Hello my friends,
I hope this post finds you all well. I have been in winter's grip, not as bad as the peeps in the north have had this year, but enough to turn me into a zombie* I think more so than usual, add in some other rough patches health wise and it's been a rather less than warm welcome to the new year. But we are thawed out, for now, and I'm trying shock life back into me. So for this post I'm kinda gonna channel Julie Wunder's Running in a Skirt blog where she does these posts occasionally called Currently and Things I'm Loving Lately, in which she discusses things she's doing, or into at the moment. Also probably homing in on Austin Kleon's Email Newsletters. I'm just gonna talk some things I'm enjoying or getting into right now.
Latest Movie Purchase
I don't buy movies often, but I saw Enchanted in the store and it's defiantly a top favorite of mine, so I had to get it. When this was out in theaters in 2007 I think, cause the DVD says the DVD released in 2008, I saw this twice, once with Fangirl, and then the two of us went to see it with my sister**, both times I came out of the theater feeling so happy. This is a feel good movie for me. It also is the reason I really think people need to just break into a good song and dance number a least once a day, any more than that and we're treading into Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Once More With Feeling territory in which singing and dancing not so great.
I was really happy to find the music video for Carrie Underwood's Ever After on the disc, I think I only kept catching snippets of it when it was on the TV, but now I finally got to see it all, and like the movie it makes me smile. It's one of my top two favorite songs from the soundtrack, That's How You Know is the other, and yes I purchased the soundtrack not long after I saw it the first time.
Another extra I love from this DVD is when they took three of the scenes and showed how they put it all together. Some people don't like having the secrets of scenes revealed, cause they feel the magic is ruined, it's never really ruined it for me, I find it all fascinating.
Attempting to Reread
I was hankering for some Jane Austen so I decided to reread Emma, but the mood has passed I believe I only seem to read a few sentences and I put it back down. Errr.
What's On My Youtube
I don't know how I came across this YouTube Channel but I'm enjoying it. It's called Book Roast brought to us by avid reader Gintare, I think I got that name right. She talks books, does critiques, but not in a ripping it to bits way. She also does a few subscription box openings, if I wasn't so broke I know at least one I'd subscribe to if I had extra cash to spend. She's a big Potterhead, a couple of her poxes are Potter themed. One of her bookcase shelves is dedicated to the series (I've wanted to do that too with not only the Potter series, but a few others as well).
Games I'm Zombieing Over
I've been playing Con Man: The Game a lot lately. It's based off the show Con Man with Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion. You basically get to fulfill your geeky fantasies and build your own convention. It's got everything in this game alien battles , geek culture references, and an elderly woman who has listened to Ray Steven's The Streak one to many times. There's even appearances by not only the main stars of the show, but some other members of the geek fame: Kevin Smith, Felicia Day, and Joss Whedon to name a few. If your a fan of the show, or want to run your own con I totally recommend this game if your looking to pass some time.
I've also been getting back into Dungeons and Dragons Online. I've been playing my blue haired elf trying to relearn everything. She got knocked over by a horde of trolls, one never wants to be adventuring alone and see a gang of trolls running at you.
In Memory
I sadly learned a singer who's music I enjoyed passed away. Her name was Lari White. Some of my favorite tunes included That's My Baby, Ready, Willing, And Able, and Take Me I thank her for the great music and hope she's at peace now.
I shall end my transmission here. I hope you all enjoy your weekend. God bless you!
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer
*PS- When I refer to myself as a Zombie or in zombie mode, it's that mind set where your just sitting there numbly going through your day. You don't feel quite all there.
**PSS- My sister was dying to get out of the house and asked Fangirl and me if we all could go out, despite the fact Fangirl and I had just came in from a out of state trip. Enchanted was still playing and they only thing I think good to see that night. I'll never for get the look on my sister's face when the opening musical number came on. One could read her thoughts "WHAT THE CRAP HAVE THEY BROUGHT ME TO?!"
Books, Music, Geekiness, Life... This is the blog of the Thrifty Geek.
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Daily Treasures: Sisterly Humor
Hello friends and greetings to your siblings,
I was given one flesh and blood sister in my life, but blessed with two soul sisters. Sadly two of them I don't get to see often, but when we get together you can be assured there is much laughter. This is a great daily treasure to have, that distance can't completely destroy the laughter your have with your sisters, if you are on good terms with them that is.
A recent example of sisterly humor being my sister's holiday visit at Christmas. Despite it being stressful with my anxiety, I am blessed to have some hilarious moments from the visit. It all started with my gifts from her and the family a sequined cat Christmas sweater which is purrfect Christmas attire for the future crazy cat lady. Next was a Jigglypuff hat/scarf thing from ThinkGeek that had me talking like it does in N64's Smash Bros game, it's one of my favorite Pokémon. Finally she gave me a collectors box set of the latest TMNT Movie line that had turtle figures and masks. So what do you with all this wearable stuff, you through it on making a lovely geeky ensemble. My sister deciding to joining in on the fun she throws on the mask of her favorite turtle Mickey, mine is Leonardo, and we had to pose for a picture:
Yes this photo I'm sure will bring us smiles, or groans, for years to come. I'm glad despite whatever troubles we had, have, will have, and the miles between us we can still create sisterly humor, that also goes for all my distanced soul sisters.
Always cherish your siblings my friends be they your blood, soul, or whatever. Remember to always make some laughs. God bless you all.
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer
I was given one flesh and blood sister in my life, but blessed with two soul sisters. Sadly two of them I don't get to see often, but when we get together you can be assured there is much laughter. This is a great daily treasure to have, that distance can't completely destroy the laughter your have with your sisters, if you are on good terms with them that is.
A recent example of sisterly humor being my sister's holiday visit at Christmas. Despite it being stressful with my anxiety, I am blessed to have some hilarious moments from the visit. It all started with my gifts from her and the family a sequined cat Christmas sweater which is purrfect Christmas attire for the future crazy cat lady. Next was a Jigglypuff hat/scarf thing from ThinkGeek that had me talking like it does in N64's Smash Bros game, it's one of my favorite Pokémon. Finally she gave me a collectors box set of the latest TMNT Movie line that had turtle figures and masks. So what do you with all this wearable stuff, you through it on making a lovely geeky ensemble. My sister deciding to joining in on the fun she throws on the mask of her favorite turtle Mickey, mine is Leonardo, and we had to pose for a picture:
 |
| It's the Ninja Yeti Fan and Crazy Cat Lady Ninja Jigglypuff |
Yes this photo I'm sure will bring us smiles, or groans, for years to come. I'm glad despite whatever troubles we had, have, will have, and the miles between us we can still create sisterly humor, that also goes for all my distanced soul sisters.
Always cherish your siblings my friends be they your blood, soul, or whatever. Remember to always make some laughs. God bless you all.
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer
Thursday, January 18, 2018
My Strange Finds: Holiday Left Overs
Hello My Friends,
As I go out in the world be it to the doctor's office, grocery stores, or a thrift shop, I will some times come across strange and/or interesting finds that just needs sharing with my peeps. There's actually a theme with this strange finds Holiday Lefts Overs. These are either things I saw during the holidays I hadn't got to share, or they are things found from Christmas past.
First up is a decorated door I came across in my doctor's office during the holidays. They'd recently moved to this big space and the ladies that work there each got to decorate a door and then it'd be decided who was the winner. I don't know who one, but I found this door hilarious:
This one was all ready for Christmas.
Then there was this carousel that might be home made, it looks like someone used a wooden embroidery hoop for the top there. If it is homemade it's a lovely piece of work.
Well we took care of those holiday left overs. I hope you've recovered from your holiday shenanigans and are enjoying the new year. God bless you guys!
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
The Ninja Writer's Library: Brian Froud and Alan Lee's Faeries
Hello my book nerd friends,
For the New Year I'm introducing a new segment to the blog The Ninja Writer's Library. In these posts I'll be talking about books: old ones, new ones, used, whatever I end up reading and finding in my shelves I feel like yammering to ya'll about.
Today's offering has been around in some form since according to the book's original copyright 1978, it is the Brian Froud and Alan Lee classic Faeries. This is the 25th edition that came out in 2002, the year I graduated high school. I received this as a Christmas present from my aunt this year, which goes great with one of the gifts I got from my sister The Labyrinth DVD, Brian Froud worked on the film, actually wasn't his son the baby?
This was an informative read. I mean I didn't know a lot of these legends and folklore surrounding different beings in the faery realm. Among these legends and tales you'll also find some faerie realm inspired poetry. There's even a section about flora and their ties to the faeries.
Of course there is the pairs' beautiful art. I actually wonder if they didn't also do work on The Spiderwick Chronicles movie, cause some of the drawings put me in the mind of the beings in the movie. Some of the pages were designed like illustrated journal entries with handwritten notes, which made it fill like you'd come across some old research text, though I found it difficult to decipher words/letters at times, not sure if it was the writing or the fact I wasn't wearing my reading glasses.
I will say some of the tales and descriptions left me a bit chilled. There was mention in this version that a woman had a copy signed for her future children, I'm hoping she meant for when their older, because while it's defiantly something to be shared with future generations I'd hesitate to read some of these stories to too young of children, if they're anything like I was the tales might induce panic and nightmares. Keep in mind I'm the kid who's over active imagination forced my Mom to have to call the school to get our librarian to lay off the weekly ghost stories. *hangs head in shame* so yes keep in mind these are not all happy faerie stories.
If your a fan of faerie art and folklore I really suggest this book. Maybe get one of the special editions that have come out since the original cause I know my edition included more art and writings I think than the original. I know it's going to be a keeper in my library.
I hope the new year finds you in many paged adventures my friends and God bless you all.
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer
For the New Year I'm introducing a new segment to the blog The Ninja Writer's Library. In these posts I'll be talking about books: old ones, new ones, used, whatever I end up reading and finding in my shelves I feel like yammering to ya'll about.
Today's offering has been around in some form since according to the book's original copyright 1978, it is the Brian Froud and Alan Lee classic Faeries. This is the 25th edition that came out in 2002, the year I graduated high school. I received this as a Christmas present from my aunt this year, which goes great with one of the gifts I got from my sister The Labyrinth DVD, Brian Froud worked on the film, actually wasn't his son the baby?
This was an informative read. I mean I didn't know a lot of these legends and folklore surrounding different beings in the faery realm. Among these legends and tales you'll also find some faerie realm inspired poetry. There's even a section about flora and their ties to the faeries.
Of course there is the pairs' beautiful art. I actually wonder if they didn't also do work on The Spiderwick Chronicles movie, cause some of the drawings put me in the mind of the beings in the movie. Some of the pages were designed like illustrated journal entries with handwritten notes, which made it fill like you'd come across some old research text, though I found it difficult to decipher words/letters at times, not sure if it was the writing or the fact I wasn't wearing my reading glasses.
I will say some of the tales and descriptions left me a bit chilled. There was mention in this version that a woman had a copy signed for her future children, I'm hoping she meant for when their older, because while it's defiantly something to be shared with future generations I'd hesitate to read some of these stories to too young of children, if they're anything like I was the tales might induce panic and nightmares. Keep in mind I'm the kid who's over active imagination forced my Mom to have to call the school to get our librarian to lay off the weekly ghost stories. *hangs head in shame* so yes keep in mind these are not all happy faerie stories.
If your a fan of faerie art and folklore I really suggest this book. Maybe get one of the special editions that have come out since the original cause I know my edition included more art and writings I think than the original. I know it's going to be a keeper in my library.
I hope the new year finds you in many paged adventures my friends and God bless you all.
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer
Monday, January 1, 2018
Don't Be Empty, Be a Tangerine Seed
Greetings in This New Year My Friends,
Earlier I watched Eat, Pray, Love, which turned out I think to be an appropriate movie for the day. We've of course already been celebrating the new year with watching the ball drop, Mom put out her homemade cheese ball and crackers, which is the only thing I've craved today, and in our gorgeous slim glasses we toasted the new year with our traditional non alcoholic sparkling grape juice cocktail, I think where most people have a special night of chocolates and wine I'd do one of sparkling grape juice and cheese ball platter, though I wouldn't say no to some chocolate too. Right now I'm watching the Rose Parade while attempting to keep warm in this freeze.
But let's get quite serious about this time of newness. It makes me think I of this little tangerine seed I have on my desk from the slices I ate the other night, full of potential and growth. If one cultivates it right that is. But yes right now we have a feeling of so much potential and promise, but only if we actually take time to plant and nourish our hopes and wishes will I guess any of them bare fruit.
Back at Christmas when we were visiting my Mamaw for gift exchange she was talking about she thought the cashier was flirting with me and asked if I had noticed (I hadn't cause I was concentrating on trying to get her stuff paid for at the time). At some point in the conversation she said something along the lines how she didn't want my life to be empty. For her it was more dealing with the fact she wished for me to find someone, bless her she worries about me, but I assured her my life wasn't empty. Even if I never find myself in a relationship I have friends and I think I mentioned my poetry, which the latter comes and goes sometimes, but the point is I have things in my life, but it is what she said that has played in my mind not to be empty. In the glow of the New Year's hopes and intentions I think that would be something to strive for not to be empty. As I have mentioned before I have anxiety, depression, and OCD. When I'm not consumed in anger, sadness, fear I find myself in a state of emptiness and being a zombie many times. It's a horrible feeling, maybe not as bad as the previously mentioned three, but it's still hard. I've even had moments where even life around me feels empty. I'd like to reach a point where I have less of that, as much as is in my power. Of course I should remember God's power is in my life, and if it's His will I shall prevail. Maybe 2018 will have me living more fully. Be full of hope and potential as that tangerine seed. Live a life of wonder and being content in my state. It's a nice hope to have, I don't call it a resolution, cause I don't do resolutions. It's a what it is, a hope, maybe I'll succeed maybe I won't, what will happen will happen.
Other seeds of hopes and wishes is to be a better writer with this blog. Since coming to the new space I feel I've not done a good job of posting. I'd love to get to a once a week at least like I use to do, maybe even twice a week off and on at some point. I want to hone my writing ability try to see if I can become better. With my poetry try to send off more this year, and hopefully write more, and not fret over a completed collection, when one's ready it'll be ready for the next stage, but not before time.
I think I may put this seed in this little blue bottle I have to remind me to live more fully. What seeds are you planting in the soil of newness this year my friends? I hope and pray you all have and amazing New Year my friends. God bless you!
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer
Earlier I watched Eat, Pray, Love, which turned out I think to be an appropriate movie for the day. We've of course already been celebrating the new year with watching the ball drop, Mom put out her homemade cheese ball and crackers, which is the only thing I've craved today, and in our gorgeous slim glasses we toasted the new year with our traditional non alcoholic sparkling grape juice cocktail, I think where most people have a special night of chocolates and wine I'd do one of sparkling grape juice and cheese ball platter, though I wouldn't say no to some chocolate too. Right now I'm watching the Rose Parade while attempting to keep warm in this freeze.
But let's get quite serious about this time of newness. It makes me think I of this little tangerine seed I have on my desk from the slices I ate the other night, full of potential and growth. If one cultivates it right that is. But yes right now we have a feeling of so much potential and promise, but only if we actually take time to plant and nourish our hopes and wishes will I guess any of them bare fruit.
Back at Christmas when we were visiting my Mamaw for gift exchange she was talking about she thought the cashier was flirting with me and asked if I had noticed (I hadn't cause I was concentrating on trying to get her stuff paid for at the time). At some point in the conversation she said something along the lines how she didn't want my life to be empty. For her it was more dealing with the fact she wished for me to find someone, bless her she worries about me, but I assured her my life wasn't empty. Even if I never find myself in a relationship I have friends and I think I mentioned my poetry, which the latter comes and goes sometimes, but the point is I have things in my life, but it is what she said that has played in my mind not to be empty. In the glow of the New Year's hopes and intentions I think that would be something to strive for not to be empty. As I have mentioned before I have anxiety, depression, and OCD. When I'm not consumed in anger, sadness, fear I find myself in a state of emptiness and being a zombie many times. It's a horrible feeling, maybe not as bad as the previously mentioned three, but it's still hard. I've even had moments where even life around me feels empty. I'd like to reach a point where I have less of that, as much as is in my power. Of course I should remember God's power is in my life, and if it's His will I shall prevail. Maybe 2018 will have me living more fully. Be full of hope and potential as that tangerine seed. Live a life of wonder and being content in my state. It's a nice hope to have, I don't call it a resolution, cause I don't do resolutions. It's a what it is, a hope, maybe I'll succeed maybe I won't, what will happen will happen.
Other seeds of hopes and wishes is to be a better writer with this blog. Since coming to the new space I feel I've not done a good job of posting. I'd love to get to a once a week at least like I use to do, maybe even twice a week off and on at some point. I want to hone my writing ability try to see if I can become better. With my poetry try to send off more this year, and hopefully write more, and not fret over a completed collection, when one's ready it'll be ready for the next stage, but not before time.
I think I may put this seed in this little blue bottle I have to remind me to live more fully. What seeds are you planting in the soil of newness this year my friends? I hope and pray you all have and amazing New Year my friends. God bless you!
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Birthday Gifts for Jesus
A freezing hello friends,
Well we have survived Christmas again. I know it's awful to say that about the day chosen to celebrate the birth of Christ, but with my fragile mind state (I suffer from Anxiety, Depression, and OCD) and holiday stress most often I feel like I'm held together by a thread and Christmas day turns into some emotional/mental finish line to the world of normality.
But this post is not to lament about Christmas woes, but about Christmas Traditions. I mentioned in a previous post recently about how I like to make a gift for Jesus every year and that I'd elaborate on it. It's a tradition that started accidentally when I found myself creating Christ inspired work at Christmas, over time I officially decided every year as a way to remind me why I celebrate and allow Christ to have a birthday gift especially for Him.
I think one of the first gifts I made was during a Christmas Eve when due to snows our power had been off for a day or so. I was listening to a Christian station's Christmas Music and I did this drawing:
One thing that I did on this was use this special invisible ink pen that reveals what you write with a special light. Great idea, but because it was a restaurant kids meal toy pen, think it was for the last Indiana Jones Movie when it came out.
I've written a couple poems as well. I wrote the poem He the Christmas after my cousin's youngest child was born, she inspired a line. I think the next year I created a little video with me reading it, I haven't a clue what it's saved on.
Last year I wrote In Your Honor, it was a struggle trying to create that year, but I'm pleased what I managed to create.
My most ambitious gift was a little house scene featuring a little baby Jesus as a Christmas present:
It was the first time I used these little bag of Wilton babies I bought, and you'll find I have used them multiple times for my gifts.
I've made many other decoration gifts there's the ornament I made to replace my favorite one that broke:
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer
Well we have survived Christmas again. I know it's awful to say that about the day chosen to celebrate the birth of Christ, but with my fragile mind state (I suffer from Anxiety, Depression, and OCD) and holiday stress most often I feel like I'm held together by a thread and Christmas day turns into some emotional/mental finish line to the world of normality.
But this post is not to lament about Christmas woes, but about Christmas Traditions. I mentioned in a previous post recently about how I like to make a gift for Jesus every year and that I'd elaborate on it. It's a tradition that started accidentally when I found myself creating Christ inspired work at Christmas, over time I officially decided every year as a way to remind me why I celebrate and allow Christ to have a birthday gift especially for Him.
I think one of the first gifts I made was during a Christmas Eve when due to snows our power had been off for a day or so. I was listening to a Christian station's Christmas Music and I did this drawing:
I've made many other decoration gifts there's the ornament I made to replace my favorite one that broke:
I've even created a bottled/jarred display using a craft store jar, one of the babies, a fabric white poinsettia, and a 50 cent machine king necklace charm that I felt was too bling for me (yes I will rock 50 cent machine jewelry if it suits my style).
This year I channeled my lacking origami skills and created another little scene:
Sorry for the crappy webcam shot. I made 2 origami boxes, the red on for the scene and the green one to lay the baby that I wrapped in scrap fabric. I made a origami star and stitch wrote Jesus in a golden yellow. Then using that old school cootie catching making skill I made the small red poinsettia and glutted it to some green leave shapes I cut out. The image of Marry comes from one of these fabric rose bunches we found so I cut a petal off and glued it inside.
I hope maybe my friends next Christmas season we can all remember Him in our celebrations and all make gifts. Or maybe if you already have a like tradition share in the comments. May all be well with you the rest of the year friends and God Bless You!
Monday, December 18, 2017
Sister VS Christmas Tree
Hello My Friends,
We are still trying to get melted from our nice little 7+ Inches of snow.
So yeah we've been holed up in the holler keeping warm by the fire. But cold and snow is not what this post is about. Today's post is about our Christmas tree.
In our household we prefer the stately Faux Ever Green. We have nothing against real trees, it's just not a practical choice for us. A. We don't have the dough foe a new tree every year, and B. We're the type of family that puts our tree up around Thanksgiving (American) and it doesn't come down till sometime in January, yeah living tree wouldn't last.
Now when my sister still lived here, she seemed to be in an unintentional battle with the tree. I mean she had it out for it.
I think the earliest attack was actually my fault. Our tree is set up near the doorway into the kitchen. Now one night when I was angry with my sister over something. We tried passing through the door at the same time and I brushed into her hard enough to send her into the tree, knocking it over, and causing her to land on our little cousin's gift, a tricycle. Angry, understandably, Pop sent us to our room, then a few minutes later we heard him laughing his head off.
She's nicked an ornament with a dart, did result in a new tradition where we search for the ornament she hit. She ran into it with her skateboard, I think she hit it with a tape ball.
Her most horrific attack was the morning of her birthday, which fell on the day after Thanksgiving, and apparently Thanksgiving meal did not agree with her. So she was hauling butt to get to the sick. She made it to the front of the tree... And she didn't just get it on the floor. Yes my sister has created many great memories for us to laugh over for many Christmases to come.
I hope you have a great pre Christmas week, remember not to get to burned out and remember the true meaning of the season, for me it's Christ, for you whatever it be. God Bless You my Friends!
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer
We are still trying to get melted from our nice little 7+ Inches of snow.
 |
| Snow in the Backwoods |
In our household we prefer the stately Faux Ever Green. We have nothing against real trees, it's just not a practical choice for us. A. We don't have the dough foe a new tree every year, and B. We're the type of family that puts our tree up around Thanksgiving (American) and it doesn't come down till sometime in January, yeah living tree wouldn't last.
Now when my sister still lived here, she seemed to be in an unintentional battle with the tree. I mean she had it out for it.
I think the earliest attack was actually my fault. Our tree is set up near the doorway into the kitchen. Now one night when I was angry with my sister over something. We tried passing through the door at the same time and I brushed into her hard enough to send her into the tree, knocking it over, and causing her to land on our little cousin's gift, a tricycle. Angry, understandably, Pop sent us to our room, then a few minutes later we heard him laughing his head off.
She's nicked an ornament with a dart, did result in a new tradition where we search for the ornament she hit. She ran into it with her skateboard, I think she hit it with a tape ball.
Her most horrific attack was the morning of her birthday, which fell on the day after Thanksgiving, and apparently Thanksgiving meal did not agree with her. So she was hauling butt to get to the sick. She made it to the front of the tree... And she didn't just get it on the floor. Yes my sister has created many great memories for us to laugh over for many Christmases to come.
I hope you have a great pre Christmas week, remember not to get to burned out and remember the true meaning of the season, for me it's Christ, for you whatever it be. God Bless You my Friends!
Ninja <[0000]---------------[0000]> Writer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)