Kid's Birthday Weekend

Celebrating a long Labor Day weekend with my boys. I couldn't get them last week due to the move and I can't get them next week due to Horror hound. So I am enjoying as much (sleep deprived) time as I can with them. Here's the highlights...

A pile of the boy's presents!

Scotty celebrated his bday on the 1st. Good thing I could knock them both out on the same weekend.

Little James turns 4 on the 10th but since I can't get him that day today is the day we party!

James wanted to play cars so I made a makeshift town on some cardboard. Racetrack on the other side.

James discovered youtube and watching vacuums and toy vacuums videos. The kid's obsession with vacuums continues.

I did have time to finally finish the nerd center of our living room.

Also worked on an auction piece for the benefit at Horrorhound.

Even got to slap some colors on it.

And here's some inks on some Pleasant Life 2 pages.

Depending on how much the kids let me work today I might be able to squeeze out some more pages on various things. But right now I am on about 5 hours of sleep. And I assure you my energy level is at a 1 out of 10. I'll manage.

Anyway Happy Labor Day my friends! Take it easy and enjoy yourselves.

Cheers --T

Unpacking it All

Hey friends.

Well the house is about 85% where I want it. There's still a few things to find new homes for and just random stuff laying about that needs to be put away. But overall, we're pretty much done with what we needed to do. We're back to work and getting into a new routine around the new place. I have a list of shit I gotta get done and then its back to book making.

I'm getting excited to for a few reasons, but I got a new one this week and I might as well go ahead and tease it here...

I hired a colorist.

The story in a nutshell is that a longtime listener of the podcasts I've been a part of decided to reach out and offer his services on my stuff. I thought a lot about it and after seeing his skills, I gladly accepted. I mean, check out what he did:

A page from STARSLAM 3! Wowza!!!!

A pinup I had laying around. He added the entire background! Man does it look killer or what?!?!?

To be honest, I was hesitant because I didn't know who he was and I'm so used to just doing everything myself that I didn't want to accept help. But I remembered times in my life where I reached out to people I barely knew and it developed into friendships and sometimes projects together. So I learned to just accept the help.

I've never collaborated before on any of my own personal work. But after seeing the work Andy did on my art, I just had to take him up on his offer. It really lights a fire under my ass to get this book done and see what we can come up with. I think he will make a wonderful partner in this and who knows, maybe more in the future! I got plans/schemes.

So everyone welcome Andy to the Starslam world. I got a feeling its going to be a good thing! MUCH more awesomeness to come!!

Lately in my mind I've been trying to revert to a state of mind where I was happier. I notice that I have been enjoying music I liked back in the 90s to early 2000s. I've been on a big Metallica and Pearl Jam kick lately. I'm reverting back to the times when I didn't think so hard about stuff and just did what came natural. I pursue the purest action I would take when presented with something. Its a refreshing thing to clear the cobwebs and just get things rolling like it used to be. I'm sure its not going to be an overnight process, but I will strive to continue the upswing I am on. Who knows where it will lead? To good things, I am sure.


Next weekend I will be at HORRORHOUND INDIANAPOLIS to help with the Caleb Stevens Memorial Fundraiser! On Saturday at the show from like 2-7, I will set up at the 12 Gauge Gore booth and do commissioned art for donations. 100% of the money earned will go to the fundraiser. There is a silent auction as well for many awesome collectibles as well as raffles to win prizes. To learn more about it check out the events pages right HERE - Horrorhound mentioned the event on their recent podcast and over their site, so they are heavily supportive of the fundraiser. And that's why Horrorhound is the best fucking magazine in the world.

No other appearances or plans beyond that at the moment. Just focusing on getting shit done. I got a long list to do and now I got some help. We're gonna rock this muthafuckin' party out!

Cheers, T

Move Achieved!

Whew! I got wifi up and running so I can finally blog. We're officially moved into our new home here in East Lansing!

The move itself, sucked. I knew it would. Last time I moved my stuff, I was 50 pounds lighter. So I knew my being severely out of shape would hamper how much I could physically help. I share that with a lot of shame but confident that we are working to change it. So most of the moving relied on Kitty D's strength. With her stuff finally added to mine, we had quite the pile to get through.

See? Both our lives in one big ass pile!

I've been preparing for this move for a few months now. I hate living in boxes. I really do.  We got our keys Friday morning and moved over some stuff we didn't want to get damaged in the move. Tv's, Comp, etc. Saturday was the big tuna. We rented a 15' Uhaul and started loading at 9am. Around 10:00 my pal Jacob came and man was he a lifesaver! He brought all the boxes down as we loaded them. Then Kitty D's friend Kyle showed up and then we doubled our efforts. We did all this as it was constantly raining! That kind of sucked, but kept it cool as we went about our work. We got the truck fully loaded at 11:45. Record time, I thought! I cannot thank them boys enough!

After that, the 30 minute drive to East Lansing, where we started unloading the truck. Around 1pm, my pals Damian and AC showed up and man were they bringing it! By this time, Kitty D and I were totally destroyed from moving all day. But they came and really got us going. We got everything unloaded by around 3:45. It was awesome! Again, still raining but then it finally let up toward the end, natch. I cannot thank them enough either.

I took a mini bath in the sink because we couldn't find the shower curtain yet and did a much needed change of clothes. Then we drove and dropped the Uhaul off and hit up Harrys for some food. We actually had not ate anything all day! So eating something was quite welcome.

We came home and started tackling the unpacking. She napped for a bit while I set up my comp and desk area. Then we tackled the bedroom.

DVDs, NES games and Blu-rays! The nerve center for all things US!

Still so much to get through. About 75% of these boxes are books!

We got the bedroom mostly set up and unpacked the kitchen. Today I am going to be working on the living room and making this place feel like home.

Next weekend I got the kids Sunday-Monday as I have Labor Day off. I will be celebrating their birthdays with them in one shot to save time. So either today or tomorrow I gotta head out and look for presents for them. Once I get everything set up I'll share some more pictures and all that.

I'm glad this move is done. Its weighed heavily on my mind. And there are aspects to it that aren't exactly ideal and some minor disappointments to the new place, in all honestly, I like it. Its laid out exactly like my old place over here was a year ago. In some ways it feels like I never left. I guess I wanted to recapture that feeling in some way. Like here is my new home. Fresh new start.

2016 has been a rough year so far. I don't need to recap it for you. But this move to me represents a clean slate/fresh start that I sorely need right now. I want to get back to a rhythm to re-drop the weight I have gained and get my head back into finishing my projects in comics and writing. I got no excuses now. Kitty D and I are going to make many great memories here. Definitely going to make the most of our time here and just enjoy it as we can. We got a plan to emerge from here a year later as better people in many ways. But for now, I will continue to open up the boxes that contain my life and find new homes for them.... preparing for what is to come.

Let's kick some ass here in East Lansing!

p.s. Fuck moving.

---T

The Work Continues pt. 2

I hadn't planned on blogging again so soon, but I got a round of info that needs to go out regarding my friend Caleb Stevens and the benefit for his family.

First up the GO FUND ME is still active. Every dollar helps. Please consider tossing them anything you can right HERE - There is so much to pay for in the future. Medical, Housing, Schooling, etc. The list is too great to really fathom. So far the goal has been beaten twice but there is always room for more! Please help out my friends if you can.

Moreover, if you want to get something for your money donated, my offer still stands and will stand through SEPTEMBER 11th: ORDER ANY BOOK OR COMMISSION THROUGH MY ONLINE STORE BY CLICKING HERE AND ALL MONEY EARNED WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THE GO FUND ME! Thank you, I appreciate it. Help me, help you, get something cool. Thank you.

Lastly, if you are in the Indianapolis, Indiana area on September 10th, you can come see me at HORRORHOUND Horror Convention for the Caleb Stevens Memorial Fundraiser. I will set up that Saturday at the 12 Gauge Gore booth where they will be raffling off prizes, doing silent auctions for awesome rare collectibles and exclusives. But I will be setting up at times throughout the show where I will do drawings for donations. Sketches, full pieces... whatever. And hey, maybe even get them TATTOOED at the show by one of the artists there! Who knows, man. Just come out and help support the Fundraiser. All donations and money earned go to the Stevens family. And if you are at the show, hit me up either Friday or Saturday night and we'll have a drink or ten together! I'm looking forward to it.

Here is the Flyer with all the info on it.

_____________________________

Well, this weekend was a whirlwind of emotions for me. I attended the funeral for Caleb and it was easily one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But I'm glad I got to talk to his family and meet some more of his friends. It was good therapy for all of us to do that. I think all our fellow co-workers were there. We've never had to deal with anything like this before and certainly, our world has changed. The main message I got from the talks there was that Caleb was someone who lived in the present. And often I fail at that. I'm always dwelling in the past or worried/disappointed about my potential future. I just shadow through the here and now. So I am going to try and make a concentrated effort to change that. I have the gift of time and who knows when that will end for me. I need to spend it more wisely. And that is what I will do. For him. For myself.

After the funeral I went to a wedding my girlfriend was in. I felt completely out of place there because I was still reeling from the funeral. She wanted to go with me, but I urged her to continue to be there for her friends while I did for mine. I could tell she wanted to be with me, but so it goes. We went and I managed to crack a smile or two there. But I did feel so out of it while I was there. And I didn't want to be the sour puss at a wedding. But I got by fine.

A few hours later, we came home. I sipped on a few cocktails and just vegged out. I was just enjoying the silence with my girl. We fell asleep in each other's arms. The lesson of this weekend hasn't been lost on us.

This next week will be full of things I got to get done. So barring any major event that comes up, I won't probably blog until after this coming weekend. SOOOO much to do. But now we wrap up our time in Grand Ledge, Michigan and I return to the Eastern side of Lansing. Onward and upward, as always.

But this time, the spirit of my friend rides with us. He will light our lives each day. While this funeral does offer "Closure" to some extent... I know there still is much more work to be done. There will be Horrorhounds. And the Drive Inn show we planned to go together to in Mid-September. I'm still going. Because he'd want me to. And his spirit certainly will be felt there. It will be hard. The days ahead will be hard for us all. But we'll get through it. And we got three people to help out for him for the rest of our lives. I won't forget that. Nor him.

Thanks for reading, my friends. Onward.

--T

The Work Continues

I didn't think I'd blog again this week, but I am. Seems like its my only outlet sometimes. I have so much to do, so little time and the clock is ticking.

Today has come a day I have been dreading. I'm going to a funeral for a friend. I know I will cry. I know it will hurt. I'd rather get 10 teeth pulled without pain drugs than to face this, but I have to. Its hard to truly express my sorrow and anger at this moment. If you've heard any of my latest podcasts you can hear it in my voice. I know he wouldn't want me to feel any of these things. But one thing I've learned about grief of any kind is that you have to let yourself feel it. You cannot run from it. Getting it out in any form is a good thing.

Today will be a demonstration of the two extremes one can face in life. First a funeral for a dear friend, and then going to a wedding for my girl's friend that she is in. Death and new life, all in the same day. This morning, the bride is getting ready and she's excited for her life ahead. Meanwhile at my work, Caleb's cubicle is cleaned out. His loved ones are preparing to gather to say bye (for now) to him.

It's all so surreal when you reflect on it. Love and death, its all a part of this existence that we dwell in. The ride goes too fast. You want to get off it and take it in once in a while, but sometimes you just don't have the time. Maybe indeed, time is the fire in which we burn. (Star Trek reference there, for those who care about such things)

As for me, life will move on. One week from today I'll be packing a truck full of my things and taking it 22 miles East to my new temporary home in East Lansing. Back to the same apartment complex as I was in over a year ago during my divorce. I liked the place well enough to go back. In the end, it was a poor decision but one I had to make. Because in a year I have to move again back to this area for my kids. So it goes. At least I got a free deposit out of it and the rent is decent. The place is smaller, but it will do. And I am sure I will make some good memories there again. As opposed to last time when I was crying everyday and barely getting any sleep between the two jobs I had to work to rebuild my life. But I survived that.

I will have one year there to get my life on track. There are several things to focus on: Artworking, Diet, Exercise, Mental Health, Finances, My Relationship, etc. So much "adulting" to do. The big questions must be tackled and wrestled down to the mat. The time to truly "get busy living or get busy dying." A lot rides on the next year of my life. Its a transition, that is for sure.

I'm going over there to live my life as best I can. I hopefully transition to the better "me," whatever that means. Because in a year, I'll get my kids back living with me like it was. Well, what it WILL be. A new normal for them. I'll get to feel like a full time dad again. I'll find a new rhythm of life and try to be great at it. While around me, the craziness of the world keeps ranting and raving.

But in the end, I'm still me. I will hang my new movie posters and a picture of my friend on my wall. I will reorganize my Cds, Games, Vinyl, Comics, DVD and Blu-ray collection for myself. My prized possessions. Oh, and some of my nerdy toys too. All of it proudly on display next to my books and art. I'll make room for my girl's things and she gets to find a new normal for herself as she decorates her first home with me. Those will be happy things. I look forward to it.

Of course right now, mentally, I'm a mess. So, I spent time with myself last night just listening to old podcasts from eight years ago. All my old comic friends in my head as I picked up a pencil again finally. I was gifted with seven pencilled pages. I made borders and inked some of them partially. Pages for Starslam 3. Secret Project. Etc.  While I drew, the thoughts of everything going on left me and I was just in the work. The pages came out great. You'll see them one day soon. The work continues.

That's what I gotta keep reminding myself. Tragedy and sorrow is not the end of the story. Especially Caleb's story. Yeah, it sucked what happened, and it will suck for a long time. But we will get through it. Because life does continue. And taking on his best traits and remembering his spirit we live on and become better people. We still retain who we are and we do evolve and grow. We stand up to tragedy and face everything thrown at us. It's our best trait as humans. Our will is strong and it gets stronger as we carry those we love with us. Its like the Quickening in Highlander. We get stronger to defeat what's next. And the work continues.

Today I will feel sadness. But I will also feel joy for those two lovebirds who will tie the knot. I will come home and spend time with my girl. And tomorrow I will get my boys and hug them tight. And pack a box or two, to get ready for next weekend.

...and maybe I'll find time to pick up the pencil again. Because the work will continue.

Onward and upward,

T

I'm Ready To

Hello friends. I'm up early on a Monday morning so I thought I'd write again.

There is so much to do in the next two weeks. I've been dreading a lot of it. Let me try to unpack it all for you.

First up, I've retooled and finished the Caleb piece I showed you guys the sketch of last week. Here is the finished version:

Joe wanted to use that as the basis for the fundraiser flyer that he needed built. So I did it and here it is. If you are in the Indianapolis area on September 9-11th stop by the 12 Gauge Gore booth at the show. I will be there Saturday drawing for donations to go to the fundraiser. If you know someone going to the show, pass this flyer to them. I appreciate it. 

One last drawing of Caleb: I did this commission piece from a friend for a friend of his. I gotta go deliver it today. 

It's going to be a long week preparing myself for this weekend. There is his funeral and then a wedding to go to. I have to go find a nice shirt that will fit around my massive gut. But I'll get it done and get through it.

I'm ready to. 

___________________________________

As life starts to chug along, I'm back to finishing commissioned work. Here's a sketch of an image for a client. A 17th century seductress, of sorts. I plan to finish the final two drawings this week for him. I HAVE to! 

Meanwhile, I'm working hard to get myself into some sort of routine for dieting. I'm six weeks off of soda and exercising when I can. Its been a crazy week so my routine fell off. But I'm showing up and getting it done when I can. I gotta get rolling on it more this week.

I'm ready to.

Then next weekend: THIS....

I've been living with my crap in boxes for months. Well, all my life it seems. In two weeks I will do my 31st move. And one year later, my 32nd. Its already pre-determined. But I will make the best of it. Kitty D is ready to also unearth her things and make the new place "Ours." I'm ready to share the space of my life with her.

I'm honestly tired of looking at that pile of boxes. I'm tired of packing and unpacking my things over and over again. One day, I'll get a final house. That's all I want. A place that I can finally call HOME. I want that so much. I'm ready for that.

As I weed through the stress.... The pain all around me, the boxes filled with my life, the drama of changing tides, the weirdness surrounding old lives, the death of a dear friend, the ever-tightening belt line, the emptying of my wallet, The plans that don't come together, the dreams that always take the back burner, the plans of travel that get put off....

I know I'm just ready to hunker down and get it all done.

It's time to do it. Seriously. It's time.

Here's to happiness in my new life. From this day forward, I'm not afraid. I'm not running away from it. I'm ready to face it. Finally.

--T

Something for Nothing

Hello friends. I didn't plan to blog this week. But my head is filled with random thoughts and my sweet dear girlfriend Kitty D told me its always best to "get it out" in some form. Either write it in my personal journal or share it publicly. So I decided to do it here. Forgive the randomness as I chase the whimsies in my mind this time around.

First of all, some new media talk. I watched the finale of PREACHER. I gotta say, I like where it is going. There's enough there that makes me interested in continuing. There's a lot of things I liked and didn't like about this first season. But the final shot of the finale to me is worth the price of admission alone. I won't spoil it, but for a fan of the comic series like I am, its all I've wanted to see from the beginning. They seem to be making things go on track to follow more of what I am familiar with for season two. So we got some exciting stuff coming. Maybe the trip to NYC and Si, Cassidy's friend. Or perhaps a visit with Grandma, Jodi and the animal loving TC. Its all coming. Very exciting.

I'm going to see Suicide Squad hopefully this weekend sometime. Early reviews say its not very good, but I'm learning to judge for myself. Plus at least I get to look at Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. That's gotta be worth $5, right?

Some new movies I've watched: Martyrs (Eh, interesting concept but too torture porn for me), Return to Class of Nuke Em High (I liked it, but where is part two already?!), We're the Millers (It was okay but I cannot recall laughing much during it), Samurai Cop (EXCELLENT!), Star Trek Beyond (Good. Better than I expected), I am Thor (Excellent Doc), Deathgasm (Fun but kinda blah in parts), He Never Died (It was okay.) Resurrection of Jake the Snake (Good Doc if you are into classic wrestling) and finally watched some episodes of STAR TREK The Animated Series that I either haven't seen or I don't remember that well. Always good. 

On my work, I have not done all that much this week. On Monday I had to take the kids at 6:30 am for a bit and drive bots to Okemos so I came back to catch up on sleep. That jacked me up for sure. Yesterday I wasn't feeling it so I watched PREACHER and did other stuff. Over the weekend I helped my pals Colleen and Caleb move (good exercise!) and then got drunk with Kitty D and her pal Jessica while playing some Cards Against Humanity. Sunday I had the boys all day. James helped me pack some more stuff for the move.

Ah, the move... In 23 days I will be moving into my new place in East Lansing. To say I am anxious for it is an understatement. At this point I just want it over with. I've been living around boxes of things for months now. There is lots of things to do and juggle until I get those keys. And I'm not looking forward to any of it. This will be my 31st move in my life. Yes, you read that right. I'm just over it. What is worse, in a year's time, I have to move again, back to this area so that I can take on the boys via joint custody and be in their same school district.

In some ways I will miss Grand Ledge. Its quiet. The building I'm in is pretty. But I'm anxious to get out and find some space of my own. I moved into this apartment with my ex girlfriend and it didn't turn out so well. So I am moving back to East Lansing, almost the same apartment I had before. Just restarting it over. But this time, I am moving in with my new girlfriend. We're going to try to build a life together. So far, despite all the shit that has been hurled our way though life in the short time we've been together, we've weathered it all and she's the most stable thing in my world right now. Thank the Lords for that.

But anyway, yeah, we are moving over there. Looking for quiet to start our world together. Becoming a well oiled machine and a team. We've got lots coming to tackle together. At least we get this time to make sure its all going to work out. Let's be honest: My track record for relationships hasn't been good over the years for various reasons. And this is my self imposed last shot at it. I hope this one lasts because she is the greatest thing to happen to me in a long while. I don't know what I would do without her at this point. 

Reading the social media news: Two artist pals of mine are doing extremely well. My old college pal Jay Fosgitt is now working for Marvel and doing all sorts of gigs. My old podcast pal Mark Brooks is doing excellent on his Han Solo books and even George Lucas has taken notice! It makes me so happy for them and inspired. I remember Mark telling stories about how he worked as a waiter, eating Ramen for months and poured all his money into art supplies and his time into his work. It has paid off. I've seen him tear up when he got certain honors. No one deserves success at what they do more than he does. And Jay, I know has struggled through various things over the years and has come out always swinging. Always with a rocket in his ass to keep going and doing things he wants to do. He's developing quite the following and getting tables at shows that all want him there. Its great to see!

Both of these dudes and a few others I've known over the years are hitting newer heights with their goals. I'm proud to know them and to see their success. It goes to show you that it never serves you to hold back from your dreams. You work hard, be patient and just keep kicking ass. Keep learning, growing and on to the next piece. As an artist, find your spot. Carve your place out. Maybe someone will notice. But in the end, art is not for other people. It's for YOU. It's your therapy. It's your dream you made come true. No one gave it to you.

I'm struggling folks. I'm trying hard to get fit (went to gym last night and OUCH!). Been off soda and caffeine for over a month now. I'm trying hard to keep my head in the funny books and get things done. I juggle so much in my life. A full time day job, keeping people in my life happy, paying off all bills, kids on the weekends... my time is very limited. Its almost as if the stars have to align in a certain way for me to get things done. All I want to do is work on my art and my writing. I want to finish things and stretch out and get better. I want to deliver my best. Its the struggle all artists go through.

My life has taken many twists and turns. Many ups and downs. I desire to just be at peace. I want to work hard and finish my books. I want to launch new projects and keep people interested in what I'm doing. I want to buy a house and never have to move again. I want to have a savings and be able to tackle anything that could happen, or have money to get or do anything I wanted as it came.

All of this will come... if I put in the work to make it happen. There is no grand secret in getting what you want. In life, everything comes down to one simple manifesto: IF YOU WANT SOMETHING BAD ENOUGH, YOU'LL FIND A WAY TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. Everything else is just bullshit reasons you tell yourself why you can't do it. Any success in life, job, dream, relationship, etc comes from hard work. You can't get something for nothing.... take it from RUSH:

"Something For Nothing" RUSH Album: 2112

Waiting for the winds of change
To sweep the clouds away
Waiting for the rainbow's end
To cast its gold your way
Countless ways
You pass the days

Waiting for someone to call
And turn your world around
Looking for an answer
To the question you have found
Looking for
An open door

You don't get something for nothing
You can't have freedom for free
You won't get wise
With the sleep still in your eyes
No matter what your dreams might be

What you own is your own kingdom
What you do is your own glory
What you love is your own power
What you live is your own story
In your head is the answer
Let it guide you along
Let your heart be the anchor
And the beat of your own song

All of us here have goals. There are things we want. Things we must do while we are chasing the dream. But what emerges is the fruits of our efforts. Make it happen, folks. Make it happen. I've seen people chase it and come out with victories. So can you.

Have a good week/weekend. Thanks for checking back as always. Onward and upward. 

--T

Thoughts pt. 287

He emerges from hobbit cave of internet silence to blog once again.

Hello my friends. lots of things going on. Lots to juggle. Lots of future to plan for. Despite me saying I'm taking a break from commission stuff for a bit, I've taken on some more commission work to help that future come along. Its from a trusted source so it should go smooth. I also got my Starslam 2 books back from the printer. Cheers to all who helped make it happen:

So I am busy filling out sketches and orders for that. Tons of work to do there.

I am busy packing my house for the eventual move to East Lansing in August. And I just secured an exciting deal to get joint custody of my boys next year! But that means I have to be closer to Scotty's school district. They are doing so well with his autism and to change his environment might be a step back for him. So once my lease is up over there in East Lansing, I have to move back to the area! (sigh) It is a juggle, but its for the good of Scotty's education. I was hoping to possibly put a down-payment on a house next year but I still have some financial fallout from my divorce that needs to be solved in order for that to proceed. It will take two things: Money and time. It will happen, but not without yet another move in my life.

Seems like all I have ever done is move. At least 30 times in my life have I moved my things to a new temporary "home." My co-workers are buying houses and fixing their houses. They are younger than me. As much as I am excited for them, part of me kicks myself for not being where they are. I know I will get there, and my circumstances are different. But I desire to mow my own lawn and paint my own walls. I think I've earned that right.

Someday.

I'm still saddened by the events in Florida last week. I usually check news sites more often now that I am avoiding social media. The political landscape is a complete mess. And in entertainment news, we get the sad news that Anton Yelchin (CHEKOV) had passed away due to a freak accident. I liked him in the first 2009 TREK movie. As well as the Fright Night remake and the Terminator Salvation flick. I saw this online and thought it fitting:

So what have I been doing on this break so far? Well, I have mostly sat and caught up with TV and Movies. Not much reading yet, but I will. I got two new Neil Gaiman books to start plus the new Doug Stanhope book. I also scored some new comics like Mark Brooks' on HAN SOLO for Marvel, Ted McKeever's PENCILHEAD and of course INVINCIBLE. And I've been working on new stuff of my own as well: 

Got some help here. James loves to erase daddy's pencils.

Been cooking a lot too. Here is James enjoying one of daddy's famous hamburgers.

I took my girl out to the best breakfast place in town: GOLDEN HARVEST! Here's a fun little toy from the wall in there.

Been taking the time to do a lot of drinking as well!

In addition to my NES collecting addiction, I got into more games on my iphone! I've been itching to play some RPGs but haven't been able to get Dragon Warrior 2-4 in the box. Wayyyyyy too expensive! I got Dragon Warrior 1 complete in the box but I beat that when I was a kid. Searching on the apple store I found you can buy and play those same games (with some graphic updates) on your phone! To wet my whistle about it, I got Dragon Quest (original name for Dragon Warrior) on my phone and have been playing it all weekend. As of this writing, I'm on level 21 and have to go get the Rainbow Drop to make the bridge to go to the last castle. Almost there. Then I'll get Dragon Quest 2 and kick its ass! Some screenshots: 

Right after I beat the green dragon and rescued the princess.

Stupid townsfolk.

This weekend my oldest son is coming to stay with me for a bit over the summer. I'm really looking forward to it. We'll spend the next week or two together and celebrate fourth of July weekend. This weekend I am taking him to southern Illinois to visit my dad and show him where his family comes from. He's never been there. And I'm long overdue for a visit myself. I'm looking excited to hang with him and take a little trip for the family.

Coming up I have NO convention appearances. People keep asking me. I'm not going to any comic cons for a long while. Next show I do will be a book focused indie show. Not sure when that will be but I just want to spend some time with myself chasing the whimsies, doing domestic duties and producing work. I'm still writing, drawing, etc. But at a snail's pace. I hope you all understand.

Anyway, back to my dark cave until I have something new to say. I hope life continues to treat all of you well. My love to all of you!

--T

Various Updates

Hello friends! Its been a great hip hoppity happy time here at Castle Adam. I got a ton going on that makes me super super happy lately. But I don't have time to really get into all of that right now. But I owe you folks an update on things in general, so I thought I'd write.

Progress on Starslam 2 is so-so. Coloring is 99% finished and I plan to get it in the can and start balloons this week. That's my goal. We're so close to getting this thing finished and out the door. I know you all are waiting. I'm just living some life at the moment. Indulge me.

Pleasant Life 2 is still on the burner somewhere. As is this horror mini comic thing I want to do. As is the porn store book I've been writing for years now. But the story ain't over yet!

I started a little bit of page work on a new GN. I don't want to say what it is yet. Doesn't matter because I don't see it coming out for another two years. So, to talk about it now would be a bit of me verbally jacking off... and I do that a bit too much. I just share this knowledge in the fact that I'm working on things and thinking about the future. More on this to come. In fact, here's the first page:

Hmmmm.....

This past weekend was EASTER and I got my boys to celebrate with me. They were the usual handful and got up at 4:30 in the am! I'm always out of whack when they come to visit me. My patterns get changed and it usually takes a day of recovery to bring me back to normal. 

Me and My Best Friend.

Silly Butts.

For Easter Dinner I made some Pork Chops, Taters and Chicken Dumplings. James LOVES my dumplings!

Upcoming appearances have a little update. I will be back at Summit Comics (formerly CLEMS COMICS) in Downtown Lansing for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, May 7th. I don't have the times yet but I've already put my hat in the ring for a triumphant return! I am bringing the last of my print cards and I am hoping to get rid of the goddamn things. So they will be going for CHEAP! Bring yer quarters. If anything, it will give me laundry money!

Also don't forget I have MOTOR CITY COMIC CON coming up in May 13-15th. I hope to move all my prints there so I don't have to worry about the damn things anymore and I can focus on just books!

In June it looks likely I will be going to another Horror Convention, this time in Indianapolis. Its great fun to have a little vacation where I can go to a show and walk around as a fan and get drunk. And Horror Con crowds are a special breed. I'm finding myself loving it more and more. Hopefully look into a table at some next year. We'll see.

On the diet: I'm staying strong and I'm down around 15 pounds. I joined a gym this week and I am hoping to get a regular exercise routine going in my life. Probably late at night when I get out of work. Seems ideal. I went for the expensive one so I can go either to Saginaw Rd near my work or East Lansing/Okemos where my pals Dean and Mjit go. So I have options for gym buddies. Just gonna start walking then some weight training. We'll see.

I've boxed up most of the stuff around here, which frees up some space for my crap. I'm getting my own shit like plates, kitchen stuff and things for my eventual move to East Lansing. Its happening sometime early August. Official end date here in Grand Ledge is Sept. 1st. But I am hoping to be long gone before that. I need to buy myself some furniture for the place and I've already started making decorating plans. I bought some frames to make all my pictures hang and look consistent. Its exciting but a daunting task! I got a bunch of crap I am gonna get rid of, either sell on ebay or sell here on the blog. We'll see. Mostly books and stuff I don't need. Wish me luck on that! All proceeds go toward the "GET ADAM NEW FURNITURE" movement! 

I feel like there are a ton of other things going on as well, but I think I'll just leave it at this for now. Thanks for coming back and reading! Enjoy the spring, my friends!

--T-Dizzle.

The Big Changes to Come

Hey friends. Yeah last night I posted this blog about my total weight gain for the year, 50 pounds. Somehow in the back of my mind, I was telling myself that I didn't deserve to wake up in the morning. Like I was going to die in my sleep. Dark eh? Well, I was blessed with waking up today and its a chance for a fresh new start. Believe me, I don't look at that lightly. I do feel a certain change and a "Alright, prove it then" from the universe. But hey, I did it before, I can do it again and go further! After I type this blog I am going to go out for a walk. It all begins now. I'm tired of living this way.

Starslam 2 is still in progress. I have three pages left to color and then words to happen. I have a timetable in my head of when it will be done. Don't worry. You will see it very soon!

This past weekend I had my boys overnight. We all had fun together. 

After that I drug my ass out of the house to enjoy some drinks at my friend Crystal's house. I met her roommate and his GF and they are awesome people. I drank waaaaaaaaaaaay too much and ended up passing out. Then got up at 6am, vomited outside and then headed home to sleep some more. I was messed up all day. 

Screwdrivers and Schnapps. Shut ups!

This little girl kept me company at Crystal's house. Man, I want a cat!!

This week I signed a lease to a new apartment. Its a one bedroom back in East Lansing, the other side of town from where I am now. I started back in January 2015 moving there, and then moved here to Grand Ledge on the west side of town in July. And now in August I am moving back. Same lower level, building across from the one I was in before.

When I lived there I didn't really get to enjoy it much. I was nursing a broken heart and working two part time jobs, getting no sleep. I had no bed or TV to speak of. It basically was like a storage unit for my stuff and my life. I was honestly barely there. But toward the summer I started to enjoy it. I had one or two days off where I spent time at home working on stuff and jamming to records. I opened the window and took in the breeze and jammed out. Its a small one bedroom place but plenty for me. I found that I missed the apartment and the area. East Lansing is where MSU is. Younger folks. More shopping and cool culture to see. Grand Ledge is super nice but away from the hustle and bustle. I could use a bit of noise in my life. Thats why I decided to move back. I looked around for other apartments but this one just seemed right. So I am going back. 

Here's the sample living room from their site. Mine will look similar.

A small--ish bathroom, but its all you need.

Only "complaint" I have about the apartment is that the kitchen isn't that great. Cabinets are old and no dishwasher. But honestly, thats ok. At my size I don't need to be spending lots of time in there anyway. Just stock up on some fruits and veggies and get it done!

Sample bedroom. I got a queen size bed now that will fit in there nicely. No more sleeping on the couch like I did when I lived there last year! I will have a real bedroom! When I lived there before I didn't even use the bedroom. This time, I hope I will. All sorts of shit is gonna go on in there! Naughty shit... like reading and sleeping! HA!

I've already started helping Misty pack her stuff so she can move it to Detroit. I'm happy to help and it gives me something to do. I probably won't start packing my stuff until, probably June. I'll keep my stuff out and try to enjoy the time I have left here in Grand Ledge.

This next time I will have all new matching furniture and an actual adult looking design scheme. This one is all me. No compromise. I'm avoiding thumb tacked posters on the wall. Everything in frames! That is as adult as I can get. Actual matching furniture and decor. Clean slate, fresh start. Every apartment I've ever had I shared with a roommate or a significant other. This time its all me and I'm in a good head space to make in truly MINE. So let's see what I can come up with.

I'm excited for the move. I'm excited for the changes I'm going to do with my dieting. Its about time I grew up a bit and got rid of this shit that has plagued me for too long.

BUT - I can sit here and type it all day long. Its time I go out there and make it happen.

OFF I GO!

T

New Home/New Office!

Hey all!

Life returns to "normal" after my tiny weekend excursion. I've been working a CRAPLOAD of hours at both my jobs. But hopefully some respite on the horizon. In my downtime, I've been busy moving stuff to my new home in Grand Ledge. Yesterday after work was a big day. We cleaned out the office area and set it all up. Here are some pics:

All my furniture is no more. We're using hers now. No more rickety old art desk. Its all sleek and profressional.

One half the office is mine, the other is hers. Works out nicely!

We both love it! I moved my computer over this morning after work and that is the area I am typing from now. I'm going very minimalist this time around. But still, I gotta display SOME toys am I right? Especially my Gojiras!

For lunch yesterday my girl treated me to a place in North Lansing called MEAT. And I had one of the best pulled pork sandwiches I've ever had! Check it: 

Meat is off of Grand River and they have Star Wars and heavy metal albums on the walls. Iron Maiden was playing when we walked in! Its that kind of place. Highly recommend!

This week its back to hardcore work schedule and a few other things to take care of. Saturday we're taking a make up trip to see some of her family, then Sunday is my RUSH concert. I'm looking forward to all of that! Its gonna be a busy, stressful week to say the least.

In other news, don't forget I will be at the GRASP COMIC EXPO June 27-18th. Its an indie comics show and I will be conducting a panel there about sketch cards. Check out their FACEBOOK page right HERE. I just got Pleasant Life books back in stock so I am coming loaded, baby! I won't have the cash to do a print run of my new prints, unless I get a miracle freelance check. You never know. Times are tight right now though.

I am working out deals to possibly do more shows later this year. I just feel the itch to get back out there and let people know I am alive and making new shit. I've hit a nice stride of productivity and I need to continue to kick ass on things to make this career happen for me again. I also signed up for another sketch card set. This next one is gonna be a doozy! I can't wait to start!!!

I've been rocking on Starslam pages and small pinup pieces for the con season. Busy! Feels good. I'm on NO SLEEP, but things are beginning to line up the way I need them to. 

Anyway, that's my latest. Take care my friends!

STARSLAM NOW AVAILABLE and MOVING!

Hey folks! I finally, finally, finally took the time to update the ONLINE STORE and added STARSLAM. So you can finally directly order that book by going there or HERE or the link to the right. Only took me 5 months, right? Shows how behind I am. Now I just gotta get that digital sales push thing going.... but thanks for your patience. Don't have STARSLAM yet? Order now!!

I opted to head to my apartment tonight to apply for more jobs. I also scanned in artwork for STARSLAM 2 and did a few other office related things I keep putting off. I also glued together my mom's jewlery box that was broken in the move here back in January. I moved into this apartment in January and celebrated it as my first solo apartment. Free of any relationship or roommate for the first time in my life. I spent a lot of time dealing with things in this place. Many nights up late upset because of everything that happened this year and also just dead tired from working two jobs as I have. Its been a crazy road. Well, back in February, I met my girlfriend and things have progressed. Oh how they've progressed. And the decision had to be made: Do I renew the lease here or do I move in? We were both skeptical for obvious reasons. But the decision came and went and its true: I'm moving in with her in August.

When I made the decision, I was a tiny tiny tiny bit sad because I do sort of like this apartment. I spent some good time here working on myself. Its a transition place. I have a complete space that is "mine" and I like the location. Close to campus and my favorite spots. Also close to my work and nice in the summer. I will miss it. However working here late tonight, I have a different feeling. Its cold and lonely here. It doesn't feel like "home" anymore. More like a place that is a storage for my stuff I haven't sorted through yet. And sort I shall. Because I have to redecide what to put up and how to put it up. She's giving me carte blanche to pretty much do what I want, but I don't want to go in and ruin what is already at her place. We have two very different styles of design. I think she has a better eye for it. Me, I got a bunch of junk I've been hauling around for 37 years. I'm slowly getting my collection back. Its been nice. We're also getting things TOGETHER. Like albums, Blu-Rays, etc. Its been good to share my stuff with her. And she's welcoming me with open arms. All of me. Its a good feeling. She doesn't eye roll at my things, but thinks it is cool and wants to dissect and learn all about them. Wow!

So yeah, I am left with this feeling of "Man I can't wait to get this move going!" And it shall happen. I've already started to slowly move stuff over. Probably starting next month I will get more serious about it. I have a blazer truck now that I can use to haul my things. No need for a uhaul. Some furniture I am parting with and hopefully a few boxes of crap I don't need for the next phase of my life. So there is work to be done. But I am looking forward to it. And so is she. I think she's grown attached to waking up with me there. And me too. Its a great feeling to have. She digs me and I dig her, a lot.

Here's to happiness and hopefully not having to move again for a long damn while!

T