I know I've not been active on here very much because RL has been keeping me exceedingly busy sometimes moreso than I would want. I want people to know whom I have commissions with they are in fact in the works & I need to give more progress. With a full time job it has been keeping my time for other things outside of that to a minimum. I will be making more effort to fix that & get back to speed on things. I do apologize for the time it's taken so far. Sometimes life has a way of getting in the way when you don't want it to.

Hey All!

I'm sorry I've not been very active on here as of late. I know I have a couple backlogged commissions I'm working on. RL has been keeping me hellishly busy and as such has been killing me creatively. I really wish I could kid about that... ;-; Please bear with me I'm working as best I can.

In other news I will be at Furry Fiesta & looking forward to having a good time and hoping it'll be a good mental break from all the stuff I've been dealing with. If you're going drop me a line or say hi! I'll be in the dealer's den, but out and about afterwards provided I don't have too much 'homework' :P

--Best wishes--

Dook

Basically done at this point... I'll be soon able to show off myself here before long! *bouncebouncebounce http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmYB5Y0zYh4 care of  koinu-kun

The promise is being true to myself. I’ve been very good at keeping it all pent up. I need to make a stand. I am who I am. I love who I love. I am blessed by those I know whom have I have been able to become a part of their lives, & share in my own. Our walk upon this life is but a brief moment & when all is said & done what we leave in our passing is a mark of the person we have been & the life we lived.

Life is what happens when making plans, a work in progress that is always ever in a constant state of flux. The changes made are ones that are of my own volition & I shouldn't have to concede anything that I do not wish to. Yet be able to enjoy & share in my experiences as I choose to. There will be plenty of compromises, we aren’t always able to get everything that we want, but we find that sometimes we get what we need instead. We are led to those often times who help us most to grow, if we let them & we help them in return.

I want to live my life with as little regret as I can, but it can’t always be escaped, regardless if we try to find routes to avoid facing the truth. There are some things in 2010 that made things both wonderful & tumultuous. A budding relationship christened the beginning of the year that ended with parting on good terms with no ill feelings. Some living arrangements changed, speaking of which I haven’t had a house warming officially either, I'll need to remedy that. But generally everyone seems to be keeping on the move.

I want to be making positive changes in my life, regardless of whether or not I have someone with me to share it with, because really if you have good friends & family it’s sometimes all you need (or maybe all you need is love). I have to do what I can for me. I am in general happy with myself & the real way to be able to live to the fullest is to be happy with yourself. It doesn't matter where you are. You can always take comfort in the smallest of things. The wheel of fortune is always in a state if perpetual motion, you're never going to always be in one state, but at least there will be change on the horizon, for good or for ill.

I hope that 2011 will be a year of many changes for myself... this year I believe may be one of promise, but not if I don't try. I've already seen that if I keep at it I will realize what I want to achieve.

Hey all! I had a blast at FC2011 & wanted to thank everyone who stopped by & said hi, gave hugs etc... The Doctor (er Dooktor) had a great time thanks to you all.

If I did a piece of artwork for you at the convention I'd really appreciate a scan of it if you are able to manage. Please note me & let me know so we can exchange information cause I'd love to show off the work.

Thankee kindly!

In progress from  koinu-kun ZOMG! SQUEE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvPxsLh4BBo

Hey all! Just a quick note to say I'll be at FC this weekend. Feel free to stop by & say hi while in the den. I'm going to try and be more social this con so will see how I can do balancing my workload. I'll have various things there, MYSELF of course... but seriously I'll have prints & art supplies aplenty for doing illustration at the con. So if you're going stop by Carpet Shark Studio! Hope to have fun & see familiar faces & meet new ones!

Sadly not everything goes the way we want or would like to hope. Even feeling as good and confident as I did going into the 2nd interview I had, I was not offered the position. It sounds like I was giving a run for the money though which I at least can take some comfort in. But it still is hard feeling essentially defeated after feeling that what you had was an excellent presentation to show off your ability only to feel shot down & discarded, 2nd place is just the first loser; in this case you don’t get any kind of prize for coming up short. At least I was given a chance if nothing else & had something really impressive to show, & put in my portfolio to show for the work. So I try to remain positive & upbeat regardless. I will continue to persevere & will continue to do the needful, and I hope here soon it’ll blossom into something I can show for the efforts so they won’t be in vain. Maybe it’s a sign for the New Year, a hopeful one… but I will keep on keeping on. I’m not going to let this set me back or deter me from continuing to try.

Well I am waiting with baited breath for Monday, cause I'll have some announcement whether I got a new position or not. I'm hopeful but you never know... if nothing else I have good material to put into my portfolio.

On other notes... now that I'm done with the projects I have the time to get refocused back onto promised commissions. I'm sorry for the lack of communication I will try to remedy this forthwith & be better. It's just been hectic and the holidays don't really lend themselves to help with that either. Please bear with me, I appreciate your understanding through all of this. Send me a note or if you have my e-mail please contact me again cause I will be trying to do the same as well myself.

Thankee kindly!

I am definitely feeling all kinds of inspired and motivated after MFF, I had a blast! I overworked myself a bit. But I still did have a good time art jamming with various artist friends & hanging with other con roomies friends who stopped by while arting etc. Otherwise I got to see plenty of people but not everyone I would've liked to. Such is the way of cons. But all in all it was awesome I will be attending next year! :D

If I did a piece for you I'd love a scan if you can manage getting one to me it'd be appreciated!

In other news though, now through December 8th I will be having to take a hiatus on commissions while I work on some project stuff for an upcoming interview I have that I intend to try and knock out of the F-ING BALLPARK. I'm very stoked and hopeful, will see how things go.

Well I'll be going there and hope to see familiar faces and meet new faces too! Let me know if you'll be there. I'll be either in the dealer's den or around in the evenings. Feel free to say hello. Looking forward to the con!

Not really made much of an update on FA as of late because with various stresses and all from the current job I have I've really been in a lull creative wise and I know I have several projects I'm working on for various commissioners. I'm very sorry for the lack of communication first and foremost. Please bear with me as I'm getting things back on track & being more mindful and managing myself a bit better. Sometimes can't do everything at once and slow & steady will win some races. :P

I hopefully may have some news on changes in work that I hope will be of positive benefit so will see *crosses fingers* Trying not to jinx anything, so here's hoping. *anxious bouncing ensues as the waiting game commences*

I will be attending MFF next weekend and I hope to see many familiar faces there. I'll be in the dealer's den so please feel free to come by say hi, and I'll be around socializing too.

I know I haven’t posted or updated on a journal in a while, lot has been going on that has had me very busy and pulled in various directions. But I’ve been needing to make an update post that sums up some of the things that have been going on with me as of late:

I’ve not been really making a big ordeal but  spiketxtyger and I are no longer going out.
It was something we both were mutually feeling that differences in our lives weren’t really conducive to a relationship. That being said we’re still friends and care about him. So taking comfort that it wasn’t anything that made a sour note in a good friendship, but I did enjoy the time spent and shared together.

“We are led to those who help us most to grow, if we let them, and we help them in return.”

In other news I’m trying to gear up for MFF & FC here shortly I’ve not been as productive as I’d like but I’m slowly getting out of the somewhat funk that I’ve been in, partially brought on from various stresses getting to me, relationship wise and job wise. So please bear with me cause I’ll be getting back up to speed & getting through my commissions and my own projects.

This weekend I’m looking forward to going to the Texas Renaissance Festival with friends. Last week  vetiver came to visit and it was nice enjoying his company and getting to spend a relaxing Columbus Day weekend. Went with a group to the State Fair of Texas which was a blast… I hope I work off all the calories I ate in various fried foods. :P

So thanks to all my friends cause without all of you it would make life very boring and dull, really appreciate the support.

Well got back after a 8ish hour trip from MFM, rode out with  spiketxtyger &  taekwo. Thankfully got sleep on the way there because more or less hit the ground running getting to the Dealer's Den & taking up commissions. I had a great time meeting and chatting with people while in the den & a really fun overall con experience. I like the new hotel & hope to be back next year. I did get the opportunity to see very good familiar faces & meet a couple new ones... sometimes still not able to be as social as I'd like when dealing with keeping up with my obligations. But thanks everyone for a great con, definitely was in need of that after dealing with various stresses from work etc. <3

If I did artwork for you I'd love a scan so I can post some of my work... thanks much!

Not been as active on here as of late & needing to keep more abreft of things. Lately been enjoying time spent with friends especially with  spiketxtyger <3 purdy pony. Also been fortunate & been invited along with soending time with his folks here & there & have some projects I'll be helping with.

This past week was fairly busy with seeing Avenue Q with  khyle ,  spiketxtyger, &  taekwo :3 I've had the soundtrack for ages but the show itself was amazing! Later on will be seeing Wicked on June 20th.

Hopefully I'll get out of the lull I've been in as of late. Work has been really sapping my motivation & needing to turn that around & make a more structured way I conduct things I'm wanting to do & improve. Art, fitness, socializing etc.

But all I all things are going well & trying not to met in the summer heat :P

Something I saw in  Rukis's journal and decided why not try the little quiz... and it has some truth to it...

http://www.helloquizzy.com/results/.....nneagram-test/

you chose BX - your Enneagram type is NINE (aka "The Mediator")


"I am at peace"


Peacemakers are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.



How to Get Along with Me

• If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure.

• I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this.

• Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit.

• Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally.

• Ask me questions to help me get clear.

• Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery.

• Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings.

• I like a good discussion but not a confrontation.

• Let me know you like what I've done or said.

• Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life.



What I Like About Being a NINE

• being nonjudgmental and accepting

• caring for and being concerned about others

• being able to relax and have a good time

• knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around

• my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator

• my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now

• being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe



What's Hard About Being a NINE

• being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive

• being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline

• being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally

• being confused about what I really want

• caring too much about what others will think of me

• not being listened to or taken seriously



NINEs as Children Often

• feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant

• tune out a lot, especially when others argue

• are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves



NINEs as Parents

• are supportive, kind, and warm

• are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Heh well I had a great time with  spiketxtyger at FCN this past weekend. Mostly was sitting at a table next to  Rukis with  Lagarto &  Hyper while arting across the way from  Balto &  mongooseink as well. Much fun was had and got to enjoy much good company with great friends new and old and getting to know faces behind some people I've known a while. Thanks all for making it a fun weekend!

If I did any art for you I'd love to get a scan of it if possible. I have a massive art dump ahead... :P

Cheers!

Hey. Long time no update. Been hectic lately but work & life has been keeping me busy. >.< In any event I'm on my way to FWA2010 this weekend & will be in the dealers den. Please feel free to say hello! Hope to see old & new friends alike! :)

I promise after the con I'll have an art dump. There will be stuff from past cons: FC & Furry Fiesta posted along with other work I've finished here & there.

Best wishes. :)

Hey just wanted to make a quick shout & let people know that I'll be attending Furry Fiesta. If you're coming I hope I'll see you there, I'll be easy to find in the Dealer's Den. I'm looking forward to having a blast & feel free to drop me a line if you're attending. I'll be happy to do sketches & badges and likely selling a couple of prints as well.

Well here's a bit of an update:

Went to FC, had a fun time... was busy as heck but managed some socializing after breaking my rule to have it be my social con. Managed to turn a bit of a profit so I'll be crying to the bank about that... I'll try to go into a bigger update further.

There've been some developments and finding a bit more than just a good friendship seeming to be budding into something more and suffice to say been quite elated to have someone very special who's near and dear to me.

In other news I'm gearing up now for Furry Fiesta so hopefully I'll see people there and looking forward to a fun time at the local con and seeing local and non local friends alike. I may be opening up to taking some badge commissions prior to the con but I'm trying to work on a teaser sampler for a couple portfolio projects I've had in the works.

Best wishes and hopefully seeing 2010 being a better and productive year.

Well the holidays have come and gone... this was a bit different this year. It has been a trying time the end of this year has had it's down notes, but the holidays and time with family has been uplifting though. I had a good time with family and friends. New Years was especially fun ringing in the new year and bidding farewell to the old. Got to shoot off fireworks and even celebrate with various traditions like the Spanish one of eating 12 grapes on the 12 tolls of the new year... as well as the southern tradition of eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day. So I have resolutions that I am wanting to achieve and I hope that I will be able to stick with them... nothing too extravagant or outlandish either... so will see where 2010 takes us and hopefully it will be a better year for everyone.

Best wishes to all!

I know I've not been the best at communicating and saying things on here... but I'm keeping up with the work routine and all... and with everything that's been going on with my family and the holidays it's been very hectic to say the least. I'm sorry to all those that I'm behind on commissions for. I usually am very diligent but I am sorry that I have not been. I will rectify this and will have some time to be able to do so during the coming weeks here before the holidays.

Death is never an easy thing for anyone to deal with, whether it's the death of a beloved pet, friend, or family member. The bonds we form with those we care about are some of the truest defining points in our lives with the relationships we have with others. Dealing with the loss can be a long, hard felt process, & it really never is the same, even if you feel you're ready for the grim eventuality. It still hits & stings just as fresh each time.

My grandmother passed away November 13th. It was a hard decision for my family to let her go, but after a long harrowing 3 week battle there was little hope of recovery after the plateau she reached after surgery on Oct 25th/26th. I cancelled my MWFF plans due to the timing of all of this to be with family & do what I could to support & comfort/be supported & comforted with the hardship of this deep loss to our family. The process was a little stretched out due to the nature of her burial with my grandfather at the National Memorial Cemetery in D/FW. The comfort I have received & thoughts from dear friends & co-workers has meant a great deal to me & I am thankful for those whom I hold dear in my life. My grandmother was a special & dignified lady inside & out. Both she & my grandfather were something to be admired in their relationship with each other & their devotion to family & church. I can't think of a better example of civility & the epitome of their generation.

Sadly there has been other strife that came with all of this when the following day my uncle had to go to the emergency room for a nosebleed that wouldn't stop, only to be then admitted to the hospital. It was just insult to injury, but he did manage to be at the burial service on Thursday. There is still a lot to be sorted out after this, but hopefully in time things will be easier to cope with. The holidays, sadly, are feeling off to a poor start & feel a little bit dimmer, but we all are going to try & have a smile on our faces, a song in our hearts, & putting our best foot forward as Nana would have us do.

The funeral service on Tuesday was beautiful & her pastor was amazing, being quite the wordsmith with weaving his thoughts as well as those from the family together into a wonderful service that honored & gave uplifting praise for my grandmother. On Monday I was surprised by a floral arrangement that two coworkers had waiting for me when I got back from my lunch break. That was so touching & endearing. In the sanctuary during thr service the arrangement was displayed prominently next to the pulpit as the colors matched the fall colors decorating the church sanctuary.

When the arrangements were made Saturday I wanted to give help & offer my graphic services in any way I could , but my father offered up a wonderful idea of creating a memorial slideshow honoring my grandmother's life. So that evening my parents & I were busy arranging pictures & scanning so that I could organize all the needed assets. We scanned nearly or around 200 photos & my mother & I worked into the wee hours of Sunday morning. She petered off around 6am & I was up a bit later. My father woke me up at 9am to see what I had managed (little knowing how late I had been up) & with tweaking & frustrations rendering I had a nearly complete version for the Visitstion on Sunday, working till just 15 minutes prior to under the wire. I was flattered it was a highlight of the Visitation, despite some minor imperfections. It was a family affair of love & I may have had the knowledge to put it together, I couldn't have done it without the help I had & the hands working to make it happen. That entire night I've never felt so inspired & driven in quite some time, no caffeine necessary. I had several more tweaks still but the 90% complete version I showed Tuesday had everyone enraptured at the luncheon put on by the women of the church. The pastor also said a beautiful dedication prior to the showing.

So I give thanks to all my friends for their thoughts & comfort during all of this. It has meant a lot to me & my family which has been greatly appreciated.

If I should die

And leave you here awhile,

Be not like others, sore undone,

Who keep long vigils

By the silent dust, and weep.

For my sake - turn again to life and smile,

Nerving thy heart and trembling hand

To do something to comfort

Other hearts than thine.

Complete those dear

Unfinished tasks of mine

And I, perchance may therin comfort you

(First reading from the Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales)

It has been a while since I have updated again. Just lately not been doing well with keeping up with live journal & I am going to try & do better about it.

Major thing that has happened that has had the entire family on edge & worried has been news about my grandmother having some dizzy spells which only made what happened on Thursday/Friday that much more traumatic. From what the doctors have determined she at least didn't have stroke, but there have been several major complications on top of the initial one she was brought in for.

She's been taken into the ICU as of Friday & I went to see her & she started to stir & wake up being somewhat responsive. It has given some hope especially since she made it through the night when the nurses Friday thought she likely wouldn't. But suffice to say there has been a little more relief, but her healing is not going to be a quick process... It is likely to take weeks from the soctor's prognosis. So will have to see what happens from here on in.

Other news ha been boring as heck with work & I am getting a bit frustrated with some of the work situation & politics in our department. So I try to not let it bother me, but the incentive is there to look elsewhere.

Sometimes it feels like I can't win... and things are snowballing on me. I have several projects I've been working on and they're all near completion/various stages of and I'm trying my hardest to get things more settled.

Wow was very busy this month... two cons... have some homework from Rainfurrest that I was at this past weekend and a couple other previous commissions that I have in the works. This has been very busy... And I have a lot to try and work on to get ready by MFF and FC. Will see what happens there... Will try to keep people in the loop. If I did any work for you at RF please feel free to let me know so I can get a scan and post it. Much appreciated.