Hello all. I find myself somewhere between an pained and an eerie sense of peace.

Yesterday my grandmother (we refer to her as mom-mom) passed away. She had been in the nursing home for a week or two, she had been going in and out of the hospital as well as in and out of the nursing home for the past year. Her lungs (from having smoked her entire life) weren't giving her enough oxygen and she had to breathe using oxygen tanks or a machine that would try to give her more air. Which when thinking about it, I know it's better now that she doesn't have to suffer through trying to get enough air. But yesterday we received a call from my roomie's mother (who might as well be my second mom) that mom-mom wasn't doing well and she thought she was going to pass on. The drive from my house to the nursing home was only 5 minutes and actually less but we didn't make it there in time. Which was.. painful and just, I can't even explain any of it. It just hurts. But there was many tears shed and a lot of sadness. But thankfully she didn't suffer as some have, and she never lost herself either. She was herself right up to the end. The nurses and her sister (who was with her when she passed) and my roomie's mother (who was also with her) said that it wasn't more than five minutes and she was gone. So it wasn't a long and hard thing. Which, is a blessing in itself I suppose. I miss her, and I'm assured it'll hit me in waves of just knowing she isn't here anymore.

But thanks to my faith and my beliefs (more like knowing. I've seen too much of God's work to ever doubt his existence) I know without a shadow of doubt that she is in heaven and she is more than able to breath now. To smell the beautiful flowers and to be alive and free. Now bound by any sickness or disease, or anything. She can be independent and walk without assistance. She is free. She is in heaven, in Jesus' embrace and although I'm sad I no longer have her. I know that I will see her again, and it will be a grand reunion when I do. Until then I will stay strong, and try to abide by the lessons she's taught me.

I am much like her, truly I am, so I'm learning to take the good from every person, and hold on to it. I did the same with my father. It hurts to loose someone. But I have peace. I know there will be times, like there still are, where her memory will linger and there will be tears. But even though it might hurt, I am thankful for every memory and every moment I've had with her. We fought sometimes, but I know the last words I said to her was "I love you". And I'm thankful that I left nothing to truly regret minus not seeing her that one last time.

But this little update is just so you guys understand that art will probably fluctuate between spurts of accomplished works and nothing at all. I appreciate your patience with me. I will do my best to try to keep you guys from waiting further on me.

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12998287/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12998287/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12998287/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12998287/

YCH Auction being held by  spunkyfreakster
Honestly, it's a very cute/interesting YCH, it's female character only, but very nicely done. Paypal only.

SB[Start Bid]: $15.00USD
MIN INC: $2.00USD
PLEASE REPLY TO LAST BIDDER
AUCTION ENDS A WEEK AFTER FIRST BID

GUYS!!! It's only at the SB right now!

That's right, to any of you interested I intend to stream tomorrow starting between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, I'll stream for several hours so many of you should get a chance to commission me for a stream commission. I'm in need of extra cash to help with everything we will be needing in the coming week or two. So any and all help is greatly appreciated. I'll make a proper journal once I'm moved about everything that's happened and such, and it should be quite a journal :D So look forward to that one.

I stream at Tigerdile.com - if you're afraid you might miss me streaming, you can subscribe to my channel and receive notifications every time I go to stream!

http://www.tigerdile.com/stream/mintchip/
http://www.tigerdile.com/stream/mintchip/
http://www.tigerdile.com/stream/mintchip/
http://www.tigerdile.com/stream/mintchip/

As for normal commissions - Wednesday I'll be opening for 3 commissions. ONLY 3. These three will likely be finished between now and April 15th. (so a month practically) As for current commissions, I've got many WIPs and have shown many of the commissioners their WIPs - I promise I am working. I hope to get everything settled and continue proper work soon. So with any luck, and all hopefully goes smoothly, then I should open before April (again).

That's right, last call - this auction will end at 2:00 PM CST,

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12963444/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12963444/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12963444/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12963444/

It's marked as Adult - it includes Ladder Options! If you're interested, please give it a look!

Added the sketching/working on stuff. So you guys can see which ones I have or am working on currently.

Cash Goal for this Month:
Goal: $300 USD
Current: $294/$300 USD

Wishlist Items for 2014:
-B-Day Gift for darkcocoa
-B-Day Gift for arc-n-thea
-Apartment (Moving out)/House Down Payment
-Partial Fursuit
-Con Money
-Deep Freezer
-Wii U

Cash Goal for this Year:
Goal: 3,000 USD
Current: $500/$3,000

---

Commission List
-kujura - x1 (paid)
-clawbolt - x1 (paid) (Sketching)
-armorcladcoyote - x1 (paid)
-donkyavetta - x2 (paid) (Sketched/Sketching)
-alkin - x2 (paid) (Working on Ideas)

YCHs Still Owed
-foxdragon - (Christmas) x1 (paid) (Sketching)
-mewmewkitty -(V-day pic) x1 (paid)
-shysheri - (adult 1) x1 (paid)
-tamara - (adult 2) x1 (paid)

Disclaimer:
Warning there is a rant or rather strong opinions that are about to follow. Please do not mistake this for being some sort of hate-fest, it's not and wasn't intended be. This is simply something that personally annoys me on pretty well any site I go on. Raw opinions are to follow. If you are sensitive to possibly very negative comments then please do not continue. Thank you.

/Rant from this point forward/

Alright, so you've been fairly warned from the above disclaimer, and again by the above sentence. I've been sitting here thinking about some different sites that I've been on (some for long and some for not so long) - and I've got a tendency to jump the gun sometimes and not make sure I spelled or put everything completely correct in both sentence structure as well as meaning wise. Which happens to all of us, I tend not to correct them every time unless I REALLY messed it up. I'm aware usually that I've done it, but I don't bother to say "WHOOPS LOOK I SCREWED UP THERE" because why bother advertising what most can already see?

So I leave it be and move on with my life feeling a little stupid. But this isn't what gets me, because all of us do it, right? No it's those people that come and comment on my mistake and are all "YOU APPARENTLY ARE STUPID - THAT'S WRONG". Basically not in those words, but put in a way that translate to seriously, why even post because you obviously can't do anything right. So it hurts my feelings a little - I know, Bawah poor me. But really it just pisses me off. In all honestly if I put something wrong in my comment then just get the idea that maybe I misspelled it or something. Or BETTER YET - MESSAGE ME IN PRIVATE! If you think I'm unaware of my mistake, tell me in private. I could deal with that, but WHY BROADCAST IT TO THE WHOLE WORLD?! I don't want to be EVEN MORE embarrassed by the screw up in my comment/wording/spelling than I already am. Why do that?

So just.. don't be a douche guys. Please. Just don't publicly address me when I've misspelled something, or mis-worded something, just note me or something. Kay? Thanks. Alright onward.

This next subject is a little more touchy and I apologize it's just been bothering me for waaay too long.

Telling me that however you live, love, or are isn't a choice. Alright, I'm sorry, and I'm not hating on gays, straights, bi's or anyone else, kay? So don't read too much into it. But I'll say this and put this out there right now - I could, if I wanted to, choose to be bisexual or homosexual. That is a choice - I choose to be straight. Yes I do. That is my choice. And that goes for anything, not just sexuality. You are not born sexually active, attracted to any sex, etc - you are also not born mean or hostile, you are not born a doctor, or a prostitute. These are all choices we make.

You may feel differently than I do, and that's okay - but don't you dare tell me that there is absolutely not choice in the matter - that you simply cannot, ever, in a million years, choose to do something. That you were born that way.

It's not true. You may have been born a little differently chemically balanced, or perhaps born with a different body parts than you feel you should have been. But you do have choices in your life. As you grow and you develop feelings and emotions you may lean more one way then another - but you were not born that way. It happened over time.

I will put this out for you guys to feel and say how you please - but whatever. It's okay for you to think whatever you'd like about me. When I was in high school, for a very long time - I felt somewhat curiosity and attraction to the idea of being bisexual. Seeing my same sex in a different light - and it felt a little weird to me (being raise christian, not anti-gay persay, but definitely not pro-gay). And i struggled, worried someone would judge me. Hate me. Disown me. Or worse, be disappointed beyond repair that I even thought that way. But the more I struggled the more I realized that it was my choice to be what I wanted to be, or however I wished. And although I think girls are pretty, and fun to draw. Perhaps even going to far as being able to look at images online and say "wow she is gorgeous, beautiful, hot, or sexy" - I don't want to have intimate relations with a woman. I love the female anatomy, it's beautiful and flows in ways a males can't/doesn't (typically) but I love men. I just, love everything to do with them. And I chose to be straight - I might have doubted myself. But I chose to be what I am. I also chose not to be sexually active (was and didn't like it, it felt wrong to me) until after I was married. And me and my fiance have been waiting and are for marriage before we become sexually involved with one another.

I also chose to be an artist. Now, art is something that comes partially from genetics (as in inheriting that desire, and the ability) however it's also a choice. I could have chosen when I was younger or at any point that I didn't want to draw/be creative/do any form of art. But because I love it, and I have a strong spiritual tie to what I draw - I'm an artist.

Again, you may feel differently than I do - but you have a choice, even if you don't think you do. You have a choice to be who you are and what you choose to be you should be happy with. Not everyone will agree, and although I would never choose some lifestyle choices - I cannot and willnot condemn then. I want to [and have been working on it for years] love everyone for who they are as a person. Not for anything else. You could be rich, poor, hetero, homo, some mix of both, furry, non-furry - whatever. I want to let you know that I love you as a person. And even if I don't agree with all you do, or all that you say, - I still love the person behind all of that.

/End Rant of Opinions/

Before you comment, and if you have an opinion to share you can post it - I won't bash you or anything. All I ask if that you in return do not bash me for my opinions. This is my stance on all of this and will likely never change. If you disagree, that's fine - but you don't change my opinion just the same as my opinions haven't changed yours. If you agree, that's also fine. Just don't bash me, or rant at me for putting my feelings and thoughts on the line.

This is a change for me, to tell my actual thoughts and opinions to people I've tried so hard to get to like me. I'd hate for my opinions to have hurt your feelings, or to have turned you off to even watching me - but apart from apologizing for hurting your feelings (unintentionally), I will do nothing else.

Thank you for understanding and for those of you who read this in it's entirety. And for your patience. It's a rare and wonderful quality.

I realize I have a hard time finished artwork when I've got backlog'd work. It makes me feel smothered.

So this is more or less an update to say I'm pushing through. I intend to stream again sometime this week, though not sure as to when yet. Also - not to alarm you too much but I'll be editting my price guide again here in the next week (if I ever manage to get out from under this pile of commissions I owe) and some prices will increase a little. Mostly flat colors and the shadings changing around just a little. But don't fret too much.

In other news, me and arc-n-thea are working on perhaps getting a new place of residence, because although I love my mother, I really don't want to be in this camper forever, you know? And she understands that. So we're going to be working on that - which will probably end up messing up me going to any sort of con this year. Particularly with my.. lack of finishing art by the dates I say ;u; I swear I'm not doing it on purpose. It's just so hard sometimes, I'm spending so much of my time either working on it, or having a hard time working on it. And it takes it's toll. I love art and drawing far too much to give it up - and I don't want to raise my prices to the point of being ridiculous - but I expect by July probably prices will change again. Making it to about what would be a little over minimum wage per hour for any of my art. So shading and things will end up ranging between $21 and $28 USD. That's just putting it into perspective I guess. ;u;

Anyway.. *starts back at art again* hopefully I'll be getting through my list pretty good.. -hopefully- and then I'll adjust the prices and re-open for only about 3 slots at a time. And I'm stream during most of the week. this is the hope anyhow.

And just a heads up - thinking about doing "Theme'd" discounts. So keep a watch out.

Cash Goal for this Month:
Goal: $300 USD
Current: $95/$300 USD

Wishlist Items for 2014:
-B-Day Gift for darkcocoa
-B-Day Gift for arc-n-thea
-Apartment (Moving out)/House Down Payment
-Partial Fursuit
-Con Money
-Deep Freezer
-Wii U

Cash Goal for this Year:
Goal: 3,000 USD
Current: $500/$3,000

---

Commission List
-wul - x1 (paid)
-kujura - x1 (paid)
-clawbolt - x1 (paid)
-armorcladcoyote - x1 (paid)
-donkyavetta - x2 (paid)
-alkin - x2 (paid)

YCHs Still Owed
-nitetigrezz - (Christmas) x1 (paid)
-foxdragon - (Christmas) x1 (paid)
-mewmewkitty -(V-day pic) x1 (paid)

Alright, I've been curious for a while now, though never really had the nerve to ask - mostly because I'm always wary to ask - had a lot of previous roleplays, etc with different people but I'm really picky and stuff.

But I wanted to know what do you like to roleplay?

Me personally?
I like to roleplay -serious roleplay- I like some version of a fantasy-sci-fi cross. I like Human vs. Anthro, Anthro in general, Character with abilities, a lot of drama. And a fair amount of comedy and romance. PG to PG-13 Romance mostly. I don't really like to focus much on sex-scenes-stuff, just not as interested. Alternate universes, lots of time traveling, and super heroes. Yup.

I also like wolf pack, and warrior cats roleplays, and made up creature roleplays. Tons of fun stuff. Yup. But I'm picky, I like people who typically get more into their writing and can change the story on a whim, but in a good way. Roleplaying always gives me more ideas and makes me more productive for whatever the reason.

--anyway, in the comments below, if you would PLEASE tell me what sorts of roleplays you like and things that you're interested in!

That's right, at approximately 3:30 CST I will be streaming at Tigerdile.com.

I will be streaming for JewlsDragon, if they are on - and possibly taking on a few sketch commissions (possibly flat colors too) just keep a look out. Prices are updating and lines + flat colors are not increased in price and after my advertisement is up here on FA the prices will change on here as well. So keep a look out for that. c:

Want to follow my streaming? I'm on Tigerdile!
http://tigerdile.com/stream/mintchip

Check me out and subscribe so you can get notified when I start streaming!

So just so everyone knows I am closed - and will not be taking more commissions until the 23rd or later. I need some time to catch up and finish some already owed commissions images. So around the 23rd-ish I may be opening again (but if not, then definitely by March 1st.)

Again, in case you missed my last journal - my truck is fixed and back home and I'm more than happy to be able to drive it around again. So thank you again.

Between commissions I may post a few adoptables, just a small heads up. c:

Cash Goal for this Month:
Goal: $300 USD
Current: $500/$300 USD

Wishlist Items for 2014:
-B-Day Gift for darkcocoa
-B-Day Gift for arc-n-thea
-Apartment (Moving out)
-Partial Fursuit
-Con Money
-Deep Freezer
-Wii U

Cash Goal for this Year:
Goal: 3,000 USD
Current: $500/$3,000

---

Commission List
-wul - x1 (paid)
-kujura - x1 (paid)
-clawbolt - x1 (paid)
-armorcladcoyote - x1 (paid)
-tofubread - x1 (paid)
-donkyavetta - x2 (paid)
-alkin - x2 (paid)

YCHs Still Owed
-nitetigrezz - (Christmas) x1 (paid)
-foxdragon - (Christmas) x1 (paid)
-mewmewkitty -(V-day pic) x1 (paid)

So any of you who have commissioned me - thank you. Thanks to all of the support and help I was able to get most of the money I needed to pay for the truck's problems - which turned out to be the fuel pump and 3 other fuel related issues. Total came up to $535 USD - which sucked. But hey it's fixed, paid and home. So THANK YOU. I will continue to work on commissions and complete them as quickly as I can - I'll try to get several out in a week (hoping for close to 1 per day)

AND I've been thinking that I might do a few more pokemon adopts (turned anthro with an outfit, blah blah)
And I've been wondering what Pokemon you guys would like to see me do - (I likely will not do many legendaries.. if at all) but out of regular pokemon, tell me what you guys would like to see. Here's a few of my favorites I might do:

Eevee - Umbreon, Vaporeon
Skitty
Flygon (for arc-n-thea - which will be male. lol and I'll let her determine before I post it if he'll be adoptable)
Ninetails
Lapras
Raichu - Minun/Plusle - Dedenne
Lucario (female-remix)

Those are just a few from the top of my head. Comment below other Pokemon you'd like to see!

Yeah, you heard right - hutchyy is offering $1 commissions, they start as sketches for $1 - they are single characters to my understanding. And start as $1 but I think when it gets to $5 then it colored. Hutchyy is in need of money so they can move in with their fiance, so any help towards them would be great!

Example of Sketch

Go help them out! Follow this link

Hello everyone, how is your february? Well mine is a little sucky to tell the truth, my truck decided that it was high time I replaced the timing belt - which if any of you know a little about vehicle make up then you'll probably have guessed that this timing belt rather important, and so I cannot use my truck until I get is fixed. So needless to say, I am in need of cash.. in dire need of it actually. See my roomie doesn't get paid until next friday (14th) so I need close to $300 USD so I can afford to pay for the truck getting fixed as well as getting my fiance his Valentine's Day gift. (I have good ideas for this.)

I have about $100 I can use towards this at this moment, but I need about $200 before monday. So that means emergency commissions and another YCH. So I'm open for business.

I am opening up for 6 SLOTs - just 6 for the moment. You can comment below or note me. (If you note me please be sure you know what you want ad how you want it, the less notes we have to go through the better.) Please refer to my new price guide for pricings on my artwork.

And thank you guys in advance for helping me out.

SLOTS - 6
1. kujura - x1
2. clawbolt - x1
3. shysheri - x1
4. renaseo - x1
5. armorcladcoyote - x1
6. tofubread - x1

Cash Goal for this Month:
Goal: $300 USD
Current: $255/$300 USD

Emergency Commissions Goal:
Goal: $300 USD
Current: $213/$300 USD

Wishlist Items for 2014:
-B-Day Gift for darkcocoa
-B-Day Gift for arc-n-thea
-Partial Fursuit
-Con Money
-Deep Freezer
-39" HDTV
-Wii U

Cash Goal for this Year:
Goal: 3,000 USD
Current: $0/$3,000

---

Commission List

-donkyavetta - x2 (paid)
-maverickhunterdboy - x1 (paid)

YCHs Still Owed
-choaticstarpuppeh - x1 (Switched to V-day pic) (paid)
-nitetigrezz - (Christmas) x1 (paid)
-foxdragon - (Christmas) x1 (paid)
-mewmewkitty -(V-day pic) x1 (paid)

Yup, some of you lovely watchers have already seen the posted image, and I'm assured any of you who have full viewed it were a bit unhappy that it wasn't showing up right. So I did edit the description to give a full-sized link that is much easier to read! So yay!

So for any of you not interested in looking at the FA image,here is the link to the fullsized version. This is the new price guide that will be followed during this year (or until I need a new one for adjusted reasonings. etc)

Oh that note. I need to update my list of things I owe - So here they are.

-Valentine's Day Icons are also now open-
Each one is $5.00 USD
For an order of 2 it's $8.00 USD
For custom undies (as in you link me, and want me to try and replicate something specific) +$2.00

If you want to order you can comment below, or note me. Either way is fine.
When contacting me for an icon remember to put the following
-Character Ref/Picture
-Character Gender
-Color of Undies (Red/Pink/White)
-Preferred Background Color (Red, Pink, Off-White)
-Quantity

I'll review the comment/note(s) and upon accepting I'll require payment to be sent to my Paypal,
Remember to do the following:
-Include your username on here
-Mark as Goods/Service
-And tell me what it's for (i.e.: Booty Love Icon)

---

Cash Goal for this Month:
Goal: $300 USD
Current: $188/$300 USD

Wishlist Items for 2014:
-B-Day Gift for darkcocoa
-B-Day Gift for arc-n-thea
-Partial Fursuit
-Con Money
-Deep Freezer
-39" HDTV
-Wii U

Cash Goal for this Year:
Goal: 3,000 USD
Current: $0/$3,000

---

Commission List

-donkyavetta - x1 (paid) - x1 (pending)
-maverickhunterdboy - x1 (paid)

YCHs Still Owed
-choaticstarpuppeh - x1 (Switched to V-day pic) (paid)
-nitetigrezz - (Christmas) x1 (paid)
-foxdragon - (Christmas) x1 (paid)
-mewmewkitty -(V-day pic) x1 (paid)

Art Trades
None

Alright, I do believe I've gotten most of the examples I need, though if I decide to do more I have quite a long list of eligible characters to choose from. c:

Thanks again everyone and keep an eye out for these icons going on sale on Saturday, February 1st!

Alright - so I'm offering 3 FREE ICONS - Of these icons!

I need want a few more examples of these icons before I open for them on Saturday (Feb. 1st)
So I'm going to take on 3 - Just 3 - FREE slots. You don't pay anything at all, if you want to tip you're welcome to - but these are free of charge.

How does one get to be one of the free slots?

Simple. You post below your ref, or a picture of the character you'd like the booty icon of - if I like. I pick it.
On these you cannot pick the underwear/lingerie/etc you'd like, I will (because I need a few more done and I want willing bodies to put it on XD)

But if you're interested and would like one - comment below.

Remember to Include
-Picture/Ref of character
-Gender of said character

Things I'm particularly looking for?
-A male (willing to have boxers on)
-A Feline (so I can do a feline tail)

Yup I has one now too. If you're curious, or just feel like asking me random stuff or whatever. You can ask it here - whether it's personal, business, or otherwise you can ask whatever you'd like. I won't promise I'll answer every question, but definitely most and I'll try to answer as many as I can respond to. c: So here's the link:

http://ask.fm/M1ntCh1p

I'll check it between every few days and a week, answer questions and what not and you can check and see if I've answered any. If I get some amusing ones I'll screenshot them and doodle a response as well as replying c:

It's come to my attention that although my frontpage list is covers most things, there are still a few things I don't cover - mostly because (I guess) I assumed I wouldn't need to explain them for some reason, but I figured I'd address this in a journal and link it to the new image Price Guide(when I post it). This being said, it's not that I'm mad - but these are a little more frustrating for me to draw - so I'll explain some of these below, and why they were added as well as revamping the list to make it - easier I suppose - to follow.

WILL DRAW
-Anthros (Of any species, including made up)
-Ferals (Same as anthros)
-Humans/Humaniods. (These are not my strong point and thus don't look as good as my anthros/ferals)
-Mildly bloody (I actually like bloody scenes, but I don't want like.. organs everywhere and what not. Zombies being an exception.)
-Couples (Any couple. Though I prefer straight, mostly because it's easier for me to draw. You know dude and chick proportions.)
-G to PG-13 (I'll explain this below the Will Draw Section. Look for *)
-Swimsuits, Bikini, Lingerie, Underwear. (Any of this in the clean variety.)
-Seductive, suggestive, or "sexy" poses.
-Baby/Cubs (I WILL draw them, but I won't draw any dirty with them. They are babies, it's wrong, kay?)
-Pregnancy (I used to draw this a lot, and again, clean please.)
-Pokemon/Pokemorphs
-Ref Sheets, Icons, Study Sheets, Sketch Sheets
-Up to 5 Characters

** G to PG-13 **
I don't do profanities, so no quotes with cursing. I won't do anything that is stripping of clothes, or any junk showing. (Basically no skin tight clothes that you can see dicks or nipples.) Suggestive stuff is fine, so long as it's no hands in places that shouldn't be. Suggestive in cute/funny ways is quite different that a girl pressed against a guy trying to feel his junk. Alright?

MIGHT DO
-Anime Style (On humans, not anthros. sorry)
-Comics (I have a hard time with these for some reason.)
-More than 5 Characters (for a lot of money. It'll cost a bit.)

WON'T DO
-Modern Anthro/Furry
-Porn/Adult Work
-Vore
-Rape/Bondage
-Inflation
-Fetishes (In general)
-Digimon/Zoids/Power Rangers (Or really anything robotic-looking)
-R-XXX

Simply What I Will and Won't Draw and Why

Most of you know that for commissions, and just general art - I don't draw "adult" artwork. I won't elaborate or explain this before if you really want to see why I don't, then you can go to my "adult/mature" account and read my front page there. It explains it pretty, in saying that I don't deny that on occasion (basically when I'm bored/want to practice odd drawings) I do draw mature/adult artwork. Though as of recent I haven't been drawing much of anything.

Fetishes also are on that list because, come on guys - if I don't want to be commissioned to draw just simple things like regular sexual scenes, why would I want to draw sexual scenes involving people eating each other whole or gorey scenes of (what some see as) sexual pleasure? So it just makes sense.

I've also been meaning to explain the Pokemon vs Digimon thing. I've drawn Pokemon, I actually like drawing them from time to time - whether they're pokemorphs or just regular pokes. Digimon, I've never watched/been into/drawn, not ever. I'm not talking about Digimon PEOPLE, I'm talking about the actual monster-creature-things. They be cool and all, but come on, most of them are just.. complicated. And you cannot deny that. On this note, if there are any fans of Zoids out there, I probably wouldn't draw them either, mostly because to make them look the way they should/make them good it would require a LOT of detail. So in saying all this, it's not some personal/hate thing, just simply professionally speaking I'd charge quite a bit more if I saw it to be too complex for my norm and thus I don't want to draw it. Kay? Cool. Onward.

Modern Anthro/furry, I dislike these. I'm sorry if some of you do/want your characters drawn that way but I don't like/won't draw them like that. To me, anthros/furries are meant to be more animal-istc, so flat faces and anime-cross over look doesn't suit my style or my opinion of the way they should look. Not hating on others that like it, but just don't expect me to draw it. Alright?

I may add more later - at this time this is all I have.

I don't get out much it seems, but I was wondering if anyone had seem some cool contests going on lately.
Mostly just for idle curiosity's sake.

And this month -january- seems to have been a flop or something. but it was like this last year. Perhaps next year I'll be ready a month in advanced and have some little YCHs to throw up and take the rest of the month off aside from that. might help. But it's a thought.

Yay for no more FA politics/drama for me for now anyhow. I'd like to keep myself out of that if I can. So if you find drama here, or whatever - please don't share it with me. XD I need to just focus on my own stuff that isn't drama. Like.. Art. Yup. That.

Alright *slinks off to get started* see you in a bit.

Alright, alright

So some of you (many or few) have seen either ways been going on or at least what was posted yesterday on the news bulletin. Alright, so this is in no way bashing - or bringing up anything. Just an honest opinion of why this makes me wanna laugh.

Regarding the News Post
MY understanding of what they posted was We see there is an issue here and we will address this later. So we're going to say "We will address this issue in the future" and that's it. I sat there after reading the very small news post an just sort of grinned, after all that has happened. All the people ranting and raving, jumping ship or staying strong. Whatever, they post a journal stating that they will make a statement later.

Let me phrase this better. They made a statement telling us that they would make a statement in the future.

Think about it. I swear I just grinned and went on with myself after reading it. Sorry, it just tickles me to death that instead of working out a statement, they tell us they will think of something to say, but assure us that they are working on something to say. lol I'm sorry, I'm picking too much - I'm going on.

Regarding the comments in the News Post
This is really what got me.

Alright, I get it, "Furries are drama" or "All furries are dramaqueens" "FURRIES WAH" Alright. You're on a Furry site, playing around in the Fandom of Furries. And you're bawing about "Furries" and their drama. Alright, well there are plenty of "furries" that actually don't want to be part of the drama. And some that particularly tried to stay out of it. Now most of my opinions have stayed off the web regarding all of this. And arc-n-thea and tofubread can atest to me having some vivid opinions. But they are opinions and apart from a few friends knowing, I feel no need to express them. Because honestly I have no dog in the fight. But the comments on that News journal were pretty well pointing fingers.

Now I'll be honest, I've been sitting on the fence and leaned over either side, I won't deny I don't actually know WHAT to make of all of it. Because honestly I want no part of the drama. So in saying that, I would never have asked/bothered worrying about any of it - if it were not for the Journal Spammage from a lot of respectable people I watch.

I'm also getting off-topic, but anyway. My point in this is how ironic is it. Particularly for some people to sit there one minute (not saying all are, just some I know for a fact have) and wave the furry flag proudly and then when the drama breaks out to hide the flag and point fingers at everyone else. Which honestly, is just another laughable thing to me. But this is human nature - not just furries - so there's a little news flash for them. Humans -typically- enjoy drama, gives something interesting to add to their lives. Mostly because whether your hot, cold, neutral or a fence hopper - you want your opinions heard just like everyone else. And very few people want to be the only one waving their flag - alone. Which is honestly why many of us (humans) don't do some things we want in life - simply because we are too afraid to be the last one standing.

Anyway

Thanks for reading guys, I hope you found some of this as funny as I did. Also - I'm curious. To any of you who read the 1st News post concerning "Project Phoenix" - what does everyone think of the idea of the layout? I never bothered asking, mostly because I've been.. buried under the drama of some of FA, my own personal issues, and of course my backlog artworks.

My personal opinion?
It could be improved. The operation of the site as a whole is all I actually care about to tell the truth. But the look of FA currently, I like. Some features "Search" and the Drop-down menus could be better. Nested notes, comments, etc could be added. Folders and some extra interfaces. Yeah those would be good and all. But my frontpage, my overall note system, those "stone-aged" things, are what I love FA for. I mean, FA, (even as crappy as the site runs at times) I still love the original design of it all.

And as an added note - to the fact that FA's users are partially what pays for the site (in advertisements/donations/etc) I being one of them, the advertisements should STAY on the top as well. The rotating 4 ads is good, and people love it because it brings in more people to their page. But putting it down to only 2 slots and on the bottom only is stupid. Seriously. The money earned from those paying people for ads is probably a big reason why FA can continuously run (as in being paid for, not as in site online status). So the overall letters, words, whatever on the top of the page should remain small so the 2 ads can fit on the top. Otherwise, I'll be sorely disappointed and probably won't pay for ad space. ever again.

This is a legit question, I find I'm often anti-social and unsure as to how to make friends or even really talk to people. Which is what scares me to death about going to MFM (Mephit Fur Meet) or FANGCon later this year (I'm going to one, but not sure which. probably FangCon if all goes well, but yeah) and I can admit I'm not sure how this will go for me. But I really really want to have fun and make friends.

So I'm going to ask you lovely watchers of mine, how do you make friends? Or even how do you just simply socialize and talk with people/strangers? And any advice on just how to be more social in general would be greatly appreciated!

So a lot's been going on obviously, so I now have a weasyl account as well. Any of you on there, that would like to watch me, here is the link:
https://www.weasyl.com/~mintchip

Please, guys, if you are on there, please watch me there too c: I'd appreciate it so much.

Alright so my last update was.... a week, wait TWO AGO?! Where's the time frikin going D< I am displeased time is running away from me and giving me no time to catch up. So between Dec and Jan, I've been hit with the Stomach bug, a terribly sore throat (for like a week), some sort of ear infection that left drainage in my throat (current affliction, got antibiotics today for it) and just, stress beyond what I really needed. Now it hasn't all been bad, the xbox (Fable 3 and Minecraft) have been sucking up some of my life and wii (harvest moon animal parade) truly distracts me from my work. And just.. no desire to do anything. HOWEVER. I am working, and I'm frikin determined to get all of this caught back up. Though the person I really owe an apology to is my Art Trade buddy, who has been waiting patiently for 3 months, while I bury myself beneath loads of artwork. So MUST FINISHED THAT D:

Any of you who have noticed my page recently might notice that there's a few things adjusted, my fiance - boyfriend, we had a bit of an ordeal and just, a mess of our current situation which has, for the time, completely postponed our wedding, and perhaps more. Just really difficult to describe without going into detail and although I appreciate and love all of you guys who are so kind to me - it is.. sort of just better to keep it between the few people who do know for the time. SO with that being said, until we get things sorted out, my page may be changing back and forth, just, pay it no mind - and pray for me please.

ALSO - I SURVIVED. They did more bloodwork this morning and THANK GOD, I didn't pass out again. lol But they did have to stick me twice ;^; once in each arm. Sort of sucked. But hey, could have been worse! XD But yup, got some meds to get me healthy again, and such. And I guess, I should also invest in excercising and eating a healthier so I can stay healthy. c:

Oh and one last thing - February will be Couples Month. So I may be giving discounts - not sure. Just depends. And there will be between 1 and 3 YCHs for Valentine's Day! :D So look forward to that!