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Seeing the astonishing and deeply disheartening results of this election makes me realize how much of a bubble I and many others are living in. We are consistently exposed to what we want to see, hear, and experience, often forgetting there is a whole other world existing outside of our own. It's in our individual bubbles that we feel positive, safe, and encouraged. We believe that particular things to be true or will become true.
What and whom we interact with, comment on, post about, and react to are the things that can further deceive and delude us. We are blinded by our own realities which we are responsible for creating and curating. Though we are aware of our outside surroundings, we don't realize the true depth of another world until something inside our own breaks.
Not everyone will agree with you or see things from your perspective; this we know. Not everyone will be on your side. Those people are the strangers you're not connected to online, that you don't expose yourself to in person, that you avoid at all costs. However, that alienation, fear, and hate is exactly the kind of bigoted rhetoric that brought us here in the first place, and it is not something that we should accept from ourselves. Move beyond this – it will be fixed in time.


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Hair and Makeup
A bridal portrait session serves as a great opportunity for doing your hair and makeup trial. You might have a pretty good idea of what you are looking for on the wedding day, but this gives you the chance to make absolutely certain it will be to your liking, and also offers protection against the remote possibility of allergic reactions to the particular type of makeup your artist uses, since it would be much better to discover this during the trial than on the wedding day!
Some popular New Orleans locations for a bridal portrait session include Race and Religious, Audubon Park, City Park, Longue Vue House & Gardens, and the French Quarter. If you're willing to venture about an hour away, Oak Alley Plantation is another excellent choice, as are some of the other beautiful and scenic plantations that line the east and west banks of the Mississippi River. In some cases, you might even choose your wedding reception venue if it has suitable space that can be used, or perhaps a particularly elegant private home that you have access to. An excellent choice for an indoor bridal portrait location is Felicity Church in uptown New Orleans.
What to Bring
First of all, having a helper (your mom, a bridesmaid, etc.) come with you is usually good idea, if for nothing else than to drive you to the location (I'd imagine that trying to drive while wearing a wedding dress would be quite difficult!), though in some instances you may decide to change into the dress when you arrive, if the location has suitable facilities. This person can also help you carry and manage the dress, assist with hair/makeup touchups if needed, carry a bag with any necessities, keep a small fan directed at you, and so on.
You'll want to bring a bouquet for this shoot. Though the portrait can be done without one, it helps with posing to give you something to do with your hands. Also, a white sheet is helpful in some circumstances. While we'll try to shoot in mostly clean spots, there may be some instances where a sheet under the dress can ease fears about it getting too dirty. It's also good to have on hand in case we decide to do a shot of you sitting on a bench.
If the portrait is taking place during even a moderately warm time of year, you may wish to bring a small battery-powered handheld fan to keep your face cool. For some locations, we may be doing quite a bit of walking, so bring some comfortable shoes to change into as well, just in case.
After the Shoot
Once the images are edited a few weeks later, I will create a private gallery that is completely hidden from view (just in case the groom has prying eyes!), from which you can order prints if desired. A framed enlargement (16x20 or so) is often displayed at the reception. You will also receive the digital files for these images. Though I do a blog post for almost every portrait or wedding I shoot, I do obviously refrain from doing so with bridal portraits until after the wedding.


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Are Arsenal for real or is this season just another big tease?
For the first time in my life, I am officially a West Coast soccer fan. That's right: I have left the comfort of my bar stool at New York's Football Factory and moved to Los Angeles to live out my dream of being a mustache model.
Sure, the weather's great and you can get a quinoa pizza to go once you've removed all your taste buds, but you also have to wake up three hours earlier just to watch football. On the other hand, my new local pub, Ye Olde King's Head, is conveniently located only a corner kick away from the Pacific Ocean, just in case I want to pitch myself into it after a particularly dire Arsenal performance, like, say, the one I watched this past Saturday. I should have recognized the ominous warning when I walked up and the bar was closed.
Fortunately, another sleep-deprived Arsenal fan was loitering outside and he explained that punctuality is a luxury here in laid-back Santa Monica. So the two of us stood there on the sidewalk squinting through the tinted windows at the big screen TV that some employee had inadvertently left on the night before. After a few minutes, the bartender, a convivial Manchester United fan named Raoul, opened the door and said with a laugh, "I almost forgot you lot had a game today."
As it turned out, I wish I had forgotten, too.
An otherwise glorious morning was ruined not so much by the 0-0 draw that followed, but by the realization that once again I had fallen for the The Great Arsenal Tease. You know, that cruel smoke and mirrors trick the Gunners do so well in convincing their supporters that, finally, their prayers have been answered, only to then conjure the kind of ponderous and toothless performance that has their supporters right back to believing they have a mortal lock on fourth place.
You'd think that I'd be wise to this cunning ruse after so many false dawns, but if you haven't noticed, Arsenal fans like to suffer. In that sense, Saturday's goalless disappointment was masochistic nirvana and to his credit, Arsene Wenger had seen it coming.
"Keep feet on the ground and work on humility," the manager cautioned his team after the the Gunners' 6-0 Champions League demolition of Ludogorets had made it nine wins out of 10 in all competitions.
It's nice to see that Wenger can be so prescient, but it would be a lot more comforting to Arsenal fans if he figured out a successful tactical approach against those opponents whose survival instincts call for them to pack the box with 10 men, the tea lady, both physios, the team mascot and maybe a life-sized cutout of Harry Kane celebrating a goal in the North London derby. As far as I know, there's nothing in the FA rule book that says teams who face Arsenal must agree to play a wide-open game so that Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott can run amok until they all pull a hamstring.
Middlesbrough didn't do anything radically different than previous opponents like Burnley and, to a lesser extent, Swansea. They sat deep and delivered an engraved invitation to the Gunners to break them down. The fact that Arsenal were unable to do so against a team that staggered into the Emirates fourth from bottom with only one victory to their name this season is a bit worrisome because it's not like this is a historically aberrant happenstance. Saturday's stultifying display had me reliving all of the soul-crushing frustrations that are de rigeur for the modern-day Arsenal fan.
But now that I am a West Coaster, I want to radiate the positivity that fills the air out here. I don't want to fret about the looming North London derby or, as my former New York self used to call it, the "Mind the Gap game." I also need to embrace the league game that follows on the heels of Arsenal's beatdown of Spurs. Truth to tell, I used to break out in a cold sweat the night before Arsenal played Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, but now I can't stop laughing at the prospect of Arsene Wenger heaping more misery on his BFF, Jose Mourinho.
I can't have any negative thoughts disturbing my hard-won sense of California zen, and so I will leave those to Arsene Wenger, who had to be somewhat concerned that his team displayed all the fluency, creativity and composure of a stampede of wild horses against 'Boro.
For all the attacking firepower that Arsenal bring to the party -- the Gunners had scored 23 goals in their previous seven games -- Ozil, Sanchez and Walcott can't unlock massed defenses all by themselves, which is why the injured Santi Cazorla was so sorely missed on Saturday.
I make no secret of my man-crush on the criminally underrated smurf, but it's indisputable that the Spaniard occupies the key role in Arsenal's midfield. Without his two-footed dynamism and quick thinking, Arsenal's build-up play is as flat and predictable as West Coast take-out Chinese food. Cazorla's ability to change the tempo simply makes Arsenal sharper and less one-dimensional.
If Wenger has a second tactical option other than the power of positive thinking, it's to stretch the game by relying on his marauding wing-backs Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin to fling crosses into the box. That's a perfectly viable alternative when:
1. Those crosses clear the first defender, which more often than not they didn't against 'Boro
2. There is someone in the box who can battle for those aerial balls other than the 5-foot-7 Sanchez.
I never thought I'd find myself pining for Oliver Giroud. He may be oafish and petulant but his perfectly-coiffed noggin is exactly what Arsenal needs when balls are floated into the penalty area with a forest of tall defenders arrayed in front of the goalkeeper. I know Ollie G has been suffering from an injury to his big toe, but short of amputation, I'd like to see the Frenchman back in the team tout de suite. It's only a matter of time until the Duracell batteries in Sanchez's legs give out anyway.
Seen solely through the prism of the Burnley, Swansea and 'Boro games, it's tempting to think that Arsenal is one bad result from falling through the trapdoor marked "CRISIS" but I no longer wish to be the font of Gooner gloom. Instead, the case can be made that those three matches are just the sort of exacting character tests the Gunners would have failed last season. So perhaps Wenger has instilled a new level of hunger and resilience in his current squad, enough that with a few tactical tweaks and maybe the addition of a world-class forward in January, all of my newly blissed-out mantras will be rewarded.
Of course, as an Arsenal fan, it's difficult to shake that sense of impending doom that has attached itself to us like a barnacle on a surfboard. And yet now that I've moved 3,000 miles to the land of sun and impossibly fit people, I'm determined to be more of a blue-sky kind of guy.
Rather than viewing Saturday's goalless draw as a precursor to Arsenal's annual full-on implosion, as I no doubt would have in my former fatalistic New York state of mind, I now saw it for what it was: a mere speed bump along Arsenal's road to Premier League glory.
Hurling myself into the Pacific Ocean can wait for another day.
David Hirshey is an ESPN FC columnist. He has been covering soccer for more than 30 years and written about it for The New York Times and Deadspin.
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Fantastic Books I've Edited: Week IX: Immortal…
Except for Immortal and Immortal II, all cover art and design was done by Quinton Veal.
Good evening everyone! Tonight I continue my series "Fantastic Books…" with a spotlight on (drum roll) my own eight SF/fantasy books which I've written and edited. So without further adieu I present me! 🙂
Colony: Ascension: An Erotic Space Opera (excerpt)
She awoke with an impending sense of wrongness. The astronaut reached for her view-screen, intending to alert Leonardo. His voice, any human voice, would comfort her, soothe her panic. Her view-screen was gone.
Everything was gone, her food, valise, helmet, suit. . . She wasn't in her tent anymore. With a strangled cry she sprang to her feet, her heart pounding against her rib cage. Allandra saw that her new room was without windows. Just four walls, and a door without a knob. Behind her was the platform she'd just risen from, with translucent blankets.
The door slid opened and It stepped inside. It was tall, muscular and had two eyes, hands, arms, legs and feet. And there all of the similarity between It and a human being ended. Its head was triangular. Its eyes were bulging and perfectly round with black pupils. And Its nose was a small slit above a puckered mouth that resembled that of a fish.
The skin above Its tan form-fitting suit, and that of Its hands, was black with orange and brown stripes and had a silky almost wet appearance. Each of one of Its twelve fingers had a suction cup at its tip.
It pressed a metal button on its breast and a bass, undeniably male timbre, floated toward her: "Hello, Lieutenant Allandra."
That's not his voice. He's using a translator.
"I am Chotz. You are on Planet Tyria," the being said quietly. "I'm sorry if we've caused you any distress. I know you have questions. You may ask them now, if you like."
Allandra hadn't expected this. She'd expected meetings between equals. Shaking hands.
Pleasantries between two species. Not being kidnapped and confined in a. . . Cell. "Where's Leonardo?" Her voice came out in a squeak.
Chotz's puckered lips turned up in a fey smile. "He's in a room much like yours, not far from here."
Another cell. "Can I see him?"
"That's not such a good idea right now. We need to get you settled in," he replied smoothly.
"We scanned your planet before we landed," she blurted. "We toured the surface. Why didn't we see you?"
Sci-Fi Sunday: Interview with Voyage of Dreams Fantasy/Sci-Fi Writer Valjeanne Jeffers (This interview was originally published by Graveyard Shift Sisters)
When I asked Valjeanne Jeffers which of her books is the best introduction to her work, she didn't hesitate before she replied, Voyage of Dreams.
And after reading it, I agree.
Voyage of Dreams is a collection of shorts from Jeffers longer works, intended as teaser for readers to have a taste of the genres the author writes in. There is horror, there is steampunk, there is erotica, there is sci-fi…
Now I must disclose that "Voyage of Dreams" does not have complete stories. Don't pick it up unless you're ready to understand that these are excerpts—written book trailers, if you will. They will lure you in and give you the need to know what happens next. You will come to hate the words, "To be Continued" (if you don't already) and want to purchase the full-length novels. If you prefer to have an entire story right up front, I suggest reading the excerpts from her work on her Amazon author page and choosing a tale.
Jeffers has an enviable way with creating multi-cultural characters that leap beyond stereotypes. Her descriptions and imagery wrap you into the storylines. For writers, we are always searching for the "hook" that snags the reader quickly and Jeffers has figured that out.
She also creates strong female characters and I can never have enough of those. In Awakening, she sets her sights on freeing Nandi, an young African girl from the societal and family pressures of playing the part of princess. Nandi finds her way to becoming the warrior she craves to be, but not without significant bloodshed.
My other favorites?
Colony: Ascension – Reads like sci-fi horrorotica. A young female astronaut desperate to find life outside of Earth finds answers as she wakes up a captive of an alien race.
Mona Livelong: ParanormalDetective – Bizarre murders, a serial killer that is able to continue his work after death, and a female detective from the country who is the city cops' last resort to stopping a plot that may affect all of North America.
First off, thank you for this interview. Tell us a bit about yourself and your writing style.
I'm a mother, grandmother, artist, poet and (sometimes) a teacher. And I love speculative fiction. I love reading it and writing it. My style of writing has been described by Charles Saunders, my mentor and a writer I greatly admire, as a world in which "science and sorcery co-exist." Another favorite author and good friend, Derrick Ferguson, has described it as "imaginatively experimental."
Both Charles and Derrick have described my style to a tee. When I write, I draw from horror, fantasy, science fiction, and erotica. I have a mixed-media, or I guess you could say mixed-genre style of writing. So depending upon which one of my novels a reader picks up he or she might come away describing me as horror writer, steamfunk writer etc. Some of my books can be very frightening ―I've even scared myself a time or two. Which, I think, is pretty cool.
When did you start writing and what drew you specifically to horror?
I started writing as a young girl; although I took a long hiatus from writing fiction and didn't return to it until I was in my forties. I've always been fascinated by horror stories and shows. I grew up watching Dark Shadows, The Twilight Zone, Dracula etc. And I was always particularly fascinated by the shape shifters―vampires, werewolves and such. I was never afraid of them, instead I was sympathetic. Here were otherworldly creatures who had their weirdness thrust upon them by a bite or a scratch. My sympathy was always tinged with something else: admiration. Shape shifters, from my viewpoint, had wonderful powers!
Years later, their supernatural proclivities were gifts to me as a writer. And I began to imagine what if…? What if immortal creatures with preternatural speed and strength could change at will and use their abilities to fight for their planet? To defend the world against corporate and demonic corruption? This is how my Immortal series was born.
What inspired you to write Voyage of Dreams? What is special about this collection of short stories and how does your heritage influence your storytelling?
Well, I've been toying with the idea of combining excerpts from my novels and short stories into a book for sometime now. I just recently finished writing my two newest novels, Mona Livelong: Paranormal Detective and Colony: Ascension, An Erotic Space Opera, so I had an excuse to take the plunge and do it. Excerpts from five of my novels: Mona Livelong, Colony: Ascension, An Erotic Space Opera (these two newest novels will be out sometime in July, 2014) Immortal, Immortal III: Stealer of Souls, and The Switch II: Clockwork are included. I also included four short stories: "Outcasts", "Awakening", "Mocha Faeryland", "Grandmere's Secret". I really loved bringing my stories and excerpts together― and each one is so different.
For example, Immortal is an introduction to the first novel of my Immortal series. In Chapter I, "Specter", the reader meets Karla and is instantly submersed in her world: An alternate universe in which horror and science fiction meet, with a little erotica thrown in for good measure. As I've said before I don't shy away from sexuality. I don't emphasize it either. It's just a natural part of my storytelling, like it's a natural part of life.
I also included an excerpt from Immortal III: Stealer of Souls as Stealer of Souls. In this excerpt, the reader is introduced to Annabelle, a seductive and dangerous vampire. But she isn't like any of the vampires from the old lore and films. This is a radically different type of shape shifter―with heavy emphasis on the radical. In writing Immortal III, I really got in touch with my southern roots. Annabelle is a southern belle, and she is how I've always pictured the southern seductress: Black, beautiful, and deadly―especially to a man. But every character should have layers to their personality, so Annabelle is not one-dimensional. None of my characters are.
In Mona Livelong: Paranormal Detective, a steamfunk, horror novel (excerpt), readers are introduced to Mona Livelong, the newest character in my newest series. Mona is kind of a city-country-city character. She is gifted with preternatural powers, and she lives in a small southern town right up the road from a big city. I really went out of my way to scare readers. I had a ball doing it too!
In speaking of my heritage, I'm a southern Black woman: card carrying and proud of it. I'm also a child of the 1960s, one of most moving and turbulent eras this country has ever seen. All of this informs my writing. Although a southerner, I've lived all over America and met people from all walks of life. So, I'm writing out of the Black experience, but I also identify with other races. My readers will find folks of all colors within the pages of my stories. Oppression, and fighting against it, is something common to all of us. Love, joy, hate, desire, suffering―these too, are commonalities we all share and that finds its way into my writing as well.
For you, what makes a great horror tale? What do you like to read?
There is so much about life that is terrifying―more terrifying than anything an author can write. For me, since I'm an eternal optimist, I like to read books that take horrific circumstances and transform them into something characters can triumph over; books with really terrifying circumstances and victorious characters; books that show the human spirit as indomitable. "Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten," (Neil Gaiman). I think this is very applicable to horror fiction as well. We all know that the monster in our closet is often real. What we need to know is that we can take him down.
What scares you?
I especially, like Black authors, like Tananarive Due and Nalo Hopkinson, that take something familiar and transform it into something lethal. The Good House by Tananarive Due is the scariest book I've read to date. But I'm also a diehard Stephen King fan. I dig Dean Kootz too.
How can African American artists (actors, writers, filmmakers) succeed in horror and dark fantasy fiction circles? How can women? Do you feel your work has been received differently as a Black female author?
As African American artists, our job is to create the best product we can―be it books, film, or art, and then get it out there to our fans and readers. What I'm trying to say is we shouldn't just write books (for example) we should write the best books we can―pour ourselves and our energy into them. Give the readers all you got and leave them wanting more. And then we have to market our products. As artists, we can't wait for someone to do it for us. You have to build your own fan base. The job of female artists is no different from that of a man's. No one is going to open any doors for us. We have to do it ourselves.
As a Black woman, I don't think my work has been received much differently. But, I think sometimes guys―although not those in my inner circle, of course―may think that just because I'm a woman, I can't deliver the hard-hitting battle and gory horror scenes that a man can. I actually had a male reader tell me as much at a conference. Nothing could be further from the truth. My male and female characters can swing a sword, take off a head, and mouth an incantation with the best of them. Author Charles Saunders (in his review of Immortal and Immortal II: "Immortality") said that I can "snap a plot twist on par with the best of the thriller writers." Author Milton Davis, has said (in his review of Immortal) that my "fight scenes are exciting and tense." Recommendations don't get any better than this!
What's your next project?
As I mentioned above, I'm releasing two new novels in July 2014; Mona Livelong: Paranormal Detective and Colony: Ascension, An Erotic Space Opera. Mona Livelong is a steamfunk horror novel set in 1970. However, Mona Livelong also takes place in "North America," an alternate historical period in which steampunk/steamfunk reins supreme, this means muskets, gas lights and steam-powered cars, to name a few. Steamfunk is one of my favorite genres. And lots and lots of sorcery. There is actually a whole cast of characters that make their debut in Mona Livelong. I hope my readers will come to love them, as they've come to love the characters of my Immortal series.
With Colony: Ascension, I went way outside my comfort zone and tried something totally different. Colony: Ascension is hard science fiction, a space opera―and an erotic space opera at that. But, as with my other series, I created communities of characters that are dependent upon one another for their survival. Readers can preview the first chapters of Colony on Amazon and Smashwords.
How can regional and cultural horror become more mainstream and recognizable to the wider horror fan base?
Authors have to market their books. They have to find ways of getting them into libraries. (I've donated books to libraries in different cities.) They have to attend conferences and they have to use social networking. These methods are already working. Many indie authors in my circle, Milton Davis and Balogun Ojetade for example, are achieving national recognition. I recently attended the Octavia Butler Arts and Activism conference at Spelman College (in Atlanta, Georgia, which as organized by author Tananarive Due). More recently my name was mentioned, along with two very well known writers and Janelle Monáe, no less, as one of the artists influencedby Octavia Butler. I was heavily influenced by Octavia and consider her to be one of my literary mentors, although I never got a chance to meet her.
What's the most difficult part of writing for you?
I never have any problems coming up with ideas. But I can be a perfectionist. What this means for me is that I have to constantly remind myself that the first draft is the first draft. It's not going to be perfect the first time I write it. A first draft is edited and re-edited until the final product is ready. This is a battle I seem to fight with every new novel.
What do you do when you're not writing?
I read and edit other writers' novels. I'm actually co-owner of Q & V Affordable Editing, a small company I started with my fabulous cover artist, Quinton Veal. I have to give a shout-out to Quinton, he's done the artwork for all of my novels and short stories (except for Immortal I and II). He's also very talented writer in his own right, and the author of four books.
Thank you for this interview, Valjeanne. Is there anything else you'd like to mention?
I'd like to thank Eden Royce, horror writer extraordinaire, for interviewing me! I had a blast!
Preveiw or purchase books by Valjeanne Jeffers and Quinton Veal at www.vjeffersandqveal.com
Fantastic Books I've Edited: Week VIII: Breaking Free
Happy Black Speculative Fiction Month Everyone! Tonight, I continue my blog series Fantastic Books… with a spotlight on SF Author Alicia McCalla, in which she discusses her grandfather as the inspiration behind her first dystopian novel, Breaking Free.
But first here is my own review of Breaking Free, which I had the distinct pleasure of editing:
"As Red Death jammed the IV needle into his arm, betrayal pierced his soul. Dr. Gary Leonard Kates, founder of the Revolution against CAGE, was tied to a chair. He thought about his three, little granddaughters as the lethal serum pulsed through his veins. He refused to tell Red Death the code. He'd take the secret to his death." ~ Alicia McCalla, Breaking Free
Breaking Free, by Alicia McCalla is a YA science fiction novel that tells the story of XJ Patterson, a Black teenager. The story follows XJ as she battles "Cage," a sinister governmental agency that oppresses psychically-gifted people of color, and fights to save her mom, the revolutionary Dorthy Kates-Patterson.
With flashes of brilliance, Author McCalla highlights XJ's discovery of love in the most unlikely of places, her reluctance to take on her mother's fight and the growth of her own preternatural powers–making her a force to be reckoned with. Ms. McCalla does not shy away from depicting the racism and classism of the alternate world she's created, a world eerily similar to our own, nor are her characters one dimensional. In fact, she even managed to make me feel sympathy for XJ's teenage, arch-nemesis.
Breaking Free is a fast-paced read, complete with edge of your seat SF, action and humor. And XJ is a likeable and strong heroine that young folks can easily identify with–most especially young folks of color. I thoroughly enjoyed Breaking Free, and I give it an enthusiastic five stars!
(This interview was first published on Petit Fours and Hot Tamales)
When I was a little girl, my granddad made me feel like I was a princess. It was exciting to be the only grandchild for so many years. As I became an adult, I would regularly call my granddad to check-in and tell him about my life, adventures, and latest escapades.
When I would call, I'd play a game with him. I'd ask him if he knew who I was because I never wanted him to forget that I was his first grandchild. He would laugh and tell me that he could never forget me because I was unique and that he'd always remember me because of my voice. He said, "How can I forget that you are my first granddaughter?"
The last couple of years have been difficult. When I call, it's hard for my grandfather to remember who I am. He knows my voice and knows that I'm important but he oftentimes can't remember my name. He's been diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer's disease.
When I began writing BREAKING FREE, I knew that I had to include my grandfather in some way. In his youth, he showed quick wit, brilliance, and intelligence. My granddad was a trailblazer but more importantly he was cool. So it was natural for me to use him as the inspiration behind XJ's holographic grandfather.
In BREAKING FREE, XJ's grandfather chooses to commit suicide rather than allow CAGE to swipe his mind. He sacrifices himself for the revolutionary cause and copies his consciousness into a super computer. As a holographic image, sometimes his body becomes corporeal and sometimes his memories are degraded but he's able to use his genius to help XJ become a revolutionary leader in her Genetically-Enhanced worlds.
BREAKING FREE tackles controversial issues such as race, class, same-sex relationships and gender but there is also this connection to my beautiful grandfather. Before my Grandfather completely succumbed to his Alzheimer's, I sent him a copy of BREAKING FREE to read. He was so proud and excited to see my name on the cover and to read the story. Lately, I'm hoping that he'll remember me, and I'm hoping that he'll continue to be proud.
Alicia McCalla is a native of Detroit, Michigan, who currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She works as a school librarian and enjoys traveling as well as spending time with her husband and son. Visit Alicia at: www.aliciamccalla.com to sign-up for e-updates, giveaways, and sneak peeks of her upcoming novels.
Contact Valjeanne Jeffers for editing: email@example.com
Valjeanne Jeffers is the author of eight science fiction/fantasy novels, and she has been published in numerous anthologies. Purchase her novels at http://www.vjeffersandqveal.com and Amazon
She is co-owner of http://qandvaffordableediting.blogspot.com with poet and artist Quinton Veal. Contact Valjeanne for editing, and Quinton Veal for cover art at: email@example.com Their reasonable prices will shock and amaze you 🙂
Fantastic Books I've Edited Week II: Once Upon a Time in Afrika
Purchase Once Upon a Time in Afrika here. Balogun Ojetade on Amazon.
This week I continue my blog series "Fantastic Books I've Edited" with a spotlight on Author and Editor Balogun Ojetade and his fantastic novel: Once Upon a Time in Afrika.
What I can I say about Once Upon a Time in Afrika? Read. This. Book. You'll thank me later. Once Upon a Time in Afrika is a wildly imaginative ride full of rich, vibrant characters, sorcery, African mythology, and mad cool battle scenes. This is one of those novels that I wished (while editing) that I was curled upon a sofa with, instead of sitting in front of my pc. Of course that didn't stop me from enjoying it. But then, Brother Balogun Ojetade is one of my favorite authors and he never fails to deliver.
So, without further fanfare I present an interview with Balogun Ojetade.
Q&A with Author Balogun Ojetade
Who is Balogun Ojetade?
He is an author; a father of eight children; a husband; a Steamfunkateer; a filmmaker; a screenwriter; an actor (sometimes); a master instructor of indigenous Afrikan martial arts; a creator of role-playing games and a traditional Afrikan priest. Oh…and he always spells "Afrikan" and "Afrika" with a "k".
When did you first get into science fiction, fantasy and speculative fiction?
When I was two years old – my sisters decided to conduct an experiment and see if they could teach their two year old brother to read by getting him hooked on comic books, starting with Thor, Superman, Beetle Bailey, Archie and the Fantastic Four. Their experiment worked and I have been in love with speculative and imaginative fiction ever since.
Tell us about Once Upon A Time In Afrika
Once Upon A Time in Afrika is my Sword and Soul novel. For a definition of Sword and Soul, I will quote the subgenre's founder, the incomparable author, friend and Jegna ("mentor"), Charles R. Saunders: "Sword-and-soul is the name I've given to the type of fiction I've been writing for nearly 40 years. The best definition I can think of for the term is 'African-inspired heroic fantasy'. Its roots are in sword-and-sorcery, but its scope is likely to expand as time passes."
Here's what Once Upon A Time In Afrika is about: Desperate to marry off his beautiful but "tomboyish" daughter, Esuseeke, the Emperor of the powerful empire of Oyo consults the Oracle, which tells him that Esuseeke must marry the greatest warrior in all Onile (Afrika). To determine who the greatest warrior is, the Emperor hosts a grand martial arts tournament, inviting warriors from all over the continent. Just a few of the warriors chosen are her lover, Akin, who enters the tournament in disguise, a wizard seeking to avenge the death of a loved one and a vicious dwarf with shark-like, iron teeth. Unknown to the warriors and spectators of the tournament, a powerful evil is headed their way and they will be forced to decide if they will band together against the evil, flee, or confront the evil as individuals.
Why are Science Fiction and Fantasy important to you?
I learned just how important Science Fiction and Fantasy is after spending several years as an English and Creative Writing teacher in the public and private sectors. In conversing with other English teachers, I often asked them if they taught creative writing in their classes. Most did not. One teacher told me that she tried "that creative writing stuff" with her students, but quickly gave up on it and returned to a more"practical syllabus." Upon further investigation, I discovered that she believed creative writing – particularly Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy – to be something outside – and, indeed, beneath – the instruction of English.
Most educators of English / Language Arts focus on the mechanics of the subject – how to read and write, rules of grammar, use of verbs, adverbs, adjectives, pronouns and nouns and sentence comprehension – without the context of why and how those mechanics are used by students to express themselves.
Yes, we need to teach the mechanics – how to hold a pen; how to read; how words work – but we should not confuse use of a thing with understanding of it. Training in the mechanics of writing produces writing technicians; however, it does not make you a writer. So, you know how to spell; you can answer questions on grammar; you can repeat someone else's literary criticism of a text – you are a technician. You can fix my text as a garage mechanic can fix my car. The garage mechanic can't design a car. They can't improve a car. They can't build one from scratch. They can only ever work on someone else's car. This is why we – and our children – need to read and to write Science Fiction and Fantasy – so that our children do not only work on other people's texts; they create and build their own. So they are not limited to just reading a story written by someone else and providing a report on it – they are out there in the field, experimenting with new stories and questioning old ones…if only for the reason that they can.
We need to teach our children to go out into the world to add to the pantheon of human creation and endeavor, not to dissect the words of long dead men. Science Fiction and Fantasy are best suited for that.
What type of research goes into bringing one of your stories to life?
Tons of research…on the history; on the setting; on the culture and belief system of the people I write about. If we are going to write Steampunk and our story is set during the Victorian Era (between 1837 and 1901) and we want to avoid the cultural appropriation so prevalent in Steampunk, then it is necessary that we know history; that we understand how the Age of Steam was, so that we can determine how it should have been.
If we cosplay a "Steampunk Squaw," we should research how First Nation women lived during the Age of Steam; we should study First Nation cultures and choose in which nation we are going to gain historical and sociological expertise; we should research the word "squaw", understand it is an offensive term to First Nation women and change the name…if you give a damn.
And that is what research is: giving a damn. So I do it…a lot.
Contact Valjeanne Jeffers for editing and cover art at firstname.lastname@example.com
Valjeanne Jeffers is the author of eight science fiction/fantasy novels, and she has been published in numerous anthologies. Purchase her novels at www.vjeffersandqveal.com and Amazon
She is co-owner of http://qandvaffordableediting.blogspot.com with poet and artist Quinton Veal. Contact Valjeanne for editing, and/or cover art at: firstname.lastname@example.com her reasonable prices will shock and amaze you 🙂
A witch, more machine than human, judges the character of the wicked and hands out justice in a ravaged Chicago. John Henry wields his mighty hammers in a war against machines and the undead. Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman rule a country of freed slaves that rivals – and often bests – England and France in power and technology. You will find all this – and much more – between the pages of Steamfunk, an anthology of incredible stories by some of today's greatest authors of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Steamfunk …
For the next two months I'll be featuring books I've had the pleasure of editing (i.e. copy editing) and interviews with the authors and editors of these fantastic books. This week I'm featuring Steamfunk! edited by Authors Milton Davis and Balogun Ojetade. Steamfunk! is an anthology that I had a ball editing! The stories are some of the most imaginative I've ever read, and what made my job even sweeter was that my own story The Switch (Part I of The Switch II: Clockwork) was included! So without further adieu, I present for your enjoyment an interview with Brother Milton Davis, one of the co-editors of Steamfunk!, who has been described as "the hardest working man in black speculative fiction today."
Q&A With Author Milton Davis
(originally published by The SPEC FICTION HUB/Interviewer Marlon Edwards)
1. You are, in my opinion, one of the hardest working people in Black speculative fiction today. I'll be honest; I'm awed by your output. Every time I look up, you have a new novel or anthology out, or you're on a panel, or you've just completed a short story, or you have a new project on the go.
Now, a lot of people start projects, but you finish them. And people enjoy them.
How do you find the time? Are you one of those disciplined creatives who carve out the same block of time every day? Or do you create in small snatches, whenever you have a moment?
I'm pretty disciplined I guess. I write every morning for about a half an hour, then for an hour every evening. I'm not much of a television watcher so that leaves me plenty of time to write
2. I think I read you say somewhere that you started writing later in life. Was that due to work and family being first priority, or did someone or something inspire you to create stories?
Family and work were definitely a big part of it, but the main reason was that I didn't find my passion to write until later in life. It was sparked by the research I did in the '90s on African history and it culminated with the forming of MVmedia in 2005. I decided that if I was ever going to do it it was time. So I did.
3. If Charles R. Saunders is the grandfather of the Sword and Soul, then you are the father of the sub-genre. I don't think it's too far-fetched to say you helped to revive it.
If I'm counting correctly (and correct me if I'm wrong), you have six Sword and Soul novels, including your Meji books and your Changa books. And those are just the novels where you are the sole author.
How did you first connect with Mr. Saunders, and what draws you to Sword and Soul?
I met Charles by pure chance. I didn't discover Imaro until 2005 when it was re-released by Nightshade books. I had finished Meji and Changa by then and tried to reach out to him with no luck. Later while on Blacksuperhero.com one of the members, Richard Tyler, announced that Nightshade was no longer publishing Imaro and that he was taking over. I immediately contacted Richard, who immediately put me in touch with him. Charles was gracious and friendly from day one. He agreed to read Meji and told me he liked it, which of course made my year. We've been Sword and Soul brothers since.
I love Sword and Soul because it combines two of my favorites; history and fantasy. It's where my writing passion is for now and will probably remain for a while yet.
4. I'm fascinated by writers who have distinguished, professional day jobs, like you. By trade, you're a chemist. Do your professional experiences ever make their way into your work?
Not yet. They're both creative processes, but until I write science fiction I think the two will remain separate.
5. Steampunk is one of those sub-genres that is fiercely protected. Some steampunks have a hard-and-fast definition of what steampunk is, and what time frame it encompasses. Anything outside of that they don't consider part of the sub-genre.
A little more than a year ago, you and your editing partner, Balogun Ojetade, released an anthology called Steamfunk!. In doing so, you two created a sub-genre of a sub-genre. You also pissed some people off.
What is your definition of steamfunk, and why do you feel speculative literature needs this sub-genre?
Steamfunk is Steampunk that incorporates the culture and historical perspective of people of African descent. The truth to me is that Steampunk, like most genres, operates on the conditions that anyone can play as long as you play by my rules. You don't have to look deep to see that the historical foundation of the genre is based on a time in history and an empire that was not very favorable to and for people of African descent, especially those within the empire. The concept of Steamfunk grew out of a conversation by fellow writers discussing this fact. The Steamfunk! Anthology was a result of this conversation.
I think this genre needs Steamfunk because it allows us to express what was unique to our culture during this time period in our own way. How it's expressed depends on the writer. I tend to take the alternate history approach. To be honest both Balogun and I were writing Steamfunk/Steampunk before we knew there was a name for it. And there's one truth that a lot of Steampunk folks are reluctant to admit while others happily acknowledge; Steamfunk has brought more people of African descent to the genre than Steampunk in its current form and has added a fresh perspective.
5. An interesting trend that has been happening for some years now is young, Black men and women who were born in the northern United States are moving to the South—often where their parents were born—especially, Atlanta.
As this has happened, Atlanta now has what's become a thriving Black speculative fiction community. Is that fair to say, and if so, why do you think that is?
Although our Northern cousins have contributed to the growth of the Black speculative community in Atlanta, a large portion of it is home grown. I'm a good example; born in North Carolina and raised in Georgia. I think the growth of speculative fiction among young black men and women across the board is a generational thing and will continue to expand as time goes on. Atlanta has become a hub because we've made it so. We have an active, open community supported by a large number of speculative fiction conventions, most notably DragonCon. Atlanta has always been a city where the black community possesses a can do attitude and this same attitude exists among black speculative creators and fans here. We don't wait for it to be done; we do it.
6. One of the things I admire about you is, not only do you collaborate with other writers and editors and artists, but you truly respect the collaboration.
I'm paraphrasing here, and I hope I don't misrepresent your words, but I saw you post of Facebook once that, if you want a certain artist to do your novel cover or draw your character, and you can't afford the artist, save your money until can. You seemed to be saying, 'don't settle for second best.'
Is that what you believe, and, in your experience, does financial compensation make the collaboration a healthier one?
One of my beliefs is that most publishers don't put their best foot forward when it comes to developing projects geared toward black people. They don't feel the investment will yield a good return because of the lingering misconception that black people don't read. I promised myself that I would produce the highest quality product my money and skills were capable of, especially when it came to artwork. So I use the best artists I can afford and I pay them in a timely manner. There's a lot of shortchanging that goes on in this industry so there's a lot of mistrust on both sides. I'm straightforward with what I want and what I'll pay for it; if I can't afford it I won't do the deal. The result is that I get to work with some great artists.
It's always best to pay people for their work. The backend deal can work, but so many artists and writers have been ripped off in such situations that I feel it's best to just do the deal up front unless the artist suggests otherwise.
7. Before we end this interview, I do want to thank you for setting aside some time in your busy schedule to answer my questions. I also want to give you the opportunity to tell us what projects you have coming up.
I know you're working on a secret project (which I'm sure you can't tell us about yet), but do you have novels or short stories or anthologies that will be published soon?
Right now I'm working on the paperback version of Changa's Safari Volume Three, which will be available either late August or early September. After that I'm taking a break to catch my breath and plan for 2015. I do have one more project I'd like to complete before the end of the year but I'll have to see how things pan out. I have big plans for next year; three anthologies as at least one novel. Two of the anthologies; The City and Dark Universe, are science fiction anthologies which will be a first for me. The third anthology is a continuation of the Griots series. Everything depends on sales. If things continue to grow as they have, I believe it will be doable.
Thank you for the opportunity. I hope I haven't put anyone to sleep.
Contact Valjeanne Jeffers at email@example.com
Valjeanne Jeffers is the author of eight science fiction/fantasy novels, and she has been published in numerous anthologies. She is co-owner of http://qandvaffordableediting.blogspot.com with poet and artist Quinton Veal. Contact Valjeanne for editing, and/or cover art at: firstname.lastname@example.com her reasonable prices will shock and amaze you 🙂
Voyage of Dreams
. . .A Collection of Otherwordly Short Stories
Cover art and design by Quinton Veal
Table of Contents
Immortal (excerpt)
Mona Livelong: Paranormal Detective (excerpt)
Colony Ascension (excerpt)
The Switch (book I of The Switch II: Clockwork)
Mocha Faeryland
Stealer of Souls (Immortal III excerpt)
Grandmere's Secret
"The caretakers' offices are on the ground floor." Karla pointed to each of the four cubicles, two on both sides of the shuttered kitchen. Silver's application had been accepted with only one dissenting vote. Hung Wai said he didn't trust him. Now, Karla was giving Silver a tour of his new home.
She gestured to the flat screen mounted to a post in the center of the room. "On this console you can listen to music or watch net shows. If it's after 11:00 o'clock, just keep the volume settings low." The youth trudged alongside her, dragging a green knapsack.
Karla pointed to the bag. "Is that your stuff?"
Silver grinned, his teeth were surprising white and even. "Yeah. . ."
Boy, he's got great looking teeth for a junkie. "Is it heavy?"
"Little bit, but I'm okay."
She returned his smile. "We don't have far to go." They boarded the elevator and got off on the sixth floor. "Seventy-five residents share floors two through six. Every floor with living quarters has a pool table and a weight room, and there's a library on the third floor."
"CLEAN doesn't have an in-house medical staff, but if you have an emergency we've got a 24 hour hotline that can be accessed using any console; and a panic button on every floor." Karla pointed to the red button next to the elevator.
"Or you can tell one of our enforcers. They're here round the clock." She waved at the two golden-skinned Telphranes flanking the left wall and they nodded their bald heads in greeting.
"Come on, I'll show you to your room." Karla walked him to his cubicle: one among the fifteen, rectangular stalls that lined the floor; followed him inside and settled in one of the two armchairs, while he sat on the bed
She grinned, "Believe it or not, I'm almost finished. Breakfast is served between 9:00 and 10:00; lunch between 12:00 and 1:00. Meditation is at 10:30, and living sessions are from 2:30 to 4:30. Matt's been assigned as your personal caretaker. During your first week, he's available to you 24 hours a day."
"The house rules are posted on every floor, but I'll go over them because you can be evicted for breaking just one. No drugs allowed unless they're prescribed. No visits to a resident's cubicle unless you're invited—this one's really important because we've got male and female residents living here. You're adults, we don't care what you do, so long as it's consensual and it's not group sex. No rapes or orgies allowed."
"No physical violence allowed either. If you've got a problem with one of your housemates, see your caretaker. That's it," Karla stood, "any questions?"
Silver shook his head. "Naw, I'm cool."
"So you think you're gonna like it here?"
He smiled shyly. "I think I'm gonna love it."
Karla leaned down and hugged him. "Welcome to the family."
Tehotep sprawled on the cushioned divan, one leg thrown over the couch arm, Red and black hued carpets were scattered over the hardwood floors. Black marble columns supported the ceilings. The warehouse was lit by oil burning lamps and scented candles, the walls, decorated with paintings of mortals coupling with daemons.
He eyed the six addicts lounging about the room: four sucking greedily on rush pipes, two others making love in the corner. For weeks, he'd been luring them here. They preferred his house to the dormitories —and even the nightspots. There were no rules here, no credits to worry about. They only had to remember that his commands were law.
Now they numbered 60. Soon, he would have hundreds. For a moment, he gazed feverishly at the two slaves and was sorely tempted to join them. No, it's time for the ceremony.
Tehotep rose from the chair and spread his arms. Come to me. . .In moments, he was surrounded by his acolytes; surviving for weeks on a diet of little more than drugs, his slaves were emaciated. He wondered if they would all survive the transmogrification.
"Take off your clothing and go to the basement." They glanced at each another fearfully. He'd threatened to kill them if they ever went into the basement. Now he was ordering them to break his own edict?
"Obey me now." His voice would brook no refusal. They disrobed and in twos and threes began to board the elevator. When they'd all reached the ground floor, Tehotep appeared in the center of the room. The acolytes jumped then stared at him fearfully.
Yet another sorcerer's trick to prove he wasn't human.
But once they got a good look at the room, they were ready to bolt.
The cellar was bereft of furniture or windows and lit by four candles, one in each corner of the room. A huge, half circle had been etched into the floor and painted with a crimson substance that glowed eerily in the dim light. Those standing near the door started to back away, mumbling under their breath.
"If you try to leave, I will kill you where you stand!" His voice held them immobile.
"You!" He called a thin, trembling woman to him, and directed her to mold her body to the design. He ordered a second slave to lie beneath her, so that his fingertips touched her toes. One by one, at his command, they fitted their bodies to the diagram.
Tehotep stepped inside the fractured circle, raised his hands and began to chant: "Transformai edivai, transformai edivai…That which is whole, let it be broken, that which is pure, let it be defiled
. . ."
Ghostly shadows appeared along the walls, their voices merging with his. The chant grew to a roar. His acolytes began to scream. . .
Now available at: www.vjeffersandqveal.com
And smashwords: Voyage of Dreams
The Butler-Baker Tour Author of the Day: Valjeanne Jeffers
Valjeanne Jeffers is a graduate of Spelman College and a member of The Carolina African American Writers' Collective. She is the author of the SF/fantasy novels: Immortal, Immortal II: The Time of Legend, Immortal III: Stealer of Souls, and the steamfunk novels: Immortal IV: Collision of Worlds and The Switch II: Clockwork (includes books 1 and 2); and the nonfiction volume: The Story of Eve. An inteveiw with Valjeanne also appears in 60 Years of Black Women in Horror Fiction. She was a semi-finalist for the Rita Dove Poetry Award and The Switch (book I) was nominated for best eBook novella by the EFestival of Words.
Valjeanne's poetry has been published in The Ringing Ear: Black Poets Lean South, Drumvoices Revue, Revelry and Pembroke Magazine. Her fiction has appeared in Steamfunk!, Genesis: An Anthology of Black Science Fiction Volumes I and II, Griots: A Sword and Soul Anthology, LuneWing, PurpleMag, Genesis Science Fiction Magazine, Pembroke Magazine, Possibilities, 31 Days of Steamy Mocha, and Griots II: Sisters of the Spear. An excerpt from The Story of Eve was also published in PurpleMag. She is also co-owner of Q and V Affordable editing.
Her two latest novels: Mona Livelong: Paranormal Detective and Colony: Ascension will be released later this year. Preview or purchase her novels at: http://www.vjeffersandqveal.com
Contact Q & V Affordable Editing at:http://qandvaffordableediting.blogspot.com/
Valjeanne blogs regularly at: https://valjeanne.wordpress.com
She has a podcast as "Crystal Temptress" (with her co-host Quinton Veal as "Loyal Fang")http://www.blogtalkradio.com/vjeffersandqveal
Check out her newest release: Voyage of Dreams, A collection of Otherwordly stories featuring her best works– including Mona Livelong (excerpt), Colony (excerpt), Grandmere's Secret, Outcasts, Mocha Faeryland and more!
Herman Lowe had less than an hour to live. The District Attorney was wearing his best suspenders and
stove pipe pants. His Stetson hat and drink sat on the table before him and his date Marissa, a shapely woman half his
age, snuggled up next to him, his arm about her shoulders.
The Pretender was his getaway. A spot where no one knew him. Even better, it wasn't a nightclub his wife or
her girlfriends frequented.
He kissed Marissa wetly on the lips and winked, "Be right back, sugar. I gotta pay my water bill," scooted his
considerable girth out from behind the booth and sauntered to the gentlemen's room.
Herman pushed the swinging door open into a restroom lit by oil lamps, and walked over to a stall. As he relieved himself, he reflected pleasantly over his last courtroom win. He'd managed to convince a jury that the accused, Sonny Peters, had swindled fifty folks out of their life savings with a bogus gold-mining investment scheme.
It was a difficult case. Over the years Sonny had used a plethora of different names and disguises. But Lowe's barristers, under his tutelage, had pieced together Sonny's paper trail and turned it into hard evidence.
Another victory. Ten years and I've only lost three cases. Could be Monterrey is ready for a Black mayor. Herman Lowe, Monterrey's first Black District Attorney, was a man who believed in firsts.
He buttoned his fly, pulled the chain to flush the toilet, and walked across the bathroom to the basin to wash his hands. Lowe poured water from a vase into the washbasin, and picked up one of the towels beside it to dry his hands.
The door swung open. He looked up but saw no one. Herman glanced behind him, shrugged and finished drying his hands.
The temperature in the room dipped from seventy to forty degrees. Lowe suddenly felt a suffocating claustrophobia, as if he were being forced inside a coffin. He clutched the towel, breathing hard, his heart thumping. By now it was so cold he could see his exhaled breath. Footsteps echoed over the bathroom tiles, slow and measured. The stopped just beside him.
A plume of breath floated toward him. With a cry of terror, he bolted for the door.
A shadow blocked his path.
Lowe's rich ebony skin had faded to a sickly gray. That was the first thought that came to the detective's mind, as he stared down at the body. Curtis Dubois fingered the toothpick in his mouth. He was a heavy-set man, with skin the color of brown-sugar, close-cut hair, and dark eyes. He sported a mustache over his full lips, and his youthful face belied his thirty-two years. . .
Mona Livelong: Paranormal Detective (excerpt), Voyage of Dreams
Copyright 2014, Valjeanne Jeffers all rights reserved
Cover art and design Quinton Veal
Voyage of Dreams is now available for pre-order at www.vjeffersandqveal.com


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Pennies from Heaven helps Liberal Latchkey
KSCB News - August 22, 2011 9:30 pm
When you shop at the Liberal JC Penney from now until August 27 and round your purchase up to the next whole dollar, the JC Penney "Pennies From Heaven Program" will donate the difference to the Liberal Latchkey Program to provide children in this community with access to life-enriching afters-chool programs.
This program, through its partnership with United Ways, has given millions to after-school programs nation wide. "This year's goal was 100,000,000 pennies and they've already raised 389,803,140 to date, according to their web site," said Kay Burtzloff, Seward County United Way director. "Just tell the JC Penney Associate at the cash register that you want to round up your purchase to the next dollar. "It's amazing how just a few cents from each person can add up."
The Liberal Latchkey program has received over a $1,000 year through the program. Two more "Pennies from Heaven" events are planned for this year, Oct. 12-25 and Nov. 30-Dec. 12. Those proceeds will also go to the Liberal Latchkey program.


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An online game love story ! Devakshi ff (Epi -2)
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Note : I will just check this nd next episode review as someone has already revealed the name of the drama nd if there are low readers then I will stop writing this ff . so now it depends on u guys whether u want me to continue or not . the episode is big so read calmly nd srry for my spelling mistakes tooo plzzzzz…..
The episode starts with sona asking Elena
Sona : hold on how do you know ? were u peeping at my game while I was playing ?
(Elena tries to avoid question nd eye contact to with sona )
Elena :don't pay attention to details sona .tell me would u give ur pic to him ?
Sona : offcousre not .we got married to do quest ( a kind of couple competition )so, it's weird to share photos ,but its not gud to go offline like that atleast I should have given an excuse,for ex: my computer has crashed nd I lost all my photos .
Sona then sits nd tries to open her laptop where as Elena was eating her noodles sitting infront of her .sona tries to open laptop but it's not opening
Sona : no way ! what's wrong with this laptop now
Elena : ur computer crashed nd u lost all ur photos?
Sona pointing finger at Elena
Sona :u are such a idiot person . how could this happen ?(still trying to figure out )
Elena trying to escape slowly nd says while getting scared from her
Nd Elena runs in the room
Sona : where are u trying to run ? stop and come here ?
(She starts chasing her atlast Elena gets caught by son and both son and Elena goes to get repair sona's laptop .elena while driving her scooter )
Elena : how rude sona u didn't even gave me time to complete my noodles.aliya and tina both went out nd I have to accompany u now to repair shop nd this lovely whether is all wasted now
Sona : how dare u ?who damaged my laptop nd made this trouble ?
Elena : sona….. there few movies going on in theaters let's send the laptop for repair nd let's go for a movie
Sona : no I won't leave it in store . I will buy motherboard nd replace it myself nd it is cheaper plus it's the faster way nd I have to use my laptop tonight
Elena : no need to be so rushed …..okay
Sona : a good cs student like me can not live a day without laptop .understand!
Elena : human language please .
Sona : I have an appointment with somebody to fight tonight
Elena : I knew it !
Suddenly Elena notice a couple having fun nd sighs
Elena : how time files ! we are already in second semester nd it is hard to believe that in this uni with tons of guys and a few girls nd in the cs department I haven't found anyone yet it is so pathetic
Sona : that's not the reason u pick this uni ,right?
Elena : there was more to it . this uni offers the no.1 engineering course in india nd it was my dream to come here nd cs is my dream major …..but still sona marriage is all important as these matters
( suddenly they see few ppl running to a poster to read it nd they too stop their scooter nd sees the poster )
Elena : what's going on ? basketball tournament !
Suddenly sona remembers a guy making a goal throwing the basketball in the basket
Someone : CS VS BIPC STUDENTS
Elena by pushing sona in excitement nd says
Elena : dev dixit the legend is comig back for the basketball game !
Both together : that's great !wow!
Sona : we can see the legend playing again!
Both: yea……
First girl : dev dixit is the key player we will for sure see him this time
Second girl : that's not necessary . dev dixit is already a senior nd he comes rarely to the campus now nd it is said that he has been seen for long time
First girl : may be they are bluffing again
Secong girl : but there is nothing wrong in going nd checking their
First girl : yaa… nd this might be the last chance to see him
Secong girl : yaa ….that 's heartbreaking
Elena looks at son and both goes aside nd Elena says
Elena : we need to go one hour early to get seats for us .but sona !….i didn't know that u are too into dev dixit
Sona : ofcourse he is the legend nd I downloaded all the softwares he posted .if our uni is like a game with ranking he will be the top for every skill
Elena : girl , u are so sophisticated . I only pay attention to body nd face
Sona : ele….
Elena : I can't understand u genius guys anyway nd damn the person who hacked the video of him swimming last time ? I really wanted to see it !
Sona : shhh!
Both then sits in scooter nd moves then we see another to girls in a store .
First girl : nathasha come here .nd lets get this one
Nathasha : alina …..we don't know this person nd how can I ask him foe help ?
Alina : relax….i know a person from his dorm ( hostle )so I came up with this idea we get the ram first nd then go to ask him to help .ok so relax
Nd the both goes to shopkeeper
Alina : sir ! what's is the cost of this ?
Sona nd elena enters at the same time
Shopkeeper : 500
Alina : that's so expensive
Shopkeeper : u can go around nd ask the price is same everywhere . this is a gud quality stuff
Sona nd elena both notices them
Alina : how about u gave us in 450 ?
Shopkeeper : no way , its already the cheapest we can offer
Sona : excuse me , sir ! this price is not reasonable ? the gold glare on this ram doesn't look right this is obviously second hand u give a price for a brand new one . this is unfair
Shopkeeper : rubbish ,what do uk ? this is none of ur business
Sona : well I am a cs student ,how much do u think I know? This store is just infront of my uni yet u are selling at such a unfair price .i am afraid u won't get much business if the students know about it
Elena : that's true . this is too much
Sona to nathasha nd alina : hey look this ram is just cost of 200 u can google it if u don't believe it
Shopkeeper : the ol are all fake as they are cheap
Alina to nathasha in her ears
Alina : this girl looks like sonakshi bose
Nathasha to sona : thank u so much I believe the boss will not lie to me nd it is reasonable for him to earn some profit
Nathasha pays 500 to shopkeeper nd leaves nd where as elena nd sona look at eachother nd gives a expression like what kind of fool she is nd they too leaves
Elena : she pretended to be so nice nd up class for what ? for who ? we were trying to help her nd now we look like fools
Sona : I know
Elena : it must be because she is jealous of u sona
Suddenly alina and nathasha are also passing by opposite side nd elena looking at them
Elena : u know her right ? nathasha kapoor she was voted for the most pretty girl on campus
Sona : oh yea ! that's why she was looking familiar
Elena: that must be the reason last sem the competition between u two was really heated up ? of course she doesn't have a gud temper with u
Sona : it was all last semester nd I won't forget who uploaded my picture online
Nd sona just give a light slap on ele's shoulder
Elena : hey u have already check my pc nd phone that day .it wasn't me ! nd besides I wouldn't upload such a blurry pic .if it was me I would have posted an up-front hd pic nd the pic of nathasha do u think it was photoshop? Nd might have took few days to do that plus it wasn't even gud too . nd I know if she wouldn't have photoshop na u would have won it .
Sona : I will go to internet café later nd I know she won the competiton she is the winner so don't u think I should be the one who should be hostile but she was hostile towards me .
Elena : who knows? May be she think she doesn't have a gud figure like u …
Nd she starts staring sona from down to bottom nd sona pushes her
Sona : ele…
Elena : she really dooesn't have gud figure .i know !
Sona : idk about that but I know y are u not getting any bf ?
Elena : really say me why why ?
Sona : because u pay more attention to girls than boys
Elena : sona …………………u re so bad
Nd elena starts to beat her
Sona : okay !okay! let's stop now nd take my laptop to hostle for me . bye !
Elena : u don't have place to stand nd u waste all ur time with ur laptop
Elena goes back to hostle nd sona goes to internet café .where a guy is seen playing chess with an 50+ person
Old man : I heard from ur dad u want to start up a company ?
Guy : yes!
Nd he moves a chess coin (idk what it is call?)
Old man : in which area ?
Guy : I will start developing two games first
Old man : if u win this round I will give u a gift
The guy starts thinking of his next move nd we see sona entering the café nd sitting near a computer nd sona login's in game nd starts to play nd goes to place in game
Naina : sona u came
Random guy : reed sona u are finally here ! I thought u wouldn't come
Sona : I don't think I am late
Random guy : whether u come on time or late it doesn't matter get ready to loose
Sona : let's start
Now we see both son and guy handling their games with calmness nd focused towards it .its like who will win their she is shown playing with sword nd here the guy is shown moving his next moves .atlast both win their matches nd the guy 's faced is revealed who is none other than dev
Random guy : no wonder reed sona is the only female in top ten players in fighting list
Other person -1: how does she manage her skills so fast yet she is in 6th position
Other person -2 : then who is in the first position
Other person -1 : the legendary person devrath is in 1 st position
Other person-2 : idk if I have met him before
Random guy : reed sona let's fight again
Sona : okay !but I am in an internet café nd I only paid for an hour so hurry up !
Nd the scene changes to dev nd the old man
Old man : acc to our agreement u won this game nd now I would like to give u this place ( the internet café ) for ur start up company nd as ur gift
Dev : uncle this was ur plan not mine ?
Uncle : so u don't want my gift ?
Dev : no ! plus I already have a place for my company
Uncle : that's the spirit
Both then leaves his cabin ( I mean his ucle's cabin )
Uncle : well it looks like u have gone on me in whole family ,we both love computers ,ur dad is an archaeologist prof. nd ur mom is an history prof. so how come u are doing cs?i can tell that u are like me ………….nd I have no time for this internet café so if u don't want I will close it nd sell it to someone
Random girl : boss there is an call for u !
Uncle : okay ! I am coming …..dev u wait here I will just come in an moment
The uncle goes nd suddenly dev notices someone nd just stares nd obviously it turns out be our sona who was fighting with someone in game nd dev gets mesmerised seeing her nd by her fast moving fingers on key board .sona doesn't notice him sas she was facing her backside towards dev . after winning the game sona takes her bag nd pays at reiciption nd goes nd all the time dev was just staring her .his staring got broken by his uncle
Uncle : dev ….what are u looking at ?
Dev : nothing uncle
Both leaves from the internet café nd my epi too ends here hope u all like it .so, plzzz give me lots of thumbsup guys nd share ur reviews down in the comment box as this time it depends on u guys whether I should continue or not .
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It's voting time for the Umbrella Prints Trimming Competition! If you don't mind, could you please leave a comment on this pin of my entry? The one with the most comments wins the people's choice award. Here's the full details about my entry, too. Thank you in advance! (Warning: I may harass you with a … Continue reading
Filed under Art …
Umbrella Prints Trimmings Competition 2014
You may recall my inability to actually get my entry done in time for the previous two years for the Umbrella Prints Trimmings Competition. Well, sir, that isn't happening again this year! I absolutely love Umbrella Prints fabric and can only imagine how wonderful it would be to work with yardage of it. The trimmings packs have a … Continue reading
Painted Quotes
Anyone who knows me knows that I am obsessed with quotations, song lyrics, and poetry. I have kept a "quotes journal" for as long as I can remember (and now have a Pinterest board of some of my favorites, too). This is a little watercolour project I started recently, highlighting some of my favorite quotes.
Recent work
Some recent stitching projects (both in progress and done): And I had the good fortune of going to an art class my good friend Kate was doing yesterday afternoon at one of our local libraries. We worked with acrylics and made lemon still life paintings. Not bad for 40 minutes, right?
Snow Dyeing
One of the things we did while snowed in last week was snow dyeing playsilks. I did a swap with another mom in one of my Waldorf groups and received some undyed play silks for the kiddo and I to have fun with. Someone had posted basic directions for using snow to dye silks, so … Continue reading
Recent creations pt 2: Peg Dolls
Some other recent creations. I received a wood burning tool from my mom, and I love it! I made these peg doll sets for two different swaps. This little heart themed peg doll was made for a Valentine's Day swap. I woodburned the lazily drifting heart onto the body, added a face and hair, plus … Continue reading
Recent creations: Woodland Animal Swap
I know I haven't posted very much recently. Between the holidays and some other things going on, I haven't had much time to blog or make much. But I have done a few swaps for the Waldorf groups I belong to. This little brown bear, tree, and forest floor mat set (with bear poem) were … Continue reading
Winter Nature Table
I recently did a really fun swap with a Waldorf group I belong to on Facebook. The theme was "Winter Nature Table," which was perfect because I am just getting into doing a nature table (or windowsill, in our case, since space is at a premium in our tiny house). Each participant made six things– … Continue reading
A Winged Cat Bird Monster
I am 100% in love with this latest monster! This is the one for my swap, and as it turns out, the person I have to create for loves birds and cats. I knew I had to make her something similar to my other little one-eyed cat bird monster, but with a little something more: … Continue reading
A Green Little Monster Duo
Here's another little monster I made (my son decided this one was for him, which I went along with). It is a mommy monster with baby.


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Find the ultimate with Xbox One, the all-in-one system in amusement you may not be able to quit playing. In 2003, interim coach Wade Phillips granted Johnson buy csgo knives to contact plays for that staff's final two games. The beta can eventually arrive for Laptop and your Xbox One, but most likely two or each day following the beta begins. One of any headset's explorative top features could be the quality manifestly that is sound, along with the Hearing Power PX4 is surely a success for the reason that division.
I love all approach games But my favorites are ancient era activities and so I really preferred AOE and Stronghold. I liked this transfer into FPS inside the latest activities, and also have hunted for games having a related open world FPS experience. The very first type is taken these days and the rack off slender types are more indemand. Play Station 4 homeowners will see they get all their upfront for that 20 price that is $.
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I can't refuse that I am more fascinated by the potential of Xbox than I am the future of PlayStation although I strolled far from Sony's media conference much more enthused than used to do some other occasion as of this yearis E3. Ps 4 offers 10x its predecessor thanks' control power to an 8 – primary X86 processor, 8GB GDDR5 Memory, and effective graphics engine.
We assume that the middle-era upgrade's upgraded internals can eliminate the necessity for your container that is secondary a requirement of current PS4 entrepreneurs, to power the PlayStation VR headset. Employing a headset in wide-screen the efficiency that is audio is generally enhanced by previously, simply it is taken by bug noise to an entirely unique pull-down. Not simply does the sport provide an appealing principal premise it also offers various meaningful choices, while unlike other games all ethical decisions http://www.skinsah.com/ fall greatly in a grey-area and intensive combat. It is pretty clever, but that element endured on the Xbox360 in a wiser type.


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A report published by L'Express, a French daily, revealed the most sought-after cities in France to live and work.
The leading newspaper took into consideration a variety of aspects, including transport systems, weather, housing facilities, and even air quality, to identify the best city in France for professional life.
After considering these key factors, L'Express named Nantes as France's most-suited city to work and live.
What Makes Nantes An Appealing Investment Destination?
Once the capital of the Dukes of Brittany, the historic city of Nantes, has since old times, been an important seaport and a thriving industrial centre.
Over the years, the picturesque city, nestled on the estuary of Europe's 'last wild river' Loire, has successfully carried its rich heritage and industrial background into the modern era, to emerge as one of France's most culturally vibrant business hubs.
Today, Nantes has undoubtedly transformed into a cosmopolitan metropolis, which welcomes both tourists and professionals from around the world.
The Globalization and World Cities Research Network — a global think tank that surveys world cities on economic growth — graded Nantes as a Gamma-level world city in 2012, for its exceptional contribution to the world economy.
Not just economic development, the city also excels in affordable housing, urban planning, waste disposal, energy management, transport system, higher education, social aid, and healthcare.
It is, therefore, no surprise that Fortune 500 companies like Airbus, and many other big names, are coming to Nantes to expand their businesses.
Recent studies show that 6,000 to 9,000 people enter Nantes every year, to live, and to set up their careers.
The increasing influx of multinational companies, and the human resource needed to support such companies, is dramatically turning the cultural capital of France into a dynamic commercial nerve centre, bursting with energy and optimistic vibes.
A City – Open To Business – Always
According to the official website of the city, Nantes embraces 3,500 new companies every year. The city, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, is the country's 2nd most-successful commercial hub after Paris, in terms of employment growth.
Modern-day Nantes is a home to 25,000 business establishments, and 200 research centres, mapping over 275,000 jobs in diverse sectors.
Sector activities include food processing, healthcare, shipbuilding, engineering, aeronautical, communication, robotics, digital technology, and renewable energy solutions.
The Jules Verne Technological Research Institute, MSH Ange Guepin, the Institut d'Etudes Avancées, and Association des Chercheurs Étrangers, are premiere Nantes-based research institutes that organize R&D programs dedicated to the field of manufacturing and advanced technologies.
Many foreign researchers attend these 5-star institutions every year. Maison des Chercheurs Etrangers (MCE) provides accommodation for visiting researchers and their families.
Here are the key figures that illustrate why Nantes is the best place to work and do business –
- Nantes-Saint Nazaire is the number 1 port on the Atlantic coast.
- STX Europe and DCNS have their presence in Nantes, making the city a prime centre for shipbuilding and marine engineering. STX Europe is a subsidiary of South Korean STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, while DCNS is a French industrial group specializing in naval defence and marine renewable energy.
- After Rungis, Nantes is the second-biggest market in France for agricultural produce.
- The city houses Euronantes, the largest mixed-use urban complex on the Atlantic seaboard.
- Nantes is France's 3rd most successful industrial city.
- With 2 sites, Nantes is the second-largest site for European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company, Airbus.
Enjoy The Comfort Of First-Rate Transport Links
Commute options can make or break your day at work, and at home. Keeping that in mind, Nantes commits to deliver a hassle-free experience to all office commuters, through a wide range of transportation facilities.
The city, noted for its efficient public transport, has an extensive network of trains, buses, trams, and river shuttles.
The city's tramway system, like most European tramways, disappeared in the 1950s, but in 1985, Nantes became the first city in France to develop a modern tramway network with three lines, covering a total distance of 27.0 miles.
There are several low-cost, domestic and international air transport services as well, which operate to and from major European cities.
What's more? City residents can also avail the 26 TGV trains, reaching Paris in less than two hours.
A City Of Cultural Vibrancy
A vibrant cultural scene is not only about history and fun, but also a major source of revenue and job creation.
Nantes is the heart of classic French culture, housing some of the best symphony orchestras in the country. One of France's top opera companies, Théâtre Graslin, is a stone's throw away from the city centre.
There are 34 auditoriums and theatres, 15 museums, innumerable art galleries and artist studios to explore in Nantes, all portraying the deep-rooted history and cultural heritage of the city.
The famous historical sites of Nantes, and the city's age-old architectural heritage, attract tourists from around the world. Several ancient monuments and art installations dot the landscape of Nantes, which are impossible to miss during your leisurely strolls around the city, or on your way to work.
The Renaissance-style Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, Château des ducs de Bretagne, is a must-see for tourists and residents alike.
The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes, a Roman Catholic church, depicting Gothic architectural traditions, is also worth a visit during your stay in the city.
The City Heightens Your Quality Of Life
In 2004, Time Magazine's special edition – "Secret Capitals of Europe" – ranked Nantes as the best French city for quality of life.
Nantes, however, captured global attention when it received the European Green Capital Award in 2013. The European Commission reviewed a range of critical facets before naming Nantes the Eco-Capital of Europe, including the city's social infrastructure, its efforts to decrease CO2 emissions and air pollution, its public transport system, and biodiversity.
The city has 8,320 acres of green space in the form of parks and gardens, which showcase plants and flowers from around the globe.
Rue Stanislas Baudry in Nantes accommodates the world's largest hanging botanical garden, the Jardin des Plantes.
The botanical garden is open every day without charge, but the greenhouses attract a small fee.
A City To Work Hard And Play Harder
Nantes knows for sure how to pamper its inhabitants. Though the city is much quieter than some of France's bigger urban centres, it still has a great mix of bars, nightclubs, cafes, markets, and restaurants to keep you engaged.


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Planning a New Kitchen?You've come to the right place. At Excel Industries, we have everything to take you from start to finish on your cabinetry project; from initial design to installation of your new cabinets and counters.
Speak to one of our designers and book an appointment. We come out and measure your space and work with you to develop a solution that works for you. We can put together a quote for you with our design software including realistic images, a floor plan and the total cost.
Computer generated floor plans and 3D renders help clients visualize their designs. Changes to layouts are quick and comparisons are much easier.


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Nicest way to arrange whole house
If we're buying new flat we either need to arrange it, especially if it is totally new. Also, if we're dwelling in single venue for many years we want to proceed any renovation to make it fresh.
Author: TwojaBateria.pl
Source: TwojaBateria.pl
In both occasions we can buy costly furniture and accessories, however we not always have a funds to do that. But there's different alternative to choose, much cheaper one.
In 90's most of the individuals owned at least one photo wallpaper in their flat. Sometimes it was some large picture of desert or waterfall. But right now wallpapers this kind are entirely different, because of hi-tech methods of printing. We may have any image on the wall we like, even photograph of whole family. Beside, wallpapers now are a lot simpler to install, You just have to take off protecting layer from the back and glue it to the surface, no extra help will be necessary. Just don't forget to measure Your wall carefully before You purchase.
Author: Alphanova Bebe
Source: Alphanova Bebe
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There's no better method to refresh Your apartment then to use wallpapers in there. Plenty of different patterns are affordable online, You only have to localize decent page and make a purchase.


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Preceding post, Mushroom People, ...
...doing as mushroom people do, we left the trail and walked along the slopes around the wetland, on the neighbor's property too, into the untamed woods that no one ever seems to explore. We saw hundreds of Indian Pipe clusters, but little in the way of mushrooms. We found two great washouts from recent heavy rains, but then, no great mushrooms. After pausing near a newly fallen oak amongst a field of hog peanut in the sunshine, we move back towards the property line and decide its a wash -all we have are common puffballs.
We headed back for the house. Passing a great oak tree, just a few feet ahead of Rex, he says something, and to this day I'll never remember what, but as I turn my head to listen, in the corner of my eye I catch a singular ray of sun passing through the branches above. My eye follows that beam of light downward to the base of the tree, and Oh My God, what is that?! Rex! Look! What is that? "Oh, that's a Sulfur Shelf. Look at that," he says in his casual man about the woods way. Wow, what should we do? Should we dig it out?
Laetiporus in its environs at the base of a large oak tree.
No. We decided to leave it until we called the mushroom people to see if they actually want it, but then, why wouldn't they? An unbelievable find, really. Look at that, a perfect rosette! My first sulfur shelf happens to not be the semi-circle shelf on the trunk of a tree that I imagined after all.
We were suddenly unsure about whether or not we should actually dig it up. What a majestic mushroom, why ruin it, why disturb its chances for sporing? Why give it to anyone? Shouldn't we leave it, for its own sake? What if the neighbors notice its gone? It is in their woods after all. Maybe this is theft? What if they were waiting to eat it?
But then, what of the edification of 500,000 Minnesotans, what of the Fair? What of our pride too -our find and its attendant glory? Our decision then, let's call the mushroom people. Ring Ring. Message -arrgh. Hi, uh, we think we found something you're gonna want -it's a Sulfur Shelf. Please give us a call back. We went to dig up the mushroom, placed it in a box and put it in the cool, dark basement. If they don't call us, we'll eat it now that it's plucked from the earth.
The Sulfur Shelf was nearly 20 inches across.
About 6pm we received a call from Ruth, who had been collecting for the Fair exhibit all day and desperately needed a centerpiece mushroom. She told us that her husband would come out to get our finds, meeting us halfway in the parking lot of a Starbucks in Wayzata. We loaded up all our mushrooms -the puffball logs and the sulfur shelf, and off we went. Once there, we sat in the van until our man arrived. How is that when you participate in a parking lot hand-off, you feel you are moving in a covert, illicit manner? It must be written on the body, because you always can tell which car is the car, which unknown man is the one to receive the goods. When our man, who will forever be known as Ruth's husband, emerged from his vehicle, we exited our van and approached him.
Mycologist, I asked? "Yep." Okay, we got something for you, but we're not going to give it to you if you're just going to eat it yourself -that, we could well do. It must go into the Fair display. Agreed? "Oh, yes, of course. Agreed." In trade, we received a Minnesota Mycological Society business card. "Please consider joining," said the man.
The Sulfur Shelf is one of the Foolproof Four, popularized by Clyde Marting Christensen in his book Edible Mushrooms. As it turns out, our Sulfur Shelf or 'Chicken of the Woods', was not the common Sulfur Shelf, Laetiporus sulphureus, but Laetiporus cincinnatus, a less common species known as 'White Pored Chicken of the Woods' that tends to grow at the base of oak trees in rosette form. Most importantly, it has better flavor and all of the fruiting body is edible, whereas the common Sulfur Shelf offers only edible edges without boiling. So, if your looking for that woodsy chicken flavor in a stir fry, L. cincinnatus is the Sulfur Shelf you want to find.
On Friday of the same week, we went to the Fair. Now, I've never been to the Minnesota State Fair, and at least until recent competition from Texas, it has been known as the largest in the states. We had plenty to see and do, but in the back of our minds we were always making our way to the horticultural building where all the plant related exhibits were located. We didn't know where in the large building (built specifically for this purpose of agricultural/horticultural presentations) the Minnesota Mycological Society's exhibit would be.
After thousands of judged green beans, tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers, rows and rows of identical looking corn cobs, bouquets of roses, bonsai, houseplants of every stripe, indoor sustainable garden dioramas and grow your own food displays, we stumbled upon the Mycological Society's exhibit and I can say that I was absolutely impressed with the magnitude of their work. Not for the sake of winning any prize, either, because they had no competition, but for the sheer educational effort, their desire to show hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans just what all that fungus around them might be.
Their exhibit was large -this image only a section of the centerpiece. Around back they had books, microscopes and slides, mushroom cultivation kits, posters, and what else. They also had members present to answer questions.
Proud hunters were we. Our 'purple ribbon' Sulfur Shelf at the top of the display.
In the case you cannot read it -that's Grand Champion.
The judge's comments attached.
In fact, we filled out the display quite well with our small log of Pear-shaped Puffballs, Lycoperdon pyriforme.
Incidentally, they had the Giant Puffball, Calvatia gigantea, which I would have loved to find.
And some cultivated mushrooms.
Our Sulfur Shelf, from the side, a little worse for the wear, a little dry, shrunken, and decidedly less edible after four days.
The display also helped me ID some of the mushrooms I had seen on our hunt.
Golden Waxy Cap, Hygrophorus flavescens.
Spindle-shaped Yellow Coral, Clavulinopsis fusiformis
What an adventure our first week in Minnesota had been. Rather unexpectedly, I felt steeped in mushroom experience, and primed for deeper mycological understanding. Although I still consider my interest in mushrooms casual, my eyes are trained onto them now and my respect for them is that much greater.