Give me one word, and I will write 100 words using that theme, either using an original character or borrowed from one of my fandoms.

The first 10 writings will be posted later this week.

I've gotten around to trying just about all of the flowering teas in my Numi Tea sampler. I have to say that overall, I am quite impressed. I'd prepared myself for pretty, but not quite flavorful. I'm happy to say that I had assumed wrongly.

The standout has thus far been Dragon Lily, which blossoms to reveal a perfectly-formed orange lily bud. The white tea is delicate and almost dainty, but sweet with the headiness of apricot nectar. Black Beauty is a black tea with a subtle, smooth rose note that is soft and yet somehow still decadent. Midnight Peony seemed to have a delicate lavender note, and Starlight Rose is so subtle and beautiful that it ought to be served in your finest china.

( Flower Jewel and Emerald Sun.Collapse )

So, Dragon Lily and Black Beauty are definite reorders, Flower Jewel quite possibly as well.

And, before I'm off to work on my 100-word assignments (which might take longer than one night now that I've nattered on), I have new hair to show off.

( Voilà!Collapse )

I tried to work on my 100-word challenges, I swear I did. And I will get to a few of them. However, my concentration has been completely derailed by the ladies' short program. I suddenly feel eleven again, sneaking the tv on at low-volume (because of course, there was always school the next day) to watch these tiny, pixieish girls glide across the ice. I love the beaming smiles on the ones who know they've skated their very best, and I always feel terrible for the ones who came so close.

My fascination, however, has been dampened by the commentators. Well, one of the commentators, at any rate. Scott Hamilton is wonderful, as always. But the other guy-- Tim Hammond, I'm assuming? I'll have to listen closely on Thursday to be sure. But man, what an asshole. There is a skater who is competing in her fourth Olympics. She had an average skate, but at age 29, you could tell she was starting to wind down. Scott made a comment that it takes love, pure love, to keep going to the rink day after day. The other guy then snarks that if she's going to go to the rink for so many years, she might as well improve. Scott needs to bitchslap him and tell him to STFU. Seriously.

However, I am so in love with the crowd. Every time a skater slips or falls, they cheer her back up. They clap her on until she hits the next jump. It's so amazing to watch-- all the shared well wishes, all the appreciation and spirit.