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
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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.

Musical Moment: Dreamer's Night Playlist

Happy Monday my friends,

As I said in my last post the elements that make up the mind space I call Dreamer's Night is held together by music. The songs on this list are either part of the aforementioned memories, I listened to during that time of my life, or they had nothing to do with either but the sound still carries me there.

Don't Stop Believin' by Journey- That keyboard opening and the wail of the electric guitar a classic song hands down. I remember when my parents had the old Atari system out playing the Journey Escape game I think a certain points in the game you hear this song.

Cowboy Take Me Away by Dixie Chicks- This song easily takes me back. It's the one I did the dance from in Lowe's in a previously mentioned memory. (Click link above to see. ) Th Fly away on it's fiddle to Dreamer's Night.

Doctor Jones [Metro's 7" Edit] by Aqua- This is the version that appears on the Sabrina the Teenage Witch Soundtrack. I remember riding to and from the a Friday night football game with the Captain and that CD was spun. This version is longer with I think and even more techno sound.

Imagination- Jessica Simpson- This is off the artist's second album Irresistible. If I did the video for this song there would be anime involved.  Something about this songs screams it needs to be in Japan either real or anime, or both. I think that's why it brings on the Dreamer's Night feeling cause I get images of a anime night scene like in Sailor Moon (the original).

Style by Taylor Swift- From her 1989 album about a love that never goes out of style. I actually have a couple off this album that are on this list. Something about the music that takes me back.

With You by Lila McCann- Of her album Something in the Air. I was jamming to this CD in one of the memories. This is my favorite song on it. Also the video involves teens sneaking into an observatory after closing. I think my favorite scene was the singer and her boyfriend looking up at the stars.

Two in a Million by S Club 7- This song is found on their second album 7, lot of second album songs on this list. This is also another song out of my memories. I remember this is one of the songs I sung for my vocal teacher.

Girl on TV by LFO- From their debut album LFO. I get an image of this guy and the girl looking down on the lights of L.A. while sitting on the hood of his car.

I Could Not Ask for More by Sara Evans- This song displaying the simple moments with a loved one being enough. Again it has a sound that drops me into Dreamer's Night.

I Will Be Your Friend by Amy Grant- Coming from her Behind the Eyes album, this song assures a friend will always be there for the person no matter what.

Can't Find the Moonlight by Leann Rimes- This song is theme for the movie Coyote Ugly, that movie invokes Dreamer's Night for me moe than anything, which is why it made the pinterest wall.  My favorite scene has to be Violet writing a song on her keyboard and getting inspired by a guys hip hop music in a nearby building. I also love the performance she did for it at one of the country award shows.

Small Town Girl by Kellie Pickler- From the album of the same name, this song invokes small town memories, especially the going to Walmart. I reminds me of when we still had the regular Walmart  on a hilled plaza and it's be night and you'd see all the lights below.

Show Me Love [Radio Edit] by Robin S.- Another from the Sabrina the Teenage Witch soundtrack. This was my most favorite to hear back in the day.

Rock This Country! by Shania Twain- Off what in my opinion is the greatest of all her albums Come on Over. I remember one time when hanging out with Crystal jamming to this song.

Welcome to New York by Taylor Swift- Another 1989 offering, a love song to the NYC.

Lucky by Britney Spears- From surprise another second album Opps!... I did it Again. This songs on here cause if anything the video invokes this Dreamer's Night feeling for me.

Well that's another musical moment. Hope you guys found something to jam to. May your week be good, follow your dreams, and God bless you!

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

Dreamer's Night

Hello my friends,

It's Friday night and we have survived to another weekend. Today's post is gonna be hard to explain, but I'm gonna try to express it that best I can. I did this post back on my old blog, but I felt it should be revisited and updated, plus don't want a perfectly good Pinterest board to go to waste since it was specially made for this  post.

I was jamming to a song earlier and I found myself catching hold of an old familiar feeling, I can't describe it, but I know that when I recall certain memories, hear a song, or see a photo, I find this feeling tugging. I thought maybe it was a yearning for the teenage years where the memories come from, but when songs and sights that are not from that period call to me, I'm beginning  to think all this the memories, images, what have you is actually taking me to a limbo brain realm I'm gonna refer to as Dreamer's Night. 

What is this Dreamer's Night? Well I think it's a state of mind I find peace in, a place where hopes and dreams are doable, and also a place ripe for creativity. It's a patchwork of memories, music, images from my life that make up this realm. I think this is my brain trying to get me to reconnect to this part of myself from my teen years the ambitious dreamer who found little joys in the music, or a night sky, and believed dreams could come true.
How is the explaining so far? Well since this feeling is hard to explain let's see if I can show you.

The Memories

This mental space I call Dreamer's Night has it's roots in a cluster of little memories from my high school years  that when I think on them bring this feeling. There not all earth shattering, they all probably happened in different years, but they all happened at night, and bring on the same feelings. Their like charms on a bracelet, different but connected.

Memory One: This is simply leaving a grocery store coming down the hill it's on and I looked out over the landscape and saw the lights of the town shining. Can't also help to think of Angel in his Buffy spinoff over looking L.A.

Memory Two: I was outside the laundromat I think sitting in the truck listening to Lila McCann's Something in the Air CD, I'd just bought it if I'm not mistaken.
Memory Three: Riding in the truck on a rainy night with an S Club 7 song in my head. I had this golden disco ball key chain in my hand and I was spinning it.

Memory Four: Being in the newly opened Lowe's the folks were buying something. I was hyped up so I started dancing there in the aisle like Natalie does in the Dixie Chick's Cowboy Take Me Away video, may have had the tune stuck in my head that night.

Memory Five:  My Junior Prom Night at the Deer Park Restaurant and at some point as I danced I looked up and saw a night sky tinged pink from the Asheville lights nearby as a plane blinks by.

The Images
Pictures worth a thousand words right? Well most what I can offer is the Pinterest board which contains images that fit in this mindset. There's images of cities/towns,  quotes and things from my teen years centered around this Dreamer's Night. I even made a Polyvore outfit (RIP). Some items have connection with one of the above memories of the time they occurred to help illustrate Dreamer's Night.  As I was looking at old trip photos I found this feeling calling even in a blurry shot.

Now lastly to link all the pieces together is the music, but that will be Monday's Musical Moments. I hope you guys have a good weekend and may God bless you!

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