Sketch-tember, Day Eleven: Jacket

 Today's word is Jacket.

I sketched Verity wearing a nifty new jacket.

Here is a link to the list of words for each day, if you'd like to participate. 

Sketch-tember—Day 10 + Prompts!

it's been a minute... 

(I do apologize to everyone who has commented in my absence) 

I've decided that a challenge of sorts, that requires posting everyday, is a good way to continue to blog.

We'll see. 😂

Which brings us to Sketch-tember!

Each day of September, you create a sketch based on the word for that day!

It's all very low-key. :) 

The prompts start on September 10th, because that is today, and today is when I came up with this plan.

If any one wants to participate, feel free! 

Word for Day Ten: Wane

I drew a very quick sketch of Myles when he was younger. The idea for the sketch was to show him standing in growing darkness while holding a cool steampunk lighter as a way to symbolize his failing attempts to keep his family happy/sane/together.

very symbolic and deep stuff here lol

Land of the Living Aesthetics

//Stone//clouds//rain//bird song//

//Flowers//coffee shops//old books//sunlight//

20 Questions Book Tag

 

I started filling out this tag last year, and decided to publish it... Unfortunately I lost the details of the tag. Though I do believe I found it from Lizzie Hexam's blog.

1. How Many Books Is Too Many in a Series?

It depends. Series that are all about the same continuing story are good at around three books.

If the series has a different plot each couple of books, then as long as the writing is consistently good, it would be fine if the series went on indefinitely in my opinion.

2. How Do You Feel About Cliffhangers?

If it's at the end of a chapter, that's okay.

If it's at the end of a book, I don't like them at all! XD

3. Hardback or Paperback?

Either is okay with me. Hardcover does stay looking nice longer though.

4. Favorite Book?

Sun Slower, Sun Faster by Meriol Trevor is one of my favorite books.

5. Least Favorite Book?

Hmm. That is a good question. Probably some of the classics I read in school, but I don't really remember them.

6. Love Triangles? Yes or No?

Pretty much always no.

7. The Most Recent Book You Couldn’t Finish?

I recently tried reading a 'Christian' historical novel. It was so trashy compared to what I usually read, that I immediately noped out. 

It was just bizarre that it was labeled Christian. 

Honestly, most of the contemporary 'Christian' books that have a book cover consisting of a photoshopped photograph of a woman in a fancy dress, they just...

Aren't good.

8. A Book You’re Currently Reading?

I'm not currently reading anything.

This is because when I start reading a book, I feel compelled to read until I finish it.

Unless it is a really long book, or I have to go somewhere.

9. The Last Book You Recommended to Someone?

I'm not sure... Let's just say Jamberoo Road. Even though I didn't specifically recommend the book to my sister, I've been trying to get her to read a book out of our home library for (what feels like) ages. So it was nice that she finally read one and enjoyed reading it. XD

She's summat of the opinion that most of the books my mom has bought over the years are not as high quality as modern books? I guess. And it drives me crazy! But I know everyone has different tastes.

10. Oldest Book You’ve Read by Publication Date?

I once had to read a story from Canterbury Tales in highschool. So perhaps that.

11. Newest Book You’ve Read by Publication Date?

I want to say The Lost Key by S. D. Smith. Which was a really annoying book. Because I want to know what the deal with the rabbit cult was, and there were no! Answers! 

I can only hope S. D. Smith will write another book about it someday. XD

12. Favorite author?

Tolkien, G K Chesterton, and Meriol Trevor.

13. Buying Books or Borrowing Books?

Borrowing is my preference, but alas, buying is what I have to do with 90% of the books I want to read.

14. A Book You Dislike that Everyone Else Seems to Love?

I've tried reading P G Wodhouse because I've seen several people talk about how much they like his books. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy the book I read very much. It was kind of good, but a book with all morally grey people wasn't my cup of tea.

15. Bookmarks or Dogears?

I would choose bookmarks over dogears. But I don't ever use bookmarks. If I need to set a book down, I might leave it open and set it down upside down. Or use whatever paper is lying around as a bookmark. Or memorize the page number. 😂

16. A Book You Can Always Re-read?

Sun Slower, Sun Faster by Meriol Trevor.

17. Can You Read While Listening to Music?

Not if I'm trying to listen to the music. If someone else is, then I just tune it out.

18. One or Multiple Points of View?

Either can be okay. What I don't like is when books are written in first person.

I wrote this answer last year, and now? I really don't mind first person. 

19. Do You Read a Book in One Sitting or Over Multiple Days?

Usually in one sitting.

20. A Book You’ve Read Because of the Cover?

I don't usually read books just because of the cover. It does make me sad when a book doesn't have a good cover though.

Meet the Character: Meriol Hudson

Today's post is an introduction to my character, Meriol Hudson.

The world she comes from:

Meriol is from my gaslamp story, The Land of the Living.

She is the daughter of the Greccio family's former housekeeper/childhood nanny. She was William and Myles best friend growing up.

 

~

Character Stats:

• 24

• Sanguine Melancholic

• 5'5"

• Noorfyldian

• Introverted

~

 

Quote:

"I'm sure these flowers are from Myles. Who else would have left them?"

 

Songs that fit her aesthetic:

Marie's Wedding Traditional

Paidir Eireann by the Seasons

 

Q's and A's:

1. Name 3 positive and 3 negative qualities about your character: 

 

Positive:

• She is kind.

 

• She is unaffected by people's opinion of her. In a healthy way.

 

• She's skilled at seeing people's motives and reasons for doing things. People can't hide things from her very well.

 

Negative:

• ???

 

• She doesn't have a inheritance.

 

• She doesn't have a noble title.

2. Are they holding onto something they should get rid of?:

 

Her love of Myles Greccio?

3. If 10 is completely organized and 1 is completely messy, where do they fall on the scale?:

 

10. 

She learned a long time ago that she needs to be 100% organized if she expects her future household to not be completely chaotic. 

This was because in the past, her and Myles were sure they were going to marry each other. But then Myles went to college and became a politician. And Myle's mom was rude to Meriol. And then Myles did so well as a politician that he was elected Cancellerous.

So, as you can see, she has some issues to work through.

 

4. What most frustrates them about the world they live in?:

 

She is really good at being calm, so it would surprise most people to hear Meriol being angry about anything, but what bothers her most? It would probably be when people are so busy doing what they think that other people want them to do, or what they think they should be doing, that they don't actually. . .  Do what they should be doing.

5. How many shoes do they own, and what kind?:

 

She owns a normal amount of shoes. Work boots, church shoes, and sandals.

6. Do they have any pets? What pet do they WISH they had?:

 

She has a dog named Bledyyn. She is happy with her dog Bledyyn. If was a gift from Myles on her 15th birthday.

7. Is there something or someone that they resent? Why and what happened?:

 

She could resent Duchess Greccio, if it was in her nature to resent people. 

It isn't as if the duchess ever outright stated that Meriol was an inappropriate acquaintance for Myles, but she was careful to let Meriol know as she aged, that she was unwelcome around her son.
 

 

8. What’s usually in her fridge or pantry?:

 

Tea. All the tea. 

She has enough different kinds of loose leaf tea to last her a couple of years, but people keep buying her more.

The problem with people knowing what you like, is that that is what they'll get you for a present whenever gift giving opportunities arise.

 

 

Land of the Living Art

 

This is a comic I had drawn for The Land of the Living. The dog Bleddyn used to be Myles dog, and Verity was originally going to meet William by them both chasing the dog around the city after Myles had died, but their meeting was re-written. I don't want to not use this picture though! So, I'm posting it here. 

The Me and Music Tag

I've seen this tag on many of the blogs I read before I started mine, and always thought it looked fun. I like music, and like recommending music to other people. So, when I saw it again on Sarah Seele's blog, I decided to fill it out myself. :)

 

HOMETOWN GLORY: songs that make you think of “home”

1. Le Swing Cajun by L'Angelus // My family lived in Louisiana during my teenage years, and this song (and album) always reminds me of that time in my life.

2. This kind of instrumental folk music // My mom would always play this kind of folk music whenever we went on car trips, or just around the house. It also reminds me of NC, my birth state. 

3. America and Me by Luke Spehar 
// This restlessness within me, came on down from the branches of my family tree, From the first of them that crossed the sea. //
I don't know if this song makes me think of home per say, but it does make me think of my ancestors who immigrated here to the States from Italy.

 

IT’S A LOVE STORY: favourite songs about love

1. The Way of Love by Marie Miller 
// The humble heart of love Faithful guide, whatever comes, and when the path's at a bend, like a lamp on my steps, Love will lead the way back home. Love will lead the way back home. // 
This is not a traditional love song. But I like it more than those.

2. Ordinary Life by Sarah Sparks // I was trying to find a different song by Sarah Sparks for this section, when I came across this new one! It's a good song.

 

SHUT UP AND DANCE: favourite songs for dancing

1. Reels // I don't have any specific song recommendations for this. Reels are just nice to dance to.

2. Marie's Wedding Traditional
// Step we gaily, on we go, heel for heel and toe for toe, arm in arm and row in row, all for Marie’s wedding // 
This is a quintessential dancing song for my family.

IF THIS WAS A MOVIE: songs from film/tv/broadway

1. London Learns/Graveyard from Little Boy Soundtrack // This could have been in the sad songs section.

2. I Need to Know from The Island Princess 
// I need to know these answers, I need to find my way, seize my tomorrow, learn my yesterday, I need to take these chances // 
I do not recommend this movie. It is pretty bad. XD But it was a favorite when I was young. And the song is pretty nice... until the girl in the song asks why the guy she just met hides his feet.

The answer is shoes. He wears shoes. 

3. Ocean Floor by Gianna Jessen 
// And I'm just here in the ocean floor, But the world's not moving anymore. In the quiet, something has changed. // 
This is a song from a good movie.

COMFORT CROWD: songs that make you feel calm

1. Of The Father's Love Begotten // Pretty much any Christmas hymn ever is the definition of calm.

Christ! to thee with God the Father,
And O Holy Ghost, to thee,
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
And unwearied praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory

2. Sweet Memories by Luke Spehar 
// We've been all over, and how the world has grown. Yet wherever I′ve been, the thought of us brings me back home. No way to avoid the waves, oh the tide shall rise and fall. But that's what makes the times we laugh and cry sweetest of them all. // 
I really like the lyrics that Luke Spehar writes, and the instrumental music in his songs, but sometimes—his way of singing will really annoy me. He has a tendency to whisper, I guess, when he sings. Anyway, the instrumentals and lyrics are very calming in this song.

3. Flowers by Samantha Ebert 
// So, whatever the reason, I'm barely getting by. I'll trust it's a season knowing that you're by my side. Every step of the way, And I'll be okay. //

 

ALWAYS REMEMBER US THIS WAY: songs that remind you of your childhood

1. Pretty Fair Maid in the Garden by Tim O Brian 
// She said I've a true love who's in the army, and he's been gone for seven long years. And if he's gone for seven years longer, I'll still be waiting for him here. //
I heard this song for the first—and only time—as a child, and I always wanted to find it again. I just found it again a few months ago! So, it isn't really a childhood song, but it did come from my childhood.

2. Good Morning and every other song on this album.

3. Baby Beluga by Raffi I guess // Raffi kind of creeps me out now. When I was a kid though, I loved this song.

 

MOTIVATE: songs that simply motivate you

1. Joshua (Strong and Courageous) by Luke Spehar 
// When the sun comes up and the road lay before me but instead of hope, I feel the fear of the unknown. When my doubts feel as tall as the walls of Jericho, I hear Your words calling out. You say to be strong and courageous. Fear not the lions or the giants of the land. //

2. Symphony No. 9 by Dvorak // I once heard someone say this song sounds like Vikings sailing their ship through the waves. I don't really like Vikings (too much killing people) but I can definitely picture a ship sailing through rough waters when I hear this song! Dvorak is my favorite composer.

 

OLD TOWN ROAD: retro songs you love

1. Ue o Muite Arukou by Kyu Sakamoto 
// I look up as I walk So that the tears do not fall. I cry as I walk. // 
I don't know why I like this song so much, other than that it feels very nostalgic for some reason.

CRY WITH YOU:  favourite sad songs

1. Lament for the Rohirrm Clamavi De Profundis // This be a sad song. I have no other thoughts about it at this time. 

2. Reunion from the Little Boy Soundtrack // Same for this one.

3. Down by the Sycamore Tree by Kevin Heider 
//All things in time will pass away. That's the nature of the gift, I'd say. It's the love we leave behind that never dies. "Meet me down by the sycamore tree" I still hear her voice when I can't sleep. // 
This is a bittersweet song. 

(Also for some reason, the entire comment section on yt is about someone who was killed. But the song wasn't written about that.)

 

I THINK I’M IN LOVE:  your latest musical obsessions

1. Blue Ridge Reel and other instrumental orchestra kind of music // I guess this music is written for school bands to play? I'm not sure, but I discovered whatever this is a few days ago, and it's cool.

2. Psalm 23 by Leanna Crawford 
// The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He leads me by still waters 'til my fears are gone. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Oh, I know You are with me, my Father, my Friend. Your goodness and mercy will follow me all of my days. I know by Your still waters, I'm safe. // 
I recently heard this song on the radio in a time when I really needed it.

3. News From Nowhere by Graeme Greene 
//Once upon a time there was a Man who killed my rage. Broken and crushed, like the vintage we poured in the barrels. And there's a fire that is burning, and it doesn't feel the cold. // 
a very cool song.

WRITER IN THE DARK:  songs with your favourite lyrics

1. Which Road by Luke Spehar 
// I've come to find that I learn slowly, And most the time The hard way. I'm meant to move but I tend to linger and stay. Show me now which road I should take today. A beautiful moment I try to hold but always slips away affirms the fact that I am not home. //
I relate to this song too much. It's not good.

 

SIGN OF THE TIMES: favourite songs from the current global music charts

I don't listen to popular music. At all. XD

 

MORE THAN MEMORY: songs you relate to specific memories

1. Land of the Living by Roo Panes 
//Every moment is a chance to define what you want to become. You're not a slave to the things you've done. Be brave and be bold, be childish and old, it's the same old story. Every life needs a hope of glory. But you can't be an old fire if you're burning with a new flame, so remember you were never a forgotten name. // 
We were driving home in the rain, after playing laser tag with our aunt. This song came on, and we sang along. It was a good day.
 

SING: you just HAVE to sing along to these songs

1. Fireflies by Owl City 
//You would not believe your eyes if ten million fireflies Lit up the world as I fell asleep. 'Cause they'd fill the open air and leave teardrops everywhere. You'd think me rude, but I would just stand and stare. // 
This is my siblings and I's go to sing-along song.

2. Country Roads by John Denver 
// Almost heaven, West Virginia. Blue ridge mountains, Shenandoah River. Life is old there, older than the trees. Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze. // 
I feel like every American will sing along to this when they hear it. XD

3. The British Grenadiers Traditional 
// Here come the Grenadiers, my boys who know no doubts or fears. Sing tow, row row row , row row row; For the British Grenadiers. // 
We used to sing this all the time when we went hiking. Why? I don't know. 

I WASN’T EXPECTING THAT: songs you didn’t expect to love, but did

I usually only listen to music because I've already heard it and know that I like it! So, I can't think of anything for this category.

FAVOURITE RECORD: the albums you couldn’t live without

Honestly, I don't really listen to whole albums by musicians. I just listen to random songs by a bunch of different people. If I had to choose one though, it would probably be The Pilgrim by Luke Spehar.

 

VIDEO GAMES: your favourite music videos

Sounding Joy by Ellie Holcomb // this music video reminds me of the Christmas movies I'd watch as a child.

Annnd. I don't really watch music videos.... So I don't have any others.

 

Recent Art Winter 2025

I haven't drawn any finished art this year, besides the picture of Verity. But I have drawn many sketches. Here are a few of them.

 

 

This was meant to be a portrait of my sister but it didn't work. So it was abandoned.

 

 

 

 

This is a character, but who? I don't know.

 

 

 

 A knight who delivers the mail.

 

 

 

Random character, talking to a knight.

Meet the Character: Verity Vadász

It's been a while since I last posted, and I regret that I haven't replied to any of my last comments, that were all from months ago. Last year!

I will try to do better replying from now on. And maybe do better on posting, but in all honesty, I'm probably going to continue the habit of posting only once in a blue moon. 

~~~~ 

Today's post is an introduction to one of my characters, 

Verity Vadász.

The world she comes from:

Verity is from my gaslamp story, The Land of the Living.

She is a governess who is currently employed by the Rucastles. A founding family of the Rationalists. When she meets William after he saves her from getting punched in the head, he asks her to spy on the Rucastles, to prove that the Rationalists Society is actually a criminal ring. 

 

~

Character Stats:

• 19

• Choleric Sanguine

• 5'5"

• Iodovian immigrant

• Extroverted

~

 

Quote:

"Then we should go by way of Cross Street."

"Why?"

"There's a cafe on that street that sells the best lattes I've ever had. If we're going to risk life and limb, we should get lattes first."

 

Songs that fit her aesthetic:

Wildflowers by Our Atlantic Roots

78 Eatonwood Green by the Seasons

 

Q's and A's:

1. Name 3 positive and 3 negative qualities about your character: 

 

Positive:

• She's an optimist.

 

• She genuinely wants to help people. She might not be the best at it, but she tries to make the world a better place in her daily dealings with people.

 

• She isn't infected with the prejudice that is increasingly popular in her society.

 

Negative:

• She is too quick to avoid anything that might be embarrassing for her.

 

• She has a quick temper that she tries to control.

 

• She can be too blunt. Especially if she is comfortable around the person she's talking to. 

2. Are they holding onto something they should get rid of?:

 

Maybe the fear of being judged by people. She tends to try to act, talk, and dress relatively like the people around her. This has led her to avoid wearing or doing anything that would let people know she isn't a native Noorfyldian. Not that she can hide her hair coloring, or that anyone who matters would really care what she looks or talks like: but she thinks people would, and acts accordingly.

3. If 10 is completely organized and 1 is completely messy, where do they fall on the scale?:

 

Probably a 7. She leaves things scattered around her apartment, but in a kind of organized way. There is a method to her madness.

 

 

4. What most frustrates them about the world they live in?:

 

The unhealthy nationalism/pride that a lot of the natives of Noorfylde seem to have. Whether they are just naturally reserved, or if they actually don't like anyone who isn't Noorfyldian as the local media would have you belive, it's hard for Verity to deal with, since the culture she grew up in is much more friendly/community based.

5. How many shoes do they own, and what kind?:

 

She has five pairs of boots. Hiking boots, dress boots, snow boots, rain boots, and another pair of boots just because.

 

6. Do they have any pets? What pet do they WISH they had?:

 

She has a semi-tame Aidafinch that she feeds crumbs each morning at her window, but she'd really like a spaniel. Since she is employed as a governess, however, pets are currently out of the question.

7. Is there something or someone that they resent? Why and what happened?:

 

She resents her current employers, the Rucastles. She had thought they were just the typical semi obnoxious rich Noorfyldians, but the longer she's been a governess for their son Leo, the more she sees that leads her to dislike them. Mostly for their unpleasant personalities (that they attempt to hide from people), and neglect of their child.
 

 

8. What’s usually in her fridge or pantry?:

 

When she is in-between being a governess and has to come up with her own meals, she has an icebox filled with salad, cheese, and coffee creamer.

Thankfully for her health, she's usually employed.