As part of all the recent unexpected changes going on in my life, I will have to move out of this lovely rental home by the end of August :/ I don't have proper funds for this move, so to hopefully help me better afford it (and move a few less things) I'm selling quite a few items that I've acquired over the years.

All available items are listed here with prices
----> http://photobucket.com/2012_moving_sale <----

Notable items include...
Skulls:
Domestic pig, opossum, weasel, muskrat and woodchuck.

Pelts:
Red fox, chinchilla, marten, ermine and nutria.

Plushes:
Vintage Oliver from Oliver & Co., corgi, whale, mouse puppet, rat, horse, cow and Bernese mountain dog. Also an alpaca hide teddy bear as well as seal.

Please email me (paisleypaw [at] gmail [dot] com) if you're interested in anything. I'll also settle for notes here on FA :) Payment via Paypal is highly preferred.
I'd really appreciate it if anyone reading this would pass the word along for me too, pleeaassse n.n
Thanks so much for looking!

Can't afford my cats; they'll be gone to a no-kill shelter by the end of the month, hopefully.
Can't afford my cell phone, so don't try contacting me that way, if you knew how.
Can't afford school anymore, and just when I was getting into the meat of my major and into all the classes I had so been looking forward to.
Can't keep my beloved job at Kendall's gallery because they only employ students. ..It doesn't make me enough money anyway.
Can't stand the girl that used to be my best friend/is my current roommate. She's dating my ex, and I don't exist to her anymore, basically. Also, she claims I can never pay rent on-time, and thus will be moving out in a month.
I'll be moving out too once I can find a new place that allows Ivan and the rats. ...I loved this house. It is so big, and has a beautiful room for a studio. I will miss it a lot.
Can't seem to sell my damn art anymore, which makes me feel like it is worthless garbage anyway, which is totally discouraging me from attempting to make more/continue projects.

At least hopefully my brother can help me get a job with decent wages where he works, but it'd be around 60 hours a week, and I feel bad about the prospect of Ivan being home alone all that time. Ideally, I REALLY don't want to deal with another roommate ever again until I am living with whomever my husband turns out to be though. No roommate situation I've ever been in goes favorably, not even one who was my super-bestest friend/non-related sister. Her voice alone is like nails on a chalkboard to me now, and I want to punch her face every time I see it (not that I EVER actually would).

Can't I just fastforward a few months and see how this all ends up, without having to live through it??
*facedesk*

I am thinking seriously that it is time to get rid of my cats. I have $30 to my name, and rent has been due since yesterday. I need to cut down on costs, and finding a new home/homes for them would certainly help, and also be more fair to them. Anyone in the Grand Rapids/Holland/surrounding area interested in a pair of cats, or know someone who is? They are currently indoor cats, but they like being outside for short periods of time. They're brothers, neutered but not declawed, and are about two years old. To people they know, they're really friendly and comical, but they're shy around new humans. They get along well with my dog, but are skeptical of other dogs. They're proven mousers, but don't disturb my rats. They are current with vaccinations and are healthy. I will miss them, but they need someone who can better afford them. To make sure they've found sincere homes, I'd ask for a $25 re-homing fee if they go individually, or $40 together. Icarus has short hair, Nyoki has the longer fluff.

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8321596/ is a photo of them.

If all you can do is pass the word along, that's helpful too! Thanks :)

Also, I'll be gathering more stuff soon to put up for sale, artwork and pelts and skulls and trinkets, etc.

Promo video:

A company my brother is working with is producing those as a new product. They're still in prototype mode, and are looking for feedback. If anyone is interested in their own TechSling to try out and provide feedback on, let me know, and I can point you in the right direction! I'll be getting one soon, not because I have a fancy iPad or anything, but for my markers and a sketchbook for on-the-go art needs. However, if that is how you run your business or keep track of commissions at a con, etc., they'd work well to keep your things organized for that too!

So yeah, if you'd be interested in trying one out and giving input on a forum here and there, please let me know :D

I know AC is just around the corner, and a lot of folks might be saving their money for it, or just saving their money in general, buuuut, my funds are pathetically low here, and I'd love if any of you could help me out. All I ask is that you maybe could please spread the word that I have art for sale :D

I just listed this Australian Kelpie pinup: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8149587/ ..an original marker piece!

I also have an etsy shop with some items available: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaisleyPaw

Thank you so much in advance to anyone who spreads the word<3
I'd love it if you let me know you posted a journal about it too..cuz I like to feel the love!

My Etsy shop, in part, has been what I needed to start feeling better about my artwork again. I'm not so much excited that I'm getting money out of it, because, really, I hate money and wish it didn't have to exist, but rather, I'm excited to find that people actually care for my artwork and like it enough to have it in their own house (and, yeah, had to exchange their hard-earned cash to get it there, I guess). I had lost that satisfaction for a while, and felt rather discouraged about my own work in general. I'd walk around the halls of Kendall and see amazing paintings, sculptures, and illustrations, and overhear fellow students exclaiming over so many lovely pieces, and then I'd compare all of that to what I heard about my own stuff.... Which, of course, wasn't nearly of the same volume as the cumulative body of student work. It made me feel like I really was only making pieces just for myself. Maybe it's stupid to need public approval of my work to feel like it's worthwhile, but oftentimes that's just how it goes for me.

Finding the furry fandom got me enthused about making artwork to begin with, but it hasn't sustained my enthusiasm. I adore the friends I've made because of it, most certainly, and am grateful for the social connections. However, I believe my unwillingness to be an artist of yiffy work keeps the popular approval I seek (within the fandom) at bay. I've long needed to branch out beyond my comfort zone of furry work, but have been in denial about it. I wanted to be one who was popular just for their skills. Worrying about what is marketable within this fandom gave me reason to limit myself, both conceptually and with the production of physical works. Branching out from just furry work seems too blatantly obvious now.

I'm getting deeper into my schooling, and with working for the school's galleries, am finding more inspiration to become an exhibiting artist myself. I love setting up shows and doing behind-the-scenes work for them; I didn't expect to find that. It was just a paycheck at first. I'd do it for free now.
Not that I expect our application to get picked, but some friends and I put in an proposal for a collaborative gallery show for next semester. The idea that a collection of my work will be available for viewing, beyond just computer screens across the internet, is thrilling. I've not shown my work since high school. That was almost 10 years ago.

Always scraping for money to feed myself and my animals, pay rent, and keep electricity running sucks, but it is far more bearable when the art I work on pays me back with such satisfaction. I'm excited for the ideas I have in my head for future pieces/installations, but I just don't have enough time to get to everything I want to make. I wanted to find another job to make ends meet once the semester's over, but really, that's not very true to myself, and where I'd like to make my art be. I'm going to college to be supported by what I can make, hopefully, not just to beef up my hobby. I don't want to make art on the side and be a factory worker again (though in hindsight, I enjoyed that too, actually).
As long as I can scrounge up money for basic needs, being a "starving artist" feeds me in a more fulfilling way than a fat bank account does. Making art was once the greatest happiness I knew, and I'm relieved to start finding that again!

I am SO not a fan of the idea. Hypothetically speaking, why would a creature with fur already covering its whole body evolve a continuously-growing mop of hair on the top of its head too? Is it trying to overheat constantly??

Plus, for the most part, I think hair on furries looks silly and out-of-place, like a wig on a dog.
Equines and lions can mostly get away with the look due to their mane, and Chinese Cresteds are understandable too, so there are some exceptions, I suppose.
*shrugs* I know it's just a matter of personal aesthetic preference since anthro animals don't really exist.

Lol and here Cricket used to have a forelock tuft some years back, even in feral form... /hypocrite ;P

I'll be attending FCN in a few weeks. It's not really like I have the time to spare from classwork, but dammit, I need to go. There are too many fantastic people going, and I wont get to see them all otherwise! I'm frantically trying to get through my final assignments so I have less guilt about going, though I really wont be there long.

Anyhow, FCN meme I yoinked from the sweet  pumpkinskittle08 ^^

~~~~~~~~~~~FCN Meme~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Where are you staying?
Main Hotel

What day are you getting there?
Freakin' early AM on the 14th ... I work until 11pm on the 13th :/

Who will you be with?
 Biscuitpup mainly, and also my dog Ivan :D


Who will you hang out with during the convention?
Many friends whom I haven't seen in far too long, both local and from out of state.

Are there any panels you might be attending?
Probably not. I'll not be there long enough to do much other than socialize my tail off!

Will you be suiting?
Quite probably! OMG. Biscuit is suuuper kind and generous, and will be letting me wear his Kronos snow leopard suit, currently being constructed by  bluecanary! So look for the fluffy snow leo with a fluffy white dog, and you've found me ... Unless Biscuit is wearing Kronos at the time, in which case, I'm probably not far away, running around as just a human :P

Which suit(s) will you be bringing?
None.

Do you do free art?
I probably wont be drawing much while there, but if I do draw free things, it'd only be for good friends. There is not enough time to draw free things for everyone >.<

Do you do trades?
Potentially...

Do you do badges?
I do, but not at the con. Most of my art supplies are staying home for this event.

Do you do commissions?
Yep, but again, not at the con.

What is your gender?
Female.

How tall are you?
5'10''

Are you taken? Are you looking for a 'mate'?
I'm single...Not really actively looking for anyone, but I'm not opposed to finding Mr. Right either :P

Can I talk to you?
Well, yeah, duh, that's kinda why I'll be going! I want to talk to people and meet new friends :)

Can I touch you?
Preferably not, if I don't already know you. Ivan however, LOVES pets from ANYONE, so feel free to divert your attention to my dog n.n

How can I find you?
Look for badges with the rat-loving blue corgi mutt on it (uh..meaning Cricket). Or a snow leopard in proximity to the fluffy, happy eskie...

Can I visit your room?
We'll see... If I know you, sure, but I'll have roommates, and don't want to just invite everyone over without their permission.

Can I buy you drinks?
What's not to like about free booze???

Can I give you stuff?
Well, that'd be pretty cool.. As long as it's not some actively bleeding chunk of roadkill!

Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Hugs are good. Snuggles are for people I know really well already.

Are you nice?
Mostly, yep. I'm pretty amiable :)

How long are you going?
14th and 15th... Morning of the 16th at the very latest, but that'd require me skipping class, which I'm not really fond of doing.

Do you have an artist table?
Not this year.. maybe in the future.

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Making eye contact, waving, yelling "Cricket" or "Laura" .."Casvelle" probably would even get my attention. "Hey, can I pet your dog?" will likely work too XD

Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
I hung out in the main lobby a lot last year as I missed registration both days and wasn't allowed in the con spaces... This year will be different.. Just look for Ivan, he'll point you to me.

What/where will you be eating?
Food, somewhere.

Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
I dunno, can you?

Can I look in your sketchbook?
Sure, but idk which one(s) I'll be bringing...

Can I draw in your sketchbook?
With permission, probably, sure.

Can I take your picture?
Asking first would be nice, and yes is being my answer.

What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
To enjoy my short vacation with friends :D

Today's best sentence, so far (they only get better as the evening of homework drags on), "Cat barf is not a ball pit, Snow Hitler."

Fyi, 'Snow Hitler' is one of Ivan's nicknames, which is the result of a whole 'nother inside joke.
Otherwise, we were discussing other materials that could be used to make a ball pit for rats, and she suggested cat barf, which I denied as a substitute, and so she informed my dog.

Newt punctures ping-pong balls viciously.. any other ideas for a rat ball pit? ..Decidedly non-perishable substances, please.. lol

My best friend has been in the hospital since Tuesday after a blood vessel ruptured in the back of his brain. Things look pretty good so far, and he has improved greatly since I first visited him yesterday morning. I'll continue to try to see him at least once a day while he's in the ICU..They said he might be out by Monday. I'd be quite devastated if anything more serious were to happen to him.
Please send him your best thoughts and put him in your prayers if you are so inclined.
Thank you <3

Hey! I'm, as usual, in need of money. Please, browse my Etsy shop and purchase my wares so I can pay for my bills :D

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaisleyPaw

I'd be very appreciative if you'd feel so inclined as to pass the word along about my shop too. I'll continue to add items from time to time, so check back now and then!

>.>;
<.<;;

*skitters back off into a dark corner after her shameless plea*

If ever there was doubt about just how excessively full of fluff my dog is, take a look at the places I frequent at my school; though Ivan has never been anywhere inside this building, I find his hair on everything. It's stuck all over the welding jackets in the metal shop, students find it in their clay in the ceramics studio, I just found a clump on the door to one of our galleries, I've seen it around the parking ramp I use, a few semesters back, in my painting classes, Ivan's fur was constantly discovered embedded in gobs of paint. Oooops. I love eskies, but man, I could do with out so much fur!

I love it when I'm 5 minutes from closing down all the galleries, and a new person walks in like, "Oh hey, what's in this room?" >.< *waits*
Normally I'm more patient than this, but I've been in this building since 8:15am, and have another hour or two in the wood shop after I get off work in 5 mins before I can finally go home. I'm so ready to go home.

GUH, no! Don't go in the other gallery now >.<
Erf. *waits more*

This journal is mainly to knock the old one out of the way.
I could also mention that I'm slowly gathering things together to open up my Etsy shop again soon, as well as link to some other items I'll have for sale that don't belong on that site. My money situation is still really tight, so I'm making an effort to better utilize the time that isn't occupied by school or gallery work. I hope to get through a bunch of old commissions I have too, and to start taking new ones.
Other than money worries, things are pretty okay in my life. There are things that suck and make me upset, but also many things that make me super gleeful, which are the things I'm trying to focus on ^^

And hey, those of you who are local, check out Kendall's main gallery to see the "Original Artwork" traveling children's book illustration show from the Society of Illustrators. It's been my pleasure to get to work with and see the numerous illustrations up close, and I think many other people would enjoy it too. Plus there's a little sitting area with piles of kids books to read in a quiet gallery :D Maybe I'll see you there!

..Money.
I'd probably just adore the shit out of my life right now if i weren't always struggling to afford basic needs.
I also wish I hadn't been such an idiot with my money when I actually had a decent income, because I'd not have such issues right now, or at least not such severe ones if I'd actually efficiently held a savings account.

I'm sadly debating whether or not I have to start getting rid of some of my pets because I just can't afford everything they (nor I) need, and it's not fair to them to have to keep buying such cheap food, and never getting them any new toys. As much as I love them, my pair of cats are the first I'm battling the idea of giving up. The rats really aren't so expensive most times, and at least Ivan (my eskie) is utterly safe because even if I can't afford him, my parents would never let him leave the family. I think he and I would live on the streets before I'd get rid of him anyhow, just about...

Very soon I'll be posting a journal here with links to pieces I have for sale, if anyone is interested. I'm unable to take on commissions right now. I'm stupidly back-logged as it is, and schoolwork is beating all of those out anyhow.

Next semester, I am dropping down to just part-time student status, and hopefully will be able to find a job that pays well (perhaps even in addition to my gallery job right now ... I really hope to get back into a factory, or maybe even try waitressing) so I'm not spread so thin financially as I have been these past several months.
I am so sick of being this stressed out and depressed. It's been so long since I've felt like "myself" that I think I lost who that person was.

blah blah blaaah, bitch bitch
*passes out, snuggled up to Ivan*

Would you be willing to finish the sentence "I would like your artwork better if..." pertaining to my body of art? I'd really appreciate your thoughts on what is in my gallery, as well as what you've physically seen if you know me in person. Back-patting only gets one just so far...not to say praise is unappreciated, but I feel like I could use some help in pushing my skills. This Artblock has been hanging on too long!

If you'd rather not post comments publicly, a note would be nice!

So yeah, I'm looking for crits; on specific pieces, or just in general.
I'm grateful for your time ^^

Just shoving that journal of epic length off my page with this one... Things have been going pretty well lately, though all the same issues are still a concern as they were in the previous journal, sans the internet thing...it seems to be better so far *knock on wood*

What a freakin' roller coaster of a day!

Woke up early to go do some chores at my parents' house, which ended up being pulling hundreds of cattails from their pond so they can have a better view of it from the house, then i mowed the fenced in portion of the lawn that their Pyrenees/labrador mutts run around in, which includes an incline and made me realize how out-of-shape i am cuz that beat my body up (beyond my back already being terribly sore from trying to yank all those very established cattails from vacuumous pond muck)... I'll be going back tomorrow and the next day for much of the same, but hey, at least they are giving me my allowance for the work XD Shush, so what if im nearly 26 lol

I did have fun replacing the flat tire on their wheelbarrow though ^^ *dork*

While pulling cattails, my phone rang, and hooray! I FINALLY (after 2.5 years) heard back from a job application and have a job interview scheduled for next Wednesday *happy dance* Doing chores for my extremely caring and generous parents only gets me so far monetarily (also, thank you to my commissioners <3 .. I know some of you are still waiting, you're not forgotten!!), so it'd be nice to actually get a job again... Knock on wood, but any interview i have ever had has always seen the job offered to me *fingers crossed*

I then had to hurry the 45 minutes to my own home in case the AT&T (SHITTIEST SERVICE EVER! NEVER CONSIDER THEM OMFG x.x) tech showed up to fix our internet connection on time ("as early as 4pm, as late as 9pm"). .....Which was the 7th (7TH!!!) tech they've had to send out in the 6 weeks we've had their service, since no one seems competent enough to be able to fix our connection issues (example: They've stated any more than 2 resets/errors on my modem's behalf is excessive.... And most days my modem logs 150+ errors ..still.). This new tech asshat was supposed to call and let me know when he was on his way, because i was told over the phone that he would need to come inside to check the whatevers. He never called, so i assumed he never showed, so after 9pm i called AT&T and complained, and was informed that the tech just went outside and checked out a problem, and set up for another tech to come out tomorrow to fix the whatevers (soooo, 8th tech in 6 weeks).

While waiting for the retarded internet tech, Ivan and i spent some time outside with a handful of young neighbor kids (5ish to 12ish year olds), whom apparently were never very educated about animals... They were asking if they pulled on Ivan's tail hard enough if he would bite (to which i asked, "Why would you want to do something that mean? Would you like it if someone pulled on you until you wanted to bite them?" but i said it nicely, i like these kids, and that i get to educate them!). They then asked if cutting off his tail would hurt him, which i explained would hurt just as much to him as if someone tried to cut off an appendage of theirs. ..So glad Ivan and i get to be a good, educational influence on these children! They love when i show off Ivan's tricks and they like getting him to chase sticks and play tug-of-war with his toys. One of the little boys asked if he could come on a walk with Ivan sometime too :)

I then took a nap after finally eating food for the day, which both were fabulous, yay!

When my roommate came home, she realized she lost her phone, and was baffled as to when and where she lost it. She was really upset, and as she's one of my bestest friends, i was distressed along with her...

A few hours later it was after 9pm, when i called AT&T to complain, and i sat down in a chair to talk on the phone, only to slowly realize there was a pretty overwhelming cat-pee smell, which was not coming from the clean litter box next to me, and then my butt started to feel wet ... Which means Nyoki is STILL not consistently using the litter box, despite me cleaning the whole house and all surfaces (read: couches and chairs) he ever peed on before, and buying an expensive litter "100% guaranteed to make your cat use it or your money back" (guess i get to get my money back!). Plus, it was a brand new area that never had cat pee before that he chose to pee on ...
So now i have to realize that the cat is just broken and cannot live in my house anymore. His poor brother Icarus is not going to like being an only cat. I am fairly sure that it isn't Icarus peeing because as soon as i roared about finding pee, Nyoki bolted from my sight, and Icarus just sat around purring. Furthermore, my roommate Marte had actually caught Nyoki peeing on her leather chair right in front of her once, aaaand the times i've shut Nyoki out on the back porch and just leave Icarus to run free in the house, there is no pee outside the litter box. I thought the 'cat attract' litter and second box made a difference because since purchasing them (a few weeks ago), there was no pee in incorrect places .. until now. -.- So, now, at my wits end about Nyoki, he will likely have to go to the local (no-kill) shelter or something. Stupid cat. He is SUCH a good, funny, energetic, jello cat otherwise. I'm so sad that he can't behave! (and yes, both Icarus and Nyoki are neutered).

Anyone in Michigan want an adorable and sweet OUTDOOR cat? Nyoki is up for grabs.... *depressed sigh*

So, then i called my parents to ask if they would mind Nyoki being an outside cat at their place for the time i am on 'vacation' this holiday, since i refuse to make my brother babysit a house-peeing cat, so we will see how that goes. Colt had originally agreed to watch both my kitties, which he'll still get to watch Icarus ... just... *siiiiiiigh* Nyoki. At least my parents have a decent amount of land that is far back from the street. Hopefully he doesn't run away or get smashed by a car on the road :/ I'll bring him with me when i go back to do chores to get him used to being outside there first. Stupid feline :[

Very depressing was the news my mom then gave me about a family friend we have known for about 20 years.... She battled breast cancer and a divorce at the same time (essentially induced by her breast cancer, the asshole ex-husband!!!! *hiiiiiisssssss*) a few years ago, and now just found out that her whole skeleton is riddled with bone cancer, and she may only have months to live, a few years at most ;.; I used to ride her horses and hang out with her kids (who are almost exactly me and my brother's ages). So, so sad. Those who are so inclined, please put her in your prayers.

After discovering Nyoki's pee spot, Marte went inspecting the couches again, and upon removing cushions, uncovered her phone, and shrieks of glee and collapsing on the floor out of relief ensued XP At least her issues got better today ^^
She and i have now tried to unwind while watching Despicable Me before bed, which was cuter than i thought it would be n.n IT'S SO FLUFFY, I'M GONNA DIE!

On top of it all, the back of my mind keeps reminding me that one of my most favorite people is again gone for 4 weeks *sighs more*

..Roller coaster of a day. The movie just ended. I should attempt sleep, if the internet works enough to post this epically long journal x.x;

It's good to be back home, but I'm sad to have had to leave so soon.
I never did actually get to register >.<; I had a terrific 26ish hours wandering the hotel, and Ivan was awesome :D Many people gave him plenty of pets. If you have photos of my pup, I would really love to see them! I got to hang out with many old friends, met some i had been waiting years to finally see, and I believe I made a few brand new ones too (Thank you, Ivan lol ;)

It all reminded me that I would like to make more of an effort to attend future cons, especially if they are at a dog-friendly hotel :B

Yay! I get to be there for a day and a half! I'm really excited n.n

I will show up sometime Saturday afternoon, and be leaving late Sunday.

I expect to get to hang out with everyone! ;) Be sure to say "hi" to me! ..though there is no distinct way to identify me if you've never met me before :P
Aaand, Ivan will probably be there too, though he has to camp out in the room. Dogs are only allowed in certain areas of the hotel...

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
*breathes*