Coach Barnaby is looking very serious as he gestures to a white board with a complex play that's just a jumble of colored lines and dots.

Cut to the players and it's a bunch of rubber sheep that are mostly goofing off.

*sigh* "This is why we never make it to the finals."

Today I turn 40! Which, in my mind, is prime dad age. So I'm gonna spend it doing all the dad things I love to do. Fishing, motorcycle ride, and perhaps a few other things thrown in. :D

I turn 36 today! And I have more grey/white hairs coming in. Yay! (I am actually happy about this. Don't judge me. XD )

Had a great party with friends last night, and my husband got me a lemon cake with raspberry filling. It was soooo good! <3

Anywho, cheers everyone! Hope you're all having a great day!

-Barnaby

Getting tied up while in uniform! The time's it's happened to me, I enjoy the power exchange of an officer getting bound and gagged.

I mean, I'm a fan of BDSM in general, but there's something about an authority figure having that power stripped from them. You know? ;)



He he he, I hadn't posted a journal in a while, so figured I'd fill up the space! XD

Okay, so 35 isn't as cool as 40, but I'm getting there!

Another year older, another year grayer, and another year...*pokes belly*...cuddlier?

:)

My raccoon and I will be heading off for FC Thursday morning, and hope to get there early Thursday night.

Not too many plans for the con at this point. I know I want to get together with some other pipe furs like I've done for the past few years. We usually gather for an hour out on the patio and enjoy a nice pipe with nice friends. If that's something you might be interested in, let me know.

Other than that, I hope to crash a few parties, maybe in a wrestling singlet, and possibly plan some more private affairs, since I plan to bring along some other gear. XD

Oh, and lots of fursuiting, of course. Can't get enough shaggy dog time!

See you folks there!

-Barnaby

Heya peoples, I hope everyone is having a good day!

I'm helping out with the Extra Life charity event by streaming is playing games. If you'd like to stop in and see what all the craziness is about, please do! And if anyone is able to donate, it all goes to a great charity! Thanks everyone!

http://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm.....ipantID=141549

It seems like I'm spotting new white and grey hairs on my head and temples almost every day. And you know what, I kinda like that. In a few more years I might look all cool and presentable! :D

In other news, I'm 34 today! Woot!

Man, I love this segment....SO MUCH!! <3

https://youtu.be/GKfoc6E4_5Q

Okay, I had a fun time with the stories last month, so I'm going to do a raffle for this month, too! I'll only do one story this month because it's going to be pretty busy, but I want to keep in the habit of writing with a self-imposed deadline.

As before, reply below if you'd like to enter the raffle. I'm posting this from my phone, so instead of rewriting all the rules and such from last month's journal, I'm just going to link it here. Please read over it if you hadn't already:

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/6295857/

A few other things; if you won last month, then please refrain from entering again. I know I'm not a popular writer, but I'd certainly like to give as many people an opportunity to win as possible. Also, I'm fine with keeping something anonymous, but it might look really silly if I keep posting stories that were requested by mystery people. So, if you do win, try to throw me idea that you wouldn't be too embarrassed to be associated with. XD

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

-Barnaby

***RAFFLE IS CLOSED! THANKS!***

Wow, I think December was probably a bad month to offer some free stories. Between my crazy work schedule and all the holiday stuff, it was definitely a challenge to get the stories completed. But, I managed (just barely) to meet my self-imposed deadline!

Both stories have been sent off to the winners, and now I'm just waiting for word back on any changes that needed to be made. After that, I'll post them here, with a brief description of what they asked for, and you guys can see what I produced. Hopefully a few people will enjoy the stories.

In the meantime, I think I may offer another raffle for one free short story in January. With FC and other activities planned, I think one would be about all I could handle. I'll make another journal when I do open up for that. Cheers! :)

****Raffle Is Closed!!!****

Hey fuzzy peeps, how goes the day?

As some of you may know I enjoy writing, particularly short stories. Those who have been unfortunate enough to be subjected to some of my stories haven't curled up in a ball crying, or gouged their eyes out with a spork, so I'm counting that as a win. But, while I enjoy writing, I have gotten horribly out of practice with getting my ideas down on paper (be it physical or digital...but not typewriters, those machines are of the devil.) In fact, the only stories I have recently finished have been for other people, so I'm thinking that might be a good way to try and ease back into it.

So, what I'm going to do is open a few slots for some free short stories that I hope to have completed in December. Writing is a hobby, and I'm a pretty busy sheepdog a lot of the time, so I'm setting the bar low on this personal goal of having a couple of pieces written by the new year. If only a few people are interested, then hooray! You get a free story! If more than 2 or 3 people show interest, I'll probably end up giving each of you a number and doing a raffle.

Now then, down to the specifics:

---I'm generally good with a number of different topics and fetishes, but I do have a list of things I'd rather not write about. Namely - Hardcore Gore and Vore (even though it's fun to say) - Hard Incest and Pedophilia - Dismemberment - Castration - and Snuff/Killing/Death (unless it's needed for the plot). But the stories can be totally clean as well. It's all in what you people would like to have told.

---What I'd need from you, if you happen to get one of the slots, is a brief description of the story you would like written. Characters, names, species, any specific events you want to happen, location, the overall feel of the story (humorous, dramatic, scary, etc.), and what sort of rating it might need (general/mature, PG-13/R, you get the idea...)

---Also, if I feel uncomfortable about what you're asking me to write, please understand that I may reject the idea. I don't foresee that happening, but I just want it thrown out there in case it does come up.

---Please be patient if I end up taking a while. This is kind of a busy month, but I have also been out of practice for writing for a little bit, so it could take some time for me to get back into the rhythm. I am doing this for free, so keep that in mind if I am taking forever. XD


Okay, we all clear? Jolly good! Hopefully a few people will be interested, and hopefully you like what I put out!

All the best!

-Barnaby

***RAFFLE IS CLOSED!!***

This month's stories:

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15355573/

&

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15357251/


I had a great birthday! Several friends came over last night for dinner and cake, and my wonderful partner spoiled me with great gifts and flowers. I'm a lucky sheepdog! :)

Sometimes I worry that artists think I'm being a creeper if I commission them multiple times in a row.

It does make me happy to see an artist succeed, be that in getting more people watching them, more commissions, or being able to raise the prices of their commissions and still have the same success.

But at what point are you bothering an artist with commissioning them too much, and risk taking up space that someone else could have used and thus gotten the artist further exposure? Or, conversely, if you back off from commissioning them often, does it seem like you no longer support them?

It's tricky trying to strike the right balance between being supportive and being a pest. At least it is in my fuzzy sheepdog mind. :P

Man I'm frisky!


....Just thought you might like to know.

Hey fuzzy folks, I'm selling my fat dragon fursuit, Myth, and figured I'd plug it here.

If you are interested, or know anyone else who might be, head on over to Furbuy to check it out! http://www.furbuy.com/auctions/1059422.html

Much thanks!

All right, I know how often people read journals on FA (because it's likely the same amount that I actually read journals on here), but I figured I'd still post some info.

I'm rooming at the Marriott in room 306 for anyone who is interested in hanging out, or whatnot. My partner was unable to come so I am anticipating on having a decent amount of free time to myself. If anyone is interested in hanging out, just go ahead and let me know! I'm looking forward to meeting new people! Go ahead and shoot me an E-mail: overzen[at]hotmail.com

For everyone going to FC, I hope you have a smashing con!

-overzen/Barnaby

Hotel
The Mariott

Arrival/Departure
Wednesday night (1/16) to Monday morning (1/21)

Rooming with
There might be a bear in my bed, but I'm not entirely sure at this point. I could be rooming alone.

Gender
Male

How old are you?
31

How tall are you?
5'8"

Are you an Artist?
I dabble in writing, but I'm going to say "no" to the whole artist quetion.

Do you have an artist table?
Does the desk in my hotel room count? I could bring some parchment and quills to make it look all fancy and stuff!

Who do you hang out with?
Generally closer friends that I know, but I love meeting new people! :)

Are you a Fursuiter?
Yup! You'll be seeing my fluffy Old English Sheepdog, Barnaby, running around and giving hugs!

Attending parties?
Nothing scheduled, but I'll always make time for some kinky parties. ;)

Do you drink?
Nah, I'm mentally challenged enough as it is.

Can I buy you a drink?
Of course! Diet Coke with a lime wedge, please. Oh, and hold the roofies.

How do I identify myself to you?
Badges are nice; but really, just come up and say hello. :)

Rules of engagement (physical contact)?
Hugs! Hugs all around!

Can I talk to you?
Certainly.

Can I give you lots of money?
I don't see why not. But you might want to let me know what it's for before I put it in my pocket. I'd hate to have a collar fastened around my neck and then led away to some random room. Well, unless you're a pipe bear or someone in uniform, then it might be okay.

Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Sure, but you might want to ask first. ;)

How do I know if you're not looking to socialize (angry, busy or upset)?
The best course of action is communication! If I am unable or not feeling like hanging out when you ask, then hopefully I will be up for it later on. That's what cons are all about for me!

Personality Type?
Relaxed and reserved. Fairly quiet and I prefer listening to others rather than leading a conversation. Though, if I'm in a small group of people and having an engaging conversation, I tend to open up a bit more.

Inside of Barnaby, I'm flirtatious and very tactile. I might also steal your hat or one of your shoes...

You know, I never thought I'd do the "species change" thing. I've never been too hung up about what animal best defines me, or what kind of spiritual connection I may have to something. For me, being a furry has always been more about fursuits and fun costumes and the cool people I've met in the fandom, rather than me feeling like I was a raccoon on the inside, or generally having deeper feelings towards the animal I chose to represent me in the fandom.

But since I got the Old English Sheepdog fursuit, Barnaby, from SophieCabra, I suddenly feel more identifiable as a sheepdog than I ever did as a raccoon. Mostly it has to do with my personality and how I perceive sheepdogs. They are a working breed that likes to watch over a group and keep things in order, but they are also fluffy and lovable, and often just plain dorky. While raccoons are spontaneous, fun loving, more hyperactive and easily distracted. The other raccoons I've met in the fandom seem to fit that role better than I do.

I think I went with a raccoon when I first got into the fandom because I just like raccoons. They are adorable cubby things with ringed-tails. What's not to love?! But now I'm thinking I might be more sheepdog than raccoon.

It's not like it's a make or break decision that effects anyone other than me. To be quite honest the part that's kept me from just jumping into that character is because all my badges and art have a raccoon on them! I've started getting more sheepdog artz and such, but it will certainly be an investment of time and money to get a lot of things switched over. And while I'll primarily identify as a sheepdog, I'll still have my raccoon side hanging around, but mostly in the form of a young raccoon cub scout named 'Ozzen.'

Oh, the decisions we must endure in this life! *falls dramatically on the bed in the style of Rarity*

I know I don't have a lot of people following me, and I wonder how many actually read journals on this place (I know I'm pretty bad at reading a lot of them), but I figured I might as well throw this out there and see what comes up.

I had commissioned an artist back at the beginning of FC to do a piece for me, which he said would be done in about a day. When I went back to check the next day, he was still working on the previous log of badges, and said he'd definitely have it done the following day. When I went back again, he paused for a moment, and then apologized profusely, because as he checked back through the information I had given him, he had accidentally marked my commission as being done. He said that he would start on mine next, and I offered that he could just send it to me once he had a chance to do it when he got back home (he had a lot of badged he was working through, and I knew that if he did mine that he'd end up having to do these badges after the con, which inconveniences a lot more people, so I might as well just wait.)

Well, I sent him a note a few days after the con, and he was still decompressing from everything that was going on, but he was good about communicating back. I checked in a week after that, and he said he was going to get me a sketch in a few days. Now it's been 2 weeks since I last heard anything from him, and I have tried to contact him about 3 times on here, and sent a copy of one of the messages to his g-mail account, but there's just silence. When should I start worrying.

I had gotten this commission for a friend as a gift, and while I didn't tell the artist right off the bat I was going to give it to someone on a specific day, I did send him a note about 9 days ago that I was hoping to at least have a sketch to show them.

Am I being too pushy? Should I worry that something has happened to him? He's a really awesome and nice guy, and it seems like he takes on a lot more than he probably should since people love his art and he seems like the type that wants to make everyone happy. Could he just be burned out at the moment and he will likely get to my stuff later, or should I be worries that I have fallen into the cracks?

I'm interested to get input from the artists out there, and also if anyone knows if there are other avenues to try and reach the guy, since I don't think he's getting my notes, or he's not checking them.

Everyone's input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, and I hope all of you are having a wonderful Friday!

-overzen

Sweet! My local Barnes and Nobles is having a midnight release for "Mockingjay!"

For those of you who are not in the geeky know, this is the final book in 'The Hunger Games' trilogy. Also, if you did not know that....you must read these books!

I haven't been this excited for a book since 'The Deathly Hallows.' :D