Idle Chatter

as the new sun rises.

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:39:43 GMT

Today I am 26 years old and I feel younger this day than I have felt in years. Standing on the edge of the world, I see it all unfurl before me. Once afraid and in the dark, I see a new sun rising and I find myself with a resolute and indomitable will to live and experience life as I have never done so before.

I could not even begin to show the gratitude I have for the outpouring of well wishes, kind words and gestures that I have received on this day. Teary eyed and overflowing with joy I am reminded again how lucky I am to be surrounded by such love and kindness.

I am heading out to Seattle today to spend a wonderful evening with Wicked_Sairah, Bloo-roo and Jl Anderson. Friday I leave for California to spend over two weeks with my dear friend Bagheera and attend Califur and meet some new folks and get reaquainted with some familiar faces :). I look forward to every moment, every experience. I don't think I have smiled so much in my whole life!

Thank you for your thoughts, your words, your every little part in my life.

I will leave this on a less corney note with a touch of new art. I am not sure where everyone keeps up with artwork from artists..seems people are gallery hopping at an amazing speed and I just can't keep up! So let me know if you would like me to keep posting my new works on Livejournal. I don't want to bombard you all with redundant images :).

12x6" acrylic and acrylic ink on hot press watercolor paper.

I have more, some I have not posted anywhere yet, would be more than happy to share!

I'm not dead yet

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 23:06:04 GMT

I dropped the ball, it rolled away and hid, but I think I finally found it again. So here's to dusting off (and demossing) and looking forward to life again!

Drawing has literally been a non existent for pretty much a year. BUT I am starting..very slowly and quietly...to look forward to creating again. I have felt down on myself for entirely too long and it has been hard for me to lift my chin and truly smile. That is changing! I will be catching up with some old commissions and starting some new pieces in the near future (or finishing old one, as the case may be ).

But in the meantime, as I promised some very wonderful and caring people, I come to share a bit of my life with you. In the form of pictures! Beware, lotsa pictures behind the cut (and one wip piece)

My folks raise and show English mastiffs, but we haven't had a litter in about 5 years. I was lucky enough to help with the last litter which both unfortunately and fortunately only consisted of 2 puppies. The unfortunate part was me. >}

"WRYY?!" thank you sarah for the awesum hat

"It never stops" awww their faces match. 9 weeks old and I could barely lift them already!

ZOOOOOOOO. They couldn't understand that the toys weren't real.

Haaaaaaaaaai. She continued to lick the tiger's face, unsure as to what else she should do.

Kira 'Force to reckon with' at the beach. I adore her smooshy face. She was absolutely enthralled with tiny humans at the beach..aka childrens.

RANDOM otter here to steal your soul! Wicked_sairah and I couldn't get enough pics of his insane and borderline illegal adorableness.

Inna (Inner Light) at the beach with me a few days ago. Mastiffs are really huge cuddly stuffed animals...that drool...a LOT.

Some random sunset pics, I adore where I live(northwest Washington for anyone curious :) )!

And finally I promised art...unfinished pic of Balaa :). Not sure at all what to do for a background, sooo ideas are welcome! I want to finish this one.

And a special thank you to everyone that has said they have been worried about me! I assure you I am doing better and feeling better about myself! So thank you for..just thinking about me...many many of you have been in my thoughts as well.

DesiiignAHRT

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 23:42:27 GMT

I ought to post at least something here! Mostly I haven't posted because I felt I haven't much to share, most especially art wise. And secondly I felt guilty as there are some very patient folks out there still waiting on work from me.. But as I truly haven't lifted pencil to paper in months, I don't have much to share. I'm staying positive (or well mostly attempting my darndest to keep the negative spirits at bay) and hoping with the coming spring and hopefully some positive changes in my current life..I will be drawing my way to a steady and enduring case of carpel tunnel ;). I miss the days when I could not stop drawing, not stopping to eat, forgetting sleep altogether, and drawing until I ached. I loved those moments, I felt so free and happy then! They will be back :).

For now I come to share some design work I have done in the meantime. Since photoshop has gone untouched for months, I have taken to learning some of the other adobe software, chiefly InDesign and Illustrator. I have considered starting to take commissions for more design oriented work(ie business card designs, maybe some logo work, or layout work of any sort), while I sort through my 'fine' art block..On one hand I hate to do this, on the other..I have to pull in some semblance of an income in the meantime..

Business card design for Bagheera:

Logo for myself, trying to choose more punchy rich colors to bolster my spirit :)

Minimalistic business card using new logo (still needs tweaking imo )

possible back for the business card

Was asked to design a logo for a mastiff forum for use on t-shirts..stickers etc etc. Colors are still prelim, I just randomly chose them as I wasn't told the forum 'mascot' colors or any such thing :).

Alternate simpler design for smaller items

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To those waiting on more traditional art, I do not want to give you something for the sake of 'completing a transaction'. Though I do apologize for my enormous delay. It is nothing short of unprofessional.

Owed art:
1. Shyfox-sketch
2. Skulldog-eep I have your sketchbook
3. DHStein- sketchbook gift art
4. Catsby & Bucker -wanted badges 1 finished (but I think I will redo them both)
If there is anyone I am leaving off the list, please let me know.

In other news I will likely try to throw up some art to auction on either Furbid or Furbuy in the days to come. Hopefully that too will help rekindle the desire to create again..just letting older pieces go and starting fresh :).

Also to those that replied to my last 'green' lj entry, thank you! If I did not reply it wasn't because I was ignoring you.. :).

It's easy bein Green.

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 22:34:18 GMT

I feel I've been a bit of a Grinch this holiday season. I have neglected a lot of people I care about...in one way or another. There are a lot of people I am grateful for in more ways than I can express..and I intend to show them I do care. I think this year, my gifts will come spaced out. I want to give, not because a certain time of year dictates it but because I wanted to brighten someone's "every other day". And for that matter, I want to give gifts to people I know they will truly find enjoyment from..not just 'like'. I want to give meaningful gifts..and that is fairly hard to do in a short timeframe when your time is pulled in a hundred different directions.. So my early resolution for the coming year is to look at life with a little less grinch and a little more give irregardless of what day or Holiday it may be.

To take this a bit further..If you read this, wheoever you may be, send me your address and I will save it. Throughout the year I will try to send out little 'Christmas' packages to folks...they will be both random and planned. In your e-mail tell me some of the things you want/like/enjoy and I will try to fulfill your wishlists a tiny bit :).

E-mail is: xxbalaaxx @ yahoo . com (minus spaces)

I do not want anything in return, if you receive something from me..all I would ask is pay it forward to someone else in YOUR life.

'An Inconvenient Truth'

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 06:31:10 GMT

I encourage everyone that hasn't watched 'An Inconvenient Truth', simply, to do so.

That being stated. I understand the messages within the film are being delivered by a notable political figure, whose political allegiance was obviously towards the liberal spectrum. However this is where I urge you to look beyond the man-made labels such as political parties and just listen to what is being said. Listen, if you must, with a skeptical mind..and let this skepticism enliven the spirit of curiosity in you. If you do not believe a point addressed in the film, alright! Ask why! And go research the topic(s) for yourself. This may or may not challenge the solidity of your previous perceptions. But at least you asked yourself 'why?' and more than likely you will learn something new in the process. At the very least you stood outside of party lines for a moment and allowed yourself to truly hear what was being said. As sentient beings we claim to have free wills, to have powerful minds capable of even more powerful thoughts..and if that is the case, it seems fairly obvious to me that we should USE what was given to us.

This issues at stake after all reaches beyond political boundaries..beyond religion..beyond nationality..and even far beyond the human race itself.

Let yourself be challenged and perhaps even empowered by what is said :)...because even something so simple as asking 'why?' can help change the world.

To those that have seen it, I welcome you to discuss issues you felt were not adequately covered or seemed contradictory. On the other end of the spectrum, I would like to hear, how, if at all, the film impacted your life. Did seeing the film help change how you lead your everyday life? If so how? Do you feel such films can have global impact on the perceptions of people across a wide array of cultures, religious and political backgrounds? Do you feel movies like this HAVE enlivened the seeming recent surge of 'green' consciousness? I'd love to hear from any and all of you. I welcome discussion and even debate!

http://www.climatecrisis.net/

WEREWOLF CALENDAR!

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:29:21 GMT

Presenting....

A truly spirited project, that I feel compelled to advertise. These talented young artists bring you the first ever Werewolf Calendar with the clever twist of presenting it in the style of modern wildlife calendars. I believe simply that such projects should be supported as they not only shed a positive light on the furry fandom but also highlight the talent and beauty that can be found in the anthromorphic art genre. I believe in time, with projects like these, the anthro art community can become a widely respected art genre embraced not only by fellow art communities but the world as a whole. And one would hope as a side effect some of the wildly publicized

So join me in supporting this ambitious new project by buying your own copy of this calendar while it lasts. This years run will be EXTREMELY limited but whether it comes back next year or not is left within your hands....

About the Calendar:

"One of the most endangered and misunderstood species on Earth, now brought into a new light within these 12 splendid full color 'photographs'. Learn more about the true nature of werewolves as beautiful and graceful predators and 'real' creatures of our world. With each new month, follow along in the tracks of these majestic animals, no longer illustrated as blood-thirsty beasts as they have been popularized in myth, legend and movies. Instead you will be guided on an exciting journey of discovery with fact filled calendar pages and beautifully illustrated images. Through the unique and vivid visions of artists Coyox, Myenia, Novawuff, Rayndancer, Sthenno, Weremoon, and Zakka, you too will run with the pack.."

Back of Calendar

SAMPLE month image

SAMPLE month image

SAMPLE month image

Highlights:
12 splendid high resolution original paintings
Printed professionally in dazzling full color
Unique collectors item with limited run
COST: 20$ w/shipping to the continental US

For More information or to purchase your copy today visit the official Werewolf Calendar website: Official Werewolf Calendar Website

(as an aside note..I am not profiting in any shape or form from this project, my goal is only to see projects like this succeed :) )

Safe Travels

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 23:31:12 GMT

Just wanted to peep out of my hobbit hole and wish all those attending Midwest Furfest safe travels. I know a great many folks that are going and though I wish I could have gone, I wish all those that ARE going a wonderful time. And a special aside to the artists, I hope you sell more than you could have dreamed of..and then some!!! Fair winds to all C:!

Some random quick arty things

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 23:18:36 GMT

I haven't been altogether inspired of late but between catching up with all the things I am behind on, I took a few minutes now and then to work on random things...with no intent of them ever turning out.

Both the speedpaints took under an hour.

Last Nights, was getting sleepy and continued to find things to distract me..so I don't much like it, but wanted to do a contrast to the one before where I used brighter warmer colors.

warmer colors.

And a collaboration between myself and hibbary (http://hibbary.deviantart.com/). I have been threatening to take one of her sketches and color it for the longest time but never get around to it. But we were talking about perhaps collaborating on a set of bookmarks to sell at conventions..and so I took one of her bookmark concepts(http://hibbary.deviantart.com/art/bookmarks-65938740) and slapped around colors. I actually didn't do it with the intent of turning out, but more to have some fun because I couldn't seem to make anything else turn out that day.

That be all for now, hanks for lookin :).

Art Sale time.

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 01:18:36 GMT

Long story short..I haven't had any income since AC and all that money has pretty much all been long ago spent due to all the unexpected events that happened right after AC. So without turning this into a sob story, I shall offer some things for folks to buy. Firstly the Art of Balaa: Canines Volume one. I think this will be the last run of these done..with a total count of books to be about 35, give or take a couple. I just don't have the energy to continue making them by hand, muchless the time or resources. I'm still planning a cat folio, but it will likely be done entirely differently.

Next, a couple originals that did not sell at Anthrocon, which imo was my fault...There was so much gorgeous art selling for so low..my prices looked ridiculous *playful glare at he who shall not be named for pricing my work for me ;P*

Art of Balaa: Canines Vol 1. 28$ shipped

TUNDRA GLOW: 200$ shipped (within the US, will have to calculate international shipping) If you want it sans frame/lexan, I can lower the price some

and framed with sturdy lexan:

PLAY!: 50$ matted/shipped(within US)

HIS GAZE: 55$ matted/Shipped(within US)

ANCIENT SPIRITS: 40$ matted/shipped(within the US)

Can get an idea of the matting in this shot:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/zBalrogz/ACart1.jpg
CRAZAAAAYYY! graphite on cardstock unmatted: 28$ shipped

I will be posting other things to sell, but since I may be out of net access for probably a week starting from about friday, I will save the rest for later. What gets sold before Friday I will try my best to ship before leaving, the rest I will hold over until next week and ship then.

Paypal IS preferred at this moment, please comment if you are buying anything but the book..first come first served. (If you buy the book, please leave me a shipping address :).)

Paypal payments to be sent to: xxbalaaxx @ yahoo.com *minus spaces

Thank you for taking the time to stop and look :). (for those of you that have been very kind to me in the past by sneaking money into paypal..please don't do this. I appreciate it VERY much, but I always feel bad that I can't always reciprocate the kindness and just being grateful and saying thank you always seems like an unfair trade off...so please know I appreciate your kindness (more than words can articulate)and if you want to do something for me..do something to make someone else's day and just tell me about it.)

As the long road winds on...

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 16:50:58 GMT

My last post was made when he was conscious and the day before he was having a great day, dressing himself, shaving, smiling and just generally being happy about life. Things turned for the worse following that and whatever time we may have thought he had with us was flying away fast. He was put on a ventilator early friday morning and soon after in the few brief glimpses of consciousness he was demanding it out. A difficult decision was made to honor his wishes and remove the ventilator and the tubes that were helping remove infected blockage from his stomach. The doctors then informed us it was a matter of time before he would pass...minutes..hours or the unlikely days. We all stayed beside him then, making sure there was always a hand holding his letting him know he wasn't alone. He fought hard but slpped away nearly 24 hours after the ventilator and other life support was removed. It was a peaceful death..not violent but almost eerily calm and gentle..

He was a father to me..he welcomed me as his own daughter...he never treated me differently. I should have told him what he meant to me before he was on his dying bed. But I will treasure the warmth he gave my life..though as always wish I could have had more time with him.

I am mostly posting this because right now I am helping with every step of the arrangments for the funeral and sticking close to his wife, Donna. Rainfurrest is looking unlikely at this point as I haven't even had a single chance to start work or basic prep for the convention..but I do have commitments to a few people as far as the con is concerned and I will have to figure out how to make things work. Sarah, if I am unable to make it and you want my table...go right ahead. I'll try to e-mail you in the next few days and talk to you about all this. Vantid, I'll e-mail ya too about the ahrts :).

To Kim, my warmest thoughts are with you and your family. (I did receive your messages). I am only sorry you have to go through such hardships as well hon...stay strong..you aren't alone.

Nick, I am so sorry I missed your birthday, I didn't forget about it. I do hope you had a wonderful birthday and just had a BLAST for all of us :). So here's some belated Birthday wishes and obligatory fluff (I tried to text you as well..)

AWOLNESS.

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 23:07:50 GMT

I really should have posted this sometime back ago, but I have been sparce in hopping online. I have been out of town for the past, goodness I lose track how long exactly (but a solid few weeks anyway). This is due to a family emergency involving a man that isn't my father but I see as more of a father to me than either of my relations have been. He has been in and out of the hospital for a while, but things have just turned into a slippery slope downwards of late..and the news has continued to get worse. I felt I should be here, especially for his wife who has treated me like a daughter and I truly don't KNOW how she is holding herself together. Between time in the hospital or nursing home (depending on how bad his condition is each day)..I've been trying to help take care of mundane household things so she has less to worry about..and generally try to be there as a shoulder. I feel so bad for her, they only married last year and the news from the doctors is that he first had 6 months...and now..yesterday the way the doctor has talked it seems like it could significantly less.

Anyway I HAVE been hard to reach and I am afraid there are a few deadlines for projects I will not make as well as my Rainfurrest prep being pushed back. I wanted to apologize to anyone that has tried to reach me, via e-mail or otherwise...I am so behind with every..EVERYTHING but..I have to be here...I would feel wrong if I was not here trying to do what little I can..(though I feel nothing is enough.)

Again I am sorry folks...

Some Ahrts

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 22:31:45 GMT

So finally dragged myself to scan some ahrts, some from AC, some from the last few days. I still have some take home art to do (SkullDog, ShyFox, DHstein, and a few assorted badges), but I needed to get myself back into the groove of arting..which usually takes me longer post convention.

Also, I will try to post somethings for sale that didn't sell at AC, chiefly some of the Canine books that didn't go, perhaps some with original sketches that appear within the book...so keep your eyes peeled for the next few days :).

Something I drew at AC between things..I am still debating not doing sketchbooks at cons..but mainly at bigger conventions. I seemingly cannot physically juggle talking to all the folks that approach my table and trying to get sketchbooks done simultaneously. I just don't know how some people do it, I lose any and all flow in the work when my attention is ripped in a million different directions..and by the end of the day my energy is exasperated and strained to the limit. At small cons, this doesn't seem to be the case and I actually LOVE doing sketchbook commissions.

For nanook123 I missss choooooooooooo..I should have drawn Sid, since you truly gave me indigestion when you wore that suit...THE CUTE ohhh the cute!

Random idea I doodled the night before the con..The composition reminds me a lot of Goldenwolf's piece but the idea chiefly started from a series of colors I envisioned for this piece..and dunno something said it had to be a polar bear. The title White Night Requiem is meant to represent the plight of Polar Bears in the wild. It is estimated that in as little as 40 years, Polar bears will only be found in zoos due to the degridation of their natural habitat. And spirals..I'll endlessly blame Vantid for infecting me :P....but really spirals are among the simplest..most flawlest and most ancient designs known on earth. I suppose I just love the simplicity and flawlessness of their design..and somehow connect them with animals..

For tauakheraIf you saw a seemingly out of place Jack Sparrow wandering around at AC, that would be him..and seriously I have to give him props not only for the costume but how well he played the part. Oh and this is in part to make up for some of the atrocious art I drew him the last night of the con ;)..

For blaez YES THANK YOU for zeee JELLYbeans that allowed me to survive Saturday :P. You are always awesome to see at conventions..and of course imagine my horror..errr shock..errr..the PLEASANT (yuh that'll do) surprise when I found we would be plane buddies. Too bad it was packed, otherwise with us sitting next to each other I'm sure they would have had to turn the plane around or...throw us off midflight ;). You are awesome, that is all...but I'm still stealin your fursuits :D

Another for Blaez..lookit my lame decaffeinated state...I forgot the "ur" in "I'm in ur Houze, steelin all ur cute!" I fail at grammar.

For bagheera what? I dunno..shush..its not just a banana..its a phone in clever disguise..as a banana. >_>

For the zany and amazingly fun redcoatcat who was a blast at AC and drew me a totally adoreable badge. This shall be a badge once its done and..my printer decides to not eat paper without returning it :/.

This was supposed to be for the Rainfurrest Conbook..but I misread their deadline..somehow and thought it wasn't due til Aug 1st..augh go Balaa!

Another that was meant for the conbook..but cha know I had fun drawling them and thats all that counts :D. WA apples, yummm.

Yet another. Cougar and owl..merrr.

Anthrocon wrapup

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:10:56 GMT

SO a con report. I am horrid at these but if anything I ought to try and take the time to do this more often, if only to make mention of all the wonderful PEOPLE that make these cons worthwhile. The people keep me coming back, as much stress as the rest of the fiasco may be.

I started writing this out the typical way but I think I shall skip all the nitty gritty details and thank all the people that made this trip worthwhile. I did almost cancel AC this year because..financially..I could not afford it..and I didn't have any motivation/time/energy to do any decent art for this con. I couldn't get a refund on my airline tickets so..I wasn't gonna throw away that money..and you know? Im not sorry at all I went. Sales wise..it wasn't great at all for me..I fared better at Califur actually o_o;(which is TINY compared to AC) and I sold mostly prints in the Artshow(Imo there were a LOT of really underpriced arts there! That or the friends that priced my stuff, as I shy away from pricing my own art for art shows, think too highly of me XD!). BUT despite the mediochre sales I don't regret going because of all the absolutely amazing people that touched me in one or another way. Whatever may be said of this fandom, I have met some of the most generous..warm..and just beautiful souls in this fandom that I had not met anywhere before.

So finally after much yammerings and blatherings, my thank yous:

randorn: Generously offered to give myself, Bagheera and another fur a ride to the hotel from the airport (not to mention a ride back on monday!). You are just such a wonderfully kind guy..I do hope customs didn't give you any more problems crossing back to Canada! *GINORMOUS HUGS* I really do want to give you art..or SOMETHING to properly thank you for your endless kindness towards me at the con. I really hope many good things come your way, because..you sincerely deserve some good karma :). OH and thank you for the adorrreabllle husky plushy..he has a special place on my bookshelf, rest assured.

tempestfang You were a wonderful roomie, only sorry that after the first day we barely caught a glimpse of each other..but I just hope the rest of your trip was wonderful. Your boy is a sweetheart and Im glad we furrehs didn't scare him beyond all reckonin' . You forgot your charger, I believe twas yours anyway, I snagged it and have it in my bag..can mail it your way if you like. OH and thank you so much for the adoreable badge, I have to get you back someday you know this of course. Thank you for rooming with us, you definetly kept things light and fun. pssstt...there really are flying fish you know XD.

KabukiHomewood: Not sure if you have an LJ but wanted to thank ya for being a roomie as well. I hope you made out really well with this con, I hardly got to see you as well and I am sorry about that! You forgot some of your clothes and book in the room, also snagged them up (I think I grabbed up your Artist Alley receipts as well). Hope you had a safe trip home hun and hopefully next year we shall hang out a bit more!

ssantara and goldenwolfen you both were such sweethearts towards me. I totally didn't expect ya guys to chime in and ask me to dinner..I was flattered and grateful(not only because I was starting to forget what food even was ;P). I have to agree the sushi wasn't the greatest, but what was lacking in the food was more than made up in the company. You both were so down to earth! I usually have such a hard time opening up and especially becoming verbose with people, but especially artists I really admire..and yet you guys made me feel so welcome. Thank you so much for the wealth of tips, reassurances and just general kindess you showed me. I think..I REALLY needed to hear some of those things..not to mention just have the honor of getting to know you both outside the art. I really wish you both the very best and I do hope I get a chance to hang out with you again someday soon.

dragoncreator and Magda. *JUSTHUUUUUUG* Im sorry I missed you guys the last day, but thank you so much for the company.. You are just...too sweet for words. I feel a bit of the stress melt off instantly when I am around you guys. It was just good to see you both. Tina it was a pleasure to finally see some of those gorgeous pencil pieces I adore, in person. I hope the numerous bids I saw them getting bolstered your confidence in yourself. You really are an extremely talented woman..and your soul..is written into each piece making them that much more unique and spectacular. Ooooh ooh and I lovee the t-shirt to pieces :). Magda, charge more for those adoreable beyond belief woolie plushies...and..I'm so gonna snag a hat from you next time I catch you (ought to try for MFF ;)..cold heads = WANTHaaattt).

nanook123 do I know you? :P. Im so SO glad you came, even though you know I think you could have made a killing at the table had both our names been on it..yadda yadda. I had a blast molesting you in Sid..you become a magnet for hugs when you don that Head *steals him* I MISS YOU so derned much..I did wish you could have stayed for the duration of the con..or at least that I could have hung out with you outside the mad rush that is convention life...oh and..stomach crab(cakes).

hibbary I scared you with crazyLady hugs :D. But I am really glad I went to the zoo Sunday night and actually got to hang out with you for longer than 5 nanoseconds. Hopefully you walked away thinking I was a little less schitzophrenic..and if not that....well then I'll just have to steal your bandana again :I . But really, it was a pleasure to finally put a face to the art and person I've conversed with for well over a couple of years. Your brother was a lot of fun too, definetly hope he comes along to MFF (and I hope I can actually make it out there!) I hope your art show check surprises you with crazy numbers as your work is deserving of a good amount of money and attention. I adore how modest you are about the amazing work you do, but then it also makes me respect you all the more. And I don't think I mentioned this but I liked your new work with the acrylic inks, VERY spiffy stuff. the colors are deliscious. I am noticing you are starting to work with more vibrant colors..oh noooes the poor neglected moody colors are emoing alone in the corner ;).

redcoatcat You are just...well words fail at how amazing you are. Thank you so much for the darling badge...you really didn't give yourself enough credit with how nice it was (which reminds me I shall have my retaliation posted up soons :) YES, this means WAR! ). You and your fella looked stunning in your authentic garb(as did your table), and I am STILL kickin myself for not bringing my camera! I cant believe those were all handmade, thats truly just amazing..I really respect the dedication and passion you put into your work. On top of all that you really are a sweet wonderful person to be around, and not to shy to throw our hat into a brawl of crazy shennanigans ;). I do so very much hope I get the chance to hang out with you again someday.

maggock What can I really say about you that really measures up to how wonderful I thought you were. You just made me smile inside. I see so much light in your soul..and it really mirrors in your work. I hopppppeeee AC boosted your confidence in your work a great deal..and HEY you too should start charging more for your artwork. Your style stands out from a mile off and..it is very obvious you inject soul into even the smallest of pieces you do..dont sell yourself short. AND of course I wont stop thanking you for that badge of Balaa, so many folks asked me about it...and it made me grin whenever I saw someone else wearing a Maggock badge. I didnt really get a chance to look through your work at the table, I would love to do a print trade with you sometime..if you are up for it :).

dark_natasha It was good to see you up and about, and despite it all whenever I saw you, you were smiling! Thank you so much for the print trade, I am probably just another fangirl, but so be it ;)! I hope you heal up the rest of the way and soon and I certainly hope to continue seeing more of you at future cons.

nduli OH my goodness you were a sweetheart...I cant tell you how happy I was that the foxy fella went for as much as he did! Don't be surprised, your work has a certain charisma that grabs at the viewers. Your poses are fluid, you have a solid and unique style and inject so much personality into your creations. I was really just happy to have met you, only wish I had a chance to talk to you a little more..and yes, Id still love to do a trade of things with ya :D. I saw a ton of people walking around sporting your t's, which made me smile...just nice to see kind folks making out well is all.

hbruton As always you make me feel welcome at every con, always have an initial urge to be shy around you since I do look up to you as an artist and a person..but you always kinda shoo away that side of me. Thank you hun! I meant to catch you all Sunday night and snag at least a hug, but as seems to be the way of cons, the plans got skewed. I hope to see you at MFF..and if not there at FC!

dhstein EEE Elven cities!! that did put some pep in my step...especially..I think, your enthusiasm about getting such a sketch from me. Thank you for givin me something full of freedom to doodles, especially for a kind heart! I didnt manage to catch ya and drop off my sketchbook, but it's just as well..I have another sketchbook I'd prefer you to draw in and someone else has it at present :).

tauakhera FULL OF WINXORS you were. I am really glad you drove back and got the Jack Costume..you didnt give yourself nearly enough credit for how well you pulled off Jack Sparrow!! YES I will keep telling you this..YEP, live with it. Though I do hope I didnt make you feel horrid with all the ribbing about your not bringing the costume in the first place..I was only giving you a hard time :P.

naryu I really do hope the rest of the convention turned around for you hun..though dont be too upset if it didnt..it was really an odd con for me as well..profits just werent great and I had to travel that much further *meeps and HUGSyou*

kkitty23 I'll be serious for a moment because it seems I never am with ya ;). You are a sweetie and I do hope being in the artist alley boosted your belief in your work. You are talented, I hope someday you decide to do the dealers room or some art for the art show..I know our styles are on different planes, but I always appreciate sincere talent when I see it. SO YUH *fangurls* ;). Take care of yourself hun.

bagheera Sera is the BEST..so MYAH! *sticksouttongue*. Things will work out ok one way or the other...tired of hearing my annoying incessant optimism yet? :P. YEP ok *pours on more* Keep your chin up..actually in a way Im glad you didnt do the dealers table thing, hopefully gave you more time to talk to other artists and such..since otherwise you are glued to one spot. Still if you advertise yourself a bit more..I think...I seriously think you could make a killing at these cons..*pause* let the arguing begin :P.

synnabar You humble me with your presence..and I was even more humbled that I walked away with 3 Synnabar originals. I assure you they will have a special place in my home and heart. Thank you for just being yourself..I am really only sorry I did not have more of a chance to talk to you...though I suppose it beats the less than a minute last year ;). I totally forgot to bring the tritip eraser for you, I still have it sitting on my desk. I do feel bad for taking that gorgeous lion sketch in exchange for the little leopard sketch..I just don't think it was a fair trade in the least...you are..just too kind for words.

screwbald Just have to say loved seeing the work in person, so much whimsy and attention to detail. It was a blast seeing you guys do so well in the art show..and rightfully so. The table was swamped, I could not make it through the sea of admirers to really flail admiration at you myself ;). Cheers you guys!

AND there are about 3 million other people that shouuuulllddd be on this list but I am a dunce. Really, even just glancing at this list really reminds me how much more I walked away from this con with than I came with. I will take the memories over money anyday as they are what will stay with me after the money is gone. There were quite a few people I know were at AC but I never got a chance to say hello to as well. To those people, I am sorry! I hope I get a chance to run into you elsewhere. I felt really rude that I didn't get to say hi to a lot of folks, but there ya have it..Anthrocon is so big and hectic I'm not even sure its physically possible to get around to everyone!

Anthrocon Bound!

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 05:00:30 GMT

Wellp..as with everyone, it is panic mode for me! The past week or so Ive been out of town due to a family emergency that ended with both good and bad news. SO that threw off my AC prep but did in a way do me good, I managed to take a breath and step away from the AC planning for a bit, if even not under the best of circumstances. Today was bittersweet, got a lot done..but at the same time one of the dogs, Fugi an English Mastiff, I held in my hand when she was first born, had to be put down. How I love and respect animals..who despite their no doubt agonizing pain still stay happy and strong for us.. I have lost count of how many graves I have dug..and with each one..I felt a piece of myself slip away.

SO enough depressing banter, instead pictures of my AC haul (much smaller than I would have hoped..but I do hope it sells, like every other artists Im sure, I NEEED the money)

Nautilus has since been framed as well :).

All framed pieces faced with lexan, not glass, so makes transport a safer affair :).

The pictures certainly make it look like I have more art than I really do! This year has just been...well..adventurous shall we say. Hopefully this AC goes well though and I can be better prepared next year with bigger pieces :).

I will also be selling a very limited number of matted ready to frame prints (some with high end matboard), color and B&W prints, bookmarks, about 20 copies of 'Art of Balaa: Canines Volume 1', sketchbook commissions (maybe), and pencil badge commissions.

I look forward to seeing all of you that are attending this year, to those that couldn't make it after all, hope you make it next year! And now I am off to finish packing and prepping and get to bed. Safe travels to you all!

*** Also all the paid for books have been shipped out today, with the exception of those to be picked up at AC :). Thank you all!

Art of Balaa: Canines Vol. 1 Preorder Phase 2.

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 21:20:28 GMT

Since there was such a wonderful amount of interest given into my first folio/book, I decided to carry over the Pre-order for a second round. SO all of those that replied to the previous entry ( http://xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com/67832.html ) and are still interested in purchasing the book, I am extending the 20$ pre-order price to you all.

1. Blaez
2. shadowolf
3. nimirpard -sold
4. distantvampire
5. growing_rose
6. vlen -sold
7. wolf_nymph -sold
8. kadaths_realm
9. emerald_sage
10. ferinoch -sold
11. felix_carni -sold
12. wolftale -sold
13. profox -sold

Paypal: xxbalaaxx @ yahoo.com (minus spaces) 20$ pickup or 20$ + 3$ if shipped (international orders add a dollar)

Also if you plan on picking up the book, please leave me the name you plan to pick it up under so I can put a stickynote on the book and set it aside for you. I may hold off shipment of the books til after AC, as I am hoping to include a special bonus with each book and it just so happened to not have arrived yet :).

Thank you so much for the outpouring of interest and support. I honestly did not even expect half the interest this has received...thank you..as ever for leaving me feeling humbled and..most of all Lucky to be treated so well!!!

Wacom sale link

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:55:24 GMT

Just noticed Bestbuy has a sale on the Wacom Graphire4 4x5". This is essentially the same tablet I use to this day, and currently its on a nice sale (75$, regular price 105$):
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7424423&st=wacom+graphire&type=product&id=1122655672173

So for anyone looking for a nice reliable but cheap tablet, there's your best bang for your buck.

ARTage

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 02:34:49 GMT

I have done some actual new art! Though Im afraid its not terribly much, but something to look at just the same:

For Sahara Fox, whom was dared to eat some wasabi ice cream at Califur..and coerced further by being offered art. SO you see children, no one can resist art..even if it means eating wasabi and green tea ice cream mixed together. It's totally worth it!

I promise to do something besides closeup kitty portraits..uhm someday. I botched this one and accidentally drew all the grass on the layer with the leopard so..that'll be fun to fix.

bookmark I will be selling at AC :).

So there ya have it, actual art!

Anthrocon: yes or no!

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 21:43:02 GMT

View Poll: Anthrocon!

Seems like a lot of folks that were originally planning to attend dropped out this year for various reasons. SO, I just want to get an idea of who all plans on attending, comment below if ya are goin. I shall be staying at the Omni William Penn and will be rooming with bagheera, likeshine, and KabukiHomeWood( http://www.furaffinity.net/user/kabukihomewood/ ). We may try for a quiet sketchparty in our room this year, as I haven't really gotten a chance to do that yet...and it often helps me draw when other creative minds are around me :).

Also I will be in the dealers room at table: D05 (as well as panels in the art show). I am sharing my table with nanook123 aka Cougari this year, so stop on by and say hello and have a browse :). I will be selling:

*bookmarks
*prints (b&w and color)
*a number of matted prints ready to be framed
*sketchbadge commissions to be done at the con
*sketchbook commissions (I may not take very many this time around, but this depends on how finicky my muse decides to be)
*Art of Balaa: Canines Volume 1 (limited quantities)
*Possibly a couple of realism badge commissions to be done post con(possibly)

So yep I chall be there and I am looking forward to a much better AC than last year! I hope to see many many of you there!

PS: don't be shy to stop by and talk to me! If I am quiet..doesn't mean I don't want to talk..probably just busy..or..haven't had enough of the kawfees 8D.

Art of Balaa: Canines Volume one .: Pre-order :.

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:09:42 GMT

Wellp I haven't been totally inactive, I have wanted to do something new and different for a con for a while now but always run into a roadblock when I try to think of what that could be. SO since I don't really have any super polished finished pieces of canines, I decided to do a folio of assorted canine sketches from the past year. A lot of planning and care went into the development of this little book and so now I pass it on to you! These will be available for sale at AC in limited quantities, but I am offering you folks first crack at ordering these!

Special presale price 20$ plus 3$ shipping(within the US)**. Pickup available at AC.

More info and pictures beneath cut! 5 available for initial presale!

~ 24 sketches, numbered pages
~ detailed attention paid to every aspect of the book
~ table of contents
~ hand bound books
~ Individually packaged in resealable clear poly bags.
~ Compact 5"x8" book.
~ Each image printed on sturdy cardstock and heavier cardstock used for cover.

books available:
1. Klandagi paid
2. bloogryffe paid
3. kristynlioness paid
4. acamori paid
5. pending

** Paypal payment preferred. First come first serve, I need the money for AC. ---I will confirm your spot and payment can be sent!---

Livejournal is for SPAM

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 21:02:27 GMT

Your LiveJournal Pirate Crew
LiveJournal Username
Fifteen men on a dead man's chest!
Cutlass or pistol?
What is the name of your pirate ship?
Where is your secret pirate base?
What kind of loot do you prefer?
What do you and your crew prefer to be called?
Parrot or monkey?
Argh!

Your capable first mate	starhorse2020
Your bumbling cabin boy with a heart of gold	foofers
The aloof, yet honorable, pirate with a mysterious past	simbagirl19
Is always the first one into the fray	visioncrafter
Is the naval officer who ruthlessly pursues your ship	windhund
Is the comical pirate who is always drunk on grog	mehndix
Is currently in Davy Jones's locker	kyoht
The amount of money you make as a pirate	$22,138


This Fun Quiz created by Lynn at BlogQuiz.Net

Free Daily Horoscopes at DailyHoroscopes.Biz

I 'unno 8D!

..and..I make a pitiful pirate, I only made 22 grand..I must be an artist even in the pirating world...damn all my luck...OH..wait..here it is sitting with me in Davy Jones Locker.

That figures. :D

Pan's Labyrinth and youtube!

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 04:53:19 GMT

Pan's Labyrinth: Would anyone happen to have the soundtrack and are willing to share it with me? I would be much obliged :).

~~~~~~~~~~~~

And so this is not an utterly wasted entry, some youtube happy for you.

Lion King 300 parody trailers

And I adore this, though am sure it has been around for a while now. Its fascinating how terrifying Disney can be :D...and sometimes it doesn't even need outside editing to accomplish that.

WAI!

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 01:05:36 GMT

I dun got ahrted!
by the enormously talented henriekeg:

Go commissions her, her rates are insanely low and her work amazing!
http://henrieke.deviantart.com/journal/12754772/

I think I gleed on myself when I saw this (DROOLED peoples D:!). My first commissioned piece of Sorbo by my favorite Lemur artist..I surmise I ahm in trouble because now I want many many pics of mah Sorbo. I KNOW, he is an amazingly intricate character!! I am intensly creative 8D *eyebrow tilt*. His only true distinguishing factor is the black star on his chest and the three small stripes above his legs on either side of his belly.

Oh and yes I promised a more purposeful entry...it got beaten up by this one and is nursing its bruised ego in my closet. Tis true!

Nothing like..

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Tue, 29 May 2007 22:30:22 GMT

**Nothing like going to the bathroom to use the facilities and finding a raw cow heart in the sink.

I love my family, ultimate redneck ville here.

** Just..don't ask o_o...is there even a good rational reason to placing a raw cow heart in a bathroom sink? Really, think about it.

I am alive *scratches head* ought to write a useful entry, this I promise to do.

Califur!

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Thu, 03 May 2007 04:02:52 GMT

Heading out to Califur early tomorrow morning, should arrive sometime in the afternoon! I look forward to seeing you all!

Unfortunately I am not as prepared as I would have liked to be. For the better part of this month I have been fighting DA to receive my order of prints. Needless to say the belated prints DID arrive, however the quality was so atrocious I was just dissapointed beyond words and had to ship them back (they were COMPLETELY unsalvageable). According to the staff, new printers were implimented and the way I see it, they were not properly callibrated and yet no one took the time to notice this before shipping my already LATE prints. The funny thing is..I never seem to have problems with ordering prints UNTIL I order them specifically for a planned event. And even then I order in plenty of time that there is no excuse for them to arrive late.

As much as Id like to switch print providers, most other places I have looked into were far more expensive.

So my art show stash is quite thin this time around. The past few months have just been unpleasant and due to life stress I haven't had the slightest motivation to create...Ive been a rolling, crashing, burning coaster of superEMOfuntime..only without the fun. Not to mention my muse is a fickle beastie...

BUT I will have a binder of sketches and prints at my table. I will also be offering sketch badges and sketchbook commissions in the dealers room. Stop on by..and if nothing else say hi :)!

Safe travels to everyone heading that way! And my special well wishes to Dark Natasha, you will be missed at Califur hun! But I'm sure everyone would rather know you are doing well and recovering safely! *BIGHUGS*

Quick update/reminder

xxbalaaxx@yahoo.com — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 00:48:54 GMT

This is mainly towards all the folks that purchased something or expressed interest in purchasing something in my last entry:

http://xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com/65683.html

If you are still interested and just haven't gotten back to me in regards to payment, drop me a note here! If you changed your mind,or had your mind changed by a sudden turn of financial events, do let me know as well and don't feel bad in the least! :).

To all those that did buy something, you have my sincere gratitude and I honestly hope you enjoy the pieces. Chances are those that have been paid for shall be mailed out within the next couple days (a bit sooner than originally planned).

Thank you again all!

And an extra snuggle to all those that wished me luck with the sale, you guys are great!

**On a related but unrelated note, been trying to draw..but my muse seems awol again. I am not at all surprised Van Gogh went insane..the life of an artist really is a soap opera of sorts(good thing I 'love' soap operas *ENDsarcasm*. Either you are creating and you can't stop for anything..not to eat..sleep..nothing, or you are not creating and feeling like you are trapped in some invisible tiny glass cube with an obnoxious little kid tapping on the glass and laughing at you. Just you wait til I get out ya little twirp. >}.**
(yep feel marginally better now :D)