The Ninja Writer's Library: It's a Mystery

Hello my book loving Friends,

This is the final post of 2019 and the final one of the decade! The theme surrounding these books is one of mystery. I really got on a mystery kick for the last part of the year. So sit back and enjoy the ride through mysteries.

Some Enchanted Eclair (A Magical Bakery Mystery) by Bailey Cates

Here we have a woman named Katie Lightfoot who is a witch who along with her witch Aunt own a bakery where they work their magic on the peeps of Savannah. She's also part of a coven who call themselves the Spellbook Club. The bakery is hired to cater a movie that's being filmed nearby, but while on set the man who hired them ends up dead. Katie, who has been involved in other murders. and her coven are trying to solve it.
This book reminds me of the Witch City Mystery series in some ways, except in the south. The main character is close with her aunt, there's mystical pets, and a boyfriend trying to cope with their girlfriend's abilities. There's some magic, seances, and twist you don't see coming. I defiantly would add this to my books to get list.

Dead and Breakfast (A Merry Ghost Inn Mystery) by Kate Kingsbury

Melanie West has decided to go into the Bed and Breakfast business with her Grandmother Liza Harris. While renovating they come across a skeleton in their walls, which throws a monkey wrench in their plans. Soon they find themselves knee deep into a cold case mystery, new troubles, and a possible ghost.

This was a difficult read in the beginning, so it made for a slow read. I eventually got into it more as I was reading it during a battle heavy Critical Role episode. For some reason the Grandmother got on my nerves at times when she was pushing her granddaughter to do stuff surrounding the mystery. It's an ok story, even though one part of the story rehashed a fear I have, it was still ok. I also thought the romance blossomed out of nowhere.

So if you like mysteries or stories that take place in the Pacific Northwest that have nothing to do with sparkly vampires then check it out.

Perilous Poetry (A Book Barn Mystery) by Kym Roberts

Charlie Warren's cousin makes an app that is going to bring sales, and a big time mystery author to her store. Unfortunately a string of murders is linked to the app and author which could jeopardize everything.

This was a good mystery. It had me guessing till the end. I liked the bookstore setting and the pet pink armadillo, Princess. As with a lot of books lately took a while to get into it, but I'm starting to believe it's just me and not the works.

We have another story with a woman trying to figure out who to be with between two guys. It's just something I've come across in a lot of books I've seen over the years, and I'm not crazy about. Plus I really think her choice should be obvious and let the other guy go despite the history. Another thing that grinded my gears was the pushy people pushing Charlie to do things and people sticking their nose into her business. It's like maybe she doesn't feel like going to the bar on football night or doesn't feel right going to a funeral of a guy she hardly knew. I mean for story's sake she had to be at these places, but it felt like people were forcing her to go and she just gave in. Of course given it was family and friends I see how that can happen.

Charms and Chocolate Chips (A Magical Bakery Mystery) by Bailey Cates

Once more we have Katie Lightfoot and her magical bakery. In this novel she has been volunteering at a place that tries to help endangered wildlife, when she ends up finding the head of the group dead in her office. Unfortunately Katie also appears to be a target of the killer.

This book takes place before the previous one I mentioned, I didn't realize the library had more. The beginning of the book we have an Imbolic celebration which like the rest of the book seemed cozy as is said of the world on the website. Despite the murder and the danger our friends find themselves in, it is becoming a cozy world.

Now in this one there's also two guys competing for Katie's affections, but Katie done made her choice, so it doesn't bug me as much in this book, the other guy is just stubborn.
This was another good mystery that had me guessing till the end. If you love a little magic with your mystery check this out.

Antiques Maul (A Trash 'n' Treasure Mystery) by Barbara Allan

Brandy  Borne  has decided to open an antiques booth with her mother, the over dramatic Vivian. Sadly things go wrong when the building's owner is found dead seemingly killed by a pit bull. Soon Mom is trying to prove the dog's innocence while Brandy's son is visiting.

I decided to check this book cause it said it was funny, which it did have some funny. We have a cast of quirky characters which made for an interesting read once I got into it. There's "Trash 'n' Treasure" Tips for getting into Antiques. The main character is also found giving tips on other facts of life.
The murder is hinted at in the beginning of chapter one, then it's 97 pages of back story to get back to the murder. Then it seemed to move too quick to the reveal.

Death Overdue (A Haunted Library Mystery) by Allison Brook
Carrie Singleton who works at the local library gets a promotion and at the first event has the speaker die mysteriously. So she makes it her mission to find his killer.
Yeah I eventually DNF'd this book. I just felt myself forcing myself to read it. The first meeting with the library ghost was too abrupt. Then there was things that just grinded my gears. People assuming you hit thirty you have to settle down. Then the Character just giving in to her boss' demands to change her look just cause she got a promotion.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Deep Water by Laura Anne Gilman and Josepha Sherman

This isn't a mystery novel exactly, but the gang is having to figure out a mystery so it counts here. Plus I want to get all my reviews for the 2019 books in this last post. There's an oil spill on a beach near Sunnydale and Willow Rosenberg goes to help save the animals and finds a selkie in human form who is unable to change back. So Willow takes her to the Scooby Gang to see if they can help. The spill also forces to the surface a group of Merrows who want to get revenge and eat on the former prey of their people.

I'm biased but I love reading a Buffy tale I haven't seen or read before. I was reading the final book in Amanda Churi's The Twisted Trilogy for my thirtieth read this year, but it's lengthy so I knew I wouldn't finish it, so I decided to take a break from it and make this quick Buffy read my final finished book of 2019 and the decade.

Ok this section may contain spoilers, you are warned. I love we get an epic beach battle Merrows vs Vampires for the fate of the Sunnydale food supply of humans with the Scooby Gang in the middle trying to take them all out while trying to send a selkie girl home. I also like Buffy utilizing a sharpened peace of drift wood for a stake.

Whew that's a lot of books. Well I reach thirty books this year, that seems to be my average. I also DNF'd a bunch of books this year. I think next year I'll shoot for thirty and may start keeping a log of how many pages I read next year. Thogh it'll be tricky since I'll be finishing one I started in 2019 in 2020.

I hope you all have a good New Year, stay safe, and God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

Artsy Fartsy Time: Gift for Jesus 2019

Happy Friday my friends,

It's the final Friday post of 2019 and the decade. Sorry for the radio silence. This holiday days ran together, there really wasn't anything to write about, and the Mental Health Hydra reared it's heads. But I am back with a couple posts to close out the new year.
Today we are gonna talk about my yearly Christmas tradition of making a gift for Jesus. I had thought of writing another poem, but inspiration was lacking. Well while diving in my craft drawer I found some CD art I never finished and was inspired to make an art piece:

I took a CD and traced around it on a piece of black construction paper. After cutting out the circle I hole punched various holes in it then glued it on the CD's rainbow side. Then I cut a circle of yellow paper and pasted it in the middle. I was gonna use the baby party favors I've been using for a while now for Christmas themed gifts, but I couldn't find them. so I had to make my own. I wadded up a couple balls of paper for the body and the head, and glued strips of paper around it till I got a babyish shape and let it dry. Then I painted it with brown with a water color set I have, the with a blue marker colored a "blanket" on. Then drew an ink face on him. After it dried I glued the baby in the center. With a blue marker I wrote Merry Christmas. That's how you make this years gift.

I had a good Christmas, visited, and was visited by, family. We had good food and had some good gifts. If you celebrate I hope yours was good.
Are you guys having a good holiday? What have you guys been up to? Let me know in the comments.
I hope you have a good week, make art, and God bless you!
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

The Ninja Writer's Library- Ghostbusters Comics

Happy Wednesday Book Nerds,

At the end of last month I read three Ghostbuster comics, which is good considering it was that spooky time of year. So let's get to my reviews.

Ghostbusters (2011-2012) by Erik Burnman

In this comic series we return to the familiar world of the Ghostbusters. We find Ray is being haunted in his dreams by his decision of the traveler's form in the first movie, and Gozer trying to return. We see old familiar specters and new ones. It blends well to the established universe thus far.
We also learn the creepy museum creator from the second movie has a sister and nephew. I mean obviously he would have family, but you don't think about these things.

I was kinda amused with one panel with the ghost of Ellen Gold the spirit of a orphanage headmistress who lobbed the spirits of her children at the guys. Yes grim, but just amused my macabre side.

I devoured this book in one night, I mean it's a comic book, but I was interested in the story too.

Ghostbusters (2011-2012) Vol. 2 by Erik Burnman

In this edition of the Ghostbusters Walter Peck being over the Ghostbusters now has imposed physical health regulations on the boys forcing Peter to actually go to the gym, he's also imposed other limitations on the boys limiting their work. Basically Peck being the jerk he's always been. But the gang with orders from the governor are sent to Schenectady, NY to deal with a major event in a theme park, where Peter proves to have the perfect mind to take on the entity. Egon is also faced with a face from the past that helped him get into paranormal research.

Didn't eat this one up as quickly, but still good. There was a creep factor in this one, I mean creepy possessed kid, always creepy. I felt sorry for the ghost of the elderly woman at the rest home. She just wanted her son to visit. *sad face*

It was also cool seeing a story about Tobin who wrote the spirit guide. There's a face to the name now.

Ghostbusters (2011-2012) Haunted America Vol. 3 by Erik Burnman

In this book the Ghostbusters take America. Detroit, New Orleans, Roswell and Seattle all get help from the boys. The guys deal with and army, a Voodoo priestess, alien ghosts, and a musician that's on fire. Their rolling round in an RV that resembles the Ecto 1 with a travel containment unit, yeah that doesn't have potential disaster written on it.

We see Ray have a deep moment with a solider which makes me wonder if he or a family member was in the military. There's also a moment a women who's not quite alive tells Egon he's not alive, that's gotta sting a bit, but given Egon it probably rolled of his back. I am curious what the voodoo priestess gave Egon and how it's gonna be helpful later. Ray pulls something out of the Winchester playbook against some zombies, which is actually something I've read before as a way to get rid of zombies, though my theory it'd only be the mystically resurrected kind, not a viral type zombie outbreak.

We also see Egon argue with a alien believer over if the things in Roswell are alien in nature or ghostly, it was amusing. Something I didn't bring up with the other two books yet is that Ray's Occult Book Store is still open run by a Goth girl named Kylie, who has become another source of info for the guys, which I think is cool.

What are you guys reading this week? Anything good? Let me know in the comments.
Well I hope you guys are having a good week, read lots of books, and God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer 

Other Places To Find Me

Happy Friday Friends,

It's been a cold week here in the backwoods. We got an inch of snow the other day. I've been trying to read some and watched some more Critical Role. I had a rough time yesterday with the mental health hydra. So since nothing much has gone on I though I'd share with you the some of the other places you can find me.

Twitter- I like this this for those short thoughts or observations one may have in the day they want to share. I update on there every so often.

Tumblr- This is suppose to be where I do the brain dumps I did on here at one time. I need to get better about updating on this site. I've been trying.

Instagram- Since I finally got a device that I could get the app to post I've been happily posting pictures. I mostly post pictures of the sky and mountains on there, but I recently started posting poetry on there;

Goodreads- I have a Goodreads account where you can see the books I've read, and write reviews, which I also do here, but friend me if you wish.

Smith Magazine's Six World Memoirs- Every so often I post a six word memoir on here so browse through the past ones I've done, some are Editor's Picks. I think they are the ones surrounded in a blue box.

Facebook- I do have a Facebook I do for Once Upon a Bologna Sandwich, that I mostly share links to the new posts. I'm debating if I should keep this. It was where I did my Year Long Poetry project.

Deviantart- I post art, stories, and poetry at times on here. I have comics here that aren't the best quality, but I hope are still funny. I have some early versions of some poems that have been edited into their final versions since the posting.

Pinterest- Lastly is my pinterest page which has a lot of pins and boards.  Some of the boards I've shred on here, so if you have one follow me there.

Well that's about everything I post to. I have a YouTube, but I have only one video, and until I get more chances to do readings I don't look for much to go on it, but you can view the video in the media section of my official webpage.

I hope your weekend is good, share your life, and God bless you.

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer and Vampire >vv< Kitty

Maleficent and Japanese Snack Food

Happy cold Friday my peeps,
So Fangirl and I went out Wednesday. It was a nice sunny day. As we were driving along we saw a truck hauling a air balloon basket which I thought was wierd, but then again this is Asheville. Also saw a license plate being held on with the aid of duct tape. Whatever it takes to fix something I guess.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
After some Chinese food we went to see Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. It was an ok movie. I thought seeing more of fae kind was cool. They are a very varied bunch. It wasn't a bad movie, but not extra ordinary for me. I actually was get scrimy in my seat wanting the movie to be done. Keep in mind I have anxiety that sometimes it comes with not being able to sit still long or I need to have something to do while I'm watching something.

Japanese Sweets
We malled afterward which only consisted of two stores Hot Topic and Box Lunch. At Hot Topic Fangirl got a couple of of Japanese snack foods. One was a wafer fish with chocolate in it that was good, Fangirl says it's a fake Taiyaki. But my favorite was the red bean paste wrapped in mochi. Oh my gosh that was so good. I love things with red bean paste. Poor Fangirl had to do battle with the packaging to open it, but it was worth it

New Poetic Avenues
It was a therapy/girl's day out, as they usually are. My therapist did suggest an awesome way to get my poetry out, by using Instagram. I've already posted a couple, so click the link on the right side and check that out.

I hope you guys have a good weekend, stay warm, and God bless you!
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

After Halloween 2019

Happy Friday my friends,

Today I bring you the after Halloween report. First let's back up to the day before Halloween when we carved our pumpkins.

On the left is my Pop Star Pumpkin on the right is my parents'. We use large orange Christmas lights instead of candles. It's safer, and brighter, but I miss the candle flicker.

Halloween we watched the old Halloween staples Garfield's Halloween Adventure, It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, and The Midnight Hour.
As we watched we feasted on a ghoulish meal. Red mash potato brain, green mac and cheese, monster fingers, and ham:

The ham was dressed up to look like a mouse:

And much to our surprise and my Mom's delight it started snowing. It snowed enough to get the truck white. So guess that's nature's Halloween trick on us.

So how'd ya guys spend your Halloween, let me know in the comments.

Have a good weekend, eat lots of candy, and God bless you.
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

The Ninja Writer's Library- They Have Unique Powers

Happy Tuesday book friends,
In this edition of the library we'll be covering books that have people with unique powers.

The Book Jumper by Mechthild Gläser

This book was apparently translated I assume from German. It's also Germany where we start the tale where Amy and her Mother are heading to Scotland to get away from issues they are facing. Once there Amy learns some impressive things about her family, and herself.

I loved the setting, granted I'm biased cause Scotland is on my list of places to visit. I also loved reading the description of Lady Mairead's book themed home, where even the murals have books.

This was a beautiful view into the world of books, filled with familiar characters. I think it's cool the idea of a book world and that there's people who can go there and befriend characters. It was like a book form of the Fiction Fixers games. I almost wish I had Amy's power... almost.

The book did hold some bitter sweet moments more on the bitter side, but it was still a good read. If you love books about books you should defiantly check it out.

A Map of Days by Ransom Riggs

I finally got to read the fourth book in the Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children series. In this book we see peculiardom on this side of the pond. It's a bit of the wild west over here in the States. Jacob is trying to blend his normal and peculiar life, and trying to live up to his grandfather's legacy.

I'm glad to see another book in this series. Although it does mean the happy ending of the third book did kinda get undone, but it wasn't too bad. Emma and Jacob are both dealing with issues related to Jacob's grandfather Abe, Emma is for the first time really dealing with the loss of the man she loved, and Jacob wanting to do more for peculiardom is trying to take up Abe's mantel.

I've noticed I love books or movies with a road trip in it, like the first Percy Jackson movie I love friends traveling on an adventure on the open road.

I'm impressed how Riggs can take a picture and create a story or characters from it. I do wonder what would happen if someone read's the books and recognizes it as an old family picture.
So if you love this series check out it's latest offering, and with the ending I'm sure there will be another one.

It Takes a Coven by Carol J Perry

Here we have another Witch City Mystery, the first 3 books I believe I read about this time last year. We once again join Lee Barrett as she tries to help solve another mystery in Salem while being the new investigative reporter for WICH-TV and the Maid of Honor at a wedding. We also have witches dying or almost dying, crows in mass everywhere, and the same O'Ryan  being the unusually brilliant orange cat he always has been.

This was another good read of the series, it felt like a visit with old friends. It was nice to go back to the home on Winter Street and visit with the wise Aunt Ibby again. But for some reason whether it was a slow beginning, or I just found myself easily distracted. I actually read some of this while at Wal-mart with my Granny. If you love a story set in Salem with a bit of the mystical you should defiantly check it out.

What have you guys been reading let me know in the comments. I hope you all have a good week, read lots of books, and may God bless you.
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

Pumpkinfest 2019

Happy Friday Friends,

 Today we are gonna revisit last Saturday's trip to the Pumpkinfest in Franklin.

First our players:

Fangirl was a dark Rose Quartz from an alternate dimension of Steven Universe.

I was the 11th Doctor from Doctor Who. I even did my nails for the occasion:

I used L.A. Colors® Color Craze® 424 and tipped it in Broadway Nails Pretty Duckling.
The day was over cast and according to a bank 44 degrees F. So very crisp. I was grateful for a costume with layers.

We wandered the festival looking at the booths. A robot praised my costume. Most people thought I was Stan Pines from Gravity Falls.

I visited Books Unlimited one of my favorite book stores. They have a white cat that roams around the shop that I learned had two different colored eyes. I saw a lovely copy of Pride and Prejudice, but I still have my heart set on the Juniper Books version I first saw at Michael's.

I also visited my other favorite store the Art Room which was packed with people at their art bar making cards. I bought a couple charms for my charm bracelet.

We passed the Tartan Museum and they were done up for the season. While we were sitting I saw this cute sign from the Silver Thread yarn shop:

We also saw geeky famous cars from comic books...

... and movies.

I was most excited to see R2D2 I wanted to take a picture with him for an ultimate geeky mash up.

The Doctor meets R2D2

We took a seat for a bit. One of the guys that mistaken me for Stan sat with us and talked geeky stuff. I got to try a deep fried Oreo which was delicious. Heard the new mummy roll contest going on in the background. It's where people roll people up in toilet paper to make a mummy.

It sprinkled on us a bit, but after a restroom stop the rain started coming down harder, and with the temps being so cool we called it early. We stopped at a local Chinese place and had lunch.

So that was our Saturday. Have you guys had any fun fall or Halloween events you've been to? Let me know in the comments.

Hope you guys have a good weekend, have a spooky time, and God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

Goodbye Kmart

Happy Friday friends,

Our local Kmart is closing I haven't done much shopping there in a while save the family getting medications and vitamins. But I do have some good memories of the place. 
Like if we popped in there for meds or vitamins during Halloween it was fun to press the buttons on the decorations and see what they did. My Dad and me had fun doing that. I think during our Halloween window shopping with Fangirl we might pop in here.

Another time I was in there with someone and they had Katniss dolls from The Hunger Games and Groom Edward dolls from Twilight on sale and had them in a display together and Katniss' bow was aimed for Edward. I don't know if it was on purpose, but I hope so cause it'd mean someone there had a since of humor.

I have a few Christmas memories from here. At Christmas time they'd have a tiny forest of Christmas trees set up and I felt like I was in a tiny enchanted Holiday forest. Going back to my childhood they'd gather all us poor kids from the area on the first Saturday of December before the store opened and give each kid a budget and we could buy stuff for us or our families. The also did a clothing one when I was in 5th grade maybe.

There was the time the parents when we had some money come in they let us have a little shopping spree, which we never got to do before, so that was fun.

I remember the blue light special being mentioned in Troop Beverly Hills and the game they had. I think I saw it in a thrift store.

Thanks for the memories Kmart, you'll join the list of stores big and small that have left their memory on my life's path.

Do you have found memories of Kmart or some other defunct store let me know in the comments.
I hope you all have a good weekend, I'll be at a festival, which I'll write about probably Monday.

God bless you guys!

Musical Moment- Halloween Playlist

Happy Monday music lovers,
It's that spooky time of the year so in this segment of Musical Moment I'm sharing some of the songs from my Halloween Playlists. So join me on my Spooky musical journey.

This is Halloween by The Citizen's of Halloween Town-
From one of my sister's favorite movies The Nightmare Before Christmas. This is the song that tops the playlist. It's just not the Halloween season without hearing this song. It's also the first of the three versions I listen to.

Samhaim by Heather Alexander, now known as Alexander James Adams-
This is about Samhain and the beliefs surrounding it. It's a beautiful piece of just guitars and vocals.

Monster Mash by Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers-
An old Halloween classic you always got to include in your Halloween playlist.

Headless Horseman by Kay Starr-
This version I believe came out before the Disney Version. I first heard this version in a video Bob Robertson put up of Sindy Skinless and the Decomposers. It's a nice little Jazzy number.

Witches' Brew by Hap Palmer
This is an old song they played for us back in elementary school. I think your kids might enjoy it.

Amas Veritas by Alan Silvestri
From the Practical Magic soundtrack. This musical number makes me think of Fall and New England.

I Put a Spell on You by Singer's Edge Karaoke
This is my favorite song from Hocus Pocus, but sadly it's not on the soundtrack, so instead of Bette Midler's vocals we have to settle for this.

A Nightmare on My Street by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
I first heard this on Halloween Radio. It's all about Will Smith's encounter with Freddie Kruger. Fangirl probably hates this song due to an encounter with a haunted house Freddie.

Midnight In Montgomery by Alan Jackson
This is the only country song to be found on the list and it creeps me out, probably more than any song on here. It deals with a spooky encounter in Montgomery with I believe the ghost of Hank Williams Sr. To add to the creep I was watching a Face the Music episode on CMT a long time ago and they showed the footage that they couldn't use cause these white blobs looked like appeared on it even though there was nothing wrong with it.

This is Halloween- Pop Version by Marilyn Manson
The second version on the list and the only song by Manson I like. Can really head bang to it.

Samhain Eve by Damh the Bard
A haunting song about the celebrations of Samhain. Beautiful, haunting male and female vocals.

Harvest Dance by Manheim Steamroller
Usually known for Christmas music the group brings us a tune we can do a little jig to.

Samhain Night- Loreena McKennitt
McKennitt sings of a love story in her haunting tone. I assume it takes place on Samhain night.

This is Halloween by Minniva and The Quintin Cornet
This is done by women. This is a really great version that gives us another rock version with a hint of island.

The Headless Horseman by Vocal Spectrum
Another version of this song done as an acapella

Science Fiction/Double Feature by Richard O'Brien
I first heard this on Halloween Radio, I didn't realize it was in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I've only seen pieces of it.

Hex Girls by Moon Sisters and The Nostalgia Girls
I original heard this on Scooby Doo and the Witch's Ghost done by the Hex Girls. This is the only version I've been able to find.

All Soul's Night by Lorenna McKennitt
This song combines Celtic and Japanese imagery and they way they deal with the souls of the dead. Check the info page for this song's write up.

Rush by Aly & AJ
This song was in the T*Witches movie. I get a Halloween vibe from it for some reason.

The Zombie Song by Stephanie Mabey
The singer gives us a zombie love story to surpass Twilight.

October Wedding by Montreux
This song gives me images of the leaves falling.

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! by A*Teens
A cover of the ABBA song, to it has a creepier vibe than the original.

If you like what you see head over to my Spotify Halloween Playlist and jam out to the spooky tunes.

Hope you have a good week, stay spooky, and God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

The Ninja Writer's Library- Magical Regency

Happy Monday Friends,

It's another segment of The Ninja Writer's Library and this time we're diving into the Cecelia and Kate Series by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer. So came along as we dive into these magical reads.

Sorcery & Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot
Here we find two regency women, cousins Kate and Cecilia, the former in London the latter stuck in Essex. We follow their adventures as they try to deal with magic and aggravating men done in the form of correspondences the two have with each other during the Season.

Reading this defiantly reminded me of Jane Austin. Older women constantly reminding the younger of proper behavior, or trying to get their daughters or nieces to marry well. Yep definitely a Austin like atmosphere, if Austin had magic. I thought it was fun the story was told through letters. I did find myself getting mixed up on who was who on occasion, trying to recall who was where, but it wasn't often.

I also liked learning at the end that this book was a game of letters between the two authors that they did with each other. That I thought was cool and fun.

The Grand Tour or The Purloined Coronation Regalia

In book two of this series we find the cousins and their new spouses going on their honeymoon travel and finding themselves in a magical mystery.

This book was Austin meets magic meets murder mystery. We learn magicians don't do well near water, which I think this is folklore I might have heard before. We visit a post Napoleon France and Italy in this book where our characters deal with a mystical mystery that fell in their laps not long after stepping on the French shores. It was a great whodunit tale.

I seriously would not want to be a well to do person in this time period. Society protocol having you call on people or have them call on you and you'd have oblige them so you didn't step on people's toes. Was this just a thing with the wealthy people of the time, or did lower class do this too? I'd just want alone time once in a while. I'm in a new place, just married, not that I know what that's like, I think I'd want some time for us and to check out the city you know.

The Mislaid Magician or Ten Years After

It's been ten years since the last book. Now our friends are dealing with parenthood, the railroad, and a missing magician.

Now in these correspondences we are seeing the husbands point of view of things as well as the wives. So it's good to hear from the husbands. There are children now with their parents knack for mischief. Plus some of them have magical talents so that adds to the fun. There is also alot of talk of ley lines lots of ley lines

As with any book that takes place so far after the other books it's bitter sweet for me. I don't know why I guess seeing time pass for me triggers the depression and anxiety in me.

Again I shudder at things that was expected of well bred woman of the time. We got aunts who still descend upon on nieces who are grown and married to set them straight if they were to screw up the family name... Glad I have aunts who I'm sure love me, but aren't all sticking their nose in my business.

What have you guys been reading? Let me know in the comments!

I hope you guys have a good week, read lots, and God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

What Am I Doing Now?

Happy Tuesday friends,

Things have been slow lately so I'm gonna take pages from Julie Wunder and Austin Kleon and tell you some of the things I've been doing recently.

Bookwise: I was reading through the Cecilia and Kate series by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer. I got part way through the The Mislaid Magician: or Ten Years After when I saw I wasn't going to finish it before it was time to return it, because it's difficult for me to visit even the nearest branch of my local library I use the digital library and check them out through my kindle app. I'm not sure how to extend my check out, and I don't want overdue fees so I figured I return it an check it back out, didn't realize someone else was on the waiting list, so I'm waiting for it so I can finish. Sadly not all peeps can speed read like I tend to.

Binging: Still watching Critical Role I'm making my way through the second campaign. I love the characters especially Jesture, she's just adorable and mischievous. If I keep watching at this rate I'll be caught up before long. Upside caught up, downside what to watch on the bad anxiety nights, never fear I am going to rewatch and maybe actually finish Barky's Brigade.

Music: I have The Old Ways from Loreena McKennitt's The Visit album stuck in my brain. It's a beautiful song. It's based off a New Year's Eve experience she had the turn is as haunting as she says the experience was in her song description on the CD booklet (Hit the info tab on the website to read it for yourself). I love to lay in bed and listen to this song.

Food: I have been eating everything in sight lately. I'm hungry constantly lately. I think it maybe one of my meds. Cause I had some trouble with eating like this last time I was at a full pill of it. I am thinking about making up some of Sugar Bean Bakers' Pumpkindoodle Cookies, they are so yummy. 

Animal Friends: In the backwoods we have many wild animals that we encounter. I heard a deer snorting last night, I've also heard the call of a screech owl.

For a few days I made the acquaintance of a frog hanging out on a trail, sadly it seems to have moved on, I wish I'd gotten a picture.

I did get a picture of this cute ground hog out my window:

It's things like this that make me happy to live where I do.

Other Things I'm Noticing: I've been noticing couple spider webs. The first is one made on the trail where I spotted the frog. I first noticed the huge spider in the middle of it. Then as days go by I look up in it to see what's up with it. Seems the spider has left it, but it's still hanging there. Sadly due to it's position I couldn't get a picture of it.

The second web I noticed in this morning's sunlight. It shone like a brilliant rainbow of colors. The photo doesn't do it justice:

Saying Goodbye: We had to say goodbye to an old friend. A pine tree:

It was dying we think due to some ivy and it'd got over grown from us not being able to trim it. So we bid it adieu.

What are you guys up to this week? Let me know in the comments.

I hope your week is good, happy Fall, and may God Bless You!
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

Daily Treasures: Watching for the Space Station

Hello Sky Watchers,

After a few failed days at seeing the space station, we've been covered in clouds when it's gone over, I finally got to see the space station fly over. It's not the first time seeing it fly over, but each watch is unique in it's own way.

Tonight I saw the dark silhouettes of the leaves shaking in the breezes that touched my skyward face. The neighbor's cars riding the roads, causing dogs to bark nearby. Hearing also the motorcycles all the way from the interstate.

Something small jumped in front of me on the drive way and hid in the grass. So that will remain a mystery. Lorenna McKennitt's "The Old Ways" was probably in my head as it is now.
I saw a hand and arm reaching out in the clouds, perhaps to pull the station along.

Looked better before I grabbed the camera.

Then finally the station come over silently. It looks so small, but I know in contains it's own wonders, and maybe people looking down at us.

Do you guys have any good sky gazing tales? Let me know in the comments.

I hope you all have a good weekend, may there be plenty of stars, and God bless you!

 Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

Pumpkin Skies

Happy Pumpkin Spice Season friends,

The season has brought with it it's numerous pumpkin spiced offerings which now includes Spam. *gags* Why, just why?

Because of this I thought I'd share with you peeps a funny pumpkin related story that happened with  Fangirl and me a few pumpkin seasons ago.
We were coming back from a day out and we'd just had supper. I was stuffed, but Fangirl wanted to get some Pumpkin Ice Cream from our local Dairy Queen. I think I got a small and  ate as much as I could before I got sick from being over stuffed. I actually for a while after this whenever I smelled pumpkin I'd get sick.

Anyway after getting the ice cream we stopped at a store some where, and Fangirl offers to finish drink the melted remains of my ice cream. Well as she was drinking it the setting sun turned the sky an orange. Apparently Fangirl's eyes were either closed or obstructed by the cup as she drunk it cause she was done and saw the sky and asked if the sky was orange or was it just her. I assured her the sky was indeed orange and it wasn't just her. I guess she thought she over did the pumpkin.

So what are you favorite Pumpkin, or Pumpkin Spice offerings? Let me know in the comments. I hope you guys have a good week, enjoy your pumpkin spice, and God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

Halloween Goodness

Happy Friday my friends,

Sorry for the blog silence. Between an abscessed tooth, the mental health hydra, and worrying over getting the tooth pulled, I've not been in the best of states. Well the offending tooth has been removed, by a great dentist that made the process practically painless, which was not the case with my last tooth I had pulled in middle school I recall feeling needle pain, unless that was for the tooth fillings... Any who I'm good.  So today I'm going back to this past Saturday. With it being September the world is erupting with Halloweeness, well actually that probably started in July, but Fangirl and I just now started looking at the stores for Halloween goodness. I though I'd share some of my favorites.

First is the return of Ashland's® Meditating Yoga Skeleton at Michael's. I want this so much, but it is a little big for my current space. That is why I'm happy to see Halloween Makers Namaste Yoga Skeleton that is smaller in size at Jo-Ann's.

I saw also at Michael's Ashland's® Typewriter. I love typewriters. This one had the ominus message: help typed out. Strange thing is Maker's Halloween has a type writer with the same message at Jo-Ann's. So who copied who?

I also loved Maker's Halloween animated radio with a glowing skeleton head. I like you turn knob and get different music numbers.

The next two are both favorites of Fangirl's and mine. First from Jo-Ann's The Boneyard's Mini mermaid skeleton. You can totally use it for your year round bathroom decor.
Michael's wowed us with another Ashland® piece with this winged skeleton on a tombstone. It's all morbidly beautiful.

We also made the stop at the orange Halloween Express tent. As usual it was hot even more so on this warm September day. We didn't stay long, just long enough for me to oggle over the John Lennon style glasses for their hippie costumes. I so want those style glasses.
The one thing I noticed at Halloween Express this year was the disturbing clown pieces by Morris Costumes especially this Tug of War Clowns one.

That is some of my favorite things I have seen this year. Do you have any favorite things you've seen in the stores this year? Let me know in the comments.

I hope you guys have a good weekend, stay weird, and God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

Max Patch Trip

Welcome to another Monday my friends,

Saturday my family and I went to Max Patch. We rode over in our new to us truck, the radio was playing good hits, and we had meatloaf in the cooler. It started out beautiful, the sun light shining down.

I was surprised how crowded it was at Max Patch I never seen so many cars on the side of the road. We went down to Max Patch Pond where there was a family fishing, so we decided to ride around till later when hopeful they'd be gone. We road over to where my Grandpa grew up, I think one of the barns is still standing. We passed a squirrel and I did my best Doug impression.

We had lunch which consisted of Mom's meatloaf, some potato wedges we bought at this general store called Ferguson's Supply, and Mom's homemade biscuits. Nom Nom.

As we road back toward the pond it came a rain and there was a major exodus of vehicles. The rain subsided by the time we got back and the sun was out. The water was so beautiful.

When I walked to the other side of the pond I saw a frog jump into the pond, didn't hear any of the bullfrogs this time we usually hear.

On the way home Mom spotted this mushroom so I had to get out and get a picture.

If you ever in Madison County NC check out Max Patch and it's nearby pond, their beautiful. Click here for more pics of the patch and it's pond.

I hope you all have a good week, go adventuring, and may God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

The Ninja Writer's Library- The Wood Cutter Sisters Series

Happy Friday Book Lovers,

In today's segment of the Ninja Writer's Library we are looking at some of Althea Kontis'
The Wood Cutter Sisters series. A realm where  fairytales collide.

Enchanted: The Woodcutter Sisters Book 1 

Continuing from the last book I reviewed: Spelled (The Storymakers) by Betsy Schow, we have another retelling of fairy tales. Though unlike in the last book where there the fairy tales were mashed together in that world, it felt like they were a subtle blend in this world.

I like the use of the Monday's Child in the story, the link actually mentions this book series. I guess that's why I like Sunday cause I was born on a Sunday, though I do not fit the poem at all. Sunday also collects stories which I think is cool, and gets lost in her own world, I'm guilty of that too.

The book held enough mystery to keep me interested to wanting to know what was going to happen. If you love fairy tale retellings this the series for you.


Hero: The Woodcutter Sisters Book 2 

This book's focus is on Saturday, the tomboy of the sisters, and the one who is perceived the normal one amongst all the magical siblings. The other main character is Peregrine a prince trapped at the top of the world. These two characters cross paths after Saturday accidentally breaks the world and is eventually captured and taken to the top of the world.

The first book in the series I knew what fairy tales were used, but I'm not familiar with most of the ones in this one except Snow White that briefly pops in. I like the character of Betwixt, I think I got that name right. He's a chimera I think and always transforming between beings that is a mix of two animals. My other favorite thing in this book is Saturday's ever-changing name day gift it was a axe, then a sword. It'd be cool to have something like that!

Dearest: The Woodcutter Sisters Book 3

This is the story of Friday Woodcutter, the sister with mystic sewing skills and full of kindness. We get to see the events of the previous book from the people in the kingdom, and how they endured during the upheaval of their world.

This was another beautiful blend of fairy tales we saw, I can't remember the name, but it involved swan princes, the swan princess, even the Darlings from Peter Pan appeared in some form in this fairy tale clash.  I love how the author puts her own unique spin on them. I especially she did with the one swan brother who was particularly cursed, much cooler than the version I read in this fairy tale book as a kid.

Sadly this is the only three my library has at the moment, maybe I'll be able to continue the series at some point.


Are you guys reading any good books? If so let me know in the comments. I hope you all have a good weekend, read lots, and God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

Cemetery Decoration Tales

Hello Friends,

So this past Sunday was Homecoming at my church, which means the Saturday before was Decoration Day. We decorated family and friends'. graves. Our little cemetery is so peaceful and it has an amazing view:

I think this cemetery has been here since the first church existed. I think they built a new one right before my Dad was born or when he was young. Just a few years ago they added a new section.
I love that you can learn the community history and the people. I was doing some research one time about my small community and learned that some of the old postmasters (mistresses) are buried here. I found an old postmaster listing then got curious and looked them up on Findagrave.com under this cemetery. Love this website it's helped me out on family research.

Speaking of Family this site is a trove of personal family history. I got four generations of one side of my family buried here, plus two gens on the other side of my family. Three sadly only have a simple square marker that just says Hannah. So we don't know which in my great Grandmother and her second husband and his brother.

A Decoration Story

I actually have a funny story that started with this cemetery. One decoration we were talking to a church member who I think is over the cemetery. The church had been thinking of making the new section at this time. Well they wanted to see who of their members was going to be buried there to get an estimate how much more space they had. Well since my folks, sister, and I are embers we asked for four. We didn't know if my sister wanted one so I said I'd message her when we got home. Now my sister and me have a sense of humor. I could have been normal and just asked if she wanted to have a plot, but no that wouldn't do for me. I think I said something like "Do you know where your remains are gonna lie for eternity." I figured I get a ha ha or a eye roll in reply. What I got was my sister freaking out. I very confused did explain.
I'd find out later on why. My sister and her family where driving out to do a family walk and play Pokemon Go. She'd just parked and her lights were shining on the headstones of a graveyard when my creepy message came through hence why she freaked out. I should feel bad, but it's kinda funny.

I hope you all are having a good week, pray for the victims in the latest shooting, and may God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

Daily Treasures: Nature's Little Magic Trick

Happy Friday my Friends,

Every so often little things in life like a spider making a web, and the fall of a leaf come together in such a way that it creates a magic act.
I was near our fallen barn and I saw this amazing sight:

A leaf suspended in mid fall, defying the laws of gravity. A great magic trick of nature. Seems God can prove he's a good magician. It's amazing how effective this trick is on the eyes. Who knew spider webs were such a good ingredient for a magic trick.      

I know I've seen at least one of other time on a walk to get the mail. That one was caught perpetually doing it's leafy dance. I thought it was the most amazing beautiful thing. It put a smile on my face.
What simple things are putting smiles on your faces? Let me know in the comments.

I hope you all have a magical weekend and God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

Daily Treasures: Rainbows

Happy gloomy day friends,

We've been getting a lot of rain here lately, but the upside to this, especially if there's a little sun, is the chance to see rainbows. Yesterday we got one of those rare treats rainbows. It started with a couple low to the ground  rainbows:

Then we got blessed with double rainbows:

One could say we were rich in rainbows. Kinda wish there was a pot of gold at the end of them.

Seeing all those rainbows I can't help but think of two quotes first by Dolly Parton: "The way I see it if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."  The second quote is by Maya Angelou from her book Letter to My Daughter: "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud."

Have any of you guys seen some awesome weather related things. Tell me about it in the comments. I hope you guys have a good week, look to the skies, and God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

Pog Nostalgia

Happy start of the week friends,

I'm feeling a bit nostalgic, so bare with me if you have no clue what I'm talking about. When I was probably in my first year of middle school. There was a game from Hawaii that somehow went mainstream called Pogs, or Milkcaps, (Thanks Wikipedia for all that info.) It was like the fidget spinners of my day if you will, blew up big one day and gone as quick.

My sister and me played the game once maybe, except we didn't play for keeps. Basically you stacked the caps up then you threw a slammer at it to knock the pile over and whatever was facing up you kept, it was kinda how you kept score, if you were playing for keeps it was how you got new Pogs (again thank you Wikipedia for the refresher course).

They were like disk shaped trading cards if you will. Seems almost everything in the 90's had a Pog: Baywatch, Power Rangers, even Dungeons and Dragons! I actually wanted a Power Ranger one, but not from the linked set. It was a White Power Ranger I think I saw in an article in this Disney Adventures.

Due to lack of funds as kids Econut and I didn't collect a lot of them. We actually only had Pogs from three collections:

Apollo 13
I got these back in the day when Hardee's still did toys in their kid's meals. I even had the silver slammer. This is probably my favorite slammer of the two I had. It was like a giant coin. My favorite pog of this bunch  is the holographic A13/Moon one.

Lucky Charms
We collected a lot, if not all, of the pogs out of this collection. We even did the mail in to get the red storage case with the slammer. I liked this slammer had finger holds in on the back. My favorite pog of this group is Lucky holding the four leaf clover marshmallow on the red background.
Star Wars Episode 1
I actually didn't realize these were pogs as they came out my freshman year of high school. They were put out by Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut for Episode 1. I think you tried to collect certain colors to get prizes. I only had one and that was Queen Amidala.

Future of POGS
I recently came across this Android Police article by Matthew Sholtz. Seems the World Pog Federation is trying to do a POGs AR. If I understand it'll be like Pokemon Go played on your phone. I don't know if it ever reached it's goal, but that would have been interesting. I just wished they'd offered the scan you own collection into the game for more than just backers, that'd been cool just to revisit that fad of yesteryear, of course I could just dig my old ones out of storage and play the old fashioned way.

Did any of you guys have a favorite pog or slammer? Did you collect any during the craze? Let me know in the comments.

Have a good week my friends, play a game and God bless you.

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

Wanderings in Waynesville

Hello friends it's Friday again,

For today's post I'm gonna talk a little about some things that happened this Wednesday when Fangirl and I, who else, was in the town of Waynesville Wednesday where we took in a movie and dinner.

Smokey Mountain Cinema

We decided to take a matinées of Toy Story 4 at the reopened Smokey Mountain Cinema. We've missed this old friend of ours. The who place has been given a blue makeover. The concession stands that at one time split the room, but now is against the back wall. The ticket windows are just for show now, as you buy them from the concession stand now. The seats in the theater are nice and squishy and you can lean back in them a little now if you wish. Fangirl and I reminisced over the old water damaged panel that use to be on one of the ceiling panels, and when they'd fix it, this was back with the guy who originally owned it when we went to see movies. I'm just glad to see her open again.

Toy Story 4

Now I wasn't the most excited for the movie, I've watched them all, It's just not something I get excited about. Plus by the time we say it I was burnt out with it, cause it's like every product has used them in their commercials. But enough of my lamenting and on to the movie itself.

This movie was good, did manage to make me laugh. It had it's feels, not as bad as 3, but still heart string pulling. It also manage to have some jump scares that made me think of the Goosebumps movies. From the ending I think this is the final movie in the series, which if it is they ended it well.

A funny note, they were showing Annabelle in the theater next to us... an awesome mix don't you think?

Watami Sushi and Noodles

After the movie we went to eat at a restaurant that I hadn't seen before on Main Street called Watami Sushi and Noodles. It is a small little restaurant on a corner, but it was amazing. They include forks and chop sticks in your napkins so you can choose. I like that.

Fangirl had the Pink Lady sushi. It is salmon, crab, shrimp and avocado, rolled in rice paper with salmon eggs on top. She also had Japanese yaki soba with beef. It was a huge dish piled with noodles.

I had the Lemon Honey Chicken, named for it's sauce that includes broccoli, mushrooms, and carrots, and lemon wedges and a side of rice. It was really good though I mainly ate the chicken, mushrooms and some of the rice, I'm picky about how I like broccoli and carrots, never fear the left overs went to my Mom who I thought would enjoy it, and she did.
Depending on what you get the meal sized are huge, Fangirl and I had enough left overs for a second meal from our meals. Upside if you have a small stomach, you can have more of the yumminess later.

But I defiantly would suggest them when your in Waynesville. It's really good.

That ends this post. I hope you guys have a good weekend. Go see a movie, eat some good food, and God bless you!
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

Summer Reads

Happy Monday my friends,

I recently did a write up of my summer playlist, well in this post I'll be covering my favorite  summer themed reads from over my life. It's not a big list, I may add to it as I find more. So for now enjoy this short list.

The Ghost at Dawn's House (Baby-Sitter's Club #9) by Ann M. Martin
This first book on this list is my favorite book of all in the Baby-Sitter's Club series, I mentioned this in my 9C list post. This book is a summer adventure involving secret passages, a possible haunting, and it got me interested in hollow books if I'm not mistaken. It contained everything a good ghost hunting story a kid needed, even though it probably was not the smartest idea for my over active imagination. I read this in elementary school so it should be safe for your kids, it's not too scary.

Baby-sitters on Board! (The Baby-Sittter's Club Special #1) by Ann M. Martin
Yes another BSC book, but this one is puts me in a summer mood more than the first one. I mean it's set on a cruise ship and at Disney World, that's a Summer vacation dream there. This book inspired some of my summer hi jinx when I was younger. One of the characters Mallory had just read Harriet the Spy so she plays spy the whole trip, which inspired me to play spy on a camping trip. I had a notebook and would document the people and things I saw at the campground.

Disney Adventures July 1st 1995
My sister and I were subscribed to the magazine as kids. I still have a lot of the old issues in one of my book shelves, but this and a few others that were my favorites went missing over the years. The main article was about Batman Forever and since this was during the POGS craze I think they had like the origin story of them, a topic I plan on talking about later. Anyway the big thing that I poured over was the "101 Ideas for Sizzling Summer Fun". This had so many great ideas for summer vacation, I think I'd take this out when I'd got for a walk just to inspire my imagination, I don't know if I did any of them, except maybe the one that said count you mosquito bites. Those bloodsuckers love me. *scratches bites*

Ghost Cat by Beverly Butler
This is another ghost related book. Even though I'd forgotten most of the book the one thing that I remember was the scene the main character has with her elder relation as he's showing her how to use a compass. This is a good summer ghost story. I read this in middle school so it might be better for your preteen maybe older child, cause there is some scary parts in this.

Horse Crazy Series by Virginia Vail
First I gotta thank the Unicorner for helping me remember the name of the series. I went through a stage were I was into horses so this book about a summer horse camp, was perfect for me, even though I'm too scared to ride one. There's only six books in the series. Each book follows a week at the six week camp. If you have a horse lover in need of a summer read this is a good series if you can find it, I read it in middle school I think, but I think it may be ok for kids.

YM June/July 1995
This come out around the same time as the Disney Adventure previously mention so it had Chris O'Donnell from Batman Forever. This also had an article with Summer ideas for teens called "Real Life Summer Sizzle", what was with using the word sizzle that year? It basically gives 95 ideas for the summer of '95. I have the article in a summer scrapbook. I actually didn't get this magazine for maybe a few years after it come out, cause I was only like 10. It was in some hand-me-downs from some family members. I don't know if I kept this on me during the summer like I did the first magazine, I probably did. Looking back over this article it really takes you back to days of phone cards and early online computer accounts.

Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen
I did a write up about this book not to long ago. But I thought it was a perfect adult book for the list, I finally have a good adult book to add to the summer list. Allen casts that magic realism spell on a lake in Georgia, is that the right term magic realism? There is a sadness to the book, but the descriptions of summer just put you in a summer mood.

What books are your favorites to read during the summer? What was a favorite summer read of yours as a child? Let me know in the comments.
Hope you guys have a good week, read lots, and God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

The Ninja Writer's Library- Mystic Women

Hello you awesome bookworms,

In this installation of the library the theme is mystical women. We travel to the treets of New Oreleans to a story book inspired world. So follow me as we dive back into the pages.

Spirits, Hurricanes, and the Krewe of Ghoul by Deanna Chase

I was intrigued by the description of this story when I was trying desperately to find something new to read from the library. A tale set at Halloween with vampires, count me in. This was a short story set in the world of Pyper Rayne, which is set in New Orleans. She gets invited to a Vampire themed float and gets more than she bargained for.
This was a quick read given it was a few chapter long short story. I loved it was set in New Orleans, it's on my list of places I want to visit. I also enjoyed the antics of the ghost Ida May, who is lively for a dead chick.
There is a bit of adult content, but it's a parade on Bourbon Street what do you expect. I've watched live cams there during Mardi Gras so I know what I'm talking about. As I usually do I just breezed past these parts.
It was a nice intro to this character and her world, and a nice little read to pass the time.

Spirits, Stilettos, and a Silver Bustier (Pyper Rayne #1) by Deanna Chase

Reading the short story above made me interested in reading the first book, which luckily the library had. In this book we have Pyper trying to find a murderer without becoming a victim herself.
A very interesting cast of characters. Pyper a medium, who owns a coffee shop and does body painting, Jade a witch who works at the coffee shop and is high up in her coven, Ida May the shop's ghost who causes mischief and flirts with the cute guys, well as much as you can when your a ghost who can't be seen by normal people.

I found this book to be the right amount of strange and amusing , especially where Ida May was involved. I may go back and read the Jade books that came before.

Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin

This is the first book in the Raine Benares Series. This might be my first fantasy novel in a while, as in the old school medieval setting. *Checks book journal* Yeah if you count Howl's Moving Castle and Stardust it's been since last year. I use to eat fantasy novels up, luckily Captain was my enabler.
I have to say I like the main character. Raine is one spunky chick. She can take care of herself, she's loyal to those she loves, and has a cat that likes her neighbor more. Sadly it's her caring for her friends that gets her into the trouble she finds... see what I did there. *points to the title of book*
This I think is the first time I've seen goblins be sexy. They are described as an alluring race. I never thought I would see this. All this time thier the annoying blame things you start out fighting in a game, now their hot, gotta love fantasy...

Spelled (The Storymakers) by Betsy Schow

Continuing on the path of mystical females and first books in a series we come to Dorthea a princess of Emerald who in wanting her circumstances to change breaks her world. Defiantly a be careful what you wish for moment.

Dorthea lives in a fairytale world that puts me in the mind of the Shrek and Ella Enchanted movies. All the famous fairytales and stories coexist here where they apparently believe in the great Storymakers who write the rules and happily ever afters of this world. Dorthea like her mother and female ancestors before are forced to forever remain inside the castle away from flame for fear of some curse put on them by a witch. I'd go crazy. I mean I can be a homebody, but forever trapped inside. I mean at least there are credit cards in this realm so she could order things if she wished.
This was a nice reworking of the fairy tales we know, I loved language this world had very fairytale themed. This is another series I may if I get the chance continue to read.

I hope you enjoyed that romp through literature. I hope you find something fun to read this weekend, and may God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

AARC 2019

Hello my geeky friends,

Saturday my peeps and I attended the Asheville Anime Regional Convention (AARC), it was a world of anime, video games, and just plain geekiness. But before we get to the fun of the day let's look at our players:

Fangirl is rocking her own design of Steven Universe's Rose Quartz, a dark Rose Quartz. She painted the shield herself.

Econut and we'll call this friend Audette went as Bowser and a Evil Peach.

Econut is proud of the Chomp she painted on her vest and the shoes she painted:

Yours truly went as the Doctor. Geronimo! I went with a bow tie Fangirl found for me. I'm gonna use the homemade one for Pumpkinfest this year. Despite it being warm I surprisingly didn't get too hot in my layers.

Ok now you know your characters, lets get on with the tale of our day.  Fangirl and I both left things at our houses my sonic and her shield, luckily we were not far from my house when we had to turn back, but Fangirl's place was halfway across the county. After gathering all our forgotten goods we finally met up with the other two members of our party halfway back the other side of the county, only to be separated again cause their car was unable to move as fast as Fangirl's. It all finally come together when we all met up in the parking lot, and late our Marshmallow Rainbow Maids Cafe reservation, never fear we managed to get another slot.

There was a good crowd at the con...

...and lots of costumes. I saw Deodorant Man at one point (see last years post).

After making a reservation we watched a little of the lip synch battle which Audette had wanted to see. After our brief respite we did a walk through of the Artist Alley. We ran into Amanda Churi the indie Author we've ran into the last few cons we've been to. I purchased the third and final book in her book series The Twisted Trilogy: In Eden's Shadow. Check out her work the trilogy has made for an interesting read.

The best line heard at the con was a girl in a corset who'd said "Goodbye organs, Hello beauty." I got three "Fezzes are cool", and 2 people saying Eccleston was an underrated Doctor, very true.

We went to the Plus Size Cosplay panel were the host we'll call her Velma told us of her struggles of being a plus size cosplayer. I applaud her for telling her story and trying to make plus sized cosplayers the social norm. As a plus size cosplayer myself I'd like to see this. 
After this panel we headed to the Marshmallow Rainbow Maids Cafe room. As we waited we saw the profiles of each maid on the wall. Econut said it'd be funny if we got Maid Gaki, the Sukeban (Gangsta Type). Guess who we got?

When we went in we were given sticks with streamers and bells on them, cat toys as one maid called them, so we could cheer on the maids performance. Which we happily did. after the performance the maids took our order and served us all while we engaged in a game with Maid Gaki called What Do You Meme? We shared a table with a woman dressed as a cat and a  red Power Ranger, who told me David Tennant was going to be at a nearby con, and I'm like put a knife in my heart why don't ya!

Trinkets from the Rainbow Maids

After we got a pic with our maid and returned the cat toys,  we went back to the stage area to watch some of the Asheville Kendo Club demonstrations. After watching some audience members whacking club members with sticks we cruised the dealers area. I got me some more dice and a couple Yugioh cards to add to my collection.

Worn out from our wanderings we sat and watched a bit of A Taste of Asia Dance Fitness while waiting for the Cosplay Contest, only at a con will you see a fitness group with a Kiki from Kiki's Delivery Service, and Link, Bob Ross, and Dinosaur dancing to the side, did I mention Bob Ross was doing the floss? Again only at a con.

Fangirl bid us adieu as she went to get ready for the contest, then Econut and Audette went to find a place Econut could smoke. So I was the lone picture taker for the group. Fangirl was in the beginners section and I think she did her poses perfectly:

Sadly she didn't place, but she did get a nice applause. I didn't enter cause I figured my Doctor costume would place. The big story was during the journeyman level. A Spiderman Noir had just gone up and he was followed by a Spider Gwen, this also happened in the beginners. As this Spider Gwen was doing her poses Noir gets back on stage and proposes to her:

And if you couldn't tell she said yes. Like I've said only at a con.

We did one more spin through Artist Alley and then we parted ways with Econut and Audette. I have to say a con is more fun when you're in a group of peeps.

Fangirl and I decided to go to this Japanese eatery called Waku Waku, they were offering a discount for AARC cosplayers, and we weren't the only ones. It was like a mini AARC after party. Unfortunately the sudden flux of customers had the small staff swamped trying to keep up orders, so there was a wait for food. We ordered some Takoyaki: Japanese Octopus balls, for our appetizer, not only were these my first octopus balls this was also my first time tasting their Waku Waku sauce. They were good. If I go back may have to get some more. Fangirl and I got the Katsu-Don, she got the pork , I got chicken. It was okay just didn't realize it'd be smothered with onions. I just scrapped it off and added some Waku Waku sauce to the rice so it wasn't just plain rice.

So it was a fun time at the con, looking forward to next year's. I hope you guys have a good week, for those who celebrate Happy Independence Day, and may God bless you!

Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer