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One more swing around our star
General | Posted a year agoIt's been a very chill year since my last birthday, but there were still some highlights!
1) Got a new Jex fursuit head!
It's my first simple toony foam head, made by DragonsDen, and I'm so happy to have a big ridiculously stupid snoot to bap things with. I've always been all about the realistic heads and suits but toony suits have really grown on me as easy, fun and worry-free methods of self-expression ever since trying on friends toony suits. My other suits are so much more difficult wear, maneuver in, or stay comfortable when doing fursuit cuddling. This one is made with the same fur as my sergal's bodysuit so I can literally use one bodysuit for two characters haha.
2) Las Vegas
This one was a minor bucket list item. You gotta see the nuttiness of vegas at least once! The Meow Wolf Area 15 takeover on the first night was a really special experience, and I was to return with my kangaroo bud Waffles the very next day to do the Omega Mart experience quite thoroughly. Then we headed to the strip and did the tourist thing - I gave a bit of money to roulette, got lost in ceasers palace, watched the fountain show at the bellagio, ate really expensive steak at the MGM grand, and took too many selfies with all the nutty architecture! Also had the sketchiest suv limo ride back to our hotel after being stranded in a traffic jam due to a sports event lol.
3) Yellowstone National Park and the Grant Tetons
Major bucket list item nailed! In June I went with Shasta, Devleon and Arctic for a week, and it was fucking AMAZING. We saw almost everything. Deer. Elk. Moose. Black bear. Grizzly bear. With cubs! Ospreys nesting. Coyotes hunting. Foxes hunting. Great grey owl. Golden eagle up close being harassed by ravens. Heron getting the fish in the rapids. Otters. Marmots. Mammoth hot springs, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Old Faithful poppin off. I even hiked in my jex fullsuit up to the Grand Prismatic Lookout, giving at least a hundred people photos and high fives and fun interactions. Everyone thought I was some kind of fox and their best wildlife sighting of the day, and even a park ranger got in on the fun with us! And then on the way back I totally got too close to a bison herd near the trail for my own good and the ranger shooed me (and everyone else) away from the bison laughing. The god rays in the sunset through the valleys in between the Tetons while an osprey hunted along a stream was like being in a piece of heaven. I'll never forget so many moments from this trip.
4) Home
Since moving to Calgary I've been settling in and assembling so much ikea furniture and covering the walls with art, blankets and tapestries that it's really starting to feel like home. I'm really happy with this nest now, especially the room that is literally just beds, pillows, blankets and plushies. It's so cozy and I can't help but jump into the pile of plushies everytime XD
Anyway, I'm decided I'm getting a bit more active on FA again now that Twitter has imploded. I kinda like writing more long-form journal entries so bluesky/mastodon is hard to keep my interest, and I have a LOT of backlogged art and photos to post that would just be buried in timelines on a microblogging site. Here there's journals, there's folders for things, there's friends, there's art! So sorry, you're all stuck with me again, and I apologize for the sustained influx of foxy, birdy and orca things as I trickle them in XD
Edit: I forgot I had a bunch of other accounts on FA and elsewhere. Uhhh forget about them. They're interesting detours from more footloose times in my online life I guess? But this here is the original account so here I'm making my stand and stayin XD
1) Got a new Jex fursuit head!
It's my first simple toony foam head, made by DragonsDen, and I'm so happy to have a big ridiculously stupid snoot to bap things with. I've always been all about the realistic heads and suits but toony suits have really grown on me as easy, fun and worry-free methods of self-expression ever since trying on friends toony suits. My other suits are so much more difficult wear, maneuver in, or stay comfortable when doing fursuit cuddling. This one is made with the same fur as my sergal's bodysuit so I can literally use one bodysuit for two characters haha.
2) Las Vegas
This one was a minor bucket list item. You gotta see the nuttiness of vegas at least once! The Meow Wolf Area 15 takeover on the first night was a really special experience, and I was to return with my kangaroo bud Waffles the very next day to do the Omega Mart experience quite thoroughly. Then we headed to the strip and did the tourist thing - I gave a bit of money to roulette, got lost in ceasers palace, watched the fountain show at the bellagio, ate really expensive steak at the MGM grand, and took too many selfies with all the nutty architecture! Also had the sketchiest suv limo ride back to our hotel after being stranded in a traffic jam due to a sports event lol.
3) Yellowstone National Park and the Grant Tetons
Major bucket list item nailed! In June I went with Shasta, Devleon and Arctic for a week, and it was fucking AMAZING. We saw almost everything. Deer. Elk. Moose. Black bear. Grizzly bear. With cubs! Ospreys nesting. Coyotes hunting. Foxes hunting. Great grey owl. Golden eagle up close being harassed by ravens. Heron getting the fish in the rapids. Otters. Marmots. Mammoth hot springs, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Old Faithful poppin off. I even hiked in my jex fullsuit up to the Grand Prismatic Lookout, giving at least a hundred people photos and high fives and fun interactions. Everyone thought I was some kind of fox and their best wildlife sighting of the day, and even a park ranger got in on the fun with us! And then on the way back I totally got too close to a bison herd near the trail for my own good and the ranger shooed me (and everyone else) away from the bison laughing. The god rays in the sunset through the valleys in between the Tetons while an osprey hunted along a stream was like being in a piece of heaven. I'll never forget so many moments from this trip.
4) Home
Since moving to Calgary I've been settling in and assembling so much ikea furniture and covering the walls with art, blankets and tapestries that it's really starting to feel like home. I'm really happy with this nest now, especially the room that is literally just beds, pillows, blankets and plushies. It's so cozy and I can't help but jump into the pile of plushies everytime XD
Anyway, I'm decided I'm getting a bit more active on FA again now that Twitter has imploded. I kinda like writing more long-form journal entries so bluesky/mastodon is hard to keep my interest, and I have a LOT of backlogged art and photos to post that would just be buried in timelines on a microblogging site. Here there's journals, there's folders for things, there's friends, there's art! So sorry, you're all stuck with me again, and I apologize for the sustained influx of foxy, birdy and orca things as I trickle them in XD
Edit: I forgot I had a bunch of other accounts on FA and elsewhere. Uhhh forget about them. They're interesting detours from more footloose times in my online life I guess? But this here is the original account so here I'm making my stand and stayin XD
Honor him
General | Posted a year agoLook, no matter what anyone else says about Dragoneer, he singlehandedly built, and somehow kept alive and thriving, a digital shelter that has changed more lives than most in the fandom could even imagine, and he believed in the good he was doing for our community, and he did it until the very end.
That's worthy of our respect and admiration. Many of us took him and his work for granted all this time. But like many of us, he's a person with hopes and flaws and struggles and misfortunes. Possibly one of the greatest misfortunes of all - cancer. Now he's gone, and he's left us with this gift to all of us.
Until the end, he was a servant of the community. And better late than never, we should honor him.
I'm not the kind to join a crowd or outpouring of emotion or thoughts, but in this rare case in the entire history of the fandom, it's justified. Like many artists, friends and fellow community members, I wish him peace in the after, condolences to his kin, and would like to express gratitude and recognition of his service and legacy, the innumerable lives this site has touched, many for the better.
I hope this site endures. I've traversed and helped build platforms all over the furry/therian online landscape from the days of bulletin boards to vrchat, and I haven't found anything remotely like FA. Nor can I calculate the lift - years and years and years of dedication and toil and sheer dumb luck, not just his but all the volunteers and supporters, and everyone who ever came to this site and shared their words and arts and achievements and dreams - to have anything close to what we have here. There is no replacement, despite the many illustrious peers in the furry social media ecosystem; they have their place, and FA has its.
I really, really hope there is a sound plan for continuity, or that the best of our community can come together to keep this site going if need be.
That's worthy of our respect and admiration. Many of us took him and his work for granted all this time. But like many of us, he's a person with hopes and flaws and struggles and misfortunes. Possibly one of the greatest misfortunes of all - cancer. Now he's gone, and he's left us with this gift to all of us.
Until the end, he was a servant of the community. And better late than never, we should honor him.
I'm not the kind to join a crowd or outpouring of emotion or thoughts, but in this rare case in the entire history of the fandom, it's justified. Like many artists, friends and fellow community members, I wish him peace in the after, condolences to his kin, and would like to express gratitude and recognition of his service and legacy, the innumerable lives this site has touched, many for the better.
I hope this site endures. I've traversed and helped build platforms all over the furry/therian online landscape from the days of bulletin boards to vrchat, and I haven't found anything remotely like FA. Nor can I calculate the lift - years and years and years of dedication and toil and sheer dumb luck, not just his but all the volunteers and supporters, and everyone who ever came to this site and shared their words and arts and achievements and dreams - to have anything close to what we have here. There is no replacement, despite the many illustrious peers in the furry social media ecosystem; they have their place, and FA has its.
I really, really hope there is a sound plan for continuity, or that the best of our community can come together to keep this site going if need be.
Layoffs and striving on
General | Posted a year agoThings are getting pretty tough throughout the tech, entertainment and gaming industries.
My company wasn't spared and laid off a third of us. I was on a week-long trip in Yellowstone National Park, hiking in fursuit up to the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook, when the news came in. I hiked back to the trailhead, was waylaid by bison, finally got out of suit and hitched a ride to the Old Faithful lodge for stable cell reception, to log back into work and find out if I was going out with a bang.
It turned out, I wasn't to lose my job that day and my team still needed me more than ever. But I work in a beautiful, close-knit workplace where many of us are furries, have met at cons, and have developed friendships strengthened by years of slack banter, in-game hangouts, and international visits. Last year, I visited work-friends in Seattle, San Francisco, Geneva and Stockholm. Every single one of those cities has one less coworker now. At the end of the day it's still a business, but on the ground level, it really felt like a family, and our family was torn apart and that was hard to deal with.
So that's pretty much the latest in Sora's eventful life. A blessedly quiet winter to recuperate from last year's non-stop house renos, a few conventions, a bucket list trip to Yellowstone, bombshells and aftermath at work. Now, lots of hard work ahead until my upcoming trip to Japan and Singapore, where I'll be working remotely.
I'm grateful I still have my income, and the continued opportunity to keep our community alive and thriving. Now more than ever I feel a great responsibility to deliver, because my work helps creators make more income on our platform, and it's something that can help people I care about as more and more talented, creative peers struggle to make ends meet in these dark days. So I have a pretty meaningful task ahead.
But at the same time, I'm a bit lonely. With everything happening, I haven't had much time to settle in socially into this new city, make new friends and kindle new relationships in person. Dating locally from scratch is not easy. Sometimes I just really wish I had a deeply connected partner here to have cozy cuddles and relaxing silliness with, but until then, I suppose all I can do is squish my blahaj, continue living a fulfilling life, and trust in the infinite possiblities of our bewildering world.
My company wasn't spared and laid off a third of us. I was on a week-long trip in Yellowstone National Park, hiking in fursuit up to the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook, when the news came in. I hiked back to the trailhead, was waylaid by bison, finally got out of suit and hitched a ride to the Old Faithful lodge for stable cell reception, to log back into work and find out if I was going out with a bang.
It turned out, I wasn't to lose my job that day and my team still needed me more than ever. But I work in a beautiful, close-knit workplace where many of us are furries, have met at cons, and have developed friendships strengthened by years of slack banter, in-game hangouts, and international visits. Last year, I visited work-friends in Seattle, San Francisco, Geneva and Stockholm. Every single one of those cities has one less coworker now. At the end of the day it's still a business, but on the ground level, it really felt like a family, and our family was torn apart and that was hard to deal with.
So that's pretty much the latest in Sora's eventful life. A blessedly quiet winter to recuperate from last year's non-stop house renos, a few conventions, a bucket list trip to Yellowstone, bombshells and aftermath at work. Now, lots of hard work ahead until my upcoming trip to Japan and Singapore, where I'll be working remotely.
I'm grateful I still have my income, and the continued opportunity to keep our community alive and thriving. Now more than ever I feel a great responsibility to deliver, because my work helps creators make more income on our platform, and it's something that can help people I care about as more and more talented, creative peers struggle to make ends meet in these dark days. So I have a pretty meaningful task ahead.
But at the same time, I'm a bit lonely. With everything happening, I haven't had much time to settle in socially into this new city, make new friends and kindle new relationships in person. Dating locally from scratch is not easy. Sometimes I just really wish I had a deeply connected partner here to have cozy cuddles and relaxing silliness with, but until then, I suppose all I can do is squish my blahaj, continue living a fulfilling life, and trust in the infinite possiblities of our bewildering world.
I return!
General | Posted 2 years agoWow, another 3 years has passed! Time for another triennial update.
During the pandemic and ever since, life has thrown many challenges at me to deal with. And I've overcome them all, sometimes with great struggle. But all that's kept me away from social life and the internet. So I think I'm going to try to be more present, and appreciative of the many wonderful things that we have.
Anyway, there's so much art I haven't posted, so many stories and photos from travel around the world. The past 3 years have had many major milestones in my life. Since the post-covid reopening, I've gone on many adventures with friends around the region and world, including most recently a crazy 3-week Europe sojourn where I visited friends and went on road trips in Switzerland, Germany, Norway and Sweden.
On the professional side, I seriously kicked ass at my new career, rising to become a lead software engineer at a multi-billion tech firm before switching out to my dream job - joining the dev team for a game I love! I won't publicly say it, but most of my friends could probably guess haha.
Just this year, I also moved from Vancouver BC back to Calgary Alberta, where I could afford to buy a house. So I bought a house! I'm now the proud owner of a cute little 2400 sq ft nest nestled among parks, shops, and most importantly for a bookwyrm like me, a central library. It's also a short drive from the international airport so I can fly out to travel the world and attend all the conventions!
Anyway, I think that's enough for this journal. I'm gonna go get busy updating the rest of the profile and uploading some art. Have a good one!
~Sora
During the pandemic and ever since, life has thrown many challenges at me to deal with. And I've overcome them all, sometimes with great struggle. But all that's kept me away from social life and the internet. So I think I'm going to try to be more present, and appreciative of the many wonderful things that we have.
Anyway, there's so much art I haven't posted, so many stories and photos from travel around the world. The past 3 years have had many major milestones in my life. Since the post-covid reopening, I've gone on many adventures with friends around the region and world, including most recently a crazy 3-week Europe sojourn where I visited friends and went on road trips in Switzerland, Germany, Norway and Sweden.
On the professional side, I seriously kicked ass at my new career, rising to become a lead software engineer at a multi-billion tech firm before switching out to my dream job - joining the dev team for a game I love! I won't publicly say it, but most of my friends could probably guess haha.
Just this year, I also moved from Vancouver BC back to Calgary Alberta, where I could afford to buy a house. So I bought a house! I'm now the proud owner of a cute little 2400 sq ft nest nestled among parks, shops, and most importantly for a bookwyrm like me, a central library. It's also a short drive from the international airport so I can fly out to travel the world and attend all the conventions!
Anyway, I think that's enough for this journal. I'm gonna go get busy updating the rest of the profile and uploading some art. Have a good one!
~Sora
Triennial update, and Furtrack.com
General | Posted 5 years agoWow, it's been 3 years since the last update.
Since then, much has happened. I've had so many incredible adventures. Eurofurence in Europe, Infurnity in Asia, Burningman in the US. Skydiving, orca-watching, ski/boarding.
I left my university research job, moved from Alberta to BC, and rapidly climbed the ranks in a new and very satisfying career in software development.
I've felt the wonder of love and endured the pain of loss. And I discovered infinite solace and mutual fulfillment among incredible friends from across all possible spectrums, old and new.
The stories I've gained ring out like songs and spells throughout a dark, sun-flecked forest.
Yet there's still so much afoot, so much to see and do and try and fail and try again. Stupid jokes to laugh at. Joy to create and share. Love to find again.
So, as I once again leave this profile to lie fallow, I can only wonder - what words in my next journal entry await?
PS. I made a place for posting and finding fursuit photos with a bunch of like-minded friends. Check it out. www.furtrack.com
Since then, much has happened. I've had so many incredible adventures. Eurofurence in Europe, Infurnity in Asia, Burningman in the US. Skydiving, orca-watching, ski/boarding.
I left my university research job, moved from Alberta to BC, and rapidly climbed the ranks in a new and very satisfying career in software development.
I've felt the wonder of love and endured the pain of loss. And I discovered infinite solace and mutual fulfillment among incredible friends from across all possible spectrums, old and new.
The stories I've gained ring out like songs and spells throughout a dark, sun-flecked forest.
Yet there's still so much afoot, so much to see and do and try and fail and try again. Stupid jokes to laugh at. Joy to create and share. Love to find again.
So, as I once again leave this profile to lie fallow, I can only wonder - what words in my next journal entry await?
PS. I made a place for posting and finding fursuit photos with a bunch of like-minded friends. Check it out. www.furtrack.com
FWA 2017 Meme
General | Posted 8 years agoIts aboot time
Where are you staying?
Con hotel, like a boss
What day are you getting there?
Thursday noon
How are you traveling?
ON THESE GLORIOUS WINGS
Who will you be rooming with?
furtitude + 
nightdragon0 + 
caninehybrid
Who will you hang out with during the convention?
See above! Plus our expanded social circles, and any cool people we meet
How is the best way to find you?
I'll be sporting my kenket shite badge. Can't miss, my wings block the entire fucking hallway. Also, telegram soragryphon or twitter sora_gryphon
Are there any panels you might be attending?
Probably, but the FWA online schedule is really hard to use so I'll wait until I get the pocket program to decide.
What do you look like?
Quiet fit guy, asian, black hair, brown eyes, slight tan, speaks softly, carries big stick.
Will you be suiting?
Yes, as Sora! With my black & gold markings!
What is your gender?
Male
How tall are you?
5'7"
Can I talk to you?
Sure, I'm pretty approachable. I love deeper topics and fun stories.
Can I visit your room?
If you're invited
Can I buy you drinks?
Ginger ale, but I'll be pretty well equipped on arrival
Can I give you stuff?
All the stuff! I love swag and tags and miscellaneous momentos. And silver *hint hint*
Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Hugs fine, snuggles reserved for special people
Are you nice?
I'm an asshole, but not 100% a dick
Will you be going to parties?
If I can find them, first time at FWA so I don't know what the setup like yet
If I see you, how should I get your attention?
I answer to "Sora", "Orca", "BIRB", high-pitched screeching, and various bird languages.
Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
Don't know, we'll see!
What/where will you be eating?
Meat, sushi, rice, etc. Open to recommendations!
Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
If you got the rite vibe
Can I take your picture?
Sure
What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
To have a ballin time with my favourite ppl in the whole world
Where are you staying?
Con hotel, like a boss
What day are you getting there?
Thursday noon
How are you traveling?
ON THESE GLORIOUS WINGS
Who will you be rooming with?
furtitude + 
nightdragon0 + 
caninehybridWho will you hang out with during the convention?
See above! Plus our expanded social circles, and any cool people we meet
How is the best way to find you?
I'll be sporting my kenket shite badge. Can't miss, my wings block the entire fucking hallway. Also, telegram soragryphon or twitter sora_gryphon
Are there any panels you might be attending?
Probably, but the FWA online schedule is really hard to use so I'll wait until I get the pocket program to decide.
What do you look like?
Quiet fit guy, asian, black hair, brown eyes, slight tan, speaks softly, carries big stick.
Will you be suiting?
Yes, as Sora! With my black & gold markings!
What is your gender?
Male
How tall are you?
5'7"
Can I talk to you?
Sure, I'm pretty approachable. I love deeper topics and fun stories.
Can I visit your room?
If you're invited
Can I buy you drinks?
Ginger ale, but I'll be pretty well equipped on arrival
Can I give you stuff?
All the stuff! I love swag and tags and miscellaneous momentos. And silver *hint hint*
Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Hugs fine, snuggles reserved for special people
Are you nice?
I'm an asshole, but not 100% a dick
Will you be going to parties?
If I can find them, first time at FWA so I don't know what the setup like yet
If I see you, how should I get your attention?
I answer to "Sora", "Orca", "BIRB", high-pitched screeching, and various bird languages.
Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
Don't know, we'll see!
What/where will you be eating?
Meat, sushi, rice, etc. Open to recommendations!
Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
If you got the rite vibe
Can I take your picture?
Sure
What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
To have a ballin time with my favourite ppl in the whole world
FC again
General | Posted 9 years agoShit I had so much fun guys, thanks for all the awesomeness. Special shoutouts to the adventurecru tiki party room and youtubaloo, Vantid and the Baztek raven flock, the AZN gang, ironfur+QB, Matrices and Nightdragon, Scotty and company, the random new friends made all over the damn place, and all the fam from previous cons who found me for a merry time. Until next con, peace out
FWA FWA FWA
Actual sitrep: NO SHIT THERE I WAS
FWA FWA FWA
Actual sitrep: NO SHIT THERE I WAS
FC
General | Posted 9 years agoFuck this I'm going
[disregard]
General | Posted 9 years agoSORA HAS TAKEN OVER THIS PAGE IM GETTING THE HELL OUT OF DODGE
MOVING OVER TO NEW PERSONAL ACCOUNT -->
DrakkenFiren
This account is gonna be EXCLUSIVELY for Sora and related gryphon nonsense from now on
Pretty much everything else (like me as a person and all my other new chars) are gonna be over there, I'm defenestrating everything across as we speak
I mean you can still hang here if you still want to see gryphon shenanigans thats still happenin fo sho but I'M upping and leaving
TL;DR GO FIND ME OVER THERE KTHXBAI
Also gonna put all my fursuit-making WIP whatknot stuff in
Skyweave. Skyweave is like my shell company for making suit stuff. Because why not get started on that since one day I might end up making stuff for other ppl...
MOVING OVER TO NEW PERSONAL ACCOUNT -->
DrakkenFirenThis account is gonna be EXCLUSIVELY for Sora and related gryphon nonsense from now on
Pretty much everything else (like me as a person and all my other new chars) are gonna be over there, I'm defenestrating everything across as we speak
I mean you can still hang here if you still want to see gryphon shenanigans thats still happenin fo sho but I'M upping and leaving
TL;DR GO FIND ME OVER THERE KTHXBAI
Also gonna put all my fursuit-making WIP whatknot stuff in
Skyweave. Skyweave is like my shell company for making suit stuff. Because why not get started on that since one day I might end up making stuff for other ppl...MFF braindump
General | Posted 9 years agoI'm fucking done. The past 5 days knocked AC out of the park as the best con ever. Holy shit. So many memories.
Braindump:
-Badass bird fight with Artkour wearing Kenket(?)'s bird at Dead Dog Dance (vid)
-Messing outside in the snowy courtyard with Starrik, Monoyasha and some other random fursuit group
-GATORADE SCIENCE
-Late night ice cream, sushi and Dennys hangouts
-Menegarie photoshoots, my arms dropping off
-Sketchy german generic knockoff grocery store
-BUTTSTINGRAY
-Rocking at DJ Recca's set with Twilightsaint, and DDD with Prism
-Crazy jeep ride to/from Dennys
-Cheering fam at Floor Wars and Dance Comp (Confection made floor wars quarterfinals, Twilight Prism Jay and Yami all made dance comp, seriously dudes you're all going PLACES)
-DONT TOUCH THE DOOR
-Exceeded dealer commissioning budget by 2000%
-Massage of doom
-Chilling with Confection, spectating dope moves by the dancers at the statue
-The police dude at the airport putting on my fursuit head - (pic, story)
-Handling & videoing fursuit shenanigans with Jay, Yami, Sniper and Confection (pic)
-Pun-offs at the art jam room
For the record, the fam and friends of Room Awesome:
(If I missed you I don't know your accounts give me a shout)
Braindump:
-Badass bird fight with Artkour wearing Kenket(?)'s bird at Dead Dog Dance (vid)
-Messing outside in the snowy courtyard with Starrik, Monoyasha and some other random fursuit group
-GATORADE SCIENCE
-Late night ice cream, sushi and Dennys hangouts
-Menegarie photoshoots, my arms dropping off
-Sketchy german generic knockoff grocery store
-BUTTSTINGRAY
-Rocking at DJ Recca's set with Twilightsaint, and DDD with Prism
-Crazy jeep ride to/from Dennys
-Cheering fam at Floor Wars and Dance Comp (Confection made floor wars quarterfinals, Twilight Prism Jay and Yami all made dance comp, seriously dudes you're all going PLACES)
-DONT TOUCH THE DOOR
-Exceeded dealer commissioning budget by 2000%
-Massage of doom
-Chilling with Confection, spectating dope moves by the dancers at the statue
-The police dude at the airport putting on my fursuit head - (pic, story)
-Handling & videoing fursuit shenanigans with Jay, Yami, Sniper and Confection (pic)
-Pun-offs at the art jam room
For the record, the fam and friends of Room Awesome:
(If I missed you I don't know your accounts give me a shout)
MFF Meme
General | Posted 9 years agoBecause oi you guys are posting these things earlier and earlier, it's like christmas decorations going up on halloween, wtf
Where are you staying?
Con hotel, like a boss
What day are you getting there?
Thursday 1pm
How are you traveling?
Flying via Denver, UA 244
Who will you be rooming with?
The furry United Nations apparently... canine thing from Australia, dutchie from USA, gryphon from Canada and dragon from Singapore
Who will you hang out with during the convention?
Deez nuts, artist friends and other winged goodness
How is the best way to find you?
At the dances... in headless or prowling when the music isn't my speed
Online, telegram eraea or twitter sora_gryphon
Are there any panels you might be attending?
Kinda need to see the program first
What do you look like?
Quiet fit guy, asian, black hair, brown eyes, slight tan, speaks softly, carries big stick... will be badass gryphon most of the time tho
Will you be suiting?
Yes, a very stoked white gryphon
What is your gender?
Male
How tall are you?
5'7"
Can I talk to you?
Sure, throw me word bait, I'm pretty approachable
Can I visit your room?
By invitation... not cool with people we don't know messing with our shit
Can I buy you drinks?
Ginger ale or smirnoff, none of that lite crap
Can I give you stuff?
Oooh yeah
Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Yeah, sure
Are you nice?
Yessssss
Will you be going to parties?
I hear there be some wicked ones to check out
If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Virgin sacrifice
Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
Undoubtedly the raddest place in the hotel
What/where will you be eating?
Meat, by popular vote of friends
Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
If you got the rite vibe
Can I take your picture?
Sure
What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
Chill
Where are you staying?
Con hotel, like a boss
What day are you getting there?
Thursday 1pm
How are you traveling?
Flying via Denver, UA 244
Who will you be rooming with?
The furry United Nations apparently... canine thing from Australia, dutchie from USA, gryphon from Canada and dragon from Singapore
Who will you hang out with during the convention?
Deez nuts, artist friends and other winged goodness
How is the best way to find you?
At the dances... in headless or prowling when the music isn't my speed
Online, telegram eraea or twitter sora_gryphon
Are there any panels you might be attending?
Kinda need to see the program first
What do you look like?
Quiet fit guy, asian, black hair, brown eyes, slight tan, speaks softly, carries big stick... will be badass gryphon most of the time tho
Will you be suiting?
Yes, a very stoked white gryphon
What is your gender?
Male
How tall are you?
5'7"
Can I talk to you?
Sure, throw me word bait, I'm pretty approachable
Can I visit your room?
By invitation... not cool with people we don't know messing with our shit
Can I buy you drinks?
Ginger ale or smirnoff, none of that lite crap
Can I give you stuff?
Oooh yeah
Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Yeah, sure
Are you nice?
Yessssss
Will you be going to parties?
I hear there be some wicked ones to check out
If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Virgin sacrifice
Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
Undoubtedly the raddest place in the hotel
What/where will you be eating?
Meat, by popular vote of friends
Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
If you got the rite vibe
Can I take your picture?
Sure
What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
Chill
Alive and kicking
General | Posted 9 years agoFor my friends out there who've been wondering where I de-materialized to:
I'm still very much here, alive, and kicking! Working on two new characters (and their fursuit designs), wings mark 3, two website projects, two scientific articles, a book, and building accommodations for a gyrfalcon in my backyard. Also working full-time.
Autumn came and went all too quickly here, but it's going to be Halloween! So ready to shuck off my human skin and become a badass mythical creature again ;)
Oh yeah, MFF in what, 7 weeks? Six? Bring it ON!
I'm still very much here, alive, and kicking! Working on two new characters (and their fursuit designs), wings mark 3, two website projects, two scientific articles, a book, and building accommodations for a gyrfalcon in my backyard. Also working full-time.
Autumn came and went all too quickly here, but it's going to be Halloween! So ready to shuck off my human skin and become a badass mythical creature again ;)
Oh yeah, MFF in what, 7 weeks? Six? Bring it ON!
mumble
General | Posted 9 years agoWell, FA just refuses to kick the bucket.
Fine, fine, I'm back!
Over the next little while, expect some newer commissions, projects, and excessive gryphonity from Anthrocon to appear here. I take no responsibility whatsoever.
ヾ"ヽ
(o´∀`)
ﾉ" ) )
彡ノ,,,,ノ
―〃-〃――――
ﾚ,
Fine, fine, I'm back!
Over the next little while, expect some newer commissions, projects, and excessive gryphonity from Anthrocon to appear here. I take no responsibility whatsoever.
ヾ"ヽ
(o´∀`)
ﾉ" ) )
彡ノ,,,,ノ
―〃-〃――――
ﾚ,
AC2016 Day-by-day
General | Posted 9 years agoTL;DR: Anthrocon 2016 was, wings down, the most epic, enjoyable time I've had at any convention in all the years I've done them. The days were simply packed, the company was magnificent, we got a lot done, the parade was beyond compare, and I rocked the dance floor with my wings to the very end of the Saturday night dance. Surprisingly, I didn't hang out with the folks I expected to hang out with, and missed panels and shows I'd considered must-attend, but met and had great times with many new friends I hadn't expected to hang out with.
Day-by-day chronicle follows.
Thursday:
What Thursday? The plane to Pittsburgh went DERP and sat at the gate for one hour. Arrived Pittsburgh Friday morning 0010 hrs. Twilight and I happened to arrive at the same time and took a cab ride to the Westin through sketchy backroads and neighbourhoods having flashbacks of Kage's story about the GOH being driven to a burnt-out crackhouse. We did get to the Westin and hauled our massive fursuit-laden bags up. When we got our room, we discovered to our great surprise and happiness it had a refrigerator and cot bed set up! Perfect! Third roomie Furtitude arrived from her epic 28-hour journey from Australia just as Starrik, Prism and Piper joined us for an impromptu mini room party. Went out on the streets to hunt for hydration at 3am and found a 7-11 several blocks away. They inexplicably gave me a free can of sour cream n onion pringles. Score!
Friday
Slept in a little, then Glitch and Sniper awakened upon the convention and killed people with adorableness while I followed their trial of devastation. Pre-reg badge pickup was instant! Jumped the line to the dealer's den early like a boss with my shiny supersponsor badge, gave out some chocolate and picked up a respectable stack of commissions and art! Sandy gave me her original inked sheet of Sora from a commission last year, I picked up a huge and absolutely stunning commission from Windfalcon and several prints besides. Only sadness was I couldn't find Heather, despite walking through several times. The den was so massive I wandered for over an hour. Picked up my new EZCool vest and Crystumes head from Nambroth's Table!! <3 Vantid also had Laura's badge commission for me. Thank you all of you!!
Spent rest of day assembling EL wire wings for anticipated street rave music video shoot, which totally did not happen as hoped due to the unexpected scene prep times needed. Also, I ran out of materials. Instead, met with Kiba our amazing videographer/director/producer and hashed out a new plan. We'll do the big outdoor shots next AC. Got all the smaller storyline scene shots done though with a great cast including four of the most adorable Angel Dragons ever.
The rave music wasn't to my taste, called it a night around 1am and hung out with roomies after de-suiting instead.
Saturday
Slept in by accident - our alarm didn't go off, woke cutting it close at 11am! Sniper was out the door before Glitch and I could suit up, that Angel Dragon is FAST. No time for supersponsor lunch, I shoveled food into my mouth with ice tongs and then summoned my inner bird and headed straight to the fursuit parade gathering. The sheer number of suiters was craaaazy! Met Tyrrlin, pretty much my gryphon fursuit head crush! Found Tierce and Guin and we formed a gryphon and bird contingent, next to the angel dragon and clockwork creatures contingent. It took what seemed like 2 hours before we set out and when we finally left the hall, it was a massive traffic jam. A lot of standing with only elbow room between the suiters behind and in front. To satisfy some adoring fans on the other side of the parade I split from my group to a different fursuit line and became a lone gryphon with a good size stage. Suffice to say, this was the most exhilarating, amazing parade ever. The cheers, the wing-fives, the children so wide-eyed with wonder. So much pride.
Right at the end of the parade, my head fan stopped running, fogging my eye lenses up - the wire broke. Cue break for dinner, and then my roomies headed to floor wars while I broke out the toolbox, fixed my fan, and installed a new fan in my new crystumes head. That done, I visited the dealer's den to meet up with GOH Tracy Butler of Lackadaisycats and her companion Jay, a non-furry close friend of mine from army days nearly a decade ago and half the world away. Apparently he'd been talking about my suit with Tracy and Uncle Kage! I had to run to a photoshoot but promised them I'd come back around in-suit. Next up - the Crystumes/Nambroth photoshoot on the roof! That was super fun, I love that location! The wind was lovely and there were many boats going by on the river down below noticing me and waving and honking their boat horns at me to wing-wave back. There was this chick with the most amazing crow partial ever and we were all fawning over each others feathers. It was revealed that she was none other than the amazing Rah-bop! Who couldn't believe we all recognized her name - this was pretty much her first big furcon and she almost never went to cons so she was pretty much incognito. Her partial corvid costume was detailed as all get out and is a real inspiration.
I attended the Masquerade in suit, and the performances were great! I found myself giving more than one standing ovation, which is kind of hard when you have wings. Couldn't see it all though as I had to head over to the waterfront for more music video scene shooting with Kiba and some neat nighttime photoshoots.
Saturday night rave was epic. I only caught the last 1.5 hours but the music sang to me and I went all out. I don't know how to dance and probably looked like an epileptic chicken, I'll probably cringe at any video footage people dare to post, but I didn't care, that experience was like none other. THIS is what I suit at raves for.
Sunday
How on earth did it get to Sunday already?? Suited up again, checked out the dealer's den, got in line for my fursuiter badge, and then hit up the dance competition in suit to show support for friends and contenders Sniper and Prism! Considering they were wearing the most massively padded suits, they did amazing, and I loved Sniper's music choice which had been kept secret until then. Right after that we were hoping to get to the AC photo booth but alas not enough time - instead went up to chill on the roof and doing photoshoots with nightdragon and DAD friends. De-suit for closing ceremonies, where I said good-bye to Jay and Tracy, and then joined the AZN crew (or just "Asia" according to Ronnie) for dinner at the golden palace chinese buffet. The food was good! Hung with Singha, Alu and many other new friends comprising the AZN paparazzi at the end of our table, and the Japanese contingent.
Back to the hotel and Kiba's photo-shoot. We were filming in a suite with Sniper, Ruru and Glitch. An angel dragon posse hung out with us like stage audience so we had a very strange low-key room party with lightsabres and a very large amount of candy while filming XD Hit the waterfront and streets for filming, then it was over to the Renaissance with Glitch to visit other friends for late night pizza and chillin'. We crashed around 4-5am.
Monday
The convention is over but the adventure wasn't! Unshackled from our schedules my room decided to have brunch in the hotel lobby. Before long more friends joined in and we ended up with critical mass of over a dozen eaters and I was introduced to the "archangels", or a group of Dutch Angel Dragons who helped organize and moderate the DAD community. Now I've heard some faint rumours about drama related to angel dragons, but I don't take sides. I evaluate character as they come, and I love meeting good thoughtful people I can respect and have fun with. These are fine folks. We ate, talked, made merry, then piled into two cabs and headed for the zoo. Zoo shenanigans ensued. They were legion and I shall not bother to list them but our gang had a great time, just the right amount of diversity and madness to enjoy every moment and have so many laughs. We followed the zoo with some very excellent meatballs with "Government Cheese" after that and I was in particular introduced to Boylan Root Beer by Riley. Holy pants that stuff is good. We headed to Ben and Jerry's after that for ice cream... which was closed! That's holiday opening hours for you. Undeterred we hit up 7-11 for ice cream and settled down back in the Westin lobby for noms, then headed over to perch on a bridge to watch the July 4 fireworks. I'm pretty sure they were spectacular fireworks but we couldn't see 80% of them! The smoke from the fireworks just hung around thick so it was just a big cloud flashing here and there occasionally.
Thusly journeyed, we made plans for chilling the rest of the night and a few of our crew had to move gear over to the Renaissance so we all grabbed a bag each and trooped down towards the hotel on sixth street... ...and suddenly, I noticed half of our group was missing. We turned around and they had stopped a distance back with some strangers, and there were shouts. We took off like missiles back towards them and my brain was cycling through possibilities and how I should respond to them - a mugging? Molestation? Someone fell and injured? No, it was an AC staff member who looked pale as a sheet. He was keeping calm and speaking in measured tones but there was a hint of panic. He told us we shouldn't go that way, someone is shooting people on Seventh street, everyone was running. Well, shit, that was between us and the hotel. I thanked him for the info and he wished us safety. We took an alternate route that hopefully put two blocks between us and where the shooting was going on, running from cover to cover. A part of me felt we were out of danger, there were cops swarming the place blocking traffic, but it was hard to be sure. It was all very exciting. In our excitement we ran into the wrong hotel! We got to our room safe but some of our friends were a little distressed. Hanging out was cancelled under the circumstances and some of us would remain behind and get some rest while I trooped back to the Westin with others. We said our goodbyes, got back to the Westin, packed, and turned in.
Tuesday
More check-outs and goodbyes. With not enough time left to check out the National Aviary, I hung out in the lobby instead with Glitch and Leone. We talked random stuff and dancing for several hours and admired some of her dance videos, then Leone took off for her greyhound and Glitch and I headed to the airport, had lunch, and parted ways. My flight left for MSP on schedule but - surprise! - "weather happened" and Minneapolis airport was shut down. Our plane joined a swarm of others circling over the storm clouds but fuel was running low so we diverted to the small city airport of Appleton, Wisconsin along with two other planes. The airport had maybe four gates and a single bar past security, which was experiencing a sudden boom in business as over a hundred thirsty hungry displaced travellers lined up. There were two other folks wearing anthrocon shirts there so we had Airport Con 2016, mostly chatting about past ACs (I love hearing good con stories) and going through con photographs and social media. When we were finally able to get to MSP again, I sprinted right off the plane and several terminals over to get to my connecting flight which had also thankfully been delayed. I made it home safe and very, very late. Thus ends my AC 2016 saga.
I hope to get back in touch with all the excellent folks I spent time with at the con.
Already the planning for MFF has begun.
For personal reference, working link list of accounts of friends and splendid folks hung out with and/or to meet/contact again from AC, because my memory isn't all that great:
furtitude twilightsaint marshmallowtwirl starrik
sitkka
kibamal nightdragon0 caninehybrid
pox.azraelis
ino89777
draconicarcher
Rukamae
windfalconart
crystumes
rah-bop
nambroth
LeoneLaTwerk
vantid
Day-by-day chronicle follows.
Thursday:
What Thursday? The plane to Pittsburgh went DERP and sat at the gate for one hour. Arrived Pittsburgh Friday morning 0010 hrs. Twilight and I happened to arrive at the same time and took a cab ride to the Westin through sketchy backroads and neighbourhoods having flashbacks of Kage's story about the GOH being driven to a burnt-out crackhouse. We did get to the Westin and hauled our massive fursuit-laden bags up. When we got our room, we discovered to our great surprise and happiness it had a refrigerator and cot bed set up! Perfect! Third roomie Furtitude arrived from her epic 28-hour journey from Australia just as Starrik, Prism and Piper joined us for an impromptu mini room party. Went out on the streets to hunt for hydration at 3am and found a 7-11 several blocks away. They inexplicably gave me a free can of sour cream n onion pringles. Score!
Friday
Slept in a little, then Glitch and Sniper awakened upon the convention and killed people with adorableness while I followed their trial of devastation. Pre-reg badge pickup was instant! Jumped the line to the dealer's den early like a boss with my shiny supersponsor badge, gave out some chocolate and picked up a respectable stack of commissions and art! Sandy gave me her original inked sheet of Sora from a commission last year, I picked up a huge and absolutely stunning commission from Windfalcon and several prints besides. Only sadness was I couldn't find Heather, despite walking through several times. The den was so massive I wandered for over an hour. Picked up my new EZCool vest and Crystumes head from Nambroth's Table!! <3 Vantid also had Laura's badge commission for me. Thank you all of you!!
Spent rest of day assembling EL wire wings for anticipated street rave music video shoot, which totally did not happen as hoped due to the unexpected scene prep times needed. Also, I ran out of materials. Instead, met with Kiba our amazing videographer/director/producer and hashed out a new plan. We'll do the big outdoor shots next AC. Got all the smaller storyline scene shots done though with a great cast including four of the most adorable Angel Dragons ever.
The rave music wasn't to my taste, called it a night around 1am and hung out with roomies after de-suiting instead.
Saturday
Slept in by accident - our alarm didn't go off, woke cutting it close at 11am! Sniper was out the door before Glitch and I could suit up, that Angel Dragon is FAST. No time for supersponsor lunch, I shoveled food into my mouth with ice tongs and then summoned my inner bird and headed straight to the fursuit parade gathering. The sheer number of suiters was craaaazy! Met Tyrrlin, pretty much my gryphon fursuit head crush! Found Tierce and Guin and we formed a gryphon and bird contingent, next to the angel dragon and clockwork creatures contingent. It took what seemed like 2 hours before we set out and when we finally left the hall, it was a massive traffic jam. A lot of standing with only elbow room between the suiters behind and in front. To satisfy some adoring fans on the other side of the parade I split from my group to a different fursuit line and became a lone gryphon with a good size stage. Suffice to say, this was the most exhilarating, amazing parade ever. The cheers, the wing-fives, the children so wide-eyed with wonder. So much pride.
Right at the end of the parade, my head fan stopped running, fogging my eye lenses up - the wire broke. Cue break for dinner, and then my roomies headed to floor wars while I broke out the toolbox, fixed my fan, and installed a new fan in my new crystumes head. That done, I visited the dealer's den to meet up with GOH Tracy Butler of Lackadaisycats and her companion Jay, a non-furry close friend of mine from army days nearly a decade ago and half the world away. Apparently he'd been talking about my suit with Tracy and Uncle Kage! I had to run to a photoshoot but promised them I'd come back around in-suit. Next up - the Crystumes/Nambroth photoshoot on the roof! That was super fun, I love that location! The wind was lovely and there were many boats going by on the river down below noticing me and waving and honking their boat horns at me to wing-wave back. There was this chick with the most amazing crow partial ever and we were all fawning over each others feathers. It was revealed that she was none other than the amazing Rah-bop! Who couldn't believe we all recognized her name - this was pretty much her first big furcon and she almost never went to cons so she was pretty much incognito. Her partial corvid costume was detailed as all get out and is a real inspiration.
I attended the Masquerade in suit, and the performances were great! I found myself giving more than one standing ovation, which is kind of hard when you have wings. Couldn't see it all though as I had to head over to the waterfront for more music video scene shooting with Kiba and some neat nighttime photoshoots.
Saturday night rave was epic. I only caught the last 1.5 hours but the music sang to me and I went all out. I don't know how to dance and probably looked like an epileptic chicken, I'll probably cringe at any video footage people dare to post, but I didn't care, that experience was like none other. THIS is what I suit at raves for.
Sunday
How on earth did it get to Sunday already?? Suited up again, checked out the dealer's den, got in line for my fursuiter badge, and then hit up the dance competition in suit to show support for friends and contenders Sniper and Prism! Considering they were wearing the most massively padded suits, they did amazing, and I loved Sniper's music choice which had been kept secret until then. Right after that we were hoping to get to the AC photo booth but alas not enough time - instead went up to chill on the roof and doing photoshoots with nightdragon and DAD friends. De-suit for closing ceremonies, where I said good-bye to Jay and Tracy, and then joined the AZN crew (or just "Asia" according to Ronnie) for dinner at the golden palace chinese buffet. The food was good! Hung with Singha, Alu and many other new friends comprising the AZN paparazzi at the end of our table, and the Japanese contingent.
Back to the hotel and Kiba's photo-shoot. We were filming in a suite with Sniper, Ruru and Glitch. An angel dragon posse hung out with us like stage audience so we had a very strange low-key room party with lightsabres and a very large amount of candy while filming XD Hit the waterfront and streets for filming, then it was over to the Renaissance with Glitch to visit other friends for late night pizza and chillin'. We crashed around 4-5am.
Monday
The convention is over but the adventure wasn't! Unshackled from our schedules my room decided to have brunch in the hotel lobby. Before long more friends joined in and we ended up with critical mass of over a dozen eaters and I was introduced to the "archangels", or a group of Dutch Angel Dragons who helped organize and moderate the DAD community. Now I've heard some faint rumours about drama related to angel dragons, but I don't take sides. I evaluate character as they come, and I love meeting good thoughtful people I can respect and have fun with. These are fine folks. We ate, talked, made merry, then piled into two cabs and headed for the zoo. Zoo shenanigans ensued. They were legion and I shall not bother to list them but our gang had a great time, just the right amount of diversity and madness to enjoy every moment and have so many laughs. We followed the zoo with some very excellent meatballs with "Government Cheese" after that and I was in particular introduced to Boylan Root Beer by Riley. Holy pants that stuff is good. We headed to Ben and Jerry's after that for ice cream... which was closed! That's holiday opening hours for you. Undeterred we hit up 7-11 for ice cream and settled down back in the Westin lobby for noms, then headed over to perch on a bridge to watch the July 4 fireworks. I'm pretty sure they were spectacular fireworks but we couldn't see 80% of them! The smoke from the fireworks just hung around thick so it was just a big cloud flashing here and there occasionally.
Thusly journeyed, we made plans for chilling the rest of the night and a few of our crew had to move gear over to the Renaissance so we all grabbed a bag each and trooped down towards the hotel on sixth street... ...and suddenly, I noticed half of our group was missing. We turned around and they had stopped a distance back with some strangers, and there were shouts. We took off like missiles back towards them and my brain was cycling through possibilities and how I should respond to them - a mugging? Molestation? Someone fell and injured? No, it was an AC staff member who looked pale as a sheet. He was keeping calm and speaking in measured tones but there was a hint of panic. He told us we shouldn't go that way, someone is shooting people on Seventh street, everyone was running. Well, shit, that was between us and the hotel. I thanked him for the info and he wished us safety. We took an alternate route that hopefully put two blocks between us and where the shooting was going on, running from cover to cover. A part of me felt we were out of danger, there were cops swarming the place blocking traffic, but it was hard to be sure. It was all very exciting. In our excitement we ran into the wrong hotel! We got to our room safe but some of our friends were a little distressed. Hanging out was cancelled under the circumstances and some of us would remain behind and get some rest while I trooped back to the Westin with others. We said our goodbyes, got back to the Westin, packed, and turned in.
Tuesday
More check-outs and goodbyes. With not enough time left to check out the National Aviary, I hung out in the lobby instead with Glitch and Leone. We talked random stuff and dancing for several hours and admired some of her dance videos, then Leone took off for her greyhound and Glitch and I headed to the airport, had lunch, and parted ways. My flight left for MSP on schedule but - surprise! - "weather happened" and Minneapolis airport was shut down. Our plane joined a swarm of others circling over the storm clouds but fuel was running low so we diverted to the small city airport of Appleton, Wisconsin along with two other planes. The airport had maybe four gates and a single bar past security, which was experiencing a sudden boom in business as over a hundred thirsty hungry displaced travellers lined up. There were two other folks wearing anthrocon shirts there so we had Airport Con 2016, mostly chatting about past ACs (I love hearing good con stories) and going through con photographs and social media. When we were finally able to get to MSP again, I sprinted right off the plane and several terminals over to get to my connecting flight which had also thankfully been delayed. I made it home safe and very, very late. Thus ends my AC 2016 saga.
I hope to get back in touch with all the excellent folks I spent time with at the con.
Already the planning for MFF has begun.
For personal reference, working link list of accounts of friends and splendid folks hung out with and/or to meet/contact again from AC, because my memory isn't all that great:
furtitude twilightsaint marshmallowtwirl starrik
sitkka
kibamal nightdragon0 caninehybrid
pox.azraelis
ino89777
draconicarcher
Rukamae
windfalconart
crystumes
rah-bop
nambroth
LeoneLaTwerk
vantidWE ARE GO FOR ANTHROCON
General | Posted 9 years agoWhere are you staying?
Westin
What day are you getting there?
Thursday, REAL LATE, like so close to midnight it might as well be Friday. Never again, I want my Thursdays!
How are you traveling?
According to Shakira, methods include, but are not limited to, falling down and getting up.
Who will you be rooming with?
twilightsaint and furtitude
How is the best way to find you?
You will definitely find me at the fursuit music video shoot on Friday night!
Otherwise, white gryphon, big wings, block the entire hallway, can't miss.
Are there any panels you might be attending?
Yes! I love checking out advanced fursuit making panels - but honestly I'll be running around so much, my chances to show at all the panels I'd like are not high.
What do you look like?
5'6 Asian male, twenties, reasonably good looking, nothing special. You will see me everywhere and nowhere and forget the moment your eyes slide away.
Will you be suiting?
So much.
Do you do free art?
Blue.
Do you do trades?
No!
Do you do badges?
Red!
How tall are you?
AHHHHHHHH
What is your gender?
Male
Can I talk to you?
Of course!
Can I touch you?
See hug question.
Can I visit your room?
You must be worthy of facing the two angel dragons who guard it. If you gain their blessing, I'm totes cool with it.
Can I buy you drinks?
Ginger ale.
Can I give you stuff?
Sure! I have no hands to hold them or pockets to put them, but GIMME
Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Maybe, but I should at least know you first.
How long are you going?
Thursday to Tuesday, gonna catch the fireworks on the fourth!
Do you have an artist table?
It was stopped at the border.
Will you be going to parties?
First time to AC so I'll let my friends be the guide on this one!
Will you be performing?
For Kiba's music video!
If I see you, how should I get your attention?
HAHA YES FINALLY a convention where people can't just call me "BIRB" because THERE WILL BE TOO MANY OF US!
Calling "Sora" works fine. Calling "Sora" really loudly when I'm in earshot is even better. But if you lose your voice, you're overdoing it.
Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
Having fun at the con! Where else?
What/where will you be eating?
Energy bar breakfasts, camping lunches, and dinners out. I favour Japanese places. No idea what's available in Pittsburgh, any suggestions?
Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
Play it by ear!
Can I take your picture?
Yes! I better start printing contact cards so people can tag me online.
What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
Music video with Kiba, pick up commissions, rock out with friends, make new ones, have an unforgettable time!
Westin
What day are you getting there?
Thursday, REAL LATE, like so close to midnight it might as well be Friday. Never again, I want my Thursdays!
How are you traveling?
According to Shakira, methods include, but are not limited to, falling down and getting up.
Who will you be rooming with?
twilightsaint and furtitudeHow is the best way to find you?
You will definitely find me at the fursuit music video shoot on Friday night!
Otherwise, white gryphon, big wings, block the entire hallway, can't miss.
Are there any panels you might be attending?
Yes! I love checking out advanced fursuit making panels - but honestly I'll be running around so much, my chances to show at all the panels I'd like are not high.
What do you look like?
5'6 Asian male, twenties, reasonably good looking, nothing special. You will see me everywhere and nowhere and forget the moment your eyes slide away.
Will you be suiting?
So much.
Do you do free art?
Blue.
Do you do trades?
No!
Do you do badges?
Red!
How tall are you?
AHHHHHHHH
What is your gender?
Male
Can I talk to you?
Of course!
Can I touch you?
See hug question.
Can I visit your room?
You must be worthy of facing the two angel dragons who guard it. If you gain their blessing, I'm totes cool with it.
Can I buy you drinks?
Ginger ale.
Can I give you stuff?
Sure! I have no hands to hold them or pockets to put them, but GIMME
Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Maybe, but I should at least know you first.
How long are you going?
Thursday to Tuesday, gonna catch the fireworks on the fourth!
Do you have an artist table?
It was stopped at the border.
Will you be going to parties?
First time to AC so I'll let my friends be the guide on this one!
Will you be performing?
For Kiba's music video!
If I see you, how should I get your attention?
HAHA YES FINALLY a convention where people can't just call me "BIRB" because THERE WILL BE TOO MANY OF US!
Calling "Sora" works fine. Calling "Sora" really loudly when I'm in earshot is even better. But if you lose your voice, you're overdoing it.
Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
Having fun at the con! Where else?
What/where will you be eating?
Energy bar breakfasts, camping lunches, and dinners out. I favour Japanese places. No idea what's available in Pittsburgh, any suggestions?
Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
Play it by ear!
Can I take your picture?
Yes! I better start printing contact cards so people can tag me online.
What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
Music video with Kiba, pick up commissions, rock out with friends, make new ones, have an unforgettable time!
Hark, the deed is done.
General | Posted 9 years agoAll stations, all stations. Your dawnward gyrfalcon gryphon here.
That house I mentioned a few months ago. It's mine now. With some difficulty, but the deed is done, and now I need to build mews for my future falcons this summer.
Your friend has been keeping extraordinarily busy. Some pretty cool stuff going on in my professional life, with opportunities to do neat stuff, revolutionary stuff, and make a difference for a bunch of people. But it takes hard work, long, long days, to the max to get them going. (I fancy a new job title of "Chief Technology Gryphon". How's that sound?)
My fursuit workshop has suffered tremendously of course, and will be quiet for a while. It hurts to have so many 'first' ideas and projects remain so close yet so far, or even be seized by others with more free time, but guess sometimes you can't fly in two directions at once, gotta pick the battles. In the end, I know where my heart is and you can bet I'll be back to the crafting room with a vengeance. Before bird and bow takes up all my sunlit days, heh.
Neways, I'm heading to our no-so-little local Fureh party in a week. And then, Anthrocon and MFF! Gonna be super rockin' - work hard, PLAY HARD. I have to resist the temptation to give too much away about my plans for those cons, but suffice to say, they will be exceptional. Find me.
Watch the skies, a white gryphon's adventures are afoot.
Soar Out.
That house I mentioned a few months ago. It's mine now. With some difficulty, but the deed is done, and now I need to build mews for my future falcons this summer.
Your friend has been keeping extraordinarily busy. Some pretty cool stuff going on in my professional life, with opportunities to do neat stuff, revolutionary stuff, and make a difference for a bunch of people. But it takes hard work, long, long days, to the max to get them going. (I fancy a new job title of "Chief Technology Gryphon". How's that sound?)
My fursuit workshop has suffered tremendously of course, and will be quiet for a while. It hurts to have so many 'first' ideas and projects remain so close yet so far, or even be seized by others with more free time, but guess sometimes you can't fly in two directions at once, gotta pick the battles. In the end, I know where my heart is and you can bet I'll be back to the crafting room with a vengeance. Before bird and bow takes up all my sunlit days, heh.
Neways, I'm heading to our no-so-little local Fureh party in a week. And then, Anthrocon and MFF! Gonna be super rockin' - work hard, PLAY HARD. I have to resist the temptation to give too much away about my plans for those cons, but suffice to say, they will be exceptional. Find me.
Watch the skies, a white gryphon's adventures are afoot.
Soar Out.
Final gryphon book kickstarter!
General | Posted 9 years agohttps://www.kickstarter.com/project.....mmer-king-chro
https://www.kickstarter.com/project.....mmer-king-chro
https://www.kickstarter.com/project.....mmer-king-chro
https://www.kickstarter.com/project.....mmer-king-chro
https://www.kickstarter.com/project.....mmer-king-chro
I'd imagine maybe a few of my watchers might just be fans of gryphons. If so, you're going to love this book by Jess Owen aka
coppergryfon
I can vouch for how awesome this series is! You don't want to miss this! And how awesome and adorable the kickstarter goodies are (https://twitter.com/JE_Owen/status/.....79634409189378) hehe.
https://www.kickstarter.com/project.....mmer-king-chro
https://www.kickstarter.com/project.....mmer-king-chro
https://www.kickstarter.com/project.....mmer-king-chro
https://www.kickstarter.com/project.....mmer-king-chro
I'd imagine maybe a few of my watchers might just be fans of gryphons. If so, you're going to love this book by Jess Owen aka
coppergryfonI can vouch for how awesome this series is! You don't want to miss this! And how awesome and adorable the kickstarter goodies are (https://twitter.com/JE_Owen/status/.....79634409189378) hehe.
Holy smokes I'm buying a house
General | Posted 10 years agoA house, people
A house
It has a shitload of trees and a big open yard I'm going to shoot arrows around and build snow forts in the winter. Because nobody will tell me I can't. I can string out a hammock and watch the aurora and stargaze at night cuz I'm far enough from Edmonton's light pollution.
I'm also going to build mews for mah falcons to chill in. Still figuring out how not to scare all the cute little birds away from the feeders because, yannow, falcons hunt other burds.
Don't ask me how I ended up out here out in the sticks of Alberta. But I got great friends around. They're just, yannow, all a 20 minute drive in any direction. But there's a post office in walking distance and that's good enough for me. The town general store even has a restaurant. The library is pretty ballin'. We're moving up in the world.
Sadly because of all the house things going on, and also real important work stuff, crafting progress on my resin falcon head and wings v3 is delayed until the next big con after VF.
Which is ANTHROCON.
That's right. Got a room at the WESTIN and it seems I'm going to be outnumbered by lovely angel dragon ladies in there. I can deal with this. Looking forward to meeting new friends and awesome artists and catching up with old ones there!
A house
It has a shitload of trees and a big open yard I'm going to shoot arrows around and build snow forts in the winter. Because nobody will tell me I can't. I can string out a hammock and watch the aurora and stargaze at night cuz I'm far enough from Edmonton's light pollution.
I'm also going to build mews for mah falcons to chill in. Still figuring out how not to scare all the cute little birds away from the feeders because, yannow, falcons hunt other burds.
Don't ask me how I ended up out here out in the sticks of Alberta. But I got great friends around. They're just, yannow, all a 20 minute drive in any direction. But there's a post office in walking distance and that's good enough for me. The town general store even has a restaurant. The library is pretty ballin'. We're moving up in the world.
Sadly because of all the house things going on, and also real important work stuff, crafting progress on my resin falcon head and wings v3 is delayed until the next big con after VF.
Which is ANTHROCON.
That's right. Got a room at the WESTIN and it seems I'm going to be outnumbered by lovely angel dragon ladies in there. I can deal with this. Looking forward to meeting new friends and awesome artists and catching up with old ones there!
Gryphinations #001 - FC 2016
General | Posted 10 years agoI'm coining this new term, gryphinations. As in gryphon ruminations. It's gonna be what I call my random writeups and musings and sometimes rants from now on, and this is the first of many to come, and it's about Further Confusion, and I'm from the department of redundancy department. And it's not much or very well written, because wow I need to hit the sack. But.
You know how sometimes you go on crazy adventures to places you've never been before, with fantastic creatures of all kinds that become friends and family, have so much fun, and you yourself change as well, into something greater and more true than your human self... you learn so much, you grow up, you come to the great end of the journey, when all is right in the world... and then the bloody alarm goes off and jerks you awake, and you have to put clothes on and brush your teeth and go to school or work or both, and it feels so strangely empty and missing something vital. You miss the place, the adventures. You feel a part of yourself is missing, that you left it behind. And you long to go back. You long to find yourself and your friends once again. But you can't, because it was just a dream.
But there's a white feather on your bed, and it wasn't there before. It looks so familiar. You feel the aching in your bones that were once wings.
Maybe it did happen. Maybe it's magic. Maybe it was real.
FC 2016 is like that dream and fantasy adventure. And I didn't end up with one white feather on the bed. There were forty of the damn things, wrapped in fur, in a crate blocking my door. There was a busted foam head that looks like it coulda been a falcon. And a few bits of art. And when I go to work and survive and get back, I open up my computer, and strangers from within that strange dream are pinging me all over social media. There's photographs. A white gryphon. That's you, they say. It was cool to meet you. To hang. To bird around, to monster around, to dance around together. I remember them, one by one. Names come back. Holy shit, yes, I was that gryphon, and all these fantastic critters and critters from timeless imaginations are my friends and compatriots, old and new.
The dream happened in cold, hard reality. The magic is real. And I think the point I'm trying to get at is that I'm realizing it's always been real, and always will be, if we seek it, find it, accept it.
Next con up is Vancoufur 2016 in March. Vancoufur 2015 was where and when I first brought a certain winged critter into physical being... and so now it's nearing my first full year. A special, wonderful, and ridiculous year.
Here's to many more. I can't wait.
Thank you to all you crazy amazing folks who made FC2016 such an incredible, fun time for this one bird. Especially all the amazing performers, creators and artists I had the privilege of meeting and learning from... it's been a special pleasure and will always be an inspiration.
hbruton, 
wolf-nymph, 
SandySchreiber, 
DarkNatasha, 
miiburd, 
foxamoore, 
peppercoyote, 
spottacus, 
syber, 
yellow-fr3ak, 
WhiteyFawks and Lance Ikagawa (who I can't seem to find online anywhere?)
You are awesome. You bring magic to this world. I raise my glass to you.
For those who I didn't get to meet... especially someone very special to me... I hope to see you in another dream soon. It's gonna be epic and trippy ;)
Sora out.
**The dream and feather thing actually literally happened to me when I was twelve or something. But that's another story.
You know how sometimes you go on crazy adventures to places you've never been before, with fantastic creatures of all kinds that become friends and family, have so much fun, and you yourself change as well, into something greater and more true than your human self... you learn so much, you grow up, you come to the great end of the journey, when all is right in the world... and then the bloody alarm goes off and jerks you awake, and you have to put clothes on and brush your teeth and go to school or work or both, and it feels so strangely empty and missing something vital. You miss the place, the adventures. You feel a part of yourself is missing, that you left it behind. And you long to go back. You long to find yourself and your friends once again. But you can't, because it was just a dream.
But there's a white feather on your bed, and it wasn't there before. It looks so familiar. You feel the aching in your bones that were once wings.
Maybe it did happen. Maybe it's magic. Maybe it was real.
FC 2016 is like that dream and fantasy adventure. And I didn't end up with one white feather on the bed. There were forty of the damn things, wrapped in fur, in a crate blocking my door. There was a busted foam head that looks like it coulda been a falcon. And a few bits of art. And when I go to work and survive and get back, I open up my computer, and strangers from within that strange dream are pinging me all over social media. There's photographs. A white gryphon. That's you, they say. It was cool to meet you. To hang. To bird around, to monster around, to dance around together. I remember them, one by one. Names come back. Holy shit, yes, I was that gryphon, and all these fantastic critters and critters from timeless imaginations are my friends and compatriots, old and new.
The dream happened in cold, hard reality. The magic is real. And I think the point I'm trying to get at is that I'm realizing it's always been real, and always will be, if we seek it, find it, accept it.
Next con up is Vancoufur 2016 in March. Vancoufur 2015 was where and when I first brought a certain winged critter into physical being... and so now it's nearing my first full year. A special, wonderful, and ridiculous year.
Here's to many more. I can't wait.
Thank you to all you crazy amazing folks who made FC2016 such an incredible, fun time for this one bird. Especially all the amazing performers, creators and artists I had the privilege of meeting and learning from... it's been a special pleasure and will always be an inspiration.
hbruton, 
wolf-nymph, 
SandySchreiber, 
DarkNatasha, 
miiburd, 
foxamoore, 
peppercoyote, 
spottacus, 
syber, 
yellow-fr3ak, 
WhiteyFawks and Lance Ikagawa (who I can't seem to find online anywhere?)You are awesome. You bring magic to this world. I raise my glass to you.
For those who I didn't get to meet... especially someone very special to me... I hope to see you in another dream soon. It's gonna be epic and trippy ;)
Sora out.
**The dream and feather thing actually literally happened to me when I was twelve or something. But that's another story.
A new year!
General | Posted 10 years agoMarking the turn of the calendar with an aurora, a starlit sky, good friends and good cheer. 2015 has been a fantastic year. Landmark, unparalleled in my humble earthly life. I know in my bones 2016 will be even more so. Onward into the new year with cherished hopes, fond memories, and no regrets!
I wish all you my friends the very best for this new year. May ya'll be happy, fulfilled, and fruitful. May you be equal to adventure, and find that which you seek. We only get one 2016, let's make it count!
I wish all you my friends the very best for this new year. May ya'll be happy, fulfilled, and fruitful. May you be equal to adventure, and find that which you seek. We only get one 2016, let's make it count!
2016 BRING IT ON
General | Posted 10 years agoSo, the past few days I've been doing oodles of strategic life planning, and it looks like 2016 will be the most awesome year yet in my entire life on Earth to date. By a wide margin. And I've had quite a few of these years on this rock, believe me, I've been places, and they ain't nearly as super as this!
Let's break it down...
March: Vancoufur, meeting old friends again and marking my first full year of fursuiting! The past year has been just wonderful, I can't believe how much has happened since then. And I am so not missing out on the nerf war this time! But not stopping there, right after the closing ceremonies I'm taking wing all the way across the ocean to Australia for some amazing adventures with furtitude <3 I just can't wait!
May: Quick little jaunt to Fur-eh, always fun times.
June: The best angel dragon in the world comes to visit! We'll totally have epic shenanigans and cavort around some breathtaking nature before rocking down to ANTHROCON! I'm totes getting supersponsor so we'll for sure have a room in the Westin for maximum fursuiting! Needless to say, super excited, my first time, I've no idea what's going to happen XD WHO ELSE IS GOING?
With such epic plans PCD might be force to be reckoned with for average existences, but it can just go take a hike, even in "mundane" work life I'm anticipating a summer full of new toys, productive milestones, random fursuit opportunities, and rambling around with friends and co-workers! As Calvin put it, the days are just PACKED!
September: Gonna build my mews, get me a falconry license and train a sparrowhawk! I'm going to be apokemon bird trainer!
I wanna be, the very best, like no one ever was ♫♪♬ To catch them is my real test, to train them is my cause! I will travel across the land, searching far and wide... teachpokemon falconiformes to understand, the power that's inside!
December: Midwest Furfest! I've heard so many awesome things about this con and been wanting to make it my US convention port of call every year from 2016 on. It's just perfect because December is a quiet period for work for me and it's nice and cool for fursuiting, I don't know why I never thought to go to MFF sooner! Suffice to say I'm actually even MORE stoked about this than AC. But it's still a year out so I'm not going to get all excited about it yet XD but I might be able to rock a final version 2 of my suit there ;D
The best part: My budget might actually balance despite all that insanity! If I'm disciplined about it. But with all that stuff going on, to sustain my bills and save enough for buying an eyrie, I'm putting full-on moratorium on art spending, new craft ventures and impulse purchases until 2017. Well, mostly. I'll probably meet so many of my favorite artists at AC for the first time in person and be compelled to throw every last penny of "disposable income" I have left at them XD
Anyway, that's 2016 for me!
BRING IT ON!
Let's break it down...
March: Vancoufur, meeting old friends again and marking my first full year of fursuiting! The past year has been just wonderful, I can't believe how much has happened since then. And I am so not missing out on the nerf war this time! But not stopping there, right after the closing ceremonies I'm taking wing all the way across the ocean to Australia for some amazing adventures with
furtitude <3 I just can't wait!May: Quick little jaunt to Fur-eh, always fun times.
June: The best angel dragon in the world comes to visit! We'll totally have epic shenanigans and cavort around some breathtaking nature before rocking down to ANTHROCON! I'm totes getting supersponsor so we'll for sure have a room in the Westin for maximum fursuiting! Needless to say, super excited, my first time, I've no idea what's going to happen XD WHO ELSE IS GOING?
With such epic plans PCD might be force to be reckoned with for average existences, but it can just go take a hike, even in "mundane" work life I'm anticipating a summer full of new toys, productive milestones, random fursuit opportunities, and rambling around with friends and co-workers! As Calvin put it, the days are just PACKED!
September: Gonna build my mews, get me a falconry license and train a sparrowhawk! I'm going to be a
I wanna be, the very best, like no one ever was ♫♪♬ To catch them is my real test, to train them is my cause! I will travel across the land, searching far and wide... teach
December: Midwest Furfest! I've heard so many awesome things about this con and been wanting to make it my US convention port of call every year from 2016 on. It's just perfect because December is a quiet period for work for me and it's nice and cool for fursuiting, I don't know why I never thought to go to MFF sooner! Suffice to say I'm actually even MORE stoked about this than AC. But it's still a year out so I'm not going to get all excited about it yet XD but I might be able to rock a final version 2 of my suit there ;D
The best part: My budget might actually balance despite all that insanity! If I'm disciplined about it. But with all that stuff going on, to sustain my bills and save enough for buying an eyrie, I'm putting full-on moratorium on art spending, new craft ventures and impulse purchases until 2017. Well, mostly. I'll probably meet so many of my favorite artists at AC for the first time in person and be compelled to throw every last penny of "disposable income" I have left at them XD
Anyway, that's 2016 for me!
BRING IT ON!
RF 2015 Report: This was a triumph!
General | Posted 10 years agoI'm making a note here: Huge success!
It's hard to overstate my satisfaction :p
---
Well, that RF meme post was getting a little old! I'm long overdue for an RF con report. Let's see, how shall we describe it... ah, yes. In one word, FANTASTIC!
So many new friends and fond memories, meeting wonderfully creative folks like crystumes, wolf-nymph, and hot damn did you see CopperGryfon's books!? A story series on gryphons, beautifully written and illustrated! Of course, I fell for the adorable plushies accompanying them. And maybe the author too. Whoops.
And all the cool birbs to hang out with, including
gyrflcn 
dolph, 
exdraghunt, 
keianza, 
~Ace~, and a random pidgeot and zapdos who I still need to find. Our avian contingent rocked the fursuit parade, first group right out the door, up front in the photograph! Still eagerly awaiting for the bird photoshoot to be uploaded.
Nerf war was a blast! Third round, most of my team wiped out, sprinting through the enemy base and taking out four totally shocked enemies point-blank like a raptor dive-bombing prey. Their expressions were priceless! Not often I get to be a little predatory like that, hehe.
Late Saturday night was a good time chilling with
korat, 
sixel, 
west, 
spyn0ff, crystumes and company in the lobby, doodling and shooting the breeze...
Learnt interesting things from some fursuiting panels, gryphoned around as much as I could, good conversations in the headless lounge, and had too much fun dancing around in suit giving my wings a great and hopefully graceful workout! And lastly, I came home with way too much con swag.
So, that was that. Last con of the year for me! It was a great pleasure to meet all of you, including many not mentioned! I hope to see you all at Vancoufur 2016!
Special thanks to Alexi who got me a room at the con hotel!
It's hard to overstate my satisfaction :p
---
Well, that RF meme post was getting a little old! I'm long overdue for an RF con report. Let's see, how shall we describe it... ah, yes. In one word, FANTASTIC!
So many new friends and fond memories, meeting wonderfully creative folks like
crystumes, wolf-nymph, and hot damn did you see CopperGryfon's books!? A story series on gryphons, beautifully written and illustrated! Of course, I fell for the adorable plushies accompanying them. And maybe the author too. Whoops. And all the cool birbs to hang out with, including
gyrflcn 
dolph, 
exdraghunt, 
keianza, 
~Ace~, and a random pidgeot and zapdos who I still need to find. Our avian contingent rocked the fursuit parade, first group right out the door, up front in the photograph! Still eagerly awaiting for the bird photoshoot to be uploaded. Nerf war was a blast! Third round, most of my team wiped out, sprinting through the enemy base and taking out four totally shocked enemies point-blank like a raptor dive-bombing prey. Their expressions were priceless! Not often I get to be a little predatory like that, hehe.
Late Saturday night was a good time chilling with
korat, 
sixel, 
west, 
spyn0ff, crystumes and company in the lobby, doodling and shooting the breeze...Learnt interesting things from some fursuiting panels, gryphoned around as much as I could, good conversations in the headless lounge, and had too much fun dancing around in suit giving my wings a great and hopefully graceful workout! And lastly, I came home with way too much con swag.
So, that was that. Last con of the year for me! It was a great pleasure to meet all of you, including many not mentioned! I hope to see you all at Vancoufur 2016!
Special thanks to Alexi who got me a room at the con hotel!
RF 2015 Meme
General | Posted 10 years agoTime for the TMI chain letter known as the CON MEME. Seriously, these things reproduce so fast one day they'll evolve intelligent life and form their own political systems. Then we're all in big trouble.
This meme was reproduced asexually from the one on West 's journal.
Anyway I am going to RAINFURREST! This will be my fricken first time ever to a BIG con (as in, several thousand people), first time to a con in the US, first time I'm flying and shuttling to a con hotel, and first time I'm staying for more then 3 nights. That's a LOT of firsts. I'm terrified and excited at the same time.
- Staying at:
Hilton Seattle Airport and Conf Centre (Con hotel, I'm so excited! Many thanks to Alexi.)
- Arrival and Departure?
Wednesday afternoon and Tuesday morning. Getting the FULL EXPERIENCE.
- Mode of transportation:
Flying, of course! In a metal tin can hurtling through the sky with a hundred other bored humans. Because the flapping-gliding type of flying would take something like a whole week.
- Rooming with:
Keianza and 
errolthedragon. Debating looking for a third roomie Wed-Sat since Keianza will only be there on Saturday night...
- Who will I see you with?
ALL OF THE BIRDS. And anything else with wings. OUR FLOCK WILL BLOT OUT THE SUN.
- Con Plans:
FURSUITING. I shall birb around as often as I can for as long as I can. Dances, too, see how the new wings hold up to crazy energetic movements. I'm also looking forward to many panels, throwing my money at creative people I've been watching forever, and having as much fun as is conceivably legal. I'll probably also set up nest somewhere with all my gear to make incremental improvements to my new fursuit and wings, which will probably arrive only partially finished because I'm sooo running out of time. (My first Vancoufur I spent 90% of my time in the headless lounge working on my suit, it was crazy.)
- How can I find you?
Big white gryphon. Can't miss. My wings block the entire hallway.
- Do you do free art?
What is this freeart everyone keeps talking about? I've never seen or heard of it.
- Do you do trades?
Sure. Have JARVIS and MUFG, need ADA.
- Do you do commissions?
It depends.
- Will you have Art in the Art Show?
Probably never.
- Will you be going to parties?
Only the most amazing.
- Will you be performing?
I can perform CPR and... certain other things, if it came to that. But generally not for the viewing public :p
- Smoke?
No, and the only thing that will be smoking is your ass after I set it on fire if you try to smoke around me. Vaps are fine, just don't set the alarms off.
- Drink?
Only in good company.
- Gender:
I occasionally suffer from the affliction known as "morning wood".
- Can I hug you?
Read the body language, and watch out for the beak and wings. Gryphons can be good huggers (I know, we're all fluffy) but my feathers can be really stabby.
- Can I talk to you?
Sure! Or at least, you can try! I tend to move around pretty fast, so as Kage puts it, "walk with me" :p
- Will you be at any panels?
Lots! I've already packed my sched.org thingey with all the amazing things I want to attend. Gotta remember to print that.
- Can I buy you drinks?
Are you sure?
- How old are you?
3³ in human years.
- Single or Taken?
Single and free!
- What suits will you have?
Gyrfalcon gryphon, winged, hopefully digitigrade.
- How tall?
Somewhere between 160 and 170 cm.
- Can I take pictures of you?
Of course! In fact, please pose me if you want, I have NO idea what a given pose looks like on camera because I've rarely seen myself in suit in a mirror.
- How can I get your attention?
As I discovered from Vancoufur, "BIRD!", "GRYPHON!" and variations thereof work unexpectedly well. Given how many other gryphons are going to be there though, you may be mobbed. Exercise caution :p
This meme was reproduced asexually from the one on
West 's journal.Anyway I am going to RAINFURREST! This will be my fricken first time ever to a BIG con (as in, several thousand people), first time to a con in the US, first time I'm flying and shuttling to a con hotel, and first time I'm staying for more then 3 nights. That's a LOT of firsts. I'm terrified and excited at the same time.
- Staying at:
Hilton Seattle Airport and Conf Centre (Con hotel, I'm so excited! Many thanks to Alexi.)
- Arrival and Departure?
Wednesday afternoon and Tuesday morning. Getting the FULL EXPERIENCE.
- Mode of transportation:
Flying, of course! In a metal tin can hurtling through the sky with a hundred other bored humans. Because the flapping-gliding type of flying would take something like a whole week.
- Rooming with:
Keianza and 
errolthedragon. Debating looking for a third roomie Wed-Sat since Keianza will only be there on Saturday night...- Who will I see you with?
ALL OF THE BIRDS. And anything else with wings. OUR FLOCK WILL BLOT OUT THE SUN.
- Con Plans:
FURSUITING. I shall birb around as often as I can for as long as I can. Dances, too, see how the new wings hold up to crazy energetic movements. I'm also looking forward to many panels, throwing my money at creative people I've been watching forever, and having as much fun as is conceivably legal. I'll probably also set up nest somewhere with all my gear to make incremental improvements to my new fursuit and wings, which will probably arrive only partially finished because I'm sooo running out of time. (My first Vancoufur I spent 90% of my time in the headless lounge working on my suit, it was crazy.)
- How can I find you?
Big white gryphon. Can't miss. My wings block the entire hallway.
- Do you do free art?
What is this freeart everyone keeps talking about? I've never seen or heard of it.
- Do you do trades?
Sure. Have JARVIS and MUFG, need ADA.
- Do you do commissions?
It depends.
- Will you have Art in the Art Show?
Probably never.
- Will you be going to parties?
Only the most amazing.
- Will you be performing?
I can perform CPR and... certain other things, if it came to that. But generally not for the viewing public :p
- Smoke?
No, and the only thing that will be smoking is your ass after I set it on fire if you try to smoke around me. Vaps are fine, just don't set the alarms off.
- Drink?
Only in good company.
- Gender:
I occasionally suffer from the affliction known as "morning wood".
- Can I hug you?
Read the body language, and watch out for the beak and wings. Gryphons can be good huggers (I know, we're all fluffy) but my feathers can be really stabby.
- Can I talk to you?
Sure! Or at least, you can try! I tend to move around pretty fast, so as Kage puts it, "walk with me" :p
- Will you be at any panels?
Lots! I've already packed my sched.org thingey with all the amazing things I want to attend. Gotta remember to print that.
- Can I buy you drinks?
Are you sure?
- How old are you?
3³ in human years.
- Single or Taken?
Single and free!
- What suits will you have?
Gyrfalcon gryphon, winged, hopefully digitigrade.
- How tall?
Somewhere between 160 and 170 cm.
- Can I take pictures of you?
Of course! In fact, please pose me if you want, I have NO idea what a given pose looks like on camera because I've rarely seen myself in suit in a mirror.
- How can I get your attention?
As I discovered from Vancoufur, "BIRD!", "GRYPHON!" and variations thereof work unexpectedly well. Given how many other gryphons are going to be there though, you may be mobbed. Exercise caution :p
Big changes coming and a packed August
General | Posted 10 years agoOkay, so, let's set the scene here. Projects have been stalled for the past couple months, thanks to a rather hectic overload at work. 10-14 hour days, and a smattering of worked weekends and 18 hour days as well. (Overtime pay? What's that?) It's just the nature of the work, and apparently I still haven't learnt to say no.
Anyway, last year around this time, I was in a similar situation and finally had enough, going "screw this, I'm out of here." I packed up and flew to my nest in Toronto, and from there, away from workplace errands and distractions, tackled and wrapped up projects like a boss. What followed was a delightful period of independence and creativity; I built my fursuit in that period, met new friends, and had a lot of fun, while still maintaining some income. But various complicated and overwhelming forces converged and compelled me to reverse course. Don't you just hate it when that happens?
I did the best I could with what I had at the time, and that led me to where I am now, in Edmonton working my tail feathers off on a project that started out fantastic but quickly lost its lustre - not because it isn't awesome and fun stuff (it is! It's kinda hush-hush but at the same time I get a kick out of showing authorized contacts what I'm working on, and seeing their eyes widen in amazement and they getting all excited), but because even something awesome and fun can become a bane when you're burned out on it, and piled with a thousand unrelated responsibilities on the side.
Things have changed in a big way since then. I'm now a landed immigrant, which is like frickin' emancipation. The things that forced my hand earlier are now backing off. I've climbed the mountain and hiked the range, and it'll soon be time to carefully glide down the other side. Now, concerted and more robust plans are in motion to break out of the cycle of burnout. I'm going to take the leap without looking back.
So I'm moving! Again. Fairly complicated maneuvers this time, which will take up the whole of August in stages; I'm flying to Toronto in a couple weeks, packing up, selling anything that can't fit into a box, and putting everything on a moving truck headed West. (Side trip to Niagara Falls with
lanakila and hbruton!) Then I return to pack up my place in Edmonton, and put everything on a Jeep headed south. When all the moves are complete and all the paperwork is squared away, it's time to take a well-earned break in BC to visit friends (
gishkishenh, keianza), commemorate getting older, and help errolthedragon with some nest renovations. I imagine hitting things with hammers will be an excellent way to de-stress!
In the bigger picture, I'm moving in with a friend in a small, quiet town near to a raptor rehab centre. It's a perfect place for my plans for the fall: Working on my second fursuit prototype for Rainfurrest, finally returning to an industry client who has been patiently waiting for a large commission all this time, and beginning some new ventures in the crafting/fursuit/electronics department. Also maybe I get to help heal some birds.
I'm too burnt out to be excited but I'm kind of regarding the coming months with a mellow kind of happiness, eagerness and determination that it'll all work out.
Anyway, last year around this time, I was in a similar situation and finally had enough, going "screw this, I'm out of here." I packed up and flew to my nest in Toronto, and from there, away from workplace errands and distractions, tackled and wrapped up projects like a boss. What followed was a delightful period of independence and creativity; I built my fursuit in that period, met new friends, and had a lot of fun, while still maintaining some income. But various complicated and overwhelming forces converged and compelled me to reverse course. Don't you just hate it when that happens?
I did the best I could with what I had at the time, and that led me to where I am now, in Edmonton working my tail feathers off on a project that started out fantastic but quickly lost its lustre - not because it isn't awesome and fun stuff (it is! It's kinda hush-hush but at the same time I get a kick out of showing authorized contacts what I'm working on, and seeing their eyes widen in amazement and they getting all excited), but because even something awesome and fun can become a bane when you're burned out on it, and piled with a thousand unrelated responsibilities on the side.
Things have changed in a big way since then. I'm now a landed immigrant, which is like frickin' emancipation. The things that forced my hand earlier are now backing off. I've climbed the mountain and hiked the range, and it'll soon be time to carefully glide down the other side. Now, concerted and more robust plans are in motion to break out of the cycle of burnout. I'm going to take the leap without looking back.
So I'm moving! Again. Fairly complicated maneuvers this time, which will take up the whole of August in stages; I'm flying to Toronto in a couple weeks, packing up, selling anything that can't fit into a box, and putting everything on a moving truck headed West. (Side trip to Niagara Falls with
lanakila and hbruton!) Then I return to pack up my place in Edmonton, and put everything on a Jeep headed south. When all the moves are complete and all the paperwork is squared away, it's time to take a well-earned break in BC to visit friends (
gishkishenh, keianza), commemorate getting older, and help errolthedragon with some nest renovations. I imagine hitting things with hammers will be an excellent way to de-stress!In the bigger picture, I'm moving in with a friend in a small, quiet town near to a raptor rehab centre. It's a perfect place for my plans for the fall: Working on my second fursuit prototype for Rainfurrest, finally returning to an industry client who has been patiently waiting for a large commission all this time, and beginning some new ventures in the crafting/fursuit/electronics department. Also maybe I get to help heal some birds.
I'm too burnt out to be excited but I'm kind of regarding the coming months with a mellow kind of happiness, eagerness and determination that it'll all work out.
The gryphon has landed!
General | Posted 10 years agoThe time of waiting and apprehension is finally over. So, too, is the immigration rite of passage I embarked upon fourteen months ago, when I gathered my documents and began the immense undertaking of applying to become a permanent resident in Canada.
On Monday, at the Chief Mountain border crossing straddling the divide between Glacier and Waterton National Parks, I crossed the 49th parallel and landed in Canada for the first time as an immigrant amidst the splendour of the Rocky Mountains. It was a beautiful sunny day, a day of solace, fulfillment and new beginnings.
Thank you all again for your support, prayers, well wishes, and encouragement. Your kind words have helped me through some of the toughest days of my life, as my future hung in the balance between limbo and freedom. I'm so happy to be able to share this good news with you :)
The first days of my new life now are filled with adventure, with many plans and dreams about the things to come. (Like Rainfurrest!) The best is yet to be!
On Monday, at the Chief Mountain border crossing straddling the divide between Glacier and Waterton National Parks, I crossed the 49th parallel and landed in Canada for the first time as an immigrant amidst the splendour of the Rocky Mountains. It was a beautiful sunny day, a day of solace, fulfillment and new beginnings.
Thank you all again for your support, prayers, well wishes, and encouragement. Your kind words have helped me through some of the toughest days of my life, as my future hung in the balance between limbo and freedom. I'm so happy to be able to share this good news with you :)
The first days of my new life now are filled with adventure, with many plans and dreams about the things to come. (Like Rainfurrest!) The best is yet to be!
