A quick read with good, helpful advice.

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Happy Blackout Day everyone! If it weren’t for Blackout Day I never would have found the courage to continue my scifi book project. You can find my book here and my store here!

We want to extend special love to Sophia for all the hard work she’s put in to get this far. She embodies what we want #BlackoutDay to become for everyone; we want it to be a chance to showcase your beauty, resilience, and creativity. 

The Blackout loves you Sophia <3

- @marissarei

Podcast rec list

My old podcast rec/request list is still getting notes so I figured I’d make a new list with everything I’ve downloaded since then. Favourites are italicized*.

Audio drama (Fantasy)

Audio drama (Horror)

Audio drama (Pseudo-radio show)

Audio drama (Sci-Fi)

Informational

Literature

True Crime

Pending - I either haven’t started these or haven’t listened to enough to categorize them, but most have been rec’d by multiple sources so check them out!

As always, if there’s a podcast you like that’s missing from this list, please drop me a line (message, ask, fan mail, raven, etc. etc.) and I’ll check it out! I’ll also be adding a podcast link to my blog featuring this list with updates. Enjoy~

customize your tee shop.spreadshirt.com/reclaimyourpower

Book Recs: Books by black women (about black women)

To any one who reads or wants to read the Warrior Cats series

So i spent a pretty long time doing this, but im pretty proud of my self. So this is for any one that wants to read the Warrior Cats series.

Personally its difficult to keep up and read these books since there are just so many, and books, Are not cheap. So i dug around looking EBERYWHERE for them wanting to reread them and i wanted to share with you guys if you have the same difficulty of buying books if you dont really have the money (or lack of library like me)

So here is a full compilation of every single warriors book.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R_9rvQQ0XrBacdL67j0mn7bYAPhPt3Jqds93RP0pSsc/mobilebasic

I hope you all enjoy, and my the stars be in your path

oh my star clan…bless you

OP I LOVE YOU

Coping Skills:

Meditation & Relaxation:

Crafts:

Games:

Videos:

Flower, Flame, & Flesh

On ritualistic offerings and sacrifices

One of the greatest joys I know is the delight in offering a sacrifice to your god(s); to know that something from your hands has been given over to one you adore in total faithfulness is bliss.

The first murder in the Bible was fueled by jealousy; from anger and distress that a sacrifice was not good enough. Cain saw that God rested his favor on the offering of his brother, and that broke him- to know that his gift to God was second-rate was unbearable. That this is one of the first stories in Abrahamic belief is no coincidence. Our offerings are not trivial. The gifts we give to our god(s) aren’t just for shits and giggles.

I’m honestly having trouble thinking of a religion WITHOUT an example on the importance of ritual sacrifice. One of the first acts of Prometheus was to steal from a sacrificial meal to the gods. In a Vedic Hymn, there is a tale of creation based out of the ritualistic dismemberment of man. Mayan culture is famous for its practice of bloodletting ceremonies to appease the gods. In fact, the entirety of the Christian religion itself is based upon the idea of a perfect sacrifice that was worthy enough to redeem all mankind; one that is still replicated every hour of every day in Masses throughout the world.

Clearly, the presentation of offerings to god(s)- whether for appeasement by tribute or out of love and devotion- is a crucial aspect of religions across the world. However, these sorts of sacrificies have dwindled as cultures become homogenized (due greatly to colonization) and as people become displaced from their faiths. This is especially noticeable in America, where religions that traditionally make sacrifices- such as Judaism and Hinduism, notably- are demonized, thanks much to the aggressive sanitation carried out by white Protestants.

As a result of this, I see a whole lot of people on tumblr who are diving into religion with absolutely no idea of how to make sacrifices or other offerings to their god(s). Now, this is by no means a definitive guide that you MUST follow to make any sort of worthy offering, but it is, i think, a good start to understanding the nature of the gifts we give.

(Of course, if your religion has a historical precedence of giving offerings a certain way, I totally encourage looking into that first! This is all based on my own personal experience and observation, and I’m absolutely open to criticism and other opinions here!)

TYPES OF OFFERINGS AND THE MOTIVATION BEHIND THEM

I’ve found that most offerings that I give can be sorted neatly into three groups- all regarding the nature of the gift’s presentation. I’ve tentatively named these categories “Flower”, “Flame”, and “Flesh”.

Expanding upon them a little more, each type of offering has its own notable features that make it pleasing to the recipient. Though the mind and will of our god(s) is/are far out of our range of understanding, these types of sacrifices stay constant across many cultures and religions.

FLOWER

A flowering offering is one that expands to reach others, or one that betters the person giving it. It’s named as a nod to how one might upkeep a garden; though it has merit in its beauty and is pleasing to the eye, it can also serve for food or for meditation. Flowers may be cultivated to bloom into a great offering over a period of time and, though it may take a lot of effort, the steady blooming will be of great honor to both you and those you wish to devote the work to. Some examples of a flower offering are:

For example, if one worships a war god, one might wish to work out and hone your body to be capable of defending yourself. On your end, you get totally ripped. On your god’s end, you’re now able to serve them more dutifully and more in-line with what they require.

FLAME

A flame offering is one that has little practical use and is made primarily for the joy of the god(s). It’s named in honor of the practice of keeping an eternal fire burning in a temple- an act that is present in ancient and modern religions worldwide. Some examples of a flame offering are:

For example, if there is a place that you feel particularly connected to your god(s), set that aside as a holy space just for them. Mark it appropriately and turn it into a space of adoration and devotion. Keep it clean, pure, and make it an example of your relationship with your god(s).

FLESH

A flesh offering is a literal sacrifice. It’s named, quite obviously, in homage to the practice of placing a living (or once-living) thing before one’s god(s). Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that blood MUST be shed to constitute a flesh offering; it can be as peaceful as plucking a rose and putting it in a vase at their altar. Some examples of a flesh offering are:

For example, If one is an adept cook, they might decide to take a portion of the beef they were about to grill and set it aside as an offering. Though the specifics of how to actually “offer” it vary by culture and tradition, the act of giving something up from your hands and into the arms of your god(s) is a beautiful thing.

WHAT OFFERINGS ARENT: 

Your leftovers.

Offerings are not an afterthought. Though there’s really truly no WRONG way to go about honoring your god(s) with offerings when it’s done in sincerity, there’s a clear difference between, say, offering them the last dregs of your can of Sprite and pouring some inexpensive wine in a glass at their altar. Offerings do not have to be extravagant to be of value, but they do have to be made in love and with respect.

Bearing this all in mind, the relationship you have between you and your god(s) is between you and them, period. Your own experience with them is paramount, and I encourage you to delve into the mysteries of what they enjoy and what delights them. Look into historical precedence, if such resources are available. Use your own discernment. Above all, though, offer them the respect that is due. An offering of sincere loving prayer can be treasured above all the wine and riches in the world.

Trans Women on Bandcamp

I spent the last couple hours compiling this list. It is by no means the entirety of trans women/trans feminine folks on Bandcamp, it’s just the ones I could find. Reblog it, add to it, buy their music. Lich Witch House/IDM

Jane Doe and the Misery Loves Co Folk Punk

Ashby and the Oceanns Folk/Punk/Indie

Bella Trout Folk/Punk/Indie

Little Waist Punk/Pop Punk

Hazagussa Black Metal/Noise Metal

Lyskoi - Alyssa Kai Folk/Folk Punk   -Do not know for sure how Alyssa identifies, but there’s a good chance that Alyssa fits here.

Calliope Wong Instrumental/Classical/Electronic/Noise

Venus Selenite Spoken Word

Stars on a Bedroom’s Wall Tremendously Varied

Trrtle Nation Experimental Electro Noise

Ellie Rose Instrumental Synthpop

Skeletor Rising Electronic Harsh Noise

Hot Noisy Mess Electronic Harsh Noise/Experimental

Mya Byrne Folk/Americana

Pain Wife Electronic Harsh Noise/Death Industrial

Bog Witch Doom Noise/Noise Metal

Virtual Intelligence Cyber-Goth/Industrial/Neon Metal

Through Waves World Fusion/Darkwave

Ellah a Thaun Lyrical Dissonance

Toxic Delirium Gutter Punk/Noise Grunge

HIRS Speedcore/Thrash/Grind

Noize Pervertz Harsh Noise

pinkclaws Ambient Electropop

Ruby Price Pop Punk/Mumblepunk

So many people added bands to this post when they reblogged it Lemme try and update it: G.L.O.S.S Hardcore Punk

Wet Dress Punk

Noel'le Longhaul Experimental/Folk/Indie

Mallory Folk/Folk Punk

Knight of Swords Gothic Rock

Listen Lady Indie/Punk

blacksquares Alternative/Electro Pop

Cate Wurtz Lo-Fi Electronic

Lauren Bousfield Electronic

Dingo Experimental/Ambient Arcane Electronic

Computer Vs World Chiptune Synthpop/Electronic

Svetlana Synthpop/Chiptune

She/Her/Hers Folk Punk

hopeinthestatic Lo-fi Folk Punk

hearken ambient drone/glitch/punk

Violent Pastels Crossover Thrash

Mean Girls Screamo/Emo/Pop Punk

Recurse Witch House/Ambient/Industrial

Hoity~Toity Old-School Pop Punk/Punk

a glass box Punk/Emo/Grunge

Tall Girl Metal/Basement Punk/Grunge

CRISSY BELL Art Rock/Goth Pop

Infantile Dissention Anarcho-Punk/Crust Punk

White Mascara Anarcho Post-Punk

Bümflap Feminist Loser Punk

TRON MAXIMUM Vapor Metal/Black Noise/Electronic Takeshi and the Kid Chiptune/Synthpop/Darkwave 

@television-grrl

https://speaknoevil.bandcamp.com/ FERAL/NERVE Gloom, post punk and harsh noise

Drainpuppet

Electronic/Trance

Hey my lovely trans gals with big feet

If you’re sick of looking for shoes in stores that never have your size or hate having to resort to crossdressing shops for creepy fetishists then you should prolly check out this site. Its got up to women’s size 15 in a ton of styles so go ahead and get the heels you’ve always wanted.

@jxnecrocker

After over a month of work, this is finally ready.

This is in many ways my final statement on Homestuck as a whole, and though I don’t go over absolutely everything related to the ending here, I am pretty confident it’ll make at least some people reconsider how upset they are with the ending. I’d like to thank @olive-the-olive and @finalvortex for beta reading for me, as well as @joyceanfartboner, @kajy, and @fragilesoftmachines earlier on. You were all rad! I’d also like to thank (and tag) a number of writers who made writing this possible. @bladekindeyewear, @stormingtheivory, @wakraya, @purplepurpleunicornsparkle, as well as  @mikerugnetta who’s video about Violence proved to be instrumental, and finally Tex Talks, who doesn’t have a tumblr but is still one of the most fascinating voices in Homestuck analysis today, and you should really be following his work. I’ll let the piece speak for itself. My deepest wish is that it will help people unhappy with the ending feel better, but if you find my arguments unsatisfying on some level, please let me know. I’d love to engage with discussion about this pretty much 24/7.

a rockhound's guide to buying rocks, minerals, and crystals

starting a new rock collection can be pretty daunting! here’s some tips for beginners & collectors that i’ve cultivated from my own experiences collecting rocks:

1) decide which specimens you’re looking for. sometimes this is really hard for new collectors bc getting yourself familiarized with the thousands of varieties of rocks and minerals out there takes time! if you don’t know where to begin, here’s a small list of stones i recommend any collector get:

labradorite, fluorite, moonstone, any variety of aura quartz, amethyst, selenite, clear quartz, and celestite

i picked these stones for aesthetic reasons. if you’re on tumblr and you’ve been reblogging pictures of pretty stones like i have i can promise you THESE are a lot of the stones you’re seeing. not only do a lot of them have neat optical effects like flash and iridescence, but they all have very pleasing colors as well. on top of that all of these stones are incredibly easy to come by!

now, if you’re collecting for spiritual reasons i’d give you an entirely different list of starter stones. but a lot of spiritual collecting has to do w following your instincts and buying the stones that feel right, so this post should still be helpful to you!

2) search whichever stone you’re looking for on etsy. etsy is THE place for crystals & rocks! i would recommend starting on etsy before going to eBay – there’s a lot of things you should be on the lookout for from eBay sellers and it can be daunting. etsy is a good starting point.

if you’re able to find a nice specimen – click on the shop and see what else they’re selling! SOOO many etsy sellers sell tons of varieties of rocks and minerals. it’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the different stones out there and find what really interests you.

that being said – just as a heads up: most etsy sellers (depending on the item) take a picture of any given specimen of that type of rock and post it as the listing. 75% of the time you aren’t seeing the EXACT specimen you’ll be getting.

if you’re concerned about that never hesitate to hit up the seller and ask for a photo of an exact specimen they can send to you, or what specimens they have available. in my experience etsy sellers are incredibly helpful and friendly and they are willing to assist you, which is a part of why i like the site so much for buying rocks.

3) after you do some exhaustive searching you may find yourself a little unsure and burnt out. rock shopping is a heavy sensory load for me – it’s always kind of an Experience.

one thing that i REALLY recommend is going on etsy and searching phrases like “crystal parcel” “crystal bundle” “rock parcel” etc.

what comes up is sets of crystals randomly put together into cute little packages, sometimes with other things like feathers, shells, or sage! these packages are soooo great for beginners and often include the staples – fluorite, amethyst, quartz – and serve as a wonderful starting point for any collector. it’s also nice not to have to pick out the rocks yourself or decide what you want stone by stone – it’s a great way to start or build on any collection. a great number of my specimens came from crystal parcels!

4) after you’ve exhausted etsy and if you still feel up to rock shopping, head over to eBay.

some notes about eBay: - most sellers are from china. while the shipping is usually free, it takes FOREVER. i’ve had things take as long as 2 months to get to me. consider that when purchasing. - sellers are often very unresponsive or difficult to communicate with, unlike etsy - while you almost 100% are seeing the exact specimen you get – be aware that this crystal is being shipped (unless you live in China yourself!) a pretty damn long distance. i will say – i’ve NEVER had a crystal crack or break when being shipped to me, but it’s a possibility nonetheless - be very careful of who you purchase from. i’ve noticed many of the accounts i have bought from are extremely new and don’t have many sales or 100% positive feedback. and while i’ve never had a bad experience, i knew it was a gamble & i’ve seen firsthand FURIOUS reviews from people who never got their item or it came to them in pieces. it’s a risk you take when you shop for this stuff on eBay.

that being said! eBay is wonderful for finding bigger specimens at a lower price, and the variety of aura Quartz available for pretty cheap on eBay is PHENOMENAL. it’s worth a look around for sure.

5) last but not least: http://www.ebay.com/gds/BEWARE-Fake-Crystals-on-Ebay-Azeztulite-Glass-Smokey-/10000000002153722/g.html

this is a handy little guide for buying popular crystals online & what to look out for.

theres a lot of stuff i personally don’t give a shit about – like, i know aura Quartz is heat treated and not “natural”. i know most of my citrine is treated amethyst. i don’t care. it doesn’t bug me. most of my smoky Quartz is heat treated as well!

but i wanted to post that here because for some people it will matter a lot.

and there are things that DO bother me when buying crystals – i HATE seeing “clear quartz” listings that are blatantly glass. i have received actual stones before that are very obviously glass. it. drives. me. nuts.

one cool thing that link explains is the difference in fractures in glass vs. quartz, which can be a huge tip off.

anyways:

with that all being said – happy hunting! i hope this post has been helpful!

p.s. most sellers on etsy (and i’ve had ones on eBay do it too) will include extra stones with your order as a gift :) it’s a lovely little touch and adds a bit of excitement to opening every package i get. it’s definitely something to look forward to when you order crystals online ❤️

If you struggle with anxiety, overwhelm, or just plain feeling like a failure, I have a mantra for you that’s been really helping me out lately:

Just show up.

I used to skip class because the whole thing was so overwhelming: I had to get dressed in something clean even though I never had the energy to do laundry, walk to school, sit in class for up to three hours, plus pay attention, take notes, and participate in discussion. In reality, I was being a perfectionist, and life would have been a lot easier for me if I had Just Shown Up. By staying home because of my depression and anxiety, I wasn’t giving myself the chance to do any of that. I was such a perfectionist that being a “bad” or average student was unthinkable, so I stopped being a student at all.

If you’re having trouble getting something done, Just Show Up. You don’t have to be employee of the month. You don’t have to be valedictorian. Just Show Up.

See this theme in action  |  Install this theme

Progressive is a Tumblr theme built with the idea of “progressive enhancement” in mind, a web development concept that promotes the idea that everyone should be able to access basic content and functionality, regardless of what device you are using.  I noticed that there were a lot of people concerned about accessibility on Tumblr, but very few themes that actually implemented accessibility best practices, so this is my attempt to make a meaningful contribution! Below is the list of features this theme offers:

HELLO TUMBLR I BUILT A THING

THANK YOU, MY POOR EYESIGHT AND OCD PRAISE YOU TO THE HIGH HEAVENS

it’s hard not to notice how blindingly white a lot of lbpq media is, so i decided to make this list for all the lesbian, bi, pan, poly, and queer women of color looking for representation. i’ve only read or watched a few of these myself, so while i can’t vouch for most of them personally, i did my best to avoid media with bigoted portrayals. i added pretty much everything i could find but if i missed something, send us an ask and i’ll try and add it!

MOVIES

SHOWS

PEOPLE

BOOKS

BLOGS

fervid as a flame - songs from musicals that are about girls loving girls, girls who like girls, or can be interpreted in a girl loving girl way (8tracks - youtube)