A tough one....

Hey all.

Sorry for the lack of updates this week. Been busy and the last couple days have been fighting yet another nice bout of depression.

Its looking inevitable that once again, I might have to cancel another convention appearance. My plans for Dallas are on the chopping block. Why? Well, money. Our bills have piled up beyond belief and we are struggling to stay afloat (as are everyone else) and Its gonna take a nice chunk to get me, the wife, my son and best pal down there and back safely and comfortably. Gas prices way high, no guarantees on what my sales would be like down there. Its all up in the air.

Note that its not 100% definite that I am going to cancel. I am hoping for a miracle. But dont be surprised if a couple days before I have to pull out. I'll make the decision that week. I am hoping I might hit a spring of some good commissions to get done with lots of money from overseas, or a surprise bonus check from the wife comes in, or my FREE COMIC BOOK DAY appearance gives me something to work with. All in all, its looking so-so right now. I'm depressed about it, even though, yes, it HASN'T occurred yet, I am preparing for what is looking to be inevitable.

Somehow, someway, I am always screwed out of what I want to do. what I NEED to do. I have been saying for months how I need a vacation. Well, I am also smart enough to realize that I have to provide for my family. I got a slew of new commissions this past couple weeks (thank you very much!) But I just used that money to keep us afloat for this next week. I gassed up the car to full, I bought a ton of grocieries and needed supplies for the house and paid off a couple bills that were hounding me. I am grateful for that, believe me. It feels good to provide for my family and get myself out of debt using my art. You have NO IDEA how that feels. It feels fucking awesome!

But still, it derails my plans for what I was hoping would be my only vacation this year. Every now and then, I deserve a break too. I give and I give myself away. Seems every time I turn around someone wants more money from me. Some unknown bill doesn't get paid and I get late fees. My check is lower than expected. Money I am owed doesn't come. etc. We're ALL in that same boat it seems. And the first thing to get cut is pleasure. I cannot remember the last time I went out and had a spending spree on DVDs, CDs, etc. I've bought a Bluray here and there if it was on extreme sale. Nothing new. I gotta find "Alternative" means to get new things I want.

So wah wah. Poor little me right? I don't want to bring you folks down. We're ALL going through this right now. Its just the way the world is now. We've amused ourselves to death and we'll be paying for it till we die. So-- My plan now is to just booze it up and wait for a miracle. Come what may, we'll see. I hope something connects and I can still go. I don't even care if I do well at the show. I just want to fucking go. I think I've earned that.

Okay, rant over. Lets move on...

--Like I said, done a TON of commissions this week thanks to the commission drive. I am raising prices hopefully this weekend I can work on the website and update it all. I am also making flyers for the FREE COMIC BOOK DAY appearance here in Lansing, MI. Come on out if you are in the area!

--My parents had to endure 90 MPH winds in Southern Illinois this past week and did $9,000 damage to their roof! Thank God for home insurance, eh?

--Things ordered will be mailed on monday. You have my promise.

--People who win auctions on ebay and don't pay for 7 days can shampoo my crotch. Just saying.

--I wish football season were on right now. I'd love to see some sports action. Sports I am way into anyway.

--New Doctor Who tonight. Hopefully I remember to watch it.

I guess thats it folks. Thanks for reading. Pray for a miracle for me and in your own lives. We could all use one right about now.

Luvs, T