Fifth Tuesday! - Random Land!

Right, there are such things as 5th Tuesdays.

As the title suggests I am going to name them Random Land!

(Not to be confused with the YouTuber Justin Scarred, who does a series on theme parks and Disney. If he somehow reads this (which would be awesome and terrifying): I am sorry for any confusion. But it seemed to fit. Also, I love your channel. #disneynerd)

Okay, now that that's out of the way. *coughgowatchhisvideoscough*


For Random Land I will find any weird and random topic to chatter about for a little. Or I'll post a bunch of random images that I've been working on. These will be pencil/pen/marker sets, so don't get too hyped. I'm not a professional artist. I am an amateur who merely loves doing it for fun.

Over the past couple of weeks I've been working at drawing again. Mainly I've taken images and tried to recreate them. The end results are not the same, but they look well enough, to my own eye at least.

Obviously: If you recognize someone/thing I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS. And if you want to sue me, remember: I have nothing. I do this strictly for fun. And practice. (Also, free publicity for you.)


(NOTE: The original images were way too big to post, so I cut them to the "Medium" setting they had. Now they look squat. .... Enjoy regardless.)

Have a fantastic week and see you next month!

WIP: Plots and Plights

I hate writing plots.

I hate writing outlines. With a passion.

I hate the whole 'research and plan the entire thing out before writing' element of writing.

(Which is why I sorta ramble each week on my blog here. The most I've got planned is the theme/topic.)

Recently while writing another little novel I accidentally had my character doing a YouTube mini web-series. It worked well with the story-line and fit well with the mood.

Then I got thinking. . . .  Wouldn't it be cool to make that into a real web series?

Cue yesterday when I used a template taken from Pinterest (yup, everything's there) to write out a plot. There are only a few questions is asks you in order to make out an entire Plot In A Day.

Plot In A Day

What is Your Premise and Basic Plot?

Decide Who the Characters Will Be

Decide What Drives Each Character

What Aren't These Characters Giving Away Right Off the Bat?

What is Going to Change These Characters?

List out the Major Events of the Novel with Subplot in Chronological Order.

Decide Where to Start Writing

Once You've Gotten the Second List Done, You've Got A Plot

Now, I got stuck at the "List the Major Events...." one, because while I have the basics, I don't know if I want to plan the entire thing, or just go for one episode at a time. Which is where my little Block of Writers comes in.

There is a little tidbit with each of the Queries listed above, but I won't write them out.

The Project I'm working at is titled Tomes - and I'm fully ready to film . . . once I can get back my creativity and write an episode.

What are you working on this week?

(Also - if you want the extras involved with the list, send me a message, I'm happy to share!)

Music Beats All

I find that music is rather soothing. It's calm, relaxing, meaningful . . . if you find the peaceful music for study time or while at work.

Or it can be quick, fast, scary, and overwhelming . . . perfect for a scary movie or horror flick.

Due to an awesome job where I can work from home, I have had plenty of time to scour youtube (okay not "plenty", I've barely scratched the surface) for some awesome music.

So - here are a few songs that I would like to share with you. Some of them are hour+ long, being compiled from various places.

Let's start out with some Gibli - this is a wonderful mix list that can send you back to awesome childhood memories.

Video Game music is rather awesome. Even if you don't play games the music can be rather catchy.

Movie Soundtracks will not be left out. There are some rather epic scores out there right now - I will try to add a few of my favorites. Dracula: Untold is one of my favorite movies and the music did not disappoint.

I couldn't not add this. I mean - just watch and you'll understand. *sigh*

Pretty - right?

You wouldn't believe how many concerts these guys have on youtube! This one in particular celebrates the early pioneers of the world.

I would be a sore musician if I didn't add some Jazz. I love this style of music. It's so classy, and soft, and awesome.

And I leave you with a man who does Rock covers of various songs. His phantom ones are my personal favorite. (All I Ask Of You)


What are some of your favorite songs to listen to?

What is the Go-To song for when you have a fantastic day?

Leave a comment below and I will answer!

(Note: I am NOT paid for any name dropping, or anything like that.)

Volunteer!

Today I wanted to go over a few things that I do in my personal life.

While there is plenty of time for random videos based around the internet (I'm looking at you, YouTube), or looking at other things, there are other things which can occupy that time as well.

One of the things I was glad to begin back in the fall of 2015 was being a volunteer at one of the theater's in Atlanta. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to share my time and help out.

While ushering isn't a "glorified" job in any theatre, I find it a unique opportunity to help others .... and the benefit of seeing the show for free is the best reward imaginable. While volunteering my time - arriving two hours before the show is supposed to begin - it's a fantastic way to do something that I love while meeting new people.

I have also volunteered time at local theatre groups around my town, helping backstage with moving sets, props, and costumes into place. The techies and stage hands do most of the work for a show, making sure that the actors have everything they need and keeping them on time with their cues. They are the cogs of the show that you never see, but know are working.

During the summer our local library has a Summer Reading Program. Throughout the two months of no school, there are events for all age groups ranging from magicians, to reading with a rescue cat, to movies each week, and writing groups. Helping out at those events not only relieves stress from the librarians (who often have to go it alone without help). And who doesn't want to be a Librarian nowadays?

There are dozens of ways that you can volunteer your time. If you don't know where to start, ask your neighbor, or church leader. Guaraenteed there is someone close to you who knows of a project that needs extra hands helping.

What are some ways you give back?

Such A Busy!

Well, that time of the week again.

Same Battime - Same Bat-Channel.

And look at me, scraping by at the last second.

This week I'll do a light little blip of the usual nonsense. OR rather, Sense.

I've had quite a few people approach me about a particular job skill that I have. Honestly speaking, I never thought of this as a way to make money, much less a TV show as the kind lady at the bookstore suggested. It all seems rather bizarre to me that it would, or could, work out that well.

Personal Shopper.

I know, right? You're probably wondering how on earth a job like this can even work. Looking this up on Google - one gig alone is $150.

If you're great with style and savvy enough to shop, or even willing to help others with their wardrobe than this would be a fantastic position.

As for making it into a TV show, I'm sure it's been done. And, personally, I'm not comfortable with having my face all over YouTube. (Knowing that there are ways to find out where you live by tracking the video IP address - I have friends tell me all about this all the time.)

I might give it a try with a few friends in my area, see if anything pans out. I'll definitely let you know how it turns out, should I proceed with that.



As for next week - be on the lookout for the great Renaissance Festival!




DISCLAIMER:
I am not paid for any name dropping. Not being for this blog at all, come to think of it...

Yanni

First of all, for those of you who follow I apologize for the delay in this week’s post. The internet at my house decided it was the end and abruptly died.

This morning the service expert came out and called it – so I have a shiny new little box and a boosting signal. (You can’t stop the signal!)

So – without further delay – here is this weeks post.

Last weekend I was able to experience the treat of my lifetime. I went to my second concert ever (I know, I’m not as hip as everyone else out there) at the Fox Theatre, as an usher, but I was able to see it for free. For those of you who haven’t heard of him or his music – or simply don’t know who he is – one word:

Yanni.

Back in the 90’s he helped revamp the general interest in music along with Enya.

Yanni’s music is classic, soft and wonderful. In recent years he has begun adding singers to his repertoire. All of the music is still fantastic. If you haven’t been blessed enough to listen – GO SNAG AN ALBUM!

There’s a few of them at your local library for sure. And if you’re a musician, there’s piano books (though, after seeing him play, I feel highly underqualified for performing any of his works ever again). Some of these can be found at your local library as well.

Though, I’ve taken the time to add some youtube links (yay!!) of some of my personal favorites.

(Links listed below.)

Music is a wonderful way of expressing yourself, of connecting with emotions, and feeling something on the inside. It’s a way to understand life, to connect dots, to study by. Without music I life would simply pass on as a dull and dreary existence.

Take the time to pass on some music – sharing sounds with those you love, or appreciate – this is what makes memories last.

In the Morning Light

So Long My Friend

To the One Who Knows

Almost A Whisper (one of my personal favorites!!)

Before I Go

In the Mirror (another of my favorites)

First Touch

Enchantment

Felista 

Secret Vows

To Take Hold

What artist/play/musical/movie should I review next month? List your favorites in the comments below!

Bonus Track: In the Mirror - feat. Nathan Pacheco and Chloe

(This was part of the '08 tour where singers came on tour and, well, sang with Yanni (who is on the piano.)