elvenavari

My friend Jessica finally explained to me how to color with Photoshop and make it not look incredibly crappy. So I've been practicing. I've entered the following 3 pieces in AA's "Coloring Contest". I'm hoping that the third will get the award for "Best use of a single color".

Let me know what you think!

Things are going super great right now. I'm on Christmas break, I was made a sub-admin on www.advancedanime.com and my friend made it home safely from her flight to Arizona.

Oh! And a new ep of Junjo Romantica was released today <3

To anyone waiting for Tin Man drabbles I am working hard on them. I was distracted by finals but now that I'm on break I'll have plenty of time to work on them.

Much love and fluffy stuffs!

~Olivia

This was written by an awesome guy on AdvancedAnime.com forums, Bweb.

I want to talk about the treatment of women by men. I know, many of you will want to say "But what about how women treat men?"
Well, the fact of the matter is that whether the Women treat Men with respect or not, Somebody has to be the bigger person and help keep the old ways alive.

First, words. Words are the essence of a relationship. She's not your b*tch, whore, slut, or piece of @$$. She's a Lady, a Woman, and she has a name.
Never use words in cruelty, because while you can apologize for what you say, you can never take it back or erase it from her memory. Choose your words carefully, even if your angry with her.

Next, Touch. Touch is a form of intimacy. Your hands are for helping her carry heavy burdens, running fingers through her hair, caressing her shoulders when she's tired and sore, rubbing her feet when they ache, and sweeping her off her feet to carry her over the threshhold.
They should never be used to strike in anger. You demean yourself as a man when you strike a girl. Even if she hits you first, you can and should be the bigger person and just walk away from a fight.

Next, Disagreements. They will happen. It's inevitable. Try to talk. Do not shout. Do not try to yell over what she says. Do not interrupt her. Even if you diagree with her, let her say her piece. Then you may explain your position. Do so calmly. Do not call her names, because there is no need for it.
Listen to what she says. Understand what something means to her. And if she isn't going to listen to you, walk away for a bit, and give her a chance to cool down. Raising your voice will only make the fight drag on that much longer. But resolve it before you go to bed. Never go to bed angry. It poisons the mind and soul.

And finally, Romance. Romance is many things. Sure it is candlelit dinners, roses, and chocolates, but it's many other, more mundane things as well. It's taking out the garbage without being asked. It's helping to fold the laundry without waiting for her to request it. It's making her favorite dinner when she isn't expecting it. It's just taking the time to go for a drive to get out of the house for awhile. Sometimes, it's even letting her have her own space for awhile so that she can do her own private things.

Guys, we need to be doing better. I see too many girls running around on the weekend with no sense of self-respect, and I cannot help but wonder if it's because they've come to expect no respect. We as Men owe them so much better.

My Ode to Women

For who can wear down the iron muscles of Men
With but a silken Caress?
Who can quell the Fire of Rage
With naught but a kiss?
Soft and delicate in appearance,
Yet Adamant in Will and Dignity.
Lovers
Daughters
Mothers
Wives
Whose smiles can shine like beacons in the gloom?
Whose embraces can heal the ache of the day?
Whose laghter rings like a golden bell?
Whose tears can break the hardest of stone hearts?
Whose memory can make the lowest of Men feel Strong?
Whose sorrow can make the strongest of Men feel Low?
Whose countenance makes the beauty of a Rose pale in comparison?
Thou art Woman.