Kristina Elyse Butke

May 124 min read

The Small Joys Tag

This tag from Whispering Stories isn't actually a book tag! I was looking for fun stuff to do and found this, a way for readers to learn more about me. You write about 15 small joys that make you happy and tag five bloggers, which I'm not going to do, but instead tag YOU! My stuff is pretty random and it's in no particular order. Enjoy!

The sound of raw eggs cracking open

A closeup of fingers putting pressure on a tan egg to crack it open with yolk pouring out of it — Photo by Callum Hill on Unsplash

I have no idea why I like this sound so much, but it's my favorite part of preparing food. I just think the sound is really satisfying.

Cats trying to jump but being unable to judge the distance so they fall

I know I shouldn't laugh at a cat's pain but I am always amused when these gifs pop up. I just think it's so adorable. Usually the cat isn't hurt from what I can tell, so I feel less guilty....do you all find these funny?

Duck butts

A closeup of a duck's butt and tailfeathers — Photo by Will Walker on Unsplash

I'm very particular about my duck butt fetish. I think when butts wag or when a duck is upside down in the water are when duck butts are the cutest things ever.

Cupcakes

This is a sweet treat I can always eat. But I'm particular about them--I just like classic vanilla or chocolate, although vanilla is my preference. My favorite cupcakes are the vanilla mini-cupcakes they sell at Kroger. I could eat those all the time.

Ice Cream

Whenever I did my self-introduction in Japan, I'd always mention that ice cream is my favorite food. It is, most of the time. I love strawberry, orange sherbet, vanilla, chocolate, chocolate chip cookie dough, peanut butter and chocolate, and cookies and cream.

Reading BL

I've read hundreds of BL comics, be they Japanese manga or Korean webtoons. Above are some of what I've read, but again, there are hundreds more. What I do is get them digitally--more privacy that way--and if it's a keeper, I order hard copies of them.

Watching anime

Collage of various anime series, given, Sasaki & Miyano, Banana Fish, Attack on Titan, SK8 the Infinity, Demon Slayer

I can't seem to live without anime. I watch a wide variety, a lot of it fantasy, shōnen, or BL, with the occasional shoujo thrown in there. I basically watch whatever sounds good plot-wise and whatever looks good visually. Right now I'm watching Delicious in Dungeon and Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange.

Blogging

White woman sitting at white table with silver laptop, black pencils, potted plant, glasses, and smartphone — Photo by Corinne Kutz on Unsplash

Sometimes I know what to write about. Other times I don't, and rely on tags and other little exercises to fill the blog. Either way, I enjoy doing it and it's important for me to keep writing no matter what, even when my brain is fried from working on novels. Blogging brings me peace and makes me feel happy. It keeps my writerly brain working.

Writing fantasy

a tiny black sailboat is on the water amid a background of sky, clouds, and stars — Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash

When I was a playwright, I didn't really dip into the fantasy genre, but I knew that if I ever were a novelist, fantasy would be my genre of choice. It's because I love to read fantasy and all the stories I imagine have magic in them.

Chinese Buffet Food

Lo mein noodles in a wooden bowl with wooden chopsticks crossing the top — Photo by Orijit Chatterjee on Unsplash

While I like Chinese food at restaurants and take-out, there's something magical about going to a Chinese buffet. We have one in my hometown that's really good. I always get Chicken with Broccoli, Lo Mein, and Crab Rangoon. Sometimes I'll get fish, too. I love it there!

Cats meowing

Photo of a white and gray and tan cat meowing at the camera — Photo by Marlon Soares on Unsplash

I love the sound of a cat's meow. Not so much when they're horny or about to fight--that's more like howling--but a simple "meow" is the cutest thing ever!

Being with family and friends

On the beach at sunset a large group of family and friends hold hands and stand together on the beach in silhouette — Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

For privacy I didn't want to post pictures of my actual family or friends, but they know who they are! I am so grateful for their love and support every day and am lucky to have them in my life.

Visiting shrines and temples in Japan

A red torri gate in front of a small red shrine surrounded by stone lanterns in the forest — Photo by Yusheng Deng on Unsplash

When I lived in Japan, one of my favorite things to do was visit Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. They're such gorgeous, peaceful places. I loved collecting goshuin and omamori while I was there, plus praying and taking in the beautiful scenery. Many shrines and temples are in places of nature, adding to the peaceful, mysterious vibe. If I make it back to Japan at any point in my life, I'll go back to the shrines and temples once more.

Seeing nature in Wales

A photo of Snowdonia National Park in Wales...rolling hills, rocks, and mountains — Photo by Mitchell Orr on Unsplash

I used to live in Wales in Carmarthen, but thanks to my Outdoor Pursuits course and the Tour of Wales, I got to see the country's vast natural beauty. Rolling hills, sea cliffs, mountains, and grassy fields...it's one of the most beautiful countries I've ever been to.

Cosplay

I started cosplaying in 2012 (my first cosplay was Lust from Fullmetal Alchemist) and while I don't do it as often as I'd like, I really enjoy it. I don't sew pieces from scratch; rather, I buy the main items and then hand-alter them. Hand-sewing takes me a while but it's the type of busyness that keeps me focused and stops my brain from running a mile a minute. This cosplay is from Anime Japan 2019 and my goal is to wear it in the States at a convention...I just need to get back in shape for it.