I really need to get a new service provider at home. Things are pretty shitty right now, but they are bound to look up soon… right? I've begun finishing up a whole host of projects that have fallen down around my ears over the past few years. I've tired of not finishing things.

I haven't forgotten your commission drawing, Xavie, I just haven't been happy with my color studies of late. Its hard to make things adorable when your entire palette is covered in different shades of black. I'll make it up to you, promise. Finished work will be coming soon.

Still no joy on making a new account for my saved work. Those bits wont be back up here until then. I've no desire for my publishers to stumble upon it.

Meanwhile, I'm occupying myself with my kayak building exploits. Lots of wood, lots of glue, some blood. I'm hoping to get it in the water yet before the end of the year. I suppose it depends on whether or not I cover the top deck with fancy designs and whatnot. Right now, I'm excited about doing an Otter and Kelp theme in wood across the top deck, which would be cool, but labor intensive. the other half just wants to get the damn thing in the water so I can paddle off to parts unknown. Wallabies and Kelp? We'll see what the sketches bring. Just need to keep sane right now. The use of hand tools helps, though I did manage to plane off a fingernail the other day during a moment of inattention and fatigue. The temperature under the tarp I'm forced to work under is about 95 degrees most of the time, but at least my dog and macaw aren't trying to eat my work when my back is turned.

God, I love hand tools. I fall asleep with a Lie-nielsen 102 low angle bronze block plane in my paw every night. I really love that thing.