*****

The summer in Denmark has been unusually hot, but still bearable and fortunately not with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius like in the southern parts of Europe. Climate change is a scary fact. In the middle of the heat, I have been on a graphic design course in a part of the country with big trees and lots of lakes. It is a recurring form of vacation every year when I go on a summer college stay with my children and good friends. Here we each participate in courses, according to our interests. My daughter kayaks on the lakes. My son would love to play music, but since that is not an option, he just relaxes. In the evenings we gather with the other students. We are fueled with lots of healthy and good food and exciting lectures.

During the classes I was introduced to a lot of graphic techniques, but this year I chose to concentrate on linocut and multicolor printing. It could easily become my new obsession, but since I do not have access to a printing press, it must remain a dream.

*****

Back to my Simlit and The Story of Tusnelda and Trix. The story has now reached its fifth year and after much consideration I find it necessary to start a new book. Not least because the last chapter I wrote caused a breakup in Tusnelda and Martin’s lives.
At the same time, several of the other characters are facing a breakup and a new beginning.
Elijah and Fatima are in the process of moving away from San Myshuno and their haunted apartment.
Don has burned all bridges behind him and is on his way to meet his unknown fate. Still clueless about the woman who is pulling the strings. Will he ever overcome his paralysis and anxiety?
Allan is facing the fight of his life against a terrifying monster with a seductive voice. A fight between both the outer and inner demons in his life.
Alice seems lost to all reason and she is floating boundlessly around the world in an attempt to find an anchor to hold on to…or maybe just find some fun activities to remove her feeling of emptiness.
In the meantime, Andy is left to nannies, sweet and caring as they may be, but still…
Let’s not forget a homeless dog who still misses her forever home.
This doesn’t mean I’m going to forget Rasmus and Izumi’s small healthy family and the surprising marriage of Marcus and Jade.
It all leaves me with a lot of loose ends to tie up. Far more ends than I can handle in a few chapters. Hence a new book that will hopefully be the last on Tusnelda’s adventure

Thank you to those of you who have followed me on this journey.

*****

Mona sits hunched over the keyboard, writing a short story. Ever since SnuffyBucket mentioned Masato in tinfoil, the thought couldn’t leave her head. It blocks every rational thought.

Masato has been hired to perform on Laguna del Abrazo’s stage in Vista Hermosa. Today will be his day to shine!

Masato will perform with alluring singing. It is an art he has learned through hard training in his journey towards becoming a master vampire.

Good start…

There is currently only one guest in the lounge.

Maybe it’s a problem that Masato doesn’t hit the notes very accurately…This guest doesn’t seem to fall for his alluring charm.

Neither does the bartender

Since everyone in the audience has left the lounge, he might as well take a break.

Masato drinks the barley brew that the friendly bartender has put in front of him. Silence…

Blessed quietness.

Until Masato is suddenly overwhelmed with involuntary spasms.

Gosh Masato!? How is this going to end? I dont hope this get out of hand…

*****

Five minutes later

The cruel truth has suddenly dawned on Masato. He can’t digest barley brew and now his stomach is curling up on itself.

The friendly bartender sees an opportunity to add insult to injury.

Looks like Masato has had enough for tonight.

Apparently, the bartender has only good wishes for Masato’s continued evening, but remember the devil is in the details.

*****

This is the end of this little commedia dell’arte for this time. All actors bow and thank the audience for their attention.

“Please Mona. This is humiliating. You are a malicious person.”

“Hush Masato, I’m counting my stitches.”

*****

After the camera is turned off.

The actors enjoy a single drink (Plasma-Jane and barley brew) while evaluating the day’s performance.

Suddenly, a guest stands in the room allured by Masato’s irresistible acting talent.

After a quick costume change, Masato invites him on a date at a nightclub with the promising name of Mirador del Amor.

It should go without saying that after Lovestruck, dating is a discipline that requires a lot of practice.

The date ends as a half-hearted success, but for Masato, the night seems to be full of untested possibilities.

“Who will end up becoming the star actor while the amateur is bored in the rocking chair, Mona?”

Once again, she has to realize that the Sims always end up getting their way. Maybe she should remember to put their free will off for the next story?

Dear reader, this time it is finally the end of the show. I have nothing more to add.

Published on Sim Creatives 2 September 2024.

*****

It’s always nice to have a greeting on a postcard. It is a shame that they hardly exist anymore.

Oh hello! You don’t understand what I’m talking about?…… Let me enlarge the picture….

A baby shower invitation

I’m sorry it’s in Simlish. This is a Sims world, so I spent the summer upgrading some of my skills. Sims 4 Studio and Gimp are always a challenge that keeps my brain busy.

So many greetings from all over the world.

The news is always depressing

Meow?

I’m sorry Loke, but no more TV for you today.

It didn’t work

“Hey Mona!”

“Hey Rasmus! I didn’t hear you coming. What brings you here?”

“I’m worried about you Mona. You haven’t updated our story for several months.”

“Oh! But there’s no need to worry about that….you could probably say I’ve had other creative projects. You know, made some paintings and enjoyed myself with friends and family.”

“A friend of mine has these charming chickens. Did you know chickens can be very entertaining?”

“They are so funny…I think my next project will be painting chickens.”

Rasmus: “Yeah, but…”

“Hi Tusnelda! I’m glad you’ve arrived. I could use your support.”

“Oh? Hi Tusnelda?”

“I’m just telling Rasmus about my friend’s chickens.”

“I think they will be very suitable as a motif…”

“I actually drew some fish this summer. Cod and flounder. Perhaps it is the wet summer that has inspired me, but you know… “

“Fish don’t look very gifted, so chickens might be the thing.”

“But shouldn’t you upload some pictures and write your story instead? I hope you are not inhibited by fear like last summer?”

“Um! No, it has nothing to do with fear but I think I’ll put the writing on the shelf for a bit…I haven’t really been motivated.”

Tusnelda: “What!? What do you mean by on the shelf?”

“You can’t just do that Mona! Izumi’s pregnancy has been put on hold for so long that I fear she will explode.”

“We have just invited our friends to a baby shower. Are you really going to cheat us out of having that party?”

“Yes, I completely agree with Rasmus….. Are you aware that EA, after several years, has removed a bug in the Invention Constructor function, so that it finally works. I really want to try it out at the Secret Lab.”

“What about my wedding Mona? Have you decided to shelve that too?”

“Martin and I have been on vacation at Galloping Gulch, but you obviously don’t care. Are we now to live out the rest of our lives as indifferent spares, hidden from public view?”

“I’m really sorry….I didn’t think it meant that much to you….Sigh! …. I….. gulp!”

“Hey, the truth can be hard to hear Mona, but I can make some pancakes to cheer you up.”

“You are a blessing in disguise, Rasmus. You really always know how to change a bad mood into a happy one.”

“Tell me a little more about that vacation, Tusnelda. Where is Galloping Gulch and is there anything to experience there?”

“I really thought you were a lot more informed about game releases than you appear to be Mona?”

“You’ll find Galloping Gulch in Chestnut Ridge. The scenery is exceptionally beautiful with colorful flowers, rock formations, waterfalls and horses.”

“Oh!? This is starting to sound interesting now.”

(It is still raining)

*****

“I would say, Rasmus. Your pancakes are always fabulous!”

“Aww! Thanks Tusnelda! You flatter me.”

“There is no need to be modest Rasmus. She is absolutely right. It is like hearing the angels sing.”

“Thanks Mona, I make them randomly, but they’re not really that hard to imitate.”

“Let me see if I can remember….Ingredients are
250 g flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp sugar
¾ tsp salt
2 eggs
320 ml of milk
2 tbsp melted butter, plus extra for cooking.
Cold butter and maple syrup for serving… It’s pretty simple Mona.”

“You always make it sound so simple, Rasmus, but cooking is an art.”

“Please Tusnelda. It’s not rocket science.”

Mona: munching

*****

“Oh!”

Rasmus is still rambling in the background: “You just beat eggs with sugar and mix the dry ingredients together before adding the liquid little by little…..”

“That’s sweet. You saved our Christmas card. You’re still thinking of all of us, Mona.”

(Mona seems to have her attention elsewhere and everyone gradually seems to lose concentration.)

*****

Later on….

“Do you think she has started writing again?”

“I think it’s more like the sound of the opening screen.”

(Tusnelda seems to be right.)

“Yeah! I can see the horse now and my mods still seem to be ok!”

“It’s a foal! So cute!”

(Someone seems to lose their presence….)

“She seems very absorbed, but does that get us any further?”

“I’m not sure, Rasmus. Maybe?”

“I don’t think we can do much more right now.”

“I guess you’re right Tusnelda. Let’s go home to our loved ones. Fabio will be home from school soon.”

(Footsteps)

(Silence)

Did they just leave without saying goodbye?

Well, back to the game…. What!? Wait! What is she doing in The Rusty Horseshoe?”

Will that woman never stop following her random whims?

Let me check the other characters of the game. How are they doing in Brindleton Bay?

Oh!? Our lovebirds. I wonder what they are up to?

Maybe I should seek them out to see for myself….

*****

The next morning

Knock Knock!

“Hey Elijah!”

“Hello?”

“You seem like a nice cheerful lady, but who are you and why are you dripping on my sofa?”

“I am Mona and the dripping is the effect of the seasons. Isn’t that exciting?”

“You know I can implement seasons in your world if you like.”

“Oh!? Are you a wizard?”

“I am not a wizard but I am your creator and your watcher. I made you in my game…Now for something else….Can I use your photo studio?”

*****

“You’re welcome to keep the photo, Mona”

(Fatima arrives as omnipresent as ever.)

“Who is she Elijah? Are you going to shoot for a new commercial?”

“Say hello to Mona. She is our creator.”

……?!

“Actually, I’m just Elijah’s creator. Fatima was born as a random townie.”

(Awkward silence)

*****

It’s time to move on

Knock Knock!

Fortunately, Marcus is at home….or working at the clinic, to be more precise.

“Welcome to the Procreation and Fertility Clinic….Eh!? You look way past childbearing age, if I may say so bluntly.”

“Ha ha! You’ve got a sense of humor, but of course that’s not why I’m coming.”

“So what’s your problem?”

“Who says I have a problem?…. Let me give you a piece of advice…You should buy Jade a ring. She’ll appreciate it….By the way, how do you feel about the weather?”

“Point 1. I don’t talk about my privacy with patients. Point 2. I don’t know anything about the weather.”

“Since it seems you have no diseases I can cure, I will hereby end the consultation. You must know that a doctor’s time is very expensive.”

What an arrogant character…

Maybe I should plan a fatal accident next season? A faulty electrical outlet or stove?

Or maybe not? I don’t usually write in the crime genre.

*****

Now on to Brindleton Bay..

Wow! The seasons do not seem to affect Brindleton Bay.

The plants actually seem to be thirsty.

Knock knock!

“Hey cat! Do you know that I’m a big cat lover?”

“Hey Rasmus!”

“I will say I loved your pancakes!”

“Hey Mona…. Now that you’re sitting on that sofa…You remind me of a fairy named Magic. Are you related?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, but you’ll probably be pleased that I’ve decided to resume the story.”

“Hi Mona. That’s great to hear….I’m so grateful that I’ll soon be able to give birth to this baby. It’s grown huge.”

“Are you giggling and blushing Rasmus?”

“I can’t help that Izumi has that effect on me…She’s uh…irresistible…But Mona, you didn’t RSVP to our baby shower invitation?”

“Oh yes, the invitation. It was a very beautiful invitation. I thank you for the honor but unfortunately I will have to cancel.”

“It is not very appropriate for an author to interfere directly in the course of a story. You shouldn’t make a difference.”

“Heh heh! I understand. Unfortunately I will have to cancel our conversation now…you see Rasmus…”

“Fabio just vent to school so no interruptions for the next little while…and I can’t really resist the effect he has on me.”

Did they just disappear into the bedroom? I really hope they remember to close the door…or maybe I should just move on.

*****

Now without a raincoat

I love the weather in this Save.

Is there anyone at home?

Tusnelda appears to be leaving home

*****

“Hello Martin! I’m glad to meet you at home. What are you up to now?”

“Howdy Mona! Tusnelda told me about you. Would you like to join me in a New Appaloosa line dance?”

“I’m not sure it’s for me. I’ve never been to Chestnut Ridge.”

“Bullshit! Follow me!”

“Thanks for the dance Mona. It’s been fun.”

*****

Later…

*****

At 2:30 after midnight

*****

Before I get started, some reflections on next season….
This October marks three years since Tusnelda and Trix moved into the dark mine of the Forgotten Hollow.
I had a script when I started and I guess I still do, but so many other characters have mixed in along the way. My curiosity and imagination have made them end up as more than mayflies. The addition of sentiments to the game has brought an extra challenge that makes it difficult to just stick to what I have planned ahead. I both love it and hate it.
There are still so many paths I could have chosen to take. I stand at a crossroads where many of the story’s characters have ended up more or less as established couples.
Tusnelda and Martin without a doubt. Rasmus has ended up in the stable relationship he has always dreamed of. Thanks to his tireless struggle for self-development and the favor of fate.
We must assume Alice has no more secrets to hide, but she certainly hasn’t reached her goal. One can doubt that she knows what she is looking for. Allan has surprisingly chosen to change in order to be the best possible father for Andy.
Neither Jade nor Delphine has any doubts about what they are looking for, even if their nature offers them completely different paths to follow.
Jade and Marcus grope their way towards a stable relationship. Delphine still dreams of Don, but does he ever dream of her?
A surprise came with the big passionate love that arose between Fatima and Elijahs. Not least for me.
Now the question arises about what I need to delve deeper into. We know Martin has wanted offspring from the beginning of the story. Tusnelda is gradually convinced to go that way. Rasmus soon has a sizeable herd when you count everyone.
Offspring are a natural continuation of life. You could say it is man’s only possibility to continue into eternity. But do my readers want to come along on that journey if that’s where I end up? Can I bear the hassle of babies and infants in the game?
Every classic adventure ends at this point. You find your one and only love and live happily ever after. We all know it’s a scam. I have planned an ending and I could make it very short like in the fairy tale? However, there are always goals to reach for and personal battles to fight. Life goes on for better or worse and so does this story…. for a while longer.

Thank you for reading this far

Well! Actually, that’s all for this time

******

Jeff og Angelo

Jeff and Angelo have their origin as characters in A Turtle’s Journey. They live together with their cat Archimedes in a house in Windenburg. I am happy to see them again in my neighborhood.

Because they have room for it, I gave them some chickens. Here the chickens have chosen to enter the house, an area that is not intended for chicken coops.

Archimedes absolutely does not like chickens, so he tries to ignore them.

But, Cock-a-doodle-doo!…It can be a challenge to ignore their crowing and flapping of their wings.

As I said, no applause here. Please send me back to my old save, Archimedes seems to think.

When Archimedes flees up the stairs, the black hen tries to catch up with him in a great jump.
Fortunately, EA’s animators have not made the chickens able to fly, so Archimedes escapes the horror.

Fortunately, Jeff and Angelo seem to have settled in well in this new world of theirs.

When the Romance Festival appears, it is time for a romantic wedding for them.

I send Angelo to the bar to order his favorite drink and it turns out to be a pet drink for Archimedes.

Archimedes is very pleased with it and looks like he hopes Angelo will order another round.

My heart always beats tenderly for a cat lover

*****

Alexis

Alexis is from my gallery. She had a long life in an old game, with her husband and three adopted children.
Later, she had a short career as a bachelorette in Queenarella’s Legacy-Bachelor-Challenge, generation 6.

I gave her a dog called Minnie, upon arrival in this world.

Here Alexis is getting to know the inhabitants of San Myshuno.

She has better luck with the contact when she meets Akira.

He immediately finds her to be very attractive.

Incidentally, Akira has a brief role as Elijah’s lover, without much success.
Now everyone probably knows why.

Today, Akira has moved into Alexis and Minnie’s apartment, where I foresee a bright future for them.

Those familiar with Akira from their games will know that he is employed as a Live Chat Support Agent.
I am still considering what might be a suitable career for Alexis?

She is a diva and that is why she became an actress in my old save.

There’s absolutely no reason to go down that road again since the game didn’t understand her particular preferences.

A better career choice would probably be becoming a freelance writer. For the time being, she will be in charge of the cooking in her home. Did I mention her favorite colors are red and pink?

******

I’ll be back soon with a regular chapter. I am working on it at the moment. I have spent a lot of time playing my game and making some posters for my game. These are a tribute to the diversity of love across gender and age.

Thanks for reading

*****

Thanks to Mercuryfoam for her Lie On Lap Interaction Mod that made it possible for me, to take the picture of Elijah and Akira on the bed.

*****

Some thoughts about wats and fears

The world is so full of unfathomable challenges. Climate change, pandemics and wars. Fear is an integral part of many people’s reality.
I buy the idea that the Sims allows us to play with our reality. Some of us use the game to escape from everyday challenges and it is absolutely not healing to have our fears thrown in the face in the game.

I started playing sims when my life was in an absolute slump. It was my opportunity to fantasize my Sim into a more positive reality. Create dreams and goals.
I’ve played a bit of Sims2 and even more Sims3. I don’t dream of open worlds and color wheels. My time with Sims3 was marked by with great experiences, lots of construction and countless game crashes.
I love the flow of the Sims4 game. I experience very few serious game crashes and enjoy the challenges the game gives me and I try to work around the bugs that occur once in a while.

I love using my hard-fought life experiences as inspiration to create stories. It is especially the development of my main characters that interests me. I use my imagination to create the personality of my characters and I really hate that they are now forced to repeat the same baseless fears over and over without having the opportunity to move forward.
What is the idea of ​​an elderly Sim nearing the end of life suddenly being afraid of death? I don’t understand the reasoning? Should it be funny?
Why do Sims have to repeat their fear of getting stuck in their career over and over again? This is the hopeless reality for many people on earth. They may have to count themselves lucky to even get a job, however uninspiring it may be.
I’m definitely not a fan of having to spend so much time fulfilling my sims wants and healing their fears…. only to see the exact same wants and fears appear moments later. If I ignore their wants I get a frustrated and depressed sim.
There are many who state that it is because EA is trying to attract more young buyers, but does that happen when you reflect society’s anxious stress and powerlessness? Should it give our teenagers the desire and courage to become adults? I have my doubts as to whether it is particularly appealing to any age groups?
I don’t understand the motivation for wanting wants and fears in the game at all. Feel free to convince me otherwise.

*****

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! ….

Sorry! I didn’t know the reader had arrived….I was awakened by hell’s nightmare…. the reaper was looking for me!

After a cooling bath, Mona seems almost ready to tackle the continuation of her story.

Let me see where to start?

Let me see where we left off…. It seems there are more loose ends to continue on….

What the hell happened to my game? Is it me still messing around in the MCCC settings?

Oh no! All my sims seem to be getting old and freaks out with fear…..

…. and what happened to my whims?

I can’t take more right now!

Let me see what is happening on the news….

This is not further encouraging…

The damn heat wave seems to go on forever!

!!!!!

I really need to talk to someone… make a plan.

*****

One hour later

Welcome both. I am glad that you want to meet me.
First I hope you had a nice summer vacation and then I’d like to talk about the continuation of my story… I’ve discovered some disturbing changes in the game.

Tusnelda: You seem to have had a lot of sun Rasmus?

Rasmus: I have. I’ve had a wonderful holiday… and you seem to have lost weight Tusnelda?

Tusnelda: I’m glad you can see it, Rasmus, because it’s been a tough fight… lots of exercise.

Sounds like everyone had a great summer… can we talk about the changes to the game now?

Rasmus: Well, them. There has been a major update to the game that has added wants and fears.

Oh! So these are some serious bugs that came with the update? I hope EA releases a hotfix soon…

Tusnelda: I’m sorry Mona, but it looks like EA has granted some players’ wishes. This is a permanent change to the base game…

Rasmus: Please Tusnelda… was it really necessary to tell her all the details. Now we are lost!

AAAAAAA!!! A permanent change!

… do I have to live with the unmotivated fear of death for the rest of my life?

Tusnelda: I’m sorry, Rasmus, but she should know the truth, right?

Rasmus: I was otherwise looking forward to the story about my holiday… but I assume it ends here?

Tusnelda: I’m afraid you’re right…she seems to be taking it very seriously.

AAAAAAAAAA!!!!! ….The reaper is looking for me!

*****

Half an hour later

Martin: Sorry I’m late Mona. I had some technical challenges.

Martin: I hear you freaking out about your unmotivated anxiety attack…. but there is actually an option to deselect wants and fears.

Are you sure Martin? How?

Rasmus: This will probably be too technical… I’m making some pancakes.

Tusnelda: How did you find the button Martin?

Martin: I got a tip and that’s why I’m late… I found the button in the game settings.

This is really a great relief for me Martin. You have given me hope to continue my writing.

*****

One minute later….

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!….

Tusnelda: Why are you freaking out now Mona?

I’m gonna die! The Reaper is looking for me…..

He’s such an ugly guy!!!!

Tusnelda: Calm down Mona! ….. Martin! Do something!

Martin: !?

Rasmus: Dada da daaa! The pancakes are ready.

*****

Martin: I think Rasmus found the greatest comfort.

Tusnelda: You’re probably right… but how long will it last?

*****

Thanks Rasmus! Your pancakes makes the angels sing.

Rasmus: Aww, thanks Mona.

Rasmus: That’s what I always say. There’s no game bug that can’t be fixed with some pancakes…. It will always raise the mood.

Martin: I know another method to raise the mood… what do you say Tusnelda? Shall we go home now?

Tusnelda: Oh Martin. You always know where to find the right button… I think she can do without us now

Thanks for the help dear friends. You are free to go now.

*****

So let me see where I can find the button? What did Martin say? Was it a cheat code?

Was it Other settings?

This menu has hundreds of options….

Game settings… left? Right?

Yes! I got you!

Now back to work… first a summer update.

End for today. Now for the pleasures….

*****

Half an hour later…

The weather is perfect for a walk in the park.

Where should I start?

I’ve never quite grasped the rules of this game… it’s never too late to learn.

Tusnelda: Hi Mona, do you need a mate?

Tusnelda: You see Mona, the rules are actually quite simple…

Later…

Tusnelda: How can I explain it? Maybe we should start all over again?

In fact Tusnelda, I don’t think these puzzles are for me at all. I want to say thank you for trying to show me.

*****

Now for pure pleasure…

I’ve got no strings
To hold me down
To make me fret
Or make me frown
I had strings
But now I’m free
There are no strings on me

Hi-ho the me-ri-o
That’s the only way to go
I want the world to know
Nothing ever worries me

I’ve got no strings
So I have fun
I’m not tied up to anyone
They’ve got strings
But you can see
There are no strings on me ….

Dear Reader…I’m sorry but I really have to go….

Phew! An older Sim’s damn bladder…

I have a feeling that someone is watching me… should I freak out again?

…….

Masato! Of course he has to find a way to get some screen time

……

Author’s note: Thus encouraged, I will hopefully soon return to the real story.
Thanks to SnuffyBucket who told me that it is possible to opt out of wants and fears occurring in the game menu… at least as long as the sim does not leave the lot.

See you soon

*****

The summer in Denmark has been sunny and warm.
I got my last vaccination in early June and since then I have spent so much time meeting with friends I have not seen in a year.
We have gone for walks together and we have spent many hours in cafes in the city parks. I have never spent so much money on restaurant and cafe visits as this summer.
The unfamiliar freedom has been so life-giving to my mood and that is why the time at the screen has been greatly downplayed.

There have been a few days where I have played Sims4 Cottage Living.
It’s been a lot of fun and I’ve shared some of my photos and experiences on The Sims Forum.

Next week my husband and I will go on a holiday where we will meet with family around Denmark.
So far, I have given Tusnelda and her friends time off to live their own lives while enjoying the last of the summer.

*****

We will meet again when autumn brings cooler temperatures.
Until then, take good care of yourself