Sam & Max

Last week I bought Sam & Max on our Xbox. Game has the same atmosphere and humour as in Monkey Islands. Well, no wonder, as both games are made by LucasArts. With the time I've spent playing this telltale game, I can say I like it a lot :)

Finnish Christmas song: A Sparrow On Christmas Morning

 

The snow has already covered the flowers in the valley, the wave of the lake frozen in the winter cold.
A little sparrow, eaten it's summer food, the wave of the lake frozen in the winter cold.

On the stairs of a little cottage was a dear girl: come, sparrow, happily, take a seed from me!
It is Christmas, my poor homeless sparrow, come here happily, take a seed from me!

To the girl now happily flew the dear sparrow: thankfully a seed I will take from you.
God will want to reward you one day. Thankfully a seed I will take from you!

I am not, my child, a bird from this land, I am your little brother, I came from heaven.
The little seed, that you gave to the poor, got your little brother from the land of angels.

Sunday Song

Gary Larson

It's been a long time since I read the comics of Gary Larson. The Far Side. The more you read the more hilarious they get.

Brother's Birthday Card

This week my brother turned 30-years, which means he is starting to be rather old ;) I thought to spare him with the shock that he'll get looking his old face through the mirror, and show how he will look when he is REALLY old.

Father Amigurumi

On a Date

Couple months ago my brother gave us movie tickets and yesterday we decided to go to cinema, as the due date to tickets is on november. In the beginning we talked about seeing The Adventures of Tintin, but then we noticed that also The Thing is shown...and the decision was easy. The old movie, starred by Kurt Russel, is one of my ultimate favourite and I did want to see this new one, which tells the story before the R.J.MacReady's crue enters Antarctic. I enjoyed this new version, as it had great acting and special effects, but the story wasn't as strong and the thrill wasn't as dense as in the original. Few scenes I wouldn't have even placed on the movie and few stuff I would've added. But it is the freedom of screen writers, director etc., and in the end I did enjoy wathcing it. So it wasn't that bad.

Sunday Song

Even though it's Tuesday, this goes as a Sunday Song, as my goddaughter got a new SauruXet DVD on Sunday...ou boy her look was surprised with happines as her parents gave her this present. Even before the DVD she played the newest CD of this band and whispered to me "It would be so great if SauruXet would live in my closet and I could see them every day."
In the camp she wanted to watch the stars and tried to spot a shooting star, without luck this time. But I bet her shooting star wish would've had something to do with these friendly Dinoes.."Sorry aunt, but one is a dragon!" Ou, yes, these friendly Dinoes and one friendly Dragon.

Camping

From Saturday to Sunday I was on a camp with my goddaughter. It was her first night away from home, but you couldn't tell it. Local congregation organized this camp for children and their godparents. It was well arranged and carried out. New and old friends, in addition to many activities helped my goddaughter with the possible homesickness, if she had any. I couldn't tell. Time to time I couldn't even tell where she was going with her friends. Well, luckyly I wasn't standing alone because I had company from the other godparents that were left alone by their godchildren.

Overall, I had nice weekend.

Thursday already?

Gosh, is it Thursday already? Days are flying by. Last week I travelled to a small town Lapinlahti to meet my childhood friend. She has bought an old, but nice house with her man, and they are repairing it for their own use. Well, getting familiar with the house wasn't the only thing we did, as we spent quite many hours just drawing, drawing and drawing comics :D It is so nice that we still get the same enthusiastic feeling from our hobby, as we did in upper comprehensive school.

Yesterday I played the great game of Left 4 Dead 2 with my brother and his friend ...The game's details and versatility makes it so much fun to play. You can check the trailer to see the game graphic.

Roses

Little Rose and a flower

Mandarin Duck

Mandarin Duck did always feel a bit different

Today me and Mika went to a bay called Humallahti. Mika read from Bird Life that a mandarin duck has been spotted there often along with wild ducks (mallards). We didn't see this beautiful duck even though we spent several hours at the place. Many other bird watchers were also wandering in the bank, and we talked with few of them. Well, we had a nice trip anyway - drinking tea, eating cookies, taking photoes of swans and enjoying the nature's autumn colours.

Donkey Kong and LoR

The best thing in the week is a game for Wii that I borrowed from a friend. Donkey Kong Country Returns is perfect in all way, the music, difficulty and atmosphere. I dive into the childhood days when I play this game. I think I have to buy it for myself because soon I will return this game to the friend.

Well tomorrow I will forget Wii (maybe not in the morning) because my brother comes for a visit and then we'll play boardgames. We might not play Arkham Horror this time, but the good game of the Lord of the Rings.

We can't feel bad for not going outside because it is quite rainy and stormy out there. So stay inside people, and spread your board games and start rolling the dices!

Another Day, Another Dollar

"Another Day, Another Dollar", as it is said, but for me it is "Another Day, Another Inspiration". I enjoyed the 24-Hour Comics Day and am thrilled with the seed of the idea I got there. Also I met really nice and talented people that is always a joy to see. You can read my 24 pages comic in Finnish or in English. The English version is quickly translated with 3 hours of sleep, so at some point I might update sentences to better ones.

I have editedt this after the 24-HCD

The 24-Hour Comics day was interesting. I arrived into the Comic Center, where it was held, at half past eleven and little by little more people showed up. We were allowed to start drawing or creating the idea at 12 o'clock and I first started to sketch few characters. After that I started to build the idea by writing stuff down. It was logical for me to write down the whole blot and then cut it down to pages. Thus I knew what I will draw to different pages...otherwise the ideas might become a bit weird as mind started to get tired during night hours.

At no point I got overpowering fatigue, which suprised me. I was quite rational at all times and needed only few walks outside to keep me going. Maybe I am a bit used to this kind of night drawing, as I have drawing marathons with my childhood friend at least 5 times a year, or as often as we are able to travel to other one's home.

On Sunday 8:18 AM I was ready, scanned the work and headed home. I drank a cup of tea and got two hours beauty sleep. I took one more hour sleep during the day, but that was it.Today when I read my comic, I got inspired...I will start and continue my drawing into a longer and more thorough story. Story doesn't have a name yet, so name proposals are welcome :) I will keep you posted on this comic as I get some results and pages.

24 -Hours Comics Day

Today starts the international event called 24 -Hour Comics Day that gatheres comic-loving people into same occupation. Participants will draw a 24 pages long comic book within 24 hours. Sounds great doesn't it :) Father of the idea was Scott McCloud and after 2004 it became a tradition. There are several hosts in the world, and logically I will participate in Helsinki. Now I will drink my morning coffee, read the news paper and get ready as it starts at 12PM and ends tomorrow at 12PM.

See more from here.

Small Holiday and an Autumn Flu

 Last weekend me and Mika went to Iisalmi for a short holiday. We spent four days with my brother's famil, and during that time we managed to play some board games, play with children, watch movies and just hang around. After the trip I got a really bad autumn flu that wont go away easily. That's why I haven't done anything after the trip...just trying to get better. And hopefully that happens soon :)

Winter is the best season...drawing it while waiting...

Sunday Song

What Animal?

All right brothers (and other readers as well)! Tell me what is this animal?

Let me tell some background for this stuffed animal. I made this when I was in second or third grade of elementary school. All stitches are made by hands because we pupils were so young that we weren't allowed to use the sewing machine. I am extremely proud for what I managed to make, as it is one of the oldest things I've made. Even thought, nowadays I'm not afraid to use the sewing machine (see the South Park dolls below).

South Park dolls

Finally I managed to finish two dolls that I promised to make for my brother's children. Girl wanted a dog and the boy said he wants a Kenny doll and its' hood has to go down. The nephew continued that Kenny's hair has to look genuine (as is seen on the movie South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut). Following day I got a phone call from the niece:
"Hi Minttu, I want to change my doll. I want a Wendy doll after all."
Then I had no choice but to make these dear children happy. Or at least try.

Kenny doll without hood

Kenny and Wendy doll

Sunday Song

Spending time

Yesterday after workday me and my work-friends went out to eat and spent the evening together. It was nice and a lot of fun as we met an old workmate who has been on a trip around the world for over seven months. We took some photoes and shared stories that has happened during this time apart. Next time we will have a night out on Halloween.

This day didn't turn as originally planned. I was meant to go to my brother's place and spend time with my goddaughter, while my brother and sister-in-law would watch a stand-up comedian Jason Rouse and stay in Tampere for the night. Unfortunatelly goddaughter got ill and her parents weren't able to go for a date. I hope I will get to spend time with the little girl soon, but it was nice to stay at home also, as me and Mika have our 9th anniversary today. It's been over 10 years when we met and became friends and 9 years since we started dating. We went to movies and watched the Rise of the Planet of the Apes, which is definitely worth of watching. We enjoyed and liked it a lot. Next movie I want to see in movies is The Adventures of Tintin

Wii

Finally we got our Nintendo Wii home :) My brother got it for me with a nice discount from Iisalmi and my mother drove there to get it for me...well, she did have other thing to do in Iisalmi, but still it was a  great thing she did.

Now we have been testing it for two days and ou boy it is great! I really like it. Brother lent us the Zelda "Twilight Princess" and "Zack and Wiki" that are interesting and nicely done games.

Of course I haven't been playing all the time. Yesterday at the dance lessons we were taught the traditional St. Patrick's Day dance. Here is a clip that some old students from Footlight have made (studio is the same where I go)

Sunday Song

100 Illustrated Horror Film Posters

Following link provides 100 Illustrated Horror Film Posters that gave me good inspiration on what movies I want to watch next. Lately me and Mika have watched many eighties movies and I like to continue it. Even thought the fashion in 1980s was horrific, the music and movies were great.

The movies I want to see next are The Kindred

and the movie, which is said to be the worst movie ever made. This one I've seen earlier, but so many years since (over 10) and I wish to see it again.

What Movie?

All right brothers! Tell me what is this movie?

A Cow Says Moo

Mika's parents came for a quick visit on Sunday and they stayed for two nights. They were planning to take a boat  to Estonia, but unfortunately the weather wasn't on their side and they decided to drive back home to catch more beautiful weather. In Helsinki it was pouring rain almost nonstop for both days, and even now the sky looks gloomy.

Yesterday, at one point when the sky looked a bit nicer - still cloudy but without darkest edges - we took a small trip to Viikki's nature park. We hoped to see some special birdies, as it is possible to do in Viikki, but during this trip we saw only lot of barnacle gooses and yellow wagtail. These aren't so rare but they were the few species that Viikki had to offer yesterday. And of course we got to smell and enjoy the company of cows :D

Then a nice small mushroom that we saw on a one forest trip.

Irish Dance

Today I've been watching Irish dance videos from YouTube. Here's one that represents the older times:

There can be found also videos where people dance with nontraditional Irish music, etc. dancers following the rhythm of Lady Gaga's Poker Face, Michael Jackson's songs and some rockn'roll beats...but this one is a bit special as it is in the rhythm of song: You're the One I want

And of course I have to give a link with some show elements on it :)

Shh..a secret

On her way through life,
seeing around different kind of lives,
noticing her feelings unhide,
feeling her body to glide.
Life is your best time, that's the truth,
there's something magical in the youth. Enjoy every moment, this trip of your life.
- Translation from Sessa's Finnish poem -

Matkallaan läpi elämän,
näkee läheistensä elävän,
huomaa tunteittensa heräävän,
tuntee lihastensa lepäävän.
Elämä on ihmisen parasta aikaa,
nuoruus siitä on taikaa.
Nauti jokaisesta hetkestä,
elämäsi retkestä. - Sessa, Corneruum -

My cousine Erja has a confirmation today 21.8. I made a card for her that me, my spouse and my brother's family will give her along with the present. The present is a finnish handmade necklace and a gift card to Helsinki town theatre.

But now I have to start preparing myself for the party, hair, clothes, makeup :) While doing it I'll listen Nelly Furtado's nice song "Childhood Dreams"

Days Alone

I've been enjoying my own company, while my Man went to his childhood home for a visit. He took our laptop with him, so he could write his thesis and it was fine by me. Computer isn't really something one would need on daily basis, we might just think it :) Today he came back and of course I checked my mails and few things from internet.

This week, having the spare time, I've been sewing soft toys for my brother's children because they asked for South Park toys Kenny and Wendy...what I can say to that except: "Sure I'll do them for you." And many days my niece have called me and asked if the Wendy-doll is ready already. It takes a bit more time as my sewing machine is partly broken, but I am able to make something that might partly remind of South Park characters.

After those toys, I will think what I can create for my other brother's daughter, who is my goddaughter.

But, soon I'll start to watch Conan -show from TV, as it is finally broadcasted in Finland again!! \o/

Autumn is here

You can smell it - the autumn. It isn't possible to walk with a skirt without feeling chilly. In a week I have to do that because we are attending my cousine's confirmation. But it is worth it when we can dignify her important day :)

Yesterday me and my man walked by a wheat field. The soft sun light and really dark clouds made the colours strong. You cannot see in the photo as clearly as in nature, but yesterday sinister rain clouds moved around Helsinki, while in other side it was sunny with white, soft clouds. It made a nice contrast.

I haven't been watching any movies lately, even though we had to buy a new tv. The old, 15 years-old tv broke on us and we had to say farewell and seek for a new one. Now I am waiting for the Wii-game console that I bought, so I can test it with the new screen. Wii is getting dusty at my brother's place and I won't get it until my parents visit him. I would drive there myself if I had the time :)

Song of the Day

Home again, writing and drawing while my man is making himself a pushup grips.

I had a nice time at my aunt's place. I haven't been there for over eight years, so it was really fun to visit my aunt again. When I was little, me and my brother stayed there every summer for few weeks. All the forest and nature waited to be explored and those times has left me good memories. I planned to walk into a place where me and brother climbed on the ruins of an old building, but the weekend went so quickly that I didn't have time to do that. But still the same atmosphere met me all the way...curvy road, huge rock close to woods, high and thin spruce, red sign, the sounds and smells of the yard...I understand why my aunt and her husband loves to live there, even though they originally are from the capital of Finland.

Song of the Day is my cousine's Broken Hearts and Love Letters. Good ain't it.

Blueberries

Visiting aunt with mother. Aunt's house is surrounded by forest and it is filled with blueberries, and these blueberries are enormous..size of an apple..ok, maybe that was a bit of exaggeration, but still they are big. Now I have to google few pie recipes because I really feel like eating blueberry pie. Nam.

A Day in Porvoo

Yesterday my boss made a proposal; let's go to Porvoo after work. This old town with population of 48 000 people has lot of history and beauty, and is only half an hour drive from Helsinki. I had never been there so I got excited of our small extempore trip. Our men weren't able to join us, so it was a journey for ladies :P that meant we drank chocholate coffee, ate berry pie and visited all the nice little decor shops that were still open.

Defenately will visit the town again.

New Era

My blog is facing a new beginning. By updating the appearance and changing the written language I am planning to get my readers positively surprised....this means you my brother, now I expect some comments from you how positively surprised you became...

James Franco

Selkeästi minun yksi lempinäyttelijöistä on nykyään James Franco....siinä on mies joka osaa hommansa.

Runebergin päivä

Tänään onkin ollut yksi vuoden parhaimmista päivistä, sillä tänään saa hyvällä mielihyvällä syödä Runebergin torttuja...leivoksia, jotka ovat lemppareitani. Toisaalta voisi aloittaa samanlaisen tottumuksen kuten itse herra Runebergillä oli ja hotkaisee yhden joka aamu.

Nalle Puh - kuppi

Päivä ei voi alkaa paremmin, kun saa juoda kahvia Nalle Puh -kupista. Ja etenkin sellaisesta, jonka on saanut kummitytöltään lahjaksi.

Huomista peli-iltaa odotellessa

Nyt alkaa näyttää hyvältä treenirytmiltä, hiljalleen. Sunnuntaina pääsin tanssimaan itsekseni, tosin en jaksanut olla kuin puolitoista tuntia. Kolmen viikon tauko on tehnyt hallaa myös kunnolle. Tänään oikean tanssitunnin aikana jaksoin panostaa täydeltä teholta ja hyöty oli sen mukainen. Tuntui siltä, että tajusin liikuttaa jalkoja ja tunti loppui liian nopeasti. Seuraavan kerran treenit sitten perjantaina, joten tässä on muutama välipäivä aikaa kerrata itsekseen. Hop step step hop step step hops step switch step switch step hop hop jne.

Välipäivinäkin on tosin hupia luvassa. Huomista ajatellessa alan innostua, sillä pelaan kavereiden kanssa Arkham Horror -lautapeliä parin lisäosan kera. Kolmestaan pelatessa peli kestää vähintään sen neljä tuntia. Nyt saattaa mennä pidempäänkin, sillä lisäosat tuo omat lisävaiheet ja musitettava asiat mukanaan. Vielä tänä iltana ehtisi kerrata lisäosien säännöt, jotta tulee pelattua oikein. Arkham kun on sen verran laaja, että usein luulee pelaavansa oikeilla säännöillä, vaikka olisi unohtanut tai jäänyt epäselväksi joku tietty pieni juttu.

Hellää lumisadetta

Etelä-Suomen sää hellii meitä, sillä lumi satelee pehmeästi taivaalta vaikkakin taivas on harmaa ja paikoin tuulenpuuska kylmää poskia. Toisaalta ns. huonoon ilmaan suhtautuu usein iloisin mielin kun tietää viikonlopun olevan aluillaan.

Viikonloppu tuo näillä näkymin sukulaiskäyntiä, Finnkinon Afrikka-näyttelyn katsastuksen, tarinoiden kirjoittelua sekä irlantilaisen tanssin treeniä. Viimeistä odotan eniten, sillä syksyn neljän kerran treenien sijaan tunnit ovat vähenyneet kolmeen ja tällä viikolla niitä on tarjolla vain kaksi. Joululoma jätti treenit kahden viikon tauolle ja vaikka itsekseni liikkeitä muutamiin otteisiin kertasin, ei se ole sama kuin tunnin tai kahden intensiivinen keksittyminen. Joululomareissulla se ei ollut mahdollista, kun kyläilypaikoissa ympärillä pyöriä pieniä lapsia ja vähän isompia lapsimielisiä ihmisiä :D

Uuden vuoden tuulet

Veljeni innostamana aloitan päivittämään listaa elokuvista, joita katselen. Tähän mennessä olen kirjannut ylös pelkästään lukemani kirjat, sillä niiden loppuun saattaminen vaatii enemmän aikaa ja vaivaa. Nyt mielenkiinnosta, seuraan kuinka monta elokuvaa tulee vahdattua vuoden aikana. Olkoon tämä kokeellinen vuosi.

Treenaamaan en pääse, joten saatan mennä tänään leffaan. Vielä en tiedä, päivä kun voi tuoda uusia ajatuksia mukanaan.

Elokuvat

Vuonna 2011 katsotut elokuvat

2. Tenderness (0101)
1. The Maiden Heist (0101)