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Mardi Himal Trekking is one of the finest trekking trail in Annapurna region and offer extra ordinary mountain views.
I'm now selling prints, framed or otherwise, in a range of sizes. If anyone wishes to buy any of my images please get in touch via Flickr or facebook. Thank you.
This was a quick shot I managed to grab on my birthday last week. It's not my best image but this is pretty close to what I was looking at and a great sunset for the start of my 32nd year! I did have to abandon the car in the middle of some traffic at a dangerous enough crossroads but eh...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgSPVhwqjX0
It’s in the way she often calls me out
It’s in the curve of your pretty gown
Your come on legs and your pantyhose
You look so precious with your bloody nose
We gonna come together, We gonna celebrate
We gonna gather round, like it’s your birthday
I don’t wanna know, just what I’m gonna do
I don’t care where you’re going, I’m coming along with you
Walking her home with the grassy field
Falling and laughing at the drinks we spilled
Just one of those nights that I have to share
She’s in a daze, without a care
Kings of Leon is an American rock band that originated in Albion, Oklahoma but formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 1999. The band is composed of brothers Anthony Caleb Followill (b. January 14, 1982, lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Ivan Nathan Followill (b. June 26, 1979, drums, percussion, backing vocals) and Michael Jared Followill (b. November 20, 1986, bass guitar, backing vocals), with their cousin Cameron Matthew Followill (b. September 10, 1984, lead guitar, backing vocals). The group is named for their grandfather Leon from Talihina, Oklahoma.
The band's early music was an upbeat blend of Southern rock and blues influences, but it has gradually expanded over the years to include a variety of genres and a more alternative, arena rock sound. Kings of Leon achieved initial success in the United Kingdom with a total of nine Top 40 singles, two BRIT Awards in 2008, and all three of the band's albums at the time peaking in the top five of the UK Albums Chart. Their third album, Because of the Times, also reached the No. 1 spot. After the release of Only by the Night in September 2008 the band achieved chart success in the United States. The singles "Sex on Fire", "Use Somebody", and "Notion" all peaked at No. 1 on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart. The album itself was their first ever Platinum-selling album in the United States, and was also the best-selling album of 2008 in Australia, being certified Platinum nine times. The band's fifth album, Come Around Sundown, was released on October 18, 2010.
SET 1 – HLT Remodel: 8-18-2023
Wrapping us up today with a reverse look down the onetime collectibles wall, now converted into the kitchenware area, as we also saw last time. Still no product photography overhead yet, but that of course would be added by the time the remodel was complete. Also, again, notice the new gray flooring here, which like the wood-type flooring we’ve seen in the cosmetics and grooming departments, is another way to differentiate and designate each area, in perhaps a bit classier of a fashion than just the classic red border stripe of the past.
More to come from here soon, so stick around! Hope y’all have a happy Thanksgiving with folks you’re thankful for :)
NEXT WEEK – more from the Oxford Kroger remodel, as we approach halfway through our tour…
(c) 2024 Retail Retell
These places are public so these photos are too, but just as I tell where they came from, I'd appreciate if you'd say who :)
I’m a registered nurse.
In 2009 I had to go to Texas to be with my father who had been admitted to one or our nations ‘esteemed’ health care facilities. It was not a nursing home, this was a hospital. He died eventually, having never been able to get the hell away from the hospital. I could only enforce handwashing so many times by his nurses and CNA’s that worked with him. He was immunocompromised from his medicines and they were lazy. (honestly, I know the difference between lazy and busy-keep in mind that I’m a nurse). They finally gave him an infection that killed him. That was the final cause of death, but also listed on the death certificate was malnutrition. I took this and wrote it back then, but it seems like the whole episode should be revisited from time to time.
Feel free to check out the set ‘Goodbye America’ as well as the set about Texas. The whole dying process was recorded there in Texas-as well as some attempts (bad ones) of mine to get some artistic shots…couldn’t focus on them very well...
My father couldn’t use his right arm due to a previous fracture (created when they removed the tumor that had been in the bone for 5 years and had gone undiagnosed-the doctor never looked at the xrays he had ordered)
He could not sit up without assistance due to weakness and malnutrition. See where this table is in relationship to where he is? His meal is on that table.
Probably a good thing because at least 12 times during my time in Texas they served him food that is forbidden for dialysis patients (yes, food that could have killed him). Everyone including the case manager and charge nurse just giggled when I asked them ‘WHY?’ They rolled their eyes and said, ‘Oh, we go around and around with dietary all the time’. I said again, “Why?” They had no answer. Attempts to go up the chain of command in the hospital were equally as futile and infuriating.
I wondered when I initially got to Texas how he gotten so skinny…I wondered why he was so weak. He wasn’t in the hospital that long before I got there and he was able care for himself completely prior to admission. I wondered why the nurses hadn’t told me he was back on dialysis in my frequent phone converations with them. I wondered why they had failed to mention that he was curled in a fetal position covered with scabies and non verbal…(this was the state I found him in when I arrived-at the time of the above photo he had improved slightly and I had treated him myself several times for the scabies)
Also on that table: his dentures, glasses, and phone and call light. (about two weeks later they completely lost his dentures and said it was ‘impossible’ to have a dentist come fit him and make a new pair. They also lost his glasses and hearing aids.)
How long before you would go crazy? How long before you’d die? How long would you be able to fight for yourself despite being ill and trying to ‘heal'? Why should I feel terrible because I couldn’t stay at the hospital 24-7? Aren’t they responsible for ANYTHING? (Actually they forced me to leave during the night times.)
He had great insurance. His bills are paid. And there were a LOT of them. Staggering amounts of money were thrown into this miserable team of idiots that was meant to help him improve. Healthcare has officially now become wealthcare.
I will never have anything elective done in this country. I will go overseas again and again. (I had a hip replacement a year after my father died-in India…and I had an amazingly good outcome AND experience and it cost less than a fifth of what they would have tried to bill me here in this ‘land of the free’.)
If I ever end up a victim of health care, I hope to die quickly before they can steal my dignity and slowly and inhumanely snuff out MY fire.
Author's Note: The contents of this chapter include very sensitive subject matter and may be triggering to some individuals. Scenes of abuse of various forms are represented as not only for storytelling, but to raise awareness of what this behavior looks like. Abusive behavior in this story includes, but is not limited to: physical abuse, mental abuse, verbal abuse, gaslighting, manipulation, intentional triggering of another's PTSD, and trauma. In no way are these scenes intended to purposely trigger or harm anyone.
~~~
The following morning after Aiden's moonlit flight with Vincent, he'd woken up late just as Vincent was emerging from his quarters. His captain was already fully dressed and ready to run errands. As Vincent explained it to the yawning Aiden, now that he was going to the masquerade, there was much to be done! A short while later, Vincent departed in a determined but cheerful mood to get everything set in motion. And when he returned that evening he had an official invitation to the ball for Aiden in hand! He sat Aiden down and explained in greater detail what preparations would need to be done. While Vincent had informed him that there would be fittings, dancing and etiquette lessons, and even promenades for social practice, the days following were unexpectedly much busier for Aiden than he'd anticipated.
The first order of business was a visit to the tailor! The shop they went to belonged to a highly skilled older man who knew Vincent by sight and greeted the captain enthusiastically. As it turned out, this was where Vincent and the other men in his family frequented as regular customers! After Aiden's nervous last attempt to get himself to visit a shop like this, he was grateful to have Vincent there to guide him through the process. As soon as Vincent explained that they were here for a suit for Aiden for the upcoming ball, the tailor got straight to work! Vincent helped Aiden sort through different fabrics and finally settle on a nice dark teal and gold lining which, as Vincent put it, brought out the color in his eyes. The comment had made Aiden blush slightly; something Vincent noticed which made him feel a little pleased with himself.
When the topic of how much everything was going to cost came up, Aiden felt panic rearing up inside him. He knew it would be expensive but to actually spend the money? Aside from the tiny piece of Fulgora's Eye that he'd gotten for Pete, this was the most expensive purchase he'd ever made for himself! However, with a few quiet, carefully chosen words of reassurance from Vincent, Aiden remembered that he was, in fact, wealthy. He could afford this suit hundreds of times over and then some! With Vincent's encouragement, Aiden went ahead and made the down payment purchase for his suit! Once measurements had been taken some time later and they were free to go, they went next door to the cordwainer. There Aiden got measured again; this time for boots to go specifically for his ballroom attire! This time, Aiden didn't hesitate to pay for his boots which Vincent felt proud of him for.
The lessons Vincent promised began just two days later. While Vincent didn't really care much for all the niceties and politeness of upper class society, he was still a part of it and therefore educated thus. During these lessons, Aiden began to learn the basics of gentlemanly ballroom etiquette. He'd be learning how to dance very soon but first Aiden would need to learn how to properly walk, stand, and even how to talk. While Vincent stressed the importance of these lessons, most of the time the two men were just laughing and enjoying each other's company. Vincent was having such a grand time with his friend that he was often smiling and full of spirit. Vincent suggested Aiden put to practice what he'd learned while they were out and about. Aiden remembered that this was just a part of the facade; the mask that must be put on for society. So, that's what he did. Following Vincent's example, he began to learn. He would gladly play the part. Aiden knew deep down that Vincent liked Aiden just as he was now... but a big part of him wanted to fit into Vincent's world more. He wanted to show Vincent that he was capable of being a part of ALL aspects of his life; not just on the ship.
When it came time for Aiden to learn to dance, Vincent knew that Charlotte would be the most logical choice to be Aiden's dance partner. When the young lady learned to dance a few years ago, it had been Vincent, himself, who was her dance partner as she learned the art. He knew she was a lovely dancer for her age; a talented one, at that. She'd also proven herself to be a patient teacher. Besides all that, Aiden and she got along well and clearly there was chemistry between them. Vincent knew that this would be a perfect opportunity for the two of them to get to know each other and spend time together. There was every reason for him to allow them to practice together! Yet, Vincent knew without a doubt that Charlotte would be all over Aiden...which was why when Aiden arrived for his first day of dance lessons it was not Charlotte there to greet him alongside Vincent....it was Abigail!
Abigail was happy to join Vincent in teaching Aiden how to dance! Of course, she knew the real reason he was asking her even if he didn't want to admit it, and the alternative would have been Bernadette. While Bernie excelled in many other things, Abigail knew just how skilled her sister was on the dance floor....and something told her Aiden would prefer to keep his toes intact.
And so, practice began! Aiden discovered that he liked dancing and the chemistry between the three of them was very pleasant and enjoyable. Abigail was fond of Aiden already and the more she learned and saw of him, the more she found him a pleasure to be around. He was a fun student who made the task of teaching him an enjoyable experience. When the cousins demonstrated to Aiden the various popular dances that he'd see at the ball, the young man was in awe. They appeared to move flawlessly to the music coming out of the phonograph. As it turned out, Abigail had a small passion for dance, and Vincent, while he didn't like to show off, was quite skilled as well. Despite the intricate dances he was shown, Aiden was told he'd be learning the easiest of the dances first: the waltz.
The days passed and things were starting to come together quickly! Aiden's confidence with the waltz was starting to build. Soon, he was guiding Abigail with less mistakes and even felt brave enough to add in a small flourish in his step! Not only was his dancing skills improving, his suit for the masquerade was coming along nicely.
On the topic of his suit one afternoon, Vincent pointed out that dancing in full formal attire was different than practicing in comfortable clothes. It would be heavier and warmer than what they were doing now. He mused that Aiden should be more dressed up while practicing to get used to it; much the way Vincent dressed when out as a member of high society. It got Aiden thinking that maybe it was time he finally got something a little nicer to wear after all.
Normally, these things took time to make so when Aiden went back to the tailor's the next day, he was not expecting to be able to walk out with a brand new outfit in hand. The tailor happened to have a complete set on display that he sold to Aiden at a discounted price. Apparently, it had been made for another customer some time ago who had changed their mind at the very last minute. Amazingly, the entire ensemble fit Aiden like a glove! There were only a couple quick adjustments needed for the pants but that was it!
Finally Aiden stepped up to the mirror. He almost didn't recognize himself! The young man staring back at him looked older and more mature. There was a growing confidence which showed in how he stood tall and smiled with approval.
The next time Aiden was due to meet Abigail and Vincent marked two weeks until the masquerade! While it also meant Damien was officially back in town as well, Aiden had other things on his mind. This was the day he would be arriving dressed like a gentleman; not some commoner who worked aboard a ship.
Aiden was feeling nervous! His hands kept fidgeting and tugging at his fitted blue waistcoat as he stepped off the lift. Just ahead of him was the open door that invitingly led into Vincent's office. What would Vincent think? Would he approve of him? Aiden peeked into the room and took a cursory glance around to see who was all here. His eyes appreciatively settled on the slender yet curvy shape standing by one of the bookshelves beside the tea station.
It was Vincent, of course! He hadn't realized he had company yet. He was standing in front of a small mirror up on one of the bookshelves and was actually humming softly to himself. Intent upon his task, he deftly pinned the last strands of hair into his updo. It was a more effeminate style than Aiden had ever seen on him. It wasn't just his hair but also the way he was dressed that gave him such an androgynous appearance. He was a little more dressed up and the way his corset and trousers flattered and hugged his figure? There was just something different about him today. Whatever it was, Aiden found it attractive.
Just as Vincent finished with his hair and gave a satisfied smile at his appearance there was a soft knock at the door. Ah, that had to be Aiden. He was right on time! As he turned to greet Aiden, he saw Aiden's smile which bemused him. And while he'd never admit it aloud, it made him feel shy. His mind tried to reason why Aiden would be smiling at him as if...as if he were the loveliest creature in the world.
No, his mind reasoned, that couldn't be right! And as if to prove him right, Aiden suddenly began to grin. That's right...he must be amused by his appearance! However, he was completely unaware that, in truth, Aiden was actually grinning at the sight of Vincent's deepening blush that had blossomed across his cheeks at the sight of his friend staring at him...
But now, Vincent was feeling awkward and second-guessing his decision to dress up. He nibbled his lower lip and glanced off to the side. As he reached up with one hand and toyed with his bangs, he said just loud enough for Aiden to hear, "I know, I know. I look silly."
"What? No, you don't!" Aiden chuckled as he stepped into the room. "I think the whole look is very flattering on you."
"You really think so? It's not too much?"
"I really think so. You look great!"
Vincent saw that sweet, reassuring smile and suddenly he felt much better as he found himself suddenly smiling as well. Once upon a time, he would have not believed it so quickly, if at all. But Aiden had a way about him that made him feel safe to be himself. And it seemed that was turning into confidence that was taking hold more firmly in Vincent's life. And though Vincent didn't realize it, he was finally starting to come into himself and blossom; something those closest to him 'had' started to notice.
As it turned out, Abigail had come down with a small cold and wouldn't be joining them today...but Vincent didn't want to cancel Aiden's lesson. After all, Vincent knew how to be led in a dance just as well as he could lead! So, when he offered himself as Aiden's dance partner, he was pleased with Aiden's enthusiastic response.
Once Vincent turned the phonograph on, he turned to face his friend and saw Aiden offering out his hand towards him with a grin. It was much like he'd done the night he'd asked Vincent to join him on their moonlit flight. Vincent grinned back and placed his hand in Aiden's before allowing himself to be guided to the middle of the room.
Aiden slid his hand around Vincent's waist and stepped close, his gaze shifting down to gaze into Vincent's as Vincent's hand came to sit upon his upper arm and gently took his hand. Then after what felt like several quiet, wonderful minutes of suspended time (but was really only a couple of breaths), Aiden began to lead on the next beat of melody that was playing for them.
Aiden had proven by now that he had a pretty good handle on the waltz. So after a couple of dances together, Vincent decided how to show him the first steps of another type of dance he'd demonstrated the first day: the quadrille!
A couple of hours had passed and Aiden was finally ready to give leading a real try! So after a quick break, the men got back to it! It was about halfway through the first dance when Aiden first accidentally treaded on Vincent's toes and bumped into him. At first, Aiden was apologetic, but Vincent laughed it off.
And as they continued to dance, he told Aiden about a few collisions on the dance floor that he'd witnessed. Vincent was no longer keeping an eye on Aiden's dance moves because he was too preoccupied talking and laughing all while still dancing! As natural as can be, Aiden still led Vincent around the small space while listening and tossing in his own laughter and commentary. They were no longer dancing the quadrille, exactly, but instead just dancing for fun while they interacted. In fact, they were so engrossed with each other, their dance, and the music that they were unaware that they were no longer alone.
As seconds turned to nearly a minute, Damien's composure was starting to crack. So this was why Vincent couldn't spend time with him earlier today! Of course, it was because of fucking Aiden! What the bloody Hell was going on? Finally deciding to just get their attention before he completely lost himself, Damien forced another smile upon his face and knocked loudly on the door.
"Damien! Is it three o'clock already?!" Vincent exclaimed before quickly glancing towards the clock. With a small chuckle he added, "Oh, you're early!" He gently detached himself from Aiden's embrace so he could go turn off the music. And as he moved, he glanced out the window and was made aware that it was suddenly getting dark outside as if it were going to pour any moment. And indeed, there was the gentle sound of thunder in the distance.
"Well, you said to just come in when I got here so here I am!"
"I meant at three, but it's fine. It looks like it's going to rain anyways."
It wasn't fine, Vincent felt, but he moved onto the next topic as he joined Aiden and Damien in the center of the room. Vincent realized how nicely Damien was dressed and he complimented him, "Well, don't you look extra sharp today? What's the occasion?"
Damien beamed as Vincent praised his outfit. He'd dressed up just for him for this very reason! He'd even let his hair grow out which he thought gave him a more roguish appearance. He felt handsome and confident; especially now that he knew Vincent approved (just as he already knew he would)!
"Well, thank you! I think I appear rather dashing."
Vincent gave a nod of approval then smiled and gestured over at Aiden. "Aiden's gotten a new outfit, too. Well, two. He's been practicing his dancing for the ball! Didn't you see? He's doing great! He's only just started learning a couple of weeks ago!"
At Vincent's proud grin and praise, Aiden felt himself blush deeply and smile bashfully. He glanced towards Vincent who stood beside him and nudged Aiden's arm with a chuckle. But across the way, Damien wasn't as pleased.
"Wait, wait, wait. The ball?" Damien wondered aloud condescendingly. "Since when is Aiden coming to the ball?"
"Since I invited him!" Vincent retorted more defensively than he'd intended. Damien blinked in surprise and even Aiden felt a little surprised...though also a bit pleased. Mysteriously, a shade of red appeared on Vincent's cheeks as he cleared his throat. He'd invited Aiden there so that he'd not dread the event so much. And...and he wanted him there. Aiden always made things better when he was there!
Unaware that he was still blushing, he quickly glanced up at Aiden then looked back at Damien before explaining a little timidly, "I just thought it would be fun, you know? I wanted to have my best friends with me." And suddenly there was a weight on Vincent's shoulders as Aiden daringly slid his arm over them and leaned towards him with a handsome smile.
"And it's going to be absolutely fantastic. I'm looking forward to it. And...thanks again for teaching me how to dance. These past couple weeks have been...wonderful. You're wonderful."
"Well, gosh! I've been enjoying your company, too. Practice is just a good excuse to see you! It...it HAS been wonderful."
And as Vincent and Aiden teased the boundaries of flirting, the realization of how good they looked side by side was more obvious than ever! Damien suddenly realized that they were even dressed to match in similar colors! It made them look even more like a couple! And with how had Vincent turned to look up at Aiden and seemed to lean into his touch? It took everything in Damien not to punch Aiden in his cocky, smiling face!
'...These past couple of weeks...' Aiden had said. What else had happened during this past month while he was gone?! Maybe he should have come home sooner, after all.
"So, tell us about your trip!" Vincent exclaimed as he was suddenly approaching Damien and tugged him further into the room towards the armchairs. "Would you like some tea? I was just thinking about making some! Aiden?" With both his friends acknowledging his offer, Vincent left Damien to sit and started up the kettle. Meanwhile, Aiden went to lean against the desk as he watched and listened silently.
Damien took his seat and groaned softly as he settled in. His eyes remained focused on Vincent (ignoring Aiden's existence as much as possible) and responded enthusiastically, "It was a lot of fun! I saw lots of family and some old friends..."
Damien began to elaborate on his visit, to which Aiden found a bit dull. However, Vincent seemed to know who Damien was talking about and was much more invested in this conversation. Even as Vincent finished serving their teas, Damien was still talking. It was as Damien's tea finally cooled enough for him to drink some that Aiden finally had a chance to speak.
"After this cup, I think I am going to let you two finish catching up and head out, myself," Aiden informed them. "When you decide when you want to take Leon's Claw up in the air, let me know."
"Mm, that's right. You and I need to decide on that!" Damien replied with a pleased grin to which Vincent smiled and nodded before sipping contently at his tea. Good, Damien thought to himself. Aiden was leaving! As soon as Aiden was gone, he'd get to the bottom of all this.
Aiden finished his tea fairly quickly, and it didn't take long before he reluctantly bid Vincent and Damien farewell. He'd be seeing Vincent the day after tomorrow for sure but that already felt like too far away. And there was something in the way Vincent hesitantly gave Aiden an umbrella to borrow and how he looked at him with a touch of longing that convinced Aiden that Vincent may, in fact, be feeling the exact same way.
Damien watched silently from where he leaned against the desk, arms rising and folding across his chest as the door finally closed behind Aiden. He watched as Vincent turned to face him with a smile. However, Vincent's smile immediately faded as he caught sight of Damien's slight frown and how his brows creased with irritation.
"What's-?" Vincent started but was cut off by Damien's abrupt, "What the fuck is going on?" Vincent drew in a deep breath and defensively responded, "What are you talking about exactly?"
"You know what I mean, Vincent!"
Vincent's lips parted but no words came out. He was flabbergasted! Where was all this coming from?! He really had no idea what Damien was so upset over so quickly! Yet as seconds passed and Vincent couldn't come up with an answer, Damien finally huffed and took a step away and ran his fingers through his hair frustratedly. Though a moment later he took a deep breath and glanced over his shoulders. He let out another sigh and asked Vincent, "I'm your best friend right?"
"Of course you are!"
"You know you can tell me anything."
"I know that."
"So, then what has he done to you?"
"What are you talking about?!"
"Aiden!" Damien placed his hands on Vincent's shoulders and squeezed tightly. Vincent winced and felt a headache take immediate siege as Aiden was being blamed yet again. "Come on, Vincent! This isn't you! I told you: you look silly when you dress like this. What's with the hair?"
Vincent felt his confidence start to sink as he glanced off to the side towards his mirror. Earlier, he'd felt pride in his appearance. He found he liked dressing more androgynously sometimes for personal reasons. Secretly, honestly... Vincent liked pretty things and had always wanted to dress more like this. It wasn't that he wanted to do it all the time but just on those rare occasions...but thanks to Damien, he was starting to question himself again and already wanted to unpin his hair. But then he remembered how Aiden had told him that it was flattering on him and that he looked great!
Remembering that, Vincent shifted his gaze up to look at Damien and placed his hands atop of his and pulled them off before stating a little sharply, "I'm trying something new. It's MY decision, Damien. No one makes that for me. No. One."
Drawing his hands back as if struck, Damien's brow furrowed as if hurt as Vincent walked past him with a sigh. Vincent placed his hands on his prized orrery and stared down at the planets as they rotated around. It was a moment later when Damien's voice appeared right behind him in his ear in a way that sent uncomfortable shivers down his spine.
"You're not the same anymore," Damien murmured. "It's like you're becoming a different person. I just miss my best friend. Is that such a bad thing?"
"No. It's-"
Vincent had turned around and found himself practically sandwiched between the orrery and Damien who was standing very, very close. Vincent wet his lips nervously and glanced off to the side uncomfortably.
"It's not a bad thing. I get it," Vincent relented as he maneuvered away towards his desk. Now feeling much less confident about himself, Vincent folded his arms over his abdomen and hunched slightly. This whole conversation had knocked the wind out of his sails.
Sensing Vincent's drop in mood, Damien reached out to touch his shoulder and explained, "It's just...not you. That's all. But I suppose I can get used to it. I just like good old Vincent, you know? I like how things used to be when it's just us...like now! It's okay, though. So..." And with that, Damien walked past Vincent towards the chair and went to plop down and folded his arms across his chest as he demanded, "...so, what's been going on with you this past month? What brought you to giving 'dancing' lessons?"
Vincent took a deep breath and then let it out and forced a smile on his face. He may as well try to keep the mood light. However, he decided to tread a little more carefully as he shrugged and went to the mirror across the way. He began to unpin the pins in his hair as he explained, "It's not just me. Abby's been helping as his dance partner but she's got a cold so I just stepped in for today."
"Oh! Well why didn't you say SHE was his dance partner?"
And though Vincent's back was turned and he couldn't see it, he could hear and feel Damien's demeanor easing down and becoming less tense. Thank God! He replied, "Because I didn't think it mattered? Anyway, I invited him to come to the ball because I thought it would be fun to have him there. Besides, there will be people he knows and it's a good opportunity. Plus, I was bored! You took TWO extra weeks to come back!"
"Yeah, but it was worth it. At least I had fun! I'm back now. That's what matters and things can go back to as they should be! Tell you what, why don't I come help out with Aiden's lessons? It would be fun! It would be easier to practice with another couple and you and I can dance together! How's that sound? We can practice for the ball!"
Vincent unwound his hair and let it fall across his shoulders; his hair falling forward across his brow and he stared at himself unhappily. And as he did, Damien suddenly appeared behind him, blocking his light and placing his hands around Vincent's upper arms. Vincent glanced off to the side though he felt Damien looming over him and pressing right up against his back and making him shrink and feel very small. Damien's eyes pierced the side of his head and his fingers dug in just the tiniest bit into his arms as he asked, "Don't you think that's a grand idea?"
"I do!" Vincent quickly lied as he plastered a smile on his face and glanced up at him up over his shoulder. Though, honestly, he wanted to crawl and hide for a while. While Damien was right that Aiden could practice better with another couple present for the quadrille, he didn't want to put them together right now. It seemed 4 weeks apart hadn't helped matters at all. "But he's already gotten so good that he won't need much more practice, I think. But if we do, I'll definitely be letting you know first."
Quickly, Vincent turned in place and pushed his long hair over his shoulder, "I'm tired of all this ball talk! Let's decide when we want to go flying!" He hoped Damien would allow himself to be distracted with plans and leave the rest of it alone. He just wanted to enjoy the rest of the day. And thankfully it seemed he was in luck!
Damien grinned and went to take his seat again all while going on a tangent about how eager he was for that. For now, it was best to let Damien enjoy that while he, Vincent, came down from whatever the fuck that argument had been about.
Vincent still wasn't sure what the core of Damien's actual problem was. It always felt like he was running in circles and never directly clarifying what upset him so much. Sometimes, Vincent wondered if even Damien knew. But it was as they parted ways much later in the evening, hours after the whole incident had even happened...that Damien finally started to hint what was really wrong.
"Tell me that you're not going to fall for Aiden."
"That's preposterous! Ha! What in the Hell has you thinking I'm going to fall for Aiden?!"
Vincent actually laughed at the idea! He shook his head as he leaned against the door jamb and folded his arms over his chest. And, if Damien was being honest with himself, Vincent sure did look surprised by this idea. Damien was standing before him in the hallway, peering back at Vincent with slightly narrowed eyes. He didn't want to go until he got that promise.
"Just....promise me you won't!"
"Pfft. Now you're just being ridiculous! Aiden? And 'me?' We're just friends! And crewmates...like you and me. Nothing's going to change, okay? Besides, I am absolutely sure Aiden doesn't see me as anything like that. Don't be a worry wart! You'll see! As soon as this damned masquerade is over with and we're back in the air, everything will be back to normal as it should be."
Vincent smirked and pushed on Damien's shoulder to nudge him to go home. The sooner Damien was gone, the sooner he could lock up and depart, himself. Thankfully, they were heading in opposite directions so he could finally get some peace and quiet.
It took a long moment, but Damien finally gave a satisfied nod and chuckle before responding, "I'm not a worry wart! Just call me a concerned best friend. I care about you. You know that."
"I do know. Be off with you! Get some rest! I'll see you in two days. Five o'clock at Leon's Claw. I'll make sure to get everything arranged ahead of time."
"See you then!"
And as soon as Damien's back was turned, Vincent ducked back into his office and slumped back against the door. Why the Hell was Damien so worried? Sure, Damien was never a person who enjoyed change but who ever truly did? Usually, the two worked very well together and got on well enough. They just needed to work through these few rough patches!
And besides, he was certain that whatever had Damien paranoid would soon pass because sooner or later he'd see that there was only friendship between Aiden and Vincent. It was absurd to think otherwise!
Absolutely...absurd.
---
NEXT PART:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/53826223464/in/datepo...
To select another chapter (or even start from the beginning), here's the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127
***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (LGBTQ+) series. It is a slow burn and is rated YOUNG ADULT!***
Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!
DISCORD SERVER: That's right! The Captain and the Engineer has a Discord Server! If you would like to join and chat with other crewmates and see what's new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
***NEW!!!!***
The Captain and the Engineer now has a FACEBOOK PAGE! Please come Like, Follow, and join the crew! Thank you so much for all your support!
FACEBOOK PAGE:
We got a new kitten!!! We are having trouble picking a name for him, so if you are reading this, I would like to know your opinion or any other suggestions for that matter. So far, we have five:
Draco - in reference to Dracorex Hogwartsia, a dinosaur recently discovered in South Dakota in 2006.
Elroy - just because it's cute.
Scooter - because it's cute, and Julian and I used to joke about naming our kid that back in the day.
Ludwig - very historical, it's Beethoven's first name.
Troodon - there's supposed to be 2 dots above the second 'o', and it's pronounced TRUE-don. It's also the name of the first described Dinosaur from N.America which was in 1856. It was also the smartest dinosaur ever discovered (so far) and it had stereoscopic vision!
..while we look at the sky
d90-self-portrait @ stansbury island, utah
2 blended images + texture
(both persons in this photo are me)
Explored Sep 20, 2009 #324
Genesis 37:5-11 (NLT)
5 One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. 6 “Listen to this dream,” he said. 7 “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!”
8 His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.
9 Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it. “Listen, I have had another dream,” he said. “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!”
10 This time he told the dream to his father as well as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. “What kind of dream is that?” he asked. “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?” 11 But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph, his father wondered what the dreams meant.
DRAWING NOTES:
TIME OF DAY:
Although the dreams took place at night, I imagine Joseph told his father and brothers about them in the morning, so I’ve set this scene at that time.
LIGHTING NOTES:
This is no strong lighting in this scene.
CHARACTERS PRESENT:
From left to right: Joseph, Jacob, Judah, Levi
RESEARCH/ADDITIONAL NOTES:
I decided to combine the two dreams Joseph had into 1 cartoon, on the left is his first dream (Joseph’s brother’s grain bundles bowing down to his) and o the right is his second dream (The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing low before Joseph). It was quite difficult to draw the sun and moon bowing down, but that’s what I was aiming for!
Two of Joseph’s brothers (Judah and Levi) are looking cross or angry in this cartoon because Joseph has just told them about his dreams. We know from Genesis 37 verse 8 that ..”they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.”
The colours for the various characters in this scene were established in earlier cartoons, principally Genesis 37 - Joseph’s Dreams - Scene 02 - The coat of many colour.
You can see many more Bible Cartoons on my website: www.biblecartoons.co.uk
With a non-standard 'Raspberry-Ripple' paint scheme and a nose mounted trials-based experimental 'optical' system, 'Sikorsky' built Westland Sea King HAS.1 XV371 making an approach to Shoreham back in July 1981.
Four original 'SH-3D' Sea King airframes were built by Sikorsky as the basis of Westland's licence built Sea King production for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
All four were then shipped to the UK, XV370 being delivered already fitted with the standard General Electric T58 Engines and on arrival was flown from the docks at Avonmouth to Westland's factory at Yeovil.
The remaining three arrived at Yeovil engine-less and were roaded there being subsequently fitted with Rolls-Royce Gnome Engines, all to become the trials airframes.
Westlands were tasked by the Navy to design and upgrade the airframes, as although externally similar to the US built Sea King, the UK versions were inwardly a very different machine to the standard Sikorsky built SH-3 variants that the US Navy operated.
Of the four airframes acquired, after their initial use at Westlands, the first XV370, spent most of it's subsequent life with the ETPS at Boscombe Down ending up with the AES at HMS Sultan as an Instructional Airframe. XV371 spent it's life with the RAE at Bedford, XV372 was written-off in an accident in January 1969 and XV373 found it's way to the gunnery ranges at Foulness.
The Westland version of the Sea King was widely exported to, amongst others: Australia Belgium, Egypt, Germany, India, Norway, Pakistan and Qatar.
Scanned 35mm Transparency
I missed him yesterday so I had to liberate him from the post office today. I'm not sure about him yet but he's nice looking. I'll have more time to spend with him this weekend so I hope we'll bond.
She & Him live at Shepherds Bush Empire. Their second show in London, I felt this one was a lot more intense than the Koko show, M Ward seemed far more engaging with the audience and the band really got the show going. Lots of people left near the end not knowing Zooey and Matt would come back to play "I put a spell on you" which really shows off her awesome voice. The setlist was fairly similar to the Koko show just with the encore gaps slightly altered. Good times.
(Photo LRP)
The Pangbuche Himal across the valley, reaches nearly 22,000 feet and is heavily glaciered on its other side.
Meanwhile, I am still down there in the valley, supposedly recovering and preparing to cross the Lakya Pass, but in actual fact dealing with a horrendous attack of diarrhoea. It came, shall we say, with insufficient warning!! Dealing with the aftermath, with no hot water, no running water of any sort, only a bucket of icy cold water, wasn't the most fun I have had in recent times!
(I am telling you this because I wouldn't want people that are contemplating a trip like this to come away from looking at these photos believing it is all sunshine and shiny mountains!!)
I saw him hanging out with a friend in the stairwell of a few businesses on Spadina Ave. in Toronto’s Chinatown. What caught my eye first was his yellow jacket which matched a yellow scarf/headband. It was an awkward, busy place for a portrait but I stopped anyway and introduced myself. He gave an indifferent shrug when I invited him to be in my photo project but said he’d be ok with that. His friend stepped aside. I asked what they were up to today and he said (a bit hesitantly) “Not much. Just smoking up.” Meet Jordan.
Jordan took my invitation to make his own pose seriously and adopted a super-cool stance which I felt was well-practiced from a history of selfies. I tried a few different angles to deal with the crowded and cluttered location. One of my ideas was an obvious failure for more than one reason which I admitted and shifted gears to finish up at the original angle.
Jordan is 17 and I learned that he’s living in a shelter not too far away. When I asked what it’s like he said “It’s good. The people are nice, they give us bus tokens every day and all that.” I wondered if it was a youth shelter but he said it wasn’t. He was born in Mauritania but moved with his family to Montreal when he was 2. He asked if I knew where Mauritania is. I said I had a vague idea that it’s in Africa but said I would look it up and learn something. He told me it’s on the West African Atlantic coast. Wikipedia later told me “It is the eleventh largest country in Africa and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Morocco in the north, Algeria in the northeast, Mali in the east and southeast, and Senegal in the southwest.”
He told me his brother died at the age of 7 and his parents decided not to continue parenting so they gave him over to the care of his aunt in Toronto. He grew up in this city and said his aunt took good care of him but has moved to the U.S. Jordan didn’t want to leave Toronto, hence his current living arrangement in a shelter. Regarding his aunt he said she was strict but kind and he feels she did well by him. His major interest is “music and shit.” He had a street-smart style and his conversation was in keeping with his “cool” style. As has happened many times before, I noted that there was a rather wide gap between us, not only in age but in lifestyle, and yet he seemed to welcome my interest and enjoy the encounter. He thought the photos were “dope” but politely declined copies. He said he has an email and I invited him to contact me if he changed his mind.
Advice to his younger self? “Keep striving.” His message about life: There are no colors in the world. At the end of the day we are all just humans.” I thought it was a perfect, spontaneous response for the Human Family project. His goal in life is to be famous and to achieve it through music. “That’s why I started doing music when I’m still young. If you wait too long you will never be famous.” When I asked if he had music online that he would like to share, he said he has something on Sound Cloud and might email me with the information. I could see that his friend, who had been patient, was eager for them to move on.
Jason asked me my name again when he gave me a friendly fist-bump. When I repeated it and said it’s on my contact card he was embarrassed and said he should have remembered. I said I’m not great with names either but I’ve got an excuse: I’m old. “Come to think of it” I said “you have an excuse too – you’re stoned.” He laughed and agreed. We wished each other well.
This is my 710th submission to The Human Family Group on Flickr.
You can view more street portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family.
© Ruby Huang, All Rights Reserved
He had this thingy in his right hand... it was not a pipe cause it did not look like it... or maybe it was... I tried to following him for a bit hoping I could catching him smoking it... failed!
I love the street lights here in the hipster town!
Thank you for the inspiration!
Instagram: @_rubysee