So the journal entry that was on my front page said "there's only two days left to sign up for the raffle!" but that took place in October and so it's kinda silly to keep it up. BUT! It's worth putting here that I WON in the raffle! Woo!

 berymuch made a fantastic "bust" of my fursona's second life (no, not the game), Takáá Kiistówa. Takáá is a smilodon fatalis, otherwise known as a sabretoothed tiger. Said smilodon is the largest known cat to ever walk the earth, natural or unnatural, and the species lived in north America, on the tattered edge of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet, at the end of the little ice age that dominated the Pleistocene Epoch. Takáá is a warrior and shaman for his tribe, and the language they speak is similar to what you would hear from a Blackfoot Indian in Montana a hundred years ago (today, most Native Americans speak English, and only a few remain who fluently know their native tongues).

Anyway, you can see the wonderful piece of art that Berymuch made of Takáá performing a ceremony to summon his/our nine lives, at http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12354516/ . Or for the moment, if you're feeling lazy, it currently dominates the feature of both my submissions and favorites, because it's the latest piece in both files.

Anyway, it was a wonderful gift to round out 2013, and leaves me excited to see what will come of my fursona in the coming year. To that end, I want to wish all of my furiends a prosperous and happy 2014!

There's only two days left to get yourself entered in the raffle that  berymuch is doing. So go get yourself signed up for some awesome art! And if you don't go get yourself signed up, just check out his amazing art and add him to your watch list anyway, because he's that good!

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5154592/


ETA: Correction. Today is the last possible day to enter. Here are details about the raffle process.
http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5200947/

The werewolf that has been sitting on top of my submissions folder was drawn by  berymuch , who is a talented artist and all around sweet fur. He's also doing a good effort to drum up some business, with a free art raffle! So whether he lets me bend one of his rules to join his raffle or not, I'm going to pimp his art out to you all what watch me. Check out his raffle, and sign up between now and the end of October!

Details on the raffle: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5154592/

Details on Berymuch: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/berymuch/

The affore-mentioned werewolf that I colored: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/9486924/

And one that Berymuch colored himself: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/11700406/

Haven't been able to post one of these in a long time. My con meme, for Rainfurrest this year:

Where are you staying? -
The official overflow hotel

What day are you getting there? -
Thursday

Who will you be with? -
Rooming with Gadget RedTips. I plan to visit with many people.

Do you do free art? -
All of my art so far, infrequent as it has been, has been free.

Do you do trades? -
The opportunity has never availed itself.

Do you do commissions? -
Nope

Do you do badges? -
Nope

What is your gender? -
Male

How old are you? -
35

Are you taken? -
No, but neither am I looking.

What suits will you have? -
Kiyoshi - white tiger

Can I touch you? -
Non-sexual touch is permitted. (Stay away from my tail/ass, damnit!)

Can I talk to you? -
I'm a rather chatty tiger. Please do!

Can I buy you lots of drinks? -
No, thank you. I'm allergic to caffeine and alcohol.

Can I hug or snuggle with you? -
If I offer, fine. Else, you'd better ask first, and wait for me to respond. Ambush hugs will not be appreciated.

How tall are you? -
The world is built to fit my height.

Are you nice? -
Usually, unless you ambush hug me.

Are you cliquey? -
I can tend to be, because I'm actually a little shy, for all that I appear outgoing.

Do you have an artist table? -
Nope

Do you like parties? -
Depends. Watching a bunch of people get drunk and make asses of themselves is not entertaining, for me.

If I see you, how should I get your attention? -
Take a lesson from Destiny's Child. (Say my name, say my name!)
Or just wave.

Can I hang out with you? -
Absotively!

How can I find you? -
If you have my phone number, call. Else, it's a bit of luck of the draw, I don't know where I'll be, when.

There's someone out there you know who is in this place. Maybe there are several. Maybe it's you. This article has a good lesson for the people who aren't depressed, that may help them understand the people who are, a little better. And that is the best help that those who are depressed can get. Don't worry about farting hope and sunshine out of your ass; just be there.

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.c.....-part-two.html

Sue "Susan Deer" Rankin and John "The Gneech" Robey are collecting submissions for a memorial book for Kerry "Mammallamadevil" O'Day. This is my submission.

---

Words have been failing me, on the right thing to say about Kerry O'Day. As I struggled, I checked in on the forum where I heard the news of her passing, and found that one of our forumites was struggling to recall whether he knew "Mammallamadevil." I wrote this in reply, and it became the tribute I could not sit down and write. So here is my submission to the memorial book.

If you ever went to Anthrocon, Kerry/MLD was the highly energetic, very short woman at The Gneech's side, managing the sales for Gneech, Vince Suzukawa, Bill Holbrook, and a couple other guys as well. She managed the Merchandise Mart online for the same fellows, and managed everything from the moment the first copy ran off the presses of their books and was approved by the artist. She was also a knitting extraordinaire, and sold many, many scarves (and gave more than a few away), tails made by Grammallamadevil (GMLD), and miscellaneous merchandise.

Myself: As a huge fan of Suburban Jungle, I only purchased one of The Gneech's books. The Gneech and MLD together gave me the rest, and saw to it that they were signed - not an impersonal autograph, but true gift signatures. When I purchased my first costume tail, she gave me a set of The Gneech's entire SJ button collection. When the set expanded and I needed more, she gave me some cool stuff from her employer, too. When I sent her a resume to take to the school district she lived in, she sent me (with permission) GMLD's top secret Snickerdoodle recipe, a batch of baked snickerdoodles, mix to make more, and the secret ingredient (I'll tell you that when the technical schematics of the USS George H W Bush become public domain - in other words, never). The idea I'm trying to convey is that Kerry was a remarkably giving woman. She gave away not only things, but she gave of herself; her time, and her talent. She gave away unconditional love, freely, to all who needed it. When I suffered on the brink of collapse after my fiancee was killed, Kerry was the one who IMed me, as often as her schedule would allow, because she had been there, done that. Her continuous care, advice, funny stories, pictures of cons I couldn't be at but she wanted me to enjoy anyway, and the connections that she made for me to the rest of the furry world, all part of the process of helping me heal -- those are the truest gifts that she gave me. I lost touch with her in the last few years because both of us suffered from toobusyitis, but not from lack of trying on both our parts. Yet I knew that I was still in her heart, as she remains in mine. Kerry was a true friend to anyone who needed one, and I already miss her. The depth of the loss of one such as this is incalculable. My prayer is that the furry community not forget her family, who formed the backbone of her support of the fandom, and that we all pay forward the love that she shared with each of us.

I just found out about the loss of a true friend, furry publications manager, sales commander in chief, and knitting extraordinaire, Mamma Llama Devil. She lived in San Jose, CA, but at a time when I was really struggling and had few I considered to be true friends, she was always there with good advice and funny stories. She had several friends here in Spokane and she tried hard to come up and visit us all, but her work schedule never allowed it. The few times I had the opportunity to meet her in person, she was always gracious and kind, a truly wonderful friend to spend time with. She died a few days ago from cancer that I was never aware she had; though I knew her health was a major issue, she didn't let me in on how severe it was.

I have stated elsewhere, the hole she leaves in my heart is bested only by the hole she leaves in the Furry Community. We all will miss her greatly.

Does anyone else think that FA hearts look like mittens, or is it just me?

Two mittens, one for each paw.

So FA is being stupid slow tonight (big shock, right?) and I had a lot of waits while loading the pages to upload my latest submission (which was supposed to go into scraps... but I clicked the checkbox, and it went in the main gallery), and then edit text, &c. Well, I went upstairs to brag about the fact that I hadn't even finalized uploading when I got a favorite. Go me.

Except that  sunspot is working on the piece he's got as a WIP on his page right now. I gave him a couple perspective critiques, and he said he was already planning to do them.

Then I said... "Um, yeah. I'm going to go back down and finish up with my extraordinarily mediocre piece, which is someone else's lineart anyway. Yeah."

To all of you who went, welcome home from the Effsy.

I'm not going to FC, but my housemate  sunspot is. Well, was, at this point. They arrived in San Jose by car yesterday morning. As I read entries from folks going to FC tomorrow, or even later tonight, I keep thinking, "So late?! He's already missed more than half the con!" Because, you know, it's clearly already over, since Sunspot left days ago. Right? RIIIGHT?

I really need to do something to restore a correct sense of time.

We need more people to discover this board:

Pacific Northwest Furs
http://pacificnorthwestfurs.com/

It's a background image, but several of us are standing behind the field reporter in this article. Check it out!

http://www.krem.com/video?id=136505.....amp;sec=550262

Fa ra ra ra raaaa, ra ra, ra raaaa!

New entry in scraps. Inspired by gate rape, hallowe'en, and Political Cartoons. Enjoy!

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/6771159/

To start with, a timeline of recent events, involving me, Sunspot (my roommate), and two other people, whom we shall call A and B.

Weds, 4:00. I get home from work, and Sunspot tells me about a curious conversation he had, in which person A tells him about a nickname, "Derp Cat," initiating the conversation as though Sunspot should know to whom it refers (me), and thinks it is hilarious that I have gained this nickname. He reports that person A said that someone in Spokane Valley has been going around calling me this name. He also says that person A is now living in another city. I ponder it a bit, and decide that it's really not worth getting mad about.

Weds, 6:30. I teach a Bible Study at church. The conversation includes a discussion about how holding grudges and getting in fights over silly things like name-calling isn't worth it. I thank the member who said that, because it helps me see what I need to do with the situation.

Weds, 9:15. I send a message to person A. It contains four words: "Do me a favor?" My intention is for him to please tell whomever started this to please have the courage to tell me to my face, so I can learn of the person's motives, and offer forgiveness and resolution.

Thurs, 3:30. I come home from work, and Sunspot tells me that person B texted him angrily about "Why did you tell Kiyoshi?" There is also some mention that person A does not understand why I am in a relationship with El Conejo (which is none of his business in the first place). Sunspot tells me his part in the conversation while summarizing person B's. We agree that on the surface, it appears that B is the instigator. I have a guest coming for dinner, and don't really have time to lead any further investigation.

Thurs, 3:45. I send a message to B stating, "Please confront me to my face if you feel a need to do so. Also, you are forgiven for 'Derpcat.'" Then I go about getting ready for my guest, preparing food for dinner and washing dishes. I show Sunspot the message before sending it, so he knows what I said and to whom it went.

Thurs, 4:50. I receive a response from B while my guest is here. In the interest of politeness and hospitality, I merely glance at the message and set the phone aside. The language appears rather explosive.

Thurs, 7:00. Dinner is cooked, after some unexpected delay. Sunspot tells me that whatever message I sent, he is now getting angry messages from B. He says that B reports the phrase came from A, not from him. I decide not to pursue the conversation, briefly explaining to my guest that I am dealing with a curious conversation in which an insult has been anonymously thrown my way, and that I am seeking to resolve the situation peacefully, but that it is becoming more complex.

Thurs, 10:00. I begin this journal entry. I am writing it on FA, knowing that this is a public forum, knowing that both A and B might see it, and frankly I hope they do - let them see before my next step exactly what I intend. But it's main purpose is so that I can process the whole of the situation myself, get it out of my head, and allow me to sleep tonight. As I said in the text messages, it is my intent to continue to deal with this directly with them. Not tonight, because it's late and I have another long day ahead tomorrow. It's not worth getting angry over. It's not worth starting a new grudge.

B has held a grudge against me for almost two years now, since I confronted him over something where I felt I was wronged. After telling me that I must grow up and handle my problems, B did something that countered what he said he would do, so I confronted him. I asked, albiet angrily, for an explanation of why his actions directly countered what he said he would do. This led to an equally angry response on his part and a demand that I speak no more of it. I complied, and have heard naught from him since. I have held no grudge, and offered more than one olive branch, though I have heard multiple reports from mutual friends since then that he maintains a grudge against me and shows no interest in an end to it.

I've learned the hard way: grudges are destructive. They typically do far more to harm the person holding them than the target, and usually hurt a lot of people caught in between as well. They're also sinful, as was discussed in the Bible Study on Wednesday. So they really just aren't worth it. I have far more pressing matters to deal with: I have a job interview on Monday. I have students to teach tomorrow in a language I am really not competent in. I have a student to tutor in a language I speak well, but at times that are not working for either of us this week. It is my ten year college reunion, and I have friends in town I wish to see. I have bills pilling up. I have several activities at church which are demanding my attention and little enough time or help to accomplish them.

A grudge will eat far too much of my time, so I sought to end the situation peaceably and amicably. I will make one more attempt with both A and B. If that does not end it, then I will simply walk away from the situation. It is not worth my time to continue for people who celebrate such a hate-fest, and if they think it is worth theirs, then I offer only pity. Let them waste their time without me.

So most of the people I watch in FA will be at Rainfurrest this weekend. To you all, I wish a very fun weekend. Have a good time, and for those travelling over road, a safe drive to and from!

-=TK

I let the previous drama stir me to wrathful posting. Then I turn around and quote this passage at someone else:

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary:

'If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12.17-21

Which was the source of my ultimatum, that if he leaves me alone, I'll leave him alone. But was exposé post necessary? Probably only one or two people ever saw what he wrote. I guess I was writing out my official defense against his accusations. Ah, well. At this point, it's important enough just to get the post off my front page.

I am in need of income! I've been searching all summer for a suitable job, that I can continue to do my day work and yet still have extra income in the evenings. It's very frustrating, right now. I probably won't make any money subbing (teaching! Get your furry minds out of the gutter!) until the end of October. Stupid one-mont pay periods!

Still, I have to trust that God knows what is happening. Pastor said last week, when things get hard, just JUMP. I'm going to do so. Jesus Understands My Problems!

Eeee! Mah bunneh has an FA page nao!

 elconejo Go see.

So uh, yeah. I appreciate the fact that people are watching me. On the other paw, it's kinda creepy that people are watching me... because as far as FA goes, I'm pretty much sitting here and doing nothing. Nothing at all. Like, I only got this account to see things that are user only when I receive a link. Once in a blue moon, I'll put up a picture of something, but other than that... I frequently forget that I even have an FA account.

So, yeah. Thanks for the watches, but... why?

So I'm thinking that I should put up the rest of my parade pics, even though it takes forever to do so. Maybe a few a day?

I was totally shocked to come in here and find out that my pictures had been favorited. I thought people had to, you know, advertise to get noticed on things like that. But I have comments on them! (Wow!) And one person favorited all four pictures.

Maybe I should start using my FA?

-=Kiyoshi