Animal Encounters

Happy Monday my friends,

Here in the backwoods we aren't strangers to various creatures birds, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons and deer. But we have received some interesting visitors here lately so I thought I'd take time to share them with you.

The Peacock-
Back in 2018 we get a call from my Granny telling us a peacock was heading our way. Sure enough a peacock came through the field. Ranger our dog started going nuts barking. Which at that point the scared bird took to the trees and stayed for the longest time. I had no clue peacocks were able to get into trees. What's more impressive is how far he traveled, cause the only people in the area we know owns peacocks, and they live a couple miles away by road, further if he went through the woods.

The Pig-
The year of the pig gave us a pig. Once again my Granny called and said she'd saw a big black dog heading our way. Once more Ranger was pitching a fit. Well we didn't see it until it was in the field below our house, and I'm like that's a big dog. Well Mom went out on the porch and met this dog, which turned out to be a pot-bellied pig, our neighbors in fact, who herded him back home. Now one time pigs weren't uncommon I think my family use to keep some, but besides the wild ones I think we had rooting around when I was younger, this is the first pig we've had here.

The Frogs -
Frogs are common here, peep frogs a harbingers of warm weather for us, but here in winter not so common. In NC we recently got a crap load of rain. How much, enough to were two little frogs tried to get in from it. I was going out on the porch and opened the door to find Mousey, Mom and Pop's cat playing with something that hopped into my Dad's shoe, then under the kitchen table when my Dad dumped it out, Pop finally managed to catch it and put it outside, then I saw the second frog hopping.

What's some of the weirdest animals or animal tales you've had? Let me know in the comments. Hope you have a good week and may God bless you.
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

The Appalachian Trail

Happy Friday my friends,

 As we slowly inch toward spring I know a lot of people are anticipating hiking, some may even hike despite it being winter. One trail I know that is being hiked, and will be hiked this year is the Appalachian Trail (AT for short). For the uninitiated the AT is a trail stretching from Georgia all the way up to Maine. And every year there's a hand full of peeps who try to  hike it's entire length.

Max Patch

I've actually been on the trail. I was on the section below Max Patch looking for a letterbox,, it's called Hiking the A-Trail. It's kind of exciting knowing my feet have walked where so many others have walked on their journey either at the start or finish, it depends on where they began. One of the blogger/bloggers I follow Boho Berry is gonna start her journey on the trail next month. Watching her videos on her AT Hiking channel I've been getting interested in the AT. I've come across stories before of it, I'm actually reading a book called The Appalachian Trail Hiker by Victoria and Frank Logue. I don't know if I'll finish it cause it's more of an instruction book for hiking, but I have gain knowledge I didn't have before.

My sister wants to hike that trail at some point in her life. I myself have wondered what it'd be like to hike that expanse of trail, which probably won't happen cause of a few factors, I couldn't devote the time, money, and my mental health particularly the OCD. But I still have to wonder what it'd be like the things I'd see and learn, the stories I'd collect either of my own, or others', experiences. Well even though I'll never walk it I'll follow Boho Berry on her journey and hope she can do it all. Good Luck girl!

Have any of you hiked the Appalachian trail? Or maybe another amazing trail. Tell me about your adventure in the comments. Hope you all have a good weekend full of nature based adventures and may God bless you!
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer

Creative Space in a Box

Happy Monday friends,

Today is another Crazy Ideas time, only this time I actually did the idea, so  this is a bit of Artsy Fartsy Time too. Today I'm going to show of my creative space in a box.

See I have always wanted to have a creative space (I think Keri Smith has mentioned creative spaces in her blog at some point, not 100% sure). Either a place like a writing shed, or even just putting  a shelf near my computer with things I find inspiring, but money and space makes all of these not feasible. Well the other day I was doing some research for a story, and came across this article  from Exemplore about Types of Altars, one was one you could keep in a box and store away when you needed to. Then it hit me hey why not do that with a creative space? So that's what I went and did.
First things first I needed a box. I just so happen to have this purse shaped box my uncle's wife at the time made me for Christmas a couple or so years ago, if you're curious I think she got everything at Micheal's.

I then placed inside things I found inspired me. I don't have much in it at the moment, but I'm sure more will be added as time goes on.

It was only when I was taking this picture that I realized, when opened this thing has a coffin outline. While we only have a few things in this puppy let me give you a close up on the items.
The top have I have some inspirations sayings. It's all attached on with washi tape I got at Micheal's. On the upper slip of paper I have my favorite Bible Verse from Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me." Be low that I have the first two lines I love from one of my favorite poems Arthur O' Shaughnessy's Ode: "We are the music-makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams," I put it on this crinkly paper to give it the air it'd been scribbled on a scrap of paper, but I may have to change it out.

Next I have some gumball machine treasures, is that what you call them. The yellow thing looks like it may have been a factory defect, cause it looks like is just half forming into something, so I call in an idea, and I have it in here in hopes I always have ideas forming like it. On the left is a skull cause well every writer needs a skull don't they?

This cute bottle I purchased at my first Asheville Anime Regional Convention. Inside it I put a fake crystal and a couple silver stars, and the tangerine seed I wrote about last new years.

I have this saying decorative stone my folks gave me it says: "Only you can give your special gift to the world".

Lastly, I have this TOMY Micro Dancer. I got this a lone time ago. I don't know why it just makes me smile. This particular one is called Elvie the Daisy Dancer which is perfect since my favorite flower is a daisy and she's got a Union Jack on her shirt, which I love cause I want to visit the UK someday.

And that closes the box on this post. I hope you all enjoy my little creative space on the box, maybe it'll inspire those of you with little space and funds to create your own. If you do share them in the comments below. I hope you guys have a great week, stay inspired, and God bless you!
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer and Vampire >vv< Kitty

The Ninja Writer's Library: Strange Happenings

Happy Friday friends and lovers of books,

Well it's 2019, and I got more books to read! I've set my Good Reads reading goal to 20, I know I read 30 last year, but I don't wanna put pressure on myself. But according to my progress I'm two books ahead of schedule, gotta love that speed reading ability. So let's tackle my first four books of the year!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

I've seen the movies and as what has become habit I've now read the book. It was a good read, a good little romp into modern Geek mythology. I loved learning that some historical figures were children of the gods. I also learned how to say "Eat my pants" in Latin. If your a fan of stories involving Greek gods give it a read!

Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs

If you recall last year I did write ups for a couple of his Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children books, well this is the book they used in that series to help them on their journey. You'll find some familiar tales and even the origin of the children's  bird protectors.
It was a good light read, nice to learn of more types of peculiars and the history. I like that Millard, one of Miss Peregrine's children, was given his own author page for compiling these tales.  If your a fan of this realm you should add this to your read list.

The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

My third read for the year. I enjoy Allen's books  they have this sleepy magical vibe. Yeah that's a strange description, but I can't describe it better. Here we have a small town mystery and people trying to find their true selves. I was happy to have a character from I believe Garden Spells making a little cameo in this book.
On the book's segment of her site she says she was inspired by the towns in Transylvania County NC, which I can attest to given I spent many summers there as I was growing up, and attended it's Halloweenfest for a few years after college. If you love your mystery to have a little hint of the mystical then read this book.

The House With a Clock In Its Walls (Lewis Barnavelt, #1) by John Bellairs

Back in November Fangirl and I went and saw the movie to this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. So later I decided to check the book out, one wait list wait later, which doesn't surprise me in light of the movie, I got it. The first half of the book follows the movie mostly then it veers off, but that's not a bad thing. This is one of the cases where I enjoy the book as I do the movie.
I always find it interesting to see how tiny things in books get magnified in the movie. Like Lewis' Magic 8 ball which was featured throughout the movie, only is mentioned toward the end. The clock in this one isn't on the scale the movie's is, but for movies you gotta make things more epic for the screen.
My favorite part of this book is Lewis' first night in the house, and he decides to read. This kid knows how to read. A comfy bed, a quiet time where he won't be disturbed, and chocolate, what more could you ask for? If you loved the movie give the book a try.

Well that's does it for my first reads of the year. I definitely have a couple series here I'd like to continue reading. Gotta a lot on my wait list, so hopefully we'll have another visit to my library very soon. Have a good weekend, read lots of books, and may God bless you!

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

Running Away on a Sunny Day Playlist

Happy Monday my friends,

It's time for another Musical Moment Monday. This week on the heals of my Running Away on a Sunny post I give you my Running Away on a Sunny Day playlist. These are songs that either talk about getting away, or I love jamming while riding under sunny skies:

Disappear by Jennifer Day- From the Album The Fun of You Love I guess you'd call her Pop Country, this song leans more to country. Has hints of that late 90's/early 2000s country sound. It talks about disappearing for a bit with your love when the world has you too busy for each other.]

Texas Plates by Kellie Coffey- This was suppose to go on her second album, which was never released, but it is available to listen on her Spotify page. It's about 3 chicks chasing down a hot Texan in his car that they meet at a red light. So basically like the SPN Family with Jenson and Jared. A couple nice cars get a mention here too.

Something So Good by Point of Grace- From probably my favorite Point of Grace album Free to Fly. I gotta have a good upbeat Christian song in there
.
Passenger Seat by SHeDAISY- Scooting on in from the Sweet Right Here album. The describe what life's like being in the passenger seat.

Perfect Day by Hoku by This song is from the Legally Blonde Sountrack. A perfect song from a sunny day.

Bouncing Off the Ceiling (Upside Down) by A*Teens- I remember jamming to the music video to this, which included a little VW Beetle Bug. This comes of  the Teen Spirit Album.

Feels So Good by Atomic Kitten by From the debut self titled album. This song is perfect for a Sunny day jam. This harkens back to some of the 70's sound, definantly some disco flavor.

Rollercoaster by B*Witched- This not only my most favorite song from theire self titled first album, this has to be my favorite song of all time with this band. I even loved both versions of the video.

Love Me Like You Mean It by Bryan White- The How Lucky I Am album, that this song hails from, has to be my favorite album by this artist. I see a convertable and roller skaters being invovled if I were to make a video for this.

Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car by Billy Ocean- Among the many hits on his Greatest Hits this one is my favorite.

Single White Female by Chely Wright- From the album of the same name this song is my favorite song by this artist. It's just a fun song about using the personals to tell a guy she's interested in him.

Catch Your Wave by The Click Five- This is just a fun song to jam to. Makes me think of the beach and surfing. My favorite from Greeting from Imrie House.

I Love You by Martina McBride- This upbeat country pop jam from The Runaway Bride sountrack is just perfect for a Running Away on a Summer Day playlist!

My Alien by Simple Plan- Off of the No Pads, No Helmets... Just Balls album, this is my favorite song by this band. The Capatian said it sounded like a song we'd write. I remember jamming to this With the Captain, Econut, and me driving around Asheville.

In My Car (I'll Be The Driver) by Shania Twain- Depending on the flavor you want is whether you jam out to the Green or Red version of this song from the Up album. Which do I prefer? Both.

Reckless by Alabama- From the Cheap Seats album. The invitation at the begining is so tempting, and the imagery at the beginng is so beautiful. Again Texas and a hot car is mentioned.

Everyday Is a Winding Road by Sheryl Crow- Off The Very Best if Sheryl Crow, gives the list some rock flair with a hint of I wanna saw Carribeean ewith that opening drum.

Heads Carolina, Tails California by Jo Dee Messina- Her first single from her debut self titled album. This made me her fan instantly. Talks about getting out of their town and finding a new place to go. I remember when she was on this show called Prime Time Country on TNN she had a couple flip a coin to decided where they'd live.

Let's Go to Vegas by Faith Hill- On her It Matters to Me album, she decides her and heer love should go to vegas.

Our Lips are Sealed by Haylie and Hilary Duff- I already mentioned this for A Cinderella Story's Soundtrack. With the cars in the original and Duff version, perfect to jam out to on the ride.

Playing with the Boys by Kenny Loggins- Rock your ride with my favorite from the Top Gun soundtrack ( if you have the expanded version play the Dance Mix for an extended play)

Proud Mary by Tina Turner- The version I have is from the VH1 Divas Live 1999 soundtrack, get some Cher and Elton John in there.

Sittin' on Go by Bryan White- This fun little song is from his Between Now and Forever my favorite album from what I like to call his early era.

This Town by Bryan White- Yes another one by white, can't help it a big fan. In this song from his debut self titled album the singer asks his love to escape their narrow minded small town.

When My Dreams Come True by Rebecca Lynn Howard- Another song of a debut self titled album. This is another example of Pop Contry. I love the heck out of this song. A very favorite jam.

Why Not by Hilary Duff- From The Lizzie McGuire Movie soundtrack all about taking chances.

Get Out of This Town by Carrie Underwood- Found on her Carnival Ride is about leaving secretly under the cover of darkness. 

Something Like That by Tim McGraw- A hit from his Greatest Hits, this is another song with great imagery.

How Far Do you Wanna Go by Gloriana- You know the tale a song from the debut self titled album. About someone willing to go the distance for the love.

Bluer Skies by Kellie Coffey- Another one from this artist off her released When You Lie Next to Me. It's all about leaving and living those youthful dreams under "bluer skies".

Whew, that's a list. But that's cool, it'll gives you a playlist to last the trip. What song whould you add to the list? Let me know in the comments. Have a good week my friends, and may God bless you always!

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

Running Away on a Sunny Day

Happy Friday friends,

Seems this post was destined to be a Friday post. This is another post I did on the old blog that I thought would be worth revisiting about running away on a sunny day. Let's be frank life is a crazy mess sometimes. We get worn down and wore out. Sometimes we just gotta get away. I read or heard somewhere even Jesus knew when to step back and recharged. Now I'm not saying running away forever from your problems, just running away for a day or two for a break.

But why a sunny day? I've always been a sucker for sunny days, I recall one Friday back in high school when my friends and me still lunched outside that I looked up into that beautiful sun lit blue sky and thought what a perfect start to the weekend.  In college during a music class, I'd look out the window at the sunshine and just imagining driving away on some adventure, granted I had no license or car, but I could still dream.  I guess I see a sunny day as a prime time to hit the road and see where it takes you.

So let's imagine a bit: You've woken up Friday morning, the last week has been hard on the soul, but as you look out the window you see  the sun is out and the sky is the most brilliant blue. You feel the call of wanderlust, breathing sweetly in your heart and you must answer. 

You start packing, forming a vague idea of where your going maybe it's an hour away, maybe 5.  It doesn't matter all you know is you need this day, this time, to recharge. Hopping in your vehicle you turn the key and feel your ride come to life. As you drive it's time for some music, maybe you have a playlist, a CD, or maybe a mixed tape that's been waiting for this day: Blue skies above you, the road before you, wander in your heart, and a song on your lips.

Now if this was me I'd be packing my journal to document my thoughts and the journey, my tablet cause it'd have my books* and tunes on it, and my shades. As for location I'm thinking a beach somewhere. As I mentioned in another post it was an inspiring place for me. My dream vehicles for escaping would either be a red Jeep®, a light blue Volkswagen© Van (aka hippie van) or an Electric Green Beetle Bug (if I'm running away alone). My jams well I'll bring that up in the next Musical Moment Monday.

For more inspirations to your running away adventure here is the Pinterest board I made for you to check out. I hope your good and kind to yourselves my friends. God bless you!

*I prefer paper books, but library books and travel wise I go digital.

Myrtle Beach Monday

Hello Friends,

Wish I was writing this at the beach, but I'll have to be content writing about it. I wanted to spend this Monday revisiting my first and only encounter with the ocean. I've actually shared a poem about the meeting in an earlier post. Well know you'll have some pictures.

My first visit to the ocean happen in 2012 when I was in my late 20's. Health issues and finances made it to where we never got to the coast. Then my friend Fangirl decided to take me to Myrtle Beach for vacation. She'd been wanting to take me to their Medieval Times I think since we'd become besties. After a I wanna say five hour drive I got my first glimpse:

"The Atlantic reveals a piece of herself/ Through road side trees"

We got to our ocean side hotel as the sun was beginning to set, but I couldn't resist going down to the beach before we checked in. It was a gorgeous sunset.

After check in Fangirl had plan on a seafood place but we ended having pizza at the Hard Rock Cafe, which was fine with me cause I hadn't been there either. After we got back I found myself going out onto the balcony watching the waves:

Balcony's Night Waters

Orion my friend, again we meet
Staring over a mass of darkness
On this cold brown metal
Beyond my 7th floor balcony
I hear the waves roar
Bringing the sea breezes
Ripping through my hair
Who, like them, is untamed
I see the sprays
Whiten forms emerging from blackness
Oh what creatures they could contain
Hidden in their tides
Sheltered by the night
The tales lady ocean may keep
Perhaps she whispers them to us
With the crashes and lapping
What's that blackened mass I see
On the water there on the shore
Be the creatures arising?
Oh forgive me Orion
I've neglected you
Please accept my wish


The next morning I was up early, cause I wanted to enjoy as much of those beach view as I could. I was so inspired I sat out at our balcony table and wrote poetry:

Living a poet's fantasy

After Fangirl got up we went out onto the beach for a little fun:

The Flying Sand Pig!

All too soon it was time to head for Medieval Times.

After we got in we did the picture thing with the King and Princess, and I think I saw one of the cashiers reading Harry Potter which I thought was so cool. Yes you may think it's a cheesy dinner show, but I thought it was  awesome. I mean come on good grub, sword fights, and jousting.

My final morning I awoke before the crack of down, watched some anime on Cartoon Network, and then sitting on the balcony waiting for down. I saw the crack of dawn on the eastern coast of the us come in faint reds, as it got more daylight I made my way to the beach, walking along, taking pics, and picking up seashells. It was another of God's master pieces.

Soon it was time to say bye to the beach, but before we bid adieu we hit up a souvenir shop, the kind that sold hermit crabs which I've always wanted for some reason, no I got a key chain for my states I visited key chain collection. Then I dozed off somewhere in sunny South Carolina and woke up near rainy Asheville NC. I think it rained for a few days and just left me depressed.

I hope to get to go back sometime to the beach. It was an inspiring place. Thanks for traveling with me on my trip down memory lane my friends, may God bless you!

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

Crazy Idea Time: What to do with a Tiny House

Happy week's end my friends,

Another weekend is upon us. I thought for this post that we'd discuss crazy ideas I have about what do do with a Tiny House. One might say live in one, while I do appreciate a home one can move where every they choose to live, I couldn't do it, unless it's a certain blue box. I first heard about tiny homes through Keri Smith's blog, I think there was a link to Tumbleweed Houses, the first company I heard of that made such. So let's see what I'd use it for:

A Dreamer's Hideaway
 
Keri Smith made the suggestion of using one as a writing space at one point, she love to live in one too. Well the former is what Is one of the things what I'd use one for. A place to focus and create. Like SJ Tucker, who has named her recording cabin The Pixie House, I would call my creative sanctum, Dreamer's Hideaway, cause well I'm a dreamer and it'd be my hideaway.
Ok we have a name, where would I put it? Well in the woods, maybe with a view of the mountains as well. What would be the design of it. Backwoods geek meets Junk G?

I have pulled together a Pinterest board with ideas. There's various cute little homes I wouldn't mind creating in. There's old typewriters.  Why? Cause I love vintage type writers, especially a teal Corsair*. I would put up inspiring things, inspiring words, whatever to get the creative juices flowing. Yes just my fantasy wonderland.  Little spaces made for the fairies, or my little creative juices to hang out. The outside like a Alice in Wonderland secret garden.

A place for solitude, but not completely quiet. I'd probably have some music going, you know like Dot Warner in that one ep of Animaniacs. I have to have music or something to listen to when I work.
And oh course despite being a place to seek alone time my friends would be encouraged to visit.

A Toy Museum

The other thing I'd use a small home for is a traveling toy museum. I'd make it up to look like a doll house, within I'd have toys displayed, many if not all from my own collection... well after I spruce the poor dears back up. It'd focus on toys from the late 80's and early 90's cause that's the era I grew up in. Maybe I'd sell items themed toward the era and it's toys, maybe sell some of Fangirl's soap she makes.

Bonus Crazy Idea: Geeky Travels

This departs from the tiny homes, but as I was working on this post I was listen/watching Kara of Boho Berry's Vlog. She's planning on walking the Appalachian Trail, and as I saw her digital planner layouts for this trip it hit me, I've seen a lot of things like guides and stories about the hike, but has anyone done a geek themed one. It'd be interesting to see a guise book geared toward the geeks like comic shops nearby or book stores. Actually is there any geeky travel guides in general out there?

So we come to the close of another post. I just have to ask what would you do with a small home? Have you had any crazy ideas? Let me know in the comments. I hope you have a good weekend friends, keep having ideas, and God bless you!

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

 *PS- I was at a thrift store one time and came across one for $10, it's a not purchase I kick myself for, it's my dream typewriter.