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Another day for Petina, Carousel, and I in my Equestria dreamscape. Recently while I was shopping at the farmers market Applejack casually asked how our household preparations for winter were coming. After a couple seconds of me staring dumbly at her she just sighed. "You haven't even started yet have you?" I just nodded my head silently. AJ just rolled her eyes and looked at Celestia's sun as if to find patience, and wisdom. "Well you might want to get started sugarcube before prices start going up and stocks start to get scarce. Do you by chance get the Happy Mare's Home Journal?" Inquired the earth pony mare. "Um, yeah but I admit we never subscribed to it. It just started showing up along with the mail Derpy delivers. In fact we first thought she was delivering to the wrong cottage, but they always have my name or Petina's on it. But except for just giving them a quick glance I don't think any of us having given one a complete reading. Why, are they useful?"
"Useful." Exclaimed the orange mare. "Useful! Shoot, a subscription to Happy Mare's is an automatic wedding gift for any young couple who is starting a household!" The mare shook her head. "A subscription is not free so some pony thought they would get you one to help y'all with getting your household in order. You still have last months I hope?" "Uh yes we still do, it is in the kitchen." I said. AJ smiled. "Well good! Every year in that months issue they print the Happy Mare's Home Journal Winter Preparation Chart and Checklist. Read it, and check the region map. We're in region four by the way. Then you use the table for a household of three adult ponies and you'll know how much supplies you'll need until next years Winter Wrap Up." AJ thought for a second then continued. "Oh and Sky Brush, don't skimp on the firewood." I apparently had an odd look on my face so she elaborated. "Everypony tries to save bits by cutting back on the amount of firewood they buy. Then they run short in the middle of winter and have to buy more at an inflated price. Your place is nice and all but I got a feeling even if you get all your caulking done it still might be a bit drafty. Nothing makes a winter more miserable than having to go through one in a cold home."
So that evening Petina, Carousel, and I gathered around the dinner table after supper and gave the Happy Mare's Home Journal a thorough reading. The Journal is a fascinating, quaint combination of Farmer Almanac, Ladies Home magazine, and a handyman's tip guide for homeowners. It is written by a collection authors to dispense basic pony wisdom needed to manage and maintain a happy household. Pie crusts not flaky enough. Well Pinch of Sugar's advice column might just be the ticket, and don't forget to check out the delicious recipes in the back of each issue. Just can't get your linens as white as you'd like. Well you'll find plenty of help, advice, and tips for whipping up just what you'll need to get those linens snowy white. The foals coming down with sniffles. Don't despair cause Fit as a Fiddle is there to help get your family back on their hooves in no time. With remedies and the latest information from the world of pony medicine. Are you embarrassed by your garden! Fear not. Glory Blossom's articles on home gardening will make certain your root cellars are full come winter, and your garden is the envy of your neighbors!
It was a bit of surprise for all of us how much stuff the Winter Preparation Chart was recommending we buy. Now both Petina and I have lived in Andur for over a decade, but always as guests of the Sultan and our room and board have been covered in the palace. So we have never had to make such long range calculations for food and fuel stocks. In the modern world when one runs low you just go to the supermarket and get more supplies. Here once the snow started falling you get by with what you bought in advance to get you to Winter Wrap Up.
All of the sudden that walk-in pantry and spacious root cellar didn't seem so big, and our wood shed was going to be just big enough. In fact we would probably take the journal's advice and move some things up to the attic to make more room. Suddenly attics made more sense to us. Also we were going to have to be very careful with our bits since would take a far bit of our available funds to buy all we needed. Fortunately we could spread out it over a couple months. Maybe we could ask Rarity we could hold off until the spring before making payments for those snazzy new outfits.
Fortunately for most ponies they have a very good idea exactly when winter will end and when spring begins, so except for building in a few days safety allowance to the supplies you can pretty accurately predict how much you need to survive a winter and make it to spring. Which is good since many of the food vendors shut down for the winter. So what you have is all you're going to get until spring. This ability to control the weather and seasons along with the sun and the moon have been amazing forces for stability in Equestria. For most ponies the concept of famine, drought, and lost growing crops to pests and disease are unheard of. Through careful land management by the earth ponies. Weather management by the pegasus ponies, and direct control of the sun an moon by the Royal Sisters, ponies have enjoyed a general sense of prosperity and stability unheard of even in modern human history. This has greatly reduced friction and increased the ability of the ponies to deal with other outside forces and influences. I also believe it is one of the reasons why pony civilization is slowly but surely expanding further and further into new territories.
Later in a letter to Princess Celestia. Yes Petina and I are expected to send letters like the Mane Six to her. I mentioned the mysterious subscription of the Home Journal in my letter. In her next return letter Celestia informed me that she was the one who got us the subscription. Seems the Princess has been a regular reader of the Happy Mare's Home Journal for quite a few years. In fact she had even written a couple letters to it, under a pen name of course, and had been very happy to see them published in the Journal. In an even later letter Celestia told me a secret which I have kept but I'll tell you. Just don't let any other pony know okay. When making some decisions of domestic policies for Equestria, Celestia will consult with her ministers. Review information provided by the local governing bodies and organizations, and then quietly check and see what the Happy Mare's Home Journal has to say on the topic before rendering a final verdict.
"Useful." Exclaimed the orange mare. "Useful! Shoot, a subscription to Happy Mare's is an automatic wedding gift for any young couple who is starting a household!" The mare shook her head. "A subscription is not free so some pony thought they would get you one to help y'all with getting your household in order. You still have last months I hope?" "Uh yes we still do, it is in the kitchen." I said. AJ smiled. "Well good! Every year in that months issue they print the Happy Mare's Home Journal Winter Preparation Chart and Checklist. Read it, and check the region map. We're in region four by the way. Then you use the table for a household of three adult ponies and you'll know how much supplies you'll need until next years Winter Wrap Up." AJ thought for a second then continued. "Oh and Sky Brush, don't skimp on the firewood." I apparently had an odd look on my face so she elaborated. "Everypony tries to save bits by cutting back on the amount of firewood they buy. Then they run short in the middle of winter and have to buy more at an inflated price. Your place is nice and all but I got a feeling even if you get all your caulking done it still might be a bit drafty. Nothing makes a winter more miserable than having to go through one in a cold home."
So that evening Petina, Carousel, and I gathered around the dinner table after supper and gave the Happy Mare's Home Journal a thorough reading. The Journal is a fascinating, quaint combination of Farmer Almanac, Ladies Home magazine, and a handyman's tip guide for homeowners. It is written by a collection authors to dispense basic pony wisdom needed to manage and maintain a happy household. Pie crusts not flaky enough. Well Pinch of Sugar's advice column might just be the ticket, and don't forget to check out the delicious recipes in the back of each issue. Just can't get your linens as white as you'd like. Well you'll find plenty of help, advice, and tips for whipping up just what you'll need to get those linens snowy white. The foals coming down with sniffles. Don't despair cause Fit as a Fiddle is there to help get your family back on their hooves in no time. With remedies and the latest information from the world of pony medicine. Are you embarrassed by your garden! Fear not. Glory Blossom's articles on home gardening will make certain your root cellars are full come winter, and your garden is the envy of your neighbors!
It was a bit of surprise for all of us how much stuff the Winter Preparation Chart was recommending we buy. Now both Petina and I have lived in Andur for over a decade, but always as guests of the Sultan and our room and board have been covered in the palace. So we have never had to make such long range calculations for food and fuel stocks. In the modern world when one runs low you just go to the supermarket and get more supplies. Here once the snow started falling you get by with what you bought in advance to get you to Winter Wrap Up.
All of the sudden that walk-in pantry and spacious root cellar didn't seem so big, and our wood shed was going to be just big enough. In fact we would probably take the journal's advice and move some things up to the attic to make more room. Suddenly attics made more sense to us. Also we were going to have to be very careful with our bits since would take a far bit of our available funds to buy all we needed. Fortunately we could spread out it over a couple months. Maybe we could ask Rarity we could hold off until the spring before making payments for those snazzy new outfits.
Fortunately for most ponies they have a very good idea exactly when winter will end and when spring begins, so except for building in a few days safety allowance to the supplies you can pretty accurately predict how much you need to survive a winter and make it to spring. Which is good since many of the food vendors shut down for the winter. So what you have is all you're going to get until spring. This ability to control the weather and seasons along with the sun and the moon have been amazing forces for stability in Equestria. For most ponies the concept of famine, drought, and lost growing crops to pests and disease are unheard of. Through careful land management by the earth ponies. Weather management by the pegasus ponies, and direct control of the sun an moon by the Royal Sisters, ponies have enjoyed a general sense of prosperity and stability unheard of even in modern human history. This has greatly reduced friction and increased the ability of the ponies to deal with other outside forces and influences. I also believe it is one of the reasons why pony civilization is slowly but surely expanding further and further into new territories.
Later in a letter to Princess Celestia. Yes Petina and I are expected to send letters like the Mane Six to her. I mentioned the mysterious subscription of the Home Journal in my letter. In her next return letter Celestia informed me that she was the one who got us the subscription. Seems the Princess has been a regular reader of the Happy Mare's Home Journal for quite a few years. In fact she had even written a couple letters to it, under a pen name of course, and had been very happy to see them published in the Journal. In an even later letter Celestia told me a secret which I have kept but I'll tell you. Just don't let any other pony know okay. When making some decisions of domestic policies for Equestria, Celestia will consult with her ministers. Review information provided by the local governing bodies and organizations, and then quietly check and see what the Happy Mare's Home Journal has to say on the topic before rendering a final verdict.
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Celestia proves herself a very wise mare again, both in consulting the HMHJ (for public opinion) and in gifting you a subscription. Maybe combined with Captain Firewing's comments she's trying to get Petina to settle down? (Nah, it'll take more than even the Elements of Harmony for that to happen.)
Another lesson learned -- although I'm a little surprised that they don't stock up for the upcoming year instead of just to the end of winter. I guess that shows just how productive Equestria is.
Another lesson learned -- although I'm a little surprised that they don't stock up for the upcoming year instead of just to the end of winter. I guess that shows just how productive Equestria is.
Celestia proves herself a very wise mare again, both in consulting the HMHJ (for public opinion) and in gifting you a subscription. Maybe combined with Captain Firewing's comments she's trying to get Petina to settle down? (Nah, it'll take more than even the Elements of Harmony for that to happen.)
I am pretty certain that Celestia represents another facet of my subconscious that is attempting to act as a rev-limiter for Petina.
Another lesson learned -- although I'm a little surprised that they don't stock up for the upcoming year instead of just to the end of winter. I guess that shows just how productive Equestria is.
Well, they do keep more stocks on hand than one might find in a modern American home. In fact the average household in Ponyville keeps the kind of stores on hand that organizations like FEMA wished folks would keep on hand for disasters and emergencies. In this case though it is often due to the fact that can only buy certain items in bulk quantity like flour.
I am pretty certain that Celestia represents another facet of my subconscious that is attempting to act as a rev-limiter for Petina.
Another lesson learned -- although I'm a little surprised that they don't stock up for the upcoming year instead of just to the end of winter. I guess that shows just how productive Equestria is.
Well, they do keep more stocks on hand than one might find in a modern American home. In fact the average household in Ponyville keeps the kind of stores on hand that organizations like FEMA wished folks would keep on hand for disasters and emergencies. In this case though it is often due to the fact that can only buy certain items in bulk quantity like flour.
Well, they do keep more stocks on hand than one might find in a modern American home. In fact the average household in Ponyville keeps the kind of stores on hand that organizations like FEMA wished folks would keep on hand for disasters and emergencies. In this case though it is often due to the fact that can only buy certain items in bulk quantity like flour.
I imagine it's also for the same reasons why farmers local to where I live used to try and keep something extra around: (1) If everything goes south, you've got no place else to go for more food, and (2) what if someone's barn or silo burns down? Hmm, now I wonder if barn arson is viewed as harshly as they used to be in the US and other places.
And I'm not surprised to hear that Celestia gave you a subscription to a magazine intended for "young newlyweds", though I wonder what Petina thinks of that.
One more OT question: you mentioned the HMHJ. I'm guessing this is a big thick magazine, almost like a modern telephone book for size? Is it typical of periodicals in Equestria? Magazines down to about the pulp era were huge by modern standards.
I've also had this idea of pulp-style magazines (or dime novels, or penny dreadfuls) being popular literature in a place like Equestria. I joke with friends about Dash reading magazines titled "Thrilling Wonderbolt Stories" and the like.
I imagine it's also for the same reasons why farmers local to where I live used to try and keep something extra around: (1) If everything goes south, you've got no place else to go for more food, and (2) what if someone's barn or silo burns down? Hmm, now I wonder if barn arson is viewed as harshly as they used to be in the US and other places.
And I'm not surprised to hear that Celestia gave you a subscription to a magazine intended for "young newlyweds", though I wonder what Petina thinks of that.
One more OT question: you mentioned the HMHJ. I'm guessing this is a big thick magazine, almost like a modern telephone book for size? Is it typical of periodicals in Equestria? Magazines down to about the pulp era were huge by modern standards.
I've also had this idea of pulp-style magazines (or dime novels, or penny dreadfuls) being popular literature in a place like Equestria. I joke with friends about Dash reading magazines titled "Thrilling Wonderbolt Stories" and the like.
I am pretty certain that Celestia represents another facet of my subconscious that is attempting to act as a rev-limiter for Petina.
You should tell your subconscious that if it convinces you to settle down with one of your characters then you might actually increase the rate of new character introduction to Equestria. I'm not sure what to root for: other established characters, or mini Baronspawn.
You should tell your subconscious that if it convinces you to settle down with one of your characters then you might actually increase the rate of new character introduction to Equestria. I'm not sure what to root for: other established characters, or mini Baronspawn.
Well, they do keep more stocks on hand than one might find in a modern American home. In fact the average household in Ponyville keeps the kind of stores on hand that organizations like FEMA wished folks would keep on hand for disasters and emergencies. In this case though it is often due to the fact that can only buy certain items in bulk quantity like flour.
That seems to touch on both how Ponyville seems to be a rural/farming community and the historic parallels in our world. They have canning, bottling, and other food packaging, but their distribution infrastructure may be lacking by modern standards. The train should start making a difference, even if it's nowhere near 20th century mass production and mass transport. When "convenience food" means more to them than having somepony else making it right there, you'll likely see larders become less important.
Which raises an interesting question -- does Equestria have regions of offset seasons? (No, I don't expect you to answer this.) Imagine if there were not just the reversed seasons of our northern and southern hemispheres but four quarterly offsets so there was always one taking in the annual harvest. Add Equestria-wide distribution and you'd have quite a system!
That seems to touch on both how Ponyville seems to be a rural/farming community and the historic parallels in our world. They have canning, bottling, and other food packaging, but their distribution infrastructure may be lacking by modern standards. The train should start making a difference, even if it's nowhere near 20th century mass production and mass transport. When "convenience food" means more to them than having somepony else making it right there, you'll likely see larders become less important.
Which raises an interesting question -- does Equestria have regions of offset seasons? (No, I don't expect you to answer this.) Imagine if there were not just the reversed seasons of our northern and southern hemispheres but four quarterly offsets so there was always one taking in the annual harvest. Add Equestria-wide distribution and you'd have quite a system!
Most people don't realize how much being able to go off to the store and pick up whatever you need depends on the road, rail, and air transport systems; most supermarkets have about three day's worth of stock on hand at any given time. Without the backstop of that funnel of supplies, all you were likely to have had outside of the normal harvest periods was what you had laid by in preparation for the down seasons, hence the importance of canning, pickling, and other forms of food preservation.
One more OT question: you mentioned the HMHJ. I'm guessing this is a big thick magazine, almost like a modern telephone book for size? Is it typical of periodicals in Equestria? Magazines down to about the pulp era were huge by modern standards.
It is about standard magazine thickness maybe a bit thinner. Megathick publications are more post WWII creature. It is about 48 pages in length which is about the length of publications like Ladies Home Journal of the same time.
I've also had this idea of pulp-style magazines (or dime novels, or penny dreadfuls) being popular literature in a place like Equestria. I joke with friends about Dash reading magazines titled "Thrilling Wonderbolt Stories" and the like.
Yes there are many pulp-style novels and magazines being published in Equestria. Some are very local creatures that do not have nationwide distribution. In fact Petina has just received notification that one of her vignettes will be appearing in Wild Stallions! The Journal for Intimate and Romantic of Mares.
It is about standard magazine thickness maybe a bit thinner. Megathick publications are more post WWII creature. It is about 48 pages in length which is about the length of publications like Ladies Home Journal of the same time.
I've also had this idea of pulp-style magazines (or dime novels, or penny dreadfuls) being popular literature in a place like Equestria. I joke with friends about Dash reading magazines titled "Thrilling Wonderbolt Stories" and the like.
Yes there are many pulp-style novels and magazines being published in Equestria. Some are very local creatures that do not have nationwide distribution. In fact Petina has just received notification that one of her vignettes will be appearing in Wild Stallions! The Journal for Intimate and Romantic of Mares.
It is about standard magazine thickness maybe a bit thinner. Megathick publications are more post WWII creature. It is about 48 pages in length which is about the length of publications like Ladies Home Journal of the same time.
They are? Here I thought that pre-WW2 was when you had the impressively thick magazines.
Yes there are many pulp-style novels and magazines being published in Equestria. Some are very local creatures that do not have nationwide distribution. In fact Petina has just received notification that one of her vignettes will be appearing in Wild Stallions! The Journal for Intimate and Romantic of Mares.
Hah, Petina's at it again! I can just see Rarity having a subscription to that, as well as Fluttershy (even if she nearly faints at some of the steamier sections).
They are? Here I thought that pre-WW2 was when you had the impressively thick magazines.
Yes there are many pulp-style novels and magazines being published in Equestria. Some are very local creatures that do not have nationwide distribution. In fact Petina has just received notification that one of her vignettes will be appearing in Wild Stallions! The Journal for Intimate and Romantic of Mares.
Hah, Petina's at it again! I can just see Rarity having a subscription to that, as well as Fluttershy (even if she nearly faints at some of the steamier sections).
Hah, Petina's at it again! I can just see Rarity having a subscription to that, as well as Fluttershy (even if she nearly faints at some of the steamier sections).
Yeah, Petina is trying to find pre-readers for her latest work so she can get feedback and receive editorial commentary on mechanics and plot. Of course she figures Twilight would be good for grammar editing. After all she lives in library and reads lots of books, and she'd like to get Rarity's opinion since she represents one of the possible markets for her work. Carousel has already agreed to give the manuscripts a read. Petina is hoping maybe she can rope Rainbow Dash into give her some feedback. After all the pegasi mare has gotten into reading adventure style material, and these stories will definitely contain adventures.....Just maybe not the kind that the mare would usually think of.
Yeah, Petina is trying to find pre-readers for her latest work so she can get feedback and receive editorial commentary on mechanics and plot. Of course she figures Twilight would be good for grammar editing. After all she lives in library and reads lots of books, and she'd like to get Rarity's opinion since she represents one of the possible markets for her work. Carousel has already agreed to give the manuscripts a read. Petina is hoping maybe she can rope Rainbow Dash into give her some feedback. After all the pegasi mare has gotten into reading adventure style material, and these stories will definitely contain adventures.....Just maybe not the kind that the mare would usually think of.
Love it. Once again, your attention to detail catches my eye. What sorts of foodstuffs has the journal recommended you purchase? You will definately want to start gardening next spring to keep next year's costs lower. Gonna need to learn how to properly preserve food too. Come to think of it, any thoughts on what sort of job you could do once you get past winter?
Thanks glad you enjoy things like the Happy Mare's Home Journal. As far as foodstuffs go there is a strong emphasis on grains, legumes, tubers and root vegetables. However it also recommends that stocks of dried fruit, especially cranberries, being included along with canned fruit and vegetables. Pickled fruit and veggies are mentioned. Besides attempting to provide a balanced diet for ponies the Journal also emphasized the need for variety of foodstuffs to keep winter meals from getting too boring. Especially since you have the Winter Veil and Hearth's Warming Eve celebration during that time. And stings more than having a lousy feast for a celebration.
Yes coming next spring we'll be getting the garden going. We acquired the cottage too late to get a late fall harvest of vegetables in this year so we've had to buy everything. Carousel is so look forward to that. She was particularly stoked when we discovered a small plow in the little barn/tool shed on the property. I've been helping her get it repaired, although it will probably end up being an all winter affair. She is so looking forward to pulling that next spring.
As far as employment goes, I will be helping Petina with her idea for skywriting advertisements next spring after I have a bit flying experience and she has lined up a few clients. Also I am starting to read the basic orientation material for being a weather pony. At least as a member of the auxiliary forces.
Yes coming next spring we'll be getting the garden going. We acquired the cottage too late to get a late fall harvest of vegetables in this year so we've had to buy everything. Carousel is so look forward to that. She was particularly stoked when we discovered a small plow in the little barn/tool shed on the property. I've been helping her get it repaired, although it will probably end up being an all winter affair. She is so looking forward to pulling that next spring.
As far as employment goes, I will be helping Petina with her idea for skywriting advertisements next spring after I have a bit flying experience and she has lined up a few clients. Also I am starting to read the basic orientation material for being a weather pony. At least as a member of the auxiliary forces.
Also I am starting to read the basic orientation material for being a weather pony. At least as a member of the auxiliary forces.
So you'll be working with Derpy and the other pegasi (like that roided up horror we all saw last week)? Say hi to Derps from us fans. I really do hope we get to see something of pony-you while working with the weather.
So you'll be working with Derpy and the other pegasi (like that roided up horror we all saw last week)? Say hi to Derps from us fans. I really do hope we get to see something of pony-you while working with the weather.
So you'll be working with Derpy and the other pegasi (like that roided up horror we all saw last week)? Say hi to Derps from us fans. I really do hope we get to see something of pony-you while working with the weather.
Yep, I'd could end up working with Derpy in the future. Although in the beginning they apparently like to pair up rookies with experienced pegasi until the rookie learns the ropes. What is unusual, and rather awkward for me, is that most pegasi start receiving basic weather orientation in effectively middle school. Therefore I am coming into this rather late and have a lot catch up to do.
Oh well Petina is having to play catch up in the area of magic so I guess fair is fair.
Yep, I'd could end up working with Derpy in the future. Although in the beginning they apparently like to pair up rookies with experienced pegasi until the rookie learns the ropes. What is unusual, and rather awkward for me, is that most pegasi start receiving basic weather orientation in effectively middle school. Therefore I am coming into this rather late and have a lot catch up to do.
Oh well Petina is having to play catch up in the area of magic so I guess fair is fair.
We're not married. I guess the closest thing would be domestic partners. Now it is considered somewhat odd by some of the inhabitants of Ponyville but it is not viewed as if we're living in sin or such. Just odd, but since there is lots about myself, Petina, and even Carousel that other ponies consider odd they just take it for what it is.
As if Petina weren't already "making the effort" (even if that's not her goal). Remember what she checked first after Baron became Sky Brush?
I wonder what Applejack thinks about the fact your living with two mares and how "randy" she thinks Petina is.
Well Applejack already considers Petina someone to keep an eye on. She was not kidding when she said she thought Petina was the raunchiest pony she'd ever met. http://www.furaffinity.net/view/6740272/
Applejack thinks Carousel is a hardworking, honest pony and seems to want to the best thing from Ponyville, but AJ is still bothered the almost hero worship Carousel has for her. Also AJ thinks that Petina might be a corrupting influence on the mare. After all the two have been dancing off and on at the Bucking Mare in the evening http://www.furaffinity.net/view/7349440/
Well Applejack already considers Petina someone to keep an eye on. She was not kidding when she said she thought Petina was the raunchiest pony she'd ever met. http://www.furaffinity.net/view/6740272/
Applejack thinks Carousel is a hardworking, honest pony and seems to want to the best thing from Ponyville, but AJ is still bothered the almost hero worship Carousel has for her. Also AJ thinks that Petina might be a corrupting influence on the mare. After all the two have been dancing off and on at the Bucking Mare in the evening http://www.furaffinity.net/view/7349440/
For no good reason, I wish Applebloom was there to run around saying "Buy some apples". No good reason, mostly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdYAqEP27nY
I hope Applebloom gets feeling better soon, and maybe Sweetie Bot will be able to cheer her up: http://youtu.be/9mZ4PDhH6bE
Love that last note. :D And so much of this makes sense, that Equestrian society, by virtue of being largely agrarian, would be at the mercy of the winter months, yet it's a highly manageable mercy since they can decide on how long winter needs to be.
Also, "any young couple who is starting a household"? Is that how Ponyville sees you? :3
Also, "any young couple who is starting a household"? Is that how Ponyville sees you? :3
The verdict is still out on Petina and I. Especially since Carousel is staying with us. Most ponies don't know much about my background and many have not made the connection that the unicorn who was found injuried outside Ponyville and the pegasus now living with Petina are one and the same. The official story is that the unicorn passed away helping Celestia defeat an enemy of Equestria. Many just assume that I am just like Petina. A friend from of the unicorn who came from Manehatten looking for him like Petina, and now we've decided to settle down in Ponyville instead of going back to the big city.
If you like the idea then you may find this very amusing http://www.furaffinity.net/view/767...../#cid:53965276 one of my roommates 
Tom_Clowder made a mock up of the cover for the Happy Mare's Home Journal. I think he did a great job on it.
Tom_Clowder made a mock up of the cover for the Happy Mare's Home Journal. I think he did a great job on it. 
Ooh! Cool!
Also, I am noticing that it's dated september 1883.... Which makes me wonder how the time system works there.
I presume they use seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years similar to ours, correct? And from what occurence to they count as year 0? I mean, it would make little sense for them to use the birth of jesus as their calendar, considering that it's a stricly human phenomenon.
Also, I am noticing that it's dated september 1883.... Which makes me wonder how the time system works there.
I presume they use seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years similar to ours, correct? And from what occurence to they count as year 0? I mean, it would make little sense for them to use the birth of jesus as their calendar, considering that it's a stricly human phenomenon.
I presume they use seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years similar to ours, correct? And from what occurence to they count as year 0? I mean, it would make little sense for them to use the birth of jesus as their calendar, considering that it's a stricly human phenomenon.
Well they could still use BC.....Before Celestia. You are correct ponies do use seconds, minutes, days, etc., and a day is divided into 24 hours, that is probably due to the fact that the hairless ape having these dreams is use to that system, but beyond that I have not had a chance to delve into those facets of pony society yet in my sleep.
Knowing myself, if it was me that had these dreams, nothing would be the same, even the timekeeping system or the language. I wonder if a subconsciousness (yours or mine, doesn't matter) could spontanously come up with a new language by itself...
Say, have you encountered someone who doesn't speak english yet? If so, what language is it, and have you heard it before?
If for example the griffins spoke german, what would happen if you tried to learn how to speak griffin, assuming you don't know how to speak german already?
Say, have you encountered someone who doesn't speak english yet? If so, what language is it, and have you heard it before?
If for example the griffins spoke german, what would happen if you tried to learn how to speak griffin, assuming you don't know how to speak german already?
Oh, and the mention of griffins there made me remember something I wondered about... Do griffins eat meat in Equestria? And if so, what type? We know that several types of species, many of which are considered food by humans (cow, rabbit, horse in some cases) are sentient, and as such unfit for consumption, so I'm trying to adjust my headcanon to take this into account, so I'm running it through your dreamscape to see how it does it; it seems your subconsciousness does a rather good job at making internally consistent worlds. You don't mind that I ask all kinds of random stuff like this, basically using you as a model I can test my hypothesises against, do you? xD
Oh, and have you, as a pony, tried meat? Assuming griffins eat it, of course. While it probably would not be very good for your digestion, considering ponies are designed to eat plants, it could be interesting to see how the taste changes. After all, ponies probably do not have the same tastes as a human would have.
Oh, and have you, as a pony, tried meat? Assuming griffins eat it, of course. While it probably would not be very good for your digestion, considering ponies are designed to eat plants, it could be interesting to see how the taste changes. After all, ponies probably do not have the same tastes as a human would have.
Oh, and the mention of griffins there made me remember something I wondered about... Do griffins eat meat in Equestria? And if so, what type? We know that several types of species, many of which are considered food by humans (cow, rabbit, horse in some cases) are sentient, and as such unfit for consumption, so I'm trying to adjust my headcanon to take this into account, so I'm running it through your dreamscape to see how it does it; it seems your subconsciousness does a rather good job at making internally consistent worlds. You don't mind that I ask all kinds of random stuff like this, basically using you as a model I can test my hypothesises against, do you? xD
Yes griffins eat meat. They are first and foremost predators and this is a source of friction between ponies and them. Now they have a more omnivore diet than many predators, wolves, lions, for example would have, but meat still makes up an major portion of their meals. I have met one personally but that is for another posting. As to eating little bunnies I am left with the impression that would have no qualms about it, or with many of the other critters that populate the world since they don't view them as sentient. They can't speak squirrel and wouldn't care what squirrels have to say anyways.
Eating ponies is another matter. It apparently happened fairly often in the distant past and was one of the reasons why the pegasus had such a warrior-like culture was to counter them. Even in the past it was considered rather extreme act, and after the Two Sisters arrived on the scene it very quickly fell out of favor. They did not appreciate the griffins eating their ponies and quickly made examples of those tribes that did not heed their messages to stop. In fact in griffin lore there are tales of the sister of the searing blue fire and the sister smothering infinite night annihilating entire tribe hostile to the ponies. The griffins now trade with the ponies but are wary of them and watch with some alarm as Equestria slowly expands further into new territories with the same relentless force of an advancing glacier.
Yes griffins eat meat. They are first and foremost predators and this is a source of friction between ponies and them. Now they have a more omnivore diet than many predators, wolves, lions, for example would have, but meat still makes up an major portion of their meals. I have met one personally but that is for another posting. As to eating little bunnies I am left with the impression that would have no qualms about it, or with many of the other critters that populate the world since they don't view them as sentient. They can't speak squirrel and wouldn't care what squirrels have to say anyways.
Eating ponies is another matter. It apparently happened fairly often in the distant past and was one of the reasons why the pegasus had such a warrior-like culture was to counter them. Even in the past it was considered rather extreme act, and after the Two Sisters arrived on the scene it very quickly fell out of favor. They did not appreciate the griffins eating their ponies and quickly made examples of those tribes that did not heed their messages to stop. In fact in griffin lore there are tales of the sister of the searing blue fire and the sister smothering infinite night annihilating entire tribe hostile to the ponies. The griffins now trade with the ponies but are wary of them and watch with some alarm as Equestria slowly expands further into new territories with the same relentless force of an advancing glacier.
I have not had meat as a pony if one is thinking of a steak, chop, bacon or sausage. However I have had dishes that use animal tissue as part of the ingredients. In Manehattan, this is jumping ahead a bit in dream arc, I had a sauce that one of the main ingredients was derived from shrimp. It was a very pungent salty sauce that was serve alongside patties of fried legumes and vegetables. The sauce is a regional favorite and is viewed by many ponies outside of Manehattan as being an acquired taste.
When I first arrived in Ponyville Charity Hooves http://www.furaffinity.net/view/6100666/ made a soup/broth for me that contained fish oil and some ground dried fish meal in it to help boost my immune system and recover from the stress of my ordeal.
When I first arrived in Ponyville Charity Hooves http://www.furaffinity.net/view/6100666/ made a soup/broth for me that contained fish oil and some ground dried fish meal in it to help boost my immune system and recover from the stress of my ordeal.
Hmm, I see. So fish is considered okay to eat by ponies (or at the very least, fish derivates), meat as in for example steaks would not be something that a pony would eat, correct? Could I have the specific reason for this, if there is one that's generally accepted over most of the populace? I don't see it being morally repulsive to them, considering they don't seem to have problems with griffins doing it, so maybe it tastes bad? Or maybe I'm just overthinking it and the reason is "ponies don't eat meat because ponies eat plants". xD
I can't say at this point. One thing to remember is that I have only been in this dreamscape for less than a year. Imagine if you were suddenly taken from this reality and dropped into a magical world where none of the dominate species is even human, and do not share any direct historical connection to your reality. It might take you awhile to learn even the basic structure of a culture and its history. Heck there is stuff about the world I live in that I'm just starting to grasp and understand, and I've made 45 free trips around this sun.
I think that there may be some validity though to your idea of "Ponies just don't eat meat because." theory. Also I have not asked but ponies may not have the correct microbes in their guts to digest any large quantities of meat. Or it could be a cultural thing like Feudal Japan where many Buddhists would not eat land animals but had no problem with seafood. I do know that ponies do harvest sea weed and kelp. Tell you what if I remember and I get a chance I'll ask Twilight and see what she says. She's use to me asking all kinds of weird questions.
I think that there may be some validity though to your idea of "Ponies just don't eat meat because." theory. Also I have not asked but ponies may not have the correct microbes in their guts to digest any large quantities of meat. Or it could be a cultural thing like Feudal Japan where many Buddhists would not eat land animals but had no problem with seafood. I do know that ponies do harvest sea weed and kelp. Tell you what if I remember and I get a chance I'll ask Twilight and see what she says. She's use to me asking all kinds of weird questions.
It's the little details like this that make your dreamscape of Equestria really come alive, and this vignette nicely contrasts with our own modern era and how these two worlds work. The Happy Mare's Home Journal says a lot about Equestrian culture by its existence, and I can see every attic in the land holding several years' worth of back issues. I'll bet Ponyville Library has a entire volumes of clippings sorted and alphabetized by topic in addition to (or even in lieu of) your typical 20-volume encyclopedia. Twilight seems to be the sort who'd turn a huge pile of magazines in the basement into something more...organized.
I do have to wonder how life in the big cities would be during winter. My guess is that cityfolk also stock up, though not as much due to smaller living spaces typical of urban environments, thus necessitating that food markets remain open throughout the season. If the cities also experience an increase in wintertime prices, then city living must be really expensive (no wonder places like Canterlot and Manehatten are full of rich ponies!).
That said, I can imagine that there's a huge spring feast sometime after Winter Wrap-Up, where small communities come together in a massive potluck to get rid of some of their leftover preserves. By that point, I'd be eager to get rid of all that well-preserved food and make more room for something fresh!
I do have to wonder how life in the big cities would be during winter. My guess is that cityfolk also stock up, though not as much due to smaller living spaces typical of urban environments, thus necessitating that food markets remain open throughout the season. If the cities also experience an increase in wintertime prices, then city living must be really expensive (no wonder places like Canterlot and Manehatten are full of rich ponies!).
That said, I can imagine that there's a huge spring feast sometime after Winter Wrap-Up, where small communities come together in a massive potluck to get rid of some of their leftover preserves. By that point, I'd be eager to get rid of all that well-preserved food and make more room for something fresh!
It's the little details like this that make your dreamscape of Equestria really come alive, and this vignette nicely contrasts with our own modern era and how these two worlds work. The Happy Mare's Home Journal says a lot about Equestrian culture by its existence, and I can see every attic in the land holding several years' worth of back issues. I'll bet Ponyville Library has a entire volumes of clippings sorted and alphabetized by topic in addition to (or even in lieu of) your typical 20-volume encyclopedia. Twilight seems to be the sort who'd turn a huge pile of magazines in the basement into something more...organized.
I don't know if they do but I could imagine the Happy Mare's Home Journal selling slip cases you could store complete volumes in, or maybe binders that ponies could clip just article they want to save and store them like photo albums.
Once again I must say it is so refreshing to find people who are honestly interested in my dreamscape work and don't stare at me as if I have forgotten to take my medication again. Which is the usually response from the general public. Even from most of the artists I meet in the general art community.
I don't know if they do but I could imagine the Happy Mare's Home Journal selling slip cases you could store complete volumes in, or maybe binders that ponies could clip just article they want to save and store them like photo albums.
Once again I must say it is so refreshing to find people who are honestly interested in my dreamscape work and don't stare at me as if I have forgotten to take my medication again. Which is the usually response from the general public. Even from most of the artists I meet in the general art community.
I don't know if they do but I could imagine the Happy Mare's Home Journal selling slip cases you could store complete volumes in, or maybe binders that ponies could clip just article they want to save and store them like photo albums.
If they don't do that, then you start making them when you get back into the dreamscape. Certainly not the most exciting venture (especially compared to Petina's schemes), but I'm sure that you'll make a killing if you market them to those newlyweds.
Once again I must say it is so refreshing to find people who are honestly interested in my dreamscape work and don't stare at me as if I have forgotten to take my medication again. Which is the usually response from the general public. Even from most of the artists I meet in the general art community.
Regardless of the source of inspiration, the fact remains that you have an incredible cast of vivid and colorful characters and immense skill in worldbuilding with a fine eye for the intimate details, even if it is subconscious, and that keeps me coming back. The fact that this is all from a series of lucid and persistent dreams, though, is endlessly fascinating to me, as I thoroughly enjoy stories that take place in and are inspired by dreams, so your work is a never-ending source of entertainment and wonder for me.
If they don't do that, then you start making them when you get back into the dreamscape. Certainly not the most exciting venture (especially compared to Petina's schemes), but I'm sure that you'll make a killing if you market them to those newlyweds.
Once again I must say it is so refreshing to find people who are honestly interested in my dreamscape work and don't stare at me as if I have forgotten to take my medication again. Which is the usually response from the general public. Even from most of the artists I meet in the general art community.
Regardless of the source of inspiration, the fact remains that you have an incredible cast of vivid and colorful characters and immense skill in worldbuilding with a fine eye for the intimate details, even if it is subconscious, and that keeps me coming back. The fact that this is all from a series of lucid and persistent dreams, though, is endlessly fascinating to me, as I thoroughly enjoy stories that take place in and are inspired by dreams, so your work is a never-ending source of entertainment and wonder for me.
I don't know if they do but I could imagine the Happy Mare's Home Journal selling slip cases you could store complete volumes in, or maybe binders that ponies could clip just article they want to save and store them like photo albums.
From things I've seen, it's possible the publisher creates bound volumes of each year's issues. While intended mostly for libraries, there might be a market with private individuals, too.
From things I've seen, it's possible the publisher creates bound volumes of each year's issues. While intended mostly for libraries, there might be a market with private individuals, too.
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