Kris smith quality horses
WPRA Standings Update: Jordon Briggs Furthers Lead and Amanda Welsh gets on the Board
2023.03.29 09:08 ExoticaTikiRoom WPRA Standings Update: Jordon Briggs Furthers Lead and Amanda Welsh gets on the Board
 | Barrel racing in 2023 has seen World Champions continue to thrive while a few cowgirls returned to the arena in a big way. Jackie Ganter and Sarah Rose Waguespack have tasted success while the horsepower throughout the Texas Swing has been something you can’t deny. submitted by ExoticaTikiRoom to prorodeo [link] [comments] No. 1 Jordon Briggs, $87,894 With only six rodeos to her name this year, World Champion Briggs and her standout horse Rollo have continued to show how they earned that Gold Buckle. A huge win came Briggs’ way at RodeoHouston where she laid down a smoking fast 14.73 second run to win it. That win alone added $65,000 to her earnings. From there, she went on to make it to the Final Round of Rodeo Austin where she hit a barrel to take her out of the running. No. 8 Jessica Routier, $31,866 Four-time National Finals barrel racer, Routier, also went on to the RodeoHouston and Rodeo Austin Final Rounds. On her palomino mare, Missy, Routier has been as consistent as they come over the Texas Swing. In Houston, she added almost $20,000 to her season earnings before she went on to Austin where she found her stride in the Semifinals and eventually ended up at the pay window after the Finals. No. 18 Amanda Welsh, $21,307 After a tough year in 2022, Welsh and her main mount Fire Fly are on the comeback trail. The NFR duo got their first win of the season at Rodeo Austin. They had success in Tucson in February but it was in Austin where they flew to victory that would be worth almost $15,000. It was an emotional win for Welsh and gave her a wave of momentum going into San Angelo Rodeo where she split a tie for seventh that added to her season earnings yet again. Check out the Top 20 barrel racers in the WPRA World Standings. World Rank Name Earnings 1. Jordon Briggs $87,894 2. Jackie Ganter $49,192 3. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi $43,035 4. Sissy Winn $40,658 5. Kassie Mowry $39,982 6. Molly Otto $38,621 7. Margo Crowther $32,448 8. Jessica Routier $31,866 9. Hailey Kinsel $30,556 10. Lisa Lockhart $29,819 11. Kelly Allen $25,446 12. Jimmie Smith-Tew $25,315 13. Ilyssa Riley $24,742 14. Sara Winkelman $22,913 15. Bayleigh Choate $22,098 16. Emily Beisel $21,886 17. Taycie Matthews $21,607 18. Amanda Welsh $21,307 19. Erin Wetzel $20,446 20. Shannon Griffin $17,785 Standings current as of WPRA on March 28 12:00 PM ET. |
2023.03.29 07:31 KHCale Cushings/PPID
Disclaimer - I am in NZ.
My mini has finally been diagnosed with Cushing's and insulin resistance. I've suspected it for a while but she has always had borderline blood test results.
I purchased her sight unseen about 4 years ago and she was in very poor condition when she arrived. We have been dealing with chronic laminitis, poor digestion and poor condition ever since. (My farrier and Vet are awesome and have been involved since day 1).
Treatment for her will be lifelong medication (Prascend) and even more careful monitoring with grass and feed.
She's estimated at being 10 years old.
Honestly, I'm not sure I can commit to it. It's been an exhausting time keeping on top of her needs without the introduction of daily meditation. Her quality of life should improve but it will never be great.
I guess my question is; has anyone opted out of treatment and made the decision to have the horse pts?
submitted by KHCale to Horses [link] [comments]
My mini has finally been diagnosed with Cushing's and insulin resistance. I've suspected it for a while but she has always had borderline blood test results.
I purchased her sight unseen about 4 years ago and she was in very poor condition when she arrived. We have been dealing with chronic laminitis, poor digestion and poor condition ever since. (My farrier and Vet are awesome and have been involved since day 1).
Treatment for her will be lifelong medication (Prascend) and even more careful monitoring with grass and feed.
She's estimated at being 10 years old.
Honestly, I'm not sure I can commit to it. It's been an exhausting time keeping on top of her needs without the introduction of daily meditation. Her quality of life should improve but it will never be great.
I guess my question is; has anyone opted out of treatment and made the decision to have the horse pts?
2023.03.29 06:14 Purple_Cryptographer Why I love S14- a dissertation and dissection
The further we get from S14, the more I realize I love it. It is far and away my favorite post-S6 season. What's more, I even enjoyed it as it aired (!), and didn't have to learn to love it after the fact (as many of us did with S7 and S11). Why was S14 so great? Let's dive in.
(Also- I'm going to compare S14 to S15 a lot, b/c S15 is in my recent memory. This is not a S15 diss post!!! I have *moderately* enjoyed S15. It is better than S13 at least).
Possible reasons:
Looking at S14 and S6 as compared to S15, a big difference we can see is that the early outs have multiple characteristics to their names, especially the number 1. characteristic- a big personality. Of course, S15 suffers *a lot* in this regard from its giant cast and shortened run time.
Another thing that S14 and S6 share is that most queens have the 3. characteristic- they showcase drag perspectives or performances that feel unique on Drag Race. Ex. Alyssa and April both have very strong and interesting runway packages. Kornbread delivered a stellar talent show performance. Vivacious, with her background in the NYC club kid scene, was a style of queen we hadn't seen on drag race before. This is another place that S15 really suffers- we just haven't seen most of the queens do anything really uniquely interesting this season. The only exceptions to that have been Anetra, Sasha, and Jax's lipsyncs, Marcia and Anetra's talent show performances, Sasha's first acting challenge, and, dare I say it... Amethyst's snatch game as Tan Mom (that one might be a personal preference lol).
Lastly, with S6 and S15, we can see that almost all of the late-out/finalist girlies have most of the characteristics. On S15, Anetra is the only one that does. I definitely think this a reason why she is so popular in the fandom right now. I also think this shows why Sasha has gotten less popular in the fandom as the season has gone on- she hasn't had any sort of narrative arc (characteristic 2) on the show. Even though Willow didn't have conflict with other girls or with herself on the show, in her confessionals, she presented the meta-narrative of having conflict with the show itself- she had to play the long game and gradually acclimate the judges and the show to the weirder and more interesting parts of her drag. Bianca, though she had a similar competitive arc (dominating the competition) and character archetype (statesman of drag, too big for the show) to Sasha, had a much stronger narrative arc- she had lots of conflict with the younger girls on the season, and gradually had to learn to care for them and not present herself as a stone cold b*tch. Sasha is amazing, and fully realized, and not afraid to be stupid from the get-go, and... not that interesting of a Drag Race character.
Angeria is the only one who suffers here. Her competitive narrative on the show doesn't really progress beyond the first few episodes. She emerges as an early frontrunner and...that's about it. She's fun in confessionals, but she has a pretty laidback personality, so she doesn't get into fights with other girls and build her narrative that way. Her drag persona (backwoods glamorous pageant queen who has a bit of a silly edge) is fairly well-realized, familiar on the show, and established early on in the season. We don't learn anything new about Angeria after the first few episodes. She's a good enough performer to stay in the top for most of the season, but she's not quite canny enough to channel her own style or personality through the Drag Race challenges in ways that would make her stand out, beyond her initial talent show performance. The dichotomy between pageant glamour and a silly personality *is* interesting, but the show's not really interested in exploring that. On the runway, her aesthetic is top of the line pageant drag. It's good and lands on the side of "expensive and elegant" pageant-wear over "expensive and tacky" pageant-wear... but it is pageant-wear and we've seen it before. I don't know if Angie would be a great pitch for All Stars, and I don't know that her WtW would go outside the pageant-queen high-kick/strut box, but I would love to see her on a DragCon panel or a podcast.
Bosco's greatest virtue to the season is as a narrator- whether in challenges (Menzeses, Roast), confessionals, or on the main stage with the judges. Bosco's also not afraid to narrate her own inner turmoil (it is her brand of comedy), which is fantastic, given that her latter season arc has her ping-ponging between top and bottom placements in an ever more fragile metal state. Does her competitive narrative ever really have legs after the Rusical? Nope. Camden absolutely kneecaps her. And a standout Roast performance can only redeem so many bra and panty sets. But do I care? Nope. Bosco still makes the journey fun for us. What's more, we don't get many burlesque queens on the show that make it far, so while the bra and panty sets were repetitive unto Bosco, they still felt more interesting to me than a lot of Deja's takes that ranged in the "this popular drag designer made this for me and 20 other queens, but the other 19 paid more for it" and "Jiggly might have worn this on S4" styles, or the back half of Angeria's pageant closet. Even when Bosco's fashion was bad, it was interesting. That short short little wig? I still don't know how I feel about it. The last episode's crylon Judy Jetson space hooker hunger games mom, *with* the short short little wig? Nothing has ever been so delightfully crunchy. Bosco will be an absolute blast on all stars, the bras and panties will be ever more expensive, and she'll come a lovely 3rd alternate ala Jujubee.
Daya- rarely in recent seasons have we gotten a good villain storyline, even more rarely did the villain become an antihero, and never until Daya did we get a queen that battled back from: first bootness, a family connection to an earlier season queen the judges considered "superlative," and the producers' disinterest in her and dismissal as a filler queen. The fandom loves Daya and rightfully so. Daya showed in spite of all of that that she could produce great TV and be a great drag race queen. I would also count Daya's aesthetic eye as second only to Willow's this season (babydoll dresses aside. we all have our weaknesses.) Daya delivered several standout looks that took a defined aesthetic and gave it a distinctly Daya twist (chaps look, KISS look, catwalk video, final runway). I have no complaints with Daya, only with the producers' treatment of her. They continued to do her dirty! Her narrative would've been better served by a final win in "Catwalk," which in turn with her finale performance, should've propelled her to the final 2 over Camden. That aside, can't wait to see what she'll do on All Stars. Will she win? I have complete faith in Daya. I have 0% faith in the editors. Look for a weird joint-style win ala Trinity and Monet in All Stars 4.
Willow- there is no doubt to me that Willow ran S14 just as much as Symone ran S13 or Sasha is running S15, but it wasn't smothering in the way that 13 or 15 felt. Granted, Willow had better, more interesting competition. But Willow was also super savvy. She didn't need all the screentime or talk from competitors in the world to make it clear that she was a winner, not when she put her screentime to such good use. Though Willow was comparatively quiet and laidback, she was never boring. (Her edit was a *little* boring. Just a steady upward trajectory. But sue me for liking a bitch who knows she's in her top era!). She was great in confessional, with a sense of humor- blunt, morbid, and a bit smug- not often seen on drag race. In drag, she showed that she could be a great drag race queen (Super Tease, Menzezes, ball challenges, Daytona Winds), great at fitting her own aesthetic into drag race challenge roles (Green Fairy in Moulin Ru, 60s Girl Groups), and most importantly, an interesting queen outside of drag race.
Any time that Willow was able to deliver her own signature drag on the show, she was doing something completely unique to what we've seen on Drag Race. Let's go through the highlights:
I've saved Camden for last, because if you thought this post was already way too long, watch me write another 5000 words about drag race and its relationship with male drag. But before I get into all that, let's talk about Camden as a drag race character.
If Daya is the girl production hated, Camden is the girl they loved. I love a hidden frontrunner storyline, and production did a great job with Camden's. Once her edit picked up steam in Daytona Winds, it didn't slow down again. Camden was the girl that got to gradually steamroll the other frontrunners (Daya- Daytona Winds, Catwalk (however dubious), Bosco- Lalaparuza, Moulin Ru), only to face defeat at the hands of her final competitor, Willow, at the finale. Where Willow found success at shaping her challenge roles to fit her already well-defined drag aesthetic, Camden was the rare contestant who successfully expanded her drag repertoire to fit the challenges.
Camden also benefitted from being an archetype we haven't seen much of on Drag Race. You could call her a theatre queen, but that's not really true to her personality or her edit. Off-Broadway queens on the show are generally edited to have an off-putting sense of delusion, desperation, and self-seriousness. Camden, with the confidence that came from actually having performed professionally for years, was none of these things. I read her as a better-realized and more interesting variety of Shuga Cain's or Gottmik's archetype- a queen that turned to drag for personal reasons after already achieving professional success in a separate sphere, fell absolutely in love with drag, and was still figuring out how their personality and performance translated between their in and out of drag selves. Camden had the *large* benefit over Shuga and Gottmik of entering drag with: - classical dance training and performance experience, - a much more interesting set of aesthetic references, -amateur acting and comedy experience. Camden was having just as much fun as Shuga at figuring out who she could be in drag, but she and the edit were much better at letting us know about it- like Bosco, she was great at narrating herself, which made for a really fun journey from week to week with her.
Her aesthetic and performance choices were also hilariously chaotic throughout the season. In situations where she had creative control, she might choose to: -repeatedly reference Bunheads (I cannot emphasize enough how much this was a choice), or she might completely rock a 90s London underground raver look and performance, or she might show up in very expensive Frozen cosplay, or she might provide the look of the night as a crystallized porcelain ballerina, or she might show up in a cotton candy meets Flintstones outfit of Salina-Estitties-bad proportions (love u Salina <3), or she might show up as a slutty horse, carriage, bridle, and all... the list goes on and I don't want it to end!
I also appreciate the level of commitment Camden displayed towards her more questionable choices; when Michelle advised against a joke about yelling into Ross's asshole for the roast, Camden made it longer for her set. When Camden showed up to the finale and started off with a questionable choice- pony play outfit of dubious proportions- she continued making questionable choices all the way through the final lipsync performance!
And for all that we learned about Camden's drag on S14, I feel there's still more to unpack. Rarely is Drag Race this good for a queen. I cannot wait to see Camden on All Stars. Will she win? She will make it to the finals. She will make it to the final lip sync. But I cannot tell you if she will give an incredible and captivating lip sync performance or if she'll choose to make another bunheads reference. Only time will tell.
Now to unpack the most interesting things Camden did on S14, and why they were cool to see on Drag Race. This is actually a bit similar to Willow- both Willow and Camden at their best work in similar ways against the way that Drag Race generally chooses to frame the nexus of sexuality, gender, and attraction.
The vast majority of gendered drag presentation that we see on drag race runs very femme, and by virtue of that, we see a lot of interpretations of female sexuality. It's usually straightforward- glamorous, sexy, and it's subversive mostly in the fact that it's a queer reclamation of female sexualities as seen by the male gaze. I would say this is a true even of the femme dom portrayals that we see on Drag Race (ex. Jaida in Madonna rusical)- it's a pretty mainstream and straight idea of what a femme dom is supposed to be. Less frequently we see straight or queer female sexualities centered in a women's gaze (ex Joey Jay <3). Rarely do we see hard butch, nongendered, or androgynous presentations- to the point that it *really* starts to stand out when we do (ex. Mo Heart's butch queen on UK vs the world, Victoria Scone's genderbend on Canada vs. the world, Raja's androgynous looks on All Winners).
Notice that these are all runway examples that I've cited. We really don't see looks that range past mild butch in challenges (Snatch Game excepted). Queens may be interested in exploring all this, but drag race as a production and the judges are not. As for masculine presenting drag, it's even more rare. Queens may go in boy drag for challenges, but almost never on the runway. This is key.
When queens are in boy drag in challenges (rare SG examples excepted), they are:
To explain why drag race does this, Sasha's performance in the latest Rusical is key. As an effeminate man on the drag race stage (that's the label we'll use for Carl since he *is* straight(?) married to female Preacher Teacher- she's kinda more butch than him tho), Carl has no sexual power or potential in his male drag. Carl's frumpy clothes and Sasha's performance illustrate this pretty well. For the effeminate or queer man on drag race to unlock his sexual potential, he must put on femme-presenting drag. See: Carl in the final number once transformed into Ethel Sperman.
This is why we don't see masculine-presenting drag on the runway, especially drag that reads as queer masculine. The runway, being a *pure presentation of aesthetics and form,* is the most direct embodiment of the transcendence that drag allows for the long-shamed "feminine" aspects of queer male sexuality to their glorification and empowerment when presented in the male-as-female drag form.
(Note: there is a lot to unpack with the term "feminine" and its relation to queer male sexuality. I'll keep it short here and say that when I say "feminine" in this context, I'm referring specifically to the aspects of weakness/sexual submission that are often implied in the term, and become shameful or transgressive when juxtaposed with traditional ideas of male sexualities).
I think for Rupaul on the show, especially in the earlier seasons, the link between the shame of queer male sexuality and the transcendence of that sexual shame that could only be reached through glamorous, regal, sexual, feminine drag was really really strong. There is a reason the first 3 winners of the show all fit that ideal. I think that goes a *long* way towards explaining:
Also!Also! There is clear reasoning for why Ru would feel this way about drag- the gay culture of the 90s and 00's was *so* different to today, and before drag race and the efforts of a lot of advocacy, there was a much larger stigma in the gay community towards feminine men, trans women, and drag queens. If you want to hear more about this I think Bianca or Courtney talk about it together on a podcast somewhere.
Drag race and RuPaul's allowance towards all these things has gradually changed thanks to awesome queens being on the show and fans wanting better for queens, but the effects of that viewpoint on the show are still really strong. So it's fun to Camden work against these ideas on S14.
To me, Camden's big standout moment is as Freddie Mercury on the runway and the "One Way or Another" lip sync. Camden's usual drag, as much as she goes towards any aesthetic, is very femme, Spice Girls-sexy. I don't find it particularly compelling, and I don't feel that she's adding much femininity or sexuality as compared to her character on drag race out of drag.
Freddie Mercury is different. Camden plays Freddie on the runway and in the lip sync very sexually. It is unequivocally a performance of powerful queer male sexuality. We really have not seen that on drag race before, especially on the runway. What's even better is how much fun Camden is having with it. You can really see the joy as she performs. She's having fun and feels more powerful in this queer male drag than her usual femme drag- and that in itself is incredibly empowering.
(Camden feeling more powerful in male drag works for the same reason that "Joey Jay is gay" does. Joey says as much in her lyrics, but there's a truth to it that goes beyond that. Like Camden, Joey is gay and femme enough already out of drag that her drag transformation might actually reveal more masculine or dominant aspects or her personality. If for a typical queen, drag goes something like "he's so gay she's straight," for Joey it goes "he's so gay she's masc.")
The same is true of Camden's other standout performances during the season. In the Lalaparuza, she has to lip sync against Bosco, the sexiest queen of the season, while not dressed in her super femme-presenting drag. As Camden puts it "how am I supposed to lip sync to this super soulful song dressed as Sonic the Hedgehog's bitch girlfriend?" But she makes the choice to perform the song sexually in spite of that, and she does it really well, to the point that the show has other contestants comment on it. See: Daya "I'm so hot for Camden right now." For Camden that feels like another really emotionally strong moment.
The last piece of this narrative is Camden's performance in Moulin Ru as the androgynous cabaret host. Although the character's dress and physical presentation is androgynous, Camden brings a queer masculine-coded sexuality to her performance that feels like a continuation of her discovery as Freddie Mercury. And like with Freddie, she performs the role very successfully and has a ton of fun doing it.
What's even better is just to see all these performances get rewarded by the judges on Drag Race. I really don't know how they would've been received on earlier seasons. But I'm glad we have them now, and I'm glad that queens continue to push Drag Race to expand its aesthetic bubble.
This concludes my thesis.
submitted by Purple_Cryptographer to rupaulsdragrace [link] [comments]
(Also- I'm going to compare S14 to S15 a lot, b/c S15 is in my recent memory. This is not a S15 diss post!!! I have *moderately* enjoyed S15. It is better than S13 at least).
Possible reasons:
- Very strong cast that was edited well. I'd like to break down the idea of a "strong cast" a bit further. A "strong cast" doesn't just mean queens that are good drag queens or good at drag race. It means queens that are compelling characters to watch on drag race as a TV show. What are the characteristics that contribute to that?
- Strong personality in werkroom/on stage, or being a good narratogiving good confessional (ex. Katya, Gia Gunn, Bianca Del Rio)
- Edited to have coherent narrative that involves conflict and/or growth- either internal, with the show, or with another contestant (ex. Adore, Laganja, Gottmik)
- Provide unique and/or emotionally compelling drag in segments of the show that allow queens to have individual creative authority (ex. Anetra's lip syncs, BendelaCreme's Snatch Games, Symone's runway package, Willow's talent show performance)
- Provide stellar but standard performances in run of the mill challenges on the show (ex. Courtney's Rusical performance, Loosey's Joan Rivers Snatch Game, Bianca's roast set)
- Deliver "so bad it's good" challenge performances, (ex. LalaRi's Bag Ball look, Kahmora Hall's acting challenge performance, Sugar and Spice's Snatch Games)
| Season 14 | Season 6 | Season 15 |
|---|---|---|
| June Jumbalaya (1), 2 | Magnolia 1 | Irene (1) |
| Alyssa Hunter (3) | Kelly 5 | Poppy |
| Kornbread 1, 2, 3 | Vivacious 1, 3 | Sugar 2, (3), 5 |
| Orion (2) | April 3 | Amethyst 3 |
| Maddy (1), 2, 3 | Gia 1, 2 | Robin |
| Kerri 1, 3 | Milk 1, 2, 3, (4) | Aura (1) |
| Jasmine 2, 3 | Laganja 1, 2, (4) | Jax 3 |
| Jorgeous (1), 3 | Trinity 2, 3, (4) | Spice (1), 2, (3), 5 |
| Deja, 1, 4 | Joslyn 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | Malaysia (2) |
| Daya 1, 2, 3, 4 | Bendela 1, 2, 3, (4) | Marcia 2, 3, (4) |
| Bosco 1, 2, 3, 4 | Darienne 1, 2, 4 | Salina 1, (2), (5) |
| Angeria 1, (3), 4 | Courtney 1, 2, (3), 4 | Loosey (1), 2, 4, (5) |
| Lady Camden 1, 2, 3, 4 | Adore 1,2, 3, 4 | Luxx 1, 2, 4 |
| Willow 1, (2), 3, 4 | Bianca 1, 2, 3, 4 | Mistress 1, 2, 4 |
| Anetra 1, 2, 3, 4 | ||
| Sasha 1, 3, 4 |
Looking at S14 and S6 as compared to S15, a big difference we can see is that the early outs have multiple characteristics to their names, especially the number 1. characteristic- a big personality. Of course, S15 suffers *a lot* in this regard from its giant cast and shortened run time.
Another thing that S14 and S6 share is that most queens have the 3. characteristic- they showcase drag perspectives or performances that feel unique on Drag Race. Ex. Alyssa and April both have very strong and interesting runway packages. Kornbread delivered a stellar talent show performance. Vivacious, with her background in the NYC club kid scene, was a style of queen we hadn't seen on drag race before. This is another place that S15 really suffers- we just haven't seen most of the queens do anything really uniquely interesting this season. The only exceptions to that have been Anetra, Sasha, and Jax's lipsyncs, Marcia and Anetra's talent show performances, Sasha's first acting challenge, and, dare I say it... Amethyst's snatch game as Tan Mom (that one might be a personal preference lol).
Lastly, with S6 and S15, we can see that almost all of the late-out/finalist girlies have most of the characteristics. On S15, Anetra is the only one that does. I definitely think this a reason why she is so popular in the fandom right now. I also think this shows why Sasha has gotten less popular in the fandom as the season has gone on- she hasn't had any sort of narrative arc (characteristic 2) on the show. Even though Willow didn't have conflict with other girls or with herself on the show, in her confessionals, she presented the meta-narrative of having conflict with the show itself- she had to play the long game and gradually acclimate the judges and the show to the weirder and more interesting parts of her drag. Bianca, though she had a similar competitive arc (dominating the competition) and character archetype (statesman of drag, too big for the show) to Sasha, had a much stronger narrative arc- she had lots of conflict with the younger girls on the season, and gradually had to learn to care for them and not present herself as a stone cold b*tch. Sasha is amazing, and fully realized, and not afraid to be stupid from the get-go, and... not that interesting of a Drag Race character.
- This is more cut and dry- S14 had a lot of great lip syncs, from a lot of different queens, to multiple types of songs. (Again, contrast this to S15- we've had good lip syncs, but they've all been similar high energy pop numbers, delivered by the same 3 queens).
- Deja in "Fallin'"
- Jasmine in "Sugar Mama" (this was the only valid use of the floor hump move (Sorry, Anetra))
- Lady Camden in "One Way or Another"
- Jasmine and Jorgeous in "Something's Got a Hold on Me"
- Camden in "Don't Let Go"
- Unique challenges, good performances from the cast in standard challenges, and challenges that manage to reference and make fun of the lore of the show without becoming entirely recursive.
- Unique challenges
- Lip Sync Lalaparuza (since this is the first time we saw it in a non-all-stars season, with actual stakes attached to it)
- Good performances in "standard" challenges
- "Menzeses" (this was the panel hosting challenge)
- 60s Girl Groups
- Moulin Ru: the Rusical
- The Ross Matthews Roast (I'm not sure we've had such a large group of good roast performances since S5)
- Good "reference but not recursive" challenges
- "She's a Super Tease"- allowed queens to poke fun at previous character archetypes and drama on the show, gave queens individual creative power to decide how they wanted to do it
- "Save a Queen"- brought back queens that the audience could already connect with, let current queens interact with them and build commercials that played with and made fun of the moments they were known for on their original seasons.
- "Daytona Winds"- made fun of the way the show's acting challenges had become somewhat earnest affairs in overracting that had moved away from the show's original premise of acting challenge as parody
- The judges, especially RuPaul, like this group of queens. There are a lot of queens this season that are confident onstage and in front of the judges (Willow, Bosco, Camden, Angeria, Deja, Daya, Kerri, Kornbread, Jorgeous), and this enables the judges to be more comfortable and playful with the contestants. For example, contrast S14's "Who murdered Snatch Game" scene to like... *all* of the judging on UK3. Completely different vibes, and S14's is eminently more enjoyable to watch. (For what it's worth, S14 is also relatively devoid of queen archetypes that Ru doesn't like, I'll get into that later though).
- S14 definitely *does* have pacing issues, but there are very few individual episodes that I don't care for. I don't care about the first ball, or the opening talent show episodes, but that's about it. As for queens not going home... the twist to bring back the first eliminated queens is redeemed by what a great character Daya makes herself into. The episodes where no one goes home, while stalling the momentum of the season, are individually some of the best episodes in the season, with various redeeming qualities (Daytona Wind, Menzeses, Snatch Game, Moulin Rouge). I think S14's competitive tension, much like S6, suffers the most in the last couple episodes- by the Ross Matthews Roast, the frontrunners (Willow, Camden) and finalists (Angeria, Bosco, Daya) are set. The major character arcs of the season have concluded. We don't lose much by losing Deja and Jorgeous. What remaining competitive tension might be salvaged in "Catwalk"- will Daya become a frontrunner? which of the top 5 will be eliminated?- is completely neutered by throwing another win to Camden and allowing a top 5. Bad job editors. That said, the top queens and their performances still make these episodes fun.
- The top 5 queens, for the most part, are strong characters, good performers, do interesting drag, and are edited well on the show, and the top 3 did things that were completely novel to the show.
Angeria is the only one who suffers here. Her competitive narrative on the show doesn't really progress beyond the first few episodes. She emerges as an early frontrunner and...that's about it. She's fun in confessionals, but she has a pretty laidback personality, so she doesn't get into fights with other girls and build her narrative that way. Her drag persona (backwoods glamorous pageant queen who has a bit of a silly edge) is fairly well-realized, familiar on the show, and established early on in the season. We don't learn anything new about Angeria after the first few episodes. She's a good enough performer to stay in the top for most of the season, but she's not quite canny enough to channel her own style or personality through the Drag Race challenges in ways that would make her stand out, beyond her initial talent show performance. The dichotomy between pageant glamour and a silly personality *is* interesting, but the show's not really interested in exploring that. On the runway, her aesthetic is top of the line pageant drag. It's good and lands on the side of "expensive and elegant" pageant-wear over "expensive and tacky" pageant-wear... but it is pageant-wear and we've seen it before. I don't know if Angie would be a great pitch for All Stars, and I don't know that her WtW would go outside the pageant-queen high-kick/strut box, but I would love to see her on a DragCon panel or a podcast.
Bosco's greatest virtue to the season is as a narrator- whether in challenges (Menzeses, Roast), confessionals, or on the main stage with the judges. Bosco's also not afraid to narrate her own inner turmoil (it is her brand of comedy), which is fantastic, given that her latter season arc has her ping-ponging between top and bottom placements in an ever more fragile metal state. Does her competitive narrative ever really have legs after the Rusical? Nope. Camden absolutely kneecaps her. And a standout Roast performance can only redeem so many bra and panty sets. But do I care? Nope. Bosco still makes the journey fun for us. What's more, we don't get many burlesque queens on the show that make it far, so while the bra and panty sets were repetitive unto Bosco, they still felt more interesting to me than a lot of Deja's takes that ranged in the "this popular drag designer made this for me and 20 other queens, but the other 19 paid more for it" and "Jiggly might have worn this on S4" styles, or the back half of Angeria's pageant closet. Even when Bosco's fashion was bad, it was interesting. That short short little wig? I still don't know how I feel about it. The last episode's crylon Judy Jetson space hooker hunger games mom, *with* the short short little wig? Nothing has ever been so delightfully crunchy. Bosco will be an absolute blast on all stars, the bras and panties will be ever more expensive, and she'll come a lovely 3rd alternate ala Jujubee.
Daya- rarely in recent seasons have we gotten a good villain storyline, even more rarely did the villain become an antihero, and never until Daya did we get a queen that battled back from: first bootness, a family connection to an earlier season queen the judges considered "superlative," and the producers' disinterest in her and dismissal as a filler queen. The fandom loves Daya and rightfully so. Daya showed in spite of all of that that she could produce great TV and be a great drag race queen. I would also count Daya's aesthetic eye as second only to Willow's this season (babydoll dresses aside. we all have our weaknesses.) Daya delivered several standout looks that took a defined aesthetic and gave it a distinctly Daya twist (chaps look, KISS look, catwalk video, final runway). I have no complaints with Daya, only with the producers' treatment of her. They continued to do her dirty! Her narrative would've been better served by a final win in "Catwalk," which in turn with her finale performance, should've propelled her to the final 2 over Camden. That aside, can't wait to see what she'll do on All Stars. Will she win? I have complete faith in Daya. I have 0% faith in the editors. Look for a weird joint-style win ala Trinity and Monet in All Stars 4.
Willow- there is no doubt to me that Willow ran S14 just as much as Symone ran S13 or Sasha is running S15, but it wasn't smothering in the way that 13 or 15 felt. Granted, Willow had better, more interesting competition. But Willow was also super savvy. She didn't need all the screentime or talk from competitors in the world to make it clear that she was a winner, not when she put her screentime to such good use. Though Willow was comparatively quiet and laidback, she was never boring. (Her edit was a *little* boring. Just a steady upward trajectory. But sue me for liking a bitch who knows she's in her top era!). She was great in confessional, with a sense of humor- blunt, morbid, and a bit smug- not often seen on drag race. In drag, she showed that she could be a great drag race queen (Super Tease, Menzezes, ball challenges, Daytona Winds), great at fitting her own aesthetic into drag race challenge roles (Green Fairy in Moulin Ru, 60s Girl Groups), and most importantly, an interesting queen outside of drag race.
Any time that Willow was able to deliver her own signature drag on the show, she was doing something completely unique to what we've seen on Drag Race. Let's go through the highlights:
- Talent show performance: Willow's talent show performance is visceral in a great way- digging into spaghetti with bare hands, tossing it in the bath, tossing the toaster and then herself in the bath- these are all actions that evoke very strong emotions- gluttony, disgust, horror, fear- specifically as they connect to the body and physical sensation. These are not emotions the Drag Race (vs. Dragula) generally draws on. Disgust appears on drag race occasionally, but typically in cheap jokes that are pretty played out (ex. feigning disgust at the scent of a vagina). And for a show that is based around the malleability of the body, Drag Race is remarkably squeamish about bodily sensations beyond sexual arousal (ex. feigning an orgasm is always ok, but making a fart joke or wearing a dress with period blood is not). However, there's a good reason that drag outside of Drag Race is often interested in evoking negative emotions. Emotions like disgust, shame, horror, and fear are strong enough to produce bodily sensations, often the same ones that lust or love produce. The body and its nervous system are great at crossing wires, so this means that these negative emotions do often become sexual referents in the form of kink. Willow doesn't draw on that sexual association in her talent show beyond the aesthetic juxtaposition of a hot girl in a bikini shoving her face with pasta, but...
- She gets into it a bit more in her lyrics for "Bad Boy Baby"- "His body is splattered on the asphalt/Yeah but it's kind of hot/Like he dropped a hot bowl of spaghetti." The lyrics explicitly intertwine the emotion of lust with the body, gore, horror, and disgust.
- A couple of Willow's runways also play towards the emotions associated with kink, in a way we haven't seen on the show before. Again, for a show that plays a lot with sexual presentation and attraction, Drag Race doesn't give much due to fetish beyond the very mainstream themes of leather, latex, bondage, and whips. I'd really argue that these themes are so mainstream as to have become largely divorced outside of explicit BDSM settings from their invoked emotional referents- fear, pain, anticipation, helplessness- that provoke bodily sensation. Willow's latex hair wedgie Matrix outfit (wow what a combo of words), and hobble panty dress for the Heart On runway are fresh takes on kink on the show.
- A *lot* of Willow's runway presentation deals with bodily distortion and the separation of the body from a cohesive whole into its component parts (ex. the latex wedgie with disembodied hands to hold her hair, spring runway with head trapped in a house, 2nd ball challenge outfit with crazy long arms, Donatella lips on frills runway, all 3 finale outfits- intro catwalk, I hate people, final lipsync). And yet again, Drag Race has historically been willing to play with bodily proportion and distortion... but only in the hyper-feminine direction of more hips and tits, and played out plastic surgery jokes.
I've saved Camden for last, because if you thought this post was already way too long, watch me write another 5000 words about drag race and its relationship with male drag. But before I get into all that, let's talk about Camden as a drag race character.
If Daya is the girl production hated, Camden is the girl they loved. I love a hidden frontrunner storyline, and production did a great job with Camden's. Once her edit picked up steam in Daytona Winds, it didn't slow down again. Camden was the girl that got to gradually steamroll the other frontrunners (Daya- Daytona Winds, Catwalk (however dubious), Bosco- Lalaparuza, Moulin Ru), only to face defeat at the hands of her final competitor, Willow, at the finale. Where Willow found success at shaping her challenge roles to fit her already well-defined drag aesthetic, Camden was the rare contestant who successfully expanded her drag repertoire to fit the challenges.
Camden also benefitted from being an archetype we haven't seen much of on Drag Race. You could call her a theatre queen, but that's not really true to her personality or her edit. Off-Broadway queens on the show are generally edited to have an off-putting sense of delusion, desperation, and self-seriousness. Camden, with the confidence that came from actually having performed professionally for years, was none of these things. I read her as a better-realized and more interesting variety of Shuga Cain's or Gottmik's archetype- a queen that turned to drag for personal reasons after already achieving professional success in a separate sphere, fell absolutely in love with drag, and was still figuring out how their personality and performance translated between their in and out of drag selves. Camden had the *large* benefit over Shuga and Gottmik of entering drag with: - classical dance training and performance experience, - a much more interesting set of aesthetic references, -amateur acting and comedy experience. Camden was having just as much fun as Shuga at figuring out who she could be in drag, but she and the edit were much better at letting us know about it- like Bosco, she was great at narrating herself, which made for a really fun journey from week to week with her.
Her aesthetic and performance choices were also hilariously chaotic throughout the season. In situations where she had creative control, she might choose to: -repeatedly reference Bunheads (I cannot emphasize enough how much this was a choice), or she might completely rock a 90s London underground raver look and performance, or she might show up in very expensive Frozen cosplay, or she might provide the look of the night as a crystallized porcelain ballerina, or she might show up in a cotton candy meets Flintstones outfit of Salina-Estitties-bad proportions (love u Salina <3), or she might show up as a slutty horse, carriage, bridle, and all... the list goes on and I don't want it to end!
I also appreciate the level of commitment Camden displayed towards her more questionable choices; when Michelle advised against a joke about yelling into Ross's asshole for the roast, Camden made it longer for her set. When Camden showed up to the finale and started off with a questionable choice- pony play outfit of dubious proportions- she continued making questionable choices all the way through the final lipsync performance!
And for all that we learned about Camden's drag on S14, I feel there's still more to unpack. Rarely is Drag Race this good for a queen. I cannot wait to see Camden on All Stars. Will she win? She will make it to the finals. She will make it to the final lip sync. But I cannot tell you if she will give an incredible and captivating lip sync performance or if she'll choose to make another bunheads reference. Only time will tell.
Now to unpack the most interesting things Camden did on S14, and why they were cool to see on Drag Race. This is actually a bit similar to Willow- both Willow and Camden at their best work in similar ways against the way that Drag Race generally chooses to frame the nexus of sexuality, gender, and attraction.
The vast majority of gendered drag presentation that we see on drag race runs very femme, and by virtue of that, we see a lot of interpretations of female sexuality. It's usually straightforward- glamorous, sexy, and it's subversive mostly in the fact that it's a queer reclamation of female sexualities as seen by the male gaze. I would say this is a true even of the femme dom portrayals that we see on Drag Race (ex. Jaida in Madonna rusical)- it's a pretty mainstream and straight idea of what a femme dom is supposed to be. Less frequently we see straight or queer female sexualities centered in a women's gaze (ex Joey Jay <3). Rarely do we see hard butch, nongendered, or androgynous presentations- to the point that it *really* starts to stand out when we do (ex. Mo Heart's butch queen on UK vs the world, Victoria Scone's genderbend on Canada vs. the world, Raja's androgynous looks on All Winners).
Notice that these are all runway examples that I've cited. We really don't see looks that range past mild butch in challenges (Snatch Game excepted). Queens may be interested in exploring all this, but drag race as a production and the judges are not. As for masculine presenting drag, it's even more rare. Queens may go in boy drag for challenges, but almost never on the runway. This is key.
When queens are in boy drag in challenges (rare SG examples excepted), they are:
- playing male characters with no sexual presentation (ex. boy characters in the S15 Rusical, Alaska's pee-wee herman drag on S5 in the children's show skit)
- playing heterosexual male characters that depict hetero male sexuality as a completely hokey premise and joke (ex. mini challenges throughout the years, TMZ reporters room in comedy sketch in all stars 5)
- playing a "neutered" gay or effeminate man with no effective sexual potential when presented out of female drag (ex. Sasha in S15 Rusical)
To explain why drag race does this, Sasha's performance in the latest Rusical is key. As an effeminate man on the drag race stage (that's the label we'll use for Carl since he *is* straight(?) married to female Preacher Teacher- she's kinda more butch than him tho), Carl has no sexual power or potential in his male drag. Carl's frumpy clothes and Sasha's performance illustrate this pretty well. For the effeminate or queer man on drag race to unlock his sexual potential, he must put on femme-presenting drag. See: Carl in the final number once transformed into Ethel Sperman.
This is why we don't see masculine-presenting drag on the runway, especially drag that reads as queer masculine. The runway, being a *pure presentation of aesthetics and form,* is the most direct embodiment of the transcendence that drag allows for the long-shamed "feminine" aspects of queer male sexuality to their glorification and empowerment when presented in the male-as-female drag form.
(Note: there is a lot to unpack with the term "feminine" and its relation to queer male sexuality. I'll keep it short here and say that when I say "feminine" in this context, I'm referring specifically to the aspects of weakness/sexual submission that are often implied in the term, and become shameful or transgressive when juxtaposed with traditional ideas of male sexualities).
I think for Rupaul on the show, especially in the earlier seasons, the link between the shame of queer male sexuality and the transcendence of that sexual shame that could only be reached through glamorous, regal, sexual, feminine drag was really really strong. There is a reason the first 3 winners of the show all fit that ideal. I think that goes a *long* way towards explaining:
- why Ru had problems with trans queens being on the show (Ru's perspective: what is drag doing for you if you've already embraced and accepted the feminine pieces of you in a very visible way/ are you still doing drag if you're not achieving this specific variety of emotional catharsis through it)
- why Ru and the judges reacted so badly to Alaska's male drag on S5 and Milk's "werkroom Ru" on S6 (male drag can't be drag b/c feminine transformation and its emotional underpinnings are essential to my idea of what drag is)
- why Ru can't connect with mentally well-adjusted queens (why do drag if you aren't trying to solve your personal problems with it/you've already come to terms with your femininity)
- why Run can't connect with "theatre queens" (you're coming to drag from a professional angle instead of a personal angle, so i don't find your drag emotionally compelling)
Also!Also! There is clear reasoning for why Ru would feel this way about drag- the gay culture of the 90s and 00's was *so* different to today, and before drag race and the efforts of a lot of advocacy, there was a much larger stigma in the gay community towards feminine men, trans women, and drag queens. If you want to hear more about this I think Bianca or Courtney talk about it together on a podcast somewhere.
Drag race and RuPaul's allowance towards all these things has gradually changed thanks to awesome queens being on the show and fans wanting better for queens, but the effects of that viewpoint on the show are still really strong. So it's fun to Camden work against these ideas on S14.
To me, Camden's big standout moment is as Freddie Mercury on the runway and the "One Way or Another" lip sync. Camden's usual drag, as much as she goes towards any aesthetic, is very femme, Spice Girls-sexy. I don't find it particularly compelling, and I don't feel that she's adding much femininity or sexuality as compared to her character on drag race out of drag.
Freddie Mercury is different. Camden plays Freddie on the runway and in the lip sync very sexually. It is unequivocally a performance of powerful queer male sexuality. We really have not seen that on drag race before, especially on the runway. What's even better is how much fun Camden is having with it. You can really see the joy as she performs. She's having fun and feels more powerful in this queer male drag than her usual femme drag- and that in itself is incredibly empowering.
(Camden feeling more powerful in male drag works for the same reason that "Joey Jay is gay" does. Joey says as much in her lyrics, but there's a truth to it that goes beyond that. Like Camden, Joey is gay and femme enough already out of drag that her drag transformation might actually reveal more masculine or dominant aspects or her personality. If for a typical queen, drag goes something like "he's so gay she's straight," for Joey it goes "he's so gay she's masc.")
The same is true of Camden's other standout performances during the season. In the Lalaparuza, she has to lip sync against Bosco, the sexiest queen of the season, while not dressed in her super femme-presenting drag. As Camden puts it "how am I supposed to lip sync to this super soulful song dressed as Sonic the Hedgehog's bitch girlfriend?" But she makes the choice to perform the song sexually in spite of that, and she does it really well, to the point that the show has other contestants comment on it. See: Daya "I'm so hot for Camden right now." For Camden that feels like another really emotionally strong moment.
The last piece of this narrative is Camden's performance in Moulin Ru as the androgynous cabaret host. Although the character's dress and physical presentation is androgynous, Camden brings a queer masculine-coded sexuality to her performance that feels like a continuation of her discovery as Freddie Mercury. And like with Freddie, she performs the role very successfully and has a ton of fun doing it.
What's even better is just to see all these performances get rewarded by the judges on Drag Race. I really don't know how they would've been received on earlier seasons. But I'm glad we have them now, and I'm glad that queens continue to push Drag Race to expand its aesthetic bubble.
This concludes my thesis.
2023.03.29 05:31 HugeHungandHorny420 Are the feelings mutual 22m 22f
Are the feelings mutual?
I’m a 22 year old male, interested in a woman the same age as me. We met through my mom. We’re boarding horses and she’s training them. My mom told her I just got out of the Navy so I’m new to the area and don’t have any friends. She offered. We hung out once away from the house. She comes over everyday to train the horses, and we smoke. I asked her to go mini golfing and she agreed. But I didn’t know if she knew I had romantic intent. A few days later we were hanging out and she was having problems with her boyfriend who she’s been with for 4 months. I didn’t know she had a boyfriend when I initially asked her to minigolf. After hearing their problems off and on that day, the next day I clarified to her I meant for mini golf to be a date and I didn’t know she was in a relationship when I asked her. She basically told me she’s interested but she’s still involved with the other guy and it wouldn’t be fair to me. I think at least… is what she said. Then the next day we’re talking through text and I’ll quote the conversation verbatim. Me: “Do you like stargazing?” Her: “Yesss!!” Me: “Okay good, we should do that some night :)” Her: “Okay :))” Me: “I think the trampoline would be an awesome place to do it. But I don’t wanna be anywhere near the house when we do hahaha. So how’s a good scenic overlook sound?” Her: “I know a few!” Me: “I was counting on it 😉😂” Her: “Hahaha” Me: “Mini golf, dinner, sunset, then stargazing? Lol just kidding” Her: “Why jk?” Me: “Sounds kinda like a date lol” Her: “Kinda 😂” Me: “Okay a bit more than kinda haha” Her: “You have it all planned out huh 😆” Me: “Just kidding about just kidding? 😅😂 That edible kicked in I’m very high now 😂. “ Her: “Im the only person you have met here. How do you know you like me?” Me: “You’re goal driven, confident, and attractive. Watching you work with the horses I’ve seen it first hand. You know what you want and you can handle whatever comes your way. I may not know many people in the area but I know these are qualities I really like. And when they’re all packaged up into you… well it’s kind of hard to resist” Her: “Goodnight my name! Sleep well!” Me: “You too her name”
So that seems like it went well right? But then today I saw she was still texting her man. And she had a big smile on her face. And it hurt… Where do I stand?
submitted by HugeHungandHorny420 to relationship_advice [link] [comments]
I’m a 22 year old male, interested in a woman the same age as me. We met through my mom. We’re boarding horses and she’s training them. My mom told her I just got out of the Navy so I’m new to the area and don’t have any friends. She offered. We hung out once away from the house. She comes over everyday to train the horses, and we smoke. I asked her to go mini golfing and she agreed. But I didn’t know if she knew I had romantic intent. A few days later we were hanging out and she was having problems with her boyfriend who she’s been with for 4 months. I didn’t know she had a boyfriend when I initially asked her to minigolf. After hearing their problems off and on that day, the next day I clarified to her I meant for mini golf to be a date and I didn’t know she was in a relationship when I asked her. She basically told me she’s interested but she’s still involved with the other guy and it wouldn’t be fair to me. I think at least… is what she said. Then the next day we’re talking through text and I’ll quote the conversation verbatim. Me: “Do you like stargazing?” Her: “Yesss!!” Me: “Okay good, we should do that some night :)” Her: “Okay :))” Me: “I think the trampoline would be an awesome place to do it. But I don’t wanna be anywhere near the house when we do hahaha. So how’s a good scenic overlook sound?” Her: “I know a few!” Me: “I was counting on it 😉😂” Her: “Hahaha” Me: “Mini golf, dinner, sunset, then stargazing? Lol just kidding” Her: “Why jk?” Me: “Sounds kinda like a date lol” Her: “Kinda 😂” Me: “Okay a bit more than kinda haha” Her: “You have it all planned out huh 😆” Me: “Just kidding about just kidding? 😅😂 That edible kicked in I’m very high now 😂. “ Her: “Im the only person you have met here. How do you know you like me?” Me: “You’re goal driven, confident, and attractive. Watching you work with the horses I’ve seen it first hand. You know what you want and you can handle whatever comes your way. I may not know many people in the area but I know these are qualities I really like. And when they’re all packaged up into you… well it’s kind of hard to resist” Her: “Goodnight my name! Sleep well!” Me: “You too her name”
So that seems like it went well right? But then today I saw she was still texting her man. And she had a big smile on her face. And it hurt… Where do I stand?
2023.03.29 04:11 tagolifelove Atlanta Falcons Gucci Stan Smith Shoes
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2023.03.29 03:06 Ecstatic-Jaguar-4707 Are there other games with all the world and NPC interactions like RDR2 has?
I don't know if it's called mechanics necessarily, but I'm looking for games that have the same randomness and unexpected quality as RDR2.
Like how you can run people over with your horse, kill and/or rob NPCs, fall off cliffs, kidnap NPCs, etc.
Thanks in advance!
submitted by Ecstatic-Jaguar-4707 to reddeadredemption2 [link] [comments]
Like how you can run people over with your horse, kill and/or rob NPCs, fall off cliffs, kidnap NPCs, etc.
Thanks in advance!
2023.03.29 02:56 kayenano The Villainess Is An SS+ Rank Adventurer: Chapter 13
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Synopsis:
Juliette Contzen is a lazy, good-for-nothing princess. Overshadowed by her siblings, she's left with little to do but nap, read … and occasionally cut the falling raindrops with her sword. Spotted one day by an astonished adventurer, he insists on grading Juliette's swordsmanship, then promptly has a mental breakdown at the result.
Soon after, Juliette is given the news that her kingdom is on the brink of bankruptcy. At threat of being married off, the lazy princess vows to do whatever it takes to maintain her current lifestyle, and taking matters into her own hands, escapes in the middle of the night in order to restore her kingdom's finances.
Tags: Comedy, Adventure, Action, Fantasy, Copious Ohohohohos.
Chapter 13: Clockwork Doll
Apple let out a snort as he plodded along the uneven dirt lane. Whether it was the rapidly degrading quality of the roads or the new company he found himself in that was the source of his ire, I would never know.
Beside us was Coppelia, walking at an easy pace despite the many sacks she was swinging. Swinging. Not carrying. She didn't sling those sacks of loot over her back like some overworked mule, but swung them as she walked like a young girl toying with a basket of flowers in the meadows.
It was a ridiculous sight. A girl keeping up with a trotting horse while also carrying more than the animal's burden. Granted, as a work horse, Apple was no galloping steed. He went as fast as he wanted. And that was very slow.
Still, I had to accept the slight on Apple's image. The horse could not have carried the extra weight. He lacked the bridle necessary to pull a cart. And while I'm certain I would have fashioned a solution, I wasn't one to reject the appeasement of commoners.
Thus, girl on foot.
Or rather, a clockwork doll.
“You know, you've been staring for a while,” said Coppelia, turning to show the giant golden key sticking out of her back. “Go on. Want to touch it?”
She didn't look the slightest bit shy. And I didn't act the slightest bit incurious.
It'd take a level of ignorance neither of us possessed to pretend that she wasn't an extreme rarity in this kingdom. Only a few workshops possessed the knowledge, technical and magical expertise to build clockwork dolls. And none of them were in Tirea.
The fabrication process required to create one was said to be so demanding that it was always clear when a doll was being built. Sales of coffee beans boomed.
And now I fully understood why.
A girl whose beauty almost rivalled mine. Almost. She looked my age, or perhaps a year younger. A sweet and dignified appearance, yet she had a spritely smile full of mischief … as well as cogs, sprockets and gears.
Seeing such a marvel of engineering before me, I now fully understood what I had to do.
… I had to build my own!
What was this?! Not only was she pretty. But she was strong! She couldn't just carry tea cups. She could carry me! With someone like that by my side, I wouldn't need to work an extra day in my life!
“M-May I?” I replied, urging Apple to slide over as I reached down for the golden key. “Do I just … touch it?”
“Sure. Just make sure you don't turn it.”
“I see … and what would occur should I accidentally turn it?”
Coppelia puffed up her cheeks, then popped the air.
“Boom.”
My hand froze. I looked at Coppelia.
She didn't correct herself.
“Per … Perhaps it's better if I don't,” I said, swiftly uprighting myself on the saddle. “Besides, you're hardly some plaything to be prodded and poked. I apologise for my less than discreet ogling. Clockwork dolls are not known to visit Tirea.”
“I bet. I mean, who'd want to visit this tiny kingdom out in the boonies?”
I almost choked on my response, such was the speed at which my indignation sought to leave my lips.
No matter how wonderful this invention of engineering was, that didn't give her a blank cheque to disregard my kingdom like some downtrodden restaurant!
“T-Tiny?! The … The boonies?! Miss—”
“Coppelia.”
“Coppelia! This is a majestic kingdom, graced with verdant fields and enterprising scholars! I assure you, there is nothing tiny or … or boonie-like about this rich land!”
“Really? My memory core must be out of whack. It says the Kingdom of Tirea is the second smallest independent nation-state by surface area on this continent, and that it's gross economic output—”
“Shhshhshhshh!! This … This kingdom holds treasures beyond the definition of crowns and industry. We measure prosperity in different ways. In culture. In harmony. And in peace.”
“You were attacked by bandits five minutes ago.”
“A most unfortunate and poorly timed coincidence that doesn't reflect the safe and harmonious nature of this kingdom.”
Coppelia giggled, delicately bringing up the back of her hand to hide her lips … all the while still gripping those huge sacks.
Such brutish strength! It was … marvellous!
Imagine if I had such a useful attendant by my side! The next time Roland hid behind a door to frighten me, I could order her to rip the door off and launch it and him through the nearest window! The possibilities were endless!
“Unfortunate and poorly timed coincidences are the domain of Ouzelia, actually. It's pretty much our trademark, and we guard it zealously. I'm afraid you can't have that.”
Her words could have been written as jest, but her tone was anything but.
“I see. My tutors always said that Ouzelia was a land of splendour and opportunity, and that its freedoms exceeded even that of Tirea.”
“A rotten lie. What did they actually say?”
“That it was full of oddballs and I should stay away.”
“Much better.” Coppelia twirled as she took her next steps forwards, swinging the sacks perilously close to Apple's side as she spun. “Ah, Ouzelia, where dragons roam the skies and there exists no fiction in fairytales. Humans live with ogres. Ogres live with goblins. Goblins live with … well, nobody since they're kinda grouchy. How are the ones here?”
I gave it a moment's thought, then decided to answer honestly.
“Still grouchy.”
“Goblins, eh?”
“Goblins.”
I nodded, needing to say little else.
At least ours were fiercely isolationist. As were our ogre clans. Such a mixing of cultures could never be considered in Tirea, where few non-natives other than the odd troll caravan or questing minotaur could be found passing through our towns and villages.
Then again—
As I stole a glance at the girl alternating between walking and skipping beside me, at the heavy sacks in her hands, and the large golden key protruding from her back, I couldn't help but think that even a dragon probably wasn't as rare as a princess and a clockwork doll passing through our streets together, either.
“Have you been searching for this missing book for long? I'm curious how much time you've spent wandering the kingdom.”
“Waaay too long. These shoes weren't made for walking. But books are hard to find. Especially the one I'm after. Alas, if only I had a different job. My sisters, they got jobs like cleaning bookcases. How wonderful is that? Books always get lost. But bookcases? If that's all I had to do, I'd be able to relax at the—”
“I understand!”
“Eh?”
A flush of excitement ran through me as I seized on the opportunity at once.
Ohhoho! Indeed, rejoice, fair clockwork maiden! No insinuation was lost on me!
As a princess trained in the art of reading cues and desires, I was adept at understanding the words between the lines as keenly as a conductor sensed the notes weaving amongst a grand sonata.
And my instincts were telling me ... that she wished to serve under me as my personal attendant!
“A-Ahem, if cleaning is something you wish to experience, I can offer you a position as attendant. You see, I happen to have left my previous residence without any. Therefore, you may be at ease, as from now, I will declare you to be my sole—”
“I refuse.”
“Geh?!”
My jaw dropped at the abruptness of her rejection.
Could … Could it be that I was wrong? Or perhaps I'd pressed her too suddenly? True, it was only natural to react with inappropriate modesty when presented with such an envied position as the personal attendant to a princess. There were rivalries to consider. New enemies to watch. Old allies to turn. To become my sole attendant was to make one's social debut in high society. Even a maid could be elevated to the lowest rungs of lower nobility by adopting such an exclusive role.
Hmm?
But wasn't I forgetting something?
Ah, but of course! She didn't know I was a princess!
“I refuse,” she repeated cheerfully. “Thank you for the offer. But I've no need for a mistress. My loyalty is to my library.”
A bizarre croak exited my mouth as a thousand responses amalgamated into one.
I … I couldn't tell her!
I was supposed to be incognito, not hiring new employees!
“Sooo, well-dressed, haughty girl who wants an attendant ... is it just 'Juliette'? Or is there a 'High Ladyship' or 'Her Revered Countess, Holy Destroyer of Unwanted Beetles' title somewhere in there as well?”
I winced.
Partly because my masterful disguise as a titleless 'Juliette' was clearly not enough to hide the fact I was simply far too dignified to pass as anything less than nobility. But also because she'd just butchered our entire peerage system in one single sentence.
“Those are not titles.”
“My cunning word trap worked. So, nobility?”
“Undisclosed.”
Coppelia raised an eyebrow.
“Royalty?”
“............”
Hmm?
What … What was that?
Was that … sweat? Why was I sweating? How long had I been riding for? When had sitting in a saddle been such a taxing activity on me?
“U-Undisclosed ...”
For a moment, Coppelia had the look of someone who wished to make an unnecessary comment. I was relieved when she didn't.
… She didn't suspect!
Really now. That was too close. And the fault lay entirely with me.
It was vexing, but the truth is that I didn't enjoy parading myself as anything less than a princess. To do away with my title was difficult enough. But to adopt another was quite another. I needed to find a compromise … eventually.
Eventually.
Meaning ... there was no rush!
I had no need to dive straight into the details of my subterfuge, did I? Once I picked an identity, I'd need to actively utilise it or risk being outed. I couldn't have that. A poor identity was more suspicious than having none. It'd undermine everything!
Therefore, the best thing to do was to disclose nothing. The less I spoke about my background, the less anyone would suspect I was a princess. If anyone asked me if I was Juliette Contzen, 3rd Princess to the Kingdom of Tirea, I could simply refuse to answer and they'd be none the wiser.
Ohohoho! Genius.
Why make things harder? Sometimes, less truly was more.
“To answer slightly more, I can't offer myself for any role other than that which I'm already sworn to do. My purpose is to search for unreturned books. That means I'm forbidden from washing the dishes of any ladies of high standing. Or putting on their socks. That one is specifically ruled out.”
I nodded, taking the loss of a potential handmaiden with good grace.
… Ohhhohoho!! Until next time, of course!
Fortunes waver and ambitions stir. When this girl wished to seek a rewarding new career path in the exciting world of courtly backstabbing, treachery and betrayal, I'd ensure that the door remained open.
“I see. A terrible shame. Nevertheless, I applaud your loyalty to your library. Indeed, by refusing my first offer, you passed the first test to becoming my personal attendant. Should you wish to continue this application, you may do so at any time.”
She connected her thumb and index finger into a circle and smiled lazily.
“O-kay~”
I contented myself with that somewhat lackadaisical response. It lacked the dirt eating grovelling that I usually received when overseeing prospective hires … but I was nothing if not mildly flexible!
When it came to receiving a promising new attendant who could carry my extensive wardrobe wherever I pleased, I was willing to bide my time.
In fact, if she could display such wonderful strength, would that not also make her an excellent candidate to be a bodyguard? If so, that'd make her a two-for-one attendant! I'd be the envy of the soirée!
“By any chance, does your prodigious ability to carry large weights hint towards how you defend yourself in this peaceful and harmonious land?”
“Hmm?” Coppelia looked down, then blinked at the sacks in her hands. “Oh, this? This is nothing.”
“I disagree! … Hence why I note that you carry no weapons on your person, and yet you're able to traverse the perilous wilds that exist between Ouzelia and Tirea. Tell me, would you happen to be proficient in overcoming physical confrontations?”
“My, my, my … what are you implying? I have my feminine wiles and girlish charms. What else do I need to travel the wide world?”
Coppelia flicked her fluffy golden hair and gave a smile as radiant as the sunshine.
I was appalled.
Who did this girl think she was? Me?
Clearly, she had to boast martial skill or magical ability. Not everyone possessed a princess's charisma. And for all the confidence in her smile, that also included her.
“Charm and wit is not enough to negotiate the dangers that pervade this world, unless you're me. Everyone else requires the knowledge of a scholar and the intuition of a rogue. To challenge, to compromise, or to flee based on coldly evaluating every morsel of insight available to you. This is the trifecta of choices one must continually master in order to overcome foes who wish to force victory through brute force alone.”
Coppelia nodded, interest sparkling in her turquoise eyes as she had the politeness to feign the correct amount of being intrigued. A valuable skill set. My tutors would be pleased.
“I see, I see … but what if your foe isn't someone who wants to talk or fight?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, what if it's say, a blight? How would you overcome that?”
“A blight?”
“A blight affecting crops and pastures, a faceless enemy with no notion of negotiation or belligerence. That'd be pretty tricky, wouldn't it? I just want to know where on the manual that is.”
I tilted my head slightly.
It was a concept I had to wrap my head around. To be frank, something which didn't try to sully my reputation or outright assassinate me wouldn't truly count as a foe.
At least not until I saw the first inklings of withering intruding upon the corner of my eye.
Apple came to a stop as I tugged back his reins.
Turning my gaze slowly, I took in the sight of the fields that lay ahead.
Appalling parched fields crept down from across the horizon. Beyond half-wilted lines of hedgerows and trees, a scene of death and decay promised to wait for me. The contrast to the green fields to my sides were stark.
Beyond a rotting demarcation as clear as lines in the sand, I saw a vision of the fine pastures fit for napping replaced by a barren stretch of broken livelihoods.
I couldn't believe it. Was this what was meant by failing crops?
This was beyond what I had imagined! We hadn't even entered the lowlands yet! Was this some disease in the soil? How far did it stretch? How much of our farmland was lost?
It was more morbid than anything I could have envisaged. I could literally see the trail of tax income from yield percentages to stall revenues collapsing in front of me! Each fallen stalk of wheat was another feather snatched from my pillow!
It was horrible!
Beside me, Coppelia was cheerfully humming an unknown melody.
Judging from the brightness of her tune, the state of the kingdom's collapsing grain reserves and the riots that were certain to follow ranked lower on her reasons to be concerned list than it did mine. It was not, after all, my fate that she shared. Even now, I could see a grim future where my family was forced to sell our gold framed portraits and ruby inlaid candlesticks just to appease the peasant masses.
The indignity almost knocked me off my saddle.
Awakening from my stupor, I clenched my fists and spurred Apple onwards.
It was time for Juliette Contzen, the Third Princess of the Kingdom of Tirea, to do her duty. No matter what, I would prevent a future where I was forced to degrade my quality of life. To live as though I were mere nobility.
Or worse, common-born nobility.
No blight would stand in my way.
This, I solemnly vowed.
[<< First] [< Previous] [Next >]
submitted by kayenano to HFY [link] [comments]
Synopsis:
Juliette Contzen is a lazy, good-for-nothing princess. Overshadowed by her siblings, she's left with little to do but nap, read … and occasionally cut the falling raindrops with her sword. Spotted one day by an astonished adventurer, he insists on grading Juliette's swordsmanship, then promptly has a mental breakdown at the result.
Soon after, Juliette is given the news that her kingdom is on the brink of bankruptcy. At threat of being married off, the lazy princess vows to do whatever it takes to maintain her current lifestyle, and taking matters into her own hands, escapes in the middle of the night in order to restore her kingdom's finances.
Tags: Comedy, Adventure, Action, Fantasy, Copious Ohohohohos.
Chapter 13: Clockwork Doll
Apple let out a snort as he plodded along the uneven dirt lane. Whether it was the rapidly degrading quality of the roads or the new company he found himself in that was the source of his ire, I would never know.
Beside us was Coppelia, walking at an easy pace despite the many sacks she was swinging. Swinging. Not carrying. She didn't sling those sacks of loot over her back like some overworked mule, but swung them as she walked like a young girl toying with a basket of flowers in the meadows.
It was a ridiculous sight. A girl keeping up with a trotting horse while also carrying more than the animal's burden. Granted, as a work horse, Apple was no galloping steed. He went as fast as he wanted. And that was very slow.
Still, I had to accept the slight on Apple's image. The horse could not have carried the extra weight. He lacked the bridle necessary to pull a cart. And while I'm certain I would have fashioned a solution, I wasn't one to reject the appeasement of commoners.
Thus, girl on foot.
Or rather, a clockwork doll.
“You know, you've been staring for a while,” said Coppelia, turning to show the giant golden key sticking out of her back. “Go on. Want to touch it?”
She didn't look the slightest bit shy. And I didn't act the slightest bit incurious.
It'd take a level of ignorance neither of us possessed to pretend that she wasn't an extreme rarity in this kingdom. Only a few workshops possessed the knowledge, technical and magical expertise to build clockwork dolls. And none of them were in Tirea.
The fabrication process required to create one was said to be so demanding that it was always clear when a doll was being built. Sales of coffee beans boomed.
And now I fully understood why.
A girl whose beauty almost rivalled mine. Almost. She looked my age, or perhaps a year younger. A sweet and dignified appearance, yet she had a spritely smile full of mischief … as well as cogs, sprockets and gears.
Seeing such a marvel of engineering before me, I now fully understood what I had to do.
… I had to build my own!
What was this?! Not only was she pretty. But she was strong! She couldn't just carry tea cups. She could carry me! With someone like that by my side, I wouldn't need to work an extra day in my life!
“M-May I?” I replied, urging Apple to slide over as I reached down for the golden key. “Do I just … touch it?”
“Sure. Just make sure you don't turn it.”
“I see … and what would occur should I accidentally turn it?”
Coppelia puffed up her cheeks, then popped the air.
“Boom.”
My hand froze. I looked at Coppelia.
She didn't correct herself.
“Per … Perhaps it's better if I don't,” I said, swiftly uprighting myself on the saddle. “Besides, you're hardly some plaything to be prodded and poked. I apologise for my less than discreet ogling. Clockwork dolls are not known to visit Tirea.”
“I bet. I mean, who'd want to visit this tiny kingdom out in the boonies?”
I almost choked on my response, such was the speed at which my indignation sought to leave my lips.
No matter how wonderful this invention of engineering was, that didn't give her a blank cheque to disregard my kingdom like some downtrodden restaurant!
“T-Tiny?! The … The boonies?! Miss—”
“Coppelia.”
“Coppelia! This is a majestic kingdom, graced with verdant fields and enterprising scholars! I assure you, there is nothing tiny or … or boonie-like about this rich land!”
“Really? My memory core must be out of whack. It says the Kingdom of Tirea is the second smallest independent nation-state by surface area on this continent, and that it's gross economic output—”
“Shhshhshhshh!! This … This kingdom holds treasures beyond the definition of crowns and industry. We measure prosperity in different ways. In culture. In harmony. And in peace.”
“You were attacked by bandits five minutes ago.”
“A most unfortunate and poorly timed coincidence that doesn't reflect the safe and harmonious nature of this kingdom.”
Coppelia giggled, delicately bringing up the back of her hand to hide her lips … all the while still gripping those huge sacks.
Such brutish strength! It was … marvellous!
Imagine if I had such a useful attendant by my side! The next time Roland hid behind a door to frighten me, I could order her to rip the door off and launch it and him through the nearest window! The possibilities were endless!
“Unfortunate and poorly timed coincidences are the domain of Ouzelia, actually. It's pretty much our trademark, and we guard it zealously. I'm afraid you can't have that.”
Her words could have been written as jest, but her tone was anything but.
“I see. My tutors always said that Ouzelia was a land of splendour and opportunity, and that its freedoms exceeded even that of Tirea.”
“A rotten lie. What did they actually say?”
“That it was full of oddballs and I should stay away.”
“Much better.” Coppelia twirled as she took her next steps forwards, swinging the sacks perilously close to Apple's side as she spun. “Ah, Ouzelia, where dragons roam the skies and there exists no fiction in fairytales. Humans live with ogres. Ogres live with goblins. Goblins live with … well, nobody since they're kinda grouchy. How are the ones here?”
I gave it a moment's thought, then decided to answer honestly.
“Still grouchy.”
“Goblins, eh?”
“Goblins.”
I nodded, needing to say little else.
At least ours were fiercely isolationist. As were our ogre clans. Such a mixing of cultures could never be considered in Tirea, where few non-natives other than the odd troll caravan or questing minotaur could be found passing through our towns and villages.
Then again—
As I stole a glance at the girl alternating between walking and skipping beside me, at the heavy sacks in her hands, and the large golden key protruding from her back, I couldn't help but think that even a dragon probably wasn't as rare as a princess and a clockwork doll passing through our streets together, either.
“Have you been searching for this missing book for long? I'm curious how much time you've spent wandering the kingdom.”
“Waaay too long. These shoes weren't made for walking. But books are hard to find. Especially the one I'm after. Alas, if only I had a different job. My sisters, they got jobs like cleaning bookcases. How wonderful is that? Books always get lost. But bookcases? If that's all I had to do, I'd be able to relax at the—”
“I understand!”
“Eh?”
A flush of excitement ran through me as I seized on the opportunity at once.
Ohhoho! Indeed, rejoice, fair clockwork maiden! No insinuation was lost on me!
As a princess trained in the art of reading cues and desires, I was adept at understanding the words between the lines as keenly as a conductor sensed the notes weaving amongst a grand sonata.
And my instincts were telling me ... that she wished to serve under me as my personal attendant!
“A-Ahem, if cleaning is something you wish to experience, I can offer you a position as attendant. You see, I happen to have left my previous residence without any. Therefore, you may be at ease, as from now, I will declare you to be my sole—”
“I refuse.”
“Geh?!”
My jaw dropped at the abruptness of her rejection.
Could … Could it be that I was wrong? Or perhaps I'd pressed her too suddenly? True, it was only natural to react with inappropriate modesty when presented with such an envied position as the personal attendant to a princess. There were rivalries to consider. New enemies to watch. Old allies to turn. To become my sole attendant was to make one's social debut in high society. Even a maid could be elevated to the lowest rungs of lower nobility by adopting such an exclusive role.
Hmm?
But wasn't I forgetting something?
Ah, but of course! She didn't know I was a princess!
“I refuse,” she repeated cheerfully. “Thank you for the offer. But I've no need for a mistress. My loyalty is to my library.”
A bizarre croak exited my mouth as a thousand responses amalgamated into one.
I … I couldn't tell her!
I was supposed to be incognito, not hiring new employees!
“Sooo, well-dressed, haughty girl who wants an attendant ... is it just 'Juliette'? Or is there a 'High Ladyship' or 'Her Revered Countess, Holy Destroyer of Unwanted Beetles' title somewhere in there as well?”
I winced.
Partly because my masterful disguise as a titleless 'Juliette' was clearly not enough to hide the fact I was simply far too dignified to pass as anything less than nobility. But also because she'd just butchered our entire peerage system in one single sentence.
“Those are not titles.”
“My cunning word trap worked. So, nobility?”
“Undisclosed.”
Coppelia raised an eyebrow.
“Royalty?”
“............”
Hmm?
What … What was that?
Was that … sweat? Why was I sweating? How long had I been riding for? When had sitting in a saddle been such a taxing activity on me?
“U-Undisclosed ...”
For a moment, Coppelia had the look of someone who wished to make an unnecessary comment. I was relieved when she didn't.
… She didn't suspect!
Really now. That was too close. And the fault lay entirely with me.
It was vexing, but the truth is that I didn't enjoy parading myself as anything less than a princess. To do away with my title was difficult enough. But to adopt another was quite another. I needed to find a compromise … eventually.
Eventually.
Meaning ... there was no rush!
I had no need to dive straight into the details of my subterfuge, did I? Once I picked an identity, I'd need to actively utilise it or risk being outed. I couldn't have that. A poor identity was more suspicious than having none. It'd undermine everything!
Therefore, the best thing to do was to disclose nothing. The less I spoke about my background, the less anyone would suspect I was a princess. If anyone asked me if I was Juliette Contzen, 3rd Princess to the Kingdom of Tirea, I could simply refuse to answer and they'd be none the wiser.
Ohohoho! Genius.
Why make things harder? Sometimes, less truly was more.
“To answer slightly more, I can't offer myself for any role other than that which I'm already sworn to do. My purpose is to search for unreturned books. That means I'm forbidden from washing the dishes of any ladies of high standing. Or putting on their socks. That one is specifically ruled out.”
I nodded, taking the loss of a potential handmaiden with good grace.
… Ohhhohoho!! Until next time, of course!
Fortunes waver and ambitions stir. When this girl wished to seek a rewarding new career path in the exciting world of courtly backstabbing, treachery and betrayal, I'd ensure that the door remained open.
“I see. A terrible shame. Nevertheless, I applaud your loyalty to your library. Indeed, by refusing my first offer, you passed the first test to becoming my personal attendant. Should you wish to continue this application, you may do so at any time.”
She connected her thumb and index finger into a circle and smiled lazily.
“O-kay~”
I contented myself with that somewhat lackadaisical response. It lacked the dirt eating grovelling that I usually received when overseeing prospective hires … but I was nothing if not mildly flexible!
When it came to receiving a promising new attendant who could carry my extensive wardrobe wherever I pleased, I was willing to bide my time.
In fact, if she could display such wonderful strength, would that not also make her an excellent candidate to be a bodyguard? If so, that'd make her a two-for-one attendant! I'd be the envy of the soirée!
“By any chance, does your prodigious ability to carry large weights hint towards how you defend yourself in this peaceful and harmonious land?”
“Hmm?” Coppelia looked down, then blinked at the sacks in her hands. “Oh, this? This is nothing.”
“I disagree! … Hence why I note that you carry no weapons on your person, and yet you're able to traverse the perilous wilds that exist between Ouzelia and Tirea. Tell me, would you happen to be proficient in overcoming physical confrontations?”
“My, my, my … what are you implying? I have my feminine wiles and girlish charms. What else do I need to travel the wide world?”
Coppelia flicked her fluffy golden hair and gave a smile as radiant as the sunshine.
I was appalled.
Who did this girl think she was? Me?
Clearly, she had to boast martial skill or magical ability. Not everyone possessed a princess's charisma. And for all the confidence in her smile, that also included her.
“Charm and wit is not enough to negotiate the dangers that pervade this world, unless you're me. Everyone else requires the knowledge of a scholar and the intuition of a rogue. To challenge, to compromise, or to flee based on coldly evaluating every morsel of insight available to you. This is the trifecta of choices one must continually master in order to overcome foes who wish to force victory through brute force alone.”
Coppelia nodded, interest sparkling in her turquoise eyes as she had the politeness to feign the correct amount of being intrigued. A valuable skill set. My tutors would be pleased.
“I see, I see … but what if your foe isn't someone who wants to talk or fight?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, what if it's say, a blight? How would you overcome that?”
“A blight?”
“A blight affecting crops and pastures, a faceless enemy with no notion of negotiation or belligerence. That'd be pretty tricky, wouldn't it? I just want to know where on the manual that is.”
I tilted my head slightly.
It was a concept I had to wrap my head around. To be frank, something which didn't try to sully my reputation or outright assassinate me wouldn't truly count as a foe.
At least not until I saw the first inklings of withering intruding upon the corner of my eye.
Apple came to a stop as I tugged back his reins.
Turning my gaze slowly, I took in the sight of the fields that lay ahead.
Appalling parched fields crept down from across the horizon. Beyond half-wilted lines of hedgerows and trees, a scene of death and decay promised to wait for me. The contrast to the green fields to my sides were stark.
Beyond a rotting demarcation as clear as lines in the sand, I saw a vision of the fine pastures fit for napping replaced by a barren stretch of broken livelihoods.
I couldn't believe it. Was this what was meant by failing crops?
This was beyond what I had imagined! We hadn't even entered the lowlands yet! Was this some disease in the soil? How far did it stretch? How much of our farmland was lost?
It was more morbid than anything I could have envisaged. I could literally see the trail of tax income from yield percentages to stall revenues collapsing in front of me! Each fallen stalk of wheat was another feather snatched from my pillow!
It was horrible!
Beside me, Coppelia was cheerfully humming an unknown melody.
Judging from the brightness of her tune, the state of the kingdom's collapsing grain reserves and the riots that were certain to follow ranked lower on her reasons to be concerned list than it did mine. It was not, after all, my fate that she shared. Even now, I could see a grim future where my family was forced to sell our gold framed portraits and ruby inlaid candlesticks just to appease the peasant masses.
The indignity almost knocked me off my saddle.
Awakening from my stupor, I clenched my fists and spurred Apple onwards.
It was time for Juliette Contzen, the Third Princess of the Kingdom of Tirea, to do her duty. No matter what, I would prevent a future where I was forced to degrade my quality of life. To live as though I were mere nobility.
Or worse, common-born nobility.
No blight would stand in my way.
This, I solemnly vowed.
[<< First] [< Previous] [Next >]
2023.03.29 01:03 strawberry-kittea [WTS] TWSBI Eco Collection (Sunset Orange, Turquoise, Chunghwa, etc.)
Hello! Please bear with me as I'm not super used to this! Feel free to PM for any questions!
Looking to sell most of my TWSBI Eco collection!
timestamp
I only used these lightly and stored them in a protective binder when not in use, however I'm not a fountain pen professional so feel free to ask for more photos if you'd like to judge the quality yourself! I checked the nib itself for the nib size, but feel free to ask for a picture of that too if you'd like to verify. I did get a majority of these secondhand myself, but other than the ones brand new, I've written with them at least once and haven't had any issues!
All have been cleaned but the ones marked with glitter I'm too nervous to take apart the pen itself to do a deeper clean.
I will try to find boxes, but no promises! Please feel free to ask first if this is necessary for you!
I would also prefer to sell in a bundle or multiple pens together, but I'm also fine if not! I can offer some free ink to those that are interested in larger bundles!
I am also open to shipping outside the US, just please be aware of the higher shipping cost + higher risk by overseas shipping.
submitted by strawberry-kittea to Pen_Swap [link] [comments]
Looking to sell most of my TWSBI Eco collection!
timestamp
I only used these lightly and stored them in a protective binder when not in use, however I'm not a fountain pen professional so feel free to ask for more photos if you'd like to judge the quality yourself! I checked the nib itself for the nib size, but feel free to ask for a picture of that too if you'd like to verify. I did get a majority of these secondhand myself, but other than the ones brand new, I've written with them at least once and haven't had any issues!
All have been cleaned but the ones marked with glitter I'm too nervous to take apart the pen itself to do a deeper clean.
- Pastel Pink (F) - [B] - $55 PENDING/HOLD
- Hot Pink (M) - [B] - $55
- Coral (M) - [B] - $60
Sunset Orange (EF) - [C, glitter from previous ink, cleanable] - $200Yellow (M) - [B] - $70Mint / Light Green / Jade ? (1.1) - [B] - $30Lime Green (next to ^ in pic) (B) - [B] - $50Neon Green (EF) - [B] - $60- Glow in the Dark Green? (1.1) - [N] [Uninked, no box] - $30
- Mint Blue (M) - [B] - $30
- Blue (F) - [B] - $60
- Cerulean (1.1) - N [Uninked, no box] - $30
- Turquoise (B) - [B] - $200
- Chunghwa Post White (F) - [B] - $100
Cement Grey (1.1) - [B] - $60Blossom Red (Transparent)(M) - [B] $60Transparent Orange (1.1) - [B] - $80Taiwan Horse Festival (Rose Gold Transparent/Clear)(EF) - [C, glitter from previous ink, cleanable] - $150Pastel Blue (EF) - [D, stained? Might be cleanable but I'm too nervous to take apart the pen] - $15
I will try to find boxes, but no promises! Please feel free to ask first if this is necessary for you!
I would also prefer to sell in a bundle or multiple pens together, but I'm also fine if not! I can offer some free ink to those that are interested in larger bundles!
I am also open to shipping outside the US, just please be aware of the higher shipping cost + higher risk by overseas shipping.
2023.03.29 00:27 HotMessMagnet Asked ChatGPT to list the top 21 reasons why Albertans should not vote for Danielle Smith and the UCP - Did it miss any big ones?
- Climate Change: Danielle Smith and the UPC have been criticized for not taking the threat of climate change seriously and for advocating policies that would lead to increased carbon emissions.
- Health Care: Critics argue that Danielle Smith and the UPC's approach to healthcare involves privatization and cuts to public healthcare funding, which could lead to a decline in healthcare services for Albertans.
- Education: The UPC's education policies have been criticized for prioritizing private education over public education and for not investing enough in public schools.
- Indigenous Rights: Danielle Smith and the UPC have been criticized for not doing enough to address the concerns of Indigenous peoples in Alberta and for not taking meaningful steps towards reconciliation.
- Women's Rights: The UPC's policies on women's rights have been criticized for being regressive, particularly with regards to reproductive rights.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Danielle Smith and the UPC have been criticized for not being supportive of LGBTQ+ rights and for not taking action to address discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in Alberta.
- Income Inequality: Critics argue that Danielle Smith and the UPC's policies would lead to increased income inequality, with the wealthiest individuals and corporations benefiting at the expense of ordinary Albertans.
- Labour Rights: The UPC has been criticized for its approach to labour rights, with critics arguing that the party is not supportive of unions and is more interested in protecting corporate interests than the rights of workers.
- Social Services: Critics argue that Danielle Smith and the UPC's policies would lead to cuts to social services, including programs that support vulnerable populations such as seniors, children, and people with disabilities.
- Public Services: The UPC's policies have been criticized for prioritizing privatization over public services, which could lead to a decline in the quality of services provided to Albertans.
- Economic Policies: The UPC's economic policies have been criticized for being overly focused on resource extraction and not doing enough to diversify Alberta's economy.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Critics argue that Danielle Smith and the UPC's fiscal policies are not fiscally responsible and could lead to higher deficits and debt.
- Energy Sector: The UPC has been criticized for being too supportive of the energy sector at the expense of other sectors of the economy.
- Environmental Policies: Danielle Smith and the UPC have been criticized for not doing enough to protect Alberta's environment, including its water and air quality.
- Science-Based Policies: The UPC has been criticized for not basing its policies on scientific evidence and for ignoring expert advice on issues such as climate change.
- Transparency: The UPC has been criticized for lack of transparency in its decision-making processes and for not being forthcoming with information about its policies.
- Accountability: Critics argue that Danielle Smith and the UPC have not been held accountable for their actions and for not taking responsibility for mistakes made while in government.
- Partisan Politics: The UPC has been criticized for engaging in partisan politics and for not working collaboratively with opposition parties.
- Corruption: Critics argue that the UPC has engaged in corrupt practices, including using public funds for partisan purposes.
- Leadership: Danielle Smith's leadership style has been criticized for being divisive and for not promoting unity within the party or among Albertans.
- Democracy: The UPC has been criticized for not being committed to democracy and for engaging in practices that undermine democratic processes.
2023.03.29 00:12 Main_Formal2089 What a fun case to build in - Y60 checks all the boxes for me - WIP!
 | submitted by Main_Formal2089 to Hyte [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/wte1pdut1kqa1.jpg?width=4160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4328b1130bacaa19a1522a1f019b2c201b81f208 So, this case is F*#$*%G AMAZING! Ever since I laid eyes on it, I wanted it. There is nothing else like it... The Lian Li Dynamic 011 comes close, but is still so far IMHO. Anyways, I wanna say thanks to the Hyte team for solving my order issues and for making such a great product. I had ordered using Next-Day shipping and since it wasn't shipped out that night, they overnighted it a couple days later and refunded my shipping. Didn't expect them to do all of that so I was very impressed. Anyway, I came from an NZXT H510 in white, and now use the Y60 in white. Right now the two PCs are utilizing a nightstand next to my L-Shaped black glass desk. I wasn't comfortable putting the Y60 on the glass. Not just because of the obvious weight increase, but also size. I feel the case deserves a decent display if you will, and I'm working on an extension to my desk that will have a wood top where I will also mount the 2nd PC underneath instead of having it chillin on the floor like that. Here's an overview of my setup (2 PC) : (for anyone who gives a sh\t)* Main PC: GPU: Gigabyte Eagle RTX 4070 TICPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DWater Cooling: Corsair H100i Elite Cappelix 240mm White w/ LCD DisplayRam: *Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 3200Mhz 32GB (4x8)*Motherboard: MSI Mag B550 TomahawkStorage:\* Crucial P3 Gen 3 1TB M.2 NVMePSU:** EVGA 650W 80+ BronzeCable Kit:** CableMod Pro ModMesh White 12VHPWR PCI-e 16 Pin* / AsiaHorse 16AWG PSU Kit WhiteCase:** Hyte Y60 White Streaming PC: GPU: PNY XLR8 RTX 3060CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600XRam: *Corsair Vengeance 3000Mhz 16GB (2x8)*Motherboard: ASRock a320m-hdvStorage:\* PNY CS900 120GB Sata SSD* / WD Blue 1 TB HDDPSU:\* Thermaltake SMART 500WCase:\* Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L Heres pictures of the NZXT H510: (Where it came from and sh\t)* Dedicated Stream PC Underneath. Working on a different way to display the Y60 as well as get the secondary PC off the floor. https://preview.redd.it/u9bgakel2kqa1.jpg?width=4160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=af7be6445dbee1b50ecd0859e0e06f3b04c1f2ca AANNNDD NOW FOR THE FISHTANK AND SH\T:* https://preview.redd.it/5738z6j33kqa1.jpg?width=3120&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=79a15e10e76b67cfc306b9d1c973d1d844cbcf93 GOTTA INCLUDE THE WIFEY. TRUST ME... CABLE MANAGEMENT WAS A SINCH. SAYS ALOT WHEN I USUALLY HAVE A BIRDS NEXT BEHIND MY MOTHERBOARD. FAN HUBS SUCK AND SH*T. CABLEMOD MODMESH ADAPTER AND SH*T https://preview.redd.it/xp1zpej14kqa1.jpg?width=4160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9fc6f521e77998efc4a8e777e9baf80da0de2cc5 https://preview.redd.it/b245f2hh4kqa1.jpg?width=3120&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=438a5d6c25f5355dbbe08fc2fec683769f2685a9 https://preview.redd.it/mm8ui4os4kqa1.jpg?width=4160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=217d59c5d5ffe42f45667c40fbe3b7d8d212db0b ANYONE ELSE FEEL LIKE ITS TIME TO REACH FOR FISH FOOD WHEN OPENING THE TOP OF THIS THING? PROLLY NOT. SPRINKLE SPRINKLE. Thanks for taking the time to look at my build and sh*t. Sorry the picture quality is ASS. I'm just poking around with my phone and shit. Hitting dem angles (trying to anyway). Lighting is terrible but you get the basic idea of what I got going on here. This case is so dope! I don't think I'll ever want anything different for my main build. I just can't see it. Its just too good. My next plan is to install a 7" LCD in place of the rear exhaust fan. It really wont make a difference thermally, especially when I install a third fan where the empty spot is on top. I seen a video on YT of a guy who does this and thought to myself, YUP.... I gotta do it. I think the screen that many people install behind the middle corner-panel glass pretty much kills the look of the case. What makes the Y60 so special, IMO, is that panoramic view which cant be accomplished by obstructing that little piece of glass. Its what sets this case apart from so many others! Just my opinion, I know its subjective. Anyways, thanks for taking the time to look at my stuff, and thanks to anyone who has helped me on here along the way! Peace! |
2023.03.28 23:53 Lmsoul My 1st revolver made me sad
 | Revolver model 19 comp. I am pretty upset at the quality of the firearm. It should be flawless of machinery marks, and the Quilty control should have caught this BS. Even the screw is all chewed up. submitted by Lmsoul to Revolvers [link] [comments] My 1st Smith and Wesson. I know it can happen; I was excited to shoot it. |
2023.03.28 23:41 FuriousTrope Looking for realistic feedback on breaking into the industry
I've been retraining to go from Email copywriting to data analysis over the last 5-6 months.
But between GenAI and all the big tech firings, I'm getting a bit... concerned that I've backed the wrong horse.
My background: I dropped out of college around 08 and have spent most of the last decade freelancing in Marketing, most recently as an email copywriter. I've got a strong background in stats and the basics of technical skills thanks to a childhood interest in hacking.
I've been working through the google certification course through Coursera and datacamp's certifications, but I'm not super impressed with the quality either of them does teaching-wise.
I'm currently freelancing on Upwork, picking up simple jobs cheaply and working out how to do them to keep my focus on practical problems.
Since I've done as much cold outreach as I have, I'm less concerned about actually finding a job part than a lot of people. Most people focus on applying for jobs rather than building relationships with other professionals and I've got a mess of useful soft skills (including explaining technical things to nontechnical people).
But I'm concerned there's just not going to be a back door this time. I know I'll be competing against a mess of people with degrees and better positioned for jobs. But I also don't have any debt to service, so I don't need to make nearly as much.
As I understand it having a portfolio can go a long way toward getting a job and the upside of data is there's plenty of it around for self-directed projects.
Should I continue marching in this direction? Or are the odds too stacked against me? My next fallback would probably be cybersecurity.
Thanks in advance.
submitted by FuriousTrope to datascience [link] [comments]
But between GenAI and all the big tech firings, I'm getting a bit... concerned that I've backed the wrong horse.
My background: I dropped out of college around 08 and have spent most of the last decade freelancing in Marketing, most recently as an email copywriter. I've got a strong background in stats and the basics of technical skills thanks to a childhood interest in hacking.
I've been working through the google certification course through Coursera and datacamp's certifications, but I'm not super impressed with the quality either of them does teaching-wise.
I'm currently freelancing on Upwork, picking up simple jobs cheaply and working out how to do them to keep my focus on practical problems.
Since I've done as much cold outreach as I have, I'm less concerned about actually finding a job part than a lot of people. Most people focus on applying for jobs rather than building relationships with other professionals and I've got a mess of useful soft skills (including explaining technical things to nontechnical people).
But I'm concerned there's just not going to be a back door this time. I know I'll be competing against a mess of people with degrees and better positioned for jobs. But I also don't have any debt to service, so I don't need to make nearly as much.
As I understand it having a portfolio can go a long way toward getting a job and the upside of data is there's plenty of it around for self-directed projects.
Should I continue marching in this direction? Or are the odds too stacked against me? My next fallback would probably be cybersecurity.
Thanks in advance.
2023.03.28 23:33 DakotaTaurusTX Frank Frazetta Collection 2oz Silver Rounds Proof Limited Mintage: Swordsman of Mars / Death Dealer III
 | Frank Frazetta Collection submitted by DakotaTaurusTX to u/DakotaTaurusTX [link] [comments] 2oz Silver Rounds Proof Limited Mintage: Swordsman of Mars / Death Dealer III Frank Frazetta is one of the greatest names in Science Fiction & Fantasy Art history. The fantastic art of Frank’s has had a strong impactful influence on many industries from Movies, Album Covers and Video games to corporate logos. His incredible ability to capture form and emotion, to dazzle and inspire fantasy within us makes him a perfect subject in this series to honor his contributions. These pieces shows on the reverse Frank Frazetta as an older man with the years of his life and his logo. Around the edge is the weight and quality of the piece. On the obverse is a depiction of two of his artworks. Encased in this etched gallery-like display it is easy to show off as is and stands on your desk or in your display case with no worry of losing the certificate as it is etched right on the case. For your protection and convenience, this is delivered in a black leatherette bag. These privately minted rounds or medallions were made in the USA by Golden State Mint. 2 oz Proof Silver Round
Other GSM Silver Rounds: Aztec Calendar - Crypto Currency - Replica America Vintage Coins - Apollo 11 Frank Frazetta Collection 2oz Silver Rounds Proof Limited Mintage: Swordsman of Mars / Death Dealer III |
2023.03.28 23:28 hmvlee HR with Unrequited love + Friends to Lovers + Fake Dating/Betrothal
Hi everyone! A few days ago, I posted in HistoricalRomance looking for two books featuring unrequited love, and while the sub helped me figure one of the books out, I'm still looking for the other. It featured the tropes listed in the title, wasn't a very long or difficult read, and gave me a deliciously mutually heartbroken break-up scene at around the 85/90% mark.
(From my cross-post) Before the book begins, FMC once left England after a long flirtation with the MMC who ultimately rejected henever proposed because she was a spirited hellion. She returns a little more worldly and refined, with plans to land herself a husband-- though her family's extremely well off and does not require it. They might have been merchants and seen as upstarts. She mostly just wants to move on with her life and show the MMC what he missed out on.
Meanwhile, the MMC has been doing alright for himself-- if not for the disastrous estate he inherited. His plan to escape ruin is to transform his ancestral lands into a horse racing stable, and he's looking for a way to get the funds for the renovation. I think the FMC and MMC agree to a mutually beneficial fake-engagement so that she's seen as desirable and he can rub shoulders with FMC's father, all while claiming they have no romantic interest in each other. Spoilers: That's a lie.
Eventually, FMC's father has a talk with MMC, agreeing to invest in the stables and provide horses of his own if MMC breaks up with FMC. It's a test, and MMC fails it by agreeing-- which he very quickly regrets and tries to make right before FMC leaves England a second time. (End)
Details I didn't mention in the other post include (spoilers):
- The cover version I remember reading had a redheaded model looking directly at the reader, with a minx-ish smirk. A male model was at her side, and he only had eyes for her. She was wearing a satiny green off-the-shoulder dress. It didn't have that oil-painterly quality-- it was clearly just a photo taken in a studio.
- There's a scene in which the FMC goes to a horse stable and intercepts a famous courtesan. This courtesan was previously attached to a gentleman who recently died, but who also owned a horse that the MMC wanted to breed. Following this, the FMC and MMC make out in a hayloft.
- The break-up scene occurs on a bench in a garden, and the FMC already has a feeling it's going to be deja vu for her again. But, she's very understanding because throughout the book, she learns he has too many vulnerable people depending on him to make the horse stable/track a reality. Also, it rains.
Thanks in advance for any help!
submitted by hmvlee to RomanceBooks [link] [comments]
(From my cross-post) Before the book begins, FMC once left England after a long flirtation with the MMC who ultimately rejected henever proposed because she was a spirited hellion. She returns a little more worldly and refined, with plans to land herself a husband-- though her family's extremely well off and does not require it. They might have been merchants and seen as upstarts. She mostly just wants to move on with her life and show the MMC what he missed out on.
Meanwhile, the MMC has been doing alright for himself-- if not for the disastrous estate he inherited. His plan to escape ruin is to transform his ancestral lands into a horse racing stable, and he's looking for a way to get the funds for the renovation. I think the FMC and MMC agree to a mutually beneficial fake-engagement so that she's seen as desirable and he can rub shoulders with FMC's father, all while claiming they have no romantic interest in each other. Spoilers: That's a lie.
Eventually, FMC's father has a talk with MMC, agreeing to invest in the stables and provide horses of his own if MMC breaks up with FMC. It's a test, and MMC fails it by agreeing-- which he very quickly regrets and tries to make right before FMC leaves England a second time. (End)
Details I didn't mention in the other post include (spoilers):
- The cover version I remember reading had a redheaded model looking directly at the reader, with a minx-ish smirk. A male model was at her side, and he only had eyes for her. She was wearing a satiny green off-the-shoulder dress. It didn't have that oil-painterly quality-- it was clearly just a photo taken in a studio.
- There's a scene in which the FMC goes to a horse stable and intercepts a famous courtesan. This courtesan was previously attached to a gentleman who recently died, but who also owned a horse that the MMC wanted to breed. Following this, the FMC and MMC make out in a hayloft.
- The break-up scene occurs on a bench in a garden, and the FMC already has a feeling it's going to be deja vu for her again. But, she's very understanding because throughout the book, she learns he has too many vulnerable people depending on him to make the horse stable/track a reality. Also, it rains.
Thanks in advance for any help!
2023.03.28 21:48 According-Plenty-905 How would you rule on the rule conflict if an Battle Smith PC want to use his Steel Defender as controlled Mount.
As per the title, one of my PC want to build an Autognome Battle Smith riding his Steel Defender like a small steel knight with lance. I like this cool idea, but I found there is a rule conflict for his combo.
Controlling a Mount rule:
How would your rule due to this rule conflict? Can my PC use this combo at all? (he needs to use bonus action to direct Steel defender's action?)
Thanks for your advice.
submitted by According-Plenty-905 to DnD [link] [comments]
Controlling a Mount rule:
While you're mounted, you have two options. You can either control the mount or allow it to act independently. Intelligent creatures, such as dragons, act independently.Steel Defender
You can control a mount only if it has been trained to accept a rider. Domesticated horses, donkeys, and similar creatures are assumed to have such training. The initiative of a controlled mount changes to match yours when you mount it. It moves as you direct it, and it has only three action options: Dash, Disengage, and Dodge. A controlled mount can move and act even on the turn that you mount it.
In combat, the defender shares your initiative count, but it takes its turn immediately after yours. It can move and use its reaction on its own, but the only action it takes on its turn is the Dodge action, unless you take a bonus action on your turn to command it to take another action. That action can be one in its stat block or some other action. If you are incapacitated, the defender can take any action of its choice, not just Dodge.For normal controlled mount rule, the mount can move and take actions during PC's turn. So he can use mount movement to charge, attack, then then the mount take attack action or disengage action to move again. However, Steel defender can only move and take limited action right after PC's turn.
How would your rule due to this rule conflict? Can my PC use this combo at all? (he needs to use bonus action to direct Steel defender's action?)
Thanks for your advice.
2023.03.28 21:41 Horror_Marketing_601 The Big Mac
This big Mac is among one of the greats such as Alexander the Great, Ghengis Khan, Barack Obama, Will Smith, Jonathan Howard, and Gregory Alan Isakov. I'll start with the bun. The bun was perfectly crispy as a bun should be, the crackle of Sesame combined with the butter goodness of the dough was exquisite. The sauce while similar to thousand island created a wonder subtle melody of instruments and flavors on my tongue. The lettuce was just crunchy enough to provide a nice sounding bite but it was still soft enough to bring out the flavor of the vegetable itself. The onions were similar soft enough to not be bitter but enough for a crunch and an explosion of the flavor of a sweet yellow onion. The cheese was a wonderously soft and flexible American variety no doubt sourced from the highest quality cows available. The flavor was not too strong but enough to provide an amazing balance to the overall burger. Now we can't forget about the most important part of the burger...the patties. A wonderfully cooked medium rare patty graced my lips and tongue. The shock of spices overwhelmed my tastebuds in a pleasant manner. The flavor was inconceivable allowing me to taste this wonderful one
submitted by Horror_Marketing_601 to copypasta [link] [comments]
2023.03.28 21:01 MouseDining 2023 Week 13 - Most Sought After Disney Reservations
Below is a list of Walt Disney World and Disneyland reservations listed by park/resort in descending order of the number of alerts set in MouseDining's system. This can be used as a measure for the most sought after Disney experiences.
Guests can use this information to gauge demand for a particular experience and set expectations accordingly. The higher up in this list, the more competition there will be for a particular reservation.
Please comment below if you find this information useful and how you use it to help plan your Disney vacation.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Animal Kingdom
California Adventure
submitted by MouseDining to MouseDining [link] [comments]
Guests can use this information to gauge demand for a particular experience and set expectations accordingly. The higher up in this list, the more competition there will be for a particular reservation.
Please comment below if you find this information useful and how you use it to help plan your Disney vacation.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Animal Kingdom
- Tusker House Restaurant
- Yak & Yeti Restaurant
- Up Close with Rhinos
- Starlight Safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Rainforest Cafe at Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Boma - Flavors of Africa
- Wild Africa Trek
- Caring for Giants
- Savor the Savanna
- Tiffins
- Capture Your Moment - Animal Kingdom
- Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'
- T-REX
- The BOATHOUSE Restaurant
- Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs Marketplace
- Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
- Morimoto Asia
- Wine Bar George
- City Works Eatery & Pour House
- The Edison
- Planet Hollywood
- Frontera Cocina
- Paddlefish
- Enzo's Hideaway
- Jaleo by Jose Andres
- House of Blues Restaurant & Bar
- Maria & Enzo's Ristorante
- Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
- Splitsville Dining Room (Disney Springs)
- Terralina Crafted Italian
- STK Orlando
- Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas
- Space 220
- Space 220 Lounge
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
- Teppan Edo
- Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package
- Garden Grill Restaurant
- Le Cellier Steakhouse
- San Angel Inn Restaurante
- Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package
- Coral Reef Restaurant
- La Hacienda de San Angel
- Rose & Crown Dining Room
- Takumi-Tei
- Tutto Italia Ristorante
- EPCOT Seas Adventures Dolphins in Depth
- Nine Dragons Restaurant
- Biergarten Restaurant
- Chefs de France
- Monsieur Paul
- La Creperie de Paris
- La Cava Experience
- Behind the Seeds
- Tokyo Dining
- Spice Road Table
- EPCOT Seas Adventures - DiveQuest
- Capture Your Moment - EPCOT
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
- Oga's Cantina (Disney World)
- Fantasmic! Dining Package - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
- Hollywood & Vine
- Fantasmic! Dining Package - Hollywood & Vine
- Fantasmic! Dining Package - 50's Prime Time Cafe
- 50's Prime Time Cafe
- Fantasmic! Dining Package - Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
- Fantasmic! Dining Package - The Hollywood Brown Derby
- The Hollywood Brown Derby
- Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
- Savi's Workshop (Disney World)
- Droid Depot (Disney World)
- Capture Your Moment - Hollywood Studios
- ABC Commissary
- Cinderella's Royal Table
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Magic Kingdom)
- Be Our Guest
- The Crystal Palace
- Happily Ever After Dessert Party - Treats & Seats
- Happily Ever After Dessert Party - Pre-Party
- Happily Ever After Dessert Party - After-Party
- Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
- Harmony Barber Shop
- The Plaza Restaurant
- Liberty Tree Tavern
- Tony's Town Square Restaurant
- Capture Your Moment - Magic Kingdom
- Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise
- Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors & Fireworks at Disney's Contemporary Resort
- Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour
- The Diamond Horseshoe
- TRON Identity Program
- Ohana
- Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera
- Chef Mickey's
- Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
- Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
- Cape May Cafe
- California Grill
- Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
- Steakhouse 71
- Narcoossee's
- Sanaa
- Victoria & Albert's The Dining Room
- Kona Cafe
- Trattoria al Forno
- Citricos
- Grand Floridian Cafe
- Victoria & Albert's Queen Victoria Room
- Whispering Canyon Cafe
- Jiko - The Cooking Place
- Yachtsman Steakhouse
- Sebastian's Bistro
- Ale & Compass Restaurant
- Flying Fish
- Trail's End Restaurant
- Spanish Mosaic Art
- Capa
- Il Mulino
- Garden Grove
- Olivia's Cafe
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride at Port Orleans
- Colors of Coronado Painting Experience
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride at Fort Wilderness
- Toledo - Tapas, Steak & Seafood
- Amare
- Shula's Steak House
- Maya Grill
- Todd English's bluezoo
- Horseback Riding
- Boatwright's Dining Hall
- The Turf Club Bar and Grill
- Sangria University
- Fresh Mediterranean Market
- Rix Sports Bar & Grill
California Adventure
- Lamplight Lounge
- Carthay Circle Restaurant
- Carthay Circle Lounge
- World of Color Dessert Party
- Wine Country Trattoria
- Magic Key Terrace - Magic Key Holder Dining
- Blue Bayou Restaurant
- Oga's Cantina (Disneyland)
- Fantasmic! Dining Package (Blue Bayou)
- Minnie & Friends - Breakfast in the Park at Plaza Inn
- Fantasmic! Dining Package (River Belle Terrace) - Premium
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Disneyland)
- Plaza Inn Dining Packages
- Fantasmic! On-the-Go Package (Hungry Bear)
- Carnation Cafe
- Cafe Orleans
- Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience
- River Belle Terrace
- Savi's Workshop (Disneyland)
- Droid Depot (Disneyland)
- Plaza Inn
- Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite Dining Package
- Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar
- Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Napa Rose
- Goofy's Kitchen
- Storytellers Cafe
- Napa Rose
- GCH Craftsman Bar
- Naples Ristorante e Bar
- Tortilla Jo's
- Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
- Catal Restaurant
- Splitsville Dining Room (Downtown Disney)
- Uva Bar & Cafe
- La Brea Bakery Cafe
2023.03.28 20:47 Rottenapple83 [STEAM] [PVE] ARK-TURUS // No Wipe- Auto Decay // All Maps // 2x Harvesting, 2x Exp, 4x Taming, 20x Maturation // Boosted Weekends // S+ // Dino Storage // CKFR // Ark Additions & More!
[Join our discord](https://discord.gg/bFXbjrGhNd)
Server Info
* 2x Starter Pack
* Ingame Shop
* Voting Rewards & Patron Rewards
* Active Admins/Mods & Community support
* No Wipe Cluster
* Cave Flyer Disable
* All Stroyline & DLC Maps, including an overhaul modded map (3 mo. cycle)
* Max Player Level- 190
* Max Wild Dino- 150
* Restarts *4AM PST / 7AM EST / 6AM CT / 5AM MT*
* Dedicated hardware for lag-free experience
Rates (Boosted on Fri.-Sun.)
* 2x Harvesting
* 2x Exp
* 4x Taming
* 20x Maturation
* 5x Weight
* 10x Fortitude
Plug-ins
* Dino Tracker
* Cross Server Chat
* Suicide (Incase character is stuck)
* Tidy dams (No need to grab everything off a beaver dam, just what you need)
* Tribe Enforcer
* Auto- Decay (2 days- no tribe, 30 days-with tribe)
ModPack
* Structures Plus S+
* Dino Storage V2
* Awesome Spyglass
* Ark Additions: The collection
* CKF: Remastered & Science Fiction
* MX-E Ark Shop
* Eco's RP Decor
* Eco's Tek Decor
* RR: Garden Deko & more *New ver.*
* RR: Home Deko & more
* RR: Pegasus
* RR: SeaHorse
* MarniMod: Hairstyle
* Variants of Caballus
MOD PACK LINK::
Website: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2778065026
Steam App: steam://openurl/https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2778065026
[Join Our Discord](https://discord.gg/bFXbjrGhNd) for more information about our server, we are a growing community of people who does prefer rates that are not game breaking, similar to vanilla but with quality-of-life improvements. We highly encourage those returning veterans & new beginners to the game to join our servers, our admins/moderators have more than 5k hours into ark officials & are an open encyclopedia to our community. Our community is very helpful & active, either going through the map as story mode or just surviving, you'll find folks around to help out. This is a paradise for both Role-players and builders, not to mention breeders! We invite you to join us to help mold our community & the cluster as a whole to its best version.
submitted by Rottenapple83 to ARKSurvivalEvolved [link] [comments]
Server Info
* 2x Starter Pack
* Ingame Shop
* Voting Rewards & Patron Rewards
* Active Admins/Mods & Community support
* No Wipe Cluster
* Cave Flyer Disable
* All Stroyline & DLC Maps, including an overhaul modded map (3 mo. cycle)
* Max Player Level- 190
* Max Wild Dino- 150
* Restarts *4AM PST / 7AM EST / 6AM CT / 5AM MT*
* Dedicated hardware for lag-free experience
Rates (Boosted on Fri.-Sun.)
* 2x Harvesting
* 2x Exp
* 4x Taming
* 20x Maturation
* 5x Weight
* 10x Fortitude
Plug-ins
* Dino Tracker
* Cross Server Chat
* Suicide (Incase character is stuck)
* Tidy dams (No need to grab everything off a beaver dam, just what you need)
* Tribe Enforcer
* Auto- Decay (2 days- no tribe, 30 days-with tribe)
ModPack
* Structures Plus S+
* Dino Storage V2
* Awesome Spyglass
* Ark Additions: The collection
* CKF: Remastered & Science Fiction
* MX-E Ark Shop
* Eco's RP Decor
* Eco's Tek Decor
* RR: Garden Deko & more *New ver.*
* RR: Home Deko & more
* RR: Pegasus
* RR: SeaHorse
* MarniMod: Hairstyle
* Variants of Caballus
MOD PACK LINK::
Website: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2778065026
Steam App: steam://openurl/https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2778065026
[Join Our Discord](https://discord.gg/bFXbjrGhNd) for more information about our server, we are a growing community of people who does prefer rates that are not game breaking, similar to vanilla but with quality-of-life improvements. We highly encourage those returning veterans & new beginners to the game to join our servers, our admins/moderators have more than 5k hours into ark officials & are an open encyclopedia to our community. Our community is very helpful & active, either going through the map as story mode or just surviving, you'll find folks around to help out. This is a paradise for both Role-players and builders, not to mention breeders! We invite you to join us to help mold our community & the cluster as a whole to its best version.
2023.03.28 20:47 Rottenapple83 [STEAM] [PVE] ARK-TURUS // No Wipe- Auto Decay // All Maps // 2x Harvesting, 2x Exp, 4x Taming, 20x Maturation // Boosted Weekends // S+ // Dino Storage // CKFR // Ark Additions & More!
[Join our discord](https://discord.gg/bFXbjrGhNd)
Server Info
* 2x Starter Pack
* Ingame Shop
* Voting Rewards & Patron Rewards
* Active Admins/Mods & Community support
* No Wipe Cluster
* Cave Flyer Disable
* All Stroyline & DLC Maps, including an overhaul modded map (3 mo. cycle)
* Max Player Level- 190
* Max Wild Dino- 150
* Restarts *4AM PST / 7AM EST / 6AM CT / 5AM MT*
* Dedicated hardware for lag-free experience
Rates (Boosted on Fri.-Sun.)
* 2x Harvesting
* 2x Exp
* 4x Taming
* 20x Maturation
* 5x Weight
* 10x Fortitude
Plug-ins
* Dino Tracker
* Cross Server Chat
* Suicide (Incase character is stuck)
* Tidy dams (No need to grab everything off a beaver dam, just what you need)
* Tribe Enforcer
* Auto- Decay (2 days- no tribe, 30 days-with tribe)
ModPack
* Structures Plus S+
* Dino Storage V2
* Awesome Spyglass
* Ark Additions: The collection
* CKF: Remastered & Science Fiction
* MX-E Ark Shop
* Eco's RP Decor
* Eco's Tek Decor
* RR: Garden Deko & more *New ver.*
* RR: Home Deko & more
* RR: Pegasus
* RR: SeaHorse
* MarniMod: Hairstyle
* Variants of Caballus
MOD PACK LINK::
Website: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2778065026
Steam App: steam://openurl/https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2778065026
[Join Our Discord](https://discord.gg/bFXbjrGhNd) for more information about our server, we are a growing community of people who does prefer rates that are not game breaking, similar to vanilla but with quality-of-life improvements. We highly encourage those returning veterans & new beginners to the game to join our servers, our admins/moderators have more than 5k hours into ark officials & are an open encyclopedia to our community. Our community is very helpful & active, either going through the map as story mode or just surviving, you'll find folks around to help out. This is a paradise for both Role-players and builders, not to mention breeders! We invite you to join us to help mold our community & the cluster as a whole to its best version.
submitted by Rottenapple83 to playarkservers [link] [comments]
Server Info
* 2x Starter Pack
* Ingame Shop
* Voting Rewards & Patron Rewards
* Active Admins/Mods & Community support
* No Wipe Cluster
* Cave Flyer Disable
* All Stroyline & DLC Maps, including an overhaul modded map (3 mo. cycle)
* Max Player Level- 190
* Max Wild Dino- 150
* Restarts *4AM PST / 7AM EST / 6AM CT / 5AM MT*
* Dedicated hardware for lag-free experience
Rates (Boosted on Fri.-Sun.)
* 2x Harvesting
* 2x Exp
* 4x Taming
* 20x Maturation
* 5x Weight
* 10x Fortitude
Plug-ins
* Dino Tracker
* Cross Server Chat
* Suicide (Incase character is stuck)
* Tidy dams (No need to grab everything off a beaver dam, just what you need)
* Tribe Enforcer
* Auto- Decay (2 days- no tribe, 30 days-with tribe)
ModPack
* Structures Plus S+
* Dino Storage V2
* Awesome Spyglass
* Ark Additions: The collection
* CKF: Remastered & Science Fiction
* MX-E Ark Shop
* Eco's RP Decor
* Eco's Tek Decor
* RR: Garden Deko & more *New ver.*
* RR: Home Deko & more
* RR: Pegasus
* RR: SeaHorse
* MarniMod: Hairstyle
* Variants of Caballus
MOD PACK LINK::
Website: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2778065026
Steam App: steam://openurl/https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2778065026
[Join Our Discord](https://discord.gg/bFXbjrGhNd) for more information about our server, we are a growing community of people who does prefer rates that are not game breaking, similar to vanilla but with quality-of-life improvements. We highly encourage those returning veterans & new beginners to the game to join our servers, our admins/moderators have more than 5k hours into ark officials & are an open encyclopedia to our community. Our community is very helpful & active, either going through the map as story mode or just surviving, you'll find folks around to help out. This is a paradise for both Role-players and builders, not to mention breeders! We invite you to join us to help mold our community & the cluster as a whole to its best version.
2023.03.28 20:47 Rottenapple83 [STEAM] [PVE] ARK-TURUS // No Wipe- Auto Decay // All Maps // 2x Harvesting, 2x Exp, 4x Taming, 20x Maturation // Boosted Weekends // S+ // Dino Storage // CKFR // Ark Additions & More!
[Join our discord](https://discord.gg/bFXbjrGhNd)
Server Info
* 2x Starter Pack
* Ingame Shop
* Voting Rewards & Patron Rewards
* Active Admins/Mods & Community support
* No Wipe Cluster
* Cave Flyer Disable
* All Stroyline & DLC Maps, including an overhaul modded map (3 mo. cycle)
* Max Player Level- 190
* Max Wild Dino- 150
* Restarts *4AM PST / 7AM EST / 6AM CT / 5AM MT*
* Dedicated hardware for lag-free experience
Rates (Boosted on Fri.-Sun.)
* 2x Harvesting
* 2x Exp
* 4x Taming
* 20x Maturation
* 5x Weight
* 10x Fortitude
Plug-ins
* Dino Tracker
* Cross Server Chat
* Suicide (Incase character is stuck)
* Tidy dams (No need to grab everything off a beaver dam, just what you need)
* Tribe Enforcer
* Auto- Decay (2 days- no tribe, 30 days-with tribe)
ModPack
* Structures Plus S+
* Dino Storage V2
* Awesome Spyglass
* Ark Additions: The collection
* CKF: Remastered & Science Fiction
* MX-E Ark Shop
* Eco's RP Decor
* Eco's Tek Decor
* RR: Garden Deko & more *New ver.*
* RR: Home Deko & more
* RR: Pegasus
* RR: SeaHorse
* MarniMod: Hairstyle
* Variants of Caballus
MOD PACK LINK::
Website: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2778065026
Steam App: steam://openurl/https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2778065026
[Join Our Discord](https://discord.gg/bFXbjrGhNd) for more information about our server, we are a growing community of people who does prefer rates that are not game breaking, similar to vanilla but with quality-of-life improvements. We highly encourage those returning veterans & new beginners to the game to join our servers, our admins/moderators have more than 5k hours into ark officials & are an open encyclopedia to our community. Our community is very helpful & active, either going through the map as story mode or just surviving, you'll find folks around to help out. This is a paradise for both Role-players and builders, not to mention breeders! We invite you to join us to help mold our community & the cluster as a whole to its best version.
submitted by Rottenapple83 to ARKServers [link] [comments]
Server Info
* 2x Starter Pack
* Ingame Shop
* Voting Rewards & Patron Rewards
* Active Admins/Mods & Community support
* No Wipe Cluster
* Cave Flyer Disable
* All Stroyline & DLC Maps, including an overhaul modded map (3 mo. cycle)
* Max Player Level- 190
* Max Wild Dino- 150
* Restarts *4AM PST / 7AM EST / 6AM CT / 5AM MT*
* Dedicated hardware for lag-free experience
Rates (Boosted on Fri.-Sun.)
* 2x Harvesting
* 2x Exp
* 4x Taming
* 20x Maturation
* 5x Weight
* 10x Fortitude
Plug-ins
* Dino Tracker
* Cross Server Chat
* Suicide (Incase character is stuck)
* Tidy dams (No need to grab everything off a beaver dam, just what you need)
* Tribe Enforcer
* Auto- Decay (2 days- no tribe, 30 days-with tribe)
ModPack
* Structures Plus S+
* Dino Storage V2
* Awesome Spyglass
* Ark Additions: The collection
* CKF: Remastered & Science Fiction
* MX-E Ark Shop
* Eco's RP Decor
* Eco's Tek Decor
* RR: Garden Deko & more *New ver.*
* RR: Home Deko & more
* RR: Pegasus
* RR: SeaHorse
* MarniMod: Hairstyle
* Variants of Caballus
MOD PACK LINK::
Website: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2778065026
Steam App: steam://openurl/https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2778065026
[Join Our Discord](https://discord.gg/bFXbjrGhNd) for more information about our server, we are a growing community of people who does prefer rates that are not game breaking, similar to vanilla but with quality-of-life improvements. We highly encourage those returning veterans & new beginners to the game to join our servers, our admins/moderators have more than 5k hours into ark officials & are an open encyclopedia to our community. Our community is very helpful & active, either going through the map as story mode or just surviving, you'll find folks around to help out. This is a paradise for both Role-players and builders, not to mention breeders! We invite you to join us to help mold our community & the cluster as a whole to its best version.
2023.03.28 20:42 synacksyn Doing fine in my neck of the woods
 | submitted by synacksyn to lanadelrey [link] [comments] |
2023.03.28 20:26 LIS1050010 Do You Have the Skills You Need to Survive a Depression?
Do you think you have the skills to survive a Depression?
Let’s face it. We may say we’re preparing for winter blizzards or freak hurricanes, but down deep, if you’re a prepper, what you’re really preparing for is a collapse of America’s economy. It may happen within a few days, or it may be a continual downward slide over many years. Its causes may include numerous Katrina-size natural disasters, a toppling federal government, chaos on Main Street, and the odd meteor or two.
Regardless of the causes, we want our families to be as secure as possible for the long haul.
So, the question that naturally arises is: How do you prepare for a Greatest Depression? Is it even possible to prepare for something that may last a decade or much, much longer? Is it better to be a homeowner, even if someday you’re unable to make your mortgage payments, or is it better to have mobility and rent? Should you leave your life savings and retirement funds where they are or take the tax and penalty hit and invest in land, or gold, or a year’s worth of food?
While there are no definitive answers to these questions, you can take stock of your level of preparedness, see where the gaps are, and work to fill them.
If you answered yes to all in this level, congratulations! You will survive.
If you passed the easy and medium levels but failed the hard level, not to worry. You are teachable. A Boy Scout learns 99% of these depression survival skills! Select a skill to learn, make a plan, and then work the plan! Rinse and repeat.
Now, let’s consider a question.
We’re preparing for something on a worldwide scale, so I asked Survival Mom readers this question: How should we prepare for a Greatest Depression? Here is a curated selection of those responses.
Article Source
submitted by LIS1050010 to selfreliance [link] [comments]
Let’s face it. We may say we’re preparing for winter blizzards or freak hurricanes, but down deep, if you’re a prepper, what you’re really preparing for is a collapse of America’s economy. It may happen within a few days, or it may be a continual downward slide over many years. Its causes may include numerous Katrina-size natural disasters, a toppling federal government, chaos on Main Street, and the odd meteor or two.
Regardless of the causes, we want our families to be as secure as possible for the long haul.
So, the question that naturally arises is: How do you prepare for a Greatest Depression? Is it even possible to prepare for something that may last a decade or much, much longer? Is it better to be a homeowner, even if someday you’re unable to make your mortgage payments, or is it better to have mobility and rent? Should you leave your life savings and retirement funds where they are or take the tax and penalty hit and invest in land, or gold, or a year’s worth of food?
While there are no definitive answers to these questions, you can take stock of your level of preparedness, see where the gaps are, and work to fill them.
Assess Your Depression Survival Skills
Let’s begin by evaluating your skills that would help you survive a depression. Answer yes or no to the following questions:
Easy skills level:
- Do you know how to sew on a button?
- Do you know how to use an oil lamp?
- Do you know how to boil an egg?
- Do you know how to ride a bike?
- Do you know how to keep houseplants alive?
Medium skills level:
- Do you know how to cut up a whole chicken?
- Do you know how to hem or fix a rip in clothing?
- Do you have a stocked first aid kit in your home?
- Do you know how to build and maintain a fire?
- Do you know how to cook and season dried beans?
Hard skills level:
- Do you know how to grow your own vegetables?
- Do you know how to use a pattern and sew your own clothes?
- Do you know how to can fruits and vegetables?
- Do you know how to start a fire without matches?
- Do you know how to raise chickens?
- Do you have a fully prepared emergency kit in your home?
- Do you own and know how to use a gun?
- Do you or someone in the home know how to fish and hunt?
- Do you have a well-stocked pantry?
- Do you know how to make a quilt?
- Do you know how to bake bread from scratch?
- Do you know CPR and basic first aid skills?
- Do you have the physical ability to ride a bike?
- Do you know how to purify water for drinking?
- Do you know how to cook in a dutch oven with charcoal?
If you answered yes to all in this level, congratulations! You will survive.
If you passed the easy and medium levels but failed the hard level, not to worry. You are teachable. A Boy Scout learns 99% of these depression survival skills! Select a skill to learn, make a plan, and then work the plan! Rinse and repeat.
Now, let’s consider a question.
Readers Respond: How Should We Prepare for a Greatest Depression?
If we could talk with survivors of the first Great Depression and ask them, “If you could go back to 1925, how would you have prepared for the Great Depression,” I wonder what they would say.We’re preparing for something on a worldwide scale, so I asked Survival Mom readers this question: How should we prepare for a Greatest Depression? Here is a curated selection of those responses.
- Is it possible to prepare for something that may last decades? Yes, but it’s not easy. I think it involves home ownership (not a mortgage, which means the bank pretty much owns your home), enough land for self-sustainability, and the skills to utilize that land. I see prepping as something that will help me get through lean times. Hopefully, we never have to survive totally off our food storage. Instead, our food storage will just help us stretch our budget if things get hard. (Bitsy)
- I remember my grandparents and uncles talking about the Great Depression and WWII rationing; honestly, I don’t think they noticed a huge difference in their lives. They lived very simple lives in eastern Kentucky, my grandfather quitting school at 7 to go to work. But they also had skills that most of us preppers can only dream of. Inflated food costs were no big deal if you were growing most all of what you needed. They kept gardens, orchards, chickens, and cows. Made their own clothes. Mended their own shoes. Never really strayed too far from home. If we’re going to survive something long-term, we HAVE to relearn those basic skills and learn to take care of ourselves. (Andrea)
- The way I look at it, my food storage and other preps are giving me OPTIONS and increased flexibility at a time when we might all need to be extremely creative to thrive. I won’t be nearly so dependent on a steady paycheck, so even if I lose my job, I can make it for some amount of time without facing utter hopelessness. If I’m fortunate enough to have a job and steady pay, I can use my money for needs other than food. All I’ve stored is insurance and wealth for bartering. (Linda)
- We know how to can, dehydrate, and we are saving many staples, but do we know how to fix and repair? Can we stitch a wound or have an understanding of herbal remedies for when doctors are not in the budget? The preparation we need to do is on every single level of our lives. (Kris)
- I think of food storage as a supplement if things somehow manage to limp along. If things completely collapse, then food storage becomes not a supplement but a bridge to tide us over while new ways of growing and transporting food are worked out. Keep in mind that there are basic differences in types of food. Grain is relatively easy to transport for long distances and is more likely to be at least somewhat available. Perishable items like meat, eggs, and fresh vegetables are likely to only be available according to what is locally produced or from your own backyard. Basic gardening skills can be ramped up fairly quickly, but those basic skills take years to learn. If you anticipate the need to produce your own food, get started now. Even if it is on a very small scale, you need to learn by experience what works and what doesn’t for your situation. Once you’ve got the basics covered, expanding the output is just a matter of doing more of the same. Buying a can of “survival seeds” and thinking that you’ll just plant them if the need arises is not a plan – it is almost guaranteed to fail at a time when failure could have very serious consequences. Can we prepare for something that will last for generations? That is really the question in a society such as ours, where the same systems that make us so efficient and wealthy are extremely fragile and interconnected by their very nature. Our system has no resilience, so if one part collapses, it can take everything else down with it. My preparations for a multi-generational collapse take a different approach than the typical prepper. Long-term preparations include a home-schooling library for our grandchildren, an extensive library on a wide variety of topics, “obsolete” technology in the form of slide rules (they were used for all the calculations that put man on the moon and built the Boeing 747), and quality basic hand tools and fasteners of various types. The worst thing that could happen in this regard is for our society to lose the basic knowledge we have built over the past 6,000 years. (Stephen M.)
- Before the Great Depression, most Americans did not live the life of affluence, that is the middle class and above standard of today. They were not poor by that era’s standard. As a matter of fact, compared to their immigrant parents’ life in the old world, they were very well off. Go look at a middle-class house built around the turn of the last century. Rooms are small to conserve heat. The closets are tiny because that’s all the room they needed. Few people had more than two or three changes of clothing. My Grandmother rarely owned more than four dresses at any one time. The newest one for church and special occasions. The next older one is for going out in public, such as visiting and going to town. The next older one for everyday wear. (and I mean every day, the same dress.) The very oldest one, oft mended and patched, for doing dirty work. The house I live in now, built in 1920, originally had a total of only four electric sockets. Nobody thought someone would have enough appliances to need more. My point here is that many people like my grandparents didn’t feel much difference once the Depression hit because they didn’t have much to lose. They were accustomed to a life that we consider austerity. Modern Americans are more spoiled than they think. $8 a gallon for gas is no big deal when you don’t own a car and never did and only dreamed you ever would. (Barbara)
- I think it will be a different type of depression than it was back in the 30’s. People were closer to the earth and didn’t count on the government as much. They also “networked” alot and used barter with friends and neighbors even in the good times before the depression. This is one thing I have been working on myself. (Woodnick)
- Zero DEBT!!! (George)
- I would consider every purchase NOW in light of how it would be viewed if LATER we were in a Depression. For instance, would your child benefit more from a pocket knife or a new video game? A book or a plastic toy? An emergency radio that doubles as an MP3 player or an iPod? Buy things of quality, too. I would replace things now that you can. (Katy)
- I think learning skills to survive a depression and teaching those skills to your children is important. My daughter can knit, sew, and crochet better than I can. In fact, my son can sew better than I can. We homeschool, so we have lots of books, including stockpiled curriculum for grades my children have not yet reached (in case we can’t afford to buy a math textbook then). Textbooks get low priority compared with food. I guess I am looking at a scenario where life is likely to get much harder and everything but food and shelter is considered a luxury. (Katy)
- You get comfortable with populations shifting around, little or nothing in the way of government public services, and surviving without a job. You get used to using absolutely every part of everything you have. You “fix it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.” You learn how to plant and harvest and butcher and shoot. (Sunshine)
- For a large-scale long-term Depression, I’d continue to store food and basic necessities as there may come a time when we have to completely rely on them. However, if there is no telling how long it would last, then money and storage would eventually run out. I have written about coming up with a personal economic crash plan to fall back on if or when a worst-case scenario happens. Not pretty to think about, but it may have to include moving in with family to pool resources, selling off belongings, possible bartering, etc. The main thing is survival and learning to live on less now. Imaging the worst-case scenario would help in preparing and not being in a state of shock if it happens. (Bernie)
- Lately, every time I shop and buy something, I ask myself, “What would I do if I couldn’t buy this thing? How would I make do ?” It’s really made me think and has caused me to stockpile some items I hadn’t previously thought about, like repair supplies for water hoses and shoes and iron-on repair patches for clothes. Sometimes, I’ve gone to the internet and printed off recipes for homemade cleaning products, vinegar, fruit pectin, and instructions for darning socks, making paper and homemade ink and glue, etc. I don’t have time to learn to do all that stuff right now, but I want that info in my survival notebook for later, just in case. (Linda)
- My mother will soon be 88. She was young during the depression. She said there wasn’t a change in their living standard. They lived in a rural area on a working farm. If they didn’t raise it or make it, they didn’t need it. They never had much to begin with, and when the depression began, they couldn’t tell any difference. I suppose somewhere in that story is our lesson. I am afraid that we may have lost enough of our morals and skills and have grown so used to our creature comforts that perhaps a depression could be much harder on us than the last one . . . much harder. (Reggie)
- I advise stocking up on tools and tools and more tools. Especially consumable tools. A bow saw with a dozen extra blades. Extra drill bits. My cordless 14.4 drill is going on 12 years. I advise a solar panel for recharging. If you have the motivation, tools will help you tremendously in building what you need. I think that there will be an abundance of emptied structures to strip for raw materials. We will be pulling screws and nails from buildings. Every one will have value. But stocking up on extra boxes now is not a bad idea. (Sierra D.)
- We are concentrating on learning skills to survive a depression. This year we are learning to save seed from our garden produce. I learned to knit this summer and have gotten some yarn on clearance from different places. I just watched videos on how to make tallow candles and pemmican….we have never saved the tallow from the deer and elk that the boys harvest each fall…now we will! Hopefully, the skills we learn will help fill in the needs as they arise as times get harder. (Sheri)
- I think we’ll be seeing high prices and scarce commodities (if only because fleets will be grounded for lack of fuel or too-high fuel costs) and an actual lack of petroleum-based products like gas, plastics, and rubber. So one thing we’re doing is stocking up on spare tires for our biodiesel vehicles and bicycles, tire patching kits, plastic bags, etc. – anything made from petroleum that we think we need during a major transition to a different lifestyle. Oh – and fabric, thread, needles (besides food & seed). (Mary)
- This is why I’m learning skills: gardening, animal husbandry, repair, crafting (practical things like knitting socks), cob building, and the like. I think if you already know how to do these things, it will be much easier to make the transition. (Herbwifemama)
- My mom lived in a NYC tenement during the depression, and it was pretty bad. She said the only time she got enough to eat was when they went to my great-aunt’s farm in the summer to work. Sickness was everywhere and you couldn’t afford medicines. My grandmother lost her hearing due to ear infections. All my mother’s teeth were cracked and broken due to poor nutrition and illness. (Vicki O.)
- My parents both lived through the depression before they married. My father, at times, nearly starved and worked at any job he could find. My mother’s family owned a farm and always had food. They didn’t have extra money and were very frugal, but they were able to eat well. I think preparations must include knowledge….how to grow food, both animal and vegetable. (Bernadine)
- Practical, hands-on knowledge is, by far, the best thing we can do for ourselves. What good is an emergency seed bank if we don’t have the proper soil for it and don’t know what to plant when? How do you can your produce and meat over a campfire? Do you know the medicinal properties of the common herbs we use for cooking? (I didn’t know that Thyme tea is excellent for upper respiratory problems–specifically the ears!) What about hunting without a gun? Butchering what you’ve managed to kill? Get past the squeamishness and learn how while there is time to make the necessary mistakes along that learning curve. (Patty)
- Has anyone thought of blacksmithing? Back in the day, every village had a blacksmith. I figure we’d need at least one skilled blacksmith for every few hundred people. (Chandra)
- Interestingly enough, I had a grandmother and mother who lived through the Great Depression with lots of info! My grandmother lived on a farm, worked hard, lived frugally, and wasted nothing ( even cooking water went back to water the gardens…and amazing gardens she had!). She reused paper towels and foil later on in life, composted, and never bought anything without purpose ( big lesson there!). She spoke of hard times but not starvation. My mother grew up in New York City and painted quite a different picture: standing in food lines for bread every week, no heat or electricity ( too expensive), cooking potato soup on a potbelly stove, clothing from the Salvation Army, quitting school at nine years old to work in a pencil factory for food for her family, getting Christmas presents from the local church ( one gift, a wooden cradle, her father promptly broke up and burned to keep his children warm…heartbreaking). While hard times are ahead, I think the standard of living is so different now that we have many ways to downgrade and still live very well. It goes back to living intentionally, shopping with purpose, and planning ahead. We do need to learn to provide for ourselves and learn long-lost skills should our modern conveniences ne’er return. We also must return to forming communities, getting to know our neighbors beyond a wave of hello at the mailbox as we hurry inside. (Doctorb)
- I used to have a class in a large city teaching people skills and urging them to make the move to the country. We had a very interesting large panel discussion on the depression. We invited people who had lived thru the depression and could relate stories of what they went thru. I’m glad we filmed it (quite amateur but a good record). It was fascinating! One consistent thing was that those who had lived in the country had gardens and lived like “kings and queens” compared to those who lived in the cities. They often said that as children, they didn’t know they had it bad. They ate well, played outdoors with siblings, cousins, etc. People in the cities often went hungry, stood in bread lines, and made meals out of the most meager ingredients. (Jan D.)
Article Source