vallo

I've been reading through the syllabus for Professor Philomenes' Introduction to Literature in hopes of catching up a bit on local culture. I just finished the Pre-Modern section, which included The Tale of Arcturus. It's a fascinating piece, remarkably similar in style to the Beowulf that I read as a freshman. The style in which the author constructs metaphor, the alliteration, even the debate over provenance bear striking resemblance to one another.

One of the early things I learned about magic in my world was this: stories are immutable, like gold. It's fascinating to see proof of it--the details in Arcturus are different, but the core of it is nigh identical to Beowulf.

It makes me wonder if we're all stories, and Vallo some dedicated collector of special editions. Which one of you is the 1937 author-illustrated printing of The Hobbit?

Hello! I found Groot! Or I assume they’re Groot because they keep saying “I am Groot” so I guess a really good assumption. They were fighting a bunch of squirrels just now which I totally get. You should see NJ/NY squirrels. No cares in the world, will probably snatch food right out of your hands. But I guess that’s what happens when you have that many people and very little trees.

Anyway, pic for proof!

[attached: a selfie with Groot sitting on her shoulder, both wearing big grins]

I have made dozens of attempts at making a purple ink that didn't dry to brown, and it was something that I had never succeeded at. And then I come here, and discover inks in every colour imaginable, from the deepest blues to the most brilliant greens, and every shade of purple I could have imagined, all of which dry true.

I'd hoped to make more attempts once I had better acquainted myself with the flora of Vallo's forests, and to make some other inks to sell at market, but I begin to wonder if there's any point to it anymore. Many of these seem a better quality than I could make myself, though the inks I'd made back home were considered a good quality. Given how colourful the clothes here are, I suppose I shouldn't have allowed myself to be so surprised. I suppose with all the new technologies, they've found a way to make ink in ways better than just using gum, water, and gall.

Darlings, on a very spontaneous note, and not at all because I walked in on Vax doing this very thing, please, for the love of the gods, do not use a knife as a tracing line for eyeliner. I understand that the result may be effective, but at what cost?

Given that Prom that will be raising funds for my beloved's youth center is around the corner (which, darlings, you should all be attending!!) try these tips instead.

For a winged look, create the flick at the outer corner first and then connect to the line along the lash line--and to create a balanced, even look, start small with the wing and use a card or tape to measure the angle. You can always build out the wings, but it's difficult to reign it back in. You'll also want to keep your head titled back, and steady your arm or elbow on a flat surface. In a pinch you can use your little finger on your cheek. Don't worry about getting one flawless line in one application! Draw a few dashes or dots along the lash line, and then connect those. Those smaller strokes will give you much more control and comfort with your eye shape.

If you've made a mistake, which certainly happens, take a breath and let the eyeliner dry before attempting to clean it. I, personally, line my lower lid as well but that's because I have been accused of being dramatic and doing the most, and I don't shun these labels.

Above all, if eyeliner doesn't jingle your jangles, don't bother! If you want to experiment with colored liner, do! If you like how something looks on you, that's what you should be sporting, regardless of what anyone says is the 'right' color for you or the 'right' shape. What looks best on you is what you feel the best in, and that's true of makeup and clothing. That confidence and joy will outshine any accessory--I say, as someone who wears enough jewelry to accidentally blind low flying birds.

( text to kate. )

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Filter: Mike Wheeler

Hey, when are you coming home today? You don't have any late after-school plans, do you?

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