tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10179336209314406892024-03-17T21:00:43.837-06:00Studio MikartsEverlasting Happiness | Art and Storytelling by Denise みか HutchinsDenise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-88404350134012011952024-03-08T10:35:00.000-07:002024-03-08T10:35:01.808-07:002024 February Roundup<p>
Hello everyone, can you believe it's March already? Spring is almost here 🌸 I
know, I say that kind of thing all the time, but it remains surprising! I
guess it's because the weather can't decide what season to present us with
here in Boise. Most of February, it felt like March or even April weather, dry
and warm. But now that March is here, we've been getting snow almost every
day! Indeed, on Tuesday it literally snowed ALL. DAY. It was the best! ☃️
Let's see how the weather changes between now and the point at which I finish
telling you what I got up to in February 😆
</p>
<p><b>Patreon</b></p>
<p>
I finished my Autumn Gryphon greeting card illustration on February 7th. It
went out to
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/february-autumn-99475974" target="_blank">Patreon members</a>
on the 29th 💌 Most members also received January's reward, which was a WIP
version of this piece, so I hope they enjoyed comparing the unfinished version
to the finished!
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8aZa-lTKn9OK3KDdVrH7OYa5MX8iVuFec_5ZVNdJLO0FBOqwDwnuhHYqddFCqj0zIjHe3rZ29mbqp-eSWDOHiyimzRYbtp0t2xKlxFBU20VRD7xHMhRWHega_7pv7ySWhNX57kYgsLRZVt8RxALlPwdsNoqoXeJgDtOu_gvoaZy9Zitf8EcqeKViWdxV/s4080/PXL_20240229_155106454.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8aZa-lTKn9OK3KDdVrH7OYa5MX8iVuFec_5ZVNdJLO0FBOqwDwnuhHYqddFCqj0zIjHe3rZ29mbqp-eSWDOHiyimzRYbtp0t2xKlxFBU20VRD7xHMhRWHega_7pv7ySWhNX57kYgsLRZVt8RxALlPwdsNoqoXeJgDtOu_gvoaZy9Zitf8EcqeKViWdxV/w640-h482/PXL_20240229_155106454.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
Patreon is my biggest source of support. At the moment, contributions from
members are being saved up to buy and install a utility sink in my studio ✨
The funds also really help out when I need to buy supplies. For instance, this
week I needed blue lead for my sketching pencil, ink for my art printer, and
postcard paper for future Patreon rewards. Member support helped me get
everything!
</p>
<p>
Even more than that though, the support I receive is emotionally priceless.
It's a HUGE boost to my morale, knowing there are folks who really believe in
my work! Please consider joining them, helping me both practically and
psychologically, by
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank">subscribing to my Patreon here</a>
🥰
</p>
<p><b>deviantART</b></p>
<p>
Another way folks can support my creative work is through
<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank">Buy Me a Coffee</a>
☕✨ One of my wonderful supporters, Wolf, made a substantial donation there
(I put it toward the utility sink!!!) and I wanted to thank him with a chibi
caricature. So I ended up chibifying his beautiful dog, Ahri 💖 It's currently
my most recent post on deviantART:
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTyynGxj9B-byU4jXZXupkXpr_4SStmYoreOcD8i2ICjHIPo3GYiLdZdhl0cuNZaVlt987wvz4k0OWE_3yZZr8F76GpzoZK7uvNRtLp-Aq7KCPund3YxvjtXn4rsvkxVmBskw9sGMC_rvyYifJn4OPQzPX4Bc1JtGNnTrNWrpcxyg4iC9KWLVRjeoGuLa/s1000/240216_ChibiAhriForWolf_ForWeb.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTyynGxj9B-byU4jXZXupkXpr_4SStmYoreOcD8i2ICjHIPo3GYiLdZdhl0cuNZaVlt987wvz4k0OWE_3yZZr8F76GpzoZK7uvNRtLp-Aq7KCPund3YxvjtXn4rsvkxVmBskw9sGMC_rvyYifJn4OPQzPX4Bc1JtGNnTrNWrpcxyg4iC9KWLVRjeoGuLa/w640-h640/240216_ChibiAhriForWolf_ForWeb.png" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/Chibi-Ahri-for-Wolf-1024211472" target="_blank">Click here to view, fave, and comment on dA!<br /></a>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
If you would like to commission me for a chibi caricature like this, they are
available through
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/commission/Cute-Chibi-Caricature-1594860" target="_blank">deviantART</a>
or through my
<a href="https://studiomikarts.square.site/product/chibi-caricature-commission/3?cs=true&cst=custom" target="_blank">Square Shop</a>! It's the same commission on either site, and they both charge about the
same in processing fees, so feel free to choose whichever platform you're most
comfortable with 😊
</p>
<p>
Another dA announcement I would like to make is that I created subscription
tiers there! There are three tiers and I offer slightly different rewards to
Patreon and Twitch, including annual or quarterly chibi caricatures! Please
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/subscriptions" target="_blank">click here</a>
and check it out. I'm excited to meet my first supporter there 🤩
</p>
<p><b>Livestreaming</b></p>
<p>
Everything continues to go well for my art streams! Thanks to a suggestion
from one of my subscribers, Exie, we've been raiding a fellow streamer at the
end of each Twitch session. This has really opened up the world of streaming
to me! Not just because new people are finding my channel, but because I
finally have a way to enjoy livestreams as a viewer! I never had time before,
but now I can watch while I do my after-stream followup work 😄
</p>
<p>
And for YouTube, Wolf (same as above ❤️), suggested I start making YouTube
Shorts. This has helped grow my channel! Again, since I don't have any extra
time, little things like this are the BEST because they help Studio Mikarts
without hurting me, ha ha. Here's one of the final stream recordings from
February:
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="532" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8hKUZU8IaHg" width="640" youtube-src-id="8hKUZU8IaHg"></iframe>
</div>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://youtu.be/8hKUZU8IaHg" target="_blank">★ 2024 Birthday Gryphon Greeting Card, Part 5 ★</a>
</p>
<p>
Something I changed about my livestream schedule, starting in February, is to
give myself a week off every month. This year has been really intense and my
mental health has started to suffer. I've written about it in
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/2024-week-10-99483285" target="_blank">more detail on Patreon</a>, so I won't repeat myself here. I'll always turn on vacation mode when I'm
taking a recovery week, so you can continue to rely on my
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts/schedule" target="_blank">Twitch schedule</a>
to verify when I'll be live!
</p>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising</b></p>
<p>
Our charity of the month for February was
<a href="https://veganoutreach.org/" target="_blank">Vegan Outreach</a>! They
help animals by helping humans transition to a vegan lifestyle, including a
one-on-one coaching program. I am signed up to be a coach for my area 😊✨
</p>
<p>
My donation formula takes the number of unique Twitch viewers I had that month
and multiplies it by $0.10 USD, with a minimum of $10 and a max of $100. So
how many unique viewers did we have in February?
</p>
<p>🥁🥁🥁🥁</p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL191FxtAPsQGHdJRKJ_WUueIe4ZrHV18tudGp2xwaH3clLhfCFdps7LLS4OIrgiktPBAJqrbUFgIUDdxEiufGTGAMG40ijJgvCn3xquspcrB1HUYdd3LEFmEH-TVF5SMoAu8TlLRfmevZ6SyeCr_kXtbaW5Tno1g27OnrBBGnErzjroUb4uAwkGiRxByc/s1560/Screenshot%202024-03-07%20at%2014-16-44%20Twitch.png"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1560" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL191FxtAPsQGHdJRKJ_WUueIe4ZrHV18tudGp2xwaH3clLhfCFdps7LLS4OIrgiktPBAJqrbUFgIUDdxEiufGTGAMG40ijJgvCn3xquspcrB1HUYdd3LEFmEH-TVF5SMoAu8TlLRfmevZ6SyeCr_kXtbaW5Tno1g27OnrBBGnErzjroUb4uAwkGiRxByc/w640-h338/Screenshot%202024-03-07%20at%2014-16-44%20Twitch.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<b>✨🎊 TWENTY-EIGHT!!! 🎊✨</b>
</h1>
<p>
That's a new record!!! Two more than the record set back in June 2022! Thank
you so much everyone who joined me and took us to the next level 😄✨ This
tallied up to a $10 donation to Vegan Outreach.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RkkNCMbVB2rnSdVag9T6iF6R7w0A9pSyJFt-7sYt0dGQDMGFH5eXihnyRJ5S5jxHvxwiDDrFxPe5ucPQaAuOXFhX-ovyOnu-mhyLXPNh4AXoan0FSK4a6u6MA1NBdhpXfo8JhGZip6QBa41JvzC9LT9c8_z8VEMXaqrsMuqwVHWxpoRqfrBpytDcgVzT/s1282/2024FebruaryDonation_VeganOutreach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1078" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RkkNCMbVB2rnSdVag9T6iF6R7w0A9pSyJFt-7sYt0dGQDMGFH5eXihnyRJ5S5jxHvxwiDDrFxPe5ucPQaAuOXFhX-ovyOnu-mhyLXPNh4AXoan0FSK4a6u6MA1NBdhpXfo8JhGZip6QBa41JvzC9LT9c8_z8VEMXaqrsMuqwVHWxpoRqfrBpytDcgVzT/w538-h640/2024FebruaryDonation_VeganOutreach.jpg" width="538" /></a>
</div>
<p>
As always, I opted to cover the processing fees as well 💛 March's charity is
<a href="https://ffl.org/" target="_blank">Food for Life Global</a>, an
organization whose main effort helps feed the hungry with healthy, sustainable
plant-based food. They also promote peaceful, non-violent living, advocating
for the right of ALL animals, including us humans, to enjoy such a world. Please
help me help them by
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank">watching my livestreams</a>
this month and bringing your friends! You can also make a donation directly,
<a href="https://ffl.org/donate/" target="_blank">here</a>.
</p>
<p><b>Gryphia Progress</b></p>
<p>
My first draft continues to develop steadily! In February, I reached 2,900
words for chapter eleven. This is set up to be a twelve chapter novel, with
around 3,000 - 4,000 words per chapter. That means I'm VERY close to done with
the first draft!
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqYsSwYRN0ECLw49h96AuR0Dtu4HxqidQVwMV0MyaN6fRZi5phC5eWHLEV6mqS-4JQ_ijACJ_oKZaIf1DmzY8MiO2kywiJchOZD48oLGQAIRH-7jHv5wFf5msZMLAUFATPX7gg7eprsJqzWeHnp0fxVGWwQAleY9rCJMD2zom2h7pH0Zwrb4vzQb5B86E/s4080/PXL_20240223_194614745.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqYsSwYRN0ECLw49h96AuR0Dtu4HxqidQVwMV0MyaN6fRZi5phC5eWHLEV6mqS-4JQ_ijACJ_oKZaIf1DmzY8MiO2kywiJchOZD48oLGQAIRH-7jHv5wFf5msZMLAUFATPX7gg7eprsJqzWeHnp0fxVGWwQAleY9rCJMD2zom2h7pH0Zwrb4vzQb5B86E/w640-h482/PXL_20240223_194614745.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
At the rate I'm going, it's possible I may finish this month 🤩 I've been reading
Stephen King's <i>On Writing</i>, which suggests putting the manuscript away
for six weeks before starting edits. This is to allow your mind to gain some
distance and objectivity before diving into revision. I think I will follow
that advice, and use the time to catch up on my
<a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/10/2023-japan-adventure-part-10-second-day.html" target="_blank">Japan Adventure posts</a>
in the meantime.
</p>
<p>🌟🌟🌟🌟</p>
<p>
That's all for this roundup, I hope you enjoyed it! Thank you for reading to
the end 🥰 How's the weather now? Temps are below freezing but the sun is
shining (bring back the snow if it's gonna be so cold!) 😆 I'll be back again
with another roundup next month. Until then, may you stay happy, healthy, and
safe!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-46460633376346024192024-02-02T17:10:00.001-07:002024-02-02T17:10:35.528-07:002024 January Roundup<p>
Hello everyone, I hope you had a lovely start to the year! I can't believe
it's already February. It doesn't help that after only three weeks of truly
wintry weather from the end of December through the first half of January, we are once
again experiencing mid-spring temps 😲 I have no sense of time because of
this! But my work schedule for 2024 has been carrying me along nicely, regardless of
how weird everything around me feels. Here's what I got up to in January!
</p>
<p><b>Patreon Rewards</b></p>
<p>
I'm trying something new this year! Instead of sending Inktober or Chibi
Friday drawings as rewards when I can't get my main illustration finished in a
single month, I'm sending a work in progress (WIP) reward featuring the
current progress on my main project. This gets me much closer to what I always
wanted these rewards to always feature: my main work! And I think it'll be fun to
compare the WIP to the final piece; I hope my patrons do find it so!
</p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuwlI4mQsCAMTvtm5r7xOvvfHK9kq9qSrPYfDmncxvERk9iZ1pDQPgO7Ayp88m7rtYLEB-ECn5br8RfVPkFYEnbsahryeXzhspzCjXt7WI1taFoXFb9VAN7hOGM_MC6rS_noAZ5IOu-Y6n2LXvnex5ddrf-CyGWhCpdO7slJZpw5y2_gLtYRtx3vJ8pxe/s3887/PXL_20240126_161041995.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="2927" data-original-width="3887" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuwlI4mQsCAMTvtm5r7xOvvfHK9kq9qSrPYfDmncxvERk9iZ1pDQPgO7Ayp88m7rtYLEB-ECn5br8RfVPkFYEnbsahryeXzhspzCjXt7WI1taFoXFb9VAN7hOGM_MC6rS_noAZ5IOu-Y6n2LXvnex5ddrf-CyGWhCpdO7slJZpw5y2_gLtYRtx3vJ8pxe/w640-h482/PXL_20240126_161041995.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
Please consider supporting my work by
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank">joining my Patreon</a>! You can choose from postcards or prints or you can ensure all your
contribution goes to the studio by foregoing physical rewards. All members get
access to printable coloring pages, our members-only Discord server and the
custom emoji there, as well as other digital rewards and studio updates.
</p>
<p><b>deviantART</b></p>
<p>
One of my closest friends used the chibi gift certificate I gave as a birthday
gift to chibify her sweet little pup, Missy 💕 The piece was livestreamed on
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank">Twitch</a>, and
you can
<a href="https://youtu.be/pS3sXFZ-qWo" target="_blank">watch the recording on YouTube</a>!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
<p>
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/Chibi-Missy-For-Leigha-1010520570" target="_blank">Click here</a>
to view, fave, and comment on deviantART! You can
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/commission/Cute-Chibi-Caricature-1594860" target="_blank">commission me</a>
for a chibi caricature like this while you're there, too!
</p>
<p><b>Livestreaming</b></p>
<p>
My new
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts/schedule" target="_blank">streaming schedule</a>
has been working wonderfully this year! I am now streaming WeThFr for two
hours at a time, two days of illustration plus Chibi Friday. Here's my final
Chibi Friday stream from January, featuring digital work on our third custom
Twitch emote/Discord emoji, Happy Ranger!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="532" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6fvy5O5vS8M" width="640" youtube-src-id="6fvy5O5vS8M"></iframe>
</div>
<p>
I hope you'll
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank">join me on Twitch</a>; we have a lovely group of people in the chat, lurkers are very much welcome, and
subscribers get access to these cute custom emotes! It's another way you can
help support my work and have fun making art with me, too!
</p>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising</b></p>
<p>
Our featured charity for January was
<a href="https://veganuary.com/en-us/" target="_blank">Veganuary</a>, an
organization that supports people as they see what it's like to eat vegan for
a whole month. They send recipes and information to participants each day in
January and continue to support with weekly emails throughout the rest of the
year!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
<p>
My formula for donations is $0.10 USD per unique viewer, minimum $10 and max
$100. In January, we again got fairly close to our record of 26 set in June of 2022,
with 23 unique viewers! This meant a $10 donation to Veganuary 💚
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeU6ptADMXkVXu9oPxVfDfwlLahGzyxEUApqkk7l7qYBQBy1DLKhqMUnT9ZO9EndkHUflU8MmnYhU_wsG7-l0LMfJqL6oOjneTsHcBeQJliCtkE_W7isbuTcPHg13tZBAwIzoLDCv_d1wL6dyhPCHyQ7hsW9dHT5zQchKnRtVQ5ytfoHx7ginmM9n9Dvh3/s1795/2024-02-01%20Veganuary%20Donation.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="717" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeU6ptADMXkVXu9oPxVfDfwlLahGzyxEUApqkk7l7qYBQBy1DLKhqMUnT9ZO9EndkHUflU8MmnYhU_wsG7-l0LMfJqL6oOjneTsHcBeQJliCtkE_W7isbuTcPHg13tZBAwIzoLDCv_d1wL6dyhPCHyQ7hsW9dHT5zQchKnRtVQ5ytfoHx7ginmM9n9Dvh3/w256-h640/2024-02-01%20Veganuary%20Donation.png" width="256" /></a>
</div>
<p>
Our charity for February is
<a href="https://veganoutreach.org/" target="_blank">Vegan Outreach</a>. I
hope you'll
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank">join my livestreams</a>
and bring your friends! It would be so exciting to reach more than 100 unique
viewers and get to make more than a $10 donation!
</p>
<p><b>Gryphia Progress</b></p>
<p>
My updated work schedule for 2024 has been paying
dividends and nowhere more richly than in my Gryphia illustrated novel
project! I made very little progress last year, being completely derailed by
my Japan adventure in early spring...
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvo5ckSCYsjBucN4EG6u-FWYa2wkdjr2bcWkz-hAUI3PjFLVkPX7VOKYrVor629j0s1Xg0gB8V3dD2R4RgO0ygrzQqgh8DpgF8G8bBX_QEjwYjiek-4-cBNf7lSYo0B-O4pmNiQH1xVxIoh72RmUBYNlctRQ8qVLay4gA47FdW8Wsqydj-rlv52LK5tBb/s4080/PXL_20240131_195626233~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvo5ckSCYsjBucN4EG6u-FWYa2wkdjr2bcWkz-hAUI3PjFLVkPX7VOKYrVor629j0s1Xg0gB8V3dD2R4RgO0ygrzQqgh8DpgF8G8bBX_QEjwYjiek-4-cBNf7lSYo0B-O4pmNiQH1xVxIoh72RmUBYNlctRQ8qVLay4gA47FdW8Wsqydj-rlv52LK5tBb/w640-h482/PXL_20240131_195626233~2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
In stark contrast, with only an hour of writing work scheduled each day, I
have not only finished chapter eight this January, I reached 3,100 words (of a
4,000 word goal) for chapter nine. With only twelve chapters in the book, at
this rate I will most certainly finish my first draft and begin working on my
first revisions this year!
</p>
<p><b>Other News: JLPT N3 Results</b></p>
<p>
Finally (I am sooo rushing this blog post right now; I want to post today but
it's almost time to livestream!) I wanted to announce here, since I shared in
earlier posts my JLPT goal for 2023, that I passed the Japanese Language
Proficiency Test at the N3 level! I'm now certified in my intermediate
Japanese skills! And the most amusing part of my results is that the section I
was most worried about, listening, I got 100% on 😆
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyzlepKNYY9GQrnuBbhivMpAXiHyFpEJmI5TuTsds5fPugKUAYFLWnDRKyQyrM9_c-UGECb32AjlMNjAdI5lGQzz6qAWdxO0nplryafM8qpKU998lyOLqLupV72HORrA54DgjvsQbnG7kDDCIWamJj-A3M5qrWP0DTsnFndYl_XTeSr5HzwcOUHLZum8B/s1756/Screenshot_20240123-131126.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1756" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyzlepKNYY9GQrnuBbhivMpAXiHyFpEJmI5TuTsds5fPugKUAYFLWnDRKyQyrM9_c-UGECb32AjlMNjAdI5lGQzz6qAWdxO0nplryafM8qpKU998lyOLqLupV72HORrA54DgjvsQbnG7kDDCIWamJj-A3M5qrWP0DTsnFndYl_XTeSr5HzwcOUHLZum8B/w524-h640/Screenshot_20240123-131126.png" width="524" /></a>
</div>
<p>
I've been asked if I'll now attempt the N2. While I do intend to eventually,
this year I'm taking it easy with just 20 minutes of Japanese study per day.
My plan is to finish my intermediate textbooks and start on my N2 study
materials. Once I feel confident I have enough knowledge to pass, I'll sign up
for the next level of the test 😎
</p>
<p>🌟🌟🌟🌟</p>
<p>
That's all for this roundup post, I hope you enjoyed it! (I'm finishing it up post-stream, hee hee.) Thank you for reading
to the end. Until next time, may you stay happy, healthy, and safe!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-6787073342917779082024-01-12T14:20:00.001-07:002024-01-12T14:20:23.269-07:002023 December Roundup<p>
Happy New Year~!! 🎍✨ I hope everyone is enjoying 2024 so far. As usual, I've
made quite a few goals for myself, this time focusing a lot on daily habits
rather than specific outcomes. It's working really well! But there's one last
thing to tackle before I can completely let go of 2023: my December roundup!
Here's what I got up to in that busy, busy month.
</p>
<p><b>Patreon Rewards</b></p>
<p>
For the last reward of the year, my patrons received an adorable chibi
reindeer, perfect for the season! The main drawing was completed all in one
go, my
<a href="https://youtu.be/ptauhci4ghk" target="_blank">final livestream of 2023</a>, and the background was added digitally afterwards. I dropped the rewards off at
the post office on my way to the annual Christmas run that I do!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknIAljvO2qKPmVuj_c1xZMkahtcPxyGGsYKeKjLykZ3Gq59-ZYMiIp0TofgLhs-nNhRQgE4gwEjrwNUf37pQR6uam4dGKx8GA_I5Y3p2VdTzXUQaKnLuB_h5X9I1ZprzELm6vOH3qPR1H8C19r_fjKl6XWLMpPRr8KHRzSkY1bSCgnDu4rYxQiVh3IrcD/s4080/PXL_20231223_161939230~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknIAljvO2qKPmVuj_c1xZMkahtcPxyGGsYKeKjLykZ3Gq59-ZYMiIp0TofgLhs-nNhRQgE4gwEjrwNUf37pQR6uam4dGKx8GA_I5Y3p2VdTzXUQaKnLuB_h5X9I1ZprzELm6vOH3qPR1H8C19r_fjKl6XWLMpPRr8KHRzSkY1bSCgnDu4rYxQiVh3IrcD/w482-h640/PXL_20231223_161939230~2.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</div>
<p>
Patreon is my main income stream and the biggest way you can help me keep
making cute, colorful, and fantastic artwork. Currently I am saving up to buy
and install a utility sink in my studio, which will eliminate lots of time and
trouble when dealing with messy media! Please
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank">click here to join</a>
and support my work 🥰
</p>
<p><b>deviantART</b></p>
<p>
One of the pieces I uploaded to dA in December was Chibi Moon Knight, drawn as
a thank-you to my biggest Twitch supporter,
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@initiative880" target="_blank">Exie</a>, who
had reached a one-year subscription milestone 😄 It was doubly awesome that
Moon Knight was requested, because he's one of my favorite MCU characters!
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGJeCmRGgSnXk3Xd_F6q6squuc-lkvv1Kmt_ScQnvHQldNBUaj1auzZPIFnNI0lwWDTCUsBOTHQ-TuBZ7cKcWWNcz4MVZGpaMIYvBSxXRjSnM6zE4YeYfp-Fn2L5H7ewaUhG375b3eTN-RhYloTz_N1D0aYRBJTauz3H5Wl0ea22fcRioL_JSe4IyQaye/s1000/231215_ChibiMoonKnightForExie_ForWeb.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="722" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGJeCmRGgSnXk3Xd_F6q6squuc-lkvv1Kmt_ScQnvHQldNBUaj1auzZPIFnNI0lwWDTCUsBOTHQ-TuBZ7cKcWWNcz4MVZGpaMIYvBSxXRjSnM6zE4YeYfp-Fn2L5H7ewaUhG375b3eTN-RhYloTz_N1D0aYRBJTauz3H5Wl0ea22fcRioL_JSe4IyQaye/w462-h640/231215_ChibiMoonKnightForExie_ForWeb.png" width="462" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/Chibi-Moon-Knight-for-Exie-1002309637" target="_blank">Click here to view, fave, and comment on deviantART!</a><br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
You can also commission me at any time for a chibi caricature of your own!
<a href="https://studiomikarts.square.site/product/chibi-caricature-commission/3?cs=true&cst=custom" target="_blank">Click here</a>
to get started on Square or
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/commission/Cute-Chibi-Caricature-1594860" target="_blank">here</a>
to go through deviantART.
</p>
<p><b>Livestreaming</b></p>
<p>
My last month of art streams went wonderfully! I have a new schedule for 2024
now, so be sure to
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts/schedule" target="_blank">check my Twitch page</a>
to verify timing and sign up for go-live alerts. Here's the recording of my
final Lucky Dip of the year, which I think ended up being one of my best Lucky
Dip drawings of 2023 ✨
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="532" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p4dBDfdO9hM" width="640" youtube-src-id="p4dBDfdO9hM"></iframe>
</div>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising</b></p>
<p>
This is the second year in a row that I have chosen
<a href="https://www.protegofoundation.org/" target="_blank">The Protego Foundation</a>, which is inspired by the Wizarding World for its animal advocacy, as
December's featured charity. It just makes sense to me, because the
end-of-year holidays are magical!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDIPX3UDkZtrWfqe27Mng5ZNKYW9GYIcIdgTGJH9WUrAL5txOaRzqIkPMUutxccIfh7PxYzzb1AwWB2EbPYUjbi_I_avtyoL5WIbDsymMWep39QGQezBSOV2aBO1_Ad8_ANJyCI14E0JOyfnch_2bbI0ghQvzuJuPRtTiKQpRpO2-A4inuHs7s6NQh2r1/s1560/Screenshot%202024-01-12%20at%2013-25-09%20Twitch.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1560" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDIPX3UDkZtrWfqe27Mng5ZNKYW9GYIcIdgTGJH9WUrAL5txOaRzqIkPMUutxccIfh7PxYzzb1AwWB2EbPYUjbi_I_avtyoL5WIbDsymMWep39QGQezBSOV2aBO1_Ad8_ANJyCI14E0JOyfnch_2bbI0ghQvzuJuPRtTiKQpRpO2-A4inuHs7s6NQh2r1/w640-h342/Screenshot%202024-01-12%20at%2013-25-09%20Twitch.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
We had 22 unique Twitch viewers in December. My donation formula is $0.10 USD
per unique viewer, with a minimum of $10 and a max of $100. This therefore
comes out to a $10 donation to The Protego Foundation!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkv5eOy27-IJ4gXtEOvcOgCvwg3_Yv5Zr94vVuf1vWIg0GQG9TpUwMEWRvekb0Xkd4Acwn5tvkU2FlEna1HuJ2M_DIehOoYIHoPCO-z3tt5Q8dsAVspIhNAoSfxoktLy8nS8J7v6SOd4lF8RS2Qlyzaxi4aqOlwK82pp4jbHc9ZvEAU4E6U-vON6e5af1/s2176/Screenshot%202024-01-12%20at%2013-30-29%20Donate.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="2176" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkv5eOy27-IJ4gXtEOvcOgCvwg3_Yv5Zr94vVuf1vWIg0GQG9TpUwMEWRvekb0Xkd4Acwn5tvkU2FlEna1HuJ2M_DIehOoYIHoPCO-z3tt5Q8dsAVspIhNAoSfxoktLy8nS8J7v6SOd4lF8RS2Qlyzaxi4aqOlwK82pp4jbHc9ZvEAU4E6U-vON6e5af1/w640-h544/Screenshot%202024-01-12%20at%2013-30-29%20Donate.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
As usual, I donated a little extra to cover the processing fees ❤️ If you also believe that all creatures are magical, please
<a href="https://www.protegofoundation.org/donate.html" target="_blank">make a donation</a>
to help protect them!
</p>
<p><b>Other News</b></p>
<p>
I actually have quite a bit of other news to share this time! First, I took
the Japanese Language Proficiency Test at the very beginning of December 🤓 It
was my first time taking the test and I won't get my results for quite a while
(I think the soonest is the end of this month) but I feel confident that I
passed!
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7Alb6XOoijFVC3lEB6kp8ikI84OYFDiCGuL2pt9cndi7eTlskazelx1k1S0vWNJulDELmCpB0x4RLeNALj1FHpzeExeR6FL-4pGZuuP8CQHHqWXCjhEcxKA9GtuExYbMzLjb0ixyOVd2mGW0Tp6_8LjwR50KMnliEZfbrr9zhqSjBNMARuDmuGKKXH9Y/s3648/PXL_20231202_215959328~2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7Alb6XOoijFVC3lEB6kp8ikI84OYFDiCGuL2pt9cndi7eTlskazelx1k1S0vWNJulDELmCpB0x4RLeNALj1FHpzeExeR6FL-4pGZuuP8CQHHqWXCjhEcxKA9GtuExYbMzLjb0ixyOVd2mGW0Tp6_8LjwR50KMnliEZfbrr9zhqSjBNMARuDmuGKKXH9Y/w640-h480/PXL_20231202_215959328~2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Me at the testing location with two of my siblings, who joined me for
the trip to Portland, Oregon.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
Next, while I have announced it through other channels already, I wanted to
share here that my illustrated postcards are now available for purchase at the
new
<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/2nXW6FxgGaNuWpMu5" target="_blank">Catalyst Arts Collaborative</a>
shop here in Boise, Idaho! If you're in the area, I hope you'll stop by and
support all the local artists selling their creations there 🥰 Here's a video
I took to show what the shop is like:
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="532" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sazX2_DsPmE" width="640" youtube-src-id="sazX2_DsPmE"></iframe>
</div>
<p>
Finally, as I promised at the beginning of last year, I'm going to review my
2023 goals and share my 2024 goals with you. Not only is it nice for me to do
this and see how things went, I hope it also inspires you in working toward
your own goals 😊
</p>
<p>2023 Goals Review</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>
<i>Career</i> 🎨 I will create 12 new, large, full-color
illustrations.
</li>
<ul>
<li>16% complete! I created two such illustrations.</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Education</i> 💮 I will sit and pass the JLPT N2 exam.</li>
<ul>
<li>
I dropped down to the N3 when I realized I didn't have enough study time.
Other than that and the fact that I won't know if I passed for at least a
couple more weeks, this goal is complete!
</li>
</ul>
<li>
<i>Finances</i> 💸 I will make, rather than buy, birthday & holiday
gifts.
</li>
<ul>
<li>
I have one more gift to make, for a late December birthday, but other than
that, this goal is complete!
</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Health</i> 💤 I will go to bed on time on work nights.</li>
<ul>
<li>
Thanks to <a href="https://www.pokemonsleep.net/en/" target="_blank">Pokémon Sleep</a> coming out, I actually surpassed this goal! Ever
since day one of the game's release, I have gone to bed on time EVERY
NIGHT, even on weekends and vacations! I've been working toward this for
YEARS so this might be my proudest achievement of 2023!
</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Hobbies</i> 🎮 I will play Animal Crossing every day.</li>
<ul>
<li>
While I wasn't able to play every day, I'd estimate I played at least 6/7
days a week on average, so my underlying goal of enjoying my hobbies and
switching off of work mode each day was achieved 😄
</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Travel</i> 🛳️ I will cruise around Japan with my husband.</li>
<ul>
<li>
As you may have been reading in my Japan Adventure posts here, this goal
is complete!
</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Family</i> 👩🍳 I will host seasonal family dinners.</li>
<ul>
<li>
Complete! And I will be continuing this new tradition! I always wanted to
do it, and I finally made it happen 😊
</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Relationships</i> 💌 I will send a card or letter every week.</li>
<ul>
<li>
This was my least complete goal. I succeeded for the first half of the
year, perhaps, but I realized it's ironically more difficult to write once
a week than every day. Which is why I actually increased my letter writing
goal for this year!
</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Reading</i> 📚 I will read & review at least 26 books.</li>
<ul>
<li>
As with the JLPT goal, I dropped my expectations for this goal when I
realized I wouldn't have enough time. My new goal became a book per month,
12, which I achieved! The very last book was a Christmas present I
received from my sister 🥰
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<p>
Overall, I'm quite happy with what I achieved in 2023! Even the goals that
were difficult were valuable because they taught me more about myself and gave
me a chance to practice my mental flexibility. I'm stoked to build on the
momentum this year!
</p>
<p>2024 Goals</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>
<i>Career</i> ✒️ I will spend 50+ minutes each workday on Gryphia
writing.
</li>
<li>
<i>Education</i> 💮 I will spend 20+ minutes studying Japanese every day.
</li>
<li><i>Finances</i> 💳 I will pay off all credit cards.</li>
<li><i>Health</i> 😌 I will meditate every day.</li>
<li><i>Hobbies</i> 🎮 I will play a Nintendo Switch game every day.</li>
<li><i>Travel</i> 🐮 I will visit a Farm Sanctuary location.</li>
<li>
<i>Family</i> 🕊️ I will do my pet care routine every day before
breakfast.
</li>
<li><i>Relationships</i> 💌 I will write a letter every day.</li>
<li><i>Reading</i> 📚 I will read at least one page every day.</li>
</ul>
<p>And that's all for now! I'll let you know how these goals went next year 😄 I hope you enjoyed reading my final roundup for
2023. I'll be back with another post soon. Until then, please stay happy,
healthy, and safe!
</p>Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-70841494561409150192023-12-07T17:15:00.002-07:002023-12-07T17:16:00.449-07:002023 November Roundup<p>
Only a few weeks of 2023 left 🤯 I spent the first five days of December in
Portland, Oregon to take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (N3; feeling confident that I passed but we'll see 🤞) and enjoy
some sightseeing and shopping with two of my siblings. The only downside is
how little time it left me to prepare this post! Hopefully I can do a blog
writing speed-run 😎 Here's what I got up to in November!
</p>
<p><b>Patreon Rewards</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGn0jjJFCOvc_OAhLaTj8lEo44JbsiyOW3Gtqphil9-16TKuDVtOkL5N0g-6IkORwarNX5SH3bzpSQmPBfMSDvy62r24i9fiN4lkHV3nb9m4XcW5QXa1QQMhVhZWCDL6hgf-jTfIGmKcseyi54WXaMZHUhhvbYYHORq6wsy4uT529BpEt981rrEAk2HoYW/s3856/PXL_20231129_200842876.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2904" data-original-width="3856" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGn0jjJFCOvc_OAhLaTj8lEo44JbsiyOW3Gtqphil9-16TKuDVtOkL5N0g-6IkORwarNX5SH3bzpSQmPBfMSDvy62r24i9fiN4lkHV3nb9m4XcW5QXa1QQMhVhZWCDL6hgf-jTfIGmKcseyi54WXaMZHUhhvbYYHORq6wsy4uT529BpEt981rrEAk2HoYW/w640-h482/PXL_20231129_200842876.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
Studio Mikarts Patreon members on physical rewards tiers received these
colorful fire gryphons! From my perspective, it was perfect, because the
weather had gotten really cold! No better way to warm up than with a fantastic
flaming flyer 😆 Members receive postcards, prints, both, or neither,
depending on their selected tier. Patreon support not only helps produce these
lovely images, it pays for art supplies and studio improvements (I'm currently
saving up to install a utility sink!), and gives me indescribable emotional
support 💖
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank">Click here to sign up!</a>
</p>
<p><b>deviantART</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9F87Of3rWXzaIEEBIbDLdCH3vwbgwjbWJa_936mKrVzKkAZglryhLTaSInbbgFLVj85pW6SOK_hQH4lyQCXelsRBNzTeP0krlblxenjw6L3tIehRMvtujThJ1JIjo-WoxTRvYjMeDSDO2iJ9eUiAyWrdQQIIiygrpoDsk90aAQlx_JanMdfN3pU2O_ff/s2000/231128_Inktober52_47Feast_ForWeb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="2000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9F87Of3rWXzaIEEBIbDLdCH3vwbgwjbWJa_936mKrVzKkAZglryhLTaSInbbgFLVj85pW6SOK_hQH4lyQCXelsRBNzTeP0krlblxenjw6L3tIehRMvtujThJ1JIjo-WoxTRvYjMeDSDO2iJ9eUiAyWrdQQIIiygrpoDsk90aAQlx_JanMdfN3pU2O_ff/w640-h512/231128_Inktober52_47Feast_ForWeb.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
I know I keep saying it, but I am so pleased with myself for staying on top of
deviantART uploads~ The most recent piece I added was this Inktober52 drawing,
featuring my pet pigeons as little gryphons about to enjoy a seed feast 🤤
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/2023-Inktober52-47-Feast-998007753" target="_blank">Click here</a>
to view, fave, and comment on this piece on dA, and to check out my other
artwork.
</p>
<p><b>Livestreaming</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="532" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b1d0wnY9j5E" width="640" youtube-src-id="b1d0wnY9j5E"></iframe>
</div>
<p>
My livestreaming schedule is the same as always (<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts/schedule" target="_blank">you can check it here</a>, and sign up to get notified when I go live!) and one of my favorite streams
of November was the first round of work on a gift that's going to become a
gift, and is, in itself, almost a gift to me! Ha ha, I'll explain X3 One of my
most dedicated viewers on Twitch, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/initiative880/" target="_blank">Exie</a>, reached a one-year subscriber
anniversary and I offered to draw a chibi caricature as an expression of my
gratitude. Exie chose their best friend's favorite MCU character, intending it
to be a birthday gift. And it just so happens that this character is one of my
favorites, too: Moon Knight!!!
</p>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising</b></p>
<p>
As a way to make my livestreams more meaningful for me and my viewers, I donate $0.10 USD per unique viewer every
month, with a minimum of $10 and a max of
$100. Even though I took a week off for Thanksgiving, my November unique
viewers totaled twenty!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjZKJCdKsIukZmLE8PxpsU9d8FIPBDesXfolWhTJd31gwVybH_xrwRLlY2wj1Hdf2kRyoSQY53p76gP8Xq5JYUMRNFGewZAxvrtFLL8MUtdz4yy-ukW6fDoerxiC-X1R37011IFGjX-Sht827xIJWpN9vv__eS5PQsjooZVkE52SoA5FTaohK1RW9-MHI/s1560/Screenshot%202023-12-07%20at%2016-15-32%20Twitch.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1560" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjZKJCdKsIukZmLE8PxpsU9d8FIPBDesXfolWhTJd31gwVybH_xrwRLlY2wj1Hdf2kRyoSQY53p76gP8Xq5JYUMRNFGewZAxvrtFLL8MUtdz4yy-ukW6fDoerxiC-X1R37011IFGjX-Sht827xIJWpN9vv__eS5PQsjooZVkE52SoA5FTaohK1RW9-MHI/w640-h344/Screenshot%202023-12-07%20at%2016-15-32%20Twitch.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
This meant a $10 donation to my charity of the month, <a href="https://www.farmsanctuary.org/home" target="_blank">Farm Sanctuary</a>. I like to feature them in November because their Thanksgiving
Adopt-a-Turkey program is how I found them in the first place 🦃💖💕
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8TuHz5Jj1odxbr9O81vc4-qxgeveDMjz8Ih6TG_sDmbFDABNtDjTaE60GVu1g0lfbs_CroUFVQ_0i-d_ZcFj1p7FxJk7dCaLU4DWWq6QAWG_ExzXvrALmFAGwko9Nh3wN-PCwkEL6NSSiBIWDF5zuNBGGJe_NwXn25hZsPRi82C2rV9Jx3FJK_wDQgcM/s2572/Screenshot%202023-12-07%20at%2016-22-56%20Donate%20to%20Farm%20Sanctuary.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2572" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8TuHz5Jj1odxbr9O81vc4-qxgeveDMjz8Ih6TG_sDmbFDABNtDjTaE60GVu1g0lfbs_CroUFVQ_0i-d_ZcFj1p7FxJk7dCaLU4DWWq6QAWG_ExzXvrALmFAGwko9Nh3wN-PCwkEL6NSSiBIWDF5zuNBGGJe_NwXn25hZsPRi82C2rV9Jx3FJK_wDQgcM/w640-h382/Screenshot%202023-12-07%20at%2016-22-56%20Donate%20to%20Farm%20Sanctuary.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
On top of this donation, I
<a href="https://www.farmsanctuary.org/adopt" target="_blank">adopted a turkey</a>
using their fun friendship quiz 🥰 I got matched with Tutu!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4NnHfmrPNPNSdWdYqBu7ZviRYpX6SddjHD-k3JEDVSnjbmHQh99FqZ-BCraG1Sm8D34Te7wKqWZUOjJQohOzX-E2P0uVyiYjo6_BCKi1WPhhoNLtk231Mk5uCD8CaVnDcz3e_RcEw7DKseVuQtflx-ndulzcd2dMtalrl0Nv2JKBHsDfpXU0zcsFZDGJ/s3648/PXL_20231113_205120959~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4NnHfmrPNPNSdWdYqBu7ZviRYpX6SddjHD-k3JEDVSnjbmHQh99FqZ-BCraG1Sm8D34Te7wKqWZUOjJQohOzX-E2P0uVyiYjo6_BCKi1WPhhoNLtk231Mk5uCD8CaVnDcz3e_RcEw7DKseVuQtflx-ndulzcd2dMtalrl0Nv2JKBHsDfpXU0zcsFZDGJ/w640-h480/PXL_20231113_205120959~2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
Please consider making your own
<a href="https://secure.farmsanctuary.org/donate" target="_blank">donation to Farm Sanctuary</a>
❤️ I know all the turkeys, chickens, piggies, cows, horses, and other friends
will appreciate it!
</p>
<p>🌟🌟🌟🌟</p>
<p>
That's all for November! Thank you for reading until the end (BTW my speed-writing worked 😎). I'm looking
forward to writing December's roundup in the new year! Since I may not write
again until then, let me wish you a most excellent 2024 in advance 😊 Please stay
happy, healthy, and safe!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-616114813843410392023-11-01T14:37:00.000-06:002023-11-01T14:37:30.825-06:002023 October Roundup<p>
It's gotten really cold here the past week or two 🥶 It's like we no longer
get to enjoy mild autumn (or spring) weather in Boise. It remains warm and
summery until winter suddenly steps in! I don't mind too much, though. I much
prefer going on my morning runs in the cold and dark, and bundling up in my
warmest clothes all day is always super cozy and comforting 😊 Here's what
I've been up to over the past month!
</p>
<p><b>Patreon Rewards</b></p>
<p>
On the 18th, I sent out postcard rewards featuring a colored version of my
"Harvest" Inktober52 drawing. I thought this piece was a nice match for the
autumn and Halloween vibes in October 🌕
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdihpnm-c50LGym0DmsTxT9w6D0M7m8ipGDRZByPRgXD80DJjQUYhFc-eNFovE7Syc2q5_Dt32SNn6HFR1GXBd09FfXbvCnJHA7AiCLhFxAk3Q2D3R9xx0_oQKIHr-Qce-p0uq6j1wjWb-D1ia6kGzwVAzWgKesAIURPh9GO-InMrxZfy9sjdsXHueFBEP/s3928/PXL_20231018_183449477~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2957" data-original-width="3928" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdihpnm-c50LGym0DmsTxT9w6D0M7m8ipGDRZByPRgXD80DJjQUYhFc-eNFovE7Syc2q5_Dt32SNn6HFR1GXBd09FfXbvCnJHA7AiCLhFxAk3Q2D3R9xx0_oQKIHr-Qce-p0uq6j1wjWb-D1ia6kGzwVAzWgKesAIURPh9GO-InMrxZfy9sjdsXHueFBEP/w640-h482/PXL_20231018_183449477~2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
All of my current patrons have selected postcards (or no physical reward) but
there are also prints available, plus all patrons get access to our private
Studio Mikarts Discord server and the cute custom emoji I've been making 💖
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank">Click here</a>
to join us!
</p>
<p><b>deviantART</b></p>
<p>
I've remained caught up on posting to dA! It's amazing! Here's one of the
pieces I created and uploaded in October, my "Demon" Inktober52 drawing.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PAYgjT9miaXuUapsA_LotkXISvjbMwXVXdArUlGtNY8L3bOsSCWTgmhv7mksknLqw1TyK7NiRJEJ-atku7wGEQp2OBkll4j8Beohs_99vLxXGumoKnO5YfGj4_ud1kojd56GtVi5BHmV3p1oX1J1RLdmosiPQ2FxzqQWlixxbwZdA2HH1qbxGQWJl9d_/s2000/231017_Inktober52_41Demon_ForWeb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1270" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PAYgjT9miaXuUapsA_LotkXISvjbMwXVXdArUlGtNY8L3bOsSCWTgmhv7mksknLqw1TyK7NiRJEJ-atku7wGEQp2OBkll4j8Beohs_99vLxXGumoKnO5YfGj4_ud1kojd56GtVi5BHmV3p1oX1J1RLdmosiPQ2FxzqQWlixxbwZdA2HH1qbxGQWJl9d_/w406-h640/231017_Inktober52_41Demon_ForWeb.jpg" width="406" /></a>
</div>
<p>
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/2023-Inktober52-41-Demon-988770477" target="_blank">Click here</a>
to view, fave, and comment on deviantART, and to see the other October work
I've posted there 🖼️✨
</p>
<p><b>Livestreaming</b></p>
<p>
My Twitch streams continue to go well, and thanks to a suggestion from one of
my subscribers, I added a chat overlay to the video! Now I don't have to read
everyone's messages out loud in order for them to make sense to anyone
watching the recording later. I'm so grateful to my chatters for making it
worthwhile (by chatting, lol) to add a chat overlay 🥰
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="532" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bw3SLksZSPs" width="640" youtube-src-id="bw3SLksZSPs"></iframe>
</div>
<p>
Just like Patreon members, my Twitch subscribers get access to the private
Studio Mikarts Discord server and the custom emoji there. On top of that, they
get to use those emoji on Twitch as custom emotes!
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank">Click here</a>
to check out my streaming schedule and subscribe to my channel 💖
</p>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising</b></p>
<p>
Every month, I choose a featured charity and then make a donation of $0.10 USD
per unique Twitch viewer (min $10, max $100). If that charity is available
through Twitch's fundraising tool, I also set up a fundraiser for viewers to
contribute to throughout the month. I'm so excited this time because one of my
Twitch viewers donated the full amount all in one go!
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4gHmXCsaVo9ZzcPwZXwiRDRgZKoLouL_FUZXOJlDIRJbYgupkUKqsjZF0bk1WHFxkjjrzE4kCgPMC4-MpXefCzVBvxaZ8zD20Ph5CQT64wXwoCSOZ19ufvYsYbSgAr2Q6uVHipMJ4bm9HP_hyphenhyphenr5JSdG8CAlXkt_VAHuWLgwL99tMdkv64ulxPBkPvfWP/s1183/Screenshot%202023-11-01%20140152.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="1183" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4gHmXCsaVo9ZzcPwZXwiRDRgZKoLouL_FUZXOJlDIRJbYgupkUKqsjZF0bk1WHFxkjjrzE4kCgPMC4-MpXefCzVBvxaZ8zD20Ph5CQT64wXwoCSOZ19ufvYsYbSgAr2Q6uVHipMJ4bm9HP_hyphenhyphenr5JSdG8CAlXkt_VAHuWLgwL99tMdkv64ulxPBkPvfWP/w640-h232/Screenshot%202023-11-01%20140152.png" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Thank you, Sarah~!! 🕊️💕<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
So, on top of the $10 from SarahQuilt via Twitch, my own donation also comes
out to $10, thanks to the 18 unique viewers who joined me during my October
streams!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqFlK2G1PbrcB59B56WjMB0-eWEPoSIJUBKYy3gbLDHWNHIC4KUdEH-pwREx1-ks1bsOXB-RGaG3R_Hx4DrJC9mUVVh1OrKe_zI-qxXmUrdXaNfsSGy4aG18EFaM3GItBv1lG-eIIi2g_SA21FG9OHUZhJToebOmgy8KiZ6Paeb8pXCJoX5tIY4ft56Xw/s1555/Screenshot%202023-11-01%20140652.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1555" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqFlK2G1PbrcB59B56WjMB0-eWEPoSIJUBKYy3gbLDHWNHIC4KUdEH-pwREx1-ks1bsOXB-RGaG3R_Hx4DrJC9mUVVh1OrKe_zI-qxXmUrdXaNfsSGy4aG18EFaM3GItBv1lG-eIIi2g_SA21FG9OHUZhJToebOmgy8KiZ6Paeb8pXCJoX5tIY4ft56Xw/w640-h330/Screenshot%202023-11-01%20140652.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
I chose to feature
<a href="https://www.pigeonrescue.org/" target="_blank">Palomacy</a> in
October, because October 2021 was the first full month I spent with a pigeon
🥰 Palomacy helps with pigeon rescue and teaching people about these
beautiful, cuddly birds, who are misunderstood and mistreated by many humans.
I'm so excited that we were able to essentially double our impact so that more
pigeons can live happy lives thanks to Palomacy's efforts!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48TAdn1DUSrdQrdTDeB1v3klFUiJqqnma23egMO4jT6FvfS6N93Yf0EzdrP_18h1ZIFNei9FLT1xyNeaK2MO074AI82HlmEV2gHPmkgsNXbBY9bfKSt7IA2Q1BlfMsdvT36CiMcLUvmPmsxW18kliEEiulmgg8mQ44m3ZF2k-ywhjGNGZD04T2GCIGjIV/s817/Screenshot%202023-11-01%20141849.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="817" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48TAdn1DUSrdQrdTDeB1v3klFUiJqqnma23egMO4jT6FvfS6N93Yf0EzdrP_18h1ZIFNei9FLT1xyNeaK2MO074AI82HlmEV2gHPmkgsNXbBY9bfKSt7IA2Q1BlfMsdvT36CiMcLUvmPmsxW18kliEEiulmgg8mQ44m3ZF2k-ywhjGNGZD04T2GCIGjIV/w640-h263/Screenshot%202023-11-01%20141849.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
If you would like to support Palomacy's work, please
<a href="https://fundrazr.com/SupportPalomacyFast?ref=ab_7GEfAVnmDCM7GEfAVnmDCM" target="_blank">donate to them here</a>. The pigeons will thank you~! 🕊️💖💕
</p>
<p><b>Gryphia Progress</b></p>
<p>
Even though it's the biggest project I'm working on, my illustrated novel has
not made much progress this year. So it felt like an even bigger achievement
than it otherwise might when I finally started writing chapter 8 of my first
draft!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuycCRt1APT_CNk27b3tSO0A5HKC9YAnp3W74cmyg8PI3IaGd4pDOOUrXWK8DCVSjzoqXobSSuXYJ3U0SdcgjQevEbpoBfalIfuHGwK4AcQ3dUXajqILLIbsAehjc0GV1zJGMKTW_5-V1GndsPZgWT2BHGIegLNQXzfhYE1_OSBXK6uDLOLpq2vKAnprjk/s4080/PXL_20231019_225519709.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuycCRt1APT_CNk27b3tSO0A5HKC9YAnp3W74cmyg8PI3IaGd4pDOOUrXWK8DCVSjzoqXobSSuXYJ3U0SdcgjQevEbpoBfalIfuHGwK4AcQ3dUXajqILLIbsAehjc0GV1zJGMKTW_5-V1GndsPZgWT2BHGIegLNQXzfhYE1_OSBXK6uDLOLpq2vKAnprjk/w640-h482/PXL_20231019_225519709.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
I've reworked my schedule so that I should have at least 90 minutes a week to
write, so hopefully next month I will have more good news about my progress
📝✨ Wish me luck!
</p>
<p>🌟🌟🌟🌟</p>
<p>
That's it for October's roundup, I hope you enjoyed it! Thank you for reading
all the way to the end 🙏 I'll be back next month with November's news. Until
then, please stay happy, healthy, and safe~!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-38130112380952287952023-10-12T16:35:00.000-06:002023-10-12T16:35:16.896-06:002023 Japan Adventure - Part 10: Second Day at Sea<p>
Welcome to the tenth entry in my 2023 Japan Adventure series!
<a
href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/08/2023-japan-adventure-part-9-nighttime.html"
>Last time</a
>, we left Busan, Korea, en route to Kanazawa, Japan. This entailed a bit more
travel time than previous days, which allowed us to just enjoy being on board
the Silver Muse during our second full day at sea. Of course, that means
there's not too much exciting to share here, but peaceful days are a nice part
of vacationing, too 😌
</p>
<p><b>Monday 20 March 2023 - Second Day at Sea</b></p>
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align="center"
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style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgnuf5gyD6ImfawdseEyDcILGsH95o7ivMeBMbyAZBM942awLx6kdv_valUssYb8J0C3xbCgOrbrAAhV4QsRmzjwUeumCrYQspE0g5X43EUS-pMjyFEFqNthJ-DWWZC2gSBLwhKNcVgMWz8mT5GnFNGM4nz7METlxDXErKKg34N4p58oxeIIz7SN4aKNP/s4080/PXL_20230319_211334806.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgnuf5gyD6ImfawdseEyDcILGsH95o7ivMeBMbyAZBM942awLx6kdv_valUssYb8J0C3xbCgOrbrAAhV4QsRmzjwUeumCrYQspE0g5X43EUS-pMjyFEFqNthJ-DWWZC2gSBLwhKNcVgMWz8mT5GnFNGM4nz7METlxDXErKKg34N4p58oxeIIz7SN4aKNP/w640-h482/PXL_20230319_211334806.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Another beautiful sunrise~🌅<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<br />
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cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJzhtMqFZtEyBMo3SIwDuQg300aNKGPPSE98tua-iUlFLQIlzd9efbStlzmHewflEbVs3YXIrEiSBzinY_X6nczQ5VSNAmM8vt5M0NMP1z94G1PPW75zt2zH5_c_KxC35VCv0JvJ9Xl2YkQ4V_a_k7nOZ0RJ2NmdkAXaDxKbE9K6jUq0AWtKdO7VinXtb/s4080/PXL_20230319_233643763.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJzhtMqFZtEyBMo3SIwDuQg300aNKGPPSE98tua-iUlFLQIlzd9efbStlzmHewflEbVs3YXIrEiSBzinY_X6nczQ5VSNAmM8vt5M0NMP1z94G1PPW75zt2zH5_c_KxC35VCv0JvJ9Xl2YkQ4V_a_k7nOZ0RJ2NmdkAXaDxKbE9K6jUq0AWtKdO7VinXtb/w640-h482/PXL_20230319_233643763.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
This was our first time eating in the Atlantide restaurant.<br />Breakfast
was always the best meal for me during this cruise, as a vegan!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVM5ST949s9eZ0Bz0etr5iAceOoGgWM-6DFfy22vz0vDYqVdwGfzu_9URjWgpepf9c-GNaghKGgGfSUA446cBBu_1R0yo_zMoaJpz4nBE0Nl3lo-r8froGg3rJOikwYUeGuTi76Nhn7sykLXME5rcZawUTWJNKI6T1O5A6dnkRpQCZZg_XoBc1BJ81-EWk/s4051/PXL_20230319_234314661.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3050"
data-original-width="4051"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVM5ST949s9eZ0Bz0etr5iAceOoGgWM-6DFfy22vz0vDYqVdwGfzu_9URjWgpepf9c-GNaghKGgGfSUA446cBBu_1R0yo_zMoaJpz4nBE0Nl3lo-r8froGg3rJOikwYUeGuTi76Nhn7sykLXME5rcZawUTWJNKI6T1O5A6dnkRpQCZZg_XoBc1BJ81-EWk/w640-h482/PXL_20230319_234314661.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Just look at that dreamy view 💖<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQtbVN_qc2HHYaF4FAno-sbMkeryS91B4o5fGpZBBC0fFX_rdck9pf4ANZxTHERBZpbBV3AUtu00P8dYw6KqOx3qWI5_JyP_KYrsX553ni6utgee7_m82ZASg56Dy-HRNW1Ei5mpldp2RffdPYcvI1W6uQ4Os8l34RRdSeKVpwG47xu7tkIoBN01BInhN/s4080/PXL_20230320_030800031.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQtbVN_qc2HHYaF4FAno-sbMkeryS91B4o5fGpZBBC0fFX_rdck9pf4ANZxTHERBZpbBV3AUtu00P8dYw6KqOx3qWI5_JyP_KYrsX553ni6utgee7_m82ZASg56Dy-HRNW1Ei5mpldp2RffdPYcvI1W6uQ4Os8l34RRdSeKVpwG47xu7tkIoBN01BInhN/w640-h482/PXL_20230320_030800031.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
It was fun to do the ship's daily puzzles! We only had the time during
days at sea.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL37XRoUnnuTz_u2bFq4lGI-FXItbR5SfxJ3aGwVJ__bNDOmFz5gJuH3nIVFQTluXov2o3T5YbVrkk-a9BYdepsfHwiiRFlp5jnHntpC3FzqRGccBkGAMTwmi841bvFN9TbbNS_cuNYbIGDboBVIqlnqeH-JD2TkHtckdMdUB2FCJw8JqXxMalksE2Myx/s4040/PXL_20230320_094948077.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="4040"
data-original-width="3042"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL37XRoUnnuTz_u2bFq4lGI-FXItbR5SfxJ3aGwVJ__bNDOmFz5gJuH3nIVFQTluXov2o3T5YbVrkk-a9BYdepsfHwiiRFlp5jnHntpC3FzqRGccBkGAMTwmi841bvFN9TbbNS_cuNYbIGDboBVIqlnqeH-JD2TkHtckdMdUB2FCJw8JqXxMalksE2Myx/w482-h640/PXL_20230320_094948077.jpg"
width="482"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Although packing for formal nights was a huge pain,<br />I won't deny I
love a chance to get fancy ✨<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAC5ogGKKdE-GAWevfU-z25GcCanphxaeJZfOs_DxCvqTkHre7MQV8f4FAyGupjGu6Lnti_ujDJqG_LXsNqAt6LEjw1blJ_Bcww7XLTbG11qjXbtNz4ihl5La3WzsnZ0VAkVfjJCOiLQkZPCWSGLIPWS5RHy48rWEeK5wF_fKMvR8HbTxcq9ze3KBTotp/s4069/PXL_20230320_095141166.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="4069"
data-original-width="3064"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAC5ogGKKdE-GAWevfU-z25GcCanphxaeJZfOs_DxCvqTkHre7MQV8f4FAyGupjGu6Lnti_ujDJqG_LXsNqAt6LEjw1blJ_Bcww7XLTbG11qjXbtNz4ihl5La3WzsnZ0VAkVfjJCOiLQkZPCWSGLIPWS5RHy48rWEeK5wF_fKMvR8HbTxcq9ze3KBTotp/w482-h640/PXL_20230320_095141166.jpg"
width="482"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
My husband, Sean, looking totally handsome 😍<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIM9cp78DeR8F6l9BbGiIXGH5JOL3Sw906XBjEPNi1sSiW0SajS99HQlelXZikGufLSrm1vh3Vk2gQQhyphenhyphenp-FNmn_7q-zK4q3irVm7_BhZvO7EhlbJ06-sjHTq15hQB35-w7ZbIw0Yo9wf722TBkWyE98FPv9w-bSsfxbesRISs8Rm_Qjx4HBtqfdYyHxx/s4080/PXL_20230320_102813428.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="4080"
data-original-width="3072"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIM9cp78DeR8F6l9BbGiIXGH5JOL3Sw906XBjEPNi1sSiW0SajS99HQlelXZikGufLSrm1vh3Vk2gQQhyphenhyphenp-FNmn_7q-zK4q3irVm7_BhZvO7EhlbJ06-sjHTq15hQB35-w7ZbIw0Yo9wf722TBkWyE98FPv9w-bSsfxbesRISs8Rm_Qjx4HBtqfdYyHxx/w482-h640/PXL_20230320_102813428.jpg"
width="482"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Enjoying after dinner drinks!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VUPHQBmLt14vYgvwGotkUfOwUM0wPdBNtLc2enJhAe-UFnfIPPnzlF5znK0YbaLM71rvXLg73-jpa5jXxJM-SZ41R5Qm4GuDZJ44G7z9FGVbNVbbu8XmVh8Hl4cVFlO4_DlwnWhEDXdNrsO4f3-1MXepxxN5WVrHtdTe3kfhLrgzaQOp8NixhaWuNnSM/s4080/PXL_20230320_102846352.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="4080"
data-original-width="3072"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VUPHQBmLt14vYgvwGotkUfOwUM0wPdBNtLc2enJhAe-UFnfIPPnzlF5znK0YbaLM71rvXLg73-jpa5jXxJM-SZ41R5Qm4GuDZJ44G7z9FGVbNVbbu8XmVh8Hl4cVFlO4_DlwnWhEDXdNrsO4f3-1MXepxxN5WVrHtdTe3kfhLrgzaQOp8NixhaWuNnSM/w482-h640/PXL_20230320_102846352.jpg"
width="482"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Pineapple, my favorite~! 🍹🍍✨<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQC7S6JxXukPT8iNwm0ae5d0oQkneJbsKm0Ka_6H4sxeYnOpQ74lYvl95ePriblxN6zLIfJb4-Izg06pJRbShXJpIpZaJCuFATwN6mkbRYdXLqNCWrYuq9LVkHOzPMiqOfCSKV1d2uzvsXOytS1dw-NHb_95UwxDIqfYO3PuPW46OhWmR5QfY_mvYBrD3r/s3628/PXL_20230320_112524201.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2732"
data-original-width="3628"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQC7S6JxXukPT8iNwm0ae5d0oQkneJbsKm0Ka_6H4sxeYnOpQ74lYvl95ePriblxN6zLIfJb4-Izg06pJRbShXJpIpZaJCuFATwN6mkbRYdXLqNCWrYuq9LVkHOzPMiqOfCSKV1d2uzvsXOytS1dw-NHb_95UwxDIqfYO3PuPW46OhWmR5QfY_mvYBrD3r/w640-h482/PXL_20230320_112524201.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Take it from me, there is nothing better than a hot bubble bath at
sea~!!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
And that's it for this entry! Thank you for reading to the end. Please look
forward to part 11 and our visit to Kanazawa, including exploring a preserved
samurai residence that was participating in a collab with the new anime
<i>My Happy Marriage</i> which I've since watched and love 🤩 Until then, may
you stay happy, healthy, and safe~
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-54628873659381533912023-10-05T14:31:00.003-06:002023-10-05T14:31:13.167-06:002023 August & September Roundup<p>
Long time, no post! I hope you're doing well! I fell behind and wasn't able to
finish my August roundup before it became time to start work on September 😮 I
decided to pare down the contents of these posts so that I can get them out to
you in a timely fashion while still successfully juggling the rest of my
obligations and projects. The focus will now be centered on the creative work
I did over the past month. I hope you'll find it just as interesting and fun
as ever!
</p>
<p><b>Patreon Rewards</b></p>
<p>
Members of the
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank"
>Studio Mikarts Patreon</a
>
help support my work financially, which is obvious, but also emotionally,
because it really means more than I can say to receive that support! Members
can choose to receive a monthly postcard, print, or both as a thank-you (and
there's a no-reward tier for those who want their support to go entirely
toward artmaking). At the beginning of August, I sent out a digitally colored
version of my Mermaid Inktober52 drawing 🧜♀️💌
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBd7dvZ8W7bCdmjGxcjbPUPd9bJ12EDo3snM4HNjBOF03YJyaPdkI3Jcwdz2We14bl2A6jP7ZS1q3k1S680zSxPKp8JXlzO4rPFiybM9606NGINCUschXPCvNm3BTdUDEmxdQSt9dNAZ-3u0toS2-Rqo46sK6sm2-zQZu28PM0jy93lRFCXxb77bFAgWp/s4080/PXL_20230807_202235485.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBd7dvZ8W7bCdmjGxcjbPUPd9bJ12EDo3snM4HNjBOF03YJyaPdkI3Jcwdz2We14bl2A6jP7ZS1q3k1S680zSxPKp8JXlzO4rPFiybM9606NGINCUschXPCvNm3BTdUDEmxdQSt9dNAZ-3u0toS2-Rqo46sK6sm2-zQZu28PM0jy93lRFCXxb77bFAgWp/w640-h482/PXL_20230807_202235485.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
In September I sent out two rewards, my cows onomatopoeia piece, which was
months in the making, and a digitally colored version of my Vampire Inktober52
piece.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTBLIO0tjhmca6gq3dh4KcNpGh5vjPLB9me4TVflsQ0CmVjCnQj4juRnY7udUxi2KB5baTcarK4Dd15I9m_RhLn1wKDcYXChaNKnLgE-HZWo27tA8E79hA6LWbmUsesDsywE0lrx_sI2dDqMJ-dsk3gMCr5eCZ8lC1RXPeR7u0_HliFVsM9WPrKW25mVI/s4080/PXL_20230906_185616434.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTBLIO0tjhmca6gq3dh4KcNpGh5vjPLB9me4TVflsQ0CmVjCnQj4juRnY7udUxi2KB5baTcarK4Dd15I9m_RhLn1wKDcYXChaNKnLgE-HZWo27tA8E79hA6LWbmUsesDsywE0lrx_sI2dDqMJ-dsk3gMCr5eCZ8lC1RXPeR7u0_HliFVsM9WPrKW25mVI/w640-h482/PXL_20230906_185616434.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIYcSPPqrkBjxoCJIEEoQFnB8uHjm8bJeM88AeXuPWLz9fTrKYfjVleCj6vAJHus6WPey6AySeI_UGfQetlT8pKzwhs9z07BQQl2UoCW35U5B5muY-qTJR3fBppzjz0WYARRUPvGBkUZ5kXRSV0fqC-VHQ1PhgsALM1ajdx2gnQeWfUFMPq4MraJcEWs0/s4080/PXL_20230927_190218505.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIYcSPPqrkBjxoCJIEEoQFnB8uHjm8bJeM88AeXuPWLz9fTrKYfjVleCj6vAJHus6WPey6AySeI_UGfQetlT8pKzwhs9z07BQQl2UoCW35U5B5muY-qTJR3fBppzjz0WYARRUPvGBkUZ5kXRSV0fqC-VHQ1PhgsALM1ajdx2gnQeWfUFMPq4MraJcEWs0/w640-h482/PXL_20230927_190218505.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
Patreon is the most effective way you can support the work I do. Right now I'm
saving up the monthly contributions to
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/2023-week-25-84922477" target="_blank"
>buy and install a utility sink</a
>
in my studio 🤩
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank">Click here</a>
to join Studio Mikarts and help make it happen!
</p>
<p><b>deviantART</b></p>
<p>
I GOT CAUGHT UP ON SUBMISSIONS 😎🤘 My long-time readers will know that I've
been working toward this for ages! I finally did it! I'm even caught up in
that my first Inktober52 from October is posted! I hope to continue staying on
top of submissions from here on out so that my viewers on dA can enjoy the
most up-to-date artwork. The piece I most want to show off here is my cows
onomatopoeia illustration!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkqZcBQY8rf0W6X851QYHqgZhHf3rRj-qUA1l5ihRQ5lE_V3Fyd0oNDJuHHafbWnGohBrBuTbVdmA-AlpqgUxZwvB0RiX4fEBm-rFm8r2kH5GEllheDY4skMYQ2X5JKmq1e-6n7iYkkYu9IwpGL3xXZWqkPAvvN9QPEd2M3E36LSemQJEsNJ3BpTzikrn/s2000/230905_NyanMeow7_Cows_Final_ForWeb.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1294"
data-original-width="2000"
height="414"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkqZcBQY8rf0W6X851QYHqgZhHf3rRj-qUA1l5ihRQ5lE_V3Fyd0oNDJuHHafbWnGohBrBuTbVdmA-AlpqgUxZwvB0RiX4fEBm-rFm8r2kH5GEllheDY4skMYQ2X5JKmq1e-6n7iYkkYu9IwpGL3xXZWqkPAvvN9QPEd2M3E36LSemQJEsNJ3BpTzikrn/w640-h414/230905_NyanMeow7_Cows_Final_ForWeb.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
<a
href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/Nyan-Meow-Spread-7-Cows-986393686"
target="_blank"
>Click here</a
>
to view, comment, and fave on deviantART ❤️ You can check out my galleries
there to see even more new art, beyond what I'm sharing here!
</p>
<p><b>Livestreaming</b></p>
<p>
Art streaming on Twitch has been going well, as usual! You can check my weekly
streaming schedule
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts/schedule" target="_blank">here</a
>. I was derailed for a week in September after catching a cold, but I made up
for it by postponing the vacation that I had planned to take 😎 (I'm taking a
week off this month, instead!) Here are my featured recordings from August and
September:
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe
allowfullscreen=""
class="BLOG_video_class"
height="532"
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9gp3bk1K4H4"
width="640"
youtube-src-id="9gp3bk1K4H4"
></iframe>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe
allowfullscreen=""
class="BLOG_video_class"
height="532"
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4rdes_FPlXE"
width="640"
youtube-src-id="4rdes_FPlXE"
></iframe>
</div>
<p>
I'm actually THIS close to finishing my first custom emote for my Twitch
subscribers, so I hope you'll consider
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank"
>subscribing to my channel</a
>
to support my creative work and enjoy using the cute chibi emotes that I'm
making for you 💜 Even if not, I'd love to see you in the chat sometime!
Please join us~!
</p>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising</b></p>
<p>
I use my monthly unique viewers count on Twitch to calculate a donation I make
to a featured animal charity, with the formula being $0.10 USD per viewer,
minimum $10, maximum $100. Amusingly, I had 18 unique viewers in both August
and September!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUga_MMoMPBr6xipU3GiJiCw3je2jgx3E7rv3BOWcnloY1QmPbSrmEjehUcxHiPKIR0tnK0nof2BtPK4HiXHWU1DM6RpfppLbmnCyKnW0WzRHIG05l4zobwM9s8vCCQ6JmguKglex3HBwsxpimTS9ZGh9PgpLR9wINl2VA5woDkcMPSwZ8aTK4ZqqxO_4/s1560/Screenshot%202023-10-05%20at%2013-57-24%20Twitch.png"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="838"
data-original-width="1560"
height="344"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUga_MMoMPBr6xipU3GiJiCw3je2jgx3E7rv3BOWcnloY1QmPbSrmEjehUcxHiPKIR0tnK0nof2BtPK4HiXHWU1DM6RpfppLbmnCyKnW0WzRHIG05l4zobwM9s8vCCQ6JmguKglex3HBwsxpimTS9ZGh9PgpLR9wINl2VA5woDkcMPSwZ8aTK4ZqqxO_4/w640-h344/Screenshot%202023-10-05%20at%2013-57-24%20Twitch.png"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOk0OkA5ONCnbLubMbgNipQ_QcMB3H2nqpoTh6EH_oL1TTlqsc6yK9phgIYHj2_olSBzFxsP1x25IQDXlLMfMJNqkUnFimxbA3Njhtv_BnHtTw254HmPL4xAIt766gbmmU_g3YddLz06rPpkfy_7ri54F7HKO4YUq1rz6810bDgzp36WpI5aN8-1NtvQR/s1560/Screenshot%202023-10-05%20at%2013-57-48%20Twitch.png"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="841"
data-original-width="1560"
height="346"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOk0OkA5ONCnbLubMbgNipQ_QcMB3H2nqpoTh6EH_oL1TTlqsc6yK9phgIYHj2_olSBzFxsP1x25IQDXlLMfMJNqkUnFimxbA3Njhtv_BnHtTw254HmPL4xAIt766gbmmU_g3YddLz06rPpkfy_7ri54F7HKO4YUq1rz6810bDgzp36WpI5aN8-1NtvQR/w640-h346/Screenshot%202023-10-05%20at%2013-57-48%20Twitch.png"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
That comes out to a $10 donation each (plus processing fees, which I always
opt to cover!) for
<a href="https://veganoutreach.org/donate/" target="_blank">Vegan Outreach</a>
and
<a href="https://bestfriends.org/" target="_blank"
>Best Friends Animal Society</a
>, which I have now made 😊 If you, also, would like to help animals through
these organizations, please click on the links and make a donation! You will
literally help save lives 💖
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR89aJAU4VplrsVj2x3cV6bMi6cGxG_xqgjFzv0ERLQSrp3P-eX5BXekdA0QTC0GTexmjc3ZDrOo-zDqc2f7NVm29eU_akGl-H8LeZqUh3ScbvIZCxnTXxqWIWN317MKVvWgrw_9zQ1TsrJjryK950TQMTgwTWV2PG3TK7HuqfPCscxes_xYqAeQeJSmC/s1101/2023-10-05%20140959%20Vegan%20Outreach%20Donation.png"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="730"
data-original-width="1101"
height="424"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR89aJAU4VplrsVj2x3cV6bMi6cGxG_xqgjFzv0ERLQSrp3P-eX5BXekdA0QTC0GTexmjc3ZDrOo-zDqc2f7NVm29eU_akGl-H8LeZqUh3ScbvIZCxnTXxqWIWN317MKVvWgrw_9zQ1TsrJjryK950TQMTgwTWV2PG3TK7HuqfPCscxes_xYqAeQeJSmC/w640-h424/2023-10-05%20140959%20Vegan%20Outreach%20Donation.png"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pMTGAQLFTEO8w119Or3_NdkdeIMN5NSBKLD2mueAQ-ONLCjutZFcScIy1PANO6sOle92tkqZkh_FZoKxcqlD3iTh66GVbhJ24EpRgMUxxHtWS3gyU1jWrnrG3qH9VWT9OXwrXSeoJCLW6ouzmkJERwDeQjZTQZ_YtSW-tqqXmqYWRVioSE7SGecKAUYs/s1683/2023-10-05%20142333%20Best%20Friends%20Animal%20Society%20Donation.png"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1683"
data-original-width="861"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pMTGAQLFTEO8w119Or3_NdkdeIMN5NSBKLD2mueAQ-ONLCjutZFcScIy1PANO6sOle92tkqZkh_FZoKxcqlD3iTh66GVbhJ24EpRgMUxxHtWS3gyU1jWrnrG3qH9VWT9OXwrXSeoJCLW6ouzmkJERwDeQjZTQZ_YtSW-tqqXmqYWRVioSE7SGecKAUYs/w328-h640/2023-10-05%20142333%20Best%20Friends%20Animal%20Society%20Donation.png"
width="328"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
That's all for this roundup! I hope you enjoyed the shorter, more focused
format 😊 Thank you very much for reading all the way to the end. Until next
time, stay happy, healthy, and safe~!!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-18394388215477048692023-08-29T13:44:00.003-06:002023-10-12T16:35:54.923-06:002023 Japan Adventure - Part 9: Nighttime in Busan<p>
This is finally it, the moment my husband, Sean, and I finally got brave, left
the security of guided tours and the familiarity of our cruise ship, and set
out to explore the city of Busan on our own! All credit due to Sean--I was so
worried about going around in any country without knowing the local language.
If I had been traveling alone, I don't know if I would ever have been able to
work up the courage. But he convinced me, and I am so grateful because this
foray helped us gain the confidence to explore every other port city after
this! Our adventure grew twice as epic thanks to Busan!
</p>
<p>
<i><a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/08/2023-japan-adventure-part-8-daytime-in.html">Click here</a>
to read the previous entry featuring our daytime experiences in Busan.
</i>
</p>
<p><b>Sunday 19 March 2023 - Nighttime in Busan</b></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVb-2Q0Q1Op2szkDRQt4w_vXiGJ5d9kumrNA8lSPOGh6XWUdUJr7Bx12yL3m-FaNwDW_TA9ztc_FEaAzrI62rE2oXZ7WiQT56VykDPT82-eE1zf5F55uDlSV63KgfiKekRSdIGnC8yXPH50drN7ViGfkG5wM4QM2-0zfLOOvv84qmsxJTkub0UcJoGVER/s3648/PXL_20230319_093237336.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVb-2Q0Q1Op2szkDRQt4w_vXiGJ5d9kumrNA8lSPOGh6XWUdUJr7Bx12yL3m-FaNwDW_TA9ztc_FEaAzrI62rE2oXZ7WiQT56VykDPT82-eE1zf5F55uDlSV63KgfiKekRSdIGnC8yXPH50drN7ViGfkG5wM4QM2-0zfLOOvv84qmsxJTkub0UcJoGVER/w640-h480/PXL_20230319_093237336.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
First step: take the shuttle from the port to Busan Station!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Iki-pjeFUfxPUuxn2jErcAfwBNpuyToMQTtDnwMilO6HXX3i46CczYLgbN68nS9YzGMYDlGhNK-YNa15LNhtI4xp8s2PHTFdUuFfsJLCnpS7rgdQsdn7zUnL-aAJef9rX5S7_VLlOqf1WncLbboPa0xieg2Qc7a934O9uI0KUg1fxSnMhKy2v6iUOKWg/s3604/PXL_20230319_094839294.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2714" data-original-width="3604" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Iki-pjeFUfxPUuxn2jErcAfwBNpuyToMQTtDnwMilO6HXX3i46CczYLgbN68nS9YzGMYDlGhNK-YNa15LNhtI4xp8s2PHTFdUuFfsJLCnpS7rgdQsdn7zUnL-aAJef9rX5S7_VLlOqf1WncLbboPa0xieg2Qc7a934O9uI0KUg1fxSnMhKy2v6iUOKWg/w640-h482/PXL_20230319_094839294.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Although I had technically seen the character before, this was when I
started to fall in love with Boogi 😍<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKFzUPphuzGCNSL6yrLN471y00NceP93QIGXaz-9kvLl0_8gIjmZMWaHGULK2Hpuqt_g7oyZaoZ3BZ4JEfDEJ8lmWgyyST3ab9WQfNMiZO0kY58M89xF-A01EkwhdtrevDUfxWQ01MIp5wK4sCdW9hBaNy4hsSxV_cRy9bYqytCkmZR70wgLDWfXLY7C_/s3532/PXL_20230319_094908791.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2659" data-original-width="3532" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKFzUPphuzGCNSL6yrLN471y00NceP93QIGXaz-9kvLl0_8gIjmZMWaHGULK2Hpuqt_g7oyZaoZ3BZ4JEfDEJ8lmWgyyST3ab9WQfNMiZO0kY58M89xF-A01EkwhdtrevDUfxWQ01MIp5wK4sCdW9hBaNy4hsSxV_cRy9bYqytCkmZR70wgLDWfXLY7C_/w640-h482/PXL_20230319_094908791.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2023/04/06/culture/features/Korea-World-Expo-2030-Busan-Busan/20230406060010853.html" target="_blank">Here's a great article about Boogi</a>, Busan's totally adorable, insanely lovable mascot!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl5NaL1PQI1PAEYGhWw_2_2flLegfE3Jt96C_yiweO3A5ZPQWJ6NGenKThSILbwW6tQH-uyC6UQIRkatwhZAD9urnUPCEv5P03CkQPPPlZEBeO2jb_sE1HKlEEVK7IIeXJFvJboohqRxVY2259yND7J2rFWnEztycUyWygNwaKZKUqe-95l0NPWwPkqI7/s4016/PXL_20230319_095028682.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4016" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl5NaL1PQI1PAEYGhWw_2_2flLegfE3Jt96C_yiweO3A5ZPQWJ6NGenKThSILbwW6tQH-uyC6UQIRkatwhZAD9urnUPCEv5P03CkQPPPlZEBeO2jb_sE1HKlEEVK7IIeXJFvJboohqRxVY2259yND7J2rFWnEztycUyWygNwaKZKUqe-95l0NPWwPkqI7/w640-h482/PXL_20230319_095028682.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
We didn't figure out why it's called this, but since I was born in
Texas, I loved seeing Texas Street in Busan!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqcygMT_HYre606bYzZjHIfsh4TZH38R2z7HEP3WKSQtKB0s5fpkk51tAryNlwWneXs3v6Q0LYZ1cOmKCnBC5Xl4ACxvB3MXjxoUdrlwq-NIgeVu-vTtwhs34safCEIGWdJZhJVjh0RPQw-j-qrv7Jf5ewbPUA7CqJ2WWuTpy7XPbvns5ABp6XXUuX94p/s4080/PXL_20230319_095045196.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqcygMT_HYre606bYzZjHIfsh4TZH38R2z7HEP3WKSQtKB0s5fpkk51tAryNlwWneXs3v6Q0LYZ1cOmKCnBC5Xl4ACxvB3MXjxoUdrlwq-NIgeVu-vTtwhs34safCEIGWdJZhJVjh0RPQw-j-qrv7Jf5ewbPUA7CqJ2WWuTpy7XPbvns5ABp6XXUuX94p/w482-h640/PXL_20230319_095045196.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The Rotary symbol, plus the kanji that I can read (most is written in
Hangul) suggest this massive monument is celebrating a Rotary Club 100
year anniversary 🎊<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpTyf781i7otRkDh56BCZdVjBKSJ3L_zxS5gEIyxS58NCu7bb1cYpUN-hFDJXdRt-siA5NN7f7hDlKV1-hSfZOidhbeni6my4KEz2zLLn4JvylJlTFHWAgySsvNwTcBxLYNOzQSA_yTPDXh1RAtxTYF7fik9M2PSb0ozzfjMeSz6E4esl0n52TwPFxNWJ/s3803/PXL_20230319_101435232.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3803" data-original-width="2864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpTyf781i7otRkDh56BCZdVjBKSJ3L_zxS5gEIyxS58NCu7bb1cYpUN-hFDJXdRt-siA5NN7f7hDlKV1-hSfZOidhbeni6my4KEz2zLLn4JvylJlTFHWAgySsvNwTcBxLYNOzQSA_yTPDXh1RAtxTYF7fik9M2PSb0ozzfjMeSz6E4esl0n52TwPFxNWJ/w482-h640/PXL_20230319_101435232.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Got a can of Korean Gatorade from a vending machine 😄<br />I love
trying foreign versions of familiar drinks~<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAM8xobz0_G2a4ZWZKu0wS0ymSmKygQHyva_gY4whUGUul-JpA-qFefIjDrQuasAo4Zczkcm4ygoXwc3Bgq-BFC9glN9Vg3yxEt7XOw5zk7c1G2GvHNf-qq2HYWbwwU79mqhZhTL8bjIJeCp3D50zHG08XCaG4t5KR0KW1qU4swuVlOLj3bqqtwANtIFw/s4080/PXL_20230319_100309862.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAM8xobz0_G2a4ZWZKu0wS0ymSmKygQHyva_gY4whUGUul-JpA-qFefIjDrQuasAo4Zczkcm4ygoXwc3Bgq-BFC9glN9Vg3yxEt7XOw5zk7c1G2GvHNf-qq2HYWbwwU79mqhZhTL8bjIJeCp3D50zHG08XCaG4t5KR0KW1qU4swuVlOLj3bqqtwANtIFw/w640-h482/PXL_20230319_100309862.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Busan Station had this cool screen setup (among other interesting
monuments and interactive installations) that played a variety of videos
tailored to this unique physical format.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgEdzaiJ13Ggl791l5hegSsUkSf7tSZqXViigK7vFDWUX5D0a5RFbO9xvJ2G9JJuhUAI_ZV6XzsVorN0-5TZcw-1w2f_ZpInFuhS2X3xqcjJW_VW1lucu5pZAkRVA9RLjerPTSxy5C8kYUuYSrOLOtSwUViyNTasBfYtXZzWVN0WAkBLAiRPxT3HEkOyk/s3832/PXL_20230319_102314992.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3832" data-original-width="2885" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgEdzaiJ13Ggl791l5hegSsUkSf7tSZqXViigK7vFDWUX5D0a5RFbO9xvJ2G9JJuhUAI_ZV6XzsVorN0-5TZcw-1w2f_ZpInFuhS2X3xqcjJW_VW1lucu5pZAkRVA9RLjerPTSxy5C8kYUuYSrOLOtSwUViyNTasBfYtXZzWVN0WAkBLAiRPxT3HEkOyk/w482-h640/PXL_20230319_102314992.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
We did a lot of exploring inside Busan Station, which is just as much
shopping mall as transportation hub. I was on the hunt for this adorable
Boogi plushie, which I had seen someone else leaving the station with
earlier. My Boogi now lives here in my studio, helping me stay positive
and motivated every day 🥰<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dnQhS-znxsW0L5MYRX7tHGzOHtSYYMu4VSSdIULE2B1dJ0lBo3BbV1AXq8p3XiTubUByHyCMXSrdIoHbR3-R-UdIoiRzwoRBq6zpJgm2XXKOtTe81K8plR3mtZ8JPvhV-ITT7Vk32zpjCVT6IYlX1i_-PU8tjjgl-9i2qneiivSF_kwTFVcEcKeEz_SX/s4008/PXL_20230319_105727589.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4008" data-original-width="3018" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dnQhS-znxsW0L5MYRX7tHGzOHtSYYMu4VSSdIULE2B1dJ0lBo3BbV1AXq8p3XiTubUByHyCMXSrdIoHbR3-R-UdIoiRzwoRBq6zpJgm2XXKOtTe81K8plR3mtZ8JPvhV-ITT7Vk32zpjCVT6IYlX1i_-PU8tjjgl-9i2qneiivSF_kwTFVcEcKeEz_SX/w482-h640/PXL_20230319_105727589.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
One of the best interactions I had in Busan was when this shop employee
stopped me to make sure I had the QR code necessary to get the English
instructions for the card game I bought there 🥰 She totally didn't have
to go out of her way to do that for me, so I really appreciated her
consideration!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpiZIcTaciaWNxbwhvlO_Q8Y5wIrNce87YMQFFjvhwmvsMYJ2GC1_jb9L2qNuDoplmp4tLoXpWwRyPUe7OjwIWOSNLfVAtzk2geK5bo_ntKLwjC2TCxfClKl1nXsVo3HYTRQemWajQlFNmoj8Z-rrXseeOHt2jHi-tXTB3Fva3Uc28RJJDfCG4lAGJ0YD/s3648/PXL_20230319_112033750.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpiZIcTaciaWNxbwhvlO_Q8Y5wIrNce87YMQFFjvhwmvsMYJ2GC1_jb9L2qNuDoplmp4tLoXpWwRyPUe7OjwIWOSNLfVAtzk2geK5bo_ntKLwjC2TCxfClKl1nXsVo3HYTRQemWajQlFNmoj8Z-rrXseeOHt2jHi-tXTB3Fva3Uc28RJJDfCG4lAGJ0YD/w640-h480/PXL_20230319_112033750.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
On the shuttle back to the port, ready to call it a night. I loved how colorful and vibrant this
bus was 🌈<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiky9GyOWS1lB2GFq_krnBRzGOn_eOJWv4lfR3QfdSRYrqObisLKhi1AwKfexVU77ShlE_rzvipHNDnFGKPcj5Hwor676hadCtdnIAJ_bfbZAHMAektPu2KWYEX5alGe1DhKdewQl9m2Mpv8EVNGawI-PmhMzSCuCfCpiW4Bi5YT2UVsjweTyhJlz1Pi8fr/s4080/PXL_20230319_115353729.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiky9GyOWS1lB2GFq_krnBRzGOn_eOJWv4lfR3QfdSRYrqObisLKhi1AwKfexVU77ShlE_rzvipHNDnFGKPcj5Hwor676hadCtdnIAJ_bfbZAHMAektPu2KWYEX5alGe1DhKdewQl9m2Mpv8EVNGawI-PmhMzSCuCfCpiW4Bi5YT2UVsjweTyhJlz1Pi8fr/w482-h640/PXL_20230319_115353729.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Waiting for us in our cabin when we got back: immigration papers! We had
to follow procedures to enter Korea and then to return to Japan. It
makes sense logically, but it still felt weird since we were riding the
same cruise ship the whole time 😆<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
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<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmZHPdhJezkRFTtZHMwb2W4sZPDpoxcAF250cP0fmFLbSXaBRrZn2hVrRjawoU14_opqfKNqgmbq_owEWJrrTn6WUxutdX0hI2gY6Fxx3bLqsqTtYPbxulBlyc2lU2rODu0ghiQkRbjnSg_5DaCYmQTeSFmgm8Ha__JM02-WyYz1rscLbeopmMuBsFu6A/s4080/PXL_20230319_131817710.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmZHPdhJezkRFTtZHMwb2W4sZPDpoxcAF250cP0fmFLbSXaBRrZn2hVrRjawoU14_opqfKNqgmbq_owEWJrrTn6WUxutdX0hI2gY6Fxx3bLqsqTtYPbxulBlyc2lU2rODu0ghiQkRbjnSg_5DaCYmQTeSFmgm8Ha__JM02-WyYz1rscLbeopmMuBsFu6A/w640-h482/PXL_20230319_131817710.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Dreamy big city nighttime vibes 🌆 Goodnight, Busan~<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
And there you have it, our first true adventure of this trip! While there were
some downsides to exploring a massive city in a different country on one's own
(the worst experiences were the same ones that have made any trip to Portland,
Seattle, or New York City unpleasant, so it must just be a big city thing 😅),
we had a great experience overall and it gave us complete confidence to do it
again at every port after this. Ironic that the port where we were most out of
place and at risk of running into trouble (due to our lack of Korean language
skills) was the place that gave us the courage to explore and make the most of
our journey!
</p>
<p>
Thank you for reading the ninth entry in my Japan (and Korea) Adventure
series! I'll be back soon with <a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/10/2023-japan-adventure-part-10-second-day.html">post #10</a>, featuring our second full day at sea as we traveled to Kanazawa. Until then, please stay happy, healthy, and safe!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-84679708315464240042023-08-22T13:22:00.003-06:002023-08-29T13:45:34.090-06:002023 Japan Adventure - Part 8: Daytime in Busan<p>
lol, I meant to get these posts done faster and instead it's been over a month
since
<a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/06/2023-japan-adventure-part-7-nagasaki.html">my last one</a>! I guess I just have to accept that they'll get done as they get done 😅 So,
last time, we departed from Nagasaki and headed across the Korea Strait to
Busan. This was both my and my husband Sean's first time visiting Korea. I only thought of it at the last minute, but I
taught myself to say hello in Korean that morning 😊 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)! Just
using one word of the local language made people totally light up in pleasant
surprise ❤️ I'm so glad I tried it!
</p>
<p><b>Sunday 19 March 2023 - Daytime in Busan</b></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46OlssrxUbW7WjpEWz2jmeSSsvKd6BjhpxIj9ce85D0X-3CYhpQNxRRa-wcSBfOMutnBy2DnuuWnwp1s6OpbqauOR-dgsmQtLsdfgh8huDvor4A2ectLFwmuazL0E1WQyVih7KBwcX2aloaUQyJ0OjBKCUIfLPbVt-diYv4RSa-JqjAbY3g2lempt1KKO/s4080/PXL_20230318_214455055.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46OlssrxUbW7WjpEWz2jmeSSsvKd6BjhpxIj9ce85D0X-3CYhpQNxRRa-wcSBfOMutnBy2DnuuWnwp1s6OpbqauOR-dgsmQtLsdfgh8huDvor4A2ectLFwmuazL0E1WQyVih7KBwcX2aloaUQyJ0OjBKCUIfLPbVt-diYv4RSa-JqjAbY3g2lempt1KKO/w640-h482/PXL_20230318_214455055.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Coming into port, there was so much cool architecture. Look at that
lighthouse!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBkrPonRb5KOOXQ9gfsyd0LNj1O1Bvm71njgCf6OSWeHl3cEOXYVS8ff74fMi7LObaQq41IaT5wWKVbAXanVsdEodz2_-tf6gNNBvKrbg5kDgbKmK-VfpwB-3qUe_D9693dt1SWbM3xBeLfzG1og-31tkDKe_SpRCvBedE8SkNlrLl2_Li4jvIzFuibSj/s4080/PXL_20230318_215018770.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBkrPonRb5KOOXQ9gfsyd0LNj1O1Bvm71njgCf6OSWeHl3cEOXYVS8ff74fMi7LObaQq41IaT5wWKVbAXanVsdEodz2_-tf6gNNBvKrbg5kDgbKmK-VfpwB-3qUe_D9693dt1SWbM3xBeLfzG1og-31tkDKe_SpRCvBedE8SkNlrLl2_Li4jvIzFuibSj/w640-h482/PXL_20230318_215018770.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
A couple cool bridges and the first of many skyscrapers (I believe these
two are mainly apartments).<br />The tents at the bottom of the photo
are filling a paved, seaside campsite!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6VNzoRXbPrfAT-ucVj1xfEJas4fs5TXGrRsOOB685KSjRVsSFn7YEYvSkzCr50VhTwDDMdHJyeqtSVSMDLV8mV6k4GBdw5ETwLNMEr1ekXu5oTRz1G4eqjbiJaadT7LJ5OQGwoA7KPI4cjGzQtfgHWWesgZISEc0zNr4RUsHRt8_SVGUwZ5OirNr4RZF/s4020/PXL_20230318_215053729.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3027" data-original-width="4020" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6VNzoRXbPrfAT-ucVj1xfEJas4fs5TXGrRsOOB685KSjRVsSFn7YEYvSkzCr50VhTwDDMdHJyeqtSVSMDLV8mV6k4GBdw5ETwLNMEr1ekXu5oTRz1G4eqjbiJaadT7LJ5OQGwoA7KPI4cjGzQtfgHWWesgZISEc0zNr4RUsHRt8_SVGUwZ5OirNr4RZF/w640-h482/PXL_20230318_215053729.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
I didn't realize it at the time, but this welcome mosaic was my first
encounter with Boogi ❤️<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5wJ68Di7oNBpS6yZyFcyzLB0Oyo18-1tjZOyqtFdY2P8hr6ox81WMJ5b7JR9CIyzpB1RXIDPs_c2qOuoMqUc6RqEAAGO9WAulv7o2ZIghhkIlBn2aZLiZj1jqZMy-B2Rik3CtgtCI45WlbidsUMDD5tOhrmT8tbklAyNj1BSvjpuHxP26EF2LShAp1Wy/s4032/IMG_1091.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5wJ68Di7oNBpS6yZyFcyzLB0Oyo18-1tjZOyqtFdY2P8hr6ox81WMJ5b7JR9CIyzpB1RXIDPs_c2qOuoMqUc6RqEAAGO9WAulv7o2ZIghhkIlBn2aZLiZj1jqZMy-B2Rik3CtgtCI45WlbidsUMDD5tOhrmT8tbklAyNj1BSvjpuHxP26EF2LShAp1Wy/w480-h640/IMG_1091.jpg" width="480" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
While there was no big welcome party, unlike most of the ports in
Japan,<br />we did still enjoy getting our photos taken with these
adorable mascots 🥰<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr81gmVwVBSyTAPSNPJea4LrGaPGqB2nXZ01c_EN24-W4x6TVc5RXnHMdNSemoMsXq7Lq7vykxPDZKpXH_hP9TKhEzqYHqhwwQZjXKBzXt2GCMS1p-aod4DwoUQp_cC-qDQhbObZj4hJsW6pEga6nt4w2hqp3cM4dJGRVG-pT6vphF5n16TXUYlDlAzAF/s3648/PXL_20230318_235208491.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr81gmVwVBSyTAPSNPJea4LrGaPGqB2nXZ01c_EN24-W4x6TVc5RXnHMdNSemoMsXq7Lq7vykxPDZKpXH_hP9TKhEzqYHqhwwQZjXKBzXt2GCMS1p-aod4DwoUQp_cC-qDQhbObZj4hJsW6pEga6nt4w2hqp3cM4dJGRVG-pT6vphF5n16TXUYlDlAzAF/w640-h480/PXL_20230318_235208491.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Setting out on our Korean shore excursion!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWj2IUltKVI-vVZtW8xAaVud4eeG2HSsPq7JJfSzWbmfKh84wUddIcRn-vA2fI2tqS4DwS9ZcSSXV0R1EuYzAlQTRJTAJhoQ2TNEMjHUKM2InUgPC2JL8dZg_wBUcd6DKpm-glklQzuVCH_mLvs4XjwbZkc32GK_iN0SFNhlhSANKl_63mjwpuE6Wzto-B/s3285/PXL_20230319_005559874.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2473" data-original-width="3285" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWj2IUltKVI-vVZtW8xAaVud4eeG2HSsPq7JJfSzWbmfKh84wUddIcRn-vA2fI2tqS4DwS9ZcSSXV0R1EuYzAlQTRJTAJhoQ2TNEMjHUKM2InUgPC2JL8dZg_wBUcd6DKpm-glklQzuVCH_mLvs4XjwbZkc32GK_iN0SFNhlhSANKl_63mjwpuE6Wzto-B/w640-h482/PXL_20230319_005559874.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Our first stop was
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haedong_Yonggungsa" target="_blank">Haedong Yonggungsa Temple</a>, which is like a Buddhist Disneyland, full of attractions and tourists (including ourselves!) 😅<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8v_FyEQASLEhWD8mfn7CCw29qXG4plrrSwXW86JmU3yRW1Z74lxy_z1kQ21XJrOnP5SSEHrQ_GBbUvNi5GNEyLVCvGxsa4JMbnGbw0s2rRCW-9rIoSwi2CpZRbZGoQjULalOI4hfsSRhQ6tZVYWm-Xs6lsbgWYda2qDXG5skYEi0eRukkb_dN04denWZ/s3952/PXL_20230319_010733459.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3952" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8v_FyEQASLEhWD8mfn7CCw29qXG4plrrSwXW86JmU3yRW1Z74lxy_z1kQ21XJrOnP5SSEHrQ_GBbUvNi5GNEyLVCvGxsa4JMbnGbw0s2rRCW-9rIoSwi2CpZRbZGoQjULalOI4hfsSRhQ6tZVYWm-Xs6lsbgWYda2qDXG5skYEi0eRukkb_dN04denWZ/w640-h482/PXL_20230319_010733459.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
These golden pigs are supposed to bring you luck with money if you put
your hand in their mouths.<br />I wonder what our touching their tails
will bring? 😆<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZD7M_qRMEql_pfmBkJ_Q2woZu__NrWWDg2Y9v-T2xBj8TUGWnpznGKMCnfd44Dj3Hxl-4-xfQ3J-ku2nX6b5lKyEYwbXGD47zLm7z8SgeIZney2sBu-liZt-LSO9tF0DfeiPjyOmavn5z9s_Gf9qYItgCBfIndN8R1CN4WVuMbHlJKULSlNMTZO3CfgH/s3581/PXL_20230319_011124182.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2687" data-original-width="3581" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZD7M_qRMEql_pfmBkJ_Q2woZu__NrWWDg2Y9v-T2xBj8TUGWnpznGKMCnfd44Dj3Hxl-4-xfQ3J-ku2nX6b5lKyEYwbXGD47zLm7z8SgeIZney2sBu-liZt-LSO9tF0DfeiPjyOmavn5z9s_Gf9qYItgCBfIndN8R1CN4WVuMbHlJKULSlNMTZO3CfgH/w640-h480/PXL_20230319_011124182.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
I feel like male Buddhas are talked about way more than female ones.
That's why I was excited to learn about Haesu Gwaneum Daebul and take my
picture with her statue 🤩<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw34jWasRUnM0xLKgXET1EyUmFDiNPGYcBUJNWB0c7bVYDyMFcEDAvEHTIa-eHGJIUVHhaggPs53up8JktBfXU62vkhWn0JOFrnCxTWhZ73Xa48kWC6gixmRk__Pk4_sAeipmmpz-cZNJJGRqzhT2Z9rkxtWlKX_RtzirllW2ArJ_HV9JbDXcOA2d5C8-T/s3805/PXL_20230319_011859978.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3805" data-original-width="2865" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw34jWasRUnM0xLKgXET1EyUmFDiNPGYcBUJNWB0c7bVYDyMFcEDAvEHTIa-eHGJIUVHhaggPs53up8JktBfXU62vkhWn0JOFrnCxTWhZ73Xa48kWC6gixmRk__Pk4_sAeipmmpz-cZNJJGRqzhT2Z9rkxtWlKX_RtzirllW2ArJ_HV9JbDXcOA2d5C8-T/w482-h640/PXL_20230319_011859978.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
There is a row of statues depicting all twelve Asian zodiac animals.<br />This
is me with my year of the tiger!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcVEKVEVTt_sWNbOjEt3SoAcD5ptzgfrGJLVIak5Pdd82xwFqDEVYeapcn93Ui4ZImeNTEJ59pP-9SLsgkGPyOjhMv9MEfQ0eqHy7ILRDpTpWaCwhPmtp3NUzmSLc_NzqmoopA_GasT33eKA51z6MHa1uM8oPDeOJ1a5D_JrnK5ygANr8U5UUGWLS-YIS/s3738/PXL_20230319_013532102.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2815" data-original-width="3738" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcVEKVEVTt_sWNbOjEt3SoAcD5ptzgfrGJLVIak5Pdd82xwFqDEVYeapcn93Ui4ZImeNTEJ59pP-9SLsgkGPyOjhMv9MEfQ0eqHy7ILRDpTpWaCwhPmtp3NUzmSLc_NzqmoopA_GasT33eKA51z6MHa1uM8oPDeOJ1a5D_JrnK5ygANr8U5UUGWLS-YIS/w640-h482/PXL_20230319_013532102.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
At the bustling marketplace outside the temple, I bought myself this
lucky tiger bracelet.<br />You can often see me wearing it during my
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank">livestreams on Twitch</a>!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLru8vJQ-GIQ7ymxYSfXavElNGwaH3o-IEv7VbEOLArjBpQehHPo3WOF8TbZ28lnMzhHNBwDQWr14fNexVeXHG7tbuFebl21eSMpLgOmXIdLM3yc0xf7hXI8AL3FZ7KA9XL-TodgYO62wM0POX2rlkVATjAiJ7S1rFkJ4JUX3pkcWy4RZhFyYdfIrvL9qM/s4048/PXL_20230319_014015977.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3048" data-original-width="4048" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLru8vJQ-GIQ7ymxYSfXavElNGwaH3o-IEv7VbEOLArjBpQehHPo3WOF8TbZ28lnMzhHNBwDQWr14fNexVeXHG7tbuFebl21eSMpLgOmXIdLM3yc0xf7hXI8AL3FZ7KA9XL-TodgYO62wM0POX2rlkVATjAiJ7S1rFkJ4JUX3pkcWy4RZhFyYdfIrvL9qM/w640-h482/PXL_20230319_014015977.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Our next stop was this luxury seaside resort, Ananti Cove.<br />We did a
little shopping for snacks and souvenirs, but nothing more worth sharing
as photos 😅<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2rXTxZk3Huhj3ZjhPeadtoFl7ZgDxOgremawhFzGUszjxy5WKjmgWyCnyFXNRNthU9bUcRLmpRmbj_adbh31FxDCE-P8xS_1dMUeTn3mdnZrfvDYkoj9BcvR6xY-yTso9UZDJfI8X5-bajdHkjSghMJxkNPnSjbpdidGF5XJ12SUiWB6aVl3ZkiyHQhB/s3360/PXL_20230319_030713773.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3360" data-original-width="2532" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2rXTxZk3Huhj3ZjhPeadtoFl7ZgDxOgremawhFzGUszjxy5WKjmgWyCnyFXNRNthU9bUcRLmpRmbj_adbh31FxDCE-P8xS_1dMUeTn3mdnZrfvDYkoj9BcvR6xY-yTso9UZDJfI8X5-bajdHkjSghMJxkNPnSjbpdidGF5XJ12SUiWB6aVl3ZkiyHQhB/w482-h640/PXL_20230319_030713773.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Our final stop was Ahopsan Forest, which I was specifically looking
forward to!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz0acyZe7v_79Il-G6JE_GhD52slRscmhgqbpTW3JuQ3savwrOYBV_zrL4zhcHOwVDwZ0tHxGm_MVvpz3bi1Q9_s8IRz2DT6YxqUomNPe0t8A5F2lD522qsQehSLsUauTGdn_cc8C_PvVXDvNH3JDT00XUU5KsmQ_kTgcgnukdP30gN-ys6SxJQ_CljMK/s3648/PXL_20230319_034150129.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz0acyZe7v_79Il-G6JE_GhD52slRscmhgqbpTW3JuQ3savwrOYBV_zrL4zhcHOwVDwZ0tHxGm_MVvpz3bi1Q9_s8IRz2DT6YxqUomNPe0t8A5F2lD522qsQehSLsUauTGdn_cc8C_PvVXDvNH3JDT00XUU5KsmQ_kTgcgnukdP30gN-ys6SxJQ_CljMK/w640-h480/PXL_20230319_034150129.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
One reason I was looking forward to it is that I had never been in a
proper bamboo forest before!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4lDII8uWgTDzMd4kODlYpPHelzmJK2sGEam77-rVSHoN6pzeZ_9XkPspA5mPTTuldP70bW7D3cd92DrJ3HPydfopf5HaaT5HMtdwLzZz6ZdiPR9HsMUulha2dVDWvrNMd6e-awdLhzvI4SFKYo3s6pKcZe7oGtz_swhNKyq_2QPPWcFBdiFyV1bKm1C_/s4032/IMG_1102.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4lDII8uWgTDzMd4kODlYpPHelzmJK2sGEam77-rVSHoN6pzeZ_9XkPspA5mPTTuldP70bW7D3cd92DrJ3HPydfopf5HaaT5HMtdwLzZz6ZdiPR9HsMUulha2dVDWvrNMd6e-awdLhzvI4SFKYo3s6pKcZe7oGtz_swhNKyq_2QPPWcFBdiFyV1bKm1C_/w480-h640/IMG_1102.jpg" width="480" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The other reason is that this was a filming location for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kundo:_Age_of_the_Rampant" target="_blank">Kundo: Age of the Rampant</a>!<br />Sean and I specifically watched the movie right before
the trip to be ready!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">
When we watched it, and still as of this writing, the movie is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6AlaIxEbkQ" target="_blank">free to view
via YouTube Movies</a> 🙌 It was like a Korean spaghetti western, a bit violent
but really thoughtful and full of adventure, good and evil, and exploring how
murky the difference between the two can be. I recommend it!
</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></i>After hiking through the forest, we hopped back onto the tour bus and returned with our group to
the port. Next time, I'll share our <a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/08/2023-japan-adventure-part-9-nighttime.html">adventure in Busan that night</a>, bravely
exploring the city on foot, without guide or group 😮 Until then, please
stay happy, healthy, and safe~!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-21548827582133032512023-08-15T13:57:00.000-06:002023-08-15T13:57:07.976-06:002023 July Roundup<p>
It's so wild to think another month has passed already! We are well into
summer here in Boise. We're even getting tiny hints of the dreamy autumn
weather that's soon to come. This has been the weirdest summer weather in my
memory; everything is happening a month early. Intense heat in July and now
cool, cloudy mornings and even rainy days in August. It's been cool enough
that I've been wearing a hoodie inside the house this week!
</p>
<p>
July was a busy month for me (well, every month is busy, really 😅) and I'm
excited to share it with you!
</p>
<p><b>Patreon Rewards</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyicHWy0RZgJzlJPVTeFv_lAov7JIo3pFTjO8iHoLZdZ_ysSiau-qA_XfbGLizU6v8kEN2b7hVHWS-0NdzeM75FpjCaCi7Sv7Mg73R4CFnzwkyBtDfnEVkkCyP0IVBKWmIuuiAnaThCJ-fbHtx9ghg3RLMPfdIWLb5JsfmZR9oVxXyIHpBj9fJCfKmuEj-/s3916/PXL_20230728_192154745.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2949" data-original-width="3916" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyicHWy0RZgJzlJPVTeFv_lAov7JIo3pFTjO8iHoLZdZ_ysSiau-qA_XfbGLizU6v8kEN2b7hVHWS-0NdzeM75FpjCaCi7Sv7Mg73R4CFnzwkyBtDfnEVkkCyP0IVBKWmIuuiAnaThCJ-fbHtx9ghg3RLMPfdIWLb5JsfmZR9oVxXyIHpBj9fJCfKmuEj-/w640-h482/PXL_20230728_192154745.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
July's Patreon rewards featured a digitally colored version of one of my
Inktober52 drawings from this year. KABOOM💥 I used both Clip Studio Paint and
Adobe Photoshop to color it.
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank">Click here</a>
to sign up and get rewards like this in your mailbox. It's so much better than
junk mail and bills 😁 And you'll be helping me create more art!
</p>
<p><b>deviantART</b></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrt_6RAu5_iAOTgRXz180vOMlv8ekWdRSWOlf8jhEzasGVJBoEKzFCsrpDQrRYgqk8EEKXVYB1_kwhK00lHK6JokZzbDWNDHV7QtAoXBSc__mu8Kr1RI-4Z0VInpzZeDqOJ6wedwvBQVpiOYFCV86OKnhz121hTUIM_UTHB9gkE05dEEVHZ3Y2Xgcr9fa8/s1000/230609_ChibiLuluForMarty_ForWeb.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="692" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrt_6RAu5_iAOTgRXz180vOMlv8ekWdRSWOlf8jhEzasGVJBoEKzFCsrpDQrRYgqk8EEKXVYB1_kwhK00lHK6JokZzbDWNDHV7QtAoXBSc__mu8Kr1RI-4Z0VInpzZeDqOJ6wedwvBQVpiOYFCV86OKnhz121hTUIM_UTHB9gkE05dEEVHZ3Y2Xgcr9fa8/w442-h640/230609_ChibiLuluForMarty_ForWeb.png" width="442" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/Chibi-Lulu-for-Marty-975282539" target="_blank">Click here to view, comment, and fave on dA!</a><br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
I finally had someone redeem the chibi gift certificates I've been sending out
as birthday presents 🥰 My friend Marty asked me to chibify his lovely cat,
Lulu. Marty's mom liked the caricature so much she got it printed on a pillow
so she could be with Lulu even when she's not visiting Marty 💕 Creating
something that brings so much joy to others is such an honor!
</p>
<p><b>Livestreaming</b></p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrZtkKS2Ztg3Fn5QiEfEpsJOhtpl8Vz4jHZZZAuoKFSi5qCV4fCL31JXM-EGI5w1i_X-xf5P05IRuz8bB1x4XdufriKxzFSfpBFMjRasd06PKElYqYSDTz2PvQn9DZi5EQeT5P02U2pqNubcVUjCWVbGmwNls6BRA9s7lT-uClj-kQnGlVdxmZUWW8WJj/s4080/PXL_20230731_223338909.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrZtkKS2Ztg3Fn5QiEfEpsJOhtpl8Vz4jHZZZAuoKFSi5qCV4fCL31JXM-EGI5w1i_X-xf5P05IRuz8bB1x4XdufriKxzFSfpBFMjRasd06PKElYqYSDTz2PvQn9DZi5EQeT5P02U2pqNubcVUjCWVbGmwNls6BRA9s7lT-uClj-kQnGlVdxmZUWW8WJj/w640-h482/PXL_20230731_223338909.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
Livestreaming on Twitch continues to go well! I stream art every Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday. The final stream of July was an Inktober52 session
featuring the tricky prompt of "teeth" which I think I managed fairly well 😆
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank">Click here</a>
to check out my channel, see my schedule in your timezone, and follow me to
get updates whenever I go live!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="532" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6ZVm0NcYCfM" width="640" youtube-src-id="6ZVm0NcYCfM"></iframe>
</div>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising</b></p>
<p>
As a way to give myself more purpose when I stream, and to give my viewers a
super easy way to turn their viewing into positive change for the world, I
take my unique viewers count every month and make a donation based on that
number.
</p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSElFHvykaLiJfDDRsBUaEkTZneuOB-4RfBLh94bouk3ffQcszHMYSSLnkK4sllTNhNp1ujekUfU1ErxAU8j8SughcNck05XWAJbMFrECQFcv7A2S47Es6PSRCGCukl27VDSP94nF9FIPQmciyRxnGKDT3HUb8OKxmzWUAMX2AP0CTZdAGr5Db9HG4e5sZ/s1560/Screenshot%202023-08-01%20at%2013-26-05%20Twitch.png"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1560" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSElFHvykaLiJfDDRsBUaEkTZneuOB-4RfBLh94bouk3ffQcszHMYSSLnkK4sllTNhNp1ujekUfU1ErxAU8j8SughcNck05XWAJbMFrECQFcv7A2S47Es6PSRCGCukl27VDSP94nF9FIPQmciyRxnGKDT3HUb8OKxmzWUAMX2AP0CTZdAGr5Db9HG4e5sZ/w640-h342/Screenshot%202023-08-01%20at%2013-26-05%20Twitch.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
We had 21 unique viewers in July (a record for this year, and very close to
the record of 26 set in June 2022!) and according to my formula of $0.10 USD
per viewer, minimum $10 and maximum $100, that equals a $10 donation to our
charity of the month,
<a href="https://ffl.org/" target="_blank">Food For Life Global</a>!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaKkhYK4d6hE7ZnHjGA6MUb37wbvitA89VJnlUDnO9RzBClc1ylQuhwZIbfKHHLf5lU_pgLha3FOAndYAn9_0iXOIGqqRUhep2qdsIP-xYc5HiVvywhgZER1pNFZBFAP1n_WqyKAAVhnFkzCZLcR3DjNlzZxOOODtAEl4Lcx3sLUWhDrYwQUCA6qvM55i/s1093/2023FFLGDonation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1093" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaKkhYK4d6hE7ZnHjGA6MUb37wbvitA89VJnlUDnO9RzBClc1ylQuhwZIbfKHHLf5lU_pgLha3FOAndYAn9_0iXOIGqqRUhep2qdsIP-xYc5HiVvywhgZER1pNFZBFAP1n_WqyKAAVhnFkzCZLcR3DjNlzZxOOODtAEl4Lcx3sLUWhDrYwQUCA6qvM55i/w640-h564/2023FFLGDonation.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
As usual when this is an option, I checked the box to cover the processing
fees so that all of the $10 would go to helping provide people around the
world with healthy, freshly cooked vegan meals 🍛💕 According to their
donation page, $50 will feed 100 children, which means our $10 will help 20
children!
</p>
<p>
August's charity is
<a href="https://veganoutreach.org/about/" target="_blank">Vegan Outreach</a>,
a nonprofit that helps veg-curious folks learn more about veganism and make a
smooth and easy transition to a more compassionate (and frankly more
delicious!) lifestyle. I hope you'll join me on
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank">Twitch</a> this
month and bring your friends! Let's make the world a better place together ❤️
</p>
<p><b>Mika's Monthly...</b></p>
<p>
In this section, I would like to share and recommend some things that made my
July awesome! I don't receive any compensation for promoting any of these;
they simply helped me get through the month happy and healthy 😄 I hope they
can do the same for you!
</p>
<p>
<b>...Workout</b> 💦 I've switched up my workout routine since the last time I
featured
<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjbl7vhpNWAAxVkIDQIHeHWAeQQFnoECB0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fringfitadventure.nintendo.com%2F&usg=AOvVaw1a5bUaH2YpGFLmzDt9oszu&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Ring Fit Adventure</a>
in a roundup post but it remains a staple! Right now I'm doing a Ring Fit
workout once a week as a supplement to my running. It's my main full-body
strength workout and even though I've been playing for years, since you can
turn up the difficulty as you get stronger, it continues to help me work up a
sweat!
</p>
<div class="strava-embed-placeholder" data-embed-id="9518597901" data-embed-type="activity"></div>
<script src="https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>
<b>...Vegan Victuals</b> 🍫 I was so stoked when I found a
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx9K8I__8Mg">vegan recipe</a> for my
FAVORITE dessert from school lunch! So stoked that I made it the very next
day! (As an aside, even though it's popular to rag on school lunch, for me, no
matter whether it was in California, Arizona, or Idaho, I always loved it!)
This recipe was extremely simple and I was able to sub corn puffs for most of
the corn flakes (because the corn puffs box was already open) and 1 tbsp cocoa
powder + 1 tbsp coconut oil for the dark chocolate (because we had the former
two and not the latter one). These treats, which in school were called peanut
butter candy, are dangerously easy to make and dangerously delicious 🤤 I
could eat a whole pan by myself!
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5RlDCVTUSnhtvm-bV_9aZjvkpuvXF6H4UCaADqs_YidrQMqaLgnsTPFd9A_x16WwNt69n9GEu38t2BCGe-pGRYAxWgfbLnImlAFuhA94AHw8yMHOKPj9vtJwQNFU0O9I5fV64jOZAyjdm_P46bp6dDdCOv7rZSiieoQIqOk8F13Op2Fk31B-VJ58d_zo/s4080/PXL_20230704_163752984.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5RlDCVTUSnhtvm-bV_9aZjvkpuvXF6H4UCaADqs_YidrQMqaLgnsTPFd9A_x16WwNt69n9GEu38t2BCGe-pGRYAxWgfbLnImlAFuhA94AHw8yMHOKPj9vtJwQNFU0O9I5fV64jOZAyjdm_P46bp6dDdCOv7rZSiieoQIqOk8F13Op2Fk31B-VJ58d_zo/w640-h482/PXL_20230704_163752984.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkvTg9-v-ba08w0pb-SdscNPwXXSQe1q2ithJKWf3sCLkacKJVVk-WfIWNVJJgC_Q2wHAuhbVvUZ86Viq8qlza3KxnAk5Oq34455KZo-HbB5jgtBGL4QIyazSnZBvxQAPoSu1NgHKmXq-A3YLMU02C4xf13SU6Hrf1mQvjgU5hHnbthS6Aum1SaaaGjpZ/s4080/PXL_20230704_163917233.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkvTg9-v-ba08w0pb-SdscNPwXXSQe1q2ithJKWf3sCLkacKJVVk-WfIWNVJJgC_Q2wHAuhbVvUZ86Viq8qlza3KxnAk5Oq34455KZo-HbB5jgtBGL4QIyazSnZBvxQAPoSu1NgHKmXq-A3YLMU02C4xf13SU6Hrf1mQvjgU5hHnbthS6Aum1SaaaGjpZ/w640-h482/PXL_20230704_163917233.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JUST LOOK AT IT 🤤🤤🤤<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<p>
<b> ...Book</b> 📕 I finished another life-changing book in July,
<i>The Courage to be Disliked</i>, by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi. It's
another one that requires an open mind and willingness to act, but I cannot
overstate how much and how positively it has affected me 🥰 Here's my review
from <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/d7da37bc-d12b-40b3-8a17-6e10313fc9b2" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a>:
</p>
<blockquote>
<p>challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced</p>
<p>5.0 ⭐</p>
<p>
First off, I can't help but be amused at the way so many other reviews
condemn this book for denying the existence of trauma (specifically, it
states that trauma doesn't exist in the same way the past doesn't exist)
because they're basically proving the book's point. Trauma is a delicious
buzzword these days and no one wants to be told that they can (have to) let
it go in order to move forward! I suffered severe abuse as a child and I
always thought of it as trauma, as an invisible scar that I can never be rid
of. After reading this book, I realize my memories of that abuse are not
scars, but baggage I've been lugging around all my life, making everything
else I want to do way more difficult than it needs to be. No more. I don't
have trauma. I have memories of abuse, the same as I have memories of
birthday parties and family road trips. Some memories are pleasant, some are
unpleasant, but none will ever again convince me to behave in a way contrary
to who I want to be NOW. I dropped the baggage, thanks to this book. If your
mind is open, it could help you do the same ❤️<br /><br />Now, onto my main
review! I loved this book! I will recommend it to anyone who seems like it
would help. It was super easy to read and understand. The philosophy-style
dialogue made it easy to follow the ideas; whenever I started to feel lost
(or contrary) it was nice to have the Youth there to raise my objections for
me, which the Philosopher always quickly and gently laid to rest. The book
introduces new psychology concepts and terms, but also explains them simply,
so that I never had to jump onto Wikipedia or Google for help. The only
weakness is the awkwardness of the English translation. It's grammatically
correct without any typos, etc. but, as an intermediate student of Japanese,
I have a strong feeling it was translated too literally from the original.
But even with that shortcoming, the book stands strong and I'll be turning
back to it (and the multitudes of notes I took from it) whenever I need
reminders to strengthen me. I picked it up in the first place because its
title resonated fiercely with me. I'm pleased to report that I not only
learned how to find the courage to be disliked, but how to find the courage
to be happy and to be normal, to be deeply satisfied with the present
moment, because that's all we ever really have.
</p>
<p>Here are a few of my favorite quotes:</p>
<blockquote>
It's as if you see the world through dark glasses, so naturally everything
seems dark. But if that is the case, instead of lamenting about the world's
darkness, you could just remove the glasses.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Adlerian psychology is a psychology of courage. Your unhappiness cannot be
blamed on your past or your environment. And it isn't that you lack
competence. You just lack courage.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
If your life, or mine, for that matter, were to come to an end here and now,
it would not do to refer to either of them as unhappy. The life that ends at
the age of twenty and the life that ends at ninety are both complete lives,
and lives of happiness.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
No matter what moments you are living, or if there are people who dislike
you, as long as you do not lose sight of the guiding star of "I contribute
to others," you will not lose your way, and you can do whatever you like.
Whether you're disliked or not, you pay it no mind and live free.
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<p>
<b>...Show</b> 📺 Although I watched plenty of good shows in July, there's
only one I liked so much that I held a family party the next week so that I
could share it with my siblings:
<a href="https://www.thesupermariobros.movie/" target="_blank"><i>The Super Mario Bros. Movie</i></a>! It blew me away! I laughed out loud, I shrieked with joy, I was totally
captivated. Video game movie adaptations have no excuses anymore; this film
absolutely proves that it can be done right. The extras at the end suggested
the team was totally up for making a second one. I hope they do!
</p>
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</div>
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<p>
<b>...Game</b> 📱
<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjKy5XGoNWAAxU6FjQIHfD2AcoQFnoECCcQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pokemon.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fpokemon-sleep%2F&usg=AOvVaw1TIGOPNh1clU5AypJ5A_1r&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Pokémon Sleep</a>
came out in July and it was the keystone in the sleep hygiene bridge I've been
building for YEARS. As of this writing, I am now on day 28 of going to bed and
waking up on time. I have been trying to get to this point for SO. LONG. Never
in my adult life, and perhaps even my entire life, has my sleep been so
consistent and restorative. Thank you, Pokémon Sleep, for coming out the same
year that I set "go to bed on time" as my New Year's Goal 😭💕 If you're
interested in improving your sleep hygiene, or at least making sleep a more
fun activity, as long as you have a smartphone, you can play this game 😄 I
highly recommend it!
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkFmrDdVcPR504c0Qv_dtskThUOwsYfnGmb_9SO_5TgbKQci0Oy5xrrqCuES_86_ONrXTiBDUMRFFp7ZNoz9eWty_hNatWwS8Na6g1-34d1o2KtednHuVkrpxpd7sJ2BItSEa85de_PSZNjagoM79oDqGGSPP6uDURigM4y78ssW0rrOR-YAGno8sG_Yx/s4080/PXL_20230715_183121149.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkFmrDdVcPR504c0Qv_dtskThUOwsYfnGmb_9SO_5TgbKQci0Oy5xrrqCuES_86_ONrXTiBDUMRFFp7ZNoz9eWty_hNatWwS8Na6g1-34d1o2KtednHuVkrpxpd7sJ2BItSEa85de_PSZNjagoM79oDqGGSPP6uDURigM4y78ssW0rrOR-YAGno8sG_Yx/w640-h482/PXL_20230715_183121149.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The
<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjgqYnQoNWAAxVaBDQIHdEYAW8QFnoECA8QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nintendo.com%2Fstore%2Fproducts%2Fpokemon-go-plus-plus-112387%2F&usg=AOvVaw2g8vCrczod8IDX3nGTBtdZ&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Plus+</a>, which I love, makes Pokémon Sleep even better but it's not
required.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
<b>...Music</b> 🎧 I finally received my physical copy of Metallica's new
album,
<i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/70uejEPPRPSLBrTRdfghP5?si=kpL3MsKTRQWH61vHa489QA" target="_blank">72 Seasons</a></i>, in July! I think it took so long because I ordered the Japanese version.
(It was so unusual; the Japanese version was listed on Amazon US, sold by
Amazon.com, and somehow it was cheaper than the US version!) I listened to it
quite a bit throughout the month, both the files I ripped from my CD and via
Spotify. If you love Metallica (they're my favorite band) this album makes for
perfect energizing background music while you're working 🤘😆 My favorite song
is Lux Æterna!
</p>
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</div>
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<p><b>New Section </b>‼️<b> Vegan Artist Tips: Brushes</b></p>
<p>
I've been thinking about how else I could help more animals through my work.
As a vegan artist, I have learned a lot about the tools I use and how to
select items that didn't cause any animal suffering. I also have a lot of
answers to philosophical questions that I'd like to share, not to tell people
what to do, but to provide a reasonable option when the "right" answer is
murky. So, every month, I'll share some vegan artist tips 🥰🎨🖌️ I
hope this section is helpful and informative. If nothing else, may it show
everyone that we can make compassionate choices in our artmaking, too!
</p>
<p>
My theme this month is brushes. It came to mind because I still have a lot of
brushes that were made using animal hair and animal glue. While some folks
might have given or thrown away their animal brushes when they became vegan, I
think that's a waste. Giving away animal brushes that are still in good
condition and buying vegan brushes to replace them is contributing to carbon
emissions, energy use, etc. And of course, throwing away perfectly good animal
brushes is an insult to the memory of the animals who suffered in their
making. So I have kept all my animal brushes and I still use them. I take very
good care of them so they'll last as long as possible. When they are finally
worn out, that's when I'll replace them with vegan brushes 😊
</p>
<p><i>How to Care for Brushes to Ensure Longevity</i></p>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>
Wash your brushes as soon as you are done with them. I use a brush cleaner
mitt and vegan solid brush cleaner (pro tip: it doesn't matter if you use
art or makeup brush cleaner). Just wet the brush, swirl it around on the
solid cleaner, and then gently swipe it back and forth on the mitt. Rinse
and repeat until the water runs clear.
</li>
<li>
Reshape the bristles while the brush is still wet. Let them dry in the shape
you want and they'll be like new for next time!
</li>
<li>
Hang brushes to dry with the bristle-end down. Gravity will pull the
moisture down and out of the ferrule. This helps keep any glue used in
constructing the brush safe from water damage. If you can't hang your
brushes, lay them to dry horizontally.
</li>
<li>
Use scissors to trim any stray bristles. Sometimes the act of painting can
bend a bristle beyond repair. Instead of pulling it out (which might pull
more out, loosen the entire bundle, and make it likely that bristles will
start to fall out on their own) cut it off as close to the ferrule as
possible.
</li>
</ol>
<p><i>What Makes a Vegan Brush or Vegan Brush Cleaner?</i></p>
<p>
The most obvious place animals show up in our brushes is the bristles, which
can be made from animals' hair. A less-known place animals are used is in the
glue that is used to bind the bristles together or to attach the ferrule to
the handle. Brush cleaners often don't openly list their ingredients so it's
really hard to tell what animal products might be in them, if they don't
explicitly say the product is vegan. Another troublesome question is whether
the cleaner or its ingredients were tested on animals. The good news is, all
you have to do is search online for "vegan paintbrush" or "vegan brush
cleaner" and you will be presented with lots of animal-friendly options! 😄✨
</p>
<p><b>Other News: USWNT Send-off Match</b></p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ITTyvegzxJvDEJEF1vxawCVDMQ-FU4QV0XyS4snc9qxEBqkjG3tHNK5r4n32_Wn7-U2uUzr4Bd4W0P5c2TJoRFyKo_-3IYlO4ojc01Cq8sGGEYcrUVnkikiRp23ncus3kyJgEF8pou7I8OJPoIpFISEO8NoE-_-8UkQhcVb7yJin5CovglpX0pwH6U-I/s3552/PXL_20230709_191620575.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2664" data-original-width="3552" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ITTyvegzxJvDEJEF1vxawCVDMQ-FU4QV0XyS4snc9qxEBqkjG3tHNK5r4n32_Wn7-U2uUzr4Bd4W0P5c2TJoRFyKo_-3IYlO4ojc01Cq8sGGEYcrUVnkikiRp23ncus3kyJgEF8pou7I8OJPoIpFISEO8NoE-_-8UkQhcVb7yJin5CovglpX0pwH6U-I/w640-h480/PXL_20230709_191620575.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
In the first half of July, my husband and I traveled to San Jose, California
to enjoy the USWNT send-off match against Wales 🤩⚽ Our hope was to get to
see my two favorite players, Jess Fishlock and Megan Rapinoe, face off against
one another. That didn't happen (Fishlock didn't even play 😭) but we had a
great time anyway!
</p>
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</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Can't be sure but I think I got Jess Fishlock in this photo!!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<tbody>
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</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Team USA won this match!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
USA was knocked out of the World Cup surprisingly early this time (well,
surprising based on past results, not based on our performance during this
tournament 😅) so that's kinda sad, but my memories of this match and the
little vacation we had (including eating at a bunch of delicious vegan
restaurants and shopping at otaku stores!) remain happy 💖
</p>
<p>
That's all for July's roundup, I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading
all the way to the end! Until next time, may you stay happy, healthy, and
safe~!!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-48427592440160105832023-07-26T12:52:00.000-06:002023-07-26T12:52:01.918-06:002023 June Roundup<p>
It's another hot and sunny summer day as I sit in my garden floor studio,
Metallica playing on my PC speakers, an electric fan bathing my
legs in cool air. It's Friday, and I feel ready for the weekend. I have to
admit it's hard to focus on my work! But the more I type now, the sooner I can
share my June roundup with you 😎 Here's what I was up to last month.
</p>
<p><b>Patreon Rewards</b></p>
<p>
I sent two rounds of rewards last month. The first was a design featuring my
2023 Chibi Kiki drawing. The second was a digitally colored version of my
Botany Inktober52 drawing.
</p>
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</div>
<p>
Right now, my members have all opted to receive postcards--either one with a
message from me printed on it or a set of three blank ones ready to be filled
out and sent--but there is also a print tier, and a print & postcard tier,
and a digital rewards tier 😄 If you'd like to support my artmaking and get
these rewards in your mailbox every month,
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank">click here to sign up</a>!
</p>
<p><b>deviantART</b></p>
<p>
I'm getting closer to caught up posting my work to dA! Everything up to this
April is now posted, which means I'm less than three months behind 😆 The
piece I'm featuring here is my most recent upload, adorable chibi Aoife!
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPQBu-WlbRt5cr0EuCEiwjsFcR07kdG4ZvnTFiO3H-NfdM7rX9J8psi-Xlziu8wSEPaqgcvS2nI2EbY6F-w-qww7LbwLFDUTK7FqVCs4x1rBJVvacNA3HELbrP2DUHkEgy8RXhqzr8xLHUEhXQ0eeWpo_ZDZtROWw4gFUEi8Z5bcN9l4fGr1em56xUk1V/s1000/230428_ChibiAoife_ForWeb.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1000" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPQBu-WlbRt5cr0EuCEiwjsFcR07kdG4ZvnTFiO3H-NfdM7rX9J8psi-Xlziu8wSEPaqgcvS2nI2EbY6F-w-qww7LbwLFDUTK7FqVCs4x1rBJVvacNA3HELbrP2DUHkEgy8RXhqzr8xLHUEhXQ0eeWpo_ZDZtROWw4gFUEi8Z5bcN9l4fGr1em56xUk1V/w640-h396/230428_ChibiAoife_ForWeb.png" width="640" /></a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/Chibi-Aoife-2023-971941431" target="_blank">Click here to view, fave, and comment on deviantART!</a><br />
</td>
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<p><b>Livestreaming</b></p>
<p>
Things are going well on Twitch! In June, I got several Inktober52 drawings
and Lucky Dip pieces done, but the result I'm sharing here took three Chibi
Fridays to complete. It's a birthday gift for my younger sister: chibi Cliff
Burton!
</p>
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</div>
<p>
I stream Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 15:30 US Mountain Time.
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts/schedule" target="_blank">Click here</a>
to see my schedule in your local time zone and follow me to get notifications
when I go live!
</p>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising</b></p>
<p>
I use my unique viewer count on Twitch every month to calculate a donation to
my featured charity. My formula is $0.10 USD per unique viewer, with a minimum
of $10 and a maximum of $100.
</p>
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</div>
<p>
In June, I had 18 unique viewers which meant a $10 donation to
<a href="https://animaloutlook.org/" target="_blank">Animal Outlook</a>! I
also checked the box to cover processing fees so that the max amount of money
would go to helping animals 😎
</p>
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</div>
<p>
July's charity is
<a href="https://ffl.org/" target="_blank">Food For Life Global</a>. Come
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank">join my livestreams</a>
and bring your friends! It's an easy way to do good that doesn't cost you
anything except time spent with yours truly ❤️
</p>
<p><b>Mika's Monthly...</b></p>
<p>
Here I'd like to share my recommendations from June! I'm not being compensated
to promote any of these things. They helped me get through the month happy and
healthy, and I hope you'll try and see if they do the same for you!
</p>
<p>
<b> ...Workout</b> 🐕 We walk our dogs several times a week. Ever since it got
hot we walk them in the mornings on weekends. Aoife and Chappie are still in
training, so it's not just a chance for all of us to get some gentle exercise
outside, it's a mental workout for everyone, too!
</p>
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<div class="strava-embed-placeholder" data-embed-id="9201957974" data-embed-type="activity"></div>
<script src="https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>
If you have dogs, you probably already walk them, but if you don't, why not
see if your friends or family would let you walk their dogs? Or you could
volunteer at your local animal shelter! Or heck, go pro and walk dogs to earn
money!
</p>
<p>
<b>...Vegan Victuals</b> 🍪 In June, I received my second ever
<a href="https://vegancuts.com/" target="_blank">VeganCuts</a> box! It's a
monthly subscription box that comes packed with vegan snacks 🤤 It's so
exciting when the box arrives, so fun to try all the new items, and so
delicious, too! Every box also donates a portion of proceeds to a selected
animal sanctuary, so it's like I get to help animals twice!
</p>
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</div>
<p>
<b>...Book</b> 📕 This month's recommendation is
<i><a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a48c2ca7-0724-4489-a071-2302de655108" target="_blank">Introduction to Animal Rights: Your Child or the Dog?</a></i>
by Gary Francione. It's a more serious book than I've ever featured here but
it deeply affected me, and helped me become a better person to my fellow
sentient beings, so I want to share in hopes it will help others the same way!
Here's my review from StoryGraph:
</p>
<blockquote>
<p>challenging dark informative inspiring sad tense slow-paced</p>
<p>5.0 ⭐</p>
<p>
I've been putting off reviewing this book for months, not because I didn't
want to review it nor because I didn't like it, but because it had such a
huge (and ongoing) impact on me that I didn't know where to start. But I
think humanity would become more aware, compassionate, and truly protective
of animals if more people read this book, so here is my attempt to give a
fair and heartfelt review!
</p>
<p>
First, TL;DR: This book is difficult--academically, conceptually, and
emotionally--but it's worth your time if you care about improving conditions
for the trillions of animals (annually) whose lives are affected and
controlled by humanity.
</p>
<p>
I'd like to start by talking about the main argument this book makes, but it
is so well set up and followed through that it almost feels spoilery to do
so. Still, the book's inflammatory title might deter some readers who would
otherwise agree with the conclusions it makes, so I think it's worthwhile to
explain it.
</p>
<p>
The book starts by introducing examples of how things stand for animals
today (while the book was first published 20+ years ago, things have
unfortunately not improved much overall) including a heavy focus on animal
rights philosophers and existing legal "protections". Much of the material
is infuriating and heartbreaking, not because of the book, but because much
of it is conveniently kept out of the public eye by the perpetrators. Before
this book, I was just like most people, thinking things like, "Well, at
least the animals live a nice life being taken care of, without a worry in
the world, before they're killed," or "Well, at least animals in the zoo are
safe from wild dangers like predators, illness, injury, etc." I bought into
the propaganda of animal exploitation institutions. Since this book has a
firm grounding in academia and comes from a professor of law, it's easy to
verify the information it presents (there is a huge notes section at the
end, including all the sources used, which you can then check for yourself).
Knowing the information is solid makes it easy to agree with the arguments
it makes in favor of true animal rights (i.e. the right to not be treated as
property).
</p>
<p>
So what's the main argument? The book's subtitle and cover set it up. The
scene is a house, burning ferociously, and you're watching from the outside.
It's impossible to save more than one being, and you know your child and a
dog are inside. Who do you save? The assumption may be,
<i>this is a vegan book, so it's going to tell me to save the dog, or that I
should save whomever I find first, because animals should be treated like
humans</i>. I admit I had a similar expectation, and <b>I was wrong</b>! The book
actually suggests that saving your child is not only the natural thing to
do, but perhaps the morally correct decision. It completely allows for
choosing a human over an animal. I was truly surprised by this and I
couldn't help but agree. The argument here is just as fair and sound as
throughout the rest of the book.
</p>
<p>And by the end it gets <i>REALLY</i> interesting.</p>
<p>
That burning house, with human and dog inside? That's the story animal
exploiters feed us every day. It makes it very easy to say,
<i>Yeah, it sucks that we have to do things this way, but it's only natural
and correct to take care of our own first</i>.
</p>
<p>
What the animal exploiters don't tell you is that
<b><i>they're the ones who dragged your child and the dog inside the house
before setting it ablaze</i></b>.
</p>
<p>
And until now, I never even thought to ask, metaphorically of course,
<i>Wait, why is my child and that dog in that house? Why is the house on
fire?</i>
</p>
<p>
That's the core argument of this book. That individuals are being duped by
those who exploit animals. That (even if we're not suffering as extremely)
humans like you and I are just as much victims of animal exploitation. It's
a mindblowing revelation that changed my life forever. The book makes other
arguments as well, all of which are well reasoned and frankly unassailable.
I recommend it to anyone who cares about animals!
</p>
<p>
That said, it <i>is</i> a book that requires fortitude from its reader. For
one, there are graphic descriptions and harrowing photos included. One photo
of a cow screaming for help on its way to slaughter haunts me every day. I
think about how that cow never got help, and is long dead, and how millions
like it face the same grim fate every year, thousands every day. But it also
reminds me why I do what I do. Why I choose a vegan lifestyle, why I donate
to reputable animal charities, why I focus my career on furthering animal
welfare. I am extremely sensitive to graphic material, so this may be a
difficult hurdle for some readers. I recommend the book anyway. Don't let
yourself continue to be hoodwinked. You deserve to know the truth. The
animals deserve to have their situation known.
</p>
<p>
Another difficult point in this book is its academic nature. This is not
armchair nonfiction. It requires attention and deep thought and maybe even
research to properly understand. Anyone with a college-level understanding
of English should be able to follow it, but be prepared to invest time in
reading and digesting what it has to say. Please don't let the time
commitment deter you. Again, if you care about helping animals, it will be
worth your while!
</p>
<p>
If you're able to overcome these hurdles, not only will you see the
infallible validity of the book's abolitionist standpoint, you will be given
guidance on how to move the world in the right direction. It's not just a
book about law or philosophy, it's a map toward a
<i>truly compassionate</i> future. The main points I took from it include:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
Laws do not effectively protect animals. Culture has to change first.
</li>
<li>Person = personality = animals are people.</li>
<li>
It doesn't matter how kindly you treat animals if they're still nothing
more than property.
</li>
</ul>
<p>And, to wrap up, some powerful quotes:</p>
<blockquote>
In many ways, our prevailing ways of thinking about animals should make us
skeptical of our claim that it is our rationality that distinguishes
<i>us</i> from <i>them</i>.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Labels such as "natural" and "traditional" are just that: labels. They are
not reasons. If people defend the imposition of pain and suffering on an
animal based on what is natural or traditional, it usually means they cannot
otherwise justify their conduct.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The argument for animal rights does not decrease respect for human life; it
increases respect for all life.
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<p>
<b>...Show</b> 🏴☠️ Whew, that book review was pretty intense. My next
recommendation is much lighter! Recently, my husband and I watched all the
Pirates of the Caribbean movies. While I like them all, more or less, for me
nothing is so good as the third one 🤩💖💕 Of course, you have to watch the
first two for it to really make sense, but the climax and payoff in
<a href="https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/pirates-of-the-caribbean-at-worlds-end/2zELYZFiqI4C" target="_blank"><i>At World's End</i></a>
is just sooo satisfying. I can never get enough!
</p>
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</div>
<p>
After watching all the PotC movies one after another like this, I realized
this series is not really about the characters and their adventures, per se.
Instead, the adventures are telling the story of how the seas were truly
tamed, explaining why we don't have cool stuff like cursed gold and krakens
anymore. Don't you think? 🤔
</p>
<p>
<b>...Game </b>🎮 I've featured it previously, but in June I finally 100%'d
<a href="https://www.aksysgames.com/olympia/" target="_blank">Olympia Soirée</a>
and I 💖LOVED💕 it, so I just have to share it again! It's an otome visual
novel (an illustrated novel game with a female protagonist who goes on
adventures and falls in love with one of several male love interests) based
heavily on Japanese history, culture, and religion but with an overall
otherworldly fantasy vibe. It somehow manages to examine real world questions
about class, caste, race, sex, etc. without weighing down the story in
philosophy. The artwork and music are fabulous as well, so it's a really
well-rounded experience!
</p>
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</div>
<p>
<b>...Music</b> 🎧 To go along with my game recommendation, I'm sharing my
<a href="https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYvqtR9UIup5VWn6buFaoolZqozLkdTAc&feature=share" target="_blank">Olympia Soirée playlist on YouTube music</a>! Because the background music was never released as a purchasable
soundtrack, even in Japan, this is the only way to stream both the
opening/ending themes <i>and</i> the BGM, in order. I listened to this
playlist obsessively all June 😍 The music is beautiful on its own, but add my
memories of the game to it, and it's impossible to get enough!
</p>
<p><b>Bonus Cute Pet Pics</b></p>
<p>
Finally, as I was going through my photos to choose which I would use in this
post, I couldn't help wanting to share some of the cute ones featuring my pets
🥰 The only pet who didn't get a cute photo was Sora, probably because she
mostly just sat on her eggs all month 😅
</p>
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Aoife blep on the pizza pillow~<br />
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Princely Kumo enjoying the sights ✨<br />
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Kiki and Chappie, pizza girls 🐱🍕🐶🍕<br />
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<p>
That's all for June's roundup! Thank you for reading all the way until the
end, I hope you enjoyed it 💖 Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and
safe~!!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-30735778212911513522023-06-30T13:49:00.004-06:002023-08-22T13:24:38.200-06:002023 Japan Adventure - Part 7: Nagasaki<p>
I did not expect to take over a month to publish my next Japan Adventure post
😱 I'd like to record my thoughts about this first-in-my-lifetime experience
before my memories start to fade, so here's hoping I can power through the
rest of my adventure quickly!
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/05/2023-japan-adventure-part-6-departing.html" target="">Last time</a>
we departed Kagoshima and headed toward Nagasaki. It was close enough that we
didn't need a day at sea to reach it, so I got to enjoy my second-ever docking
event right away, which was a procedure I never tired of the entire trip
🥰
</p>
<p><b>Saturday 18 March 2023 - Nagasaki</b></p>
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The view of Nagasaki growing ever closer was breathtaking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1NauOaetWM5V0d0ZP3hR5xDaQNJJHcmV07nwQFwY2toMBb0Njvyc_SrHOlmC2vBvNhQCVNcvlpvt0HhLu68LQc-suRrgowH1USfPBSryy8H9xRNAHmkCCNGudf47sHMulUHSKjBRH5oIW6jOhdThPyGBaddVspYk0Y6Dpmy_PkO84hDzKQ3IzfN86sVk/s4080/PXL_20230317_222417174.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1NauOaetWM5V0d0ZP3hR5xDaQNJJHcmV07nwQFwY2toMBb0Njvyc_SrHOlmC2vBvNhQCVNcvlpvt0HhLu68LQc-suRrgowH1USfPBSryy8H9xRNAHmkCCNGudf47sHMulUHSKjBRH5oIW6jOhdThPyGBaddVspYk0Y6Dpmy_PkO84hDzKQ3IzfN86sVk/w640-h482/PXL_20230317_222417174.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We passed this little island on the way to the port and I thought it was
so unique! Indeed, I never saw another quite like it on this trip. Doing
a little research today, I've found its name to be
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/xHZqy12mHFdueMCd6" target="_blank">Takabokojima</a>, which means Tall Spearhead Island 🗡️<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuzJq0c-ZTEtlodl2YCoHgPfxJaipK_CvYlj1E6MIRT8sQhBPLB_-5fZekEaM7AvR5AsnxxEQlXFD9XjcxScfxJl87_THcE4eKKl-KAKOoZwl4q2SwredBJyM6KwPlExg8yGQQLuEek8dS295oC_Gbr-LTpsc356kspIaLsKPWmtz0oz5SC2BIE099Gq9/s4080/PXL_20230317_225548922.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuzJq0c-ZTEtlodl2YCoHgPfxJaipK_CvYlj1E6MIRT8sQhBPLB_-5fZekEaM7AvR5AsnxxEQlXFD9XjcxScfxJl87_THcE4eKKl-KAKOoZwl4q2SwredBJyM6KwPlExg8yGQQLuEek8dS295oC_Gbr-LTpsc356kspIaLsKPWmtz0oz5SC2BIE099Gq9/w640-h482/PXL_20230317_225548922.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We could hear the welcome performance before we could see it...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OLNmbqjmAPtw7Ai2QtuvsC_uBtVv_9ARwX2otraDjYZGcEaBH-2Bb_WKCNhGVynhQ0OLLZ7i-0DP-B1FbPfbnTJWzB5oi31HLkZiJH4FyoNJvp0l3pYZP5k47uAQJuZe0mkIQheppwqF-J0L_wqaTl7BEbmMKg6cDyutGHmQrQMtwd75ZsrX6u65YkZz/s3820/PXL_20230317_225555337.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2877" data-original-width="3820" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OLNmbqjmAPtw7Ai2QtuvsC_uBtVv_9ARwX2otraDjYZGcEaBH-2Bb_WKCNhGVynhQ0OLLZ7i-0DP-B1FbPfbnTJWzB5oi31HLkZiJH4FyoNJvp0l3pYZP5k47uAQJuZe0mkIQheppwqF-J0L_wqaTl7BEbmMKg6cDyutGHmQrQMtwd75ZsrX6u65YkZz/w640-h482/PXL_20230317_225555337.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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...an epic taiko drumming show!!! 🥁🥁🥁<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQCv-JtFc6FzFeXIgFGS4nQdUHtms_41eFqeULeA1WNgD0M0VCj9JPMsjCWVaCsDTtVn66fj5k6k-qj5U5UIyBa-rmEyyLs4XmACd2aILiBoUtCT9zlSHAfuiois9DNG4AUjHvmRacaglpzaaBl9MRJNJ8HZJHc_RRWxrgfi_ShiVEwmv0Qd8Gfourr2D/s4080/PXL_20230317_230123424.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQCv-JtFc6FzFeXIgFGS4nQdUHtms_41eFqeULeA1WNgD0M0VCj9JPMsjCWVaCsDTtVn66fj5k6k-qj5U5UIyBa-rmEyyLs4XmACd2aILiBoUtCT9zlSHAfuiois9DNG4AUjHvmRacaglpzaaBl9MRJNJ8HZJHc_RRWxrgfi_ShiVEwmv0Qd8Gfourr2D/w640-h482/PXL_20230317_230123424.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Something as simple as a banner made us feel not just welcomed but
wanted 🥰<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhf_WT1iFGv-dTgFI_2M9djyMahiVbWj2a4Bslyp_o6mdrQrBBw-H72yIWjXhVz5ISkvaA_t3mwC22ffF3uj3xYA9nTpNqdIP9r_fEWqnPB_nVza0bC7EY-vBSAugqx_Mj4y5tVLjAU_p5k-AbQah_LPtRMQ1pvx2WuIhdl3vj6E95aF_5CzcJ8PBKZ-_/s3648/PXL_20230318_012851060.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhf_WT1iFGv-dTgFI_2M9djyMahiVbWj2a4Bslyp_o6mdrQrBBw-H72yIWjXhVz5ISkvaA_t3mwC22ffF3uj3xYA9nTpNqdIP9r_fEWqnPB_nVza0bC7EY-vBSAugqx_Mj4y5tVLjAU_p5k-AbQah_LPtRMQ1pvx2WuIhdl3vj6E95aF_5CzcJ8PBKZ-_/w640-h480/PXL_20230318_012851060.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Our excursion this time took us to Arita, in Saga prefecture, a town
famous for its ceramics. We started with a walking tour of one of the
ceramics streets, which was almost all ceramics shops 😯 This was also
basically the only day I got to enjoy using my umbrella!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSp0v3JMy2pU2V_bpAFoDFQFY-Iv943deSzOQ7GtRi6lpkCi3KyTpBSNY_lNvp5qtRdzrqWMz_imBq8sMHDfCazmmhOIcnbrsM_2lYLNcmdyHHkKG5NR3YBl7-G3LJHF0JF7PFaJT8FN-QyucyDskW-g-xdEbb1LvjHjFBzvk36QUHvI1LXhOeQRqXvQtN/s3964/PXL_20230318_013759332.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2984" data-original-width="3964" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSp0v3JMy2pU2V_bpAFoDFQFY-Iv943deSzOQ7GtRi6lpkCi3KyTpBSNY_lNvp5qtRdzrqWMz_imBq8sMHDfCazmmhOIcnbrsM_2lYLNcmdyHHkKG5NR3YBl7-G3LJHF0JF7PFaJT8FN-QyucyDskW-g-xdEbb1LvjHjFBzvk36QUHvI1LXhOeQRqXvQtN/w640-h482/PXL_20230318_013759332.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
This graveyard was interesting because the walls surrounding it are made
from old kilns!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bbb0IaRE3SoMie5xqEy4fr10XXA7DTP9ZOUdS7gF5KF_pHjRIL9hUrgjF_rYvwnYcLPlbnS5AL_493n1HxUvHsc7u7Z-vVMwxoK20uZLF6jnp9_F6BLzQCj4xB7lwozXq5SYVFmYodgRU8zYtfUuY8lEYnQylxWSDPINsOMzmMQ7Lvfs-dxmFf_6tQ6J/s4080/PXL_20230318_015425287.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bbb0IaRE3SoMie5xqEy4fr10XXA7DTP9ZOUdS7gF5KF_pHjRIL9hUrgjF_rYvwnYcLPlbnS5AL_493n1HxUvHsc7u7Z-vVMwxoK20uZLF6jnp9_F6BLzQCj4xB7lwozXq5SYVFmYodgRU8zYtfUuY8lEYnQylxWSDPINsOMzmMQ7Lvfs-dxmFf_6tQ6J/w640-h482/PXL_20230318_015425287.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Here our tour group is entering
<a href="https://www.fukagawa-seiji.co.jp/" target="_blank">Fukagawa Seiji</a>, the seeming largest and most prestigious ceramics shop in the area.
They have made banquet ware for the Imperial family!<br />My visit here
is one of my fondest memories from this entire trip...
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFC1p05AK0ZHOk6kvsxAj7tIY92l8oyZF0bHxi3DKUkT035ODhXLHUCxW7MfCwTMekcyply7y5sOk4Nig2m17Y1Zgvl8TP-0EfJIQwlmlKwnHn0yGcx1dM2KLU7mOMJ_rBxEZBGIMT1Dm1z8WVkGl0VTK6Z4tKr-Zm-p2H7ex0cz5hLOgLrijc2pqcrhO/s3929/PXL_20230318_052621626.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2958" data-original-width="3929" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFC1p05AK0ZHOk6kvsxAj7tIY92l8oyZF0bHxi3DKUkT035ODhXLHUCxW7MfCwTMekcyply7y5sOk4Nig2m17Y1Zgvl8TP-0EfJIQwlmlKwnHn0yGcx1dM2KLU7mOMJ_rBxEZBGIMT1Dm1z8WVkGl0VTK6Z4tKr-Zm-p2H7ex0cz5hLOgLrijc2pqcrhO/w640-h482/PXL_20230318_052621626.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
...because they sold VOC-style ware <i>and</i> I was able to talk to the
proprietor, in Japanese, about why this was so exciting to me! (VOC =
Dutch East India Trading Company) I bought this VOC cake plate, one of
the spendiest souvenirs of my trip, but totally worth it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fwrOkKOfLK2-k1PAyxz-8W9zGXTwqpeyOYnVXmmh9uFLAlAMaTzatHQL1jVkg6j-0Vpm9devv86W75EO3NxSVvmu-w6tifJsNKkzFZZfkitCWLfenIUOjKwCobCi1fgfBwYXSFv38-Eh6_T9OsAULFgSCk4JMgmQ3gxOH154msOifbjGP1ydY4HTjnrw/s3918/PXL_20230318_052937693.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2950" data-original-width="3918" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fwrOkKOfLK2-k1PAyxz-8W9zGXTwqpeyOYnVXmmh9uFLAlAMaTzatHQL1jVkg6j-0Vpm9devv86W75EO3NxSVvmu-w6tifJsNKkzFZZfkitCWLfenIUOjKwCobCi1fgfBwYXSFv38-Eh6_T9OsAULFgSCk4JMgmQ3gxOH154msOifbjGP1ydY4HTjnrw/w640-h482/PXL_20230318_052937693.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I think the proprietor resonated with my excitement because he
disappeared after having an employee show me the VOC section, and then
reappeared later to give me these learning materials for free! You see,
my excitement came from the early modern period art history classes I
took as part of my illustration degree. I'm looking forward to sharing
this story with my professor!<br />
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<p>
On top of all that, my visit to Fukagawa Seiji also ended up being my first
experience acting as a translator! One of my fellow tourists was trying to ask
the shop's proprietor about the difference between two plates he had shown
everyone. She wanted to know if the yellow, opaque one was cheaper than the
white, transluscent one. Turned out, the yellow one wasn't cheaper because it
wasn't for sale at all. It was the result of a mistake! I have to admit I was
extremely proud of myself for being able to help facilitate communication
between these two people 😁
</p>
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<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TTpuDHd-fT-s_8Lcg7FsihD3t3I3l7w51wwGjH6wHQoIfTOAcTEtP7SM5RgEnF5RIeh2rzD5QkD2a7hnwFsmwkNsMN05aE5cUQMsSsabrxmYKFVJ_RUzzVExjlQ5uSJZVQ0Tliim8JLLFzdPKi4CP392AeSBl5rJD1S1JH-Ei1WS9PObIm3hxP534Rwz/s4080/PXL_20230318_025732269.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TTpuDHd-fT-s_8Lcg7FsihD3t3I3l7w51wwGjH6wHQoIfTOAcTEtP7SM5RgEnF5RIeh2rzD5QkD2a7hnwFsmwkNsMN05aE5cUQMsSsabrxmYKFVJ_RUzzVExjlQ5uSJZVQ0Tliim8JLLFzdPKi4CP392AeSBl5rJD1S1JH-Ei1WS9PObIm3hxP534Rwz/w640-h482/PXL_20230318_025732269.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
After our walking tour, we took a short drive to another fine ceramics
shop,
<a href="https://www.gen-emon.co.jp/" target="_blank">Genemongama</a>,
which was situated next to a museum and a lovely garden~<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-68vjYSa4ukfB0fJh6dsoSe_sKh9Wql0J2F4h4MykimtPT2gtEdpdTq8AvwzrO3fCfeC_uH9zruW0nmtIF6xrPAfDQ7CS2QE4NjikubmnPgNWLmiI2AW1TBhMt6YcdSMsSbFjPj1whhRc26rH-uTuF8Nr80JDwxJC7wANEH7a-jfZvfiQy5K1P23_tNo/s4032/IMG_1054.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-68vjYSa4ukfB0fJh6dsoSe_sKh9Wql0J2F4h4MykimtPT2gtEdpdTq8AvwzrO3fCfeC_uH9zruW0nmtIF6xrPAfDQ7CS2QE4NjikubmnPgNWLmiI2AW1TBhMt6YcdSMsSbFjPj1whhRc26rH-uTuF8Nr80JDwxJC7wANEH7a-jfZvfiQy5K1P23_tNo/w640-h480/IMG_1054.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
My husband, Sean, took this beautiful photo of the garden pond 🐟<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVQ1zo1DHXpTlgwtzgcXTAPhTuWsMLvNlIDuLM04zdEQABuoDZH6OBgu3SLFERpoC0pBHxrpBTwSl1v9XnNrgeGGJ8qsaIdnFlKMOdmfMLdPCtE7bdi1h58pqX3Zsfa2DqovDEIfxppktYw6nbAXaLdGMA2la09FFNTROFNXFsYt03mrJrJ11ytm4ztmq/s4080/PXL_20230318_041943909.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVQ1zo1DHXpTlgwtzgcXTAPhTuWsMLvNlIDuLM04zdEQABuoDZH6OBgu3SLFERpoC0pBHxrpBTwSl1v9XnNrgeGGJ8qsaIdnFlKMOdmfMLdPCtE7bdi1h58pqX3Zsfa2DqovDEIfxppktYw6nbAXaLdGMA2la09FFNTROFNXFsYt03mrJrJ11ytm4ztmq/w640-h482/PXL_20230318_041943909.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
On the bus ride back home (🛳️) our tour guide made things fun by running
a game of bingo after teaching everyone numbers in Japanese. Afterwards,
she gave us all handmade bookmarks featuring classic Japanese imagery
💖<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeTWFj0A52y5n1M0fay9jf9G7iQ7kC1aGU6zOgH9wovQJGMp2pwICxDcAC6opLEkn2bLPWSBbL_cQJw5YnDZPm9txKB9sijPU3TmLVRhDh8LGgt75VVz9Tc3yvuVwDZnzxJNi1i_Hd2deg2IMVx7Uw_2c0tv9q_J5hJZgQNHmQsv7NSV-dh_cOjoeDZiG/s4080/PXL_20230318_042223640.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeTWFj0A52y5n1M0fay9jf9G7iQ7kC1aGU6zOgH9wovQJGMp2pwICxDcAC6opLEkn2bLPWSBbL_cQJw5YnDZPm9txKB9sijPU3TmLVRhDh8LGgt75VVz9Tc3yvuVwDZnzxJNi1i_Hd2deg2IMVx7Uw_2c0tv9q_J5hJZgQNHmQsv7NSV-dh_cOjoeDZiG/w640-h482/PXL_20230318_042223640.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
This view of Nagasaki as we crossed a bridge was magnificent ✨<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nxu1X61GgfciOjm3-yagB3wqy53nD41vLWQi_1ec74pviLiRLhIM32-le_g88LUSDsRYCQbEaKmKg-43p_1vR1dyGWFpejbIeT66dZCkd_63hAptbFFDv6JXlNsjPp17sO6Ses5yl62n1KCC7kPrRQC5MNNv-MxCEY4pBhuLJattvTKuTQlzx84_PrgH/s3489/PXL_20230318_042942177.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2627" data-original-width="3489" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nxu1X61GgfciOjm3-yagB3wqy53nD41vLWQi_1ec74pviLiRLhIM32-le_g88LUSDsRYCQbEaKmKg-43p_1vR1dyGWFpejbIeT66dZCkd_63hAptbFFDv6JXlNsjPp17sO6Ses5yl62n1KCC7kPrRQC5MNNv-MxCEY4pBhuLJattvTKuTQlzx84_PrgH/w640-h482/PXL_20230318_042942177.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
This is the most awesome advertisement for a museum!<br />We didn't get
to go but it's definitely on my list for next time! 🦖<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdbO93a9z7XXNGWCxGjNVmCsi1u_gZ-4LPKoqkNQM286bEL1pF8hXKCpW18Q7I9FNA4UOyLgRMguImz4-DFV25OOHJTQQxdZXVLkkHUU6pkPT4YgUaVSd30xi41pT8-hC92cvj9tC-K9-S3wwOPXooJBXRnfK5tsw_Xxs5nNKZJodf-CsGeVe-UIDZeDI/s4080/PXL_20230318_082952786.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdbO93a9z7XXNGWCxGjNVmCsi1u_gZ-4LPKoqkNQM286bEL1pF8hXKCpW18Q7I9FNA4UOyLgRMguImz4-DFV25OOHJTQQxdZXVLkkHUU6pkPT4YgUaVSd30xi41pT8-hC92cvj9tC-K9-S3wwOPXooJBXRnfK5tsw_Xxs5nNKZJodf-CsGeVe-UIDZeDI/w640-h482/PXL_20230318_082952786.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
At departure time, the students of Yamazato Junior High offered us a
farewell performance 🥰<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddEDZE0UTrQ_zaEXe6QnfYmD96QL1IOB5L4EynSBJ1FBYkm4XJGW4wgj46hYOaN4TnPkzgZ0ykVgzZX_sbBAbmRqCnOxGCZq7bcKyvQCyOcEhB6hpY-PXIl5TTrP6-IWDmXJTVaaSPvxC_uqIUKA3ET_BcQIe0Y9jDewk-vkhmYFoKrJ12sGmG0J3S-S1/s3648/PXL_20230318_091454618.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddEDZE0UTrQ_zaEXe6QnfYmD96QL1IOB5L4EynSBJ1FBYkm4XJGW4wgj46hYOaN4TnPkzgZ0ykVgzZX_sbBAbmRqCnOxGCZq7bcKyvQCyOcEhB6hpY-PXIl5TTrP6-IWDmXJTVaaSPvxC_uqIUKA3ET_BcQIe0Y9jDewk-vkhmYFoKrJ12sGmG0J3S-S1/w640-h480/PXL_20230318_091454618.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The band played us several songs, including one from
<i>My Neighbor Totoro</i>!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFO_ZNkbYq0oRfppLH7ZdwkHKMCXe26y6xwk_g0MWiLBzBbDXb430uNEZooNPXHtGnyQo-7QgWZ2raipSfuVLv9ofG8zYvgMBdG6vZvvbAhOMJ3XrBB2yDYAsCOvBRxXrY9KL8mkM1FVQglbNilYUDx6Ue50Rvi_6THFsF1WPcVGXVzRUKGq_EtRvTeVk/s4080/PXL_20230318_092600495.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFO_ZNkbYq0oRfppLH7ZdwkHKMCXe26y6xwk_g0MWiLBzBbDXb430uNEZooNPXHtGnyQo-7QgWZ2raipSfuVLv9ofG8zYvgMBdG6vZvvbAhOMJ3XrBB2yDYAsCOvBRxXrY9KL8mkM1FVQglbNilYUDx6Ue50Rvi_6THFsF1WPcVGXVzRUKGq_EtRvTeVk/w640-h482/PXL_20230318_092600495.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Once again, I was so moved by this generous farewell that I felt
bittersweet about leaving!!!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyyh-z-j9akqFpQNCyD6TuUf07MRlMVdHr__rfedYP_0WEqt5G9zb2Zzz3gwtFgomoqJL6y-AWLjXLDiTM5VLcSYJeHgHl3xRISdXCcR4L_3dXp_HwpgAdn6g6Rh3yzPAu6ghfjfhpv3yDEmnjXZcHXFwVp19pY49x9QLck0SOj7OoTkwJHHqSdislfER/s3648/PXL_20230318_094715925.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyyh-z-j9akqFpQNCyD6TuUf07MRlMVdHr__rfedYP_0WEqt5G9zb2Zzz3gwtFgomoqJL6y-AWLjXLDiTM5VLcSYJeHgHl3xRISdXCcR4L_3dXp_HwpgAdn6g6Rh3yzPAu6ghfjfhpv3yDEmnjXZcHXFwVp19pY49x9QLck0SOj7OoTkwJHHqSdislfER/w640-h480/PXL_20230318_094715925.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Sean and I got some nice selfies with twilight Nagasaki before we left
🌆<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV7jYE_OYBa2IbH5v0MSP2nL8GjZYe9qLWJYXrbUlOuxqfMYeC2zCkWp5IWYGijc2RGFPcSOiskYkePrLRSdugQ6kKNmwFugWBHcNT1dNecOMrl6gYBP5MY9XUF6uzAgv4K0nHcR5yGWVrwT8MvcHiw67wQBeefR9jJ5QrP1MiywoiSKTh4-CYJtt-OVH/s4080/PXL_20230318_094747603.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV7jYE_OYBa2IbH5v0MSP2nL8GjZYe9qLWJYXrbUlOuxqfMYeC2zCkWp5IWYGijc2RGFPcSOiskYkePrLRSdugQ6kKNmwFugWBHcNT1dNecOMrl6gYBP5MY9XUF6uzAgv4K0nHcR5yGWVrwT8MvcHiw67wQBeefR9jJ5QrP1MiywoiSKTh4-CYJtt-OVH/w640-h482/PXL_20230318_094747603.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Our ship, the Silver Muse, looks lovely at this time of night, too~<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-dj9i8IDAXmZ6WipVlJ_h2mKBrDBiG9CqL9-B8S9HL0j7ml-oyV8yhIed8YIu16ZQeB8ljYSbWiKKyEU_ByOl5Y6hKiOBCybhxrjz6nlSY_DLfPeDis_qD776LkIIrNWZwhwi_iPJC5oSDS8GbslWNYUHJ5rrrCEZREvmoEpwQ2nbmIRsoHpn26JVTBJ/s3648/PXL_20230318_095203248.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-dj9i8IDAXmZ6WipVlJ_h2mKBrDBiG9CqL9-B8S9HL0j7ml-oyV8yhIed8YIu16ZQeB8ljYSbWiKKyEU_ByOl5Y6hKiOBCybhxrjz6nlSY_DLfPeDis_qD776LkIIrNWZwhwi_iPJC5oSDS8GbslWNYUHJ5rrrCEZREvmoEpwQ2nbmIRsoHpn26JVTBJ/w640-h480/PXL_20230318_095203248.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
A view of us with the pool and attached restaurants. Dreamy!<br />We
never ended up getting in the pool, though...my only regret!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
After this, the ship departed while we enjoyed dinner and dessert, and then we
went to bed! Our next stop? A brand new country for both of us: Korea 🇰🇷 I'll
be writing about our stay there <a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/08/2023-japan-adventure-part-8-daytime-in.html" target="">next time</a>, including our first brave foray
into a port city UNGUIDED Σ(っ °Д °;)っ Spoiler alert: It was awesome! Please
look forward to it 😄 Until then, thank you for reading and please stay happy,
healthy, and safe!
</p>
<p>
P.S. Here's a bonus photo of my VOC cake plate in its new home! Writing this
post inspired me to finally set it out for display. It's on my bookshelf
behind my PC workstation (where I am typing this very moment!) so that I can
gaze at it every day while I work 😍 Appropriately, it's on the same shelf as
my art history books~
</p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSlUmvFLwXwcenvgpLqcNwSBQ081t43VanaA071sFHpun4Gsw6-Y2udcyY0ZmiZu80N6cQgWGdUyTEzBjBX08YESA4eeemvcis9Q7zWEHet1ek5YJHceQQHv1poiw5IudtkArPHs7hKnlE97025m2qcbWpGK3PalD4seOAKGnm4AIiloxcVx1IKhIzWK3/s4080/PXL_20230629_205211194.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSlUmvFLwXwcenvgpLqcNwSBQ081t43VanaA071sFHpun4Gsw6-Y2udcyY0ZmiZu80N6cQgWGdUyTEzBjBX08YESA4eeemvcis9Q7zWEHet1ek5YJHceQQHv1poiw5IudtkArPHs7hKnlE97025m2qcbWpGK3PalD4seOAKGnm4AIiloxcVx1IKhIzWK3/w640-h482/PXL_20230629_205211194.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-19843431833015891582023-06-27T13:08:00.005-06:002023-06-27T13:08:57.729-06:002023 May Roundup<p>
Hello everyone, welcome to another Studio Mikarts monthly roundup! I had jury
duty at the end of May and even though I only had to go into court one
day--and even though it was a good experience overall--it took me quite a
while to mentally recover from a week of being on call. That's why I'm here,
on the first day of astronomical summer (for me, that is; hello wintry
southern hemisphere friends!) finally sitting down to write my roundup for May
😅 You wouldn't know it was summer from the weather, though. It's a sunny day,
sure, but the temperatures took a nose dive a couple days ago and I've had to
break out my sweaters again! Weird! At least the cool weather helps set the
mood to write about the last full month of spring 🌸
</p>
<p>So, let's begin!</p>
<p><b>Patreon Rewards</b></p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArYyvM0Vp6ospm2_UFQTs5hSvJxIVC7DGujsMA8cg-maGyxh_0aimYd-TOusRs--vhrO4WmOPdc7h9IQFvS1N_jvXglfawb3DXcVcKO49dYBwv6zGdBeS9uA8czwR23UDPLIe027NBXPSTAHCdcIuF1dtv1cafpMEcX4B-6VF66IHVjxPyj2vNMmO37-M/s4080/PXL_20230509_185148605.jpg"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArYyvM0Vp6ospm2_UFQTs5hSvJxIVC7DGujsMA8cg-maGyxh_0aimYd-TOusRs--vhrO4WmOPdc7h9IQFvS1N_jvXglfawb3DXcVcKO49dYBwv6zGdBeS9uA8czwR23UDPLIe027NBXPSTAHCdcIuF1dtv1cafpMEcX4B-6VF66IHVjxPyj2vNMmO37-M/w640-h482/PXL_20230509_185148605.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
In May, I sent out the second piece in my chibi pets series, this time
featuring caricatures of my dogs, Aoife and Chappie, both of which were drawn
live on
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank">Twitch</a>. My
Patreon features five tiers that offer illustrated postcards, prints, or both
(or none, if you don't want physical rewards!) as rewards that are handmade
and sent out by yours truly on a monthly basis 🥰 I hope you'll consider
joining and supporting my creative storytelling endeavors!
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank"
>Click here to check it out</a
>
💖
</p>
<p><b>deviantART</b></p>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB7RirO-VtiFfU-8pGIhm3M4-kfqsNCx77bsPQRmoktOUgkTJn9ucENljSzSl--GidDfAWceeDFFNblT6egb3OPbJMyW5kshuU918-qhRFpgQWoeLl8XbxOEybsmo0oNYAZvdPRcKqsGXTQ-lYDYGtQUGOw-PSNuW2oFLwV9LhEO3Ej7bjYvNCeBc4E_L/s2000/230130_WinterGryphon_ForWeb.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1400"
data-original-width="2000"
height="448"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB7RirO-VtiFfU-8pGIhm3M4-kfqsNCx77bsPQRmoktOUgkTJn9ucENljSzSl--GidDfAWceeDFFNblT6egb3OPbJMyW5kshuU918-qhRFpgQWoeLl8XbxOEybsmo0oNYAZvdPRcKqsGXTQ-lYDYGtQUGOw-PSNuW2oFLwV9LhEO3Ej7bjYvNCeBc4E_L/w640-h448/230130_WinterGryphon_ForWeb.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/Winter-Gryphon-967446005"
target="_blank"
>Click here to view, comment, and fave on deviantART!</a
><br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
I'm slowly getting caught up on posting to dA! I know I say that pretty much
every time, but it's still true! Now I've posted everything through January of
this year. I need to pick up the pace to get on top of things, so I'm going to
think about how to sneak in more posting time 🤔 Anyway, for this roundup
post, I am featuring my Winter Gryphon! It's the second in my seasonal gryphon
greeting card series (wow that's a long description, lol). Now that it's
summer, it's the perfect time to resume my Summer Gryphon project. I left off
at the thumbnail stage, so I've got a basic foundation ready to go. Now I just
need to make some decisions and get cracking!
</p>
<p><b>Livestreaming</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZsY4mH3-OjxS1X4jiwnjgszcPQ0eVxLtWUVSfiIAlRIcSEXfYOkNdWZC8PenBZ6GG5SVAMOHIO0tVrLIGBfqiOX7YiZmflQcRCMF4aWVaXYm-fFL4JBxvfjqoI6y9WFn6WEQ5IO45MIabx3eE5i7H7ui893yVaz5VUsar2RNp5S-IjsZKevYMFqC91BJ/s4080/PXL_20230529_222617635.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZsY4mH3-OjxS1X4jiwnjgszcPQ0eVxLtWUVSfiIAlRIcSEXfYOkNdWZC8PenBZ6GG5SVAMOHIO0tVrLIGBfqiOX7YiZmflQcRCMF4aWVaXYm-fFL4JBxvfjqoI6y9WFn6WEQ5IO45MIabx3eE5i7H7ui893yVaz5VUsar2RNp5S-IjsZKevYMFqC91BJ/w640-h482/PXL_20230529_222617635.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
The last art livestream I hosted in May was focused on the
<a href="https://youtu.be/wc-XBmNmwv0" target="_blank"
>Inktober52 "scratch" prompt</a
>. It was a Monday stream that actually happened on a Monday! Recently, there
have been multiple issues forcing me to reschedule my Monday streams. I hope
to mitigate some of the recurring issues (like when the cleaning team arrives
later than usual) but there have been one-off things that can't be helped, as
well. Luckily, I always seem to have a convenient opening later in the week,
so I haven't missed an Inktober52 stream yet!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe
allowfullscreen=""
class="BLOG_video_class"
height="532"
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wc-XBmNmwv0"
width="640"
youtube-src-id="wc-XBmNmwv0"
></iframe>
</div>
<p>
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts/schedule" target="_blank"
>Click here</a
>
to check out my streaming schedule, sign up for go-live notifications, and, if
you want to support my streaming efforts, join my channel as a subscriber 💖
</p>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising</b></p>
<p>
As a way to make my creative efforts feel more meaningful, and to give my
viewers an easy way to participate (no money required, just sit back and enjoy
an hour of live art!), I use my monthly unique viewers count on Twitch to
calculate a donation that I personally give to charity. In May, I featured
<a href="https://www.peregrinefund.org/" target="_blank">The Peregrine Fund</a
>, which works to protect raptors in the wild, including my favorite, the
peregrine falcon 😍
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9PnB4OHI1LSLUsHVnVgixVUwyiyj58p9be2Pt9mMJnaBDqh3tHOz_NhrOKnH7Re7zUIdqqSYapZU_u_HZ_hmFNMxVL5GDTlH8h75TMdc-4hMKP-jf-nklI3buIamDm2OOz7vyws_vUPCwRSVmu7ufkua1xBZArHFH1XvmsJYnxjzQQrEVfCuRmILAGcd/s1560/Screenshot%202023-06-07%20at%2016-58-22%20Twitch.png"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="838"
data-original-width="1560"
height="344"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9PnB4OHI1LSLUsHVnVgixVUwyiyj58p9be2Pt9mMJnaBDqh3tHOz_NhrOKnH7Re7zUIdqqSYapZU_u_HZ_hmFNMxVL5GDTlH8h75TMdc-4hMKP-jf-nklI3buIamDm2OOz7vyws_vUPCwRSVmu7ufkua1xBZArHFH1XvmsJYnxjzQQrEVfCuRmILAGcd/w640-h344/Screenshot%202023-06-07%20at%2016-58-22%20Twitch.png"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
Nineteen unique viewers joined my streams in May. Based on the formula of
$0.10 USD per viewer, with a minimum of $10 and a max of $100, that equaled a
$10 donation!
</p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJTp3LGJ39GNAslBItfWEpYrhJ5XRn3q2h7TUC3M4plUF1hQrI49B0WHiNHkng3hf0dGsupti5Z6lJWqUHXvgrq6_Os8r1OkGDllkeuBHcT2p1AgGyqptAqZOr7QVTG7vxAoCQ17aJDtfcWz2_joAH3cPvoJ0-VH_k0GLDYFLd2NroS6q862L-ehV4iuN/s689/2023MayCharityDonation_ThePeregrineFund.jpg"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="573"
data-original-width="689"
height="533"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJTp3LGJ39GNAslBItfWEpYrhJ5XRn3q2h7TUC3M4plUF1hQrI49B0WHiNHkng3hf0dGsupti5Z6lJWqUHXvgrq6_Os8r1OkGDllkeuBHcT2p1AgGyqptAqZOr7QVTG7vxAoCQ17aJDtfcWz2_joAH3cPvoJ0-VH_k0GLDYFLd2NroS6q862L-ehV4iuN/w640-h533/2023MayCharityDonation_ThePeregrineFund.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
The Peregrine Fund was actually running a special campaign to help California
condors, still a <i>critically</i> endangered species, who were suffering
terribly from an outbreak avian influenza. This is on top of other persistent
killers, like lead poisoning from gun ammunition 😢 It seems like the outbreak
has passed, but many birds died. I hope my donation can help with further
protection and recovery efforts!
</p>
<p><b>Mika's Monthly...</b></p>
<p>
Now I'd like to offer you some recommendations based on my experiences in May.
These are things that got me though the month healthy, happy, and inspired! I
am receiving no compensation for promoting these things; they are just things
I love and I hope you will, too!
</p>
<p>
<b>...Workout 🏃♀️</b> I got back to a regular running schedule in May! It feels
great! I also changed my schedule around so that my three weekly runs happen
first thing in the morning. My reason was to avoid the heat and smog of the
afternoon, but I discovered some unexpected benefits that will keep me
exercising straight out of bed even when it gets cold again. For one, it wakes
me up like nothing else. For two, it keeps my energy levels high throughout
the rest of the day, even when I didn't get the greatest sleep overnight. And
for three--and most exciting for me--it raises my focus and motivation levels,
allowing me to get a lot more done each day!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsMuMuwXB3z9nilweaR4fQcc0E9y9ly4jwftCFTAQ3Pcpboj9tczFdHc4JkdWS89lDYzQIg6BG5oCktyVsVwdVj80ApmvBmTFXQjf9Xrssl-boLYvOYuqj_F0UoFifjMxmSq6sJeMvnfJTYzAmrHmmeniOslif3jWHcx546F4_O8lThfm1jM27kXzftbd/s3648/PXL_20230505_185105461.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2736"
data-original-width="3648"
height="480"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsMuMuwXB3z9nilweaR4fQcc0E9y9ly4jwftCFTAQ3Pcpboj9tczFdHc4JkdWS89lDYzQIg6BG5oCktyVsVwdVj80ApmvBmTFXQjf9Xrssl-boLYvOYuqj_F0UoFifjMxmSq6sJeMvnfJTYzAmrHmmeniOslif3jWHcx546F4_O8lThfm1jM27kXzftbd/w640-h480/PXL_20230505_185105461.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<div
class="strava-embed-placeholder"
data-embed-id="9016912386"
data-embed-type="activity"
></div>
<script src="https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>
<b>...Vegan Victuals 🥗</b> As part of our vegan Memorial Day feast, I made
this lemon pepper pasta salad using a recipe from
<a
href="https://shop.bestfriends.org/products/the-best-friends-cookbook"
target="_blank"
>The Best Friends Cookbook</a
>. It was extremely easy and equally delicious! I used several of its
suggestions for substitutes and additions, including subbing chickpea pasta
(high protein!) and adding green peas. Everything in this cookbook is easy to
make and amazingly delicious, so I highly recommend it!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2aGOidXAE92jBKY3_D40Jl-TPsVTj8ZP9Gu6_EKtb9NRPJ3X4TbIP3GzIQRPLBp9nKfY6Lo5msxWfYKI9CegKZP7xJD1dktLi5gqpDRa-qV97kFUm8XskVfIXTAkJlkVIqvVc21gpSjdvjib1q0GL821sI5Aay2B9DryYZV3QRpl8TH9XHeEPbravNxP/s4080/PXL_20230529_195147379.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2aGOidXAE92jBKY3_D40Jl-TPsVTj8ZP9Gu6_EKtb9NRPJ3X4TbIP3GzIQRPLBp9nKfY6Lo5msxWfYKI9CegKZP7xJD1dktLi5gqpDRa-qV97kFUm8XskVfIXTAkJlkVIqvVc21gpSjdvjib1q0GL821sI5Aay2B9DryYZV3QRpl8TH9XHeEPbravNxP/w640-h482/PXL_20230529_195147379.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
<b>...Book 📕</b> I finished the Andy Serkis narration of
<i>The Two Towers</i> audiobook in May. It was just as awesome as the previous
one 🤩 Here is my full review from
<a
href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/2f58e1ef-d493-449f-af14-af1f79c02572"
target="_blank"
>The StoryGraph</a
>:<br />
</p>
<blockquote>
<p>
<i>The Two Towers</i>, by J.R.R. Tolkien<br />adventurous dark funny tense
slow-paced<br /><br /> Plot- or character-driven? A mix<br />
Loveable characters? Yes<br /><br />5.0 ⭐<br /><br />While in most
trilogies I find the middle entry to be my least favorite, that has never
been the case for <i>The Lord of the Rings</i>. This novel,
<i>The Two Towers</i>, stands just as strong as its bookends. One of the
biggest elements that makes it so appealing are the horse-rearing people of
Rohan; they have been my favorite group of mankind in Middle Earth since I
was a child. But this time, I also felt the Ents and their trees were just
as interesting and awe-inspiring. Perhaps it's because I've become vegan
since I last read these books, which has given me a greater interest in and
respect for plant life, but I think it's also the idea that the forest and
its keepers were here long before any humanoid life, which is rather
scientific, since trees did evolve much sooner than mammals in reality.<br /><br />Before
I comment on the audiobook in particular, which was my format this time, I
also want to mention that <i>The Two Towers</i> is so much better in its
original format (book or audiobook), versus the 2000s live-action movie
adaptation. Sam, my favorite character of all, is still nasty to Gollum, but
not in the despicable way shown in the movie. His unkindness in the original
is much more justified, and he's more shrewd than his movie counterpart,
keeping his mouth shut when it's prudent, watching and waiting, looking
before he leaps. I found this to be the case for many characters, actually.
Faramir is more reasonable and less meatheaded, "wizard-like" as Sam puts
it, and even the orcs are more relatable thanks to their long dialogues that
give glimpses into their lifestyles and culture.<br /><br />As for this
audiobook, narrated by Andy Serkis, I feel there's not much more praise I
can add to what I've already sung in my reviews of his readings of
<i>The Hobbit</i> and <i>The Fellowship of the Ring</i> 😅 It is simply
excellent. I have no complaints whatsoever, and although I feel it might be
nice to listen to my old CD and cassette tape versions of the Middle Earth
books someday, I might just be too addicted to Serkis's masterful delivery
to listen to anything else!
</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
<b>...Show 🎬</b> My husband and I watch a movie together almost every Friday
night and recently we undertook to watch all of the live-action Spider-Man
movies starting with the 2002 Tobey Maguire film (wow, I was only in the
middle of my first year of high school back then 🤯) and ending with my
favorite and my recommendation for May, <i>Spider-Man: No Way Home</i> 💖 I
won't say why, but it is totally worth it to do a complete watch through like
this! Do try it out sometime!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe
allowfullscreen=""
class="BLOG_video_class"
height="532"
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JfVOs4VSpmA"
width="640"
youtube-src-id="JfVOs4VSpmA"
></iframe>
</div>
<p>
<b>...Game 🎮</b> Maybe I missed it when I went over my previous roundup
posts, but I think I've never yet featured Pokémon GO here! It's the phone
game I play the most, nearly every day. I started on release day and I still
remember how I barely had time to choose my first pokémon (Charmander, of
course! 🔥) before midnight because of my crazy work schedule that day.
Believe it or not, Pokémon GO is what got me running outside for the first
time in my adult life! I had run on the treadmill before then, but the
introduction of PokéStops to spin gave me a good reason to rack up my
kilometers outside! Charmy and I are still trekking together today, along with
my 1,800+ other pokémon, including several perfect ones, such as my current
walking buddy, Wednesday 🖤
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxunS8NWVvlX6arp7rDoOQU1aFWqGwom25wk1hVF7aM7H-7yYGAQKp0d_6wIm2uKXM49c3q8veqoaOJrQlVc3afoyd11nALDIfakeTqS1LNi3mJpV6WnUmec6GMUlkS6FWMsm18tL6Leb9tTMhkUIh3xel9A9iZieYQ9k0846tdNdYVwfcd5jkn7Mp1MM/s3008/IMG_2023-05-06-13332361.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3008"
data-original-width="1542"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxunS8NWVvlX6arp7rDoOQU1aFWqGwom25wk1hVF7aM7H-7yYGAQKp0d_6wIm2uKXM49c3q8veqoaOJrQlVc3afoyd11nALDIfakeTqS1LNi3mJpV6WnUmec6GMUlkS6FWMsm18tL6Leb9tTMhkUIh3xel9A9iZieYQ9k0846tdNdYVwfcd5jkn7Mp1MM/w328-h640/IMG_2023-05-06-13332361.jpg"
width="328"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
<b>...Music 🎧</b> This month I'm recommending my newest and the most
personally tailored playlist I have,
<a
href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7DktwA5QtVmKmkuLEX237L?si=ff745078f5844b01"
target="_blank"
>Mika's Power Songs 💪</a
>
The songs might not inspire everyone the same way they inspire me, but I built
this playlist with very specific ideas in mind and I listen to it almost every
workday morning, to raise my energy and put me in the right mindset to get
things done! It's only 36 minutes long, so I hope you'll give it a listen and
feel the power!
</p>
<iframe
allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture"
allowfullscreen=""
frameborder="0"
height="352"
loading="lazy"
src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/7DktwA5QtVmKmkuLEX237L?utm_source=generator"
style="border-radius: 12px;"
width="100%"
></iframe>
<p><b>Other News...</b></p>
<p><b>...Members-only Discord Server</b></p>
<p>
At the end of April, I set up a Discord server accessible only to
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank"
>Patreon members</a
>
and
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank"
>Twitch subscribers</a
>
😎 After my Japan vacation, it gave me such anxiety thinking about going back
to social media (I have so much more time for other, more productive things
without it!) but I realized, when I suddenly had to reschedule a Twitch
stream, that I still wanted a place where I could quickly and easily
communicate with my treasured supporters. I had been considering making a
Discord for a while, so that felt like the right moment to make it happen! For
my existing supporters who haven't joined yet, I hope to see you there soon!
You just have to
<a
href="https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/360033931551-Getting-Started"
target="_blank"
>make a Discord account</a
>, link it to
<a
href="https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/212112068-Twitch-Integration-FAQ#h_01GBQS1H1GHA13S6S3NX3114QC"
target="_blank"
>Twitch</a
>
or
<a
href="https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/212052266-Getting-Discord-access"
target="_blank"
>Patreon</a
>, and the Studio Mikarts server should show up automatically 🌟 For anyone
who would like a closer connection to me and my creative endeavors (I'm
talking WIP progress images, writing and illustration updates, charity
updates, even art made by your fellow supporters, etc.) I would be honored to
have your support!
</p>
<p><b>...Puppies' Birthdays</b></p>
<p>
Finally, a purely for-fun share: it was both of my dogs' birthdays in May!
They were both strays, so the dates are only estimates, but that doesn't
matter as much as taking the time to celebrate their debuts on planet Earth
🥳🐶🐶💖
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrRj8lrCnH7yJhvyBQwp5jLRYqjwHUgKG5BtXkvaCLX30elAvP9bG8bNCQ11HT1n6YHeU8qWxC-zikWxweGOZsjVH3dms86BnGEhQhykZYyG1lmq9SCgs4QaH750X5nvuTaEnm9VT5Xd_4TAxJYtnsCGAtBEPaW6jV-g6T3CoDUdqyWuk_Fz5J1IF5WPI/s4080/PXL_20230516_175905670.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="4080"
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height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrRj8lrCnH7yJhvyBQwp5jLRYqjwHUgKG5BtXkvaCLX30elAvP9bG8bNCQ11HT1n6YHeU8qWxC-zikWxweGOZsjVH3dms86BnGEhQhykZYyG1lmq9SCgs4QaH750X5nvuTaEnm9VT5Xd_4TAxJYtnsCGAtBEPaW6jV-g6T3CoDUdqyWuk_Fz5J1IF5WPI/w482-h640/PXL_20230516_175905670.jpg"
width="482"
/></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT377KhnkzjF1phNEMDgc98OWzaKl8ed_HWmO2SoSx5v2ZW6sIW_5Fm8ofIZalRl6gJLf5PlLof0F3IcjJpIEMlzx8kZ79uojgavisxjqbElK8zquBeiRg9xHL1F8rHpgrMxc4_RL6axzOWXJRQE5XFWhECstNuOIeRQYoANNALzOWTMt-oCA6NcUqR8tx/s4080/PXL_20230527_021848189.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT377KhnkzjF1phNEMDgc98OWzaKl8ed_HWmO2SoSx5v2ZW6sIW_5Fm8ofIZalRl6gJLf5PlLof0F3IcjJpIEMlzx8kZ79uojgavisxjqbElK8zquBeiRg9xHL1F8rHpgrMxc4_RL6axzOWXJRQE5XFWhECstNuOIeRQYoANNALzOWTMt-oCA6NcUqR8tx/w640-h482/PXL_20230527_021848189.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
My best friend, Sarah, had sent me a little doggy birthday kit in April, so
that's where I got the cute mini party hat and dog bone birthday banner 🎊
Aoife turned three years old, and Chappie turned two the following week~ My
husband and I gave them lots of yummy vegan dog treats in celebration 🦴 Happy
birthday, girls! I'm so lucky to have you in my life!!!
</p>
<p>
And that's all for May. Thank you for reading until the end 🥰 I hope you
enjoyed reading about my activities and I hope you'll give some of my
recommendations a try! Until next time, please stay happy, healthy, and safe!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-57286676563023901272023-05-23T12:45:00.002-06:002023-06-30T13:49:52.036-06:002023 Japan Adventure - Part 6: Departing from Kagoshima<p>
Welcome to the sixth installment of my Japan Adventure log! In the
<a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/05/2023-japan-adventure-part-5-arriving-in.html">previous post</a>, I recounted my experience going out on my very first shore excursion
(anywhere, ever). This time, I'll share my activities in the latter half of
that same day, after returning to our cruise ship. In the future, I want to
visit Kagoshima again, and do some free-style exploring. Since we were new to
cruising, we didn't feel comfortable just leaving the ship to do whatever yet.
Kagoshima, and our next stop Nagasaki, were the only ports where we didn't
spend any time exploring on our own. I'll make up for that someday!
</p>
<p><b>Friday 🍀 17 March 2023 ☘️ - Departing from Kagoshima</b></p>
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One of the first things I noticed when I entered the ship was the answer
to a question I had all along: Will they celebrate St. Patrick's Day on
this cruise?<br />
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I haven't included many photos so far of souvenirs I purchased, but this
is a special one I really want to share: a Yakushima cedar teacup! It
was for sale in the cruise terminal as we headed back to the ship. I was
proud to be able to explain to the seller that I had really wanted
something Yakushima cedar because it's the favorite thing of my favorite
character, All Might!<br />
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After this, our first visit, it became our regular habit to have a snack
or dessert at the Arts Café 🫖<br />
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The clouds came in and obscured the volcano in the afternoon, making it
lucky that we got a clear view of Sakurajima on the observation
excursion!<br />
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As the ship readied for departure, we were pleasantly surprised when the
people of Kagoshima treated us to a farewell performance of energetic
traditional Japanese music 🎶🥰🎵<br />
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Everyone was dancing, singing, and playing so whole-heartedly for us, I
actually felt really sad to be leaving 🥲💕<br />
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Goodbye, Kagoshima! We'll return someday!<br />
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It was incredibly peaceful after we left the high energy of the farewell
performance behind~<br />
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Sean looking dapper at dinner ✨<br />
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This was our first time eating at Indochine. It became my favorite
restaurant on board, because it had the best (of the ridiculously few)
vegan options.<br />
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Saffron rice and hot & sour soup! They were both sooo yummy! This
was one of the few times I felt really satisfied with the regular menu
food on the Silver Muse.<br />
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Next stop, Nagasaki!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUx5GqBUz1A-Ngmq0fEnOMikwHNlmcu6zFL_Fc5oEFZrEt959HKroPll2frpDglkPNqdq8-j3aIefx4GvcxwE53cbDTYDVA05sYuOrwqzDb5e6fzJL006_yPAERq8LwxffjlVsE1dmRV3XYQkgwuCEpvO5g402gQ1yJH36ThKfBZL4oi3GCAmLtqiM-Q/s3648/PXL_20230317_121613304.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUx5GqBUz1A-Ngmq0fEnOMikwHNlmcu6zFL_Fc5oEFZrEt959HKroPll2frpDglkPNqdq8-j3aIefx4GvcxwE53cbDTYDVA05sYuOrwqzDb5e6fzJL006_yPAERq8LwxffjlVsE1dmRV3XYQkgwuCEpvO5g402gQ1yJH36ThKfBZL4oi3GCAmLtqiM-Q/w640-h480/PXL_20230317_121613304.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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It was my wish to drink green beer on St. Patty's this year; they didn't
have any but we made do with some green mixed drinks ☘️ Sláinte!<br />
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<p>
So ended our first port day on board the Silver Muse 🛳️ Next time I'll share
our visit to Nagasaki, including an excursion to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arita,_Saga" target="_blank">Arita</a>, a town famous for its
pottery. I lost my mind over a cake plate 🤩 More about that in <a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/06/2023-japan-adventure-part-7-nagasaki.html">my next entry</a>
😉 Please look forward to it!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-3525724405387238612023-05-17T10:36:00.002-06:002023-05-23T12:46:49.446-06:002023 Japan Adventure - Part 5: Arriving in Kagoshima<p>
Welcome to another entry in my Japan Adventure series! Here begins my two-part
account of our first port, Kagoshima (if you don't count Osaka, where we
boarded the Silver Muse in the first place). Today's post will cover morning
to noon (almost to the minute 😯), including arriving at the port and heading
out on our first excursion. The latter involved a ferry ride, a hot spring
foot bath, and a visit to the Sakurajima volcano observatory! Retrospectively, this was one of the best days I spent in Japan on this trip, in terms of the weather. It was nice and cloudy all day, so I didn't have to worry about sun protection, and all my photos were perfectly lit by the diffuse lighting offered by the clouds 🥰
</p>
<p>
To read the previous entry in this series,
<a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/05/2023-japan-adventure-part-4-first-day.html">click here</a>.
</p>
<p><b>Friday 17 March 2023 - Arriving in Kagoshima</b></p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeodTzUhUKJY1XbqkfqApFLkPqDwyUukQCtM0u0-aY-hlKbPO_ZXiRoMGO7Shn0jAXRpVVOqXcvJ3bh3mv1ZpmB_44CrhFanLuYpukLLo58wMmCJEQir-SoG2F1-Tlv3V4a8npZmY0y12JYsgCKZrqx1mc5Tsyf4FUKCyxUZlTL57GC1CwsGMXVYqiiA/s3908/PXL_20230316_214933368.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2942" data-original-width="3908" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeodTzUhUKJY1XbqkfqApFLkPqDwyUukQCtM0u0-aY-hlKbPO_ZXiRoMGO7Shn0jAXRpVVOqXcvJ3bh3mv1ZpmB_44CrhFanLuYpukLLo58wMmCJEQir-SoG2F1-Tlv3V4a8npZmY0y12JYsgCKZrqx1mc5Tsyf4FUKCyxUZlTL57GC1CwsGMXVYqiiA/w640-h482/PXL_20230316_214933368.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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This was the first and, I think, only time I saw an algal bloom on the
sea! Fascinating!<br />
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Selfie with Kagoshima prefecture!<br />
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I didn't know at the time, but this is the most active volcano in Japan,
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakurajima" target="_blank">Sakurajima</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5LF7Yn-J4wvQhpj7sy09lsNSgrkmTb8XS0H4FdAyGMcRzrz4OAIrpoips2Z5RCQ7kPTcZXXQHJN_8LriZLPWyQoT7gWSN5Q6nXZIa6PfjMQmka8hSYcGr5M8JUZAGK9kpgH4yTufBx-hZh69EIYi4g3h5QdUbon6gQJg9oIqNwAw7ZiZ14K2yUfNKw/s3925/PXL_20230316_222408169.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2955" data-original-width="3925" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5LF7Yn-J4wvQhpj7sy09lsNSgrkmTb8XS0H4FdAyGMcRzrz4OAIrpoips2Z5RCQ7kPTcZXXQHJN_8LriZLPWyQoT7gWSN5Q6nXZIa6PfjMQmka8hSYcGr5M8JUZAGK9kpgH4yTufBx-hZh69EIYi4g3h5QdUbon6gQJg9oIqNwAw7ZiZ14K2yUfNKw/w640-h482/PXL_20230316_222408169.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Pulling into the port, I noticed some hubbub on the corner...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTeiWiUG8mHlBv0isDn43ne54iNOsDvm3EEdWatScF7fcqaWNNviXn5q4XVTh42lzC0GBH4q_lfEuJmrzRQogtrTE9wGd-4rgKsbSOhuv8PPVA-Z0lBupQPhrzSaHQpf8wy_uWRklK66enrDlfhMpjou8bn3txvHfg4ALl-wPPFWU0eKTOg2ztSaW1A/s4080/PXL_20230316_222733140.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTeiWiUG8mHlBv0isDn43ne54iNOsDvm3EEdWatScF7fcqaWNNviXn5q4XVTh42lzC0GBH4q_lfEuJmrzRQogtrTE9wGd-4rgKsbSOhuv8PPVA-Z0lBupQPhrzSaHQpf8wy_uWRklK66enrDlfhMpjou8bn3txvHfg4ALl-wPPFWU0eKTOg2ztSaW1A/w640-h482/PXL_20230316_222733140.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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...it turned out to be a welcome party, waving flags from many nations,
shouting loud and clear<br />「いらっしゃい!!」 "Welcome!!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-Kh9L09a7YBfYPhncbbchl4NOEeubjPfm6pxIPXNf5zbk6CHJfZrKyBYY4RWDZLlQY--fgkQIRLMQf8RLuNjvWy61U-WMrdt6_VX1u1hppD2-kYAflQNak_rjl7se7s034NMvaZ2STbhx6pZMqgmn6BIX7qekED_YbcFcU7Xq50bPrAfIVvWWY-VwA/s4080/PXL_20230316_222852661.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-Kh9L09a7YBfYPhncbbchl4NOEeubjPfm6pxIPXNf5zbk6CHJfZrKyBYY4RWDZLlQY--fgkQIRLMQf8RLuNjvWy61U-WMrdt6_VX1u1hppD2-kYAflQNak_rjl7se7s034NMvaZ2STbhx6pZMqgmn6BIX7qekED_YbcFcU7Xq50bPrAfIVvWWY-VwA/w640-h482/PXL_20230316_222852661.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I love this shot; the ship carrying us, the people welcoming us, and the
volcano watching over us ❤️<br />
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I shouted a return greeting, in Japanese, to the person in the red shirt
while I was still on the ship. She seemed to remember me when I walked
through the cruise terminal, because she switched from English to
Japanese when she welcomed me through 🥰<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKNSpIIM3CHCR4eL-ZQqMp725SRT4HZzlsM7UipuoFYTEQ91gtweyUCRhf2ySFjnTDbRojczze0MoUzBNun98PM3dLZd3aagSANJsdYjY8Z5xT7CqeOUpcqy_x88vM3EOgGP1Or49uC7CRCx5Bqc1XjyRnIuhhrJ-2mN9nx2PEUw0wgGgewB02qJPyg/s4080/PXL_20230316_223226081.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKNSpIIM3CHCR4eL-ZQqMp725SRT4HZzlsM7UipuoFYTEQ91gtweyUCRhf2ySFjnTDbRojczze0MoUzBNun98PM3dLZd3aagSANJsdYjY8Z5xT7CqeOUpcqy_x88vM3EOgGP1Or49uC7CRCx5Bqc1XjyRnIuhhrJ-2mN9nx2PEUw0wgGgewB02qJPyg/w640-h482/PXL_20230316_223226081.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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This being my first cruise ever, I didn't realize ports had terminals
specifically for cruise ships!<br />
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Me and my husband, Sean, waiting for our turn to board the tour busses
in front of our ship.<br />
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All the tour busses were really nice! This was the start of our first
shore excursion.<br />
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During my first ever ride on a ferry, to get to Sakurajima, I took some
pictures of the volcano. I was inwardly pleased when others saw what I
was doing and got out of their vehicles to take their own pictures 😊<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW96kUkcTVYDpGup2HC8hafCn3niPkHKEalhI_oqYRFIfN0J6z8bKZelWFbnFY6xjAIu8xFbicNoxp8W6H5u3GqG1lALXpzL1Dc8BAdjhTnYkweVmI8IRvj551cGjHiXKFsDYLT2Np75HGWxYzl0DcE07eAW_nTN6jbO2sKSXMkYRYh7Z4ohN51TyTDQ/s4065/PXL_20230317_013127617.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4065" data-original-width="3061" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW96kUkcTVYDpGup2HC8hafCn3niPkHKEalhI_oqYRFIfN0J6z8bKZelWFbnFY6xjAIu8xFbicNoxp8W6H5u3GqG1lALXpzL1Dc8BAdjhTnYkweVmI8IRvj551cGjHiXKFsDYLT2Np75HGWxYzl0DcE07eAW_nTN6jbO2sKSXMkYRYh7Z4ohN51TyTDQ/w482-h640/PXL_20230317_013127617.jpg" width="482" /></a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Our first stop was the hot spring foot bath! It was situated in a
beautiful park~<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZhowDd7ackGSN3KZqbkVzVYIlfyBzUvZOWg1nealH7nX1fO2-qw5NC8eJFGs2wB7I2wL093LBSIWC6VpGRmpQPo1ULTuFtwzqR3M9wE620Py_blQUKs98sYf3hencKkaaJPCc9r7Yc900gLBaj7u3sNKpCWhryU8ao2N22qiNgKzJHwsBpwXvmR5ig/s3774/PXL_20230317_013352674.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3774" data-original-width="2842" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZhowDd7ackGSN3KZqbkVzVYIlfyBzUvZOWg1nealH7nX1fO2-qw5NC8eJFGs2wB7I2wL093LBSIWC6VpGRmpQPo1ULTuFtwzqR3M9wE620Py_blQUKs98sYf3hencKkaaJPCc9r7Yc900gLBaj7u3sNKpCWhryU8ao2N22qiNgKzJHwsBpwXvmR5ig/w482-h640/PXL_20230317_013352674.jpg" width="482" /></a>
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One of our fellow passengers kindly offered to take a photo of me using
the relaxing foot bath.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe4nJszUEYAWKH4I6yiWyBHe9NBkGgLeYMjyNto5x5wOv4B4NbvW3Dfi66_RaAUMuD3M0wMGHAIkYMh_YB69sm4Tb_kKCITESpxwW0amCLENVCb1oXCAXBA9keXrdF4YKPemS_YM8V--ltECbWqmt2wZsRnMHfPdpjPpzvh_mxBVMyqwUGud83He62w/s3704/PXL_20230317_014353508.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3704" data-original-width="2789" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe4nJszUEYAWKH4I6yiWyBHe9NBkGgLeYMjyNto5x5wOv4B4NbvW3Dfi66_RaAUMuD3M0wMGHAIkYMh_YB69sm4Tb_kKCITESpxwW0amCLENVCb1oXCAXBA9keXrdF4YKPemS_YM8V--ltECbWqmt2wZsRnMHfPdpjPpzvh_mxBVMyqwUGud83He62w/w482-h640/PXL_20230317_014353508.jpg" width="482" /></a>
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It was dreamy soaking my feet in hot mineral water while watching these
birds soaring overhead ✨<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OGgGU061uL-_hr5Zn_X1xkwhuM8Bx2yeIANuyS3KUpyF-UW1CdmmUhFfFL_Daxbcxnr52iXHYYdG4oc4DPcqVfShseanvoyvImf5qMLkIwyTb0XChugNvbQTj3wbn9Vsj6eFaP1WgmDbDZcMmkokBbiYsJFmN7dL29ixaVtEIP_76eTpAwG2c7kTkA/s4080/PXL_20230317_024000832.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OGgGU061uL-_hr5Zn_X1xkwhuM8Bx2yeIANuyS3KUpyF-UW1CdmmUhFfFL_Daxbcxnr52iXHYYdG4oc4DPcqVfShseanvoyvImf5qMLkIwyTb0XChugNvbQTj3wbn9Vsj6eFaP1WgmDbDZcMmkokBbiYsJFmN7dL29ixaVtEIP_76eTpAwG2c7kTkA/w640-h482/PXL_20230317_024000832.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The next stop on our excursion was the Arimura Lava Observation Deck!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKTwyXHyudaT_YBbbzOgEvWHvw_Y-s5b4LNw8D1kN1-kP0_LHfg93FI_8p2vP74zbt6Uz1We_F_cpTOmEXKCXd6Z2Thh00VBb5pcMlZUfqwNBEYztQbpWwYtJwXgHZJbMfFq6eCZ-TnydF7Odh11WE3eOixNQax1EKKZNsxoP5ImgrvzguoxjPIGqZA/s3648/PXL_20230317_024049799.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKTwyXHyudaT_YBbbzOgEvWHvw_Y-s5b4LNw8D1kN1-kP0_LHfg93FI_8p2vP74zbt6Uz1We_F_cpTOmEXKCXd6Z2Thh00VBb5pcMlZUfqwNBEYztQbpWwYtJwXgHZJbMfFq6eCZ-TnydF7Odh11WE3eOixNQax1EKKZNsxoP5ImgrvzguoxjPIGqZA/w640-h480/PXL_20230317_024049799.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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There was a small shop at the entrance selling souvenirs and food made
from a regional specialty citrus fruit called kinkan (spherical
kumquats). We got some sweet, delicious kinkan juice to start!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzhb_sXCF9MpR9Lr_ZwpSF_OVw-yPedpwMeDapbTKVDd4RhAe2I7FmqTsX1CRiUlfO5X-U42Wj9lrRHc1jo42U3B7ipYSMRg365SOGKcq3eRTeuJIx6wlbcJtC2LOuAf7xweC6KEDBiIUIvVTysJlz28Zd6bHZZiUxMADM2ME-jmfSzd5Tap4_AE0FA/s4080/PXL_20230317_024334082.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzhb_sXCF9MpR9Lr_ZwpSF_OVw-yPedpwMeDapbTKVDd4RhAe2I7FmqTsX1CRiUlfO5X-U42Wj9lrRHc1jo42U3B7ipYSMRg365SOGKcq3eRTeuJIx6wlbcJtC2LOuAf7xweC6KEDBiIUIvVTysJlz28Zd6bHZZiUxMADM2ME-jmfSzd5Tap4_AE0FA/w640-h482/PXL_20230317_024334082.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Along the observation deck walking path, there were many marked
groupings of
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyroclastic_rock" target="_blank">pyroclasts</a>
like this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0KCGQYlmk34Ut3QT2fPBQvCvq-jXUsRSKWY-2t-lMHlIWbWuZ7K7p7NyLK5-Lt1w0_DTku9Z1m5Ter8sGWRJUrziNy10i0hEQU2sKZcLpUAmQXQNdbCBlsLzoCT8jiDckUPL67XB4msA4XTaG73MDvZ5RWdv1LhaHGv0Z7er2mQxgKVsJlVRIE3m3Q/s4080/PXL_20230317_024454894.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0KCGQYlmk34Ut3QT2fPBQvCvq-jXUsRSKWY-2t-lMHlIWbWuZ7K7p7NyLK5-Lt1w0_DTku9Z1m5Ter8sGWRJUrziNy10i0hEQU2sKZcLpUAmQXQNdbCBlsLzoCT8jiDckUPL67XB4msA4XTaG73MDvZ5RWdv1LhaHGv0Z7er2mQxgKVsJlVRIE3m3Q/w640-h482/PXL_20230317_024454894.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And in those pyroclasts, people had taken up depositing coins, like a
volcanic wishing well!<br />We added to the collection while we were
there 😁<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5TtTcPvekytkzuDxc2bKS4a0sOlT2mYA8NhI_coZVF85ypJvQv5WVue84PqqRGRlkij0FLj8buKtQL_2S4aJFsfd8HFmjY6CqiCPogkmok03HWYQu3Kn-4Z6wU0GqQ2XjS2PgnxD7A1Xg_89sYK-JbHZJtP1FAkkRIVLroYretTtpdVv3V5JfYpqgg/s4080/PXL_20230317_025023112.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5TtTcPvekytkzuDxc2bKS4a0sOlT2mYA8NhI_coZVF85ypJvQv5WVue84PqqRGRlkij0FLj8buKtQL_2S4aJFsfd8HFmjY6CqiCPogkmok03HWYQu3Kn-4Z6wU0GqQ2XjS2PgnxD7A1Xg_89sYK-JbHZJtP1FAkkRIVLroYretTtpdVv3V5JfYpqgg/w640-h482/PXL_20230317_025023112.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Me showing off Sakurajima! This was the best view from this observatory
🌋<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ss25FOUsHqz-yvNZtAc9TdtVJQpXH1bWGRLhzAml7nYdT_nNMZn3orxHmPCOn50FJsaFTdPW8tV1VdPgudDaXljgdudFHoM8JkUFdZfV-i5zw7JTSzQXg9Iyhk35jEKjCoyZiFtxGiLDPkLUYBYGPP3FFo-qLa3OAA5Eob3WanHV_zP_UqMCWXnoog/s4080/PXL_20230317_030328061.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ss25FOUsHqz-yvNZtAc9TdtVJQpXH1bWGRLhzAml7nYdT_nNMZn3orxHmPCOn50FJsaFTdPW8tV1VdPgudDaXljgdudFHoM8JkUFdZfV-i5zw7JTSzQXg9Iyhk35jEKjCoyZiFtxGiLDPkLUYBYGPP3FFo-qLa3OAA5Eob3WanHV_zP_UqMCWXnoog/w482-h640/PXL_20230317_030328061.jpg" width="482" /></a>
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Before boarding the bus to go back to the ship, we purchased a bag of
fresh kinkan! We snacked on these delicious treats throughout the
remainder of our vacation 🍊✨<br />
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<p>
After this, we returned to the Silver Muse and spent the rest of the day
aboard the ship. I'll share about that in my <a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/05/2023-japan-adventure-part-6-departing.html">next post</a>! Please look forward to
it!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-44040729013342268912023-05-11T11:11:00.001-06:002023-05-17T10:36:51.864-06:002023 Japan Adventure - Part 4: First Day at Sea<p>
Welcome to the fourth entry in my 2023 Japan adventure photo log!
<a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/05/2023-japan-adventure-part-3-boarding.html">Click here</a>
to go back to part three. Today's topic won't take much time to cover, because
we were at sea the entire day during this part of the trip. I hope you'll
still enjoy these images and the story they tell about our journey from Osaka
to Kagoshima 😊
</p>
<p><b>Thursday 16 March 2023 - First Day at Sea</b></p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9LwUXqmmOS9tC5bZbIubLBxcuGZRX0HxWJNQdHvoYletLW13YdKpobyNlq3p7mVRtvmk4tShWRu5nuf5mUGyfz_QcUX2GgYtes7CLHmOpSomrMOV7LhsWeHql1snPvmu3eWvm39EwojfBqLc7mgigsmBw5c9UX7iSJTZfcHHlI1LZBkhsEppukXhFA/s3921/PXL_20230315_214552637.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2952" data-original-width="3921" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9LwUXqmmOS9tC5bZbIubLBxcuGZRX0HxWJNQdHvoYletLW13YdKpobyNlq3p7mVRtvmk4tShWRu5nuf5mUGyfz_QcUX2GgYtes7CLHmOpSomrMOV7LhsWeHql1snPvmu3eWvm39EwojfBqLc7mgigsmBw5c9UX7iSJTZfcHHlI1LZBkhsEppukXhFA/w640-h482/PXL_20230315_214552637.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Another unexpected habit I got into, starting this day, was taking a
photo of the sea every morning 🌊<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvv0AEfvW7Hro5EOWFmfvTK9D-j0vRQ_4N5SNo_VVoPspT3wpPxoEmiqV7pTtao4y_QKkJtoATyJH52AzeYKkbQQBRAhBOqy7zpXqxENYMa19t-ZKPXtPyXjaRO4bqnAK6wgCRm5MSYpN_BQiz2GivVul2bN9-aLRs6tmX_9oBKkiCvdqh83hX8Ky3A/s4080/PXL_20230316_001513032.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvv0AEfvW7Hro5EOWFmfvTK9D-j0vRQ_4N5SNo_VVoPspT3wpPxoEmiqV7pTtao4y_QKkJtoATyJH52AzeYKkbQQBRAhBOqy7zpXqxENYMa19t-ZKPXtPyXjaRO4bqnAK6wgCRm5MSYpN_BQiz2GivVul2bN9-aLRs6tmX_9oBKkiCvdqh83hX8Ky3A/w482-h640/PXL_20230316_001513032.jpg" width="482" /></a>
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My first breakfast on board! Cold cereal is my FAVORITE and they had
plant milk for me to enjoy it with 😄 I also had cream of wheat, hashbrowns, and baked beans~<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5xn7HWRteMEhzvFAQjd5r9ElDSMH5xzoo_2G2VsnXuehrPoOUJ_u02WJN5YjNg9nH65sc3BWj8au-bVHYAqTsmcYCRn7Flh_qS9dFHgqbzUElN1Mn2s4S693cpLR73XnrBIlc6OQISpIQPcTP4SjlzTnGZZbuZKARoikQXMWwRb2K4PipFEN1g2pNA/s3648/PXL_20230316_004836764.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5xn7HWRteMEhzvFAQjd5r9ElDSMH5xzoo_2G2VsnXuehrPoOUJ_u02WJN5YjNg9nH65sc3BWj8au-bVHYAqTsmcYCRn7Flh_qS9dFHgqbzUElN1Mn2s4S693cpLR73XnrBIlc6OQISpIQPcTP4SjlzTnGZZbuZKARoikQXMWwRb2K4PipFEN1g2pNA/w640-h480/PXL_20230316_004836764.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We were seated in the most gorgeous spot for breakfast~ The couple next
to us was very easy to talk to, so we had great company, as well. If I
remember correctly, their son teaches art history at a university!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPOreYINSI1JTgPFXYANCBZmg3N4TD8rLoEce_sLiztrPmiEcmXQokgtV4K1mzyt-vwv7-IaxAIDScRbYXuqZj4f_h80i3Gxpz5pCP4fsSfg6xlC1QWpCioyIRnj_AoMH9U2C93YG9z-rjfpS7RZAXIq8-PraiKpfP5XNCl5SBmXc2sYRNPGweRhhtg/s4080/PXL_20230316_021555281.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPOreYINSI1JTgPFXYANCBZmg3N4TD8rLoEce_sLiztrPmiEcmXQokgtV4K1mzyt-vwv7-IaxAIDScRbYXuqZj4f_h80i3Gxpz5pCP4fsSfg6xlC1QWpCioyIRnj_AoMH9U2C93YG9z-rjfpS7RZAXIq8-PraiKpfP5XNCl5SBmXc2sYRNPGweRhhtg/w640-h482/PXL_20230316_021555281.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I normally avoid the sun at all costs, but it was so dreamy on our
veranda I couldn't help spending some time soaking up the rays and the
view 😌<br />
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</tbody>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_hNhQaP4NNLtcqCZ42_akz4RC2dI7P9D23sRSr5D0Qfx2nccweLtYBMjRD4IgGQ2qbtoHYLs1INVWdXlV7FDPNJvfXwC6E-oQHYJ5Gm8R4ibtDtx36sCv_sEUUWEs-0c8SiGobT6RoUjvG4KaR5Y__wlmEgbu2XO3wJojapKkK9EFJq5UWWoUQBEGw/s4080/PXL_20230316_022118936.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_hNhQaP4NNLtcqCZ42_akz4RC2dI7P9D23sRSr5D0Qfx2nccweLtYBMjRD4IgGQ2qbtoHYLs1INVWdXlV7FDPNJvfXwC6E-oQHYJ5Gm8R4ibtDtx36sCv_sEUUWEs-0c8SiGobT6RoUjvG4KaR5Y__wlmEgbu2XO3wJojapKkK9EFJq5UWWoUQBEGw/w640-h482/PXL_20230316_022118936.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
I truly fell in love with the ocean on this trip. There are many reasons
why, but for one, it is astoundingly beautiful!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5LSfZZyPI6Cuo0GgS7uIeiY0flfWn6bkMvlXeQphqwH3Aen2NxH73drmf9fCjAg6ldkT-lzPKBHVc2WfA2oWcvDapnagmzlRQkmgXWrVIotO5nMi1y_UmY-aCX9f-NSl2gKs8A9_JkLkJwvxX9Yw329p08GPGyzXRaESoBWURbQBMIFxeJHTed9C-w/s3881/PXL_20230316_022251039.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3881" data-original-width="2923" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5LSfZZyPI6Cuo0GgS7uIeiY0flfWn6bkMvlXeQphqwH3Aen2NxH73drmf9fCjAg6ldkT-lzPKBHVc2WfA2oWcvDapnagmzlRQkmgXWrVIotO5nMi1y_UmY-aCX9f-NSl2gKs8A9_JkLkJwvxX9Yw329p08GPGyzXRaESoBWURbQBMIFxeJHTed9C-w/w482-h640/PXL_20230316_022251039.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The cabin service people put a cap on our leftover bubbly so I was able
to drink it slowly over a course of days, rather than feeling forced to
drink it all at once (especially after my previous night of
overindulgence!) or else let it go to waste. I'm pretty proud of this
photo showing it off 😆<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaOHn6njoo1RHtDO1D1sLJRzPjZiMCeWAaGajAML6AvtZrdWAZ5YtSLr_TT24YY9xGQmxEMBqgFtS4KqbyCUp4eiRlV59yS4ydUNon8KovwysWzCG1EMBW5cQhktZ0VpA-XYQuzi-tib3DjingEvSnxrhxZof8i6IC_fKp8AuvyOYPb2fXWeuneYevg/s3904/PXL_20230316_050936083.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3904" data-original-width="2940" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaOHn6njoo1RHtDO1D1sLJRzPjZiMCeWAaGajAML6AvtZrdWAZ5YtSLr_TT24YY9xGQmxEMBqgFtS4KqbyCUp4eiRlV59yS4ydUNon8KovwysWzCG1EMBW5cQhktZ0VpA-XYQuzi-tib3DjingEvSnxrhxZof8i6IC_fKp8AuvyOYPb2fXWeuneYevg/w482-h640/PXL_20230316_050936083.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
This is another framed tapestry that caught my eye in one of the ship
stairwells. It was several feet tall!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQIn5qP7vVXJHpkvHWZW39SxcDSQ-UWG3n9HR0ZFx3Bd8bqQI6AVqIehJ3JpMPasCDcmUbxZ7HMoGAamHu73a1CWB15c3NwXjeYSCqDVsRwQm2uS5vY9RukEIXD-gZbg_LEUmoF9gPPB-2YLTc1neDQs0L6Bf4qslTk-7UaOVr8fDYL1MBXnmMbupZQ/s4080/PXL_20230316_051701581.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQIn5qP7vVXJHpkvHWZW39SxcDSQ-UWG3n9HR0ZFx3Bd8bqQI6AVqIehJ3JpMPasCDcmUbxZ7HMoGAamHu73a1CWB15c3NwXjeYSCqDVsRwQm2uS5vY9RukEIXD-gZbg_LEUmoF9gPPB-2YLTc1neDQs0L6Bf4qslTk-7UaOVr8fDYL1MBXnmMbupZQ/w640-h482/PXL_20230316_051701581.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
We explored more of the Silver Muse this day, including taking a look
from the observation deck.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtOrkdBFmjJX1mTShilBHvbIR7AgKpGPJicb2cwW6gdTh8PIjOsUj81tM9Llxqs-OOjoq5r-6eGynyyLry1xEczOoNEL4KrwjqWWCszKkcK4MSnb1JWRfqsiqiEiBfYRLygJ1OGtNSTePEzUdSRkpDEto2viIYHZMp5JbEF4xa4RstmLWo3Hse-WGNw/s3648/PXL_20230316_051737657.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtOrkdBFmjJX1mTShilBHvbIR7AgKpGPJicb2cwW6gdTh8PIjOsUj81tM9Llxqs-OOjoq5r-6eGynyyLry1xEczOoNEL4KrwjqWWCszKkcK4MSnb1JWRfqsiqiEiBfYRLygJ1OGtNSTePEzUdSRkpDEto2viIYHZMp5JbEF4xa4RstmLWo3Hse-WGNw/w640-h480/PXL_20230316_051737657.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Me and Sean on the observation deck! It was technically called the
Observation Library and it did indeed have many books and
plentiful seating in which to read if one wished!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTpdb5QtdXT5ABLRjKoFtI2K8LoeUpG_QYhcpyDVF-6OH7viNqjVb46MB52VNgJRl3XohLrtp8bWqDF98oaGLuYzQYig1tE0DNDe1BWaVRAdrB-H4vgDs3GSSbTzw1KOc-uETo4cDe1XXDP_DXnGg0ETCuk6Ys42ca-wZ8ysL2zQUs_27K2DleqBYBg/s3648/PXL_20230316_095213573.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTpdb5QtdXT5ABLRjKoFtI2K8LoeUpG_QYhcpyDVF-6OH7viNqjVb46MB52VNgJRl3XohLrtp8bWqDF98oaGLuYzQYig1tE0DNDe1BWaVRAdrB-H4vgDs3GSSbTzw1KOc-uETo4cDe1XXDP_DXnGg0ETCuk6Ys42ca-wZ8ysL2zQUs_27K2DleqBYBg/w640-h480/PXL_20230316_095213573.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The biggest event of the day was getting a massage! It was so nice being
gently rocked by the sea while being worked on by a massage therapist
🌊💆♀️✨ The only downside was being pushed to buy spa products
afterwards; it ruined the relaxing vibes!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0mE6jsUlkVH1NI8Ki3Ci8jxjETeodSdSw2MmlS4MYkm9ot3LFJIFl6N3QC74EVJGGBvm4AF-POcIsImoR7h0-a-4jnB0Rb3NH79h7phmonISdDrBXzoDvhXlBfSms-gKeoM2sJPV5wnj4yQ1f-848vlYSfj9yTJj69ERQg6q-AqrA9qqCSszi-N38A/s3995/PXL_20230316_113748779.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3007" data-original-width="3995" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0mE6jsUlkVH1NI8Ki3Ci8jxjETeodSdSw2MmlS4MYkm9ot3LFJIFl6N3QC74EVJGGBvm4AF-POcIsImoR7h0-a-4jnB0Rb3NH79h7phmonISdDrBXzoDvhXlBfSms-gKeoM2sJPV5wnj4yQ1f-848vlYSfj9yTJj69ERQg6q-AqrA9qqCSszi-N38A/w640-h482/PXL_20230316_113748779.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
At the end of each day on the cruise, we received the next day's "Daily
Chronicles" and chocolates! The Chronicles included useful information
about shipboard activities, excursions, the upcoming port, the weather,
etc. I kept them all for my scrapbook 📑✨<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
That's all for today! Told you it would be short 😉 Next time I'll share our
<a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/05/2023-japan-adventure-part-5-arriving-in.html">adventures in Kagoshima</a>, including visits to a hot spring foot bath, a volcano
observatory, and my first ride on a ferry! Please look forward to it!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-34940417931850871562023-05-10T11:27:00.008-06:002023-05-11T11:11:37.427-06:002023 Japan Adventure - Part 3: Boarding the Silver Muse<p>
Welcome to part three of my Japan adventure chronicles! In
<a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/04/2023-japan-adventure-part-2-first-day.html">part two</a>, I shared my very first day in Osaka (not just the first day for this trip,
but my first time setting foot there ever!) which mostly consisted of
exploration of the immediate area surrounding our hotel. We were passing the
time until boarding of our cruise ship, the Silver Muse, was scheduled to
begin. Today, I'll share photos of my boarding experience (another first; I
had never been on a ship of any kind before!) and my first impressions being
on the ship!
</p>
<p><b>Wednesday 15 March 2023 - Boarding the Silver Muse</b></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgGhfogz7PEkoaV8gdSgNin8szKIYpcQFjJ7pNdBdXVxM2RmX3J4hDgB15F0dHiRfADNhaLIT5_sZ0Ax-xkNia6DfM7KqabPk10T3nM87HFuTdHSRDXBhN-b_6npClCsUdOw4quXmnvyIKi07YgeQu-Oq1Gv5KrtmqTh93CSRWAgEpKNRG0pEbnz4Ug/s3648/PXL_20230315_053819261.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgGhfogz7PEkoaV8gdSgNin8szKIYpcQFjJ7pNdBdXVxM2RmX3J4hDgB15F0dHiRfADNhaLIT5_sZ0Ax-xkNia6DfM7KqabPk10T3nM87HFuTdHSRDXBhN-b_6npClCsUdOw4quXmnvyIKi07YgeQu-Oq1Gv5KrtmqTh93CSRWAgEpKNRG0pEbnz4Ug/w640-h480/PXL_20230315_053819261.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
We were shuttled from the hotel to the boarding location via tour bus.
The wait for our group number to be called was longer than the ride
itself.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytlglRtnOEh8BSuPFq0Fa9GO4nbqK_qIOlQl6uR6vO7bcg_KKFenpP7RXQzoeqyNStmlg8ymGNyVB5V7VfqoqIIJ--eSTifqIvSgRTgaN9bRCKVw439QcLa3aBtbXAfu9OAdygt85K0mnwHPsW8gbzNRIjRmqibRvNE3wuI1voMoDdAF0jpyE-eBvtA/s4080/PXL_20230315_065713048.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytlglRtnOEh8BSuPFq0Fa9GO4nbqK_qIOlQl6uR6vO7bcg_KKFenpP7RXQzoeqyNStmlg8ymGNyVB5V7VfqoqIIJ--eSTifqIvSgRTgaN9bRCKVw439QcLa3aBtbXAfu9OAdygt85K0mnwHPsW8gbzNRIjRmqibRvNE3wuI1voMoDdAF0jpyE-eBvtA/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_065713048.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
First clear view of the Silver Muse!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzswQJ6Jv_C2UMZoffB_DRFTqbDLVxhK2td3i6K1R3P9cLKwtXm_WxZaSd-aEI2Gs2k-eaxniHgaSSBHiXZS4eYa88p53YxMjZPzQjqTKDU4o0Q7Z-qsRQqRru-pWL6ALgfYUXRlvmWWv1YggBwZfwm4-677XPgcvgz24hST2O1y29VB4_F97DYGTEwg/s4080/PXL_20230315_071905283.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzswQJ6Jv_C2UMZoffB_DRFTqbDLVxhK2td3i6K1R3P9cLKwtXm_WxZaSd-aEI2Gs2k-eaxniHgaSSBHiXZS4eYa88p53YxMjZPzQjqTKDU4o0Q7Z-qsRQqRru-pWL6ALgfYUXRlvmWWv1YggBwZfwm4-677XPgcvgz24hST2O1y29VB4_F97DYGTEwg/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_071905283.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
We were thrilled to discover that we had been upgraded from the cheapest
and smallest suite (all the cabins are suites on this ship) to the top
of the mid-range options! The bathroom included everything you see here
plus a separate shower and bathtub, with luxury Bulgari toiletries. The
only negative was how disturbingly loud the flush on the toilet was. I
have no idea if that's just a thing on cruise ships or what 🤔<br />
</td>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-en3VyU6tyYaGz0lMnzK1JNbrirAS_LpQYbVDxSK093KQ148DDZK2peipGB07SyFMO2xuhQ4qiGw51a1rcr5CniyIfZD5j-5CnBOqLBFr5SHcg-Q0Zj_-HgVAsK2lREv1UUZibN3B7hOes171RZeYEu-copv1JDaPC38gFavLmx5KTXaj9BCH_Z1cMA/s4080/PXL_20230315_072311621.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-en3VyU6tyYaGz0lMnzK1JNbrirAS_LpQYbVDxSK093KQ148DDZK2peipGB07SyFMO2xuhQ4qiGw51a1rcr5CniyIfZD5j-5CnBOqLBFr5SHcg-Q0Zj_-HgVAsK2lREv1UUZibN3B7hOes171RZeYEu-copv1JDaPC38gFavLmx5KTXaj9BCH_Z1cMA/w640-h482/PXL_20230315_072311621.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Here are the sleeping and sitting areas of our Deluxe Veranda Suite. The
black cases on the bed were luxury sanitation kits that included a pack
of face masks, hand sanitizer, antimicrobial wipes, and hand lotion
❤️<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea2RYAVQBWhagJBesdkkksdHCSqaYS8L2Zv0VJXl0MJr0LV8TZ_ltcROtU2XA0UsCN-7SNiSLGvuZW-CWvOERXtSx62uhrcBV_4o0ruVeb9TtHjYoblv9bjfUcMQFowkcyRCJTNQub6J8e35AwnncAO59hfHM38oyYBi_5DSngiJsN_N_-akxDYRO0A/s4080/PXL_20230315_072934264.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea2RYAVQBWhagJBesdkkksdHCSqaYS8L2Zv0VJXl0MJr0LV8TZ_ltcROtU2XA0UsCN-7SNiSLGvuZW-CWvOERXtSx62uhrcBV_4o0ruVeb9TtHjYoblv9bjfUcMQFowkcyRCJTNQub6J8e35AwnncAO59hfHM38oyYBi_5DSngiJsN_N_-akxDYRO0A/w640-h482/PXL_20230315_072934264.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Both of the gigantic mirrors in the sleeping/sitting areas had smart TVs
inside! We received notifications, messages, and news about the cruise
on it, and could watch live video feeds from a couple different
locations on the ship, among other things.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-UGidvt8S8s7sPzcwAOTK0Mo8jhlnmpJ8J6kjeKoKF1WBCEBlzJf1mlRLOGqG5FzPJcCvJVn3F5ShtMoBavXhdk-xS6ZBuMijPOm7BnYZ-J1o6nh6uedK3hJascX5tyJGxsCSOokekeaPuqzQrvAnQzgAMpfSQvJJkS9t-GmNo_VpB7xiv7dpZX-xw/s4080/PXL_20230315_073021367.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-UGidvt8S8s7sPzcwAOTK0Mo8jhlnmpJ8J6kjeKoKF1WBCEBlzJf1mlRLOGqG5FzPJcCvJVn3F5ShtMoBavXhdk-xS6ZBuMijPOm7BnYZ-J1o6nh6uedK3hJascX5tyJGxsCSOokekeaPuqzQrvAnQzgAMpfSQvJJkS9t-GmNo_VpB7xiv7dpZX-xw/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_073021367.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Drinks were included in our cruise fare, and they provided a bottle of
sparkling wine in our room to kick everything off 🍾 I do wish marking
ourselves as teetotalers was an option, though. I like the flavor but
not the alcohol, and my husband, Sean, doesn't drink at all.<br />
</td>
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<tbody>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbVmbZyYshxsFnuII9OsVasEBNtaTM2qJcqDoNlgaLDSV0s4SkBTf5TasBEy8wA0BoaS08RNMtOOC1BWyiQ8MXd2CbeEo4uPwucnpGU-_kjmvf0cLOD1mrbMk40KjlgknBfEoGATiaFxdS1FO2hFH-MPCy3keBJJm0PlXtEApIXrSqlIeKQeSm2Ecbg/s4080/PXL_20230315_073247019.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbVmbZyYshxsFnuII9OsVasEBNtaTM2qJcqDoNlgaLDSV0s4SkBTf5TasBEy8wA0BoaS08RNMtOOC1BWyiQ8MXd2CbeEo4uPwucnpGU-_kjmvf0cLOD1mrbMk40KjlgknBfEoGATiaFxdS1FO2hFH-MPCy3keBJJm0PlXtEApIXrSqlIeKQeSm2Ecbg/w640-h482/PXL_20230315_073247019.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The fantastic view of the Osaka Cruise Terminal from our ✨~veranda~✨
😄 We were expecting to have nothing more than a picture window (that
is, a window that gives a great view but doesn't open) when we booked,
so being upgraded to this suite was dreamy for the veranda alone!<br />
</td>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4j4UCNL-MbTDkosrsHUspqdkOHMI7__UuBqQSO-V2qaGHq9Nce19jCe-6aRLKa1CAkK2LAHWHYhhq9HeY3uMoHHDJxEn3V9fj0AD7658LRc8O7MRH5KM2Iwx1oglEkoi--O57Im_pP42hSGsZoMzjznp2OAtyhHOy1t3kwlowri5brhy5f6idXUr-5Q/s3509/PXL_20230315_073828131.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2631" data-original-width="3509" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4j4UCNL-MbTDkosrsHUspqdkOHMI7__UuBqQSO-V2qaGHq9Nce19jCe-6aRLKa1CAkK2LAHWHYhhq9HeY3uMoHHDJxEn3V9fj0AD7658LRc8O7MRH5KM2Iwx1oglEkoi--O57Im_pP42hSGsZoMzjznp2OAtyhHOy1t3kwlowri5brhy5f6idXUr-5Q/w640-h480/PXL_20230315_073828131.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
カンパイ!or Cheers! 🥂 I popped open the bubbly, and Sean had Sprite
😄<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQBa8cRrCf_3vHdw1Ht5e4GR_6ykWKt7aUybZFRo0SHV39LlniO9KR7BFVcosvOf3Y6s5kWFhOZYF8EZkeIvah8TbGv5mHsAFY3EazlsfKibkWmHRAidbp5KAA0s5XJCqjkJqv0PoayMiIzFASDhOYkeEDi5312yFV9DeUEYwNNoZ7dTWveeGhEN4NQ/s3151/PXL_20230315_075957898.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3151" data-original-width="2372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQBa8cRrCf_3vHdw1Ht5e4GR_6ykWKt7aUybZFRo0SHV39LlniO9KR7BFVcosvOf3Y6s5kWFhOZYF8EZkeIvah8TbGv5mHsAFY3EazlsfKibkWmHRAidbp5KAA0s5XJCqjkJqv0PoayMiIzFASDhOYkeEDi5312yFV9DeUEYwNNoZ7dTWveeGhEN4NQ/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_075957898.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
We explored the ship after getting settled in our room. It was full of
interesting and unusual art! This is an example of some glass work.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<tbody>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjNSgqMz4WTnWWPoYkCaIfie90z8czUMfd88sgKhbeJ4oAs-KTDDp1U9QRC_1R787C45KWXm5ajT5TtOQK9Qk2gfM89DDLwMdA3_H-sf-bsjMqm7CitHFgooKEBdsHZysqcLP-byDf4ZyvCEHB0WckPcxuWIZPeMXJSol1Zaeaj9_IfqsNmMEQinu7w/s3567/PXL_20230315_080020218.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3567" data-original-width="2686" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjNSgqMz4WTnWWPoYkCaIfie90z8czUMfd88sgKhbeJ4oAs-KTDDp1U9QRC_1R787C45KWXm5ajT5TtOQK9Qk2gfM89DDLwMdA3_H-sf-bsjMqm7CitHFgooKEBdsHZysqcLP-byDf4ZyvCEHB0WckPcxuWIZPeMXJSol1Zaeaj9_IfqsNmMEQinu7w/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_080020218.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Here is an example of avant-garde sculpture.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45vp5bAup95xLH2mj6zeNv8l2DJBb3qt9QoyR5MCu5cZdOe5BU8GDjlUnJM7EH7ef8Y2Ms_Ie86Mp2TfwpvIj7-bUNb8Q92SroP494wHub0dvtsrzd7mpReyO4N0MMMR-_4TjDNCXzT2hNnvG4tVabhHm10mlLoWoMjhVRko5iQb13y3e1no_W0jc9Q/s3952/PXL_20230315_080236716.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2975" data-original-width="3952" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45vp5bAup95xLH2mj6zeNv8l2DJBb3qt9QoyR5MCu5cZdOe5BU8GDjlUnJM7EH7ef8Y2Ms_Ie86Mp2TfwpvIj7-bUNb8Q92SroP494wHub0dvtsrzd7mpReyO4N0MMMR-_4TjDNCXzT2hNnvG4tVabhHm10mlLoWoMjhVRko5iQb13y3e1no_W0jc9Q/w640-h482/PXL_20230315_080236716.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
A framed tapestry; these were my favorite.<br />
</td>
</tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cVTqcuyG8CiEdDATF2aGSAxq6eAHDjRZtg_fgMfMMoXUaEeWj1YXXGh01e2kMRr7TefHBgHm1j5UHThE_8vgqbP6MR5pnwFO8zvNRcl_m0qrGruWfB889hIwsLHLuWBMeZgmWyYxwaNGuDfvr_rDp_QZkVMClbxW0OF6dumofWV3Bz3iwVzN1r3CTQ/s3935/PXL_20230315_080641643.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2963" data-original-width="3935" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cVTqcuyG8CiEdDATF2aGSAxq6eAHDjRZtg_fgMfMMoXUaEeWj1YXXGh01e2kMRr7TefHBgHm1j5UHThE_8vgqbP6MR5pnwFO8zvNRcl_m0qrGruWfB889hIwsLHLuWBMeZgmWyYxwaNGuDfvr_rDp_QZkVMClbxW0OF6dumofWV3Bz3iwVzN1r3CTQ/w640-h482/PXL_20230315_080641643.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Non-representational painting. I loved the colors and textures of this one.<br />
</td>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCVZYYlC5MePkO4Z64k4fOK2l022B8Mwven9UB3gBfCmlsxd4yVhPItVg1MWY7wiJHG-CWttiYADoCe0HYGmfLJs5VEqO4FviNP3lRfDLtWC2CAJI52wT7pxAylZBRtDAMOslaDGnx2AIg3G2ERpLVKmEw30CpYNXlB89DYldJOvLojF5XMuNAWs1Lg/s3648/PXL_20230315_093633199.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCVZYYlC5MePkO4Z64k4fOK2l022B8Mwven9UB3gBfCmlsxd4yVhPItVg1MWY7wiJHG-CWttiYADoCe0HYGmfLJs5VEqO4FviNP3lRfDLtWC2CAJI52wT7pxAylZBRtDAMOslaDGnx2AIg3G2ERpLVKmEw30CpYNXlB89DYldJOvLojF5XMuNAWs1Lg/w640-h480/PXL_20230315_093633199.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Me and the great wheel at night! My only regret is not getting to ride
on it!<br />
</td>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsPbv0EFBO0_ePDnGXbTDY9mX2LahcepAhHaRHUK_vCcULYIC7_XooZivWob94R_bPRVuySxMkoB4zGa2e1QzC8wCkfpVbbxc99X6DN2eX_2D2jdyx8V9GTWSKe-e2Zo06RgIj_40JBaY8fwaQaoreHAofuxM7tll7XoOmy0srQCv2o264W4jDGYDNg/s4080/PXL_20230315_100125129.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsPbv0EFBO0_ePDnGXbTDY9mX2LahcepAhHaRHUK_vCcULYIC7_XooZivWob94R_bPRVuySxMkoB4zGa2e1QzC8wCkfpVbbxc99X6DN2eX_2D2jdyx8V9GTWSKe-e2Zo06RgIj_40JBaY8fwaQaoreHAofuxM7tll7XoOmy0srQCv2o264W4jDGYDNg/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_100125129.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Our first dinner on board was at Kaiseki, a Japanese style restaurant.
They kept the drinks flowing much too liberally, especially the
delicious sake! I enjoyed it at the time but I don't want to drink like
that again 😅<br />
</td>
</tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNjEi5w-L7bJOpKmtMRqFAr-Dw62HxDayiLrD1dLKCbfR1uq2PQJEF8at0V21x7Itf7TewuJvkL0FsxhRlacoGl5reEov3Xv2eg_VBZrEOFILacuyFcTSXrjjIpLmBajJMtIdwsPmfD-d-VZlxTR0elWgyDUVl1ONGPSNnEACoPS20PCGy2cGo8Ql7A/s3954/PXL_20230315_103423791.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3954" data-original-width="2977" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNjEi5w-L7bJOpKmtMRqFAr-Dw62HxDayiLrD1dLKCbfR1uq2PQJEF8at0V21x7Itf7TewuJvkL0FsxhRlacoGl5reEov3Xv2eg_VBZrEOFILacuyFcTSXrjjIpLmBajJMtIdwsPmfD-d-VZlxTR0elWgyDUVl1ONGPSNnEACoPS20PCGy2cGo8Ql7A/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_103423791.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The atmosphere and food presentation was excellent in this tiny
restaurant, but I have to admit, their vegan "options" were very
limited. Still, we had a good time, enjoying our first evening on board
any ship ever!<br />
</td>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT226xSccycRNxVhZD25_JMOaSxxesC8h4X9WXkN8ksY9zCD3EuitmdECfolbLeIqb0tjWtUwDo5pvkbn9wQLCK2rdd58mwHVkUTTIE-T-aWMDJUxK83h-4FIaZg4eLL9g2KdWHxSQZrWzHjPf9AwHm2bDykH1XXznemrJ-EPzwczePTpg0HqR_nGDg/s4009/PXL_20230315_183758793.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4009" data-original-width="3019" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT226xSccycRNxVhZD25_JMOaSxxesC8h4X9WXkN8ksY9zCD3EuitmdECfolbLeIqb0tjWtUwDo5pvkbn9wQLCK2rdd58mwHVkUTTIE-T-aWMDJUxK83h-4FIaZg4eLL9g2KdWHxSQZrWzHjPf9AwHm2bDykH1XXznemrJ-EPzwczePTpg0HqR_nGDg/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_183758793.jpg" width="482" /></a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Although I don't have any memory of departing from the port, because I
drank WAY too much, my hangover woke me up at three-in-the-morning and I got to enjoy a
dreamy vision of the moon shining through the clouds and lighting up the
sea 🌘💕<br />
</td>
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</table>
<p>
So ended our first day in Osaka, our first day on the Silver Muse, and our
first night on the cruise. I'll be back soon with <a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/05/2023-japan-adventure-part-4-first-day.html">part 4 of my adventure</a>,
which was a full day at sea, heading towards Kagoshima. Please look forward to
it!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-80031805775135673882023-05-05T10:58:00.000-06:002023-05-05T10:58:09.511-06:002023 March & April Roundup<p>
The weather has been a bit odd recently, several weeks of frosty sweater
weather (a bit of a shock after spending three weeks in warm, sunny Japan),
then a sudden wave of summer temps and dry thunderstorms for a few days,
followed by cool rain starting today. I'm glad the deep chill of winter is
finally over, but I hope the rain sticks around for a while. I want to be able
to enjoy proper spring weather!
</p>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0omy0mtpMCjFJJWhHJG3Pe64nGJ7HKfcumzpMKCEts2YOC_b7WP5Nu-9fuBq3bmXiv3hglOVLLa5TJfUTLfoP2BSgzOMzbl-Lg7YrgYsC46M9ECppiwo71iqzAQMiRfIkYzitqjl_-0IlCecAFh2cweaZeDUZylP_XEiba2EDJqoQJvTLPbRO1WVx1w/s4080/PXL_20230427_194703136.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0omy0mtpMCjFJJWhHJG3Pe64nGJ7HKfcumzpMKCEts2YOC_b7WP5Nu-9fuBq3bmXiv3hglOVLLa5TJfUTLfoP2BSgzOMzbl-Lg7YrgYsC46M9ECppiwo71iqzAQMiRfIkYzitqjl_-0IlCecAFh2cweaZeDUZylP_XEiba2EDJqoQJvTLPbRO1WVx1w/w640-h482/PXL_20230427_194703136.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
My cherry tree in bloom mid-April 🌸<br />
</td>
</tr>
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</table>
<p>
Today I'd like to share with you my art-related activities and recommendations
from the past two months. I won't go into specifics about my Japan trip, since
I'm already doing that in a separate blog series, but it may come up here and
there. In any case, I hope you'll enjoy this two-month art roundup!
</p>
<p><b>Patreon Rewards</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWwTHDK8w_8Ktqw8JgcZ3i7s2iXL8dmZPdmFEQoWVWK4uFLE8td5IJqtnf-p4JII7V_5qTTpiq27bzqrfF9Ne2JmEf1VCEvWlAre5-Yd7FpYr5qdfKNRS4QoEqshECR2sdRv3YbosO9KMeWaVuU-h80Sx4itWXE25F9hybCJ5yOuMeXjykeCIehT0Nw/s3879/PXL_20230309_165853660.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2921" data-original-width="3879" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWwTHDK8w_8Ktqw8JgcZ3i7s2iXL8dmZPdmFEQoWVWK4uFLE8td5IJqtnf-p4JII7V_5qTTpiq27bzqrfF9Ne2JmEf1VCEvWlAre5-Yd7FpYr5qdfKNRS4QoEqshECR2sdRv3YbosO9KMeWaVuU-h80Sx4itWXE25F9hybCJ5yOuMeXjykeCIehT0Nw/w640-h482/PXL_20230309_165853660.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
In March I sent out these adorable postcard rewards featuring the chibi
caricatures I recently made of my two pet pigeons, Kumo and Sora. I did not
originally make the caricatures with the idea of turning them into a reward,
but it worked out so well that I'm going to make rewards featuring my two pups
and my kitty next 😊 I'm very close to done with the puppy reward, so be sure
to
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank">sign up here</a>
if you'd like to receive the next adorable postcard (or a larger, more
detailed print version)!
</p>
<p><b>deviantART</b></p>
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<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qhCPVhfBMw5gq2Px5es_LswUC4V0nhOuh1gAKoKHvQvfjzpescGuz1PwMMDVv8rC67TSE0MIziqw9Wuxi6Ty0PSKCOqM_jgJyDmYXePgqrGgnUqjV194semMS-HmRgKqJUBqF15TTZcCl2hhAIEMsPXoeLQbGNXxlgEzV1f1btRYL-id8jYfT_xNXA/s5088/221028_Inktober2022Day31Farm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3723" data-original-width="5088" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qhCPVhfBMw5gq2Px5es_LswUC4V0nhOuh1gAKoKHvQvfjzpescGuz1PwMMDVv8rC67TSE0MIziqw9Wuxi6Ty0PSKCOqM_jgJyDmYXePgqrGgnUqjV194semMS-HmRgKqJUBqF15TTZcCl2hhAIEMsPXoeLQbGNXxlgEzV1f1btRYL-id8jYfT_xNXA/w640-h468/221028_Inktober2022Day31Farm.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/Inktober-2022-Day-31-Farm-951575503" target="_blank">Click here to view, comment, and fave on deviantART!</a><br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Whaaat?! I finished posting all my 2022 work to dA?!</p>
<p>Yes! I did! Finally!</p>
<p>
Now I have four months of a productive 2023 to catch up on 😆 Of the most
recent uploads, this final piece from Inktober 2022 is my favorite. The prompt
was "farm" and I was still following my gryphon theme, so I drew a
turkey-gryphon farmer! Not only did I enjoy the amusing visual, I feel this
was one of my best inking jobs from the challenge. Makes sense, since it was
the 31st ink drawing I did that month!
</p>
<p><b>Art Livestreaming</b></p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SjTLiz_NSB15cuP4n9mmuRLdb0CuDCOknBQCLHOfGi7zPtbWl-Yy8muaVwp4ijgXpZUth8WVW91uGMVDEI_IEMc01IyvXjTrAzpW7Nyl8vUKGGJWFqemWk-ieNERE5apLCiFSHw8ywMy_zYcCTylKG_hDYAMxJVJ5GZGDCDnttvdkWaxzAXouMGr8g/s4080/PXL_20230428_223505287.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SjTLiz_NSB15cuP4n9mmuRLdb0CuDCOknBQCLHOfGi7zPtbWl-Yy8muaVwp4ijgXpZUth8WVW91uGMVDEI_IEMc01IyvXjTrAzpW7Nyl8vUKGGJWFqemWk-ieNERE5apLCiFSHw8ywMy_zYcCTylKG_hDYAMxJVJ5GZGDCDnttvdkWaxzAXouMGr8g/w640-h482/PXL_20230428_223505287.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
At the end of April, I finished my Aoife chibi! Aoife is my big dog; I
finished Chibi Chappie (my little dog) on the last Friday before I left for
Japan 😄 These two will become my next Patreon reward, as I mentioned. You can
watch the final round of work on chibi Aoife, which was done live on Twitch,
on YouTube:
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
<p>
My streaming schedule remains the same as usual: Inktober52 on Mondays (an ink
drawing combining a weekly prompt with my self-imposed gryphon theme), a Lucky
Dip on Wednesdays (four random art tools used to practice an anime-style
character drawing), and Chibi Fridays (adorable chibi caricature drawings). Be
sure to check out my
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts/schedule" target="_blank">Twitch schedule</a>
and follow me there to get notifications whenever I go live!
</p>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising</b></p>
<p>
Because March is Women's History Month in my country, I chose
<a href="https://redrover.org/">RedRover</a> as my charity this time.
RedRover, among other good things, helps people escaping domestic abuse (a
population which is disproportionately comprised of women) keep their pets
with them, especially because pets in such situations are in just as much, if
not more, danger as their abused human guardians.
</p>
<p>
Since I was going to miss several weeks of livestreaming while on vacation, I
decided to use March and April's stats combined to determine my donation. My
formula is thus: for every unique viewer I get on Twitch in the selected time
period, I donate USD $0.10, with a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $100.
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RN7XsE1Pus6p5JFHc9gMA_dKqq6EE5CDm5IKtygTA8OuMmbmx2Z1XghyvCq3Rs1mkOohxh4AR2cpdplRHLwWrKq-QojaohtKpfLRqQfm64NrDQIhuCttKo47Eq4ooAj7j_sa9qXW0C1ngzsY-p3_3ggQAhFY781rbPgEKZhVfu7bMvuu0O9mVQPcsQ/s1560/Screenshot%202023-05-01%20at%2016-39-20%20Twitch.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1560" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RN7XsE1Pus6p5JFHc9gMA_dKqq6EE5CDm5IKtygTA8OuMmbmx2Z1XghyvCq3Rs1mkOohxh4AR2cpdplRHLwWrKq-QojaohtKpfLRqQfm64NrDQIhuCttKo47Eq4ooAj7j_sa9qXW0C1ngzsY-p3_3ggQAhFY781rbPgEKZhVfu7bMvuu0O9mVQPcsQ/w640-h344/Screenshot%202023-05-01%20at%2016-39-20%20Twitch.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
Through March and April, I had 14 unique viewers, which equals a $10 donation
to RedRover! They had a checkbox to cover processing fees, so I actually
donated a little bit more to ensure the funds could be as effective as
possible ❤️
</p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHaCHl1OmrMV6vh8oxLzh9GjAZgyQIRmbgKiM2L_ZXlLgAmodb4-T9LyADyppTi3zUiudkkNX_zG0Hh6WS_94aleYEb9H4tlnws7Th9NoRtkD_5NMs7aOw_O_RX0Q7PHOQw0wvwGw7Xlkw4Ht2bvrTT47eRyVmovIIM9Rvbf_31alp1pqRELRcBFC4w/s1656/2023RedRoverDonation.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1656" data-original-width="780" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHaCHl1OmrMV6vh8oxLzh9GjAZgyQIRmbgKiM2L_ZXlLgAmodb4-T9LyADyppTi3zUiudkkNX_zG0Hh6WS_94aleYEb9H4tlnws7Th9NoRtkD_5NMs7aOw_O_RX0Q7PHOQw0wvwGw7Xlkw4Ht2bvrTT47eRyVmovIIM9Rvbf_31alp1pqRELRcBFC4w/w302-h640/2023RedRoverDonation.jpg" width="302" /></a>
</div>
<p>
My featured charity for May is
<a href="https://www.peregrinefund.org/" target="_blank">The Peregrine Fund</a>. I chose them because the
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_condor" target="_blank">California condor</a>
population, already critically endangered, is suffering huge losses due to an
outbreak of avian influenza. The Peregrine Fund is making concerted efforts to
help the birds, and I want to join them 💪
</p>
<p><b>Mika's Monthly...</b></p>
<p>
In this section, I will share some of the things that have kept me fueled,
happy, and healthy through March and April. I hope you'll give some of these
recommendations a try! (As always, I am not being compensated for any of these
recommendations. I'll let you know if that ever changes!)
</p>
<p>
<b>...Workout</b> 👟 The way I kept active the most during these past two
months was walking! In particular, this was the most accessible way to get my blood pumping
while still enjoying my vacation in Japan. I even did a one mile
walk around the track on the top deck of our cruise ship, the Silver Muse,
during a day at sea! Of course, the ship moved so fast that the stats on my
Garmin were totally off 😆
</p>
<div class="strava-embed-placeholder" data-embed-id="8790247094" data-embed-type="activity"></div>
<script src="https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>
<b>...Vegan Victuals</b> 🍱 At the end of April I hosted my first cherry
blossom viewing party! I've wanted to do so ever since I moved here, because
there's a cherry tree in my back yard. For the party, my sister and I made
vegan bento boxes for everyone 😊 It was way easier than I expected. I bought
some
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00095VK7S" target="_blank">cute vegetable cutters</a>
to make the flower veggies, but other than the bento boxes themselves, no
other specialized equipment was required. These boxes were lined with leaves
of romaine lettuce, filled with steamed short grain rice which was then topped
with furikake seasonings, then filled the rest of the way with carrots,
cucumber, radishes, avocado, steamed broccoli, cherry tomatoes, boiled sweet
peas, vegan hot dogs, and cute animal-shaped vegan chik'n nuggets ✨
</p>
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</div>
<p>
<b>...Show</b> 📺 I finished watching
<a href="https://www.disneyplus.com/series/the-mandalorian/3jLIGMDYINqD" target="_blank">The Mandalorian</a>
season 3 in April and I loved it! Din Djarin has solidified himself as my
favorite character in the series 🥰 I am so excited for the next season, I
really want to see where things go from here. There are so many possibilities!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
<p>
<b> ...Music</b> 🎧 I've been listening to a lot of music of all genres over
the past couple months, so it was a bit difficult to choose what to feature.
One thing I didn't get very much of in Japan was a fix for my otome game
obsession, so I have been listening to a lot of my otome game soundtracks
since I got home! I let that guide my decision here, so I'm sharing my
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1OqRE2kHQ08uO9nGiBs4W0?si=ce8aaea57201455f" target="_blank">otome game playlist</a>
from Spotify 😄
</p>
<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="352" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/1OqRE2kHQ08uO9nGiBs4W0?utm_source=generator" style="border-radius: 12px;" width="100%"></iframe>
<p>
That's it for this roundup post! In the couple days since I started writing,
the weather has granted my wish and stayed lovely cool and rainy~ It's
absolutely dreamy this morning ☁️😌🌧️ I don't expect it to last, with summer
just around the corner, so I'm going to enjoy it as much as I can! Here's
hoping you're also enjoying the weather wherever you are~✨ Until next time,
stay safe, happy, and healthy!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-32446763308319757162023-04-26T11:53:00.004-06:002023-05-10T11:28:49.002-06:002023 Japan Adventure - Part 2: First Day in Osaka<p>
Welcome to Part 2 of my Japan vacation report! You can
<a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/04/2023-japan-adventure-part-1-boise-to.html">read Part 1 here</a>. Today's entry will cover my first day in Osaka, which wasn't very long. My
husband and I mostly explored the area around our hotel before beginning the
boarding procedures for our cruise ship. Even with the short amount of time,
however, we still found some cool stuff which I shall now share with you here!
</p>
<p><b>Wednesday 15 March 2023 - Exploring Sakishima, Osaka</b></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmTk1HyNhKspUXH_c3i2t4G5UEiakNvzVfl0TKe9sztdt1EllYHJS6ihWDnzL-ogZbYYyR0YArdvUA59xyz6j3l-JTaWIJ9AJSZF_QYBXajwP21PL3wqMABjRyk79H4h6DIRVnfFgY4HQlAmG3SF6ZlIH_JGVIoB2MrPxOUfjvRCKjnQUXSK5nHl_ow/s4080/PXL_20230314_200243906.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmTk1HyNhKspUXH_c3i2t4G5UEiakNvzVfl0TKe9sztdt1EllYHJS6ihWDnzL-ogZbYYyR0YArdvUA59xyz6j3l-JTaWIJ9AJSZF_QYBXajwP21PL3wqMABjRyk79H4h6DIRVnfFgY4HQlAmG3SF6ZlIH_JGVIoB2MrPxOUfjvRCKjnQUXSK5nHl_ow/w640-h482/PXL_20230314_200243906.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
This photo is actually from the night before, but I'm including it
because...<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwajnOZvNhYNFWJ2I3U7WoxLGUwxYkALQW6HJt12r0uS1Atm3DoOU9uD1ksI25fc_F2jjlQ9f6QoG1Cy_APlOTnTdZUkQxMWqOTJlSltf-nClUX01uY7VlwnZx6SzOPR0o37VPoxYIKt4J_d_BDdvydijLuH3F-bH75xhFfww6Fej0MBi9AKtkqXq0Kg/s4080/PXL_20230314_230126500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwajnOZvNhYNFWJ2I3U7WoxLGUwxYkALQW6HJt12r0uS1Atm3DoOU9uD1ksI25fc_F2jjlQ9f6QoG1Cy_APlOTnTdZUkQxMWqOTJlSltf-nClUX01uY7VlwnZx6SzOPR0o37VPoxYIKt4J_d_BDdvydijLuH3F-bH75xhFfww6Fej0MBi9AKtkqXq0Kg/w640-h482/PXL_20230314_230126500.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
...I ended up taking the exact same photo, effortlessly, the next
morning!<br />The tower on the left is
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka_Prefectural_Government_Sakishima_Building" target="_blank">Cosmo Tower</a>, the third tallest building in Japan.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-FZsnm3xOqL-ovEBtq4n2u_cPCieyVL7iaiCGdMr9TMY0ZW6Rk2wxrn_weyvtgV2xAvlT8EEFAYe0y2BmjipCmzUZceMgWns3ppi2teiY_B0kTzlXaV9529-Os8V2lZsD9vE9xBHCZWdttc98ltQ04hTYP9GxtHkQksdNheB3uNLmh9NIc5fUOfACA/s3648/PXL_20230315_005338379.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-FZsnm3xOqL-ovEBtq4n2u_cPCieyVL7iaiCGdMr9TMY0ZW6Rk2wxrn_weyvtgV2xAvlT8EEFAYe0y2BmjipCmzUZceMgWns3ppi2teiY_B0kTzlXaV9529-Os8V2lZsD9vE9xBHCZWdttc98ltQ04hTYP9GxtHkQksdNheB3uNLmh9NIc5fUOfACA/w640-h480/PXL_20230315_005338379.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
It wasn't even (astronomical) spring yet but many lovely flowers were
abloom!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNC7NbF6faegkkG7G3ywTxWUlepgODojajw_LeCqotaDyk2SNOCFYkqVn8aySkcal2zVq8xyFT5OHmtMZryjbUlG6t2txyMWsmOh0jw6d_kVvjpQm_vjfGswUNXL6GXoGHmZ5fa3Jt-CW40fm4xxLq9u9oVSxXTGZDjs9JtfBFFmAslg0sUU3KnEULfg/s4080/PXL_20230315_005356126.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNC7NbF6faegkkG7G3ywTxWUlepgODojajw_LeCqotaDyk2SNOCFYkqVn8aySkcal2zVq8xyFT5OHmtMZryjbUlG6t2txyMWsmOh0jw6d_kVvjpQm_vjfGswUNXL6GXoGHmZ5fa3Jt-CW40fm4xxLq9u9oVSxXTGZDjs9JtfBFFmAslg0sUU3KnEULfg/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_005356126.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</div>
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<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35juNpxhnaa4HnfB_wDjtSej2HUIxdzg2gtZ9y42xem1oaewtAguPK5rwANcTvHR10b3bPr_b_fE_vkUe8CJBbN4sghBg3Q_hKu9LRl99mba53yTybtzj2djYUF9zhngwWM7pTB5RFPSszg08ytDRpbDrIzuDtmdSblRev2GHuYj5uFn9tpCtP_HeUg/s3648/PXL_20230315_010407499.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35juNpxhnaa4HnfB_wDjtSej2HUIxdzg2gtZ9y42xem1oaewtAguPK5rwANcTvHR10b3bPr_b_fE_vkUe8CJBbN4sghBg3Q_hKu9LRl99mba53yTybtzj2djYUF9zhngwWM7pTB5RFPSszg08ytDRpbDrIzuDtmdSblRev2GHuYj5uFn9tpCtP_HeUg/w640-h480/PXL_20230315_010407499.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
We enjoyed a walk in the sunshine 🌞
<a href="http://www.wtc-cosmotower.com/">Cosmo Tower</a> and the
<a href="http://atc-en.com/" target="_blank">ATC building</a> are
visible behind us.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGocZHWiQVGpd1BXnnX9nmHx73ZqY3XiWbbMU3dkHfi_743OXiTabpaKF2uS1Ei4W5ft2gpdj2zWXj6ibesxC8Ubb38RISqYs4hCduAuiFP42yaLnHEtBrleVlpq7CPXYU_TAq2OkSAsnep5quwXuwFJGyjViwoM2Jpkv05Pady5veXkh--2BRyHh_Yw/s4080/PXL_20230315_010904047.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGocZHWiQVGpd1BXnnX9nmHx73ZqY3XiWbbMU3dkHfi_743OXiTabpaKF2uS1Ei4W5ft2gpdj2zWXj6ibesxC8Ubb38RISqYs4hCduAuiFP42yaLnHEtBrleVlpq7CPXYU_TAq2OkSAsnep5quwXuwFJGyjViwoM2Jpkv05Pady5veXkh--2BRyHh_Yw/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_010904047.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
A map of the area we walked around in. We mostly followed the canal.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3M7DsoW2Ogfp8hRiv_swcB3Y0RQ5SuCxxgcnep2W-tYRzIfKAW3UZi1Puqo4eshFlX9YNLDQj3jm0uF6WZoefH3Knnv47QEJoqHXvzCeo183qoq1VLHMVZI3k94f7g6WJyoCPKfPzTIZr-Qzu-uv6AR-iIfTvgjsXg6D7OsufUfUCMbUkC8Q7yn73g/s4080/PXL_20230315_010939779.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3M7DsoW2Ogfp8hRiv_swcB3Y0RQ5SuCxxgcnep2W-tYRzIfKAW3UZi1Puqo4eshFlX9YNLDQj3jm0uF6WZoefH3Knnv47QEJoqHXvzCeo183qoq1VLHMVZI3k94f7g6WJyoCPKfPzTIZr-Qzu-uv6AR-iIfTvgjsXg6D7OsufUfUCMbUkC8Q7yn73g/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_010939779.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
One of the best things about Japan: awesome vending machines everywhere!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQtK_WvjwMFhru-8VzLGm3ODXoAIWVNXPvUfR6QFIxVx8BF_FcjzR6_-3Ge4NvSA4lEL4oSvD7-SmHb5ufaoIw0kgD5kaf9z9jyr5dBTzjJyZk58ikg8Q_NBUWOoBHO5T8T1XVc8nnHbn6M_Upu0UC9EY9Cq7euqn99st9TMgq32GWy7-TofTQEfEeQ/s4049/PXL_20230315_011330114.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3049" data-original-width="4049" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQtK_WvjwMFhru-8VzLGm3ODXoAIWVNXPvUfR6QFIxVx8BF_FcjzR6_-3Ge4NvSA4lEL4oSvD7-SmHb5ufaoIw0kgD5kaf9z9jyr5dBTzjJyZk58ikg8Q_NBUWOoBHO5T8T1XVc8nnHbn6M_Upu0UC9EY9Cq7euqn99st9TMgq32GWy7-TofTQEfEeQ/w640-h482/PXL_20230315_011330114.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
This ship was a random find! It's a restored Kofun period ship named
Namihaya.<br /><a href="https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASQ9Z6TLGQ95OXIE00Y.html" target="_blank">This Asahi article</a>
from last October indicates people are trying to find a better home for
it.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDmhqzYIV9f0fiqv-yLPwtatUWlURCCanoOedFq-ix5WOth1i90WIQ9hBYMgX1zVcRAOujp6ZnZ98QvEH9aMoupIm85mKSRIC97UxmlXkInj2mepyDvYz45n30dD0NFHV3dpD0awfOkpTBkOF_je2how2Odw6iRqW5Y8-BC0YCe7vVjNRztPhgqYW9g/s4080/PXL_20230315_012721028.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDmhqzYIV9f0fiqv-yLPwtatUWlURCCanoOedFq-ix5WOth1i90WIQ9hBYMgX1zVcRAOujp6ZnZ98QvEH9aMoupIm85mKSRIC97UxmlXkInj2mepyDvYz45n30dD0NFHV3dpD0awfOkpTBkOF_je2how2Odw6iRqW5Y8-BC0YCe7vVjNRztPhgqYW9g/w640-h482/PXL_20230315_012721028.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
There were lots of lively birds in this area!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cOv9znVJM0j2KTxb1NwP0iZ1ywz0jUs0He4HJqH5x2w5oiss50glAIvc63Ak9BmnfM7ZHPbdV30mJvpaeechlklZ-yoLooEp5k8uA4wT8In6vUVZb2tUlii0QtRGWSmmsfdKTeeRwAdgMToceMXnoidNOnOjcvZ7lICoWA6ujSm_U4YcCwOZw-TyEA/s3648/PXL_20230315_012815844.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cOv9znVJM0j2KTxb1NwP0iZ1ywz0jUs0He4HJqH5x2w5oiss50glAIvc63Ak9BmnfM7ZHPbdV30mJvpaeechlklZ-yoLooEp5k8uA4wT8In6vUVZb2tUlii0QtRGWSmmsfdKTeeRwAdgMToceMXnoidNOnOjcvZ7lICoWA6ujSm_U4YcCwOZw-TyEA/w640-h480/PXL_20230315_012815844.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The blue and green ship in the background is the most vibrant ship I've
ever seen!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPPx0ffmoYC6QwJqh7G4Ui9GjV3zzY85-0iKn8V6xOqqDrwtA8SXn6RpMeZvx9AAM79ynZ9SyexNCeLp_dnioV2Gfo1IfCDkR7zpEZom3_aMQTfiNdpjPFF8ix6TUmcvMBuTzpVmr4BQc4SF4Ki3ux54lgLub0t8j8M9eOLsCCpUiZcBPGMB64hwGTw/s4080/PXL_20230315_012922172.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPPx0ffmoYC6QwJqh7G4Ui9GjV3zzY85-0iKn8V6xOqqDrwtA8SXn6RpMeZvx9AAM79ynZ9SyexNCeLp_dnioV2Gfo1IfCDkR7zpEZom3_aMQTfiNdpjPFF8ix6TUmcvMBuTzpVmr4BQc4SF4Ki3ux54lgLub0t8j8M9eOLsCCpUiZcBPGMB64hwGTw/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_012922172.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Turns out this Osaka-themed manhole cover is an item in Animal Crossing:
New Horizons 😲 My sister sent me an image of it! I discovered later
that many places in Japan have their own specific cover designs, so I
started taking photos of all that I noticed!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJ65U__rQ_4OKx4A7qpRZVG5kxaS_Z8k3ozkKRRThOc4byolOVcioBuMdw7XKx1o2XwVM3sxLNlLf1sdB9M30WEpOQSinhOxz_Bn_WNy0piUY9SLF1x7xr7wb5WpV3QBA5K-5jIJsA_9Ls2SF6YhjZzHG2SCpjuxLXZocVXPxDzKCfHwnfLTfwRw_mQ/s3719/PXL_20230315_013355940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3719" data-original-width="2800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJ65U__rQ_4OKx4A7qpRZVG5kxaS_Z8k3ozkKRRThOc4byolOVcioBuMdw7XKx1o2XwVM3sxLNlLf1sdB9M30WEpOQSinhOxz_Bn_WNy0piUY9SLF1x7xr7wb5WpV3QBA5K-5jIJsA_9Ls2SF6YhjZzHG2SCpjuxLXZocVXPxDzKCfHwnfLTfwRw_mQ/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_013355940.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
My first wild jellyfish sightings! I photographed several floating along
in this seawater canal.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9CC9AonIAAdM8wBwjqruQ09HkZUOpN7bw47A-CwyIHoQholwd5qZ1uThmo8-0nsL92T47in5cgq3QLWrZES5itGnFo8Wnizw8sr5zu_sfOcIt942NAA5oWoa7rd8RTY9Gm4oMxU4uNsPcs4w3vHq8lO6Tyk4GiNR4nlbcdSn6vIuemG7JU4xAlkc6g/s4080/PXL_20230315_015311246.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9CC9AonIAAdM8wBwjqruQ09HkZUOpN7bw47A-CwyIHoQholwd5qZ1uThmo8-0nsL92T47in5cgq3QLWrZES5itGnFo8Wnizw8sr5zu_sfOcIt942NAA5oWoa7rd8RTY9Gm4oMxU4uNsPcs4w3vHq8lO6Tyk4GiNR4nlbcdSn6vIuemG7JU4xAlkc6g/w640-h482/PXL_20230315_015311246.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
This was a cool driftwood art installation in our hotel, the
<a href="https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/hyatt-regency-osaka/osaka" target="_blank">Hyatt Regency Osaka</a>.<br />
</td>
</tr>
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<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxqbMXEReQ0z8KwEam9WXzhyxbNfQlLRkvJIxp8hosIuB0es2MTPLUHj0bWv7jkUbjJGPIHJgyKURNv43O3D3egMAmMY731BSEa2pzh8EViqw8EZhgGdrFvjoLoXfjJkeoGV7onwDDLC0gv3QBWzAUlf4l6Biz-XQDSJ7mCPDrQIEEUNZt8uy1vvNAA/s4080/PXL_20230315_042316395.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxqbMXEReQ0z8KwEam9WXzhyxbNfQlLRkvJIxp8hosIuB0es2MTPLUHj0bWv7jkUbjJGPIHJgyKURNv43O3D3egMAmMY731BSEa2pzh8EViqw8EZhgGdrFvjoLoXfjJkeoGV7onwDDLC0gv3QBWzAUlf4l6Biz-XQDSJ7mCPDrQIEEUNZt8uy1vvNAA/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_042316395.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Part of the artificial pond just outside the hotel.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2QK3Q9pkQ3NrntQX6ml5revNvF5bDoLEw-zXCJb73cvqOlWfTK4QiZmtY2mBMK1GDYNjmZrlG2dlqp4MqR-AzW3_3bEdAjKTqTDzPFUA_VpKxcyR426ue9pD8lyScn6CCL6zJvo0Oi4CI9PuIm_HvqE93Lq4wMtF5FGtevK_zGtuzmxTt1KlidIVKw/s3710/PXL_20230315_044003465.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3710" data-original-width="2793" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2QK3Q9pkQ3NrntQX6ml5revNvF5bDoLEw-zXCJb73cvqOlWfTK4QiZmtY2mBMK1GDYNjmZrlG2dlqp4MqR-AzW3_3bEdAjKTqTDzPFUA_VpKxcyR426ue9pD8lyScn6CCL6zJvo0Oi4CI9PuIm_HvqE93Lq4wMtF5FGtevK_zGtuzmxTt1KlidIVKw/w482-h640/PXL_20230315_044003465.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
I spotted several of these birds in the tiny park we walked to. I've now
identified them as
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dusky_thrush" target="_blank">tsugumi</a>, an Asian bird that I'd have never seen wild in my homeland!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
That's all for this entry; I'm going to put our next step, boarding and
exploring our cruise ship, into <a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/05/2023-japan-adventure-part-3-boarding.html">its own post</a>. That will be next! Please look
forward to it 😄
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-25415045264555908022023-04-13T11:31:00.003-06:002023-05-10T10:25:58.827-06:002023 Japan Adventure - Part 1: Boise to Osaka<p>This month I'm using my blog quite differently from usual. Since most of March
was taken up by my trip to Japan (and a single day in Korea), instead of a
roundup post, I'm going to make several smaller vacation recap posts 😄 Think of
it like a digital photo album, with lots of images and short notes that allow
you to experience my journey, or even imagine your own future visit to Japan!</p>
<p>
First, a little background information. My husband, Sean, and I were
originally planning to attend the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. I had started saving up
ever since the Rio Olympics closing ceremonies, where Prime Minister Shinzo
Abe emerged from a green pipe dressed as Mario ❤️ But, of course, those plans
were destroyed (with some false hope in between) by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even the replacement trip we decided on, a cruise around Japan in 2022, was
cancelled for the same reason. But happily, the replacement for our
replacement wasn't cancelled, and we got to have the most awesome adventure of
our lives so far~!
</p>
<p>
Now begins a multi-post account of my three weeks in Japan! Please enjoy!
</p>
<p><b>13-14 March 2023 - Traveling from Boise to Osaka</b></p>
<p>
We didn't realize it would be like this, so it was an exhausting surprise to
find our total awake time (not including naps on flights) ended up being over
24 hours, starting from waking up in the early morning on the 13th at home in
Boise, and ending when we finally got to enter our hotel room in Osaka in the
evening on the 14th 😅 The travel itself was great, we flew Delta One across
the Pacific, which was sooo nice, especially since my last trip to Japan was
via the cheapest seats, so I already had the least comfortable experience in
memory as comparison. But I didn't expect to be so tired on my first day in
Japan!
</p>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido1emSUtlaQq6Btsl41F82jlkSZMnhyKszbn5otSYvdx57g1z5MHwNvqHCum0OL26E5GNLQZRBJ61VTjv9q4AMAAVFoI0hJNyEwAtaFTKXBGkOU-meq4YDD9kItu2gkHfnhEQ6EdCwDO4eddXn_tMWDdJRU4CVZz-qCRChfrpGFgvYbJ1AHQzdU2QqA/s3648/PXL_20230313_150818495.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2736"
data-original-width="3648"
height="480"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido1emSUtlaQq6Btsl41F82jlkSZMnhyKszbn5otSYvdx57g1z5MHwNvqHCum0OL26E5GNLQZRBJ61VTjv9q4AMAAVFoI0hJNyEwAtaFTKXBGkOU-meq4YDD9kItu2gkHfnhEQ6EdCwDO4eddXn_tMWDdJRU4CVZz-qCRChfrpGFgvYbJ1AHQzdU2QqA/w640-h480/PXL_20230313_150818495.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Me and Sean on the plane from Boise to Seattle.<br />
</td>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwUFedvUcI68bylbWTtnmebKn8vRoj5JKZhXONau5Nwnjuh2oe_q4VIGUvBPskKX2NTSUar_ucKPTeniV39rAi1Y36AXjOxIENIm3BFD15FbdDKWHtoWhifm-ZcEtDIRkCDt94eBQfH4MlDR2680Dt3U3j7fJfD6GQaQL3HEn9Z2Q_gbonQeUTR0a5w/s4080/PXL_20230313_183143093.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
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height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwUFedvUcI68bylbWTtnmebKn8vRoj5JKZhXONau5Nwnjuh2oe_q4VIGUvBPskKX2NTSUar_ucKPTeniV39rAi1Y36AXjOxIENIm3BFD15FbdDKWHtoWhifm-ZcEtDIRkCDt94eBQfH4MlDR2680Dt3U3j7fJfD6GQaQL3HEn9Z2Q_gbonQeUTR0a5w/w640-h482/PXL_20230313_183143093.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
My Delta One seat on the flight from Seattle to Tokyo.<br />
I've never flown so fancy before~ The seat lays down into a bed!<br />
</td>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Fn-kXGpluzjrmdsTXxiC12bON6Fgz96UmDqBwnur34S-l2QnVvaUWJql29JBqZpgBSvvG9ABJXK-J6sOFNMyjCHFylEmcCj5N8ZjDUGBjBzy84vj2I62FLbQPmonJhOZUQw6QCpPrca4S8LCq0c6I1gS3_sjeoH9SrVn4NQHS51viN2_RWJJIPPOyQ/s3648/PXL_20230313_183710444.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Fn-kXGpluzjrmdsTXxiC12bON6Fgz96UmDqBwnur34S-l2QnVvaUWJql29JBqZpgBSvvG9ABJXK-J6sOFNMyjCHFylEmcCj5N8ZjDUGBjBzy84vj2I62FLbQPmonJhOZUQw6QCpPrca4S8LCq0c6I1gS3_sjeoH9SrVn4NQHS51viN2_RWJJIPPOyQ/w640-h480/PXL_20230313_183710444.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
As soon as you're seated, the first drinks service begins! We chose
orange juice 🍊<br />
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2I86L3a8-hOyZLkkJgOLSwqAd_YFWZht3FWLEhxmqkYFlHy6cKG41ye66V_1IV98hy1GYuN6wwnq-kWe_tpfTMHGwXVl7oGh_-mMdaVX1jb_tXfH5rbNb5PrPLTksWN44zGaeUWOWFzVWYbOCRTksB-SOGJzqPrkvvUbRrQiipIE8zHxaofc8ABqzw/s3648/PXL_20230313_184158672.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2I86L3a8-hOyZLkkJgOLSwqAd_YFWZht3FWLEhxmqkYFlHy6cKG41ye66V_1IV98hy1GYuN6wwnq-kWe_tpfTMHGwXVl7oGh_-mMdaVX1jb_tXfH5rbNb5PrPLTksWN44zGaeUWOWFzVWYbOCRTksB-SOGJzqPrkvvUbRrQiipIE8zHxaofc8ABqzw/w480-h640/PXL_20230313_184158672.jpg"
width="480"
/></a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
All strapped in and ready for takeoff!<br />
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yBFFL2QGoeGHbJ3HVgtux4u3DRAEYV1GB6MxZ5birg0ys6xlhsB-PXipEWW2Lv0e61y76bL9sPez8LYnexPERjFmQNQlAOn_sFIYH-8eb9O_adazc2_L07BtLZ57C3rmgNBiH1KgTgBTvjwyJc36xPFcHfRTPRIT_SkrWMP0wJYC8PVomx8wPIaScw/s3961/PXL_20230313_191836239.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2639"
data-original-width="3961"
height="426"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yBFFL2QGoeGHbJ3HVgtux4u3DRAEYV1GB6MxZ5birg0ys6xlhsB-PXipEWW2Lv0e61y76bL9sPez8LYnexPERjFmQNQlAOn_sFIYH-8eb9O_adazc2_L07BtLZ57C3rmgNBiH1KgTgBTvjwyJc36xPFcHfRTPRIT_SkrWMP0wJYC8PVomx8wPIaScw/w640-h426/PXL_20230313_191836239.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Included with this seat was a care packet containing an eye mask, ear
plugs, hand cream, lip balm, toothbrush and paste, and an eco-conscious
pen.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaeAL3QCOaJlrsRzYrJKqH7Xi7Noes32Z231Qi6vCSExwd01YORIvv0JlN1yOXC7Lbb1YiN6FKQsLsJ57TEpv2W3gBZwj892Tzv_J34dRplafEQu9I8rmnmrlqccIgpHTKr0FrR8Spjhg7AsAzrWvtIMlNXvFImQqZZfGulFip5nTb_q0aWEBpYjXZQ/s4080/PXL_20230313_192329700.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaeAL3QCOaJlrsRzYrJKqH7Xi7Noes32Z231Qi6vCSExwd01YORIvv0JlN1yOXC7Lbb1YiN6FKQsLsJ57TEpv2W3gBZwj892Tzv_J34dRplafEQu9I8rmnmrlqccIgpHTKr0FrR8Spjhg7AsAzrWvtIMlNXvFImQqZZfGulFip5nTb_q0aWEBpYjXZQ/w640-h482/PXL_20230313_192329700.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
It also came with slippers, headphones (for use with the built-in media
system), and a bottle of water 😊 All needs accounted for!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCi75sf-vysxp-IaWvQyiPUHw6GQlV9n8TqHTDdvR-uzdnGbdOy26yJOvIDxjIBli6tFrHL9So01g4pz4KUp8IWj7cQy9SppZ-3ydFdRjS5WVEJXFRwjnwMEArsgH81OFr_FHFD-k3NjUo8pnYxZPdTerkWwDGu39rcv9NYkXjQrkKes5yLx2cy4A4PA/s4007/PXL_20230313_201500853.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3017"
data-original-width="4007"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCi75sf-vysxp-IaWvQyiPUHw6GQlV9n8TqHTDdvR-uzdnGbdOy26yJOvIDxjIBli6tFrHL9So01g4pz4KUp8IWj7cQy9SppZ-3ydFdRjS5WVEJXFRwjnwMEArsgH81OFr_FHFD-k3NjUo8pnYxZPdTerkWwDGu39rcv9NYkXjQrkKes5yLx2cy4A4PA/w640-h482/PXL_20230313_201500853.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The media system was so cool! Not only could you watch movies, listen to
music, or the like, you could see all kinds of data and visualizations
of the flight itself and its progress 🤩<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs83IoR2nfdd7ratzC6hzdhMRQ6rclp3IitbMvoY5bDpTFMxnrei6tADCYIeIIG5Vqo5u1UbS4xaWevXY4GvkTOGy_rLQD9x7bwbGazzZbxzPfI-4d1_3OrEGVlhFQZPvyRpBSEgmW3Vgh2wd7sVZdOnWCcHcDL4yo_QZ18jIZazFc8SEOJpEhfqJleA/s4080/PXL_20230313_203529152.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs83IoR2nfdd7ratzC6hzdhMRQ6rclp3IitbMvoY5bDpTFMxnrei6tADCYIeIIG5Vqo5u1UbS4xaWevXY4GvkTOGy_rLQD9x7bwbGazzZbxzPfI-4d1_3OrEGVlhFQZPvyRpBSEgmW3Vgh2wd7sVZdOnWCcHcDL4yo_QZ18jIZazFc8SEOJpEhfqJleA/w640-h482/PXL_20230313_203529152.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The first movie I decided to watch was <i>Spaceballs</i>, a childhood
favorite! I'd actually been wanting to rewatch it for a while and I was
pleased to find it just as laugh-out-loud funny as ever 😂<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1enAB86_qfTsPByb_rqecQCWKIkM5lNrP4wnzajkQsMZWxYmIZWvLfXOxj_k2an9WFhUduubInQKMc5EzF4EHjqEgiQ413hrgeK1cQ_EtkQUbPFKh-3NCSd7p_2CDxqR6pS2cCJVdECeVWIccUt4qaYhaHwCoXU7YYveTlK6Q1YaN9YbsdBExY-hKKA/s4080/PXL_20230314_043005086.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1enAB86_qfTsPByb_rqecQCWKIkM5lNrP4wnzajkQsMZWxYmIZWvLfXOxj_k2an9WFhUduubInQKMc5EzF4EHjqEgiQ413hrgeK1cQ_EtkQUbPFKh-3NCSd7p_2CDxqR6pS2cCJVdECeVWIccUt4qaYhaHwCoXU7YYveTlK6Q1YaN9YbsdBExY-hKKA/w640-h482/PXL_20230314_043005086.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
My vegan breakfast at the end of the flight was delicious!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvTFx3kTdWrLBhOOt55wG0bmjuSljmWXFk9l-BdZ4LntSHNuWXhDaXuTykiZW2-wdPDX9R1qzwI92u-sx6a6yIkrqRA8Oi_FAoM8iyYL1HWJfC1Gdr31ZUyKqRxXDpES4g6qAAh8CB4uMzV91QzbOS1T0RpwY0PoKCK5_SIl-rK4YmNp_7gTeG_Dqow/s4080/PXL_20230314_051709396.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvTFx3kTdWrLBhOOt55wG0bmjuSljmWXFk9l-BdZ4LntSHNuWXhDaXuTykiZW2-wdPDX9R1qzwI92u-sx6a6yIkrqRA8Oi_FAoM8iyYL1HWJfC1Gdr31ZUyKqRxXDpES4g6qAAh8CB4uMzV91QzbOS1T0RpwY0PoKCK5_SIl-rK4YmNp_7gTeG_Dqow/w640-h482/PXL_20230314_051709396.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
I didn't have enough time to watch the whole thing, but the second movie
I chose was <i>The Last Samurai</i>, another long-time favorite. Again,
I was pleased to find it just as good as I remembered 🥹<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAfnIIZPNBQEd9uCv_5ISnXGdLUWWXKGWMUG1HXX86U1levxpUSGnfL2gzDqiS-DUOdCCWC-U5g-pDgQ1Q4EBG26oREMIieXty2EXhjLVQa3x0iRIGzki_9Bj6ILFFrsEH-FDJeHO3yK3OmHz03hTDcM94Z6qcQ-PIxdLb68q281FPZMAOLi3guWfbg/s4080/PXL_20230314_083952778.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="4080"
data-original-width="3072"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAfnIIZPNBQEd9uCv_5ISnXGdLUWWXKGWMUG1HXX86U1levxpUSGnfL2gzDqiS-DUOdCCWC-U5g-pDgQ1Q4EBG26oREMIieXty2EXhjLVQa3x0iRIGzki_9Bj6ILFFrsEH-FDJeHO3yK3OmHz03hTDcM94Z6qcQ-PIxdLb68q281FPZMAOLi3guWfbg/w482-h640/PXL_20230314_083952778.jpg"
width="482"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
We safely landed at Tokyo International Airport, and when I was allowed
to turn off airplane mode on my phone, it officially became Tuesday
afternoon for me! We skipped a bunch of time when we crossed the
International Date Line; it was only just after midnight back at
home.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT693a6PX0ufsL07tX7BmMydTCyxTxPKBllp9ICgX-m7AV7y7Zoxev8aEO5Cs21EToqXX35v_YyrHRKNYOpYkEmrKxFK7f1KQTLvO3QHzd86qrWiDMCDvBMzAj16uenUE3AQlHCQVF49JeSGRgLtL91Y4OUBJIVTJXrBH982t0mF_Q95YQkcuD17O4BQ/s4080/PXL_20230314_090106784.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="4080"
data-original-width="3072"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT693a6PX0ufsL07tX7BmMydTCyxTxPKBllp9ICgX-m7AV7y7Zoxev8aEO5Cs21EToqXX35v_YyrHRKNYOpYkEmrKxFK7f1KQTLvO3QHzd86qrWiDMCDvBMzAj16uenUE3AQlHCQVF49JeSGRgLtL91Y4OUBJIVTJXrBH982t0mF_Q95YQkcuD17O4BQ/w482-h640/PXL_20230314_090106784.jpg"
width="482"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The sunset was beautiful on the plane ride to Osaka~<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIM682y6xKGm2BaTCfIkFzvIL0wB52rfRMHXaJOdlUgPgfh9WGOTetfosV19x4OypLoBGTZ6994axfrBeS7auJKJy6fFRBcYXxmD7pEKp3J_zwl2IWMpRZHndNQNmSeDj1ECOKAANqIDH_12nffhM9UQBJ7EH6Ay3HnG0qeaJsI5FAd0cQ2tIAR3uLw/s3900/PXL_20230314_092923107.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3900"
data-original-width="2936"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIM682y6xKGm2BaTCfIkFzvIL0wB52rfRMHXaJOdlUgPgfh9WGOTetfosV19x4OypLoBGTZ6994axfrBeS7auJKJy6fFRBcYXxmD7pEKp3J_zwl2IWMpRZHndNQNmSeDj1ECOKAANqIDH_12nffhM9UQBJ7EH6Ay3HnG0qeaJsI5FAd0cQ2tIAR3uLw/w482-h640/PXL_20230314_092923107.jpg"
width="482"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Gorgeous twilight aerial view of Osaka 🌇<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNYpbPgXJF-82bt_ZMdUfmOyR9XudZGpYtMtstWRfOlk1TX9gkYN9kRuYHBoYXLdFUwJujxZvGS_5N0Sy2MFKlh21zTgM-A0T2DTFy7Mq9pmTfivMzhldPslBC94NyoxITROiGiLWntPSbQHO1JbLgdK9gMYxorwXmCLsb3mlH3PPyU3rkm5J7jA8UQ/s4080/PXL_20230314_111656221.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNYpbPgXJF-82bt_ZMdUfmOyR9XudZGpYtMtstWRfOlk1TX9gkYN9kRuYHBoYXLdFUwJujxZvGS_5N0Sy2MFKlh21zTgM-A0T2DTFy7Mq9pmTfivMzhldPslBC94NyoxITROiGiLWntPSbQHO1JbLgdK9gMYxorwXmCLsb3mlH3PPyU3rkm5J7jA8UQ/w640-h482/PXL_20230314_111656221.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
We stayed the first night at the Hyatt Regency Osaka, a very nice
hotel!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWnCSCU202sJ0XLHYEAoc5qxxyjf8DKeLQrpfmaC_--F284q2UOkqgChiDRc2Wteep2BLCFsytJ0hwgGlwkQIWGDcf35aWAsXeuNjpfg8-zjA9mt_VXX_gxw2pjXgmXOm8JX4NFwfkcyOVomvsMOljhJ36-5EijSu28Tz7GjDvcBUypYBq1vO6ZW_jA/s4080/PXL_20230314_111714107.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWnCSCU202sJ0XLHYEAoc5qxxyjf8DKeLQrpfmaC_--F284q2UOkqgChiDRc2Wteep2BLCFsytJ0hwgGlwkQIWGDcf35aWAsXeuNjpfg8-zjA9mt_VXX_gxw2pjXgmXOm8JX4NFwfkcyOVomvsMOljhJ36-5EijSu28Tz7GjDvcBUypYBq1vO6ZW_jA/w640-h482/PXL_20230314_111714107.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The best everyday part of Japan is the toilets 🤩🚽✨<br />Almost all
have a "washlet" with various features such as a bidet, privacy sounds
(so you can poop with other people nearby and not feel self-conscious! I
loved it!!!), heated seat, etc. I want one at home...<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mKzKs8Uta22mgCDHdopUMxh6PQudMCqV97JkRRKrieHEL63kAi-ZqC7RHvXmc4Vja4RpTRlIi8NoTDwGPbO8QDDrMdEdbpV3CS1BJKAqUPLNL05L4wAUq-RuBMPuMqndWO_ucomqBUa9yXpo-ykO8OUgM_gy2zSmiaSmObZrM9h1-qFV8BQlPnxvrg/s4080/PXL_20230314_111919670.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mKzKs8Uta22mgCDHdopUMxh6PQudMCqV97JkRRKrieHEL63kAi-ZqC7RHvXmc4Vja4RpTRlIi8NoTDwGPbO8QDDrMdEdbpV3CS1BJKAqUPLNL05L4wAUq-RuBMPuMqndWO_ucomqBUa9yXpo-ykO8OUgM_gy2zSmiaSmObZrM9h1-qFV8BQlPnxvrg/w640-h482/PXL_20230314_111919670.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Was so nice to go to sleep in a comfy bed after over 24 hours of travel.
I had zero jet lag because I managed to stay up until a normal bed time
😌💤<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<p>
That's it for the first day of our journey! Next time I will cover our morning
<a
href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/04/2023-japan-adventure-part-2-first-day.html"
>exploring around the hotel in Osaka</a
>
and boarding our cruise ship, the Silver Muse. Please look forward to it!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-33818829547046647452023-03-08T13:19:00.003-07:002023-03-08T13:19:55.433-07:002023 February Roundup<p>
I'm sitting in my garden floor studio, dressed for my lunchtime workout, with
the space heater going because I finally got cold. It's surprisingly bright
outside, so I have my curtains closed, even though I'd like to look out and
see if it starts to snow. Last night's weather forecast predicted snow by this
evening ☃️ I hope that prediction comes true!
</p>
<p>
February went really well for Studio Mikarts. Progress in all areas, no major
hiccups, just smooth sailing~ I have lots of cool updates to share and news
about upcoming plans, so let's begin!
</p>
<p><b>Patreon Rewards</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-ndjaesgZMDWSOh2rGY_uYb3vh5iL1Yudqm-X092gM3LDtdBhhg8IPrum6NhJwKiieNKnjcFfHPahtir26FhAr8HPoyk7qsH8o57goC1HMmX_TbOug5_EjzQaFoc68m7CYM_gik8KgBhOLs3UTkNh7VdhHypJQ0UsaWiO4dLY56aki2YLd7-OkFakw/s4080/PXL_20230220_215513822.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-ndjaesgZMDWSOh2rGY_uYb3vh5iL1Yudqm-X092gM3LDtdBhhg8IPrum6NhJwKiieNKnjcFfHPahtir26FhAr8HPoyk7qsH8o57goC1HMmX_TbOug5_EjzQaFoc68m7CYM_gik8KgBhOLs3UTkNh7VdhHypJQ0UsaWiO4dLY56aki2YLd7-OkFakw/w640-h482/PXL_20230220_215513822.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
February was the first time I've printed Patreon rewards in-house. I used the
same type of paper that I already use for full-size prints, Red River Paper's
<a
href="https://www.redrivercatalog.com/browse/auroranatural.html"
target="_blank"
>Aurora Art Natural</a
>, and the same archival printer, my Epson
<a
href="https://epson.com/For-Home/Printers/Photo/Expression-Photo-XP-970-Small-in-One-Printer/p/C11CH45201"
target="_blank"
>Expression Photo</a
>. The reward pictured here is my Winter Gryphon illustration. As you can see,
printing went well, so I'll continue printing all rewards in-house for the
foreseeable future. Sign up to get monthly Patreon rewards from Studio Mikarts
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank">here</a>! You
can choose from a single postcard, a pack of three postcards, a full-size
print, or a print <i>and</i> three postcards 😄
</p>
<p><b>deviantART</b></p>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IyDBJ2QXBLRozdg678_N034gPv4A7MZSP7kygkcamrZPctOurRiPWhwxMRGd5bln8N6FRpquzKLB7MlMJa6NPs1nqwHSowR6SvAzbTwDoMDt_mIXuK2rDRCRANvxYeGcaqVtFMoIiBXFVCc1hxzs3oIZWgJrDO5P0IS8PDLoiJn3jP2F-xaped9orw/s2000/220713_SpringGryphon_NoBlur_ForWeb.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1393"
data-original-width="2000"
height="446"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IyDBJ2QXBLRozdg678_N034gPv4A7MZSP7kygkcamrZPctOurRiPWhwxMRGd5bln8N6FRpquzKLB7MlMJa6NPs1nqwHSowR6SvAzbTwDoMDt_mIXuK2rDRCRANvxYeGcaqVtFMoIiBXFVCc1hxzs3oIZWgJrDO5P0IS8PDLoiJn3jP2F-xaped9orw/w640-h446/220713_SpringGryphon_NoBlur_ForWeb.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
My
<a
href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/Spring-Gryphon-947761105"
target="_blank"
>Spring Gryphon</a
>
was featured as a Daily Deviation!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
I have some exciting news to share about deviantART! After nearly 20 years
using the site, I finally made something that earned a Daily Deviation!
🎊😄🎉✨ For anyone who doesn't know what a Daily Deviation (DD for short) is,
it's the prominent featuring of a user's submission by a deviantART official.
I've always wanted to be chosen, but I never caught anyone's eye until now. Is
it a coincidence that the selected piece was made during my first year after
graduating from art school? Maybe, maybe not!
</p>
<p><b>Gryphia Progress</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XOo-tNmtp-GD-A5t3zogtXk8F-NziyPvA6c1k2cPKuw6y14jXxtu0QdIWGS8sCS8IM0x5WK38hXnTy1Q85CGGag4m4a8NxB67I5fOB1uE-Vq9E6CxXZn87belCP_bhoDBvv6upqQ3589BxZ0ijeJjnlYcLyB0JE_V6u_aazZ0ZI3uFjybGNwCIq3JQ/s4080/PXL_20230223_200310415.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XOo-tNmtp-GD-A5t3zogtXk8F-NziyPvA6c1k2cPKuw6y14jXxtu0QdIWGS8sCS8IM0x5WK38hXnTy1Q85CGGag4m4a8NxB67I5fOB1uE-Vq9E6CxXZn87belCP_bhoDBvv6upqQ3589BxZ0ijeJjnlYcLyB0JE_V6u_aazZ0ZI3uFjybGNwCIq3JQ/w640-h482/PXL_20230223_200310415.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
I've continued working through my previous notes to prepare for planning
chapter eight and beyond. It's taking a surprising amount of time; I have a
lot of notes! But I think it's time well-spent, since I've rediscovered old
ideas that fit wonderfully, and remembered previous elements that I don't want
to forget to address before the story ends. Progress slowed as the month wore
on, because I began using my writing time to prepare for my trip to Japan (in
less than a week!) but small steps still move one forward, so that's all that
matters 😊
</p>
<p><b>Art Livestreaming</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqTvdt0Rr7voL7B5s8x50U2inLH9T15kxHodCOzqzczFe62D9eFuOLn5rF83y_AdvgRBz1hKrRyoSf3IyHBz_Lydsn3aLkYT81II_XvW0o6n0eBdr3m9vHIJXeeD_00Tpi8p15StQYF9ISY4u9V7yRLJXmrY890wkcTxxxNMOHLAyEQTXRzKPBFeDGw/s3647/PXL_20230227_233504936.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2506"
data-original-width="3647"
height="440"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqTvdt0Rr7voL7B5s8x50U2inLH9T15kxHodCOzqzczFe62D9eFuOLn5rF83y_AdvgRBz1hKrRyoSf3IyHBz_Lydsn3aLkYT81II_XvW0o6n0eBdr3m9vHIJXeeD_00Tpi8p15StQYF9ISY4u9V7yRLJXmrY890wkcTxxxNMOHLAyEQTXRzKPBFeDGw/w640-h440/PXL_20230227_233504936.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
I had an excellent month of livestreaming, as usual! I've continued my January
schedule, with Inktober52 on Monday, Wednesday Lucky Dips, and Chibi Fridays.
I created so much work on stream in February it was hard to decide which piece
to feature here, so I just chose the final piece I made. It's a sparrow +
shiba inu gryphon, in response to the Inktober52 prompt: pup 🐶
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts/schedule" target="_blank"
>Click here</a
>
to check out my livestreaming schedule and, while you're there, don't forget
follow me to get notifications whenever I go live!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe
allowfullscreen=""
class="BLOG_video_class"
height="532"
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oKtWUEQVBUA"
width="640"
youtube-src-id="oKtWUEQVBUA"
></iframe>
</div>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypdRkyHKBM_o-4BnnJIhyGl8x6O4dygDnRffQoC1wDQdSqC6OxIpzFI5MhlWQo-9nqIuRFwwhDKZTNj97XxUiS1ubN1G_-Jn62TDUqFKUUHzkT_r9nkCu2EvYrg9T6eMC9kWWu9nUttv9fccpFtlsl4Q5O9qF81M9edExrjwcvoskkumGs1BwHXb1wg/s1561/Screenshot%202023-03-01%20at%2012-24-27%20Twitch.png"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="835"
data-original-width="1561"
height="342"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypdRkyHKBM_o-4BnnJIhyGl8x6O4dygDnRffQoC1wDQdSqC6OxIpzFI5MhlWQo-9nqIuRFwwhDKZTNj97XxUiS1ubN1G_-Jn62TDUqFKUUHzkT_r9nkCu2EvYrg9T6eMC9kWWu9nUttv9fccpFtlsl4Q5O9qF81M9edExrjwcvoskkumGs1BwHXb1wg/w640-h342/Screenshot%202023-03-01%20at%2012-24-27%20Twitch.png"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
My featured charity in February was
<a href="https://www.theratretreat.org/" target="_blank">The Rat Retreat</a>,
an Idaho-based organization that provides good homes to rats and educates the
public about these sweet, intelligent, misunderstood beings. My monthly
donation is always decided by the number of unique viewers on Twitch; I donate
$0.10 USD per viewer, with a minimum of $10 and a max of $100. Nine viewers in
February equals a $10 donation!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLRjqOcqSDt8I4y1VJDbCibwXa6_ojePmtihbiw5g0Q3BoLtOCdGzhKIv6bDDi-5wzQiuK2Tjy8xggrXopRhz58t214QI9zBdjn6FdZo57OD--N6zCZy6Zgje6jbJOd_4dFhgF8JqetqBNl6H2CiP_tW2axIj-H1LL481VEz39LjhGfEb64ji-L9wiw/s1329/TheRatRetreatDonation.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1329"
data-original-width="959"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLRjqOcqSDt8I4y1VJDbCibwXa6_ojePmtihbiw5g0Q3BoLtOCdGzhKIv6bDDi-5wzQiuK2Tjy8xggrXopRhz58t214QI9zBdjn6FdZo57OD--N6zCZy6Zgje6jbJOd_4dFhgF8JqetqBNl6H2CiP_tW2axIj-H1LL481VEz39LjhGfEb64ji-L9wiw/w462-h640/TheRatRetreatDonation.jpg"
width="462"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
Since I'll be on vacation (sailing around Japan!) for four weeks starting
mid-March, my next featured charity shall use both March and April's streaming
stats. Since March is Women's History Month in my country, I chose
<a href="https://redrover.org/" target="_blank">RedRover</a> as my next
featured charity, because one of the things they do is help people who are
escaping abusive homes bring their pets with them. Women are
<a
href="https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/what-is-domestic-abuse/domestic-abuse-is-a-gendered-crime/"
>disproportionately victims of domestic abuse</a
>
and too few shelters accept pets,
<a href="https://redrover.org/domestic-violence-and-pets/" target="_blank"
>who are often victims themselves</a
>, so I hope my donation at the end of April will help both women and their
beloved pets!
</p>
<p><b>Mika's Monthly...</b></p>
<p>
Here are my recommendations in a variety of categories for things that made my
February healthy, fun, and awesome! As always, I am not being compensated in
any way, I just legitimately love these things and hope you'll give them a
try, too 😄 <br />
</p>
<p>
<b> ...Workout</b> 💃 After recovering from a triceps injury I sustained at
the beginning of the year (like, literally on January 1st 😅) in February I was
finally able to resume playing
<a
href="https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/zumba-burn-it-up-switch/"
target="_blank"
>Zumba: Burn it Up!</a
>
on my Nintendo Switch! This game is super fun, I love the music selection, and
there's not a huge emphasis on getting the dance moves exactly right. The game
part just seems to care whether you're moving to the beat, so it's really easy
to get into the game even if you have no dance experience! I decided to add
dancing to my workout routine after watching a documentary that suggested
exercise that also engages your brain in learning is overall more effective. Whether that's true or not, dancing is fun, so Zumba is
remaining a staple in my routine!
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
The shortest, easiest class but still enough to work up a good sweat!
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheActiveOtaku?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#TheActiveOtaku</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZumbaBurnItUp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#ZumbaBurnItUp</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NintendoSwitch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#NintendoSwitch</a
>
<a href="https://t.co/1CurufJJrJ">pic.twitter.com/1CurufJJrJ</a>
</p>
— Studio Mikarts - Denise みか Hutchins (@StudioMikarts)
<a
href="https://twitter.com/StudioMikarts/status/1630663078760312832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>February 28, 2023</a
>
</blockquote>
<script
async=""
charset="utf-8"
src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"
></script>
<p>
<b> ...Vegan Victuals</b> 💝 For Valentine's Day, my husband got me a box of
<a
href="https://nowheychocolate.com/seasonal/valentines-day/heart-chocolate-truffle-box/"
target="_blank"
>No Whey! Truffles</a
>
😍 This brand is awesome because not only are their chocolates absolutely
scrumptious, they're vegan! I am happy any time there's an excuse to eat their
tasty treats!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLu4g9gR-xcZI0XZpCWb9sKWeiqmjFAMxz-alGH-M_VsMI7FJVPaw4QV7oUNHN8ltZh6NGyG2KwMLxPE25He3bDfF69nEvMiSuZUh1m7v9Ho61Uhbg8u9jvjlsAB0-NtCN_kF1lAfAFBePTQ7GqCpH5a6UTrKVTpK6T00_JAaIOFgVb4gBzgQtllT49w/s4080/PXL_20230212_223715047.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLu4g9gR-xcZI0XZpCWb9sKWeiqmjFAMxz-alGH-M_VsMI7FJVPaw4QV7oUNHN8ltZh6NGyG2KwMLxPE25He3bDfF69nEvMiSuZUh1m7v9Ho61Uhbg8u9jvjlsAB0-NtCN_kF1lAfAFBePTQ7GqCpH5a6UTrKVTpK6T00_JAaIOFgVb4gBzgQtllT49w/w640-h482/PXL_20230212_223715047.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
<b> ...Book</b> 📕 The one book I finished in February was Andy Serkis'
audiobook reading of
<a
href="https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Fellowship-of-the-Ring-Audiobook/1705047572"
target="_blank"
>The Fellowship of the Ring,</a
>
but even if I had finished some of the other books I'm currently reading, this
still would have been my top recommendation for the month. As I state in
<a
href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/80af9c62-a711-44eb-a36f-7cec125b6ba6"
target="_blank"
>my StoryGraph review</a
>, Andy Serkis doesn't just read the book, he gives a performance!<br />
</p>
<p>
<b> ...Show</b> 📺 I started rewatching one of my favorite anime of all time
last month:
<a
href="https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GYGGPPW7Y/natsume-yujin-cho"
target="_blank"
>Natsume Yuujinchou</a
>. It's generally a monster-of-the-week style show featuring a boy in high
school who can see youkai (a kind of Japanese spirits/monsters). His ability
causes him all kinds of trouble, worst of all social isolation and difficulty
finding a place to safely be, both socially and physically. It's usually a
bittersweet show (almost every episode makes me cry, no matter how many times
I watch it!) but it also has some very dark and creepy moments, plus a healthy
dose of cuteness and humor. Although the show doesn't directly address these
topics, it nevertheless makes me think deeply about relationships, mental
health, and how difficult it is for everyone to navigate the world, whatever
their circumstances.
</p>
<p>
<b> ...Game</b> 🎮
<a
href="https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/a-little-to-the-left-switch/"
target="_blank"
>A Little to the Left</a
>
is a game I instantly wanted ever since I saw it in a Nintendo Direct last
year. Happily, one of my friends gave me a Nintendo gift card for Christmas,
so of course I bought this gem immediately! It's a super chill and cozy puzzle
and organization game. Many puzzles have multiple correct solutions and
there's a Daily Tidy challenge, so even though the main game (which has a
surprisingly touching ending!) doesn't take long to get through, the replay
value is still rather high 😊 I've been playing every day to unlock all the
Daily Tidy badges!
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
I finished the main game yesterday; this was one of my favorite levels. Eye
candy~ I'm glad there's a Daily Tidy for me to look forward to throughout
the year!
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALittleToTheLeft?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#ALittleToTheLeft</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NintendoSwitch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#NintendoSwitch</a
>
<a href="https://t.co/Yvvfgd5Idr">pic.twitter.com/Yvvfgd5Idr</a>
</p>
— Studio Mikarts - Denise みか Hutchins (@StudioMikarts)
<a
href="https://twitter.com/StudioMikarts/status/1608613998957846529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>December 30, 2022</a
>
</blockquote>
<script
async=""
charset="utf-8"
src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"
></script>
<p>
<b> ...Music</b> 🎧 I discovered something amazing in February: several of my
favorite video games have soundtracks and other albums available on Spotify!
This inspired me to create a new playlist called
<a
href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3NEBqkmfSwVO5E9npNapnl?si=26a60674a3564c6a"
target="_blank"
>Mika's Instrumental Game Favorites 🎻</a
>
and I've been listening to it virtually every day since. It's got a lot of
calm, peaceful tracks from Okami and Ace Attorney but also some more peppy,
rocking tracks from Sonic Adventure. Either way it makes for nice background
music for all kinds of activities throughout the day (I've been listening
especially at shower time!).
</p>
<iframe
allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture"
allowfullscreen=""
frameborder="0"
height="352"
loading="lazy"
src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/3NEBqkmfSwVO5E9npNapnl?utm_source=generator"
style="border-radius: 12px;"
width="100%"
></iframe>
<p>
So that's it for February's roundup! In the week since I started writing, it's
snowed multiple times and it looks like it's trying to come down again as I
type 😄🌨️ There are only a few days left before I depart for Japan 🎌 Half of
March will be taken up by this adventure, and I intend to make lots of plein
air drawings and paintings while I'm there! I think that will make next
month's roundup quite different and interesting. Please look forward to it!
Until then, may you be safe, happy, and well ❤️
</p>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG_tGO9OfWwrpLSbhVN8exw0e25FRfdDHF40KPIFIHxS3W4VOF7Eqzr7OG-tJv-0Lno1d1louPmlSZGIzTfUtb19fMCFIMBqNvA-tMQh7Ygeukobcb42_LOtBFlPAVDN57hfzBIu3AMcwzHen5ljWx2CrtOnZdP3YZYFVBjBWiqaAw8v764LDSea1DQ/s4080/PXL_20230301_153548101.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="4080"
data-original-width="3072"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG_tGO9OfWwrpLSbhVN8exw0e25FRfdDHF40KPIFIHxS3W4VOF7Eqzr7OG-tJv-0Lno1d1louPmlSZGIzTfUtb19fMCFIMBqNvA-tMQh7Ygeukobcb42_LOtBFlPAVDN57hfzBIu3AMcwzHen5ljWx2CrtOnZdP3YZYFVBjBWiqaAw8v764LDSea1DQ/w482-h640/PXL_20230301_153548101.jpg"
width="482"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Chappie and Aoife enjoying the snow~!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-3329007040322397822023-02-10T13:03:00.002-07:002023-02-10T13:03:31.791-07:002023 January Roundup<p>
I can't believe January passed so quickly! And we're already entering the
second week of February! It even seems like spring is stepping in early. It's
getting much warmer during the day, lots of (dratted) sunshine between rainy
spells (all of which seem to happen when I'm not available to enjoy them!),
and no fresh snow for weeks. I'm not sure I'm ready for winter to be over. I
would have liked more snow! But next month I'll be at sea for a couple weeks,
cruising around Japan, so warmer weather would be welcome then 😊
</p>
<p>
This will be my second month composing a roundup post using my new guidelines
(one image and paragraph per section, condensing my recommendations into a
short bullet list, etc.). I received positive feedback on
<a
href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2023/01/2022-december-roundup.html"
target="_blank"
>last month's entry</a
>, so I hope you will enjoy this one, too!
</p>
<p><b>Patreon Rewards</b></p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UOVS67VsvcAb-6AEEHQTvVC3KZ8Lh8B-e4RtmEYHJKmmH2qR4xvYcoXfg6jYXB4jRkF7mJ6Yna4iY6T-wk4e0W8ZUeS6-IL5ZhTV89BFFblPuuKNsJ-9SpZlXdTit7L8o0a-TlvV2bEiBFIIEX6MSgc7kGzPkCRoq0DxeiY9I_Xl43boCIW6kvdvXg/s4080/PXL_20230116_190557932.jpg"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UOVS67VsvcAb-6AEEHQTvVC3KZ8Lh8B-e4RtmEYHJKmmH2qR4xvYcoXfg6jYXB4jRkF7mJ6Yna4iY6T-wk4e0W8ZUeS6-IL5ZhTV89BFFblPuuKNsJ-9SpZlXdTit7L8o0a-TlvV2bEiBFIIEX6MSgc7kGzPkCRoq0DxeiY9I_Xl43boCIW6kvdvXg/w640-h482/PXL_20230116_190557932.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
Chibi Tanuki rewards were mailed in January! These were the final rewards to
be printed by a third-party print shop. The costs were spiraling out of
control, so I decided to start printing in-house! I have recently settled on
and ordered the paper, Red River Paper's
<a
href="https://www.redrivercatalog.com/browse/auroranatural.html"
target="_blank"
>Aurora Art Natural 300</a
>, which is the thicker version of the paper I already use for my giclée print
reproductions. I'll also be using the same archival inks, as well, which means
both my postcard and print rewards will be museum-quality reproductions!
Please
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank"
>sign up here to become a patron</a
>
and support my work 🥰
</p>
<p><b>deviantART: Spring Gryphon</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5aglp2SqszGFy4cObtvhRAnYdTSeB0XSZ9ui6f-hZjh2J6sLxHdBmwOYFKVy63tpt3v77ER8l2qPztmm-lDEvV-Uas3XQOYSObS3X0DqEs_DZJgXfxMOvAHT0jSi-gJoWsSwOfZspet0d66llgEz9v1WthkcoL64loPSAe63Ip4PqWYaqtuTUEMxBw/s2000/220713_SpringGryphon_NoBlur_ForWeb.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1393"
data-original-width="2000"
height="446"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5aglp2SqszGFy4cObtvhRAnYdTSeB0XSZ9ui6f-hZjh2J6sLxHdBmwOYFKVy63tpt3v77ER8l2qPztmm-lDEvV-Uas3XQOYSObS3X0DqEs_DZJgXfxMOvAHT0jSi-gJoWsSwOfZspet0d66llgEz9v1WthkcoL64loPSAe63Ip4PqWYaqtuTUEMxBw/w640-h446/220713_SpringGryphon_NoBlur_ForWeb.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
I'm still playing catch-up with
<a
href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/Spring-Gryphon-947761105"
target="_blank"
>deviantART</a
>, so I've uploaded several older pieces recently, all from 2022. It's
exciting because this is the closest to caught-up I've been since I resumed
posting there! The image I'd like to feature this time is my Spring Gryphon,
which was completed last summer (I tried for spring but took too long 😅) as a
seasonal greeting card. It's the first of four images I'm making that
represent the seasons with a plant and a naturalistically appropriate gryphon.
For spring I chose sakura, and the gryphon is a combination of a mejiro bird
and momonga flying squirrel 🌸 You can purchase print-on-demand products
featuring this Spring Gryphon on
<a
href="https://fineartamerica.com/featured/spring-gryphon-denise-hutchins.html"
target="_blank"
>my Fine Art America shop</a
>.
</p>
<p><b>Gryphia Progress</b></p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMRY3VbL5XeYn6QcmVwgc7NM-xzpgQm14awpc0-G2Y1XOWITqkxWgyvGkBHrA2oWKUs7k1GlSNNGUUVvEp3Or7KfA9OxrjFWX4lJbTq2qaoqJEAMEKpFTSERMfu4Vwry4xiAVIXlcbsycbJmea4g8JyO3PP0joeVcHanL2g2-F3IkinqIy6d6_uNEpA/s4080/PXL_20230131_202636449.jpg"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMRY3VbL5XeYn6QcmVwgc7NM-xzpgQm14awpc0-G2Y1XOWITqkxWgyvGkBHrA2oWKUs7k1GlSNNGUUVvEp3Or7KfA9OxrjFWX4lJbTq2qaoqJEAMEKpFTSERMfu4Vwry4xiAVIXlcbsycbJmea4g8JyO3PP0joeVcHanL2g2-F3IkinqIy6d6_uNEpA/w640-h482/PXL_20230131_202636449.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
Progress on my first draft continues at an even keel. I finished up chapter
seven and started brainstorming for chapter eight (and beyond) in January.
Since I'm now close to entering the final stages of the story, I decided to
reread all my notes up until now, to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything
that I wanted to include, and to create new ideas by combining my old thoughts
with what has actually been written, which is often quite different! It's an
exciting stage!
</p>
<p><b>Art Livestreaming</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe
allowfullscreen=""
class="BLOG_video_class"
height="532"
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1pMaMaJP6LE"
width="640"
youtube-src-id="1pMaMaJP6LE"
></iframe>
</div>
<p>
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank"
>My Twitch streams</a
>
have gone great so far this year, including the addition of a Monday stream
during which I tackle the Inktober52 weekly prompt. One of my favorite
projects in January was a chibi caricature of my pet pigeon, Sora. She's
already cute enough in real life, but I think I managed to make her even cuter
in chibi form 🥰
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts/schedule" target="_blank"
>Click here</a
>
to check out my livestreaming schedule, sign up for go-live notifications, and
join me for a chat while I work!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNJTkPYPPl0YtS7LsG51iNJg2w31WVhG7QkK6m9bZXxWnv0znNtCa7jmbHCJH2LNHnV_MHKnGMqP9K9_wGS24KumICxkqgwO-S56_HEAVJZjydONviHsgxqr5bbPKlPnTUHo2V4rhUxP_DT6ZjLXQrLPKBSBaD_vL2yvqLAtiCnMnrNfkEYHN93Mtkw/s4080/PXL_20230128_211818656.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNJTkPYPPl0YtS7LsG51iNJg2w31WVhG7QkK6m9bZXxWnv0znNtCa7jmbHCJH2LNHnV_MHKnGMqP9K9_wGS24KumICxkqgwO-S56_HEAVJZjydONviHsgxqr5bbPKlPnTUHo2V4rhUxP_DT6ZjLXQrLPKBSBaD_vL2yvqLAtiCnMnrNfkEYHN93Mtkw/w640-h482/PXL_20230128_211818656.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising</b></p>
<p>
My charity for January was
<a href="https://veganuary.com/en-us/" target="_blank">Veganuary</a>, an
organization which helps people try a compassionate, vegan lifestyle by
running a challenge every January. They send out recipes, transition tips,
data about the positive impact veganism has, and plain ol' encouragement,
every day of the challenge. It's a very fun and inspiring event!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkM1gOs0QdFzSBpZpKfwCtoqQEMx_hoD-e0bEEtxEm4H47Hqi6zAWn3-SYaixOkV0hxZVVJi3uveiwkPXo5tpHBP2DN0g-HPAv3z-8AEmRu0qw10V3gdKev7zDNdE7Yy5XDjS1-QJ_SiCKrBreRVek80J9o5mVPUr5paVrjngKIA933a7Q0s4DTs8Izw/s1558/Screenshot%202023-02-02%20at%2011-50-28%20Twitch.png"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="837"
data-original-width="1558"
height="344"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkM1gOs0QdFzSBpZpKfwCtoqQEMx_hoD-e0bEEtxEm4H47Hqi6zAWn3-SYaixOkV0hxZVVJi3uveiwkPXo5tpHBP2DN0g-HPAv3z-8AEmRu0qw10V3gdKev7zDNdE7Yy5XDjS1-QJ_SiCKrBreRVek80J9o5mVPUr5paVrjngKIA933a7Q0s4DTs8Izw/w640-h344/Screenshot%202023-02-02%20at%2011-50-28%20Twitch.png"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
In January, I had 13 unique viewers during my Twitch streams, which translates
into a $10 donation to Veganuary! Happily, it turned out that there was a 2x
donation match in place, so this donation was essentially doubled to $20!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0wf69-gffA7Prycc0KIDajcja-2S_My9RENOPFKu2JIGm_V5RXCtWE1UZMKxWqFu6G7FGJCmlgxJNnNqM9JRr3MaGI2BSTSrAFx9MX-B2xhHZLMypH75mDT0r2KAX_afDh1t6mJ7DjGKpM6Zo4dijm0qdAns5nxnHri_oItcnuo2dsGD6-mhpRPiYA/s1686/VeganuaryDonation.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1686"
data-original-width="597"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0wf69-gffA7Prycc0KIDajcja-2S_My9RENOPFKu2JIGm_V5RXCtWE1UZMKxWqFu6G7FGJCmlgxJNnNqM9JRr3MaGI2BSTSrAFx9MX-B2xhHZLMypH75mDT0r2KAX_afDh1t6mJ7DjGKpM6Zo4dijm0qdAns5nxnHri_oItcnuo2dsGD6-mhpRPiYA/w226-h640/VeganuaryDonation.jpg"
width="226"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
Usually this is all I have to say about charity donations in a month, but
there was another exciting moment in January! The Twitch fundraising goal I
had going for
<a href="https://www.protegofoundation.org/" target="_blank"
>The Protego Foundation</a
>
was completely met by a single viewer, SarahQuilt (my best friend for over two
decades ❤️), so even more funds are going toward helping animals! Thank you,
Sarah~!!!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPhA4YL-8R-Z4COWFNk6fK2mUNGhCjlMZH_7Wg2OFimzU_UJJtmUd7x_4VD4lbhLRPlGAOsouaJMgWuv7VYHXbjGlp2lCShRXZdbbD9Lv_YMozAIWr57-WE1CbiZWMNJ2DjbbCURyLW_bY46YT_v2hSUr7AiX-cj4WkA-8LrlnT_l1ayLtZz7IDG9SQ/s1200/Screenshot%202023-02-02%20at%2011-49-21%20Twitch.png"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="447"
data-original-width="1200"
height="238"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPhA4YL-8R-Z4COWFNk6fK2mUNGhCjlMZH_7Wg2OFimzU_UJJtmUd7x_4VD4lbhLRPlGAOsouaJMgWuv7VYHXbjGlp2lCShRXZdbbD9Lv_YMozAIWr57-WE1CbiZWMNJ2DjbbCURyLW_bY46YT_v2hSUr7AiX-cj4WkA-8LrlnT_l1ayLtZz7IDG9SQ/w640-h238/Screenshot%202023-02-02%20at%2011-49-21%20Twitch.png"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
For February, I have chosen
<a href="https://www.theratretreat.org/" target="_blank">The Rat Retreat</a>
as my featured charity. They help find good homes for and educate the public
about these misunderstood, oft-ill-treated, but lovable beings. I have a
special place in my heart for rats; in my 20s, I cared for three sisters, whom
I adopted from my local shelter, for their entire lives. Minerva, Bathilda,
and Nymphadora~ They were so sweet and fun and smart ❤️ I'm looking forward to
making a donation that will help more rats have long, healthy, happy lives!
</p>
<p><b>Mika's Monthly...</b></p>
<p>
Here are my monthly recommendations! I hope you'll give some of them a try 😊
As usual, I am not being compensated for these promotions, they're all things
I legit want to share because I love them!
</p>
<p>
<b>...Workout</b> 🧘♀️
<a
href="https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/yoga-master-deluxe-edition-switch/"
target="_blank"
>Yoga Master</a
>
is the fitness game I use the most. Every workday morning, I wake up and
stretch out with one of my custom programs. The nice thing about the game is
that you don't have to actually play it like a game. For me that made it
stressful, rather than relaxing, so I turned off the scoring system and began
using it more like a video yoga program, but one I can always customize to my
liking!
</p>
<div
class="strava-embed-placeholder"
data-embed-id="8455479582"
data-embed-type="activity"
></div>
<script src="https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>
<b>...Vegan Victuals</b> 🍽️
<a href="https://simulate.com/" target="_blank">Nuggs</a> are one of the very
first vegan chicken nugget alternatives I ever ate. They are SO GOOD. My
favorite is the spicy version, dipped in homemade vegan ranch 🤤 OMG I am
seriously salivating now, just thinking about their crispy breading and tender
insides~ They are pictured below alongside
<a
href="https://whollyveggie.com/products/mozzarella-style-sticks"
target="_blank"
>Wholly Veggie Mozzarella Style Sticks</a
>, which are also incredibly delicious!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6GKDuRUrkExmMqxRtTPr1GW_GxRo8FgCS332rx09sAy1acdrvUvB7RkU__Bn8wHg_rJQOrCv6LLN8m55vXyGsDUuIDtbTMNLhf2faTYpEZo4VlIZJJ9qAoxVMO8ORBHyxLytvTFa3tX_Mz0XFc8txzY3VcYZ6IBWdrnYvYdhQl4uGriRj3gQIZjvVA/s4080/PXL_20230114_013312065~2.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6GKDuRUrkExmMqxRtTPr1GW_GxRo8FgCS332rx09sAy1acdrvUvB7RkU__Bn8wHg_rJQOrCv6LLN8m55vXyGsDUuIDtbTMNLhf2faTYpEZo4VlIZJJ9qAoxVMO8ORBHyxLytvTFa3tX_Mz0XFc8txzY3VcYZ6IBWdrnYvYdhQl4uGriRj3gQIZjvVA/w640-h482/PXL_20230114_013312065~2.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
<b>...Book</b> 📖
<a
href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/b5aba75a-d995-4e67-931b-a2f6b5a2a23a"
target="_blank"
><i
>Letters to a Young Writer: Some Practical and Philosophical Advice</i
></a
>
by Colum McCann was the first book I finished reading this year. It was my
writing-time companion for several months, and although it didn't always quite
reach me, it still said the right things so often that I'm keeping it in my
writing-time rotation (I usually warm up for writing by reading about
writing!). You can read my brief review
<a
href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/a20896ea-72a0-4951-847d-0559340709cd"
target="_blank"
>here</a
>.
</p>
<p>
<b>...Show</b> 📺 In January I rewatched all of the My Hero Academia movies. I
found the first one just as awesome as I remembered, the second one both
awesome and silly (a little overwrought, lol), but the third one struck me so
much more powerfully! I had seen it a couple times before, but until now, I
always felt it was on even footing with its siblings. This time,
<a href="https://heroaca-movie.com/" target="_blank">World Heroes' Mission</a>
took an indisputable first place (see what I did there? No? Bakugo quote 😉)
in my personal ranking. My experience with anime movies generally has been so
mixed; too often they just get worse the more that are made; not so with My
Hero Academia 💖 (Also, I am again obsessed with Rody Soul 😍)
</p>
<p>
<b>...Game</b> 🎮 I made it my goal for 2023 to spend at least one hour every
day playing
<a href="https://www.animal-crossing.com/new-horizons/" target="_blank"
>Animal Crossing: New Horizons</a
>, and I don't regret it one bit! It's the type of game you can play for a
just short while, or easily sink several hours into without getting bored,
which makes it both a good workday stress-buster and weekend chillout. By
playing every day this year, I hope to enjoy all the seasonal events, collect
all the items (like art for the museum!), and finally feel like I did all the
things 😊✨ This goal is helping very much with growing my self-compassion and
stabilizing my mental health. I have historically been a perfectionist and
workaholic. Making it a <i>goal</i> to play video games every day challenges
my inner critic, who tries to tell me I'm just being lazy, and gives me time
to recharge properly so that I can go to work the next day feeling my best!
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
Stopped by Brewster's place for the first time~ I wish it existed in real
life!
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnimalCrossing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#AnimalCrossing</a
>
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ACNH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#ACNH</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NintendoSwitch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#NintendoSwitch</a
>
<a href="https://t.co/ydrAnH0Ihh">pic.twitter.com/ydrAnH0Ihh</a>
</p>
— Studio Mikarts - Denise みか Hutchins (@StudioMikarts)
<a
href="https://twitter.com/StudioMikarts/status/1620228256736894976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>January 31, 2023</a
>
</blockquote>
<script
async=""
charset="utf-8"
src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"
></script>
<p>
<b>...Music</b> 🎧 I've been following
<a href="https://wagakkiband.com/" target="_blank">Wagakki Band</a> since
their first album in 2014, which was comprised of Vocaloid covers using a
combination of traditional Japanese instruments (wagakki) and those you'd find
in a typical rock band. It was the perfect mashup for me, since I loved that
sound ever since Naruto (and its background music) first came out 😍 They're
one of the few bands from whom I actually buy all the main albums, and I
finally opened my copy their most recent release in January, which is
excitingly their second Vocaloid cover album! It's
<a
href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7923rSNgNuGMTWNuQ506oK?si=WwdSr3GHQm2i-tDxW6hSXA"
target="_blank"
>streaming on Spotify</a
>
so you may not have to go so far as to import the physical album to enjoy
these fresh tracks~
</p>
<iframe
allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture"
allowfullscreen=""
frameborder="0"
height="352"
loading="lazy"
src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/7923rSNgNuGMTWNuQ506oK?utm_source=generator"
style="border-radius: 12px;"
width="100%"
></iframe>
<p><b>Other News: Focus Retreat Center Story</b></p>
<p>
The news story for which I was interviewed back in October, during the
<a
href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2022/11/2022-september-october-roundup.html"
target="_blank"
>Inktober retreat in Malone, New York</a
>
has been released at last, and some of my interview made the cut! Half of my
bit is just me being cheeky, but you can also hear my excitement about how the
retreat helped me complete all 31 drawings for Inktober for the first time
ever!
<a
href="https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/47174/20230111/northern-light-1-11-2023"
target="_blank"
>Click here to listen to the story online.</a
>
It's the entire news program, so to get to the segment about the Focus Retreat
Center, skip forward to 19:29 (min:sec) or if you just want to get to my
soundbite, skip to 23:02 😎
</p>
<p>
That's all I have for you this month. 2023 has gotten off to a great start for
me, and I hope it is the same for you! Even if not, I hope the year continues
to get better and better for all of us~ I'll be back next month with
February's roundup. Until then, may you be happy, healthy, and safe ❤️
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-31345847040915271652023-01-13T12:53:00.004-07:002023-01-13T14:01:57.367-07:002022 December Roundup<p>
It's a fabulously cloudy morning as I begin typing this. My favorite kind of
weather (if it's not going to properly rain, snow, or storm!) ☁️ I'm listening
to the <i>Disney Goes Classical</i> album that Spotify recommended to me; it
starts out with the overture from Mary Poppins, so I've got goosebumps all
over, ha ha.
</p>
<p>
I'm trying something different in 2023 with these roundup posts. (Happy New
Year, by the way! 🎆) They've been taking far too long to compose, so I'm
limiting how much I write and how many photos I post for each topic. I hope
that not only will this allow me to share the same ideas in less time (time
that could be spent creating new stories in word and image!) but that you, my
readers, will enjoy the faster clip, as well. That said, let's try it out!
</p>
<p><b>Patreon Rewards</b></p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm4p52zwZclBvLzPzVUi88mqIA5dYlHJ0R_Djg8sOenJwSpUIVulLizLg-7QgqxQ5HfFgMMHEVgOJjq1_8L85fBX7iFggTyjeXFukDhD_234yTIoOzDJ_J_qvPhkAIQcy99naapqjrqT_U2mLkzCdSNYRGlGK5JhlRSHVt4RfUuGhTseX5IOmxjKjvQ/s4080/PXL_20221220_212109226.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm4p52zwZclBvLzPzVUi88mqIA5dYlHJ0R_Djg8sOenJwSpUIVulLizLg-7QgqxQ5HfFgMMHEVgOJjq1_8L85fBX7iFggTyjeXFukDhD_234yTIoOzDJ_J_qvPhkAIQcy99naapqjrqT_U2mLkzCdSNYRGlGK5JhlRSHVt4RfUuGhTseX5IOmxjKjvQ/w640-h482/PXL_20221220_212109226.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
I sent the rest of the six Inktober rewards in December 😄 You can
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/2022-week-51-76171241" target="_blank">read more about it on Patreon</a>. And if you'd like to get my illustrations in your mailbox, you can sign up
there, too! You can choose between a monthly postcard, a set of three
postcards, a print, or a print AND three postcards. Patrons don't just get
rewards, they are directly funding my storytelling work! They are truly
members of Studio Mikarts and my most precious audience 🥰
</p>
<p><b>deviantART</b></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1iT-lZCU9HbDSAWM1XJnlpo8cvP_XGGOZH6jcOM7OVJq4RmbiC8iqaWxOfc4G4nOsdnBBi5USabKTzEZrquKgYmWseLrjnYU2XfMM0bNXMG6uKrQIGfn_zUa1gULqspAePVmnEfqK4zIpJg9a1jBifEPSLHN8-u45GM-oQ_pFUkLoti2-pUDyqOpgA/s2000/220610_BirthdayGryphonFinal_ForWeb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1417" data-original-width="2000" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1iT-lZCU9HbDSAWM1XJnlpo8cvP_XGGOZH6jcOM7OVJq4RmbiC8iqaWxOfc4G4nOsdnBBi5USabKTzEZrquKgYmWseLrjnYU2XfMM0bNXMG6uKrQIGfn_zUa1gULqspAePVmnEfqK4zIpJg9a1jBifEPSLHN8-u45GM-oQ_pFUkLoti2-pUDyqOpgA/w640-h454/220610_BirthdayGryphonFinal_ForWeb.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/2022-Birthday-Gryphon-944774826" target="_blank">Click here to view and comment on deviantART.</a><br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
I'm only a year behind on posting to dA now! 😂 I've uploaded several pieces
from 2022 recently, but this is my proudest, my birthday gryphon illustration.
I'm still sending this one out as a birthday card to friends and family
through the first half of this year. I plan to create a new birthday card
illustration at around the same time of year as this one was done. Then my
people will all receive the new design on their special days 😊 You can buy
this as a greeting card, print, or dozens of other things on
<a href="https://fineartamerica.com/featured/birthday-gryphon-denise-hutchins.html" target="_blank">Fine Art America</a>. Birthday shower curtain, anyone?
</p>
<p><b>Gryphia Progress</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6aiX1T-_9qjqqD4Uk_V9Eo6TBWVZ0M3vOgoCA2h9RGDQG7r-3ogavAFdLHNpetAehuad8LwreSPoonodCBlyDVxLAjOKUi-8zWhrvhUTamxuWPlQoEwvsQNEYdCJMgCcJqsbfgd9IYzNayX9tSRGeCSPt0435Z7cwh6lRJCqTbmVCYmZNnmyW2IRfw/s4018/PXL_20221209_174237355~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3025" data-original-width="4018" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6aiX1T-_9qjqqD4Uk_V9Eo6TBWVZ0M3vOgoCA2h9RGDQG7r-3ogavAFdLHNpetAehuad8LwreSPoonodCBlyDVxLAjOKUi-8zWhrvhUTamxuWPlQoEwvsQNEYdCJMgCcJqsbfgd9IYzNayX9tSRGeCSPt0435Z7cwh6lRJCqTbmVCYmZNnmyW2IRfw/w640-h482/PXL_20221209_174237355~2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>It may not seem like much, but I'm actually quite proud of the two days'
writing work I managed to squeeze in during December's holiday and birthday
madness (I have six birthdays to celebrate! 🥳). To be honest, I was really
struggling mentally with everything I had to do. So being able to sit down, two
mornings in a row, and make good progress on chapter seven was a huge win! I
don't have any major interruptions to my regular schedule until March, so I'm
looking forward to finishing up this roundup post and getting back to writing my
novel!
</p>
<p><b>Art Livestreaming</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagzRoHK_d8sbD_m1rTySsCzzxDxkOAFqDC71_Kg5S4jFTrBWGl3G5HfIh1QhPt70UgmgGP7bwg8eqtdHEVQTmrat8SN9hTI-cwSI6PbdMds9pfAtv4LCzbMejkzuxemjaMWGgCAcufMlhuctt7F134JcpUej9EjrKX027NK5LLaCGEk1lGvHoxH9YOw/s4080/PXL_20221224_000440898.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3004" data-original-width="4080" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagzRoHK_d8sbD_m1rTySsCzzxDxkOAFqDC71_Kg5S4jFTrBWGl3G5HfIh1QhPt70UgmgGP7bwg8eqtdHEVQTmrat8SN9hTI-cwSI6PbdMds9pfAtv4LCzbMejkzuxemjaMWGgCAcufMlhuctt7F134JcpUej9EjrKX027NK5LLaCGEk1lGvHoxH9YOw/w640-h472/PXL_20221224_000440898.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
This is another area where I was proud of myself for keeping up with it during
the end-of-year madness. It would have only been too easy to just give up and
take the whole month off. That is to say, it <i>would have</i> been easy if
livestreaming was still as disheartening as it was a few months ago. Things
had changed by the beginning of December. I have been honored for months now
by a dedicated viewer (hello, Exie~!!) who I look forward to chatting with
every stream, and I was shocked to be notified that I qualified for Twitch
Affiliate status, as well!
</p>
<p>
Being offered affiliate was not only a boost to my confidence--an affirmation
that I've been doing the right things in my off-beat way--but I had two folks
subscribe to my channel on my very first affiliate stream 🥰💕 I'm so glad I
stuck to it when things were looking so bleak mid-year; now I'm looking
forward to growing my channel and sharing my art with more people!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="532" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rmjeHp4RuY8" width="640" youtube-src-id="rmjeHp4RuY8"></iframe>
</div>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising</b></p>
<p>
My featured charity in December was <a href="https://www.protegofoundation.org/" target="_blank">The Protego Foundation</a>. I had only
recently learned of their work using the power of the Harry Potter fandom to
encourage positive change for animals through veganism (from the Harry Potter
Vegan Cookbook!
<a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2022/12/2022-november-roundup.html" target="_blank">which I reviewed in November</a>) and because Harry Potter always comes to my mind during the holiday season,
it seemed like a great fit.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cDdchfIO5ksz7LsptmBQJp_-oQIQ0wvcZGHICgzQF9pWel6on-XFoilPh9808zRuFOrOtHMxrN0Lv9lB9XGiZ9JPcOA6Swn447Yn4dIqxTH610GpKbOU1wcMwnnW0CtK7GRjMdiLoHTx667iRES8wvdjiyJuZi57FE1OPd7nupe3tKkgkAPIkt9YSA/s1554/Screenshot%202023-01-12%20at%2012-00-35%20Twitch.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1554" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cDdchfIO5ksz7LsptmBQJp_-oQIQ0wvcZGHICgzQF9pWel6on-XFoilPh9808zRuFOrOtHMxrN0Lv9lB9XGiZ9JPcOA6Swn447Yn4dIqxTH610GpKbOU1wcMwnnW0CtK7GRjMdiLoHTx667iRES8wvdjiyJuZi57FE1OPd7nupe3tKkgkAPIkt9YSA/w640-h340/Screenshot%202023-01-12%20at%2012-00-35%20Twitch.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
My fundraising challenge uses the number of unique viewers per month to
determine how much I will donate. I give $0.10 USD per viewer, with a minimum
of $10 and a max of $100. I had 15 unique viewers in December, so I made a $10
donation to The Protego Foundation!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTS27Lnqyc12s9PLnXYbYuTS_ejQv8c93wlW1Qyi4OO2M0MBqJcwER9VPsVgt2ijXs-r5Rf1Qb0n5bKrDAvoPPk0UVZxv_uC2qRMxnhP151_St5lLgnbro3vOxDiVMDiZxX78nM466bChmu4YWExayMc3x4G8yb8HsBEQpbmjhvsW-xXoUlxRTxtuoA/s1951/Screenshot%202023-01-12%20at%2013-03-12%20Donate.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1951" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTS27Lnqyc12s9PLnXYbYuTS_ejQv8c93wlW1Qyi4OO2M0MBqJcwER9VPsVgt2ijXs-r5Rf1Qb0n5bKrDAvoPPk0UVZxv_uC2qRMxnhP151_St5lLgnbro3vOxDiVMDiZxX78nM466bChmu4YWExayMc3x4G8yb8HsBEQpbmjhvsW-xXoUlxRTxtuoA/w640-h394/Screenshot%202023-01-12%20at%2013-03-12%20Donate.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><b>Mika's Monthly...</b></p>
<p>
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, I'm trying something new in my
presentation of these roundups. I considered cutting this section altogether,
but I like giving these recommendations, not only as a way to share what's
been going on in my life, but because I think they could inspire and enrich,
even lengthen, the creative lives of anyone who decides to try them. One's
creative life is not separate from everything else one does, after all! But I
want this blog to focus on my creative endeavors, and until now, these
recommendations were taking half the time and space--a bit too much. I hope
this new presentation will work better all around 😊
</p>
<p>
As always, I'm not in any way being compensated for these promotions, they're
just honest recommendations from me ❤️
</p>
<p>
<b> ...Workout</b> 🏃♀️ I finished the YMCA Christmas Run again this year.
Running is such an easy sport to get into, and it's a full-body workout, so
you get a lot of bang for your buck. There's nothing so fun as running a
themed race with a few hundred (or thousand!) other people!
</p>
<div class="strava-embed-placeholder" data-embed-id="8260022883" data-embed-type="activity"></div>
<script src="https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>
<b> ...Vegan Victuals</b> 🌮 Try the "Taco Bell Cheesy Gordita Crunch" recipe
from the
<a href="https://theeburgerdude.com/cookbook/" target="_blank">Vegan Fast Food</a>
cookbook (which I happily received for Christmas). So good my mouth is
watering just remembering these amazing tacos 🤤
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIpVzi56ke6ozB7P6VbExqsNbHI0fk5XQLnyp5QOFNvUN4KaXFilbOPhjDjxBG7MqJHZDMTAMDeHGKvYsPVSHne-aqFEO56nERPYEDKvTYeK7YWnW3nleQSO7ozLrd2xPRrcZoiz5wW3EHZc1fia5oxbVxgxY0yhDlGLhaOfvbKi4CUxxAWAbcBxYHg/s3915/PXL_20221228_013750036~2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2939" data-original-width="3915" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIpVzi56ke6ozB7P6VbExqsNbHI0fk5XQLnyp5QOFNvUN4KaXFilbOPhjDjxBG7MqJHZDMTAMDeHGKvYsPVSHne-aqFEO56nERPYEDKvTYeK7YWnW3nleQSO7ozLrd2xPRrcZoiz5wW3EHZc1fia5oxbVxgxY0yhDlGLhaOfvbKi4CUxxAWAbcBxYHg/w640-h480/PXL_20221228_013750036~2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmm...soft crunchy vegan tacos...</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
<b>...Book</b> 🐲
<a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Hobbit-Audiobook/1705009050?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp" target="_blank"><i>The Hobbit</i> audiobook</a>
as read by Andy Serkis. This is my favorite book of all time to start, then
adding Andy Serkis's excellent narration, let's just say I started his reading
of <i>The Fellowship of the Ring</i> immediately after! You can read my full
review (which is relatively short)
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/779948ee-76c3-4a37-b3cd-5883b85b48ab" target="_blank">here on The StoryGraph</a>.<br />
</p>
<p>
<b> ...Show</b> 🤶
<i><a href="https://www.disneyplus.com/series/the-santa-clauses/6ggA9rAPkovW" target="_blank">The Santa Clauses</a></i>
on Disney+ was pleasantly surprising! I grew up watching
<i>The Santa Clause</i>, and I still watch it every year, but I have a
well-founded distrust of sequels made decades later. This show therefore
exceeded my expectations, didn't disappoint in the least; it was hilarious,
wacky, and magical. I'll definitely be watching it again next holiday
season!
</p>
<p>
<b>...Game</b> 🤓 My husband had
<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wiggles3d/um-actually/description" target="_blank">kickstarted this game</a>
and received it in October, but it wasn't until December that we finally
played it. <i>Um, Actually... The Game of Nerdy Corrections</i> is a hilarious
game that we played with my siblings during the holidays and it was
enthusiastically requested multiple times. It's a great party game--pure fun,
no stress--that I think anyone will enjoy!
</p>
<p>
<b> ...Music</b> 🎄 It's out of season now, but all month I listened almost
exclusively to my new
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/76l3DKwlmFHYArnwvqcvcf?si=f41f16b528c34aea" target="_blank">Christmas favorites playlist on Spotify</a>. It's full of the Christmas albums and soundtracks that I absolutely love. I
recommend listening straight through (not on shuffle) because one album is a
reading of <i>How the Grinch Stole Christmas</i>.
</p>
<p>
<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="352" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/76l3DKwlmFHYArnwvqcvcf?utm_source=generator" style="border-radius: 12px;" width="100%"></iframe>
</p>
<p><b>Other News: 2023 Goals</b></p>
<p>
Finally, I'd like to share with you the goals I set for myself on January 1st
this year (using my Jibun Techo planner, which is new to and absolutely
perfect for me~) both as a topic of interest and as a form of accountability!
I will check in at the end of the year and report on how things went 😊
</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>
<i>Career</i> <i>🎨</i> I will create 12 new, large, full-color
illustrations.
</li>
<li><i>Education</i> 💮 I will sit and pass the JLPT N2 exam.</li>
<li>
<i>Finances</i> 💸 I will make, rather than buy, birthday & holiday
gifts.
</li>
<li><i>Health</i> 💤 I will go to bed on time on work nights.</li>
<li><i>Hobbies</i> 🎮 I will play Animal Crossing every day.</li>
<li><i>Travel</i> 🛳️ I will cruise around Japan with my husband.</li>
<li><i>Family</i> 👩🍳 I will host seasonal family dinners.</li>
<li><i>Relationships</i> 💌 I will send a card or letter every week.</li>
<li><i>Reading</i> 📚 I will read & review at least 26 books.</li>
</ul>
<p>
And that's it for December's roundup! It only took me half the time it usually
does, so I'm rather looking forward to checking in again next month, and
sharing all the progress I'll be making in my creative career journey. Thank
you for reading! 🥰
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-41399630816032056682022-12-22T11:43:00.003-07:002022-12-22T11:43:39.986-07:002022 November Roundup<p>
I've got my curtains half open, so I can see if it starts to snow, while still
preventing the morning sun from blinding me when it peeks out through a crack
in the clouds. This is the second day in a row the weather forecast said it
would snow in the morning, but instead I sit here disappointed, looking at the
pale blue sky behind the icy grey clouds 😑 Come, Mother Nature, let it snow!
😆
</p>
<p>
Still, it's pretty cozy in my studio this morning. I've got a mug of lemon tea
at my elbow, my two dogs sleeping peacefully in their beds, and a playlist of
my favorite Christmas music filling the air. My tootsies are cold, but I've
got a fluffy robe keeping the rest of me nice and warm~ With all the holiday
busyness ever since Thanksgiving, I haven't been able to sit down and work on
this roundup post until now, the third week of December. To make sure I can
actually get it done in a timely manner, this will be a condensed roundup, a
few sections removed, and others combined. If I can finish writing this today,
that would be ideal~ Let's get started!
</p>
<p><b>Patreon Rewards</b></p>
<p>
In November, seven different
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank">Patreon</a>
rewards were ordered all at once! It was the first time I've created so many
different designs at one time. Included were the six Inktober drawings that
Studio Mikarts members voted for, plus the chibi tanuki illustration that was
finished at the beginning of the month.
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nKt6x1oRmLE8nPNOqyYI-yTeHXYp78ty5VIgPqfbobaiyyortIFKmJ3E5kU4I9DU2td62RPdFhqLPA_O14qM5xBJdVOCN9wqemtU3t2_Cc-caPKMQPVVDXGUIxq6QNZAoOMDmtPCOQ-C1dEIReTAmUZUwH882xykNM8WygePpPr7VMrS8y5BhnlTjQ/s3615/PXL_20221116_204948911~2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2892" data-original-width="3615" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nKt6x1oRmLE8nPNOqyYI-yTeHXYp78ty5VIgPqfbobaiyyortIFKmJ3E5kU4I9DU2td62RPdFhqLPA_O14qM5xBJdVOCN9wqemtU3t2_Cc-caPKMQPVVDXGUIxq6QNZAoOMDmtPCOQ-C1dEIReTAmUZUwH882xykNM8WygePpPr7VMrS8y5BhnlTjQ/w640-h512/PXL_20221116_204948911~2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
All seven Patreon rewards: six Inktober plus one chibi tanuki.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
Two of these seven rewards were sent out in November. I wanted to space them
out weekly so that everyone would get a nice, steady stream of happiness in
their mailboxes, instead of one big art dump 😅 Plus it saved my hand, since I
am still handwriting my messages of greeting and gratitude.
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4mMog2cdHmmAARXGJGJ6eUtme09LK28ggsapOYk9lP03txcXDhl2elX_aH45Ca5Pg0-uhFRowN8Fdu-cPKPXyfBDDcrhztrxcbeGDwRog9iPG4OrpfjmamRx3x0RDkRQIXd7UWHPkUqe_IIUmYwm4cAzQ2UTQresLvaLR6Jza0DKrbubM4stWNQYnw/s4080/PXL_20221116_220752729.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4mMog2cdHmmAARXGJGJ6eUtme09LK28ggsapOYk9lP03txcXDhl2elX_aH45Ca5Pg0-uhFRowN8Fdu-cPKPXyfBDDcrhztrxcbeGDwRog9iPG4OrpfjmamRx3x0RDkRQIXd7UWHPkUqe_IIUmYwm4cAzQ2UTQresLvaLR6Jza0DKrbubM4stWNQYnw/w640-h482/PXL_20221116_220752729.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Inktober reward #1: Flame<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
After these seven rewards have all gone out, I am going to begin printing all
rewards in-house and handwriting only the first message, which will then be
replicated on or with all the rewards. This saves me a lot of money in
production costs (while still delivering museum-quality art reproductions 😎)
as well as time and physical strain.
</p>
<p>
It was a big concern as I thought of the future and the growth of Studio
Mikarts. I put it to the vote on Patreon, and was so relieved that all of my
patrons voted for the printed message option. So kind and considerate, I have
the best patrons 🥰 And their comments about still loving the heartfelt nature
of the handwritten message is what led to my hybrid solution of handwriting
once and replicating, rather than simply typing the message.
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25OC0V2Nf7bkmx6pCEtgAFUZwUEeorzE7Fuh8PajuJ5XIC0iEBFLOOVHxxPbW_HdO-vvr3pktExiNMyZl7od8gJl-NEvtBszM9UMJzsbJz34H-rXG1VgaPtM8H1sXCTx5gm7x-c0QYWXv_7TufcB2QQtFVWl6aVp9CMDhhAwzc3PO5SCbVY0-gYiDFQ/s4080/PXL_20221129_155912262.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25OC0V2Nf7bkmx6pCEtgAFUZwUEeorzE7Fuh8PajuJ5XIC0iEBFLOOVHxxPbW_HdO-vvr3pktExiNMyZl7od8gJl-NEvtBszM9UMJzsbJz34H-rXG1VgaPtM8H1sXCTx5gm7x-c0QYWXv_7TufcB2QQtFVWl6aVp9CMDhhAwzc3PO5SCbVY0-gYiDFQ/w640-h482/PXL_20221129_155912262.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Inktober reward #2: Bouquet<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
So what's next? I have two illustrations in the works. My main project is my
winter gryphon, which in November I got halfway through the final sketch. The
snowy evergreen environment is all worked out, I just need to add the gryphon
itself now.
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QLlafl0sKYJ4mL7TQP4eg8ITT5OmljYqlKbC3hR4QJHtSx6yd5IuKICrHlPr1x0Jc_vrxQlydeI2ydlq0HZ54tvLa8w5QLiDUwr7tzbqLeA1YU6p0wDyld3s3WO98zkAAu2sRbllbu7TyjxY5UpjPp2xl_lK-JiOlkbqsbTJSK2tZN8hwKWSlpm8yA/s4030/PXL_20221115_212725004.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2506" data-original-width="4030" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QLlafl0sKYJ4mL7TQP4eg8ITT5OmljYqlKbC3hR4QJHtSx6yd5IuKICrHlPr1x0Jc_vrxQlydeI2ydlq0HZ54tvLa8w5QLiDUwr7tzbqLeA1YU6p0wDyld3s3WO98zkAAu2sRbllbu7TyjxY5UpjPp2xl_lK-JiOlkbqsbTJSK2tZN8hwKWSlpm8yA/w640-h398/PXL_20221115_212725004.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The full-size sketch for my winter gryphon illustration.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
The other illustration I'm working on is my chibi orca. More about that in the
Livestreaming section below 😉 To sign up and become a Studio Mikarts member
on Patreon,
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank">click here</a>! You can choose from five tiers, receiving postcards, prints, both, or
neither (the latter is actually the most supportive option ❤️) and all members
get access to exclusive updates and limited time rewards. I'm looking forward
to seeing you there~!
</p>
<p><b>Gryphia Progress</b></p>
<p>
Just a small update here. I'm proud to say I've continued working on my novel,
but it's been very slow going, so there's not much to report. Still, something
is better than nothing and in November I exceeded 3,000 words written for
chapter six!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt7iujkG921Q-mTuoK6rwHteiRFCz2yqoAInsqk1yZqtMamDPh2p3WfRCxpi57CH6cgGk7CgLws2hxv1_w1IjwY1IGYnGXpeSoNr5it1HwFbJsV_VI5DRlzo43wCpT9XGx_Q8a9uhALI0cMCcl8EV849V6ZiA75Lmyg8jf_aCaB3MTKlQg4ZLqn4L1A/s3822/PXL_20221115_173425439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2878" data-original-width="3822" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt7iujkG921Q-mTuoK6rwHteiRFCz2yqoAInsqk1yZqtMamDPh2p3WfRCxpi57CH6cgGk7CgLws2hxv1_w1IjwY1IGYnGXpeSoNr5it1HwFbJsV_VI5DRlzo43wCpT9XGx_Q8a9uhALI0cMCcl8EV849V6ZiA75Lmyg8jf_aCaB3MTKlQg4ZLqn4L1A/w640-h482/PXL_20221115_173425439.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><b>deviantART</b></p>
<p>
An interesting thing happened as I was preparing material for this section of
my post: I noticed that deviantART got rid of their physical prints shop 😲
Fortunately, I already have an alternate on-demand prints account through
<a href="https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/denise-hutchins/shop" target="_blank">Fine Art America</a>
but it was still a disappointing surprise. dA is turning heavily toward
digital offerings, including subscriptions much like Patreon and even A.I.
generated artwork (hotly contested by the community there; I'm still not sure
how I feel about it...), which unfortunately makes it far less in line with my
creative journey than ever before.
</p>
<p>
Still, after some consideration, I decided to continue using the site. For
one, it remains an online repository of my artwork, including all my major
work going back to my high school days! For two, they still have the commissions feature, which allows me
to
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/shop/commissions" target="_blank">offer chibi caricature commissions</a>
online. It's a nice feature! There are some other fun things that make the
site worth using too, like silly badges and cool profile customization, so
although I'm still disappointed that they're pushing so hard toward digital
stuff, I feel fairly at peace with the recent changes 😅
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Cf3MkyMMepbRrDaTa7XEy_SdYlkyodUpkBAz_w4mtwmzuZjM5aTcBcf-xxjDBh5HzpIO2UP9uUhoDMD4y4_0vxykr6K7Jw9EOPM-CKqt2XyUSr5vW8bRSH3HAdamoJoxoTvBX2SQQ6iTrdQ8_vTWzX4SU89LZHqY2-9pIfyoeu32sV3VsDLsWCwcnw/s2000/211108_NyanMeow4_Mice_Final3_ForWeb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="2000" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Cf3MkyMMepbRrDaTa7XEy_SdYlkyodUpkBAz_w4mtwmzuZjM5aTcBcf-xxjDBh5HzpIO2UP9uUhoDMD4y4_0vxykr6K7Jw9EOPM-CKqt2XyUSr5vW8bRSH3HAdamoJoxoTvBX2SQQ6iTrdQ8_vTWzX4SU89LZHqY2-9pIfyoeu32sV3VsDLsWCwcnw/w640-h414/211108_NyanMeow4_Mice_Final3_ForWeb.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/Nyan-Meow-Spread-4-Mice-941782490" target="_blank">Click here to view and add to your collections on deviantART</a>!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
Anyway, this is the piece I am featuring today: my Nyan Meow Mice. I recently uploaded the rest
of my 2021 artwork, which is to say, all the work from my capstone
illustration project 😄 I'm really proud of this project and I intend to
expand upon it next year. I love all the pieces I created so far, but the mice
one just feels extra good for some reason, which is why I chose it for this
post. If you'd like to see all six illustrations and the endpaper and cover
designs,
<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/gallery" target="_blank">click here</a>
to visit my gallery on deviantART!
</p>
<p><b>Art Excursions: Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve</b></p>
<p>
It's gotten really cold here since late October, so this excursion was a bit
tough! In November, I went with <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/satoita" target="_blank">my sister</a>, who is also a professional
creative, to
<a href="https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/hyatt-hidden-lakes-reserve/" target="_blank">Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve</a>, a hidden gem right in my backyard. It's a small nature reserve with unpaved
trails and excellent viewpoints where you can relax in the stillness, or be
enchanted by the cacophony of bird voices, all while gazing at the wildlife
(I've seen countless bird species, bats, deer, and even stray domestic rabbits
here!) and taking in the scenic wetland environment.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bAwD8IwyoHzW-h9nbCdxcLiHWNt3wHMGGbjQ6yCZ715xltUtdsKvWh5L6nhBOMJ_1V9pHLHrpVtQChK_AMw0PAQuJj4PKuPKEBecb4Jzxng3ZcYbEJSgnabKOacoGindcByzlA1551zNkU60sU23MzV4nk01ixVArntcNwSgm5EkZxeDvKJ1-O1efQ/s3648/PXL_20221114_224647075.NIGHT~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bAwD8IwyoHzW-h9nbCdxcLiHWNt3wHMGGbjQ6yCZ715xltUtdsKvWh5L6nhBOMJ_1V9pHLHrpVtQChK_AMw0PAQuJj4PKuPKEBecb4Jzxng3ZcYbEJSgnabKOacoGindcByzlA1551zNkU60sU23MzV4nk01ixVArntcNwSgm5EkZxeDvKJ1-O1efQ/w640-h480/PXL_20221114_224647075.NIGHT~2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
As I mentioned, it was very cold that day, but gloves weren't an option for me
while sketching, since I needed precision for my chosen media: watercolor! The
golden rays of the sun camouflage how red my frozen hands are in these photos
😅
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFdBmbDTXzw-_4aOY3jz8iO4wkKpf1638xvnFO-BoOvWq24Pbfq5Q5W5WX-n0A9ZKWJ_cpC55iqZROA0fiWRbTR6kbZXgVcNNynSRrQ1jQ2v-JF-BPcTzzh_Y_DTaz4oJeMUn-lBK7VAxtIWH9O8ei_cTEOcEWWi2dRhz-C_2sVPWDEcF0aE6lX10Yw/s4080/PXL_20221114_230805329~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFdBmbDTXzw-_4aOY3jz8iO4wkKpf1638xvnFO-BoOvWq24Pbfq5Q5W5WX-n0A9ZKWJ_cpC55iqZROA0fiWRbTR6kbZXgVcNNynSRrQ1jQ2v-JF-BPcTzzh_Y_DTaz4oJeMUn-lBK7VAxtIWH9O8ei_cTEOcEWWi2dRhz-C_2sVPWDEcF0aE6lX10Yw/w640-h482/PXL_20221114_230805329~2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
I used nothing but watercolor for my sketches, no pencil or pen. It's an
exercise I really enjoy, because it forces me to be creative with my brush
strokes. How can I depict this, knowing the colors will blend when they touch?
Knowing this brushstroke might dry before I can get the color ready for the
next one? How can I make this shape recognizable in the least amount of time
and strokes? These are the types of questions I'm answering when I sketch with
watercolor. And the answers show up later in my more detailed and complete
watercolor illustrations 😁
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5GmevWYUJkRlfbcqX26kuGdpEAHFU7VK14mJTVknWCp7iW4U8x2NAexi67ZYlBS8QP2pllpjhr2yhZjvvNnhHgbkxkt6j3dyH67SGvRgYLllLez94vrN6DdkA7V2EeywptLIjQnxbEOGTU9oEuN0SbPDKD2t5G-P4YyQkCg7PZjTxQY52SCwQy-BrA/s4080/PXL_20221114_233656168~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5GmevWYUJkRlfbcqX26kuGdpEAHFU7VK14mJTVknWCp7iW4U8x2NAexi67ZYlBS8QP2pllpjhr2yhZjvvNnhHgbkxkt6j3dyH67SGvRgYLllLez94vrN6DdkA7V2EeywptLIjQnxbEOGTU9oEuN0SbPDKD2t5G-P4YyQkCg7PZjTxQY52SCwQy-BrA/w640-h482/PXL_20221114_233656168~2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p><b>Livestreaming</b></p>
<p>
I had a great time with my viewers on
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank">Twitch</a> in
November; I am so grateful to my regular chatters who make each art stream
such a pleasure! Here are the results of my Lucky Dip and Chibi Friday
streams:
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CRl9breZCZ2FLC7LvY_r-4X1HiHYqUrAJowL_rOp3S64ysx4Ap-tvRE6qsqF3Gh1rd9BjF9BkRKIk0n-1Jd_XVObtaJfpLhbrd1ORrP64fAUxR76UqS-Zltrd3UU2G1KorjetElSZl6RIMVLNBlw6MT8xic2hfGxjeGRnqxiCJ_eGHI8dGnOMhEaWQ/s4080/PXL_20221102_232241424.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2961" data-original-width="4080" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CRl9breZCZ2FLC7LvY_r-4X1HiHYqUrAJowL_rOp3S64ysx4Ap-tvRE6qsqF3Gh1rd9BjF9BkRKIk0n-1Jd_XVObtaJfpLhbrd1ORrP64fAUxR76UqS-Zltrd3UU2G1KorjetElSZl6RIMVLNBlw6MT8xic2hfGxjeGRnqxiCJ_eGHI8dGnOMhEaWQ/w640-h464/PXL_20221102_232241424.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Lucky Dip XIX<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWD3iJjAgdik8tZUinecXAsQeeSWLFEFryHW9kqsOJ64C9OJxyCs6Tgcwf4XHKPS5K4QNLMyo7M1CC5pvIvgFOlephM7PKvgBqIlP4n8hb5O8AmlPbf-AzFaU2y8y2lVFOLWyBfEnT55T9P8d0oGreqTxzRSx0796p2ca-VwlM7LJXawLaQYN5_-oqQ/s2000/221104_ChibiFridayTanukiComplete.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="2000" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWD3iJjAgdik8tZUinecXAsQeeSWLFEFryHW9kqsOJ64C9OJxyCs6Tgcwf4XHKPS5K4QNLMyo7M1CC5pvIvgFOlephM7PKvgBqIlP4n8hb5O8AmlPbf-AzFaU2y8y2lVFOLWyBfEnT55T9P8d0oGreqTxzRSx0796p2ca-VwlM7LJXawLaQYN5_-oqQ/w640-h348/221104_ChibiFridayTanukiComplete.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Chibi Friday 35: Tanuki Part 7 (final)<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfKcu8C459yT82KctVGLNHzBT7tCKGiQoZY7lGpDOKS0VGZ1KFNDHEVmuoImYNwBDadas0EH20oIk9YKSE9L66bzalUN2ZgUEWkudgX7sMVQ5TcjC2qFm3yI8FYbSfo61jIKIYkaJ3DzdEQCKeiRLnA7kbt8x8TwdTR5fTQRPABXOvMv0yWAfbchIKw/s3894/PXL_20221109_234944394.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2629" data-original-width="3894" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfKcu8C459yT82KctVGLNHzBT7tCKGiQoZY7lGpDOKS0VGZ1KFNDHEVmuoImYNwBDadas0EH20oIk9YKSE9L66bzalUN2ZgUEWkudgX7sMVQ5TcjC2qFm3yI8FYbSfo61jIKIYkaJ3DzdEQCKeiRLnA7kbt8x8TwdTR5fTQRPABXOvMv0yWAfbchIKw/w640-h432/PXL_20221109_234944394.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucky Dip XX<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7vB0pyCyyRti1q7IRaAR9PJXGk4br3khTue1E9-GcdDF_jXuiT2DMrvxdYWr3V8BIew6xAYbzCjViI1zVwWBQnnUqzU5E_WH2Xx5LY3SscIydlXpQRoD6o1Jhe5kWO9Bn5eFK0BjP_j2xltLCQQfq4Sv346F_iT2jtn16vhzZkT7wojXrWJ8OcykmQ/s4080/PXL_20221111_235447428.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2846" data-original-width="4080" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7vB0pyCyyRti1q7IRaAR9PJXGk4br3khTue1E9-GcdDF_jXuiT2DMrvxdYWr3V8BIew6xAYbzCjViI1zVwWBQnnUqzU5E_WH2Xx5LY3SscIydlXpQRoD6o1Jhe5kWO9Bn5eFK0BjP_j2xltLCQQfq4Sv346F_iT2jtn16vhzZkT7wojXrWJ8OcykmQ/w640-h446/PXL_20221111_235447428.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Chibi Friday 36: Orca Part 1<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3gMmSSQBO5pQ4Nv4vx-itodFArhBq-SUadOdlrrvsO9qdbwwFo46wjVQEBCRl7cXatazFCkLlc4Stul3Jv8fC5YQ3-bBgRJZl5MbLap-mTM0k3CXOFbC3d6TwxNK2aco6h5qLpZuApobi7BDz91m14j1I3ezkL2xVQizJs6vs6bxBqL-2gXyD9yhRQ/s4011/PXL_20221116_235054073.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2534" data-original-width="4011" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3gMmSSQBO5pQ4Nv4vx-itodFArhBq-SUadOdlrrvsO9qdbwwFo46wjVQEBCRl7cXatazFCkLlc4Stul3Jv8fC5YQ3-bBgRJZl5MbLap-mTM0k3CXOFbC3d6TwxNK2aco6h5qLpZuApobi7BDz91m14j1I3ezkL2xVQizJs6vs6bxBqL-2gXyD9yhRQ/w640-h404/PXL_20221116_235054073.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Lucky Dip XXI<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aZz2nF0pH07r7sTRc6QLO2dkOW_ueJRsfo9bwGU95hf4ed4bUMnWttIqJ5uP0EDOMZJWSA-88-42mMPY_urcYLY-2ByKKkzEHOrBroJzmppGOFMUxTuUXcTkf95lKo1fdzIBGT-ccx2B7LI9NDKSUrJ-N4rq_3ImZg_lXvFNqk2JsygsDb-_Y0_Y0Q/s3833/PXL_20221118_235005345.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2958" data-original-width="3833" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aZz2nF0pH07r7sTRc6QLO2dkOW_ueJRsfo9bwGU95hf4ed4bUMnWttIqJ5uP0EDOMZJWSA-88-42mMPY_urcYLY-2ByKKkzEHOrBroJzmppGOFMUxTuUXcTkf95lKo1fdzIBGT-ccx2B7LI9NDKSUrJ-N4rq_3ImZg_lXvFNqk2JsygsDb-_Y0_Y0Q/w640-h494/PXL_20221118_235005345.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Chibi Friday 37: Orca Part 2<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqP3Olzxg8L9Ai19R1oyZnhvP0oFAzDe4mEQLRHO6dZOssoW3xpcUEN1Pyuf8Z3RYcQ4S_J7k9FFf6pk-rAdvRv7ux8-URNIHYs0H6YEG-fbPJPXKOYPppe6fGvjcfs5Q33qKx4hiMgFiC00MS-bFCus1ElnZYVzAvCOnrcXjDcinWgPC7bHUMOtzIQ/s4028/PXL_20221201_001207155.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1988" data-original-width="4028" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqP3Olzxg8L9Ai19R1oyZnhvP0oFAzDe4mEQLRHO6dZOssoW3xpcUEN1Pyuf8Z3RYcQ4S_J7k9FFf6pk-rAdvRv7ux8-URNIHYs0H6YEG-fbPJPXKOYPppe6fGvjcfs5Q33qKx4hiMgFiC00MS-bFCus1ElnZYVzAvCOnrcXjDcinWgPC7bHUMOtzIQ/w640-h316/PXL_20221201_001207155.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Lucky Dip XXII<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
For Lucky Dips, which are on Wednesdays, I randomly choose four art tools and
then make an image with them. For the past few months, I've been working
through a manga pose reference book so that I don't have to worry about <i>what</i>
to draw, just <i>how</i> to draw it using the tools I have. Plus, I think my
manga/anime-style drawing is getting better thanks to this!
</p>
<p>
For Chibi Fridays, starting in August this year, I have been asking my patrons
to vote on which animal they'd like me to draw as a chibi. Then I generate two
random words and use them to construct a scene with the animal at its center.
I keep working on that illustration for as many Chibi Friday livestreams as it
takes to complete it. Here's the recording of the last one from November:
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="532" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fRG8wUMM9m0" width="640" youtube-src-id="fRG8wUMM9m0"></iframe>
</div>
<p>
Be sure to
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank">follow me on Twitch</a>
to be notified every time I go live! Let's chat soon~!
</p>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising</b></p>
<p>
In November, I chose
<a href="https://www.farmsanctuary.org/" target="_blank">Farm Sanctuary</a> as
my charity of the month. They do amazing work helping end the suffering of
farm animals, both for individuals and for the billions trapped in the misery
of the farming industry. They run a turkey adoption program around
Thanksgiving, which is how I found them last year. Thanksgiving is often
referred to as Turkey Day. For me, that now has a different and more positive
meaning, as I enjoy symbolically adopting a turkey from them, rather than
killing and eating one 🦃🤎
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBDBRehqX7QBId80MdJhrxlEwIW_CB_w752QZcc9NPTYtE4cIwoWX99TWjVCvDEtaUqJqEtMipt5dzpyI_dtpfTKdsDKAWzcUMQq1bx6ggGyk2goZFoD0E9GJHHcs62HFbeunMNRb7MczP6vDC4GhuFFpkUc6gYWaMyNCsXrMOTey6P-L8antldQpOQ/s1531/Screenshot%202022-12-21%20at%2011-21-42%20Twitch.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1531" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBDBRehqX7QBId80MdJhrxlEwIW_CB_w752QZcc9NPTYtE4cIwoWX99TWjVCvDEtaUqJqEtMipt5dzpyI_dtpfTKdsDKAWzcUMQq1bx6ggGyk2goZFoD0E9GJHHcs62HFbeunMNRb7MczP6vDC4GhuFFpkUc6gYWaMyNCsXrMOTey6P-L8antldQpOQ/w640-h344/Screenshot%202022-12-21%20at%2011-21-42%20Twitch.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p>
I had 19 unique viewers on Twitch in November. I donate $0.10 per viewer to my
selected charity, with a minimum of $10 and and max of $100, which means a $10
donation to help take care of the animals at Farm Sanctuary this time 🥰
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6gO9ghwCEQ6IWiLN2FyVETY-W2hyXVsZTpvzu_mAVpI66yOtxT-aJkr-oBqrjg6wbpqD4DB_XEhc2bKYdOVvYAMZ1tIr29Lg3gANsZh2yCS8IQ77ox_0gVmOwTmxCjDxhqdh4v3Czb6Fo_7wwE071TGgVNbPxQkQAYaLNZbF0wDW7Qz9tpIESPrz6A/s1682/2022November_FarmSanctuaryDonation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1682" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6gO9ghwCEQ6IWiLN2FyVETY-W2hyXVsZTpvzu_mAVpI66yOtxT-aJkr-oBqrjg6wbpqD4DB_XEhc2bKYdOVvYAMZ1tIr29Lg3gANsZh2yCS8IQ77ox_0gVmOwTmxCjDxhqdh4v3Czb6Fo_7wwE071TGgVNbPxQkQAYaLNZbF0wDW7Qz9tpIESPrz6A/w304-h640/2022November_FarmSanctuaryDonation.jpg" width="304" /></a>
</div>
<p>
December's charity is
<a href="https://www.protegofoundation.org/" target="_blank">The Protego Foundation</a>! They use the Harry Potter fandom as a base for building a kinder world
through veganism and other animal activism. I hope you'll
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank">join me on Twitch</a>
this week for my final December stream and have fun hanging out while helping
improve the lives of magical (that is to say, all!) animals 💖
</p>
<p><b>Monthly Recommendations</b></p>
<p>
This will be a condensed version of the funnest part of my monthly roundups. I
hope you'll enjoy reading about these recommendations and perhaps giving them
a try yourself! (As usual, I am not being paid to advertise these things;
they're just positive elements of my November that I am excited to share with
you~)
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
🍽️ Vegan Victuals & Book of the Month 📕<br /><i>The Unofficial Harry Potter
Vegan Cookbook</i> by Imana Grashuis & Tylor Starr
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
My review from
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/511316ae-afe3-49d4-b720-6fbbf6d96778" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a>
says it all, so I will let it do the talking, spiced up with some photos of my
cooking!
</p>
<blockquote>
<div class="moods-list-reviews mb-2">
<span class="text-sm md:text-base text-pink-500 md:mr-1">adventurous</span>
<span class="text-sm md:text-base text-pink-500 md:mr-1">funny</span>
<span class="text-sm md:text-base text-pink-500 md:mr-1">hopeful</span>
<span class="text-sm md:text-base text-pink-500 md:mr-1">informative</span>
<span class="text-sm md:text-base text-pink-500 md:mr-1">inspiring</span>
<span class="text-sm md:text-base text-pink-500 md:mr-1">fast-paced</span>
</div>
<p class="mb-2">5.0 ⭐</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p class="mb-2">
Absolutely five-star cookbook! For TL;DR: the recipes are delicious, the
book beautiful, and the information about veganism and vegan cooking both
helpful and inspiring!
</p>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu4JJnrFmstPY1NCYetqmNSnrAqChfsj5EAKNgQEb4oFL1C-IIAWZ4apKBsbIYq9Y5_T1C2FfHsDt_OVLaSKnE1v1iRbgRQoBhJOhaGeNqEDrgTbLKaB1TssD6Yql95FWq6KREi3vpW5hCydzIrM3znEdoVTeUgx8u0HtTmUiKDgLzw1MsTWs5QwV-w/s4013/PXL_20221101_194206041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3021" data-original-width="4013" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu4JJnrFmstPY1NCYetqmNSnrAqChfsj5EAKNgQEb4oFL1C-IIAWZ4apKBsbIYq9Y5_T1C2FfHsDt_OVLaSKnE1v1iRbgRQoBhJOhaGeNqEDrgTbLKaB1TssD6Yql95FWq6KREi3vpW5hCydzIrM3znEdoVTeUgx8u0HtTmUiKDgLzw1MsTWs5QwV-w/w640-h482/PXL_20221101_194206041.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div class="trix-content review-explanation">
<div>
If you're a Harry Potter fan, get this cookbook! It doesn't matter if
you're not vegan, forget about the stereotypes, this food is indulgent and
beautiful and absolutely satisfying. The good you'll be doing for animals,
the environment, and your own health can just be considered bonuses! It's
easy to forget, but the book itself is a beautiful showpiece as well, with
a silky, embossed cover; patterned endpapers; well-organized, easy-to-read
text; and full-page, color photographs included with every recipe.<br /><br />Before
I describe my experience with the half-dozen recipes I've already tried,
here are some highlights from the other sections of the book:
</div>
<ul>
<li>
Enthralling foreword by Evanna Lynch. If you're already vegan, your
passion for the cause will be set ablaze ❤️🔥 For those who are
veg-curious, you may be moved to finally take the next step!
</li>
<li>
Listing the reasons to go vegan and tying them to the Wizarding World we
all know and love~
</li>
<li>
Vegan alternatives section that can help veganize any recipe or allow
you to throw together a quick vegan meal without instructions.
</li>
<li>
Fun and helpful Kitchen Witch Tips. A bit too new age witch
(spiritual/religious) and not enough fantasy witch (my view of the
Wizarding World) for me, so I came up with my own versions because I did
like the core ideas being presented (such as clean the kitchen before
cooking, get as much light into the kitchen as possible when working, be
mindful and grateful as you cook, etc.).
</li>
<li>
The appendix section that lists all recipes, including by which Harry
Potter book they're from (such a good idea!), and the metric conversion
page (I grew up with Imperial but I prefer metric for its precision!).
</li>
</ul>
<div>
I made several recipes from this book for Thanksgiving this year and
I was able to provide my family with a complete and magical vegan feast!
In fact, I had to make some recipes the weekend after the holiday because
I chose way more things than I could make 😅 Here's what I made and how it
was:
</div>
<ul>
<li>
Rabbit Food Grazing Board: So delicious, so filling, perfect for a big
gathering or party! The grilled olives were an awesome, unusual addition
that I loved, and it was treat to have pomegranate seeds for the first
time since childhood (they went well with everything), but the star was
the tzatziki sauce. I will make this sauce any time I want tzatziki from
now on!
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIYDS5Okxuzi1qx43GeMvMvgAxwCCBg5vqj0Pi-kNOqP8pgIJOhitwfXRHVRrq-UkPhu92Agc8ueoGU04iyoOeDeBhfI6ooiF7orPc48dOI2DrSB7H68BKPYMCvg6ThI4RRru2KvGv8uHEKTIHDbh8DmSDsqSrQwFrdqATjUmWMJquHspEGm8Q4oqsg/s4080/PXL_20221127_003744327~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIYDS5Okxuzi1qx43GeMvMvgAxwCCBg5vqj0Pi-kNOqP8pgIJOhitwfXRHVRrq-UkPhu92Agc8ueoGU04iyoOeDeBhfI6ooiF7orPc48dOI2DrSB7H68BKPYMCvg6ThI4RRru2KvGv8uHEKTIHDbh8DmSDsqSrQwFrdqATjUmWMJquHspEGm8Q4oqsg/w640-h482/PXL_20221127_003744327~2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div class="trix-content review-explanation">
<ul>
<li>
Dragon Roasted Nuts: These were a big hit with my entire family, one of
the things people called out as particularly delicious. The best thing
is, they have a flavor that is both seductively familiar and yet wholly
unique. It's hard to stop eating them because you just want more and
more of that enchanting taste!
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTwQaeb9eZvZU-M3ZOAblgbX_oSnrOui5RUCb7inqwW1thN_DbaWkiZOGLgUaREAlqeqZtOwPalwo4nhgWjtjrlykyZNoq-V_y-G8Pg71JEMI_b0AObFQ2aFozMbJqe3pRNuJrWIwUqlPoSwYFJZqPNen4gFqPIKYoWJQqErdCRqiwBm3ts0w8gUnhA/s4080/PXL_20221123_012458668~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTwQaeb9eZvZU-M3ZOAblgbX_oSnrOui5RUCb7inqwW1thN_DbaWkiZOGLgUaREAlqeqZtOwPalwo4nhgWjtjrlykyZNoq-V_y-G8Pg71JEMI_b0AObFQ2aFozMbJqe3pRNuJrWIwUqlPoSwYFJZqPNen4gFqPIKYoWJQqErdCRqiwBm3ts0w8gUnhA/w640-h482/PXL_20221123_012458668~2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div class="trix-content review-explanation">
<ul>
<li>
Fang's Boarhound Treats: I made these as my pups' Thanksgiving treat and
they LOVED them. Absolutely no hesitation or polite curiosity, just
munch, munch, down the hatch! Being vegan, these treats are made with
stuff humans wouldn't mind eating, like applesauce, peanut butter, and
vegan yogurt. I might have to reserve one for myself next time...
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15bvfH6HEE41Mn9sK-UOadtkoYg6-q-OEjpTROBCPxzb56okMSsiFO3752-L4maUln2VF6gKAScYPt4xezD2z9wwzw0Ke3UH0aoSf09Jw32tJZvcZDwcORt_4JpomiNkmY5QUY1ft-9uYwiXzTNfOjNJwgPQlYdyNuK8ZATNyDirhv17WD5rvP2yYrQ/s4080/PXL_20221123_031145940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15bvfH6HEE41Mn9sK-UOadtkoYg6-q-OEjpTROBCPxzb56okMSsiFO3752-L4maUln2VF6gKAScYPt4xezD2z9wwzw0Ke3UH0aoSf09Jw32tJZvcZDwcORt_4JpomiNkmY5QUY1ft-9uYwiXzTNfOjNJwgPQlYdyNuK8ZATNyDirhv17WD5rvP2yYrQ/w640-h482/PXL_20221123_031145940.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_6xmcWPWIX2o4-JBDQUFVwVuYdtU0-uJY3tD8HzF_k7XXr9_GvOeQIBRUNO_aIW_LeBI_sVI-tzKabPDl-oO5_2zfDOKVMx9HzL_2SpBum2Kf8KJ3zJ8nApjLsL7Uoqx1in3Nwz3BO_vMVLYigxCEWWsbTDG6TCLdw1C2baM5RIDO9eXR4GCGQgPsA/s4080/PXL_20221123_031535831~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_6xmcWPWIX2o4-JBDQUFVwVuYdtU0-uJY3tD8HzF_k7XXr9_GvOeQIBRUNO_aIW_LeBI_sVI-tzKabPDl-oO5_2zfDOKVMx9HzL_2SpBum2Kf8KJ3zJ8nApjLsL7Uoqx1in3Nwz3BO_vMVLYigxCEWWsbTDG6TCLdw1C2baM5RIDO9eXR4GCGQgPsA/w482-h640/PXL_20221123_031535831~2.jpg" width="482" /></a>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div class="trix-content review-explanation">
<ul>
<li>
Butterbeer Three Ways: For Thanksgiving, I chose to make the hot
butterbeer and kept it warm in a small slow cooker. The only downside is
the calculation necessary to quadruple the recipe, as it only serves two
normally. This was another item that was particularly praised by
everyone in my family!
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg1qFpdUKh7ypm4clp3BVUcPUltnOIGWMe-f2lzNGGQEVNqB_OVnNIA2gzzqU66w4KMXGAQTtGSgG0F2rFbUKjtsGJn6-izAApd0kT7Rx-ond0yu76WLtynuVL6RG5R5gMG5dJozKJ4ylorSOsXJoWhES2UKeoloqXy6I3PN6hlIm0FqJgOW8x61heg/s4080/PXL_20221124_204433736.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg1qFpdUKh7ypm4clp3BVUcPUltnOIGWMe-f2lzNGGQEVNqB_OVnNIA2gzzqU66w4KMXGAQTtGSgG0F2rFbUKjtsGJn6-izAApd0kT7Rx-ond0yu76WLtynuVL6RG5R5gMG5dJozKJ4ylorSOsXJoWhES2UKeoloqXy6I3PN6hlIm0FqJgOW8x61heg/w640-h482/PXL_20221124_204433736.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div class="trix-content review-explanation">
<ul>
<li>
Pumpkin Patch Brownies: SO INDULGENT. So rich and delicious~ To simplify
the recipe, I replaced the cubed pumpkin, coconut oil, and gingerbread
spices with canned pumpkin pie filling. It worked great (the pumpkin pie
flavor sat evenly with the rich chocolate) and cut off at least a good
half hour of cooking/prep work!
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbvTdnRpw_HlJ-4-YwuHsJmBWOcde8pho_t2KQcgiXl1QXxt-ziR08WJgN99LuzEKYMcfJmcZGS1PE4lL15VkEm2PLYyDbImyKflHXDk56rPVm3U7nOhaKDEziwX_NyaJDTTl_9BOnWshT_VdCYT_eJfD3M_NFE4_PL97SwfwTeYJbsGtOmEtBXhEHQ/s4080/PXL_20221124_021302017~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbvTdnRpw_HlJ-4-YwuHsJmBWOcde8pho_t2KQcgiXl1QXxt-ziR08WJgN99LuzEKYMcfJmcZGS1PE4lL15VkEm2PLYyDbImyKflHXDk56rPVm3U7nOhaKDEziwX_NyaJDTTl_9BOnWshT_VdCYT_eJfD3M_NFE4_PL97SwfwTeYJbsGtOmEtBXhEHQ/w640-h482/PXL_20221124_021302017~2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div class="trix-content review-explanation">
<div>
To make cooking easier for Christmas this year, we've ordered
catering for the main meal, and I'm just going to make some desserts and
drinks, several of them from this book, including the Apple Pie and
Arthur's Eggnog 🤤 And there are so many holiday appropriate recipes still
remaining, not just for the end-of-year holidays. How about Liquid Luck
for New Year's? Amortentia for Valentine's Day? The Great Feast for
Independence Day? Full Moon Cookies for Halloween? Not to mention Happee
Birthdae Cake for all those special days! And there are plenty recipes
more for whatever you're in the mood for, such as Cheery Owl Breakfast
Donuts, Buckbeak's Stuffed Pumpkins, Coconut Snow Cones, Caramelized
Devil's Snare, Ernie's Sandwich, Slithering Snake Ravioli, Polyjuice
Potion, and Treacle Tart (Harry's favorite!).<br /><br />I hope everyone
will try this cookbook and enjoy all its magical offerings~!
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;">
🎧 Music of the Month 🎧<br /><i>Mika's Celtic Christmas 🎄</i> on Spotify
</p>
<p>
Christmastime is my favorite time of year, so although you might think this
more appropriate for December, I was already listening to my Celtic Christmas
playlist the month before X3 I especially like to listen to it at the end of
the day as I'm winding down for bed~
</p>
<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="352" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/0XsiQehVfv57D3tQsblFAY?utm_source=generator" style="border-radius: 12px;" width="100%"></iframe>
<p>
I recommend listening to this playlist on shuffle, though it's not a problem
to listen straight through. I just added whole Christmas albums until I was
satisfied, no rhyme or reason to the order other than the playlist's theme and
my memory of artists that fit it 😅
</p>
<p><b>Other News: Gratitude Postcard Project</b></p>
<p>
In November, the month of Thanksgiving in my country, I have for years now
tried to practice active gratitude through a daily project. Usually, I pick
something I'm grateful for each day and consider it through a social media
post, journal entry, sketch, etc. This year I thought to do something a bit
different: sending gratitude postcards!
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGvYtHG5EaU9naBegD2G2upis7XiPnY5P69az0rXt33KFaY8aD2EA6jr22ywQPFDXkM-9Mopg3E0MqCg65MygEW3aC71279lHJa3u9yehKieTAZO7bKUQ2BsN77k3-duSdAQ3iXEHORANq8_lhMByn-2vsO5Ym7dBd6XJPwgbwL8NP8KpT8Y9PqJiLg/s3956/PXL_20221101_224707191.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2979" data-original-width="3956" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGvYtHG5EaU9naBegD2G2upis7XiPnY5P69az0rXt33KFaY8aD2EA6jr22ywQPFDXkM-9Mopg3E0MqCg65MygEW3aC71279lHJa3u9yehKieTAZO7bKUQ2BsN77k3-duSdAQ3iXEHORANq8_lhMByn-2vsO5Ym7dBd6XJPwgbwL8NP8KpT8Y9PqJiLg/w640-h482/PXL_20221101_224707191.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> So many postcards to choose from🤩
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
I'm sure I was inspired by the fact that I send so many postcards all year
round, not just to my patrons, but to friends and family as a way to stay in
touch. Still, I find it interesting that only this year did I think of doing
such a thing. Maybe it's because this was the first November in four years
where I wasn't overburdened by end-of-semester projects and looming finals.
Being a degree-holding college graduate is something I'm very grateful for
😆
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3RAYoo5WMwLEn_iWsAu6jITfEDxc0P_vL4XbEqxsm6wSSyGaITV8WmZoi0xSh0zOX6GPFNe4GuxPolaMdB2sK8CMFXUTJTh1hnRCTYW3L4riEWzol_kREu3wAT54D9pri7m0dNqZrirWSuwiiwqM6phFYX007iCpJ1MK6gw-GE-Pzia7JcI894yxpw/s3298/PXL_20221104_180005311.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3298" data-original-width="2941" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3RAYoo5WMwLEn_iWsAu6jITfEDxc0P_vL4XbEqxsm6wSSyGaITV8WmZoi0xSh0zOX6GPFNe4GuxPolaMdB2sK8CMFXUTJTh1hnRCTYW3L4riEWzol_kREu3wAT54D9pri7m0dNqZrirWSuwiiwqM6phFYX007iCpJ1MK6gw-GE-Pzia7JcI894yxpw/w570-h640/PXL_20221104_180005311.jpg" width="570" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
First batch included the hand-painted postcard <a href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2022/11/2022-september-october-roundup.html" target="_blank">I made at the Grand Canyon</a>!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
So, for this project, I posted online everywhere I could think, inviting folks
to send me their addresses if they would like a postcard. Considering that's
very personal information, I was pleased to have sent out a total of twelve
gratitude postcards throughout the month!
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8EY7rrlEx5585uA_pb8OO_WV79kgcw2-C7gIveT3Gsnu3T6BQ1-Yh00IGEJW-3sm1l6u_uFDry1yXXmtaEqcYUndt4KCTea1iQvs69nS242zAp5kiu0lUf14K0Ci6ZzuDsyhi7uF5k0jsKvnI9-RpOgUB6BB_kJxXuwy10q-WhgW5GKfFI9J2z4WTw/s4080/PXL_20221107_214008910.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8EY7rrlEx5585uA_pb8OO_WV79kgcw2-C7gIveT3Gsnu3T6BQ1-Yh00IGEJW-3sm1l6u_uFDry1yXXmtaEqcYUndt4KCTea1iQvs69nS242zAp5kiu0lUf14K0Ci6ZzuDsyhi7uF5k0jsKvnI9-RpOgUB6BB_kJxXuwy10q-WhgW5GKfFI9J2z4WTw/w640-h482/PXL_20221107_214008910.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Second batch~<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
I'm not sure if I'll do this project again next year, but I think I'd like to.
Perhaps more people will trust me with their addresses if it becomes a yearly
event 🫡
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKv1sP_DuPvruh_zSmMuVepx1ArL-Veyo6L_bBbuUmjbN_MsSfkvqZKA7E0btj639xoJ3ITzIazjx7_-oXdDluEDjy6V0fHVn2uEhpDqeRTbSDkZ4Jgi4t5Q9H0xNu8QJuN3eC-N5uJEt2HU4OdP35UFiRDxZXmkpeWX-4HpQrmulTcSkRTL_OeFoasA/s4080/PXL_20221121_212321975~2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKv1sP_DuPvruh_zSmMuVepx1ArL-Veyo6L_bBbuUmjbN_MsSfkvqZKA7E0btj639xoJ3ITzIazjx7_-oXdDluEDjy6V0fHVn2uEhpDqeRTbSDkZ4Jgi4t5Q9H0xNu8QJuN3eC-N5uJEt2HU4OdP35UFiRDxZXmkpeWX-4HpQrmulTcSkRTL_OeFoasA/w640-h482/PXL_20221121_212321975~2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Final and largest batch~!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
And here we are, at the end of November's roundup. It's the day after I
started writing and the clouds are thinner than ever, and it's even colder! I
still have hope, though: the forecast says it will snow tonight! 🙏❄️🌨️ It
also says it will rain on Christmas Eve and Christmas, but let's just ignore
that for now...
</p>
<p>
I hope you enjoyed reading this post and perhaps got inspired to try something
new 😀 This is my last blog entry for 2022, so I would like to wish you a very
happy holiday season and a magical new year~! 🎉💖✨ As always, may you be
safe, happy, and healthy!
</p>Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1017933620931440689.post-77486511939567822932022-11-10T19:03:00.004-07:002022-11-10T19:03:33.147-07:002022 September & October Roundup<p>
It's a snowy morning as I begin typing this entry, one of my favorite
atmospheres, but unfortunately, it's already wet and mushy and melting. I'm
listening to Tchaikovsky, my favorite classical composer. His music seemed
like a good fit for the weather. My usual morning tea has gone cold, but
that's ok because there's not much left anyway. I'll wait until lunch for another
cup. For the next couple hours, I'm going to focus on sharing my roundup of
the past two months with you 💕
</p>
<p>
October marked the first time I've missed a roundup since I started doing
them. After over two years not being sick with <i>anything</i>, in September I
caught COVID-19. And I had symptoms; I wasn't one of the lucky people it
doesn't affect. Thanks to my vaccination and booster shots, I was never sick
enough to go to the doctor for care, but I was sick enough that most
everything in my life got put on pause while I recovered. That included
writing my September roundup. Instead of scrambling to catch up once I was
better, I decided to just do a joint post after October, and here we are!
</p>
<p>
I have some unique news to share with you in this post, so I hope you'll enjoy
reading to the end 😄
</p>
<p><b>Patreon Rewards</b></p>
<p>
Because of being sick for several weeks from the end of September into the
beginning of October, I wasn't able to produce any worthwhile new rewards to
send out to
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank"
>Studio Mikarts members</a
>
during those months. I won't deny I felt guilt and anxiety about it, but as
always, my patrons are amazingly patient and understanding people. I'm excited
to report that they are soon to be thoroughly rewarded for their constancy 🥰
</p>
<p>
I completed all 31 Inktober drawings in October (for the first time ever! more
on that later) and chose my top ten to present to my patrons. They voted on
their top six at the beginning of this month and now all of the winning
drawings have been ordered as rewards!
</p>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95VHcV3fkfZYD_VzAb12qOca6hJtMZ4qNgRSRdUXuJsIqgbQ8YUQtuK4tmQ9FUkvzKOr6SG9VKaF83vFpqs-qlQxxf5S0OevkqQ8hwN4LOWWgxSvGql7XiP5hnYNFGH90ER352ypl38mQP2v-4z8WuXf04tYfvl8PPcQwZsTpHqVsJWdY2cBWHvErRQ/s1140/Screenshot%202022-11-04%20at%2009-32-57%20Inktober%20Vote%20on%20Your%20Favorites!%20Studio%20Mikarts%20on%20Patreon.png"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1034"
data-original-width="1140"
height="581"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95VHcV3fkfZYD_VzAb12qOca6hJtMZ4qNgRSRdUXuJsIqgbQ8YUQtuK4tmQ9FUkvzKOr6SG9VKaF83vFpqs-qlQxxf5S0OevkqQ8hwN4LOWWgxSvGql7XiP5hnYNFGH90ER352ypl38mQP2v-4z8WuXf04tYfvl8PPcQwZsTpHqVsJWdY2cBWHvErRQ/w640-h581/Screenshot%202022-11-04%20at%2009-32-57%20Inktober%20Vote%20on%20Your%20Favorites!%20Studio%20Mikarts%20on%20Patreon.png"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
A preview of the
<a
href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/inktober-vote-on-74200858"
target="_blank"
>patron-only voting post</a
>
on Patreon.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
If you're interested in becoming a Studio Mikarts member, now is a great time
to sign up! If you select any of the postcard or print tiers (Pen Pal, Writer,
Collector, or Connoisseur) before 21 November 2022, you'll be guaranteed to
receive all six of the Inktober rewards! What a solid way to start your
collection! 😮 You'll also have the pride of knowing that your support is
helping me continue to make cool, unique artwork, both in a financial
sense--helping me with things like buying art supplies, paying for intangible
costs like the very URL of this blog, and funding entries into art shows,
contests, and professional guilds--and in an emotional and social sense,
giving me reassurance that my artwork is worthy, and proving to others that
these images have value 🖼️✨
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/studiomikarts" target="_blank"
>Click here to join the studio!</a
>
</p>
<p><b>Gryphia Progress</b></p>
<p>
It's not pleasant to realize that I haven't written anything for my first
Gryphia novel since the latter half of September. But it's not as if I have
lost my motivation or have writer's block. It's just that I've been so busy
ever since! First I went on a week-long anniversary vacation (a planned break
from writing), then I spent several weeks recovering from COVID-19, soon after
that it was time to go to New York state for the Inktober retreat, and for the
past couple weeks, I kept finding both legitimate and silly reasons to be busy
during my writing hours, until here we are today 😅 The good news is, once I'm
done with this post, my writing time will again be available for Gryphia work!
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
Adding more words, doing more research. Today I learned a lot about blood
transfusions, both present day and through history 💉<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#WIP</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Writing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#Writing</a
>
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Novel?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#Novel</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fantasy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#Fantasy</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gryphons?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#Gryphons</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Freewrite?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#Freewrite</a
>
<a href="https://t.co/vAnKYIQeKy">pic.twitter.com/vAnKYIQeKy</a>
</p>
— Studio Mikarts (@StudioMikarts)
<a
href="https://twitter.com/StudioMikarts/status/1570098406688968704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>September 14, 2022</a
>
</blockquote>
<script
async=""
charset="utf-8"
src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"
></script>
<p>
It's not as if I didn't get ANY writing done in the past two months, either. I
got about halfway through writing chapter six (of twelve) before my extended
break began. That means I'm almost halfway through the entire first draft!
It's no longer realistic to aim for my goal of finishing the first draft this
year, but I intend to ride the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) energy
to make as much progress as possible this month! Wish me luck!
</p>
<p><b>deviantART</b></p>
<p>
I uploaded a lot of work to deviantART last month! It bothered me that in
2020, I had done several lovely drawings for Inktober, but I never even
scanned them into my computer. So I took the
time to digitize and post all eleven pieces. Even though they're a couple
years old now, I still love how they turned out~
</p>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTdjCwe1FC_ih4kSNmdiX2i_C1ojyqQbUCgTf77vRY-V75aOROKVgUxcKfUnExK6XMHGw-FM6sbqC80eHSzuO1_0OQn3IzeGQLAQj6184W719cO3pXfR0i31AieaBp5DO8sJBinbC22cR949gaGV8CJv5aFS-jyllN8_kAtOuTp43Idfsbc1OJTGaAw/s1000/201006_Inktober5Owl_ForWeb.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1000"
data-original-width="1000"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTdjCwe1FC_ih4kSNmdiX2i_C1ojyqQbUCgTf77vRY-V75aOROKVgUxcKfUnExK6XMHGw-FM6sbqC80eHSzuO1_0OQn3IzeGQLAQj6184W719cO3pXfR0i31AieaBp5DO8sJBinbC22cR949gaGV8CJv5aFS-jyllN8_kAtOuTp43Idfsbc1OJTGaAw/w640-h640/201006_Inktober5Owl_ForWeb.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
This is one of my favorites from the lot.
<a
href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/art/2020-Inktober-5-Owl-935478201"
target="_blank"
>Click here to view on dA.</a
><br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
All of these Inktober drawings followed the same format: a Halloween-themed
animal depicted with some sort of plant or mineral, inked in black with
limited color added using marker. I drew them all in my tiny Royal Talens
sketchbook, which has beautiful, warm ivory-colored paper.
<a
href="https://www.deviantart.com/studiomikarts/gallery/71621225/inktober"
target="_blank"
>Click here to visit my Inktober gallery</a
>
where you can see all of the 2020 drawings and some of my favorites from
previous years, too!
</p>
<p><b>Art Excursions: Grand Canyon North Rim</b></p>
<p>
As I said in my
<a
href="https://www.studiomikarts.com/2022/09/2022-august-roundup.html"
target="_blank"
>previous blog post</a
>, I have continued to go out on art excursions to practice my plein air work,
sharpening my life drawing skills and working with subjects I don't see every
day. In the past two months I only had a single plein air session, but it was
a biggie: I painted the Grand Canyon!
</p>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9t2l1_xW_gawEqN3ID548NqRpx17HyRrejWX_Aj038FsmG2XCL2l_cYDm3tZxbDvnBrYD7KKBSqOGqOGO7eWRI876ojQYOIjyx_LspbJ-UwnnBUid6L15sj4LcURpdIi5MTbw8uH55UtU6QPCdS1ml1oBsc8nczKZnWDCkcI6xv88EWcrQeucbJMEQA/s4032/IMG_0845.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3024"
data-original-width="4032"
height="480"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9t2l1_xW_gawEqN3ID548NqRpx17HyRrejWX_Aj038FsmG2XCL2l_cYDm3tZxbDvnBrYD7KKBSqOGqOGO7eWRI876ojQYOIjyx_LspbJ-UwnnBUid6L15sj4LcURpdIi5MTbw8uH55UtU6QPCdS1ml1oBsc8nczKZnWDCkcI6xv88EWcrQeucbJMEQA/w640-h480/IMG_0845.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Sitting on the edge of a cliff while painting the view. It was a first
for me!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYymDwWEOFQuUuwgNW3BTCZr_NbQy8p0L0max8GCdPk1Xb-Nk4IQGsjLa7sebKsxatJExczN_Zb3cA4NVPFEbJsZVl3BNCPFr0U0cugoII13a9yatNXFoPBHb2cU_UiO9WhBAMoXcSHAZPDINWoYmYIQ82fr0Yrh3LDRMDPjNCzyXswRoFqlTWlk87mw/s4032/IMG_0844.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3024"
data-original-width="4032"
height="480"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYymDwWEOFQuUuwgNW3BTCZr_NbQy8p0L0max8GCdPk1Xb-Nk4IQGsjLa7sebKsxatJExczN_Zb3cA4NVPFEbJsZVl3BNCPFr0U0cugoII13a9yatNXFoPBHb2cU_UiO9WhBAMoXcSHAZPDINWoYmYIQ82fr0Yrh3LDRMDPjNCzyXswRoFqlTWlk87mw/w640-h480/IMG_0844.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Thank you to my husband, Sean, for taking these photos 😊<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
The only thing I didn't like about this art excursion was my own choice of
media. I did not realize that the travel watercolor kit I brought was mostly
full of bright, neon colors 😱 I initially chose it because it had a few
lovely metallic paints, but the other colors didn't look so shockingly bright
in the pan. Not until I wet and applied them to the page did their true nature
show.
</p>
<p>
I did my best to work with them, though. After all, I wasn't going to waste
the opportunity just because I didn't have the colors I expected. Indeed, the
session was a great art lesson because I began experimenting with mixing
colors. I ended up being able to produce some nice hues that reflected what I
was seeing quite well. And even if the end result wasn't what I hoped to
produce, it's still a unique experimental piece!
</p>
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<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURgzaYk0pSyBELFnjcQYB9z0FIbY6VKtq-H0LM6SfZxmXO5FirEODKlU1zDs9WZfS3REJBMMCP_9U0JZ-__5t1gYRj5g_2xJWBtqfxeRxebtHFHC1p5uLz9tXBioaITQxkNVsZDtln2yoAaWotp85MXS0EulZiyMupYxx4rUaE6d-jx_7eip8WJUFzQ/s1000/220920_GrandCanyonNorthRimPostcard_ForWeb.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="647"
data-original-width="1000"
height="414"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURgzaYk0pSyBELFnjcQYB9z0FIbY6VKtq-H0LM6SfZxmXO5FirEODKlU1zDs9WZfS3REJBMMCP_9U0JZ-__5t1gYRj5g_2xJWBtqfxeRxebtHFHC1p5uLz9tXBioaITQxkNVsZDtln2yoAaWotp85MXS0EulZiyMupYxx4rUaE6d-jx_7eip8WJUFzQ/w640-h414/220920_GrandCanyonNorthRimPostcard_ForWeb.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The final plein air watercolor sketch, with ink details added later.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
There was a particular reason I chose a watercolor kit that included metallic
paints. Normally in my work, metallic, glitter, and other light-reflecting
elements are a waste, because they're not picked up properly by the scanner
and therefore don't make it into the final piece. In this case, however, I
knew I would not just be creating a plein air sketch, but that I would be
doing it on watercolor postcard paper! The final painted postcard, with all
its metallic glory, was mailed to my best friend since adolescence, Sarah, who
is now the owner of my first ever painting of and from the Grand Canyon
😊
</p>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyyisNVc2y8X9B9s8jOijEqBxWbLfSIfDdM1C6MUiAm-C02XakTE0BZm_2WuJn27qvhQaReHBn7OS-wL6Bq5osmJmPJ03Fc2MFkRbmosDUP0VWDCFl0JHhLlYmgvOsP77AZ2mhaZsCh5iQ9OprzpKPNzb4-3md3W0iHmIC4jMhslFPWu8l4vC9KsV4Q/s3977/PXL_20220920_002214499.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3977"
data-original-width="2994"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyyisNVc2y8X9B9s8jOijEqBxWbLfSIfDdM1C6MUiAm-C02XakTE0BZm_2WuJn27qvhQaReHBn7OS-wL6Bq5osmJmPJ03Fc2MFkRbmosDUP0VWDCFl0JHhLlYmgvOsP77AZ2mhaZsCh5iQ9OprzpKPNzb4-3md3W0iHmIC4jMhslFPWu8l4vC9KsV4Q/w482-h640/PXL_20220920_002214499.jpg"
width="482"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Greetings from the Grand Canyon!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
While I was at the Grand Canyon (we visited the North Rim, which I had never
been to before and has a very different look from the South Rim I visited in
childhood!) I bought a bunch of neat souvenirs from the gift shops. One of
them was a purely practical purchase: a sling rucksack that will make future
art excursions much easier! Until now, it's been cumbersome carrying my art
tools, a waterbottle, perhaps a snack, and my personal items in a regular
backpack, which I have to take off and put back on every time I need
something, usually with the backpack or something else spending time on the
dirty ground while I rearrange 😬 With this new rucksack, I can just swing it
around to my front when I need something or even wear it across my chest the
whole time! It's hard to put into words how much this bag is going to improve
my art excursions. The bottom line is, I'm going to be spending more time
making art!
</p>
<p><b>Livestreaming</b></p>
<p>
One of the first things I was able to get back to once I started feeling well
enough, thanks to the impetus of Inktober, was
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank"
>livestreaming on Twitch</a
>. In September, I streamed every week until I took my anniversary vacation,
completing two Lucky Dip pieces and making a couple more hours of progress on
the digital coloring of my chibi tanuki piece.
</p>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACx0cMTrsA4h1iWMQGSx4D8-2sWkEnipbQFM3PBj8Hv-tJlL9EFIFcVz96QZXzFWOElpBtlnL3f5s3_XvvtqMH8YGxRxh0_MUN4hSGJQ-9bNIZ_xcV_vGwF0OQT8TgdTOUGjiW7ydSP9lFs9LzCNyUF6XqUNo-0ID9yb0g8DOp7Yc99x1e06Dxe6H1Q/s3799/PXL_20220907_234201459.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2861"
data-original-width="3799"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACx0cMTrsA4h1iWMQGSx4D8-2sWkEnipbQFM3PBj8Hv-tJlL9EFIFcVz96QZXzFWOElpBtlnL3f5s3_XvvtqMH8YGxRxh0_MUN4hSGJQ-9bNIZ_xcV_vGwF0OQT8TgdTOUGjiW7ydSP9lFs9LzCNyUF6XqUNo-0ID9yb0g8DOp7Yc99x1e06Dxe6H1Q/w640-h482/PXL_20220907_234201459.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
I think the chat-inspired title of this one ended up being
<i>Beast Boy Be Creepin'</i> 😆<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCb2139rtyJFsArHybRo2BVLsSDE1cJgFzTBzHw4_R00DEi2VCq2kKYDN6o23bVHd5B5rDd2GcntKxTLNg4g6JBU6X1LySEdTceuVbWOgrBjp1mflyl8yPNRGA95QzxBF4XtOcdpeVTMMbFIB_yRsEU-qFDCGPiKLWnVZ1N3hdoltTqM6yDG-7WhV8g/s4080/PXL_20220914_223645497.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2805"
data-original-width="4080"
height="440"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCb2139rtyJFsArHybRo2BVLsSDE1cJgFzTBzHw4_R00DEi2VCq2kKYDN6o23bVHd5B5rDd2GcntKxTLNg4g6JBU6X1LySEdTceuVbWOgrBjp1mflyl8yPNRGA95QzxBF4XtOcdpeVTMMbFIB_yRsEU-qFDCGPiKLWnVZ1N3hdoltTqM6yDG-7WhV8g/w640-h440/PXL_20220914_223645497.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
My final Lucky Dip until November!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe
allowfullscreen="yes"
class="BLOG_video_class"
height="532"
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U4Zk4rfDUyk"
width="640"
youtube-src-id="U4Zk4rfDUyk"
></iframe>
</div>
<p>
For October, I switched from Lucky Dips and Chibi Fridays to Inktober! This
was my plan since returning to Twitch earlier this year, and it went so well I
intend to do it every year 😊 I livestreamed a total of six Inktober drawings
this October (the other 25 were all done during the Inktober retreat! More on
that later~). I'm not sure how outwardly apparent it is, but without a doubt,
participating in the Inktober challenge this year helped not only my inking
skills, but my composition and design skills, and improved my drawing
efficiency and confidence.
</p>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXYzzsWnDD6v9ysCumzR7xhNTAc_H7F9t9ck0dcpjMlxIbdrw32jOD6iarCd8myKtvB2YTUdHS8Pse-3UxVc1F0_vnLHTyb2am-HmgOOQUBZajHYSMt8lQjHQodO4F82yM0grta_u8dlA4rshSyIH5alVWDfSDiCzIUJFSeJ2URbpsXiCbdXXCh6A-w/s4080/PXL_20221005_230233794.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2539"
data-original-width="4080"
height="398"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXYzzsWnDD6v9ysCumzR7xhNTAc_H7F9t9ck0dcpjMlxIbdrw32jOD6iarCd8myKtvB2YTUdHS8Pse-3UxVc1F0_vnLHTyb2am-HmgOOQUBZajHYSMt8lQjHQodO4F82yM0grta_u8dlA4rshSyIH5alVWDfSDiCzIUJFSeJ2URbpsXiCbdXXCh6A-w/w640-h398/PXL_20221005_230233794.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
My first drawing served as a warmup for the entire challenge.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghj4uEdD66l0U_LZ7TC6fj8M30Dfx7wQ5cehKPpBpc1wXLiagn365jf-n0tUf9cfDoCpL4_fjYB_DWuKHH9_opAL-V1IzAIhz877zrCuAovVctnG7kklluJpmcxy_0GPAbW3q5CdPtnDLD_TWqWG4yENQ2Voy7op6bgJ8jsFJ1h8exB5Lk6LwVAbcOjA/s4069/PXL_20221007_230636061.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2695"
data-original-width="4069"
height="424"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghj4uEdD66l0U_LZ7TC6fj8M30Dfx7wQ5cehKPpBpc1wXLiagn365jf-n0tUf9cfDoCpL4_fjYB_DWuKHH9_opAL-V1IzAIhz877zrCuAovVctnG7kklluJpmcxy_0GPAbW3q5CdPtnDLD_TWqWG4yENQ2Voy7op6bgJ8jsFJ1h8exB5Lk6LwVAbcOjA/w640-h424/PXL_20221007_230636061.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
This gryphon was nicknamed the "wiener bird" by Twitch 😆<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnKzSg47IM_Y2Un8hD7xJwXXIeCFLzVPg07tGhn1BZ5I4JQLAWIunGiceLz3tkYEx5PGgGMSJpIyi01qnwOxT8OBj4tEKRpbMktLXaSwyZdHdr4ZOPl3zoFdqQjVzGC07NgrDYwBw5xwAcxSD_H7uSo1q_asCWrCLLakmUQ8Rh4aYlVxSykj5TV6Dww/s3801/PXL_20221012_230432302.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2959"
data-original-width="3801"
height="498"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnKzSg47IM_Y2Un8hD7xJwXXIeCFLzVPg07tGhn1BZ5I4JQLAWIunGiceLz3tkYEx5PGgGMSJpIyi01qnwOxT8OBj4tEKRpbMktLXaSwyZdHdr4ZOPl3zoFdqQjVzGC07NgrDYwBw5xwAcxSD_H7uSo1q_asCWrCLLakmUQ8Rh4aYlVxSykj5TV6Dww/w640-h498/PXL_20221012_230432302.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
You can't really tell, but this is a bat-snake gryphon!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOVwlu2uIgupLRNx16iuqZM9jC5lT5syisAzey71WzttjlwEmoDU6WiJ6DfIzfuh_Zxysrt99q_Hv1UL93FOKsuZLoQVm2AiWMwSmLs3N6WNe6SNqIbiI6CSKbzo93sRvAOlZnIqtiBUZG0DtbCyVu69EOFRizt4gzc0EpcImlGk3z6BQy6xrcGGMsA/s4080/PXL_20221014_231152897.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2700"
data-original-width="4080"
height="424"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOVwlu2uIgupLRNx16iuqZM9jC5lT5syisAzey71WzttjlwEmoDU6WiJ6DfIzfuh_Zxysrt99q_Hv1UL93FOKsuZLoQVm2AiWMwSmLs3N6WNe6SNqIbiI6CSKbzo93sRvAOlZnIqtiBUZG0DtbCyVu69EOFRizt4gzc0EpcImlGk3z6BQy6xrcGGMsA/w640-h424/PXL_20221014_231152897.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
My first attempt at using a gesture drawing to increase overall
dynamism.<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5vBB3FWbbXDVT9gz0pAfQtEfgpHFMNpRJIqhLkWKN4MH26Zw-UyDF3bUGXjlKOr8J8ll8YJogxpJ7bWPFGBkopJBOKDXF6RsnQLll-lYoPRYo1HoifowYffsM3Vl2mQwbtOKQhxxb3IpHa6HnJ46K5u3K2xuJNmPifQzssnvqFxpS6iqn_D0yHUkVA/s4080/PXL_20221026_230139879.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5vBB3FWbbXDVT9gz0pAfQtEfgpHFMNpRJIqhLkWKN4MH26Zw-UyDF3bUGXjlKOr8J8ll8YJogxpJ7bWPFGBkopJBOKDXF6RsnQLll-lYoPRYo1HoifowYffsM3Vl2mQwbtOKQhxxb3IpHa6HnJ46K5u3K2xuJNmPifQzssnvqFxpS6iqn_D0yHUkVA/w640-h482/PXL_20221026_230139879.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
By this time, I was less hesitant to try drawing unusual scenes from
imagination!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmJN7WWkF-JHps2m5vemKXFRDnCpUm3-x2iSazSAS97v_C8z43afc74ieRqabYZN_4Yd0FcZj81_Vd9ZGln_2JnpPfznjBQBiXLyViAFQQkfGhm8FwsWSa5RavZ6kJ0nK7llv5RXytHKrTrMbKgaensMDKlbH3c--nLeI3MPf3Cp2LfiarAXJqTf9OA/s3813/PXL_20221028_234839473.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3813"
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height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmJN7WWkF-JHps2m5vemKXFRDnCpUm3-x2iSazSAS97v_C8z43afc74ieRqabYZN_4Yd0FcZj81_Vd9ZGln_2JnpPfznjBQBiXLyViAFQQkfGhm8FwsWSa5RavZ6kJ0nK7llv5RXytHKrTrMbKgaensMDKlbH3c--nLeI3MPf3Cp2LfiarAXJqTf9OA/w420-h640/PXL_20221028_234839473.jpg"
width="420"
/></a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
I absolutely love this, my final drawing 🤩<br />Gives a completely
different meaning to "turkey farm"!<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
To join me during future livestreams (where we can chat in real time!)
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts" target="_blank"
>visit my Twitch page</a
>
and click the "Follow" button. You'll get notifications when I go live, either
in your email, on your Twitch app, or both. My streaming schedule is the same
every week. Check out the
<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/studiomikarts/schedule" target="_blank"
>schedule on my page</a
>
to see times and dates in your time zone 🌏
</p>
<p><b>Charity Fundraising: Zoo Boise</b></p>
<p>
Because I lost so many streaming days in September, and because I was too ill
to update it before I resumed streaming in October, I kept
<a href="https://zooboise.org/support/donate/" target="_blank">Zoo Boise</a>
as my featured charity. My fundraising formula is based on the number of
unique viewers I get on Twitch in a month (or in this case, two months). I
donate USD $0.10 per viewer, with a minimum of $10 and a max of $100.
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMUhZmo-Y4Wulyftf6kOvmo53Sa849UTy4hKMZUD5rtsd1JsWKjLT8T6zM0-gsJ9o-m3LjBVvTgoPk3iw94CJRfKlNaCBRa9u-YMGEXwsJuvmXDE6bEcFAd5gS3PHTb6ASohLRwS4UDgXjEkalOB5IpEmJM6N0vX-M2axl3pGfgvPPLB_1UfZSIS3SQ/s1558/Screenshot%202022-11-04%20at%2010-43-40%20Twitch.png"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="802"
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height="330"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMUhZmo-Y4Wulyftf6kOvmo53Sa849UTy4hKMZUD5rtsd1JsWKjLT8T6zM0-gsJ9o-m3LjBVvTgoPk3iw94CJRfKlNaCBRa9u-YMGEXwsJuvmXDE6bEcFAd5gS3PHTb6ASohLRwS4UDgXjEkalOB5IpEmJM6N0vX-M2axl3pGfgvPPLB_1UfZSIS3SQ/w640-h330/Screenshot%202022-11-04%20at%2010-43-40%20Twitch.png"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
Across September and October, I had 26 unique viewers! That amounted to a $10
donation 🤗💸✨
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkx7SoiYRvXJzyFctFs_CtBerYAUU2XJwQTerApp_r_XEKAwegJcC4bhEaipsFKltuBIKRtnImoSdAd6kBCRv-R6wkUp1e7bgznUrnvqwsY5mAkSnqccA525oHqXOoM0dpeiVfQup1nJ61PVbyBXkX2f44eiOeRoIyqPXzzgP4dvTXdpZn2UWBA6sY5g/s1690/2022ZooBoiseDonation.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="1690"
data-original-width="910"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkx7SoiYRvXJzyFctFs_CtBerYAUU2XJwQTerApp_r_XEKAwegJcC4bhEaipsFKltuBIKRtnImoSdAd6kBCRv-R6wkUp1e7bgznUrnvqwsY5mAkSnqccA525oHqXOoM0dpeiVfQup1nJ61PVbyBXkX2f44eiOeRoIyqPXzzgP4dvTXdpZn2UWBA6sY5g/w344-h640/2022ZooBoiseDonation.jpg"
width="344"
/></a>
</div>
<p>
When I made the donation, I was pleasantly surprised to find a specific goal
listed on the donation page. This $10 is going to help build the red pandas a
bigger, better home! I'm excited to see it when it's done 💕 If you'd also
like to help with the red pandas' new home, please
<a href="https://zooboise.org/support/donate/" target="_blank"
>make a donation here</a
>!
</p>
<p>
This month, November, my featured charity is
<a href="https://www.farmsanctuary.org/" target="_blank">Farm Sanctuary</a>.
They are working to create a more kind and healthy world, where farm animals
are allowed to live out their natural lives freely, in peace and happiness.
Since 1986 (my birth year 🤯) they have run the Adopt a Turkey Project,
redefining the meaning of Turkey Day 🦃💖 You can even
<a
href="https://www.farmsanctuary.org/news-stories/quiz-who-is-your-inner-turkey/"
target="_blank"
>take a quiz</a
>
to determine which of this year's spokesturkeys match your personality! I got
Roberto, the Adventurer~ The money we raise livestreaming in November will
count towards his symbolic adoption. If the total is greater than that, I will
donate the extra as well!
</p>
<p><b>Monthly Recommendations</b></p>
<p>
Now it's time for one of the most fun parts of my roundup posts: monthly
recommendations! This time they span two months, but because this post is
already plenty long, I'm still sticking to one recommendation per category. As
a reminder, I'm not being paid to promote any of these things (though I
wouldn't mind if that were actually the case 🤑) they're just things I
legitimately want to share in hopes that you, my readers, might enjoy them,
too.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">👟 Workout of the Month 👟<br />Hiking</p>
<p>
With a trip to southern Utah in September and to northern New York in October,
hiking was a big theme for both months! I hiked with my husband along an easy
trail at Grand Canyon National Park during our day trip there, and then joined
in a couple group hikes in Adirondacks Park during the Inktober retreat.
</p>
<div
class="strava-embed-placeholder"
data-embed-id="7998011520"
data-embed-type="activity"
></div>
<script src="https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>
It's starting to get snowy and cold here, so hiking is more dangerous for many
reasons. I've probably done my final hikes for 2022. If you're lucky enough to
find some trails that are still warm and dry, why not don your hiking boots
and set out? Physical exertion in the great outdoors, there's nothing more
invigorating!
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
🍽️ Vegan Victuals of the Month 🍽️<br /><a
href="https://www.cinnaholic.com/"
target="_blank"
>Cinnaholic</a
>
Cinnamon Rolls
</p>
<p>
Ever since I went full vegan earlier this year, Cinnaholic has become my
favorite indulgent dessert shop. Everything they offer is vegan, so it's a
safe haven where I can order anything without spending a bunch of time
checking all the ingredients. The calories in their rolls are over the top (no
surprise there, nothing so delicious could be low-cal!), so I've had to limit
myself 😅 but there's nothing better when you're craving comfort sweets 🤤
</p>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1SJgOt3EiD8mWrYAtaGlMetmHYdhQohhhl4iaIpmvZDlaTQdBpNqqZ39TBhydA-sHNXVrMxTJHSxWfV2XgnzX7JUnbjdVlw3QuL69Oe3_WX07GXJwU5WAb9O45SynMo7GH3I85o-x5N9qvbcmxn2AsLfpV2bluDXkYeoh1EhjFV5_M101-zQaZ6IFg/s4080/PXL_20221023_223330080.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1SJgOt3EiD8mWrYAtaGlMetmHYdhQohhhl4iaIpmvZDlaTQdBpNqqZ39TBhydA-sHNXVrMxTJHSxWfV2XgnzX7JUnbjdVlw3QuL69Oe3_WX07GXJwU5WAb9O45SynMo7GH3I85o-x5N9qvbcmxn2AsLfpV2bluDXkYeoh1EhjFV5_M101-zQaZ6IFg/w640-h482/PXL_20221023_223330080.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Chai frosting, maple frosting, apples, chocolate chips, graham crackers,
and marshmallows~
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
I reminded myself of Cinnaholic during the Inktober retreat, when I drew an
owl gryphon eyeing a delicious roll for the prompt "tempting". My trip back to
Boise was very stressful (in fact it was the worst day of flying I've ever
experienced...), so of course, my first full day back home, I ordered the
scrumptious roll you see above!
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Inktober?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#Inktober</a
>
day 25: Tempting 🤤 Making myself hungry for a Cinnaholic roll~<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FocusRetreatCenter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#FocusRetreatCenter</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illustration?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#Illustration</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Drawing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#Drawing</a
>
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ink?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#Ink</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fantasy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#Fantasy</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gryphons?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#Gryphons</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Inktober2022?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#Inktober2022</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kuretake_Inktober?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#Kuretake_Inktober</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kuretake_Inktober2022?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#Kuretake_Inktober2022</a
>
<a
href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MoleskineInktober?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>#MoleskineInktober</a
>
<a href="https://t.co/LcZerbE3FE">pic.twitter.com/LcZerbE3FE</a>
</p>
— Studio Mikarts (@StudioMikarts)
<a
href="https://twitter.com/StudioMikarts/status/1583253281505431552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>October 21, 2022</a
>
</blockquote>
<script
async=""
charset="utf-8"
src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"
></script>
<p>
Spoiler alert: This Cinnaholic-craving gryphon (which I'm considering a loose
self-portrait 😆) was one of the Inktober drawings that got
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/2022-week-45-74367900" target="_blank"
>voted into reward status</a
>! Postcards are on their way to the studio as I write 💌
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
📕 Book of the Month 📕<br /><a
href="https://squareenixmangaandbooks.square-enix-games.com/en-us/product/9781646090266"
target="_blank"
><i>A Man and His Cat</i></a
>
by Umi Sakurai
</p>
<p>
My recommended book this time is the start of a series that spans at least ten
volumes (the eighth English volume is slated for release in May 2023). If you
love cats or pets or just warm, fuzzy feelings, I think you'll love this~ It
was originally published in Japanese on Twitter.
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="ja">
ガンガンpixivで「おじさまと猫」の番外編が更新しました!<br />釣り名人ふくまると、自ら進むおじさまです!<br /><br />続きはこちらです↓<a
href="https://t.co/J9HEbHGqXA"
>https://t.co/J9HEbHGqXA</a
>
<a href="https://t.co/7OUUuZwMk4">pic.twitter.com/7OUUuZwMk4</a>
</p>
— 桜井海@おじ猫10巻絵本11/11発売決定!ゲームプレイ中! (@sakurai_umi_)
<a
href="https://twitter.com/sakurai_umi_/status/1299542491251634176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"
>August 29, 2020</a
>
</blockquote>
<script
async=""
charset="utf-8"
src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"
></script>
<p>
Here's my review of the first volume, originally posted on
<a
href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/3c6ed8f5-05b0-4872-afa6-7703524ebe6f"
target="_blank"
>The StoryGraph</a
>:
</p>
<blockquote>
emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced<br /><br />⭐ 5.0<br /><br />This
was such a touching, heartwarming manga! It's very reminiscent of
<i>Chi's Sweet Home</i>, both being cute tales told mainly from the point of
view of cats who find new homes with loving humans. If you enjoyed Chi's
story, I'm sure you'd love this. <i>A Man and His Cat</i> is a bit more
bittersweet, with hints of past tragedy and more moments of sadness, but it's
also full of humor and cuddly scenes that make you smile. The artwork is well
done: pretty and easy to digest. When I finished this first volume, which I
waited a long time to purchase so that I could save money by buying used, I
immediately ordered all the following volumes--used if I could get them, but
new if that was the only option--because that's how much I wanted to continue
the story! If you're in the mood for something uplifting and fluffy, and
especially if you were already considering reading this manga, I encourage you
to give <i>A Man and His Cat</i> a try~
</blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;">
📺 Show of the Month 📺<br /><a
href="https://disneyplusoriginals.disney.com/show/she-hulk"
target="_blank"
><i>She-Hulk: Attorney at Law</i></a
>
on Disney+
</p>
<p>
I was looking forward to watching She-Hulk long before it premiered, simply
because I'm always in the mood for more female superheroes to inspire me, but
I had no idea what to expect from the show. Happily, I enjoyed it from the
beginning, and the more I watched, the more I liked it. After finishing the
final episode, it had planted itself firmly in the top three of my Marvel
series ranking. I think Moon Knight is still my number one, but She-Hulk is so
unique (and so hilarious!!!) that it displaced Loki for second place. I highly
recommend the show, and make sure to watch to the very end! It's so good, just
writing that last sentence gave me goosebumps 😆
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<iframe
allowfullscreen=""
frameborder="0"
height="315"
scrolling="no"
src="https://secure.disney.com/embed/5e483bebeac06ebd6b4f2a72?domain=video.disney.com"
width="560"
></iframe
><br /><a
href="https://video.disney.com/watch/official-trailer-she-hulk-attorney-at-law-disney-5e483bebeac06ebd6b4f2a72"
>
Official Trailer | She-Hulk: Attorney at Law | Disney+
</a>
</p>
<p>
Digging around a bit, it looks like a season 2 might be dependent on
viewership of season 1, so why not help a girl out and give it a watch? 🙏🙏🙏
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
🎮 Game of the Month 🎮<br /><i
><a
href="https://www.spacecowboys.fr/sherlock-holmes-consultingdetective"
target="_blank"
>Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective</a
></i
>
by SPACE Cowboys
</p>
<p>
The first time I played one of the cases from this series was at a board game
cafe that unfortunately (but understandably) closed down at the beginning of
the pandemic. Just that one session was enough to get me hooked, and I was
very pleased to receive one of the games for Christmas last year! I could
finally play again 🤩
</p>
<table
align="center"
cellpadding="0"
cellspacing="0"
class="tr-caption-container"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FUjeHcTRej4ih3VfXD_SQ7WTF7yayMIlz3tPQh3qK9Gj2KzB8ipkkFxYZ_pH9tQFCq8kYat0etRexpkRY_Rvt9mh10ClpRVcVXZoZoZymjb49Asianrelq0KApB2vJ-Bj8vaU5Bv0Fq1d4aCDnBRVubPoWwT29RS4HoK7bJ7gh-_puP-qTMKWbb4GQ/s3930/PXL_20211227_014653136.NIGHT.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2960"
data-original-width="3930"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FUjeHcTRej4ih3VfXD_SQ7WTF7yayMIlz3tPQh3qK9Gj2KzB8ipkkFxYZ_pH9tQFCq8kYat0etRexpkRY_Rvt9mh10ClpRVcVXZoZoZymjb49Asianrelq0KApB2vJ-Bj8vaU5Bv0Fq1d4aCDnBRVubPoWwT29RS4HoK7bJ7gh-_puP-qTMKWbb4GQ/w640-h482/PXL_20211227_014653136.NIGHT.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
We've made it through three cases so far this year 🔎✨<br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
While the replayability of each individual case is questionable, since all the
details are revealed at the end, there are four games with ten cases each, for
a grand total of 40 cases to get through. I'd argue that one could still go
back and attempt to solve the cases again. 39 cases later, the details might
have been forgotten, and if they weren't, one could try for a better score.
Either way, even if you played a case a day, it would take you over a month to
solve them all!
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe
allowfullscreen=""
class="BLOG_video_class"
height="532"
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3PqaVRzlKgM"
width="640"
youtube-src-id="3PqaVRzlKgM"
></iframe>
</div>
<p>
<i>Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective</i> is a multiplayer, cooperative
experience that challenges your logic and deductive skills, and requires a
scrupulous attention to detail to achieve a high score (we've never beaten
Holmes yet 😅). I recommend keeping pencils and paper in the box for players
to use for note taking, and as a way to chronicle your gameplay journey,
showing who you played with, when, and how you did. This is one of the few
board games I own that specifically gets requested on game nights. Goes to
show what a strong and positive impression it leaves on its players!
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
🎧 Music of the Month 🎧<br /><i>Mika's Halloween 🎃</i> on Spotify
</p>
<p>
For my final recommendation, although it's now out of season, I'd like to
share my Halloween playlist with you! It's a truly eclectic mix that includes
everything from otome game themes to classical music, from 80s rock to obscure
oldies, and from Disney songs to movie soundtracks. The one thing tying all
these wildly different genres together is the Halloween theme! I hope you'll
enjoy this seasonal playlist, if not now, then next year 😄
</p>
<p>
<iframe
allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture"
allowfullscreen=""
frameborder="0"
height="380"
loading="lazy"
src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/69ifG4dKa14PtnB6KetIEs?utm_source=generator"
style="border-radius: 12px;"
width="100%"
></iframe>
</p>
<p>
Shuffle play is recommended here, since I've been casually building this
playlist for two years, without regard to how things are ordered. Tracks are ocassionally removed, but by and large, the
run time has only increased. I'm sure by next spooky season, it will have
grown even longer. In fact, if you have a favorite Halloween tune that isn't
already on this playlist, send it my way! I'm always open to new ingredients
for the musical brew~
</p>
<p><b>Personal News: Growing Our Family</b></p>
<p>
One of the activities we planned for our anniversary vacation this past
September was adopting some new pets from
<a href="https://bestfriends.org/sanctuary" target="_blank"
>Best Friends Animal Sanctuary</a
>
💕 The pain of losing Sun this summer had finally lessened enough that,
instead of feeling like I never wanted to keep a dog again, I began to feel
desperate to share my love with a new animal friend. In the end, we welcomed
two dogs and a pigeon to our family 🥰 The following are photos of all our
beloved pets, old and new.
</p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILCNrR2dRWCQBGH7HP1ghvJWB22AtdHUJ-nU5f8SpfXx2otQLzogogNGaXx9hBkX-vFc3-6EwBZ6vYNBOgseYfgf5I8X5Tjd0g_bFEsXcfEiLaG8KBwPdwZecYK1ZQfFgAPDrdt6dcaMgBCDruICS00_CD37L0Vv7oJkIV2xqbLfW2-bUlYBgNePnbg/s2839/PXL_20220922_012321164.jpg"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="2138"
data-original-width="2839"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILCNrR2dRWCQBGH7HP1ghvJWB22AtdHUJ-nU5f8SpfXx2otQLzogogNGaXx9hBkX-vFc3-6EwBZ6vYNBOgseYfgf5I8X5Tjd0g_bFEsXcfEiLaG8KBwPdwZecYK1ZQfFgAPDrdt6dcaMgBCDruICS00_CD37L0Vv7oJkIV2xqbLfW2-bUlYBgNePnbg/w640-h482/PXL_20220922_012321164.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
First we have Aoife, our home's gentle giant. She became firmly attached to me
from day one! She now follows me around the house, whether I'm doing yoga in
the den, working in the studio, or cooking in the kitchen. Of course that
means she sleeps with me every night, too~
</p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXYJFTYUXuJdg0poeC_JgyHsx4FDG212fyfG26vfPmplHQvTE-b-lX_YUeONiC-d6EO1y6AupgtnzftepHU-pK7mCuDxC5TKao0Vl-tE5fuTnWSBPdqywCZVrFb0jjai-VyIBr2diQVfMxSITsCrOg7JexB361J_lHwi_eOgNNM9Stb8ZGsZRceJYXg/s4080/PXL_20220929_202307795.jpg"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3072"
data-original-width="4080"
height="482"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXYJFTYUXuJdg0poeC_JgyHsx4FDG212fyfG26vfPmplHQvTE-b-lX_YUeONiC-d6EO1y6AupgtnzftepHU-pK7mCuDxC5TKao0Vl-tE5fuTnWSBPdqywCZVrFb0jjai-VyIBr2diQVfMxSITsCrOg7JexB361J_lHwi_eOgNNM9Stb8ZGsZRceJYXg/w640-h482/PXL_20220929_202307795.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
This is Sora, who we rescued last year. We were content not knowing her sex
all this time, but she finally revealed it when we brought her new pigeon
companion home. Just seeing him in his separate cage, as we slowly introduced
them over several days, was enough for her to lay her first egg 🤯
</p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-IMCrS_4oNQoBnpTFMwiDgWCz_QkFWCefYQvkocF8OcttdEj3c6TozHboNvUzS0ybnof2I9tbu29iBQOgN5D2tkED_xwRT0y9ewD0RA_A6_V2m2mz3hApGqfvx5vSdPczrzb4JfH2XApHR9IRtDtpmBRrHL23wMuo5GbuhO9k0jxJnw5ir5AlXvuPg/s3605/PXL_20221003_022843645.jpg"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="3605"
data-original-width="2715"
height="640"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-IMCrS_4oNQoBnpTFMwiDgWCz_QkFWCefYQvkocF8OcttdEj3c6TozHboNvUzS0ybnof2I9tbu29iBQOgN5D2tkED_xwRT0y9ewD0RA_A6_V2m2mz3hApGqfvx5vSdPczrzb4JfH2XApHR9IRtDtpmBRrHL23wMuo5GbuhO9k0jxJnw5ir5AlXvuPg/w482-h640/PXL_20221003_022843645.jpg"
width="482"
/></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<p>
Here we have Kumo, our little shining prince. His adoption timeline met so
perfectly with our visit to the sanctuary that he was never even publicly
listed for adoption. He's a calm, gentle boy, who nonetheless keeps strong,
pushy Sora in check.
</p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a
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<p>
Longtime readers may remember Kiki! She's our oldest pet now, though you'd
never know she was over 14 just by looking at her. She's still healthy,
energetic, playful, and spicy 😈 She's also an excellent beta-reader and
editor, as you can see here!
</p>
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<p>
Finally we have Chappie, our little wiggle worm. She looks exactly like a
black & tan Australian Kelpie, though we won't know her breed for sure
until we do a cheek swab DNA test. She was cautious and shy at first, but
after a couple weeks she also ended up super attached to me 😅💕
</p>
<p>
So it is that we have a full house once again~ It's been many years since
there were so many of us: two humans, one cat, two pigeons, and two dogs. It's
actually been great for my daily routine and overall health. Taking care of
the dogs in the morning gets me out of bed when it was so easy to sleep in
before. I have new running buddies (the dogs, of course!) so I've finally
gotten back to my main sport after being derailed by illness and travel. I
even get up and move more often throughout the day, enticed by a coo or meow
or the squeak of a toy.
</p>
<p>The saying is true: life is good, pets make it better!</p>
<p><b>Other News: Inaugural Inktober Retreat</b></p>
<p>
Now we near the end of this double roundup post. While the trip I took in
September was of a personal nature, during the third week of October, it was
all business (in a way, the business of honing my drawing skills!) as I
attended the first ever Inktober retreat. I wrote a detailed review of the
<a href="https://focusretreatcenter.com/">Focus Retreat Center</a>, where the
event was held.
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/rJreD2pwwWX39bJG6" target="_blank"
>Here it is on Google Maps</a
>, and also pasted here in its entirety, followed by annotated photos from my
trip.
</p>
<blockquote>
<p>
I stayed at the Focus Retreat Center (FRC) for the third week of their
Inktober retreat in 2022. I'd never been to a retreat of any kind before, so
I only had vague expectations based on FRC handout materials and Inktober
retreat-specific information, plus hopes built up by stories I've heard from
people who have gone on various retreats elsewhere. I'm happy to report that
my stay here was everything I had hoped and much more!<br /><br />As a
vegan, I wasn't sure if FRC could accommodate my dietary needs, but there
was plenty to eat (in fact, I couldn't stop myself eating too much!) and I
never needed to prepare/source my own food to maintain my vegan lifestyle.
The retreat was all-inclusive, so three square meals, snacks, and drinks
were included, and the dining area was open 24-hours, so if I needed a
late-night snack or hot cup of tea to get me through my last Inktober
drawing that day, I was able to satiate myself freely.<br /><br />My room
was spacious and comfortable and quickly became my main workspace as I
marathoned 25 Inktober drawings over six days. We were allowed to roll in an
electric standing desk and office chair and mine fit perfectly at the foot
of my bed. I came to rely on the desk to mitigate as much physical strain as
possible; I would sit for one drawing and stand for the next. This kept my
chronic low back pain, and other complaints that crop up during long work
sessions, at bay. Other cool features in the room: digital thermostat,
remote-controlled lighting with brightness and warmth settings, and two-way
window shades so you could let in natural light while maintaining privacy. A
couple downsides to the room(s): the floors were squeaky and the walls
paper-thin. I was able to hear my neighbor clearly and I felt overly
conscious moving around too much later in the evenings, for fear of
disturbing others. At least for sleeping, the bed was super comfy, so I just
used my usual earplugs (normally to block out nighttime city sound) and the
thin walls weren't an issue.<br /><br />Something awesome for my room in
particular: it was next to a bathroom! The bathrooms are shared (Poo~pourri
recommended!) and a bit small, but the water pressure/heat was good. I have
long, curly hair that takes half an hour to wash properly, but even on wash
day, the hot water lasted! I don't even get that at home!<br /><br />FRC is
situated facing a lovely park that was full of gorgeous autumn leaves,
fluffy grey squirrels, and little chirping birds during my stay. I really
enjoyed my evening walks through the area. There were also plenty of
conveniently close businesses and facilities, such as a police station,
visitor information center (just walk in any time for free Malone
postcards!), a drug store, and a post office. Walking around Malone is easy
to do (the drivers were extremely considerate of pedestrians; I'm used to
having to walk around the back of cars that don't stop until they're sitting
on top of the crosswalk, but here every car I met stayed well back until I
had passed) and full of interesting sights, especially the architecture. The
only time I needed vehicular transportation was on my way to/from the
Adirondack Regional Airport (which FRC generously facilitated) and when our
group went out on hikes. I tackled two trails while I was in Malone, both
beautiful and just the right amount of challenging. The relatively easy
access to hiking is another point in FRC's favor, if you're like me,
inspired by nature and rejuvenated by physical activity.<br /><br />I think
the greatest compliment I can give FRC is that the positive, inclusive, and
healthy atmosphere they actively foster is no doubt the reason I was able to
achieve my goal of completing 25 Inktober drawings during my stay. And
because of that, I was, for the first time in many years attempting the
Inktober challenge, finally able to complete all 31 drawings! If ever
circumstances come together again the way they did this year, I would return
to FRC for a future retreat without question. I highly recommend it!
</p>
</blockquote>
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The start of my trip from Boise to New York!<br />
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The glittering New England ocean was beautiful from the plane 🤩<br />
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My room for the week!<br />
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The desk I worked at for 24 of the 25 drawings.<br />
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The desk got this high, so even tall people can use it standing!<br />
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The gorgeous view from the Azure Mountain fire tower.<br />
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The fright of climbing the multistory tower is worth it!<br />
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This pen holder was 3D printed by request for me by Pete, co-owner of
FRC ✨<br />
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I never knew I needed this but now I can't do without it! Thank you,
Pete 🥰<br />
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrMDR0_4a44QaFShNGbTyT-IZfeexwFZpi36LB3Cr7Ii8FjNRYzmRmjbpBMZF0TtfJniK-Nrs3tTuqKTnxeUA3qIlXJJ5uddF0vI2SiI6M0vXjhOejgRb0dN6nE6VyyvQKtjMpRwxntGgh8Z48nnM3-NzCnyGg2A68SzMGyLyaHDmAiaYp4u5nubIcA/s3840/PXL_20221017_155143736.PORTRAIT.jpg"
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><img
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrMDR0_4a44QaFShNGbTyT-IZfeexwFZpi36LB3Cr7Ii8FjNRYzmRmjbpBMZF0TtfJniK-Nrs3tTuqKTnxeUA3qIlXJJ5uddF0vI2SiI6M0vXjhOejgRb0dN6nE6VyyvQKtjMpRwxntGgh8Z48nnM3-NzCnyGg2A68SzMGyLyaHDmAiaYp4u5nubIcA/w426-h640/PXL_20221017_155143736.PORTRAIT.jpg"
width="426"
/></a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
First of the Inktober retreat goodies: a t-shirt!<br />
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><img
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mFfojLR7PfHHcHKmYND6KJu3i7pyXJiV0xFbVt7I2IRDDOFHXr7OaGFhKNrPQLfUFMX_D09kjuUn-9KJ10I1Si9vV57d5X2y-u9JTP0X0z7WUnoxTGiFjNxLoarVDrqGrZ1hn5914gL-EIUWYGh3j7TGzHT9u00TEU2fp5VFVnkFHO5IjUZTpjKaYw/w640-h480/PXL_20221017_155620289.jpg"
width="640"
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Other Inktober retreat goodies: supplies for next year, including a
Moleskine sketchbook!<br />
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width="640"
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My workstation setup for most of the retreat.<br />
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><img
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width="640"
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
I collected so many pretty leaves while I was in New York 🍁🍂 And I
loved the rain!!<br />
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width="640"
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My evening walks in the park through crunchy leaves were the best~<br />
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><img
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Picturesque scenery right outside the retreat center!<br />
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width="640"
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
A view from the front entrance.<br />
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href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00j1C9q6cVgGWQORd0EbgozNriGEePWtxTX2LKPb8K0OdGuze7IQdtt2artcJKCe65pgaJ5TLhKJIMdttEMLVak9Og35dJ3cqkl_SbG_tB2kYzCPDOOHtO4LMQdRpbkCJ49F6MH4NBnaxPPmja1Ms6k-nd2zm0d24XGnolrgsA7kmE1-QJrK_T9lkDw/s3840/PXL_20221019_020138688.jpg"
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Watching Moon Knight (told'ja it's my fave) while working.<br />
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Malone is a beautiful place in autumn.<br />
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<a
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My Inktober theme was gryphons, and here were some outside the post
office!<br />
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I had to buy tape to protect my pen-rest finger, which was getting raw
from so much drawing 🤕<br />
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One of the many delicious vegan meals that were served: tofu pad
Thai.<br />
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Being presented with my certificate of attendance, just after I gave my
concluding speech 😊<br />
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<a
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So grateful to this group for making the retreat amazing!<br />
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Bonus Inktober retreat goodie: a hoodie!<br />
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Of course I can't not send local postcards to my best!<br />
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Just before I left, my new friend Vika brought me to visit Lake Placid
✨<br />
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It was a rough journey home, but it still had its moments!<br />
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<p>
And that's it for this double-month's roundup! So many events to report, so
many memories to share, I hope you enjoyed the read 😊✨ Thank you for
sticking with me to the end. Until next month, stay safe and be well~!
</p>
Denise みか Hutchinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341021282688846038noreply@blogger.com