https://www.online-literature.com/forums/blog.php?11497-Geekery The largest classic literature discussion forum on the Internet. Read Write Teach Share. en Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:55:54 GMT vBulletin 10 https://www.online-literature.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg https://www.online-literature.com/forums/blog.php?11497-Geekery https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?9076-aim-for-the-brain Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:27:07 GMT I mentioned this in the 'your dreams' thread, but last night I dreamed that I was the intrepid leader of a band of survivors hacking their way through zombie hordes to freedom. We rounded the corner, I think we were in a football stadium, and a few zombies whirled around and rushed at us--the fast kind, not the shuffly ones--and I could see more through a window set into a door, and I shouted "Aim for the brain!" and slashed at one with a shovel. I am a big giant paranoid wuss when it comes to watching zombie movies, but apparently an actual zombie apocalypse would bring out the best in me. Go figure. I woke up before I found out if our plucky bunch made it to safety, but I have a feeling we did. ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?9076-aim-for-the-brain https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8764-back-from-Kenya Thu, 20 Aug 2009 03:39:07 GMT I returned from Africa last... Sunday? It was a hoot! Super enjoyable, I had a lot of fun with the kids. They are so sweet and will just come up and... I returned from Africa last... Sunday? It was a hoot! Super enjoyable, I had a lot of fun with the kids. They are so sweet and will just come up and hug you and take your hand, they are wonderful. I took oh, a million pictures and a lot of videos too. I'll post 'em soon. :)

It seems forever ago already and I'm a little bummed that all the buddies I made in my group are allllll the way over in Seattle. It's weird and difficult to establish a connection with someone, staying and traveling, laughing and talking with them, for three weeks and then have to separate very suddenly and leave them behind, whether in Africa or Seattle. I'll just have to visit them all again I guess :) I also had a dream last night that I was going back to China for a couple months, and I was really excited because I'd see some friends there again. Heartbreak!

A little blue, I guess--waiting for when I can quit my job and move on. I'm also thinking very much of applying to grad school. I'd really like to, but it's an enormous expense that I don't know if I can pile on to the debt I have already--and for an art degree. Is it worth it? I feel like I have so much to learn but I don't know whether to learn it in school or out in the world. It's not worth sinking myself in debt simply for the comfort that the familiar structure of school provides, but at the same time I feel like I'd have a better understanding of my profession and what I want to do.

Oh, my~ ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8764-back-from-Kenya https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8554-this-one-time Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:02:34 GMT When I was in fourth grade there was this little kid who attended my daycare. Her name was Chelsea. She also lived in the same townhouse development... When I was in fourth grade there was this little kid who attended my daycare. Her name was Chelsea. She also lived in the same townhouse development I did. Every once in a while her bratty dog would come over and do his sensitive business on our little yard and this made me so upset, because I was really proud of the patch of grass we had. So I refused to play with her. For some reason I still can't figure she always was hanging around me and trying to do everything I did. But I wouldn't play with her because of her stupid dog, it was getting my yard all discolored and the grass was coming up splotchy. Her mother got upset at this, I honest to God don't know why, I mean I wouldn't want my kid hanging out with somebody who wanted to pelt her with Legos--and she tried to confront my mom in the daycare parking lot, asking why I wouldn't pay attention to her daughter. Mom shrugged it off. I complained to Dad about the bother and he told me (when Mom wasn't around) that next time Chelsea annoyed me, to ask her 'if that was her face or did her butt have teeth.' A few days later the kids were standing in line to visit the swimming pool and little Chelsea started up again, pestering me. I stepped back and said, “Is that your face or does your butt have teeth?” It was the only time I ever shocked anybody into silence because we were fourth graders and thought lines like “I'm rubber and you're glue” were just the greatest comebacks ever.

The daycare teachers overheard and had to turn away because they were laughing, but they still had to call my parents in later. I was mad because they said I was in trouble because I stepped out of line and I knew that wasn't why, it made me so indignant that they wouldn't just come out and say it. My mother was horrified and just kept asking, “but where could she have heard that from? Where did she learn to say something like that?” She was well and truly aghast. Dad had a sober expression and because he never keeps a straight face she turned to him and said “It was you wasn't it.”

This memory is one of my favorites as Dad got into trouble and I didn't get into any. ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8554-this-one-time https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8544-Librarians Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:25:16 GMT I have this irrational fear of librarians, the sort that butcher with a look, the kind that I dread encountering alone in the deepest, most deserted... I have this irrational fear of librarians, the sort that butcher with a look, the kind that I dread encountering alone in the deepest, most deserted aisles of the history section, far enough removed from the crowded fiction and self-help shelves that the cavalry can only come too late. Most of the library ladies of my childhood were sweet, helpful creatures always happy to assist me in finding some obscure book about my latest obsession, but some are genuinely terrifying and I am positive at least a few keep a hit list. This, presumably, would be filled mostly with kids who ran in the library or blew gum or racked up hefty fines and then left town. I can feel their eyes on my back when I hurry past, hunched and holding my breath like I used to do when passing graveyards, and it's like they see through my soul to that book from my old school library still buried in my closet. I just know I would be standing around immersed in a book, and just at the corner of my eye, the tip of a very long nose would be drawing ever so slowly over my shoulder, and I would feel a hot snort and know she was right there, just behind me, and I would simultaneously jump three feet, experience a heart attack and throw the book at her.

You see, I have a tendency to occasionally return books a little late. Once I saw a comic strip in which a little boy's closet monster manifested itself as a Library Lady that threw a bloody ax past his head for never returning Green Eggs and Ham. This has somehow become my image of myself and my librarian, except instead of Green Eggs and Ham it would be Washington's biography, and she wouldn't miss my head. ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8544-Librarians https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8482-howdy-do Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:39:40 GMT As usual I can't keep up a level of consistent activity. I feel funny when I see post counts numbering over a 1000 and the member's been here a year perhaps, and then my own piddly 470 after more than three years. I just never know what to say I guess. :) But I am happy the forum is so active, and you're all the same great kooks.

Exciting stuff--on the 18th I set off for Kenya, though it will take a few days getting there. I'll be there for three weeks give or take a day. This trip is a graduation present from my aunt and uncle, because I'd expressed interest in joining my uncle in traveling to Africa. This year he couldn't make it there but unbelievably, they kept this little dream of mine in their minds and sponsored me to go! It is a missions trip of thirteen people, a good little group. Two of them, a married couple, go to Kenya often and are familiar with the country. Mainly we are going to orphanages and hospitals housing/treating children who are HIV+, and giving away goodies to the kids and the people who devote their lives to helping them. One of the young girls, Mercy, recently passed away and it's gotten a lot of the kids really upset and worried, because she was one of the healthier children and her death has frightened them badly. Hopefully we can help. We are also visiting slum schools and bringing them supplies they have difficulty getting normally. After their schooling ends many of these kids have no place to go, the jobs are so scarce, and so it's important to do whatever possible to encourage them to continue learning.

On the way there and back we'll be stopping in London. It will be my first time in Europe. We'll take a lightning walking tour of the city before going to our hotel, seeing the big sights.

But there is SO much to do before I leave. I have a lot of work to get done. :( I thought that after graduation I'd have at least a little bit of a breather!

I should get some sleep, I have an early morning bike ride and a thousand errands to do, but this forum is very distracting. You should all be ashamed of yourselves! ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8482-howdy-do https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8267-still-alive Sat, 23 May 2009 17:33:44 GMT Bet you all thought I'd gone off and disappeared again. :) No, I was just slogging through the last leg of college and finally, this last Saturday, I received my degree in Illustration aka Burger Flipping. Of course, my car promptly died while I was driving back from my final class, I have computer payments, and the so-called "grace" period (more aptly, the "time before the axe falls") is already looming. I'm uninsured now, and broke. Money issues :( I'm told it's a part of growing up, but annoyances are annoyances regardless of when they crop up.

But! I have a pretty piece of paper. And I got to see my family. I'm sure things will get resolved one way or another. ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8267-still-alive https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7913-bored-personality-test Mon, 06 Apr 2009 03:43:34 GMT Out of curiosity I did that Jung-Myers-Briggs (MBTI) personality test, which I heard was extremely accurate. Initially I was hesitant to take it... Out of curiosity I did that Jung-Myers-Briggs (MBTI) personality test, which I heard was extremely accurate. Initially I was hesitant to take it because you're wary of it being a little too exact. :)

My answer: INTJ-- Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging (le Mastermind, aka the Scientist, aka the Free Thinker, aka some other overly flattering title). Rare I guess, something like 1% of the population (though I think that applies to a few different types.) In searching for what exactly this meant, I came across the 'INTJ prayer': "God, let me be open to other people's views, WRONG though they may be." Basically, people of my personality type are generally reserved, systematic, frustrated by illogical behavior and "rampant emotionalism", and at times can come off as arrogant and distant.

The type in its entirety is very close, which is worrisome because I wonder now if I act as dismissive as I feel. I find it hard to care about things I consider irrelevant, and sometimes that falls into the realm of other peoples' problems. My shoulder is not a good one to cry on; if there is anything pragmatic I can do for someone I will certainly do it, but as for soothing words and comfort I am at a loss and feel oddly detached.

And there's this bit, which is funny:
"Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's Achilles heel... This happens in part because many INTJs do not readily grasp the social rituals... Perhaps the most fundamental problem, however, is that INTJs really want people to make sense."

If you read my last blog you know the significance of this particular description. ;) I never take offense more than when someone isn't making sense. There's one teacher I have now whose behavior is so nonsensical that I actually feel physically repulsed, even nauseated, not because any offense is really directed at me but because I cannot comprehend his reasoning. It will bother me throughout the week and very, very few things frustrate me but that man is one of them. All I want is for people to make sense!

"INTJs are strong individualists who seek new angles or novel ways of looking at things. They enjoy coming to new understandings. They tend to be insightful and mentally quick; however, this mental quickness may not always be outwardly apparent to others since they keep a great deal to themselves. They are very determined people who trust their vision of the possibilities, regardless of what others think. They may even be considered the most independent of all of the sixteen personality types." Blah blah and so on. The stuff all fits. I think the independent stuff comes from being an only child.

I wouldn't say I'm proud or ashamed of my type, it's just what it is. At the same time though, it's foolish to get too heavily involved in these personality types, else you'll find yourself conditioning your actions to serve the parameters of the type--in effect, molding yourself more closely to it because you feel that's how you're supposed to be. I'm told that employers sometimes like to keep records of their employees' and clients' MBTI assessments in order to better manage them and approach them, respectively. Not a bad idea. Maybe I'll turn it around and create an assessment of the employer so I'll know how to handle them.

Side note: I see I've broken 400 posts! Only took like three years. ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7913-bored-personality-test https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7843-the-pressure-to-date Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:04:56 GMT Isn't it silly that if you're under 25, people will tell you that you're too young to get married, but if you go throughout high school and college without a relationship, they think something's wrong with you?

I'm not ashamed to admit, I've always been single. I'm happy that way right now. I don't even think it's a conscious decision; I just haven't run across a guy yet that knocks me off my feet and it seems silly to go on dates with fellows I'm only half or not at all interested in. An uncle once told me he could see me marrying the first or second guy I dated--not out of desperation, mind you, but because I'm not someone to invest in a relationship I don't see heading anywhere.

So why is it that high schoolers, particularly girls, feel obligated to dive into dating so early on? It seemed that when I was that age, all my friends had new relationships every other week. I only know of one that has continued into the present day. I'm not saying that you can't have fun, but are you doing it to satisfy social expectations? It feels like an unnecessary hurdle and I often felt embarrassed by the petty romantic squabbles that infiltrated the hallways. It actually put me off the idea of dating. What's interesting is how modern technology has changed the dynamic. I hate talking on the phone and generally can't be bothered to text. Yet half of relationships, particularly in high school and college, are halfway conducted on cell phones.

I get frustrated by the mentality of romance these days. When relationships become a requirement for social status, particularly among young adults, it demeans the value of the relationship itself. You're just going through the ritual of having a boyfriend. Waiting doesn't mean you're prudish or you haven't been asked out. I have been, I've just never said yes--but I did maintain friendships with the boys who asked. Isn't that important too? It's just dumb that dating is commonly taken to be a step towards maturity, and yet the act is so often conducted immaturely.

Media has a lot to do with it, pressuring kids to get in relationships prematurely. What do you think?

Edit: the more I think about it the more I figure that premature relationships are basically a vindication of desirability. Having a partner is taken by a large chunk of society to mean that you have attractive features, making you desirable, which is what most young girls want to be. Yet this drives them to jump into things early on and get into potentially damaging and usually pointless situations, just so they can feel wanted.

Sorry for ranting ;) ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7843-the-pressure-to-date https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7826-new-web-site-and-other-stuff Thu, 26 Mar 2009 05:06:08 GMT My foot's in the door, I've staked my place, I've planted the flag. My portfolio is now online :) There's still quite a bit of tweaking to do but the skeleton's there and I'm dressing it up a little at a time.

Current address: nikkismetters.squarespace.com

I'll get rid of the "squarespace" bit soon as I figure out how. I wish I could say that I'm able to kick back now, but it's the total opposite--I still have such a freakish amount to do before my portfolio showing in April. "Spring break" is a joke.

In other news, I'm becoming a blond tomorrow. I should say, I'm going back to being a blond after many years. As a child I had naturally light hair but it's been dyed darker for a long time now. I'll post a picture if it doesn't turn out a wreck. Right now I'm enjoying what I presume to be my last moments with auburn hair for a while.

And because I figure enough useless topics will qualify a useful post: have you guys ever experienced the maddening sensation of waiting for a series to continue? I recently read The Alienist and The Angel of Darkness by Caleb Carr (he wrote the recent Holmes pastiche, The Italian Secretary) and am incredibly impatient for a third novel. I hear rumors he's working on the next installation, which is encouraging but the rumors are infuriatingly vague. I'm glad I only read the books recently, as they were written in the 90's and I'd hate to have waited much longer than I'm already going to!

Another series that falls into this category is A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin, just about the only fantasy series aside from Harry Potter that I've really enjoyed. He's got a leg up on Carr in that he's at least provided specifics for the novel, but the release date continues to be pushed further back. Last year I heard he'd finish it in April, now it's projected to be in the fall. I just hope he doesn't kill off the rest of the characters I like; he's got a nasty habit of doing that.

K I'm done squawking at ya. ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7826-new-web-site-and-other-stuff https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7744-Advice-please! Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:22:48 GMT I will shortly be putting up a website to house my portfolio. In addition to illustrating, I dabble a little in writing. If I have something that's been well received, should I put it up too? Or is it kind of silly to host a story on your website? My eventual career goal is to write and illustrate children's books, so I wondering if including writing as well as art wouldn't be beneficial. ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7744-Advice-please! https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7697-my-life-goals-(fixed-) Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:23:56 GMT There's life goals, and then there's life goals. Yeah, you want to travel, get a good job, marry some smokin' young thing and raise a herd of anklebiters, but what about the in-between goals? Like, inventing a slang that becomes all the rage. This I have done, inadvertently and somewhat embarrassingly. But you get my point. Things that frost the cake. The cake is still there, you want it and you're going to eat it, but you know you want the frosting too.

I'm taking this to an illustrative context--to serve as motivation, or reminders, what have you. First up:



I want to pet a lion. Not necessarily do its hair, but touch one. Wouldn't that be rad?

Next on the list: ride an ostrich. I have wanted to do this all my life, I kid you not. As a kid I loved piggyback rides because while sailing around I could imagine myself really riding an ostrich--no offense to Dad or whatever uncle was giving me a lift at the time. There are ostrich races in Nevada, Youtube verifies this. This is a real thing! And I am going to do it. ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7697-my-life-goals-(fixed-) https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7692-holy-cow! Wed, 11 Mar 2009 04:56:14 GMT Has it seriously been since 2007 that I've done a blog? Geez I have been neglecting this place! Bet nobody outside of a few remembers me. There's a lot of new faces here but I'm happy to see there's lots of the old, too. ;) I get embarrassed when I see my post count so low although I've been here nearly, gosh three years, and there's folks that have been around less long but have triple my count, or even more ha. I just never know what to say.

I spent a couple months in China this past summer, that was exciting. I'll probably spam with some pictures in that one photo thread. I fed a panda a cucumber; I didn't even know that was on the panda menu. And uhh, I took a tai chi lesson from a Taoist monk and made a grand fool of myself I'm sure. My chopstick skills are now supreme. Sometimes it feels funny; I have all these memories of China but they feel like they happened to someone else. I'd love to go back whenever my funds allow it. This summer I'll content myself with three weeks in Kenya.

Only a little longer until I graduate with a degree in illustration. I've improved drastically since the pictures I've posted before. They're kind of embarrassing to look at right now, actually... :D Hopefully the US economy perks up soon and everybody's looking to hire illustrators, eh?

Anyway good to see ya'll again, glad that you haven't been as neglectful as myself. What's the biz? ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7692-holy-cow! https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?3532-I-know-a-cat-named-Way-Out-Willy Sat, 03 Nov 2007 02:25:10 GMT A few more arts to throw at ya'll...



This is from that Aesop's fable, "The Fox and the Goat." If you haven't read it: a fox falls into a well and it's too deep for him to get out. Along comes Goat. Fox is all smiles and says how swell the water is down there and the Goat, displaying the renowned goaty brains, jumps down. Up hops the fox on his back, and he easily get out of the well. Goat decides the water isn't so great after all and calls to the fox for help. And the fox basically calls him a moron for not looking before he leaped.



The privilege of having friends means you never have to pay for models. ;) I posed some buddies for an illustration that I'm supposed to submit to a society of illustrators show in New York. Realistically I doubt this would get in but it was still fun to do. I know there's a few details that need reworked (ignore the unfinished ear, haha by which I mean totally notice it now that I've mentioned it) and I'll add stuff, but yeah.

I haven't been around terribly much lately. :| School is like a jealous boyfriend--possessive and envious if I spend time with other activities. Homework, I--I just need some space. You understand. We can still see each other, but I'm feeling stifled by this relationship. It's not you, it's me. Well, really it's you.

Think I'm coming down with a cold. Fun fact: it happens right after I've been bragging to my friends about how I never get sick. Way to keep me humble, karma. Any excuse for tea I guess.

And guys, I know you were worried, but I'm doing ok. My grief has subsided somewhat even though the spot is sore. There... is always next year. Then the Indians will take the pennant. I know. It will be glorious. In the meantime, I'll mend my heart for the Buckeyes.

So how are all you dudes? ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?3532-I-know-a-cat-named-Way-Out-Willy https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?3346-I-know-a-cat-named-Way-Out-Willy Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:55:22 GMT Oh if any of you love me at all root for the Cleveland Indians. After some agonizing seasons my darling Tribe is finally back where it belongs--in... Oh if any of you love me at all root for the Cleveland Indians. After some agonizing seasons my darling Tribe is finally back where it belongs--in the playoffs, October's playground. They play the Yankees now, and if they beat them they must get past Boston to the World Series. My boys are young anklebiters, post-season green-behind-the-ears tots, underdogs against Goliaths. So cheer for the Indians to succeed and bring home poor beleaguered Cleveland a championship!

And if by some chance you aren't moved to tears by emotion for this earnest, apple-cheeked team, here's some art so this post is at least interesting. It's something for a children's book class, this time designing a Halloween themed children's magazine cover. It's front and back, so the left side is the back side and the right is the front. Basically it's a couple of kids playing rock-paper-scissors to determine who has to go trick/treat at the haunted house.



Sorry it's a bit big!
And here is a Sherlock doodle of himself and Lestrade:



Haha it always amused me how Holmes reacted to the detective.

So later ya'll, I'm sorry I haven't been around much but there's work and school and homework and surprise family weekends in another state. Thumbs up!

And remember, as fond parting words,

GO CLEVELAND INDIANS!!! ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?3346-I-know-a-cat-named-Way-Out-Willy https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?3189-I-know-a-cat-named-Way-Out-Willy Thu, 20 Sep 2007 04:04:29 GMT Here's an illustration for a book cover I did for class, the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes naturally. :) Scene not taken from a story, just...made up. Hey the teacher wanted dramatic!




My Indians have all but clinched the AL Central title! Go go guys, rah rah beat em up. :D The addition of Asdrubal Cabrera was awesome, and Verlander better not get the Cy Young ahead of Sabathia! Considering Cleveland's like, beat him three or four times this season and CC's lights out pitching (though Carmona's been even better lately). And the Browns beat the Bengals, which about shocked me outta my socks. I knew they'd do better if they just started Derek Anderson at quarterback! On offense anyway. Ok I'll hush.

How are all you fine cats. :) ]]> higley https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?3189-I-know-a-cat-named-Way-Out-Willy