The tell-tale gleaming sickle and the daunting skeleton underneath the tattered robe instill a sense of dread as it lay face up, providing a moment of hitched breath as the word "Death" is scrawled along the bottom. One's first instinct is to always assume the worst, with their brain instantaneously running through their desired prospects, in fear that everything will come to a crushing, bitter end. That was my belief as well when I had a reading done. My brain then devolved into a mush of anxiety and confusion. Why, Death? Why not The Lovers? Things couldn't get worse. I couldn't lose anyone else. The tragedy of my stepfather's recent suicide produced scars to this day that still aren't healed. My mother's horrible grief-ridden decisions taunted me day by day, as my living situation became more harrowing. At that moment, I was surrounded by criminals and drugs, my only solace being in the necessary care of my little siblings. My body and soul needed change. That feeling was visceral throughout every breathing moment of those days. Through my school assignments, my social perseverance, my ambition for college and creating a life of my own. One not shrouded by the clouds of misfortune. And yet, I was stuck. I felt an obligation through the unwillingness of my mother to change. I felt weak and cowardly; eventually, that perseverance wore off and I ultimately lost myself. That was, until that fateful tarot card. The spine-tingling absurdity of that Death card. It wasn't until I had lost myself in a wormhole of research, that I had an epiphany. This card, moments before, signifying a fortune of horror, had then changed into a glimmer of hope. I wasn't going to die. Well, at least not at that moment. That feeling of freedom and an urge to move forward bubbled back up me like a carbonated soda too shaken up to contain its contents. This card didn't signify the end of all things. It merely represents the end of an era. An assassin to a moment of trauma. The vicious reaper of an even more vicious cycle. I have the strength within me to get past this. To leave. To put this part of my life..to death. Little did I know, months later, I commanded enough courage from myself, to leave and to push for change and help. I am now entering college, with my path set toward my biggest dreams; the environment around me is like a conductor of electricity, powering me to move and push. That grim reaper sickle cut the overgrowth and allowed new feelings and ideas to thrive and receive light. That stoic and strong skeleton lifted me upright, so I may stand on my feet and face adversity. That tattered cloak, acting like a plate of armor, shielded me from doubling back. Protected and strengthened me enough to fight forward. This is why "Death" is my favorite tarot card. It is misinterpreted and feared. It is not something you'd think you'd want. It seems like an end to possibilities; a roadblock. When in reality, it is a transformative card, one that tells of the creation of a new life; a reincarnation of your passions and a mirror to all of your fears. The end only means new beginnings on the horizon.

@oppiethetroll

I have been waiting for this question my whole life! My very own Barbie Dream House would ideally be located in Stockholm, Sweden. I love the culture, food, and people that live there and would find that it would be a very peaceful and fulfilling choice. I would want the house to be near enough to the main district, yet far enough away where my neighbors aren't right on top of me. I would like some acreage to keep livestock such as sheep and horses. A stream or water source would be wonderful as well! As for the actual house, I would want it to be a stunning small wooden A-frame with carved Oak adornments and designs within the outside of the house. I would want the outside to look elegant and have a wow-factor, while still maintaining a connectedness with nature. I would love large windows wherever possible all throughout the house, so that even when I'm inside, I don't feel closed off. Specially organized flower gardens would be perfect surrounding the house, with a pathway creating an interconnected layout. I would also want a garden with plants that you can eat, such as berries or vegetables, and additionally a garden that can be used to create plant based dyes for clothes or other items. On the interior, I would want a large bedroom with a viw to either the gardens or the source of water. I would want a hidden passageway that takes me to a little room full of books and my vinyl music collection. The kitchen and bathroom would be standard. The living room would be amazing with a large fireplace. I would have a plethora of indoor plants. I also would like to have a cellar. I don't want anything too fancy, because I do appreciate nature more than I do things.