Shouldn't Hello Have a 'W' at The End?

Goodness gracious me. I feel exactly like a person who's priorities are out of place. For the last I-don't-know-how-many-hours, I've been wrestling with my computer screen to try to get it to show what I want it to show. I've been messing with more blog stuff, and bothering about more layouts, posts, and configuration than anyone cares about. And I feel likes it's been taking it's toll on me.

Anyone care to pass the plate of productivity my way?

"You Spawn Conflict!"

Me: *dies in laughter by falling off stairs*

Oh sigh. You just had to be the the same pair of converse as I to understand that last bit there. Life wings you a lot of funny moment with a lot of funny people.
Anyway, I have one of those hunches that I'll be busy this week, thus, I decide to chip in a few words at present.

This I post to you, in light that I'm a YouTube stalker.
(Note: the "new record" that is chattered about in this video is actually 2011's All Things Bright and Beautiful---his newest one, The Midsummer Station, is scheduled to make it's debut on August 14, 2012)



I'll say it right now: this should be packaged up, addressed, and sent to me with the label: "INSPIRATION/ASPIRATION" doodled all over it in red sharpie.

I love you guys, because though you are not many, you are still there. =)
And that means plenty to my little daydreaming heart.

Kismint's Piece of the Planet

I think I'll give you a little taste of everything I have been working on of late. How does that sound?

First, pictures.


Last week I brought my camera everywhere I went while herding small children around our church campus. Yesterday was also a successful snapshot sort of day too. I'm really enjoying all this photography stuff. It makes for more eye-catching blog posts, yes?
AMAZING POWER

THE ROYAL PALM

CONVERSE MACRO

Ah, and speaking of macro pictures, I've been playing around with that.
Ick.
A super macro of an eye (no telling who's though...).

Either this is really gross or really cool.

Next, I have a confession to make: Alas! I have not worked on a single one of my writing projects in a very very long time. I feel as though I may have given up. But then I turn around and shout stoutly: I AM NOT A GIVER UPER!! To the face of defeat. Instead I'm only a procrastinator. But I have excuses, don't I?
I run three (active) blogs, I try my best to keep up with at least thirty other blogs that I follow, I ride a horse three times a week, I take pictures, I edit videos, I work on exercising my sketching hand, I write songs, I edit pictures, I play songs, I take more pictures...etc., etc.
Anyway, my novel writing side has suffered quite a bit, but after reading what both Jake (@ http://www.teenagewritingrocks.blogspot.com/) and Ely (@ http://www.quillquizzer.blogspot.com/) have to say about writing and aspiring to a summer NaNoWriMo mood, I'm thinking about picking up the ol' Statheros story and plotting the fate of my four (actually, I guess five...maybe six) main victims characters.

(Yes, E-Jai, I know I bounce all over the place. Someday we'll pick up on Charley and Lea again, 'k? =)

Some of you may remember a post that interviewed me on this particular endeavor that I published a little while ago. And some of you may not. Either way, I think you deserve to hear an interview from the characters themselves. Here is a figment of one of my attempts to learn a little more about my mind's creation(s).

Feel free to just browse through. I put quite the assortment on there, but it's fine with me if you're not all that interested...

How old are you?

Danthren: 14, but I'll be 15 soon.

Eliot: Same.

Bennet: Ha! Already 15!

Brenin: Yup. 14 too.

Emery: I guess we're all 14.

Bennet: Except meeee!

Emery: * rolls eyes * Yeah, and your maturity really shows.

What do you do with your spare time?

Danthren: Think and pray.

Brenin: Train in the arena.

Eliot: Go dare Bennet to do something stupid.

Bennet: Hey!

Emery: * chiding * He's only telling the truth.

Do you see the big picture or live in the moment?

Danthren: The big pictures is important to see. All things work together.

Brenin: Agreed.

Eliot: My father used to say the same thing Dan.

Danthren: What, you thought I just coined it?

Bennet: Life is like mirror. There's a bigger and better future, and that's what the big picture is about.

Emery: The only way to really live is to seize life as it is.

Bennet: Yeah, and Emery throttles it.

Emery: * shoots Bennet a scowl * Says Mr. Profound.

Are you a perfectionist?

Bennet: Nah, where's the fun that?

Danthren: I try not to be.

Emery: Nadda.

Brenin: I'm not much of one.

Eliot: * turns red * ...Uh sometimes.

The other four: SOMETIMES!??

What does your handwriting look like? (round, slanted, curly, skinny, sloppy, neat, decorative, etc.)

Danthren: Uhh...like handwriting?

Brenin: Blockish maybe?

Eliot: Slanted.

Bennet: What kind of question is that?

Emery: * blushes * Some of us don't know how to write.

Favorite animal?

Brenin: Horse.

Danthren: Lion.

Bennet: Cougar.

Emery: Wolf.

Eliot: Manatee.

The other four: WHAT!??

Eliot: Kidding.

Do you have any pets?

Emery: No

Danthren: Nope.

Eliot: Nadda.

Brenin: I once had a three-legged filly that my father gave to me. She died before she was a yearling.

Bennet: Do the field mice that I caught and tortured count?

Do you have any siblings? How many? Where does he/she fit in?

Eliot: I'm the younger brother of two sisters.

Brenin: I'm the third eldest in a family of nine children.

Bennet: Not biologically, but Dan's parents adopted me.

Emery: I'm an only child---I think.

Danthren: No siblings unless you count Bennet.

Do you have a 'life verse' and if so what is it?

Danthren: A few. One being: “If this is what the Potter's hand hath wrought, so be it!”

Brenin: “It's unlikely that anyone will remember you for what you did, instead, they'll remember you for how you made them feel”

Eliot: Too many come to mind.

Bennet: Umm...

Emery: (to Bennet) How about: “I'm an idiot and I'll do my best to remember it.”

Bennet: Har har.

Favorite writing utensil?

Bennet: We don't use much in Aynklem besides quill and ink.

Eliot: What about charcoal?

Bennet: Correction: I don't use much in Aynklem besides quill and ink.

Brenin: Quill.

Danthren: My hand.

Emery: Nice job wisecrack.

What’s your worst childhood memory?

Bennet: * looks down at feet * When my mother died.

Danthren: I was ten years old when a neighbor's house burned down with the family inside. All I could do was watch and listen to the screaming.

Eliot: When I was four and my sisters shut me in an icebox. * shudders *

Brenin: Really? * starts laughing *

Eliot: * socks Brenin in the stomach * Aww shut up, it's not funny!

Brenin: * gets wind knocks out of him * Ooof...

Emery: * bites lip * I don't want to answer that question.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Emery: * perks up * Invisibility.

Brenin: Telekinetic abilities.

Bennet: Flight.

Eliot: I'd take telekinetic powers any day.

Brenin: Cheater.

Eliot: Whatever.

Danthren: Courage.

If you crashed on an island with a bunch of other people, how would your character help the group survive?

Danthren: Hopefully by keeping a level head.

Brenin: Helping explore the island to find useful things.

Eliot: Using the plants for medical needs, since my father has taught me a little bit of doctrine.

Emery: * sing songedly * And Bennet would entertain everyone by getting killed by a coconut falling on his head!

Bennet: What kind of interview is this anyway!?

What is a cause you would die for?

Eliot/Bennet/Brenin in unison: The life of a friend.

Emery: Justice.

Danthren: What I believe.

Brenin: Oh yeah.

Eliot: That too.

Bennet: Good one Dan.

Would you rather die fighting valiantly, or quietly at home?

Eliot: I'd rather not die with a dagger between my ribs, but if it came to that...

Emery: Better to fall in honor then grow old and stupid.

Bennet: If I had my choice, I'd rather look death in the eye then have it creep behind my back.

Danthren: I don't think the choice should be up to me, so I don't really have an answer.

Brenin: * choosing his words carefully * I think it's important to give your all for what you believe in. But life is a precious gift. I don't want to forget that.

Do you prefer the country or the city?

Brenin: Country.

Bennet: Country.

Danthren: Wherever I feel like I belong.

Eliot: Country. I guess that's what we were all used to before we were taken to the castle...

Emery: Country, away from people.

Bennet: Ooh, what now? Have I found a recluse?

Emery: * growling * Be quiet.

What type of laugh do you have?

Bennet: Emery has a fake one!

Emery: I DO NOT!

Eliot: Are we answering this question for each other?

Danthren: Sure, why not?

Eliot: Okay then, * looks thoughtful * Brenin has a laugh like a donkey.

Brenin: * jumps to his feet and collars Eliot * WHAT?

Eliot: * shrugs coolly *

Danthren: On second thought...

Who is your best friend?

Everyone: * Glances awkwardly from person to person with lopsided smiles *

What is your family like?

Emery: I didn't have much of one anymore.

Brenin: Pretty chaotic, but lots of fun. With eight other siblings, there's never a dull moment.

Eliot: Wonderful enough. My father worked hard to make sure my head stayed the right size. * grins *

Danthren/Bennet: * high five *

Danthren: * Mock distress * Terrible. Just terrible. I could never get any peace and quiet with the EXTREMELY annoying brother bothering me ALL the STINKIN' TIME.

Bennet: You're telling me.

Do you like hedgehogs?

Brenin: Is there ANY relevance to these questions? Any at all??

Eliot: They aren't on my hate list if that's what you mean.

Danthren: Nothing against them.

Bennet: They taste pretty bad.

Emery: * gasping * Since when do you eat hedgehogs!?

Bennet: * crosses arms * You have NO idea.

Favorite kind of weather?

Emery: The calm before the storm.

Danthren: Chill with enough nip to keep you awake and feeling alive.

Bennet: Thunderstorms.

Eliot: Sunny with a bit of a breeze sounds nice enough at the moment.

Brenin: Bright, and windy enough to tear through.

Do you have a good sense of humor? If so what kind? (Slapstick, wit, sarcasm, etc.?)

Danthren: Quick wit.

Bennet: Cryptic.

Eliot: Light sarcasm.

Brenin: * nods head with solemn expression * Genuine charm.

Emery: * hesitant smirk * Charming, witty, sarcastic criticism.

...And finally, we come to the musical side of Kismint's world.

My last post was a few samplings of my latest recording work, and so shall this one be. But before you listen, I must explain these tidbits of song first.

"The Hanging Tree" is a song that you will find in the The Hunger Games Trilogy's third installment: Mockingjay. It's a creepy little song about (what else?) a tree where they hand people. Feel free to listen to a the fan version I was played this off of at http://www.grooveshark.com/. I found it quite eerily inspiring.

Anyway, after listening to it, I tried to find out how to play this rendition of the song on my keyboard. The only problem though, is that I don't know how to read music.

Yeah.

Problem...

And that's where a lot of my musical problems start at. I've never taken any sort of music lessons before. The only thing that you might say comes close to music lessons would be those little book lesson things that my parents got for me to teach myself with when I was seven. From there I learned my musical ABCs.

But that's about it. I never got into the textbook side of music enough to learn the notes on paper.

One day, I found http://www.onlinpianist.com/. DUDE! THIS WEBSITE IS MY MUSICAL HERO! You can check it out for yourself (though I warn you, you can only view two tutorials before they make you sign up for free using your email account) at the above link if you're interested in learning a new song visually. It's the whole "The keys light up to show you what to press system", and it works great for me.

But it is often that I simply let my fingers find their own keys to dance on.

And now that I understand chords at a more intimate level, I can record a few things that I might actually become proud of (maybe).

A few days ago, I was working on my version of "The Hanging Tree". This is a clip of the piano part. 

And this is a tiny bit of it with a mild bit of strings and percussion that I added. 

Tell me whatcha think, okay?

Oooh, another movie-like thing of exciting measure that happened today was the unblocking of YouTube for my computer! Yeah!

So now I have my own YouTube channel with---what else---my Robot Rap video as my debut! Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/user/KismintKate?feature=mhee

And that is what I've been up to.

Somewhat.

Shorty One and Shorty Two

The latest within the hour...

Please don't notice the mismatched kicks. I'm still working on it.
Once again, Jabberwalkie just fit the mood. Don't ask me why.

And the above is one of the older projects (wesa goes back in time!!). I think it was the second one, but don't quote me on that. For now I'll call it Times Too Late. Unfortunately, (and once again) the drum beats don't match up all that spectacularly. I think it's a sort of trial and error thing.

The bro thinks it sounds like Scarborough Fair by Simon and Garfunkle...?

Artichokes and Segways

Is this cool or am I an artichoke?

So day 2 of VBS and no death marks on the records yet! This year I attempt in tackling 2nd grade...sweet children they are, but man are they clingy!

It's interesting. While participating as leader for small humanoids, you must put away all thought of cleanliness or claustrophobic meltdown. This comes quickly, let me assure you.

Funny how I remember being the same age and doing the same [to a T] things. Oh nostalgia!

I will probably continue to lament over these things over the next few days, but before I leave the topic, I want to leave you with this year's Vacation Bible School theme.

Amazing Wonders Aviation

I love this picture so much. I took it like two hours ago in the backyard and edited it to my own strange tastes. Seems dreamy to me.

And when I get dreamy, I usually find inspiration.
And when I find inspiration, I usually do THIS!!

(Entitled: Segway)

Did it work? Probably not. This was my own invention of technoness. Less then cool, but fun enough. It was my first attempt, so maybe we'll see more in the future...?
(I've already tinkered with a few more songs, so please, tell me if you're interested in hearing them)

Don't ask me why I call it Segway. I just see somebody rolling creepishly slow down the street to this music.

Until another random time,
K-Mint Plink-a-Dinky

Introduction Of The Prolonged Type

I have taken far too long to get to this point.

How awful of me.

Readers, this is "Jif", Jif, these are my lovely readers. If you didn't get it, Jif is Jif because of the fuJIFilm in the model name. 

Unfortunately, one day I took 500 or so pictures on him, and ended up deleting them all without obtaining copies. By now I've figured out that moments like those tend to define what kind of a person you are. 

So now I raise the curtain on the pictures I have taken (and NOT accidentally disposed of) and edited with this dear camera. Keep in mind that most of these pictures have been significantly edited by myself.

PHOTO SAFARI!!...yet again!

BEDROOM WALL (before posters fell down >_>)

ALL THINGS NEW

ORIGAMI SKILLS

CARVED HEART

DANDY LION YELLOW

DOGO

SOMEWHAT SLEEPY

SIDEWALK THOUGHTS

MEXICAN PARADISE

LEAFING SPRING

THE DR.

INTO ASPHALT

NIGHTTIME 19TH

Thanks all, hope you enjoyed!

Music + Video(s) = Music Video

Dear readers, I present to you my Tuesday.

Yes, filmed and edited. Therefore, blame everything on sweet, innocent, blameless me.

Apart from that, according to a personality test, I'm a heartless, in-sensitive introvert who is judgmental...?

---

Humanmetrics Jung Typology Test™

Your Type

INTJ

Introvert(33%)  iNtuitive(38%)  iNtuitive  Thinking(50%)  Judging(22%)

• You have moderate preference of Introversion over Extraversion (33%)
• You have moderate preference of Intuition over Sensing (38%)
• You have moderate preference of Thinking over Feeling (50%)
• You have slight preference of Judging over Perceiving (22%)

It also goes on to say that some may find me arrogent and ruthless.
In addition to that, it adds...

---

Generally, INTJs have successful careers in areas requiring intensive intellectual efforts, presenting intellectual challenge, and creative approach. Due to the characteristics mentioned above, successful INTJs are found in technological companies, particularly in research and development, and also found among corporate lawyers, high- and mid-rank managers in technology companies and financial institutions.

Jung Career Indicator™ determines occupations and areas in which INTJs find themselves most fulfilled and content, are most successful, and therefore are most represented in. Based on your personality type, the following is a list of the most suitable areas of occupations along with some examples of educational institutions, where you can receive a relevant degree or training. Please click occupation names and institution logos for more information. The most preferred areas appear first.

click to explore	Technical/Science   click to explore
Computer Programming
Natural Science
Teaching Natural Science
Engineering
click to explore	Management   click to explore
Management
Entrepreneurship
click to explore	Social Services   click to explore
Law
Librarian

Famous Personalities Sharing Your Type

• Stephen Hawking, a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author
• Andrew Grove, a businessman, engineer, and author
• Marie Curie, a physicist and chemist famous for her pioneering research on radioactivity
• Guy Kawasaki, a venture capitalist, bestselling author, and Apple Fellow
• Igor Sikorsky, a pioneer of aviation
• Hillary Clinton, the 67th US Secretary of State

---

"Apple fellow"??

Wait---Hillary Clinton!??
Shoot me now.

(did I ever mention that I hate math and science?)

Love to all,
The Heartless, Ruthless, Insensitive, Judgmental, Arrogant, Introverted Apple Fellow.
(I believe that would make me a HRIJAIAF)

Of Guardians and Ga'Hooles

And so I post once more.

In fact, I need to go and post on Salad Bugs. It has really been my problem blog these days. I should try to remember not to write myself into a hole next time I wanna write a multiple part post.
Anyone have any rope?

Anyway, yesterday I woke up and had the most brilliant idea in the world:
TODAY I AM GOING TO SIT AROUND IN MY PJS ALL DAY LONG AND PLAY WII! (and eat those chocolate covered cherries that made an appearance yesterday night at our annual fourth of July party)
And so I did.
Though, unfortunately, the cherries seem to have been abducted by alien craft, and my mom didn't find the wii part of my plan all that brilliant, so I ended up playing Super Smash Bros for only half of the day, and not the whole 24 hours of it.

I'm very much a fan of Nintendo right now. You may call me a geek.

And Link is in the FRONT! Boo-Yah!

The other thing I did was hog the laptop and watch a very low resolution 97 minute movie on some random free movie website (the name escapes me...Vimeo or somethin'...). And that movie was...

The Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole

Some of you know that I've read the first three books of The Guardians of Ga'Hoole series, by Kathryn Lasky. I believe I may have posted about this experience in the past (or not...?). Nevertheless, I have since been itching to watch the movie, despite the fact that I have not finished the series yet. 

Sometimes libraries aren't all they're cracked up to be (no offense Ely). 

Thus, I watched a movie.

It would have soOoOoOoOoOoOoOo much better if only the plot had followed that of the book. As it were, the whole story was dreadfully confusing, and felt extremely rushed with little development. However, the animation, then script, the music score, and the good vrs. evil balance was really quite spectacular. 

Owls have always sort of creeped me out, what with their unblinking eyes and blank---yet deadly faces. They're just scary. And I am very drawn to things that strike up a little kindling of fear. I've found that this sort of thing inspires me---after all, I write out of emotion.

I wouldn't tell anyone that they should see this movie. Especially book fanatics, because they will be sorely disappointed. And certainly not a person who has not read the books, as they will be painfully disoriented because they will have no idea what's going on. 

It's more of a movie for those who would appreciate the attempt at such an elaborately-carved art in motion. 

Plus, I'd watch it over and over again just because of Digger. 

So in love with him right now.

And it doesn't hurt that he was voiced by David Wenham (actor portrayal of Faramir).

That's all. =D

Keep Your Ears Peeled!

And now, at this post-fourth (fourth o' July, that is) moment, I share with you some up and coming awesomeness (actually, it's awesome now, but the further these two artists go, the more and more awesome they will get, lemme assure you).

Two wonderful young musically talented people who are ready to bless their Savior with their gifts!

Jesse Wall (and we all know that Laurica is proud of him! ^_^)


Abby (otherwise known as TD from www.castlesquillsandcameras.blogspot.com)


You guys are truly a blessing from our Lord! May he continue to work in you!
God bless!