Favorite Color: Blue - this is pretty much a requisite first question, no?

Favorite Animal: Snow Leopard - fairly obvious

Favorite Song: That's hard to say, "We Are One" from TLK 2, something by Loreena McKennitt, or perhaps from "The Chronicles of Narnia" soundtrack. Then there were some pretty good songs in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (I know I'm going to have to update this thing because my mind's a blank right now)

Favorite Movie: "The Lion King" (Live Action: "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" ... or "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty")

Favorite TV Show: I don't know if I have one anymore ... Doctor Who has gone a bit off its rocker these past seasons, and while I like anime, I don't really consider that to fit the category.

Favorite Anime: Inu Yasha - there are others, but that is up top. Full Metal Alchemist is good, with awesome music, but doesn't topple the former. Wolf's Rain may be the most beautiful anime I've seen, with music easily equal to FMA.

Favorite Author: Michael H. Payne tied with Jane Lindskold

Favorite Season: Fall/Winter are tied

Favorite Holiday: Christmas - though Halloween is awesome

Favorite Food: Pizza, Pastas, Fried Chicken/Strips

Drink: Alcohol isn't really my thing.

Smoke: Nope. Definitely not my thing. That goes for pot, too. Even living in Colorado I never had the inclination.

Where I most want to live: Colorado or Pacific Northwest

Dream Job: Writer, Author, Poet

Current Job: Journalist: Copy Editor, Designer, Worker bee of misery

Relationship Ideals: Loyalty is key. Lies are cruel. Honesty is necessary. Betrayal is unimaginable. At least that's how it is for me. I don't lie, deceive, or betray in a relationship - though I have had all three done to me. Commitment is easy for me once I fall in love, and I haven't loved many. Two so far in my span of years. Sadly, a lot of pain has been involved. I still hope for the best, the dream we all grow up with, I suppose?

Yiff: Not for me. I prefer real intimacy, involving love and romance. If you want to call that yiff, sure, but I'm not one to go to a furry con and hop in bed with people. It's just not in my soul. I am solemn and loyal to a fault. I have no problem committing to being intimate with one person for the rest of my days. Yiff for the sake of yiff seems shallow by comparison.

Religion: Grew up in a Christian household, evolved beliefs over time, feel at home as a Therian, settled into the furry community, but also not your typical fur. Are any of us?

Want to know more? Have questions? Ask away. I'll answer to the best of my ability. Thanks for reading.

I am loyal. I suppose that is the first trait of a relationship not only necessary but that I treasure most. Perhaps that overlaps with devotion. With devotion one is loyal. One can feel devotion. It's both intangible and felt. A strange dichotomy, yet real.

Honesty is borne of these traits. You can't have a relationship that will last without it. Nor will it be built on anything substantial without this foundation. Lies begin to crumble that foundation until everything collapses. It's too easy. Even small lies begin the fall.

Romance is borne of the previous traits. The more loyal and devoted, the more honesty is felt, the trust that builds allows for a sense of romance simply from the resulting comfort. Keep the romance alive. Never stop showing it to one another. It's significant. If it starts to falter, look to the other traits. Something might be amiss. Romance peaks and then levels off, but it should never drop away. It's simply a part of being when mates.

Love. This is the key. Bringing everything together, and yet somehow its own entity. You can love without the other characteristics, but it will falter, bring hurt, and the pain will create resentment. Love is created through experience with another. Loyalty, devotion, romance - trust is born. Trust allows for a paradox, everything circling in some great entropy. As with much in life, all things are mutual. If mutual, the feelings inspired are intense. Shared love, upon the foundation of entropy, will leave one giddy. You'll wake up years after your relationship reached this level, and you'll think ... this person who I love really loves me back? This is Christmas. This is every day. This is real? Pleasure like orgasm, only of the soul, will overwhelm you. Each time these thoughts occur, you'll feel like it's Christmas morning when you were a cub.

I say all this in a stream of consciousness post, in the end just to tell of my own thoughts on the subject. This is love to me. Loyalty. Honesty. Trust. Monogamy. I know that last one might not be normal for a lot of furs. So much has changed that the fandom is full of different types. Me, I'm old fashioned. I like to be with one mate for life. I don't seek out or even have an interest in others after that. I can tell if someone is attractive, but I have no desire to be with them, if that makes sense. None. I don't tire of my mate either. They're who they are. They are mortal. They age as I do. They are imperfect as I am. I actually find flaws, vulnerabilities, similar strains of humanity (I know, that term, right?) endearing. Because they are commonalities. I love unconditionally, but it can be hard.

I don't show much affection to those outside my mate. That's just who I am. Everything is reserved for that singular soul. IRL I'm fairly reserved when it comes to affection. I barely feel comfortable hugging family. So letting the walls come down for someone this much is a big deal. Physical proximity all told. Still, online it might be virtual, but for me it feels real. We often build relationships of an intellectual sort here first. We meet after the fact, later on, once the building blocks of a relationship have already formed. That's in stark contrast to the average relationship formed in the physical world, often based on initial infatuation from a chance meeting or circumstance. People even date based on simple attraction. So I do think relationships forged first through the minds and hearts have the potential to be stronger. I suppose it's yet to be seen whether this is true. The realm of the internet and this type of relationship building is relatively new.

I'm a weird sort. I admit that much. I don't mate around, or sleep around, whatever you wish to call it. I've never done that, even in my younger days. Not that I'm old. I still feel as yiffy as ever, if you want the truth. I'm male after all. I don't seek pleasure in others. I've had opportunities, but love. ... First, I can't betray my love. Second, physical intimacy doesn't feel intimate to me without love. It's like an aphrodisiac. Except it's all encompassing and enduring.

In all this said and thought out, I don't know that there's a point. Intimacy for me must be intimate. Is that normal? It's not just about yiff. It's not about pleasure. Maybe I was meant to be a girl. Guys aren't supposed to need love to feel sexual. I don't even like reading stories where they're just yiff. I want depth, character development, intimacy of hearts. It has to be romance, not erotica. I probably imbue art with much the same idea, reading into it what I think should be. If that makes sense?

I love love. I love being in love. I want to feel it always. I can't imagine life without it. For me, as long as I've been grown, I've felt this way. Love has been the greatest thing in life, the one goal worth having above all else. Money and material gain are fine, but neither will profit you in the long run. Nor do they provide a sense of fulfillment. You can be happier in love living in a shack than alone in a mansion with everything money can buy. Just ask the rich and famous, for whom love is rarely true or lasting.

All I want is love, as the song goes.

So hello, dear readers. In closing, I introduce the most romantic, devoted, loyal, honest, trustworthy, dependable, faithful, insert other words of equal fare, cat you might ever come to know. I'm neurotically loving, and it's really what matters most to me. I'd give up all my earthly possessions for that dream. Call it crazy. Most probably would. Me, I call it priorities of life. Life being the key word. In life love makes everything worthwhile. Love makes life living.

~Snowcat out

I'm going to try to post more here - both photos and in writing projects. I hope I can garner enough interest for some feedback. It's always good to hear what people think, especially to get suggestions or advice. I haven't noticed a lot of negative responses so far, which is good. It means I can get some constructive criticism. Thanks to those who've commented and faved what I've posted so far.

Now, on to my sense of loneliness. I live alone. I'm not allowed to have pets in my apartment. I moved here half a year ago, and other than coworkers I don't really know anyone. So I'd like to reach out and see if there are any furs living nearby who might want to forge friendships. I could use some friends in closer proximity. Right now I'm mostly limited to internet communications. I don't like that.

As for my location, for reasons of privacy and personal security, I'll only say it's near the northern border of Colorado. Further communication with individual furs will hopefully result in trust enough to share more. I think it prudent to be particular who you tell these things.

Thanks again to everyone. I hope you enjoy my posts.

Relationships are hard, fickle things. You can be in one for years and still not know how to handle things. There's a lot of heartache involved, and beyond that, hard work. You might seek out something easier, more fresh, but that's just because it's in the early phase. No relationship stays easy. No two people will always get along perfectly. You're two very different, unique beings. Your thoughts, ideas, even desires and motivations, will never be quite the same. You have to work together to keep it going. Every day. Every moment. The work is worth it though. There grows a bond deeper than infatuation. The ease with which new relationships exist is pleasant, but unless you're willing never to go beyond the surface to any true depth, you're going to have to put some work in.

I find myself living this reality. As many furs will tell you, long-distance relationships are harder than most. We form them because of like interests, bonds that grow from an intellectual connection verses the outside world where they're often superficial to start with. Then we are most often far apart. The fandom makes it harder in this way, but without it we'd never meet our mates in the first place. Distance is the price we have to pay. Until we can bridge it and be together in life. Hold together, my fellow furs in love. We'll make it to that day.

I've been posting quite a bit of photography lately, which brings me to the question as to whether viewers think it's worthwhile. What do you all think of my photos? If I were to have a better camera, which is definitely on the agenda, would anyone be interested in purchasing prints? I also take landscape/nature photos, primarily in the mountains. I've got a blog for those, woven into a tapestry of writing to describe my adventures in the Rockies. I've gone through a few cameras throughout the years, but I'm currently relegated to using my cellphone. This is a terrible thing for photography, but my old digital cameras have ceased functioning correctly - or are simply too old to rival the 'quality' of my cellphone.

In any case, I hope viewers will let me know their thoughts. I'd love to take more wildlife photos, and will be regardless, but having people interested in buying prints would help offset the expense of a new camera. Thanks everyone for your feedback.

I'd started out hopeful that people would want to read what I post, however, thus far it's not really taken off. It may not be writing from scratch, but even going over old story content takes quite a while. I'm not sure if it's worth the effort to continue. I could just be feeling downtrodden though. It has been known to happen.

So, to anyone listening/reading out there, should I continue? Sometimes knowing if anyone is out there helps. Man, I sound needy tonight. Tis what happens when one's been on their own for too long. This lonely life... And here I thought cats were supposed to be solitary creatures. Ah well. Myths and all.

I've been working on revising my novel "Fallen Snow," written back in 2004 for National Novel Writing Month. It is my hope that this will re-energize my love for writing and inspire me to create new work. In the mean time, it will allow me to gauge the interest of readers and see whether it's worth my effort. Let me know what you all think in the comments. I really do appreciate feedback - but try to keep it constructive as far as criticism goes. Thanks to all who read my work. It means a lot.

First of all, and quite significantly, it should be noted that theology has no involvement in Therianthropy and vice versa. They are wholly separate concepts with vary few tangential interfaces. While theology has to do with the study of God and religous belief, and it remains possible for religion to be separate from belief in God, god, or gods, it also remains that Therianthropy is entirely different. The separation is unique and clear. The ideology of such can indeed be a part of, and has been a part, of many religions throughout the ages. Yet inclusion in religion does not mean unity of such. To be Therian does not mean one has to be religious; no more so than base spirituality would infer. Spirituality is separate from religion in many instances. It needs no deity or powers that be, no controlling forces beyond nature, and neither is it a worship of nature. It is in essence the acceptance of what is, which in of itself is the acceptance of nature. To accept the world around us does not require religion. Nor does accepting the world within. The world without and within can often be very reflective of one another, as well as striking in their simplicity.

Having separated the concepts, this brings me to my next point. I've read a lot about being 'Therian' through various online avenues and have even come across a slew of YouTube videos. I do not ... suggest anyone go searching for those. The current subculture of 'Therian' adherents is quite interesting at the very least. Their perception of what it is to be 'Therian' and the related societal penalties, judgements, exclusions, and even persecutions have piqued my interest. Do those who proclaim persecution for a chosen niche belief, one which they hold solely for the sense of uniqueness and ironic inclusion it provides them, truly suggest they are subjected to mistreatment? Perspective is a lesson that can only be taught by life and the inherently related wisdom in such. Youth is full of folly and should perhaps be given some leeway, but it does lend itself to idiocy at some point.

Issues I hold contention with:
* You do not choose to be Therian: So many of the modern crowd of 'Therians' I see would seem to have chosen to become Therian. I'll touch on that in a moment, 'becoming.' The problem here is that one does not simply choose to be Therian. You either are or you aren't. It's not like being a furry. You don't pick a species that you happen to like and tack it on as an alter ego. Therianthropy isn't about having an alter ego. It isn't about ego at all. It's about truth, who you are as an individual. There is no such thing as a Theriansona.

* You do not become Therian: Most Therians I've known for years will reflect that they have always known they were what they were. Of course, there are varying circumstances. You might not realize until later in life, but then upon looking back can see what was hidden from you in the past. Ignorance of what is does not negate it from being, however, this isn't something you can go out and seek to attain. Therianthropy is not an article of clothing, nor is it a fursuit.

* Not all furs are Therians: It is difficult to believe how many people hold the concept of their fanciful alter egos as being the same thing as having the spirit of that animal, or animals as the case may be. We'll get to the multi-animal thing here in a moment. Furs equate their fursonas with being connected with their animal of choice. They believe it is somehow a big part of them, yet in reality it is a choice. They embrace the special feelings it brings them and enjoy touching upon various aspects of their animal of choice. Yet you hardly see the more negative attributes being flocked to, nor do you notice more than superficial expression of any 'animal' instincts or behavior. You're acting out, pretending like you did when you were little. Don't think you're suddenly imbued with an animal spirit because you decide to walk on your tip toes and bat at shiny things with loosely clamped fists - intended to resemble paws.

* If you are truly Therian, you probably don't have multiple animal spirits, including mythological ones: It may come as a shock, but if you believe yourself to be inhabited by or hold connections with the animal spirits of a tiger, wolf, fox, raccoon, dragon, and unicorn ... you're probably not. Just because it's fun to keep adding new species to your internal rolodex of spirits does not make them a reality. To be honest, if you are Therian, the initial species you felt a connection with is probably more than worthy of being your singular spirit. If you have to add special traits to them because the animal itself isn't special enough for you, again you're likely playing pretend here. Wings and multi-colored fur creates a most likely scenario where you're wanting to feel even more special, so find traits in order to do so.

* Therian types: There are different concepts that fall into the realm of Therianthropy. While most would equate having an animal spirit with the ideology, it can also include or solely involve a connection such as having one or more animal spirit guides. Again, don't get carried away with trying to find too many spirit guides. At some point you're just pretending again. You aren't so special a person to have 15 different creatures, including those mythological again, guiding you through life. Be humbled by the idea that one animal spirit is willing to guide you. If that initial animal is not enough, begin to wonder what is real and what is fantasy. In all honest truth, having one spirit guide or internal spirit that which you see as your true self, either of these scenarios, is more than enough. If what you sense to be within is real, you won't seek nor need to seek other animals. They come to you, if they do indeed come at all. And if you are born from the spirit of an animal, you're likely not born from 15. Be content to have one spirit. There really is no shame in it. On the contrary, it's an honor and a privilege. In having an animal spirit or spirit guide you will see the world as most humans never do. While this can prove to be a difficult trait to bear, it is also a gift. At the same time as the world and people around you seem almost alien in their nature and thinking, you also gain perspective and understanding, perhaps even empathy, for the strange creatures you observe. This is something that being human of soul would not likely grant you.

* Being a fur does not make you Therian: It's time to come back to this point and deal with the fact that being a fur is a choice, a wistful romp into the realm of make believe that allows many to better deal with the harshness of the real world they exist in. This is not to diminish what being a fur is. It is only meant to finally and fully separate the concepts. Therianthropy is something you are. You do not choose to be Therian. Of course, the affinity a Therian has with their species may well lend them toward becoming a part of the community. There are far more participating furs online, and it's easier to find and join these groups. Being a fur because of your connection to the animal within or spirit guide helps one to express part of themselves they otherwise might not be able to. That's not to say Therians require this. It also does not suggest that they cannot gain insight into their animal/s without taking on a fursona. While it might be the natural progression for many Therians, for others it is repugnant. Why undermine the sanctity of the animal you hold in such high regard by humanizing it? This is in part a truth of the fandom, furs create characters that have very little in relation with the animal they purport to be. It's fun to have fur and a tail and cute, fuzzy ears, but to actually have the natural behavior and all that is involved in being that animal - best leave that to the weirdos who actually 'believe' themselves to be animals, no? The division between the furry and Therian communities is easy to make out. Though it may be ironic that there is any division, all things being considered. Some Therians are furs, and some furs are Therians, but not all of either are both. There's no need to castigate or disparage either group. Everyone has their place within these realms.

When it comes down to it, and finally, the point I intend to make here is that there is a deep distinction between the terms 'fur' and 'Therian.' Being a Therian doesn't mean you wear a collar, fake tail, and/or ears and act all silly like you think your species is supposed to. It doesn't mean posting inane YouTube videos decrying the persecution of your group. It isn't about pretend or feeling special. It isn't about an alter ego or escape. It simply is. When you are Therian, you simply are. Without pretenses or conceit, lacking hubris or pride, to be Therian is simply to 'be.'

Therians don't anthropomorphize their species. There's the final distinction for you. An animal is an animal, and they need be nothing more.

I've been sharing the early chapters of my story "Fallen Snow" and am wondering if it's garnered any interest. So far I haven't heard anything, so I remain curious. If I get the time this week, I'll try posting another chapter. Each has to be read over and edited for spelling, punctuating, and grammar. I'm not trying for a major revision just yet. If the story manages to gain interest here, I'll consider posting more chapters as well as more often.

Volatile

You go with the flow when it comes to your emotions. Whether you're happy or sad, you show it, and when something upsets you, or you're feeling stressed out, those around you will know it right away.

You are not necessarily the one person in any group who can be depended on to stay calm, cool, and collected in a crisis; you aren't known for keeping your emotions under wraps.

Intellectual

You are thoughtful, rational, and comfortable in the world of ideas. People find you interesting to talk to. You're the living embodiment of the saying "You learn something new every day." In general, those with a high score on the "intellectual" trait are employed in such fields as teaching and research, and are enthusiastic about reading, foreign films, and classical music.

You do not avoid abstract conversation, experimenting with new ideas, or studying new things. It bores you to stick to the straight and narrow of what you already know.

Stressed Out

You often feel that there's too much on your plate, that you don't have the strength to deal with the bad hand you've been dealt, or that you're going to lose it if you have to deal with one more problem.

You don't always bounce back quickly from adversity; sometimes when you get bad news it can hang over you for a long time.

Warm

You have a genuine interest in other people. You're a natural host, and are always thinking about how you can increase the happiness of those around you. When friends have problems or are in trouble, you're usually the first person they turn to for aid and comfort. Scoring high on the "warm" trait suggests that you are among those who enjoy domestic activities — doing things around the house — and are enthusiastic about charitable work, helping others, and making the world a better place.

You don't always say exactly what you're thinking; you don't like the idea of causing anyone pain because of your criticism.


Understanding

You are willing to take the time to find out what's going on with other people, especially if they're in distress. You're a good listener, you don't criticize, and you offer unbiased, respectful, honest advice when it's requested. With a high score on the "understanding" trait, it is likely that you are enthusiastic about charitable work, helping others, and making the world a better place.

You don't feel the need to impose your standards on others or say things that, even though true, cause pain.

Scrupulous

You are an honest, fair person. You don't lie or cheat to get ahead. You treat others with respect and hope for the same in return.

You do not feel that you are above the rules that everyone else follows; you are definitely not willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead.

Organized

You like to think a task through before you embark on it. If it's the slightest bit complicated, you make a list (even if it's only in your mind) and methodically work your way through it. When you have a goal in mind, you're not satisfied until you reach it.

You are not one of those people who ignore the details, and you don't understand how anyone can get anything accomplished without thoughtful planning ahead of time.

Pessimistic

You tend to be a "glass half-empty" kind of person, which for you is simply a realistic outlook. Your feeling is that this world can be a depressing place, and only a fool would think otherwise.

You do not waste your time searching for the silver lining in every cloud, nor do you believe it's your job to cheer up the people around you with happy talk.

Impassioned

You have strong opinions and high standards. When others let you down, you're not opposed to giving them a piece of your mind, even if it sometimes mean hurting their feelings.

You are not necessarily a "live and let live" kind of person. You don't always make allowances for others' incompetence or allow annoyances to wash over you. You don't feel it's your job to make everyone feel relaxed and comfortable regardless of whether they've earned it.


Sympathetic

You have a knack for knowing what's going on in the hearts and minds of those around you, without their having to tell you explicitly. People tend to turn to you with their problems because they know you care, and that you will likely offer good advice and a helping hand.

You do not feel that people with sad stories are just looking for attention, or have brought their problems upon themselves.