Very shocking news to wake up to this morning. I did not know him personally, but the few interactions I had with Dragoneer were positive. And his work in keeping Fur Affinity alive and giving so many a place to share can never be understated. Rest in peace, Dragoneer. And thank you.

Yep, it's true. I finished my 42nd revolution around the sun. I can't believe it. But I have cake. Who wants cake?

I'll be there with . If you see me there say hi! I'll have my camera... I'll let you recover from the shock.

I'll be there with my so hope to see you there too! As usual I can be found behind my camera, ready to record all of the debauchery. Here's to a great time!

Yes, after dodging it for nearly two and a half years, I finally contracted Covid. Fortunately I am vaxxed and boosted and the symptoms seem mild. Hopefully it will be gone soon. But until then, I have to give it zero stars. Would not recommend.

Well, I've survived another revolution around the sun. Hopefully a bit wiser and still surrounded by truly amazing people. And as I start the next solar revolution I hope I can prove deserving of all of the amazing people, including those I'll meet along the next leg of the journey.

Also, I have cake. WHO WANTS CAKE?

It's been a while since I've done one of these. I'm en route to TFF for the first time since the Before Times. Me and will be making the most of the time and I hope to see lots of folks there!

It's been a while since the kitchens of Full Moon Cuisine took on a challenge. And what could be better than that classic confection that is a star at celebrations the world over: cake! So, much as was done for cookies and soup before, this year I'll be focusing on making different types of cake all year. Each month I'll bake a new type of cake and share the results. In fact, if you have a favorite kind of cake, let me know below. I'd love to hear some suggestions. Because with this challenge, we're going beyond normal cakes. That way we can all enjoy cake together (through social distance), enjoy cake by ourselves and even enjoy cake by the ocean... wait a minute.

Stay tuned, this should be a fun challenge!

Well, I can't believe it has been another year. But, here I am at another birthday. Here's to the hope for another year of chance ahead. Now, who wants cake?

I'll be there with causing all kinds of mischief. Hope to see folks there!

I'm here! Let the mayhem begin!

Well as hard as it is for me to believe it's that time of year again. My birthday snuck up on me this year. For another year I be been blessed with adventures, new memories and most of all phenomenal people in my life. None more so than my darling . Here's to another year ahead of new memories.

Now who wants cake?

It's that time of year again! Time for fuzzy folk, BBQ and everything being bigger. All good things! Hope to see some of you there!

Well it's that time of year again! Time to head through the mass relay to Chicago. Hope to see a lot of people there! I'll be with my  dariomouse and looking forward to good times, good food and lots of photos!

Well the last year has been pretty crazy here but I am still around even if I'm not on FA as much. But that will change!

I'm other news today is my birthday, which means it's time for cake. Who wants a slice?

I'll be there with a floating overhead! Hope to see lots of folks there!

Well, that time of year has rolled around once more and for the first time in quite a few years, I'm celebrating a birthday free of being a grad student! This means that I may actually be able to enjoy my summer... And I think a trip west is in order. But that is for another day. For today I have cake and every party needs balloons. Now to find some 'volunteers'...

Well, after six-and-a-half years, today was finally the day. I defended my doctoral dissertation before my committee and an audience of family and friends. Though I had heard and even witnessed the 'frightening' dissertation committee in action before, mine was a very cordial and collegial. I was able to answer each question, cite the relevant research, and even provide these seasoned professors with some unexpected findings. And after an hour, the moment I had waited for for so long happened. I officially earned my doctorate. Now all that's left to do is to make the final edits, submit my finished manuscript, and wait for commencement. And then the question everyone likes to ask "What next?" And for the first time in a very long time, I'm not sure. And I kind of like that. Though something tells me that I'll find more than a few things to fill my time.

But for now, I'll enjoy the moment and let whatever tomorrow holds to wait until then.

I'll be making my first trip to the Pacific Northwest for a work trip this week. Very excited to go put birds on things! Hope you all have a great week while I'm away. And do try not to set the house on fire whole I'm gone.

As I mentioned in my previous journal, my friends and wound up being drafted as semi-official con photographers for MFF's first ever Fursuit Menagerie. I have compiled and edited all of the photos I took at station 3 and posted them here: https://www.flickr.com/gp/149956235@N04/CAi0M1

In this collection you will see: bunnies, skunks, green furs, One Fur All, More Fur Less and random passersby. If you see yourself, please feel free to download the photos and post them wherever you'd like. A photo credit is always appreciated! If you see a friend, please feel free to share this link with them, I want for everyone to the photos they worked hard in :)

I’ve not done one of these in a while, let’s see if I still remember how…

It’s rare nowadays to have a tradition that you’ve managed to continue for a few years, let alone ten. And yet, as I boarded the transport at the station, I realized that ten years ago I traveled to my very first furry convention. Midwest Fur Fest has always been something I have MADE it a point to attend as I find myself enjoying it each year. Maybe it’s the great hotel, or maybe the incredible city of Chicago, or maybe it’s something more imperceptible; the spark that helped me fully accept the crazy, hectic and wonderful thing that is the furry fandom. As my transport reached the mass relay I felt a familiar surge of energy run through the cabin as we were catapulted across various systems to the City of Winds. As we disembarked I asked myself ”After ten years, what could this event still hold for me?”. If only I had known…

”We are Here for a Business and to Lunch”
Following an unusually fast bag claim at the terminal, my companion and I made our way to the scene of the crime, already festooned with fursuiters all about dispensing hugs and good cheer. Awaiting me was my dear friend , ready to take pity by rooming with me for a whole weekend. As we dined at the O’h Restaurant, talking of what we had been up to, of the trials and tribulations that we face each day, our group began to shift our talk to things more pleasant. That’s part of the magic of MFF, I’ve noticed. Somehow, once you’re there, things seem to get a bit brighter (despite the rapid onset of night).

The room parties of MFF remain one of the real highlights of the event. These are the places beyond the oonts-oonts of the dances going on come the quieter (or even louder) private gatherings, often testing the limits of noise complaints. Here booze and camaraderie are never in short supply, and a special thanks to and for throwing two seriously off-the-wall parties, from pooltoys to furry trash pizza, their gatherings did not dissapoint. Shifting to invisibility, I recall walking through these parties marveling at the sights. Long-time friends reuniting, first time ‘online-only’ friends meeting in person to mutual surprise and appreciation, and even some who had once been thought lost welcomed back with naught a single word, but rather a full cup of mysterious brew and a hug to say “you never left”. Taking a few photos for my personal records, I quietly departed and walked amongst the merrymakers down in the con space.

No matter how many years or how many events I attend, the capacity of the furry fandom to gather, celebrate and make others feel welcome never ceases to amaze me. This year especially I saw so many new and young faces (some VERY young) taking part in the joyful noise for the first time. Keeping myself invisible, I spent time people watching, seeing fursuiters and non-suiters providing greetings, snapping photos and selfies, and even reaching out to those too shy or too doubtful of themselves to make the first move. Try as you might, you’re never alone in this fandom.

“I Need Everyone Closer Together! Yes you too, Mr. Pink Fox”
With the absence of the Fursuit Parade this year, MFF began an experiment: the Fursuit Menagerie. I must admit, at first I was not sold on the idea as it seemed little more than a chaotic, noise-filled room that was difficult to walk around in. And then I saw the real genius, the photo stations. Individual stations with photo backdrops set up, ideal for photographers! Spotting my friends and , we casually started to snap a few suiters at station number 3… and then a few more… and then more… and then one of the staff members told us to get ready for our first scheduled group. Somehow, inadvertently, we had become semi-official con photographers snapping hundreds and, indeed, thousands of shots between the three of us! Skunks, green furs, bunnies, professional makers, passersby, we took them all! Photography has long been a passion of mine, and this opportunity, to organize and direct so many shoots in only a few hours, was such a rare treat. And though we three lost our voices by the end, it was all worth it. Old suits, new suits (like a certain duck), some borrowing the suits of their friends on a dare, some daring to come to their first convention and say “this is me”, they all came before my lens.

It was beyond rewarding to see someone shyly step up, as the three canids barked “NEXT IN LINE!” and did not know what to do before the cameras. And then, as the lights came up, it was as if they could finally let go. Jumping wildly this way and that, striking poses, pulling in others with them, I witnessed so many come alive. As they exited the set, I caught more than a few continue to dance, jump, and find in them the bravery to be silly. Maturity is a wonderful thing that we must all pursue… just not while in suit at a con! It is my hope that I captured those moments for them, to bring them smiles down the road when the weekend that was had long passed. That is one of the things I have always valued most about being a photographer, capturing ‘that moment’ when things shift, when apprehension transmutes to joy, when someone becomes free even if only for a weekend or even a moment. I’ll post a journal once I have the shots up on Flickr to help share in the joyous chaos that we went through on that Saturday afternoon.

”I’m More of a Goth, Punk Bitch Pokémon”
Though a convention such as MFF offers no shortage of activities, from dances to charity functions to learning the ins and outs of raising pygmy goats, in the end it must always be the people in attendance who make the con so special. I found myself most fortunate to be invited to quite the feast by the magnanimous as we feasted on ever manner of creature at Fogo de Chão. And though the meal was top notch, it was the wide array of attendees which struck me. Artists, authors, suiters, jokesters from seemingly every corner of the fandom all brought together. Taking a moment, I slipped back out of reality into a stillpoint to take everything in, seeing so many people around me, of whom I knew hardly any, all willing to break bread, listen to my terrible jokes, and to remind me that perhaps I did deserve to be in such a fandom of wide and varying talents, trades, and minds. Such thoughts and realizations are not easy and often come into doubt far more frequently than we would like. As time began its normal flow, the meal ended and the Floridian wolf bundled up to brave a 30° Chicago afternoon, we returned to the hotel and rejoined the storm in progress.

Adding to the joys of new friends were outings with those whom I have held in my heart for so long, including a late-night run for good, greasy food and even a Sunday morning tradition for the last six years. Near the previous hotel sits an unassuming diner, run by a Greek family, where many of these close friends and I ate at as we met in person for the first time. Since then it has become tradition to make a pilgrimage to this Rise n Dine, see the stuffed animal and the postcard on their shelf (signed “Love from your furry friends”) and enjoy a great breakfast. Slipping out of time once more, making sure I recorded every detail of these good souls in my mind, I knew that despite the many (MANY) mistakes I have made in my life, clearly I had done something right to earn these people in my life. And yet, as we returned to the hotel, something surprising lay in wait.

”Do You Wanna do Some Blow Man?”
Low temperatures are nothing new for Chicago and an event held in December knows to keep the fireplace lit and the conventioneers even more lit. However, barring one very brief sprinkling, I have never seen snow fall at MFF. Lo and behold, throughout most of Sunday, the wet, white powder fell from the sky. Flights were cancelled, streets were blanketed, and an entire convention of furries were reduced to wide-eyed children. Stepping back into a cloaked state, I had quite the time dodging the many snowballs that were thrown, observing the scores of photos being taken, chuckled at the sneps partaking in their native climate, and for the first time in over thirty years experiencing a snowfall. As the world around me turned white, my breath visible before me, I took some time to walk around and appreciate the glow cast by the many LED Christmas lights on the newly fallen snow and of Fred the snowman, built by a group of furs to commemorate the snowfall.

Snapping some photos with my camera for posterity, to remind myself what this mysterious white powder looked like, my mind reflected on the many people at the con, those who had for some reason welcomed me here year after year. And not just here. An online ‘hello’, a card in the mail, invitations to their weddings, these people had welcomed me into their lives. A quiet prayer escaped my lips as I thought of them all departing by the morning, knowing that we all had lives to get back to, responsibilities to be seen to, and other people who needed us. And as the last flakes fell that day, I quietly walked back to the hotel.

”Keep Your Chin Up”
With the convention’s final evening, I found several dear friends to spend time with, learning of what had been going on in their lives. 2016 was a rough year for many it seemed, with loss, doubt, and even questions of where to go next. Listening is often a skill most necessary in life. It sounds so simple, to spend some time and give an ear to someone who needs to talk, and yet it truly can mean the world. This convention especially seemed to provide no shortage of opportunities to find people and listen, offering what advice and support I could. These are the responsibilities I hold most sacred, as someone who reaches out must be treated with great care. Trying my best to provide some smiles, I found myself oft quoting one of the heroes of the fandom, Robin Hood, in reminding them to “keep your chin up”. Oo de lally what a year.

As the convention drew to a close, badges were put away, flights were checked into, and room debts were (hopefully) settled. As I wheeled my bags to the always professional Hyatt staff at the check-in desk, I took one final moment to phase out of time and take in the sights. Wherever you looked you saw what I have come to know as the hallmarks of any furry convention, support. From longtime friends giving last hugs, to new friends exchanging Telegram info, and even to those I saw trying their hardest to hold back tears as someone they held dear was about to leave again. As I boarded the transport back home, I thought back on my weekend and what I had seen, realizing that it was truly two-fold this year. First and foremost I saw the future, a whole new generation of furries has entered the fandom and is starting to realize both what it is and what they can make it. Perhaps this is the Zootopia Effect we had all expected. Perhaps it’s just the result of wider exposure in popular culture at large. Or perhaps it’s just due to an increasing acceptance. Regardless of the why, the future is here.

Finally, I thought back on several individuals I had not seen at a con in the longest time. Some had to take time to themselves due to medical reasons while others faced new career opportunities, personal challenges, and even existential “Is this where I still belong?” crises. And for each of them, I found myself telling each of them the same thing whenever they asked about having been gone so long from the furry fandom.

“It’s simple. You never left.”

Yoinked from the always awesome

Hotel
Despite the best efforts of PassKey, I'll be staying at the main hotel.

Arrival/Departure
Thursday afternoon - Monday Morning.

Means of transportation
Mass relay via connection at the Citadel.

Sharing a room with
The wide and only... er, I mean the ONE and only

Who do you hang out with?
There are far too many awesome people I'm looking to see at MFF to list them here.

Gender
Male.

Preference
Tea. Unsweetened. Lemon.

Relationship Status
Unavailable :)

How old are you?
35.

How tall are you?
6' or so.

Are you an Artist?
I do like photography!

Do you have an artist table?
My table is more of a worker-table.

Do you take commissions?
I accept 'contracts'.

Do you do trades?
I will trade one hug for one hug!

Are you a Fursuiter?
REDACTED.

Attending parties?
The party is wherever I am.

Do you drink?
Stranger things have happened!

Can I buy you a drink?
One roofie-tini, coming right up!

Do you smoke?
Nope.

Are you attending any panels?
Usually not. I tend to go to the Variety Show... out of contractual obligation.

Stage or public performance?
Uhhhh...

How do I identify myself to you?
You will perform the secret handshake. Barring that, a simple "Hello, I'm -insert your name here-" tends to work.

Rules of engagement (physical contact)?
Kinetic barriers prevent physical contact.

How can I find you?
Don't worry, I'll find you...

Can I talk to you?
I would prefer that.

Can I give you lots of money?
I've always depended on the kindness of loaded strangers.

Can I give you stuff?
Am I getting rid of evidence again?

Can I hug or snuggle with you?
This is where biotics tend to go a bit haywire... just a warning.

Can I come to dinner with you?
I do enjoy company with dinner!

Can I hang out with you?
Sure!

Can I take your picture?
I'll do the picture taking here, buster!

How do I know if you're not looking to socialize (angry, busy or upset)?
I'm guessing there would be a red, down arrow over my head?

Personality Type?
I like to meet new, friendly folk :)

Any goals?
Have a good end to one crazy year!

It's that time of year, when the sun continues its relentless assault on the good swamp of Florida and furries from far and wide gather in Orlando for Megaplex. I'll be there this weekend with my camera ever at the ready. Hoping to see many familiar faces there and encounter some new ones along the way! So if you see me about, and if my stealth field is working that will be quite difficult, feel free to say hello :)

I'm sitting in a plane waiting to take off... On my first vacation I'm over a decade. And I mean 'vacation', not a con! This feels surreal. I'll be abusing the hospitality of and a few others as I embark to the distant country of Texas. Stay tuned for tall tales and more. Because if everything is BIGGER in Texas... I think I can work well out there...

Leaving for the airport soon to catch my transport to TFF. Will the third year be the charm? Tune in and see, true believers! Help me #MakeTFFGreatAgain!