Club High Castle Pre-Pandemic

Day 30, and this means my Post A Day challenge has finally come to an end. I did a lot better than I thought I would: 25 out of 30 posts! I've posted my thoughts, feelings, and rodeo roundup of the challenge. It was certainly a challenge to post every day. I work a full time job, and when I get home, I'm not always wide eyed, bushy tailed, and full of creativity. There's also the fact that I have other things I need to get done--that is not to say that I don't like blogging! I do. I enjoy it! Tripping Over Hurdles The initial hurdle for me was to find things to write about. If you go back to the beginning of the month, you'll see that I was using writing/blogging prompts. As the days went on, and the more I posted, I found that it was easier to come up with things on my own. The second hurdle was actually posting every day.  When the creativity wasn't there, I  had to fight the lazy urges within. On those days, I tended to post a lot of pictures and,

Day 28 of my Post A Day challenge! I was gone all day yesterday (literally), so I knew any attempts at blogging something interesting were futile. There was a ferocious wasp trying to fly through a glass window at the cafe I was writing at, but that's about as exciting as my day got. Scratch that: I got four small canvases for the price of one and a free cookie. Now that makes three exciting things! Earth Rise over the Moon Taken by Apollo 8 crewmember Bill Anders on December 24, 1968 The awesome image (one of my favorites of all time, I might add) has nothing to do with yesterday or today. I just needed an image, and why not?  Day 28: What are you drinking? I'm drinking an Arnold Palmer (also known as "Half & Half"). And nope, it is not an alcoholic beverage. It's iced tea and lemonade. That's it. Next to coffee and water, this ranks next on my most frequently enjoyed beverages list.  

Day 26 of my Post-A-Day challenge. I didn't work on any Christmas gifts, but I did finish the accessories to my Attack on Titan Halloween costume. It will be complete once the cloak comes in. There will be pictures, of course. I'm thrilled about this costume! Now I just need to ask my bosses to make sure I am scheduled to work that day, ha ha! I didn't do much other than that today. You  need a good lazy day every once in a while. And for the actual prompt... Day 26: Post something wacky.  Nyan Cat  Elders react to Nyan Cat

Day 25 of my Post-A-Day challenge! What do you do on your day off when it is constantly raining? If you're me, you paint and draw. I must say that today was pretty awesome. It's a shame the painting is a Christmas present because I am dying to share it! I went out of my comfort zone, and I'm really happy with it. Yes, I am starting my Christmas gifts in September. As much as I loathe seeing Christmas decorations, I am making the gifts asap (the gifts themselves aren't draped in reds, greens, Santas, or all things Christmas, so it's okay!). Major Pierson This is the one thing I can show you. I'm going to do a digital version just as I did for Elly. Major Pierson is the other lead character, so it's time he gets some of the spotlight. He is deep in thought. Poor guy. He inherited a mess! I haven't decided what I'm going to do tomorrow. It's a toss up between working on Christmas gifts or writing...but I will get plenty of writing in on

Day 24 of my Post A Day challenge. Looks like I missed yesterday...Whoops! I was tired and cranky. I've noticed a trend when I'm exhausted and groggy: I don't post. Each of the three days I missed were like that! I had to go back to the prompt for today. Day 24: post the weather. I can't find a picture that fits the current weather, so here's a cat! He was the neighborhood cat who hung out with us in GA.  The temperatures are cooling down. I've been wearing a hoodie on the way to work and keeping it on for the first half hour. Sometimes I have to wear it when I get off, and sometimes I don't! The leaves aren't finished turning colors yet, but the trees are starting to be sprinkled in a few oranges, reds, and browns. It is most certainly Pumpkin Spice Latte season. Call me cliche, but I love that damn drink. They even have a decaf version! I tend to be up all night if I drink anything with caffeine in it after 12:00 pm. I am currently loun

Day 22 of my Post-A-Day challenge. With all this news of people jumping the White House fence (let us not forget about the toddler who got through in August...*lol*), I wrote a silly blurb of a poem.  Jumping the Fence "I'd like to jump the fence," thoughts plea. "You can't jump the fence," wit decrees. Only mad men jump the fence. You see.  ....Well, mad men and toddlers to be precise. I don't care how old that story is, I still find it hilarious. I do admit, that the thought of running across the lawn and lounging on the porch is rather tempting! Who hasn't thought about it? * Disclaimer * I would never jump the fence.

Day 21 of my Post-A-Day challenge! I treated myself before I headed into work yesterday. I got a lot of writing in (the day started with a trip to one of the nearby coffee shops. I got myself a coffee and let my muse go crazy. I made a lot of progress on the story I'm working on). Here is a pic-spam of the rest of my adventure: Yep. You are seeing exactly what you think you see. The mall was having a car show! I got myself a shirt (I folded half of it so that you can get an idea of the back). The pony is a very early Christmas present for my niece. I will keep it with the doll I finished yesterday until it's time to pack and mail! Accessories to go with my Halloween costume. I hope it turns out as awesome as the image I have in my head!

Day 20 of my post-a-day challenge! Well, it looks like I missed yesterday, but 18 out of 20 is still a good track record. Yesterday was spent playing video games, knitting, and cleaning (yuck to the cleaning). The year is 2014, where are these cleaning robots that sci-fi has promised us? Rainbow Dash Doll Here is what I finished yesterday. I may use buttons for the eyes because the eyes are the only part I'm not 100% satisfied with. It's a Christmas present for my neice--yes, I realize Christmas is several months away, but I work in the services/retail industry, and it doesn't matter if I work in a repair shop; the masses come. They come in droves. It's an all hands on deck sort of deal. In other words, come November, I won't have time to make anything complicated....Time to ponder what I'm going to make/do for the rest of my family...*puts on thinking cap* Ouch! Here's to having a good weekend: c[_] ~ Cheers! 

Day 18 of my post-a-day challenge! I finished the drawing I mentioned in Animate Me and My September Sunday . When I set myself to something, I tend be obsessive about completing it. I am pleased with the results. I did a slight animated version and a normal version. Whether or not it can be passed for a screenshot or part of some sort of anime is up to the viewer! Elly from The Year is Now This scene is not in the book or anything. I just liked the idea of her holding some kind of magical (or super sci-fi sphere that glowed). The animated version! It's only sparkles, but I thought it looked neat.

Day 17 of my Post-A-Day challenge! Yes, I fully admit that I missed yesterday. I was exhausted and grumpy. Blogging, crankiness, and a severe case of wanting the ZZZs is more like no. That is to say, it does not make a nice combination! Day 17: Post something new. * my own prompt because I want to show off my new keyboard. She is smooth, lovely, and her keys glow! I have to take a moment and morn my old keyboard. She was almost 10 years old, from an old XP machine (a Gateway). She lasted a long time, but finally bit the dust this morning. ~Picture not included because she looked her age...Half the letters on the keys had faded off! I already love my new one. Next up will hopefully be a new drawing tablet. By next, I mean in several months. My tablet is even older than the ancient Gateway keyboard. Here is to wishing you had a happy Hump Day and will have a great practice Friday tomorrow. ~ Cheers!

Day 15 of my Post-A-Day challenge. This one is easy because it is 15 September, and you know what that means: The Outlanders! I'm posting this early today because I have to work a late shift, and my head is going to hit the sack as soon as I get home tonight. Don't forget to check out yesterday's post, My September Sunday ! The Outlanders: Issue 4

Day 14 of my Post-A-Day challenge! Today's prompt is a repeat of the workout prompt, so I'm just going to ramble about my day. There was an early morning meeting at work, but it was okay because today was Jersey Day. The bountiful supply of donuts and coffee was a plus too. Now that football season is finally here, Sundays are my favorite day of the week. For one, if we donate a dollar to the charity of the month, we get to wear our jerseys. Two? Football tends to clear the place out. When you have a backend job like I do, this is like finding treasure. That treasure? Time! Remember my not-so-secret-anymore goal I posted about on--was that yesterday!? It feels like a week ago. Okay, let's start over. Remember my not-so-secret-anymore goal I posted about in Animate Me! (yesterday)? Here is the what I hope will soon be that goal! This is Elly in a futuristic outfit gazing down at a tiny version of the portal that brought her to Y.E. 0422. The scene inside of

Day 13 of my Post-A-Day challenge! I promise, I am not tired this time. Day 13: Post something you'd like to accomplish. I would like to eventually draw something that could be mistaken for a screenshot from a cartoon or anime. By could, I mean completely mistaken for a frame out of an obscure animation show.  This is the first time I've ever shared this not-so-secret-anymore  wish of mine with anyone! The only way I'm going to get there is to keep drawing. I haven't had much time for drawing lately, but I was inspired by something I saw today. Will my next picture be "the one," the image that makes people wonder if it is out of some sort of cartoon? I hope so because I would love to finally accomplish my not-so-secret-anymore goal. Oh, and Furby, Dumb Cat, and White House in Space have nothing to do with anything. I just felt like photoshopping that tonight.

Day 12 of my Post-A-Day challenge! Day 12: Post your mood. Looks like a repeat prompt. Current mood: Tired.  When I'm tired, my imagination disappears. The blinking cursor agrees with me. I'll leave you with a pirate violinist. She is clearly not tired. ;)

It is Day 11 of my Post-A-Day challenge. I'm going to stray from the prompts today, given what day it is. September 11, 2001 Never forget. Thirteen years ago two planes flew into the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane crashed into the Pentagon, and the fourth never made it to its target. Those of us who were around, who are old enough to recall that day, remember exactly where we were when it happened. I can replay that day in my head with such vividness, that it could have happened yesterday. Taken from a trip to NYC in 2000. I am sure we have all taken a moment today to remember the innocent lives lost to this tragedy. ~ We will never forget. ~

Day 10 of my Post-A-Day challenge! ~Photo I took ages ago. Day 10: Post something funny. Today's prompt is best met with images and videos. Here are a couple of things that make me laugh! Enjoy! Can I get a quack? Quack! Quack! What is a humor post without a few cat memes? ~ Both images found on a google images shirt. Cat on left: animalplanet.com. Cat on right: damnlaugh.com.  If you want to adventure over to meme sites, be careful! Ruff! Ruff!

Day 9 of my Post-A-Day challenge! Day 9: Post your favorite place. Yes, I have the White House on the brain, but Washington DC really was amazing. I couldn't possibly pick my favorite place of all time, but as far as my travels during this decade go, I can definitely say, "Washington DC!" You can read all about my trip to DC in one of my older posts, Star Spangled City. It's after 9:00 p.m. EST, and I am just now sitting down to relax, so I will leave it at that! ~Cheers!

Day 8 of my Post-A-Day challenge! Day 8: Post about your weekend. Well, I'm still under the weather and about as pleasant as a honey badger right now. I'm not exactly the warmest person when I don't feel well! Other than being sick for the past two days (though, I am starting to feel better), I finished this: The little George Washington was purchased separately. He was too cute to pass up! I think he makes an adorable addition to my Lego White House. Putting it all together was a nice break from the norm. Part of me wants to hook up a miniature light to it (look closely, and you can see a clear lego piece hanging above the porch). Well, here is to tomorrow:  c[_] ~Cheers! Hopefully I'll be back to my regular, happy self!

Day 7: Post your goals. I'll be honest. I am feeling under the weather. I haven't felt this sick in a long time. The only goals I have right now involve not moving, getting up, or being productive. On that note, here is an astronaut in space! Tonight will consist of Netflix, some sort of video game, and keeping tabs on football. I'm not a huge fan of being sick, and my mood right now is absolutely delightful! I'm glad yesterday's prompt was...yesterday's!

Day 6 of my Post-A-Day challenge! Day 6: Post your mood. Considering that I got two packages in the mail today (as well as having a Saturday off), I'd say that my mood is pretty good right now. Every year on my birthday, I splurge and order myself a few presents online. It's a personal tradition that I've picked up over the years. I think I started doing it because I hardly ever spent money on myself, and it was something fun, personal, and special: it was my little present(s) to myself. The first picture is little George Washington. He's going to go with my lego White House (he's probably wondering when his lovely home will finally be ready...). The pictures below are of an awesome jacket from an anime I've recently gotten into. Long live geekdom! (^‿^v) The Jacket is from Attack on Titan . Netflix has the first season if you're interested in watching it! *note* It gets violent, so it's not for children.

It is now Day 5 of my Post-A-Day challenge. If you want to catch up, scroll down until you see "Archives" on the right and click September. Day 5: Post your favorite workout. Does "I don't have one" count as an answer? I'm not a couch potato, but I don't have an official workout either. I keep in shape by walking a lot. My job consists of a lot of moving around. That's pretty much all the inspiration I have for today's prompt. I can only stare at a blinking cursor for so long... In other news, I'm slowly chipping away at another story. I don't know if it will be a short story, a novel, or if it will fall somewhere in between yet. I've got the outline and characters all plotted out, and they even have their own handy-dandy map! I'll end this with a TGIF for those of you who work Monday - Friday. ~ Cheers!

Day 4: Post a talent you have.    I found a Post-A-Day prompt for September on Pinterest (there is much more to that site than food and Mrs. Cleaver's favorite picks). Here is a link to the pin: Pin me!   Since it is obvious to anyone who visits my blog that I write and draw, I had to go digging for something else. I can't sing (you do not want to hear it. It's like a wailing cat or screeching eagle). I am an okay dancer, but it's nothing to boast about. I don't do magic tricks, so this left me in quite a pickle!  Then I remembered that I used to build things out of cardboard. I haven't done it in over a year, but it is something I'm good at. All of the cardboard creations you see in this post decorated my cubicle at my old job. I ended up giving them away to coworkers right before I left. I sometimes do wonder if they are still around.  

It is Day 3 of my Post-A-Day challenge! Day 3: Enjoy Labor Day. What did you do on Labor Day?    I found a Post-A-Day prompt for September on Pinterest (there is much more to that site than food and Mrs. Cleaver's favorite picks). Here is a link to the pin: Pin me! Monkey says "hello" as he swings over one of my work shirts. I worked! However, I didn't mind because I was being paid extra and there were free hamburgers. You can't go wrong with that. I just lounged around when I got home. My Labor Day wasn't blog worthy, I'm afraid! ...Although Monkey is pretty awesome. You can sling shot him across the room, and he hoots a few monkey calls. I need to make a note to myself to never bring him to work. I'd be inadvertently annoying everyone within a twenty foot radius...I can't be trusted with such things. Remember, it's not how old you are, but how old you feel. [ Insert winking emote here ]

Day 2 of my Post-A-Day challenge! It also happens to be my birthday. How did I celebrate? The same way I celebrated Labor Day: I went to work. The excitement ensues! I'll wait until my next day off to go super sleuthing for a proper celebration. Day 2: Post your favorite shoes. I found a Post-A-Day prompt for September on Pinterest (there is much more to that site than food and Mrs. Cleaver's favorite picks). Here is a link to the pin: Pin me! These shoes go with everything, and I've had them since 2009. I will wear them until they fall apart. My last pair of casual shoes died at the ripe age of 9. As I was walking across a busy street, they issued a ripping slurp, and before I knew it, the soles had separated from the rest of the shoe. The leather sides immediately followed suit. It was a strange waddle that got me the rest of the way across. I must have looked like a penguin. Fortunetely there was a mom and pop shoe store in the shopping center I was heading

Happy Labor Day, everyone! I had to work, but that's okay. They paid us extra. I can't believe that it's September already. I know this is cliche to say, but this year has flown by. I decided to challenge myself into writing one post per day (we shall see if I bit off more than I can chew...only September will tell). I found a Post-A-Day prompt for September on Pinterest (there is much more to that site than food and Mrs. Cleaver's favorite picks). Here is a link to the pin: Pin me! Day 1: Post something that inspires you. I thought a lot about this one and finally decided that works of fiction, whether they be books, television shows, or movies, are what inspire me the most. For those of you who follow my blog on a regular basis, you see how much fan art I draw! From Star Trek to Babylon 5 to Lord of the Rings, if I am fond of it in any way, shape, or form, I start drawing. Writing is a little different, but I would by lying if I said I never wrote any fan f