Im sitting at work sad as fuck. Neil Peart is gone.
My two closest friends texted me within five minutes when the news broke. Dean, who has been a lifelong Rush fan hit me with the news first. We saw Rush together on their last tour in 2015. A couple minutes later Shane, my lifelong brother in life and music, texted me the news. They both knew how I would feel. They both share a deep love of music with me and an even deeper understanding of what this loss means.
Neil Peart wasn’t just a rock drummer. He is probably considered to be the greatest drummer who ever picked up the sticks. That is a debate, considering your own preference and musical interests. But any rock musician would put him in the top of their lists of influence. His methods, perfection and skill is absolutely beyond estimation. But Neil wrote all the Rush lyrics. So those words, were influenced by all sorts of fantasy and literature, who did comparisons with history and the psyche. All of it was from him. And the lyrics had substance. It went beyond just kicking ass and chasing chicks. Its not common in rock radio to be talking about integrity and honesty in a radio hit (Spirit of the Radio). Or even breaking down a love of a motor car (Red Barchetta). Or using history as a parable for a futuristic story about humans enslaves by aliens, inspired by German concentration camps that his bandmate’s family endured (Red Sector A). Or fuck, the granddaddy of them all: rebuttal of a totalitarian society who controlled and subdued creativity per potential rebellion, and it was a comment on their current state in their industry as artists (2112).
The examples go on and on. For me, i connected with lyrics about just wanting to be the cool kid in school, when I wasn’t (Subdivisions). And knowing you have to work hard to make your dreams come true (Something for Nothing). But today, i’m thinking about Neil, his life and the life of those whom I hold dear in my life and whom I share a love of music with. Its a garden to nurture and protect (The Garden).
Im sitting at work, devastated. Ive cried a lot today. Im sitting in silence. I want to turn on some Rush from my phone, but I don’t even know where to start. I’m not sure I can right now. I know it would turn me into a blubbering mess. Its yet another thing that changes for me as I grow older. You love a musician or an actor or an artist. They die, then you come back to the work and see it in a different way. Sad that its the end and you now have a complete body of their work, knowing nothing else will come from them. Amazed and sad at their work and performance, because it means so much to you. You use their art to define you and who you are. Like when I watch Star Trek now, I cry. Because I love those folks and miss them. He same it shall be now for Rush. I won’t hear it the same way again.
But most of all, I am grateful to have lived during the lifetime of those whose work spoke to me. Im grateful they gave me their art and grateful for who they were. Neil was a great man. A monster musician. A monster writer. And a humble, quiet, peaceful person. He endured the sudden loss of his daughter to a car accident, the loss of his wife to cancer and found happiness in continuing. He leaves behind a daughter who will have to find her own way now to cope without him. And he was so humble that even when he is considered the greatest, he cared enough about his craft that he re-learned how to play with teacher Fred Gruber. He changed his style and made himself better, without ego. That shows how much he cared and wanted to continue to grow and learn. He didn’t crave the attention or the limelight, in fact he ran out of the stadium after the last cymbal crash to avoid it. He came, he played and he gave it all to us. The best. The greatest. And he showed us how to be a great person.
This loss is incalcuable. For me on a personal level, it is devastating. I will not be the same again. RIP Maestro. The Professor. Thank you, beyond words.
“The treasure of a life is a measure of love and respect.
The way you live, the gifts that you give.
The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect.
So hard to earn, so easily burned.
In the fullness of time,
A garden to nurture and protect.”
—The Garden. RUSH off of CLOCKWORK ANGELS. Lyrics by Neil Peart. RIP
Showing posts with label rush. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rush. Show all posts
Friday, January 10, 2020
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Post-Thanksgiving Gobble Gobblez
Hey friends! Turkey Day has come and gone and I gotta say it was a relaxing weekend all around. EXACTLY what I needed!!! I took time off from everything and just did my best to relax and spend time with Kitty D. We watched movies, munched on leftovers and just enjoyed each others company. Of course tomorrow I go back to work with the overtime at the day job. No rest for the wicked!
On Saturday I ventured out and finished 95% of my Xmas shopping. And even got a couple things for myself. Some discount blurays and this:
I watched a couple newer flicks too.
GREEN ROOM - Eh, it was good, but not spectacular as some told me it was. Worth a watch.
GHOSTBUSTERS (Remake) - Not funny. Not BAD, but just not funny. In the end, it gave me no reaction. To give it the same review a pal of mine gives a movie: "It was a movie. I watched it."
Last week I also got a tune up for my car to make sure the winter months ahead are not a problem. Also an oil change and tire rotation. I think I'll get the alignment checked as well this week to be 100% on point with my car management skills. Meanwhile, I'm back at the day job until Xmas doing overtime hours and saving my pennies for 2017.
I will be having a special announcement soon here on the website for new fun (and FREE) content from me! Stay tuned!
Anyway, its back to our normal lives... whatever that means nowadays...
Cheers, T
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| Over the break I enjoyed some new media... like the new Metallica album and Rush documentary. Both essential. |
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| Will be excellent for my house party game collection! |
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| Miss Lily Munster "helps" with the wrapping of the presents... |
GREEN ROOM - Eh, it was good, but not spectacular as some told me it was. Worth a watch.
GHOSTBUSTERS (Remake) - Not funny. Not BAD, but just not funny. In the end, it gave me no reaction. To give it the same review a pal of mine gives a movie: "It was a movie. I watched it."
Last week I also got a tune up for my car to make sure the winter months ahead are not a problem. Also an oil change and tire rotation. I think I'll get the alignment checked as well this week to be 100% on point with my car management skills. Meanwhile, I'm back at the day job until Xmas doing overtime hours and saving my pennies for 2017.
I will be having a special announcement soon here on the website for new fun (and FREE) content from me! Stay tuned!
Anyway, its back to our normal lives... whatever that means nowadays...
Cheers, T
Wednesday, August 03, 2016
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:
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
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
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
RIP Art Desk, RUSH and Job Woes
Hey friends. Welcome back. First up, some pics of my old friend who is now gone to that great dumpster in the sky. From around 2004-2015, I had an L shaped desk that I used as my primary art and computer table. It went through lots of hell and several moves across the state to the various places I've lived in the last 11 years. At one point a year ago, I broke it down to just one part and threw the rest away to make room for a new stand up and slanted art table... which later broke cause it was a cheap piece of shit! So I kept the last bit as my art table/computer table. It was loud and squeeky. Those who follow my MORNING SHOW PODCAST will recognize its squeek in the background. But no more. I tossed it in the trash because my GF and I are sharing her desk. Its brand new and will serve me well. But I had to document my final moments with my old faithful. Here's some pics.
So in the trash it went. Out with the old. Ready for the new. But I will miss her.
This week I had a job interview for a place I REALLY wanted to work. It woulda fit in well with my lifestyle needs and woulda paid me great. I didn't get called back for the second interview. I was very bummed to say the least. I've been running myself ragged working 70 hour weeks at two jobs and I woulda very much enjoyed some stability, along with nice pay and benefits. I got very angry and hurt and I feel trapped by time and my circumstances. But an old friend reached out to me and gave me some much needed words of encouragement. He said that I should use this as more "FUCK YOU FUEL" to fuel my drive to do art and make that my life. He's right. I often lose sight of those things I am truly meant to do. The temptation of wanting a big nice house with big nice things to collect dust just sometimes gets the better of me and I don't realize how great I've got it. I've hit a nice stride in my productivity and my new art and projects are even better than what I've done before. I'm reaching out and hitting the road more, with plans to go even bigger into it with 2016 coming around. I'm finally loose to go get what I've earned. I can't let things like what others THINK I should be doing or earning at my age sway me. I gotta take a shot. Now or never. I'm sorry I lost sight of that. So I shall work my jobs, work my books and be patient. Cause the shot is coming. And I'm going to take it.
Anyway, on to some funner things! I saw RUSH this week for possibly the last time. It was a great show and I had a great time! Here are some pics:
My pics sucked so here are some other pics of the show I got from online:
All in all, a great weekend. Some ups and downs, but we're headed upward. I got a 70 hour work week starting in an hour so I am gonna head out. And rest assured at the night job I'll be penciling away at my new shit. I'm making it happen. Just you watch me go.
Cheers, T
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| Here she is. Last time together. |
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| Among the scratches is some scratched in graffiti! Twisted Sister represent! |
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| A close up of the damage done over the years. |
This week I had a job interview for a place I REALLY wanted to work. It woulda fit in well with my lifestyle needs and woulda paid me great. I didn't get called back for the second interview. I was very bummed to say the least. I've been running myself ragged working 70 hour weeks at two jobs and I woulda very much enjoyed some stability, along with nice pay and benefits. I got very angry and hurt and I feel trapped by time and my circumstances. But an old friend reached out to me and gave me some much needed words of encouragement. He said that I should use this as more "FUCK YOU FUEL" to fuel my drive to do art and make that my life. He's right. I often lose sight of those things I am truly meant to do. The temptation of wanting a big nice house with big nice things to collect dust just sometimes gets the better of me and I don't realize how great I've got it. I've hit a nice stride in my productivity and my new art and projects are even better than what I've done before. I'm reaching out and hitting the road more, with plans to go even bigger into it with 2016 coming around. I'm finally loose to go get what I've earned. I can't let things like what others THINK I should be doing or earning at my age sway me. I gotta take a shot. Now or never. I'm sorry I lost sight of that. So I shall work my jobs, work my books and be patient. Cause the shot is coming. And I'm going to take it.
Anyway, on to some funner things! I saw RUSH this week for possibly the last time. It was a great show and I had a great time! Here are some pics:
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| Before the show. Our seats were high up, but in the Palace, any seat is good. |
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| The three stooges are ready for some rock and/or roll! |
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| My pics from our location suck balls. So here's the only thing I can share. |
My pics sucked so here are some other pics of the show I got from online:
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| The master! |
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| I was excited to hear them do "Roll the Bones." A closet favorite tune of mine. |
All in all, a great weekend. Some ups and downs, but we're headed upward. I got a 70 hour work week starting in an hour so I am gonna head out. And rest assured at the night job I'll be penciling away at my new shit. I'm making it happen. Just you watch me go.
Cheers, T
Friday, June 12, 2015
New Starslam and Life!
Hey folks! Just a quick touch down to update on a few things. Starslam pages are flowing right along! Here is a sneak peek:
BTW, Scott-bot graduated Kindergarten and is moving on to First Grade! He's kicking autism's ass and I'm quite proud of how things are going. My oldest is entering his Sophomore year of high school. Damn where does the time go!?!? James starts pre-school next year. WOW!
This weekend we are visiting some family and on Sunday I am seeing RUSH in concert! You better believe I'll have pics and audio to share. Maybe some video if I feel like doing that. But I mostly want to take in the experience. It might be the last time they tour for various reasons. So I don't want to miss a second of it all.
Anyway, have a great weekend my friends. The work continues!
T
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| A new foe for the gang to tackle. |
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| The talk before the big battle. |
So I'm about at page 72 now. I'm a little more than halfway done with the art pages. Pages 1-69 are scanned into the computer and ready for coloring. I'm rolling things along in time to get the Kickstarter going for it by October. Fingers crossed.
I'm also going to be busy on another Star Wars related card set. This one is a BIG one! You will definitely want to see what I got cooking this time around. Its time to get "awakened!" ;) Also I'm finally sitting down and enjoying CLONE WARS. Bout time, right? I got Star Wars fever!!
I'm working tons of hours, but luckily got to see my boys a couple days this week. They had fun too!
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| Little James loves playing Hungry Hungry Hippos with daddy. But he hoards all the food balls! |
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| The boys playing some old skool Mario Bros. Scotty can beat Level 1 all by himself now! He still has trouble jumping over some of the taller pipes, so I help out. But he's doing great. Hand to eye coordination will definitely help him with his learning skills I would think. |
This weekend we are visiting some family and on Sunday I am seeing RUSH in concert! You better believe I'll have pics and audio to share. Maybe some video if I feel like doing that. But I mostly want to take in the experience. It might be the last time they tour for various reasons. So I don't want to miss a second of it all.
Anyway, have a great weekend my friends. The work continues!
T
Friday, March 06, 2015
Goddamn ABOUT TIME!
Hey friends!
This is the week where I finally turned it all around and became normal, or even better.. a NEW self again. New standards and habits. I'm speaking specifically about getting my goddamn page work back on track. I haven't been in a steady rhythm of doing comic page artwork in about 3 months now. Lots going on in my personal life and it just derailed me. But this week I sorta forced myself to just sit down and get to work. I work a gas station job from midnight-7/8am here in East Lansing. Our boss says that after our work is done, we can bring things to do. (sweet!) So I started bringing pages. Slowly but surely I got in a rhythm and now I'm up to a page or so a night when I'm working! I've been sharing the progress on my FACEBOOK PAGE if anyone wants to follow along, make with the "Add a Friend." This week I've been working on STARSLAM book #2 pages!!! Check out these pics here:
Also, I am finally able to get STARSLAM books out to my Kickstarter supporters! I've been signing books and I am waiting for the free mini-print to come back from the printer so I can stuff all the envelopes and mail them off! I have books going all over the USA, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, the UK and more! Thanks ALL!!!
Once I get the books out to the supporters, I will be throwing it up in the ONLINE STORE here for general sales. Sorry, just have been busy... personal and professional.
In personal news, things are improving greatly. I got my tax return and thats helping some minor things I needed to pay off and get done around here. My foot seems to be healing nicely. I've been walking with a limp for two weeks and I am quite tired of that... and popping 800mgs of Motrin a day to fight the pain! I have been spending a lot of time at my two part time jobs and then spending time with a certain someone who I haven't really talked a whole lot about yet. But I'll share news on that when its proper to do so. You guys know me, I'm like a damn open book. I tell everything and everything I can to you. Its the only way I know how to live my life.
Exciting things on the horizon! My buddy Dean Stahl got us tickets to see RUSH in June. So going to see them again and perhaps for the final time. We'll see. David Gilmour of Pink Floyd has a solo album due this year and beginning to organize a tour. Hoping he comes to the USA. If so, I MUST go to the show! I've been listening to a lot of jazz and Jeff Buckley lately. His album, GRACE, has been constantly spinning here at the home and at work. Necessary. I got Neil Gaiman's new short story book, TRIGGER WARNING, but have yet to be able to start it. Just been busy. No day off! I need the money though, so I don't complain too much about it.
Anyway, I guess thats all I have to tell you fine folks. Thanks for checking back in with me. Lets rock this weekend!
Cheers, T
This is the week where I finally turned it all around and became normal, or even better.. a NEW self again. New standards and habits. I'm speaking specifically about getting my goddamn page work back on track. I haven't been in a steady rhythm of doing comic page artwork in about 3 months now. Lots going on in my personal life and it just derailed me. But this week I sorta forced myself to just sit down and get to work. I work a gas station job from midnight-7/8am here in East Lansing. Our boss says that after our work is done, we can bring things to do. (sweet!) So I started bringing pages. Slowly but surely I got in a rhythm and now I'm up to a page or so a night when I'm working! I've been sharing the progress on my FACEBOOK PAGE if anyone wants to follow along, make with the "Add a Friend." This week I've been working on STARSLAM book #2 pages!!! Check out these pics here:
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| This is a new character in the book named "BEAR GIRL." She certainly has a journey in this story! |
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| As you can see, the whole gang is back for a second round of fun! |
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| Starslam, in her fighting glory! |
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| A cool shot of Starslam doing some mid-air fighting over a cityscape. I dig the perspective on this one. |
Once I get the books out to the supporters, I will be throwing it up in the ONLINE STORE here for general sales. Sorry, just have been busy... personal and professional.
In personal news, things are improving greatly. I got my tax return and thats helping some minor things I needed to pay off and get done around here. My foot seems to be healing nicely. I've been walking with a limp for two weeks and I am quite tired of that... and popping 800mgs of Motrin a day to fight the pain! I have been spending a lot of time at my two part time jobs and then spending time with a certain someone who I haven't really talked a whole lot about yet. But I'll share news on that when its proper to do so. You guys know me, I'm like a damn open book. I tell everything and everything I can to you. Its the only way I know how to live my life.
Exciting things on the horizon! My buddy Dean Stahl got us tickets to see RUSH in June. So going to see them again and perhaps for the final time. We'll see. David Gilmour of Pink Floyd has a solo album due this year and beginning to organize a tour. Hoping he comes to the USA. If so, I MUST go to the show! I've been listening to a lot of jazz and Jeff Buckley lately. His album, GRACE, has been constantly spinning here at the home and at work. Necessary. I got Neil Gaiman's new short story book, TRIGGER WARNING, but have yet to be able to start it. Just been busy. No day off! I need the money though, so I don't complain too much about it.
Anyway, I guess thats all I have to tell you fine folks. Thanks for checking back in with me. Lets rock this weekend!
Cheers, T
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Top 5 things I want currently....
Pretty soon (in August) my wife and I will be celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary. We still don't know exactly what we are going to do for it, or IF we can do anything for it. Money is an issue and even moreso, finding a babysitter for the kids!
However, its most likely we will go on a shopping spree of some sort along with a nice dinner. I decided to start picking out things I want. Maybe not even for the anniversary, but just things I want in general. I might even score them at an upcoming comic show if I can. Depends I guess. But I thought I'd share the TOP 5 THINGS I WANT CURRENTLY.
First this is this: The Sandman slipcase set collecting every single issue of Sandman in a nice slipcase volume. I've been on a huge Neil Gaiman kick this year. And I used to own the first 4-5 trades of Sandman. But lost them in a move at some point, or had to pair down my collection for a move. Man, I've lost alot of tradebooks over the years!!! Anyway, I Want them back and this might be a good way to do it. I like the annotated versions, but this might be more feasible to do. Usually I can find it on amazon or ebay for around $125. I am hoping I might be able to score it at a comic con coming up for that same price.
Recently, the rights reguarding the 1966 Batman Tv show were fixed, so they can start to release merchandising for it. (and hopefully a bluray box set at some point in the future!) But the toys are getting ready to drop in August. I especially want a Batman, Robin, Joker and (my favorite Batman villian) the RIDDLER! Maybe two of each. And of course, the Batmobile. All necessary.
As massive a Rush fan as I am, I really want to complete my collection of the Rush SECTORS box sets. I got the 3rd one. I just need the first and second one. I never owned the first one, so I definitely want that one. Its got 2112 in it!
Also: I want a new office chair. This is something I am hoping to scour craigslist for. My old one sucks! Keeps sinking and the padding is long gone. I need something more comfortable for my ass.
Art Supplies: Man am I low! Copics are $8 each! I need bristol paper. Some back up rolling rulers. Etc.
Clothes: I'd love some newer Tshirts, new jeans and a new pair of Vans Half Cab shoes (the only shoe I wear!) Need new shoes for work too!
So all in all, thats whats on my list to get. Just thought I'd share with you. There's a whole list of comic book trades that I want and I hope to score them in Chicago. But I gotta sell sell sell first! Come out to the show and help me earn the cash and I can buy buy buy!
Anyway, hope all is well. Thanks for reading!
T
However, its most likely we will go on a shopping spree of some sort along with a nice dinner. I decided to start picking out things I want. Maybe not even for the anniversary, but just things I want in general. I might even score them at an upcoming comic show if I can. Depends I guess. But I thought I'd share the TOP 5 THINGS I WANT CURRENTLY.
First this is this: The Sandman slipcase set collecting every single issue of Sandman in a nice slipcase volume. I've been on a huge Neil Gaiman kick this year. And I used to own the first 4-5 trades of Sandman. But lost them in a move at some point, or had to pair down my collection for a move. Man, I've lost alot of tradebooks over the years!!! Anyway, I Want them back and this might be a good way to do it. I like the annotated versions, but this might be more feasible to do. Usually I can find it on amazon or ebay for around $125. I am hoping I might be able to score it at a comic con coming up for that same price.
Recently, the rights reguarding the 1966 Batman Tv show were fixed, so they can start to release merchandising for it. (and hopefully a bluray box set at some point in the future!) But the toys are getting ready to drop in August. I especially want a Batman, Robin, Joker and (my favorite Batman villian) the RIDDLER! Maybe two of each. And of course, the Batmobile. All necessary.
Also: I want a new office chair. This is something I am hoping to scour craigslist for. My old one sucks! Keeps sinking and the padding is long gone. I need something more comfortable for my ass.
Art Supplies: Man am I low! Copics are $8 each! I need bristol paper. Some back up rolling rulers. Etc.
Clothes: I'd love some newer Tshirts, new jeans and a new pair of Vans Half Cab shoes (the only shoe I wear!) Need new shoes for work too!
So all in all, thats whats on my list to get. Just thought I'd share with you. There's a whole list of comic book trades that I want and I hope to score them in Chicago. But I gotta sell sell sell first! Come out to the show and help me earn the cash and I can buy buy buy!
Anyway, hope all is well. Thanks for reading!
T
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