I’m 100% Not Joking When I Say That My Gut Reaction To This Image Is “this Is A Being Of Incredible

I just find so much of the whole Lyanna Rhaegar thing so interesting. And its something I've explored more in my fanfics (that I've not really posted). But it's really weird to me that so many people's take away was that they were starcrossed lovers when... Rhaegar was like 23 (idk, an adult), married with a kid and Lyanna was a 15 yo. regardless of many factors, Rhaegar was still in the wrong in kidnapping her (no matter how willing of a victim she was). I totally buy that they thought their love story was that of starcrossed lovers.

also I love Ned having a complicated relationship with Brandon. I'm a sucker for Ned/Cat, and it's always strange to think that had things gone right she would've married Brandon. Like, it must be weird to look at the family you love and know you wouldn't have any of it if your brother (and to some extent sister) hadn't died.

Anyways, love the ending of season 1! I've found the whole thing super fun!

Yeah, I talked a bit about how I see Rhaegar and Lyanna here - like I'm sure they felt like star-crossed lovers, and GRRM the Shakespeare fanatic has certainly incorporated a handful of Romeo & Juliet tropes into their story. But they're also a lot more complicated than that. I can't disregard Lyanna's age, I can't disregard Rhaegar's obsession with prophecy and how that may have played a part in his pursuit of Lyanna (and his pursuit of a child from her body), and I can't disregard how he treats Elia and their children.

And people do minimise the affront to Elia which is really irritating to me, like as you can see per my sparknotes thing I don't believe that Elia ever came to love Rhaegar - I think at best she may have thought in the early days she was lucky to have such a worthy match, but that there's otherwise no suggestion they were close or even had any especial rapport. So, fine - it was a political match and not a love match - so if either of them privately committed adultery, that would be one thing.

But humiliating Elia in front of virtually all of Westeros by making a show of disregarding her, when she is either pregnant with his child or has just given birth to his child... and then later leaving her and their two young children in the charge of a teenager and a pyromaniac??? like sorry no i'm just not having it babes. it's not on

And yeah I definitely like the idea of Brandon and Ned having a kind of spiky relationship! I think Ned loved his brother but I can imagine there were things he disliked about him. And that Brandon could be quite callous towards Ned, treating him a bit like a doormat, condescending to him etc, and not even realising he's doing it because Ned's feelings hardly register with him.

It would kind of make Ned's close friendship with Robert more interesting, because I think Brandon was probably a lot like Robert - but here's a version of his brother who has time for him and jokes with him and confides in him etc etc. So it was easier to look past Robert's foibles and failings.

But then obviously Ned would feel a lot of guilt for having resented his brother once Brandon is gone (and Brandon dies proving how much he truly values his family), and for having inherited everything he was meant to have. It makes me think again of Jon as like a twisted outlet of penance for Ned. like he would always have cared for and protected Jon for Lyanna, yet part of him thinks he deserves Catelyn's resentment and the judgement of society that comes with Jon, but for own private guilt.

anyway thanks so much for reading they're really fun to write! working on plotting out the next bunch tonight....

Just to be clear, I am not actually American. I do not stay up to date on American politics. It come up on the news and I'm like 'that's wild. Anyway-', partially because they don't go into depth and partially because I have better things to do than worry about things I can't affect. I get involved with local stuff but I've only got so much time and energy.

If Biden stood where I am everyone would stare and wonder how the hell that nut job got so far. Then go and vote for someone who will actually try to make the country better, or at least won't be actively making it worse.

I draw the line at actively screwing over the people you're responsible for, at pissing on migrants and refugees, and trying to start a war.

alright gang, let's do a fun little thought experiment.

which city would biden have to completely annihilate before you decide not to vote for him?

for the sake of this thought experiment, let's ignore actual real-world alliances between countries. it can be london, or paris, or athens, or barcelona, or rome, or berlin, or even an american city like new york or new orleans or los angeles or honolulu. this is all a hypothetical after all.

really consider it. if you're gonna bother to yap in my notes, at least try to engage with this question in good faith. imagine opening up the news, and you see that a bomb was dropped on this city, and then the bombs never stop. imagine you had a friend there. imagine you'd had a trip planned to meet them and see the sights. imagine every museum, every historical monument, every theatre, every university destroyed. imagine that one day, you lived in a world where this city existed, and the next, it has completely ceased to be. it's effectively been pompeii-ed out of our world entirely. there is no longer a big ben, or a parthenon, or a colosseum, or what have you. there is no longer that foreign musician you loved from this city. there are no longer sweet old grannies to share old family recipes from this part of the world. there is no longer the online friend you wanted to visit. there is no longer your vacation plans.

don't hit me with, "but it's netanyahu doing this," because israel would literally run out of ammunition in weeks without the US. don't hit me with, "but trump!" because that quite literally is not the fucking question.

which city has to completely cease to exist before you even consider that this system isn't ever going to work?

if you are still planning to vote for biden, then either a) biden could drop a nuke on any city on earth and it wouldn't be a dealbreaker for you, or b) in your mind, people and places are divided into ones that are acceptable to destroy and ones that are not. or at least, there are ones that are more acceptable to destroy than others.

come up with your answer and either realize you sound like a fascist and work to change it, or embrace that you are a fascist and stop lying to us about caring about people of color.

“What’s the difference?” I asked him. “Between the love of your life, and your soulmate?” “One is a choice, and one is not.”

— Tarryn Fisher, Mud Vein

Saw this post by @queenaryastark and just wanted to add my two cents in spite of the problem always having been that people just want things to be what works better for them and "to make sense" in a simplified way and don't want to hear otherwise-

There are a very few things known about Elia Martell - that the author finds relevant enough to even share with us about a small background character - and yet one of those few things is that she had a good relationship with her arranged husband (political, non-romantic and all, "complex", but he took the time to outline that it was not one of those cases when these things have negative connotations). The only other relationship I can think of that he finds relevant enough to be known the quality of is that with her brothers - because it is a key element to the Dornish plot, no less. And he places her dynamic with Rhaegar beside it!

# No, we do not know that she was best friends with Ashara and depended on her and that she would have done anything out of love and how she was angry because her life was actually awful because of her husband! (she's merely one of a dozen ladies in waiting - a political position meant to benefit one's noble family - who just happens to be the only named one, and that for other plot reasons than Elia)

# No, we do not know that Rhaella loved her dearly and hated her son and thought he was so awful and they both see him as awful and (a silly puerile little fic that made me laugh once) wanted to make her "Crown Princess" ...instead .... somehow! We don't even know if they had a relationship. They didn't live in the same city, and Rhaella's day to day life is heavily monitored and controlled at ths point in her life. It's questionable whether they could even be in any amount in eachother's confidence, hence, even through letters, even if you take out the distance.

ETC.

We don't even know what kind of relationship she had with her own mother. People just want it to be good. They don't want details like putting a daughter with frail health in a very dangerous situation no matter how "responsible" Rhaegar turned out to be for ambition and spite against a political adversary to speak of anything negative. And I'm not saying it is a must for it to have been negative. What I am trying to get to is people are trying to write any other relationships of hers we know nothing about, or might not exist, or might actually have negative correlations from as much as we know as definitely deep and good and rewrite the only other relationship we are given other than her brothers that we are actually told what it was, and make it bad and weak instead. We don't know her dynamic with her own mother to be good, yet we know it is with Rhaegar.

It is a noted fact in the story, and the fact that the author cares little or not at all about others on the other hand but this was noteworthy to write makes it significant, too. And it isn't even a matter of being isolated and lonely and making do because she has no one else to have a pleasant relationship with. She is surrounded by men and women alike, Dornish no less, loyal to her, and they also get along with Rhaegar.

And if we are to take most of Dany's vision of them as real (as there are details like him seeming to talk to her at the end that may be skewy) then they are on good terms until nearly the end. If fanon that claims she hated him/thought herself as slighted and humiliated after the flower crown were true, then this would actually do characterise her as a simpleton/'doormat' instead, which there being an understanding behind his action would not and it doesn't seem to me that the author wants Elia a simpleton.

Yeah, yeah, consequences of his actions ultimately hurt her, though. And so people walk backwards then on the apparent idea that if someone's actions hurt you in any circumstances, then it can only be willful, and someone doing something that ends up hurting someone can only be an 'abuser' and such. All over the place, there are dramatic fanon theories about these two to rewrite what is canon of their dynamic as 'abuser' and 'victim', so that it would simplify the concept of his actions indirectly hurting her.

Canon doesn't support that. Canon gives the fact that he removes his arranged wife from the capital where there is the danger of his father, although that means the removal from the centre of political power, during a very tense political dynamic (literally described as 'like before the Dance'!). Canon says that when Aerys' cruel actions start a Rebellion, and he removes Elia and her children from the relative safety of Dragonstone (with authority no one can undo), Rhaegar comes forth to lead Aerys' armies. And fanon (against previous signs) paints it as him being a one-dimensional evil creature (from the author praised to write things complex) who cares not about fighting Lyanna's family or his lawful spouse and children being in danger near that man... rather than the fact that he is known as looking out for Elia's safety from his father, told to have had his last straw after said father rejects his daughter that he seems to have inspired love and trust in - hence the likelihood of him being caught in between and having no more choice than Dorne. Less, because he also has to go against the family of the girl the author says he's 'lovestruck' about also, because Aerys is dangling Elia and the children, that the author cared to give hints he cares about. Or the fact that he hints of having reached THE breaking point about his father as a follow-up fact at this point through Jaime's memory.

"Are you saying she was complicit in endangering herself? On purpose?"

It is very exhausting to hear such a train of thought from people who supposedly read books, and understand how conflict works, and that being a 'realistic story' with complex characters it means they don't know/understand everything and things are out of their control and happen unexpectedly.

That's how you get ridiculous theories such as "Rhaegar then planned it all to go exactly how it went and knew each thing that would happen and it was for some magical mass sacrifice or whatever!!" Because this is how things work. People make plans and it happens exactly as they expect, bullet points and all. And you'd have millions claiming that's a good writer who does well foreshadowed 'shocks' that the character would not know about and needs to be re-read to fully comprehend and appreciate.

Yeah, it doesn't mean that the plans and goals they may have had would be summarised as 'choosing Rhaegar mistresses from a catalogue' the way I saw it put somewhere. Yeah, that is dumb. But if we don't have the information on characters' train of thoughts from a point in time we don't fully understand, it doesn't mean it is fine to change base facts (the relationship of the two) to make a simple version that explains it away.

"Are you saying she is dumb to think this or that would work certain ways, whatever they thought they were doing/going towards for whatever reasons?"

Again, are we even reading books here? Have we not seen smart characters (sometimes older than these 2) making certain sound sounding choices with certain predictions at the time, and in the end none working out and everything falling apart? Don't we applaud it as good writing? Isn't Varys for example cathegorised as one of the BIG manipulators of history and planner, yet what we hear from people working for Young Griff is the frustration of plans changing all the time because what he predicts/wants/plans doesn't work as intended multiple times?

And since we're on the topic and fanon has mythologised characters like her into ridiculous heights, let's stop for a second to think who Elia Martell would be as a (actually honest) baseline. Young, inexperienced, sheltered by privilege as anyone of her rank and more so for her own health (according to her brother), very optimistic sounding, etc. Yes, most likely intelligent (described as witty), but it doesn't change the implications of the previous qualities. Rhaegar is also most of that (at least idealistic if not optimistic) - though I would say he would at least have the perspective of "harsh realities" due to his family situation, while hers was a loving one as far as we're concerned. So, yes, she could have even made/agreed with "naive plans" as well as him, and they could even have been intelligent about it too, as they both seemed to have been, but it being beyond the point because the world works chaotically and there's no smart enough character that never had plans go wrong ever in ASOIAF.

Another thing that I mentioned but want to emphasise again, though it is hard to believe that a fandom that wouldn't give a break even to characters 16 and younger for 'miscalculations' and not having it all figured out and not doing everything perfectly is... they are both young, too! I don't know what's the overall age demoraphic in this fandom, but it always baffles me that this is not addressed - early 20s is clueless, young, and inexperienced. If one is past it they should know it. There are way too many young characters I guess to conceptualise that (but, again, it is not like this fandom give the VERY young characters a break also so I don't know), but it is very odd when these two are seen as 'very adult' who should have known better (Rhaegar) or knew 100% everything like some 'hit by godly visions' Cassandra (Elia), especially, again, when you account for both being inexperienced and privileged. The 16 and lower characters we know would rank above them both (especially sheltered Elia!) simply by actually being forced into learning experiences.

All in all, whatever the details are or how things can be explained from that point on, people have to accept the fact that the writing makes it more understandable that they would have been 'in cahoots' rather than a cartoonish evil being and a young woman without agency whatsover that is cutie pieing with the man who she is also angry at for doing some great misdeed against her.

Would she think otherwise by the end, when all fell apart? Would there be targeted hate and blame? We can theorise either way, but I am thinking how Lyanna is theorised as such in spite of the author writing roses in her hand when she dies in the same wavelength as writing her brother's hand holding hers - just like we only know of noteworthy positive relationships in Elia's life being a brother and Rhaegar, to the writer.

Sorry, but we're reading a story, and if you don't like what the author writes and implies it's fine. But at the same time you are wrong by default in 'predictions' as to what he would write next instead.

"You are victim blaming if Elia thought or did anything ever than being a silent perfect victim who just had things happening to her while having the foresight of a God and the wisdom of a 100 years old and if it were up to this sheltered inexperienced early 20s woman she would have REAISTICALLY Mary Sued her way through it and everyone would agree and kiss her feet. REALISTICALLY!!!"

No, you are. This fandom is famous for victim blaming (young) female characters most of all who have no control over circumstances around them, not being able to predict the future, not having experience, or just mean well and think better of the world, as long as they are anything but 'perfect victims' whose whole act is expcted to be being pitiful stoned mummies that things happen to, and are held up to unfair standards by the heavy in expectations pedestal that's supposed to be a compliment.

Introduction to Gardening for Beginners

Gardening is a rewarding and therapeutic hobby that can transform your outdoor or indoor space into a thriving sanctuary of plants, flowers, and vegetables. Whether you aim to create an English cottage garden, grow organic flowers, or cultivate a vegetable garden, starting as a beginner can be both exciting and overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the best way to start a garden, covering everything from selecting plants to understanding garden design principles.

Understanding Your Space

Before you begin planting, it's crucial to understand the space you have available. Whether you're planning an indoor garden, an English cottage garden, or a vegetable garden, the key is to assess the light, soil, and space conditions.

Indoor Gardens

For those interested in indoor gardening, consider the amount of natural light your home receives. South-facing windows are ideal for most houseplants, providing ample light throughout the day. If your space lacks natural light, consider investing in grow lights.

Outdoor Gardens

Outdoor gardening requires an assessment of your yard or garden plot. Observe how much sunlight different areas receive, noting which spots are in full sun, partial shade, or full shade. This information will guide your plant selection, ensuring you choose plants suited to your garden's conditions.

Choosing the Right Plants

Selecting the right plants is vital for a successful garden. As a beginner, start with plants that are easy to grow and maintain.

Easy Indoor Plants

Spider Plant: Hardy and adaptable, perfect for beginners.

Pothos: Low maintenance and can thrive in low light.

Snake Plant: Tolerant of neglect and ideal for low light conditions.

Succulents: Require minimal watering and are great for sunny windowsills.

Easy Outdoor Plants

Marigolds: Bright, cheerful flowers that are easy to grow from seed.

Sunflowers: Fast-growing and visually striking.

Lettuce: Quick to grow and perfect for salads.

Tomatoes: Popular and rewarding, providing fresh produce for your kitchen.

Garden Design Principles

Designing your garden involves more than just planting; it requires planning and understanding some basic design principles.

English Cottage Garden

An English cottage garden is characterized by its informal, densely planted flower beds. To achieve this look, mix various flowers, herbs, and vegetables, ensuring a continuous bloom throughout the growing season.

Plant Variety: Combine perennials, annuals, and biennials for a dynamic and colorful display.

Pathways: Create charming, winding paths using natural materials like stone or gravel.

Focal Points: Incorporate elements like arbors, benches, or birdbaths to add interest and structure.

Vegetable Garden

A vegetable garden can be both beautiful and productive. Consider the following tips:

Raised Beds: Ideal for beginners as they improve drainage, reduce weeds, and make planting and harvesting easier.

Companion Planting: Grow plants together that benefit each other, such as tomatoes with basil or carrots with onions.

Succession Planting: Maximize your garden’s yield by planting different crops in the same area throughout the year.

Gardening Tools and Supplies

Having the right tools can make gardening more enjoyable and efficient. Here are some essential gardening tools for beginners:

Hand Trowel: Perfect for planting and transplanting small plants.

Pruning Shears: Essential for trimming and shaping plants.

Garden Gloves: Protect your hands from thorns, dirt, and blisters.

Watering Can/Hose: Ensure your plants get adequate water, especially during dry spells.

Garden Fork: Useful for turning soil and mixing in compost.

Preparing the Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Here’s how to prepare your soil:

Test Your Soil: Determine your soil’s pH and nutrient levels using a soil test kit.

Amend the Soil: Based on your soil test results, add compost, manure, or other organic matter to improve soil fertility and structure.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Planting Techniques

Understanding proper planting techniques will ensure your plants establish well and thrive.

Spacing: Follow the recommended spacing guidelines for each plant to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth.

Planting Depth: Ensure seeds and transplants are planted at the correct depth, typically indicated on seed packets or plant tags.

Watering: Water your plants thoroughly after planting to help them settle into their new environment.

Caring for Your Garden

Regular maintenance is crucial for a healthy and productive garden. Here are some tips for ongoing garden care:

Watering: Consistent watering is essential, especially for young plants. Water in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation.

Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

Fertilizing: Feed your plants with organic fertilizers according to their specific needs.

Pest Control: Monitor for pests and diseases. Use organic pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or using natural sprays.

Indoor Plant Care

For indoor plants, consider the following care tips:

Lighting: Ensure your plants receive the appropriate amount of light. Rotate plants regularly for even growth.

Watering: Avoid overwatering by checking soil moisture before watering. Most houseplants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.

Humidity: Increase humidity for tropical plants by misting them or placing them on a humidity tray.

Repotting: Repot your plants when they outgrow their containers to provide more space for root growth.

Creating a Sustainable Garden

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in gardening. Here are some ways to create an eco-friendly garden:

Composting: Recycle kitchen scraps and garden waste to create nutrient-rich compost.

Rainwater Harvesting: Collect rainwater in barrels to reduce water usage.

Native Plants: Choose native plants that are adapted to your local climate and require less maintenance.

Organic Practices: Avoid synthetic chemicals and opt for organic fertilizers and pest control methods.

Inspiration from Botanical Gardens

Visiting botanical gardens can provide inspiration and ideas for your own garden. Here are some famous botanical gardens to explore:

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK): Known for its diverse plant collections and stunning landscapes.

New York Botanical Garden (USA): Offers a wide variety of plant species and themed gardens.

Singapore Botanic Gardens (Singapore): Features tropical flora and the iconic National Orchid Garden.

Butchart Gardens (Canada): Famous for its beautifully designed flower displays and themed gardens.

Connecting with the Gardening Community

Joining the gardening community can provide support, advice, and inspiration. Here are some ways to connect:

Local Gardening Clubs: Join clubs to meet other gardeners and participate in events and workshops.

Online Forums: Engage in online gardening forums and social media groups like the #houseplantcommunity or #gardeningtips.

Garden Shows: Attend garden shows and expos to learn from experts and discover new plants and tools.

Conclusion

Starting a garden as a beginner can be a fulfilling journey that enhances your connection with nature and provides a sense of accomplishment. By understanding your space, choosing the right plants, designing thoughtfully, using proper tools, and maintaining your garden diligently, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden. Embrace the learning process, seek inspiration, and connect with the gardening community to grow your gardening skills and enjoy the many benefits this hobby offers.

Additional Tips and Resources

To further assist you on your gardening journey, here are some additional tips and resources:

Gardening Books for Beginners

"The Vegetable Gardener's Bible" by Edward C. Smith: Comprehensive guide on growing vegetables.

"The Flower Gardener's Bible" by Lewis Hill and Nancy Hill: Detailed instructions on flower gardening.

"Indoor Gardening: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Grow Beautiful Plants in Your Home" by Leslie F. Halleck: Focuses on indoor gardening techniques.

Gardening Magazines and Websites

Garden Gate Magazine: Offers gardening tips, plant profiles, and design ideas.

Fine Gardening: Provides expert advice on all aspects of gardening.

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): Wealth of information on plants, gardening techniques, and garden design.

Gardening Apps

PlantSnap: Helps identify plants and provides care instructions.

Garden Answers: Allows you to ask gardening questions and receive expert advice.

GrowIt!: Connects you with local gardeners and offers plant recommendations.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize, here's a step-by-step guide to help you start your garden:

Assess Your Space: Determine light conditions, soil type, and available space.

Choose Plants: Select easy-to-grow plants suited to your environment.

Design Your Garden: Plan your layout, considering aesthetics and plant needs.

Prepare the Soil: Test and amend your soil to ensure optimal growing conditions.

Plant: Follow proper planting techniques for healthy establishment.

Maintain: Water, weed, fertilize, and monitor for pests regularly.

Learn and Connect: Continue learning through books, magazines, and the gardening community.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and thriving garden.

Catelyn : So there are these two guys who are in love with me. There is one that my little sister is in love with, and the other I prefer his brother. So my crush has like 200 crushes (no seriously this guy is attracted to everyone) and he has a best friend who is like simp a little for my crush's sister. Except that my crush's sister really likes the little cousin of my crush's best friend, and it's mutual. Except that the little cousin of my crush's best friend is already married to a girl and this girl has a crush on the little brother of my crush's best friend and her best friend has a crush on my crush. So it obviously becomes a little complicated.

Brynden : Yeah I understand.

Hoster : HOW ??

My sisters got covid and I'm like 'damn, that's still a thing? Wild'

"oh, I live in a desert and-"

"wow that must be so terrible" "deserts are so ugly" "I would never want to live in a wasteland like that" "it's just empty nothingness"

wishing 10,000 exploding hammers upon you

behold New Mexico

[ID 1: tall, snowcapped rocky mountains rising above a plain filled with desert scrub

ID 2: brightly colored banded cliff walls of several mesas climbing their way into mountains

ID 3: a desert prairie

ID 4: colorful hoodoos against a twilight sky

ID 5: white sand dunes as far as the eye can see

ID 6: a collection of hoodoos against a stormy sky at sunset

ID 7: a juniper tree standing with a cliff wall in the background

ID 8: several juniper trees on a rocky landscape]

Things my friends have said:

“That bus just clobbered a person!”

“Babies, I mean they don’t like it when I throw them out the window! Stop complaining.”

“I like stairs, very tasty.”

“The moral of the story; friends are meat shields.”

“If this man has legs after this, I’m calling the dentist.”