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20 Jun 12:47

Just A Minute by TeraS

by TeraS

Yesterday was, of course, Father’s Day, and that brought a thought or two. There’s one particular viewpoint that I haven’t written about, and that’s one from a perspective that’s perhaps needs …

Just A Minute
By TeraS

Occasionally in the Realm there are moments when it is possible to take some time to reflect on things–perhaps not questions about life, the universe, and everything, however. That particular subject has been considered and answered, after all … for the most part.

On this particular day, a certain red-tailed King of the Realm was working away in the garden placed just in front of the awning-covered front porch of their home, as he was want to do this time of year. It was a bit late in the season for planting, of course, but this was something for the future he mused as the shovel he was brandishing began to be applied to the soil. He stopped to consider the item on which his efforts were focused when his thoughts were derailed by a naughty voice posing, he was sure, an ‘innocent’ question: “I can think of better things you could be doing.”

Taking a moment to rest one hand against the red brick wall, he looked up to see his Eternal peering inquisitively at him and, with a smile, explained: “I’m sure that you have a list.”

Tera, with her trademark bemused smile replied: “Several, of course. Now, take a break and get your tail up here.”

One does not ignore the request of one’s Eternal, of course. Though there is nothing said that one cannot tease her as much as possible: “Tera, I have things to do.”

The ebon-maned seductress arched an eyebrow as he returned to the work at hand: “I’m sure that can wait a few minutes.”

The mound of soil was a bit taller than it was a moment before through his efforts, and his answer had its own mirth: “Are we talking real minutes or Tera minutes?”

For those unaware, one of the great mysteries in the universe is what, exactly, constituted a Tera minute. Many a scholar and researcher of the Realm could attest to how fluid that definition was, so vast and varied it was. The only thing they could agree on was that it was certainly not a mortal minute in length.

The soul who’s sense of time was a bit more ”fluid” than most gave a faux-huff: “That’s for me to know and you to find out.”

He chuckled: “You wouldn’t happen to have hatched a plan, now, would you?”

The gasp was, as always, meant to divert him, which, of course, never worked: “Moi?

Bringing his so-blue eyes to gaze upon her so-green, he considered the earnest look in those eyes followed by the slight nod behind her. She obviously was involved with something, and while that piqued his interest, this needed to be done: “I’ll be done in a few minutes.” Noting the pursing of lips, he added: “Won’t be Tera minutes, promise.”

Seemingly satisfied with the answer, his Eternal vanished into the porch and the job at hand took his focus. Removing the plant from the pot, his thoughts wandered off to the past, as they did this time of year. The smile came as he recalled something his parents had explained a long time ago: “The best time is the one you have now and the memories.”

It wasn’t long before the plant was settled in its home and the waiting began. By the time Thanksgiving came, there would be something special to share. Still, he didn’t like to leave things a mess, and so a bit more time was taken by putting things away and closing the garage door. If nothing else, he was sure that the time this had taken allowed for the plot to come to its own fruition.

Entering the porch he found waiting his two blue-tailed daughters and red-tailed Eternal at the table. A chorus of ‘Happy Fathers’ Day’ was followed by hugging and then by the sharing of bowls of strawberries among their family. The afternoon passed in its own time, which they spent together.

It was worth taking a minute, of any length, to pass the time and make new memories … together.

20 Jun 12:41

Texts From SuperheroesFacebook | Twitter | Patreon | Instagram



Texts From Superheroes

Facebook | Twitter | Patreon | Instagram

20 Jun 12:33

Bookshelf Sorting

Of course, I sort all my bookshelves the normal way, alphabetically (by first sentence).
16 Jun 00:24

The Ghost in the Stell – DORK TOWER 14.06.23

by John Kovalic

Help keep DORK TOWER going (pretty please?) – join the DORK TOWER Patreon and ENLIST IN THE ARMY OF DORKNESS TODAY! We have cookies!

Want this or any DORK TOWER strip as a signed, hight-quality print? Now available!  LOOKIE HERE!

15 Jun 12:44

Tate's dad has two advanced degrees in computer science, and he and Mako chat through numbers at dinner parties.

09 Jun 13:07

Abbott and CoSTELLA – DORK TOWER 09.06.22

by John Kovalic

DORK ADDENDA (mostly for non-US readers, this time): “TB” = “Third Base,” from the Abbott and Costello routine, “Who’s On First.”

Help keep DORK TOWER going (pretty please?) – join the DORK TOWER Patreon and ENLIST IN THE ARMY OF DORKNESS TODAY! We have cookies!

Want this or any DORK TOWER strip as a signed, hight-quality print? Now available!  LOOKIE HERE!

07 Jun 23:29

UFO Evidence

[Decades in the future] "Well, the good news is that we've received definitive communication from aliens. The bad news is that they're asking about Cats (2019)."
07 Jun 00:58

Diverted by TeraS

by TeraS

As much as it really doesn’t seem like it, I am trying to work out some of the unfinished serial stories that have appeared on the Tale and complete them. The problem, however, is that, in the midst of writing them, an idea peers in and my attention is …

Diverted
By TeraS

Summer had–almost but not quite, mind you–made itself known in the Realm. The temperature rose, the sun warmed the land, and the thoughts of many turned towards the beaches of the Lake. For some, cooling off in the deep blue waters was their delight. For others, there was something they had in mind that might bring the heat to rise a bit more. As for a particular red-tailed Queen of the Realm, it brought about the point in the seasons when she found herself with the age-old problem needing a solution.

“Tera, I am so not going to wear that!”

“Well, I think you’d look amazing.”

Now, for succubi in particular, the idea of wearing practically next to nothing while sunbathing wasn’t a problem. Tan lines, however, were, and dealing with those required consideration to be given in selecting a swimsuit. Or something close to one. Regardless of the fact that the material making up the item in question might be far less than a few small squares of fabric held together by something less than dental floss, it was what that choice led to that mattered more.

“Terrraaaaa!”

“Oh come now, Love! This would be perfect, don’t you think?”

When things became an issue was when a certain blonde angel just so happened to be within a tail’s length and Tera’s naughty nature came into play. It was delightful to tease her angel love, to whisper almost, but really not at all innocent, suggestions to Alei, and to delight in how flustered she could, and would, become.

“Here, I’ll go and put this on and you can see how this looks.”

“No! No, no, no! Don’t you dare!”

It never failed, Tera had noted, that her beautiful angel blushed deeply when she’d been teased before finding her book for angels and burying her nose in the pages to avoid whatever plans Tera had in mind for her. This, of course, only spurred on the ebon-maned seductress to tease her love further.

“Try and stop me, Love!”

“Ohhhhhh, you!”

Now, to be clear, Tera was teasing Alei, she really wasn’t trying to be necessarily … bad. However, as there was no possible way Alei could ignore the comment, or peek from behind her book as her red-tailed lover walked across the swimsuit store and behind a partition. Or for that matter ignore the red top Tera had been wearing moments before being draped over the top of the screen separating them. Followed by her jeans and then the thud which followed her reasonable, at least for Tera, heels being causally dropped on the floor nearby that slowly brought some not-quite-so-innocent thoughts to the angel, which made her golden halo turn just that little bit orange in colour.

“You are such a tease, Tera.”

“It’s so nice when you notice!”

At this point Alei knew what was coming next. She could have avoided the entire episode if she’d tried on the swimsuit. She might have been able to … if she really wanted to, that is. The little smile that appeared on her lovely pink lips was completely innocent, of course. Just because her halo had turned completely orange and some very naughty thoughts were getting in the way of studying her book, didn’t mean a thing.

“I’m still not going to wear that.”

“Oh, but I am.”

Alei really shouldn’t have been surprised. The far from practical, a bit too tall but none the less sexy, red stiletto heels should have been expected. The red bikini that hugged her curves was, of course, perfect for her. The wide brimmed beach hat was a surprise, mind you, as was the mesh wrap in black. Tera’s bemused smile was reflected, Alei was sure, by her own amused one.

“You can make anything look good.”

“True. Now it’s your turn.”

“Terrraaaaa!”

Alei knew she was doomed. Well, not exactly doomed, more knowing that Tera was going to get her way somehow and it was only a question of how far she would allow her love to take things this time. It wouldn’t be that awful to give in, would it? It wasn’t like something exactly bad would happen.

“Trust me, Love.”

Tera must have had this planned before, Alei mused while looking into the mirror soon after. The seductress could have picked out something as daring as her own look, certainly. Something that would be, perhaps, more than what the angel could have allowed. Still, she couldn’t really fault the one-piece swimsuit of a particular blue or the matching wedge heels. Nor was the sheer blue wrap all that naughty either. As Tera brushed her angel love’s hair into place with a critical eye, Alei smiled and drew close, her halo gaining flames as she drew her love into her arms. Blue eyes gazed into so-green ones, lovely pink lips came close to lush lips of red as fingers entwined.

“Happy, Love?”

“I’m always happy when you see how beautiful you are.”

07 Jun 00:41

Always Open by TeraS

by TeraS

Something of a different sort of story this time on the Tale. But then it’s really a question of one being …

Always Open
By TeraS

The Library of the Realm is connected through time and space, and other more meaningful ways, to other libraries. There are doors to be found elsewhere that, when considered by one who has a key to open them, provide a pathway to the Realm and those who dwell there.

However, there is one particular door within the Library which resides in a certain ebon-maned Queen of the Realm’s office there. The door is never locked, the passageway is ever welcoming for the one who resides on the other side. There is no key, as such, needed, for there are only two souls that can turn the so-very-old bronze knob which allows for access.

On this particular early morning, if someone was looking into
that office from elsewhere, the door would be found to have opened for a short time. From the one side could be seen a rather cluttered office while, looking in the other direction, a similarly busy office would be seen. Neither is without some sort of organization, certainly either soul would know where to find what they sought as well may be. Following the closure of the portal, an observer would have found an ebon-maned woman with so-green eyes departing the office and soon finding her way to the exit and the world beyond.

It was a short walk to her destination, the milling about of souls gave clear direction. The hall was filled with souls who had found their paths, achieved their accomplishments. This day’s purpose was to mark the milestone and proclaim that to all. Not wanting to be a distraction to the events soon to follow, she’d hidden away her horns and tail, the red of her dress was a bit muted both in colour and style, if such a thing was possible for her. This wasn’t about her, after all, but she wanted to be here. Noting the lower level was filled to capacity, she soon found herself on the upper level to watch the proceedings.

She watched from the alcove before the balcony, just out of sight, hidden by the shadows, the only real evidence of her being her so-green eyes as she regarded the events as they unfolded. The celebrations of those being honoured brought applause, cheering and celebrations as the event continued. She didn’t mind her position to be part of the gathering, if slightly aside from it. Those that stepped up to accept the markers of accomplishment received due applause from her as well. She followed along with the ceremony, waiting for the moment that had brought her to this place at this time.

She watched him ascend the steps, to accept the recognition of his accomplishment. Her memories fell back to the path which had taken him here: all that had been and what might come next. Wanting a better view, she moved from the alcove to the balcony proper, saw the parchment placed into his hands, the moment captured both in her mind and in other ways. He paused and looked about the space, seeing his Eternal there to share the moment with him.

Her smile was bemused as she watched him leave the stage, being sure that she’d not been seen. This was his moment after all, she didn’t want to intrude. Being there was enough for the woman with so-green eyes.

Soon enough the event came to a close, the semblance of order being overwhelmed by the celebrations. Brushing her wild mane back into place she turned away to make her way back to the Realm. Walking into the library, she was paying little attention to those around her, she was thinking about visiting by the fence with him, to reflect, to remind him of what wonders he had achieved. As she passed through the door between worlds, she remembered something he’d once said about faith and understanding. He was quite right, of course.

We should be always open to believing in ourselves.

04 Jun 00:57

Redbubble 20% off sale!

by JENKS

Hi all,

in case you’re interested, there’s currently 20% off EVERYTHING on Redbubble, the site I use to print my merch, until June 5th!

I have two shops:

Greek Myth Comix: redbubble.com/people/GreekMythComix/shop for my comix and illustrations from the site and videos

Classics Nerds: redbubble.com/people/ClassicsNerds/shop for more illustrative images, especially busts and columns! Great for school classroom or study posters!

Have a look at these collections to see if there’s anything you fancy!

NEW: Iliad collection – a new set of Heroes and Women of the Iliad as tees and posters, as well as some chicken favourites! https://www.redbubble.com/people/greekmythcomix/shop?artistUserName=GreekMythComix&collections=3543516&iaCode=all-departments&sortOrder=relevant

NEW: Pearl of Myth collection – more illustrative, pretty undersea designs befitting of MerMay, as well as the original video/comic: https://www.redbubble.com/people/greekmythcomix/shop?artistUserName=GreekMythComix&collections=3535003&iaCode=all-departments&sortOrder=relevant

Bestsellers collection: https://www.redbubble.com/people/greekmythcomix/shop?artistUserName=GreekMythComix&collections=2977903&iaCode=all-departments&sortOrder=relevant

Designs that work great as Stickers: https://www.redbubble.com/people/greekmythcomix/shop?artistUserName=GreekMythComix&collections=1860117&iaCode=all-departments&sortOrder=relevant

Thanks so much for looking! Everything you purchase goes towards keeping the main site free from ads 🙂

Jenks.

02 Jun 19:30

Book ‘Em (Again) – DORK TOWER 02.06.23

by John Kovalic


Help keep DORK TOWER going (pretty please?) – join the DORK TOWER Patreon and ENLIST IN THE ARMY OF DORKNESS TODAY! We have cookies!

Want this or any DORK TOWER strip as a signed, hight-quality print? Now available!  LOOKIE HERE!

25 May 20:38

Define fun again?

by Jessica Hagy

The post Define fun again? appeared first on Indexed.

25 May 00:44

Watch Carefully – DORK TOWER 24.05.23

by John Kovalic

Help keep DORK TOWER going (pretty please?) – join the DORK TOWER Patreon and ENLIST IN THE ARMY OF DORKNESS TODAY! We have cookies!

Want this or any DORK TOWER strip as a signed, hight-quality print? Now available!  LOOKIE HERE!

19 May 12:33

By the Book/Buy the Book – DORK TOWER 19.05.23

by John Kovalic

Help keep DORK TOWER going (pretty please?) – join the DORK TOWER Patreon and ENLIST IN THE ARMY OF DORKNESS TODAY! We have cookies!

Want this or any DORK TOWER strip as a signed, hight-quality print? Now available!  LOOKIE HERE!

11 May 11:03

Texts From SuperheroesFacebook | Twitter | Patreon | Instagram



Texts From Superheroes

Facebook | Twitter | Patreon | Instagram

10 May 23:36

Taxiing

I don't understand why anyone would pay full price for a flatbed truck rental when you can buy 'DETOUR' signs online for like $10.
07 May 22:34

The Morrigán

Name: The Morrigan (Great Queen, Phantom Queen,) Mor Rioghain, Morgain, Mórrígu, mór rígain, Morgan La Fay, The Bean-Nighe or The Washer At The Ford, The Wife of the Green Man, the Wyrd Sisters.

Symbols: Raven or Crow, spear.

Goddess of: Battle, prophecy, fertility, and sovereignty

Usual Image: A shapeshifter, she appears in many forms, a beautiful maiden, a mature woman, an ancient hag, a crow, a bear, and others.


Relatives: Ernmas (mother) Cailitin, a Druid or Delbaeth or Dagda (father) Anu, Badb, Macha or Badb the Crow, Nemain the Venomous, Fea the Hateful. (Sisters or other aspects of her or goddesses she presided over.) Eriu, Fotla, and Banba (other sisters and goddesses of the land, not other aspects of her) Mechi (Son, father unknown) had three hearts, which were three serpents. The serpents, it was foretold, would destroy Ireland, so MacCecht killed him and burnt the hearts, throwing the ash into the river Berba; even then, the ash of his hearts boiled the waters of the river away and killed all the fish in the river.

Holy Books: Book of Leinster, Book of Fermoy

Synodeities: Kali (Hinduism,) Cathbodva (Gaul.)

(The Watcher of the Ford, illustration from Cuchulain, The Hound of Ulster, by Eleanor Hull 1904)

Details: Once you look into the myths about the Irish goddess Morrigan you begin to understand why the Celts developed the Celtic knot!

At her most basic, Morrigan was a goddess of battle, who did not take part in the battle itself, but instead stirred up strife, then flew over the battle in the form of a crow who picked who would die by casting confusion on them, afterward feasting on their remains.

Not your warm and affectionate sort of goddess, yet she was also a goddess of fertility and sovereignty, without whom the king would be powerless.

Going deeper into Morrigan (or The Morrigan as this may have at some time been a title) we find that she is also a triple goddess, who, along with either her sisters Badb and Macha or, in some accounts, Nemain the Venomous and Fea the Hateful, play a shifting role in scores of myths and legends.

What brings this goddess back in so many forms and guises, and age after age, returns in another form, even if this means mixing aspects that are both grand and horrific?

An answer might be found in the theory put forth by Ralph Abraham, mathematician, historian & Chaos theorist, in the book Chaos, Gaia, & Eros (1994, Harper Collins.)

To oversimplify it for this page, his theory is that three main forces have driven human consciousness through the ages, which he calls.

Gaia: The physical existence and living spirit of the created world.

Eros: The spiritual medium connecting Chaos & Gaia, the creative impulse and

Chaos: The creative void, the source of all forms.


From the Paleolithic to the present, these three forces moved us forward, with at times one or more of them being suppressed only to resurface again and again.

Whoever the original goddess was who returned as the Morrigan, she was most likely first worshipped in a very different form sometime between 10,000 & 4,000 B.C.E. During what he called the Gaia span (agriculture/partnership.)

With the coming of the Eros span, 4,000 B.C.E. to +/- 1962 A.D. (the wheel, patriarchy & science), she was re-imagined by a new way of thinking that often feared Chaos and almost always had, as part of its dominant mythos, the conquest of Chaos by a hero or god representing Order.


In this way, Morrigan changed from life-giver to carrion eater, and yet the three forces she is a part of continue to bring her back in multi-triad forms.

So that as the Eros span grew, she was not undone or put away but continued to shapeshift.

Changing from setting as a raven on the shoulder of dead Cú Chulainn to reappearing as Morgain La Fey in the tales of King Author, or as the wife of the Green Man and tempting Sir Gawain, to stirring the cauldron for Macbeth as the Wyrd sisters, and later as part of the Celtic Fairy faith, becoming the Bean-Nighe who is seen washing the bloody clothing of those who are about to die.

The thing is, in this theory, the Eros span has now begun to be overtaken by the now-developing Chaos span (Neo-Pagan, Post Modern, Chaos Theory, and meta-modern), which offers the hope of the end of the suppression of these three forces so they can be understood with positive effect.

No doubt the form that Morrigan takes in this era, if his theory is correct, will be most interesting indeed!

06 May 00:54

Commemorative Plaque

[Below] On this site on May 12th, 2023, I finally learned how to use the masonry bit for my drill.
03 May 15:23

gulliver-arkham: Not really a question to a...

gulliver-arkham:

Not really a question to ask an adult, but get in touch with your inner 5-year-old and play along. What Is Your Favorite Color? (and I’m including some that are kind of sort of not colors but… but still.)

Black

Red / Pink / Scarlet

Orange / Peach / Coral

Yellow / Beige

Green

Teal / Bluish Green / Cyan

Blue / Indigo

Violet / Purple / Magenta

White / Silver

Brown / Umber / Maroon

See Results
02 May 11:04

NAME: Rabbit or Hare, when the mystic or divine...

NAME: Rabbit or Hare, when the mystic or divine aspect of an animal is the subject that animal’s name is used, only it is capitalized, so there are rabbits and hares, and there is Rabbit and Hare, depending on the word used in the culture in question.

Some hare or rabbit gods & goddesses are

- Hittavainen the Finnish god of Hares,

- Kaltes, the Siberian goddess of the moon who often took the form of a hare,

- Jade Rabbit, who pounds out medicine on the moon for the Chinese the moon goddess Chang'e

- Ometotchtli (Two Rabbits,) Aztec god of fertility, parties & drunkeness who led 400 other Rabbit gods known as the Centzon Totochtin,

- Kalulu, (Central African) Trickster god.

- Nanabozho (Great Rabbit,) an Ojibwe deity who took part in the creation of the world.

We might also add Frith, the god of the rabbits, in the novel Watership Down.

(Note how many double sounds we have in the Hare & Rabbit god/desses above)

SYMBOLS: Depends on the culture; some are such things as colored eggs, several different glyphs and icons, and the “lucky” rabbit’s foot, which, if done right, should only come from a rabbit caught and killed in a graveyard on the night of the Full Moon on a Friday (New Moon according to some, and some say it has to be raining!) and only the left hind foot is to be taken.

One very prominent one that stretches from China, through the Middle East, to Europe is the three hares or the three rabbits in China.

The image is so old that its exact meaning is lost and consists of a circular motif that features three hares or rabbits, either chasing each other or running around in a circle. Each of the ears is shared by two animals so that only three ears are shown, forming a triangle.

While common. Its origin and meaning are uncertain; it is also unknown if this image spontaneously sprang up in the places where it appearers or moved from the East to the West or West to the East.

However, the earliest occurrences seem to have occurred in cave temples in China, dating to the sixth to seventh centuries. One of the latest ones is a coin from Iran dated around 1300.

In England, the three racing hares are almost always found next to the Green Man, a symbol known for its links to paganism.

Whatever the case, whether they are rabbits or hares, for critters running around in a circle, they have been able to travel a very long way!

USUAL IMAGE: Depends on the culture, but pretty much all of them focus on the long ears. Though the Aztecs also give Rabbit fangs!

HOLY DAYS:

- First Sunday following the first ecclesiastical full moon that occurs on or after the day of the vernal equinox; this particular ecclesiastical full moon is the 14th day of a tabular lunation (new moon), and the vernal equinox is fixed as March 21.

- July 4th, date in 1862 on which the story “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” arose with the appearance of the White Rabbit as told by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, during a boat trip on the river Isis (the local name for the stretch of the Thames that flows through Oxford) from Oxford to Godstow with his friend Robinson Duckworth, and the sisters Alice, Lorina and Edith Liddell

- July 27, Bugs Bunny’s Birthday

- The first day of each month; see below.

FORM OF WORSHIP: Originally Welsh, the custom has spread and varies from place to place; the essential folk tradition is the saying of either Rabbit or Rabbits, or White Rabbits once or three times on the first day of the month; variations are saying Bunny, or Black Rabbit the last day of the month before going to bed, and White Rabbit on waking up on the first.

This is supposed to bring good luck; however, if you say Rabbit a second time that first day or hear someone else say it before you, it brings bad luck.

This peculiar folk belief, in its many other permutations in the method to be performed, survives to this day.

GODS & GODDESSES ASSOCIATED WITH RABBITS OR HARES: Eostre or Ostara (Anglo-Saxon) / Chang, ‘e (Chinese) / Ixchel (Mayan) / Hecate (Greek) / Okuninushi (Japan) / Venus (Roman) / Freyja, who had hare attendants (Norse) / Cerridwen (Celtic) / Andraste (Britain) / Holda, who had a whole troop of hares that carried torches for her. (Teutonic.) / Orion, whose hounds chase the constellation Lepus / Windmaker (Sioux) / The Buddha, who, as he was dying, called for all of the animal kingdoms, one the 12 that showed up was Rabbit, earning Rabbit a place in the Chinese Zodiac.

RABBITS & HARES FROM FOLK & POP CULTURE WHO HAVE FOUND A PLACE IN THE PUBLIC’S MIND:

Brer Rabbit in the Uncle Remus stories by Joel Chandler Harris were all based not on African but Cherokee tales of Rabbit.

Bunnicula carrot-sucking vampire bunny (Deborah & James Howe)

Peter Cottontail (Thornton Burgess)

Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, the Flopsy Bunnies, the Fierce Bad Rabbit, and others (Beatrix Potter)

St. Peter Cottontail, the first and true pope (South Park)

Rabbit, one of Winnie the Pooh’s posse (A. A. Milne)

Uncle Wiggily’s subject of stories and an old board game (Howard R. Garis)

The Velveteen Rabbit

Hazel-rah, Fiver, Bigwig, Blackberry, Dandelion, Pipkin, Silver, Speedwell, Hawkbit, Buckthorn, Acorn, and all the rest from Watership Down and El-Ahrairah & the Black Rabbit of Inie (Richard Adams)

The White Rabbit & the March Hare (Lewis Carroll)

One unlucky bunny in Of Mice and Men

Bugs Bunny, the American Trickster god

Frank, the 7-foot-tall apocalyptic rabbit in Donnie Darko

Harvey (actually a pooka) in Harvey

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s main hero before Mickey Mouse

The Rabbit of Caerbannog from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Roger Rabbit, originally a cynical disillusioned Toon actor (a separate species from humans) who committed suicide in the 1983 novel, Who Framed Roger Rabbit by Gary K. Wolf (no spoiler warning needed, this all happens in the first chapter!). Turned into the very type of stereotypical cartoon rabbit that the Roger of the novel despised in a much more famous film set in 1947 that was totally unlike the novel.

Thumper, Disney’s Bambi

Bunny Rabbit, Mister Moose’s pal from Captain Kangaroo

Crusader Rabbit is the favorite cartoon of Elvis.

The Duracell Bunny Energizer Bunny

Mr. Herriman from Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends

The Trix rabbit

Binky Binkenstein from Life in Hell

Bun Rab in Pogo

Captain Carrot, leader of the “funny-animal” superhero group the Zoo Crew

Cutey Bunny from Army Surplus Komikz

Hoppy the Marvel Bunny, a member of the Marvel Family

Max from Sam & Max, “ground level” black and white comic book.

Snowball from The Secret Life of Pets.

Officer Judy Hopps from Zootopia

Alice and Thistle from Alice’s Farm: A Rabbit’s Tale by Maryrose Wood

And many, many others.


DETAILS: Most animals are regarded as sacred or manifestations of the divine to some degree or other in the past among some people.

It’s easy to figure out the bear or horse for its ferocity or strength, the dog because of its loyalty, the cat because of its mysterious nature, eagles, hawks, and other birds for flight, and even the lowly spider because of its ability to spin webs.

Therefore it stands to reason that rabbits and hares would show up somewhere on the sacred radar screen as well.

The question, I think, is why have these creatures, who are one of the few to serve as pets, pests, and food simultaneously, gained such a prominent place in world myth, legend, and religion while other animals we are closer to show up less, or have less esteem?

Why have they found a place beside so many gods and goddesses that a dog, cat, or horse would more logically fill?


Is it their fertility? Their seeming ability to survive in a world where almost everything else seems to want to eat them? Their speed? Their agility? Perhaps it’s that they remind us of ourselves.

Small creatures in a larger hostile world with no allies and the companion of nothing, yet able to survive and multiply.

It’s a thought, and if that is the case, it seems that our ancestors might have been on the money; a recent study has shown that rabbits and hares are not as closely related to rodents as was thought but are, in fact, closer to primates.

Perhaps it’s just those ears.

02 May 00:45

The Harlita Hat Trick by Justin Bedard

by TeraS

Last Friday was, in theory, my birthday and along with that comes the wonder of my family. A story today with scheming, fun and… poutine. But then dear Justin knows me so very, very well…

The Harlita Hat Trick
By Justin Bedard

The Quest for the Ultimate Poutine

“Whatcha doin’?”

“Makin’ poutine.”

I giggled and smooched Tina’s precious little nose when she screwed her face up in disgust. It was just the thing I needed after ten minutes in the kitchen with nothing to show for it. Would be a great shame on me as the chef of the family, but I’ll bet you fifty bucks even Gordon Ramsey wouldn’t toss me out if he knew what some nut had just ordered.

Fries? Sweet. Love ‘em, especially when they’re all crispy. Gravy? I mean…you can put it on mashed potatoes, and fries are basically sliced potatoes cooked in oil, so it makes sense. Doesn’t make it good. Cheese curds? Your culinary experiment is officially a Frankenstein monster, and honey? I’m Monica effin’ Harlita. If there’s one thing I’ve got a knack for, it’s experimenting in life and love. I make it my goal to bed and befriend any and all genders and orientations. I aspire to new reaches of pleasure that sometimes border on S&M! I seek to purge all false purity from religious establishments across the globe!!!

…but I draw the line at poutine. The only thing worse in my mind was haggis, and that’s a pretty low bar, babe. Like, you can’t even limbo under that.

“Okay, but why, though?” Tina asked. “Like…I thought we were all in agreement that poutine is friggin’ gross.”

“I’m not saying it isn’t, hon,” I answered. “…I mean, it’s just the curds that really ruin the whole thing, right?”

“Curds? More like turds. Hashtag middle school humour. Still haven’t told me why. Are there any panfingers left?”

“Fresh plate by the stove. C’mon, don’t ya know me at all?”

Her favourite breakfast treat that wasn’t Pop Tarts, even though they were more or less just pancake sticks. Happened the first time I tried to make pancakes and ended up making them too small. Super crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside. The perfect finger food to start your day, as it turns out, and they kept Tina company for a solid thirty seconds before she zeroed back in on me. Guess the cat wanted out of the bag.

“Well,” I started. “It’s Auntie Tera’s birthday soon…”

“So you’ve chosen spanks, dear sister,” she cut in without batting an eye.

“Mmm-hmmm…”

“And I didn’t see the incoming reversal. I have officially learned nothing.”

Don’t play the naughty game with me, ladies and germs, ‘cause I can play it better. But she was right on the money. She may have laid her roots in Canada and loved everything about it, but offering her the Great White North’s “signature dish”? That’s how you earn our fair Queen’s wrath, babe. And as tempting as that sounded, I wouldn’t be giving it a second thought if someone hadn’t triple dog dared me and every other succubus from here to the Realm to whip up our own batches.

“…so he wants to get shot with the Linen-nator, is that it?” Tina asked when I showed her the offending text.

Still haven’t forgiven her and Lance for making that thing without me.

“Well, it’s a triple dog dare,” I said. “That means I gotta do it, like it or not…not like I’d back down from a challenge, anyway.”

“I smell shenanigans!” Tina said with an adorable grin. “We gonna get the drop on ‘em? Please say we’re gettin’ the drop on ‘em.”

“Lil’ sis? We’re gettin’ the drop on ‘em.”

Cue the diabolical laughter with a little bit of sexy! …and learn it’s not nearly as fun when it’s just one person listening in on you.

…and you have no idea what you’re laughing about.

“Get the drop on them…how, exactly?” I asked.

“Swap it out with good stuff?” Tina said all smug. “French class extraordinaire comin’ through. Poutine is derived from the word pouding, which is a slang term meaning a bunch of random crap. It just so happened that the original random crap was two things that can go together along with one that oughta be flushed down the toilet.”

“You are just the cutest thing ever sometimes,” I gushed.

“Sometimes? Honey, I’m Nuwa’s gift to the succubus race! …is what I’d say if I was a total jerk.”

Or me…huh. Not my favourite way of finding out I’m a bad influence.

“Authentic Canadian cuisine,” I said to myself once or twice. “So what sort of doodads were we thinking?”

“I dunno…like, maybe lobster instead of cheese curds?”

Hey, I feel you judging her back there! It’s Nova Scotia, baby! We got lobster for just about everything! You sprinkle some crusty claw boys in your meal and we’ll be runnin’ red lights to get to you!

Yummy as that sounded, though, the gears in my head were already pointing me toward something sweet. I figured there’d be more than enough of the girls playing the whole thing straight, so there was no doubt in my mind Auntie Tera would be in dire need of a palate cleanse after, say…five seconds?

“Well, we can just break it down to three basic ingredients, right?” Tina said when I mused aloud for a bit. “Just think about what would be a good substitute for each of them. Like, what could you switch the fries out…with…”

I guess I’d looked at her plate of panfingers a little longer than I should’ve. They really were perfect. They tasted great, they were the same shape and consistency as the fries we wanted to swap out, they were invented by yours truly which is totally the most important factoid of the bunch. Plus it also gave us a replacement for the gravy ‘cause…c’mon, ya’ll. Pancakes and syrup? That’s proper Canadian right there.

Of course, you don’t deny a Canadian girl her pancakes and syrup, and now that one girl in particular knew what I was thinking, I was getting the biggest death glare ever as she circled her arms around the plate like a shield. My baby sister. Sharp as a tack, cute as a button, but still finding the time to get a little bratty.

“Hey, Tina?” I said all soft as I reached over and nearly got my nails snapped off.

“Nope. My panfingers.”

“Right, but who makes ‘em for ya?”

“Jesus.”

Reason? On Tina Harlita? Was I born yesterday?

“I’ll make you a fresh batch when we’re done.”

“Or you can make ‘em now and leave my panfingers alone.”

Okay, so promising doesn’t work. Threats?

“Girl, don’t make me tickle you.”

“I’ll scream. And then I’ll puke. And then you’ll have to make me more panfingers.”

And suddenly poutine done quick and easy (and good) got a helluva lot harder. Just as good a time as any to bust out the puppy dog pout. My last resort: pleading.

“Pleeeeeease.”

She got in real close without blinking or so much as cracking a smile, and…

“My. Pan. Fingerrrrrsssssssssssss…”

Well, when all else failed…

“Urrrrrrrgh…”

“Urrrrrrrrrrrrrgh.”

“Urrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!”

“Urrr NOT THE TAIL! NOT THE TAIL!!!”

It’s the golden rule, lovelies. You never touch a succubus’s tail, lest you

  1. Get ravished from the shock of pleasure you just gave her.

OR

  1. Get stuck on her shit list when she comes down from the seizure.

I, in particular, sit pretty in Camp A. You get me going and we’re gonna have a lotta fun together, don’t you worry. Tina? First time I did it, I really thought I’d gone and killed her and she’s never let me hear the end of it. But you know how sisters operate. We always know which tails to yank on.

Including Sandra, apparently. The queen of all ice queens that just so happened to be our big sister.

“Thought I smelled two goofs,” she said in that dry voice that always irked me, even if she was smiling. “Can you keep it down? I just got done my workout.”

And boy howdy, did she smell like it.

“Don’t bully the baby!” Tina whined and pulled her tail free. “Did you seriously come all the way across the house just for that?!”

“Been here the whole time, actually.”

Figures. We always had to watch our shadows and make sure they were really ours. Honestly, I was surprised Sandra was even at home at all. She was one of those girls that kept finding reasons to spend time away from her family. One of the perks of being Tenebra’s most popular/powerful agent, I guess.

Yeah, I don’t have a very high opinion of her. I used to, but time does even us sexy immortals dirty.

“Making your own poutine?” she asked. “Are all of you actually getting into that?”

“Putting our own special twist on it,” I said. “Making it a little sweeter.”

“Yeah, with my freakin’ panfingers…” Tina grumbled.

I almost snickered at my littleun’s over-the-top moping, but I caught my biggun’s apathy first. She looked at everything spread out in the kitchen, looked at us, looked at the door like she couldn’t wait to leave her two loser sisters in the dust. Leave it to the bodacious bombshell that is my good self to lighten things up.

“Don’t tell us you actually like it how it is,” I asked.

“Hell no,” Sandra snarked back. “All that fat and cholesterol? You know what that stuff does to your body?”

“You’re grossed out by the cheese curds, too, aren’t ya?”

“Keep that up and I’ll be yanking your tail next.”

“Oh, honey, do it and see if I don’t pin you down.”

“You? Pin me down?”

Tina slid the panfingers into my hands and gave me all the reason I needed to cap the spat there. And so I slipped into Sexy Chef mode. I tied my hair into a ponytail and slung it over my shoulder with one hand, then started the stove up with the other. Tina scurried around behind me and scooped up everything I needed. Mixing bowl, whisk, fancy plate to sculpt the prototype. My hands arranged the goods and my tail stirred, and just like magic, our kitchen exploded with all the sweet smells that’ll make you wanna kiss the cook.

…that’s not a joke. Gimme kiss!

I think I’d gotten halfway through pouring the batter into the pan before I noticed Sandra was still there. Not gawking at us this time, just watching us work. Biting her lips and flipping her sweaty hair out of her eyes every little while, and though I certainly welcome stares depending on who’s giving them, she still had that same intensity that made my skin crawl a bit. It was like she was waiting for permission to leave.

Then she finally spoke.

“Can I help?”

Otherwise known as How to Make the Whole Room Stop in Two Seconds.

“Well,” she said when I apparently looked a little wigged out. “I haven’t really talked to Tera in a long time and…y’know, this might make it a little less awkward?”

Why, my lovelies around the world, I think we’re seeing history in the making. Here stood my big sister, Sandra Harlita, getting mushy? Not since the birth of our fair Tina have I born witness to such splendour! Break out the champagne and caviar!

“This is a good look for you, Sis,” I said with the warmest smile I had, then giggled when I got the most cynical of eye rolls in return. “Relax, I’m just teasing you. Towel yourself off and give us a hand.”

Then she smiled back. An honest to gods genuine smile, and I think my heart melted a little. Moreso when her first act as my deputy chef was hoisting Tina up onto her shoulders to help get the syrup…oh, excuse me. She hoisted Tina up on her one bicep to help get the syrup. So she was a sweetheart and a show-off? Darlings here and everywhere, I think the three of us were starting to look like a family.

“Sure she wouldn’t prefer Reddi-Whip?” Sandra asked.

“Hey, no backseat baking,” I joked.

“I’m just sayin’.”

And so we finished the batches in record time. Fluffy panfingers, crispy panfingers. Thin syrup, thick syrup. Chocolate chips, blueberries, all the good stuff. Us three should’ve been standing in a kiddie pool, that’s how mouth-wateringly sweet we’d made our home.

“We’re so gonna got diabetes,” Sandra said.

“And it’ll be totally worth it!” Tina cheered.

My thoughts exactly, but we weren’t quite done yet.

“Oookay, and now for the dreaded cheese curds…” I said. “How shall we replace such an atrocity, my fair sisters?”

I was expecting an epic brainstorming session where the three of us arrived at the same conclusion at the exact same time, permanently cementing us as the three best nieces that any auntie could have. But y’know…Sandra pulling a box of Timbits out and plopping it in front of us works just fine.

“Sooooo what was that about fat and cholesterol again?” I asked.

“What, I can’t like Tim’s?”

Chocolate glazed, honey dipped, sour cream, the works. We chopped ‘em up, sprinkled ‘em on, looked back and admired our handiwork, then took one bowl and dug in. And then…

Fade to black! We flash forward to our Queen’s big day! Cut to Palace Dining Room as her Majesty sits giving everyone before her the bemused smirk she’s known across the universe for! Her subjects thus far have abided by the challenge, deliberately so to incur her “wrath”! Indeed, the Queen herself has her dominant arm resting on the softest of pillows, poised to lovingly strike at her Dearest Brother the moment he comes within range of her lovely emerald eyes!

At last cut to these sexy bitches (and their adorable kid sister) magically appearing before her with their magnum opus in tow! AND SO WE HAVE WON THE DAAAAAAAY!!!

Aaaaaand breathe. Takes a lot of energy to be this goofy.

“Your Majesty!” I hollered. “On this glorious day of your birth, we bestow upon you our finest of creations!!!”

“Or, as we like to call it, the Harlita Hat Trick!” Tina beamed.

“Go, team…” Sandra mumbled. “…yeah!”

Bad news: the pillow stayed where it was. Good news: Auntie Tera instead smothered us with one of her goddess-like huggles (a snuggle and a hug rolled into one, for those just joining the class). Tina gave one right back, I settled into it, and Sandra…well, she wasn’t that into it, but she had a cute smile going so I reckon she was all good.

“Sorry we’re late,” I said. “Just wanted to make sure we had it perfect.”

“It’s already perfect,” Auntie Tera cooed in my ear. “All my dear ones are here.”

Tina gave me a hug from up on my shoulders and Sandra gave me a sly wink, and then Auntie Tera sat back down to take the first bite. Collective breath held, fingers and tails crossed. The moment of truth. Team Harlita’s offense taking up position. From Sandra to Tina, from Tina to Monica! She shoots…

…SCORES!!!

30 Apr 16:04

10 Public Lands with Powerful Native American C...

29 Apr 12:45

Ga-Oh, or Gaoh. Master of the Winds.

SYMBOLS: The Western sky, a lodge with four doors, the four animals that are leashed to the doors of his lodge, a bear, panther, moose & fawn.

USUAL IMAGE: A giant Iroquois warrior.

HOLY DAYS: No feast day of his own.

FORM OF WORSHIP: Not so much worshipped as understood as a higher power in charge of an elemental force of nature that sometimes brought good things and sometimes brought terrible things, but had to be respected no matter what.

SYNODEITIES: Ehecatl (Aztec), Fei Lian (China), Futen (Japan), Michabo (Algonquian), Njord (Iceland, Nordic), Stribog (Slavic), Vayu (Iranian), Zephyrus the West Wind (Greek) along with his brothers Boreas the North Wind, Notus the South Wind, Apheliotes the East Wind.

DETAILS: Gaoh was the Iroquois people’s Master of the Winds. He was said to be a giant who kept his lodge of four doors in the Western sky. He was so powerful that there was nowhere he could not move.

So great was his power he was in danger of tearing the world apart. To keep this from happening, he sat in the middle of his lodge and sent out a call that was heard over the whole land. Soon, he heard four animals coming in to answer his call.

The first to arrive was Bear, who was outside his North door. At the same time, a fierce storm with thick snow and freezing wind raged around Gaoh’s lodge. Because of his strength, Gaoh set Bear a place at his North door and put him in charge of the Northern winds.

Next came Panther, who showed up at his Western door bringing with him whirlwinds, tempests, and shrieking and moaning winds; because of this, Gaoh placed a leash around his neck and made a place for him by his Western door giving Panther charge of Winds of the West that could tear down forests.

After Panther was put by the West door, the sky turned gray, and he started to sob; opening his Eastern door, Gaoh saw that Moose was there; because of this, he lashed him by that door and gave him charge of the cold, wet winds and gray mists of the East.

Knowing that things were not yet finished, Gaoh threw open his Southern door, which brought to him a gentle breeze that carried with it the scent of a thousand flowers, and the songs of a thousand birds; outside the Southern door was a shy fawn whom Gaoh invited into his lodge and put in charge of the Summer winds so that after that whenever a pleasant breeze was felt in the Summer, it was said that the fawn was returning home to its mother.

Ga-oh was a god of the Iroquois people, one of the oldest democratic governments on Earth, and the tribe that had the most critical impact on the United States.

A confederation of five nations, with a sixth non-voting tribe, the Tuscarora, added in 1722, the Iroquois, which was not what they called themselves; that name is a combination of what the Algonquins called them “rattlesnakes” with the French suffix “ois.” They called themselves The People of the Long House or Haudenosaunee.

The Nation was made up of the Cayuga “those of the great pipe” Mohawk “people of the Flint,” Oneida “people of the standing stone,” Onondaga “people of the hill,” Seneca “keepers of the Western door,” & Tuscarora “shirt wearing people.” At its most significant, it stretched from Niagara Falls and Upper New York to the junction of the Ohio & Mississippi rivers.

A matrilineal society, the Iroquois and not the Greeks supplied the main inspiration that would eventually become the American Republic.

They were also Notable for some fascinating mythic creatures, such as the Giant Flying Heads, whom one had to be very careful of on stormy nights, and Onatah, a goddess very similar to Persephone.

28 Apr 11:02

Book ‘Em, Danno – DORK TOWER 28.04.23

by John Kovalic

Help keep DORK TOWER going – join our Patreon and ENLIST IN THE ARMY OF DORKNESS TODAY! We have cookies!

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25 Apr 20:46

Ayauhteotl

Ayauhteotl roughly translates as the Mysterious Goddess of Nature who controls the mist.

IMAGE: See symbols, otherwise unknown.

SYMBOLS: Mist, Crepuscular rays, smoke.

AREAS OF CONTROL: Ayauhteotl was the being, force, or Goddess who both was and controlled mist, smoke, and, most notably, Crepuscular rays, the dark and light beams that appear under the proper condition at sunset; she was also the Goddess of fame & glory.

HOLY BOOKS: Books of Black & Red (Metaphor for knowledge among the Aztecs, this is also what their painted books are referred to as.) Duran, Diego’s “Book of the Gods and Rites and the Ancient Calendar ”

SACRIFICES: Of course, the Aztec people were famous for using human sacrifices to appease some deities. Were such used for Ayauhteotl? I don’t know; however, it seems that some sacrifice was demanded by all Gods & Goddesses, though it could be as simple as tossing a bit of cornflower into the fire before baking. I will not speculate on what a Goddess of fame, glory, and mist would demand.

RELATIVES: Toci (grandmother), Teteo Inan (mother), Tlazoteotl Ixcuina, Goddess of Vice. Iltzpaplotl Obsidian Knife Butterfly, Goddess of sensual sex & violent death (Sisters.)

SYNODEITIES: Sekhmet sunset’ (Egyptian), Klymene or Pheme Goddess of fame (Greek), Eukleia Goddess of glory (Greek), Titania Queen of the Fairiesglamour’ (British Isles), Yina’ mna'ut “Fog Woman,” Yina'mtilan “Fog Man” (Siberian.)

DETAILS: The Aztecs had a saying, “Poctli, ayauitl: Tenyotl, mauizyotl,” which meant Smoke and mist: Fame and glory. Another of their aphorisms used to denote a remarkable person who had come onto the scene and impressed everyone was “Mixtitlan, Ayauhtitlan,” or From out of the clouds, from out of the mist.

To the Aztec great renown and public magnificence were seen as a mist that spread out from that person clouding and distorting everything near them.

As a people with thousands of God & Goddesses, ranging from minor household spirits to deities who watched over certain rivers, lakes, or cities to powerful Gods who were said not j to represent but to be massive forces such as rain, fire, and death or abstract ones such as war, song, or fearful sex, the being who was both fame & glory as well as smoke & mist was Ayauhteotl.

The TL at the end of Her name was a designation of a divine force beyond reckoning.

While many of their gods were based on people who had been deified or concepts that were seen to have a life of their own, those designated with a TL were seen as a class apart.

Outside human understanding, they were forces of nature that one could, at best, hope only to ride along with like a surfer on top of an overpowering wave.

As such, those who sought recognition and admiration implored Ayauhteotl to surround them, or perhaps those who found themselves in that situation hoping to obtain mercy from her.

You see, Ayauhteotl was not just seen as any mist. Her main form was the mist known as crepuscular fog.

Those amazing bright and dark bands that, under the right conditions, seem to come out of clouds near sunset.

I think this tells us something about the Aztec Goddess of fame & glory. She, like those rays, is hard to ignore; however, note they always come just before sunset, so no matter how great their magnificence, the very thing that brings them into being dictates that their lives will be brief.

24 Apr 21:32

Blossom by TeraS

by TeraS

I’m writing this on April 16th, a day that matters very much to me and even more to my Eternal. Last week I wrote a story about Branwyn and a wish she had. That story took me to wondering about someone who ventured into the past before and could well do so again, given the reason to do so. Perhaps in doing so the Temptress will …

Blossom
By TeraS

He’s told me stories about her. How wonderful she is–never was, not in his thoughts or Tera’s. Tales about her love of baking, passed on to her son, that love passed on with every delight he’s shared … especially her cheesecake recipe.

He’s told me stories about her gardening, the tulips that blossom every year around her birthday, the cherry trees that begin to bud about the same time. I wonder sometimes about that: how she came to choose cherry trees, how they reflect upon Tera, their presence in the Realm that I see often. Then there is the maple tree she planted when they moved into their new home, soon after my Adored One had arrived. The leaves turning red at the end of the season so close to the red-tails that I love with all my heart. That tree existing where it was first planted and somehow the same tree being part of our Realm. Goddess does work in mysterious ways.

He’s told me stories about her love of fashion; those stories always captivated me. Being a silver-tail, of course the stories about her being note-perfect in formal events and looking “right” in her more casual moments brings me a smile. Perhaps that’s why my Adored One and his Eternal look “right” to me, or why I look right to them, perhaps not. Either way, the thought percolates and makes me wonder.

Her son, of course, has many albums filled with photographs of her. I know that both of the Eternals carry an image of her in their phones, as well. Mementos of the past, bringing memories of what was and what came to be. Sometimes the albums call to me and I settle in with a binder of photos from this point in time or some other one. There’s always a note on the back of each photo to mark there where and when: a birthday, family gathering, new year’s celebration, night on the town or something as mundane as her sitting on her porch and watching the world go by.

One time, and one time only, I took a photo from the album. I’m sure that they aren’t aware of it; there are so many books, after all, and one picture missing in the multitudes would be hard to find if you didn’t know exactly where it was supposed to be. It resides in my home, where I think it truly does belong. It was taken, based on the notes, by her own Eternal one New Year’s Eve. That in itself seems to be nothing special, but the truth comes in what the picture shows.

Her smile carries with it her love, I can almost feel it coming through the inks and dyes that make up the image. Blonde, not like mine, short length hair just reaching to her shoulders, again not like mine. It’s her dress that makes me nibble my lip in thought. It’s silver. Not my own shade of course, but there’s no question of the colour and I’ll bet, though I cannot seem them, her heels are silver, too. The Eternals I love have always said she was a red-tail without a tail. I can see a silver-tail in her soul just as much, and I wonder about the Goddess and her plans.

But I haven’t told about what else the picture reveals and why I took it from the album. I know the where and when exactly from the note on the back. I don’t know the ballroom in the background, but I know the vision in silver who stands with her, with just as much a telling smile … because it’s me. The dress is the one my Adored One loves, and the bracelet is his. I don’t recognize the necklace of silver, which tells me this image is of a future me that I will have to wait for. The note on the back has a simple postscript, in her handwriting: “With Cassie.”

This all brings me to where I am this afternoon, on her birthday. I see that someone’s put fresh flowers in her vase–carnations, of course. There’s another slimmer vase on the other side which my trio of red roses and baby’s breath fit neatly into. The house is so very quiet as I reflect on her past and what my future will be.

I wonder what she would be thinking, to see me here in my silver dress: heels, horns and tail. I wonder if she would say I look right, which bemuses me. I try to piece together how I would answer. The words take a while to form, but eventually I remember something about everything she has done and made real for us; the gift she gave, unknowing, from the past to the present and the future to be.

We are all, everyone of us in the Realm, the blossom of her love.

23 Apr 21:29

solhwellness: Environment Crisis and Mental H...

solhwellness:

Environment Crisis and Mental Health: The Need for Urgent Action | Solh Wellness

During natural disasters and climate change, it is easy to focus on the immediate physical environmental damage. However, the consequences of these crises go far beyond what the eye can see. Environmental concerns can have a significant impact on mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. Living in an unstable environment can cause chronic stress, which can have long-term mental health consequences.

Furthermore, the displacement and loss caused by environmental disasters can result in trauma, grief, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People who have lost their homes or loved ones may experience a range of emotions, from sadness to anger, and may find it difficult to cope with their loss. And, while economic hardships frequently accompany these crises, they can exacerbate mental health issues, especially for those who already face poverty, homelessness, or social isolation.

The gravity of these issues necessitates immediate action to meet the mental health needs of those affected by environmental disasters. This includes making mental health services, such as counselling and therapy, and community-based support networks available. However, treating the symptoms is insufficient. We must also address the underlying causes of environmental crises, such as climate change, by lowering carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy, and implementing environmentally sustainable practises.

What effect do heat waves have on mental health?

Heat waves can have a significant impact on mental health by increasing stress, anxiety, and despair. Heat waves can harm your mental health in the following ways:

  • Sleep disruptions: High temperatures can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep, resulting in fatigue and irritability during the day. This makes it more difficult for you to focus and complete daily tasks, which lowers your mood.
  • Heat waves can cause physical discomfort, such as headaches, dehydration, and exhaustion, which can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
  • Isolation: To avoid the heat, people may stay indoors during heat waves, leading to social isolation and loneliness. This can exacerbate depression and anxiety.
  • Financial strain: During heat waves, increased use of air conditioning and other cooling measures can result in higher energy bills, causing financial strain and contributing to stress and anxiety.
  • Hot temperatures have been shown in studies to increase the risk of violence and aggression, causing fear and anxiety in affected communities.

How can you maintain your mental health during the summer?

Summer can be a wonderful time for mental health, but it can also be difficult, especially for those who are dealing with mental health issues. Here are some suggestions to help you maintain your mental health during the summer:

  1. Managing your child’s climate anxiety: Climate anxiety affects children, and parents struggle to address it. Being truthful with children is essential because they can quickly discover the truth, resulting in a loss of trust. However, parents must consider their children’s emotional needs and avoid alarming them with statements like “The world is going to end.” As a society, we must teach children how to cope with the emotions associated with climate change and offer them support.
  2. Go outside: Exposure to natural sunlight can boost your body’s vitamin D and serotonin levels, both of which have been shown to improve your mood. Simply stepping outside, breathing in fresh air, and enjoying the natural environment can help to relax your mind and body. Gardening, hiking, or paddle boarding for at least 30 minutes in the sun is essential for your self-care routine. Spending time outside is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle.
  3. Take time to relax: Most of us use our paid vacation time to complete household tasks that we don’t have time for during the workweek, such as cleaning the closet, organising the garage and scheduling overdue appointments. However, it is preferable to use this time to unwind and enjoy yourself. You could read a book at home or take a trip to a new location. It is critical to spend your vacation time relaxing and getting away from your daily responsibilities.
  4. Plan a getaway to refocus your energy: Getting away from your usual surroundings and experiencing a change in scenery may help you relax and redirect your energies to the present moment. Getting away from your daily routine, whether for a short overnight trip or a long foreign vacation, can help renew your mind and boost your mood. This will be extremely useful when you return to your normal life and responsibilities.
  5. Get enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can have a negative impact on your mental health, so aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Apps like Sleep Cycle can help you track your sleep and determine the best time to wake up.
  6. Stay physically active: Going to the gym, taking a yoga class, or going for a walk outside can all improve your mood. Inactivity during the summer, on the other hand, can be harmful to both physical and mental health. A daily 20-30-minute cardiovascular exercise session, whether at the gym or outside, can significantly improve our overall well-being. You may be surprised at how much better you feel once you incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.
  7. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can aggravate anxiety and depression symptoms, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  8. Be mindful of your sun exposure: While some sun exposure can be beneficial, excessive sun exposure can result in sunburns, dehydration, and other health problems. 
  9. Be mindful of your sun exposure: While some sun exposure can be beneficial, excessive sun exposure can result in sunburns, dehydration, and other health problems. 
  10. Self-care: Schedule time to do things that make you happy, such as reading, walking, or practising yoga. 
  11. Stay Connected: Keep in touch with friends and family, and if you’re struggling, consider joining a support group or seeking therapy. Reach out using mental health apps such as the SOLH App.
  12. Financial strain: During heat waves, increased use of air conditioning and other cooling measures can result in higher energy bills, causing financial strain and contributing to stress and anxiety.

We can help mitigate the mental health impact of environmental crises and build more resilient communities by taking these steps. It is past time to prioritise the mental health of those impacted by environmental concerns and take action to prevent further harm. We have the ability to make the world a safer, healthier, and more sustainable place. And if you’re looking for both clinical and holistic methods of mental healing, as well as an easy and accessible solution, contact Solh Wellness. We offer therapy programmes with easy access to experts with years of experience in the field at Solh Wellness. Download the Solh App to improve your mental health and quality of life.

17 Apr 21:30

Stay curious. Be intimidating.

by Jessica Hagy

The post Stay curious. Be intimidating. appeared first on Indexed.

17 Apr 13:09

RWB, seems to be a trend



RWB, seems to be a trend

17 Apr 13:08

350 Badge of Arms



350 Badge of Arms