Once Upon My...

Every Tuesday afternoon at the same time, you see her walking the same path, always alone.

Sometimes, just paying attention to her surroundings.

But most times, she's wearing earphones listening to music only she knows.

Although she looks as if she's walking with abandon, there's a clear purpose in her walk. In the way she paces herself, like she only has a certain amount of time that she has to walk to her destination, then back to where she came.

Most days, the sun is an hour or two before it sets.

On other days, you see her having to walk in the gentle rain without a coat or an umbrella.

The weather didn't seem to matter to her; it was as if she really didn't have a care in the world.

She would stop to smell the gardenias.

Pause to take a photo of the sun shining through the clouds.

She would even take the time to pat a cat staring at her from under a bush, unsure but friendly all the same.

But every Tuesday afternoon, she always takes the same path at the same time...

Until this week, when there was no sight of her...

It's been a month now, and I see her catch it everyday. People would think that she's making the commute to work... But to whoever looks closer, that might not necessarily be the case.

Sometimes she's with four girls, but most times she's alone.

And everyday she seems different.

Although she has her headphones on listening to music, you could see she has a far off look on her face as she watched the scenery pass by out the window.

Sometimes she has a ghost of a smile.

Other times she's fighting back tears she doesn't want others to see.

Sometimes I wonder what goes on in her head to make her feel so alone in the world that she has to brave it with a smile that seems tired if you look close enough.

But when she's with those four young girls, you can see why she tries her best to put on a brave face.

And when she reaches her destination, it becomes apparent why she seems so tired, stepping off at the hospital platform...

Why she has to pretend to be okay

Because for those girls, and whatever they have to face in that hospital everyday, she has to be the strong one for them to lean on.

Because if she falls, they all fall...

It's 2:30 in the morning when I got the call that made my heart drop, trying to find a way to bring our four girls to the hospital because they say you may not make it.

My mind goes numb with so many emotions, but the one that fights to get to the surface is fear.

Fear that this will be the last time I see you.

Fear that there will be nothing they can do to help you.

I've never been so helpless in my life.

It's been 18 years,

I don't know how to imagine my life without you.

It's to the point where I can't shed any tears.

I've convinced myself that everything will be fine, that you will pull through this.

Because I can't break down in the middle of the waiting room of the Operating theatre.

Here is your playlist broken down by the core vibe of each season:

🚲 Season 1: The Disappearance of Will Byers

This chapter is synth-heavy, mysterious, and captures the raw 80s underground feel.

"Should I Stay or Should I Go" – The Clash (The core theme of Will’s connection to home).

"Heroes" – Peter Gabriel (The emotional weight of the "quarry" scene).

"Atmosphere" – Joy Division.

"Elegia" – New Order.

"Sunglasses at Night" – Corey Hart.

"White Rabbit" – Jefferson Airplane.

🎃 Season 2: The Shadow Monster

A bit darker and more "arcade" focused, capturing the transition from 1983 to 1984.

"Whip It" – Devo (The boys at the arcade in their Ghostbusters gear).

"Rock You Like a Hurricane" – Scorpions (Billy Hargrove’s aggressive introduction).

"Every Breath You Take" – The Police (The Snow Ball dance).

"Time After Time" – Cyndi Lauper.

"Ghostbusters" – Ray Parker Jr.

"Runaway" – Bon Jovi (Eleven’s trip to Chicago).

🍦 Season 3: The Summer of Love & Starcourt

Bright, neon, pop-heavy, and full of consumerist energy—until things turn "meat-flayer" dark.

"Material Girl" – Madonna (The El and Max shopping spree).

"Never Ending Story" – Gaten Matarazzo and Gabriella Pizzolo (The legendary Dustin/Suzie duet).

"Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" – Wham!

"Workin' for a Weekend" – Loverboy.

"Cold as Ice" – Foreigner.

"My Bologna" – "Weird Al" Yankovic (Joyce’s obsession with magnets).

🎸 Season 4: The Curse of Vecna

The most cinematic season, blending California surf vibes with heavy metal and high-stakes drama.

"Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)" – Kate Bush (The definitive Max Mayfield anthem).

"Master of Puppets" – Metallica (Eddie Munson’s "most metal" concert ever).

"Pass the Dutchie" – Musical Youth (Argyle and the Surfer Boy Pizza vibe).

"Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" – Journey (The Bryce Miller/Alloy Tracks Remix).

"You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" – Dead or Alive.

"Dream a Little Dream of Me" – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong (The eerie Creel House theme).

💡 Pro-Tip for Spotify:

Here are some labels for "me time," playing with different angles:

Emphasizing Renewal & Restoration:

"Autonomous Restoration Protocol"

"Personal Rejuvenation Directive"

"Intrinsic Equilibrium Sequence"

"Self-Sovereign Recalibration"

"Individualized Resurgence Module"

Highlighting Intentionality & Value:

"The Solitude Initiative"

"Personal Agency Allocation"

"Subjective Valuation Period"

"The Interiority Investment"

"Autonomous Cognitive Space"

Focusing on Refinement & Cultivation:

"The Cultivation of Self"

"Personal Sanctuary Designate"

"Introspective Development Phase"

"The Essence Reclamation"

"Autonomous Cognitive Refinement"

More Abstract & Evocative:

"The Temporal Enclave"

"The Inner Horizon Project"

"The Subjective Axis"

"The Quietude Paradigm"

~The Year of the Snake~

I've been living in Auckland since I was a teenager, and never once did I get to attend the Lantern Festival in CBD...

At first it was distance, then raising a young family made it complicated when you didn't have your own transportation (because catching public transport with you children at late hours of the night was just asking for a stressful time out.

So I found it never happened.... until last year they brought it closer to where I lived...

Not only did I have the pleasure of going to it last year, but I also managed to take my girls to it this year as well.

I must say it was well organized, and although the crowds were big, the flow of everything went really well. I was able to enjoy it all very freely and buy my daughters some souvenirs for the night...

(I made sure we ate before we left, only because our budget didn't really allow for much)

Because we are a multi-cultured family, I try to include my children's different cultures in the upbringing as much as I can.

Their father is 1/4 Chinese, His Grandmother on his father's side is Full... but he wasn't lucky enough to be brought up in that culture because his father left him when he was five years old... he was in his early forties when he finally met him again which meant he wasn't able to learn anything about his father's family personally

So living vicariously through things we can participate in and learn ourselves is the best I can do for my children...

So I was happy when we could celebrate an event that is very significant to their background

Setting:

In the year 2145, Earth has been ravaged by climate change and overpopulation. Mega-cities stretch across continents, dominated by towering skyscrapers and sprawling tech hubs. Amidst this, the "Chrono-Banks" are secretive facilities that manage time-travel technology, controlling the flow of time to maintain societal order and prevent paradoxes.

Characters:

Dr. Elara Kane: A brilliant, yet reclusive physicist working at the Chrono-Bank, overseeing the stability of time-travel operations. She harbours a secret desire to undo a personal tragedy from her past.

Liam Nova: A charismatic and rebellious time-traveller who frequents illegal black-market jumps to alter small events for personal gain. He becomes an unwitting ally to Elara.

Eli Roth: The enigmatic and manipulative head of the Chrono-Bank who believes that controlling time is essential for humanity's survival. He has his own hidden agenda.

Overview:

When Elara discovers evidence of unauthorized time jumps that could destabilize the fabric of reality, she is forced to team up with Liam, who knows more about the black-market time-travel world than anyone.

Together, they uncover a conspiracy within the Chrono-Bank itself, orchestrated by Eli Roth, who plans to rewrite history to consolidate his own power.

As they delve deeper, they must navigate a web of deceit, facing moral dilemmas about the ethics of time manipulation and the cost of their own choices.

Theme:

The story explores the nature of time and the ethical implications of altering it.

It examines themes of redemption, the consequences of unchecked power, and the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of a greater good.

Setting:

A small, fog-covered town with an air of mystery, filled with ancient buildings, sprawling woods, and an abandoned mansion rumored to be haunted.

The time period could be modern, where the girls navigate high school life, but with an underlying gothic atmosphere — think shadows, candlelit gatherings, and secret hideouts.

Characters:

Elena - A curious and introspective girl drawn to darker aesthetics. She finds beauty in the macabre and secretly longs for adventure.

Raven - Elena's best friend, confident and a bit rebellious. She's fascinated by the supernatural and definitely believes in ghosts and vampires.

Isaac - The mysterious guy who drops off Elena. He has a secret past and an undeniable charm. There’s something otherworldly about him that draws Elena in.

The Enigmatic Girl - A newcomer to town who seems to know more about the supernatural than she lets on. She becomes a catalyst for the events to unfold.

Plot Outline:

Introduction:

Open with Elena and her friends discussing urban legends and the town’s haunted reputation, setting a spooky, enticing tone.

Introduce the gothic elements: dimly lit streets, shadowy figures, and the allure of the night.

The Arrival:

After a late-night excursion to an abandoned part of town, Elena is escorted home by Isaac, who she has noticed around school but never talked to.

Their chemistry is palpable — shy glances, lingering touches, and charged silence fill the air.

An Unexpected Connection:

The interaction at her doorstep is electric. They share a moment where time seems to stand still.

Isaac mentions something cryptic about the town and warns Elena to be careful of the shadows. His eyes hint at secrets he’s carrying.

The Allure of the Unknown:

Intrigued by Isaac, Elena becomes determined to learn more about him, leading her to visit the magical and mysterious locations around town, accompanied by Raven.

They encounter strange occurrences that hint at a deeper connection between Isaac and the gothic elements of the town — perhaps his lineage connects to old myths or vampire lore.

Conflict:

Tension rises as otherworldly incidents escalate around town, and the girls discover a group of vampires keeping a low profile in the area.

Elena wrestles with her attraction to Isaac, realizing he might be one of them. She must decide whether to embrace this world or distance herself.

Climax:

A confrontation occurs between the vampires and the girls, revealing the hidden dynamics of their world and the sacrifices they must make to protect what they love.

Elena's loyalty to Isaac is tested, requiring her to navigate friendship, love, and the chilling unknown.

Resolution:

The story concludes with a resolution that reflects Elena's growth. She might find a way to connect with Isaac while still maintaining her identity and friendships.

Leave open-ended possibilities for future interactions or hints at more adventures, perhaps setting the stage for a series.

Themes:

The allure and dangers of the unknown.

The balance between attraction and fear.

Sometimes I wonder if things would've been different if I were tall and elegant or short and cute... but somewhere along the way I was given tall and awkward... below average in looks and just chubby. I guess you could say that's my insecurities coming out everyday...

Whether your mother is someone who likes the outdoors, or someone that enjoys doing things inside. You can't go wrong with anything bought or homemade...

Bookish

(reader/writer/linguist)

<Homemade>

Write her a Story

Homemade Bookmarks

Homemade Puzzles/Crosswords

Write a Poem/Haiku/Family Quote

<Bought>

Her Fave Books (Date with a Book) with Bookmarks

Personalised or Cute Stationery (Pens)

A new Journal/Scrapbook (With Stickers)

Book of Puzzles/Crosswords/Pattern Colouring

Foodie

(cook/baker/foodie)

<Homemade>

Make her Breakfast in Bed

Bake her something

Cook her something

Make or Personalise Apron or Utensils

<Bought>

Cooking Utensils/Equipment or Apron

Get her Fave Treats/Snacks

A selection of her Beverages (Hot or Cold)

Make up a Foodie Kit (Ice Cream Kit, Movie Munchies Kit, etc)

Outdoors

(gardener/active/animals)

<Homemade>

Plan a Day Out (Park, Beach, Gardens, Museum/Gallery, etc)

Grow A Plant/Tree

Make something from wood/glass (Jewellery/Trinket box, etc)

Take care of the Animals for the Day.

<Bought>

Choose a Cap/Hat/Sweatbands/an article of Active Wear

New or Personalised Water bottle/Exercise Equipment

Plant/Flowers/Gardening Tools

Handy Tools (Hammer, tool bag, etc)

Pet Accessories or Mementos (Mugs/Shirts/etc)

Creative

(artist/crafter/memento)

<Homemade>

Photography Projects (Digital Slideshow) Scrapbook

Make Cards/Paintings

Make Candles/Soaps/Bath Salts/Sugar Scrubs

Sewing/Knitting/Crochet (Scarf, Beanie, Slippers, Blanket)

<Bought>

Art Mediums (Paints & Brushes, Pencils, Clay, etc...)

Print Photography Portraits

Scrap-booking Supplies and Book

Sewing/Knitting/Crochet Equipment

Glamour

(fashionista/beauty/shopping)

<Homemade>

Give her a Home Spa Day (Massage, Facial, Pedi-Mani)

Homemade Jewellery (Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings)

Paint her nail, Create Hairstyles

Have a Fashion Show Runway

Design a Fashion Line with things at Home

<Bought>

Self-Care/Skin Care Kits

Gift Cards/Vouchers

Fashion Accessories (Wallets, Purses, keychains, etc)

Shopping Trip; Choose a new Outfit

Beauty Supplies (Lip balm, Perfume, Make Up, etc)

Entertainment

(singer/dancer/play)

<Homemade>

Compose a Song

Perform a Play

Create Dance Routine

Make a Playlist/Mixed Tape or CD

Homemade Music Memorabilia Crafts

<Bought>

Music Memorabilia

Go to a Show/Orchestra/Play

Attend a Concert of Music Festival

Find Personalised Packaging

Technology

(gamer/computers/devices)

<Homemade>

Play a Game with Her

Design a Game Together

Create something from old Tech Equipment

Laptop Decals/Stickers to Decorate

Sewn Laptop Case

<Bought>

Choose Accessories (Earphones, Speakers, Charger, Bags, Chargers, etc)

Personalised items (Mouse pads, Pictures, etc)

Desk Decorations (LED Lights, etc)

Portable Chargers & Desk Lamps

Smart Devices (Watches, Lights, Alexa)

Chill

(cozy/relaxed/homely)

<Homemade>

Do her Jobs for the Day

Give her a shoulder robe

Movie/TV Series Day in

Junk Food Day

<Bought>

Slippers/Ugh-boots

Fluffy or Soft Blanket/Robe

Sleeping Mask

Massage Tools

Any Mother

(What to get if you're unsure) :

PLAN FOR THE DAY (Doesn't have to be everything, choose what you feel she would love to do)

BOUGHT (Can never go wrong with a custom gift basket)

Build a Gift Basket -

Basket/Gift Box

Treat/Snack/Drink

Self Care/Relaxation

Scented Goodie

"Mom" Goodie (Jewellery, Mug, Cozy things, Bookish...)

Fresh Flowers (Preferably Her Favourite)

Card/Poem/Haiku/Quote

MOTHERS DAY COUPONS (Just some options, or you can make them yourself in to a small booklet)

Fantasy

You visit your grandmothers garden for the first time after she's died, and for some reason there's a book sitting on the floor that you could have sworn wasn't there before. When you pick it, something happens...