Sandvich...

Let Your Actions Be The Example...

Photo Friday - Wistful Wisteria

Gonna Start Tracking This...

Bright lights haunt my vision.
The slightest sounds startle.
My head pounds.
My shoulders ache.

All the usual symptoms I experience when I'm getting a migraine.
I really need to start tracking what exactly is causing these stupid things.
They're ever so annoying and I have work I need to do.

Beary Delicious Crepe!

I MISSED MY FIRST POST ;-;

So, as some of you might already be aware...

I missed my first blog post last night.

BECAUSE THE INTERNET STOPPED WORKING BECAUSE OF THE STORM

*sob*

But you know, that's quite alright~ Things happen and I understand! I'm just glad I've been able to go for so very long posting each and every day. Even the slightest bit of a post, really. Because I feel it's a very big growing tool for me. A wonderful investment in my time so long as I put at least a little effort into what I'm writing.

Though I'll admit, I'm still up in the air about switching platforms. I'm reeaaaally into tumblr right now and their whole scene.

It's waaaay too late for me right now so I'd better get my sicky self  into bed.

Night all^^

Still Sick

Nose running, sneezes galore and now my stomach feels queasy.

Such fun!~

Such is life.

Time for bed. Ugh x_x;

Busy and Bleh Bleh Bleh!

Sicker than a dog, I trudge trudge trudge on!

Busier than a bee, I buzz buzz buzz on!

And still I am me, as sweet as I can (or try) be.

The earth is still a spinin'!

My cat's paws are stepin' on fresh linen

And normally I am fine

But tonight I crossed the line

When I found cat poo all up in 'em!

Photo Friday - Blue Skies

Getting So Much...Worse? Argh!

So apparently my cold isn't ready to leave me just yet.

It's given me the sniffles, a throat only rendered numb by lots and lots of ice cream and the fuzziest of fuzzy mindframes. I've been a walking, talking zombie today, but at least I put my best zombie foot forward XD

I can't even count how many cups of tea I had... But I'm going to say it's around...at least fifteen? Maybe more, cuz I'm pretty sure that's all that I ingested this morning.

I should be cleaning right now!!! Spring cleaning!!! But no, I'm stuck in bed!! Being sick!

At least I'm writing though, that's worth something special to me <3

Bedtime!

Spring Fever! Literally!

So, last night was a night of thrills, chills and lots of phlegm.

That's right! I caught my first cold of the season! Huzzah!

Besides the hour of rest around five this evening I haven't gotten any sleep for the past twenty-four hours. Last night was just a delusional mess for me and I'm hoping tonight, with a little help from Mr. Nyquil, I'll get a decent amount of rest.

Off to sleep I shall be, I know HanaChana would be kicking mah butt if she knew I wasn't in bed already!

Just A Bit Perfect

As we are.

Here and now.

We are all perfect.

There is nothing that must be added.

There is nothing that must be subtracted.

You

I

We

Us

They

Them

Everyone

Everything

In this moment.

Perfection.

Paws Curled In

Paws curled in, tongue drawn out.
What is this kitten dreaming about?

His head cocked low and his eyes drawn shut.
And that long bushy tail curled close to his butt.

His left eye twitches and his nostrils spread wide.
The whiskers on his forehead tilt to the side.

A stretched out yawn and cow spotted hair
A spot on his tummy's been licked until it's bare

Paws curled in, tongue drawn out.
Really, what is this kitten dreaming about?

Ready To Rumble!

After a very calming and absolutely delightful weekend I'm ready and rarin' to hit this upcoming week hard! There are quite a few projects I've been working on and I'm really hoping I can flesh them out or launch them this week. Creatively, I've never felt so inspired in so many areas and I feel it's a real miracle to have kept up all of my ideas intact throughout the imagining process.

I truly am wondering whether or not I'd like to make a tumblr to replace this blog with. I mean, blogger is great and all, but there's something about tumblr that's really catching my eye of late. I guess I should really consider whether or not I want to make such a drastic change after putting so much work into this little corner of the net.

Regardless, it's off to bed with me!~

R & R At A Friend's

This weekend has been a very nice change of pace for me. I've been staying at a dear friend of mine's since Friday and we've been having a blast!

Chinese food last night, lazy Saturday morning... And then we had quite a bit of fun over at the local mall this afternoon!

Now it's just us kicking back in the livingroom, eating skittles and playing with the cats. Very relaxing and oh-so-enjoyable!

If only we had pie to go with the series we're watching!

Photo Friday - Orchard Row

My Means Of Getting To Work Last Year...

Was pretty awesome!

Goal Charts Part One!

I believe for everyone to be consciously successful in life and alert to their actions and what they are working towards they need to have a goal chart. There are many books that I've read that advise for the use of goal charts and I support them entirely.

In fact, a goal chart was what helped me get myself to the Bay Area in the first place.

In my opinion, rarely ever can you get too in depth with a goal chart. You can write down the smallest detail you can think of and it doesn't hurt a thing. The only trouble you might run into is that you might not be able to fulfill your goal chart to its entirety.

Usually people aren't in depth enough and that's why they don't work!

For example... You can't just say...

"One day I will be a millionaire!"

You have to chart out how you'll get there! What you need to do and how you're going to do it! Turn that "One day" into a "By 2020" and then go through how much you'd need to make each and every year to become a millionaire. Then go down to each month. Then figure out what you'd like to do in order to become a millionaire. Each detail is so very important. And wouldn't you agree that just leaving it at "One day I will be a millionaire" is a bit intimidating?

We all want to think we'll have the big bucks one day. What makes you different is having a plan to make it there and taking the steps to implement that plan.

More on this rant tomorrow!

The Old Woman

Reeeeaaaaally old writing!

10/31/11

The old woman bowed her head courteously and the young gentleman did the same. She turned, reaching thin, tired limbs out to the bulky coffee door. The young man came forward and held it open as she walked on through. In fact, he could have taken the door off its very hinges for the energy his heart beat within.

Two skips forward and he too was out the door and on the cold afternoon pavement. As he began his way to the job he was no longer willing to accept he felt one last urge to turn and wave to the woman. She too, was looking his way and gave one more warm hearted smile. Her bony hand came up and waved him off and his spirit swelled in his chest once again.

And the brakes of transit bus 105 began to screech as the old woman stepped out and onto the black wave of gravel road. The young sir stared at those calm, collected eyes as they were swept away and people let out cries of terror and surprise. He watched as the bus jerked to a standstill and the body rolled out from beneath. The blood was just as she’d described her favorite ruby chrysanthemums and he raced to her side instinctively.

As people gathered round, the bus driver went into a panic and calls were made to 911 the young man set his brown leather case down, took off his worn hat and cradled her paper hand as a grandchild would on his grandparent’s deathbed. Of course, she was already gone, but her calm and cool expression remained ever visible. He stared into her sea-blue eyes once more and cried.

Light

How Strange...

I found this in the bathroom stall of a local dollar store... 

I have a friend named "Sanya".

Perhaps she's made the very long trek to Cali to come see me?

And has met her true love in the process?

...

I must find this Gilbert and have a talk with him.

Working On A Project Page!

I'm so very excited at all the awesome projects I've got going right now. I feel as though my creative flow hasn't been so invested in such an incredibly long time. Sure, I'm not making too much money on them yet... But not many things work that way in the first place.

I'm probably going to be making a sort of...project page to link everything together here, but I've also been thinking of making another hosting place for all this stuff. Perhaps a tumblr page? I'm just feeling as though I could be putting up all this stuff somewhere where it might get more of a light shown on it. Maybe I should do some research on a wordpress site.

That takes sooooo much effort though! Urgh! I'll think more on it later~

Photo Friday - Vibrancy

Curse You, Sinuses!!!

So...

Those wonderful days of clear weather and an awesome springtime breeze are gone apparently. Because, once again, my sinuses are assaulting me and my sense of self. I can't breathe worth beans through my nose and my eyes feel like they are attempting to pop out.

I'm back trying home remedies and hoping I'll be getting some more medicine soon. I hate taking allergy pills, but they help so much at times. In the meantime I'm just going to keep my nose to the grindstone and do as much work as I can on my many projects.

Even right now I'm just... urgh! x_x;

Twenty-Five Years

It really is kinda strange when I think about it for too long.

I've been alive for twenty-five years.

And each one of those years is a blessing to me, for so many my age don't make it as long as I have. Taken by illness or injury, a cruel twist of fate or even their own hand... Life is harsh to those who wish to grow and thrive. I am happy to understand how fortunate I am that I have lived to the age that I have.

Both my brother and my cousin were taken far too young. I pay my respects to relatives in the cemetery who haven't gotten nearly as far as I and I thank my lucky stars for having been given this chance to survive. Each year, however difficult, has been an opportunity to breach the heavens and to learn all that I can. To trek down the path of self-actualization and to learn from my elders and peers.

I'm angry at the notion that growing older is a bad thing. I hear people who talk to one another in coffee shops and supermarkets, complaining that they are growing older and that they have one more wrinkle or stretch mark to add to their body. So what? Life isn't about living like a porcelain doll. Life is an experience, we should live it as such.

Why waste time to think about how we'll look when we're in our eighties? We should be living in the present because it is only in the present that we can do anything about our future. Worrying about a wrinkle or a little bit of crow's feet around the eye isn't going to do anyone any good. I have major laugh lines around my mouth and do I spend my time worrying about them? Nope! I'm a smiler. I always have been and I always will be.

So here's to another wonderful year full of experience and possibility. I only wish to have the opportunity to look beyond my faults and to learn from my mistakes with a light heart and a head held high.

To Twenty-Five!

Best Birthday Ever

So...

I'm currently obsessed with the whole "Slenderman" thing right now.

Yeah, yeah. I know. Missed the "big trend" by a couple years, but at least it shows I'm interested in the concept itself and not whatever is the latest "thing".

Anyways, you might be asking "What does this have to do with your birthday, though?"

It has a lot to do with my birthday because the people I know are awesome.

I was lured out to the "woods" this evening.

Well, it took a whole heck of a lot of luring because I wasn't about to go off into the middle of nowhere at night no matter how adventurous I am. Call my genre savvy, feh.

Getting back on track though... I was finally coerced to going out and into the local recreational wildlife preserve with a friend of mine around eight at night. Of course, I had a knife and my pepperspray in tow in case anyone decided to pop up on me...

And as my friend and I were heading down one of the trails...guess what we spotted on a nearby tree?

If you guessed one of the deadly "pages" from "Slender: The Eight Pages" you would be correct.

I got to play Slenderman in real life and it was epic! And to top it all off? Right when I was just looking for "Page Six" like in my playthrough I ran into "Slenderman" XD

It was magic.

Writing Exercise! Nonstop Freestyle!

So I gave myself a little writing exercise. The only rules? I can't stop writing and I can't go back and correct anything. It was pretty fun to see what my mind created.

Here are the results! And, mind you, this is just as I wrote it, freestyle and such, so please excuse the errors! XD

Paper to pen, pen to paper?

Emelio mulled the phrase over and again in his whispy blond head, attemptimng to lodge in himself some semblance of the teaches Master Yule had constantly pounded inot him. It was a tiring time for him, a boy whose passion was galloping away on his proud ebony horse “nightengale”. He often savored those sweet afternoon hours far from home and the dreary, suffocating castle.

But today he was stuck in the vice-like grip of Yule again and his professor was not going to let him out any time soon. In fact, the more Emelior stared at the clock the more he could notice each slight turn on the hand and how positively slow it moved. Why was time like that? Fast when one was having fun and yet soooo slow when one was in the midst of a moody professor?

“Finished your puzzle yet, Prince?” that high pitched man-voice spilled across Emelio's desk and all at once the young man stared up at the thin and gaudy sir before him.

Professor Yule was never one for the finer things in life. His clothes were stark black with a strange scarf of emearald adorned around him. He always kept himself completely straight and constantly reminded Emelio of some sort of board. The kind that never bent, but always seemed to break under pressure.

Of course, Emilio had yet to find that pressure point to break this teacher of his. Instead he let his eyes dart across the piece of parchment before him and shifted his shoulder sweekly. Professor Yule bent down and let a thin fineger scrape across the words, his beady eyes studying the contents curiously. Finally, with a hugff he looked back onto his student and sighed.

“There really is no use, is there? The bright young son of Lord Karver and yet I can't find any clever wit to be had in your homework. Nothing, but day dreaming about horses and sunbathing in the foothills of Mor. It's apparent to me that you will accend to the ranks fo court jester before you ever make it to “King”.

Emilio straightened himself and glowered at this teacher. Through gritted teeth he mocked a smile and a low bow, which nearly made his chin touch his desk.

“I'm so veeerrrryyy sorry your most aspiring Profeesssoor!” He excalaimed. “It would appear to me that my humble and weak mind paired with yours can only cause me to wither and stale. Perhaps I am far too much a fool to be your student. Perhaps you should explain this to my father, that he fathered an idtio who cannot be taught by this most cunning and demanding teacher. Perhaps then he will realize YOU are the crown prince and YOU deserve the throne more than I.”

Professor Yule sniffed carefully and something most peculior happened. He swept himself a bow far lower than that which Emilio had trained into. When he rose again there was something almost mischevious in those eyes of his. And when he spke his voice was strong and even.

“Oh, no no your majesty. A throne is never what I desire or deserve. I need only a student willing to learn and I will find myself at peace. You see, only such a modest and careful soul as I would dare to harbor a need to see Prince Emilio actually learning his studies instead of attempting to spoil his latest tutor.”

Emilio blaunched and went back to his lessons.

Valiant Knights Do Battle!

Courtesy of the Sonora Celtic Faire

Winchester Mystery House!!

Photo Friday - Tea Room Garden

Pushing Up Daisies

 Pushing up daisies.

That's what they call it, right?

Pushing up daisies.

I didn't want to push up any damn daisies. Not in this lifetime or the next. Nevermind that I didn't know the meaning of the phrase when Hofcolt was shoving my limp body into the ground. All I knew was that things were looking mighty grim and the hole I'd been dumped into was pretty deep. I peered up and onto my captors as they circled my would-be grave and scoffed at my bloodied remains.

I had once been called “Stumpy”. Now the title seemed fitting.

As clearly as I could tell they'd taken my left forearm clean off. I could feel nothing beyond my waist and I dare not inch my eyes down to see if something lay beyond my ass. Instead I focused on the remains of my cigarette and the cold eyes looking down on me. Analyzing me. Betraying me. Mocking me.

God. I could use another pack right now.

This one wasn't going to get me over to the afterlife.

I could see Bruno's fat lips moving as his little lackies began filling my hole up with dirt. Hofcolt hadn't the decency to see his right hand man into the great beyond... He only stared me down one final time before that flaxen coat twisted in the wind and the man himself was off and back to his BMW. My opportunities...my prospects...now his.

If I could I'd give him the bird, but my right hand was mangled and torn up. Didn't really care to see if the dogs left any remains of my fingers or not so I continued to puff away at the only thing left to me. This precious and meager cigarette blunt. And now that heavy dirt was piling onto my waist...my neck... And the air in my lungs was stolen away. And the last I could see was the faint glow of that cigarette before it too disappeared.

A Much Better Week!

This week has been rolling out so much better than the last.

I've been feeling great for starters. And feeling in tip top shape usually means I get a whole lot more done, which I have. Looking back on it, I can't believe how horrid I was feeling only just last Thursday. Now I don't have any headaches or neck and shoulder pain.

Well, just a bit of shoulder pain, but I've been trying to stretch for that.

Slowly, but surely I've been attempting to build some sort of routine for myself. I feel if I can start my day off right and end it on a light and happy note then odds are I'll feel pretty good the next day. The key to success here is discipline. I need to remain diligent to any rules I lay down for myself, such as going to bed at ten at night.

I'm just not a night owl. Never have been and I doubt I ever will be.

But I'm really pleased to see this week and my health hitting such a high note.

I'd like to start documenting the highs and lows actually, to see if perhaps there is some sort of correlation. And I'd bet there was somehow, if only in the levels of stress I endure and the types of foods I eat.

That's it for tonight I think. See you all later!~

RIP Almond Orchard

Tragedy struck me as I made my way to my parents house today.

One of the nearby almond orchards I used to frequent was torn out.

I had happened to take video of it just a few weeks earlier.

Shame it was one of just a couple.

I love you, almond orchard.

RIP

My First Let's Play! "Slender: The Eight Pages"

So I tried out my first "Let's Play!" of  "Slender: The Eight Pages. "

It was horrid in the most hilarious way possible.

And because Blogger only allows videos of a certain size I had to reduce this baby until it looked awful x_x;

I had looked up a few tutorials on how to get started. "LP guide for newbies" was cool. I actually followed their advice and picked up a download of "Loilo Game Recorder" as it's free and I am broke.

 The software is easy enough to use, my only problem was in getting my voice level correct with the music and sound of the game. Because I wasn't wearing headphones (oops!) the music didn't sound very loud to me as I was recording and I ended up making the game volume too high. Of course...this Let's Play example is staying right here or will be taken down in a bit. So no one will ever know except those who come across this page very quickly...

I'm also watching the advice shown in darkmindsith's youtube series that can be found here.

Since I've been so busy my "Let's Play" hobby is going to be pretty slow at first, especially since I don't have zhe monies to play zhe games... But as I work up to getting myself situated I'm sure I'll figure something out.

Bubble Tea!

Bubble Tea...

Oh...Bubble Tea...

Was it you... Am I to blind to see?

Is our love...meant to be?

Silly Me 

XD

Rooftop Garden

Something I wrote last year for one of my writing classes. Enjoy!


...............................

 Her hand reached around the blade of grass, so fragile and weak. It was still dotted with the morning fog that had wrapped around the hills, ensnaring the cityscape in an almost cryptic allure. She smiled and gently pressed the green foliage over her fingertips. The rooftop garden was a beauty, even now having gone years without someone to watch over its growth.

In the absence of caretaker it had run rampant, creating a scene that reminded her of a storybook she'd once found in the remains of a bookstore. Of a leopard that roamed in a rainforest, the way the huge branches dipped towards the forest floor. Much like the vines that dripped into the gravel underneath Mina's feet, curling and unraveling in spindly threads. She especially liked how the roses in the planter boxes had broken free from their confines, forming large overgrown bushes that poked over the side of the building. The blossoms themselves were like droplets of crimson from the spectator's point of view on the roadside five stories down.

Mina walked over to the fountain and watched the reflection of the clouds overhead, their mighty formations a preclude to the oncoming storm brewing just out at sea. And as the young lady pushed away a few strands of her ebony bobcut she could peer onto the distant strikes of bright light against the contrasting wall of billowing black.

How poetic.

Would it be the last storm she'd ever see?

Her gaze shifted downward and she adjusted the pistol in her right hand. The cold metal tingled against her palm, the aftereffects of firing such a powerful weapon. Would she have to do so again? So soon? Of course she would... What sort of question was that? She holstered the piece in the side of her boot, the adrenaline having fallen away only minutes before. And now the fear was beginning to seep in. It was a quiet torment that pressed deep into her soul the moment the rage and the gunfire had stopped and it was only her left standing. Only her and her opponent lying quietly against the cool marble of the lobby below.

His blood had spilled out from the hole in his neck, painting the ivory surface scarlet. She'd killed before, but always at a distance. Never having the opportunity to look her attacker in the eye. This time though she had no choice, but to walk over and gaze into his deep blue orbs. They stared back at her just as she would stare up at the sky and see the same. That beautiful azure. And yet this man and the sky were so different. One that continuously gave, to provide a place for the clouds and the stars. The other so consumed with selfishness and destruction.

It was then that Mina returned to the present when she heard the distant pounding on the rooftop door. Two steps away from the fountain and she could view the metallic jarring of the entryway and see the statue she'd pushed in front of it slowly shifting forward. It wouldn't be long now before they broke through. It was time act, to return from her paradise in the overgrown garden and back into the world that was her realty. That she was being hunted by these men and that she was her only source of freedom, her only form of power.

The ebony haired woman raced across the garden and hopped over the oversized tomato plants and thick patch of blackberries to the side of the building. Grimly she realized that the fire escape wasn't on this side and so back she dashed, madly this time. Rounding about the fountain and taking one last look at the callow lilies. And as she ran beyond the doorway she could hear the men calling to her, screaming and promising her a merciless demise.

Mina had no time for them, unless she wanted to expend the remainder of her bullets which were so few already. No, they were not worth the effort and so she wrapped her hands around the cold rust laden ladder and made her way down one floor at a time. The first two floors were easy enough, the third not quite. For it was then that she peered inside the many windows she'd passed along and saw, staring back on her, one of the men.

Had he been waiting for her?! No. She forced herself to look at him and saw he was just as surprised to see her. But their only difference was his gun was already drawn. And as he aimed she let her grip on the ladder falter. The gunfire echoed in her ears, but Mina had gotten off easy. She plummeted and her boots hit the next metal floor, knocking her off balance. She rammed her knees into the grating and cried out as the hard surface pressed into her skin.

Mina was no fool. There was just no time to complain about flesh wounds. She gripped onto the railing and brought herself back up as the bullets whisked through the air around her. Two floors to go, just two more... And she'd be free of them. Adjusting the thick scarf shielding her bare shoulders Mina again took to the ladder and made her way down. By now her attacker had loosed all his bullets and she was free from everything he could throw at her, save his foul words.

The wind had already begun to grow in power, pressing through the alleyway she dropped into and tousling the remains of ancient garbage in half rust eaten cans. Mina only took one glance ahead of her and one toward the back of the alley before she made her decision on which route to take. The girl sucked in her chapped lips and looked up the fire escape. Only now had the men gotten beyond her makeshift barricade.

She smiled inwardly and let her limber legs take her to the back of the brick building she'd successfully descended from and out onto the next street behind it. Here she took a moment to breathe, her brown eyes peering over the abandoned scraps of cars and trucks. A bus that she could have sworn she'd taken before all this had begun. This new world filled with anarchy and decay. Kneeling down she dug into her boot and retrieved the pistol that had been busy rubbing her skin raw She needed to find a new pair socks, perhaps a jacket.

Checking to see if her gun was as full as it could be, Mina hurried down the sidewalk and minded the overgrown weeds creeping up from the gutter and manhole covers. Amazing, how Mother Nature always had a way of taking back what was hers. If only she'd taken care of the remaining bits of street scum perusing Mina. They wouldn't stop their chase, not until she was miles away from this place. That man she'd taken out would surely spark some sort of humanity in their souls, the part seeking revenge for a fallen friend. Even one who was better off dead.

Again Mina took another alleyway route, diving into its darken depths in the hopes of keeping herself from being found. This one had so little to offer her by means of a hiding place, not that she would hide here, no. It was still far too close to those men... So she continued, onto the next street and through a little mini mart on the next corner.

Her eyes scanned over the counter and the aisles, but like a carcass the store had been picked clean. There was nothing for her here, nothing, but a reminder of a life she'd long ago left behind. In this savage wasteland. The young woman hit the employees only door and pressed out through the back of the building, finding that her travels were leading her closer and closer to the hills. Then, she felt it. That first little splash of water across her cheek.

Mina's chocolate irises peered upward and over the sprawling heavens above. The cloud line she'd watched only twenty minutes before had finally rolled in and was hell bent on dropping its cargo. No. No, she couldn't seek out cover, not yet. She had to continue lest those men found her. They'd show her no mercy... She needed to make her way for just a little while longer.

As the droplets began to tumble forth from overhead Mina kept her eyes peeled and her gun cocked. Ever vigilant was she, constantly roving over the cracked streets and broken pavement. Peering up at the empty buildings, once so filled with life and purpose. Now they only posed a problem for her, a place for someone to watch her and track her. Her skin tingled at the thought and she shook back her fear with a shrug of her shoulders. No, the city was no place for her.

Ten more minutes of darting along the darkest corridors and beyond the buildings and Mina was beginning to see that nature in the older suburbs was winning over humanity's machinations. Entire houses were covered in vines and weeds, spilling into broken windows and open doors. Much like the lushes rooftop garden she'd escaped to when she'd been scouting. With nowhere to go, but up when the men had cornered her. And now she was returning to her sanctuary, her place of solace and safety.

A long, heavy sigh escaped her and Mina did what she knew she should never do. The lady dropped her guard and stretched, relinquishing the tense ache that had built up and into her shoulders. She unwrapped the soaked scarf and let the rain clean her tired, dusted frame. Her tank top hung close to her body, sucked in from the water and clinging to her half starved self. Her bones protruded around and about her chest, her jeans that had once fit so well now two sizes too big.

It was only when the rain started coming down in a torrential fit that she ducked into the nearest house that still looked halfway decent. Dripping from head to toe she wandered into the bedrooms, hoping to find a change of clothes. Nothing. Much like the rest of the city, much like her... The house was a skeleton of its former self. Mina made her way back to the livingroom and looked out the broken front door. It would be dark soon, she'd dare not travel then.

 And so the lass moved through the darkened hallway and back into the master bedroom, pulling the remains of what was a moth eaten comforter and a chair cushion underneath the bed and curling up for the night. If she was lucky she'd get a few hours rest.

If she was lucky.

Photo Friday - Llama Butt!

Llamas... And Llama Butt.

Diary of a Battle Cleric

"Diary of a Battle Cleric" was actually written a few years back when I first tried D&D with some friends. So, you'll have to forgive me if this isn't very well done. Enjoy! XD

-After the Bloodbath-

Beginning my new life in The Tower and a Journey of Closure. Sort of.

Although I insisted that my psychotic episode was only a temporary transition from the horrific massacre of everyone I’d ever loved at the Monastery to the fresh, wholesome life in my new home the kind Tower Psychologist overlooking my case was quite firm in my keeping some sort of diary. Not used to such log-keeping, I contended that it would only inhibit me in my daily routine and at first outright refused. It was then that I realized how clever mages can be with memory manipulation.

And so as I cradled myself on the floor, engulfed in the stench of burning bodies and my dear sister’s head laughing maniacally at me, I decided to withdraw my previous claim and assured her I would write in it whenever possible. And that I would never be late to any of our meetings. Ever. So here I find myself, with little booklet in tow and pen ready to recollect yesterday’s adventures with the feisty rogue, Raine and the wryly wizard Wing.

It began around morning, where upon I was summoned to the Headmaster’s office and met with Wing. We had encountered each other once before, during the burning of the Monastery and overall genocide of my now undead people, but I was a bit preoccupied at the time. We greeted one another and turned to the dwarven elder that was the lead man of all Tower operations. With condolences, he spoke of the individuals who had escaped from the Monastery. I would have been relieved, but being horrific abominations of nature and it being mine and Wing’s mission to hunt them all down my optimism was low.

Hearing that there was one more individual in our party, Wing led the way to the rogue Raine’s room. I had thought I’d heard quite a bit of rustling from within and when we knocked I was quite surprised to find a rather bare young woman answering. Covered only in what appeared to be a sheet she greeted us with exuberance, if not slightly fatigued. Wing acted rather casual about the situation and I decided to admire the Tower’s architectural ceiling. Quite lovely, really. After Wing was done and the door was closed once more he and I opted to get some breakfast. I made certain to continue admiring the architecture as Raine’s bedfellow galloped down the stairs in even less than what she had previously been wearing.

Taking in my new environment Wing gave me a quick run-through of basic places I needed to know while we waited on our third party member. It wasn’t too long before she appeared, this time fully clothed and happy to share our breakfast. I greeted both her and her little pet warmly, quite delighted to have individuals around me who could take my mind off of my recent…devastating…loss…

OH MY DIETIES, THEY’RE ALL GONE!! THEY’RE ALL GONE AND THEY AREN’T COMING BACK!! THOSE BLOOD-SUCKING FIENDS, CULTIC DEMON-WORSHIPERS!! MAY ARGENTIS FOREVER EMBED THEIR VERY BODIES IN THE TORMENTS OF THE HELLS!! MAY THEY BURN FOR WHAT THEY’VE DONE!! BUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRNNNNN!!!!

Oh. Oh my. I’m sorry. I don’t know where that came from. Anyways…

We all had a lovely breakfast and headed out towards the poverty-stricken outskirts of town. As we got closer to our destination we found there was great devastation surrounding a few of the streets. I took rather close note of this, thinking that perhaps my old friends may have been a part o f the cause to all the destruction. Wing seemed rather preoccupied with his thoughts, but I passed his indifference off as battle preparation. On the other hand, I couldn’t put my foot on why Raine’s eyes kept shifting back and forth. More battle preparation, I figured.

We’d finally reached the building the Headmaster had stated was in question and as requested guards were stationed faithfully around the half-hazard. The structure really was quite damaged and appeared to me that with one miss-step could come toppling down. Of course, as with all Tower business this was the least of our concern. We made our presence known to the guards and took a quick look-around the outer building. With no more to do we strolled right on in and began our search.

Besides the mangled mounds a flesh tied to the ceilings and littered about the beds it had the charm of a noble cottage once nestled in the quiet country. My companions were more interested in the trap door hidden nearby. I quickly offered my assistance with opening the grate and it was nearly accepted. But as Wing pointed out that doors often did not close properly once a battle hammer was rammed right through them we went with lock-picking.

After Raine took care of our little lock problem the wizard summoned an invisible minion to lead us in, complete with invisible arm for torch. It was a rather narrow passage we were led down

Peppermint, Nettle Pots & Heating Pads: Oh My!

Today was a terribly fun affair as my sinuses pushed down their bitter pill of pain.

I swallowed it up and continued on, hopeful that something would cause it to stop. And after numerous trials of different home remedies and store bought products for sinus pressure and pain I've found a few that help take off the edge.

Breathing in peppermint really opens up your nasal passages, bringing a temporary reprieve from the constant pressure. However, this cure only lasts for a half hour at most. I was using pure peppermint oil for this remedy. And though it was the best aroma ever... It didn't provide the relief I was looking for long term.

The nettle pot that I purchased was shaped, like most are, kind of like a tea pot. I created a saline solution previously myself (just mild salt water), but this time around the nettle pot I bought had a solution with it. I tried it out and pressed the nozzle to my nose. In went the water, up my nostril and out the other side. It wasn't very pleasant, but I could breathe a whole lot better after that. I still can to a degree even now... But it did very little for the sinus headache I was hoping it would hold at bay.

Once I had finished running some errands with HanaChana she allowed me the use of her neck massage pillow. I wrapped that around me, put a heating pad atop it and watched Totoro and for the most part that was enjoyable. Again, it didn't do much for the headache that's still with me.

So... I'm hoping to go to bed early tonight and maybe some sleep might help me feel better tomorrow. If not... back to the ol' drawing board!

Sinus Headache from Hell & Lemons!

It's almost four in the morning.

I'm exhausted.

My face is soaked and I'm breathing heavy.

Can anyone guess what I've been up to..?




If you guessed "Your head's been under a sheet and your face has been stuck in a glass bowl full of steaming hot lemon water for a half hour"

Well, you'd have guessed right!

This story starts about two hours ago around two in the morning. I woke up to a hotter than normal bedroom and enough sinus pressure to make my eyes bulge for weeks. I sat up, holding back a groan as my nose sought out the source of its troubles.

It just so happened to be breathing in its dog kennel near the end of the bed. The precious Australian Shepherd that hasn't had a bath in ages... Was giving off a stink so fierce that I was reaching for the nearest window and shoving my face through it.

When that didn't work I decided to let her out a little early. She was waaaay too warm in the bedroom and it was pretty nice outside this particular evening. Needless to say, she was happy to get out of the stifling hot room and into open air.

Unfortunately I couldn't join her.

So I opened up all the windows and let some fresh air in to me. And set about trying to get rid of my sinus pressure and the horrid headache that had come in with it. Cue me on Google, seeking out home remedies for both pressure and headache...

And then I found a couple of lovely gems!

Not only is steam great for alleviating sinus pressure, but adding lemons to it can also clear out some nasty stuff up in your nasal cavity. So up went my makeshift tent after I had boiled some water and added some fresh lemons into it...

I brought the metal bowl close to my face and breathed in deep for a good, long while. And poof! Not too much longer after that I felt the pressure alleviating and the pain subsiding. And my pores enjoyed the lemon water too!

Not wanting to waste any bit of what I'd made I headed over to the shower and stepped in, pouring the lemon water over my  feet. Hey, if it can help my sinuses it wouldn't harm my feet any!  And with all that done I made myself one more thing. A simple glass of lemon water for myself to drink. It didn't taste very good, but it's supposed to help as well.

So...that was my very, very early morning regimen. And I'm thinking of making it a weekly event... Only...at a more reasonable hour.

So now it's time for me to go back to bed.

Night!

Beautiful River Sunset - Video

Bleh Weekend

This weekend was pretty bleh for me and I remained in bed for most of it. Thank goodness I was so productive on Friday, my body just gave out Saturday and Sunday. I need to change so many things about my life because the lousy immune system that I have is ridiculous for someone my age.

I guess it comes with the turf of having such a stressful life, but the people in it aren't going away and neither am I so I have to find some way to help myself stay healthy.

I can't say that I don't count myself lucky though. I've had some wonderful times in my near twenty-five years. I've gone places I never thought I'd possibly go. Met those who have contributed to my inspiration in ways I had never thought of.

When I feel so bleh and so sickly I always get down on myself and that isn't good for me. I end up thinking that I need to be more productive, happier and that I need to work harder than ever toward my goals. I'm too sensitive about things, too easily swayed by external forces. I think I do far too much inflection, but it's what I'm good at.

I know everyone has a moment where they doubt themselves, but the important thing is that they keep moving forward regardless.

I just want to make sure I'm moving toward the right things.

There's no time for regrets or second guesses anymore.

Blossom Brides & Makeshift Snowstorms

A dear friend had once said that the trees, filled to the brim with blossoms, reminded her of brides.

I can understand why.

The branches are overflowing with flowers now, scattering the ground below with tiny ivory and pink petals. Every time the breeze drifts through the lazy limbs above my head they scatter into the air and leave their alluring scent on my clothes. My hair is decorated in their fragile forms. I try my best not to disturb their landing as they swirl around me. 

The trees hum a melody off of their bark as bees busy themselves from blossom to blossom. It might be intimidating to some, seeing so many flying just above their noggin, but I'm quite used to it. They mind my space and I, in turn, give them theirs.

It's funny that in all this pollen and dirt and grass that my allergies don't bother me a bit. I can breathe in deep and feel nothing blocking my lungs. I'm glad I suffer from different things instead. I constantly try and lose myself in the caress of the wind and whatever warmth the winter sun can bring.

This moment is finite. 

In no more than a week, maybe just a bit more...

All the blossoms will be gone.

Replaced with hearty green leaves, any trace of the petals on the orchard floor will be cleared away in the next flooding. I hold onto this precious moment and the comfort that it provides. My makeshift snowstorm sails around me and dots my clothes once again.

Photo Friday - Water Wheel

Wisteria Strenge and the Guffton Gang

The Strange Circumstances of...

...Wisteria Strenge and the Guffton Gang

Part One.

"It's Strenge, not strange." She corrected.

"Strange?" His bumpkin accent grated on the single syllable word as he held the gun close to her ear, cocked and at the ready.

"Must I repeat myself yet again?"

It was in the most utterly deplorable circumstances that Wisteria Strenge found herself. Her arms crossed beneath her bosom, she stared ahead with furrowed brow and pouted lips. If only she could get these fools to properly pronounce her name before she died.

"Well, serry yer highnass!" A fellow gunman belched out behind the register, stuffing bills and coin into his satchel. The two slouches dared to share a laugh and, to Wisteria's dismay, she felt bits of saliva and chew fleck onto her ivory skin. If any got onto her pinafore...

"Mighty nice of ya to act the part of damsal in diress... Miss Strenge" The one with the gun to her brain brought up a cracked, oil-stained hand and brushed back one of the lavender locks unleashed from her braid. "Makes our job a whole lot-"

"Damsel in Distress." She interjected, jerking her head back at his most unwanted attention. "If you're going to insult me..."

That very same hand whipped up and reached around her noggin, clamping itself over her smooth ruby lips.

"The coppers! Carlton, thinkin' it's bout time we vamoose." Her filthy captor shoved her head against his chest and drug her from the storefront windows.

"Already?! Hell! We've only been here five minutes!"

Ten, but I doubt the two of you know anything about keeping time...

Wisteria's thoughts were best kept to herself anyhow as the fools gathered up the remaining loot and decided on a departure plan. She, of course, kept her sights on the country store's little front door. It'd do her no good to get hit with a bullet from the law when a scuffle broke out.

And it's about time someone showed up. Mr. Chester's not going to want any harm coming to his property.

Her boss' rear end scrambling out the back door was still vivid in her mind. She'd had no more than thirty seconds to warn him when the two crooks bashed their way through the screen shutter. Heavens, the poor remains were laying in shambles all around her feet! Didn't they know what a handle was and how to use it?

"We'll take the girl here with us. Lest them badge wearin' sons a bit-"

The gentleman courting Wisteria's fine form could not finish his sentence.

He could not finish it, of course, because Wisteria's heel had connected with the soft tissue in his big toe. One of the many, many reasons why she was so fond of the shoe line developed by Arnald Al Griesto. It had very thick, very hard soles.

The poor man slipped with his grip and out popped the lady, stepping toward Carlton.

"You will be doing no such thing!" Her high pitched command barreled off the walls and into the eardrums of her unwanted consorts. She slammed her palms across the register counter and leaned in. "Haven't you got the decency to leave a lady to her own devices?!"

"And haven't you got the decency to be actin' like a lady?!" Carlton shut the satchel and up came his gun. Wisteria rolled her eyes and watched as the bandit pointed toward the dry goods in the back. "Look at those females yonder. All huddled up and heads down. Why can't you be like one of them, huh?!"

Not more than ten feet away sat a tightly knit trio of ladies, two hunkered over a third which... Appeared to have caught a serious case of the vapours and was out cold. Apparently their upbringing hadn't brought them too close to many robberies. Carlton's partner stalked over to her with a limp, his words an offense to any lady's fragile ear. He jabbed the gun at her middle and she whirled to meet his eye.

"Unless you'd like to keep your tongue another day I'd suggest you stop hurling such remarks at my backside." She growled. "And keep that gun off of my clothes. I shan't have my uniform stained by the likes of you."

Her offensive companions looked upon her with quirked brows and dropped jaws. And then they turned to one another and shrugged.

"We could always take one of the girls in the back." Carlton's partner commented, bringing his gun into position with her head.

"Now, Edgar. Even if she don't know her place she's still a lady. And I ain't about to have no brother of mine take the life of a woman because she's got a few loose screws..."

"I beg your pardon!?" Wisteria's face ignited and her dainty features grew taut.

"I reckon the boss'd find it mighty shameful if we took the life of a senile wretch tryin' to work an honest day. Just tryin' te get by like ourselves..." Edgar dropped the gun to his side, reluctance written all over his face. Just like those ridiculous sideburns moving in on his jaw line.

"I almost feel bad fer her now. Bet this is all that she has to her namesake, the poor soul." Carlton's pity soaked into his baby blues so bad that any rationality Wisteria may have had disappeared completely.

The lady drew back her shoulders, furrowed her brow and let her rage flow.

"DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?!"

"A Strange-" Edgar replied.

"NO, YOU PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A MAN! I AM WISTERIA STRENGE!! STRENGE!! AND I WILL NOT BE TREATED LIKE SOME- SOME-"

"No, ma'am. I think what my brother meant was strange. Weird. Freakish. Bizarre." Carlton interrupted. "Beyond the parameters of normality."

Before Wisteria could continue there came a loud blast from beyond the front door and all three dropped low to the white washed floorboards beneath them. It was the lady who first rose to her feet, sliding slowly toward the window to peek out.

"Oh, finally!" She breathed. "The Checkers are here."

And it was then that a heavy cloth fell over Wisteria's pretty little brow and darkness filled her field of vision.

My Old Neighbors...

Had really awesome doggies.

Digging around in old photos and I found this gem back from... 2011? 2012? I dunno, HanaChana might remember. Apparently I came across it during one of our walks out into the middle of nowhere XD

Home Made Earrings!

Made these for mom for her birthday!

The local arts and crafts shop helped with the supplies of course!

Three separate jewelry beads were used for each earring and were a pain to actually get through the long wire I purchased. Then I had to make a loop with...bendy metal...stuff. And then I had to loop the loopy metal onto the clasps and... It was a real pain in the butt and I rage-quit...twice.

But in the end they came out very nicely! These pics don't do them justice if I may gloat just a bit. I'll try and upload better ones another time. But my mom is wearing them and that makes me happy. My dad got kinda teary looking at them. Which is very weird for macho-him.

I chose a gold style because my mom is big on that color for earrings. And gold is just such a warm tone that it suits her just right. She's such a gentle, kind-hearted person.

I love you, mum. Even though you won't ever know this blog is here and will never know I'm writing about you and your present XD

Back On My Feet & Etc!

Due to some awesome friends sending over some money I'd won last year I'm back on my feet and doing quite well. Slowly, but surely I've been getting into my old storage containers from before I moved to try on some of my old outfits, too. The ones a little too exotic to wear in day to day life.

Not exotic as in dirty, mind you! Exotic as in... What you'd see Yuko Ichihara wearing in XxXHolic on a day to day basis. My life is just too crazy to wear them every day. I'd rip them up and destroy them being the tomboy that I am.

I really, really enjoy wearing beautiful clothes like Kimono, Lolita and Aristocrat. I just don't have the money for such a passion so I normally buy my stuff at Goodwill! You'd be surprised what you can find that way~

Perhaps I can post some of the outfits once I have a chance, but it's too late and too dark to do so now.

Dream Journal: Molly

Her hair was a rich dark chocolate, her paws were far too big for her small body. She had ears that flopped with every energized step she'd take and she only answered to one word.

Molly.

Molly somehow became my dog last night. A petite, but limber chocolate lab that was right at home in the construction site that was to be mine and Jaku's future apartment. The little pup had already garnered so many folks' attention. Her obsession with the unknown and delight for adventure took the form of her speedy little tail zipping back and forth.

It was all so real. The construction noises downstairs, the way Jaku and Ecati worked on the place. And her. That little bundle of love that we weren't all too sure could live with us there. And if she couldn't live with us there, well, I didn't want to live there at all.

Because Molly was my little girl. And my heart ached when I awoke to find that my puppy was no more than a dream.

Annoyances...

I am annoyed...

Not at the fact that Google forces you to use your real name, or at least attempts to make you...

But that they freely show this information to anyone and everyone willing to look for it.

Sure, you can have a nickname...

But your real name will always show.

And that annoys me so much.

Over One Thousand Views! Thank you!~

Although I know many folks on here are bots or ad-thingies trying to get me to click on them via my tools area, I have reached over a thousand views on my blog sometime today and wanted to thank those of you who have been keeping up with me and who are real.

So thank you. Thank you for taking the time to read my corner of the net and I hope you've been enjoying it so far. Keep being awesome, everyone!

Photo Friday - Hearst & Martin Luther

"Let's Play" on Youtube?

Lately I've been into "Let's Play" Youtube series quite a bit. Especially with my partiality toward horror games and my inability to play them. You see, I suffer from night terrors quite frequently.

What are night terrors?

They are kinda like nightmares only most of the time, once awake, the dreamer never remembers them.

Doesn't sound that bad, right?

Well, here's the kicker. You know you're experiencing night terrors when you wake up screaming, fleeing from a room or attempting to jump out a window.

So yeah. Fun stuff.

I found out that I had night terrors from my parents as a kid, trying to make a dash for the front door at one in the morning. They told me I had come out bellowing "They're coming out of the walls!"

And then there was the time that a friend and myself went to Disneyland. Cue me trying to break out of our hotel room around three in the morning, screaming my head off.

I'm a fun roommate : )

Luckily this stuff only happens when I'm highly stressed... Or when I play scary video games. Which is why I don't play them unless I really want to tempt fate x_x;

Getting back on subject here...

I've been watching Youtube videos of "Let's Plays" so I can follow interesting games I can't play. And I got to see how much fun the players have while doing this stuff and I thought to myself...

I'd like to try that too...

So just might! In fact, if I can get my hands on most of this stuff for free I'd love to give it a shot. Though I'm not sure how good I'd be at it, I do know I totally get into the zone when playing games and I think people might like that about me.

Not at all sure when I can make this happen, since I love to stack idea after crazy idea on myself XD

But we'll see if it comes into fruition~

Maybe I should make a page here just to track all my zany ideas?

Maybe!

Cleaning Helps

I've noticed, as many people around me have, that I clean when I'm upset.

And for the most part I believe this to be true. I've been feeling a little down these past couple of days and had another bad headache today. So when I finally got some down time what did I do?

I cleaned.

I vacuumed the bedroom and picked everything off the floor so I could get even the tiniest little places. Then I branched outward and worked on the livingroom. Up, up, up went the chairs and mats, the boxes and clutter. Off the floor so that I may have a clear shot for my cleaning spree.

And yet that wasn't enough for lil ol' me.

I went after the filtration system next that's connected to the house. I wanted to see how dirty the ventilation was because...honestly? I vacuum the bedroom at least two to three times a week. And every time I do I get out a huge bag full of dust and cat hair out of the vacuum. I clean my vacuum every time I use it, you see. To keep track of exactly how much dust is coming through my fortress.

Crazy, I know.

Anyways...

I got down on my hands and knees and stuck my head in through the vent and... I couldn't find the filter.

BECAUSE IT WAS COVERED IN THREE INCHES OF DUST AND BOB KNOWS WHAT!

I drug that thing out and gave it a thorough vacuuming. Just until I can get it a brand new filter.

It was just good to know that all that dust and stuff coming into my room wasn't being tracked in by myself and Jaku. It's only us after all and we don't have a lot of foot traffic coming in or out. And because my dear roomies have three cats and one that goes inside and outside frequently I could see how the rest of the house could cause that kinda of dirt.

So now that I've finished vacuuming the house, under the tables and sofa. Cleaned the ventilation, took out the trash and...oh, I need to sift the litter box too...

I feel loads better.

Cleaning is almost a meditation for me. It allows me to work at something where I can see automatic results because of my hard work. It's my own form of self-gratification that some people get from playing sports or overeating. I don't like doing either...although I have been known to engage in the latter.

Cleaning helps keep me focused and happy. And I'm no super hero at it, but I do take pride in my work.

And now that I'm done I feel very much relaxed and sleepy.

I think it's about time I head to bed. Night all!

Ode to the Cupcake...

Ode to the cupcake...

Your rich... handsome center

So delicious, so divine

Your creamy icing topping

So... Cheesecake-y

So loving.

Oh monsieur cupcake.

You are so special to me.

Oh my goodness

I must take

Another bite

Of thee.

*Nom Nom Nom*