2026/027: Nonesuch — Francis Spufford
Feb. 24th, 2026 08:38 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
tamaranth2026/027: Nonesuch — Francis Spufford
...here they still were, since they were not the dead ones, under the weary yellow lighting, sharing the unspoken knowledge that, every night the bombers came, ten thousand possible exits from life opened silently, and unpredictably, and without appeal, down which anyone and anything could fall. [loc. 4817]
My initial review: rereading for this 'proper review' was sheer delight, and I am eager to read the second half of this duology.
The story begins in August 1939. Iris Hawkins lives in a Clapham boarding house, works at a City brokerage, and is fascinated by economics. One evening, she flees a disastrous date and ends up at a bohemian dance club, where she encounters the other two protagonists: Geoff Hale, a gawky engineer who works for the BBC, and Lall Cunningham, the icy recipient of Geoff's unrequited love. Iris intends her seduction of Geoff to be a one night stand, but things become more complicated ( Read more... )
indonesia architecture
Feb. 24th, 2026 02:08 amroyalsongbird posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
little_detailshello! im currently working on a fantasy story where the country it takes place in (or at the very least starts in- im still figuring out plot details) is inspired by indonesia, but im having trouble finding good resources about indonesian architecture in the vague time period im writing in- i dont have a specific idea beyond the vague medieval times setting most fantasy stories use, but im more than willing to try and narrow it down if it helps. if anyone has resources i could look into, that would be very helpful!
Delaying next book until next week
Feb. 24th, 2026 06:55 amshewhostaples posting in girlmeetstroubleApologies everyone, I'm not feeling very well.
This does at least give me a chance to let you know that we'll be reading chapters 1-3. Thereafter we'll do either two or three chapters per week (there are 22 total) but I need to look ahead to see what split makes most sense.
This does at least give me a chance to let you know that we'll be reading chapters 1-3. Thereafter we'll do either two or three chapters per week (there are 22 total) but I need to look ahead to see what split makes most sense.
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Fic: Blue Flower Sheets (Band of Brothers, Speirs/Lipton)
Feb. 23rd, 2026 08:38 pmimpala_chickTitle: Blue Flower Sheets
Fandom: Band of Brothers (TV)
Pairing: Speirs/Lipton
Rated: Teen
Word Count: 2,525
Summary: When Speirs chooses Malarkey to lead the patrol, Lipton gets frustrated with him and voices his disapproval. Sure, Speirs is miles better than Dike and he’s been weirdly nice to Lipton, but Malarkey does not deserve this shit.
Speirs is… intrigued by this side of Lipton.
Tags: Episode 1x08 The Last Patrol, Non-sexual intimacy.
A/N: For theheavyartillery holiday exchange 2025.
Fic on AO3
( Fic under here )
Fandom: Band of Brothers (TV)
Pairing: Speirs/Lipton
Rated: Teen
Word Count: 2,525
Summary: When Speirs chooses Malarkey to lead the patrol, Lipton gets frustrated with him and voices his disapproval. Sure, Speirs is miles better than Dike and he’s been weirdly nice to Lipton, but Malarkey does not deserve this shit.
Speirs is… intrigued by this side of Lipton.
Tags: Episode 1x08 The Last Patrol, Non-sexual intimacy.
A/N: For the
heavyartillery holiday exchange 2025.Fic on AO3
( Fic under here )
28 Heated Rivalry Icons
Feb. 23rd, 2026 08:33 pmimpala_chickMost of these are of Shane Hollander from episodes 1 and 2. There's also one of Conner Storrie at the Golden Globes.
( the rest under here )
( the rest under here )
Daily Happiness
Feb. 23rd, 2026 08:03 pmtorachan1. Today was mostly a catching up day at work, since I had not only the weekend but the three business trip days last week where I wasn't really spending that much time on my regular work. I am all caught up now, though!
2. I also got my reimbursements submitted for the trip. The hotel and flight were paid through the travel agent who arranged everything, so I don't need reimbursements for those, but there's uber trips and per diems, so I should get reimbursed for those next week.
3. We have a couple cardboard cat loungers that are in pretty bad shape, and rather than get more cardboard ones, Carla ordered some sissel ones and those arrived today. Spritzed them with catnip spray to get the babies interested and so far they seem to like them.
2. I also got my reimbursements submitted for the trip. The hotel and flight were paid through the travel agent who arranged everything, so I don't need reimbursements for those, but there's uber trips and per diems, so I should get reimbursed for those next week.
3. We have a couple cardboard cat loungers that are in pretty bad shape, and rather than get more cardboard ones, Carla ordered some sissel ones and those arrived today. Spritzed them with catnip spray to get the babies interested and so far they seem to like them.
The Courage of a Woman - Mature AU Tale Inspired by Wuthering Heights
Feb. 23rd, 2026 07:25 pmearthspirits posting in historiumFandom: Wuthering Heights (Inspired by Emily Brontë's 1847 Novel + The 1939 and 1992 Films)
Title: The Courage of a Woman
Characters: Isabella Linton, Heathcliff, Joseph, Catherine Earnshaw + Original Character
Relationships: Isabella / Heathcliff - Catherine / Heathcliff
Era: Late 18th Century
Rating: Mature
Trigger Warnings: Abusive situation, unhappy marriage, references to past violence, references to past physical and psychological abuse, brief veiled reference to past animal abuse + threats of violence and some strong language.
Complete: 1/1
Word Count: 1,784
Summary: Isabella Linton has finally had enough.
Link: archiveofourown.org/works/79610331
Title: The Courage of a Woman
Characters: Isabella Linton, Heathcliff, Joseph, Catherine Earnshaw + Original Character
Relationships: Isabella / Heathcliff - Catherine / Heathcliff
Era: Late 18th Century
Rating: Mature
Trigger Warnings: Abusive situation, unhappy marriage, references to past violence, references to past physical and psychological abuse, brief veiled reference to past animal abuse + threats of violence and some strong language.
Complete: 1/1
Word Count: 1,784
Summary: Isabella Linton has finally had enough.
Notes:
- Some spoilers for the novel and for the 1939 and 1992 films.
- Isabella in my tale is based on Geraldine Fitzgerald, as she appeared in the 1939 film. Heathcliff is based on Ralph Fiennes, as he appeared in the 1992 film.
Link: archiveofourown.org/works/79610331
Shanghai Film Park
Feb. 23rd, 2026 07:01 pmsakana17 posting in c_entIf you've watched Guardian or almost any Republican Era Cdrama, you've seen Shanghai Film Park. In December I had the chance to visit it, and I posted about it (with photos) in my journal: https://sakana17.dreamwidth.org/254192.html for those interested.
Monday Word: Chyron
Feb. 23rd, 2026 09:39 pmstonepicnicking_okapi posting in 1word1daychyron [kahy-ron]
noun
a text-based graphic overlay displayed at the bottom of a television screen or film frame, as closed captioning or the crawl of a newscast.
examples
1. How quickly or sl(owly can the chyrons listing adverse reactions scurry across your screen? "With TV Drug Ads, What You See Is Not Necessarily What You Get" KFFHealthNews. 09 Sept 2024
2. An update on our friend Nazgul: When the official NBC Olympics account shared Nazgul's story on Instagram, they added a chyron that includes his time during the event, his name, the country he represented (https://www.instagram.com/p/DU6TUJ1gZkp/) Italy, naturally), and his official place: a gold medal at the Good Boy Winter Olympics.
origins
First recorded in 1975–80; after Chyron Corporation, the manufacturer of a broadcast graphics generator
noun
a text-based graphic overlay displayed at the bottom of a television screen or film frame, as closed captioning or the crawl of a newscast.
examples
1. How quickly or sl(owly can the chyrons listing adverse reactions scurry across your screen? "With TV Drug Ads, What You See Is Not Necessarily What You Get" KFFHealthNews. 09 Sept 2024
2. An update on our friend Nazgul: When the official NBC Olympics account shared Nazgul's story on Instagram, they added a chyron that includes his time during the event, his name, the country he represented (https://www.instagram.com/p/DU6TUJ1gZkp/) Italy, naturally), and his official place: a gold medal at the Good Boy Winter Olympics.
origins
First recorded in 1975–80; after Chyron Corporation, the manufacturer of a broadcast graphics generator
"Wiry and white-fiery and whirlwind-swivellèd snow ..."
Feb. 23rd, 2026 09:39 pmnineweavingOur Narnia lamp-posts look sheer magic in the snow.
Though I do worry about this tree. It hope it springs back.
Still, its leaves of snow are lovely.
How much snow did you get? And was there hot chocolate?
Nine
Just one thing: 24 February 2026
Feb. 23rd, 2026 08:42 pmjazzyjj posting in awesomeersIt's challenge time!
Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished!
Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.
Go!
Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished!
Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.
Go!
Me-and-media update
Feb. 24th, 2026 12:44 pmchina_shopPrevious poll review
In the Fourth walls poll, 68.2% of respondents said "the one-way glass that stops TPTB seeing fannish activity" is important to them; 65.9% said "the one that shields fandom from public/media attention", and 61.4% said "the wibbly-wobby physics-defying thing that means celebs and fans exist in separate universes that just happen to occupy the same space-time". About one in five respondents love ALL the walls.
In ticky-boxes, ballooooooooons and golden sparkles won 54.5% of the vote, coming second to hugs (77.3%), but the other tickies made pretty good showings too. Thank you for your votes! ♥
Reading
I finished Courtney Milan's The Marquis Who Mustn't and enjoyed it very much. Such a kind, good-hearted series with a lovely sense of community and a spark of mischief. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Then I ploughed through one of my randomly selected library books, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman. I found this a delightful read and very moreish. It's voicey, with a distractable, occasionally omniscient 3rd POV scattered with pop culture references. I appreciated it's acceptance of introversion and valuing of alone time. Also, the main character has anxiety, and it didn't really try to fix her.
Andrew and I are still slowly listening to Barrayar by Bujold, read by Grover Gardner.
Kdramas
Juuust enough has happened in One Spring Night that I'm into it. I mean, it's still going around in circles, but I'm most of the way through episode 14, and I'm definitely going to finish. The story relies heavily on respectability, parental authority, and conservative attitudes for its conflict (the leading man is a single dad, OH NO!!), which took me a while to get my head around.
Other TV
Our journey through Middle Earth continues. We're on the second disc of extras for The Two Towers, and the actors seem a bit punchy in their interviews, lol. Other than that, just The Pitt. ♥ (My brother watched a few episodes of The Pitt and said it doesn't have a plot, and I... don't know how to answer that. There are mini-storylines with the patients. The capital-P plot, maybe? such as it is? has kicked in at episode whatever-we're-up-to. I feel like it totally works without a driving plot arc, because there are character/relationship arcs, and rising tension/pacing, and theme. Maybe that's all you need?)
I'm amused that I have three streaming service subscriptions and we're spending so much time watching DVDs.
Audio entertainment
More Better Offline, Tech Won't Save Us (the one about humanoid robots), Writing Excuses, Letters from an American, Pod Save America, Cross Party Lines, Fansplaining.
Online life
From you I have been absent inthe spring February, quite a lot. My reading page seems pretty quiet, and I'm still having trouble keeping up; open tabs proliferate (that's the middle line of a haiku).
Writing/making things
I'm subsisting on alibi sentences. My creativity is sitting on a bench somewhere, staring blankly into the sky.
I keep failing to post the meta about adverbs in speech tags because it's so prescriptive, and who am I to say anything?
Life/health/mental state things
I don't know what I'm doing with my life. The world (mostly as presented by the above podcasts) is freaking me out. Yesterday I made fifty chicken dumplings and talked to my brother in NY.
Good things
Dumplings. Creativity is a tide. Sunshine. Grapes. Library books. Black cat lying on the very edge of a sunbeam. Independent media and reporting.
In the Fourth walls poll, 68.2% of respondents said "the one-way glass that stops TPTB seeing fannish activity" is important to them; 65.9% said "the one that shields fandom from public/media attention", and 61.4% said "the wibbly-wobby physics-defying thing that means celebs and fans exist in separate universes that just happen to occupy the same space-time". About one in five respondents love ALL the walls.
In ticky-boxes, ballooooooooons and golden sparkles won 54.5% of the vote, coming second to hugs (77.3%), but the other tickies made pretty good showings too. Thank you for your votes! ♥
Reading
I finished Courtney Milan's The Marquis Who Mustn't and enjoyed it very much. Such a kind, good-hearted series with a lovely sense of community and a spark of mischief. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Then I ploughed through one of my randomly selected library books, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman. I found this a delightful read and very moreish. It's voicey, with a distractable, occasionally omniscient 3rd POV scattered with pop culture references. I appreciated it's acceptance of introversion and valuing of alone time. Also, the main character has anxiety, and it didn't really try to fix her.
Andrew and I are still slowly listening to Barrayar by Bujold, read by Grover Gardner.
Kdramas
Juuust enough has happened in One Spring Night that I'm into it. I mean, it's still going around in circles, but I'm most of the way through episode 14, and I'm definitely going to finish. The story relies heavily on respectability, parental authority, and conservative attitudes for its conflict (the leading man is a single dad, OH NO!!), which took me a while to get my head around.
Other TV
Our journey through Middle Earth continues. We're on the second disc of extras for The Two Towers, and the actors seem a bit punchy in their interviews, lol. Other than that, just The Pitt. ♥ (My brother watched a few episodes of The Pitt and said it doesn't have a plot, and I... don't know how to answer that. There are mini-storylines with the patients. The capital-P plot, maybe? such as it is? has kicked in at episode whatever-we're-up-to. I feel like it totally works without a driving plot arc, because there are character/relationship arcs, and rising tension/pacing, and theme. Maybe that's all you need?)
I'm amused that I have three streaming service subscriptions and we're spending so much time watching DVDs.
Audio entertainment
More Better Offline, Tech Won't Save Us (the one about humanoid robots), Writing Excuses, Letters from an American, Pod Save America, Cross Party Lines, Fansplaining.
Online life
From you I have been absent in
Writing/making things
I'm subsisting on alibi sentences. My creativity is sitting on a bench somewhere, staring blankly into the sky.
I keep failing to post the meta about adverbs in speech tags because it's so prescriptive, and who am I to say anything?
Life/health/mental state things
I don't know what I'm doing with my life. The world (mostly as presented by the above podcasts) is freaking me out. Yesterday I made fifty chicken dumplings and talked to my brother in NY.
Good things
Dumplings. Creativity is a tide. Sunshine. Grapes. Library books. Black cat lying on the very edge of a sunbeam. Independent media and reporting.
Poll #34285 spam SPAM spam
Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 26
How often do you check your spam folder?
View Answers
daily
2 (7.7%)
weekly
2 (7.7%)
maybe once a month?
7 (26.9%)
only when I'm looking for a specific thing
16 (61.5%)
never have I ever
1 (3.8%)
other
2 (7.7%)
ticky-box full of prescriptive writing advice
3 (11.5%)
ticky-box full of blanket cocoons and comfort food
16 (61.5%)
ticky-box full of putting clutter in boxes instead of sorting it
15 (57.7%)
ticky-box full of koalas in gum trees, chewing eucalyptus and judging us all
16 (61.5%)
ticky-box full of hugs
19 (73.1%)
all your flaws are aligned with this mood of mine
Feb. 23rd, 2026 06:26 pmmusesfoolIt snowed until around 3 pm today! Just...so much snow. Friend L sent me a pic from her building in Manhattan and it was like the storm had barely had an impact, yet by me, even though the street had been plowed, it was all snowy again. Anyway, thankfully, my boss is also under about 2 ft of snow out on the island, so we are not going in tomorrow (the person who was supposed to come meet with us had their flight cancelled, so they never even made it to NY, so that will all get rescheduled, too). Whew.
Anyway, have some brief thoughts on recent TV:
- Shrinking: ( spoilers ) This show remains hilarious and endearing.
- Pluribus: I finished it and I don't love it but I am interested in seeing where it goes. ( spoilers )
- The Pitt: ( spoilers )
*
Anyway, have some brief thoughts on recent TV:
- Shrinking: ( spoilers ) This show remains hilarious and endearing.
- Pluribus: I finished it and I don't love it but I am interested in seeing where it goes. ( spoilers )
- The Pitt: ( spoilers )
*
