Oh hi there, journal reader. It’s Jake. I’m alive. Awake, alert, functioning, working (thank God), and managing.

Been kinda quiet on here for a little while. Just here; I’m very active on Twitter and Telegram plus in real life, hanging out with all my friends at cons and meets and everywhere in between. Of course with the current state of affairs with a lot of people getting sick with this new thing called COVID-19, I’m keeping my distance and staying safe and healthy on my own. I am thriving actually. The fact I still go to work like normal is great (got to feed and supply everyone at the grocery store). Makes me feel important. I have a reason to be a workhorse now. I’m “essential.” I feel needed, and that’s what’s keeping me afloat and mentally positive during these uncertain and difficult times.

I want to commission art again now. Haven’t done that much for a really good reason: saving up for that fursuit! Which I received back in early March. I need to post some photos of my boy Jake, who is a fullsuit built by CityMuttFursuit.

So basically TL;DR: I got my suit, I want new art, and I’m doing well these days. Check me out on Twitter since I’m really active there these days, either my main jakebayhorse or my AD @jakebayAD, where I post more kinky stuff. And to all my new recent watchers, THANKS! I know a few of you guys because we’re in some Telegram chats/Discord servers together.

❤️🐴 Jake

It’s the Wednesday after MFF 2019 that I’m writing this, finally having a day to just relax. Maybe run a few errands but other than that? Just not do anything crazy.

Can I just say that MFF ‘19 was the best con of my life so far? It really was. Being my eighth con overall and second time attending, the amount of socializing I did was more than I ever have done before. The trick is to make friends/acquaintances at every con, then depending on if the interaction was memorable, say hey to them again! They were just as happy to see me as I was to see them. Simple? Yeah, but it works well. I tend to think I’m a nice horse guy so I guess people like me.

I had a good friend I met last year from Nebraska  alexthehorse who followed me around taking pictures of me. Using both his camera and my phone camera I probably amassed at least a hundred pics and videos, most of which turned out amazingly. Still need to edit a lot of them so they can be REALLY good. Might finally post some suit photos here so you furs who only watch me here can see Ariat in action.

Cons about the con? (Ha haaaa) Not many. Registration process was better. I sponsored so I got in early, then breezed through the line right when it opened. But then when seven staffers were just calling out at the same time everyone’s funny and clever badge names (my favorites were just “S” and “Water is just diet pee,” plus “Murrsuit Jesus,” all from good friends of mine), I almost lost hope. Stood there thirty minutes watching the chaos unfold. Finally a guy gave me my badge when he saw my character badge on. “Jake Bay” was in my hands and I then went and got my sponsor gifts. MFF staff need to get their heads together better when it comes to just working the con in general. It’s too unorganized. Other smaller cons have registration pretty much down. Why can’t the biggest furcon in the world do that? I’ll never know.

Besides registration, there was the practical problem of not being able to see everyone you wanted. And if you did, some interactions were waaaay too brief. Luckily the hoofer friends I have got together and organized a room party the first night of the con, then we went to dinner a couple times later. I can’t say the same for everyone who attended, but having a long list of friends/acquaintances attending at the same time helps. And some will be more than happy to see you. It’s like stars aligning, but mostly just pure luck and good timing. Enjoy the moments and go with the flow. Keeping plans open is important for large cons because most plans will fall through.

MFF was a magical con. All the cons I went to were really amazing in their own unique way, but my overall experience this con was a bit more complete this time. The best part is that it was actually documented well for once. The next con will be Texas Furry Fiesta in Dallas, Texas! See you there.

Hey y’all.

I’m attending ASE in Chattanooga, TN this weekend! It’s a small con in its second year. I’ve got a bunch of local fur friends going, plus I’ll get to see all the cool Chattanooga furs I met last year. I’ll be suiting as Ariat. Just look for the pretty blonde horse! See ya there.

-Jake

Okay y'all, so I have to say one thing: my second FWA was an all-out blast.

I had a nice cozy room on the fifth floor of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis at the end of the walkway. Didn't have to use the elevators most of the time, instead I just hoofed it up and down the staircase when I wasn't suiting. As far as the elevators, using them wasn't NEARLY as bad as elevatorcon 2018. The reg line took only five minutes for me. It seemed like everything worked at this con 100%. The con was also relatively drama- and issue-free, save for a friend of mine who collapsed on an escalator (he's okay) and a questionable character attending who should be banned from all cons. (You probably know who I'm referring to...maybe Growly?) Overall, very much a smooth operation of a convention.

I got to hang out with all sorts of friends, some I hadn't seen since MFF or last FWA, local and otherwise. And I got to actually spend a good amount of time with them instead of seeing them for a minute then having to go elsewhere. FWA has become an important annual tradition of mine and I'll be back every year from here on out. I'll have both my horse guys with me next year, Jake and Ariat, as well.

Until that happens, I'll see y'all at Anthrocon in July! Peace.

So. Much. Art!

Yeah, that last journal means nothing now. Owed commissions started arriving in my chats and inbox and they haven’t really stopped yet, plus I’m starting to commission again so it’s a never-ending stream of art coming my way. I’m gonna have to stop sometime, otherwise RIP my wallet for FWA. (I got a good paying job so I’m good)

Thanks for all the new watches and faves guys. It really means so much to me.

-Jake

Oh hey guys. I haven't been asked this by anyone but to anyone wondering, I'm still here, kinda lurking and checking out what's new. I'll admit I haven't commissioned any art at all for a little while. Good news is that I've got some owed art from my good friend CandyMare coming soon (when that will be, not sure, but she's got a lot on her plate right now so it's okay. *big hugs!*), and a daki commission from Sabretoothed Ermine that I'm really looking forward to. My focus right now is being able to save up for my Jake fursuit! It'll be made in the following few months and possibly will be debuted at FWA in May at the earliest. I'm really excited for that coming up. Commissions will happen of my characters, just not that frequently.

Alright, y'all. I have to say that MFF was one of the craziest and best cons I've been to. I felt at times I was trying to fit too much into a limited schedule, even though I did have plenty of time to do what I wanted. That's what happens when you want to do everything and see everyone. It's just not feasible. Especially when the convention hits over ten thousand attendees! It takes a lot out of you, but you know, I had fun still.

I saw old friends, new friends and plenty of fursuiters I've been wanting to see in person. The panels I went to were fun: How to DJ, hoofers (thanks Rainstorm), conquering PCD. I brought my Ariat fursuit but didn't wear him very much. Having a hotel about three miles from conspace contributed to why. The times I did fursuit were brief and it was only for dances. MFF is one of the best cons to fursuit at due to the cold weather outside, I have to say.

The only bad part was not being able to plan hangout times or time to go eat with a group. I felt my timing was bad at times plus some friends of mine were so busy that any plans at all were always a big question mark. I remedied that by just finding food on my own or just inviting myself into an existing group with people I didn't know. I just went for it and it turned out great. Ended up joining a couple of Telegram chats and gained one or two more watchers here in the process! Most importantly, I gained about ten new friends that night.

I learned a lot about how to make friends in somewhat chaotic social situations at this con. At one point, I was told that friendship happens organically and over time. I felt like I was forcing myself to be friends with a few people and that didn't work too well for me. Once I stepped back mentally, then went to the dance that night suiting as Ariat, I let those feelings sink in. Fun happens at every furcon, but you learn a lot as well, and that's actually more important. I'll definitely be back next year with a different outlook. It'll take a little while to process the fun I had at MFF. It really was a great time.

-used courtesy of/stolen from  Gerce-

Where are you staying?
The Hilton across the street until Sunday then the Hyatt Sunday and Monday

What day are you getting there?
Thursday

Who will you be rooming with?
My friends Breeze, Kaleb and Nate

Who will you hang out with during the convention?
Uhhhh...everyone I can!

What is the best way to find you?
Telegram jake_bay or twitter jakebayhorse

Are there any panels you might be attending?
Any of them hosted by friends of mine, otherwise I'll see what's scheduled!

What do you look like?
A guy with really short hair, glasses, beard wearing a horse tail.

Will you be suiting?
Yes I will! But not too much. I'll be in Ariat, my other horse character.

What is your gender?
Male

How tall are you?
5'11"

Are you mated/in a relationship?
Nope.

Can I talk to you?
Sure! I'd love to.

Can I touch you?
Uh, yeah? Hugs are required but ask for anything more.

Can I visit your room?
Maybe? I'll invite you if I want, plus I gotta ask my roomies if it's okay.

Can I buy you drinks?
Sure!

Can I give you stuff?
Of course!

How long are you going?
Thursday afternoon through Monday morning.

Will you be going to parties?
I'd love to! Let me know.

Will you be performing?
Yes, in fursuit, but that's about it.

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Yell out "Jake!" or "Ariat!" Treats work too...(horse joke)

Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
Sure you can!

Can I take your picture?
Yes please!

What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
To have fun, make more friends than I EVER have in my life, make memories. All that.

Hey, everyone. So close to a hundred watchers! I can't thank y'all enough for that. It means a huge deal to me that you love my art enough to follow this simple horse guy. Really appreciate it!

I'm writing this journal with intent to set the record straight. I've done some reflecting for a month or two about something I think is a big deal to me, even though it's normal in the furry fandom. In the past year (I've called myself furry for exactly a year this month) I've come to the realization that I might be closer to the LGBT community than I thought. Mind you, I've had just a few passing thoughts about it in the past few years before joining the fandom. But without going into more personal details, I just want to say this.

I'm bisexual.

I am taking baby steps on this though. Still feel that I'm figuring out my true feelings. Telling people in the fandom that I was straight just felt a little inaccurate. I'm glad I typed this out after sitting on the right words to say. I'll tell others in the coming months as I feel more comfortable. There is no time table for the coming out process for me. I'll do it my way. Nonetheless, I've never felt stronger emotionally. We'll see what happens.

I'm happy I'm in this community with so many open-minded people. I really don't have any lofty goals identifying as LGBT, such as societal rights. I just want to be true to myself and others. Thanks for reading.

-Jake

Hey look, a Megaplex meme. Taken from  BoomerangT3h1337. See you there!

Where are you staying?
The main hotel, Doubletree Hilton Orlando at Seaworld

What day are you getting there?
Friday

Who will you be rooming with?
No one, just myself

Who will you hang out with during the convention?
All my friends! Duh!! Oh yeah, and some cool new people as well.

What is the best way to find you?
Look for that guy with buzz cut hair, glasses, and beard wearing a black horse tail. Or I'll be in either one of my fursuit partials: the black lion with blue hair or the horse with blonde hair. If you want to contact me, I'm on telegram (@jake_bay) and Twitter (@jakebayhorse) and we'll meet up and hang!

Are there any panels you might be attending?
We'll see, maybe one hosted by my friend  RawrJesse, other than that I'll play by ear or go to what looks good when.

What do you look like?
See above^

Will you be suiting?
Yes! I'll be in my adopted fursuit partials Ariat, the Arabian horse, and Rutherford the black lion.

What is your gender?
Male

How tall are you?
I'd say 5'11"

Are you mated/in a relationship?
Nope. Single.

Can I talk to you?
Is that why I go to cons?... Of course you can! It's no fun to not talk to people.

Can I touch you?
Ummm...sure? Hugs and handshakes are great. Beyond that, we'll see.

Can I visit your room?
Sure! I don't mind company at all, but please respect my privacy when I want it. I'm kind of a solitary horse.

Can I buy you drinks?
Sure! No sodas please though. Don't like em.

Can I give you stuff?
Yeah sure! I love gifts.

How long are you going?
I'm arriving Friday evening and leaving sometime on Monday.

Will you be going to parties?
Sure! Let me know! I'll be there.

Will you be performing?
If fursuiting is performing then yes. Not much other than that.

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Call out "Jake!" Or "Horse!" If I'm in them, Rutherford or Ariat is fine too.

Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
Please do! I'd like you to be with me if you want.

Can I take your picture?
Of course! Especially in my suits. Out of em is fine too.

What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
I just want to have fun, see friends, meet new ones, see some cool suits, party, fursuit, buy stuff, swim at the pool, eat good. Remind me of what I've forgotten, I have to do that too!

I am pleased to announce that I'm attending Megaplex 2018! It'll be my first time there and can't wait to go. I'll be suiting as Ariat, my Arabian horse character, who will reunite with his creator, BlasterBlurby of CityMuttFursuits. I personally can't wait to meet her myself. See you there if you're going!

Hey, everyone. I just want to give you an update on stuff.

I'm really enjoying life at the moment. Work is good and not intrusive, funding all of my furry activities among other things. I started commissioning art again and really going outside my comfort zone this time. I'm getting a piece done by the fantastic  sabretoothedermine (always wanted something from her) and a comic from  brushfire. My recent piece from  venlightchaser has quickly become one of my absolute favorites and has gotten great reception from everyone I know. The common thread of these commissions will be the fact that I'm taking the NSFW factor up a notch. I guess this is a reaction to me being so reserved as a person my whole life. I'm tired of being that way and it's giving me great release emotionally. I should say this though, if you're looking to find a weird fetish of mine you'll be *just* slightly disappointed. I'll just be showing off my bad self and getting some action. It'll be fun.

Also, I have some fursuit news! As you all know, I commissioned  citymuttfursuits a while back and am getting a suit of my main sona Jake Bay. A month later, I got Rutherford at FWA from my friend Ann. Now I have a third character! His name is Ariat, a dark brown Arabian horse with a blonde mane and tail. He'll be around very soon.

Man, I had a wonderful time at FWA 2018. I hung out with a bunch of friends, met some cool fursuiters, got some art and badges of my horse guy, danced at a couple raves-with and without my suit, and had a room to myself on the first floor of the Marriott Marquis. I met Gale Frostbane who is an absolute joy to be around. I'll never forget her running around with her inflatable space shuttle. I also met her mate, Strobes, plus Majira Strawberry, Zabu the Sergal, KitKat Cabbit and DJ Recca. Plenty of pictures were taken and I'll post them soon here. A bunch are on my Twitter account already. I've spent the last week recovering from the excitement, plus a bit of con crud for two days after I got home. I'm back to feeling good and will start sharing my photos and art from FWA very soon. Cheers!

Woo! FWA coming up! Here's another meme, yo. The cool kids seem to all do one.

Convention's Name:
Furry Weekend Atlanta

- Website:
http://www.furryweekend.com/

- Days staying:
Thursday-Monday


- Staying at:
Main Hotel-Marriott Marquis Atlanta


- How are you traveling?
Driving from Kennesaw, Ga to the Dunwoody MARTA station, then riding the train towards the hotel


- Who are you rooming with?
Just myself through Sunday morning then with my friend Ann and her mate Alex through Monday morning


- Who will you be with?
All my friends, new people, fursuiters. Basically everybody.


- Fursuit(s)?
Yes! I'm getting one at the con. A black lion with a blue mane. His name will be Rutherford. He looks like this: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/26899444/


- How is the best way to contact you?
Telegram jake_bay

- What do you look like out of suit?
A fairly tall guy with really short hair, glasses and beard wearing a horse tail


- What is your gender?
Male


- How old are you?
30

- Are you mated/in a relationship?
Nope...


- Can I talk to you?
Of course you can!


- Can I hug and/or snuggle you?
I love hugs! We'll see about the snuggling.


- Can I visit your room?
Please ask first. You can but I want my privacy.


- Are you nice?
Yes of course, but don't do the bad things. I won't be then.


- Are you fursuiting?
Now that I have a suit, yes!


- Can I try on your suit?
We'll see. Hopefully you won't be sick...


- Where will you be eating?
Anywhere. There's a bunch of places to eat at nearby! I'll be checking out the god level suite too.


- Can I come to dinner with you?
If you can catch me!


- Can I ask ya to dance with me during the dances?
If you want to, sure! I'm not very good and you're probably better than me. Just warning you...


- Do you smoke/do drugs/drink/vape?
Nope/Maybe... /Yes/Nope.


- Can I buy you drinks?
Sure you can!


- Do you attend parties?
Let me know! I'll come.


- Can I take your picture?
Sure! Let me know first cause I want it to be a good pic.


- Attending any events?
If I can fit it in my schedule, yes!


- What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
Being furry for four days straight, meeting new people, seeing friends, snapping pics with suiters, fursuiting, and you know, HAVING FUN!

It's official! I'm now a future fursuiter!

I will be bringing my beloved Jake Bay to life as early as the end of this year. He will be made by the lovely  blasterblurby of  citymuttfursuits. Jake will be a fullsuit with many cool features that I'll tell you about later. Right now, I'm ecstatic about getting him and this fulfills my goal of having a suit by next year. I'll be figuring out how to perform and interact as Jake in the meantime, as well as reading up on how to maintain the suit. At FWA, I'll plan on attending as many fursuiting panels as I can.

FWA is in ONE MONTH. I'll see you there? Hope so. Take care.

Jake

Before I begin, I want to say thank you for all the kind words, shouts and faves. You are all fantastic and I appreciate you so very much.

As some of you know I'll be attending FWA in TWO MONTHS! *excited internal screaming* I have my room, registration and, most important, budget all lined up for this con. I hope to meet all sorts of cool furs and hang out with all my friends from furmeets around Atlanta I see a few times a month. Maybe borrow a suit from a friend for a while too? I think yes.

It'll be my first con of ANY kind and I've heard FWA is a blast. I know it will be. Helpful hints, tips and suggestions are highly encouraged. Just comment below. I'm just gonna have lots of fun and, you know, horse around! (Couldn't help it, I had to say that, cause I am and I will)

I'll be the guy with short hair, glasses, and a swishy black horse tail. Come say hi and hang out. I give free hugs too to everyone.

Happy conventioning,
Jake Bay

Hey everyone. I'd like to send a shout-out to all of you watching me and faving my submissions. Thank you for all the kind words. You all liking my commissioned art, photos and my own character really means a lot to me. Everyone I've met so far in this fandom are some of the nicest people I've ever met. The good vibes I'm experiencing are reflected back to everyone I know, furry or not.

I'm celebrating my birthday all weekend long this time. Went to a furmeet down in Atlanta Saturday with about 20ish furs and had a good old time. I tried on a friend's two heads and got some pics of me wearing them at the after party. I became a fox/horse thing for a bit. My horse plushie was also a hit with everyone. Today (Sunday) it's raining all day so I'm not doing much other than things around the house.

My birthday (Monday, January 29) is tomorrow and I'm so happy to be turning 30. I'm feeling really good about life right now in general. Looking forward to what's to come.

*insert subliminal message about receiving gift art for my birthday*

Cheers everyone!
Your friendly neighborhood horse Jake

It's so cold!

Today we went from an overcast day in the 50s to having snow and temps in the 20s. All within a couple hours time this evening. Supposed to get down to 13 (!) in the morning for a low. We're in Georgia! Hey, it happens. We also have a good layer of snow. Way less than an inch, but that's better than the ten inches we had right before Christmas.

Glad I don't have to work tomorrow. I can sleep in and stay warm under my blanket and my new 60" plushie bay horse. "IT'S SO FLUFFY!"

Happy weathering!
Your friendly neighborhood horse Jake

It's a few days into the new year and I'm so stoked about it!

Since I joined the fandom last October (2017), I feel reinvigorated and have a new outlook on life. I created my fursona of a music-loving bay stallion. I met some furry friends that hold meets every month. My sister's friend drew my first ref sheet and badge. I have two commissions coming my way soon. And I have my registration and hotel booked for FWA in April. My first con ever, of any kind representing a fandom.

I'm setting up a Twitter account (I'm @jakebayhorse) and trying to figure out that stuff so feel free to follow me if you want to there. Of course do that here too. And I'll do the same for you if you're cool enough!

I plan on commissioning more artists, maybe getting worked into a comic, posting some music (I have Syntronik and GarageBand and some other synth apps on my iPad) and WHO KNOWS what else here on FA. I'm just getting started with this furry stuff. Not bad for someone about to turn 30. Hey, better late than never I say.

Cheers!
Jake