - I guess the white part is really oniony.

- Yesterday, I also made the dough for those Levain-style chocolate chip cookies and I had one this morning and they're so good. I will be baking one off each morning for breakfast this week.

- Call me crazy, but every time I see that commercial with Paul Skenes (and Questlove and Francisco Lindor), I think it's Josh Allen at first. They look alike!

- Amazon is actually listing book 8 of Dungeon Crawler Carl (Parade of Horribles) but only on audible or in hardcover. Why is there no kindle listing??? The release date is either May 26, 2026 or June 2, 2026 - I have seen both.

- Despite my difficulties with audiobooks etc. I did try the first DCC audiobook, but the narrator sounds like he's an out of shape 40-year-old, not a jacked 27-year-old, so it didn't work for me on that level as well as the various other levels, though Donut's voice was fantastic.

- Still no word that I can find on a date for Alecto the Ninth.

- I was pulling for you, Toronto! Sorry about that. *hands* Was a great series, though, even with that ending.

- and now no more baseball until March. *sadhair*

- At least the Rangers have won a couple of games? Though I don't have a lot of optimism for their season. And I really dislike Chris Drury and his way of being a GM, and unfortunately it doesn't look like it's going to change any time soon. Sigh.

*
senmut: Purple Autobot symbol on gray field (Transformers: SG Bot Logo)
[personal profile] senmut
AO3 Link | Pick Ups (100 words) by Merfilly
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Transformers: Shattered Glass
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Ratchet [Transformers], Ironhide [Transformers]
Additional Tags: Drug Abuse, Drabble
Summary:

Ironhide walks in on Ratchet



Pick Ups

"Pretty sure the sharp side goes in other mechs," Ironhide drawled after walking in, unannounced, to Ratchet's bay.

The other mech flicked his optics up once, but didn't move much past that as he finished injecting the stim.

"You want me available for your fight, I get to use the syringes how I want," Ratchet growled at him.

"Your own cocktail?"

"Don't trust 'Jack's," Ratchet agreed.

"Unicron smash us all from that!" Ironhide agreed. "I let him juice my frontliners, but won't touch it." He sidled closer. "Got more? Chromia was enthusiastic."

Ratchet chuckled, found another, and handed it over.

umadoshi: (autumn leaves 2 (dhamphir))
[personal profile] umadoshi
So here it is: the rest of autumn spread out before us, post-Hallowe'en and pre-Christmas with (in Canada) mainly the gray blur of November in between.

(It's really just as well we have our harvest celebration in October, but as always, I do envy the placement of it between Hallowe'en and Christmas in the US just in terms of not having the stretch between seasonal holidays. [I say, as if US Thanksgiving isn't horribly fraught in so many ways.] I don't know why I have such strong feelings about this. I had them before I stumbled into wanting seasonal decor at home for more than just Christmas and started feeling all adrift in that sense at this time of year.)

(This probably isn't why some people have non-holiday decor that can be swapped in and out, thus having more options, but it's a nice side effect, I imagine. *contemplates* Please feel free to tell me about your non-Hallowe'en decor! Full-on harvest stuff is not terribly seasonal here, but surely there are other options?)

Anyway. It's noticeably cooler here now, and still bright outside rather than all gray-skewed like my mental picture of the season, but the month is young.

If there are things you love about November, please share?

Last time we ordered groceries, I got a bag of Granny Smith apples with intentions of baking, and that...uh, that hasn't happened yet. Hopefully today after I get some work done, assuming nothing horrible has happened to them. (I worry about overestimating the durability of things like apples. And cabbage. We also have a cabbage. >.> It's been around longer.)

As for what to bake...well, I have my eyes on two Smitten Kitchen cakes and two RecipeTin Eats cakes (all new to us), and there's also an a cake we made last year, or just doing baked apples or crisp. We'll see.

In cat news, the other night Sinha was being a tremendous pest to Jinksy (as is typical), and unexpectedly, Jinksy remembered (???) how to scruff him! He scruffed Sinha a couple of times a couple years ago, and it's pretty much the only thing that's ever actually made Sinha back the fuck off, but then that was it. Maybe he won't go another year or more without remembering about it again. (It's such a complicated feeling for us, because Sinha makes the most pathetic keening noises and gets really upset about it [and the other night it took an hour or so of him racing around the house grumbling to himself before he settled down, which was awkward since we were trying to sleep], so it's a bit heartbreaking, but we are absolutely in favor of Jinksy standing up for himself and saying, "NO. You will STOP.")

Reading (back)log

Nov. 2nd, 2025 01:06 pm
umadoshi: (books 01)
[personal profile] umadoshi
I wound up reading fourteen novels/novellas in October! Here's what I've read since my last reading check-in.

KJ Charles' The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal (historical M/M) is a neat setup, where the narrator has been partnered for years with a paranormal investigator and has written famous accounts of the cases they faced, and is now much more privately writing about their personal history and the cases that instigated and shaped their romantic partnership (with, of course, many references to cases he's already written about for the public eye).

Dweller on the Threshold is my second read by Skyla Dawn Cameron, in which a woman inherits a probably-haunted house early in the covid pandemic. It's creepy and well-done and much weirder than it initially seemed likely to be (although to nowhere near the degree of weirdness that her The Taiga Ridge Murders, which I read late last year, turned out to be).

Dreadful Company (Vivian Shaw) was a quick, fun read. It's the second Dr. Greta Helsing novel, and it left me in the odd-feeling (but not uncommon for me, really) position of having enjoyed it without feeling any particular need to seek out the following books.

What Stalks the Deep is the third of T. Kingfisher's Sworn Soldier novellas, which due to the increasingly-horrifying prices of ebooks (in particular novellas, IMO) I borrowed from the library. OT1H, that's deeply annoying, because I generally really like Ursula Vernon's writing and would like to simply buy everything, if only to support her (and yes, I do know library borrows do contribute to that as well); OTOH, I avoided spending something like $20 on a NOVELLA and was (briefly) spared the need to decide what to read next, because when this became available at the library, it became my obvious next read once I'd finished Dreadful Company. Also, I enjoyed it; I wouldn't recommend reading it without at least reading the first book in this set, and if you've read and liked the previous ones, you'll presumably like this one too.

(Before my many-years-ago-now decision to spend a year [ha!] reading mainly/only from books I'd purchased but never read--which has pretty much been ongoing ever since, because I keep buying books--I almost never had to think about what to read next, because I had several hundred holds on hard copies at the library, and basically would just put something on hold and immediately suspend the hold for a year or two [whatever the maximum was], and then frequently scroll through the list and re-suspend books if I caught them in the window between them being automatically unsuspended and actually heading my way. Whatever books I didn't catch in that window arrived for borrowing at the library, so I'd pick them up and read them, whatever they were.)

Also [personal profile] scruloose and I finished Fugitive Telemetry, although it took us long enough that I had to check it out from the library a second time (which I'd rather avoid, given my understanding of how ridiculous the ebook/audiobook situation is for libraries >.<). When we circle back to listen to the first novel, we'll definitely have to be ready to actively focus on finding time for it.

Current reading/watching: I'm a few chapters into Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil (V.E. Schwab), and on the non-fiction front, a little ways into Anne Lamott's Almost Everything: Notes on Hope.

Meanwhile, [personal profile] scruloose and I are two episodes into season 2 of Silo.

Baseball Sorrow 2025

Nov. 2nd, 2025 09:18 am
dewline: A marker of my age and my sports interest (hockey)
[personal profile] dewline
Well, our team got as far as they could. This time.

Perfect South Park ending to this series, I suspect, would be for the Jays and Dodgers to jointly storm the White House and turn the Vulgarian and his various accomplices over to the Hague.

Your opinions will, I expect, differ from mine.

Commiserating with my fellow Jays fans this morning in any case...and now we get on with the CFL playoffs and the NBA, WNBA, NHL and PWHL regular seasons, right?

Fandom Gift Basket 2025: My Gifts

Nov. 2nd, 2025 08:45 am
spikedluv: (hudson & rex: hudson & rex by kingstoken)
[personal profile] spikedluv
[community profile] fandomgiftbasket has revealed and I was lucky to receive three gifts this year!


A Murder, She Wrote (tv) moodboard: Air Force Jessica? by sarajayechan

I asked for an AU, and they delivered! I’m trying to picture how Jessica became part of the Air Force. Maybe she’s part of the Stargate Program!

and

Two Hudson & Rex (tv) fic:

Food More Than Diamonds by kingstoken


Are You the One That I’ve Been Waiting For? by Cornerofmadness

I’m especially happy for these because of the fact that Charlie (John Reardon) and Diesel are no longer part of the show. *sniffle* I need my Charlie and Rex fix.


Thank you again to everyone!!
spikedluv: (fall: caramel apples by candi)
[personal profile] spikedluv
I hit Price Chopper and the Bakery while I was downtown. I did three loads of laundry, hand-washed dishes, went for a couple walks with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, and scooped kitty litter. Pip was happy with leftovers for supper, which in turn made me happy. *g*

I watched Matlock and two more eps of Mistletoe Murders, and wrote ~400 more words on my fic. It felt like more than that. However I did spend some time re-watching scenes to make sure I had remember them correctly, and taking more notes, of course. Sciatica is still sitting at about 85%. It doesn't bother for a lot of the day, but when I sit on it for long periods *coff* writing and watching tv *coff* I start to feel it.

Temps started out at 40.9(F) and reached 43.4. Yeah, it did not get very warm. There was some rain, but it was mostly overcast. There was a lot of wind, though.


Mom Update:

Mom was doing well today. more back here )
conuly: (Default)
[personal profile] conuly
I don’t care if it is in character, pick another word! (And while it ought to be in character, she hasn’t exactly been dropping the big words every other dialog line. Or if she has, I didn’t notice?)

OMG

Nov. 2nd, 2025 12:05 am
kareila: the famous Citgo Sign in Kenmore Square outside Fenway Park (boston)
[personal profile] kareila
What a game. What a series. WOW.
ride_4ever: (All Muses Are Busy)
[personal profile] ride_4ever
Mini WriMo on LJ -- minimum 100 words a day for 30 days -- is open for signups from now until November 10th.

Mini WriMo 2025 Welcome Post

Mini WriMo 2025 Signup Post
ride_4ever: (TYK)
[personal profile] ride_4ever
Thank you kindly to [personal profile] james and to [personal profile] dine for Halloween cards, and to [personal profile] noxelementalist for the art postcard.

Spice Cake recipe

Nov. 1st, 2025 09:46 pm
rhi: A cappucino, my name written in the froth. (cappucino)
[personal profile] rhi
Welp, I printed it out without the URL, apparently, so, I must type it here to share it.  Oops.

"Intensely Flavorful, Super Moist Spice Cake" -- I used GF flour, so I'm not sure about the moist, but it's not dry, that's sure.  Seriously, this cake is autumn on your plate.

dewline: Highway Sign version of "Ottawa the City" Icon (ottawa-gatineau)
[personal profile] dewline
There's a petition making the rounds re: Ford's tendency to remote-hijack municipal governments across Ontario...

https://www.horizonottawa.ca/back_off_ford

emotional support fiber: weaving

Nov. 1st, 2025 05:04 pm
yhlee: Alto clef and whole note (middle C). (Default)
[personal profile] yhlee
This is beginner mode weaving on a Clover Sakiori tabletop ~portable loom. It has an unbelievably easy warping setup based on the reeds, with what I think of affectionately as typically beautifully overengineered Japanese design and terrific documentation; I don't read Japanese but the pictures + diagrams are extraordinarily clear. I'm US-based so tariffs are a vexed situation, but these tend to run ~$200 USD plus international shipping off eBay. I do also own a Lojan Flex rigid heddle loom, but I like the ease of warping so much better on the Clover Sakiori. I'm also that extremely boring person who just wants to plainweave forever; if I want to embellish fabric, I will embroider.

I half-assed the warp and it shows, but at the level of "can I set this up at all," the answer is yes. Also, catten is unlikely to be a HARSH critic of a tiny little catten blankie to shed all over, so.

warping a Clover Sakiori loom

weaving WIP on a Clover Sakior loom



Just look at those warping layouts! I'm too lazy to check the trigonometry, but I'm betting it's correct.

I'm struggling with weaving (English-language [1]) vocabulary so I can't describe the action further. This YouTube playlist by Renee Johnson Studio shows it in action, though.

[1] There is probably random Korean terminology buried in my head because of my mom, but it's not helpful in sussing out help in English...

I need to lie down now but it was a good day for exploratory weaving.

ALL CLAIMED - PHs #39-48

Nov. 2nd, 2025 10:59 am
yuletidemods: A hippo lounges with laptop in hand, peering at the screen through a pair of pince-nez and smiling. A text bubble with a heart emerges from the screen. The hippo dangles a computer mouse from one toe. By Oro. (Default)
[personal profile] yuletidemods posting in [community profile] yuletide_pinch_hits
We have ten new pinch hits, numbered #39-48. These pinch hits are due at the main assignment deadline of Wednesday 17 December at 9pm UTC.

Comments are turned off for this community. To claim a pinch hit, please email the mods at yuletideadmin@gmail.com and:
  • Include the pinch hit number in the subject line
  • Include the recipient’s AO3 name in the subject line
  • Include your AO3 username in the body of the email

For example, if your AO3 username is yuletidehippo and you want to claim Pinch Hit #42 for AwsomRecip, you might email us with the subject line “PH 42 for AwsomRecip” and “I’m yuletidehippo on AO3” in the body of the email. As was the case previously, if you don’t receive a reply you did not get the pinch hit.

CLAIMED - PH #39: The Venture Bros, Breathless (1983), The Bold and the Beautiful, Carrie - Stephen King, Fleetwood Mac (Band), The Piano (1993), Bloom County, Soulmate Goose AU Suggestion - shitty-check-please-aus (Tumblr Post)This pinch hit is claimed, but treats are welcome!

Request 1 by GreenGlowingNeedle
The Venture Bros
Characters: Brock Samson, Shoreleave (Venture Bros.)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

More Brock backstory! More of Brock while he's not with the Ventures; more of him in New York.
I love Shore Leave with all my heart and I just want him to be happy! Anything that gives me this will please me. A day in his life, a successful mission or a happy first date.
If you want to go Brock/Shore Leave I will not protest!

No letter

Request 2 by GreenGlowingNeedle
Breathless (1983)
Characters: Monica Poiccard (Breathless), Jesse Lujack (Breathless)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

While Jesse is probably dead by the end of the movie, I'd still love to see what would happen if he gets shot but lives. Does his passion for Monica somehow flame out when they have a kid (did she even lie about being pregnant?). Missing road tip scenes. More about Jesse's comic book love.
You can give me anything from lighthearted smut to deep character studies to time loops.
Don't Want: rape, character bashing

No letter

Request 3 by GreenGlowingNeedle
The Bold and the Beautiful
Characters: Luna Nozawa
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

I love Luna's imperfectly perfect, wild self. Anything that explains her weaknesses, her strengths. Give me a major AU!

No letter

Request 4 by GreenGlowingNeedle
Carrie - Stephen King
Characters: Carrie White (Carrie - Stephen King)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags; or it may use exceptions I explain in the form

High school angst agogo, with the spooky joy of the supernatural thrown in.
Carrie lives AUs are always fun, but so is Carrie as a ghost. Her as a child, or anything where she can play with her fate would be fun. I want to see her thrive, even if that thriving means her becoming a demon of another stripe.
I love Sue's "normal girl but touched by hell" reaction to life post-Bloody Prom. I want to see her guiding the next generation but also being a foolish kid. What if she hadn't miscarried?
I'd like either Sue and Carrie being friends or them being in a relationship; whatever strikes your fancy! They can go to the prom together or get tuck doing a project; anything.

No letter

Request 5 by GreenGlowingNeedle
Fleetwood Mac (Band)
Characters: Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

Give me these two being messy as heck. Different forks in the road. Getting back together for a secret rendezvous. Text message chains. Being called into action at a serious point of crisis and going from begrudging colleagues to falling in love. Or maybe they stayed together, worked it out, and ended up with kids, as Stevie mentioned they might have. Office AUs, art colony AUs. Stevie as a fae queen looking for revenge on commoner Lindsay, who stole her kingdom's music and brought it to the masses? Anything at all.

No letter

Request 6 by GreenGlowingNeedle
The Piano (1993)
Characters: Ada McGrath (TP), Flora McGrath (TP), George Baines (TP)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

How do Ada and George get on after the movie? Who does Flora grow up into? Ada/George PWP, missing scenes - anything that sparks your imagination!
No letter

Request 7 by GreenGlowingNeedle
Bloom County
Characters: Milo Bloom, Michael Binkley, Oliver Wendell Jones
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I love everyone in this Meadow, but these four are my faves. I love Milo's business oriented ways and how that tends to meld and mesh with his fleeting optimism. Oliver's belief in tech - how does he feel about AI? (Feel free to expand upon this by reading Berke's latest strips). Michael's joyful and gossip-oriented ways dealing with Deux Moi and TMZ and all of those folks. Break the fourth wall, get meta - the strip would!
It's a political season, this is a political strip, so feel free to get as political as necessary!
Don't Want: rape, character bashing
No letter

Request 8 by GreenGlowingNeedle
Soulmate Goose AU Suggestion - shitty-check-please-aus (Tumblr Post)
Characters: The Soulmate Goose of Enforcement (Soulmate Goose AU Suggestion), Worldbuilding (Soulmate Goose AU Suggestion)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I'm gonna leave this one as wide-open as possible if we matched on this. Build me a world, yulegoat, build me the perfect goose.
No letter


CLAIMED - PH #40: Jane Eyre - Charlotte Brontë, 50 First Dates (2004), Hairspray (2007), The Rutles (Band), The Gilded Age (TV 2022), Will (TV 2017), Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney Mysteries Series - Claudia Gray, Amadeus (1984)
This pinch hit is claimed, but treats are welcome!

Request 1 by SurrenderTheMoreoes
Jane Eyre - Charlotte Brontë
Characters: Bertha Mason (Jane Eyre), Edward Rochester (Jane Eyre), Jane Eyre (Jane Eyre)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

Jane backstory; Edward in the early years. Bertha - escaping and not, regaining her mind or not.
I would enjoy some Jane/Edward and I wouldn't mind some smut featuring them, but anything psychologically complex that really probes at the imperfect darkness here would be a delight.

No letter

Request 2 by SurrenderTheMoreoes
50 First Dates (2004)
Characters: Lucy Whitmore (50 First Dates), Henry Roth (50 First Dates)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

I love this movie so much. More of the two of them together -- missing dates. The art of courting your wife every single day. The art of trusting your husband every single day. Trying to be a mom when you can't remember what happened to MAKE you a mom. Sea frolicks.

No letter

Request 3 by SurrenderTheMoreoes
Hairspray (2007)
Characters: Corny Collins (Hairspray), Seaweed Stubbs (Hairspray), Motormouth Maybelle (Hairspray), Little Inez Stubbs (Hairspray)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I brake for Maybelle/Corny. I'd love to see them teaming up to do further good together, or putting their heads together to
Inez is such a great character - what does life look like for her when she grows up? Who does she become?
Seaweed without Penny - his education, his activism, and his dancing. More of everyone, doing something together and being a family - maybe celebrating the holidays?

No letter

Request 4 by SurrenderTheMoreoes
The Rutles (Band)
Characters: Stig O'Hara, Ron Nasty, Dirk McQuickly, Barry Wom
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

Anything that's in the tone of the documentary series or the music; more song parodies, more ridiculous events in their lives and every kind of mocking parody you can imagine.

No letter

Request 5 by SurrenderTheMoreoes
The Gilded Age (TV 2022)
Characters: Oscar van Rhijn, Marian Brook, Larry Russell (The Gilded Age), Peggy Scott
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I am a sucker for Larry/Marian and adore Oscar and Peggy, but more social climbing and fashionably unfashionable antics will make my day for this one.

No letter

Request 6 by SurrenderTheMoreoes
Will (TV 2017)
Characters: Christopher Marlowe (Will TV 2017), Barrett Emerson (Will TV 2017), Alice Burbage (Will TV 2017)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

Barrett lives. Barrett lives and it makes Christopher's life difficult, because he sold his soul to the devil to keep Barrett alive. Pre-canon antics, PWP. Finding the light, finding the darkness. Finding the joy of art. Barrett as an angel, or an avenging ghost.
I like Alice much more when she's away from Will, so show me more of her spy work, and her life at the theater when it has nothing to do with sex with Will.
No letter

Request 7 by SurrenderTheMoreoes
Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney Mysteries Series - Claudia Gray
Characters: Juliet Tilney, Jonathan Darcy
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

More Austenian mysteries for these two to share! I want a fic featuring both of them, feel free to use any of their family members as background characters if need be.
No letter

Request 8 by SurrenderTheMoreoes
Amadeus (1984)
Characters: Antonio Salieri (Amadeus), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Amadeus 1984)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

Jealousy and madness-fueled jealousy fucking. Buddying up to your worst enemy. Loving someone as much as you hate them. Being the widower, basically. Also a peek into their mutual creative process. Have them write something together!
No letter


CLAIMED - PH #41: Persuasion - Jane Austen, Phantom of the Paradise (1974), Mystery Science Theater 3000, Devil's Cub - Georgette Heyer, American Dad!, Emperor's New Groove (2000), Tam Lin - Anonymous (Song), Father TedThis pinch hit is claimed, but treats are welcome!

Request 1 by ChickletForrest
Persuasion - Jane Austen
Characters: Anne Elliot, Frederick Wentworth
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

All of the yearning, the pining and the angst...and all of the domestic bliss, the time on a ship, and at-last smut. It really depends on where you'd like to take them. Getting together while snowed in, or because one of them is sick Maybe they end up getting together earlier in the story thanks to a better stroke of luck or never separate. Maybe they never see each other again until they're older. Persuasion in medieval times, in the 1960s, in Old Hollywood, in the wild west? Holiday fic would be lovely for them.

No letter

Request 2 by ChickletForrest
Phantom of the Paradise (1974)
Characters: Winslow Leach | The Phantom, Phoenix (Phantom of the Paradise), Beef (Phantom of the Paradise), Beach Bums (Phantom of the Paradise)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

I'm obsessed with all things Beef. I want an AU that shows what it would've been like had he lived. I want missing scenes that explain his rise and how he came up with his divo character, since he does arrive at Swan's door fully formed.
I want to see what Phoenix does after the disaster of her non-wedding. Is she an industry pariah? Does she rise above with a tribute album, like she's a mini-Eddie? Does she do something entirely different and write a tell-all? Or what might have happened had she truly pledged herself to Swan?
Winslow in creation. When he dies, does he really go to hell? He spares Beef and has a spy, so to speak, in Winslow's camp, but things get complex. He and Phoenix tumbling into each other's arms and consummating things.
A Winslow-doesn't-sign the contract AU might also be fun, and I can't unimagine a tin pan alley AU with Phoenix and Winslow as a couple of earnest songwriters.
Beach Bums/Juicy Fruits/The Undead background and

No letter

Request 3 by ChickletForrest
Mystery Science Theater 3000
Characters: Gypsy | GPC (MST3K), Pearl Forrester (MST3K(, Joel Robinson (MST3K), Mike Nelson (MST3K)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags; or it may use exceptions I explain in the form

An evergreen fandom for me; I love everything about it. Joel's sleepiness and inventiveness, and his belief in the honesty and goodness of humanity in general. Mike is far more cynical, and Emily falls somewhere in between.
I'd like to see Mike and Emily meet; we have no idea what their dynamic is because they've never been in the same room together. Mike and Joel reconnecting on earth? I like Mike/Joel as a pairing, so if you'd like to use them, or include any of the mads or robots as side characters, that'd be delightful.

No letter

Request 4 by ChickletForrest
Devil's Cub - Georgette Heyer
Characters: Dominic Alastair, Mary Challoner, Léonie de Saint-Vire, Justin Alastair
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

Post-canon Dominic and Mary -- honeymoons, wedding nights, babyfic, etc. Or forks in the roads or AUS -- anything you think that works and fits! I love them both and I want more!
I love Justin's attempt at reforming, and Leonie's attitude. Give me pre or post-canon, missing scenes, anything you like!

No letter

Request 5 by ChickletForrest
American Dad!
Characters: Stan Smith, Steve Smith (American Dad!), Klaus Heisler, Roger Smith (American Dad!)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags; or it may use exceptions I explain in the form

Canon-typical shenanigans would be fun, especially if you want to create an epic holiday story like the type the show does every Christmas. But if you want to do something more serious or reflective, have at it. The show's gotten plenty of mileage out of serious Steve and Stan and Klaus and Roger-centric plotlines before, after all.
Fandom-related DNW: I'm not keen on Stan/Steve; Roger/Stan, Klaus/Stan and Roger/Klaus are all fair game and you can feel free writing them for me

No letter

Request 6 by ChickletForrest
Emperor's New Groove (2000)
Characters: Kuzco (Emperor's New Groove), Pacha (Emperor's New Groove), Chicha (Emperor's New Groove)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

Wackiness and also tenderness; I'm here for Pacha/Chicha, Kuzco/Pacha and Pacha/Chicha/Kuzco in equal amounts. Feel free to use any other movie character that catches your fancy as a background character. Tell me about how Pacha and Chicha met, give me post-canon fun/
Fandom-centered DNW: No infidelity between Pacha and Chicha, so if you want to go the Kuzco/Pacha route, feel free to have had them divorce or write a story where they were never together.
No letter

Request 7 by ChickletForrest
Tam Lin - Anonymous (Song)
Characters: Janet and Tam Lin's Baby (Tam Lin Song), Fairy Queen (Tam Lin Song), Tam Lin (Tam Lin Song), Janet (Tam Lin Song)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

Janet and Tam PWP that takes us through their many encounters until he learns of her pregnancy; things go very wrong and then very right when she saves him; in the aftermath, dealing with the remnants of the magic that has been bestowed them. Does the queen claim revenge? What was she like in eons before? Who does the baby grow up to be? What kind of family do Janet and Tam Lin make?
Fandom-specific DN: The Queen winning permanently in any way
No letter

Request 8 by ChickletForrest
Father Ted
Characters: Mrs. Doyle (Father Ted), Jack Hackett (Father Ted), Ted Crilly (Father Ted), Dougal McGuire (Father Ted)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

Anything that feel like canon would be fun. Bonus points if it's holiday flavored!
No letter


CLAIMED - PH #42: Impromptu (1991), Like a Prayer - Madonna (Music Video), Where Angels Fear To Tread - E. M. Forster, Den stygge stesøsteren | The Ugly Stepsister (2025), Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (Movie 2022), My Two Dads (TV), Manchild - Sabrina Carpenter (Music Video), The Golden Girls (TV 1985)
This pinch hit is claimed, but treats are welcome!

Request 1 by CherryPinkAndAppleBlossomWhite
Impromptu (1991)
Characters: Marie D'Agoult (Impromptu), Franz Liszt (Impromptu), Frédéric Chopin (Impromptu), George Sand (Impromptu)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags; or it may use exceptions I explain in the form

I love the complicated, ridiculous tangle between these four people. I want it to be messy and gossipy and backbiting and filled with passion! I love George's nontraditional pursuit of Frédéric and I want to see how that extends in their relationship (in their bedroom?). And Marie and Franz' endless, baby-laden drama -- well, I'll take anything from smut to a historical AU where they stick together.
Feel free to feature any of the other nominated characters in the tagset, especially Alfred!

No letter

Request 2 by CherryPinkAndAppleBlossomWhite
Like a Prayer - Madonna (Music Video)
Characters: Murdered Woman (Like a Prayer MV), Madonna's Character (Like A Prayer MV), Choir Leader (Like a Prayer MV), Black Saint (Like a Prayer MV)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

The play-within-a-music-video nature of this music video is so interesting; how much is fiction? Is it based on a true story? Are the play's actors being haunted by the ghosts of these saints and victims? Is a miracle happening when Madonna's character makes love to the black saint? Why does the choir welcome her so joyfully? Murdered woman backstory!

No letter

Request 3 by CherryPinkAndAppleBlossomWhite
Where Angels Fear To Tread - E. M. Forster
Characters: Lilia Herriton (Where Angels Fear to Tread), Gino Carella (Where Angels Fear to Tread), Caroline Abbott (Where Angels Fear To Tread), Philip Herriton (Where Angels Fear to Tread)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

A major theme of every Forster novel is that travel makes you romantically insane. Give me a story where Lilia lives to raise her son with Gino, but Caroline follows her to Italy anyway to find out what on earth has happened to her. Or Lilia DOES die and give me more background that explains why Caroline's in love with Gino. Correspondence between the cousins. Anything you like.
Or perhaps Philip falls for Gino. Or Caroline chooses both Philip AND Gino, since she's already bucking convention. Go very cute or very passionate, I'm into it all.

No letter

Request 4 by CherryPinkAndAppleBlossomWhite
Den stygge stesøsteren | The Ugly Stepsister (2025)
Characters: Agnes | The Ugly Stepsister (2025), Alma | The Ugly Stepsister (2025), Elvira | The Ugly Stepsister (2025)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

I want to know how Alma and Elvira manage without their mother. Does Agnes recover from her injuries? Find love again? Do they settle into happy but edgy spinsterhood? What if the prince comes calling, dissatisfied with Agnes' lack of 'purity' and they decide to Goodbye Earl him?
How does Agnes survive the political machinations she's now up against at court? Nature seems to be on her side - is she a witch? Does she ever regret what she's done? When she has daughters, does she understand the sacrifices Rebekka and Elvira made?
Feel free to use Julian if you need to for this story but I naturally don't want anything entirely focused on him.

No letter

Request 5 by CherryPinkAndAppleBlossomWhite
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (Movie 2022)
Characters: Madonna (Weird), Weird Al Yankovic (Weird)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

This movie is bananas and I'd love for you to make it even more bananas. Write a parody fic! Make Al a zombie, back and trying to take revenge on Madonna! Madonna trying to stay on top of the pop food chain, by any means necessary. Missing scenes and moments from their "affair." Al lives AU (wait, would that be reality?).

No letter

Request 6 by CherryPinkAndAppleBlossomWhite
My Two Dads (TV)
Characters: Nicole Bradford, Michael Taylor (My Two Dads), Joey Harris (My Two Dads)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I'm definitely here for Michael/Joey and any and every cheesy trope you can throw at them (Sharing a bed! Fake dating/married!), but I'm also interested in how their joint raising of Nicole shaped her as a person. Is she as unflappable as she was in her youth? Is she an artist? An activist? An accountant?
Feel free to ignore the show's series finale and pretend that Joey never moved to California, or if you want to use it, explore Nicole's complicated feelings about having to fly out to see Joey every now and again. Future fic with Joey and Michael babysitting Nicole's kid would be extra funny.
IF you want to stick with gen, feel free to stay canon-typical and give me a breezy plot in which Michael and Joey have to help Nicole with some important event.
Marcy Lives. She didn't, but comes back wrong. Nicole keeps seeing her in her dreams and discovers Michael and Joey have been seeing her too.
No letter

Request 7 by CherryPinkAndAppleBlossomWhite
Manchild - Sabrina Carpenter (Music Video)
Characters: Sabrina Carpenter's Character (Manchild MV)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

I need to know more about this character! And her roadtripping! And her homicidal ways. We get all these little snippets! Give me something that's missing or weave them all together into a different kind of narrative.
No letter

Request 8 by CherryPinkAndAppleBlossomWhite
The Golden Girls (TV 1985)
Characters: Dorothy Zbornak, Blanche Devereaux, Rose Nylund, Sophia Petrillo
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

Adventures set during the holiday season; missing scenes
No letter


CLAIMED - PH #43: Final Fantasy XII, GetBackers, Metaphor: ReFantazio (Video Game)
This pinch hit is claimed, but treats are welcome!

Request 1 by joulethieves
Final Fantasy XII
Characters: Vaan (FF XII), Balthier (FF XII)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

No prompts

No letter

Request 2 by joulethieves
GetBackers
Characters: Midou Ban, Amano Ginji
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

No prompts

No letter

Request 3 by joulethieves
Metaphor: ReFantazio (Video Game)
Characters: Leon Strohl, Basilio Magnus
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

No prompts

No letter


CLAIMED - PH #44: Astreiant Series - Melissa Scott & Lisa A. Barnett, The Charioteer - Mary Renault, Forever Knight (TV 1992), New Tricks, Prehistoric Park, Biggles Series - W. E. Johns
Request 1 by greerwatson
Astreiant Series - Melissa Scott & Lisa A. Barnett
Characters: Philip Eslingen, Nicolas Rathe, Worldbuilding (Astreiant)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

The worldbuilding in this series is fascinating in its detail. On the one hand, you have the mundane aspects of Astreiant culture: points and politics across all the books; but individual books introduce dog races, theatre, and flower symbolism. There is the magical side: the astrology that rules everyone's lives, the ghosts and the gods. I'd like a story that expands on either (or both!) aspects of worldbuilding, whether a deeper look into canon or something new.
I've also asked for Rathe and Eslingen. Their developing romance runs through the series; and I'd like to see something of this. However, I DNW smut. Casefic would be wonderful; but so would character-oriented genslash.
I don't like anything more than PG13: explicit sexual detail is definitely a DNW for me. DNW first or second person fic. Feel free to include other characters from the series if you want.

Letter:
https://greerwatson.dreamwidth.org/158362.html

Request 2 by greerwatson
The Charioteer - Mary Renault
Characters: Any
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

Quite a lot of fan fiction focuses on the canonical romances; so I'd prefer a story that's a bit different. Perhaps a gen school story or other backstory? Or war-time futurefic: e.g. Ralph's future in the Navy, Laurie after he's mustered out; life for the Straikes &/or Aunt Olive during the war; Andrew with the Friends Ambulance Corps; Alec or Sandy as army doctors (or any combination thereof)? Other possibilities: an insider's view of the Bridstow scene, Bunny getting his comeuppance (or Bunny's p.o.v.), a slice-of-life at the E.M.S. hospital; Ralph in a P.o.W. camp. Feel free to include other characters besides those nominated.
I prefer gen-type plots; but I'm not asking you to ignore canon relationships, since they're integral to the book. However, I don't like anything more than PG-13: explicit sexual detail is definitely a DNW for me. I prefer not to have characters die in the story; but references to canonical deaths are okay. DNW second person fic. Epistolary fic is fine.

Letter:
https://greerwatson.dreamwidth.org/158362.html

Request 3 by greerwatson
Forever Knight (TV 1992)
Characters: Any
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

Casefic is always a treat; and I enjoy ensemble stories, both in terms of the interplay back at the station and also the detective story plots. If you prefer to focus on an individual, perhaps family/personal life/backstory (for police characters), or history/backstory (for the vampires, whether Nick's "family", Vachon's crew, or others). By all means include characters who weren't nominated if you want. I like all three seasons equally.
I prefer gen; but I'm not asking you to ignore canon relationships. However, in that respect, I don't like anything more than PG-13: explicit sexual detail is definitely a DNW for me. You can go higher rated for crime scenes. I'm fine with having original characters murdered in casefic, and that sort of thing. I prefer not to have canon characters die in the story; but references to canonical deaths are okay. DNW AUs or crossovers. However, feel free to ignore "Last Knight" if you want. DNW first- or second-person fic.

Letter:
https://greerwatson.dreamwidth.org/158362.html

Request 4 by greerwatson
New Tricks
Characters: Sandra Pullman, Gerry Standing, Jack Halford, Brian Lane
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

This was always very much an ensemble show; and I'd like something similar to canon. Casefic would be delightful; but, if you don't feel like tackling a plotty fic, it's the banter between the team that made the show so appealing, whether at the station, in the car, or in the pub at the end of the day. Feel free to expand to include other characters from the show, including family members. I'm especially fond of Brian's wife, Esther.
I don't like anything more than PG13: explicit sexual detail is definitely a DNW for me. DNW romance between the requested characters; but canon-level flirting from Gerry is okay. I prefer not to have characters die in the story; but references to canonical deaths are okay. DNW AUs or crossovers. DNW second person fic.

Letter:
https://greerwatson.dreamwidth.org/158362.html

Request 5 by greerwatson
Prehistoric Park
Characters: Worldbuilding (Prehistoric Park)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

Dinosaurs! Or mammoths, trilobites, or what have you. Your choice of time period, but I'd prefer something as-yet-unvisited. Ideally, something along the lines of a new episode—well, a single time trip plus a bit back at the park.
Canon-compliant gen, please. I don't like anything more than PG13. DNW romance/smut involving human characters. However, it's okay to mention the animals at Prehistoric Park having offspring. I prefer not to have canon characters die in the story; but references to canonical deaths are okay. DNW first- or second-person fic. DNW any screenplay or transcription format.

Letter:
https://greerwatson.dreamwidth.org/158362.html

Request 6 by greerwatson
Biggles Series - W. E. Johns
Characters: James "Biggles" Bigglesworth (Biggles Series - W.E. Johns), Algy Lacey (Biggles Series - W.E. Johns)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

The Biggles books span a hefty chunk of the 20th century, from World War I to the 1960s; which time period you prefer to write about is up to you. However, I have a soft spot for the WWI period, not just because of the authenticity of the flying scenes but also because of the all too believable shift in Biggles himself from a daring, gallant, and very young hero to a tired, burnt-out veteran. At the other end of his long and active career, he becomes leader of a team of special service police officers during the Cold War. I find the close friendship among the colleagues with whom he shares digs to be very appealing. Especially fascinating also is his evolving relationship with Erich von Stalhein as they "bury the hatchet" of their antagonism, ultimately becoming friends.
I've only requested Biggles and Algy because they're the ones who appear through the whole series. Feel free to include any other canonical characters appropriate to the period in which you set your story.
I don't like anything more than PG13: explicit sexual detail is definitely a DNW for me. DNW crossovers or AUs, except canon divergence. DNW first- or second-person fic. DNW actual supernatural activity. I'm fine with having original characters murdered in casefic or killed in battle; and references to canonical deaths are okay. However, DNW any requested characters dying in the story. Holiday fic is fine.
Letter:
https://greerwatson.dreamwidth.org/158362.html

Previous canon promotion: Biggles


CLAIMED - PH #45: Library of Alexandria RPF, Shadow of the Leviathan - Robert Jackson Bennett, Knives Out (Movies)This pinch hit is claimed, but treats are welcome!

Request 1 by curtaincall
Library of Alexandria RPF
Characters: Zenodotus of Ephesus, Aristarchus of Samothrace
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

General likes: plotty stuff, humor, mystery, satire of corporate culture, epistolary/document-based stories, heists, riddles/puzzles, trains
General DNW: explicit sex (strong implications/suggestive content/sex jokes all fine), death of requested characters, rape/noncon, underage sex, extreme angst, in-depth discussion of sexual or gender identity, BDSM or other D/s, unrequested noncanon pairings for requested characters, detailed description of pregnancy, unrequested setting AUs
Fandom-specific notes:
So my entire basis for nominating/requesting this is that we were reading the Iliad and talking about the manuscript history and my professor said something along the lines of "Aristarchus always goes with the opposite of whatever Zenodotus does, he always picks the opposite reading." And that made me desperately curious about what Aristarchus might have thought of Zenodotus himself (since he has such a tendency to disagree violently with him), and what Zenodotus might have thought of Aristarchus' reactions to his work.
I know they weren't alive at the same time so I'd be perfectly happy with Aristarchus just thinking/talking about Zenodotus, but if you want to either change the timeline so that they could possibly meet or introduce some kind of time travel into the mix I would also enjoy that! (But please don't do a full modern AU.)
Some more prompts/ideas:
- daily life at the Library for either/both of them
- what drives their differing approaches to the text? (lectio facilior vs lectio difficilior, etc)
- a modern-day scholar, or a later librarian, going through their different edits and puzzling out something about what's going on with them
- Adding romance/tension between them would be welcome as would keeping it on a professional/rivals level
- I can read Ancient Greek (and Latin, if that should become relevant), so if you want to include any I'd love it! (Please consider this my explicit opt-in to receive fic in Latin or Ancient Greek rather than English.)

No letter

Request 2 by curtaincall
Shadow of the Leviathan - Robert Jackson Bennett
Characters: Anagosa Dolabra, Dinios Kol, Worldbuilding (Shadow of the Leviathan)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags; or it may use exceptions I explain in the form

General likes: plotty stuff, humor, mystery, satire of corporate culture, epistolary/document-based stories, heists, riddles/puzzles, trains
General DNW: explicit sex (strong implications/suggestive content/sex jokes all fine), death of requested characters, rape/noncon, underage sex, extreme angst, in-depth discussion of sexual or gender identity, BDSM or other D/s, unrequested noncanon pairings for requested characters, detailed description of pregnancy, unrequested setting AUs
Fandom-specific notes:
Per the additional tag, I'm fine with a worldbuilding fic that doesn't include Ana and Din, or Ana and Din fic that doesn't include worldbuilding! DNW romantic Ana/Din.
Ideas/prompts:
- Case fic - maybe Ana and Din have an opportunity to solve some smaller-scale mystery? Maybe one or both of them is unjustly accused? Maybe they have to in some way do a bit of what the other does?
- Travel adventures/misadventures for Ana and Din!
- In-universe documents about the Empire, the administration, the many constituent parts. Bureaucratic nitty-gritty!
- More about the augurs in particular, or specific types of enhancements in general

No letter

Request 3 by curtaincall
Knives Out (Movies)
Characters: Benoit Blanc (Knives Out)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

General likes: plotty stuff, humor, mystery, satire of corporate culture, epistolary/document-based stories, heists, riddles/puzzles, trains
General DNW: explicit sex (strong implications/suggestive content/sex jokes all fine), death of requested characters, rape/noncon, underage sex, extreme angst, in-depth discussion of sexual or gender identity, BDSM or other D/s, unrequested noncanon pairings for requested characters, detailed description of pregnancy, unrequested setting AUs
Fandom-specific prompts:
- Case fic! Potential settings: train (either a fancy one or a subway), archaeological dig, animal shelter, political campaign - or anything else that you're knowledgeable and passionate about.
- Going off the part in Glass Onion where he struggles at Among Us, it would be fun to see him having more difficulty with social deduction games, or another kind of game/puzzle.
- I could honestly buy him as either a more strictly-business, no mystery-solving off the clock guy OR someone who can't help diving into little mysteries as he comes across them, so I'd enjoy either a fic where he keeps encountering small mysteries and stubbornly refusing to engage with them, or one where he does find and solve one!
- I plan to watch Wake Up Dead Man before works are revealed, so no need to worry about spoilers!

No letter


CLAIMED - PH #46: Kraftwerk (Band), Nescafe "Arctica" | "Polar Explorers" Advertisements (Russia), Wingmen - Ensan Case, The Odd Couple (TV 1970), Бриллиантовая рука | The Diamond Arm (1969)This pinch hit is claimed, but treats are welcome!

Request 1 by gowan43
Kraftwerk (Band)
Characters: Any
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

Check out my letter for my particular likes! I am open to treats.
I would love a fic that explores any of the nominated characters’ feelings about how Kraftwerk has changed over time, perhaps looking back at the early years compared to the current year they’re in. It could take place from the late 70s to even today, since all four of the nominated characters are still alive except for Florian, even if two out of three left the band. You could even write a fic that involves Florian’s death if you want.
Alternatively, there is so much angst potential surrounding Ralf’s 1982 cycling accident. How do the other band members feel about the accident? What are their fears and worries while Ralf is in a coma? How do they feel after he comes back to consciousness? How does Ralf feel about it? You don’t need to answer all these questions if you don’t want.
These are just some ideas. Please don’t feel limited by them!
I have no strong feelings about shipping them or writing them gen. I do appreciate Ralf/Florian in particular, but it’s not essential by any means, and if you want to write Ralf and Florian as friends or ship something other than Ralf/Florian, I am totally here for it.
General DNWs

  • Omegaverse

  • Gender swaps

  • Trans headcanons for canonical characters

  • Hanahaki disease

  • Setting/time period change AUs

  • Mpreg

  • Kidfic (either the characters being children or a fic centered on them taking care of a child. Mentions of children are fine)

  • Characters as supernatural beings (vampires, werewolves, wizards, etc.)

  • Characters learning to drive/going to driver’s ed (characters driving is fine, I just don’t want a fic involving the process of learning to drive)

  • Car crashes

Smut-specific DNWs

  • Underage sex

  • Incest

  • Scat, watersports, emetophilia

  • Rimming

  • Ageplay, pacifiers/diapers for adults

  • Boypussy/girldick

  • Feederism

  • Pet play

  • 24/7 BDSM lifestyle/BDSM AU

  • Mommy/daddy kink

  • Breathplay/choking

  • Knifeplay



Letter:
https://gowan43.dreamwidth.org/484.html

Request 2 by gowan43
Nescafe "Arctica" | "Polar Explorers" Advertisements (Russia)
Characters: Ivanov (Nescafe Commercial), Petrov (Nescafe Commercial)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

Check out my letter for my particular likes! I am open to treats.
I'm fine with my gift for this particular fandom being written in Russian. Even if it’s my only gift. But if you'd rather write in English, that's fine too!
I’d love seeing Ivanov and Petrov huddling for warmth. I love that trope so much, and it just seems so obvious for the setting. Maybe they ran out of fuel and can’t heat their cabin anymore. Maybe that also means they can’t make their beloved Nescafé!
Even if you don’t want to write them huddling for warmth, overall, I’d just love something that involves how tough their living environment is. The whole survivalist element of polar exploration is something that I think might be interesting to write about. You could go in a dark, serious direction with that if you’d like, and I’d be all for it. But I am also very willing for there to be humor involved, especially around their undying appreciation of Nescafé.
Or you can write something totally different! These prompts are just ideas.
I have no strong feelings about shipping the Polars or writing them as just friends. Do whatever feels right for the story!
General DNWs

  • Omegaverse

  • Gender swaps

  • Trans headcanons for canonical characters

  • Hanahaki disease

  • Setting/time period change AUs

  • Mpreg

  • Kidfic (either the characters being children or a fic centered on them taking care of a child. Mentions of children are fine)

  • Characters as supernatural beings (vampires, werewolves, wizards, etc.)

  • Characters learning to drive/going to driver’s ed (characters driving is fine, I just don’t want a fic involving the process of learning to drive)

  • Car crashes

Smut-specific DNWs

  • Underage sex

  • Incest

  • Scat, watersports, emetophilia

  • Rimming

  • Ageplay, pacifiers/diapers for adults

  • Boypussy/girldick

  • Feederism

  • Pet play

  • 24/7 BDSM lifestyle/BDSM AU

  • Mommy/daddy kink

  • Breathplay/choking

  • Knifeplay



Letter:
https://gowan43.dreamwidth.org/484.html

Request 3 by gowan43
Wingmen - Ensan Case
Characters: Jack Hardigan, Fred Trusteau, Eleanor Hawkins
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags; or it may use exceptions I explain in the form

I’m particularly interested in either Jack and Fred or Jack and Eleanor.
Check out my letter for my particular likes! I am open to treats.
There is so much potential to draw on for Jack and Fred’s postwar life. It might be worth exploring Jack’s increasing paranoia around being found out later in his life, which is only mentioned in a single paragraph in the book. Or you could take it in a more lighthearted route: domestic fluff together as they establish their new life in San Jose, perhaps with a little angst undercurrent as they are still having to be discreet about their relationship. These are just two ideas for their life together after the war.
Alternatively, I’d love gen Jack & Eleanor. I think it would be especially interesting to see Eleanor realizing that the reason why Jack didn’t go after her like Duane did is that he’s gay. Perhaps it dawns on her on her own. Or, perhaps Jack finally comes out to her at some point, since she is his friend, after all. Or maybe even both of that in the same fic! But even if you don’t go that exact route, I would love to read a fic that further explores Jack and Eleanor’s friendship.
These are just two things I’m thinking about, but don’t feel like you have to follow them!
Fandom-specific DNW: Jack or Fred being genuinely romantically/sexually attracted to any woman.
General DNWs

  • Omegaverse

  • Gender swaps

  • Trans headcanons for canonical characters

  • Hanahaki disease

  • Setting/time period change AUs

  • Mpreg

  • Kidfic (either the characters being children or a fic centered on them taking care of a child. Mentions of children are fine)

  • Characters as supernatural beings (vampires, werewolves, wizards, etc.)

  • Characters learning to drive/going to driver’s ed (characters driving is fine, I just don’t want a fic involving the process of learning to drive)

  • Car crashes

Smut-specific DNWs

  • Underage sex

  • Incest

  • Scat, watersports, emetophilia

  • Rimming

  • Ageplay, pacifiers/diapers for adults

  • Boypussy/girldick

  • Feederism

  • Pet play

  • 24/7 BDSM lifestyle/BDSM AU

  • Mommy/daddy kink

  • Breathplay/choking

  • Knifeplay



Letter:
https://gowan43.dreamwidth.org/484.html

Request 4 by gowan43
The Odd Couple (TV 1970)
Characters: Oscar Madison (The Odd Couple TV 1970), Felix Unger (The Odd Couple TV 1970)
My gift must feature all of my chosen character tags (if 0: any from tag set)

Check out my letter for my particular likes! I am open to treats.
Something I immediately noticed upon beginning to watch this show is how the dynamic between these two is not typical for roommates or even friends. I have lived with roommates before, and I have never experienced a situation where one always cooks for the other. That part in particular always struck me as unusual for two men living together who are not in a relationship, but it's not the only thing of that sort between these two. Their dynamic is especially odd (ha!) for male friends in the 70s, but even today I think it would be unusual.
I’d love to see further exploration of this unusually couple-like situation for a roommate/friend relationship. If it occurs to either of them that it’s unusual, how do they feel about it? Are there homophobic thoughts around it, or perhaps attempts to relate it to a heteronormative idea of a relationship? Or not? Do they discuss it? Or is it all internal to one character, never spoken?
Alternatively, I’d love a huddling for warmth story, perhaps while they’re in a cabin. You could either do it in a platonic way, showing their closeness despite not being attracted to each other, or have it be a forced proximity thing that makes them confront their feelings for each other. Or maybe even they already admitted these feelings and it’s just pure affection for each other!
To be clear, I do ship Oscar/Felix, but if you don’t, that’s OK! While I’d love a shippy approach to this fic, I’d also appreciate a gen approach. There is so much room to show their affection for each other without it being romantic. And if you’d rather write something else entirely that has nothing to do with my prompts, I’m happy with it! I just love these two characters so much and would love to see more of them.
General DNWs

  • Omegaverse

  • Gender swaps

  • Trans headcanons for canonical characters

  • Hanahaki disease

  • Setting/time period change AUs

  • Mpreg

  • Kidfic (either the characters being children or a fic centered on them taking care of a child. Mentions of children are fine)

  • Characters as supernatural beings (vampires, werewolves, wizards, etc.)

  • Characters learning to drive/going to driver’s ed (characters driving is fine, I just don’t want a fic involving the process of learning to drive)

  • Car crashes

Smut-specific DNWs

  • Underage sex

  • Incest

  • Scat, watersports, emetophilia

  • Rimming

  • Ageplay, pacifiers/diapers for adults

  • Boypussy/girldick

  • Feederism

  • Pet play

  • 24/7 BDSM lifestyle/BDSM AU

  • Mommy/daddy kink

  • Breathplay/choking

  • Knifeplay



Letter:
https://gowan43.dreamwidth.org/484.html

Request 5 by gowan43
Бриллиантовая рука | The Diamond Arm (1969)
Characters: Semyon Semyonovich Gorbunkov, Gennady Kozodoyev
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I’m interested in either character by themselves or Semyon and Gennady together.
Check out my letter for my particular likes! I am open to treats.
I'm fine with my gift for this particular fandom being written in Russian. Even if it’s my only gift. But if you'd rather write in English, that's fine too!
I’d love a fic that further explores Gennady’s campiness and gay potential. Perhaps he actually is gay and is attracted to Semyon as he tries to extract the jewels. I’d love an angsty, potentially dark unrequited (or even requited) attraction aspect to that. Infidelity is fine. Or, from a Semyon-centric approach, maybe Semyon is just deeply afraid Gennady’s gay because he’s campy and how he’s ruining Semyon’s relationship with Nadia. Gennady may or may not actually be gay.
Even if you don’t go in those two directions, I’d love it if this fic somehow explores attitudes towards gayness, including homophobia, in the 1960s Soviet Union. But please don’t feel limited to that! You could also go for a character study angle, as I am OK with this fic featuring only Semyon or Gennady. Or anything else you want!
Feel free to ship Semyon/Gennady, but it’s not expected by any means. You could even include a bit of Gennady/Lyolik or Nadia/Semyon content or references if you think it’s relevant, but I’d rather not have the fic be centered on Lyolik or Nadia, hence why I haven’t requested them.
General DNWs

  • Omegaverse

  • Gender swaps

  • Trans headcanons for canonical characters

  • Hanahaki disease

  • Setting/time period change AUs

  • Mpreg

  • Kidfic (either the characters being children or a fic centered on them taking care of a child. Mentions of children are fine)

  • Characters as supernatural beings (vampires, werewolves, wizards, etc.)

  • Characters learning to drive/going to driver’s ed (characters driving is fine, I just don’t want a fic involving the process of learning to drive)

  • Car crashes

Smut-specific DNWs

  • Underage sex

  • Incest

  • Scat, watersports, emetophilia

  • Rimming

  • Ageplay, pacifiers/diapers for adults

  • Boypussy/girldick

  • Feederism

  • Pet play

  • 24/7 BDSM lifestyle/BDSM AU

  • Mommy/daddy kink

  • Breathplay/choking

  • Knifeplay



Letter:
https://gowan43.dreamwidth.org/484.html


CLAIMED - PH #47: Sister Boniface Mysteries (TV), Band Sinister - K. J. Charles, Whitstable Pearl (TV)

Request 1 by valderys
Sister Boniface Mysteries (TV)
Characters: Sam Gillespie (Sister Boniface), Felix Livingstone, Sister Boniface (Sister Boniface)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I love Father Brown, but I am also very fond of the Sister Boniface Mysteries - as a spin off I think it fulfils the spirit of the original show while adding to it and moving the timeline along. It also has slash with Felix and Sam, if you want to read things that way! Which I do! :) With that in mind, if you would like to write me a story with my favourite character from Father Brown, Sid Carter, popping up in a crossover, I would be over the moon! I would like any fic where he and the boys are front and centre, with Sid being clever and irreverent, or angsty (as long as he gets a happy ending), comedy (as long as he's not the butt of the joke), character piece or an adventure (or slash with Sam if that's your bag). If a crossover is not your jam then anything with the boys bouncing off Sister Boniface herself in a witty way would be awesome, again, character piece, slice of life, or a little mystery would all be welcome. Even an AU would be fun, if you can think of one that is not too far from the spirit of the show - I don't think I want grim-dark angst with this one though.

No letter

Request 2 by valderys
Band Sinister - K. J. Charles
Characters: John Raven, Lord Corvin (Band Sinister)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I was introduced to KJ Charles' work about a year ago and since then I have literally devoured everything she's written, stuffing my face like they're sweeties. So, I had a hard time deciding which book to request a Yuletide story for - I eventually settled on Band Sinister and that's because I particularly adored the idea of Lord Corvin's set and their terribly scandalous ways. I would love a story based on one of the fun things they get up to, maybe more about Corvin's duel, or some danger John Raven gets embroiled in due to his sharp and satirical pen. A crossover with any other of KJ Charles's works or characters would also be fun. But the thing I think I would like most would be some actual excerpts of 'Jonathan or the Trials of Virtue'! Maybe after John Raven gives the book to Corvin for Christmas...

No letter

Request 3 by valderys
Whitstable Pearl (TV)
Characters: Pearl Nolan, Mike McGuire
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I had some time off sick this past summer and one of the shows I devoured while healing up was Whitstable Pearl. I do love a bit of cozy murder and I think this show falls into this category while also having sharper edges than some in the genre. I think I particularly liked the atmospheric portrayal of the coast, the sea, the wind and weather, the way people are affected by those, even when it comes to murder. I also liked the way that Pearl knows everyone and everyone knows her, a little Marple-like, but more down to earth and more working class. I also loved the will they-won't they romance between Pearl and Mike, particularly because there is a ten year age gap between them, with Pearl being the older, which is still an unusual portrayal, let's face it. I'd like something lyrical here, a character piece or a slice of life, or the next stage in their unfolding romance. A mystery would be lovely but don't worry if there isn't one. Any supporting cast would be great, I like them all. If you go the smut route, that would be fine, but no PWP, please.

No letter

Previous canon promotion: Sister Boniface


CLAIMED - PH #48: Origins SMP, SMPEarth, Philza Hardcore S4 Lore (DFE), Outer Wilds (Video Game), とんがり帽子のアトリエ | Tongari Boushi no Atelier | Witch Hat Atelier (Manga), Critical Role: Aramán (Web Series)
This pinch hit is claimed, but treats are welcome!

Request 1 by euryydice
Origins SMP
Characters: Ranboo (Origins SMP), Philza (Origins SMP), Technoblade (Origins SMP), Nihachu (Origins SMP)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I am always open to treats!
Please see my letter for likes/prompts/details
General DNW- gore (including candy gore)
- eye trauma
- permanent mcd
- cannibalism
- injuries/trauma without consequence when writing
- non-canon child death
- horror
- body horror
- terminal illness
- being eaten alive
- angst without a happy ending
- tragic endings
- hurt no comfort
- magical cure of disability
- suggestions of cheating
- abuse between requested characters
- unresolved harmful jealousy of/between partners
- girlboss/failhusband characterization for F/M
- found family defaulting to nuclear family roles
- heteronormative stereotypes in queer relationships
- high school/college aus where requested adult characters are students
- harry potter aus or references
- Star Wars AU
- NSFW
- suggestive work [EXCEPTION]
- narratives about grief
- child versions of adult characters [EXCEPTION]
- age regression
- infantilisation of autistic characters
- hair colour epithets that are not actual hair colour descriptors (im looking at you 'pinkette')
- canon physically disabled characters being depicted as able bodied [EXCEPTION]
- RPF
- anarchists repeating conservative talking points
- two dimensional female characters
- reader inserts
- first or second person POV [EXCEPTION]
- therapy speak
Exceptions- suggestive work - nonsexual shirtlessness is more than welcome (i encourage it)
- child versions of adult characters - flashbacks etc are fine
- disabled characters being depicted as able bodied - okay if the work is pre-disability for characters who acquired disability in their narrative
- first or second person pov - first person okay in epistolary/in universe medium/similar work
Fandom Specific DNW- Wilbur Soot
- Dream
- Dream Team
- bad dad Phil
- Niki in a motherly role [SPECIFICATION]
- Tommyinnit as a significant character
- SBI family dynamics
- Techno as Phil's son
- blood god Techno in canon settings
- Techno as significantly less mature/younger than Phil [SPECIFICATION]
- piglins being villainised
- any mob being villainised [SPECIFICATION]
- mentions or allusions to cancer/irl Technoblade's death
- pregnant Technoblade
- romantic/sexual/qpr beeduo
Specifications- Niki in a motherly role - unless she's literally a mother
- Techno as significantly less mature/younger than Phil - okay to be significantly younger if they're both 100+/immortal/undying. its the maturity that really matters
- any mob being villainised - individuals are okay, entire mobs/races are not


Letter:
https://tegulai.dreamwidth.org/1935.html

Request 2 by euryydice
SMPEarth
Characters: Philza (SMPEarth), Technoblade (SMPEarth), Worldbuilding (SMPEarth)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I am always open to treats!
Please see my letter for likes/prompts/details
General DNW- gore (including candy gore)
- eye trauma
- permanent mcd
- cannibalism
- injuries/trauma without consequence when writing
- non-canon child death
- horror
- body horror
- terminal illness
- being eaten alive
- angst without a happy ending
- tragic endings
- ambiguous endings
- hurt no comfort
- magical cure of disability
- suggestions of cheating
- abuse between requested characters
- unresolved harmful jealousy of/between partners
- girlboss/failhusband characterization for F/M
- found family defaulting to nuclear family roles
- heteronormative stereotypes in queer relationships
- high school/college aus where requested adult characters are students
- harry potter aus or references
- Star Wars AU
- NSFW
- suggestive work [EXCEPTION]
- narratives about grief
- child versions of adult characters [EXCEPTION]
- age regression
- infantilisation of autistic characters
- hair colour epithets that are not actual hair colour descriptors (im looking at you 'pinkette')
- canon physically disabled characters being depicted as able bodied [EXCEPTION]
- RPF
- anarchists repeating conservative talking points
- two dimensional female characters
- reader inserts
- first or second person POV [EXCEPTION]
- therapy speak
Exceptions- suggestive work - nonsexual shirtlessness is more than welcome (i encourage it)
- child versions of adult characters - flashbacks etc are fine
- disabled characters being depicted as able bodied - okay if the work is pre-disability for characters who acquired disability in their narrative
- first or second person pov - first person okay in epistolary/in universe medium/similar work
Fandom Specific DNW- Wilbur Soot
- Dream
- Dream Team
- bad dad Phil
- Niki in a motherly role [SPECIFICATION]
- Tommyinnit as a significant character
- SBI family dynamics
- Techno as Phil's son
- blood god Techno in canon settings
- Techno as significantly less mature/younger than Phil [SPECIFICATION]
- piglins being villainised
- any mob being villainised [SPECIFICATION]
- mentions or allusions to cancer/irl Technoblade's death
- pregnant Technoblade
Specifications- Niki in a motherly role - unless she's literally a mother
- Techno as significantly less mature/younger than Phil - okay to be significantly younger if they're both 100+/immortal/undying. its the maturity that really matters
- any mob being villainised - individuals are okay, entire mobs/races are not


Letter:
https://tegulai.dreamwidth.org/1935.html

Request 3 by euryydice
Philza Hardcore S4 Lore (DFE)
Characters: Worldbuilding (Philza Hardcore Lore), Sandy (Philza Hardcore Lore), Blaze Empress (Philza Hardcore Lore), Philza (Philza Hardcore Lore)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I am always open to treats!
Please see my letter for likes/prompts/details
General DNW- gore (including candy gore)
- eye trauma
- permanent mcd
- cannibalism
- injuries/trauma without consequence when writing
- non-canon child death
- horror
- body horror
- terminal illness
- being eaten alive
- angst without a happy ending
- tragic endings
- hurt no comfort
- magical cure of disability
- suggestions of cheating
- abuse between requested characters
- unresolved harmful jealousy of/between partners
- girlboss/failhusband characterization for F/M
- found family defaulting to nuclear family roles
- heteronormative stereotypes in queer relationships
- Setting Change AUs
- NSFW
- suggestive work [EXCEPTION]
- child versions of adult characters [EXCEPTION]
- age regression
- infantilisation of autistic characters
- hair colour epithets that are not actual hair colour descriptors (im looking at you 'pinkette')
- canon physically disabled characters being depicted as able bodied [EXCEPTION]
- RPF
- anarchists repeating conservative talking points
- two dimensional female characters
- reader inserts
- first or second person POV [EXCEPTION]
- therapy speak
Exceptions- suggestive work - nonsexual shirtlessness is more than welcome (i encourage it)
- child versions of adult characters - flashbacks etc are fine
- disabled characters being depicted as able bodied - okay if the work is pre-disability for characters who acquired disability in their narrative
- first or second person pov - first person okay in epistolary/in universe medium/similar work
Fandom Specific DNW- MCYTs [SPECIFICATION]
- bad dad Phil
- Tommyinnit as a significant character
- SBI family dynamics
- Techno as Phil's son
- blood god Techno in canon settings
- piglins being villainised
- any mob being villainised [SPECIFICATION]
- mentions or allusions to cancer/irl Technoblade's death
- Phil becoming entangled/enslaved/possessed by Ender as a primary focus
Specifications- MCYTs - Phil is okay as he's the only MCYT in the canon
- any mob being villainised - individuals are okay, entire mobs/races are not


Letter:
https://tegulai.dreamwidth.org/1935.html

Request 4 by euryydice
Outer Wilds (Video Game)
Characters: Solanum (Outer Wilds), Annona (Outer Wilds), Worldbuilding (Outer Wilds), Player Character (Outer Wilds)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I am always open to treats!
Please see my letter for likes/prompts/details
General DNW- gore (including candy gore)
- eye trauma
- cannibalism
- injuries/trauma without consequence when writing
- horror
- body horror
- terminal illness
- being eaten alive [ELABORATION]
- angst without a happy ending
- tragic endings
- hurt no comfort
- magical cure of disability
- abuse between requested characters
- found family defaulting to nuclear family roles
- heteronormative stereotypes in queer relationships
- Setting Change AUs
- NSFW
- suggestive work
- age regression
- infantilisation of autistic characters
- kidfic
- canon physically disabled characters being depicted as able bodied [EXCEPTION]
- two dimensional female characters
- reader inserts
- first or second person POV [EXCEPTION]
- therapy speak
Exceptions- being eaten alive - no graphic depictions of such, the player character's encounter with the anglerfish is okay in a 'ow this hurts fade to black' sort of situation
- disabled characters being depicted as able bodied - okay if the work is pre-disability for characters who acquired disability in their narrative
- first or second person pov - first person okay in epistolary/in universe medium/similar work
Fandom Specific DNW- explicit spoilers for Echoes of the Eye
- binary gendered pronouns for hearthians
- the eye/universe depicted as cruel
- "the nomai survived" AU


Letter:
https://tegulai.dreamwidth.org/1935.html

Request 5 by euryydice
とんがり帽子のアトリエ | Tongari Boushi no Atelier | Witch Hat Atelier (Manga)
Characters: Olruggio (Tongari Boushi no Atelier), Richeh (Tongari Boushi no Atelier), Luluci (Tongari Boushi no Atelier), Tetia (Tongari Boushi no Atelier)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I am always open to treats!
Please see my letter for likes/prompts/details
General DNW- gore (including candy gore)
- eye trauma [EXCEPTION]
- permanent mcd
- cannibalism
- injuries/trauma without consequence when writing
- non-canon child death
- horror
- body horror
- terminal illness [EXCEPTION]
- being eaten alive
- angst without a happy ending
- tragic endings
- ambiguous endings
- hurt no comfort
- magical cure of disability
- suggestions of cheating
- abuse between requested characters
- unresolved harmful jealousy of/between partners
- found family defaulting to nuclear family roles
- heteronormative stereotypes in queer relationships
- Setting Change AUs
- NSFW
- suggestive work [EXCEPTION]
- narratives about grief
- child versions of adult characters [EXCEPTION]
- age regression
- infantilisation of autistic characters
- hair colour epithets that are not actual hair colour descriptors (im looking at you 'pinkette')
- canon physically disabled characters being depicted as able bodied [EXCEPTION]
- anarchists repeating conservative talking points
- two dimensional female characters
- reader inserts
- first or second person POV [EXCEPTION]
- therapy speak
Exceptions- eye trauma - mentions of Qifrey's eye are okay, just no detail/the process of it happening
- terminal illness - silverwood shenanigans are okay
- suggestive work - nonsexual shirtlessness is more than welcome (i encourage it)
- child versions of adult characters - flashbacks etc are fine
- disabled characters being depicted as able bodied - okay if the work is pre-disability for characters who acquired disability in their narrative
- first or second person pov - first person okay in epistolary/in universe medium/similar work
Fandom Specific DNW- romantic/sexual relationships between the children [SPECIFICATION]
- permanent transformation into a silverwood tree
Specifications- romantic/sexual relationships between the children - okay only when aged up if asked for


Letter:
https://tegulai.dreamwidth.org/1935.html

Request 6 by euryydice
Critical Role: Aramán (Web Series)
Characters: Occtis Tachonis (Critical Role: Aramán)
My gift must feature one or more of my chosen character tags (giver's choice)

I am always open to treats!
Please see my letter for likes/prompts/details
General DNW- gore (including candy gore)
- eye trauma
- permanent mcd
- cannibalism
- injuries/trauma without consequence when writing
- horror
- body horror
- terminal illness
- being eaten alive
- angst without a happy ending
- tragic endings
- hurt no comfort
- magical cure of disability
- found family defaulting to nuclear family roles
- Setting Change AUs
- NSFW
- suggestive work
- child versions of adult characters [EXCEPTION]
- age regression
- infantilisation of autistic characters
- hair colour epithets that are not actual hair colour descriptors (im looking at you 'pinkette')
- kidfic
- canon physically disabled characters being depicted as able bodied [EXCEPTION]
- RPF
- anarchists repeating conservative talking points
- two dimensional female characters
- reader inserts
- first or second person POV [EXCEPTION]
- therapy speak
Exceptions- child versions of adult characters - flashbacks etc are fine
- disabled characters being depicted as able bodied - okay if the work is pre-disability for characters who acquired disability in their narrative
- first or second person pov - first person okay in epistolary/in universe medium/similar work
Fandom Specific DNW- focus on Occtis and Thaisha's relationship
- apathetic Occtis

No letter

rydra_wong: Lee Miller photo showing two women wearing metal fire masks in England during WWII. (Default)
[personal profile] rydra_wong


[Image description: my character seen from the back in a giant bird's nest perched on a ruined stone building. She is wearing a pointed crimson hat and a greyish-brown shawl over her shoulders, and holding a halberd in one hand. An option on the screen says "A: Curl up like a ball."]

(The reason you curl up like a ball is to pretend to be an egg so that a giant crow will transport you to another location. Obviously.)
senmut: Screen shot of Mikaela dirty in the end of '07 TF, Warrior Goddess in blue above and below (Transformers: Mikaela)
[personal profile] senmut
AO3 Link | New Opportunities (232 words) by Merfilly
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Bumblebee [2018], Bayverse Transformers
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Charlie Watson [Bumblebee], Mikaela Banes [Transformers 2007]
Additional Tags: First Meetings
Summary:

Charlie may run her own company, but she still believes in running her own errands.

She gets to meet someone else who is a gear-head like she is.



New Opportunities

Charlie pushed over the counter at Harry's and looked at the man on the floor. "Nap time, really?"

"Hadn't had a customer all day," the man said, pushing his hat back and slowly sitting up. "Thought you had a job."

She laughed, shaking her head. "I'm the boss and the owner, and yet. When I need parts, I come to you, my old friend."

He brought himself up, and started to say something… but the door opened and this time he heard the jingle. Both of them looked over to see and hot body with grease and overalls trying to hide the fact.

"Mikki, haven't seen you in forever!" Harry called.

"Yeah, been out of town, but got my dad's garage back and running."

"Harry, you been holding out on me? You know I like investing in gearheads like me," Charlie said to that before walking over. "Charlie Watson."

Mikki's eyes went huge. "THE Charlie Watson, dive champ and motor innovator?"

"So usually it's one or the other, so kudos to you."

"Mikaela Banes," Mikki offered. "Harry gets away with Mikki, but Mik is what most of my friends use these days."

"Well, I hope to earn that right, Mikaela," Charlie said, offering a business card. "I've got to get a few things, but give me a call?"

"I'm here for parts, and have a car on lifts, but yeah, I will."

pendulumscale: (MB icon)
[personal profile] pendulumscale posting in [community profile] fandomcalendar

Links: | Mastodon | Bsky | AO3 | [community profile] ygorarepairs 

Description: This event focuses on rare pair ships for all Yugioh series (including crossovers), open to writers, artists, and image & video editors. We use tiered rulings to determine rarity for this event based on ao3 statistics. See our FAQ for more info on rarity requirements.


For this year's mini bang, writers will draft a fic for their chosen rare pair, meeting the 4000 word minimum. Then artists will claim at least 1 fic to use as inspiration for their artPartners will collaborate and share their fanworks together during the posting period for this event. Please read our specifications page for more details about expectations for event works.


Sign up to participate with this link: https://forms.gle/1gRezet2nT4j5oEP6


Dates (see Schedule for more info):

  • Signups: Nov 1-Nov 30 (writers may start immediately)
  • Check-in #1 (writers only): Dec 21-23
  • Check-in #2 (writers with claim pitch): Jan 30-Feb 1
  • Claims: Feb 2-6
  • Claims assigned: Feb 7/8
  • Artist WIP share: Feb 20-21
  • Check-in #3 (all participants): Mar 6-7
  • Posting prep: Mar 12-14
  • Posting: Mar 15-Apr 4
Collaborative banner by whimwitch, VioVayo, Meda Princess, lucienslab, and sturionic! Thanks for your help with this ❤️.

Silksong: 100 hours

Nov. 1st, 2025 02:14 pm
schneefink: Quirrel from Hollow Knight sitting on a bench (HK Quirrel on bench)
[personal profile] schneefink
After playing Hollow Knight: Silksong for 100 hours, I'm at 99% game completion working toward the true ending and still having a great time.

Approaching endgame, spoilers )
spikedluv: (fall: caramel apples by candi)
[personal profile] spikedluv
I hit Price Chopper and the Pharmacy while I was downtown. I’m happy to say that McD’s was warmer than usual! I still wore my sweatshirt and jacket, but took off my scarf and didn’t need to wear my gloves the whole time! (Which is a surprise, because my hands usually freeze.) I hit Stewart’s on the way home.

I drove mom to her treatment, did a load of laundry, hand-washed dishes, went for a couple walks with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, and scooped kitty litter. I made shake ‘n bake chicken for supper because I didn’t want to use the grill.

I got more writing done! ~1,200 more words! Some of which got written with Dr. Pol in the background! And I also watched 9-1-1 and took a short nap. The weather called for it. Sciatica is hanging around just as an uncomfortable pain in my butt, but nothing super painful, thankfully. I just wish even this little bit of pain would go away.

Temps started out at 48.9(F) and reached 48.4. Yes, the temps went down and then didn’t even come back up to the morning low! And we had more rain, but not a lot. Just enough to make it a crappy day. Plus there was wind, which made it feel even colder. *brr*

The two families we expected (parents of the mothers have a farm on our road and their grandparents live across the road) showed up for trick or treat. Poor kids were frozen!


Mom Update:

Mom was doing okay today. more back here )
rydra_wong: Lee Miller photo showing two women wearing metal fire masks in England during WWII. (Default)
[personal profile] rydra_wong


Available on Steam and Itch.io for the low low price of free:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2240530/BABBDI/
https://lemaitre-bros.itch.io/babbdi

The description says it's a short game but I've spent over 10 hours happily wandering around in it and there's definitely more to do.

Immensely satisfying traversal and exploration of a brutalist concrete cityscape full of weird nooks and hidden places to discover, using a series of different movement tools (as well as your own ability to jump) -- including a baseball bat (hit a surface to propel yourself in the opposite direction, including hitting the ground to go UP), leaf blower, motorcycle, pickaxe (climb any vertical walls by jumping and stabbing the pickaxe in, then repeating) and propeller, all of which are enormous fun to use.

(You can only carry one tool at a time, but there are multiple iterations of them scattered around the map, and if you lose something, after a while -- possibly requiring quitting and reloading, not sure -- it'll tend to respawn where you originally found it.)

None of the platforming has required more co-ordination than I have; there are things I could undoubtedly do more easily if I was a better platformer, but finding the right tool can get me there anyway.

And if you can see somewhere, it's real and you can get there, and sometimes you'll discover things to see or collect. Maybe you'll crawl through a sewer and discover a secret underground dance party. Maybe you'll randomly run across a hidden room that looks at first glance like it's monitoring surveillance cameras but turns out on closer inspection to be running Windows on multiple microwaves. Even the invisible wall round what appears to be the edge of the map has a gap in it, and you can sneak through it to get to the ship you can see in the distance; it's not a skybox.

No fall damage, no ticking clock, no combat, no jumpscares. The vibe is ambient vaguely-dystopian melancholic creepiness, but within that people are going about their lives (the woman lying in the garden pond is not dead; she's breathing and appears to be just chilling). I'm reminded of the origins of parkour in the neglected brutalist concrete environments of social housing in France.

Weird, relaxing, delightful.

(For anyone wondering, yes I am still very much playing Dark Souls, but I can only do so in moderate amounts per day, when I have mental energy, so I mix it up with other things too.)
silveradept: Domo-kun, wearing glass and a blue suit with a white shirt and red tie, sitting at a table. (Domokun Anchor)
[personal profile] silveradept
Let's begin with the understanding that many more people are using computing and the Internet than those who have able bodies. (And they're also trying to use public infrastructure as well.) So let's talk about what people think screen readers do, and what they actually do, and re-commit yourselves to building things that are accessible from the ground up, so that everyone can use a website, a document, or enjoy a picture that you have taken or created, even if they are not a sighted user.

Furthermore, Consumer Reports offers the easiest way to turn off LLM and other supposed "intelligence" features on your computers and devices, which we offer with the additional understanding that every time you update your device, you may have to repeat these steps, as many of the companies that have poured all this money into supposed intelligence are very put out when people turn them off, and will silently turn them back on every time you update.

As the population ages, the lack of information for people going through menopause means there's people to be exploited, according to plenty of companies that intend to do the exploiting. Because, after all, there's still a prevalent assumption that a woman loses all her value once she stops being able to breed the next generation. And an equally prevalent idea that you can just slap a purple color or the word menopause on anything, including a personal massager, and roll in the dough.

A plot of land purchased by the Cards Against Humanity game owners to stymie construction of a border wall was also used to obtain a settlement against SpaceX for trespassing and using the land without permission for their operations. For their troubles, those who contributed to the land purchase will receive a pack of CAH specifically about Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX and general blight upon humanity.

Thieves made off with several pieces of jewelry held by the Louvre museum, having used a truck-mounted ladder to climb the outside and then break into both windows and high-security cases to take the jewels.

A bunch of techbros put together a SlutCon, with the nominal idea of making sure that these bros would have practice at flirting and behaving acceptably toward women in potentially sexual or romantic situations. There were women there as "flirt girls" for the attendees to practice on. There were, of course, several tiers of VIP membership to get as well, which suggests, along with the article, that this may not have been so much about learning how to flirt and to treat women as people, but instead about treating romance and sex as a min-maxing experience and giving them more tools on how to do this. Which would make it more an enabling experience instead of an enlightening one.

Proving their willingness to commit to the bit, no matter how many obvious mistakes are being made nor how much harm it causes, A cisgender boy with a mistake on his birth certificate declaring him female is being barred from participating in boys' sports, boys' gym classes, and using the boys restroom, because the way the statute and policy have been written, they only count the original birth certificate as valid, even if the certificate has been amended since, or was issued in error, and the school says that genetic testing might help make the boy eligible for boys' sports, but it wouldn't be a guarantee. (And it would also be an expensive prospect for such things.) From the way the article is written, it sounds like the school is treating the boy like he's a trans boy and that they want him to be comfortable being the girl that his birth certificate says he is. So, in Arizona, the TERFs' greatest nightmare is coming to pass - there's a biological male allowed to play sports with females, share locker room facilities, and the school is actively facilitating it. Remarkable commitment to the bit over using any kind of common-sense measure, because they're so worried that someone else might use those same common-sense measures to make sure a child is playing in the correct sport for their gender.

The concept of the border as a religious object, because of the way that borders can exist in multiple spaces and frames at once, their liminality, and their way to delineate spaces.

And now a lot of politics bits. At least you can be assured you'r3e a terrorist now. )

Last out for tonight, Gary Larsen, of The Far Side, has apparently taken up making some new things, with digital drawing tools. Including one for the recently departed Dr. Goodall, showing her as having a reserved seat at a chimpanzee club.

The argument for allowing children to go play in the streets and on the sidewalks in addition to the parks and playgrounds, because the streets are often closer to home, and because the presence of play in those places is a pushback against the idea that streets and sidewalks are only meant for those going from one place to another.

(Materials via [personal profile] adrian_turtle, [personal profile] azurelunatic, [personal profile] boxofdelights, [personal profile] cmcmck, [personal profile] conuly, [personal profile] cosmolinguist, [personal profile] elf, [personal profile] finch, [personal profile] firecat, [personal profile] jadelennox, [personal profile] jenett, [personal profile] jjhunter, [personal profile] kaberett, [personal profile] lilysea, [personal profile] oursin, [personal profile] rydra_wong, [personal profile] snowynight, [personal profile] sonia, [personal profile] the_future_modernes, [personal profile] thewayne, [personal profile] umadoshi, [personal profile] vass, the [community profile] meta_warehouse community, [community profile] little_details, and anyone else I've neglected to mention or who I suspect would rather not be on the list. If you want to know where I get the neat stuff, my reading list has most of it.)

getting his shot

Oct. 31st, 2025 08:48 pm
musesfool: Zuko & the dragon (lucky to be born)
[personal profile] musesfool
Happy Halloween! Have a recs update:

[personal profile] unfitforsociety has been updated for October 2025 with 8 recs in 5 fandoms:

* 5 Batfamily
* 1 Avatar: the Last Airbender, 1 Dungeon Crawler Carl
* 1 The Pitt/ER crossover

*

So does anyone know why the AO3 icon doesn't show up anymore when I do the "@ username . ao3" thingy here on DW? I've been noticing it for months now, but kept forgetting to ask.

*

Hallowe'en

Oct. 31st, 2025 09:43 pm
umadoshi: (autumn - carved pumpkins (wilde_hearts))
[personal profile] umadoshi
After an embarrassingly long time of sporadically reminding myself that I specifically bought a tiny low-powered laptop explicitly for use down in the living room (and used her accordingly for a while, until the spring Dayjob crunch threw me out of the still-forming habit), I've finally got Haruna up and running again. Will this help me leave fewer tabs open, or just result in them being split among more places?

Happy Hallowe'en and blessed Samhain, as applicable! It's a quiet one here. The wind and rain were wild for much of the day, but did calm down in the late afternoon, as hoped. Reports from online locals indicate that a lot of people got way fewer trick-or-treaters than usual (if any), although some spots seemed to get normal levels.

We don't really know what our neighborhood "normal" is, either in the area in general or along our condo corp's road, since for the last few years we've just been setting out the candy and refilling as needed. Some or most of it has generally vanished, but that doesn't say much about numbers vs. the likelihood that at least a few kids take it by the fistful. But tonight [personal profile] scruloose decided to actually answer the door and hand it out (in a hazmat suit, because why not?) and not a single kid came by during the window of time when they were down there. (That said, they got down there somewhat later than would probably have been ideal, and the doorbell did ring once before that point [and go unanswered, but all of our lights were off until [personal profile] scruloose was ready]. So if we try it again next year, earlier might make a bit of difference.)

I've mostly been chilling on the main level with the cats, who've been barred from the ground floor for the evening. (We had the window open during that span of time when more kids might've been on the move out there, but I heard only the occasional young voice echoing over from the main road.) After finishing up at Dayjob for the day, I put on my Hallowe'en onesie, and [personal profile] scruloose made the first hot cocoa of the season, and we finally finished listening to Fugitive Telemetry before dinner was made and [personal profile] scruloose bagged up candy. (;_;)

I hope you're all having a fun/peaceful time of it.
settiai: (Dragon Age -- offensive)
[personal profile] settiai
Falling Apart (and Being Remade) (12000 words) by Settiai, LuckyWizard
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age - All Media Types
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Carver Hawke & Male Hawke
Characters: Bethany Hawke, Carver Hawke, Female Amell (Dragon Age), Leandra Hawke, Male Hawke (Dragon Age), Original Fereldan Character(s)
Additional Tags: Ambiguous/Open Ending, Brothers, Cameos, Complicated Relationships, Darkspawn, Dragon Age Reverse Big Bang, Embedded Images, Family, Fanart, Inspired by Art, Minor Character Death, Ostagar (Dragon Age), Serious Injuries, Violence
Summary: Everything changed at Ostagar, whether the Hawke brothers realized it at the time or not.

September 2012

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