The Tsunami on the Horizon

Just a short post today.

I've been busy working on a lot of larger projects, and some things that I cannot talk about. (I know, it's a surprise.) It's not a secret per se, but I don't know exactly how much I can discuss openly for the time being. Rest assured, when the time comes, I will be happily jabbering on about it all. That said, there's a LOT coming down the pipeline, and it's like watching a Tsunami of work coming at a distance. When it's here, I'll be consumed.

Mostly right now I'm just happy it's Autumn. Those who know me are well aware that despite my taking advantage of every opportunity to travel and enjoy, I am not as big a fan of summer as I am the cooler seasons. Summer is essentially good for playing on the waves in a kayak, swimming, or stays at the cottage when I can hang out in large bodies of water.

I recently said goodbye to the Print Company I've been working for the past few years. It was an amiable parting, and there are moments I miss it, but then I remember how much work I have waiting for me, and get back to the grind.

This past weekend was a return visit to Hell, Michigan with some of the most fun ladies I have ever met. Yes, it was deeply kitschy and full of puns (alas, we were lacking in handbaskets and snowballs) and it was amazing. There's something about sitting around a campfire on a cool evening with dear friends, drinking cider, and either singing or simply chatting and catching up on the last few months. I made friends with an Alpaca named Frodo, a couple of horses named Jackie and Smokey, and had ice creams as Screams Ice Cream & Halloween shop.

Frodo doesn't want to be petted, he just wants to sniff. As closely as possible. 

"Look at all the stars
We've come so far
Even if we don't know where we are
It's gotta be somewhere great"
~ Ludo

At least they're aware of how horrid the roads are.
They are indeed paved with mere good intentions.

Scream's Ice Cream. Worth it for the weird. 

The best experiences are the ones you share with friends, laugh your way through, even the moment you realize there's no toilet paper in Hell. 

The "Shit" Saga continues.

It's not a bad thing, I promise.

Back in 2011, I posted about traveling hundreds of miles to give someone shit, literally and figuratively. It is definitely one of my more popular travel stories. You'll want to read that post if you haven't already. This post is far funnier if you know the back story.

And then it gets worse. Well, maybe not worse, but definitely continues in true form.

For New Year's Eve I decided to visit the same friends in their current home in Las Vegas. I'd never been to the city, and felt it was high time I worked out a visit. We arranged details in advance, and the trap was set.

Upon meeting up with Justine & Kyra the morning after my arrival (my flight landed late at night) there were hugs all around, followed by Kyra fleeing to her bedroom, to return with a small box in her hand. It was letterpress stationary, with "Shit" embedded in the top of the small cards. This was, of course, hysterical and probably one of the best Christmas gifts I've ever received. She also told me that when she purchased it the clerk behind the counter seemed skeptical of her choice, so she had to explain why it was funny. The clerk was amused.

So was I, for that matter, both that she remembered and that she had actually gone through with continuing the joke.

The joke was on her, however, because her 19th birthday was only a week or so away. Her family was going to Hawaii for their vacation, which would be happening over her birthday. When Kyra was out of the house, I asked Ray & Justine to give her a birthday card from me, with my conveniently Shit themed cards. I did a few doodles on the paper, and left a little birthday message for her, popped it into the envelope, and sent shit to be given to her in Hawaii.

This joke has gotten a lot of miles behind it at this point, from St. Louis, to Vegas, to Honolulu. I'm gonna have to meet Kyra in England or something to top this. :)

Since I should likely comment on something art related as well, I have to admit I was somewhat impressed and fascinated by Las Vegas. I didn't gamble, because I know my luck and if I'm going to throw away money I'd rather spend it on a show or something so I will at least have an experience and memory to take with me. I did quite a bit of photography in Red Rock Canyon, which I found to be beautiful if a little cold. (It's January in the desert. It's not always hot.)

I also got the chance to explore the Venetian, Cesar's Palace, the Wetlands, and some amazing restaurants. There definitely needs to be a repeat trip sometime to explore the Neon Graveyard, and a few other places I missed. Oh, and more Cirque Du Soleil. Zumanity was fabulous, and I look forward to seeing O and Ka sometime,

The Alexander Kush gallery was also a highlight. It's rare I get to see the work of another surrealist up close, so it was a great opportunity.

The Current State of Disarray

Just a generic update:

Life has been INSANE lately. I landed a job with a game distribution company, which involved moving several times, (and still currently looking for a place to live), along with the associated chaos of a changing schedule, and having to juggle commissions. There might also have been a certain best friend's wedding involved. My schedule is FINALLY beginning to relax, and I can actually plan for the next few weeks. Of course, now that I've said it, my free time will vanish in a poof of busy.

My company (the "day" job in which I do graphic design & marketing) is sending me to Chicago for a weekend for the Chicago Toy & Game Fair. I cannot tell you how excited I am about this trip. There will be visiting with an old friend of mine, Deep Dish Pizza, and depending on how the weekend plays out, visiting at least the Art Museum, and maybe a cultural center or two. It's been years since I've been able to spend time in Chicago, so I'll be working and playing as hard as possible to make the most of my time there.

The Transmigration of Cora Riley reached not only its funding goal, but several stretch goals as well. Including the Livestream event, where backers get to watch me paint and her write (and ask questions). I'm both excited and nervous about this, since I don't generally enjoy having someone over my shoulder while I'm working, but it might not be so bad if it's a webcam. The next few weeks will see the book cover coming to life, and I'm really excited about being part of the whole kit & caboodle.

Also back on staff to run the Ad Astra art show again in 2014, planning a trip to Seattle hopefully in late summer of 2014, and beginning plans to go to the Dominican, New Orleans, Europe, and Taiwan in the next few years. It can be done, and there will be related art.

Of course, the smaller adventures and teensy museums will be posted to Tumblr as I travel.