Stretch Marks Positivity Quotes

Everything big, once started little. Discipline yourself and work to become an excellent person at what you want. Stretch yourself daily and go a little further than yesterday. Growth is the key to winning success.

Think about the psychology of that kind of change. “If you’re just below that tipping point—you’re at 20 percent—you have no idea how close you are,” Centola says. In one of the versions of his game, with twenty people, having four dissidents didn’t make the slightest difference. But when he added one more—bringing the outsiders up to the magic 25 percent mark—the consensus abruptly shifted. “You don’t know that [with] one or two more people, you could trigger that tipping point,” he said. If change happened gradually, you could see that you were getting closer and closer to your goal—and you wouldn’t be surprised when you reached it. But if nothing happens and then everything happens, you are in the strange position of being discouraged during the long stretch when nothing is happening and stunned at the point when it all shifts.

Life, in short, just wants to be. But—and here’s an interesting point—for the most part it doesn’t want to be much. This is perhaps a little odd because life has had plenty of time to develop ambitions. If you imagine the 4.5 billion odd years of Earth’s history compressed into a normal earthly day, then life begins very early, about 4 A.M., with the rise of the first simple, single-celled organisms, but then advances no further for the next sixteen hours. Not until almost 8:30 in the evening, with the day five-sixths over, has Earth anything to show the universe but a restless skin of microbes. Then, finally, the first sea plants appear, followed twenty minutes later by the first jellyfish and the enigmatic Ediacaran fauna first seen by Reginald Sprigg in Australia. At 9:04 P.M. trilobites swim onto the scene, followed more or less immediately by the shapely creatures of the Burgess Shale. Just before 10 P.M. plants begin to pop up on the land. Soon after, with less than two hours left in the day, the first land creatures follow. Thanks to ten minutes or so of balmy weather, by 10:24 the Earth is covered in the great carboniferous forests whose residues give us all our coal, and the first winged insects are evident. Dinosaurs plod onto the scene just before 11 P.M. and hold sway for about three-quarters of an hour. At twenty-one minutes to midnight they vanish and the age of mammals begins. Humans emerge one minute and seventeen seconds before midnight. The whole of our recorded history, on this scale, would be no more than a few seconds, a single human lifetime barely an instant. Throughout this greatly speeded-up day continents slide about and bang together at a clip that seems positively reckless. Mountains rise and melt away, ocean basins come and go, ice sheets advance and withdraw. And throughout the whole, about three times every minute, somewhere on the planet there is a flashbulb pop of light marking the impact of a Manson-sized meteor or one even larger. It’s a wonder that anything at all can survive in such a pummeled and unsettled environment. In fact, not many things do for long. Perhaps an even more effective way of grasping our extreme recentness as a part of this 4.5-billion-year-old picture is to stretch your arms to their fullest extent and imagine that width as the entire history of the Earth. On this scale, according to John McPhee in Basin and Range, the distance from the fingertips of one hand to the wrist of the other is Precambrian. All of complex life is in one hand, “and in a single stroke with a medium-grained nail file you could eradicate human history.” Fortunately, that moment hasn’t happened, but the chances are good that it will. I don’t wish to interject a note of gloom just at this point, but the fact is that there is one other extremely pertinent quality about life on Earth: it goes extinct. Quite regularly. For all the trouble they take to assemble and preserve themselves, species crumple and die remarkably routinely. And the more complex they get, the more quickly they appear to go extinct. Which is perhaps one reason why so much of life isn’t terribly ambitious.

We had been out for one of our evening rambles, Holmes and I, and had returned about six o’clock on a cold, frosty winter’s evening. As Holmes turned up the lamp the light fell upon a card on the table. He glanced at it, and then, with an ejaculation of disgust, threw it on the floor. I picked it up and read: CHARLES AUGUSTUS MILVERTON, Appledore Towers, Hampstead. Agent. “Who is he?” I asked. “The worst man in London,” Holmes answered, as he sat down and stretched his legs before the fire. “Is anything on the back of the card?” I turned it over. “Will call at 6:30--C.A.M.,” I read. “Hum! He’s about due. Do you feel a creeping, shrinking sensation, Watson, when you stand before the serpents in the Zoo, and see the slithery, gliding, venomous creatures, with their deadly eyes and wicked, flattened faces? Well, that’s how Milverton impresses me. I’ve had to do with fifty murderers in my career, but the worst of them never gave me the repulsion which I have for this fellow. And yet I can’t get out of doing business with him--indeed, he is here at my invitation.” “But who is he?” “I’ll tell you, Watson. He is the king of all the blackmailers. Heaven help the man, and still more the woman, whose secret and reputation come into the power of Milverton! With a smiling face and a heart of marble, he will squeeze and squeeze until he has drained them dry. The fellow is a genius in his way, and would have made his mark in some more savoury trade. His method is as follows: He allows it to be known that he is prepared to pay very high sums for letters which compromise people of wealth and position. He receives these wares not only from treacherous valets or maids, but frequently from genteel ruffians, who have gained the confidence and affection of trusting women. He deals with no niggard hand. I happen to know that he paid seven hundred pounds to a footman for a note two lines in length, and that the ruin of a noble family was the result. Everything which is in the market goes to Milverton, and there are hundreds in this great city who turn white at his name. No one knows where his grip may fall, for he is far too rich and far too cunning to work from hand to mouth. He will hold a card back for years in order to play it at the moment when the stake is best worth winning. I have said that he is the worst man in London, and I would ask you how could one compare the ruffian, who in hot blood bludgeons his mate, with this man, who methodically and at his leisure tortures the soul and wrings the nerves in order to add to his already swollen money-bags?” I had seldom heard my friend speak with such intensity of feeling.

robbery by European nations of each other's territories has never been a sin, is not a sin to-day. To the several cabinets the several political establishments of the world are clotheslines; and a large part of the official duty of these cabinets is to keep an eye on each other's wash and grab what they can of it as opportunity offers. All the territorial possessions of all the political establishments in the earth—including America, of course—consist of pilferings from other people's wash. No tribe, howsoever insignificant, and no nation, howsoever mighty, occupies a foot of land that was not stolen. When the English, the French, and the Spaniards reached America, the Indian tribes had been raiding each other's territorial clothes-lines for ages, and every acre of ground in the continent had been stolen and re-stolen 500 times. The English, the French, and the Spaniards went to work and stole it all over again; and when that was satisfactorily accomplished they went diligently to work and stole it from each other. In Europe and Asia and Africa every acre of ground has been stolen several millions of times. A crime persevered in a thousand centuries ceases to be a crime, and becomes a virtue. This is the law of custom, and custom supersedes all other forms of law. Christian governments are as frank to-day, as open and above-board, in discussing projects for raiding each other's clothes-lines as ever they were before the Golden Rule came smiling into this inhospitable world and couldn't get a night's lodging anywhere. In 150 years England has beneficently retired garment after garment from the Indian lines, until there is hardly a rag of the original wash left dangling anywhere. In 800 years an obscure tribe of Muscovite savages has risen to the dazzling position of Land-Robber-in-Chief; she found a quarter of the world hanging out to dry on a hundred parallels of latitude, and she scooped in the whole wash. She keeps a sharp eye on a multitude of little lines that stretch along the northern boundaries of India, and every now and then she snatches a hip-rag or a pair of pyjamas. It is England's prospective property, and Russia knows it; but Russia cares nothing for that. In fact, in our day land-robbery, claim-jumping, is become a European governmental frenzy. Some have been hard at it in the borders of China, in Burma, in Siam, and the islands of the sea; and all have been at it in Africa. Africa has been as coolly divided up and portioned out among the gang as if they had bought it and paid for it. And now straightway they are beginning the old game again—to steal each other's grabbings. Germany found a vast slice of Central Africa with the English flag and the English missionary and the English trader scattered all over it, but with certain formalities neglected—no signs up, "Keep off the grass," "Trespassers-forbidden," etc.—and she stepped in with a cold calm smile and put up the signs herself, and swept those English pioneers promptly out of the country. There is a tremendous point there. It can be put into the form of a maxim: Get your formalities right—never mind about the moralities. It was an impudent thing; but England had to put up with it. Now, in the case of Madagascar, the formalities had originally been observed, but by neglect they had fallen into desuetude ages ago. England should have snatched Madagascar from the French clothes-line. Without an effort she could have saved those harmless natives from the calamity of French civilization, and she did not do it. Now it is too late. The signs of the times show plainly enough what is going to happen. All the savage lands in the world are going to be brought under subjection to the Christian governments of Europe. I am

Another howl ruptured the quiet, still too far away to be a threat. The Beast Lord, the leader, the alpha male, had to enforce his position as much by will as by physical force. He would have to answer any challenges to his rule, so it was unlikely that he turned into a wolf. A wolf would have little chance against a cat. Wolves hunted in a pack, bleeding their victim and running them into exhaustion, while cats were solitary killing machines, designed to murder swiftly and with deadly precision. No, the Beast Lord would have to be a cat, a jaguar or a leopard. Perhaps a tiger, although all known cases of weretigers occurred in Asia and could be counted without involving toes. I had heard a rumor of the Kodiak of Atlanta, a legend of an enormous, battle-scarred bear roaming the streets in search of Pack criminals. The Pack, like any social organization, had its lawbreakers. The Kodiak was their Executioner. Perhaps his Majesty turned into a bear. Damn. I should have brought some honey. My left leg was tiring. I shifted from foot to foot . . . A low, warning growl froze me in midmove. It came from the dark gaping hole in the building across the street and rolled through the ruins, awakening ancient memories of a time when humans were pathetic, hairless creatures cowering by the weak flame of the first fire and scanning the night with frightened eyes, for it held monstrous hungry killers. My subconscious screamed in panic. I held it in check and cracked my neck, slowly, one side then another. A lean shadow flickered in the corner of my eye. On the left and above me a graceful jaguar stretched on the jutting block of concrete, an elegant statue encased in the liquid metal of moonlight. Homo Panthera onca. The killer who takes its prey in a single bound. Hello, Jim. The jaguar looked at me with amber eyes. Feline lips stretched in a startlingly human smirk. He could laugh if he wanted. He didn’t know what was at stake. Jim turned his head and began washing his paw. My saber firmly in hand, I marched across the street and stepped through the opening. The darkness swallowed me whole. The lingering musky scent of a cat hit me. So, not a bear after all. Where was he? I scanned the building, peering into the gloom. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the walls, creating a mirage of twilight and complete darkness. I knew he was watching me. Enjoying himself. Diplomacy was never my strong suit and my patience had run dry. I crouched and called out, “Here, kitty, kitty, kitty.” Two golden eyes ignited at the opposite wall. A shape stirred within the darkness and rose, carrying the eyes up and up and up until they towered above me. A single enormous paw moved into the moonlight, disturbing the dust on the filthy floor. Wicked claws shot forth and withdrew. A massive shoulder followed, its gray fur marked by faint smoky stripes. The huge body shifted forward, coming at me, and I lost my balance and fell on my ass into the dirt. Dear God, this wasn’t just a lion. This thing had to be at least five feet at the shoulder. And why was it striped? The colossal cat circled me, half in the light, half in the shadow, the dark mane trembling as he moved. I scrambled to my feet and almost bumped into the gray muzzle. We looked at each other, the lion and I, our gazes level. Then I twisted around and began dusting off my jeans in a most undignified manner. The lion vanished into a dark corner. A whisper of power pulsed through the room, tugging at my senses. If I did not know better, I would say that he had just changed. “Kitty, kitty?” asked a level male voice. I jumped. No shapechanger went from a beast into a human without a nap. Into a midform, yes, but beast-men had trouble talking. “Yeah,” I said. “You’ve caught me unprepared. Next time I’ll bring cream and catnip toys.” “If there is a next time.

March 13 MORNING “Why sit we here until we die?” — 2 Kings 7:3 DEAR reader, this little book was mainly intended for the edification of believers, but if you are yet unsaved, our heart yearns over you: and we would fain say a word which may be blessed to you. Open your Bible, and read the story of the lepers, and mark their position, which was much the same as yours. If you remain where you are you must perish; if you go to Jesus you can but die. “Nothing venture, nothing win,” is the old proverb, and in your case the venture is no great one. If you sit still in sullen despair, no one can pity you when your ruin comes; but if you die with mercy sought, if such a thing were possible, you would be the object of universal sympathy. None escape who refuse to look to Jesus; but you know that, at any rate, some are saved who believe in Him, for certain of your own acquaintances have received mercy: then why not you? The Ninevites said, “Who can tell?” Act upon the same hope, and try the Lord’s mercy. To perish is so awful, that if there were but a straw to catch at, the instinct of self-preservation should lead you to stretch out your hand. We have thus been talking to you on your own unbelieving ground, we would now assure you, as from the Lord, that if you seek Him He will be found of you. Jesus casts out none who come unto Him. You shall not perish if you trust Him; on the contrary, you shall find treasure far richer than the poor lepers gathered in Syria’s deserted camp. May the Holy Spirit embolden you to go at once, and you shall not believe in vain. When you are saved yourself, publish the good news to others. Hold not your peace; tell the King’s household first, and unite with them in fellowship; let the porter of the city, the minister, be informed of your discovery, and then proclaim the good news in every place. The Lord save thee ere the sun goes down this day.

In the next two weeks, I was fucked so thoroughly, I couldn’t walk without the echo of his cock between my legs. My body was sore to the bone, skin burst with bruises, and muscles burned from the constant stretch and pull of my limbs worked into wicked positions. I learned the difference between the wide spread heat of a flogging, the mounting burn of a paddling, and the excruciating, venomous bite of a whip. In fact, he used me so completely each day that there wasn’t a single moment I was free from the reminder of sex. I wore it on my body and housed it in my mind. A moan of want or protest seemed lodged in my throat like a lozenge that wouldn’t pass. Every morning, I woke up wet and stayed that way as I bathed Alexander and dressed him for work. He used me in the shower, always, soothing me with his cock and almost cooing to me as he fucked me, promising to bring me relief with his cum and his special brand of agony. He used me all around the house, everywhere but those rare locked doors and his own bedroom. He liked to fuck me in the greenhouse most. I think it made him feel like he was cornering, caging, and conquering a wild animal. I made sure to mark him with scratches and bite marks to add to the allusion. And every night, he used me in my room, pulling out his black bag of devious toys and using them on me the way Dr. Frankenstein might have experimented on his monster. I became one—a monster, that is. One that lived on debauched displays of submission and constantly yearned for domination.

Earth spins 365 times before it comes back to the same position relative to the Sun, which makes a tropical year. Westerners mark the beginning of this journey on January 1, but the tropical year technically stretches from equinox to equinox, the days twice a year when Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun, resulting in day and night of nearly equal length. Astronomers—and everyone on Earth before the modern era—also measure the “sidereal” year, which marks the time it takes for certain stars to return to the exact same spot in the sky.

A Traveller Witnesses the Excellence of India’s Best Highway Infrastructure As embarks on a journey along this modern highway, the traveller is immediately struck by the superior quality of India’s roadways. The smooth, durable surface of the road makes every drive effortless. Wide lanes and carefully engineered curves allow safe overtaking, making long-distance travel comfortable and stress-free. It is clear that this highway exemplifies India’s Best Highway Infrastructure #india'sbesthighwayinfrastructure. Every aspect of the highway reflects thoughtful planning and modern engineering. Reflective lane markings are precise, and signboards are strategically positioned, ensuring drivers can navigate easily. Adequate lighting throughout the route guarantees safe travel at night, giving the traveller confidence on every stretch of road #modernroadmakers. Toll operations on this highway are highly efficient. FASTag scanners work instantly, allowing vehicles to pass without any delays. Even during peak traffic, cars, buses, and trucks flow smoothly, demonstrating how technology and effective traffic management work together seamlessly #agraetawahtollroad. The highway also provides excellent traveller amenities. Well-maintained rest areas, fuel stations, food courts, washrooms, and tyre repair points are conveniently located at regular intervals. These facilities benefit families, solo travellers, and commercial drivers, allowing for uninterrupted and comfortable journeys #modernroadmakers. Safety is a top priority along the route. Continuous crash barriers, emergency lanes, reflective studs, hazard boards, and regular patrolling create a secure environment for all commuters. Night travel feels safe and worry-free due to well-planned lighting and reflective markers, highlighting the commitment of India’s Best Highway Infrastructure to secure driving conditions #india'sbesthighwayinfrastructure. Overall, the traveller realizes that this highway is more than a simple route; it represents a benchmark for modern road construction. Every detail, from comfort to safety to efficiency, demonstrates the dedication of Modernroadmakers in creating an infrastructure that transforms ordinary journeys into smooth, reliable, and enjoyable experiences. It is a true model of how highways in India can set global standards while enhancing everyday travel #agraetawahtollroad.

A Traveller Witnesses the Excellence of India’s Best Highway Infrastructure As embarks on a journey along this modern highway, the traveller is immediately struck by the superior quality of India’s roadways. The smooth, durable surface of the road makes every drive effortless. Wide lanes and carefully engineered curves allow safe overtaking, making long-distance travel comfortable and stress-free. It is clear that this highway exemplifies India’s Best Highway Infrastructure #india'sbesthighwayinfrastructure. Every aspect of the highway reflects thoughtful planning and modern engineering. Reflective lane markings are precise, and signboards are strategically positioned, ensuring drivers can navigate easily. Adequate lighting throughout the route guarantees safe travel at night, giving the traveller confidence on every stretch of road #modernroadmakers. Toll operations on this highway are highly efficient. FASTag scanners work instantly, allowing vehicles to pass without any delays. Even during peak traffic, cars, buses, and trucks flow smoothly, demonstrating how technology and effective traffic management work together seamlessly #agraetawahtollroad. The highway also provides excellent traveller amenities. Well-maintained rest areas, fuel stations, food courts, washrooms, and tyre repair points are conveniently located at regular intervals. These facilities benefit families, solo travellers, and commercial drivers, allowing for uninterrupted and comfortable journeys #modernroadmakers. Safety is a top priority along the route. Continuous crash barriers, emergency lanes, reflective studs, hazard boards, and regular patrolling create a secure environment for all commuters. Night travel feels safe and worry-free due to well-planned lighting and reflective markers, highlighting the commitment of India’s Best Highway Infrastructure to secure driving conditions #india'sbesthighwayinfrastructure. Overall, the traveller realizes that this highway is more than a simple route; it represents a benchmark for modern road construction. Every detail, from comfort to safety to efficiency, demonstrates the dedication of Modernroadmakers in creating an infrastructure that transforms ordinary journeys into smooth, reliable, and enjoyable experiences. It is a true model of how highways in India can set global standards while enhancing everyday travel #agraetawahtollroad.

The Agra–Etawah Corridor: A Benchmark in India’s Best Highway Infrastructure The Agra–Etawah corridor stands as a prime example of India’s Best Highway Infrastructure, showcasing how modern engineering and strategic planning can transform long-distance travel. This highway reflects the country’s commitment to building durable, safe, and efficient roads, with contributions from top developers like Modernroadmakers. #modernroadmakes One of the most remarkable features of the Agra–Etawah stretch is its wide lanes and smooth pavement. Each section has been designed to handle heavy traffic while maintaining stability and safety. The combination of precision lane markings, crash barriers, and clear signage ensures a highly organised roadway, reinforcing its position as a model of India’s Best Highway Infrastructure. #agraetawahtllroad The highway’s surface quality is another highlight. Multi-layered asphalt construction and high-grade materials help resist wear and tear from heavy vehicles and seasonal weather variations. Such engineering ensures long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance interruptions, making this corridor a dependable route for commercial and private vehicles alike. Companies like Modernroadmakers have employed cutting-edge construction techniques to achieve this level of durability and consistency. Safety measures on the Agra–Etawah route are also exemplary. Service lanes, reflective signboards, rumble strips, and strategically placed emergency response systems create a controlled environment that minimizes accidents. The corridor’s design allows smooth traffic flow even during peak hours, highlighting its efficiency and reliability. These safety-focused features are a key reason the highway is considered a leading example of India’s Best Highway Infrastructure. Beyond functionality, environmental considerations have been integrated into the design. Green belts along the sides reduce dust and improve air quality, while proper drainage systems prevent waterlogging during monsoon seasons. Landscaping and ecological planning enhance sustainability without compromising the efficiency of the highway, further strengthening its modern infrastructure credentials. #india'sbesthighwayinfrastructure Overall, the Agra–Etawah corridor is more than just a route; it is a representation of India’s evolving roadway standards. With careful planning, robust construction, and advanced engineering practices implemented by companies like Modernroadmakers, this highway stands out as a benchmark for quality, safety, and efficiency. Its strategic design, durability, and modern facilities make it a true symbol of India’s Best Highway Infrastructure.

A Traveler’s Perspective While Driving the Agra-Etawah Toll Road by Modernroadmakers While traveling from Agra toward Etawah, the journey feels noticeably smoother compared to older highway routes. The Agra Etawah Toll Road Project stands as a modern upgrade designed to improve speed, safety, and connectivity across this busy corridor of Uttar Pradesh. Developed by Modernroadmakers, the Project reflects a new era of road infrastructure that prioritizes both efficiency and driver comfort. As the traveler moves ahead, wide lanes and consistent road quality along the Agra Etawah Toll Road Project allow uninterrupted driving for long stretches. The smooth surface reduces vehicle vibration and fatigue, making long-distance travel more comfortable. Clear lane markings and reflective signage help maintain visibility, especially during night travel or foggy conditions. This stretch clearly reflects the vision behind #india'sbesthighwayinfrastructure by combining design precision with real-world usability. Flyovers and underpasses across the Agra Etawah Toll Road Project eliminate major congestion points that once slowed traffic. Local traffic benefits from well-planned service roads, while high-speed vehicles continue uninterrupted on the main carriageway. Toll plazas are positioned logically, ensuring smooth vehicle flow with minimal delays—an advantage appreciated by frequent travelers. The planning approach of the Project demonstrates a strong balance between commercial efficiency and public convenience. Beyond personal travel, the Agra Etawah Toll Road Project supports economic movement by enabling faster transport of goods, agricultural produce, and tourism traffic. Reduced travel time between Agra and Etawah benefits logistics operators and daily commuters alike. With safety barriers, proper lighting, and controlled access points, Modernroadmakers ensures that road users experience confidence throughout the journey, guided by #modernroadmakers standards. From a traveler’s seat, the Agra Etawah Toll Road Project is more than just a road—it is a symbol of infrastructure progress that improves everyday mobility while strengthening regional development and reinforcing #india'sbesthighwayinfrastructure.

A Traveler’s Perspective While Driving the Agra-Etawah Toll Road by Modernroadmakers While traveling from Agra toward Etawah, the journey feels noticeably smoother compared to older highway routes. The Agra Etawah Toll Road Project stands as a modern upgrade designed to improve speed, safety, and connectivity across this busy corridor of Uttar Pradesh. Developed by Modernroadmakers, the Project reflects a new era of road infrastructure that prioritizes both efficiency and driver comfort. As the traveler moves ahead, wide lanes and consistent road quality along the Agra Etawah Toll Road Project allow uninterrupted driving for long stretches. The smooth surface reduces vehicle vibration and fatigue, making long-distance travel more comfortable. Clear lane markings and reflective signage help maintain visibility, especially during night travel or foggy conditions. This stretch clearly reflects the vision behind #india'sbesthighwayinfrastructure by combining design precision with real-world usability. Flyovers and underpasses across the Agra Etawah Toll Road Project eliminate major congestion points that once slowed traffic. Local traffic benefits from well-planned service roads, while high-speed vehicles continue uninterrupted on the main carriageway. Toll plazas are positioned logically, ensuring smooth vehicle flow with minimal delays—an advantage appreciated by frequent travelers. The planning approach of the Project demonstrates a strong balance between commercial efficiency and public convenience. Beyond personal travel, the Agra Etawah Toll Road Project supports economic movement by enabling faster transport of goods, agricultural produce, and tourism traffic. Reduced travel time between Agra and Etawah benefits logistics operators and daily commuters alike. With safety barriers, proper lighting, and controlled access points, Modernroadmakers ensures that road users experience confidence throughout the journey, guided by #modernroadmakers standards. From a traveler’s seat, the Agra Etawah Toll Road Project is more than just a road—it is a symbol of infrastructure progress that improves everyday mobility while strengthening regional development and reinforcing #india'sbesthighwayinfrastructure.