spring is plant sale season
May. 9th, 2026 12:48 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
starandreaWe had a frost warning the last two nights, but "frost free" or our last average frost date is coming up next week. Spring is here!
Since I have plenty of plants already, there is no need for me to acquire more. Fortunately my sister told me about the following tumblr meme: "Don't let anyone tell you not to spend $25 on plants. That $75 will be the best $300 you've ever spent."
Then she came with me to our first plant sale of the season, guarded plants while I paid and got the car, and carried not one but four bags of compost ♥
( bunch of flowers )
PS, This was my first time attending a fundraising plant sale sponsored by a nursery. Highly recommend.
PPS, Do you see the innocent looking green sprig behind the pink flowers on the left? That's a palm tree. Someday I will not have room to overwinter plants indoors because the entire lower level of our house will be filled with trees. "The forest floor," I'll call it.
Since I have plenty of plants already, there is no need for me to acquire more. Fortunately my sister told me about the following tumblr meme: "Don't let anyone tell you not to spend $25 on plants. That $75 will be the best $300 you've ever spent."
Then she came with me to our first plant sale of the season, guarded plants while I paid and got the car, and carried not one but four bags of compost ♥
( bunch of flowers )
PS, This was my first time attending a fundraising plant sale sponsored by a nursery. Highly recommend.
PPS, Do you see the innocent looking green sprig behind the pink flowers on the left? That's a palm tree. Someday I will not have room to overwinter plants indoors because the entire lower level of our house will be filled with trees. "The forest floor," I'll call it.
starandreaVia shipperslist and ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
thefridayfive~
1. What do you consider your current main fandom?
Mo Dao Zu Shi and The Untamed
I thought about saying "learning Chinese," and when I saw that the question explicitly included hobbies and collecting I thought about gardening. But media is still my first thought when it comes to fannish activity, and to be fair I probably love Mo Dao Zu Shi more than either learning Chinese or gardening.
2. What was your first fandom?
Star Trek
My dad is a Star Trek fan and he shared it with us, so Star Trek is easily the first fannish love I remember. I still have Star Trek fanfic I wrote when I was eight. Marci and I got tiny tribbles at a convention and made them the main characters in a dollhouse our grandfather built for us. Smokey was black and Butterball was cat-yellow.
3. Do you have any favorite headcanons or fan theories?
Fox spirit Wei Ying with dragon Lan Zhan is Chinese fanon, supported by donghua producer Ten Cent and official art. This is my favorite beyond-canon characterization I can think of.
4. Have you ever created fanworks?
A few. Arguably everything I do is a fanwork; I certainly think of it that way.
5. Are you still active in any old fandoms?
I must be coming up on my fortieth anniversary as a Star Trek fan, and I still write Star Trek fanfic. Even Star Trek/Mo Dao Zu Shi fusions.
shipperslist and thefridayfive~1. What do you consider your current main fandom?
Mo Dao Zu Shi and The Untamed
I thought about saying "learning Chinese," and when I saw that the question explicitly included hobbies and collecting I thought about gardening. But media is still my first thought when it comes to fannish activity, and to be fair I probably love Mo Dao Zu Shi more than either learning Chinese or gardening.
2. What was your first fandom?
Star Trek
My dad is a Star Trek fan and he shared it with us, so Star Trek is easily the first fannish love I remember. I still have Star Trek fanfic I wrote when I was eight. Marci and I got tiny tribbles at a convention and made them the main characters in a dollhouse our grandfather built for us. Smokey was black and Butterball was cat-yellow.
3. Do you have any favorite headcanons or fan theories?
Fox spirit Wei Ying with dragon Lan Zhan is Chinese fanon, supported by donghua producer Ten Cent and official art. This is my favorite beyond-canon characterization I can think of.
4. Have you ever created fanworks?
A few. Arguably everything I do is a fanwork; I certainly think of it that way.
5. Are you still active in any old fandoms?
I must be coming up on my fortieth anniversary as a Star Trek fan, and I still write Star Trek fanfic. Even Star Trek/Mo Dao Zu Shi fusions.
Guardian Slo-Mo Rewatch: Round Four sign-ups!
May. 8th, 2026 05:05 pmchina_shop posting in sid_guardian
Hello, Guardian Rewatchers! Thanks so much to everyone who's been part of the discussion, or has been reading along. ♥
Come join us for round 4 of the Guardian Slo-Mo Rewatch. We're watching half an episode a week (about twenty minutes) so we can talk and squee about our beloved 镇魂 | Guardian drama. With the fourth batch of episodes, we have nosebleeds and aggressive nose-wiping, Zhao family backstory, and Chu Shuzhi in a singlet! We also get trapped in an Absolute Zero laboratory, and the SID celebrates the Reunion Festival!
For those who remember our last rewatch, this time we're aiming for a lighter touch. Posts are on the minimalist side - a brief summary, one quote, one screencap, maybe one noteworthy detail and some discussion-starter questions. Minimalist comments are more than welcome, too!
We're looking forward to some fun discussions as we revisit Haixing, Dixing, and the SID – and of course you can always drop in on any of the previous discussions at any time.
Fans of the novel, the drama, or both are very welcome! You don't have to keep up with the rewatch – it's absolutely fine to dip in and out. We want to hear what you think! Those of us who participated in the Readalong or are otherwise familiar with the novel are likely to compare and contrast the two canons, but it's 100% okay to focus purely on the drama.
Please consider hosting a post or two! Comment with a date from the schedule below! Posts should ideally be made sometime on the Friday or Saturday, in any time zone.
Schedule for round 3
Weekend of 15 May - no new post; catch-up time!
Weekend of 22 May - no new post; explore the 520 Day collection time!
Weekend of 29 May - episode 16 up to 23:53
Weekend of 5 June - episode 16 from 23:53
Weekend of 12 June - episode 17 up to 22:31
Weekend of 19 June - episode 17 from 22:31
Weekend of 26 June - episode 18 up to 23:38
Weekend of 3 July - episode 18 from 23:38
Weekend of 10 July - episode 19 up to 20:18
Weekend of 17 July - episode 19 from 20:18
Weekend of 24 July - episode 20 up to 22:26
Weekend of 31 July - episode 20 from 22:26
how will I get them out of this garden in the fall?
May. 8th, 2026 12:21 amstarandreaDahlia timeline, according to my journal which I guess would know~
March 5: potted tubers
March 13: first tuber sprouted
May 1: moved pots outside
May 7: FIRST FLOWER BUD
(Dahlias are supposed to take 3-4 months to flower. Allegedly some "special varieties" can flower in as little as 75 days. It has been 62 days since my tubers went into pots.)
Today I started transplanting the dahlias from patio pots to fence garden. Started, because somehow I thought this would only take a couple of hours?? There are SIXTEEN of them. (Which actually doesn't sound right, since I started with 22 and only 5 didn't sprout, so there should be 17? Did I miscount? Probably. Anyway, there's so many, is my point. I had to make two trips with the cart to transport them all.)
I got them all in the ground, but it was dark by the time I finished, so I watered them (8 gallons of water) and built cages around the four tallest. I will return to make cages for the rest tomorrow. And also take more pictures, probably.
( dahlias )
March 5: potted tubers
March 13: first tuber sprouted
May 1: moved pots outside
May 7: FIRST FLOWER BUD
(Dahlias are supposed to take 3-4 months to flower. Allegedly some "special varieties" can flower in as little as 75 days. It has been 62 days since my tubers went into pots.)
Today I started transplanting the dahlias from patio pots to fence garden. Started, because somehow I thought this would only take a couple of hours?? There are SIXTEEN of them. (Which actually doesn't sound right, since I started with 22 and only 5 didn't sprout, so there should be 17? Did I miscount? Probably. Anyway, there's so many, is my point. I had to make two trips with the cart to transport them all.)
I got them all in the ground, but it was dark by the time I finished, so I watered them (8 gallons of water) and built cages around the four tallest. I will return to make cages for the rest tomorrow. And also take more pictures, probably.
( dahlias )
the story of the tree
May. 6th, 2026 08:49 pmstarandreaI once worked in a building with a wonderful person named Elaine. She had lots of frog figurines on her desk. I asked her if she liked frogs, and she said no. She explained that her daughter had given her a little frog figurine as a joke, so she took it to work and left it on her desk. Since then, enough people had both 1) assumed she liked frogs, and 2) wanted to give her a gift, that she had amassed a collection.
That's how it is with me and plants, except for the part where I actually like plants, and people aren't always trying to give me a gift. Sometimes they're just like: hey Star, I have this plant I don't want any more, do you want it or should I throw it in the trash? (In that same office building I literally lifted two plants out of the trash and kept them on my desk, so it's a totally fair question.)
( And then, a tree. )
( Tree-moving pictures. )
That's how it is with me and plants, except for the part where I actually like plants, and people aren't always trying to give me a gift. Sometimes they're just like: hey Star, I have this plant I don't want any more, do you want it or should I throw it in the trash? (In that same office building I literally lifted two plants out of the trash and kept them on my desk, so it's a totally fair question.)
( And then, a tree. )
( Tree-moving pictures. )
520 Day Reverse Exchange - One Week to Deadline!
May. 6th, 2026 11:50 pmtrobadora posting in sid_guardianJust a reminder that the 520 Day Reverse Exchange deadline is now one week away. Please post your completed assignment to the AO3 collection by 11:59PM UTC Wednesday 13 May! (What time is that for me?)
(Actually, the first entry has already been posted! Congrats! \o/)
Your work must be complete to fill your assignment. It's fine to keep editing until reveals, but the first and each edited version must be a work that stands on its own. If you're unsure how to post, see the instructions here.
If you have any questions or, for any reason, you can't make the deadline, please let us know NOW by replying to your assignment email (don't change the subject line) or commenting here. Comments here are screened.
General info, schedule and minimum requirements
*cheers everyone on*
(Actually, the first entry has already been posted! Congrats! \o/)
Your work must be complete to fill your assignment. It's fine to keep editing until reveals, but the first and each edited version must be a work that stands on its own. If you're unsure how to post, see the instructions here.
If you have any questions or, for any reason, you can't make the deadline, please let us know NOW by replying to your assignment email (don't change the subject line) or commenting here. Comments here are screened.
General info, schedule and minimum requirements
*cheers everyone on*
happy birthday to meeee
May. 6th, 2026 04:43 pmgreenI'm 48 today! I made a hummingbird cake but it looks boring so I won't post a pic. but it's gonna be delicious. the texture is just right so I KNOW this.
Batman; MCU: If It's A Highway by there_must_be_a_lock
May. 6th, 2026 04:20 pmsasheneskywalker posting in fancakeFandom: Batman - All Media Types, Marvel Cinematic Universe
Pairings/Characters: James "Bucky" Barnes/Jason Todd
Rating: Explicit
Length: 77,145 words
Creator Links:![[archiveofourown.org profile]](https://p2.dreamwidth.org/b164c54b26e4/-/archiveofourown.org/favicon.ico)
there_must_be_a_lock
Theme: journey & travel, crossovers/fusions, crossover pairings, slow burn, angst with a happy ending
Summary: Bucky’s been running for a week when the supposedly-untraceable burner phone he stole from a Hydra warehouse starts ringing. He’s in a gas station bathroom off a remote highway close to the Croatian border, getting ready to bleach his hair; the ringtone bounces shrilly off the bare tiles and makes his jaw clench tight.
[Or: the one where Bucky is hired to train Jason, and he ends up learning a thing or two himself.]
Reccer's Notes: One of the best DC/MCU crossover fics I've ever read. I love how the fic explores Jason's and Bucky's perspectives on love, sex, romance, intimacy, trauma, and relationships <3
Content Notes: discussion of past suicidal thoughts, discussion of past underage sex work, allusions to past torture and present canon-typical violence
Fanwork Links: If It's A Highway
Pairings/Characters: James "Bucky" Barnes/Jason Todd
Rating: Explicit
Length: 77,145 words
Creator Links:
Theme: journey & travel, crossovers/fusions, crossover pairings, slow burn, angst with a happy ending
Summary: Bucky’s been running for a week when the supposedly-untraceable burner phone he stole from a Hydra warehouse starts ringing. He’s in a gas station bathroom off a remote highway close to the Croatian border, getting ready to bleach his hair; the ringtone bounces shrilly off the bare tiles and makes his jaw clench tight.
[Or: the one where Bucky is hired to train Jason, and he ends up learning a thing or two himself.]
Reccer's Notes: One of the best DC/MCU crossover fics I've ever read. I love how the fic explores Jason's and Bucky's perspectives on love, sex, romance, intimacy, trauma, and relationships <3
Content Notes: discussion of past suicidal thoughts, discussion of past underage sex work, allusions to past torture and present canon-typical violence
Fanwork Links: If It's A Highway
Book meme
May. 6th, 2026 04:02 pmtrobadoraVia china_shop:
This week I'm reading: the new Murderbot book (came out today)! I'm also rereading Memory (from Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga).
My favorite book of all time is: I'm withchina_shop here: "Completely impossible! I can't even name a favourite author."
My current favorite book (read or re-read in the last 3 months) is: I just yesterday finished rereading Mirror Dance (from Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan saga) and remembered how much I love that one!
The last book I bought was: volume 3 of the German translation of Guardian by priest, in a gorgeous hardcover edition.
The first book I bought with my own money was: I'm sure I bought some book or other as soon as I had enough pocket money. How am I supposed to remember that?!
The first book I received as a gift was: I must have been a toddler, how should I know?!
The last book I received as a gift was: I can't even answer this one, LOL. I don't get a lot of gifts, and even if I did, I wouldn't really want books. Book recommendations, definitely! But - how do I explain this? I love books; I read a lot. And I have a long, long list of things I want to read at some point - but what I don't have is enough time or energy to get to most of it any time soon. I can't even manage to consistently keep up with my favourite series these days, and am many, many instalments behind. So I prioritise pretty ruthlessly. I read new things when I have energy for them; I pick out exactly what appeals in that moment. And I'd feel pretty bad leaving a gift book just lying around indefinitely until I eventually get to it.
The last book I borrowed from the library was: IIRC the Judge Dee books by Robert van Gulik, a while ago, for a binge-reread. I used to carry huge stacks of books to and fro all the time, and now (see above) I can't find enough time to get to much any more.
The book physically closest to me right now is: the fifth volume of the Perry Rhodan hardcover edition.
This or that:
Physical book, e-book, or audio: physical book for comfortable rereading, ebook for trying new things or for fanfic canon revision. Never audio; I can't do audio, my attention will drift immediately. (I'm not sure if that's because it's audio, or simply because the speed is so much lower than my reading speed, it's like reading in slow motion. Also, I don't have the spare time!)
Used, new, or fell off the back of the internet: any way I can get my hands on what I want to read
Fiction or non-fiction: mainly fiction
Read at a coffee shop or at the park: neither; I do read when out and about, but that's generally just rereads of things I've read many times before, where I don't mind reading it in snatches. Otherwise, I want to comfortably settle down at home for a proper reading session. (I usually don't like reading things bit by bit! All in one go if at all possible is my preferred method for most fiction.)
Paperback or hardcover: paperbacks are so much easier to handle! I really only get hardcovers for collecting reasons, and that exceedingly rarely.
Romance or Crime: Crime! I like romance in combination with other things, but on its own it doesn't often work for me. Whereas crime fiction is fun in its own right.
Yes or no:
Literary fiction? yes
Sci-fi/fantasy? my one true love! (sci-fi more than fantasy)
Poetry? yes!
Memoirs? hardly ever
Philosophy? yes
Thrillers? absolutely
Chronicles? not sure what that means here
Travel logs? not really
Dialogue heavy? sure, why not
china_shop:This week I'm reading: the new Murderbot book (came out today)! I'm also rereading Memory (from Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga).
My favorite book of all time is: I'm with
china_shop here: "Completely impossible! I can't even name a favourite author."My current favorite book (read or re-read in the last 3 months) is: I just yesterday finished rereading Mirror Dance (from Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan saga) and remembered how much I love that one!
The last book I bought was: volume 3 of the German translation of Guardian by priest, in a gorgeous hardcover edition.
The first book I bought with my own money was: I'm sure I bought some book or other as soon as I had enough pocket money. How am I supposed to remember that?!
The first book I received as a gift was: I must have been a toddler, how should I know?!
The last book I received as a gift was: I can't even answer this one, LOL. I don't get a lot of gifts, and even if I did, I wouldn't really want books. Book recommendations, definitely! But - how do I explain this? I love books; I read a lot. And I have a long, long list of things I want to read at some point - but what I don't have is enough time or energy to get to most of it any time soon. I can't even manage to consistently keep up with my favourite series these days, and am many, many instalments behind. So I prioritise pretty ruthlessly. I read new things when I have energy for them; I pick out exactly what appeals in that moment. And I'd feel pretty bad leaving a gift book just lying around indefinitely until I eventually get to it.
The last book I borrowed from the library was: IIRC the Judge Dee books by Robert van Gulik, a while ago, for a binge-reread. I used to carry huge stacks of books to and fro all the time, and now (see above) I can't find enough time to get to much any more.
The book physically closest to me right now is: the fifth volume of the Perry Rhodan hardcover edition.
This or that:
Physical book, e-book, or audio: physical book for comfortable rereading, ebook for trying new things or for fanfic canon revision. Never audio; I can't do audio, my attention will drift immediately. (I'm not sure if that's because it's audio, or simply because the speed is so much lower than my reading speed, it's like reading in slow motion. Also, I don't have the spare time!)
Used, new, or fell off the back of the internet: any way I can get my hands on what I want to read
Fiction or non-fiction: mainly fiction
Read at a coffee shop or at the park: neither; I do read when out and about, but that's generally just rereads of things I've read many times before, where I don't mind reading it in snatches. Otherwise, I want to comfortably settle down at home for a proper reading session. (I usually don't like reading things bit by bit! All in one go if at all possible is my preferred method for most fiction.)
Paperback or hardcover: paperbacks are so much easier to handle! I really only get hardcovers for collecting reasons, and that exceedingly rarely.
Romance or Crime: Crime! I like romance in combination with other things, but on its own it doesn't often work for me. Whereas crime fiction is fun in its own right.
Yes or no:
Literary fiction? yes
Sci-fi/fantasy? my one true love! (sci-fi more than fantasy)
Poetry? yes!
Memoirs? hardly ever
Philosophy? yes
Thrillers? absolutely
Chronicles? not sure what that means here
Travel logs? not really
Dialogue heavy? sure, why not
"it's what I do." stargate sg-1/wormhole x-treme
May. 6th, 2026 12:29 amstarandreaMoved all outdoor houseplants from greenhouse to porch, moved remaining indoor trees out to greenhouse. Moved a bunch of unsprouted canna pots indoors to warm. Spread compost on front and bridge gardens.
Started a new language challenge, imitating evildea again but without lingopie for reasons that are largely, I enjoy other content more.
Started a new language challenge, imitating evildea again but without lingopie for reasons that are largely, I enjoy other content more.
Doctor Who: once upon a time in nazi-occupied france by yonderdarling
May. 5th, 2026 01:36 pmkingstoken posting in fancakeFandom: Doctor Who
Pairings/Characters: Twelve/Missy (but also Doctor/Master generally)
Rating: Not Rated
Length: 121,404 words
Creator Links: yonderdarling
Theme: Journey & Travel, getting back together
Summary: "He's sitting in a cafe in Vichy France (he was aiming for 2042) and waiting for his lunch when Missy plops down in the chair opposite him." This is an idea they've had before, it's just the first time they've both been able to consider it. The Doctor and Missy try travelling together.
Reccer's Notes: After Twelve loses Clara, Twelve and Missy try travelling together through space and time. Reading Missy and Twelve together in the TARDIS is a delight. However, the fic digs into the complicated nature of their relationship, gives them a rather tragic backstory, and focuses how they deal with things as they start falling into a romantic relationship and the consequences of that.
Fanwork Links: AO3
Pairings/Characters: Twelve/Missy (but also Doctor/Master generally)
Rating: Not Rated
Length: 121,404 words
Creator Links: yonderdarling
Theme: Journey & Travel, getting back together
Summary: "He's sitting in a cafe in Vichy France (he was aiming for 2042) and waiting for his lunch when Missy plops down in the chair opposite him." This is an idea they've had before, it's just the first time they've both been able to consider it. The Doctor and Missy try travelling together.
Reccer's Notes: After Twelve loses Clara, Twelve and Missy try travelling together through space and time. Reading Missy and Twelve together in the TARDIS is a delight. However, the fic digs into the complicated nature of their relationship, gives them a rather tragic backstory, and focuses how they deal with things as they start falling into a romantic relationship and the consequences of that.
Fanwork Links: AO3
Gorillaz (Virtual Band): The Answer by sonatas
May. 3rd, 2026 04:14 pmzorbo_jorks posting in fancakeFandom: Gorillaz (Virtual Band)
Pairings/Characters: Murdoc Niccals/Stuart "2D" Pot, Various OCs, Hannibal Niccals, Noodle, Russel Hobbs
Rating: Explicit
Length: 298,396 words (26 Chapters)
Creator Links: https://archiveofourown.org/users/sonatas/pseuds/sonatas
Theme: journey & travel
Summary: When a phone call informing him of his father’s death sends him on an unexpected and unwanted trip back to his childhood home, Murdoc finds himself confronted with more questions about his origins than he ever could have anticipated. Who knew a couple of shoe boxes, left to gather dust in his father’s closet, could contain such heart-wrenching secrets. And why is 2D so invested? Post-canon. 2Doc.
Reccer's Notes: I have just recently started peeking into this fandom, and did not realize that this is one of the Big Fics for the pairing until after I finished it, but it's so earned! The story pulled me along the whole way: imagine a world-wide road trip where every party is kind of miserable, and there are occult curses and ghosts chasing them the whole time! Great world-building and mystery elements too, and pique character work and dramatic tension!
There is a lot of fanart embedded throughout, as well, which is such a treat!
Content Notes: violence & injury, drug abuse, addiction, and grief, and past child abuse, CSA and adult SA
Fanwork Links: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11767422/chapters/26527818
Pairings/Characters: Murdoc Niccals/Stuart "2D" Pot, Various OCs, Hannibal Niccals, Noodle, Russel Hobbs
Rating: Explicit
Length: 298,396 words (26 Chapters)
Creator Links: https://archiveofourown.org/users/sonatas/pseuds/sonatas
Theme: journey & travel
Summary: When a phone call informing him of his father’s death sends him on an unexpected and unwanted trip back to his childhood home, Murdoc finds himself confronted with more questions about his origins than he ever could have anticipated. Who knew a couple of shoe boxes, left to gather dust in his father’s closet, could contain such heart-wrenching secrets. And why is 2D so invested? Post-canon. 2Doc.
Reccer's Notes: I have just recently started peeking into this fandom, and did not realize that this is one of the Big Fics for the pairing until after I finished it, but it's so earned! The story pulled me along the whole way: imagine a world-wide road trip where every party is kind of miserable, and there are occult curses and ghosts chasing them the whole time! Great world-building and mystery elements too, and pique character work and dramatic tension!
There is a lot of fanart embedded throughout, as well, which is such a treat!
Content Notes: violence & injury, drug abuse, addiction, and grief, and past child abuse, CSA and adult SA
Fanwork Links: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11767422/chapters/26527818
It's the day!
May. 4th, 2026 07:57 pmtrobadora
135 years ago today, on 4 May 1891, Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty met their end at the Reichenbach Falls.
Until ACD changed his mind, of course. But it starts here, at the end: the very first we ever hear of Moriarty is the story in which he dies, which is also the story meant to kill off Holmes.
All those years later, the story is still alive, and keeps on going. :D
Happy Reichenbach Day! ♥
Btw, did I mention that I watched the new Young Sherlock show in March? I quite enjoyed it, though it didn't really hit me in the Sherlockian place. Neither its Sherlock nor its Moriarty quite gave me what I want from those characters, though I find it hard to explain how. At any rate, they're very fun characters to follow as they are, so I'm glad I watched!
I also really appreciate that the show has a prominent Chinese character and a whole bunch of scenes with Mandarin dialogue, much of which I could actually follow reasonably well. Xiao Wei and her sidekick Liu Meiyi are an absolute delight, I'd watch a whole show just about them. *g*
And all the Holmes family dynamics were really great; every single person got their chance to properly shine. Such a good ensemble cast! I'm definitely looking forward to season 2, even without the Chinese characters, who seem unlikely to return.
starandreaSo I was going to make a manifesto for polyamships' write a ship manifesto challenge, but then I read fanfic instead. All dogs are good dogs, and all ships are good ships. I took my dog to the playground this evening, picked up some more farm-fresh compost on the way home (they leave it by the side of the road and you put your money in a tin), and also got groceries.
Not at the farm, which was lucky for me, because the grocery store had tea roses! Mini roses! Whatever. I love roses for no particular reason I can identify. I bought some mini roses at another grocery store four years ago, and I don't remember what possessed me to plant them in the garden, but they've come back every year and they always look adorable. I have added new colors each year, and I thought I had them all - but no! What luck! I found a variegated mini rose.
I did not know such a thing existed, and I am delighted.
polyamships' write a ship manifesto challenge, but then I read fanfic instead. All dogs are good dogs, and all ships are good ships. I took my dog to the playground this evening, picked up some more farm-fresh compost on the way home (they leave it by the side of the road and you put your money in a tin), and also got groceries. Not at the farm, which was lucky for me, because the grocery store had tea roses! Mini roses! Whatever. I love roses for no particular reason I can identify. I bought some mini roses at another grocery store four years ago, and I don't remember what possessed me to plant them in the garden, but they've come back every year and they always look adorable. I have added new colors each year, and I thought I had them all - but no! What luck! I found a variegated mini rose.
I did not know such a thing existed, and I am delighted.
Slo-Mo Rewatch: Guardian episode 15, part 1
May. 4th, 2026 11:18 amchina_shop posting in sid_guardianHi, and welcome back to the Guardian drama Slo-Mo Rewatch. Watch half an episode a week, at your leisure, and then come and chat about it here in comments. Or you can just jump into the comments without rewatching, of course!
Here are the previous weeks' rewatch posts.
Episode 15, up to 23:56
Summary
Cong Bo hacks into the university CCTV and hits paydirt when he sees Shen Wei use dark energy and talk to a smoke messenger from the Regent. Cong Bo goes to Zhao Yunlan and threatens to expose Shen Wei and the SID. The Apology Scene!!! Shen Wei has taken off his glasses; Zhao Yunlan sprawls barefoot on a barstool. Also, Zhao Yunlan has a plan: Lin Jing remotely wipes Cong Bo's hard drive, and Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan pay Cong Bo a visit, showing him the error of his ways and inviting him to join them. Zhu Jiu is still wounded and still holding a grudge against Zhao Yunlan. Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei celebrate their success with a toast (water), and Shen Wei explains his power. Zhao Yunlan attempts a do-over of his request for compensation last episode, and this time he gets it right by asking Shen Wei to tidy his not-very-messy flat. Changcheng writes in his diary. In the SID lab, Zhao Yunlan contemplates groping the Hallows again, but Shen Wei catches him and offers a better strategy for finding the missing two Hallows. Zhao Yunlan takes him out for a meal (no drinking!), which tragically happens off-screen. Zhu Hong is drunk and crying because Zhao Yunlan doesn't want her; Da Qing and Guo Changcheng offer comfort. The next morning, an old man arrives in Dragon City, nearly gets hit by a delivery van, and is rescued by a solicitous Changcheng. They meet again a few minutes later, whereupon the old man asks for directions to 4 Guangming Rd. Dun-dun-DUNNN!
Quote
Da Qing to Zhu Hong: You're good in all aspects. You have a special physique that can provide a promising talent: warm in winter, cold in summer.
Detail
I love that when Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan toast having dealt with the Cong Bo threat, Zhao Yunlan as well as Shen Wei is drinking water.
Also, I don't think I've registered before that Cong Bo was also spying on Ya Qing and that this had constrained her movements. (I'm impressed she didn't just kill him!)
Questions
Any thoughts about Zhao Yunlan's changed hairstyle? (Is it why Zhu Hong is drinking?) Do you think Zhao Yunlan had forgotten about the banner cam, or he just hadn't come up with a way to take it down without admitting he'd put it there in the first place? When Shen Wei sees the smoke filtering through the blinds, he immediately summons his blade: who or what does he think it might be? What is Zhao Yunlan's first thought when Cong Bo shows him the blackmail material? How do you feel about Cong Bo and his motives? What's your favourite thing about the apology scene? Do you like Cong Bo's apartment? After the averted-Hallows-groping scene, does Zhao Yunlan take Shen Wei out for street food, or do they go somewhere nice? (How date-like is it??) What was your first impression of the Regent? Does he deliberately target Changcheng (and if so, what does this say about his information networks in Haixing)?
Did you see any parallels in these scenes with other parts of the drama? If you're familiar with the novel, any thoughts about how the drama adaptation compares, if at all?
(As usual, these are all just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like! You don't have to be keeping up with the rewatch to join in. We'd love to hear your thoughts!)
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Hazbin Hotel: Put Your Head On My Shoulder by auxkabel (cablecurrent)
May. 3rd, 2026 12:42 pmwrittenwordsaloud posting in fancakeFandom: Hazbin Hotel
Pairings/Characters: Valentino & Velvette & Vox, Valentino/Vox
Rating: M
Length: 7634
Creator Link: auxkabel (cablecurrent)
Theme: journey & travel
Summary: Some people lose their heads. Vox loses his body. It’s a sex thing.
Or: while Vox is busy making sure Valentino Day goes smoothly, his meatsuit departs on an epic journey across the Pentagram. Now it’s up to Valentino, Velvet and Vox’s head to find the damn thing before something bad happens to it.
Reccer's Notes: Can't usually find much travelling with Sinners in Hazbin, but it definitely counts when some Overlords have to go around on foot to find someone body.
First of all, Val being angry that he can't find Vox's body instead of concerned brings me great joy. As if Vox did it all on purpose.
I have to think about all the other reasons (other than Alastor) that Vox would have for letting his body do whatever it wants when his consciousness appears to remain with his body at all times. Does he get to choose where his mind stays? In which case, the body that "wines and dines" Val is only less important because Vox's consciousness isn't in it.
And we know Vox would love Val even as a worm. He would hate loving him as a worm, but he would.
Velvette shaming Val is so tasty. Shaming Vox? Yes, of course. But fixing Val with the disappointed look is so much funnier in this context.
I'm so freaking happy Charlie's first reaction was that Vox's body was a Dullahan. There is a version of this fic where Angel wasn't around to inform them it was Vox, leaving Charlie and Vaggie to go on an adventure to find a head and making it even harder for the Vees to find him.
The goat demon is a freaking boss. Risking talking back to the Vees, considering he actually knows that's who he is talking to. What a hero. Who else of his level could get Val to kiss them?
And I'm glad Maggot Mary seems to have what she wants in order. Her body really does seem like one of the worst punishments Hell could have provided someone. How often does she die and have to reconstitute? I want to know what her guard dogs are like.
So many people might construe calling someone's body "our things" as dehumanizing, but considering it's Velvette saying it Vox indeed has the money on the mark. It's her attempt at being flippant while she indeed cares about him. After all, why would Velvette have bothered putting this much time in otherwise? Even with putting out fires.
In the end, of course Charlie lets him keep the nightgown so he doesn't have to go home nude. And Velvette doesn't bother to give him another outfit to wear. Going for takeout and straight home is such a boon for Vox as well. You know if Velvette wasn't busy she would have wanted to spend some time threatening Vox with having him go into a restaurant like this.
I love to consider what S2 would have been like if this had happened first: because Alastor then wouldn't have Vox to fall upon to get him out of his deal with Rosie, Vox couldn't insult the hotel while convincing people to rise up against Heaven, and it would have been perhaps a somewhat more lighthearted comedy before Vox blew a hole in Heaven.
Fanwork link: Put Your Head On My Shoulder
Pairings/Characters: Valentino & Velvette & Vox, Valentino/Vox
Rating: M
Length: 7634
Creator Link: auxkabel (cablecurrent)
Theme: journey & travel
Summary: Some people lose their heads. Vox loses his body. It’s a sex thing.
Or: while Vox is busy making sure Valentino Day goes smoothly, his meatsuit departs on an epic journey across the Pentagram. Now it’s up to Valentino, Velvet and Vox’s head to find the damn thing before something bad happens to it.
Reccer's Notes: Can't usually find much travelling with Sinners in Hazbin, but it definitely counts when some Overlords have to go around on foot to find someone body.
For after reading
First of all, Val being angry that he can't find Vox's body instead of concerned brings me great joy. As if Vox did it all on purpose.
I have to think about all the other reasons (other than Alastor) that Vox would have for letting his body do whatever it wants when his consciousness appears to remain with his body at all times. Does he get to choose where his mind stays? In which case, the body that "wines and dines" Val is only less important because Vox's consciousness isn't in it.
And we know Vox would love Val even as a worm. He would hate loving him as a worm, but he would.
Velvette shaming Val is so tasty. Shaming Vox? Yes, of course. But fixing Val with the disappointed look is so much funnier in this context.
I'm so freaking happy Charlie's first reaction was that Vox's body was a Dullahan. There is a version of this fic where Angel wasn't around to inform them it was Vox, leaving Charlie and Vaggie to go on an adventure to find a head and making it even harder for the Vees to find him.
The goat demon is a freaking boss. Risking talking back to the Vees, considering he actually knows that's who he is talking to. What a hero. Who else of his level could get Val to kiss them?
And I'm glad Maggot Mary seems to have what she wants in order. Her body really does seem like one of the worst punishments Hell could have provided someone. How often does she die and have to reconstitute? I want to know what her guard dogs are like.
So many people might construe calling someone's body "our things" as dehumanizing, but considering it's Velvette saying it Vox indeed has the money on the mark. It's her attempt at being flippant while she indeed cares about him. After all, why would Velvette have bothered putting this much time in otherwise? Even with putting out fires.
In the end, of course Charlie lets him keep the nightgown so he doesn't have to go home nude. And Velvette doesn't bother to give him another outfit to wear. Going for takeout and straight home is such a boon for Vox as well. You know if Velvette wasn't busy she would have wanted to spend some time threatening Vox with having him go into a restaurant like this.
I love to consider what S2 would have been like if this had happened first: because Alastor then wouldn't have Vox to fall upon to get him out of his deal with Rosie, Vox couldn't insult the hotel while convincing people to rise up against Heaven, and it would have been perhaps a somewhat more lighthearted comedy before Vox blew a hole in Heaven.
Fanwork link: Put Your Head On My Shoulder
Downton Abbey: Slow Boat to China by Laramie and LinkWorshiper
May. 3rd, 2026 07:30 pmdickinsons posting in fancakeFandom: Downton Abbey
Pairings/Characters: Thomas Barrow/Jimmy Kent, Lady Anstruther, OCs
Rating:T
Length: 79,395
Creator Links: Laramie, LinkWorshiper (AO3)
Theme: journey & travel
Summary: Though Jimmy Kent has found success and fortune since moving on from Downton, he has never been able to forgive Lady Anstruther for the troubles she's caused him in the past. Motivated by a burning desire for revenge, Jimmy takes action - and enlists the help of the one person he's ever trusted. Naturally that person is Thomas Barrow.
Reccer's Notes: This fic has romance, a revenge plot, and mystery fiction elements, all while the characters travel to China. It's a really fun read.
Fanwork Links: Slow Boat to China
Pairings/Characters: Thomas Barrow/Jimmy Kent, Lady Anstruther, OCs
Rating:T
Length: 79,395
Creator Links: Laramie, LinkWorshiper (AO3)
Theme: journey & travel
Summary: Though Jimmy Kent has found success and fortune since moving on from Downton, he has never been able to forgive Lady Anstruther for the troubles she's caused him in the past. Motivated by a burning desire for revenge, Jimmy takes action - and enlists the help of the one person he's ever trusted. Naturally that person is Thomas Barrow.
Reccer's Notes: This fic has romance, a revenge plot, and mystery fiction elements, all while the characters travel to China. It's a really fun read.
Fanwork Links: Slow Boat to China