Melonmaw - Oli

Thinking about that part in the Moomin series where after getting transformed by the magic top-hat Moomin has to convince everyone that it's actually him.

Specifically the version from the 90s anime where he's crying and sobbing to his mother, who treats him with tenderness as she searches the supposed stranger's eyes, as if trying to find Moomin's very essence within this new monstrous form. And Moomin's getting really desperate because the long silence makes him think nobody believes him and he's ready to break down completely and give up knowing he's stuck in this new body.

Until Moominmama determines that yes, this is her darling child, and through the power of a mother's love he is transformed into his former self. Her love is what allows everyone else in the room to see that this is the same Moomin they've always known and loved.

Like, I know that entire novel and its subsequent adaptations are one big queer allegory, but that part really fucking hit hard for me as someone with a very tenuous relationship with their own mother. When I come out to her, will she be blinded by her ignorance and distaste for "alternative lifestyles" and antagonize me? Or will she too be able to see in my eyes that I am the same child she has always loved and that she will continue to love in this odd new form?

Joxter sketch

Legolas saying ‘this city needs more trees’ is actually so valid. Not only from an environmental and social well-being point of view, but Gondor has one very important tree with very few fellows and therefore restricted access to nutrients, so the extended mycorrhizal network more trees would provide actively enhances the welfare of the white tree and symbolically the spirit of the nation. In this essay I will

Edit: I wrote the essay

here are my favorite moomin comic panels because why not

This panic happens like every few months.

for you and your warped reflection

Do you ever talk to your mutuals?

not really i just post things and hope they fall in love with me

In a truck stop bathroom washing my hands today and 2 boys, looked about 5 and 9, came in with their little sister who looked maybe 2. The following whispered conversation made my entire day

"We have to wait, there's a lady in here!"

"That's not a lady, he has a mustache! We can be in here!"

"Some ladies have mustaches! And she has boobs!"

"Well some guys have boobs! Like Uncle Jake!"

"Uncle Jake is fat!"

At this point I could not contain a chuckle and both whirled around with identical looks of panic on their faces. I smiled and said "it's alright for you guys to be in here so your sister has help, don't worry. And I'm both! That's why I have boobs and a mustache. Some folks are just built that way"

(In unison) "Ooooooh!"

(older boy) "So do you use Sir or Ma'am or both?"

"Both, but I prefer Sir"

"Cool! Well thanks Sir! We have to help our sister now!"

This was in a small town country truck stop and both boys had "Murica" type stuff on and neither of them had any issue at all with these concepts. Their mom approached me while I was in line about 10 minutes later and apologized for them bothering me in the bathroom (they had told her about the interaction) and she and I had a lovely little chat too. I got to introduce her to the term "intersex" and her reply was "I think I've heard of that before! I didn't know that was the word for it. Amazing how many different ways God can make people!"

Sometimes the world is good. More often than you might think, if you give it a chance. It's not all bad loves <3