if you give a mouse a cookie
hey everyone! i’m feeling very talkative– prepare yourself!!
1. the benefit show
i wish i was 100% sure about the details… but for some reason this show has just been impossible to set up. it should all be confirmed in a few days. here is what i have for now… though nothing is for certain. i want to say that no matter what it will be the 20th… though that might be hard to pull if i don’t have a venue to put it in…
saturday, september 20th @ ground zero (on USC campus, Los Angeles), 8-9PM
all ages, $10 donation at the door (which ALL goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)
i’m REALLY excited to have a good all ages show again! for those who don’t know about this– the reason i am holding this benefit concert is because i have committed to raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by training for my marathon with Team in Training. this is a cause very near to my heart, so to have a bunch of awesome people gather in support of the LLS is a very powerful thing to me. i hope to make it a very special show.
2. “ours to keep”?!?!
“samurai girl”?! craziness. apparently this past week, “ours to keep”, formerly on “general hospital” aired on a show called “samurai girl”. i had no idea this was going to happen… but cool! i still haven’t seen it but i’ll get to that sometime this week. oh yeah– and what does this really mean?? you can finally download the song on itunes! woohoo!
3. 16 miles… alone
this weekend i was scheduled to do my longest run yet– 16 miles!! but i woke up sunday morning with that awful feeling of– oh no. i feel way too rested to be waking up at 6am– i was right, it was 7:20am and my practice in santa monica had started 20 minutes beforehand. after a few minutes of freaking out to my roommate and texting my only mega runner friend to see if he’d do it with me (unfortunately he had run a marathon the day before), i collected myself and decided i’d have to go alone. i mapped out a 16.3 mile loop from my house on mapmyrun.com and wrote down every mile-marker cross street on a little note card i carried with me. the run took a about 2 hours and 50 minutes, but it turned out to be quite an exciting and fun challenge– though i was very happy to finish.
4. po box goodies
i am so so sorry that it’s been so long since i’ve posted a po box video! to everyone wondering if i received your gifts and letters– i most likely have– and they are all SO incredibly awesome, but i’ve been so busy lately that i haven’t had time to sit down and put the video together. soon!!
5. switzerland!
i received an email from someone letting me know that my song “stay just a little” was heard by thousands of listeners on a Swiss radio station yesterday!! apparently the dj, Reto Von Gunten, saw my video on youtube, liked it, and decided to play it on his show. ahhh! stephan– thank you so much for telling me the news! and thanks to anyone that might have helped in getting Reto to see my video. i can’t even believe how cool that is. wow.
you MUST be bored now, and i have a head ache from a sharpie- covered banana peel. time to go!
heart,
kina
oovret: Week 19
What musical instruments do you own?
own?? ok… i’ll breakdown the ownership
me: 3 acoustic electric guitars, one classical guitar, a keyboard, a ukelele
the grannis family: a grand piano, a keyboard, 4 violins, another ukelele, an accordion, a flute, 2 recorders, a koto, another classical guitar… i think that’s it.
Have you entered any other music competitions? yes! 4 years ago i entered “pantene pro-voice” with “highlighted in green”. i didn’t win– but marie digby did– so it’s ok. :) never thought i’d be the one in that position someday… pretty crazy!
What is the longest you have stayed awake? probably close to 2 days. sometimes i get in these moods where sleeping just seems like a waste of time that could have otherwise been spent productively… or unproductively for that matter… haha. but i like the night…
What is the longest you have slept? i think once i slept for 14 hours… it was for a really good reason… but i can’t for the life of me remember why.
Do you listen to music while you run, what kind? i used to! my favorites for running were imogen heap, frou frou, k’s choice, mindy smith randomly (someone gave me her album in new zealand and i only listened to music when i ran), sigur ros, missy higgins. but when i started running with Team in Training for my marathon, they don’t let you listen to music during runs for safety reasons (like being able to hear a car that’s about to hit you), and now i can’t listen to music when i run. i tried the other day and it just seemed like too much stimulus for my body. pretty weird.
@susana
i’m so sorry about your emails! i’ve been trying to look up your emails and i can’t seem to find them– though i thought i sent a reply earlier on– i’d love to hear the song if there is some way to get the recording to me. if you email me again we can talk about it! kina@kinagrannis.com
@max!
welcome! hope to see you in brazil someday!
@angleT
hello to you too! hope to see more of you around these parts :)
@blew
welcome back!
@kelsieH
thank you so much!
@joepike
why was i in a closet… hmm. it just seemed appropriate. i’d have preferred it to be set at midnight on top of a mountain… but alas, it was noon in my bedroom, and a closet was as close as i could get.
@ senator
re: did i upgrade to the 3G iphone? i wish! but it’s ok, i still have a functioning old iphone that i love dearly, so i figure my money is better spent on things like food and rent :)
@katiebean
*highfive*for awkwardness!
September 8th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
I win again ^.^ I like this game.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
^^ LOL.. you have to read it first! :)
September 8th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Yes bronze medal for me. It still amazes me to see how much kina cares about her fans. Thanks kina for the welcome back, I would have loved to buy some things for you and your family but sadly all my hawaii time was basically spent golfing, i could send you some golf balls with sharp cuts in them filled by lava rocks but that would be kind of weird unless you would somehow enjoy torn up golf balls. As for the samurai girl moment 6 hours of my sunday was filled by watching every episode of samurai girl and i went to do something and I missed “ours to keep” which is why i watched the show. We could make the benefit show happen in a street if we wanted I wish we could broadcast it on T.V. that would be sweet. As today is a school day I guess I should probably go to sleep somewhere in the very near future.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
wow 16 miles alone! i would probably end up collapsing on the 3rd mile if i did such a thing.
you should do a song with your ukulele!
September 8th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
i don’t know about giving mice cookies, but i do know if you give a mouse chocolate they’ll adjust their circadian rhythm to the time when they receive the chocolate *pushes up glasses* i can’t hide that i’m a science geek OR the fact that i’m a HUGE kina fan!
September 8th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
“Have you entered any other music competitions?”
If I recall correctly (and I ususually do) Kina was also the winning contestant in “Trojan Idol” at USC and won an iPod.
September 8th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
congrats and good job with everything! it’s really getting exciting… and inspiring.
did your body take kindly to 14 hours? im usually even more tired if i sleep too long.
i had a traumatic recorder experience in elementary school =x
September 8th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Wow Kina, I had no idea you were in the Pantene Pro-voice contest w/ Marie’…
It would be cool if you can somehow set up a stickam session for the benefit concert and have a way to make secure contributions online for those who can’t make it…
I caught a glimpse of Samurai Girl and I just couldn’t get myself to watch it lol…so many Asian stereotypes and I couldn’t handle the whole flying thing…But I had no idea Kina’s song was on the show…
p.s. Kina, the pink bubble rap was not my idea :p…got it from the post office. Hope the package wasn’t crushed!
September 8th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
I loved reading that. I was almost ready for bed then checked the journal. I am glad I did!
On the iPhone I sold my old 2g for $330 in less than 3 minutes last week on eBay. So I switched without any up front costs. eBay can be tricky but it worked out perfect for me. I got the new white one and love it. Well i’m not rubbing it in I just wanted to send you some accessories. Thanks for replying back!
September 8th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
ooh.. finally finished the last episode of the Samurai Girl.. im hooked.. lol.. good thing its on a sunday.. cause mondays is Heroes night..in the end of the month. anyways, just thought i’d share. will check back in the morning for the video. gnite everyone.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:19 am
Kina,
Thanks for responding! I just sent you an email with the lyrics, etc.. I look forward to your thoughts. Hope you like the song.
I would really enjoy hearing you sing it. (My kids think that would be soo neat.) I have always said that if nothing else comes of my song, I want my kids and family to have it. It is very special to me and it is part of my legacy. So I’d like for them to have a nice recording of it.
Thanks for your time and God bless,
Susana
September 9th, 2008 at 12:52 am
a koto..! who plays the koto? now you’re going have to play it in a video now.. haha
what happened to the electric from doritos that mama g mentioned a few weeks ago?
still have to watch out for those hybrid/electrics. i almost was hit by a prius that came out of a parking garage. usually i’d hear them coming…
kina+lady danville= good stuff
might have missed it if it wasnt for you(and the G crew).
September 9th, 2008 at 2:32 am
Just have to say that I love your music and I have gotten sevral of my friends hooked and we are planning on sending you something soon.. we are just trying to get it all together. :P
I can’t believe I missed Samurai Girl. I had it marked that that was a new series that looked good…. but my computer didn’t record it… and the fact that your song was in it was like “:(”
oh well.
Oh, is there anyway I can get the actual video of you teaching us how to play “strong enough”? I would love to have it on my computer so i can learn how to play it when I am away from an internet connection.
Have a good day!
~Anna
PS. you should totally come to Seattle sometime!
September 9th, 2008 at 6:04 am
Hey kina!
I love the song with david.
Inspiring and loving. :D
Question for youu;
What kind of guitars do you own?
Brand, Series, Etc.
- Liam
September 9th, 2008 at 10:51 am
i missed posting yesterday :( but i did read and waited til today/now to check for a video which i am glad i did because i love that song :)
ps. my birthday is next monday!!! :) yay 18!
September 9th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I haven’t watched the blog yet, but I just wanted to say that “Ours to keep” was probably used on that other show cause it’s an abc show, and since ABC owns “Ours to Keep” they cause use it on any show of theirs they want, doesn’t mean GH won’t still use the song…On GH its a couple’s theme song, so I would not count them out using the song again, said couple just has not had scenes together as of late, as they are not together on the show, but they are some Intense scenes coming up, so who knows they could be using the song again. ABC uses there songs on multiple shows alot, I know all three soaps shares songs a lot. Rie SinClair songs get used on all three soaps all the time, and if I’m not mistaken was even used on Grey’s anatomy once before. So to sum up that long long noval I just wrote, “Ours to keep” was probably used on that other show cause ABC shows share songs as they are all ABC owned songs, and ABC shows.
Sorry for being so long winded.
Jen :)
September 9th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Great video as always. Super long blog post. I am now going to use mapmyrun all the time. I usually run about 6 miles twice a week and now I can better track my progress with the map. Can’t wait for the new CD. Kina rocks!
September 9th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
wow 16 miles alone?!?! thats crazy. haha and samari girl is a tv show??? i always thought it was a tv movie..
September 9th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
I’m confused about the title. Who’s the mouse? Are you saying we’re demanding? :)
Well I guess I can’t come off that and say 29 days was not enough. Plus I just got your giant guitar pick. Keep rocking Kina, or popping, or however you’d describe it
September 9th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Okay… I admit it. I was confused by the title too…. I just didn’t want to look stupid (oops too late). I know the literary reference but how does that relate to your post? Did I miss something, Kina, or are you being random?
September 9th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
i love “My Time With You”. it’s my myspace song.
September 10th, 2008 at 12:27 am
@Mama G
Perhaps David’s the mouse that comes back for more;) Seemed to be a little majic in the air and lets face it, what mouse could resist something so sweet, and then there was the cake too - haha! Uh oh, just remembered the Mama G ‘Some people don’t know David …’ so I’m off to get the old make up for it ‘gardening gear/disguised protection’, ear plugs, saves being deafened, the ear flapped cap, saves ears being tugged above the ear holes, the knee pads to wear over the calves instead, the newspaper to save the butt and the rubberised garden gloves to also soften anything that might come from having been a tad naughty - LOL! I fear this may be an aNunAmouse posting - muwah!
September 10th, 2008 at 3:42 am
@Kina
I enjoyed watching David’s videos with you, I hope he’ll be more like that when he’s reached all his 7’s and can smile unsmudged, etc. Now then, do you remember when you straightened your hair and wanted to have your hair being blown about, but were too worried about what others might have thought to go ahead with it? Think Grannis birthday hat that’s more like a crown and forgetting your own Mom’s birthday - how could you, haha, I mean shocking! Well, why not watch this video and see if helps ease you into going ahead and delighting us all by going ahead with it or at least doing a photoshoot:- http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=O7A6WTJ4VUA If you don’t have the time, maybe a good photographer like eric could get some of you as your running your faster sections of your marathon training:))) Plus, maybe you could sort out something along the lines of that live broadcast that Marie Digby did a few months back for your Cancer Support Show, and someone mentioned earlier about a pay/vue version, I know it’s possible to do it, as I’ve watched a WHO concert like that!
@ anyone with a You Tube account
PLEASE READ AND RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING WHICH HAS BEEN ADDED ON ON THE 10TH SEPTEMBER
Could some kind soul please let me know what the code is from within the Channel Design page for making backgrounds transparant, as the popups only show me the words Select Colour Windows Internet Explorer followed by about: blank, which then doesn’t offer anything up about the blank:/
This is what the area where I need the information from looks like:-
“Advanced Design Customisation
Customise your channel further by entering your own colours and styles below.
Background Colour:”
Also, I know that I’ve managed to use a jpg to change the icon as I can see that, but I’m wondering whether my jpg choice for the background is viewable, as other than text and the videos, all I can see is white, like within the customisation popups, please be kind enough to let me know, it should look like a larger repeat of the icon!
FINGERS CROSSING AS OF NW!O
September 10th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Blurred smiling counts, David.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
It is a beautiful duet (on the video). Both voices sound welle together and the rythm of guitar und ukulele is O.K.
Who has the violins in the Grannis Family? I think they are your sisters.
You can make a good family orchestra. Why not a video with the family orchestra?
I knew Kina the singer, and now I lnow also Kina the runner of Marathon. Hope you win the next Olympic Games!
dominique dv
September 10th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
The Grannis orchestra:
Dr G: conga drum, piano, recorder, flute, guitar (all poorly to say the least)
Mama G: piano, violin, percussion, voice
Misa: violin, voice
Kina: guitar, ukelele, piano, violin, voice
Emi: guitar, violin, voice
I am not making any claims as to the ability or quality of Dr G or Mama G on their instruments. Let’s just say they can coax the occasional sound from them.
No one presently plays the accordion or the Koto.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
So that’s next week’s blog, Dr. G?
September 10th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Glad to hear a song from you & David. Hope your doing well after the run. Have a good week and fun weekend.
September 11th, 2008 at 3:04 am
Oh so I see now. Sensational performance in this vid! Been laid in and out of the job so its been all jungle fever. This is really what keeps me going from day to day, its seriously exceptional music. Hopefully ill get around to find a good job eventually. Afterall ive always wanted to go to Africa when ive saved enough to go sightseeing.
September 11th, 2008 at 3:20 am
im straight up twisted in this. its some real tunes. i took a nap for 34 on the 713 fly homie. it was chill. fa sho tho and after that i got to the spot at 2:47 p.m. listenin to another day and together while i was dishin out my supplies yo. i am really feelin these 2 you and the 1 cat here. plain and simple. i can handle this all day. good shit. i think its real complete yall.
happy 9-11 peeps always remember
10,000 smiles on the week 19
September 11th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
@Dr G (and Mama G)… Do you ever take your percussive talents down to Huntington Beach?
Every Sunday people trickle in-and-out of an impromptu jam-session there right on the beach… setup on the huge (think amphitheatre) steps right next to the pier. It seems to last all day, pretty cool. I see people bringing all kinds of drums, maracas, castanets, even a flute once in a while.
If you haven’t, you should try it. If you have, lemme know next time you’re going. ;-)
-wwar1ace
September 11th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
KINNNAAAAA!
it was so weird that you titled your blog “if you give a mouse a cookie” because i picked up that book the other day and read it! haha i absolutely love it. who doesn’t right? sooooo i loved the video, i think it was hilarious that you blocked out david’s smile. very funny of you. i still can’t belive that you run soooo many miles. yikes girl you are insanse. i love it. can’t wait for next weeks video!
p.s thanks for the advice about the guitar!!!
-kelsieH
September 12th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
So I haven’t watched GH from today yet, but I caught a some tidbit of a Liz and Jason Scene, and “Ours to Keep” was playing in the background.
September 13th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Hey Kina!
I was actually watching Samurai Girl when your song came out! I started singing a long with the words. :D
I thought that was awesome it came on. Woot!
September 14th, 2008 at 1:08 am
oovret: Week 20
How many hours do you spend playing the guitar each week?
Do you yodel?
Which team do you think(guess) will win the Superbowl this season?
Since the start of your marathon training, about how many miles have you run?
Do you cook or “eat out” more often?
September 14th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
here on the east coast, it’s only 8 and a half hours to my 18th birthday!!!! WOOHOOO!!! haha i’m so excited!
i actually came on here to share about my new found love. sunbutter! haha i felt the need to share how good i think sunflower-butter is, since i cant eat peanut butter. yummmyyy!! now i should try the smoothie :)
September 14th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
man im so sad we didnt get to see david smile!!!!! i was gearing up for it too! i was like wait wait…NO THEY BLURRED IT OUT! lol
love the song of course and the music video makes me laugh :)
hope the training is going well and also hope the benefit concert is a success! im sad im not in socal anymore to watch you peform but alas, there’s always winter break!
have a great week!
Tanya
September 15th, 2008 at 9:19 am
=) i love this song so much
it makes me feel so relaxed and pure and in love!
gosh i want it as my ringtone!!
and waat ur song was on samurai girl? thats amazing congrats for that and the radio station in Switzerland!
yayyy
hope u had a good week ;)