Emphatic Gesture

Heart of Gold Gift-Giving

ctofine — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 18:58:07 GMT

My Gift is for : crystaldrake
My Gift includes: icons, signature tags, fanmix, Friends Only Banner, and Gift Certificates
Fandoms included: Big Bang Theory, Shakespeare, and Firefly
Warnings Crystal, there's not as much up here as I'd like...however, I'm giving you some "Gift Certificates" for some more stuff! I wasn't sure how up to date your fandoms were on your LJ...so...well...here's what I did, and there's a space for what I'd like to do for you, still!

Fanmix:

http://www.mediafire.com/file/yjbwq0gj4f3b16x/Take%20the%20Sky.rar

(I can't do .zip files, so, I do .rar ones. You can download that free program here: .rar program download)

Big Bang Theory

Friends Only Banner

Icons & Sig file

Firefly

Icons & Sig file

Shakespeare

Icons

Gift Certificates

Fanvid

This promo code iranoutoftime2010 may be used for one fanvid of your choice. Fandom, music, etc. can be picked by you. Or, alternately, you can just say, "Oh, Wash and Zoe...GO!" It's up to you!

Icons

This promo code iranoutoftimeagain2010 may be used for 20 more icons of your choice. You'll just need to let me know fandoms, ships, etc.

Header

This promo code iranoutoftimeagainagain2010 may be used for one LJ header of your choice. I can help you find a new layout or we can figure out how to fit it into your current layout. :D

If there's anything else you'd like, please let me know. I don't do fanfic, per say, but, I might be able to find someone to write some for you? *HUGS* Sorry I don't have more up here, I wanted triple this amount, frankly! Hope you like what I've got.

ctofine — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:29:55 GMT

Not sure if I ever posted these here....

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

I don't think I ever posted my fanvid from this whedonland vid challenge:

Find more videos like this on BAM Vid Vault

And, for those who may not have seen my FIRST attempt at a vid, LOL, HERE that is"

Find more videos like this on BAM Vid Vault

ctofine — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:34:50 GMT

It's the final phase at jjverse and Team Oceanic wants to go out with an ISLAND SIZED BANG! Please, please, PLEASE, take a moment to go to the following link and:

PLEASE COMMENT with : I SUPPORT TEAM OCEANIC

Has to be your personal journal you use--MUST NOT BE ANONYMOUS. No other comments in this post other than the "I support Team Oceanic," please.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

This ends on 7/31!

Opinions Needed

ctofine — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:08:51 GMT

Folks, I'm looking to print out some photos to be framed...and auctioned off as part of a silent auction we are doing for "Voices for the Cure."

Beneath the cut, I've put up the photos I'm debating. I would love opinions! I'll be printing on Friday of this week. So, if you've a second...please let me see your words!

Thanks!

And can and will crop these, as well, to do a different composition:

Fanmix: In Which Sydney Kicks Your Ass

ctofine — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:35:20 GMT

01 Another one Bites the Dust
02 The House Rules
03 Move Like Ya Gonna Die
04 If I Can't Have You
05 One More Minute
06 One Way or Another
07 Shake and Fingerpop
08 Bad Moon Rising

Entire Album and Covers

ctofine — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:15:55 GMT

Finally done with the vid for jjverse. I'm really proud of this vid.

"Lost: Begin and End"

Needless to say, if you haven't seen Lost and don't wanna be spoiled--donta watch this! ;)

Lost: Begin and End from wm on Vimeo.

True Blood Icons

ctofine — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:26:50 GMT

These are from True Blood, Season 3, episode 3 ("It Hurts Me Too")

More coming soon...

**Comment and credit ctofine!
**NO HOTLINKING!!!!!
**DO NOT claim as your own work, please.

Preview:

001	002	003


004	005	006


007	008	009


010	011	012


013

Created with angelamaria's Icon Table Generator @ Bauble

Fanvid

ctofine — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:11:31 GMT

Entry for whedonland's End of Year Crazy Fest!
Video: "Finding Dreams" Tara & Willow
created by: ctofine

"Finding Dreams" Willow & Tara from wm on Vimeo.

JJVerse 5 and 6 (double spam) Picspam

ctofine — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:32:53 GMT

5 and 6 (double spam) of 6 picspams for jjverse. If you've not seen the end of "Lost," you might want to avoid some of these!

Oh, Benry. Really, that's all I can say for one of my all-time fave characters ever. I bow down to the Benry's awesomeness...and to his superior ham.

TOTAL PICS: 84

JJVerse Picspam 4

ctofine — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:25:36 GMT

4 of 6 picspams for jjverse. If you've not seen the end of "Lost," you might want to avoid some of these!

"Lost" has been with me for 6 years--"The End" made me tear up more than I usually like. So...It's my Fandom and I'll cry if I want to, damnit!

TOTAL PICS: 72

JJVerse Picspam 3

ctofine — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:21:06 GMT

3 of 6 picspams for jjverse. If you've not seen the end of "Lost," you might want to avoid some of these!

Apparently I like to see folks run over by cars and shot. Wouldn't have know that before "Lost."

TOTAL PICS: 30

JJverse Picspam 2

ctofine — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:16:16 GMT

2 of 6 picspams for jjverse. If you've not seen the end of "Lost," you might want to avoid some of these!

I'm slowly working my way through the Seasons of Lost--to show my love for Sawyer and his beer drinking, dirty, hair-cut needing awesomeness!

TOTAL PICS: 47

JJVerse Picspam 1

ctofine — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:12:24 GMT

1 of 6 picspams for jjverse. If you've not seen the end of "Lost," you might want to avoid some of these!

Why did we keep watching "Lost"? Because Season 1 just blew us away. So, this is my love for Season 1 of "Lost".

TOTAL PICS: 36

ctofine — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:34:23 GMT

This fanmix is for the Scoobies--the good, the bad, the ugly, and the demon. Everything that keeps them together and tears them apart. Even for those left behind.

1. You Run Away (BNL)

"You run away
You could turn and stay
But you run away from me.

I tried to be your brother
You cried and ran for cover
I made a mess, who doesn't
I did my best but it wasn't enough

You run away
You could turn and stay
But you run away from me.

I'll give you something can cry about
One thing you should try it out
Hold a mirror shoulder high
When you're older look you in the eye
When you're older look you in the eye

I tried but you tried harder
I lied but you lied smarter
You made me guess who was it
I did my best but it wasn’t enough

OOOOHHHHHHHOOOHHH

You run away
You could turn and stay
But you run away from me

You run away (I tried to be your brother)
You could turn and stay (You cried and ran for cover)
But you run away from me (I made a mess, who doesn't, I did my best but it wasn't enough)

But that's not something to cry about (crrryyyy!)
It's not something to lie about

You run away (I tried to be your brother)
You could turn and stay (You cried and ran for cover)
But you run away from me (I made a mess, who doesn't, I did my best but it wasn't enough)"

This song breaks my heart. It's about the loss of one of their bandmates (who walked away). To me, it demonstrates the never-failing ability of the Scoobies to love one another, help one another, and yes, chase one another when it needs to happen. At one point or another, each one of the friends has pulled away. Luckily, they all were pulled back in.

2. Running Up that Hill (Placebo)

"If I only could, I'd be running up that hill.
If I only could, I'd be running up that hill."

It doesn't hurt me.
Do you want to feel how it feels?
Do you want to know that it doesn't hurt me?
Do you want to hear about the deal that I'm making?
You, it's you and me.

And if I only could,
I'd make a deal with God,
And I'd get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
Be running up that building.
If I only could, oh...

You don't want to hurt me,
But see how deep the bullet lies.
Unaware I'm tearing you asunder.
Ooh, there is thunder in our hearts.

Is there so much hate for the ones we love?
Tell me, we both matter, don't we?
You, it's you and me.
It's you and me won't be unhappy.

And if I only could,
I'd make a deal with God,
And I'd get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
Be running up that building,
Say, if I only could, oh...

You,
It's you and me,
It's you and me won't be unhappy.

"C'mon, baby, c'mon darling,
Let me steal this moment from you now.
C'mon, angel, c'mon, c'mon, darling,
Let's exchange the experience, oh..."

And if I only could,
I'd make a deal with God,
And I'd get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
With no problems.

And if I only could,
I'd make a deal with God,
And I'd get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
With no problems.

And if I only could,
I'd make a deal with God,
And I'd get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
With no problems.

If I only could
Be running up that hill
With no problems...

"If I only could, I'd be running up that hill.
If I only could, I'd be running up that hill."

Again, with the running away. This one speaks to me of Buffy's relationship with the rest of the gang. She tries to do everything for them at times...yet often throws them away. In the end, though, she does stand.

3. Take it Back (BNL)

It's hard enough to notice
Harder still to react
Just a stone's throw from the centre of our attention
We all fade to black

Save me from a villainous imagination
Deliver me from my friends
If I said something to make you mad
I will take it back

It's hard enough to stomach
But try to look away
Is this a news report or a trailer for a motion picture?
It all fades to grey

Save me from a villainous imagination
Deliver me from my friends
If I said something to make you mad
I will take it back

Long lines and warning signs
Think of all the lives saved by plastic knives
It's naive, but make-believe
We will never lose if we remove our shoes

It's hard to keep your mouth shut
Harder still to make noise
But we can't have the perfect 20/20 hindsight
That our fate enjoys

So save me from a villainous imagination
Deliver me from my friends
And if I said something to make you mad
I will take it back
I will take it back

I love the "deliver me from my friends" idea. LOL Gads knows they get each other in enough trouble without the Hellmouth kicking in. This song speaks of a "can't live with 'em, can't stake 'em, can't live without 'em" attitude that often happens with the gang.

4. Circle of Friends (Better than Ezra)

Well how the times have changed
Lookin' back it seems so clear now
Everything you wanted in your life
Everything is certain, try and understand
Put a checklist on your wall
I am not what you think I should be

But you're makin' amends, through your circle of friends
And you're trying to fit me to their mold

[Cause you're gone when 29 is there to fall]

Yes you're makin' amends, through your circle of friends
And you're trying to fit me to their mold

['Cause it's you who won't lie to us at all]

When you're trying to make decisions
Will you try to water this thing down
Look up once in a while, you see it's not so clear
The things you believe in are the things that's worth keepin'
You make a promise, stand right by your words

But you're makin' amends, through your circle of friends
And you're trying to fit me to their mold

Your circle of friends
Your circle of friends
Your circle of friends

Strangely enough, I see Buffy's attiitude towards Spike in this song. She's immersed in the Scoobies and Spike isn't--she keeps trying to force him into a mold that he doesn't fit within.

5. I Don't Believe You (p!nk)

I don't mind it
I don't mind at all
It's like you're the swing set
And I'm the kid that falls
It's like the way we fight
The times I've cried
We come to blows
And every night
The passion's there
So it's got to be right
Right?

No I don't believe you
When you say don't come around here no more
I won't remind you
You said we wouldn't be apart
No I don't believe you
When you say you don't need me anymore
So don't pretend to
Not love me at all

I don't mind it
I still don't mind at all
It's like one of those bad dreams
When you can't wake up
It looks like you've given up
You've had enough
But I want more
No I won't stop
Because I just know
You'll come around
Right?

No I don't believe you
When you say don't come around here no more
I won't remind you
You said we wouldn't be apart
No I don't believe you
When you say you don't need me anymore
So don't pretend to
Not love me at all

Just don't stand there and watch me fall
Because I, because I still don't mind at all

It's like the way we fight
The times I've cried
We come to blows
And every night
The passion's there
So it's got to be right,
Right?

No I don't believe you
When you say don't come around here no more
I won't remind you
You said we wouldn't be apart
No I don't believe you
When you say you don't need me anymore
So don't pretend to
Not love me at all

I don't believe you

Again, this one plays on the "should I stay or should I go" theme that runs rampant in the Scoobies. None of them truly believe that the others would run and not come back.

6. You Can't Always Get What You Want (Band From TV)

I saw her today at a reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she would meet her connection
At her feet was her footloose man

No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
And if you try sometime you find
You get what you need

I saw her today at the reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she was gonna meet her connection
At her feet was her footloose man

You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you might find
You get what you need

Oh yeah, hey hey hey, oh...

And I went down to the demonstration
To get my fair share of abuse
Singing, "We're gonna vent our frustration
If we don't we're gonna blow a 50-amp fuse"
Sing it to me now...

You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes well you just might find
You get what you need
Oh baby, yeah, yeah!

I went down to the Chelsea drugstore
To get your prescription filled
I was standing in line with Mr. Jimmy
And man, did he look pretty ill
We decided that we would have a soda
My favorite flavor, cherry red
I sung my song to Mr. Jimmy
Yeah, and he said one word to me, and that was "dead"
I said to him

You can't always get what you want, no!
You can't always get what you want (tell ya baby)
You can't always get what you want (no)
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You get what you need
Oh yes! Woo!

You get what you need--yeah, oh baby!
Oh yeah!

I saw her today at the reception
In her glass was a bleeding man
She was practiced at the art of deception
Well I could tell by her blood-stained hands

You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find
You get what you need

You can't always get what you want (no, no baby)
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find
You get what you need, ah yes...

NONE of them wanted the lives (or deaths) they got. ALL of them needed the strength that the gang supplied them with.

7. Keeping Holding On (Glee Cast)

You're not alone
Together we stand
I'll be by your side, you know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold
And it feels like the end
There's no place to go
You know I won't give in
No I won't give in

Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

So far away
I wish you were here
Before it's too late, this could all disappear
Before the doors close
And it comes to an end
With you by my side I will fight and defend
I'll fight and defend
Yeah, yeah

Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do

There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Hear me when I say, when I say I believe
Nothing's gonna change, nothing's gonna change destiny
Whatever's meant to be will work out perfectly
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

La da da da
La da da da
La da da da da da da da da

Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Keep holding on
Keep holding on

There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Solidarity, pure and simple. We'll hold your hand so you can keep holding on.

8. Deconstruction (indigo girls)

We talked up all night and came to no conclusion
We started a fight that ended in silent confusion
And as we sat stuck you could hear the trash truck
Making its way through the neighborhood
Picking up the thrown out different from house to house
We get to decide what we think is no good
We're sculpted from youth, the chipping away makes me weary
And as for the truth it seems like we just pick a theory
The one that justifies our daily lives
And backs us with quiver and arrows
To protect openings cause when the warring begins
How quickly the wide open narrows
Into the smallness of our deconstruction of love
We thought it was changing, but it never was
It's just the same as it ever was
A family of foxes came to my yard and dug in
I looked in a book to see what this could possibly mean
Cause there is fate in the breeze and signs in the trees
Possible tragic events
When forces collide with the damage strewn wide
And holes blasted straight through the fence
The sky starts to crash the rain on the roof starts to drumming
And laid out like cash your take on my list of shortcomings
The show starts to close, I know how this goes
The plot a predictable showing
And though it seems grand it's just one speck of sand
And back to the hourglass we're going
Back to the smallness of our deconstruction of love
We thought it was changing, but it never was
Our deconstruction of love

When the Scoobies actually sit down and deconstruct each other's relationships, they can cause quite a bit of damage. No matter how much is deconstructed, however, the structure remains strong.

09. If No One Will Listen (Kelly Clarkson)

Maybe no one told you there is strength in your tears
And so you fight to keep from pouring out
But what if you unlock the gate that keeps your secret soul
Do you think that there's enough that you would drown?

If no one will listen
If you decide to speak
If no one's left standing after the bombs explode
If no one wants to look at you
For what you really are
I will be here still

No one can tell you where you alone must go
There's no telling what you will find there
And, God, I know the fear that eats away at your bones
Screaming every step, "Just stay here"

If no one will listen
If you decide to speak
If no one's left standing after the bombs explode
If no one wants to look at you
For what you really are
I will be here still

If you find your fists are raw and red from beating yourself down
If your legs have given out under the weight
If you find you've been settling for a world of gray
So you wouldn't have to face down your own hate

If no one will listen
If you decide to speak
If no one's left standing after the bombs explode
If no one wants to look at you
For what you really are
I will be here still

If no one will listen
If you decide to speak
If no one's left standing after the bombs explode
If no one wants to look at you
For what you really are
I will be here still
I will be here still

No matter who comes and goes--they will always be there for one another--Willow, Xander, and Buffy. They knew each other by heart.

10. Dirty Little Secret (Sarah McLachlan)

If I had the chance, love
I would not hesitate
To tell you all the things I never said before
Don't tell me it's too late

[Chorus:]
Cause I've relied on my illusions
To keep me warm at night
But I denied in my capacity to love
I am willing, to give up this fight

I've been up all night drinking
To drown my sorrow down
Nothing seems to help me since you went away
I'm so tired of this town
Where every tongue is wagging
When every back is turned
Their telling secrets that should never be revealed
There's nothing to be gained from this
But disaster..
Here's a good one..
Did you hear about my friend
He's embarrassed to be seen now
because we all know his sins

If I had the chance love
You know, I would not hesitate
To tell you all the things I never said before
Don't tell me it's too late

[Chorus:]
Cause I've relied on my illusions
To keep me warm at night
But I denied in my capacity to love
I am willing, to give up this fight
Oh, I am willing to give up this fight..

Sometimes, the truth has to come out. We've seen it a few times--when they are broken, and failing, and falling...it's never too late to tell each other how they feel.

11. Those You've Known (Spring Awakening)

MORITZ
Those you’ve known
And lost, still walk behind you
All alone
They linger till they find you

Without them
The world grows dark around you
And nothing is the same until you know that they have found you

WENDLA
Those you’ve pained
May carry that still with them
All the same
They whisper: “All forgiven.”

Still your heart says
The shadows bring the starlight
And everything you’ve ever been is still there in the dark night

WENDLA
When the northern wind blows
The sorrows your heart holds
There are those who still know –
They’re still home
We’re still home

MORITZ (Sung In Counterpart)
Though you know
You’ve left them far behind
You walk on by yourself, and not with them –

Still you know
They will fill your heart and mind
When they say there’s a way through this

MELCHIOR, MORITZ AND WENDLA
Those you’ve known
And lost, still walk behind you
All alone
Their song still seems to find you

They call you
As if you knew their longing –
They whistle through the lonely wind, the long blue shadows falling

MELCHIOR
All alone
But still I hear their yearning
Through the dark, the moon, alone there, burning

The stars too
They tell of spring returning –
And summer with another wind that no one yet has known

(MORITZ and WENDLA Join with Counterparts)

They call me –
Through all things –
Night’s falling
But somehow I go on

You watch me
Just watch me –
I’m calling
From longing

WENDLA (Sung in Counterpart)
When the northern wind blows
The sorrows your heart’s known –
I believe…

MORITZ (Sung in Counterpart)
Still you known
There’s so much more to find –
Another dream, another love you’ll hold

Still you know
To trust your own true mind
On your way – you are not alone
There are those who still know

MELCHIOR (Sung Alone)
Now they’ll walk on my arm through the distant night
And I won’t let them stray from my heart
Through the wind, through the dark, through the winter light
I will read all their dreams to the stars

I'll walk now with them
I’ll call on their names
I’ll see their thoughts are known

WENDLA
Not gone –
Not gone –

MELCHIOR
They walk with my heart –
And I'll never let them go

I’ll never let them go
I’ll never let them go
You watch me
Just watch me
I’m calling
I’m calling –
And one day all will know

This song is for those who are gone...those who are left behind in one way or another. They never should forget--Anya, Cordy, Jenny, Tara, Joyce.

12. What I Did For Love (A Chorus Line)

[Diana]
Kiss today goodbye,
The sweetness and the sorrow.
Wish me luck, the same to you.
But I can't regret
What I did for love, what I did for love.
Look my eyes are dry.
The gift was ours to borrow.
It's as if we always knew,
And I won't forget what I did for love,
What I did for love.
Gone,
Love is never gone.
As we travel on,
Love's what we'll remember.
Kiss today goodbye,
And point me t'ward tomorrow.
We did what we had to do.
Won't forget, can't regret
What I did for
Love
[All]
What I did for
Love
[Diana]
What I did for...
[All (adding more voices each phrase)]
Love
Love is never gone
As we travel one
Love's what we'll remember
Kiss today goodbye.
[Diana]
And point me t'ward tomorrow.
[All]
Point me t'ward tomorrow
We did what we had to do.
Won't forget, can't regret
What I did for love.
What I did for love.
[Diana]
What I did for love
[All]
Love

What they ALL did for love--love of themselves, each other, their town...their lives. Would they have not done it? I don't think they could have turned away.

Song List and Lyrics

Covers, music, and song list in .rar form

How Joss Makes Me Cry Picspam for Whedonland

ctofine — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:25:27 GMT

Buffy: "I don't care! I don't care. Giles, I'm sixteen years old. I don't wanna die."

Buffy: "I'm not gonna lie to you. It was scary. I'm so used to you being a grownup, and then I find out that you're a person."
Giles: "Most grownups are."

Jonathan: "But whenever there was a problem or something creepy happened, you seemed to show up and stop it. Most of the people here have been saved by you, or helped by you at one time or another. We're proud to say that the Class of '99 has the lowest mortality rate of any graduating class in Sunnydale history... And we know at least part of that is because of you. So the senior class offers its thanks, and gives you, uh, this. It's from all of us, and it has written here, 'Buffy Summers, Class Protector'."

Willow: "Oz, don't you love me?"
Oz: "My whole life, I've never loved anything else."

Tara, speaking for The First Slayer: "I have no speech, no name. I live in the action of death. The blood cry, the penetrating wound. I am destruction, absolute, alone."

Tara: "Even when I'm at my worst, you always make me feel special. How do you do that?"
Willow:" Magic..."

Anya: "But I don't understand! I don't understand how this all happens. How we go through this. I knew her, and then she's— there's just a body, and I don't understand why she just can't get back in it and not be dead... anymore! It's stupid! It's mortal and stupid! And... and Xander's crying and not talking, and... and I was having fruit punch, and I thought, well, Joyce will never have any more fruit punch, ever, and she'll never have eggs, or yawn, or brush her hair, not ever, and no one will explain to me why!"

Buffy: "Was it sudden?"
Tara: "What?"
Buffy: "Your mother."
Tara: "No. And yes. It's always sudden."

Willow: [To Glory] "I owe you pain!"

Buffy: "It's been a long time since I met one who didn't know me."

Spike: "Blood is life, lackbrain. Why do you think we eat it? It's what keeps you going. Makes you warm. Makes you hard. Makes you other than dead. 'Course it's her blood."

BUFFY ANNE SUMMERS
1981-2001
BELOVED SISTER
DEVOTED FRIEND
SHE SAVED THE WORLD
A LOT

Giles: "Of course not. That's how all Slayer-Watcher relationships end, isn't it? She's gone. I did my job."

Rack: [to Willow] "You taste... like strawberries."

Anya: "I, Anya, want to marry you, Xander, because... I love you, and I'll always love you. And, before I knew you, I was like a completely different person. N-not even a person, really. And I'd seen what love could do to people, and it was... hurt, and sadness. A-alone was better. And then, suddenly, there was you! And-and you knew me. You saw me. And it was this... thing. You make me feel safe and warm, so, I... get it now. I finally get love, Xander! I really do."

Willow: "Mmm, I forgot how good this could feel. Us. Together. Without the magic."
Tara: "There was plenty of magic."

Tara: "Your shirt..."

Dark Willow: "Bored now."

Dark Willow: "You called me a rank, arrogant amateur. Well buckle up, Rupert... 'Cause I've turned pro."

Xander: "Hey, black-eyed girl. Whatcha doin'?"

The First [as Buffy]: "It's about power."

Spike: "Red's a bad girl."

Anya: "I have a job to do. And so does Buffy. Xander, you've always seen what you wanted to but you knew, sooner or later, it would come to this."

Caleb: "'Drink of this, for it is my blood.' You know, I always loved the story of the Last Supper. The body and blood of Christ becoming rich, red wine. I recall, as a boy, though, I couldn't help but think: what would happen if you were at the Last Supper, and you ordered the white? A nice oaky Chardonnay or White Zin. I mean, would he make that out of his lymph or some-all? Never did bring it up. Suppose there was a reason why I never spent too long in one parish. Just looking for answers. Just looking for the Lord in the wrong damn places. Then you showed me the light."

Anya: "But you didn't earn it. You didn't work for it. You've never had anybody come up to you and say you deserve these things more than anyone else. They were just handed to you. So that doesn't make you better than us. It makes you luckier than us."

Buffy: "So here's the part where you make a choice. What if you could have that power, now? In every generation, one Slayer is born, because a bunch of men who died thousands of years ago made up that rule. They were powerful men. [points to Willow] This woman... is more powerful than all of them combined. [Willow whimpers] So I say we change the rule. I say my power... should be our power. Tomorrow, Willow will use the essence of the Scythe to change our destiny. From now on, every girl in the world who might be a Slayer, will be a Slayer. Every girl who could have the power, will have the power, can stand up, will stand up. Slayers... every one of us. Make your choice. Are you ready to be strong?"

Dawn: "Yeah, Buffy. What are we going to do now?"

ctofine — Mon, 03 May 2010 12:54:49 GMT

It's time to join jjverse! One of the MOST interactive challenge communities around. If there's a challenge, we'll hand it to you! You know you want to get your spy/dharma/vulcan/insane scientist ass over there and sign up!

clicky clicky: jjverse

ctofine — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:36:21 GMT

LOVE the Whedonverse? Got time on your hands to do creative challenges with some kick-ass team members?

whedonland! whedonland! whedonland!

Mention my name (ctofine) when you join, please. Points are at stake! Ha, ha. Punny.

Only join if you plan on participating, though!

Another JJVerse entry

ctofine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:59:41 GMT

Because I wanted to share!

"Alias" was my first JJ love--so, I'm doing the Essays on Jack and Sydney Bristow.

Why I love Jack Bristow

There are several reasons that I love the character of Jack Bristow. Jack Bristow is what could be considered a man’s man. He is stern, silent, is good at his job, and loves his daughter without reason. He can also swing a car around, while talking to his daughter, then shoot someone dead on. Jack Bristow is made of a blend of ideals and actions that are rare in many television characters. He’s sarcastic and funny, his calm, the actions he takes, his versatility, and his love for his wife (at times) and his daughter, Sydney.

Within his stern exterior, however, lies the heart of a sarcastic man. Jack has a great sense of humor, though we don’t see it often. One of the best lines of the entire series (from Jack’s mouth) is:

Jack: It must have been lost in the mail.
Sydney: Your invitation?
Jack: Unless it was an e-vite. I don't read...e-vites.

The delivery, the timing, the obvious sarcasm? Jack sees the humor in the situation, despite being annoyed at Sydney. It’s part of his character. It is a part of his character that is endearing and unexpected.
Another brilliant characteristic of Jack’s is his ability to stay calm in a rather screwed-up and important situation. The mission must be completed…it must be done correctly. These traits have been drilled into him—he can even work with someone as flustered as Marshall Flinkman. Take the “Spork Situation” for example:

Agent Marshall Flinkman: Oh god. It's oozing. It's oozing everywhere, sir.
Agent Jack Bristow: [via cell phone] That means you've ruptured the macula. The eye is useless, abandon it. Approach the second one gently, like a soft-boiled egg. You're going to need a digging instrument to assist with this.
Agent Marshall Flinkman: [looks in a drawer] I've got a spork.
Agent Jack Bristow: [bewildered] What's a spork?
Agent Marshall Flinkman: It's like a half-spoon... half-fork, will that do?
Agent Jack Bristow: That will work.

Jack Bristow is a man of action. Time and time again, he comes to the rescue of his daughter—often attempting to give his own life so that she won’t have to suffer pain. This makes him a less than perfect man, in that he often lies to Sydney so that she won’t have to deal with the painful truths about her life and existence. He does this out of a sense of guilt, because her childhood was so screwed up (mother a spy for the other side, father a spy who married a spy, a daughter caught in the middle). He can’t go back and re-do what he did wrong with her as a child, so, he tries to keep her from any more pain as an adult. This is ridiculous, of course, but, it is a father’s love that keeps him trying to block her from the worst. It makes him a flawed character, which, ultimately, makes him more loveable. He’s not perfect—he knows this fact.

Jack can play both sides with perfect ease. He never falters (not truly) and he slides from role to role with the experience of the pro that he is. In Season 3’s episode, “Breaking Point,” Jack aligns himself with Sloane and Vaughn (neither of whom he’s too happy with at the moment) to rescue Sydney from the NSC. The role he plays to get building blueprints is a fun one—one that we rarely see Jack play. The juxtaposition of the humorous character with the dire situation is a great example of why the show, and the characters themselves, work so well. The Spy Biz isn’t funny—but, the people involved are human. You have to laugh.

Another reason Jack works so well as a character is that he truly does, at the end of the day, love his wife, Irina. She played him to the ninth degree, yet, he still has feelings. He tries to suppress them, but, they always come back to the surface. Jack “kills” Irina, after he finds out she has put a hit out on Sydney. The guilt of that murder (yet another plot twist, I might add) eats at him. In his heart, Jack Bristow is a good man.
Jack never stops trying to protect Sydney. And, in the end of the series, he does indeed give his own life for hers….for Sydney…for Vaughn…for his grandchild. This sacrifice is heart-breaking one, and one that is easily made on his part. Jack loves his daughter and wants her life to continue, hopefully in a more peaceful manner. This last act makes him the father he always wanted to be.

Jack Bristow, like his daughter, is not a simple character. In Jack’s case, his flaws make him more likeable—due to the fact that he often tries to be more than human. Jack takes on the responsibilities that he chooses and forgets about the rest of the world. Though he is often short-sighted, he works from his own moral code. He wants his daughter to be happy and safe. And, at the end of the series, she is.

Why I love Sydney Bristow

Sydney Bristow is the main reason that I fell in love with “Alias.” It didn’t take me long to fall for all of the characters, however, Sydney will always remain my favourite character. Why is that? A few simple reasons, actually! Syndey has a heart of gold and she has an unwavering loyalty to her friends (and later family). Sydney can wear the craziest costume out there, yet still kick your ass. And, last, but not least, Sydney has a clear idea of what she wants and how far she’ll go to get what she wants. All of these traits blend together to make her a unique and memorable character!

From the beginning of the series, until the very last moment, we see Sydney’s heart on her sleeve. At first, her heart is given to Danny (her fiancé). When Danny is killed by the people she works for (CIA/SD-6), Sydney doesn’t hide her grief or anger. She marches straight into Arvin Sloane’s office and confronts him.

Sydney: [After Danny has been murdered] What did you do?
Sloane: I might ask you the same question. Security section became aware of the breach and performed their function. You're familiar with the codes of conduct, Agent Bristow. You knew these codes apply to you, even if you put to risk the lives of every man and woman working in the agency.
Sydney: Danny wasn't a risk... he was... he was just a man. He was... he was a doctor, he was just...
Sloane: You listen to me. Information about this agency must be treated like a virus. There is only one response to a virus, and that response is containment. You put us in a compromised situation, and even though I despise the countermeasure, we have...
Sydney: Stop saying "we." Stop talking about the agency. You killed the man I love!
Sloane: No, Agent Bristow. You did.

Even after Sydney discovers she is working for the enemy, she never quits blaming herself for Danny’s death, at least in part. Sydney makes it her mission to take down Arvin Sloane and SD-6. Tied in with her love for Danny, is her love for her two best friends, Will and Francie. As if juggling school, being a double agent, and trying to deal with her personal issues surrounding her father aren’t enough—Sydney tries her hardest to find time for her friends.
Eventually, Will finds out that Sydney is a spy and she and her father have to pretty much ruin Will’s life in order to keep SD-6 from killing him. Will and Francie are Sydney’s family, during the first few seasons. When Sydney eventually falls in love with Vaughn, we see the love in her actions and in her intentions. Even when she is taken out of the picture for a very long time and Vaughn marries, her feelings for him (both love and hate at one point) are very clear. Sydney is a caring gal—yet, she can still kick your ass in 10 seconds flat if given the chance.

What kind of woman, especially one who tries *not* to call attention to herself in everyday society, can be dancing brilliantly one minute, taking out a ton of guards the next, and stealing major information for her government the next? Sydney Bristow, that’s who! Sydney is known for her ability to think on her feet, assume character, and get the job done. One of the best examples of this is when Sydney is being followed. She ducks into a store, buys some tape, a wig, some glasses, and a roll of contact paper, and a bag. She makes a completely new character in minutes, finds a group of sorority girls, and leaves with them—completely unnoticed. I have to respect a girl who thinks that fast and uses everything near her to protect her own life and those around her!

Once Sydney finds out she is working for the enemy, she makes it her life mission to take down SD-6. Through the years, that missions shifts and changes some, but at the end of the day, Sydney just wants to be rid of the bad guys so she can live a normal life. While she is brilliant at her job, she just wants a regular life.

Sydney: You said you wanted to talk about the plan. I'm giving you the plan.
Vaughn: It's not your job to give me the plan. I'm giving you the plan. Tomorrow's your first day back at SD-6. Now, nothing should change. When you get your assignment, you'll detail your mission on a paper bag. [picks one up, showing her] Bag. Then you'll call this number. Memorize it. After three tones, press the appropriate digit -- one through six. Each corresponds to a trash can in a specific location. Now we'll review your information, create a countermission, and we'll contact you posing as a wrong number: Joey's Pizza. Any questions so far?
Sydney: Yeah. Can you show me what a bag looks like again?

Sydney uses her job and her skills as a means to an end. I believe that because she never had a traditional family unit, she desperately wants to create one of her own. At the end of the series, she has her wish—after a fashion. Nothing is ever like it seems it will be—especially not after everything Sydney goes through.

Despite the losses in Sydney’s life, she manages to stay balanced and sane. Because her core family unit (those she’s gathered around her) have provided such a strong support system, she is able to finally find her dream—a house on the beach with her love and her children. It’s wonderful to me that a character who could have been, perhaps *should* have been, corrupted by the system simply isn’t. She holds true to who she is and what matters to her. It’s a lesson we can all learn from.

That Thing You Do--A Spike/Andrew Fanmix

ctofine — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:09:04 GMT

My 10 Reasons (Why I Ship Andrew/Spike Manifesto) through song...

Entire Fanmix and Artwork

01 Womanizer
Britney Spears

Superstar, where you from, how's it going?
I know you, gotta clue whatcha doing
You can play brand new to all the other chicks out here
But I know what you are, what you are, baby

Look at you, getting more than just a re-up
Baby you, got all the puppets with their strings up
Faking like a good one, but I call 'em like I see 'em
I know what you are, what you are, baby

Womanizer, woman-womanizer, you're a womanizer,
Oh womanizer, oh you're a womanizer, baby
You you you are, you you you are
Womanizer, womanizer, womanizer (womanizer)

Reason 1: Andrew clearly understands that Spike is, indeed, a womanizer--but, he sees more...he knows what Spike is underneath!

02 What Do I Have to Do
Marva Whitney

What do I have to do
To prove my love for you?
What do I have to do
To prove my love for you?

I gave you my love
I gave you no less
If you want to, babe, you know
I'll give you the rest

Reason 2: Andrew is constantly trying his hardest to prove his love to Spike!

03 That Thing You Do
Soundtrack

You, doin' that thing you do
Breakin' my heart into a million pieces
Like you always do

And you, don't mean to be cruel
You never even knew about the heartache
I've been going through
...

'Cause we could be happy can't you see
If you'd only let me be the one to hold you
And keep you here with me

Reason 3: It's just something Spike does...doing that thing he does...that makes Andrew love him! *sigh*

04 Pop! Goes my Heart
Hugh Grant

I never thought that I could be so satisfied,
Everytime that I look in your angel eyes.
A shock inside me that words just can’t describe,
And there’s no explaining.
There’s something in the way you move, I can’t deny,
Every word from your lips is a lullaby.
A twist of fate makes life worth while,
You are gold and silver.
...
I said I wasn’t gonna lose my head, but then
POP! Goes my heart.
I wasn’t gonna fall in love again, but then
POP! Goes my heart.
And I just can’t let you go,
I can’t lose this feeling.

Reason 4: Andrew swore (to himself, I'm sure) that he'd never lose his heart again after Jonathon. However, Spike caught it!

05 Girlfriend
Avril Lavigne (uncensored version)

Hey, hey, you, you, I don't like your girlfriend
No way, no way, I think you need a new one
Hey, hey, you, you, I could be your girlfriend

Hey, hey, you, you, I know that you like me
No way, no way, you know it's not a secret
Hey, hey, you, you, I want to be your girlfriend

You're so fine, I want you mine, you're so delicious
I think about you all the time, you're so addictive
Don't you know what I can do to make you feel alright?
Alright, alright, alright

Reason 5: Because though Andrew adores Buffy...he thinks that Spike needs a new girl...or boy...friend!

06 Tell Him
The Exciters

I know something about love. You've gotta want it bad
If that guy's got into your blood, go out and get him
If you want him to be the very part of you
That makes you want to breathe, here's the thing to do...
...
Tell him that you're never gonna leave him
Tell him that you're always gonna love him
Tell him, tell him, tell him, tell him right now

Reason 6: Because I just KNOW Andrew's bursting at the seams to tell Spike he loves him!

07 Without Love
from Hairspray

Without love
Life is like the seasons with
No summer
Without love
Life is rock 'n' roll without
A drummer
Tracy, i'll be yours forever
'Cause I never wanna be
Without love
Tracy, never set me free
No, i ain't lyin'
Never set me free, Tracy,
No, no, no!!

Reason 7: Because I know...if given the chance...Andrew would SO burst into a huge Broadway number from Hairspray--to sing to Spike!

08 Sandcastles in the Sand
Robin Sparkles

But now I’m building
Sandcastles in the sand (sandcastles in the sand)
Thought I could fly when you held my hand (thought I could fly)
(Now) Eternity turns to black and white
It was the greatest week and a half
Of my life
...
Sandcastles in the sand (I miss your hair)
Thought I could fly when I held your hand (I thought you were the one)
Sandcastles wash away (I’m ready, let’s do it)
And all that’s left is some sand the next day (sand the next day)
Sandcastles may be… (I’m on the pill now)
But now all they do is remind me of you (let’s go all the way, you said it’d be OK, I’m sorry)
Sandcastles wash away

Reason 8: Because Andrew and Spike's love can't last...they are, indeed, like Sandcastles in the Sand. Sing it, Robin!

I Will Never be the Same--A Willow/Tara Fanmix

ctofine — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:59:49 GMT

My 10 Reasons (Why I Ship Willow/Tara Manifesto) through song...

Link for Entire Mix and Artwork

01 Way Back into Love
Hugh Grant

I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine
I've been searching but I just don't see the signs
I know that it's out there
There's got to be something for my soul somewhere
...
There are moments when I don't know if it's real
Or if anybody feels the way I feel
I need inspiration
Not just another negotiation
...
All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart to you
I'm hoping you'll show me what to do
And if you help me to start again
You know that I'll be there for you in the end

Reason 1: Because Tara and Willow helped each other find family and love!**

**Willow, coming off of her horrendous relationship break with Oz is looking for a way back into love--even if she doesn't know it. Tara is the love that makes Willow realize that she's a lesbian (it wasn't women--it was *a* woman, as she tells Kennedy in season 7).

02 Turn Me On
Norah Jones

Like a flower waiting to bloom
Like a lightbulb in a dark room
I'm just sitting here waiting for you
To come home and turn me on
...
My poor heart, it's been so dark since you been gone
After all, you're the one who turns me off
You're the only one who can turn me back on

Reason 2: The girls turn each other on--mentally, physically, and magically.**

**This song is a double-edged sword. Tara does turn Willow on--to love, to strong feelings, and to stronger magics. Willow turns dark when Tara dies. Ironically, Tara is the one who got Willow to give up the dark by turning her "off" orginally. Thanks, Joss!

03 Into the Mystic
Van Morrison

We were born before the wind
Also younger than the sun
Ere the bonnie boat was won as we sailed into the mystic
Hark, now hear the sailors cry
Smell the sea and feel the sky
Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic

And I want to rock your gypsy soul
Just like way back in the days of old
And magnificently we will flow into the mystic

3. Because Willow and Tara are mystical and old souls.**

**This song speaks to the mystical elements of Willow and Tara's relationship--that magic was born before the wind and is older than the sun. Their souls--like seeing like.

04 Dearest
Buddy Holly

Dearest - though you're the nearest to my heart
please don't ever - umm ya
ever say we'll part
...
You may be a million miles away
please believe me - umm ya
when you hear me say
I love you - I love you
...
Come home - keep me from these sleepless nights
try my love again - umm ya
I'm gonna treat you right - umm ya
I'm gonna treat you right

Reason 4: Because at the end of the day, Willow and Tara are an old married couple at heart.**

**This sweet little song is suggestive of the simple pleasures that Tara and Willow share--cooking, reading, just being together. The calm and happy moments.

05 Save You
Kelly Clarkson

I can tell
I can tell how much you hate this
And deep down inside you know it's killing me
I can call
Wish you well and try to change this
But nothing I can say would change anything
...
Didn't mean
Didn't mean to leave you stranded
Went away cause I didn't want to face the truth
Reaching out
Reach for me
Empty handed
You don't know if I care
You're trying to find the proof
...
I wish I could save you
I wish I could say to you
I'm not going nowhere
I wish I could say to you
It's gonna be alright
It's gonna be alright

Reason 5: Because even in the darker moments, Tara still believed in Willow.**

**This would be from Tara to Willow. Even though Tara had to leave Willow to make Willow understand, in her darker moments, Tara did desperately want to save Willow--and probably felt as if she'd abandoned her.

06 Have a Little Faith in Me
Mandy Moore

When the road gets dark
And you can no longer see
Let my love throw a spark
And have a little faith in me
...
Have a little faith in me
Have a little faith in me
And have a little faith in me
Have a little faith, faith in me
...
When your secret heart
Cannot speak so easily
Come here baby
From a whisper, start
To have a little faith in me

Reason 6: Because when they met, Tara's faith in Willow is what brought her through...and when they parted, Willow wanted Tara to have faith that she could find her way.**

**The road did indeed get dark for both women. However, Tara's faith is what brought them through the darkness. Until the other darkness, at which point Willow had to rely on the faith from her found family and in herself.

07 Smile
The Cast of "Glee"

Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through
for you
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile what’s the use of crying
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you’ll just
Smile

Reason 7: Because despite their struggles, both Willow and Tara put up a good front and hung in there!**

**This song has always broken my heart. I feel that it sums up, completely and utterly, the pain of smiling through your pain...which they did.

08 Both Sides Now
Joni Mitchell

Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As ev'ry fairy tale comes real
I've looked at love that way

But now it's just another show
You leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know
Don't give yourself away

I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions I recall
I really don't know love at all

Reason 8: Because Willow and Tara came through it together--seeing both sides, the good and the bad.**

**I also believe that thing song represents Willow's life *after* the death of Tara and into the comics, even!

09 Slumber my Darling
Alison Krauss, Edgar Meyer, Mark O'Connor & Yo-Yo Ma

Slumber, my darling, thy mother is near,
Guarding thy dreams from all terror and fear,
Sunlight has pass'd and the twilight has gone,
Slumber, my darling, the night's coming on.
Sweet visions attend thy sleep,
Fondest, dearest to me,
While others their revels keep,
I will watch over thee.

Slumber, my darling, the birds are at rest,
The wandering dews by the flow'rs are caressed,
Slumber, my darling, I'll wrap thee up warm,
And pray that the angels will shield thee from harm.

Slumber, my darling, till morn's blushing ray
Brings to the world the glad tidings of day;
Fill the dark void with thy dreamy delight--
Slumber, thy mother will guard thee tonight,
Thy pillow shall sacred be
From all outward alarms;
Thou, thou are the world to me
In thine innocent charms.

Slumber, my darling, the birds are at rest,
The wandering dews by the flow'rs are caressed,
Slumber, my darling, I'll wrap thee up warm,
And pray that the angels will shield thee from harm

Reason 9: Because Tara was the one true love of Willow's life and Willow will always mourn her.**

**This song breaks my heart. It looks to be a lullabye, but, it seems a very mournful song to me.

10 I Will Never Be The Same
Melissa Etheridge

So you walked with me for a while
Bared your naked soul
And you told me of your plan
How you would never let them know
In the morning of the night
You cried a long lost child
And I tried on I tried to hold you
But you were young
And you were wild

But I, I will never be the same
Oh I, I will never be the same
Caught in your eyes
Lost in your name
I will never be the same

Secrets of your life
I never wanted for myself
But you guarded them like a lie
Placed up on the highest shelf
In the morning of the night
When I woke to find you gone
I knew your distant devil
Must be draggin' you along
...
And you swore that you were bound for glory
And for wanting you had no shame
But I loved you
And then I lost you
And I will never be the same

Reason 10: Because Tara changed Willow's life forever.**

**This song, more than any, represents this good-bye to Tara and the explanation of Willow's love and loss.

One Way or Another--A Xander/Anya Fanmix

ctofine — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:09:16 GMT

Fanmix made for the Relationships fanmix challenge at whedonland

"Girl Like You"
Edwyn Collins

I've never known a girl like you before
Now just like in a song from days of yore
Here you come a knockin', knockin' at my door
And I've never met a girl like you before
You give me just a taste so I want more and more

"What Do I Have to Do (to prove my love to you)"
Marva Whitney

What do I have to do
To prove my love for you?
What do I have to do
To prove my love for you?

I gave you my love
I gave you no less
If you want to, babe, you know
I'll give you the rest

"Love Song"
P!nk

I've never written a love song
That didn't end in tears.

Maybe you'll rewrite my love song
If you can replace my fears.

I need your patience and guidance
And all your lovin' and more.

When thunder rolls through my life
Will you be able to weather the storm?

"Time After Time"
Quiet Drive

Lying in my bed
I hear the clock tick
And think of you
Caught up in circles
Confusion is nothing new
You say
Go slow
I fall behind
The second hand
Unwinds

If you're lost
You can look
And you will find me
Time after time
If you fall
I will catch you
I'll be waiting
Time after time
Time after time
Time after time

"In My Life"
The Beatles

There are places I remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

"Strange Love"
Slim Harpo

Strange love
Cutest thing I ever seen
Strange love
Cutest thing I ever seem
You remind me of something
That I have seen in a dream

Can I take you out to dinner
Some place where we can be alone?
Can I take you out to dinner
Some place where we can be alone?
Tell you how much I love you
Then let me hold you in my arms

"Two"
Ryan Adams

If you take me back
Back to your place
I'll try not to bother you I promise
'Cause it's cold in here
And I wish it was hot
The sink's broke, it's leaking from the faucet
And i'm fractured from the fall
And i wanna go home
But it takes two when it used to take one
It takes two when it used to take only one

"I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You"
Colin Hay

I drink good coffee every morning
Comes from a place that's far away
And when I'm done I feel like talking
Without you here there is less to say
I don't want you thinking I'm unhappy
What is closer to the truth
That if I lived till I was 102
I just don't think I'll ever get over you
I'm no longer moved to drink strong whisky
'Cause I shook the hand of time and I knew
That if I lived till I could no longer climb my stairs
I just don't think I'll ever get over you
Your face it dances and it haunts me
Your laughter's still ringing in my ears
I still find pieces of your presence here
Even after all these years

"Come Away With Me"
Norah Jones

Come away with me in the night
Come away with me
And I will write you a song

Come away with me on a bus
Come away where they can't tempt us
With their lies

I want to walk with you
On a cloudy day
In fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high
So won't you try to come

"One Way or Another"
Mandy Moore

Oh, One way, One way, or another
One way

One way or another I'm gonna find ya
I'm gonna getcha getcha getcha getcha
One way or another I'm gonna win ya
I'm gonna getcha I'll getcha getcha
One way or another I'm gonna see ya
I'm gonna meetcha meetcha meetcha meetcha
One day, maybe next week
I'm gonna meetcha, I'll meetcha, I'll meetcha
I will drive past your house
And if the lights are all down
I'll see who's around

Zip file of all songs and cover art

Big Bang Alt challenge

ctofine — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:09:24 GMT

For whedonland's Big Bang Alt challenge...I present to you, 100 icons from all seven seasons of BTVS...the first 50 are themed, the second 50 are artist's choice. These aren't the most awesome ones I've done in my life, but, I thoroughly enjoyed making them!

If you take, PLEASE credit ctofine. NO hotlinking! Please comment if you take. Thanks so much!

And, not sure why, but you have to scroll a HELLA way down to get to the icon table! ;)

001 : Mad World	002 : Battle	003 : Tears	004 : Smile	005 : Bored

006 : Annoyed	007 : Dream	008 : Strike a Wash away	009 : Flowers	010 : Sleep

011 : Wonder	012 : Dark	013 : GreenLove	014 : Lost	015 : Alone

016 : Victory	017 : Confusion	018 : Temptation	019 : Journey	020 : Goddess

021 : Dress Up	022 : Sorrow	023 : Blood	024 : Questions	025 : So Answers

026 : Gift	027 : Stars	028 : Fairytales	029 : Run Away	030 : The End

031 : Rescue Me	032 : This is it	033 : True Friend	034 : Old School	035 : I’ve been bad

036 : Fake Background	037 : Negative Space	038 : Close Crop	039 : Rotate	040 : Duplicate

041 : Text	042 : Textless	043 : Combined	044 : Texture	045 : Bright

046 : Muted	047 : Black and White	048 : No Faces	049 : Borders	050 : Text-only

051 : Artist's Choice	052 : Artist's Choice	053 : Artist's Choice	054 : Artist's Choice	055 : Artist's Choice

056 : Artist's Choice	057 : Artist's Choice	058 : Artist's Choice	059 : Artist's Choice	060 : Artist's Choice

061 : Artist's Choice	062 : Artist's Choice	063 : Artist's Choice	064 : Artist's Choice	065 : Artist's Choice

066 : Artist's Choice	067 : Artist's Choice	068 : Artist's Choice	069 : Artist's Choice	070 : Artist's Choice

071 : Artist's Choice	072 : Artist's Choice	073 : Artist's Choice	074 : Artist's Choice	075 : Artist's Choice

076 : Artist's Choice	077 : Artist's Choice	078 : Artist's Choice	079 : Artist's Choice	080 : Artist's Choice

081 : Artist's Choice	082 : Artist's Choice	083 : Artist's Choice	084 : Artist's Choice	085 : Artist's Choice

086 : Artist's Choice	087 : Artist's Choice	088 : Artist's Choice	089 : Artist's Choice	090 : Artist's Choice

091 : Artist's Choice	092 : Artist's Choice	093 : Artist's Choice	094 : Artist's Choice	095 : Artist's Choice

096 : Artist's Choice	097 : Artist's Choice	098 : Artist's Choice	099 : Artist's Choice	100 : Artist's Choice

Sawyer Picspam: Season 2

ctofine — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:41:39 GMT

Sawyer Picspam 1

ctofine — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:39:57 GMT

Done for jjverse

First FanFic...EVER.

ctofine — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:50:02 GMT

I'm writing this for the VDay Sexy FanFic challenge over at whedonland. I've never written fanfic before...and have REALLY never written sexy lesbian fanfic before! Why am I posting this HERE? Well, because stupid LJ only likes a certain amount of characters in their damned response windows...thus me posting it here and linking it to my response. *facepalm*

Feel free to read it--but, take my disclaimer as I mean it. Okay?

Team Buffy
Ship Tara and Willow
Raitings NC-17
Warnings Unless you've NOT seen season 6 of Buffy, you should be fine. ;) I should also warn that this is the FIRST fic or sexy scene or sexy girl scene I've ever written...so, read at your own risk! LOL
Description Before they woke up that morning. Before Warren showed up. Tara and Willow--Stolen Moments before the storm.
Word Count 913

Her lips were soft, familiar, and warm…yet somehow different. Somehow they were different. Tara opened her eyes to see her lover’s gaze…yet something was off. Something underneath…just sitting and waiting to be freed…
Tara woke with a start, eyes wide open and searching the room.
“Oh,” she breathed, “I’m here. I’m actually back here.” The dream had been disturbing and very unclear. She reached out and found Willow’s warmth beside her. By turning her head just slightly, she could see the face that she remembered. The face that was always meant only for her. Willow was snoring lightly. Tara grinned.
She was hoping that she and Willow could make a fresh start.
Tara looked around her. The room felt the same as it always had. Homey, comforting, smelling of the various products Willow had always used on her hair, her skin, her face. Tara was back in her bed. The sheets still as soft and warm as she remembered them. Willow hadn’t changed anything. Even the air felt the same.
Tara studied her lover. Pale skin, warm hair, eyes closed and dreaming. “She’s even bright when she’s sleeping,” thought Tara. Nothing could dull the sparkle that was Willow. She was the light and Tara had always been the moth. And Tara had been burned—badly. She closed her eyes, willing the negative thoughts to go away.
Magic was something Tara had been born knowing…loving. Willow had been a surprise, and a learning curve. Between the Scooby duties and Willow’s love of her created family, Tara had been swept along, head over heels in the magic that was this lovely witch beside her. This woman she had devoted her heart to…completely.
But Willow had lied—had burned Tara at her very core. Magic was not something to be abused or to be taken lightly. At the end of the day, though, Tara did understand that magic was something Willow had learned later in life. She hadn’t had the core that Tara had. And Tara’s love had taken her faster than she might have gone otherwise.
“It’s my fault” whispered Tara.
“Hmmm…?” Willow was coming out of sleep.
“Nothing sweet girl, “Tara murmured.
Willow’s eyes slowly opened and focused on Tara.
Tara looked into Willow’s eyes and reached out for her hand.
“You aren’t leaving are you?” Willow asked.
“No…no…of course not…unless you want the bed to yourself” Tara teased.
“Well…it IS much warmer and more comfortable when you are in here with me” Willow said slyly.
Tara snuggled closer to Willow—the heat of her body increasing as she felt the silky skin of Willow’s legs. Tara reached out, pulling her lover closer to her so that nothing was between them but their own skins.
Slowly, Tara ran her hand down Willow’s side, taking in the slight and lovely curves of her hip and the firm muscles of her legs. She moved her body slightly so that Willow was warming her as much as the soft, downy comforter.
Body to body, the two witches gazed at one another—as if memorizing what had been lost—what could be lost again.
Willow’s lips were soft on Tara’s cheek…throat…collarbone. Tara clasped her hands to the bed—holding on to solid ground as Willow’s mouth continued down her body…tasting, touching, and sampling the warm skin.
When Willow reached the arch of Tara’s foot, she lingered there, massaging, stroking…and eventually moved her way back up Tara’s body—to her destination.
Soft hands, firm strokes, and the unhurried pace of her lover unhinged Tara at her very core. As she reached her release, she gasped. This was what she remembered –this was how it should be. Always.
The air in the room was golden, nothing could touch them here. Nothing could harm them in this place of their own making.
Tara beckoned Willow to return face to face. Willow slowly complied with a smile.
She loved this woman with every fiber of her soul—Tara reached out and placed her hand on Willow’s face.
“I love you,” she said.
“And I love you, too” replied Willow. Tara clasped Willow to her, kissing her slowly and thoroughly…then faster, as if she could reach the very center of her lover’s soul.
Tara stroked Willow’s breasts—so perfect and so lovely—then lowered her hand, stroking harder and faster until both women were glowing with sweat and breathing heavily. Willow arched back and cried out. It wasn’t enough. Tara flipped her over so that she was straddling her. She lowered her mouth and suckled Willow’s breasts—first the right, then the left. As she made her way down Willow’s body, her pulse was racing, almost violently.
Willow pressed her knee between Tara’s legs, flipping her back over…then both women were moving together, Tara with her hands, Willow with her long legs, dancing the dance that only lover’s knew by heart. At the last moment, Tara placed her forehead to Willow’s.
The air grew tense and both women flew.
“This…THIS is the magic” Tara said hoarsely. “This is ALL we need.”
Willow nodded and collapsed on top of Tara.
“The magic is all we need” Willow murmured as she started to drift off to sleep.
As Tara closed her eyes again, basking in the glow of their love, she sighed and snuggled into the crook of Willow’s arm.
This is how it would be from now on. The magic would never harm them again or separate them. Tara would make sure of it.