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Plenty to Look Forward to in 2023
Posted 2 years agoI haven't been in the habit of making a lot of journal posts & might try to remedy that... 2022 had a lot of heavy hardships hit us... losing our feline family member then followed by the loss of several family members... Over Christmas, I was worried that I might lose my mother as well, but thankfully she's managed to improve & pull through.💦 So... to put it bluntly 2022 was definitely one of the roughest & most turbulent.
After a lot of the turmoil going on, we had started to make some plans to have things to look forward to in the coming year. We started some initial travel planning that happened to focus on a chance event we came across in our early brainstorming. One of our biggest bucket list travel destinations has been New Zealand/Australia... and we happened to run into the date for the Hobbiton Movie Set Summer Harvest Festival. An event they only do once per year & it is a humdinger of a shindig. So with that in mind we then worked an itinerary around that date. So our jet-setting trip started on January 29th where we first set off with a layover in Tahiti. It was nice having a little bit of time to explore around both the main island of Tahiti itself as well as Morea.
Tahiti Day 1 (Thread)
Tahiti Day 2 (Thread)
After our layover we crossed the international time zone, traveling 1 day into the future... as we landed in Auckland, Newzealand. We didn't have much time here, but we made the most of it by going to the Weta Workshop Unleased in the Sky Tower in downtown.
Aukland (Thread)
We then hopped a short local flight from Aukland to Rotorua, one of the big seats of Maori cultural heritage in the area. I have now learned how to drive on the other side of the road since we rented a car after arriving so we could get around in the northern island. We visited the Hell's Gate mud bath & spa for some nice relaxation & that evening we were picked up & brought to a Maori village for a cultural dinner event. The following day we visited one of the largest geothermal parks. That was quite surprising to see but given the volcanic activity in the surrounding area, it shouldn't have been that surprising.
Our next destination was Matamata for the Hobbiton Summer Harvest Festival. We had a long drive through the scenic winding highways crossing through the countryside. The festival was everything we could've hoped for. They picked us up from the iSite building in Matamata & bussed us to the set. We got to hear some interesting tidbits about the production & eventual 2nd building of Hobbiton as the original set was just temporary & had to be torn down. When they were greenlit for The Hobbit movies they made a more permanent establishment there (for dual purpose of tourism). The set was amazing & we were slowly guided through it eventually making our way to the Green Dragon Pub where the celebrations were going on. They had plenty of food & drink with music & dancing... it was fit for folks (hobbits) of all ages.
Hobbiton Summer Harvest Festival(Thread)
On our way back to Auckland we made a stop at the Waitomu Glowworm Caverns & had time to visit one of their other massive cave systems. It was quite awe-inspiring to see what nature managed to create without any intervention from anyone. From there we flew down to Queenstown for more adventures on the southern isle. One of the highlights we had was another Lord of the Rings themed tour, we were picked up by our guide with several others making for a fun fellowship touring the area around Queenstown & Glenorchy.
Queenstown (Thread)
We made our way from New Zealand over to Australia where our first port of call would be Cairnes, by way of Brisbane. We only had a short time there, we had a snorkeling cruise out on The Great Barrier Reef around Hastings Reef.
Great Barrier Reef
Next on the agenda was a trip out to Uluru to see the mighty Ayers Rock... and it has captured my imagination since I was young... I recall seeing it in the movie, The Rescuers Down Under, & other films. We got to also see a neat installation called the "Field of Lights" which was lit up after our dinner & seeing the dark night sky before the moon rose. Another interesting factoid was that we were 10,711 miles from home... the furthest we had ever traveled.
Uluru/Ayers Rock (Thread)
Our next port of call was Melbourne where we had a focus more on nature in particular some animal-themed adventures. The first day we had a full day planned around going to Phillips Island to see the "Little Penguins" marching from the sea to their home in the sandy dunes of the beach. But before that, we saw the Brighton Beach Boxes with plenty of local color. A big highlight for me was our next stop at the Moonlit Sanctuary, sort of a zoo, but more focused on rehabilitation. They had animals on display in very nice enclosures. The most interesting part was being able to purchase food & being able to hand-feed the kangaroos & wallabies that were allowed to roam freely.
Sydney was the last stop on our whirlwind jet-setting Oceanic Adventure. There was a lot to see & we managed to do a lot of walking around this iconic city, specifically around Darling Harbour, Circular Quay & through the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Sydney (Thread)
Valentine's Day
ralkor treated me to a wonderful evening with dinner in the north foyer, followed by the original Bohemian love story, Puccini's La Bohème, at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Valentines 2023
So that was one heck of an amazing adventure... The likes of which I'm not sure we'll ever have again... but we made some wonderful, cherished memories that won't be forgotten. We have other plans to look forward to in 2023... A magical Disney World adventure is on the horizon in April... as well as some entertainment with concerts from artists touring that we are excited to see. So a lot to be grateful for & we may be looking to adopt a kitten soon. So it is good to get that 'travel bug' out of our system to be able to focus on that.
After a lot of the turmoil going on, we had started to make some plans to have things to look forward to in the coming year. We started some initial travel planning that happened to focus on a chance event we came across in our early brainstorming. One of our biggest bucket list travel destinations has been New Zealand/Australia... and we happened to run into the date for the Hobbiton Movie Set Summer Harvest Festival. An event they only do once per year & it is a humdinger of a shindig. So with that in mind we then worked an itinerary around that date. So our jet-setting trip started on January 29th where we first set off with a layover in Tahiti. It was nice having a little bit of time to explore around both the main island of Tahiti itself as well as Morea.
Tahiti Day 1 (Thread)
Tahiti Day 2 (Thread)
After our layover we crossed the international time zone, traveling 1 day into the future... as we landed in Auckland, Newzealand. We didn't have much time here, but we made the most of it by going to the Weta Workshop Unleased in the Sky Tower in downtown.
Aukland (Thread)
We then hopped a short local flight from Aukland to Rotorua, one of the big seats of Maori cultural heritage in the area. I have now learned how to drive on the other side of the road since we rented a car after arriving so we could get around in the northern island. We visited the Hell's Gate mud bath & spa for some nice relaxation & that evening we were picked up & brought to a Maori village for a cultural dinner event. The following day we visited one of the largest geothermal parks. That was quite surprising to see but given the volcanic activity in the surrounding area, it shouldn't have been that surprising.
Our next destination was Matamata for the Hobbiton Summer Harvest Festival. We had a long drive through the scenic winding highways crossing through the countryside. The festival was everything we could've hoped for. They picked us up from the iSite building in Matamata & bussed us to the set. We got to hear some interesting tidbits about the production & eventual 2nd building of Hobbiton as the original set was just temporary & had to be torn down. When they were greenlit for The Hobbit movies they made a more permanent establishment there (for dual purpose of tourism). The set was amazing & we were slowly guided through it eventually making our way to the Green Dragon Pub where the celebrations were going on. They had plenty of food & drink with music & dancing... it was fit for folks (hobbits) of all ages.
Hobbiton Summer Harvest Festival(Thread)
On our way back to Auckland we made a stop at the Waitomu Glowworm Caverns & had time to visit one of their other massive cave systems. It was quite awe-inspiring to see what nature managed to create without any intervention from anyone. From there we flew down to Queenstown for more adventures on the southern isle. One of the highlights we had was another Lord of the Rings themed tour, we were picked up by our guide with several others making for a fun fellowship touring the area around Queenstown & Glenorchy.
Queenstown (Thread)
We made our way from New Zealand over to Australia where our first port of call would be Cairnes, by way of Brisbane. We only had a short time there, we had a snorkeling cruise out on The Great Barrier Reef around Hastings Reef.
Great Barrier Reef
Next on the agenda was a trip out to Uluru to see the mighty Ayers Rock... and it has captured my imagination since I was young... I recall seeing it in the movie, The Rescuers Down Under, & other films. We got to also see a neat installation called the "Field of Lights" which was lit up after our dinner & seeing the dark night sky before the moon rose. Another interesting factoid was that we were 10,711 miles from home... the furthest we had ever traveled.
Uluru/Ayers Rock (Thread)
Our next port of call was Melbourne where we had a focus more on nature in particular some animal-themed adventures. The first day we had a full day planned around going to Phillips Island to see the "Little Penguins" marching from the sea to their home in the sandy dunes of the beach. But before that, we saw the Brighton Beach Boxes with plenty of local color. A big highlight for me was our next stop at the Moonlit Sanctuary, sort of a zoo, but more focused on rehabilitation. They had animals on display in very nice enclosures. The most interesting part was being able to purchase food & being able to hand-feed the kangaroos & wallabies that were allowed to roam freely.
Sydney was the last stop on our whirlwind jet-setting Oceanic Adventure. There was a lot to see & we managed to do a lot of walking around this iconic city, specifically around Darling Harbour, Circular Quay & through the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Sydney (Thread)
Valentine's Day
ralkor treated me to a wonderful evening with dinner in the north foyer, followed by the original Bohemian love story, Puccini's La Bohème, at the iconic Sydney Opera House.Valentines 2023
So that was one heck of an amazing adventure... The likes of which I'm not sure we'll ever have again... but we made some wonderful, cherished memories that won't be forgotten. We have other plans to look forward to in 2023... A magical Disney World adventure is on the horizon in April... as well as some entertainment with concerts from artists touring that we are excited to see. So a lot to be grateful for & we may be looking to adopt a kitten soon. So it is good to get that 'travel bug' out of our system to be able to focus on that.
In Memory of Galen
Posted 3 years ago2/2001 - 6/19/2022
We sadly lost our very beloved 21-year-old feline family member this past Sunday. It was something we tried to be prepared for given his declining health... but sadly you're never ready no matter how much you want to believe yourself to be... These past couple of days have been very hard for us... We donated a lot of things to the local veterinary clinic that took care of him & settled on burial at a pet cemetery. They will have a private funeral service for us & I prepared a eulogy in his memory.
It is not often you meet such a rare breed of feline that is so accepting to change later in life when I came to live with you at the tender age of 12. Little did you know after meeting me I’d be bringing another addition to the household & further shake up your daily routines. While you & Strider never became ‘friends’ I’m grateful that you accepted the dog even though you never spoke the same ‘language’.
I’m thankful for all the time I could be there enjoying your companionship… You always brightened my day & kept me company while I was working from home. It won’t be the same looking to my side & missing you curled up right next to me. You on one side… Strider on the other… I felt corralled in love from a pair of wonderful companions.
You have meant a great deal to us & it is never easy saying just how much. I don’t know what comes next, but until then you will be missed & never forgotten in our hearts.
https://youtu.be/n_OtzEcEOTg
We sadly lost our very beloved 21-year-old feline family member this past Sunday. It was something we tried to be prepared for given his declining health... but sadly you're never ready no matter how much you want to believe yourself to be... These past couple of days have been very hard for us... We donated a lot of things to the local veterinary clinic that took care of him & settled on burial at a pet cemetery. They will have a private funeral service for us & I prepared a eulogy in his memory.
It is not often you meet such a rare breed of feline that is so accepting to change later in life when I came to live with you at the tender age of 12. Little did you know after meeting me I’d be bringing another addition to the household & further shake up your daily routines. While you & Strider never became ‘friends’ I’m grateful that you accepted the dog even though you never spoke the same ‘language’.
I’m thankful for all the time I could be there enjoying your companionship… You always brightened my day & kept me company while I was working from home. It won’t be the same looking to my side & missing you curled up right next to me. You on one side… Strider on the other… I felt corralled in love from a pair of wonderful companions.
You have meant a great deal to us & it is never easy saying just how much. I don’t know what comes next, but until then you will be missed & never forgotten in our hearts.
https://youtu.be/n_OtzEcEOTg
Cat's Out of the Bag...
Posted 3 years agoI've made it no real secret that there's been a cheshire cat prowling around in my submissions & commissioned artwork with Ralkor. Suffice to say this cat is out of the bag & making it officially known. For the longest time Dook has been the sole face I've been known in the fandom by... but since ~2013 another character had been rattling around in my head & Norumeron was born of that inspiration. Created out of my love of Alice in Wonderland, more specifically design undertones from American McGee's gothic take on the classic theme.
This isn't saying that I'm pulling a "Artist Formerly Known As..." stunt. I have no intention to shelve Dook, or changing/redirecting all social media on various sites/galleries. But essentially like many folks who have various OC's, Norumeron is basically one more flavor option (no real difference in personality/disposition). I don't really have exactly a big elaborate backstory for him... One day I may wrack my brain & come up with something that fits.
So feel free to refer to me as either Dook or Norumeron, I'll happily answer to both... I'm mostly wanting to not confuse folks if they see a lot more of the cheshire cat in my own work or commissioned pieces. Or if they see one name vs the other on various sites like VRChat & gaming handles etc.
Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings here & more officially introducing Norumeron. Just one more service/flavor from me. 😸🎨
Posted using PostyBirb
This isn't saying that I'm pulling a "Artist Formerly Known As..." stunt. I have no intention to shelve Dook, or changing/redirecting all social media on various sites/galleries. But essentially like many folks who have various OC's, Norumeron is basically one more flavor option (no real difference in personality/disposition). I don't really have exactly a big elaborate backstory for him... One day I may wrack my brain & come up with something that fits.
So feel free to refer to me as either Dook or Norumeron, I'll happily answer to both... I'm mostly wanting to not confuse folks if they see a lot more of the cheshire cat in my own work or commissioned pieces. Or if they see one name vs the other on various sites like VRChat & gaming handles etc.
Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings here & more officially introducing Norumeron. Just one more service/flavor from me. 😸🎨
Posted using PostyBirb
Commissions Open
Posted 4 years agoOpening up for commissions. Feel free to toss me a note or send me an e-mail if you have any questions or are interested.
Thank you for your time and I hope to have the pleasure of working with you! 🎨 😸✏️
Commission Form
Social Media Links
Thank you for your time and I hope to have the pleasure of working with you! 🎨 😸✏️
Commission Form
Social Media Links
Happy Holidays!
Posted 4 years agoWow... it is shocking to think that 2022 is nearly upon us & I still find myself reeling when I think about what happened in 2020... then 2021 almost feels lost in the haze...
Things have been pretty hectic for most, including myself... I still feel like I was hit by a truck or stepped on & can't quite get the number or recognize what happened... This past year has been tumultuous, to say the least... But that being said I have hopes that things will improve in 2022 & I have to keep telling myself so that I believe... since 2021 as felt somewhat stagnant... but still an improvement over 2020.
I may not care for the colder weather during the winter but the holiday season is something to look forward to & enjoy... We enjoyed a small cozy Thanksgiving with The Tiger. Following that, I've been busy working on a holiday card project & making a list (checking it twice) to send out cards this year. I haven't been as good in the past... but I wanted to send a little tiny bit of cheer in these trying times. We even managed to set up a tree this year after all the times we've said to each other that we should put one up... So we have tried to give ourselves little things to look forward to so that the dreary winter months aren't nearly so bad.
It may feel like things have been tough but I hope & feel they will get better...
May your holidays be merry & filled with cheer... in the company of loved ones & friends.
Please stay safe & healthy.
Things have been pretty hectic for most, including myself... I still feel like I was hit by a truck or stepped on & can't quite get the number or recognize what happened... This past year has been tumultuous, to say the least... But that being said I have hopes that things will improve in 2022 & I have to keep telling myself so that I believe... since 2021 as felt somewhat stagnant... but still an improvement over 2020.
I may not care for the colder weather during the winter but the holiday season is something to look forward to & enjoy... We enjoyed a small cozy Thanksgiving with The Tiger. Following that, I've been busy working on a holiday card project & making a list (checking it twice) to send out cards this year. I haven't been as good in the past... but I wanted to send a little tiny bit of cheer in these trying times. We even managed to set up a tree this year after all the times we've said to each other that we should put one up... So we have tried to give ourselves little things to look forward to so that the dreary winter months aren't nearly so bad.
It may feel like things have been tough but I hope & feel they will get better...
May your holidays be merry & filled with cheer... in the company of loved ones & friends.
Please stay safe & healthy.
Commissions Open
Posted 4 years agoI tend to usually be "Always Open" taking on commissions as people reach out to me. But I wanted to make a more official posting that I'm available for commissions.
Please refer to my Commission Prices for more details.
My commission form can be found here. Please refer to my ToS & if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me.
Thank you & I hope to have the opportunity to work with you on something amazing!
Posted using PostyBirb
Please refer to my Commission Prices for more details.
My commission form can be found here. Please refer to my ToS & if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me.
Thank you & I hope to have the opportunity to work with you on something amazing!
Posted using PostyBirb
Thoughts on Streaming...
Posted 4 years agoLately I've been finding myself feeling conflicted when it comes to streaming... I enjoy when I can multi-stream on platforms like Picarto with fellow creative friends. But despite platform the feeling kind of crosses both Twitch & Picarto... There's various aspects that I like... Twitch offers more engagement with folks coming in & participating on the chat, Picarto on the other hand allows for more ways to collaborate with other creative folk in multi-streams.
If I'm streaming by myself I have found it lackluster, honestly... I'm not always able to do things like being on a microphone while streaming... Often the best I can do is play music while I'm working. I try to always be looking at the chat windows to interact with folks who drop by my stream. I use streaming as a means of being able to socialize & engage with people who come to watch me work... I do not find it motivating if I'm just a 'background process' that no one cares to at least even say 'Hello', lurking isn't a bad thing... but just even acknowledging that you are there or something would mean something... otherwise it can feel rude & offputting. It is very demeaning to be just seen as 'entertainment' & not really feel valued for what I'm sharing.
I have been perfectly capable of working on my freelance work without streaming & initially the advent of being able to share the creative process was very exciting... but that excitement has turned lackluster sadly... I don't have the spoons to continue to put forth the effort & computer resources to stream if the interest in me actually streaming is not there. I know some of that is due in part to the schedule I keep & times that I stream... so there's various facets that have led up to where I'm at. I think going forward I may only stream if I'm coordinating specifically with a commissioner on their project... or invited to multi-stream with other artists/friends.
If I'm streaming by myself I have found it lackluster, honestly... I'm not always able to do things like being on a microphone while streaming... Often the best I can do is play music while I'm working. I try to always be looking at the chat windows to interact with folks who drop by my stream. I use streaming as a means of being able to socialize & engage with people who come to watch me work... I do not find it motivating if I'm just a 'background process' that no one cares to at least even say 'Hello', lurking isn't a bad thing... but just even acknowledging that you are there or something would mean something... otherwise it can feel rude & offputting. It is very demeaning to be just seen as 'entertainment' & not really feel valued for what I'm sharing.
I have been perfectly capable of working on my freelance work without streaming & initially the advent of being able to share the creative process was very exciting... but that excitement has turned lackluster sadly... I don't have the spoons to continue to put forth the effort & computer resources to stream if the interest in me actually streaming is not there. I know some of that is due in part to the schedule I keep & times that I stream... so there's various facets that have led up to where I'm at. I think going forward I may only stream if I'm coordinating specifically with a commissioner on their project... or invited to multi-stream with other artists/friends.
2021... Reboot... Restart... Continue?
Posted 4 years agoWell it has felt that a lot of things essentially ground to a halt & stopped in March 2020. I'm reminded of an xkcd comic that explains how it has seemed to feel since the pandemic affected the world. There's another xkcd comic has a sentiment I also think people will be able to relate with after getting fully vaccinated. I was thrilled when I finally got started with the vaccination process & had my 2nd dose recently. I'm now at the 14 days after the final inoculation so it feels like like hope is starting to spring up again... coinciding with the actual season itself.
This past year was really grueling... but honestly it didn't affect me as seriously as it has others... Working from home the pandemic never changed much of how I operated on a day to day basis... But it did change how I was conscious of Ralkor's busy schedule & his job became a hybrid of working from home & going in person. I would say it gave me a very good appreciation of just how hard he works & am very grateful for all the things he has done. (Also thankful that so much time with us both at home we never really stepped on each others' toes or made us sick of one another! haha). That isn't to say that this year has been easy... it most certainly hasn't... there's been a lot of stress & strain but generally I've had a lot of outlets that have helped in that area... A weekly VRChat meetup has done wonders to give me something to look forward to at the end of the week... I'm grateful for the social outlets that streaming has provided & being able to multi-stream with some amazing fellow artists/friends.
I'm looking forward to feeling like it is more safe to actually go out & do things that aren't just outdoor activities. I'm uncertain about wanting to attend large gatherings right now so not sure of any convention plans for right now... But hopeful that is something to look forward to eventually. For now I'm wanting to enjoy getting together with friends or even the possibility of traveling again... I haven't seen my family in over a year now & I would really enjoy getting to visit them when the opportunity arises.
Here's hoping that things really look better as this year moves forward. Good luck & thanks for reading my long-ish journal. Please think of getting vaccinated as soon as you can... And who knows maybe we'll run into each other at a convention in the future.
Best wishes!
Dook
Posted using PostyBirb
This past year was really grueling... but honestly it didn't affect me as seriously as it has others... Working from home the pandemic never changed much of how I operated on a day to day basis... But it did change how I was conscious of Ralkor's busy schedule & his job became a hybrid of working from home & going in person. I would say it gave me a very good appreciation of just how hard he works & am very grateful for all the things he has done. (Also thankful that so much time with us both at home we never really stepped on each others' toes or made us sick of one another! haha). That isn't to say that this year has been easy... it most certainly hasn't... there's been a lot of stress & strain but generally I've had a lot of outlets that have helped in that area... A weekly VRChat meetup has done wonders to give me something to look forward to at the end of the week... I'm grateful for the social outlets that streaming has provided & being able to multi-stream with some amazing fellow artists/friends.
I'm looking forward to feeling like it is more safe to actually go out & do things that aren't just outdoor activities. I'm uncertain about wanting to attend large gatherings right now so not sure of any convention plans for right now... But hopeful that is something to look forward to eventually. For now I'm wanting to enjoy getting together with friends or even the possibility of traveling again... I haven't seen my family in over a year now & I would really enjoy getting to visit them when the opportunity arises.
Here's hoping that things really look better as this year moves forward. Good luck & thanks for reading my long-ish journal. Please think of getting vaccinated as soon as you can... And who knows maybe we'll run into each other at a convention in the future.
Best wishes!
Dook
Posted using PostyBirb
2021... So Far...
Posted 5 years agoWell so far the hopeful beginning of this year has been crushed by the weight of the recent news. All I can say is that I still am trying to remain optimistic & hopeful in spite of what's been going on & the pandemic we are still facing. 2020 was one tumultuous hell of a year... I'm crossing my fingers that after the rough start we are having this year that tings will hopefully be on an upward trajectory.
I feel I had a lot of stumbles & personal issues to face & deal with as I'm sure many of us have... My creativity hasn't been where I would like it to be... but I am hoping to learn from the pitfalls of this past year & apply that going forward... I'm thankful for the wonderful support of friends & my family that while having to be distant physically from one another that hasn't meant any loss of connection. One of my favorite weekly activities has been a meetup with friends in VRChat that has helped me with structuring my week. So many thanks to the folks putting that together & helping me & many others feel like we are going to a furry con every week to hang & see our friends!
So here's to the fresh start of the New Year... I am hesitant to put any resolutions out there honestly... but I do have goals in mind that I am hoping to achieve. I am just going to have to be more focused & be mindful to not set myself up for failure by having something that is too far out of reach. I hope to tinker with more techniques for digital art & delve more into 3D content creation (specifically in areas like Virtual Reality). I haven't used Tilt Brush in a while & would like to immerse myself in such means of expression in VR.
So here's to 2021... I feel like I'm like many others peeking through the door timidly... but here we are & there's no going back... only forward... Excelsior!
I feel I had a lot of stumbles & personal issues to face & deal with as I'm sure many of us have... My creativity hasn't been where I would like it to be... but I am hoping to learn from the pitfalls of this past year & apply that going forward... I'm thankful for the wonderful support of friends & my family that while having to be distant physically from one another that hasn't meant any loss of connection. One of my favorite weekly activities has been a meetup with friends in VRChat that has helped me with structuring my week. So many thanks to the folks putting that together & helping me & many others feel like we are going to a furry con every week to hang & see our friends!
So here's to the fresh start of the New Year... I am hesitant to put any resolutions out there honestly... but I do have goals in mind that I am hoping to achieve. I am just going to have to be more focused & be mindful to not set myself up for failure by having something that is too far out of reach. I hope to tinker with more techniques for digital art & delve more into 3D content creation (specifically in areas like Virtual Reality). I haven't used Tilt Brush in a while & would like to immerse myself in such means of expression in VR.
So here's to 2021... I feel like I'm like many others peeking through the door timidly... but here we are & there's no going back... only forward... Excelsior!
2020
Posted 5 years agoIt has been quite the decade... has it not? Or the year that never was that we will remember but never speak of?
i can say that The Tiger & i have been managing well & thankfully neither of us have had the misfortune of being diagnosed with COVID or hospitalized. *knocks on wood*
Hopefully it'll stay that way as we head into winter & all the data points towards rising cases everywhere & news of hospitals being overrun & unable to manage already. 😿
We even joined a study that tests us once per month & informs us of the results & serves to help researchers as well as give us peace of mind with regular testing. Some of my family back in TX recently had tested positive for the virus & it is hard news to hear. Not sure all the details surrounding it but more it goes to show anyone can be affected.
As hard as it may be... i urge people to try to stay positive in light of everything... Please listen to your local governments concerning safeguards & provisions for staying safe & healthy.
Please do what you can for others when going out in public & always wear a mask... social distance whenever possible. If we all try to do our part i think we will be able to make it through this.
i'm finding outlets to try to socialize online with things like VRChat & multiplayer games which has really helped give me something to look forward to. Working on creative outlets has been much harder than usual but trying to keep persevering there when possible & stream now & then to give others some form of entertainment & another means to socialize & keep in touch. 🎮🎨
Stay safe & healthy. Wishing folks the best! Happy Holidays! 😸
i can say that The Tiger & i have been managing well & thankfully neither of us have had the misfortune of being diagnosed with COVID or hospitalized. *knocks on wood*
Hopefully it'll stay that way as we head into winter & all the data points towards rising cases everywhere & news of hospitals being overrun & unable to manage already. 😿
We even joined a study that tests us once per month & informs us of the results & serves to help researchers as well as give us peace of mind with regular testing. Some of my family back in TX recently had tested positive for the virus & it is hard news to hear. Not sure all the details surrounding it but more it goes to show anyone can be affected.
As hard as it may be... i urge people to try to stay positive in light of everything... Please listen to your local governments concerning safeguards & provisions for staying safe & healthy.
Please do what you can for others when going out in public & always wear a mask... social distance whenever possible. If we all try to do our part i think we will be able to make it through this.
i'm finding outlets to try to socialize online with things like VRChat & multiplayer games which has really helped give me something to look forward to. Working on creative outlets has been much harder than usual but trying to keep persevering there when possible & stream now & then to give others some form of entertainment & another means to socialize & keep in touch. 🎮🎨
Stay safe & healthy. Wishing folks the best! Happy Holidays! 😸
Macro March
Posted 5 years agoOpening up for some YCH #MacroMarch shenanigans in two spectacular flavors… Looming or Stomping.
(Please be advised pose/background are not subject to be altered)
YCH Commission Form
Stomping Example
Looming Example
(Please be advised pose/background are not subject to be altered)
YCH Commission Form
Stomping Example
Looming Example
Dawning of a New Decade
Posted 6 years agoAnd so we begin... maybe it'll remind us of similar decades past like the 'Roaring 20's'? I'm sure that there will be plenty of defining moments that will leave a mark on the 2020's.
We rang in the New Year with a nice small gathering of friends around here which really raised everyone's spirits I think. Good food & drink was shared by all, Ralkor & i brought some of the last of our Tokyo Banana with us to share with folks including my newfound favorite the coffee milk flavor with a cute little print of an otter on it. (There were cute jokes/sight gags made about voreing the coffee otters... and it worked surprisingly well when dunked in coffee too...) There was a lot of fun with misc. board gaming to be had as well as interactive fun with Jack Box titles.
A nice time was had by all before gathering around for the traditional ball drop watching on the TV live from Times Square in NYC followed by a toast to the New Year. I didn't get the chance to make any preparations for any other of my typical New Year's traditons but may get around to it like black eyed peas possibly... or even soba noodles... will see.
So off to a nice start to 2020. I have plans to try to keep some resolutions I have had in mind... don't want to put them out there yet becauseI don't want to feel poorly if I find myself unable to keep them...
I hope everyone enjoyed ringing in 2020 & here's to hoping that things will look up & the outlook remains on a positive trajectory to carry throughout the rest of the year. Good luck & here's to the dawning of the new decade!
Posted using PostyBirb
We rang in the New Year with a nice small gathering of friends around here which really raised everyone's spirits I think. Good food & drink was shared by all, Ralkor & i brought some of the last of our Tokyo Banana with us to share with folks including my newfound favorite the coffee milk flavor with a cute little print of an otter on it. (There were cute jokes/sight gags made about voreing the coffee otters... and it worked surprisingly well when dunked in coffee too...) There was a lot of fun with misc. board gaming to be had as well as interactive fun with Jack Box titles.
A nice time was had by all before gathering around for the traditional ball drop watching on the TV live from Times Square in NYC followed by a toast to the New Year. I didn't get the chance to make any preparations for any other of my typical New Year's traditons but may get around to it like black eyed peas possibly... or even soba noodles... will see.
So off to a nice start to 2020. I have plans to try to keep some resolutions I have had in mind... don't want to put them out there yet becauseI don't want to feel poorly if I find myself unable to keep them...
I hope everyone enjoyed ringing in 2020 & here's to hoping that things will look up & the outlook remains on a positive trajectory to carry throughout the rest of the year. Good luck & here's to the dawning of the new decade!
Posted using PostyBirb
Happy Holidays!
Posted 6 years agoMerriest of holiday wishes to all! Hoping that this finds you in good spirits. This year has certainly had plenty of tumultuous dips & despite the various stresses I hope that at the end it finds you well... I haven't decided completely on the resolutions I want to strive to achieve in the coming new year... but here's hoping that 2020 will be off to a great start for a brand new decade. May you celebrate the holidays in wonderful company of family & friends.
Best Wishes & Kindest Regards,
Dook
Posted using PostyBirb
Best Wishes & Kindest Regards,
Dook
Posted using PostyBirb
Furpocalypse 2019
Posted 6 years agoI'll be setting up shop in the dealer's dungeon at Furpocalypse 2019. If you're attending please feel free to drop by table 18 where I'll be offering sketches, convention badges, printing, & 10 mil lamination servies.
Hope folks have a fun time at the con & can't wait to see familiar faces & meet new folks.
Posted using PostyBirb
Hope folks have a fun time at the con & can't wait to see familiar faces & meet new folks.
Posted using PostyBirb
Anthrocon 2019 Table P8
Posted 6 years agoI'll be surfing my way to Anthrocon tomorrow & hanging ten at table P8 in the Dealers Den!
If you're enjoying the waves out there in Pittsburgh please feel free to drop by!
I'll be offering sketches, badges, printing, & 10 mil lamination.
If you're enjoying the waves out there in Pittsburgh please feel free to drop by!
I'll be offering sketches, badges, printing, & 10 mil lamination.
2019 So Far
Posted 6 years agoSo far 2019 has been going pretty well personally. (All the misc. news going on in the world notwithstanding...) But all in all things with The Tiger & i are just fine otherwise. Earlier this year we got to drop by ANE & enjoy it as attendees vs behind a dealer table which was a nice break. But the major highlight was actually unrelated to the con getting to enjoy a nice dinner with a friend who coincidentally was visiting in the area unrelated to the convention itself.
Shortly following i had the chance to visit my family back in TX & got to introduce some of my family to The Tiger for the first time which went over fairly well. Finishing up that trip to TX was setting up shop in TFF's Dealers Den & this was my first time at their new location next to Reunion Tower... i was definitely impressed seeing what all the hard working staff have managed to do with the location. The Tiger & i got to check one thing off my bucket list that i have always wanted to do... having dinner at the 560 restaurant in the rotating ball of Reunion Tower. (Despite originally being a D/FW local i had never been to the observation deck before nor the restaurant so this was a first for us both!)
Otherwise things have been pretty quiet, despite misc. work frustrations that can plague us both. We have enjoyed getting to see great movies that have come along including: Alita: Battle Angel, Captain Marvel, & of course ENDGAME. Also been anxiously watching Big Bang Theory for their final season, The Orville has been really enjoyable too, & Game of Thrones is promising to be quite the finale for their 8 season run.
We have some things to be looking forward to as well... Anthrocon coming up in July will be here before you know it. Then there's Furpocalypse in October. Midwest Furfest is also on our radar & hoping to set up shop in their den too *crosses fingers*.
Shortly following i had the chance to visit my family back in TX & got to introduce some of my family to The Tiger for the first time which went over fairly well. Finishing up that trip to TX was setting up shop in TFF's Dealers Den & this was my first time at their new location next to Reunion Tower... i was definitely impressed seeing what all the hard working staff have managed to do with the location. The Tiger & i got to check one thing off my bucket list that i have always wanted to do... having dinner at the 560 restaurant in the rotating ball of Reunion Tower. (Despite originally being a D/FW local i had never been to the observation deck before nor the restaurant so this was a first for us both!)
Otherwise things have been pretty quiet, despite misc. work frustrations that can plague us both. We have enjoyed getting to see great movies that have come along including: Alita: Battle Angel, Captain Marvel, & of course ENDGAME. Also been anxiously watching Big Bang Theory for their final season, The Orville has been really enjoyable too, & Game of Thrones is promising to be quite the finale for their 8 season run.
We have some things to be looking forward to as well... Anthrocon coming up in July will be here before you know it. Then there's Furpocalypse in October. Midwest Furfest is also on our radar & hoping to set up shop in their den too *crosses fingers*.
MFF 2018
Posted 7 years agoHowdy folks! I'm excited & finishing getting ready for MFF2018.
I'll be setting up shop in the dealers' den at Table W21 along the wall on the right hand side of the den as you come in through the main entry. I'll be available for sketches, con badges, printing & lamination services. I'll be there for most of the day during dealers' hours. But I am hoping to make time to get out & socialize & maybe hit up some panels & the dance. Major highlight I intend to be doing is getting out to the Macro meetup on Friday, but otherwise so far leaving things pretty open.
I'll be arriving tomorrow & staying through Sunday late. I can't wait to see familiar faces & meet new folks. I hope if you're going you have an amazing time!
For a quick reference to my Table Map --> http://www.furaffinity.net/view/29537572/
I'll be setting up shop in the dealers' den at Table W21 along the wall on the right hand side of the den as you come in through the main entry. I'll be available for sketches, con badges, printing & lamination services. I'll be there for most of the day during dealers' hours. But I am hoping to make time to get out & socialize & maybe hit up some panels & the dance. Major highlight I intend to be doing is getting out to the Macro meetup on Friday, but otherwise so far leaving things pretty open.
I'll be arriving tomorrow & staying through Sunday late. I can't wait to see familiar faces & meet new folks. I hope if you're going you have an amazing time!
For a quick reference to my Table Map --> http://www.furaffinity.net/view/29537572/
Inktober
Posted 7 years agoI'm going to be attempting to follow the Inktober challenge again this year... And seeing where it leads me.
I'll be attempting to follow the prompts found at the official site -- https://inktober.com
But I also might opt & do something of my own in place of the prompts. I'm going to try to use the inked drawings as a way to warm up & give my creativity a bit of a shake up.
I'll be attempting to follow the prompts found at the official site -- https://inktober.com
But I also might opt & do something of my own in place of the prompts. I'm going to try to use the inked drawings as a way to warm up & give my creativity a bit of a shake up.
Summer 2018
Posted 7 years agoPost Anthrocon things have been calming down a fair bit after the buildup to the convention.
So far been enjoying a lot of cultural/pop culture things like concerts and performances... Early in the summer, prior to AC, it was going to see the Frozen musical on Broadway with :usericonRalkor:. As kind of our little tradition of sorts... And Strider got to come along too & enjoy roaming Central Park. Then early July right before AC we got to see Bare Naked Ladies in concert with KT Tunstall as one of their headlining performances... It was quite the concert... even got to hear the Big Bang Theory theme in their set which was amazing given that we are BIG fans of the show.
Now that summer is in full swing last week we had a midweek concert seeing Evanescence performing with Lindsey Stirling and wow what an amazing performance... Lindsey was very high energy & Amy Lee brought the powerfully sweeping emotional vocals... they even performed during eachothers' sets. We really loved getting to see them perform. This weekend we are going to see Cirque du Soleil touring here with their latest show, LUZIA, which we hear is just as good as the one we saw last year, Kurios.
So for now things are going well... looking forward to various things we have planned throughout the summer... as for conventions we are planning to attend Furpocalypse & end the con season with MFF in December... Hope to see folks at either of them or both...
I'm also still currently accepting commissions if interested please feel free to hit up my commission request form & will respond ASAP.
So far been enjoying a lot of cultural/pop culture things like concerts and performances... Early in the summer, prior to AC, it was going to see the Frozen musical on Broadway with :usericonRalkor:. As kind of our little tradition of sorts... And Strider got to come along too & enjoy roaming Central Park. Then early July right before AC we got to see Bare Naked Ladies in concert with KT Tunstall as one of their headlining performances... It was quite the concert... even got to hear the Big Bang Theory theme in their set which was amazing given that we are BIG fans of the show.
Now that summer is in full swing last week we had a midweek concert seeing Evanescence performing with Lindsey Stirling and wow what an amazing performance... Lindsey was very high energy & Amy Lee brought the powerfully sweeping emotional vocals... they even performed during eachothers' sets. We really loved getting to see them perform. This weekend we are going to see Cirque du Soleil touring here with their latest show, LUZIA, which we hear is just as good as the one we saw last year, Kurios.
So for now things are going well... looking forward to various things we have planned throughout the summer... as for conventions we are planning to attend Furpocalypse & end the con season with MFF in December... Hope to see folks at either of them or both...
I'm also still currently accepting commissions if interested please feel free to hit up my commission request form & will respond ASAP.
Anthrocon 2018
Posted 7 years agoShipping off to Anthrocon today & very excited to see familiar & new faces alike.
I'll be setting up shop at table F18 in the Dealer's Den. Please drop on by & say hi! I'll be available for sketches, badges, illustrations, & printing/10 mil lamination services.
Can't wait to see folks there!
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/27881700/
https://www.anthrocon.org
I'll be setting up shop at table F18 in the Dealer's Den. Please drop on by & say hi! I'll be available for sketches, badges, illustrations, & printing/10 mil lamination services.
Can't wait to see folks there!
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/27881700/
https://www.anthrocon.org
Anthrocon 2018 Badge Pre-Orders
Posted 7 years agoCurrently open & taking commissions for Movie Monster themed badges to be picked up at Anthrocon 2018. Trying to capture all the classic Hollywood movie monsters.
Con Badge Form
Examples
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/27633475/
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/27641882/
Con Badge Form
Examples
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/27633475/
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/27641882/
ANE 2018
Posted 8 years agoCarpetshark Studio will be ready for Anthro New England 2018!!!
I'll have updated information as soon as I know location in the dealer's den.
I'm currently open for Con Badges for pickup at ANE.
- Commissions -
I'll be offering sketches, inks/toned drawings, badges & a couple prints.
- Lamination
I will also be offering 10mil lamination at my table for any lamination needs!
I can't wait to see folks there! :3
I'll have updated information as soon as I know location in the dealer's den.
I'm currently open for Con Badges for pickup at ANE.
- Commissions -
I'll be offering sketches, inks/toned drawings, badges & a couple prints.
- Lamination
I will also be offering 10mil lamination at my table for any lamination needs!
I can't wait to see folks there! :3
Post MFF
Posted 8 years agoHad an absolute blast at MFF 2017. Got to see many familiar as well as plenty of new faces. And wow... now it holds the title of largest furry convention... o.O
I seriously can't wait till next year... very excited to see what happens next for this convention.
In other news the holidays are right around the corner... I'm open for commissions... Holiday themed or anything you would like to toss in my direction.
Wish you all the best... Happy Holidays and may they be merry and fun filled!
Commission Forms
Artist ToS
Commission Form
Sticker Commission Form
Commission Status
Trello
I seriously can't wait till next year... very excited to see what happens next for this convention.
In other news the holidays are right around the corner... I'm open for commissions... Holiday themed or anything you would like to toss in my direction.
Wish you all the best... Happy Holidays and may they be merry and fun filled!
Commission Forms
Artist ToS
Commission Form
Sticker Commission Form
Commission Status
Trello
Midwest Furfest 2017
Posted 8 years agoCarpetshark Studio will be set up at table W37 in the den so please stop by & say hello! (Along the wall to the left of the main entrance)
- Commissions -
I'll be offering sketches, inks/toned drawings, badges & a couple prints.
- Lamination
I will also be offering 10mil lamination at my table for any lamination needs!
I can't wait to see folks there! :3
- Commissions -
I'll be offering sketches, inks/toned drawings, badges & a couple prints.
- Lamination
I will also be offering 10mil lamination at my table for any lamination needs!
I can't wait to see folks there! :3
Carpetshark Studio Open For Commissions
Posted 8 years agoOpening up for commissions. Feel free to toss me a note or send me an e-mail if you have any questions or are interested.
Thank you for your time and I hope to have the pleasure of working with you! :3
Commission Forms
Artist ToS
Commission Form
Sticker Commission Form
Commission Status
Trello
Thank you for your time and I hope to have the pleasure of working with you! :3
Commission Forms
Artist ToS
Commission Form
Sticker Commission Form
Commission Status
Trello
