well. Nice low-key day yesterday. Spent a good part of the creative portion of my day doin' D&D stuff. I have set aside the translation of 4E for now - in favor of getting the right things done for the game (which is today). Cleaned the downstairs table, working through months of adventures to glean the master treasure list, story (with illo), and the actual notes for the game. I am still writing out the treasure bits. whew.

I got onto Oce commission list. It was totally a fluke - Dave was checking e-mail at AC and spotted the notice. yeay me. So, I guess that will be my after AC treat.

back to work.

I had the best 4th of July I've had in so many years. Great company, great food, great fireworks. The last bunch of years I've had to work through the holiday - but since I'm now working for myself, no more!
For the last week and some, we've been watching two pups for friends who came through on the way to AC, which put our dog total to four. It was quite a handful but also fun - it made me feel like Cesar Milan. After the convention, blackteagan and kenket had some time off and have been staying with us, which has been incredibly fun. I tried out a bunch of the recipes I've been trying to perfect - with great results. :) We tried to go canoing but as soon as we got to the river a semi full of ethanol dumped into it, so we had to hang out at the pub and find other things to do. The weather's been wonderful, so we could grill and have a campfire in the back yard.
For the fourth itself, we all hiked up to visit brerandalopex in the Twin Cities and they treated us to an awesome feast. With our dogs and their four huskies, we had our own little dog park and what some child deemed 'dog show!' when we went off to see lights in the sky. The Sofawolf guys are great hosts and I learned I like hard malt pineapple-orange creamers. Which I got all to myself since others didn't seem to realize just how awesome they were. ;) blackteagan posted some nice photos from the week in his journal, go take a look!
Today we had amazing indian food for lunch and I made cream of asparagus soup and fresh baked bread for dinner. Then we wrapped mbala completely in duct tape - since I'm going to be working on a costume for him for MFF this year. With three people wrapping it went really fast. I've really been wanting to work on a full bodysuit lately so I'm excited. Plus, what better things are there to do on a Saturday night than have a duct tape party? ;)
Tomorrow I'm going to make one last epic dinner before Ket and Teagan have to take off - Moroccan lamb, mmm.
Monday I'll get back to work, double-speed, but for now - back to the blueberry beer!

Working on the conversion of 4E to HomeBrew. They have slid a bunch clerical abilities into the Feats area - and I'm not exactly certain why. It seems a sneaky way of giving even more things for the clerics to do. I like the idea of other acts of faith - like turning undead - but I question that these abilities reach that level. Still gods grant what they care to. At low levels, my system has a lot less that a person can do as compared with 4E - but it equals out about 5th and quickly climbs in my favor. I am still trying to wrap my head around things - but figured I should stop in favor of actually having things ready for sunday's game.

Talked to Wendy yesterday. Always good to hear from her.

Let off the fireworks I brought back from the Cedar Point trip. I loved the curly spinny ones that shot up into the air. If I ever go to buy more, I must remember to ask for those. As I recall, all I had to do was ask for the effect that I wanted and they pointed me in the right place. The names never make any sense to me.

Saw WallE with the family. Did D&D stuff. Went out to dinner - PFChangs. Watched part of the MusicMan on TV. Sot fireworks. Snuggled with my hubby. A great 4th.

Happy Birthday, America! Celebrate safely! 8)

We're back from Anthrocon, which had another record breaking year. Attendance was just shy of 3,400 people, and next year they are moving into one of the larger convention halls to handle the ever increasing crowds. We had a great show, even though it's mostly work for me now that there are so many people all wanting art. Still had a blast, and we'll be there again next year.

The new prints and backpack tags can be found on the Thumbnails page and BackPack Tags page respectively. We are just about sold out of the Tiki Joe's style t-shirt, and Atomic Lounge is running low on several sizes. We also tried something new for Anthrocon, which is a small full color portfolio of the images from the 2008: Year In Fur calendar. Nobody at Anthrocon ever gets to see a calendar since they are long sold out, and I wanted something to appease them at a good price. 13 color plates for $15.00 - it's a deal! You can see the new port and the shirts over on the Prints page.

The story we did for Anubis: Dark Desires #4 is now available. Eric is planning to re-introduce the comics onto the website, and copies will be available there, as well as from Radio Comix.
Forever Drawing,
Michele.

I am now trapped in a 4thEdition translation to House Rules. Sorting rules, looking at abilities, writing stuff down. The first pass is still bare of many things - but I'm working on it. I'll add art and regular stuff on DarkFawn then make a Lulu book of it. It'll take my gamers a while to get it - but we're finishing the high level story arch anyway.

Happy 4th! I have fireworks in the house, and intend to shoot them off tonight. We light them in the corner away from the neighbors - so they won't be too disturbed.

Dave is better - over the fever he picked up.

Well, I've been home since Tuesday night and have mostly caught up on sleep. Ah the bliss of my own bed and two spotty cats to share it with:) Days have been spent getting ready for this weekend's show. No rest for the weary!

Under a cut to save space!

( Read more... )

more cat pictures

My folks drove down to Frankenmoth (or however you spell it), and we picked up Sabrina. It was great to have her again - although we watched the CD full of pictures and she probably had a better time than we did. She found a lovely green stone while looking for Petoskey stone; she helped cut and polish it with her Grandpa. It was wrapped and made into jewelry for me. wow. Not sure what kind of stone it is - my Mom says it's wonderstone.

We stopped by Hot topic cause I saw this lady with a fabulous bag at the con. It was all fish bone design and I loved it. The manager did a search for it on their system and came up empty. I've done a computer search and can't find it. Who ever you are - I am envious.

I lost my little purse lamb from the Denver zoo. She fell off on Sunday getting out and I should have known better. I don't think she'll be amongst the stuff, so my little lamb is lost. I'll try to see if my zoo has the little darlings.

While I've re-ordered my life, there is still many things I have to get done in order to feel caught up. Bills, Groceries, Sugar Gliders.

While at AC, Dave was photographed for a potential article for National Geographic. How cool.

We hauled in on Wensday, and hung out at Ops with the DI as they were arriving. We helped out some of the staff by getting some of their commissions before they got swamped. It always makes me feel great to take work before everything starts. There goes my ego - I feel popular.

On Thursday, it was fun to watch Jim not recognize Terrie. He's busy talking to Glen, and Terrie's talking to him, just not completely facing him - he just didn't realize she had died her hair black (It's Dark Terrie). His double take was amazing! Got things set up and found various people. I gave Joe to the DI - he was looking to volunteer.... he just didn't know what I was signing him up for. He had a blast, and the guys loved him; but now I must remember not to give MY helpers away. Well, I kept Karen at least. We got all set up, and had art hung - all on Thursday - how efficient!

Friday, as the doors to the room opened; I called Dave and said "I've always loved you." The doors opened, I helped Marcy with her rush, my head went down and blink - blink ... is it Sunday Evening??? What a total blast! I drew so many nice things, and they all fly off (hopefully to be seen in scans sent to me). I had so many nice bits of conversation - several people politely went off to leave room for customers instead of conversation and I wanted them to come back. (But we all know that was not to be). One of the super sponcers brought be deviled eggs from Melissa and the other Karen. Petercat was amazing - he's so smart, and his leadership skills are a wonder. It seems odd that Friday is so frantic that even the books I take first are almost done by the Friday close. I might as well say anything I take will be done tomorrow morning. Saturday I did accomplish a few things in the dealers room - but they tend to be badges as opposed to bit pretty books. Sunday, I had to turn away a neo who thought that I could do something in nothing flat (sure I could have, but stick figures just don't seem right). Karen got me slurrpees - so I could manage through the day - with caffeine. WE found our usual drawing room locked the first night - but we had made arrangements and got the nice room with tables, light and no close time. Good thing as we were up till 'oh-my' in the morning. One of the DI asked me if I actually slept at the con - and since I didn't know what time it was the answer was 'well of course, there's plenty of time.' I think there was 2 hours I got that night - that counts, doesn't it?

The ride home was low key - since we were all exhausted. Dave covers half the con that I don't see, so afterwards there is much meeping. We are still remembering things to say to each other. Somehow all the Security T-Shirts wound up in my Van. Bins and bins full! Good thing I sold a buncha stuff. We ate sushi, fell asleep and the next day ran around getting stuff that Heather needed from the States while she was down. No trouble at the border. Home and exhausted still.

I liked doing the big badges before the con. I see so many nice badges. I loved Sara's idea of having a theme - it makes the creative juices get going. Todd does the same sorta thing - he's fast, good and fun (too bad we'll have to kill him now. Terrie should have killed us all long ago). I am still taking over the world by drawing in Glen's book. He asked if his book would be safe and I said no, and he still left it. Now I'm drawing and getting other people to sign the pictures...

Getting Sabrina from my folks - they will drive her partway down state, and we will meet for lunch/dinner. Thank goodness! I don't need to drive anymore. We were going up to visit for the 4th of July, but it turns out that Dave has to work (and they volunteered him to cover for people even though they didn't ask him). Now, I can get some more work done over the weekend.

It seems strange not to be drawing in full drive mode.

housematehorror
Horror stories from the world of shared living spaces. EEK!

Pulled from zrath.

When you see this post, quote from Doctor Who on your LJ.

"You know, Doctor, you're quite the most infuriating man I've ever met."

Jo, in "The Time Monster"

Posting from Diana's computer in Michigan. Later today, she'll drop me over the border in Windsor and I'll catch the train home. Con was fantastic and I'll make a bigger post in the next couple days. Right now, I just want to sleep and not talk for a few days:)

Thanks though, to all of you stopped by the table and bought sketches, prints, bookmarks or just wanted to say hi. You guys always make my con experience a wonderful one!

weeeeee! Back from a great AC! I actually got into the pool twice - and found Sunshadow there once. Our plans for the National Aviary fell through, but we hung with the DI and that was marvelous. Hung with my Pirate friends - it's nice to see your best friends in the world. I got to draw a lot of really nice art. This year, the people looking for drawings at the con had some really great ideas for images. It was superb. Sarah did a badge for Dave that I adore. Michele did a badge for Heather that I adored. Natashia did a badge for James that I adored. I did a buncha badges for other people that I adored. I came home with a book for Earl and a badge for Todd - I'll get to them today. Oh! And I couldn't find Skulldog for the book she wanted - so I'll have to ship it to her. Collected a couple of sketches in my own book - not too many as I was behind the table or working. Since Sabrina was at her Aunt Sandy's - I managed to score her dealer ribbon for Ramano.

Dave has some fever and his bad ankle has him limping. I am exhausted, but fine. I'll be dropping Heather off to the train station today, so she can get home and get to work for a show next weekend.

There are more projects and plans in the works. It's always good to get together with the gang.

Joe and Karen are my extra special friends. Karen kept getting me slurrppees (for which I am indebted for life). Karen helped everyone check into the art show. I gave Joe to the DI for Security - and they love him. Even if I gave him away, he helped me pack up the booth. They brought us food for the SAR. Can't sing their praises enough. So help me, they should live closer. Oh! The missing game piece was found - it's a 'T'.

It was good to see so many of you! I wish there was more time for talking and art.
Much more later.

dwseason4
A journal where the alternative fourth season of the TV show Doctor Who is being written.

lol_comics
Keep youself smiling at the little things with some funny comics.

bikes
A community for everyone who loves bicycles, motorbikes, and more.

Leaving for the airport momentarily -- Catch y'all later. I'll have my laptop, as usual! :)

Three sumi paintings, matted up and sent off to the Anthrocon art show.


Closeup of the red panda image.

( Lots of art under the cut )

I've got the Canadian. We're waiting for Dave to come home from work so we can pack the car. Everything is ready to go, packed and set. Dave only has this weird morning thing to do, so we expect to be on the road before noon.

Think I've got everything. There's always that moment of the trip where you remember what you forgot and then you're fine.

Got my collection book, and reference sheets to hit Terrie up for Badges. Got all my drawing stuff. well... the last thing I need to do is sit and fiddle in front of all you.

If you see me at the con - and you want something drawn - do not be shy. If I'm there, I'm working. I love to chat, hopefully - there will be time. I look forward to seeing everyone. I'm looking forward to the con.

Phew, I'm happily ensconced at Diana's house for the evening after successfully getting over the border. Yeah! My art is all here, last couple things done. Now I get to flake off for the evening and get a good night sleep. Probably the last full night sleep till next Monday:P Tomorrow morning we head off for Pittsburgh. Looking forward to a good weekend. See many of you there!

Getting Heather today. My cold is over - so the timing on that was way perfect. Hopefully, my system is now fortified against any con crud. Still wondering what I can accomplish before the con hits completely....

My day is filled with lists. Remember this, do that, ideas to remember. The list of things to do once the con is over. Doin' a few things for the DI.

Happily, I have been having some really good art days. yum. I should be really 'ON' at AC.

Well show season is in full swing which means I'm busy,busy, busy with little time to do a ton of art. Last weekend was Guelph's Fairy Fest, the third year for the show and my first year vending. What a hoot! It was very similar to Renn faires and Pirate festivals but with a fantasy/fairy flavour. Strolling minstrels, plays and performances, some wonderful folk singers, lots of games and silliness and an over all plot with the wandering cast. Two factions of fairys skirmishing all day with the Unseelie court having the best outfits. Lots of customers came in garb and everyone was in the mood to be entertained and have a good time. Did good money and made some nice contacts. I am so there next year!

Today, I head off on the first leg of my trip to Anthrocon. My art and all is already waiting for me at Diana's and I'm all packed to catch the train to join it. Then we stuff the van and head off on Wen. I like arriving at a con early so I can settle in and not be rushed. We're planning a return trip the National Avairy on Thursday and then the marathon that is the con gets going!

I'll be at my table in the dealer's area in the G row during the day and the working my butt off on homework all night. I have art in both the regular and adult section, plus my Virtue painting on the shared panel. I'll be selling prints, jumbo prints, bookmarks, Will Sanborn's books and the Wild Cats deck. I'll also be doing badges (both sepia and grey scale), sketch books and sketches on bristol each day. If you see me around on Wen or Thursday and want to jump the que I'll be taking some sketches then so feel free to ask. I don't bite!

Chances are very good that the latest issue of Dark Desires will be out and available from Radio comics (who are attending the con for the first time!). All the artists in this issue will be at the con so you can collect signatures if you wish. All of us are in the same general area in the dealer's room too!

Hmm anything else? Oh yes, feel free to chat, I'm friendly and interested in a wide variety of subjects. Keep in mind that I will often have my head down sketching but I can do that and talk at the same time! But keep an eye on folks around you and don't block the print book if you're not shopping:)

Okay, that's about it! So looking forward to the con!

My computer's book sectors were glitching on me, so the machine is in the shop. Indeed, I'm getting an upgrade while it's there too. I was a smart do-bee, backing up and catching the problem before it ruptured.

Got the art done for the badges - and of course, scaned in the art and made actual badges out of copies so the original art can go to their buyers. Dave was such a sweetie, doing all this crazy printing yesterday. So, I'm down to mating originals and of course, I run out of blue. The store to buy board is closed on Sunday, and while I could just run to Greens - I've waited till today. I'm about to run out for mat board, printer ink well, maybe the computer and the bank. So many things left to do on my to-do list. It's possible that we're missing the scan of an original work that's already sold.... I have to look through the files.

lots to do...

knitted_wedding
Follow one woman's quest to knit an entire vow-renewing wedding. Encouragement is encouraged.

brigits_flame
For writers interested in an ongoing competition that tests your narrative chops.