My friends welcome back to Tuesday blogs. Before I start please let me know in the comments if you like my ‘fun’ Tuesdays. Also, ‘spooky’ Tuesdays are coming in October! 😊
Anyways last Tuesday my hair history series began with cute, albeit embarrassing childhood photos. This week I’m giving a quick update on my ‘no poo’ journey. (I don’t know why people call it that, it immediately makes you think of bowel movements.)
So let me set the scene. Part of my sustainability goals for 2018 includes finding alternatives to beauty and cleaning products. I’ve stopped buying shampoos, conditioners, and shower gels in plastic bottles. It may seem like a tough journey but have no fear! It’s not as scary as it sounds.
We’ll begin with the bad and finish with the good.
Things that didn’t go so well:
I’ve had some help with my zero waste goals (linked below). One of the items I got was a shampoo bar. Unfortunately, it didn’t suit my hair which is naturally dry. It just stripped the oils out of it, and it felt worse than before.
Before I got the oil under control, it did cause an odd pimple around my hairline which is not a place I normally get them. However, this has cleared up now my hair has adjusted.
Your hair gets very oily before it recovers, but if you can get over this your hair oils will regulate.
Things that went very well:
So after the failure with the shampoo bar I went back online. I researched the simple washing with water method and so far this has been the best for me. You can rinse with apple cider vinegar if your hair gets too oily but I haven’t had that problem.
My hair feels thicker, softer, and my dandruff has all but cleared up.
I got a bamboo hair brush, and it’s excellent at soaking up excess oil. Brushing your hair is the best way to distribute the oil all the way down your hairs.
Principal Stevens: “Now I think we all know that Dawn is more than just a kid.”
It’s like she knows!
Screenshot of the Episode:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Firstly, this is actually Clare Kramer in the bath so perfect timing, and secondly, what other evil hell god loves bubble baths?
Summary:
Buffy and friends have the threat of the hell god Glory hanging over them. Some infighting occurs between Buffy and Dawn, and Willow and Tara. One these fights end in tragedy when Glory thinks she’s found the key, and as a result, destroys Tara’s mind.
Analysis:
There is something truly awful about fighting with someone you love. When we fight with a stranger or an enemy, it’s less personal, less painful. When we fight with our loved ones, we are vulnerable and we can cause pain. In “Tough Love” we see the agony we can inflict on our loved ones, and the agony they can inflict on us.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The female relationships take the fore in this episode, and even the subtext from the male characters is female.
Xander: “Whatever you choose you’ve got my support, just think of men as your *pause* you know I’m searching for supportive things, and I’m coming up all bras so… something more manly, think of me as that so…”
BtVS has always managed to subvert the male viewpoint and present itself from the female perspective. The Slayers are female, the male characters are in a passive position, and the morality of the show is presented from the care perspective which is explained beautifully by Jessica Pratt Miller:
“The justice perspective, with its abstract focus on reason and impersonal rules and authority, echoes cultural ideas of masculinity, while the care perspective, with its contextual focus on personal relationships, including feelings and emotions, fits with ideals of femininity.”[i]
Even Giles who is a strong father figure to Buffy points out that although he is there, she needs to take control of her responsibilities with Dawn.
Giles: “I may be a grown-up, but you’re her family, her only real family now, she needs you to do this.”
Buffy’s been struggling with her new found guardian role, as she cannot approach it with her fists. She must get Dawn to attend school, and do her homework, but Dawn doesn’t think it matters. Buffy has to tell her the horrible fact that if she can’t make her, then Dawn will be taken away. Of course in the Buffyverse, this is intensified by the fact that Dawn would without Buffy’s protection from Glory, she would be exposed.
Dawn: “Who cares if a key gets an education anyway?… Those monks put grades K through 8 in my head, can’t we just wait and see if they drop 9 in there too?”
Buffy: “Because they’ll take you away. If I can’t make you go to school, then I won’t be found fit to be your legal guardian.”
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Meanwhile, Willow, is grappling with her identity once again, as we have discussed in previous Buffy posts. She doesn’t want to be considered the “Side-Kick.” This identity crisis continues in her fight with Tara. She fears she’s the “Junior Partner” in the relationship. The key reasoning is that Tara has lost her mother, unlike Willow, Tara has been a practicing Wicca longer than Willow, and Tara has been out as lesbian longer than Willow. According to James B. South “…her biggest fear is that, deep down, she hasn’t changed at all; that beneath all the layers of social roles she has assumed, she is still the nerdy schoolgirl that she was when the show first started.”[ii]
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Willow bites back at Tara with this bitter retort: “I’m really sorry I didn’t establish my lesbo street cred before I got into this relationship *pause* you’re the only woman I’ve ever fallen in love with so, how on Earth could you ever take me seriously?” This causes a fracture and Willow leaves. This leads to the consequence of Tara being alone when Glory finds her. When she discovers she is not, in fact, the key, she becomes angry and steals her mind. This is the worst punishment a character can face in the show as Glory describes it thusly: “It doesn’t kill ya. What it does is make you feel like you’re in a noisy little dark room, naked and ashamed, there are things in the dark that need to hurt you because you’re bad…” This makes me shiver every time.
Spike’s character this season, while mixed ( we cannot forget the Buffybot…), has shown genuine courage and strength. He did not reveal Dawn to be the key, even though Glory tortured him for hours. His face still shows the scars of this valor, born of a new morality, the morality of the Slayer.
He comforts Dawn as best he can, when she is under his protection.
Dawn: “Anything that happens to Tara, that’s cuz of me… I’m a lightening rod for pain and hurt… I must be something truly evil.”
Spike: “I’m a vampire, I know something about evil, and you’re not evil.”
Dawn: “Maybe I’m not evil, but I don’t think I can be good?
This compelling scene has the added dimension of not just Dawn as a mystical key but as a human being. None of us are truly good or truly evil. This is something we struggle with as we grow, and Dawn is getting a lesson early.
Finally, we see the further evidence of Willow’s descent into evil which will culminate in the final episodes of season 6. She reaches for a book with “Darkest Magick” on the cover.
As with Dawns realisation that she can neither be solely good nor evil Willow shows us her dark undercurrents. This was put beautifully by James B. South: “…because our ordinary notion of Willow is one in which Willow would never do the sorts of things she did. It is incomplete as a response, though, because it assumes that we could ever fully understand Willow, that there are no dark currents in her, that we could ever construct a coherent and consistent narrative for Willow.”[iii]
While the episode doesn’t end in death for Willow, she has incurred the wrath of Glory. When Glory tracks her down (“I told you this wasn’t over,”) poor Tara inadvertently reveals to her that Dawn is the key. Had she kept her head as Buffy asked her to, Dawn may not have been discovered so early. We see the fallout from giving in to our desires, a conflict which Willow contends with for seasons to come.
Well, friends, I’m embarking on a hair journey this September. I’m nervous, but happy I’ve finally gathered up the courage to do the “no poo” challenge.
This September I’ve given up using shampoo and conditioner as part of my sustainability goals. I hopefully won’t have to buy shampoo or conditioner anymore and I’ll be avoiding the plastic bottles they come in. I’ll be talking about this more in October when I’ve hit the month mark, but until then I thought it would be fun to revisit my hair journey from birth.
So I went digging through old photos to find hair goals in Drogheda from 1990 to 2000. (Spoiler my friends, it’s mostly boring). I’ll be doing a hair journey from 2001 – 2010 at some stage when I had free reign over my hair. However, there is some adorableness mixed with cringe here so please, prepare thy self.
Soooooo…
1990:
My Hair, A History
My Hair, A History
“Can you see my tiny mohawk?”
1991:
My Hair, A History
“Eh Mam, I’m not happy with this dress.”
1992:
My Hair, A History
My Hair, A History
“The year of the tiny pigtails!”
1993:
My Hair, A History
“The 80’s hair is hanging in there!”
1994:
My Hair, A History
“An adventure in velour.”
1995:
My Hair, A History
“I had the Natalie Imbruglia pout 2 years before she released ‘Torn’!”
1996:
My Hair, A History
My Hair, A History
“Mam let me wear red lipstick at Christmas!”
1997:
“Look it’s a brunette Stevie Nicks.”
1998:
My Hair, A History
“All I can do is stare at the shoes. Mine are dreadful, Chris is wearing socks and sandals. Thank goodness our hair is on point!”
1999:
My Hair, A History
My Hair, A History
“Apparently posing with things in my hands was very important.”
2000:
“This was for my tenth birthday and I thought I was the coolest cat in school. Mam spent all morning braiding my hair, then carefully placing plastic butterfly clips…”
Dormant for over 1000 years, Mount Codlata had recently begun rumbling. Although local populations were aware of this reawakening, little relocating took place. This was mainly due to Mount Codlata’s home in the desert sands and rocky hills of Goath. As one of the most remote places on Tallabh, the Goath desert was rarely visited, except when a scientist or adventurer found the inspiration to wander its lonely mountains or sandy wastelands.
Deep within the belly of Mount Codlata, magma churned graceful yet frantic now as nearly 100 years of activity would culminate in a spectacular eruption. From afar, scientists and ordinary citizens alike watched excitedly for the natural event of the era. Many had taken time from their busy lives to watch this explosive event which had sparked their imagination. Scientists waited patiently for the eruption, hoping once it began, samples would yield valuable data, as sediment from over 1000 years ago would be thrown forth.
So it was that Mount Codlata ruptured in colours of brilliant ecstasy, as the remnants from Tallabh’s indigenous history spewed forth in a river of hot red magma. The generated findings from this explosion were vast. Keeping many scientists and volcano enthusiasts occupied for years to come.
In its initial explosion, debris was flung many miles abroad, some even making it as far as the shoreline more than 40 miles east of the land of Goath. Much of those pieces were gathered for study and private collections. Many more were washed out to sea, carried away by strong currents. One such current brought pieces as far as the icy shores of the Island of Banbás, where the rocks, already cooled, began to freeze as the winter closed in.
One particularly large rock took several weeks to freeze entirely, but by mid-winter, it was frozen internally. The wind howled on the Island of Banbás, and it’s few inhabitants had all but ceased to leave their homes, during the worst of the weather the Island received year round. Winters on Tallabh last 150 days, as the planet, tilted on its axis, languidly orbits the star Glormaar with a circle of 600 days.
The rock in question began exhibiting signs no rock in the history of Tallabh had done. It had all but begun to shake. It’s idiosyncrasies began with gentle vibrations no one would have noticed without the correct equipment. Slowly it vibrated, then shook, then shuddered, until finally, it convulsed violently. As the days rolled by pieces of the frozen rock began to crack and fall away, until eventually after months of frozen shaking, a distinct shape could be seen.
The rock was now decidedly person-shaped. A tall shapely form, with a look of intense fear and pain on their face. One would have recoiled in horror looking upon the agony. Their teeth clenched, fingers like claws, and body contorted from the misery of a lava-encrusted death.
This body, continued its vibrations, day after day, week after week, month after month. It became with each passing week, less rocky and more fleshy. Had this been witnessed, none would have believed what they were seeing. Occurrences outside the laws of nature would cause dubious horror within. The skin eventually clear of all rock could be observed as dark and smooth. It could now be seen that the form was female, whose face, though contorted, was quite the beauty. Her hair was long, lips full, nose button like. Her cheekbones, while defined, made her face soft.
Then on a day near the beginning of the thaw, her brown eyes opened. She took a deep breath and unleashed a scream which carried across the Island of Banbás. This scream frightened the denizens who spread tales of a demonical temptress in the following weeks. None left their houses that day out of fear.
Chapter 1
A drooping plant, melancholy in its composure, caused Ellie to pause and sit down beside it. Although she had been growing things all her life, this plant was dying right before her eyes, and to her at that moment, she could not but connect this dying plant, to her empty womb. “The universe is giving me a sign and it’s that I cannot have a child.” Fat tears popped out of Ellie’s pale blue eyes and ran down her round cheeks. She had recently been with a doctor, in nearby Bandialann, and the news had been disheartening.
“Look Ellie, I’m really sorry, but we cannot exactly define why you and Eric have been unable to conceive. You must understand, in all our wisdom, our race still struggles to truly understand why sometimes people cannot get pregnant. Both of your tests have come back and there seems to be absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. I feel as though if you are not so hard on yourself that one day you and Eric will have a healthy baby.” Doctor Messa offered her gentle but firm smile. Although Ellie heard the words, her emotions would not allow this to be a peaceful moment of understanding. Her sobs had been loud that day, and Eric, silent in his mourning, had just held her.
Eric had tried for weeks afterward to keep Ellie calm and be positive, but even his inner dialogue was telling him it was hopeless. So when Ellie had told him yesterday morning that she was going to see a witch for help, he hadn’t argued or decried the idea, he had just nodded resignedly. Perhaps this would help Ellie to relax naturally, and that would help matters along. They weren’t that old anyway, barely 40, and people were living to 400 these days with medical advances. So he let her go and kissed her on the head supportively on the way out the door. “Just be safe, ok my love?” She had nodded bravely and set out confidently, back to Bandialann, to a famous witch and healer.
As Ellie sat on the floor staring at the dying plant, she remembered the words of the witch from the day before. Even before Ellie opened her mouth the witch had proclaimed her the mother of a future well-known child, and could she offer her any advice? Ellie had blinked at the outburst, and said through gritted teeth, “myself and my Cayla Eric are having trouble conceiving a child, so how could I possibly be the future mother of a famous child?!” Her bitterness was not hidden, yet it did not phase the witch as she smiled back at Ellie, “Oh my dear, you are so young, why do you worry so? I see children in your future, you just need a little push in the right direction.” The witch rose from her altar, on which Ellie noted a great many things she didn’t understand and glided to a nearby shelf of jars, trinkets, and fauna.
The witch reached in behind several items and pulled out a dusty jar, filled with what Ellie could only describe as dust. “You have finally come along to claim your powder.” Said the witch cryptically, her beautiful green eyes flashing with knowing. Ellie felt uncomfortable for the first time with the women before her. Although she was beautiful, mystery surrounding her. This was perpetuated by the fact that although her brown hair was streaked with grey, she didn’t seem to be that old.
“Now my dear, your future awaits, all you need to do is plant the seeds.” She proceeded to plop the jar of ‘powder’ into Ellie’s hands. Ellie starred into the jar, which seemed to glisten ever so slightly in the light. “What, am I supposed to do with this? Rub it on my body or something?” She asked with undisguised facetiousness. The witch threw back her head and laughed heartily, causing Ellie’s churning stomach to relax. There was something kind about the laughter and Ellie smiled.
My friends welcome to Tuesday blogs, which will be less heavy in subject matter and therefore hopefully more fun! As you can see from the title I’m going to talk about my top eleven (yes eleven) favourite Instagram accounts that bring me pure and utter joy.
Maybe you’ll feel like following some in which case I will be very happy. (I’ll also link mine at the bottom, a sneaky / not so sneak self-promotion). These are in no particular order, so without further ado! Let’s begin.
The Good Advice Cupcake
If you follow me on Instagram you might have noticed my love of The Good Advice Cupcake. You also might have seen my terrible attempt at emulating her on a balloon. She is sweet, zany, and oftentimes intense. She is a ray of sunshine on my feed and I look forward to her posts. I’ve often gone back through her page when I was feeling down and it cheered me up. Go get yourself some bliss.
If you are into photography please go follow my friend. He’s got the most beautiful eye for detail. I couldn’t pick my favourite photo honestly so I just screenshotted some for you. The colour coupled with the vision in these is beyond words (which is saying a lot for me!). He somehow manages to capture the world anew. Giving you a story with one single photo, and reaching across the laws of physics so we can see the raw fact.
This comic makes me laugh until I cannot speak. I then have to lean on a wall or a loved one for support. Her perspective on life is fascinating. My favourite comic by her is this one:
If you remember Vine (RIP Vine), then you might remember this guy. He makes short films on Youtube now which are very interesting. However, his utilization of the Instagram platform is compelling. He manages to tell funny stories, in just a few photographs with barely any words. Just the odd sign or name badge. I implore you to check it out. He’s also very astute. His view of the world, while cynical, is humorous.
This one is in here for Le’Boo. Although I discovered this comic artist first, he has rapidly become one of his favourite Instagram accounts. With classic comics such as the one below (with my pitiful attempt on a balloon), who wouldn’t love Safely Endangered!? Please go check him out and give him a follow if you think he’s worth it. I honestly do!
Another friend of mine I couldn’t pass the opportunity to promo. Her style is elegant (one might say Graceful?!) and her artistic talent is used to create works of art in embroidery. I received one of her hoops as a gift (see below, I love elephants) and it hangs on my wall above my desk bringing me joy every day. Go. Give. Her. A. Follow. Please.
When I started my PhD in June 2016 I made a rake of new friends (Irish saying), and a lot of them are Muslim. This comic strip is not only hilarious but has actually taught me so much. It has saved me accidentally insulting them loads of times. If there is any chance that Yes I’m Hot In This is reading I want to offer my sincere gratitude for the knowledge and laughter you’ve given me. Something which is very hard to achieve concurrently and you do it masterfully.
Instagram
You deserved that knowledge, you bigoted old lady! Go Huda! 😊
Those close to me will know that I have an utter obsession with birbs (birds). I love all kinds from crows to cockatiels, seagulls to parakeets. This account follows the daily life of Ollie, his owner, and his bird friend Louie. He is a very cheeky birb, and on occasion when he doesn’t get his way he will nip his owner’s ear. However he melts my heart because he’s recently learned to say “I love you.” If you like birbs and birb antics I recommend Oliver the green cheeked Parakeet.
I have been known to stick googly eyes to things, much to the chagrin of my loved ones. Le’Boo is very patient with me. For his birthday I drew characters on many balloons and stuck googly eyes to them. He couldn’t resist sharing and the result was the discovery of this account googlyness. He takes it to a whole ‘nother level! Look:
No, I haven’t misspelled snake. This is Tiny Snek. He is a wonderful, miniature, slithery, surrealist friend. He has been my friend for years now, and I squeak at the cutesiness of his comics every time. Here is just a sample (Aside my terrible attempt…).
Thinking Moon 
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