Warrior Words | Stories of Hope | Finding Beauty After Battles & Thriving After Surviving Trauma

Heather Gaffney - Author, Artist, and YouTuber; Storyteller, Warrior, Survivor, Thriver & Faithful Catholic

Are you walking through a storm that feels like it will never end? Do you wonder if life’s storms have stolen the beauty from your life for good? You’re in the right place. My name is Heather, and, like you, I’ve been through a storm or two and wondered if life would ever be beautiful again. Here we share Warriors’ Words ~ stories of discovering beauty after battles and the worth in your wounds. Pick up your sword - or boxing gloves - and join the battle. Your words are powerful, my friends. Make them Warrior Words. Become more involved in this journey at @MyWarriorWords and @HeatherGaffneyAuthor on Instagram. I can also be found on X at @HGaffneyAuthor and on YouTube at @warriorwords and @BeautyAfterBattles

  1. Aug 12

    184. Uncomfortable Truth: Addiction, Redemption & Conversion | Steven M. Bell

    Welcome to Episode 184 of the Warrior Words podcast!   This week's Summer Rewind features Steven M. Bell. In his original episode, number 140, Steven shared his story of addiction and recovery. But not just that... he shared how listening to his son began a conversion journey. And during that journey, his addiction got worse, to the point of almost losing everything. Because of the way God works, it was that conversion that helped prepare him for what he needed to do in order to experience recovery and redemption from the alcohol that had a hold on him. He had to get uncomfortable. And then his Father showed Steven that He, too, was listening. Depending on how new you are to the show, enjoy these great conversations again, or discover them for the first time.   Learn more about Steven: Website: https://www.stevenmbellmusic.com/ Website: https://www.thethinningveilproject.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steven.b12 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6RlbgkIAW8kGRcqvXJC1Qw Uncomfortable Truth: https://amzn.to/3JWchWf The Thinning Veil: https://amzn.to/4g01rvQ   Original Episode: Audio: https://pod.link/1725674975/episode/d2FycmlvcndvcmRzLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tLzUxYzFmMTRkLTVmMDgtM2E1Mi1hMTJkLTVkYmNmZWZkZWZmZQ YouTube: https://youtu.be/cwfVg_60x_8   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    184. Uncomfortable Truth: Addiction, Redemption & Conversion | Steven M. Bell
  2. Aug 5

    183. How to Radiate Hope, Joy, & Compassion in Chronic Illness | Allison Brown

    Welcome to Episode 183 of the Warrior Words podcast!   This week's Summer Rewind features Allison Brown. In her original episode, number 122, Allison shared her story of living with chronic illness for the last 30+ years. She shared about the difficulties with her classmates, as well as those experienced as an adult. But we also talked about her friendship with St. Therese and St. Mary Magdalene; one of whom has a feast day on Allison's birthday. With 30+ years of living with chronic illness, Allison offers hope and radiates joy. She even lit up when discussing a group she's a part of. This group supports her, reflecting to her the person God created her to be, the exact opposite of what she experienced from her group of classmates. Allison is truly inspirational, letting us know that just because you live with chronic anything doesn't mean your value is diminished. Depending on how new you are to the show, enjoy these great conversations again, or discover them for the first time.   Learn more about Allison: Website: https://vineyard.to/allisonbrown Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/because_i_am_his   Original Episode: Audio: https://pod.link/1725674975/episode/d2FycmlvcndvcmRzLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tLzYwM2YzODY2LTNlYzctM2Y0Zi1iYWRhLTk4NjY1ZThkNWQxMg YouTube: https://youtu.be/mkekm2IaNrQ   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    183. How to Radiate Hope, Joy, & Compassion in Chronic Illness | Allison Brown
  3. Jul 29

    182. God’s Still Small Voice: A Story of Cancer Victory | Andy Campbell

    Welcome to Episode 182 of the Warrior Words podcast!   This week's Summer Rewind features Andy Campbell. In his original episode, number 102, Andy shared his story of multiple traumas and how they led to some core beliefs about how God made him and who he was. Andy and I discussed multiple storms he's walked through in his life, but the most shocking one was when he was given six months to live ~ almost seven years ago. God put him on a path of discovery, and Andy learned to listen to the still, small voice God used. But we also talked a lot about forgiveness, and what it took for him to be able to forgive. It's a great conversation that didn't go as I had pre-planned it, which goes to show that the Holy Spirit's plan is always better than ours! Depending on how new you are to the show, enjoy these great conversations again, or discover them for the first time.   Learn more about Andy: Website: http://www.askandycampbell.com/ Website: https://www.yourcancerbreakthroughs.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ask-andy-campbell/ Overcoming Life's Toughest Challenges: https://amzn.to/4laCoWV   Original Episode: Audio: https://pod.link/1725674975/episode/d2FycmlvcndvcmRzLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tLzIzZmRmMTQ2LWUxZTYtMzIyNi05NTQ1LTQ0ZTRjMmNjNmU3Mw YouTube: https://youtu.be/JZc5G4daEUI   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    182. God’s Still Small Voice: A Story of Cancer Victory | Andy Campbell
  4. Jul 22

    181. A 3-Month Life Becomes a Lifetime Legacy | Gina Morton

    Welcome to Episode 181 of the Warrior Words podcast!   This week's Summer Rewind features Gina Morton. In her original episode, number 82, Gina shared her emotional story of her son Teddy. Throughout the story, she shows how God was with her, Teddy, and the rest of her family. She knew suffering was coming, but she found so much beauty in the short time she actively walked through her storm. But more than a decade later, she is still walking through it, only now she is seeing the legacy that was created by her decision to accept her cross. This is a story that involves Ronald McDonald, Hershey, and a dance-a-thon. It is also a story of motherhood, grief, acceptance, grace, faith, and joy! Depending on how new you are to the show, enjoy these great conversations again, or discover them for the first time.   Learn more about Gina: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099615896871716 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pruningtoprosperpodcast/ Podcast: Pruning to Prosper: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pruning-to-prosper-catholic-declutter-organize-motivation/id1613434502 Ronald McDonald House: https://rmhc.org/ Penn State's THON: https://thon.org/   Original Episode: Audio: https://pod.link/1725674975/episode/d2FycmlvcndvcmRzLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tLzFiOGIyMmUyLTVkNzgtMzMyMC1iMzFkLTg5Y2Y1YTBhMTdkOA YouTube: https://youtu.be/X908blWCdko   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    181. A 3-Month Life Becomes a Lifetime Legacy | Gina Morton
  5. Jul 15

    180. Aren’t I Suffering Enough? Finding Peace in Chronic Illness | Maureen Pratt

    Welcome to Episode 180 of the Warrior Words podcast!   This week's Summer Rewind features Maureen Pratt. In her original episode, number 80, Maureen shared her story of chronic illness from childhood until present day. She tells but doesn't dwell. In fact, Maureen has found peace in her suffering. She even titled her book, Peace in the Storm. She has even formed an entire ministry around this book - a ministry God started forming before she even knew about it. One other thing Maureen talks about in this episode is that she went looking for a particular type of book after receiving a diagnosis. She couldn't find one, so she wrote it. That's a challenge I'd like to issue: if you can't find what you need, pray about it, and then create it. Depending on how new you are to the show, enjoy these great conversations again, or discover them for the first time.   Learn more about Maureen: Website: www.maureenpratt.com Website: www.thepeaceinthestormproject.com Events Mentioned: https://www.thepeaceinthestormproject.com/news-and-events Peace in the Storm: https://amzn.to/44ZeIhE Peace in the Storm for Caregivers: https://amzn.to/4bdj88n   Original Episode: Audio: https://pod.link/1725674975/episode/d2FycmlvcndvcmRzLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2I5MTc1OGYyLWZhMTItMzFjMi1hOTU2LTdhNTRlNzdjNmEyYw YouTube: https://youtu.be/B0czZGBlvgY   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    180. Aren’t I Suffering Enough? Finding Peace in Chronic Illness | Maureen Pratt
  6. Jul 8

    179. When Toxic In-Laws Cross the Line | Miriam Susan

    Welcome to Episode 179 of the Warrior Words podcast!   This week's Summer Rewind features Miriam Susan. In her original episode, number 78, Miraim Susan shared about a family situation no one should have to endure. We all know about, and maybe have even participated in, jokes about in-laws. But what happens when the jokes are no longer funny? What happens when those in-laws cross the line and violate boundaries you set up for your family? This episode talks specifically about one set of parents; however, the message can be for anyone in your family or even your other circles. When someone crosses the line, how do you balance the love you have with the pain they're causing? Depending on how new you are to the show, enjoy these great conversations again, or discover them for the first time.   Learn more about Miriam Susan: Website: https://desiringpeace.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CatholicWivesDesiringPeace Free Gift: Desiring Peace Journal - https://desiringpeace.com/journal Original Episode: Audio: https://pod.link/1725674975/episode/d2FycmlvcndvcmRzLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tLzRhNWU0ZWMwLTMxYTItMzFmZC05NzJlLWNjMWE4NTY1MjYzMw YouTube: https://youtu.be/9kZrha7IVlU   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    179. When Toxic In-Laws Cross the Line | Miriam Susan
  7. Jul 1

    178. God’s Divine Breadcrumbs Lead to Healing | Claudine Noel

    Welcome to Episode 178 of the Warrior Words podcast!   This week's Summer Rewind features Claudine Noel. In her original episode, number 66, she shared how God led her on a healing journey by gifting her Divine Breadcrumbs. Claudine followed these breadcrumbs to discover the path God had in mind for her. From trauma as a young girl to beliefs based on something untrue to helping other women discover their feminine genius. Depending on how new you are to the show, enjoy these great conversations again, or discover them for the first time.   Learn more about Claudine: Website: https://embodiedcatholicwoman.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FeminineGeniusCircle/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femininegeniuscoaching/ Claudine's Gift to You - Heart Safety Guide: https://resources.femininegeniuscoaching.com/heart-safety-guide Claudine's Book Sacred Wounds - https://amzn.to/4beLxJU Original Episode: Audio: https://pod.link/1725674975/episode/d2FycmlvcndvcmRzLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2RkY2JlNmMwLTE3MDYtMzQ0Yi05M2YwLWU0MjdhMmRmZWE2Zg YouTube: https://youtu.be/fjQUopW0xHA   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    178. God’s Divine Breadcrumbs Lead to Healing | Claudine Noel
  8. Jun 24

    177. Mother & Daughter: Battling Childhood Cancer | Dineen Miller

    Welcome to Episode 177 of the Warrior Words podcast! It's Summer Time and the Livin' is Easy ~ Isn't that how the song goes? Maybe not for many moms who listen to the show. Kids are out of school, and the schedules get more hectic instead of less sometimes. Last summer, people seemed to like the Summer Rewind series I did, where I brought back several episodes from the previous year, recorded a new beginning commentary, and then re-aired them. The commentaries sometimes have fun facts, or in this week's case: a mistake, or memories of the guest or of recording the episode. So, depending on how new you are to the show, enjoy these great conversations again, or discover them for the first time. We start with Dineen Miller's story of a mother walking through childhood cancer with her daughter. Dineen is a prolific author who has written in multiple genres, so I wanted to honor her writing career by creating a list of her titles on my storefront, so you can access them here. I hope you find a book or two to add to your summer reading list.   Learn more about Dineen: Website: https://dineenmiller.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordineenmiller/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DineenMiller.AuthorGraphicDesigner Dineen's Book List in my Amazon Store (aff): https://www.amazon.com/shop/cuggcorn/media/amzn1.ideas.media.39YERIH72JU54?ref_=aipsfmedialist Original Episode: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/56-a-daughters-devastating-diagnosis-cancer-story/id1725674975?i=1000684826020 YouTube: https://youtu.be/SwJ1G6ljGdU   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    177. Mother & Daughter: Battling Childhood Cancer | Dineen Miller

Trailer

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About

Are you walking through a storm that feels like it will never end? Do you wonder if life’s storms have stolen the beauty from your life for good? You’re in the right place. My name is Heather, and, like you, I’ve been through a storm or two and wondered if life would ever be beautiful again. Here we share Warriors’ Words ~ stories of discovering beauty after battles and the worth in your wounds. Pick up your sword - or boxing gloves - and join the battle. Your words are powerful, my friends. Make them Warrior Words. Become more involved in this journey at @MyWarriorWords and @HeatherGaffneyAuthor on Instagram. I can also be found on X at @HGaffneyAuthor and on YouTube at @warriorwords and @BeautyAfterBattles