Free Doritos Locos Taco today at Taco Bell. No Purchase Necessary.
Valid 2-6pm local time. 1 free taco per person/participating location. USA/District of Columbia only.
https://www.tacobell.com/stealabase

(I am not affiliated in any way with Taco Bell. I just like free food and am spreading the word so others can enjoy free tacos too.)

I have three polls since I would like some feedback. Each poll is only one question and should take less than a minute to answer. Multiple choices are allowed on every poll, so please share your honest opinions with me. Thank you for your help in advance.

1. Which jewelry commission type I should work on next?

http://www.strawpoll.me/12122034

2. For those who wear glasses or sunglasses, daily or occasionally, what are your thoughts about eye glass chains?

http://www.strawpoll.me/12122004

3. What kind of jewelry do you currently own and wear? (Multiple choices are allowed. Males only please!)

http://www.strawpoll.me/12122101

So what exactly is an otamatone? http://www.otamatone.com/153/#more-153

Listen to the Zootopia / Zootropolis theme song via Otamatone. It is not like anything I have heard before!

http://www.zootopianewsnetwork.com/.....one-cover.html

*****

Now I want to hear from my wonderful watchers - especially you! ^^

So, if you had to describe an otamatone to a fellow music lover or Zootopia / Zootropolis movie fan, what would say say?

Would you ever want to own and play your own otamatone?

What other unique instruments have you heard of? My favorite that I have come across so far is the hang drum.

Do you play an instrument yourself? What is it? How long have you been playing it?

https://twitter.com/PoprockGrey/sta.....02956064002048

http://www.furtherconfusion.org/dea.....rity-incident/

A business card can represent much more about who you are and what you do than just a simple introduction printed with standard ink on ordinary paper. There are so many ideas out there that are just so unique that they are simply "unthrowayable".

I came across these videos as I was looking for new and unique ideas for revamping my own business cards.

Tim's Novelty Business Cards

28 of The Coolest Business Cards Ever Made

*********************

Questions for my watchers:

1. What makes a business card memorable to you?
2. Do you have a favorite card type from the videos below? What specifically about the idea or concept appealed to you?
3. Have you ever encountered any unusual business cards before IRL? What made the card(s) so unique or special?
4. Do you usually keep business cards from other artists for future reference that you meet in your local area or at a con?
b) If you do keep them, how many do you have from other artists?
c) How long so you keep them before you look at them again or toss them out?
5. Is there anything else you want to mention about business cards that you have on your mind right now?
Comments, questions, squacks, and sharing stories are encouraged.

Good morning my wonderful watchers from around the world~!

*sips a fresh cup of hot lemon ginger tea with 2 lumps of sugar*

Since this is the beginning of a brand new week, i am asking what inspires you to get started on or try something new?
What songs, stories, jokes, comics, and videos or other things in life online or offline inspire you when you are feeling less than your best?

Links and examples are very much encouraged.

**********

What inspires me? Naturally it is the big three: music, receiving new tools and materials, and being social with others.

For the first of the big 3, here is some music that I collected over many months on my own personal playlist. I listen to this list when I am feeling discouraged or stressed out from life. I would like to achieve 100 unique songs on this list hopefully soon. Suggestions for new music to add to the list are appreciated. I am willing to give practically anything a listen to at least once.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?li.....icBhaVdRhId0ze

Many years ago.. two races ruled the earth.. humans.. and monsters...

A concept trailer made by Iron Horse Cinema based on the video game Undertale.

Are any of my wonderful watchers fans of Undertale?
What do you think of this trailer so far?
Do you hope for a neutral, passive, or genocide run?

I am excited about seeing this when it is officially released. ^^

For everyone who loves to create by =projectTiGER it is a heartwarming comic that portrays the endless circle of admiration between artists. It is a kind and sweet reminder to never give up on your artistic creations.

http://projecttiger.deviantart.com/.....eate-395111562
__

* Excuse me for a moment, *siffles* I need a moment and a tissue after reading this very touching story.
Even over a year later after finding this it still hits me - right here - in the feels.

I know that few people that are willing to talk about it openly or easily but everyone has fears that are locked away somewhere deep in the darkest parts of their selves. Perhaps this is a cave filled with unsavory memories of the past, present problems that are difficult to handle right now, or a future that is seen as unstable and uncertain. Yet, here you are in front of it right now. Do you choose to turn away and run or face the darkness? The choice is yours to make today so do your very best make it count.

Inspired by this image of Telephone: https://twitter.com/wolfy_gold/stat.....44132187275264

TL:DR:

After being without health insurance for over 3 months, because of internal bureaucracy, I finally have it reinstated!
I am so dam happy to finally be back on private health care so now I need to contact all of my doctors and get my personal health on track in this bright and shiny new year. Yes, this announcement is very belated due to the holidays but I wanted to give everyone who has been talking to me over the last several months about my medical issues an update.

Background info: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/7639153/

Updates: TL:DR version

September 10th - Deadline passed for my health insurance. I am without health insurance.
October 5th - Ran out of medication. Becoming very annoyed.
October 21st - Found out that my paperwork was never received. redoing and submitting another packet of paperwork and this time it will have tracking and return signature confirmation.
November 15rd - Paperwork is still processing. Becoming very angry since I am in constant pain. >_>
November 21st - Received request for additional paperwork with an odd file attachment.
November 22-25th - Attachment issue continues. Unable to find anyone helpful over the phone. Getting pissed off!
December 12th - Paperwork is done processing. My request to be reinstated I have been approved. YEA!
December 13th - Need to call in and have all of my accounts reactivated. Took under 2 hours. YEA!
December 13 - January 3rd -0 Holiday madness including 7 Christmases! Lots of food, presents, but too much Christmas. X_X

After surviving through seven Christmases with family but before I was planning for New Years Eve, I was approached by a good friend who lived in Japan for many years was making her annual New Year's pilgrimage to Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America. She was traveling to for receiving Okami's Blessing / good luck for new year and this is the only shrine of its type in all of North America. This was an especially important for her since it was also for her critical age purification ceremony. So, she offered to all of her friends who were interested the ability to purchase omamori, ofuda, hamaya, omikuji, and so on on the shrine ground since during this short time frame is can be done without receiving a special ceremony.

I requested and received three different omamori. Omamori is an amulet imbued with protective power of OKami. In general, a special fabric pouch is handcrafted, decoratively embroidered, filled with a specific blessing written on paper inside each one, and the entire thing is blessed by the priests. These are truly authentic can -ONLY- be purchased directly at the temple.

These are the three that I received:

-Byouki Heyu Omamori (Good Health and Recovery of Health)
http://www.tsubakishrine.com/images.....umamori_lg.jpg

-Enmusubi (To find and maintain the best relationship in life (life partner/spouse)
http://www.tsubakishrine.com/images.....imamori_lg.jpg

-I was expecting a Gei no Omamori (For inspiration, success and protection for all artists and entertainers)
http://www.tsubakishrine.com/images.....omamori_lg.jpg
but instead received a Kenkoh Omamori (Keep your health and avoid illness)
http://www.tsubakishrine.com/images.....omamori_lg.jpg (white/gold one)

*This was most likely due to a mixup at the temple since it was a very busy time of year. I have talked to my friend about it and was not cross at her. I can always use a bit of extra luck in my life after all. Still, it would be nice to be able to have the one that was specific to my artistic craft to be a part of my workstation setup.
__________

Quick Personal Disclaimer:

I am no expert on Shinto or omamori. I have just learned about this shrine and the customs several weeks ago.
I like the overall concept of inviting good spiritual energy into my home, work, and life in general.

For more information on the shrine: http://www.tsubakishrine.com/index.html

I am sending out another batch of 100% FREE Christmas/Holiday cards today!~

For more information and if you would like to receive one too via snail mail please go here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1.....H49kQ/viewform

~Step 1~

Make a post in your journal containing your list of 10 holiday wishes. The wishes can be anything at all, from simple to really big. The important thing is, make sure these wishes are things you really and truly want.

If you wish for real-life things, make sure you include some sort of contact info in your post, whether it's your address or just your email address where folks could get in touch with you.

________________________________________


~Step 2~

Surf around other lists to see who has posted their list. If you see a wish you can grant, and it is in your heart to do so, make someone's wish come true. Sometimes someone's trash is another person's treasure. If you have a leather jacket that you do not wear, or a gift certificate you will not use, or even know where you could get someone's dream for free -- then just do it! You do not need to spend money on these wishes unless you want to. The point is not to put people out, it is to provide everyone a chance to be someone else's holiday elf -AND- to spread the holiday joy. Gifts can be made anonymously or not since it is your choice. There are no rules with this project, no guarantees, and no strings attached. Just make a wish and it might come true. Give and you might receive. And you will have the joy of knowing you made someone's holiday special.

_______________________________________________________


~Step 3~

My Top 10 Wishes

Contact info: Please note me for my personal contact info or if you have any questions!

*********************

1. Light Brown Shag Faux Fur Fabric - Need 2 yards.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AB177X.....S45L&psc=1

*I have been putting off making a new pair or having a new pair of Persian kitty cosplay ears and tail made for many years. I have found this fur before on Mendell's and was sad when it was taken off their website after a major update last year. I finally found it again and I am so happy since it is the exact color of a show quality red Persian felines and it is long pile. I would like the fur so I can cosplay as a happy fluffy Persian kitty. Ideally I would like to have this fur made into a realistic set of ears and tail before my next major con in February or major local event in December or January.

2. Anker Charging Cables

Anker [6-Pack] PowerLine Micro USB:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015XPU7R.....I3GVCXID1VXBTK

Anker [5-Pack] PowerLine Micro USB:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015XPL2J.....=IC7SRMAJTF55S

*These are the best quality USB chargers that I have encountered on the market. I would like to have another set in order to charge cell phones and other small electronics when I am away from home.


3. Pokemon GO Power Bank 10000mAh External Battery Charger
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWZR3D.....8COJ&psc=1

*Something stylish for an external battery to power my cell phone on the go. The novel design of a Pokemon Go Pokeball makes me smile since I do enjoy playing the game.


4. Aurora World My Little Pony Seated Rarity Pony Plush

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GP0IKII.....I2A5QQ7JY5XEPI

*Because Rarity is best pony and he is a creative muse like myself for my artwork. Really almost anything with Rarity staring on it would be awesome to me. ^^


5. Carebears

1984 Care Bear Cousins Vintage 13" Plush Bright Heart Raccoon Doll
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MEQOT1.....37II08MKQ7ILF1

Care Bear 20th Anniversary Wish Bear 9" (although 1980's Vintage or another size is fine with me)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IO107.....I33PAKJZ7ORE4O

*"Carebear Stare!" "Carebear Cousins - CALL!" Yes, I am an 80's kid and proud of it. These were the Carebear's that I remember having as a child and growing up with so I could have a bright future. My smile would be very joyful and bright if I could cuddle with either of them again.


6. Artemis Fowl Books

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0545010098.....I1ZDBT4MUMDM0A

*It does not need to be this specific box set. Physical books in new or good condition condition or digital version of any or all of these books in the Artemis Fowl series would be great.


7. Gift art!

No matter if you drew a sketch, crafted a key chain, played me a song, write a poem, or otherwise made something yourself a gift art is great to receive!

*Please keep all drawn art SFW unless you run the idea by me first. Artistic nudes are acceptable. Thanks. ^^
Refs are anthro but I do not mind if she is drawn feral.

Reference for my sona - pedigreed red Persian female feline:
Ref #1: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/6987868/
Ref #2: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8037340/
MLP Style Pony version: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/9843696/
Persian cat anatomy visual guide: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/pg.....siancat_bw.GIF

Important Notes:

Fur: Artists please feel free to play with her fur pattern and add highlights, low lights, or play with color tones although I would request to keep her fur colors as realistic as online refs of actual Persians felines please. Thank you.
Whiskers: She also had 2-3 milky white thin whiskers on each side of her muzzle, detail was added after both refs were made


8. Gift cards!

*Amazon - Since I have an active wish list there and can find unique items from all over the world.

*Etsy - I like supporting other artists so with a gift card this way getting some of their handmade work would be even more affordable for me.

*Restaurants/Food - Because a full artist is a happy artist! Please, note me if you are unsure if your gift card has a location in my area. My top five favorite places are Texas Roadhouse, Logan's Roadhouse, Ruby Tuesdays, Steak n' Shake, and Pizza Hut.

9. Books/Magazines

Jewelry / Crafting / Business or Marketing Related. Almost anything geared towards setting up and managing an online business or setting up and managing a business for handmade crafters would be appreciated. I am going to continue my journey of reinventing myself and being a traveling artist again. I will be touring and vending at all sorts of fairs, festivals, craft shows, etc in the new year. If you have any new or used (but still in good readable condition) physical books or magazines that you would like to pass on I am the gal that would be interested in knowing what you have in your collection.

10. Playing It Forward

I wish for everyone reading this journal to be able to take a moment of their time and play this idea forward. Hopefully everyone can make some else's holiday season a bit more special. For example, pass on a few kind words, post a photo/video/image of something to help make someone else smile, or express some well wishes for a happy holiday season and bright and shiny new year. Everyone can do something, it does not matter who you are or what your talents are or our skill level to make someones day all you have to do is - do it! ^^

I am spreading some winter cheer across the internet for the forth consecutive year! :D

I am sending out *FREE* Christmas or Holiday themed cards in snail mail this holiday season anywhere in the world! I received so many people across the furry and art community that were interested last year that to keep track of everyone I have a form now. I hope to be sending 100+ cards this season. Ideally I would like to send at least one card to every USA state/territory, and to several other countries.

If you would like to receive a holiday or Christmas themed card from me in snail mail this holiday season, please take a moment or two to the form listed below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1.....H49kQ/viewform

For everyone who loves to create by =projectTiGER. This is a heartwarming comic that portrays the endless circle of admiration between artists. It is a kind and sweet reminder to never give up on your artistic creations.

Flash Version: http://projecttiger.deviantart.com/.....eate-395111562
Text Version: http://ir-dr.tumblr.com/post/594973.....er-if-you-just
__

* Excuse me for a moment, *siffles* I need a moment and a tissue after reading this very touching story.

Too often in life, we spend so much time worrying about the things that we cannot change that we forget to change the things that we can. Although it has not been an easy year for me especially several personal and emotional changes have occurred in recent months in my life. My closest friends know what is going on and truthfully I want to put my past behind me. I just hope that things will work out as the door closes on this year and another one opens in the new year.

Sometimes we can forget those who have been there to support us not just when we are struggling but when things are going our way in life. So, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of my fabulous friends, wonderful watchers, and patient patrons of my artwork for your kind words of encouragement, comments, suggestions, and constructive criticism.

I humbly thank each and everyone of you for just taking the time to press the +Watch button no matter how you found my little corner of FA. Nya!~ =^_^=

*offers extra fluffy and warm Persian kitty hugs and positive holiday wishes to all*

An acquaintance from Skype is looking for a custom pair of foot paws.
Character: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/21048836/

Buyer is flexible with costs and has no immediate deadline for completion.
Builder fursuit / designer is responsible for buying shoes to be used as a base, so please consider that cost also in your quote.

Please contact  tayerr01 on FA for more information. Thank you for your time.

Long time acquaintance  Isfacat and his family lost his home due to flooding several weeks ago.
http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/7780893/

In order to recoup costs for loosing practically everything that they own and to prevent the property from being sold out from under them leaving the family homeless, Islacat started a GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/2y43vwdz

To help raise funds for a fellow long time shopwrecker,  BucktownTiger offered to send out one of his 6 albums or a T-shirt for any screenshot donation to Isfacat over $10 USD. His work can be found here: http://www.bucktowntiger.com/store.html

Even if you cannot or are unable to donate, please take a moment to spread the word on any furry, art, or social media site that you are active on. There are direct links to Twitter and Facebook on the GoFundMe for easy one click sharing.

Your help in Isfacat;s time of need appreciated. ^^

Today is the official first day of summer and summer solstice!
I plan to celebrate by eating some ice cream before I pack up and go to the pool to work as a swim aid.
How do you plan to celebrate the first day or week of summer?

I have three polls since I would like some feedback. Each poll is only one question and should take less than a minute to answer each, so please share your honest opinions with me. Thank you for your help in advance.

1. Which jewelry commission type I should work on next? (Multiple choices are allowed.)
http://www.strawpoll.me/10471558

2. For males only, what kind of jewelry do you currently own and wear? (Multiple choices are allowed. Males only please!)
http://www.strawpoll.me/10471666

3. For those who wear glasses or sunglasses, daily or occasionally, what are your thoughts about eye glass chains? (Multiple choices are allowed.)
http://www.strawpoll.me/10486886

Polls will close on Friday, July 1st at midnight EST. Results will be posted in another journal. Thank you in advance for your interest in participating. ^^

A few days ago  joykill asked the same question in a journal. I posted my answer and then I started to muse over the idea a bit. I am curious about the personal artwork of your sona or main character.

1) Why do you like receiving art done of your sona/characters?
2) How many pieces of artwork of your sona/character do you have? Approximate guess are allowed.
3) How much of this personal artwork is currently posted on your personal account on FA? (10%, 50%, 100%)
4) Do you also post your personal art on other art sites or social media? What is your most active site?
5) Does most of you sona/character artwork come through commissions, art/art or art/item trades, contests/raffles/freebies?
6) What type of artwork so you have the most of? (doodles, icons, head shots, chibi's, full illustrations, etc)
7) Do you believe that badges are the most popular form of artwork in the fandom? Why or why not?
8) *Optional* If you draw your own character/sona, what is your favorite personal piece? Why is it your favorite?
9) Have you ever traded art for art or an item for art? What was the trade? Did you receive what you expected?
10) What was the last piece of sona/character artwork that you received?

I have three polls since I would like some feedback. Each poll is only one question and should take less than a minute to answer each, so please share your honest opinions with me. Thank you for your help in advance.

1. Which jewelry commission type I should work on next? (Multiple choices are allowed.)
http://www.strawpoll.me/10471558

2. For males only, what kind of jewelry do you currently own and wear? (Multiple choices are allowed. Males only please!)
http://www.strawpoll.me/10471666

3. For those who wear glasses or sunglasses, daily or occasionally, what are your thoughts about eye glass chains? (Multiple choices are allowed.)
http://www.strawpoll.me/10486886

Polls will close on Friday, July 1st at midnight EST. Results will be posted in another journal. Thank you in advance for your interest in participating. ^^

TL:DR Version:

The following is a serious and personal status update that involves my previous and current dealings with my medical insurance. The results of completing an inch thick packet of paperwork will affect if I get to keep my coverage or I am dropped by the end of the year. I need to find a new therapist, since my previous one went on medical leave and then retired. My current therapist does not deal with this kind of paperwork. Kroger, the grocery store, is not a place to go for mental health. There is a story behind this. Will call up three number to find out who I need to talk to tomorrow.

*******

Full Version:

*******

Background info:

Back in March of this year, I was informed that to keep my current level of health coverage I need to file a one inch thick packet of paperwork. So, a special trip with my mother was made to obtain the paperwork. After several hours were spent filling this packet out, I thought I was finally almost finished with this thing. All that is needed is to obtain a current report from my doctor, therapist, and physical therapy on my current medical and mental health status. Then my mother can copy everything in it for her own records, have it notarized, send the original via certified mail to the main office in Florida. Ideally, the paperwork should be filed no sooner than 3 months before it expires which is August.

If this paperwork is approved, my status permanently changes which has two main benefits. First, I will not have to do this same song and dance paperwork again to keep my insurance for the rest of my life (or until I get married). Two, I will be issued a permanent medical card. If the paperwork is denied, my current medical insurance permanently drops me. If I am dropped, I will have to start over and I am guaranteed to have a lapse in medical coverage.

The Problem:

Usually this would be taken care of in July but there is a major problem. My therapist went on extended medical leave in December. So, I had to see someone else in the meantime. Overall, this would not be a huge deal overall until I learned that I had to file this packet of paperwork and my current therapist does not deal with this kind of legal paperwork. Recently, I was
informed that my previous therapist was back in the office. I called up to see how soon I could get an appointment. Instead, I was informed that my previous therapist that was on was retiring on June 1st and will not be seeing anyone else at this time that does not already have an appointment. I muttered something to confirm the news, thanked the secretary, and hung up the phone. I was speechless at this point for what to do at that time. I truly had no idea what to say or do. What does anyone say when they take months or years to build up a working relationship with someone only to know that you have to find someone new? I felt so lost. Even more lost than I did in December.

Last Friday, I visited the hospital to see if I could talk to the department which deals with my insurance so I could be referred to another therapist in network to see me.

As a side note, I decided to visit in person since the last time I called up for information at my hospital in December, I spent four (4) hours on the phone with the following results:

a) redirected me to other numbers to call that redirected me to inboxes that I never received a call back from.
b) actually talked to someone but the therapists were already booked up for 8-10 weeks.
c) presumed dead numbers that just rang. (I was calling in the middle of the day on a weekday).
d) Krogers - the grocery store. Not kidding. There is an urgent care clinic in select Krogers. Yes, they do take my insurance. No, they do not offer anything for mental health. The gal that picked up the other end of the line at Krogers was just as puzzled as I was. Why did my insurance even give me this number? EXPLAIN INSURANCE! EXPLAIN! >__>
(A cookie for you if you know who I am referencing. Hint, he is well known reviewer on youtube.)

Current Plan Of Action:

So, back to the previous thought, the result of my visit at the hospital on Friday was being given three numbers to call on Monday. The numbers were for the main line for the insurance (which I already had), the number for the office that I received the numbers from (handy, I guess in case this issue is not resolved), and a new number for possible being seen for physical therapy which was recently became an option in the hospital (which would be great for me since it means I can be seen more often and no co-pays are needed. Hooray!)

Monday was bad for me due to dealing with more pressing issues and having to work that evening. Today, was a wash since when I remembered to call it was after business hours. So, tomorrow I am waking my tail up tomorrow morning, in order to call these numbers and see what happens.

This is Kitty's Corner, a (mostly) daily journal where you can find something inspirational, heartwarming, funny, or some daww inducing cuteness about fabulous felines from across the wild world of the internet.

Why fight like cats and dogs? Sometimes we just want playful licks and snuggles. Take a mental break from live for and enjoy the warm fuzzies. *happy kitty noises*

http://thefingerfuckingfemalefury.t.....efury-gifsboom