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Where were we again?
General | Posted 10 years agoOkay, lessee, how we going to do this?
I guess I should say for starters I've been putting this off, but not intentionally as longa s I have, there's currently zero progress on the new DfD list, HOWEVER I am happy to say that I should ave at least one, if not two pics done by week's end, so, we'll see how that battleground finds me, but the lack of progress is demotivating in itself, and has me almost shying away a litle
So, say for instance, when I broke my ankle back about Independence weekend, I was maybe reluctant to post up a journal
[EDIT: Actually rambled some, so here seems' best bit to INSERT what happened!]
Me and Jeri went on a big long walk, taking Rascal out to give her some exercise and to give ourselves just a good bit of air and time for some quiet, and before you know it, we gravitated to the park, and acted like complete and utter doofs when we started playing around, getting on the swings back and forth, her pushing me and just, it was utterly stupid, but wonderful, just that everything got all warm and fuzzy, we got to just let loose and act like a pair of kids, right up until a woman appeared with two ACTUAL children and gave us a collective 'what the hell' look and I broke first with the embarrassment and we made our way away
So yeah, survived a set of embarrassing stories and instead of ANY number of things I could have done to get injured, we walk away, and as happened to pass by another poor soul with a pair of crutches, they reach over to grab something from a backpack, which angles them JUST right with the crutches still clutched in their other hand, just at the right angle to catch my ankle and trip me up
Soooo, yup, in addition to my still cast clad arm, also got me the leg up to the knee in good old plaster of paris fashionwear XP
Did not help that I was deep in the moping that week, and there was just a this utter lethargy and apathy that I was giving off, that quite frankly made me rather antisocial and bleh, and literally did NOTHING for a week, seriously, I'd pick up books and just toss them down after a few pages, even TV was just like a background noise going on
Jeri commented that she thought maybe it was a new set of meds and me just having a really bad reaction to them, but I think maybe she's just trying to make me feel better there
And of course, it REALLY didn't help that once again, our net died out, the whole area and cells went down, Jeri got called in to work on an emergency standby and thus all went to a bit of hell for the silent few days
So yeah, was not a fun week, but finally the weekend was Magic Origins prerelease, it felt like I'd been a while at the store and I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to play with brand new cards, by hell or high water I'd had a horrible week and needed something to destress
Jeepers that was a worthwhile few hours, it was nice to see that I'd been missed, no sooner than I entered did I get a bunch of requests to help kids and new players out, so, I got sorted and helped encourage some new players, which is always a worthwhile bit of effort~
And this was even before opening the box!
Inside popped a promo Jace Vryn's Prodigy, along with a kytheon not even in my colors! This was all the value, short of me drafting the Entire thopter suadrron, 4-0, whoo! Gonna cut here, before I ramble, but yea, even as a crcrktterI aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand now, web's back, and I shall begin new, see if we can see some art done =D
Thanks again go to the store and Magic for just knowing how to help me feel plenty happy, as now we return to normality~~ Aaaaaand,tiredness, so guess this is as good as we'll go for now, so, next time, more art, less chitchat, we'll see how this one works out!
One final note, that, I said yesterday, I wanted to setup rules a boundary, I feel like maybe I've been too lenient on myself, so if I can come up with something to let me keep working and try some new solution here to see maybe I can use this as a springboard for some new structure around here...
G'night!
I guess I should say for starters I've been putting this off, but not intentionally as longa s I have, there's currently zero progress on the new DfD list, HOWEVER I am happy to say that I should ave at least one, if not two pics done by week's end, so, we'll see how that battleground finds me, but the lack of progress is demotivating in itself, and has me almost shying away a litle
So, say for instance, when I broke my ankle back about Independence weekend, I was maybe reluctant to post up a journal
[EDIT: Actually rambled some, so here seems' best bit to INSERT what happened!]
Me and Jeri went on a big long walk, taking Rascal out to give her some exercise and to give ourselves just a good bit of air and time for some quiet, and before you know it, we gravitated to the park, and acted like complete and utter doofs when we started playing around, getting on the swings back and forth, her pushing me and just, it was utterly stupid, but wonderful, just that everything got all warm and fuzzy, we got to just let loose and act like a pair of kids, right up until a woman appeared with two ACTUAL children and gave us a collective 'what the hell' look and I broke first with the embarrassment and we made our way away
So yeah, survived a set of embarrassing stories and instead of ANY number of things I could have done to get injured, we walk away, and as happened to pass by another poor soul with a pair of crutches, they reach over to grab something from a backpack, which angles them JUST right with the crutches still clutched in their other hand, just at the right angle to catch my ankle and trip me up
Soooo, yup, in addition to my still cast clad arm, also got me the leg up to the knee in good old plaster of paris fashionwear XP
Did not help that I was deep in the moping that week, and there was just a this utter lethargy and apathy that I was giving off, that quite frankly made me rather antisocial and bleh, and literally did NOTHING for a week, seriously, I'd pick up books and just toss them down after a few pages, even TV was just like a background noise going on
Jeri commented that she thought maybe it was a new set of meds and me just having a really bad reaction to them, but I think maybe she's just trying to make me feel better there
And of course, it REALLY didn't help that once again, our net died out, the whole area and cells went down, Jeri got called in to work on an emergency standby and thus all went to a bit of hell for the silent few days
So yeah, was not a fun week, but finally the weekend was Magic Origins prerelease, it felt like I'd been a while at the store and I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to play with brand new cards, by hell or high water I'd had a horrible week and needed something to destress
Jeepers that was a worthwhile few hours, it was nice to see that I'd been missed, no sooner than I entered did I get a bunch of requests to help kids and new players out, so, I got sorted and helped encourage some new players, which is always a worthwhile bit of effort~
And this was even before opening the box!
Inside popped a promo Jace Vryn's Prodigy, along with a kytheon not even in my colors! This was all the value, short of me drafting the Entire thopter suadrron, 4-0, whoo! Gonna cut here, before I ramble, but yea, even as a crcrktterI aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand now, web's back, and I shall begin new, see if we can see some art done =D
Thanks again go to the store and Magic for just knowing how to help me feel plenty happy, as now we return to normality~~ Aaaaaand,tiredness, so guess this is as good as we'll go for now, so, next time, more art, less chitchat, we'll see how this one works out!
One final note, that, I said yesterday, I wanted to setup rules a boundary, I feel like maybe I've been too lenient on myself, so if I can come up with something to let me keep working and try some new solution here to see maybe I can use this as a springboard for some new structure around here...
G'night!
Placemarker! [Journal tomorrow!]
General | Posted 10 years agoDoing this simply because I've been reluctant to update without much progress and frustration, HOWEVER, I do promise that TOMORROW I'll update proper and give you guys a holler what's been happening, whether or not any new content is ready and I want to impose some limits on myself to act a bit more affirmatively right about now.
Fingers crossed on that side!
Speak to you tomorrow proper.
Fingers crossed on that side!
Speak to you tomorrow proper.
And we're off! ...Kind of?
General | Posted 10 years agoZe List!:
-
RarySnowlion [PAID]
-
SinkingStone [PAID]
-
icewhisper [PAID]
- icewhisper [PAID]
- icewhisper [PAID]
-
Scotskunk [PAID]
- Scotskunk [PAID]
- Scotskunk [PAID]
-
NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
-
Nebay [PAID]
- Nebay [PAID]
- Nebay [PAID]
-
Hunderneun [PAID]
- Hunderneun [PAID]
Welp!
With today's pic done, I have OFFICIALLY finished the older generation of DfDs!
...And still got all these to do, lol, well...
I didn't finish as much as I wanted, but I figure with my holidays over and back to work tomorrow I at least achieved something to get that done, and now means I can concentrate on all of these in my old fashioned order of splitting them up and working on the pics that feel right to do at the time, making them a bit more efficient now all that my pencil has been put to paper once more and I'm getting more used to the feeling again!
Jeri's birthday was yesterday and although she'd known for ages what I was getting her, with the furniture I paid towards to help with the room and all, it was nice to celebrate all the came, and help Jeri with presents in other categories to boot~
AHEM.
But that's enough for me for now~ Just to keep the list fresh and let all know how things are going =B
Take care and speak to you all soon!
-
RarySnowlion [PAID]-
SinkingStone [PAID]-
icewhisper [PAID]-
icewhisper [PAID]-
icewhisper [PAID]-
Scotskunk [PAID]-
Scotskunk [PAID]-
Scotskunk [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
Nebay [PAID]-
Nebay [PAID]-
Nebay [PAID]-
Hunderneun [PAID]-
Hunderneun [PAID]Welp!
With today's pic done, I have OFFICIALLY finished the older generation of DfDs!
...And still got all these to do, lol, well...
I didn't finish as much as I wanted, but I figure with my holidays over and back to work tomorrow I at least achieved something to get that done, and now means I can concentrate on all of these in my old fashioned order of splitting them up and working on the pics that feel right to do at the time, making them a bit more efficient now all that my pencil has been put to paper once more and I'm getting more used to the feeling again!
Jeri's birthday was yesterday and although she'd known for ages what I was getting her, with the furniture I paid towards to help with the room and all, it was nice to celebrate all the came, and help Jeri with presents in other categories to boot~
AHEM.
But that's enough for me for now~ Just to keep the list fresh and let all know how things are going =B
Take care and speak to you all soon!
We have a start!
General | Posted 10 years agoZe List!:
-
Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- RarySnowlion [PAID]
- SinkingStone [PAID]
- icewhisper [PAID]
- icewhisper [PAID]
- icewhisper [PAID]
- Scotskunk [PAID]
- Scotskunk [PAID]
- Scotskunk [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- Nebay [PAID]
- Nebay [PAID]
- Nebay [PAID]
- Hunderneun [PAID]
- Hunderneun [PAID]
Welp!
I'm happy to say that MOST of the slots from the last DfD batch have been done, just two more slots for Vosur to complete and we'll be ready to see me move onto the main list =D
I am sad to say that I didn't get as much art done as hoped, and I'm trying to find right pose for the current pieces, but, I am happy that I'm feeling a lil bit more into the swing of things and hope I now have a setup that works when I wanna do more art
But, the side of my vacation that really helps is being with Jeri, got my cast swapped for a lighter model, even if it's still holding my whole arm, so, meant I didn't feel so sluggish at least lugging around the place and I managed without the sling at least now, lol
We had a big BBQ grill off with family, although most of my stuff was like garlic bread, vegetable kebabs and such, at least I got to take part in that and helped to let me take part in it, being a veggie isn't the best place when you're a friends BBQ party, so, that was fun~
Mostly we've been just having fun with gaming, going on some long walks, we saw the Jurassic World movie together, which was something, since I don't get to go to the movies as much anymore, having that be a highlight was really something to share the evening in a dim theater, and even if it was busy and it wasn't exactly romance fair, it was like first date all over again stuff, just getting to laugh and jump at things and sticking close by Jeri all cosy
Wanted to do some Magic stuff as well, but, really haven't had the time, maybe I'll get to do some stuff and ask you guys for some thoughts in here for help, but, yeah, it's been nice, and I'll update you guys more as things move along with the art front and other stuff =D
So, here I return from a week of spending time offline, now, lemme go and watch Steven Universe's Steven Bomb 2.0 with Jeri and prepare for them feels~
See you guys soon!
-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
RarySnowlion [PAID]-
SinkingStone [PAID]-
icewhisper [PAID]-
icewhisper [PAID]-
icewhisper [PAID]-
Scotskunk [PAID]-
Scotskunk [PAID]-
Scotskunk [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
Nebay [PAID]-
Nebay [PAID]-
Nebay [PAID]-
Hunderneun [PAID]-
Hunderneun [PAID]Welp!
I'm happy to say that MOST of the slots from the last DfD batch have been done, just two more slots for Vosur to complete and we'll be ready to see me move onto the main list =D
I am sad to say that I didn't get as much art done as hoped, and I'm trying to find right pose for the current pieces, but, I am happy that I'm feeling a lil bit more into the swing of things and hope I now have a setup that works when I wanna do more art
But, the side of my vacation that really helps is being with Jeri, got my cast swapped for a lighter model, even if it's still holding my whole arm, so, meant I didn't feel so sluggish at least lugging around the place and I managed without the sling at least now, lol
We had a big BBQ grill off with family, although most of my stuff was like garlic bread, vegetable kebabs and such, at least I got to take part in that and helped to let me take part in it, being a veggie isn't the best place when you're a friends BBQ party, so, that was fun~
Mostly we've been just having fun with gaming, going on some long walks, we saw the Jurassic World movie together, which was something, since I don't get to go to the movies as much anymore, having that be a highlight was really something to share the evening in a dim theater, and even if it was busy and it wasn't exactly romance fair, it was like first date all over again stuff, just getting to laugh and jump at things and sticking close by Jeri all cosy
Wanted to do some Magic stuff as well, but, really haven't had the time, maybe I'll get to do some stuff and ask you guys for some thoughts in here for help, but, yeah, it's been nice, and I'll update you guys more as things move along with the art front and other stuff =D
So, here I return from a week of spending time offline, now, lemme go and watch Steven Universe's Steven Bomb 2.0 with Jeri and prepare for them feels~
See you guys soon!
Face(plate)/Off!
General | Posted 10 years agoWelp... I'm happy to say our net is fully back online, and last night's downtime with Jeri was spent watching Face/Off to unintentional hilarity moments, makes me wonder about how movies date and what we may make of masterpieces in the future or not =O
Anyhow, we're back! And this is all about the DfD anouncements!
When you guys help out, you guys do NOT do anything halfway~
So, let's see that list as it was?
Ze List!:
-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
Aaaaaand now?
- RarySnowlion [PAID]
- SinkingStone [PAID]
- icewhisper
- icewhisper
- icewhisper
- Scotskunk [PAID]
- Scotskunk [PAID]
- Scotskunk [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- NathanCowan [PAID]
- Nebay [PAID]
- Nebay [PAID]
- Nebay [PAID]
- Hunderneun [PAID]
- Hunderneun [PAID]
Itttttt's kinda grown significantly, lol, so I'm going to have plenty to draw from Saturday onward, let's see how that list goes on
Although it means I am happy to say that I beat the target and then some! AND I've got the money quickly enough to pay back my buyer =D So, at least that's one less thing to worry about AND an extra 80 bucks over target that I can now use for other stuff, which, right about now is NOT a bad thing, and I can use even a lil of that to maybe treat Jeri to something special with her birthday coming up in 13 days time =D
I do wanna stress, I wanna finish the original pics first from the DfDs just to make sure folks who've been waiting forever get their pics, since normally I just go with which pics take my fancy to try and work through these faster =B We'll see how things go, lol, but I wanna pace this and make sure I can get as much art done as possible =D
Just thanks again you guys, it's been a big, massive help <3
Anyhow, we're back! And this is all about the DfD anouncements!
When you guys help out, you guys do NOT do anything halfway~
So, let's see that list as it was?
Ze List!:
-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]Aaaaaand now?
-
RarySnowlion [PAID]-
SinkingStone [PAID]-
icewhisper-
icewhisper-
icewhisper-
Scotskunk [PAID]-
Scotskunk [PAID]-
Scotskunk [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
Nebay [PAID]-
Nebay [PAID]- Nebay [PAID]
- Hunderneun [PAID]
- Hunderneun [PAID]
Itttttt's kinda grown significantly, lol, so I'm going to have plenty to draw from Saturday onward, let's see how that list goes on
Although it means I am happy to say that I beat the target and then some! AND I've got the money quickly enough to pay back my buyer =D So, at least that's one less thing to worry about AND an extra 80 bucks over target that I can now use for other stuff, which, right about now is NOT a bad thing, and I can use even a lil of that to maybe treat Jeri to something special with her birthday coming up in 13 days time =D
I do wanna stress, I wanna finish the original pics first from the DfDs just to make sure folks who've been waiting forever get their pics, since normally I just go with which pics take my fancy to try and work through these faster =B We'll see how things go, lol, but I wanna pace this and make sure I can get as much art done as possible =D
Just thanks again you guys, it's been a big, massive help <3
Mini update =O
General | Posted 10 years agoI WAS going to post the updated list and stuff tonight, buuuut Internet is down for the local area, so, won't be back until Later and I need to ration my phone some
Me and Jeri will hunker tight and go watch Face/Off, then tomorrow we'll get this list up and we can see about getting everything organised good and proper!
(seriously, typed this message like two hours ago...)
Me and Jeri will hunker tight and go watch Face/Off, then tomorrow we'll get this list up and we can see about getting everything organised good and proper!
(seriously, typed this message like two hours ago...)
...you guys pour!
General | Posted 10 years ago...in? To help?
Nah, I'll think of a better one later, but I just needed to leave a note here to say that we hit target! And some!
DfD slots are full and overflowing and I'll write up the new List when I return home from work tonight!
Thanks again guys for just being all kinds of awesome<3
It's always great to know if chips are down I can talk to you guys for help, moral or otherwise =D
Just again, a really big thanks, you're all awesome <3
Nah, I'll think of a better one later, but I just needed to leave a note here to say that we hit target! And some!
DfD slots are full and overflowing and I'll write up the new List when I return home from work tonight!
Thanks again guys for just being all kinds of awesome<3
It's always great to know if chips are down I can talk to you guys for help, moral or otherwise =D
Just again, a really big thanks, you're all awesome <3
When it rains... [DfD Announcement]
General | Posted 10 years agoFirst off? No new injuries, THAT off the plate is something to make you not worry there at least, seems like I should say that more whenever I do one of these bad news journals...
(Incidentally, arm is doing okay, just healing slower than I want is all XP)
But, uh, yeah, let's see if this spells out stuff
Ze List!:
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
Yeah.
Remember when I said I sold all those transformers and sent them away?
Got word back from one of my buyers that the transformers DID NOT ARRIVE. And as luck would have it? They were THE most expensive set, so besides being down shipping, there is now a cool hundred-fifty up in the air I need to refund, since, miracle of miracles, in my inbuilt ability as a Scot to skimp on money where possible, I sent the delivery without any way to track it, so I can't even check where the hell it is, and it's been way long enough that it should've arrived by now
So I'm inclined, or at least kind of compelled to send the money back
Or rather? I would have, if not for the fact said money has ALREADY BEEN SPENT
Literally do not have anywhere else to send it and it would take me too long to find another venue, so, I'm having to open this up again and ask you guys for help, since there's been a good interest in this sort of thing again
Before anything else, I will say two things?
-First being it's a lesson in cutting corners to try and save costs, there's a reason to go for the reliable and pay a little extra when doing this sort of thing, just so you can turn around when stuff like this happens that you have right of way, I've heard now talking to folks this happens all the time on eBay with Magic cards and people lying they don't have the card when after arriving they see there's no way for the seller to track that it has in fact arrived.
Optional insurance is also a thing as well, especially when the stock you're looking at sending is rather important or high priced, otherwise the postal service is less than co-operative at helping you get back your money for what went lost
-Second, that this is a bit humbling having to use this as an alternative, it will take too long to try and get the money from the postal service, and it rubs at me the fact how long this DfD list of current art has been drawn out here
But I have the next ten days from Saturday to myself and Jeri, so, I promise that I'm going to devote myself to not only get the existing art finished, but to try and have ALL of the new DfDs done before the end of my holidays if I can make this target
Hopefully I can use this as a lesson to try and improve my speed and sticking down with my art once more to try and knuckle down on this, because it has been bugging me a while how little time I've been setting aside for art, for these DfDs or fun
So, with that said, if anyone is wanting to help, it'd be really appreciated, I'd rather not have to go to Jeri and have to try and eke out where to find this money from the house, and I'm hoping that there's enough interest I can pay this off quickly
Anyone looking to buy, it's the same rule as always, donate ten bucks, I'll doodle a character of your choice for you =O If you wanna nab a spot, Message me here and I'll pass details about payment and grab references from you and all
I appreciate this is asking a lot with still so many spots on the list already, but thanks for checking in guys, and hopefully I can get everyone seen to quickly for all this time waiting
(Incidentally, arm is doing okay, just healing slower than I want is all XP)
But, uh, yeah, let's see if this spells out stuff
Ze List!:
-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
- [OPEN]
Yeah.
Remember when I said I sold all those transformers and sent them away?
Got word back from one of my buyers that the transformers DID NOT ARRIVE. And as luck would have it? They were THE most expensive set, so besides being down shipping, there is now a cool hundred-fifty up in the air I need to refund, since, miracle of miracles, in my inbuilt ability as a Scot to skimp on money where possible, I sent the delivery without any way to track it, so I can't even check where the hell it is, and it's been way long enough that it should've arrived by now
So I'm inclined, or at least kind of compelled to send the money back
Or rather? I would have, if not for the fact said money has ALREADY BEEN SPENT
Literally do not have anywhere else to send it and it would take me too long to find another venue, so, I'm having to open this up again and ask you guys for help, since there's been a good interest in this sort of thing again
Before anything else, I will say two things?
-First being it's a lesson in cutting corners to try and save costs, there's a reason to go for the reliable and pay a little extra when doing this sort of thing, just so you can turn around when stuff like this happens that you have right of way, I've heard now talking to folks this happens all the time on eBay with Magic cards and people lying they don't have the card when after arriving they see there's no way for the seller to track that it has in fact arrived.
Optional insurance is also a thing as well, especially when the stock you're looking at sending is rather important or high priced, otherwise the postal service is less than co-operative at helping you get back your money for what went lost
-Second, that this is a bit humbling having to use this as an alternative, it will take too long to try and get the money from the postal service, and it rubs at me the fact how long this DfD list of current art has been drawn out here
But I have the next ten days from Saturday to myself and Jeri, so, I promise that I'm going to devote myself to not only get the existing art finished, but to try and have ALL of the new DfDs done before the end of my holidays if I can make this target
Hopefully I can use this as a lesson to try and improve my speed and sticking down with my art once more to try and knuckle down on this, because it has been bugging me a while how little time I've been setting aside for art, for these DfDs or fun
So, with that said, if anyone is wanting to help, it'd be really appreciated, I'd rather not have to go to Jeri and have to try and eke out where to find this money from the house, and I'm hoping that there's enough interest I can pay this off quickly
Anyone looking to buy, it's the same rule as always, donate ten bucks, I'll doodle a character of your choice for you =O If you wanna nab a spot, Message me here and I'll pass details about payment and grab references from you and all
I appreciate this is asking a lot with still so many spots on the list already, but thanks for checking in guys, and hopefully I can get everyone seen to quickly for all this time waiting
Reprieve!
General | Posted 10 years agoZe List!:
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
Well! I'm happy to announce that after blowing up last week some, things have evened out a lil over here, my arm no longer feels like it's going to burn through the cast which is a big plus, but I spoke to my work and managed to get some time off - unsurprisingly I burn through my vacation days something awful once my sick days are used up, lol - so now, me and Jeri have time off from next weekend for a week or so, and I'm hoping to put it to good use
Time to recharge from everything that's been going on, get some art and writing done, and just enjoy some quiet time with me and Jeri <3
I've been able to enjoy stuff a lil more too, the new Jem and the Holograms comic book has just been joy after joy since I'd been passed it, Modern Masters in Magic has came and went for me with some profitable trade fodder which I've already unloaded and now need to brew up some new flavors of awesome
Jeri's birthday is coming up and I've pitched in to get some new furniture with her for the bedroom she wants in particular, not exactly anything extravagant, buuuut, she's happy with a new entertainment setup all her consoles can fit in, with talks of her even considering upgrading eventually with a bons to grab one of the latest gen consoles
Not that I'd object with an Xbox One here, I'd love me to be able to play Magic Origins when that comes out next month =o
I guess that's as much i need to holler here just now, all's well, I'm at least back to step 2 of recovery again, lol, and things have taken a much more casual pace over here for now
Hope to keep you guys posted soon!
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Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]Well! I'm happy to announce that after blowing up last week some, things have evened out a lil over here, my arm no longer feels like it's going to burn through the cast which is a big plus, but I spoke to my work and managed to get some time off - unsurprisingly I burn through my vacation days something awful once my sick days are used up, lol - so now, me and Jeri have time off from next weekend for a week or so, and I'm hoping to put it to good use
Time to recharge from everything that's been going on, get some art and writing done, and just enjoy some quiet time with me and Jeri <3
I've been able to enjoy stuff a lil more too, the new Jem and the Holograms comic book has just been joy after joy since I'd been passed it, Modern Masters in Magic has came and went for me with some profitable trade fodder which I've already unloaded and now need to brew up some new flavors of awesome
Jeri's birthday is coming up and I've pitched in to get some new furniture with her for the bedroom she wants in particular, not exactly anything extravagant, buuuut, she's happy with a new entertainment setup all her consoles can fit in, with talks of her even considering upgrading eventually with a bons to grab one of the latest gen consoles
Not that I'd object with an Xbox One here, I'd love me to be able to play Magic Origins when that comes out next month =o
I guess that's as much i need to holler here just now, all's well, I'm at least back to step 2 of recovery again, lol, and things have taken a much more casual pace over here for now
Hope to keep you guys posted soon!
[vent]
General | Posted 10 years agoUgh, keeping this small, just because I've not posted anything in a while, but I need to let this out before I pop I think.
Things don't feel like they're doing great just now.
It's nothing end of the world, Tragic accident, etc, etc, but just, lately things seem to be weighing a little heavy.
Our social worker we've been appointed this far has all but accused us of looking to brainwash any potential kid with the 'gay agenda', inferred my inability to take care of myself let alone a kid, harboring dangerous animals, and now has begun interviewing our friends and family behind our back to do background checks
It's certainly demoralising, and I can see the stress it's having on Jeri, let alone myself
We've tried to do all sorts of different things, movies, a project of giving our bedroom a makeover, sort of more feng shui, and even my normal Magic events and Jeri's art events
But I still can't get rid of this feeling of being utterly drained and out of energy, it's becoming stupid how often Jeri finds me slumped asleep in front of the laptop when she comes home and in some particularly embarrassing moments to boot
Let alone my lack of time or energy to art, it's gotten so bad I can't get these images done, when we've struggled for money, I did the unthinkable and finally sold like a half dozen of my transformer shelf to make up 300 dollars, figures I liked as well
I'd open up a DfD, but it's not as if it's any one thing in particular, it's lots if small, biting things that are creeping up on us and we're still trudging water here
That and I had to have my arm reset by the way, joy of joys, but that's just background noise right now, I'm feeling just plain lost and just clinging on with me and Jeri
Guess we just have to weather the storm and keep at it
Here's to keeping heads above water~
[/vent]
Things don't feel like they're doing great just now.
It's nothing end of the world, Tragic accident, etc, etc, but just, lately things seem to be weighing a little heavy.
Our social worker we've been appointed this far has all but accused us of looking to brainwash any potential kid with the 'gay agenda', inferred my inability to take care of myself let alone a kid, harboring dangerous animals, and now has begun interviewing our friends and family behind our back to do background checks
It's certainly demoralising, and I can see the stress it's having on Jeri, let alone myself
We've tried to do all sorts of different things, movies, a project of giving our bedroom a makeover, sort of more feng shui, and even my normal Magic events and Jeri's art events
But I still can't get rid of this feeling of being utterly drained and out of energy, it's becoming stupid how often Jeri finds me slumped asleep in front of the laptop when she comes home and in some particularly embarrassing moments to boot
Let alone my lack of time or energy to art, it's gotten so bad I can't get these images done, when we've struggled for money, I did the unthinkable and finally sold like a half dozen of my transformer shelf to make up 300 dollars, figures I liked as well
I'd open up a DfD, but it's not as if it's any one thing in particular, it's lots if small, biting things that are creeping up on us and we're still trudging water here
That and I had to have my arm reset by the way, joy of joys, but that's just background noise right now, I'm feeling just plain lost and just clinging on with me and Jeri
Guess we just have to weather the storm and keep at it
Here's to keeping heads above water~
[/vent]
"I'm still in if you are."
General | Posted 10 years agoZe List!:
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
Welp, it felt like I'd been off here long enough to post up how hings have been going here, to let you guys know how things are so far, and I'm happy to report that me and Jeri survived our first official inspection without much incident!
Social worker came and gave the place a once over, had a look at what we've set up so far for the kid's room, and we think everything's went over well, although they did end up commenting and asking questions about Rascal here, concerns about having such a big dog, asking for information on her papers, stuff like her original certificate and everything that we had to dig out
I kind of hoped that any kid would have been happy, you know, the big dream for a home with a family, pet dog and everything, but the social worker just looked like we were raising something to eat a kid instead, that constant reminder of the red tape is a bit blegh, and has us double guessing everything we wanna consider now, trying to decide if it'll be okay or if it'll end up ticking off the social worker instead
Next stage is that they're going to give us follow up inspections and also going to start talking to our referrees, so, yay there
Immediately after, me and Jeri had the house to ourselves, and decided that since she and I had the same days off, we would use it to have the best weekend we could together, no stress, just laid back together, videogames, movies, junk food, I feel like we could have used the time more constructively, but, I'm glad just to have had the time to enjoy with her for what it was
Even if it did end up my own one-handed videogaming on Magic Online has lead to a new houserule of no starting commander games after 8pm, lol
As for the reference in the title? It's harking back to the movie Juno, just with things that have been as hectic as they have and all, some days it feels like a struggle gaining ground on this adoption deal, but, I knew it would be hard from the start, and just being hard isn't enough excuse to pull out just now
It made me think back to that movie, after Juno's prospective adoptive parents for her baby have split up and everything seems to go down hill, she throws a brick in the prospective mom's window with a note to say she's stilli n, that as long as the lady wants to stick with this, she will too
Just that kind of spoken moment, that you need to say it out loud, just to kind of get your head in, let the other person know you know how hard it is for them and that you're there with them is a kind of moment I never really grasped until now maybe, but one that was definitely needed
It's not all about the adoption though, I've still been able to do a few things of my usual leisure, like, although I've quickly realised on my new budget that buying new cards for new commander decks is going to be a lot more time intensive and patience required to build up enough money to splurge on myself like that
Guess it also kind of means the end of commissions on any large scale, having to look for bargain rates or such, but if that's the worst thing that can happen, that's not much of a sacrifice at least, I can always art for myself if I can find time or such, still need to finish those last few DfDs!
Comics and cartoons ae still there too, oh dear me when I opened up Jem and the Holograms Issue 2!
Kimber and Stormer? Canonically queer? Possibly going out with each other?! I started just gushing about this with a friend who then pointed out the one episode they worked together in the cartoon back in the day, went back and realised JUST how overt it had been at times, lol, if only for that one moment of Stormer in bed with Kimber's photo aside her... "Oh, Kimber!"
But, yeah, y'know, it's just a gleeful little moment to enjoy when something moves from being subtle to being outright recognised
It's been plenty talked about with Steven Universe since Garnet being literally made of two gay space rocks or Pearl's feelings over Rose, I still love the show for its fantasy, and it's comedy, but there is something very cathartic about those scenes that get into the characters emotions
(And I'll forever love they can poke fun at themselves with the Crying Breakfast Friends cartoon Steven loves, lol)
"Who wants to watch a cartoon about a bunch of people crying? I just don't understand that cartoon."
I'm sure there's more to talk, but I guess for now, this does as an update, so, I'll hold fire here and talk more with you guys soon =B Wish us luck as things continue!
-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]Welp, it felt like I'd been off here long enough to post up how hings have been going here, to let you guys know how things are so far, and I'm happy to report that me and Jeri survived our first official inspection without much incident!
Social worker came and gave the place a once over, had a look at what we've set up so far for the kid's room, and we think everything's went over well, although they did end up commenting and asking questions about Rascal here, concerns about having such a big dog, asking for information on her papers, stuff like her original certificate and everything that we had to dig out
I kind of hoped that any kid would have been happy, you know, the big dream for a home with a family, pet dog and everything, but the social worker just looked like we were raising something to eat a kid instead, that constant reminder of the red tape is a bit blegh, and has us double guessing everything we wanna consider now, trying to decide if it'll be okay or if it'll end up ticking off the social worker instead
Next stage is that they're going to give us follow up inspections and also going to start talking to our referrees, so, yay there
Immediately after, me and Jeri had the house to ourselves, and decided that since she and I had the same days off, we would use it to have the best weekend we could together, no stress, just laid back together, videogames, movies, junk food, I feel like we could have used the time more constructively, but, I'm glad just to have had the time to enjoy with her for what it was
Even if it did end up my own one-handed videogaming on Magic Online has lead to a new houserule of no starting commander games after 8pm, lol
As for the reference in the title? It's harking back to the movie Juno, just with things that have been as hectic as they have and all, some days it feels like a struggle gaining ground on this adoption deal, but, I knew it would be hard from the start, and just being hard isn't enough excuse to pull out just now
It made me think back to that movie, after Juno's prospective adoptive parents for her baby have split up and everything seems to go down hill, she throws a brick in the prospective mom's window with a note to say she's stilli n, that as long as the lady wants to stick with this, she will too
Just that kind of spoken moment, that you need to say it out loud, just to kind of get your head in, let the other person know you know how hard it is for them and that you're there with them is a kind of moment I never really grasped until now maybe, but one that was definitely needed
It's not all about the adoption though, I've still been able to do a few things of my usual leisure, like, although I've quickly realised on my new budget that buying new cards for new commander decks is going to be a lot more time intensive and patience required to build up enough money to splurge on myself like that
Guess it also kind of means the end of commissions on any large scale, having to look for bargain rates or such, but if that's the worst thing that can happen, that's not much of a sacrifice at least, I can always art for myself if I can find time or such, still need to finish those last few DfDs!
Comics and cartoons ae still there too, oh dear me when I opened up Jem and the Holograms Issue 2!
Kimber and Stormer? Canonically queer? Possibly going out with each other?! I started just gushing about this with a friend who then pointed out the one episode they worked together in the cartoon back in the day, went back and realised JUST how overt it had been at times, lol, if only for that one moment of Stormer in bed with Kimber's photo aside her... "Oh, Kimber!"
But, yeah, y'know, it's just a gleeful little moment to enjoy when something moves from being subtle to being outright recognised
It's been plenty talked about with Steven Universe since Garnet being literally made of two gay space rocks or Pearl's feelings over Rose, I still love the show for its fantasy, and it's comedy, but there is something very cathartic about those scenes that get into the characters emotions
(And I'll forever love they can poke fun at themselves with the Crying Breakfast Friends cartoon Steven loves, lol)
"Who wants to watch a cartoon about a bunch of people crying? I just don't understand that cartoon."
I'm sure there's more to talk, but I guess for now, this does as an update, so, I'll hold fire here and talk more with you guys soon =B Wish us luck as things continue!
That Moment...
General | Posted 10 years ago...When you realise you accidentally tipped the pizza guy 10 bucks you shouldn't have >>
Okay, so there I am in for the night, no one else, fending for myself, so, figure, get pizza, eat pizza, etc...
I tried to have everything handy so I could give the guy the money, then nab the food and everything by myself - one armed just now and all - got the buck fifty, but didn't have a ten dollar bill, so just got a twenty, thinking I can get ten back...
Guy comes to the door, I wheedle an apology out for not having exact, hand him the money and quickly discover I'm struggling a bit more, see him reaching for change and thinking he's giving me pennies and encumbered as I am, forget I just handed him a twenty, and unable to do anything with either arm just now, tell him 'keep the change'
Literally the best part was when I walk through to the kitchen, lol, then realise I handed him a twenty XD I couldn't have ran faster if I was castfree, but yeah, even if he wasn't long gone, I don't think I'd have the heart to take it back, lol
Likely some schmo who doesn't tip he'll meet next =o
Still, nooooot best practise when I'm trying to get my money house in order =x
Aaaaand, ehhhh, nothing I can't live without, just gonna be awkward to tell Jeri later, lol, sure she could use a laugh as well
Figured this journal could use some light reading, whatnot after my Magic spree on Monday, lol, thanks to folks who amused me on that one and enjoyed some indulgence from it =B
More news soon!
Okay, so there I am in for the night, no one else, fending for myself, so, figure, get pizza, eat pizza, etc...
I tried to have everything handy so I could give the guy the money, then nab the food and everything by myself - one armed just now and all - got the buck fifty, but didn't have a ten dollar bill, so just got a twenty, thinking I can get ten back...
Guy comes to the door, I wheedle an apology out for not having exact, hand him the money and quickly discover I'm struggling a bit more, see him reaching for change and thinking he's giving me pennies and encumbered as I am, forget I just handed him a twenty, and unable to do anything with either arm just now, tell him 'keep the change'
Literally the best part was when I walk through to the kitchen, lol, then realise I handed him a twenty XD I couldn't have ran faster if I was castfree, but yeah, even if he wasn't long gone, I don't think I'd have the heart to take it back, lol
Likely some schmo who doesn't tip he'll meet next =o
Still, nooooot best practise when I'm trying to get my money house in order =x
Aaaaand, ehhhh, nothing I can't live without, just gonna be awkward to tell Jeri later, lol, sure she could use a laugh as well
Figured this journal could use some light reading, whatnot after my Magic spree on Monday, lol, thanks to folks who amused me on that one and enjoyed some indulgence from it =B
More news soon!
The Great Teacher
General | Posted 10 years ago"Are you sure he won't just... You know, eat me on the spot?" Jazmyn gulped, trying to keep pace with the younger woman in front of her, "In my experience thus far, talking dragons have not kindly received 'visitors'."
Narset stopped and turned, although she did not laugh her smile was warm and full of mirth at her fellow planeswalker's trepidation.
Narset was younger, yet still just a little taller than the fox, radiant in her golden attire, decorated with blue and white robes that flowed just as long as her dark hair.
http://www.magicspoiler.com/wp-cont.....aneswalker.png
Jazmyn couldn't help but feel a little flustered in comparison, garbed in a drab green tunic they had procured from a Dromokan trader along the Salt Roads, dust and sand and muck clinging to her.
Not that she was ungrateful to the trader, that there were other canids on this plane Jazmyn was relieved, having welcomed Jazmyn and Narset long enough to refresh themselves and set Jazmyn's broken arm in her current cast curiously made out of dragonscales - which Narset kept reminding Jazmyn not to fuss with.
It was Narset's cool, calm beauty that seemed ethereal, unworldly, entranced by those deep blue eyes Jazmyn had followed if only to keep the other Planeswalker's company a little while longer.
"...Yasimin?"
Jazmyn shook her head, realising Narset was speaking to her, rolling her head around the new variation of her name on this world.
"Sorry," Jazmyn managed, "Just, a lot to take in still."
Narset's smile lost none of its warmth, "Then take comfort, was it not yourself who said He appeared before you once already?"
Jazmyn adjusted her pace, careful of the cold slab steps they had been climbing for what had seemed ages, "Yes, but, not really... I mean, it was fleeting, he appeared and then, just, kind of flew off.
"It was just chance, you know?"
Narset stopped once more, now positioned at a hidden door, her hand gripped on some mechanism Jazmyn couldn't quite make out, "In this world, Yasimin?
"There are no coincidences."
Narset opened the doorway and beckoned the vixen through. With no small amount of second thoughts she stepped through and into blinding daylight once more.
It was the wind more than the light that caught Jazmyn off guard after hours in the caverns winding tunnels. All around her the wind pushed and pulled, her eyes watering as she fought for balance.
Yet finally as she opened her eyes she could take it all in, stood upon a high and mighty plateau, staring down at the dozens of towers that jutted out of the snow dusted the mountainside, winding their way along the path of waterfalls into a great and glistening lake.
And everywhere around her, Jazmyn could see the dragons of Tarkir. As far as the eye could see the dragons flew, the snow-white dragons prominence evident in every piece of the temples activities: many watching over the legions of monks at training and work; others directly helping as they dove into the lakes and back up to deliver shoals of fish to waiting nets; even the temples themselves seemed designed with the dragons in mind, as many would land to take perch on the overhanging rooks from every side of the alabaster towers.
Becoming quickly aware that Narset was watching her, Jazmyn struggled to collect herself, clearing her throat, "It- it's beautiful here, Narset. Spectacular even."
Narset just smiled and nodded, but her eyes were tilted in another direction. Taking hint, Jazmyn turned to follow her gaze, nearly taking a start as her head was forced to pull straight back to look up at the massive form stationary above them.
His wings and scales were smooth and curved as soft as a bird of prey's down feathers, His pristine white hide decorated in a red and regal crest, His eyes closed and clawed palms clasped in serene thought. Yet slowly the eyes opened, calmly taking in the two much smaller forms before Him.
He spoke, but not in a way Jazmyn expected, a sing-song trill escaped the dragon's throat, strong, yet cooing and soothing at the same time.
Narset remained still despite the high winds, bowing slowly, "The Great Teacher Ojutai welcomes you, Yasimin, Pilgrim of Worlds."
http://blog.mtgprice.com/wp-content.....hase-Stone.jpg
Ojutai bowed slowly upon his perch, and Jazmyn dumbfounded, could only rush to return the gesture.
"I... Thank you," Jazmyn looked between Ojutai and Narset as she rose, not sure whom to address, "But... Forgive me for asking, why have I been invited here?"
The great dragon craned his neck downward at the fox, answering only in the same draconian tongue. As Ojutai would speak, Narset would listen, then turn to Jazmyn to translate once more.
"Ojutai states that he has much to discuss with you.
"And many great matters of importance."
~~~~~~~
So! Now you've hit this point you may wanna turn back, lol, from here on in, this is all Magic geekery, so, yeah, expect tons of jibberish if you wanna sit and read this all XD
Now that I've indulged a little, yesterday was Game Day, and after feeling crummy all week - with no further word from our social worker and the newest injury and all - I finally decided to go and try to have fun.
I'd been trying to figure out what to play with for weeks and recent matters had certainly been more prioritised over magic that it all became pretty last minute.
Okay, quick explain, playing Magic isn't too dissimilar to most Sandbox tactical games, you need to build up resources - mana - of varying types to cast your spells and summon your allied creatures before you, as such, entire games are fought and won by mana resources alone, with a very unpopular few choosing strategies that starve the other player of mana until they just lock their opponents out of the match
It's not a surprise then that some of the most expensive and sought after cards are those related to sorting out mana for you to play your cards
Most folks set a ground rule of playing a one or two color combination deck so it stays easy enough to find the mana you need to play with, but it's not impossible to play with all five colors provided you plan ahead
So three colors is doable, which was my plan to build a deck around two of the Dragonlords of Tarkir, Silumgar (Blue/Black) and Kolaghan (Red/Black), since they shared a color, it would be theoretically easier to put them together
http://gatherer.wizards.com/Handlers/Image.ashx?multiverseid=391924&type=card
http://media.wizards.com/2015/dftyu.....pwQd7C5LL8.png
http://www.mtgotraders.com/store/me.....torms_Fury.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/dYOLdxc.png
Play testing however didn't work, and then I realised that the core of the deck was red, so instead of working in the shared color black, the deck was struggling to keep up with costs of all three colors
So, drawing board was turned to, and I realised that if I wanted to go with a similar theme I had to look at the main color first and then choose the two Dragonlords that fit best from there instead, and ended up sticking with Silumgar (Blue/Black) and Ojutai (White/Blue) and thus began setting up the set of cards that worked from the previous build, fitted in some more draw spells and balancing, alongside some of Ojutai's awesomeness
Guilty story? That 'fleeting moment' mentioned in the story? I pulled Ojutai at the prerelease and later traded him the same day, not realising how powerful he was, gaah, hindsight, least the guy traded me back later, even if he added ten bucks to the card price I'd traded him originally XP
Happens
Still a little uncertain on whether or not I had chosen the right path, I took my deck and went to the store yesterday for Game Day, opened up especially early for us to get in and get ready
Usually I help out with kids or new players just getting started or learning, so it's often I end up on a lower draft table with them or might help a little out during an event, so, having not bought any cards in a while and having set aside some Game Day money, I went and bought a Fat Pack of cards and promised the kids there they could have the cards I didn't need if they'd help me open them
(Seriously, lol, my left hand fingers are still kind of useless, this whole journal is being typed on a smartphone in lil snippets at a time, and I didn't wanna have to start using my teeth in the middle of the shop)
At which point one of the older competitors looks at me eyeing the Fat Pack and deciding which one to grab, and tries to dissuade me that I'd be throwing money away buying it
(Like it sounds, Fat Pack is a box that has like multiple packs inside, a guidebook to the set, lands and dice for newbies, lot of contention whether or not it's more worthwhile than just buying the same amount of normal boosters)
I shrug and just say what I promised the kids, plus the box is handy right now for me to carry cards easier away later, I just wanna crack some packs is all
So, sitting down, and ironically I shudder at the 'Illusory Gains' opened in pack 1
Pack 2, Blood-Chin Fanatic, so-so? She's pretty cool-ish
Pack 3, a second Illusory Gains, wait, what?
When pack 4 opens, I feel a pit of dread as a second Blood-Chin Fanatic is pulled, and literally the guy waves a friend over, having hovered to look for trade material, the two laughing about the point being made about the proof on the table
Then pack 5, there she is, Narset Transcendant, and the box just bought itself, there's the usual collection of congrats, friendly insults and such, the guy behind me shrugs about how it's better to be lucky than good
Things are plenty fine, when Pack 6 opens Atarka's Command, 9 dollar rate, pretty damn decent
Then pack 7, Dragonlords Atarka her goddamn self, between her and Narset, I just opened the two most expensive cards in the set
Packs 8 and 9 are nowhere near as epic, but dear me, before the event even starts I'm buzzing happy from this, lol, and make sure to wave the guy back over to look and see my three big pulls as I hastily pull out my deck list and amend it, if I was unsure before about going with Ojutai, finding his prize pupil in a pack sealed the deal
Sorry second Ugin, you're sideboard material!
Things kick off and the ground hits hard, Jeskai tokens, lots of burn, lots of monks who summon other monks to fight, the guy took it a little hard that I got his creatures to Drown in Sorrow not once, but twice, but, got through there alright with a 2-1 win
From round two onwards it gets harder, a mirror match against another Silumgar player, but unlike me, he isn't packing Foul Tongue Invocation to get him to sacrifice his own creatures that would otherwise be immune to my other spells, but it's horrible, grinding work, Round 1 takes 37 minutes for me to pull a win
At which point, he very loudly asks a judge how slow I can play before I get a slow warning
The judge looks at me with the arm in the cast and a friend frantically helping me side-deck, then simply looks at the other player and states in the most flat tone possible "She's allowed sufficient time for side-decking, which is subject to whichever substitutions she must make."
Then walks off, not even dignifying the guy further
Goddamn we have an awesome judge
Round 2, we are draining each other's cards away blow for blow, with a prized moment of surprise sees Stratus Dancer megamorph to protect my cards from a Thoughtseize and we keep running down cards until we hit a top deck mode
He's got an even bigger suite of Planeswalker's than me to call on, but he's packing Garruk Apex Predator to take out any on my side of the field, even with a card to shove Garruk back, Garruk's too fast and takes out Ashiok
I'm holding a Dragonlord's Prerogative, sure the card he's holding after he passes turn is a counter spell, if I can pull one of my dragons I can nab four cards and he can't counter it
Nope, one better, Narset's arrived to help, and again, she steels my resolve, this next move is too good NOT to risk it
Narset hits the battlefield and immediately he has an answer, not a counter, instead with a Hero's Downfall, but Narset has that last parting gift before being wiped off the battlefield, giving me a free copy of my next spell
Dragonlord's Prerogative draws me four cards and with another four to come, and although I don't have any of my big hitters I start battering down every advantage I can until the claxon sounds for round, five minutes left
Those five minutes go by far too fast, and now we're on Final Five Turn clock, I fire off every end turn trigger I can to try and make them count, with Tasigur, Golden Fang giving me back the same Anticipate every time my opponent is forced to pick
Finally I hit it, Haven of the Spirit Dragon, crack the haven and return one of my fallen dragons to play it all over again, Silumgar and his favorite piece of bling Tasigur swing for the win in final turn - seriously, he turned Tasigur into a necklace at one point in the cards
We've went to round and are the last match, literally I'm still switching back to my main deck, resleeving cards and trying to make a half assed attempt at pile shuffling since my friend's occupied
Second match is a lot harder, this guy plays control with a capital Blue, literally every card we play is backed up with how many cards we can counter each other's attempts to counter the other, I'm playing more threats with my dragons, but he's taking them out one after the other
Ashiok hits the field, and each time I try to fight back its too late, Ashiok slowly cranks up and up until finally unleashing Ashiok's Ultimate, wiping out my hand and grave all at once
I brave a few turns to try and come back, but it quickly becomes evident that Ashiok has tipped it, and keeping in mind last round going to time, I decide a tactical retreat is in order and give the round to him, side up, and quickly assemble forces, as our battle became quickly tied around beating each other's Ashiok.
I pull my second out and hit his single copy of Pearl-Lake Ancient, netting an instant resignation from my opponent
And for the second time in as many rounds the guy mentions me and slow playing, although it's more jokingly than the last guy I can't help feel a little irked
And another round of back and forth results in us both ending with 30+ life after the end of five turn count, tie match
And once again? We're the last two players active, immediately with no breathing space, rushing to sort cards, needing the bathroom, hungry and thirsty like I can't believe it, two hours solid play with no breathing space, I'm hitting a limit here
And the limit hits me like a ton of bricks, next round I meet a Jeskai rush deck, turn one a hasted Swiftspear means trouble for me off the bat, I can get a move in by turn three at best, but he proves that his turn three is better than mine, swinging for 15 damage in a single turn between his monks
Literally I can't even count straight and I look at the clock, 8 minutes into round, ask the guy if he minds if I take a quick break
He's fairly sure, so he nods, shrugs and I head outside and remember what fresh air is after three hours in a comic book store of card game players, lol
It's surprisingly effective and I make my way back in, siding carefully and then claw back in, the guy plays fast and wide, so Drown in Sorrow helps immensely against his Goblin Rabblemaster and Dragon Fodder-ed goblins
A Myth Realized makes for a powerful win condition on his side of the field, but choosing an Ultimate Price from Anticipate over my dragon I wait and strike, before my dragons go over the top and find me an equaliser
He sides heavily here and the surprise is in round three with a Mastery of the Ways, manifesting and going even wider, gaining him life to make it harder for me to hit home and making it harder for me to decide how to block when he swings in
Ojutai blocks a face down that flips over to a Seeker of the Way, and quickly he throws down an Artful Maneuver, and a Silumgar's Scorn from me closes that down to let Ojutai and then Silumgar himself attack, before the guy throws a wall of burn spells at me to empty his hand and show just how far he was from winning and then concedes with a handshake
This match gives me a massive time difference to let me get another breather and relax before next round...
Round 5? And it's against a judge, and I admit to myself that I am in for a hard match, I've seen/heard the rank of white/black warriors that have rampaged across the planes
People around us are taking intentional draws to get through to the top 8, but my opponent makes it very clear he wants to play, more packs and more points to him, fair enough to him, I did come to play, but I can't help but wonder about his attitude if he thought I was just slim pickings
Sadly it just wasn't to be, his double striking warriors take it all out on me and Ashiok doesn't even make him flinch, grinning every time he brings out a Mardu Skullhunter to make me discard on the back of his attacks
I side as best I can, but he pounds me mercilessly for the win, leaving me at 3-1-1
It's a bit of a dull end to the rounds, and I'm bitterly reminded about losing the cut offs last Game Day with 7 other people at 10 points, so I resign a little that it's in lucks hands now
That is when a situation occurs that makes things pretty complicated
The Second and Third place players are suddenly disqualified for collusion, having agreed to split on packs, suddenly it seems like I'm into the top 8, but it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth to consider it
The incident goes past and things settle down, it's a horrible way to end the Swiss to hear that folks got left out, but it's a rule enforced for reason. And sadly one I do my best to watch out for whenever it could crop up.
But the final standings go up, and me and my friend are through, he's been stoked all day playing a Temur dragons brew that's worked well against the control deck meta, so he's happy to be in his first top 8
The prizes are awesome full art cards for this far, Thunderbreak Regent and Scaleguard Sentinel are both awesome cards, and amazing already in standard to have rarer versions of them, but my eye is more happily on my 7th place standing, even with our 2nd and 3rd places, if they had stayed in, I managed to get in, taking a little solace there
Folks crack packs, the Champion Mat now on full display to invite some excitement, and I have to let out a tiny exclamation of wow at finding Sarkhan Unbroken - yes, yes, laugh it up - in one of my prize packs
So, yeah, let's say I just came in there and walked out with about 50-60 dollars card profit at the end of the day
Now it's time for the big one, though, it's all about the Champion spot, and I rush headlong into battle against a Mardu dragon build, who has awesome fun with a home brew that looked really fun, my dragons take his down in the air, with a rather memorable win being Dragonlord Silumgar taking control of Dragonlord Kolaghan, having them stand aside Dragonlord Ojutai and swing together, three of the five Dragonlords all at once for a win
I decide not to side and we hit round two, and with Ojutai out and on guard, pull out my Planeswalker's one after the other, Ashiok hitting Ultimate First to exile his cards from hand and grave, Ugin to refuel me massively, and the nail in the coffin Narset, whose ability to prevent them from playing any non-creature spells seals the deal and push me to semi-finals, much to some spectators excitement to see not just one, but three Planeswalker Ultimates fire in a single match
My friend also makes it through, and we agree to do our damnedest to make it to the grand final together
Easier said than done, my opponent is my judge from earlier who handed me my loss, but luck is somehow on my side, something happens to jam his mana pool and stalls his warriors long enough to let me drown in sorrow and steal the first match
It's a short one, but I know his deck from when we last played, I side in like my life depends on it and we hit the match, with multiple Jorubai Murk-Lurkers holding me in by sheer skin of my teeth, pulling back my life
Total, blocking his fighters, and striking again and again as he finds himself stalled, which ends up being enough for Silumgar to arrive and swing in for victory!
Sadly, victory is bittersweet, as my friend falls, but my pride restored, myself and my opponent hit the grand finale, and I quickly discover I'm facing the same White/Black warrior deck type, but much wider spread, quickly being overwhelmed by forces in game one, trying to side like I did against my former opponent
But then, disaster strikes, my opening hand is useless, so I invoke a mulligan to reshuffle and draw one less card
Even worse
Finally, I take the third hand and gamble on two lands, Ojutai, Anticipate and an Ultimate Price, hoping it will ride me through to stabilise
Sadly that doesn't quite pan out
This hand was struggling to begin with, it needed precision and I made a single misplay over when to use my Anticipate or not leaves me unable to find a white mana to play Ojutai, leaving him stuck in my hand and leaving me at the mercy of my opponents Sorin, Solemn Visitor who pumps his army and gains him massive life every turn, and massive envy from me at his second foil Sorin after I deal with the first, lol
I'm locked out, facing a wall of warrior tokens, and realise he can kill me in one turn, extend the hand and congratulate him on his win
And there you have it, second place
The highest I've ever reached in a Game Day, and while winning would have been awesome, I resolve myself at least that I fought hard and did well, better than I could have
Ojutai may not have handed me victory? But he and Narset certainly taught me a lot that day indeed~
(Oh yeah, then I collapsed later in bed in front of the laptop, utterly exhausted, lol, but yeah, multiple hours of Magic will do that, Jeri was very nice and gave me a blanket later, lol)
Narset stopped and turned, although she did not laugh her smile was warm and full of mirth at her fellow planeswalker's trepidation.
Narset was younger, yet still just a little taller than the fox, radiant in her golden attire, decorated with blue and white robes that flowed just as long as her dark hair.
http://www.magicspoiler.com/wp-cont.....aneswalker.png
Jazmyn couldn't help but feel a little flustered in comparison, garbed in a drab green tunic they had procured from a Dromokan trader along the Salt Roads, dust and sand and muck clinging to her.
Not that she was ungrateful to the trader, that there were other canids on this plane Jazmyn was relieved, having welcomed Jazmyn and Narset long enough to refresh themselves and set Jazmyn's broken arm in her current cast curiously made out of dragonscales - which Narset kept reminding Jazmyn not to fuss with.
It was Narset's cool, calm beauty that seemed ethereal, unworldly, entranced by those deep blue eyes Jazmyn had followed if only to keep the other Planeswalker's company a little while longer.
"...Yasimin?"
Jazmyn shook her head, realising Narset was speaking to her, rolling her head around the new variation of her name on this world.
"Sorry," Jazmyn managed, "Just, a lot to take in still."
Narset's smile lost none of its warmth, "Then take comfort, was it not yourself who said He appeared before you once already?"
Jazmyn adjusted her pace, careful of the cold slab steps they had been climbing for what had seemed ages, "Yes, but, not really... I mean, it was fleeting, he appeared and then, just, kind of flew off.
"It was just chance, you know?"
Narset stopped once more, now positioned at a hidden door, her hand gripped on some mechanism Jazmyn couldn't quite make out, "In this world, Yasimin?
"There are no coincidences."
Narset opened the doorway and beckoned the vixen through. With no small amount of second thoughts she stepped through and into blinding daylight once more.
It was the wind more than the light that caught Jazmyn off guard after hours in the caverns winding tunnels. All around her the wind pushed and pulled, her eyes watering as she fought for balance.
Yet finally as she opened her eyes she could take it all in, stood upon a high and mighty plateau, staring down at the dozens of towers that jutted out of the snow dusted the mountainside, winding their way along the path of waterfalls into a great and glistening lake.
And everywhere around her, Jazmyn could see the dragons of Tarkir. As far as the eye could see the dragons flew, the snow-white dragons prominence evident in every piece of the temples activities: many watching over the legions of monks at training and work; others directly helping as they dove into the lakes and back up to deliver shoals of fish to waiting nets; even the temples themselves seemed designed with the dragons in mind, as many would land to take perch on the overhanging rooks from every side of the alabaster towers.
Becoming quickly aware that Narset was watching her, Jazmyn struggled to collect herself, clearing her throat, "It- it's beautiful here, Narset. Spectacular even."
Narset just smiled and nodded, but her eyes were tilted in another direction. Taking hint, Jazmyn turned to follow her gaze, nearly taking a start as her head was forced to pull straight back to look up at the massive form stationary above them.
His wings and scales were smooth and curved as soft as a bird of prey's down feathers, His pristine white hide decorated in a red and regal crest, His eyes closed and clawed palms clasped in serene thought. Yet slowly the eyes opened, calmly taking in the two much smaller forms before Him.
He spoke, but not in a way Jazmyn expected, a sing-song trill escaped the dragon's throat, strong, yet cooing and soothing at the same time.
Narset remained still despite the high winds, bowing slowly, "The Great Teacher Ojutai welcomes you, Yasimin, Pilgrim of Worlds."
http://blog.mtgprice.com/wp-content.....hase-Stone.jpg
Ojutai bowed slowly upon his perch, and Jazmyn dumbfounded, could only rush to return the gesture.
"I... Thank you," Jazmyn looked between Ojutai and Narset as she rose, not sure whom to address, "But... Forgive me for asking, why have I been invited here?"
The great dragon craned his neck downward at the fox, answering only in the same draconian tongue. As Ojutai would speak, Narset would listen, then turn to Jazmyn to translate once more.
"Ojutai states that he has much to discuss with you.
"And many great matters of importance."
~~~~~~~
So! Now you've hit this point you may wanna turn back, lol, from here on in, this is all Magic geekery, so, yeah, expect tons of jibberish if you wanna sit and read this all XD
Now that I've indulged a little, yesterday was Game Day, and after feeling crummy all week - with no further word from our social worker and the newest injury and all - I finally decided to go and try to have fun.
I'd been trying to figure out what to play with for weeks and recent matters had certainly been more prioritised over magic that it all became pretty last minute.
Okay, quick explain, playing Magic isn't too dissimilar to most Sandbox tactical games, you need to build up resources - mana - of varying types to cast your spells and summon your allied creatures before you, as such, entire games are fought and won by mana resources alone, with a very unpopular few choosing strategies that starve the other player of mana until they just lock their opponents out of the match
It's not a surprise then that some of the most expensive and sought after cards are those related to sorting out mana for you to play your cards
Most folks set a ground rule of playing a one or two color combination deck so it stays easy enough to find the mana you need to play with, but it's not impossible to play with all five colors provided you plan ahead
So three colors is doable, which was my plan to build a deck around two of the Dragonlords of Tarkir, Silumgar (Blue/Black) and Kolaghan (Red/Black), since they shared a color, it would be theoretically easier to put them together
http://gatherer.wizards.com/Handlers/Image.ashx?multiverseid=391924&type=card
http://media.wizards.com/2015/dftyu.....pwQd7C5LL8.png
http://www.mtgotraders.com/store/me.....torms_Fury.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/dYOLdxc.png
Play testing however didn't work, and then I realised that the core of the deck was red, so instead of working in the shared color black, the deck was struggling to keep up with costs of all three colors
So, drawing board was turned to, and I realised that if I wanted to go with a similar theme I had to look at the main color first and then choose the two Dragonlords that fit best from there instead, and ended up sticking with Silumgar (Blue/Black) and Ojutai (White/Blue) and thus began setting up the set of cards that worked from the previous build, fitted in some more draw spells and balancing, alongside some of Ojutai's awesomeness
Guilty story? That 'fleeting moment' mentioned in the story? I pulled Ojutai at the prerelease and later traded him the same day, not realising how powerful he was, gaah, hindsight, least the guy traded me back later, even if he added ten bucks to the card price I'd traded him originally XP
Happens
Still a little uncertain on whether or not I had chosen the right path, I took my deck and went to the store yesterday for Game Day, opened up especially early for us to get in and get ready
Usually I help out with kids or new players just getting started or learning, so it's often I end up on a lower draft table with them or might help a little out during an event, so, having not bought any cards in a while and having set aside some Game Day money, I went and bought a Fat Pack of cards and promised the kids there they could have the cards I didn't need if they'd help me open them
(Seriously, lol, my left hand fingers are still kind of useless, this whole journal is being typed on a smartphone in lil snippets at a time, and I didn't wanna have to start using my teeth in the middle of the shop)
At which point one of the older competitors looks at me eyeing the Fat Pack and deciding which one to grab, and tries to dissuade me that I'd be throwing money away buying it
(Like it sounds, Fat Pack is a box that has like multiple packs inside, a guidebook to the set, lands and dice for newbies, lot of contention whether or not it's more worthwhile than just buying the same amount of normal boosters)
I shrug and just say what I promised the kids, plus the box is handy right now for me to carry cards easier away later, I just wanna crack some packs is all
So, sitting down, and ironically I shudder at the 'Illusory Gains' opened in pack 1
Pack 2, Blood-Chin Fanatic, so-so? She's pretty cool-ish
Pack 3, a second Illusory Gains, wait, what?
When pack 4 opens, I feel a pit of dread as a second Blood-Chin Fanatic is pulled, and literally the guy waves a friend over, having hovered to look for trade material, the two laughing about the point being made about the proof on the table
Then pack 5, there she is, Narset Transcendant, and the box just bought itself, there's the usual collection of congrats, friendly insults and such, the guy behind me shrugs about how it's better to be lucky than good
Things are plenty fine, when Pack 6 opens Atarka's Command, 9 dollar rate, pretty damn decent
Then pack 7, Dragonlords Atarka her goddamn self, between her and Narset, I just opened the two most expensive cards in the set
Packs 8 and 9 are nowhere near as epic, but dear me, before the event even starts I'm buzzing happy from this, lol, and make sure to wave the guy back over to look and see my three big pulls as I hastily pull out my deck list and amend it, if I was unsure before about going with Ojutai, finding his prize pupil in a pack sealed the deal
Sorry second Ugin, you're sideboard material!
Things kick off and the ground hits hard, Jeskai tokens, lots of burn, lots of monks who summon other monks to fight, the guy took it a little hard that I got his creatures to Drown in Sorrow not once, but twice, but, got through there alright with a 2-1 win
From round two onwards it gets harder, a mirror match against another Silumgar player, but unlike me, he isn't packing Foul Tongue Invocation to get him to sacrifice his own creatures that would otherwise be immune to my other spells, but it's horrible, grinding work, Round 1 takes 37 minutes for me to pull a win
At which point, he very loudly asks a judge how slow I can play before I get a slow warning
The judge looks at me with the arm in the cast and a friend frantically helping me side-deck, then simply looks at the other player and states in the most flat tone possible "She's allowed sufficient time for side-decking, which is subject to whichever substitutions she must make."
Then walks off, not even dignifying the guy further
Goddamn we have an awesome judge
Round 2, we are draining each other's cards away blow for blow, with a prized moment of surprise sees Stratus Dancer megamorph to protect my cards from a Thoughtseize and we keep running down cards until we hit a top deck mode
He's got an even bigger suite of Planeswalker's than me to call on, but he's packing Garruk Apex Predator to take out any on my side of the field, even with a card to shove Garruk back, Garruk's too fast and takes out Ashiok
I'm holding a Dragonlord's Prerogative, sure the card he's holding after he passes turn is a counter spell, if I can pull one of my dragons I can nab four cards and he can't counter it
Nope, one better, Narset's arrived to help, and again, she steels my resolve, this next move is too good NOT to risk it
Narset hits the battlefield and immediately he has an answer, not a counter, instead with a Hero's Downfall, but Narset has that last parting gift before being wiped off the battlefield, giving me a free copy of my next spell
Dragonlord's Prerogative draws me four cards and with another four to come, and although I don't have any of my big hitters I start battering down every advantage I can until the claxon sounds for round, five minutes left
Those five minutes go by far too fast, and now we're on Final Five Turn clock, I fire off every end turn trigger I can to try and make them count, with Tasigur, Golden Fang giving me back the same Anticipate every time my opponent is forced to pick
Finally I hit it, Haven of the Spirit Dragon, crack the haven and return one of my fallen dragons to play it all over again, Silumgar and his favorite piece of bling Tasigur swing for the win in final turn - seriously, he turned Tasigur into a necklace at one point in the cards
We've went to round and are the last match, literally I'm still switching back to my main deck, resleeving cards and trying to make a half assed attempt at pile shuffling since my friend's occupied
Second match is a lot harder, this guy plays control with a capital Blue, literally every card we play is backed up with how many cards we can counter each other's attempts to counter the other, I'm playing more threats with my dragons, but he's taking them out one after the other
Ashiok hits the field, and each time I try to fight back its too late, Ashiok slowly cranks up and up until finally unleashing Ashiok's Ultimate, wiping out my hand and grave all at once
I brave a few turns to try and come back, but it quickly becomes evident that Ashiok has tipped it, and keeping in mind last round going to time, I decide a tactical retreat is in order and give the round to him, side up, and quickly assemble forces, as our battle became quickly tied around beating each other's Ashiok.
I pull my second out and hit his single copy of Pearl-Lake Ancient, netting an instant resignation from my opponent
And for the second time in as many rounds the guy mentions me and slow playing, although it's more jokingly than the last guy I can't help feel a little irked
And another round of back and forth results in us both ending with 30+ life after the end of five turn count, tie match
And once again? We're the last two players active, immediately with no breathing space, rushing to sort cards, needing the bathroom, hungry and thirsty like I can't believe it, two hours solid play with no breathing space, I'm hitting a limit here
And the limit hits me like a ton of bricks, next round I meet a Jeskai rush deck, turn one a hasted Swiftspear means trouble for me off the bat, I can get a move in by turn three at best, but he proves that his turn three is better than mine, swinging for 15 damage in a single turn between his monks
Literally I can't even count straight and I look at the clock, 8 minutes into round, ask the guy if he minds if I take a quick break
He's fairly sure, so he nods, shrugs and I head outside and remember what fresh air is after three hours in a comic book store of card game players, lol
It's surprisingly effective and I make my way back in, siding carefully and then claw back in, the guy plays fast and wide, so Drown in Sorrow helps immensely against his Goblin Rabblemaster and Dragon Fodder-ed goblins
A Myth Realized makes for a powerful win condition on his side of the field, but choosing an Ultimate Price from Anticipate over my dragon I wait and strike, before my dragons go over the top and find me an equaliser
He sides heavily here and the surprise is in round three with a Mastery of the Ways, manifesting and going even wider, gaining him life to make it harder for me to hit home and making it harder for me to decide how to block when he swings in
Ojutai blocks a face down that flips over to a Seeker of the Way, and quickly he throws down an Artful Maneuver, and a Silumgar's Scorn from me closes that down to let Ojutai and then Silumgar himself attack, before the guy throws a wall of burn spells at me to empty his hand and show just how far he was from winning and then concedes with a handshake
This match gives me a massive time difference to let me get another breather and relax before next round...
Round 5? And it's against a judge, and I admit to myself that I am in for a hard match, I've seen/heard the rank of white/black warriors that have rampaged across the planes
People around us are taking intentional draws to get through to the top 8, but my opponent makes it very clear he wants to play, more packs and more points to him, fair enough to him, I did come to play, but I can't help but wonder about his attitude if he thought I was just slim pickings
Sadly it just wasn't to be, his double striking warriors take it all out on me and Ashiok doesn't even make him flinch, grinning every time he brings out a Mardu Skullhunter to make me discard on the back of his attacks
I side as best I can, but he pounds me mercilessly for the win, leaving me at 3-1-1
It's a bit of a dull end to the rounds, and I'm bitterly reminded about losing the cut offs last Game Day with 7 other people at 10 points, so I resign a little that it's in lucks hands now
That is when a situation occurs that makes things pretty complicated
The Second and Third place players are suddenly disqualified for collusion, having agreed to split on packs, suddenly it seems like I'm into the top 8, but it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth to consider it
The incident goes past and things settle down, it's a horrible way to end the Swiss to hear that folks got left out, but it's a rule enforced for reason. And sadly one I do my best to watch out for whenever it could crop up.
But the final standings go up, and me and my friend are through, he's been stoked all day playing a Temur dragons brew that's worked well against the control deck meta, so he's happy to be in his first top 8
The prizes are awesome full art cards for this far, Thunderbreak Regent and Scaleguard Sentinel are both awesome cards, and amazing already in standard to have rarer versions of them, but my eye is more happily on my 7th place standing, even with our 2nd and 3rd places, if they had stayed in, I managed to get in, taking a little solace there
Folks crack packs, the Champion Mat now on full display to invite some excitement, and I have to let out a tiny exclamation of wow at finding Sarkhan Unbroken - yes, yes, laugh it up - in one of my prize packs
So, yeah, let's say I just came in there and walked out with about 50-60 dollars card profit at the end of the day
Now it's time for the big one, though, it's all about the Champion spot, and I rush headlong into battle against a Mardu dragon build, who has awesome fun with a home brew that looked really fun, my dragons take his down in the air, with a rather memorable win being Dragonlord Silumgar taking control of Dragonlord Kolaghan, having them stand aside Dragonlord Ojutai and swing together, three of the five Dragonlords all at once for a win
I decide not to side and we hit round two, and with Ojutai out and on guard, pull out my Planeswalker's one after the other, Ashiok hitting Ultimate First to exile his cards from hand and grave, Ugin to refuel me massively, and the nail in the coffin Narset, whose ability to prevent them from playing any non-creature spells seals the deal and push me to semi-finals, much to some spectators excitement to see not just one, but three Planeswalker Ultimates fire in a single match
My friend also makes it through, and we agree to do our damnedest to make it to the grand final together
Easier said than done, my opponent is my judge from earlier who handed me my loss, but luck is somehow on my side, something happens to jam his mana pool and stalls his warriors long enough to let me drown in sorrow and steal the first match
It's a short one, but I know his deck from when we last played, I side in like my life depends on it and we hit the match, with multiple Jorubai Murk-Lurkers holding me in by sheer skin of my teeth, pulling back my life
Total, blocking his fighters, and striking again and again as he finds himself stalled, which ends up being enough for Silumgar to arrive and swing in for victory!
Sadly, victory is bittersweet, as my friend falls, but my pride restored, myself and my opponent hit the grand finale, and I quickly discover I'm facing the same White/Black warrior deck type, but much wider spread, quickly being overwhelmed by forces in game one, trying to side like I did against my former opponent
But then, disaster strikes, my opening hand is useless, so I invoke a mulligan to reshuffle and draw one less card
Even worse
Finally, I take the third hand and gamble on two lands, Ojutai, Anticipate and an Ultimate Price, hoping it will ride me through to stabilise
Sadly that doesn't quite pan out
This hand was struggling to begin with, it needed precision and I made a single misplay over when to use my Anticipate or not leaves me unable to find a white mana to play Ojutai, leaving him stuck in my hand and leaving me at the mercy of my opponents Sorin, Solemn Visitor who pumps his army and gains him massive life every turn, and massive envy from me at his second foil Sorin after I deal with the first, lol
I'm locked out, facing a wall of warrior tokens, and realise he can kill me in one turn, extend the hand and congratulate him on his win
And there you have it, second place
The highest I've ever reached in a Game Day, and while winning would have been awesome, I resolve myself at least that I fought hard and did well, better than I could have
Ojutai may not have handed me victory? But he and Narset certainly taught me a lot that day indeed~
(Oh yeah, then I collapsed later in bed in front of the laptop, utterly exhausted, lol, but yeah, multiple hours of Magic will do that, Jeri was very nice and gave me a blanket later, lol)
Witty Journal Title
General | Posted 10 years agoUrsh, literally stared at this screen for like five minutes and came up blank about what to call this journal, I COULD call it 'Questions Jasmine didn't expect Social to ask', or maybe- urgh, not gonna be a fun journal and I'm not coherent enough, but I wanna write this while I have time, if only to do something to fill that time up with
We saw the social worker Saturday, me and Jeri, and I'd had all those worries about who we'd meet, imagining all those different characters you met in books, officious yet snide like Umbridge, or someone huge and animated and intimidating like Cobra Bubbles
When the guy finally sat down and just acted so blank, like he was running off a script, I just didn't know how to feel, and I guess it didn't help when he got to the awkward questions, when he started asking about our sexual histories and our previous partners
Apparently they decided it's relevant in case one of us dated an axe-murderer who could come back one night and chop down the door
Not like thinking about Micki helped me through an already rigorous multiple hour question session, to then have to sit through Jeri describing her past squeezes and then go on from there to the guy pulling out my medical file and discussing whether or not I would make an adequate caregiver considering my health
Or, the fact that half my medical file lists my hospital trips owing to 'house accidents' as evidence of an unsafe environment
The only good news is that we left the place without getting a definite 'no', but, I don't know what to think really, we'll be having home visits soon
So, of course, we start cleaning the house top to bottom
Of course I start taking down transformers from my shelf to dust them properly
And of course I do the thing of blowing the dust to see how bad it is, get it in my eye and then stumble back like an amateur mime act and hit the floor
So, yeah, back to classic form, got me a double break in the left arm and a plenty big cast for my troubles, and all the while, can't wait to see how the social worker brings this up next time we meet
Feeling low from the combination of meds, after-ache and general feeling of I've let us down when we're under the scrutiny for everything we do right now
Everything else is kind of hitting a back seat right now, Magic Game Day coming up this weekend, now not even sure I wanna go when I can't even think straight to try and fix my deck
So, just a heads up, I may be a lil elusive over the next few, just pulling myself back together here~
We saw the social worker Saturday, me and Jeri, and I'd had all those worries about who we'd meet, imagining all those different characters you met in books, officious yet snide like Umbridge, or someone huge and animated and intimidating like Cobra Bubbles
When the guy finally sat down and just acted so blank, like he was running off a script, I just didn't know how to feel, and I guess it didn't help when he got to the awkward questions, when he started asking about our sexual histories and our previous partners
Apparently they decided it's relevant in case one of us dated an axe-murderer who could come back one night and chop down the door
Not like thinking about Micki helped me through an already rigorous multiple hour question session, to then have to sit through Jeri describing her past squeezes and then go on from there to the guy pulling out my medical file and discussing whether or not I would make an adequate caregiver considering my health
Or, the fact that half my medical file lists my hospital trips owing to 'house accidents' as evidence of an unsafe environment
The only good news is that we left the place without getting a definite 'no', but, I don't know what to think really, we'll be having home visits soon
So, of course, we start cleaning the house top to bottom
Of course I start taking down transformers from my shelf to dust them properly
And of course I do the thing of blowing the dust to see how bad it is, get it in my eye and then stumble back like an amateur mime act and hit the floor
So, yeah, back to classic form, got me a double break in the left arm and a plenty big cast for my troubles, and all the while, can't wait to see how the social worker brings this up next time we meet
Feeling low from the combination of meds, after-ache and general feeling of I've let us down when we're under the scrutiny for everything we do right now
Everything else is kind of hitting a back seat right now, Magic Game Day coming up this weekend, now not even sure I wanna go when I can't even think straight to try and fix my deck
So, just a heads up, I may be a lil elusive over the next few, just pulling myself back together here~
Kid's Stuff!
General | Posted 10 years agoZe List!:
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
Ahhhh, the illusion of progress~
Slowly whittling work away at this, and just as well if I wanna get his done and dusted before we hear about our big hunt to find a kid to be in our family as mentioned in the prior journal =B
All things have been going well, if not a lil stressful and tiring on the adoption front, after we let ourselves get full checks to see if there was any cause for worry that may have interfered with our plans, and all seemed well, so we went ahead and booked for an appointment next weekend for our newly appointed social worker =o
We've went ahead over the last two weeks and been getting things ready, in particular we cleared out one of the rooms on our side of the house and it seemed to take us a whole week JUST to decide on a color for painting it
Yeah, we went through the classic pink/blue discussions, lol, although we're both certain that there shouldn't be a whole hangup, it still felt important we made an effort into thinking about this one, going through various palettes and books, weird esoteric designs of mismatched paints on walls, pastels...
There WAS a point at one time when I pitched this idea of painting the room blank, then if we got to adopt, we'd make it like our first family activity to let them choose what colors they wanted their room and paint it together =o
Buuuuuut, this felt like kind of a chore on the poor kid, and we wouldn't know if the kid even liked that kind of activity, so it was a bit bleh, particularly if the social worker looked at it and thought we were being lazy, we wanted to put a best foot forward...
And finally we hit it, Toy Story style =D
Sky blue with white fluffy clouds, traditional enough, with just a hint of warm and fuzzy
We really dunno what to expect, certainly we have to get ALLOWED to be considered for adoption first, but me and Jeri have made it fairly clear we don't mind whoever we adopt, boy/girl, age, etc... we'll see whoever they let us see and you know, just look for what clicks right =B
Concerns there aside, all's been well health wise of late too, just been thinking it's been a while since my last hospital visit, hoping I can keep this on a roll and see how long I can stay uncasted for a bit, lol, I kinda want not to be wrapped in plaster when we start having to take care of a kid XD
I've been getting involved with old friends in an RP which has sparked some of my creativity to get going again, managed to crank out some pics and even am progressing with sketches for others =B It's nice to make some progress and I'm hoping I can translate that effort into some writing as well
Hell, I've even been using it in Magic as I work on my commander decks and such, and... admittedly overspent this weekend <_<
Spotted a From the Vaults boxset, which is a yearly thing Magic do an rerelease older, hard to get power cards in a special collectors format, sometimes with new art, sometimes with cards being released in modern formats for the first time ever =o
And I found me one of the older ones on eBay for like 80-90 bucks, which is like HALF of what it usually goes for... and... well, I pulled the trigger >_> Soooo, that's my entertainment budget for the month gone, way to go for being a responsible mom figure, now I feel all guilty, but I want it here so I can brew up some awesome decks...
Huh.
Guess I may need to open up DfD again after this current batch to make up for it <_<;
We'll cross that bridge as it appears, lol, for now Jeri's happy, or at least happier, while I've avoided further injury or illness she had her own case of the cruddiness a few days ago, hopefully this chocolate body paint I bought for today's occasion should help her when she gets home later...
Gaaaaah, feel like I wanna write so much more, but the adoption things been so much on my mind of late its squeezed a lot of other stuff out, cartoons like Steven Universe, or new Ponies, or comics...
Well, maybe we'll leave it there, and we can catch up again shortly =B
Stay classy!
-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Straitfox [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID] [Sketching]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]Ahhhh, the illusion of progress~
Slowly whittling work away at this, and just as well if I wanna get his done and dusted before we hear about our big hunt to find a kid to be in our family as mentioned in the prior journal =B
All things have been going well, if not a lil stressful and tiring on the adoption front, after we let ourselves get full checks to see if there was any cause for worry that may have interfered with our plans, and all seemed well, so we went ahead and booked for an appointment next weekend for our newly appointed social worker =o
We've went ahead over the last two weeks and been getting things ready, in particular we cleared out one of the rooms on our side of the house and it seemed to take us a whole week JUST to decide on a color for painting it
Yeah, we went through the classic pink/blue discussions, lol, although we're both certain that there shouldn't be a whole hangup, it still felt important we made an effort into thinking about this one, going through various palettes and books, weird esoteric designs of mismatched paints on walls, pastels...
There WAS a point at one time when I pitched this idea of painting the room blank, then if we got to adopt, we'd make it like our first family activity to let them choose what colors they wanted their room and paint it together =o
Buuuuuut, this felt like kind of a chore on the poor kid, and we wouldn't know if the kid even liked that kind of activity, so it was a bit bleh, particularly if the social worker looked at it and thought we were being lazy, we wanted to put a best foot forward...
And finally we hit it, Toy Story style =D
Sky blue with white fluffy clouds, traditional enough, with just a hint of warm and fuzzy
We really dunno what to expect, certainly we have to get ALLOWED to be considered for adoption first, but me and Jeri have made it fairly clear we don't mind whoever we adopt, boy/girl, age, etc... we'll see whoever they let us see and you know, just look for what clicks right =B
Concerns there aside, all's been well health wise of late too, just been thinking it's been a while since my last hospital visit, hoping I can keep this on a roll and see how long I can stay uncasted for a bit, lol, I kinda want not to be wrapped in plaster when we start having to take care of a kid XD
I've been getting involved with old friends in an RP which has sparked some of my creativity to get going again, managed to crank out some pics and even am progressing with sketches for others =B It's nice to make some progress and I'm hoping I can translate that effort into some writing as well
Hell, I've even been using it in Magic as I work on my commander decks and such, and... admittedly overspent this weekend <_<
Spotted a From the Vaults boxset, which is a yearly thing Magic do an rerelease older, hard to get power cards in a special collectors format, sometimes with new art, sometimes with cards being released in modern formats for the first time ever =o
And I found me one of the older ones on eBay for like 80-90 bucks, which is like HALF of what it usually goes for... and... well, I pulled the trigger >_> Soooo, that's my entertainment budget for the month gone, way to go for being a responsible mom figure, now I feel all guilty, but I want it here so I can brew up some awesome decks...
Huh.
Guess I may need to open up DfD again after this current batch to make up for it <_<;
We'll cross that bridge as it appears, lol, for now Jeri's happy, or at least happier, while I've avoided further injury or illness she had her own case of the cruddiness a few days ago, hopefully this chocolate body paint I bought for today's occasion should help her when she gets home later...
Gaaaaah, feel like I wanna write so much more, but the adoption things been so much on my mind of late its squeezed a lot of other stuff out, cartoons like Steven Universe, or new Ponies, or comics...
Well, maybe we'll leave it there, and we can catch up again shortly =B
Stay classy!
One year older... [IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT]
General | Posted 11 years ago...And none the wiser =D
[Also, if you wanna avoid the rambling and head for the announcement, scroll downward!]
Well? You know what, it's been a while and now, I'm here to say some important announcements, but, first thing's first, we've got the catching up to do~
So, art wise, you've seen me post a few things, so I'm happy to say that I have begun getting back into some work with pencils, so hopefully you'll see some more from me soon, particularly on...
Ze List!:
-
Kritterfox [PAID] [Sketched]
- Kritterfox [PAID] [Sketched]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
Yep, going to be nice if I can get this ran through =D
Healthwise, I've been a little back and forth between bouts of illness - henceforth known as geek flu since I seem to have caught it with like every Magic event I appeared at, lol, I hope folks there won't be offended if I start using hand sanitiser when I shake hands with them and such, but, eh
More importantly?
Today is my birthday, and for the first birthday in years, I've made it without breaking anything!
Got the cast off two weeks ago from my leg and been getting a little physio to work myself back to strength
Although that's just physically, mentally? I have been utterly and emotionally compromised XD
Last week was the 'Steven Bomb' Steven Universe marathon, so, I recorded it whilst working and decided that me and Jeri would just sit together, snuggle up and marathon the hell out of it in one sitting
Jeri doesn't generally watch Steven Universe, so, I'm not sure what she expected when we started watching, but I'm fairly damn sure it didn't involve me being reduced to a sobbing husk and holding her hand at all the input of feels that resulted from watching the resulting breakdown of all the characters one by one
Particularly thanks to two episodes all by their lonesome
'Rose's Scabbard'
You watch a show for so long, you see the characters change little by little, and over that time, Pearl has stayed fairly rigid, almost to OCD levels, and only once or twice has the mask kind of cracked, this episode was the one that really made it shatter when everything she perceived about her relationship with Rose Quartz falls to pieces when she learns that even as her ''most trusted confidant' that there were secrets even kept from her
The resulting fallout is one of the most raw exchanges the show's ever had, and the revelation - shared with a Sailor Moon reference of intertwined fingers - shows Rose and Pearl were once in love together, which just made everything hit at once, Pearl's dedication to the planet, even though she hates so much of it and tried so hard to escape, the way she treats Steven, her protectiveness
And the episode's silent finish, played to the haunting 'I'm Still Here' is just heartbreaking and wonderful at once
And if you don't mind spoilers, or don't watch Steven Universe, do yourself a favor and have a look =o
https://youtu.be/iBRzC5cf9ZU
Then let me know if your heart is still intact, because if so you're stronger than me, lol
Speaking of that line?
Yeah, so, Rose's Scabbard very quietly and casually suggested a lesbian relationship in this cartoon - Gems being non-binary alien beings and all, but still all identify female and whatnot - and all the pathos that came from seeing love lost between Rose and Pearl was nothing I ever expected to be shown on air on Cartoon Network, and maybe that's as much what tears me up as that situation itself
But there's no better love than love that's celebrated
In the big finale episode? The Return/Jailbreak happened as the Gems faced a threat they didn't know how to deal with as the beings from their homeworld arrive and dismantle the group one by one, but, this next part requires some context actually...
The show has a concept of the gems fusing together to become gestalt beings, much more powerful and different personalities, think DBZ Fusion, right down to the dancing part even
It's been shown off once or twice already, and certainly raised some eyebrow raising allegories to relationships, not just the idea of two souls being joined, but the rather risque antics that get thrown into the 'dances' every now and again
Quick example...
https://youtu.be/LuTGIT3ZKhE
But yeah, fusions are awesome and all
And then, as Steven wakes up after being beaten, he encounters two smaller gems, one Ruby, one Sapphire, something altogether unexpected happens
I'd assumed Ruby was a depowered Garnet, but, the two get together and...
https://youtu.be/0q-RSGsTI-0
And.
Wow.
The kiss, the love being shared, the two fusing together into Garnet, whose been this two lovetsruck pair for so long - although a few people did rightly guess it a while back from clues! - and then, the big finale which could have just become a punch up, is as Steven Universe as the show ever was, Estelle showing really how wonderful she is as Garnet, not just the singing, but the performance overall with Garnet is just layered excellently at conveying so much about the character now
And the idea that Garnet is singing to affirm herself, fighting back against Jasper, who is disgusted at the idea of fusing
Subtext is a little hard to avoid when looking at those lines, and the idea of two women standing up together against an oppressive system all while declaring their love?
It's an amazing feeling how something so small as a show can make you feel so happy to see it on air
I'd discussed this with folks previously and it's not like we live in the stone ages, there are a good few lesbian role models or characters on TV nowadays, but, the holy grail is still fairly untouched in seeing homosexual couples as a normal status on any shows below teenage years
And slowly but surely, things are changing, whether it's Korra and Asami together, Jeff on Clarence having two moms, or here, with Steven Universe in what now has to be such an outpouring of diversity the show celebrates
Yeah
Me and Jeri were plenty happy, and I think she'll be watching it with me a whole lot more from now on
Gah, I've rambled a lot now, and I haven't even opened up my birthday presents yet, lol, uploaded art, wrote all this junk of me gushing...
Now I think it's time for the big announcement
It's no lie I've kind of shied off FA for a bit, one part at being embarrassed at my lack of output artistically of late, the other, because me and Jeri have been talking about something very important, and I think it's about time that I went and shouted this one out for you guys to hear as well
It's not something that's been talked about lightly and it's something that is being taken very serious, so please don't think this is a spur of the moment thing, I really haven't talked about it because I didn't want to until I was sure me and Jeri were serious on this subject
Now that we've both reached a point where we're agreed, it's time to say this aloud
Myself and Jeri are considering having a child together
There you go, it's out there, it's shouting from the rooftops, lol, and it's probably mundane as anything, but, yeah, we want a kid, and maybe I was just a little strategic with the whole Steven Universe thing, but I seriously did not expect to see anything like that show gave us before we jumped down this rabbit hole
I've wanted kids for a while - and lord knows Mom wants grandkids - but I've always been afraid of what would happen if I did give birth, that there's a chance that not only would they inherit my albinism, but, they'd also have a high chance of inheriting my brittle bones too
And with all the talking me and Jeri had, certainly about my work, and what little it contributes, maybe I'd be better as a stay at home mom, while she works the shifts
It would likely mean even less time here with you guys or on my other hobbies, but I think most parents realise that once their kids arrive, or at least, they come to a sharp realisation after fooling themselves they'll still have more time than they'd imagine, lol
But, this one's important to us, and considering the options, we're looking at adopting
Which means both of us need to speak to the foster agencies which will happen next week and we need to go through various hoops and whistles for approval first, but I'm doing my best to read up on it and look for any yay or nays we need to be careful with =3
So there you have it, celebrations of birthdays, celebrations of health, celebrations of diversity and hopefully, celebrations to come.
Not bad for one update. <3
See you all soon~
[Also, if you wanna avoid the rambling and head for the announcement, scroll downward!]
Well? You know what, it's been a while and now, I'm here to say some important announcements, but, first thing's first, we've got the catching up to do~
So, art wise, you've seen me post a few things, so I'm happy to say that I have begun getting back into some work with pencils, so hopefully you'll see some more from me soon, particularly on...
Ze List!:
-
Kritterfox [PAID] [Sketched]-
Kritterfox [PAID] [Sketched]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]Yep, going to be nice if I can get this ran through =D
Healthwise, I've been a little back and forth between bouts of illness - henceforth known as geek flu since I seem to have caught it with like every Magic event I appeared at, lol, I hope folks there won't be offended if I start using hand sanitiser when I shake hands with them and such, but, eh
More importantly?
Today is my birthday, and for the first birthday in years, I've made it without breaking anything!
Got the cast off two weeks ago from my leg and been getting a little physio to work myself back to strength
Although that's just physically, mentally? I have been utterly and emotionally compromised XD
Last week was the 'Steven Bomb' Steven Universe marathon, so, I recorded it whilst working and decided that me and Jeri would just sit together, snuggle up and marathon the hell out of it in one sitting
Jeri doesn't generally watch Steven Universe, so, I'm not sure what she expected when we started watching, but I'm fairly damn sure it didn't involve me being reduced to a sobbing husk and holding her hand at all the input of feels that resulted from watching the resulting breakdown of all the characters one by one
Particularly thanks to two episodes all by their lonesome
'Rose's Scabbard'
You watch a show for so long, you see the characters change little by little, and over that time, Pearl has stayed fairly rigid, almost to OCD levels, and only once or twice has the mask kind of cracked, this episode was the one that really made it shatter when everything she perceived about her relationship with Rose Quartz falls to pieces when she learns that even as her ''most trusted confidant' that there were secrets even kept from her
The resulting fallout is one of the most raw exchanges the show's ever had, and the revelation - shared with a Sailor Moon reference of intertwined fingers - shows Rose and Pearl were once in love together, which just made everything hit at once, Pearl's dedication to the planet, even though she hates so much of it and tried so hard to escape, the way she treats Steven, her protectiveness
And the episode's silent finish, played to the haunting 'I'm Still Here' is just heartbreaking and wonderful at once
And if you don't mind spoilers, or don't watch Steven Universe, do yourself a favor and have a look =o
https://youtu.be/iBRzC5cf9ZU
Then let me know if your heart is still intact, because if so you're stronger than me, lol
Speaking of that line?
Yeah, so, Rose's Scabbard very quietly and casually suggested a lesbian relationship in this cartoon - Gems being non-binary alien beings and all, but still all identify female and whatnot - and all the pathos that came from seeing love lost between Rose and Pearl was nothing I ever expected to be shown on air on Cartoon Network, and maybe that's as much what tears me up as that situation itself
But there's no better love than love that's celebrated
In the big finale episode? The Return/Jailbreak happened as the Gems faced a threat they didn't know how to deal with as the beings from their homeworld arrive and dismantle the group one by one, but, this next part requires some context actually...
The show has a concept of the gems fusing together to become gestalt beings, much more powerful and different personalities, think DBZ Fusion, right down to the dancing part even
It's been shown off once or twice already, and certainly raised some eyebrow raising allegories to relationships, not just the idea of two souls being joined, but the rather risque antics that get thrown into the 'dances' every now and again
Quick example...
https://youtu.be/LuTGIT3ZKhE
But yeah, fusions are awesome and all
And then, as Steven wakes up after being beaten, he encounters two smaller gems, one Ruby, one Sapphire, something altogether unexpected happens
I'd assumed Ruby was a depowered Garnet, but, the two get together and...
https://youtu.be/0q-RSGsTI-0
And.
Wow.
The kiss, the love being shared, the two fusing together into Garnet, whose been this two lovetsruck pair for so long - although a few people did rightly guess it a while back from clues! - and then, the big finale which could have just become a punch up, is as Steven Universe as the show ever was, Estelle showing really how wonderful she is as Garnet, not just the singing, but the performance overall with Garnet is just layered excellently at conveying so much about the character now
And the idea that Garnet is singing to affirm herself, fighting back against Jasper, who is disgusted at the idea of fusing
Subtext is a little hard to avoid when looking at those lines, and the idea of two women standing up together against an oppressive system all while declaring their love?
It's an amazing feeling how something so small as a show can make you feel so happy to see it on air
I'd discussed this with folks previously and it's not like we live in the stone ages, there are a good few lesbian role models or characters on TV nowadays, but, the holy grail is still fairly untouched in seeing homosexual couples as a normal status on any shows below teenage years
And slowly but surely, things are changing, whether it's Korra and Asami together, Jeff on Clarence having two moms, or here, with Steven Universe in what now has to be such an outpouring of diversity the show celebrates
Yeah
Me and Jeri were plenty happy, and I think she'll be watching it with me a whole lot more from now on
Gah, I've rambled a lot now, and I haven't even opened up my birthday presents yet, lol, uploaded art, wrote all this junk of me gushing...
Now I think it's time for the big announcement
It's no lie I've kind of shied off FA for a bit, one part at being embarrassed at my lack of output artistically of late, the other, because me and Jeri have been talking about something very important, and I think it's about time that I went and shouted this one out for you guys to hear as well
It's not something that's been talked about lightly and it's something that is being taken very serious, so please don't think this is a spur of the moment thing, I really haven't talked about it because I didn't want to until I was sure me and Jeri were serious on this subject
Now that we've both reached a point where we're agreed, it's time to say this aloud
Myself and Jeri are considering having a child together
There you go, it's out there, it's shouting from the rooftops, lol, and it's probably mundane as anything, but, yeah, we want a kid, and maybe I was just a little strategic with the whole Steven Universe thing, but I seriously did not expect to see anything like that show gave us before we jumped down this rabbit hole
I've wanted kids for a while - and lord knows Mom wants grandkids - but I've always been afraid of what would happen if I did give birth, that there's a chance that not only would they inherit my albinism, but, they'd also have a high chance of inheriting my brittle bones too
And with all the talking me and Jeri had, certainly about my work, and what little it contributes, maybe I'd be better as a stay at home mom, while she works the shifts
It would likely mean even less time here with you guys or on my other hobbies, but I think most parents realise that once their kids arrive, or at least, they come to a sharp realisation after fooling themselves they'll still have more time than they'd imagine, lol
But, this one's important to us, and considering the options, we're looking at adopting
Which means both of us need to speak to the foster agencies which will happen next week and we need to go through various hoops and whistles for approval first, but I'm doing my best to read up on it and look for any yay or nays we need to be careful with =3
So there you have it, celebrations of birthdays, celebrations of health, celebrations of diversity and hopefully, celebrations to come.
Not bad for one update. <3
See you all soon~
Mini-Update: Friday 13th survived!
General | Posted 11 years agoWell!
Just figured this one needed saying since I stalled on the last journal, that and just wanted to take a lil moment to get something out of my head
Friday 13th? Actually turned out pretty okay, all things considered, work was meh, but afterwards I headed for Friday Night Magic and decided to test run the pile of cards I'd need to make Game Day happen
Came away with the foil promo and prize packs, so whoo! Hopefully I disn't use up all my luck in one go
(Which considering today is maybe not far off...)
Came home, cuddled up to Jeri and just enjoyed us both there and everything
Woke up and got ready, thinking I could be the one getting Jeri breakfast in bed for once, and casually opened webcomics whilst working away
I think maybe I should've seen something wrong at the trend that quickly appeared in Dumbing of Age in the middle of Joyce's mini-revelation and, well, spoilers aplenty, drama tag attached
Then Poppy O'Possum, FA's newest awesome lady people make Fanart of...
And, well.
...
http://www.poppy-opossum.com/comic/.....y-3-page-26-2/
That's an image that's gonna kill any romantic feelings when I think of it later >_>
But, yeah...
*Cough* Anyhow, it wasn't long after when I returned to the bedroom we get a phone call, one of Jeri's coworkers, emergency, but not the normal kind that's calling her in, her friend had a family member in an accident and asked if we'd watch their kids
Torn between amorous feelings and doing the right thing, we made ourselves presentable and well, here we are in the living room
It's pretty bad of me to think of my day ruined when what's happened all considered, but, it still leaves me with all sorts of feelings that I wanted to vent here, for now I'll hold fire, and cross fingers for a better evening
Just figured this one needed saying since I stalled on the last journal, that and just wanted to take a lil moment to get something out of my head
Friday 13th? Actually turned out pretty okay, all things considered, work was meh, but afterwards I headed for Friday Night Magic and decided to test run the pile of cards I'd need to make Game Day happen
Came away with the foil promo and prize packs, so whoo! Hopefully I disn't use up all my luck in one go
(Which considering today is maybe not far off...)
Came home, cuddled up to Jeri and just enjoyed us both there and everything
Woke up and got ready, thinking I could be the one getting Jeri breakfast in bed for once, and casually opened webcomics whilst working away
I think maybe I should've seen something wrong at the trend that quickly appeared in Dumbing of Age in the middle of Joyce's mini-revelation and, well, spoilers aplenty, drama tag attached
Then Poppy O'Possum, FA's newest awesome lady people make Fanart of...
And, well.
...
http://www.poppy-opossum.com/comic/.....y-3-page-26-2/
That's an image that's gonna kill any romantic feelings when I think of it later >_>
But, yeah...
*Cough* Anyhow, it wasn't long after when I returned to the bedroom we get a phone call, one of Jeri's coworkers, emergency, but not the normal kind that's calling her in, her friend had a family member in an accident and asked if we'd watch their kids
Torn between amorous feelings and doing the right thing, we made ourselves presentable and well, here we are in the living room
It's pretty bad of me to think of my day ruined when what's happened all considered, but, it still leaves me with all sorts of feelings that I wanted to vent here, for now I'll hold fire, and cross fingers for a better evening
What day is it today? Friday the- oh dear.
General | Posted 11 years agoServing as me updating whilst waiting on my ride to work at Oh-God-o'clock in the morning, lol, I figure if something terrible happens to me today I might as well have a last will of sorts here until I make it back intact
(I really should just get every Friday 13th off to be safe, but eh, can't afford to let up right now)
Good news?
Went to the hospital for my checkup and got the all clear on my wrist, so one cast gone, swapped for a foam support until I get that toned back to normal =B Still have a leg stuck in fibreglass, but next checkup is 2-3 weeks time, so fingers crossed for being able to celebrate my birthday castless, lol
But speaking of celebrations?
Tomorrow is Feb 14th, Valentine's day, which means this'll be the second anniversary of my engagement! <3
Jeri and me made sure we have the whole day off, and I've made especially sure to wait until Sunday to play the Magic Game Day for Fate Reforged, so my love life and my hobbies are finely in balance, lol
This is assuming of course I survive today AND no disaster asks Jeri to be called in to help out, apparently 50 Shades being in movie theaters has increased the emergency call out on embarrassing bondage scenarios that went wrong, so, that plus valentines...
I still find myself so short on time right now it's unreal, but, I'm pondering ways to do more work smarter
Such as right now, thanks to a friend I have some writing impulse in me that may turn out well, may turn out horrible
Bare with this space, we'll see how this turns out and pray it turns out well, lol
So let's see that list...
-Survive Friday 13th
-Give Jeri some sweet loving
-Mama needs a new Ugin Champion Mat
Let's see how many of these I can check off by Sunday!
Wish me luck on all fronts!
(I really should just get every Friday 13th off to be safe, but eh, can't afford to let up right now)
Good news?
Went to the hospital for my checkup and got the all clear on my wrist, so one cast gone, swapped for a foam support until I get that toned back to normal =B Still have a leg stuck in fibreglass, but next checkup is 2-3 weeks time, so fingers crossed for being able to celebrate my birthday castless, lol
But speaking of celebrations?
Tomorrow is Feb 14th, Valentine's day, which means this'll be the second anniversary of my engagement! <3
Jeri and me made sure we have the whole day off, and I've made especially sure to wait until Sunday to play the Magic Game Day for Fate Reforged, so my love life and my hobbies are finely in balance, lol
This is assuming of course I survive today AND no disaster asks Jeri to be called in to help out, apparently 50 Shades being in movie theaters has increased the emergency call out on embarrassing bondage scenarios that went wrong, so, that plus valentines...
I still find myself so short on time right now it's unreal, but, I'm pondering ways to do more work smarter
Such as right now, thanks to a friend I have some writing impulse in me that may turn out well, may turn out horrible
Bare with this space, we'll see how this turns out and pray it turns out well, lol
So let's see that list...
-Survive Friday 13th
-Give Jeri some sweet loving
-Mama needs a new Ugin Champion Mat
Let's see how many of these I can check off by Sunday!
Wish me luck on all fronts!
Server Report: Jazzfox Online!
General | Posted 11 years agoWelp!
I am back to work tomorrow, this is my last day of recuperation and I'm feeling a ton better than I was like a week ago, I managed to catch up on a few written sides of work, got to keep a few promises and now I'm feeling maybe a lil more ready to get back in the saddle, so expect to see/hear me more and maybe finally we'll see some output come out of me once again, lol
But yeah, viral infection was going around last week, was pretty nasty and couldn't really go anywhere to get a confirmation, but Jeri's kept her eye on me, prescribed anything with paracetomol, bed rest and fluids
It has not been pretty, but with enough TLC we got there, lol
Snow has been heavy across the town, but once again, my wife's perk of being hospital staff was quick to see public services dig us out if only to make sure they could haul her away to the hospital to help out, so, yeah, on the other side of things, it's been a lil lonely and maybe I wallowed a little in my whole sickness bleh, the worst thing being just how tired it's made me feel of late, but I'm feeling a little more energy in me now, and hopefully I'll follow this up this weekend with my checkup and hopeful cast off date!
Next week's Game Day for Magic after all, I wanna nab me an Ugin Mat! =D
But, that's the future, just now?
I went and put like lil post it notes to myself here, I have no idea what half of these mean in my fever dreams I wrote them, lol, but the ones that are relevant here I guess?
Magic DID pull an epic that some of you here may or may not have already read up on, when last week on Wednesday - the day of the week Magic uses on their website to create short stories that build fiction onto the worlds - they chose to make a story about Alesha, Who Smiles at Death: one of the new cards from the new set, and the ancient Khan of the Mardu clan over a thousand years ago =o
http://www.magicspoiler.com/wp-cont.....ed-Spoiler.png
That's her, she's awesome, small card that can get ridiculous with the right plays and ridiculous combo plays off of things that are LESS THAN 2 POWER
http://8e8460c4912582c4e519-11fcbfd.....ornetQueen.jpg
http://images.magicmadhouse.co.uk/i.....7-62978700.jpg
http://images.chaoscards.co.uk/imag.....3-16488600.jpg
http://shop.da-planet.com/store/ima.....ighthowler.jpg
So, yeah, she's an awesome little card on the mechanical scale already, but then they released the story, "The Truth of Names"
http://magic.wizards.com/en/article.....mes-2015-01-28
Wherein it is revealed that Alesha is Magic's first Trans character, that through the story it's revealed, and it all revolves around the idea of identity, which ties in really nicely with the lore of the Mardu clan, where basically warriors of the clan strive to gain glory in battle and achievements, when they earn the right to give themselves a war name and be recognised by the rest of the clan for such
So, Alesha used the ceremony to take her grandmother's name and there we are =B
It didn't hurt I already preferred Alesha over Zurgo - the 'present day' Khan - like tenfold, but this story really sold her to me, the way her Mardu lets the warriors choose their name, whilst present day Zurgo would run around and slap people with names of his choosing, even telling someone to shut up whilst doing it
Totally need a card for the Nameless Orc in this story too somewhere, I really liked this side of the Mardu, and with Dragons of Tarkir being the set where we go back to the future Tarkir, I hope this side of the Mardu sticks
So, plenty of Magic feels all round, a lot of people have been supportive and think Wizards got this one right, so time'll tell if we see more output like this
But, I also got my feels when I went on a Netflix binge while stuck in bed... TF Prime and MLP:FiM being taken down today had me watching them, but I occasionally watched other things for fun to break up the mix, one such thing was I finally caught the last season of Futurama, including its final episode
And for a show that's been cancelled and brought back how many times now? I really couldn't ask for a better ending I guess, the will-they-won't-they around Fry and Leela really ran around with all giddy circles, seeing their final time together and the unseemly way they got to be together was really nice and touching
I'll always have fond memories of Futurama, but I'd like to think this is where it ends, nice and open-ended, but with a good reassurance of where the future goes
Dunno if it hits my top spot for show finales - of which Batman Brave and the Bold still holds very high rank - but it is hard to think of shows who bowed out really well, something I'd like to look at someday
Kinda kicking myself over my January purchases here and there, what money I've had I've tried to be smart with, but Shonen Jump for instance, I bought myself in for the next year of Subscription at the $26, only a week later to see them put the year subscription to $20 XP
Hi-Fi Cluster was a really short lived series, and wasn't my fave out of the other Jump Starters, but I am sad to see a series finish short in Shonen Jump, makes me wonder if Viz will be that supportive of continuing to follow this trend or not of introducing new series only to see them keep getting cut, twice in a row now this has happened to the English version of the title
But now at least it means we get to follow Hero Academia, and SJW seems to be picking up that there are a buttload of manga treasures we don't have our hands on that English readers would probably like to read all about =o
I can't help but look at the themes that really seem to be pulling out of Shonen Jump lately though, lol, now we have Food Wars we have that and Toriko for cooking manga, and now with Hero Academia and One Punch Man you've got your superhero manga, so it's interesting to see where the trends fall I guess
Welp, enough rambling for now, time to get myself ready for tomorrow! =B
I am back to work tomorrow, this is my last day of recuperation and I'm feeling a ton better than I was like a week ago, I managed to catch up on a few written sides of work, got to keep a few promises and now I'm feeling maybe a lil more ready to get back in the saddle, so expect to see/hear me more and maybe finally we'll see some output come out of me once again, lol
But yeah, viral infection was going around last week, was pretty nasty and couldn't really go anywhere to get a confirmation, but Jeri's kept her eye on me, prescribed anything with paracetomol, bed rest and fluids
It has not been pretty, but with enough TLC we got there, lol
Snow has been heavy across the town, but once again, my wife's perk of being hospital staff was quick to see public services dig us out if only to make sure they could haul her away to the hospital to help out, so, yeah, on the other side of things, it's been a lil lonely and maybe I wallowed a little in my whole sickness bleh, the worst thing being just how tired it's made me feel of late, but I'm feeling a little more energy in me now, and hopefully I'll follow this up this weekend with my checkup and hopeful cast off date!
Next week's Game Day for Magic after all, I wanna nab me an Ugin Mat! =D
But, that's the future, just now?
I went and put like lil post it notes to myself here, I have no idea what half of these mean in my fever dreams I wrote them, lol, but the ones that are relevant here I guess?
Magic DID pull an epic that some of you here may or may not have already read up on, when last week on Wednesday - the day of the week Magic uses on their website to create short stories that build fiction onto the worlds - they chose to make a story about Alesha, Who Smiles at Death: one of the new cards from the new set, and the ancient Khan of the Mardu clan over a thousand years ago =o
http://www.magicspoiler.com/wp-cont.....ed-Spoiler.png
That's her, she's awesome, small card that can get ridiculous with the right plays and ridiculous combo plays off of things that are LESS THAN 2 POWER
http://8e8460c4912582c4e519-11fcbfd.....ornetQueen.jpg
http://images.magicmadhouse.co.uk/i.....7-62978700.jpg
http://images.chaoscards.co.uk/imag.....3-16488600.jpg
http://shop.da-planet.com/store/ima.....ighthowler.jpg
So, yeah, she's an awesome little card on the mechanical scale already, but then they released the story, "The Truth of Names"
http://magic.wizards.com/en/article.....mes-2015-01-28
Wherein it is revealed that Alesha is Magic's first Trans character, that through the story it's revealed, and it all revolves around the idea of identity, which ties in really nicely with the lore of the Mardu clan, where basically warriors of the clan strive to gain glory in battle and achievements, when they earn the right to give themselves a war name and be recognised by the rest of the clan for such
So, Alesha used the ceremony to take her grandmother's name and there we are =B
It didn't hurt I already preferred Alesha over Zurgo - the 'present day' Khan - like tenfold, but this story really sold her to me, the way her Mardu lets the warriors choose their name, whilst present day Zurgo would run around and slap people with names of his choosing, even telling someone to shut up whilst doing it
Totally need a card for the Nameless Orc in this story too somewhere, I really liked this side of the Mardu, and with Dragons of Tarkir being the set where we go back to the future Tarkir, I hope this side of the Mardu sticks
So, plenty of Magic feels all round, a lot of people have been supportive and think Wizards got this one right, so time'll tell if we see more output like this
But, I also got my feels when I went on a Netflix binge while stuck in bed... TF Prime and MLP:FiM being taken down today had me watching them, but I occasionally watched other things for fun to break up the mix, one such thing was I finally caught the last season of Futurama, including its final episode
And for a show that's been cancelled and brought back how many times now? I really couldn't ask for a better ending I guess, the will-they-won't-they around Fry and Leela really ran around with all giddy circles, seeing their final time together and the unseemly way they got to be together was really nice and touching
I'll always have fond memories of Futurama, but I'd like to think this is where it ends, nice and open-ended, but with a good reassurance of where the future goes
Dunno if it hits my top spot for show finales - of which Batman Brave and the Bold still holds very high rank - but it is hard to think of shows who bowed out really well, something I'd like to look at someday
Kinda kicking myself over my January purchases here and there, what money I've had I've tried to be smart with, but Shonen Jump for instance, I bought myself in for the next year of Subscription at the $26, only a week later to see them put the year subscription to $20 XP
Hi-Fi Cluster was a really short lived series, and wasn't my fave out of the other Jump Starters, but I am sad to see a series finish short in Shonen Jump, makes me wonder if Viz will be that supportive of continuing to follow this trend or not of introducing new series only to see them keep getting cut, twice in a row now this has happened to the English version of the title
But now at least it means we get to follow Hero Academia, and SJW seems to be picking up that there are a buttload of manga treasures we don't have our hands on that English readers would probably like to read all about =o
I can't help but look at the themes that really seem to be pulling out of Shonen Jump lately though, lol, now we have Food Wars we have that and Toriko for cooking manga, and now with Hero Academia and One Punch Man you've got your superhero manga, so it's interesting to see where the trends fall I guess
Welp, enough rambling for now, time to get myself ready for tomorrow! =B
Jazzfox Out of Order - Please Use Alternate Jazzfox
General | Posted 11 years ago"We apologise for any inconvenience."
Yeah... When did I last write my journal?
A week ago?
I have no words for how cruddy I'm feeling right now and it isn't getting much better, Jeri and my folks are keeping an eye on me, but between being snowed in again and just so much blech I can't
Ursh, rambling.
Still here, still alive, just might take time to get back to top form is all
Will try to keep better posted
Yeah... When did I last write my journal?
A week ago?
I have no words for how cruddy I'm feeling right now and it isn't getting much better, Jeri and my folks are keeping an eye on me, but between being snowed in again and just so much blech I can't
Ursh, rambling.
Still here, still alive, just might take time to get back to top form is all
Will try to keep better posted
Insert obligatory Back to the Future 2 Reference?
General | Posted 11 years agoZe List:
- Kritterfox [PAID]
- Kritterfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
- Vosur [PAID]
Yes, it is 2015, so everyone's talking about self-tying shoes and hoverboards, but hands up how many of us ACTUALLY went back in time this week? =B
*Hand*
Hah!
Well. Sort of.
Last weekend was the Magic PreRelease of Fate Reforged and Magic players went back in time 1280 years to Tarkir before Nicol Bolas could kill the Spirit Dragon Ugin, finding a way to save him from dying and stopping the extinction of the dragons!
I had major fun with it on the Saturday, even managing to luck out with a Warden of the First Tree of my promo card!
http://www.toplevelpodcast.com/wp-c.....oh3P_bgnng.png
Forever shall it be stamped accordingly~
I had fun with a card I could play turn one and then just kept building up, and it was something to see how the new sets cards functions, I managed to come in with a respectable 3-2 result, while everyone who went Jeskai/Jeskai-Abzan pulled the packs for first place
I've even managed to pick up a few trades prior to the release now happening tomorrow and think of some ideas to try a home brew with maybe as I embrace my darker Sultai side~
But, there were some downsides.
Well, one I can't blame on the cards at least XP
But yeah, the cards, Wizards were awesome and made a series of challenges that would happen at the prerelease, and if half of the players could check off the tasks presented for each phase, a little display box was slowly unfolded on the counter, until finally, complete, it opened to reveal the visage of the Spirit Dragon we had just saved, and inside the box, would be a bonus pack of cards for everyone called 'Ugin's Fate' that showed alternate art for cards to portray the new future we'd created.
Soooooo, first thing?
Canines are now the bad guys apparently x=
Pre-rescuing Ugin?
http://www.magicspoiler.com/wp-cont.....ir-Spoiler.png
Aaaaaand after?
http://media.wizards.com/2015/image.....nokTracker.png
Not just one clan's set of canine friends either, here's on the Abzan side:
http://gatherer.wizards.com/Handlers/Image.ashx?multiverseid=386525&type=card
https://i.imgur.com/xSck5f2.jpg
Yeeeeup, canids look like they've somehow got an in with the dragons and do not look like they're friendly OR welcomed, which is kind of a big bummer, sure they didn't do much in the first set, but I'd hoped we'd have me a big character from them soon or something
Oh well, only time will tell what happens there I suppose...
Second thing on the Ugin's Fate boosters, is I kind of wish people didn't realise they could pull Ugin himself from the boosters, besides being a ridiculously powerful card, that alternate art is beautiful, and in fact now very much highly sought after, commanding about 100+ dollars on eBay right about now
So of course, people find out about Ugin and everyone wants him (hell, I want one, lol) and people rip open these packs looking for him... and groans all round
It was a really cool idea of Wizards to do the Ugin's Fate boosters, with awesome new art teasing the idea what we'll find next set when we return to the present and all, but, I think everyone, myself included, kind of succumbed to greed and basically thought of the packs as like the Ugin Lottery or something
...
Damned if I won't have to do something to try and get hold of one still though >_>
Oh!
And the other thing was, as is traditional at any gathering of geeks, nerds and CCG-ers, when one person has something? EVERYONE gets to share it, lol
Spent the Sunday afterward in bed wracked up like someone had kicked me in the guts, flu, sick, bleh, then had to pull myself out of bed to go to work three days in a row, and every day just crawled back into bed with like zero strength left afterward
I'm feeling a bit better now, and maybe I'm just being a wuss and bigging it up, or maybe I'm just still sour grapes since I didn't pull an Ugin card, lol, but yeah, hopefully you should be hearing more from me again now as I pull myself together =3
I have as you see, new art that needs to be getting made and all!
So!
Another week or so and I'll hopefully be getting casts removed, let's see if I can channel some energy out of that and get things done there~
Also, a final note?
Last week's Steven Universe, 'Alone Together'?
All my feels.
All my feels~
-
Kritterfox [PAID]-
Kritterfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]-
Vosur [PAID]Yes, it is 2015, so everyone's talking about self-tying shoes and hoverboards, but hands up how many of us ACTUALLY went back in time this week? =B
*Hand*
Hah!
Well. Sort of.
Last weekend was the Magic PreRelease of Fate Reforged and Magic players went back in time 1280 years to Tarkir before Nicol Bolas could kill the Spirit Dragon Ugin, finding a way to save him from dying and stopping the extinction of the dragons!
I had major fun with it on the Saturday, even managing to luck out with a Warden of the First Tree of my promo card!
http://www.toplevelpodcast.com/wp-c.....oh3P_bgnng.png
Forever shall it be stamped accordingly~
I had fun with a card I could play turn one and then just kept building up, and it was something to see how the new sets cards functions, I managed to come in with a respectable 3-2 result, while everyone who went Jeskai/Jeskai-Abzan pulled the packs for first place
I've even managed to pick up a few trades prior to the release now happening tomorrow and think of some ideas to try a home brew with maybe as I embrace my darker Sultai side~
But, there were some downsides.
Well, one I can't blame on the cards at least XP
But yeah, the cards, Wizards were awesome and made a series of challenges that would happen at the prerelease, and if half of the players could check off the tasks presented for each phase, a little display box was slowly unfolded on the counter, until finally, complete, it opened to reveal the visage of the Spirit Dragon we had just saved, and inside the box, would be a bonus pack of cards for everyone called 'Ugin's Fate' that showed alternate art for cards to portray the new future we'd created.
Soooooo, first thing?
Canines are now the bad guys apparently x=
Pre-rescuing Ugin?
http://www.magicspoiler.com/wp-cont.....ir-Spoiler.png
Aaaaaand after?
http://media.wizards.com/2015/image.....nokTracker.png
Not just one clan's set of canine friends either, here's on the Abzan side:
http://gatherer.wizards.com/Handlers/Image.ashx?multiverseid=386525&type=card
https://i.imgur.com/xSck5f2.jpg
Yeeeeup, canids look like they've somehow got an in with the dragons and do not look like they're friendly OR welcomed, which is kind of a big bummer, sure they didn't do much in the first set, but I'd hoped we'd have me a big character from them soon or something
Oh well, only time will tell what happens there I suppose...
Second thing on the Ugin's Fate boosters, is I kind of wish people didn't realise they could pull Ugin himself from the boosters, besides being a ridiculously powerful card, that alternate art is beautiful, and in fact now very much highly sought after, commanding about 100+ dollars on eBay right about now
So of course, people find out about Ugin and everyone wants him (hell, I want one, lol) and people rip open these packs looking for him... and groans all round
It was a really cool idea of Wizards to do the Ugin's Fate boosters, with awesome new art teasing the idea what we'll find next set when we return to the present and all, but, I think everyone, myself included, kind of succumbed to greed and basically thought of the packs as like the Ugin Lottery or something
...
Damned if I won't have to do something to try and get hold of one still though >_>
Oh!
And the other thing was, as is traditional at any gathering of geeks, nerds and CCG-ers, when one person has something? EVERYONE gets to share it, lol
Spent the Sunday afterward in bed wracked up like someone had kicked me in the guts, flu, sick, bleh, then had to pull myself out of bed to go to work three days in a row, and every day just crawled back into bed with like zero strength left afterward
I'm feeling a bit better now, and maybe I'm just being a wuss and bigging it up, or maybe I'm just still sour grapes since I didn't pull an Ugin card, lol, but yeah, hopefully you should be hearing more from me again now as I pull myself together =3
I have as you see, new art that needs to be getting made and all!
So!
Another week or so and I'll hopefully be getting casts removed, let's see if I can channel some energy out of that and get things done there~
Also, a final note?
Last week's Steven Universe, 'Alone Together'?
All my feels.
All my feels~
2015? I am Resolute!
General | Posted 11 years agoZe List:
- NathanCowan [PAID] [Sketched]
- Kritterfox [PAID]
- Kritterfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
Welp, just a few hours left until we say goodbye to 2014!
And, what have I to look back on this year?
I reunited with a long lost friend, me and Jeri had a few bumps and bends to go through that we helped ourselves get through =3 Managed to break a few bones of course, but hopefully two weeks time I got my next checkup, we'll see if we can't remedy that recent set of breaks, lol
We had some very awesome movies, between Lego Movie, Guardians of the Galaxy and a Transformers live action movie that didn't totally blow chunks, it's been very damn fun
Oh!
You wanna hear about last week?
Christmas?
Well... gee, I got some very nice clothes, including a dinosaur onesie that yes, I am currently wearing, lol, some Magic the Gathering stuff (an awesome deck box/sleeves, full art lands, and even a Karn Liberated, mwahahaha!)
http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/C.....verseid=214350
The only reason to dislike that last present is now to try and come up with a deck that can play him for the amount of hate Karn draws when the board sees him emerge and start doing all sorts of crazy overpowered things
Course, then Wizards had to decide as their own impromptu present to reveal ANOTHER giant colorless planeswalker card, and bygods, color me impressed then <_<
http://www.magicspoiler.com/mtg-spo.....spirit-dragon/
So yeah, even at Xmas, I ring the Magic bells, special thanks as well for the Theros Graphic Novel to boot!
Also got me some Blu Rays, the aforementioned Guardians of the Galaxy, DBZ Battle of Gods which even impressed Jeri, and still to arrive, Bubblegum Crisis the Blu-Ray, which has a very special set of dedications on the back there...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/oa9juidc2.....0back.JPG?dl=0
Now look at the dot beside Special Thanks...
Heeeeeee, can't wait to see that one~
Also ordered up Samurai Pizza Cats to boot, so plenty of watching to be had for entertainment =D
And, of course, Transformers, yay~ Masterpiece Grimlock was an awesome surprise, but also, some More Than Meets the Eye players for my shelves with Brainstorm, who is no mean fete to snap up right now, and also the new version of Steeljaw who's from the new cartoon next year, looks kinda cool all wolfy, even with the whole wolf-head-shaped car mode which is all kinds of awesome
So, yeah, most folks were happy with what they got from me, so, all went well on the giving side as much as the receiving - and trust me I was nervous as hell with budget present buying this year >_> - so all's well, and now I just gotta stretch my paycheck until end of January to survive long enough to get back in the red, lol
Also, I've been rocking the Xmas stocking on my cast and all, definitely looks more festive and better than just a dingy old sock to keep my toes warm XD
So, we've stayed safe and well - mostly - through the Winter solstice, and wish then to you all as well to come through to 2015 intact =B
My New Years Resolution?
To never play Ashiok in a friendly environment ever again, lol
Kidding XD
My real resolution is something secret between me and Jeri, we'll see how well it pans out <3
Anyhow, take care, and see you guys next year!
-
NathanCowan [PAID] [Sketched]-
Kritterfox [PAID]-
Kritterfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]Welp, just a few hours left until we say goodbye to 2014!
And, what have I to look back on this year?
I reunited with a long lost friend, me and Jeri had a few bumps and bends to go through that we helped ourselves get through =3 Managed to break a few bones of course, but hopefully two weeks time I got my next checkup, we'll see if we can't remedy that recent set of breaks, lol
We had some very awesome movies, between Lego Movie, Guardians of the Galaxy and a Transformers live action movie that didn't totally blow chunks, it's been very damn fun
Oh!
You wanna hear about last week?
Christmas?
Well... gee, I got some very nice clothes, including a dinosaur onesie that yes, I am currently wearing, lol, some Magic the Gathering stuff (an awesome deck box/sleeves, full art lands, and even a Karn Liberated, mwahahaha!)
http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/C.....verseid=214350
The only reason to dislike that last present is now to try and come up with a deck that can play him for the amount of hate Karn draws when the board sees him emerge and start doing all sorts of crazy overpowered things
Course, then Wizards had to decide as their own impromptu present to reveal ANOTHER giant colorless planeswalker card, and bygods, color me impressed then <_<
http://www.magicspoiler.com/mtg-spo.....spirit-dragon/
So yeah, even at Xmas, I ring the Magic bells, special thanks as well for the Theros Graphic Novel to boot!
Also got me some Blu Rays, the aforementioned Guardians of the Galaxy, DBZ Battle of Gods which even impressed Jeri, and still to arrive, Bubblegum Crisis the Blu-Ray, which has a very special set of dedications on the back there...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/oa9juidc2.....0back.JPG?dl=0
Now look at the dot beside Special Thanks...
Heeeeeee, can't wait to see that one~
Also ordered up Samurai Pizza Cats to boot, so plenty of watching to be had for entertainment =D
And, of course, Transformers, yay~ Masterpiece Grimlock was an awesome surprise, but also, some More Than Meets the Eye players for my shelves with Brainstorm, who is no mean fete to snap up right now, and also the new version of Steeljaw who's from the new cartoon next year, looks kinda cool all wolfy, even with the whole wolf-head-shaped car mode which is all kinds of awesome
So, yeah, most folks were happy with what they got from me, so, all went well on the giving side as much as the receiving - and trust me I was nervous as hell with budget present buying this year >_> - so all's well, and now I just gotta stretch my paycheck until end of January to survive long enough to get back in the red, lol
Also, I've been rocking the Xmas stocking on my cast and all, definitely looks more festive and better than just a dingy old sock to keep my toes warm XD
So, we've stayed safe and well - mostly - through the Winter solstice, and wish then to you all as well to come through to 2015 intact =B
My New Years Resolution?
To never play Ashiok in a friendly environment ever again, lol
Kidding XD
My real resolution is something secret between me and Jeri, we'll see how well it pans out <3
Anyhow, take care, and see you guys next year!
"You boy, what day is this!"
General | Posted 11 years ago"It's Christmas Eve, go back to sleep you dozy old bat!"
Oh, well, maybe this IS a lil early, but, y'know, tomorrow's Christmas and me and Jeri and family will all be doing stuff, so, feels good to get a last journal in here quickly =B
Ze List:
- NathanCowan [PAID]
-
The_Lost_One [PAID]
- Kritterfox [PAID]
- Kritterfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
Wowsers, the list is finally getting smaller, four pics in total this amounts to =D Sooooo, we'll see if this gets smaller still soon~
Tonight we'll be having our Christmas Eve party, folks and friends will come over and we'll all stay up until Midnight for festivities, and then at Midnight we'll all exchange one first present each with one another, so fun is there to be had
I found an actual Christmas stocking that fits over my leg cast, so I'll be able to look plenty festive for the occasion to boot, lol
And part of the evening activities is that I've went and squirreled away packs of Magic throughout the year, so that a group of friends can draft some Magic, with even lil prizes available =B (IE: More packs, lol) So this'll be one activity for us to kill some time with, and although Jeri won't be joining in by playing, she has agreed to keep me company and sit aside me so she can give me a hand shuffling and handling cards, since I still kinda struggle in that department
It should be a nice relaxed mood, and everyone takes away what they draft, so everyone should come away with something awesome =B
We've got stacks of Xmas movies to boot, Muppets Xmas Carol, Arthus Christmas, the Doctor Who Christmas Special (Voyage of the Damned, of course), and a whole lo of other many merries coming out of our wazoo
So all in? Plenty is gonna keep me occupied today, and tomorrow I have no idea, but we'll wanna make the most of it, so, there isn't much chance of me saying anything apart from just now, so it's time for me to happily say to everyone here?
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Kwanza or whichever holiday brings you a lil warmth in the winter solstice, and thanks to everyone whose offered well wishes through the year, support, presents, gestures of good tidings or just being there every once in a while to let me rant about something that only I find amusing, it means a lot having you guys nearby, even if I no longer can get the time online enough as I used to, it's nice to know you guys'll always be just a little away to holler to
We'll make sure to make the most of tomorrow, so you guys I hope will follow example and do the same <3
So once more, Happy Holidays to one and all!!!
And see you all again after the Christmas bells have rung! =B
Oh, well, maybe this IS a lil early, but, y'know, tomorrow's Christmas and me and Jeri and family will all be doing stuff, so, feels good to get a last journal in here quickly =B
Ze List:
-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
The_Lost_One [PAID]-
Kritterfox [PAID]-
Kritterfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]Wowsers, the list is finally getting smaller, four pics in total this amounts to =D Sooooo, we'll see if this gets smaller still soon~
Tonight we'll be having our Christmas Eve party, folks and friends will come over and we'll all stay up until Midnight for festivities, and then at Midnight we'll all exchange one first present each with one another, so fun is there to be had
I found an actual Christmas stocking that fits over my leg cast, so I'll be able to look plenty festive for the occasion to boot, lol
And part of the evening activities is that I've went and squirreled away packs of Magic throughout the year, so that a group of friends can draft some Magic, with even lil prizes available =B (IE: More packs, lol) So this'll be one activity for us to kill some time with, and although Jeri won't be joining in by playing, she has agreed to keep me company and sit aside me so she can give me a hand shuffling and handling cards, since I still kinda struggle in that department
It should be a nice relaxed mood, and everyone takes away what they draft, so everyone should come away with something awesome =B
We've got stacks of Xmas movies to boot, Muppets Xmas Carol, Arthus Christmas, the Doctor Who Christmas Special (Voyage of the Damned, of course), and a whole lo of other many merries coming out of our wazoo
So all in? Plenty is gonna keep me occupied today, and tomorrow I have no idea, but we'll wanna make the most of it, so, there isn't much chance of me saying anything apart from just now, so it's time for me to happily say to everyone here?
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Kwanza or whichever holiday brings you a lil warmth in the winter solstice, and thanks to everyone whose offered well wishes through the year, support, presents, gestures of good tidings or just being there every once in a while to let me rant about something that only I find amusing, it means a lot having you guys nearby, even if I no longer can get the time online enough as I used to, it's nice to know you guys'll always be just a little away to holler to
We'll make sure to make the most of tomorrow, so you guys I hope will follow example and do the same <3
So once more, Happy Holidays to one and all!!!
And see you all again after the Christmas bells have rung! =B
Staycation Over!
General | Posted 11 years agoSort of =O
I'm happy to say that while my anniversary did not pass as spectacularly as hoped, that it did at least find me in well enough health to enjoy Jeri's company as we had the house all to ourselves =B
Folks'll be back in two days, and Jeri's been asked to come back for some overtime, so, reluctantly we decided to part ways for now and she'll get back to work while I recover at home
Apologies for the relative radio silence, it was kind of one of the things I promised Jeri I wouldn't be on much when really we wanted to spend time together, so, it was a bit of a trial, only coming on to periodically check e-mails and such, but now you'll see a bit more of me, and I can maybe get my head together once again!
Asides that?
Not much to report, or at least nothing much I'm willing to SHARE to report, only that it doesn't hurt to have some alone time between me, Jeri and Rascal together
It's not much of an update, but, sorry if I made anyone worry with radio silence, thought I'd broadcast it already I'd be busy for the anniversary date, lol
So!
A while before I go back to work, Jeri off and me with time enough to maybe get some art done (FINALLY!)
Ze List:
- NathanCowan [PAID]
-
Hundertneun [PAID] [Sketched]
- Hundertneun [PAID] [Sketched]
- The_Lost_One [PAID] [Sketched]
-
Twoofclubs [PAID]
- Kritterfox [PAID]
- Kritterfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
- Straitfox [PAID]
I'm happy to say that while my anniversary did not pass as spectacularly as hoped, that it did at least find me in well enough health to enjoy Jeri's company as we had the house all to ourselves =B
Folks'll be back in two days, and Jeri's been asked to come back for some overtime, so, reluctantly we decided to part ways for now and she'll get back to work while I recover at home
Apologies for the relative radio silence, it was kind of one of the things I promised Jeri I wouldn't be on much when really we wanted to spend time together, so, it was a bit of a trial, only coming on to periodically check e-mails and such, but now you'll see a bit more of me, and I can maybe get my head together once again!
Asides that?
Not much to report, or at least nothing much I'm willing to SHARE to report, only that it doesn't hurt to have some alone time between me, Jeri and Rascal together
It's not much of an update, but, sorry if I made anyone worry with radio silence, thought I'd broadcast it already I'd be busy for the anniversary date, lol
So!
A while before I go back to work, Jeri off and me with time enough to maybe get some art done (FINALLY!)
Ze List:
-
NathanCowan [PAID]-
Hundertneun [PAID] [Sketched]-
Hundertneun [PAID] [Sketched]-
The_Lost_One [PAID] [Sketched]-
Twoofclubs [PAID]-
Kritterfox [PAID]-
Kritterfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]-
Straitfox [PAID]On the... which day of Xmas we on?
General | Posted 11 years agoAll I know is, 18 sleeps 'til Santa and I wanna just get everything done and dusted
It's kinda hard having to co-ordinate everything from the computer, asking one person to buy the other persons presents, etc, etc, buying up presents for folks online to try and gap fill wherever I can, but, getting myself kinda put together bit by bit, and looking forward to some well needed time off work, I HAD scheduled time off for me and Jeri to enjoy our anniversary, but OBVIOUSLY now that's not quite gonna work out
However?
The week away I bought for us is now usable as my parents Xmas gift =D
Meeeeeeanning that me and Jeri can still have our week alone after all without even needing to leave the house <3
So, maybe things aren't so bad, y'know?
Festivities are swinging here to boot, today was the big day that we got our house all Xmas-y, I got lifted out of traction and plopped on the couch, after they cleaned the living room, then everyone else cleaned the rest of the house, the decorations got hauled out of the garage and we went about running the place with so much holly and jolly we could probably poop fake snow!
I say we, but, my job mostly came from handing folks stuff or helping separate tinsel or ornaments that got all tangled up, lol, but, it was nice of everyone to let me feel part of it, and to let me sit there and see the house becoming slowly more festive
Iunno, makes it all more feel more official, that this is us in our yearly cheer, and it's nice, to sit afterwards in the afterglow, the house all prepared, warm and cosy with everyone just a lil tired and drinking it up, and the new Blu-Ray finally arrived... and seeing as I am the only person in the house with a Blu-Ray disc or two? Guess we'll be enjoying Wolf Children sometime shortly again <3
So, yeah, just wanted to shout that I'm feeling a lil bit better everyday and today was a massive booster for that
Maybe today/tomorrow I might FINALLY sit down to some art? <3
Take care there all, and have a peaceful weekend~
It's kinda hard having to co-ordinate everything from the computer, asking one person to buy the other persons presents, etc, etc, buying up presents for folks online to try and gap fill wherever I can, but, getting myself kinda put together bit by bit, and looking forward to some well needed time off work, I HAD scheduled time off for me and Jeri to enjoy our anniversary, but OBVIOUSLY now that's not quite gonna work out
However?
The week away I bought for us is now usable as my parents Xmas gift =D
Meeeeeeanning that me and Jeri can still have our week alone after all without even needing to leave the house <3
So, maybe things aren't so bad, y'know?
Festivities are swinging here to boot, today was the big day that we got our house all Xmas-y, I got lifted out of traction and plopped on the couch, after they cleaned the living room, then everyone else cleaned the rest of the house, the decorations got hauled out of the garage and we went about running the place with so much holly and jolly we could probably poop fake snow!
I say we, but, my job mostly came from handing folks stuff or helping separate tinsel or ornaments that got all tangled up, lol, but, it was nice of everyone to let me feel part of it, and to let me sit there and see the house becoming slowly more festive
Iunno, makes it all more feel more official, that this is us in our yearly cheer, and it's nice, to sit afterwards in the afterglow, the house all prepared, warm and cosy with everyone just a lil tired and drinking it up, and the new Blu-Ray finally arrived... and seeing as I am the only person in the house with a Blu-Ray disc or two? Guess we'll be enjoying Wolf Children sometime shortly again <3
So, yeah, just wanted to shout that I'm feeling a lil bit better everyday and today was a massive booster for that
Maybe today/tomorrow I might FINALLY sit down to some art? <3
Take care there all, and have a peaceful weekend~
