Z. Allora's Blog, page 4

Clean Mama is a YouTuber & an author who I follow. Sh...

Clean Mama is a YouTuber & an author who I follow. 

She has developed an easy system to stay on top of basic household tasks: Make Beds (as soon as I get up in the morning I make our bed. I send my robot vacuums about their business (but really this could be a check). I wipe down my counters (about a million times a day). I look for clutter and toss, donate or put back into its home. I do a load of laundry from start to finish (usually several small loads). 

None of these things should take more than 15 minutes total (though I think that might vary with number of people in the house.)

**I'd also add I wipe down the shower after taking a shower (eliminates soap scum buildup) & I do a swish & swipe of my bathroom (clean counter, sink & toilet).**

Once you got your daily routine down pat in one additional activity. Here's her recommendation. 

I do more of a two week cycle:

Mon: Dust Upstairs

Tues: Dust Downstairs.

Wed: Deep Clean Kitchen

Thurs: Mop

Fri: Deep clean bathrooms

Sat/Sun: Declutter something > have fun

Mon: Spray & Wipe All pictures & mirrors

Tues: Project

Wed: Clean laundry room

Thurs: Project

Fri: Deep Clean Bathrooms

Sat/Sun: Fun

There are some tasks you don't need to do every week but need to address monthly or quarterly.

                       

 Happy Cleaning! Getting organized is hard but once you do it'll be easier to keep it this way.

Many hugs, Z. 

Donkey Sex... Is a thing?

I'm going to place a warning here... this can't be unseen/unknow. It wedges itself into your brain like a golf tee. Turn back... or proceed at your own peril.

In Columbia, some men's first sexual experience is with a donkey. Doctors recommend it. Some believe it stretches the penis... It seems to be an open and sanctioned practice that gives the males an outlet in a very Catholic country.

Since this video was done by Vice > they have an expert on to define Zoophilia & beastiality.

Hugs, Z.

 

5 Tropes in BL & Romance

Tropes in BL & Romance

1) Enemies to Lovers

2) Soulmates 

3) Best Friends to Lovers

4) Unrequited Love

5) Coming of Age

This video gives you recommendations for some BLs in each category.

Enjoy!

Hugs, Z.

Things That Help Me Write

Getting in the mood:

A clean organized house

A hot travel mug of my tea

I have a time 10am is my start time & an end time usually 4pm-ish

I start by taking care of emails & then making a Facebook post

Tools I rely on:

*I use Scrivener to write my manuscript. I find I like their cork board system. It's set up to allow assess to all my chapters, character sketches, research is invaluable. I don't waste time searching for what I need.

*I use Alexa for spell checks. "Alexa, how do you spell auto erotic asphyxiation?" Saves me trying to figure out how to spell something enough to get the right spelling, and I avoid leaving my work in progress.

*Once I have a rough draft I transfer it to Word. 

*I'm going to use Edit Out Loud and Writing Pro with this new manuscript. 

*Taking breaks. My iWatch demands I stand up, and since I need make tea a lot so that gets me to move around. (Sitting is today's smoking > or so I'm told). Also I try to take an afternoon walk (15 or 20 mins) refreshes me.

*Using Walmart pickup or Publix pickup allows me not to waste time grocery shopping. 

*When there's not a global pandemic I usually take 1-3 days off and go somewhere. Driving helps my characters flash scenes to me. 

*Always take notes of your thoughts/ideas > put it some place permanent as there is nothing worse than losing it.

*Crash Plan: Anything that automatically backs up your documents is a heavenly. This has saved me 4x and counting.

*Uplet > an app that allows me to upload to Instagram from my laptop. (Here's to add links & longer text)

 

***Keep in mind I don't beat myself up. I write because I enjoy it if I was writing to get paid I'd probably have different information on this post.***

If you write may the words come to you and if you read may the words light your life.

Many hugs, Z. 

Sexual Traditions from Around the World

I do NOT agree (nor am I advocating for) any of these traditions. 

Some our fascinating while others should to be illegal. 

Hugs, Z. 

Prequel to Bent Not Broken... Stefano's Birthday

 

Stefano followed the cryptic poster with a handcuff border into the Edge... a BDSM club. 

Unzipping his leather coat, he tried to blend into the shadows by leaning against the wall. The club made good on its promise of a spanking good time.

On stage, someone was taking a paddling, but what struck Stefano was the man doing the demonstration. His long raven colored hair, snug leather pants that clung in places Stefano shouldn’t be staring at, and a handsome face, captivated Stefano. The Dom was stunning, but it was the cadence of his deep voice that uncoiled something tight inside Stefano.

“Position is important. Ensure the target is accessible and nothing pulls your attention.”  Taking off his leather vest, the Dom pushed his long hair over his broad shoulders, and re-gripped the paddle.

“Rhythm and anticipation are tools the Dom should consider and be mindful of how to use them.” His careful and unrushed speech, punctuated by paddle swats, lulled Stefano allowing him to take a first breath. “Unpredictable impact strokes makes the sub unable to settle into a pattern and adds shock along with pain.”

He demonstrated by connecting the paddle to the sub’s ass. The sub’s ass started turning a pleasant pink. “Varying the location of where impact occurs increases the sting. Every stroke remains fresh.”

The Dom stroked a hand over the sub’s ass. He kneeled in front of the sub. His words quiet words were only for the sub. Then he stood and addressed the audience, “Always remain connected to the other person or persons in the scene. Now I will settle into a rhythm.”

One, two, three, four, five…. 

Stefano eventually stopped counting and started wishing. 

Wishing the attention was being paid to him. Hoping that someday, he could have the dreamy look the sub wore. He wanted….

Needing that Dom could never be an option. Stefano was a good Catholic. There had to be Mistresses willing to play with him, who would bring him to subspace. 

Allowing himself one glance over his shoulder, he left the club.

“Happy Fucking Birthday to me,” Stefano muttered. It might have been his first time coming to the Edge, but there was no way it would be his last. 

 

Giveaway: To enter the giveaway please leave your birthday month along your email in the comments section. I’ll about pick a winner on Friday Nov 6th.

 

 

Stefano’s story, Bent Not Broken is about overcoming your past, and accepting yourself so you can grab onto your future. It’s about struggling with your demons and finding a way forward to love.

 

Blurb for Bent Not Broken:

Stefano Rossi longs for the mystical—and so far, unattainable—peace of reaching subspace. But can he accept that the person who can take him there is a man?

 

Riku Tao has given up on finding a sub who complements him. He’ll stick with doing demonstrations at the BDSM club the Edge. He certainly doesn’t have time for a closeted Catholic guy with internalized biphobia… and yet he cannot help but want to protect Stefano and give him what he needs. A history of physical and sexual abuse makes it impossible for Stefano to come out of the closet, and Riku certainly isn’t going back in.

 

Perhaps an arrangement of six months to explore their desires will be enough to satisfy them both.

 

Or it might break their hearts.

 

To take hold of his future with the man he’s coming to love, Stefano will need to move beyond the pain of his past, and he won’t be able to do it alone.

 

https://amzn.to/2UQmQ0b

https://bit.ly/3dcvrC3

Sexual Orientations in Thailand differ from than those in the West

Sometimes we have judge others by our filters & our concepts. This is usually unfair sense they maybe using a different guideline all together. 

On occasion I hear criticism of Thai BLs that they aren't as LGBTQIA+ friendly as we'd like them to be. Except many times, this is pushing a BL through a Western filter. Certain concepts are new or nonexistence in Thailand: nonbinary doesn't exist. Bisexuality is a relatively new concept. 

While many times you'll hear a character or actor saying they aren't gay but their feelings (attraction) are about the person not the gender. This isn't bi-erasure but about the Thai people ascribing more to a pansexuality philosophy while not using that term. 

So setting aside our Western filters I decided to get Wikipedia to help. ((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_...))

"Heterosexual/TraditionalMale

A heterosexual male is the only sexuality, which refers not just to physical sex but gender identity as well. Note this may differ from Western ideas of heterosexual male, to which lesbian sex has been eroticized. This means he seeks a traditional Thai female, but does not accept as a sexual or marriage partner the other female gender identities listed below.

Female

A heterosexual female refers to the traditional female who seeks the traditional heterosexual male (man) in Thai society.

Tom-Dee identity

The Tom-Dee duality in Thailand maybe be compared to the butch-femme duality of lesbianism but differs in a number of ways.[3] Among them are 1-way and 2-way subcategories in both, and in Toms physical presentation that may be compared to transgender men and a sense of role and duty of living up to strict stereotypes associated with gentleman.[3]

Tom identity

A "tom" (ทอม), from the English word tomboy, is a female who dresses, acts, and possibly speaks in a masculine fashion. She may not identify as a lesbian, but she may be perceived as one by others.[4] Toms wear short hair, a deviation from Thai tradition which has prized long hair as a sign of feminine beauty since a Europeanization of customs during the Victorian era (while short hair was the norm for Central Thai women until c. 1900).[5]

Women usually wear skirts in Thailand, and in many government offices skirts are compulsory and pants suits banned. Toms dress in men's clothing—slacks, sandals, and loose fitting button-down shirts. According to Ara Wilson, a tom will use male speech terms, especially the old, now-crude pronouns goo (Thai: กู) for "I", and mueng (Thai: มึง) for "you".[6][7]:127,131

Dee identity

The "dee" (ดี้), from the English word lady, is a homosexual (or bisexual) female who follows outward Thai gender norms. A dee will look, act, and speak in a manner congruent with Thai female gender norms. The only difference between dees and traditional females is that dee often engage in relationships with toms.[6] Some dees however, seek other dees.

Tom-dee within society

Heterosexual public displays of affection are frowned upon in Thai culture. However, minor displays of affection, such as hand-holding, between same sex individuals is considered the norm. In this way tom-dee partnerships can be invisible to the wider society.[8]

Tom Gay

A Tom Gay is a Tom who is attracted to all 3 types of women, heterosexual women, Toms, and Dees.[9]

Lesbian

A lesbian in Thai culture differs from the West, i.e. a woman who is attracted to the traditional gender adhering Thai female.[9]

Female roles visavis identity

Within the female community, there are roles which complicate identity. Particular among them are one-way and two-way, which refer to the perceived permanent sexual roles of giver and receiver and giver, respectively, but taking on a broader meaning than merely sex. A 1-way tom would see it fit to take care of the female both materially (pay for everything) and psychologically, but not accept the same in return. Conversely, the terms king and queen refer to active or receptive roles, yet can also be situational rather than an identity. The same terms king and queen are used for male homosexual roles. Toms may seek dees or toms (in which case they may be referred to as Tom Gay Kings), toms may be 1-way or 2-way. Dees may seek toms or dees.[3]

Adam

An Adam is a male who is attracted to Toms.[9]

KathoeysMain article: Kathoey

Although the terms "kathoey"[10] or "ladyboy"[11] are rather ambiguous, simply put, both terms refer to someone assigned male at birth, who dresses as and adopts the mannerisms and identity of a woman. Though the term is often translated as "transgender", the term is rarely used in Thailand. Instead Thais use the term kathoey. This term can now also be used to refer to any male homosexual and was originally used to refer to intersex people. Due to this term becoming so broad, many choose to use the English word to explain a homosexual male dressing as a woman as a "ladyboy".[12] The term can also be meant as an insult, especially to those who are trying to alter or openly express their identity, as it suggests that they are still men who are merely dressed as women.[citation needed] The term is used rather loosely at times and can be used to refer to any male who possesses traditionally 'feminine' qualities. Personally most of kathoeys prefer to call themselves "a transformed goddess" or "a second type of woman".[13]

Acceptance of kathoeys

Kathoeys are numerous in Thailand and are seemingly accepted by society, not only in the cities but in the countryside as well.[14] Thai Buddhism does not specifically regard homosexuality as a sin and has no specific prohibitions regarding the lifestyle.[15] However, kathoeys are still only begrudgingly accepted in many corners of Thai society.[16] Kathoey have not yet attained equal status with those who are not transgender, and restrictions come with the identity. Kathoey cannot officially change their birth sex on birth certificates or passports, meaning they cannot marry someone of the same sex (even if they identify with a different gender).[13]:121–138

Though kathoeys have experienced some prestige in the past, they still face many struggles in everyday life. Many have found success in the entertainment business or in fashion, while others dance cabaret or accept lower level work so that they are able to live their lives in the open.[12] Beginning in the 1950s we are able to see a presence of kathoey and it can be traced in the media. The trend of kathoeys being a regular part of entertainment such as movies, music entertainment, and television shows is rather recent.[15]

Angee

A kathoey who is attracted to Toms.[9]

Other combinationsCherry

A cherry is a woman who likes gay men and kathoey.[9]

Samyaan

A Samyaan is a woman who likes any person that was assigned female at birth (AFAB), regardless of gender identity.[9]

Boat

A male who likes any person that was assigned female at birth (AFAB), regardless of their gender identity.[9]"    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_identities_in_Thailand  

Top 15 Favorite BLs

Now the pandemic has terrified me so I spent the bulk of 2020 escaping into BLs from around the world. You can find these shows on Netflix, YouTube, Line TV, WeTV, and Facebook groups. If you can't find PM me on Facebook. 

Happy Watching!

The Untamed (Chinese) (2019) (Netflix)

This epic journey is set in ancient China and spans 16 years.  Wei WuXian who comes back from the dead to fix the mess he left behind. Lan Zhan's adherence to the rules caused him not to stand with the man he loved. The two reunite as soulmates are eternal. 

 

C h e r r y M a g i c ! T h i r t y Y e a r s o f V i r g i n i t y C a n M a k e Y o u a     W i z a r d ? ! (Japanese) (2020) (12 episodes & 2 specials) (Crunchy Roll)

Adachi who is a virgin at 30 gains the ability to read minds. He reads Kurosawa and finds the most popular and talented man in the office is in love with him.

Tharn Type theseries (Line TV) (2019) Type is homophobic and finds out his roommate is gay. He loses his damned mind... and his heart as well. There's a special episode this ties the first season up & then Tharn Type 7 ye ars Of Love (2020) is the continuation of their story.

 

L o v e B y C h a n c e ((Studio Wabi Sabi)) ((2019))

Sweet romance & Ae/Pete is my one true pairing. PERFECTION

(remember, there are characters that cross over from TharnType, but are played by different actors. Techno, Champ, and Type, are seniors as this series happens a few years after Tharn Type. And it's important to watch because something happens to Techno that is part of the focus of Tharn Type 2)

A C h a n c e T o L o v e 2 ((Studio Wabi Sabi)) ((2020))

Starts three months in the past… Pete has been left by Ae & is devastated. He starts social media for an audience of one. Finally someone writes a song about his feelings for Pete. Hoping for a season 3. (In the book Pete comes back to Ae. This story focuses on Tin & Can... and has a side couple that seems to just pop up but explains a lot.

 

Until we meet again ((2020))

Two sets of lovers (one dead from 30 years ago) and one current. Side Couples are delicious. EVERYONE (ghosts included) get their happily ever after.

 

O x y g e n (2020) (GMMTV)(Thai) (13 episodes) (SAT)

Sweet story: orphan barista & lovely talented guitar player fall in love then a finance & rich daddy have other plans but Guitar shows them only Solo can play with him.

C o l o r R u s h (Korean) (2021) (Facebook)

(8 episodes)Choi doesn’t see color (mono) until he meets a Kpop trainee (probe) > feelings develop

 

2 g e t h e r (2020) (13 episodes)(GMMTV)

Basic story but the actors are awesome. Season 2 allows the happily ever after to stick.

(Still) 2 g e t h e r (2020) (5 episodes)(GMMTV)

 

 

Why RU (By Line TV) 13 episodes

Technical issues due to Corvid 19 but overall great. The additional 3 episodes (Saifahzon Story) round out the story.

 

 

M y E n g i n e e r ((Ledo Entertainment, TriCreations & Dream Reunion)) 2020

Cute Senior punishes junior for punching him by bringing flowers to him for 30 days they fall into love… end with a camping trip where Duen sees Bohn being kissed by someone and angst but then repair.  Ram/King makeout and King thinks Ram forgot but is told when he’s being driven off that Ram remembers… yum.   

 

E N o f L o v e : (Tossara) the series ((Wabi Sabi/Line TV)) (2020)

E N o f L o v e : Love Mechanics

E N o f L o v e : This is Love Story

 (4 episodes each) College: Doctor student likes Engineering student.

Fluffy and light... The are actually expanding Love Mechanics in 2021.

 

T o n t h o n C h o n l a t e e F o r e v e r (2020) (10 episodes) (GMTV)

Laugh out loud moments, cute, homophobic guy two gay friends who don’t tell him, Chon is in love with his neighbor who moved to Bangkok they meet again and Ton moves Chon into his bedroom. College, rushed but happy ending.

 

G e n Y t h e S e r i e s (2020) (Thai) (QiYi)

Sweet story Mark pursues Kit. Wayu gets his heart broken but his ex set it up so Thanu was “taking care of Wayu”. Pok/Tong high school to Freshman interested and knock boots but only kiss who Tong loves. Ends on a cliffie > Phu shows back up. Destiny. Second season is coming.

     

 

# L o c k d o w n B o y s (Philippines) (2020) (6 episodes to be continued)

Really sweet guys meet (again) in drugstore during lockdown & bond over penis masks

 

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Decluttering

I know if you know or follow me at all> you're aware I've got a cleaning/organizing fetish.

Why?

I find it impossible to work, live, love, laugh or enjoy a space that's a mess. Every morning while I'm exercising I watch cleaning and organizing videos. They inspire me to clean, organize and declutter my spaces. 

I will never be a minimalist but I think organizing allows you to appreciate (& utilize) what you have.

One of the critical things is :   EVERYTHING NEEDS A HOME.  

Here's a fun video that goes over things with a wide brush. 

Hugs, Z.

 

Cherry Magic

I've been gushing about the perfection that is Cherry Magic since it first aired. 

It's so good Crunchy Roll (which in the past has only done anime) is now hosting it. You can watch it for free (though you get to enjoy Japanese commercials if you don't have a membership). 

The basic plot summed up by Crunchy Roll: 

"If you're still a virgin when you turn 30, you turn into a wizard." The magical power gained by 30-year-old virgin Adachi ... is the modest ability to read the mind of anyone he touches. Unsure how to handle his useless power, Adachi accidentally reads the mind of his colleague Kurosawa. Kurosawa's mind turns out to be full of love for Adachi! Adachi can't believe his colleague is in love with him. However, with no way of knowing his feelings have been discovered, Kurosawa continues trying to win over Adachi. Will the handsome man's sincere feelings for the virgin come to fruition?

It's everything you want in a romance.

You NEED Cherry Magic in your life.

Crunchy Roll Cherry Magic