✦ closed starter for @charliesxdavis
✦ based on: 😌| where they're celebrating chantel's birthday.
"I'm excited to spend the day with the two of you outside the house." Chantel smiled. "I know that we've been trying to figure out what to do for my birthday for a couple weeks now and I'm excited to spend it at the Aquarium and also eating dinner out." she admitted. "I know, it's probably the last thing you thought I'd want to do, but, you know me. If I think Houston's going to love it than that's probably what we're going to do." she smiled. "We're both excited, aren't we bud?" she smiled, looking down at Houston who's hand was in hers.
✦ closed starter for @yasminxmoreno
✦ based on: 💄| where chantel is shopping for herself for once
"Do you think this color is too dark?" Chantel questioned, the test lip brush in her hand, small mirror in the other, examining the look. She wasn't a make up girl in the slightest, and in the off chance she did wear some, it wasn't usually much more than some tinted sunscreen in her shade and some ChapStick, but, she was trying to expand that. Have a solid routine that she didn't think made her face look too dark for special events or the rare occasion she wanted to wear it out. "I don't really own lipstick and I'm not really looking for anything that's too red, but, I think something with a more -" she paused, suddenly forgetting the words. "Neutral? Natural? Whatever you call it when you want it to look minimal and like you're not wearing anything."
"He nodded as he looked at her with a smile. "I just know it's always been me being the odd one out," he chuckled for a moment. "It's only me with my siblings, and I'm not sure of my nieces and nephews fully." It never came up, really. "That's true, but I guess I got lucky always around people who can cook well." his parents, girlfriends, wife all did, and he ate what he had to in Africa, but it was always good too. "it was amazing different, sometimes we had good camp when it was food I knew sometimes I was off in place so far from the real world I ate what they did" he didnt mind he learned to like it all "There is a lot " he smirked "But the most like different and from the tribes was Doro Wat". he smiled "it's a stew with spices, chicken, egg and stuff " it was good. "but I just know i been back over a year and the foods here still are a lot to me" beacuse of how processed it all was. @chanteledavis
"That tends to happen." Chantel laughed. "Not as much with cilantro as you'd think though." she added. "I'd say that at least one of them probably hates it too, if I had to guess. Not because of genetics but because, well, it just wouldn't shock me." she added, laughing a little. "Being around people that are good at cooking is always a plus." Chantel nodded, eyes focusing on the other. "It's a perk; you get to enjoy good food while also having someone else do all the cooking." she added. "That actually sounds delicious." Chantel nodded. "I'm not one for experimenting a lot with different types of food in my soup, but, I will say that if I'm given the opportunity to try it I will." she nodded. "I do hate that a lot of the food here is processed." she paused. "I'm thankful to have the ability to cook most of what me and my family eats, but, sometimes you can't help it." she paused. "I'm sure it was a culture shock to your stomach." @milesxvaughn
Connor shuffled his feet, moving closer to Chantel as she made room for him. He bent down, but didn't kneel completely. Listening as she spoke, Connor's eyes swept across the box that had plants in it. It looked overwhelming. His mental notetaking was keeping up with every word she spoke, hoping that when it was all said and done, he'd actually remember what to do. "So tomatoes are both the best and maybe the worst to start with?" He joked with a low chuckle passing over his lips. "I have been told tomatoes are a plant I should start with, so that part seems to be consistent at least." Connor admitted before nodding his head. "Yeah, I mean in quite some time, yeah, it is." His gaze shifted, looking to Chantel. "Have you started anything new lately?" @chanteledavis
"I think that's probably the short answer of all that I just gave you." Chantel laughed, shaking her head. "Tomatoes are good; bell pepper plants are even better though." she added. "No matter how much I neglect those they seem to always do well." she paused, a shrug as she looked up at him. Blowing the hair out of her face that had notoriously fallen out of her ponytail, Chantel shifted the weight from one knee to another, focusing on the other as he asked her if she'd started anything new lately. "Not really." she admitted. "I planted a chaos garden which I kept hearing people in town talk about." she added. "I'm no stranger to gardening but that was a whole experience. It's been great for the insects in town and to make my own bouquets but it's a lot to look at." she laughed. "I've been thinking about getting into more quiet activities like painting or something." she shrugged. "But nothing that quite seems to scratch that itch like being outside." @connorxbowen
"Also I know nowadays sometimes the way the build homes are not like how the used to. Any small thing causes a crack or glass and stuff no longer last," he shrugged his shoulders. He was just glad that she knows and she did not have to worry about it. Plus his neighbor are good people too. He also knew some people would this chance to take advantage of the situation. "I do have some spare tarp and I am happy to help." he answered. @chanteledavis
"Exactly that. I've always lived in older homes because they are structurally better than newer ones." she shrugged. "But I know that sometimes the people that live in these older affordable homes can't maintain them properly." she stated. "It's part of the reason I want to do this. To help those that can't." she added, a slight smile forming on her lips. As the other admitted that he was happy to help, Chantel let herself nod. "That would be wonderful, actually. Let's get this patched up." @benjaminxjackson
He thought that maybe the goat didnt like men; he had animals like that, who were treated badly by a man, so they thought all men were bad. He thought it was helping so far when Chantel was the one closer so he moved out of the way to open the door. "It's scary right now for the little dude," he could see why the goat was freaking out so much. They got moved from who knows what, to a strange place, left outside to have two people they didnt know come get them. "You got this" he smiled at his wife he knew she could settle the goat. @chanteledavis
“You’re lucky I know how to tame a goat or two.” Chantel joked, eyes focusing on Charlie, for only a moment. She prided herself on being able to read animals well - it was literally her degree - and helping or stepping in when it was needed. However, there were times, especially like this one, she didn’t find it easy to be excited about reading the animal. She found herself more in danger than anything. Yet, she tried, watching as the host would have a moment to freak out, a moment of calm, and repeating. Which made it feel like it took forever to get the goat alone. Yet, when they did and Chantel felt like she’d accomplished something for the day, she sighed. “Okay, now the real test. Is he a man hater or an emu hater?” She paused. “I assume he knows the two that came with him but-“ she paused. “Did you get to check the gate? Maybe we should go together, give this guy some space.” @charliesxdavis
chantelxdavis: Celebrated turning 44 with a trip to the community garden where I picked this basket full of blackberries. Turning it into a cobbler for after dinner. #happybirthdaytelly
🎂 CHARACTER BIRTHDAY TEMPLATE 🎂
NAME: Chantel Davis
AGE: 44
YEAR: 2026
🕯️ THEN (Last Year / Previous Birthday)
Where they are currently: Chantel was fully embedded in early farm life in Kismet Harbor—still adjusting, but no longer feeling like a visitor in it. Marriage had already grounded her, and motherhood was beginning to reshape her days in quiet, irreversible ways.
Emotional state: Worn but steady. She had moved past crisis-mode living, but was still learning how to trust stability without waiting for it to break.
Key situation(s): Marriage had settled into its rhythm at just over a year in. Her child was still very young, and her identity was shifting between partner, parent, and caretaker—without clear separation between them.
One defining detail: She was learning that peace doesn’t always announce itself—it just slowly becomes your life.
🎉 NOW (This Birthday)
Where they are currently: Chantel is a wife of two years and the mother of a 2-year-old, fully rooted in her life with Charlie in Kismet Harbor. The life she once adjusted to is now simply her life—not temporary, not transitional.
What’s changed externally: Her household is centered around parenting and partnership. The farm, once a new environment, is now a shared foundation. Her days are structured around routine, care, and the quiet chaos of raising a toddler.
What’s changed internally (if they notice it or not): She is more emotionally settled than she has ever been in adulthood. Contentment is no longer something she questions or braces against—it’s something she lives inside, even on hard days. The instinct to care for others is still strong, but it’s no longer fueled by crisis.
Current emotional tone: Content, grounded, present. Still deeply aware of life’s fragility, but no longer expecting it to collapse.
🧠 WHAT CHANGED WITHOUT THEM NOTICING
She stopped preparing for life to fall apart again.
Joy became routine instead of rare.
She trusts her place in her own family without needing to earn it daily.
Exhaustion still exists—but it no longer feels like emotional weight, just physical reality.
She laughs more without realizing it’s new.
🧩 SYMBOL OBJECT OF THE YEAR
Object: A permanently half-folded toddler blanket left on the couch arm
Meaning: A life that is actively being lived in—messy, stable, and ongoing without pause or apology.
🎈 ONE THING THEY WOULDN’T SAY OUT LOUD
“I used to think I was waiting for my real life to start… and I think I’m already in it.”
🎊 OPTIONAL NOTES (for extra flavor)
Who showed up: Charlie, close friends/family who feel like home now, small familiar faces from town
What the day looked like: interrupted meals, toddler chaos, quiet moments between noise
Unexpected moment: a pause in the middle of everything where she realizes nothing is missing
Something that almost happened: her trying to downplay the day, then letting herself be celebrated anyway
Connor chuckled with Chantel's words. "I'm not putting any stock on my enjoyment level until I at least give it a try." He had raised his daughter to try things at least once before forming an opinion. "I'd be interested in learning, honestly." Connor admitted aloud. "I have the space in the yard. I grill a lot, so I'm always in the yard. It would be easy enough to tend to a garden if I got the right skills." The words fell from his lips. "Right?" His gaze shifted to Chantel, looking for confirmation. @chanteledavis
“It’s not hard.” She shook her head, though, there was the slightest glint of amusement in her eyes. “For people that are used to it.” She laughed. “I’ve been doing this practically since I’ve been old enough to walk; so this is second nature to me.” She admitted though she shifted, making room for him to stand closer or kneel next to her if that’s what he preferred. “I will admit, the hardest part is getting it started. If you watch videos, they’re all going to tell you that the best way to do this is to start seeds indoors, but I’ve personally never done that and everything is fine.” She shrugged. “That first year is usually successful with at least something; and from what I’ve learned tomatoes are the easiest to grow. But they are also the hardest upkeep.” She admitted. “After that first harvest I do typically have to add a fertilizer a year or two after but if you do it when you plant seeds, it’s usually no extra work.” She paused. “Is this the first new hobby you’ve tried out?” @connorxbowen
He nodded, "It was very weird as a kid to have my family enjoy it and me acting like my mom washed my mouth out with soap," he laughed. "Mine did, she was the best at making it good for both of us." he dearly missed Barbara, and he didnt know if he ever could really move on. He still wore his ring and wore hers around his neck. "I am not much of a chef myself, but I enjoy trying new foods when I can," he smiled for a moment. "I had learned to eat what I was given, too, Africa in another world of food," he chuckled. He smiled for a moment, "I try to follow along for the most part, but at times I just get onto my own thing," and he would hope for the best. @chanteledavis
"I can imagine that makes things a little harder." Chantel smiled. "Especially if your family cooked with a lot of cilantro. I've always just substituted or used it as a garnish." she shrugged. She knew that everyone's palettes were different, and she'd never expect people to eat something they didn't like just because she enjoyed it. "You don't have to be a chef to enjoy good food" she laughed. "Or to even cook good food; I'm not a chef by trade, but, I can manage around the kitchen doing whatever I need to." she nodded. "It's only a matter of having the desire to try and the ability to read." she shrugged. That's the way she saw it anyways; if there was a will, there would always be a way. "I bet you were lucky enough to have some of your best meals in Africa though, right?" she paused. "I mean, I don't know much about Africa, but I do know that I've always wanted to travel just for the sake of trying out the different foods. What was your favorite? Do you remember?" @milesxvaughn
"Easy, easy," he did hear what Chantel was saying, but he was doing his best to relax the goat, let it go, and took a step back. They were in the barns, it couldn't run off. He watched her get food, but the goat didnt care about the food at all and was still trying to run around scared. He backed away from the goat to the other side of the emu leaving Chantel closer to the goat. "It's funny how they all are." Mostly fine, but the goat wasn't having it. "Maybe lead him out to one of the pens outside." The goat did seem to relax a little more near Chantel, and maybe the indoor space of the barn did didnt like. @chanteledavis
It took a moment for Chantel to realize Charlie had stepped away, and almost following suit, she tossed the food on the ground, watching as the goat continued to run around. It was only when the goat seemed to relax a little that Chantel took another step forward, hand outstretched to pet the goat. "Yeah I think that could work." she nodded, reaching for the lead of the goat and standing behind it. "Grab the door?" she asked. "I'll see if I can get this guy to the pen. Maybe we'll bond on the way."
Connor had promised Sammy that he would get outside more, other than for work. Apparently, he and Sammy had been on bargaining terms. If he tried a new hobby, she'd commit to one sport this summer with her friends. Connor, while he could cook on the grill, didn't have much of a green thumb, so he figured it was bold coming to the local community garden to get involved, but here he was. Connor had been looking around, taking in the sights when he heard a voice. Turning to spot Chantel with a plant, he lifted a hand to rub the back of his neck. "Oh, you definitely are asking the wrong person." He chuckled as his hand fell from the back of his neck, "My daughter just wanted me to try a new hobby." @chanteledavis
Chantel hadn't quite realized the way the other was staring at her, yet, once he spoke she let her eyes meet his, offering him a smile. "Thankfully mine isn't old enough to have an opinion yet." Chantel laughed, shaking her head. "That's sweet, though, that she wants you to get out and enjoy yourself." she paused. "Or maybe not enjoy yourself, if this isn't your cup of tea." she laughed. Ultimately deciding the plant was trash, Chantel uprooted it, placing it in a basket at her side and looked back at the other. "You interested in learning? Or did you just think of the first place someone might be this time of day and bring yourself out here?" The question was genuine, but seeing him here and hearing how he described it all did make Chantel a little curious. @connorxbowen
chantelxdavis: Happy Father's Day, babe. You've exceeded all expectations of everything I ever could've wished for in this life, and those standards were already pretty high. Take it easy today, cuddle with our boy. Pet an emu. Eat lots of food. The world is your oyster.
Ben smiled softly, he could only imagine the panic if you were working at someone place and then you see a crack or something broken. His mind went back to early days as a chef where he was working at an event and plating food and something broke but he ended up finding out that it had been broken long before he arrived. "I can understand and relate the feelings for sure," he replied nodding his head. "Yes he is, still can't believe he one already." @chanteledavis
"It's just never a feeling I love." she admitted. "I'm typically pretty careful and I know things happen -" she paused. "Nor would I mind fixing it if it were me, but I was trying to figure out how doing something as easy as pulling weeds could've resulted in a busted window." So she'd been happy to hear that it was here when they'd arrived. "Though, now that I'm looking at it, you think we could help patch it up with a tarp or something so no glass hurts anyone and it doesn't get the house wet with rain? I know that's not on the task list for today but I'm happy to stay after I just don't think I could do it alone." @benjaminxjackson
He chuckled, "It's one of the weird things, like how bodies can be so different," that someone could taste soap from a plant and others did not. it wasn't as common for the soap taste far as he knew. "My wife was like that, she loved it, but would make one for me without," he chucked, or he picked it out if he had to, he didnt mind that. "No problem," he handed her the water and chuckled, "I went with the basics, but it's the best," he said as he sat back down on the bench. "I really should cook more," he didnt have a lot, he knew how to cook, so he knew he should try to learn more. @chanteledavis
"It is very strange, but, I guess it just goes to show you that we as the human body are all entirely different." she admitted. It was the biggest reason she hated when people were compared; no two people were the same even if they did come from the same parents. "Us wives are like that; making food with special instructions to accommodate everyone." she smiled a little wider. "It's honestly one of my favorite things to do, to make multiple versions of the same food so everyone can enjoy it." She'd been doing it since she started working on the farm, it was just a lot more elevated now that she lived there too. "I love cooking." she stated, opening the bottle of water after he handed it to her and taking a sip. "What's your favorite way to cook? Are you a wing it and find out guy or do you prefer to follow a recipe?" @milesxvaughn
✦ open starter for anyone (0/1) CAPPED
✦ based on: 🌱 | where Chantel is tending a small garden plot
"Okay, honestly." Chantel pauses, leaning forward as she puts her entire back into trying to save the plant she'd been working with for the last ten minutes. She was pretty good when it came to growing things in a garden, whether it was flowers, vegetables, or anything, really in any kind of planter as well, but, something about this plant was nearly sending her over the edge. This wasn't a plant she personally was responsible for, and if she had to guess it was someone that was trying to use their time wisely in the volunteer department but never expected to come back here that had planted it. But he unfortunate part was that it had needed tending to awhile ago, and now it was beginning to feel too late. Does this look salvageable, or should I start preparing a eulogy?"
He was thankful that the animals did seem okay so far. But it did confuse him that people dropped the animals off in secret like they did something bad. But even if it was a bad situation, they would take any animals in they could if they were asked. It had been a while since he had animals dumped off like this. Normally, they get a call to get animals dropped off or in need of being picked up. "Easy, guys," he petted the animals, trying to relax them as much as he could. "They are good at hiding if they are hurting" goats just were like that. T"he goat did have longer hair so it could be hiding a lot too. "Let's see," he said as he put a lead on the goat now so it could stay in place, causing the goat to start to jump around scared. "Easy buddy, we won't hurt you," he said, trying to calm it. @chanteledavis
Chantel shifted, watching as the goat began to panic. "Maybe see if we can lead it with food?" she paused, looking up at Charlie. "I don't want it to end up hurting itself because we scared it." she paused, moving towards the place she'd just left from and grabbed a handful of hay, offering it to the goat, which unfortunately didn't help. "Okay, never mind." she paused, standing up a little straighter. "Let me go this way maybe us being too close to him together is what's freaking him out." she paused, looking up as the Emu letting herself pet the birds neck. "You're a good one, aren't you bud?" @charliesxdavis
