strange_complex

Another week where I'm off from Dayjob as much as on, and next week will probably be the same. Once I'm through this burst of back-to-back deadlines I'll check my lieu-time balance and see if I need to cut back to two days off each week during the summer (or if I'd rather take a full week or two off rather than clocking in a couple days each week). I've got a draft on one manga volume and am almost halfway through the second (and got a good dent into one of the other two before my deadlines got shuffled); OTOH, while I haven't signed paperwork yet, it sounds like I'll be doing another simulpub series, and I don't know when work on that will start. (Simulpub is inherently stressful, especially since it inevitably runs headlong in Dayjob crunches, but I'm very glad to have been offered this title.)

I just finally got around to a small bit of tech admin I've been meaning to do for ages. Most of the time when we have music up and running in the main living area of the house (as opposed to on our own in either of our offices), it's a Radioparadise stream, because we both generally like the mix. (Main mix or mellow mix!) Our musical tastes overlap enough that there's plenty we both like listening to, although we also each have music that the other doesn't really care for/about. A while back I started saving the link for any songs that really caught my attention; I'm very slow about really getting to know any new-to-me artists, since I'm mostly exposed to them through individual songs (fanvids are a common source), and now, months (or more likely a year or two) after starting to do that, I've finally shoved them all into a Qobuz playlist. (I still need to log back into Spotify and figure out exporting playlists from there.)

(The playlist is all of seventy-one songs. ^^; I think the number is probably so low because I almost always have to be listening closely enough to catch lyrics for a song to pique my interest.)

Once my brain switches over from one primary fandom to another, it's usually an absolute change, but over the last few days I've been having Newsflesh pangs--no creative urges or anything, but it's noticeable enough to be startling. And yesterday someone commented on one of those fics, which don't exactly get a lot of attention, being so old and for such a small fandom that hasn't had new canon in over a decade.

One of these days I'll probably reread the books, even though rereading anything is pretty rare for me. I wonder what'll happen in my brain then. (For that matter, IIRC I haven't reread Fruits Basket since I adapted the second fanbook; the second anime series is a pretty good adaptation, but I'll never know what I would've thought of it if I'd still be in the fannish grip of the manga series when it came out.)

I was (obviously, I guess) extremely confident when I got my first tattoos that I wouldn't regret them, even though they're fannish and I knew Newsflesh wouldn't have that hold on me forever, because nothing does, even though years tend to pass between the times my monofannish brain latches onto something new. But it's still a relief to be so far on the other side of it now and to have had it pan out that way in practice.

Current Mood: thoughtful
Current Music: Máire Brennan - To the Water

reviews_and_ramblings

Whether it be my tongue, or my body, I’ll use it all. As long as it’s for you, the man I fell in love with.

At the back of an old alley, Yoruji is always looking up at the night sky. He finally opened up his own ramen shop, “Yogoto ((Nightly))” but despite the name, it is far cry away from his beloved stars.

However, one late night, Yoruji discovers Akemi, who possesses a very special tongue. And so, the two of them begin to work together, in order to make the best tasting ramen. But is this the only amazing talent Akemi has...?!

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4ellzrf)

Aki Ueda is known for delivering stories with rich atmospheres and deeply felt character dynamics, and Shitasaki ni Yoake no Aji (The Taste of Dawn on the Tip of the Tongue) is no exception. This manga takes the classic "culinary partnership" trope and infuses it with a sensual, intensely loyal romance.
The tagline itself sets a passionate, almost devotional tone:
"Whether it be my tongue, or my body, I’ll use it all. As long as it’s for you, the man I fell in love with."
Yoruji is a man driven by a quiet, grounded passion. He names his ramen shop Yogoto ("Nightly"), a nod to his love for the night sky, even though his reality is confined to a cramped, steam-filled kitchen in a gritty back alley. He has the drive and the culinary vision, but he’s missing the final piece to achieve true perfection.
Enter Akemi, a man blessed (or perhaps cursed) with an incredibly sensitive, sophisticated palate—the "special tongue." When Yoruji discovers Akemi's talent, their partnership becomes an immediate, symbiotic necessity. Akemi provides the refined feedback Yoruji needs to perfect his ramen, while Yoruji provides a sense of purpose and a place for Akemi to belong.
Aki Ueda brilliantly blurs the lines between culinary taste and physical intimacy. The concept of Akemi’s "special tongue" isn't just used for tasting broth; it translates seamlessly into the romantic and physical chemistry between the leads. The act of cooking and tasting becomes an extension of their desire for one another.
The dramatic hook is Akemi’s absolute surrender to Yoruji’s dream. The romantic tension escalates rapidly because Akemi isn't just offering his palate—he is offering his entire self to ensure the man he loves succeeds.
Expect beautifully expressive character designs, atmospheric backgrounds that capture the moody vibe of a late-night alleyway, and high-quality, emotionally charged intimate scenes.
Shitasaki ni Yoake no Aji is a must-read if you love BL manga that combines a solid, engaging plot (the pursuit of the perfect culinary dish) with high-stakes, deeply affectionate romance. It strikes a great balance between a comforting "slice-of-life food manga" and a passionate, spicy love story.
If you enjoy stories where characters fiercely support each other's dreams while falling helplessly in love, this late-night ramen shop is well worth the visit.

vysila

Tomorrow my DIL and I are going on a local home garden tour. After learning about the event from a neighbor, I immediately invited my sweet little daughter in law and she accepted! It is our first outing with just the two of us, and I am so thrilled she accepted. It's an all day thing so I figure we'll also stop somewhere for a little lunch. Need to see if there are any 'tea room' type restaurants nearby. And I love that the proceeds go to local STEM for girls, especially since my DIL is in a STEM field herself.

The neighbor who told me about the event stopped by to introduce herself. She is a Master Gardener and with one glance she told me how to get rid of the horsetails growing along the fence line that separates my property from the county maintained pond. And she also identified that some of the bushes along that line are blackberry bushes! Woo hoo, I love blackberries. Free forage fruit!

I have two good sized rhododendron bushes in my backyard, one on each side of the porch. The one facing east has finally bloomed and I now know the color is hot pink. So pretty! The east side gets the morning sun and so clearly anything I put out there will do better. The other side of the porch is shady all day and alas that rhododendron only got 3 blooms on it. Basically the entire backyard except for that one corner is in shade all day. I'm thinking maybe ferns and hostas. I was hoping to be able to do a few vegetables in a vertical planter but think perhaps it won't do well in the end.

Look at the vivid color of those rhododendron blooms! Rhododendrons are plentiful here, they do very well in this climate and soil.
photo of hot pink blooming rhododendron in my back yard

photo of hot pink blooming rhododendron in my back yard

And here is a view of the rest of the backyard, taken at the same time and from the exact same spot as the first photo. Check out those massive pine trees (on the property behind). The nice thing about it being so shady is that the yard and house remain cool, even in the 92/33 temps we had earlier this week. I now understand why that air conditioner hasn't been replaced yet. I doubt it has been run more than a dozen times since 1996, when it was installed! The shade is less enjoyable in the winter, when it is dreary and wet, though.
back yard view with partial porch/catio and huge pine trees behind fence

back yard view with partial porch/catio and huge pine trees behind fence

To give you an idea of the neighborhood, here is a shot taken of the entire street (you can just see my house at the very end). Very nicely maintained and yes, the houses are all pretty much identical, but you can certainly tell how many trees surround this tiny little development. It's great sound insulation from the traffic! I just wish I'd thought to take street photos a few weeks ago when all the spring blooms were so plentiful.
photo of curving street with backdrop of large pine trees

photo of curving street with backdrop of large pine trees

And here is a photo of my home with the backdrop of trees, taken from about halfway down the street. My place is the left half of the blue house at the end. It is both the smallest and the most private of any of the houses in the neighborhood. Both are good things in my book.
photo of blue duplex house with huge pine trees behind, from street

photo of blue duplex house with huge pine trees behind, from street

Oh! And here are some photos of the new catio space for Kayden. Since I already had the roofed porch it wasn't too difficult to do, except for having to frame out the upper part and screen it all in with galvanized screening. Kayden and I are very pleased with how it turned out. There are multiple perches for him to use, although so far he hasn't tried out the highest ones. He's a big boy and he looks but seems to decide he can't make the jump. But at least he is outside and is enjoying himself.
Photo of newly enclosed porch to make a safe catio space

Photo of newly enclosed porch to make a safe catio space

Another photo of newly enclosed porch/catio, with table and chairs

black & white cat exploring his new catio

black & white cat on perch in catio looking out at the yard

And some bonus shots of Kayden enjoying both his new tunnel toy and a sunny patch from the skylights. Those skylights may be the best feature of the house. A real mood saver in winter, to be sure!
black & white cat inside colorful tunnel, batting at a hanging toy

black & white cat inside colorful tunnel, batting at a hanging toy

black & white cat napping in a colorful cat tunnel placed in a sunny spot

This past weekend, instead of protesting, I took a day off and went to the downtown Meeker Days celebration, which is essentially a farmers market on steroids and with concerts. Ezra Meeker founded the town of Puyallup and apparently was also one of the early guides for the Oregon Trail. It was enjoyable but definitely reminded me I need to get a sunhat. My ballcap did not do the trick. They closed off the entire downtown and it was nice to meander some of the streets I don't normally see and visit shops as well as all the vendor booths. I did end up buying a lemon blueberry muffin and gobbled it on the spot, but didn't see that crepe vendor I wanted to try. There were some wonderful artists displaying goods - such as a hand carved wood relish tray in the shape of the Millennium Falcon, which I loved. I have no need for a relish tray but yeah, it definitely tempted the fangirl in me.

While downtown, I took some photos of the fabulous Pioneer Park, which is the very heart of downtown. It's a really nice park.

The spray/splash park inside Pioneer Park.
Photo of kids' splash pool in downtown park

Photo of kids' splash pool in downtown park

A fabulous shade pavilion built around a massive old tree.
Photo of massive tree with pavilion built around it, in downtown park

The playground in the park.
Photo of downtown park with playground and farmer market booths

And that, I think, is that for this entry. Now I need to get ready for the annual boob squishing later this afternoon. Always a fun time. I shall distract myself with thoughts of tomorrow's fun!

Current Mood: buoyant

purplecat

Side of a round building made from flat stones. Concentric banks and ditches surround it, shored up with stone walls. Remains of low buildings in stone visible next to it in the innermost circle.

Broch of Gurness again

reviews_and_ramblings

Juri, a 2nd Year at Inugashira High, has a daily routine: to feed the super-surly cat that lives down by the riverside. One day, when going to the riverside as usual, he encounters the cat in the arms of a man. Hiromi, a 2nd Year at Sarutou High, starts up a conversation with Juri, his bright, smiling face never wavering while playing with the cat."Ba-thump!" At that moment, a warmth that Juri had never felt before took root in his chest! However, in reality, Inugashira and Sarutou are two rival schools filled with delinquents that have been fighting for years! Just like dogs and monkeys, the leaders of both sides constantly face-off and fuel them with the urge to fight.
Juri spends his time with Hiromi without revealing his identity, but that tiny feeling in his chest is growing constantly to the point it's...uncontrollable?
How will this pure Yankee, Romeo and Juliet-style BL turn out?!

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/4xG9ioM)

If you love the "star-crossed lovers" trope but wish it had more tracksuits, stray cats, and delinquent headbutts, Washio Tobi’s Kasenjiki RomeJuli Kousoukyoku (The Riverside Romeo and Juliet Feud) delivers exactly what it promises: a high-energy, surprisingly sweet, "Yankee" romantic comedy.
The setup is a tale as old as time—or at least as old as Shakespeare. We have two rival delinquent schools: Inugashira High (The Dogs) and Sarutou High (The Monkeys), trapped in a perpetual turf war. Enter Juri, a tough second-year from Inugashira, whose secret soft side is exposed by his daily routine of feeding a grumpy riverside stray cat.
The catalyst for the romance is beautifully simple. Juri catches Hiromi, a second-year from the rival school, effortlessly charming the surly cat. The immediate "Ba-thump!" Juri experiences is a classic BL awakening, made funnier by the fact that both boys are supposed to be hardened brawlers.
The heart of this manga lies entirely in the contrast between its two leads:
Juri (The "Grumpy" Romeo): He is a pure-hearted Yankee who doesn't quite know what to do with these new, warm feelings. Watching him desperately try to hide his school identity while falling harder for Hiromi provides excellent comedic tension.
Hiromi (The "Sunshine" Juliet): Hiromi’s bright, unwavering smile contrasts perfectly with the typical delinquent aesthetic. He is disarming, friendly, and acts as the perfect foil to Juri’s tough exterior.
Their secret riverside meetings create a cozy, isolated bubble that contrasts sharply with the chaotic, testosterone-fueled school yards they return to.
The progression from "secret cat-feeding buddies" to "uncontrollable teenage yearning" is handled with a great sense of comedic timing and genuine warmth.
The fact that their respective schools are actively trying to tear each other apart adds a fun, dramatic layer of dramatic irony. The reader is constantly waiting for the inevitable shoe to drop when their identities are exposed.
Washio Tobi excels at drawing expressive characters. The transition between sharp, fierce "battle faces" and soft, blushing, love-struck expressions is visually delightful.
If you are looking for a groundbreaking, subversive take on the delinquent genre, this isn't it. It leans heavily into established Yankee and BL tropes (the secret identity, the rival schools, the shared love for an animal).
Kasenjiki RomeJuli Kousoukyoku is a highly entertaining, feel-good BL. It takes the inherently dramatic "rival gangs" premise and infuses it with fluff, humor, and a genuinely sweet romance. It’s a perfect read if you enjoy high-energy comedies, pure-hearted punks, and a healthy dose of romantic yearning.

lnhammer

He who assists a lord of men using the Way
Doesn’t use soldiers to control the realm.
Such actions surely [get] their proper return.
Where troops reside, thorns and brambles sprout;
After a great army, there certainly are bad [i.e., famine] years.^[29-1]
The skillful achieves [his goal] then stops,
And doesn’t dare attempt control.
He achieves and then isn’t vain,
Achieves and then doesn’t boast,
Achieves and then isn’t arrogant,
Achieves and then doesn’t covet things,
Achieves and then doesn’t control.^[29-2]
Creatures that get strong then get old:
This we call not [using] the Way,
And [those] not [using] the Way soon end.

^[29-1] Other texts omit this line.
^[29-2] One other text has “This we call achieving without control” and another text as “This we call achieving with control” — my guess is the latter's scribe dropped a “not”

以道佐人主者，
不以兵强天下。
其事好还。
师之所处，荆棘生焉。
大军之后，必有凶年。
善有果而已，
不敢以取强。
果而勿矜，
果而勿伐，
果而勿骄。
果而不得已，
果而勿强。
物壮则老，
是谓不道，
不道早已。

Continues the topic of chapter 29. Same realm/kingdom/world = “[all] under heaven” as in ch.29. The skillful one is traditionally understood as a commander/general.

Admin note: I’ve gone back and consistently retranslated 万物 previously “ten-thousand things” as “myriad creatures.”

---L.

prisca posting in

fic_promptly

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rachelmanija

June is the month where every time I post about my shop, brave internet warriors call me a pedophile and a groomer. Joke's on them though: every time they comment, the algorithm boosts my post and gets my shop more publicity.

I had fun creating a display for Pride. The books rotate - I have lots that fit the categories I highlighted. Which slogan is your favorite?

reviews_and_ramblings

Ruri Rokuse enjoys his part-time job as a janitor as he is not forced to talk to strangers, which he finds challenging due to his stuttering. Furthermore, he looks up to Tooru Takashina, an office worker in the same building as Ruri. Tooru, when in front of a crowd, speaks articulately and without hesitation. Despite his wishful thinking, Ruri knows he could never conduct himself as well as Tooru does.

When he receives Tooru's lost flash drive at work, Ruri musters the courage to talk to the man he admires before running away. Although surprised, Tooru does not seem to mind his stammer and wants to express his gratitude somehow. He gets the chance to do so when he reencounters Ruri. Will they be able to communicate properly with each other's help?

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4uKiDJC)

Isso Koe ga Nakattara (If only I didn't have a voice) by Chimi Saruwaka is a single-volume BL manga that leans heavily into emotional vulnerability, but its execution can be quite polarizing depending on what you look for in a romance.
The manga establishes a classic BL trope: contrasting worlds. You have Ruri, a heavily introverted janitor trying to remain invisible due to his severe stuttering, paired with Tooru, a high-flying, articulate office elite.

What makes the dynamic interesting—and slightly unconventional—is Tooru’s personality. Instead of being the typical flawless, gentle prince, Tooru is written as someone who is highly effective at his job but struggles to understand human emotions naturally. He speaks directly, sometimes bluntly, which creates an intriguing friction. He doesn't look down on Ruri's stutter, but his initial approach is less "soft sympathy" and more analytical, treating it almost like a puzzle or something he wants to help "fix."
While the setup promises a heartwarming story about overcoming communication barriers, readers often note a few common BL pitfalls here:
Because Ruri is so timid and Tooru is an assertive corporate leader, the relationship can sometimes feel heavily skewed. At points, it edges into a slightly paternal or "teacher-student" dynamic rather than an equal partnership.
The manga walks a fine line with the idea of a partner "curing" a disability or insecurity. While it ultimately focuses on them learning to communicate with each other's flaws, some of Tooru's early bluntness might rub readers the wrong way if they are looking for a purely gentle, green-flag romance.
Chimi Saruwaka’s art style does a fantastic job of conveying Ruri’s intense anxiety. The layout explicitly spells out his stuttering blocks visually, helping the reader feel the weight of his speech impediment and why he prefers the quiet isolation of his janitorial job. Because it is a single volume, however, the transition from Ruri's deep-seated complex to romantic intimacy moves quite fast, sacrificing a bit of the slow-burn psychological depth the premise initially promises.
If you enjoy stories featuring an anxious, submissive main character paired with a blunt, slightly dense but intensely devoted elite partner, Isso Koe ga Nakattara delivers plenty of classic BL angst and sweetness. However, if you prefer romances built on strict emotional equality and slow-burn character growth, the rapid pacing and power imbalance might feel a bit frustrating.

calimac

(pt 1? Yes, pt 2 is coming along in a couple of days)

Regular San Francisco Symphony guest conductor James Gaffigan was scheduled to lead Beethoven's Ninth this week. After former music director Michael Tilson Thomas died two months ago, management decided to repurpose this concert as a memorial to him.

This was appropriate, as the Ninth was a signature work for MTT. He performed it in his inaugural concert as music director in 1995, and I heard him conduct it at least twice - when he recorded it in 2013, and in the last concert by him I ever heard, in 2023.

To the Ninth - which was originally scheduled as the whole concert - management added new material as a first half. It began with brief appreciation/reminiscences by representatives of the orchestra, the chorus, and the symphony board - all women, by the way. I particularly enjoyed the chorus member talking about the time that MTT, with a combination of curiosity and whimsical joy, scheduled a fiendishly difficult choral work by the Italian ultra-modernist Giacinto Scelsi. Thanks to MTT's attitude, both performers and audience had a great time.

Then, three brief works - a lullaby movement from Brahms's German Requiem, done just as a memorial, I guess; Ives' The Unanswered Question, because it was a favorite of MTT's; and a raucously Bernsteinian squib by MTT himself, titled Agnegram.

Gaffigan took the three instrumental movements of the Ninth with broad imperturbability, satisfying without trying to dazzle. The Ode to Joy was bolder and busier in its instrumental presentation. The chorus burned through the score with unspeakable power, towering over everything Beethoven forced them to do. Principal soloist bass Peixin Chen gave an impressively deep sound, with a hollow tone that sounded as if he were singing from within a very large cave. Tenor Thomas Cooley was lighter and fleetier, with a pleasing strong tone quality. The two women don't get enough solo material to judge, but soprano Jessica Faselt and mezzo Kelley O'Connor were both strong and clear in voice, topping each other in turn as they sang together.

shewhomust

If you are going to disable your watch, when you are on holiday is a good time to do it. You can be more relaxed about timings and deadlines, and you can enjoy the shopping for repairs and replacements. The day *before* you go on holiday is less convenient: I kept needing to check how much time I had and how many things to do. Luckily I had not completely destroyed my watch, just dislodged the pin that holds it to the strap. It is in my pocket, so I can consult it when I need to.

Despite this time handicap, we were on the road not long after midday, in blazing sunshine and wondering whether I had packed too many warm clothes. Northumberland was beautiful but overcast, and we crossed the Forth in a downpour. Now at The Well country inn, near Loch Leven, but the skies are too grey for the scenery to tempt us out to explore.

We will eat in the bar and try to be away before the Tartan Army arrives for the match (which starts at eleven, so it shouldn't be a problem). Tomorrow we join D and V for midsummer week in Moray.

reviews_and_ramblings

Half a year ago, Makoto Yanai, a normal office employee, became his friend’s guarantor for a large loan, but in the end the friend fled and left him with enormous debt of 30 million yen. Yanai became a call boy in order to pay off the debt, until one day he stumbled across a yakuza who claimed "love at first sight" and was willing to pay 5 times his price if Yanai became his personal whore...

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/3SRoUWx)

Monetary Love by Nanako Sakurai is a classic, indulgence-heavy BL manga that leans hard into popular genre tropes: astronomical debt, sex work, and a protective, intensely possessive yakuza lead.
If you are looking for a gritty, hyper-realistic exploration of the Japanese criminal underworld or the psychological toll of financial ruin, this isn't it. However, if you are looking for a fast-paced, high-heat, and surprisingly sweet "sugar daddy" romance wrapped in a dangerous aesthetic, it hits all the right marks.
The setup is a well-worn staple in the BL world: a naive, good-natured protagonist takes on a massive debt

30\text{ million yen}

, roughly

\$200,000\text{ USD}

out of a misplaced sense of loyalty, forcing him into adult entertainment.
What saves the story from becoming overly dark or depressing is the immediate introduction of the yakuza savior. The "love at first sight" trope is played completely straight here. Instead of subjecting Makoto to typical dark-romance cruelty, the yakuza lead operates more like an over-the-top, fiercely protective benefactor who uses his infinite wealth to completely isolate and pamper the object of his affection.
Makoto Yanai (The Bottom): Makoto fits the traditional "ordinary everyman" archetype. He is resilient but deeply vulnerable, easily overwhelmed by his circumstances, and prone to overthinking. His transition from a regular office worker to a personal companion is driven by desperation, making his initial compliance feel grounded, even if his eventual genuine attachment to a criminal happens relatively fast.
The Yakuza Lead (The Top): He represents the ultimate fantasy figure in this specific sub-genre—dangerous to the outside world, but a total softie for the person he loves. He is intensely possessive, offering five times Makoto's rate not just to secure him, but to completely erase any need for Makoto to interact with other clients.
Nanako Sakurai’s art style is clean, attractive, and highly expressive, which earned the series a spot in the top 20 of the Chil-Chil BL Awards in the "Best Erotic" category upon its release. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and the intimate scenes are frequent and uncensored/explicit, tailored precisely for readers who prefer high-heat levels in their romance manga.
Read it if you enjoy the "Yakuza x Ordinary Guy" dynamic, financial dependency tropes, and high-steam content with a mutually devoted pairing. If you prefer slow-burn romances, complex plot twists, or stories that heavily dissect the ethical and moral grey areas of the yakuza, this is not for you.

conuly

I've had to comb Callie with my own comb. My god, that girl can shed!

***********************************

( Read more... )

reviews_and_ramblings

A veteran designer just opened his new shop. A top model, who's making a breakthrough in the acting biz too, is surprisingly forward about wanting to be the designer's exclusive model.

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/3SSjUkv)

He Is Beautiful by Momoko Tenzen is a classic example of a mature, slow-burn office/industry romance that flips the script on traditional BL dynamics. Set against the sleek, high-pressure backdrop of the fashion industry, it balances professional pride with intense, forward romantic tension.
The story follows Michi, an experienced, dedicated designer-slash-owner who has finally taken the massive leap to open his own independent shop. His quiet, focused world is completely disrupted when Yoshika—a wildly popular top model whose acting career is also exploding—walks through the door.

Instead of waiting to be courted by high-end fashion houses, Yoshika aggressively pursues Michi, offering himself up to be the designer's exclusive model.

What makes this dynamic work so well is the contrast between the two leads:
Michi is older, a veteran who understands the industry's grittier side, while Yoshika is younger, flashy, and right in the middle of his breakthrough moment.
Yoshika is remarkably forward ("Is my body not attractive to you?"). He isn't shy about using his physical appeal and status as leverage, but his obsession with Michi runs deeper than mere vanity.
Momoko Tenzen is well-known for her elegant, realistic art style (seen in her other works like Flutter). She excels at drawing elongated, fashionable proportions, which fits a manga about the modeling world perfectly. The character designs feel distinct, mature, and undeniably attractive without looking overly generic.
There is a genuine appreciation for the fashion industry here. Michi isn't just a placeholder "designer"; his passion for his work, his hesitations about mixing business with pleasure, and his professional pride are central to the plot. Watching two people who are highly capable at their jobs interact creates great narrative friction.
While Yoshika starts off holding all the cards because of his fame and forward nature, Michi’s maturity and emotional boundaries mean Yoshika has to work genuinely hard to win his real trust, not just a business contract.
Despite Yoshika's aggressive introduction, the actual emotional and physical progression of their relationship takes time. If you prefer instant gratification BL where the main couple jumps together immediately, the professional back-and-forth might feel a bit drawn out.
An assertive, borderline-obsessive younger suitor pursuing a more reserved, older professional is a staple trope in Yaoi/BL. Tenzen executes it beautifully, but it doesn't reinvent the wheel plot-wise.
If you enjoy BL manga like Awkward Silence or Tenzen's other work Flutter, where the romance feels grounded in an actual career or adult reality rather than a high school hallway, He Is Beautiful is an incredibly satisfying, gorgeous read.

oursin

Moar and moar on performative reading, sigh: Booksmaxxing: how reading became sexy (haven't we been here before?)

***

I haven't actually read the whole of this yet, but on reading and the sexxy, it goes the full academic: Romantasy and the quest for cliteracy. Abstract:

Romantasy – a hybrid genre of romance and fantasy – is well known for its explicit ‘spicy’ content. Like romance fiction, female desire and pleasure are central to the narrative. Drawing on textual analysis from three popular romantasy series, this article examines the genre’s potential to foster cultural cliteracy: or the recognition and understanding of the clitoris as a central site of sexual pleasure. It explores how depictions of clitoral stimulation, female sexual response and orgasm function as a form of public pedagogy on female sexual embodiment. Through detailed sensory description, romantasy offers rich narratives of female pleasure that contrast the often disembodied and risk-focused approaches that pervade school-based sexuality education. While the genre is not without its limitations, it is argued that romantasy provides readers imaginative, safe spaces to engage with the embodied, erotic and emotional dimensions of sex, gender and relationships. In doing so, it offers valuable counternarratives to patriarchal and phallocentric discourses that continue to constrain how female sexuality is understood and expressed.

***

People have been going WO WO SYMBOLICKAL METAPHOR about this: ‘Most famous tree in the world’: Sherwood Forest’s 1,000-year-old Major oak dies. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has a different take (bless 'em):

Although this marks the end of the Major Oak as a living tree, it does not mark the end of its story. The iconic oak tree remains a powerful presence in the landscape and an enduring part of our cultural heritage. The tree and soil beneath it will continue to be a vital refuge for wildlife and the knowledge we have gained by looking after the Major Oak will help preserve other ancient oaks across the country. Its legacy will live on through its saplings and the legends associated with it, with plans being drawn up with our partners, and the tree will continue to be a vital refuge for wildlife.

***

Honestly, this secret org sounds like a cross between the school playground and Versailles of the Sun King with who rates and why. I guess the 'got sand kicked in his face' is an aged trope (it was in ads for some body-building thing) but we feel some such back-stories must be in play.

***

'Here they come building their big fancy Stonehenges, two wooden posts was good enough for us....': Archaeologists believe they have discovered an earlier, much simpler version of Stonehenge about 3 miles (5km) away from the prehistoric monument.

***

A different kind of heritage: Glassy Junction, Southall: the definitive history of ‘London’s first Indian pub’

***

Today in London history [last Tuesday]: RSPCA founded in West End coffeehouse, 1824.

dolorosa_12

Friday open threads are back for now, and this week's one is inspired by a great Shetland fanfic I read recently. It's wonderful for many, many reasons, but one thing that I particularly enjoyed was its incredible specificity of place: having been to Shetland myself, it was like walking around Lerwick again. The crowning glory: it even managed to work in a reference to a specific waterfront cafe which (in my opinion) has the best coffee in town.

( Link to the fic behind the cut if you want to read it )

So, here is this week's prompt: what is your favourite tiny real-world detail in a work of fiction (original or transformative) that makes it clear the author has genuine experience of the place being depicted?

summersgate

Bright Eyes. Some kind of doodle picture. This was started when I painted the colors on before we left for West Reading last week. I thought maybe I'd use it to doodle on while I was on the trip but I never did. I got out of the habit of art a day.

Later, in the afternoon I'm going with Jules to Pittsburgh to pick up Hazel for the weekend. We are going to have a big weekend with Hazel here and then on Sunday we're having a cook out party. To me this party represents many things: my birthday, Roswell's birthday, Fathers day, our 40th anniversary, Summer Solstice, and finalizing the paperwork to officially get the house next door into Jules' name.

Last night I couldn't fall asleep so after a while of lying in bed with my eyes open I came out and poured myself enough brandy to get tipsy, crocheted and watched Hard Rock Medical on my phone till I felt like I could sleep. This morning when the chicken alarm went off (6 am) I felt very tired so I only did the basics (let them out of the coop and gave them water and their greens) and then went back to bed. I got up the second time around 8 and have been busy since then with the usual daily stuff and cleaning house for company. Dave went into town to get a pulley and some rope. I asked the kids to go together to get me an extra large windchime for my birthday. I'd like to be able to hoist it up in the big sycamore tree down by the creek while everyone is here on Sunday. Make the hanging of it into something like a memorable event to celebrate all the things I listed above.

reviews_and_ramblings

Kei and Chiyo have been each other's best bros for the past ten years, and now they're living in neighboring apartments as adults. Chiyo thinks that after spending most of their lives together, he knows everything there is to his friend...until he walks in on Kei, moaning his name in the dark.

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4vSZshI)

Kazuki Natsume is a master of capturing the heavy, bittersweet ache of unrequited love, and By My Side is no exception. Taking the classic "childhood friends to lovers" trope, Natsume infuses it with a tangible sense of history, domestic intimacy, and a sudden, sharp jolt of tension that changes everything.
Kei and Chiyo have a decade of history. They are the definition of a comfortable, codependent pair of best friends—so close that they live in neighboring apartments and seamlessly blend into each other’s daily routines. Chiyo pridefully believes he knows Kei inside and out.
That illusion shatters the moment Chiyo walks into a dark room and hears Kei pleasuring himself while moaning Chiyo's name.
What makes the premise work so beautifully isn't just the initial shock of the discovery, but the agonizing shift in perspective that follows. Suddenly, ten years of casual touches, lingering glances, and "brotherly" affection are recontextualized. Chiyo is forced to look at his best friend through an entirely new lens, realizing that the comfort he took for granted was actually built on Kei’s silent, enduring longing.
Natsume’s artwork is gorgeous, clean, and incredibly expressive.
The manga excels in subtle shifts. You can practically feel the change in temperature between them after the incident—the sudden awkwardness of spaces that used to feel entirely natural.
Kei: He is the epitome of the "devoted, pining friend" who has resigned himself to never having his feelings returned. Watching his composure crack after being caught is both heartbreaking and incredibly compelling.
Chiyo: Rather than reacting with immediate disgust or turning it into a gag, Chiyo’s confusion feels grounded. His journey isn't just about realizing Kei likes him, but realizing how deeply he cares for Kei in return.
The manga doesn't rush the transition from friends to lovers. It respects the weight of their ten-year friendship. There is a genuine fear of ruin—the terrifying risk that crossing the line might destroy the most important relationship in their lives.
The pacing strikes the perfect balance. It delivers plenty of emotional angst, but it balances the tension with deeply comforting, domestic moments that remind you why these two belong together in the first place.
If you love friends-to-lovers, mutual pining, and high-tension emotional payoffs, By My Side is a must-read. It’s a beautifully drawn, heartfelt story about the moment safety turns into passion, and how terrifying—and wonderful—it is to truly be seen by the person who knows you best.

tinny

Here's my set for round 43 at

icons10in20! I enjoyed making these summery looking icons. I hope you like them, too:

Teasers:

( 10+6 icons )

Every single comment is treasured. All icons shareable! Concrit welcome. Check out my resource post for makers of textures and brushes I use.

Previous icon posts:

rebeccmeister

Oh my goodness, it was so wonderful to be on vacation for a few days there.

Oh my goodness, the world didn't stop while I was on vacation, there are problems to solve, deadlines to meet, more plans to plan.

Certain overambitious plans probably need to be triaged now, but I can't give you any specifics on that yet because I'm still trying to remember which way is up.

But - worth it? WORTH IT.

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strange_complex

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umadoshi - A scattered Friday post: work/work, playlist creation, and fannish flickers
reviews_and_ramblings - Shitasaki ni Yoake no Aji by Aki Ueda
vysila - Positive Things
purplecat - Random Iron Age Remains
reviews_and_ramblings - Kasenjiki RomeJuli Kousoukyoku by Washio Tobi
lnhammer - Dao De Jing, chapter 30
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conuly - Mislaid my cat comb
reviews_and_ramblings - He Is Beautiful by Momoko Tenzen
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dolorosa_12 - Friday open thread: specific real-world details in fiction
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reviews_and_ramblings - By My Side by Kazuki Natsume
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Page generated Friday, 19 June 2026 19:40

The children of the night

Network

A scattered Friday post: work/work, playlist creation, and fannish flickers

Shitasaki ni Yoake no Aji by Aki Ueda

Positive Things

Random Iron Age Remains

Kasenjiki RomeJuli Kousoukyoku by Washio Tobi

Dao De Jing, chapter 30

Friday, June 19 - Worst Case Scenario

Tales from the Bookshop: GAY GAY GAY GAY GAY GAY

Isso Koe ga Nakattara by Chimi Saruwaka

MTT memorial, pt 1

On holiday time

Monetary Love by Nanako Sakurai

Mislaid my cat comb

He Is Beautiful by Momoko Tenzen

Noted around and about

Friday open thread: specific real-world details in fiction

friday

By My Side by Kazuki Natsume

10 Wu Lei icons for icons10in20

Catch my breath [status]

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January 2026

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