BEWARE THE CUTE!!

Don't say I didn't warn you. :D

 ciasmiviolette is desperate. She's "Now, Opening Commissions"

Economy has hit me hard, especially in this city. Ever since I moved up here in Columbus, I've failed to get a job time after time again. Its at the point now that we're almost a month late of rent. I'm down my friends house typing this up now just to get the message out.

I am opening up emergency commissions

$5 each - Glossy Pawprints

$10 - Sketch

$20 - Inking

$25 - Inking and digital Base color

$30 - Full detail coloring

(+ $5 for extra characters)

If you are interested, please reply via journal, note, or email.

I can be reached at thypinkithkytichan[at]gmail.com

Sil and I lost a good friend who will be missed by the entire fandom.

 furp, known to many as Furp, and to his friends as Patrick Reed, was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident, when he was struck by a drunk driver near the 29 Palms Marine Corps Base (California) where he works. It's little consolation, but the driver, a Marine, is currently in custody.

Here's the news blip: http://www.insidesocal.com/news247/.....n-twentyn.html Feel free to leave a comment.

Go and leave a shout in his FA if you knew him and let him and others know he's missed. http://www.furaffinity.net/user/furp

He will be missed. :(

*sits solemnly.*

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1958814

by  hamon

I only just saw this when I got into work and can't listen to it yet. But I encourage you to pop over and give it a listen...for those of you who knew Mel, and for those who didn't, let Hamon know how he did.

*Hugs*

Swift

Phil's official forecast as read February 2nd, 2009 at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob:

Hear Ye Hear Ye,
On Gobbler's Knob this glorious Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2009,
Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of all Prognosticators,
Awoke to the call of President Bill Cooper,
And greeted his handlers, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths,
After casting a joyful eye towards thousands of his faithful followers,
Phil proclaimed that his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers were World Champions one more time,
And a bright sky above me.
Showed my shadow beside me.

So 6 more weeks of winter it will be.

From the official source... http://www.groundhog.org

PITTSBURGH STEELERS ARE SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS!!!
WHOOOOOOOOOOO!!
HERE WE GO! STEELERS, HERE WE GO! PITTSBURGH'S WON SIX SUPERBOWLS!!


Just got back from Station 2 where the neighborhood was dancing in the streets to Engine 2's flashing lights, the wail of the sirens and the blasts of the air horns to celebrate our victory!!

Of course...I have NO claws left after chewing them all down to the nubs.

SUPERBOWL CHAMPION PITTSBURGH STEELERS!!!

http://www.furaffinity.net/full/1952178/
by  robocoon

*still bouncy!*

Swift & Sil

Music Videos!

One new...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csVUkpZpzpg

One classic...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At69PJ3ymIg

GO STEELERS!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XUdoNla4TU

Steeler's Fight Songs on WDVE 102.5 Pittsburgh, PA
http://steelers.dve.com/pages/09fightsongs.html

GO STEELERS!!

Hi folks!

As we wait for folks to return to their keyboards after an exhausting weekend in San Jose, let me pose this question for folks.

What's in the works for the cons coming up in the next six months??

FWA...Megaplex...FCN...Morphicon...RCFM...AC?

I know about the CubHub...they have great mixers at AC and a few other conventions. Does anyone have any panels on the schedule for any of these cons??

Here's what I had in mind for Morphicon...The Theme is "Inner City Critters" Along with the milk and cookies, I was going to model it on sidewalk games & activities. I was going to definitely set up a hop-scotch board, get some jacks and a jump rope. We could also get a few people in a circle to play hot potato, or duck-duck-goose.

We've sat around and had the "Formal" discussion the last few years and honestly I think I've exhausted the topics to talk over. Besides, most of that information, if you're looking for it, is only a post away to the right forums. Perhaps it's time to interject a little "fun" time? An hour of "recess" as Cargo Weasel has been trying to inject into Anthrocon's schedule.

Comments? Questions? Folks that want to jump up and host a panel like this?

*Hugs*

Swifty

In preparation for the lull in artz over Further Confusion weekend.

"I...I think I'm ready to weather the dry spell." the little fox yerfs nervously.

Are YOU ready??

*Hugs*

Swifty

Congratulations Pittsburgh Steelers on their 23 - 14 AFC Championship Win over the Baltimore Ravens!

Whoooo!! And we're going to the SUPER BOWL!!!

So go ahead... Give us the bird again. As you can see...We can take it.

*excited and bouncy!*

Swifty

Last night the fur who had reserved our room for FC called and told us that they just lost their job and can't afford to go to FC. Out of respect, I won't name names. We checked last night with a couple friends who we knew were going also, but they don't have room for us. So that leaves us with no room at FC.

I just got off the phone with Southwest and we were able to get a little better than half the cost of our airfare refunded after the cancellation penalties. We don't have another con or destination in mind, within the next six months, to transfer the reservations to. If they had waited another day to tell us, we would have lost it all so that's a blessing.

The $374 loss is a wash though...that's less than what we would have spent on our share of the hotel room and food.

Sorry folks...I guess this comes as a big surprise, but Sil and I were never really planning to be at Further Confusion this year. You've been foxed. Thanks for playing.

*disappointed*

Swift

Hello Furry gamers and Happy New Year!

Do you enjoy running Table Top RPG's or boxed games? Are you an avid CCG Player experienced in or wanting to try to host a game or limited tournament? Perhaps you're an active LARP'er and would like to try your paw at hosting a one off LARP? Maybe you've got a crate full of mini's and want to set up the opportunity to play with others?

Are you attending Anthrocon this year?

Then I'm looking for YOU!

I'm Swift Fox and I'm heading up the Table-top Gaming Track for Anthrocon 2009. Anthrocon is the world's largest convention for those fascinated with anthropomorphics, which are humanlike animal characters. We are a collection of artists, animators, writers, costumers, puppeteers, and just everyday fans who enjoy cartoon animals and their kin. This Summer we will convene at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA, from July 2-5, 2009 for workshops, panel discussions, an art exhibition and a dealer room, and much more! Our theme for 2009 is "OMG Aliens!"

Right now I'm looking for furs who want to share their talent, imagination and skills as game or tournament hosts for their favorite table top role playing game, board game, CCG, miniatures game or LARP. Games need not be furry themed. We've had folks run "Paranoia," "Apples to Apples," "Settlers of Catan," "Magic; the Gathering," and even "Warhammer" at cons before. If you want to step up and host it, we'll give you the time you need and promote it by putting it on the schedule so others can see it.

If you are interested in hosting a game, tournament or demo at Anthrocon 2009; If you know someone who'd be perfect that I should contact; I encourage you to touch base with me at foxesden AT hotmail.com if you have questions, suggestions or just want to open a dialog with me.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Glen "Swift Fox" Rockhill
Table-top Gaming Track Head
Anthrocon 2009 "OMG Aliens!"
July 2-5 - Pittsburgh, PA
www.anthrocon.org

http://www.furaffinity.net/full/1844972

Here's to a healthy year ahead!

*Hugs*

Swifty

Our wish to each of you for a happy, healthy and safe holidays!

*Hugs*

Swift & Silaria

Okay, it was a test to see how long it would take for me to finish three digital con badge commissions.

I took them five months ago, according to FA, and I just put the finishing touches on the last one tonight and sent it off to the fur who commissioned it as a gift for a friend.

Commissions are Closed while I deal with the Holidays and start of the New Year. I tend to have a little more time January through March to work on little projects so I'll probably open myself up for another three badges come the new year. If you're interested, keep an eye out here.

My focus now is to get Lessons in Lace; Day 4 finalized and posted here. I'm getting about two chapters proofed each day for the second round of editing so I'm still on target to post it before Christmas.

In closing, I'd like to thank Arakin, Rama and Kahn for their patience.

*Hugs*

Swifty

Oh man...what an ending. It's still powerful even after having read it and knowing what's going to happen.

The first Edit of the draft is complete. The story has been expanded to six chapters after I added another 8 pages of text across the original length.

I found a few holes in the story that I filled and I worked to add some more depth and description to help draw the reader into the story.

The second Edit will pay close attention to the few sections of new story I added, look for writing and spelling errors and identifying any other areas where a little more definition might improve the telling.

I'm on track for a final release before Christmas. If that's not enough "Lessons in Lace; Day 5," the story's conclusion, has been started.

Keep watching.

*Hugs*

Swift

[EVENT] Pittsburgh's Monthly Fur Meet!
Pittsburgh's Monthly Fur Meet!
When: Thursday, December 11, 2008
Time: 7:00 - 9:00PM
Where: Panera Bread on the Blvd of the Allies in Oakland

Come and relax with friends old and new; break out your sketchbook and be creative over a warm cup of chai; play cards and other games; or surf the web on Panera's free WiFi connection.

The meet is what you make of it, so come on out and have some fun with fellow Pittsburgh Area furs and don't forget to wear your art badges if you have them so we can put a face with a name!

For more info and directions, go to http://www.swiftsden.net and scroll down to the section for the "Monthly Fur Meets!"

Hope to see ya there!

Swift Fox

I just had an interesting transformational commission idea just pop into my head and I have to put it down into words.

With all the fire calls we had this weekend, next time I have some spare money, I should commission an artist to draw Swift transforming into Ashes.

Scene 1; Swift is working/lounging/surfing the net at the fire station when the pager sounds. "Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep!"

Scene 2; Swift slides down the fire pole, black spots begin to show up on his shortening and lightening tawney fur. Still more fox than dalmatian, the transformation can be seen in the early stages.

Scene 3; While doning his boots, Swift's ears have gone floppy and his fur has shortened and is nearly white, the black spots clearly visible. His muzzle has changed from vulpine to canine and his tail has thinned nearly to dalmatian thickness and length. The transformation is nearly complete.

Scene 4; Ashes, fully transformed, in fire coat and bunker pants, carrying his helmet stepping onto the fire engine.

It's a start. :)

Swift

Hi guys! Swift helped me to get the pictures I took at MFF uploaded to Timduru's Photo Archives, so you'll find them under his name here...

http://fursuit.timduru.org/view/Fur.....;startitem=151

It starts on the next to the last row on the linked page...and there are more on the next three pages!

This one is a personal favorite.

http://fursuit.fr.timduru.org/ids/a.....FF2008_028.jpg

Jade was having trouble acclimating to his FIRST fur con. So Ashes was on hand for some fursuit silliness. :)

Enjoy!

Ashes

Hey folks!

Morphicon is little more than six months away and I have a travesty on my hands. A programming track without artist's willing to offer up an hour or two to pass along some tips, tricks and basic techniques to the new crop of Furry Artist's.

I'd like to see about six panels to make up an Art Track at Morphicon 2009, May 15-17, in Columbus, OH.

Basic Composition; Pencil Sketching (Traditional)
Applying Colors; Markers (Traditional)
From Scanner to Software (Digital texture & coloring.)
Tablet Tricks (Digital)
Drawing Erotic Art (Adult)
A Life Drawing session (Perhaps with a fursuiter or two.)
Iron Artist

The above are suggestions. There's already going to be an Artist's Social and if someone wanted to incorporate an Iron Artist session with it, that would be great.

What we need are artists who are planning on attending Morphicon, who feel confident enough to share some basics with convention attendees. Interested parties should e-mail Cadpig at cadpigjr AT cadpigjr DOT org or e-mail me at foxesden AT hotmail DOT com.

Thank you for your help and consideration,

Swift Fox
Programming Director
Morphicon, May 15-17, 2009
www.morphicon.org

Event: First Night Pittsburgh Furry Gathering! http://firstnightpgh.com
When: 4pm, Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Where: Inside the Wood Street “T” Station, Street Level
Wood and Liberty Avenues, Downtown Pittsburgh, PA

Join with us as we take in the festivities and revel in the events of Pittsburgh's First Night 2009 Celebrations and howl in the New Year with fireworks and furiends!

Furiends old and new are welcome to take part in this annual Pittsburgh furry event which is fast becoming a holiday favorite full of cozy warmth and friendly cheer.

Held on the coat tails of First Night Pittsburgh 2009, now in its 12th year, the event is a community- and family-oriented, alcohol-free celebration of the arts. Revelers enjoy - and in some cases, join in - the multiple, simultaneous and continuous performances of dance, music, song, mime, story telling, theater, poetry, film, video and multi-media presentations."

That’s only the beginning! There’s much, much more to see and do at this the last Western PA Furry event of 2008 and the first of 2009!

The First Night 2009 website has been updated and the buttons which get you into all the venues is still $8. They are available at the Box Office at Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue, Downtown) and at participating Giant Eagle stores. The schedule of events is also up and available to peruse. The big name indoor performances are the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Pittsburgh Symphony Brass Quintet with two performances at the Byham Theater and Pure Gold, Pittsburgh's premiere oldies group, takes center stage at the Benedum! Both these require vouchers. Vouchers are available at the Theater Square box office.

Now that December is here, it's time to let us know how many folks to expect. Please RSPV by replying here or e-mailing me at events AT swiftsden dot net with "First Night" in the subject line. Then, mark it down on your calendar to spend New Year's Eve with friends at the annual First Night Furry Gathering.

*hugs*

Swift Fox

Well, I've got a month left to meet my 2008 resolution to create and upload one, original piece of art each month. I had Mehndi and Simba over on Friday and they disqualified two of the pieces I had counted. They may have been finished in 2008, but they were drawn prior to this year.

So I managed to create the six "Butt Badges," a gift badge for Pixie, and gift art for FoxChild & IceFox. That's 8. :( I've uploaded a bunch of other stuff which was adding color to someone else's line art, photos or stories, but they don't count.

So I'm gonna be 3 or 4 pieces short for 2008, but considering that 8 pieces has been more art than I've created in that many years, I'd say the resolution was a success none the less. It gave me a reason to draw and create more, something I've been lacking in years past.

I'll carrying over this resolution to continue it in 2009. I got closer than I thought I would so it's a goal that's at least attainable.

*Hugs*

Thanks to everyone out there who's been watching and supportive!

Swift Fox

MATCHES: *snapping his head around to look at Swift.* "What!? It's...Longshot con?" *black ears wilt*

LONGSHOT: "Mmmarf!" *Happy husky smiles and tail wags*

MATCHES: *Looking sharply at Longshot.* "It's Matches Con like it's been for the last five years!"

LONGSHOT: *cocks his head sideways*

SWIFTY: "Well Matches, since the theme of Midwest Furfest is"...*dramatic stance and deep voice.*..."North! To Alaska! I thought it would be nice to give Longshot here top billing."

ALASKA: "Did I just hear my name?"

MATCHES: *Idly to Alaska.* "No…you didn't 'Laska. It's just the theme of"… *with emphasis* ..."my con! *Looking at Longshot and Swifty in turn.* Matches Con! Not Longshot Con."

LONGSHOT: *pathetic husky whimpers*

MATCHES: "Hush you! It's Matches Con 'cuz it starts with an 'M.' MFF...Matches Con. Ant'rocon...Ashes Con. Morphicon...Rescue Con" *adds quietly from behind his paw.* "Though it starts with an 'M' it should be mine too; but Rescue will beat me up if I mention that again."

LONGSHOT: "Marf, marf, marf?"

MATCHES: "What? Dude, there's not even an 'L' in Midwest Furfest. Face it fluff, you can't have top billing at my con. It's not even fair. Besides, all you're doing it pandering to a theme and displacing a fox, which is somehow fitting since huskies are the new fox in the fandom.

LONGSHOT: "Grrrrrrr" *The husky growls angrily at that last statement. Then he pauses for a brief moment, recognizes the truth, and lets out a joyous.* "Marf!" *happy husky smiles and tail wags.*

MATCHES: "So it it settled then?" *looking at Swift, hopefully.*

SWIFTY: "I guess so. What do you think boy?" *looking at Longshot for confirmation.*

LONGSHOT: "Mmmarf!" *happy husky smiles and tail wags*

SWIFTY: "Longshot says he'll let you have top billing, just as long as he gets to go too."

MATCHES: "Fine." *mumbling* "I can't believe I had to defend my con from that slobbery muzzled husky."

ALASKA: "Why aren't I going? I'm a polar bear. I'm from Alaska."

MATCHES: *face paws*

LONGSHOT: "Marf!" *happy husky smiles and tail wags*

While I love having a "little" side, there are some interesting side effects and skills that must be learned to get along in life. "Plushie Diplomacy" is just one of many, especially when mine are real and out number Sil and I 200 to 1. Lucky for me, I'm a world class snuggler and those are in high demand in the plushie world.

Safe travels to everyone who's traveling today...including us.

See everyfur tonight! Whoo hoo! Chi-town, here we come!

*Hugs*

Swift and Ashes.

ASHES: *whispers to you.* "Every con...is an Ashes Con." *chuckles*