2014

Happy New Year Everybody.

I'm a bit late updating tonight (it's nearly 2am here) because I've been out seeing in the new year. I am not quite as sober as I could be (I can't hold my drink these days - I've only had two!!)

So I'm not going to say much.

Ze

BtVS
• Just A Fool: A Very Special New Years Eve by invalid_reality (BuffynFaith.Net).
  
  
• Chapter 41 of ForgingBonds by rebelrsr (Her website).
  
  Facts of Life
  
• The Impossible Dream by JS Stephens (Royal Academy of Bards).
  
  Grease
  
• Moments in Time by JS Stephens (Royal Academy of Bards).
  
  Rizzoli & Isles
  
• Part 24 of Play the Game by e-dog (Rizzoli & Isles LJ).
  
  Voyager
  
• A Different Kind of Voyage by JS Stephens (Royal Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Command Decision by JS Stephens (Royal Academy of Bards).
  
  Warehouse 13
  
• Chapter 20 of The Hawk And The Wolf by phoenyxphiyre (Meet at Gunpoint).
  

The Week Ahead

I've got the week off by myself. E will probably come home early on New Year's Eve and she'll get New Year's Day off. What do I have planned with the rest of my time?

I'll see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Normally I would have gone with the kids but they each saw it while at their other houses. The sweeping vistas in these flicks make E a bit nauseous. That means a solo outing for me since I like seeing these Tolkien flicks on the big screen.

I'll probably head to Target to return a chick flick that I got for E's stocking. It was one she rented and watched without me...her verdict...it sucked. So back to the shop to find another one.

I need to visit the Reebok store to see if I can return Cal's shoes. Mom sent Cal new shoes and he wore them exactly twice before they ripped. That's unusual even for Cal. We'll see if they'll let me exchange them.

And finally I'm going to put together our rowing machine. That's a Christmas gift for the two of us and I'd like to get it assembled so we can get to rowing several times a week.

Tamara

BtVS
• Chapter 2 of Next Summer by Hayley (BuffynFaith.Net).
  
  
• Chapter 11 of Not Fade Away by invalid_reality (BuffynFaith.Net).
  
  Comics
  
• Jane's World:12/30/13 by Paige Braddock (Go Comics).
  
  Grey's Anatomy
  
• New Beginnings by Emma (Callie_Arizona).
  
  
• Jesus in the Mall with Diamonds by Pasha (Callie_Arizona).
  
  Original
  
• Chapter 9 of the Mermaid Compass by polyphonte (her web site).

The Quiet of Sunday

Was enjoyed by all in our house. I think the cleaning out bug hit our house today. Tamara zapped Cal's room into order and than it spread to out daughter as she cleaned her room out a bit as well. This week we have very recycling and just as full garbage can. I was out raking up more leaves but not very long compared to the two house cleaners. To bed early for me as work starts anew tomorrow and the rest of the family will sleep and keep enjoying winter break. Mine is officially over, however I do have Wednesday off. Even being in the middle of the week I will happily take it.

Now back to your updates. May you all find Joy in the coming new year!

Peace, Health and Happiness.

Elisa

BtVS
• Chapter 11 of Back to Sunnydale by Fallenredeemer (BuffynFaith.Net).
  
  
• Chapter 4 of The Fire in Her Eyes by Imrryr (The Chosen Two Archives).
  
  
• Chapter 1 of Youngstown by Bruteaous (The Chosen Two Archives).
  
  
• Chapter 8 of Wishing Changes Everything by Declan4 (The Chosen Two Archives).
  
  Glee
  
• Decking Rachel's Halls & Chapter 1 of Girlfriends by kinky_carter (Femmeslash).
  
  Star Trek/South of Nowhere
  
• Part 4 of Yesterday Once More by Dev (Clom 'n' Dev's).
  
  Warehouse 13
  
• Chapter 18 of The Hawk and the Wolf by Meg (Meet at Gunpoint).

Lazy

It's been a lazy day for us. Cal is off at a sleepover and we're settling in to watch some of little e's Modern Family DVDs.

Tomorrow...more laziness.

Tamara

BtVS
• No Discussion Needed by Hayley (Electra's Fanfiction).
  
  Grey's Anatomy
  
• The Perfect Christmas by englishstrawbie (Callie_Arizona).
  
  Once Upon a Time
  
• You Won't Remember Me by kinky_carter (Femmeslash).
  
  Warehouse 13
  
• Chapter 16 of The Hawk and the Wolf by Meg (Meet at Gunpoint).
  
  
• Chapter 17 of The Hawk and the Wolf by Meg (Meet at Gunpoint).

Friday Evening

I had a fun day with the kids and Tamara. We went and had lunch then off to see Saving Mr Banks. I liked it...made me think more about the author and how much of that was true or our known Hollywood script writing. Overall I would recommend it. Oddly enough as we were leaving the movie Cal let us know he has never seen Mary Poppins and I do believe that it would have been more fun for him if he had.

Here is hoping you had a great week and now have some time to enjoy the weekend. I could really go for this two day work week, sadly this is the last one I will enjoy until vacation late in February.

Back to your updates.

Peace, Health and Happiness.

Elisa

BtVS
• Chapter 6 of Crashing Down by Asher (The Chosen Two Archives).
  
  Comics
  
• Jane's World:12/27/13 by Paige Braddock (Go Comics).
  
  The Devil Wears Prada
  
• Part 8 of No Other Silly Girl Need Apply by Gun Brooke (Devil Wears Prada).
  
  Grey's Anatomy
  
• The Tiniest Present under the Invisible Tree by jaxjill (Callie_Arizona).
  
  Once Upon a Time
  
• 12 Days of Christmas - Day 3 by Shatterpath (Shatterstorm Productions).
  
  
• The Touch of a Stranger by Layla Aaron (Shatterstorm Productions).
  
  
• 12 Days of Christmas - Day 2 by Shatterpath (Shatterstorm Productions).
  
  
• 12 Days of Christmas - Day 1 by Shatterpath (Shatterstorm Productions).
  
  Nikita
  
• This Is All I'm Asking For by GunBunnyCentral (Shatterstorm Productions).
  
  
• Make My Wish Come True by GunBunnyCentral (Shatterstorm Productions).
  
  Rookie Blue
  
• 'You were my backbone when my body ached with weariness' by Tristian Makhai (Shatterstorm Productions).

Whew!

Another successful Christmas is done. Of all the kids Cal is the easiest to shop for but we managed to pull off some surprises for everyone.

I ended up sending my brother and his girlfriend a Trader Joe's care package. This package included bottles of beer. I'm pleased to report that everything made it safely to Oklahoma. It took me two boxes but I wrapped each bottle individually and cushioned them well. Maybe I should get a job at one of those we pack it and mail it for you places....

Today we went downtown to see the gingerbread houses at the Sheraton. We had lunch at Westlake Mall then returned home. Cal decided he was too big to ride the carousel. Bummer.

Tonight I'm taking the kids to see 47 Ronin. I expect it to be goofy fun. How is it Keanu Reaves never seems to age?

Hope your holidays were fun and stress free.

Tamara

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
• Assisted Living by KC (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Charlie's Angels
  
• Jill Never Was the Brightest of the Bunch by Holly Bee (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Cherry Red by Holly Bee (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Comics
  
• Jane's World:12/26/13 by Paige Braddock (Go Comics).
  
  Gargoyles
  
• Brave by Jessica Knight (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Grey's Anatomy
  
• Christmas Wishes by mak62184 (Callie_Arizona).
  
  
• Betting on Baby by pens_co927 (Callie_Arizona).
  
  Legend of the Seeker
  
• Chapters 31-35 of Water Lily by blackgrl71 (LotS Femslash).
  
  Lost Girl
  
• Strictly Professional by EldritchSandwich (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Once Upon a Time
  
• Relaxation, Interrupted by KC (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Unintentional Thoughts by KC (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• 12 Days of Christmas - Day 4 by Shatterpath (Shatterstorm Productions).
  
  Original
  
• Parts 13-16 (Conclusion) of A Bit of the Old West by Carole Mortenson (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Part 4 of The Judge by M.E. Tudor (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Beauty Within the Beast by Sam Pagan (Academy of Bards).
  
  Rizzoli & Isles
  
• Under The Covers by KC (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Last Words by KC (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Star Trek/South of Nowhere
  
• Part 3 of Yesterday Once More by Dev (Clom 'n' Dev's).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Solstice Time is Here... by Soulgyrl (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• From The Beginning by Cheyne (Passion & Perfection).

On Christmas Day

It's more than "cool", that I get Christmas to update, T. It's bloody brill.

There are a few updates for you tonight folks. I bet you're surprised, I know I was. I fully expected to have nothing to report.

Well, Christmas Day is nearly over. That's the trouble, it takes so long to get here and then pouf, it's over in a flash.

It was a good day though. I ate well - but not too much. I played Christmas songs - Fairytale of New York is without a doubt the best Christmas song ever, closely followed by I Believe in Father Christmas. And, even after all these years, Feed the World still has the power to make me all choked up. I played Gregorian chant of the Christmas Mass. I played carols. We didn't watch TV at all - no, not even the Queen.

Unsurprisingly I got books as presents. And more books. Oh, and some more books. And one, lone, shower-gel. My cousin also got books. And a dvd she wanted, of a really bad film starring Noomi Rapace, (her current crush).

Rang my sister in Australia. Rang my cousin's sister (who tried Australia, didn't like it and came home), in Rugeley. And her brother, in London. And my brother, also in London. Saw my other sister (local) and my nephew, tool presents there - brought some back.

Went for a walk (the rain stayed away, briefly). Came back and ate mince-pies and drank coffee.

All-in-all we had a good day.

I hope those of you who celebrate Christmas, could do so. I hope those of you who wanted to spend time with family and friends, were able to. And those of you who wanted to spend time, quietly, reflectively, by yourself, could. I hope you all had warmth, and shelter, and enough to eat. And that you could feel the joy of the day as much as we could. I wish you all peace, and contentment, and I hope you all had a Merry Christmas.

See you next week, goodnight and may your God/s go with you.

Ze

(The) Devil Wears Prada
• Chapter 35 of For Once by Miranda Priestly (dvlwears-prada).
  
  Game of Thrones
  
• Night Sledding by hallyuvian (AO3).
  
  Grey's Anatomy
  
• Oh Christmas Tree by majincammy (callie-arizona).
  
  
• Stronger by majincammy (callie-arizona).
  
  
• Fluffy Christmas by majincammy (callie-arizona).
  
  
• Forever Yours by jzay (callie-arizona).
  
  
• Please Come Home For Christmas by roughian (callie-arizona).
  
  
• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by 1shinyboat (callie-arizona).
  
  His Dark Materials
  
• In The Risk of Each Other by Anonymous (AO3).
  
  Les Miserables
  
• Doing It New York Style by Courfeyrock_crushes_scissors (AO3).
  
  Once Upon a Time
  
• Jingle Bell Rock by sugarspicenotsonice (AO3).
  

It's Arrived

Christmas is here at last!!

Christmas for me starts with Carols From Kings (aka A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols) on Christmas eve - though there will be no present-opening until morning.

But it's Christmas!!

I've been playing cds of carols, Gregorian chant, and compilations of Christmas songs, all day. And bouncing around like a five-year-old. I think my cousin is just about ready to throttle me.

But it's Christmas!!

So - to all those who follow the Western Christian traditions - and anybody else of any faith or none who's celebrating anyway - MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL...

Ze

Arrow
• Chapter 3 of It’s Gotta be Flesh and Bone by Kazzy (AO3).
  
  Batman/Batgirl Comicsverse
  
• Part 1 of Don We Now Our Gay Apparel by MercuryandMoonlight (AO3).
  
  Game of Thrones
  
• Chapter 5 of You Have Shining Eyes by unwindmyself (AO3).
  
  Glee
  
• Can't Run, Can't Hide, Not From You by 27summer (The Treasure Trail).
  
  
• Mine All Mine by 27summer (The Treasure Trail).
  
  Grey's Anatomy
  
• Christmas Without Mark by megzohio (callie-arizona).
  
  
• A Calzona Carol by zenparadox (callie-arizona).
  
  
• Let Me Back In by dadaliketostada (callie-arizona).
  
  
• Gloria In Excelsis Deo by handsthatheal2 (callie-arizona).
  
  
• To Believe by kayesoob (callie-arizona).
  
  
• We Three Things by A. Windsor (callie-arizona).
  
  Motorcity
  
• The Chance of Falling by gideondorf (AO3).
  
  Nikita
  
• I Don't Want A Lot For Christmas by GunBunnyCentral (ShatterStorm Productions).
  
  Once Upon a Time
  
• Pure Magic by Nikitamtspl (AO3).
  
  
• Chapters 23 & 24 of Once Upon a Christmas by StefiDelly (AO3).
  
  Original
  
• Chapter 8 of Grimhild by D_Morgenstern (AO3).
  
  
• ...and a Spectre in an Oak Tree by Geonn Cannon (His Blog).
  
  Percy Jackson and the Olympians
  
• Ticklish by sunkelles (AO3).
  
  
• Frustrations by sunkelles (AO3).
  
  
• String of Lights by sunkelles (AO3).
  
  
• Bedridden by sunkelles (AO3).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Chapter 23 of Everything Backwards by Lamachine (AO3).
  
  (The) Silmarillion
  
• Chapter 10 of A Time To Love by Solanaceae (AO3).
  
  Tierra de Lobos
  
• Will This Love Keep by MinaRobins (AO3).
  
  Tomb Raider
  
• Chapters 11 to 13 of Scars by sniperct (AO3).
  
  Voyager/Devil Wears Prada
  
• Chapters 19 to 24 (conclusion) of Safe Passage by Gun Brooke (Her website - Advent Calendar).
  

A quick start for this odd week....

Holidays that fall in the middle are a bit irritating. I did take Thursday and Friday off making my week a two day week. Tomorrow is going to be awfully short as well, so all good. Here is hoping where ever you are that the holiday has reached out and made you smile. Pay it forward if you can. Let the season shine with Joy.

Back to the updates, enjoy!

Peace, Health and Happiness.

Elisa

BtVS
• Chapter 12 of First Day of My Life by Hayley (BuffynFaith.Net).
  
  Comics
  
• Jane's World:12/23/13 by Paige Braddock (Go Comics).
  
  Nikki & Nora
  
• At Last by Tristian Makhai (Shatterstorm Productions).
  
  Once Upon a Time
  
• 12 Days of Christmas - Day 5 by Shatterpath (Shatterstorm Productions).
  
  Original
  
• The Tale of the Christmas Incursion by Geonn Cannon (his lj).
  
  
• Episode 45 of Hollywood Dreams by Fiur and Vlamme (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• No One But You by Jenny Frame (Academy of Bards).
  
  Star Trek/South of Nowhere
  
• Part 2 of Yesterday Once More by Dev (Clom 'n' Dev's).

Almost Here

I believe E is done with her Christmas baking. Cal and I got the Spritz cookies mixed up yesterday but the dough wasn't being cooperative and needed chilling overnight. Tonight we'll bake them.

You have a few things to read tonight. I won't be surprised if stories are light over the next few days.

If you'd like something to do on the computer that doesn't involve reading and you happen to be a Trek fan, head on over to Star Trek Continues and watch their first episode. An old friend of mine plays Dr. McCoy in the series and I thought they captured the look and feel of the original series perfectly. Episode 2 is in post production right now I believe. Can't wait to see it.

Finally...how cool is it that Ze gets the Christmas Day post?

Tamara

BtVS
• Chapter 7 of Wishing Changes Everything by Declan4 (The Chosen Two Archives).
  
  Light, Water, Muses Universe
  
• Part 2 of Unexpected by Shatterpath (Shatterstorm Productions).
  
  Once Upon a Time
  
• 12 Days of Christmas - Day 6 by Shatterpath (Shatterstorm Productions).
  
  
• 12 Days of Christmas - Day 7 by Shatterpath (Shatterstorm Productions).
  
  
• Cider Shots by Shatterpath (Shatterstorm Productions).
  
  
• 12 Days of Christmas - Day 8 by Shatterpath (Shatterstorm Productions).

Welcome to Saturday

Not a lot to read tonight, but hey it's the weekend go enjoy some of it! Our snow event yesterday was about 4 hours long and I was happy with it. We are back to our nice mild rainy days. Real winter in Seattle. Here is hoping you all are having a wonderful weekend. If not, close your eyes think of something that makes you smile and remember that when you open your eyes, viola your day has improved.

I watched my daughter play a basketball game. This was there 4th game of the season, they won for the first time. Amazing how happy and light these girls looked in comparison to the last few weekends. The parents watching I think were just as happy, it was a good day. One to remember.

Find your day and enjoy the moment.

Peace, Health and Happiness.

Elisa

BtVS
• Chapter 10 of Not Fade Away by invalid_reality (BuffynFaith.Net).
  
  Grey's Anatomy
  
• Chapter 4 of Everything Is Going to Be Just Fine by superedag (Callie_Arizona).

Finally!

Christmas break is officially underway. We got about three inches of snow last night. Fortunately school was only delayed two hours. I went in at 8:30 and the roads weren't too bad. E's commute at 6:45 was a little trickier. What a difference a few hours can make in road quality.

Both of us plan on resting a lot this weekend. E's work week was a bitch and a half...she deserves some rest. Other than resting we will attend a little e basketball game and Cal and I will pick up our comics. Baking needs to happen too. E's going to make her famous Russian Tea Cakes. I'll make some Spritz cookies.

Let the Holidays begin.

Tamara

Comics
• Jane's World:12/20/13 by Paige Braddock (Go Comics).
  
  Grey's Anatomy/Harry Potter
  
• Untitled Grey's/Potter AU by leonhart_17 (Callie_Arizona).
  
  Original
  
• From the Beginning by Cheyne (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Silver Destinies by Dava Gamble (Academy of Bards).

Ramble Night

Great news...I'm too pooped to talk and a ramble came my way. Hooray!

Some weeks ago we published Puppy Love by L.T. Smith (also known as fan fiction writer Fingersmith) – a book that is so much more than a wonderful romance.

Puppy Love is a special project for all of us. Linda's royalties as well as the graphic artists fees will go to the Dogs Trust in the UK. Also, we (Ylva Publishing) will be giving a huge part of our profit to an animal charity based in Germany.

This is what L.T. says regarding Puppy Love:

Dear readers,
As a lover of animals, dogs especially, I have always dreamed of helping those less fortunate than I. In this case, it is help for what we all consider to be "Man's Best Friend" When I first penned Puppy Love, I always had the dream that if it was ever published, then all my royalties would go to help those pups in distress.

There are many reasons why an animal finds itself in difficulty. With the recession, many people are finding it hard to make ends meet and just feeding a family is stretching their meagre wages. Dogs, as it appears, are not the priority. I am not judging these people—luckily for me, I've never been in that situation. It is not only that people have to give up their pets, mostly with a heavy and broken heart, but the Trust also helps and cares for dogs that have been mistreated, unloved, and cast aside.

The aim of the Dogs Trust is to give stray and abandoned dogs a second chance at a brighter future with responsible, caring new owners. They are totally reliant on voluntary donations to continue the fantastic work they do. Without the help and support of people like you, it would be simply impossible to care for over 16,000 dogs every year.

With the purchase of Puppy Love you will help to make a difference to our furry pals, and for that I will be forever thankful.

Puppy Love is available from amazon, Smashwords and Bella Books as a DRM-free e-book. The paperback is available from amazon.

Enjoy the read.
Astrid Ohletz
Publisher

Excellent ramble, check out the book, do it for the dogs!

Back to the updates.

Peace, Health and Happiness.

Elisa

BtVS
• Chapter 4 of A Future Gained by SilentlySlaying (The Chosen Two Archives).
  
  
• Chapter 6 of Wishing Changes Everything by Declan4 (The Chosen Two Archives).
  
  Comics
  
• Jane's World:12/19/13 by Paige Braddock (Go Comics).
  
  Legend of the Seeker
  
• Chapter 7 of When You Were Mine by fortunata13 (LotS Femslash).
  
  Once Upon a Time
  
• 12 Days of Christmas - Day 9 by Shatterpath (Shatterstorm Productions).
  
  Original
  
• Trophy Wife by Geonn Cannon (his lj).
  
  Star Trek/South of Nowhere
  
• Part 1 of Yesterday Once More by Dev (Clom 'n' Dev's).

Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind...

And boy oh boy, is it blowing!!

Torrential downpour for most of the day. Gales and "severe gales". Flood warnings or flood alerts on pretty much all the local rivers. Hailstones.

The only halfway good thing down here is that the temperatures are unseasonably mild during the day (15c today though the weather forecast is for 3c and a frost tonight). And (touch wood) we still have power. Though they aren't as lucky in Northern England or Scotland, they've been threatened with snow, and chunks of Cumbria, Lancashire, and Northern Ireland are without power.

And apparently there's more rain and gales on the way for the weekend. Oh joy.

Hope your weather's better than ours.

See you next week. Goodnight and may your God/s go with you.

Ze

(The) Devil Wears Prada
• Part 34 of For Once by Miranda Priestly (dvlwears-prada).
  
  Grey's Anatomy
  
• Part 3 of The Force of Destiny by gmi_05 (callie-arizona).
  
  Once Upon a Time
  
• That Ice is Slowly Melting by alinaandalion (AO3).
  
  
• Chapter 8 of Dangerous is the Vexed God by maggiemerc (AO3).
  
  
• 12 Days of Christmas - Day 12 by Shatterpath (ShatterStorm Productions).
  
  
• 12 Days of Christmas - Day 11 by Shatterpath (ShatterStorm Productions).
  
  
• 12 Days of Christmas - Day 10 by Shatterpath (ShatterStorm Productions).
  
  Original
  
• Seven Minutes of Dead Air by Geonn Cannon (His blog).
  
  Poltergeist: the Legacy
  
• Gather Close by A. Magiluna Stormwriter (ShatterStorm Productions).
  
  Tomb Raider (game)
  
• Chapters 1 to 10 of Scars by sniperct (AO3).
  
  Voyager/Devil Wears Prada
  
• Chapters 1 to 18 of Safe Passage by Gun Brooke (Her website - Advent Calendar).
  

Pint of Otter, Please.

Not as much as usual for you tonight - I expect that Christmas is keeping so many writers otherwise occupied that they don't have time to update.

And I don't have a lot to say either. Been busy getting stuff for Christmas, going for the Christmas meal with colleagues (restaurant did a fantastic job of catering for awkward cusses like me). Going out for Christmas drinks with people from work, passing acquaintances, friends I need to catch up with, and so on. Not that I drink much these days. I hardly ever go to the pub. I no longer go clubbing. And I'm not a big drinker at home, either.

This Friday coming is Builders' Friday - so I will have a couple of drinks, but nowhere near the amount I used to. I should think three pints would leave me totally rat-arsed so I'll likely switch to soft drinks after a pint-and-a-half. It's going to be weird - being sober and watching workmates make total idiots of themselves and starting fights.

Blimey, am I finally growing up?? Nah. Not me. Not yet. You can't make me!!

Otter

Ze

Arrow
• Chapter 2 of It’s Gotta be Flesh and Bone by Kazzy (AO3).
  
  Batman - Arkham City
  
• Christmas Crush by Feminine_Fantasies (AO3).
  
  Criminal Minds
  
• Chapters 5 to 7 of Nothing But The Truth by MadameCissy (AO3).
  
  Once Upon a Time
  
• Chapter 20 of There's a Road We Must Travel by justlovebt (AO3).
  
  Original
  
• Parts 9 to 12 of A Bit of the Old West by Carole Mortenson (Royal Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Chapter 7 of Grimhild by D_Morgenstern (AO3).
  
  
• Nine Lives by Geonn Cannon (His blog).
  
  
• Eight Weeks In by Geonn Cannon (His blog).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Chapter 22 of Everything Backwards by Lamachine (AO3).
  
  Supernatural
  
• Make Us Wiser by orange_8_hands (AO3).
  
  (The) Walking Dead
  
• The Pharmacy by anemic_cinema (AO3).
  
  Warehouse 13
  
• Chapter 1 of Sick Day by CurlyTuft (AO3).
  

Busy Week

Cal, little e and I are heading into our last week of school before Winter break. Between the two of us we've got something going on after school every night this week except Tuesday. I expect our weekend will be low-key as a result.

Tamara

BtVS
• Chapter 40 of Forging Bonds by Rebelrsr (her web site).
  
  
• Chapter 11 of First Day of My Life by Hayley (BuffynFaith.Net).
  
  
• Chapter 9 of Not Fade Away by invalid_reality (BuffynFaith.Net).
  
  Comics
  
• Janes World: 12/16/2013 by Paige Braddock (Go Comics).
  
  The Devil Wears Prada
  
• Part 6 of No Other Silly Girl Need Apply by redheadgrrl1960 (Devil Wears Prada).
  
  Glee
  
• Unconditionally by kinky_carter (Femmeslash).
  
  Nikki & Nora
  
• Chapter 8 of All I Need by JanetB418 (Lady Cops).
  
  Original
  
• Chapter 26 of Slam Dunk by Mickey Minner (her web site).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Part 9 of Body Heart and Soul by Melissa Good (her web site).

Rainy Sunday

Feels like our usual winter...our lovely rain has returned. We did a lot of chores today and then saw the kiddo's basketball game. Another loss...it's been a tougher season this year for the girls but they are learning at each and every game. Back to work tomorrow, wishing I could take off a bit more, but with only two of us now in the library it makes things a bit tougher.

Here is hoping yours goes well.

Peace, Health and Happiness.

Elisa

Glee
• Without You by kinky_carter (Femmeslash).
  
  Grey's Anatomy
  
• Chapter 3 of Everything Is Just Fine by superedag (Callie_Arizona).
  
  Once Upon a Time
  
• A Pat Explanation by seriousfic (GirlSlash).
  
  Original
  
• What the Fox Says by Geonn Cannon (his lj).
  
  
• Chapter 26 of Slam Dunk by Mickey Minner (Academy of Bards).
  
  Rizzoli & Isles
  
• No Good Very Bad Day by Ivy Elizabeth Mars (Passion & Perfection).

The tree is up!

Chore day for us and I finally got the tree standing and lit. It's all ready for those ornaments. I will put a few up tomorrow and save the rest for the kids.

Our basic winter weather is back and feels great. Missed the rain a bit so it's nice to see our drizzle. We had a nice mild and cloudy afternoon. Tomorrow we have a few more basic chores and one basketball game to attend.

Hope you all have a great night and rest of the weekend.

Peace, Health and Happiness.

Elisa

Grey's Anatomy
• Fossilized Hearts by MxCreant (Callie_Arizona).
  
  Once Upon A Time
  
• SWan Queen Fix Exchange 2013 by various (Regina & Emma).
  
  Original
  
• Chapter 26 of Slam Dunk by Mickey Minner (her web site).
  
  
• Silver Cusp by Dava Gamble (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• The Night Watch by Phineas Redux (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Episode 44 of Hollywood Dreams by Fiur & Vlamme (Academy of Bards).

Counting Down

Presents that needed to be sent to Oklahoma are out the door. Christmas cards are all done. I even wrote a chatty 'here's how everyone is doing' letter to go with the cards.

Now we need to get that Christmas tree up and presents wrapped. I'll probably end up waiting until Monday Christmas week to do that. We won't have kids then and it'll be a lot easier to spread out in the living room.

This weekend we've got the tree to get up, money to reconcile and a basketball game to see. Enjoy your weekend, whatever it may hold.

Tamara

Comics
• Jane's World:12/13/13 by Paige Braddock (Go Comics).
  
  Criminal Minds
  
• "Untitled Garcia/Strauss" by Daisyangel (Criminal Minds Femslash).
  
  Grey's Anatomy
  
• For Keeps by GPAHP - GAUZEPAWS (Callie_Arizona).

A Better Day

I have been mighty worried over the fact that one of our kitties had not returned home in a couple days. Been a tough year with kitties and I am happy to say she returned today safe and sound although a bit hungry.

Also today I am officially without a phone for the next 24 hours as my account is being taken from ATT to TMobile. I then will join the majority of folks with a nifty new Samsung SIII 4G smartphone. Bye bye to my old Pantech that is about 5 years old and has no battery life left. The world is a changing place and now I can watch it go by from anywhere.

Enjoy those updates.

Peace, Health and Happiness.

Elisa

BtVS
• Chapter 3 of A Future Gained by SilentlySlaying (The Chosen Two Archives).
  
  
• Chapter 5 of Wishing Changes Everything by Declan4 (The Chosen Two Archives).
  
  
• Chapter 5 of I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman by rampantjake (BuffynFaith.Net).
  
  Comics
  
• Jane's World:12/12/13 by Paige Braddock (Go Comics).
  
  The Devil Wears Prada
  
• Dating the Dragon by punky_96 (Devil Wears Prada).
  
  Facts of Life
  
• Blair's Christmas Gift by JS Stephens (Academy of Bards).
  
  Grey's Anatomy
  
• Chapter 2 of Everything Is Going to Be Just Fine by superedag (Callie_Arizona).
  
  Harry Potter
  
• Let Me Say I'm Sorry (Now, Before You Go) by Anonymous (Dark Witches).
  
  Original
  
• Chapters 16a-17b by Psyche-B (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Parts 5-8 of A Bit of the Old West by Carole Mortenson (Academy of Bards).

Dates and Sport

No, not those sorts of dates - calendar type dates. Today was (in approximately two-thirds of the world) 11/12/13. And in the other one third (bar one country), 13/12/11. In the sole remaining country it was neither of those things... you just had to be awkward, didn't you. *g*.

Football was a little disappointing tonight. We could have finished top of the group but we blew it - but at least we qualified for the next round. I felt a bit sorry for Napoli, they played their little socks off in the second half, but still didn't make it.

It was still a lot better than the Ashes series though - who are these muppets and what have they done with the real England cricket team?? It's positively embarrassing.

Not a lot to read tonight I'm afraid, still, it'll give you a chance to catch up on all yesterday's stuff.

See you next week, goodnight and may your God/s go with you.

Ze

Arrow
• Chapter 1 of It’s Gotta be Flesh and Bone by Kazzy (AO3).
  
  BtVS
  
• Chapter 8 of Not Fade Away by invalid_reality (BuffynFaith.Net).
  
  (The) Devil Wears Prada
  
• Chapters 14A and 14B of Life is a Struggle by heartsassassin (dvlwears-prada).
  
  
• Chapter 5 of No Other Silly Girl Need Apply by Gun Brooke (dvlwears-prada).
  
  Once Upon a Time
  
• Chapter 7 of Dangerous is the Vexed God by maggiemerc (AO3).
  
  (The) Silmarrilion
  
• Chapters 8 and 9 of A Time to Love by Solanaceae (AO3).
  
  Teen Wolf
  
• Baby, Please Come Home by Onlymystory (AO3).
  

Liquorice Treats

Weather turned a bit nippy. And brought a huge storm with it. As the newspapers kept informing us, it was the worst for 60 years. The flood defences were better this time around, though. There was flooding on the east coast, yes, some quite bad. And a few houses were washed away, but not many this time, (not that that's particularly consoling if yours was one of them). And only two deaths. The flood of 1953 killed 300 odd.

I was glad I no longer live on Canvey.

We had nothing more than a bit of high wind down here in the south-west. Rather lucky this time around.

We have a "Continental Christmas Market" on the cathedral grounds. Which basically means several stalls selling Bratwürst, Stollen, Glühwein, and various German beers. A few stalls selling French and Dutch patisserie. One or two selling (proper - from Belgium) Belgian chocolates. And some local ones selling overpriced plants, hand-crafted items, and Christmas tat. The really good thing about it is, the stalls selling Dutch foodstuffs usually have salted liquorice - not on display, but they have it in stock if you ask. It isn't on display because it isn't something that many Brits like, though it is popular in the Netherlands and Scandinavia. I developed a taste for it while in the Netherlands in the 1980s. I rely on the Christmas markets to stock up. Which I managed to do quite nicely. Brill!!

Christmas is coming!! Are you excited yet?? Though, bloody ada!! Posting cards is an expensive pastime these days. I've spent over twenty quid just on overseas cards. Lord knows how much more I'm going to have to pay out to send UK ones!!

But... Christmas is coming!! **bounces**.

Ze

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
• This Dirty Little Damsel by unwindmyself (AO3).
  
  Dallas
  
• From Zero to One Point Eight by sarken (AO3).
  
  D.E.B.S.
  
• Next Time...Just Say Porn by IvyMars (AO3).
  
  Glee
  
• Loved and Lost by stephyblue2 (The Treasure Trail).
  
  Once Upon a Time
  
• Chapter 19 of There's a Road We Must Travel by justlovebt (AO3).
  
  Original
  
• Chapter 6 of Grimhild by D_Morgenstern (AO3).
  
  
• Part 25 of Slam Dunk by Mickey Minner (Royal Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Part 13 - The Final Chapter of Hoosier Daddy by Ann McMan and Salem West (Royal Academy of Bards).
  
  Percy Jackson and the Olympians
  
• Chapter 11 of The Poetry of Time and Space by sunkelles (AO3).
  
  Scandal
  
• Mulled Wine by chicagoartnerd (AO3).
  
  (The) Silmarillion
  
• Chapter 7 of A Time To Love by Solanaceae (AO3).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Chapter 21 of Everything Backwards by Lamachine (AO3).
  
  Supernatural
  
• Afterglow by acharmingbnb (AO3).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• The Xena Chemistry by Sam Pagan (Royal Academy of Bards).
  
  
• The Fire Within by IvyMars (AO3).
  

Goodbye, freezing temps!

Our cold weather is supposed to be on its way out very soon. I'm ready for temps in the 30s and 40s and rain.

This week I must get presents mailed to Oklahoma. Christmas cards need to be addressed and mailed as well. Not to mention we haven't gotten our tree up yet.

Now I'll let you get to reading....

Tamara

BtVS
• Chapter 4 of Wishing Changes Everything by Declan4 (The Chosen Two Archives).
  
  Devil Wears Prada
  
• Mrs. Priestly by evilangels26 (Devil Wears Prada).
  
  Harry Potter
  
• Teacher's Pets by Anonymous (Dark Witches).
  
  Original
  
• Chapter 8 of Wreckage by polyphonte (her web site).

Home for the Evenng

A busy weekend is coming to a close.We all enjoyed The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Back to the work week we head. Should be a bit quieter around here as it is a no kid week.

Hope you all have a good one.

Peace, Health and Happiness.

Elisa

Legend of the Seeker
• Chapter 9 of Legend of the Mord'Sith: Deception by erinlier004 (LotS Femslash).
  
  Original
  
• Chapter 25 of Slam Dunk by Mickey Minner (her web site).
  
  
• Chapter 24 of Slam Dunk by Mickey Minner (Academy of Bards).

On the Go

We did a lot of running today. Cal and I ran to the comic store for our regular two week comics pick up. Little e had a basketball game..they lost but played extremely well. It was close too. The teams were well matched.

After the game we did lunch then dropped the kids off to check out the Gage Academy of Art 2013 Drawing Jam. They both agreed it warranted a return next year.

While the kids were at Gage, E and I took the opportunity to visit the Capitol Hill Trader Joe's location to purchase Christmas presents for my brother and his girlfriend.

Now we're home attempting to get the fireplace going. It's quite cold here in our neck of the woods...23F/-5C. I'm just thankful it's not windy like Winter in Oklahoma. That cold with wind equals bitterly cold. I'll take just plain cold over that any day.

Tamara

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
• It's Disgusting by ralst (Passion & Perfection).  
  
  Battlestar Galactica
  
• Infliction by gvnett (Passion & Perfection).
  
  BtVS
  
• Crimes by Valyssia (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Charlie's Angels
  
• A Bikini Treat by Holly Bee (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Devil Wears Prada
  
• Picture by punky_96 (Devil Wears Prada).
  
  
• The Revenge of Six by jah728 (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Expectations by jah728 (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Responsibility by jah728 (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Doctor Who
  
• Casual Company by Carola "Ry–chan" Eriksson (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Legend of the Seeker
  
• Part 14 of Cara and Kahlan: Memories Guarded in Blue Paradise by greatshow (LotS Femslash).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Infliction by gvnett (Passion & Perfection).

Tidbits

Gay marriage is celebrating its one year anniversary in Washington State today. In the past year 17% of all marriages in our state were gay couples. Yeah!

In other news...it's still really cold here but fortunately not nearly as miserable as the folks in the middle of the US have it. I was able to get the outside Christmas lights up today. Maybe I'll even pull the tree out this weekend.

RIP to the one and only Nelson Mandela. The world lost a good one.

Enjoy your updates.

Peace, Health and Happiness.

Elisa

Comics
• Jane's World:12/6/13 by Paige Braddock (Go Comics).
  
  Original
  
• Daisy-Belle's Second Helping by Norsebard (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Parts 2-4 of A Bit of the Old West by Carole Mortenson (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Blood of Seven by Fiur & Vlamme (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• You're Breaking My Heart by JS Stephens (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• What If? by JS Stephens (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Before and After by JS Stephens (Academy of Bards).

Light Night for Stories

Kind of tired tonight. I'll let you get to it.

Tamara

BtVS
• Chapter 6 of Not Fade Away by invalid_reality (BuffynFaith.Net).
  
  
• Chapter 3 of Light It Up by Xander24 (BuffynFaith.Net).
  
  
• Chapter 2 of A Future Gained by SilentlySlaying (The Chosen Two Archives).
  
  Comics
  
• Jane's World:12/05/13 by Paige Braddock (Go Comics).
  

Hills of the North, Rejoice.

Sign ups are still open (but not for much longer) for the Shatterstorm Productions Dead of Winter advent calendar.


Sunday just gone was the first of December. You all know what that means.

Christmas is coming!!

So... the tree went up, the decorations went up in the lounge, hall, and dining room. The lists of cards & presents, (who to buy for, what to buy, etc.) were begun.

And the first mince-pie of the season was eaten.

I love mince-pies (not easy to get vegan ones but I manage).

On Monday the 2nd & 3rd were eaten. Yesterday the 4th & 5th. And today I polished off the packet. Need to get some more tomorrow. *g*

I love Christmas.

See you next week. Goodnight and may your God/s go with you.

Ze

Criminal Minds
• Chapter 4 of Nothing But The Truth by MadameCissy (AO3).
  
  (The) Devil Wears Prada
  
• Simple by utterby (dvlwears-prada).
  
  Nikita
  
• Chapter 39 of Zatarra: A Tale of Revenge by ThusSpokeRaven (AO3).
  
  Percy Jackson and the Olympians
  
• Without the Mistletoe by sunkelles (AO3).
  

It Matters

Tom Daley came out yesterday. A lot of people said things like, "It shouldn't matter". "Who cares". And the perennial, "I didn't need to tell people I was straight, why does he need to tell us about his sex life??".

Well, it does matter.

Nobody was ever refused a job simply for being straight. Nobody was ever refused a home simply for being straight. Nobody was ever raped simply for being straight. Nobody was ever beaten in the street, or gaoled, or executed, simply for being straight. Nobody was ever rejected by their parent, kicked out of home, simply for being straight.

Those things happen Every Single Day, here in the 21st century, to LGBT people.

And as long as those things continue to happen. As long as "straight" is the default status. As long as young men are asked "do you have a girlfriend??", and young women "do you have a boyfriend??", instead of "do you have a partner??". As long as kids in small towns commit suicide because they're bullied, thinking they're the only one "like that". As long as "dyke and "faggot" - and yes, even "gay" - are insults flung by idiots. As long as LGBT people cannot call themselves fully equal - fully human - in more than half the countries of the world, and fully safe in the other half - then yes - it does matter.

In fact, it's a matter of life and death.

Ze

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
• Girls' Night Out by Elleth (AO3).
  
  Criminal Minds
  
• Chapters 1 to 3 of Nothing But The Truth by MadameCissy (AO3).
  
  CSI:Miami
  
• Chapters 3 to 10 of Connecting the Dots by find_nowhere (AO3).
  
  (The) Devil Wears Prada
  
• Part 33 of For Once by Miranda Priestly (dvlwears-prada).
  
  Once Upon a Time
  
• Chapter 6 of Moments by sleepingwarriors (AO3).
  
  
• Chapters 10 to 12 (conclusion) of Dear Mulan by sleepingwarriors (AO3).
  
  
• Chapter 18 of There's a Road We Must Travel by justlovebt (AO3).
  
  Original
  
• Chapter 5 of Grimhild by D_Morgenstern (AO3).
  
  
• Part 1 of A Bit of the Old West by Carole Mortenson (Royal Academy of Bards).
  
  
• The Ferry Queue by Manning Lamont (Sapphic Voices).
  
  Teen Wolf
  
• Martin and Reyes by clio_jlh (AO3).
  
  Thor (movies)
  
• In the Spirit of Scientific Collaboration by exmanhater & scintilla10 (AO3).
  
  (The) Vampire Diaries
  
• Chapter 1 of Something Wicked This Way Comes by wickedgal08 (AO3).
  

The Season of Lights

Time for me to pull out some holiday spirit. No more lights on the roof, but I'll try and get some up around the cherry tree this year. Bring in the holiday spirit. This week's cold snap kind of puts me in the mood as well. Perhaps we may see a flake or two. Hopefully not too much snow...enough to be pretty and not enough to make my drive nuts. It's already bad and I don't need it to be that much worse.

Hoping you all can find some holiday spirit as well. May the season bring Joy.

Peace, Health and Happiness.

Elisa

BtVS
• Chapters 1-3 of Wishing Changes Everything by Declan4 (The Chosen Two Archives).
  
  Glee
  
• Always by kinky_carter (Femmeslash).
  
  Grey's Anatomy
  
• Chapter 2 of What Does the Wolf Say? by zenparadox (Callie_Arizona).

Turkey Day

Our delayed Thanksgiving went off quite well. We're all pleasantly full and I'm looking forward to not cooking dinner tonight.

Cal and I have the day off tomorrow. I'm going to drag him along to see Thor: The Dark World.

Tamara

BtVS
• Chapter 10 of First Day of My Life by Hayley (BuffynFaith.Net).
  
  
• Chapter 3 of Tricked by Hayley (BuffynFaith.Net).
  
  
• Chapter 10 of Damned If I Don't, Damned If I Do by Battlekitten (The Chosen Two Archives).
  
  DC Universe
  
• Chapter 15 of What Love Is by Semerket (DCU Femslash).
  
  Grey's Anatomy
  
• Innocuous by klutzy_girl (Callie_Arizona).