Well, with less than a week to go...
Yeah, gonna put this out there that I am going to my first ever convention. Ultra nervous, but also excited. So yeah. Stepping way out of my comfort zone, but staying optimistic. So going to see how this turns out. Wish me luck. ^v^

So my birdy bro  corrvo is doing a series of retrospective posts over on his DA page, and convinced me to try my hand at one of these things where you all ask and I try to answer them. Below you will find a list of questions. Pick a number, or if you are feeling daring, concoct one yourself.

DISCLAIMER: The author of this posts reserves the right to ignor, pass on, brush off, skip, abstain, or otherwise refrain from answering any and all questions he deems personal, invasive, out of bounds, over the line, or which I just don't feel compelled in putting forth any form of concerted effort to type out a reply.

1 Have you ever found a writer who thinks just like you? if so, who?
2 List your fandoms and one character from each that you identify with.
3 Do you like your name? is there another name you think would fit you better?
4 Do you think of yourself as a human being or a human doing? do you identify yourself by the things you do?
5 Are you religious/spiritual?
6 Favorite shows, movies, media, etc?
7 Favorite part of where you live?
8 What musical artists have you most felt connected to over your lifetime?
9 Are you an artist?
10 How would you describe your gender/sexuality?
11 Describe your ideal day.
12 Dog person or cat person?
13 Inside or outdoors?
14 Any artists you are a fan of?
15 Five most influential books over your lifetime.
16 If you’d grown up in a different environment, do you think you’d have turned out the same?
17 would you say your online persona is an accurate representation of the "real you"?
18 What’s your patronus?
19 Favorite places to visit?
20 Would you rather be in Middle Earth, Narnia, Hogwarts, Westeros, or somewhere else?
21 Do you love easily?
22 List the top five things you spend the most time doing, in order.
23 How often would you want to see your family every year?
24 Have you ever felt like you had a “mind-meld” with someone?
25 Could you live as a hermit?
26 Do you have a creed?
27 Any particular foods you enjoy?
28 On a scale from 1 to 10, how hard is it for someone to get under your skin?
29 Three songs that you connect with right now.
30 Any strange hobbies or past times?
31 Favorite OC's you have.
32 How about some interesting facts about an OC?
33 Weirdest thing you have ever eaten?
34 Coke or Pepsi?
35 Do you even lift, bro?

Need to get the old journal out of here!

I have been living in the stone age, so I finally got an IPad to try to break into digital arts. Anyone got any hints, tips, tricks, or suggestions?

As if this year didn't drag enough already. This loss more than pretty much any other celebrity in recent years has sort of hit me. Farewell, Ms. Fisher. And may the force be with you, always.

Dang, I really am terrible about updating this thing. Ovo

But yeah, another years has come and gone. And boy has it had its ups and downs, for me as well as I'm sure for everyone else. The new year coming around is certainly a good time to reflect on where we were and where we're going. And now as before, I still have no idea. That's not too worrying for me, though, as it means more opportunities to chart different courses.

But to all of you out there who watch me or commented on my stuff, I do want to say thank you. Genuinely, thank you for all the great feedback over the years. And I wish all of you out there an amazing holiday season, a fantastic and festive new year, and all the best in the times ahead.

Cheers to you all! Future, ho! ^v^

Well, that time of year again, sappy journal incoming.

Another year past, and as per usual, I'm sure we've all had periods of ups and downs, things to look back on and hopefully help us move forward into the time ahead. Got to say, my year has had some real peaks and troughs, but all in all, I am pretty happy for another revolution around the sun completed.

That said, want to wish everyone out there a great holiday season and New Year ahead. Thank you to everyone who viewed, faved and commented, and especially to my friends here and on DA. Hope you guys have a blast in the last couple weeks of 2015, and ring in next year with a bang.

Cheers. ^v^

Really.
Really?
Reeeeeally? >v>

FA has folders? What witchcraft is this? But seriously, anyone out there plan on using them? Just curious.

As the title says, I'm curious to know what you guys out there do when battling either lack of inspiration or time to draw. Been busy with a whole lot of stuff, and want to try and work through it a little, if I can. Again, another attempt to stay more active, journal wise, and hear back from more folks out there.

Really should try to be more active around here. How is everyone doing out there?

Well, been a hectic few months. Tons going on, lots of traveling for work and whatnot. Just all time sinks. Sure you all know how that goes. Well, recently been putting together just a ton of sketches, taking suggestions from some of my friends, in an attempt to be productive. Thanks to everyone for the great ideas, they were a ton of fun to do. Expect to see them posted over the next couple days. ^v^

Apart from that, I've decided to try a bit more digital sketching. Got a drawing tablet and am going to see how I like it. (Pray for luck...) For any of you guys out there who use them, got any hints or tips for someone who is essentially starting from scratch with them?

In any case, I do hope to stay a touch more productive than I've been, so will just have to see how it goes with the new schedule and all.

Thanks again everyone. Cheers. ^v^

Well, guess I should clear out my last year's journal post, finally.

The new year is just around the corner, and I hope you all are excited about all the holidays. Time for fun, and time to both look back and look ahead. 2014 has been another year with some major ups and downs, and for me, and the time ahead looks both daunting but full of potential. While not as productive, art wise, as I would like these days, I do feel I have learned a great deal, and plan to keep going at it even if only in a few minute bursts at a time. In the previous months I have gotten to know new friends, gotten to know older friends better, seen a whole slough of amazing works from equally amazingly talented people. You all really do make the whole art and online community worthwhile and fun, and I am very thankful to have talked, met and even worked with those out there. In the real world, too, had some milestones, some setbacks, but that is life, and nothing to do but take it as it comes.

To all my friends and bros out there both familiar and new, and anyone else who chances to read this, I sincerely wish you all a fantastic holiday season, and a great new year. Go have some cocoa or cider or nog, and celebrate.

See you in 2015! ^v^

Well, it's that time once again. And probably necessary to clear out the old journal entry anyway.

So another year is drawing to a close, and boy was it a big one. Definitely some major ups and downs, but all in all, the highs outnumber the downs, and were more than enough to smooth over the dips in the road. In the past year there was the end of one job, the start of another, and with it a new way of life that took me far from home regularly, and made me face some rather hard facets of life, adapting to new situations, and trying to continually come to grips with essentially being nowhere and everywhere at times.

But these aside, the opportunities to see new places, experience new things, and to meet and chat with so many remarkable people is truly a blessing. Seeing more of this country, and some of our friendly neighbor to the north, has been a real eye opener, seeing first hand how much is out there in even just a small sliver of the world, and only fueling the fire to discover more. Fell in love with two cities, each vastly different, and rife with their own enchanting culture and charms. But more than that, in visiting these cities, were the chances to meet two artists of just stellar talent, amazing minds, and most importantly, some of the best friends I have had. I am beyond amazed and honored to have ever gotten a chance to get to know you both, and hope it won't be the last time we meet. Likewise, too, I hope I get the chance to meet more of my online friends in the offline world. ^v^

To everyone on the various chat sites, you have all been beyond great, and I am always glad when I can catch you online wherever I might be. To be able to talk, exchange ideas and feedback, or catch a game is just the best, and is a real comfort during these travels. Looking forward to chatting with you all soon, too. ^v^

To wrap it up, the year has certainly been something special. And with all the experiences, good, bad or in between, 2013 is one to remember. So let me say to everyone, my birdy bros, my chat friends, and everyone else who reads this, have a happy holiday time, and a very prosperous and hopeful new year.

2014, here we come! ^v^

Well, the time was right and I needed a bit of an adventure. Took a short trip to visit our neighbors to the north, and was it ever an experience.

The first full day there began with downtown. All around is architecture that is new, unique and eye opening. The glass sided skyscrapers at times make the city seem to be made of crystal, and so much greenery even in such an urban space is remarkable. Wandered the streets, sampled a few unique and amazingly delicious food trucks, then headed into the Bill Reid Gallery. I've always enjoyed the style of northwestern native art, and this was a treat to see such unique pieces on display. And as a way to cap off the afternoon, a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium was a real pleasure.

Day two, took the opportunity to drive through a few of the west end neighborhoods, making my way to the UBC campus. The Museum of the Earth and the Museum of Biodiversity were both interesting, if a bit small, but the Museum of Anthropology blew me away. The collection of items from around the world from all walks of life were impressive enough, but it truly excels beyond belief in its amassed array of native first nation art and artifacts. The huge gamete of regalia, masks, ceremonial and practical items, up to full sized totem poles and beautifully crafted canoes just blew my mind. So much to see, I was a bit hard pressed to fit it all in one afternoon. But that same evening I got the great opportunity to meet my longtime online friend  gishkishenh for the first time. For anyone not watching her, I cannot urge you strongly enough to do so, as her skill in so many styles is remarkable, and is knowledgeable in so many aspects of first nation culture and art. But beyond that, she is by far one of the coolest people I have ever met, and that evening alone was worth the entire trip. ^v^

The last two days saw more exploring, through neighborhoods, downtown, in and around the beautiful Stanley Park, and the very interesting and bustling Granville Island markets. And just to end on a high note, I managed to score a ticket to the MLS game where the Whitecaps were facing the LA Galaxy. I guess people were a bit nervous going in, given LA's reputation, but the Whitecaps did not disappoint their fans. Despite a few rough goes, by the beginning of discretionary time the Caps were up 2-1, trying to keep LA from tying it up. But in the last minute, one last goal by Vancouver clenched a solid win for them, and I swear I could see the resignation in the LA goalie's face. A perfect way to end a perfect trip.

All in all, this was more fun than I've had for a while. So much to see, do and experience, it is sure staying at the top of my list of favorite places. So to you, Vancouver, thank you for such an amazing time, and I can't wait to come back. ^v^

So, a lot has changed recently, and a lot is likely to change in the time to come.

As some of you may know, I have to travel a fair deal in real life for work reasons. Long story short, I have begun my first of what will hopefully be a few shifts at my new position in Alaska. Got to say, this is a big step, and I am taking it with a good deal of both optimism and apprehension. On one hand it is an opportunity that people in my career and age range usually don't get. But then, it means I'll have to learn to live without a lot of conveniences I was accustomed to in the Lower 48, and alter a lot of my typical patterns of behavior. But all in all, despite my reservations, I am hopeful this will turn out for the best.

With that said, now that I am at my place of employment, there are a few things that may limit my online activity. The signal here can come and go, and the firewall is a bit random, blocking or allowing sites it only recently allowed or barred. So it might limit my activity on the net, though I certainly hope to stay in touch with all of you I have come to know, and to keep working on the  Feather6 project. So to that end, my friend Goldquiver has agreed to help out, helping to manage my DA account if I am unable to access the site. For my FA site, I may just leave it be since I receive very few messages here. But I am going to try to keep working both on this project and on new sketches, if only in a limited capacity.

So to all of you out there, I wish you the best for the winter, and I hope you do the same. Take care, everyone. ^v^

Can someone tell me if we switched to nineteen hours in a day, or if I'm just going crazy and loosing track of time? Anyway, hope everyone out there is doing well. The nice weather has finally arrived, and it's time to break out the hiking gear again.

So it's been a busy few months, and a lot of changes have happened. But to keep a very long story short, I quit my job, got another one and feel incredibly good about it. It's a lot closer to home, has a better schedule and pays a bit more. More than that, this seems like a great group to be working with and the project is much more interesting. I get more of a chance to expand my skill set beyond the very narrow band of tasks my previous supervisors pigeonholed me into.

The downside to all this is that while I've gone and jumped through the business bureaucracy hoops and training for this new position, I've had very little off time. But now I've finally settled into a routine, and I can get back to trying to finish the couple of sketches that have been sitting on the back burner.

Anyway, want to wish all you guys, my online friends and the birdy bros, a great summer season. ^V^

Well, got back from China yesterday. I've got to say I'm thoroughly worn out and, just my luck, contracted some kind of bug on the flight back. But that aside, the trip was far beyond my expectations. I've said I don't really care for tour groups. but this one had a guide who wasn't just regurgitating information, and was willing to go very in depth with us whenever we had questions. Best of all, though, we typically wrapped up our tours in the early evening, leaving enough time to go and do my own thing. Needless to say I got quite accustomed to their subway system, which is hands down better than any metro in the states. So while the tours themselves were pretty cool, the chance to go and walk the streets and get the local feel for the city was amazing.

Beijing in general is a strange mix of more traditional and ultra modern areas, and you'd be surprised what can be found in the little side streets and alleys. (Let's just say the fried snake was actually very good) Suffice to say China in general is a place I want to visit again, it's a truly stunning and beautiful country.

Well, tomorrow I'll be signing off for about a week. Headed out on the long planed trip to China, and I'm on edge about it. Not much to say aside from that this looks to be a great time. Our group has a whole list of things to see and do laid out, and while it's not the way I'd like to travel (wanting to set my own schedule and go to places at leisure), this is a chance to experience that part of the world, if for no other reason than to do so if I never return there. Headed down to San Francisco first thing, spending a day there, then flying out to Beijing. Oh boy, twelve hour flight...

Anyway, hope to catch everyone once I'm back on the continent.

Wow it's been forever since I've updated anything.

So it's that time of the year again, and I hope everyone is having a great holiday season. For me my time is filled with work and commuting, and trust me, four hour drives twice a week can get to be a bit tedious. But I guess it comes with the territory. All in all this is turning out to be a good entry level job in the industry, and I'm certainly learning a lot. I will get nearly three weeks off for the holidays, though, once my shift ends. It'll be good to spend some extended time with friends and family, and it'll give me a chance to do some traveling of my own.

One thing that has kind of happened in the last month, rather quickly as well, is the possibility of popping around to a good number of places in the next half year or so. I'll be spending New Year's down at Santa Cruz, probably my favorite coastal city. During the spring I might also be traveling to see friends and tour schools in San Diego, Colorado and Connecticut. But most importantly, come the end of March I'll be heading to China with a friend of mine, and I'm extremely excited about that. Considering how under-traveled I am, this will be an amazing experience.

So to everyone out there, have a happy Christma-hanu-kwanz-ukkah and a great New Year.

Over the past few months I’ve had to come to grips with a number of things. That everything changes, that we often have to make hard choices, and that we must at times give up what we want for what needs to be done. It’s been a hard year and a half, but I count myself lucky to have the support of such great people, both on and off line.

 accidentalfox, one of my long time watchers is always lending his ridiculous wit to our conversations and is always good for a laugh.
 gishkishenh, is an extremely kind person, very talented and knowledgeable, and has recently let me help her with an art feedback group. It's fun to see the projects she's working on, and I know they'll sell like hotcakes when they go to print. It's a real pleasure to know her, and I wish her luck in her endeavors.
And now my two feathered friends  corrvo and  thelonecrow, two extremely talented and creative individuals. They have shown me great kindness and support in these last few months. It is a privilege to be friends with them and be considered one of their birdy bros.

So to these individuals, and everyone who I am friends with or have had chats with, you guys are great. I'm lucky to have friends like you, and I look forward to whatever the future may bring. Thanks for everything.

-Aidan

So I've kind of been absent for a while, but it's because I've got a lot on my plate at the moment. For the past month I've been busy with this new job, and coping with where I'm staying. The place I'm working at isn't completely in the back of the beyond, but it's close. At least the residence the company put me in has a good AC unit and an alright internet connection, but on the other hand has a whole slough of other technical problems they're trying to fix. I've just been so busy getting back at night, that what net time I have is largely devoted to sending off emails and reviewing my logs for the next day. That said, it is kind of interesting and I'm learning a lot about how the industry works. I guess it's just kind of hard for someone from a decent sized city to cope with living in the middle of nowhere, but I'll try and manage.

This first month has been all about training and getting me up to speed, making it a very erratic time. Now that that's complete, I can start a more normal work rotation (one week on one week off). The next few weeks will let me kind of settle into a groove, so hopefully I can start talking with my friends online again.

Beware, somewhat long journal ahead…

Over the past year I’ve had to seriously think about the direction my life is going. I exited college with my B.S., ready to spend the summer working an internship, relax for a time and then enter grad school. Well, life has a way of throwing a wrench or five into the works. As some of you may have read from previous entries, over the course of the fall and winter my family went through a series of very strenuous crises. I dropped most of my immediate plans to help any way I could, but between frequent trips over to California and obligations back at home, I had very little time to myself. I had to seriously weigh my options, and throw away many plans I had hoped to achieve. Now my life has taken what for me at least is a very shocking turn.

It has become obvious that I kind of don’t have the luxury to wait around anymore, and I’ve accepted a job within the mining industry. My degree made it kind of easy to get the position, and many of the terms and payment is very good, but it just doesn’t sit well with me. A year ago I was almost fully dead set against a job with the industry, not out of any moral qualm against mining but because I have always felt that I was first and foremost an academic, and that I wanted to stay that way. Well, come next Sunday, I’ll be heading to the other side of the state to begin training. I must say this kind of puts me on edge and a bit scared, even being on my own I’ve never really lived away from my home city, and I’m sad to be leaving it even on a scheduled basis. It’ll be hard, but this is kind of necessary, and there’s the opportunity to learn and test my knowledge in new ways. So, trying to stay positive.

What does this mean as far as online activity goes? I’ll still be around, just maybe a bit less often since net availability out there is not always reliable. I hope to still chat and keep in contact with my friends both on FA and DA, and I’ll try to sketch whenever I find the opportunity. So to all my friends, watchers and people who have ever commented on or faved a pic of mine, I want to say I really, truly appreciate it. I wish you all well in your own endeavors, and look forward to what the future might hold, despite these cursed apprehensions.

Have a happy 4th of July everyone!
-Aidan

It has a way to biting you in the rear sometimes, doesn't it. Aside from battling a minor case of the flu all this week, I've been keeping busy with a whole lot of other issues that came up. One constant problem being my car's brakes don't like to just stay fixed. And if any of you have read some of my journals on DA over the past few months, you'll remember that I'm helping my family deal with a bunch of problems that arose during the last year, so I've had my hands full in that regard as well. One slightly positive note is that, for the immediate future at least, I've landed a second job. It's not the best paying gig and it's part time, but work is work these days and I do need the extra cash, so I can't really complain. I'm also planning to finally, FINALLY, take the GRE's in June and stop worrying about them. (Whoever designed the scoring system needs to be beaten, drawn and quartered at the same time.) As far as art goes, I've got a few ideas and I'm glad to have my sketch book free of all those images that I just couldn't seem to finish, so hopefully I can find time to put graphite to paper soon. Well, back to the grind as they say. Happy upcoming Cinco de Mayo to everyone!

I think one of the reasons I've been so lacking in the drawing department lately is because of the group of images I have saved on my computer already. This mess comprises a jumble of doodles and pictures I just lost inspiration on. Anyway, long story short, I think that just having them around made me keep considering coming back to them later to complete them, touch them up or add more to them. So I'm just going to wash my hands of the whole thing, stick them up on the web and try to move on to something new. I'll put them up tonight when I have time.

So to my watchers who have stuck with me, thanks for the support. I hope your own artistic endeavors are going well and I look forward to trying to get back into the swing of things.

Unmotivated, unproductive, uninspired and so on in that manner.

So I've been completely offline for the past four days due to a very random convergence of circumstances. Firstly, my laptop got a virus and I had to do an entire system reset. Fortunately I know someone who works for a local computer firm, so I got what would be a $150 repair job for about thirty, so that's good. I also couldn't use my desktop since some accident took down all land line and internet service in my neighborhood. But, I'm now back online and getting all my programs reinstalled, although now my scroll bars don't seem to work, oh well.

Aside from that I'm still prepping for the GRE's (which if anyone out there has actually taken them could please tel me what they're ACTUALLY like) and looking for full time employment. Not much new, just got to keep on keeping on, I guess.