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I'm pretty sure I've become a legitimate hermit. Well no, except for Thanksgiving when a good friend pulled me from my hermit-dome and made me enjoy a fantastic meal. There was only a little convincing to be had to get me out of the house. Otherwise I'm sure I'd have spent Thanksgiving with my cats eating whatever the little old ladies next door brought over. Or ice cream.

I need a life. And a night without nightmares. But we're getting there.

And then I woke up to snow today. Snow. Here. I mean, I love snow, I've seen snow, but I wasn't ever expecting it here. But it's so beautiful. I had to go take photos.

( Photo, not filtered )

Cool. I can use some things from my dreams. It explains so much. I'm hoping it doesn't bleed into my professional life too much, it would be career ending for me if it does.

Anyways, since I haven't posted one in awhile, image of the day:

( Saving f-Lists )

Hawaii was nice. Lava is ... interesting. Kind of fun to photograph, actually. Got home, took a nap, woke up and found something on my dresser that I don't remember ever owning. So that's nice. Thanks for the welcome home present, OC?

My toaster no longer works. I wish I knew what I did to it. no, I get it now. god how am I going to keep things working? But I've begun to read through the notes the OC left me last time, it's a fascinating journal full of text that I only am beginning to understand. I am finding that Ancient Egyptian is a pretty neat language.

Not sure why I can read it but whatever, right? It could be worse.

Got my first taste of way too early Christmas retail music today. I heard it as I was about to enter the building, but the power went out when I did. Even at my house lights are flickering. Remy did you fail to tell me this place was fucking haunted?

Even my laptop is acting up. What the hell is this?

Not entirely sure how I feel about this, to be honest.

As a veteran who runs a non-profit that helps vets and basically runs on donations, part of me thinks that anything that brings money in for our guys is a good thing.

But camouflage ice cream?

I think I'm going to hide inside on Halloween. It's just too many people out and about at once for me. On a positive note, I got the job with National Geographic, which is nice. I'm happy and giddy.

( Pic of the Day, not filtered )

In other news, more of those Dreams. They are turning out to be interesting, fascinating and a little scary, too. Anyone have experience with knowing someone here that is in your dreams, but you have no idea if they've dreamed or know you? I'm kind of at that stage.

[OOC: Pretend this was posted earlier and cindy wasn't playing around with reference sheet code.]

All you musically inclined people. Don't forget tonight is Open Mic Night on the terrace of The Cellar. 10PM.

I am actually looking forward to tonight. Which is weird, but yeah I'm glad to get out of the house and get my feet back under me, as it were.

Last night was a great night. Good food. Good company. This morning I wake up with someone I did not know next to me. It was... a frightening experience to say the least.

This is ... rather frustrating.

Found myself a nice little penthouse. Except I think my cat is more the owner than I am. I've lost control.. I bet if aliens look down on us from space they probably think the cats are in charge- and really they aren't far from right.

Dear Dreams: Die in a fire. A really, really hot fire. No love, Elaine

Okay, maybe not die in a fire. But the Dreams aren't being very nice lately. I had a week or so without them, that was nice.. I need a drink or two after this last one..

Got my photos submitted for the edition, got propositioned for a new job as a photographer for National Geographic. Might take them up on it. I mean I doubt they'll send me to photograph radioactive boars.

People more experienced with this than myself:

I've been told dating men is easier than dating women.

Contrary to popular belief, I have never dated a man.

Is dating a woman always like needing to care for a small child?

Is dating men any easier?

I've logically drank my dessert abs it was fantastic.

What the hell ami even taking about but anyone who hurts my Ruby will get disappeared

[ooc: um quite drink Harry is drunk]

So the 12ths show went off wonderfully. I sold a few of the prints, which was lovely. I'm glad it went well and I'm thankful for everyone who came. It was an interesting night and I'll never forget it. My editor brought in another photographer, saying I shouldn't have to take photos of my own work. They unfortunately cornered me into some photos of me. I swear I must look awful in them.

( Photo for the day )

In other news, the dreams keep coming don't they. Just when I had a few days off, I thought I'd be okay, but no, a new one. This one was... sweet. It was very sweet, actually. I do hope someone shares my memories, I'd like to think I wasn't crazy.

It's made me curious to know how many here share memories with others here? Is it comforting to know someone know what you're dreaming about?

So.

Lets not bullshit around here. How many of you have developed magic powers?

Show's at 5pm and the first thing I manage to do is blow out my toaster oven making breakfast. I didn't even do anything different than usual, except be stressed out. I'm gathering on this network that it's possible for things to carry over from dreams. I hope that's not the case.

I think am going to work on not killing any other appliances and find what I need for tonight.

Got home from Germany a day early. Took a nap. I'm not even home ten hours and I get slammed with a Dream. Seriously, OC, did you like, miss me or something? Not cool.

That said - the first dream I had before was about being orphaned. Which ran too parallel to this world for comfort. It made my skin crawl how similar it was. This one, I get adopted by this guy, with another kid. and I think I know who it is, here that is... he's here, the other kid...

It was interesting, to say the least. Or something like that anyways. Who knew, in my dreams I'm a wizard. Magic, pretty awesome stuff.

So, the first dreams were just the tip of the iceberg. Like I'd been seeing only half the picture...or a close up, and then suddenly the camera pulled back and what I thought was a fairly normal existence has been revealed to be...insanity.

My brother is involved in the craziness even more than I thought he was. Which makes me wonder if my brother here is as well. Is there etiquette for that? Somehow I get the feeling you're not supposed to call someone up and just ask.

Also, I'm not entirely sure what's a secret organization and what's public, at this point. Is S.H.I.E.L.D. public or private? Avengers? New Avengers? Dark Avengers? Secret Avengers? West Coast Avengers? Everything's a friggin' team or acronym, whether they're good guys or bad guys--H.A.M.M.E.R, A.I.M., Hydra...it's worse than the military.

Oh, and I was going blind for awhile, before I was deaf. Hawkguy cannot catch a break.

I guess the only good news is that I've reconsidered the relative coolness of Hawkeye as a codename.

Well, thank goodness that's over. And in a few hours I head out to Germany. Then back just before the art opening. I'm not sure how I'll be standing for the show but that's okay.

Anyways. I don't know if I want to sleep. Nightmares of things that were already nightmares was pretty awful...

What the actual fuck is this? Don't go telling me everyone sleeping everywhere is actually normal for O.C.? Why is this happening? Is someone doing this or is it the city?

You know your nightmares are bad when they send you into a panic attack upon waking up. That was the worst night in a long time, geez. Not what I need a few days before I fly out for Germany. I think I scared my cats this morning when I crashed out of bed, there was a good few minutes of total lack of grace.

And now in the attempt to turn this day around:

( Image not filtered )

So, talking about your dreams seems to be a thing you do here.

Had the weirdest dream last night. One of those dreams that are so real that you think it might be actually happening. And I swore I woke up with aches and pains in places I don't usually have aches and pains. Must be getting old.

I know they say that when you dream you're a superhero it's supposed to be some kind of wish fulfillment.

I don't know anyone who would want to be this guy.

Also not sure how I feel about the name.

Hawkeye.

I'm not even from Iowa.

It looks like I'm going abroad for a few days for a new assignment. Is there anyone willing to be paid to feed and play with my kittens? I hate boarding them when we just settled into this place. It'll only be a couple days and they're good kittens.

( Photo for the day, not filtered )

Headaches are so fun when I can't seem to find any advil in the entire office. I'm pretty sure there is some in the vending machine, but I think it's doing this on purpose. It's taken my money twice today already before lunch time and is taunting me with treats dangling over the edge that just won't fall and rightfully should be mine.

I've created a blue print of how to properly attack the machine at sundown but there are flaws in it. Several minor. Not limited to being crushed by said machine.


..I need a proper assignment or something.

Gallery show is being put together. I'm actually excited. The director and I finally cut the list down to twenty of the best photos. I was a little surprised at a few of the selections but I think it'll be nice over all. I know I don't really know too many of you here but if you want to come see, there will be food and drinks, it's at Avantgarden in Santa Ana, and will be opening September 12th. I'm excited.

( Cut for Photo, not filtered )

Filter: Clint Barton
So two things
one: can't find the card for the guy you told me about
two: Would you like to come over for dinner?

Stars and sky! One week in my new place and I've already fucked up my computer. How the hell does this always happen? I think technology hates me. The only thing I've managed not to lose or destroy is my phone. And well, I probably just jinxed that.

As a member of the news media, I am incredibly overwhelmed with joy that Peter Theo Curtis has been released and returned home safely after two years in captivity.

As I almost religiously avoid watching the news now, I never would have known except my editor woke me up with the news. There is nothing like hearing that kind of news when you wake up. It's, to me, more joyful than hearing almost anything else. It's left me feeling giddy today.

So today's image will be cheery, I think.

( IMAGE of GOODNESS )

rIGHT then names Harry Dresden I suck at this technology shit but apparently this is how everyone communicates now a days. I still say you should pick up a damn phone once in a while but that's just my opinion.

I'm the owner of the Blue Beetle New York and Chicago bars. I like long walks on the beach, expensive liquor and trashy science fiction novels. or is this not how its done?

hells bells just kill me now.

I miss Chicago. Oddly enough.

( Pic not filtered )

I DON'T KNOW HOW THIS HAPPENED. It's amazing, but I don't know how... You know, I've been seeing this Neal guy? He asked me to date only him. Then he tossed out the word 'boyfriend' and now I've got a boyfriend? I'm a girlfriend? HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

I've never been a girlfriend before. I don't know ... what to do? How to handle this?? HELP??

Ever have one of those dreams that feel far too real to just be a figment of your imagination? I must be more stressed out than I thought. That felt too real. Is this something that happens here a lot? I mean this whole place is a little weird feeling.

Probably a good thing I was no where near Stark towers when whatever happened, happened.

I had a freaking panic attack just reading about it. It's okay, brain, this is California. It was a thing. and another another thing.

Any one know anywhere that delivers ice cream? I am not in any mind frame to leave my house right now >.

Good to see that alongside coverage of Robin Williams' death, there is an equal amount of coverage about suicide prevention and getting rid of the cultural stigma attached to mental health and depression.

If you think you don't matter, you do.

Depression is a fucking liar.

Don't be ashamed to talk to someone.

So instead of dealing with boxes (Yes, I am avoiding them) I went outside. I swear I didn't jump the time the big truck rolled by or the Humvee driven by idiot kids came too close I brought along my camera, of course. I got a lot of good photos, I think. Maybe. I suppose I'll see later. I just wandered because when I'm not feeling quite right that seems to help.

( Cut for photo, not filtered, edited to have 2 photos! huzzah )

I just moved to the area late last week, my apartment is piled with boxes, and I don't even want to look at unpacking. My two kittens, however, love all the boxes. I've had to stop them from hiding in them too much. That being said, I haven't unpacked my kitchen yet, and I've spent a week eating In-N-Out, which is food for the gods, but I need something else.

So, network that my editor said I should join, where should I go to eat this time?

Oh and hello, I'm Elaine.

Holy stars, I'm going to be married in five days! Which means, yes, Evergrace will be closed until after New Years, while Harry and I are honeymooning and/or saving Christmas from Unseelie Grinches. Knowing how the universe and Orange County tend to work, it may well be the latter, and I don't even care. I'm so ready.

Waiting for ages at the airport has shown me that either I'm very good at keeping myself entertained or that I have a sick, dirty mind.

Anyway, here's a fun game! Fill in the blanks: I like my men the way I like my _____, _______ and _______.

Right now my favorite is: I like my men the way I like my books, well-read and bound in leather.

This evening I drank beer and looked for a preschool. The latter makes the former a necessity. Especially since she doesn't speak English yet.

My life has gotten so weird in the past year.

Packing is stressful. I keep rethinking the things I'm going to take to Boston. I feel like I have to try everything on, because I know my sisters are going to be there. I don't feel like anything's quite good enough to wear while I face them down. I know Adrienne's going to be a real bitch, too. I really wish I was done being pregnant, so I could wear my old clothes again and have Faith to distract me while I go back east.

I apologize for the inconvenience, but I'm going to have to close the clinic until my voice returns. Feel free to email, text, or leave a voice-mail and I'll reschedule your appointment as soon as possible.

I need to get out of the house. I think some social interaction would do me some good. October's always a rough month for me, and being enormous and tired all the time isn't helping. Let's not even talk about the family drama that's taken over my life.

Starting to rethink filling the house with children. Pregnancy isn't as fun once you've bought all the little tiny baby clothes and stop being able to get up out of chairs. Not even couches anymore, it takes me half a minute to get out of a dining room chair because I'm worried I'll fall over.

I have never deserved a martini more in my life. Truly women have a cursed existence when it comes to child creation.

My daughter and I making a batch of Autumn Spice soy candles with our very own blend of essential oils, using recycled babyfood jars as votive holders. If they turn out well, maybe we'll sell the ones that aren't already designated for gift-giving in the clinic.

On the one hand, I kind of like the pie smell that seems to have permeated the house. On the other, I kind of feel cheated that there isn't any actual pie.

Might have to fix that.

I did not realize that selling marital aids to old European women would be quite so exhausting! I feel it mostly in my calves and my hip flexors. I do wish I had someone to massage them for me, but alas.

I will need a show of hands: who missed me?

Nothing is allowed to happen this week. I'm so far behind on my paperwork I literally can't see my desk. Still. I was feeling nostalgic about my time as a teacher, but this month has shown me that I really can't commit to that job anymore. It's mildly depressing.

Anyone have any good tips on soothing sore muscles? Getting back into a work out routine is killing me and I could barely lift my arms over my head today. But hey, that's progress and a good thing right?

I got registration out of the way, bought my new books, moved into my dorm, and I think I am ready for school to start tomorrow. I am totally freaking out a little though. My roomie seems pretty nice so far and I really hope we get along for the rest of the semester.

More dreams, arriving in last night's broken sleep, and in a catnap. Dreams of darker days are my lot now, it seems, in the world of the dreams. The me in the dreams, truly, is twisted sideways, but recognizably me. It feels odd having the memories of this other me, of seeing and feeling her thoughts and emotions, and tasting them. they taste familiar, true, like me, and like my own memories and life here.

Things happened to her that I do not know, do not care for. She did things I would like to think I would not, and yet... that she... that she feels like me.

And I do not know if I am more her, or she is more me, or if, really, there is a difference now.

The painting I bought last night will be arriving tomorrow. I have to decide if I want to hang it before or after I redecorate. After seems most reasonable, there's no sense putting more holes than necessary in the walls.

Private to Winston Frost
We're going to need a loan, soon, which bank should we go through? And yes, it needs to be a bank because I want our credit to reflect our good purchasing habits. We're buying a house.

My daughter has just gone through all her toys and packed up the ones that she feels she has outgrown. Next thing I know, she'll be asking her father to teach her how to drive. I knew it was coming, but I'm not sure how I should feel about this.

Shit has officially hit the fan. Shepard and I were attacked by new kinds of husks, apparently the kinds you get when aliens get turned. So priority number one is for none of us to do that, because God only knows what kind of thing we'd make if we got taken.

She said they either want someone really dead, or they're looking for something. My vote is that we start where Shepard and I first encountered them and work outward. Probably we could hook up with her people and cover more ground, but we need to be able to work autonomously as well.

From what I saw both the new types of things are dangerous as fuck. The thin ones with the spikes on their heads have this horrible scream, and when they die they explode outward. The big ones are enormous, really strong, and fast as fuck. Both of these have shields of some kind around them, you can't just shoot them in the head and go on your way. We need people with ranged energy capabilities on each team if we split up.

We need to find where they're coming from. Even more than killing the ones that have already been made, it's important we stop more from existing. We can mop up later, but stopping them from spawning should be our highest priority.

THOR
Can we get a thunderstorm for the next couple days?

After all was said and done, I needed a day or two to rest. Now that I'm feeling a little less like I'll sleep forever and eat everything in sight, I should say hello again. Seeing as the Dreams have deigned to age me up, yet again, and I look rather different.

This is going to make life a little annoying.

Nonetheless, hello, all! Meet your new and improved Nate Summers!