Daily Write - Balance on Windmill Hills - Part 2

Ariya sat in her room, perched on the window sill. Whenever she got bored from reading her numerous texts, she would simply turn and look out the window. Collegium Arcanum was expansive, almost a city on its own merit. Places to eat, places to buy supplies, even small shops where one could buy items not associated with school. There was never a need for anyone to exit the walls of the college. Perhaps it had been built that way to keep the students focused. Or maybe it was to aid the faculty in keeping an eye on the students.

From Ariya’s window, she had a clear view of the “Fire” building. It had a more formal name, probably dedicated to a notable fire wizard. But, it had been termed the “fire” building just for ease when giving direction. Each elemental building had its own unique architecture to them and yet they all somehow resembled each other. In the setting of the afternoon sun, red and orange glows fell on the Fire building. Ariya leaned her head back against the wall and just stared aimlessly at the it. She watches as the students filed in and out of the main doors, talking and laughing amongst themselves. Probably getting in some practice before heading home or to the library.

Thinking of the library, Ariya shifted her focus to the stack of books that were sitting on her desk. She had gone and checked out just about every book she could get on her hands on that mentioned Tempest wizards. From what she had gathered from the librarian who had helped her, there weren’t many of them left. Very few had trained to be Tempests after the wars had ended. But their legends were still etched deep in history, never to be forgotten. Ariya slid from off the window sill and sat at her desk. She picked up one of the old books and opened its yellowed pages. After flipping through the first few pages, Ariya sighed and ran her fingers through her white hair. This book mainly just chronicled battles during the wars 100 years ago. No mention of tempest wizards.

Just as Ariya was about to close the book, she came across a page that looked like it was copied from a manuscript.

I am Jonathan S. Milstein, first mate to Ferdinand D. Davidson, captain of the Crimson Hawk. We sail under the flag of Varro, part of the royal fleet. We have been sent in as aid for the eminent battle against the Vann-Lyse navy. We have read reports that many of our battles at sea have gone badly. Mainly due to the fact that the North has such powerful water wizards that man their ships. This has proved crippling to Varro’s navy for quite some time. Hopefully, the Crimson Hawk will be able to evenly match the destruction magic of Vann-Lyse. Under the orders of the ruler of Varro, I have assembled several talented wizards and myself to use a new tactic during battle. If it proves successful, then Varro will definitely have a new weapon in their arsenal.

Ariya was very much intrigued now. It looked like more pages had been copied out of Milstein’s journal and put in this book, along with pictures of the Varro navy pitted against the Vann-Lyse navy.  Smoke curled from the cannons on deck as ropes were being tossed from either side to make a way for sailors to cross to the other ship to fight hand to hand. Large geysers of water were erupting from sea and lightning shot down from the ominous clouds. Ariya had never really paid attention when people talked about the wars from so long ago. But seeing these pictures made everything much more real. For some reason the name Milstein seemed to strike Ariya as familiar, but she wasn’t entirely sure why. Ariya continued to thumb through the pages of the old book late into the night.

Hair Journey - The Bantu Knot

So it has been 9 months since I decided to stop using relaxers in my hair. I can't believe it has been that long. I am 3 months shy of a year. It definitely does not feel like that much time has passed. Everything about taking care of my hair has changed over the past few months, of course. And that includes how I wear it. I have to thank my sister for finding this protective style for me. Well, for us, because she stopped using relaxers too. (Yay!) It is called the Bantu Knot.

Bantu knots after I removed the bobby pins

The simplest explanation I can give of what this style is, you section your hair into multiple twists and then wrap those twists into knots. You  bobby pin the knots into place and leave them in for several hours (usually overnight).

Results with the Smooth and Hold pudding

Then you take the knots down and GENTLY untwist (to reduce the amount of frizz). You don't need to comb anything. You might want to run your fingers through the roots in order to blend in the sections. Especially if you are like me and your sections aren't that perfect. And that's it. You are done.




 I do tend to put some kind of product in my hair before twisting. I tried ORS Smooth and Hold Hair Pudding the first time I did this style. And while it kept my knots really tight (resulting in a short curly style), it left a good amount of build up in my hair that I didn't like. So I switched to the ORS Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion (which I am in love with). It gave me a looser hairstyle without the build up. 

Results with Moisturizing Hair Lotion

Some other things I have tried is aloe vera gel and extra virgin olive oil. I still think the ORS Hair Lotion is the best way to go but if you don't have any, a good moisturizing agent should do the trick. I won't lie, this style takes time. It is not something that you can do in 30 minutes or less. But if you have the time, then it is definitely worth a try.

Daily Write - Balance on Windmill Hills - Part 1

The rolling hills seemed to serve as a border between the coastline of the western seaboard and the city of Cynosure, as if protecting the city from the white capped waves that crashed the sands of the beaches. The strong ocean breeze buffeted against the hills, turning the numerous windmills that dotted the landscape. They resembled manmade wooden flowers that spun in the gusty breeze. The sun had just risen; a pale disc in the azure horizon. The clouds were thin cottony wisps, floating lazily in the early morning sky.

On the cobblestone road that led from Cynosure to the hills, traveled two women. One was much older with dark blonde hair cut in a bob, holding a dark colored walking stick. She resembled a ball with legs due to being short and quite rotund. Her cheeks were flushed and small beads of sweat were starting to form on her forehead. Her robes were white with light blue trimming. On the back of her robes was the marking of a senior air wizard of the Collegium Arcanum. Next to her was a woman who was much younger. More of a girl than woman. She was tall and lean, much like the walking stick that the first woman held in her hand. Her robes were a dark chocolate brown, a stark contrast to the robes of white. There were no markings on the younger woman’s robes. Her long white hair fell down her back like a fountain of newly fallen powdered snow, further accenting how dark her robes were.

When the two finally reached the hills, the older woman took a deep breath, pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed her damp forehead. A broad smile crossed her face as raised her arms outwards, the air catching the sleeves of her robes and waving them like ship sails.

“Can you feel that, Ariya,” the older woman said with her eyes closed, “Isn’t that the most wonderful feeling ever? Almost makes you want to be a bird, doesn’t it?”

Ariya stood next to the woman and closed her eyes as well. The strong breeze flowed over her, ruffling her robes against her body. It was a very freeing feeling. Aside from the Collegium, itself, the “Windmill Hills” was the favored spot of most air wizards to practice. Everything felt natural and serene here on most days. Ariya opened her eyes and turned to the chubby woman next to her.

“Well Professor Cohen. I’m sure that you didn’t bring me out here just to enjoy the scenery. What is it that you wish to talk to me about?”

The professor brought her arms down and rested both hands on her walking stick, planting it firmly in the ground in front of her. She slowly opened her golden yellow eyes, turning them toward Ariya.

“Some of the professors are concerned about you, Ariya," Professor Cohen started, “They say that you show a lack of interest in learning the basics of being a wizard. And yet the marks you receive during examinations prove that you are quite capable of learning how to be a very strong wizard. Especially in your air magic classes. I would be remiss if I didn’t say that you are one of my most outstanding students.”

Ariya pursed her lips and folded her arms loosely across her chest, “If I am making high marks and doing what is required of me, then what does it matter if I show interest or not? I obviously understand what is being taught in class and I’m learning how to use that material in a practice now. I don’t see why any of the professors should be concerned.”

Professor Cohen shifted the focus of her eyes back out to the ocean, watching the waves continue to crash on the shore, “You show a blatant disregard for The Balance and every professor you have ever had has struggled with you over it. It is a great concern to the Collegium when they are training a wizard who is as flippant about it as you are.”

Ariya rolled her violet hued eyes and pulled a few strands of her white hair out of her face. She knew it was going to come to this. It always came back to this. 

“I don’t feel like I’m disregarding it, per say," Ariya replied, "I just believe differently than the teachings at the Collegium. The Balance has its place. I just don’t think it is the place where the college puts it. But if I so much as breathe disagreement with the professors, then I’m some type of danger or threat or concern.”

Ariya shrugged her shoulders, “I’m done trying to explain my thought or have others try to answer my question of why my thinking is wrong. It only causes problems in the end. The Collegium wants strong students to become strong wizards and I will do just that. What does it matter if I daydream or fall asleep in class from time to time? If I receive the same marks as the student next to me, then they have to pass me, lack of interest or not.”

Professor Cohen nodded her head, her countenance falling slightly. Ariya’s head was thicker than rock. She had taken the label of deviant and delinquent and made it her personality. It was almost as if Ariya was now purposefully trying to obstinate about her beliefs about the place The Balance should have because of the all professors judging her. Professor Cohen turned to look at the pale skinned girl standing next to her. Ariya showed such potential. If put in the right situation, Professor Cohen knew that Ariya could excel. But right now, her stubbornness and obstinacy were getting in the way.
 
Ariya was causing a situation that the college wished to avoid. It was problem the Collegium Arcanium had seen before. A wizard that ignored The Balance would only cause harm and would become a danger. And that danger only increased exponentially when that wizard showed any type of talent for his or her craft. The last thing anyone from the college wanted was a rogue wizard on their hands. Professor Cohen tapped the end of her snub nose with her pointer finger several times. Ariya wanted the answer why things were taught the way they were. And answer “because they are” wasn’t going to be good enough. Not for someone like Ariya.

“Ariya, have you ever heard of a Tempest?”

Ariya shook her head, “No, I have never heard of that before. Is it a type of wizard?”

Professor Cohen’s grin returned to her face, “It is and there aren’t very many of them any more. What I want you to do is go and research them. I will give you one week and we will meet in this very spot to discuss it.”

Ariya turned and looked in the professor’s face. She was obviously up to something. Ariya could hear it her voice. It was the same tone Professor Cohen had in class when she was about to give a pop quiz. However, Ariya couldn’t figure out what the professor could possibly be planning.  Ariya nodded her agreement on this new assignment. Yes, Professor Cohen was like all the rest of the professors, but she was an air wizard. She was what Ariya aspired to be once she finished at the Collegium. So if Professor Cohen wanted her to research Tempest wizards, then that was exactly what she was going to do.

Daily Write - Mistaken Heart

Cixi sat, straddling the railing that enclosed the balcony overlooking the courtyard of her uncle’s estate. Here, the bustle around her seemed to be much quieter. The hurried day magically melted into lazy afternoon. She could never quite get used to it. Something so lush and serene existing in the midst of the capitol city. She was learning more and more that the Ebonlynx name could manage to do nearly anything, magic or otherwise.

So intent on the thoughts that held her mind captive, Cixi had not heard the doors to the balcony opening. Nor had she heard the foot falls of booted feet cross the threshold.

“Well one of us is deep in thought. Are you going to tell me what is bothering you, or are you going to make me guess?”

Cixi turned to see her uncle, framed in the doorway. Long strides carried Lord Jaias from the door to the balcony railing next to his niece. He had exchanged his usual stately attire for a more simplistic and humble outfit. And yet there was still something about his demeanor that would not let his social status be hidden under the meagerness of clothing choice. And his fire red almost seemed to burn, the highlights glowing golden in the afternoon sun. So was the man who sat at the head of House Ebonlynx

“Nothing is wrong, Uncle,” Cixi reassured, keeping her perch on the railing and leaning over to kiss him on both cheeks, “I was just daydreaming is all.”

“You’re just as bad a liar as your mother,” Lord Jaias replied, kissing his niece back, “Your charming fake smiles don’t work on me, young one. It wasn’t one of the family, was it? I have spoken to them about how they are to treat you.”

“No, it wasn’t that at all.”

“Is it the headaches again?”

Cixi shook her head, “No. I haven’t had to deal with any of that for a while now. You don’t have anything to worry about, Uncle. Just lost in my head is all. I’m sitting out here, thinking.”

Cixi subconsciously bit her lower lip for a split second, before remembering how her uncle constantly scolded her about doing so. But he had seen it before she was able to cover it up. He raised his eyebrow at her, his green eyes staring deep into her’s. Cixi hated that look. She always felt so childish and small when he looked at her like that. It cut everything away and reached into her bare soul.

“You are going to think me a very silly little girl,” Cixi started explaining, eyes falling away from her uncle’s glance. Her legs started to swing as she spoke, “I don’t even know why I am giving any thought to it at all. It’s utterly and completely ridiculous.”

“So,” Lord Jaias said, turning and leaning backwards against the railing, “What is his name?”

Cixi looked up, giving her uncle a startled look. A wry grin grew on his face, “You have a tell, my young one. And it is more than just that lip biting thing you do.”

Cixi looked away, not sure if she was flustered more by the fact that her uncle could read her thoughts or by the fact that she was having the thoughts at all. She took a deep breath, taking a moment to try and organize everything in head.

“It’s complicated,” she started, “I am not even sure how it all started. I think at first, I just wanted him to notice me. Just acknowledge that I existed. I thought that was all that I wanted. I would be happy with just that. And I was, for a time. But now, everything is so different.”

“Different?”

Cixi paused, her eyes moving back and forth at the scenery in front of her, as if  the explanation were somewhere amidst the flowers and shrubbery.

“I catch myself holding my breath whenever he walks past me,” she replied finally, “I’m always smiling like a fool whenever he calls my name. I try to force myself not to, but I can’t. Being near him makes me feel sick inside. But it’s a feeling I don’t want to let go of. I keep telling myself that I need to stop. I need to pull myself together. But I can’t. I simply can’t.”

“You even flush when you talk about him,” Lord Jaias teased.

He watched Cixi put her hands to her face, as if she could somehow wipe away the pink hue that was starting to creep along her countenance. 

“So why is that you want these feelings to go away?” Lord Jaias asked,” Do you think that he won’t feel the same about you?”

“He can’t feel the same way about me,” Cixi sighed, letting her hands fall and shoulders slump slightly, “It would be disastrous. There are simply too many things to complicate even the thought of pursuing anything beyond the relationship we already have.”

“You both are friends?”

“I am his subordinate.”

“Oh, Cixithara.”

Lord Jaias’ voice said it all. He did not need to say anymore. The downward lilt his voice took. How Cixi’s name was more of a breath than an actual word escaping his lips. She wasn’t sure if her uncle was disappointed or simply pitied her for making such a mistake.

“Ashbough,” Cixi said, pushing down the emotions that were rising in her chest, “Commander Ashbough of all people. It could have been anyone, Uncle. Anyone at all. Why him? Why does it have to be him?”

Cixi turned and looked at the gardens below her once again. Everything was calm, peaceful and serene.

“I’m a stupid girl,” she whispered, “A stupid stupid girl and I can’t make it stop.”

What I'm reading: The Wallstreet Journal

I have never been much for reading newspapers. I guess that was something I did not pick up from my parents. Morning coffee and reading up on the local news just wasn't in my foreseeable future. Not even reading the funny pages. However, there is one newspaper that made its way into my life and I find myself reading it quite a bit: The Wallstreet Journal.

I remember my first copy of that paper. I had signed up for a prep course and it included a subscription to the WSJ. It was supposed to help with reading comprehension, I suppose. I slowly began to fall in love with the type of articles that they ran and the reporters use of vocabulary. I read the papers, despite their date or the fact that they were supposed to be a learning tool.

Articles like this is why I read this paper

This habit stuck with me, despite the course being over and my subscription being finished. I would find my way to the library newspaper stacks and pick up a copy to read, just to relax. I began to find that my leisurely reading was putting me ahead of my friends when it came to things happening in realms relevant to us. Topics would come up about random things as we sat around eating dinner or doing homework and I would have known about them months earlier. And for some reason, I liked being in the know about things.

The title on this is clever

Time had passed since then and I had not read a WSJ in quite some time. And then I spent last summer in New York. I passed a newspaper stand as I was headed to my train and thought..."I would really like one of those". Next thing I know, buying a WSJ and heading home with it was my treat for the week. I get so excited when I saw a paper. And the fact that is only $2 is pretty nice.

I don't know why I love this paper so much. But I do. And I can't get enough of reading it. It is my weekly treat to myself. My indulgence in the interesting things that are happening in the world, printed in a vernacular that wish to adopt for myself. I hope there are other people out there who feel the same way about this paper as I do. And if you have never read an issue, I would suggest picking one up.

Getting in those Veggies!

I can't tell you when I started cooking. The first time was probably my parents let me "help" with making breakfast on Saturday morning. I do have a lot of memories of asking my mom to stir batter, because I wanted to lick the bowl when it was all done. Since then, I have always made do when it came to food. Good enough to consume, but nothing to write home about.

Recently, I have wanted to go beyond that. I have wanted to make food that looks pretty and tastes fantastic. I blame that on all the cooking shows that I have watched over the years. Recently, I tried making Mei Fun. It didn't come out right because of several things that I did wrong. But, I'm going to post it up anyway. 

First off, anyone who knows me, knows that I don't like to chop anything. I am that person who goes to the frozen food section and buys all the vegetables already cut and ready to go. But, I am starting to make exceptions to that rule. Fresh ingredients will always trump frozen ones.

Very happy I investing in a cutting board

So as you can see, I was doing a lot of chopping when I did this. The only thing I did not get fresh was the bean sprouts that I used, since I already had some in the cabinet. I do have to give credit where credit is due. I got all of these vegetables from ALDI (with exception of the green onions and carrots which were already in my fridge). I would say that I spent around $3.00 for what you see on the table, carrots and green onions included. Amazing, right?!

This was named DesyFun, since Mei Fun it is not :P

The final product did not come out exactly as I had envisioned, but it still tasted good. And it was something different than what I normally cook. I am pretty sure that I used the wrong type of noodle and I put way too much in the wok at one time. But it is a vast improvement on the first time that I tried to make mei fun. Perhaps the 3rd time will be the charm.

Trying to get that touchable skin

A theme that I seem to be continuing is that I love making my own DIY hair and skin products. I can't tell you what is so fun about, but I find myself doing it over and over again. I also love how amazingly cheap it is compared to buying thing from the store. First thing I have tried out is an easy bath soak.

I am not sure how much milk bath sells for, but I am going to guess that it is more than making it at home. All you need it powdered milk and Epsom salt. Pour these two in your bath while it is running and bathe as normal. (Of course I recommend just soaking for a while, because why not.) For those of you not familiar with Epsom Salt, you can find it in the pharmacy section.

Baby oil is a real gem for me, because it is fairly simple step to add into the hygiene routine. The moment I am done with a shower or bath, I put this on. Once my skin has absorbed it, it feels pretty fantastic. And after doing it for several days in a row, I am pretty amazed at the results. I used to use baby oil all the time, because I went to college in a dry climate and it wreaked havoc on my skin. I am not sure why I stopped.

I was introduced to baby oil gel later on. It is used pretty much like lotion. It is not my most favorite product in the world, but it's not bad. Personally, I stick with the oil and only use the gel when I run out of that.

Just wanted to share these two easy things. Probably will be posting more DIY things in the near future.