Exactly as the title says, I am opening up for written commissions. If you've ever wanted to see your fursona or character feature in their very own short story, this is your chance.

For examples, feel free to look around my gallery, or to take a look at these recent examples (all NSFW):
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/7848641/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/6187521/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8392935/ (moderately NC)

As well as furry erotic fiction (my main area), I will accept clean stories, and I am happy to write about most things in a furry/anthro context. There are just a few things which I'd prefer not to write about. These include: scat/WS, babyfurs and hard vore. Feel free to ask me if you're unsure.

---

How to commission me
Send me a note here on FA with your idea (names, species, setting, etc). Your idea can be as simple or as detailed as you like. I will then get in touch with you, and we'll take it from there. When I have finished a first draft you can suggest any changes, to make sure your story turns out the way you want.

Price: £5
For this, I'm not going to set a word limit, because the final length will be different depending on each individual idea. I will aim for a target of between 5 and 10 pages, with a minimum of 5 pages; but in any case you will get a full, unique story featuring your characters.

My Paypal: ziegenbockfur[at]yahoo.com
Before I start work on your story, I will ask for payment. Please send payment as a 'personal payment', not as a 'good'.

---

To begin with, I am opening three slots.
1.  mulgerehircum - Paid - Completed
2.  furiousfur - Paid - Completed
3. Hundredand (Sofurry) - Paid - Completed

Any other questions, send me a note. I look forward to hearing your ideas!

Well, the summer has only just started, but it's certainly shaping up to be exciting. There are plenty of events just around the corner, and here are just a few:

-Trip to Wales: this week. Visiting family in the west this time.

-London Furs Summer Party: Saturday 21 July.

-London 2012 Olympic Games: July and August. I have been looking forward to the London Games ever since we won the bid. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. Tickets came last week, and I am very excited to be part of the action.

-Eurofurence: Tues 28 August - Mon 3 September. Last year, there were just so many events, so many amazing people, so much... furriness! And this year looks to be just as fun-packed.

---

Also, some exciting news: starting next week, I will be opening for Story Commissions. If you've ever wanted to see your fursona/character feature in their very own story, this is your chance. Details and prices will be announced by journal, so be sure to +Watch me. Any other queries, do send me a message. I look forward to hearing your ideas!

All the best for now
Zieg

"I am the perfect example of the boy leaving the North, but the North never leaving him."
- Sir Thomas Allen, Chancellor of the University of Durham

Maybe it sounds premature to be putting up that quote. After all, it's only a few short hours since I arrived home in East Anglia, having this morning left the City of Durham, and the North-East of England, after three years. But already I can say that this quote, from the world-famous County Durham-born opera singer, is itself a perfect summary of those years. And hopefully in the future, I will still be saying the same, whether that's in a few hours' time or a few years' time.

It seems strange that I had never even seen Durham until four years ago, when I went past on the train to Scotland. Passing over that viaduct, seeing the city and its glorious Cathedral and Castle nestled amongst the wooded hills, I never expected I would be spending most of my adult life there. But then I visited, and I knew straightaway that's where I wanted to be.

However, there was one thing above all others which I can say, without hyperbole, made all the difference to my time away from home. And that, in a word, was you. Once a month, just fifteen minutes away on the train, stood another city and a completely different world. The city was Newcastle upon Tyne, and the world was the community of the Tyne Furs. On that Sunday morning in February 2010, arriving at Newcastle Central rail station and tentatively asking around for 'The Northern Furs', I could never have foreseen the amazing people I would meet, nor the countless events I would be welcomed at between then and now. We've been to meets (seventeen in Newcastle alone), parties, and even a convention together. And I've loved every minute of them.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Thank you. Thank you, each and every one of you, for making me feel so welcome. Already I'm thinking about my next visit, possibly the Christmas meet on 2 December. And in the meantime, I'm proudly keeping the Tyne Furs logo on my page.

So, furs of the North East. I shall see you in Newcastle, very soon. And for those of you who are going to Eurofurence, see you there!

Ziegenbock Yagi-Eisenhuf, BA (Hons) Dunelm.

Tra môr yn FUR i'r bur hoff bau...

Having met a good few local furs the past couple of weeks, my latest journey took me a bit further afield. This week was my visit to the land of music and sheep and dragons. Wales! From the history to the language to its wonderfully friendly people, Wales really is a lovely country. And as this was my first visit in a year, it was a trip I was looking forward to immensely.

Starting on Wednesday morning, with a brief stopover in Manchester for lunch, I arrived mid afternoon in a gloriously sunny Cardiff, where  kai-llewellyn met me at the station and showed me to his house. The rest of the day was spent chilling, watching films, surfing the web, and just generally getting to know each other.

Thursday, Kai and I were joined by our good friend  gogledd. Together with  syruss, we took a wander around the Welsh capital (which was of course pouring with rain today!), stopping for lunch, before spending the evening gaming and watching films.

On Friday morning, Gog and I went for a walk around the city, where we met another local fur, Neo. After stopping by a cafe, we headed back to Gog's to watch some films. Unfortunately the afternoon rolled by far too soon, and it was time for me to head back to the station. The journey back was loooong, but there was the whole weekend to recuperate.

So all in all, a superb week. All that's left to say is, thank you to everyone I saw this week, and hopefully we'll meet again soon.

...O bydded i'r heniaith barhau.

That's it then. This month, I went to the last two furmeets during my time in north-east England. First up, there was the Newcastle meet on Sunday 3 June. As always we met at Central Station, before spending a little while at a nearby bar. Then as is traditional, we paid a visit to the Newcastle Green Festival: food, live music and stalls, all with an envrionmental message. A fun day out, especially with half a dozen of our very own suiters around! After a break, it was back in the evening to visit a couple of bars and spend a final few hours in the city by the Tyne. I am grateful to for staying with me right to the end.

-

Then last Saturday, 9 June, it was off to Durham for a little get-together with . The weather was terrible, but we still made the most of it. We spent the day in a cafe in the city, went to a couple of bars, then went out to an Italian restaurant. Thank you everyone once again for coming along, I really appreciate it.

-

I'm still around for a few more days. But as far as furmeets go, these were my last regular ones in the region. And so, to all of the  tynefurs : thank you so much for making the last 17 Newcastle meets such fun. You've really made a difference to my time up here, and I will be returning, very soon.

So... after three years, my time in the North East has come to an end. But I have had a wonderful time in this corner of the world, and I've met some amazing furs too. So I thought, as a chance for us all to see each other one more time, let's meet up, right here, in my very own home for the past three years. Durham!


Ziegenbock's Farewell Meet
1pm, Saturday 9 June 2012, Durham

The plan
We'll meet at the Gala Theatre, DH1 1WA, in the city centre. From there, we'll head for a picnic in Wharton Park. It's a lovely park overlooking the World Heritage Site, with its Cathedral and Castle, and it's just a 10 minute walk away. There are also rowing boats for hire, as another option.
In the evening, we will visit one of the many restaurants Durham has to offer.

Getting here
Durham is a mediaeval city, with lots of narrow streets and pathways. However it's a very small city, and quite easy to find your way around. I can meet people at the railway station, and show them to the Gala Theatre.
You can also find a street map here: http://www.thisisdurham.com/downloa.....20website).pdf

Hope to see you there!
Zieg

More details here:
http://forum.ukfur.org/topic/38202-.....turday-9-june/

 Mingchee made it!
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/7904500/

So yes, I am back in the North once again! After a few weeks back home, and three fantastic furmeets (London twice, Cambridge once), it is good to be back, although I am going to be *very* busy with my work in the next few weeks. In light of this, my time on here will be limited (and also over on FA_Hoofers - but I will update regularly).

Still, I will be visiting a couple of furmeets, starting with Leeds this weekend, and Newcastle the next. I look forward to catching up with the Northern furs once again.

Also, I have more writing coming up. But tomorrow night. It's too late tonight.

Well, what can I say? Yesterday's Newcastle fur meet was quite simply... fantastic. There was so much going on:

Fursuits! So many fursuits! There was just such energy and excitement as a result, far more than usual here on Tyneside. And I'm delighted that people were positive about the suiting. Let's hope that this is a sign of things to come;
Fursuit pool;
Perfect weather (who said it's grim up north?);
Fantastic furs: well known faces, and a whole host of new ones too;
Sushi ...just sushi;
and camp unicorns!

Even though I was only there for the first half, yesterday was the most fun day I've had in a long while. Seriously, I have had so much to do lately, and I've been under a lot of pressure. But knowing that a day out like this is only a train ride away, that really makes a difference. So yes, this is a thank you. Thank you to you all, organisers, old timers and new, for welcoming this East Anglian goat, and making him feel right at home as a Tyne Fur.

This time by the lovely  almaaurora.
http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3162260/

Just spreading the word about some artist raffles. Free art; go for it!

 drpickelle http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3090822/
 thegreencoyote http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3093431/

So yes, I'm back in the north-east as of today, staying here for the next couple of months. I'm expecting to be pretty busy, but there are a couple of meets to look forward to, in Newcastle and perhaps further afield too. The first is right here on Tyneside, on 5 Feburary. So, I hope to see many of you then... or sooner!

(Also, 2000 page views! Thank you everyone)

Taken from , , , , , , , and

…in that order.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Gigged somewhere with a capacity over 1000.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No, and probably not. My life will change more in mid-2012, so it makes more sense to set resolutions then.

3. How will you be spending New Year's Eve?
Probably sleeping! Long day today.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No

5. What countries did you visit?
Germany! Twice!

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
A fursuit!

7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
16 August. Day One of my first ever furry convention.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Passing the entire year, and so being free all summer for Eurofurence

9. What was your biggest failure?
I have thought of one. But I’m not going to discuss it.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My paintings in the Eurofurence Art Show.

12. Where did most of your money go?
Furry-related stuff and fencing-related stuff.

13. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Sunburn by Muse (I know it’s 12 years old. But I am catching up with Muse.)

14. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Learn more languages – if only there was time.

15. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Oh, where do I start?

16. What was your favourite TV program?
Torchwood Miracle Day. Or Harry Hill.

17. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. But there are a few I want nothing more to do with.

18. What was the best book you read?
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card.

19. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Muse – Showbiz.

20. What was your favourite film of this year?
Bitter Lake. That counts, right?

21. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
The actual day was a Monday, so I invited a friend round and watched Scott Pilgrim. Main celebration though: joint party at Nando’s with Neko-San.

22. What kept you sane?
Furs, French cheese and Fentiman’s.

23. Who did you miss?
Nobody, I don’t think.

24. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
You can’t change everyone. In fact, you probably can’t change anyone.

...

Tag some people
Who’s left?
and

That's it, I am now back home for Christmas and New Year. It is hard to tell if the past ten or so weeks have gone quickly or slowly. September hardly seems that long ago. Then again, so much was crammed into that little space of time: work, fencing, music, and of course three Newcastle furmeets. Each was top-quality, and I look forward to coming back very soon.

So, Christmas. What are my plans? Not a great deal it must be said, just spending it at home this year, enjoying all this free time, and watching live TV for the first time in weeks! I will be keeping up with work of course, but also chilling out a bit, and hopefully taking in a local furmeet or two.

Unfortunately the January Newcastle meet is out for me. But fear not, Tyne Furs, I shan't be abandoning you! You will be free to catch me online for a chat most nights.

Right, time to catch up on some Mongrels!
Z.

54 furs! In Newcastle! To say I was surprised by the official head count at this month's Newcastle furmeet would be an understatement. But it is testament to what a successful and thriving community we have here now, and to the friendly and downright brilliant furs here in my adopted home city. I for one am proud and delighted to be a part of it.

This month's meet was, once again, fantastic. Admittedly it was a brief visit on my part (and apologies I had to dash off mid-way), but I loved every minute of it. Secret Santa, plenty of new faces and a fair few familiar ones as well (too many to mention here). It was a superb way to round off furmeets for me in 2011. So to all you Tyne Furs, have a happy Christmas, a Happy New Year, and see you all in February!

Hosted by  aurabeedit

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/2886480/
Five winners chosen at random, males only.

First of all, Happy Hallowe'en to you all! As I write this, the clocks are striking twelve, and the Witching Hour is upon us. However, this mountain goat is safely tucked away in his little cave, so all you hungry marauding werewolves had best look elsewhere!

Looking at my last journal, it is high time we had an update on fencing events. There have been two matches since the last entry. First was a home match, which was actually a close-run affair. Having won foil by four points and sabre by nine, the aim for epee was to hold the score level. In fact with some close fights throughout, and a good final bout for me, the score ended up 45-44! Final score 133-121 to us.

Last week, we headed to Sheffield. For this match I fenced foil, as well as epee. Of course this meant completely different target areas and priorities, but we all still overcame our opponents quite convincingly. This was the same for sabre. Finally it was time for epee, and another comfortable lead meant more tactical bouts. Even so, two convincing victories for me, plus one closer bout, gave a final score of 135-98.

So, three wins out of three. Let us see what next week has in store.
Z.

I've just arrived home after one of the best fencing matches ever. For those of you unfamiliar with the sport, there are three weapons, sabre, foil and epee. In matches, for the three weapons, each team has three fencers. Everyone fences everyone else on the other team, up to five hits. This means nine bouts, a maximum score of 45 per weapon and 135 overall.

Sabre and foil were close-run. However epee, my weapon, was something else. Not only did I win all three of my bouts 5-0 (in 24 seconds), 5-2 and 5-4, but we won 45-15 for epee, and our final score was 131-105.

Right, I'm just about to head out into town with the team. Don't wait up for me!
Z.

I am in the North again! It has been a couple of months since I was last here, but I'm back now and staying around until Christmas. Right now I am taking part in a fencing training week, which kicked off today. Then next week, it's back to work.

Still, there will be plenty of furry events coming up. The first is next Sunday, in fact, with the Newcastle Fur Meet. I will be there, for my first catch-up with many of you since Eurofurence.

Until then.

Is it me, or has Doctor Who lost its edge?

Yesterday evening I sat down at home to watch Doctor Who, as I have for every single episode since it's re-launch in 2005. I loved series 1 to 4, but was a little underwhelmed with series 5 and the start of 6. This was despite the new lead writer having previously penned the fantastic Weeping Angels episode (but maybe my expectations were too high). Still, before the mid-series break - with the twist in The Almost People (involving Amy) and the scenes on Demon's Run - it felt like the show was on an upward trend.

Series 6 returned a week ago. I got 25 minutes through episode two, and... I just switched off. It wasn't just because of that episode, but an opinion formed over several episodes. Five possible reasons for this are:

- The Eleventh Doctor: unlike the Ninth, I can't accept him as a world-weary time traveller, the last of his kind, who witnessed the destruction of two entire civilisations;

- The storyline: if there are monsters in the cupboard, show us some noise and rattling, otherwise its just a child's over-active imagination. As for the elderly lady, drawing closer to the strange rustle and suddenly being snatched away has been done too many times now;

- The characters. Whilst Rose was appealing because she was just so down-to-earth, the same cannot be said for the current trio. In general they are just irritating - Rory is meant to be well-meaning and simple, but just comes across as silly (his 'Neighbourhood Watch' lines this week).

And elsewhere in the series:
- Dei ex machina (Spitfires in space???);

- Contrivedly putting our heroes in danger ('Let's go into the mysterious cave... oh dear, there's Weeping Angels in here, who knew?')

I have enjoyed Doctor Who: Davies and Moffat have done a wonderful job, and I really want such a long-running British drama (specifically, Welsh drama) to be successful. I have nothing against any actors, writers or crew involved in the show, I'm just curious. I really enjoyed David Tennant's episodes, Christopher Eccleston's even more so (and still do - the Dalek episode is still gripping, six years on).

Either way, what's your opinion? Is this a show in decline? Or am I just a cynical old goat these days?

Part Two of my Eurofurence journal.

Day 4 - Friday 19 August
The convention was in full swing by today. The suiters had their group photo in the lobby (and I got a prime location for photos, right next to Cheetah!) Then, it was time for one of Eurofurence's major events, the Furwalk. At this point the sky had turned rather grey. And as the suiters filed out of the Maritim, I brifely considered running back and getting my umbrella but decided against it. This was a decision I was to regret: barely a quarter of an hour into the walk the heavens opened, leaving several hundred giant critters scurrying for shelter. Luckily the rain lasted only a few minutes, and the walk carried on in earnest.

A quick lunch back at the Maritim, then it was off to my two panels for the day. The first was 'The Art of Description', where amongst other things we were introduced to the Wiseau-esque genius that is The Eye of Argon; and afterwards, an introduction to Tai Chi. Afterwards I nipped into the Art Show close, to find I had won two of my pieces. Then, all the good work of the Tai Chi was undone as I headed back to McDonalds, this time with  kiwie.

The evening, however, was definitely the highlight of the day. At 7pm, we filed back into the main stage, for the premiere of the fursuit movie, Bitter Lake. This was my most anticipated event of the convention. And... wow. Even with the obvious limitations of acting in suit, and with a mere €7,000 budget, this medieval tale of trust and betrayal truly set the benchmark for creativity in the Fandom. The film was shot on location in France, featuring beautiful Clockwork Creatures suits, and with a stunning soundtrack by Fox Amoore. I happily parted with €15 for the DVD.

Later we were treated to the Fursuit Game Show, where our very own  nightwind005 was a semi-finalist. (Altogether now: "Go Team Goat!") After, we retreated to the Dealers' Den once more. I even contributed to the Artists' Banner for Saturday's auction, before turning in for the night.


Day 5 - Saturday 20 August
The whole-convention group photo kicked things off today. Afterwards it was into the Art Auction, where the most popular Art Show pieces and a few special items were sold off. Uncle Kage was the auctioneer, who did a fine job at involving the audience, and at coaxing a few extra 'ouros' (euros) out of the punters. One sketch even sold for €1100!

There were so many firsts this week, and one of the most fun came this afternoon with my first RPG. Called 'Fancheng Action Theatre', it followed six kung fu warriors as they battled ninjas and a crime lord to rescue their master. Once we all got the hang of narration, game cards and mahjongg tiles, it became a really fun event. And of course, I played as Shan the goat!

After lunch at 6pm (yes really), it was into this year's Pawpet Show 'The Year of the Rat', a tale of espionage and government conspiracy. The first part I watched in the main theatre, the second and third from my room on the convention channel EF Prime. A good story; however it was long, four hours in fact, so maybe should be shorter next year. Either way it was now 11pm, so being a peckish little goat I headed back into the streets of Magdeburg, stumbling across a kebab shop. There, for €3, I enjoyed the most delicious fried halloumi cheese, in flatbread with salad and sauce. Gorgeous.


Day 6 - Sunday 21 August
With half the attendees heading home today, Sunday was far quieter. Much of the day was spent sat around chatting to friends old and new. Highlights included Subway with  shironeko, and dinner in the charming art nouveau settings of House of Steaks.


Day 7 - Monday 22 August
Monday arrived, and sadly, it was time to go home. After some last minute shopping and a final wander around a Magdeburg edging back to normality, it was off to the station for an early train, first with Pliskin's group as far as Hanover, then with Levlion, Sani and Southpaw's group flying to Stansted. A coach ride later, and I was home.


So there we are, at the end of a truly unforgettable week. It's back to normality for now, but here's looking forward to next year! Until then.

1100 furs, six days, one convention. For the seventeenth time, Eurofurence opened its doors to furs from around the world. And this year, I had the pleasure of being part of it. So here is my Eurofurence journal, detailing my time in Germany. The past six days have been packed full of events, so this journal is being split into two for convenience.


Day One - Tuesday 16 August
Even with a 3am start today, I was very excited. In just a few short hours, I would be in Germany, on my way to my first furry convention. Leaving home at 4.30am, it took just under an hour for me to reach Stansted Airport. It's a big one-teminal airport, but very modern and I've travelled from there many times. So, checking in and security were all very straightforward. Today I was flying with Germanwings, a no-frills airline but perfectly comfortable for a 1.5 hour trip. Just before 8am we took off, and by 10am I had arrived in Hanover. I was due to meet some furs, arriving from Southampton three hours after me. So, with a copy of 'Die Welt' newspaper in hand, I settled down in the terminal and waited.

As 1pm approached I wandered back to Arrivals, ready to meet up with . After a few quick hellos, we all headed off before descending into the depths of Hanover Airport and into the railway station.

Now, I travel a lot on British Rail. So I'm used to hearing the stories and grumbles of passengers, who often look to Europe as an example of how to run a railway. Indeed the high speed or ICE trains have a good reputation, but we didn't use them. What we travelled on was perfectly comparable to regional services in the UK. They were comfortable enough, got us from A to B, and were similarly priced (i.e. dear). Oh, and trains in Germany do get delayed!

A quick change at Hanover's Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), and we were on a regional service to Magdeburg. Despite the journey lasting one and a half hours, there was plenty to keep us (and our fellow passengers) 'entertained'! At Magdeburg, it was barely a three minute walk to our hotel, the four-star Maritim. And sure enough, as we rounded the corner, catching a glimpse of the first fursuiter outside the rounded glass facade, we knew we had arrived. The hotel is impressive: a long marble-floored lobby stretches ahead forming the spine of the hotel, rooms rising for seven storeys on either side, with a glass roof far up above. Two glass lifts glided up and down at one end, ferrying furs and suiters between their rooms and the events. And already the furs had left their mark on the hotel. It wasn't just the suiters, not the decorations, but also an enormous four-storey banner hanging from the far balcony, featuring some stunning artwork by Kajito with wolves and cats and even a sheep in kung fu poses, keeping with this year's convention theme, 'Kung Fur Hustle'.

Half an hour later we were registered. I broke off shortly to find my room, on the fourth floor and down a long corridor of the hotel. My room was spacious and comfortable, and I even met my room mate for the convention  dougalmutt. Reconvening in the lobby, we headed over the road to the local supermarket, Kaufland. This shop would become a firm favourite of ours over the next week. Coke for 99 cents? Water for 19 cents? Jawohl!

Events actually began on the Wednesday. This meant that Tuesday was a quieter day, to chat and acclimatise and generally to relax. As evening rolled around, a group of us headed out for a place to eat. We heard something about a 'House of Steak', but heading in the opposite direction we came across various eateries, eventually settling for a pizza restaurant. Then, after a couple of drinks, we turned in for the night.


Day 2 - Wednesday 17 August
After breakfast, it was downstairs to meet the group. Again the morning and early afternoon were quieter, so the time was spent visiting a few rooms and generally relaxing. However all that changed at 5 o'clock as we, and the thousand other attendees, filed into the main room for the opening ceremony. Pinky took to the stage as compere, introducing puppeteer Jim Martin as the Guest of Honour, and the other luminaries of the convention. After the upcoming highlights were mentioned, it was over to the chairman Cheetah to declare Eurofurence 17 officially open.

In the evening, we took a break from the convention, we did make it to the House of Steaks, where I enjoyed some very nice pasta. Afterwards it was back to the hotel for more drinks, art and chatting late into the night.


Day 3 - Thursday 18 August
When I first arrived I was slightly confused as to why events started at noon. But by this point, after two late nights and two very late mornings, I was aware why. Either way, today was when the main events kicked off. I spent much of the day with , and we checked out the Dealers' Den, with various artists including some of the Fandom's biggest. I also headed into the Art Show just before it closed, where I placed a couple of bids.

The first evening's entertainment was Uncle Kage with his Story Hour. Whilst mildly amusing as opposed to full-on funny, his tribulations with a till/printer in particular struck a chord with the tech-savvy audience. After the show, it was upstairs to the Artists' Lounge for a couple of hours.

One thing you soon learn about conventions is how irregular meals become. Indeed, as the evening drew on I was feeling quite peckish, so I took a break from the art and wandered into the city. It was now 10pm though, so everywhere was closed. Except McDonalds. This was my first proper McDonalds in seven years, and delicious it was too. Then it was back to the Artists' Lounge, before up to my room.


Tomorrow I will be covering days 4 to 7. Until then.

Believe it or not, there's less than a fortnight to go! So, perfect time to fill this little thing out.

Where are you staying?
Hotel Maritim, Magdeburg

What day are you getting there?
16th, mid-afternoon

How long are you going?
The whole convention, plus early/late

Who will you be with?
The Newcastle Furs:

Who will you hang out with during the convention?
All the above, and many more besides!

Where will you be most of the time during the day's?
The lobby, the bar, the art show, in town... everywhere!

What/where will you be eating?
Anywhere and anything that takes my fancy! Seriously, you're asking a goat this?

Are there any panels you might be attending?
Whatever grabs me (especially writing panels, or anything to do with hoofers)

Are you attending any stage or public performances?
Yes! (Bitter Lake without a doubt)

Do you have an artist table?
Nope

Will you be suiting?
Not this year

Do you do free art?
Well, I'll give it a go...

Can I talk to you?
Yes!

How can I find you?
Goat conbadge, simple (There can't be that many goats...)

Can I give you stuff?
As in artwork? Go ahead!

Can I buy you drinks?
Yes please! (Bionade Holunder makes this goat happy)

Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Just keep it decent

Are you taken? Are you looking for a 'mate'?
No and no

Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
Do chat with me about it.

Can I take your picture?
That's fine

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Wave and shout "Zieg!"

So, I'll see you there. Time to get excited!

(Taken from  sketchkat with adaptations)

London Fur Meets are the largest regular furry gathering in the UK. Held every three weeks in the heart of the Capital, they regularly attract more furs than many conventions. Each summer however, the London Furs go one step further with their Summer Party. And last Saturday, 30 July, was my first visit.

With the theme 'Cowboys and Indians', it was Stetsons on and saddle-up for an 8am start. At King's Cross a couple of hours later, after meeting up with , we headed by Underground straight into the City. After escaping the Tube through the labyrinth of Bank station, and after navigating the tangle of high-rise and glass in the financial district, we reached our venue for the day, the fabulous Agenda Bar. Set back from the main road in its own covered precinct, it provided the perfect setting for our rather unique group, our own little corner of the Wild West. The start was laid back, watching the chiefs, cowboys and cowgirls arriving, and for me a chance to catch up with some good friends, including and .

However, as mid-afternoon approached, giant wolves and rabbits began to emerge, which could mean only one thing: it was time, once again, for the famous London Furs fursuit walk. A new venue meant a new route, and today we stormed the Tower of London. This was a chance to meet some suiters including and ; and despite the temperature the walk was a success, going by the public's reaction at least.

After the walk I met up with and . Taking a break from the meet, our little group headed for a picnic, but of course made it back in time for Happy Hour! (which even lasted two hours). From then on we had plenty of time to chat and relax at the bar. And there was even time for a little hoe-down! (with glow sticks...) Unfortunately I had to leave early (from Liverpool Street too, thanks to British Rail closing off my route). However, one late-night trundle through East London later, I made it back home well past 11pm.

So, here I am, suitably recovered from a fantastic day out. Special thanks to everybody I had the pleasure of meeting: far more than I can metion here. You make these meets the resounding success they are; long may London Furs continue.

Yeehaw!
Ziegenbock

So, that's it. As of today, I am back home for the summer. Right now I am just at home, acclimatising once more to the flat and sunny glory of East Anglia, and generally gearing up for the coming summer months.

So what exactly does this mountain goat have planned? Well, so far little is set in stone. That is, of course, apart from my trip in August to Germany, to that little-known convention they call Eurofurence. I cannot begin to say how excited I am about a whole week, in Germany, of nothing but furry fun and critter chaos. A bit sooner though, next week in fact, I will be venturing west once more to the wonderful land of sheep and rain and dragons... Wales! Aside from that you'll find me reading ahead of next year, and most likely cracking on with a bit more writing. And furmeets? Well, I'm sure there'll be a couple in there somewhere!

That's all for now, I have a lot planed this evening. Well now, these Big Bang Theory DVDs won't watch themselves.

See you around
Zieg